News
PRESS RELEASE: Itsekiri Plan To Resist Egbema Protest, Senseless; A Ground For Another Crisis In Warri.
Nigerians Should hold Gov. Oborevwori Responsible, Should They Make Good Their Threat.
Being Text Of A Press Release By Egbema Youth Council ( EYC).
The threat by the Itsekiri Consultative Congress led by one Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, a PDP Stakeholder in Warri North Local Government Area to resist the Egbema Ijaw planned protest against Gov Sheriff Oborevwori’s unjustified exclusion of the Ijaws of Warri North Local Government Area, in nominating two Commissioners from Warri North do not come to us as a surprise. But it’s a further affirmation of their mistaken belief that the Council belongs to only the Itsekiris, yet cannot find the population to make an homogeneous local government. Our population is only good to increase their voting strength but not good for appointment and development!
This, we no longer find shocking anymore.
Protest is a Fundamental Human Right and any group with legitimate reason need is free to do so without any disturbance. In fact the Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed this in the case between Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and others versus the Federal Government of Nigeria, after the Police attacked the the protesting Buhari and his All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) members, on the grounds that they didn’t obtain a police permit before embarking on the protest. The supreme court held that, not only are Nigerians free to embark on protest without any prior notice or permission from security agents, but the police on hearing any protestation MUST provide security cover unsolicited for those protesting. It’s therefore, a settled matter by law. We need not take permission from the Itsekiris or the apparently bias government Sheriff Oborevwori (whom by his act we won’t be wrong to deem the in this matter), and a suspected enemy of the progress to the development of Egbema Ijaw people.
We would not have responded to the publication of the Itsekiri group issued on Thursday, July 20, 2023, but we are doing so, to put the records straight for the general public and as a notice to the whole world that, that publication we saw has all the imprematu of Government support for the aggression from our Itsekiris neighbors of Warri North. The quest waiting for an answer remains; will the Government of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori now be the enabler of the aggressions and avoidable violence in Delta State? One of the governor’s aide was busy circulating the offensive story of the Itsekiri group to resist us. What are they resisting us for? For demanding for Justice in Warri North, from a government we all worked hard to install?
We want to put on record that “history does not repeat itself but people do repeat history.” We want the unguided Itsekiri group to read the history of the Warri crisis. *What caused the Warri crisis? It was the unjust relocation of a local Government headquarters created for the Ijaws of (present day Warri South West LGA) and the burning down of Chief E. K. Clark building by a group of Itsekiris mercenaries at his Warri GRA home when the Ijaws protested against the unjust relocation. The Ijaws protested against the government at the time and not Itsekiri people. So, what was the offense of the Ijaws? “A dog that wants to get lost in the jungle, will never hearken to the voice of the hunter”. This is the case of the government of Oborevwori with this brazen injustice with his adamance to reverse himself, even when he has been ask(ed) to reverse do so.
*We therefore, want to put on record that our planned protest is NOT against Itsekiri people of Warri North but the Delta State Government of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori* and so, there’s no need for any group to make the threat to attack us. Whichever group decides to do so should be very ready as we won’t bow to cheap blackmail by mischief makers, not even the Governor.
Now, the issues raised in their publication are resources Itsekiris spent on the election. Their claim to have spent more resources in terms of money is to stand truth on the head. Most of the money spent came from the State PDP, via the Government and individuals donations on the side of Ijaws and the Itsekiris. If more Itsekiris contributed, it means they are men favoured by successive governments to the detrimental perennial abandonment of the Ijaws. The Itsekiris were contestants to the House of Assembly and Senate from the council. So, when you contest election it’s expected that more fund(s) will come from your end. The second issue raised is Votes cast. Let the Itsekiris state the votes during the Presidential Election and the Senate. The true figure of votes in accordance with BVAS is there, which is expository to their bloated voter population. We will not say anything about the Governorship because we know what happened and especially since the matter is before the court.
*Our Resolved Position:*
a. That we have four Federal Wards in Warri North as against the Itsekiri Six Federal Wards an as such they cannot take the two Commissioners slot in Warri North.
b. That it’s against the Federal Character principle as provided in *Chapter II, section 13 subsection 4 of the 1999 constitution.* The essence is to avoid the dominance of one ethnic group at the government level.
c. That we gave Gov Oborevwori our four wards in the election just as Itsekiris gave their six wards, and hence we deserve the fruit of our labour.
d. That the votes that came from Warri North are collective votes and as such the government must reflect that collective nature, and cannot alienate us by giving the two Commissioners slot to only Itsekiris who already have the State House of Assembly member. These are very clear issues.
e. That the Itsekiris constantly having the state assembly member and even now cannot in all fairness have both commissioners.
f. That politics is a game of interest but perennially ignoring the interest of your neighbours is witchcraft and a call to anarchy.
The DSS and the government knows that our agitation is justified except the mischief makers who are bent on a direction to cause trouble.
Therefore, by asking the DSS to arrest Egbema Right Activist, Francis Abulu Esq. is to stand the truth on the head and to further exacerbate the problem.
Therefore, we submit that “peaceful rebellion becomes a lawful thing when it’s against oppression.” Our protest is against the Government of Sheriff Oborevwori and not Itsekiris, and must hold except Mr. Governor do the needful.
Signed:
Comr. City Kelvin Eferusuoa, President Egbema Youth Council ( EYC)
Mr. Ekpokeme Governor, Secretary Egbema Youth Council (EYC).
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.