* Calls for Judicious Use of Ecological Funds, Blames Persistent Flooding on Governors’ Failure

Warri – Renowned Niger-Delta born environmental and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has re-emphasized the need for the state government to judiciously apply the ecological funds to address and tackle the perennial flooding and erosion in the region.

According to the environmental advocate, while the federal government has spent over N600 billion to various States in the country for ecological funding and erosion control, he lamented that though the Niger Delta governors received a larger chunk of the funds, no significant impact has been made over the last 10 years.

“We commend the federal government for the support towards reducing ecological impact in the various flood prone states with erosion issues.

“For the Niger Delta States, there has been no improvement in the past 10 years. Despite the huge amount received, the Niger Delta States still experience perennial flooding, loss of lives, destruction of livelihood, and shortage of food as well as increase in unemployment due to washing away of farmland and crops,” he lamented.

The development advocate took a swipe at the Niger Delta governors for turning the ecological fund into a looting jamboree through the setting up of what he described as “political Flood Management Committee” that are used to siphon away funds meant to address the perennial flood issue.

“It is imperative to State that failure of government at all levels is one of the greatest reason for the occurrence of the continuous flooding, loss of lives and destruction of properties in the Niger Delta States. Despite the huge investment of ecological funds in the region, the funds are diverted and swallowed up by political elites or gladiators of the region.

“Political overbearing coupled with corruption have made the Niger Delta governors not to properly put in place measures to tackle and address this critical issues.

“Rather, in order to cover their failure and mismanagement of the funds, they set up a political Flood Management Committee in some state to oversee the impact of the flood with the means to siphon millions of naira at the erection of temporal IDP Camps without regard for modern facilities, portable water, sanitation and hygienic environmental measures. There is no proper drainage system, natural waterways were blocked by building houses on water courses and deforestation by community members,” he added.

Mulade therefore called on the Niger Delta States to instead establish an agency that will tasked with oversight functions on the issue of perennial flooding in the region.

“The Niger Delta States need to create agencies saddled with specific responsibility to manage the funds, and respond to the construction of storm water dam systems, open existing drainage systems, and natural waterways,” he proffered.

In the annals of Ijaw history, whispers of a bygone era echo through the ages, recounting the tale of Agadagbabou, a fabled city on Wilberforce Island, where the Ijaw nation once thrived. This sacred land, imbued with the essence of their forebears, served as both a political and spiritual hub, where Agadagba, the revered spiritual and military general, once walked. The dispersal of the Ijaw people from this island, centuries ago, has left an indelible mark on their collective memory, a testament to their rich heritage.

Today, Wilberforce Island, nestled in the heart of Bayelsa State, lies dormant, its ancient spirituality awaiting rediscovery. As the island of origin, it cradles the remnants of a bygone era, where Ijaw ancestors rest, their spirits lingering, awaiting the revitalisation of their sacred land. The island’s significance extends beyond the realm of history, for it is the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation, a land of unity, where the fragmented threads of Ijaw identity can be woven together.

Wilberforce Island is currently home to 13 communities, spread across four local government areas of the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State. It also hosts notable institutions, including the Niger Delta University and an international airport, which contribute to the island’s modern-day significance. Niger Delta University, established in 2000, is a state-owned institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programmes across various disciplines.

Since 2018, I have been advocating for the rebuilding of the Ijaw city on Wilberforce Island through public lectures, emphasising its historical and cultural importance. I must confess, I am not certain whether the island’s spirituality is passing through my agency, guiding me to underscore the need for its rebuilding, or if it is merely my passion for revitalising antiquity in our contemporary times that drives me. Whatever the catalyst, I am resolute in my conviction that Wilberforce Island is the foundation of Ijaw identity, a land that holds the secrets of our past and the key to our future.

Significance of Wilberforce Island

– *Spiritual Centre*: Restoration of the Ijaw city’s spiritual centre, reconnecting the people with their ancestral heritage

– *Unification*: Unification of the Ijaw nation, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose

– *Economic Growth*: Potential for economic growth, as the island’s development could attract investment and create opportunities for the local population

– *Cultural Preservation*: Preservation of cultural heritage, safeguarding the history and traditions of the Ijaw people for future generations.

Let the Ijaw people heed the call to reclaim their heritage, to rebuild the city of their ancestors, and to revitalise the spirituality that once defined their existence. By doing so, they may unlock the secrets of their past, forge a brighter future, and ensure the continuation of their legacy for generations to come.

* Urged Swift Implementation of Ward 0Delineation Report

June 9, 2025

Chief (Dr) God’s power Gbenekama JP, the Fiywwei spokesperson of the Gbaramatu Kingdom, has raised concerns over the lingering delay by the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in implementing the Warri Federal Constituency Ward Delineation Report, warning that the continued inaction could jeopardize the fragile peace in the region.

The Ijaw leader made these remarks during a media engagement with members of the Ijaw Publishers ‘Forum (IPF) at his residence in Effurun, Delta State, on Monday.

Calling for urgency from the electoral body, Gbenekama stated that postponing the implementation of the ward Delineation exercise does not serve the interests of peace or stability in Warri and it’s environs

“These noises that the Federal Government is listening to is not in the favour of peace”, he said, referencing objections reportedly raised by some Itsekiri groups regarding the outcome of the delineation process.

The Fiyewei noted that despite these tensions, the region has remained relatively calm, thanks in part to effort by traditional rulers who continue to advocate for unity and stability.

“Niger Delta kings, especially the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, has been going round the region with other kings to sustain the peace. Those that can sustain peace, if not properly handled, can bring about violence,” he cautioned.

He went further to criticize those opposing the delineation, describing their resistance as a reaction to the loss of unfair advantages.

“So, what the Itsekiri elements are saying shouldn’t be taken seriously. It is very clear that if you are enjoying something belonging to someone else with trickery and the truth comes out, you are bound to fight because food has been taken from your table.

“The Itsekiris are a sinking boat that is grappling for anything to stay afloat. We, Ijaw people of Gbaramatu, Ogbe-Ijoh, Egbema, Isaba, and Diebiri, are not taking them seriously because we are not ready to fight them. It is peace we want, and we will continue to maintain peace. ”

Reiterating his appeal to the federal government, Gbenekama urged for decisive action to enable INEC to finalise its work without further delays.

“The government should do what is necessary so that INEC can conclude their work. The delays of INEC work is not in the interest of peace,” he warned.

In a strong message of reconciliation, the Fiyewei extended an Olive branch to the Itsekiris, calling for mutual respect and coexistence.

“We are outstretching our hands of fellowship to the Itsekiri people, let them support what Aketekpe, Pere Oboro Gabaraun II, and other Ijaw monarchs are doing to maintain the peace in the Niger Delta.”

He also revealed that there are reports of plots to sabotage oil pipelines to undermine the credibility of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and his security outfitTantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

“We have information that some elements are planning to attack pipelines to discredit Tompolo. Let it be said that nobody at this time can discredit Tompolo and Tantita. Many of the Ijaws and Itsekiris would have died if not for Tantita,” he asserted.

High Chief Gbenekama’s call comes amidst heightened anticipation over the electoral Wards delineation and reflects growing concerns from Niger Delta leaders about threats to the region’s delicate peace and development trajectory.