Niger Delta
Ex-N’Delta Agitator Warns Against Distraction To Ndiomu
A prominent Niger Delta ex-agitator and leader, Francis Muturu, popularly known as General Aboy, has warned that ongoing attempts to distract the Interim Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Maj-General Barry Tariye Ndiomu (rtd), is dangerous to the development and peace in the region.
Muturu, a businessman and former aide to the Delta State Governor, noted that Ndiomu had shown the needed capacity to turn around the fortunes of the region.
Speaking during a visit to Ndiomu, the foremost security expert, noted that the PAP boss should be celebrated for his courage to fight corruption in the programme.
He said Ndiomu deserves commendation for floating the new PAP cooperative scheme aimed at transforming ex-agitators from stipend dependants to entrepreneurs.
He said, “Ndiomu has carried out far-reaching reforms in the PAP. He has also championed the economic emancipation of ex-agitators through his unique cooperative scheme, which is aimed at empowering the ex-agitators to become economically self-reliant, wealth creators and employers of labour.
“The PAP boss mustered the courage to fight corruption and to stand up against briefcase contractors. He deserves commendation. I am calling on self-seeking individuals in the region to stop distracting Ndiomu”.
Muturu pledged total support for Ndiomu, saying that PAP contributed to his success in life and that he would not allow anybody “kill the Programme” which is better positioned now than ever before.
“PAP has made me what I am today. I no longer think about N65,000 monthly stipend. I now think big. I will never stand aloof and watch people destroy the scheme”, he added.
In his remarks, Ndiomu urged the people, especially other ex-agitators, to emulate Muturu, describing the former warlord as one of the shinning lights of the amnesty programme and restated his commitment to sustaining the peace in the region and empowerment of ex-agitators.
By; Ariwera Ibibo-Howells,
Yenagoa
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.