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Bayelsa Plans Book On Azazi, Boro, Dapa-Biriye …As Amaechi Honours The Late General
The Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson has disclosed plan to begin work on a book to document the life and times of late Ijaw heroes including General Owoye Azazi, Isaac Adaka Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye, as well as other living and dead eminent sons of Ijaw.
The Governor also announced plans to immortalise late General Azazi by sponsoring an award, chair or prize dedicated to excellence in his honour in a reputable institution in the country, and directed his Deputy retired Rear Admiral John Jonah to liaise with the leadership of the Nigerian military to work out modalities to achieve the purpose.
Governor Dickson also said a befitting edifice would be named after the late General in addition to a periodic memorial lecture that would be sponsored by the state government in his honour.
Extolling the qualities of the former National Security Adviser, the Governor noted that no amount of honour bestowed on Late Azazi would be considered too great in view of his monumental contributions to the state and country in general.
Describing the deceased as quintessential Ijaw man, a patriotic Nigerian and an accomplished military leader, the State Chief Executive challenged the youths to emulate General Azazi’s sterling qualities.
Hon. Dickson, who was full of appreciation for former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Musa Yar’ Adua for the roles they played in the Late General’s illustrious career, also expressed gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan for rising above blackmail and petty propaganda to appoint Azazi as National Security Adviser at the most trying period of the country’s history.
In his tribute, President Goodluck Jonathan described General Azazi as a good Nigerian who believed in merit and competence.
The President who called for attitudinal change, stressed that if only 50 percent of Nigerians should behave like the departed hero, the country would be a better place.
According to him, most of the issues bedeviling the country have nothing to do with corruption and that his administration has been fighting against the problem through different anti-graft institutions.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika said late Azazi spearheaded the transformation of the Nigerian Army.
He said, as a colonel several years back, he and others adopted the deceased as a role model both in the service and private life.
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, eulogised the former NSA as a fine officer and gentleman, lamenting his demise as a great loss to the Ijaw Nation.
Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia Rtd and President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, emphasised that Azazi stood for integrity, adding that, “greatness is not what you have but what you do with your greatness”.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Gorum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has named the Nkpogu Road (now under reconstruction) after late General Owoye Andrew Azazi for his numerous contributions to nation building and his sterling qualities.
Amaechi spoke at the Funeral Service, Saturday in honour of late General Owoye Andrew Azazi in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
“Looking at the numerous contributions and sterling qualities of late General Azazi to this nation, and his love towards me, whom he usually calls my younger brother, I am left with no option than to name Nkpogu road after him by Monday”.
While expressing the deep pain of the death of late General Owoye Andrew Azazi before the bereaved families and the people of Bayelsa State, Governor Amaechi said, his relationship with the late retired General had been close and private.
“Most time when I get to Lagos and Abuja, I eat in late General Azazi’s house, we have a private relationship, but now, he is gone, who will call me my younger brother, where will I eat when I visit Lagos or Abuja”, Amaechi lamented.
“He is a true detribalised Nigerian. It was my wife, Dame Judith Amaechi that first called my attention on phone that, shortly after she had left Bayelsa State, information reaching her indicates that there had been an helicopter crash, it could be the helicopter carrying late General Azazi, I called his (Azazi) line twenty (20) times to confirm the unfortunate incident, but no one answered”, Amaechi explained.
Speaking further, Governor Amaechi assured the people of Bayelsa State of his administration’s commitment to support the bereaved families whenever his attention was needed.
“If there is anything that you want me to do for you (the bereaved families), in the form of support or assistance, please, kindly call my attention”, Amaechi said.
Amaechi also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, and the Bayelsa State Government for the befitting burial accorded to late General Owoye Andrew Azazi.
“I wish to thank President Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, and the Bayelsa State Government for the befitting burial accorded late General Azazi”, he said.
Also speaking, President Goodluck Jonathan commended the decision of Governor Amaechi to name the Nkpogu road after late General Azazi, describing it as a welcome development.
“I commend Governor Amaechi on the decision to name the Nkpogu road after late General Azazi, it is indeed a welcome development”, Jonathan said.
The Rumuokania 2 New layout Landlords Association in the Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers State is seeking the intervention of the Rivers State Government in the desilting of the canal which transverses several communities including Mgbaraja,Ogbogoro,Egbule,Elioparanwo,Ozuoba and other communities in the area.
The Association which said this at a media briefing in Port Harcourt also lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline internal roads.
The landlords said the canal impede the free flow of water from the affected communities thereby causing severe flooding whenever it rains in the area.The Association also commended the governor for the ongoing construction and rehabilitation of road across the state, adding, the gesture has not only rekindled hope of Rivers people for a better tomorrow,but has bought prosperity across communities in the state.According to a Press release made available to news men during the briefing,”We are gathered here today to express immense appreciation to His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State,Sir Fubara, GSSRS,for the construction of the Rumuoke/pipeline Internal roads.“We also wish to use this medium to request the desilting of the Canal transversing the area and the construction of adjoining roads to the area.“We acknowledge with profound gratitude the transformative governance going on in Rivers State under the purposely and impactful leadership of Governor Fubara.“The visible impact of his administration across all sectors, particularly the rehabilitation and construction of new roads,has rekindled hope among the people and brought prosperity to our communities”The Association said.The landlords particularly praised the Governor for the successful completion of the Rumuoke Road from Okilton junction off Ada George Road to Road 9-2nd & 3rd Avenue, Road 10-2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, and Pipeline Road upto the canal, expertly executed by Monier Construction Company (MCC).They noted that,prior to the intervention of the Governor,the road was in an extremely deplorable state, impassable, and prone to flash floods whenever it rains.“Most houses and business premises were often flooded as people could hardly leave or access the area,while economic activities were completely paralyzed.“The newly constructed internal roads have completely eased traffic in the area, boosted economic activities, and improved the quality of life of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”The release which was jointly signed by pastor Joel Gbandi, chairman of The Association and Lucky Ashley Atiegoba secretary,on behalf of the Landlords also expressed gratitude to the Governor for the construction of all internal roads in the area..It however drew the , attention of the Governor to an emerging issue which they said poses threat to the durability of this critical road infrastructure.According to the landlords,”at the terminus of the newly constructed pipeline road, the adjoining canal is severely blocked, impeding the free flow of water .“The canal serves as a vital waterway, traversing several communities, including Rumuokania, Mgbraja, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Elioparanwo, Mini-Orlu, Rumue-vorlu, Rumuokwachi, Ozuoba, Iwofe, Rumuolumeni, Rumuepirikom, and Mini-kete, among other communities.“This obstruction has caused water to back up onto the surface of the newly constructed road, leading to accelerated erosion and hazardous conditions for surrounding buildings, motorists, and pedestrians alike within RumuokaniaRumuoke communities.“It is against this backdrop that we respectfully request the kind intervention of our dear Governor in this regard:” We humbly request the desilting of the canal to restore proper drainage and prevent water overflowonto the newly constructed internal roads and flooding within the communities.“. We also request the construction of adjoining roads to the area to provide alternative pathways and improve overall accessibility in the area.“Addressing these germane concerns will not only safeguard the investment of the state government in road infrastructure in the area but will also mitigate flooding, enhance safety, and further elevate the living standards of residents of Rumuokania and Rumuoke communities”the landlords said.
Judges of the High Courts of Rivers State will proceed on this year’s Christmas and New Year vacations on Tuesday, 23rd December 2025.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Registrar, State High Court, David Ihua-Maduenyi, on behalf of the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Chibuzor Amadi, and made available to newsmen over the weekend.
The statement stated that judges will commence the yuletide vacation from Tuesday, 23rd of December 2025, and resume on Monday, January 12, 2026.
According to the statement, the directive is in compliance with the provision of Order 49 Rule 4(C) of the High Court of Rivers State Civil Procedure Rule, 2023.
The statement added that during the period of the vacation, all judicial divisions of the High Court of the State shall remain closed, while a vacation judge shall be designated to entertain only urgent applications and matters filed during the vacation.
By: Akujobi Amadi
Land grabbing and crisis of fraudulent land sales may soon be a thing of the past as Rivers State begins experimenting the community land development committee system.
The experiment saw the light of day in Alesa Eleme where the Alesa Land Development Commiittee (ALDEC) was inaugurated last Friday by the paramount ruler of Alesa, Emperor J.D. Mkpe.
The Alesa community where the Port Harcourt refineries are situated has implemented the recommended formula with the strong support of the paramount ruler said to be a respected leader known for his commitment to peace, education, community development, and support for law enforcement, often advocating for better infrastructure and governance in his area.
Inaugurating the committee headed by a businessman, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, the paramount ruler recounted the contributions of his community to economic development of the nation.
“Alesa is one of the 10 communities in Eleme and we are the first community in Nigeria that has refineries. The Port Harcourt Refinery (1&2) that has a lot of pipelines surrounding us. We have done a lot of contribution in making sure Nigeria stands great among all nations.
“We are made up of about 13 communities due to expansion. When I say 13 communities, Alesa is a community that has embraced other people. You can see here some people from the northern community. All the communities are here. That is why Alesa is known as a cosmopolitan community.
“Because we have got a lot of information about sale of land, and because we now have a situation whereby other persons will go into another person’s land and sell without the owner’s notice. We have also got information about minors who are not qualified to sell landed property, now selling land without letting their elders know.
“And that is why today, we are going to inaugurate a land development committee whose duty is to see into all these issues and bring up report about them. This will make both buyers and sellers feel very free in Alesa.
“We seize this opportunity to warn thus: if you sell any land to anybody without this committee’s knowledge or consent, you are doing it at your own risk. If you are buying any land from Alesa, this committee will know. By this, we will track those selling the land to you so that you don’t buy land from a wrong person. We also do not want you to buy land from an under-aged persons (children) who will sell land and run away.
According to him, we are also partnering with the Rivers State government on the project because those who buy land in Alesa with due process would be backed all the way to acquisition of certificate of occupancy (CofO).
“We are duly registered and we hereby show the world our certificate of registration and recognition. This is not a shabby arrangement. We have the registration and the authority which we have here as a body approved by the government to go into this development. This also is the registered constitution of the body.
“We will also make sure that whatever land you buy here, will be registered with the government of Rivers State through the office of the Surveyor-General and the Ministry of Land and that of Housing. This is to permanently stop land grabbers,
“We want you to buy and develop, not to keep for decades. Failure to develop your land after five years, the land will be forfeited to the government of Rivers State as a ‘waste land’ that you do not want to develop. So we are here not to maltreat any individual, we are not here to punish anyone, but to make sure your money is safe.
“We are optimistic that this strategy will work for us all. One of the greatest persons who has been able to identify with us is the Mayor of Housing. He has been friendly to us and to our aspirations.
Speaking immediately after the inauguration, the chairman of Alesa Land Development Committee, Mr. Emmanuel Olaka, vowed never to betray his community.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Alesa Council of Chiefs, the women, the youths, for nominating me to be the chairman of the Alesa Land Development Committee. I want to say this afternoon that I, Emmanuel Olaka, a bonafide son of Alaka, from Uwueke community, I will never disrespect this community. I will always do what is right, so that my God will always stand by me. I will not be biased.”
Also speaking, the Mayor of Housing, My-ACE China, who is behind the Alesa Sustainable Green Smart City, commended the community for leading the way and the war against land grabbing and land fraud.
He said the development would augur well for the green city being initiated in the area and other projects coming to Alesa.
He urged other communities in Rivers State and beyond to move fast and inaugurate such committees to put an end to land grabbing.
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