Press Release
PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON THE IMPOSED SETTLEMENT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON THE RIVERS STATE CRISIS
By Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark (19th December, 2023)
PRESS CONFERENCE HELD ON THE IMPOSED SETTLEMENT OF PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON THE RIVERS STATE CRISIS
By Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark (19th December, 2023)
Firstly, I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for heeding the various calls, including our own, to mediate in the on-going crisis rocking Rivers State by calling Barr. Nyesome Wike to order so as to restore peace and tranquillity in the State and avert any problem similar to that which occurred in 2013, when Barr. Wike was Minister of State Education.
However, the terms of settlement as contained in the Communique issued at the end of the reconciliatory meeting is what is baffling, appalling and unacceptable to the people, especially, the Ijaw ethnic nationality. From the terms of settlement, it is obvious that President Tinubu sees his role as a mediator, to once again, show gratitude to the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), for “delivering” Rivers State to him during the past Presidential elections, having first of gratified him by making him the Minister of FCT.
First Observation:
The composition of the attendees of the meeting was one sided in favour of Nyesome Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), because while Martins Amaewhule, a former Speaker, (because he has automatically lost his seat the very moment he decamped to another political party), was present at the meeting, it would have only been equitable and expedient, for Edison Ehie, the Speaker as affirmed by constitutional provisions and by the granting of the court, to be in the meeting, if there were sincerity of purpose.
The 8 resolutions reached, are the most unconstitutional, absurd and obnoxious resolutions at settling feuding parties that I have ever witnessed in my life. As a matter of fact, some medias captured it very well when they described it as Directives. And for the fact that such thing was done at the Villa, the seat of the Federal Government of Nigeria, is sacrilegious, because any place housing or is a custodian of symbol of authority, ought to be sacred.
It is obvious that Governor Siminialayi Fubara was ambushed and intimidated into submission. President Tinubu should know that with all the powers he possesses, he cannot override the Constitution. From all that transpired at the meeting, the laws of the land have not been obeyed. President Tinubu simply sat over a meeting where the Constitution, which is the fulcrum of his office as President and which he swore to uphold and abide by, was truncated and desecrated.
27 or so members (because the figure is not certain), of the Rivers State House of Assembly left the political party on which platform they were elected. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear on that. Section 109 is quite clear on that and it says:
A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if
Being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected:
Provided that his membership of the later political party is not as a result of a division in the political party of which he was previously a member or of a merger of two or more political parties or factions by one of which he was previously sponsored;
The Speaker of the House of Assembly shall give effect to subsection (1) of this section, so however that the Speaker or a member shall first present evidence satisfactory to the House that any of the provisions of that subsection has become applicable in respect of the member.
Nyesom Wike is quite abreast of these constitutional provisions. He shouted his voice hoarse calling for the removal of persons like David Umahi as Governor of Ebonyi State, Ben Ayade as Governor of Cross River State and Bello Matawalle as Governor of Zamafara State, when they decamped from the PDP on which platform they were elected into office, to the APC, citing the above constitutional provisions. What has changed?
A Court of competent jurisdiction has pronounced Edison Ehie as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly. That Ruling has not been vacated, and based on that he exercised the duties conferred on him by Section 109 (2) as quoted above, when the 27 or so members openly defected to APC, waving the flags of the party and singing President Tinubu’s campaign songs, from the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP). As at today and going by the Constitution, the Rivers State House of Assembly has four members who are recognised by the laws of the land Therefore, on what premise is Mr. President saying that the 27 decamped members should go back to the House? Under what political party, the PDP or the APC. The directives of Mr. President is absurd and cannot hold water. Mr. President should be aware that Siminialayi Fubara, today, is the elected Governor of Rivers State in the same manner Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the elected President of the country. And as a Governor, Mr. Fubara possesses all the powers as conferred on him by the Constitution.
2. Re-Submission of the names of Commissioners who have resigned their Appointments:
Another “directive” of Mr. President that the names of the Commissioners who were nominated by Nyesom Wike and who resigned on their own volition, and who have lost their trust in Governor Fubara, should be represented to the Rivers State House of Assembly for clearance to become Commissioners again, is ridiculous. Who is nominating them to become Commissioners again? Is it Mr. President? Was Mr. President thinking that he was mediating in a matter between Nyesom Wike and employees in Nyesom Wike’s private company? Is it what Nyesom Wike means when he talks about “structure”, referring to Rivers State as his personal holdings or enterprise?
3. Re-Presentation of a Budget already signed and passed into Law:
Another unthinkable “directive” of Mr. President is that a Budget which has been passed into Law, should be represented. It is absolutely ridiculous and unconstitutional.
By President Tinubu’s actions and directives, he has overruled the Constitution of the country; he has shaken the foundation of the country’s democracy. People lost their lives fighting for democracy in this country. Today, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made of no effect the blood of the freedom fighters shed to salvage this country. He has thrown the country’s democracy fifty years backwards; this is unacceptable. Rather than building a strong system and society, we are building strong, invidious characters, with our national patrimony through corruption and avarice.
By the actions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he has really shown his dislike and disdain for the Ijaw people. and confirms his hatred for them. And as the leader of the Ijaws, we will resist it.
Nyesom Wike is not an emperor. For the eight years he was in power as Governor of the Rivers State, he ruled with an iron fist. As Governor, he will not accept such treatment from anyone, as he is spear heading to be meted out to the current Governor of the State, Siminialayi Fubara. Barr. Wike destroyed his opponent’s houses and even threatened to kill them as cried out by Senator Lee Maiba from Ogoni, and Dr. Abiye Sekibo from Okrika
It is still fresh in our memory, how Nyesom Wike, as Minister of State, Education, used federal might to fight the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi that almost led to the grinding to a halt of governance in Rivers State when the Judiciary was closed down and the House of Assembly was shut down by the then Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi. President Jonathan did not interfere in his action because if he did, he will definitely be breaching Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria, which President Tinubu has deliberately breached, despite his oath of office to uphold and promote the Constitution. Nyesom Wike is Minister now, and again, he is using the federal government to truncate the wishes of the people of Rivers State. The rule of law in the country is completely truncated by President Tinubu. While it will be noted that presently, the National Assembly is discussing on the Bill of Local Government Autonomy, President Bola Tinubu is directing Governor Fubara to put into effect, a Bill passed by people who are no longer law makers.
4. The members of the House of Assembly choosing where they will sit to carry out their legislative duties:
It is the duty of the executive to provide legislative accommodation for the Houses of Assembly including the National Assembly, and not the members of the House of Assembly to choose a place to meet. It is in this vein that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in presenting his Budget to the National Assembly, recognised the FCT Minister, Nyesome Nwike, as the land lord, because he is of the executive arm of government. It is the FCT that owns the National Assembly complex and maintains it. It is, therefore, ridiculous and unconstitutional for President Tinubu to direct, in his settlement, that the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, should meet wherever they want to meet.
We will resist such draconic, arbitrary and unconstitutional action by Mr. President and his customer Nyesom Wike. We will go to court to challenge this so-called one-sided and oppressive action of Mr. President.
On his part, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Siminialayi Fubara, who has the mandate of the people of Rivers State to govern them for the next four years, has shown feebleness of character, by agreeing and appending his signature on a document containing such absurdity. He has betrayed the people who elected him as Governor and those who stood behind him in this cause. Mr Fubara has shown naivety in his actions; by signing that document, he has signed his death warrant, believing that the President will show him some sort of favours. Mr. Fubara’s mandate is Constitutional and so, he cannot surrender it in the face of intimidation from any quarter. And it is quite unfortunate. Did he go to that meeting to speak and justify his actions, or he went there to take directives from an equally elected President. As Governor of a State and as the Chief Security Officer of the State, he has shown tremendous lack of courage and competence. It will be in his best interest to resign if he cannot govern the State as constitutionally provided, or he may as well decamp and join APC, and be taking directives from Nyesom Wike and President Tinubu on the governance and leadership of the State.
Like I stated earlier, these obnoxious directives will not stand. The people of Rivers State, particularly, the Ijaws, who are in the majority and who have about 11 (eleven) Local Government Areas, out of the 23 Local Government Areas in the State, will resist it. Because by it, President Tinubu has delivered Rivers State to Nyesom Wike as a reward for “delivering” the State to him. I call on the people of Rivers State and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians, to stand up against it, using all Constitutional and legal means, because we do not know the next State in the country that will be affected or pawned to another political customer by President Tinubu, as political patronage. It is absurd, it is draconian. It is transactional. It is a rape of our democracy. The people of Rivers State should remember that it was the same lopsided solution/directive that President Tinubu gave to the people of Ondo State but they resisted and rejected it. Today, the needful has been done in that State.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not allow himself to be treated the way he oversaw Mr. Fubara being treated. We all can recall what happened when he governed Lagos State for eight years, and when he successfully resisted President Olusegun Obasanjo’s dictatorial tendencies when he tried to prevent him from creating more Local Government Areas in Lagos State. Nigerians hailed Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing up to the occasion. That made him to be the undisputed leader of Lagos State. But today, he is overseeing such draconian and authoritarian action as President of the country, giving directives to a Governor to take action on things obviously not in tandem with the nation’s Constitution.
I, Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, as leader of the Ijaw nation, and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), decided to hold this emergency Press Conference with the full authority of my people. We are prepared to face any consequences that may result in the political crisis in Rivers State. We will resist any attempt subtle, subterranean, convert, overt, to make an elected Ijaw son, Siminialayi Fubara, the Governor of Rivers State, a servant, a stooge to Nyesome Wike, who had boasted that any attempt by the Governor to touch his so-called ‘Wike’s structure’, with the connivance and support of President Bola Tinubu, will be resisted by us.
Like I said, we will go to go court to resist this oppressive action using all available constitutional and legal means. It is on this note I wish to appeal to the youths who are aggrieved, to remain calm, as we will use legal means to dethrone this hydra headed monster, called oppression.
Enough is Enough.
Chief (Dr.) EDWIN Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON
Press Release
Press Release: 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗼𝘂-𝗭𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗜𝘁𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘆, Says “𝗔𝗻 𝗢𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗮 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗮𝘃𝗲”
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
Press Release
STATEMENT BY PANDEF RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE ON RIVERS STATE HEADED BY CHIEF GODWIN KANU AGABI, SAN, CON AT INAUGURATION ON 12TH JANUARY, 2026
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.
Press Release
PRESS RELEASE: ADC Rivers State Women Call for Stronger Political Inclusion at 2025 Diaspora Strategic Women Convergence
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