Niger Delta
Diri Exonerates Colonialist, Berates African Leaders For Continent’s Underdevelopment
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged African leaders to stop blaming their woes on the colonial era but rather make deliberate efforts to develop their countries.
The State Governor took a swipe at African leaders over the slow level of development of the continent, midweek at the launch of two books titled: “The African Voice” and “Once A Soldier”, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The Tide reports that the two books are authored by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo.
Diri, who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, noted that institutions such as PABOD Breweries, textile industries, paper mills in Delta and Akwa lbom states, crude oil discovery, Cocoa House were established during the colonial era and wondered why they had become moribund.
The Governor, who stressed the need to do away with policies that create barriers to regional integration and economic development, advised that such policies should be jettisoned to allow for more integration to fast-track development in the continent.
He, however, lauded African leaders for taking steps to establish the African Continental Free Trade Area, which promotes intra-African trade, thereby deepening integration.
“The problem is with us and not colonialism. I don’t believe our predicament is still about the colonial masters. After all, it was not only Africa that was colonized. China, India and America were also colonized. So, why the perpetual cry about colonialism?
“There was colonialism before we had the Cocoa House, oil boom, PABOD Breweries, textile industry in Kaduna, paper mills in Sapele, Delta State and Oku Iboku in Akwa Ibom State. What has happened to those assets?
“I think it is time for us to take a step back and move forward and take right decisions. Look at Nigeria today, we are still talking about state of origin. These are deliberate blocks erected to stifle our progress and integration.
“I believe that the African Continental Free Trade Agreement instituted by African leaders is one best way to trigger development in our own continent”, he said.
While congratulating King Dakolo for his literary feat in producing 3 books within a space of 2 years, Governor Diri said the monarch braced all odds to achieve his goals in life.
He, therefore, urged the youths to emulate the shinning example of the King and stop seeking justice through violence and criminal means.
According to him, the Prosperity Administration has priotized education in order to produce literary icons like Gabriel Okara, Christian Otobotekere and King Dakolo, who all incidentally hail from the same Ekpetiama clan.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, Dr Godknows Igali, said the literary works of King Dakolo underscores the need for the Niger Delta people to reflect on their culture, history and identity as a people and chart a common way forward for sustainable development.
Igali, who is also Chairman of all Pro-Chancellors of universities in Nigeria, noted that traditional rulers were custodians of a people’s cultural heritage and history, describing King Dakolo as an epitome of a 21st century monarch.
He said one of the books King Dakolo authored, “Riddle of The Oil Thief,” captures the discovery and production of crude oil in 1956 till date, and encapsulates the gains and pains of the oil industry.
Reviewers of the book, “The African Voice”, were Dr Ebidenyefa Nikade and Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University, while “Once A Soldier” was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Solomon Udounwa represented by the Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Olusegun Ferreira, and Justice Simon Amaduobogha.
At the launch, which had the Bayelsa First Lady, Dr Gloria Diri, in attendance, King Bubaraye Dakolo read excerpts from his two books and expressed gratitude to the Governor and his Deputy for their support.
King Dakolo, who noted that he started writing while he was still in military service also appreciated guests and well wishers for gracing the event.
The Chief Launcher, High Chief Victor Wayles, of the Wayles Group, represented by Mr. Adam Okoro, made a donation of N5 million while Mr Okoro made a personal donation of N200,000.
Others who made donations include, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, represented by Pastor, Obeya Oworibo, Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Maj Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd) represented by his media aide, Chief Freston Akpo.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Sadauki Agaie (Rtd) of 38 Regular Course, the Ijaw National Congress, represented by its 2nd Vice Chairman, Chief Nengi James, and Prof. Steve Azaiki, former member representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, also made financial donations at the event.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.
Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.
Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.
“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.
Niger Delta
COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief
The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.
“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.
Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
“I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.
“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.
“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.
By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.
While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.
“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.
“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.
He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.
Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.
“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”
The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.
He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.
“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.
Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.
He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.
He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.
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