News
PAP: 21 Niger Delta Groups Condemn Attacks on Otuaro, Tompolo by Boyloaf’s Secretary
By Divine Perezide,
A coalition of over 20 Niger Delta groups has condemned recent allegations and attacks directed at Chief Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo. The accusations were made by Jude Gbaboyor, the secretary to former Niger Delta agitator Victor Ben Ebikabowei, alias Boyloaf.
In a joint statement, the coalition described Gbaboyor as a “destitute” and an “enemy of the Niger Delta,” accusing him of engaging in character assassination against Otuaro and Tompolo. The groups clarified that Gbaboyor had previously been dismissed from his position at the Amnesty Office by the former PAP coordinator, Major General Barry Ndiomu (Rtd.), over allegations of multiple misconducts.
The coalition includes various organizations such as the Niger Delta Ex-Fighters (NDEF), the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), and the Urhobo Defenders, among others. Their leaders, including Elder Emury Bekenawei, Comrade Peter Luke, and others, signed the statement, calling for Gbaboyor to be reprimanded by Boyloaf to prevent further division among Niger Delta leaders.
The groups firmly dismissed Gbaboyor’s accusations, stating that the documents he referenced in his attacks were first published in 2020 by Henry Okah on his Facebook page and predate Otuaro’s appointment to the PAP. They criticized Gbaboyor’s efforts to manipulate the public, and especially President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with outdated information that has existed in public domain for years, and hence labeled his claims as baseless and misleading.
The statement also highlighted Tompolo’s critical role in the Niger Delta struggle, emphasizing that only those ignorant of the region’s history would speak negatively about him. The coalition urged Boyloaf to intervene and caution Gbaboyor, threatening further action if the attacks continued.
The groups praised Otuaro’s leadership in the PAP, noting that his reforms have positively impacted the Niger Delta region. They urged President Tinubu and the public to disregard Gbaboyor’s comments, which they attributed to personal grievances, particularly after Otuaro reportedly denied a personal favour sought by Gbaboyor.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming their support for Otuaro and urging him to continue his good works undeterred, warning Gbaboyor of the legal consequences if his defamatory actions persists.
By Favour Bibaikefie
LAGOS — Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have uncovered a suspected baby factory in Badagry area of Lagos State, rescuing 28 persons during a late-night raid.
Authorities said those rescued included 18 adults and 10 children. Among the adults were 17 pregnant women, while one case involving a suspected miscarriage was also recorded. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Adedotun Keshinro, disclosed that the raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to him, the facility, located in Okuju-Ilado, Badagry, was made up of several apartments and had been monitored for about three weeks before security operatives moved in around midnight on Wednesday.
Keshinro alleged that the operators targeted vulnerable pregnant women by offering them financial inducements. He further claimed that the women were made to sign agreements and were subsequently restricted from leaving the premises freely.
Investigators also suspect that the syndicate used a fake social media profile to attract unsuspecting victims before moving discussions to private channels.
However, one of the arrested suspects denied wrongdoing, insisting that the women came willingly and that no unlawful activity took place.
A woman rescued from the premises reportedly told officials that she entered the facility voluntarily after being abandoned by the man responsible for her pregnancy.
Some community leaders in the area said residents had observed unusual movements around the compound but did not know the true nature of activities there until the security operation was carried out.
The NSCDC said both suspects and rescued victims would be transferred to the appropriate anti-human trafficking agency for further investigation and necessary action.
By Tama Peretengboro
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stirred public discussion after making a remark in which he said he “took over leadership from myself” and described the late Muhammadu Buhari as being inseparable from his own political identity.
The statement, made during a public appearance captured in a viral video, quickly generated widespread reactions across political and social circles, with many Nigerians debating the meaning and context of the President’s comments.
Observers said the remarks appeared to underscore Tinubu’s close political association with Buhari and the continuity of governance between both administrations. Others interpreted the comments as an attempt to highlight the shared vision and alliance that existed between the two leaders during Buhari’s tenure.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has repeatedly acknowledged Buhari’s role in the formation and electoral success of the All Progressives Congress, as well as the political transition that brought the ruling party to power.
The resurfaced clip has since fueled fresh commentary online, with supporters defending the statement as symbolic and critics questioning its phrasing.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued any formal clarification regarding the viral video.
See video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXOOaYSCG23/?igsh=MTF6MzJlOWptanJlYQ==
By Divine Perezide
BURUTU — The member representing Burutu State Constituency I in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the 2027 polls.
Hon. Alapala made the declaration while addressing executives of the All Progressives Congress in Burutu Local Government Area, shortly after the release of the Independent National Electoral Commission timetable and the party’s schedule for the May 16 State Houses of Assembly primaries.
During the meeting, the lawmaker expressed gratitude to party leaders and members for their support during the 2023 general elections, particularly commending members in Burutu LGA for their steadfastness throughout the legal disputes that followed the polls.
He recalled that after his initial victory was overturned by the Court of Appeal, party loyalists remained committed until he eventually emerged victorious in the rerun election.
Speaking on his stewardship, Alapala said his administration had recorded notable progress despite the challenges that marked the early period of his tenure. He noted that the political developments in Delta State, including the alignment of major political blocs and the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as leader of the APC in the state, had created a more favourable atmosphere for governance.
The legislator stated that several constituency projects are ongoing across the six wards of Burutu North, stressing that grassroots development remains central to his agenda.
On human capital development, he disclosed that more than 50 constituents are currently serving in various appointments under his office, with beneficiaries drawn from all six wards to promote fairness and inclusion.
He further revealed that over 20 students from the constituency have benefited from scholarship opportunities facilitated through his office, while more than 790 students are receiving regular stipends under the Alapala Ebitonmo Students’ Support Scheme.
According to him, the initiative was introduced to reduce financial hardship among students and encourage academic success.
Hon. Alapala also said he had assisted several indigenes of Burutu North in securing empowerment opportunities as well as pensionable employment.
Reaffirming his commitment to public service, the lawmaker assured party stakeholders that if re-elected, he would build on the achievements already recorded and deliver greater democratic dividends to the people.
He also pledged continued loyalty to the APC and its guiding principles.