By EgbemaVoice, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Monday received more condolence visitors in Government House, Yenagoa.  The visitors included  management of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), the Ijaw National Congress (INC), the Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, and management of the Dubai-based Jampur Group. The NDBDA Managing Director, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, said the demise of Ewhrudjakpo was shocking, unexpected and painful. Amgbare extolled the qualities of the late deputy governor, stating that he served the state meritoriously. He said: "We received with shock news of the death of our dependable deputy governor, who worked until his last moments.  "Your Excellency, we are here to mourn with you. May God give you, the Ewhrudjakpo family and the entire state the fortitude to bear the painful loss." Also, President of the INC, Prof. Benjamin Ok...

By EgbemaVoice  A northern youth group, the Arewa Youth Assembly, has rejected the newly introduced tax laws signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging discrepancies between the version passed by the National Assembly and the one eventually gazetted.   In a statement released on Tuesday, the group claimed that key provisions of the tax legislation were altered after legislative approval, raising concerns about transparency, due process, and legislative integrity. According to the assembly, such alleged changes undermine public trust and could place an unfair burden on citizens, particularly small businesses and low-income earners in the North.   The group called on the Federal Government to immediately clarify the differences between the lawmakers’ approved version and the gazetted document. It also urged the National Assembly to investigate the matter and ensure that the law reflects what was duly debated and passed.   “The integrity of the legislative process ...

This is a man who once dominated Rivers politics completely. He controlled party structures, decided who got tickets, and influenced election outcomes with ease. For years, nothing major happened politically in Rivers without his approval. That era is clearly over. Today, Wike is no longer in the PDP, the party he once ruled with an iron grip. He is also not officially a member of the APC. Even more importantly, the Rivers political structure he once commanded has slipped out of his hands. Politics has a short memory. It does not reward past dominance, it rewards present usefulness. Wike’s power was never just about his personality or his loud voice. It came from control, control of party machinery, control of loyalty, control of political momentum. That control has now been badly weakened. With Governor Siminalayi Fubara moving into the APC space, the political balance in Rivers has shifted. The centre of power in the state has moved. The system that once revolved around Wike has foun...

PRESS STATEMENT Edo Ijaw People Reject Attempts to Deny Indigenous Status, Warn Against Ethnic Provocation in Edo State. By EgbemaVoice, The Edo State Ijaw people have strongly rejected recent attempts to misrepresent their indigenous status and ancestral land rights in Edo State, describing such actions as historically false, provocative, and capable of destabilizing long-standing peaceful coexistence in the state. In a statement issued by the focus Egbema Group on behalf of Edo State Ijaw communities, clans and five kingdoms, the people reaffirmed that they are aboriginal inhabitants of significant parts of Ovia South-West, Ovia North-East, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas within the Ovia Federal Constituency. The statement reaffirmed that the ancestral boundary between Edo Ijaw people and the Benin (Bini) people has historically been recognized along the Ovia River to the Igoriache axis, long before colonial rule and modern political arrangements, when the Benin ca...

By EgbemaVoice, Rivers State Governor, Sir Simnalayi Fubara, has commiserated with the people of Bayelsa State and the family of its late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. Governor Fubara, who paid a condolence visit to his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, on Sunday in Givernment House, Yenagoa, accompanied by a high-powered delegation, said Rivers people were also in grief over Senator Ewhrudjakpo’s death as whatever impacted Bayelsa had a ripple effect on his state. Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (left), and his host, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, during Fubara’s condolence visit to Government House, Yenagoa, on Sunday over the demise of the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, He said: “Rivers and Bayelsa would remain as one people. While you in Bayelsa are grieving, our state is also grieving. Our story in Rivers cannot be complete without some aspects of Bayelsa. So, in situations like this, when Bayelsa ...

By EgbemaVoice, Lauretta Onochie, a prominent member of former president Muhammadu Buhari's cabinet and ADC Chieftain recently reacted after president Tinubu designated bandîts as terrörîsts.  According to the statements which were shared on her official X handle, she urged the president to act on the foundation already established by the previous administration. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in decisive move in the fight against insurgency, designated bandîts, armed militias, armed forest groups amongst several others as terrorists. The declaration was made during the presentation of the 2026 annual budget at the national assembly on Friday December 19th, 2025. The designation, which generated mixed reactions from different quarters after the reports surfaced online, caught the attention of Lauretta Onochie, an aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to the statements which were shared on her official X handle on Saturday the 20th day of December 2025, the former presi...

Lets look beyond modern political boundaries and examine the sociolinguistic, ancestral, and political evolution of the region. The argument that parts of Rivers State are of the Igbo race is rooted in the fact that several indigenous groups—most notably the Ikwerre, Etche, Ogba, Egbema, and Ndoni—share a linguistic and cultural DNA that is undeniably "Igboid." 1. The Pre-Colonial Reality: A Seamless Cultural Continuum Before the British drew lines on a map in 1914, there was no "Rivers State" or "Enugu State." There was a vast, interconnected cultural area. Linguistic Roots: Linguistically, the dialects spoken in the northern and central parts of Rivers State (like Ikwerre and Etche) are classified by world-renowned linguists (such as Professor Kay Williamson) as Igboid. These languages share up to 80-90% lexical similarity with central Igbo. The "Abor" and "Ngwa" Migrations: Oral traditions in many Ikwerre and Etche communities trace ...

JUST IN: Court reject bid to halt David Mark _ Led ADC's convention progresses  By EgbemaVoice, The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday, declined an application seeking to restrain the African Democratic Congress, led by Senator David Mark, from holding conventions, congresses or meetings to elect or ratify members of its executive bodies and other party structures. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, refused the motion ex parte filed by a former Deputy National Chairman of the ADC, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, holding that granting such an application without hearing from the other parties would amount to overreaching. “I have listened to the submission of the learned counsel for the applicant and have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto along with the written address,” the judge said. Justice Nwite noted that the court had earlier, on September 4, 2025, ordered the defendants to show cause why an interim order restraining them from acting as leaders of the...

PANDEF Congratulates Mrs. Eyesan Appointment as CEO NUPRC, Lauds President Tinubu's Reforms in the Nigeria's Oil and Gas Sector PANDEF WELCOMES ONGOING REFORMS IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR AND DEMANDS FOR GREATER POSITIONING FOR PROFESSIONALS FROM THE NIGER DELTA The news of the recent reforms in the regulatory arms of Nigeria’s oil sector has come to the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and indeed the entire Niger Delta with great appreciation and expectation. We particularly applaud the appointment of one of Nigeria’s most competent professionals in the oil and gas sector, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan as CEO of Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Indeed, this particular appointment could be described as putting a square peg in a square hole, and we thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this.   Mrs. Eyesan, a seasoned economist, has left her mark in the Nigerian petroleum industry, having previously served as Executive Vice Pres...

IPF APPRECIATES IJAW NATION, INVITED GUESTS FOR SUPPORT AND IMPRESSIVE SUCCESS FOR THIS YEAR'S MEDIA CONFERENCE  By EgbemaVoice, We express our heartfelt appreciation to the Ijaw nation for its support for the impressive and flawless hosting of the 2nd annual Ijaw media conference 2025, at KFT event centre, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. Again, we give all glory, honour, and thanksgiving to God Almighty for His grace, wisdom, guidance and provisions for making this year's conference impactful, peaceful, impeccable and highly rewarding. We sincerely appreciate all the distinguished personalities and dignitaries for their presence, support, and invaluable contributions, which collectively ensured the success of this year's historic gathering. We express our deep gratitude to Ambassador Dr. Godknows Boladei Igali, President of PANDEF and Keynote Speaker, whose far-reaching intellectual depth and visionary engagement on the Theme: "Safeguarding Niger Delta’s Natu...

By EgbemaVoice, The former Ijaw Youth Council president and Society of Petroleum Engineers member, Engr. Udengs Eradiri, has commended High Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), for prioritizing education and expanding scholarship opportunities. Speaking at the 2nd Ijaw Media Conference organized by the Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF, in Warri, Delta State, on December 17, 2025, Eradiri emphasised the need for strategic educational programmes that create jobs. "We must give credit to all those who have led this programme to Otuaro. Otuaro, our own, is doing fantastic. Look at the number of people he has sent to schools, the local schools, over 3,000. He is focused on education and so we need to give him credit for it," Eradiri said. However, he added, " I think that we need to be more strategic about the kind of educational programmes that we get involved in so that we don't waste the opportunity and money ...

The Legacy of Professor I.K. Belemu: The Founder of AWIGIRI Music, Now Owigiri Music.  By EgbemaVoice, Professor I.K. Belemu, a renowned musician and cultural icon, is credited with founding AWIGIRI music, which has since evolved into the vibrant Owigiri music that is deeply rooted in Ijaw-Izon culture.  This article celebrates Belemu's contributions to the rich musical heritage of the Ijaw people and explores the evolution of AWIGIRI to Owigiri music. Born into the families of Korowari in Torugbene paternally, the Asu and Bedeinmo Onduku families of Tuomo and Ayakoromo communities maternally in the heart of the Niger Delta. Professor Belemu was immersed in the rich cultural traditions of the Ijaw people from a young age. He was under Rex Jim Lawson, who was a renowned highlife musician and served for some years before his breakthrough.  However, his love for music and passion for cultural preservation drove him to create a unique sound that would become the hallmark of A...

INEC HOSTS PDP LEADERS TO STRENGTHEN COMPLIANCE WITH ELECTORAL LAWS The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, 19th December 2025, hosted factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at an interactive meeting to strengthen compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Commission’s regulations ahead of forthcoming elections. Addressing party leaders at the meeting held on Friday, 19 December 2025, the INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the engagement became necessary following a number of correspondences received from different quarters within the party, requesting the Commission’s intervention on various issues. Professor Amupitan noted that INEC is constitutionally and statutorily mandated to monitor the activities of political parties, in addition to its responsibility of conducting elections, stressing that these obligations guide all the Commission’s actions and decisions. He informed the participants that the Commission has alr...

“Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” Fellow Nigerians, 1. I appear before this Joint Session of the National Assembly, in fulfilment of my constitutional duty, to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 2. This is a defining moment in our national journey of reform and transformation. Over the last two and a half years, we made a deliberate choice: to confront long‑standing structural weaknesses, stabilise our economy, rebuild confidence, and lay a durable foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and dynamic Nigeria. 3. These reforms were necessary — and they have not been painless. Families and businesses have faced pressure; established systems have been disrupted; and budget execution has been tested. I acknowledge these difficulties plainly, and I assure Nigerians that their sacrifices are not in vain. The path of reform is seldom smooth, but it is the surest route to lasting stability and shared prosperity. 4. Today...

Oborevwori Mourns Senator Peter Nwaoboshi By EgbemaVoice    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi, describing his death as a great loss to Delta State, the Anioma nation and Nigeria at large.   Governor Oborevwori in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, said Senator Nwaoboshi was a proud son of Delta State and a courageous defender of the Anioma cause whose contributions to nation-building would remain indelible.   The Governor recalled the late senator’s impactful service at the National Assembly, where he chaired the Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, noting that his voice and advocacy for the development of the Niger Delta and Delta State stood him out as a committed and passionate leader.   He said Senator Nwaoboshi’s political journey and rise to...

PRESS STATEMENT NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND THE MOTOR VEHICLE TINTED GLASS PERMIT POLICY: UPHOLDING THE RULE OF LAW, SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC SAFETY, AND RESPECTING DUE PROCESS The Nigeria Police Force has observed recent public commentary attributed to the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, concerning the Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Permit Policy. In the overriding interest of public order, institutional clarity, and national security, the Force finds it necessary to place the facts on record, correct material misrepresentations, and reaffirm its unwavering commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and judicial authority. At all times, the Nigeria Police Force remains a law-abiding institution operating strictly within the framework of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant statutes, and valid orders of courts of competent jurisdiction. Under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM...

The Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, (middle front row) with participants during the opening ceremony for the fifth batch of the two-day "Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders" organised by the PAP in collaboration with the Alumni Association of the National Defence College (AANDEC) at the Nigerian Army War College, Abuja, on Thursday, 18 December, 2025. READS FULL PRESS RELEASE PAP Scholarship Scheme Vehicle For Better Future For Niger Delta- Otuaro The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has described the programme's scholarship scheme as a major vehicle towards ensuring a better future for the Niger Delta. He spoke at the opening ceremony for the fifth batch of the two-day "Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation Training for PAP Stakeholders" organised by the Office in collaboration with the Alumni Association of t...

Guwor advocates for more strict legislative protection of N'Delta environment against violatotors  By EgbemaVoice  The speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly RT (Hon) Emomotimi Guwor has advocated for more stringent legislations to protect the Niger Delta environment against violators, especially multinational and local oil companies who turned the environment to dumping sites with the pollution of oil exploration and exploitation while speaking at the 2nd annual Ijaw media conference 2025, organized by the Ijaw Publishers' Forum, IPF in Delta State. Stating that this will curb further damages of the Niger Delta environment, thereby saving the environment for future generations. The Delta state speaker RT. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor who was represented by former Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief Emma Amgbaduba, noted that environmental neglect and social injustice were key drivers of unrest in oil-producing areas. According to him, ''fishermen and farmers ...

IPF's Conference: Igali seeks approval of license for locals to operate modular refinery By EgbemaVoice  The National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum,( PANDEF) Amb. Dr. Godknows Boladei lgali, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve license for Niger Delta sons and daughters who have the requirements to operate modular refineries and pay tax to the federal government as it is done in the US and the Western world. Dr. Igali who was the keynote speaker made the call on Wednesday December 17, in Warri during the second edition of the ljaw Publishers Forum (IPF), Ijaw Media Conference held at the KFT Event Centre, Effurun, stated that the operation of modular refineries was for the best interest of increasing the growth of the nation’s economy as well as to create a sense of belonging to the people that own the crude oil and gas. He said that it is important for the people to properly manage their God given resources towards the welfare of humanity rather t...

POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION PRESS RELEASE PSC PROMOTES 1 TO DIG, 7 TO AIG, 13 TO CP, 30 TO DCP AND OTHERS TO NEW RANKS; tasks them to brace up to their new responsibilities The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the elevation of some senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to various higher ranks following rigorous written examinations and oral interviews concluded on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, presided over by the Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), mni. Those promoted include: AIG Mohammed Usman Gumel, promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG). He was until his promotion, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Community Policing Project (CPP) Department, Research and Planning, Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja. The Commission also elevated Seven (7) Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police as follows: CP Ihebom Chukwuma, CP For...

By EgbemaVoice, The coordinator federal amnesty programme High Chief Dr. Dennis Otuaro has charged members of the Ijaw Publishers Forum to report facts to promote ethical journalism while telling the Ijaw and Niger Delta story. Otuaro was represented by the national spokesman of the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) made this disclosure at the 2nd Ijaw media conference held in Warri, Delta State. The administrator added'' I am happy that Ijaw journalists have boldly come out together to champion the Ijaw struggle in a very dynamic perspective". Otuaro, quoting the words of former President of America Thomas Jefferson who said, '' if I am asked to choose between the people of America and the media, I will choose the media, and that the media can make and mar any government if they choose to do so.'' he said. According to him, IPF has come to correct wrong reportage of Ijaw history and struggle by foreign media. The Ijaw story was misrepresented over the ...

IPF Hosts 2nd Annual Media Conference in Delta, Advocates for Safeguarding N'Delta Resources  By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) has held its 2nd annual media conference in Warri, Delta State, with the theme "Safeguarding the Niger Delta Natural Resources for Future Generations". In his welcome address, Comrade Ozobo Austin, National President of IPF, emphasised the importance of protecting the Niger Delta's natural resources and environment for future generations. He highlighted the devastating impact of oil theft, environmental pollution, exploitation by oil companies, federal government and deforestation on the region, and called on oil exploration companies to prioritize the well-being of the people and the environment. Comrade Austin also provided a brief history of the IPF, which was formed in October 2023 to promote the Ijaw struggle and its identity. He noted that the IPF has made significant strides in telling the Ijaw story and ...