Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo, Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), says the death of Senator (Prof.) Jonathan Silas Zwingina, a member of the UIAA Board of Trustee (BoT), is shocking and devastating.
Prof. Saawua Gabriel Nyityo and his 1st Vice President, Mr. Fidelis Mbadugha, SAN, at the night of Tribute for Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
Nyityo stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the Night of Tribute in honour of the distinguished Nigerian, statesman and former representative of the good people of the Southern Senatorial District of Adamawa State, who was confirmed dead on Wednesday, 2nd October 2024 at the age of 70.
Noting that Zwingina’s remarkable contributions to UIAA will forever embody his memory in his condolences, the UIAA Worldwide President stated that the late politician has left a great void in the Advisory of UIAA and the political structure of Adamawa State.
Late Senator (Prof) Jonathan Silas Zwingina
Commiserating with the late politician’s spouse, Dr. Christy Zwingina, Nyityo asserted that “The deceased Patriarch was an epitome of humility and wisdom who dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity having had a very successful career in politics as a Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. UIAA is indeed proud of him for upholding the University of Ibadan (UI) tradition of excellence and for his invaluable contributions to the Association as a member of Board of Trustees. His legacy of integrity, courage and abiding faith in God are the torch that he lit while on earth with us.
Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
“We also would like to acknowledge the important role he played in his service to the nation at large. We pray that the Almighty God will grant the entire Zwingina family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the good Lord grant his soul eternal rest.”
Sen Zwingina’s contribution to Nigeria’s development spans across several sectors of our nation’s life: He was a Scholar, Technocrat, Public Servant and Politician of high repute, who left an indelible mark on our nation’s history.
He was a leading voice in the struggle for democracy, and was the Director General of the late MKO Abiola’s Hope 93 Campaign Organization during the iconic June 12th 1993
Presidential Election.
Late Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina
His intellectual depth, eloquence and unwavering commitment to democratic ideals resonated deeply with Nigerians.
While in the Senate, he was a vocal advocate of due process, promoter of national development priorities with particular emphasis on policy, good governance, the oversight role of the parliament in government accountability to the people, among others.
Prior to his time in the National Assembly, Zwingina played a pivotal role in shaping
national discourse as a Director of the Mass Mobilization for Social Justice, Self-Reliance, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER) program during the President Ibrahim Babaginda military administration.
Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist from Anambra State, Chukwudi Onyejekwe, is currently on the run over threat to his life by unknown persons allegedly suspected to be working for government officials in the country.
Picture depicting police officers hunting for suspected/ wanted person
Chukwudi Onyejekwe, a human rights defender and advocate of good governance, is known to be involved in human rights activities over the years.
Nigeria Police Force, NPF
It was revealed that, in October 2020, Chukwudi Onyejekwe, along with other human rights activists were alleged to be involved in the ill-fated “End SARS” protest that almost crippled the country.
There were reported cases in the media that, the renowned legal practitioner has been leading protest against bad government right from his days as law student.
It, was suspected as revealed by sources that, unknown gunmen are after his life for his recent role in mobilizing citizens to protest against bad governance in August and October this year.
There are feelers that, his anti government protests is defaming the authority and the government is no longer comfortable with his freedom hence the alleged threat to his life.
It is believed by pundits that, the Nigeria government is jailing activists and suppressing protests of any kind against her. In carrying out their legitimate activities in advocating for the rights of citizens, human rights activists and organisations faces threats and attacks, either directly or in the digital sphere.
Nigeria Police Force, NPF
It was reported that, all efforts made to trace the whereabouts of the radical lawyer have not been successful and his wife and kids are also nowhere to be found.
Calls to the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) to ascertain the whereabouts of the lawyer turned activist was unsuccessful as his phone number was not connecting as at the time of filing this report.
Lagos State boosts workers’ income as Governor Sanwo-Olu approves N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants, exceeding federal standards.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Sanwo-Olu announced his government’s readiness to pay a new minimum wage of N85,000 to workers in the state on Wednesday while featuring on Politics Today, an interactive program on Channels TV.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
According to Sanwo-Olu, “I’m glad to let you know that the minimum wage for Lagos, which we have discussed with our union, is N85,000 today.
“It is not a competition. I am not going to say that we are paying more than some people, it is a function of affordability and capacity.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
“We know too well that when people live in Lagos, Lagos has a premium in terms of the cost of living. We are fully aware.
“We also increased our salary earlier in the year. I will want to come back in January and say that I have been able to increase the minimum wage of Lagos to N100,000, not because I want to make anybody look bad, but because I want my people to have a decent living wage.”
Lucky Tubotu, an indigene of Bilabiri 1 & 2 Communities has described his purported banishment from the community as laughable,accusing the elders and Chiefs of turning blind eyes to those with questionable character and criminal records.
Tubotu in a statement released in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State titled “My Purported Banishment From Bilabiri Communities Is Highly Laughable, Banish Those With Questionable Character And Criminal Records” said it was sad that elders and Chiefs who ought to speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored can no longer be trusted because of bread and butter.
“My attention has been drawn to an online platform of one Kelvin James on the 28th September 2024 stating that I have been banished from Bilabiri 1 Community, removal of Yerin Johnbo as Tantita Coordinator as well as removal of Captain Joshua Oropere as BOT Member/Chairman from Bilabiri Community”.
“It is most shameful that Bilabiri elders and Chiefs are playing the ostrich,they know who killed Frank B. Seide and yet have kept quiet,why not banish Ebimene Abaka and Tekena Abaka for their criminal activities.”
“The big question is who Killed Frank B.Seide at the concrete jetty? Bilabiri Elders and Chiefs should come out and tell the world.Why not banish the known killer and criminal gangs in the community? You prefer to stay with a viper and banish a dove?
“To me my purported banishment is null and void because I have not done anything sacrilegious to deserve such treatment, people are banished for evil deeds against the community.Bilabiri tell the world what I did?
“If Bilabiri community can accommodate a known killer and declare that I lucky Tubotu should not step into my community for fighting against criminal elements, then the world should know that these people are working for a known killer and have banished an innocent persons”.
“It is a known fact in Bilabiri 1 Community,the elders,women and youths know how close i was with Late Frank B. Seide,his death will not be in vain, until his killer is brought to book I will not rest,his blood is crying “.
“I wish to state categorically that my publications are not sponsored by Yerin Johnbo, Captain Joshua Oropere or any other person .It is my earnest desire since the death of Frank B Seide to sanitize Bilabiri 1 Community of notorious criminals and killer gangs”.
On the issue of removing Yerin Johnbo as the Coordinator, it is again very obvious that these people are fighting for Ebimene Abaka and his gangs. Ebimene Abaka has announced himself as the Coordinator for Bilabiri 1 Community in several places.He has been envious and not happy with Yerin Johnbo from the day he was appointed as the Coordinator Tantita Security Service Nigeria Limited (TSSNL).
“Ebimene Abaka is highly interested in being the Tantita Coordinator, the purported removal of Yerin Johnbo is to give room to Ebimene Abaka, but they forget to know that Tantita Coordinator is not nominated and appointed through the community approval.It is mere foolishness coupled with ignorance
Bilabiri
” I can say without mincing words that Yerin Johnbo is a peaceful man,calm, bold and development oriented leadership.He has contributed significantly to the development of the Bilabiri 1 Community”
“Yerin Johnbo has bought and distributed foodstuffs worth millions of naira from his hard earned income, bought school uniforms and writing materials for pupils of Bilabiri 1 Community, paid school fees among other community development efforts,yet what he gets from the community as appreciation is by planning to remove him as the Coordinator of Tantita, so that criminal gangs can parade as themselves as gods in Bilabiri 1 Community”.
“I call on the security agencies to investigate what led to the death of Frank B.Seide and bring the culprits to book in order to avoid a reoccurrence as the Bilabiri community moves toward another change of government in the community in December 2024”
“Tension is already brewing in the Bilabiri 1 community as Tekena Abaka has been boasting that nobody can remove him from the office as CDC Chairman, even though his tenure is expiring by December 2024.I do not want innocent Bilabiri indigenes to die in the hands of the notorious and power drunk Ebimene Abaka and Tekena Abaka .My life is at risk for fighting against evil in our beloved community”.
“The people making publication on my purported banishment and the removal of Mr Yerin Johnbo as Tantita coordinator. You really need to ask questions because you don’t know, my great grandfather, Late chief (Ekiriyan) who happens to be the grandfather of Yerin Johnbo fought for what you are enjoying today.When the school came to Bilabiri community, my great grandfather’s house was used as classrooms”.
The Captain of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, IGCC,Asaba, Chief Patrick Ukah,has commemorated the Nation Nigeria with a golf kitty debut tournament, with a view to ensure that golf development is sustained in the country.
The immediate past secretary to Delta State Government of the Okowa Administration,commended golfers for their dedication to the sport,assured that the state would continue to invest in sports.
Chief Ukah,”What ever will sustain the unity of Nigeria, was a priority and through sports the country would continue to be united,hence as the captain of IGCC, I and my team has decided to organized this kitty to commemorate our beloved country.
Chief Ukah said the IGCC would also continue to enhance the development of golf in the state saying the several innovations at the club was aimed at raising the Ibori golf and country club the destination of choice among golfers within and outside Nigeria.
Chief Patrick Ukah
He assured that subsequent editions of the Nigerian Cup would attract more golfers from across the Nation asserting that the IGCC was determined to host memorable golf events.
The Vice Captain IGCC, Mr Alex Joe,who was also the Chairman Organizing Committee of the Nigerian Cup GOLF Kitty and others golfers who spoke described the Nigerian Cup as historical saying the IGCC had joined the league of golf clubs to have hosted the Nigerian Cup and enjoined members to sustain the tampo.
Mr Isaac Rikoto of the IGCC emerged winner of the maiden edition of the Nigerian Cup GOLF Kitty after driving in 65 Nett to Chief Patrick Ukah and Mr Sandy Memeh in the men’s main event.
Rita Izoje swinging in 74 nelt to claim the ladies event top prize, beating Graceli Ogeli who rolled in 79 Nelt to second place.
Ogbueshi Ubaka Attoh Claimed the vets top prize after hitting 75 Nett to beat Tom Nwakalo who paired in 77 Nett to second place with Chief Patrick Ukah claiming the men’s nearest the pin prize, just as Rita Izoje.
The event featured presentation of prize to the winners.
As part of its activities marking the 2024 World Mental Health Day, the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity), Vito Corsica Deck (Aniocha/Oshimili & Ika ) in collaboration with Blizzard Deck (Boston, Massachusettes), have called on government at all tiers to see a way to partner with rehabilitation centers for the benefit of patients.
The group made the call on Thursday while carrying out sensitization campaign at a rehabilitation center known as Mama Akpu TRADOMEDICAL MENTAL Home, at Ugbolu in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Seadogs donating food items to Rehab Home in Ugbolu
Appealing to Government and other well-meaning Nigerians to address long decadence and other challenges facing Rehabilitation Centers across the State, the Cap’n of the Vito Corsica Deck of the Pyrates Confraternity, Comrade Michael Nwaidei noted that despite growing global awareness, mental health remains a low priority in many Nigerian workplaces.
Nwaidei asserted that “The current economic hardship has exacerbated this issue, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression among workers. Many employees, both onshore and offshore, face significant challenges including stigmatization and discrimination; limited access to Mental Health Resources; economic stress; workplace culture; lack of awareness and education; global disconnect and too numerous to mention”.
Mr. Michael Nwaidei, Pyrates Cap’n in Asaba
While explaining that the sensitization campaign was another clear demonstration of the Confraternity’s abiding commitment to contribute to the development of a just and egalitarian society, Michael Nwaidei, the Aniocha / Oshimili & Ika axis Pyrates Cap’n revealed that the sensitization which was aimed at promoting mental health in the society was part of the Confraternity’s activities to commemorates this year’s World Mental Health Day in Vito Corsica and Blizzard Decks of the Association, and that similar exercise was being carried out in all the chapters of the Association worldwide.
Apart from sensitization campaign, the collaboration of the Vito Corsica and Blizzard Decks of NAS also provided interfaith with patients and care-givers of the Mama Akpu Trado-Medical Home. This was led by Dr Kelechi Okolo, a Mental Health / Public Health Specialist from the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba, on a topic which centred on ‘BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION IN MENTAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT’
Appreciating the Association for the kind gesture, the proprietor of the MAMA AKPU rehabilitation center, Mrs. Ifeoma Okechukwu requested for regular medical support for her patients and the Center.
Locals at the community also joyfully commended the National Association of Seadogs for the huge donations and medical /health talk.
The highlight of the event was the donation of food supplements, food stuffs and toiletries to the Center by NAS.
Lucky Tubotu,a Niger Delta youth and an indigene of Bilabiri Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State has challenged the elders and Chiefs of Bilabiri Communities to come out boldly and tell the world who killed Frank B. Seide and stop playing the ostrich.
Tubotu in a statement issued in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State titled “Who Killed Frank B.Seide? Who Dethroned Our Legitimate Community Highnesses? This is the Time to Tell The World” said it was shameful that elders and Chiefs who are supposed to be above board are shying away from the truth.
Bilabiri, Ekeremor in Bayelsa State
“It is quite unfortunate that elders who are supposed to be ambassadors of peace and development are shamefully supporting the evil being orchestrated by Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire), Tekena Abaka and their cohorts”.
He stated…”It is not a surprise to me that some elders and Chiefs are asking me to refute my publications made in some online platforms,after all they were installed as Highness and Deputy Highness by Ebimene Abaka(Small Fire) and his cohorts to promote and continue their evil agenda in Bilabiri Community “.
Bayelsa State
“The legitimate Highness,Peter Pinne,Deputy Highness,Amos Allison and others were dethroned by Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire) ,Tekena Abaka and others because they are not supporting their evil machinations against the people and once peaceful Bilabiri communities “….. Tubotu added.
“From their purported kangaroo town hall meeting in Bilabiri asking me to retract my statements/publications within 7 days which is also a threat to me as Tekena Abaka posted on our community WhatsApp platform…start a fight that you can continue to the end “.
“The former Highness Peter Pinne was forced to resign because he doesn’t want to be part of their atrocious acts while Amos Allison, Kingsley Aaron and David Okuru were dethroned by Ebimene Abaka(Small Fire) and Tekena Abaka for their selfish gains to extend his tenure as CDC Chairman “.
Oil community
“HRH Pater Pinne,Amos Allison and David Okuru were recognized Chiefs in Bilabiri 1 community before Tekena Abaka was sworn in as Chairman CDC.The devilish agenda of extending tenure led to their de-thronement and eventual enthronement of the present Chiefs supporting evil “.
“It was the evil plot of extending tenure previously that made Ebimene Abaka shot and killed Frank B.Seide which is a known fact in Bilabiri communities and the world at large.
“If the leaders of Bilabiri communities can come out boldly to say Ebimene Abaka didn’t kill Frank B.Seide,if my accusations are wrong,then I will retract my publications”.
“I stand to be corrected, Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire),Tekena Abaka and others are a threat to peace and development, they want to forcefully and illegitimately extend Tekena Abaka ‘s tenure in order to continue to exploit the resources of Bilabiri 1 community for their personal aggrandizement “.
“I appeal to security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation with a view to arresting the culprits terrorizing our beloved Bilabiri communities and bring them to justice “.
Eye on the Future Initiative (EFI) in Collaboration with Precious Family Aid Charity Foundation, on Friday held a sensitization campaign against cultism for students in secondary Schools in oil rich Delta State, aimed at kicking out the menace.
The organizers implored the students to shun social vices capable of ruining their lives.
The sensitization campaign tagged “Back to School” was held at Okpanam high School in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Comrade Patricia Gbemudu, MNIPR
Addressing the students on the need to shun Cultism, the Executive Director of Precious Family Charity Aid Foundation, Mrs Patricia Gbemudu, MNIPR Advised the students not to disappoint their parents by getting involved in cult activities as it can disrupt their potentials.
Gbemudu also told the students to concentrate on their studies so that they can grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.
On her part , the Executive Director of EFI , Comrade Josephine Omodior harped on the the need for students to build up their morals against anything or anyone that has the tendency of making them to become cultists.
Stating that there are no benefits in Cultism, Omodior admonished the students not to get enticed by antics of cultists who might want to lure them into their secret activities.
Also speaking, the Zonal Secretary of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) , Comrade Eunice Emeyazia encouraged the students to stay away from cultism as it is an evil gathering .
Appreciating the groups for visiting the school, the Principal of Okpanam High School, Mr William Dickson noted that the students needed sensitization against cultism to guide them from getting involved in the menace.
The event also featured the distribution of educational materials to students present.
The Niger Delta Stakeholders Assembly (NDSA), on Saturday called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to interrogate Anabs Sara-Igbe over threat to cause crisis in the oil rich Niger Delta Region, just as they said that he was being used by the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPCL, Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr Umar Ajiya to wage media war against the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari.
The group in a Press Release signed by Akpoebi Awoalaye-Ofori (President) and Anetorufa Gabriel (Secretary) linked the vituperations of Sara-Igbe against Kyari Mele to Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Umar Ajiya.
Mele Kyari
According to the group; “We read the recent misadventure by a meddlesome interloper, rabble-rouser and notorious gold digger in the Niger Delta, one Anabs Sara-Igbe, in the media. The serial paid destabilisation agent is a self-acclaimed national coordinator of an amorphous group, South/South Elder’s Forum. Findings by us have revealed that he is the founder and only member of the group, purely put together by him to extort and blackmail the gullible public”.
“With no visible means of livelihood, Sara-Igbe transversed the political landscape as a ready tool and machinery for any hatchet job. A discredited individual and political turncoat who can be railroaded for any mischief with a plate of porridge. It’s of public knowledge in the Niger Delta that Sara-Igbe can take up any assignment to discredit anyone so far the price is right. That is how he survives. A legendary blackmailer. His latest victim is the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Engineer Mele Kyari”, the group added.
Mele Kyari
They said that; “In his latest sponsored media outreach, Sara-Igbe in usual uncouth manners, poured venom on and unjustiably maligned the hard-earned reputation of Mele Kyari, in desperation to satisfy the interests of his paymasters. In dabbling into an unfamiliar terrain, Sara-Igbe in his media appearances, displayed crass ignorance and dished out arrant nonsense. He was not properly tutored by his sponsors before he was hurriedly packaged into television studios. Otherwise, how does any rationale being explain the accusation he levelled against Mele Kyari that Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries were operating optimally before they were shut down for routine maintenance by Mele Kyari ? Well-informed industry operators are familiar with the agelong mandatory norms of three-to-five years turn around cycle for a refinery”.
They also wrote that; “This means that in every three, four or five years, a facility will undergo extensive routine maintenance. Even before Mele Kyari well thought out action, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries were long overdue for the periodical overhauling of their component units, a development which paved the way for perennial breakdown and attendant epileptic operations. Moreso, Sara-Igbe and his co-travellers ought to know that the typical period for a turn-around is one or two years or more.
The question is: What crime has Mele Kyari committed for adhering to this mandatory practice? Is it that Sara-Igbe and his cohorts expected the refineries to knock down completely before the Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) is ordered”.
Describing Sara-Igbe as a dishonest individual and a pathological liar, the group said; “These character traits enabled him to become an easy tool for any dirty job. To further destroy Mele Kyari in the public psyche, Sara-Igbe accused the NNPCL’s GCEO of misleading President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the removal of subsidy on petroleum products. This is terrible. It shows that Sara-Igbe requires urgent medical attention. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left no one in doubt during his election campaigns and electioneering exercises over his position on subsidy on petroleum products. President Tinubu and indeed all other presidential candidates, were unequivocal ahead of the 2023 elections, over their readiness and preparedness to remove subsidy on Petroleum products, if elected president. President Tinubu, apparently to drive home this conviction, announced the removal of the subsidy in his inaugural speech on May 29th, 2023. From the foregoing, does it appear that Mr. President requires an advice from Mele Kyari on the issue of subsidy? It’s only an insane that would, therefore, accuse Mele Kyari of not properly advising President Tinubu on the way to go on the contentious issue”.
“To Sara-Igbe, Mele Kyari is solely responsible for and be held accountable for every problem hampering optimal performance and service delivery by NNPCL. One would have expected him to muster courage by calling on his principals and sponsors in the like of the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPCL, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Umar Ajiya, to quit since they have lost the momentum to function as senior members of the company’s management team”, they stated.
The group disclosed that; “Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Umar Ajiya are behind the tension and panic in NNPCL. They are the one sponsoring Sara-Igbe and other notorious elements to pull down the roof because of their inordinate ambition to unseat Mele Kyari as NNPCL’s GCEO.They are deliberately creating crisis valves within the system in order to pull down the roof.Who is the most senior Niger Deltan in the management cadre of NNPCL Sara-Igbe chorused copiously in his media interviews? Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan is the person”.
The group added that those behind the moves to get rid of Mele Kyari because they are hunted by his patriotic zeal and commitment to deliver on the RENEWED HOPE AGENDA of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are working on two permutations, saying; “They are favouring Umar Ajiya from the North and Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan from the Niger Delta, to unseat Mele Kyari. Who appointed Sara-Igbe as
spokesman of the Niger Delta? At what forum was a decision reached in the entire Niger Delta that Mele Kyari must be eased out by January, 2025 or hell would be let loose in the region. The decision must have been reached way back at the forum of the so-called South/South Elder’s Forum, where Sara-Igbe is the sole administrator. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Umar Ajiya must have sponsored his meeting to come up with a one- man squad communique threatening mayhem in the Niger Delta in the event that President Tinubu preserved Mele Kyari in office beyond January, 2025”.
They wrote; “The Niger Delta Stakeholders Assembly (NDSA) make bold to state unequivocally here that no forum was held in any part of the region where a threat was issued to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to sack Mele Kyari or face mayhem in the Niger Delta. The purported meeting of South/South Elder’s Forum and its outcome only existed in the heads of Sara-Igbe and his co-travellers in the person of Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan and Umar Ajiya, who are desperate to succeed their boss”.
The group seized the medium to pass a vote of implicit confidence on Engineer Mele Kyari as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited; “And we make bold to assert here that his transformative initiatives and reforms have restored sanity in the handling of affairs in the business conglomerate. It’s no longer business as usual with Mele Kyari at the helm of affairs. Mele Kyari has turned the heat on the corrupt and inept in the system and they are fighting back by deploying Sara-Igbe and other charlatans on senseless mission to discredit Mele Kyari in the public space. The agenda is dead on arrival. Right thinking Niger Deltans and indeed Nigerians, cannot be fooled”.
While concluding, they called on the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, to summon Sara-Igbe for interrogation over his threat to instigate crisis of unprecedented dimension in the Niger Delta in the event that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu preserved Mele Kyari in office beyond January, 2025.
“This threat is weighty. It cannot be ignored in view of the prevailing palpable insecurity in the country. We should avoid any action capable of truncating the prevail fragile peace in the Niger Delta”, they added.
Lucky Tubotu,an indigene of Bilabiri 1&2 communities in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has clarified the statements he made regarding armed youths recruited into the communities following heightened insecurity in the communities occasioned by the activities of Ebimene Abaka,Tekena Abaka and others.
Bilabiri, Ekeremor in Bayelsa State
Tubotu in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State Capital titled “Setting the Record Straight,Clarifying Misunderstood Statement” said he only re-echoed what Ebimene Akaba and the Chairman of Bilabiri 1 community Tekena Abaka told the people that the armed youths in the communities were employed by an erstwhile Governor Elect of Bayelsa State to carry out a contract awarded to his company.
Tubotu in a reaction to an online report by Mangrovepen titled “Darlon absolves Lyon from Bilabiri 1 & 2 Communities Crisis”,said he was misquoted and it is highly regrettable.
Oil Community
He said his statement was very clear and did not allude to David Lyon’s company as responsible for the armed youths in Bilabiri 1 & 2 communities but only re-echoed what Ebimene Abaka and Tekena Abaka told the communities when he enquired about the presence of armed youths in their communities.
Oil community
He said his statement was very clear…… “Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire) claimed that David Lyon, the erstwhile Governor elect of Bayelsa State, gave him a contract in the oil and gas sector, hence the armed youths were invited to the community for the job.We wonder if armed criminal gang work for David Lyon?.
Oil community
“These people, Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire), Tekena Abaka and Bright Wilson Isopi are known killers.I call on the federal government to use its military might to dismantle this gang, protect our people and communities, prosecute and bring them to justice”.
He distanced himself from any false statements designed to tarnish his hard earned reputation adding that he never accused David Lyon or his company of arming youths to carry out a contract awarded to him in the oil and gas industry.
Bayelsa State
According to him,the youths were recruited from Bilabiri 1 & 2, Letugbene, Amatu 1 & 2, Bisangbene and Ogbotobo communities in the guise of giving them slots to work in a contract awarded to an oil and gas company only for them to be armed by Ebimene Abaka (Small Fire) and Tekena Abaka.
Tubotu affirmed that the people of Bilabiri 1&2 communities are leaving in fear. I appeal to the military and other security agencies to come to our rescue and save the communities from being taken over by the armed youths,because the community general election is coming up in December 2024 and Tekena Abaka does not want to handover hence causing tension in the community.
” I have received several threat messages directly which he posted on our community WhatsApp platform and indirectly from Tekena Abaka threatening to deal decisively with me. President Bola Tinubu, Governor Duoye Diri, security agencies, and the world at large should know, if anything happens to me they should be held responsible “.
