Niger Delta
Diri’s Aide Lauds APC Chieftain For Rating Governor High
Technical Assistant to the Bayelsa State Governor on Inter-Party Relations, Mr Miriki Ebikibina, has commended a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, on his recent press statement which rated the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, high, saying he is the preferred candidate in the forthcoming, November 11th, 2023 Gubernatorial elections in the state.
Ebikibina said, the declaration of the APC Chieftain, as an ally of the immediate past Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and candidate of the APC for the November, 11th, 2023 governorship polls in the State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has again proved to the world that “Sylva has nothing to offer Bayelsans”.
He said the statement has also shown that the ex-Minister does not have the structure to win the forthcoming polls.
It would be recalled that recently, a Chieftain of the AOC and former House of Representatives member in the 9th National Assembly, Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, in a press briefing, informed Journalists that the APC Gubernatorial standard bearer for the 2023 governorship elections in Bayelsa State, lacks the structure to win the poll.
“It’s sad, most unfortunate and regrettable that rather than standing up to the glaring fact as alluded by Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli, who as a member of the 9th National Assembly, and as one who has contributed significantly and meaningfully to the development and growth of the grassroot, state and national level, the APC instead would backlash Sunny-Goli.
“No doubt, Sunny-Goli has a better understanding and grounded political assessment and awareness on who can govern the state, as also on a position to know whether the APC can win the incumbent Governor, Senator Douye Diri.
“Remember the crisis that erupted in the APC as a result of the manipulated governorship primaries of the party which deepened the leadership crisis of the party in the state, and the questions on the eligibility of the Deputy Governorship candidate of the party.
“Instead of condemning the former House of Representatives member, he should rather be commended and appreciated for coming out bold and strong, despite his closeness to Chief Sylva who he has described as not having the structure and what it takes to win the incumbent Governor”, he said.
Ebikibina called on political parties and politicians to shun sycophancy, deceit, greed, and blackmail, saying politicians should be bold like Sunny-Goli who gave a clear assessment on the preparedness and chances of the APC in winning the polls.
“I’m also a strong critique of the former Sylva’s administration in the state when he served as Governor. I’ve been Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), and a founding member of the APC.
“I, therefore, call on all support groups of the Senator Douye Diri’s re-election bid to desist from blackmailing or seeing Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli’s statement as a ploy to deceive.
“Governor Diri has been reaching out to all Bayelsans, irrespective of political affiliation to partner in building a strong, virile and prosperous state”, Ebikibina added.
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.
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