Niger Delta

Bayelsa Guber: Ex-Assembly Members Endorse Diri’s 2nd Term

Published

2 years ago

September 15, 2023

Ex-members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly have endorsed Governor Douye Diri’s second term bid in office.
The Tide learnt that the ex-lawmakers, under the aegis of the “Bayelsa Former Legislators Forum”, had midweek passed a vote of confidence on Senator Diri during their courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.
A statement from the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said a former Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Dr. Boyelayefa Debekeme, moved a motion for the endorsement of the Governor and was seconded by another former Speaker and acting Governor of the state, Chief Werinipre Seibarugu.
The forum comprises both Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) members.
In his remarks, Chairman of the forum, Robert Enogha, commended Senator Diri’s exemplary leadership style, which he said, has engendered peace, stability and development of the state since his assumption of office in February 2020.
Enogha, who was Chairman, House Committee on Sports, said the forum appreciates the impactful developmental efforts of the Governor’s Prosperity Administration across the state.
“Nobody can contradict the fact that you are indeed a Miracle Governor. You are magnanimous in your disposition. You carry everyone along in your government and that is why we are proud of you.
“We are not a pressure group that fights government, but we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of a government like yours.
“We must place on record that you have a large heart and that is why you brought a good number of our members on board your government.
“You have pulled out over 15 of our active members such as the Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, Dr. Gentle Emelah, Commissioner for Education, and Dr. Peter Akpe, the Acting Chief of Staff, Government House and many others”, he said.
The forum also commended the Diri administration for collaborating with security agencies to sustain the prevailing peace and security in the state.
The former lawmakers requested the Governor’s intervention in issuance of Certificate of Occupancy on eight plots of land earlier allocated to the forum to facilitate the ownership and construction of a legislative research centre and guest house.
Responding, Governor Diri expressed appreciation to the forum for the endorsement, noting that it would spur him to do more for the state.
“We need all hands to be on deck to tackle our developmental challenges. We need to take our destiny in our hands to conquer our environment”, Diri said.
He assured the forum that he would look into their appeal and see how government would engage more of their members to tap into their wealth of experience.
He directed the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to facilitate the issuing of the Certificate of Occupancy and waive other forms of payment for the land.
Diri also directed the Director of Protocol to update and upgrade the protocol list of all former legislators at both state and national levels, former ministers from the state, and former commissioners.
Members of the forum present were Chief Prosper Nwaguzo, Dr. Ebi Komonibo, Vivien Ere, Charles Emmanuel and B.Z.l Oniye.
Others were, Boulus Indiamaowei, Target Segibo, Kenigbolo Ogilivie, Archbishop Alex Eseimokumo, Amakiri Etebu, Chief Augustus Osomu, Waripamo Dudafa and Aaron Alokpa.
Also in attendance were Jonathan Obuebite, Angus Dida, Ebamua Empere, Kuroakegha Dorgu, Obiene Iniobio, Parkinson Mac-Manuel, Watson Belemote, David Obuma, Dr. Odiyovwi Osusu, Dein Binadoumene and Imomotimi Fanama.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

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

Published

9 hours 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

9 hours 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

Tinubu, Jonathan, Diri Pay Last Respect To Ewhrudjakpo

Published

1 week ago

February 2, 2026

The Tide

Nigerian’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday joined former President, Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Jonathan, and the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douyi Diri, to lay the State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhurudjakpo, to rest at his country home in Ofoni Federated Communities, Sagbama Local Government Area of the state.

President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.

Speaking during the service, Tinubu said Ewhrudjakpo’s demise was a huge loss not only to the state, but also to the country at large, given his legacy of service.

The President stated that the late Deputy Governor left an indelible mark on the sands of time and that posterity will be kind to him.

While expressing condolences to the Ewhrudjakpo family, the government and people of the State, Tinubu urged them to take solace in the fact that he lived a good life.

He also stated that Ewhrudjakpo fought a good fight and prayed God to comfort his family and all those affected by his death.

Presenting the President’s condolence message, Senator Lokpobiri said, “I bring you greetings and heartfelt condolences from Mr. President, who would have been here but he is on a state visit to Turkey. Life is about service and legacy. Posterity will always judge everybody.

“By this standard, we can comfortably say that Ewhrudjakpo lived a good life. He will be remembered for his wisdom and selfless service.”

In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that Ewhrudjakpo’s death was a bitter pill to swallow but that as Christians, those affected should give thanks to God in line with the bibilical teaching that urges believers to thank God in all things.

Jonathan described Ewhrudjakpo as a good man, saying it is rare for people to speak so highly of a politician that rose to the position of Deputy Governor.

The former President also said the late Ewhrudjakpo impacted the lives of all those who came in contact with him positively and prayed that God will provide another person for the people of Ofoni to fill his shoes.

“As Christians, we say in all things we give thanks to God. Even at that, certain things happen and you find it difficult to thank God. The death of Lawrence is one of these.

“Everyone speaks good of Lawrence. He was a good man who related well with people. It is very difficult to find a politician who rose to the position of deputy governor to be well spoken of in this manner”, Jonathon said.

In his tributes Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, described the passing of his deputy as a harsh reality that was impossible to ignore, but said God who took him cannot be questioned.

According to him, Ewhrudjakpo was a very careful person who would have been alive if life depended on being careful but said God who took him knows best.

He expressed appreciation to Mr. President, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and all those who in one way or another consoled the state government and contributed to the success of the burial.

“Today we gather under this sober atmosphere of grief as well as in gratitude to honour a man of outstanding public service. The Scriptures remind us in Job 14:1–8, that human life is ‘of few days and full of trouble’, a fragile bloom that fades.

“That harsh reality, impossible to ignore or erase, frames our mourning. Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo came forth like a flower. For a season, he brightened our days, and now he has been taken from our sight by the Almighty God”, the Governor said.

In a sermon, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, Most Rev. Hyacinth Egbebo, admonished Christians not to mourn like those without hope, saying their focus should be on their Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

He also urged Christians to live according to the values of God’s kingdom, saying Ewhrudjakpo was very forthright, generous and humble and should be emulated by politicians.

Other dignitaries that graced the funeral service at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Ofoni, included the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by the Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere; the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde; and the former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi.

There were also former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; wife of the Bayelsa Governor, Justice Patience Diri; Governor of Enugu State, represented by the Secretary to the State Government; immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Chief Seriake Dickson, and the Deputy Governors of Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Enugu, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Benue, Abia, Plateau, and Bauchi States.

Also present were the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Watson-Jack; Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; his Niger Delta Basin Development Authority counterpart, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; wife of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs. Margaret Alamieseigha; Senator Ben Murray-Bruce; former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu; his Rivers State counterpart, Tele Ikuru; and the President, Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau.

There also members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa State, Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East), and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central); the House of Representatives members – Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw) and Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass); the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and other state legislators; the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; Pere of Tarakiri Kingdom, King Seiyifa Koroye; captains of industries, and religious leaders, among other personalities.

The Tide reports that the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor died on December 11, 2025 after he collapsed in his office, Government House, Yenagoa.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa