Rivers

Communal Conciliation: DELGA Boss Sets The Pace …Brokers Peace Amongst Belligerent Gang Members In Bakana

Published

4 years ago

November 22, 2021

Peace remains the highest achievement of any society, as no meaningful development can take place in a rancorous and hostile environment.
This perhaps, is one of the greatest achievements of the administration of the projects-oriented Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, amongst his trail of achievements.
The administration on Monday, November 15, 2021, made history, as it in an unprecedented manner, brokered peace amongst the various warring gang members in Bakana, which had been at daggers drawn for several years.
Speaking during the historic occasion at the Bakana Town Square, the council boss stated that the peace parley was aimed at reconciling brothers.
He noted that Bakana is a land of strength, unity and love as exemplified by the founding fathers of the community, adding that the people of Bakana should not be seen, showing that strength against one another, but unite as one against external aggressions.
Hon. Williams stated that the days where people come in, commit crime and flee the community was over, warning that the Council administration and the community will go hard against anyone who breaks the peace accord.
While thanking the peace initiators and leaders of the various cult groups for embracing the peace, the Chairman urged them to return from their exile and contribute positively towards the development of the community, just like his administration is doing.
“If you are a Bakana son and you truly love Bakana, this is the time to show it.
“The reason we are here is to make sure that our brothers see one another as brothers. It is to make sure that if you are a Bakana son, you will never kill a Bakana son again, because if you do, Bakana and the authority will come for you.
“If you are a strong man, take your power outside, don’t bring it here because Bakana is a peaceful community and that peace has been restored.
“I am happy that today our brothers that have not seen each other for a very long time are seeing one another eyeball to eyeball. This means that peace has come to stay,” the LGA Boss stated.
In their solidarity speeches, initiators of the peace parley all thanked the Council Chairman for his magnanimity, courage and determination in restoring peace to the community after so many years of gang rivalry.
Amb. Marvin Thompson in his solidarity speech particularly thanked the Council Chairman for being a great leader, whom his people can trust, noting that it was a thing of joy to see everyone come together as brothers in reconciliation.
While also thanking the various groups for embracing the peace accord, Marvin Thompson, who went on his knees on behalf of the repentant groups, appealed to members of the community, who might have lost loved ones, to forgive them and move on, adding that; “we are doing this peace for the good of Bakana.”
On his part, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Friday Eboka, thanked the Council Chairman for uniting the community through the peace accord.
The CP, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Lawal Adamu Shinkafi, urged genuine reconciliation and patriotism amongst the various groups, stressing that only a peaceful environment can attract development.
ACP Shinkafi, who is the Area Commander in Degema, noted that Bakana is a blessed island, which could be developed to a tourist centre, urging them to shun violence, in order to maximize the vast potentials of the community.
The police boss however warned that any renegade, who violates the peace accord is “on his own,” as the law will catch up with him.
Highpoint of the parley was signing of the peace accord by leaders of the various groups.
The groups which participated in the peace parley include; Icelanders, Greenlanders, Deybam, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC).
The Peace Accord was facilitated by Emmanuel Martyns (Babangida), Marvin Thompson, Amb. Dennis Teneilabe and Prince SobrasuaOdum in conjunction with the Degema Local Government Council.
In attendance were the Executive Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Hon. Michael John Williams, personnel of the 103 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, officers of the Police Area Command and the Divisional Police Command, top functionaries of the Council, amongst others.

Rivers

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

3 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor