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Tag: Bayelsa

  • Sylva Emerges APC Governorship Candidate In Bayelsa

    Sylva Emerges APC Governorship Candidate In Bayelsa

    The immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva has won the All Progressives Congress, APC, gubernatorial primaries in a landslide, defeating the 2019 governor-elect, Chief David Pereworimini Lyon and four others.

    The APC gubernatorial primaries were conducted in all 105 wards in the state on Friday, using the direct primary mode.

    Announcing the results at the state APC secretariat on Saturday, the chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee and Returning Officer, Maj. Gen. A. T. Jibrin, retd, said Sylva polled a total of 52,061 votes to emerge, the winner, while an ex-agitator, Chief Joshua Maciver came a distant second with 2,078 votes, with the former Governor elect Chief David Lyon, coming third with 1,582 votes.

  • Peter Obi visits Former President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa

    Peter Obi visits Former President Goodluck Jonathan in Bayelsa

    The Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Friday, visited former president, Goodluck Jonathan.

    The former Anambra governor visited Jonathan at his home in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    Before visiting the former president, Obi had earlier addressed his supporters at a presidential campaign rally held at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa on Friday.

    Obi and Jonathan, as of the time of this report on Friday evening, were in a meeting behind closed doors amid the LP candidate’s presidential campaign ahead of the 2023 elections.

    According to Jonathan, Nigeria is extremely divided. He told Obi that if he wins, his first task must be to unite Nigeria.

    The former president also commended the presidential candidate for taking the bold step to contest the elections next year outside the two major parties. Obi was accompanied by his running mate, Yusuf Baba-Ahmed, and party stalwarts

  • Flood: How fire gutted Bayelsa IDP camp

    Flood: How fire gutted Bayelsa IDP camp

    Residents of Otiotio Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, were on Friday thrown into pandemonium following a fire outbreak at a mini estate, which destroyed property worth millions of naira.

    It was gathered that the fire emanated from the fuel stored in the estate by black marketers. There was fuel scarcity in Bayelsa due to the flood that cut off access roads to the state for weeks.

    It was reported that at the peak of flooding a few weeks ago, fuel was sold at N800 a litre, and has since been reduced to N500 as the flood water recedes.

    It was learnt that a resident suffered burns but no life was lost. Property destroyed by the inferno included mattresses, generating sets, electronics, clothes, cash, cellphones, vital documents, kitchen utensils among others.

    According to eyewitnesses and victims, the disaster might have been caused by a certain Nigerien who allegedly stocked black market fuel in one of the appartments where he resides.

    One of the victims who identified herself as Mercy Clifford from Angiama community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, recounted that she heard a sound like an explosion from the apartment of her neighbour who was cooking with a stove. She said the fire escalated and razed over 10 makeshift houses.

    She said: “All my property, my secondary, primary school and church certificates, everything is gone. One of our neighbours was cooking with a stove and fire came from the stove and entered everywhere.”

    She appealed to the government and well-meaning individuals to come to their aid, explaining that some of the victims, including her were flood victims who live in the estate to seek temporary refuge.

    Another resident of the area, Hamza Abdullahi, narrated that he lost his money and other valuables to the incident.
    Similarly, a victim, simply identified as Kingsley from Edo state, said the fire had dealt him a very big blow after havoc wreacked by flood.

    Also, a courier agent, Allex Ada, said he left home as early as 7am only to be called on the phone that his apartmen was on fire, lamenting that he returned to see the debris of his property.

    Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, SP Asinim Butswat, told our correspondent that the incident was not reported to the police.

  • Police Officer in Bayelsa dies on duty

    Police Officer in Bayelsa dies on duty

    It was a black Tuesday for the Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa Command following the death of an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Asufi.

    At the Police headquarters in Yenagoa, sources said the ACP,who hailed from Ekwani community in Delta ,was in charge of administration, slumped and died in the afternoon on Tuesday at his duty post.

    SP Asinim Butswat, Spokesman of the Command, confirmed the death of the Senior Officer; he added that it was a sad day for the Command, being that the deceased was an amiable and easy going officer who related well with rank and file.

    Our correspondent, reports that the Command was moody,as other personnel in groups were expressing shock and disbelief at the incident; an Officer amidst tears narrated that the deceased was an examplary Officer,who puts smiles on the faces of people who came across him.

    He added that,he was forthright and very Charismatic,an exemplary Christian whose faith reflected in his conduct. He further narrated that they were shocked when an alarm was raised that he slumped and was dying,on rushing him to Federal Medical Centre,he was confirmed dead.

    Our Correspondent also learnt that Bayelsa State Governor,Douye Diri called at the Police Headquarters to condolence with Ben Okoro,the Commissioner of Police over the incident.

  • INEC creates additional 440 polling units in Bayelsa

    INEC creates additional 440 polling units in Bayelsa

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo,Yenagoa

    Ahead of 2023 general elections, the independent national electoral commission, says it has created additional 440 polling units in Bayelsa State.

    The Resident electoral commissioner, Bayelsa State, Dr.Emmanuel Alex Hart made this known while briefing newsmen on Friday at Prof. Mahmood Yakubu Media Centre, Ovom, Yenagoa, the state capital.

    The Resident electoral commissioner said, the creation of the additional 440 polling units was done prior to the 2019 general elections, adding that the total number of polling units in Bayelsa State is now 2,244.

    He reveals that the continuous voter registration exercise embarked upon by the commission ended first quarter of 2022 and urged Bayelsan that the quarter break frame period is for display of preliminary register of voters for claims and objections, handling of complaints and running of automated biometric system for the CVR data.

    “The quarterly break is to allow for the display of the Preliminary Register of Voter (PRV) for claims and objections, handling of complaints and running of Automated Biometrics Identification System (ABIS) for the CRV data, which is said to run from 23rd March to 10th, April, 2022.”

    He commended Bayelsan for their response since the commencement of continuous voters registration (CVR) exercise June 2021, saying as at March, 2022 online pre-registration was 393,129 while those who completed their in-person registration was 226,900.

    He urged eligible voters in the state to go for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), to enable them equip themselves as the general election draws closer.

    His words; ”I wish to emphasize that the new units need voters to make them viable. In this regard, new registrants alone cannot fill them up, thus we advise old registrants should verify, take advantage of the new location.

    “Apply for transfers to these new units to ensure that by the 30th of June, 2022 when this CVR evercise will be put on hold to enable us prepare for the 2023 elections, the units will have the minimum required number of eligible voters.”

    The Bayelsa REC said the notice of Election has been published on 28th of February, 2022 in compliance with the schedule of activities as detailed in the election time table for 2023.

    He pointed out that the Electoral Act 2022 which is the guide for the 2023 election has activities that are time bound and called on stakeholders to take note and comply with the schedule accordingly.

  • Mrs Diri assures of Bayelsa’s participation in the National School Feeding Programme

    Mrs Diri assures of Bayelsa’s participation in the National School Feeding Programme

    …As state prepares to key during next school term
    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    First lady of Bayelsa State Dr. Mrs Gloria Diri has said given the assurance that Bayelsa State is preparing to join in the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

    Diri in a meeting with a team from the Humanitarian Ministry disclosed her commitment to ensuring that the State fulfills the conditions of the programme and keys into the laudable programme of feeding primary 1-3 pupils in the state.

    Meanwhile the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Mr. Gentle Emelah has also announced the state government’s preparedness to join the school feeding programme by next School term.
    Emelah disclosed this on Tuesday at a High Power Meeting ahead of the second technical assessment visit to ensure that the state government buys into the School Feeding Programme.

    “We have been working on the modalities of accomplishing all requirements since your first visit and we hope that by the beginning of the next school term, the pupils will be onboarded unto the programme.”
    “We understand the importance of the programme and advantages to the State and we are working hard to join the feeding programme.”

    In the same vein the Technical Assistant to the Minister on the NHGSFP and Team Lead Zainab Abubakar, recalled that the first official visit in 2021 was to provide technical support and guidance to the State on the implementation requirements of the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

    “We are here to carry out an additional technical assessment of Bayelsa State’s readiness based on the observations and recommendations of the first assessment. This second visit is to ascertain the compliance level of the state on the requirements, Abubakar said.

    “We want to ensure the buy-in of the Bayelsa State Government for the onboarding unto the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme and to provide technical support and guide towards ensuring a successful commencement and implementation of the feeding programme, the Technical Assistant said.
    Daybreak reports that over 9 million children are currently benefiting from the school feeding programme.

  • Bayelsa : PDP national chairman commissions media complex, named after nationalist, Ikoli

    Bayelsa : PDP national chairman commissions media complex, named after nationalist, Ikoli

    Says party proud of Diri

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, has inaugurated a mega media complex in Bayelsa State built by the administration of Governor Douye Diri.

    The PDP chair inaugurated the Ernest Ikoli Media Complex on Monday as part of activities marking Senator Diri’s second anniversary in office.

    The complex is named after the late media icon and pioneer editor of the Daily Times, established in June 1925.

    The purpose-built edifice with 430 offices, 107 restrooms, two restaurants and other facilities houses the state-owned media outfits, namely Radio Bayelsa, Niger Delta Television and the Bayelsa Newspaper Corporation, publishers of the New Waves Newspaper.

    Ayu noted that Ikoli was not just the first editor of the Daily Times but a nationalist.

    He stated that a part of him most Nigerians do not know was that he was once a journalist and also an Editorial Board member at the Daily Times.

    Ayu commended the performance of the Bayelsa governor, saying the party was proud of his achievements in two years.

    He said it takes a man of great commitment to do so much in such a short time when some others were still struggling to find their footing in governance.

    He said despite the initial hiccups in his first year, Governor Diri stood against all odds and is breaking new grounds through the inauguration of several projects.

    The party’s chair described Diri’s performance as the trademark of the PDP governors across the states as they were elected with the mandate to work for the people they govern.

    He said: “I’m very proud of Governor Diri. It takes a man of singular commitment to do so much in a short time. Many of you who have governed states will know that sometimes it takes a governor about a year before he finds his feet.

    “Governor Diri came and stood on the shoulders of giants and because the ground was so prepared, he hit the ground running.

    “Today after only two years, we are able to come here to inaugurate several projects.

    “Two days ago, the governor of Oyo State called that he was in Bayelsa to inaugurate project. This is how governors of the PDP work. They work for the people. They do not leave their states to stay in Abuja as some of those other parties who abandon their states and become chairman of their party.

    “I want to thank all the PDP governors across the country for making the party proud. It is your work that is giving confidence to the Nigerian people that PDP is coming back after staying out of power for about six years. Nigerians now know that members of PDP are determined to serve this country.”

    In his address, Governor Diri said because of the history surrounding the state media, the government decided to name the complex after Nigeria’s foremost journalist whose contribution to the profession and the media is acknowledged all over Nigeria.

    Senator Diri recalled how some unfortunate incidents bedeviled the state radio station ranging from fire, windstorm and the ugly attack on the station and staffers on the eve of his swearing in by overzealous opposition party members.

    The governor said it was the travails of the state-owned media practitioners that necessitated the building of the edifice by an indigenous contractor.

    He noted that the complex was one of the humble efforts of his administration and the PDP, stating that he will continue to render service to the people.

    He said: “We looked at the history surrounding this complex and from our state here, we had one of the early journalists who became Editor of the Daily Times, and whose contribution to journalism and the media is acknowledged all over Nigeria.

    “We decided to name this complex in the name of this veteran journalist who hails from Bayelsa, precisely from Nembe.

    “There were situations that necessitated the decision to put up this masterpiece. We had some natural disasters that affected almost all our media operations.

    “Upon the pronouncements of the Supreme Court of the victory of the PDP, some overzealous persons came in here and destroyed everything they could lay their hands on.”

    Senator Diri emphasised that his government had already approved funds for equipping of the media outfits in the new complex with state-of-the art facilities in no distant time.

    He commended the indigenous contractor for proving critics wrong by delivering the job with so much class and on time.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mr. Ayibaina Duba, thanked Governor Diri for keeping to his words to alleviate the pains of all state media practitioners through the provision of the complex.

  • Dr Mrs Diri leads public campaign against harvest of human parts in Bayelsa

    Dr Mrs Diri leads public campaign against harvest of human parts in Bayelsa

    From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa

    Wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri has led coalitions of civil society groups, Nongovernmental Organizations, and girl child welfare advocacy groups in the state on a campaign against ritual killings and harvest of human parts in the state.

    Dr Diri also called on security agencies to step up security of the girl child in the state.

    The advocacy campaign, which started as early as 7am with an estimated 12 kilometer road walk to publicly declare “NO TO RITUAL KILLINGS”, has various groups and stakeholders under the umbrella of the State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) noted that though two cases of attempted ritual killings have so far been recorded in the state.

    She averred that, the state will no longer condone the mysterious killing of young girls.

    Among the notable groups that participated in the 12 kilometer walk against ritual killings are the Coordinator, Committee for Democracy and environmental Dividends ( CODED​ ), Mr. Keme Opia ,the Chairman Collins Cocodia Foundation​ ​ and Special Adviser ,Political to the State Governor, High Chief​ Collins Cocodia, Wife of the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM,​ Dr Mrs Josephine Diette-Spiff, International federation of women lawyers (FIDA),​ Standup for Women Society, SWS, Women Wing of Christian association of Nigeria, OWICAN, Fomwan, the Chairman of the State chapter of the NUJ, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, Gloria Diri Foundation, Do foundation, Child Protection Network, Ethanrose Foundation, National council of women Society, Medical women association of Nigeria ( MWAN), Do Foundation international, Starrz Safety initiative and so many more.

    The women groups carried placards with inscription, “save the girl child from Ritual Killings”,​ ​ “Together we CAN”, “Join GRIT to stop senseless killings”, “Bayelsa is peaceful not for harvesting human parts”, and “ Our girls, our pride.”

    The wife of State Governor, Dr. Gloria Diri, who expressed concern over the strange cases recorded and the allege participation of young boys in aborted cases in the state.

    She said the land of Bayelsa reject such dastardly act and that by the peace walk, the stakeholders in the state reject such acts,” the youths and women of Bayelsa reject it. I urge everyone to be their brothers’ keeper. If they try it in other states, Bayelsa will not condone it any longer.

    She also called on the mothers and the men folks to protect the girl child against such evil acts, “For everyone that enters the state, the gods of the lands and the security agents are watching.

    “Let us watch and protect one another against ritual killing. For those caught in the act, we will ensure that the law take its course. We are also now against out of court settlements and we want the law to punish the perpetrators.​ ​ Ritual killing is a distraction because if a child goes missing, Government will abandon what they are doing and go in search of the missing child.”

    Chairman of the Collins Cocodia Foundation and Special Adviser, Political to the State Governor, High Chief​ Collins Cocodia, also expressed concern over the cases of ritual killings and called for a concerted effort to nip it in the bud.

    Also speaking, the Wife of the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers and Queen of Twon Brass Kingdom, Dame Josephine Diette-Spiff, noted that the killing of the promising girl child underscores the dangers facing girls and women in the society, “our queens and mothers of the kingdoms in the state stand collectively against killings, disrespect for life and abuse of women and girls in the society.”

    In her speech, the Chairperson of the Gender Response Team Initiatives (GRIT), Barr. Dise Ogbise, pointed out that with the peace walk against ritual killings, “the prosperity Government has once again​ made history by bringing together key actors in its fight Against Ritual killings and cultism in the state.

    “The state Government has once again reiterated it’s resolve end all forms of Violence in the state as perpetrators of ritual killing and Cultic groups will be Prosecuted”.

    ​

  • Senator Dickson Bags Award Of Excellence From Bayelsa SWAN

    Senator Dickson Bags Award Of Excellence From Bayelsa SWAN

    Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa

    The Senator representing Bayelsa west in the National Assembly, Sen.Henry Seriake Dickson has been honoured with an award of excellence by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter.

    Presenting the award to the former Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Alambo Datonye, the chairman of Sports writers Bayelsa State chapter, explained that the award was given to Senator Dickson, who hails from Toru-Orua, to appreciate his valuable contributions to the development of Sports in the State.

    “ We have watched your activities very closely, all through your term as Governor of Bayelsa State for eight years, you are one man that love sports. You invested immensely in sports, the restoration cup you introduce, we had alot of talents from rural communities making it to the Bayelsa United team that has taken the country by storm.

    ” People ordinarily that will not have the opportunity were discovered through the restoration cup and were groomed.We cannot forget the the annual Governor Dickson wrestling classic, you funded it and ensure that, the competition became darling of the sporting community in Nigeria.

    ” All the top wrestlers in Nigeria converge in Yenagoa each year to wrestle and at the end of the tournament they smile home, eventually some of them became African champions, and then our own daughter, Blessing Oborududu who became an Olympic Silver Medalist, for the first time wrestling won a medal in Olympic, because of the foundation you built by supporting Governor Dickson wrestling classic.”

    Comrade Datonye who stressed that association would continue to throw it’s weight behind his programs, especially the soon to be concluded Ofurumapepe Cup, and the forthcoming Nanaye Dickson Traditional Wrestling Competition, as he expressed hope that the award will spur him to contribute more to Sports Development.

    “As sports writers, we have monitored your antecedents and contributions to sports development in Bayelsa State.

    “It is on this note that we have decided to honour you with this special award of excellence and we hope it will encourage you to do more for sports development in Bayelsa state ,” Alambo added.

    Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, while receiving the award, appreciated SWAN, for supporting his sporting activities, urging the association not to relent in their profession.

    According to the Senator, sports remain a tool for promoting unity and togetherness, and also a panacea for grooming young talents, so of which will emerge professionals in the nearest future, urging well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to team up with the government in developing the sector

    His words, “Sports Development is key, it promotes tourism, is for healthy living and lifestyle, youth engagement, and cuts across all aspects of life”.

    “So I call on the Federal Government, to partner with the Bayelsa Government in making the Sports Academy, after the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with the Sports Minister. That Academy is meant to export talents, and I am proud with the work I and my team did there. I also call on private individuals, corporate bodies to support sports. They can pick any of the sports and sponsor it, everything about sports and maintainable of its facilities cannot be left for government alone.”

    The immediate past Governor dedicated the award to his team who worked with him to deliver his mandate, as he announced his readiness to set a football club, to be known as Ofurumapepe Football Club.

    Senator Dickson equally extended his appreciation to media houses and pressmen for their cooperation with his administration, assuring he unveil more programs in Sports, Education and Culture.

  • Sylva accepts outcome of APC state congress in Bayelsa as faction kicks

    Sylva accepts outcome of APC state congress in Bayelsa as faction kicks

    A faction of the All Progressive Congress (APC) loyal to Former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has called on the Appeal Committee of the Party to cancel the outcome of the State Congress of the Party held last Saturday with Barr. Dennis Otitio emerging winner as Chairman of the Party.

    But the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and leader of the APC in Bayelsa state, Chief Timipre Sylva accepted the outcome of the State Congress and congratulated the newly elected State APC executive members, describing the result as a reflection of the oneness and orderliness of the APC in the state .
    Hon. Sunday Frank-Oputu, who is a member of the Senator Heineken Lokpobiri faction of the party in Bayelsa, in a petition dated 18th October,2021,called on the party leadership to cancel the State Congress purportedly conducted on the 16th of October and conduct a more credible, free and fair congress.

    Frank-Oputu, in his petition to the Caretaker/Extra Ordinary Convention planning Committee and made available to newsmen in Yenagoa, said urged the party to cancel the State Congress held by the Chief Timipre Sylva faction, describing the congress as devoid of foundation due to the subsisting court order by the State High Court restraining the party.

    Frank-Oputu, who is also an aspirant for the position of State Chairman, said the faction loyal to Chief Timipre Sylva displayed open disrespect to court order issued against the conduct of the ward and local government congresses, ”since the ward and local government area congresses in Bayelsa were purportedly conducted on void footing, there is therefore no delegate anywhere in APC bayelsa State to anticipate the conduct of the failed state congress of 16th October,2021 which ought not to have taken place at all and therefore a nullity as same infracts the subsisting injunctive order of the court.”

    But the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and leader of the APC in Bayelsa state, Chief Timipre Sylva in a statement on the conduct of the State Congress, described the outcome as a reflection of the oneness and orderliness of the APC in the state

    Sylva, while thanking the Amos Jothan led exco whose tenure just elapsed, charged the new exco to continue on the strong momentum APC Bayelsa state has enjoyed for years, ”We must continue this chain of election victories and we must continue to assert ourselves as the dominant party that we are, but most importantly it is our sacred duty to serve Bayelsans and Nigerians well”’

    Sylva also commended the runners-up of the elections and thanked them for their sportsmanship and love for party while also thanking party men and women who voted and aided the process.

    Sylva thanks, too, chieftains of the party who teamed up for what has now become a democratic master class.

    Daybreak recalled that Chief Dennis Otiotio, 49, who won the chairmanship seat with 582 votes, has been both a Senior Special Assistant and Special Adviser to the Bayelsa state government on Corporate and Legal matters respectively, he holds degrees from the University of Tulsa and the Rivers State University of Science and technology. He has been a key tactician for the APC over the years.

    Hon. Ebipadei Fekoweimo, the new state secretary, has been a member of the Bayelsa state House of Assembly as well as a celebrated grassroot mobilizer.