Niger Delta

Delta Governor-Elect Receives Certificate Of Return

Published

3 years ago

April 10, 2023

The Governor-Elect of Delta State, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, last Wednesday, received a Certificate of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following his victory at the March 18 poll.
The state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Rev. Monday Udoh-Tom, presented the certificate at a ceremony in Asaba.
Udoh-Tom said the state did not record any inconclusive election in 2023 general election.
“I am delighted to have you here today to issue the Certificate of Return to those who are successful at the last election conducted on March 18.
“I thank the Almighty God who gave us the strength and wisdom to pilot that election to its conclusion.
“In Delta, we have no inconclusive election”, he said.
Udoh-Tom, while congratulating the winners for victory at the poll, urged them to embrace everybody irrespective of political affiliation.
“Embracing everybody will go a long way in attracting peace and development in the state.
“As we issue you certificate of return today, INEC Delta, people of Delta and Nigerians expect you to lead every member of the state and not to lead political party in the state.
“You are now to govern those who voted for you and those who did not vote for you.
“I have to say this because it is important you know that every person in your constituency belong to you and every person in the state belong to the governor-elect and the deputy governor-elect.
“You have to carry everybody along and if you are able to embrace those who voted for you and who did not vote for you, everybody will be happy and Nigeria will be a better place for all of us”, he said.
In his remarks, Oborevwori, thanked God Almighty for his victory at the poll.
“Our victory is a testament to this fact; it is as comprehensive as it is decisive. The PDP won in all the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the North and South senatorial districts,’’ he said.
Oborevwori said that in Delta central senatorial district, the party won in four out of the eight LGAs.
“But even more significant is our victory in Ethiope East LGA which has eluded the PDP since the current democratic dispensation began in 1999.
“I wish to, once again, appreciate the leader of our great party, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, under whose able and wise leadership the PDP in Delta has remained strong and formidable.
“My gratitude also goes to civil servants, retirees, organised labour, youths, professionals, student groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, artisans, market women and those who laboured in one way or the other for this victory.
“Thank you all for staying the course. I assure you that your labour shall not be in vain”, he said.
The Governor-Elect said in due course, the State Government would unfold a transition committee that would midwife his inauguration on May 29 and implore the people to remain prayerful, peaceful, and law abiding.
The Tide’s source reports that out of the 29 members-elect that was issued certificate of return, two were females.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

7 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

A High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has awarded damages to a masquerade who was arrested by the State Police Command for allegedly disturbing public peace during traditional worship rites.

The arrest followed an executive order reportedly issued by the State Governor, directing the Commissioner of Police to detain any masquerade seen performing during the Yuletide period.

Acting on this directive, a masquerade, identified as Mr. Effiong, a practitioner of traditional worship, was arrested and subsequently charged to court.

In a landmark ruling, the court sided with Mr. Effiong and his custodian, affirming that Ekpo, a recognised traditional religious practice in Akwa Ibom State, is protected under the law, and that its adherents are entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The judge held that Mr. Effiong’s arrest and detention violated his rights to personal liberty and freedom of religion.

The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release and directed the Akwa Ibom State Government to pay damages for the infringement of his fundamental human rights and freedom of worship.

Human rights experts have hailed the judgment as a significant affirmation of Nigeria’s constitutional protection of traditional religious practices, emphasising the importance of respecting the country’s cultural and religious diversity.

By: Enoch Epelle

Niger Delta

MOSIEND Seeks Water Projects In Buguma From NDDC … Urges RSG To Revamp Fish Farm

Published

7 hours ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to embark on water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area (ASALGA), Rivers State

The Group also called on the Rivers State government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths.

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously and that the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people.

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the LGA to assist in making the project a reality and also attract more developmental projects to the LGA.

MOSIEND’s Eastern Zonal Coordinator, Half Hour, Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, made the call on a radio programme in Rhythm 93.7fm, “Talk of the Town”.

LongJohn, who made the call alongside the Chairman of MOSIEND in Buguma, Mark Ojuka, and his counterpart in Obuama, Hon. Sandra Owunari, also called on the Management of Nigeria Liquidifed Natural Gas (NLNG) to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kalabari communities to improve their health status.

He appealed to NLNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting that the company is doing same in Bonny, while abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medicals, scholarships and employment, including skill acquisition programmes for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions”, LongJohn stated.

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Amama soldiers, saying “the city is more peaceful and investor-friendly as the youths of the area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area.

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

On revamping the Buguma fish farm, he said, “The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment.

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence.”

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.

Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.

Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.

According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.

The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.

“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.

He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.

On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.

“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.