Niger Delta

Ex-UNIPORT Don Emerges Monarch-Elect Of Tarakiri Kingdom

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2023

Former academic from the University of Port Harcourt and Chairman, Tarakiri Clan Council of Chiefs and Elders, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye, at the weekend emerged as the Pere-elect (Monarch-elect) of Tarakiri Clan.
The Tide reports that at the Saturday, 29th July 2023, keenly contested election, held at Ebedebiri Community of the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the people of Tarakiri Kingdom elected the new monarch.
The Tide also learnt that the former occupant of the coveted throne, HRM King Richardford Orukaribai Koroye, passed on last year and was buried sometime this year.
Declaring result of the election, Chairman of the electoral committee and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, High Chief Ayakeme Whiskey, announced High Chief Seiyefa Koroye as winner.
The electoral umpire stated that the ex-Uniport Don in the first round of the election, polled a total of 45 votes out of a total 93 votes cast.
The two other contenders are, the Paramount ruler of Angalabiri community, HRH Famous Eseduo, who garnered 28 votes, and High Chief Kemi Prefa, who scored 20 in the first round of the election.
Whiskey, however, noted that following the inability of any of the candidates to secure 50 percent of the total vote cast, which is a major requirement of the Tarakiri Kingdom constitution, the electoral umpire at the end of the first round of the polls did not declare a winner.
He also said in accordance with the provisions of the clan’s constitution, High Chief Kemi Prefa, who polled the least votes at the first round of the election was automatically eliminated from contesting the second ballot, giving room for the two highest scorers alone to stand for the second ballot.
The electoral committee Chairman said, “At the end of the second ballot, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye emerged winner, pollinh 63 out of a total of 93 votes. The paramount ruler of Angalabiri, HRH Eseduo emerged the first-runner up with 29 votes.
“The total number of accredited delegates were 94 drawn from 13 Communities of Tarakiri Clan, but the regent absteined from voting, so we had 93 votes. The winner must secure 50 percent of total votes cast in line with sub-section 4 of the Tarakiri constitution.
“The first results did not produce a clear winner as none of the candidates secured 50% as a result, the election went into second ballot between the two candidates with the highest votes while High Chief Keme Prefa was eliminated.
“The process was free, fair and transparent. I commend delegates for their peaceful conduct during and after the election. If elections were conducted the way it went, losers will have no cause to complain”, he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, The Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, described the election as friendly contest between two brothers, while stating that it was a peaceful and credible process.
Ogbere tasked the Tarakiri people on embracing peace, while also urging the monarch-elect to provide fair leadership by carrying everybody along in the scheme of things.
The lawmaker thanked delegates for their show of maturity and the orderly manner in which they conducted themselves while the election lasted.
Meanwhile, the monarch-elect, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye has attributed his success story to sacrifice, hard work and service to humanity, stating that these virtues has given him recognition as expressed by the people at the election.
The monarch-elect promised to unite the clan, saying he would consult widely, collaborate with critical stakeholders, government and development partners to move the clan forward.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Nembe Renders Development Scorecard … Defers King Koko’s Annual Festival

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nembe-Ogbolomabiri Council of Chiefs in the Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have disclosed its developmental scorecard in the outgone year.

Speaking with Journalists who visited the kingdom during the week, Alternate Chairman of the Council, Alabo Moses Ayebaereworio Solomon-Ockiya said the urban town and her satelite communities were experiencing an unprecedented trajectory of development.

He noted that the kingdom was judiciously deploying funds accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund (HCDTF) for rapid infrastructural and human capital development.

The Tide learnt that the HCDTF is one of the many creations of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) which aims at executing developmental projects in host communities of oil and gas firms and facilities.

According to the kingdom, with the funds, delapidated internal roads were being reconstructed, while also overhauling other existing infrastructure and opening up of new roads for pavement to ease traffic in Nembe City, its major urban town.

The Alternate Chairman also bared his mind on the working relationship between an oil firm, Aiteo, which operates in the kingdom and the Nembe people, describing it as cordial.

He noted that the kingdom and the company were partners in progress, stating also that the firm has changed its operational name to Nembe E&P, describing the new nomenclature as more beneficial to the kingdom.

“Our Monarch, His Eminence, King (Dr.) Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru (Mingi XII), told some visitors who came to our kingdom recently that in the next five-six months when they’ll come back that they won’t recognize this town again. Today you can hardly recognize some old parts of this city due to the massive construction and reconstruction which is taking place.

“We’ve constructed between 5-10 kilometers of new roads in this town in the last couple of months. We’ve opened about 10 new roads waiting for construction. We’ve a visionary monarch who believes in the peace and development of his kingdom.

“This kingdom is so organized that we’ve the Council of Chiefs, the elders council, the youths, CDC and women wing. So there is peace, tolerance and harmony in the kingdom”, the Alternate Chairman said.

In another development, the Council of Chiefs has shifted this year’s celebration of the annual King Fredrick Koko’s day to February.

The Tide reports that the annual event usually takes place 29th January.

The Council said the reason for the deferment was because it coincided with the obsequious ceremonies of the late State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The kingdom noted that the new dates for the celebration this year would now be February 11th, 12th and 15th, 2026.

“The burial of the late Deputy Governor of the State concided with the King Koko’s day. As a responsible kingdom, which honours those in authority, we decided to shift the celebration to 11th, 12th and 15th of February 2026.

“The reason for shifting it to February is because the King Koko-led Nembe-British war lasted up to the new dates it has been slated”, Alabo Solomon-Ockiya added.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Celebrates Wife At 56

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt congratulations to his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, as she marks her 56th birth anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support and encouragement of his wife over the years, noting that her unwavering commitment and prayers played a significant role in their journey to becoming Delta State’s First Family.

He described Deaconess Tobore as a devout and compassionate mother whose impact on society has been profound, particularly through her constant prayers and moral support for the state and their family.

The Governor also commended her humanitarian efforts through her pet initiative, the “You Matter Charity Foundation”, which he said has continued to touch lives, with special attention to vulnerable members of the society, widows and elderly, including children living with autism.

Oborevwori said: “On behalf of our family, as well as the government and people of Delta State, I warmly felicitate my dear wife, Her Excellency, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, on the joyful occasion of her 56th birthday.

“She has remained a shining example of dedication, compassion, and godly values, not only to our children, but to the entire state.

“As she celebrates this milestone, it is my earnest prayer, and that of our children, that God will continually endow her with strength, wisdom, and clarity of purpose as she carries out the demanding responsibilities of the Office of the First Lady of Delta State.”

He further expressed his personal admiration for his wife, describing her as a source of daily joy and inspiration.

“You make every day a pleasure with your self-effacing mien, cheerful disposition, love for God, devotion to family, disciplined work ethic, and unwavering service to humanity. I celebrate you today and always. Happy birthday, my love and best friend”, he said.

By: Albert Ograka, Asaba

Niger Delta

NDDC Restates Commitment To Support Security Agencies In N’Delta

Published

2 days ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has restated its commitment to supporting security agencies in the Niger Delta, describing peace and stability as the foundation for sustainable development in the region.

Managing Director of the Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said the NDDC’s collaboration with security agencies is driven by the understanding that development cannot flourish in an atmosphere of insecurity, just as underdevelopment often fuels conflict and unrest.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, Ogbuku noted that the NDDC had deliberately built strong partnerships with security institutions to protect critical national assets and create an enabling environment for economic growth.

According to him, the Commission’s support for security agencies aligns with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure peace and security across the country, stressing that the relative calm currently enjoyed in the Niger Delta is the result of sustained security interventions.

Ogbuku explained that security is a collective responsibility involving host communities, government and development institutions, adding that the NDDC would continue to provide strategic support to the Nigerian Navy and other agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness.

He assured the Naval Command of the Commission’s readiness to deepen engagement, maintain open channels of communication and undertake field visits to better understand the operational challenges faced by security agencies.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Ibrahim commended the NDDC for its visible development projects across the Niger Delta, noting that the Commission’s interventions had positively impacted communities and security formations in the region.

He said the Navy’s efforts to safeguard oil exploration, production and transportation, including the recently launched Operation Sentinel, would require sustained collaboration, particularly as Nigeria targets increased crude oil production in the coming years.

The Naval Commander urged the NDDC to sustain and expand its support, noting that improved security would translate into higher oil output, increased revenue, and accelerated development for the Niger Delta and the country at large.