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Niger Delta

Sylva Moves To Reclaim Mandate

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13 years ago

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The last seems not to be heard about the governorship election in Bayelsa State as Chief Timipre Sylva has approached a Federal High court in Yenagoa to demand that Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) be compelled to declare him as governor.

In the case, which came up for mention Wednesday, Chief Sylva, argued that there was no basis to hold fresh primaries by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, having earlier won the January,2011 gubernatorial primaries.

Chief Sylva,as the incumbent governor,had earlier won the PDP gubernatorial primaries in January,2011 before the Supreme Court ruled that his tenure had since expired.

Another primaries were held by the PDP in November,2011,where Chief Sylva,was excluded from participating and this was won by Mr.Seriake Dickson.

He is therefore, asking INEC for reinstatement as the valid candidate of the PDP in the last governorship election, which returned Mr.Seriake Dickson as the governor.

He wants the court to direct INEC to replace the name of incumbent governor with his own so as to enjoy the mandate given to him.

The trial judge, Justice Charles Archibong, who granted applications from counsels to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and incumbent governor Seriake Dickson to be joined in the case,however, adjourned the matter for hearing to the 18th of March, this year.

Justice Charles Archibong, granted the applications by Mr.Tayo Oyetibo,SAN, representing Governor Seriake Dickson and  Mr.Somina John-Bull, counsel for PDP, as an interested parties in the matter.Mr.Clement Oha, appeared for INEC,while Chief Robert Clarke,SAN, standing for the plaintiff, Chief Timipre Sylva.

After the adjournment, the lead counsel to Chief  Sylva, Chief Robert Clarke,SAN,who said they were seeking accelerated hearing, stated that the applications by other parties to join the suit was in order.

“We were expecting the governor and the party,PDP,to come in to be joined in the party. So, we were not taken by surprise, the more the merrier and I believe it’s better they be joined. So the court had ordered they  should be joined.”,Clarke said.

The lawyer to the incumbent governor,Mr.Tayo Oyetibo,SAN,said the decision of the judge to honour their application to join the suit would give Governor Dickson,the opportunity to also be heard.

“It’s an action by the former governor asking that he be returned into office but he did not join the sitting governor as well as PDP. And the court has granted the application that the governor should be joined.At least,you can not take away a governor from office without allowing him to participate in the proceedings”, Oyetibo stated.

Meanwhile, hundreds of supporters of both the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson and former Governor Timipre Sylva, took over the court premises in solidarity for their principals.

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Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

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4 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.
The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.
Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.
In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.
The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.
Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.
By: Enoch Epelle
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Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

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4 days ago

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December 8, 2025

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management  of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State
The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.
MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator,  Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.
LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama,  Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.
He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is  at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”
By: Chinedu Wosu
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Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

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6 days ago

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December 5, 2025

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The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians  to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.

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