News
Prof. Okaba Urged Democratic Rebirth on June 12: Democracy Without Justice is Hypocrisy “
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa – June 12, 2025. As Nigeria marks June 12, the day set aside to commemorate the country’s democratic struggles and the historic 1993 presidential election, the National President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba, has called for a deep and urgent reflection on the state of the nation’s democracy.
In a powerful statement released to the press early this morning, Prof. Okaba began by acknowledging the symbolic weight of the day but cautioned that symbolism alone was no longer enough.
“On this June 12, a day that symbolises Nigeria’s long and often painful March toward democracy, I believe it is important that we reflect not just on the symbolism of the day but on the substance of democratic practice in our country,” he said.
Prof. Okaba described June 12, 1993, as a landmark moment when the will of the Nigerian people was freely expressed but ultimately suppressed.
“June 12 represents the hope and mandate of the Nigerian people, freely expressed in the 1993 elections, and the betrayal of that mandate by anti-democratic forces, But over three decades later, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly moved forward – or merely replaced one form of authoritarianism with another dressed in electoral clothing?
Taking a firm stance, he asserted that Nigeria’s democratic failings are not due to the absence of of elections, but rather the absence of core democratic values.
“Nigeria’s democracy is floundering, not because we lack elections, but because we lack justice, accountability, and true federalism.”
Prof. Okaba cited the centralisation of power, institutional corruption, repression of dissent, electoral fraud, and the continued marginalization of minority ethnic groups-especially those in the Niger Delta-as I dictators that Nigeria is suffering from “a democracy in name only.”
Turning the spotlight on the Ijaw Nation’s historical role in the struggle for justice he invoked the memory of iconic Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro.
“For us the *Ijaw Nation,* June 12 also reminds us of the struggles of our own heroes-men like *Major Jasper Isaac Adaka Boro,and other freedom fighters who stood for emancipation and justice, long before Nigeria was ready to hear it,” he said.
Despite the Ijaw people’s vital contributions to the national economy through oil and gas resources, Prof. Okaba lamented the region’s continued marginalization and neglect.
“Today, our people continue to suffer and grovel under the crumbling weight of exploitation, environmental devastation, and political exclusion despite contributing massively to the nation’s wealth.”
He drew attention to what he described as clear political imbalance in the current administration.
“Are you not surprised that the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria with over 10 federal constitiencies has only one minister in President Tinubu’s Federal Executive Council?”
Prof. Okaba concluded his statement with a clarion call for a democratic reset grounded in equity and inclusion.
“So, my comment on this day is simple: *Nigeria must renegotiate its democracy.* Not in empty constitutional amendments and empty rthetorics, but in a genuine restructuring of power, resource control, inclusivity and the respect for the rule of law.”
In a final a final indictment of the nation’s democratic conditions, he wanted:
“Democracy without justice is hypocrisy. And justice, for the Ijaw Nation and for all Nigerians, must begin now.”
The INC President’s statement adds to a growing chorus of voices calling for not just the celebration of democracy, but it’s renewal and realignment to the will and welfare of all Nigerians-especially the historically marginalized.
By: Divine Perezide
The Imo State Government has introduced a new education policy prohibiting graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students, alongside a ban on the yearly replacement of textbooks.
According to a memo dated August 15, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Bernard Ikegwuoha, only Primary 6 and Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS3) learners will now be allowed to hold graduation events-reflecting the structure of Nigeria’s 6-3-3-4 education model.
“The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is committed to providing quality and functional education to all students. Henceforth, graduation ceremonies and parties for Kindergarten, Nursery, and JSS3 students are hereby abolished,” the memo stated.
In a further move to ease the financial burden on parents and streamline academic consistency, the policy also mandates that approved textbooks must now be used for at least four years. This change is expected to allow siblings to reuse educational materials and prevent yearly replacement costs.
Violations-including frequent textbook changes or deviation from the approved list-are strongly discourage, The Guardian Nigeria reported in a related news.
Prof. Ikegwuoha emphasized in the directive that these reforms aim to reduce exploitative practices, foster learning continuity, and ensure focus remains on academic achievement rather than celebratory
By: Divine Perezide
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has arrived back in Nigeria following his participation at the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Switzerland, and a short vacation in London. He touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, in the early hours of today, around 4 a.m.
In a statement upon arrival, Akpabio explained: “At about 4 a.m. this morning, I landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from London. While abroad, I attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, before proceeding to London for a brief vacation.”
Reaffirming his commitment to the Nigerian people, the Senate President assured that the legislature would resume with renewed energy. “Nigerians can expect vibrant legislative activities when we reconvene. Our delegation made a strong impression at the global parliamentary forum in Geneva. Together with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, we ensured Nigeria’s voice was well represented,” he said.
Akpabio further pledged that the National Assembly would continue to pursue meaningful collaboration with the executive and judiciary to advance the collective interest of citizens.
News
Great Loss As Family Announces The Painful Passing Iduwini-borne Billionaire Prince, Presley Gere Iyalahga
By: Miracle Palakia
Odimodi, Delta State – The Iyalahga and Diepregha families, Odimodi, Aghoro, and the entire Iduwini Kingdom in Delta and Bayelsa States, breaks silence on the painful loss of their son, Prince Presley Isele Gere Iyalahga, Billionaire businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Preslyn Group of Companies, who passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at the age of 48.
Prince Presley was an illustrious son of two distinguished families: His Royal Majesty Gere J. Iyalagha, (Igbedikuru-II), the late Ibenanawei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, and the late Regent of Iduwini Kingdom (Delta & Bayelsa States), High Chief Diepregha Akpotelemor of Gberigberi-Idumu Quarters, Aghoro-I Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The former President of the Iduwini National Youth Council for Peace and Development was a respected businessman and community leader, who’s untimely demise has thrown his family, friends, associates, community, and Kingdom into deep shock and sorrow. He’s survived by his beloved wife, Princess Preye Presley Iyalagha, and six children.
The families made known the development to newsmen on Saturday, August 16th, in a statement jointly signed by Mr. Oroupade Oweibe and George Diepregha for the families and his son, Prince Peremobowei Presley Iyalagha, for the children.
According to the statement, funeral rites will take place on Friday, August 29th, 2025. At 10 a.m., the body will depart Warri via Millar Jetty to his compound in Odimodi for a brief Funeral Service, lying in state, interment.
IduwiniVoice can report that Prince Presley Iyalagha’s passing marks not only the loss of a vibrant Royal entrepreneur but that of a leader in Iduwini Kingdom and Ijaw nation. His memory remains deeply cherished by the lives he touched and all who knew him.