One Year After Diebiri Fall Out On DESOPADEC Commissioner Slot, Comr. Esegha Calls On ljaw Leaders To Promote lnclusive Agenda

One Year After Diebiri Fall Out On DESOPADEC Commissioner Slot, Comr. Esegha Calls On ljaw Leaders To Promote lnclusive Agenda

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ ln what it describes as political marginalization against the people of Diebiri Clan, the Ward one Youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, Comrade Esegha Morris Werinina has called on Delta ljaw political leaders to protect the general interest of all ljaws in the state in terms of distribution of political appointments, as well as other social economic benefits rather than been selfish.

Comrade Esegha made the call in Warri on Thursday noted that the reason for inclusive agenda is to create sense of belonging to all ljaws in the state despite the size of such community or Clan. He stressed that when the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed to everybody, there will be Peace and harmony among its citizens.

According to Esegha, said: " Today is exactly one year after Diebiri miss out on DESOPADEC Commissioner. Am calling on our Delta ljaw political leaders to promote and protect collective IJAW AGENDA that will incorporate all Ijaw interest rather than been selfish. That is, fair sharing of political and social economic benefits to all that is involved. There is no Ijaw clan or community that is more important than the other. Let us be our brothers keeper if truly we are one."

" The differents clans that make up Ijaw NATION are parts that sum up to a whole, and that there is need to strengthen every parts to make the whole a very strong deviod of external aggression. I therefore, urged ljaw leaders to exhibit the principle of fair play and equitable distribution of political, social economic benefits in such a way that will not generate hatred among ourselves as brothers, the statement adds.''

DTHA Passes Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill lnto Law

DTHA Passes Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill lnto Law

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ A Bill for a law to establish the Delta State Community Security Corps Agency 2020 has been read the third time and passed by the State House of Assembly.

The third reading of the bill was sequel to a motion to that effect by by the Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere and adopted at Wednesday’s plenary of the house, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori.

The State legislature had at the Committee of Whole considered the report of the joint House Committees on Special Bills and Security Matters which had early scrutinized the bill.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who commended members for painstakingly working on the proposed law, said the thirty eight clause bill will help promote peace, security and good governance in the state.

The Delta State Community Security Corps Agency Bill which was forwarded to the Delta State House of Assembly two weeks ago by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, is aimed to establish a community based security outfit to assist in maintaining law and order in the state

The Majority Leader and Chairman, House Committee on Information, Hon Tim Owhefere told newsmen after the passage of the bill that the problem of insecurity in the country is increasing by the day, and that any effort geared towards checking it must be supported by all critical stakeholders.

Hon Owhefere explained that the community based security agency will assist the Nigeria Police Force in policing the state, maintaining that the new security outfit will help in information and intelligence gathering which are necessary tools to curbing the rising cases of insecurity in the state.

The Majority Leader emphasized that insecurity has taken over the daily lives of the people, stating that the establishment of the State Community Security Corps Agency would help address the ugly development that had made life unbelievable in the state

Just-ln: Ondo 2020, Barr. Jegede Wins PDP Primaries, Polls 888 Votes

Just-ln: Ondo 2020, Barr. Jegede Wins PDP Primaries, Polls 888 Votes

I. K. Kpiliboh

Akure_____ Hon. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) has emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the Ondo State governorship election.

He won the primary election just concluded in Akure, Ondo State capital.

Barrister. Eyitayo Jegede scored 888 votes to defeat Ondo State Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi, who polled 657 votes and other six aspirants during primaries held at Dome International Event Centre, Akure.

Eddy Olafeso -175
Agbola Ajayi – 657
Okunomo Banji – 90
Sola Ebiseni – 29
Boluwaji Kunlere – 33
Erewa- 14
Ayorinde – 95
Eyitayo Jegede -1032

IYC Convention: My Administration Is More Committed On Developmental lssues That Affects ljaw Nation Rather Than Interfere On IYC Election, Gov. Douye Diri Tells ljaw Nation

IYC Convention: My Administration Is More Committed On Developmental lssues That Affects ljaw Nation Rather Than Interfere On IYC Election, Gov. Douye Diri Tells ljaw Nation

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa_____ The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen Douye Diri said he decided to distance himself from the just concluded Ijaw Youth Council election because his administration was more concerned about de-politicising the umbrella bodies that represent the Ijaw nation, particularly the IYC and the Ijaw National Congress (INC).

He spoke on Tuesday at the Government House in Yenagoa when former INC and IYC leaders visited him to introduce the newly elected IYC National President, Conrade Dcn. Peter Timothy Igbifa.

The election held in Oporoza, Delta State, was described as free and credible without any interference from the Bayelsa governor, whose state is regarded as the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation.

He noted that his decision was hinged on his administration's deliberate principle of non-alignment and non-interference in the organisations and organs of Ijaw unity and development.

Senator Diri emphasised that having played key roles in the history and progress of the INC, he was not ready to midwife a repeat of what had divided the Ijaw people in the past.

He said soon his government would convene an all-Ijaw leadership summit.
His words: “What this administration is doing is to depoliticise the Ijaw Youth Council and the Ijaw National Congress. That is the only way we can move forward in the environment that we find ourselves in the current Nigerian state.

“We cannot afford to have an acrimonious IYC. We cannot afford to continue to have a divided, factionalised and acrimonious INC. Therefore, this is the beginning of the depoliticisation of our supra-Ijaw organisations.

“This brings me to the current factionalised and fractionalised INC. Let me state that this government, which is the government of the Ijaw people, is thinking and planning an all-Ijaw leadership summit.”

The governor said he looks forward to an INC that is as vibrant as it was in the days of Chief Joshua Fumudoh, who led the delegation, and when the Ijaws spoke with one voice and was a force to reckon with in Nigeria and globally.

“That was when the world began to realise that the Ijaw nation was not only limited to the old Rivers State but that we were also in five other states.

“We want that old time religion to come back. That is why this administration will not interfere but rather assist in forging the unity of the Ijaw people and bring about the much needed development. We can only develop if we are united.” While congratulating the new IYC President, the governor urged him to build it to an enviable height and not assume the role of a strong man.

 According to him, “strong men don’t last but strong institutions do.”
Earlier, the pioneer INC President, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, said the just concluded IYC election was the most free and most credible election of the organisation witnessed in recent years.

Fumudoh noted that the desire to have an inclusive IYC across the Ijaw clans saw the emergence of Comrade Igbifa from Akaba in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State as president.
He commended Senator Diri and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ehwrujakpo, for their neutrality in the election.
The delegation had past IYC presidents, including Mujaheed Dokubo-Asari, Oyinfie Jonjon and Dr. Chris Ekiyor among others.

NDDC Gate: Egbesu Brotherhood Issues Two Weeks Ultimatum To IMC, National Assembly To Unfold Those involves In Financial Embezzlement

NDDC Gate: Egbesu Brotherhood Issues Two Weeks Ultimatum To IMC, National Assembly To Unfold Those involves In Financial Embezzlement

Francis Tayor

Warri_______ The Egbesu Brotherhood of Nigeria has issued a two weeks ultimatum to the NDDC Interim Management Committee (lMC) and the National Assembly House Committee on the commission to as a matter of urgency and for the interest of Niger Delta people to make public all those involved in the NDDC funds embezzlement saga.

The organization aslo threatens to use any means under the ambience of the law to tackled National Assembly as well as the NDDC IMC in order to get to the root of the matter, stressing that they will apply all necessary means to fight for the rights of the hopeless and downtrodden in the Niger Delta.

In a eight (8) point communique issued on Tuesday in Warri after emergency meeting, the Deputy Coordinator of Egbesu Brotherhood, Ellington Bakumor said NDDC is a creation of the federation in attestation of the deprivation of our people even as the Goose that lays the Golden egg.

According to the statement, said: "On the emergency convergence of the leadership and stakeholders of Egbesu brotherhood on the embarrassing turn out of events at the National Assembly on the NDDC probe, the following positions were taken after critical examination and evaluation of the effects of the continuous fraud carried out against the Niger Delta People and the impunity in which such matters are swept under the carpet.

1 That the  Egbesu Brotherhood is not a pacifist religious practice that requires us to kowtow in the face of injustice but to rise to the occasion to defend the wealth and heritage of our people the Ijaw people and the Niger Delta people in general when necessary .

2 We have been too quiet on the happenings that are clearly a sign of greater impunity to befall our people, if we do not act as fast as we will now, even as we also call on IYC and all stake holders in the region to rise to the occasion and save the Nddc and Amnesty Office from rots and corrupt people , and that the silence of the self styled NDA who claim to be fighting for the interest of the Common man of the niger delta is becoming a mirage

3 .That the NDDC is a creation of the federation in attestation of the deprivation of our people even as the Goose that lays the Golden egg.

4 .That we support the On going Probe by the National Assembly to audit to the extent that the list of every company or individual that has taken part in the mismanagement and merciless looting of our collective wealth should be published irrespective of the owners profile.

5 .That we are embarrassed by the wickedness of our own Niger delta leaders like Akpabio, hence we support the probe of the national assembly on the Interim Management Committee and any fraud related activities within the NDDC.

6 .That we will resist any form of arm twisting Or blackmail that will result to the end of the national assembly probe, as it is the collective destiny of our people that is being carted away through fraud and financial misappropriations.

7 .That we are giving two weeks to the Interim management committee and national assembly probe panel to conclude the investigation and show Niger Delta people and indeed Nigerians those entities involved in the day light robbery of our people.

8 .That at the end of this ultimatum we will loose confidence in the process of the National Assembly and then re-express our right has divinely given to fight for the hopeless and downtrodden of the niger delta within the ambience of the law of the land, the statement adds."

Signed
Ellington Bakumor
Deputy Cordinator
Egbesu Brotherhood

Breaking: PDP Caucus In National Assembly Threatens To Begin Impeachment Process Against President Buhari Over insecurity And Corruption

Breaking: PDP Caucus In National Assembly Threatens To Begin Impeachment Process Against President Buhari Over insecurity And Corruption

Francis Tayor

Abuja______ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus in the House of Representatives has said it will commence impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari if the “calculated blackmail” against the National Assembly and insecurity in the country is not checked.

The caucus, in a statement issued on Monday by its leader, Kingsley Chinda, gave a four-week ultimatum to the Executive “to provide security to Nigerians and commence proper cleaning of the embarrassing and notorious corruption cases (EFCC and NDDC).”

It said if not, “we shall revert to the relevant sections of the constitution and commence impeachment proceedings in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.”

To impeach a sitting president will require the assent of two-thirds majority of each House of the National Assembly. Both Houses have 469 combined lawmakers.

The National Assembly website shows that the PDP is in the minority in both Houses with 174 lawmakers (House, 134; Senate, 40), while the APC has 274 (House, 210; Senate, 64).

Nonetheless, the opposition caucus said it will instigate the impeachment process due to the “the behaviours of appointees of the Executive arm…. who continue to show disrespect for the constitution.”

“Recall three of several events of the past few weeks. On Thursday 16th July 2020, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour walked out on the House Committee on Diaspora unprovoked,” the statement read.

“Festus Keyamo, Minister of State for Labour, who appeared before the Joint Ad-Hoc Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity walked out on the Committee over disagreement that arose between him and the Committee on two specific questions.

“A few days ago, the Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Daniel Pondei, walked out on the Committee of the House of Representatives charged with the responsibility of investigating the financial scandal that has rocked the Commission. Again, regardless of his reasons, a walkout on the Parliament is inexcusable.”

Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa Expresses Gratitude To Gov. Diri, Okowa, Fumudoh, Tompolo, Kuku, Tuodolor, Asari, Oyinfie, Ekpebide, Opukeme, Opudu, Omare, Nengi, Others For Successful IYC Election

Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa Expresses Gratitude To Gov. Diri, Okowa, Fumudoh, Tompolo, Kuku, Tuodolor, Asari, Oyinfie, Ekpebide, Opukeme, Opudu, Omare, Nengi, Others For Successful IYC Election

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The ELECO Chairman of the just concluded 2020 Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) national election, Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa has expressed his heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to ljaw nation, especially the Executive governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, elder Joshua Fumudoh, HRM. Tom Ateke, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, Chief. Dan Ekpebide, Chief. Hendricks Opukeme, elder Eneyo Athanasius, Chief. Lucky Youbogha, Barr. Eric Omare, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, High Chief. Alabo Nengi James, Chief. Alali Horsefall, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Evang. Boro Opudu, Mike Wonibowei, Hon. Julius Pondi, Richman Ndakwe, Welman Warri among others for their support before, during and after the election.

Barr. Ajuwa made the statement in Warri on Tuesday, noted that he specially appreciates ljaw nation in finding him worthy to serve, thanking them for the maximum support given him and the ELECO team to deliver on the assignment reposed on them.

He also appreciates the Transition Implementation Committee led by Comrade Kenedy Olorogun, as well as the Chapters and Clans Chairmen for their cooperation.

It would be recalled that the entire ljaw youths across the nation and abroad converged to Oporoza last week end to elect a new President and other executive members to pilot the affairs of Council in the next three years. The elections was held on the 18th/19th July, 2020 at Oporoza Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Barr. Ajuwa further thank the delegates, aspirants, observers, agents and elders in Council for their cooperation, as well as understanding to ensure peaceful conduct during and after the election. He extends the appreciation to the gentle men of the Press, Oporoza Community and the ELECO team for their sleepless day and night in order to ensure the election exercise was free, fair, transparent and credible, the statement adds.

Just-ln: NDDC MD, Prof. Pondei Collapses During House Of Reps Hearing

Just-ln: NDDC MD, Prof. Pondei Collapses During House Of Reps Hearing


Abuja_____ The acting Managing Director of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, on Monday, collapsed at the ongoing investigative hearing by the House of Representatives.

The MD reportedly slumped at the House Committee on NDDC hearing on the alleged financial scandal rocking the interventionist agency.

He was about 45 minutes into the grilling when he collapsed before the committee probe the IMC for multi billion naira scandal.

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Pondei was being questioned to account for the funds when he suddenly rested his head and subsequently collapsed.

Immediately after he collapsed, the acting Director of Project of the commission, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh rushed to revive him before he was rushed to hospital.

Chief Mulade Congratulates IYC New Exco, Charges them to be Proactive, Selfless Leaders

Chief Mulade Congratulates IYC New Exco, Charges them to be Proactive, Selfless Leaders

The Ibe-sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff has congratulated the newly elected Ijaw Youth Council, IYC for a successful and transparent election. He charged the newly elected executives led by *Comrade Dcn Peter Timothy Igbifa* as the Eighth (8th) President not to be influenced by pride and sycophants, but to be proactive and selfless.

Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday 19th July, 2020 on the just concluded IYC election, Chief Mulade, the National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, said the peaceful conduct of the election showed that Gbaramatu Kingdom is the home of peace in the Niger Delta Region, especially with the presence of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo.

He strongly advised the Comrade Peter Timothy Igbifa led Executive not to be carried away by the euphoria of their posts like their predecessors, charging them to shun all forms of sychophancy, pride and the spirit to amass financial wealth, to enable them fight selflessly for the growth and development of Ijaw youths, Ijaw Nation, as well as the entire Niger Delta Region.

He noted that the vision of the founding fathers of the Council, which was premised on the Kaiama Declaration, was to have a formidable, reliable and purposeful youth leadership that would pilot the affairs of Ijaw Youths towards peacefully demanding for development in areas such as education, environmental justice, employment and political emancipation of Ijaw Nation.

Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade, also urged the newly elected IYC to be peaceful in their approach to issues and always have listening ears to genuine advice and suggestions from elders of Ijaw Nation, as well as from past IYC presidents, leaders, other stakeholders and extend hands of fellowship to all aggrieved parties for us to have a stronger body in the Niger Delta.

Speaking on how proactive they should be and the specific areas of focus for the executive, Chief Sheriff Mulade advised them to be proactive in all issues bordering on youth matters, oppression, subversion of justice and fundamental human rights, environmental pollution by companies operating in Ijaw land and the Niger Delta at large in conjunction with other structures and authorities, manage such issues and initiate realistic, positive life changing programmes for youths in the Niger Delta Region, without recourse to violence.

Giving his support to the newly elected executives of Ijaw Youth Council, he said his office is open to them at all times, and that he is fully ready to provide assistance and give them the required advice to pilot the affairs of IYC to greater heights.

Meanwhile, Chief Sheriff Mulade appreciated the IYC ELECO led by Barr Bekeowei Ajuwa for the transparent and peaceful conduct of the elections. He also appreciated the youths of Gbaramatu Kingdom for the enabling environment they created to achieve this great feat for the IYC.

The election of the newly elected executive of Ijaw Youth Council IYC was attended by youths in their numbers from different walks of life across Ijaw kingdoms and Nigeria at large in support of candidates vying for the various positions. The election was also well attended by delegates from all Ijaw kingdoms including Lagos and Abuja chapters, highly respected leaders, past presidents, student union governments etc. The election was held at Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, on Sunday, July 19, 2020.

Breaking: Ijaw Youths Elect Comrade Peter Timothy, Saviour Alali As New President And Vice President Of Council

Breaking: Ijaw Youths Elect Comrade Peter Timothy, Saviour Alali As New President And Vice President Of Council

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The umbrella body of ljaw youths under the auspices of ljaw Youth Council, IYC has today elected Comrade Peter Timothy and Comrade Savior Alali as the new President and Vice President to pilot the affairs of Council in the next three years.

Comrade. Peter Timothy polled forty two(42) votes against his closest rival, Mr. Ala who scored thirty one (31) to emerged the new President elect of the 2020 IYC election. While Comrade Savior Alali emerged Deputy President with forty five votes against his closest rival, Mr Harry who polled twenty three votes.

The elections which took place at Oproza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, on the 18th and 19th July, 2020 was described as very peaceful, credible, transparent, free and fair by observers who monitored the exercise.

Meanwhile, other elected officials includes, Barr. Ebilade Ekerefe (Spokesman), Comrade Frank Pukon (Secretary General), Comrade Israel Fubara (Director of Mobilization), Barr. Obiri Ebilade (Legal Adviser), Comrade Tina Ayakubo Tobusi (Woman Leader), Comrade Ofiyou Ogbofini Dennis (Asst. Director of Mobilization), Comrade Timilaemi Ebifuobo (Treasurer), Comrade Abiye (Financial Secretary) among others.

Accreditation of aspirants, delegates and observers started exactly by 3:30.am at the venue of the election, Oproza king Palace Pavilion. Thereafter, voting commenced at about 7: 15.am and ended 12: 55.pm.

It will interest you to note  that, Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa led ELECO has put in place every logistics to makesure the 2020 IYC election exercise is free, fair, transparent and credible.

The general atmosphere of the election is calm, orderly and peaceful as Chief. Boro Obudu led Security Committee is fully on ground taking charge of the arena.

However, some notable ljaw former lYC leaders present at the venue includes; the pioneer President of IYC, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, Elder T.K. Ogoriba, Pioneer President Movement for the survival of the Ijaw Ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta, ( MOSIEND), High Chief. Alabo Nengi James, former acting President and founder IYC, Elder Wenibowei Mike, Chairman Elders Council Central Zone, High Chief. Richman Yinbiri, major stakeholder IYC, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, SSA Security Matters to Delta State Governor, Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President IPDI, Chief. Kalaiti Jephtah Obadiah 1, outgoing Treasurer INC, Chief. Daniel Ekpebide, former Asst. Secretary INC, Chief. Oyeinfie. E. Jonjon, former President IYC, Dr. Chris Ekiyor, Barr. Eric Omare, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, Barr. J.P. Owoupele, Comrade Jonathan Lokpobiri,  Delta State Civil Society Community Observing and Monitoring Team led by Comrade Rex Anighoro among others too numerous to mention.

2020 IYC Election: Update From Oproza As Accreditation Of Aspirants, Delegates And Observers Commences

2020 IYC Election: Update From Oproza As Accreditation Of Aspirants, Delegates And Observers Commences

Francis Tayor

Live from Oproza, headquarters of Gbaramatu kingdom on the occasion of ljaw Youth Council (IYC) National Elective Convention, tagged Oproza 2020.

Accreditation of aspirants, delegates and observers started exactly by 3:30.am at the venue of the election, Oproza king Palace Pavilion.

It will interest you to note  that, Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa led ELECO has put in place every logistics to makesure the 2020 IYC election exercise is free, fair, transparent and credible.

The general atmosphere of the election is calm, orderly and peaceful as Chief. Boro Obudu led Security Committee is fully on ground taking charge of the arena.

At the time of filing this report, some notable ljaw former lYC leaders present at the venue includes; the pioneer President of IYC, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, Elder T.K. Ogoriba, Pioneer President Movement for the survival of the Ijaw Ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta, ( MOSIEND), High Chief. Alabo Nengi James, former acting President and founder IYC, Elder Wenibowei Mike, Chairman Elders Council Central Zone, High Chief. Richman Yinbiri, major stakeholder IYC, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, SSA Security Matters to Delta State Governor, Comrade Austin Ozobo, National President IPDI, Chief. Kalaiti Jephtah Obadiah 1, outgoing Treasurer INC, Chief. Daniel Ekpebide, former Asst. Secretary INC, Chief. Oyeinfie. E. Jonjon, former President IYC, Delta State Civil Society Community Observing and Monitoring Team led by Comrade Rex Anighoro among others too numerous to mention.

More details shortly.........

Chief. Mulade Rejoices as Tompolo, Others are Freed from all Charges, Urges Tompolo to Sustain Drive for Niger Delta Development

Chief. Mulade Rejoices as Tompolo, Others are Freed from all Charges, Urges Tompolo to Sustain Drive for Niger Delta Development

Francis Tayor

A traditional High Chief, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-serimowei (Kingdom Promoter) of the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State, has expressed profound joy over the dismissal of all the 40 count charges against a Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, by a Federal High Court on Wednesday.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, High Chief Sheriff Mulade noted that Tompolo has contributed positively to Niger Delta development even in the face of persecutions, as he attracted the Nigeria Maritime University to Okerenkoko, Delta State, as well as other mega projects to the region.

He commended Tompolo for his steadfastness and doggedness against all odds towards securing a better life for the Niger Delta people, and urged him to sustain the struggle for the emancipation and development of the region, adopting a non-violence approach of constructive engagement through peaceful dialogues.

While congratulating former Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpolokemi and others for the freedom and exonoration of the once troubled Niger Delta forward looking personalities, Comrade Mulade described the timely outcome as victory and good news for the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta Region at large.

Just-ln: Federal High Court Lagos Discharges Tompolo Over 40-Count Charges Of Money Laundering, Conspiracy, Among Others

Just-ln: Federal High Court Lagos Discharges Tompolo Over 40-Count Charges Of Money Laundering, Conspiracy, Among Others

Francis Tayor

Lagos_____ Justice Ibrahim Buba of Federal High Court Lagos has discharged former Niger Delta Ex-Militant Leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly called Tompolo, over charges of N45.9bn fraud.

  Justice Buba upheld the no-case submission filed by Tompolo and others. Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, was the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the main militant group in the region.

Nigeria’s federal high court in Lagos had repeatedly summoned the former militant leader from the country’s oil-rich Niger Delta region to appear in court to face charges of alleged corruption but never appeared.

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took Tompolo to court to answer questions on a 40-count charge of alleged money laundering, conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds.

 The EFCC said that four other suspects would also be arraigned along with the companies Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimiri Electricals Limited, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited and Destre Consult Limited.

Gbenekama, Gbaramatu Spokesman Hails Tompolo’s Victory At Federal High Court, Lagos

Gbenekama, Gbaramatu Spokesman Hails Tompolo’s Victory At Federal High Court, Lagos


Wilson Macaulay

The oil-rich Niger Delta Region was on Wednesday thrown into jubilation when the High Court, Lagos discharged and acquitted  ex-warlord, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo of all charges levelled against him by the  Economic FinancialCrimes Commission  ( EFCC ).
Tompolo who is highly respected  in the country, especially in the oil rich Niger Delta Region where he has attracted a lot of developmental projects  has been at the receiving end of the EFCC with his properties confiscated and some allegedly sold by the Commission.
The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed the entire 40 counts bordering on alleged N34bn fraud filed by the Federal Government against Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, a company linked to a former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo.

The other defendants in the case were a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpolokemi, Kime Engozu, Rex Elem, Gregory Mbonu and Warredi Enisuoh.
Three other firms – Odimiri Electrical Limited; Boloboere Property and Estate Limited; and Destre Consult Limited – were also defendants in the criminal case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2015.

Tompolo was initially joined as the first defendant in the case, but following his refusal to answer repeated court summonses, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), who handled the case for the EFCC, had to apply to the court that Tompolo’s name be removed from the charge sheet.
In a ruling on Wednesday on the defendants’ no-case submission, Justice Ibrahim Buba, pronounced that the prosecution “failed to establish a prima facie case” against the defendants.
He, therefore, dismissed the entire 40 counts filed against the defendants by the EFCC, through Keyamo, and set them free.
But relief came his way on Wednesday when the court freed him of all charges.

In a  swift reaction, Chief Godspower Gbenekama T.D.A  (JP ), the Fiyewei  (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom on behalf of Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs, hailed the judgement,  describing it as a welcome development.
While congratulating Tompolo on what he described as a well deserved victory, Chief Godspower Gbenekama said that the people of the Niger Delta Region are elated over the judgement.

"Today,  we received with gladness the judgement given in favour of an illustrious son of the Niger Delta Region,  Chief Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo.  We are very happy over the judgement. We have been waiting for this day to come as we are sure of victory and today,  we got what we have been praying for. To God alone be the glory".

The Gbaramatu Spokesman also said that; "As I speak to you,  there is celebrations across the Niger Delta Region as a  result of the judgement. Our son, Tompolo is a  very peaceful person and he has the pains of his people and all Nigerians at heart. He has attracted so much attention and development to the Niger Delta Region. We are very proud of him of Tompolo".

Chief Godspower Gbenekama added; " This victory is not just for the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom or the people of Niger Delta Region alone,  this is a victory for all well meaning Nigerians.  The Judiciary is still the last hope of the common man in the society and therefore, I  salute the Federal High Court,  Lagos for doing what is right".

 He used the opportunity to call on the Federal Government to speed up the development process of the  Niger Delta Region, adding that; " Our son, Tompolo and others have  been in the  forefront of the  agitation for the development of the region. We want to see massive infrastructural development in the region".

He reeled out the  demands of the people  to include; the restart of the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Gas Revolution Industrial Park, Ogidigben and Deep Seaport, Gbaramatu Project, to restart the Omadinor-Excravos road project that was discontinued by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, the  immediate halt of the current bidding process for the 57 Marginal Fields and come up with modalities where competent companies owned by Gbaramatu sons and daughters will be given the right of first refusal on fields located in Gbaramatu and within the Warri South-West local Government Area, the urgent and immediate relocation to Gbaramatu of the Floating Dock/Ship Building Yard, and a clear path to employment and appointment opportunities for their qualified sons and daughters.

They  warned that if the demands were not met, the people would shut down Oil and Gas operations in their homeland  and urged President Buhari to intervene to avert fresh crisis in the Oil and Gas industry.

Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa Salutes Tompolo As Federal High Court Discharges Fraud Charges Against Him

Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa Salutes Tompolo As Federal High Court Discharges Fraud Charges Against Him

Francis Tayor

Lagos_____ The 2020 Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) National election Electoral Committee Chairman, Barr. Bekewei Ajuwa has congratulated former MEND leader, Philanthropist cum ljaw freedom fighter, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo as Justice Ibrahim Buba of Federal High Court Lagos acquitted and discharged over charges of N45.9bn fraud against him.

In a congratulatory message released on Thursday morning at Warri, Bekewei stated that God Almighty and the gods of ljaw nation has finally vindicated Tompolo's innocent over the political motivated charges against him.

It will be recalled that  Justice Buba led Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday upheld the no-case submission filed by Tompolo and others. Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, was the leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), the main militant group in the region.

Nigeria’s federal high court in Lagos had repeatedly summoned the former militant leader from the country’s oil-rich Niger Delta region to appear in court to face charges of alleged corruption but never appeared.

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) took Tompolo to court to answer questions on a 40-count charge of alleged money laundering, conspiracy, stealing and diversion of funds.

However, Bekewei applauded the Federal High Court judgement as a welcome development, and thank God for His mercy upon the life of our leader through out the trying time of the case. He therefore, celebrates with the peace maker of Niger Delta as he triumph at the Federal High Court Lagos yesterday over the political motivated trump up allegations against him.