IPF Urges Aggrieved INC Members to Resolve Disputes Out of Court By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF), the intellectual arm of the Ijaw struggle has called on aggrieved members and aspirants of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) 2026 elective convention to resolve their differences internally and avoid litigation, stressing that the collective interest of the Ijaw nation must remain paramount. In a statement issued on Monday in Warri, Delta State, and signed by the IPF President, Senior Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum expressed concern over the growing resort to court actions within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body. The group noted that frequent litigations involving the INC portray the organisation in a negative light, particularly for a body expected to promote unity, provide leadership directives and selfless service among the Ijaw people. The IPF’s reaction follows a recent ruling by the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, which halted the s...

IGP APPOINTS DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID AS FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER    By EgbemaVoice, The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM has approved the appointment of DCP Anthony Okon Placid, psc(+), mni as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).   DCP Placid, psc (+), mni, is a seasoned officer of the Nigeria Police Force with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping.   Born on 2 December 1970 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, he hails from Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D) from the University of Jos and studied Law at the National Open University of Nigeria forstudied Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).   He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Po...

By EgbemaVoice President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an increase in salaries for the military, including arrears and improved retirement benefits. According to the Ministry of Defence: • Serving personnel will receive three months’ salary arrears. • Funds have been released to clear outstanding pensions and entitlements for retired military personnel. • At a recent Armed Forces event, the President was thanked for approving upward reviews of salaries and allowances. Meanwhile, our Nigeria Police Force is still left behind. Serving and retired officers continue to struggle with poor pay, lack of welfare, and a burdensome contributory pension scheme. Now, new pension packages are being added for the military, making their retirement more favourable, while retired police officers are dying every day due to neglect. It’s time for the government to fight for fairness, respect, and proper welfare for all police officers, who risk their lives daily to protect Nigerians....

Ex-Agitator Ebiware Owolo Urges Tinubu to Renew Tantita Contract, Warns Niger Delta Agitators Against Undermining Oil Security Gains, By EgbemaVoice  A prominent Niger Delta ex-agitator and community leader, Chief Ebiware Owolo, aka Agbalakoko, Executive Chairman of Obotobo I Federated Community in Ogulagha Kingdom, has called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to renew the oil pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited., Chief Owolo, popularly known as Agbalakoko, made the appeal while reacting to ongoing agitations and campaigns by some individuals calling for the termination of the company’s contract. According to him, the Federal Government should not be distracted by what he described as “side talks, sponsored propaganda, and unnecessary blackmail” aimed at discrediting the achievements recorded by Tantita Security Services in the protection of Nigeria’s critical oil infrastructure. The N...

By Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq. In politics, performance remains the most persuasive campaign message. Long after campaign slogans fade and political rhetoric subsides, the true measure of leadership lies in the visible transformation of society, roads built, institutions strengthened, livelihoods improved, and hope restored. In Delta State, the unfolding narrative since May 29, 2023 has increasingly been framed around this principle of performance-driven governance. Nearly three years into the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state’s development trajectory is being shaped by a deliberate strategy focused on infrastructure expansion, fiscal responsibility, and social investment. Across the three senatorial districts, the imprint of government projects is gradually redefining the physical and economic landscape. Major road constructions, flyover bridges, institutional infrastructure, and community connectivity projects have begun to alter long-standing d...

Niger Delta Youth Leader, Mingo, Marks Birthday with Call for Completion of Abandoned Udo-Ofunama Road, Laments Neglect of Egbema Kingdom, By EgbemaVoice A prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Friday Saya Ogumaka, has dedicated his birthday anniversary to drawing national attention to the long-abandoned Udo-Ofunama road project awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which has remained uncompleted for more than 14 years. Ogumaka, who hails from Egbema Kingdom, expressed deep concern over the prolonged neglect of the critical road linking communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area and Warri North Local Government Area. Speaking while reflecting on his birthday, the youth leader described the continued abandonment of the road as a painful reminder of the neglect suffered by the people of Egbema Kingdom despite their immense contributions to the Niger Delta and the Nigerian economy. According to him, the road project, which ...

Niger Delta Youth Leader, Comr. Mingo Meshach Friday Sayami Ogumaka, Celebrates Birthday,  By EgbemaVoice, Thanks God for New Age A prominent Niger Delta youth leader, Comrade Mingo Meshach Friday Sayami Ogumaka, widely known as the Son of the Struggle, has expressed deep gratitude to God as he marks his birthday on March 7. Comr. Sayami, who has remained an active voice in youth leadership and advocacy within the Niger Delta region, described the occasion as a moment of reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed commitment to the service of his people and humanity. Speaking while celebrating the new milestone, the youth leader thanked God for the gift of life, protection, and the strength to continue contributing to the development of society. He noted that the journey so far has been one of dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance in the struggle for the progress and unity of the Niger Delta. According to him, the support and encouragement from friends, associates, and memb...

L-R: Former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Governor Douye Diri, President, Ijaw National Congress, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Ijaw Affairs, Chief Godspower Oporomo, and chairman, Bayelsa Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, during the 2026 INC National Convention at the Ijaw House, Yenagoa, on Friday. By Egbemavoice  Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has charged the Ijaw ethnic nationality and the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to sustain the agitation for creation of more states, apart from Bayelsa.  Governor Diri stated this on Friday during the 2026 INC national convention at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa. He implored his kinsmen not to relent on the demand for creation of two additional states out of the three the ethnic group originally agitated for. The Bayelsa helmsman also stated that he had no preferred candidate amo...

POLICE SERVICE COMMISSION  PRESS RELEASE PSC PROMOTES 7 AIGS TO DIGS, CHARGES THEM TO UPHOLD PROFESSIONALISM The Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted seven (7) Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs). The promotions, which are a result of merit, seniority, record of service and performance in a written examination and oral interview conducted today at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, are part of efforts to strengthen the leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force. The newly promoted DIGs are: 1. Zachariah Fera Achinyan, fdc (formerly AIG Zone 4, Makurdi) 2. Zango Ibrahim Baba (formerly AIG Department of Logistics and Supply) 3. Isyaku Mohammed (formerly AIG Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja) 4. Margaret Agebe Ochalla (formerly AIG FCID Annex, Lagos) 5. Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, mni (formerly AIG Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja) 6. Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, fdc (formerly AI...

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has removed its Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, exactly six months after he assumed the role. THE WHISTLER gathered that approval for his removal commenced on Thursday, March 5, 2025, although details surrounding the development remain unclear as of the time of filing this report. The development comes amid a series of internal shifts and restructuring within the police hierarchy, barely 24 hours after his inauguration as the substantive Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Tinubu, IGP Tunji Disu. Disu was appointed last week as the 23rd IGP following the removal of Kayode Egbetokun, who had held the position since 2023.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES THE POSTINGS OF AMBASSADORS President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December. POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED 1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO 2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA 3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN 4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL 5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR 6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE 7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES 8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO 9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY 10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL 11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN 12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE 13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND 14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK 15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO ...

By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) has extended warm birthday wishes to Captain Let Them Say' as he marked his birth anniversary. In a statement, IPF National President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, described Captain Let Them Say' as a "man of the people" with exemplary leadership, humility, and commitment to service, earning him widespread respect across the Niger Delta and Nigeria. The forum commended his impactful leadership. They also acknowledged his support for the media, peace advocacy, and unity among stakeholders, describing him as a friend of the press and a firm believer in constructive engagement. IPF prayed for God's continued guidance, good health, and greater accomplishments for Captain Let Them Say, wishing him a happy birthday and many more years of impactful service.

By EgbemaVoice, Former presidential spokesman and ex-Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr. Ima Niboro, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for stabilising and unifying the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, following the successful conduct of the party’s ward, local government and state congresses. Niboro said the peaceful and coordinated manner in which the just concluded APC congresses were conducted across the state was clear evidence of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership capacity and his ability to bring together different political tendencies within the party. Speaking while assessing the outcome of the congresses, the former presidential aide noted that before the governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, the party in Delta State was on the verge of disintegration due to internal divisions. According to him, Oborevwori’s entry into the APC rescued the party from what he describ...

By EgbemaVoice Former Senior Special Assistant to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Students Affairs, Comrade Jude Imagwe, MON, has praised Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as the transformation of the state into a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike. Imagwe said the prevailing atmosphere of peace, security and inclusiveness in the state reflects the governor’s leadership style and commitment to responsible governance. The former presidential aide made the remarks during a visit to Asaba where he reconnected with Delta State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, whom he described as a long-time brother, fellow “Barracks boy,” and comrade in the struggle for students’ rights and social justice. According to Imagwe, the governor’s decision to entrust individuals with backgrounds in activism and advocacy with responsibilities in government demonstrates confidence in their ded...

SOUTH-SOUTH APC PATRON, CHIEF PROMISE LAWURU, CONGRATULATES ARENYEKA ON EMERGENCE AS DELTA APC CHAIRMAN, CALLS FOR UNITY, By EgbemaVoice, The South-South Patron and Warri North National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as a prominent stakeholder of Egbema Kingdom, High Chief Promise Lawuru, popularly known as Ozigizaga, has extended his warm congratulations to Chief Solomon Arenyeka following his emergence as the Delta State Chairman of the party. High Chief Lawuru, who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Govlarus Integrated Concept Nig Ltd, conveyed his message of felicitation in a statement made available to journalists. In the statement, Lawuru described Arenyeka’s emergence as a defining and strategic moment for the APC in Delta State, noting that the party requires visionary and unifying leadership to reposition itself for greater political success. According to him, the new state chairman’s emergence comes at a cr...

By EgbemaVoice, The Delta State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated its newly elected State Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, and members of the State Executive Committee following what it described as a successful and historic party congress, while also condemning a report alleging a crisis within the party. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Valentine Onojeghuo, the APC described as misleading and politically motivated a report by SaharaReporters claiming that the party was experiencing internal divisions after its congresses. The party said the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses conducted across Delta State were peaceful, transparent and successful, leading to the emergence of a new State Executive Committee headed by Arenyeka through a consensus arrangement widely supported by stakeholders. According to the statement, the outcome of the congresses reflected the collective will ...

By EgbemaVoice, Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has attributed the peaceful conduct of the recent All Progressives Congress (APC) congress in the state to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s inclusive leadership style and extensive consultations with party stakeholders. Aniagwu stated this on Wednesday while speaking on Focus Nigeria, a programme on African Independent Television (AIT), where he explained that the process leading to the emergence of the new state executive committee of the APC was built on consensus and wide consultations across the state. According to him, the process was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that party members across the country should be carried along ahead of the party’s national convention. He said that following the President’s call for inclusiveness within the party, states began consultations to ensure unity, noting that Delta State adopted a particularly broad and par...

By EgbemaVoice, The late elder statesman and prominent Niger Delta leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has been honoured with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Silverbird Man of the Year (SMOTY) Awards. The event, which marked the 20th anniversary of the prestigious awards ceremony, was held on March 1, 2026, at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, where several distinguished Nigerians were recognized for their enduring contributions to national development. Receiving the award on behalf of the Clark family was the Delta State Commissioner for Riverine Infrastructure, Hon. Ebikeme Clark, who expressed deep appreciation to the organizers for honouring the legacy of the late nationalist. In his remarks, Ebikeme Clark thanked Silverbird Productions, led by Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, for remembering the late elder statesman barely a year after his passing. “I want to use this opportunity to thank Silverbird Productions under the leadership of Senator Ben...

By EgbemaVoice, A peace and environmental rights advocate, Chief (Dr) Mulade Sheriff, has called on the Delta State Government to urgently embrace large-scale industrialization as a strategy to curb rising unemployment and worsening socio-economic conditions in the state. Mulade made the call in a statement released to journalists in Warri on Wednesday, where he expressed concern over what he described as an alarming rate of unemployment across the state, particularly among the youths. Which pose a strong security threats to the state in no distance time. While commending Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for what he termed “remarkable and visible achievements” in infrastructure development across urban cities in Delta State, Mulade stressed that physical infrastructure alone would not sufficiently address the growing challenges of poverty, hunger and joblessness. According to him, the state must deliberately shift attention to policies that stimulate industrial growth and expand...

INC To Begin 2026 Nat'l Ijaw Day Celebration, Convention March 5 to 7 By EgbemaVoice, The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has invited the public, stakeholders, and delegates to its 2026 Ijaw National Day Celebration and National Convention, scheduled to take place from March 5th to 7th, 2026, at Ijaw House. The three-day event will feature a wrestling procession, book launch, speeches, and cultural activities on March 5th, followed by a non-elective convention on March 6th. The elective convention, including accreditation, voting, and declaration of results, will take place on March 7th. The announcement, signed by INC President Prof. Benjamin Okaba, marks a significant moment for the Ijaw nation, as they come together to celebrate their heritage and chart a path forward.

IPF, 19 N'Delta Groups Call On Nat'l Assembly to Reject Sponsored Blackmails Against Tantita, Maton Engineering By EgbemaVoice, A coalition of 20 Niger Delta groups has written an open letter to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to disregard sponsored campaigns of blackmail and calumny against Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited and Maton Engineering Company during its plenary on Friday this week. The groups, in the letter signed by various organizations, including Ijaw Publishers' Forum (IPF) and Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI), Third Phase Leadership Forum of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Ijaw Women Rights' Protection Forum, Niger Delta Progressive Youth (NDPP), Itsekiri Nation Youth Forum, INYF, Delta Mega Youth for 2027, Isoko Youth Network, IYN, Ijaw Women in Politics and Culture for Development, Ijaw Women For Change (IWC). Others included Urhobo Youths Coalition,UYC, Nigeria Progressive Youth Alliance (NPYA), Cross R...

BREAKING NEWS: NLC, Federal Government Reach Agreement on Key Demands Fresh updates emerging from the resumed meeting between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria indicate that significant progress has been made. According to reliable sources, the meeting, which reconvened late Sunday, ended with an agreement on the immediate approval and payment of three major demands presented by the unions. Agreed Resolutions Full Payment of Three (3) Months Wage Award The outstanding three-month wage award will be paid in full — with no installment arrangement. Final Approval of 40% Peculiar Allowance Approval has been granted for the 40% peculiar allowance for all MDAs under COMPSS. Immediate Payment of Promotion Arrears Payment of all outstanding promotion arrears for 2023, 2024, and 2025 is to commence immediately. Civil servants across the country are advised to remain calm and await official implementation details, as expectations grow for payments to reflect...

ASEKUTU HAILS ARENYEKA’S EMERGENCE AS APC DELTA CHAIRMAN, CALLS FOR PARTY UNITY By EgbemaVoice, The immediate past Chairman of Warri North Local Government Area, Hon. (Capt.) Smart Yomi Asekutu, has extended warm congratulations to Chief Solomon Arenyeka on his emergence as the Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement released to the press, Hon. Asekutu described Chief Arenyeka’s emergence as a clear testament to his unwavering commitment, steadfast loyalty, and years of dedicated service to the party. He noted that the new chairman’s leadership capacity, political experience, and reputation for consensus-building make him eminently qualified to reposition the APC for greater success in Delta State. According to Asekutu, the choice of Chief Arenyeka signals a new chapter of renewed hope, strategic direction, and strengthened internal cohesion within the party. He expressed confidence that under Arenyeka’s stewardship, the APC would consoli...

By EgbemaVoice, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has described the conduct of Tuesday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) state congress as the first of its kind in the history of the party’s congresses in the state. At the congress held at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa governor observed that despite the large turnout of delegates, party leaders and members, the exercise was rancour-free, peaceful and successful. He also noted that it was a clear departure from previous elections of the party that were fraught with  conflicts and violence. Governor Diri expressed gratitude to God, party members, state, and national officials and other stakeholders for the success recorded. He charged the new state executive, which emerged by consensus, to see themselves as torch bearers of the party in the state. He equally stated that as party executives, their loyalty should primarily be to the party and its leaders at the national and ...