Niger Delta

Dep Gov Brokers Peace Between Akenfa, Yenegwe Communities

Published

4 years ago

September 19, 2022

The chiefs and people of Akenfa and Yenegwe communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have been ordered to refrain from actions and utterances that would escalate the face-off between both communities over land ownership claims.
To this end, the leaders of the two communities have been made to sign a peace undertaking under the close supervision of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Biriyai Dambo (SAN), and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, CP Ben Nebolisa Okolo.
The Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the order on Friday at a meeting with the paramount rulers, and other critical stakeholders of Yenegwe and Akenfa communities in Government House, Yenagoa.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo said insecurity in any part of the State was a threat to peace in every other part, noting that government’s first responsibility remains maintenance of security of lives and property.
He noted that the paramount duty of traditional rulers in their domains was to ensure peaceful coexistence, and they should not be seen to be fanning the embers of intra or inter-communal violence under any guise.
The deputy governor, who expressed worry that very little value is being placed on human life nowadays, ordered the communities to cease forthwith from any action that would constitute breach of peace and breakdown of law and order.
According to him, the order is to forestall escalation of the conflict, especially as the land in question is the subject of a suit filed by Agudama-Epie Community at the Court of Appeal, claiming ownership of the disputed area.
He insisted that all the three communities laying claims to the disputed land must desist from taking any action until the full determination of the subsisting appeal at the appellate court.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo added that government would take over ownership of the area pending final court judgments on the matter.
He, therefore, directed the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ben Okolo, and Commander of the 16th Brigade of Nigerian Army to deploy security personnel in the area to forestall further attacks.
The deputy governor also warned community leaders who are in the habit of parading themselves as kings without government certification and recognition to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law.
“Our Chieftaincy Law must have teeth to bite. It cannot continue to bark because laws are not meant to be in the shelf otherwise they become paper tigers.
“The law is not to aid crime but to protect law abiding people. Nobody can just wake up and declare a kingdom or community for himself. We won’t tolerate that.
“We are not in a Banana Republic, nor are we in a state of chaos and anarchy that people will just wake up and do things the way they like. Henceforth, anybody that tries that will be punished according to the law,” he said.
“On the disputed area, our position is that, since an appeal has already been entered, the Yenegwe, Akenfa and Agudama-Epie communities should stay away from that area. None of them owns that land for now.
“The state Surveyor General has to determine and make the area very clear to us because for the period that the appeal will subsist, that land belongs to the State Government”, the Deputy Governor said.
Representations from the Paramount Ruler of Yenegwe Community, His Royal Highness Peniel Zegbe, and those of his Akenfa counterpart, HRH Obadiah John Osomu, were received at the meeting.
A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Mr Doubara Atasi, informed that the Obenibe of Epie, King Malla Sasime, and the Odapiri of Epie, His Highness Solomon Bokolo, also attended the meeting and made useful submissions aimed at brokering peace between the two feuding communities.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Get Your PVC, Shape Nigeria’s Future, NDDC MD Tells Students

Published

20 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has urged students in tertiary institutions across the Niger Delta to embrace their civic responsibilities by registering for and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Ogbuku made the call at the launch of Project New Nigeria and a voter registration sensitisation programme organised by the Foundation for Citizens Empowerment in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was represented by the NDDC Director of Social Services, Engr. Jeremiah Oritsejolone.

Describing the PVC as a critical tool for democratic participation, Ogbuku said it empowers citizens, especially young people, to influence governance and elect leaders who reflect their aspirations.

“The Nigerian youth remain the heartbeat of the new Nigeria we seek. Their energy, creativity and voice will determine the nation’s trajectory.

“However, for that voice to count, they must obtain their PVCs. It is through this process that they can shape decisions, influence leadership and demand accountability”, he said.

He added that the act of voting reflects citizens’ belief in the country’s potential for growth and progress, urging students to take advantage of the opportunity ahead of forthcoming general elections.

The NDDC boss further reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic awareness and youth empowerment, noting that the agency has sustained various transformation and capacity-building programmes across the region.

Earlier, the Convener of Project New Nigeria, Mr Samuel Okani, said the initiative was designed to complement government efforts at deepening democracy through voter education and civic orientation.

According to him, the programme, which is being implemented in universities across the Niger Delta, aims to broaden students’ understanding of the electoral process and encourage active participation.

“We are engaging students across institutions in the region to sensitise them on the importance of collecting their PVCs and participating in elections. This is one of the ways young people can influence governance and contribute to economic direction,” he said.

Okani expressed optimism that the initiative would be sustained in the years ahead to strengthen democratic values and youth inclusion in governance.

Niger Delta

Oborevwore Counsels Corps Members On Productive Service Year, Purposeful Future

Published

20 hours ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwore, has urged corps members to participate in all programmes designed to instill discipline, resilience, and the practical knowledge required for a productive service year for a purposeful future.

Oborevwore said this on Friday at the Opening Ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream Il Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Issele Uku.

The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kingsley Emu, said this is an opportunity to strengthen themselves.

“An opportunity to tell yourselves that this is the last chance you have to be protected by the government.

“As a student, you enjoyed a lot of immunity. As corp members you are still going to enjoy a lot of immunity and after NYSC you are on your own, therefore, you must prepare to face the world.

“My dear corps members, as you embark on this national assignment, uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism.

“You stand at the threshold of a defining phase, one that calls for service, sacrifice, and meaningful contribution to national development.

“Embrace this experience, build friendships, deepen mutual respect, and strengthen the unity that remains the cornerstone of our nationhood.

“Delta State is peaceful, welcoming, and rich in opportunities. I urge you to make your service impactful and to leave your host communities better than you met them.

“Be law-abiding, respect the customs of your host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of this great nation. The future of Nigeria is, indeed, in your hands”, he said.

He, however, urged corp members to be serious in their Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, saying that it was the key to fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on white-collar jobs.

While noting that he was aware of the infrastructural challenges within this camp, he assured that the state government was taking deliberate steps to address these gaps.

“The construction of a perimeter fence to enhance security and the upgrade of critical facilities, these will receive priority attention”, he said.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. John Kwange, commended the Governor for his consistent and unwavering support to the NYSC scheme.

“The reconstruction of the camp’s perimeter fence, construction of the internal road network, and reticulation of water, among other projects, have greatly enhanced the security of lives and property, while also significantly improving the overall camp infrastructure”, he said.

He urged corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and abide by the rules guiding the orientation course.

“It is important to inform our corps members that the three-week orientation course is carefully designed to equip you with the necessary skills and right values for national development.

“The course is aimed at instilling discipline, leadership values, perseverance, humility, and endurance in all participants, with a view to promoting unity in diversity through peaceful coexistence”, he said.

The State Coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,611 corps members, comprising 1,203 males and 1,408 females, were registered.

Niger Delta

CSOs, Bille Community Urge Solution To Persistent Underwater Gas Eruption

Published

3 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and the people of Bille Kingdom in Degema Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State have called for government’s urgent intervention to end the suspected underwater gas eruption in the community.

The groups, under the aegis of the Environmental Rights Action and Social Action, made the call during their advocacy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), in Port Harcourt.

The Programme Manager of Environmental Rights Action, Mr. Kentebe Ebiaridor, said the visit was to seek clarity on the response efforts of the regulators to the development in the community.

Ebiaridor expressed concern over what he described as “inadequate response from regulatory agencies and the government concerning the incident”.

He said discussions with some officials revealed that there was still no clear timeline for action to address the situation.

According to him, in the absence of clear ownership of the facility linked to the incident, companies operating within Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 should be held accountable.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) had in a statement issued on March 20 by its Chief Executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, said the commission had commenced an investigation into a gas bubbling incident in Bille Community.

Eyesan said the commission expressed concern over the development and assured residents of its ongoing efforts to address the situation.

Also, the Resource Justice Manager of Social Action, Dr. Prince Edegbuo, warned that the situation could escalate into a public health emergency, if urgent steps were not taken.

Edegbuo called on relevant authorities to release the results of the tests reportedly conducted in the area, stressing that residents had the right to know the condition of their environment.

He also said CSOs were prepared to intensify advocacy on the matter, urging the development of emergency response measures, including possible evacuation plans.

A legal practitioner and community stakeholder, Mr. Commission Deinbo, had, on March 20, said residents had continued to witness unusual signs on the waterways in the area.

Deinbo said the signs included boiling and bubbling from the ground and river, sometimes within residential areas, as well as fire outbreaks, which the residents had always managed to contain.

He appealed to relevant authorities to come to their aid and find a lasting solution to the problem.

In a response, the Port Harcourt Zonal Head of NOSDRA, Mr. Bello Augustin, assured the community that he would relate its concerns to the appropriate quarters.

Augustin also commended the CSOs for their advocacy and concerns to community development in the state.

By: Wokoma Emmanuel & Theresa Frederick