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Appeal Court Ends 30-Year-Old Ataba Kingship Tussle …As King Benson Retains Stool

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7 years ago

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In a landmark judgement to end a 30-year old Ataba Chieftaincy dispute, the Federal Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt upheld its earlier verdict which declared King Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre the Oruk XV11 as the legitimate Okan Ama of Ataba Kingdom in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
In a suit: CA/PH/359/2013, the three Honourable justices of the appellate court: Justices Ali Abubakar Gumel, Isaiah Olufemi Akeju and Bitrus Gyarazama Sanga, unanimously affirmed the court’s earlier ruling of October 29, 2015.
The court presided over by Justice Ali Abubakar Gumel on March 21, 2018 ruled that the consent judgement entered into by the two warring groups in the Royal House of Ataba Kingdom remained the final judgement of the court and cited several legal authorities to buttress its ruling.
One Elder Jonah Nteile, an elder of Egwe Isiyork Ruling House of Ataba in Andoni Local Government Area of the State had challenged the said consent judgement of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, describing the purported document as a fraud and gross misrepresentation of facts and asked the same Court to reverse itself.
After delivering judgement in the main motion, the three Justices at the Court of Appeal had in a unanimous decision struck out a motion by the applicant, Elder Jonah Nteile, seeking leave of the court to appeal against its earlier consent judgement of Ocober 29, 2015.
Justices Ali Abubakar Gumel, Isaiah Akeju and Bitrus Sanga affirmed that the court lacked the capacity and power to review their earlier decision on the consent judgement or grant the applicant leave for appeal to the Supreme Court, insisting that the said motion was brought out of time, having been filed on February 15, 2016 for a judgement that was delivered on October 29, 2015, more than 90 days statutorily required for such application.
Citing several other cases to back up the decision of the court, Justice Gumel who read the lead judgement, said consequent upon the late filling of the motion, the application is rendered incompetent and the Court lacks jurisdiction to entertain it and accordingly struck out the application, though without cost.
Furthermore, in the substantive motion, Justice Gumel reviewed the case which dated back to January 1989 and in pursuant to order 16 of the Court of Appeal Rules 2011, referring to the consent judgement, declared “the judgement stands as a valid judgement of competent jurisdiction. It is a final judgement of this Court”.
Justice Gumel whose ruling was also adopted by his other two colleagues, asserted that “this application to set aside a consent judgement of this Court in Appeal No: CA/PH/359/2013, is procedurally wrong and to that extent not cognizable by this Court”.
Describing the application as “dead on arrival” and “incurably bad”, the leading Justice struck out the application for “lack of jurisdiction to entertain same as presently constituted”, but made no order for costs.
Immediately after the ruling that lasted about two hours, Sir Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre, (King Oruk XV11), the Okan Ama of Ataba Kingdom, led a large crowd of Ataba sons and daughters who had thronged the court in solidarity to St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, Hospital Road, Port Harcourt, to thank God for allowing justice and the voice of the people to prevail.
Reacting to the ruling, the Okan-ama was grateful to God for sustaining peace and massive progress in the community throughout the duration of the case and called for calm, brotherly love, patriotism, and harmonious relationship among the people of Ataba Kingdom.
He said it was only under a peaceful atmosphere that development could take place and admonished the people to avoid divisive tendencies while warming against external influence in the affairs of Ataba community.

 

Goodluck Ukwe

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Niger Delta

Bishop Mocks Fake Prophecy Seekers … As Priests Relive Challenges At Ordination Ceremony

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July 18, 2025

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Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, has cautioned Christians against belief in fake prophecies and consultation of fake prophets for miracles.
He alleged that some clergy parading miracles in the name of the Lord were witch-doctors who stage-manage miracles to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with the intent to exploit them.
The Bishop gave the admonition at the weekend during the Priestly Ordination Ceremony of Rev. Fr. Mark Inedi which held at the Christ The King Catholic Church, Imiringi Deanery, in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Tide, which monitored the ecclesiastical ceremony, reports that earlier in 2024, the newly ordained Priest having certified part of the requirements of the Church was ordained as a Deacon at the Diocesan headquarters in Bomadi, Delta State, paving way for him to be officially ordained as a Rev. Fr. on the 12th of July 2025 after certifying the remaining requirements of his formative years in the Major Seminaries.
“The Catholic Church gave the Holy Bible to Christendom. Christ never came with the Bible, though he was born of the Holy Blessed Virgin Mary. Christians should refrain from belief in fake prophets and miracles.
“Yes, they say the Catholic Church doesn’t perform miracles and doesn’t prophesy, but we’re the origin of Christianity, and we’re the early Church who still speak and use Latin to teach the word of God. Catholic is original.
“I don’t intend to ridicule any pastor or man of God, but pastors and Churches should stop deceiving people with fake prophecies and stage-managed miracles”, he said.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after his ‘Maiden Mass/Thanksgiving’, Rev. Fr. Inedi promised to discharge the duties of his calling with respect, obedience and humility to the Church and humanity in general.
The Priest thanked the Bishop of the Diocese, his colleagues, parents and others for the support given him through out his formative years in the seminaries, noting that it was a herculean task, but God made it possible for him to succeed in his vineyard which culminated in his ordination ceremony.
“By God’s grace I’ll try my very best as a Priest in the discharge of my Priestly duties to the Church and humanity. It was indeed challenging, but God enabled this day to become a reality.
“I want to thank and appreciate the Lord Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, His Lordship, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, for the encouragement and support. I also want to thank all my Senior Colleagues, my parents, relatives, family members, friends and classmates for their unrelenting support through out my formative years. May God continue to bless all of them”, he said.
In their separate remarks, the duo of the  Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, and the Priest in charge of the Imiringi Deanery,  Rev. Fr. Peter Ikuli, described the formative years of Priesthood as very challenging.
Opelema, who also doubles as Vicar-General of the Diocese, advised the newly ordained Priest to be steadfast, courageous and dedicated to the growth of the Church and progress of the larger society.
He emphasized that Catholic Priests were called to serve humanity and  exemplify the teachings of Christ in their conducts.
“The trajectory of increase in the number of indigenous Priest from and around the Imiringi Deanery and surrounding parishes was due to Opelema’s resilience and successful ordination as a Priest in 1994.
“If Joseph Opelema hadn’t succeeded as a Seminarian and ordained successfully, having been the first prist from this area, many of us wouldn’t have become priests today”, Rev. Fr. Ikuli said.
“Please kindly note that in line with the resolutions of our Extraordinary General Meeting held between Friday 20th and Wednesday
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Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Leverages On Extensive River Networks To Drive Blue Economy

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July 18, 2025

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Delta State Government has said it will utilise its unique geographical assets and aquatic wealth to chart an inclusive and sustainable blue economy.
The state Commissioner for Works (Rural and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, stated this while outlining the state’s transformational blueprint at a ministerial joint briefing in Asaba, the State capital.
The briefing was with key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and members of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired DIG Adeleye Oyebade.
The theme was, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities”.
The commissioner highlighted the state’s role as a national pacesetter in harnessing inland and coastal water resources to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion.
Aniagwu was in the company of the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Onoriode Agofure; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ejiro Jamani; and Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Peter Uviejitobor, and others.
He described Delta’s extensive river networks, over 500 kilometres of navigable waterways, and Atlantic coastline as a “strategic advantage” that remain underutilized.
According to him, the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration was determined to drive this trend through deliberate, multi-sectoral investments that would bring rural and riverine communities into the mainstream of economic development.
Aniagwu said the blue economy goes beyond traditional sectors like fisheries and tourism, saying it is a framework for building climate resilience, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic participation.
He emphasized that the state’s approach was to treat rural roads, jetties, cold-chain logistics, and digital access as interconnected pillars capable of unlocking the full spectrum of aquatic-based opportunities.
“Among the key efforts underway are major road construction and rehabilitation projects in traditionally marginalized areas.
“These include the Ogheye Floating Market and access roads in Warri North, Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor Road in Bomadi, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network, which incorporates 15 bridges.
“The ongoing construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Local Government and rigid pavement roads in Warri South-West are also cited as critical arteries meant to connect hinterland communities with market hubs.
“In addition to road networks, the state has significantly invested in water transport infrastructure, including the building and upgrading of jetties.
“These moves are designed to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable mobility across Delta’s waterways, which remain the primary means of transportation for many rural dwellers”, Aniagwu said.
The commissioner further said the government’s approach was not limited to physical infrastructure.
“It is also focused on empowering people, particularly youth and women, through capacity-building in aquaculture, tourism, logistics, and marine services.
“By strengthening cooperatives, enhancing ICT access, and integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered cold storage, the state is helping small-scale producers to scale their operations and connect with broader markets”, he said.
He noted that Delta’s vision aligns with the M.O.R.E Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, which prioritizes Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms, and Enhanced peace and security.
Aniagwu explained that the integrated rural infrastructure strategy was expected to yield far-reaching impacts.
“Economically, it will increase trade in fish and agricultural products, lower transportation costs, attract private investment, and reduce rural unemployment.
“Socially, it will foster community ownership, promote women’s participation in fisheries and trade, and preserve indigenous knowledge systems.
“Environmentally, the shift to clean energy transport, mangrove restoration, and sustainable resource management will protect fragile ecosystems while enhancing community resilience”, he said.
The commissioner called for greater national coordination and proposed the designation of Delta state as a pilot “Blue Corridor” beginning in 2026 to test integrated blue economy initiatives.
Aniagwu also advocated for federal support in the deployment of cleaner transport technologies, inland waterway dredging, and cold-chain logistics development.
He recommended a dedicated Blue Economy and Inland Water Transport Taskforce to synchronize efforts across federal and state lines.
He assured of the state government’s readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government, development partners, and private investors to turn its aquatic riches into engines of sustainable development.
He said:  “Our waterways must become drivers of opportunity, prosperity, and environmental sustainability, not barriers to progress.
“With strategic planning, inclusive policies, and coordinated infrastructure investment, Delta is positioning itself not just as a hub of blue economic activity, but as a replicable model for coastal and riverine development across Nigeria.”
On his part, the Leader, Course 47 Team, Oyebade, commended the Delta government for establishing the Ogheye Floating Market and urged the state to attract more investments in the blue economy by leveraging its rich Atlantic coastline resources.
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C’River Hands Over Rubber Plantation to Private Company

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1 day ago

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July 18, 2025

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The Cross River State government has officially handed over the defunct Cross River Rubber Estate Limited (CREL) to Biase Plantations Limited, describing it as a symbol of renewal and economic transformation.
Speaking during the handover ceremony in Uyangha, Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) last Tuesday, Governor Bassey said the state regained control of 8, 521 hectare rubber estate through a high court judgement.
Represented by Mr. Johnson Ebokpo, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Otu explained that a High Court in Calabar issued the consent judgment on the estate.
He described the move as ‘’a major step towards reviving the state’s agricultural sector’’ and thanked all the parties involved, especially the state Attorney General and the legal teams, for facilitating the smooth transition.
He said the new operators planed to turn the estate into a large-scale oil palm plantation, generate jobs, boost rural economies, and increase the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He urged Biase Plantations to prioritise local employment, uphold Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and maintain peaceful relationship with host communities.
In his remarks, Mr. Arumugam Ananth, General Manager of Biase Plantations Ltd, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, said  it had renamed the rubber estate to ‘’Uyangha Oil Palm Estate.’’
He appreciated the state’s trust and pledged to restore the estate, while announcing plans to reopen the estate’s school, establish a training center, and create jobs for the locals.
On his part, the Paramount Ruler of Akamkpa, HRM Ophot Agbor  Ebani, lauded the initiative while calling on the company to fulfill its promises.
Some of the community leaders, youth and women’s representatives, who spoke to newsmen, expressed hope that the rebranded estate would usher in a new era of growth and opportunity.
Earlier, a formal asset transfer meeting was held in Calabar, where legal documents were passed from Enghaut Nigeria Ltd. to the Ministry of Agriculture, overseen by officials from both parties.
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