The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • One injured as Sapele Okpe, Abigborodo communities clash over land

    One injured as Sapele Okpe, Abigborodo communities clash over land

    The long-standing land dispute between Sapele Okpe and Abigborodo communities in Delta State took a violent turn on Monday following the reported shooting of a Sapele Okpe indigene, Mr. Patrick Gageche.

    The incident, which occurred in the contested area between the two communities, has heightened tensions and prompted an emergency press briefing by Sapele Okpe leaders.

    Addressing journalists, representatives of the Sapele Okpe Community, including the Chairman, Chief Onoriode Temiagin, alongside Chief Godwin Omamurieme Atose and Dr. Austin Arieja, condemned the attack. 

    They described it as an act of aggression linked to the ongoing land ownership dispute. 

    According to them, Gageche, who was fishing at the time of the incident, was unjustly targeted, further deepening hostilities between both communities.

    At the centre of the conflict is a dispute over the ownership of Otonyasere and Ugbekoko lands. 

    Sapele Okpe leaders maintained that the land historically belongs to the Okpe Kingdom and have cited historical records, including colonial-era documents, to support their claim. They expressed concerns over recent attempts by Abigborodo to assert ownership, calling for a legal resolution to the matter.

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    Dismissing claims that a judicial panel of inquiry had awarded the land to Abigborodo, Sapele Okpe leaders argued that no credible evidence supported such assertions. They urged the public to rely on verifiable legal and historical records rather than conflicting narratives.

    Beyond the land dispute, Sapele Okpe representatives raised concerns over what they described as a pattern of intimidation against their people. 

    They claimed that since 2019, some members of their community had faced allegations and legal actions, which they viewed as attempts to suppress their stance in the dispute.

    Emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution, the community leaders called for legal means to determine ownership rather than resorting to confrontation.

     “Land ownership should be determined in court, not through intimidation or violence,” a spokesperson stated. They urged all parties involved to allow due process to take its course.

    Given the escalating situation, the Sapele Okpe Community appealed to federal and state authorities to intervene and ensure the safety of all residents. 

    They called on security agencies to investigate the attack on Mr. Gageche and take necessary measures to prevent further violence. Additionally, they urged the government to address security concerns in the area.

    Despite rising tensions, community leaders appealed for calm among their people, stressing that retaliation would only escalate the situation. “We must allow the law to take its course. Violence will only worsen the situation,” they cautioned, reaffirming their commitment to pursuing justice through legal and diplomatic channels.

  • No sacred cow in Okpebholo’s Edo

    No sacred cow in Okpebholo’s Edo

    By John Mayaki 

    “It’s mere suspension from office, they would be recalled after the suspended officials clear their hard earned names” I had initially assured myself when the news broke this morning. But, we all can now agree that a “no-nonsense”Sherif is town who would not harbour any sacred cow. He has shown that he is actually in charge of his administration – I mean Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo state. 

    Since taking the oath of office in November last year, Governor Okpebholo has wasted no time in making his stance on governance very clear – it is no longer business as usual but more of business unusual. In a swift manner for which some say it’s rather too early in the day, the Governor has suspended three ranking officials within his administration – the three happened at night – you simple wake up to hear about it. No time to waste. 

    While those who argue that it was too early for the Governor to have taken these decisions, others say he has sent a strong message that his government will not be a safe haven for indiscipline or financial misconduct – although the affected officials are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. 

    The first to face the hammer was the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh. He is a staunched supporter of the Governor from Edo North senatorial district. A die-hard believer in Senator Monday Okpebholo and a man who would go any length to defend the Governor. He is on suspension for alleged insubordination and has also apologised. 

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    Next to be suspended are the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Samson Osagie, and the Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Damian Lawani over allegations of “grave official and financial infractions”. I must confess that this suspensions are a shift in the way governance was being conducted in Edo state. 

    But there is a school of thought that disagree with the modus operandi of thr Governor – they say it’s too swift to carry out a disciplinary action within months of taking office as Governor – in fact, they say it’s “premature”. And I asked them, when will it be “matured” to take such actions? When is the ‘right time’ to demand accountability? Should a leader wait until corruption festers before taking action? I think Governor Okpebholo’s approach signals the urgency of the matter – an uncommon trait lacking in governance. 

    For Okpebholo, there is no “massage” for corruption or deodorant to cover any malfeasance. Neither is he willing to ignore because of political convenience. He is wielding the big stick without fear or favour. 

    Again, for those who say it’s too early, the question is – when, then, should the Governor take action? After a year? After his tenure? After the damage has been done? The truth is this, discipline in the case of insubordination and accountability in the case of financial infractions, both must start from day one. If the Senator Monday Okpebholo’s administration must be taken seriously, it must set the tone early and that is precisely what the Governor is doing. 

    I think it’s more about establishing a standard and not just necessarily punishment. A leader who understands the weight of his responsibilities and applying the kind of urgency it deserves must be commended. We all know that these principles are often ignored in our governance system but common in the private sector. 

    The question I normally would ask when it comes to fiscal discipline is this – if it were your farm, would you allow reckless spending, insubordination, or financial mismanagement? This is the question the Governor is asking those entrusted with public funds and responsibilities. Governance for me, is not a free-for-all but a serious business that demands the highest level of discipline and accountability. 

    The message is undoubtedly loud and clear for every appointee – they are simply walking on eggshells and any deviation from integrity and professionalism will come at a steep cost because for Okpebholo, governance is service to the people and not personal enrichment. Even when those suspended are eventually cleared and reinstated, the warning has been served – it doesn’t matter your status or political connections. 

    Governor Okpebholo has shown boldness in just a few months in office. He has also shown courage, and readiness to work. Now, there is a clear line in the sand against corruption that you cannot cross as an appointee. It is either you shape in, or you shape out. 

    Okpebholo is not ready to be blackmailed that because he has a case in court, everyone should misbehave. There must be discipline, transparency and accountability even though for the period he would remain in office – it must reign supreme. We have seen leaders, but Okpebholo’s style is unusual. No sacred cow.

  • NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders, youths on leadership

    NCDMB trains Niger Delta elders, youths on leadership

    As part of efforts to equip the leadership of ethnic groups in the Niger Delta with knowledge and skills necessary for developing leadership competencies, understanding stakeholder engagements and enhancing indigenous participation in the Oil and Gas value chain, amongst others the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has organised a leadership development training programme for elders and youths of Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups.

    The ongoing five-day training programme which is taking place at Lekki Grand View Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is to empower participants to contribute to nation building through strengthening collaboration for positive impact.

    On Monday February 3, the training was for the Executive Committee of the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU) led by President General Worldwide, Olorogun Barrister Ese Gam Owe.

    The Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented by a senior member of the Board, stressed the importance of training for the elders and youths, saying the idea is to enhance inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmonious growth and development.

    Ogbe stated that the idea of the training is to ensure understanding of the leaders to the significance of ethnic co-operation in societal development in the region which mainly produces the oil that is the mainstay of the nation’s economy. According to him, the aim is to engage the leaders on continuous engagement for effective societal development.

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    The facilitator, the Chairman of Excellon Consults Limited and Cervice Energy Services Limited, Chief Bernard Okumagba said: “One of the key functions of the NCDMB is to engage in capacity building interventions that would deepen indigenous capabilities. This Leadership Training Programme for the Leadership of our elders and youths of the various ethnic groups is in furtherance of the NCDMB mandate and crucial for promoting Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.

    “By empowering the Leadership of our elders and youths, the NCDMB under the leadership of Executive Secretary and CEO Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe aims to integrate oil-producing communities into the oil and gas value chain, fostering institutional collaboration and maximizing Nigerian participation.

    “This training is also vital for developing indigenous capabilities through human capital development, infrastructure, and local supplier growth.

    “The key objectives of the training programme include equipping the Leadership of our Elders and Youths categories with effective leadership, management and decision-making skills; Increase awareness and understanding of NCDMB’s initiatives and policies; and Strengthen relationships between the Leaders, NCDMB, and other stakeholders,” Okumagba stated.

    He added that in the next five days, participants will be taken through topics which will include Developing Leadership Competencies, Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, Stakeholders’ Engagements for Societal Development, Strategies for Continuous Leadership and Development, Strategic Collaboration for positive impact.

    Others include Inter-ethnic cooperation and co-existence for harmony, growth and development, financial management for business success amongst others.

    The training programme is being delivered through a combination of interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and practical exercises.

  • Akwa Ibom group kicks over attack on ex-Gov Udom

    Akwa Ibom group kicks over attack on ex-Gov Udom

    Akwa Ibom United For Peace Movement (AKUPM) has criticised the Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) for what it described as its continued attacks of former Governor Udom Emmanuel.

    The group, in a statement by chairman, Mr. Udeme Okon and Secretary, Mr. Victor Wilson urged NACAT to desist from smearing the image of the former Governor.

    It maintained Emmanuel performed creditably well in the development of the State and does not deserve the spurious allegations levelled against him.

    The group further stated the allegations if not checkmated, have the tendency of causing disaffection, disunity and disrespect amongst some individuals and sectors in the State.

    According to the statement: “The continuous insighting of the people through unsubstantiated petitions can inflame and polarize the State.

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    “At the end, what we will get would be enmity amongst the various ethnic groups in a state our past leaders had laboured to keep together for our common good adding that, Mr. Udom Emmanuel remains one of the best governors and visionary leader who sustained a united Akwa Ibom and the peace we are enjoying till today.

    “He is a detribalised leader, who ensured that there is equal development in the three Senatorial Districts of the state.”

    An indigene of Essien Udom Local Government, Mrs. Ekaete Mfon said the former Governor is an In -law of Annang Nation, who sees everyone in the State as his constituents, and remains the man of the people. His love for the people of Annang Land is undiluted and inseparable”.

    While the group further condemned the act of few individuals to constantly trying to create disunity among the peace – loving and good people of the State, listed in no particular order, the superlative achievements of Mr. Udom Emmanuel when he was Governor to include; the establishment of Ibom Air, which is the flagship of aviation development by a State government in the country.

    Others are: infrastructure, education, human capital development, health, security and social services etc.

    Akwa Ibom United For Peace Movement  called on the people to desist those they called “political contractors and Gladiators” from using them to achieve selfish political targets in order to cause dissatisfaction in the State.

  • Fairness for Isoko: The Cycle of marginalisation must be broken

    Fairness for Isoko: The Cycle of marginalisation must be broken

    • By Oke Michael Aziakpono

    Despite being a major ethnic group in Delta State and a significant contributor to Nigeria’s oil wealth, Isoko has been consistently marginalized in Federal and State appointments

    Isoko is an oil-rich region with a long history of production. The OML 30, which Isoko belongs to, produces an average of 80,000-90,000 barrels per day (bpd), with Isoko contributing 65% of this production. Additionally, the OML 26 and Irri oilfields contribute to Isoko’s total oil production, which averages around 100,000 bpd. However, despite this significant contribution to Nigeria’s oil wealth, Isoko has borne the brunt of environmental degradation and health hazards associated with oil exploration.

    Lack of Representation in Federal and State Appointments

    Since 1999, Delta State’s Isoko ethnic group has been consistently marginalized in federal and state appointments. Despite being one of the state’s most populous groups, Isoko has been overlooked for ministerial positions, which have instead gone to Urhobo, Anioma, Itsekiri, and Ijaw individuals. Furthermore, Isoko has yet to produce a governor or deputy governor in the state, highlighting a significant imbalance in representation and power.

    A Call for Equity and Fairness

    The Isoko people are demanding a fair share of federal and state appointments, citing their consistent commitment to peaceful coexistence and nonviolence despite facing numerous challenges. With ministerial appointments and governorship elections on the horizon, prioritizing Isoko’s representation is crucial

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    The Way Forward

    For peace and sustainable progress of Nigeria, it’s crucial that the government emphasizes equity and fairness in appointments. The Isoko people, with their substantial contribution to Nigeria’s oil wealth and commitment to peaceful coexistence, deserve representation and a voice in the country’s leadership. Their significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil wealth, underscore the need for fair representation and government patronage. Moreover, the Isoko people’s commitment to peaceful means of voicing dissent demonstrates their readiness to take on leadership role.

    We urge the Federal and State governments to ensure Isoko receives its fair share of appointments and infrastructural development, to bring much-needed growth and opportunities to the region.

    Simultaneously, we appeal to the Isoko political class to adopt a more inclusive and forward-thinking approach, because the general consensus is that Isoko political class have not shown enough dexterity in seeking a fair deal for the people.

    By being more visible and less clannish, they can effectively attract the attention of the Federal and State governments, ultimately driving development and progress in Isoko. This includes fostering collaborations, promoting collective interests, and engaging in constructive dialogue to address the region’s pressing needs. The Isoko political class need to do more to draw the necessary attention to the obvious raw deal it gets even at Delta State level.

  • Dafinone bags Senator of the Year’ at Niger Delta advancement awards

    Dafinone bags Senator of the Year’ at Niger Delta advancement awards

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has been honoured as the Senator of the Year at the 7th edition of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards (NDAA). 

    The prestigious event took place over the weekend at the Arena Event Centre, GRA, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Organised by JUVENIS Magazine/TV, the award was based on an online poll that received over 30,000 votes from the nine states of the Niger Delta.  Dafinone emerged victorious, outperforming 14 other nominees to clinch the coveted title.

    According to the organisers, the “Senator of the Year” award celebrates a senator who has excelled in representing their senatorial district, sponsoring bills, moving motions, executing impactful constituency projects, maintaining functional offices, and performing effective oversight functions. The award also recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region.

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    The President and Founder of NDAA, Mr. Oxford Okpalefe, explained the process leading to the award. 

    “The call for nominations, which ran from September 7 to September 30, 2024, received over 30,000 entries online. After extensive sorting, research, and consultations with stakeholders, we compiled a comprehensive list of nominees, with each state in the Niger Delta represented. The final list of nominees was unveiled on October 18, 2024, and voting followed,” he said. 

    The 14 nominees included prominent senators such as Senate President Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom North West), Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West), Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North), and Senator Thomas Joel-Onowakpo (Delta South). Senator Dafinone’s victory reflects his growing popularity and influence within the region.

    Past recipients of the Niger Delta Advancement Awards include notable Deltans like the late Senator Prof. Adego Eferakeye, Chief Wellington Okirika, and Olorogun Akpo Mudiaga Odje, PhD, underscoring the legacy and prestige associated with the honor.

    Receiving the award on Senator Dafinone’s behalf, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, CEO of Advocate Newspaper, expressed gratitude to the organisers and the Niger Delta people for recognizing the Senator’s contributions. 

    “This recognition will inspire Senator Dafinone to continue his dedication to the Urhobo Nation and the Niger Delta. As a first-time senator, his voice has been prominent on national issues, and he has attracted impactful constituency projects to Delta Central,” he said. 

    Highlighting some of Dafinone’s achievements, Onitsha mentioned the construction of a 50-room hostel at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, as well as several constituency projects for schools in Delta Central. He also praised Dafinone’s legislative initiatives, including sponsoring bills and motions that are currently progressing through the Senate.

    Onitsha further commended Senator Dafinone for his role in resolving the Okuama crisis, describing his leadership as exemplary. “In just 17 months, Senator Dafinone has provided exceptional representation for the Urhobo people and the Niger Delta,” he added.

    The recognition reflects Senator Dafinone’s growing stature as a leader committed to advancing the interests of his constituents and fostering development across the Niger Delta region.

  • Delta North APC stakeholders endorse Omo-Agege’s scheduled meeting

    Delta North APC stakeholders endorse Omo-Agege’s scheduled meeting

    Key stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta North have expressed excitement and readiness to welcome Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, to a series of stakeholder meetings scheduled across the nine local government areas of the senatorial district from Friday, January 31 to Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

    The meetings, organised in collaboration with LGA party chairmen, aim to strengthen the party’s unity and foster constructive dialogue among its members, building a more cohesive party as Delta State APC prepares for the 2027 general elections.

    “We, the undersigned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are delighted and wish to associate ourselves with the stakeholders’ meetings with Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR, scheduled to be held across the nine Local Government Areas of Delta North,” the statement read.

    “Further to notices of stakeholders’ meetings extended by the respective Local Government Party Chairmen, we enjoin all members and stakeholders to participate and contribute constructively towards building a stronger and more united party, as we look forward to welcoming the Distinguished Senator Omo-Agege to Delta North.”

    The statement was endorsed by an impressive list of APC leaders and party executives from Delta North. Notable signatories included Senator Peter Nwaboshi, Leader, Delta North APC; Chief Francis Obigbor, Deputy State Chairman, Delta APC; Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi, Former Deputy Speaker, DSHA and Deputy Governorship Candidate, 2023; Rt. Hon. Mercy Almona Isei, Leader, Ukwuani LGA; Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, Leader, Oshimili South; and Onotu Henry Okechukwu, Leader, Ukwuani LGA.

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    Other notable signatories included High Chief Chukwutem Nwogor, Delta North Zonal Youth Leader; Rt. Hon. Olisa Imegwu, Leader, Ndokwa East LGA; Chief Dennis Okoh, Leader, Ndokwa West LGA; Chief (Barr.) Chuks Obuseh, Leader, Ika South LGA; Chief George Ogbobu, Leader, Ika South; Prince Innocent Obaseki, Leader, Ika South; Chief (Mrs.) Onyeisi Ochei, Delta North Zonal Women Leader; Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, Leader, Ika North East; Hon. Sebastian Okoh, Leader, Ika North East; Hon. Moses Kamanya, Leader, Ika North East; Prof Leroy Edozien, Leader, Oshimili South LGA; Dr. Iyke Odikpo, Leader, Aniocha North LGA; and Dr. Tony Ide Nwaka, Leader, Aniocha South LGA.

    Others who signed the statement included High Chief Greg Ojieh Onah, APC Chairman, Ndokwa West; Churchill Edem, APC Chairman, Ukwuani LGA; Chief Kris Oputa, APC Chairman, Ndokwa East; Hon. Hilary FADA Ibude, APC Chairman, Ika South; Hon. Samuel Ekene Kerry, APC Chairman, IKA North East; Hon. Austin Nnabuife, APC Chairman, Oshimili North; Ogbueshi Dada Okolo, APC Chairman, Oshimili South; and Chief Matthew Chinye, APC Chairman, Aniocha North.

    Other leaders who endorsed the statement are, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu, Chief Nonye Philips, Chief Babies Nkeweshe (Owelle), Comdr Promise Ogumu, Chief Illomechine, Hon Pat Mozea, High Chief Nelson Agbamuche, Chief Chibuzor Okocha, Ogbueshi Idewu Onudinjor, and Arch Vincent Okonwanji.

    Local government party chairmen also played a significant role in facilitating the meetings, among those endorsing the initiative.

    The wide range of leaders backing the meetings underscores the popularity and acceptability of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege in Delta North.

    This initiative represents a critical step for the APC in Delta North as it seeks to strengthen its support base in Anioma Nation ahead of 2027. By engaging stakeholders and fostering open discussions, the party aims to build a stronger foundation and solidify its commitment to effective leadership in Delta State.

  • HOS commends Eno for paying N80,000 minimum wage, prioritising workers’ welfare

    HOS commends Eno for paying N80,000 minimum wage, prioritising workers’ welfare

    Akwa Ibom Head of Civil Service (HOS) Elder Effiong Essien has commended Governor Umo Eno for approving the payment of a new minimum wage of N80,000 to nearly  46,000 verified public service workers as well as  prioritising welfare of workers in the state .

    Essien described the Governor as  empathic, compassionate  father  with a heart of gold. 

    He assured  other pending verification of the spillover cases will  be paid after verification. 

    The Governor had  announced the new wage will take effect at the end of this month with arrears retroactively paid from November 2024. 

    He also directed the committee on the Implementation of the New Minimum Wage and Personnel Verification, chaired by the Head of Service  to extend similar verification efforts to the state’s pension schemes.

    The  Governor stated civil service forms a critical part of  the State Government, which explained the importance of prioritising welfare of civil servants.

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    According to the  Head of Service the Governor  has made welfare of civil servant  utmost priority. 

    He described the gift of SUV cars to Permanent Secretaries to ease their transportation problems and further motivate  them to higher productivity as a gesture  that has never happened before. 

     Essien stressed that 150 Junior workers in the state  are proud owners of two bedroom flats,  given to  them free by the Governor at the ultra-modern Grace Estate, Uyo. 

    He added that junior workers have also been enrolled in the Health Insurance Scheme with the premium, fully paid by the State government, which has  helped them meet their health concerns with financial ease. 

    The HOS added that workers were paid wage awards of N20,000 for  three months while 1st and 3rd Friday of every month were declared farm days to enable workers engage in farming activities and contribute their quota to the food sufficiency effort of government, also  using the farm produce to augment their families’ food needs. 

  • Ugbekoko refutes Sapele-Okpe claims in land dispute, demands truth

    Ugbekoko refutes Sapele-Okpe claims in land dispute, demands truth

    The Ugbekoko community in Delta State has refuted allegations by the Sapele-Okpe community regarding land ownership and accusations of bias in an ongoing land dispute. The controversy centers on the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve and surrounding oil-rich areas.

    In a statement by Ugbekoko leaders, including Chairman Henry Mabamue, Secretary Sunday Omalor, and PRO Rieco Tsoluwa, the community dismissed the Sapele-Okpe claims as baseless. 

    “Our existence predates the creation of the Okpe-Sobo Forest Reserve in 1933 by the British administration,” they stated, asserting historical ties to the land through a 1919 lease agreement with the Abigborodo community.

    The Ugbekoko leadership cited findings by a Delta State Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which affirmed their land rights and revealed that the Sapele-Okpe community had sold its allocated 1,200 hectares to Ceddi Corporation Ltd. The commission also uncovered an attempt by Ceddi Corporation to claim an additional 760.63 hectares illegally.

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    The community accused Sapele-Okpe leaders of false claims and warned that any attempts to encroach on their land would be “resisted within the ambit of the law.” 

    They emphasised that Seplat Energy’s oil operations in Sapele West, including its flow station, jetty, and drilling sites, are located on their land.

    Defending Delta State’s Special Adviser on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, the Ugbekoko community dismissed allegations of bias as unfounded. “The site visit was transparent, and representatives from all parties, including Sapele-Okpe, Ugbukurusu, and Seplat Energy, were present,” they explained.

    The leadership criticised the Sapele-Okpe community for choosing to act independently during the inspection, describing their call for Chief Uzor’s removal as an attempt to disrupt the investigation.

    Ugbekoko leaders appealed to Delta  Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, to prioritize truth and justice. “We trust the governor to see through these baseless claims and ensure a fair resolution,” they said, reaffirming their willingness to cooperate with further investigations.

    The dispute underscores the complexities of land ownership in resource-rich Delta State and the challenges of managing community relations in such areas. Many stakeholders hope for an amicable resolution to prevent further escalation.

    So far, neither Seplat Energy nor the Delta State government has issued an official statement on the matter.

  • Why Tinubu will have no rival in Niger Delta in 2027, by youth coalition

    Why Tinubu will have no rival in Niger Delta in 2027, by youth coalition

    A coalition of over twenty youth groups in the Niger Delta has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will have no rivalry in 2027 with Dr. Samuel Ogbuku as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)

    The youths, who met in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, observed that the president was already gaining massive support from the region because of the outstanding performance of the NDDC’s current leadership.

    Over 20 youth groups in the Niger Delta, including the Crusaders for Niger Delta Community Development (CNDCD) and the Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) attended the meeting. They assessed the achievements of the commission under the current board.

    The youths said they had toured most of the projects undertaken and completed by the current board, including ongoing and inherited projects, and were impressed with the board’s performance.

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    In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the youths commended Dr. Ogbuku and his team for the people-oriented projects they had implemented across the region, saying they had made life more meaningful for the people.

    Amb jointly signed the communique. Jesse Ese, the National Coordinator of Crusaders for Niger Delta Community Development (CNDCD); Pastor Jude Teidor Olayinka, the National President of Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) and Tonbra Kingdom Yeri, Chairman, Council Of Organisational Leaders (COOL) among others.

    Reading the communique, Pastor Jude Olayinka of NDYCPP thanked President Tinubu for the appointment of the current leadership of the board, describing it as a round peg in a round hole.

    The youths said for the first time since the formation of the NDDC, the commission was meeting the developmental and human capacity needs of the people of the region.

    The communique said: “When you talk of transiting from transaction to transformation, it means that policy framework, programmes should be laid in such a way that it makes greater room for continuity and effective and efficient service delivery on the part of the institution that is driving it.

    “If the institution has no solid foundation on the ground, it will create room for inefficiency, ineffectiveness, laxity, and all other vices, but the current NDDC board has laid a very good foundation, first of all for management, and then the workers – in line with internationally accepted standards and policies; setting the pace for regional prosperity, educational improvement and advancement, economic growth, health, infrastructure, and every other thing, and these are things everybody can see.

    “Look at the scholarships in the educational sector, foreign scholarship. The processes to gain the scholarship are very fair, credible, and transparent encouraging healthy competition for people to thrive.

    “Look at his programmes with the first lady. So, even in the primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, they are trying to touch lives, and don’t forget that it is only recently the federal government is approving their budget.”

    “So, with this budget being released, you can see that a good foundation has already been laid and development will now come in, so this is an A team, and everybody from the MD to the least are all seasoned technocrats.”

    “Look at the robust engagements with all stakeholders…, and it is not just engagement like a tea party affair, all the ideas and resolutions brought in by stakeholders are what the NDDC is using to work, and so the people now have a say on how they want their areas to be developed – these are the things endearing people to this Tinubu’s government.

    “Don’t forget, people were thinking the NDDC would be run based on political party affiliation – where it is just a party thing and only members of the APC will benefit, but Ogbuku is carrying everybody along irrespective of their political parties.

    “Look at their relationship with the state governors, even those who are not members of the APC, it is very robust, and everyone can see the healthy engagement that they have. You can see the humility of the current leaders of the commission.

    “Also, look at the stakeholders, the ethnic nationalities – the Ogbuku-led NDDC is touching every facet of the society, none is left behind. Even the youths, none is left behind – all shades of the youth bodies are being carried along.”

    The communique added: “Now, look at it, the youth internship scheme is meant to train 10,000 youths, but you see a situation where over 3 million people are applying – meaning about 2,990,000 people will not be selected, and the process is very credible, so it’s going to take time, and those that are not selected will be agitated, you know, but they should give the board more time.

    “The bottom line is that they are focused, and they have the ambition and political will to do it. And so far, everyone can see that the team has a very tall vision to translate the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president to every nook and cranny of the Niger Delta.

    “This has caused massive regional love and support for the Tinubu-led government, because, the government they see is the one close to them which is the NDDC Board representing the Federal Government at the communities with palpable impact, and that is the way the government operates.

    “The superb performance of the NDDC is towards giving democratic dividends to the good people of Niger Delta, and that is causing Niger Delta Youths, Elders, Women, and politicians (across party divide) to support the federal government.

    “So, as long as the NDDC and the Niger Delta people are concerned, Tinubu is working very effectively,  it means Tinubu is working very well in that sector, and for us in the Niger Delta, the only sector that is working is the NDDC.

    “So, if you ask the average Niger Delta stakeholders and the common man who are benefiting from the programmes and projects of the NDDC, they will tell you President Tinubu is on the verge of making history in the Niger Delta and that is true.”

    “Because as the NDDC is engaging the people, it is Tinubu’s government that is engaging the people, and they are engaging with their agenda, and that is what governance is all about, policies that have a direct bearing on the people. Things that the people see feel, and enjoy, and with that, they know that these people are working.

    “So, as far as they are concerned, the Tinubu-led government is working because the NDDC is working optimally, consequently, these efforts are bringing massive support for the Tinubu government – from the lens of the youths, critical stakeholders, and leaders of ethnic nationalities, this administration is working.”