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We’ll Not Allow Environmental Degradation Of Ijaw To Continue – IDA
As environmental pollution continues to devastate oil and gas bearing communities in the Niger Delta region, the Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC), weekend, resolved not to allow environmental degradation in Ijawland to continue.
This was stated by the President, IDC, MondySelle Gold, during IDC’s ‘First Annual General Meeting’ held virtually, ahead of its Ijaw Diaspora Convention, which will take place in Newark, New Jersey, NY, United States of America, USA, from July 1- 3, 2022.
Gold said the Ijaw people have suffered untold hardship over the years and subjected to contamination on water, land and air, while they have been far away from the wealth around them.
According to him, the story of environmental degradation has not witnessed any significant change, but has continued to be politicized and toyed with following the predicament the people find themselves and environmental challenges awaiting generations unborn.
The IDC is one of most diverse and prestigious group of like-minded men and women who are dedicated to the Ijawnation’s economic freedom, unity, peace, and development.
He said: “Through high-impact initiatives in education, livelihoods, public health, and leadership development, the Ijaw Diaspora Council is devoted to catalysing social and economic change in Ijawnation and forging a permanent bridge between the Diaspora and our country Nigeria.
“Ijaw people are subjected to contaminated groundwater and air pollution, especially those who by no fault of theirs, the oil and gas facilities have come to reside with them.
“Oil and gas production, as well as its catastrophic effects, have obvious economic ramifications, particularly in the agricultural and fishery industries, as well as the rapid deterioration of human health.
“These are some of the most challenging problems to overcome, and that is why members of the Ijaw Diaspora will gather to learn, communicate, and discuss.
“The economy of Ijawnation must grow, which requires members to pay attention to the foundations of strategic generosity and reputational liberality.”
The IDC boss, however, caution that, “Posterity will have the final say, but this period should not be remembered for irreparable rifts, consummate cheapness, or unending conflict, rather it should be remembered with our achievements and ability to harness our differences as strength to succeed.
“Environmental restoration, educational opportunities, medical issues, cultural heritage integration initiative, and economic development measures, all will be considered at the Ijaw Diaspora Convention, which will take place in Newark, NJ from July 1 to 3, 2022.”
He also pointed that at the highest social levels the organisation contributes to the safety and security of the people and communities including development of the Ijaw people, which is an essential and significant responsibility they have as an organisation at that level.
However, he spoke extensively on the unity of the Ijaws in Diaspora to make meaningful impact on the lives of the impoverished Ijaw people, and charged them to work in unity and focus on the things that would change the narrative, and it does not matter how long it might take them.
“Good things aren’t easy to get by! You can work for ten years without getting anywhere, yet only one event or year will pay off. But the truth is that nice things aren’t easy to come by! It necessitates some effort, as well as patience and perseverance. Furthermore, it will take some time and will require perseverance.
“Our members, partners, and supporters are critical to our success, but we must continue to learn, grow, and build Ijawland without causing chaos or playing power games. We won’t be able to meet our goals or fulfil the purpose of the 2022 Newark convention if we don’t work together.
“Please, don’t let the effect of money and its challenges poison many a relationship or blind individual mind to the wider vision of how we must handle stubborn issues that are impeding Ijawnation’s progress.
“I implore you to make a life-altering decision to serve our people better and foremost. Let there be more love and unity and collaboration. Let there be more strategic generosity and reputational liberality”, he added.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene