Rivers
MOSIEND Hails Whyte’s Appointment As Commissioner …Urges IYC To Apologise To Lokpobiri
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), has congratulated Dr. Roland Obed Whyte on his appointment as commissioner and member of the Rivers State Executive Council.
MOSIEND described Whyte as a dedicated statesman and expressed confidence that his tenure will bring significant positive changes to the development of Rivers State.
MOSIEND, in a statement by its National President, Amb. Kennedy Tonjo West, said, “Your unwavering
commitments to the progress of our people have always been evident, and this new role is a testament to your hard work and integrity.
“We are confident that your tenure will bring significant positive changes and will contribute immensely to the development of Rivers State.
“As you step into this important position, please know that MOSIEND stands with you in your efforts to advance the cause of good governance and uplift the lives of our people
“We look forward to collaborating with you to achieve our shared goals and aspirations for the Niger Delta region.”
Meanwhile, MOSIEND has urged the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to tender an unreserved apology to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for what it described as an unwarranted attack on his personality.
IYC had recently called on President Bola Tinubu to reshuffle his cabinet and move Lokpobiri to another office where his incompetence will not be noticed, alleging that the Ministry of Petroleum is too big for him to handle.
IYC also blamed Lokpobiri for the current fuel crisis in the country and the delay in the kick-off of Port Harcourt Refinery, accusing him of mismanaging his office and causing untold pain and hardship on citizens
But MOSIEND, in a statement by its National President, Amb. West, picked offence on the attacks on Lokpobiri and asked the IYC to immediately withdraw the statement and beg the minister for forgiveness.
West urged those behind the publication to take a deep moment to ask themselves if those things said about Lokpobiri are actually true because it is unbelievable that an Ijaw man can say such things about his own brother.
He said, ordinarily, MOSIEND wouldn’t have commented on the issue, but that after deep thinking, it saw the need to caution those behind the publication as it doesn’t reflect the true position of things.
West said for the records, Lokpobiri is not responsible for the delay in the commencement of Port Harcourt refinery, noting that the ugly developments responsible for the delay were caused by the past administration which failed to do the right thing despite the billions of naira approved for the project.
He said that it is not fair for anybody, especially an Ijaw man, to blame Lokpobiri for the delay in the commencement of operations in Port Harcourt Refinery, because the problems were inherited.
According to him, “We actually didn’t want to get involved in what is happening between IYC and Lokpobiri, but we have seen that it is the displacement of aggression.
“We saw this hike in fuel coming, because of how reckless the former administration handled matters, and we saw how the issue of the Port Harcourt Refinery played out. It is not Lokpobiri’s fault.”
MOSIEND added, “We have also resolved as Ijaws not to run down our people in spite of the misgivings against any public office holder, come to talk of it, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is not the substantive minister of Petroleum Resources.
“Secondly, the refinery is not in his purview but NNPCL, so why would one try to rubbish him, and to what gain?
“It is regrettable, and shameful that our people could condescend so low to ask for replacement of somebody who is working round the clock to bring Mr. President’s mandate to fruition in spite of the hopeless situation inherited.
“It is also regrettable that of all people, it is his people that are behind the attacks, and not only that, it is coming from a respected institution like the IYC.
“We are asking that they render an unreserved apology to the Hon Minister.”
MOSIEND, however, called on the Minister to take an appraisal of his disposition towards his people and the Niger Deltans if it is one that deserves commendation or outright disapproval, hence warranting such lash out from his kinsmen.
Chinedu Wosu
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As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.
In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.
Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.
“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.
“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.
He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”
The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.
To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.
The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.
The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.
International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.
Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor
Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.
The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process
Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.
George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.
According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.
The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.
They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.
The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.
GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.
According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.
The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.
The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.
He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.
Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.
According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.
The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.
He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.
A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.
He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.
The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.
The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.
Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.
By: King Onunwor
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