IPDI Condemns Burning Down Of Etekele Ijaw Community By Itsekiri Youths, Demands Immediate Arrest Of Perpetrators For Peace To Reign

IPDI Condemns Burning Down Of Etekele Ijaw Community By Itsekiri Youths, Demands Immediate Arrest Of Perpetrators For Peace To Reign

.....Calls For The Release Of Two Ijaws Unlawfully Detained In Force Headquarters, Asaba


Our attention has been drawn to an incessant, barbaric and unlawful Invasion and burning down of Etekele community by a group of Itsekiri youths from Warri. It is our demand that those Itsekiris who attacked and set ablaze Etekele community be arrested and made to face the music of the law to avoid the Ijaws seeing what is happening has another face of ethnic war which we are not praying for.

It is also our demand that the unlawfully detained two Ijaws in the force headquarters at Asaba be released without further delay. Those Ijaws who are unlawfully detained are innocent. They are good Samaritans who went to A_division Warri to incident the uproar in ETEKELE community.
Itsekiris who invaded the peaceful Ijaw Community should be arrested and detained in immediate effect.

We were briefed that Etekele community is an Ijaw community but currently occupied by Ijaws and few Uhrobos.
Their common occupation is fishing, fitching of wood, and ferrying of boat.

Our source told us that about some days ago, a woman went to Etekele with a big boat for ferry, the other ferry owners refused to allow her to use the boat, reason being that the size of the boat was overwhelming and it led to a dispute.

Suddenly, some Itsekiris who got the information about the minor dispute in the community invaded the community with speed boats and began to harassed and accussed them that they are trying to gang up to take over their land.

Besides, no land in ETEKELE community is own by any Itsekiri, including the bush they are cutting wood belongs to Etekele community and those who cut wood there pays rent to ETEKELE Community, according to our investigation.

The issue escalated and resulted to a full blown conflict between the Etekele community and the Itsekiris. During the conflict, Mr Victor OTATUWAWEI and other unarmed people ran away through the bush into another community and from there, they escaped to Warri.

Upon reaching WARRI, Information got to them that two persons have died in the conflict. The detained Victor OTATUWAWEI and  Omoko Festus decided to go to A-division to report the situation to the police.
Upon reaching A-Division, Victor and Festus were detained based on the fact that the Itsekiris had already informed the police on the matter.

The police ,without allowing them to contact anyone, they took them straight to Asaba for Homicide.
Effort to bail them has proved abortive as the police said it is working on instructions of Olu of Itsekiri, as he ordered that they should not be released.

We condemned the action of the Itsekiri Monarch, the issue is a commual, an Ijaw was killed and no Itsekiri has been arrested, instead of him to order for the arrest of other Itsekiris who fermented the trouble, he is giving frivilous order that the Ijaws who voluntarily visited the police station to inform the police over the incident should not be released. He is bias and such action is capable of causing another tribal war.

In a related development we were informed that there was another attack on the Etekele fishing camp on Yesterday 29th November, 2019, by the itsekiri youths led by one Pleasure Emiko where the village was burnt down. We are calling on the security agents and Delta State government to swing into action and fetch out the perpetrators as we viewed this unprovoked attacks as a declaration of war against Ijaws in WARRI. We are pushed to the wall. We will react if the Government fails to take appropriate action against the Itsekiri youths who are at large.

We demand that the police should tread with caution as their action could escalate the conflict.

It is our further request that the unlawfully arrested Ijaws be released without further delay to avoid other unfriendly reactions on the matter and the Police should carry out discrete investigation on the matter and bring the actual perpetrators to face the full weight of the law.

Signed

Comrade Emma Keneware, Acting Secretary, Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup, Ogidigben FC Trashes Okerenkoko 5-4 To Clinch Trophy, As Mulade Assures Best 25 Players To Be Featured In NPFL

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup, Ogidigben FC Trashes Okerenkoko 5-4 To Clinch Trophy, As Mulade Assures Best 25 Players To Be Featured In NPFL

Francis Tayor

Warri____ The 2019 second edition of Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity cup, also known as Comrade Sheriff Mulade Peace and Unity football tournament came to a spectacular end on the 29th November, 2019 at Benikrukru Community pitch with Ogidgben Fc beaten Okerenkoko Fc 6-5 to clinched the trophy.

The cultural like carnival  grand finale football tournament attracted great personalities both from ltsekiri and ljaw ethnic nationality, including the Prince of Niger Delta who is an oil magnate, Sir. Matthew Tonlagha, Hon. Taye Duke Tuoyo, Chairman Warri South-West LGA, Chief. Godspower Gbenekama, the Fiyeowei of Gbaramantu Kingdom, Hon. Seigha Porbeni who represented the Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Tony Okowa, the DPO Warri Area Commander, Mohammed Garba, traditional chiefs, Civil Society groups and other dignitaries too numerous to mentioned.

Adjudiabo Fc defeated Kunukunuma Fc 4-1 to emerged third position and go home with the sum of five hundred thousand naira. While Ogidigben Fc trashed Okerenkoko Fc 6-5 after a penalty shoot out to clinched the first position  with one million naira and other consolation prizes. Whereas, the second position goes to Okerenkoko Fc with the sum of seven hundred thousand naira cash gift respectively.

Speaking to the press shortly after the competition, the sponsor of the tournament, Comrade Mulade Sheriff congratulated the winners Ogidigbein, Okerenkoko and Ajudiabo. He thank God for a successful tournament, as well as charges those from the area to always turn up for such programme.

According to Mulade, " We are already working towards the 3rd edition that will comprises the ljaws, Itsekiri and Urhobo. I want to assure that, the 25 best players that will be selected from this 2nd edition are going to form a coastal team that will be featured in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). However, l called on NFA to look into the ljaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity football tournament beyond local competition and pick best players from the tournament to play in the Nigeria National team, Mulade stated."

On his part, the representative of the Chairman Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Seigha Porbeni hailed Mulade for organizing the Peace and Unity football tournament in uniting the ljaws and Itsekiris in Warri South-West. He assured Mulade of Delta State government readiness to partner with him in the 2020 3rd edition of the tournament, Porbeni concluded.

In his reaction, the Fiyeowei of Gbaramantu kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama  commended Mulade for his selfless services to humanity. He called on the Delta State government for the sustenance of the tournament in order to ensure lasting peace between the ljaws and ltsekiris in Warri South-West.

Also speaking at the occasion is the Warri Area Commander Nigeria Police Force, Mr. Garba Muhammed thank Amb. Mulade and charges him to keep the good work. He said with  programmes like this, there will be no room for hatred and plan to hurt your neighbour. He assures the organizer of the tournament of his readiness to be around in the forthcoming 2020 3rd edition.

Polobubo/Tsekelewu Youth Welfare Association Bloc To Inaugurates New Executives On 7th December, 2019

Polobubo/Tsekelewu Youth Welfare Association Bloc To Inaugurates New Executives On 7th December, 2019

Francis Tayor

Warri____ All is now set for the official inauguration/hand over of leadership ceremony to the newly elected executive members of Polobubo/Tsekelewu Youth Welfare Association (bloc) at Polobubo Community.

In a Press Release jointly signed by the outgoing President, Pst. Gabriel Ojiko, Secretary, Comrade Mackson Aboh and PRO, Mr. Festus Kin stated that, the handover ceremony will take place on the 7th of December, 2019 at Polobubo Town Hall in Warri North LGA, Delta State. The statement adds that, leaders, youths and the general public is hereby invited to come and grace the occasion.

According to the Press Release, read; " This is to inform the leaders, youths and the general public that there shall be official handover ceremony of the Polobubo/Tsekelewu Youth Welfare Association (bloc) that was led by Pst. Gabriel Ojiko, (outgoing President) and other members of the executive to the newly elected executive led by Comrade Paul Epumokumo Toruwei, the incoming President and other members of the  executive on Saturday 7th December, 2019 at Polobubo Town Hall Polobubo, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Hence, the general public is hereby invited to be in attendance. Thanks for your usual cooperation, the statement adds."

Signed :

Pastor Gabriel Ojiko,
Outgoing President

Comr. Mackson Aboh,
Outgoing Secretary General

Mr. Festus kin,
Outgoing PRO

Oromoni Condoles With Favour Izoukumor As He Lays To Final Rest Of His Late Father, Pa. Chief Tom Izoukumor

Oromoni Condoles With Favour Izoukumor As He Lays To Final Rest Of His Late Father, Pa. Chief Tom Izoukumor

Francis Tayor

Warri____ The Chairman Delta State Environmental Task Force, Evang. Sylvester Oromoni has consoled with the immediate past ljaw ethnic nationality Commissioner in the board of DESOPADEC, Chief. Favour Izoukumor over the demise and successful passage to eternal glory of his father, late Pa. Ogbeyerine Izoukumor.





Evang. Sylvester Oromoni condoled with the bereaved yesterday 29th November, 2019 at Ogbe-ljoh Town, during the final burial rites of late pa. Izoukumor. He noted that late pa. Izoukumor lived a well fulfilled life, stressing that papa leave a good legacy that is worth emulating. He charged Hon. Favour Izoukumor to take solace in the word of God, saying papa is sleeping in the Lord.

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Finals: Okowa, Otuaro, Oborevweri, Ereyitomi To Storm Gbaramatu Kingdom

Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup Finals: Okowa, Otuaro, Oborevweri, Ereyitomi To Storm Gbaramatu Kingdom

Francis Tayor

Warri____ Governor Ifeayi Okowa will on Friday, November 29, 2019 present the first Prize of the most popular Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup also known as Comrade Mulade Sheriff Peace and Unity Cup tournament.

He lauded Governor Okowa and affirmed that the cup presentation is in line with his slogan “Prosperity for all Deltans”

The Grand Finale will have Ogidigben FC clash with Okerenkoko FC and in the third Place, Kunukunuma FC will lock horns with Ajudiabo FC at Township Stadium on the 29th of November, 2019.

The final will be played at Benikrukru township field, Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA, Delta State.

The Ijaw/Itsekiri Unity Cup competition is the brain child of the Founder and National Coordinator of the foremost NGO, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade. The football initiative runs with his vision to develop a peaceful coexistence in the riverine Communities most especially in the Niger Delta of Nigeria.

Comrade Sheriff Mulade stated  that the drive is to use events like this to foster socio-economic and healthy development in communities, as well as peaceful co-existence among Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ilaje and Ijaw youths in riverine communities of Delta and Ondo states and their environs.

At a media parley in Warri, Delta State, the enigmatic Comrade Sheriff Mulade disclosed that Governor Okowa is expected to present the first Prize to the winner of the competition, while the Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori are to present trophies to the winners.

Speaking further with newsmen, he appealed for collaboration on this ever green initiative and further requested that all well meaning people across the state be a part of the important activities like the football tournament that will bring lasting solution to under development challenges in the area.

Release Fund For The Contractor Handling Ayakoromo Bridge Project For Speedy Completion, Ijaw Group Appeals To Governor Okowa Of Delta State

 Release Fund For The Contractor Handling Ayakoromo Bridge Project For Speedy Completion, Ijaw Group  Appeals To  Governor Okowa Of Delta State 

Francis Tayor

Burutu______ A group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens For Izon-Ebe Development (CCFID), has raised alarm over the epileptic state of Ayakoromo bridge project due to paucity of funds, stressing that Governor Okowa should show some level of commitment by releasing money for the contractor to complete the bridge for Ayakoromo people.

The group blow the alarm  at Ayakoromo yesterday 26th November, 2019 during unscheduled visit at the project site, expressed disappointment on Delta State government, over non payment of the contractor, Zerock Construction Nig.Ltd, in the past six months.

In his reaction, the National President of the group, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku lamented that, despite the support and votes of Ward 7 Ayakoromo people for the reelection of Gov.  Okowa, unfortunately the PDP led Delta State government does not show seriousness and the political will to complete Ayakoromo bridge for the people.

According to Onduku said; " Ayakoromo bridge was awarded in 2013 by the immediate past governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan. But unfortunately the project has suffered some level of set back due to lack of Political Will and financial commitment by the present Okowa led government. It will interest the public to note that, for over six months, the governor has not release money for the contractor to work. Delta State government should tell us why he refuses to pay the contractor ? We expect that, by 2021, Ayakoromo bridge should be ready for commission. "

" We are appealing to the SMART Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to show some level of commitment by releasing fund for the contractor, so as to enable him complete the bridge project before 2021.

It will also interest us to note that, the bridge when completed, will open up rural communities, as well as  connect road network to Okrika, Furukama, Ezebiri, Gekebor, Obotebe, Burutu, Odimodi, Ogulagha and other neighbouring riverine communities both in Ughelli South, Bomadi and Warri South-West local government areas, the group stated."

The Office Of SSA On Security To Delta State Government Partners With DBS Warri In The Fight Against Crime ln Warri And Its Environ

The Office Of SSA On Security To Delta State Government Partners With DBS Warri In The Fight Against Crime ln Warri And Its Environ

Francis Tayor

Warri____ ln his effort to foster peace in Warri and its environ, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Delta State on Security Matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel today visited the Acting General Manager (AGM) of Delta Broadcasting Service DBS, Warri in order to partner with the station to campaign against criminality in our communities.

The visit was to reach on mutual understanding between the office of SSA on Security Matters and DBS Warri, so as to come up with programs that will enable us talk to our youths against cultism, internet fraud, yahoo businesses and other social vices in the society.

According to the SSA said;" Without the support of the mass media, the campaign against crime in the grassroot cannot be achieved. Hence, l have come to partner with DBS Warri, in order to preach the message of peace across to our youths."

" l want to thank and commend the management and staff of DBS Warri for your good works. Especially the massive renovation works in the station, thereby given a new look to the premises. I also commend the quality production of programs, as well as the display of professionalism by the staff of DBS, Warri. The essence of my visit is to urge you to come up with advocacy campaign program, whereby my office can reach out to the youths in a regular basis. We all know the power of the Mass Media, without the support of the media, no matter your idea, we cannot achieve the desired result.

Therefore, l have come to partner with your station, so that my office will be able to reach out to our people, especially the youths in the grassroot on the dangers surrounding criminality, he added."

In his reaction, the AGM DBS Warri, Mr .Malcom Oteri commended the effort of SSA for his good works so far. " I thank the Governor of Delta State, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for bringing young intellectuals like you into the system. We are happy to hear your commendation about the good works of our station. That will spur us to do more for our esteem viewers. As per the advocate program you said, our station have already introduced a program called 'Crime Monitor'. The program is aired both on radio and TV. We are ready to partner with you if only your office can support us financially to get the necessary logistics that we need to train our staff for the assignment. We only need your office collaboration to make this laudable programs come to through, Pst. Oteri stated."

However, the SSA equally met with Comrade Jude Ukori, the Chairman Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation  in his office along airport road, Warri. The visit was to synergize with him and the interventionist agency, in the area of empowerment for our teeming youths.

David Lyon Extends Hand Of Fellowship To Co-Contestants, Reveals What He Will Do With Bayelsa Money

David Lyon Extends Hand Of Fellowship To Co-Contestants, Reveals What He Will Do With Bayelsa Money

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa____ The Bayelsa State Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon, has revealed what he would do with the state’s money.

Lyon said that the Certificate of Return he received from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was a social contract between him and the people of Bayelsa State.
Lyon spoke when he received the certificate from INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Bayelsa, Edo and Rivers states, Mrs. May Agbamuche.
He vowed never to disappoint the people of the state, adding that the state’s money does not belong to him or his deputy.

He also extend a hand of fellowship to the other governorship candidates in the last election, adding that there is no winner or loser.
Lyon reiterated that he would treat the state revenue as the people’s money meant for development.

He said, “The Bayelsa money is not my money. The Bayelsa money doesn’t belong to my deputy. It is the people’s money and we will use it judiciously to develop Bayelsa State. I, David Lyon, is signing a contract with the people of Bayelsa to bring peace to our state so that development will come to Bayelsa.”

He called on other contestants including the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri, to work with him for the development of Bayelsa.
He continued, “I extend my greetings to the good people of Bayelsa, who went out with pains to decide the next government with their votes. They exercised their rights in the most peaceful election so far recorded in the history of Bayelsa.

“I assure you that David Lyon, his team and the APC will not disappoint Bayelsans. In an election, we always have many contestants especially in the one that we have just concluded in Bayelsa. Today by the will of God, I have emerged the winner. But that doesn’t mean that others, who contested with me are losers.

“They are also winners like me. There is no looser. This is the time for us to come together to develop Bayelsa. We have lost a lot. We have missed a lot. Let us come together to develop this our great state. I commend the Independent National Electoral Commission for doing a great job.

“I also commend security agencies for doing a good job. This is the first in the history of Bayelsa politics that the election is peaceful. Like the local government I come from, when the foreign observers came, they were asking that Southern Ijaw is usually violent during elections. But I told them that I was praying to God to make this election peaceful in Southern Ijaw.

“By the grace of God, it was so clear that Southern Ijaw and the entire state was peaceful. Today I greet the great women, men, youths and traditional rulers in Bayelsa. This is not about David Lyon. It is about the people of Bayelsa State. We assure you that in this our incoming administration, security, development is key.”

Bomadi Rights Group Calls On EFCC, ICPC To Prob Lawmakers Over Embezzlement Of Constituency Project Funds

Bomadi Rights Group Calls On EFCC, ICPC To Prob Lawmakers Over Embezzlement Of Constituency Project Funds

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A human rights group under the auspices of Citizens Right Advocacy Group (CRAD) has called on the federal government, especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission EFCC, as well as the Independent and Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC, to as a matter of urgency investigate and bring to book Lawmakers, especially those from Bomadi Federal Constituency to give account of the numerous constituency project funds allocated for the development of the region in the past twenty years.

Speaking to newsmen during the weekend at Bomadi, the National Coordinator of the group, Fun-ororo Narebor (Esq.), lamented that since the inception of Democracy in Nigeria, the people of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State have not benefited in terms commensurate with the huge sums appropriated for Federal Constituency projects. He noted that, projects executed with funds appropriated for  Bomadi Federal Constituency can hardly be felt in Bomadi Council.

In his words, Funororo Narebor Esq. said;  "Since the inception of constituency project in Nigeria there have been misconceptions, misinterpretations and judgement of the constituency project administration. From investigation and research, it is obvious that constituency project from the constitutional dimension is the obligation of the executive branch of government.

The money allocated for constituency projects are not given in the hands of the legislative members. They are with ministries or MDAs related to the project to be executed which are proposed and designed by the legislators. There is now an assumed conspiracy between the ministries and the legislators.

It is of course true that constituency funds in the past years was appropriated for constituency projects but the impact on the constituent can hardly be seen. We want to equivocally say without fear or favour that the people of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta state have not benefitted in terms commensurate with the huge sums appropriated for constituency projects since inception.

What our legislators normally do is to choose what they call empowerment programmes instead of constituency projects because it will be difficult to track the sum budgeted for it. They will bring few tricycles popularly know as "Keke" and share amongst their relatives, friends and close associates. In some cases, they will write names of people as beneficiaries and sign for them. Empowerment items are sometimes slashed away by sponsors and not distributed till next budget cycle while in some cases,some items are re-budgeted and duplicated.

We are therefore calling on the Federal Government and ICPC to beam their investigative searchlight on Delta state and particularly Bomadi Local Government Area to fish out those culpable and ensure they are punished according to the law, the statement adds."

IYC President, Barr Oweilaemi Pereotubo Calls For Unity Government In Bayelsa, Urges David Lyon To Commence Reconciliation Process

IYC President, Barr Oweilaemi Pereotubo Calls For Unity Government In Bayelsa, Urges David Lyon To Commence Reconciliation Process

Yenagoa______ The President of ljaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide, Oweilaemi Pereotubo (Esq.) has called on the Governor elect of Bayelsa State, Chief  David Lyon to form a unity government, stressing that as the leader of all Bayelsans and by extension ljaw nation, he should carry everybody along beyond political party.

Barr Oweilaemi made the call in a Press Release dated 24th November, 2019 stated that, David Lyon should compose his cabinet without border, so as to accommodate the best brains for effective performance, as well as to ensure speedy development in the state. He noted that the incoming Governor should have a polarisation and the leadership melees in both INC and IYC in mind and thereby take a non-partisan step to resolve all pending issues.

According to the Press Release, read :" As the Bayelsa guber election is over and winner emerged, IYC is reiterating its earlier call for a unity government. The incoming APC government should compose its government without boarder. That we mean, the opposition parties should also be incorporated in the incoming Bayelsa State executive committee.
The Governor-elect, His Excellency, Chief David Lyon should also commence the process of reconciliation immediately to ensure that Bayelsa State is peaceful. Peace in Bayelsa State means peace in Ijaw land. The Governor should strive to reconcile with all aggrieved persons for peace and development of the State and the Ijaw nation.

The Governor by his position is the leader of all Bayelsans and by extension the Ijaw nation. He should therefore carry everybody along notwithstanding the political leanings. For sometimes now the Ijaw nation is missing in action in the liberation struggle due to the fact that our foremost socio-cultural organisations are engulfed in leadership crisis.
The incoming Governor should have the polarisations and the leadership melees in both INC and IYC in mind and thereby take a non-partisan step to resolve all pending issues. The Ijaw nation needs to move and now is the time."

Signed:
Pereotubo Oweilaemi, Esq., President, IYC worldwide.

Appointment: Burutu Legislative Leader, Hon Alubeze Congratulates Barr. Isa Clark On His Appointment As SSA On Community Development, Salutes Gov. Okowa

Appointment: Burutu Legislative Leader, Hon Alubeze Congratulates  Barr. Isa Clark On His Appointment As SSA On Community Development, Salutes Gov. Okowa

Warri___ The Leader of Burutu Legislative Arm, Rt Hon Joseph Asiaye Alubeze has congratulated the Leader of Ward 8 PDP, Burutu LGA, Barr Alh Isa Clark on his appointment as SSA Community Development to the Delta State Governor. Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

Alubeze in a goodwill message described Barr Isa Clark as a seasoned technocrat cum politician with enviable credentials; stating that the appointment is an opportunity for him to employ his know-how and experience in the public sector towards achieving the stronger Delta mantra of the Governor Okowa's administration.

The Leader also appreciated Gov Okowa for being a forthright and visionary leader who timely reward hard work, loyalty and strength of character; adding that it takes good conscience, equity and the fear of God, to do that which is right for the people.

Alubeze further urged the former Governing Council Chairman, Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESSOMATECH) Burutu. to continue to use his good office to affect lives positively and prayed God for wisdom to pilot the affairs of his new office to greater heights.

Ayakoromo Group Congratulates Kofee Amassuomo On Appointment As SSA To Delta State Governor On Investment, Commends Gov. Okowa For A Job Well Done

Ayakoromo Group Congratulates Kofee Amassuomo On  Appointment As SSA To Delta State Governor On Investment, Commends Gov. Okowa For A Job Well Done

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens For Izonebe Development (CCFID) has congratulated one of their own, Hon Kofee Ebisine Amassuomo on his appointment as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Investment to the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

The group in a Press Statement released today 22nd November, 2019 and jointly signed by its President, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku and Secretary, Comrade Preye Ekpegha, noted that Hon Kofee appointment is well deserved and long awaited, saying he had served and worked faithfully for the PDP family in Burutu and Delta State at large.

The group went further to thank and commend His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in finding their illustrious son worthy for appointment, stressing that Ward 7 Ayakoromo people in Burutu Local Government Area will continue to maintain peace and support his prosperity agenda for all Deltans.

However, they pray God to give Hon. Kofee Amassuomo the needed strength, wisdom and understanding to pilot the affairs of his new responsibility to serve the Governor of Delta State in particular, as well as the good people of Delta in general. Once again, congratulations, the statement adds.

Bayelsa Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon, Others Receives Certificate of Return From INEC

Bayelsa Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon, Others Receives Certificate of Return From INEC

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa___ The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented a Certificate of Return to the Bayelsa State Governor-Elect, Chief David Lyon.

Lyon of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated 44 candidates, including his fiercest contender, the Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Douye Diri, to win a keenly contested election.

The commission also presented a Certificate of Return to a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Brass Constituency 1, Charles Daniel, whose supplementary election was concluded on November 16.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Pastor Monday Udoh, in his welcome address, said the election conducted by INEC was adjudged right in the eyes of the world.
He said the process, which started in May 2019, came with a lot of apprehension following fears of violence hinged on the outcome of previous elections in the state that were marred by violence and killings.
But he noted that through various engagements with stakeholders, civil society groups, alternative dispute mechanism and security agencies, the election was free, fair and credible.
He said despite pockets of skirmishes in some areas, no life was lost in the election.

Nigeria Maritime university, Okerenkoko Has Being In Existence Since 2017, Not A Proposed Institution, IYC President Oweilaemi Tells House Of Reps Committee

Nigeria Maritime university, Okerenkoko Has Being In Existence Since 2017, Not A Proposed Institution, IYC President Oweilaemi Tells House Of Reps Committee

Francis Tayor


The President of ljaw Youth Council IYC Worldwide, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo has challenged the statement accredited to the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, where it made reference to the Maritime University, Okerenkoko as a " Proposed University ", noting that the Maritime University, Okerenkoko has being in existence since 2017 and not a proposed institution as alleged by the House of Reps.

Barr Oweilaemi made the statement in a Press Release dated 20th November, 2019 stated that, the promptly respond is to correct the misconception being bandied by either the House Committee or the media reporters. He stressed that Maritime University, Okerenkoko has matriculated students in two consecutive academic sessions, while students are already going to 300 level in the next academic session which will commence in December this year.

According to the Press Release, Oweilaemi said; " The attention of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), worldwide has been drawn to a statement accredited to the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration where it made reference to the Maritime University, Okerenkoko as "Proposed University". We do not want to believe that the media reports of the said House of Reps Committee represented the true position of the Committee, we wish to promptly respond to correct the misconceptions being bandied by either Committee or the media reporters.

The Maritime University, Okerenkoko is a going concern as the School has being in existence since 2017. The Institution has matriculated students in two consecutive academic sessions, while students are already going to 300 level in the next academic session which will commence in December this year.

The University has hosted the Vice President of this Country, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo twice. It has also hosted officials of the prestigious Caribbean Maritime University, Jamaica. It must be noted also that students of the Institution are currently undergoing Internship and Industrial Training programmes across the Country. Why such an institution be referred as a proposed university? What the House Committee needs to know is that the School has been duly accredited by NUC and all other regulatory institutions including UTME with several of the government's agencies have visited it to inspect and confirm the facilities on ground.

On the report by the Committee that no structure is on ground to account for the money NIMASA has spent on the School. While we do want to impeach on how money appropriated to the University is spent as that will be the responsibility of relevant government's agencies, our concern is the impression wrongly created that no structure is on ground.

For what is so glaring to the world, the School has state of the art facilities at its temporary site, kurutie in the Gbaramatu Kingdom. The House Committee should come clearer if they are referring to the permanent site at Okerenkoko?

Just as academic activities are busy going on at the temporary site, various intervention agencies have also executed different kinds of projects for the School such as: concrete pavement walkway, landing jetty, staffs and students utility boats, etc.

Though we are not trying to usurp the functions of the House, we appeal that funds appropriated to the Maritime University, Okerenkoko should not be unduly withheld. The School is in dare need of funding as its sources of finance are not sufficient for its optimum performance.

The House Committee should use this medium to prevail on the executive arm to immediately commence the construction of buildings at the permanent site, Okerenkoko. Already the School has admitted thousands of students from over 25 States of the Federation. There is an urgent need for academic activities to take place at the permanent site in order for the institution to admit more deserving Nigerians who want to acquire knowledge in maritime activities, the statement added."

Signed:
Pereotubo Oweilaemi, (Esq), President, IYC Worldwide.

Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDl Congratulates Lyon As Bayelsa Gov-Elect, Says APC Victory At The Poll Shows Dickson Has Failed Ijaw Nation

Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDl Congratulates Lyon As Bayelsa Gov-Elect, Says APC Victory At The Poll Shows Dickson Has Failed Ijaw Nation

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa___ The leadership of Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI has congratulated Mr. David Lyon as governor-elect in Bayelsa State.

The group said that APC victoy at the just concluded Bayelsa gubernatorial election was a clear evidence that the incumbent Governor of the State, Hon Seriake Dickson has failed Ijaw nation.

Speaking to newsmen at Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital, the national president of the group, Comrade Ozobo Austin, said APC won with a revolutional votes as Bayelsa was a strong PDP state.

The activist added that his group was exonerated by APC victory, as all efforts of the group to call Governor Seriake Dickson to order from his tyrannical rule failed.
"IPDI knew that this will happen, hence we mounted pressure on Dickson to make amends but he ignored, today we are been exonerated" Ozobo stated."

The group urged David Lyon to run all-inclusive and open-door policy, and that he should learn from the mistakes of his fallen predecessor to make Bayelsa great.