Niger Delta

Political Fever Grips Sylva’s Supporters

Published

15 years ago

July 25, 2010

A Federal High Court judgement in Jos, Plateau State capital, on tenure of Governor Olusegun Oni of Ekiti State is currently causing political fever among the supporters of Chief Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State.

Sylva’s supporters are afraid that the judgement may also affect their principal, since he also had a re-run election, The Tide gathered.

Opponents of the government had openly jubilated with the hope that there will be election in the state next year instead of 2012, following the judgement of a federal high court sitting in Jos, which stated there will be election in Ekiti State.

Reacting to the stitation, the State Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Orientation, Mr Nathan Egba, said there is no cause for alarm as Sylva’s case is different from that of Oni.

Mr Egba explained that the circumstances in which re-run election was done in Ekiti was not the same as that of Bayelsa State.

“This is because unlike the situation in Ekiti State, where only results in 63 units in 10 local government areas were cancelled and re-contested for, the entire Bayelsa governorship election was cancelled and odered to be held afresh on the ground that no governorship election took place in 2007.

He refered those in doubt to a portion of the Jos judgement where it specifically refer to section 180 (2) (a) of the 1999 constitution and stated that since not the whole election was cancelled, Governor Oni had to go back to the electorate to seek re-election in 2011.

Piqued by the reaction of the Commissioner, the state Action Congress (AC) described the statement, as deceptive, misleading and laughable.

The Action Congress in a statement through its Acting Chairman, Comrade Miriki Ebikibina, who faulted the reaction of the Bayelsa Commissioner, said that it is unprofessional of Hon. Egba to make such jaundiced statement in a legal matter.

The statement which reads in part, “For the avoidance of doubt, the 1999 constitution and the recent amendment to the constitution, as well as the federal High Court, Jos ruling on Governor Oni’s tenure has addressed the issue instructively and constructively”.

He expressed hope that Hon. Egba “would not join the bandwagon” of past Information Commissioners in the state who had in the past acted as town criers without a listening public.

“Section 180 (2a) of the 1999 constitution states that the Governor shall vacate office at the expiration of a period of four years, commencing from the date when he took the oath of allegiance and oath of office.”

“The 2010 amendment to the constitution further clarifies the position and state that a person whose election as Governor was annulled and also wins a consequent re-run does not serve more than constitutionally prescribed term of office.”

“The constitutionally prescribed term of office for a Governor is four years. Governor Timipre Sylva was sworn-in, in 2007 and, therefore, the oath of office he took as a Governor in 2008 was a mere confirmation of the 2007 oath of office he earlier took. His tenure effectively ends on May 29, 2011”.

The Action Congress expressed belief that the overwhelming majority of Bayelsans would not want to see Governor Timipre Sylva extend his tenure to 2012, saying that would be an aberration and a source of embarrassment to the people of the state especially as his administration “has only succeeded in impoverishing the people”.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

42 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.

Niger Delta

Diri Pays Tribute To Maternal Aunt … As Mama Ogulagha-Ere Goes Home

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the death of his maternal aunt, late Madam Ogulagha-Ere Egberiwarebo Finikeme, as the loss of another mother.

Speaking at Ayamasa Community in the Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state on Saturday during her funeral, Diri said following the death of his biological mother, the late septuagenarian became a mother to him.

He said she was a loving and caring woman, who prayed for not only her biological children, which included the Government House Director of Transport and Special Duties, High Chief Lucky Youbogha, but for everyone in the family, and expressed sadness that he had no one to call mother anymore.

According to him, the late matriarch, who died at the age of 78, had all the attributes of her sister, who was his biological mother, saying she would be remembered for her good deeds.

Diri recalled how during his first term election campaign in 2019, he promised that the road to Ayamasa would be completed and expressed appreciation to God that vehicles now drive into the community, which hitherto could only be accessed through neighbouring Delta State.

“I thank God for a day like this in Ayamasa. For us from this community, we know how it was before now.

“The immediate past Governor, Senator Seriake Dickson, took the bull by the horn to start construction of the Sagbama-Ekeremor Road. Part of our campaign when he went round with me in 2019 was that we will complete the road. Today we can drive with our eyes closed to Ayamasa.

“I shed tears when I recall the burial of my late mother and how difficult it was to move to Delta State first before entering Ayamasa.

“After the passage of my mother, this woman became a mother to me. We forgot our mother was no more because at all times she was there for us. She was always praying for us. She showed us love.

“Mama had all the attribute of my late mother and we will continue to remember her good works”, he said.

Delivering a sermon, President of the Royal House of Grace Church International, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, urged the bereaved to take solace in the fact that very soon, God will make death to cease as promised in His word.

He said Madam Finikeme had victory as she died in Christ and implored those alive to dedicate their lives to the service of God.

Present at the funeral service were the wife of the Governor, Justice Patience Diri, Senator Konbowei Benson, Senator Emmanuel Paulker, Speaker of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere, and other state legislators.

Also in attendance were Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; members of the State Executive Council; Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare; and President, Azikel Group, Dr. Azibapu Eruani.

Others were a retired Supreme Court jurist and King of Tuomo Kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai, as well as President, Ijaw Youth Council, Jonathan Lokpobiri, among other dignitaries.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Diri Intensifies Work On Internal Roads … As Contractor Inspects Work Pace In Imiringi

Published

2 hours ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

In his quest towards executing critical infrastructure projects in communities across Bayelsa State, the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has intensified work on construction of internal roads in Ogbia Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.

The Tide, which visited some of the construction sites in parts of the LGA, reports that at Imiringi Town, work on “Wisdom Ikuli” Road and other adjoining roads have reached advanced stage.

Speaking with newsmen, Project Manager of the contracting firm, Roshata Nig. Ltd, Pastor Godspower Ekpartaziba Dominic, described the Governor as a leader who understands the problems of various communities of the state.

Meanwhile, Hon. Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Media and Public Affairs, has said though Imiringi is an oil producing community, successive administrations have not executed even a meter of road in the community prior to the award and construction of the current projects by the Diri-led Prosperity administration.

He noted that while most of the needed construction machinery and equipments were procured for the job, the company has also recruited skill and unskilled workers within and outside the community to deliver the project.

The governor’s aide noted that it was for reasons of spreading prosperity directly and indirectly as espoused by the Governor that the manpower for the project was recruited from within and outside the community.

He said: “This is just one out of the many internal road projects being constructed by the Prosperity administration led by State Governor, Senator Douye Diri round the State.

“Here in Imiringi, we’ve various other internal road projects the Governor is embarking on. But my firm, Roshata Nig. Ltd, has a total of 650mtrs.

“So far, we’ve reached an advanced stage on the project. We’re deliberately spreading prosperity to the people working here by recruiting our staff base for the work from within and outside the community.

“We’ve also deliberately divided the 650mtrs road to criss-cross a few other streets in the community, and we intend to deliver this project soon and timely for the use and benefit of Bayelsans and others living in or visiting this community.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa