HOSTCOM charged on readiness to "fight"

... as new excos are sworn-in

Elo Edremoda and Martins Eduje 

The socio-pressure group, Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), has been charged to "be ready to fight" for the interest of the Niger Delta people.

The Amanyanabo of Nembe Minge XII, His Eminence (Dr.) Edmund Daukoru gave the charge during the inauguration of its newly elected national executives on Thursday, July 26, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre in Effurun, Uvwie local government area of Delta state.

The monarch who was chairman of the occasion while stating that HOSTCOM has a lot to do, identified lack of unity as a major setback for the Niger Delta.

(L-R): Chief Austin Ukuvwere, rep of host monarch, Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso; Dr. Benson O., rep of Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu; The Amanyanabo of Nembe Minge Xll, Dr. Edmund Daukoru; Hon. Brisibee, rep of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa; Rep of TROMPCON chairman, Chief Ebikeme Clark, rep of Elder statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Clark and other members of the high table.

He stressed that having taken to dialogue, after unsuccessful agitations with arms, HOSTCOM must do well to achieve the task before it.

"HOSTCOM should be ready to fight the good fight. We will be begin you. The bane of the Niger Delta is disunity, too many wise people. Everyone wants to be number one, but no, this cannot be possible. You have to support the number one.

HOSTCOM national chairman, Chief B. Tamaranebi flanked by his vice, Evang. S. Ibinabobo and secretary, Elder P. Egedegbe, while taking the oath of office.

"We went from dialogue to militancy and taught militancy was the ultimate. We have played our hands, we weaponised our feelings and we didn't particularly succeed and we are back to dialogue. This time, we cannot possibly fail," the traditional ruler said.

Speaking on gas flare, he pointed out that oil bearing communities had for many years suffered the brunt of gas flaring and it is only reasonable that they get "a slice from" penalty fines paid the federal government.

Cross section of HOSTCOM members at the event

Mid-Evang. Gabriel Isibeluo (Delta state chairman & chairman of the inauguration committee), Prince M. Okareme (far right) and some inaugurated excos

Meanwhile, the governor of Delta state, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by the Chief of Government House, Asaba, Hon. Tam Brisibee, said the state government is ready to partner with HOSTCOM anytime.

The newly sworn-in national chairman, Chief (Dr.) Benjamin Tamaranebi, in his inaugural speech, called on the presidency and federal  lawmakers to ensure the group's "views and positions are correctly reflected in the Host/Impacted Community Development Bill and in the Petroleum Industry Bill generally."

He also commended the late Chief Alfred Bubor, Chief (Dr.) Wellington Okrika, late Sen. Spanner Okopozo, Chief Sambara (died in active service) among others, who were pioneer leaders of the struggle.

The occasion was attended by notable oil and gas stakeholders across the oil region, including some royal fathers.


Persons inaugurated as national executives include (Evang.) Sanipe Ibinabobo, Vice Chairman; Dr. Peter Egedegbe, Secretary; Prince Maikpobi Okareme, Inter Governmental/IOCs liaison Officer; Elder Iduonibi Obagham, Financial Secretary; Dr. Inyang Dan Abia, Treasurer; Dr. Benson Eninkuomehin Esq, Research & Strategy Officer; Prince Thomas Edewor, Bot Member.

Others are Hon. Princess Lovinah  Enyekit-Itan, Publicity Secretary; Dr. Osasu Isibor, Organizing Secretary; Brig. Gen. Minemu Abel (Rtd), Security Adviser;
Princess Nomwengho Uhunmwangho, Women Leader; German Kebbi, Youth Leader, as well as their respective assistants.

Also sworn-in are Ex-officios namely, HRM Eze (Dr.) Ajie Ajumuokechukwu Gorden, Mr. Kesiena Adhe, Stanley Osayade, Hon. Chief Nwajiogoli Christopher, Pst. Ojajuni Edward and Ajobo Uni Edward.