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Text of the Press Conference By The Colligate Leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG) And Egbema Youth Council (EYC) On The Nomination of Two Commissioners By His Excellency Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori. Monday, July 24, 2023.
The news of the nomination of names for Commissioners and members of Delta State Executive Council by the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, should ordinarily be a thing of joy but for the Egbema people of Warri North Local Government Area it signifies a sad day.
Justice demands that if an appointment of a Commissioner from Warri North should be considered, then that person must be an Ijaw. This is because since the creation of Warri North Local Government Area, it has always been Itsekiri occupying the position at the State Exceutive Council. Not until toward the end of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second term in office was an Ijaw, Hon. Joel Bisina, made Commissioner for six months!
We the Egbema people have suffered political oppression and injustice in Warri North Local Government Area for too long. The Ijaw of Warri North have been denied the position of House of Assembly Member since 1991 when the Local Government Council was created (inclusive of the inception of democracy in 1999) till date.
Against this background, we – indeed every lover of justice – had no reason to doubt if a governor, whose emergence was only by divine grace, would give serious thought to addressing the Egbema political situation; yet not so!
Egbema Leaders wrote the governor, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, a letter for a meeting but it was not considered, apparently because we are only good at turning in our votes massively during elections but cannot share in the proceeds therefrom. The disposition of the governor in alienating the Ijaws of Warri North from executive office shows he does not understand the political calibration of the State he is voted to govern.
Warri North comprises the Itsekiris and Ijaws who are equal stakeholders in the Local Government Area. It would have been a thoughtful act to appoint two Commissioners from the Local Government inhabited by two ethnic groups of equal footing to achieve political balance but, sadly, the two Commissioners selected by the governor happen to come form one of the two groups and the other ethnic group is told to go to hell.
This action of the Governor is clearly to perpetuate and escalate the political overpowering of the Ijaws of Warri North so that they can be kept under by the other ethnic group in the local government area.
The votes that he got in Warri North did not come from the Itsekiris alone. It was a collective Vote! The Ijaw Four Federal Wards as against Itsekiri six Federal wards were claimed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Ijaws overwhelmingly voted for H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor. So, on what basis was this decision to exclude the Ijaw completely in Warri North made?
*What we see is that the governor is pleasing two contending forces of Itsekiri ethnic group, between the former Gov. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Michael Diden (a.k.a. Ejele) whose case is in the tribunal, by unwittingly making the Ijaws the guinea pig or scapegoat. We are, and remain, equal owners and stakeholders of the council area with four wards! So, rewarding a people with six wards with two Commissioners without considering the people with four wards is an act of injustice, a heinous offence crying to Heaven for redress and roundly condemnable* .
We demand to know the rationale for this unholy decision. The action of the Governor violates *Chapter II, Section 14 subsection 4 of the Constitution* of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The two Commissioners Nominees are: Ms. Erode Uduaghan and Dr. Isaac Wiliky, both Itsekiris from Warri North. Injustice is the bedrock of political conflict. Where the likes of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ejele (Diden) want everything, they should be courageous enough to demand their own homogeneous local government. We can only vote to increase their voting strength but not good for appointment!?
*Our Demands:-
1. Reverse the decision and appoint an Egbema Ijaw into the State Exceutive Council;
2. Converne a meeting of Egbema Leaders to resolve the impasse, whichever comes first.
As a major Oil Producing Kingdom, we are host to Opuekeba Flowstation operated by Chvroven, with production capacity of 20,000 barrels per day;
ii. Opuama Flotation operated by NPDCL, with production capacity of 18,000 barrels per day;
III. Chvroven Nigeria Limited in (RMP 17) Olero Field;
IV. CONOIL Producing Limited OML 103 (undergoing drilling).
Consequently, if we are not good enough to be where our God-given wealth will be shared in the state, we will do all within our powers legally to halt oil operations, where this monumental injustice is not addressed.
Where there is injustice, rebellion is a lawful duty.
Thank you for your time and and attention.
Signed:
Barr. Francis Abulu, for the leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG);
Cmr. City Kelvin Eferusua, President Egbema Youth Council ( EYC);
Mr. Ekpokeme Governor, Secretary Egbema Youth Council, EYC.
By Divine Perezide
WARRI — IduwiniVoice, a prominent Niger Delta media organisation, has congratulated Chief Ambassador Sheriff Mulade (PhD) on his emergence as the National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), following the congress’ national elections held on April 13, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer of the media outfit, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the organisation described Mulade’s victory as a deserving outcome, reflecting years of dedication to peacebuilding, unity, and development within the Ijaw nation.
Mulade, who also serves as the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), secured the treasurer position in a closely contested election that attracted wide interest across the Niger Delta.
The statement highlighted his reputation as a respected leader and advocate for peace, noting that his emergence comes at a crucial period when the INC requires experienced and forward-thinking leadership to navigate evolving challenges.
IduwiniVoice expressed confidence in Mulade’s ability to manage the financial affairs of the congress effectively, citing his longstanding commitment to accountability, transparency, and responsible resource management as key strengths.
According to the organisation, his election represents not just personal success, but a broader endorsement of credible leadership and sustainable development ideals within Ijawland.
The media house further urged the newly elected treasurer to remain committed to service and to leverage his position in advancing the collective interests and welfare of Ijaw communities.
It also called on stakeholders across the region to rally support for the new leadership of the INC, stressing the importance of unity in strengthening the congress and enhancing its role in championing the socio-cultural and political aspirations of the Ijaw people.
Observers have described Mulade’s emergence as a significant development in the affairs of the INC, expressing optimism that the new leadership will steer the organisation towards greater impact and relevance.
IduwiniVoice concluded by extending its best wishes to the new treasurer, expressing hope for a successful and impactful tenure.
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Amatu-1 Community Declares Total Support, Appeals to Tantita for Increased Employment Opportunities
By Favour Bibaikefie
Amatu 1 Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has formally appealed to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited to increase employment opportunities for its youths, women, and elders, citing its strategic role as a major host community to critical oil and gas infrastructure.
In a letter dated February 14, 2026, and addressed to the Chairman/CEO of Tantita, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), and the Managing Director, High Chief Kestin Pondi, the community expressed appreciation for the company’s efforts in safeguarding oil facilities and curbing illegal activities in the Niger Delta and declared that nobody else could have done the job better.
The letter, signed by community leaders including Chairman Independence Neyin and Secretary Christopher Tuerede, acknowledged that Tantita’s operations have contributed significantly to the protection of the environment and preservation of livelihoods in the region.
However, the community raised concerns over what it described as marginalisation in the allocation of employment slots, despite hosting key oil assets such as the EA/EJA Oil Field and the Dodo River (OML 86 and 88), located within close proximity to the community.
According to the community, a major gas pipeline linking the Tunu Node Flow Station to the EA/EJA Oil Field passes through Amatu 1 territory, a factor they said should ordinarily qualify them as a priority for local employment in pipeline surveillance operations.
The community further noted that at least five newly discovered oil wells exist within its territory, alongside several pipelines, some of which are currently subjects of dispute.
Amatu-1 conmunity, the ancestral headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom and the throne residence of the Grand Pere, HRM Ambassador Dr. Joel Ibane (J), Ogiobo IX, said they feel bad that neighbouring communities had benefitted more from Tantita job allocations.
“It is deeply unfair that while neighbouring communities have received a significant number of job slots, including positions for Generals and Coordinators, Amatu 1 was allocated only 10 slots out of hundreds of capable youths,” the letter stated.
The letter further revealed that youths of the community currently shoulder the responsibility of providing security for the royal palace without remuneration, even as those of other kingdoms nearby enjoy paid positions under the surveillance contract.
While reiterating its peaceful disposition, the community stressed that its appeal was not borne out of agitation but a call for Tompolo’s kind consideration.
“We are not condemning Tantita or anyone. We only seek for a better treatment,” the letter noted, adding that the people of Amatu-1 remain law-abiding and committed to the the President Tinubu and Tantita’s drive for peace and stability of the Niger Delta region.
The community appealed for the employment of at least 400 qualified indigenes—both male and female—into Tantita Security Services, in recognition of its status as a primary host community and royal headquarters of the Iduwini Kingdom.
They also called on notable leaders like the Grand Pere of Iduwini Kingdom and the Amananawei of Amatu 1 Community to support and facilitate the request.
The appeal, observers say, underscores ongoing concerns among host communities in the Niger Delta over favourable distribution of opportunities in oil-related security engagements, even as stakeholders continue to emphasise the need for Tantita’s contract to not only be renewed, but expanded.
By Favour Bibaikefie
The family of the late Mama Ayenuwa Onitsha Iyalagha has extended heartfelt appreciation to individuals and groups who showed support during the burial ceremony of their beloved matriarch.
In a statement signed by Elder Simeon T. O. Iyalagha on behalf of the children and family, the family expressed deep gratitude to their extended families, relatives, community members, quarters, compounds, in-laws, friends, colleagues, well-wishers, and the general public for their overwhelming love, solidarity, and participation throughout the period of mourning.
The statement noted that the outpouring of support received before, during, and after the burial ceremony was both comforting and encouraging to the family in their time of grief.
The family also specially acknowledged the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, for his support and presence accompanied by a large number of family and friends, describing his gesture as deeply appreciated.
They prayed that God would richly bless and reward all those who stood by them, adding that their kindness would not be forgotten.
“We are truly grateful for the show of love and support,” the statement concluded.