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PRESS RELEASE: Itsekiri Plan To Resist Egbema Protest, Senseless; A Ground For Another Crisis In Warri.
Nigerians Should hold Gov. Oborevwori Responsible, Should They Make Good Their Threat.
Being Text Of A Press Release By Egbema Youth Council ( EYC).
The threat by the Itsekiri Consultative Congress led by one Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, a PDP Stakeholder in Warri North Local Government Area to resist the Egbema Ijaw planned protest against Gov Sheriff Oborevwori’s unjustified exclusion of the Ijaws of Warri North Local Government Area, in nominating two Commissioners from Warri North do not come to us as a surprise. But it’s a further affirmation of their mistaken belief that the Council belongs to only the Itsekiris, yet cannot find the population to make an homogeneous local government. Our population is only good to increase their voting strength but not good for appointment and development!
This, we no longer find shocking anymore.
Protest is a Fundamental Human Right and any group with legitimate reason need is free to do so without any disturbance. In fact the Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed this in the case between Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and others versus the Federal Government of Nigeria, after the Police attacked the the protesting Buhari and his All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) members, on the grounds that they didn’t obtain a police permit before embarking on the protest. The supreme court held that, not only are Nigerians free to embark on protest without any prior notice or permission from security agents, but the police on hearing any protestation MUST provide security cover unsolicited for those protesting. It’s therefore, a settled matter by law. We need not take permission from the Itsekiris or the apparently bias government Sheriff Oborevwori (whom by his act we won’t be wrong to deem the in this matter), and a suspected enemy of the progress to the development of Egbema Ijaw people.
We would not have responded to the publication of the Itsekiri group issued on Thursday, July 20, 2023, but we are doing so, to put the records straight for the general public and as a notice to the whole world that, that publication we saw has all the imprematu of Government support for the aggression from our Itsekiris neighbors of Warri North. The quest waiting for an answer remains; will the Government of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori now be the enabler of the aggressions and avoidable violence in Delta State? One of the governor’s aide was busy circulating the offensive story of the Itsekiri group to resist us. What are they resisting us for? For demanding for Justice in Warri North, from a government we all worked hard to install?
We want to put on record that “history does not repeat itself but people do repeat history.” We want the unguided Itsekiri group to read the history of the Warri crisis. *What caused the Warri crisis? It was the unjust relocation of a local Government headquarters created for the Ijaws of (present day Warri South West LGA) and the burning down of Chief E. K. Clark building by a group of Itsekiris mercenaries at his Warri GRA home when the Ijaws protested against the unjust relocation. The Ijaws protested against the government at the time and not Itsekiri people. So, what was the offense of the Ijaws? “A dog that wants to get lost in the jungle, will never hearken to the voice of the hunter”. This is the case of the government of Oborevwori with this brazen injustice with his adamance to reverse himself, even when he has been ask(ed) to reverse do so.
*We therefore, want to put on record that our planned protest is NOT against Itsekiri people of Warri North but the Delta State Government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori* and so, there’s no need for any group to make the threat to attack us. Whichever group decides to do so should be very ready as we won’t bow to cheap blackmail by mischief makers, not even the Governor.
Now, the issues raised in their publication are resources Itsekiris spent on the election. Their claim to have spent more resources in terms of money is to stand truth on the head. Most of the money spent came from the State PDP, via the Government and individuals donations on the side of Ijaws and the Itsekiris. If more Itsekiris contributed, it means they are men favoured by successive governments to the detrimental perennial abandonment of the Ijaws. The Itsekiris were contestants to the House of Assembly and Senate from the council. So, when you contest election it’s expected that more fund(s) will come from your end. The second issue raised is Votes cast. Let the Itsekiris state the votes during the Presidential Election and the Senate. The true figure of votes in accordance with BVAS is there, which is expository to their bloated voter population. We will not say anything about the Governorship because we know what happened and especially since the matter is before the court.
*Our Resolved Position:*
a. That we have four Federal Wards in Warri North as against the Itsekiri Six Federal Wards an as such they cannot take the two Commissioners slot in Warri North.
b. That it’s against the Federal Character principle as provided in *Chapter II, section 13 subsection 4 of the 1999 constitution.* The essence is to avoid the dominance of one ethnic group at the government level.
c. That we gave Gov Oborevwori our four wards in the election just as Itsekiris gave their six wards, and hence we deserve the fruit of our labour.
d. That the votes that came from Warri North are collective votes and as such the government must reflect that collective nature, and cannot alienate us by giving the two Commissioners slot to only Itsekiris who already have the State House of Assembly member. These are very clear issues.
e. That the Itsekiris constantly having the state assembly member and even now cannot in all fairness have both commissioners.
f. That politics is a game of interest but perennially ignoring the interest of your neighbours is witchcraft and a call to anarchy.
The DSS and the government knows that our agitation is justified except the mischief makers who are bent on a direction to cause trouble.
Therefore, by asking the DSS to arrest Egbema Right Activist, Francis Abulu Esq. is to stand the truth on the head and to further exacerbate the problem.
Therefore, we submit that “peaceful rebellion becomes a lawful thing when it’s against oppression.” Our protest is against the Government of Sheriff Oborevwori and not Itsekiris, and must hold except Mr. Governor do the needful.
Signed:
Comr. City Kelvin Eferusuoa, President Egbema Youth Council ( EYC)
Mr. Ekpokeme Governor, Secretary Egbema Youth Council (EYC).
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.