The Governor of Nigeria’s Rivers State, Mr. Celestine Omehia, Monday expressed concern over Shell Petroleum Development Company’s planned relocation

Lagos (Nigeria) The Governor of Nigeria’s Rivers State, Mr. Celestine Omehia, Monday expressed concern over Shell Petroleum Development Company’s planned relocation of its headquarters from Port Harcourt to Lagos.

Addressing a stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt, about 600km from Abuja, Omehia said that the development was another evidence of the dangerous dimension, the activities of militants and hostage taking had assumed in the area.

He cautioned that “if Shell, a major oil company in Nigeria pulls out of Rivers, other subsidiary companies which have relationship with it will also pull out’’.

The governor warned that the consequences of such pullout would worsen unemployment, poverty and hunger in the state and impinge on economic growth.

Omehia appealed to the people to assist the state government with information that could help to stem the scourge of hostage taking in the state.

He commended the people of Eleme, who protested last week over the kidnapping of workers of Eleme Petrochemicals company (Indorama).

“This is the first time the people are openly demonstrating their disapproval of the kidnap menace,’’ Omehia, whose mother was a recent victim, said.

“The kidnappers appear to be operating for selfish reasons rather than fighting the Niger Delta cause.

Omehia warned that his administration would not spare anyone involved in the act.

Shell, which is the leading oil and gas producer in Nigeria, moved its headquarters from Lagos to Port Harcourt a few years back for logistic reasons since Port Harcourt was nearer to its operational area.

 

Published by African Press in Norway (APN)/ African Press International (API) Source.Apa

Central African Republic’s Pesident François Bozizé Monday cancelled a 45 billion-FCFA bond loan

Bangui (Central African Republic) Central African Republic’s Pesident François Bozizé Monday cancelled a 45 billion-FCFA bond loan his country had issued onto the financial market of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), while pursuing consultations with donors for other sources of funds, APA learns here.

Addressing the celebration of the second anniversary of his accession to power, the head of state called upon the international community to urgently support his country with additional funds.

According to Bozizé, the financial assistance, alongside his government’s efforts, could contribute in improving his country’s financial situation.

Last Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commanded the country to give up the bond issue, saying it would bar the completion of the first review of the Poverty Alleviation and Growth Facility (PAGF) agreement.

The bond issue would notably delay the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative (HIPC) completion point slated for September-October 2007, the Bretton Woods institution said.

According to the IMF, the issuing of the bond loan under the market conditions – an 8% interest rate, a five-year maturity date and no grace period – is incommensurate with the government’s commitments as part of the PAGF, which was approved by the IMF executive board in December 2006.

On security matters, President Bozizé also announced the redeployment of troops upcountry, namely in the prefectures of Haut Kotto (Bria), Nana Gribizi (Kanga Bandoro) and Ouham Pendé (Bozoum).

Military barracks will also be set up in the Prefectures of Ouham Pendé (Paoua), Bamingui Bangoran (Ndélé), Vakaga (Birao and Haut MBomou (Boki), Bozizé said, adding that “the objective is to cover the whole country with 24 barracks”.

Concerning the ongoing political dialogue in CAR, the president expressed wish to see its swift completion in accordance with the constitution for the citizens to live in peace and security in their country.

 

Published by African Press in Norway(APN/ African Press International(API) Source.Apa