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Text of the Press Conference By The Colligate Leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG) And Egbema Youth Council (EYC) On The Nomination of Two Commissioners By His Excellency Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori. Monday, July 24, 2023.
The news of the nomination of names for Commissioners and members of Delta State Executive Council by the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, should ordinarily be a thing of joy but for the Egbema people of Warri North Local Government Area it signifies a sad day.
Justice demands that if an appointment of a Commissioner from Warri North should be considered, then that person must be an Ijaw. This is because since the creation of Warri North Local Government Area, it has always been Itsekiri occupying the position at the State Exceutive Council. Not until toward the end of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second term in office was an Ijaw, Hon. Joel Bisina, made Commissioner for six months!
We the Egbema people have suffered political oppression and injustice in Warri North Local Government Area for too long. The Ijaw of Warri North have been denied the position of House of Assembly Member since 1991 when the Local Government Council was created (inclusive of the inception of democracy in 1999) till date.
Against this background, we – indeed every lover of justice – had no reason to doubt if a governor, whose emergence was only by divine grace, would give serious thought to addressing the Egbema political situation; yet not so!
Egbema Leaders wrote the governor, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, a letter for a meeting but it was not considered, apparently because we are only good at turning in our votes massively during elections but cannot share in the proceeds therefrom. The disposition of the governor in alienating the Ijaws of Warri North from executive office shows he does not understand the political calibration of the State he is voted to govern.
Warri North comprises the Itsekiris and Ijaws who are equal stakeholders in the Local Government Area. It would have been a thoughtful act to appoint two Commissioners from the Local Government inhabited by two ethnic groups of equal footing to achieve political balance but, sadly, the two Commissioners selected by the governor happen to come form one of the two groups and the other ethnic group is told to go to hell.
This action of the Governor is clearly to perpetuate and escalate the political overpowering of the Ijaws of Warri North so that they can be kept under by the other ethnic group in the local government area.
The votes that he got in Warri North did not come from the Itsekiris alone. It was a collective Vote! The Ijaw Four Federal Wards as against Itsekiri six Federal wards were claimed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Ijaws overwhelmingly voted for H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor. So, on what basis was this decision to exclude the Ijaw completely in Warri North made?
*What we see is that the governor is pleasing two contending forces of Itsekiri ethnic group, between the former Gov. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Michael Diden (a.k.a. Ejele) whose case is in the tribunal, by unwittingly making the Ijaws the guinea pig or scapegoat. We are, and remain, equal owners and stakeholders of the council area with four wards! So, rewarding a people with six wards with two Commissioners without considering the people with four wards is an act of injustice, a heinous offence crying to Heaven for redress and roundly condemnable* .
We demand to know the rationale for this unholy decision. The action of the Governor violates *Chapter II, Section 14 subsection 4 of the Constitution* of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The two Commissioners Nominees are: Ms. Erode Uduaghan and Dr. Isaac Wiliky, both Itsekiris from Warri North. Injustice is the bedrock of political conflict. Where the likes of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ejele (Diden) want everything, they should be courageous enough to demand their own homogeneous local government. We can only vote to increase their voting strength but not good for appointment!?
*Our Demands:-
1. Reverse the decision and appoint an Egbema Ijaw into the State Exceutive Council;
2. Converne a meeting of Egbema Leaders to resolve the impasse, whichever comes first.
As a major Oil Producing Kingdom, we are host to Opuekeba Flowstation operated by Chvroven, with production capacity of 20,000 barrels per day;
ii. Opuama Flotation operated by NPDCL, with production capacity of 18,000 barrels per day;
III. Chvroven Nigeria Limited in (RMP 17) Olero Field;
IV. CONOIL Producing Limited OML 103 (undergoing drilling).
Consequently, if we are not good enough to be where our God-given wealth will be shared in the state, we will do all within our powers legally to halt oil operations, where this monumental injustice is not addressed.
Where there is injustice, rebellion is a lawful duty.
Thank you for your time and and attention.
Signed:
Barr. Francis Abulu, for the leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG);
Cmr. City Kelvin Eferusua, President Egbema Youth Council ( EYC);
Mr. Ekpokeme Governor, Secretary Egbema Youth Council, EYC.
By Divine Perezide
Ogulagha Community is set to witness a grand and memorable event as Comr. Bright Guwor and his executive team prepare for their official swearing-in ceremony o April 4th, 2025.
The highly anticipated occasion will be chaired by Dr. Julius Takekme, the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council. HRM, Elder, Capt., Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan Jp, PhD., Torububou-1, Agbonu, the Ibezenawei of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Royal Father of the Day. Chief Princess Caroline Ene, the Bolou-ere of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Mother of the Day.
Prominent dignitaries are expected to grace the ceremony as Special Guests of Honour. Amongst them are Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabujor Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment;Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly; High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta; Hon. Peter Forteta, former Delta State House of Assembly Member; Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, PDP Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Godknows Angele, Delta State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo, Member representing Burutu-1 Constituency and Minority Whip, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye, Member representing Burutu South in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Ogulagha Community Secretariat at 10 am, followed by a reception at Ekpebiwei Primary School field.
Adding to the festivities, renowned Ijaw music maestro, Prince Abraham, will perform live to entertain guests throughout the night.
The swearing-in ceremony promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, bringing together sons and daughters of Ogulagha Community, Kingdom, and friends, well-wishers, political associates, and the general public. All are warmly invited to partake in the his exciting celebration, which is expected to be an unforgettable experience.
By Divine Perezide
In a dedicated effort to promote education and empower children in the creeks, the Destiny Educational Foundation has provided 105 free JAMB forms to students from Alabini communities (Ekeremor Constituency 3). This initiative is generously sponsored by Hon. Selekebina Saboh, a former Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, renowned philanthropist, and business mogul.
The Destiny Educational Foundation is committed to advocating for quality education and ensuring that children in riverine areas have access to academic opportunities. By providing this support, the foundation aims to ease the financial burden on students and encourage higher educational attainment.
To facilitate the registration process, the free JAMB form registration will take place in Yenagoa and Warri, strategically chosen to reduce transportation costs for beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation and all beneficiaries, Comr. Destiny Oweilayefa Semi, the CEO of Destiny Educational Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Selekebina Saboh for his generous contributions towards education and community development. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of young learners and fostering societal growth.
This initiative underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, ensuring that students from underserved communities have the resources they need to succeed.
By Admin – IduwiniVoice
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a revered elder statesman, nationalist, and advocate for justice, democracy, and equality. In a heartfelt tribute, PANDEF described the late icon as a towering figure who dedicated his 96 years to the relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria.
Recognizing his pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape, the group lauded his unwavering commitment to unity, democratic governance, and inter-regional collaboration. PANDEF’s National Chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali, conveyed condolences to the Yoruba nation and Pa Adebanjo’s family, emphasizing that his legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy will continue to inspire generations.
See details below:
“PAN-NIGER DELTA FORUM (PANDEF)
“PRESS STATEMENT
“IN PA AYO ADEBANJO, WE MOURN A GREAT TITAN OF OUR NATION
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and National Leadership of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), and the entire people of the South-South geopolitical zone, we are profoundly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Pa Ayo Adebanjo, a legendary icon and elder statesman who dedicated an extraordinary 96 years to activism, championing justice, equality, and freedom for the Nigerian people.
“The news of his demise has left us in deep sorrow as we struggle to come to terms with the loss of this distinguished lawyer, politician, and statesman, PANDEF recounts that he played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history even predating it’s independence.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Pa Adebanjo was a steadfast advocate for democratic governance, human rights, and social justice. His relentless pursuit of a better Nigeria inspired generations to strive for excellence and demand accountability from their leaders. His contributions to the country’s struggle for independence, his role in shaping the Action Group and Afenifere, and his unwavering support for the marginalized and oppressed will forever be remembered.
“We particularly acknowledge that it is to his credit that relations between Afenifere and PANDEF flourished, fostering a spirit of truth and justice in Nigeria. This achievement highlights his dedication to unity and intra group collaboration.
“Indeed, unntil his passing, Pa Adebanjo was the co-founder and deputy chairman, alongside Chief E.K. Clark, in the Southern and Middle Belt Forum—a platform that brings together leaders from the South East, South South, South West, and North Central regions. This forum continues to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and understanding across Nigeria’s diverse regions, including close interraction withArewa Consutative Forum and Northern EldersForum.
“PANDEF joins all other Nigerian patriots to celebrate Pa Adebanjo’s inspirational life, the last great titan of the Chief Obafemi Awolowo disciples, as a symbol of hope, resilience, and determination As he bows out today, his legacy reminds us that one person can make a significant impact and that collective action can drive transformative change in our
“Our heartfelt condolences, especially of his personal friend and partner, Chief EK Clark, goes out to the family of Pa Ayo Adebanjo and the great people of the Yoruba nation who have lost a beloved son, leader, and champion. May they find solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind for us all.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Ambassador Godknows Igali, OON
PANDEF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN