Amnesty: Ijaw Interest Advocate (IIA) Kicks Against Calls For Prof Dokubo Sack, Urges Him To Be Transparent, Makes Case For Chief Michael Johnny, Others For Appointment

Amnesty: Ijaw Interest Advocate (IIA) Kicks Against Calls For Prof Dokubo Sack, Urges Him To Be Transparent, Makes Case For Chief Michael Johnny, Others For Appointment

Francis Tayor

The leadership of Ijaw Interest Advocates (IIA); Izanzan intellectual Camp under the National Coordinator of Amb. Arerebo Yerinmene Salaco jnr, has kicked against calls for the sack of the Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Prof.Charles Quaker Dokubo,stressing that Dokubo should be encouraged and supported by all well meaning Niger Delta Ijaws to perform better in the affairs of the Amnesty Programme rather than otherwise.

The group had also make case for Delta Ijaw APC Chieftain and former Delta South 2019 APC Senatorial aspirant, High Chief.Michael Johnny and other Ijaw APC faithfuls to President Muhammadu Buhari for appointment into his cabinet, saying Chief Johnny and other APC Chieftains deserves to eat the fruit of their labour, having worked for President Buhari reelection in the 2019 general elections.

The group made the call on the 17th September, 2019 in the city of Warri, after a crucial emergency meeting to come up with eleven point Resolutions and Recommendations for the general interest of ljaw Nation.

According to the resolutions reached, the group said; " The leadership of ljaw Interest Advocate (IIA); lzanzan lntellectual Camp had recieved several calls from our admirers across Ijaw Nation over the status quo of the Presidential Amnesty Propgramme (PAP) and her leadership led by Prof.Charles Dokubo.

While we owe nobody any explanation, it is better for us to unveil our position without mincing words as it concerns the entirety of Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta at large.

Going further, as young intellectuals that had decided to always operate intellectual-wise to attract development to our towns and villages,  we have resolved to support and protect the Ijaw Interest (Agenda) at all level anytime, especially when Ijaw Interest conflicts with others. It is for the aforesaid reason we are coming out to make our position known to the general public without using derogatory and inflammatory words.

Our Resolutions/Recommendations are as fellows;

1. We resolved not to be part of any plot to remove one Ijaw man for elevation of another Ijaw man for any reason whatsoever as we always wish our leaders, kinsmen well.

2. Ijaw leaders and stakeholders must unite and merge their collective synergy to plan for the way forward for Ijaw Nation before it’s too late.

3. We fault the leadership of Charles Dokubo to a certain level but convincingly it hasn't gotten to the level of calling for his replacement in other word “Sack”.

4. Prof.Charles Dokubo should be allow to discharge his official duties but he, Charles Dokubo must show some level of transparency and act all inclussively beyond reasonable doubt.

5. As young people that has resolved not to compromise our collective conscience for any reason whatsoever, we are strongly advising Prof.Charles Dokubo to immediately reach-out to all aggrieved stakeholders in the region to maintain, as well as strengthen the already existing peace in the region.

7. But if presidency so decided to change the leadership of the programme, maximum attention should be given to Delta State Ijaw for a fact that the modern Day struggle that resulted to the creation of the amnesty programme originated from Delta State and Delta Ijaw has not head the office since the inception of the board.

 8. In as much as new leadership has being contemplated, presidency must give maximum attention to capacity and fairness.

9. Recourse to fairness will indeed give room to capable sons of Ijaw origin from Delta state precisely to man the office as the program is a very strategic one which must be operated with maximum skill and experience.

10. And most pertinently considering item 7, 8, 9 Delta Ijaws must come together to front one man for the job else we will loose it all like the way we lose it all in the board of NDDC.

11. Conclusively presidency shouldn’t only considered the Ijaws in APC as political errand men during elections. Chief Micheal Johnny and others deserve to eat the fruit of their labour. This is the most suitable time for President Buhari to correct this anomaly and we implore him to heed this call seriously, the statement adds."

May God Bless Ijaw Nation!!!

IIA; Izanzan Intellectual Camp

Pull Out Of PDP Now And Form A Formidable Force With DSP Ovie Omo-Agege Ahead Of 2023 Guber Race, Hon Garry Advises Delta Ijaw PDP Faithfuls

Pull Out Of PDP Now And Form A Formidable Force With DSP Ovie Omo-Agege Ahead Of 2023 Guber Race, Hon Garry Advises Delta Ijaw PDP Faithfuls

Francis Tayor

An Ijaw Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the leader of Delta Ijaw Political Machineries DIPM, Hon.Stanley Garry has advised the Ijaws of Delta state to earlier pull out of PDP in order to form a formidable alliance with the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo Agege a head of 2023 gubernatorial elections in the state.

According to Garry, said It is glaring that there is no consideration from the founders of the State PDP owing to the recent comments by some of its leaders about the zoning formular of their PDP towards Delta 2023 gubernatorial polls.

He stressed that the PDP zonning arrangements seem not to write the Ijaw etnicity into contention, and that will only spell doom and anarchy for the party.

In his words he said; " Delta Ijaw Political Machineries DIPM, as a movement wouldn't want to see this political nightmare befall the good people of Ijaw nation, we therefore advise that they join us in the All Progressive Congress APC, that would better accommodate them in the workings of the party.

We are going to mobilize and sensitize our Ijaw people against PDP. It is a dehumanisation of the Ijaws which has helped opened the exit door to join the APC ruling political family to foster concrete position.

The alliance of the Urhobos and Ijaws will be a formidable force for DSP Ovie Omo-Agege comes 2023. It will make the Ijaws have federal government attention, board appointments and attract capital infrastructures.

The distinguished Senator has the ears of Mr President and making him to become the next governor of Delta state is non negotiable. This will place the Ijaws in better position of getting the Guber position in 2031 with ease, Hon.Garry stated."

Delta State SSA On Security Matters, Daniel Ezekiel Advocates For Peace In Warri And Its Environ, Visits Effurun 3 Battalion And Warri Area Command For Synergy

Delta State SSA On Security Matters, Daniel Ezekiel Advocates For Peace In Warri And Its Environ, Visits Effurun 3 Battalion And Warri Area Command For Synergy

Francis Tayor

Warri____ In his bid to complement the efforts of Delta State government to ensure peace, security of lives and properties for all Deltans, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Okowa on security matters, Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel earlier yesterday 17th September, 2019 visited the Commanding Officer (CO) 3Battalion Nigerian Army Effurun Barracks Warri, S.Y. Hassan to synergize in providing adequate security for residents in Warri and its environ.

The SSA and his team equally visited the Warri Area Command, Nigerian Police Force, ACP. Muhammed Murkta Garba to familiarise with him, as well as the security challenges in the command and the environment.

Speaking at 3Battalion Effurun Barracks, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel said security is the base line than every other thing in our society for rapid economic growth and sustainable development. Without security, there shall be no meaningful development in our communities." I came to synergize with your office on how to tackle insecurity in Warri and its environ,especially Ovwian Aladja in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State."

The SSA commended Nigerian Army for their gallantly fight against crime, oil saboteurs in Delta waterways, as well as restoring peace back in Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja Communities. He further appeal to the CO Effurun Barracks to set up a military base in Ovwian Udu area in order to bring down the tension of insecurity in the area.

"Our women and traders can not go to the market freely to do their lawful business in Udu. I look forward in working with you harmoniously, Comr. Ezekiel stated."

In his reaction, the Commanding Officer Effurun Barracks, S.Y. Hassan appreciated the SSA and his team for the visit. He said security is not a one man's business, it involves cooperation. The issue of Ovwian Aladja community's are not coorporating with the security agents in terms of sharing intelligence information. The communities are shielding those bad boys involved in criminal acts.

"They know the criminals but refused to tell us their hideouts whenever our men come for arrest. The Ovwian security threat would have been a thing of the past if the community leaders cooperate.

However, I will work in synergy with the Ovwian DPO and the Area Command to combat the criminal elements in Ovwian area. We are willing to do our best if only the community is ready to give us useful intelligence information about the hideouts of the hoodlums, Commander Hassan asserted."

While at Warri Area Command office, the SSA commended ACP. Muhammed Muktar Garba in his fight against crime in Warri. In his words he said; " I have come to identify with your office. Our Governor is a peace maker, as the eye of the governor, l have come to synergize with you in the fight against cultism, armed robbery and other social vices in warri and its environ. I urged you to sustain the tempo and continue your good works, Comrade Ezekiel stated."

On his part, the Warri Area Commander, M.M. Garba thank the SSA and his team for the visit." Our major challenge here is lack of patrol vehicles. We have the manpower but logistics is the problem. Our men will continue to fight against cultism in warri. I want to appeal to use your good office to provide patrol vehicles, so as to enable us do our job effectively in the flight against criminality in Warri, Mr. Garba stressed."

Chief David Lyon Youths Network DLYN, To Meets On Thursday 19th September, 2019 At Peabody Hotels, Warri

Chief David Lyon Youths Network DLYN, To Meets On Thursday 19th September, 2019 At Peabody Hotels, Warri

Francis Tayor

Warri____ Supporters of the All Progressive Congress APC, candidate in the forthcoming 16th November, 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief. David Lyon has informed its members and stakeholders that there shall be a crucial general meeting scheduled to hold on Thursday 19th September, 2019 this week.

The group under the aegis of David Lyon Youths Network (DLYN), is a body charged with the responsibility to canvas for votes and mobilises the grassroots (electorates) for the election of David Lyon for governor of Bayelsa State, comes 16th November, 2019.

According to the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ebikeseye Odibo, said the stakeholders meeting is holding at Peabody Hotels, along Udu express way, Warri. The time scheduled for the meeting is by 3:30pm.

However, the agenda of the meeting is to plan towards embarking on aggressive campaign for their Principal, Chief David Lyon ahead of the forthcoming Bayelsa State governorship election, the statement adds.

Niger Delta Rights Activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo Is To Be Honoured With The 2019 Church Of God Mission Advocate For Justice Award, As He Dedicates Award To God And The Downtrodden

Niger Delta Rights Activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo Is To Be Honoured With The 2019 Church Of God Mission Advocate For Justice Award, As He Dedicates Award To God And The Downtrodden

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A renowned Niger Delta based human Rights activist, Comrade Austin Ozobo is to be honoured with an Award of Advocate for Justice by Church of God Mission International Incorporated Ministry, Benin.

The Award is based on Austin Ozobo numerous contributions towards the well being of humanity, as well as his advocacy for the speedy development of the Niger Delta region by the Nigeria government.

Comrade Ozobo, who is the National President of the Ijaw Peoples Development lnitiative IPDI, has being seen by many as the reincarnated late Major Issac Adaka Boro, who is working hard toward actualizing Boro’s dream for ljaw people. His vision is to rebuild a nation marred by the legacy of white and control by Northerners. His dreams is to ushered in freedom and the ideals of justice and equity for his people in the contemporary Nigeria State.

Comrade Austin Ozobo has made tremendous sacrifices by challenging the Nigeria government, most especially when his people are under attack by the military and neglected by government and multi-national oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta villages still lack of good schools, hospitals, roads and violently suppressed by the state. Economic inequalities still tear through the consciousness of the ljaw people. Although some progress has been made, the majority of ijaw people's live in poverty, and many still lack basic necessities such as electricity, proper housing and clean water. Education and health care for impoverished ljaws remain poor. It is a region where the economy is still largely controlled by the Nigerian State.

However, Comrade Ozobo dedicated the award to God Almighty and the downtrodden ones in the society. He thank the body of Christ for this heavenly recognition to be bestowed on him, he stated.

Amb. Mulade ljaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Tournament Sets To Produce Youthful Talented Players, As #2.2Million Naira Cash Prize Is At Stake For 1st, 2nd And 3rd Positions

Amb. Mulade ljaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Tournament Sets To Produce Youthful Talented Players, As #2.2Million Naira Cash Prize Is At Stake For 1st, 2nd And 3rd Positions

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ Ahead of preparations for the much talked about Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity cup tournament 2019, otherwise known as Comrade Sheriff Mulade peace and unity cup is ongoing and in top gear.

Unlike the first edition which was held in 2017, this year's edition will have a new dimension as two centers will host the competition namely Ugborodo and Benikrukru communities both in Warri South-west local government area. Sixteen teams are expected to feature and battle for honours in the tournament, eight in each center as forms are already on sale in various locations as well as the office of Center for peace and environmental justice Ugolo which serves as the temporary secretariat of the Local organising Committee.

Also the winner of the tournament this time around will go home with whopping cash prize of One million naira ( #1m) and Gold Cup. while the runners up will receive Seven hundred thousand naira (#700,000) and 3rd placed team Five hundred thousand naira (#500,000). There are also other prizes and awards for Most valuable player, Highest goal scorer, Fair play award for best behaved team and best Goal keeper amongst others.

Meanwhile in a recent meeting held by the L.O.C, the Chairman Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha emphasized that this year's edition will be focused on discovering talented youths who are between 15 and 20 years of age which is an ideal age limit for grassroots competition. He advised the coordinators of the two centers to inform the various teams before registration. He added that the technical committee with other technical experts will be on ground to do exponent screening of each team before commencement. He explained further that the above exercise will help to produce the real age grade players who can be taken to the National league and premier league clubs and the will do well because they have age on their side.

In another development, the Organizers are intending to showcase ex-International footballers who will player against a selected side during the opening and closing ceremonies to serve as a moral booster to the various youths participating in the tourney.

The 2017 edition had ex-Internationals like Kenneth Nwaomucha, Edema Fuludu ( M.O.N), Baldwin Bazuaye (M.O.N), Former Super Eagles Coach Austin Eguavoen ( M.O.N ) who attended the finals though they only participated in penalty shoot out against dignitaries like the Deputy Governor of Delta state Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, Hon Daniel Reyeinaju, former member representing Warri federal constituency, former Chairman Warri South-west L.g.a, Hon. George Ekpemukpolo, Hon. David Tonwe, former Chairman of renowned Ufuoma babes f c. Elder Eddington Kuejubola, Former Delta South senatorial district PDP Chairman and now Delta state Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Hon. Prince Emman Amgbaduba and others.

This year's edition promises to be profit yielding as scouts and football agents from across Nigeria and Europe have akready signified their interest to be on ground to spot talented players which will go a long way to raise the marketability of the yearly tournament. One of such organization African Grassroots Football Development with links in Cyprus, Italy and Spain have confirmed their interest to partner with the Organizers moreso with Comrade Sheriff Mulade who was recently appointed as the 2nd National Vice President of the grassroots football body in Nigeria.

The 2017 edition which produced some talents saw Tebujoh Fc. carting home the Gold cup and and a cash prize of Five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) while Krutie Fc. Who were runners up went home with Three hundred thousand naira  (#300,000) and third placed Kokodiagbene Fc. Smiled home with Two hundred thousand naira  (#200,000).
It will be recalled that that the tournament was initiated with the aim of encouraging and sustaining the existing peace and unity that has been attained by the Ijaws and Itsekiris over the past years. The tournament is expected to kick of in November 2019.

Birthday Felicitation: Amb. Igali Salutes Veteran Journalist And Political Strategist, Elder Zee Debekeme At 72, Charges Niger Delta Youths To Emulate His Inspirational Lifestyle.

Birthday Felicitation: Amb. Igali Salutes Veteran Journalist And Political Strategist, Elder Zee Debekeme At 72, Charges Niger Delta Youths To Emulate His Inspirational Lifestyle.

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa____ An Ace Diplomat and national icon, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali,  who was a leading figure in the recently concluded PDP Governorship elections in Bayelsa State, has conveyed congratulations to one of Nigeria's most outstanding journalists, political Strategists and businessman, Elder Zee Debekeme as he turns 72 years on Sunday, 15th September, 2019. In a congratulatory message made available to the media, Ambassador Igali described Elder Zee, as most people know him as "the bastion of one of the most noble professions, that is masters of the pen and speech, in Nigeria".

According Igali, who was also one time Principal Envoy to Cameroon and Scandanavia and Super Permanent Secretary at Federal level, said Elder Zee, had left his professional mark in all the main media houses in Nigeria and around the world and today represents " the apogee of professional media and communications sphere". He further,  stated that the celebrant who was at several times, Chief Press Secretary and Political Aide to both Former Old Rivers State Governor,  Chief Melford Okilo and Former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha "has paid his dues and now deserves to enjoy his rightful place as one of the shining stars in the pantheon of the heroes of our polity".

In further encomiums, Amb Igali recalled, that although a veteran journalist, Elder Zee has also being actively involved in politics. He was Chairman of Youth Wing of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in River State at a time, one of leading exponents for creation of Bayelsa State, founding member of Ijaw National Congress, National Secretary of House to House Campaign for Jonathan-Sambo Presidency. He revealed that this "informed my decision to bring this old fox to run our Project Bayelsa Campaign and he did a most marvellous job in working with thousands of young people, the age of his children and grandchildren".

Elder Zee Debekeme who was born in Ndoro in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on 15th September, 1947 is also a very successful businessman and founding member, Yenagoa and Sagbama Chambers of Commerce. Although his name at birth was "Ziakede", the media community in Lagos in his early professional days, shortened  it to "Zee". He is also known for his strong Christian life, being an ordained Elder in the Living Faith Church.  He lives in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with his family.

New Militant Group Decries Amnesty Office Being Hijacked By Northerners, Calls On FG, EFCC And ICPC To Investigate Dokubo, Jack Over Recent 300 Million Naira Contract Fraud

New Militant Group Decries Amnesty Office Being Hijacked By Northerners, Calls On FG, EFCC And ICPC To Investigate Dokubo, Jack Over Recent 300 Million Naira Contract Fraud

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa______ A new militant group known as the King of the Creeks (KOC), in collaboration with the Creek Dragons CDs, has decried over the recent hijack of the Presidential Amnesty office for Niger Delta ex- agitators by Northerners, stressing that Prof. Charles Dokubo is using the Northerners in the office to loot the Amnesty funds.

The militant group further alleged that Prof Dokubo awarded himself 300 million naira ghost contract last week to fake company without given evidence of what the money was used for. They called on the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari to set up an investigative panel, as well as EFCC and ICPC to thoroughly investigate Charles Dokubo, Isobo Jack and others over the whereabout of the recent 300million naira that disappears from the Amnesty office.

Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa on Sunday 15th September, 2019, the leader of the group, Commander Charles Gbafamor Opueni expressed displeasure and disappointment that Prof Dokubo does not know what to do in the Amnesty office. Instead of him to serve and attend to the demands of the Niger Delta agitators, he is busy serving the interest of the Northerners in regards to retain the office for second time.

Commander Gbafamor  regretted the Amnesty  office that is suppose to be handled by Niger Delta people is now being controlled by Northerners, whereby the current head of procurement, as well as the Director of Finance is from Kogi State and not Niger Deltans. This indicates that Prof Dokubo deliberately planted the Northerners there in order to siphoned the Amnesty funds through the Hausa's without any trace to his personal accounts.

According to group, said; " We the King of the Creeks, a new militant group that merged with the Creek Dragons are formally expressing our discomfort.l Commander Charles Gbafamor Opueni, on behalf of the group cease this medium to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to set an investigative team to investigate the Amnesty boss, Prof.Charles Quaker Dokubo.

Presently as we speak Mr.President, there is problem in the Amnesty office. Prof Charles Quaker Dokubo is not matured to handle this programme. We hereby call on you Mr.President to call Prof.Charles Quaker Dokubo to order. The Amnesty programme is supposed to bring peace and sustainability to Niger Delta as a whole, but the reverse is the case. The Amnesty programme belongs to Niger Deltans but now, the Amnesty programme has been hijacked by Northerners."

" lmagine the current head of Procurement is from Kogi State and also the Director of Finance is from Kogi state which is not a Niger Delta state. They have chased out Niger Deltans and Ijaws from the office. Why must the Amnesty office be runed by Northerners and non-Niger Deltans? Dokubo can not steal money and hide it abroad, so the best thing he could do is to use the Northerners they have installed in the Amnesty office to steal money and hide it without any trace. Prof.Charles Dokubo is a confusionist. He can not manage the Amnesty programme. The President knows why he's still keeping him in that office.

As President Buhari want problem in the Niger Delta, he should continue to keep him. Prof Dokubo is a fraud. After Kingsley Kuku paid ex-militants housing allowance of #150,000 (One hundred, fifty thousand naira), since that time till today, no housing allowance has been paid. As Prof Charles entered, he is supposed to think of the house allowance but he is just thinking of himself only. He has awarded so many fake contracts to fake companies. Last week, he awarded himself of 300 million naira contract. Let him explain the works he has done with the money in Amnesty office. Since he became amnesty boss, he has not gone to any ljaw village. All where he goes is Abroad. We called on the Federal Govt to investigate him now."

" Commander Gbafamor alleged that, the 300 million naira contract money was paid to Isobo Jack account. This is not rumor, rather is based on proof and evidences. Let the ICPC, EFCC and federal govt begin investigation on Prof Charles Dokubo and his gang of fraudsters. Prof Charles is a thief. He steals more than Paul Boroh. Boroh is not a thief, he is a good man when compared to Dokubo. Where are the generators, plasmas and other items Prof Charles claimed to buy that worths 60 million naira in Kaiama? They are no where to be found. He made arrangement to steal all the items without anyone noticing. Federal government should ask him of the 60 million naira. Dokubo  can not manage the Amnesty office, he must go.

We are begging the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva to call on the President to look into this matter. We know that Chief Timipre Sylva was among the people who fought for the initiation of the Amnesty programme. We called on Timipre to use his good office to call on the President to look into this matter, because we need change. There is fire on the mountain and except a change is initiated in that office, the fire will keep on burning. Prof Charles only awards fake contracts to embezzle the money meant for the Amnesty programme. He also took advantage of peoples wife just to give them contracts."

" We are begging the ICPC and EFCC to please leave our ljaw brothers and sisters in the Amnesty office and focus their attention on the real fraudsters and thieves in that office. We are giving federal govt a week ultimatum to resolve this problem if not, we will shut down the Amnesty office.

If this request is not done, anything the Federal govt sees, they should take it in good faith. We have made our complaint and it is left for the Federal govt to respond to our request, the group stated."