Niger Delta

Bayelsa Poll: Group Cautions Stakeholders On INEC Rules, Regulations

Published

2 years ago

September 20, 2023

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has called on stakeholders in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa to play the game according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rules and regulations.
The group said it will resist any form of bloodshed before, during and after the poll, therefore, everyone should play the game accordingly.
Rising from its Executive Council meeting, the IYC also appealed to the Federal and State Governments to prioritise lasting solutions to flood disasters in the Niger Delta region.
The Council, in a communique issued on Monday in Yenagoa after the meeting, said political actors and gladiators must shun any act that could escalate tension in Bayelsa during the forthcoming poll.
The IYC in the communique signed by its President, Dr. Alayi Theophilus, asked politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on selling their manifestoes to the people.
The IYC said: “It is our firm belief that the lives and safety of Ijaw citizens should always supersede political considerations and electoral processes.
“We shall hold politicians responsible if any Ijaw life is lost during and after the election.
“We in the IYC shall not fold our arms to see that the existing peace we enjoy in the state is damaged.
“We advise all politicians to shun hate speeches and focus on telling us their manifestos. Our lives are worth more than any political ambition”, Theophilus stated.
The group commended Federal Government and other organisations for their support for flood victims in the region and called for a permanent solution.
The group appealed for construction of dam, critical drainage systems and dredging of flood-prone communities of the region.
“Recognising the recurring nature of these disasters, we urgently call upon both Federal and State governments to prioritise and implement enduring solutions.
“This includes the construction of various drainage systems that will offload the water to the sea and initiating comprehensive coastline dredging.
“The Bola Tinubu-led government must make our abandoned dam in Adamawa functional and create additional three dams within the flood channels.
“These dams, when completed and made functional, will not just serve as water reservoir, but also as a source of hydropower that will add to the national grid.
“Ijaw people are yet to recover from the trauma caused by the last year’s flooding. Goods worth billions of naira were destroyed and strange diseases are being experienced till date.
“The palliative can never be compared to the disaster we are experiencing”,the group stated.
The IYC accused Delta State Governor of marginalising Ijaw communities in the state in his recent award of N78bn contracts.
The council said: “While we acknowledge and commend Delta Governor, Mr Oborevwori Sheriff, for his efforts in awarding a significant N78bn contract.
“We find it disheartening to observe the marginalisation of the Ijaw territories. Projects like Ayakoromo bridge, which is barely N6bn to completion is begging for attention.
“The Ojobo Road is abandoned. It is therefore unjust to exclude Ijaw territories in the N78bn contract awarded by the Delta Government.
“The IYC calls on the Delta Government to review the move to include Ijaw communities. We assert that the interests of all communities must be earnestly considered in development initiatives”, the group stated.
The council further condemned all forms of police brutality within the Niger Delta region, particularly recent incidents in Delta and Rivers and demanded justice for victims.
The IYC warned against external interference in the surveillance activities of the Federal Government and NNPC, insisting that Tompolo had demonstrated effectiveness in handling contracts awarded to his company.
The communique said: “We emphasise the criticality of maintaining stability in the region and the scope of work is big enough to engage additional Ijaw sons and daughters.
“It is our humble position that the likes of Gen. Amagbein should be considered for the Bayelsa section of the surveillance project to promote the actualisation of the objectives of the programme.
“We urgently call on the Federal Government to reevaluate and expedite the establishment of modular refineries across the Niger Delta region.
“We are calling on NNPC and the Federal Government to release additional 15 modular refineries to sons and daughters of the Niger Delta region that have the capacity to finance such project.
“Furthermore, we implore swift action in ensuring the Port Harcourt refinery commences operation by December as promised by the Federal Government.
“Additionally, we stress the immediate mobilisation of contractors for the East-West road”.

Niger Delta

Court Declares DESTMA Activities Unconstitutional

Published

3 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

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

Published

3 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

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

Niger Delta

Eno Inaugurates Committees On TSA, International Airport Status

Published

3 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

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.