Niger Delta

Stakeholders Fault Selection Of New Eleme Monarch

Published

7 years ago

July 15, 2019

Less than a week after the emergence of HRM Philip Osaro Obele as the new king of Eleme in Rivers State, stakeholders, including some traditional rulers have faulted his selection, saying due process was not followed.
The Tide recalled that some clan heads in Eleme had reportedly elected Obele as new king of the area, claiming that the monarch was chosen by consensus at the Eleme town square, last Wednesday.
Paramount Ruler of Ogale in Eleme, HRH Godwin Bebe Okpabi who himself was a contender to the stool of Eleme land, had told newsmen that the monarch’s (king) selection was peaceful; describing it as a ‘total display of that ancient tradition of the people of Eleme by ten clan heads”.
But a contender to the stool and Paramount Ruler of Okori Kingdom in Eleme, HRH Appolus Chu described Obele’s declaration as null and void, pointing out that the kingship position is not hereditary, saying all interested parties, key stakeholders should be notified and allowed to particpate in the selection.
Addressing newsmen in company of some elites, chiefs and traditional rulers at his palace weekend, Dr. Chu expressed surprise over news of the selection and coronation of Sir Obelle as Eleme king.
Dr. Chu who is the Egbere Emere 1, Okori, Eleme Kingdom expressed displeasure that as one of the candidates for the exalted stool of Eleme Kingdom, he was not informed of the selection, noting that such development was capable of causing disunity in the area.
“What happened two or three days ago (last Wednesday), although I have been briefed when stakeholders, chiefs, most members of the Eleme Council of Chiefs were here to express their bitterness and grievances over what has happened.
“They (the stakeholders) were not here because they are against HRM Dr. Philip Obele, the one they said was chosen as King. They are not against him, but everyone is getting bored and angry because something is missing and not going right. That is the custom, the culture and the value of Eleme people.
“I was not informed in any way that they are selecting, or choosing or electing the king of Eleme. I am one of the highest Yam title holders in Eleme kingdom and as a candidate or interested candidate of the stool of the king of Eleme I am just surprised that those I expected to protect the custom and culture of our people are the ones violating the custom, the culture, process or where one or two will seat and say they have chosen the king of Eleme,” he stated.
The monarch described the selection process as an effort in futility; pointing out that the people of Eleme were yet to select their King.
“We have former Ministers in Eleme, we have an ambassador here, serving local government chairman and former council chairmen, we also have serving and former Commissioners. We have Bishops, and Arch Bishops and so on.
“Are all these personalities not supposed to be a part of the meeting to deliberate on the process of selection of who becomes their king? We have culture, values and traditions and then one or two people make up themselves to say that they have chosen.
“I am really disappointed that our values which is our culture and tradition is being destroyed in the hands of some traditional rulers that are supposed to hold this customs and culture very well and protect because it is sacred stool. What do we pass on to our children if everything is being turned into politics?
“In Eleme today, people need to rise up and condemn what is wrong. I am one to the aspirants of this stool. So I believe things should be done right. I was denied my right of participation. Eleme people have not selected their king because the stool is not hereditary. What this will cause is disunity. This is not politics. We should not force ourselves on our people so that we can earn their respect,” the monarch said.

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

16 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

16 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

16 hours ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.