Dr Felix Tuodolor Commends IPDI Advocacy For Better Ijaw Nation, As Ozobo Calls For Transparent INC Election, Makes Case For Edo Ijaw Oppression

Dr Felix Tuodolor Commends IPDI Advocacy For Better Ijaw Nation, As Ozobo Calls For Transparent INC Election, Makes Case For Edo Ijaw Oppression

Francis Tayor

Bomadi______ The pioneer President of Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and former Commissioner for Ijaw Nation Affairs in Bayelsa State, Dr.Felix Tuodolor has commended the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative IPDI, selfless patriotic advocacy for a better ljaw nation, charging the body to continue the struggle and that ljaw nation is seeing their good works.

The ljaw leader also urged IPDI to work with facts, figures and stay independent from political parties, so as to continue the good fight for ljaw nation and protect the image of the organization in the test of time.

Dr Tuodolor made the statement yesterday at Bomadi during a crucial meeting with the leadership of the body stressed that, with the likes of IPDI, there is hope for ljaw nation in the contemporary Nigeria society.

In his words, Tuodolor said; " l thank IPDI for honouring my invitation to brainstorm for better ljaw nation. I appreciate your good works so far in the ljaw struggle. I am seeing all your works. I started this advocacy struggle for ljaw youths, and am happy to see IPDI sustaining the momentum. Don't be deterred for you are fighting a good fight for ljaw nation. But you must work with facts and figures, so as to protect the good reputation your organization has established in the past ten years, Dr Tuodolor stated."

Speaking on Edo Ijaw issue, Dr.Tuodolor said the Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency, Hon.Henry Seriake Dickson is on top of the matter, stressing that Dickson is working in hand with his Edo state counterpart Hon.Godwin Obaseki in order to find a lasting solution to the problem.

Reacting on the INC election, Tuodolor reiterated that; " the new ELECO will conduct a credible free and fair election. The reason for the indefinite suspension of the election was due to court orders restraining the ELECO from conducting election. As l speak to you now, there are 7 cases before the court surrounding INC election matter. As soon as the reconciliatory committee in which l serve as Secretary settles all pending issues with the aggrieved parties, the ELECO will go ahead with the election, Dr Tuodolor asserted. "

However, on his part, the National President of IPDI, distinguished Comrade Austin Ozobo thank the pioneer IYC President for creating the avenue to discuss ljaw course with the body.

Ozobo decries over the oppression of Edo Ijaw people by governor Obaseki of Edo State and the Oba of Benin. He also commended the governor of Bayelsa State, Hon.Henry Seriake Dickson for his efforts to restore peace between the ljaws and the Oba of Benin.

He further appealed to Dr.Felix Tuodolor to do what is right without fear or favour, in order to ensure a free and fair INC election, the statement adds.

Angele In Fresh Trouble As IPDI Writes The Leadership Of Burutu Legislative Arm To Prob Reckless Spending Of Council Funds, Read Details Of The Letter

Angele In Fresh Trouble As IPDI Writes The Leadership Of Burutu Legislative Arm To Prob Reckless Spending Of Council Funds, Read Details Of The Letter

Francis Tayor

IJAW PEOPLE'S DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, IPDI. No,92 Alegbo Road, Off PTI, Effurun Warri, Delta State.

                                            Rt.Hon.Joseph Alubeze Fuludu, The leader, Burutu Legislative arm,
Burutu.

10th September, 2019

Sir,

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LEADERSHIP OF BURUTU LEGISLATIVE ARM, RT.HON.JOSEPH ALUBEZE FULUDU TO BEGIN A THOROUGH AND DRASTIC PROBE INTO THE COUNCIL'S FUNDS WITHIN 7DAYS

We hereby write most respectfully to your enviable office as leader of Burutu legislative arm to begin a drastic and rigorious probe into the treasury of the council as headed by Hon.Godkows Angele for about two years, and as well funds leftover in the treasury by the past administration led by Chief Ebikeme Clark within 7days.

It may interest you to know that indigenes of Burutu council area are not happy  with the activities of Hon. Godknows Angele as regards management of funds in the council for about two years as the Council's Chairman.

It is a fact that works done by Burutu council Chairman, Mr.Godknows Angele since assumption of office as regards renovations, wooden toilets and the uncompleted councilor's lodge propagated as leading legacy are not commensurable with monies been received from the federation account.

It is worthy of note that Local Government system in the federation is a strategic tier of Government saddled with the responsibility of bringing government closer to the grassroots in a view of providing and attracting development to rural communities in its jurisdiction.

You will agree with us that one of the key functions of the legislative arm of government is checks and balance, probing into the financial activities of the executive arm of government to prevent illegal appropriations and diversion of public funds. But over the years, the legislative arm of local government areas in the federation have been turned to be a puppet by the executive arm of government, a development that has breed corruption and underdevelopment in our localities.

As you know, the electorates are empowered by the freedom of information act to demand for a thorough account of public fund from those saddled with the responsibility of the day- to-day running of government business if not satisfied with the state of things.

We may as well petition the Delta State house of assembly, through the members representing Burutu in the state assembly with reasons why a probe action should be carried out in Burutu Council for effective service delivery.

In exercise of our fundamental rights, we deem it fit to demand that you and other members of the legislative arm of Burutu Local Government council should summon courage to prevail or compel Mr Godknows Angele to give vivid account of monies been received from the federation accounts, IGR and monies leftover by his predecessor within 7days.

We hope, being the fact that the current leader of Burutu legislative arm is an upright man, he will not gamble with his office and believing same that he will do the needful within the 7days ultimatum given, in a view of initiating a probe into the financial dealings of the council and give public report in the same vein.

Meanwhile, we intend not to write further reminder as failure to do the needful at the expiration of the 7days ultimatum, we shall seek the help of a competent court of law to compel Mr.Godknows Angele to give a thorough account of funds accrued to the council for the two years period.

Thanks for your anticipated coorperation.

Yoursfaithfully,

Major Timi Ogobiri

Spokesman IPDI.

Winner Of The 2019 Edition of Comrade Sheriff Mulade Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Goes Home With One Million Naira, As LOC Outlines Rules And Regulations

Winner Of The 2019 Edition of Comrade Sheriff Mulade Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Goes Home With One Million Naira, As LOC Outlines Rules And Regulations

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ As the count down for the 2019 edition of Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity cup continues, the Local Organizing Committee LOC, has outlined and released rules and regulations for teams, officials and fans and supporters of the eight teams participating.

While the teams are encouraged to adhere strictly with these regulations. The local Organizing Committee has introduced mouth watering incentives as well as awards that will push the players to go beyond their self believe and produce breath taking performances that will uplift the standard of the competition as against the previous editions.

IJAW/IT’SEKIRI PEACE AND UNITY CUP OTHERWISE KNOWN AS COMR.MULADE SHERIFF PEACE AND UNITY CUP RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS;

1. THE COMPETITION IS FOR IJAW/IT’SEKIRI INDIGENCE’S.

2. ALL MATCHES HOLD AT TWO CENTER’S.

3. EACH MATCH STARTS AS INDICATED IN THE FIXTURES. PRE- MATCH HOLDS AT EACH CENTER AN HOUR TO THE KICK- OFF.

4. EACH TEAM IS TO BRING TWO (2) MATCH BALLS TO MATCH VENUE ON EACH DAY OF MATCH.

5. ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS MUST PROVIDE A VALID  ID-CARD OF THEIR PLAYERS BEFORE PARTICIPATING AND EVERY PARTICIPATING PLAYER MUST BE REGISTERED INDIGENES OF THE COMMUNITY.

6. A TEAM SHALL NOT BE MORE THAN TWENTY (20) PLAYERS.

7. YELLOW CARD ATTRACTS N 500 WHILE RED CARD ATTRACTS N 1,000. THIS MUST BE PAID IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MATCH OR BEFORE THE NEXT MATCH.

8. A PLAYER WHO RECEIVED TWO YELLOW CARDS AT DIFFERENT MATCH DURING THE COMPETITION AUTOMATICALLY MISSES THE NEXT MATCH, WHILE A PLAYER WITH RED CARD MISSES THE NEXT MATCH. A PLAYER OR OFFICIAL WHO OFFICIAL WHO RECEIVED A RED CARD DURING A MATCH WILL MANDATORY MISS THE NEXT MATCH.

9. ONLY 12 MEMBERS OF EACH TEAM SHALL SIT AT THE RESERVE  BENCH SHALL BE PROPERLY DRESSED IN ACCEPTABLE SPORT ATTIRE

10. ALL MATCHES LAST FOR 80 MINUTES FULL TIME I.E 40 MINUTES EACH HALF WITH MINUTES REST INTERVAL, BUT IN QUARTER FINAL, SEMIFINAL, AND FINAL STAGES IN CASE OF DRAW MATCHES AT FULL TIME WE WILL GO INTO PENALTY SHOOT-OUT.

11. ONLY THREE SUBSTITUTES ARE ALLOWED IN ANY GIVEN GAME OF THE COMPETITION AND THIS MUST BE BEFORE THE END OF THE GAME (FULL TIME), CHANGES ARE NOT ALLOWED DURING PENALTY SHOOT-OUT.

12. INTIMIDATION /HARASSMENT OF MATCH OFFICIALS BY SUPPORTERS/FANS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER MATCH ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND SUCH TEAM WILL FACE L.O.C DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE.

13. ALL PROTEST FROM TEAM RELATING TO THE CONDUCT OR RESULT OF ANY MATCH SHALL BE FORWARDED IN WRITING TO THE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE OF THE IJAW/IT’SEKIRI PEACE AND UNITY CUP WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER THE MATCH, AND ACCOMPANIED BY A SUM OF N 5000 NAIRA ONLY. (NON- REFUNDABLE AND A COPY OF THE PROTEST SHALL BE FORWARDED TO THE TEAM AGAINST WHOM THE PROTEST IS DIRECTED BY THE L.O.C.

14. A MATCH SHALL NOT BE POSTPONED OR DELAY AS A RESULT OF PROTEST, UNLESS IT IS RELATED TO THE GROUND BEING UNSAFE FOR PLAY.

15. In case of any clash in Jersey colours, the home team will change their Jersey.

16. THE DECISION OF LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF THE IJAW/ITSEKIRI PEACE AND UNITY CUP ON ANY ISSUE SHALL BE THE FINAL AND BIDDING ON ALL PARTIES AND SHALL NOT BE SUBJECTED OF LITIGATION IN COURT OR OTHERWISE.

17. ALL REGISTERED OR PARTICIPATING TEAMS ARE EXPECTED TO BE IN THE OPENING AND CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION.
WISHING ALL TEAM THE BEST SPORTING REGARDS.

NOTE: The Prizes for the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace & Unity Cup Tournament are;
1st Prize ₦1,000,000.00
2nd Prize ₦700,000.00, 3rd ₦500,000.00.

MATTERS NOT PROVIDED
ANY MATTER UNFORESEEN OR NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE RULES AND REGULATIONS SHALL BE DEATH WITH AS IT DEEMS FIT BY DELTA STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.

Review The NDDC Board Appointment Now, Delta ljaw Short Changed, Izanzan Camp Blows Hot, Tells President Buhari

Review The NDDC Board Appointment Now, Delta ljaw Short Changed, Izanzan Camp Blows Hot, Tells President Buhari

Francis Tayor

The National leadership of Ijaw Interest Advocates (IIA), IzanzanCamp angrily called on the presidency to review the NDDC Board Appointment after series of critical meeting in the ICCR-Creek.

Following the recent announcement of the board appointment we are bold to state that the place of Ijaws in Delta has been shortchanged deliberately by some political gladiators in Delta state in collaboration with a Bayelsa political gladiator in disguise of protecting Ijaw political agenda.

Also following the open position of the Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly (WICA) over the NDDC Board Appointment, we have no other option than to join our kinsmen to fight for our right.

Records had it that Delta Ijaw has not be entrusted with sensitive office in the Board in recent time. For the past 12 years the offices zone to Delta State has been hijacked and rotated among the Itsekiris and the Urhobos while the Ijaws whose collective sensibilities and blood that resulted to the creation of NDDC has no place.

We are not disregarding the fact that presidency might be ignorant of the formation of NDDC and the origination of the modern day arm struggle thus presidency must do the necessary; review the board to maintain as well as to strengthen the already exiting peace and harmonious co-existence in the region.

Presidency must know that the NDDC was never created on political bases but for the collective interest of the minorities in the south most especially the Ijaws as clearly stated and stipulated in page 95/96 in the Willink Commission report, 1957/1958 before Nigeria's Independence.

Conclusively, we once again call on President Buahri to review board and implore him to be mindful with those Niger Delta leaders he work with day in and day out as we wish les him well in his already running second term administration.

Ovwian Community Cries Out To Governor Okowa Over Insecurity, Demands Army Check Point, As SSA Security Daniel Ezekiel Visits Burutu Area Command To Proffer Solution

Ovwian Community Cries Out To Governor Okowa Over Insecurity, Demands Army Check Point, As SSA Security Daniel Ezekiel Visits Burutu Area Command To Proffer Solution

Francis Tayor

Udu_____ The people of Ovwian Community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, has cried out to Governor Okowa over the daily incessant attacks and killing of residents by criminals in the Community and its environ.

The Community appeal to governor Okowa on the urgent need for security check points to be located at Ovwian junction and Orhuworun round about by Jigbale market along Udu road, in order to tackle the security challenges faced by residents in the area.

The people made the demand yesterday during a Town Hall meeting with the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Delta State governor on security matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel stressed that, criminals have taken over Ovwian community and that they could not sleep peacefully at night anymore.

Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Ovwian Community, Hon Chief.Matthew Uparan said; " Ovwian was a very peaceful Community where people come to do business. The problem started immediately after the 2019 governorship election. We wrote series of letters to the government and various security agencies to come to our aid, but nothing was done. We try our best but our best was not good enough. We couldn't sleep at night, our people are dying every day. Hoodlums have taken over Ovwian."

" Chief.Matthew reiterated that most times when there is emergency situation, and we put a call on the police, they give excuses of not having fuel in their vehicle. The police have failed us. We appeal to His Excellency Dr.lfeanyi Okowa to help us. We need army check point at Ovwian now. That is the only way to help tackle the security challenges in Ovwian udu area, he stated."

In his response, the SSA to Governor Okowa on security matters, Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel lamented the high rate of gangsterism in Ovwian. He said; " Security is the life wire for development in every society. We heard all what is happening in Ovwian community. The kidnapping and killing every day is worrisome and alarming. I came in respect of the insecurity in Ovwian community."

" Let us plan together on how we can curbed the menace of cultism, armed robbery and other vices terrorising our community. I appeal to my fellow youths to always maintain peace. Do not allow circumstances around to influence you to commit crime. I am giving you my words today, before the week runs out, the report of your complain will get to the governor for prompt action. Our amiable governor Okowa is a peace loving man. When there is peace, development will come to Ovwian community.

Security is every man business, continue to share intelligence information with the various security agencies in order to restore peace and order in Ovwian community, he stated."

However, the Senior Special Assistant went further to visit the Burutu Area Command and the DPO of Ovwian police station,on how to work out modalities to tackle the security challenges in the area.

At the Area Command office, the SSA Comrade Ezekiel stressed that Security is a serious business that needs adequate attention. All hands must be on deck to ensure peace in our community.

According to him; " I have come to reach out to the various security apparatus to synergize in order to maintain peace and orderliness in our communities. I choose to come Ovwian first because this environment has become a flash point for bad boys to operate."

" Last two weeks we heard about killings in Ovwian. Just yesterday another youth was killed by gangsters. No reasonable government will fold her hands to allow things go wrong in our society.

Am here today as an eye to our amiable governor to brain storm with you in order to proffer solution to the menace of cultism in Ovwian Community. Our communities cannot develop in the presence of chaos. Whatever the challenges your office may go through, relate to me so that l can present it to our amiable governor for action, SSA asserted."

In his reaction, the Burutu Area Commander, ACP.Kolawole Adepegba
appreciates the SSA for the visit." We have been battling with this cultism issue for some times. We are trying our best. Our men are patrolling the communities every day and night. We shall continue to do our best to flush out every criminal elements terrorising Ovwian and its environ."

" Our major challenges is lack of manpower. We need more police officers because Burutu Area command is very big. We also lack adequate patrol vehicles. We just have only one. We need more vehicles. Even at present, our men don't relent to perform their duty efficiently, ACP.Kolawole stated"

Also speaking at the meeting was the DPO Ovwian-Aladja Police Station, CSP.Akintunde Oyewiran stressed on the
need for government to engage the youths through vocational training.

According to the DPO; " crime will drastically reduce to the barest minimum in Ovwian if constant youth enlightenment programs is also carried out by the government. When the mind set of the youths are engaged meaningfully, there will be a change of mentality, and peace will be restored in the community, he stated."

Chief Takeme Poised To Build Confidence In PDP, Says Party Business Is All About Trust... Congratulates Asupa Forteta On Recent Appointment

Chief Takeme Poised To Build Confidence In PDP,  Says Party Business Is All About Trust... Congratulates Asupa Forteta On Recent Appointment

Timi Bougha

The Delta South Chairman of the People's Democratic Party PDP, Chief Julius Takeme has reiterate the need for trust among critical stakeholders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta South as he brace up for the task, saying, we can only wax stronger on the alter of trust.

Chief.Takeme while laying emphasis on the need for trust has noted that, party business is a business of trust, hence there is need for trust to building confidence among party structures for a more united party in the senatorial district.

Takeme stated this when he led Executives of PDP Delta South on a consultative meeting with some critical stakeholders and leaders of the party in Delta South.

Consulting with a Chieftain of the party, Barr.Neworld Safugha, the immediate past Commissioner for Power and Energy, Chief Takeme has sorts help and support to reposition the party in the senatorial district.

While meeting with the member representing Burutu North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon.Peter Asupa Forteta, the State Commissioner for Technical and Vocational Education, Hon.(Mrs.) Gbugbemi Ikolo, Chief Takeme stated that, to maintain PDP dominance in Delta South, stakeholders must remain committed to the ideals of building confidence in the Party.

In a similar manner, Chief Takeme consulted a one time Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon.(Barr.) Basil Ganagana, now Honourable Commissioner for Power and Energy Delta State, immediate past member of the Delta State House of Assembly now Consultant to Delta State Government on Education, Hon. (Dr.) Alaowei Timi Tonye, PHD disclosed that he is taking painstaking steps to rejig and place the party on the pedestal of unfettered dominance in the senatorial district.

Chief Takeme while commending the roles of various leaders of the party in Delta South for their undaunted support has congratulated Hon. Peter Asupa Forteta of Burutu North at the Delta State House of Assembly for his resounding victory at the 2019 polls as well as house committee appointments. Also, Rt Hon Basil Ganagana and Hon. (Mrs.) Gbugbemi Ikolo are been congratulated as members of the State Executive Council, noting that, their appointments is square pegged.

"Consequent upon my swearing-in, responsibility is saddled upon me having abreast with the enormous challenges and the need for smooth sailing, I have observed inter alia, absolute trust is needed to build confidence so as to ensure unfettered dominance of our party in the senatorial district. The party business is a business of trust, open door policy and an all inclusive administration, these I am committed to, our strength, as a party, is the structures, critical stakeholders and leaders of the party in Delta South, hence the consultative visit". Takeme stated.

Chief Takeme while stating the need for trust expressed renewed vigour in repositioning the party on the part of continuous dominance has appealed to leaders of the party in the senatorial district to concert effort in fostering the party's dominance stating that, the leaders of the party in Delta South are a gift to the party in the senatorial district.

He opined that, the party in the south remains the engine to securing total victory for the party in the state, thus recognising the place of leaders is sacrosanct. For a smooth party administration, the experience and advice of leaders in areas that will enable the party maintain it's dominance in the senatorial district is needed as he beckon on critical stakeholders to throw their weight behind the party executive in Delta South.

The leaders in their separate remark has eulogise Chief Takeme for his leadership prowess and has expressed explicit confidence, that, the helm of affairs of the party in the senatorial district is in safe hands, describes Chief Takeme has an astute party administrator and a bridge builder. While pledging their unflinching support for the Takeme led party executive. The leaders charged the members of the party executive in Delta South to eschew acrimony and always harmonise differences to stay strong and focus in the business of waxing more stronger and united.

The consultation and familiarisation visit by the Delta South PDP Chairman, Chief Julius Takeme continues.

Xenophobic Attack: CEPEJ Boss Mulade Condemns Action Of South African Youths, Charges Africa Union To Take Drastic Steps To End Attacks Now

Xenophobic Attack: CEPEJ Boss Mulade Condemns Action Of South African Youths, Charges Africa Union To Take Drastic Steps To End Attacks Now

Francis Tayor

Asaba____The authorities of a Nigerian based Non Governmental Organisation, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ has condemned in a strong term the current trend of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Center noted that Xenophobia in South Africa significantly increased after Nigeria led other countries in the fight for the election of a government of black majority in 1994.

National coordinator of the center, Comrade Mulade Sheriff while addressing jounalist in Asaba, the capital of Delta State expressed total disappointment over the attitude of South African youths toward African immigrants and while quoting a 2004 study published by the Southern African Migration Project (SAMP), the NGO said South Africans expressed the harshest anti-immigrant sentiment, with 21% of them in favour of a complete ban on foreign entry and 64% supporting strict limitations on the number of immigrants permitted. Violence against foreign citizens and African refugees became common and communities were divided by hostility and suspicion.

The Center has therefore charged the Nigerian government to be more proactive in ensuring that the lives and property of Nigerians in South Africa are protected. The NGO also charged the African Union, AU to immediately step in, in the interest of peace and unity as its contribution towards uniting Africans through the use of resources to avert future attacks, and ensure that attempts at blocking peace building amongst the affected Africans, are forstalled.

CEPEJ which has the mandate to promote peace, good governance and fundamental human rights of the marginalized populations, and promoting environmental best practices, has also called on the South African government and relevant authorities to ensure that perpetrators of the dastardly acts of violence and violations of human rights are brought to justice, and that steps are taken to end the uprising.

The recent anti-foreigner attacks in Johannesburg have triggered violence and widespread looting of South Africa-owned brands in Nigeria. Many stores owned by Nigerians were also touched by angry mobs who looted, burnt and vandalized shops and vehicles, after violence erupted on Sunday.

Reports say many people were killed and about 189 persons allegedly involved in the mayhem have been arrested. Many foreign stores were targeted in the violence. The impacts of the latest xenophobic attacks are now reverberating across the African continent with far-reaching negative consequences if not urgently curtailed.

In Nigeria, South African business outfits were attacked, characterized in some cases by looting and mass destruction. Although the government of South Africa and that of Nigeria condemned the attacks, more action is required to stop the xenophobic offensive before it gets out of hand.

Observers say the attacks were driven by economic tension and growing inequality in South Africa. There are signs of economic and class wars between the poor and the rich fuelled by leadership failure, Mulade stressed.

Security: Okowa's Aide Daniel Ezekiel Commends Hon Inoaghan On Relative Peace In Sapele, Says Peace Is Tantamount To Rapid Development In Our Society

Security: Okowa's Aide Daniel Ezekiel Commends Hon Inoaghan On Relative Peace In Sapele, Says Peace Is Tantamount To Rapid Development In Our Society

Francis Tayor


Sapele_____ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on security matters, Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel has commended the Executive Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Chief Hon.Eugene Okpe Inoaghan on his commitments to the relative peace enjoyed by residents in Sapele and its environs.

The SSA made the commendation yesterday 5th September, 2019 during a courtesy visit to the council Chairman at his office in Sapele, stressed that peace is the result of the visible infrastructural development seen in Sapele. He said the governor of Delta State, Senator Dr.Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa is committed to bring more development to Sapele when there is peace, charging residents to sustain the existing peace.

According to Comrade Ezekiel; " l want to commend you for your developmental stride and the relative peace in Sapele Local Government. Your commitment in the fight against criminality in Sapele is commendable."

" l also want to charge you to organize annual sensitization programme  to enlighten the youths and students in Sapele on the dangers of drug abuse. This will help to curb crimes related to cultism and other social vices. My office is ready to work with you on the area of intelligence gathering on security, as well as to bring fresh ideas in order to curb the menace of cultism to ensure a crime free society in Sapele and its environ, he stated."

In his reaction, the Chairman Sapele Local Government Council, Hon Eugene Inoaghan thank the SSA for the timely visit. He also commended the security operatives in Sapele for a job well done in protecting lives and properties. He reminded the SSA that his administration has already embarked on security enlightenment campaign across the local government area, and assure to do more, Hon Inoaghan stated.

Extra Judicial Killing: Families Of Late Chinedu Obi Who Died In Police Custody Demands Justice, Gives IGP 7Days Ultimatum To Unravel And Prosecute Killer Police Officer

Extra Judicial Killing: Families Of Late Chinedu Obi Who Died In Police Custody Demands Justice, Gives IGP 7Days Ultimatum To Unravel And Prosecute Killer Police Officer

Francis Tayor
               
Warri_____ The families of late Chinedu Obi who died on the 19th of July, 2019 in police custody at Ogun State, has demanded justice from the Inspector General of Nigeria Police Force, Abubakar Muhammed Adamu, of the circumstances led to the maltreatment and untimely death of the 26years old final year student of Physics in the University of Port Harcourt, River State.

The family, in a petition through their lawyer, Omemiroro Ogedegbe (Esq), in collaboration with Conference for the Actualization of Human Rights, (a Civil Society Organization) Give the Inspector General of Police 7days ultimatum to investigate and bring to book the erring police officer who killed Chinedu Obi at Sango Ota Police Station, Ogun State. With this, is to sanitize the Nigeria police force as a disciplined professional institution, as well as to serve as a deterrent to other serving police officers to always act on the safe side of the law.

It will be recalled that, the late Chinedu who hailed from Kwale, Delta State, is a talented musician,  an undergraduate of Physics in Uniport. He went to visit his friend Adio Surdic at Ogun State in a bid to advance his musical career. On that fateful day 19th July, 2019, a case of Assault was levelled against him by a phone seller at Sango area Ota. He was arrested by the police and taken to Sango Police Station where he was shot dead in a mysterious circumstances begging for justice.

Speaking to the late Chinedu father, Mr. Benedict Obi " lamented that his son was never a criminal. He was a law abiding citizen and a final year student of Uniport and has never involved in any criminal matter in his life.I last saw my son in April, 2019 during my  30years marriage anniversary. Let justice, fair play take its course. I want the killer police man of my son to brought to book. It is then, l will let go this matter, the father stated."



However, according to the petition written by the lawyer on behalf of the family to the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with the Conference for the Actualization of Human Rights group, jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Omemiroro Ogedegbe (ESQ), and the National Secretary, Comrade Ozobo Austin reads :

We have been contacted by the family of Late Chinedu Obi as represented by Gabriel Iluma, Efe Tutikpoma Fredrick and Mrs. Anita Okumagba.
It is our Brief that our clients have by a petition dated the 26th day of July 2019, from the office of Balogun & Balogun petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of Chinedu Obi, who in a bid to advance his Musical Career travelled to visit his friend at Otta, Ogun State on the 19th July, 2019.
That while at Otta, Ogun State a case of Assault was leveled against him by a phone seller at Sango, Ogun State.

The deceased was arrested and taken to the police station without any form of restraint and in the process of interrogation he was alleged to be irrational by the police and was subsequently restrained by an handcuff by the police. Surprisingly while the handcuff was being put in the deceased hands he did not threaten to kill anyone within a short period of time, it was alleged by the police that the deceased became so irrational that the handcuff got removed and he picked up a long axe in the interrogation room in the presence of policemen and went outside the police station while still under handcuff and destroyed some vehicles. It was further alleged that the deceased after destroying dozen of vehicles was pursuing an armed policeman who eventually shot him.
As if that was not enough he was left on the ground within the police station wriggling in pain and bleeding for a long time without immediate medical attention. The video clip showed the last moment of the deceased while on the plain ground asking that he be allowed to speak to his father which was refused by the police neither was he taken to a hospital.

It is quite unfortunate and saddening that the police public relation officer, Ogun state Mr. Abimbola Opeyemi while commenting on the incident had stated that “He started chasing the officer, while armed with an axe and the officer shot him in the leg to demobilize him, he was immediately taken to the general hospital where he died” we ask “Demobilized with a lethal weapon”?

The officer with respect was far away from the truth and speaking from an informed position. The deceased was shot in the right buttock not the leg as alledged by the police and he was shot from behind. Could the policeman whom the deceased was pursing turn around to shoot him from behind? An attempt to cover up is insulting. It is akin to turn day light to darkness. Dancing on the grave of the deceased is not fair to the young man.
The deceased was taken to Ottah general hospital probably after he must have even died and not to Ife general Hospital as stated by the PPRO.
The question we seek redress are as follows:

Was he alleged of a capital offence?
Either yes or no, was he armed with a weapon of any kind.

Did he resist arrest? No
Even if he died will shooting the deceased the only option to get him restrained? No

At what point did he become so irrational that he was stripped to his boxers part as shown in the video clip which has gone viral?

The deceased was still hale and hearty when he was restrained with the handcuff. When he further behaved irrationally as alleged, what effort or steps was taken to either isolating him in a cell or put a leg chain?

At what point did the deceased remove the handcuff put behind him to go and pick an axe to destroy the vehicles and threatening people as alledged?

Where are the policemen that witnessed the irrational behavior of the deceased who still kept an axe in the picking up an axe?

If the deceased was pursuing an armed policeman as alleged, who and where is the policeman that shot the deceased and at what part of his body?

We state further that the statement credited to the Divisional Police Officer at Sango Police Station, Ogun State when the nephew of the deceased MADAM ANITA OKUMAGBA met with the DPO, on Sunday the 21st July, 2019 that a policeman “angrily shot” the deceased summed it all.

With due respect sir, there is no justification for the use of maximum force on the deceased to restrain him. The deceased was on handcuff for a much longer time and cautionary measure could have been adopted to further restrain even if he has mental imbalance as alleged. If the deceased behaved irrationally, the police that shot him was even more irrational in the given circumstance. This is a clear case of weapon abuse. It is our humble opinion that the policeman in question did not exhibit enough maturity and professionalism in his judgment before the trigger.
The life of Utagb – Ogbe, Ndokwa West Local Government, Delta State born undergraduate was cut short by the overzealous policeman. He was a final year student of the department of physics, University of Port Harcourt Choba, River State.

No doubt, since you took up the reign as Inspector General of Police, thing have changed for better with reform of the police force. The tempo should keep going and never should you allow any member of the police force to turn back the hands of the clock to the dark old days.
We urge to use your good office to set up a high powered and dispassionate investigation into this killing, and bring the culprit to book the delay in the investigation of this matter is most unfortunate.
We shall be compelled to institute an action without further notice if within seven days our demand for a thorough investigation of this matter is not complied with.

Signed:

OMEMIRORO OGEDEGBE, ESQ.
Comr Ozobo Austin

National Coordinator            National Secretary

Presidency Appointment: Delta APC Scribe, Comrade Oromoni John Appeals To President Buhari To Consider Delta Ijaw APC Member For Amnesty Office, Gives Reason

Presidency Appointment: Delta APC Scribe, Comrade Oromoni John Appeals To President Buhari To Consider Delta Ijaw APC Member For Amnesty Office, Gives Reason

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Publicity Secretary of the All Progressive Congress APC, in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade John Ekabukumor Oromoni has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider a qualified Delta Ijaw APC member for appointment into the Presidential Amnesty Office, stressing that the Delta  ljaw APC members has been marginalized in terms of appointment by this administration.

Comrade Oromoni who is also the Coordinator of Delta Ijaw APC Grassroot Youths stated that, the Delta Ijaw APC supported and worked for President Buhari in the 2015 general elections that brought him into power has not been given any  appointment since his four years in office. The same gesture was complimented in the 2019 general elections for the reelection of President Buhari for second term, yet the Delta Ijaw APC has not been given fair treatment in terms of appointment.

Giving reasons why Delta Ijaw APC member should be considered appointment for the Presidential Amnesty Office, Oromoni stressed that since the creation of the Amnesty office in 2009 till date, the office of the Chairman has not been zoned to Delta State. Now that it is the turn of Delta State to produce the next Amnesty Coordinator, we appealed that, His Excellency should please consider a Delta Ijaw APC man to head the Amnesty office when the next board is to be constituted.

The APC scribe made the appeal through an open letter dated 4th September, 2019 and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the letter reads;

" It is our humble pleasure and privilege to make welcome back of his excellency from his visit to Japan and to as well officially add voice to millions in the globe to congratulate you with wordings on your victory at the polls. As it is wisely said, an eulogy most times incite a person to furthermore maintain a reputational improvement hence, we putted into considerations to convey to you that,  you deed veritably well on your intent (CHANGE AGENDA) on a nutshell, we wish to say it was a huge success. In much of this, your victory on this (NEXT LEVEL AGENDA) is an elation as well as a glee to Nigeria as a nation. Because you have tactically, astutely and sagaciously succeeded on enhancing solutions to the devastating and depreciating state of our beloved country. Specifically, it gladden our heart to extol your resolute to indefatigably fight against insurgence, genocidal dispute, siphoning and selfish accumulation of Nigeria resources to the fullest. Knowing this, Nigerians were convinced and left with no single choice rather than to vastly devote their enfranchise at the polls to reciprocate you for a work well done.

But Your Excellency Sir, as we graciously embarked on this (NEXT LEVEL AGENDA) it is called for that, we use this privilege to stipulate the clarion call of the delta Ijaw APC from the wilderness. Be that as it may be, it will be a worst than deception if we continued to abide sycophantically and lingered to lip seal our mouth in this burning plight of marginalization. It is a well known fact that the delta Ijaw APC were prodigiously marginalize in the list of appointments in the immediate past four year of your tenure. As a result of that, the delta Ijaw chapter of the APC suffered a gigantic lapses and challenges amidst your (CHANGE AGENDA) as well in the immediate past elections but by and large we assumed you never had an inkling of it.

Your Excellency Sir, there is no doubt that, you're now giving out lucrative appointments on this new dispensation of (NEXT LEVEL AGENDA) even as we are humbly optimistic that we will be carried along in this dispensation but with a critical perusal of the appointments been emerged in delta state we are left with worries that, delta Ijaw APC are still in a margin to emerge an appointment.

However, our quest is that, even as we stay doomed with no clue of which state or ethnic the next amnesty chairman will be picked from, we want to appeal that, his excellency should please endeavor to give heed to our cry and deemed it fit to rewrite the narratives of the plight of delta Ijaw APC with the amnesty board. Having said this, permit us to furthermore crave your indulgence that, since the inception of the amnesty board from 2009 till today the office of the chairman has never been zoned to delta state. As such, we want to appeal that, his excellency should please consider a delta Ijaw APC man with the office of the chairman when next the board is reconstituted.

More or less, politics is a game of numbers but we can't deny the fact that, it takes affluence to make influence in a political party. In as much as, we will need the numbers to win our subsequent elections we thought, it is needful for his excellency to earlier balance the appointments in the state to reinvigorate our drowning hope and to correct the lapses ahead of 2023 elections. Your excellency sir, we know you are a very conscious leader with an embodiment of elder statesman hence, we have confident that you will sooner bring a joyous and ground leveling response to remediate the reproach of delta Ijaw APC. On this note, we pray that, may God almighty continue to give you the wherewithal to pilot the affairs of the nation, long life, wisdom and sound health be vested in you as we pray Amen." Thanks

Signed:

Comr.John Ekabukumor Oromoni-Publicity Secretary APC Burutu LGA, And Coordinator Delta Ijaw APC Grassroot Youths.

Comrade Thomson Bonge, Spokesman.

Just-In: Senator Douye Diri Emerges PDP Gubernatorial Primary Elections ln Bayelsa State

Just-In: Senator Douye Diri Emerges PDP Gubernatorial Primary Elections ln Bayelsa State

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa______ Senator Douye Diri has emerged as the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP for the November 16 governorship election.

The Senator Representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Hon.Douye Diri won the PDP Governorship Primary in Bayelsa State with 561 votes against his Closest rival, Chief Timi Alaibe who also Polls 365 Votes to maintain the Second Position.

Douye Diri, who is Governor Seriake Dickson annoited aspirant from the Restoration political family won the primary by polling 561 votes to beat twenty other aspirants.

The voting process which commenced late Tuesday night at about 11.30pm dragged into the early hours of Wednesday.

Taraba State Governor, Darius Ishaku, who was the chairman of the governorship electoral panel that conducted the exercise said Timi Alaibe came second with 365 votes while Keniebi Okoko came third with 142 votes.

According to him, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd) scored 62 votes while Benson Kombowei polled 24 votes, Arc Reuben Okoya got 19 votes with Kombowe Benson polling 24 votes.

Ishaku added that Ayawe Nimibofa and Joshua Maciver scored 7 votes each while Kemela Okara, Etolor Robinson, Franklin Osaisai and Bolade Igali polled 4 votes each while Benson Agadaga, Talford Ongolo, Kiyaramo Johnson and Alagoa David had 3 votes each, Igiri Tobin scored 2 votes.

According to the Taraba governor, 1237 accredited delegates voted during the primaries out which 16 votes were declared invalid, he asserted.

Burutu Bad Leadership: IPDI Tackles Angele, Shame On You For Listing 20 Wooden Toilets Your Completed Constituency Legacy Projects, Says Your Leadership Lacks Focus And Direction

Burutu Bad Leadership: IPDI Tackles Angele, Shame On You For Listing 20 Wooden Toilets Your Completed Constituency Legacy Projects, Says Your Leadership Lacks Focus And Direction

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative IPDI, has bombarded the wabu dancing Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council of Delta State, Hon.Godknows Angele and his media aprons for listing wooden toilets as his major completed constituency legacy projects in his two years in office, noting that it is a pity and shame for Burutu people to be misled by this visionless man called Angele.

The group made this known through a Press Statement signed by its Spokesman, Comrade (Mayor) Timi Ogobiri lamented that, despite the financial autonomy couple with the huge federal allocation enjoyed by the council, what Angele could boast of was the construction of twenty out dated wooden public toilets across some villages, painting and little renovation of already build structures by previous regimes as his constituency projects.

According to the Press Statement reads;

" Our attention has been drawn to a report purportedly emanated from Mr.Godknows Angele, Burutu LGA boss in response to IPDI open letter addreressed to him. The said reply is unguided and frivolous has it fulls with distorted facts made to mislead the gullible public to curry cheap sympathy.

The poor and watery reply by Angele which has no caption failed to address the critical issues raised in our open letter which has been applauded by the general public. We are not perturbed over his reply as it is self exalting. It is a lie that Burutu was a ghost town when Angele took over from his predecessor as chairman. Burutu was never a ghost town when Angele took office. It is disappointing for the chairman to mentioned 100kv generator acquired by the council to power the secretariat, little note books he claimed to have offered to Ayakoromo primary school pupils as legacy.

However, the credibility of IPDI is not indoubt, the public can attest to It. We are not perturbed and distracted by distorted facts being canvassed in the public places by Angele and his paid writers who do not mean well for Burutu People.

It is said that the success of evil is when the good ones seat down and does nothing about it. This is indeed the stark reality before we as members of the Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI.

It is no longer a news that Burutu Local Government Area under the leadership of Angele has lost bearing and focus, such that bad leadership has become the order of the day.

IPDI will not join issues with kids protecting their daily bread, but sometimes we wonder that even kids too can be reasonable a times, we will never be distracted by such sponsored group of kids.

We have watched Angele and his visionless leadership that is approaching two years now without any tangible and reasonable achievement that is worthy of commendation, hence the reason we have come out to expose his inefficiency.
First and foremost, Angele is a product of imposition, he was imposed on the people of Burutu Local Government Area, due to this fact, he thinks he is untouchable, we are here to let him know that soon actions will be taken for him to give account on how he has spent our monies over the  years, let us see how he will escape this media battle, he should be ready to face us.
Anyway, for the purpose of the general public, Local Government Councils as the third tier of Government in Nigeria and has the statutory duty to carter for those at the grass root.
For example,  Water, Electricity, Education, Youth empowerments and even Health care among very many challenges are critical areas that needed to be looked into by any serious administration but all these means nothing to Mr. Chairman and his misguided crew.

It becomes more worrisome how lamentations upon lamentations have rented the entire length and breadth of our dear Burutu Local Government Area, despite the financial autonomy enjoyed by councils accros the country to which Burutu is part of, for the entire country, Burutu is among the Local Governments Councils in Nigeria that is receiving highest allocation but yet nothing to show for. No wonder people are calling for the scrapping of local governments in the country as it has become a conduit pipe in siphoning public wealth.

We saw a watery response to our earlier position about the poor performance from his media aprons with distorted facts but they are yet to debunk our claims or critical and contentious issues raised.
Burutu, headquarter of the Local Government Area is in total darkness since September 16th 2019, 13days from now, it will complete one full year that Burutu will be in total darkness for a chairman that prides himself as working, this is really terrifying, you can fool people but definitely not IPDI.

The general public must know that the generator that was powering Burutu before the emergence of Angele was bought by a caretaker committee chairman not even elected council chairman without local government financial autonomy, Capt. Bukman Deine (Rt) but regrettably, the administration of Angele came onboard and spoiled the generator hence the community begin to wallow in darkness.

It is no longer a news that even when the purported light was said to be on, it was about six to seven hours, the light does not last for the whole night, this is the true situation even when the said light was on.  This is pathetic, what does it really cost to give the people of Burutu at least 12 hours light?.

We saw a report about the council chairman completing 20 constituency projects in the Local Government, this is another funny record that the public must know. Burutu Local Government Area has grown beyond this political gimmicks, 20 wooden toilets were built and we now count that as a legacy or achievement, what a pity? Oh! Wooden toilets not even block building. We are really ashamed of this. If this is really the plans Angele have for us as a people with wooden toilets, then count us out.

Go and check round the Local Government Area that since the emergence of Angele as council chairman, he has not built any structure on his own to the level of completion, he is only good at painting, little renovations as if it cost much from the allocations he had been receiving for almost two years now. All what he has claimed to have done are little things one month allocation could take care of, as purported achievements cum legacies he is talking and bragging about. His tenure as council chairman of Burutu is already counting.

Hon.Braduce built the Governor's lodge now known as chairman's official residence, not one zink or wood was changed on the roof, just painting and funiture inside were done. Stop misleading the people as if much was done and spent on where he will be putting up while in Burutu, it was for his personal use.
As you can see, almost all the works the chairman made reference to were all renovations with many yet to even be completed.

There is something his paid writers fail to mention as achievement, we guess it escaped them, before his hundred days in office, Angele rushed to do a kangaroo bore hole water, the water is not only bad, not consumable but very dangerous for human consumption and at the moment, the water is no more working as it amounts to waste of public funds all in his desperate moves to personal luxuries.
On youth empowerment is totally nothing to write home about. Bursary to encourage students of the Local Government Area is completely nothing to show for, we begin to ask, what is the council chairman really doing since he assumes office till now?

The Burutu Area command could not come to Burutu to assume office because the chairman could not finish the renovation for almost a year now. Nothing is said about the internally generated revenue accruing to the council. Besides allocation, what about the whooping paris club money?

Again, don't make people believe that you made street lights available to power the whole Burutu town, never, the thing is that he bought a generator for his personal use and later connected some funny lights in some areas leading to some of his workers at Chief Helene Enekorogha's hotel in low beach area near the secretariat. It is not as if so much money was spent to provide street lights for the entire Burutu community.

This is becoming interesting to us, we will continue to expose bad leadership in Nigeria, thanks for Angele media team for coming out to dare us to speak, we are fully ready for you people with more facts. The public should be aware that all the talks about his performance is only centered on Burutu community alone, we have not even extended it to other communities in the Local Government Area and by the time we extend it to other numerous communities, then you will know the emptiness of Angele government, the statement adds."

Signed:
Comrade (Mayor) TIMI OGOBIRI
Spokesman IPDI.

NDDC: Delta Ijaw APC Chiefain, High Chief Michael Johnny Congratulates Newly Constituted NDDC Board, Calls For Calm In The Niger Delta

NDDC: Delta Ijaw APC Chiefain, High Chief Michael Johnny Congratulates Newly Constituted NDDC Board, Calls For Calm In The Niger Delta

Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ Delta Ijaw APC leader and right activist, High Chief Michael Johnny has congratulated the newly constituted Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC Board appointees and charge them to use their offices to address the developmental issues surrounding the Niger Delta.

Speaking to the press at Abuja through his media crew, Chief.Johnny commended President Muhammadu Buhari for finding personalities of  impeccable characters to manned the commission, stressing that he is optimistic that they will deliver in their duties.

He further described the newly appointees as square pegs on square holes ! The appointees includes; Dr.Pius Odubu (Chairman Edo), Hon Bernard Okumagba (MD Delta), Executive Director Projects, Engr Otobong Ndem (Akwa Ibom), Executive Director Finance & Admin, Mr. Maxwell Okoh (Bayelsa), Delta Rep, Prophet Jones Erue, Edo Rep, Chief Victor Ekhatar, Rivers Rep, Dr.Joy Yimebe Punish, Abia Rep, Mr. Nwogu Nwogu, Bayelsa Rep, Mr.Theodore Allison, Akwa Ibom Rep, Mr. Victor Antai, Cross Rivers Rep, Mr Maurice Effiwatt, Ondo Rep,Mr.Olugbenga Elema, Imo Rep, Hon. Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian, Northwest Rep, Aisha Murtala Muhammed (Kano), Northeast Rep, Ardo Zubairu (Adamawa) and Southwest Rep, Engr. Badmus Mutalib (Lagos) State respectively.

However, Chief Johnny also call for calm in the Niger Delta region as different protests trail the media space, adding that no positive progress can be achieve in an atmosphere of rancour.

There are no better people than these appointees. We owe them the responsibility of praying for them so that they can use the interventionist agency in the right manner.

Speaking on Ijaw appointment, Johnny avow with cocksure that Buhari will appoint Delta Ijaw man into good offices that will be awesome to empower our people. There should be no cause for alarm, the statement adds.

Delta Ijaws Rejects NDDC Board MD Nominee, Tells President Buhari For Fresh Nomination Of Ijaw Extraction To Ensure Peace, Fairness And Equity

Delta Ijaws Rejects NDDC Board MD Nominee, Tells President Buhari For Fresh Nomination Of Ijaw Extraction To Ensure Peace, Fairness And Equity

Francis Tayor

The Ijaws in Delta State under the umbrella body of Western Ijaw Consultative Assembly (WICA) wish to notify President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Assembly  that the nomination of Bernard Okumagba of the Urhobo extraction in Delta State as the Managing Director (MD) in the new Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board instead of an Ijaw nominee from the state, is totally unacceptable. This is because it is a clear case of oppression, injustice and alienation of Ijaw in Delta State by some selfish politicians acting like new pirates in power. We state without fear of equivocation that any executive position slot for Delta State should be given to the Ijaw as it is our turn in line with the rotational arrangement as prescribed by the NDDC Act of 2000 Section 12 (1) which states that “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”. The emphasis on the rotation within member states with the highest production quantum of oil is to ensure equity, justice and fairness in states like Delta, where there are more than one ethnic group producing oil.

The Ijaw riverine communities are the highest producers of oil and gas in the region, and by implication, the highest revenue generators in Nigeria. We also bear the brunt of the pollution, degradation and environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration, production and transportation. In spite of our enormous contributions and sacrifices, we are still the most underdeveloped part of Nigeria. The NDDC, which is a product of the Niger Delta struggle, was initiated as an interventionist agency to cater for the oil-bearing/impacted communities from age-long neglect. Though all members of the region contributed to the struggle, the Ijaw no doubt sacrificed and contributed the more in the struggle. Youth of the Ijaw laid down their lives in agitating for creation of the NDDC and were tagged all sorts of names in the process. We were called militants, trouble makers, armed robbers, barbarians, kidnappers and all sorts, but today, forces that are against the progress of the Ijaw are gradually scheming to diminish and possibly erase us from reckoning. They want to prevent us from enjoying the dividends of the struggle. From the time of state creation, the Ijaw have always been at the receiving end and on the defensive because of our geographic location and the crude oil God blessed us with. We are balkanize in bits in almost all the states in the Niger Delta, and in all the states, we have been maliciously spread to make us minorities (except Bayelsa State), though we generate the highest revenue from our God-given crude. As minorities, we suffer oppression, have very weak political voice and space for survival. As a result, the 13% derivation accruing to the state treasury directly from our soil and waters is also used to develop other non-oil producing areas with heavy political power. We are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria with no strength and have been forced in the past to thread the path of violent agitation to get what is due to us or wait for the leftovers.  This injustice and blatant disregard for the legitimate rights of the Ijaw in Delta State is unacceptable and we will resist it with all the strength God has bestowed us.

We want to remind President Mohammadu Buhari and members of the National Assembly that the provisions of the NDDC Act had been followed judiciously by previous governments to the letter and the Ijaw in Delta State will resist any attempt by the present administration to subvert the NDDC Act so as to oppress our people and deprive us of our due position. For emphasis, we have taken time to explain the representation of Deltans on the NDDC board by their ethnicity, from inception to date. In the first NDDC board (2000 – 2004) that had Prof. V.F Peretomode (Ijaw) as the state rep, Godwin Omene (Urhobo) was the MD. Gowin Omene (Urhobo) was later replaced in 2002 with Emmanuel Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) in the first board. Emmanuel Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) was however, reappointed in the second board (2005 – 2008) as the MD while Chief Emmanuel Ogidi (Isoko) served as the state rep. Agwariavwodo (Urhobo) resigned to contest the Delta state gubernatorial election, and this made Timi Alaibe (Bayesla), the then EDFA to step in as the acting MD and Pastor P.Z Aginighan (Ijaw) the then Director of Finance and Supplies step in as acting EDFA respectively. In the third board (2009 – 2011), Chibuzor Ugwocha (Rivers) was the MD and Pastor P.Z Agnighan (Ijaw) was confirmed as substantive EDFA with Chief Solomon Ogba (Isoko) as the state rep. The board was sacked midway  into it's tenure and people from same state were appointed to continue the third board with same rotational arrangement from 2011 – 2012. In the reconstituted board, Konboye Lambert, an Ijaw, served as the EDFA, while Chief Solomon Ogba (Isoko) was retained as the state rep. In the fourth board (2013 – 2015), Tuoyo Omatsuli (Itsekiri) was the EDP while Chief Tom Amioku (Urhobo) was the state rep. The fourth board was reconstituted in 2015 and it had Samuel Adjogbe (Urhobo) as the EDP and Ogaga Ofowodo (Isoko) as the state rep. The fifth board which is this current nomination that the Ijaws in Delta state are rejecting in its entirety, has Prophet Jones Erue (Isoko) as the state rep and Bernard Okumagba (Urhobo) as the MD. From the foregoing, it is crystal clear that the Ijaw in Delta State have been undermined and are deliberately being schemed out of the NDDC equation. The Urhobos in Delta State have occupied executive positions four times and appointing another Urhobo man as the MD is the height of oppression and marginalization of the Ijaw. The MD position must come to the Ijaw in Delta State as it is our due turn in accordance with provisions of the NDDC Act of 2000 12 (1) which states that “There shall be for the Commission, a Managing Director, and two Executive Directors who shall be indigenes of oil producing areas starting with the member states of the Commission with the highest production quantum of oil and shall rotate amongst member states in the order of production”. After all, the Ijaws produce over 50% of the total oil and gas in Delta state.

We wish to reiterate with emphasis, that the NDDC Act had been religiously followed in constituting  previous boards until this ugly aberration by some ignoble politicians. It would interest you to note that a similar nomination blunder was committed during the setting up of the outgoing board in 2016. Nominees from Imo, Ondo and Abia states were rejected on the grounds that it contradicts the NDDC Act but President Mohammadu Buhari was quick to make amends, thus significantly maintaining the peace in the region and averting a calamitous security breach in the region.Mr. President nullified the earlier nominations and forwarded fresh nominees: Lucky Orimiso (Ondo), Chukwa Anwawa (Imo) and Nwogu Nwogu (Abia), to the National Assembly in March 2017 as “replacement of those that were rejected for not representing the oil producing areas of their respective states.”  We demand a reversal in this situation. We enjoin the government of the day as a matter of urgency to please present fresh nomination from the Delta Ijaw extraction for the position of the MD to ensure peace, fairness and equity is maintained in the region. Again, we seriously appeal to the Buhari administration to do diligent consultation as was the case before setting up previous boards, to keep the ethnic balance intact. It is of utmost importance that President Mohammadu Buhari and the National Assembly heed the voice of reason and not complicate our sufferings by deliberately sidelining and suffocating us in the scheme of things. A situation where one major player is deliberately trampled on and sidelined when it is time for them to enjoy a legitimate right,  will surely breed bad blood amongst us.

Enough is enough.

Signed:

Chief Ebipade Gbegha
(Chairman)

Mr.Ogbein Zidideke
(Secretary)

NDDC: Right Group Wants North And West Reps Removed From NDDC Board-Comr Oyinbi Onduku

NDDC: Right Group Wants North And West Reps Removed From NDDC Board-Comr Oyinbi Onduku

By Binebai Princewill

A human right group, known as Concerned Citizens For Izon-ebe Development (CCFID) has called for the amendment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) act to exclude Northern and Western representatives in the membership of the board.

The group in a Press Statement signed by its National President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku and made available to newsmen described the Inclusion of Northern and Western Reps in the board of NDDC as a deliberate oppression of minority ethnic groups by the majority ethnic groups in Nigeria.

According to Onduku, the inclusion of Northerner and Westerner reps in a commission specifically established for the development of a particular region due to marginalization, simply signifies a deliberate oppression and injustice against the Niger Delta people by the Hausa-Fulanis and the Yoruba’s.

He argued that there is no bases for the inclusion of Northerner and Westerner who have nothing to do with Niger Delta development affairs into its board, alleging that such perceived injustice was made possible because the Hausa’s and Yoruba’s are the majority ethnic groups in the National Assembly.

He went further to query whose interest the Hausa and Yoruba man is protecting in NDDC, saying that it is a misplaced priority, waste of Niger Delta Peoples resources and oppression of the minority ethnic group in the highest order. ”

Onduku, noted that at any time in a government where injustice becomes law, the people have a duty to resist that government, he has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly to as a matter of urgency, review the NDDC establishment Act in order to ensure peace, fairness and justice in Nigeria.

”We therefore, call on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Senate President, Sen.Ahmed Lawal and the Speaker House of Reps, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to as a matter of urgency, and for the interest of peace to reign in the Niger Delta region, to quickly review the Act to remove the clause of Northerners and Westerners representatives in the board of NDDC, ” they added .