News
Gbaramatu Chiefs Firmly Defend Nigerian Maritime University Against Renaming Petition.
Gbaramatu Chiefs Firmly Defend Nigerian Maritime University Against Renaming Petition.
By Anthony Beauty.
In a resolute response to the recent petition submitted by the Itsekiri Omadino and their associates, Gbaramatu Chiefs Charles Torusin, Clement Sokoto, Victor Odu, and Ebi Bebenimibo have staunchly rejected calls for renaming and discontinuing funding for the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
Established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the university, situated in Okerenkoko town in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South West LGA, has faced persistent opposition since President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, notably from Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi, questioning the university’s necessity before the Senate committee on Marine Transport in 2016, referred to it as a “waste of resources,” citing existing institutes in Oron, Zaria, and elsewhere. Despite the opposition, the university has thrived, producing graduates who have actively participated in the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and recently celebrated its maiden convocation ceremony.
However, the recent petition from the Itsekiri Omadino alleges wrongful and illegal naming of the university, claiming ownership of the land based on court judgments. The petitioners further asserted fraudulent sales of Okerenkoko land and question the government’s support for the implicated party, accusing them of fanning the embers of hostility.
In response, Chiefs Torusin, Sokoto, Odu, and Bebenimibo challenge these claims, reaffirming the aboriginal identity of ‘Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko’. They strongly oppose renaming the university, with emphasis on Okerenkoko’s historical significance over generations.
The Chiefs call upon the federal and state governments, as well as respected stakeholders, to address the petitioners and their sponsors. They advocate for a united front among Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri natives to prevent a recurrence of past ethnic conflicts in the Warri territory.
As the controversy unfolds, the Gbaramatu Chiefs remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the identity and legacy of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
Their rejection letter reads in full;
“AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER–IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
“YOUR EXCELLENCY,
“RE: THE PROVOCATIVE AND MISLEADING PETITION BY THE ITSEKIRI OMADINO AND THEIR CRONIES THAT THE NIGERIA MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO SHOULD BE RENAMED AND ITS FUNDING HALTED.
“Sir, the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South West LGA was established amongst other Universities in the twilight of former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Prof (Mrs.) Ongoebi Maureen Etebu and Mr. Anho Nathaniel Esoghene Lucky were appointed as Vice Chancellor and Registrar respectively through a letter referenced HME/FME/41/X/139, and signed by the then minister for Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in May, 2015.
“No sooner than former president Mohammadu Buhari assumed office on 29th May, 2015, and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi sworn in as minister for Transportation on 11th November, 2015, was the start of the beginning of what one would term a whirlwind of conspiratorial gang-up headed by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and his ilks using at some point the Itsekiri Omadino as canon fodder to close-down or halt the funding of the University.
It may be very relevant to quote Mr. Rotimi Amaechi statements in the above regard on the 19th January, 2016, when he appeared before the Senate committee on Marine transport, headed by Senator Ahmed Sani.
‘’We are not going ahead with the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko project proposed by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) because we have an institute in Oron, we have Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria and we have Nigeria College of Aviation in Zaria, which we could upgrade into a University status and MIMASA is proposing to build a new one’’.
“He further stated;
‘’Who will attend the university? How many parents will allow their children to go to such a place where it proposes to site the university? I don’t think we are proceeding with the University proposed by NIMASA because it is a waste of resources’’
“Interestingly, in spite of these vitriolic attacks and condemnations of the establishment of the university, the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko is developing by ‘’leaps and bounds’’. The granduants of the institution are already serving in the mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and the University having had its maiden convocation ceremony.
“At this juncture, one ordinarily would have thought that the unwarranted calls to close down the University would have been abated, which is not the case as evidenced in the Itsekiri Omadino calling on the office of Mr. President to halt the funding of the university.
“According to the petitioner, the university is wrongfully and illegally named as Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko. That the lex situs of the University and the larger Okerenkoko lands belongs to the petitioner by virtue of court judgements.
“Furthermore, that they the petitioners have caused EFCC to investigate the dramatis personae (name withheld) for the fraudulent sales and overbloated price of Okerenkoko land and the said dramatis personae is not only moving freely but is also being contractually patronised by the government even as he threatens the Nigeria state and its military with his secessionist agenda.
The petitioners went further to state that the former Attorney General of the Federation had earlier sent his legal opinion to the National Assembly to rename the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in accordance with the petitioners prayers to avert ethnic crisis. And that Mr. President should demonstrate the NADECO spirit in him to halt funding of the University.
“Without much ado, there is no- law that turns a man to become a woman vice versa. The aboriginal Okerenkoko peoples and their land have always been Okerenkoko from generations past and would always remain Okerenkoko and no foreign name can be foisted on Okerenkoko and her institutions. Okerenkoko Primary school founded in 1955, Okerenkoko Secondary School as well as the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko would continually go by the name Okerenkoko and no other.
“The purportedly obtained fraudulent judgements are pari materia with some other cases that are sub-judice for which the Supreme Court had frowned at judgements obtained against the weight of evidence. Furthermore, it suffices to say that there was complete compliance with the procurement Act and law in the acquisition of the twin land for the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko measuring 100.045 hectares and the land for the Ship Building and Ship Repairs measuring 50,280 hectares. These acquisitions have since been gazetted; Delta state of Nigeria Gazette No.38 Asaba -19th September, 2013 Vol 23 and No.39 Asaba – 26th September, 2013, Vol 23 respectively.
“It is important to state that the procurement/acquisition of the lands, the petitioners seek to rename was consummated over a decade ago and due compensations paid to the people of Okerenkoko for damages of farmlands, Shrines, Fish Ponds etc. One wonders where the petitioners were then.
Sir, we are not aware of any dramatis personae whose name(s) is withheld, that is associated with fraudulent sales of Okerenkoko land with overbloated price. For which the petitioners have caused EFCC to investigate the dramatis personae who according to the petitioners, is moving freely around and being contractually patronised by the government even as he threatens the Nigeria state and the military with his secessionist agenda.
“Furthermore, we consider it mischievous and strange for the petitioners to call on Mr. President to demonstrate the NADECO spirit in him, in a case that is clearly driven by reckless ethnic chauvinism.
“Conclusively, we respectfully call on the Federal and State governments and all critical stakeholders to call the petitioners and their known sponsors to order as the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri natives of Warri territory are an indivisible people.
“As we cannot afford history to repeat itself as in the unreasonable, wasteful and destructive Warri ethnic bloodbath of 1997 and 2003 respectively.”
Signed: Chief Charles Torusin
Chief Clement Sokoto
Chief Victor Odu
Chief Ebi Bebenimibo”
IduwiniVoice recall that the leaders of Omadina Itsekiri had petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when he ascented to the Bill for an Act creating the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, which had passed second reading on the floor of the Senate during President Buhari’s tenure, after it was re-presented for third reading and passage by Sen. Joel Onowakpor Thomas.
By: Benedict Binebai
The forces of darkness gather, their whispers weaving a web of deceit, as they seek to besmirch the names of two stalwarts of the Niger Delta, legendary Disciples of economic progress, Tompolo and Otuaro. Like the Hydra of legend, their detractors persist and multiply, spewing venom and falsehoods, hoping to sever the heads of progress and peace in the Niger Delta. But the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, King Whiskey, has sounded the clarion call, warning of the conspiracy to destabilise the region. Like a mighty river, he stands firm, his words a bulwark against the torrent of lies.
Tantita Security Services Limited, led by Tompolo, is a shining example of innovation and effectiveness, a square peg perfectly fitted in the square hole of Niger Delta security. Their efforts have brought unprecedented results, taming the beasts of crude theft and pipeline vandalism, and restoring life to the water bodies and communities. Similarly, the Administration of Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro at the Presidential Amnesty Programme is a masterstroke of strategic placement – a square peg in a square hole. His reforms have been transformative, visible, and impactful, bringing hope and prosperity to the people.
But amidst these triumphs, a lingering sadness grips the hearts of the Niger Delta people. The enemies of Nigeria’s economy and the hope of the Niger Delta Amnesty youths – the pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves – remain at large, their nefarious activities still not fully contained by security agencies. The majority of Niger Deltans are dismayed that these agents of darkness continue to undermine the region’s progress and sabotage the nation’s economy.
Their detractors, like the mythical Minotaur, are trapped in a labyrinth of their own making, lost in a maze of deceit and malice. But the people will not be fooled. The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas Traditional Rulers and Elders Advisory Council, under King Whiskey’s leadership, will not stand idly by.
Let the federal government beware, for the Niger Delta will not be swayed by the winds of propaganda. Tompolo and Otuaro have brought hope and prosperity, and their efforts will not be undone by the agents of darkness. The people demand justice, and the truth shall prevail. The detractors will be held accountable for their actions, and the Niger Delta will rise stronger, like the mighty eagle, soaring above the storms of adversity.
News
NAOS Worldwide Decries Defamatory Reports Targeting Odimodi Community, Advocatea Ethnical Journalism
By Tama Peretengboro
The National Association of Odimodi Student’s (NAOS Worldwide),led by comrade Bekebebedougha Eric Ogokeme, has denounced recent defamatory media report that is says are designed to smear the reputation of the Odimodi Federated Community and it’s prominent leaders.
In a press statement released on Monday, NAOS Worldwide firmly rejected recent allegations suggesting the community was in turmoil due to the presence of armed political operatives. The student body labeled these claims as”grossly misleading, malicious, and calculated attempt to destabilize the unity and peace of Odimodi.”
According to NAOS, accusations involving the importation of arms, intimidation of residents, and threats to public safety have no basis in reality. Rather, they appear to stem from individuals advancing self-serving political motives at the expense of community harmony.
As students and intellectual ambassadors of Odimodi worldwide,we cannot fold our arms and watch while a few individuals, these stories are fabricated and intentionally twisted to stir unnecessary fear and unrest, “said comrade ogokeme.
He further cautioned that Odimodi legacy of peace and it’s deep-rooted communal values should not be undermined by misleading narratives or orchestrated propaganda.
NAOS also addressed allegations concerning Mr.New-word Endoro, the community chairman, affirming his consistent advocacy for peace and adherence to lawful processes.they highlighted that his recent return to the community following ball conditions was marked by stability and not the unrest depicted in some reports.
“There was no ‘lockdown’ imposed. What occurred was a traditional procession in line with long-standing cultural customs. Attempt to misconstrue our heritage and ceremonies is threats only show the depth of ignorance and desperation among the authors of these reports,”the statement noted.
Calling on journalists, civil society, and the public at large, NAOS stressed the need for accuracy and fairness when reporting on sensitive issues related to Odimodi.The group urged media professionals to fact-check and verify information before publication.
“Let it be clear: Odimodi is not a haven for thugs,nor is it a community in chaos.it is a place of tradition,unity, and resilience. Any publication that suggests otherwise is not only dishonest but is a direct affront to our values,” the association asserted.
NAOS also called on relevant authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible for spreading defamatory content armed at fueling division within the community.
In his closing remarks, comrade ogokeme reiterated the association’s dedication to peace building, education, and youth empowerment both in Odimodi and across wider platforms.
We will defend the image of our community wherever we find ourselves . We stand for peace, not propaganda. And we call on all stakeholders to do the same”.
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – As graduands gets convocated from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Good luck Jonathan, was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in recognition of her outstanding contributions to education, women empowerment, and public service.
The ceremony, which took place at the university’s main campus in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including political leaders, academics, and members of the public. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Okechuku Onuchuku, lauded Dame Jonathan’s enduring commitment to national development and her tireless efforts in advocating for girl-child education and woman right.
“Dame Patience Jonathan has, over the years, demonstrated a rare passion for service, education, and humanitarian work. Her philanthropic initiatives, especially in empowering underprivileged women, are worthy of emulation; said Professor Onuchuku during his address.
In her acceptance speech, Dame Jonathan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university’s for the honor bestowed upon her. She dedicated the award to Nigerian women and pledge to continue championing causes that promote education and gender equality.
“This recognition is not just for me, but for every Nigerian women striving to make a difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, difference. I remain committed to using my voice and platform to uplift others, particularly the girl-child,” she stated.
The honorary decorate highlights the former First Lady’s enduring legacy and the impact of her initiatives, including the women for Change Development initiative, which has empowered thousands of women across Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in the university’s history and reaffirmed it’s commitment to recognizing individuals who have contributed meaningfully to societal progress.