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Gbaramatu Chiefs Firmly Defend Nigerian Maritime University Against Renaming Petition.
Gbaramatu Chiefs Firmly Defend Nigerian Maritime University Against Renaming Petition.
By Anthony Beauty.
In a resolute response to the recent petition submitted by the Itsekiri Omadino and their associates, Gbaramatu Chiefs Charles Torusin, Clement Sokoto, Victor Odu, and Ebi Bebenimibo have staunchly rejected calls for renaming and discontinuing funding for the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
Established during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the university, situated in Okerenkoko town in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South West LGA, has faced persistent opposition since President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, notably from Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
Amaechi, questioning the university’s necessity before the Senate committee on Marine Transport in 2016, referred to it as a “waste of resources,” citing existing institutes in Oron, Zaria, and elsewhere. Despite the opposition, the university has thrived, producing graduates who have actively participated in the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and recently celebrated its maiden convocation ceremony.
However, the recent petition from the Itsekiri Omadino alleges wrongful and illegal naming of the university, claiming ownership of the land based on court judgments. The petitioners further asserted fraudulent sales of Okerenkoko land and question the government’s support for the implicated party, accusing them of fanning the embers of hostility.
In response, Chiefs Torusin, Sokoto, Odu, and Bebenimibo challenge these claims, reaffirming the aboriginal identity of ‘Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko’. They strongly oppose renaming the university, with emphasis on Okerenkoko’s historical significance over generations.
The Chiefs call upon the federal and state governments, as well as respected stakeholders, to address the petitioners and their sponsors. They advocate for a united front among Urhobo, Ijaw, and Itsekiri natives to prevent a recurrence of past ethnic conflicts in the Warri territory.
As the controversy unfolds, the Gbaramatu Chiefs remain steadfast in their commitment to preserving the identity and legacy of the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko.
Their rejection letter reads in full;
“AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER–IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA.
“YOUR EXCELLENCY,
“RE: THE PROVOCATIVE AND MISLEADING PETITION BY THE ITSEKIRI OMADINO AND THEIR CRONIES THAT THE NIGERIA MARITIME UNIVERSITY, OKERENKOKO SHOULD BE RENAMED AND ITS FUNDING HALTED.
“Sir, the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South West LGA was established amongst other Universities in the twilight of former president Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. Prof (Mrs.) Ongoebi Maureen Etebu and Mr. Anho Nathaniel Esoghene Lucky were appointed as Vice Chancellor and Registrar respectively through a letter referenced HME/FME/41/X/139, and signed by the then minister for Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau in May, 2015.
“No sooner than former president Mohammadu Buhari assumed office on 29th May, 2015, and Mr. Rotimi Amaechi sworn in as minister for Transportation on 11th November, 2015, was the start of the beginning of what one would term a whirlwind of conspiratorial gang-up headed by Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and his ilks using at some point the Itsekiri Omadino as canon fodder to close-down or halt the funding of the University.
It may be very relevant to quote Mr. Rotimi Amaechi statements in the above regard on the 19th January, 2016, when he appeared before the Senate committee on Marine transport, headed by Senator Ahmed Sani.
‘’We are not going ahead with the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko project proposed by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) because we have an institute in Oron, we have Nigeria Institute of Transport Technology, Zaria and we have Nigeria College of Aviation in Zaria, which we could upgrade into a University status and MIMASA is proposing to build a new one’’.
“He further stated;
‘’Who will attend the university? How many parents will allow their children to go to such a place where it proposes to site the university? I don’t think we are proceeding with the University proposed by NIMASA because it is a waste of resources’’
“Interestingly, in spite of these vitriolic attacks and condemnations of the establishment of the university, the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko is developing by ‘’leaps and bounds’’. The granduants of the institution are already serving in the mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) and the University having had its maiden convocation ceremony.
“At this juncture, one ordinarily would have thought that the unwarranted calls to close down the University would have been abated, which is not the case as evidenced in the Itsekiri Omadino calling on the office of Mr. President to halt the funding of the university.
“According to the petitioner, the university is wrongfully and illegally named as Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko. That the lex situs of the University and the larger Okerenkoko lands belongs to the petitioner by virtue of court judgements.
“Furthermore, that they the petitioners have caused EFCC to investigate the dramatis personae (name withheld) for the fraudulent sales and overbloated price of Okerenkoko land and the said dramatis personae is not only moving freely but is also being contractually patronised by the government even as he threatens the Nigeria state and its military with his secessionist agenda.
The petitioners went further to state that the former Attorney General of the Federation had earlier sent his legal opinion to the National Assembly to rename the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in accordance with the petitioners prayers to avert ethnic crisis. And that Mr. President should demonstrate the NADECO spirit in him to halt funding of the University.
“Without much ado, there is no- law that turns a man to become a woman vice versa. The aboriginal Okerenkoko peoples and their land have always been Okerenkoko from generations past and would always remain Okerenkoko and no foreign name can be foisted on Okerenkoko and her institutions. Okerenkoko Primary school founded in 1955, Okerenkoko Secondary School as well as the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko would continually go by the name Okerenkoko and no other.
“The purportedly obtained fraudulent judgements are pari materia with some other cases that are sub-judice for which the Supreme Court had frowned at judgements obtained against the weight of evidence. Furthermore, it suffices to say that there was complete compliance with the procurement Act and law in the acquisition of the twin land for the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko measuring 100.045 hectares and the land for the Ship Building and Ship Repairs measuring 50,280 hectares. These acquisitions have since been gazetted; Delta state of Nigeria Gazette No.38 Asaba -19th September, 2013 Vol 23 and No.39 Asaba – 26th September, 2013, Vol 23 respectively.
“It is important to state that the procurement/acquisition of the lands, the petitioners seek to rename was consummated over a decade ago and due compensations paid to the people of Okerenkoko for damages of farmlands, Shrines, Fish Ponds etc. One wonders where the petitioners were then.
Sir, we are not aware of any dramatis personae whose name(s) is withheld, that is associated with fraudulent sales of Okerenkoko land with overbloated price. For which the petitioners have caused EFCC to investigate the dramatis personae who according to the petitioners, is moving freely around and being contractually patronised by the government even as he threatens the Nigeria state and the military with his secessionist agenda.
“Furthermore, we consider it mischievous and strange for the petitioners to call on Mr. President to demonstrate the NADECO spirit in him, in a case that is clearly driven by reckless ethnic chauvinism.
“Conclusively, we respectfully call on the Federal and State governments and all critical stakeholders to call the petitioners and their known sponsors to order as the Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri natives of Warri territory are an indivisible people.
“As we cannot afford history to repeat itself as in the unreasonable, wasteful and destructive Warri ethnic bloodbath of 1997 and 2003 respectively.”
Signed: Chief Charles Torusin
Chief Clement Sokoto
Chief Victor Odu
Chief Ebi Bebenimibo”
IduwiniVoice recall that the leaders of Omadina Itsekiri had petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, when he ascented to the Bill for an Act creating the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, which had passed second reading on the floor of the Senate during President Buhari’s tenure, after it was re-presented for third reading and passage by Sen. Joel Onowakpor Thomas.
By: Divine Perezide
An Ijaw rights group Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, has slammed naysayers who have been peddling a non-existent disagreement between the PAP administrator, Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro (PhD) and HRM. Ateke Michael Tom, the Amayanabo of Ochochri kingdom.
Recall, somonfaceless online media platforms had alleged earlier that the Amayanabo of Ochochri kingdom, HRM. Ateke Tom had a serious confrontation with the PAP boss Otuaro during his (Ateke) birthday ceremony.
But in swift reaction, the IPDI president Comrade Ozobo Austin said, Dr. Otuaro, the current administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) didn’t face any confrontation from the Ateke Tom, citing that both leaders had a good times during the birthday ceremony.
Ozobo maintained that Dr Otuaro has been doing an exceptional job in managing the programme and ensuring that the objectives of peace and development in the Niger Delta region are achieved, adding that Otuaro was working hard to ensure the stipends of ex-agitators are increased, and impacted communities are considered for the programme.
The group urged the general public to disregard such unverified reports and focus on the positive impact that Otuaro and the PAP were making in the Niger Delta region, citing the importance to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region.
They appealed to leaders, stakeholders and ex-agitators not to allow the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that was being made by Otuaro.
According to IPDI, Otuaro has been a key figure in maintaining the peace and stability in the region, which has greatly benefitted the people living in the region.
Ozobo added, “Rumors of a rift between Otuaro and Ateke Tom, a prominent ex-agitator and a traditional ruler, are baseless and unfounded. These rumors are being spread by people with malicious intentions who are trying to create a rift between the two leaders. Otuaro and Ateke Tom have a cordial relationship and have been working together towards the development of the Niger Delta.
The group further emphasised, “Otuaro’s performance as the administrator of PAP has been unbeatable. Under his leadership, the programme has been able to successfully reintegrate ex-agitators into society, providing them with education and vocational training, and empowering them to become self-sufficient. This has contributed to the reduction of crime and violence in the region, leading to a more peaceful and stable environment for economic growth and development.
“Unfortunately, there are enemies of the Niger Delta who are not happy with the progress being made under Otuaro’s leadership. These enemies are trying to manipulate him to serve their own selfish interests, and when he refused to comply, they resorted to fabricating false reports about a rift with Ateke Tom.
“It is important to disregard these reports and focus on the positive impact that Otuaro and the PAP are making in the Niger Delta region. It is also important to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region. Let us not allow the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that is being made” Ozobo said.
– Dismisses claims of clash with amnesty boss Otuaro
Paramount ruler, the Amanyanabo of Okochiri, His Royal Majesty, King Ateke Tom, in Rivers State has debunked the reports that he clashed with the Administrator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, describing the report as false.
According to a statement in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, Ateke emphasised that he has never had any form of misunderstanding with the amnesty boss, stating that his interest has remained in the development of the region.
Recall, some platforms reported earlier that King Ateke Tom had publicly humiliated the amnesty administrator during his birthday celebration in Okochiri, Monday, and that the development had sparked tension during the event.
But, Ateke in a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Ifeanyi Ogbonna, noted that such a report was misleading, fabricated and nothing but a figment of the writer’s imagination, laced with mischief and aimed at stirring unnecessary controversy in the region.
The statement stated: “Contrary to the claims in the concocted report, King Ateke Tom’s birthday celebration held seamlessly, peacefully, and in high spirits. The celebration witnessed an influx of respected leaders, dignitaries, friends, and well-wishers from across the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.
“We state that there was no time during the birthday event that confrontation, rebuke, or embarrassment, as alleged by the mischievous reporters, ensued between His Majesty and the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.
“The allegation that King Ateke Tom rejected monetary gifts from Dr. Otuaro and labelled him as insincere is not only baseless, but an insult to the intelligence of all who were present at the event.
“This falsehood seeks to sow seed of discord, damage reputations, and derail ongoing peace-building efforts in the region. We urge the public to disregard this cooked up narrative designed to mislead and misinform them.
“However, it is important to state that His Majesty is deeply interested only in the peace and development of Niger Delta and would not derail any event that would strengthen it.”
Ateke, however, cautioned media practitioners and commentators against the dissemination of unverified and sensational information that threatened the peace and unity in the region, even as Ateke urged well-meaning Niger Deltans to focus on the bigger goal of regional development and transformation.
News
PAP Boss Hails King Ateke on 61st Birth Anniversary, Reaffirms Support for Traditional Institution Across the Niger Delta
By Divine Perezide – IduwiniVoice
High Chief Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, has praised HRH. King Ateke Michael Tom, the traditional ruler of the Okochiri Kingdom in Rivers State, on the august occasion of his 61st birth anniversary.
Otuaro who was amongst prominent dignitaries that graced the colourful occasion held in commemoration of King Ateke’s birth anniversary at his palace in Okochiri town, Okrika Local Government Area, last Monday was full of praise for the frontline Niger Deltade fender who has since ascended the thown of his fathers.
Otuaro described the Ijaw monarch as “a respectable leader whose reign has brought about unity, peace, progress and development around his community.”
He stressed that King Ateke, who is also the ‘Sekuro of the Niger Delta’, was a great asset who had contributed immensely to the peace, stability, security and development of the region.
Otuaro expressed his utmost regard for the traditional institution and the vital role of traditional rulers in the peace and development of communities in the Niger Delta.
He noted that traditional rulers were among the critical stakeholders that the PAP was collaborating with to strengthen the programme’s peace-building process in the region.
He reiterated that the programme was in safe hands, and strongly motivated by President Bola Tinubu to bridge the region’s human capital development gap through formal education scholarships and vocational training in aviation, maritime, agriculture, and other relevant trade areas.
Otuaro said his policy of inclusivity had ensured the involvement of Niger Delta women in the programme’s initiatives, stressing that there were plans designed for their empowerment and contribution to the region’s socio-economic growth.
He emphasized that he was focused on rendering quality service to the people of the region, and not distracted by the shenanigans of his detractors.
Otuaro called on all stakeholders of the region to remain steadfast in the effort to sustain the prevailing peace in the region so that socio-economic and developmental activities could thrive around the communities.
While expressing appreciation to King Ateke for his unwavering support to the programme, the PAP boss prayed to God to grant him long reign, longevity and good health.
Otuaro’s message was conveyed in a Press Statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, his Special Assistant on Media and made available to the press on the 4th of June, 2025.