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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
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
News
Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.