Niger Delta

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

Published

4 years ago

August 3, 2022

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

NPC Unveils Digital Registration System In Delta

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The National Population Commission (NPC), on Friday, launched the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System (eCRVS) in Delta State, designed to strengthen data generation and vital statistics management.

The Tide’s source reports that the system was launched by the Delta Federal Commissioner, Mrs. Blessyn Brume-Ataguba, at a news briefing in Asaba.

Brume-Ataguba recalled that President Bola Tinubu formally launched the eCRVS in November 2023 as part of the efforts to modernise Nigeria’s civil registration process.

She said the initiative followed resolutions reached at the Sixth Session of the Conference of African Ministers Responsible for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Addis Ababa in 2022.

According to her, African ministers urged member states to automate civil registration processes and implement the UN Legal Identity Agenda.

“Nigeria responded by developing an electronic, technology-driven system to enhance data generation and improve civil statistics nationwide,” Brume-Ataguba said.

She said NPC, in collaboration with UNICEF, produced an eCRVS Operational Readiness Assessment Report to guide implementation.

She explained that the partnership aims to establish a fully digital civil registration system that converts records of vital events into reliable statistics for effective planning and decision-making.

Brume-Ataguba described the initiative as a complete shift from paper-based documentation to a modern digital platform aligned with international best practices.

She said the system would transform the way births and deaths were recorded, tracked and analysed across the country.

“This process marks a complete departure from the traditional paper-based recording of vital events to a state-of-the-art digital solution that conforms to international best practices.

“This eCRVS promises to revolutionise how vital events are recorded, tracked and analysed in the country.

“This will ensure commitments, and a sustained national, international financial and political investment for birth registration within the CVRS in Nigeria, ” Brume-Ataguba said.

She also said the launch demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening civil registration data capture and processing.

She further said improved vital statistics would support national development planning and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Brume-Ataguba continued that the state-level launch was necessary to sensitise the media and the public on the significance of the digital registration system.

She described the media as a vital partner in informing and educating citizens about the importance of registering vital events electronically.

She further assured residents that competent ICT personnel were available at the state level to address technical challenges and provide support.

The NPC commissioner emphasised that the eCRVS would overhaul the registration of births and deaths in the country and lay a solid foundation for efficient civil statistics management.

She urged stakeholders to collaborate with the commission to realise its goal of providing accurate and timely vital registration data.

She announced that the current phase of the e-CRVS programme would be concluded in March.

In her remark, the NPC State Director, Mrs. Jane Odigwe, appealed to the Delta Government to support the implementation of the system in the state.

“Your partnership is vital in helping us to reach this goal,” Odigwe said.

She also urged parents to register their children, saying that a birth certificate is essential for access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said that registering children today would secure their identity and future participation in Nigeria’s development.

“To every parent in Delta, I urge you to bring your children forward for birth registration.

“A birth certificate is not just a document but your child’s key to education, healthcare and global opportunities.

“By registering your child today, you are giving them a voice in Nigeria of tomorrow,” Odigwe said.

Niger Delta

Police Uncover Suspects’ Armoury … Recover Weapons In Delta

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has recovered assorted weapons from a criminal hideout in the state.

Spokesman for the Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to newsmen, who on Friday in Warri, said the weapons were recovered on Thursday by the operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.

He said the feat was achieved following a confession by a suspect handed over to the police team by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, for further interrogation.

Edafe said the suspect was alleged to be a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising commuters and residents on the Warri/Sapele Road.

“On February 19, acting on information obtained during interrogation, the suspect led the operatives to a concealed armoury located on the Sapele/Warri Road by the Adheje Community axis.

“A thorough search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of a locally made long gun, a locally made cut-to-size gun.

“Also recovered were a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, 10 live cartridges and a dagger,” he said.

Edafe stated that the investigation into the matter was ongoing.

He, however, quoted the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Mr. Aina Adesola, to have reiterated the command’s resolve in dismantling criminal networks, and mopping up illegal firearms, among others, in the state.

Niger Delta

Police Caution On Lawless Protests On Court Matters In A’Ibom

Published

7 days ago

February 23, 2026

The Tide

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has cautioned on threats of lawless protests by some members of the public over matters that are already before the courts.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, told newsmen in Uyo on Friday that illegal protests could undermine public peace and order.

“When matters are already in court, let’s follow legal and civil means to seek redress. That is how a civilised society works.

“Although we recognise the constitutional rights of citizens to lawful expression and peaceful assembly, illegal protests are not allowed,” he said.

Azare said the Command would not tolerate threats or acts of nude protests, unlawful occupation of public or private facilities, and disruption of government, economic or social activities.

He said anyone found culpable of engaging in acts or threats of illegal protests would be prosecuted in line with the law.

“As a Command, we are committed to the maintenance of law and order, we are also committed to protecting lives and property”, he stated.