News
PAP: “We Will Carry Our Women Along” – Dr. Otuaro
* Otuaro Pledges Inclusivity for Niger Delta Women at Stakeholders Meeting
By Divine Perezide
Chief Dennis Otuaro, PhD, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), reaffirmed his commitment to empowering Niger Delta women during a stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday. Acknowledging the vital role women play in ensuring peace and stability in the region, Otuaro extended a hand of fellowship, assuring them of greater inclusion in the ongoing initiatives under PAP.
In his address, Otuaro acknowledged that women were among the earliest and most affected by the Niger Delta struggle, yet they were largely left out when the PAP was initially established. Under his leadership, he promised to rectify this oversight and ensure that women are integral to the programme’s initiatives.
Highlighting the progress made so far, Otuaro revealed that nearly 780 women have been provided educational opportunities, 1,389 have received vocational training, and around 1,000 have been economically empowered. He emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment, noting that their involvement is key to fostering peace and building stronger communities in the Niger Delta.
In his speech, Otuaro stated: “Our mothers, you were the first casualties in the Niger Delta struggle. However, under my administration, women will be prioritized in the Amnesty Programme. While much has been done, including sending 780 women to school and training over 1,300, more remains to be achieved. Women’s empowerment is essential to the peace-building process in the region.”
Otuaro encouraged the women to take full advantage of the educational and vocational opportunities available through PAP, reiterating that their contributions are vital to the programme’s success and the region’s development. He also hinted at forthcoming post-training initiatives aimed at further empowering women to participate meaningfully in peace-building efforts.
Niger Delta activist Ms. Ankio Briggs also addressed the gathering, praising Otuaro for engaging women as crucial stakeholders. Briggs, reflecting on her long involvement in the Niger Delta struggle, highlighted the exclusion of many women who made sacrifices during the fight for justice in the region. She emphasized that the peace process in the Niger Delta cannot be complete without recognizing the contributions of women.
Briggs said, “Women have been at the forefront of this struggle, from the days of Camp 5 to the Amnesty era, yet many have been left out of the PAP. It’s vital that the government recognizes women’s role in the peace process, as true peace cannot be achieved without their involvement.”
Chief Vero Tamigbe, speaking on behalf of the women, expressed gratitude to Otuaro for prioritizing women’s voices and for recognizing their crucial role in the peace-building process of the Niger Delta. She lauded the administrator’s efforts in ensuring that women are included in PAP and urged continued collaboration for the region’s development.
Otuaro concluded by reassuring the women that PAP would continue to focus on their inclusion, with upcoming programmes designed to further support their empowerment and foster lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.