Niger Delta

2023: Diri, Wike Meet In Yenagoa, Reassure On PDP’s Victory

Published

4 years ago

January 12, 2022

Ahead of the 2023 polls,the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and his Rivers State counterpart, Chief Nyesom Wike, have met in Government House Yenagoa,with governor Diri reassuring that the chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) producing the next President of Nigeria come 2023 were very bright.
The Tide which monitored the visit in Yenagoa reports that the governors of the two sister states who spoke on Monday when Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State visited his Bayelsa counterpart, Douye Diri at the Government House in Yenagoa also commended the developmental strides of each other.
Governor Wike’s host, Diri said only the PDP can rescue Nigeria from its present state of insecurity and economic woes,describing the presidency as a sacred office, just as he said the party has been repositioned to ensure it wins the presidency in the 2023 general elections.
A press statement made available to newsman shortly after the visit by the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa state Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted Governor Diri as saying that the PDP was the only party with the pedigree to give Nigerians hope and a sense of direction.
The statement reads in parts:”The presidency is one sacred office and we must do everything to protect it and ensure that our party clinches victory at the 2023 general polls.
“The number one thing for our party is our unity. Second is who becomes president. We have a capable national chairman that can steer us back to power come 2023.”
Governor Diri, who lauded the Rivers state governor for demonstrating leadership and purposeful governance also stressed that states in the Niger Delta needed to unite more to tackle their common challenges, particularly in the areas of environmental pollution and underdevelopment.
“Bayelsa and Rivers states are brothers and sisters historically and culturally and if anyone is trying to divide us, we must come against them.
“I call on Ijaw leaders to come together and resolve whatever issues we may have amicably. Within a family, we will always have issues but that should not remove our brotherliness,” Governor Diri said.
The Bayelsa state chief executive reemphasised the need for more consultations between him and his Rivers counterpart towards strengthening their bond of unity, just as he also commended Governor Wike for his role in ensuring the repositioning of the PDP, describing him as a committed party man.
Given his remarks, Governor Wike expressed confidence that the PDP will produce the next president of Nigeria, saying that Nigerians were waiting for the party to rescue them from the current situation in the country, noting that leaders and members of the party cannot afford to miss this opportunity.
He echoed the need for unity of purpose between Bayelsa and Rivers and the entire PDP, stressing that without a united front, success would be elusive.
The Rivers state chief executive thanked his Bayelsa counterpart for his developmental efforts and commitment to the party, urging the people of the state to continue supporting the state governor.
“Today, I came to let everybody know that Senator Douye Diri is one of the governors I can tell you has shown commitment even though he is new and he believes in the development of his state. I am not someone that will come and say what is not correct.
“I have also come to tell him that everybody must work together to make the PDP united because without party there cannot be presidential candidate. Let us all unite.
“Nigerians are waiting for PDP and we cannot afford to miss this opportunity. As governors, we must work together. Anybody can be presidential candidate but if we are not united it cannot be possible,” Governor Wike said.
The Tide reports that Governor Wike had as part of his entourage for the visit a high-powered delegation, comprising former Rivers state governor, Chief Celestine Omehia, two former Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara and Prince Chibudom Nwuche, respectively, as well as former Minister of Transport, Chief Abiye Sekibo.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Get Your PVC, Shape Nigeria’s Future, NDDC MD Tells Students

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the Niger Delta to embrace their civic responsibilities by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Ogbuku made the call at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was represented by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.

Describing the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation, Ogbuku said it empowers citizens, especially young people, to influence governance and elect leaders who reflect their aspirations.

“The Nigerian youth remain the heartbeat of the new Nigeria we seek. Their energy, creativity and voice will determine the nation’s trajectory.

“However, for that voice to count, they must obtain their PVCs. It is through this process that they can shape decisions, influence leadership and demand accountability”, he said.

He added that the act of voting reflects citizens’ belief in the country’s potential for growth and progress, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of forthcoming general elections.

The NDDC boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic awareness and youth empowerment, noting that the agency has sustained various transformation and capacity-building programmes across the region.

Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at deepening democracy through voter education and civic orientation.

According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in universities across the Niger Delta, aims to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage active participation.

“We are engaging students across institutions in the region to sensitise them on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating in elections. This is one of the ways young people can influence governance and contribute to economic direction,” he said.

Okani expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained in the years ahead to strengthen democratic values and youth inclusion in governance.

Niger Delta

Oborevwore Counsels Corps Members On Productive Service Year, Purposeful Future

Published

19 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwore, has urged corps members to participate in all programmes designed to instill discipline, resilience, and the practical knowledge required for a productive service year for a purposeful future.

Oborevwore said this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream Il Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, said this is an opportunity to strengthen themselves.

“An opportunity to tell yourselves that this is the last chance you have to be protected by the government.

“As a student, you enjoyed a lot of immunity. As corp members you are still going to enjoy a lot of immunity and after NYSC you are on your own, therefore, you must prepare to face the world.

“My dear corps members, as you embark on this national assignment, uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.

“You stand at the threshold of a defining phase, one that calls for service, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to national development.

“Embrace this experience, build friendships, deepen mutual respect, and strengthen the unity that remains the cornerstone of our nationhood.

“Delta State is peaceful, welcoming, and rich in opportunities. I urge you to make your service impactful and to leave your host communities better than you met them.

“Be law-abiding, respect the customs of your host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this great nation. The future of Nigeria is, indeed, in your hands”, he said.

He, however, urged corp members to be serious in their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, saying that it was the key to fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.

While noting that he was aware of the infrastructural challenges within this camp, he assured that the state government was taking deliberate steps to address these gaps.

“The construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security and the upgrade of critical facilities, these will receive priority attention”, he said.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. John Kwange, commended the Governor for his consistent and unwavering support to the NYSC scheme.

“The reconstruction of the camp’s perimeter fence, construction of the internal road network, and reticulation of water, among other projects, have greatly enhanced the security of lives and property, while also significantly improving the overall camp infrastructure”, he said.

He urged corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and abide by the rules guiding the orientation course.

“It is important to inform our corps members that the three-week orientation course is carefully designed to equip you with the necessary skills and right values for national development.

“The course is aimed at instilling discipline, leadership values, perseverance, humility, and endurance in all participants, with a view to promoting unity in diversity through peaceful coexistence”, he said.

The State Coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,611 corps members, comprising 1,203 males and 1,408 females, were registered.

Niger Delta

CSOs, Bille Community Urge Solution To Persistent Underwater Gas Eruption

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the people of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have called for government’s urgent intervention to end the suspected underwater gas eruption in the community.

The groups, under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Action and Social Action, made the call during their advocacy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in Port Harcourt.

The Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor, said the visit was to seek clarity on the response efforts of the regulators to the development in the community.

Ebiaridor expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate response from regulatory agencies and the government concerning the incident”.

He said discussions with some officials revealed that there was still no clear timeline for action to address the situation.

According to him, in the absence of clear ownership of the facility linked to the incident, companies operating within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 should be held accountable.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had in a statement issued on March 20 by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission had commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community.

Eyesan said the commission expressed concern over the development and assured residents of its ongoing efforts to address the situation.

Also, the Resource Justice Manager of Social Action, Dr. Prince Edegbuo, warned that the situation could escalate into a public health emergency, if urgent steps were not taken.

Edegbuo called on relevant authorities to release the results of the tests reportedly conducted in the area, stressing that residents had the right to know the condition of their environment.

He also said CSOs were prepared to intensify advocacy on the matter, urging the development of emergency response measures, including possible evacuation plans.

A legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Mr. Commission Deinbo, had, on March 20, said residents had continued to witness unusual signs on the waterways in the area.

Deinbo said the signs included boiling and bubbling from the ground and river, sometimes within residential areas, as well as fire outbreaks, which the residents had always managed to contain.

He appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid and find a lasting solution to the problem.

In a response, the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Bello Augustin, assured the community that he would relate its concerns to the appropriate quarters.

Augustin also commended the CSOs for their advocacy and concerns to community development in the state.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick