News
OKOMU CRISIS: INC WADES IN TO BROKER PEACE
IduwiniVoice
OKOMU CRISIS: INC WADES IN TO BROKER PEACE
By Tobouke JEMINE
The Ijaw National Congress (INC) under the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, has moved in to broker peace between the conflicting sides in the Okomou community and the Okomou Palm Oil Company.
The INC convened a placatory meeting among the stakeholders in the Ijaw Okomu community of Edo State at the palace annex of the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom in Warri, Delta State, on July 4th, 2024, to seek ways to restore lasting peace to the community.
After exhaustive deliberations, it was resolved as follows:
1. All factions should cease any further hostilities forthwith while the Ijaw traditional rulers further engage all critical stakeholders to resolve the crisis in the community.
2. All stakeholders in the community must commit to working together for peace to be immediately restored in the community.
3. All actions and counteractions by any group capable of escalating the present situation in the community must stop for the Ijaw Nation, through the INC, to properly approach all contending issues dispassionately.
4. The INC resolved to write and summon the Okomu Oil Palm Company to a serious engagement meeting to hear from them their role, action, or inaction in the ongoing process.
5. The Okomu Oil Palm Company is requested to account for their operations in the Okomu Ijaw domain with regard to their CSR.
6. Ijaws resolved not to be used as slaves or second-class citizens by any company or group in Edo State.
7. The INC totally condemns the divide-and-rule tactics adopted by the Okomu Oil Palm Company to continuously sow seeds of discord among our Ijaw people.
8. The INC demands that the Okomu Oil Palm Company account for what they have done for the Okomu community while paying the 12 billion naira annual tax to the Edo State government from their operations in the community.
9. The INC will mandate a delegation of traditional rulers to visit the king of Okomu to confer with him and pass these resolutions to him.
10. The meeting strongly condemned the failure/refusal of Omokachi Peretei and his group to honor the invitation and their disrespect of the INC by not attending the meeting aimed at resolving the Okomu crisis.
11. The INC strongly warns the concerned absent group to maintain peace and desist from escalating the present situation while the INC and the revered traditional rulers urgently move to get to the roots of the crisis in the interest of peace.
12. The meeting resolved that all groups involved in the crisis should not test the will and determination of the Ijaw Nation to bring the desired peace to the ancient Okomu Ijaw Kingdom and to all Ijaws in Edo State in general.
13. Stakeholders at the meeting are mandated to pass the resolutions of the meeting to their respective groups to abide by them at once.
14. All security agents are hereby enjoined to maintain law and order, respect the rights of the Okomu people, and desist from any form of harassment, intimidation, and/or indiscriminate arrest of innocent citizens of Okomu Kingdom while the Ijaw Nation deals with this situation.
15. The Edo State Police Command, DSS, and Army authorities are equally enjoined to stop the threat of declaring people and/or youths wanted while the INC seeks a lasting solution to this problem.
16. The INC hereby commends the security agencies, especially the Army at the 4 Brigade and its commander Brig. Gen. Oduyemi, for their stabilizing role towards maintaining peace in the community.
Other kings in the meeting included the Agadagba of Arogbo, the Agadagba of Gbaran Kingdom, and a representative of the state director of the DSS.
Signed,
Prof. Benjamin Okaba
President, INC
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.