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.

JTF moves to check drug abuse amongst military personnel deployed to Niger Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed to protect oil installations in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, on Monday, urged personnel of various services under its command to steer clear of hard drugs.

Rear Admiral Akinjide Akinrinade, Commander of the JTF, gave the charge in his opening remarks during the seminar organised on the dangers of drugs abuse amongst personnel of security agencies at the JTF headquarters in Yenagoa.

He said that the military would not condone any act of drug abuse among its officers and men, saying it was a ‘Court Marshal Offence’ with stiff penalties under the military statues.

He said that drug abuse has become a global menace with adverse consequences on the mental and physical health of the populace as well as security consequences as most criminals find solace in substance abuse to gain courage to perpetrate their acts.

Reuben Okoya warns : PDP risks losing Bayelsa Guber if …..

Ahead Sept. 3, primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Reuben Okoya on Sunday warned that the risks losing the Nov 16 guber if it fails to conduct a credible primaries to select an acceptable candidate for the party.

Okoya is one of the 21 aspirants jostling for the PDP ticket in the forthcoming elections.

Okoya, who spoke at Correspondents’ Chapel Forum for Bayelsa Guber Aspirants in Yenagoa observed that relying on the assumption that Bayelsa was PDP was not longer enough to win elections as the party was now in the opposition following the loss of the 2015 elections.

He said that with the number of aspirants in the race for the ticket, any attempt to conduct  a primary election without a level playing ground for all will spell doom for the party.