News
Jubilation in Delta Host Communities as Court Prepares to Decide Fate of NDDC Chairman Ebie on October 31
Jubilation in Delta Host Communities as Court Prepares to Decide Fate of NDDC Chairman Ebie on October 31
Chiedu Ebie, Chairman of NDDC.
By Admin
Activist Mulade Sheriff insists Chairman must hail from highest oil-producing areas of Delta State
Warri, Delta State – Oil-producing communities in Delta State are in high spirits as the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, prepares to rule on a suit challenging the appointment of Mr. Chiedu Ebie as the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The court is set to deliver both ruling and judgment on October 31, 2024, after parties in the suit submitted their written arguments.
The lawsuit, filed by communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, accuses President Bola Tinubu of breaching the NDDC Act by appointing Ebie, who they argue does not represent the area with the highest oil production in Delta State. The plaintiffs, led by Chief Goodnews Gereghewei, Chief Eddy Brayei, and Mr. Jonah Engineyouwei from Bayelsa’s Ekeremor Local Government Area, contend that Ebie’s appointment violates the commission’s laws. They are asking the court to annul his appointment.
The defendants in the case include President Tinubu, the Senate President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the NDDC, and Mr. Ebie. Representatives of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Itsekiri Oil and Gas Communities, and Egbema Kingdom from Delta State have also requested to join the lawsuit. These communities argue that the NDDC chairmanship should be given to someone from either the Itsekiri or Ijaw communities, which produce the most oil.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the plaintiffs’ legal counsel, Mr. Egberipou Sotonye Barakemi, urged the court to dismiss objections raised by President Tinubu and the Attorney-General and to rule against the respondents for lack of merit. On the other side, counsel for the President, the National Assembly, the NDDC, and Ebie called for the suit to be thrown out for lack of jurisdiction.
Justice Abdulmalik, after hearing both sides, announced the ruling and judgment would be delivered on October 31, 2024.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/28/2024, was originally filed in January 2024. The plaintiffs claim that the appointments of Ebie by both President Tinubu and the National Assembly contravened the NDDC Act.
Prominent Niger Delta activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, has also spoken out, insisting that Ebie is not qualified to serve as the NDDC Chairman. While acknowledging that Ebie hails from an oil-producing state, Sheriff asserts that his community does not produce the highest volume of oil, disqualifying him under the NDDC Act. He called for Ebie’s immediate replacement with someone from a core oil-producing community, stressing the importance of inclusiveness and fairness.
Sheriff expressed concern that Ebie’s appointment was politically motivated and urged the National Assembly to strictly follow the provisions of the law for the benefit of the Niger Delta’s host communities. He criticized the confirmation of Ebie’s appointment by the Senate, calling it an error that undermines the environmental and economic well-being of the region.
The plaintiffs have asked the court to determine if Ebie, coming from a community with minimal oil production, is eligible for the role and whether his appointment was unlawful. They seek to have his appointment nullified and request an injunction preventing him from assuming office as NDDC Chairman.
The Niger Delta communities now await the court’s ruling with anticipation, as the case could set a precedent for future appointments to the NDDC board.
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.