By EgbemaVoice, Today, the Board of Trustees and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), join the national chorus to celebrate two of its very illustrious citizens, Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and former Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Seriake Fubara as they mark their 51st and 60th birthday anniversaries. Though occurring this year at a solemn moment across the Niger Delta region, we nonetheless thank God Almighty for the gift of these great leaders. In the varied efforts by our leaders at different levels to properly position the South-South geopolitical zone, it is incontrovertible that these two persons continue to stand out. At 51 years of age, Governor Fubara continues to impact the socio-economic landscape of Rivers State in spectacular and distinctive manners and speed. Today, Rivers State is adjudged a leading centre of growth and progres in Nigeria. Equally, in his previous role as Governor of Bayelsa State and now a memb...

Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF): Telling the Ijaw Story "It Is Time to Tell Our Stories" With warmest greetings of peace and love to the leadership and entire membership of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), I hereby duly and officially inform the general house and the Ijaw nation of my intention to contest for the position of Treasurer of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF). I sincerely appreciate the support, cooperation, and solidarity extended to me since the inception of IPF.  This collective commitment has continued to strengthen our forum and amplify the Ijaw voice. I humbly request your support and vote as I offer myself to serve.  If elected, I promise to uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, accountability, and dedication in the management of our forum’s resources. Together, let us continue to tell the Ijaw story with integrity, unity, and purpose. Comrade Mingo T. Mingo Aspirant, Treasurer Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF)

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw nation has produced many notable sons and daughters who have made significant contributions to the development of Nigeria, and Dr. Dennis Brutus Otuaro is one such individual. As the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Otuaro brought much-needed stability and direction to the programme, steering it away from the brink of collapse. During his tenure, Dr. Otuaro implemented innovative strategies that revitalized the programme, providing hope and opportunities to countless Niger Delta youths who had been embroiled in militancy. His leadership and vision helped to restore peace and prosperity to the region, earning him the respect and admiration of the Ijaw nation and beyond. A seasoned administrator and development expert, Dr. Otuaro's appointment as PAP administrator was a masterstroke. He brought a fresh perspective to the programme, leveraging his vast experience to tackle the complex challenges facing the Niger Delta ...

By EgbemaVoice  The South-South Governors Forum (SSGF) extends hearty felicitations to their Brother-Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on his 51st birthday. Chairman of the regional governors body and Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, in a statement on Wednesday, described Governor Fubara as a humble servant of humanity and the people of Rivers State. The statement noted Fubara’s exemplary leadership qualities that have endeared him to the Rivers people as well as his tireless effort and commitment to the peace and greater good of the state. “On behalf of the South-South Governors Forum, I extend our warm birthday wishes to His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on his 51st birthday. “The Forum celebrates the new year in your life and the new life in your years just as we wish you greater leadership successes in the years ahead.” *Happy Birthday Your Excellency!* *H.E Senator Douye Diri* *Governor, Bayelsa State and Chairm...

Delta’s Lopsided Educational Institutions Spark Outrage as Mulade Calls for Ijaw Inclusion, By EgbemaVoice  An Ijaw leader and development advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has accused the Delta State Government of systematic marginalisation and deliberate neglect of Ijaw communities, particularly in the area of educational development and institutional presence. Mulade, who described the situation as “unjust, provocative and unacceptable in a democratic society,” said the continued exclusion of Ijaw areas from the siting of state-owned educational institutions represents a clear case of structural discrimination, despite the region’s enormous contribution to the economic survival of Delta State. According to him, “It is painful and unacceptable that a people whose land produces greater portion of wealth sustaining this state are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to development especially in the area of higher educational institutions. This is not onl...

INC IS NOT FOR SALE TO THE HIGHEST BIDDERS Ijaw Nation is faced with existential threats in the midst of prevalent uncertainties, and there is absolutely no way offices in the most revered Ijaw National Congress (INC) will be for the highest bidders. INC more than ever, needs vibrant, focused, visionary, highly resourceful, trustworthy and very competent leaders to serve at the echelon of its leadership.  In the history of humanity, Ijaw Nation is one of the nations that has fought the highest numbers of battles. But it is on good records that the battles were not for conquest or territorial expansion. Rather, they were battles to protect her territories and abundant natural resources that have always attracted hatred, envy, and jealousy. Before proceeding, it is pertinent to state that beyond the ever presence of God among Ijaws at all times, UNITY OF PURPOSE and the general POWER OF UNITY has always worked in our favour.  Even though Ijaws disagree, there has been an ancien...

EGBEMA KINGDOM BIDS FINAL FAREWELL TO LATE PA SMART TEMILE AND HIS WIFE, MAMA MARY SAIN-TOBOU TEMILE, By EgbemaVoice, It was a moment of deep emotion, reverence, and solemn reflection as the remains of the late Pa Smart Temile and his beloved wife, Mama Mary Sain-Tobou Temile, arrived at Ajakurama Town, the traditional headquarters of Egbema Kingdom, for their final journey home. The funeral rites culminated at Ojudokiri Zion, Ajakurama Town, in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, where the couple was laid to rest amid prayers, tears, and heartfelt tributes. The funeral service and wake-keeping, held at Idaji Idumu, Ojudokiri Zion, Ajakurama, drew a large gathering of family members, prominent chiefs, leaders, church ministers, women groups, youth organisations, and sympathisers from far and near. The atmosphere was marked by thanksgiving to God for lives described as virtuous, selfless, and impactful, coupled with deep sorrow over their departur...

MANIFESTO IPF: Telling the Ijaw Story with Integrity and Responsibility With due respect, I, Comrade Mingo T. Friday, a grassroots member of the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF), hereby present my manifesto as a contestant for the position of Treasurer of our great forum. The Ijaw Publishers Forum was established to serve as the authoritative platform for documenting, preserving, and projecting the true history, culture, struggles, and aspirations of the Ijaw people. IPF remains the collective voice and professional press house of the Ijaw nation, committed to accurate storytelling, responsible journalism, and historical documentation. As a committed and founding member of IPF, I have consistently upheld these ideals and strongly believe that the sustainability of this noble vision depends largely on transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management. My Vision for the Office of Treasurer If entrusted with the office of Treasurer, I pledge to uphold the highest stand...

By EgbemaVoice  The decision by retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, Isiagu Joseph to operate a commercial bus popularly called ‘Korope’ in Lagos, has earned him opprobrium and public disgrace by no less a person than a serving police Inspector. The police officer, who was among officers who were retired last year over age of service , still being contested in court alleged that the Inspector accosted him while he was loading his bus in a motor park and publicly derided him by shouting to everybody’s hearing and asking: “how can a retired police CSP be driving korope? It is an insult to the force. If I retire, I cannot do that. I will live bigger than this?” His story “My name is CSP Isiagu Joseph. I was enlisted on 1st December 1988 and retired as a Chief Superintendent of Police on 1st December 2023, as a Divisional Police Officer. The date of enlistment became an issue and we’re in court. While the issue lingered, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, sent for us in Aug...

IPF Eleco screens aspirants as Forum to elect new leadership January 30 By EgbemaVoice  The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) National Electoral Committee (IPF N-ELECO) said that the electoral body has successfully screened some of the aspirants jostling to occupy executive leadership positions in the Forum whose election is scheduled to hold on Friday, January 30, 2026. This was disclosed by the chairman of the IPF N-ELECO, Mr. Abai Francis, and Secretary, Elder Cletus Opukeme, after the conclusion of screening exercises at the Africa 4 Peace Center at Ugolo near Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The IPF N-ELECO Chairman disclosed that the exercise was a fruitful one as all of the aspirants who showed up for the exercise met with the requirements and that they have been cleared for the forthcoming election on Friday in the same venue. The IPF N-ELECO further disclosed that those who could not show up for the screening exercis...

An Appeal to President Donald J. Trump on the Protection of Nigerian Christians and the Case for a Niger Delta Republic 2026 Mr. President Donald J. Trump, 45th President of the United States of America, I write to you as a concerned voice from the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, a land rich in resources yet burdened by decades of marginalization, insecurity, and injustice. This appeal is made in the spirit of your well-known commitment to religious freedom, national sovereignty, and the protection of persecuted Christians worldwide. Nigeria today stands at a dangerous crossroads. Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt and Southern regions, continue to suffer from relentless attacks by Islamic extremist groups. These attacks have led to mass displacement, loss of lives, destruction of churches, and the erosion of basic human dignity—often with little to no accountability from the central government. The Niger Delta, though predominantl...

The AIG reviewed the orderly room proceedings involving the affected officers and upheld the punishment of dismissal from the force, with effect from November 20, 2025. The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed 12 inspectors and one corporal over allegations of discreditable conduct, including unlawful exercise of authority and damage to property. This was disclosed in an internal police wireless message dated December 29, 2025, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Port Harcourt, following a directive from the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa. According to the message exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, the AIG reviewed the orderly room proceedings involving the affected officers and upheld the punishment of dismissal from the force, with effect from November 20, 2025. The dismissed officers include Inspector Hycenth Oboh (AP/No. 228886), Inspector Friday Nyebe (AP/No. 263788), Inspe...

READS PRESS RELEASE Make President Tinubu Proud, Otuaro Tells PAP Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries •••Says You Must Not Disappoint The Nation The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro (middle) in group photograph with another batch of PAP foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries during their pre-departure orientation at the PAP head office in Abuja on Thursday, 21 January, 2026. By EgbemaVoice, The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has reiterated his strong admonition for beneficiaries of the programme's foreign post-graduate sponsorship to do well for the country and themselves in their studies. Otuaro spoke at the pre-departure briefing for another batch of 12 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries deployed to universities in the United Kingdom, which held at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday. The orientation featured talks on "Social and Cultural Relation...

OFFICE OF THE NIGER-DELTA PROGRESSIVE YOUTHS LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NDPYLF)  Niger Delta Crisis: Mere Rhetoric Falls Short in Resolving the Region's Entrenched Challenges – A Call for Substantive Action In a resolute declaration that underscores the urgency of transformative leadership, the Niger Delta Progressive Youths Leadership Foundation (ND-PYLF) has asserted that the multifaceted socio-economic and environmental crises plaguing the Niger Delta cannot be ameliorated through superficial discourse or hollow assurances. Instead, true resolution demands a multifaceted approach encompassing rigorous strategic negotiations, unequivocal policy frameworks, and profound, authentic engagement at the grassroots level. As articulated by Ogomugo Marbo, this perspective serves as a clarion call to stakeholders, emphasizing that the region's deep-seated issues require not just words, but deliberate, evidence-based interventions to foster lasting change. The ND-PYLF's pos...

The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters. Documents obtained by SaharaReporters from a source inside the Rivers State Government House have revealed that at least 26 lawmakers aligned with former Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike received ₦350 million each in September 2025 for constituency projects during the period of emergency rule in Rivers State. Yet none of the projects have been implemented in their respective constituencies, government sources told SaharaReporters. The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters. The payments, totaling approximately ₦10.5 billion, were approved and released on September 12, 2025, according to financial records reviewed by SaharaReporters. However, investigat...

‎ ‎By EgbemaVoice  ‎ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the lawsuit filed by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who sought to affirm his position as the National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). ‎ ‎In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Justice M. G. Umar struck out the suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/254/2025), dealing a significant blow to the Senator’s long-standing legal battle to retain his seat in the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). ‎ ‎The Ruling: Internal Affairs and Tenure ‎ ‎Justice Umar, in his judgment, emphasized that the issues raised by Anyanwu fell strictly under the "internal affairs" of a political party. He noted that the judiciary remains barred from interfering in how political parties manage their leadership transitions, a principle reinforced by multiple Supreme Court precedents. ‎ ‎The court further held that Anyanwu’s suit amounted to an abuse of court process. Justice Umar observed that the matter had already be...

DELTA UNIVERSITY: Give VC position to Ijaw —Mulade tells Oborevwori .... Cites lack of representation and inclusivity, By EgbemaVoice, A Delta-born Ijaw leader, Chief Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D, has implored the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to consider and appoint an Ijaw man as the next Vice-Chancellor of the Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. According to him, the call is driven by concerns over the lack of Ijaw representation in the university's leadership, despite the Ijaw community's contributions to the institution's establishment. He pointed out that no Ijaw individual has held a Vice-Chancellorship or principal officer position in the state's new universities, and argued that qualified Ijaw candidates with academic integrity, administrative competence, and professionalism are available for the role. The Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom and activist expressed the confidence that appointing an Ijaw Vice-Chancellor w...

READS PRESS STATEMENT Alhaji Omoko: A True Niger Delta Pathfinder as Youth Leader Applauds Bolowei of Egbema Kingdom for Landmark Police station and Residential Apartments Projects The Niger Delta Youth Leadership, under the leadership of Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, has strongly applauded and celebrated the Bolowei of Egbema Kingdom, Hon. Emmanuel Omoko (popularly known as Alhaji), for his visionary, people-centered, and exemplary leadership, demonstrated through the construction of critical security and residential infrastructure in Egbema Kingdom. The youth leader described the feat as historic and unprecedented, following the completion and commissioning of a fully furnished, solar-powered Opuama Police Station, alongside two-bedroom, four self-contained residential apartments in Opuama Town, Opuama Clan, Egbema Kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. Opuama police station,  The project was formally commissioned by...

OLU OF WARRI PATRIOTIC VIEW ON BBC RESONATES WITH MILLIONS OF NIGER DELTANS.  By EgbemaVoice, The recent statement credited to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on the devastating effects of oil pollution in Warri, its environs and why government at all levels must move away from mere words to action ,in terms of developing the communities that feed the Nation. This bold position once again drawn national attention to a long-standing injustice suffered by the people of the Niger Delta. For decades, our land, rivers, and means of livelihood have been destroyed by oil exploration, while the people bear the cost in poverty, sickness, and environmental degradation,while the resources taking from the land are being use to better other parts of the country. Oil pollution is not just an environmental issue; it is a human survival crisis.  Fishermen can no longer fish, farmers can no longer farm, and youths are left without jobs or hope. This neglect has fueled resti...

By EgbemaVoice, Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has comnended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the successful groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7bn Lagos-Asaba Expressway Flyover in Agbor and implored politicians not to contest against the governor in the 2027 Governorship election, saying he has performed extremely well and need to consolidate on the development for the betterment of Deltans. Speaking to newsmen at Asaba, the state capital after the groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7bn Lagos-Asaba Expressway Flyover, Uromi junction, the Ijaw leader and development advocate said that he was impressed with the performance of the Governor, Oborevwori, saying that; "We just witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for yet another flyover in the state. Only recently he did that of Ughelli and today we just witnessed that of Agbor. This is going to strengthen economic activities in this area. He...

Niger Delta Youth leader Salutes Idjerhe Monarch, Udurhie I, As Marks 60th Birthday, 5th Coronation Anniversary By EgbemaVoice, The Egbema Kingdom Youth Leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Sayami Ogumaka, has extended warm congratulations to the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obukowho Monday Whiskey (JP), PhD, Udurhie I, as the revered monarch marks his 60th birthday and 5th coronation anniversary on Sunday, January 18. Describing the twin celebration as a remarkable milestone, the Niger Delta youth leader hailed Udurhie I as one of the most respected traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region, noting his outstanding contributions as a veteran journalist, grassroots leader, and royal father of exceptional pedigree. Comrade Ogumaka stated that the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom has been a source of inspiration to him and many other media practitioners and publishers, adding that the monarch’s wisdom, humility, and accessibility have positively impacted lives across the reg...

READS PRESS RELEASE Otuaro Attributes Huge Deployment Of PAP Scholarship Beneficiaries To President Tinubu's Strong Backing L-R: Head of Education, PAP, Dr Charles Ariye; Technical Assistant to the PAP Administrator, Edgar Biu; Secretary to the Administrator, Mrs Ebimene Jackson; Director of Finance & Accounts, Samuel Obukowho; a beneficiary; Assistant Head of Education, Anthony Okon; and Audit Head, Daniel Udo; during the pre-departure orientation for another batch of the PAP foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries at the PAP head office, Abuja, on Thursday, 15 January 2026., By EgbemaVoice, The Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro, has attributed his large-scale onshore and offshore deployment of scholarship beneficiaries to the robust backing of President Bola Tinubu. He spoke during the pre-departure orientation for another set of 25 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries deployed by the PAP to universities acros...