Niger Delta

2023: Avoid Past Mistakes, Dep Gov Warns Christians

Published

3 years ago

August 31, 2022

The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has cautioned christians to avoid mistakes they made in 2015 and 2019 general elections in order to save the nation from total collapse.
He made the call at Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, Sagbama, during the second session of the fifth synod of the Western Izon Diocese of the Anglican Communion.
Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement issued at the weekend by his media aide, Mr Doubara Atasi, warned that failure to vote wisely in the upcoming general elections would spell greater doom in every sphere of Nigerians national life.
The Deputy Governor said instead of wasting time engaging in unnecessary debates, churches should sensitize their members to vote for the party that will promote the growth and development of Christianity as well as the unity, security and economic wellbeing of the country.
He insisted that repeating the mistakes of the past was tantamount to madness caused by the proverbial dog biting the same person a second time.
The Deputy Governor cautioned christians against what he called “sleeping on duty”, and charged the body of Christ in the country to wake up from its slumber and begin to interrogate issues in such a way that will promote the common good.
Making a reference to the fate that befell the Church in Turkey, he said Christians in Nigeria could not afford to remain docile in the face of current realities but rather, take action in doing the right things it is called out for in society.
“I am not here to campaign, but the truth is that the mistakes we did in 2015 and 2019, if we make those mistakes again, then we are going to behave like a man whom a dog bit twice.
“When a dog bites you once, that dog must be mad; but if the same dog bites you a second time, then probably it is you that is mad because you should have taken caution.
“I believe that caution is the senior brother to carefulness. We must be careful as we vote again in 2023, if not, we will throw this country into greater doom and suffering. I’m saying this because ‘a stitch in time, saves nine’”, he said.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also re-echoed his concern that the undiluted gospel of Christ was being pushed aside with “contemporary teachings” that lay less emphasis on holiness, righteousness and discipleship.
The Deputy Governor, who congratulated the Anglican Diocese of Western Izon for a successful synod,, encouraged the Church in Nigeria to learn from her mistakes and correct them before it was too late.
“The essence of a synod is for us to reflect on and know where we were yesterday, where we are today, and where we are going to be tomorrow. It is not a ritual, but it is an obligation.
“The bishop’s charge is very clear. He has told us what it is going to look like. Within the charge, there are issues that are political; religious, moral, and also issues that are social.
“The gospel is almost pushed aside with contemporary teachings, but let’s stick to the traditional message of the church.
“We must learn from our mistakes as a church. Turkey today is an Islamic country, but all of us know that Turkey was not an Islamic country before. What brought about this? They made mistakes.
“Are we sure we are not making the same mistakes? Are we not sleeping on our duty as Christians? Let the church interrogate itself. The church is too docile and distracted”, he added.
In his Charge, the Bishop of Diocese of Western Izon, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Victor Ebipade Okporu, underscored the need for both the church and the nation to seek divine help from the Almighty God for a positive turnaround in the country.
Drawing from Psalm 121, Rev. Okporu noted that the church and humanity need spiritual help to overcome sin and the power of the enemy, as well as grace for healing, good governance and success in every aspect of life.
The Bishop decried the worrisome state of the nation, citing the issues of insecurity, failing economy, rising public debts, and decadence in the education sector, saying that it was time the church came together in unity to seek God’s face for the country.
The Synod of the Western Izon Diocese, with the theme: “Help From God”, had in attendance several men of God, including the Archbishop of Bendel Province, The Most Reverend Cyril Odutemu, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Izon, Right Rev. Funkuro Amgbare.

Niger Delta

Court Declares DESTMA Activities Unconstitutional

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.

Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.

Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.

Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.

“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.

Niger Delta

COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.

Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.

The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.

Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.

“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.

“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.

Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.

He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

“I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.

“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.

“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.

By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Eno Inaugurates Committees On TSA, International Airport Status

Published

1 day ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.

While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.

“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.

“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.

He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.

Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.

“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.

“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”

The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.

He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.

“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.

“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.

Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.

He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.

The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.

He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.