INC: Owotorufa Congratulate Wodu, Odiowei, Brown, Fetepigi, Others, Calls For Team Work

INC: Owotorufa Congratulate Wodu, Odiowei, Brown, Fetepigi, Others, Calls For Team Work

The second runner up in the just concluded ljaw National Congress (lNC) election, Alaowei Fred Endorokeme Owotorufa has officially congratulated Engr, Wodu Ebipamowei, Chief. Ken Odiowei, High Chief. Agu Philip Brown, Barr Bomo Tons Fetepigi, Chief. Abisagbo Taiwo, Chief. Fenibo Nengiyofori and

Comr. Sam Oroupa on their victory at the poll on Friday 30th April, 2021, describing their victory as well deserved.

Owotorufa made this known to the public at Yenagoa in a Press Statement released on Wednesday 12th May, 2021 and signed by himself, stated that the elections has come and gone, stressing that it is only God gives power, and He give it to whomsoever He has chosen. 

He however called on the newly elected National Executive Committee (NEC) members to work as a great team with the President elect, Prof. Benjamin Okaba by providing him strong support and appropriate advice to deliver on his Vision. He said so much is expected from them by ljaw nation globally, hence they should not waver on the noble cause of always protecting ljaw interest when eventually inaugurated on Friday 14th May, 2021.

According to the Press  Statement, read:

Dear All: "I write to formally congratulate you on your victory at the Ijaw National Congress - NEC election that was conducted by the Election Committee (ELECO) on Friday, April 30, 2021. The victory was well deserved.

The election has come and gone. As believers, we must accept that only God gives power, and He gives it to whomsoever He has chosen. 

By the grace of God, on Friday, May 14, 2021 the new National Executive Committee (NEC) will be inaugurated, and you will take your oath of office as distinguished members of the NEC. 

In your new role, in a rejuvenated INC, so much is expected  from you by the Ijaw nation globally. I am confident, you will work as a great team with the President, providing him strong support and appropriate advice to deliver on his Vision. You must not waver on this noble cause.

Once again, congratulations! I wish you the very best in health, sound mind and great wisdom in your new responsibilities.

God bless you and your families, the statement adds."

Fred E Owotorufa

Some People Are Mercilessly Against This Country’, Buhari Laments

Some People Are Mercilessly Against This Country’, Buhari Laments

President Muhammadu Buhari has lamented over the security challenges confronting the country.

The President lamented that despite the closure of the borders to control the smuggling of arms and ammunition, “Some people are mercilessly against this country.”

“We closed the borders to control the smuggling of petroleum products, and check the influx of smuggled goods, arms and ammunition.

“That was when the Comptroller General of Customs called me, saying 40 tankers laden with petrol had been impounded. I told him to sell the fuel, sell the trucks, and put the money in the treasury”.

The President stated this on Friday, during the 6th regular meeting with the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC), led by Professor Doyin Salami in Abuja.

President Buhari charged the leadership at every level to go back to the basics, noting that a bottom-up approach was necessary, from ward to local council, states, and federal.

He decried the situation in which some unscrupulous people tried to undermine every policy of the government, irrespective of the good it was meant to achieve for the country.

“They still brought arms and ammunition into the country, brought in rice in vehicles and motorcycles. I said shoot anyone found illegally with AK-47, yet they haven’t stopped. People must show consideration for their own country.”

President Buhari pledged that the Federal Government will focus on the greater development of irrigation facilities in the country, and encourage more people into agriculture.

He said agriculture was a good way for the country to overcome economic challenges confronting it, stressing: “We need to go back to the land. Technology is doing away with petroleum, but we are lucky we have other resources; Gas, vast arable land, which we are not using enough.”

The President was responding to disclosure by Prof Salami, in his presentation, that only 2% of land under cultivation is irrigated, recommending that apart from government efforts, incentives are needed for private people to enter the sector.

PEAC submitted that the global economy has continued to improve as COVID infections drop and the roll-out of vaccination intensifies, adding that the Nigerian economy, though out of recession, remains fragile with inflation rising, unemployment high, and external account weak.

Policy, the economic advisory body said, “must urgently address the challenges of rising prices.”

Among other issues recommended by PEAC are; decisive end to all forms of insecurity in the country, mobilization of resources for investment, hastened implementation of agricultural reform policies, the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) as a basis for revitalizing the industry, poverty reduction, employment generation, and incentives for private investment in irrigation, to promote all-year-round farming.

Insecurity: Benue To Recruit Community Volunteer Guards

 

As part of measures to tackle the security challenges in Benue, stakeholders in the state have sought the recruitment of Community Volunteer Guards.

The demand followed a meeting of the stakeholders held on Thursday in Makurdi, the state capital with Governor Samuel Ortom in attendance.

According to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders commended the efforts of security agencies in tackling the security threats in the state.

“The meeting considers the fact that in the face of banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks and other crimes the Security Agencies have done well,” the communique partly read.

“The meeting, however, resolved that the renewed attacks on the people by armed herdsmen have overstretched Security Agencies in the State.

“Therefore, the Benue State Government should fully enforce the “Law to Provide for the Establishment of Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante) and for the Purposes Connected Therewith” which was enacted in the year 2000.”

Benue stakeholders also passed a vote of confidence on Governor Samuel Ortom for his administration’s efforts in nipping in the bud the menace of insecurity.

Read the communique issued after the Benue Stakeholders’ Meeting today in Makurdi:

STAKEHOLDERS MEETING OF BENUE STATE HELD ON 6TH MAY, 2021 AT THE NEW BANQUET HALL, BENUE PEOPLE’S HOUSE, MAKURDI

RESOLUTIONS

The Benue State Stakeholders Meeting appreciates Security Agencies for their efforts in ensuring relative peace in parts of the State. The meeting considers the fact that in the face of banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen attacks and other crimes the Security Agencies have done well.

The meeting, however, resolved that the renewed attacks on the people by armed herdsmen have overstretched Security Agencies in the State.

Therefore, the Benue State Government should fully enforce the “Law to Provide for the Establishment of Community Volunteer Guards (Vigilante) and for the Purposes Connected Therewith” which was enacted in the year 2000.

The State Government has been mandated to support the Vigilante with logistics as provided in the Law.

Recruitment of the Vigilante should be carried out in the 23 Local Government Areas of Benue State.

The meeting reinforced the commitment of Benue people to the enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, 2017.

The meeting emphasized the need for all stakeholders to join hands in tackling insecurity in Benue State devoid of political, religious and ethnic sentiments.

The meeting unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the Governor for his efforts in providing security in the State. The motion for the vote of confidence was moved by leaders of the three main Socio-Cultural Organizations in Benue State; Mzough-U-Tiv, Ochetoha, K’Idoma and Omini ‘Igede.

Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research sponsored by Ereyitomi passes first reading at NASS

Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research sponsored by Ereyitomi passes first reading at NASS 

The Bill to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research (Establishment) Bill, 2021

 HB, sponsored by  Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State 

 has passed through  First Reading at the Federal House of Representatives.

Our correspondent noted that because of the aquatic live and dwelling of Hon. Ereyitomi's constituents of Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West sponsoring such a bill will help improve on research of the different species of fishes and further enhance fishing business as major  source of income and revenue to the country and that the research institute will benefit all Nigerians as a learning centre.

Some notable members of Warri Federal Constituency, who expressed delight, commended Chief Ereyitomi for embarking on such bill  stressing  that due to the advantage position of Warri Federal Constituency to the Atlantic Ocean/ other adjoining seas sitting of the Institution in the coastal communities  of Warri federal constituency,  if passed  will serve as a   hub for teaching and learning on how to carryout fishing methodology for export and import as the water is natural aquatic channel for advance research in all kinds of fishes in the river.

Other stakeholders however want the bill to be well considered as part of bill to attract economic boom to Nigeria Fisheries technological advancement.

Another Warri Federal Constituents, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi urged Chief Ereyitomi to remain resolute in attracting projects and development to Warri federal constituency, assuring that they will always mobilise support for  him, appealing for massive support for  him to do more.

Oromoni Reaffirms Commitment To Keeping Delta Clean, Safe For Residents

Oromoni Reaffirms Commitment To Keeping Delta Clean, Safe For Residents                                                   

The Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni has assured residents across the state of a clean and hygienic environment, suitable for habitation.

He made this call on Friday 7th May, 2021, in Warri, during a Press briefing with journalists, where he noted that the ongoing demolition exercise is not to witch-hunt anybody, rather it is meant to keep the aesthetics as it is done in other civilized environments.

Speaking on his achievements so far since assumption of office, he said that Warri/Uvwie and its environs are gradually coming back to life in terms of  beautification and removal of illegal structures. 

According to him, "What Delta state government is doing is to make sure Deltans live in a safe and serene environment. Those illegal structures we demolished under high tension, walk-ways and drainages are for the general interest of Deltans. 

"There are series of reported cases of  death last year as a result of slit high tension wire  at PTI junction by Agbor Park in Warri. Cases like that can be prevented if people distance themselves from trading under high tension wire", Oromoni stated. 

He equally called on residents across the state to always keep their drainage system clean, especially now that raining season is fast approaching, "The menace of yearly flood ravaging our homes can be curbed if only we regularly clear our gutters thoroughly, so as to ease the free flow of waters through natural canals", he added. 

The Taskforce boss also frowned at the attitude of some politicians whom he expected to join hands with the government to achieve her aim of a healthy environment, rather they are using their supporters to truncate government's efforts.

Responding to questions in the areas of rampant dredging activities in various communities, especially Warri, Ughelli and its environs, Hon Oromoni said those dredging close to residential homes without EIA permit are illegal dredgers and will be arrested in no distant time.

"Before you embark on dredging business, one must first of all obtain license from the State Ministry of Environment for approval of designated area to operate. Therefore, anyone caught without  permit license is illegal and the state government will deal decisively with such persons according to the law", he said. 

He restated that stopping tricycles otherwise known as keke from plying Delta highways remain his top priority. "You can't see that happen in other states. I had a meeting with the State Secretary of their union and agreed that they are only permitted to use the road between the hours of 6am-7am and 6pm-7pm to enable them go to their work places and return back in the evening. We may not have achieved that now, but will sure achieve that", Oromoni vowed.

Speaking further, he reiterated that "Our mandate areas are all the pilot cities and we are doing our best to touch all. By next week, we will storm Agbor for a serious operation", he said.

Hon Oromoni, however, appealed to residents to obey the State government policies, stressing that the laws are made for the wellbeing and general interest of all Deltans.

He also called on those living in coastal areas to be conscious of the rising level of water as predicted by NIMET that there would be flooding this year.

Oromoni also thanked Warri Local Government Council Chairman, Dr. Michael Tidi and his counterpart in Uvwie, Hon Ramson Onoyake for their cooperation in returning the metropolitan city of Warri to her original state.

Ayakoromo Bridge: Onduku tackle Gov. Okowa, Augoye to release funds to contractor

Ayakoromo Bridge: Onduku tackle Gov. Okowa, Augoye to release funds to contractor

Francis Tayor

An ljaw youth activist cum community development advocate, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku has appealed to the governor of Delta State, His. Excellency, Sen (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Commissioner for Works Delta State, Chief. James Augoye to release funds to the contractor  as they earlier promised for the speedy completion of Ayakoromo bridge.

Comrade Onduku who is the National Coordinator, Concerned Citizens For lzon-Ebe Development (CCFID), made the appeal  in Jeddo Okpe, the country home of the honorable Commissioner for Works, Chief. Augoye, during a meeting with his kinsmen decried that Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu Local Government Area of the state is currently at standstill due to paucity of funds.

According to Onduku, speaking with the press after the meeting, said Ayakoromo bridge project was awarded since 2014 by the immediate past governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to Zerock Construction Nig. Ltd, a Lebanese company with the intention to link up rural communities in Burutu, Ughelli South, Warri South-West and some parts of Bomadi local government area to urban cities. But unfortunately, the current administration had been playing politics with the bridge as a campaign strategy at any campaign ground during 2015 and 2019 governorship elections. After winning the elections with the support and votes of riverine ljaw  communities, the reverse is the case. To develop the area becomes an excuse.

It would be recalled that, the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa delegated the Commissioner for Works, Chief. James Augoye in November 2020 to inspect the work done so far in Ayakoromo bridge after series of protest by indigenes of the community. At the project site with the community leaders and the contractor, Gov. Okowa through the Commissioner made promise to release two hundred million naira (#200,000 000 00) monthly to the contractor so as to enable him finish the project on time before 2023. Unfortunately, all the statements made where mere political talks, no money had been released to the contractor as we speak. 

" As l speak to you now, the contractor has leave site because there is no money to work. The government of the day is not sincere to ljaw people. If not, what takes Gov. Okowa to complete Ayakoromo bridge within a year and take the glory for a job well done. If the government can commission bridge, road, school projects in other parts of the state, it is expected of him to do the same in the riverine areas. I am appealing to His. Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Commissioner for works, Chief. James Augoye to show some level of  commitment and sincerity to riverine dwellers by releasing funds to complete Ayakoromo bridge because that bridge is of great economic importance to riverine dwellers. It is a pity for government to construct a single bridge project over seven years without completion. Show commitment and sincerity to ljaw people in terms of project execution, Onduku charged Gov. Okowa."

Adimula Commissions PTI Skill Development Academy

Adimula Commissions  PTI Skill Development Academy

By Wilson Macaulay 

 The Principal / Chief Executive of  Petroleum Training lnstitute Effurun, Dr Henry Adimula yesterday Commissioned the PTI Skill Development Academy (  SDA )at the Entrepreneurship Centtre  of the Osubi Campus of the lnstitute.

Dr Henry Adimula the PTI boss who  extenpore, in a brief but well laden speech, expressed satisfaction that he is impressed with what the Coordinator of the Centre and his management team has been able to achieve within a short space of time  which in his words is   a Pointer to better things to come.

According to Dr. Adimula ,PTI under his watch on the saddle as the Chief Executive is poised and resolute  to use the instruments of his good office to deplore everything necessary to ensure that  the Skill Development Academy  will continue to train and equip the students and Nigerians in general  so that when they graduate they can establish businesses of their own and become empowers of labour

He explained that the institute is already partnering with the Onosuoke Foundation, amongst other while  plans are in advance stage to collaborate with UNIDO, BOI, PIND ,a solar installation partner and others to make the PTI Entrepreneurship Centtre a  template for Entrepreneurship training in Nigeria.

Speaking further he said: " Looking inward with what I have seen at the Skill Academy  , I am confident to say that this is a good investment venture  that will yield dividends, that is why I am enjoining   not only the students but also the people from our catchment  area to  seize this golden opportunity and key into the Program to add value to their life  and contribute their quota to the nation,s building effort.

The Coordinator of the Centre, Mr Ejiro Onakughotor, and Mr Aremu Ayinla the Deputy took the Principal,   the registrar Mr. OC Siakpere, Mr Brown Ukanifimoni , the Director of information and other members of the management team round the facility from  one department to the other.Some of the  sections inspected include the department of  Electrical installation Workshop, Computer Room, Chemical and Food Processing, Business and Marketing Section, Hair Dressing and Barbing Section, Tailoring and Fashion Design Section,Foot Wear Production , Photography Studio, Make Up Technology , Mechanical Workshop and Catering & Hotel Management . There are spacious lecture rooms equipped with appropiate instructional materials to make leaning very practical.

Mr Brown Ukanifimoni the Director of information earlier according to protocols  and tradition of the institute gave a general commencement speech where he stated with emphasis that Dr Adimula the PTI Chief Executive is man who assumed office with a mindset  to break new grounds  hence he hit the ground running since he took over the baton of leadership of the great institute.

Mr Brown Ukanifimoni remarked that the paradigm shift of Dr Adimula from producing  not just certificated  Youths but solution providers shifted focus to the development of the Entrepreneurship Centtre which culminated into the Commissioning of the PTI Skill Academy that pen ultimate day .

Highlight of the event was the cutting of the tape by Dr. Henry Adimula for the Centre to Commence training officially to the glory of God..

It is pertinent to add that we met students painting a section of the Centre in a very professional manner With paints produced by themselves at the Centtre.That achievement at the beginning of the PTI Skill Academy just like the Principal right

mentioned in his speech is indeed a pointer to greater things to come .

Just-ln: Hon. Francis Waive Bill Seeking establishment of Federal College of Nursing/Midwifery passes 2nd reading

Just-ln: Hon. Francis Waive Bill Seeking establishment of Federal College of Nursing/Midwifery passes 2nd reading

A bill for an act to establish Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Otu-Jeremi Delta State sponsored by Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli  South and Udu Federal Constituency scales through second reading in the House of Representatives.

This was disclosed on  the Twitter handle of the lawmaker on Thursday 6th May, 2021 when the honorable member was reading the bill in the floor of the house.

According to Hon. Waive, said the bill when pass into law, the college will create thousands of job for the teeming youths of Delta State, especially Ughelli South, North and Udu constituents.

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PTI Flags Off Computer Competency Training For Urhobo Youths

PTI Flags  Off Computer  Competency  Training  For Urhobo Youths

By Wilson Macaulay

The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State has flagged off Training of Technical Skills tagged; “Computer Competency Skills Acquisition”  for Urhobo Youths World Wide , spreading across the twenty four kingdoms  of the urhobo nations.

The Acting Principal and Chief Executive  of the Petroleum Training Institute, Dr. Henry Adimula in his welcome cum  opening address stated that the  management  in this  maiden  edition of the programme  shortlisted sixty youths drawn from the twenty four kingdoms of the Urhobo  nation under the auspices of the youth wing of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU.

Dr. Henry Adimula, the PTI Chief Executive  hinted that the programme which is part of the institute's  Corporate Social Ressponsibility CSR to their  host communities is conceived to put participants   in the right stead to be self reliant in  the face of acute unemployment and mass  job loss  as a result of the impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the economics of the world.

According to Dr. Henry Adimula,  PTI which was established  in 1975 to train technical man power for the oil and gas industries has lived up to expectation by carrying out the mandate for which it was established .

Dr. Henry Adimula while stressing  the  need for a paradign shift  in education to competence in practical learning and ability to apply it to provide solutions to myriads of societal problems said: "

l must  emphasize that our students must be trained not only to be good for paper certificate but to be solution providers.All too often we are giving young people cut flowers  when we should be teaching them to grow their own plant".

He explained that this Training Programme on Computer Competency Skills Acquisition for Youths of Urhobo Kingdom is 100%  PTI initiative to  equip  the youths with skills on information technology (ICT) which is fundamental in the digital business and e  transact age.

Dr Agbalagba Ezekiel, the Chairman of Academic Staff Union ASU of the  FUPRE who represented Prof. Rim - Ruke  Akpofure, Vice Chancellor,  Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun  , as the Chairman of the occasion, commended  the effort of PTI under  the  leadership of Dr. Henry Adimula for the vision which he described as a step in the right direction.

Dr. Agbalagha Ezekiel enjoined the participants of the programme  to see it as a Turning Point in their life by staying committed and dedicated so that they can spring out at the end of the training as giants in our society and in turn change others for better.

Professor Sunny Aghwefeada a University don, who was the guest speaker and pastor Verah Orhobor a  departmental head of the institute who spoke as resource persons to  the participants  concurred in their counsel that the  participants should  be Patience, adventurous ,creative, innovational  and be hardworking so that at the completion of the training they can become global players in their chosen endeavours.

Dr. Capt.Onoharigho, the Deputy President General  of UPU, who was the father of the day in his remarks appreciated the  the PTl Principal, Dr Henry Adimula  for the laudable idea and the track record of PTI as a reliable institute of learning.

Mr Brown Ukanefimoni the Director of Information and the moderator of the event in his speech noted that this training is the first of it's kind borne out of the burning desire of the Principal to use the instruments of his good office to  effect positive change in our society.

IYC Western Zone: Odens Okaba Assures ljaw youths of adequate representation

IYC Western Zone: Odens Okaba Assures ljaw youths of adequate representation

Francis Tayor

The foremost aspirant for the post of lnformation Officer in the forthcoming ljaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, Comrade Odens Okaba has promised ljaw youths of adequate representation when given the mandate to serve.

He gave the assurance on Thursday 6th May, 2021 in Warri, while addressing some delegates, noted that his wealth of experience as former two time member of the mobile parliament in Council as well as the immediate past Chairman of Tarakiri Clan, he is very much abreast of the modus operandi in Council.

Comrade Odens reiterated that ljaw liberation struggle is part and parcel in his DNA far back his university days, stressing that the image of ljaw youths Western Zone would be positively projected before the general public.

 " As a Communicator, the demands of ljaw people, such as scholarship, employment chances, youth empowerment programmes e.t.c. from the state government, multinational oil companies operating in our territory would be effectively presented and pursued towards actualization. The genuine agitation for Self Determination of our people would be reinvigorated to a limelight, especially now that the nation is in a state of coma. I pledge to work assiduously with  my Chairman to ensure that what is due to ljaw people is given to us in this heterogeneous state we find ourselves, Comrade Okaba asserted. "

However, he appealed to Western Zone ljaw youths, especially the potential delegates to vote him as the next lnformation Officer of Council, noting that he will not disappoint ljaw youths when elected, the statement adds.

Bandits were created by Gen. Buhari to oust Jonathan, says Ribadu Nuhu

Bandits were created by Gen. Buhari to oust Jonathan, says Ribadu Nuhu

....They are not Boko Haram nor Herdsmen

It all started in April 2014 when Mohammadu Buhari assembled his ardent supporters, promoters and strategists to determine how to remove President Jonathan Goodluck.  Prominent amongst them were El-Rufai, Gen Danbazo (Rtd)……..

A decision was reached to consult Miyatti Allah cattle breeders association for assistance to boot Jonathan Goodluck out of office. Consequently, the National Chairman of Miyatti Allah was engaged to bring in foreign mercenaries. Within a month, 2,000 Fulani fighters were brought in from Mali, Senegal, Niger Republic, Chad, Libya to name but a few. Further 4,000 fighters were stationed in Niger and Chad on standby.

 On arrival, they were assembled in Kaduna under the sponsorship of El Rufai and were addressed by various Northern Leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto, Gen. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Rtd) etc.

Specifically, Gen Buhari in his address told the fighters that “the British handed Nigeria over to us the Fulanis at independence. The land (Nigeria) belongs to us. We must reclaim what belongs to us.”He added that at the event that Jonathan Goodluck worn the election, the Fulani machinery must fight until they regain control of the country. He assured them that the Nigerian Army was behind them.

The mercenaries received initial training from the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy and were sent to 6 camps in Ekiti State, Benue State, Katsina State, Kaduna State, Zamfara State and Borno State.

In the camps, brand new pick-up trucks, generators etc were provided them. Nigerian Airforce helicopters were used to provide them essential supplies like food, water, drinks and even arms and ammunitions.

Evidently, Jonathan Goodluck lost the election in 2015 through a well orchestrated election organised by INEC under a Fulani Chairman, Professor Jega. Gen Buhari (Rtd) was sworn in as the president. This saw the emergence of a Fulani president through a dodgy election hence the planned violent war was averted.

Contrary to expectation, the mercenaries in the various camps were abandoned, no more food and essential supplies. The relationship between Miyatti Allah, El Rufai (now a State Governor) and Dambazo broke down. El Rufai arrogantly declared that they were not needed anymore and they should go back. Consequently, the killings in Kaduna commenced as a warning to El Rufai but it did not bother him. He declared that he had paid the people carrying out the killings and they did not want to stop. The Nigerian police did not bother to call Gov El Rufai to give further clarification on this.

The Mercenary at the various camps decided to go about to find food for themselves by robbing people, going into farm lands and kidnapping.  Miyatti Allah made several efforts to contact El Rufai and Dambazzo to appeal to them to provide money to return these fighters to where they came from. All efforts proved abortive. The mercenaries at this point vacated their organised camps and took to crime.

The criminal gangs which emanated from these mercenaries were at this point described as “Bandits” in order to differentiate them from other notorious terrorist groups like Fulani Herdsmen, Boko Haram etc.

Following the untold destruction and killings which the Bandits carried out especially in Katsina and Zamfara, the Northern leaders in conjunction with officials of Nigerian Government requested Miyatti Allah to intervene and remove the Bandits from Nigeria. Miyatti Allah returned demanding 150 Billion Naira to settle the Bandits and evacuate them. The Government turned the offer down and restricted itself to the payment of 100 Billion Naira.

Shamefully Godwin Emefiele raised 100 Billion Naira for the settlement as a condition for his re-appointment as the Central bank Governor.

Miyatti Allah collected the money and purportedly distributed it but nothing changed.

In a bid to control the damage, President Buhari directed that RUGA initiative be setup to create colonies for these fighters in every state in Nigeria.

My questions are:

1. Should Nigerian communities accommodate these criminal elements?

2. Why has El Rufai not been called to clean up the mess he created?

3. Does this explain the President Buhari’s silence?

4.Is this conspiracy of the North gone wrong?

Nigerians think for yourselves?

Written 

By 

DSP Nuhu Ribadu

Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.

Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.

The ID -Force wish to congratulate Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba as he emerge victorious as President elect INC to aggressively represent and tackle the affairs of the apex body of the Ijaw Nation. 

We wish to acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Sen Douye Diri, Governor Bayelsa State and the CITRE, by playing a pivotal oversight function expected of their capacities for creating a calm, siren and condusive environment to achieve an innovative and peaceful electoral process of its kind in the region.

We also wish to commend the INC ELECO 2021 led by HRH Prof Dagogo M. J Fubara for their steadfastness and painstaking commitment to ensure a credible electoral process.

We understand that the introduction of the e-voting system is saddled/bottled with several challenges with its maiden display in the shortest time frame. We convinced that subsequent e-voting process stands to get a more robust, efficient and transparent election outcomes for the Ijaw Nation, knowing fully well how the maiden e-voting in the region was not too bad for a start.

Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.

The ID -Force wish to congratulate Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba as he emerge victorious as President elect INC to aggressively represent and tackle the affairs of the apex body of the Ijaw Nation. 

We wish to acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Sen Douye Diri, Governor Bayelsa State and the CITRE, by playing a pivotal oversight function expected of their capacities for creating a calm, siren and condusive environment to achieve an innovative and peaceful electoral process of its kind in the region.

We also wish to commend the INC ELECO 2021 led by HRH Prof Dagogo M. J Fubara for their steadfastness and painstaking commitment to ensure a credible electoral process.

We understand that the introduction of the e-voting system is saddled/bottled with several challenges with its maiden display in the shortest time frame. We convinced that subsequent e-voting process stands to get a more robust, efficient and transparent election outcomes for the Ijaw Nation, knowing fully well how the maiden e-voting in the region was not too bad for a start.

Signed:

Amb. Ekisah Ebitimi,

Secretary General

Ijaw Democratic Force (ID-Force).

Former Education Minister, Gbagi Congratulates Okaba as INC President

Former Education Minister, Gbagi Congratulates Okaba as INC President

The former minister of Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi has Congratulated Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC.

In a statement to newsmen, Gbagi said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President will reposition the INC to enviable height.

Recall that Gbagi has made impactful contributions to the development of Ijaw nation especially the establishment of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State and appointment of the firsts vice chancellor (VC). 

 Gbagi noted that Professor Benjamin Okaba as a Professor of Sociology and a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Ijaws will benefit from his wealth of experience.

Owotorufa congratulates Okoba on election victory, salutes Gov. Diri for been neutral

Owotorufa congratulates Okoba on election victory, salutes Gov. Diri for been neutral

IZON OTU ADOO!

My dear Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba:

I wish to congratulate you, my brother, on your victory at the recently concluded election into the most important office of Ijaw National Congress (INC). I wish you and your team a successful tenure.

To my teeming supporters from all over the world who invested time, funds and prayers in my aspiration to serve the Ijaw Nation as President of INC, please accept my heartfelt gratitude. I also want to extend appreciation to the various delegates, elders and leaders of thought who believed in me and cheerfully gave me their votes. 

The outcome of the election is the wish of God.

I deeply appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for maintaining a respectable distance throughout the period of the election, to allow the process to enjoy ample independence. I note with great joy, the impartial role and the genuine steps taken to produce an acceptable result notwithstanding obvious challenges. I also thank the commitment and patriotism of the Electoral Committee (ELECO).

The election offered useful lessons and insights that have given me a better understanding of the Ijaw people and our style of politics. 

I believe strongly, that as we advance into the world of technology, our electoral processes and procedures will develop and deepen alongside and become better than what was experienced today. 

May the good Lord continue protect, preserve and bless the Izon nation and her peoples. And may God always bless Nigeria!!

Yours sincerely,

Fredrick Endorokeme Owotorufa

INC Presidential Candidate

CEPEJ FELICITATE WITH PROF OKABA OVER HIS ELECTION AS INC PRESIDENT

CEPEJ FELICITATE WITH PROF OKABA OVER HIS ELECTION AS INC PRESIDENT

The Board of Trustees and Management of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, have rejoiced with Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC.

In a statement issued on behalf of CEPEJ in Warri on Friday April 30, 2021, its National Coordinator and CEO, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President was a demonstration of his integrity in Ijaw Nation.

Comrade Mulade who is the Ibe-Seremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West LGA of Delta State, noted that the NGO looks forward to collaborating with the INC for the good of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria at large.

While pledging CEPEJ's support for Prof. Okaba and his team, Comrade Mulade charged him to use his position as the President of foremost INC to address critical national issues such as those of insecurity, decay in the nation's educational infrastructure, as well as economic downturn in the Niger Delta Region.

Prof. Benjamin Okaba is the Editor-in-Chief of the Peace and Environment Africa Journal, a CEPEJ's academic publication. He was the pioneer Chairman of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, SPSP, Delta State Chapter. He is a Professor of Sociology at the Federal University, Otueke, Bayelsa State.

CEPEJ's vision is to be the foremost NGO in the world which helps to promote and protect fundamental human rights, the Rule of Law, environmental justice and peaceful dialogue towards achieving sustainable development through improved living conditions for Nigerians particularly Niger Deltans and other Africans in a sustainable and peaceful environment.

The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice is committed to developing a coalition of local, national and international leaders, as well as organizations to address critical issues of governance, peace and security, development and environmental sustainability in Africa. The NGO advocates the use of non-violence as the best approach to resolving and managing conflicts.

CEPEJ sets agenda for development discourses through research, media advocacy, workshops, seminars, town hall meetings, peace rallies, livelihood assessment sessions, peace-building, capacity building training programmes for both community women and youths, partnership with government, other NGOs and community development organizations and or agencies. It organizes brainstorming sessions where local and global environment and security issues are discussed.