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Tag: Seriake Dickson

  • Dickson to Niger Delta: Accept police apology on Clark

    The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has appealed to the leaders and people of the Niger Delta to accept the apology tendered by the Police authorities to Ijaw National Leader, Pa Edwin Clark, following the raid of his Abuja residence by policemen.

    The governor commended the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, for the thoughtful act of tendering an apology to the 92-year-old Niger Delta elder and leader over the unfortunate raid.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Relations, Mr.  Fidelis Soriwei, stated that the Governor made the call while addressing a meeting of Ijaw youths in his country home of Toru Orua on Friday.

    He commended the move by the Inspector-General and police authorities to send a high-powered delegation led by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Mr. Habitat Joshak, to convey their apologies to Pa Clark.

    Dickson, who earlier called on the police authorities to apologize to Pa Clark, the Ijaw nation and Nigerians in general over the action, said that the leaders and people of the Niger Delta should accept the apology since the police authorities already punished those behind the infamous harassment of the elder statesman.

    The governor urged the IGP to institute a mechanism to prevent the rampant harassment of innocent citizens by police operatives on frivolous allegations

    He said the actions of the police were causing harassment and destruction of properties across the country, and denting the image of the police and the government.

    Read Also: Police apologise to Clark over raid

    He said that became necessary for the IGP to adopt measures to stop the undemocratic practice to prevent innocent citizens from traumatic harassment by state agents.

    He stressed that the failure of the police to discover arms and ammunition in the residences of those raided by the police only showed the need for the IGP to take a second look at his internal mechanisms to prevent abuse.

    He said: “I want to commend the Inspector General of Police and the police authorities for tendering an apology to our leader, Pa Edwin Clark, over the unfortunate raid of his Abuja residence on Tuesday.

    “The IGP sent a high-powered delegation of senior police officers led by a Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Habitat Joshak, alongside other top police officers to convey the apology of the police authorities to Pa Clark. I am of the view that that shows respect and genuine show of apology.

    “I urge the leaders, the youths and people of the Niger Delta to accept the apology of the police authorities because they have already commenced steps to punish those involved in the unnecessary raid of Pa Clark’s residence.

    “However, I call on the IGP and indeed the police authorities to stop the rampant harassment on innocent citizens by the police on frivolous allegations.

    “Such raids have taken place in Bayelsa and indeed across the country. The fact that the police have not found any arms or ammunition showed the need for the IGP to overhaul his internal mechanism to prevent abuse.”

    He advised the youth advised Ijaw youth leaders to be calm and await the further steps that the IGP will take on the harassment of the elder Statesman.

    Dickson called on the IGP to monitor the use of police by politicians who used them for missions other than the reason for which they are deployed.

  • Dickson shops for replacements as aides seek PDP tickets

    …CPS leaves for Benue

     

    The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, is seeking competent persons to fill vacancies created in his cabinet following resignations of his aides.

    It was gathered on Friday that many of his aides left their appointments to obtain expression of interest and nomination forms for the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary elections.

    Dickson earlier directed that aides interested in PDP tickets should resign their appointments and leave his government to pursue their ambitions.

    Latest to submit their expression of interest and nomination forms were the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Francis Ottah-Agbo and the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lawrence Ewrujakpor.

    Though it was not clear whether Ottah-Agbo formally resigned his appointment as directed by the governor, he was said to have traveled to Benue, his state to submit his forms.

    Ottah-Agbo, who styled his campaign as the moving train, is seeking the PDP ticket to represent Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

    Sources said there was no way the CPS would have traveled to Benue to struggle for a PDP ticket without first resigning his appointment to avoid creating a vacuum.

    Already, competent aides in the governor’s media team such as the SpecialAdviser on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei and the Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Daniel Alabrah were said to be jostling for the position of the CPS.

    But Ewrudjakpor’s ambition to clinch the PDP’s ticket for the Bayelsa West Senatorial District was said to be generating mixed feelings in Dickson’s cabinet.

    The cabinet members were said to have applauded the move but at the same time unhappy that a person of his quality and competence would be missing in the government.

    Described as a super commissioner, Ewrujakpor, a confidant of Dickson, has been instrumental to the strides of the governor on infrastructures.

    Most of the cabinet members said it would be extremely difficult for the governor to find a replacement for Ewruhjakpor.

    Other key members of Dickson’s political family such as the Speaker, House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, lawmakers representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma and Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal constituencies, Douye Diri and Fred Agbedi as well as former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof Steve Azaiki also submitted their forms.

    The aspirants alongside their teeming supporters defied heavy downpour to submit forms ahead party primaries scheduled for September ending.

    Ewrudjakpo, in an interview with the newsmen shortly after the submission of his nomination form said his decision to join the race is hinged on bringing government to the grassroots, and, as well fast tracking infrastructural development in the state.

    He bemoaned inadequate federal presence in the state, in spite of Bayelsa’s contributions to the socioeconomic growth of the country.

    “These are the issues that needed to be addressed through restructuring and proper legislations”, he said.

    He said as a lawyer, he would bring his wealth of experience on the bench to bear in the act of law making and true representation.

    The aspirant thanked the teeming youths from the senatorial district for the confidence reposed in him and promised not to let them down.

    Also, Benson, Diri and Agbedi, said law-making was not a tea party but a serious business adding that their experiences as lawmakers would assist in sponsoring bills that would be beneficial to the people of the state.

  • Cancer foundation to immortalise Bayelsa governor’s mother

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson yesterday promised to establish a cancer foundation in memory of his late mother, Gold Coast Dickson.

    Dickson underscored the need for all to join in creating the necessary awareness about cancer that had ravaged many lives.

    Dickson made the call when the State Executive Council members led by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), paid him a condolence visit at his country home, Toru Orua in Sagbama local government area.

    He said the foundation would principally screen people and create greater awareness on the dangers associated with the scourge, among others.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, quoted Dickson as saying that, friends and other well-meaning individuals would be invited to support the worthy cause.

    Dickson said he lost his mother to cancer and expressed sadness over her departure, describing her as her confidant, whose supportive role particularly in his upbringing and political life would remain indelible.

    He referred to his mother as a humble, kind hearted, prayerful and an unseen major force, that saw him through many political battles.

    She noted that her death created a major vacuum in the Dickson family, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and the state at large.

    The governor also expressed gratitude to his deputy and the entire members of the executive council for their support in keeping the forte in his period of trial.

    He said: “It’s clearly a trying time for me, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and all those who came across her. My mum was not just a mother; she was my elder sister, confidant, and biggest cheer leader.

    “At the end of every morning devotion, she gave me a motherly hug and pronounced blessings morning after morning. I have been through many political battles and no one has had tougher political battles than me in this state.

    “My mum has been an unseen major force that has helped me through such battles. Her sudden departure has clearly left a major vacuum in my family, the Toru Orua community where she lived for well over 60 years. The community will miss her as we mourn her passing.”

    In his remarks, Jonah said they were in Dickson’s hometown to identify with him in his moment of grief, describing the death of one’s parent as a major loss.

    He said God blessed Mrs. Dickson because she produced the governor of the state, who made tremendous impact, not only in the state, but the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.

    He also acknowledged Dickson’s exemplary leadership qualities and the significant contributions and positive impact he has made both at state and national levels.

    A minute silence was observed in honour of late Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson.

    Other sympathizers, who also paid condolence visit to Governor Dickson in Toru Orua were, members of the State House of Assembly, the Governing Council of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma among others.

  • Dickson to establish cancer foundation to immortalise mother 

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson Thursday promised to establish a cancer foundation in memory of his late mother, Gold Coast Dickson.

    Dickson underscored the need for all to join in creating the necessary awareness about cancer that had ravaged many lives.

    Dickson made the call when the State Executive Council members led by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral John Jonah (Rtd), paid him a condolence visit at his country home, Toru Orua in Sagbama local government area.

    He said the foundation would principally screen people and create greater awareness on the dangers associated with the scourge, among others.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, quoted Dickson as saying that, friends and other well-meaning individuals would be invited to support the worthy cause.

    Dickson said he lost his mother to cancer and expressed sadness over her departure, describing her as her confidant, whose supportive role particularly in his upbringing and political life would remain indelible.

    He referred to his mother as a humble, kind hearted, prayerful and an unseen major force that saw him through many political battles.

    She noted that her death created a major vacuum in the Dickson family, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and the state at large.

    The governor also expressed gratitude to his deputy and the entire members of the executive council for their support in keeping the forte in his period of trial.

    He said: “It’s clearly a trying time for me, the Toru Orua, Angiama communities and all those who came across her. My mum was not just a mother; she was my elder sister, confidant, and biggest cheer leader.

    “At the end of every morning devotion, she gave me a motherly hug and pronounced blessings morning after morning. I have been through many political battles and no one has had tougher political battles than me in this state.

    “My mum has been an unseen major force that has helped me through such battles. Her sudden departure has clearly left a major vacuum in my family, the Toru Orua community where she lived for well over 60 years. The community will miss her as we mourn her passing.”

    In his remarks, Jonah said they were in Dickson’s hometown to identify with him in his moment of grief, describing the death of one’s parent as a major loss.

    He said God blessed Mrs. Dickson because she produced the governor of the state, who  made tremendous impact, not only in the state, but the Ijaw nation and Nigeria as a whole.

    He also acknowledged Dickson’s exemplary leadership qualities and the significant contributions and positive impact he has made both at state and national levels.

    A minute silence was observed in honour of late Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson.

    Other sympathizers, who also paid condolence visit to Governor Dickson in Toru Orua were, members of the State House of Assembly, the Governing Council of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma among others.

  • Mum was my rock, biggest supporter, says Dickson

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson on Tuesday described his late mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson as his rock, elder sister, friend, biggest supporter, and an integral part of his life.

    He said the life of her mother he fondly called Mama Gogo impacted positively on him an on many who met her.

    Dickson spoke when members of the National Assembly representing the state, paid him a condolence visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo quoted Dickson, as saying that, his mother’s love, devotion and warmth towards him and his siblings could never be quantified.

    Dickson expressed sadness over the passage of his mother, saying the vacuum created by her departure would be difficult to fill, as she always prayed for him and for his administration to succeed.

    He said: “My mum was my rock. She was not just my mother, she was my elder sister; she had me very early; she was my friend and my biggest supporter in anything I wanted to do.

    Read Also: Dickson loses mother to cancer

    “And she was always praying and encouraging me. Today, for the first time since her death, as we finished the morning devotion, I didn’t have my mother to hug me because every morning after devotion, she would hug me!

    “After every morning devotion, she would bless me and pronounce strength and God’s guidance and she did that till the very end. Even on her hospital bed, she was praying and blessing all her children so this is one vacuum that will be very difficult to fill.”

    The Governor, who said the Dickson family was going through a trying period, noted that, Mrs. Dickson would be greatly missed and expressed appreciation to all sympathizers, who identified with them in their movement of grief.

     

  • Bayelsa to aspirants: Election is not war

    The Bayelsa State Government on Thursday warned politicians against violent conducts insisting that the forthcoming general election is not a warfare.

    The government said it would work with security agencies to ensure that the state remained safe and peaceful throughout the electioneering period

    The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Daniel Iworiso-Markson appealed to all aspirants not to hit up the polity with unguarded utterances but to play by the rules of the game.

    Speaking in a live online interview programme, Knowing Bayelsa, said it would be a sad situation if the existing peace in Bayelsa was truncated political activities.

    While giving an overview of the Restoration Government’s performance in the last six years, he said it was not in doubt that the government made remarkable achievements in virtually all the sectors.

    He attributed the success of the government to the quality leadership displayed by Governor Seriake Dickson, noting that the governor came prepared to deliver the goods to Bayelsans.

    Read Also: APC to INEC: investigate PDP’s plan to rig elections

    The Commissioner said: “After six years,  the footprints are there for all to see. We have made sustained progress to change the narrative of the state from how and when we met it. There is no doubt that we will be leaving a lasting legacy that is impressionable.

    “Let me say here that this is because of the kind of leadership we have in Governor Seriake Dickson. A man who is so passionate about development, so concerned about the lives of his people and with the right capacity to make things work. I am very humbled to have been working with him in the last six years”.

    Iworiso-Markson promised that most of the ongoing projects in the state would be completed by the Restoration Government and others would be almost at finishing stages before the end of the administration.

    “We will ensure the completion of projects like the Sagbama/Ekeremor road, of course you know that the airport is almost complete and ready for inauguration. The projects we can’t complete definitely the next government will take it up from there but they will be at advanced stage”, he said.

    Speaking on the 1,000 employment opportunity recently created by Dickson, the commissioner said there would be more of such opportunities after the first phase.

    He advised those who have been shortlisted for the job examination to do their best and be among the 1,000 to be finally selected.

    Iworiso-Markson maintained that the recruitment process was  transperent and the recent launching of the website by the State Civil Service Commission gave it more credibility.

    He also pointed out that the government created limitless opportunities for youths of the state as part of deliberate effort to engage them meaningfully and keep them away from social vices.

    He said: “These days it is not strange to see people earn fat salaries because of their ideas and innovations. So it is time for youths of Bayelsa to think and create things that will bring financial prosperity for them. There are people whose ideas have made them very rich. The Bill Gates and Mark Zukerberg of this world.

    “Look at Uber for example it is someone that started it. We don’t have that kind of thing in Bayelsa. So starting something similar here can change the story of someone. Some people have 3 cars wasting away in their garage, if you put that to use, you will see the returns. So things like that are what our youths should think towards”  he said.

     

  • Dickson’s mother dies of cancer

    Mrs. Gold Coast Dickson, mother of Bayelsa State governor, Seriake, is dead.

    The governor confirmed his mother’s death on Thursday in Yenagoa, the state capital

    She was 72.

    Governor Dickson said in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Ottah Agbo that the woman died of cancer in the early hours of Thursday.

    She died at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Centre, United States, where she was receiving treatment.

    Dickson thanked the Centre especially the team of medical professionals who did their best to save his mother’s life.

    The statement read: “Condolence registers had been opened in Government House, Yenagoa, the Governor’s residences in Opolo, Yenagoa and Toru-Orua Community in Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa State Liaison Office (IZON Warri) in Abuja and Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja.

    “Funeral details will be announced by the family at a later date.”

  • 2019: PDP will field only popular candidate, says Dickson 

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson on Thursday said the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) would field only popular candidates in 2019 general elections.

    The governor called members of the party to work together in building a cohesive and united PDP ahead of the elections.

    He warned party faithful against engaging in anti-party activities that could undermine PDP’s fortunes at the poll.

    Read Also:PDP Reps ‘to prevent’ Saraki’s removal

    Dickson according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS) spoke at a consultative meeting with stakeholders of the PDP in Government House, Yenagoa.

    Dickson warned that anti-party activities were capable of affecting the chances of the PDP adversely.

    He said if the PDP must win all elective positions from the state to the national levels, members must learn to build consensus with the party’s leadership in the state.

    Describing the meeting as a family affair, Dickson maintained that the party remained supreme and called on all to place the PDP’s interest above personal ambitions to enable them succeed in the forthcoming elections.

    The governor also pointed out that the party should take great care in selecting candidates that could win elections at all levels.

    He said the way of politicking by members of the PDP should change to reflect the opposition status of the party.

    He insisted that the party’s success or failure depended largely on their actions and comments about their government back home.

    He said: “In the last two and half years, things have not been the way we have known them to be. In 2015, your party and your state have been in opposition, with the kind of government that you all know is at the centre.

    “Yet, we have all managed to do what we have done in very trying circumstances and in an uncharted territory.

    “There is no other governor of this state that has that experience of leading a party to a battle when you are in opposition. And managing stability in the party, state and the government.

    “I thank you all for the support and the prayers of all of you that have enabled me to lead the government of our party and also thank the state PDP chairman and Executive members for the stability in the party coordinated by experienced party leaders that have kept our party alive.

    “For the first time since inception, our party is in opposition and that means that within the party, our way of politicking has to change to reflect the fact that you are in the opposition.

    “And we need to know that our party’s chances of success or failure depend on your actions and comments publicly about your government back home.

    “In the end, it is not you that is bigger than a system or government so you should proudly own the achievements of your government. In the end, it is not you that is bigger than a system or government so you should proudly own the achievements of your government.

    “You want to spoil your own government even more than the opposition. That kind of evil politics has to stop. What they don’t know, is that, whatever they want to be and when we meet at the primary level, it is the strength of the party and government here led by me that you are going to battle with. That’s the reality.

    “So it is amateurish for you to start politicking by attacking your own government and a government that everyone is celebrating. In what area have we not tried our best? You can’t solve all the problems of a people and of a state or a nation in 8 years though.

    ” In the last two and half years, we have been concentrating on working even when they bring issues, we brush it aside and concentrate on the work and that’s why you have these showings in all sectors.

    “At the end of the day, people will judge us not by what other people didn’t do but what we have done. We are now getting to the stage of politicking where from the other side, they will see that there is a government and a party that is ready for them.

    “From now on,  I will be interacting on how to build consensus in the local government areas for the various elective offices. I want you to take charge of the processes.

    “I prefer the situation where the people themselves take ownership of our candidates. I frown against personal sentiments that will rob us of good candidates; we will overrule and override that. We want to support people that can win elections freely and fairly and such candidates should be able to understand and respond to challenges”.

    Earlier, the State Chairman of the Party, Mr Moses Cleopas expressed optimism about PDP’s victory in the 2019 general elections and urged political appointees, who are prospective aspirants to resign on or before 15th August, 2018.

    According to Mr Cleopas, 4th to 24th August is slated for the sale of forms for state and national assembly elections, while screening of aspirants would hold on the 27th of this month.

    The PDP Chairman, who called on would be aspirants to exhibit the spirit of sportsmanship before, during and after the elections, announced the 15th and 19thof September this year, as dates for the primaries for the state and national assembly elections.

     

  • Dickson hails Muslims for sustaining peace in Bayelsa

    Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has commended the Muslim community for keeping the peace in the state.

    Dickson encouraged the Muslims living in different parts of the state especially in Yenagoa, the state capital, to remain law abiding and ensure harmonious and peaceful co-existence in their conducts.

    A statement signed by Dickson’s Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, said the governor spoke in Yenagoa when members of the Islamic Affairs, led by its President, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo paid him a courtesy visit in Government House.

    The governor maintained Bayelsa remained home to all Nigerians regardless of their ethno-religious and political differences.

    He urged the people of the state to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing useful information on the activities of criminals insisting that it was the collective responsibility of everyone to promote peace and stability.

    Dickson observed that, there had not been any major incident of conflict involving the Muslims in the state and appealed to them to sustain the prevailing peace.

    Responding to their request for sponsorship to holy pilgrimage, the  explained that his government currently lacked the financial capacity to sponsor, both intending Christian and Muslim pilgrims to the holy lands.

    He, however, promised that in no distant time, the government would institute a policy to support churches, mosques, organizations and the private sector for their pilgrimages.

    Addressing the Muslims, he said: “I want to commend all of you; I want to say that, we are happy with the moslem community in this state. Let me commend all of you for the peaceful way you have been going about your activities so far. 

    “In this state, we have not had challenges; we have not had negative reports about the conduct of our moslem brothers and sisters and so you all deserve a round of applause. I want to request that you keep it that way.

    “The government of Bayelsa state is a government for all people. All Nigerians and all human beings, who live in Bayelsa state. In this state, I have said it over and over again that everybody who is here is a Bayelsan irrespective of where you come from and feel free to practice your religion and carry on with your business but you to respect and abide by the laws of this country and the laws of this state.

    Read Also: Court stops swearing-in of new Imo deputy Governor

    “I urge you to continue to work closely with our security leaders and they are on to listen to you to get information from you about activities of people who want to create problems in this peaceful state. 

    “Those from other places who may want to come here and hide under any guise to create any problem, we call on you, just as we call on all residents of Bayelsa to identify them; people whose mission and livelihoods are suspicious, let us know. The security agencies are there to work with you quietly to fish out any bad egg.

    “We want to work with all of you, with all leaders of state, both Christians as well as Muslims to ensure that the peace and stability that we have worked hard to establish continues to remain.” I want to use this opportunity to congratulate all of you for going through your religious obligation in the holy month of Ramadan.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), Bayelsa State chapter, Alhaji Yakubu Otobo, commended Dickson for his visionary leadership and dogged commitment to the development of the state, especially in the areas of education, security, infrastructure and other key sectors of the economy.

    Otobo also expressed appreciation to the government on its policies and programmes, particularly as they affected non indigenes in Bayelsa, which he noted, gave them a sense of belonging, since the inception of his administration.

    He prayed God to grant Dickson and his team the wisdom, strength and goodwill to steer the ship of state to greater heights.

    He also solicited the state government’s assistance in the provision of a bus for the chapter, which the Governor granted.

  • Bayelsa chieftancy tussle brews violence

    Community cries out to Dickson 

     

    The Okoroma community in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has cried out to Governor Seriake Dickson following a chieftancy tussle brewing violence in the area.

    Residents from the community, under the auspices of Okoroma Patriotic Movement (OPM) told the governor that if urgent steps were not taken to stop the imbroglio, the community would be plunged into violence.

    In a letter addressed Dickson, the President, OPM, Mr. Nyenye Matthias, said unresolved issues on  the stool of the Obanobhan of Okoroma clan were threatening the peace of the area.

    He said the Okoroma Clan of Chiefs, which is part of the traditional stool of the Okoroma clan in Nembe, was consumed by crisis caused by some disgruntled elements believed to be acting on the instruction from the office of the Deputy Governor of the state.

    Matthias said: “This is evident in a law suit No. HC/7/2013 in the High Court of Bayelsa State in the Nembe Judicial Division Holden at Yenagoa between Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina , Chief E.D. Opuama-Osomu, Chief M.W. Diete-Spiff, Akkom-Aziba, Chief Joseph Iwobo (for themselves and on behalf of the executive of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs) as claimants and Mr.Ebinimi Donka (embattled Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan) as a defendant.

    “The claimants’ summons’ claim against the defendant are that the 1st claimant, Chief Davidson Kigimo-Emina is the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan.

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    “That the 1st Claimant, Kigimo-Emina is the Chairman of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs and the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan.

    “That the purported removal of 1st Claimant as the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan is unconstitutional and therefore null and void.

    “That the defendant is not King (Paramount Ruler) of Akakumama, for the Paramount Ruler election has not been conducted.

    “And that there should be a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant from parading himself as the King (Paramount Ruler) of Akakumama.”

    Matthias said in the claims against the defendant, the presiding judge of the court, Justice L.M. Boufini, on March 26, 2018, ruled that the 1st claimant (Kigimo-Emina) is the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama in Okoroma Clan.

    The judge was said to have ruled that the purported removal of the 1st claimant (Kigimo-Emina) as the Chief of Emina Group of Houses in Akakumama was unconstitutional and therefore null and void.

    The court was also said to have ruled that the defendant (Mr. Ebinimi Donka) is not King/Paramount Ruler of Akakumama in Nembe.

    Matthias noted that from the judgement of the court, it was clear that Kigimo-Emina is the legally-recognised Chairman of Okoroma Clan Council of Chiefs and the Acting Clan Head of Okoroma Clan in Nembe LGA.

    He wondered why the Adumaingo, who is not party to the lawsuit, is rather arrogating powers of the Acting Clan Head to himself.

    He said: “When he (Adamaingo) was confronted, he claimed to be working for loyalists of the office of the Deputy Governor and his actions clearly displayed flagrant disobedience of court order  cited earlier.

    “Your Excellency, it is worthy of note that this matter has been brought to your attention whereby you directed your Special Adviser on Security Matters and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development to look into the matter and ensure the law take its full course.

    “But rather, Adamaingo went further to inaugurate a committee to screen and nominate a substantive Clan Head (Obanobhan of Okoroma), your recently elevated first-class stool.”

    He said the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and Community development, Chief Saviour Ibegi, recently called him for a meeting where he asked him to stop parading himself as  the Acting clan head but he allegedly refused.

    “Only recently, report has it that he was funded with N10million to carry out the plan of his masters, whom he claimed are loyalists to ranking government official, whose aim is to strategize means of removing the recognized Ag. Paramount Ruler.

    “Following these events, I call for your urgent intervention into the matter not because we are interested in joining issues with them but that they should realize that the journey to the 2020 governorship election is still far and that Okoroma clan should not be used as a battle ground for political control and superiority”, he said.