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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.
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PAP Begins Laptop Distribution as 64 Final Year and Postgraduate Scholarship Students Benefits
By Favour Bibaikefie
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), under the leadership of High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro, has commenced the distribution of free laptops to 64 beneficiaries of its scholarship initiative. These recipients include both final-year and postgraduate students enrolled in various partner universities across Nigeria, Penglobal reported.
This first phase of the distribution took place on Friday, April 4, and Monday, April 7, with 25 students from Nile University and 39 from Baze University receiving the devices. The initiative fulfills a commitment made earlier by Dr. Otuaro during his visit to institutions participating in the programme.
An official release by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the PAP Administrator, detailed that the beneficiaries consist of 60 final-year undergraduates, one PhD candidate, and three master’s degree students.
During the presentations, which were conducted on behalf of Dr. Otuaro by the PAP’s Acting Head of Administration, Ebikpolade Zorab, and the Administrator’s Secretary, Ebimene Jackson, the importance of the laptops was highlighted. Otuaro emphasized the relevance of these tools in supporting students as they prepare to complete their academic projects, theses, and dissertations.
In his message, Dr. Otuaro urged the scholars “to make good use of the laptops and justify the objective behind the gesture,” adding that the move was part of his promise made earlier this year during his engagement with scholarship recipients. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening human capital development in the Niger Delta while fostering lasting peace, security, and regional progress.
He also extended his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the PAP’s initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of education, vocational training, and empowerment.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Education at PAP, Dr. Charles Ariye, disclosed that it had been six years since scholarship students last received laptops. He emphasized the importance of improving the digital skills of beneficiaries to meet modern academic and professional demands.
Meanwhile, during courtesy visits by PAP officials, the Registrar of Nile University, David Olowola, and Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, Registrar of Baze University, praised the PAP for the laptop distribution, which they said would significantly support the academic development of the students. They also reiterated their institutions’ commitment to ongoing collaboration with PAP to nurture skilled manpower for national progress.
Several student beneficiaries, including Eperetun Gboroteiye (Nile), Pedro Timotubo (Baze), Oyinlayefa Ogiriki, Mina Ikiba, Friday Dunu, and Martha Tuwabere, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the laptops. They acknowledged the devices would greatly enhance their ability to complete their academic work effectively.
By Divine Perezide
Ogulagha Community is set to witness a grand and memorable event as Comr. Bright Guwor and his executive team prepare for their official swearing-in ceremony o April 4th, 2025.
The highly anticipated occasion will be chaired by Dr. Julius Takekme, the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Council. HRM, Elder, Capt., Dr. Joseph I. Timiyan Jp, PhD., Torububou-1, Agbonu, the Ibezenawei of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Royal Father of the Day. Chief Princess Caroline Ene, the Bolou-ere of Ogulagha Kingdom, will be the Mother of the Day.
Prominent dignitaries are expected to grace the ceremony as Special Guests of Honour. Amongst them are Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabujor Pondi, Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency and House Committee Chairman on Environment;Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly; High Chief Tunde Smooth, the Bolouwei of Niger Delta; Hon. Peter Forteta, former Delta State House of Assembly Member; Chief Emmanuel Amgbaduba, PDP Chairman, Delta South Senatorial District; Hon. Godknows Angele, Delta State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Alapala Ebitonmo, Member representing Burutu-1 Constituency and Minority Whip, Delta State House of Assembly; Hon. Chief Peres Oloye, Member representing Burutu South in the Delta State House of Assembly.
The event is scheduled to take place at the Ogulagha Community Secretariat at 10 am, followed by a reception at Ekpebiwei Primary School field.
Adding to the festivities, renowned Ijaw music maestro, Prince Abraham, will perform live to entertain guests throughout the night.
The swearing-in ceremony promises to be a vibrant and joyous occasion, bringing together sons and daughters of Ogulagha Community, Kingdom, and friends, well-wishers, political associates, and the general public. All are warmly invited to partake in the his exciting celebration, which is expected to be an unforgettable experience.
By Divine Perezide
In a dedicated effort to promote education and empower children in the creeks, the Destiny Educational Foundation has provided 105 free JAMB forms to students from Alabini communities (Ekeremor Constituency 3). This initiative is generously sponsored by Hon. Selekebina Saboh, a former Chairman of Ekeremor LGA, renowned philanthropist, and business mogul.
The Destiny Educational Foundation is committed to advocating for quality education and ensuring that children in riverine areas have access to academic opportunities. By providing this support, the foundation aims to ease the financial burden on students and encourage higher educational attainment.
To facilitate the registration process, the free JAMB form registration will take place in Yenagoa and Warri, strategically chosen to reduce transportation costs for beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the foundation and all beneficiaries, Comr. Destiny Oweilayefa Semi, the CEO of Destiny Educational Foundation, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Selekebina Saboh for his generous contributions towards education and community development. He emphasized that such initiatives play a crucial role in shaping the future of young learners and fostering societal growth.
This initiative underscores the foundation’s unwavering commitment to educational advancement, ensuring that students from underserved communities have the resources they need to succeed.