News
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE IJAW PUBLISHERS’ FORUM (IPF) MEDIA CONFERENCE
The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) held its maiden Media Conference and Annual Dialogue with the theme ‘Advancing the Quest for Economic and Political Justice’ at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, where sundry issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation were extensively discussed. The conference was attended by media practitioners, environmental activists, top government officials, among others.
The conference deliberated on the division in the Ijaw Nation caused by partisan politics, and consequently decried such an act.
The conference also looked at the attitude of some Ijaw political office holders towards their Ijaw brothers and sisters. The conference was specific on instances of some Ijaw political office holders shutting their doors to their Ijaw brothers and sisters; and more so preferring outsiders to their Ijaw brothers and/or sisters in terms of assistance.
The conference expressed worry on some national issues as they affect the Ijaw Nation. The conference was specific on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and the apparent silence by the Ijaw people.
The 2024 Media Conference and Annual Dialogue at the end of the deliberation resolved as follows:
That the persistent marginalisation and oppression of the Niger Delta people by the Nigerian Federal Government has led to a growing demand for resource control and self-determination.
That, as a region and Ijaw people who continue to bear the burden of the nation’s oil wealth, its people are increasingly seeking greater autonomy and control over their natural resources.
That the Federal Government and other stakeholders must take immediate action to address the pressing issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, etc. facing the Niger Delta region.
That the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta at large must be united and determined to challenge the continuous marginalisation and demand a better future for themselves and their children.
That the Ijaw Nation and Niger Delta region have long been plagued by issues such as environmental degradation, economic marginalization, and political exclusion, yet, despite these challenges, the region particularly Ijaw Nation must remain resilient and determined to fight for their rights.
That the Ijaw people must continue to rise up against economic, environmental, and political injustice, until their voices are heard, and their rights are respected.
The conference demanded for greater investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as the need for more inclusive and representative governance.
That Ijaw people must come together and take a common position on the ongoing debate on the tax reform bills before the National Assembly, and that the Ijaw Nation must gather its best brain particular in the law profession to critically look into the Bill and take an anonymous position even as the NASS prepares for the public hearing.
That Ijaw leaders particularly political office holders must play an open door policy, keep their office doors open to their Ijaw brothers and sisters, and must rise to their assistance when such need arises.
That if the Ijaw Nation and the Niger Delta region fails to stand in unison and fight as one, the region and the Ijaw would be the loser.
That the unity of the Ijaw people depends on the Ijaw themselves who have always constituted themselves as their own hindrance.
That despite the struggles of the Ijaw people for political, environmental, social and economic emancipation, the Ijaw Nation is yet to make any progress because of the selfish interests from some leaders who always put their interests first. As such, those politicians representing the Ijaw people or the Nation at the organs of government should put the interest of the Ijaw Nation first.
That the Ijaw people need to reflect deeply on what they define as fairness, and need to put Ijaw Nation first inorder to move it forward.
That the Ijaw people must hold accountable their sons and daughters, likewise institutions who have betrayed the interests of the Ijaw people.
That the armed struggle which started with the birth of the INC and the IYC against the Federal Government and multinationals is now different, lamenting that it has become a personal struggle compounding the neglect of the Ijaw people, poverty, environmental genocide and general unrest in Ijaw Nation, thereby defying the dividends of democracy, justice and development, which has been dethroned by personal interest.
That if the Ijaw Nation must thrive, the Ijaw people must ensure to preserve their cultural identity, languages, traditions and values for the future generations, as well as promote social cohesion throughout the Ijaw Nation regardless of zonal differences, so as to overcome internal divisions.
The conference also addressed the issue of poverty in the Niger Delta despite being an oil and gas producing region especially within Ijaw communities.
That the governors of the Niger Delta region particularly those from the Ijaw extraction should promote entrepreneurship and educational opportunities for the people through the Ministry of the Niger Delta, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the Amnesty Programme.
That the Ijaw people must play politics that is in the interest of the Ijaw people. Its leaders should rise up and form their own political parties if they are to break away from political slavery.
That Ijaw leaders and all well-to-do Ijaw sons and daughters should give support in terms of finance to Ijaw media practitioners who are telling the Ijaw story from the right perspective.
Communique drafting committee members:
Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Info Daily Media
Francis Abai, Pen Global Media
Tare Magbe, Daily Reports Nigeria
Arex Akemotubo, Waffi TV
News
Tantita Security Commissions Modern Police Station, Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Community Development
By Favour Bibaikefie
Chief Engr. Kestin Ebimobowei Pondi, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, has reaffirmed the company’s dedication to both national security and grassroots development. He made this assertion over the weekend during the official commissioning of a newly constructed and fully equipped police station for the Nigerian Police Force at the Ugborikoko Divisional Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
While addressing the attendees, Chief Engr. Pondi remarked:
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. We are beyond proud to commission the new Ugborikoko Divisional Police Station—a symbol of our unwavering commitment to security, peace, and community development.
“This station is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a tangible manifestation of what can be achieved when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. For us, it’s about creating safe spaces where citizens and officers alike can thrive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live in security and peace.”
He went on to emphasize that the company’s objective extends well beyond securing oil and gas pipelines, stating:
“Since 2022, our mission has always gone beyond security—it’s about contributing to national prosperity and local empowerment. As we hand over this new facility, we’re reminded that true progress isn’t just in improving infrastructure, but in uplifting the very people who protect it. With state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and an unwavering focus on operational efficiency, this police station is built to serve you—our community.”
Concluding his remarks, he offered a message of dedication to the local residents:
“To the people of Warri, Effurun, and Ugborikoko, this station is for you. Together, we’ll continue working towards a brighter, safer future where security is not just a priority, but a reality for all,” the statement added.
The event marks another significant step by Tantita in supporting law enforcement and fostering a secure environment in the Niger Delta region.
By Divine Perezide
The ongoing political tension surrounding the state of emergency declared in Rivers State has escalated, as 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have assembled a formidable legal team to contest the decision at the Supreme Court.
According to an April 14 report by NijaNews, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is currently drafting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s official response to the lawsuit. The suit stems from the March 18, 2025, emergency proclamation that led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara—who also serves as Vice Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum—alongside his deputy, Mrs. Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
President Tinubu had appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as a sole administrator to oversee the state during the six-month emergency period. The National Assembly backed the President’s move through a voice vote.
In response, PDP governors from 11 states—Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa—filed a legal challenge at the Supreme Court. Their suit, identified as SC/CV/329/2025, questions the constitutionality of the emergency rule and the President’s authority to suspend a sitting governor and deputy, replacing them with an unelected administrator.
To press their case, the governors have enlisted a high-profile legal team featuring seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), including Bolaji Ayorinde, Eyitayo Jegede, Kamaldeen Ajibade, J.A. Mumuni, Musibau Adetunbi, Samuel Atung, and Yunus Abdulsalam. They are joined by six other experienced attorneys.
The core of the legal challenge revolves around the interpretation of Nigeria’s Constitution, particularly concerning the limits of presidential power and the principles of federalism. The governors are asking the Supreme Court to clarify whether the President can suspend elected officials under the guise of emergency rule and whether such actions undermine constitutional democracy.
A source within the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the AGF’s office is fully engaged. “As we speak, my colleagues are in the office working on the processes,” the source disclosed.
In a related development, the House of Representatives is forming an ad-hoc committee to take over legislative responsibilities in Rivers State. This move is part of an effort to ensure continuity of governance under the emergency rule.
According to House spokesman Akin Rotimi, the National Assembly subjected the President’s emergency declaration to “rigorous legislative consideration,” resulting in amendments aimed at enhancing democratic checks. He explained that one of the key changes “was to designate the National Assembly, rather than the Federal Executive Council, as the oversight authority for all regulations issued under the emergency arrangement.”
The ad-hoc committee will be chaired by House Leader Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with the Minority Whip serving as deputy. Other committee members include Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Muktar Betara, and Sada Soli. Prof. Jake Dan-Azumi will lead the committee’s secretariat.
Rotimi emphasized the House’s commitment to constitutional integrity. “This development highlights the House of Representatives’ commitment to upholding the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring that the extraordinary measures taken during the emergency period remain subject to legislative oversight, guided by principles of transparency and accountability,” he said.
The Supreme Court is yet to announce a date for the hearing of the high-stakes case.
Former Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, has extended heartfelt birthday wishes to High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as he marks his 54th birthday.
In a personally signed message released to the press on Saturday morning, Deacon Otuaro, speaking on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” praised Tompolo’s unwavering dedication to justice and his selfless leadership in the Niger Delta region.
The birthday message, titled “BIRTHDAY MESSAGE TO HIGH CHIEF GOVERNMENT EKPOMUPLO (A.K.A. TOMPOLO),” reads in part:
> “On this special day, on behalf of the “Oporozawei House,” I join the good people of the Niger Delta and well-meaning Nigerians across the globe to celebrate a rare gem, my brother — High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo.
“You are not just a leader by title, but by sacrifice. You have consistently stood for justice, for equity, and for the liberation of our people in the Niger Delta. Your voice has been a shield, your actions a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ijaw spirit.
“As you add another year, I thank God for preserving you. I pray that His wisdom, strength, and protection continue to abound in your life. May He bless you with long life, good health, and greater influence to keep championing the cause of justice and development for our land.
“Today, we celebrate more than just your birthday — we celebrate your unwavering love for your people and your courage to always do what is right, no matter the cost.
“Happy Birthday, High Chief!
Continue to shine as a beacon of hope and a pillar of truth.”
“Signed with brotherly affection,
H.E. Dcn. Kingsley B. Otuaro
The immediate past, Deputy Governor of Delta State”
Deacon Otuaro’s tribute highlights Tompolo’s enduring influence and acknowledges his role as a symbol of hope and integrity within the Niger Delta and beyond.