Featured Article: The Torchlight on the Tussle Between Tompolo and Penawou

Featured Article: The Torchlight on the Tussle Between Tompolo and Penawou

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Three times the cock has just crowed signalling a stainless dawn. In this stainless dawn that is not befogged or fogbound, two great personalities can be seen without being silhouetted. They are High Chief Ekpemupolo Oweizide Government (Tompolo) recently awarded the pipeline surveillance contract based on his known capability to engage Niger Deltans meaningfully and correspondingly eliminate the economically inimical practice of illegal oil bunkering and local refining of crude oil and for which a Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Groups in the North led by Mallam Aminu Abbas the spokesman has commended the Federal Government and Tompolo for the award in prompt condemnation of the baseless ethnicity-motivated public pronouncements of the faceless Amalgamated Arewa Youth Groups in the North, and High Chief Tubodei Joseph Penawou (a traditional prime minister) who are great sons of the Niger Delta region from Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area and Akugbene-Mein Kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

Tompolo and Penawou are two great sons of the Niger Delta. The former has his aboriginal roots buried in Oporoza town now federally empowered through the recent pipeline surveillance contract awarded to him to tackle the economically retrogressive menace of illegal oil bunkering and local refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta while the latter has his roots buried in Akugbene town. For each other both have differences without verbalising into concrete identifiable form. The differences have today grown into irreconcilable differences no human intervention can end except the Divine Intelligence creeps in and works on their minds subliminally. Like a molten lava or magma, their differences have solidified into a war ideologically waged with collateral damage that economically favours and advantages the spectators much more than the two combatants who are often instigated by the onlookers to sustain the ideological war.

Very quickly, let me confess that I was once a personal Assistant to Chief Joseph Tubodei Penawou. Even in my stint as a Personal Assistant  I worked devotedly to stoke the fire of war between Tompolo and Penawou because thousands of people became economically advantaged in the raging war between the two great sons. Paradoxical it sounds here but it is the bald truth distilled from the ideological conflagration raging between the two.

High Chief Tompolo is a freedom activist who took upon himself the duty to liberate the Niger Delta from the shackles of oppression and exploitation in the hands of the Nigerian Federal Government and the multi-national oil companies. The peak of this liberation was the declaration of Tompolo as a wanted man in Nigeria though he was later pardoned after he had taken the amnesty offered him by the Federal Government. Before and after the liberation struggle phase, Tompolo provided massive employment opportunities for Niger Deltans through his own companies and the oil companies in the Niger Delta region.

The preoccupation of Tompolo after the emancipation struggle revolves around creating job opportunities for people. His single-minded approach is multi-dimensional. Engagement opportunities are provided for people through the Amnesty Programme, the oil companies, his own companies and through his  objective political engagements. With dedication and ideological clarity, Tompolo genuinely mounts pressure on the relevant authorities to open up the political space in Delta State for meaningful appointive engagements coupled with implementation of development projects bound to transform the communities and the people. To transform the people through meaningful engagement is today seen as Tompolo’s ideological obsession though he is yet to be ensconced in the City of Freedom in pragmatic terms but with the recent pipeline surveillance contract awarded to him by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Tompolo would be ensconced in the City of Freedom to engage  Niger Deltans towards total eradication of illegal oil bunkering and local crude oil refineries as contractually demanded by the federal government, and over which Chief Boro Opudu, the Chairman of Delta Waterways  and Land Security Committee, has pronounced publicly  with repeated consistency that Tompolo is the man with the demanded capability to handle the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta region however the groundless instigation-consolidated condemnatory prounouncements from the self-acclaimed Amalgamated Arewa Youths in the North spearheaded by its spokesman Victor Duniya.

To strike a note of frankness when it is indeed about  High Chief Penawou that is focused for analysis, there is something ideologically obsessional. In terms of hardwork and devotion Chief Penawou is a tirelessly restless man obsessed with a vision to provide employment for all Niger Deltans and beyond through his company called First Marine – a company that stands on a solid reputation of optimum performance in job-delivery and execution. In First Marine and Penawou many Nigerians have the material of survival and daily economic sustainability because both are veritable providers of jobs for the masses. It was even with First Marine and Penawou the village boy called Gogi first found some economic footing in life.

For High Chief Tompolo and High Chief Penawou they are defined and yoked together not only by their ideology to develop the Niger Delta through capacity-building and capacity-development and employment opportunities created but also through their passion for the cultural and developmental transformation of their various kingdoms of origin. Penawou is as much culturally and developmentally committed to the growth of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom as High Chief Tompolo is to the growth of Gbaramatu Kingdom. Both are relentless in their resolve to become the notable fine artists of development in their kingdoms using the canvas and murals to signpost or demonstrate their developmental output just as both are implacable enemies of the raging politics of economic and political attrition because what gives them the supreme joy and pride is the rapid economic growth and advancement of the individuals that work under them as staff deployed for the execution of various development projects. To see their staff grow rapidly and radiantly in economic terms is the centre-piece of the philosophy of Tompolo and Penawou.

Powered by an ideology of massive development of the human resources in the Niger Delta, beneath them there is a wordless struggle to outdo the other  -  though not consciously anchored with an egocentric sense of competition. Between Tompolo and Penawou there is a healthy competition to outdo/outperform the other in developmental commitment to the Niger Delta region. A healthy competition between the two signals endless development possibilities for the ordinary people.

Even still some radius away from the City of Freedom but now predictably closer to the City of Freedom with the recent awarded pipeline surveillance contract, Tompolo works hard everyday to go down in his history as the highest provider of the window for the development of Niger Deltans through engagement opportunities – a similar responsibility Penawou has ideologically thrust upon himself from the world of First Marine. For Tompolo and Penawou they will not rest on their oars until Niger Deltans are transformed on all fronts of life because their ideology is to be on top of the world in their commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region and beyond. This is why there is both a prayerful and visible move to reinforce the war between the two because the more intense the developmental battle for the soul of the Niger Delta between Tompolo and Penawou, the more the people benefit in engagement opportunities and so no one would ever call for ceasefire between the two in their intense ideological war of development in the Niger Delta.

From different camps Tompolo and Penawou are at work for the soul of Niger Delta in developmental terms. Niger Delta cannot grow without an ideological war of development between Tompolo and Penawou. Transformation  smiles  at  the  Niger  Delta  region  when  both ideologically pursue their strategies of development for the region. The grasses suffer when two elephants fight but for Tompolo and Penawou, the grasses and the ordinary grow luxuriantly and enjoy life when these two great sons fight ideologically to shower developmental radiance on the Niger Delta through the provision of engagement opportunities.

So, as before when I was still a Personal Assistant to Penawou, may the ideological war of development rage more ferociously and beget more monsters between the two because the spin-off and the paradoxes of the war constitute the pride, the joy and the holy grail of Niger Deltans who will perpetually stoke the fire of the ideological war between High Chief Tompolo and High Chief Penawou at every dawn when the dawn dawns on them. The world is at liberty to meditate and call for ceasefire and total end to the Russia-Ukraine war but for the war between Tompolo and Penawou waged ideologically in developmental direction in the Niger Delta without the two actors being aware that they are indeed at war of development – an ideological war pathologically identified, interpreted and reinforced by only busy-bodies fortunate to be called writers by some people – the Tompolo-Penawou ideological war of development shall never never be brought to an end through human intervention because it is the template for the developmentally backward Niger Delta to be developed beyond the developmental agitations of healthy agitators and activists in the Niger Delta region.

And rather prayerfully, carrying in mind the ubiquitous healthy thoughts of Timiebi Maika for Tompolo and Penawou while she was still alive, may Tompolo and Penawou be always inspired to be more dedicated to their resolve to develop the Niger Delta through engagement opportunities created for Niger Deltans since this has been pathologically interpreted by the village boy more specifically as a war of developmental ideology between the two great sons who have very fertile positive feelings for each other in their daily thoughts and meditations despite all these unsolicited interpretations all over the secular space of common interaction and engagement.

And most interestingly, Tompolo has flown to another progressive space to reinforce the struggle to open up healthy engagement opportunities  for Niger Deltans and shower economically beneficial smiles upon the face of the Federal Government of Nigeria as an additional boost to the fiscal and monetary policies of the government now that the pipeline surveillance contract in the Niger Delta  has been deservingly awarded to him  - a confirmed federal move that has got the commendation of Chief Boro Opudu, Dr.Paul Bebenimibo, High Chief Hon.Macdonald Igbadiwei, Hon.Julius Pondi, Chief Kestin Pondi, King Alfred Izonebi, and the great philosopher Timiebi Maika in absentia because she is still in prison...

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State

Calm Down, Tompolo will Carry Everybody along, Ezekiel tells N'Delta youths

Pipeline Job: Calm Down, Tompolo will Carry Everybody along, Ezekiel tells N'Delta youths 

Source: Congress Newspaper

Warri _____ Following a surfacing masked militants threat, suspected to have been sponsored by some ex-militant leaders in Rivers state, a Niger Delta advocate, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel has told Niger Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo over the recent award of oil surveillance contract to him.

This was contained in a Press Statement released on Friday and signed by himself in Warri, Delta State.

Ezekiel who cautioned the region’s youths against fighting the biggest pillar of the Ijaw nation which is Tompolo over a mere security job said Tompolo would not sideline and undermine anybody being a bridge builder and a man of justice.

He added that every frayed nerve should be calmed, adding that it was too early for such unfounded suspicion.

In his report titled: An Open Letter to Niger Delta Youths, said: “Fellow youths, this job was given to late captain Hosa, a Bini man a few years ago, did any of you know how he went about doing the security job? The answer is CAPITAL NO. The job then was more or less a cult thing, the reason l openly protested. In fact in the course of my advocacy against late captain Hosa’s handling of the job in a master and slave manner. l said it openly that the negativity would end. Immediately, HOSTS OF HEAVENS stamp it because is their product.TODAY, HOW E COME BI?

“Fellow youths, if Tompolo had happened to be a greedy man, he could have called a few men and shared the job and entered his house and be flexing himself, after all, “NA HIM PAPI BUHARI GIVE WORK.” But he did not do this, he makes it a general affair, throwing it into a sense of belonging arena for all of us because of his love for humanity. Even all the people that joined hands with outsiders to either kill or arrest him were called to partake of the juice assignment.

“Fellow youths, l did not come across your threat to destroy pipelines when your oil money was used to build a railway to the Niger Republic, neither did you turn social media space into the campaign and protest ground when your oil money was used to do father Christmas in other parts of the country. So why should your brother’s progress be an irritant to you? NO BI JUJU AND WITCHCRAFT BI DIS?

“In finality, my fellow youths across the region, please calm down and allow Tompolo to implement his vision for this job, l can assure you that it will go round and everybody will smile, just like what he said when addressing 10,000 people that came from all over Delta State, he said that this is not going to be like Amnesty program.

You and l know that Tomplolo is not a flippant talker, whatever he said, he MUST do. Please don’t worry and stop being used by some greedy militant leaders to fight Tompolo.” He said.

Bomadi Constituency: Oburumu Storms Ogbeinama, Seeks for Support

Bomadi Constituency: Oburumu Storms Ogbeinama, Seeks for Support 

Bomadi ___The candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) for Delta State House of Assembly Bomadi Constituency in the forthcoming 2023 general elections, Tam Oburumu has paid a consultation visit to his home town Ogbeinama in order to seek for their support and vote.

The candidate, accompanied by some party loyalists was given a wonderful reception by the town. They expressed gratitude and prayed for him to succeed in his political ambition. 

Addressing the masses, Tam Oburumu promised to give them the true definition of representation and good leadership. He assured them that he will serve them instead of ruling and that their interest as a people shall be sacrosanct.

Personalities on ground were Representatives of the town executives, youth President, woman leader and religious leaders.

Tam Oburumu also used the opportunity to introduce the Senatorial and House of Representatives candidates, Franklin Garry and Emmanuel Garry to the masses. 

Climax of the gathering was when Tam Oburumu gave them some beautiful Ijaw dance steps in tune with one of the songs of king Robert Ebizimor as he was joined by the crowd.

Speaking to our correspondent, Tam said, Bomadi constituency has suffered bad leadership and representation by dubious politicians who have nothing to offer to the people than syphoning public funds for selfish use. He said in a loud voice that he is the one to change the narrative. He advised the electorates not to sell their votes for any reason because their actions will determine whether Bomadi constituency will be great or not, the statement added.

Fear Grips Atiku as he hurriedly Dines with Wike after OBJ meeting in London

Fear Grips Atiku as he hurriedly Dines with Wike after OBJ meeting in London

London _____The People’s Democratic Party PDP, Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and Governor Nyesom Wike on Thursday, August 25, dined and wined together in London despite their disagreement as result of the outcome of the party primaries.

The duo had an altercation after Wike lost out in the party’s Presidential primary elections on May 28/29 and also lost put in becoming the Vice Presidential candidate of the party.

Since then, efforts to resolve their conflict had failed until the recent development.

Photos of their meeting, including other PDP governors and stakeholders, surfaced

on the party’s social media handles captioned; “A United Family, Stronger Together.”

This comes a few hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, met Gov Wike and some other PDP Governors and Stakeholders in London.

Breaking: Publisher of FocalPoint, Kagbala Ezekiel loses mother to death in Warri

Breaking: Publisher of FocalPoint, Kagbala Ezekiel loses mother to death in Warri

Warri _____ The CEO/publisher of Focalpoint Newspaper  has lost his beloved mother, Mrs Mary Kagbala to the cool hands of death on Friday morning.

The sad incident occurred around 4:30 am on Friday morning August 25, 2022 at central hospital, Warri, Delta state after a brief illness.

It was learnt late Mrs Mary Kagbala who hailed from Olomoro, Isoko South Local Government Area was married to David Kagbala of Agbodobiri Community, Burutu LGA, both of Delta State.

She reportedly died at 74 years of age, and her body had been deposited in the morgue.

When contacted, her son Mr Ezekiel Kagbala, the publisher confirmed the incident.

Meanwhile, the burial arrangement and date would be communicated to the public in due time, the statement added.

Just-ln: Former Amnesty Boss, Prof. Charles Dokubo is Dead

Just-ln: Former Amnesty Boss, Prof. Charles Dokubo is Dead

Abuja ____ lnformation just reaching our news desk has it that a former Presidential Amnesty Programme Coordinator, Prof. Charles Quaker Dokubo, is reportedly dead.

According to our source, said Prof. Dokubo died on Wednesday night at undisclosed hospital in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria.

The deceased who hailed from Abonnema in Akuku Toru Local government Area of Rivers State, was the immediate pass Coordinator of the Federal Government Presidential Amnesty Programme for  ex-agitators of the Niger Delta. He died at the age   70 years.

More details surounding his sudden death would be unfold later..........

Eedris Abdulkareem Appreciates Nigerians on Successful kidney transplant

Eedris Abdulkareem Appreciates Nigerians on Successful kidney transplant 

Nigerian rapper cum activist, Eedris Abdulkareem, has appreciated Nigerians, fans and his donor for successfully undergone a kidney transplant surgery, his project manager, Lakreem Entertainment, disclosed on Monday night.

According to a statement made by Myke Pam on behalf of the management, Eedris and his wife Yetunde, who serves as his kidney donor, are both making a full q.

The management also expressed gratitude to famous people and followers for standing by the pair amid their health problem. 

Eedris Abdulkareem kidney transplant went well as planned The statement said:

 “The management of Lakreem Entertainment officially releases the news of the successful kidney transplant surgery on Nigerian Hip Hop Czar and activist Eedris Abdulkareem, and his most gracious donor – his lovingly dedicated wife YT, some hours ago.

With unspeakable joy and undiluted thanksgiving. “All well-meaning Nigerians, both at home and abroad, as well as all of his followers from across the world, who prayed for, attended to, reached out to, and supported this great couple during this health crisis, have our sincere gratitude and appreciation. 

We ask that the prayers and support be continued as they gradually get back on their feet again.

 “As the recovery and healing process begins for both of them, with the best that science can offer, under the ever benevolent gaze of the Almighty God, surrounded by the love and care of family, we ask that the prayers and support be sustained.

 “To sum up, it’s important to emphasis that when the situation calls for it, Nigerians truly stand out.

In fact, God is good — always! God be with us everyone. The rapper disclosed his kidney failure and that he would need a transplant in July. 

Eedris Abdulkareem has been in the news for good and bad reasons. He was in a war of words with the junior minister of Labour, Festus Keyamo, on how Buhari mismanaged the nation's economy.

INC Tarakiri Clan Visits King Pereama, lnvites him Ahead Conference

INC Tarakiri Clan Visits King Pereama, lnvites him Ahead Conference 

......𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒔 f𝒐𝒓 p𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 s𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒋𝒂𝒘 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑻𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒓𝒊 𝑪𝒍𝒂𝒏 a𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆s

By Emmanuel Ezou Dennis

Yenagoa____On Tuesday 23rd August, 2022, a high powered delegation of Ijaw National Congress INC Tarakiri Clan, in Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State, paid a courtesy visit to King Pereama Freetown JP, the Numu Pere II of lzon-lbe, at his private resident in Yenagoa City. 

The delegation was led by the Congress Chairman, Hon. Godwill Selekeowei was warmly received by the host, King Pereama Freetown and his family.

The speaker from the delegation Hon. Lawrence Lokiri, the Vice Chairman of the Council used the medium to thank the host for his warm welcome and for granting the Executives of INC Tarakiri Clan the audience to meet with him.

High point of the visit was firstly to introduce the Executive Members of Ijaw National Congress INC Tarakiri Clan to him and further solicit for his support for the forthcoming INC Tarakiri Kingdom Conference.

In his response, King Pereama Freetown, the Numu Pere II of Izon Ibe, appraised the delegation of the Ijaw National Congress INC Tarakiri Clan for their innovative idea and their efforts so far to put down the history of Tarakiri Kingdom in documented form. He further promised to support them in their forthcoming programme scheduled for October, this year. 

One important issue discussed during the meeting was the decision of king Pereama Freetown not to play at night burial ceremony in ljaw land. We are aware that King Pereama Freetown, the Numu Pere II has stopped playing for nights for awhile reasons best known to him.

Police have no right to check your phone, Force PRO tell Nigerians, warns ering officers

Police have no right to check your phone, Force PRO tell Nigerians, warns ering officers

Abuja _____ Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have once again warned that its personnel have no right to check people’s phones arbitrarily on the road, urging Nigerians to resist any attempt by police officer to search their phone for whatever reason.

This is one of the activities which Nigerians have repeatedly accused policemen of doing.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, reechoed the notice on Tuesday during an appearance on Channel Television’s Sunrise Daily monitored by Mega Icon Magazine.

“Stop checking phones on the road. You can’t check somebody’s phone. It is his personal property. You cannot do it,” Adejobi warned.

The Force PRO who was commenting on the activities of the police, recent disciplinary actions taken against some policemen for assaulting Nigerians, among other issues assured that the police will continue to take necessary disciplinary actions against errant officers.

“So, if a policeman has done something wrong, every offence — disciplinary offence or criminal offence — has its punishment. If it is reduction in rank, we give it to you; if it is dismissal, we give to you; if it is severe reprimand, we give to you.

“But it is clear, how can a policeman stand on the road and be collecting money? It is not a disciplinary offence, it is a criminal offence. Corruption is a criminal offence. If you flog somebody, you assault somebody, it is a criminal offence,” he added.

Speaking further, the Force spokesman said efforts were in place to prevent more policemen from violating the rights of Nigerians, stressing that in every organisation and society there will be deviants.

“In the Police, we have those who are deviants. There is no policeman who doesn’t know that you must not dress improperly, you must not smoke while on duty, you must not slap the Nigerian, you must not use cutlass to flog.

“There is no Nigerian police personnel who will tell me today that they are not aware because, in the training school, it’s part of our manual; they must have taught you all these things”, Adejobi explained.

Hon. Company Congratulates Tompolo, calls on Niger Deltans to support him

Hon. Company Congratulates Tompolo, calls on Niger Deltans to support him 

Francis Tayor

Warri _______ The honourable Councillor representing the good people of ljansa/ljelejele Ward 13, in Warri South-West Legislative Arms, Delta State, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, has congratulated the leader of emancipation and empowerment master of the Niger Delta people, High Chief. Government Oweizide Emkpemupolo, alias Tompolo, on his well deserved oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a congratulatory message released on Wednesday in Warri, and signed by himself, Hon. Felix described GOC engagement for the pipeline security job as well deserved, thereby calling on the youths, critical stakeholders and leaders of the Niger Delta to give Tompolo the maximum support in order to ensure enduring peace, progress and development in the region.

He said Tompolo is the leader of emancipation and empowerment father of the Niger Delta Region, and that his engagement for the pipeline surveillance job will bring many jobless youths out the street, thereby engaging them meaningfully in order to stabilize the economic growth of the region.

Meanwhile, it will interest you to note that, Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, a.k.a Gentle General, the Endless Ocean, and also the CEO of YCOM FOUNDATION is a youth leader in the Niger Delta who have been using all opportunity open to him to carter for the needs of youths across the Niger Delta.

However, read below the full details of the Press Statement:

Press Statement

24th August, 2022

HON. COMPANY YERINBOWEI FELIX CONGRATULATE (GOC) HIGH CHIEF. DR. GOVERNMENT OWEIZIDE EKPEMUPOLO FOR THE PIPELINE SURVEILLANCE CONTRACT.

On behlf of my family and my primary constituency ljansa/ljelejele Ward 13, l want to applaud High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (GOC), the leader of emancipation and empowerment of the Niger Delta people for his well deserved engagement as the Director General of the Niger Delta crude oil surveillance.

I also use this medium to encourage all indigenous people of the Niger Delta Region to support Tompolo, so as to maintain peace and orderliness in the creeks base on the fact that we must unite for speedily industrial and human capital development.

I pray God Almighty to grant you good health and the wisdom and power to carry out the task ahead. Once again, congratulations sir.

Signed:

Hon. Company Yerinbowei Felix, Councillor representing ljansa/ljelejele Ward 13, Warri South-West Legislative Arms, Delta State.

Shocking as 12-year-Old Girl, Jessica Admitted Into Nigerian University

Shocking as 12-year-Old Girl, Jessica Admitted Into Nigerian University

Asaba_____ A 12-year-old JS1 student of Infant Jesus Academy, Asaba, Delta State named Miss Jessica Okonye is on the verge of history to become the first Nigerian to be admitted into a Nigerian university from junior secondary school.

The medium reports that the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN) has already offered Jessica admission as auditor student pending when further checks on her ability to cope with the rigours of being a university student without the completion of her post-primary education are concluded.

Jessica was offered the admission after fielding questions on Tuesday 16th August, 2022 from some Faculty Deans and Heads of Departments of ADUN in the presence of her father, Prince Emmanuel Okonye.

The Vice Chancellor and President of ADUN, Professor Paul Omaji explained that an auditor student in the case of Jessica is a person “admitted” to participate in university lectures without necessarily aiming at coming out with certificate awards.

It gathered that it all started when Professor John Alizor discovered Jessica at Wilmak Pharmacy, located in Asaba, where he had gone to purchase some drugs. Explaining his encounter with Jessica, the retired American Professor of Educational leadership stated that he was amazed by the way the JSS 1 student who served as an intern at the shop attended to him.

According to the professor whose business interests include the mentoring of young Nigerians to stardom, Jessica made some remarks that startled him while interacting with her.

“For example, without prompting, she introduced herself, the father and his (father’s) business and asked if he (Alizor) as a “big man” would like to also patronize him (her father),” Prof Alizor said.

Impressed by the 12-year-old’s boldness and comportment, Alizor asked if she knew any philosopher of note, of which she responded in the affirmative and went on to tell the Agbor-based Leadership Consultant about men like Aristotle, Plato and others.

Speaking further, Alizor informed the panel that since he discovered the girl, he has not only met her Akumaze-born father but had also assigned at least one academic exercise to the child per day for about two weeks.

Alizor concluded by requesting ADUN to offer admission to Jessica in any field of studies she so desires, describing her as an exceptionally gifted child. He added that his request is worth considering despite being alien to Nigeria’s educational system.

All the professors and senior lecturers, at the occasion, including the Vice Chancellor took turns in engaging Jessica and her father in some academic exercises.

Asked what she enjoys doing most, the child said; “I like studying and teaching my classmates”. On what she aspires to do for her society, Miss Okonye said her principal aim is to help eradicate corruption in Nigerian society and solve the problems of electricity supplies amongst others.

Responding to another question bothering on the issue of having a school mother, the young lady said; “when I got admitted into JSS 1 at Infant Jesus’ Academy, a senior student approached me, suggesting that she would like to be my ‘school mother’. But I rejected the offer and insisted that she can only be my ‘take care of. The senior agreed and we moved on”.

As the meeting drew to a close, the Vice Chancellor, who is a Professor of Criminology And Security Studies and Leadership Consultant, admitted that Jessica is indeed a brilliant child.

Professor Omaji added that, pending when further checks on Jessica’s ability to cope with the rigours of being a university student without the completion of her post-primary education are concluded, ADUN can admit her into the school as an auditor.

He then explained that an auditor in this case is a person “admitted” to participate in university lectures without necessarily aiming at coming out with certificate awards.

“Jessica has come to the right place as a first choice centre for her academic pursuit as leadership is the central focus of our institution. This can be seen from our slogan, GUELL (Global University Educating Luminary Leaders),” Omaji said.

TNG reports that if Jessica finally gets admitted into ADUN, she will be making history as the first Nigerian to be admitted into a Nigerian university from a junior secondary school class and at the tender age of 12.

How Nigerian Army unprofessionally bombarded Letugbene community in Bayelsa

How Nigerian Army unprofessionally bombarded Letugbene community in Bayelsa

Yenagoa_____ Nigerian Army under the code name Joint Task Force is currently on rampage in Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, burning, destroying houses and killing innocent law abiding citizens in the guise of looking for a militant leader and his gang.

It was gathered that the invading security forces have killed over twenty innocent citizens in the community, burnt down hundred of houses, render many homeless as well as destruction of properties and other valuables worths millions of naira. 

Reliable source revealed that the rampaging military men where looking for a militant leader known as Gen. Amagbein, who is alleged to be the leader of Niger Delta Avengers militant group.

Meanwhile, the reason for the search of the said militant leader was not yet clear at the time of filing this report.

Reacting to the babaric act of the Nigeria military men, a youth leader from the community, Comr. Justice Bello, has condemned the cowardice action of the JTF forces, stressing that it is a pity that the beautiful small ljaw communities has been brought down for no genuine reason.

He lamented that crude oil suppose to be a blessing to the Niger delta rather it has become a curse. 

He reiterated that the ljaws have lost so much to the Nigerian government in any slightest mistake burning down a whole community is uncivilized act by the government.

" This oppression and intimidation must stop. We can't take it anymore, the government should go after whoever that is culpable of a crime and not transferring aggression to innocent defenseless civilians living in their home.

How can you destroy a place just because of one man, that is babaric and cowardice act.

I urged President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government to bring those military men involved in the bombardment of Letugbene community to book. Compensate those properties destroyed and build the houses razed down by the unprofessional Nigerian Army," Comr. Justice stated.

Ijaw music fans protest against King Pereama decision to quit night burial ceremony

Ijaw music fans protest against King Pereama decision to quit night burial ceremony 

......... Appealed to Gov. Douye Diri, ljaw leaders, illustrious sons and daughters of ljaw nation to intervene on the matter

Francis Tayor

Warri_______ Mixed reactions trail ljaw Nation as ljaw owigiri highlife music lovers and fans staged a protest against King Pereama Freetown's decision to quit performance at night  burial ceremony in ljaw land. 

According to the protesters, said the action of the Numupere ll of lzon-lbe could be described as breach of contract, betrayal of love and trust towards lovers of ljaw owigiri highlife music, ljaw nation in general, especially the fans and lovers of king Pereama brand of music worldwide.

The overjealous fans in their numbers  embarked on the peaceful protest in Warri over the weekend, expressing their mind through recorded video clips against the Numupere ll of lzon-lbe Owigiri Highlife Music, King Pereama Freetown JP, on his decision to stop performing at night burial ceremony.

The protest was led by Prince Samisco Okpe, Comm. Josaiah Oyimi, Hon. Solomon Burusa, Hon. Pena Omuku, Chief. Julius Fuludu, Stephen Christmas, Powe Egbele, Alex Kimaki, Arerebo Wilson, Alex Alokpa, Chief. Felix Mienebi, Peter Kima Okiki, lsrael Omoko, aka Eginakpa among others stated that King Pereama Freetown JP promised jaw nation that he is owing them music debt and likewise ljaw nation owe him dance, especially now that he had been crowned Numupere ll of lzon-lbe.

ln their separate reactions, Comm. Josiah Oyakonghan, the Oyimi 1 of Niger Delta emphasized that it is not yet time for King Pereama Freetown to stop night burial show. " He was just made King and ljaw nation hold him in high esteem. He have to satisfy his fans both day and night show.  Whatever the case may be, he should tell us why the sudden change of plan. We his fans and the lovers of his brand of music are ready to pay the prize provided he rescind his decision," Oyimi noted.

While Alex Alokpa lamented that his aged father and mother are still alive, and when death call at God appointed time, he shall give them a befitting last honour. And who to perform is King Pereama Freetown. Therefore, he should not think of quiting night burial now, he should not go there at all, Alokpa reacted.

In his reaction, Chief. Julius Fuludu stressed that this is the time ljaw nation need the best of good music from Pereama Freetown, especially now that King Robert Ebizimo has gone to rest. He should proof to ljaw nation that he is the Numupere ll. " Though he started music at early age of 12, and since then he had been playing day and night. We know that age factor has come, it is not easy but he should remember his promise to ljaw nation with good melody and we the fans are ready to dance with him come rain or sun (day and night)," Fuludu asserted.

In another related development, Minister Bouy Ezonfade, Capt. Ebi Sibe, Grandmaster Peremobowei Okpe, among others have diverse view on the matter, supporting King Pereama Freetown's decision to quit night burial. They reiterated that King Pereama has tried his best in the ljaw music industry and that his decision to quit night burial ceremony is for our own good to enjoy him more in the future.

However, the protesting fans and lovers of ljaw owigiri highlife music has used this medium appealed to the governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, ljaw leaders, ljaw illustrious sons and daughters as well as other critical stakeholders to intervene on the matter and plead with King Pereama Freetown to rethink his decision, adding that ljaw nation are yet to enjoy the feel of good music from him, the statement added.

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, our reporter try every possible means to reach out to King Pereama Freetown JP, in order to hear from him of the latest development remains abortive because he didn't pick call neither respond to text messages.

Just-ln: Chakanda Bridge connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic collapsed

Just-ln: Chakanda Bridge connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic collapsed

 

The International Bridge connecting Nigeria and Benin Republic in Chakanda, Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, has collapsed, following a heavy downpour which began midnight on Sunday and continued till Monday.

The collapsed bridge which was constructed in 2010 during the administration of former Governor of Kwara state, Bukola Saraki could no longer contain the volume of water that flooded it during the downpour.

Meanwhile, socio-economic activities between the two countries along that border have been temporarily halted.

Some of the commuters who spoke want quick intervention of both countries in the interest of sustainable business activities.

Reacting to the development, the Emir of Yashikira, Alhaji Umar Usman Seriki called on the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the Kwara State Government to as a matter of urgency come to the aid of the people in the area so as to find urgent solution to the collapsed bridge.

One of the residents of Yashikira, Mallam Lafia Gunu said the situation was worrisome as his mother; Hajia Halima Lafia who travelled to Benin Republic is now stranded there due to the collapsed bridge.

He appealed to the authorities concerned to urgently embark on the repairs of the bridge or put in place an alternative route for commuters to ply particularly those who earn their daily living along that route.

In his reaction, the Federal Controller of Works overseeing Kwara, North Central Nigeria, Engineer Kayode Ibrahim disclosed that his men have already embarked on an assessment trip to ascertain the level of damage and to find a temporary solutions.

Engineer Ibrahim said the staff of the Federal Ministry of Works would check the environment while the outcome of their visit would determine their next line of action.

He however, assured residents that an immediate solution shall be provided because of the economic importance of the bridge to both countries.

Singer Harrysong Dares God, says God Does Not Live In Heaven

Singer Harrysong Dares God, says God Does Not Live In Heaven 

Nigerian singer, Harrysong has stated that one can not be in a location and later create that same place, hence God is not in Heaven according to Gen 1.1.

He noted this on his Instastories in the early hours of Wednesday.

Harrysong quoted Gen. 1.1 in the Bible, and urged people not to just read, but “study, think and do research.”

Emphasising the aforementioned Bible verse, the singer maintained that heaven was not God’s home.

He said:

“Genesis 1-1

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

How possible for you to be in a location and later create that location?

Don’t just read.. study, think, research.”

In a related news, Nigeria cleric, Abel Damina, a few hours ago argued that the statement: “Clap for Jesus/God” is not a way of worship from the Bible.

King Pereama Rejoice with Tompolo, Hails FG, Sylva, Adokiye, others for a Job Well Done

King Pereama Rejoice with Tompolo, Hails FG, Sylva, Adokiye, others for a Job Well Done

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa______ As Niger Deltans continue to celebrate with their illustrious son, the ljaw Owigiri Highlife Music Maestro, King Pereama Freetown JP, the Numupere ll of lzon-lbe, has added his voice with other well wishers across the globe to congratulate and rejoice with the former Niger Delta Warlord, High Chief Priest. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo, on his recent award of Oil Pipeline Surveillance Contract by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He also extended his heartfelt appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari led administration, Chief. Timipre Sylva, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Adokiye Tombomeleye, the Group Executive Director, Upstream and other top officials of NNPC for facilitating the new deal with Tompolo and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

King Pereama Freetown JP, released the congratulatory message to the press in Yenagoa, the Jarusalem of ljaw Nation on Sunday, stated that President Buhari led administration has taken the best decision so far, in reviewing and awarding the pipeline surveillance job to Tompolo, stressing the man has the experience, capacity, voltage and the connections to deliver on the assignment given him.

He noted that Tompolo is a house hold name, Mr integrity, a man of his words, tested and trusted. He will make Nigeria and the Niger Delta Region proud by making sure oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism is drastically reduced to the barest minimum if not completely stopped.

However, King Pereama Freetown JP, has pleaded with ljaw nation, especially ex-agitators as well as other critical stakeholders to cooperate and unite with Tompolo in order to remediate our battered environment by the activities of illegal bunkers in the riverine communities.

Tompolo to Engage over 25,000 Youths with Pipeline Surveillance Job

Tompolo to Engage over 25,000 Youths with Pipeline Surveillance Job

Francis Tayor

Warri______ Youths across the Niger Delta Region South-South Nigeria are to be economically empowered as former Niger Delta warlord, High Chief. Government Emkpemupolo alias Tompolo set to engage over twenty five thousand (25, 000) unemployed youths with oil Pipeline Surveillance security job in order to fight illegal bunkering.

This was disclosed on Friday in Oproza, headquarters of Gbaramantu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, during a meeting with the leadership of various communities, clans, stakeholders, youth bodies amongst others from the various ethnic groups in the region.

Addressing the mammoth crowed at the pavellion in Oproza, Tompolo said the essence of the meeting was to inform them of government readiness to completely stop oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta riverine communities.

He made them to understand that illegal bunkering had caused more harm to the people's health and the region than a blessing. He noted that the activities of illegal oil bunkering has polluted our rivers and lands beyond remediation. 

" Go home and tell your brothers and sisters who are unto illegal oil bunkering to henceforth stop and go into other businesses, stressing that it is for their own good and for the interest of everybody living in the region, Tompolo stated.

It will be recall that last week, the Federal Government has renewed a multi-million dollar pipeline surveillance contract to Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.

The Federal government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited reportedly signed the deal with Tompolo to end illegal bunkering, illegal refining, and other forms of oil theft in the Niger Delta.

A source was quoted as saying Tompolo held a crucial stakeholders’ meeting in his Oporoza country home in the Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State on Wednesday. He said a mammoth crowd of stakeholders from the Niger Delta, especially Bayelsa State, turned up for the meeting. He said the number in attendance was over 5000.

According to the source, the deal with the ex-militant who has great knowledge of the creeks is worth over N4billion monthly. The source was quoted as saying that the duties of the former MEND commander will be to monitor and oversee other surveillance contracts, contractors and their activities in the entire Niger Delta.

He said it was a similar role Tompolo played during the former administration of President Goodluck Jonathan when Diezani Alison-Madueke was the Minister of Petroleum.

“The government merely reviewed and restored his old contract. Before the cancellation of his contract, the arrangements he put in place tackled illegal bunkering and increased production quota to over two million barrels per day. But the new government cancelled the contract, declared him wanted and he was later exonerated of all wrongdoings.

They have realised the need to bring him back because currently, the country is losing over 500,000 barrels per day to illegal bunkering” he said

The source said the new deal was brokered by the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva and some NNPC top officials including the Group Executive Director, Upstream, Adokiye Tombomelye. According to the source, NNPC as a new profit-making venture was determined to curb all illegal activities affecting its operations and making it run at a loss every month.

He named persons at the meeting as former presidents of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Udengs Eradiri and Eric Omare; priests of Egbesu, Ijaw religious organisation, led by Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei; leaders of all youth groups in the Niger Delta, heads of notorious cult groups in the region among others.

He said prominent among those in attendance were former unit commanders of MEND such as Eris Paul, aka General Oguboss; Pius Wareyal, aka General Pius; Joshua Macaiver, Pastor Reuben Wilson, Young Shall Grow and all the second phase “generals”.

Botu Calls for unity among Niger Deltans, Salutes Tompolo on Surveillance Contract

Botu Calls for unity among Niger Deltans, Salutes Tompolo on Surveillance Contract

By Ndu Samuel 

Revered Niger Delta youth leader who is the head of surveillance Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Prince Emmanuel Botu, popularly known as (Olotu) on Friday stated that the unity of Niger Deltans is Key to the region's development.

Prince Botu made the assertion yesterday in Warri while marking his glowing birth anniversary, stressing that his birth anniversary wishes is that apart from his self development, he wishes to see a more developed Niger Delta and Ijaw nation. 

However, the Niger Delta youth leader and renowned philanthropist noted that he is thankful to the Lord Almighty to enable him see his birth anniversary, stressing that he will continue to be indebted to God for all the good things in his life so far. 

Speaking further, the Olotu as he is popularly called has charged Niger Deltans to genuinely love themselves and not betraying themselves before others in the Nigerian state, adding that such behaviour has greatly hampered the progress of the region. 

Nevertheless, he stated that the stagnated development in the region over the years is mostly caused by lack of unity and genuin love among Niger Deltans.

Prince Emmanuel Botu had also added his voice to that of other good spirited Nigerians in congratulating High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo on the recent award of a pipeline surveillance security contract by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Olotu had expressed optimism that Tompolo will no doubt deliver fully in handling the Surveillance Contract by securing the pipelines, maintaining that such development deserved to be commended. 

Meanwhile, rejoicing over the birth anniversary celebration of the young and visionary Niger Delta Prince, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill who is the President of Delta Ijaw Comrade Community (DICC) had described Botu as a blessing to Niger Delta. 

Amb. Princewill continued that he has several reasons to celebrate Prince Emmanuel Botu because he has used his body and personal resources over the years in contributing towards the growth and development of the Niger Delta region. 

Princewill asserted that he will always celebrate and encourage any Niger Deltan that has been contributing meaningfully towards the region's development, stressing that Botu is one of such personage that has been silently adding value to the region's development, stating that his good deeds has been under reported over the years. 

He noted that through his contacts, Prince Botu has empowered and secured the employment of several Niger Delta youths into commissions and ministries in Abuja, praying that the Lord Almighty shall continue to guide, protect and give him long life and prosperity.