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THE NEED TO BREAK THE JINX OF INCONCLUSIVE TENURE IN BAYELSA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT.
By Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli
Before the advent of civilization, there was absolute lawlessness in most human societies, a development that made Thomas Hobbes in his “State of Nature” to describe society as where life was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short”.
In the above setting, might was right because it was the case of the survival of the fittest (strongest).
The need to create a new system that will accommodate and also protect all humans in society both the weak and strong, the rich and poor and all social strata led to birth cum emergence of a new social order which is “Social Contract”.
Writers and great Philosophers like John Locke, Thomas Hobbes, Jean Jacques Rousseau and others are associated with Social Contract which is a detour from State of Nature. In this case, the people who are individual sovereign surrender their respective sovereignty to one individual who is made the ‘SOVEREIGN’ herein known as the Leader, while the masses, hoi polloi are the Led. Even though sovereign, he remains accountable to the people.
Further evolution of society and emergence of different leadership and governance systems led to the invention of Democracy among others.
Advanced and civilized societies appreciate democracy because of its accommodating and inclusive nature with diversity, multiparty system and others as key ingredients.
In the above, political parties are mere vehicles through which people are conveyed to the destination which is the custody and possession of Instruments for Resource Allocation and Control of State Powers.
Bayelsa State like most states in Nigeria since the inception of our contemporary democracy in 1999 has evolved and developed power Sharing, Zoning and Rotation system which started with our great HERO Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Ph.D JP from Bayelsa Central Senatorial District as the First Executive Governor with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as his Deputy. Sadly, the tenure was inclusive due to political crisis that led to his impeachment.
Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from Bayelsa East Senatorial District as the second Governor of Bayelsa State stayed about a year in office before his elevation as Running Mate to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and their subsequent victory and emergence as President and Vice President respectively.
The above development paved way for the emergence of Chief Timipre Sylva who came second during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as the Third Executive Governor of Bayelsa State and he spent five(5) years in office before the political crisis that ended his leadership of the state.
Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson from Bayelsa West Senatorial District is the one who successfully broke the JINX of inclusive tenure system in the State.
Today, it is the turn of Bayelsa Central Senatorial District and there is need to support them to complete the established Two Terms arrangement. I say the above because the Zoning and Rotation system started with Bayelsa Central. It is unfortunate that those ugly incidents happened. The need for TOTAL HEALING should spur all well meaning Bayelsans to support the ongoing smooth transition system.
But above all, Senator Douye Diri has proven his leadership competence, resilience and his passion for the Peace, Unity, Security, Growth and Development of Bayelsa State beyond all reasonable doubt.
Without equivocation, I can make bold to say that Gov. Douye Diri is one of the greatest things that has happened to Bayelsa State, Bayelsans and indeed the entire Ijaw Nation. We need to join forces with him to build the New Bayelsa State of our dream.
Very Importantly, the November 11th Governorship is not about APC and PDP, rather it is about the Future of Bayelsa State, Bayelsans and the entire Ijaw Nation.
IduwiniVoice
Th 2025 Ijaw Media Conference has received yet another boost as the consent of High Chief Boro Opudu, the Olotu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom and Chairman Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee has been secured to be among dignitaries gracing the forthcoming the epochs making occasion.
The Olotu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, will be a Guest of Honour among other distinguished personalities fromacrosstheNiger Delta.
The communal security expert declared that he is available and will be present at the much-anticipated second edition of the annual event is organized by Ijaw Publhlishers Forum, christined “Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natural Resources for Future Generations,” during a visit by the Central Working Committee under the leadership of Pastor Arex Akemotubo in Warri office.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Akemotubo cited Opudu’s long-standing experience both as a security expert and custodian of traditional values as a prerequisite for his invitation.
The WaffiTV publisher commended Opudu’s influence and role on the protection of lives and public properties over the years, particularly as it relates with the events team.
On his part, Opudu rated the Ijaw Publishers Forum highly on its resolve and commitment to propagating the right narrative and stand of the Ijaw people.
Aside from declaring himself available for the event and the conversation around the preservation of the region’s resources, Opudu also charged critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta to throw their weight behind the Forum’s well-meaning initiatives.
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BINIKAMAI 2025: CAРТ. ALFRED W. OBONIKA HONOURED AS OSAINTAREWEI OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM CHIEFTAINCY TITLE
Amatu-1, Bayelsa State – November 22, 2025
In a historic and culturally vibrant ceremony, the Grand Iduwini Kingdom has conferred the prestigious chieftaincy title of Osaintarewei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom on Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi. The honour was bestowed during the 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 Town in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The revered monarch of the kingdom, His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibani JP, Ogiobo-IX, Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom, personally performed the conferment rites before an enthusiastic gathering of chiefs, cultural custodians, community leaders, and indigenes.
The event, marked by colourful traditional displays and deep cultural symbolism, underscores the kingdom’s commitment to recognising individuals who have distinguished themselves in service, leadership, and loyalty to the Iduwini heritage.
In his remarks, Chief (Capt.) Alfred Obonika Waratimi expressed profound gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to the people of Iduwini Kingdom and the broader Ijaw Nation. He invoked blessings upon the monarch and the kingdom, praying:
“May the Ascended Masters and Grand Cosmic Beings enfold Ogiobo, Grand Iduwini Kingdom, and the entire Ijaw Nation now and beyond with Light, Life, and Love.”
The 2025 Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, known for its rich cultural significance, once again highlighted the unity, spiritual strength, and enduring traditions of the Iduwini people.
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ENGR. AMAKUBUKURO CONFERED ‘MIENKIRIGBOLOMOWEI’ OF GRAND IDUWINI KINGDOM, THANKS OGIOBO-IX FOR THE CONFIDENCE REPOSED IN HIM
By: Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu-1, Grand Iduwini Kingdom – In a colourful display of culture, honour, and ancient tradition, renowned technocrat and accomplished Engr. Napoleon Amakubukuro, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of “Mienkirigbolomowei of Grand Iduwini Kingdom” by His Imperial Majesty, Pere Joel Ekeni Ibane, JP during the just concluded Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival held at Amatu-1 town, the ancestral headquarters of the Grand Iduwini Kingdom.
The revered title, Mienkirigbolomowei, meaning “The Diligent One,” is reserved for individuals whose character embodies discipline, integrity, methodical excellence, and unwavering commitment to community upliftment. According to palace insiders, the title aligns perfectly with Engr. Amakubukuro’s reputation as a meticulous, circumspect, and pragmatic professional whose outstanding contributions and personal conduct have earned widespread admiration.
Speaking with deep emotions after the conferment, the newly installed Chief expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty, High Imperial Majesty, the Iduwini Traditional Council of Chiefs, and his immediate family for their prayers, support, and encouragement before and during the historic ceremony. He described the honour as a call to deeper service and reaffirmed his dedication to the growth and unity of all Iduwini people.
The chieftaincy conferment sparked an outpouring of tributes as friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers flood social media platforms with congratulatory messages, celebrating Engr. Amakubukuro’s deserving recognition and commending his uplifting leadership qualities.
The Osuogbosu Binikamai Festival, one of the most significant cultural events in the Grand Iduwini Kingdom, once again served as a platform to celebrate excellence, heritage, and distinguished personalities whose achievements continue to inspire many.