Diri Rejects S’South PDP Congress … Calls For Unity

Published

9 months ago

March 12, 2025

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has dismissed reports of a congress held in Calabar. He said the national leadership rejected it and would set a new date.

Diri made this known last Monday during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the party’s secretariat in Yenagoa.

He said, “Our party is thriving in Bayelsa State. We remain the party to beat. PDP has never lost here. If you seek relevance, you should join PDP.

“PDP in Bayelsa is united and cannot be weakened. This party produced a Nigerian President from our state. It has also produced governors and federal legislators.

“This party is strong at the state level and will remain so. Let us ignore rumours. Some aim to divide us, but they will not succeed.

He clarified that no zonal congress took place in the South-South. The national leadership, in consultation with zonal leaders, would determine a new date at the right time.

The Governor assured that the PDP in Bayelsa remained intact and was the best platform for politicians aiming to achieve their ambitions.

Diri reiterated that PDP had produced key office holders, including a former Nigerian president, and remained dominant in Bayelsa politics.

He urged members to stay united and avoid distractions, emphasising the need for collective efforts to strengthen the party in the state.

Diri further explained that the South-South zonal congress, initially scheduled for February 22, was postponed by the National Working Committee.

He revealed that the decision followed a request from the four South-South governors, who informed the party’s leadership that the date was unsuitable.

Meanwhile, the people of Ogbia Local Government have apologised to the Governor and the party for the actions of the suspended Zonal Legal Adviser, George Turnah.

Speaking at the meeting, Ogbia Constituency 3 representative, Gabriel Ogbara, said the apology was necessary, as betrayal was not in the character of Ogbia people.

Ogbara described Turnah’s actions as regrettable and pleaded for forgiveness, reaffirming Ogbia’s loyalty to the party and its leadership.

The motion was moved by Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency, and seconded by the State Assembly Leader, Monday Obolo.

Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Solomon Agwana, praised Diri’s administration, citing its numerous development projects across Bayelsa as evidence of good governance.

Agwana commended the Governor for fostering unity within the party and urged continued support for the administration to ensure further development in the state.

State PDP Secretary, Gesiye Isowo, also lauded Diri’s achievements, stating that his performance had made future election campaigns easier, given the many completed projects.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, and Ogbia Federal Constituency representative, Rep. Mitema Obordor.

Also present were former Deputy Governors, Rear Adm. Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd.), and Werinipre Seibarugu, alongside PDP South-South Zonal Secretary, Prof. Felix Omemu. Ofu7

Local government chairmen and other key party stakeholders also participated in the meeting.

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

6 days 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

6 days 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

1 week 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.