Niger Delta

Abacha Freed Ijaws From Claws Of Oppression~Diri … As Bayelsa Honours Late Head Of State, Jonathan, Others

Published

58 seconds ago

October 5, 2026

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Thursday paid tribute to former Nigerian Head of State, the late General Sani Abacha.

He expressed gratitude on behalf of the Ijaw nation for the creation of the State on October 1, 1996, saying Gen. Abacha deserved continuous commendation for the gesture as he freed the Ijaw people from oppression and injustice in Nigeria.

Governor Diri spoke at the Dinner and Awards Night of the Bayelsa at 30 anniversary celebrations tagged, “Celebrating Legacies” at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa.

The Tide reports that the event which was the grand finale of the four-day celebrations attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Members of the late Head of State’s family in attendance included Alhaji Abba Abacha, his Son, and Hajia Fatima Gumsu Abacha, daughter.

Also in attendance were National Assembly members, the diplomatic community, business moguls, top government officials among others.

Highpoint of the event were the presentation of state honours to 63 recipients with the late Abacha, represented by his family, Jonathan, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, former military administrators of the state, including the late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), Navy Captain Phillip Ayeni (rtd), Police Commissioner Habu Daura (rtd) and Col. Edor Obi (rtd) as well as the immediate past governor, Senator Seriake Dickson topping the list.

The State Chief Executive emphasised that mentioning Abacha’s name in all his remarks was significant, explaining that the late Head of State might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he was the one who freed them by creating a homogeneous Ijaw state.

“If at every point in my remarks I keep calling him, it is because of what God used him to do for the Ijaw ethnic nationality. As I said yesterday, General Abacha might mean different things to different people, but to Bayelsans, he is the one who freed us from oppression.

“He freed us from injustice and gave a homogenous state for a people that had been balkanised into various states, and making us minority in some.

“Today is also the 66th independence anniversary of our country. So, we are celebrating the national independence and at the same time celebrating our own state at 30 years. We cannot acknowledge and thank General Abacha enough, ably represented here by his own son, Abba Abacha, and his sister. Please take our appreciation and gratitude back home to your mother”, Governor Diri said.

Justifying the celebration, Diri stated that the journey from total absence of infrastructure to a state with legacy projects, road networks and hope for the future was a testament to the vision of its founding fathers and the grace of God.

He gave a sectoral breakdown, saying at creation, the State had zero tertiary institution, but today boasts of over five, including universities, polytechnics and college of education, and still counting.

The Bayelsa leader also contended that at inception, the state had just a single-lane Mbiama-Yenagoa road, but today it had a network of roads, dualised highways and the three senatorial roads opening the state from all angles.

“Do we talk about the healthcare transformation? So much has been done, and we can rightly say that Bayelsa had moved forward and no longer where it used to be,” he added.

He congratulated the awardees, describing them as part of the State’s legacy.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, Dr. Jonathan dedicated his award to his late boss and political mentor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who brought him into politics as a deputy governor.

Jonathan further stated that despite the cynicism of many young people, who ask what Bayelsa had to celebrate at 30, the state had made significant progress.

“Although we have not reached where we are supposed to be, I am happy where we are. I am happy that Bayelsa State was created, and we have gained tremendously. Most people might not know, we have gained tremendously following the creation of the state.

“Bayelsans will always remain grateful to late Gen. Sani Abacha who made it possible for Bayelsa to be among the last six states he created”, Jonathan said.

The ex-President equally commended Governor Diri for organising the anniversary and honouring those who laboured for the creation and development of the state.

The Tide which monitored the event reports that other award recipients were all who facilitated the creation of the state.

The awards fell into various categories as the award for those who facilitated the creation of the State was christened, ‘Contribution to sustenance of ljaw Existence category’.

British-born linguist, the late Prof. Kay Williamson was also given a posthumous award in the category of ‘Promotion of Ijaw Language’ while Olympians, Daniel Igali and Blessing Oborududu as well as former Super Eagles players and coaches, Samson Siasia and Finidi George also clinched awards in the Sports category.

Other illustrious Ijaw sons and daughters honoured were former Ijaw National Congress president, Chief Joshua Fumudoh, musicians – late King Robert Ebizimor, Inetimi Odon (Timaya), and Timi Dakolo, as well as the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack (Public Service).

In the Education category were Prof. Ayebaemi Spiff, late Prof. Lawrence Ekpebu, Prof. Ebiegberi Alagoa, Prof. Dimie Ogoina and Prof. Youpele Beredugo.

The recognition also covered Bayelsa-born businessmen – Chief Dan Etete, Engr. Gesi Asamaowei, Engr. Preye Berezi, Chief Ken Etete, King Ebitimi Banigo, Dr. Ephraim Faloughi, Dr. Daru Owei and Chief Robert Enogha.

The multiple-award winning Bayelsa State Cultural Troupe was equally honoured as well as the late former National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoeye Azazi (Military), Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, who was one-time Speaker of the House of Assembly (Legislature), foremost nationalist and pioneer editor of Daily Times Newspaper, Ernest Ikoli, teenage chess sensation, Deborah Quickpen and a host of others.

Dignitaries present at the event included the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria Diri and Justice Patience Ama-Diri, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, represented by the Deputy Speaker, as well as members of the House of Assembly and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei.

Others were Lokpobiri, Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director, Niger Delta Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Bashir Adeniyi, Col. Edor Obi (rtd), chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo, and other traditional rulers.

The Ambassadors of Germany, Portugal, Italy, Vietnam, Angola, Czech Republic and São Tomé and Principe were also in attendance.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

King Jaja VI Urges Britain For Restitution Over Jaja’s Kidnap, Exile

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2026

The Tide

The newly coronated Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, HM Charles Douglas MacPepple Jaja VI,has urged Great Britain to apologise and pay appropariate compensation over unjust treatment of King Jaja 1.

King Jaja 1 was deported and exiled by Britian at the peak of colonial incursion on 1887.

King Jaja VI in a coronation address at Opobo Town, headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area last weekend, re-echoed a similar call made by his predecessor the late King Dandeson Jaja.

He said,” We shall ask for nothing less for which Britain must accept full responsibility.”

The monarch urged the people of Opobo Kingdom to uphold the courage, vision and enterprise of their forebears.

?He paid tribute to the founding monarch, King Jaja 1, whom he described as a courageous strategist and statesman who built Opobo into a major commercial centre and defended its economic interests against British imperial pressure.

?He said the legacy of King Jaja 1 should continue to inspire present and future generations, urging his people to remain united and committed to the progress and dignity of the kingdom.

?King Jaja VI expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara, Prof. Odu, former President Jonathan, traditional rulers and other dignitaries for honouring his coronation.

?Kevin Nengia

Niger Delta

Fubara, Jonathan, Others Urge For Peace, Unity At Jaja Of Opobo’s Coronation

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2026

The Tide

?Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has urged traditional rulers in the State to remain the custodians of the people’s heritage while contributing to peace, stability and development of the State.

?Fubara gave the charge last Saturday during the coronation of the new Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, His Majesty, King Charles Douglas Mac-Pepple Jaja, Jeki VI, at the King’s palace in Opobo Town.

?The governor, represented by his deputy, Prof (Mrs) Ngozi Odu, said traditional institutions remained important partners in preserving cultural values, promoting unity and maintaining peace across communities.

?He described the coronation as a celebration of Opobo Kingdom’s rich history, culture and enduring heritage, noting that the traditions of the Opobo people form an important part of the cultural identity of Rivers State and Nigeria.

?Fubara stressed the need to preserve and transmit these values to future generations, and prayed for wisdom, peace, unity and progress throughout the reign of King Jaja VI.

While congratulating the new monarch, the governor urged him to provide purposeful leadership to the people of Opobo Kingdom.

?In his goodwill message, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, congratulated King Jaja VI, describing him as a respected traditional ruler whose reign would promote peace, unity and development in the kingdom.

?Jonathan recalled the historical significance of Opobo and the enduring legacy of its traditional institution, noting that the name and image of the late King Jaja remained respected beyond Nigeria.

?He expressed confidence that the new monarch would build on the legacy of his predecessors and use his position to promote peace, unity and development in Opobo.

?In his coronation address, King Jaja VI urged the people of Opobo Kingdom to uphold the courage, vision and enterprise of their forebears.

?He paid tribute to the founding monarch, King Jaja of Opobo, whom he described as a courageous strategist and statesman who built Opobo into a major commercial centre and defended its economic interests against British imperial pressure.

?The monarch said the legacy of the first King Jaja should continue to inspire present and future generations, urging his people to remain united and committed to the progress and dignity of the kingdom.

?According to him, “the Opobo Kingdom does not ask for charity, but partnership and equity,” just as its progenitor, King Jaja, did 156 years ago.

?King Jaja VI expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara, Prof. Odu, former President Jonathan, traditional rulers and other dignitaries for honouring his coronation.

?Earlier, the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, had described the relationship between Onitsha and Opobo as one founded on trade, mutual respect and the enduring legacy of their forebears.

?He said he was delighted to witness the occasion, recalling that he had attended the installation of the new monarch’s predecessor and participated in the ceremony in his traditional regalia.

?The highlight of the occasion was the anointing of King Jaja VI by the Bishop of Niger Delta Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Emmanuel Okwuchi Oko-Jaja.

Niger Delta

RDA Chairman Fetes Diri’s 60mw Power Plant, Other Projects

Published

1 week ago

September 25, 2026

The Tide

Chairperson of the Mini-Ikensi Rural Development Authority (RDA) of Bayelsa State, Hon. Mildred Kilete, has said the State’s new 60mw gas fired turbines procured and installed by the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has started turning around the economic fortunes of citizens of the State.
She also lauded the Governor for giving her the opportunity to serve her Development Authority and the State.

The Chairlady noted that other infrastructure projects such as the rural and urban roads criss-crossing different parts of the State were a testament to the Governor’s political will to transforming Bayelsa state.
Kilete spoke with newsmen shortly after participating in a programme tagged, “Roundtable Series” with the theme, ‘’Bayelsa Power Infrastructure and its value chain objectives’’.
The Tide’s reports that the event, held in Yenagoa, the State capital, on Tuesday, was an economic and investment drive for the State’s Power Sector, and was part of activities put together to commemorate the 30th creation anniversary of the State.
According to her, in consonance with the Governor’s infrastructural drive, she has also executed a number of projects in her RDA which have since been put to use in the area, while others were awaiting inauguration soon.
The Mini-Ikensi boss emphasized that the projects executed by the Governor in various parts of the State have direct bearing on the lives of the citizens, and praised the urban renewal strides of the Diri-led administration.
Describing Diri as the best thing to have happened to the state, she stressed that she was replicating the achievements of the Governor in her RDA through the execution of meaningful and impactful projects, including rural water supply, concrete roads, and public conveniences.
‘’Douye Diri has done very well for Bayelsa State. Already, citizens of this State have started reaping the benefits of the constant power supply from the new gas turbines procured and installed by the Diri-led Prosperity Assured administration.
“The Governor has done very well in all facets of the State’s life; be it in roads, healthcare, empowerment initiatives and others.
“So, I want to again thank him for giving me the opportunity to serve my state and RDA. I’ve executed projects such as concrete roads, solar powered boreholes, public conveniences and others in my RDA, courtesy of the Governor having given me the privilege of serving my people as Chairperson.
“I’ll continue to work to deliver more dividends of democracy for my RDA and will continue to work for the victory of the APC in all the forthcoming polls”, She said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa