Bayelsa born wrestler Blessing Oborududu bids emotional goodbye to wrestling with a gold medal

2021 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, Blessing Oborududu, has bid emotional goodbye to wrestling after 19 years of active bout on the mat

The 14-time African champion won her final bout to clinch gold for Bayelsa in the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta and end an illustrious career 

The Bayelsa born wrestler received emotional farewell from national teammates with pleasant standing ovation from fans, officials, and wrestling stakeholders 

An emotional Blessing Oborududu in her farewell speech "I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey, the Nigeria Wrestling Federation led by Daniel Igali and the board members, my teammates, and family. 

"After the Olympics, I thought of retiring, but the President suggested I retire officially at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta where I made my first appearance as a young wrestler back in 2006".

"I created a lot of memories, but my most memorable one was the Tokyo Olympics, which ignited hope across Africa because it was the first ever medal from an African woman in wrestling at the Olympics, and I hope more will come for our future wrestlers" Oborududu said. 

In goodwill remarks, President Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Honourable Daniel Igali described Oborududu as an exceptional and absolute professional beyond being an athlete.

"The type of Blessing is not easy to come by, and not easy to replace. I get questions like how are you going to replace Blessing, the thing is you can't replace Blessing, you might have another athlete, but not Blessing. 

"That's why I say bitter-sweet because the selfish part of you wants athlete like this to compete forever because for you is not just to have any athlete that does well, but one who has that mindset, discipline, pureness for the sport and most of these wrestlers you see stay with her in her house and she takes care of them as a duty. She is like a big sister to them, and that only for me is more than being a champion on the mat." Igali stated. 

Also, Hannah Reuben led the tribute of teammates, who stated her heartfelt admiration for Oborududu, acknowledging her dedication, achievements, and impact. She expressed gratitude to her years of service and being a great teammate and captain, and wishing her well in her future endeavours. 

Promise Okotoko 

Media Assist. NWF 

07062603231

Just-ln: 19 Kidnap Victims Rescued Along Bille-Bonny Waterways by Asari Dokubo Private Security Outfit

Nineteen passengers who were kidnapped along the Bille-Bonny waterways in Rivers State have been rescued.

The victims, who had been held captive for 21 days, were freed on Monday during a rescue operation carried out by the Royal Fouche Security Services, popularly known as the Amama Soldiers. The security outfit is owned by the Amanyanabo of the Source, Elem Kalabari, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari (Dabaye Amakiri I).

Following the successful rescue, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, addressed the press, commending the operation and emphasizing the need for stronger security measures along the region’s waterways.

Out of the 20 abducted passengers, 19 were rescued alive. The 20th victim, a military officer identified as Lance Corporal Salisu Ibrahim, was not found. He had reportedly been taken away earlier by the kidnappers to an unknown location and remains missing.

Gov. Oborevwori Gives Account of Stewardship, Earmarks 42 Projects for Inauguration as he Marks 2nd Anniversary

 

...Gets Confidence Vote, Commendation From Delta Assembly 

 

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has earmarked 42 road projects for inauguration in celebration of his administration’s second year in office.

 

During his State of the State address at the State House of Assembly in Asaba on Wednesday, Governor Oborevwori unveiled several of the projects, including the 46-kilometre dualisation of the Ughelli–Asaba Road (Sectors C1 and C2), the Isheagu/Ewulu Road, and the Phase I bridge.

 

Other projects include the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Mariere Street in Boji-Boji Agbor, the construction of the Kwale–Beneku bridge and approach roads, and the reconstruction of Orhorhor, Chechester, and Benjamin Oseregbaje roads in Sapele.

He also mentioned the construction of roads around Otovwodo junction in Ughelli and the maintenance, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and construction of various roads in Effurun and Ekpan.

 

Further works include the reconstruction of failed sections of Central Hospital Road, rehabilitation of the link road between the hospital and Police Command Roads in Warri, and the rehabilitation of General Hospital Road with a spur to Police Command Road from Warri/Sapele Road to Ajamimogha/Mabiaku Link Road.

Others he listed include the rehabilitation of Esisi Road from Warri/Sapele Road to Estate Roundabout with a spur to Nana College Road linking Ajamimogha Road, and the reconstruction of Upper and Lower Erejuwa Roads in Warri.

 

Also listed for inauguration are the construction of internal roads in Kokori, Mudi Beach Street in Abraka, and the Uruagbesa Oria–Abraka Road, off Sapele–Abraka Road (Phase I). Other roads include; Itoma Road in Umeghe Umiagha–Abraka, General Hospital Road in Oghara, Idumu Etiti Street with a spur to Market Road in Owerre Olubor, and Mission Road/Ogboi Street with a spur to Ogwashi-Uku Road in Akumazi. Additional roads include Boji-Boji Owa/Otolokpo, Otekpo Road in Ellu Town, and the Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru Road (Phase III) in Okpolo-Enhwe–Uwheru Town.

 

Further projects include the Obi-Ibabu Road at Onicha-Ukwuani, Ohorhe/Adagbrass–Ugolo/Okuodiete Road, Ezesi Road in Orerokpe, Okan/Oviri–Agbarho/Orido Road in Agbarho, and the old Okpanam Road from Post Office junction through St. Michael’s Catholic Church Roundabout to Okpanam Bypass junction. There is also the access and internal road at the Headquarters of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Ibusa, Ichie James Obodoechi Avenue/Chikozie Okafor Road in Asaba, Okirighwre–Benin Road from Sapele–Warri Road to Gammon Bridge in Okirighwre, Sapele, and Arhavwarien Avenue in DSC Township, Udu.

 

More projects include Ododegho Road (Phase I) from Ekiugbo junction, off Ughelli–Patani Expressway in Ughelli, Ovwodoremor Avenue in Iwreovie–Ogor, Ofuegbe Street in Amai, and remedial work on the old Umutu–Eku Road through Abraka. There is also work on the township road in Ogbinbiri and Ogbudugbudu communities, a slipway at Soki Zion in Ogbinbiri Community, Warri North, Kokodiagbene Community Road, and internal roads and drains in Kurutie Town (Phase II) in Warri South West Local Government Area.

 

Governor Oborevwori also highlighted his administration’s flagship projects, which include; three flyovers and three slipways in the twin cities of Warri and Effurun, saying; "these are currently at various stages of completion and are expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2026". He added that other major road projects across the state are also progressing at different stages.

 

Delivering what he described as the first-ever State of the State Address in Delta’s history, Governor Oborevwori said the mid-term report reflects the philosophy of the MORE agenda, which is driven by the core values of servant leadership, transparency, accountability, innovation, and excellence. 

He recalled that upon assuming office on May 29, 2023, he presented a roadmap for growing the economy, maintaining fiscal responsibility, enhancing a focused and efficient civil service, promoting investment, supporting social enterprises, and ensuring that the poor and vulnerable benefit from government policies and programmes.

 

He stated that his purpose at the assembly was to report on the progress made and to offer a glimpse of what to expect in the remaining two years of the administration.

 

Following the address, and for his prudent management of the State resources, the Delta State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence in the governor.

The vote of confidence came through a resolution following a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo and was seconded by the member representing Uvwie State Constituency, Hon  Edafe Emakpor.

Similarly, the House also commended him for what it described as visionary and transformational leadership, effective financial stewardship, and a firm commitment to human capital development across the state. 

This was sequel to a motion moved by the Leader of the House, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, who praised Governor Oborevwori’s achievements in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

 

The motion was seconded by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, who represents Isoko South Constituency II, and was subsequently adopted through a unanimous voice vote presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor.

 

In his remarks, Speaker of the House, Rt. Emomotimi Guwor noted that Governor Oborevwori had done excellently through transformational leadership and strategic financial management.

He thanked the governor on behalf of the House for the commendable work being done for the development of the state.

Retraction and Public Apology on the publication title: 'IGP Arrests Endoro, Gbegha over communal crisis in Odimodi Community, as Sunny, lkisa, Teddy, Afidi, others on the run as police declares them wanted' By Niger Delta Mirror (The RealNews Media) Newspaper Online

Francis Tayor 

The management of Niger Delta Mirror also known as The RealNews Media, an online newspaper owned by Mr. Charlse Oyinbi Onduku hereby remorsefully retracts and renders unreserved public apology to Odimodi Federated Community, the Chairman, Hon. Chief. New-World Endoro, Mr. Solomon Gbegha, Hon. Chief. Combolous Ekisa, Chief. Sunday Gbegha, Mr. Doufe Justice, Hon. Teddy Benikurukuru, Hon. Akin Benikurukuru and Hon. Afidi Ebiarede respectively over the publication of a story dated Monday 26th May, 2025 at about 6:38AM with the caption: ' IGP Arrests Ndoro, Gbegha over communal crisis in Odimodi Community, as Sunny, lkisa, Teddy, Afidi, others on the run as police declares them wanted'.

In respect of the above, the management of the news media regrettably retract the entire publication and renders unreserved public apology which may have caused you public embarrassment, emotional pains or  tarnished your hard earned image over the years following the publication of the unintentional report as a result of misinformation by the source of the story.

The management offered this retraction and Public Apology in a good faith, with a sense of responsibility and a firm commitment to more informed, factual, truthful and balanced report in our future engagements.

The management having discovered the truth of the matter shortly after publication of the report, deem it fit to immediately pull down the entire publication from our news site, Facebook page as well as other social media Whatsapp groups on thesme Monday 26th May, 2025 at about 6:41AM.

The general public is hereby urged to disregard the earlier publication made by our media organization, that Odimodi Community is peaceful and there was no communal crisis caused by the names listed above in Odimodi Federated Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

And that the Chairman Odimodi Federated Community, Chief. New-World Endoro and his predecessor, Mr. Solomon Gbegha was not arrested as a result of the alleged allegations of causing communal crisis in Odimodi Federated Community, rather they where charged to court following a false petition against them, and thereafter asked to bail themselves in which they where unable to met the bail application terms and conditions due to limited time factor.

And that the lnspector General of Nigerian Police Force, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun never declared the above names mentioned wanted and that they where all lies fabricated by our source to mislead the general public.

The management once again, expressed our deepest apology as regards to the misguided publication, considering mutual respect to personal dignity as well as towing the part of peace as a panacea for society development.

Signed:

Management

Dr Dennis Otuaro and the Self-acclaimed Emperors_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Everything has a season on earth. There is a season to appoint people into political offices. There is a season to recall such people when there is an earthquake-like infraction. There is also a season to call people to order for corresponding step-retracing and reconnection just as there is equally a season to commend good performance. For me this is the season  Dr Dennis Otuaro should be called to order by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu because his policy thrust in the PAP office necessitates a special presidential communication and re-orientation.Wouldn't one demand presidential intervention where the yesterday self-acclaimed emperors of the PAP office, ethnic jingoists and their accomplices feel unjustifiably choked administratively by Dr Dennis Otuaro's prized policy of borderlessness that eliminates rising border tensions and divisions among people cosmically bound together for peaceful co-existence.

The Amnesty office is the home of all Niger Deltans  however the political affiliations. In the  Amnesty office division into political borders does not exist because identity-construction, identity-negotiation and social belonging channelled through the binaries of demarcated political borders always create unnecessary tensions. This is one area over which  praises should be showered on Dr Otuaro for the simple reason that he has been able to move the office from the binaries of religious, ethnic and political borders in his developmental interactions with the people. By attitude and deliberate policy thrust, Otuaro has made the Amnesty office a borderless entity accessible to everybody without the encumbrances of border demarcation. It is for this reason some thinkers market the perspective that  Otuaro should be called to order by President Tinubu because perspective is what matters however the wrong situatedness  -    as Papa Davina in Soyinka's CHRONICLES OF THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH would say glibly: 'Perspective is all'.

Otuaro knows that tensions arise when symbolic borders are manipulated  by the rulers and the privileged few.As a manager of borders, he works hard to see how border tensions can be held at bay. He knows that poor border management leads to the Israel-Palestine, Us-Mexico, Russia-Ukraine border crises,, Nigeria-Biafra civil war and  many others. Past PAP Administrators lacked this knowledge and so they ran the office along borders that create dichotomies of oppressors and oppressed as evident in the cries of Amnesty beneficiaries whose monthly entitlements were fingered by some notorious self-acclaimed emperors without justification.

Right from the dawn the PAP office had been  routinely run on a lane that bred borders. On these different borders are people conditioned to appropriate the resources  for their own self-aggrandizement and self-exhibitionism at the expense of the real beneficiaries of the programme.These people strut everywhere like pigeons and flaunt their acquired wealth and power. At such time salaries of beneficiaries were tampered with and real beneficiaries displaced in skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.

These privileged individuals became emperors in the PAP office that any new administrator was structurally compelled to worship them contractually and otherwise or be prepared to leave the PAP office on the strength of a systematically built blackmail, browbeating and propaganda. Particularly for PAP Administrators with no roots in the Niger Delta struggle, they became puppets to these self-acclaimed emperors  who often  journey to the media at the slightest provocation to batter the image of the PAP Administrator using any narrative that gives their story apparent believability.

Awakened to the reconceptualization and reconfiguration of borders necessitated by the reshaping of borders in the 1980s, borders as social constructs, they are sites for exchanges, interactions and self-actualization as the authentic PAP beneficiaries  strive to realise their self-actualization in the face of self-acclaimed emperors   who have wreathed themselves around them like killer pythons. Contrarily, borders become sites of tension and crisis when the rulers and the so-called emperors manipulate the symbolic borders to create dichotomies that antagonise and alienate the authentic beneficiaries and plant non-beneficiaries on empowerment platforms genuinely designed for the people. With the oppressive posturing of the emperors, the real beneficiaries strive to achieve their self-actualization and social belonging. 

It is a known affirmation that  for the real PAP beneficiaries, their identities as the right beneficiaries of PAP must be constructed and clearly defined. With the symbolic borders administratively  manipulated in the PAP office, border tensions and crises proliferate among the contending forces whose self-actualization possibilities have been systematically blighted. Endless border tensions habitually  became the heritage in the PAP office passed on from one head to another like a valued archaeological object. This was the state in which Dr Dennis Otuaro met the PAP office. Would Dr Otuaro also manipulate the symbolic borders,  create tensions, divisions, new emperors and provoke incendiary self-actualization struggle between emperors and the actual beneficiaries?

Let me quickly proclaim that Dr Otuaro intellectually has roots in border studies as a political scientist. Both as a geographic construct and  a social construct, he knows the dangers of symbolic borders administratively manipulated and mismanaged through self-serving policies ambitiously pursued. With his academic exposure, Dr Otuaro consciously laboured to ward off any form of border tensions resulting from the self-actualization drive of the PAP beneficiaries. In his policy formulation and policy implementation, he did not create borders in the PAP office as an enlightened administrator. For the conservative apostles of borders deliberately created in the PAP office, Dr Otuaro deserves expulsion from the office for working devotedly to end border tension through a refined touch to existing programmes such as beneficiary management, stakeholders engagement, scholarship scheme, vocational trainings and empowerment programmes.

Specifically, Dr Dennis Otuaro became the Administrator of PAP on 14 March 2024. As a man with deep roots in how tensions emanate from compromised and manipulated symbolic borders, he gave priority attention to some key issues as soon as he was appointed. Through a thorough verification of beneficiaries, 1,129 fake beneficiaries were identified and expunged from the bloated list of 12,467 beneficiaries. In the 2024 academic session, scholarship beneficiaries were increased from 1,700 to 2,500 with 53.3% allocated to women as a demonstration of gender sensitivity and balance in distribution of available opportunities of growth. 

It is noteworthy that as a step towards  continued demonstration of gender sensitivity, Dr Otuaro also created a space for over 1,300 women to be engaged vocationally; and at the end of the vocational training,  1,208 women were given empowerment support packages just as over 90 maritime cadets had refresher courses to enhance their capabilities as an enablement to attain the Officer of the Watch certification.Towards an ambitiously  proper aviation and maritime training , 40 aircraft maintenance engineers and four cadet pilots have been sent to South Africa.

The overseas scholarship scheme for PAP beneficiaries had  been either comatose or dead for years, but Dr Otuaro has revived it. Over 50 Niger Deltans have  been despatched to UK, USA and Canada to study different courses of their choice.These achievements can only be credited to a PAP Administrator who is not only intellectually equipped but also prudent in resource management, developmentally ambitious and audacious. These are the positive things that characterise the reform-consolidated steps of Dr Otuaro.

Towards the eradication of any tension that may stem from compromised border management and to ward off individualised dichotomies in building broad functional relationships  and synergies across the Niger Delta, 135 existing  conflicts have been proactively identified , and out of this number, 100 conflicts have been resolved by Otuaro through the Alternative Dispute Resolution approach. Dr Otuaro has been able to achieve all these with amazing speed  and ease through proactive grass roots engagement of all core stakeholders in the Niger Delta struggle for developmental manumission and breathing space.

Amazingly, there is an ease with which Dr Otuaro daily  runs the PAP office. Otuaro knows that borders as social constructs can be meaningfully engaged to attain self-actualization and social belonging of the beneficiaries if the social borders are not manipulated by administrators. Because the social borders have been functionally and meaningfully engaged by Dr Otuaro, self-actualization opportunities have been opened up for the real beneficiaries of PAP. The so-called  self-acclaimed emperors whose self-serving, narcissistic and exploitative tendencies have been caged through right policy thrust are the ones who constantly fill the social media with tendentiously cooked distracting stories about Dr Otuaro since the social, as Wole Soyinka would say in CHRONICLES OF THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH: 'The social media is always hungry for scandal. The electorate can be swayed by the most trivial speculation' (503).

 Where Dr Otuaro strives to stop divisions and establish borders where all Niger Deltans can interact meaningfully and realise their dreams of self-actualization and social belonging as accredited PAP beneficiaries, the self-acclaimed emperors peopled by some ex-agitators, expired ethnic jingoists and their accomplices strive to restore and  recreate divisions that intensify border tensions.  Otuaro believes in functional borderlessness in running the PAP office because it is only  borderlessness that can counter and stop targeted ethnicization, hegemonization and individualisation.

Because Dr Otuaro is at work to remove borders in PAP and enthrone borderlessness where the real beneficiaries can realise their dreams of self-actualization and social belonging, where beneficiaries can access any opportunity without a godfather or political connections, the self-acclaimed emperors who have positioned themselves as the deadly detractors of the Amnesty boss have contrived to throw image-killing deadly stones at Dr Otuaro through co-ordinated and evilly synchronised media war  -  sometimes vindictively extended to High Chief  Dr Tompolo, who is the first  incarnation of borderlessness in building functional relationships across all borders in Nigeria. 

To create a meaningful sustainable space for my prefatory declaration I must clearly establish the stand that  for Otuaro's achievements in the PAP office traced to his roots in the policy of borderlessness,  President Ahmed Bola Tinubu should call him  to order by telling him  to walk undistractedly  on the borderless path in the running of the PAP  because his 'Macbethic'  detractors, deliriously wild with wild stories of denigration, will die a natural death when Dr Otuaro remains  botherlessly borderless in his policy thrust as a veteran in the Niger Delta struggle who had tasted a forest life of survival  in the heat of the Niger Delta agitation when Tompolo was declared wanted.

Ekanpou writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Gov Umo Eno’s Defection: A Clear Sign of Weak Leadership, Not Political Strategy:By_ Oto-obong Ntia

I’ve taken time to listen to Governor Umo Eno’s reasons for decamping from PDP to APC, and to be honest, those reasons are not just weak — they are laughable.

The Governor claims he's leaving because the PDP at the national level has two factions of national secretaries. Really? Is that enough reason to abandon the party that gave you the platform to become governor? Let me ask the Governor — Sir, if your house has a leaking roof or your family is facing internal issues, will you pack your bags and move out? No! You fix the problem. Leadership is not about running away; it’s about standing firm and providing solutions.

He even admitted that the PDP in Akwa Ibom has the structure to deliver his second term. So why jump ship to APC? Has he forgotten that during the 2023 elections, APC in the state was divided into factions, each headed by different governorship aspirants? What makes him think APC is immune to internal crises? Now that he is running away from PDP to go and face old folks that left PDP for him to APC, does he think the journey for his APC ticket will be that smooth? I can bet you that the governor will not get the APC ticket unopposed. 

It’s more troubling that a sitting governor, who should be a leader in PDP, is acting as if he has no power to influence order at the national level. The problem PDP is facing today is as a result of injustice when the Northern Cabal of the party refused to zone 2023 presidency to Southern Nigeria. Wike is fighting a good fight to protect southern interest and that is why he is supporting Tinubu as a southern  president instead of Atiku Abubakar a Northerner who wanted to continue from where Buhari stopped. 

Why can't my Governor stay calm and solve PDP issues at the National level? That’s not leadership — that’s fear, lack of capacity, and political cowardice. Why not meet Wike for advice? 

Also my Governor says he admires President Tinubu’s leadership. But what has he learned from Tinubu’s political journey? When Tinubu was governor of Lagos under AD, he stood his ground even when Obasanjo withheld state allocation. He didn’t defect. He stayed, fought, and built his structure. That’s why he is President today. If Tinubu had behaved like Gov Umo Eno today, he would have become irrelevant politically. 

Look at Wike — the former governor of Rivers State. In 2015, when Jonathan lost and APC took power, Wike stood his ground. He didn’t defect to APC despite the storms. He built PDP into a strong opposition. Even today, he’s still a member of PDP despite working as a minister under an APC government. If Wike can remain in PDP and support Tinubu, why can’t Umo Eno do same?

Now to the most laughable part — I’ve heard that Governor Umo Eno plans to still control PDP in Akwa Ibom even after joining APC. That’s where he will completely lose it.

Governor sir, if you want to leave PDP, do so with your full chest. Carry your bags and go with everyone who wants to follow you. But please, leave PDP alone. We have members who are not beggars. We don’t depend on state funds to survive. We have seasoned technocrats and business owners who can fund the party from their personal pockets.

Let it be clear — any attempt to remain in APC and control PDP from the backdoor will be resisted by true PDP stakeholders. You can’t eat your cake and still have it.

Some of us have contested primaries in this party and were rigged out, but we stayed. We’ve never asked for food from your government. Yet we remain loyal to our party. So when you say you won’t allow “strangers” to take over PDP, who exactly are the strangers? Some of us have been in PDP since 1998, from the very beginning of this democracy.

You may not know us because we don’t play “stomach infrastructure” politics, but we are the backbone of PDP — the real grassroots believers who value this party. Like God told Elijah that there are prophets he doesn’t know who have not bowed to Baal, so will it shock you to know that there are many PDP loyalists ready to fund and revive this party — without collecting a single naira from you.

So, goodbye His Excellency. But as you leave, don’t look back. Because the PDP you are despising today will surely bounce back tomorrow — stronger, united, and ready to win.

Otuaro Hails President Tinubu for Distribution of 663 Laptops to Amnesty Scholarship Beneficiaries

 

PRESS RELEASE

Otuaro Thank President Tinubu As PAP Presents Laptops To 663 Scholarship Beneficiaries

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has concluded the distribution of laptops to final year beneficiaries of its scholarship scheme aimed at enhancing their academic research in universities across Nigeria.

The agency presented a total of 663 laptops to the beneficiaries in the 26 partnering and 72 non-partnering universities at the end of the exercise, which lasted between April and May 2025.

The PAP also carried out physical verification and orientation programme for the newly deployed 3,171 beneficiaries in the resumption list for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Various teams coordinated by the PAP's Head of Education, Dr Charles Ariye, visited the schools to distribute the laptops to the beneficiaries and perform the verification and orientation programme.

Speaking on the laptops distribution, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, reiterated that the decision was based on the realization of the usefulness of the mobile computing device to the students' academic pursuit and overall success.

He said the gesture was in fulfillment of his promise to the scholarship beneficiaries during his tour of partnering universities in 2024.

While expressing optimism that the laptops would help the beneficiaries a great deal, Otuaro urged them to make good use of them and justify the government's huge investment in their education.

He also said the physical verification and orientation programme was part of his leadership's policy of due process, transparency and accountability to ensure a headcount of all beneficiaries, and enlighten the fresh beneficiaries on the PAP's education policy.

Otuaro advised all PAP scholarship students to take their studies seriously and shun acts capable of putting their academic pursuit in jeopardy and ruining their bright future.

He restated his leadership's unwavering commitment to implementing the programme's objectives for the advancement of the Niger Delta and in support of President Bola Tinubu's avowed commitment to the region's peace, stability and development.

"We will continue to partner with the institutions and create access to university education for our youths, thereby reducing the human capital gap in the Niger Delta and contributing to national manpower development.

"This is also with a view to deepening efforts to ensure sustainable peace, stability and socio-economic growth in the region in line with the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR", Otuaro said.

The PAP helmsman expressed profound appreciation to the president for his massive support for the programme, noting that it demonstrates his undiluted love for the Niger Delta and the youths in particular.

Signed:

Mr Igoniko Oduma

Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme

21/05/2025

Izonebi Alfred and the Globalization of Ijaw Culture_By: Enewaridideke Ekanpou

Thoughts journeying poetically today like Jp Clark  in 'The casualties' I must say that the Ijaw highlife musicians are not only those who are dead; the Ijaw highlife musicians also include those who are still alive.The Ijaw highlife musicians are not only those who use ultra-modern musical instruments; neither are they only those who use percussion instruments such as 'opuozi' drums  and 'ekraiye'  sticks that depend on the skillfulness of percussionists. The Ijaw highlife musicians are many; the iconic Izonebi Alfred is one of the Ijaw highlife musicians. As an Ijaw highlife artiste he is clearly located by his undistracted philosophical dedication to his music career and consequently enjoys visibility and radiance in the Ijaw music industry however the number of Ijaw highlife musicians. To borrow a metaphorically cast philosophical statement from Barrister Soja Smooth in his song, 'Born Singer', ' the stars are very many in the sky but it strikes a difference when the moon appears in all her splendour and radiance'.

Gathered here today is a surging crowd responsive to the cultural, philosophical, social, educational, traditional, religious and mystical rhythms and echoes of JKing Dr Izonebi Alfred"s songs and stunning stage performances  -  the musically gifted Alfred differently addressed as music king by music lovers and critics as an offshoot of critical analysis of his music.

For the surging crowd gathered here and beyond it is a strongly held position that Dr Izonebi Alfred is the digitally rooted exceptional Ijaw highlife musician whose meteoric rise to music stardom is enabled by thematically rich compositional excellence and indefinable stunning stage performances – magical stage performances reinforced by his theatrical experience and exposure traceable to his immersion in the waters of Theatre Arts at the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State. Through compositional dexterity mapped in his numerous songs and captivating stage performances, Alfred has deployed music to project and promote the Ijaw culture beyond the shores of Nigeria. In Izonebi Alfred’s songs one can clearly behold  a positively and historically charged stirring image of Ndoro and Torugbene communities alongside their tourist potentials which are echoes of an aspect of Alfred’s music career devoted to the promotion of the communities from which he emerged biologically and historically. 

Undeniably, Ndoro in both Delta and Bayelsa States and Torugbene in Delta and Bayelsa States are the biological claimants of Izonebi Alfred as his umbilical cord  was interred there, though Oyangbene in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State also has an indisputable historical claim over the magically talented musician with an endless stream of songs.As historically chronicled, product of a marital union between Alfred Gbayena and Kehinde Tou, Izonebi Alfred is paternally from Ndoro and maternally from Torugbene in Bayelsa and Delta States. 

Historical chronicles reveal that Izonebi was first spotted as a musician inside a mosquito net in a raffia palm tree-tapping forest in Ndoro town by his father Alfred Gbayena who caught him singing Bestman Doupere’s song ‘Ofurogha’. His graduation from the self-made music apprenticeship in the forest took him to the mosquito Music Band co-ordinated solely by his own father Alfred Gbayena who occasionally created avenues for the band to entertain people as a broader step towards mastery and perfection of his music talent compared to the initial forest apprenticeship. Alfred Gbayena was equally a highly gifted musician in his heydays, though without any recorded music album to his credit because his music talent was only showcased as a kind of entertainment during informal gatherings in the town.

Izonebi Alfred’s music journey took him to King Dr Robert Ebizimor after his graduation from the Mosquito Music Band in Ndoro that thrives on hand-made traditional musical instruments of ‘tinitini’ and ‘ekraiyogbolo’ sticks. Alfred found his roots in the king Robert Ebizimor's  music family in 1991 but was  not engaged as a full-fledged member of the band until King Robert Ebizimor paved the way for him to finish his primary school at Community Primary School 2, Sagbama, in 1993  and Community Secondary School in Sagbama in 1999 since he was already in primary five at Community Primary School, Toru-Ndoro, from 1985 to 1991 when he journeyed to the family of King Ebizimor. Having finished his primary and secondary education under the financial sponsorship of King Robert Ebizimor, Izonebi Alfred proceeded to the Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State where he studied Theatre Arts and graduated in 2008 with a B.A degree in Theatre Arts and did his NYSC in 2011. 

Historically, in 1991 King Ebizimor formally requested to take Izonebi away from Alfred Gbayena having seen Aguiyi-Ironsi performed amazingly in the company of the Mosquito Music Band. However, Alfred's debut performance on the stage was in 1992 at the age of 12 when late King Robert Ebizimor gave him an opportunity to entertain music lovers with the seminal song 'Duamabou'  -  a song that eventually launched Izonebi Alfred into the music world as a young man brimful of healthy promises as a legendary musician on waiting wings. These were the healthy promises King Robert Ebizimor foresaw like  Nostradamus and named him IZONEBI which was a change from his biological name AGUIYI-IRONSI given to him at birth by his parents. Besides occasional stage appearances with King Ebizimor, Izonebi Alfred was fully engaged as a member of Robert Ebizimor and his Izon Brothers Band after his graduation and NYSC service – a period during which Alfred’s music talent and skill had been sufficiently honed to entertain music lovers and enthusiasts.

Izonebi Alfred, a fourth child in a family of eight children, was born in the rural community of Ndoro on 20 May 1979 where he lived majorly in the forest as the son of a palm wine tapper, physiotherapist and trado-medical practitioner but he has metaphorically become the 'okinikini' snake  viewed against the background of his digitally mastered and culturally rooted music that thematically and instrumentally stirs all music lovers like a gentle evening breeze that blows towards the sea shore from the ocean when one is seated on the concrete jetty at Burutu waterside in Delta State in a mood of relaxation.

It is well-known to everyone that when the Okinikini snake outgrows a river, it migrates to a bigger river and gets comfortably submerged in pursuit of its life journey of maritime hunting for existence. Metaphorically, Izonebi Alfred has musically outgrown the Ndoro river and moved  to the global stage where he has begun to globalise the Ijaw culture in all its strands with the enablement from his digitally rooted and sophisticated music career that thematically and instrumentally gospels the Ijaw culture on the social media. Alfred’s music vision is globally rooted beyond the world of Ndoro, Torugbene, Oyangbene and Sagbama.

Happily married with children, Alfred is a phenomenally talented and humble young man whose approach to his music career is philosophically and ideologically based and situated. His music career carries echoes of a flawlessly prepared survey plan in the geography of music. As a musician he sees music revivalism movement as an ideological one which enables him to revive the traditional old songs of Birifou, Ball-ere Meslore, Kuro-endi, Binta Ezekiel Ebenaghan, Bekedoumo Okoloba and others. He also sees the immortalisation of late King Robert Ebizimor, Bestman Doupere, Hon. Teiyeibo Agbeotu, Field Marshal Echo Toikumo, Professor IK Belemu and many others as a philosophical commitment; and this is reflected and mapped in his songs that musically chronicle and immortalise these departed Ijaw music legends. 

There is something ideological about how Alfred pursues his music career. For Izonebi Alfred, to awaken Nigerians politically to the ideals of good governance, to awaken Nigerians culturally to the acceptable ethos and treasured values in the society, to awaken Nigerians developmentally in relation to the available resources of development, is an ideological task as reflected in his songs that condemn and satirise misgovernance  and promote culture as an element that moves society forward on a geometric scale. In all songs of Alfred one can identify a visible presence of a skillfully mastered attempt to revive dying traditional Ijaw songs coupled with consistent promotion and immortalization of departed Ijaw music legends like King Robert Ebizimor and others too many to enumerate.

Beyond his universally applauded compositional maturity, dexterity and stunning stage performances, Alfred is a sociable and approachable person who maintains healthy relationships with people without being snobbish and discriminatory – an attitude that reveals itself in his borderless philanthropy and financial assistance to people in a noiseless and voiceless manner distinguished from the radiant self-exhibitionism of the biblical Pharisees.

 Izonebi Alfred snakes through the minds of Ijaw people as a phenomenally unbeatable music philanthropist in the Ijaw music industry as reflected in his songs philanthropically deployed to promote and immortalise late Ijaw music legends without expressed solicitation from the families of the deceased. Socially and musically, Alfred is a practitioner of borderless philanthropy both on stage and off stage.

Nobody argues that Izonebi is compositionally a grandmaster, giant, guru, legend, in music and on stage performances. Perhaps it is these qualities late King Dr Robert Ebizimor saw and crowned Izonebi Alfred a king in Ijaw music after him – an intellectual extension of which was done by King Robert Ebizimor Fans Club of Sagbama that decorated Alfred a Doctor of Philosophy in Ijaw music. 

Above all these ennoblements, Alfred is a genius of gratitude. As a genius of gratitude, Alfred appreciates anything somebody does for him however small, particularly what King Robert Ebizimor did for him musically and educationally while alive. In gratitude to King Ebizimor for his good deeds to Alfred, music lovers can hardly identify a song of Izonebi Alfred that does not mention Ebizimor either in appreciatory or immortal tone. As a genius of gratitude, Izonebi Alfred had long declared that he would musically appreciate King Ebizimor until his last breath deserted him at the ripe age. Alfred's very debut song entitled, 'Pere Kenide' (Pere Keride), carries roots of gratitude    reflective of appreciation  of King Ebizimor's role of musical adoption and mentorship of him when he journeyed into the music family of King Robert Ebizimor in 1991.

Premised on unsolicited accolades and critical evaluation from people across the world, Alfred is a prodigy of musical composition and stage performances. An exceptionally talented iconic artiste he is right from the mosquito net and Mosquito Music band days to  this day,  with very healthy relationships with people across all borders of life, a producer of over 174 music albums, it surprises no one that Izonebi Alfred is the home of awards of recognition of over fifty in number from different people and organizations which cannot be accommodated here in full details. However, for League of Friends (Niger Delta University Graduates), he was decorated Honourable on the 29th of August 2010; for National Associatioan of Odimodi Students, he was given award of appreciation on 29 December 2013; in 2017 he was given Bayelsa Musical Artiste Award (Owigiri); from Kpooka Media, he was given international merit award; from Boloubo Ogbo I of Izonebi-ebe he was given merit award for intellectual and creative work on 27 December 2018; from Sagbama Federated Communities he was given the best philosophical Izon Musical  Entertainment Award on 12 September 2018; from National Union of Kpakiama Students he was given Award of Excellence for his contribution to the growth and development of the union and Ijaw nation in general; from Aleibiri Unity Carnival he was given award as the Exceptional Pillar of sport/cultural development in Ekelga, Bayelsa State on 5 January 2022; from Ndoro Federated Communities he was given award as the Numoun Pere I of Abayai kingdom on 6 January 2022; from Strength of an African Women Foundation he was given Female Gender and Development Award on 12 February 2023; from Bayelsa Musical Artiste award he was named Artiste of the year (Owigiri) in 2021; from Sagbama communitity he was awarded the Numu Pere I of Agbedi-Owei for his consistent promotion of Izon rich cultural heritage through Owigri Music; from College of Education, he was named as the owner of the most innovative and Creative Music Band on 28 December 2022 and as the Musical Re-inventor of Izon lost values and culture. 

It is particularly interesting to pinpoint that having skillfully told enduring cultural stories with his digitally rooted music career, Izonebi Alfred has become a global figure whose songs explore themes that are universal in appeal. This thematic globalization underscores his metaphorisation as the 'okinikini' snake of the Ijaw music industry. Having outgrown both the Ndoro river and the Ijaw music industry, Izonebi Alfred has gone global with his music career because his songs and electrifying stage performances have projected him beyond the shores of Nigeria  through digitalization. 

We must feel obliged to note as a final note that for an Ndoro-born young man to globalise the Ijaw culture through music, for an iconic highlife musician who has also taken it upon himself the task to mentor budding Ijaw musicians as a component of his ideological drive to globalise the Ijaw culture through music and dazzling stage performances, Izonebi Alfred deserves all the ennobling celebrations in the world – even beyond the celebration of his music career, book, ultra-modern music studio and event centre. On his ideologically and philosophically  situated music career that has today earned him celebratory ennoblement from Ijaw people and beyond, congratulations to JKing Dr Izonebi Alfred!

Ekanpou  writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Burutu PDP Converged for Stakeholders Meeting on Monday, Strategizes Ahead Mobilization of Grassroot Party Faithfuls

1. Opening Prayer was said by the woman leader Comr. Boyelayefa Ambakederemo.

2. Introduction of excos was honorably led by Comr. Jackson Agbor and other distinguish stakeholders present from different wards respectively.

3. Opening Remark: By the Acting Chairman, PDP Burutu L.G.A

Distinguished leaders, respected stakeholders, party faithful, and loyal members of our great party across the eleven wards of Burutu Local Government Area,

It is with a heart full of gratitude and appreciation that I welcome you all and extend my warmest regards. Today, I stand before you not just as Acting Chairman, but as a fellow comrade in the noble struggle to preserve, promote, and advance the ideals of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Burutu L.G.A.

I sincerely thank each and every one of you our ward leaders, unit executives, youth and women wings, elders, and stakeholders for your unwavering love, unity, and commitment to our party. Your dedication across all eleven wards has been the backbone of our continued relevance and strength at the grassroots level.

Despite the distractions and recent defections, I am proud to say that the true patriots of this party are still here standing strong, standing firm, and standing in love for the PDP. Those who left did not go with sincerity or vision, and their intentions were never in the interest of the people.

But we those of us who have chosen to remain, to consolidate, and to rebuild we are the future of this party. Your loyalty and sacrifices will not be in vain. I assure you, there will be a reward for every effort you have made to advance our cause. History will remember you as the ones who held the line, who chose loyalty over personal gain, and who believed in the enduring strength of our party.

Let us continue to work hand in hand, ward by ward, unit by unit, to deepen our reach and consolidate our structures. The journey is not over, but with unity and love, our victory is certain. Thank you

4. Sponsorship of the party:

Another key point I must commend us all for is our collective agreement and commitment to self-funding the party. In Burutu L.G.A, we have demonstrated political maturity and ownership by choosing not to wait for external help or rely solely on a few individuals. Instead, we have boldly embraced the responsibility of promoting PDP activities using our own resources.

We agreed and rightly so that, the strength and sustainability of our party lie within us. This decision is not only a show of love for the PDP, but a clear indication that we are ready to take charge of our destiny as a political family.

Every contribution whether financial, logistical, or moral has gone a long way in ensuring that our structures remain active, our presence felt, and our loyalty unshaken. And for that, I say a big thank you to all of you.

Let it be known that those who build the house are the ones who will live in it. Your sacrifices and support will never go unrewarded.

Together, we shall continue to strengthen PDP from the grassroots up, and no challenge will be too big for a united and self-reliant party like ours.

5. Status of Ward Excos: 

To all our dedicated Ward Leaders across the eleven wards of Burutu Local Government Area,

As we continue to reposition and strengthen our great party at the grassroots, I am calling on all Ward Chairmen and Coordinators to urgently compile and submit the names of their full Ward Executive Committees (Excos). This exercise is crucial for proper documentation, strategic planning, and alignment with our ongoing reorganization efforts.

In doing so, I urge you to exercise caution, sincerity, and political vigilance. We must ensure that those appointed into sensitive positions are true party loyalists men and women who have stood with us through thick and thin. We cannot afford to empower opportunists or agents planted by opposition parties like APC, LP, or others who do not wish the PDP well.

We have seen how betrayal and sabotage from within have weakened some structures in the past. This must not be repeated. Let loyalty, integrity, and commitment to the PDP be the key criteria in selecting your excos.

This is a call to duty, and your cooperation is non-negotiable. Let us continue to build a united, trustworthy, and formidable PDP structure in Burutu that cannot be shaken by opposition forces.

6. A.O.B: Status of defectors, this was referred because of the legal loopholes and because the NWC is not yet validate the interim LG excos.

 STATUS OF DEFECTORS

The issue regarding the status of defectors was brought up under Any Other Business (A.O.B). After due deliberation, it was acknowledged that while some individuals have defected from the PDP to other parties, their status remains unresolved due to certain legal and procedural loopholes currently under review.

It is important to note that, as of this moment, the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party has not officially validated or ratified the Interim Local Government Excos. Therefore, any action or pronouncement concerning the defectors must be handled with political and legal caution to avoid complications that could jeopardize the party’s standing.

Members are advised to remain calm, focused, and committed to the party, as the appropriate organs of the PDP will soon take a definitive position on these matters. Our priority remains the strengthening of party structures and ensuring loyalty at all levels.

We must not allow the distractions of defectors to derail our consolidation efforts. Instead, let us continue to build with those who are truly committed to the PDP and the future of Burutu L.G.A.

7. Adjournment was raised and Seconded by another

8. Closing prayer was said by Barr. Pele Demebide

PDP... Power to the people!

Power to the people... PDP!!

Burutu PDP! Forward Ever, Backward Never!!!

Thank you and God bless you

In committed service and solidarity,

COMR. JACKSON AGBOR

Acting chairman, People Democratic Party (PDP), Burutu LGA

From:

Burutu LGA PDP Acting Chairman Media Team,

UDOMA PEACE.

Call your youths to Order, IYC tells Olu of ltsekiri over campaign of calumny against Tompolo, Otuaro by ltsekiri nation

PRESS RELEASE

*Blackmail Against Tompolo, Otuaro Illogical - IYC to Itsekiri*

"The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone condemns in strong terms allegations made against High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and Dr Dennis Otuaro by the Itsekiri Progress Group (IPG) and other faceless groups within the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. 

"Ordinarily, Council would not react to mischievous allegations such as the ones raised by these elements who are frustrated by the outcome of the recent delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency, but doing so could allow falsehood to appear as truth.

"To set the records straight, High Chief Dr. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo) and High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro are sons and distinguished leaders of Ijaw nation who have contributed immensely to the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his first two years in office.

"It is evidently clear that the efforts of Tompolo’s Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has caused the country to attain stable daily oil production volumes. Not only is Nigeria's daily oil output approaching the two million barrels mark, Tantita is leading the charge for environmental cleaningness in the creeks in the face of a heavy degradation occasoned by oil bunkering activities in the past.

"Also, the company has overseen the employment of thousands of youths in the Niger Delta Region, with a huge chunk of that number taken from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality. 

"On the other hand, Dr. Otuaro has reformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) from its lost days to an entity of hope and solution to the Niger Delta region, drawing accolades and commendations from the Presidency, NSA and critical stakeholders in the region.

"Council, thus finds it unacceptable that multiple faceless groups under the guise of agitating for a review of the outcome of the delineation exercise would condescend to mischievousness and blackmail against two illustrious sons of the Niger Delta working hard to see that the President succeeds.

"We take full responsibility of the recent Boro Day celebration held in Warri, wherein thousands of Ijaw youths marched across our territories in the city of Warri, in memory of our late Hero, Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. The event is a yearly ritual for the Ijaw people, and Dr. Otuaro's appearance at the last outing was at the behest of Council, who beckoned on him to make a guest appearance as a critical stakeholder to the body.

"We therefore find it unreasonable and illogical for both Tompolo and Otuaro to be fingered for a joint statement by the Ijaws and Urhobo's calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission to speedily implement its recommended outcome from the delineation exercise, and urging the First Lady not to influence the process as she is mother to all. 

"May we remind the Itsekiri nation that as First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu is mother to the entire country, and not solely owned by the Itsekiri nation. Hence, every Nigerian is obliged to make demands of her, which the Ijaws and Urhobos illustrated through their statement.

"Finally, The Ijaw Youth Council urges the Olu of Itsekiri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and other leaders to call their youths to order and refrain from beating the drum of war in Warri and environs.

"While protest is a right for every Nigerian, the Itsekiris should take a cue from the Boro Day procession organized by the Ijaw Youth Council Western Zone that was peaceful in every way.

"We also condemn actions of the uncontrollable Itsekiri youths who protested in territories outside their jurisdiction, blocked major roads with tyres, destroyed properties, and attacked peaceful Ijaw people; all actions that could lead to retaliation and a breakdown of law and order.

"Council, therefore, urges President Tinubu to order INEC to implement the delineation outcome without any further delays to avert a looming crisis that may impede the progress and success of his administration."

Signed:

Comrade Nicholas Igarama

Chairman, IYC Western Zone 

Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo Esq 

Secretary, IYC Western Zone 

Comrade Tare Magbei 

Information Officer, IYC Western Zone

Exclusive: Many Political Appointees to be Affected as Gov. Oborevwori of Delta State Set to Dissolve Cabinet Next Week as Regards to Defection from PDP to APC

Sources indicate that Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is expected to dissolve his cabinet next week.

This development is reportedly related to the recent defections from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The dissolution is anticipated to affect Special Assistants (SAs), Senior Special Assistants (SSAs), Personal Assistants (PAs), and Executive Assistants to the Governor, commissioners, SSG and many more government appointees

Insiders close to the Government House have revealed that discussions regarding new appointments are already underway, particularly within the three senatorial districts, which is aimed at accommodating the old APC members

In Delta North, a potential leadership dispute has emerged, with some members of the old APC asserting Senator Ned Nwoko's leadership over that of the immediate past Governor.

These sources also emphasized the importance of inclusive stakeholder representation in the upcoming appointments, aiming to mitigate undue influence from any particular group.

Exposed: ljaws, Urhobos Kick as Nigeria First lady, Mrs. Tinubu, Danjuma Plot to Nullify the Fresh Warri Federal Constituency Delineation Report by INEC Through the Office of NSA

Following a perceived moves by Itsekiris to alter the already released Warri federal constituency delineation report, the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri have appealed to the first lady of the federation Senator Oluremi Tinubu who is a free born of the Itsekiri nation to be neutral and allowed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to complete the delineation exercise accordance with the supreme Court judgment.

Meantime, in electoral parlance, delineation refers to the official process of mapping out electoral boundaries—such as wards and polling units—to ensure fair, equitable, and representative voting systems based on population and geography. It’s a cornerstone of any credible democracy, especially in multi-ethnic societies like Nigeria, where political representation is often intertwined with identity and historical grievances.

It was gathered at press time that for over a decade, the Ijaw and Urhobo peoples of Warri Federal Constituency have consistently called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold truth and justice by correcting what they have long described as a lopsided and unjust delineation that disproportionately favored the Itsekiri ethnic group.

Consequently, their quest culminated in a landmark judgment by the Supreme Court on December 2, 2022, which ordered a fresh delineation exercise in Warri North, Warri South, and Warri South-West LGAs—without which no further elections should be conducted in the area.

Speaking during a protest by the Ijaws and Urhobos of Warri, today, 16th May, 2025, the protesters said  that certain forces are working against this constitutional mandate, raising tensions across the region.

The protest was part of the activities marking the Adaka Boro Remembrance Day, which was held  at Chief Tunde Playground in Warri, where they made a joint declaration. 

Below is the full text of their statement:

JOINT REACTION OF THE IJAWS AND URHOBOS OF WARRI FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELATING TO THE SUPREME COURT ORDERED FRESH DELINEATION OF ELECTORAL WARDS AND POLLING UNITS AND THE DISTORTED ACTIONS OF THE ITSEKIRI NATION

It is no longer news that the Supreme Court was clear in its unanimous judgment of 2nd December 2022 that INEC should delineate afresh all the electoral Wards and polling units in Warri North, Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas that made up the Warri Federal constituency of Delta State without which there should be no subsequent election in the area. The order is a condition absolute and a prerequisite for future elections. The implication of this is that, in the eyes of the law and in actual fact, no electoral wards or polling units exist in the Warri Federal Constituency currently. Failure of INEC to complete the process of the fresh delineation portends grave danger and risks of no election in the federal constituency in 2027 and beyond. This will have cascading effects on the 2027 elections in Delta South Senatorial District and by implication Delta state in general.

The recent actions of the Itsekiri Nation in seeking to influence the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by casting insinuations and putting undue pressure on his wife, Her Excellency, Senator (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu is not only highly inappropriate but also a gross misrepresentation of the unity and integrity of our national politics. The Itsekiri's attempts to leverage the maternal lineage of the First Lady to coerce the President into making certain political decisions is a blatant and unjustified move. It should be seen for what it is, an opportunistic move and crass attempt at ethnic baiting. We believe the President and the First Lady with solid democratic credentials will not fall for this ill-conceived and mischievous lure to reduce them.

We are confident that the President will not lean to their mischief as that would be paramount to a total disregard for the Constitution. Mr. President should understand that everyone matters. This same scenario played out when the first ill-fated delineation exercise was conducted with ruthless regards for the true picture of what was on ground, the then government was very quick to adopt it but now that the error is being corrected, the government is dragging its feet because of family ties. This will be bringing yourself down Mr President. We are a very law abiding and peaceful people and we have patiently followed the rule of law up to this time. When the Ijaws approached the court in the suit leading to the Supreme Court judgment in 2011, an Ijaw man, Goodluck Jonathan was the President, but the Ijaws did not put undue pressure on him to subvert national institutions for ethnic gain.

Therefore, be rest assured that we will not fold our hands and be bullied as we watch a replay of what happened before. That an unfair delineation was being used all this while does not mean we should allow it to continue. Nobody sits and watch while their house is on fire.

It is important to recognize that H.E. Senator (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President, holds the esteemed position of the Mother of the Nation and should be respected as such. She should not be seen to be bias in the issue of fresh delineation in Warri because of her maternal ties as that will be abuse of office. And it would be tantamount to being seen as mother of some persons instead of mother of Nigeria.

Her role transcends ethnic and regional politics, embodying the collective aspirations and dignity of all Nigerians. Any attempt to exploit her maternal origins for political manipulation undermines the sanctity of her office and the unity of the Nigerian people. It is a reckless and dangerous move incubated in the bowels of tribal chauvinism. It should be seen as a crude attempt to burden the amiable first lady and mother of the Nation.

We are also watching with keen interest how the Itsekiris are clandestinely working with Mrs. Daisy Danjuma, the wife of General T.Y. Danjuma to coerce the NSA and Mr. President, to help them achieve their selfish agenda of nullifying the painstaking work of INEC and frustrate the implementation of the Supreme Court judgment. This ill-conceived effort to manipulate the implementation of a Supreme Court order through personal and familial connections must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is anti-democratic and a recipe for political unrest and conflict, which may plunge the entire Niger Delta into anarchy.

On the issue of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the recent fieldwork in the Warri Federal Constituency, we want to unequivocally state that, the INEC’s fieldwork is an accurate reflection of the demographic and electoral realities in the federal constituency between the different ethnic groups. Though, the Itsekiris got more than what they deserve.

It is in the interest of democracy, national stability, and growth that, we must adhere to the principles of democratic norms, highlighted by certain key determinants that cannot be sacrificed - chiefly amongst others - An inclusive and equitable society, where everyone is free and rights respected. Responsiveness to the marginalization of others with a view to make them heard. Implementation of citizens' rights to vote and participate in democratic governance and the rule of law.

In fact, contrary to claims made by certain elements, the population of the Itsekiri within the Warri Federal Constituency is not more than 10,000 people, as any thoroughly implemented head count will show. INEC’s decision to allocate them 21 wards across the three Warri local governments is an over-generous and magnanimous acknowledgement of their minority presence. This allocation should be seen as a demonstration of the commission's commitment to inclusiveness, not a compromise of the INEC delineation process.

It is important to state that the federal government should not be intimidated by the threats of the Itsekiri in shutting down a 28,000-barrel-per-day facility in Ogidigben. This should not be a reason for their illegal demands to be given undue attention. The Federal Government must recognize that, the Ijaw and Urhobo people of Warri Federal Constituency, host far more extensive oil facilities. We want to state in clear terms that, we have the capacity to shut down 30 oil facilities within a day and simultaneously, but are only threading the path of peace. We should not be pushed to the wall.

Our strength is not to be underestimated, and it is our resolve to engage reasonably within the confines of the laws. However, we will not stand idly by while attempts are made to manipulate or undermine our economic and political rights. The Ijaw and Urhobo people will not be pushed into a corner or cowed by intimidation.

We are using this medium to draw the attention of the National Security Adviser that our peaceful resolve should not be taken as weakness. The recent invite by the NSA office for a round table discussion with the Ijaws, Itsekiris and Urhobos of Warri must be done with caution, as Chief Ayiri Emami, a self-acclaimed Ologbotsere of Warri had earlier boasted openly in a press conference that he has the ears of the NSA and true to his talk our people have been invited. We do not want to preempt any possible outcome of this meeting, but we strongly warned that those who will be attending the said meeting must not compromise on anything that will subvert the genuine decision of INEC. In any case, what does the office of NSA have to do with INEC? We hope this is not a ploy to aid a particular nationality over others. That would not be in the interest of Nigeria and our democratic journey.

Recently, an Itsekiri gun runner, Mr. Micah Polo, a former British Soldier, who acted on the instructions of the Itsekiri Monarch, was arrested alongside other of his cohorts by DSS with well over 57 AK-47 rifles and pump-action guns. However, information at our disposal is that the Itsekiri Monarch who in connivance with top security brass had earlier freed the same gun runner who was caught training Itsekiri militias is still making frantic efforts to sweep the matter under the carpet. It is an open secret that, Chief Brown Mene acted on the instructions of the Olu to take the said Micah Polo on bail from the security agents during his first arrest. Today, the same Traditional ruler, who is supposed to be behind bars, is working freely and riding on scooters as if nothing happened. Is he above the law? We are watching to know, if the DSS and other Security agencies will fail to take appropriate actions on this matter involving the Olu and Micah Polo and others.

Finally, we strongly urge all concerned parties, especially the office of the NSA, to respect the independence and impartiality of INEC and to refrain from any further attempts to manipulate or distort the delineation process ordered by the Supreme Court.

The Nigerian people deserve a transparent and democratic delineation system that reflects the true will of the electorate, free from coercion, intimidation, or undue influence. INEC as a constitutionally independent and unbiased umpire, let her decision on this matter be final and Mr President must not involve himself with this. It is a known practice that, whoever that is not satisfied with the decision of INEC should go to court, just as the Ijaws did and pursued their case for more than ten years.

Mr. President, a stitch in time, as they say, saves nine! Let the right actions be taken and not the other way round in the interest of peace.

57th Boro Day: Otuaro Eulogizes N' Delta Fallen Hero, Describes him as a Foresighted ljaw Man who Sacrifices his Life for Nigeria

The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has paid tribute to the cherished memory of the hero and icon of the Niger Delta, the Late Isaac Boro, on the occasion of the 2025 Boro Day celebration.

Otuaro described Boro as an uncommon visionary and foresighted Ijaw man who dedicated his life to the struggle for fairness, equity and justice for the Niger Delta people and the advancement of socio-economic and political growth and development in Nigeria.

He noted that the Kaiama-born activist's selfless service, sacrifices and legacy had remained the solid foundation for sustained solidarity and advocacy for better living conditions for the people of the Niger Delta.

The PAP helmsman said Boro deserved to be honoured and celebrated for the values that he stood and died for, in the interest of the Ijaw and Niger Delta people.

He stressed that Boro's accomplishments would continue to resonate in the history of minority rights struggles.

He stated that the impacts of the foremost freedom fighter's struggle were evidenced in the several government agencies established to address the peculiarities and challenges of the region.

Otuaro urged the Ijaw and Niger Delta youths to be peaceful and coordinated in carrying out the commemorative activities for the Boro Day celebration.

He further advised the youths to maintain the peace and stability of the region in support of President Bola Tinubu's renewed hope agenda and his administration's unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.

"On the occasion of the 2025 Boro Day celebration, I salute the cherished memory of Isaac Boro. I also salute his vision, courage, resilience and enduring legacy of selfless service and sacrifices for the Niger Delta region.

"He fought for an egalitarian society where fairness, justice and equity would be the strong pillars of advancement and development as well as mutual co-existence.

"His struggle for better living conditions for his people was based on these principles and values. He cannot be honoured and celebrated enough for his sacrifices", Otuaro added.