Niger Delta

Diri’s Aide Lauds APC Chieftain For Rating Governor High

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Mr Miriki Ebikibina, has commended a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, on his recent press statement which rated the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, high, saying he is the preferred candidate in the forthcoming, November 11th, 2023 Gubernatorial elections in the state.
Ebikibina said, the declaration of the APC Chieftain, as an ally of the immediate past Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and candidate of the APC for the November, 11th, 2023 governorship polls in the State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has again proved to the world that “Sylva has nothing to offer Bayelsans”.
He said the statement has also shown that the ex-Minister does not have the structure to win the forthcoming polls.
It would be recalled that recently, a Chieftain of the AOC and former House of Representatives member in the 9th National Assembly, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, in a press briefing, informed Journalists that the APC Gubernatorial standard bearer for the 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa State, lacks the structure to win the poll.
“It’s sad, most unfortunate and regrettable that rather than standing up to the glaring fact as alluded by Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, who as a member of the 9th National Assembly, and as one who has contributed significantly and meaningfully to the development and growth of the grassroot, state and national level, the APC instead would backlash Sunny-Goli.
“No doubt, Sunny-Goli has a better understanding and grounded political assessment and awareness on who can govern the state, as also on a position to know whether the APC can win the incumbent Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
“Remember the crisis that erupted in the APC as a result of the manipulated governorship primaries of the party which deepened the leadership crisis of the party in the state, and the questions on the eligibility of the Deputy Governorship candidate of the party.
“Instead of condemning the former House of Representatives member, he should rather be commended and appreciated for coming out bold and strong, despite his closeness to Chief Sylva who he has described as not having the structure and what it takes to win the incumbent Governor”, he said.
Ebikibina called on political parties and politicians to shun sycophancy, deceit, greed, and blackmail, saying politicians should be bold like Sunny-Goli who gave a clear assessment on the preparedness and chances of the APC in winning the polls.
“I’m also a strong critique of the former Sylva’s administration in the state when he served as Governor. I’ve been Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), and a founding member of the APC.
“I, therefore, call on all support groups of the Senator Douye Diri’s re-election bid to desist from blackmailing or seeing Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli’s statement as a ploy to deceive.
“Governor Diri has been reaching out to all Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation to partner in building a strong, virile and prosperous state”, Ebikibina added.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

16 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

16 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

4 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.