Niger Delta

Diri Tasks FG On Maritime Assets Protection Policy

Published

2 years ago

January 10, 2024

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called on the Federal Government to review its policy of using non-state actors in its effort to secure the maritime environment of the country.
Senator Diri,who expressed concern that the continued use of such unconventional security agents might cause greater security challenges in the near future, called for the strengthening of the Nigerian Navy to perform its constitutional responsibility.
He made the call Monday during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, at Government House in Yenagoa.
The Bayelsa Chief Executive who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stressed that private individuals and groups should not be allowed to execute oil pipelines surveillance and protection contracts independent of the supervision of conventional security agencies.
He pointed out that safeguarding the nation’s territorial waters is the exclusive preserve of the Navy and should be supported in every way possible to enable it effectively secure oil and other critical national assets in coastal communities.
According to him, ‘already there had been reported cases of violation of human rights and security breaches by surveillance contractors in local communities around the state.”
The governor used the opportunity to commend officers and men of the Nigerian Navy serving in the state for demonstrating professionalism in discharging their official duties, which he noted, had helped Bayelsa to remain one of the most peaceful states in the country.
While calling on the Navy to sustain the tempo, Governor Diri suggested to the Chief of Naval Staff to give official recognition and rewards to the officers for their professional efficiency so far.
“The cry of the Bayelsa State Government is that non-state actors are not the best to protect our oil assets. In the name of oil pipeline protection contracts, most of them violate the rights of our people in our localities.
“Let us not do things that we will regret as a country tomorrow. What the Federal Government is doing right now is like cutting the nose to spice the face.
“You don’t need to cut off your head because you have rotten teeth. You simply look for took brush. You will be surprised that we will get to a point where some of these non-state actors will start to challenge is.
“I will suggest that the Nigerian Navy should be allowed to play that role to protect our critical oil assets. The Federal Government should therefore rejig or reinvent its security strategy to securing these assets”, he said.
“Bayelsa State and the Nigerian Navy are one. The Navy is part of us, and we are part of the Navy.
“The naval officers in Bayelsa State are very professional in their duties. I’ve to commend them for that. They’ve helped make Bayelsa one of the safest states in Nigeria.
“The Navy should give these officers an official recognition and reward them accordingly for their high professional efficiency”, he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, said the Nigerian Navy could not do without Bayelsa State in view of the state’s strategic location and the critical oil and gas facilities it is hosting in the Niger Delta.
Admiral Ogala, who described the recent electoral victory of the Governor and his Deputy as a true victory for the people of Bayelsa, appealed to the Government and people of the state to sustain their goodwill towards the Navy for better services.
The Chief of Naval Staff particularly called on oil bearing communities to see the Navy as a friend and to show cooperation in the provision of credible information to curb criminality in the state.
“Your victory is a victory for the people of Bayelsa State. You’ve done well in your first term and you will even do more in your second term.
“Bayelsa and the Nigerian are partners because Bayelsa is in the core of the Niger Delta. Bayelsa holds a lot of resources in oil and gas, and the protection of these assets is a key role of the Navy.
“The Navy’s duty is to create an enabling environment for the oil companies to produce their maximum output, and there has been significant improvement so far in the last six months.
“This is possible with the cooperation of the Bayelsa State Government and the people; the Bayelsa State Government has also provided resources to the Navy. So we have a cordial relationship with the oil-producing communities, and we need more cooperation in intelligence and information to curb criminality around the facilities”, Admiral Ogala added.
The Tide reports that on the entourage of the Chief of Naval Staff’s visit were several top-ranking naval officers, including the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.J, Bura, and the Commander of NNS Soroh, Commodore A.O. Ojebode.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Chief Hails Ogbuku On Enthronement Victory, Performance

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Deputy Chief of the Abidewari Compound of Ayakoro Community and former Leader of the Ogbia Local Government Legislative Assembly, Bayelsa State, Chief Sisomom Francis, has applauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, for winning the Chieftaincy election conducted to install a new paramount ruler of his home town, Ayakoro.

The ex-lawmaker also lauded Ogbuku for the numerous transformational projects and impacts he has continued to make in the NDDC, noting that the Niger Delta region has experienced tremendous development in both infrastructure and human capital development under his leadership.

Chief Francis spoke with newsmen shortly after the chieftaincy polls held at the weekend in the community, calling on stakeholders of the oil-rich Niger Delta region to consolidate their synergy with the Ogbuku-led management of the commission to attract more development to their communities.

Speaking on the NDDC’s boss’s relationship with community folks before and now the erstwhile lawmaker, who is also the Deputy Chief of the Abidewari Compound of the community, noted that Ogbuku does not discriminate against age and background in his relationship with members of the community.

“Ogbuku is Godsent to our community, Ayakoro, and the Niger Delta region. He knows the problems of his immediate community, and indeed knew the problems and challenges of the Niger Delta region.

“Since his inception in office as MD/CEO, the Niger Delta has seen a new and better NDDC. Ogbuku has done well and will continue to do well for the Niger Delta region.

“He has executed projects in every community of the Niger Delta, and that’s why the people are happy with him. We thank God for his election today as the substantive paramount ruler of the Ayakoro Community.

“Before now Ogbuku was the Deputy Paramount ruler of this community. But you’ll recall that we lost our Paramount ruler and so because of the MD’s special place in the life of this community, where he has since been serving meritoriously, today we’ve elected him as our substantive paramount ruler”, he said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta’s Top 2 Governance Ranking, Reflection Of Oborevwori’s Preparedness – Ifeajika

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Following the emergence of Delta State as the second-best governed state in Nigeria in the 2025 Governance Performance Index released by the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, the Executive Assistant to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, has credited the success to prudent financial management, grassroots-focused development and effective project execution by the Governor.

Speaking during an interview on Niger Delta Today on ADBN Television, Ifeajika said the ranking was a reflection of the governor’s preparedness for leadership and his commitment to delivering tangible development across Delta State.

According to Ifeajika, Oborevwori’s emergence as a high-performing governor did not come as a surprise to many Deltans who had closely followed his political career, particularly his tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

He described the Governor as a “prepared leader” who came into office with a clear understanding of governance and the needs of the people, unlike politicians who only seek public office during election periods.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was prepared for the job of governing Delta State. His leadership style is not accidental. It is a reflection of years of experience in public service and a deep understanding of the state’s developmental needs”, Ifeajika said.

The Governor’s aide recalled that Oborevwori served as Speaker of the State Assembly for six years, the longest-serving speaker in the state’s history, and was widely commended for his prudent management of public resources.

He noted that Oborevwori’s reputation for fiscal discipline was demonstrated when he reportedly returned over N500 million in unspent funds to the state treasury at the end of his tenure as Speaker.

Ifeajika said the same culture of accountability and prudent resource management now defines the governor’s administration, stressing that every project undertaken by the government is subjected to rigorous needs assessment to ensure value for money.

“Every kobo spent by the government must attract value. The Governor insists that public funds must be deployed for meaningful development. Projects are not awarded arbitrarily; they are based on the actual needs of communities”, he stated.

Highlighting the administration’s commitment to equitable development, Ifeajika disclosed that the Governor introduced a deliberate policy of allocating dedicated funds for infrastructure projects in each of the state’s 25 local government areas.

He explained that the administration earmarked N1 billion for projects in each local government area in its first budget in 2023, increased the allocation to N2 billion in the following year and further raised it to N4 billion in the current fiscal year.

According to him, the policy ensures that development is spread across the state rather than concentrated in a few locations.

“There is a deliberate intention to touch every local government almost simultaneously. Funds are already provided in the budget, and government only identifies the most pressing needs of the people before executing projects” he said.

The governor’s aide also emphasized that Oborevwori personally monitors projects across the state through regular inspection visits to ensure contractors deliver quality work and that projects are completed according to specifications.

Responding to concerns that the latest governance ranking may have been influenced by lobbying, Ifeajika dismissed such claims, insisting that the recognition was earned through measurable achievements.

He noted that the Governor had received several awards and recognitions from both public and private organisations within the last two years, describing the latest ranking as another independent validation of the administration’s performance.

“This cannot be dismissed as a fluke or something that was lobbied for. It reflects the reality on the ground in Delta State. The governor’s achievements are visible and have been acknowledged by different organisations”, he said.

Ifeajika further revealed that the administration had strengthened transparency in project execution by encouraging whistleblowing and public monitoring of government projects.

He expressed confidence that residents across the state would corroborate the positive assessment of the administration, maintaining that the impact of government projects and policies was evident in communities throughout Delta.

Delta State was ranked second in the 2025 Governance Performance Index with a score of 70 per cent, behind Kaduna State’s 73 per cent, and ahead of 34 other states in the federation.

The assessment evaluated governance outcomes, public service delivery, infrastructure development and the effectiveness of public administration across Nigeria’s 36 states.

Niger Delta

S’South APC Elects New Zonal Executive Ahead 2027

Published

3 days ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South has elected a new Zonal Executive Committee, following a successful congress held on Wednesday in Asaba, the Delta State.

The congress, which drew top party leaders, including the Senate President, Governors, lawmakers, and delegates from across the region, was conducted through a consensus arrangement, reinforcing the party’s commitment to unity and internal cohesion.

Proceedings commenced with a motion for the dissolution of the outgoing Zonal Executive Committee, moved by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and seconded by his Bayelsa State counterpart, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, and was unanimously adopted.

Subsequently, a motion adopting consensus as the mode of electing new officers was moved by Senator Essien Williams of Cross River State and seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey of Akwa Ibom North East and was also unanimously adopted by all delegates.

At the end of the exercise, Chief Victor Giadom emerged as National Vice Chairman (South-South); Dr. Ita Udosen, Zonal Secretary; Barr. Neworld Safugha, Legal Adviser; Dr. Samuel Nwanosike, Publicity Secretary; Prince Urhoro Koyoyo, Youth Leader; Hon. Suobankuo Omoni, Women Leader; Hon. Prince Edward, Organising Secretary; and Prince Ayo Peter as representative of Persons with Disabilities.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the South-South for its growing unity and political consolidation within the APC.

He noted that the region had witnessed remarkable transformation, moving from minimal APC presence to becoming a strong political bloc with increased alignment from governors and stakeholders.

Akpabio challenged party faithful to position the South-South as the highest vote-delivering region for the APC in the 2027 general elections, stressing that such a goal was both achievable and necessary.

Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in his goodwill message, welcomed delegates to Asaba and described the congress as a demonstration of the party’s strength, unity, and readiness for future political engagements.

Oborevwori emphasized the need for sustained grassroots mobilization and urged party members to deepen internal cohesion, strengthen structures across all levels, and maintain strong connections with the people.

Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, also underscored the importance of unity, describing the adoption of consensus as a major step in reducing internal conflicts and fostering collective ownership within the party.

He noted that for the first time in recent political history, the South-South was speaking with one voice, adding that the full attendance of governors at the congress demonstrated their shared commitment to the region’s progress.

Governors Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers) in their separate remarks, spoke in the same vein, stressing the importance of the zone aligning with the Government at the centre.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chief Victor Giadom thanked party leaders and stakeholders for their support during his tenure and highlighted the progress made by the APC in the region, including electoral victories and increased political alignment.

In his acceptance speech, Giadom, who was relelected, expressed optimism that the party would continue to expand its influence ahead of the 2027 elections and position itself for agreater success.

The congress was also attended by members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, Ministers, other top government functionaries, party leaders and stakeholders from across the zone.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment by party leaders and members to strengthen unity, expand grassroots support, and consolidate the APC’s growing influence in the South-South region.