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Drama as King Dokubo-Asari Turn Down Sokoto Caliphate Offer of Traditional Title.
“Northern Nigeria Is Grateful for the Restoration of Peace” – Caliphate Declares
The Sokoto Caliphate has lauded the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, for his exceptional contributions toward tackling security challenges across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region.
During a visit to the traditional ruler at Elem Kalabari on Thursday, a delegation from the Sokoto Caliphate acknowledged the pivotal role he played in restoring peace and reducing the activities of bandits and terrorists, which had previously made travel within the North perilous.
In recognition of his efforts, the Caliphate nominated the Amanyanabo for a prestigious traditional title, which will be conferred during an event to mark the 18th Coronation Anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, Mni.
Alhaji Yunusa Musa Sokoto, who led the delegation alongside the Dan Galadima of Sokoto, Alhaji Nuhu Lamido Sokoto, emphasized that the title is reserved for Nigerians who have demonstrated outstanding service in both public and private sectors, with a significant positive impact on humanity.
Explaining the purpose of their visit, Musa Sokoto said, “We traveled from Sokoto to Elem Kalabari to seek your consent for the conferment of the title and to extend our congratulations on your recent elevation as a traditional ruler in Rivers State. The news of your recognition brought us immense joy.
“Everybody in Nigeria knows who you are and what you have done and continue to do for humanity. Before now, traveling from many parts of the North to Abuja was fraught with danger. Every journey required prayers, but by God’s grace and through your intervention, that terror is now behind us.
“We have nominated you and were directed to seek your approval for this award, as your caliber and credentials speak volumes. We deeply appreciate the tremendous work you have done for humanity in Nigeria and beyond. Furthermore, we are overjoyed to hear of your elevation as a traditional ruler, and we pray your reign brings prosperity to your people, the state, and the nation,” he stated.
In his response, Da Amakiri Tubo expressed his gratitude to the delegation for traveling to Elem Kalabari, the ancestral home of the Kalabari people, to honor him. He also extended his congratulations to the Sultan of Sokoto on his 18th Coronation Anniversary.
While appreciating the nomination, Da Amakiri Tubo respectfully declined the traditional title, citing his current position as a custodian of his ancestral heritage. “I am already occupying a highly revered stool of my forebear and will not require any additional title,” he remarked.
He assured the Sultan, whom he referred to as a friend, of his attendance at the upcoming ceremony and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering strong ties between the Kalabari people and Northern Nigeria. Da Amakiri Tubo emphasized continued collaboration, particularly in peacebuilding and commerce, areas where the Torusarama Piri holds significant investment opportunities.
By Divine Perezide
Renowned Nigerian elder statesman and respected southern and middlebelt leader, Chief, Sen. (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, will be laid to rest on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kiagbodo, located in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.
This announcement was made on Saturday by Penaowei Clark, the first son of the late Chief Clark, during a press briefing held at the family’s Kiagbodo residence. He was joined by prominent family members and traditional rulers, including the Pere of Ngbilebiri-Mien Kingdom, HRM Prince Samuel Akpomiemie Fuludu (Ogiogio II), Professor Collins Clark, and Chief Ebikeme Clark, Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure and Development.
The burial programme, which will span over a week, will commence on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, with a public lecture at the NAF Conference Centre & Suites in Abuja, starting at 11 a.m. According to the family, the series of events are designed to honour the legacy of the late national icon and will conclude with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.
Chief Clark, born on May 25, 1927, in Erhuwaren, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, passed away on February 17, 2025, at the age of 97. He was widely recognized for his lifelong advocacy for justice, equity, and development, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Remembered as a tenacious leader and a statesman of remarkable stature, his influence extended across political and socio-economic spheres.
The itinerary of the burial events includes a valedictory session at the Senate Chamber on Thursday, May 8, and a day of tributes at the NAF Conference Centre on Friday, May 9, at 3 p.m. On Saturday, May 10, a wrestling contest will take place in Yenagoa, alongside a service of songs at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 11, will feature cultural festivities such as a boat regatta and masquerade performances in Port Harcourt and Yenagoa. A candlelight memorial is also scheduled for that evening in both Abuja and Kiagbodo.
On Monday, May 12, a commendation service will be held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, followed by a valedictory court session at the High Court of Justice in Warri. Later that day, the late elder statesman’s body will be flown to Yenagoa for another commendation at Ijaw House, before heading to Warri for a lying-in-state and onward journey to Kiagbodo for a night vigil.
The final funeral rites will be conducted on Tuesday, May 13, beginning with a lying-in-state and commendation service at Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo. This will be followed by the funeral service, interment, and a reception.
The burial programme will come to a close with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, May 18, in honour of a man whose life was defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the betterment of his people and country.
By Divine Perezide
As the nation prepares to bid farewell to one of its most esteemed elder statesmen, Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, members of the INC National Burial Committee saddled with the responsibility to coordinate burial burial ceremony have intensified efforts to ensure a dignified send-off. On Friday, April 4, 2025, the committee, led by High Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs and the INC President, Prof. BenjaminOgeleOkaba, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
The visit took place at the governor’s private residence in Port Harcourt, where the committee briefed him on the arrangements being put in place to honour the late Ijaw nationalist. High Chief Lulu-Briggs, serving as Chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of unity and support from regional leaders to give the late icon a burial befitting his stature.
Accompanying him on the visit were Professor Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), and other prominent figures from the Ijaw community. The engagement forms part of a broader series of consultations and collaborations with stakeholders aimed at mobilizing support for the funeral rites.
Pa Clark, whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the Ijaw Nation and Nigeria as a whole, is being celebrated not just for his political activism, but also for his lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and national unity.
The burial committee is expected to continue its outreach efforts in the coming weeks as the countdown to the final rites begins.
#IduwiniVoiceTv #PaClark #IjawNation #BurialCommittee
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Federal University Otuoke to Host Public Lecture on Political Economy and National Integration
By Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State – The Faculty of Social Sciences at the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) is set to host a one-day public lecture on the pressing issues of local government council and state creation, as well as resource control in Nigeria. The event, themed “The Political Economy of Local Government Council/State Creation and Resource Control: Implications for National Integration in Nigeria,” is scheduled to take place on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
The venue for the event is the Prof Seth Accra Jaja School of Postgraduate Studies Conference Hall at FUO, and it promises to be a platform for robust discussions on governance, economic policy, and national unity.
The lecture will be graced by distinguished academics and experts in political economy. The Vice-Chancellor of FUO, Prof. Teddy Charles Adias, will serve as the Chief Host, while Prof. Francis A. Oluleye, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, will be the Host. The keynote speaker for the event is Prof. Benjamin Okaba, a renowned scholar and the President of the Ijaw National Congress.
This public lecture aims to provide insights into the socio-economic and political dynamics of state and local government administration in Nigeria. It will also explore how resource control impacts national integration, a subject of great significance in Nigeria’s federal system.
Academics, students, policymakers, and members of the public interested in governance and national development are encouraged to attend.
For further inquiries, interested participants can contact Dr. Anthony C. Okoye (08060101369) or Dr. Gboyega K. Oyeniran (08033872053).
Stay tuned for more updates on this event and other academic engagements at Federal University Otuoke.