March 31, 2026

Bolowou-Zion, Niger Delta — The leadership of Bolowou-Zion Community, headquarters of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion, has issued a strongly worded press statement defending its integrity, distancing the community from ongoing controversies surrounding pipeline surveillance contracts, and affirming its support for Tantita Security Services Limited.

In the statement, the community emphasized that Bolowou-Zion must not be misrepresented or drawn into disputes driven by individual opinions or ambitions, warning against attempts to generalize personal views as the collective position of the community.

Describing Bolowou-Zion as “a consecrated ground and spiritual citadel,” the leadership stressed that the community transcends political or economic interests, serving instead as a unifying spiritual center for members across the Niger Delta and beyond—from Ondo to Edo, Delta to Bayelsa.

The statement strongly condemned efforts to attribute the opinions of individuals to the entire community, noting that such claims are “unjust, misleading, and philosophically flawed.” It reiterated that differing views on matters such as resource control or contract distribution remain personal positions and do not reflect the official stance of Bolowou-Zion.

Addressing the pipeline surveillance discourse, the community made it clear that it does not oppose the vision and mission of Tantita Security Services Limited. Instead, it expressed firm support for the organization, acknowledging its role in protecting critical national assets and fostering stability in the Niger Delta.

The leadership further praised the company’s leadership, describing them as “illustrious sons of the Ijaw Nation” who deserve collective prayers, recognition, and support for their contributions to regional development.

Calling for calm and responsible engagement, the statement urged stakeholders, government authorities, and the general public to exercise restraint, uphold truth, and avoid vilifying entire communities based on individual actions.

Bolowou-Zion reaffirmed its identity as a beacon of unity, peace, and spiritual heritage, emphasizing its commitment to the progress of the Niger Delta through cooperation, dialogue, and divine guidance rather than conflict.

The press statement was formally signed by key leaders of the community: Rev. Epistle Princewill Jemine, General Overseer of the C&S Church of Zion, Bolowou-Zion; Senior Boan. Ijawakpo Foloki, second-in-Command; and Senior Boan. M.K. Belele, Secretary of Bolowou Zion Community.

The community concluded by calling for truth, fairness, and unity to prevail over division, reinforcing its enduring commitment to harmony and collective progress.

𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸 :

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓

𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗨𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗢𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗢𝗨-𝗭𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬

In times marked by tension, speculation, and competing narratives, it becomes imperative that truth is neither overshadowed by assumption nor distorted by personal interests. A sacred community must never be reduced to a tool in the arena of individual ambition or public misrepresentation. It is therefore with a profound sense of spiritual duty, moral conviction, and unwavering clarity that we address the ongoing discourse surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract and the regrettable attempts to cast aspersions on the revered name of Bolowou-Zion community.

Bolowou-Zion is far more than a geographical entity or a social enclave. It is consecrated ground—a spiritual citadel and the administrative and prophetic headquarters of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church of Zion. This divine institution is not confined by territorial boundaries; its influence and spiritual lineage extend across the Niger Delta and beyond—from Ondo to Edo, Delta to Bayelsa, and into numerous other communities. The sons and daughters of Zion are united not by transient political interests, but by a sacred covenant; not by contracts or economic pursuits, but by a shared devotion to Christ and a commitment to divine purpose.

It is therefore both unjust and fundamentally flawed to attribute the personal opinions, aspirations, or actions of any individual, regardless of their status or origin, to the collective identity or official position of Bolowou-Zion community. A faith-based institution cannot and must not be reduced to the voice of a single individual, just as the vast ocean cannot be defined by a solitary wave, nor the sky by a passing cloud.

We recognize that in any progressive and dynamic society, differing perspectives will inevitably arise, particularly on matters relating to governance, economic opportunity, and resource control. Such diversity of opinion is neither abnormal nor undesirable. However, wisdom demands discernment—the ability to distinguish between individual expression and institutional doctrine, between temporal interests and eternal values. Any advocacy, including calls for decentralization or redistribution of contracts, remains solely the position of the individual expressing it and must not be misrepresented as the collective stance of Bolowou-Zion or the wider Zion family.

For the avoidance of doubt, Bolowou-Zion Community does not stand in opposition to the vision and mission of Tantita Security Services Limited. On the contrary, we recognize and respect the role the organization plays in safeguarding critical national assets and contributing to the stability and development of the Niger Delta. We further applaud the captains of the ship of Tantita Security Services Limited as illustrious sons of the Ijaw Nation—men whose efforts and leadership deserve not only acknowledgment but also our collective prayers and unwavering support. In unity and goodwill, we believe that collaboration, rather than contention, remains the surest path to progress for our people.

To judge an entire community based on the utterances or actions of a single individual is to abandon fairness and embrace prejudice. It disregards the collective identity painstakingly built through decades of spiritual labor, shared sacrifice, and unwavering unity. Such generalization is not only inaccurate—it is deeply unjust and harmful to the fabric of communal coexistence.

We therefore call on all stakeholders, community leaders, government authorities, and members of the public to exercise restraint, uphold the principles of truth and fairness, and resist the urge to generalize or vilify. Let engagements be guided by wisdom, mutual respect, and a commitment to justice. Let no narrative be driven by emotion at the expense of truth, nor by ambition at the expense of unity.

Bolowou-Zion remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, unity, and the holistic advancement of the Niger Delta—achieved not through conflict or division, but through cooperation, dialogue, and divine guidance. Our legacy is one of faith, and our future is anchored in righteousness.

May truth continue to prevail over falsehood, may understanding overcome misrepresentation, and may unity triumph over all forms of division.

E-signed:

𝗥𝗲𝘃. 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗝𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲
𝘎𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘳, 𝘊&𝘚 𝘊𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘶-𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 & 𝘔𝘪𝘺𝘦𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘸𝘦𝘪 𝘐𝘐 𝘰𝘧 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘶 𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗻. 𝗜𝗷𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗸𝗽𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗸𝗶
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥-𝘪𝘯-𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥, 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘶 𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗻. 𝗠.𝗞. 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗲
𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘺, 𝘉𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘰𝘶 𝘡𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺

IduwiniVoice

It is our privilege to serve on this Committee. For this privilege we are grateful to God and to His Excellency, Ambassador Godknows Igali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of PANDEF and the other respected members of the Board of Trustees. I single out for particular mention His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapraye Diete Spiff, the former Governor of Rivers State and the Amayanabo of Twon Brass in Bayelsa State. He is a man whose commitment to the South-South and the nation as a whole has never been in doubt. He goes down in history as the first governor of Rivers State when that state included Bayelsa State. It is the sacrifices of men like him that bequeathed the States of the South-South to the people of that area. The duty of respect that we owe to a man like that demands that we take his intervention seriously.

We are appointed to explore ways of bringing the escalating political crisis in Rivers State to an end. This crisis has persisted for too long. If it continues any further, it will call into question the commitment of the parties involved to the interest of the people of Rivers State and of the nation that is compelled to share in the pains and anxieties of that State.
We cannot afford to stand by and do nothing or pass by on the other side as Rivers state, a state whose talents and resources have blessed and continue to bless the nation struggles with issues of political power. Let the parties involved not be as the Clam and the Oyster which left their abode in the depths of the sea and came to the sea shore to fight. They went on fighting even when they saw the fisherman coming. The fisherman picked them up, took them home and made a nice fine meal of Clam and Oyster. May it not be with Rivers State as it was with the Clam and the Oyster.

We trust that the Lord will touch the hearts of those to whom we address our appeal for peace and reconciliation. It is our firm conviction that this matter can be resolved amicably. That conviction is rooted in the fact that the parties to this dispute are one people who began as one. They played significant roles in assisting one another to the various offices that they hold now. If they have now offended one another, they must be humble enough to apologize and to forgive. It is in forgiving that true greatness can be found.

The resolution of this matter is something that the parties can handle themselves without the intervention of third parties. They must be willing to go the extra mile with one another, to turn the other cheek and to pray for one another. Let them not dismiss this as weak or sentimental as we often do when the name of the Lord is mentioned in politics or economics. The misconception that God has no place in our politics has harmed and continues to harm the nation. Whether we are governors or ministers or legislators, whoever we are, it is to God that we owe our appointments and promotions. Whether we are servants or slaves it is the Lord that we serve. And it is to him that we shall, in the end, render account. We urge the parties to proceed with caution. We urge them to make allowance for error. We appeal to them to proceed with a prayer for forgiveness just in case they may be wrong.

The Minister, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike, is my friend. He is my benefactor. He is a man I love. He is a man I respect. I bear witness to his courage and patriotism. The work he did as Governor of Rivers State and the work he is doing as Minister of the FCT have since immortalized him. The mighty hand of God is upon him. That great Hand demands that he should lead this reconciliation. I say the same thing about His Excellency Governor Fubara. I happen to have been a member of the team that defended the petition that arose from his election as governor. That is my bond with him. I trust him to respect that bond.

In a nation as diverse as ours, discordant voices will be heard from time to time. In the midst of those discordant voices, the President can be trusted to recognize the clear ring of truth when he hears it. That is the whole essence of the Presidential system in vesting the President with all executive power which he is trusted to exercise in order to calm the nation down.

We have great respect for the members of the House of Assembly of Rivers State and we have no doubt whatsoever that their motives are genuine and patriotic. We pray for a change of heart on their part. It is in forgiving the Governor whatever wrongs he has committed that they will demonstrate their restraint, their public spirit and their maturity.

This Committee is not appointed to sit in judgment over the parties. We have no competence to do so. Our duty is to appeal to the parties to be reconciled with one to another, and we now do so. We appeal to the parties to embrace reconciliation. We urge them, we beg them, we appeal to them. Sacrifices are called for. Make them and let there be peace.

Rivers State, Nigeria — Women leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, have called for increased political inclusion, unity, and strategic participation of women in governance following their participation in the ADC Diaspora National Leader and Zonal Coordinators Strategic Women Convergence 2025.

The convergence, held under the theme “Women in Politics: Equality and Rights – Rise to the Challenge,” brought together women leaders across Nigeria and the diaspora to deliberate on gender equality, political rights, and women’s leadership in democratic governance.

Arising from the engagement, the ADC Rivers State Women announced the convening of a State and Local Government Area (LGA) Women’s Appraisal Meeting, particularly for members who participated in the convergence via the Zoom platform. The meeting aims to consolidate lessons learned, align strategies, and strengthen women’s political structures at the grassroots level.

Participants were inspired by strategic and motivational addresses delivered by distinguished women leaders, including Hon. Bose Rahila Adamu, Deputy Chairman/Woman Leader; Hon. Naomi Lasara Abel, MNIPR, National Woman Leader of ADC; Hon. Amb. Abiodun Omolara Williams, Deputy National Coordinator (Diaspora); Prof. Elizabeth Ogboli Nwasor; Ms. Franca Hamza Ogagbor of ADC America; Madam Lillian Modu, Secretary-General of ADC Diaspora (Americas); Amb. (Mrs.) Hannatu Gagara, Chairperson, ADC Plateau State; Mabel Oboh, Assistant Publicity Secretary, ADC South-South Zone; Barr. Mrs. Eremi G. Oruebo, State Legal Adviser, ADC Bayelsa State; and Hon. Helen Ataisi Clifford, ADC Rivers State Deputy Publicity Secretary.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the convergence, the women emphasized key resolutions, including the need for women to take proactive leadership roles, reject symbolic political participation, strengthen unity across party structures, build capacity and political resilience, break the culture of fear and silence, and institutionalize mentorship among women in politics.

The women reaffirmed their belief that sustainable national development cannot be achieved without the full and fair representation of women in leadership and decision-making processes. They stressed that women’s participation in politics leads to more inclusive policies, stronger governance, and societal transformation.

The ADC Rivers State Women also expressed appreciation to male leaders within the party who continue to support gender inclusion and women’s political empowerment. Special recognition was given to Hon. (Dr.) Kenneth C. Gbandi, Chairman of ADC Diaspora Network; H.E. Solomon Dalung, Coordinator (Diaspora), ADC; Prof. Elizabeth Ogboli Nwasor; Dr. Benjamin Chukwu (MBBCh, FMCS – Nig.); and Chief Peter Mozie, Chairman, ADC-DN America.

The convergence was moderated by Chief Amb. Tuklan and Macgodwin Iweajunwa, whose professionalism contributed to the success of the engagement.

Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Women, Rt. Hon. Engr. Irene Kaladappa Jumbo, ADC Rivers State Woman Leader, stated that “the future of Nigerian politics must be inclusive, fearless, and driven by competent women who are prepared to lead with vision, courage, and integrity.”

Signed:

Rt. Hon. Engr. Irene Kaladappa Jumbo

ADC Rivers State Woman Leader

Hon. Helen Ataisi Clifford

ADC Rivers State Deputy Publicity Secretary

Mrs. Ogbonna Phoebe

ADC LGA Women Leader Coordinator, Rivers State

Hon. Joy Nwokoma

ADC LGA Women Coordinating Secretary