Niger Delta
2027: Diri’s Aide Okays Bayelsa’s Stance On Constitution Review …Touts Governor’s Infrastructure Projects, Loyalty
Special Adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Dr. Jackson Ebi Suokiri, has said the State’s stance on the ongoing review of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) was apt.
Suokiri, who spoke with newsmen in Yenagoa on Tuesday, also called on citizens of the state and all people of good will to partner the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and other stakeholders in actualizing the state’s position during her presentation to the South-South zone A of the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the constitution which held recently in Yenagoa, the State capital.
The Tide gathered that the Bayelsa State Government had requested for the creation of 25 new Local Government Areas in addition to the already existing eight old ones in the State, and the operationalization of fiscal federalism, amongst others.
The South-South Zone A of the House Committee on the Constitution Review, The Tide learnt, comprises Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States.
The Governor’s Aide reiterated that the state has for long been shortchanged in the scheme of things at the national level due to its limited number of Local Government Areas, especially at the monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting which holds at the instance of the Federal Ministry of Finance and related fiscal bodies in Abuja, the Federal capital territory.
He touted the governor’s infrastructure projects, noting that in the political history of the state no administration has executed the magnitude of projects Governor Diri has to his credit.
The Special Adviser, who also bared his mind on his functions as Inter-Party Aide, expressed his loyalty to the State Chief Executive, describing him as a pragmatic and uncommon leader.
He reiterated his continuous loyalty to the governor as a member of his political desk.
“Bayelsa State is overdue to have more Local Government Areas. How can we have only eight LGAs when states we’re bigger than in terms of geographic size and others have more LGAs.
“The presentation of the state during the Constitution Review public hearing was apt. And as an Aide to a Governor who is doing very well, I align myself totally with the presentation.
“Some people have queried why the State didn’t ask for the creation of yet another state out of the current Bayelsa. But I want to say with all humility that asking for the creation of more LGAs and fiscal federalism is the best option for now”, he said.
“Governor Diri”, he continued, “understands the problems facing us as a State. In terms of infrastructure and in every ramifications he has outperformed our expectations as a people. All he needs now is our continuous support and loyalty as a team and as citizens.
“Remember we currently have only eight LGAs, and so for me, I think the way forward was for all stakeholders, and indeed Bayelsans in general, to rally round the governor on the position paper presented by the State through the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.”
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Police and other security agencies to beef up security in and around Letugbene and Ogbotubo Communities of Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state to prevent the destruction of lives and property.
Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the directive during recently at a meeting held with the leaders of both communities and top government functionaries in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the directive has become imperative in view of renewed skirmishes between the two neighbouring communities following a boundary dispute over the ownership of a piece of land where the Renaissance Africa Energy Company (formerly SHELL) had sited a project.
While calling on the people of Ogbotubo and Letugbene communities to maintain their long-standing cordial relationship over the years, the Deputy Governor stressed the need for communities not to allow oil companies to divide them to cause intra and inter-communal crises.
He warned that government would hold the leadership of both communities, including the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen and Youth Presidents responsible, in the event of any further violent attacks in the area.
Setting up an eleven-man committee to look into the boundary dispute, the Deputy Governor further urged the representatives of Letugbene and Ogbotubo communities to make their claims, including previous court judgements and agreements, available to the committee without any delay.
The Committee, which has one month to conclude its assignment, is Chaired by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Perepuighe Biewari.
The Secretary to the State Boundary Committee is to serve as Secretary, while the Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa West, Chief Michael Magbisa, the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac, and the state Surveyor General, Margaret Geku, are members.
Other members include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Akpoebi Agberebi (Rtd); Chairman of Alabeni Rural Development Authority, Mr. Eddy Brayei; Technical Adviser on Boundary Matters, Chief Vote Salem; his Special Duties counterpart, Mr. Tonworimi Embiowei; and one nominee each from the offices of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to curb rising drug abuse among youths in Edo State.
The collaboration was unveiled on Wednesday at the 2025 Adolescent Lifestyle Programme in Benin, organised by the NNPC, with the theme: “Empowered Choices, Safer Futures: Guiding Adolescents to Healthy Living.”
The event brought together adolescents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders to address the risks associated with substance abuse.
It also aims to equip youths with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Addressing participants, Commander of the NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said adolescents remained highly vulnerable to drug use, peer pressure, and online influences that could derail their future.
“We are excited about this collaboration with NNPC, which underscores our shared commitment to nurturing a healthier, drug-free generation.
“Adolescents are exposed to risk factors both online and offline; as a result, programmes like these are vital in providing them with the support and resources they need to navigate the complexities of life,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA boss highlighted the psychological and societal consequences of drug use, stressing the need for young people to embrace resilience, peer support, and empowered decision-making as safeguards against substance abuse.
In his address, the NNPC Manager of Operations, Dr Okanta Emefiele, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to youth development.
He stressed that investing in adolescents’ health and empowerment was vital to building a safer and stronger society.
The programme also featured workshops led by health, sexuality, and online safety experts.
Similarly, a session on migration and human trafficking was delivered by Mr Sam Offiah, Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
Interactive group sessions gave participants the chance to share experiences and learn practical ways of resisting drug-related temptations.
The Rivers State Government says the ongoing efforts to revive the government-owned media houses in the State are geared towards making the government a formidable information outlet for the citizenry.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, gave the explanation while receiving the Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, South South (Zone F) on Wednesday in his office.
Sirawoo said the government-owned media organisations have the resources and manpower to inform, educate and enlighten the populace, hence the current efforts to revamp them.
“We believe that our information officers are able to generate information to inform the outside world what is happening in Rivers,” he said.
He also explained that reviving the media houses would also generate revenue for the ministry, noting that online publication is now a better way of attracting public patronage and generating revenue.
He described the NUJ Zone F Conference as a welcome development, as he pledged the State Government’s support to the confab being held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He reminded the NUJ to always play the watchdog role by ensuring that public are properly informed and enlightened.
According to him, professionalism remains one path way to build integrity and earn the respect of the public.
Earlier, the Vice President of Zone F, NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, had told the Permanent Secretary that the zonal meeting was aimed at appraising operations of the NUJ in the Niger Delta and chart a new course for the profession.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for the efforts being made to revive the government-owned media houses.
“We want to say, indeed, that the government has actually tried in its efforts. We thank the Sole Administrator for handling the situation the way he has done so far,” Dokubo said.
He also commended the cordial relationship journalists have enjoyed with the current administration in the State.
Kevin Nengia