News
Niger Deltans Demand Wike’s Sack in Solidarity with Ijaw Nation Over Ethnic Remarks on Ijaws
By Perez Bibaikefie
BOMADI – The Congress of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities today, storm Bomadi town in solidarity with Ijaw ethnic group demand that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike immediately, from office due to his derogatory comments about the Ijaw people and the late elder statesman, Pa E.K. Clark which they say are capable of causing disharmony amongst the Niger Delta Ethnic groups.
During a one-day Ijaw National Sensitization Rally in Bomadi, Delta State, the Congress for Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CONDEN) and from the Western Zone of Ijaw nation organized a gathering under the theme “Stand Up for Ijaw Nation and Pa E.K. Clark.”
Ijaw National Congress Condemn Wike’s Remarks
Speaking at the event, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), strongly criticized Wike’s statements, calling them an affront to the entire Ijaw community.
> “We have remained silent for too long. It’s time for the Ijaw to act, and the time is now. We must redeem our image. Wike, who sent thunder against the Ijaw people, is now facing the consequences of his own words,” Okaba stated.
He further revealed that similar demonstrations would soon take place in Bayelsa and Rivers States, followed by further actions to address the issue.
Felix Tuodolo Refutes Wike’s Comments
Dr. Felix Tuodolo, the foremost President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and a key figure in the 1998 Kaiama Declaration, accused Wike of misrepresenting the Ijaw population.
> “Wike is very poor in mathematics and history for calling the Ijaw a minority of the minorities in the Niger Delta, contrary to census figures. The Ijaw are the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria and the majority in Rivers State, with ten local governments compared to Wike’s Ikwerre with only two,” Tuodolo declared.
He urged Ijaw and Niger Delta leaders to unite under a single political agenda to fight marginalization and ensure fair representation, clarifying that their movement was not against any particular ethnic group but rather a call for justice.
Support from Other Groups and Prominent Voices
Several figures, including Nollywood actress and Rivers Labour Party Leader, Hilda Dokubo and leaders from the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Western and Eastern Zones, echoed these sentiments. Representatives from other ethnic groups, such as the Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), Isoko, and Ndokwa communities, also expressed solidarity with the Ijaw people.
In a statement issued by Hendrick Opukeme on behalf of CONDEN, the Ijaw nation accused Wike of inciting political instability in Rivers State and demanded his immediate dismissal.
> “We proclaim our unwavering commitment to the struggle for our people’s rights and dignity. For too long, we have been silent while our resources are plundered, our environment desecrated, and our future mortgaged. Enough is enough,” the statement read.
The group insisted that unless Wike is sacked or suspended, the Federal Government’s commitment to justice remains biased.
With tensions rising over Wike’s remarks, Ijaw leaders have vowed to continue their hard push until their demands of reinstatement of the democratically elected government in Rivers State and/or the immediate dismissal of Wike are met.
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