By Staff Correspondent

The Ijaw nation has expressed profound appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, the distinguished Senator representing Bayelsa West in NASS, for his consistent, dogged, sagacious, and courageous defence of the Ijaw nation, especially in the face of recent political and economic challenges.

In a statement released to the media, Prof. Okaba commented Senator Dickson for standing up and firm again with the Ijaw people despite visible attempts to intimidate or entice him into compromising his and ljaw collective values and principles that premises on justice and the rule of law. He described the Senator as a true son of the Ijaw cause who remains unshaken.

The INC President recalled Senator Dickson’s stance during the Rivers State political crisis, including his bold face-off with the Senate President and his walkout during the vote to affirm the ill-fated emergency rule-acts that reflected his unwavering commitment to justice and democratic values.

Furthermore, the INC applauded Senator Dickson for recently drawing the attention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the worsening economic realities in Ijawland and the glaring absence of federal presence or developmental projects in the region. His outspokenness, the statement noted, continues to resonate with the aspirations of the Ijaw people.

The Ijaw Nation is proud of Senator Dickson’s relentless pursuit of equity, justice, and the development of the Niger Delta. We urge other leaders to emulate his example of principled leadership and courage in the face of adversity.

By Divine Perezide

Yenagoa – June 12, 2025. As Nigeria marks June 12, the day set aside to commemorate the country’s democratic struggles and the historic 1993 presidential election, the National President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has called for a deep and urgent reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.

In a powerful statement released to the press early this morning, Prof. Okaba began by acknowledging the symbolic weight of the day but cautioned that symbolism alone was no longer enough.

“On this June 12, a day that symbolises Nigeria’s long and often painful March toward democracy, I believe it is important that we reflect not just on the symbolism of the day but on the substance of democratic practice in our country,” he said.

Prof. Okaba described June 12, 1993, as a landmark moment when the will of the Nigerian people was freely expressed but ultimately suppressed.

“June 12 represents the hope and mandate of the Nigerian people, freely expressed in the 1993 elections, and the betrayal of that mandate by anti-democratic forces, But over three decades later, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly moved forward – or merely replaced one form of authoritarianism with another dressed in electoral clothing?

Taking a firm stance, he asserted that Nigeria’s democratic failings are not due to the absence of of elections, but rather the absence of core democratic values.

“Nigeria’s democracy is floundering, not because we lack elections, but because we lack justice, accountability, and true federalism.”

Prof. Okaba cited the centralisation of power, institutional corruption, repression of dissent, electoral fraud, and the continued marginalization of minority ethnic groups-especially those in the Niger Delta-as I dictators that Nigeria is suffering from “a democracy in name only.”

Turning the spotlight on the Ijaw Nation’s historical role in the struggle for justice he invoked the memory of iconic Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.

“For us the *Ijaw Nation,* June 12 also reminds us of the struggles of our own heroes-men like *Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro,and other freedom fighters who stood for emancipation and justice, long before Nigeria was ready to hear it,” he said.

Despite the Ijaw people’s vital contributions to the national economy through oil and gas resources, Prof. Okaba lamented the region’s continued marginalization and neglect.

“Today, our people continue to suffer and grovel under the crumbling weight of exploitation, environmental devastation, and political exclusion despite contributing massively to the nation’s wealth.”

He drew attention to what he described as clear political imbalance in the current administration.

“Are you not surprised that the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria with over 10 federal constitiencies has only one minister in President Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council?”

Prof. Okaba concluded his statement with a clarion call for a democratic reset grounded in equity and inclusion.

“So, my comment on this day is simple: *Nigeria must renegotiate its democracy.* Not in empty constitutional amendments and empty rthetorics, but in a genuine restructuring of power, resource control, inclusivity and the respect for the rule of law.”

In a final a final indictment of the nation’s democratic conditions, he wanted:

“Democracy without justice is hypocrisy. And justice, for the Ijaw Nation and for all Nigerians, must begin now.”

The INC President’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for not just the celebration of democracy, but it’s renewal and realignment to the will and welfare of all Nigerians-especially the historically marginalized.

By Divine Perezide

In a significant move to celebrate good leadership and impact, Hon. Chief Berry Negerese, Principal of the Wind of Progress Forum, was on Thursday, June 12, 2025, honoured with the Award for Immense Contributions to Genuine Peacebuilding in Africa. The recognition, conferred by EYE-ON-SECURITY, a distinguished consortium of seasoned journalists, formed part of the highly anticipated 2nd Annual Peace and Security Summit/Awards held at the NUJ Press Centre in Asaba, Delta State.

Represented by top official of the Forum, Chief Negerese was praised for his visionary grassroots empowerment programmes and enduring efforts to promote sustainable peace and development across the Niger Delta, Nigeria, and the African continent at large.

This was made public in a statement signed by Negerese’s Media Aide, Yeine Lucky Dennis, which reads thus in full:

𝗘𝗬𝗘- 𝗢𝗡- 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬

𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧~ 2𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑆𝑢𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑡/𝐴𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑

“𝐇𝐨𝐧. 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

“𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙚 12𝙩𝙝, 2025

“𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲, leader and founder of the Wind of Progress Forum, Earlier today was honoured with the prestigious Award for Immense Contributions to Genuine Peacebuilding in Africa. The award, presented by 𝑬𝒀𝑬- 𝑶𝑵- 𝑺𝑬𝑪𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝒀—a select team of seasoned journalists—was part of the second edition of the Peace and Security Summit/Awards held at the NUJ Press Centre, Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, Delta State. Representing Hon. Chief Berry Negerese at the ceremony were Barr. Japan Udoji, Director General of the Wind of Progress Forum; Hon. Victor Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Mr. Ekpama P. Doubra, Media Personnel for the forum.

“During his remarks at the event, Barr. Udoji Japan emphasized that the summit’s theme—”Entrepreneurship Development: A Necessary Prerequisite for Sustainable Peace in Africa”—resonates deeply with the founding vision of Chief Negerese. He highlighted the impact of the Wind of Progress Annual Women Skill Acquisition Programme, which has empowered women across all Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State with training in vital skills such as catering, fashion design, makeup artistry, event decoration, and hairdressing. Barr. Udoji praised the organizers for recognizing the transformative initiatives led by Chief Negerese, which continue to foster peace and economic resilience across the Niger Delta region and beyond.

“The well-attended summit brought together an array of esteemed dignitaries and stakeholders in peace and security. Notable guests included H.E. Chief Sir Monday Onyeme, Deputy Governor of Delta State; Obi Chief Nwanze Odua, the Odogwu of Asaba; H.R.M. Obi Collins Alioma Ezenweali Ozoji Igwe I, the Obi of Otolokpo Kingdom; Chief Peter Onye Ejiniwe, the Ojah of Onicha Uku Kingdom; Dr. (Mrs.) Alice Atuwo, Executive Secretary of Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund; Chief Barr. David Ogbodo (AIG rtd), Chairman of Delta State Public Procurement Council; and Dr. Patrick Ugboaku of the University of Delta, Agbor, who served as guest speaker. Security officials and government representatives also graced the occasion, including CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, Delta State Commissioner of Police; SP Bright Edafe, the PPRO for Delta State; Hon. Obi Kelvin Ezenyili, PhD, Executive Chairman of Oshimili South LGA; and Hon. Friday Voke, Executive Chairman of Isoko South LGA, among others.”

𝒀𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒆 𝑳𝒖𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝑫𝒆𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒔

𝑫𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓

𝑴𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂/𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚

𝑾𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒖𝒎