Niger Delta

Bayelsa Declares War On Illegal Revenue Collectors, Others

Published

9 months ago

May 27, 2024

The Bayelsa State Government has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups involved in illegal collection of levies and taxes under the guise of non-existent revenue contracts in the state to either desist from the criminal act forthwith, or face sanctions.

The Tide reports that the State Government similarly warned those sabotaging oil pipelines and facilities in the state to refrain from the unwholesome practice, saying anyone found culpable would be dealt with according to extant laws.

Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the warnings at an enlarged security meeting with First Class traditional rulers, service commanders, local government chairmen, and the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Central Zone, and other youth bodies in Government House, Yenagoa.

Ewhrudjakpo decried the vandalism of oil pipeline, stressing that it was not only an economic crime, but also a problem with long term effect that adversely affects the environment and revenues of the state.

He noted that the State’s monthly revenue drops each time there is a shortfall in its output in oil production as greater part of its income from the Federation Account actually comes from the 13 percent derivation, which is intricately tied to oil production.

On illegal roadblocks and collection of levies on the highways, especially the East-West Road, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the image of Bayelsa had been badly dented, adding that such activities were scaring away investors from the state.

He further said the collection of unauthorized levies contributes to high cost of goods in Bayelsa, and therefore called on the IYC and its affiliates to engage the youths of the state on the need to refrain from the practice.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo also directed the local government chairmen to convene security meetings with traditional rulers, the police and other stakeholders every month to address security issues in their areas.

“There are so many roadblocks along the East-West expressway. There is also the issue of vandalization of oil pipelines. The most recent case took place in Gbarain in the Yenagoa LGA of the state.

“Bayelsa cannot make progress in this kind of atmosphere. When oil pipelines are burst, it affects our output, and consequently our monthly revenue.

“Bayelsa gets just about N2billion as allocation monthly; the rest comes from the 13th percent derivation.

“Bayelsa is wooing investors to come, yet some of our actions are scaring away investors from the shores of our state. We need investors, but investors can’t come to do business in an hostile environment”, he said.

In their contributions, the Ebenanawei of Bomo Clan, King Joshua Igbugburu, the Obenibe of Epie Clan, King Malla Sasime, and Ibenanaowei of Gbarain Kingdom, King Funpere Akah, promised to work closely with security agencies to curb criminal tendencies in their domains.

Others, including the Obanobhan of Ogbia, His Eminence Charles Owaba, the Pere of Kumbowei Clan, King Boloyi Sufadoh, the Clan Head of Kou, King Olamene Egberibine, and their Kolokuma counterpart, King Mozi Agara, thanked the State Government for the meeting and stressed the need for same at the local government area on a regular basis to enhance security.

On his part, the Chairman of Ijaw Youth Council, Central Zone, Comrade Pere Inefie, pledged to collaborate with the State Government in tackling security concerns such as pipeline vandalism, illegal taxation and challenges confronting youths in the state.

He said the present leadership of IYC was focused on effecting a paradigm shift from unnecessary confrontation and restiveness to intellectual agitation in its quest to better the lot of Ijaw youths as evident in this year’s Boro Day celebrations.

The Secretary to Bayelsa State Government, Professor Nimibofa Ayaowei, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Peter Akpe, service commanders, including the Commissioner of Police, Mr Francis Idu, among other top government functionaries attended the meeting.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Bipi Celebrates Gen Asabuja On Birthday

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Joint Provincial Council, East Of The Niger Salutes Diocese Of Evo

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

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.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo’s Aides Lead Cancer Awareness Walk In Benin … Offers Free Screening

Published

4 days ago

February 19, 2025

The Tide

In a bid to promote cancer awareness and encourage early detection, officials of Edo State Government, last Thursday held a cancer awareness walk in Benin City.

The walk, led by Sally Suleiman, Special Adviser to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), was organised in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

The event also brought other health professionals, civil society groups, and residents to emphasise the importance of regular screenings, healthy lifestyles, and early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related deaths.

The notable stakeholders, include the Coordinator of the First Lady’s Office, Mrs. Edesili Anani; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole; and the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Marie Bisi Idaomi.

Speaking at the event, Suleiman reaffirmed the commitment of the Edo State Government to strengthening healthcare systems and to ensure that cancer awareness reached all corners of the state.

“Cancer remains a major public health challenge, but early detection can save lives.

“This walk is part of our efforts to educate residents on preventive measures and available healthcare services”, she said.

As part of the initiative, she said her office would be offering free mammograms and prostate screenings to encourage early detection.

“We are not just raising awareness; we are taking action. Early detection saves lives, and we want to ensure that more people get screened before it’s too late”, she added.

Suleiman expressed gratitude to all partners and urged continued collaboration in the fight against cancer.

“This is not just a one-day event. We must keep the conversation going and ensure that people have access to the healthcare they need”, she said.