Niger Delta

N’Delta Coalition, Bayelsa Youths Condemn Call For Ogbuku’s Sack

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2024

The Niger Delta Coalition Vision (NDCV), a group advocating for peace and development in the Niger Delta, has condemned the call by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) for the sack of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Samuel Ogbuku, over alleged neglect of the organisation.
MOSOP had, at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, last Thursday, called for the removal of Chief Ogbuku, as the NDDC Managing Director over alleged non-inclusion of the organisation in the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, held last week.
However, NDCV described the statement made by MOSOP as regrettable, reckless, and capable of inciting ethnic tension in the Niger Delta region.
NDCV, in a statement signed by His Royal Highness, Alaowei Amawari; Prince Victor Oleh, Engr. Donald Benneth, Hon. Lovina Charles, Chief Simeipiri Kiki and Mr. Chike Chile, expressed disappointment at the MOSOP’s statement, saying the issue could have been addressed through dialogue and constructive engagement.
The statement, read in part, “We are deeply concerned about individuals and groups in the region resorting to issuing provocative press commentaries that could sow division.
“We do not need to remind MOSOP that the Ogoni matter is part of the broader Niger Delta context. We share a common goal of seeking justice in social, economic, environmental, and resource matters.
“Undoubtedly, the entire Niger Delta region has, over the years, demonstrated significant solidarity with the Ogoni cause, even though we are all victims of the devastation and degradation of our lands and livelihoods due to the activities of oil multinationals. None is a greater victim than the rest!
“If MOSOP thoughtlessly demands Ogbuku’s removal over a perceived lack of summit invitation, perhaps we should urge MOSOP to address the fact that no “barrel” of oil has been extracted from Ogoni land for about 30 years.
“Shouldn’t there be a resolution to this issue? If every oil-producing community in the Niger Delta halts production, won’t that impact funds for the NDDC, local governments, states, the FCT, and the country as a whole?”
NDCV cautioned MOSOP and other ethnic and socio-cultural organisations in the Niger Delta against making expressions that could inflame ethnic tensions and undermine the existing peace in the region.
The body further urged the public and the government to disregard MOSOP’s call.
NDCV said the current leadership of the NDDC led by Chief Ogbuku has demonstrated commendable leadership and competence in running the commission, transforming its previous negative image.
It also commended the NDDC’s Board and Management for successfully hosting the Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit 2024, the first of its kind in the region, in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, the leadership of Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide and the Bayelsa State Local Government Youth Presidents Forum (BSLGYPF) have also condemned the call by MOSOP for the sack of the NDDC boss.
National President of OBYC Worldwide, Ambassador Johnny S. Jonathan, in a statement, said MOSOP, as a pressure and socio-political organisation, has no right to demand the removal of the NDDC boss over alleged exclusion of MOSOP from the NDDC Stakeholders Summit.
He said, “The attention of the Ogbia Brotherhood Youth Council (OBYC) Worldwide and the Bayelsa State Local Government Youth Presidents Forum (BSLGYPF) have been drawn to what I term as a petty publication made on the Nation Newspaper of Saturday 13 July 2024 and credited to the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), wherein they berated and alleged that our pathfinder, priceless jewel, visionary and innovative leader, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, PhD, MD/CEO of NDDC, excluded the people of Ogoni from the just-concluded Niger Delta Stakeholders Summit, emphasizing that the NDDC Boss allegedly said that the main reason for the exclusion of the Ogonis from the Summit was because they have denied the Federal and State governments access to the crude oil deposits in Ogoniland.
“For proper information and record purposes, Chief (Dr.) Samuel Ogbuku by his character disposition is a reformed, refined and detribalided son of the Niger Delta Region that has respect for people irrespective of social status, ethnic tie, creed and political affiliation and persuasion, hence his appreciable collaborative efforts and actions geared towards uniting the people and creating the necessary conditions for social cohesion in the Niger Delta Region through his periodic Stakeholders engagements.
“Consequently, the MD couldn’t have contemplated excluding an important ethnic nationality like the Ogoni let alone making a nasty and denigrating comment as alleged by one Imeabe Oscar of MOSOP”.
He said the Niger Delta Region is on a new pathway to sustainable development under Ogbuku, and warned against a pull-him-down syndrome, emphasizing that such crude and destructive actions have become obsolete and counterproductive.
Jonathan, who is also the Chairman of Bayelsa State Local Government Youth Presidents Forum (BSLGYPF), called on the people of the Niger Delta Region and the public to disregard MOSOP’s statement, and urged the people to refrain from statements capable of causing disunity among the various ethnic nationalities in the region.

By: Chinedu Wosu

Niger Delta

Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday

Published

3 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.

Niger Delta

Remember Me As Fighter Against Sexual Harassment – UNICAL VC

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UniCal), Prof. Florence Obi, has said she will want to be remembered for fighting sexual harassment and delayed results.

Obi made the remark recently at an event in Calabar, organised by the university to mark the end of her five-year tenure as the 11th substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

It would be recalled that Obi, whose tenure expired on November 30, was appointed Vice Chancellor on September 10, 2020, but officially assumed office on December 1, 2020.

She said her commitment to protecting students, especially the female ones, remained one of her greatest achievements as Vice Chancellor.

She said, “I fought against sexual predators and ensured timely release of students’ results to curb frustration within the institution.”

While expressing fulfilment at completing her tenure and thanking God for enabling her finish strong after five years in office, she said she would return to the classroom because teaching remained her passion.

Earlier, she addressed staff and students outside her office during a carnival-like, marching out parade in her honour, thanking them for their support throughout her administration.

She also encouraged them to support her successor to enable him to succeed and take the university to greater heights.

“This institution has recorded significant growth and I am confident that my successor will advance the progress already made”, she said.

The Tide’s source reports that under her leadership, the largest solar power plant in Cross River State was built in UniCal, ensuring stable electricity for the university and its teaching hospital.

Other achievements included upgrading the Faculty of Education to a College, getting Mass Communication accredited and elevated to a Faculty.

Her administration also constructed new hostels, introduced departmental scholarships, built a fire service station, and completed the Law Faculty complex.

Niger Delta

Oborevwori Presents N1.664tn 2026 Appropriations Bill

Published

3 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboreveori, on Wednesday, presented the 2026 Appropriation Bill of N1.664 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill during plenary of the Assembly in Asaba, Oborevwori said, “I wish to announce a budget proposal of N1.664 trillion for the services of Delta State Government in 2026.”

He said the amount comprised the sum of N499 billion, representing 30 per cent of total budget for Recurrent Expenditure, and N1.165 trillion representing 70 per cent of total budget for Capital Expenditure.

The Governor added that the 2026 budget size indicated an increase of N685 billion, or 70 per cent over the 2025 Appropriation.

He also said sources of funds for the 2026 budget as proposed would be mainly from statutory allocation, internally generated revenue, mineral derivation, and Value Added, Tax among others.

Giving breakdown of the budget proposal, he said the state was earmarking N450 billion for road projects across the state in the 2026 fiscal year.

He said, ”A well-developed road infrastructure is a catalyst for economic growth.

”It facilitates easy movement of goods and services, reduces transportation costs, attracts investment, and improves access to markets and thereby boosting socio-economic development and generating employment opportunities.

”Agriculture is key to economic diversification and sustainable development.

”We shall continue to devote considerable attention and resources to fast-track developments in the agricultural sector towards enhancing food security in Delta State.

”This will also enable economic diversification, promote self-reliance, and generate employment opportunities.”

The Tide’s source reports that the sum of 10 billion has been earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the 2026 Budget.

Oborevwori, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Assembly, commended the House for its partnership and urged members to expedite consideration and passage of the budget to sustain ongoing development momentum.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a prosperous, secure, and stronger Delta where no one is left behind.”

In his remarks, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Dennis Guwor, commended Oborevwori’s administration for the steady strides recorded under the “Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda”.

”Over the past year, we have witnessed sustained investments in critical infrastructure, impactful social interventions, prudent fiscal management of resources, and strategic initiatives aimed at promoting peace, security, and economic stability across the State”, he said.

Guwor also commended the Governor for approving the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and initiating the construction of permanent offices for the Assembly Service Commission.

He assured the Governor of the Assembly’s resolve to undertake a thorough and timely review of the appropriation bill, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to people-centered governance, accountability, and equitable development.

“Your Excellency, I want to assure you that the entire Members of this 8th Assembly are united behind your vision for the transformation of the State.

”While our roles in government are distinct and protected by the Constitution, our objectives remain aligned; delivering the greatest good to the greatest number of the people of the state”, he stated.