Niger Delta

IYC Angry Over Arrest Of Youth By Police

Published

5 years ago

February 22, 2021

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has expressed anger over the alleged arrest of Mr Kingsley Joseph, an Ijaw youth from Bilabiri Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by the police.
The IYC in a statement by its spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, alleged that since Joseph was apprehended by operatives from Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) about two weeks ago, he had been denied access to his family, friends and lawyer.
Ekerefe said: “The attention of the IYC has been drawn to the arrest/abduction of one Mr. Kingsley Joseph, an illustrious Ijaw son from Bilabiri community in Ekeremor LGA of Bayelsa State by officers of FCIID led by one Inspector Bonze Palasou since February 8, 2021.
“He was seized alongside one Chief Jack Angila from Ezetu town in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
“Since the date of the arrest/abduction, Mr Kingsley Joseph has been denied access to family members, friends and even his counsel till date.
“It has become so worrisome as available intelligence report points to the fact that Joseph has been chained on both hands and legs and subjected to the most dehumanising conditions which have led to his health deteriorating.
“The alleged officers of the FCIID have deliberately refused to allow his lawyer access nor state the crime upon which he was arrested.
“It is pertinent to note that under our laws, particularly Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, entitles anybody to fair hearing no matter the gravity of the offence committed.”
Ekerefe said the IYC was further informed that Joseph is being moved from one detention centre to another, noting that he was first detained at the Area Command Cell at Opolo and later moved to Azikoro Town Police Station in Yenagoa and now to an unknown location in Warri, Delta State.
He added: “This is a case of gross violation of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution.
“The IYC frowns vehemently on this naked violation of Joseph’s rights and admonishes the police authorities to desist from such unethical and illegal actions capable of replaying the recent mass actions arising from these condemned acts of the police.
“While we applaud the continuous discharge of their obligations as security personnel, such actions must be guided and be within the ambits of the law. Anything done in gross violation will only lead to unforeseen and unpredictable reactions by the citizens.”

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

3 days ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.