Niger Delta
Bayelsa Poll: Eradiri Promises Socio-Economic Development
Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the November 11th gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa State and former President, Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Eng. Udengs Eradiri, has stated his commitment towards rapid socio-economic development of the state, if elected as Governorqà come November, 11 2023.
He gave the assurance recently in an interview with The Tide in Yenagoa, the State Capital.
Eradiri noted that though it was not a must that he becomes Governor of the state, he is contesting the polls to challenge what he described as “incompetent leadership”.
The LP candidate described the state as a “far cry of development” in spite of the huge allocations and other sources of revenue accruing to its coffers.
He alleged that while the APC was deploying crisis strategies in parts of the state to win the forthcoming elections, the PDP on the other hand has starched N30 billion it allegedly looted from state coffers to buy votes in the polls, noting, however, that he was not intimidated by either parties and candidates alike.
“These people are joking, they don’t have what it takes to govern this state. I hear they’ve starched N30 billion to buy votes. But let them bring the money, it’s ours. Our people would collect the money from them and vote for me.
“The other candidate is sponsoring violence in Nembe, but don’t worry, it won’t work. We’ll win this election and develop this state through our people, education, agriculture and power (PEAP) agenda.
“We’ll produce sugar in this state, we’ll start using our cargo airport for export of the excess food and production which would take place in this state when I win the elections. Our people must have jobs.
“No modern society still uses chalk and blackboard to teach its pupils. Look at our schools, our primary school teachers still teach our children with chalk and blackboard, whereas modern societies use electronics board, etc.
“If elected, we’ll build power plants and power the entire state. We’ll develop our Agriculture, create an economy and create jobs for our people”, Eradiri said.
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.