Niger Delta
Keep Off Bayelsa Polls, Diri Warns Illegal Uniformed Groups …Urges Politicians To Learn From Niger Situation
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the state will not condone the activities of illegal uniformed groups before and during the November 11 governorship election in the state.
He warned such groups to stay away from the state or be ready to face the wrath of the law.
Diri, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),q gave the warning against the backdrop of claims that some politicians were planning to arm youths dressed in acquired uniforms to perpetrate violence during the poll.
He spoke at the service of songs in honour of a late All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Nestor Binabo, who was a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and Acting Governor of the state, at the Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet hall, Yenagoa on Wednesday.
The Governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, called on such individuals to retrace their steps as the state was no longer a theatre of war during elections.
He asserted that with the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), violence, thuggery and ballot box snatching have become irrelevant during elections.
Diri extolled the qualities of the departed politician, stressing that Binabo was never known to patronise thugs for election purposes and urged other politicians to take a cue from his noteworthy example.
“Those civilians plotting to dress in military toga during the November election, it is time they realised that Bayelsa was no longer the spot for such games played over the years. That culture of political violence has to stop.
“We are happy that now we have the BVAS. So, those used to violence to attain offices, even from the point of view of INEC, have to stop. With BVAS, you can no longer write election results or intimidate and terrorise the same people you want to lead. If you plan to do that, please I advise you join the military”, he said.
The State’s Chief Executive noted that only a few leaders in the state have demonstrated their belief in peaceful transition of power and in development for the people and the state, which the late Binabo exemplified.
He further advised politicians to make good governance and genuine service to the people their watchword. This, he argued, was the only panacea to preventing the distasteful situation currently in the Niger Republic.
In his tribute, a former Speaker and Acting Governor of the state, Chief Werinepre Seibarugu, said he had a harmonious working relationship with Binabo, who was his Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly.
Chief Seibarugu described the late Binabo as an open-minded friend, who never hid his life’s history from him, adding that he was also a loyal and firm politician that always stood by his decisions.
In a sermon titled: “What Will You Be Remembered For”, the State Overseer of the Assemblies of God’s Church, Pastor Living Joshua, said those who impacted lives positively will be celebrated when death comes while those who never did will be easily forgotten.
Pastor Joshua urged the congregation to love God with passion like David and to prepare themselves for eternity as time was running out.
The cleric, who described Bayelsa as a predominantly Christian state, called on the people not to go back to Egypt by embracing leaders whose intentions were contrary to what they believe in.
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.