Soldiers on the loose in Delta after a policeman shot dead their colleague

Soldiers on the loose in Delta after a policeman shot dead their colleague

A policeman attached to the Eagle Net police formation on Thursday morning reportedly killed a soldier in Bomadi town, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

Although what led to the shooting of the soldier has not been made known yet, it was gathered that soldiers from the 222 battalions in Agbarha-Otor stationed in the area have gone on a rampage in protest of the incident.

Speaking to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, a senior police officer from the Bomadi police station said: “We currently have a security situation in Bomadi as one of our men shot dead a soldier this morning.

“The soldiers are on a rampage and they have been attacking any policeman on sight and have already seized a police patrol van attached to Bomadi Division.”

Itsekiri Congress UK distributes palliatives to Itsekiri Communities

Itsekiri Congress UK distributes  palliatives to Itsekiri Communities

 Presentation of palliatives to communities

By: Tetsoma Neyin


Itsekiri Congress United Kingdom (ICUK) has distributed palliatives to Orugbo, Inorin and Ajigba communities, all in Warri South L.G.A.

 The stimulus package which includes bags of rice, beans, garri and indomie were received by the Trust Chairmen of the various communities.

In a telephone chat with the president of ICUK, Dr. Emmanuel Towuaghantse said that “in such a time like this, it is imperative to care for the vulnerable in our communities”.

Presentation of palliatives to Communities

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to volunteers and committee members on ground, President of NAIG, Comrade Collins Edema, Comr. Monoyo Edon, Comrade Edema shyne Onesan, Comr Dede Shuwa, Dr. Mabiaku and Mr. Wale Nice who worked relentlessly towards making the laudable venture a success.

IKPISAN COMMUNITY COMMENDS UGBAJO-ITSEKIRI U.K, OTHERS FOR PALLIATIVEES

IKPISAN COMMUNITY COMMENDS UGBAJO-ITSEKIRI U.K, OTHERS FOR PALLIATIVEES

 Olare-Aja of Ikpisan Community, PA. Omajuwa Meruo Metsese

BY: TETSOMA NEYIN


Ikpisan Community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has commended the efforts of Ugbajo-Itsekiri U.K, Engr. Alex Neyin and Mr. Julius Rone for their timely support of palliatives to the community during this difficult time occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Olare-Aja of Ikpisan community, Pa. Omajuwa Meruo Metsese who expressed his profound gratitude to Ugbajo-Itsekiri U.K, Engr. Alex Neyin and Mr. Julius Rone for supporting the indigenes of Ikpisan community with palliatives said that this kind gesture of these wonderful Itsekiri indigenes came at the right time.

He made the statement on Sunday April 26, 2020 during a telephone chat with Warri Voice Newspaper.

He encouraged the indigenes of Ikpisan community to always be their brother’s keeper at all times and follow all Government directives concerning the prevention of coronavirus.
He also appealed to other well-meaning  Ikpisan indigenes to borrow a leaf from them by contributing their quota.

UGBORODO COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GETS NEW EXECUTIVE BODY

                UGBORODO COMMUNITY YOUTH DEVELOPMENT GETS NEW EXECUTIVE BODY

Chairman of Ugborodo National Youth Executive, Mr. Wilson Ejeh

The Youth wing of Ugborodo Community, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State has sworn-in new Youth Executive Body.

The Swearing-in Ceremony which took place on Tuesday April 21, 2020 was conducted by the Eghare-Aja of the Community, Chief Wellington Ojogor, Leaders and Council of Elders of Ugborodo community.

The National Executive Youth Development Body was carefully selected from the five Communities that makes up Ugborodo Community, with two representatives each from Ogidigben, Aja-Udaibo, Madangho, and Ijaghala Communities, while Ugborodo Community which is the mother of the aforementioned Communities produced three representatives
.
Newly sworn-in Chairman of Ugborodo National Youth Executive, Mr. Wilson Ejeh in his speech, thanked the Eghare-Aja of the Community, Leaders and Council of Elders of the Community for finding him and his Executive worthy to serve the Community.

He promised on behalf of other elected Executive, a transparent and open door policy, even as he pleaded for the support of the entire  Ugborodo Community in order to move the Community to an  era of  unprecedented development.

The newly sworn-in National Executive Body include;

Wilson Ejeh: National Chairman.
Victor Laju Udonju: Vice Chairman.
Dennis Egbahinor: Secretary.
David Mamah: P.R.O.
Michael Atete: Youth Leader.
Japhet Emami: Assistant Youth Leader.
Isaac Oritsedunmi: Financial secretary.
Terry Okoturoh: Treasurer.
John Daje: Assistant Secretary.
Ofeoritse Atselefun: Assistant P.R.O.
Roland Okorodudun: Organizer.

COVID - 19 Lockdown: Fred Martins distributes Hand Sanitizer, Hand Washing items to his Constituency.

COVID- 19 Lockdown: Fred Martins distributes Hand Sanitizer, Hand Washing items to his Constituency.

As part of effort to prevent the spread of  coronavirus, member representing Warri North Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Fred Martins has distributed hand sanitizer and other hand washing items to the people of his constituency, both in the rural and urban areas.

Speaking with Warri Voice in a telephone chat on Wednesday April 15, 2020, the vibrant Law Maker revealed that apart from purchasing food items such as bags of rice and garri worth thousands of naira, ready for distribution, he has also commenced grassroots sensitization of the people of his constituency against the spread of coronavirus.

He appealed to the good people of his constituency to always maintain social distancing and strictly adhere to all other government directives.

                   Hon. Fred Martins

ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL ETHIOPE WEST CHAPTER

ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL

      ETHIOPE WEST CHAPTER

Ref No: 006/04/20

REJOINDER: TOTALITY OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN URHOBO NATION ACCORDING TO KINGDOMS- OGHARA, JESSE AND MOSOGAR KINGDOM.

The attention of the Itsekiri National Youth Council (INYC) has been drawn to the deliberate corruption and or inclusion of autonomous Itekiri Communities existing in Ethiope West Local Government Area as part of Oghara, Jesse and Mosogar Kingdom. 

In the evolutionary history of man, history records man but humans tend to rewrite history for strategic reason or quest for undue dominance. In the eyes of the law, silence they say means consent. Hence, this rejoinder to set the records straight in Ethiope West Local Govt Area to provide Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Senate President with the correct information in respect of autonomous Itsekiri Communities in the area. Below are the names of Itsekiri Communities in Ethiope West Local Govt Area whose indigenes reside within and 

outside the LGA till date. They are:

1) Efurokpe

2) Aja-Futughe

3) Aja-Okeji(Aja-Uduaghan)

4) Oyeaja

5)Ifole

6)Obitukpagha

7) Ibirifo

8) Ogunmaja

9) Aye-Onuwe

10)Okunkun

11) Eku-Obodo

12) Oweh

13) Efo

14) Aja-Oka.

15)Aja-Ogunyibo

These fifteen autonomous Communities are solely occupied by the Itsekiri pre-colonial era till date. Therefore, it is pertinent for the Federal Government to know that the claim by some section of the leadership of Oghara, Jesse and Mosogar is a deliberate ploy to disenfranchise our people from enjoying the dividend of democracy haven contributed in the voting process that saw the emergence of the President Mohammadu Buhari as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Therefore, we call on the appropriate authorities through this rejoinder to the council for proper coordination of whatever palliatives meant for the Itsekiri people in Ethiope West Local Govt Area.

Thank you. 

Mr Gabriel Abugewa( Efurokpe Community).                         

  Chairman.                     

 

Mr Gift Futughe (Aja-Futughe)                                      Secretary

                                             

 Mr Ebisan Omoneukarin(Oyeaja Community)

              PRO

ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL, SAPELE CHAPTER

ITSEKIRI NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL

SAPELE CHAPTER

REJOINDER: TOTALITY OF TOWNS AND VILLAGES IN URHOBO NATION ACCORDING TO KINGDOMS: OKPE KINGDOM.

Our attention at the Sapele Branch of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) has been drawn to an eventual subsumption of automous Itekiri Communities in Sapele Local Government Area into Okpe Kingdom in a viral list of Delta Central communities penned to benefit from the Federal Government Covid 19 relief funds through the Deputy President of the Nigerian Senate. 

While those of us in Delta Central are buoyed by the magnanimity and thoughtfulness of our Deputy Senate President to include us in the Federal Government’s plans at such a critical time as this Covid 19 Lockdown, however, we have noticed some errors in the composition of the list as provided to Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy Senate President. Hence, we have decided to furnish him with the correct information with respect to automous Itsekiri Communities in Sapele. 

Below are the names of Itsekiri Communities in Sapele Local Government Area:

1. Ugbekoko

2. Ugbeyiyi

3. Ogorodo 

4. Oton Iyatsete (corrupted to Oton Hana)

5. Ajimele

6. Obontie

7. Ajojigwo

8. Aja - Sagay

9. Idale Ugbeyiyi

These above nine automous Communities have solely been occupied by Itsekiris since pre-colonial era till date. 

Therefore, it is imperative to bring to the notice of the Federal Government, the claim by a section of the leadership of Okpe in Sapele, (which may have influenced the aforementioned subsumption) to deliberately disenfranchise our people from enjoying the dividends of democracy. It is also worthy of note that we contributed in the voting process that saw the emergence of President Mohammadu Buhari as president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Therefore, we call on the appropriate authorities through this rejoinder to effect this correction as highlighted by the Council for proper coordination of whatever palliatives meant for the people of Sapele Local Government Area.

God bless our Deputy President of the Senate!

God bless Delta Central!!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

Comr. Tseti Bobi   

Chairman,    

(INYC SAPELE CHAPTER)                  

Comr. Jolomi Ikpere                                                                      Secretary,

(INYC SAPELE CHAPTER)

Comr. Sunday Etchie

Pro,

(INYC SAPELE CHAPTER)

PRESS RELEASE: CURTIS AND HIS BINI SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT SHOULD BE CALLED TO ORDER

PRESS RELEASE 

CURTIS AND HIS BINI SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT SHOULD BE CALLED TO ORDER

The attention of the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC) has been drawn to a publication by the Benin Solidarity Movement (BSM) which appeared in Vanguard Newspaper of Monday, April 13, 2020 wherein a certain Curtis Ugbo and his co travelers spewed balderdash coated in displeasure against an adhoc committee set up by His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri.

Since the protracted Ologbo crisis, the INYC has deliberately barred any Itsekiri youth or group from displaying such boorish idiocy by calling out or casting aspersions on His Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin as displayed by Curtis Ugbo and his crew against His Imperial Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri on all media.

Knowing how garrulous and shameless Curtis can be, we have decided to set the record straight before the unsuspecting public takes him and his BSM seriously. 

In his wisdom, our highly revered monarch, Ogiame Ikenwoli, the Olu of Warri, like every other lover of peace in the world could not have truncated all efforts already put in place by some of his subjects who are lovers of peace and whom in their brief to him confirmed that all parties and critical/relevant stakeholders in the Ologbo crises have been sufficiently reached and the outcome of their consultations were to the extent that all parties to the crises were well disposed to the timely resolution of the crises in Ologbo. Hence,he gave his full blessings

The Itsekiris, in our nobility are not known to be insultive to monarchs and other traditional institutions. Hence, we will not join issues with Curtis Ugbo and his co-travelers to insult the Binis and their monarch whom we hold in high esteem. 

The Council is trying not to destroy the existing relationship between the Itsekiri and Bini kingdoms which dates back to over five centuries. However, if the Binis decide to bring all their criminals on social media to denigrate our traditional institution, we shall soon show to the world that no society is complete without all kinds of people. 

Ologbo, Ologbo, Ikara, Ajatiton, Kolokolo, Ajoki, Ajamimogha, Ogba, Ekete, Ekenwan, Ogbo, Osanmara etc are all indigenous Itsekiri communities in Edo State. They are exclusively Itsekiri names. They bear no linguistic connection with the Bini language. The establishment of Bini dukedom to oversee Itsekiri communities is totally alien to law and our culture.

Anyone interested in acquiring Itsekiri land in any of the aforementioned Itsekiri communities in Edo state and others should follow established legal processes of land acquisition either for individual or corporate use. Anything short of that is an invitation to anarchy.

The only panacea to genuine peace in Ologbo is for the duke and dukedom (Enogie system) which are alien to Itsekiri custom and tradition, to be Immediately dismantled. If other ethnic nationalities in Edo state accept dukedom, Itsekiri shall not.

Comr. Appearance Afejuku, 

National Secretary, INYC

Lockdown should be extended, contact tracing of cases not fully achieved - Commissioner for Technical Education

 Lockdown should be extended, contact tracing of cases not fully achieved - Commissioner for Technical Education

By: Tetsoma Neyin.

The Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education, Hon. Mrs. Gbubemi Kpenosen Ikolo has called on Sen.Dr.Ifeanyi Okowa to consider extending the Lockdown measures, because Delta State unfortunately recorded three cases prior to the end of the 14-days Lockdown and contact tracing is yet to be fully achieved, stressing that if the Lockdown is extended, it will give the Government and other health agencies time to trace down these possible Covid-19 suspects in order to prevent them from spreading the virus.

"For me, the Government should consider extending the Lockdown because Delta State has recorded three cases coming towards the end of the two weeks Lockdown, and these patients who tested positive to the virus must have had physical contact with some persons who might also have contacts with other persons. If they are not track down soon, they will continue to spread the disease, and  this can only be achieved if the Lockdown is extended."

She made the statement today on Monday April. 13, 2020 when Warri Voice  Newspaper paid paid her a courtesy visit in her residence in Warri.

Hon. Kpenosen who expressed sadness at the non-challant attitude of Deltans, especially the youth toward the dreaded disease said that the Government  has done remarkably well in his awareness campaign of Coronavirus , using various methods including local town criers to convey the message to the people in the rural Communities. 

She compared Deltans to the story of the doubting Thomas in the Bible, saying that "it is rather unfortunate that with all that is happening  globally, our youths, especially those living in Warri are still playing with it, because they do not believe that novel Coronavirus is real. They are even worse than the doubting Thomas in the Bible, despite seeng  killings all over the world by the virus, yet refused to believe."

She encouraged Deltans to follow the precautionary measures put in place by the Government and other health agencies such as  social distancing, personal hygiene, washing of hands with soap and running water regularly, making use of hand sanitizer and strictly adhere to the stay at home order.

Hon. Kpenosen praised the relentless efforts of Gov. Okowa for putting palliative to cushion the sufferings of the people.

 "Gov. Okowa Food Bank Project will commence the distribution of food items hopefully this week to the most vulnerable in our midst. The Governor has set up Committee from the State and Local Government,Ward levels as well as Community Chairmen and prominent members of the communities, to oversee the distribution. This is to ensure that the food items get to the people for which they are meant, irrespective of political parties." She said.

                                                Hon. Mrs. Gbubemi Kpenosen Ikolo

Coronavirus is real, ignorance is not an excuse - President, Ugbajo - Itsekiri U.S.A Inc.

Coronavirus is real, ignorance is not an excuse - President, Ugbajo - Itsekiri U.S.A Inc.

By: Tetsoma Neyin

The President of Ugbajo-Itsekiri USA Inc., Mr. Kingsley Onuwaje, a foremost group in Itsekiri nation has said that the dreaded coronavirus is real and should be taken seriously, because ignorance is not an excuse. 

" Coronavirus is real and it should be taken seriously, the evidence is clear, it is killing people. Ignorance is not an excuse. My beloved Itsekiri people, please listen to the people in authority like the government, local government agencies and W.H.O instead of the conspiracy theorists."

He made the statement on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020 during a telephone chat with Warri Voice newspaper.

The President of the charitable organization, further said that social distancing should be observed as advised, "if you love your neighbor as you love yourself, you will do the right thing by obeying the law.  Wash your hands frequently, sanitize your environment and lookout for our elderly ones. If testing is available in your communities, please take part."

When asked about the well-being of his group members together with him in America, he responded by saying that "I have been on  constant message with all Ugbajo-USA members through their regional presidents, asking them to heed the advice of the authorities and help save lives. We are reaching out to one another and giving assistance to those that need it.  We also have some members who are in the front line like the ones in the medical fields and other essentials."

To show the benevolence act of the group,  Mr. Onuwaje further said that "the Executive body is meeting very soon to discuss  on what to do regarding our people back home."

He urged Deltans, and Nigeria at large to strictly adhere to all the directives given by those in authorities in order to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

"I will also use this opportunity to say thank you to our highly respected Monarch, Olu of Warri for sending us a goodwill message, prayed for us and appealed to us to abide by the law and do accordingly,  Delta State Government and the Local government chairmen for their efforts to curb the pandemic." he said.

He also called for more awareness campaign in the rural areas.

   Mr. Kingsley Onuwaje, President, Ugbajo-Itsekiri U.S.A, Inc.

Okowa Cancels Easter Service as Delta Records 3rd Coronavirus Case

Okowa Cancels Easter Service as Delta Records  3rd Coronavirus Case

Governor of Delta state, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has advised all Christians in the state to celebrate Easter service from their homes even as the state records third  Covid-19 victim.

Dr Okowa while announcing the confirmed case on his official Twitter handle today, pleaded with citizens in the state to ensure that social distancing is maintained as he called on Christians to observe this year's Easter Celebration from their home in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

              Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa 

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IS REAL – UROYE

 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC IS REAL – UROYE

Member representing the good people of Warri South Constituency 1 at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Austin Uroye has said that the Coronavirus Pandemic is real and that Nigerians are lucky the virus did not spread in the country like in the advance countries such as China, Italy, U.K and America.

The eloquent law maker who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Health at the State House of Assembly disclosed this recently during a telephone chat with Warri Voice, saying that in a bid to cushion the effect of the coronavirus 14 - days lockdown as directed by the State Government, he has personally distributed bags of rice worth thousands of naira to all the wards in his Constituency. 

He also revealed that as member of the Local Committee on COVID -19, (Committee responsible for the sharing of the relief package materials for the Local Government), he will ensure that the materials get to the vulnerable such as, the widows, pensioneers and the less privilege ones in the society.

Hon. Uroye appealed to the people of his Constituency and Nigeria at large to wash their hands frequently with soap under running water, avoid touching their faces and high contact surfaces, avoid social gathering and physical contact, practice social distancing and other Government instructions that will help to prevent the spread of the virus.   

                     Hon. (Dr.) Austin Uroye

GENERAL ABUGOR COMMENDS GOV OKOWA OVER FOOD BANK,APPEALS FOR DECENTRILIZATION OF THE PROJECT

GENERAL ABUGOR COMMENDS   GOV 

OKOWA  OVER  FOOD BANK,

APPEALS  FOR DECENTRILIZATION OF THE PROJECT 

By Wilson Macaulay 

General John Abugor aka point  one the Delta Central Chairman of Presidential Amnesty Phase 3  commended  Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for the Smart initiative of mutiny the idea of food bank to cushion the effects of the two week lockdown order in the State.

Abugor the Amnesty General who spoke at Jesse in Ethiope West LGA however  made a compassinate appeal to the Governor Okowa to decentralise the bank  by opening two more in Delta central at Oghara and one one more in Warri for the people of Delta South. 

According to him operating from only one point at Ibusa in Delta may twist the fate of the exercise. 

While speaking on the need for people charged with the responsibility of destruction to be transparent in the discharge of their duties General Abugor said:"May I also appeal to the personnel and top Government Officials that will be mandated to distribute the items should see the exercise as an opportunity to display patriotism and love to their their fellow country man".

He tasked Dektans to act maturely and observe all  the rules of COVID - I9 so that the Government with the Cooperation of the people can kick the pandemic out in no distant time. 

General Abugor  who assured Deltans that the siege would soon be over vstressed in his statement that the trying period is just for a moment because according to the scriptures the sickness did not come to stay but it came to pass over us. 

He explained that all we to do now is to be fervent in prayer so that God in His infinite mercies can grant divine healing from the pandemic.

Abugor insisted in his conclusion that after the trials we shall come out better just the same way gold is refined in the fornance .

COVID 19: GROUP ( PDSHRAND) HAILS PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR PROMPT RELEASE OF FUNDS TO TACKLE THE PANDEMIC

COVID 19: GROUP ( PDSHRAND) HAILS  PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR PROMPT RELEASE OF FUNDS TO TACKLE THE PANDEMIC 

By Wilson Macaulay 

The peace, Development, Security and Humanitarian Rights Association of Niger Deltans  under the leadership of Comrade Mike Tiemo which sent an "Open Letter of Save Our Souls " to call on His Excellency,  President  Muhammadu Buhari  to give financial support to the nine States of the  Niger Delta  in respect of the Covid 19 pandemic   has hailed  President Muhammadu Buhari   for graciously using the signals of his Executive Fiat to  approve  and to   direct the release of N500 billion naira with immediate effect  to combat the scourge of  Covid 19  Pandemic in Nigeria. 

 Comrade Mike Tiemo the  Group president stressed in his statement  that the funds should be directly handed over  to the State Governors  like Mr president  did in the first instance  in the case of Lagos State  which proved to be a perfect idea because the Governors are closer to their people.

While giving reasons why a special concession should be given to his  people  in the distrubution of the presidential largese  , Comrade Mike Tiemo the Group President  however, also called on President Buhari  based on the strategic terrain of the region to consider the Niger Delta States by giving  the  Governors of the  area at least 15 billion naira each from the proposed N 500 billion to  enable them expedite action in the purchase and acquisition of  all the relevant  items needed  such as Preventive Equipment, Relied Materials and other Health Care Facilities.

Comrade Mike Tiemo Who Spoke at the Conference Centre of the Petroleum Institute PTI Effurun Delta State  during the media interactive session  stressed  that the Group as the Mouth piece of the Niger Delta people  is highly optimistic that this special  appeal will not be swept under the carpet but should be treated with the seriousness it deserve. 

 The Group president affirmed    in his speech  that the Peace Development Security and Humanitarian Right Assoiciation of the Niger Deltans can confidently reassure Mr President that the they  have implicit confidence in  the Niger Delta Governors that if the fund is given to them they will  judiciously  approppiate it in the war against Covid 19   becaue the Governors  have already  demonstrated capacity and willingness before the Niger Delta People that if the fund is released to them they will do the need full for the benefit of the region in particular  and Nigeria at large to the  glory of God Almighty .

The Group Executive while craving  the indulgence of President Muhammadu Buhari  not to look  at the issue with  political binoculars,  maintained in his affirmation that  it will be a remarkable note of honour for a  modest demand such as this to be granted for  the region  which bakes  the national cake to fight  this disaster of global magnitude code- named Covid- 19.

Comrade Tiemo who tasked Government on the need for fiscal palliativee   strongly suggested  that the Relief Materials should come with some stipends at least twenty five thousand naira to each inhabitant of the Niger Delta  through  the State Governors   to cushion the negative effect of the lockdown since our people are predominantly artisans without salaries to lean on.

While lamenting the lackadaisical attitude of the Corporate tenants in the region, Comrade Tiemo urged  the Multinational Oil Companies Operating in the Niger Delta to as a matter of "National Urgency"  to come out  in full force without playing the ostrich or to the gallery to support the Niger Delta Governors and the inhabitants of the region at this critical period to show their milk of human kindness.

Comrade Lucky Ovigue Ohwahwa the Group Secretary, Comrade Durojaiye Ogunsamone the PRO and Mr Patrick Okpomu the National Mobilisation Officer l  who spoke separately to our correspondent in their own contributions corroborated the earlier  view of  Comrade Mike Tiemo that they expects  President Buhari  to listen to what they described as a  modest and germane demand for their people at this trying moment.

According to them , it is a common knowledge   that the peculiar terrain of the region actually deserve extra attention to be able to meet the challenging demands of the people   due to a  hand full of human factors especially Oil exploration and exploitation before the out burst of Covid 19. 

The Humanitarian Rights Group Executive seized the opportunity to advise military personnel on duty to demonstrate friendly professional measures in line with the rules of engagement so that we can avert  more tension and chaos  in the region.

 Comrade Lucky  Ovigue Ohwahwa the Group Secretary, Comrade Durojaiye Ogunsamone, the PRO and Mr Patrick Okpomu National Mobilising Officer l in their  statements  emphasised that  since life is sacrosanct  no one have the immunity to tamper with another man's life adding that  there is also the need for our  fellow Niger Deltans to comply with the Government restrictions order to enable Nigeria achieve her goal of flushing out Covid 19 within the shortest possible time.

Breaking: Warri South Council, Police seal up building where COVID - 19 2nd patient was first admitted

Breaking: Warri South Council, Police seal up building where COVID - 19 2nd patient was first admitted

 

By: TeshWhyte

The building occupying the clinic where the second confirmed COVID - 19 positive patient who died yesterday, was first admitted, has just been sealed up by authorities of Warri South Local Government Council in conjunction with the A Division Police,Warri.

The clinic, Gifted Hands Clinic & Maternity at Ugbori, off Ekurede Itsekiri Road in Warri, was sealed up by the council authority, the police led by the DPO of A Division, Onyeke Ezekiel and some community leaders.

The Clinic which was located in a residential area, occupies just one of the down flats of a storey building.

The COVID - 19 deceased patient who was the business manager of BEDC and alleged pastor, before his death yesterday , was first admitted at Gift Hand Clinic and Maternity, before he was purportedly rushed to Delta State University Teaching Hospital at Oghara, where he died.

Police authorities and Warri South Council personnel at the front of the Storey building.

UGBORI COMMUNITY INSTALLS NEW OLARE-AJA

UGBORI COMMUNITY INSTALLS NEW OLARE-AJA

Ugbori community in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State has installed new Olare-Aja.

The new Olare-Aja, Pa. Mark Omasan Akanni alias Ogban was installed at the Prince Ewolufun Hall, in Ugbori on Saturday March 21, 2020.

Pa Mark Omasan Akanni alias Ogban took over from the late Olare-Aja Snr. Ap. Prince Edwin Omatiemola Omagbemi Igban.

The Olare - Aja, Pa. Mark Omasan Akanni

                                                                                                                                                                       

THERE IS NO SOCIETY WITHOUT DISAGREEMENT – OBOROEGBEYI

THERE IS NO SOCIETY WITHOUT DISAGREEMENT – OBOROEGBEYI


By: Neyin Tetsoma


Trust Chairman of Ugborodo Community, Barr. Austin Oboroegbeyi has reacted to the purported rumour of internal disagreement in Ugborodo Community, saying that “there is no society without disagreement but the important thing is the ability to resolve matters, which has already been done.”

He stated this in a telephone interview with Warri Voice Newspaper on Saturday April 4, 2020

Barr. Austin Oboroegbeyi

Barr. Oboroegbeyi appealed to all Ugborodo indigenes to stay at home during this 14- days lockdown and obey all Government instructions.

COVID –19 Lockdown: IRDC distributes Foodstuffs to Ugborodo Communities

 COVID –19 Lockdown: IRDC distributes Foodstuffs to Ugborodo Communities

By: Tetsoma Neyin

As part of its social responsibilities to the people, the Itsekiri Regional Development Council, IRDC has recently distributed Foodstuffs to the six Ugborodo communities under IRDC to cushion the sufferings of the people during this stay at home period.

The food items worth about 4 million naira includes, bags of rice, garri, tubers of yam, palm oil and vegetable oil.

The Trust Chairman of Ugborodo community, Barr. Austin Oboroegbeyi, while presenting the food items to the beneficiaries, appealed to them to manage the food items given to them, saying that “We do not know how long the lockdown would last.”

He thanked IRDC for their timely support to the people, even as he urged Government at all levels and well- meaning Ugborodo indigenes to also render their support. 

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CALLING ON HIM TO CONSIDER APPOINTING THE NEXT CORDINATOR OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME FROM THE ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY.

His Excellency,
Muhammadu Buhari, (GCFR),

The President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,

The Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.

Sir,

AN OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI CALLING ON HIM TO CONSIDER APPOINTING THE NEXT CORDINATOR OF THE PRESIDENTIAL AMNESTY PROGRAMME FROM THE ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY.

We have watched over the years, how the Ijaws have unrepentantly created an erroneous impression that Niger Delta region is synonymous with the Ijaw ethnic nation and as such, whatever comes to the region is their exclusive preserve.

Ironically, some persons who ought to be better aware have fallen for this deliberate falsehood. No thanks to the silence by vast majority of people from other ethnic nationalities that make up this oil and gas rich region.

For those who vehemently refuse to be trapped in this abyss of gullibility, once the “Niger Delta Struggle” is tinged with violence, they cave in to the gullibility. No wonder this has provided some sort of meal ticket and “hustling pattern” for some self-styled Ijaw's “generals”.
Your Excellency, for the purpose of clarity and putting the records right, a cursory look at the demography, geography, economic relevance and the history of the Niger Delta struggle will suffix.


Reproduced hereunder is the number of LGAs where we have Ijaws in the Niger Delta.

Abia (17 Local Government Areas)

Aba North
Aba South
Arochukwu
Bende
Ikwuano
Isiala Ngwa North
Isiala Ngwa South
Isiukwuato
Obi Ngwa
Ohafia
Osisioma Ngwa
Ugwunagbo
Ukwa East
Ukwa West
Umuahia North
Umuahia South
Umunneochi

Akwa Ibom State (31 Local Government Areas)

Abak

Eastern Obolo (Ijaw has presence here)

Eket

Esit Eket

Essien Udim

Etim Ekpe

Etinam

Ibeno

Ibesikpo Asutem

Ibiono-Ibom

Ika, Akwa ibom

Ikono

Ikot Ekpene

Ikot-Abasi

Ini, Akwa ibom

Itu, Akwa ibom

Mbo, Akwa ibom

Mkpat-Enin

Nsit-Atai

Nsit-Ibom

Nsit-ubium

Obot-Akara

Okobo, Akwa ibom

Onna

Oron, Akwa ibom

Oruk Anam

Udung-Uko

Ukanafun

Uruan

Urue-Offong/Oruko

Uyo



Bayelsa (8 Local Government Areas, dominated by Ijaws, with Isoko and Urhobo presence)

Brass

Ekeremor

Kolokuma/Opokuma

Nembe

Ogbia

Sagbama

Southern Ijaw

Yenagoa

Cross River (18 Local Government Areas)

Abi

Akamkpa

Akpabuyo

Bekwarra

Bakassi

Biase

Boki

Calabar municipal

Calabar south

Etung

Ikom

Obanliku

Obubra

Obudu

Odukpani

Ogoja

Yakuur

Yala



Delta State (25 Local Government Areas)

Aniocha North

Aniocha south

Ika north East

Ika south

Ndokwa East

Ndokwa west

Oshimili North

Oshimili South

Ukwuani

Ethiope East

Ethiope west

Okpe

Sapele

Udu

Ughelli North

Ughelli south

Uvwie

Bomadi (Ijaw)

Burutu (Ijaw)

Isoko North

Isoko south

Patani (Ijaw, Isoko and Urhobo)

Warri south

Warri North

Warri south west



Edo State (18 Local Government Areas)

Akoko Edo

Egor

Esan central

Esan North East

Esan South East

Esan west

Etsako central

Etsako west

Etsako East

Igueben

Ikpoba Okha (Itsekiri, Ijaw and Benin)

Oredo

Orhionmwon

Ovia North East (Benin, Itsekiri and Ijaw)

Ovia south west

Owan East

Owan west

Uhunmwonde


Ondo State (18 Local Government Areas)

Akoko North East
Akoko North West
Akoko South
Akure East
Akoko South West
Akure North
Akure South
Ese-Odo  (Illaje, Ijaw)
Idanre
Ifedore
Ilaje
Ile-Oluji
Irele
Odigbo
Okitipupa
Ondo East
Ondo West
Ose
Owo


Imo State (27 Local Government Areas)

Aboh-Mbaise
Ahiazu-Mbaise
Ehime-Mbano
Ezinihitte
Ideato North
Ideato South
Ihitte/Uboma
Ikeduru
Isiala Mbano
Isu
Mbaitoli
Mbaitoli
Ngor-Okpala
Njaba
Nwangele
Nkwerre
Obowo
Oguta
Ohaji/Egbema
Okigwe
Orlu
Orsu
Oru East
Oru West
Owerri-Municipal
Owerri North
Owerri West


Rivers State (22 Local Government Areas)

Abua/Odual (Ijaw)

Ahoada East

Ahoada west Akuku Toru (Ijaw)

Andoni (Ijaw)

Asari-Toru (Ijaw)

Bonny (Ijaw)

Degema (Ijaw)

Emohua

Eleme

Etche

Gokana

Ikwerre

Khana

Obia/Akpor Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni

Ogu/Bolo (Ijaw)

Okrika (Ijaw)

Omumma

Opobo/nko (Ijaw)

Oyigbo

Port Harcourt (Ijaw)

Tai

Below are some of the other ethnic nationalities that make up the above states:
• Imo State -Igbo, etc
• Abia -Igbo , etc
​
• Akwa Ibom -Anang, Andoni, Okobo, Oron, Ibibio, Ibeno, Eket, Efik etc

• Bayelsa -jaw, kolokunu, Ekpetiama, Igbriran, Atissa, Biseni, Isoko, Urhobo etc

• Cross River -Yakurr, Uyanga, Ukelle, Olulumo, Ododop, Nkum, Nkim, Ikorn, Etung, Mbembe, Mbube, Ekoi, Yalla, Efik, Iyala, Bette, Anyima, Akajuk, Boki, Agbo, Adun, Adim, Abayon and Bahumono

• Delta -Enuani, Ndokwa, Ukwuani, Ebunkpa, Okunzu, Ebus, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Urhobo, Ika, Isoko, Ukwani, Ndoni, Okpe etc

• Edo -Binis, Esan, Afemai, Etsako, Owans, Akoko Edos, Igbira, Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri and Ika etc

• Ondo -Akoko, Akure, Ikale, Ilaje, Owo and Ijaw (Apoi)

• Rivers -Abua, Andoni, Babbe, Billie, Ekpeye, Eleme, Engenni, Etche, Gokana, Ibani, Ikwerre, Kalabari, khana, Kula, Ndoni, Nkoro, Nkoroo, Ogba, Egbema, Okrika and Saro

Deducible Sir, from the above illustration are the following inevitable facts:

That out of the 184 local government areas in the Niger Delta region, the Ijaws barely have presence in about 24 local government areas which approximately is about 13.0% of the total demographic strength in the region.

Besides the Ijaws, there are over 80 other ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta Region that voluntarily elect to fulfill their destinies as Nigerians in this region.

From the foregoing Mr. President, it is evident that in an electoral process of choosing a President and Commander-In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for instance, with particular reference to the Niger Delta region, votes come from all the ethnic nationalities of the region as no one ethnic nationality literally leaves its geographical/demographic boundary to ascribe votes from other ethnic nationalities to itself. As such, whatever democratic dividends that are due to the Niger Delta region and her people should not be enjoyed by just a single ethnic nationality to the exclusion of others.

ECONOMIC RELEVANCE

Your Excellency will recall that besides the contribution to the Internally General Revenue (IGR) profile of the Nigerian state through the Koko and Warri Sea Ports (that are both located on our Itsekiri homeland) and other sources of our contributions, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality also contributes not less than 35% of the total revenue generated from crude oil and gas to our National economy.

No wonder, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality stands out today as the highest producer of crude oil and gas in Delta and Edo States and the second largest producer of crude oil and gas in Nigeria.

The economic implication of the aforementioned fact is that the Federal Government of Nigeria hardly funds or execute projects and programmes through any of her Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the region without huge economic contribution from the Itsekiri nation.



THE NIGER DELTA STRUGGLE:

Your Excellency, Sir, although the Niger Delta struggle has gotten its twists and turns, yet, anyone who is well familiar with the struggle will agree that no particular ethnic nationality in the region can claim monopoly of it.

Where the difference actually lies is in the style and approach and we stand to reason that whatever approach any ethnic group deploys is a matter of choice.

Whereas, the Itsekiri ethnic nationality in our nobility over the years have chosen to approach the struggle by advocating adherence to rule of law and not rule of might. We pursue all agitations through intellectual and other civil means that are laced with facts, figures and empiricism. This may not be the style of others.

 In fact, no historical account of Niger Delta struggle will be complete if the contributions of notable sons and daughter of all ethnic nationalities in the region are not recognized.

Recently, Asari Dokubo spewed in an outburst in their usual characteristic manner that the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme is Ijaw‘s. Juxtaposing this claim with all the injustices and deprivation that the Itsekiri ethnic nationality has been deliberately subjected to since the commencement of the programme, we have no choice than to conclude that the Ijaws have been aided to believe that the Niger Delta region is exclusively theirs.

Since the creation of the office of the Special Adviser on Niger Delta during Timi Alaibe’s era as Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua when the office was restructured to take charge of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, all subsequent occupants of the office from Kingsley Kuku, General

Paul Boroh (Rtd) and most recently, Professor Charles Dokubo are all Ijaws.

Your Excellency, Sir, there is hardly anyone in this country today that is not aware that besides the Ijaws, the only other ethnic nationality whose disarmament exercise was televised and granted amnesty was the Itsekiris through the Itsekiri National Youths Council (INYC).

To continue to encourage only the Ijaws to sit on and appropriate an average of over Seventy Billion Naira (70B) annually of the region since 2009 when this programme commenced to the exclusion of other critical ethnic stakeholders is unfair, selective and strikes a discordant note.

For example, there are over 200 members of staff on special salary and allowances in that office, none is Itsekiri. Also, of the over 40,000 beneficiaries enlisted into the programme thus far, not more than 200 Itsekiris have successfully been trained.

As at today it is on record that amongst all the amnesty beneficiaries studying at various higher institutions in this country, only those of Itsekiri ethnic nationality have been deprived of the payment of their statutory in-training allowance (stipends) thereby abandoning them to languish in pain or be forced to drop out of the programme.

Worthy of mention is the fact that; of the over 30,000 contracts awarded in the office since inception, none has been awarded to any Itsekiri. Since the inception of the programme till date, all the Heads of Departments: Education (Onshore), Education (Offshore), Vocational, Data, Re-Integration, Procurement and heads of other critical administrative units, Chief of Staff and Political Aides have all been Ijaws. All the vocational centers established by the office across the region are in Ijawland as if the program was designed exclusively for the Ijaws.

In the face of all the aforementioned marginalization, no single Itsekiri has re-integrated into the society from all the opportunities available.

Yours Excellency, if this was how every other opportunities and privileges are appropriated in Nigeria, to the exclusion of others, we  make bold to state that His Excellency, Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, former President of Nigeria, an Ijaw man, would not have ascended to the exalted position of the President of Nigeria. It is on the strength of all the aforementioned and to address the lopsidedness in the interest of equity, justice and fairness in the administration of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme that we wish to appeal that Mr. President should appoint the next Special Adviser/Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

Signed:
Comrade Agbateyiniro Weyinmi Isaac
President

Comrade Afejuku Appearance
Secretary, INYC

Comrade Lucky Futughe
Director of Media/IT,INYC