Niger Delta
Ex-UNIPORT Don Emerges Monarch-Elect Of Tarakiri Kingdom
Former academic from the University of Port Harcourt and Chairman, Tarakiri Clan Council of Chiefs and Elders, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye, at the weekend emerged as the Pere-elect (Monarch-elect) of Tarakiri Clan.
The Tide reports that at the Saturday, 29th July 2023, keenly contested election, held at Ebedebiri Community of the Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the people of Tarakiri Kingdom elected the new monarch.
The Tide also learnt that the former occupant of the coveted throne, HRM King Richardford Orukaribai Koroye, passed on last year and was buried sometime this year.
Declaring result of the election, Chairman of the electoral committee and former Bayelsa State Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, High Chief Ayakeme Whiskey, announced High Chief Seiyefa Koroye as winner.
The electoral umpire stated that the ex-Uniport Don in the first round of the election, polled a total of 45 votes out of a total 93 votes cast.
The two other contenders are, the Paramount ruler of Angalabiri community, HRH Famous Eseduo, who garnered 28 votes, and High Chief Kemi Prefa, who scored 20 in the first round of the election.
Whiskey, however, noted that following the inability of any of the candidates to secure 50 percent of the total vote cast, which is a major requirement of the Tarakiri Kingdom constitution, the electoral umpire at the end of the first round of the polls did not declare a winner.
He also said in accordance with the provisions of the clan’s constitution, High Chief Kemi Prefa, who polled the least votes at the first round of the election was automatically eliminated from contesting the second ballot, giving room for the two highest scorers alone to stand for the second ballot.
The electoral committee Chairman said, “At the end of the second ballot, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye emerged winner, pollinh 63 out of a total of 93 votes. The paramount ruler of Angalabiri, HRH Eseduo emerged the first-runner up with 29 votes.
“The total number of accredited delegates were 94 drawn from 13 Communities of Tarakiri Clan, but the regent absteined from voting, so we had 93 votes. The winner must secure 50 percent of total votes cast in line with sub-section 4 of the Tarakiri constitution.
“The first results did not produce a clear winner as none of the candidates secured 50% as a result, the election went into second ballot between the two candidates with the highest votes while High Chief Keme Prefa was eliminated.
“The process was free, fair and transparent. I commend delegates for their peaceful conduct during and after the election. If elections were conducted the way it went, losers will have no cause to complain”, he said.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, The Rt. Hon. Michael Ogbere, described the election as friendly contest between two brothers, while stating that it was a peaceful and credible process.
Ogbere tasked the Tarakiri people on embracing peace, while also urging the monarch-elect to provide fair leadership by carrying everybody along in the scheme of things.
The lawmaker thanked delegates for their show of maturity and the orderly manner in which they conducted themselves while the election lasted.
Meanwhile, the monarch-elect, High Chief Seiyefa Koroye has attributed his success story to sacrifice, hard work and service to humanity, stating that these virtues has given him recognition as expressed by the people at the election.
The monarch-elect promised to unite the clan, saying he would consult widely, collaborate with critical stakeholders, government and development partners to move the clan forward.
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.