Niger Delta

Bayelsa Declares War On Illegal Revenue Collectors, Others

Published

2 years ago

May 27, 2024

The Bayelsa State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illegal collection of levies and taxes under the guise of non-existent revenue contracts in the state to either desist from the criminal act forthwith, or face sanctions.

The Tide reports that the State Government similarly warned those sabotaging oil pipelines and facilities in the state to refrain from the unwholesome practice, saying anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to extant laws.

Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warnings at an enlarged security meeting with First Class traditional rulers, service commanders, local government chairmen, and the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, and other youth bodies in Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo decried the vandalism of oil pipeline, stressing that it was not only an economic crime, but also a problem with long term effect that adversely affects the environment and revenues of the state.

He noted that the State’s monthly revenue drops each time there is a shortfall in its output in oil production as greater part of its income from the Federation Account actually comes from the 13 percent derivation, which is intricately tied to oil production.

On illegal roadblocks and collection of levies on the highways, especially the East-West Road, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the image of Bayelsa had been badly dented, adding that such activities were scaring away investors from the state.

He further said the collection of unauthorized levies contributes to high cost of goods in Bayelsa, and therefore called on the IYC and its affiliates to engage the youths of the state on the need to refrain from the practice.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo also directed the local government chairmen to convene security meetings with traditional rulers, the police and other stakeholders every month to address security issues in their areas.

“There are so many roadblocks along the East-West expressway. There is also the issue of vandalization of oil pipelines. The most recent case took place in Gbarain in the Yenagoa LGA of the state.

“Bayelsa cannot make progress in this kind of atmosphere. When oil pipelines are burst, it affects our output, and consequently our monthly revenue.

“Bayelsa gets just about N2billion as allocation monthly; the rest comes from the 13th percent derivation.

“Bayelsa is wooing investors to come, yet some of our actions are scaring away investors from the shores of our state. We need investors, but investors can’t come to do business in an hostile environment”, he said.

In their contributions, the Ebenanawei of Bomo Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, the Obenibe of Epie Clan, King Malla Sasime, and Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Funpere Akah, promised to work closely with security agencies to curb criminal tendencies in their domains.

Others, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia, His Eminence Charles Owaba, the Pere of Kumbowei Clan, King Boloyi Sufadoh, the Clan Head of Kou, King Olamene Egberibine, and their Kolokuma counterpart, King Mozi Agara, thanked the State Government for the meeting and stressed the need for same at the local government area on a regular basis to enhance security.

On his part, the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone, Comrade Pere Inefie, pledged to collaborate with the State Government in tackling security concerns such as pipeline vandalism, illegal taxation and challenges confronting youths in the state.

He said the present leadership of IYC was focused on effecting a paradigm shift from unnecessary confrontation and restiveness to intellectual agitation in its quest to better the lot of Ijaw youths as evident in this year’s Boro Day celebrations.

The Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayaowei, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Peter Akpe, service commanders, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Idu, among other top government functionaries attended the meeting.

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.