Politics
PRESS STATEMENT: Being Text Of A Press Statement Entitled “Year of Renewed Hope”, Issued By Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency, House Of Representatives, Abuja, On This 29th Day Of January, 2023.
1. It is with a rekindled hope, expectations and assurance that my constituents and I welcome the new year 2023. Given the challenges the country has had to contend with in the recent past, it is our fervent belief and expectations that 2023 shall usher Burutu Federal Constituency and Nigeria into another season of comparative prosperity reminiscent of the President Goodluck Jonathan years of happiness, economic growth and stability. This is when we shall have successfully, through our votes, discarded price volatility, and restore stable and strong currency, surplus agricultural outputs, equitable distribution of appointments to public offices among the federating units of the country, cheap transportation, and availability of energy as mechanisms to drive a more tolerant, accommodating and stable economy for our people*
2. In spite of all the contending variables in the political, economic and security sectors of the country, I have endeavoured to place the interest and welfare of Burutu Federal Constituency in the consciousness of discourse in the national assembly. This I have diligently done through active participation in debates to shape our country for the better, sponsorship of motions and pieces of legislations some of which have scaled several hurdles through the favourable support of my colleagues in the house of representatives. In due course, it is expected that the results of such efforts would manifest through the institution of infrastructural growth that would generate employment for our people and widen the scope of economic and social opportunities in Burutu Federal Constituency.
3. As we all approach the next election that is exactly 27 days from today, it behoves us to envision what lies ahead. The challenges ahead beckon on my constituents and I to return to the national assembly to drive the continuation and conclusion of the institutions I am resolutely committed to bringing to our people.
4. It is possible!
5. For example, I am mindful of the overwhelming relevance of a College of Fisheries and Aquaculture as well as an Institute of Diving Technology to the economic, ecological, social and cultural environment of our homeland.
6. Am working on these two institutions*
7. In this new year, I have ensured that few provisions are made in the 2023 national budget signed by Mr President on the 3rd January for the following projects for Burutu Federal Constituency.
8. The projects are as follows*
a. construction of a mini stadium in Torugbene ( ward one)
b. provision of solar powered street lights, Tamigbe ( ward two)
c. renovation and equipping of tubegbe health centre, provision of solar powered street lights in Tubegbe ,Tuomo, Obogbagbene ( ward three)
d. renovation and equipping of health care centre Okpokunou, solar powered street lights in Edegbene, Dunu ogosu, (ward four)
e. provision of solar powered street lights Ojobo ( ward five)
f. renovation of town hall building in Egirangbene community, renovation and equipping of health centre Ndoro, provisions of solar powered street lights to Ekogbene, Ebeberegbene, ekumgbene ( ward six)
g. renovation and equipping of health care center Ayakoromo, provision of solar powered lights to Oyangbene, bubougbene, Akparamogbene, Eseimogbene ( ward Seven)
h. provision of solar powered lights to Kiagbodo and Bikorogha communities ( ward Eight)
i. provision of solar powered street lights in Egodo, Okrika, Agbodobiri ( ward Nine)
j. construction of block of three classrooms in Obotebe, solar powered street lights in Burutu, Forcados, Opuapale, ( ward Ten)
k. Mini stadium in Sokebolou, Construction of block of 6 classrooms in Torububou Primary Sch. Obotobo, Solar powered street lights in Okuntu, Kandaghan, Okibo Zion, Completion of Teachers Quarter in Odimodi and Solar lights, renovation and equipping of health centre Ofougbene.( ward Eleven)
9. The provision of street lights shall be pursued very vigorously and implemention to commence in two weeks.
10. Therefore, it is just logical and imperative that I am enabled to continue to count on, and lean on the support and encouragement of our people. A ranking member of parliament is a blessing to a constituency. As a device of political progression, it is a tool that enables a constituency to harvest a pool of social and infrastructural benefits for its people. Also, it stands it in good stead to clinch a principal position of parliamentary leadership if, in our case, we collaborate to make our party, the PDP win the presidency and hold the majority seats in the national assembly. It would be desirable to achieve a replica of it in Delta State both in the executive branch and the state house of assembly.
11. Very assuredly, I am pleased to note that our constituency, given my arousal of the awareness of other federating parts of the country towards Burutu Federal Constituency, would continue to enjoy the empathetic support for the developmental needs and challenges of our area.
12. Therefore, I urge our people to continue to embrace the compelling need to be represented by a strong, vocal and rational voice that would trumpet with resonate impact, the challenges and needs of our people. We should not be blinded by the deceptions of persons who have woefully failed the country in these past few years. They were privy to deceiving the people of making wrong choices that have left the country panting for economic and security survival.
13. We should join hands to lift our country out from the pit of despair and agony that we now find ourselves. We should reject the authors of misbegotten public policies and repudiate those who are the harbingers of the deceptions which have led to the current pains on the Nigerian people.
14. As we do so, I wish everyone of us in Burutu Federal Constituency a year that would herald prosperity and life more abundant. I believe in the aspirations of my people and I remain humbled by their trust.
15. Happy New Year!
16. Julius G Pondi
House of Representatives
30th January, 2023.
* FCT Minister meets party leaders at his residence in Abuja
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, hosted delegates and key leaders of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) at his private residence in Abuja on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The meeting comes just as the APC prepares for its high-stakes National Convention scheduled to begin today, Friday, March 27, at Eagle Square.
The gathering included several high-ranking political figures, most notably the newly re-elected APC National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Victor Giadom. Other attendees included federal lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to the Minister’s political structure. This strategic session follows the conclusion of the APC South-South Zonal Congress in Asaba, where the party unified its leadership positions ahead of the national gathering.
During the meeting, the delegation reaffirmed their alignment with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu and discussed the state’s voting bloc for the convention. The Minister’s role in hosting the APC delegates, despite his formal affiliation with the PDP, continues to highlight his significant influence over the opposition’s internal machinery in Rivers State.
The meeting, which took place in Abuja, notably excluded Governor Siminalayi Fubara, further signaling a deepening rift within the state’s political structure following the Governor’s recent defection to the APC.
Governor Fubara’s absence from the meeting has sparked fresh debate over his standing within his new party. While the Governor has previously called for peace and collaboration, the Minister’s camp has remained critical of his administrative style and perceived lack of consultation with the party’s established foundation. The meeting ended without an official communiqué, but insiders suggest that a major realignment of local government coordinators for the “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” was a primary agenda item. This latest development suggests that despite being in the same party, the power struggle between the predecessor and successor shows no signs of a permanent resolution.
Politics
APF SENSITIZATION TOUR RE-SHAPES EKEREMOR POLITICAL LANDSCAPE AS APC CONSOLIDATES GRASSROOT SUPPORT
By: Derick Peretengboro
Ekeremor, Bayelsa State – A major political shift is unfolding in Ekeremor Constituency III as the Alabini Progressive Front (APF) has embarked on an intensive sensitization tour that has significantly strengthened the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s influence across the area.
The two-day engagement, held from November 25 to 26, 2025, followed closely on the heels of Governor Douyi Diri’s dramatic move to the APC, a development that has redrawn Bayelsa’s political power structure. Led by Hon. Chief Berry Negerese, the APF, visited key communities including Agge, Aghoro Federated Community, Letugbene, Amatu 2, and Azagbene Federated Community, sparking enthusiastic responses from residents.
During the tour, Chief Negerese emphasized that the outreach was aimed at providing clarity and direction on the APF’s alignment with the APC rather than serving as a political campaign. He stressed that Governor Diri’s defection had made it essential for the grassroots to understand the broader implications of the shifting political landscape.
“Politics is local, and our people must be well informed,” he told community members. “The APF stands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Senator Douyi Diri, and Minister Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as we work to reposition our constituency for greater development.”
The tour was met with widespread excitement, with many residents publicly announcing their decision to abandon the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in favour of joining the APC through the APF structure. Community members described the visit as , noting that it offered the first direct engagement on the Party (PDP) in favour of joining the APC through the APF structure. Community members described the visit as timely, noting that it offered the first direct engagement on the political realignment taking place in Bayelsa State.
Observers say the turnout and reactions signal a major realignment in Constituency III, with the APF demonstrating strong organisational capacity and growing local influence.
Chief Negerese was accompanied by prominent leaders of the Front, including High Chief Job Ayiba, Deputy Director General; Hon. Victor Ebiyekon, Secretary General; Elder Chief Augustine Lugbeinwei; Hon. Comr. Bonny Collins, Councillor Ward 11; Pastor Mrs. Emienboh Bolouperemor, Councillor Ward 12; Chief Victor Onniye; Comr. Esther Ingo; Chief Shagari Idolobo; Mr. Thursday Alabor; Mr. Frank Gold; Chief Bralade Ebabogha; and Mr. Felix Obiriki, among others.
As realignments continue across the state, the APF’s successful sensitization drive is being seen as a defining moment that has strengthened the APC’s grassroots base in Ekeremor Constituency III. Analysts believe the development will play a crucial role in shaping future political engagement in the region.
The message from the constituency is unmistakable: A significant political tide has shifted, and the Alabini Progressive Front is at the centre of the movement, as reported by Prince Dressman Igburu for RV News
By Prof. Benedict Binebai
Justice often becomes a sensitive topic for those who have historically wielded power to oppress others. For decades, the Warri Ijaws have faced systemic injustices at the hands of Itsekiri imperialism, which has sought to marginalize and silence their voices. Now, as efforts are made to correct these historical wrongs and restore the rights and privileges of the Ijaw people, those who previously benefited from this imbalance are raising alarms, feigning concern about the changes.
The reality is that the Ijaw people have long fought for justice and recognition of their rightful place. They are not land grabbers or aggressors but individuals seeking to reclaim their heritage and assert their rights in the face of long-standing oppression. The resistance from the Itsekiri side stems from a reluctance to relinquish power and privilege.v
As the balance of power shifts toward justice and equity, it’s crucial to recognize the historical context and legitimate grievances of the Ijaw people. Their struggle is about restoring balance and ensuring their rights are respected, not perpetuating conflict. By standing up for their rights, the Ijaw people seek a just and fair resolution to decades of oppression.
The Ijaws, Urhobos, and Itskeris of Warri have coexisted for many years. It’s essential for everyone to respect the voice of justice and work towards a harmonious and equitable society. By doing so, we can build a future where all communities can thrive together.