Okuama
IPF Explains Decision to Withdraw N50BN Defamation Suit Against Vanguard.
IPF Explains Decision to Withdraw N50BN Defamation Suit Against Vanguard.
By Admin,
The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has revealed the rationale behind its decision to withhold the N50BN defamation lawsuit against Vanguard newspaper concerning a report titled “Irate Ijaw Youth Kills Soldiers” in Okuama Community, Ughelli Local Government Area, Delta State.
The forum condemned the report, labeling it as a deliberate attempt to distort facts and incite military action against the Ijaw nation, leading to heightened tensions in Ijaw communities across Delta and Bayelsa States.
President Comrade Austin Ozobo, in a released statement, highlighted that the decision to retract the lawsuit was prompted by Vanguard’s subsequent correction and apology following IPF’s demand for rectification of the misleading information.
Acknowledging the support received from Vanguard’s South-South regional editor, Emma Amaze, IPF recognized his efforts in advocating for the development of the Niger Delta region, even amidst contentious circumstances.
IPF expressed frustration over the recurring dissemination of conspiracy theories, particularly emanating from Vanguard, concerning critical issues affecting the Ijaw people.
Despite choosing to drop litigation against Vanguard, IPF underscored ongoing concerns regarding the newspaper’s contribution on inciting violence and unrest within Ijaw communities, citing instances such as the Igbomotoro community massacre and the invasion of High Chief Dr. E.K Clark’s home.
While forgiving Vanguard, IPF urged Mr. Sam Amuka-Pemu, the publisher of Vanguard, to exercise caution in publishing slanderous and defamatory content against the Ijaw nation, warning that continued provocations could strain relations and potentially erode patronage from the Ijaw community.
The decision to withdraw the lawsuit was made in consultation with legal counsel and in the interest of fostering amicable relations, according to IPF.
The forum emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in fostering harmony and urged Vanguard to uphold ethical standards in its reporting, particularly in matters concerning the Niger Delta region and its people.
Commend the Nigerian Army for yielding to the calls for professionalism.
Gave out cash, food, and materials to residents.
By Divine Perezide,
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called upon the inhabitants of Igbomotoru 1 and 2 communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to return home, assuring them of safety following assurances from the Nigerian Army.
In the wake of the March 14 tragedy in Okuama, Delta State, where 17 soldiers lost their lives, the Bayelsa governor, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Commander Oluremi Obolo of the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade, visited the affected communities to assess the situation.
Addressing the community leaders, Senator Diri condemned the violence and emphasized the need for intellectual engagement over militancy, urging youths to eschew criminal activities and refrain from disrupting community leadership.
Expressing gratitude for the professionalism exhibited by the Nigerian Army, Governor Diri commended their support and cooperation in restoring peace to Igbomotoru. He also stressed the importance of thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said: “I like to appreciate the military high command for cooperating with us. I came here to tell the people of Igbomo not to allow such things to happen again. Enough is enough. The era of militancy is over. It is time for intellectual engagement. Our youths should not be seen and used as cannon fodders.
“It is time for us to engage ourselves intellectually because that is the only route to developing our communities. I want to take roads to communities. That is my priority.
” I feel so sad that rather than keying into what our government is doing, some of our youths are getting involved in unproductive ventures. This is a different era. We cannot go back to the era of Adaka Boro. I am happy that President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road covering the whole of Ijaw land.”
Additionally, the governor announced the provision of relief materials, including cash, rice, and garri, to alleviate the hardships faced by the communities.
The visit concluded with a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers and victims of violence in Igbomotoru 2 community, underscoring the collective resolve to foster peace and development in the state and the region at large.
Commend the Nigerian Army for yielding to the calls for professionalism.
Gave out cash, food, and materials to residents.
By Divine Perezide,
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called upon the inhabitants of Igbomotoru 1 and 2 communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area to return home, assuring them of safety following assurances from the Nigerian Army.
In the wake of the March 14 tragedy in Okuama, Delta State, where 17 soldiers lost their lives, the Bayelsa governor, accompanied by a high-level delegation including Commander Oluremi Obolo of the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade, visited the affected communities to assess the situation.
Addressing the community leaders, Senator Diri condemned the violence and emphasized the need for intellectual engagement over militancy, urging youths to eschew criminal activities and refrain from disrupting community leadership.
Expressing gratitude for the professionalism exhibited by the Nigerian Army, Governor Diri commended their support and cooperation in restoring peace to Igbomotoru. He also stressed the importance of thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.
He said: “I like to appreciate the military high command for cooperating with us. I came here to tell the people of Igbomo not to allow such things to happen again. Enough is enough. The era of militancy is over. It is time for intellectual engagement. Our youths should not be seen and used as cannon fodders.
“It is time for us to engage ourselves intellectually because that is the only route to developing our communities. I want to take roads to communities. That is my priority.
” I feel so sad that rather than keying into what our government is doing, some of our youths are getting involved in unproductive ventures. This is a different era. We cannot go back to the era of Adaka Boro. I am happy that President Bola Tinubu has approved the construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road covering the whole of Ijaw land.”
Additionally, the governor announced the provision of relief materials, including cash, rice, and garri, to alleviate the hardships faced by the communities.
The visit concluded with a moment of silence to honor the fallen soldiers and victims of violence in Igbomotoru 2 community, underscoring the collective resolve to foster peace and development in the state and the region at large.
Tragedy Strikes Igbomotoru as Over 80 Killed, Community Trapped.
By Admin,
The serene waters of the rivers in Igbomotoru, Bayelsa state, have turned into a grim tableau of tragedy as over 80 individuals have lost their lives in a recent wave of violence. Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, unveiled the harrowing details, highlighting the senseless loss of innocent lives and the dire circumstances gripping the community.
According to Professor Okaba, the victims were caught unaware as they stood near the jetty, believing the approaching military presence was for their protection. Instead, they became targets in a violent escalation, leaving families shattered and a community in mourning.
The situation in Igbomotoru has rapidly deteriorated, with residents now trapped within the confines of their community. The military’s blockade has cut off essential supplies, leading to a desperate shortage of food and other necessities. As a result, starvation looms, compounding the already profound tragedy.
In a plea for justice and compassion, Professor Okaba urged the military to focus their efforts on apprehending the perpetrators responsible for the violence, rather than targeting innocent civilians. He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach the besieged community, calling attention to the polluted waters now tainted with the grim remnants of the recent violence.
Responding to the unfolding crisis, Major General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defense Staff, acknowledged the gravity of the situation. He revealed ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, noting that some individuals may be shielding those responsible for the attacks.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this Okuama tragedy, the spotlight remains on Igbomotoru, where the waters bear witness to the human toll of senseless violence. The call for justice and humanitarian relief reverberates, echoing the urgent need to protect innocent lives and alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.