News
Obasanjo Calls for the Reconfiguration of Nigeria.
By Tobouke Jemine
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has joined the league of Nigerians calling for the restructuring of Nigeria. He made his stand known in Enugu, during the public presentation of the book ‘In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the Rebirth of a Fragmented Nation’, written by Engr. Chris Okoye.
The event was held at the Immanuel Gardens, Independence Layout in Enugu, was attended by prominent Nigerians including Mr Peter Obi; Senator Ken Nnamani; Ikedi Ohakim; Senator Victor Umeh; Admiral Allison Madueke (retd); Frank Nweke , Prof. Chinedu Nebo among others.
The former President who addressed the occasion via a live video link lamented that: “Nigeria, in one word, has moved from bad governance to another.”
President Obasanjo who was the chairman of the occasion, stated that, “The clarion call in Nigeria today is one of restructuring and a reassessment of the terms of our union as a nation.
“No matter how economically viable a nation is, bad governance and a wrong system of administration can bring it down as there is a direct correlation between economic and political reforms.
“Our historical experience at constitution making and political reform show that we may have some structural defects that require adjustment so as not to continue to constrain the deepening, widening and consolidation of democratic values and practices.
“Indeed, some of the contradictions and challenges bequeathed by the colonial administration have continued to pose problems for us to this day.
“As things stand therefore, our constitution making efforts must go down the grassroots to deal with the issues of inclusion, popular participation, ownership, and legitimacy.”
“In the process, we tried to adjust to the weaknesses of the system and equally adapted to doing without some of those fundamentals that really ought to drive the political process.
“Some issues that have emerged include, but are not limited to, the challenge of constitutionalism and constitutional reform; the opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to discuss the preferred political path for the nation; the challenge of building new, accountable, responsive and focused leadership; and how to build, operate and sustain real political liberties, social justice, rights and obligations; electoral reforms that ensure credibility and respectability of elections; relations between tiers of government; performance of government and how to ensure truly democratic governance for all.
“In all of these, the central challenge is still how to strengthen the social contract between the custodians of state power and the governed.”
While he stressed the need for unity, cohesion and equity, the former President all hands must be on deck to move Nigeria forward.
Obasanjo said, “What we want in Nigeria today is unity, cohesion, equity, togetherness and collective commitment to our progress and to the Nigeria project.
“We want to move forward, look forward, think about the past to help the present and the future and work for a stronger and more united Nigeria.
“It is unhelpful to devote time and energy to unrealistic, even unpatriotic strategies for precipitating crises, conflicts, deadlock and disintegration. In a democracy, there must be checks and balances and there must be effective watchdogs.”
On the book, Obasanjo said: “This book is of great interest to me as a person because it is a direct fallout from the National Political Reform Conference which my administration organised in 2005.
“And to us as a nation, because the content of the book is a most needed panacea for many of the ills plaguing our nation today.”
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.