Niger Delta

…Urges Support For Jonathan

Published

16 years ago

May 31, 2010

The success of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidency is a collective responsibility particularly for us, the people of the Niger Delta the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has declared.

Addressing an enlarged meeting of the Executive of the Delta State Elders Council in Warri at the weekend, the governor said that the success or failure of Jonathan’s Presidency will not be attributed to the President alone.

According to him, as indigenes of the Niger Delta region, states of the South-South geo-political zone have a moral responsibility to support the administration of President Jonathan.

“It is our collective responsibility, not one person’s responsibility, but our collective responsibility as a people of the Niger Delta to give him (President) the maximum support”, he stated.

“And let me appeal that no person or group of persons should try to build a wall around the Presidency and from that wall, start dispatching stories that are not true as well as blackmailing people. If you push everybody away, it may not be to our benefit because the Presidency cannot succeed in isolation,” he added.

Governor Uduaghan affirmed that the state administration has enjoyed cordial relations with President Jonathan stressing that this dated back to when he was the Vice President of the country.

Besides, he stated that contrary to the impressions being created by some persons, the State through the active participation of himself and National Assembly members from the State, were involved in the emergence of the then vice President as acting President and President, adding that he remained unruffled by the actions of those painting negative pictures about how the President emerged.

Said he: “I have refused to be pushed away, Mr. President needs the Governor of Delta State and the Governor of Delta State needs Mr. President … I have easy access to Mr. President because Mr. President recognises that I am the Governor of a critical State in Nigeria”.

The Governor therefore cautioned Deltans against bringing the State and the Niger Delta region to disrepute in the eyes of other Nigerians, advising that all those who truly love Mr. President should collectively work for the success of Mr. President as well as the betterment of the region.

On the 2010 Governorship elections, Dr. Uduaghan commended those that have indicated interest saying that everyone has the right to aspire to contest for any office.

However, he warned that such right must be exercised within the ambit of the law in a manner that will not cause violence or breach of the peace in the State as the Government will not hesitate to deal with people that foment trouble in accordance with provisions of the law.

Earlier, the chairman of the Delta Elders Council, Chief Gabriel N. Sefia said that the Council was committed to ensuring that the Governor was re-elected for a second tenure come 2010.

Dignitaries and prominent politicians from the three senatorial districts of the State including formerDeputy Governor of the State, Evang. Simeon Ebonka; Senator Fred Brume ; Prof. Sam Oyonvbaire ; Dr Pius Sinebe ; Senator Francis Nwajei ; Prof B.I.C. Ijeoma; Prof Abednego Ekoko; Senator Stella Omu, attended the meeting.

Niger Delta

Uyo High Court Awards Damages To Masquerade Over Arrest

Published

15 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

15 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

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.