News
Delta State Government Orders Installation of CCTVs in Worship Centres, Schools, Others
Delta State Government Orders Installation of CCTVs in Worship Centres, Schools, Others
By Tobouke JEMINE
The Delta State government has instructed that centres of worship, schools and other public centres in the state install CCTVs in and around their surroundings.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu the directive is aimed at providing adequate security in and around public places in the state.
The state government stated that the move was in compliance with an existing law that became operative on July 28, 2020, but had been poorly observed and implemented.
According to the statement, failure to obey or comply with the directive will result in a 2-year jail term and a fine of N500,000 as well as the sealing of the affected premises until compliance is achieved.
The statement reads: “As part of measures to provide adequate security in and around public places, the State Government has directed all owners of such facilities to install Smart Surveillance Cameras failing which, the places will be sealed and their owners prosecuted.
“The government said the public places listed in the law include Shopping Malls, Eateries, Cinemas, Supermarkets, Petrol/Gas Stations, Private Parks, Event Centres, Hotels, Public and Private Offices, Worship Centres, and Schools.
“Although the law became operative in July 28, 2020, its observance has been very poor. Thus, the very important help which the surveillance cameras ought to give the security agencies in their professional work of providing adequate security in and around these public places has not been available.
“Therefore, with increasing crime trends, the state government is strengthening existing security arrangements which include the enforcement of this law among other initiatives.
“The SSG gave the prescribed specifications of the surveillance cameras to include for outdoor viewing: 4k bullet CCTV camera 8MP with 50m night vision (show colour at night); 4k Ultra HD Video – captures high quality 4k images up to 20 frames per second. The camera records file with resolution of 3840 x 2160, equivalent to 4 frame.
“For indoor cameras the SSG said it should be 4k 8mp dome IP camera built-in mic, starlight video (shows colours at night, 12vdc or PoE, IP67 Weather proof, Wall/Ceiling/Pole Mount Lens type: fixed focal length, 2.8mm and 4mm.
“While Speed dome rotating IP camera for streets and Roads must be 4k 8mp IP Camera and must have the following features 1/1.8” progressive scan CMOS, High-quality imaging with 8MP resolution, Excellent low-light performance, 32x optical zoom and 16x digital zoom, Expansive night view with up to 650-foot (200m) IR range. Face capture: up to 5 captured at the same time. Active Deterrence: White flashing light and audible warning can be triggered by certain events, MD 2.0 – Human and vehicle deterrence.
“Failure on the part of any owner or proprietor of any of the public places listed above to install the prescribed camera attracts on conviction, a term of 2 years imprisonment and a fine of N500, 000.00 with the additional liability of having the affected place sealed-up until compliance is effected.
“The statement assured all Deltans and residents in the state of the government’s strong resolve to protect them, but added that all must play their part to assist government and the security agencies to deliver on this commitment to keep everyone safe and businesses functional.”
News
Negerese Emerges City Boy Movement Coordinator for Ekeremor, Pledges Service
By Charity Ebi
Hon. has formally assumed office as the Coordinator of the City Boy Movement (CBM) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, pledging dedication to service and community development.
Speaking following his inauguration, Negerese described his new role as a call to responsibility and commitment rather than a mere title. He assured residents that his leadership would focus on delivering impact and fostering hope across the local government.
He expressed gratitude to God for what he described as divine grace and acknowledged the support of key political leaders and stakeholders, including the Governor of Bayelsa State, , and his deputy, . He also appreciated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, , for his encouragement and backing.
The newly inaugurated coordinator further thanked the leadership of the City Boy Movement, particularly the State Director-General, , as well as members of the organisation for entrusting him with the responsibility.
Negerese paid special tribute to the people of Ekeremor, including youths, women, and elders, for their support and participation in the process leading to his emergence.
He pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote development, empower residents, and strengthen unity within the area, expressing optimism about building a more vibrant and progressive Ekeremor under his coordination.
News
Igali Welcomes Tinubu to Bayelsa, Applauds Diri’s Infrastructure Drive
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — Former Nigerian Ambassador to Sweden, Godknows Boladei Igali, has commended the visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Bayelsa State, describing it as a significant step in advancing development efforts in the Niger Delta.
In a statement released on Friday, Igali said the President’s presence in the state for the commissioning of major projects underscores the Federal Government’s renewed focus on infrastructural growth in the region. He characterized the visit as timely and impactful, noting that it reflects a broader commitment to addressing development needs in oil-producing communities.
The former envoy also praised the administration of Governor Douye Diri for delivering key projects designed to enhance living standards and stimulate economic activities across the state. According to him, the ongoing infrastructure initiatives represent meaningful progress in Bayelsa’s development trajectory.
The National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Fo observed that the newly completed projects are expected to improve connectivity, boost commercial activities, and open up employment opportunities, particularly for young people in the state.
Igali further urged residents to accord the President a warm reception, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective support for policies that drive national development.
President Tinubu’s visit includes the inauguration of several strategic projects executed by the state government, a move widely viewed by stakeholders as strengthening collaboration between the Federal Government and subnational authorities in fostering sustainable growth.
News
INC Reaffirms April 13 Election Date, Warns Against Parallel Directives
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has reaffirmed that its rescheduled national elections will hold on April 13, 2026, declaring its Electoral Committee (ELECO) fully prepared and cautioning against any directive capable of undermining the process.
The resolution followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on April 9 at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, convened to assess the level of preparedness for the forthcoming elections.
INC NEC Affirms ELECO Readiness
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NEC unanimously endorsed the report presented by ELECO, expressing satisfaction with the level of preparedness and affirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled.
The council stated that members “endorsed the report of the ELECO… that the rescheduled INC National elections should hold on the 13th of April 2026 as planned.”
It further noted that concerns raised at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Bayelsa State Government in March had been adequately addressed.
Affirmation of Electoral Independence
The NEC stressed the need to preserve the independence of the electoral body, directing that ELECO be allowed to carry out its responsibilities without interference.
According to the communiqué, ELECO is to “carry out its assignment without interference from other organs of Congress, except to receive logistics support from the NEC.”
The council also expressed confidence in the committee’s readiness, particularly in the preparation of both sensitive and non-sensitive election materials.
Clarifies CITRE’s Role
In a move seen as addressing internal governance concerns, the NEC clarified the constitutional role of the Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (CITRE), describing it as an advisory organ in line with Article 14(D) of the INC 2019 Constitution.
It noted that CITRE’s functions in election matters are limited to clearing nominees and managing disputes arising from the electoral process, similar to the role of the Board of Trustees (BOT).
The NEC, however, reiterated its openness to constructive input from CITRE, BOT and other organs, provided such advice aligns with the overall interest of the Congress.
INC Discourages Misinformation
The council issued a strong advisory to the public and stakeholders to disregard any information or directive inconsistent with the official position of ELECO.
“The general public is therefore advised to discountenance any information or directive that runs contrary to the position of the ELECO…,” the communiqué stated.
NEC Attendance Across INC Structures
The meeting drew a wide representation of leadership across the INC structure, including NEC members, BOT officials, CITRE leaders, National Representative Committee (NRC) members, zonal executives and chapter representatives.
Among those in attendance were INC President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba; National Secretary, Engr. Ebiowei Wodu; Acting Chairman of CITRE (East), HRH (Gen. Rt.) B.A. Fipinimama; ELECO Chairman, HRM (Justice) Dr. F. F. Tabai; and ELECO Vice Chairman, HRM Seiyifa Koroye.
Others included ELECO Secretary, Dr. Otobo Choice Jamaica; former INC President, Prof. A.W. Obianime; National Legal Adviser, Bomo Tons Fetepigi Obhe; National Organising Secretary, Onengiyeofori Fenibo; and Leader of the NRC, HRH (Dr.) Anyanate Kio.
Also present were CITRE leader, HRH Okoko Stample Esau (PhD); BOT Vice Chairman, Chief M. Tiemo; BOT Secretary, Barr. Fidelis Agbiki; National Treasurer, High Chief Philip B. Agu; National Women Leader, Alali R. Danagogo; and Vice President, Rose Obuoforibo.
Chapter and zonal representatives included Barr. Agha Toru-Ibe (Benin City Secretary), Ephraim Gogo (Benin City Chairman), Tonye Harry (Lagos Chairman), A. Elayelagha (Lagos Secretary), Daniel Ebijor Tonibor (Abuja Chairman), Tete K. Friday (Abuja Assistant Secretary), Ajele Ayokeji Johnson (Akure Chairman), John Ebiofini (Akure Secretary), and Chief Bare Etolor (Chairman, Ijaw Elders Forum).
Others were HRH Akcheseinimie Micah Frank (BOT member), Princess Ebiseni Adesola Joyce (NRC Deputy Leader), Elder Gabriel Benamiensia (NRC Clerk), Karibo Lawrence (Eastern Zone Vice Chairman), God’swill Seke (Central Zone Secretary), Mrs. Peremo Isenali Opiali (National Welfare Secretary), and King Koma A. Eteko (CITRE Deputy Chairman).
The NEC’s resolution is widely interpreted as a strategic effort to consolidate authority within the INC and prevent internal divisions ahead of the elections.
By reaffirming ELECO’s independence and clarifying institutional roles, the leadership appears focused on ensuring a credible, transparent and conflict-free electoral process.
With the April 13 date now firmly set, attention will shift to the conduct of the elections and the ability of the Congress to sustain unity in the post-election period.
