Niger Delta

LG Projects’ Execution Excites Diri

Published

4 years ago

August 3, 2022

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the projects executed by Local Government Councils in the State were as a result of the financial autonomy they enjoy under his administration.
Diri stated this during the commencement of inauguration of projects in seven of the eight councils in the State.
Speaking while inaugurating a one-storey office complex at the Yenagoa Local Government Secretariat, the Governor also said the prudent management of funds under the strict supervision of his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the execution of meaningful projects possible across the wards and communities in the eight councils.
He stressed that his administration does not tamper with allocations accruing to the councils, but has rather been assisting them with N100 million on a monthly basis for payment of salaries.
”We are in full support of autonomy for the Local Government system. When we came in, we discovered that the local government system had a lot of challenges.
“Across the country, you are all aware that most State Governments had been accused of dabbling into local governments funds.
“But in our State, I like to put on record that this administration led by me has never requested for one naira from the local government system.
“The chairmen can attest to that. Rather the State goverynment assists local governments when they have challenges. Local governments in Bayelsa State have been truly autonomous and have been doing their own thing. That is why we have gathered for a ceremony like this”, Diri said.
According to the governor, the same council chairmen that said they were unable to pay salaries now have savings.
“I can tell you that the Yenagoa Local Council Chairman is going to hand over more than N100 million to the incoming chairman”, he added.
While commending the council chairmen for keying into his vision and the successful completion of legacy projects, Governor Diri cautioned them against engaging in last minute employment of workers as their tenure expires in August, 2022.
He assured them that their severance allowances would be made available to them and also hinted that plans were ongoing to set aside funds from the councils savings for the payment of gratuity of local government retirees.
“Our chairmen are about to exit. We have the issue of backlog of severance allowances. This group that is exiting, there is already money made available for severance payment.
“We plan to commence the compulsory payment of what is due to the local government councils. To that effect, on monthly basis, N5million has been approved for that payment to local government councils”, the Bayelsa Chief Executive stated.
The Governor also inaugurated projects in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA), which included a model motor park at Kaiama equipped with market stalls, offices and borehole.
Also inaugurated were a divisional police headquarters in Kaiama, headquarters of the LGA and a concrete road linking the council’s secretariat.
While inspecting the KOLGA Skills Acquisition Centre, Diri directed all council chairmen to set up skills aquisition centres as well as directing the construction of walkways, two additional hostels and renovation of the NYSC Camp Clinic.
Earlier, the Yenagoa council chairman, Nimizuo Oroupaye, said he embarked on the office complex project to mitigate the plight of workers, who lacked office space.
Oroupaye listed some of the projects completed to include construction of concrete walkway at Biseni and Agudama/Ekpetiama, renovation of Igbogene market, rehabilitation of solar water project, Bomoundi, renovation of the Okolobiri and Gbarain markets.
Also in his address, the Kolokuma/Opokuma Council boss, Dengiye Ubarugu, appreciated the governor for his role in making the local government system functional.
Ubarugu attested that the state government had not meddled in the finances of his council, which he noted was largely responsible for the successes achieved.
Some of the projects completed include mini neighborhood water projects at Ekpuwari, Ofonibiri, Boro Town road, Oloibiri, Kaiama, Abuwari, Ayibabiri and Kalama communities.
Also a concrete road at Igbedi, construction of Odi market, construction of foodsstuff market at Sampou, renovation of Proctor Memorial Primary School, Kaiama and printing of exercise books for primary schools in the council.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Asaba, Warri Monarchs Seek Deeper Regional Cooperation

Published

5 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, has called for renewed commitment towards strengthening the historic ties between the Asaba and Warri Kingdoms for mutual benefits.

Azinge made the call recently in Asaba, when he played host to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, in his palace.

Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between the two royal institutions, he recalled the deep bond shared by the Olu’s father, Ogiame Atuwatse II, and his predecessor, the late Prof. Chike Edozien.

He said the cordial relationship extended beyond official engagements, adding that he and his family also maintained close personal ties with the immediate past Warri traditional ruler.

The Asagba expressed optimism about the future of the relationship, commending the Olu for his deliberate efforts to revive and strengthen the agelong alliance between both kingdoms.

He pledged to fully support any initiatives aimed at deepening the cooperation, while also lauding the Olu’s leadership qualities.

He described the Olu as “a visionary monarch with a strong global outlook”.

Azinge also praised his visitor for his “humility, composure, and commitment to elevating the status of his throne on the international stage”, saying that such qualities exemplify ideal traditional leadership.

He urged the Olu not to relent in his efforts, describing his growing influence and recognition within and beyond Delta as commendable and worthy of emulation.

He said, ”You are a leading light in your own right. Long before ascending the throne, I have watched you closely and observed your trajectory as a King; a Sovereign, and you epitomise all that a monarch should be.”

The Asagba also highlighted existing personal connections between both royal families, noting that the Olu’s Queen shared a close relationship with his daughter, further strengthening their bond.

Speaking on broader regional engagement, Azinge disclosed that he recently returned from a five-day working visit to Sierra Leone, where he held high-level meetings with traditional authorities, academia, and government officials.

He said discussions during the visit emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among African traditional rulers, particularly within the West African sub-region.

According to him, the President of Sierra Leone, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, encouraged traditional leaders to build stronger networks and consider having periodic meetings to promote unity and development.

Azinge expressed the confidence that such initiatives, when realised, would include key monarchs, such as the Olu of Warri.

He reaffirmed the role of traditional institutions in supporting government efforts, particularly in areas, such as security and community development, emphasising the need to for them to leave lasting legacies.

Earlier in his remark, the Olu of Warri expressed gratitude for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage, describing the visit as both “significant and memorable”.

He apologised for his absence at the Asagba’s coronation and assured that he would return for a more elaborate visit at a mutually convenient time.

The Olu recalled the cordial relationship his father shared with the late Asagba, saying that it afforded him early exposure to the Asaba royal institution and its traditions.

He reiterated his commitment to reviving and strengthening the relationship between the two kingdoms, emphasising the importance of unity for the progress of their people and the country.

Ogiame Atuwatse III also extended an invitation to the Asagba to attend his fifth coronation anniversary, scheduled for August, expressing the hope for continued collaboration in the years ahead.

Niger Delta

NCos Investigates Explosives Recovery At Ikot Ekpene Facility

Published

5 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) Command in Akwa Ibom State says investigation is ongoing on the recent recovery of explosive materials at the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO), DSC Richard Metong, told The Tide’s source in Uyo, the State’s capital, that the centre was safe and secure.

“We are currently investigating the incident, we must identify those responsible for that.

“We are working with sister security agencies to ensure that those behind the act are unmasked and prosecuted”, he said.

Metong continued that the command had maintained a close watch at the facility since the recovery of the explosives.

“Normal activities are going on at the center, There is no panic anywhere within and outside the facility”, he said.

The PRO stated that the command had activated inter-agency operation at all custodial centres in the state.

It would be recalled that on April 28, some explosive materials were recovered within the premises of the Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre.

According to police statement, the recovered include, 90mm high explosive rounds and 45cm length of burning fuse.

The police also recovered one pair of pincers, one flat screwdriver, two pieces of 12mm iron chisels and one 6cm conduit iron pipe.

Niger Delta

INC Polls: NRC Passes Confidence Vote On Electoral C’tte … Wants Diri, Others To Mediate For Unity

Published

5 days ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

The National Representative Council (NRC) of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), on Monday passed a vote of confidence on the Justice Francis Tabai-led National Electoral Committee which conducted the April 13th 2026 National Executive Council (NEC) elections of the socio-cultural organization.

The NRC is the legislative arm of the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body, the INC.

Speaking during a valedictory plenary, members of the council praised the electoral umpire for conducting what it described as free, fair and credible polls, saying nothing less was expected of it.

According to the body, the Chairman of the electoral body and its members displayed the highest level of professionalism and were unbiased in the assignment given them, saying members of the electoral body remain some of the most sincere and disciplined minds in the Ijaw nation.

While speaking on a recent letter, which allegedly emanated from the office of the outgoing National Secretary of the INC, purportedly saying that the outgoing NEC would swear in a new NRC, the Legislative Leader of the NRC, His Royalty, Anyanate Kio, condemned the statement, noting that the outgoing National Scribe’s letter was faulty .

He noted the letter does not have the backing of Congress nor does it have that of the INC President, but that it came from the wishful thinking of the incumbent National Secretary, describing the letter as that of a wrongful thought.

“Yes, elections have come and gone. The electoral committee did a great job by conducting not only a free and fair election, but for also giving so much credibility to the system by using electronics voting.

“As members of the NRC, we believe and know that there is no election in any part of the world which is totally perfect, hence we’ll like to commend the National Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE) for playing a fatherly role in the process.

“We believe also that the Governor-General of Ijaw nation, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, and other stakeholders will work towards finding lasting solutions to the grey areas and contending issues surrounding the just-concluded elections.

“But part of our resolutions today at plenary was that all members of the NRC participated and did well as members in the past four years in the NRC, and therefore we want to give them certificates of excellent participation”, the NRC leader said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa