The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Johnny urges INEC to stand by report on Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency

    Johnny urges INEC to stand by report on Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, High Chief Michael Johnny, has advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to stand firmly on its report on the concluded fresh ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency, Delta State.

    Johnny, gave the advice on Sunday in Warri, while reacting to comments made by an Itsekiri chief, Ayiri Emami.

    Johnny, Agadiwei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, warned that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) cannot be intimidated or blackmailed into tampering with the delineation field work reports already concluded in Warri Federal Constituency.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser NSA and the Inspector General of Police, will never interfere or compel the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to compromise its integrity and reputation as the Electoral Umpire was determined to stand by its reports on the fresh Ward delineation as presented to the Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri stakeholders..

    “ I want to believe that my friend, Ayiri Emami did not acknowledge the existing laws and constitution when he said INEC should have gone back to the Supreme Court, to do what exactly?

    “ Commendably, as a law-abiding agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, in full compliance to the Supreme Court judgement swung into action immediately.  The practical field work carried out by INEC was purely on areas, communities and population. And the outcome confirmed that Ijaws were majority in Warri Federal Constituency. Even the Itsekiri cannot dispute this fact”

    “Contrary to the false claim by Ayiri Emami that INEC conducted the fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency on projected census, there is nothing like “ Projected Census” in the Electoral Act or National Population Commission NPC. The Ayiri Emami’s allegations against INEC over allocation of Wards, was not true and entirely misleading, as INEC has no power to allocate Wards, rather INEC worked with facts and  the reality on ground.”

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    According to Johnny: “ Ayiri Emami should know that it is not the fault of INEC that Itsekiri are minority in population. The  Ijaws we are majority because we marry more wives and produce more children”

    He explained that the fresh Ward delineation is not in any way an existential challenge to our Itsekiri brothers and neighbours in Warri Federal Constituency as claimed or wrongly insinuated by Ayiri Emami. 

    “ It is important to state that the Itsekiri have no local government created for them alone. The  Itsekiri shares Warri North Local Government with the Ijaws, the Itsekiri shares Warri South West with the Ijaws and likewise the Itsekiri shares Warri South with the Urhobo and Ijaw, which made up the Warri Federal Constituency. Therefore, in the Warri Federal Constituency, the House of Representatives and House of Assembly seats are not exclusively for only the Itsekiri as Ijaws and Urhobos were also entitled to the elective positions”

    *Maybe I should also educate or remind my friend, Ayiri Emami that Federal Constituencies or State Constituencies were not created for ethnicity.

    “ It just happened that Burutu, Bomadi and Patani were distinct Ijaw Federal Constituencies and State Constituencies. The Warri Federal Constituency and State House of Assembly seats are for the Ijaws, Urhobos and Itsekiri people in the Warri Federal Constituency. We must embrace the fact and move forward”

    “ I urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSA, IGP and the leadership of  Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to ignore Ayiri Emami’s outburst and  allegations against the commission and its officials who conducted the Delineation field work”

    The ex-chairman of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation insisted that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will not go back on the field work reports on fresh Ward Delineation; the exercise was thoroughly conducted.

    “ Nobody should blackmail INEC, the  electoral umpire had done the needful and corrected the political anomaly in Warri Federal Constituency. INEC had successfully implemented the Supreme Court judgement on fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency”

    “ As rightly mentioned by Ayiri Emami that there will be no fight over the fresh Ward Delineation, the Ijaws and I, Chief Michael Johnny do not want to fight as well.But I can say that Itsekiri and Ijaws of Gbaramatu in Warri South West have a common enemy which is “ UNDERDEVELOPMENT”. This is what we should focus on to address and lay a solid foundation for peace and development for the future generations”

    He further noted: “ The Gbaramatu man is not responsible for the underdevelopment in Itsekiri land, and the Itsekiri man is not responsible for the underdevelopment in Gbaramatu land. We must have this in mind. In conclusion, I urge my friend and brother, Ayiri Emami to leave INEC alone and allow the Commission to do their constitutional work unhindered on the fresh Ward delineation in Warri Federal Constituency.”

    The Ijaw leader said the perceived intimidation and blackmailing of INEC must stop henceforth.

  • Use of ‘Royal Highness’: Court strikes out Otaru of Igarra’s suit

    Use of ‘Royal Highness’: Court strikes out Otaru of Igarra’s suit

    A High Court sitting in Benin City has struck out a suit filed by the Otaru of Igarra, His Royal Highness Oba Emmanuel Adeche Saiki II, seeking to restrain members of the Eziobe group of clans in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, from using the title “His Royal Highness.”

    The Otaru had approached the court to declare that the use of the appellation “His Royal Highness” by the Eziobe group was illegal, misleading, and an encroachment on his traditional authority as the paramount ruler of Igarra and the Akuku clan.

    He also asked the court to interpret and enforce a judgment delivered in 1985, which he claimed barred individuals within the Eziobe group from styling themselves as “His Royal Highness.”

    The Otaru further objected to the proposed installation of a new traditional title holder by the Eziobe group, to be known as Oshinoyi — a position intended to represent the broader Igarra community, excluding the Akuku clan.

    The suit, filed under Suit No: HIG/39/2023 at the High Court of Justice, Edo State, Igarra Judicial Division, was instituted by Oba E.A. Saiki, suing for himself and on behalf of the Five Other Ruling Houses of Igarra and the Akuku Clan.

    The Defendants include HRH Barr. S. S. Mayaki, sued on behalf of members of the Eshimozoko family (excluding dissenters),

    HRH. Aliu Ogbodo Suleiman, representing the Anona family,

    HRH. Sunday Otaru, for the Anonyete family,

    Hon. Sunday Saiki, sued on behalf of members of the group styled Eziobe Clan of Igarra.

    Also joined in the suit by a court order were Chief Charles Shanu Aiyelabola ( the Akuta of Igarra) and Alhaji Dahiru Bayode Daniyan (the Oga of Igarra), for the Ezidowo group of families of Igarra, Oba Lawani Daudu, the Odafe of Akuku,

    S. O. Akao, representing the Akuku community.

    These parties were all accused by the claimant of unlawfully adopting the style “His Royal Highness” and attempting to institutionalize rival traditional authority structures outside the jurisdiction of the Otaru.

    However, the case took a different turn as the court, presided over by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Okungbowa, declined jurisdiction and struck out the matter.

    In a ruling, Justice Okungbowa held that the court could not entertain the case because a similar suit on the same subject matter (Suit No. B/553) is currently pending before the Fugar High Court — a court of coordinate powers. As such, entertaining the suit in Benin would amount to an abuse of court process.

    The defense team, led by Barrister Razak Isenalumhe, had argued that the existence of the pending Fugar case rendered the present suit incompetent. They maintained that no court can override or interpret a decision from a court of equal standing while the matter is still active.

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    Justice Okungbowa agreed with the argument, stating that the High Court in Benin lacked the legal authority to revisit or enforce a judgment delivered by another court of equal rank. He subsequently struck out the application.

    Speaking to reporters after the ruling, Barrister Topa Jatto, one of the defence lawyers, described the judgment as “a victory for law and order.”

    “This decision reaffirms the principle that no court can assume jurisdiction over a matter already being adjudicated by another court of equal status. It’s a solid win for judicial discipline and due process,” he said.

    Also reacting, a representative of the Eziobe group of clans, Mr. Moses Skinner Gadimoh, welcomed the ruling and offered his interpretation of its broader cultural implications.

    “Under Nigerian law, the use of the title His Highness or ‘His Royal Highness’ is not exclusive to any individual or traditional institution unless expressly reserved by statute or gazetted recognition,” Gadimoh explained.

    “While traditional authority should be respected, the court cannot be used to settle cultural or customary rivalries where no legal breach has occurred. Unless it is tied to a gazetted chieftaincy position, the use of the title *His Highness or ‘His Royal Highness’* cannot be legally restricted.”

    The ruling has sparked widespread jubilation among the Eziobe group of clans, many of whom gathered at the palace of *the Oshemdase of Igarra* to celebrate what they called a landmark victory for fairness, recognition, and cultural plurality.

    According to Elder Obed Abogunmoza, “This judgment has bolstered the Eziobe family’s confidence in the other pending matters, and they are optimistic that subsequent judgments will resolve the longstanding dispute. 

    “It will also reaffirm the distinctiveness of the Eziobe clan and its royalty. And clearly differentiate it from the Eziezu family while establishing the Eziobe clan’s unique identity and royal heritage”.

  • Eno’s ARISE Agenda created 30,000 jobs, impacted 800,000 beneficiaries in two years-report

    Eno’s ARISE Agenda created 30,000 jobs, impacted 800,000 beneficiaries in two years-report

    ARISE Agenda, the economic blueprint of Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has in the last two years created over 30,000 direct jobs, benefitted over 800,000 people while over N10billion was spent on grants to farmers, traders and SMEs.

    This was contained in a report presented by Prof. Christopher Ekong during the public presentation of the socio-economic impact of the ARISE Agenda titled: Measuring Progress, Deepening Impact which took place at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo.

     Ekong, who was the Lead Presenter at the event after x-raying the two years of the ARISE Agenda which covers  five key pillars: Agricultural Revolution, Tourism & Environmental Management, Rural Development, Women & Youth Empowerment, Infrastructural Maintenance and Advancement, Security Management and well as Economic, Industrial and Social Advancement, noted that the government’s programmes have been impactful.

    According to him, In Agriculture while 2,323 farmers got grants, 40,900 got farm inputs while 1047 new jobs were created. In Tourism, 5670 jobs were created during the Christmas Unplugged alone, while other activities such as construction ARISE Resort, building of Amphitheatre at Unity Park etc created additional 2145 jobs.

    He noted further that 105 road projects have been executed while various other projects covering healthcare, elderly, education, security management and rural development in the state created 19, 593 employments.

    In all over 800,000 citizens have directly benefitted from government programmes and projects.

    The 48-page presentation concluded thus “The ARISE Agenda has witnessed a tremendous level of accomplishment in the two years of its implementation, surpassing expectations as indicated in the MTEF of the state. This has been made possible by a committed and resolute government that is open to fiscal responsibility”

    Earlier in his remarks, Governor Eno described the event as fulfilment of his campaign Iit gives us joy to open ourselves to public scrutiny. Peter Drucker once said “You cannot improve what you can’t measure”. 

    “This event can be likened to a first-half review, where we pause to take stock of our progress so far, ask questions, assess impact through data representations, and look for ways of improvement where gaps may have been detected. “We are by this event, demonstrating in practical and concrete terms, our passionate commitment to transparency and accountability. 

    The Governor enumerated some of the achievements of the State under his leadership to include: setting up of an Internal Evaluation Team to help streamline and eliminate wastages in the procurement processes, executing audacious projects, providing social services, building 205 ARISE Compassionate Homes with a target to build 400; paying of over N78 Billion, backlogs of gratuities, which dates back to 2012, with accumulation of over N90 billion, and building economically-viable roads and bridges.

    He also mentioned the outright purchase of two brand new CRJ 900 Bombardier Aircraft, taking delivery of two Airbus 200-300 Series, getting the International Terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport ready for operations, and meeting all other obligations to Ibom Air and the larger aviation ecosystem.

    “Model Primary Healthcare Centres are being built, healthcare delivery services are being improved and expanded, with free medical services extended to various layers of our society, especially the most vulnerable under our ARISE Medical Insurance scheme. 

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    “We are building tourism assets all over the State, chief among them, the ARISE Resort, which upon completion, will be the mini-Disneyland of Nigeria. 

    “The land upon which the ARISE Resort sits, used to be a gulley- erosion ravaged ravine. We are priming Akwa Ibom State beyond oil, with strategic investments in tourism, blue and digital economies.

    “Through various projects executed by government across sectors, we have created jobs, got thousands of our people out of poverty in line with the SDG goals.

    “In addition, over 50 new audacious projects are currently ongoing, and we are doing all these without borrowing from the banks. These projects are fully funded because, we have decided that we will use the resources of Akwa Ibom State to work for Akwa Ibom people – not for individual or group interest.

    The Governor who expressed his readiness to collaborate with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the leadership he has provided, and for ensuring that the sub nationals have the resources to fund projects, saying, “He deserves our support to continue with his laudable reforms and good work for the nation.”

    While noting that the State was very peaceful to live and invest, he commended the security agencies for their dedication and synergy and assured of continuous support to maintain the trajectory.

    On his part, Minister of Budget & Economic Planning, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu commended the state governor for organizing the event while urging him to strive to do more.

    Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded the Governor for his inclusive approach to governance and described him as a ‘true Democrat” whose achievements have set an unprecedented benchmark for future administrations.

    Director-General of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, represented by Prof Abba Gambo in his speech commended the Governor for his exemplary leadership style, revealing that in a State for State analysis conducted by the Forum, Akwa Ibom came tops.

    While commending the Governor for not borrowing, yet doing amazingly well, he presented a plague of honour from the forum to the Governor as the Best Governor in the country.

    Similarly, the Statistician-General of the Federation who was represented by Chief Austen Anyakorah, Director:  Corporate Planning & Statistical Coordination, felicitated with Governor for hosting the evaluation event, and assured that the Burea would partner the State government to validate its numbers. 

    In their separate views, a team of expert panelists including Prof Akpan Ekpo, Nancy Illoh and Terry Ikumi as well as Dr. Ruben Abati commended the Governor for his transparency, and gave various opinions on areas of improvement.

    The event also witnessed presentations on the Next steps and New Projects Delivery Plan by the Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, and on Akwa Ibom State Investment Outlook by Pastor Imoabasi Jacob, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP).

    Highpoint of the event was the presentation of the award of the “Governor of the Year 2025” by the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ forum, Alhaji Abdullateef Shittu represented by Prof. Abba Gambo.

  • Group hails Oborevwori on south-south governor of the year award

    Group hails Oborevwori on south-south governor of the year award

    A leading political support group, Ndokwa Forward for Tinubu, Sheriff/Onyeme, has congratulated Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on being named the South-South Governor of the Year at the Progressive Digital Media Summit and Awards held in Abuja.

    In a statement issued Thursday by its leader, Hon. Sam Osassa, the group described the award as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to transformational leadership, excellence, and progressive governance over the past two years.

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    The group applauded the Governor’s policies and projects, noting that they have brought about visible development across the state. According to them, the award reflects Oborevwori’s growing profile as a people-centered and results-driven leader.

    “Governor Oborevwori’s visionary leadership and dedication to progress have made a meaningful impact on the lives of Deltans. This honour only confirms what many already know—that Delta State is moving in the right direction under his leadership,” the statement read.

    Reiterating their unwavering support for the administration, Ndokwa Forward expressed confidence in the Governor’s ability to sustain the pace of development and deliver greater prosperity for the state.

    “We are proud to stand with him and celebrate this well-earned accolade,” the group affirmed.

  • TSG disowns statement on Rivers LG polls, warns against misuse of group’s name

    TSG disowns statement on Rivers LG polls, warns against misuse of group’s name

    The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) has strongly distanced itself from a recent media statement purportedly issued in its name concerning the forthcoming Local Government Area (LGA) elections in Rivers State, warning against unauthorised use of its identity for localised political interests.

    In a disclaimer signed by its Director-General, Dr. Umar Yakasai, the TSG declared that the statement—calling on the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee to assume control of nomination form sales in Rivers State—did not originate from the group, nor did it reflect its official position.

    The controversial statement was attributed to individuals identified as Hon. Chinedu Egbenumolise, Barr. Oby Obiageli Nwufor, Larry Alison, Hon. Dominic Alancha, Hon. Akeem Olapade, Hon. Wilson Dauyegha, Hon. Chucks Nwanodu, Hon. Aminu Mutawalli, and Professor Ali Alao.

    “The Tinubu Support Group strongly cautions against the unauthorised use of its name in furtherance of any localised political agendas, especially those that may seek to further divide the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a critical time for the party,” the TSG said in its official rebuttal.

    Yakasai emphasised that none of the signatories to the publication were recognised members, spokespersons, or representatives of the TSG.

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    “Any communication emanating from the Tinubu Support Group will always be issued through our official channels, signed by authorised representatives only,” he noted.

    He added that the national leadership of the TSG is not involved in any deliberations or activities relating to the Rivers State local government elections, and any contrary impression being created is false and misleading.

    Reiterating the group’s core mandate, Yakasai said, “The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) is a national coalition of dedicated supporters and volunteers committed to advancing the policies, ideals, and leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our focus is on strengthening party unity, promoting democracy, and ensuring inclusive development across Nigeria.”

    He urged APC stakeholders across the country to prioritise unity, discipline, and progress as the party positions itself for future electoral contests.

    “All stakeholders must avoid actions that could undermine the cohesion and effectiveness of the party,” he said.

    The TSG reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu’s administration and its commitment to supporting the APC’s broader goals of governance and national development.

  • Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano sends birthday goodwill to Blessing Pondi

    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano sends birthday goodwill to Blessing Pondi

    International sports enthusiast Fabrizio Romano has extended a goodwill message to Mrs. Blessing Pondi as she celebrates her birthday.

    Fabrizio in a short video, posted on her Facebook page said: “Hey guys,  breaking news for you, the time for the birthday has arrived for Mrs. Blessing Pondi, here we go,  agreement done, contract signed, time for the big birthday for the Nigerian, congratulations to Mrs. Blessing Pondi, here we go, congrats.”

    Nigerians have been reacting since Fabrizio Romano extended such goodwill message to a Nigerian, with many expressing surprise how Mrs Blessing Pondi could pull such streaks.

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    Meanwhile, fingers have pointed to Delta businessman and youth leader, Tamara Forteta, as one who had the capacity to influence Fabrizio to extend such gesture to Pondi.

    Reacting, the Celebrant, Mrs Blessing Pondi said she was overjoyed with the outpouring of love shown her on her birthday, and promised to always reciprocate the gesture.

  • More responsibility comes with higher ranks, CP Abaniwonda tells officers

    More responsibility comes with higher ranks, CP Abaniwonda tells officers

    Delta Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged senior officers to see their elevation as a call to do more in ensuring a crime-free society based on the experiences garnered over the years in various capacities by impacting the culture of patriotism and ideas of professionalism at all levels for effective policing.

    Making the admonition during the decoration of the Police Officer of year 2023, CSP Aliyu Shaba, who just got promoted to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba, , CP Abaniwonda noted that in Police Force a lot of responsibilities comes with higher ranks and therefore requires more re-dedication to duties.

    CP Abaniwonda who took the advantage of the decoration ceremony which coincided with the monthly security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officer (DPOs) and Special Unit Commanders, noted that being promoted in the Force does not come with the privilege to relax on the job but to continue to do more in that capacity.

    According to him: “What promotion means in the Police Force is that to whom much is given, much is expected. So it’s never a time to relax  but to continue to bring out then best in you in the service of policing towards the realisation of a  secured society”.

    He was full of praises for the ACP Shaba, describing him as an officer who distinguished himself in all the places he was posted to serve within the Command and was able to attract the attention of the state Governor, His Excellency, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, who gave him additional responsibilities in the policing of the state.

    His words “The Governor would have love to perform the decoration  personally today because of how ACP Shaba had endeared himself due his remarkable performance in combating crimes and other social vices, particularly in the Warri area and its environs but for the exigencies of his office that took him out of town”.

    He implored other senior officers to equally give a good account of themselves wherever they are serving within the Command and the result of their performance speaks for itself even when they are not in places where people would be rendering an appraisal of their performance.

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    Shaba, who just got posted to Ughelli as Area Commander, following his promotion to an Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP thanked God for his protection over him and his team all through the period they were combating crimes in various communities in the state and appreciated his immediate boss, CP Abaniwonda for the confidence reposed in him over the years.

    The award winning police officer also extended his appreciation to the state Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, who he said had been supportive to his operations in the state and applauded his team for their commitment to duties whenever the need arises.

    He assured that the promotion would further energize him and team to work harder in combating crimes in any part of the state.

    The high point of the event was the decoration of the best police officer in Nigeria 2023 award winner by CP Abaniwonda and supported by his lovely wife.

  • Court serves Form 48 on NBM members over alleged contempt

    Court serves Form 48 on NBM members over alleged contempt

    The High Court of Imo State has issued Form 48: Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order to several prominent members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa for allegedly defying a valid court order.

    The court action comes on the heels of a controversial parallel convention reportedly held last weekend by a faction of expelled members of the NBM in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and Lekki Lagos State despite a standing interim injunction barring such gatherings pending the determination of a substantive suit.

    The restraining order was earlier granted on July 25, 2025, by Hon. Justice Mike Onyekachi of the Ahiazu-Mbaise Judicial Division, following an ex parte application brought by the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, alongside Olorogun Ese Kakor and Zonal Coordinator Kechi Opara. The suit, marked HAM/156/2025, sought to halt the factional activity threatening the unity and legal integrity of the movement.

    However, in defiance of the court’s directive, some individuals allegedly proceeded with the disputed event. As a result, the court invoked Form 48, a statutory notice warning of the grave consequences of contempt of court.

    “Take notice that unless you obey the directives of this court contained in the said order, you shall be guilty of contempt and liable to be committed to prison,” the Form 48 explicitly states.

    Those named in the contempt notice include:

    Osagie David Igbineweka; Barr. Hope Aliu; Tochukwu Okeke (aka Owo); Chukwuma Madike (aka Bobo); Bemigho Eyeoyibo (aka Bemuda);

    Dr. Anthony A. Orunkoya AKA Tony Masaka; 

    Elder Ikechukwu Ikechi A. Ozurumba; Apostle Ese Eruedoja; Scadela Ekhator and Isimeme Iriogbe

    The issuance of Form 48 signals the court’s readiness to pursue contempt proceedings against any individual or group that flouts its orders. Legal experts say if found guilty, the accused could face serious penalties, including imprisonment.

    The next hearing of the substantive suit indicates that where the court is expected to hear arguments on the motion for interlocutory injunction and determine further legal consequences for alleged violators.

  • Okpebholo appoints another Special Adviser on Oil and Gas

    Okpebholo appoints another Special Adviser on Oil and Gas

    Edo Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Barr. Kassim Otono as Special Adviser on Oil and Gas 72 hours after he suspended Felix Isere from the position.

    Isere was suspended for soliciting for fund for a proposed Oil and Gas summit scheduled to hold on August 7, 2025.

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    He has been ordered to refund monies he collected from donors.

    A statement by Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said Otono is a Senior Partner at Kay & Kay Legal, a law firm specialising in Commercial, Real Estate, and Oil & Gas Law and Practice.

  • Group hails ‘integrity-driven’ promotions in Police Force

    Group hails ‘integrity-driven’ promotions in Police Force

    The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has applauded the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Service Commission for recent recommendation of CSP Aliyu Shaba and SP Sentome Obi, for accelerated promotions, describing the move as a major step toward institutionalizing ethics, professionalism, and merit in the system.

    Speaking in a statement in Yenagoa, Chairman of SSPTI, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, said the recognition of CSP Shaba as the 2023 and SP Obi as the Police Officer of the Year 2024 recipients not only validates the virtues of integrity and discipline but also sends a powerful message to other officers across the country.

    “This is a watershed moment for the Nigeria Police Force, ”Dr. Alozie stated. “Rewarding upright officers like CSP Shaba and SP Obi, with not just national acclaim but concrete promotions will inspire a new culture of service rooted in ethics, especially in a time when public trust in institutions is fragile.”

    Alozie particularly praised Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri, for hosting SP Obi, a Bayelsa-born officer who refused a $17,000 bribe in the course of investigating a sensitive financial crime. The event, held on July 23, 2025, in Yenagoa, included the symbolic presentation of a brand-new Toyota Corolla and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow to the celebrated officer — a gesture widely described as unprecedented.

    Describing SP Obi as a pride of the South-South region, Dr. Alozie said the officer’s steadfast commitment to integrity, even under immense pressure, is a shining example of the kind of leadership and values the SSPTI has long advocated for within Nigeria’s public service.

    “SP Obi’s conduct aligns squarely with SSPTI’s mission — to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism within institutions,” the chairman added. “His story is a bold reminder that honour still exists in uniform.”

    The SSPTI also endorsed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for leading a transformative agenda within the Force, including the introduction of a merit-based promotion framework and the decision to display portraits of outstanding officers at all major police commands, including the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Nigeria Police Hall of Fame.

    According to the IGP, rewarding officers who demonstrate excellence is not just commendation—it is a cultural shift.

    “This tells every officer that integrity is not just expected but rewarded,” the IGP declared.

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    Under the new policy, officers who have received national or IGP commendations in at least two consecutive award cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion—a move SSPTI describes as “a long-overdue reform to reshape the reward structure in the Force.”

    Dr. Alozie concluded by calling on other state governments and professional bodies to emulate Bayelsa State’s example by honouring ethical public servants and reinforcing a culture of merit.

    “The future of policing in Nigeria rests on transparency and public trust. Celebrating officers like CSP Shaba and SP Obi is not just a moral imperative — it is a strategic investment in national security.”

    As the Nigeria Police charts a new course under the current leadership, stakeholders like SSPTI continue to play a critical role in amplifying best practices and championing a new generation of public servants grounded in ethics and excellence.