Niger Delta

Coalition Faults Fani-Kayode’s Comments On Odi, Zaki-Biam

Published

13 years ago

December 12, 2012

The Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence (NDCAV), has condemned in strong terms a statement accredited to a former Aviation Minister Femi-Kayode on the killings in Odi and Zaki-Biam people in Bayelsa and Benue States during former President Obasanjo’s regime some years ago.

The president of the group, Comrade Christian Lekia who spoke with newsmen in Lagos over the week, said Fani-Kayode’s comment about the two communities were wrong.

Lekia said the Obasanjo-led administration then, failed to consider the rights of the people in the area, but destroyed them without a second thought.

According to him, if such military actions was the best way to handle crisis, militancy would not have erupted in the Niger Delta considering the level of destruction done to the two communities.

He was emphatic that the action never saved life or made any economic impact as Fani-Kayode claimed, adding that the situation even led to the exodus of multinationals from the Niger Delta region.

The Niger Delta Youth leader, noted that people ought to be guided on issues bordering on core military and human right cases in order not incite the people against the government.

The Ogoni human right activist, suggested that Obasanjo should rather apologise to the affected communities than to enjoy the praises of few individuals who are seeking recognition.

He has also commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the approach to the Boko Haram sect in some part of the north, adding that, all hands should be on deck so as to actualise peaceful coexistence among the people.

The NDCAV leader, pointed that international observers are seriously monitoring the activities of the sect in the north, saying that, anything against less than the president’s pattern may lead to major break down of law and order in the area.

He stressed that those judging the Mr President based on the Boko Haram issue, are missing the tracks, hinting that the premium Jonathan placed on human lives will not allow him declare a state of emergency in the north as some people are suggesting.

It would be recalled that the former minister of Aviation, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode, recently supported the massacre of the Odis and Zaki-Biams in Bayelsa and Benue states respectively by the Obasanjo-led administration, saying “that it saved lives of many and put a stop to the killings of and terrorism that has taken root in the Niger Delta area previous to that time”.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.