The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Jubilation in Ijaw as Tantita’s MD pays N30m for lawyer’s kidney transplant 

    Jubilation in Ijaw as Tantita’s MD pays N30m for lawyer’s kidney transplant 

    There was widespread jubilation in the Niger Delta, particularly among the Ijaw people, over the weekend following the decision of Chief Kestin Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, to donate N30 million for the kidney transplant of a young Ijaw lawyer, Etifa Jonathan.

    Jonathan, who has been battling kidney failure, had appealed for financial assistance, seeking N30 million from government officials, philanthropists, and wealthy individuals in the Niger Delta, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, to fund a life-saving medical trip.

    Shortly after Jonathan’s efforts to raise the money, news broke that Pondi, who heads Tantita Security Services, a company owned by former Niger Delta militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, had provided the entire amount.

    The generous gesture was confirmed by Apostle Bodmas Kemepadei, a priest of the Ijaw religious group Egbesu.

    He said: “In a remarkable display of compassion and generosity, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Limited, has fully financed the estimated N30m required for the kidney transplant of Barrister Jonathan Etifa.

    “The funds, aimed at covering the cost of the life-saving procedure, were paid in full to ensure a seamless and timely operation for the ailing barrister, who had been battling kidney-related health challenges”.

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    Many ijaw stakeholders have been pouring encomiums on Pondi for his unique gesture describing it as philanthropic.

    A former Chairman of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, Kennedy Olorogun, referred to Pondi as a gift to mankind saying his generosity was incomparable.

    Olorogun said Pondi and Tantita by such gesture demonstrated brotherliness, love, friendship and the whole essence of humanity.

    He prayed God to keep blessing Pondi with good health and more wealth to keep doing good for humanity.

    Society can only grow better if our support to those in need is not predicated on our political considerations or personal interest alone. 

    A former Spokesperson of IYC, Ebikade Ekerefe described Pondi’s intervention as unbelievable and  called on others to emulate him.

    Je said: “I join other well meaning Ijaw sons and daughters to reference Kestin Pondi, the MD of Tantita Security Services for coming to the financial aid of Barr. Etifa Jonthan, an illustrious Ijaw son from Ndoro community swiftly. 

    “This is unbelievable and worthy of commendations. And to all those who must have played roles behind the scene for this to happen, you’ve done well and we appreciate you. Together, we can do far more for each other. To Barr. Etifa Jonathan, I wish you a speedy recovery.Remain blessed and God be with you my brother”.

  • DESOPADEC uplifts 200 artisans with tools, N100m seed funds

    DESOPADEC uplifts 200 artisans with tools, N100m seed funds

    The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has empowered 200 beneficiaries of its skill academy program by providing them with starter packs worth millions of naira and N500,000 seed funds each to kickstart their businesses. 

    Additionally, five hundred women from the DESOPADEC mandate areas received N100,000 grants to support their economic ventures.

    The fifth edition of this empowerment initiative was launched in Effurun, within the Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Before the presentation, beneficiaries received guidance from Pst Afolabi Adun and Dr. Charles Apoki on running their businesses effectively, profitably, and sustainably. 

    The speakers, drawing on their extensive experience, imparted essential principles and ethics that have been instrumental in their respective fields.

    Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, Delta State Government, Hon. Prince Johnson Erijo, emphasized that the program aligns with his administration’s dedication to youth empowerment and sustainable development in oil-producing communities.

    “This initiative underscores our government’s focus on creating economic opportunities, equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools, skills, and funding they need to thrive in their respective trades. Through the DESOPADEC Skill Academy, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous Delta State,” the governor said.  

    Governor Oborevwori urged the beneficiaries to use the starter packs and funds responsibly, emphasising that the expected ripple effect of the program should lead to economic growth in their localities. He added that the program aligns with his MORE agenda, which prioritizes human capital development, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.  

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, explained that this year’s edition marked a shift in paradigm and focus, targeting budding entrepreneurs who required financial and material support to expand their businesses. He revealed that the selection process was meticulous, ensuring only the most deserving candidates were chosen.  

    “The 200 tradesmen and women selected represent the best from across the various ethnic nationalities in our mandate areas. We recognize that while training is critical, access to financial and material resources is often the major barrier to success for many young entrepreneurs,” Ochonogor said.  

    He highlighted that each starter pack includes tools tailored to the beneficiaries’ specific trades, such as laptops, alternators, hairdryers, ovens, chest freezers, and more. The N500,000 cash grant, he added, is intended to ease the startup process and provide immediate financial support for their entrepreneurial ventures.  

    Ochonogor emphasized that the initiative is a step towards realizing the vision of Delta State as a hub of skilled and empowered youth contributing to economic transformation. “Our goal is not just to support individuals but to catalyze community development through job creation, economic growth, and self-reliance,” he said. 

    The Executive Director of Social Services at DESOPADEC, Chief Favour Izoukumor, who drove the process, noted that the commission has taken a holistic approach to youth empowerment by addressing the challenges of transitioning from training to implementation. 

    “Many youths face significant hurdles in turning their skills into sustainable businesses. Through this initiative, we are providing the necessary tools, resources, and guidance to bridge this gap,” Izoukumor explained.  

    He added that the commission will deploy monitoring teams and mentoring agents to ensure the resources are used effectively. Beneficiaries were also urged to avoid misusing the items or selling them, as the tools are meant to create lasting opportunities for economic independence, for them in particular, and their communities and the state in general.

    “We want every recipient to be an ambassador of DESOPADEC’s mission, showcasing how targeted interventions can transform lives and communities. This is about creating a legacy of success stories across Delta State,” Izoukumor stated.  

    The starter packs cater to a wide range of trades, including ICT, electrical installation, hairdressing, fashion design, welding, catering, POP, tiles and more. Beneficiaries were provided with tools such as generating sets, ladders, laptops, chest freezers, and other equipment to enable them to operate efficiently.  

    Governor Oborevwori stressed that the initiative would not only empower individuals but also have a multiplier effect on the local economy. “By empowering youths with entrepreneurial skills and resources, we are fostering a culture of self-reliance and innovation that will uplift entire communities,” he said.  

    Beneficiaries such as Beatrice Sunday, Petra Eruke, and Ernest Erhabor expressed profound gratitude to the Delta State Government and DESOPADEC for the opportunity. They pledged to utilize the resources effectively to grow their businesses and contribute to their communities’ economic development.  

    The event was graced by prominent traditional rulers, including the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Abe I; Pere of Akugbene Mein, the Okobaro of Ughievwen, HRM Owhawha II; and the Olu of Warri, HM Ogiame Atuwatse III, represented by Chief Samuel Koko.  

    Key government officials in attendance included DESOPADEC Board Chairman Chief John Nani, Managing Director Chief Festus Ochonogor, and Delta State legislators led by Hon. Austin Uroye, Chairman of the House Committee on DESOPADEC.  

    Stakeholders at the event said the DESOPADEC Skill Academy continues to stand as a testament to the commission’s unwavering commitment to addressing the needs of oil-producing communities, empowering youths, and driving sustainable development across Delta State.

  • Rivers crises: Impose visa ban on Gov Fubara, Judges, US, UK urged

    Rivers crises: Impose visa ban on Gov Fubara, Judges, US, UK urged

    The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has called on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member States to impose a visa ban on Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Judges fuelling the Rivers crisis. 

    The NDC made this call during a briefing in Abuja, where it expressed alarm over the alleged erosion of democratic principles and constitutional governance under Governor Fubara.

    In his address, convener Okwa Dan said Governor Fubara has made efforts to weaken the people’s will and erode the rule of law, including influencing elections and pressuring the judiciary to support his agenda.

    The NDC condemned Judges who allegedly delivered verdicts that align with political interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

    The group described the Judges have eroded public confidence in the judiciary.

    The NDC urged the international community to hold Governor Fubara and his associates accountable for their actions, which they believe undermine  democratic future and destabilise the entire country.

    “We call on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member states to impose a visa ban on Governor Fubara, Oko-Jumbo, and other associates,” the NDC said.

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    “We also call on the international community to hold these individuals responsible for their actions and to support democratic governance in Nigeria.”

    The NDC commended the lawful halt of federal revenue to Rivers State as an essential step in holding Governor Fubara accountable. 

    It also praised judges like Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Chief Judge John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu, who have set themselves apart from manipulations.

    The group called for international solidarity and urged civil society organisations, the media and all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in the fight for democracy.

    “This is a call to save democracy from the hands of devourers, and unpatriotic individuals. This is a fight for a just cause; where the law must never be undermined, intimidated, abused, or subdued by any political individual or faction for any reason.

    “Additionally, we urge the judiciary to uphold its sacred duty as the custodian of justice. Judges must resist political interference and prioritize the rule of law above all else. The survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a judiciary that is impartial, independent, and committed to justice.

    “In conclusion, Rivers State stands at a critical juncture. The actions of Governor Fubara and his allies have placed the state’s democratic future in jeopardy. However, with collective action and international support in placing a visa ban on them, we can restore constitutional order and ensure that the voices of the people are heard,” he said. 

  • All hail the resurrection of petroleum refining in Nigeria

    All hail the resurrection of petroleum refining in Nigeria

    By Jesutega Onokpasa

    The coming on stream, or, rather the resurrection of the Port Harcourt Refinery is exceedingly good news at a time at which good news has become a very scarce commodity in our nation.

    It was, to say the least, a great and most embarrassing national shame that we have not had functioning refineries in a major oil-producing country for decades and this long-awaited breakthrough is most heartwarming, to put it mildly.

    How we keep allowing national assets to rot and go to waste right under our noses is still a mystery to me because corruption and ineptitude aside, I still cannot fathom how a nation could be so clumsy as to keep serially inflicting grotesque harm upon itself.

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, is our one and only national oil company – Dangote Refinery, massive as it is, is still just another private company and cannot pretend to be our collective asset or try to displace our true and authentic IOC which was, is and shall remain the NNPCL.

    We must all commend and encourage the NNPCL team as they reposition the oil and gas sector towards better days ahead for all Nigerians.

    I hope those with an axe to grind with the NNPCL’s Group Managing Director, Mele Kyari, and who have been angling to take his job for themselves can be forthright enough to hide their faces in shame and leave him alone to fix the oil and gas sector for all of us.

    Read Also: Petrol rolls out again from Port Harcourt Refinery five years after

    Under Mele’s watch, we have seen record restoration of our oil and gas production, drastic reduction in oil theft and now local refining of crude by our national oil company.

    We should all be proud of him and his team at NNPCL.

    Lastly and most importantly, I would urge all and sundry, regardless of their political leanings or inclinations to, at least, acknowledge President Bola Tinubu for this great milestone and incontestable achievement.

    I have many differences with my President as many are well aware but I will not fail to acknowledge, commend and celebrate him for what he does right and the resurrection of petroleum refining in Nigeria is something good he will always be remembered for.

    Onokpasa, a lawyer, is Chairman, Tinubu Media Support Group and writes from Abuja.

  • Dafinone salutes Emerhor’s commitment to APC at 67

    Dafinone salutes Emerhor’s commitment to APC at 67

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has felicitated with the founding leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, on his 67th birthday anniversary. 

    He noted that Olorogun Emerhor, a successful business mogul who was the first candidate to contest election on the platform of the APC and the party governorship candidate in the 2015 general elections, has contributed greatly to the growth of APC in Delta State.

    The Delta Central lawmaker, in his goodwill message, said: “I warmly felicitate with Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, a distinguished leader, visionary, and founding pillar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, on the occasion of your 67th birthday. 

    “Today, we celebrate not just the passage of another year, but the enduring legacy of a man whose commitment to the ideals of progress, unity, and development has left an indelible mark on our state and party. Your exemplary leadership, both in business and politics, has served as an inspiration to many, and your selfless dedication to the growth of the APC has been pivotal to its survival and growth in Delta State.

    Read Also: Dafinone congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration as Edo Gov

    “As the first governorship candidate of our great party in Delta State during the 2015 general elections, your pioneering role laid a solid foundation for the party. Through resilience and a deep sense of purpose, you charted a course that continues to guide the party’s activities today. 

    “Beyond contesting elections, you have demonstrated unmatched loyalty and service by working tirelessly to unify our party, even during turbulent times. Your efforts to stabilize the APC in Delta, ensuring it remains a formidable political force, cannot be overstated.

    “Your achievements as a successful business mogul further underscore your brilliance and capacity as a leader. In both the corporate world and political arena, you have consistently exemplified integrity, innovation, and a passion for excellence. On this special day, we are reminded of the values of perseverance, humility, and service that you embody so effortlessly.

    “On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District and the APC family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor. May the years ahead bring you good health, divine favour, and greater accomplishments. Happy birthday, Sir!”

  • Gov Otu appeals to workers to suspend proposed warning strike

    Gov Otu appeals to workers to suspend proposed warning strike

    Cross River Governor Bassey Otu has called on Organised Labour in the State to reconsider its planned two-day warning strike scheduled for midnight of 24-26.

    Otu, represented by his Deputy, Peter Odey, made this appeal during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly on Saturday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.  

    “Governor Otu prioritises the welfare of the workforce,” Odey stated. “In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of organized labor, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC, to suspend their planned state-wide strike, and I enjoin them to support the Governor in his quest to improve the lot of our people.”  

    Highlighting the progress made since the inception of the Solemn Assembly, Odey emphasised that Governor Otu is committed to building a better Cross River for the benefit of all citizens.

     He urged Cross River residents to sustain support and prayers for the administration to achieve its ‘People First’ mantra in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. 

    Odey noted significant infrastructural improvements across the three senatorial districts, including road construction and renovation, the rehabilitation of the Governor’s Office, the State Library and Government Kodges in Calabar, Abuja, and Lagos. 

    He assured Cross Riverians that the administration is also focused on enhancing the health, agriculture, and education sectors to ensure the welfare of the state’s citizens.  

    Odey stressed Governor Otu is committed to improving conditions for serving and retired workers. 

    These include clearing backlogs of gratuities, regularising pension payments and implementing overdue worker promotions. 

    He also mentioned that Cross River State is committed to paying even above the recommended ₦70,000 new national minimum wage.  

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    The guest preacher and Founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, delivered a message on “Ebenezer: A State helped by God.” 

    He urged Christians, particularly those in leadership positions, to lead with the fear of God and embody Christ-like values in their actions.  

    Eze praised the State’s administration for organising the solemn assembly, highlighting its commitment to seeking God’s guidance. He noted that Cross River is one of the few states that prioritize putting “God First.”  

    The highlight of the event was a special prayer session offered for the Governor and family, Deputy Governor, State Executive Council members, traditional rulers and other top government officials.  

  • Your criticisms of Tinubu’s foreign loan baseless, Arewa group knocks Atiku

    Your criticisms of Tinubu’s foreign loan baseless, Arewa group knocks Atiku

    The Arewa Professionals for Democracy and Development (APDD) has cautioned former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar over his recent criticisms on the loan request by President Bola Tinubu.

    The National Assembly approved a $2.2 billion foreign loan request from President Tinubu. This development was greeted with many reactions from Nigerians.

    One of the critiques of the foreign loan request is the 2023 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who raised concerns that the loan would be embezzled by the government.

    In quick reaction to the former Vice president, the APDD said Atiku’s criticism of the borrowing’s approval mirrors the fitful twitching of an expired creature in its final throes.

    The group in a statement by its President, Engr. Moses Odaudu, said Atiku’s criticism of the loan ignores key aspects of economic management and development. 

    The group said it is important to scrutinise government actions, it is equally important to consider the broader context and potential benefits of these loans. 

    “He blatantly trivialised the strategic intent behind the loans by asserting that they are “bone-crushing” and bring “insufferable pressure” on the economy whereas when properly managed and invested in critical infrastructure and development projects, the loans can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve public services. 

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    “We believe what Atiku did was to project his value on the incumbent government with the implication that he concluded the loans would be embezzled because that is what would have happened if he were the president.

    “This is even as President Tinubu has assured that his government will ensure transparency and accountability in using these funds, which should have been Atiku’s focus instead of the infantile tantrums he threw in the public opinion space. 

    “This is why we ask the former vice president to differentiate between constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and baseless accusations that can undermine public trust in Nigeria,” the group said. 

    Odaudu further noted they noticed that Atiku’s criticism overlooked the complexities of international finance and the strategic decisions involved in securing favourable terms of borrowing, which caused him to dwell on the comparison of exchange rates while suggesting that the loans are poorly negotiated. 

    He said only such mischief made him deny the administration’s efforts to boost revenue collection through reforms in the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and Customs as part of a broader strategy to enhance fiscal stability. 

    “In his desperate drive for public validation, it is tragic that Atiku unashamedly references something that should be forgotten by saying the administration of President Obasanjo, under which he was vice president, took the country out of foreign indebtedness, without telling Nigerians the truth. 

    “We challenge Atiku to deny that he was not a beneficiary of the commission on the loan repayment shared by Obasanjo’s economic team, which the former vice president once falsely claimed to have headed. 

    “We conclude by urging Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to accept that the trauma of serial loss at the polls and his advanced age imply that he no longer possesses the mental acuity he had for analysing national issues a couple of decades ago. 

    “Atiku must thus admit to himself that it is time to quit politics and refrain from intervening in national issues so that he does not allow his diminished capacity to lead some Nigerians astray,” the group added.

  • ‘CSO leader’ Tabukoi in DSS custody for alleged blackmail

    ‘CSO leader’ Tabukoi in DSS custody for alleged blackmail

    Officials of the  Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested one Kennedy Tabukoi, for allegedly leading an unregistered Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) to blackmail some high profile government officials.

    According to security sources, when such government officials fail to meet Tabukoi’s demands, he would resort to organising other unsuspecting groups to lead protest marches against them.  

    One of such protest marches held on Thursday morning at the National Assembly gate where Tabukoi led several groups to protest against what he claimed were moves by the federal lawmakers to stall a probe of the petroleum sector. 

    The sources confirmed unknown to Tabukoi, security operatives had been on his trail after certain officials of government reported the several attempts he made to allegedly blackmail them into parting with huge sums of money and contracts, “or risk being embarrassed.”

    Read Also: DSS releases Adebutu, says arrest, detention meant to silence him

    A source stated: “That man Tabukoi had been boasting to friends and members of his syndicate that, as a Niger Deltan activist, he would use his NGO to deal with any government official who didn’t do his bidding. 

    “Unknown to him, it was the same people he had been intimidating with claims of how much he would make from top government officials in Abuja that tipped off the DSS that he had no NGO, and that he was merely using impersonation to blackmail such government officials.”

    The source added: “When we invited Tabukoi, he didn’t waste time in corroborating the claims of his so-called friends. He said he was aware that several Niger Deltans made money from activism, which is the reason he was in the process of raising money to register his own NGO.”

  • CSO, Tinubu’s Support Group score Navy high on war against oil theft

    CSO, Tinubu’s Support Group score Navy high on war against oil theft

    A coalition of Civil Society Organisations, led by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors of Nigeria (RHAN) and the Centre for Action Against Corruption (CAAC), has condemned allegations by Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, that the Navy is complicit in oil theft in the Niger Delta. 

    The group described Tompolo’s allegations as unsubstantiated, baseless, frivolous and lacking in merit.

    At a briefing on Thursday in Abuja, the group praised Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), for his achievements in the fight against oil bunkering and theft. 

    Under his leadership, Abdullahi Bilal and Olayemi Isaacs said the Nigerian Navy has achieved significant milestones, including destruction of illegal refining sites, arrest of sea pirates, reduction in maritime crimes, and over 21,630 hours of patrol resulting in numerous arrests and seizures.

    The coalition emphasised that CNS Ogalla’s leadership has justified his appointment by President Tinubu and the Renewed Hope mandate. 

    They urged the CNS to remain focused and resilient in his fight against oil theft, noting that success is imminent.

    The statement explained: “t is our collective responsibilities to fight against those forces and interest which tries to undermine our very collective existence and interest, and ensure we annihilate them. This is why we are here today. 

    “This, to us is an apt opportunity to take the bull by the horns and conscientise the public on the evil intentions of Tompolo and the sensitive nature of his allegation, as it tries to undermine the Nigerian navy and also reduce the morale of the fighting gallant men in the field. 

    Read Also: Tantita security alleges sabotage in fight against crude oil theft

    “We must also warn of the chaos, destruction and up surge in criminalities if such misinformation and mischief continuous unchecked and unmitigated.

    Our interest is basically the national interest. 

    “We believe that lifting up this curtain of secrecy and mischief will move the nation forward, encourage the Armed Forces and indeed the security forces all over the nation, as the sacrifice to secure us.

    “We therefore call on all lovers of peace and workers with God to join us to condemn this orchestrated onslaught against those men who have decided to haphazard their lives so that we can live in peace and quiet.

    “We call on the CNS to remain focused, unfazed and resilient in his dogged fight as success is just around the corner, and to discountenance the allegation as those that are with you are more than those against you. “

  • Prove disputed Delta land belongs to you, group dares Okpanam indigenes

    Prove disputed Delta land belongs to you, group dares Okpanam indigenes

    A group, South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI), has challenged indigenes of Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government area to visit Nigeria Police Force CID, Area 10 Abuja, to submit relevant documents relating to its ownership claim of the disputed land with Issele-Azagba people in Aniocha North Council area of Delta state.

    The group expressed concerns that the Okpanam Indigenes since the land dispute started about three years ago have not deemed it fit to visit the Force CID Area 10 Abuja to tender necessary documents to prove its ownership claim. 

    It said this smacked of cowardice that they failed to show up since the matter was transferred to Abuja. 

    Following an alleged bias of some senior police officers at the Delta Police Command, Asaba in handling the matter, some displeased stakeholders in the case petitioned the Force Headquarters and the matter was subsequently transferred to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun’s office.

    It was gathered that based on the violence and killings recorded over the disputed land, including the murder of two policemen three years ago and three youths early this year, IGP Egbetokun directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG CID), Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, to investigate the matter and bring to justice those responsible for the acts.

    Reacting to the alleged efforts by the Okpanam indigenes to frustrate the process of investigations by falling to appear before DIG Alabi at the Force CID Area 10 Abuja, SSPTI in a statement by its Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, noted it could be because the Okpanam indigenes do not have any document to prove their ownership case on the disputed land.

    Parts of the statement reads:“As a follow up to our earlier statement where we made it loud and clear that the Okpanam indigenes who had been the aggressor to the Issele-Azagba people of Aniocha North, over the land in question, do not have any document to prove their ownership, we have also discovered efforts by the same people to frustrate the ongoing investigations by not showing up at the Force CID, Area 10 Abuja.

    “We have carried out our independent investigations at the Police Headquarters, and find out that none of the key actors in Okpanam community laying claim to the disputed land have turned up at the place to present documents to back their claim so as to enable the investigating team led by DIG Alabi to carry out the mandate handed over to it by IGP Egbetokun”.

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    “While we find it difficult to understand why none Okpanam indigenes had appeared before the investigating panel in Abuja, we are also concerned how a kingdom that is laying claim to a disputed land cannot present documents to prove its ownership case beyond all reasonable doubts”.

    “We are therefore using this medium to call on the Okpanam community indigenes to be bold enough and come before the investigating panel and tender the documents relating to their ownership claim of the disputed land area so as to enable the team conclude of the assignment handed to it by the IGP Egbetokun”.

    “In a situation where they continue to evade appearing before the investigating panel, we want to urge the police to declare wanted the major actors both within and outside their community, as well as some of the senior police officers who had aided them to unleash series of terror that had claimed lives and bring them to justice.”