Niger Delta
Govt, Ijaws Honour Bayelsa’s First Executive Governor
The government and people of Bayelsa State gathered on Monday in Yenagoa to reminisce the life, times and achievements of the first civilian Governor of the state, late Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha, popularly refered to as DSP.
The event was the 7th Memorial Anniversary and Annual Public Lecture organised by the State Government at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Yenagoa, with the Wife of the immediate past President of the country, Dame Patience Jonathan, in attendance.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Wife of the late former Governor, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, the President of Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, traditional rulers, including the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, described the legacies of Chief Alamieyeseigha as indelible and unforgettable, saying he laid a worthy foundation under very trying circumstances for successive governments to build on in the State.
Diri, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that the Amassoma-born hero passed on at a time when the ovation was loudest as a true Ijaw son and political liberator who championed the struggle for resource control and fiscal federalism in Nigeria.
According to him, Chief Alamieyeseigha sacrificed himself for the first Ijaw man to become President of Nigeria through his doggedness and advocacy for the minorities to be recognised at the top echelon of national politics.
The State Chief Executive likened the leadership qualities of Alamieyeseigha to that of King Solomon in the bible, stressing that his predecessor was wise enough to lay the foundation for the political, economic and educational development of Bayelsa State.
Governor Diri also encouraged the immediate family to continue to take solace in the legacies their father and husband had left behind, promising to sustain the annual programme in honour of the departed hero of the state and the entire Niger Delta.
“When people say that Alamieyeseigha felt offended, I always reply, he was just fighting all his battles to immortalise his name as a David. He was also a Solomon, because he laid the foundation in which other governors have been building.
“He was a wise man to have established the Niger Delta University, initiated bursary, attracted foreigners to bring home investment and so he remained one of the greatest Kings to have ruled Bayelsa.
“He was also a Peter, who stood for resource control and stood by the gospel of resource control and he was crucified for it. He is an Alamieyeseigha meaning God does no wrong so it was the will of God that he passed on at that time.
“For every upliftment, there is a sacrifice that must be made. For an Ijaw man to occupy the presidency of Nigeria, a sacrifice had to be made. The blemish and appropriate sacrifice was Alamieyeseigha”, Diri said.
In her goodwill message to the Alamieyeseigha family, former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan said the Bayelsa pioneer civilian Governor was a father to all who never discriminated against anyone he encountered.
She noted that the occasion calls for sober reflection and lessons to be learnt on the life and times of Alamieyeseigha, urging the people of the state to shun the pull him down syndrome that is hindering their growth and development.
Delivering the annual lecture titled: “Of Governance, Heroism and Nationalism:” Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha: Seven Years After,” the Chief Historian and Archivist of Bayelsa State, Dr Stephen Temegha Olali, eulogised Alamieyeseigha as a philosopher Governor who led his people from the front.
Also speaking, the General Overseer of Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, re-echoed Chief Robert Enogha’s request at the event by calling on the State Government to put together a truth, peace and reconciliation commission as a unifying mechanism.
On his part, the President of the Ijaw National Council, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said Chief Alamieyeseigha earned the title “Governor General of Ijaw Nation”, by identifying with the pains and challenges of Ijaw people within and outside Bayelsa State.
In his tribute, the state Chairman, Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, urged Ijaw people to see themselves as the true owners of the resources in their land and stop fighting one another over the pittance thrown at them by those who are not only oppressing them, but also expropriating their God-given wealth.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Ijaw National Affairs, Chief Patrick Erasmus, explained that the annual event was put together to not only remind the people of Chief Alamieyeseigha’s achievements, but also inspire them to show love and support for every worthy Ijaw cause.
Others who spoke at the event included Alamieyeseigha’s sons, Ebipade and Selaike, Chairman, Bayelsa Founding Fathers Forum, Chief Benedict Guembe, Vice Chancellor of Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, Chief Austin Lugbenwei and a former National Chairman of Ijaw Youths Council, Chief Oyinfie Jonjon.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.