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Niger Delta

Nembe-Bassambiri Chiefs, Youth Body Remain Suspended – Diri …Restates Call On IGP To Recall Special Forces

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Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the state government’s indefinite suspension of chiefs and the youth body in Bassambiri community in Nembe Local Government Area of the state was still in force.
Governor Diri also restated his call on the warring factions in the community to toe the path of peace.
He assured that his administration would do everything possible to bring lasting peace to the community.
Senator Diri stated this when the judicial panel of inquiry set up to look into the communal crisis presented its report to him in Government House, Yenagoa, last Friday.
On February 15 last year, crisis erupted in Nembe-Bassambiri, which claimed three lives.
The panel was instituted on August 15, 2023 to look into the crisis and proffer solutions.
The governor noted that the crisis bedevilling the community was three-pronged but was more political than economic or traditional.
He stressed that no society can develop in an atmosphere of continuous violence and brigandage.
The governor set up a five-man committee to review the report of the panel within two weeks and to advise him on its implementation.
The review committee is headed by Secretary to the State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei with the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Peter Akpe, the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Alabo Ozubide as members.
“For any one life lost, it is important to us as a people. We assure you that we will look at your recommendations and implementation will be done to the letter.
“Let me use this opportunity to call on my brothers in Nembe-Bassambiri that it is time for everybody to toe the path of peace. Peace is priceless. We cannot continuously be in a fraticidal war, fighting among ourselves.
“You can trust this government. What we want is lasting peace. With the calibre of people appointed into the committee, l am very sure that we will find the solution.”
The governor also called on the lnspector General of Police to re-deploy the special forces from the community in order to restore peace.
“We all must put our hands together so that all parts of our state will be peaceful. Today, we almost have an occupying police force in Nembe-Bassambiri. A special force from the Inspector-General of Police has been there before and after last year’s governorship election.
“We are told that the force was there to bring peace and normalcy to Nembe. But Nembe was far from war before the special force arrived. I believe that there are other states in the country that need the services of the special force more than Nembe-Bassambiri today.
“l call on the Inspector-General of Police to reconsider and ensure the posting of those special forces to very troubled states where lives are lost on daily basis so that rather than being an occupying force in Nembe-Bassambiri, they will be of more help to Nigeria.”
Presenting the report, the panel’s secretary, Diepreye Omubo, explained that the committee was given 21 days to carry out its assignment but had to seek an extension, which the governor granted.
Mr Omubo, who spoke on behalf of the chairman of the panel, Justice Margaret Akpomiemie (rtd), said the assignment was concluded on September 29 last year.
Other members of the panel were Chief Fedude Zimughan, Dr. Josephine Igodo, Lady Love Amaseimogha, and a representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Bayelsa Office, Mr. Vining Goselle.Nembe-Bassambiri Chiefs, Youth Body

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Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy 

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Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.
Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.
The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.
“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.
“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.
Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.
“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.
The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.
The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.
Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.
He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.
The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”
The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.
“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.
“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.
“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.
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Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev 

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The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.
Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.
He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.
Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.
Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.
The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.
“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.
“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.
“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

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Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.
Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.
In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.
“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.
The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.
The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
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