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COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE IJAW PUBLISHERS’ FORUM (IPF) MEDIA CONFERENCE
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) held its maiden Media Conference and Annual Dialogue with the theme ‘Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice’ at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, where sundry issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation were extensively discussed. The conference was attended by media practitioners, environmental activists, top government officials, among others.
The conference deliberated on the division in the Ijaw Nation caused by partisan politics, and consequently decried such an act.
The conference also looked at the attitude of some Ijaw political office holders towards their Ijaw brothers and sisters. The conference was specific on instances of some Ijaw political office holders shutting their doors to their Ijaw brothers and sisters; and more so preferring outsiders to their Ijaw brothers and/or sisters in terms of assistance.
The conference expressed worry on some national issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation. The conference was specific on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and the apparent silence by the Ijaw people.
The 2024 Media Conference and Annual Dialogue at the end of the deliberation resolved as follows:
That the persistent marginalisation and oppression of the Niger Delta people by the Nigerian Federal Government has led to a growing demand for resource control and self-determination.
That, as a region and Ijaw people who continue to bear the burden of the nation’s oil wealth, its people are increasingly seeking greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.
That the Federal Government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to address the pressing issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, etc. facing the Niger Delta region.
That the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large must be united and determined to challenge the continuous marginalisation and demand a better future for themselves and their children.
That the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta region have long been plagued by issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, yet, despite these challenges, the region particularly Ijaw Nation must remain resilient and determined to fight for their rights.
That the Ijaw people must continue to rise up against economic, environmental, and political injustice, until their voices are heard, and their rights are respected.
The conference demanded for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as the need for more inclusive and representative governance.
That Ijaw people must come together and take a common position on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and that the Ijaw Nation must gather its best brain particular in the law profession to critically look into the Bill and take an anonymous position even as the NASS prepares for the public hearing.
That Ijaw leaders particularly political office holders must play an open door policy, keep their office doors open to their Ijaw brothers and sisters, and must rise to their assistance when such need arises.
That if the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta region fails to stand in unison and fight as one, the region and the Ijaw would be the loser.
That the unity of the Ijaw people depends on the Ijaw themselves who have always constituted themselves as their own hindrance.
That despite the struggles of the Ijaw people for political, environmental, social and economic emancipation, the Ijaw Nation is yet to make any progress because of the selfish interests from some leaders who always put their interests first. As such, those politicians representing the Ijaw people or the Nation at the organs of government should put the interest of the Ijaw Nation first.
That the Ijaw people need to reflect deeply on what they define as fairness, and need to put Ijaw Nation first inorder to move it forward.
That the Ijaw people must hold accountable their sons and daughters, likewise institutions who have betrayed the interests of the Ijaw people.
That the armed struggle which started with the birth of the INC and the IYC against the Federal Government and multinationals is now different, lamenting that it has become a personal struggle compounding the neglect of the Ijaw people, poverty, environmental genocide and general unrest in Ijaw Nation, thereby defying the dividends of democracy, justice and development, which has been dethroned by personal interest.
That if the Ijaw Nation must thrive, the Ijaw people must ensure to preserve their cultural identity, languages, traditions and values for the future generations, as well as promote social cohesion throughout the Ijaw Nation regardless of zonal differences, so as to overcome internal divisions.
The conference also addressed the issue of poverty in the Niger Delta despite being an oil and gas producing region especially within Ijaw communities.
That the governors of the Niger Delta region particularly those from the Ijaw extraction should promote entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for the people through the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the Amnesty Programme.
That the Ijaw people must play politics that is in the interest of the Ijaw people. Its leaders should rise up and form their own political parties if they are to break away from political slavery.
That Ijaw leaders and all well-to-do Ijaw sons and daughters should give support in terms of finance to Ijaw media practitioners who are telling the Ijaw story from the right perspective.
Communique drafting committee members:
Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Info Daily Media
Francis Abai, Pen Global Media
Tare Magbe, Daily Reports Nigeria
Arex Akemotubo, Waffi TV
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28,000bpd Ogidigben Oilfield Shutdown by Itsekiri Youth, Under PINL Not Tantita’s Coverage – Tompolo
By Divine Perezide
High Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has disassociated his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, from the recent protest and shutdown of an oil facility in Warri, Delta State.
Speaking through his media aide, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo PhD., Tompolo clarified that the affected oil field, located in Ugborodo, Warri South-West Local Government Area, does not fall within Tantita’s jurisdiction. He stressed that the facility is under the protection of another security firm, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), which is owned by the Olu of Warri.
“It is not only Tantita that is doing the security job. The Olu of Itsekiri’s company, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, is also covering that area,” Bebenimibo explained. He further stated, “The Ogidigben oil field is not under our watch but under Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), a firm linked to the Olu of Itsekiri.”
The facility, currently operated by Renaissance Africa Energy Holdings following its acquisition from Shell, reportedly produces around 28,000 barrels of oil per day. It was shut down on Wednesday by aggrieved members of the Itsekiri community. The protesters, who carried placards, voiced their dissatisfaction over alleged marginalisation in ward delineation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In response to the incident, Bebenimibo emphasized that the protest and the shutdown had no connection to Tompolo or Tantita. “Nobody dares Tantita. The issue has nothing to do with Tantita and Tompolo,” he stated firmly.
The protest remained peaceful, but it successfully brought operations at the facility to a standstill, underlining ongoing tensions related to political representation in the region.
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“Peace is the Panacea for Development” Dr. Takeme Said as He Inaugurates Burutu Peace and Advocacy Committee
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a bid to strengthen harmony and peaceful coexistence within Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Council Chairman Dr. Julius Takeme on Tuesday formally inaugurated a 23-member Peace Building and Advocacy Committee.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the council secretariat in Burutu, marked a significant step toward fulfilling the chairman’s campaign promises, particularly on conflict resolution and community engagement. The committee, chaired by retired Justice J.F. Daubry, comprises individuals described by Dr. Takeme as “men and women of integrity,” selected for their reputation and dedication to peaceful service.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Takeme outlined the committee’s core responsibilities, which include mediating disputes among individuals, groups, and communities to maintain the prevailing peace in the area. “Your responsibility includes the amicable settlement of disputes between individuals, groups and communities. Please, do your very best to meditate diligently,” he said.
Chief Fidelis Tubotu was appointed Secretary of the committee, while members include Apostle Godsflag Agboun, Chief October Kuro-Ogu, Gen. Brodrick Demeyeibo, Chief Elimina Namah Eselemo, Chief James Nicketen, Barr. B.D. Ekpese, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Patrick Fufeyin, Chief Gabriel Benede, Chief Lucky Yoweibo, and Dr. (Mrs.) Jennet Abdullahi.
Additional members are Chief Dauyeibo Kitua, Chief Apiakise Apiakise Coleman, Barr. Isa Clark, Hon. Gift Gomeromo, Prince Peter Numa, Chief Torololo Love, Chief Clement Kęmetimibibo, Chief (Mrs.) Ter Okpe, Chief Pukon Samson Eles, Chief Douglas T.M.O, and Chief Fidelis Tubotu.
Dr. Takeme reiterated his administration’s intention to mirror Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s “More Agenda” through proactive peace initiatives and conflict resolution efforts. “We promised to replicate Gov. Oborevwori’s More Agenda in Burutu, and one of our targets is to resolve as many lingering inter and intra-communal disputes. We believe in your individual and collective capabilities to help this government deliver on this promise,” he said.
He further noted, “We want to make Burutu a reflection of Oborevwori’s good governance that has rendered even the main opposition parties speechless.”
The council chairman encouraged committee members to remain upright and committed, emphasizing the importance of including the local chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in their peacebuilding activities. According to him, “CAN is pivotal to peace building.”
In his response on behalf of the committee, Justice Daubry expressed gratitude for the trust placed in them and pledged their unwavering commitment. “We will not disappoint the council,” he assured.
The event was attended by council executive members including Vice Chairman Chief (Mrs.) Georgina Evah; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Okpako Doctor; Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Immaculate Birialade; Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Godwin Oro; and Supervisor for Works, Hon. Pudigha Biakpara. Traditional rulers from various communities across the local government were also present, further highlighting the importance of the initiative.
By Divine Perezide
A recent photograph showing the former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley B. Otuaro, in the company of prominent leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stirred a wave of speculation and political interpretation on social media and beyond.
The image, which has been widely circulated, raised questions about Otuaro’s political affiliations, with some observers hinting at possible realignment or defection. However, Pastor Arex Akemotubo, the spokesperson for Otuaro and the Auditor of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, has come forward to dispel the growing speculation.
In a statement addressing the issue, Akemotubo emphasized that the meeting was not politically motivated, but rather a reflection of statesmanship and democratic engagement.
“It’s normal for leaders across party lines to interact and engage on various national issues of mutual interest,” he said. “Such interactions are a testament to the maturity of our democracy and the spirit of collaboration that transcends party differences.”
Akemotubo’s remarks appear aimed at reinforcing Otuaro’s continued commitment to the PDP, while also highlighting the evolving nature of political discourse in Nigeria, where bipartisan dialogue is increasingly common.
Observers note that Otuaro has maintained a reputation for inclusive leadership and bridge-building throughout his political career, and his recent appearance should not be misread as a signal of political defection.
As the political landscape continues to shift ahead of 2027 elections, such instances of cross-party engagement are expected to grow, underscoring the importance of context in interpreting political interactions.