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Tag: Bayelsa

  • NSF 2024:  ‘Unstoppable’ Bayelsa secure nine weightlifting gold on final day

    NSF 2024:  ‘Unstoppable’ Bayelsa secure nine weightlifting gold on final day

    Team Bayelsa swept most of the gold medals on offer- nine on the final day of the weightlifting event at the ongoing Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu to further exert their superiority in the sport.

    Team Delta captured three gold medals; Team Edo got two gold while Kano got the remaining solitary gold medal in the five weight classes of Women’s +87kg, Men’s 96kg, Men’s 102kg, Men’s 109kg and Men’s +109kg competed for on Wednesday.

    In the Women’s +87kg Caroline Albert of Team Bayelsa bagged  three gold medals in the snatch with her 100kg lift, Clean & Jerk 120kg lift and combine total of 220kg lift while Sandra Ndukwe of Rivers and Joy Yakubu of Benue scooped three silver and three bronze medals in that order in the same weight class.

    Desmond Akano of Team Delta retained the three gold medals he won at the last National Sports Festival held in Asaba, Delta State in the Men’s 96kg. He lifted 141kg in the snatch; 180kg in the Clean & Jerk and 321 total to secure the gold medals for his state.

    Still in the Men’s 96kg Dirisu Oseni (Team Edo) got a silver medal in the Snatch (128kg) and two bronze medals in the Clean & Jerk (157kg) and total (285kg) with Marvellous Robinson of Team Niger sealing two silver medals in the Clean & Jerk (158kg) and total lift of 285kg while Solomon Chinedu of Cross River finished with a bronze medal with the lift of 128kg in the snatch.

    In the Men’s 102kg, Adeyemi Abayomi of Team Bayelsa added three more gold medals with a total lift of 315kg comprising the lift of 140kg in the snatch and 175kg in the Clean & Jerk.

    Bauchi’s Mohammed Isyaku got a silver in the snatch with a lift of 121kg; Team Imo’s Ebubechi Onyedikachi Akosa got a silver in the Clean & Jerk with a lift of 150kg while Team Ekiti’s Tope Oluwafemi bagged a silver with his total lift of 265kg. He also got a bronze in the snatch with his lift of 120kg. Stephen Samuel of Team Plateau got two bronze medals in the Clean & Jerk and total.

    Read Also: Gateway Games: Edo cycling coach suspended for unruly behaviour

    Team Edo’s Daniel Abdulihen turned heads in the Men’s 109kg with two gold and a silver medal. He captured the gold lifting 164kg in the Clean & Jerk to beat Jamiu Yahaya Abdullahi of Kano who got a silver with his lift of 162kg. Abdullahi also got another bronze medal for Kano with his total lift of 297kg.

    Abdulihen won another gold with his total lift of 301kg. He had earlier claimed a silver medal with his lift of 137kg to finish second behind Lucky Orobosa of Team Kano who got the gold with 147kg.

    Team Bayelsa’s Patrick Barde got a silver with his total lift of 297kg and additional two bronze medals in the snatch with his lift of 136kg and 161kg he lifted in the Clean & Jerk.

    Lucky Joseph got lucky for Team Bayelsa making it a memorable Day Four for them with further three gold medals in the Men’s +109kg with his 145kg lift in the snatch; 175kg lift in the Clean & Jerk and 320kg total lift.

    A medical doctor, Benjamin Idiakheua Agboghidi of Team Edo defied the odds to win three silver medals despite only returning from a course abroad two days earlier before he competed.

    Dr. Agboghidi got his silver medals in the snatch with a lift of 137kg; 163kg lift in the Clean & Jerk and 300kg lift in total.

    Abdul Abdulhakeem Tijani of Delta also claimed the three bronze medals in the weight class.

    The President, Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul praised the level of competition at the Ogun 2024 National Sports Festival adding that the Weightlifters discovered would be properly harnessed and monitored ahead of future competitions.

    He thanked all NWF board members, referees, coaches and the NWF secretariat including the media for making the Weightlifting event quite memorable and fun filled.

    “I will say it was a complete success for us in the Weightlifting event. We saw new discoveries and some young lifters who are capable of excelling in future competitions with proper grooming and monitoring,” Dr Abdul told NWF Media.

    “We have listed out some names of Weightlifters that have impressed us through our Technical department and we shall do all within our reach to properly monitor them through their states to ensure they continue to progress.

    “I must appreciate the board members of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation for their ceaseless unwavering support; the coaches, referees and our secretariat including the media for a job well done.”

  • Diri, cabinet mourn Olubolade, former Bayelsa military administrator

    Diri, cabinet mourn Olubolade, former Bayelsa military administrator

    Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has described as shocking the sudden demise of one of his predecessors, Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd.).

    Olubolade, who was the military administrator of the state from June 27, 1997, to July 9, 1998, died on Sunday, May 11.

    Diri, who spoke during the 163rd state executive council session in Government House, Yenagoa, said the news of his death was received with profound sadness by the government and the people, considering Olubolade’s indelible contributions to the development of Bayelsa during the state’s formative years.

    A minute’s silence was observed by the state cabinet in honour of the late former administrator.

    The Bayelsa governor described Olubolade as selfless, an astute administrator, and a man of exceptional humility.

    Read Also: Security: Diri lauds agencies, armed forces team for synergy

    He particularly expressed sadness that late last year, the state celebrated Olubolade’s 70th birthday in Yenago, and that he was full of life at the event.

    Diri said out of office, the former military administrator, identified with the state through the years, and was one of the key supporters of his administration.

    He extended the condolences of the government and people of the state to the Olubolade family and prayed God to grant them and his loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

  • Bayelsa: Turnah-led PDP caretaker c’tteeapproves salary increment for party officials

    Bayelsa: Turnah-led PDP caretaker c’tteeapproves salary increment for party officials

    • SWC members to earn N1.04m each, LG party chairs N621,000 monthly

    In a major shift of position, the Barrister George Turnah-led Caretaker Committee of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State has approved an improved harmonised salary structure for all categories of party officials from the ward to the state level.

    The harmonised salary structure was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the State Working Caretaker Committee (SWCC) under the leadership of acting Chairman, George Turnah.

    Before deliberations, the ad hoc committee set up to review the salaries of party officials had submitted its report, prompting a consensus vote for an increment.

     The communiqué signed by the publicity secretary, Derri Alasuote Wright, stated that the party leadership expressed concern over the inadequate welfare and challenging working conditions experienced by its elected officials, particularly the ward executives.

    It pointed out that the monthly salaries of ₦5,000 and ₦20,000 forward and local government executives, respectively, were demeaning.

    According to the party, the salary condition is unacceptable, especially under a leadership that prioritises the welfare and well-being of elected officials.

    Under the harmonised salary structure, LGA party chairman will earn ₦621,000 monthly, equivalent to a Special Adviser in the appointment of the state government.

    Also, the Local Government Vice-Chairman and secretary will earn ₦336,000, aligning it with the salary of a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State government, while other members of the Local Government executive will now go home with ₦196,000, equivalent to the level of a Special Assistant.

     The communique stated that at the ward level, the harmonised salary structure is ₦336,000 for the Ward Chairman, equivalent to a Senior Special Assistant in the Bayelsa State Government, while the Ward Vice Chairman and Secretary will now earn ₦196,000 each, equivalent to a Special Assistant in the Government of Bayelsa State.

    Read Also: How notorious Bayelsa cult leader Omubo was killed, by Police CP

    The remaining fourteen (14) members of the Ward Executive will each earn ₦120,000 as equivalent to Grassroots Mobilisation appointees in the Bayelsa State Government.

    The communique reads in part: ”Similarly, elected party officials at the Senatorial District levels and Non-working Committee members of the party at the state level are classified as Special Advisers equivalent in the Bayelsa State Government and will now earn the sum of 621,000 as monthly stipends, while members of the State Working Committee, placed at par with Cabinet Commissioners of the Bayelsa State Government, will now earn the sum of N1,048,500 as monthly allowances going forward. These adjustments, as contained in the now-approved harmonised salary structure for elected officials of the PDP in Bayelsa State, take immediate effect with the implementation date from 31st May 2025.

    ”The State Working Caretaker Committee has directed the Acting State Secretary to immediately communicate this resolution and the approved new salary structure to the leader of the party in the State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, Governor of Bayelsa State, for his attention and necessary action.

    “It is the hope of the State Working Caretaker Committee that, upon full implementation, the gains of the new wage earnings will signify the party’s commitment to the welfare of its officials.

    ”The cumulative wage bill for elected officials of the party in the state will come to the sum of N306,496,000.00 monthly. For a party in power in the state, this figure is not only reasonable but affordable as it will help in enhancing the capacity and performance of elected party officials in the state, as well as improving their welfare and wellbeing while in active service to the party, the government, and the people of Bayelsa State.”

    The SWC seized the opportunity to review developments in the party across the federation and particularly in the South-South Zone and therefore passed a vote of confidence in the National Vice Chairman of the South South Zone, Chief Dan Osi Orbih, and the National Secretary of the Party, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, for their commitment and efforts in repositioning and refocusing the party.

  • No factions in Bayelsa PDP — Spokesman

    No factions in Bayelsa PDP — Spokesman

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Bayelsa chapter has asserted that the party has no factions in the State.

    The party’s spokesman, Ebiye Ogoli, made the clarification against the backdrop of an alleged existence of a faction of the PDP in Bayelsa.

    Ogoli did not only dismiss the allegation, he also urged the general public to discountenance such reports.

    He also dismissed an online report that Governor Douye Diri had sacked some of his political aides for attending a rally organised for the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

    A faction of the party in the state had in a statement by its spokesperson, Derri Wright, condemned the sack of the political aides.

    But Ogoli, the spokesperson for the PDP in Bayelsa State in a swift reaction clarified that Wright’s group was not a factional PDP in the state, rather supporters of Wike.

    He averred that Bayelsa PDP has no faction and that all the state excos and members take directives from Governor Douye Diri who is the Leader of the party in the state.

    He said: “Frankly, in Bayelsa State, l want to put the records straight that PDP has only one state executive committee (SEC)  and one single state working committee (SWC).

     “To make this particular matter clear, we have 14  committee working members at the state level. We equally have 25 assistant working committee members, We have 8 local government chairmen and 17 of their members spread across the 8 LGAs. So we have about 100 of them.

    Read Also: 300 PDP, NNPP members decamp to APC in Kaduna

    “Then at the ward level, we have about 105 wards and each of them is made up of 17 members. All of these people, about 2,000 in total, are safe and well, working together as a group.

    “We don’t have any other factions. Wike does not have any faction of the PDP in Bayelsa State. Perhaps, he may have supporters which is common with political leaders.

    “But when it comes to PDP, our party has from the state to the ward level, every of our members, one single political leader — our Governor — that we all follow and take directives from.

    “So, to the best of my knowledge, l don’t know where the splinter group is coming from. PDP has just one indivisible family, just one. The executive committee members, too, is one single Exco.”

  • Eradiri condemns resurgence of cult killings in Bayelsa 

    Eradiri condemns resurgence of cult killings in Bayelsa 

    A former Bayelsa Labour Party (LP) Governorship candidate, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has condemned resurgence in cult-related killings in the state describing the development as unacceptable.

    Eradiri noted that cultists were hacking down promising youths and leaders in the state with impunity and without adequate response from security agencies.

    He lamented that the government seemed helpless as the hoodlums overran the state especially Yenagoa, the state capital hunting down their perceived enemies including some appointees of the governor.

    Eradiri called on security agencies to rise up to their responsibilities and quell the the bloodletting, which he said was giving the state a bad image.

    The former Commissioner for Youths and later Environment in Bayelsa said security agencies especially the police and Department of State Service (DSS) should identify the killers and bring them to justice.

    Eradiri also called on Governor Diri to rise up to the challenge and embrace genuine  youth empowerment beyond his usual appointments as assistants.

    He said: “I am saddened by the resurgence of cult-related killings in.my dear Bayelsa State especially Yenagoa, the state capital. Cultists are running amok hacking down their perceived enemies while security agencies and the government stand in akimbo helpless.

    Read Also: Eradiri to Diri: leave Ijaw out of your political interest, fight with Wike

    “It is high time we stopped this unnecessary wastage of human lives. Security agencies must rise up to their responsibilities of protecting lives and the government must embrace genuine youth empowerment and development beyond handing down meaningless appointments to youths.

    “Government should keep the youths busy with quick-win direct labour projects every month. There must be genuine agro support scheme and contract supplies to support the road construction companies doing work in the state

    “This approach is not a rocket science. The government can create labour projects every month and keep the youths busy with them. It will create jobs for the youths and divert their attentions from evil intentions. This killings must stop because it is giving our state a bad image. Enough is enough.”

  • Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    Diri approves 35% salary structure for Bayelsa civil servants

    The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the 25 percent and 35 percent salary structure for all categories of civil servants in the state.

    The approval takes effect from November 2024.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement in Yenagoa.

    Mrs. Koku-Obiyai added that the newly approved structure would be implemented from May, 2025, while arrears arising from the new structure from November, 2024 will be spread and paid accordingly. 

    The Information Commissioner added that the approval of the 25% and 35% Salary Structure further demonstrated Governor Diri’s love for the civil servants and commitment to the welfare of workers.

    While commending civil servants for their services to the state, Koku-Obiyai urged them to reciprocate Diri’s commitment to their welfare with diligence and hard work to ensure that the Bayelsa public derive the full benefit of the government’s prosperity assured agenda of the administration.

    The commissioner also congratulated the civil servants on the May Day celebration and urged labour to include quality service delivery in their advocacy.

    She assured them that government would continue to introduce policies and programmes to motivate the public service for quality work output.

    It was learnt that the new salary increment was an addition to the minimum wage approved last year.

    Also, the Bayelsa State Government said it has given approval for more medical laboratory scientists and doctors to be employed in its ongoing civil service recruitment exercise.

    The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, disclosed this yesterday during a courtesy visit by the Bayelsa branch of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) to his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, said the current recruitment drive was aimed at addressing manpower needs in some critical sectors, including health, to improve service delivery in the state.

    The Deputy Governor, who noted that no profession in the health sector was superior to others, stressed the need for cooperation among workers in every health facility to achieve optimal results.

    He assured them that a good number of certified and competent medical laboratory scientists as well as other medical and health practitioners would be employed based on the needs assessment indices at government’s disposal.

    While appreciating their contributions to quality healthcare service delivery, he said the government was ready to collaborate with the Association and other critical stakeholders in the sector to make health services more affordable and accessible to people of the state.

    He said, “We are making progress in the health sector in Bayelsa. But we also admit that there is still much room for improvement.

    Read Also: Diri receives Niger Delta Sports Festival’s  winning trophy

    “As you are aware, applicants are applying to the state civil service, and some employment slots have been approved for medical doctors and laboratory scientists to be employed.

    “We need competent and highly qualified personnel to be employed in the service to provide quality services.

    “Every health worker has a role in health promotion. No profession in the health sector is superior to another. We are ready to collaborate with you to make health services more affordable and accessible to all Bayelsans.”

    Earlier in her presentation, the State Chairman of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Eunice Ayamaere Lelei, said there was need for government to employ more qualified laboratory scientists, and provide modern laboratory equipment in all its medical facilities across the state. 

  • Bayelsa govt condemns illegal soil, sand excavation in Yenagoa

    Bayelsa govt condemns illegal soil, sand excavation in Yenagoa

    …says it threatens national power infrastructure

    The Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment has condemned the ongoing illegal soil and sand excavation activities in a vulnerable area between the Epie Creek and a critical Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) power line, near the Nigerian Air Force helipad at Igbogene, Yenagoa.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, described the situation as alarming and unacceptable.

    He warned that the unregulated excavation activities posed significant environmental, health, and economic risks to the area.

    Read Also: Bayelsa govt condemns shooting at pro-Wike rally, demands investigation

    Ben-Ololo asserted: “The excavation is taking place a mere five meters from a TCN tower carrying a national grid transmission line, potentially compromising the tower’s structural integrity and causing widespread power outages.

    “The Ministry has officially reported the incident to the Nigeria Police Force and is determined to secure a full remediation of the affected site.”

    Hon. Ben-Ololo emphasized that the excavation activities were undertaken without mandatory approvals, constituting a blatant disregard for due process and established safety protocols.

    He called on the public to remain vigilant and promptly report similar unauthorised activities to the authorities, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting public assets.

  • Insecurity: NEC defers state police talks

    Insecurity: NEC defers state police talks

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday deferred discussions on the proposed establishment of state police due to time constraints during its extended meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

    The council, which held a minute of silence to honour victims of recent violent attacks in Plateau and Benue states, emphasized the growing urgency of addressing the state police initiative amid escalating security concerns nationwide.

    It would be recalled that the last update on the proposal came during the December NEC meeting, when it was announced that all states had expressed support for the idea.

    Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri confirmed that the matter was on Thursday’s agenda but could not be discussed due to the limited time available.

    “State police was part of our agenda today, but unfortunately, because of time demands… the presentations took a long time. We were unable to get to that bit of it. I can assure you that in our next meeting, that issue will be exhaustively discussed”, Governor Diri told reporters during the post-NEC media briefing. 

    Governor Diri, alongside his counterparts—Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hope Uzodinma of Imo, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti—and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, briefed the press under the coordination of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha.

    The briefing shifted focus to other agenda items tackled during the meeting, particularly in the agriculture sector. 

    Governor Abdullahi Sule addressed lingering concerns surrounding the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), a key initiative aimed at curbing farmer-herder conflicts through modern ranching systems.

    Sule, whose state hosted the most successful pilot of the NLTP, explained that the programme encountered significant setbacks related to funding, which prevented its broader implementation across the federation.

    “Perhaps you will realize that NLTP was actually a programme owned by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the government of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the NLTP had some challenges at take-off, especially in terms of funding between the government of Netherlands and the Ministry of Agriculture. That issue lingered into the 2023 elections and affected its expansion”, Sule explained.

    He added that a new initiative under the current Minister of Livestock Development is being introduced to address some of the earlier hurdles.

    “I’m happy to tell you that the ministers were informed about this. It didn’t go down as a waste. Many of the trainees have transitioned into other programmes like the RUGA projects and are now training others”, he explained.

    Read Also: Sule pays NECO fees for over 24,000 students in Nasarawa

    Sule also clarified reports of land encroachment at the pilot ranching site in Nasarawa, stating that locals were permitted to resume farming in the area temporarily to prevent the land from falling into disuse.

    “It was not an encroachment in the strict sense. The land would become difficult to cultivate again if left idle, so the communities who used to farm there were allowed back for agricultural use”, he said.

    Governor Diri also weighed in, emphasizing the importance of modern solutions to the longstanding farmer-herder conflicts. 

    “What the ministry equally presented today as a follow-up to the NLTP shows that the sector is being modernized. More importantly, emphasis is being placed on cattle ranching and peacebuilding. We believe that the ministry’s presentation on cattle ranching is a modern solution to these issues”, he said. 

    The Thursday NEC meeting, though unable to address all its planned items, served to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to tackling national security and food security concerns. 

    As anticipation builds for the next NEC session, all eyes will be on whether the long-awaited conversation around state police will finally take center stage.

  • JUST IN: PDP sacks Diri-backed Bayelsa SWC

    JUST IN: PDP sacks Diri-backed Bayelsa SWC

    The crisis rocking the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has led to the sacking of the Solomon Agwanana-led State Working Committee by the Southsouth Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) of the party.

    The Southsouth ZWC immediately appointed the zonal Secretary, George Turnah, as a caretaker committee chairman to oversee the affairs of the party in Bayelsa.

    The decision was taken by the zonal leadership after its meeting held in PDP Zonal Secretary in Port Harcourt Rivers State on Tuesday.

    A statement signed by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, shortly after the gathering, said that the Solomon Agwanana SWC was dissolved for gross misconduct and inability to contain the internal crisis rocking the party in Bayelsa.

    The ZWC also replaced Mr Tony Aziegbemi, the erstwhile caretaker chairman of Edo State PDP with Nosa Ogieva.   

     Isong said that the appointments of the caretaker committee for Bayelsa and Edo States were in the best interest of the party.

    He said: ‘’The decision to set up Caretaker Committees for both States follows the dissolution of the State Working Committee of Bayelsa State and the Caretaker Committee in Edo State on account of various acts of gross misconduct by the dissolved Executives which are in clear breach of the party’s constitution, the poor performance and woeful outing by the party in Edo State at the last governorship elections, and the poor handling of internal crisis rocking the party in both states. 

    ‘’The Zonal Working Committee took these decisions in the best interest of the Party after a careful review of the activities of the party in both states in line with the Constitution of the Party as amended in 2017, particularly Articles 10(1),(f),(g),(k), and (4) as well as Articles 26(2),(a), 27(2)(a&b), 58(1),(a),(c),(i),(j), and 59(1)(f)’’ he said.  

    Read Also: PDP disunited, decimated, says Shelle

     Isong expressed optimism that the bold move by the ZWC would strengthen the party’s foundation and ensure effective leadership in Bayelsa and Edo states.

     Those appointed into the caretaker committee in Bayelsa are Tony Gabriel, Deputy Chairman; former Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, Secretary, and Didi Ebiekake Werilaghebofa, Vice-Chairman- Central.

    Others are Andy Majors, Vice-Chairman, East; Evelyn Bolouebi Odi, Vice-Chairman, West and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari, Treasurer.

     In Edo State, the caretaker committee, the deputy-Chairman is Chief Sunny Okomayin, while Hilary Otsu is the Secretary, and Nose Iseleomon,.Vice-Chairman South.

     Others are Ehisota Oriakhi as Vice-Chairman Central, Richard Ehimigbai as Vice-Chairman North, and Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye as Treasurer.

  • Pro-Wike group denies involvement of member in clash with Bayelsa lawmaker

    Pro-Wike group denies involvement of member in clash with Bayelsa lawmaker

    A group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, The NEW Associates, has denied viral reports that one of its ward coordinators clashed with the Chief Whip of Bayelsa Assembly, Hon Gabriel Ogbara.

    The lead convener of The NEW Associates, George Turnah, along with co-convener and secretary, Comrade Ebilade Ekerefe, have stated that the individual involved in the altercation was Pastor Williams Olalaoni, not Pastor Kelvin Loveday-Egbo, who serves as their Ward 8 coordinator.

    They said it was crucial to address this error to prevent any undue backlash against Pastor Loveday-Egbo, who remains an exemplary member of the organisation.

    It also condemned the behaviour displayed by Hon. Ogbara during the incident with Pastor Olalaoni.

    The Pro-Wike group said it was regretful that a representative of the people would engage in a physical confrontation with a constituent, particularly one who deserves protection and support from their elected officials. 

    The group said such actions were unbecoming of a leader and did not reflect the values they uphold as a community.

    The group said it was important to note that while Pastor Olalaoni and Pastor Loveday-Egbo hail from the Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, they reaffirmed that no member of The NEW Associates would partake in any untoward activity. 

    Read Also: Pro-Wike group shifts Bayelsa mega rally to April 26

    It noted that their organisation remained committed to fostering a respectful and constructive political environment, thereby encouraging positive engagement among constituents and their representatives.

    The group urged the public and media to exercise caution and verify facts before sharing information, as misrepresentations could lead to unwarranted tensions within the community.

    The statement reads in part: ‘’For clarity, the gentleman engaged in the altercation with the Chief Whip is Pastor Williams Olalaoni, while the Ogbia Ward 8 coordinator of The NEW Associates is Pastor Kevin Loveday-Egbo.  Both individuals are from Elebele Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. 

    ‘’This clarification is necessary due to the concerns the trending video has generated within the NEW Associates family, particularly in Bayelsa State. 

    “It is important to note that officials of The NEW Associates possess profound integrity, strong character, and high morals, and would never engage in such shameful acts, no matter the provocation.’’