News
BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION AND THE NON-EXISTENT POUND OF FLESH.
By Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli.
As Bayelsans countdown to the 11th November, 2023 Governorship Election and preparations for formal commencement of campaigns intensifies, political players, pundits and watchers have beamed searchlight on the two leading Candidates, the incumbent Gov Douye Diri and Chief Timipre Sylva former Governor of Bayelsa State and immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.
Senator Douye Diri has spent less than four(4) in office as Governor while Chief Timipre Sylva spent five(5) years in office as the third Executive Governor of Bayelsa State and another four(4) as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. But despite the above, unbiased surveys by several organizations have put incumbent Gov Douye Diri far ahead of Chief Timipre Sylva the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in performance index and other areas including leadership responsibility and disposition.
One of the highest surveys is the one that was carried out by Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, the immediate past Member of the Federal House of Representatives that represented Brass-Nembe Constituency, the both Local Government Areas that Chief Timipre Sylva hail from.
Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli is not just an ordinary Bayelsan, he is a critical stakeholder in Bayelsa State and the Ijaw Nation by all standards and ramifications. But very significantly is the fact that he is the closest ally of Chief Timipre Sylva. He is often described by many as the First Political Son of Sylva and the most outstanding Field Commanders of Sylva’s Foot-soldiers.
Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli’s permutations and unbiased survey result that is widely circulated places incumbent Gov Douye far ahead of Chief Timipre Sylva in all the Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State.
Everyone that know Israel Sunny-Goli know that he meant everything that he said. Bayelsans know that he is not among political jobbers who will tell Sylva what he wants to hear because of their quest to get their share of the Petroleum Cake before abandoning him in the last minute and jumping ship to join performing Gov. Douye Diri who is the choice of majority of Bayelsans.
UNBIASED ASSESSMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIONS OF GOV. DOUYE DIRI AND CHIEF TIMIPRE SYLVA IN SOME KEY AREAS
At this point, it is pertinent to assess the administrations of Chief Timipre Sylva and incumbent Gov. Douye Diri in the areas of:
* ROAD CONSTRUCTION
* CIVIL SERVANTS WELFARE AND PENSION
* SECURITY
* PEACE AND UNITY
* POLITICAL STABILITY
* EDUCATION
* HEALTH
* AGRICULTURE, etc.
Road & Bridge Construction
While Sylva and his supporters are boasting about construction of sixty (60) internal roads that never lasted, supporters of incumbent Gov Douye Diri are not making noise about the Expressways and Highways with legendary Bridges that Gov. Douye Diri is building.
Gov. Douye Diri does not believe in playing politics with the development of Bayelsa State and that is one of the reasons he is not talking about the signature projects particularly the roads and bridges that he is building including the Nembe-Brass Road that Sylva had opportunity to build but said it was not economically viable.
The Sagbama-Ekeremor Road, the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road, the Glory Drive, Opolo-Elebele Road, the Igbedi Road, Nembe Unity Bridge, Imiringi Bridge, Elebele Bridge, etc are all Signature Projects.
Civil Servants Salary & Pension
Sylva administration did well in civil servants salary payment but Gov. Douye Diri is more committed to the above especially in the area of prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions.
Security
There was total collapse and near absence of security of life and property under the Sylva administration.
Operation Famuo-tagbe which was launched by Chief Timipre Sylva was a nightmare to Bayelsans and other residents.
Over one decade later, investigators, security experts and ordinary Bayelsans have not been able to get statistics of the number of persons that were unlawfully imprisoned, maimed and killed during the horror and dark infamous and inglorious years of Operation Famuo-tagbe.
That era may be likened to the Adolf Hitler Gustapo Nazi regime where perceived enemies were arrested, detained and even executed at will. Human rights was at its lowest ebb.
But under Gov Douye Diri Bayelsans and other residents are sleeping with two eyes closed because of adequate security.
There is no indiscriminate gunshots, maiming and killings like the Sylva administration where Bayelsa State was almost likened to a killing field. Innocent men who were arrested for trivial reasons were taken out in the dark of the night and executed.
Today, members of the opposition hold meetings and move around the state freely without any form of harassment or intimidation which was not the case during the Sylva administration.
Peace and Unity
Bayelsans were divided during the Sylva administration despite the fact that there was no strong opposition since opposition parties were near non-existent then but those who disagreed with policies and programmes of the Sylva administration were branded and tagged as Obote people ‘enemies’.
But under incumbent Gov Douye Diri, it is difficult to differentiate between members of the ruling PDP and the oppositions because the Governor has created a level play ground for all. He is running an all inclusive system where members of the opposition even have more say and privileges.
Gov. Douye Diri does not discriminate or segregate against any segment or section of the state. He detest the divisive, destructive and distractive concept of ‘Core Ijaw and Non Core Ijaw’ and that is the reason you no longer hear about it.
Gov. Douye Diri places so much premium on the Peace and Unity of Bayelsans and other residents.
Political Stability
Bayelsa State experienced unimaginable political instability during the Sylva administration, but the same is not the case under Gov Douye Diri administration where there is enormous political stability. It is a known fact that Bayelsa State is one of the most stable states in the country.
Education
Sylva grappling and struggled to fund NDU which was the main institution during the Sylva administration but Gov. Douye Diri is doing marvellously well in the adequate funding of all the universities and institutions in the State.
Health
The Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri and Diette-Koki Hospital were the major hospitals and health facilities in Bayelsa State but today beside adequate funding of the existing health facilities, Gov. Douye Diri has also built hospitals in the Headquarters of the eight(8) local government areas in the State.
Agriculture
Bayelsans remember the fishing trawlers and big political fish pounds that were dug everywhere in Yenagoa and it’s environ but no single fish was caught or sold by the Bayelsa State Seafood Company.
But under the Douye Diri administration Bayelsans have been given Agric Loans and most of the beneficiaries are doing very well despite the devastating negative impacts of the last year 2022 flood that destroyed many farms.
The government is also building Cassava Processing Plant and others to promote agriculture.
Generally, Bayelsans are very proud of Gov. Douye Diri who is laying a very solid foundation for the new Bayelsa State without making any noise.
On the other hand, they are querying the achievements and impacts of Sylva’s four(4) years as Minister of State for Petroleum Resources under the immediate past administration where he had opportunity to make Billionaires, Multimillionaires and even give Employments to hundreds if not thousands of Bayelsans and other Ijaws but he rather choose to impoverished everybody around him and everyone that went close to him in accordance with his principle of impoverishing everyone to get their maximum submission, subjection and loyalty.
On the final analysis, Bayelsans have resolved to queue behind Miracle and Prosperity Gov Douye Diri who is doing marvellous work as against Chief Timipre Sylva who believe he has scores to settle and he wants a non-existent pound of flesh.
~~~ Most Senior Comrade Wisdom Oniekpar Ikuli aka Mirror and Conscience of Society.
* National President
Niger Delta Nonviolence Agitators Forum (NDNAF)
* Executive Director
Centre for Peace Advocacy and Social Rehabilitation (CPASR)
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.