News
Ijaw Group Kicks Against False Allegations Aimed at Smearing Otuaro and Tompolo, Calls for Unity Among Niger Delta Leaders
By Divine Perezide, October 2, 2024
The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) has strongly condemned a recent video by Jude Gbaboyor, believed to be a supporter of ex-agitator Ben Ebikabowei, known as “Boyloaf.” In the video, Gbaboyor accused Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, Ph.D., of revealing a sensitive document that allegedly protected former President Goodluck Jonathan. The video also sought to discredit High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, a respected advocate for the Niger Delta region’s freedom.
In a statement signed by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Peter Luke, and Board of Trustees Chairman, Cletus Itari, the IPDI condemned the allegations, describing them as baseless and an attempt to defame reputable leaders. The group emphasized that Dr. Otuaro had no involvement with the document in question, asserting that the accusations were part of a smear campaign.
“Gbaboyor’s malicious actions will ultimately harm the reputation of his sponsor, Boyloaf,” the IPDI stated. “These divisive tactics will backfire, and it is misguided to accuse Dr. Otuaro of being involved in a matter he knows nothing about. Gbaboyor should direct his grievances to the DSS or officials of the previous amnesty program, who may have valuable insights.”
The group further criticized Gbaboyor for trying to undermine Dr. Otuaro’s appointment as the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, accusing him of pursuing selfish interests at the expense of unity within the Ijaw community. “Instead of celebrating Dr. Otuaro’s achievements, Gbaboyor and his backers continue to scheme against their own brother,” they said. “This behavior is not only shameful but reveals the true intent to discredit Dr. Otuaro.”
The IPDI reaffirmed its support for Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, both of whom have been prominent figures in the Niger Delta struggle. “It is shameful for Gbaboyor to imply otherwise,” the group reiterated. “These false accusations are part of a calculated effort to tarnish the reputation of both Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo.”
They also emphasized that reckless misinformation and character assassination would not be tolerated. “We stand firmly with Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo, who have worked tirelessly for the progress of our people.”
Addressing Gbaboyor’s claims, the IPDI highlighted the baseless nature of the accusations. “You cannot accuse someone of something they have no knowledge of simply because you saw their photograph in a private message. Dr. Otuaro was a significant player in the Niger Delta struggle, and any claim to the contrary is a misrepresentation of history.”
The group called on Gbaboyor to desist from spreading falsehoods and instead focus on constructive efforts to unite Ijaw leaders. The IPDI stressed that Dr. Otuaro and Tompolo would not be distracted by baseless accusations and reiterated their commitment to fostering positive change in the Niger Delta region.
The IPDI concluded its statement by urging all stakeholders to engage in fact-based dialogue and respect the contributions of leaders who are genuinely working for the betterment of the region.
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice