Thursday, May 6, 2021

IYC Western Zone: Odens Okaba Assures ljaw youths of adequate representation



IYC Western Zone: Odens Okaba Assures ljaw youths of adequate representation


Francis Tayor


The foremost aspirant for the post of lnformation Officer in the forthcoming ljaw Youth Council (IYC) Western Zone, Comrade Odens Okaba has promised ljaw youths of adequate representation when given the mandate to serve.


He gave the assurance on Thursday 6th May, 2021 in Warri, while addressing some delegates, noted that his wealth of experience as former two time member of the mobile parliament in Council as well as the immediate past Chairman of Tarakiri Clan, he is very much abreast of the modus operandi in Council.


Comrade Odens reiterated that ljaw liberation struggle is part and parcel in his DNA far back his university days, stressing that the image of ljaw youths Western Zone would be positively projected before the general public.


 " As a Communicator, the demands of ljaw people, such as scholarship, employment chances, youth empowerment programmes e.t.c. from the state government, multinational oil companies operating in our territory would be effectively presented and pursued towards actualization. The genuine agitation for Self Determination of our people would be reinvigorated to a limelight, especially now that the nation is in a state of coma. I pledge to work assiduously with  my Chairman to ensure that what is due to ljaw people is given to us in this heterogeneous state we find ourselves, Comrade Okaba asserted. "


However, he appealed to Western Zone ljaw youths, especially the potential delegates to vote him as the next lnformation Officer of Council, noting that he will not disappoint ljaw youths when elected, the statement adds.

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Bandits were created by Gen. Buhari to oust Jonathan, says Ribadu Nuhu



Bandits were created by Gen. Buhari to oust Jonathan, says Ribadu Nuhu


....They are not Boko Haram nor Herdsmen



It all started in April 2014 when Mohammadu Buhari assembled his ardent supporters, promoters and strategists to determine how to remove President Jonathan Goodluck.  Prominent amongst them were El-Rufai, Gen Danbazo (Rtd)……..


A decision was reached to consult Miyatti Allah cattle breeders association for assistance to boot Jonathan Goodluck out of office. Consequently, the National Chairman of Miyatti Allah was engaged to bring in foreign mercenaries. Within a month, 2,000 Fulani fighters were brought in from Mali, Senegal, Niger Republic, Chad, Libya to name but a few. Further 4,000 fighters were stationed in Niger and Chad on standby.


 On arrival, they were assembled in Kaduna under the sponsorship of El Rufai and were addressed by various Northern Leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto, Gen. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Rtd) etc.


Specifically, Gen Buhari in his address told the fighters that “the British handed Nigeria over to us the Fulanis at independence. The land (Nigeria) belongs to us. We must reclaim what belongs to us.”He added that at the event that Jonathan Goodluck worn the election, the Fulani machinery must fight until they regain control of the country. He assured them that the Nigerian Army was behind them.


The mercenaries received initial training from the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy and were sent to 6 camps in Ekiti State, Benue State, Katsina State, Kaduna State, Zamfara State and Borno State.


In the camps, brand new pick-up trucks, generators etc were provided them. Nigerian Airforce helicopters were used to provide them essential supplies like food, water, drinks and even arms and ammunitions.


Evidently, Jonathan Goodluck lost the election in 2015 through a well orchestrated election organised by INEC under a Fulani Chairman, Professor Jega. Gen Buhari (Rtd) was sworn in as the president. This saw the emergence of a Fulani president through a dodgy election hence the planned violent war was averted.


Contrary to expectation, the mercenaries in the various camps were abandoned, no more food and essential supplies. The relationship between Miyatti Allah, El Rufai (now a State Governor) and Dambazo broke down. El Rufai arrogantly declared that they were not needed anymore and they should go back. Consequently, the killings in Kaduna commenced as a warning to El Rufai but it did not bother him. He declared that he had paid the people carrying out the killings and they did not want to stop. The Nigerian police did not bother to call Gov El Rufai to give further clarification on this.


The Mercenary at the various camps decided to go about to find food for themselves by robbing people, going into farm lands and kidnapping.  Miyatti Allah made several efforts to contact El Rufai and Dambazzo to appeal to them to provide money to return these fighters to where they came from. All efforts proved abortive. The mercenaries at this point vacated their organised camps and took to crime.


The criminal gangs which emanated from these mercenaries were at this point described as “Bandits” in order to differentiate them from other notorious terrorist groups like Fulani Herdsmen, Boko Haram etc.


Following the untold destruction and killings which the Bandits carried out especially in Katsina and Zamfara, the Northern leaders in conjunction with officials of Nigerian Government requested Miyatti Allah to intervene and remove the Bandits from Nigeria. Miyatti Allah returned demanding 150 Billion Naira to settle the Bandits and evacuate them. The Government turned the offer down and restricted itself to the payment of 100 Billion Naira.


Shamefully Godwin Emefiele raised 100 Billion Naira for the settlement as a condition for his re-appointment as the Central bank Governor.


Miyatti Allah collected the money and purportedly distributed it but nothing changed.


In a bid to control the damage, President Buhari directed that RUGA initiative be setup to create colonies for these fighters in every state in Nigeria.


My questions are:

1. Should Nigerian communities accommodate these criminal elements?

2. Why has El Rufai not been called to clean up the mess he created?

3. Does this explain the President Buhari’s silence?

4.Is this conspiracy of the North gone wrong?

Nigerians think for yourselves?


Written 

By 

DSP Nuhu Ribadu

Monday, May 3, 2021

Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.




Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.


The ID -Force wish to congratulate Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba as he emerge victorious as President elect INC to aggressively represent and tackle the affairs of the apex body of the Ijaw Nation. 


We wish to acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Sen Douye Diri, Governor Bayelsa State and the CITRE, by playing a pivotal oversight function expected of their capacities for creating a calm, siren and condusive environment to achieve an innovative and peaceful electoral process of its kind in the region.


We also wish to commend the INC ELECO 2021 led by HRH Prof Dagogo M. J Fubara for their steadfastness and painstaking commitment to ensure a credible electoral process.

We understand that the introduction of the e-voting system is saddled/bottled with several challenges with its maiden display in the shortest time frame. We convinced that subsequent e-voting process stands to get a more robust, efficient and transparent election outcomes for the Ijaw Nation, knowing fully well how the maiden e-voting in the region was not too bad for a start.


Ijaw Democratic Force Congratulates Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba, President elect INC.


The ID -Force wish to congratulate Prof Benjamin Ogele Okaba as he emerge victorious as President elect INC to aggressively represent and tackle the affairs of the apex body of the Ijaw Nation. 


We wish to acknowledge and appreciate His Excellency, Sen Douye Diri, Governor Bayelsa State and the CITRE, by playing a pivotal oversight function expected of their capacities for creating a calm, siren and condusive environment to achieve an innovative and peaceful electoral process of its kind in the region.


We also wish to commend the INC ELECO 2021 led by HRH Prof Dagogo M. J Fubara for their steadfastness and painstaking commitment to ensure a credible electoral process.

We understand that the introduction of the e-voting system is saddled/bottled with several challenges with its maiden display in the shortest time frame. We convinced that subsequent e-voting process stands to get a more robust, efficient and transparent election outcomes for the Ijaw Nation, knowing fully well how the maiden e-voting in the region was not too bad for a start.


Signed:


Amb. Ekisah Ebitimi,

Secretary General

Ijaw Democratic Force (ID-Force).

Friday, April 30, 2021

Former Education Minister, Gbagi Congratulates Okaba as INC President


Former Education Minister, Gbagi Congratulates Okaba as INC President


The former minister of Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi has Congratulated Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC.


In a statement to newsmen, Gbagi said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President will reposition the INC to enviable height.


Recall that Gbagi has made impactful contributions to the development of Ijaw nation especially the establishment of Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State and appointment of the firsts vice chancellor (VC). 


 Gbagi noted that Professor Benjamin Okaba as a Professor of Sociology and a Senior Lecturer at the Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Ijaws will benefit from his wealth of experience.

Owotorufa congratulates Okoba on election victory, salutes Gov. Diri for been neutral


Owotorufa congratulates Okoba on election victory, salutes Gov. Diri for been neutral


IZON OTU ADOO!


My dear Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba:


I wish to congratulate you, my brother, on your victory at the recently concluded election into the most important office of Ijaw National Congress (INC). I wish you and your team a successful tenure.


To my teeming supporters from all over the world who invested time, funds and prayers in my aspiration to serve the Ijaw Nation as President of INC, please accept my heartfelt gratitude. I also want to extend appreciation to the various delegates, elders and leaders of thought who believed in me and cheerfully gave me their votes. 


The outcome of the election is the wish of God.


I deeply appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for maintaining a respectable distance throughout the period of the election, to allow the process to enjoy ample independence. I note with great joy, the impartial role and the genuine steps taken to produce an acceptable result notwithstanding obvious challenges. I also thank the commitment and patriotism of the Electoral Committee (ELECO).


The election offered useful lessons and insights that have given me a better understanding of the Ijaw people and our style of politics. 


I believe strongly, that as we advance into the world of technology, our electoral processes and procedures will develop and deepen alongside and become better than what was experienced today. 


May the good Lord continue protect, preserve and bless the Izon nation and her peoples. And may God always bless Nigeria!!


Yours sincerely,

Fredrick Endorokeme Owotorufa

INC Presidential Candidate

CEPEJ FELICITATE WITH PROF OKABA OVER HIS ELECTION AS INC PRESIDENT


CEPEJ FELICITATE WITH PROF OKABA OVER HIS ELECTION AS INC PRESIDENT


The Board of Trustees and Management of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, have rejoiced with Professor Benjamin Okaba on his election as the President of Ijaw National Congress, INC.


In a statement issued on behalf of CEPEJ in Warri on Friday April 30, 2021, its National Coordinator and CEO, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff said the election of the Delta born Professor of Sociology as the INC President was a demonstration of his integrity in Ijaw Nation.


Comrade Mulade who is the Ibe-Seremowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom of Warri South West LGA of Delta State, noted that the NGO looks forward to collaborating with the INC for the good of Ijaw Nation, the Niger Delta Region and Nigeria at large.


While pledging CEPEJ's support for Prof. Okaba and his team, Comrade Mulade charged him to use his position as the President of foremost INC to address critical national issues such as those of insecurity, decay in the nation's educational infrastructure, as well as economic downturn in the Niger Delta Region.


Prof. Benjamin Okaba is the Editor-in-Chief of the Peace and Environment Africa Journal, a CEPEJ's academic publication. He was the pioneer Chairman of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, SPSP, Delta State Chapter. He is a Professor of Sociology at the Federal University, Otueke, Bayelsa State.


CEPEJ's vision is to be the foremost NGO in the world which helps to promote and protect fundamental human rights, the Rule of Law, environmental justice and peaceful dialogue towards achieving sustainable development through improved living conditions for Nigerians particularly Niger Deltans and other Africans in a sustainable and peaceful environment.


The Center for Peace and Environmental Justice is committed to developing a coalition of local, national and international leaders, as well as organizations to address critical issues of governance, peace and security, development and environmental sustainability in Africa. The NGO advocates the use of non-violence as the best approach to resolving and managing conflicts.


CEPEJ sets agenda for development discourses through research, media advocacy, workshops, seminars, town hall meetings, peace rallies, livelihood assessment sessions, peace-building, capacity building training programmes for both community women and youths, partnership with government, other NGOs and community development organizations and or agencies. It organizes brainstorming sessions where local and global environment and security issues are discussed.

Owotorufa Congratulates Okaba on election victory, Commends Gov. Diri for been neutral


Owotorufa Congratulates Okaba on election victory, Commends Gov. Diri for been neutral 


IZON OTU ADOO!


My dear Prof. Benjamin Ogele Okaba:


I wish to congratulate you, my brother, on your victory at the recently concluded election into the most important office of Ijaw National Congress (INC). I wish you and your team a successful tenure.


To my teeming supporters from all over the world who invested time, funds and prayers in my aspiration to serve the Ijaw Nation as President of INC, please accept my heartfelt gratitude. I also want to extend appreciation to the various delegates, elders and leaders of thought who believed in me and cheerfully gave me their votes. 


The outcome of the election is the wish of God.


I deeply appreciate the government of Bayelsa State for maintaining a respectable distance throughout the period of the election, to allow the process to enjoy ample independence. I note with great joy, the impartial role and the genuine steps taken to produce an acceptable result notwithstanding obvious challenges. I also thank the commitment and patriotism of the Electoral Committee (ELECO).


The election offered useful lessons and insights that have given me a better understanding of the Ijaw people and our style of politics. 


I believe strongly, that as we advance into the world of technology, our electoral processes and procedures will develop and deepen alongside and become better than what was experienced today. 


May the good Lord continue protect, preserve and bless the Izon nation and her peoples. And may God always bless Nigeria!!


Yours sincerely,

Fredrick Endorokeme Owotorufa

INC Presidential Candidate