Ijaw Youths flex muscles with PHEDC over, N16.5 bn debt, shutdown of operations in Bayelsa

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has challenged the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) to substantiate its claim that customers in Bayelsa were owing N16.5 billion.

The IYC had on December 23, besieged the offices of the PHEDC and forced the staff to ground operations and occupied the premises to protest poor power supply to residents..

The development, which resulted to total power outage in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital and its environs including Ahoada and parts of River has entered the fifth day.

PHEDC seeks resolution of rift with Ijaw Youths to end ongoing power outage in Bayelsa

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) on Thursday sought the resolution of the conflict which resulted in shutdown of its operations and subsequent blackout on Monday.

The Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) had on December 23, invaded the offices of the PHEDC besieged the offices of the power distribution company and forced the staff to ground operations and occupied the premises.

The development resulted to power outage in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital and its environs including Ahoada and parts of River.

Mr John Onyi, Manager, Corporate Communication, PHEDC said on Thursday that the development had taken a negative toll on the utility company.

Military confirms loss of 1 soldier, repels attack on Jonathan’s residence in Otuoke Bayelsa

The Joint military force deployed to the Niger Delta has confirmed the death of one soldier and injury of another soldier in the attack at a gunboat stationed behind Ex-President Jonathan’s residence.

The military said that its gunboat stationed at the creek behind the former president’s house came under attack but the soldiers repelled the attack by engaging the gunmen in a gun duel.

Unidentified gunmen suspected to be militants on Tuesday morning attacked a security post near Jonathan’s Otuoke country home at about 3.00 am when the former President was supposed to be at home for the yuletide.

Jonathan was however not present at the time of the incidents according to sources at the community..

Female lawyer raises alarm over threats by armed ‘ex-militants’

A Yenagoa based female lawyer Edna Ndubuisi has raised alarm over persistent threats by armed men who claimed to be ex-militants.

The militants are plaintiffs in a lawsuit on their stipends with commercial banks reportedly on Nov. 19, 2019 armed with pistols and other dangerous weapons besieged Ndubuisi’s office to warn her to hands off the case.

Ndubuisi, Managing Solicitor of the law firm, A. S. E. Bisi & Partners said on Monday that she was compelled to submit a petition to the Bayelsa Police Command and the Judge, Federal High Court, Yenagoa.

Soku oilfields dispute won’t divide Rivers and Bayelsa –Gov. Dickson

Gov. Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa says the state has no interest in taking over parts of Rivers  surrounding the disputed Soku oilfields as erroneously perceived.

Rivers and Bayelsa governments had been in dispute over Soku oilfields located at the boundary of both states with Rivers government filing a suit at the Federal High Court Abuja Division.

It would be recalled that Bayelsa was created out of Rivers on Oct. 1, 1996 by Late Gen. Sani Abacha.

Justice Inyang Ekwo had declared that the disputed Soku oil wells/fields belonged to Rivers and was ceded to Bayelsa due to an error in the 11th edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria by the National Boundary Commission (NBC).

He, on December 17,  ordered the NBC to rectify the error in the 12th Edition of the Administrative Map of Nigeria and the erroneous inter-state boundary between the two states as contained in the 11th Edition of the map be corrected.

Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme targets Universal Health Coverage by 2030 says Executive Secretary

The Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) on Friday said it targets universal health coverage in the state by 2030 following the successes it recorded in the public sector in the past two years.

Dr Zuoboemi Agadah, the BHIS’ Executive Secretary, said that the scheme covered more than 90 per cent of the public sector with enrolment of more than 130,000.

He spoke on the sidelines of a symposium on the operation of the BHIS in Yenagoa.

JTF offers free medical services to Bayelsa community, visits orphanage

The Joint Task Force (JTF) protecting oil facilities in the Niger Delta, on Wednesday embarked on free medical services to its host community, Igbogene, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

Flagging off the event, Rear Adm. Akinjide Akinrinade, Commander of the joint military force, said the gesture was part of efforts to cement the existing cordial relationship between the force and the residents.

“This medical outreach is part of Force Civil-Military activities. The medical rhapsody and health awareness campaign is aimed at improving the health of the populace.

Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme enrolment hits over 113,000 in 2 yrs.

The Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) has registered a total of 113,424 public servants within the past two years it has been in operation.

Dr Zuoboemi Agadah, the Executive Secretary of BHIS, stated this at the opening of a four-day symposium and training on new trends in health insurance in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

Agadah said the scheme was running at a profit and currently had N1.8 billion under its management which comprised equity contribution from Bayelsa Government and deductions from enrollees.

He disclosed that so far, the fund had earned a profit of N260 million adding that having consolidated on the public sector participation, the next phase of growth was the private sector.

The executive secretary said that the scheme had commenced the enrolment of private sector beneficiaries as a means of achieving universal health insurance coverage.

Court summons Dokubo, over alleged diversion of 75 amnesty slots, stipends

A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Tuesday summoned Prof Charles Dokubo, Cordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Office to appear before it on January 21, 2020.

The court presided over by Justice Justice Awogboro Abimbola also dismissed an application by two ex-militants to join the suit alleging diversion of N65,000 monthly stipends for 75 amnesty beneficiaries from 2010 till date.

Ruling on application for joinder, Abimbola said that she found no merit in the application as the applicants were not a necessary part in matter.

Ohanaeze Youths condemn IPOB's attack on Amaechi chide group for issuing ultimatum to Igbos

Ohanaeze Youths on Monday condemned attacks on Chief Rotimi Amaechi by purported members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Spain and urged Niger Delta youths who reportedly demanded for an apology.

Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, South-South Coordinator of Ohanaeze Youth Council said that the attack purportedly carried out by IPOB was not endorsed by Igbos and was ill advised.

According to him, the attack on Amaechi was an embarrassment to the nation as IPOB was not an organisation that enjoys the support and endorsement of Igbos and urged IPOB to explore legitimate ways of holding public office holders accountable.

Missing cash at Bayelsa Govt House:Dickson orders quizzed securitymen to keep mum

Gov Seriake Dickson of Dickson on Saturday addressed the seven securitymen arrested over a theft incident at his Deputy Chief of Staff’s office and directed them to keep sealed lips over the incident.

 Sources at the meeting said the governor was disturbed about the publicity the incident was attracting to the outgoing administration.

 Four personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) arrested over a theft incident at Bayelsa Government House Yeagoa have regained freedom and returned to their duty posts.

It was gathered that preliminary findings by the police led investigation indicated that the crème was an ‘inside job’ and cleared the security men on duty of any complicity.

N/Delta youth leader urges Presidency to wade into NDDC impasse NDDC

A Niger Delta youth leader, Mr Kenedy Tonjo-West, on Monday urged the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, to intervene in the lingering leadership crisis in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Tonjo-West said the call to Kyari to intervene in the impasse between the legislators and Sen.Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, over the inauguration of the board members of NDDC was based on Kyari’s competence as an astute administrator.

Newly appointed board of the commission is awaiting inauguration, while Akpabio has appointed an Interim Management Committee to probe NDDC’s finances and run the commission for six months.

Aghoro Community bemoans slash of Trans Ramos oil spill compensation from N3.68 bn to N34 m

Members of Aghoro 1, community, Ekeremor Local Government Area in Bayelsa on Friday berated the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) for short-changing them.

They criticised the oil firm for arbitrarily determining the compensation figure for the May 17, 2018 spill in the area.

The oil spill had impacted and polluted an estimated area of 113.03 hectares.

A joint Investigation Visit (JIV) report of the incident obtained by NAN had concluded that the leak on the pipeline at three spots were caused by equipment failure and discharged some 1,114 barrels of crude oil into the environment.

CSO urges Lyon administration to scrutise appointment of 35 Perm Sec by Dickson Govt.

The Bayelsa Rainbow Coalition for Good Governance on Wednesday urged the incoming administration in Bayelsa to be wary of the last-minute policies of the outgoing administration including appointment of 35 Permanent Secretaries.

Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa had on Nov. 22 inaugurated 35 new Permanent Secretaries and one Commisioner three months to the end of his second tenure.

Addressing a Press Conference in Yenagoa, Mr Francis Wainwei, Chairman of the group flanked by Secretary Mr Goodluck Igbudu noted that it was an irony that the Dickson led administration was engaging in acts that would increase the liability of incoming government.

Bayelsa Guber: Bayelsa youths urge PDP, Gov Dickson to emulate Jonathan, concede defeat

Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP) has urged the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Gov Dickson to emulate Ex-President Jonathan and concede defeat.

Mr Henry Nabena, Bayelsa chapter Chairman gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview in reaction to the just comcluded governorship election in Yenagoa.

The youth group applauded the peaceful conduct of the electorate who voted in the November 16 governorship polls maintained that Dickson should toe the line of Jonathan his political God Father and learn to be a statesman.

Bayelsa Election: Observer group applauds INEC’s preparedness sues for peaceful polls

Women Arise for Change, an electoral observer group in the Nov 16, Bayelsa governorship election has applauded the preparedness of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) for the poll.

Dr Josephine Okei-Odumakin, President of the Non Governmental Organization (NGO) who spoke at a media brief after training of election observers in Yenagoa noted that INEC had put in place a smooth logistics for the election.

She noted that the 30 observers deployed by the group for the Bayelsa governorship election across the eight local government areas were trained and acquainted with the rules of observers as approved by INEC.

We are still in Bayelsa Guber race, says APC, heads to Appeal Court

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa says it remains in the race for the Nov.16 governorship election.

The party insisted on Thursday that in spite of a Federal High Court judgment that nullified the party’s governorship primary of Sept 4, 2019, the party would participate.

A Federal High Court presided over by Justice Jane Inyang had on Thursday nullified the nomination of Chief David Lyon as the candidate of the APC in a suit filed by Senator Heineken Lokpobiri , one of the aspirants that sought the ticket of APC.

Inyang held that the primary election conducted by the APC violated the party’s rules and constitution and therefore a nullity in the eyes of the law and restrained INEC from recognising any of the aspirants that participated in the exercise.

Do not dump PDP, Gov Dickson begs Bayelsa people ahead guber polls

Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has urged the people of Bayelsa to keep faith with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they go to the polls on Nov 16 to elect his successor.

Dickson who made the call in a radio broadcast on Sunday night monitored by in Yenagoa noted that voting against the PDP would amount to betrayal of trust to PDP faithful nationwide.

He said that the faithful of the party who supported former President Goodluck Jonathan to become President would be disappointed if the people of Bayelsa dump PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He advised the people to make informed choices between Senator Douye Diri of the PDP and Chief David Lyon of the APC haven heard the candidates sell their plans as they canvass for votes in a peaceful atmosphere.

Bayelsa APC Guber candidate David Lyon pledges all inclusive administration, job creation rural development

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Bayelsa, David Lyon says he will work with young and old people to achieve the develop!ent of the state.

He said the APC  government in Bayelsa will harness and combine the experience of the old and the innovative spirit of the youth to create jobs and connect rural coastal settlements by road in the proposed all inclusive administration irespctive of their area of origin.

Lyon made the promise, Sumday at his campaign at Ekeremor town and in Alaibiri.

Bayelsa election: U.S., UK diplomats meet candidates, advocate credible, peaceful polls

Delegations from British High Commission and U.S. Embassy in Nigeria on Tuesday commenced meetings with candidates of leading political parties for the Nov. 16 governorship election in Bayelsa.

The envoys had in August visited Gov. Seriake Dickson on an advocacy for peaceful conduct ahead of the elections.
The U.S. Consul-General Claire Pierangelo and Leader of the British High Commission team Sarabjit Singh said they were in the state to advocate peaceful election by meeting with leading candidates in the election.

AN OPEN LETTER TO HON. MINISTER OF STATE FOR PETROLEUM

By Lucas Xavier

A hearty congratulations to Timipre Sylva on his appointment as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources.

In recent times, Timipre has stated that he would like to see to the closure of 4 Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) during his tenure, one of which would include the AKK (Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano) Gas pipeline as part of the 7 Critical Gas Development Project.

While this is reassuring from the Minister, the following thoughts would need proper deliberations for solutions, if Nigeria is to meet its mid to long term economic targets.

Fiscal & Regulatory Environment: Currently, Nigeria ranks 146th out of 190 countries on Ease of doing business, largely owing to lack of clarity on regulatory frameworks and fiscal regimes, especially in the oil and gas sector.

Bayelsa set to establish Oil Communities Devt. Commission

The Bayelsa Government has concluded plans to establish an Oil Communities Development Commission to accelerate development of oil bearing communities within the state.

Mr Monday Obolo , Speaker of Bayelsa House of Assembly ,who stated this on Thursday in Yenagoa ,noted that an executive bill sent to the Assembly by Gov Seriake Dickson had passed first hearing and would receive expeditious passage.

According to Obolo, the bill sets aside 13 percent of the 13 per cent Derivation Funds accruing to the state to be channeled to development of oil communities to complement the social obligation gestures of oil firms operating in the state.

Niger Delta: Shell pledges accelerated devt. to peaceful host communities

Shell Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC) says it is prioritising development of its host communities which provide peaceful operational environment for oil and gas exploration in Niger Delta using the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) template.

Mr Igo Weli, General Manager, External Relations at SPDC stated this on Wednesday in Yenagoa during the inauguration of completed projects at Tarakiri Cluster Development Cluster in Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas (LGA) of Bayelsa.

Weli said that SPDC had completed 24 projects for N496.9 million in six communities within the Tarakiri cluster.

World Teachers Day: Bayelsa NUT bemoans neglect of teachers’ welfare

The Bayelsa chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)  on Saturday bemoaned the neglect of teachers’ welfare in the Bayelsa government policy on education.

The teachers noted that the myriad of challenges bedeviling the teaching profession and the the education sector in the state was discouragement and in contrast to the government’s claim of investing massively in education.

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In a remark during a low-key event to commemorate the 2019 World Teachers' Day at the Teachers House, Yenagoa, the state chairman of the NUT, Mr. Kalama Toinpre, said that teachers were poorly motivated.

JTF foiled 313 vandalism attacks on 3 crude oil export lines in N/Delta - Commander

The Joint Task Force (JTF) code-named

 REAR ADMIRAL AKINJIDE AKINRINADE, COMMANDER OF THE JOINT MILITARY FORCE IN THE NIGER DELTA WITH THE COMMANDS FLAG TO SIGNAL THE TAKE OFF OF THE SAETY CHECK 6 OPERATION AT ALAKIRI AREA OF OKIRIKA IN RIVERS STATE. 5/10/2019

Operation Delta Safe, (OPDS) averted some 313 sabotage attempts on major crude oil export pipelines in the Niger Delta region.

The vandalism incidents occurred between Jan and Sept. 2019.

The pipelines are the Trans Niger Delta, Trans Escravos and Trans Ramos lines operated by Shell and Chevron.

Gunmen kidnap Bayelsa Agric Commisioner's father

Gunmen on Wednesday night abducted the father of the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Doodei Week.

Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the incident.

Also Mr Doodei Week who also confirmed the incident to NAN on telephone said that his father was abducted at about 11 pm.

"It is unforfortunate that my father was Ill and so sad that that the youths have no conscience and no conscience and we pray for his safety," The Commisioner said.

Bayelsa Assembly Leadership Crisis: Gov Dickson recognizes new Speaker

Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa has endorsed the election of a new Speaker for Bayelsa House of Assembly which took place under controversial circumstances on Monday.

There was heavy shooting at the Bayelsa House of Assembly during a session of the assembly when hundreds of youths stormed the assembly complex in Yenagoa.

 Speaker of the Assembly Hon Emmanuel Isenah adjourned the session indefinitely for the house to proceed on recess.

But youths who besieged the assembly immediately stormed the House, shooting sporadically and made away with the mace while some members of the Assembly were still in the chambers.

Some members who sat back reportedly resumed sitting and allegedly impeached the speaker in absentia nd elected Hon Monday Obolo. PDP Southern Ijaw Constituency 2 to replace Isenah.

Dickson, congratulated the newly elected Speaker, Obolo in a statement issued Monday evening his Chief Press Secretary Mr Fidelis SOriwei.

Observers of political developments say the development was a confirmation that the impeachment of Isenah had the back of the executive arm of Bayelsa government.

According to the statement, Obolo was elected Speaker following the impeachment of the former Speaker,  Isenah, on Monday.

It was  however gathered that the PDP leadership had advised Isenah to resign or face impeachment for the party to realign the balance of power since Isenah hails from the same area as PDP’s candidate in the Nov 16 guber poll.

Isenah had held the view that his resignation was premature and can only happen after the polls

The party believes that giving the position to Southern Ijaw, the zone where the candidate of the rival All Progressives Congress hails from might sway voters.

Reacting to the development in a telephone chat, Isenah said that he remains the Speaker as he had earlier adjourned the sitting sine die and only him could re-convene the house to session..

“I did not resign, neither was I impeached, I presided over the house and I did not preside as an impeached speaker so as we speak the house is on recess and anything done by anyone is a nullity.

“The speculation that there was an understanding that I will resign is false, I challenge anyone canvassing that position to come up with a proof,

“The Bayelsa House of Assembly is an independent arm of government and I want the people of Bayelsa and every stakeholder to know that what happens after we went on recess is illegal and therefore a nullity.” Isenah said (

I remain Speaker of Bayelsa Assembly, says Isenah, I did not resign, impeachment a nullity

Hon Tonye Isenah, Speaker of Bayelsa House of Assembly on Monday dismissed reports of his impeachment as false and a nullity as he remains the speaker of the house.   

There was heavy shooting at the Bayelsa House of Assembly during a session of the assembly when hundreds of youths stormed the assembly complex in Yenagoa.

 Iseanah adjourned the session indefinitely for the house to proceed on recesss.

But youths who besieged the assembly immediately stormed the House, shooting sporadically and made away with the mace while some members of the Assembly were still in the chambers.

Some members who sat back reportedly resumed sitting and allegedly impeached the speaker in absentia whilst the mace had been removed and elected Monday Obolo reresenting Southern Ijaw Constituency 2 as speaker.

Aiteo, host communities face-off: Petroleum Ministry seeks out of court resolution

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources has intervened in the ongoing litigation by Nembe Communities, hosts to Oil Mining Lease (OML 29).

The OML, was supposed to be renewed on June 30.

A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa had on June 24 declined an application to halt the renewal of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 pending, the determination of a suit by Nembe communities in Bayelsa.

The OML 29 host communities are seeking an environmental audit of the impact of the oil field on the host communities, and the implementation of the social obligations of the host communities by the operator of the oil block amongst others.

Court summons Dokubo, Head of Amnesty Office over diversion of 75 Amnesty slots

A Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Thursday summoned Prof Charles Dokubo, Head of Presidential Amnesty Office to personally appear before it over allegations of diversion of amnesty slots.

The court presided over by Justice Awogboro Abimbola, also ordered that Dokubo appears before her on Octo. 4 with Mr Isaac ItyohumaDirector of Finance and Accounts in the Amnesty Office 

Also subpoenaed is Mr Aroloye Brown Head of Reintegatration in the Presidential Amnesty Office.

Healthcare expert seeks suicide prevention awareness to check rising cases

A Healthcare Administrator; Nkem DenChukwu, on Wednesday, called for suicide prevention and mental health awareness to curb the rising spate of suicide across the country.

DenChukwu, who is also an Author and Filmmaker based in Texas, made the call in an interview in Yenagoa, noted that suicide was preventable. “Death is inevitable! Suicide is a murderer that can be stopped.” She said.

She advocated the establishment of more specialized mental health facilities as well as capacity building for existing mental health practitioners alongside the mental health awareness to promote access to mental health facilities.

NKEM DENCHUKWU

Oil Theft: Vandals set Agip pipeline ablaze at Rivers-Bayelsa oilfield

Activities of crude oil thieves have set fire at Agip oil pipeline at Ubeta in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers,

The field is operated by Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) a subsidiary of Italian Energy firm, Eni.

Ubeta is a border settlement between Bayelsa and Rivers states separated by the Orashi River.

A community source who participated in the Joint Investigative Visit (JIV) who wished to remain anonymous for fear of the vandals said the fire which broke out on Friday has been contained.

Sen. Amange’s Defection to APC: Bayelsa PDP disowns former PDP Senator

The Bayelsa Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the former PDP Senator who represented Bayelsa East Senatorial District Sen. Nimi Amange is not in the party’s fold.

Amange, was a PDP Senator from 2007 to 2011 and represented Ex-President Jonathan’s constituency.

Moses Cleopas, PDP Chairman in Bayelsa said in a statement reacting to Amage’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Amange did not defect from the PDP to the APC

FG begins inspection of weights and measures of oil pump across filling stations in Bayelsa

The Weights and Measures Department, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has commenced inspection on filling stations in Bayelsa.

The exercise aimed checking the exploitation of the public is part of efforts to correct irregularities in the quantity of products  sold to customers.

The team of Inspectors on surveillance activities, inspected three filling stations, including Astom Control, Total and NNPC mega station. 

Mr Okechukwu Ejiofor, Assistant Director, Weights and Measures Department in the Ministry said after the inspection on Thursday in Yenagoa, that the team inspected thier weights and measures facility, which is the oil pumps.

PDP primaries outcome: Dickson fires aide for holding divergent views on process

The aftermath of the Bayelsa Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election has pitched Gov Seriake Dickson against members of his camp who criticised the process that produced the candidate for the Nov 16 polls.

 Gov. Seriake Dickson subsequently fired his Special Adviser on Talent and Gender Development, Mrs. Helen Bob.


The development was announced in a statement by Mr Fidelis Soriwei, Chief Press Secretary to Dickson on Thursday in Yenagoa.

According to the statement, Bob was relieved of her duties for gross misconduct and indiscipline.

N/Delta Youths seek FG’s support to Ministers to drive development of the region

A coalition of Niger Delta youth groups on Tuesday applauded the pedigree of cabinet members from the region and urged the Federal Government to leverage on their competence to develop the area.

The groups under the auspices of Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYPP) commended President Muhamadu Buhari for appointing credible and tested leaders from Niger Delta to drive his development plans.

A statement signed by President of NDYCPP Pastor Olayinka Tiedor noted that the selection of competent hands was an indication of genuine intentions by the Federal Government for the Niger Delta.

NSCDC inaugurates Agro Rangers Unit to avert Farmers/Herders clashes in Bayelsa

The Bayelsa Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)  on Wednesday said it has set up a special unit to avert clashed between farmers and herdsmen in the state.

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Mr Philip Ayuba, Commandant of the NSCDC in Bayelsa stated this at the launch of the Agro Rangers Unit of the NSCDC at the command headquarters in Yenagoa.

Ayuba explained that the unit is part of the NSCDC’s response to frequent clashes and bring under control the unfortunate clashes, killings and wanton destruction of lives and property in the country

Bayelsa Guber: APC Candidate Lyon names APC Senator as running mate

Bayelsa Guber: APC Candidate Lyon names APC Senator as running mate

 Chief David Lyon Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 16 November 2019 Bayelsa Governorship Election on Monday named his running mate.

According to a statement issued in Yenagoa, by Publicity Secretary of APC in Bayelsa Mr Doifie Buokoribo, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo will run with Lyon as Deputy Governor in the forthcoming polls.

Degiienyo-Erem is currently representing Bayelsa East in the Senate. He is Vice Chairman of both the Special Duties Committee and the Gas Resources Committee in the Red Chamber.

Bayelsa Guber Primaries: N/Delta Youth Group preaches reconciliation, appeals to losers in APC,PDP

Niger Delta Youth Coalition for Peace and Progress (NDYCPP), on Sunday appealed to losers in the Bayelsa governorship primaries in the dominant political parties to exercise restraint.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elected Senator Douye Diri amongst 21 aspirants that sought the ticket while the All Progressives Congress (APC) elected David Lyon to fly the flag of the party amongst six others.

The group noted that the intervention of the leaders of the two dominant political parties by way of extending an olive branch to aggrieved political leaders was fundamental to maintaining the peace.

In a statement issued in Yenagoa by Pastor Olayinka Tiedor, National President of NDYCPP the group observed that political leaders from the region should not allow tempers to rise further take steps to calm frayed nerves.

How Ekweremadu Used And Abused IPOB

By SKC Ogbonnia

September 4, 2019

The current Biafran struggle has meant different things to different people. For former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, it appears more of a specious opportunity to exploit the Biafran masses—for selfish interest, motivated by blind ambition for power and primitive accumulation of wealth. The result has been blackmail, political persecution, loss of many innocent lives and, by consequence, the protest in Nuremberg, Germany, where the senator was flogged naked. But these developments should not have come as a surprise, particularly to the principal actors, namely, Ekweremadu, Nnamdi Kanu, and Muhammadu Buhari.  

Community leader seeks speedy repair of collapsed Elebele bridge in Bayelsa

Chief John Jacobs, a Community leader and Chief in Elebele community in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa on Friday appealed for the speedy repair of Elebele bridge which collapsed on Thursday.

The bridge which connects the state capital, Yenago to Ogbia, Nembe and Brass caved in when a truck laden with crushed granite stone was crossing to a construction site.

The development left scores of vehicles on both sides of the bridge stranded while residents gathered to watch the truck which fell into the river.

 “This bridge is very important to us because this is the only road to and out of our community and it leads to the oilfields across Ogbia land and it is here that oil was first discovered in the whole West African region.

“Our people rely on the bridge to convey our agricultural produce to the state capital as well as other economic activities so you can see that the bridge is strategic to us all.

“We appeal to the state and federal government and Shell to swing to action immediately because we have not alternative.” Jacobs said

It was also gathered that the bridge was constructed in 1986 by Shell Petroleum Development Company to gain access to its oilfields in the area. (

David Lyon wins APC primary in Bayelsa

Mr David Lyon of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has emerged the winner of the just concluded primary in Bayelsa.

He scored 42,138 votes to win its closet rval, Mrs Diseye Nsirim, who scored 1,533 votes.

Others are Heineken yLokpobiri, who scored 571 votes, while Preye Aganaba, scored 354 votes and MrAmgbare scored 633 votes,  while Prof. Maureen Etebu scored 564 votes.

Sen. Diri wins Bayelsa PDP ticket

Sen. Douye Diri has emerged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Bayelsa governorship election fixed for Nov. 16.

Diri pulled 561 votes to beat his rival Mr. Timi Alaibe who got 365 votes in primary held on Tuesday at Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre, Yenagoa.

Declaring the result, Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, Chairman, Party’s Electoral Committee for the state, said Mr Keniebi Okoko came third with 142 votes.

HOSTCOM. Applauds Buhari for appointing Ex-Gov Sylva , sets agenda for Minister

The Bayelsa chapter of Host Communities of Nigeria Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) on Wednesday applauded President Muhammadu Buhari  appointment of former Gov. Timipre Sylva as Minister.

HOSTCOM comprising over 300 affiliated communities described the appointment of Sylva as Minister of State for Petroleum  will transform the oil and gas sector.

HOSTCOM who said they are greatful to President Muhamadu BUHARI for appointing their illustrious son will no doubt bring his wealth of experience to bear.

APC finally adopts Direct Primaries for Bayelsa Guber as Court vacates interim injunction .

APC finally adopts Direct Primaries for Bayelsa Guber as Court vacates interim injunction .

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally settled for the direct primaries mode to select the candidate to fly its flag in the Nov. 16 governorship election in Bayelsa.

 The development followed the vacation of an interim injuction by a Bayelsa High Court restraining the party from adopting the direct primaries method.

The primaries is underway across the 105 wards across the eight local governments in Bayelsa

Mai-Mala Buni  Governor of Yobe state on Tuesday night and Returning Officer for the   Bayrlsa APC  Primaries had confirmed the development to newsmen on Tuesday night.