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‘Obi Wali’s Contributions Left Indelible Mark On Nigeria’s Political Landscape’

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The people of Ikwerre ethnic nationality have maintained that Obi Wali’s contributions to democracy, justice, and the defence of the rights of the people have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
They spoke under the auspices of Ikwerre Development Association (IDA) during the 2024 Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali Memorial Lecture which was held last weekend.
The Guest Speaker, Professor O.V.C. Okene, a professor of Law and former dean, Faculty of Law, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, spoke on the topic: “The State and Democracy Today: Remembering Dr. Obi Wali and the Rights of the People.”
He described Obi Wali as a towering figure in Nigerian politics, academia, and human rights advocacy.
He said: “He is remembered today as a patriot, a defender of minority rights, and a steadfast advocate for equity whose life and legacy remain relevant to the ongoing struggles for justice and development in Nigeria.”
“Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali is a man whose contributions to democracy, justice, and the defence of the rights of the people have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political landscape.
“As an advocate for minority rights, a committed public servant, an intellectual, and a politician, his impact resonates deeply within our society today.
“Dr. Obi Wali fought tirelessly for the rights of marginalised groups, particularly in the Niger Delta, and was a voice of reason during turbulent political times. His assassination in 1993 was a profound loss but his legacy lives on, inspiring new generations to continue the fight for justice and equality.”
Prof. Okenne stated that Late Dr. Obi Wali grew into one of the foremost voices for justice and equity for Nigeria, particularly for the Niger Delta region, adding that Wali’s life was centered on advancing education, defending cultural identity, and fighting for the rights of marginalised communities.
“His academic work became influential in African political thought, particularly through his critique of the dominance of foreign languages in African literature, advocating for the preservation and development of indigenous languages.
“His impassioned defence of the rights of the Niger Delta people, coupled with his broader fight for equitable development across Nigeria, earned him a reputation as a fearless and principled politician.
“A strong supporter of democratic principles, Wali used his position to amplify the voices of the marginalised and to push for policies that promoted fairness and inclusivity. His dedication to justice extended beyond politics into community development, where he worked tirelessly to uplift the underrepresented.
“Remembering Senator Obi Wali’s legacy is crucial in today’s Nigeria, where democracy and human rights are still being contested. His contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting and expanding democratic spaces, promoting social justice and equality, upholding human rights and the rule of law, and empowering marginalised communities.
“By reflecting on his life and work, we can draw inspiration and lessons for our own efforts to build a more just and equitable society.
“The task before us is to build a state that truly represents the people, a democracy that lives up to its promises, and a society where the rights of every individual are respected. This is the Nigeria that Chief Senator Dr. Obi Wali envisioned, and it is up to us to make it a reality.
“Let us not forget that democracy is not a destination, but a journey – one that requires constant vigilance, participation, and the will to make difficult choices for the common good. As we leave here today, let us be inspired by Chief Obi Wali’s life and legacy to continue the fight for a Nigeria where democracy thrives and the rights of the people are truly respected”, he said.
Highlights of the event was the installation of Omekwa eli Ikwerre XVI and XVII respectively on Hon. Oliver Wolugbom and Eze Dr Esezi Obillor.
Former Protem Senate President Senator, Chief John Azuta Mbata, Hon. Mrs Blessing Chigeru Amadi, representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency 2 and Chief Charles Wami of Charkins Maritime were given awards for their outstanding roles in Iwhuruohna (Ikwerre) land.
In their separate speeches, the President of Ikwerre Development Association (IDA) Dr Chinogonum Chuku; the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Prof. C. K. Wachukwu; and the Public Relations Officer, Dr Ovuchi J Agwnu extolled the virtues of Dr Obi Wali as a man at home with his people, with Impactful leadership to the youth and entire Iwhuruohna (Ikwerre) ethnic nationality which he also served as President-General and Ochi Ohna Ikwerres III.
The event which held in the Faculty of Law auditorium of the Rivers State University was attended by the President-General of Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide, Eze G. W. Onuekwa, Senator Andrew Uchendu, the Chairman of Ikwerre Supreme Council of Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, King Leslie Eke, Henry Chukwu, among others.

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I’m Committed To Community Dev – Ajinwo

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The Sole Administrator of Emohua Local Government Area, Barr. Franklin Ajinwo, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting community development, peace, and progress, describing it as his life’s calling.
Ajinwo made this known on when Okporowo Vanguard—a foremost association dedicated to driving sustainable development in Okporowo community—paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat, Emohua.

Speaking during the visit, the Emolga  Council boss advised the group to shun internal wranglings and leadership tussles, cautioning that such impediments could undermine their collective goals. He emphasized that unity is strength, and true power comes only from God.

Highlighting his ongoing efforts in repositioning standards within Emohua Local Government, Barr. Ajinwo commended Okporowo Vanguard for initiating plans to conduct large-scale skills acquisition training for young people in Okporowo. He assured them of his steadfast support towards such developmental initiative.

The former Chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Rivers State stressed the need for selfless service, saying it is essential for achieving peace, unity, and development in any community.

He applauded the group’s vision of empowering youths through skills acquisition, aligning it with global best practices aimed at reducing dependency on white-collar jobs.

Earlier, the President of Okporowo Vanguard, Hon. Israel Emeji, outlined Barr. Ajinwo’s numerous and impactful contributions to the development of Okporowo community.

According to him, every family in the community has benefited from Barr. Ajinwo’s dedicated employment initiatives.

Hon. Emeji disclosed that during his tenure as Head of Local Government Administration (HLGA) and as NULGE Chairman, Barr. Ajinwo facilitated the employment of over five hundred (500) individuals from Okporowo community—a record that informed the association’s decision to honour him with the Excellent Leadership Award.

In a vote of thanks, the Secretary of the group, Dr. Okechukwu Godwin Amadi, praised Barr. Ajinwo’s outstanding leadership and unwavering support, both before and after his appointment as Sole Administrator.

He thanked him for the warm reception and appreciated members of Okporowo Vanguard for their strong turnout and continuous support for the present administration.

In their separate remarks, Barr. Kelvin Ajinwo, Chief Polycarp Ndala, and other dignitaries present prayed for God’s continued guidance and protection over Barr. Ajinwo, describing him as a divine gift to the Okporowo community.

They expressed hope that he would be granted even more leadership opportunities to further uplift the living standards of the people.

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RSG Tasks Rural Dwellers On RAAMP  …As Sensitization Team Visits Akulga, Degema, Three Others

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Rivers State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown, has called on rural communities in the State to embrace the Rural Access and Agricultural marketing project (RAAMP) with a view to improving their  living conditions.

This follows the ongoing sensitization campaign by the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) visits to Degema, Abonnema, Afam headquarters of Degema, Akuku Toru and Oyigbo Etche and Omuma local government areas respectively.

Dr Brown who was represented by the Deputy Director, Special Duties in her office, Mrs Dein Akpanah, said RAAMP was initiated by the Federal Government and World Bank to economically empower rural dwellers.s

She said the World Bank understands the plights of rural farmers and traders in the State, and therefore came up with the programme to address them.

According to her, RAAMP will improve the conditions of farmers, traders and fishermen, and therefore, behoves on every rural communities in the State to embrace the programme.

The Head of Service also said the programme would support the youths to be gainfully employed while  bridges and roads will be built to link farms and fishing settlements.

Also speaking, the State project coordinator, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the programme has the potential of creating millionaires among farmers and fishermen in the State.

Kpakol who was represented by Engr. Sam Tombari, said RAAMP would help farmers and fishermen to preserve their produce.

According to him, the project will build cold rooms and Silos for preservation of crops and fishes while access roads will also be created to link farmers and fishermen to the market.

He, however, warned them against any act that will lead to the suspension of the projects by the World Bank.

Kpakol particularly warned against acts such as kidnapping, marching ground, gender based violence and child labour, adding that such acts if they occur may  lead to the cancellation of the project by the World Bank.

During the visit to Oyigbo local government area, Mr Joshua Kpakol, said the team was there to let them know how they will benefit from the Raamp.

The coordinator who was personally at Oyigbo said the World Bank introduced the project to check food insecurity in the State.

He said already 19 states in Nigeria are already benefitting from the project and called on them to embrace the project.

Meanwhile, stakeholders in the three local government areas have commended the World Bank for including their areas in the project.

They, however, complained over the incessant attacks by pirates on their waterways.

At Degema, King Agolia of Ke kingdom said land was a major problem in the kingdom.

King Agolia represented by High Chief Alpheus Damiebi said many indigenes of the kingdom are willing to go into farming but are handicapped by lack of land.

Also at Degema, the representative of the Omu Onyam Ekeim of Usokun Degema kingdom, Osoabo Isaac, said Degema has embraced the programme but needed more information on the implementation of the programme.

Similarly, while High Chief Precious Abadi advised that the project should not be narrowed to only crop farming, a community women leader, Mrs Orikinge Eremabo Otto, called for the construction of cold rooms in all fishing settlements in the area.

At Abonnema, Mr Diamond Kio linked the problem of the area to incessant piracy along waterways.

He also expressed fears over the possibility of the project being hijacked by politicians.

Also at Abonnema, a stakeholder, Ikiriko Kelvin, called on the World Bank to design an agricultural project that will suit the riverine environment, while at Oyigbo, HRH Eze Boniface Akawo expressed satisfaction with the project.

 

John Bibor

 

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Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman 

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The political mudslinging between the Senate leadership and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan continued yesterday as the Senate named Senator Aniekan Bassey as the new Chairman of the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the appointment during yesterday’s plenary, confirming Bassey’s replacement of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently on suspension.

Akpoti-Uduaghan was reassigned to the Diaspora and NGOs Committee in February after she was removed as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content during a minor reshuffle.

Bassey is the senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District.

Although no reason was given for her removal yesterday, the change is believed to be connected to her unresolved suspension.

In May, Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court ordered her reinstatement and directed her to tender an apology to the Senate.

However, the Senate has insisted it has not received a certified true copy of the court judgment.

Akpoti-Uduaghan who represents Kogi Central, has yet to resume her legislative duties despite a recent court ruling that voided her suspension.

In a televised interview on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before officially returning to plenary, citing legal advice and respect for institutional process.

Although the Federal High Court described her suspension as “excessive and unconstitutional”, a legal opinion dated July 5 and attributed to the Senate’s counsel, Paul Daudu (SAN), argued that the ruling lacked any binding directive to enforce her reinstatement.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, one of only three female senators in the current assembly, said the continued delay in allowing her return was not only a denial of her mandate but also a blow to democratic representation.

“By keeping me out of the chambers, the Senate is not just silencing Kogi Central, it’s denying Nigerian women and children representation. We are only three female senators now, down from eight,” she said.

 

 

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