Mulade laments over Delta state government's lack of political Will to implement Anti-Open Grazing Law

Renowned Delta State peace and environmental justice advocate, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade, has lamented the deliberate neglect and non-implementation of the Delta State Anti-Open Grazing and Prohibition Law 2021, alleging it had been used to only score political credit, while vulnerable masses, especially farmers, were abandoned to their fate.

Speaking on the law, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West council area, stated that, close to four years after its passage, the non-implementation of the law is an indictment on the government in its inability to safeguarding the lives of Deltans.

He said, "In 2021, the Delta State government took a politically motivated and significant step towards addressing the long-standing conflict between herders and farmers by signing the Anti-Open Grazing and Prohibition Law. 

"This legislation was designed to curb the rampant issues associated with open grazing, which has been a source of tension, violence, and insecurity in many parts of Nigeria. However, as we approach the fourth anniversary of this law, it is evident that the Delta State government has failed to implement it effectively, leaving citizens vulnerable to the very crises the law was intended to prevent."

Mulade reiterated the importance of the law in not only curbing violence but enhancing agricultural productivity and economic stability. 

"The context of the law is very clear: Open grazing has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt and southern regions, where clashes between herders and farmers have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread insecurity. 

"The Anti-Open Grazing Law was introduced as a proactive measure to regulate livestock movement, protect farmlands, and promote peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers. By prohibiting open grazing, the law aimed to reduce conflicts and enhance agricultural productivity, thereby fostering economic stability in the region," he stressed.

The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, warned of the consequences of the non-implementation of the anti-grazing law to include hunger, insecurity, violence, crimes, and the lack of public trust in the government among others.

"Despite the law's noble intentions, the Delta State government has not taken the necessary steps because it lacks the political will to enforce it to the detriment of Deltans This lack of implementation has serious implications for the state and its citizens. 

"The failure to regulate grazing practices has left farmers vulnerable to the encroachment of cattle on their lands, leading to crop destruction and economic losses. Moreover, the absence of a robust framework to manage herders activities has exacerbated tensions between communities, increasing the likelihood of violent confrontations.

"The situation is further complicated by reports of kidnappings and violent attacks attributed to herders and their accomplices. Citizens have expressed growing concerns about their safety, as these incidents have become alarmingly frequent. The government's silence on the non-implementation of the law, despite these security challenges, raises questions about its commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.

"The failure to implement the Anti-Open Grazing Law not only threatens agricultural productivity but also poses a significant risk to the overall security of Delta State. The lack of effective governance in this regard undermines public trust in the government and its ability to maintain law and order," he added.

Just-on: House of Reps issue 48hrs to Rivers Sole Administrator to give breakdown of N1.48 Trillion 2025 Budget, queries N24 billion for CCTV camera

The House of Representatives has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the sole administration of Rivers, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), to submit the breakdown of major items in the state’s 2025 budget.

The chairman ad hoc committee.on Rivers, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC-Edo), issued the ultimatum on Monday at the budget defence session in Abuja.

He said that the committee had gone through the N1.48 trillion budget as presented by the sole administrator and had raised several issues.

He said that the administrator should submit the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), with a legal document that should precede budget presentation.

Mr Ihonvbere, who is the majority leader of the house, queried the allocation of N24 billion for CCTV cameras to be installed in the state’s government house, demanding for the breakdown.

He also queried the allocation of N30 billion for the purchase of gun boats and N23 billion for contingency reserves, requesting for justification of the allocation.

The chairman said that the committee also observed and questioned the allocation of state funds to existing federal projects without agreement with the federal government for refunds among others.

“We need additional details for those allocations, we request details of the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the last three months.

“That will enable us know your financial flows so that we can weigh it against the deficit in the budget in terms of financing it and carrying out some of the projects.

“We also need details of transfers to local governments, essentially how local government funds that came into the state are being managed at the moment.

“Those documents we have requested for must reach us within 48 hours; be rest assured that we are all on the same side in terms of getting Rivers working again.

“We want to ensure that we will promote a lot of accountability and ensure that the interest of the people themselves, no matter how remote they are from the state capital, are protected,” he said.

Mr Ihonvbere commended President Bola Tinubu for his intervention that brought about peace between the suspended governor and legislature in the state.

Earlier, Mr Ibas, who was represented by the senior special assistant on strategy and policy, Andrew Nweke, explained that the administration inherited many of the items in the budget.

According to him, the budget is a reflection of the interest of Rivers people as it was designed in line with the needs assessment carried out by implementation agencies.

Mr Nweke said that Rivers had a lot of peculiarities, saying that the N30 billion earmarked for gun boats was to support security agencies in their fight against insecurity on the waterways.

He also said that Rivers is often hit by floods, insecurity and other unforeseen natural circumstances, saying that the N23 billion contingency fund was to address such challenges.

“For the allocation of N24 billion for CCTV in the government house, there is need to ensure modern technology security surveillance among others,” he said.

He said that the additional documents required by the committee will be made available to facilitate the legislative process.

Delta Community Leadership Tussle: Burutu council boss, Takeme restores peace in Tuomo, warns against lawlessness

Tuomo, a riverine community in Delta State Burutu Local Government Area, is experiencing renewed calm following decisive intervention by local authorities to settle a heated leadership crisis. On Monday, Burutu LGA Chairman, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, led a peace delegation to the area, spearheading reconciliation discussions and reinforcing the government’s commitment to long-term stability.

Dr. Takeme highlighted his administration’s resolve to implement Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s broader peace and security strategy for Burutu LGA. Addressing the main source of discord—the controversial selection process for a new Amananawei (traditional ruler)—he emphasized the need for transparent and lawful resolution to avoid further division within the community.

“The council has zero tolerance for lawlessness or abuse of power,” Dr. Takeme declared, warning against intimidation, violence, or any form of extrajudicial detention. In direct remarks to Tuomo Community Chairman Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi and the newly confirmed Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, he stressed the responsibility of leadership to uphold legality and promote inclusiveness.

“Leadership should be anchored on the rule of law, not on threats or coercion,” he told them, urging both leaders to unite the community and fulfill their electoral commitments. He further warned against any mishandling of the reconciliation process, assuring residents that the administration remained fully invested in protecting lives and fostering peace.

The chairman was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included the Nigeria Police Area Commander for Burutu, ACP Redengha Timpa, whose on-the-ground presence was vital in maintaining order and preventing renewed conflict. Senior officials from the local government also joined the mission, demonstrating a coordinated approach to crisis management.

During his address, Dr. Takeme commended the police for their professionalism and praised ACP Timpa’s continuous engagement as a key factor in defusing tensions and restoring a sense of security among residents.

In response, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the chairman’s consistent intervention and pledging to work tirelessly for peace and unity. Community Chairman Mr. Warebi promised a leadership style grounded in inclusiveness and dialogue, describing this period as an opportunity to rebuild community trust and heal divisions.

Chief Ebiyemi further assured the council of his readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders in promoting a more harmonious and united Tuomo.

Battle for the soul of Asorock Villa 2027, coalition adopts ADC as new party, picks David Mark as National lnterim Chairman

 

In a strategic political twist ahead of the 2027 elections, a powerful anti-Tinubu alliance has finalized plans to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its official political platform — shelving earlier ambitions to float the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) due to looming structural and legal complications.

Spearheading this historic coalition is none other than David Mark, respected former Senate President (6th & 7th Assembly), who has been unanimously chosen to serve as the Interim National Chairman of the rebranded movement.

This bold repositioning is said to have the strong backing of political heavyweights including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential flagbearer Peter Obi, and influential ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, among others.

With momentum building and the 2027 political chessboard rapidly shifting, all eyes are now on the ADC — the emerging vessel of Nigeria’s most anticipated political coalition. A new movement is rising, and the countdown has begun.

Opinion: The 12 Day Conflict Between Israel-Iran, a War of Ideas, Brains, Science and Technology, Where is the Place of Africa?

Francis Tayor

Israel and Iran are not just fighting with missiles; they're fighting with ideas, brains, and laboratories. For years, they've been preparing for this war, not with slogans like in Africa, not with solidarity concerts or national fasts, but with scientists, engineers, and mathematicians – people they train, nourish, respect, and sometimes discreetly protect.

Before the recent missile attacks, Israel had already launched a more insidious war: the elimination of Iranian scientists. Several professors were assassinated because, in this part of the world, it's understood that the real danger isn't the tank but the one who designs it.

However, Iran didn't cry over it; instead, it trained new brains and invested in its universities and research centers. Today, the missiles flying over Tel Aviv aren't coming from American factories but are made in Iran by Iranian children and researchers.

What makes this missile war even more fascinating is that it caught everyone off guard. Almost no one expected Iran to have such a high level of technological mastery. Even the powerful Iron Dome, Israel's pride and that of its allies, was overwhelmed. According to available information, the precision of Iranian strikes was stunning. I'm not sure Israel expected that. It seems Iran studied how the Iron Dome works and then outsmarted it – not by chance or miracle, but through science, by modifying the physical laws of its missiles to achieve exactly what it wanted.

Meanwhile, what is Africa doing? It's waiting for manna from heaven. It's praying. It allocates budgets for 4x4 vehicles, presidential trips, and election campaigns, but not for science, research, or intelligence.

The Iran-Israel war is primarily a war of knowledge. And guess what? Iran is gaining points. Why? Because it understands that in today's world, whoever controls science controls their destiny. Those who depend on others to think, produce, heal, or defend remain slaves, even if dressed in a minister's suit.

And what about us? What's our mission? Apart from producing corrupt politicians, bureaucrats, and millionaire pastors? Our best brains leave every day, and those who stay are humiliated, starved, and treated like useless parasites. We've turned our universities into glorified high schools and our professors into beggars.

Then we're surprised that no one thinks critically. We're surprised that research yields nothing. But how can we produce thought when we're hungry, living in contempt, and led by people who don't even know what a laboratory is?

While others invest in technology, we build mosques and churches. While they fund science, we buy bags of rice to buy votes. While they aim for Mars, we pray for rain. We might be the most religious people on the planet, but we're also the most dependent.

Until we understand that true prayer is action, Africa will remain a continent that everyone flies over – except its own children.

Otuaro salutes former Nigerian President, late Yar'Adua for establishing Presidential Amnesty Programme, describes him as a true patriot, selfless leader

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has applauded the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua for proclaiming amnesty for former agitators of the Niger Delta and also establishing the progamme.

He spoke at the 2nd President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua International Leadership Conference and Awards themed "Electoral Management Institution: Midwife of True Democracy, Development, and Prosperity," which was organised by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success in Abuja on Saturday.

Otuaro, who received a corporate service award in recognition of his efficient administration of the PAP at the event, noted that Yar'Adua also created the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs before inaugurating the PAP as part of his response to the civic demands of the region's people.

Describing him as ‘a selfless leader and a patriot,’he said Yar'Adua, who governed the country from May 29, 2007, to May 5, 2010, was deeply concerned about the need for guaranteed sustainable peace, stability, and development in the region.

Represented by his Special Assistant on Data and ICT, Monabe Mitee, the PAP Administrator, while paying tribute to the former Katsina State governor's memories, extolled his exemplary and exceptional leadership as well as his high ethical and moral values in public service.

"President Yar'Adua was a listening leader, and this was evident in his response to the civic demands of the Niger Delta people.

"He not only proclaimed amnesty for the region's freedom fighters at the time, but he also established the Presidential Amnesty Programme which I am heading today by the benevolence of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and as a precursor to the programme he also created the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs," Otuaro said.

He further said that Yar'Adua operated an efficient administration in Katsina State as a governor and left indelible development footprints with profound impacts on education and infrastructure across the state.

He said Yar'Adua had a deep understanding of the burden of leadership and brought this to bear in the governance of the country when he was elected president in 2007, ‘showing an unwavering commitment, zeal, and dedication to fix and transform Nigeria’ through his seven-point agenda.

Otuaro noted that the insight and reasons that informed the organiser's initiative were noble, as they had provided a platform to celebrate, honour and immortalize Yar'Adua and his legacies.

The PAP Administrator added, "He also ran a government of national unity to demonstrate his faith in a nation united by common aspirations for the attainment of national development, peace, security, progress, and shared prosperity and greatness.

"I believe that President Yar'Adua would have contributed much more of his quota to the country's development process if his tenure had not been cut short by his protracted illness and eventual demise in office. He would be remembered for his selfless service. He was, indeed, a patriot!"

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

29/06/2025

Fubara addresses supporters after Peace Deal with Wike at Portharcourt, says the price of peace is heavy but necessary for the good of Rivers people

…say I won’t abandon Rivers people, but the price of peace ‘ll be heavy

In a defining moment for Rivers State’s fragile political landscape, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has broken his silence on the controversial reconciliation process with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, declaring that the state must now embrace peace, however painful, or risk total stagnation.

Speaking on Saturday June 29, 2025, during a crucial meeting with his core supporters under the banner of Simplified Stakeholders in Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara delivered a candid, emotionally charged address in which he admitted that the cost of ending the long-running political war would be “heavy,” but insisted that it was a necessary sacrifice for the greater good of Rivers State.

“We have fought,” Fubara acknowledged, “and anyone who is sincere knows we have done all we can. But the only real solution now is peace. There’s no price too big to pay for it, and I meant every word.”

In what appears to be the clearest confirmation yet of behind-the-scenes negotiations,

Fubara revealed that he has met with his estranged political godfather, Nyesom Wike, and acknowledged the emotional toll on both sides. “He is hurt, and so am I,” the governor said.

“But we must rise above personal pain for the interest of our people and the stability of our state.”

The governor’s address marks a significant turning point in the bitter power tussle that has divided the political establishment in Rivers State for months, paralyzing development, grounding legislative activity, and raising national concern over stability in one of Nigeria’s most strategic oil-producing states.

While recognizing Wike’s controversial role in his emergence, Fubara did not shy away from calling for honest reflection. “Nobody can deny the role the FCT Minister played.

But also, no peace broker can truly succeed until both parties sit together and agree. We have now reached that point.”

Still, his tone was far from celebratory. Governor Fubara was brutally honest about the potential fallout.

“The sacrifice required for total peace will be heavy. But I will not abandon you. I am making that commitment today.”

Political analysts believe the governor’s remarks are a calculated attempt to consolidate internal support ahead of difficult concessions in the days ahead.

His appeal for unity under the banner of supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu could also signal alignment with the national peace efforts rumored to be behind the sudden détente.

Yet, even as Fubara preaches reconciliation, skepticism lingers in many quarters. Critics argue that a forced peace with Wike may come at the cost of institutional independence and democratic accountability in the state.

Others warn that the governor’s loyalists, many of whom view Wike’s influence as overbearing and undemocratic, may not accept the truce without internal resistance.

As Governor Fubara invoked the parable of the native Tilapia , urging stakeholders to lie low for survival and future growth, the underlying message was unmistakable: the bruising political battle may be ending, but the wounds are fresh, the stakes remain high, and the road to genuine reconciliation is long and uncertain.

Rivers State watches.