Niger Delta
Diete-Spiff, Horsfall Advocate Better Deal For Ijaws …As Group Honours Jonathan, Others
The first Military Governor of Old Rivers State and Amanyanabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State, King Alfred Diete-Spiff, has advocated a better deal for the Ijaw nation as they have contributed enough for the country.
King Diete-Spiff, who made the assertion at the 2nd Heroes of Ijaw Nations Award Night organised by the Ijaw Republican Assembly (Patriotic Front) in conjunction with Ijaw Media Action Initiative, held at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, last Saturday said the call became necessary because the people had been marginalised for so long in spite of the efforts to nation building.
He noted that time had come for all sons and daughters of Ijaw to wake-up and demand for their right as they deserved a better treatment.
The traditional ruler who was among those honoured with Life Time Award said the Ijaw nation had come of age and therefore should take their destiny in their hands, also thanked the organisers of the programme for their initiative and for the honour bestowed on some deserving illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw, saying it is worthy.
He also lauded Amaopusenibo Bobo Sofiri Brown for his taught provoking lecture titled “Dreams of Gold”, and described him as an orator.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Albert Horsfall, called on all Ijaws to wake-up as it was time for them to stop sleep-walking, pointing out that due to their lukewarm attitude successive governments and administrations have been trampling over their right.
Chief Horsfall lamented that the Ijaws were being denied the right to own oil blocks in the area and further reminded them of a song by the Late Highlife King, Rex Jim Lawson, who said it is time to wake-up as they have been sleeping for so long.
He frowned that Ijaw sons and daughters in Niger Delta had less than three percent in a list of persons to benefit from a new oil blocks allocation in the country, pointing out that it is a pity that they were even denied their right in their own territory.
Earlier, the President of Ijaw Republican Assembly (Patriotic Front), Alatubo Charles Harry, said it was their contribution to celebrate, recognise and applaud illustrious sons and daughters of Ijaw nation for their services and contributions to the society, describing the Ijaws as great people and great nation.
Akpan, who died on August 2 at the age of 63, was buried after a funeral and thanksgiving service attended by journalists, family members, friends and community leaders.
The Tide’s source reports that the service was held at the community playground in Ekpeneobo, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
The State Governor, Bassey Otu, described the deceased as a thoroughbred professional whose contributions to journalism and the state would remain indelible.
Otu, represented by his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Mr. Nsa Gill, spoke at the funeral, highlighting Akpan’s years of professional service in Cross River.
He said the journalist, an indigene of Akwa Ibom, had lived and worked in Cross River for years, making Calabar his second home.
The Governor’ commended Akpan for upholding journalistic ethics and maintaining balance, objectivity and fairness when sensationalism was becoming increasingly common.
“His reports gave voice to the Niger Delta, projected our developmental challenges and celebrated our people.
“Cross River has lost a friend, a bridge between the state and the media, and a patriotic citizen who used his pen to promote good governance”, he said.
Otu urged the bereaved family to alists. draw comfort from Akpan’s enduring legacy, which he said would continue to inspire younger journalists.
He also prayed for strength for the family to bear the loss.
Similarly, the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Alhassan Abdullahi, described Akpan’s death as a painful loss to the journalism profession.
Abdullahi, represented by the Chairman of the NUJ Cross River Council, Mr. Archibong Bassey, said the deceased was a dedicated professional committed to information dissemination.
He said Akpan’s dedication to keeping the public informed remained an important part of his professional legacy.
In his sermon, Pastor Tunde Olaghende of Living Faith e positive legacies.
Church, Akwa Ibom State, urged Christians to live meaningful lives and leave positive legacies.
Olaghende encouraged people to be remembered for their good deeds, stressing the importance of making meaningful contributions to society while alive.
A former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Commissioner, Mr. Aniedi Ikoiwak, also described Akpan as a balanced reporter whose objectivity earned him widespread respect.
Some of Akpan’s former secondary school classmates recalled their lifelong friendship with him, praising his humility and professionalism.
Akpan retired from The Guardian Newspapers before establishing his own media platform. He was based in Calabar until his death.
The council chairman, Hon. Elder Prince Godwin Ogorugba, announced the curfew in a statement issued on Friday after a security council meeting.
The development follows recent violent clashes between rival cult groups in the area, which have resulted in renewed security concerns.
Ogorugba said the decision was necessary to restore peace and order, protect lives and property, and enable security agencies to conduct thorough operations to bring the situation under control.
According to the statement, all motorists, commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and residents of Ozoro and its environs are directed to remain indoors between 7:00pm and 6:00am daily, effective Friday, October 23, 2026, until further notice.
The council chairman appealed to residents to comply with the curfew and provide security agencies with useful information about suspected security threats.
He also directed security agencies to ensure that those involved in the cult-related violence are apprehended and brought to justice.
Ogorugba assured residents that the council was working closely with the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to restore normalcy as soon as possible.
“I am using this opportunity to appeal for calm and I urge parents and community leaders to caution their wards to desist from all forms of criminality and cult-related activities”, he said.
The governor’s approval is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Asaba, Dr. Kingsley Emu, Friday.
Ehimen’s appointment was sequel to the retirement of Mrs. Minimim Oseji, who would be out of the State Civil Service on October 28.
Until her appointment, Ehimen was the Permanent Secretary attached to the Office of the Head of Service, and was previously Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Renewal.
According to Emu, the swearing-in of the new HoS will be announced in due course.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during his post State Executive Council meeting briefing, conveyed Oborevwori’s appreciation for the outgoing HoS, Dr. Minimim Oseji.
According to Aniagwu, the Governor, who presided over the council meeting, announced a new succession policy for the office of the HoS.
He said the policy was aimed at repositioning and to bring about institutional understanding and experience in the appointment of HoS.
“Oborevwori lauded the outgoing HoS for her reforms and tenacity.
“Henceforth, whoever will succeed the HoS must spend a minimum of six months in that office as Permanent Secretary (PS) to understudy the processes and procedures in the management of the career of public officers”, Aniagwu said.
The outgoing HoS succeeded Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who occupied the office for almost nine years.
Oseji was sworn-in as the 12th Head of Service on April 10, 2025.
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