Niger Delta
2023: Diri’s Aide Faults Decampees, Dispels Rumours On Dickson

The Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Inter-party Relations, Barr. Jackson Ebi Suokiri, has described the recent defection of some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as ill-conceived.
Suokiri stated this in Kaiama, headquarters of the Kolokuma/Opokuma Council area of the state in a chat with journalists against the background of a gale of defections from the PDP to other parties in the past weeks in the state.
The Bayelsa Governor’s aide, who alleged that the trio of Hons. Victor Isaiah, Executive Chairman, Brass Council Area, Daniel Mark-Iworiso, former Commissioner for Information and Orientation, and Alex Dumbo, former Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s office, have benefited maximally from the PDP, restated that though it is normal and legal to defect from one party to the other, the defection of the trio from the PDP to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was not done with good conscience.
He urged Bayelsans and the public to discountenance any rumour that the defection of the trio who were alleged allies of the immediate past Governor of the State, Seriake Dickson, was a pointer that the incumbent Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the former now have a soured relationship.
He reiterated that Governor Diri and Senator Dickson have a blossoming relationship, noting that the allegations that those who were the latter’s loyalists were being mistreated in the Governor Diri-led prosperity administration were spurious claims.
Suokiri, who also stated that the recent PDP primaries were free, fair and credible, lauded the governor for ensuring a level playing ground, saying those defecting from the party are aspirants who were defeated in the primaries.
He emphasized that rather than allege that the primaries were not transparent and that they were being victimized in the PDP, the defectors, he insisted, should have ideally said having lost the primaries in the PDP, they would now like to test their popularity in the SDP.
“Governor Diri ensured that there were credible primaries. In every contest, there would be winners and losers. I, therefore, see no reason why after losing the primaries, a party member who has benefited immensely from the PDP should think of defecting. Instead, if I were them, I would’ve been very loyal and faithful now so that I can be carried along.
“Iworiso was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor, Seriake Dickson. From the position of a CPS, he was later appointed as Information and Orientation Commissioner. But honestly, I don’t see an Iworiso winning primaries. I don’t think he has the structure in Ogbia to do that even.
“For Victor Isaiah, the Brass LG Chairman, I also think he never thought it wise to have opted to defect at this time. Like the other defectors, he has benefited more from the PDP.
“He was appointed as Care-taker Committee Chairman of that LGA and was later elected as Executive Chairman.
“If I were him, I would’ve still toed the path of loyalty, especially now that his tenure as Chairman would be expiring soon.
“Imagine, just a few days after their defections, they were announced as flag-bearers of the SDP in their various elective Constituencies.
“Bayelsans know that Governor Diri has done marvelously well in both human capital and infrastructural developments and even timely payment of civil servants, etc.
“So, I’ld like to assure Bayelsans that the Governor has also graciously reinvigorated unity and love within the PDP, and so the party has all the structures needed to win any election here in the state”, Suokiri said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.