Kestin's Flight to Gbaramatu Kingdom_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

From Oyangbene I saw the crowd....

The crowd creeping and crying for crumbs to see another waiting day.

Away from the creeping and crying crowd the crumbs canter like a horse, the crumbs yet enveloped by clouds.

The clouds became the pain of the crowd crying for crumbs

The crying crowd too cramped to defy the clouds and claim the crumbs.

Like the tired sun homeward after toiling in the day, the crumbs inch away.

From nowhere  came Kestin, pouncing on the crumbs and clouds like Pondi, furious like the flood of 2012.

The clouds and the crumbs came crushed, revealing only gold and diamond for the creeping and crying crowd .

Kestin deposited gold and diamond and fled to Gbaramatu Kingdom like Tompolo's flight to the city of freedom.

With no response to the deafening decibels of hailings from the hitherto creeping and crying crowd, Kestin fled to Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State .

Rivers State: Jagaban- The Emperor ln Democracy Robe_By: Hon. Prince Augustine Edumogiren

The widespread unethical and unconstitutional acts perpetuated by politicians in Nigeria's democratic governance is quite apparently baffling. In one breath, they disobey court orders, especially when it is not favourable to them, and in another breath, they use favourable, and perhaps kangaroo court order(s), as an excuse to strike their opponents. This leads me to ask: does democratic governance breed crooked politicians? In responding to the above question, Plato's argument that, "in a system in which everyone has a right to rule, all sorts of selfish people who care nothing for the people but are only motivated by their own personal desires are able to attain power". He concluded that "democracy risks bringing dictators, tyrants, and demagogues to power".

Jagaban - the emperor in democratic robe is a brief x-ray of events leading to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's stroke of imperial presidential pronouncement - declaring state of emergency in Rivers State. An act made possible by the suspicious Supreme Court Judgement - was not a mere chess game but a planned and scripted mafia move; with adverse implications that cannot be overlooked!

First, having failed in their bid to get His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara, out as Governor of Rivers State, the House of Assembly that had earlier adjourned sitting indefinitely hours after the Governor wrote to the Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, informing him of his intention to visit the House to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for consideration and approval, converged to initiate impeachment proceedings on the Governor.

When they realized that the planned impeachment will not work out, considering the ground swell of public support Fubara enjoys, Wike, a Civil Minister, and not President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, and his cohorts, took the war to Abalama, an Ijaw town, for a purported "Thanksgiving", employing about five hundred officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces on red alert - taking over the land, sea and air, with a view to strike and come up with a phantom reason(s) to execute their evil plot. The peace loving Ijaws who were thinking ahead of their enemies, not for fear of defeat, avoided bloodshed in their land.

Then followed the blowing up of Oil Pipelines protected by gun wielding government and private security officers in Ikwerre, (Wike's) and Ogoni Lands, far away from Ijaw Land.

Tinubu's broadcast speech declaring the state of emergency was seemingly prepared days back in anticipation of their dastardly plot. The appointment of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ekwe Ibas Rtd., a friend and close ally of Wike, and the directive that the Administrator is to work under the supervision of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, in which Wike is the representative of Rivers State, instead of the National Assembly, as constitutionally enshrined, is tantamount to Tinubu  appropriating to himself the powers to make laws for the Rivers State House of Assembly. Is this not an impeachable offense?!

Sealing their evil plot hurriedly, Tinubu has since constituted himself as the Chief Justice of Nigeria or Chief Judge of Rivers State, by personally swearing-in his handpicked Governor of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ekwe Ibas. An appointment that had no legal backing, with regard to approval by 2/3 majority of the National Assembly, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Meanwhile, briefing the Press on March 19, 2025, in defense of the state of emergency declared in Rivers State by Tinubu, Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said that "the Federal Allocations of Rivers State withheld amid the crisis would be released to the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas Rtd., appointed to take charge of the affairs of the State by President Tinubu, if he requests for it."

One question that begs for answer is: does the state of emergency set aside the Supreme Court Judgement on withholding Rivers State Allocation from the Federation Account?

Tinubu was not sincere in settling the Rivers State Political Crisis. A simple political dispute that requires simple solution by calling Governor Fubara and Wike, his appointee, to order. Considering the fiat with which Tinubu settled the Lagos State House of Assembly Crisis, his failure to settle the Rivers Crises than declaring an illegal state of emergency is an open display of bias and partisanship aimed at taking over Rivers State through the back door.

When Tinubu earlier intervened in the Rivers State political crisis, it was Fubara and Wike he invited. Therefore, declaring state of emergency in the State, which though falls short of the constitutional requirements, suspending Governor Fubara, the Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu and the State House of Assembly, power not provided for the President in our statute books, and failure to suspend Wike, who is also a key player in the crisis, is a biased decision. This is because Wike's actions contributed significantly to the political crisis, and sparing him from suspension suggests that the President's intervention is favouring his ally, rather than addressing the situation impartially.

By allowing Wike to exploit the economy of Rivers State during his tenure, Tinubu has set himself up for significant political troubles as he approaches the 2027 elections. It is as if he is deliberately walking into a blazing fire, fully aware of the risks. The president views this maneuver as a political tactic to seize control of Rivers State prior to 2027. However, he fails to realize that this misguided approach may ultimately obstruct his chances of success in that crucial year.

Not all revolutions begin with fire; many stem from a growing awareness of the injustices suffered by the people. Tinubu's declaration of the unjustified state of emergency in Rivers State constitutes a serious miscalculation and may create a backlash that jeopardizes his political aspirations.

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, said President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Fubara is illegal and a “dangerous affront” to the country’s democracy.

The NBA President, Adam Osigwe, said on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in a statement that "declaration of emergency does not automatically dissolve or suspend elected State Governments. The constitution does not empower the President to unilaterally remove or replace elected officials - such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure,".

On his part, the learned silk and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Femi Falana, "while recognizing that Section 305 of the Constitution empowers the President to take extraordinary measures to restore law and order if there is an actual breakdown of public order and public safety in the Federation, argued that the extraordinary measures which may be adopted by the President to restore peace and security do not include the suspension of an elected Governor, an elected Deputy Governor, and the dissolution of other democratic structures."

Recall what the former Lagos State Governor, now President Tinubu, said in 2015, which was published on May, 15 Daily Trust: "the imposition of emergency rule in three States is a dangerous trend in the art of governance and a deliberate ploy to subvert constitutional democracy".

That, "by declaring a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, President Goodluck Jonathan 'has intimidated and emasculated' the Governors of these States". "The body language of the Jonathan Administration leads any keen watcher of events with unmistakable conclusion of the existence of a surreptitious but barely disguised intention to muzzle the elected governments of these States for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015". In the words of Tinubu quoted above, do Nigerians need a sage to tell us that his intentions are surreptitious but barely disguised to muzzle the elected government of Rivers States for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2027, or did the self-acclaimed hero of democracy, turned emperor of democracy, changed the rules through constitutional amendment unknown to the people? Perhaps only Godswill Akpabio can better answer the above question!

In concordance with the foregoing, veteran and renowned journalist, Reuben Abati, said, "President Tinubu has committed an Impeachable offence. He has violated the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria even within the purview of the section 305 suspending a Governor and directing a Military Sole Administrator to make laws in a democratic rule. This is an abuse of office."

What bothers me, and which should bother all rational Nigerians is: why declare emergency in a peaceful State like Rivers with no bloodbath or chaos and anarchy? All what has been happening in the State is the supporters of Fubara and Wike that have been entertaining Nigerians with scintillating songs and interesting lyrics that keeps the people smiling in the midst of the agonizing hardship caused them by the harsh economic policies of the Tinubu Administration.

While I don't support and encourage declaration of emergency rule in any of the States of the Federation, the declaration of emergency rule in the peaceful Rivers State by Tinubu, while he has been blind, deaf and dumb towards States that have been flowing with blood on daily basis as a result of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and the carting away of the country's natural resources in broad daylight paints Tinubu as presiding over the country with double standards!

"Injustice to one, is injustice to all"! Hence, the National Assembly was expected to genuinely rise to the occasion, by defending democracy and the people, by overruling Tinubu on the coup against democracy. No, not in Nigeria! In Nigeria, the elected representatives (Legislature) is an appendage of the Executive. They are voiceless, and like cultists, they speak with one voice anytime - always doing the bidding of the Executive, wrong or right. The overwhelming approval of President Tinubu's emergency rule proclamation in Rivers State by the National Assembly is seemingly geared towards laying democracy to rest in Nigeria.

Be that as it is, Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Ohaneze Indigbo, Middle-Belt Forum, Pan Niger Delta Development Forum, PANDEF, Ijaw National Congress, INC, Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, and all lovers of democracy across the country should as a matter of urgency condemn and reject the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

The political stakeholders in Rivers State who genuinely care about its future, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF,  - particularly those from the PDP cadre - and the Ijaw National Congress, INC, should urgently pursue legal action in a competent court of law to challenge the unlawful state of emergency imposed in Rivers State and the suspension of its democratic framework. While this may not guarantee the outcome that the populace yearns for, especially given the increasingly authoritarian tendencies of the Tinubu Administration, it is crucial to prevent a continuation of such actions and to document this resistance for posterity.

Indeed, the political climate in Nigeria - especially as exemplified by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State - raises questions about the integrity and functioning of democracy in the nation. The actions taken under the pretext of restoring order not only undermine the rule of law but also set a perilous precedent that could erode the very foundations of democratic governance. By circumventing established constitutional norms, Tinubu risks not only his administration's credibility but also the legitimacy of the political system as a whole.

The complexities surrounding the Rivers political crisis underscore the critical need for a fair and impartial approach to governance. Rather than resorting to measures that appear more aligned with authoritarianism than democracy, it is imperative that political leaders prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and the empowerment of elected officials. The outcry from various civil society organizations, legal experts, and political stakeholders in Rivers State is a clarion call for unity among Nigerians who cherish democracy - a stark reminder that the rights of the people must remain paramount.

The collective response from the Nigerian populace, civil society groups, and political stakeholders will be pivotal in determining whether the unjust actions of the administration will stand or fall. It is a moment for all those who believe in the principles of democratic governance - transparency, accountability, and the sovereignty of the electorate - to rally together and voice their opposition to actions that threaten to undermine the progress made in Nigeria's nascent democracy.

Therefore, the struggle against injustice in Rivers State serves as a microcosm of a much broader battle for the soul of Nigeria. Whether through legal avenues or civil resistance, it is essential that the citizens of Nigeria assert their rights and stand firmly against a drift toward dictatorship cloaked in democratic clothing. The future of the nation depends on the resolve of its people to safeguard the principles of democratic governance against the onslaught of tyranny, corruption, and political malfeasance. The resistance against such encroachments must be sustained, not just for Rivers State, but as a vital assertion of democracy for all Nigerians, ensuring that the people's voice remains a powerful force against authoritarianism.

Hon. Prince Augustine Edumogiren writes from Ayakoromo, Delta State.

March 20, 2025.

Onduku Celebrates CSO Louis Okpolokpo on Birth Anniversary, Salutes him for his Sacrifices to ljaw Nation Development

In commemoration of his natal escape day, the Vice President of ljaw Publishers Forum (IPF) and the CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror Newspaper Online, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, has congratulated and rejoiced with Alaowei Preye Louis Ogbeghan, alias Okpolokpo, the faithful Chief Security Officer, CSO to the GM Operations Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Sir. Godfrey Tare Pondi on the auspicious occasion of his birth anniversary.

Onduku who is a Warri based human rights seasoned journalist described the Ogbotubo, Gbaraumatu and Diebiri born Preye Ogbeghan as a young inspirational youth leader who had sacrificed his cherished time in sleepless day and night for the Niger Delta ljaw emancipation struggle over the years.

Reflecting back in the days of the turbulence Niger Delta agitation for Resource Control and Self-Determination spear headed by MEND among other notable bodies, Louis Okpolokpo as a fearless young man at the forefront and highly committed in the struggle whose efforts and contributions were acknowledged by the high ranking leadership in the liberation struggle.

Onduku emphasized that Alaowei Preye Ogbeghan is a strong force to be reckoned with in the ljaw liberation struggle. He is so admired by the youths and his contemporaries due to his kindness and generosity to humanity.

Therefore, he deserves all the best in life and worths celebration by well meaning youths and leaders in the Niger Delta region in recognition of his selfless sacrifices and the impact he created in the struggle.

" l wished him a  memorable happy birthday celebration with good health, long life and prosperity in Jesus mighty name, Amen. Congratulations and many happy returns, Onduku stated".

Just-ln: Otuaro cautions N'Delta ex-agitators against being used as agents of destruction in Rivers State

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) , Dr Denis Otuaro has advised beneficiaries of the amnesty programme to refrain from being used to foment trouble in Rivers.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Otuaro said he is advising ex-agitators under the PAP to conduct themselves responsibly in the wake of the constitutional development in Rivers.

“The PAP Office urges all ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme to resist any attempt and overtures by groups or individuals, no matter how highly placed, to draw them into the current situation in Rivers State.

“I am appealing against engaging in violent activities or making yourselves available for acts capable of throwing the Niger Delta into chaos.

“I am reminding you of your obligations as critical stakeholders as well as ambassadors of peace to maintain and safeguard the region’s peace and stability for the safety of the Niger Delta people and their means of livelihoods.

“The PAP Office further wants all ex-agitators to beware that some merchants of violence will like to make political gains out of tensions in Rivers State and use them as cannon fodders to disrupt the peace for their selfish desires. You are urged to shun such temptations,” Otuaro said..

Otuaro noted that the Niger Delta has suffered enough on many fronts over the years, and all ex-agitators should realize this fact and ensure that the region is not plunged into further destabilization due to the developments in Rivers.

“ Importantly, I am asking ex-agitators, beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and the good people of the Niger Delta not to engage in the destruction of oil and gas and other government assets in the region,” Otuaro said.

PDP Governors Forum Responds to President Tinubu, Says Suspension of Rivers State Governor is lllegal and Unconstitutional

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum ( PDPGF) notes with grave concern and utter misgiving the suspension of democratic rule in Rivers State by President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  in his nationwide broadcast of Tuesday, 18th March, 2025. 

We stand in  solidarity with  His Excellency , Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara  of Rivers State and the good people of Rivers State at this very difficult and trying moment of the state's political history. There is no other time that our philosophy of "TOUCH ONE TOUCH ALL" is more apt than now.

He who goes to the court of equity must go with clean hands. Mr. President , your silence on the active role played by your Minister of the FCT in the Rivers impasse is golden and enabling. He has become a law unto himself because he was playing out your script. Now we know. This is totally unstatemanly, biased, and divisive.

We state categorically that this unwarranted but premeditated attack on Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party and other opposition parties is today, the greatest threat to democracy in our dear country,  Nigeria and it is an ill wind that will blow no one any good. It is a dangerous course of action that will not only endanger our hard won democracy, but will exacerbate the crises in the nation, deepen mistrust, elevate security threats, destroy the economy, and our national cohesion and stability.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in it's response signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, has already  expressed grave concern about the purported suspension by the President of the Governor of Rivers State, the Deputy Governor, and the Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The NBA affirmed their commitment to upholding the Constitution, defending democratic governance, and ensuring that the rule of law prevails in Nigeria. In their words, "A state of emergency is an extraordinary measure that must be invoked strictly within constitutional limits. The removal of elected officials under the pretext of emergency rule is unconstitutional and unacceptable. 

 The Forum completely aligns itself with the NBA and promises to subject Section 305 (3) of the Constitution to judicial interpretation. This authoritarian shenanigan is unacceptable and cannot stand.

Mr President is therefore called upon to listen to wise counsel and the voice of reason, as well as accept that he made grevious mistakes and acted in haste, and reverse this atrocious and retrograde decision before it is too late.

Signed:

Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed  CON Governor of Bauchi State/Chairman, PDP Governors' Forum.

N'Delta ex-agitators passes vote of confidence on Otuaro one year in office, hails FG for increase of amnesty budget

The leaders and beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) have declared that the administrator, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, ’s achievements in just one year have surpassed those made in the programme’s past 14 years.

In a solidarity rally held in Yenagoa on Tuesday to celebrate the positive changes Otuaro brought to the Niger Delta, the national chairman of Phase 2 of the Amnesty Programme, Ibena Rufus Salvation, said that the transformative policies implemented by Otuaro since assuming office as administrator of the PAP, cannot be overemphasised.

He expressed strong support for the operations of Tantita Security Services, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo and commended the security outfit for its effectiveness in safeguarding oil facilities and combating illegal bunkering.

He stated that the leaders and beneficiaries of the Amnesty programme are passing a vote of confidence on Otuaro. He urged President Bola Tinubu to sustain his administration’s collaboration with Tantita Security, emphasising its crucial role in maintaining regional stability.

“It is on this background that we are embarking on this solidarity rally to celebrate Otuaro’s one year in office and one year of the Tantita Security contract. Tantita is not doing only oil facility surveillance, they are providing employment, putting food on the table of thousands of people in the Niger Delta region.

“People should know that at this moment, with Tantita Security, Niger Delta is safe, with Dennis Otuaro, Niger Delta is safe.

No more air pollution, no more water pollution, everywhere is calm. These are very great achievements, and it is on this note that we are passing a vote of confidence on Dr Dennis Otuaro”, he said.

Salvation also hinted that Otuaro’s leadership in the last year has helped to reduce tension and conflicts in the region, saying that he has worked closely with ex-agitators, community leaders, and government agencies to maintain stability by ensuring that beneficiaries receive their entitlements on time and addressing their concerns through peaceful dialogue.

In their respective remark, the leader of the Phase 1, Edward Youdiowei, urged the youths of the Niger Delta to be patient with Otuaro, adding that he has done enough for the beneficiaries and the Niger Delta region.

Youdiowei appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the PAP administrator, Dr. Otuaro, for collaborating with the stakeholders in the region to sustain the Amnesty programme and also increasing the Amnesty budget.

Just-ln: OML 42 youths kicks against renewal of Global FTO agreement with Jones creek hydrocarbon limited, urges host communities to reject it over neglect

Host communities of OML 42 in the Niger Delta region have been called upon to "reject and protest against" any attempt by Jones Creek Hydrocarbon to renew its Glabal Freedom to Operate (FTO) agreement. 

"The agreement has increased marginalization of the host communities, her youth, host contractors and all stakeholders are suffering as the agreement has failed to meet the aspirations of the host communities", the OML 42 Youth Forum has declared.

The OML 42 Youth Forum made the assertions in a statement delivered by its Chairman, Comr Mamamu Bakkawei Williams during a meeting held with youth leaders and stakeholders of the communities comprising Odidi , Egwa , Batan and the Jones Creek Oil and Gas fields within OML 42.

In the address, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Monday, the OML 42 Youth Forum noted with concern that "the Global FTO with Jonescreek Hydrocarbons which commenced on 1st May, 2024 will expire on April 30th 2025".

The OML 42 Youth Forum's statement partly reads, "This is a Stand Against Injustice, a Call to Reject the renewal of the unfair and slave-to master Agreement.

"On behalf of the OML 42 youths across Odidi, Batan, Jonescreek and Egwa host communities, we protest against any attempt to renew the Global FTO with Jonescreek Hydrocarbons which commence 1st May 2024 - to expire April 30th 2025.

"All contracts ranging from well head revamp, flowline repair, sectional replacement and reconstruction, dredging, well interventions, flowstation re-entry at Egwa, Gas lifts repairs, Gas compression Odidi, among others, were seeded to Jonescreek Hydrocarbon which is also part of Obijackson groups of companies which Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi is using to hijack all contracts to his companies. 

"The said agreement states that for all unskilled jobs, 40% percent of skilled jobs shall be nominated from the host communities, when job vacancy is available for Jonescreek Hydrocarbon Limited youths from these host communities will be considered, 

"Till date, there are no jobs for ours youth. This company only encourages ghost workers. They refused to engage host communities youth. We are marginalized.  They have not employed any qualified persons from the host communities while they are practically running all the contract jobs in the OML 42 asset.

"The agreement threatens to exacerbate economic inequality by favoring multinational corporations at the expense of host contractors. The promise of job creation has proven hollow.  They outsource labour, leaving our community to face unemployment and diminished opportunities.

"The negotiations surrounding the Global FTO have been shrouded in secrecy. The youths and stakeholders have been left in the dark regarding the true implications of this agreement. We demand full disclosure and open dialogue about the terms that will significantly affect our lives.

"We urge our community leaders and stakeholders, to stand firm in opposing this renewal. It is time to reclaim our rights and demand a fairer, more equitable approach in our dealings in OML 42.

"We are saying enough is enough.  We call the JPMT of Amaranta and NEPL, community leaders, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Minister of Oil and Gas , the Minister of state for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri 

, the NNPC GMD Mele Kyari  , and the His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)  President Federal Republic of Nigeria to intervene to avert the crisis that might arise if the said arrangements is renewed which will disrupt   oil production in OML 42".

PANDEF hails Tinubu on recent meeting with South-South leaders, calls for a stop on Wike's unruly attitude in his Govt

STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR GODKNOWS IGALI. NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PANDEF AT PRESS CONFERENCE ON SITUATION ON RIVERS

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Ordinarily, this press conference would have been dedicated solely to expressing PANDEF’s appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously receiving the high-level South-South delegation at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. However, we find it necessary to address a deeply concerning and regrettable development that has arisen in the aftermath of this visit—namely, the media chat conducted by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. 

Purpose of the Visit to Mr. President 

 The visit to Mr. President, attended by eminent South-South leaders, including the region’s most senior traditional rulers, former governors, senators, ministers, retired senior military officers, business leaders, and other distinguished citizens, was held at the invitation of Mr. President himself. The meeting provided a valuable platform to discuss pressing issues of national and regional importance, including:

  i. The imperative of peace in Rivers State and PANDEF’s ongoing mediatory efforts. 

 ii. The need for Presidential assent to the South-South Development Commission (SSDC) Bill, passed by the National Assembly, to ensure the region’s equitable development.  

iii. Urgent infrastructure development, particularly road networks and the optimal utilization and expansion of existing and new ports. 

iv. Resolution of socio-economic challenges affecting victims of the Bakassi crisis.  

v. Strategies to enhance oil production and promote greater inclusion of South-South indigenes in the governance of the oil and gas sector.  

vi. The necessity of a systematic environmental cleanup in oil-producing states.  

vii. The continued advocacy for true federalism and restructuring.  

PANDEF’s Expectations from the Engagement  

PANDEF and the people of the South-South expect that these issues, which Mr. President acknowledged with assurances of follow-up action, will be diligently pursued, leading to tangible progress in the near future.  

Regarding the situation in Rivers State, PANDEF fully embraced Mr. President’s directive to the organization to sustain its ongoing mediatory and reconciliation efforts—an initiative he commended, recognizing the caliber of individuals involved.  

Since that meeting, PANDEF has intensified engagements with key stakeholders, fostering dialogue to achieve an amicable resolution that guarantees lasting peace and harmony in Rivers State.  

Disparaging Comments by the Honourable Minister  

It is, therefore, both shocking and unfortunate that, barely 24 hours after this significant engagement with Mr. President—an engagement that rekindled hope for peace and stability— the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, held a media chat in which he launched an unwarranted and deeply inappropriate attack on PANDEF and its leadership.  

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister characterized PANDEF as "the worst organization ever" and accused its members of visiting the Presidential Villa merely to solicit financial favors. These statements are not only false but also unbecoming of a public official of his stature.  

Even more concerning was his disparaging remarks directed at revered South-South leaders, including the late Chief E.K. Clark, a national icon and former PANDEF leader, whose legacy was duly recognized by Mr. President during our visit, with a minute of silence observed in his honor. Equally unacceptable was the crude and disrespectful attack on another national treasure His Majesty, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, former Military Governor of Rivers State and current Chairman of PANDEF’s Board of Trustees.  

PANDEF’s Stance  

To set the record straight, PANDEF the foremost socio-political body representing the South-South regions, composed of some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities. The delegation to Mr. President included chairpersons of at least four of the six South-South states' traditional councils, senior traditional rulers of major ethnic groups, former governors, past presiding officers of the Senate, prominent entrepreneurs, academics, and high-ranking retired military officers.  

It is, therefore, highly regrettable and totally unacceptable that a serving minister in the Federal Government would exhibit such brazen disrespect towards individuals of this standing. This attitude perhaps explains his continued refusal of the Minister to engage with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which PANDEF constituted as far back as October 2024, despite repeated attempts to reach.  

The Efforts of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee  

For the avoidance of doubt, the Peace and Reconciliation Committee, which remains committed to resolving the Rivers State crisis, comprises distinguished statesmen, including:  

- Obong Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State.  

- Col. Pam Ogar, former Military Governor of Kwara State.  

- H.E. Admiral Jonah John, former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.  

- Chief Mrs. Stella Omu, Engr. Emmanuel Ibok-Essien and Sen. Roland Owie, all three at different times former Chief Whips of the Senate.  

- Rt. Hon. Stella Dorgu, former leader in the House of Representatives.  

While the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has demonstrated willingness to engage with this committee, the Honourable Minister has consistently rebuffed all attempts to reach him opening up at dialogue. Given his open hostility and dismissive attitude toward PANDEF, the organization can no longer subject these esteemed senior Nigerians on peace mission to such levels of disregard and disrespect.  

Appeal to Mr. President  

PANDEF hereby calls upon Mr. President, as the father of the nation, to prevail upon the Honourable Minister to retract his inflammatory statements and extend due respect to these eminent Nigerians and traditional rulers who were, after all, esteemed guests of the Commander-in-Chief. It is apt to remind that the Minister does not own the Niger-Delta and his errant conduct should not be condoned. 

Notwithstanding this regrettable development, PANDEF remains unwavering in its commitment to peace, stability, and equitable development in the Niger Delta. We will continue to engage with great vigour, all relevant stakeholders in pursuit of lasting harmony in Rivers State and the broader South-South region.  

Conclusion  

We appreciate your time and attention. Thank you.  

Signed:

Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali.

Ijaw group calls on IGP, DSS to arrest sponsors of campaign of calumny against Otuaro, Tompolo, Pondi in US, UK

The Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI) has asked the Inspector General of Police and the director of the State Security Service, DSS to take immediate action against individuals sponsoring mischievous protests in the United States and the United Kingdom to allegedly spread unfounded allegations against the administrator of the presidential Amnesty (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and Chief Engr Kestin Pondi, MD Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

The group, in a statement by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin said disgruntled individuals who are eyeing the seat of the presidential Amnesty administrator and potential oil thieves who were responsible for destruction of oil pipelines are spreading falsehood against Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi.

The IPDI expressed concerns over the negative impact these false claims could have on the reputation and integrity of the involved individuals and the wider Niger Delta region if not timely checked. They emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for disseminating these baseless allegations and to ensure that appropriate legal measures are taken against them.

The group emphasised the importance of protecting public figures such as Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi from detrimental falsehoods that can undermine their leadership and cause unwarranted division within the Niger Delta region. 

Ozobo said IPDI remained committed to upholding the truth and advocating for justice in the face of fabricated narratives against Ijaw people and Niger Delta.

IPDI highlighted that Dr Dennis Otuaro has done well as administrator of the presidential Amnesty program in just one year in office, adding that every well-meaning leader, stakeholder and youth should give him total support to do more for the Niger Delta and ex-agitators.

Ozobo said Tompolo and Kestin Pondi are great leaders that have empowered thousands of youths, stakeholders and women, and that they need to be appreciated for their good leaderships.

They urged president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore falsehood peddled against the great men, adding that conquered oil thieves and those who lost out for the race for the administrator of the presidential Amnesty program are spreading falsehood against Dr Otuaro Tompolo and Pondi.

The group said Dr Otuaro's appointment has greatly contributed to the current peace enjoyed by his (Tinubu) administration, noting that Dr Otuaro did well to camp tension in the Niger Delta especially during the #end bad governance protests and in the face of the ongoing provocation regarding the rivers political crisis.

According to IPDI, Otuaro's appointment as PAP administrator was a square peg in a square hole, and was celebrated by all in Niger Delta, citing that he has kept his promises and implementing great reforms in the amnesty programme.

Ozobo further stressed that Tompolo and Engr Kestin Pondi has helped to restore the once bastardised Niger Delta environment, stopped once prevalence oil thieves menace and boost the country's oil production to over two million (2m) barrels per day.

IPDI urged the Inspector General of Police and director of DSS to swing into action without a further delay in bringing to justice those peddling unfounded allegations against Dr Otuaro, Tompolo and Kestin Pondi to show deterrent to others.

Just-ln: Tension in Rivers as N-Delta youths write Tinubu, give 7-day ultimatum to shut down oil production

Palpable tension has enveloped Rivers State as youth sociopolitical groups, under the auspices of the Niger Delta Youth Council (NDYC), threaten to shutdown oil production across the region, over the raging political impasse in Rivers.

Already, the youth groups have issued a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanding, among others, the immediate restoration of Rivers State statutory revenue allocation, end every impeachment plot against the Rivers State Governor, Similaye Fubara as well as ensure public retraction of anti-Ijaw remarks purportedly attributed to the former Governor of the State, Hon. Nyesom Wike.

"Failure to comply could lead to a total shutdown of oil production across the region, a move that would have dire consequences for Nigeria’s already fragile economy", the group stated in an open letter to the President signed by Comrade Bene Youkore Mamamu, the NDYC President.

In the open letter, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri, Delta State on Saturday, the NDYC noted with concern that former Governor Wike's comments in which he was quoted as describing the Ijaws as minority group of the minorities "is provocative and inflammatory, and a declaration of economic and political War". 

The open letter partly reads, "We are ready to shock the world in seven days.

"We are prepared to take decisive action if our demands are not met within the seven days. 

"The oil that fuels this nation flows from our land, the fourth largest and most populated ethnic group in Nigeria and we will not allow Wike, who is suspected of being used by the Presidency to sabotage our region and undermine Ijaw history.

"We are angry that Tinubu's government has empowered Wike and the Judiciary to undermine Ijaws and the Niger-Delta region, with regular threats to impeach Governor Fubara, seize the States allocation, insult late Pa Edwin Clark and rewrite the history of Ijaw nation from fourth largest ethnic groups to minority".

Continuing, the NDYC urged its members to "mobilise to disrupt oil production across the Niger Delta region at the expiration of the seven days ultimatum", the statement added.

PAP: Ijaw Publishers' Forum Hails Dr. Dennis Otuaro for Transformative Reforms in one year in office

 

The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has extended heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), on the successful service delivery and transformative reforms he has implemented during his first year in office. 

In a statement issued by IPF's national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum commended Dr. Otuaro for reinstating vital programs that had previously been suspended, including foreign scholarships, marine training initiatives, vocational training, and the empowerment scheme.

Dr. Otuaro's administration has been marked by a series of extensive and inclusive stakeholder meetings that have actively involved ex-agitators, community leaders, local stakeholders, women, and traditional rulers from the Niger Delta region. This collaborative approach has fostered a greater sense of community involvement and support for the amnesty initiative.

He deployed Over 2000 students for scholarships in various universities in Nigeria and abroad. "About 40 ex-agitators were deployed for Aero-Maintenance training in Lagos. Four commercial pilots trained in South Africa.

Over 100 ex-agitators trained in the maritime sector", the group added.

"We are proud of the remarkable achievements made by Dr. Otuaro in just one year," said Comrade Austin. "His efforts to restore and enhance critical programs demonstrate a commitment to uplifting the youth and empowering the people of the Niger Delta. We believe that these initiatives will have a profound and lasting impact on our ex-agitators and communities."

The IPF emphasised the importance of continued support from youth, leaders, and stakeholders across the Niger Delta region for Dr. Otuaro's agenda. "We urge all parties to rally behind him to ensure the successful delivery of his programs and the overall progress of our region," the statement read.

Meantime, the endorsement from the Ijaw Publishers' Forum underscores the growing recognition of Dr. Otuaro's leadership and vision for a revitalized and empowered Niger Delta, as he works towards sustainable development and peace in the area.

However, the IPF remained optimistic that with collaboration and support, the transformative initiatives set in motion by Dr. Otuaro will continue to flourish, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow for all residents of the Niger Delta.

Ekanpou Condoles Wife Over Death of Mother ln-law, Mrs. Margaret Ekotoro

Words of Strength for the Ekotoro and Okumbiri Families on the departure of Mrs Margaret Ekotoro

Mrs Margaret Ekotoro, a virtuous, peace-loving, kind-hearted, compassionate, caring, god-fearing, forgiving, positively charged woman with a golden heart that does not have an archive of enemies but an archive of loved ones, devoted member of Christ Divine and Gospel Mission church (CDGM) who does not miss any church convention held anywhere in Nigeria, a professional tailor  without formal apprenticeship to anyone, who specialises in the sewing of bespoke church garments, is dead. She died at twelve midnight on the 14 of March 2025 in Warri without any complications. 

Mrs  Margaret Ekotoro simply told her children after drinking a glass of water that she was ready to journey back to the underworld. She began to lose consciousness after telling her children she was ready to sail home. Confronted with her creeping consciousness, they took her to a near hospital reachable within four minutes. By the time they reached the hospital she was already dead on the way as confirmed by the doctor at the hospital. She died at the age of 99 as a professional tailor yet to retire from her trade she loved with passion. She simply died without the complication of illness. 

There are echoes of clairvoyance here. She was a great devotee of God who knew she was about to die and got prepared as she had a delicious meal that day, drank a bottle of coke, a glass of water, watched an interesting movie from the beginning to the end, sat on the bed and told her children it was time. Amazingly, she ate her meal to her fill that day. While she was watching the movie, there was a  power blackout or outage  that interrupted her last enjoyment but she insisted that she must watch the movie to the end. May be she knew it was her last movie. Her children obliged her and made it possible for her to watch the movie to the end. After the movie, she took a glass of water, sat on the bed and told her children it was time for her to go. 

Mrs Margaret Ekotoro died a great woman, loved by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. Even at the age of 99 her loved ones wept as if she were still 25 in age because of her ageless impactfulness on everybody while on earth. She was very healthy with all her faculties functioning properly without debilitation before her golden roof caved in on 14 March 2025.

Mrs Lucky Ekotoro Ekanpou, my wife, wept beyond comfort like a baby when  she broke to me the news of the death of her mother, Mrs Margaret Ekotoro, on the telephone. Her baby-like tears made me lose my footing on the staircase and almost fell. All these are echoes of her impactful mother who was fully alive to her responsibilities of mothering and motherhood on earth as she never elevated one child above the other in the expression of motherly love. She was non-discriminatory and selfless in the expression of motherly care and love to her children.

Mrs Margaret Ekotoro  will be missed by the CDGM church at Adekagbene/ Kalafiogbene where she was a highly respected member who never missed a church gathering. She triumphantly attended her last church  convention at Adekagbene/ Kalafiogbene in January 2025. 

Rather clairvoyantly, within her she knew it would be her last presence in the CDGM church gathering at Adekagbene/Kalafiogbene. Particularly, she will be missed by her grandchildren, Peremoboere Ekanpou and Gesi Pereazuwa Ekanpou.

A virtuous woman for whom prayerful wishes for prolongation of life were encored like a rhythmically and thematically striking piece of music played, even at her apparently ripe age of 99, I hereby offer my condolences to the families of Ekotoro Oruserikeme and Okumbiri of Adekagbene/Kalafiogbene in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State. May God give the Ekotoro Oruserikeme and Okumbiri Families the required strength to bear the pain of this impactful death. 

For Mrs Lucky Ekotoro Ekanpou, my wife, may she be mystically and psychologically empowered to bear this irreparable loss so that she can find the comfort  to continue her life journey without weeping further comfortlessly.

Very finally, may the virtuous soul of Mrs Margaret Ekotoro find comfort in her new world where she is going to meet the likes of late Chief Ek Clark, Mrs Timiebi Maika Ekanpou and Maika Ekanpou of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom.

 

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Rivers Crises: N'Delta peace advocate, Mulade cautions Wike to tread with caution over attack on ljaw nation

Warri: Niger Delta-born environmental rights activist and peace advocate Comrade Sheriff Mulade has strongly appeal and cautioned the Federal Capital Territory Minister Barr Nyesom Wike for his open attack and expression of deep hatred against the Ijaw nation across Nigeria because of personal political conflict/interest.

The Delta state-born global peace ambassador and development advocate from Ijaw extraction has called on the FCT Minister, Hon Nyesom Wike to thread with caution not to create wrong impression and instill bad blood between Ijaw's and her neighbours the Ikwerri in Rivers state and beyond. I want to clearly state that Ijaw people are not at war with Ikwerri's because of rivers' government house, which those not belong to any individual but for the good and peace-loving people of the entire Rivers State.

It has become necessary to formally appeal and caution the former Rivers State Governor and now FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike, who is Lawyer and Life Bencher, to manage his anger, incitement comment, expression of hatred to avoid ethnic conflict and stop the continuous insults and attacks on Ijaw elders and leaders even those alives and dead over rivers family politics. We respect you as a former governor of our dire state that the Ijaw leaders sacrificed their lives to fought and created since 1967

It is worthy of note that the population and size of the Ijaw nation in Nigeria are not in dispute, particularly in the Niger Delta. Please stop whipping hatred of sentiment against the innocent people across the region. By God's willingly, Ijaw's can become Governors in Akwa-Ibom, Ondo, Edo, and Delta State's because they are Nigerians as well as FCT Ministers in the future with the present day Nigeria.

Your Excellency, our most admired FCT Minister today, Barr Nyesom Ezewon Wike. It is pertinent to remind you that Ikwerri's are Ijaw closest neighbours, and Ijaw's are Ikwerri's strongest partners, and you are a product and great beneficiary of that relationship. Please, for the sake of peace, unity, and development of our dire state and region, let adopt the South Africa proverb UBUNTU. *I am because you are, and you are because I am*. Rivers people love you, we all grow up as rivers youths and Niger-Deltan. We can not destroy or create anarchy because of political interest. We need to tread with caution because power is transcends

Delta Govt warns civil servants against age falsification, as state HoS Bayoko refers to Oborevwori as most workers friendly governor

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has frowned at the attitude of some civil servants in the state who engage in age falsification with the dubious intent to prolong their years of service. He warned those involved to desist from such dubious act or face severe sanctions. 

Governor Oborevwori handed down the warning on Tuesday evening at a dinner organised by the state government for the College of Permanent Secretaries led by the State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko; Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments; Directors and Deputy Directors in the state civil service which was held at the Event Centre, Asaba. 

The Governor said any civil servant who had attained the age of retirement should retire from the service so as to create opportunity for younger ones to be employed, adding that civil servants should always enter their real age in their documentations. 

He expressed appreciation to workers in the state for the love they had shown to his administration, pointing out that they should continue to support its policies and programmes for the overall growth and development of the state. 

"If you know you have attained retirement age, please, retire so that the younger ones could be employed into the civil service. 

"You should use your real age so that people can grow in the system. When you are old, please allow the young ones to take over. 

"I thank you for the love you people have shown to this administration. Let us continue to work together for the growth and development of the state," the Governor added. 

Continuing, he said: "Today's dinner is in fulfilment of the promise l made during our meeting of January 29, this year. We have come to interact and share experiences. 

"I think it is important l update you on some of the matters arising from our last meeting where a lot of issues were raised. First is the issue of poor telephone network in the Prof. Chike Edozien State Secretariat Complex among others," he said. 

As part of deliberate effort to mitigate the issue of poor telephone network at the new state secretariat, the Governor said he had directed the Commissioner for Science and Technology and his Special Duties counterpart to ensure that the issue was nipped in the bud before the end of March, 2025. 

"We are looking at the suggestions that you people made during our meeting of January 29, this year, with a view to seeing how we can implement some of the suggestions that are useful to the effective running of the state civil service," he said. 

While saying that the state had a workforce of over 60,000 with a monthly wage bill of over N16 billion monthly, the Governor appealed to Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Extra Ministerial Departments, Directors and Deputy Directors to continue to discharge their duties diligently and professionally. 

Governor Oborevwori, said; "we will follow due process in appointing a new Head of Service when the time comes, and, in due course, more Permanent Secretaries will be appointed," stressing that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries was by merit and vacancy. 

The Governor, who disclosed that the state government was not owing any of its contractors, said, "recently, we did 40 per cent mobilisation to our contractors. The problem we are having is not the multinationals; it is our local contractors. 

"The local contractors cannot shortchange the state, if the site supervising engineers are doing their work. If the site supervising engineers are doing their work well, there will be no point for me to go to site for project supervision. 

"I am going to go round the 25 local government areas to inspect various projects being executed by the state government. If you are praying that l should not come, you are deceiving yourself. Any contractor who is doing a bad work will refund the money paid to him." 

While reiterating that his administration had not borrowed since it came on board, he said a lot had been achieved in the socio-economic growth and development of the state. 

Speaking at the gathering tagged "An Evening With The Governor," the State Head of Service (HOS), Mr. Reginald Bayoko, said the forum was an open show by the governor that the state workforce was a reliable and valuable partners in progress. 

Mr. Bayoko thanked Governor Oborevwori for his workers'- friendly policies and programmes since he came into office, and assured him of the total support of workers in advancing his MORE Agenda for Deltans and residents of the state. 

The Head of Service advocated that the full weight of the law should be enforced on erring public servants deeply rooted in age cheat and indiscipline. 

The evening featured entertainment through music, comedy and cultural dance by the Delta Cultural troupe.

www.deltastate.gov.ng

THOUGHTS FOR TOMPOLO_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Troops trained track treason beyond trace without trading like that tempted trooper.

Sometimes trained troops trade and trail their commanders to retirement from earth.

It is futile to send trained  troops that are traitorous.

A trained  but tempted trooper once traded off jewelleries meant for Ayakoromo .

This I have known for decades.

I know your camp campaign to counter and conquer traitorous troops.

For you I am therefore sending trained troops.

These trained troops are grounded in how to track nets of treason and lies woven around you like waiting 'kpantainkpantain' web of spider.

These trained troops shall not trade like that trained trooper sent to Ayakoromo.

Despatched to you are the best trained troops anywhere on earth.

These are the trained troops with ten tentacles and talons to tackle  traitorous trail of any type camouflaged.

These trained troops know neither fatigue nor aging because they have swallowed the pill of agelessness and indefatigability.

These trained troops are ready to camp anywhere there is job, even if it means journeying nightly to reconnoitre that numbered camp. 

I mean that numbered camp now turned a celebrated history in Ekanpou 's camp four.

These trained troops are my thoughts carried by poems, novels, plays and essays as the Akparemogbene-made dugout canoe of iroko.

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.