Niger Delta
N’Delta Forum Withdraws From Nationwide Protest
The Niger Delta Young Leaders Forum, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), has announced its withdrawal from the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
National Chairman of the group, Chief Imo Okoko, announced this in a statement released in Port Harcourt.
“Our young leaders of the Niger Delta region scattered across the country, we appreciate the solidarity shown us throughout this most trying period of our collective quest for good governance and a better standard of living for all Nigerians.
“It will be recalled that before August 1, we had repeatedly voiced the pains, anger, and frustration of our people over the soaring prices of almost every food item and essential commodities in the country.
“We equally forewarned of our readiness to join the planned protest, if nothing concrete was put on ground to cushion the hardship we are experiencing.
“We salute the courage of all our members and associates who have trouped out in their hundreds and thousands to solidarise with and support the protesters nationwide.
“Your sacrifices and the risks you have taken shall never go unrewarded, as both humanity and divinity have taken records accordingly”, Okoko said.
He said after Day 5 of the nationwide protests, it had become imperative to take stock and do an objective review of the progress made and the situation on ground.
The chairman of the group praised the protesters for showing a high level of civility and maturity thus far and also expressed appreciation to the security operatives for exhibiting professionalism in managing the protesters.
According to him, no government, in recent history has tolerated protests and accommodated the magnitude of public confrontations in such a manner.
He lauded the Presidency for the maturity it exhibited in managing the protests even in the heat of the moment.
He also applauded the government for the sustained empathy it showed in acknowledging the pains and hardships the people are facing.
Okoko then appealed to the youth for more patience and time for the government to implement the various policies and programmes it has designed to remedy the situation.
“Above all, we have observed the gradual hijack of the protests by criminal elements in parts of the country, a dimension that has led to the looting of shops and warehouses, violence, and the attack of innocent Nigerians.
“It is in light of these developments that we have decided to yield to the intervention and passionate appeal of the highly-respected leadership of the National Civil Society of Nigeria (NCSCN), under the watch of Amb. Blessing Akinlosotu, and suspend our participation in the ongoing nationwide protests against.
“We, therefore, direct all our members and associates to, henceforth, pull out of the protest and join forces with the NCSCN in their intense advocacy for further consultations and dialogue with the government”, Okoko said.
He commended the leadership of the Civil Society Council for brokering the resolution and applauded its members for the remarkable show of solidarity and loyalty.
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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