Niger Delta

ASUU Flays Removal Of VCs

Published

9 years ago

August 29, 2016

The Academic Staff Union
of Universities (ASUU), has condemned the recent removal of Vice Chancellors of 12 universities by the Federal Government and the appointment of new ones to replace them, saying, the action of government undermines the autonomy of the universities.
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Port Harcourt Zone, Prof. Beke Sese, who made the condemnation while addressing newsmen in Yenagoa recently said it was the responsibilities of the Governing Councils of the universities to appoint Vice Chancellors and inform the Visitor, as clearly spelt out in the Universities (Miscellaneous) Provisions Amendment Act 2003, 4(b).
He also noted that the Federal Government goofed by recently dissolving the Governing Councils of the University of Port Harcourt and Obafemi Awolowo University.
ASUU equally called on the Federal Government to exempt universities from the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA), considering the peculiarities of the tertiary institutions, stressing that “it undermines the autonomy of universities and makes it extremely difficult for them to discharge their core responsibilities of teaching, research and community services”.
According to him, the dynamic nature of universities and the fluidity of their programmes make the TSA impractical in universities.
The ASUU Zonal Coordinator also condemned the discrepancy in the retirement age of academics on professional cadre, as the Pension Reform Act excludes Associate Professors from its definition of professional cadre by restricting the provision only to the retirement of Professors.
He decried a situation where Professors who are still in the Contributory Pension Scheme had been forced to retire earlier than agreed and also denied their retirement benefits.
He also expressed dismay over non-payment of salaries of its members and the shortfall in their salaries since December 2015, and called on relevant authorities to address this problem.
“Staff salaries are not paid in time and not paid fully and correctly. Inspite of the assurances of government to address this anomaly, the situation has remained sadly unchanged with universities unable to pay salaries fully to July 2016,” he said.
He singled out the Niger Delta University (NDU), where he said ASUU members were still being owed four months salary arrears even after recently suspending its four-month strike, saying, this has become an undesirable trend in several universities across the country.
To this end, Sese called on the Federal Government to implement the 2009 Agreement it entered with ASUU without further delay, adding that the government had over the years breached the agreement including the payment of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA), among others.

Donatus Ebi

Niger Delta

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

Published

8 minutes 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

10 minutes 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

Niger Delta

Gen. Omu Buried Amid Full Military Honours

Published

1 hour ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The remains of former Military Governor of the defunct South-Eastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom), Major-General Paul Ufuoma Omu (rtd.), was on Saturday laid to rest in his hometown, Igbide, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, amid full military honours and glowing tributes.

Omu, a respected elder statesman, former President General of the Isoko Development Union (IDU), and one of Nigeria’s notable military administrators, died at the age of 84.

His burial attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries from the military, political and traditional institutions, all united in celebrating a man widely regarded as a symbol of patriotism, discipline and leadership.

The solemn funeral service at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Igbide, featured hymns, prayers and scriptural readings, including John 11:25–26, reflecting the Christian hope of resurrection.

Officiating clerics, led by the Archbishop of Bendel Province, Most Revd Cyril Odutemu, praised the late General for living a life rooted in integrity and national devotion.

Archbishop Odutemu noted that Omu “lived well and chose the path of integrity.”

He described him as one of the rare Nigerians who believed the nation was truly worth dying for.

A high-powered delegation from the Delta State Government graced the ceremony, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Tobore; former Governors Chief James Ibori and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa with his wife, Edith; former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue; Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas; Rear Admiral Mike Onah; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.

The President General of the Isoko Development Union, Prof. Chris Akpotu, also led an IDU delegation to honour the late icon. Senior military officers and leaders from various sectors were also in attendance.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, Major-General Oluwafemi Williams described the late Omu as “an exceptionally well-informed senior officer” who maintained a positive disposition in all circumstances.

He said the former Military Governor displayed exemplary leadership during his service in Cross River State, noting his diligence, commitment and professionalism.

“In every appointment he held, he demonstrated unwavering determination in achieving set objectives. He was disciplined, confident and endowed with impeccable integrity,” the Army Chief added.

The interment ceremony featured full military rites, including a ceremonial guard, slow march procession, and the symbolic presentation of the national flag to the family.

Soldiers also fired the traditional 21-gun salute reserved for distinguished military officers, marking a dignified farewell to one of Nigeria’s finest.

Family members, community leaders and clerics paid emotional tributes, remembering Omu as a humble leader, philanthropist and community pillar who remained deeply connected to Igbide and the Isoko Nation long after retiring from active service.

They recalled his mentorship of younger generations and his unwavering support for development initiatives across Isoko land.

Maj.-Gen. Paul Ufuoma Omu is survived by his wife, Senator Stella Omu, children, grandchildren and an extended family.

With his burial, Igbide, the Isoko Nation and Nigeria have bid farewell to a distinguished soldier, statesman and patriot whose legacy of service, unity and integrity will endure for generations.

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