Tuesday 14 December 2010
Following reports of a full-scale military invasion of Ayakoromo, a federated community along River Forcados in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, we dispatched three separate teams to the community in company with respected International human right bodies and the media to ascertain the truth.
Ayakoromo, an autonomous city-state is about 25 nautical miles from the oil city of Warri. By the 1991 population census, Ayakoromo recorded a head count of 41,204 persons. The community occupies a stretch of the Forcados River and part of its estuary.
These high population and geographical expanse confer on Ayakoromo, the melting pot of commercial and socio-political activities; and a high-way of contact among communities in the Western Niger Delta. Her citizens have attained a high- level of professional strength and exposure in various fields of human endeavour.
The indigenes who speak the Ijaw language engage in productive activities such as fishing, farming, canoe carving, masonry, trading and local gin distillery. Ayakoromo is the home of the Catholic Faith in Ijawland. Besides, its huge catholic population, it has produced the highest number of catholic priests among Ijaw communities in Nigeria. The people are sociable and hospitable.
In 2004, some misguided youths led by one John Togo terrorized the community and its neighbours. He was consequently outlawed and ostracized by Ayakoromo community. Later that year, John Togo was arrested in Port Harcourt and detained at the David Ejoor Barracks, Warri. But for reasons best known to the authorities, John Togo without trial after more than 2 years in detention was freed.
He subsequently became part of the militancy in the Niger Delta. John Togo accepted amnesty offered by Late President Umaru Yar’Adua in 2009. The post-amnesty programme transformed most of the militants into emperors, among who was John Togo. He suddenly became a close ally of the Federal Government and it’s Military.
This was displayed in John Togo’s farm-camp; about 3 miles from Ayakoromo town where military officers dined and wined daily with him. With this you can easily decipher why the harmless and defenseless citizens cannot challenge the now heavily-armed militant called John Togo.
Why John Togo recently backed out from the amnesty programme is a secret between the Federal Government, its military and the man himself. On several occasions, the community leaders provided the military with information at the David Ejoor Barracks, yet the military did not act decisively.
This was also confirmed by the JTF Commander, Major-General Charles Omoregie in his interviews with the press. (eg The Nation of Sunday December 5th 2010 and Sun Rise Daily programme of Channels TV of Tuesday 7th December, 2010.)
Ladies and gentlemen, what placed Ayakoromo community in the anvil for hammering on that fateful 1st December, 2010 was spine-chilling to say the least. Although, for days, speculations were rife of an imminent invasion of the community by the military in search of John Togo; many never believed it would happen because John Togo neither had a camp nor a living house in the town.
John Togo for over two years never lived in the town. The military knows where John Togo’s camps are – they are far away from the community. JOHN TOGO OR HIS FOLLOWERS NEVER FLED INTO AYAKOROMO OR USED IT AS A SHIELD THAT VERY DAY OF THE ATTACK.
At about 12noon that day, soldiers in more than 10 gun boats started shooting indiscriminately from the western fringe of the town. In less than 20 minutes after the gun boats were seen, 4 jet- fighters from the Warri axis emerged and started shelling the community. From the eastern end of the community landed heavy artillery with grenade launchers and other sophisticated weapons.
It was a thoroughly-planned and mobilized punitive expedition that is only intended to achieve a genocidal purpose! At the end of the day about 51 persons were confirmed dead. Over 500 persons sustained injuries of various degrees. What was left of the community after the bombardments were corpses in their pool of blood and ashes: Over 200 buildings in the community also went down in rubbles!
Not done! The following day, 2nd December, 2010 the soldiers came back, looting, raping, and burning down every house in the community especially in the Community Reserved Area (CRA). After looting, each house was set ablaze. WERE ALL THESE REALLY IN SEARCH OF A RENEGADE MILITANT WHO WAS NEVER NEAR THE TOWN?
By our last count, 15 children, 11 women and 25 men have been confirmed dead. Over 100 persons have been declared missing. And over 10,000 persons have been displaced. They have become refugees in Ughelli, Warri, Ogbe-Ijoh, Bomadi, Burutu, Gbekebor, Obotebe and some communities in Bayelsa State while some are held hostage in Ngbilebiri Primary School compound in Ayakoromo. In anticipation of the visit by human rights bodies, the soldiers hurriedly forced the hostages to dig mass graves at different locations in the community and buried some of the corpses while some were carried to a waiting gun boat and taken away. Among these lot were Pa Yeigagha; a 72-year old blind and retired headmaster who could not run was roasted alive in his own house; Mama Alina Emolade, 97-year old; in a bid to escape from the invasion, got trapped and paralyzed in both legs in the swampy forest. She was later found and carried to a hospital in Warri but died the next day. The ‘Amaokosuowei’ (the oldest man in Ayakoromo), Pa Emone Tuedon, 119-year old, was shot in the leg by soldiers and is currently recuperating in a hospital in Warri. Some casualties are still in coma in various hospitals in Warri. Some may face permanent disabilities, while others might eventually be sent to their early graves.
Surely, we are at a loss finding a correlation between searching for criminals and the heartless massacre of defenseless and harmless children, women and men by a supposedly-responsible government. No civilized military in the world will invade its own territory, kill, maim indigenes and raze down houses of innocent citizens under the guise of arresting a criminal.
Every professional army with the awesome intelligence at its disposal, even in war-torn territories will not take to this barbarity because every military expedition is guided by operational directives or rules of engagement e.g the protection of the life of the innocent. In this case, it is heart-rending to note that a military that committed such enormous tragedy rushed to the press in order to mislead the public and the presidency; and prevented the media from getting on-the-scene reports. It is spurious and laughable for the JTF to claim that all the children, old women and men of over 70 years casualties were militants; even the oldest man in the community. Is the house of the father of a Texas-based Rev. Fr. Mathias Selemobiri a militant camp? What about the houses of Late (Pa) T. O. Onduku (JP) and Mr. S. K. Kokole (a retired head of personnel management in Delta State), were these militant camps or were they on the coast line? What about the Customary Court, the Post Office, the Health Centre, were they all militant camps? The issue that all of them were burnt down begs for answers! If we believe in the omniscience of God, we shall one day face the consequences of our treachery! Governance has really failed in Nigeria. How do we build the faith of our growing children in the Nigerian project when lies have become our national watchword! It is on record that Obasanjo burnt down Odi and Odioma; Yar’Adua burnt down Gbaramatu Kingdom and now, President Goodluck Jonathan is making history with Ayakoromo community.
We hold the Federal Government of Nigeria and particularly the National Security Agency (NSA) under President Goodluck Jonathan and National Security Adviser, General Owoeye Azazi (rtd) respectively, responsible for the tragedy that has befallen Ayakoromo community. Our generation and generations yet unborn will not forget or forgive them. This is because we thought the prejudice demonstrated against the Niger Delta people has gone for good with this dispensation. The policy of suppression, exploitation and oppression of the weak Niger Delta people has been defined by race and power. Power really has blinded even our brothers! It has been the collective dream of every Ijaw man for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to be the next elected President of Nigeria, but by allowing the JTF to trespass his executive responsibility as Commander-in-Chief and his attendant ominous silence after the massacre, he has betrayed us. We are truly disappointed in Mr. President’s silence over the massacre. We assure him, Mr. President and General Azazi that they may rule as long as God permits but AYAKOROMO COMMUNITY WILL RISE AGAIN AND OUTLIVE THEM!
Wednesday 8 December 2010
The campaign held at the popular Amarata football field was hijacked by the thugs, which led to injuries sustained by mostly women and few men before it was contained by the loyalist of the Congress for Progressive Change.
Though there was a heavy presence of the police at the rally, but they were unable to handle the situation until loyalist of the CPC governorship candidate, Famous Daunemighan marched the thugs and over power them to ensure the continuation of the programme.
The leader of the thugs was thoroughly beaten up before he was handed over to the police.
Unconfirmed sources averred that the planned attack to disrupt the rally by the thugs could be traced to some politicians in the state.
The CPC Presidential candidate, Buhari was unperturbed by the action of the thugs, but he and his entourage, as well as the governorship candidate were calm, as they sat at the extreme end of the campaign ground.
In his address, Buhari said he was impressed by the turn out of party supporters; and charged them to register when the Independent National Electoral Commission begins registration exercise in the country.
“Ensure your votes count. All our slogans towards positive change in the country would not materialize unless we do these things,” he said.
He said the CPC was aware of the problems of confronting the country and would bring a positive change, whereby security of all Nigerian would be enthrone to enable the citizenry pursue their legal business.
The former president who did not refer to the attack that had briefly disrupted the rally, said he would tackle indiscipline and corruption
Buhari averred that if voted as president, he would ensure that jobs are created for Nigerians, revamp the railway, airport and the shipping line operation, as well as evolve a scheme that would provide housing for the masses.
He, however, handed the party registration card to Daunemigha, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party and special adviser to the Bayelsa State Governor on mobilization, to formally welcome him to the CPC.
Responding, Daunemigha averred that he and his supporters would not be scared or intimidated, as they have mapped out and inroad for the overall development and positive change that would promote human and physical growth and prosperity of the state.
Meanwhile, The Bayelsa Government has condemned the action carried out by the miscreant to that almost disrupt the rally, but for the intervention of the CPC loyalist, even as they regretted that the governor, being the chief security officer of the state should be in the know of the rally.
The statement reads: We condemn this act with every force at our command; we are at a loss as to why neither Buhari nor his managers thought it fit to inform the State Government of his campaign visit to Bayelsa. As a former Head of State, protocol demands that the State Government be in the know.
The government expressed displeasure that Governor Timipre Sylva was only informed about General Buhari’s visit only after the unfortunate incident at the rally ground.
“We consider this improper. Irrespective of differences in political party affiliation, the general and his party have to acknowledge the fact that there is a sitting governor in the state”.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
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| BARR. GEORGE OMBEH |
Barr. Ombeh who hails from Ekeremor in Ekeremor Local Government Area stated this in a round table discussion with newsmen at his campaign office along Captain Ayeni Street, Kpansia in Yenagoa the state capital.
He noted that to provide a business friendly environment and reposition the state's civil service as well as public office holders for partnership with the private sector to create a self sustaining economy independent of oil and gas informed his aspiration to be in Creek Haven in 2011.
He further noted that his manifesto would be aligned with the Federal Government's 7-point agenda to ensure economic development, human capital development and sustainable peace and security.
What Bayelsa needs at the moment, he said, is a leader who is capable to re-orient the mindset of the people towards hard work, industry, investment, accountability and transparency so as to cope effectively with post oil and gas era.
Barr. Ombeh who is currently the Government Relations Advisor in the Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) department of Chevron Nigeria Limited said “I have a burden in my heart because I see a big gap between the Bayelsa today and the Bayelsa of twenty-five years to come when oil and gas will be no more”.
Rather than running after money, the politician urged Bayelsans to vote a man like him who is visionary and has the leadership qualities to take the state to greater heights.
He reposed confidence in the one-man-one-vote being authored by President Jonathan, adding that the President should be supported and commended for his effort towards ensuring free, fair and credible elections in 2011.
He also thanked the national leadership of the People's Democratic Party as well as INEC for annulling the illegally constituted Bayelsa state exco of the PDP, pointing out that the development shows the readiness of the electoral authorities to conduct acceptable polls in next year's general elections.
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| HON. FRED EKIYEGHA |
The campaign organization of Hon. Fred Ekiyegha, a governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State Sunday stormed Amassoma town in Southern Ijaw LGA to garner support for the aspirant.
On arrival, the campaign team rallied round the riverine community amidst campaign songs which attracted hundreds of people as they eventually converged at the Government Secondary Field.
Addressing the crowd, Assistant Director of the Hon Fred Ekiyegha campaign organization, Hon Endley Ngobowerighe expressed satisfaction over the large turn out of the people, stressing that it indicated their acceptability of the choice of Ekiyegha as next governor of the state.
The Assistant Director described Hon Ekiyegha as a tested and proven politician, noted that as the first Sagbama Federal Constituency delegate to the defunct 1988/89 Constituency Assembly, Hon Ekiyegha moved several people oriented motions that brought development to the state.
While calling on the people to support the gubernatorial aspirant, the Assistant Campaign Director said all Bayelsans would have a sense of pride and belonging if they vote Hon. Ekiyegha as governor of the state in 2011.
“The disgraceful educational system will be revamped, all the senatorial roads will be completed, clean drinking water will be provided, micro-finance banks will be established in all LGAs to link the micro-economy to the macro-economy, and there will be massive rural transformation to create conducive living condition for the people if Ekiyegha is voted to power” He said.
If given the mandate to serve, he said Hon Ekiyegha would also lay emphases on economic development and employment generation, the health institutions as well as electricity supply.
Community and youth leaders, representatives of different social-political groups also spoke, lending their total support for Hon Fred Ekiyegha in the 2011 governorship election in the state.
Wednesday 17 November 2010
CIVIL SOCIETY group, Niger Delta Development Monitoring and Corporate Watch (NIDDEMCOW) says the worrisome acts of terrorism in Bayelsa State, the home state of President Goodluck Jonathan, could trigger a state of emergency in the area.
The Executive Director of the group, Nengi James, in an on-line statement to AkanimoReports on Monday claimed that ''desperate power seekers’’ are bent on plunging the state into a deeper violent crisis.
They were speaking against the backdrop of incessant bombing of targeted politicians’ houses as uncertainties mount over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) electoral tickets.
James said the group strongly condemned the incessant attacks on the country homes of prominent Bayelsa indigenes. Their condemnation is coming on the heels of the recent attack of the country home of Timi Alaibe, Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs at Opokuma town in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
According to them, ''before now, there have been attacks on the homes of Edmund Daukoru, the Speaker, of the state House of Assembly, Nestor Binabo, Rufus Abadi, (Major) Adigio, Amalatei Turner, a royal father, Waripamowei Dudafa, former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi and Reginald Dede''.
While warning that a groundwork is being laid for an emergency rule in the state, they urged the Timipre Sylva administration to urgently identify the causative motives of the attackers adding, the duty of
government is to protect lives and property of citizens''.
NIDDEMCOW said they are of the view that the way of violence in the oil and gas region, is for government to frontally tackle the problem of youth unemployment and a remodification of the Amnesty Programme as well as the implementation of the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee report.
''These measures are very vital for peace to reign in the Niger Delta '', the group said, and accordingly called on government and the security agencies to live up to their expectations.
Continuing, they said, ''these attacks are coming barely few months to the 2011 general elections. It is surprising that politicians in Bayelsa, President Jonathan's home state, are not playing the game according to the rules and without rancor and acrimony''
The Executive Director of the group, Nengi James, in an on-line statement to AkanimoReports on Monday claimed that ''desperate power seekers’’ are bent on plunging the state into a deeper violent crisis.
They were speaking against the backdrop of incessant bombing of targeted politicians’ houses as uncertainties mount over the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) electoral tickets.
James said the group strongly condemned the incessant attacks on the country homes of prominent Bayelsa indigenes. Their condemnation is coming on the heels of the recent attack of the country home of Timi Alaibe, Special Adviser to President Jonathan on Niger Delta Affairs at Opokuma town in the Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
According to them, ''before now, there have been attacks on the homes of Edmund Daukoru, the Speaker, of the state House of Assembly, Nestor Binabo, Rufus Abadi, (Major) Adigio, Amalatei Turner, a royal father, Waripamowei Dudafa, former Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi and Reginald Dede''.
While warning that a groundwork is being laid for an emergency rule in the state, they urged the Timipre Sylva administration to urgently identify the causative motives of the attackers adding, the duty of
government is to protect lives and property of citizens''.
NIDDEMCOW said they are of the view that the way of violence in the oil and gas region, is for government to frontally tackle the problem of youth unemployment and a remodification of the Amnesty Programme as well as the implementation of the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee report.
''These measures are very vital for peace to reign in the Niger Delta '', the group said, and accordingly called on government and the security agencies to live up to their expectations.
Continuing, they said, ''these attacks are coming barely few months to the 2011 general elections. It is surprising that politicians in Bayelsa, President Jonathan's home state, are not playing the game according to the rules and without rancor and acrimony''
Tuesday 16 November 2010
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| JTF |
But the militant leader, the target of the special forces’ invasion of the coastal settlement of Forupa narrowly escaped arrest. He was said to have fled through the mangrove creek following a tip-off by his supposed loyalists. However, soldiers have reportedly taken over his camp as base.
BOF gathered that the military action ordered by the Federal Government against acts of terrorism and resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta which was made public, weekend, may have commenced in the first week of November as men of JTF swooped on the militant camp at Forupa on November 8 leading to the dislodgement of the group allegedly terrorising the community.
It was, however, learnt that the JTF met stiff resistance from the camp as they were engaged in exchange of gunfire that lasted about 10 minutes before the militants capitulated to the superior fire power to soldiers.
Two members of the camp were reportedly nabbed by the JTF which also discovered unspecified number of arms, a 3d seismic programme map used in tracking routes of oil pipelines in the area as well as list of over 36 registered members of the group.
According to a statement by the Commander of JTF, Major-General Charles Omoregie, other items recovered at the camp include, identification cards of five militants supposed to have also allegedly embraced the amnesty programme.
The camp, reportedly opened last year by ”Commander Noukeme” was located at the Corpers’ Lodge and medical facility in the area allegedly seized by the group.
The JTF Commander, in the statement stressed that the military action became imperative following the incessant complaints by indigenes of the troubled Foropa community on the atrocities of the group.
“Keiti Sese alias Commander Nomukeme “mad man” had indeed, become a thorn in the flesh of Foropa and neighbouring communities,” he added.
But, Keiti Sese, alias ”Commander Nomukeme” in a statement issued from his hide-out and made available to newsmen, weekend, accused JTF of trying to kill him on the alleged orders of some ex-militant leaders benefiting from the alleged huge illegal bunkering business in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
Friday 12 November 2010
The Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State l, has ordered the Joint Task Force (JTF), a special security outfit, and the State Securityn Service (SSS) to stop violating the fundamental human rights of Nengi James, a community and public accountability activist.
James had gone to the court, praying it to shield him from alleged acts of impunity by security agents. The court also ruled that Victor Eziogu, an Army Colonel, should be restrained from harassing, intimidating and arresting the Niger Delta activist.
The court ordered the SSS, JTF and Eziogu not to infringed on his fundamental human rights any longer.
James had sought the court's intervention to stop the defendants from inviting him or questions and holding him over an alleged illicit oil business by the some principal officers of JTF in the region which he caused to be published in the newspapers.
Ruling on the matter, Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court Yenagoa restrained the security agents from further invitation, interrogations and arrest of the Mr. Nengi James.
James had accused the SSS, JTF and Eziogu of involving in illegal oil deal in the region, adding that the said commanders had acquired a dredging machine in Brass River.
He equally called on defense Headquarter and other relevant agencies to investigate the allegation level against on the officers but, the security operatives invited the activist for defense of his claims to their office, which the activists declined and went into hiding for the fairs of possible arrest and detention.
Several phone calls were put through by the security operatives inviting Mr. James for defense on the allegation.
Counsel to petitioner, Makbere Osom Jacob, on Wednesday expressed delight on the judgment and lauded the judiciary for its intelligent and maturity in handling the matter before it.
Speaking to BOF shortly after the ruling, the plaintiff a former acting president of IYC lauded the judiciary for upholding justices in the country, described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
He claimed that he went to court to seek for legal protection because the security operatives had in the past tortured detained and arrested him in Port Harcourt and Abuja for similar matter, adding that during the days of his hiding, his fundamental Rights were violated as his freedom of movement; associations and fair hearing were infringed.
James had gone to the court, praying it to shield him from alleged acts of impunity by security agents. The court also ruled that Victor Eziogu, an Army Colonel, should be restrained from harassing, intimidating and arresting the Niger Delta activist.
The court ordered the SSS, JTF and Eziogu not to infringed on his fundamental human rights any longer.
James had sought the court's intervention to stop the defendants from inviting him or questions and holding him over an alleged illicit oil business by the some principal officers of JTF in the region which he caused to be published in the newspapers.
Ruling on the matter, Justice R. M. Aikawa of the Federal High Court Yenagoa restrained the security agents from further invitation, interrogations and arrest of the Mr. Nengi James.
James had accused the SSS, JTF and Eziogu of involving in illegal oil deal in the region, adding that the said commanders had acquired a dredging machine in Brass River.
He equally called on defense Headquarter and other relevant agencies to investigate the allegation level against on the officers but, the security operatives invited the activist for defense of his claims to their office, which the activists declined and went into hiding for the fairs of possible arrest and detention.
Several phone calls were put through by the security operatives inviting Mr. James for defense on the allegation.
Counsel to petitioner, Makbere Osom Jacob, on Wednesday expressed delight on the judgment and lauded the judiciary for its intelligent and maturity in handling the matter before it.
Speaking to BOF shortly after the ruling, the plaintiff a former acting president of IYC lauded the judiciary for upholding justices in the country, described the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
He claimed that he went to court to seek for legal protection because the security operatives had in the past tortured detained and arrested him in Port Harcourt and Abuja for similar matter, adding that during the days of his hiding, his fundamental Rights were violated as his freedom of movement; associations and fair hearing were infringed.
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Bayelsa State has demanded for full scale investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack on the country home of Chief Timi Alaibe, Special Adviser to the presidency on Niger Delta Affairs in Opokuma, Kolga.
The political atmosphere in the state was thrown into confusion following reports in the early hours of today that the country home of the presidential aide in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area was shattered by a bomb explosion.
The former Niger Delta Development Commission boss was said to be at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when the incident occurred but was expected to visit the country home by Sunday.
In a text message to BOF acting chairman of ACN in the state, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina condemned the attack describing the incident as a dastardly act perpetrated to achieve selfish agenda.
Ebikibina made it clear that the attack on the residence of the former NDDC boss was quite barbaric, in human and cowardly to destabilize the presidential aide who is working assiduously to reposition the Niger Delta Area.
He noted that the incident manifested after the attack of oil installations being operated by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Osisiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The party Chief wondered why such incidents are going on in the state despite the heavy presence of military operatives and the unveiling or operation Famutangbe outfit by the state government.
He maintained that the growing insecurity problem that has characterized the state is quite disheartening and unacceptable to the people of the state and asked for thorough investigations to indentify culprits in the interest of peace.
The political atmosphere in the state was thrown into confusion following reports in the early hours of today that the country home of the presidential aide in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area was shattered by a bomb explosion.
The former Niger Delta Development Commission boss was said to be at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja when the incident occurred but was expected to visit the country home by Sunday.
In a text message to BOF acting chairman of ACN in the state, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina condemned the attack describing the incident as a dastardly act perpetrated to achieve selfish agenda.
Ebikibina made it clear that the attack on the residence of the former NDDC boss was quite barbaric, in human and cowardly to destabilize the presidential aide who is working assiduously to reposition the Niger Delta Area.
He noted that the incident manifested after the attack of oil installations being operated by the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) at Osisiama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.
The party Chief wondered why such incidents are going on in the state despite the heavy presence of military operatives and the unveiling or operation Famutangbe outfit by the state government.
He maintained that the growing insecurity problem that has characterized the state is quite disheartening and unacceptable to the people of the state and asked for thorough investigations to indentify culprits in the interest of peace.
Thursday 11 November 2010
Following the booing and stoning of Governor Timipre Sylva at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium in Yenagoa during the civic reception of President Goodluck Jonathan to Bayelsa State, two Epie youths and one Ijaw had been arrested and arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa .
Toremeye Fibi (male) 37 years, Ukalizeb Bernard (male) 28 years and Beneyi Blackie Best (male) 30 years were Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa on a two-count charge.
In the case with charge No FHG/YNG/252010, the prosecuting counsel Mr. Henry A. Ogbeiwi is accusing the three suspects to have attempted to remove from office the governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva and thereby committed what he described as treasonably felony.
The prosecuting counsel also charged the suspects to have attempted to compel the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to change his attitude and have negative opinion about the governor of Bayelsa State.
The two-count charge sheet reads in part: “that you Toremeye Fibi, Ukalizebe Bernard, Beniyi Blackie Best and others at large on the 22nd day of October, 2010 at Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovom, Yenagoa did conspire to commit felony, to wit: Treasonable felony, by forming an intension to remove during the term of office other than by constitutional means Governor Timipre Sylva as the Governor of Bayelsa State.
“To compel by intimidation the President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to change his measure, council, attitude and have negative opinion about the governor of Bayelsa State.
“And you manifested such intension by stoning the governor of Bayelsa with stones, dangerous weapons, and sachet of pure water in order to discredit the governor's administration and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
However, BOF reports that the three suspects all pleaded not guilty of the criminal allegations leveled against them.
The presiding Judge, Justice R. M. Aikawa therefore adjourned the case to 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th of December, 2010 for accelerated hearing.
Meanwhile, BOF checks had revealed that two out of the three suspects are natives of Azikoro Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
One of them, we gathered, is the Youth President of Azikoro Community and a staunch supporter of Mr. Petterson Ogon, an Epie-born PDP aspirant vying for the Yenagoa Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
We also learnt that the embattled Azikoro Youth President is opposed to the second term bid of Hon. Alfred Egba of Attisa Kingdom who now represents the Yenagoa constituency I, arguing that it was the turn of Epie to produce a candidate for the 2011 election into the Yenagoa constituency I based on the 'political arrangement' between the Epie/Attisan Kingdoms.
Our checks also revealed that one of the three suspects from Ekeremor Local Government Area is a relation of a governorship aspirant under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, Mr. Famous Daunemigha who is known to be a political critic of the governor Sylva- led administration.
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have continued to trail the ugly incident that occurred penultimate Friday 22nd October , 2010 at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium where the Bayelsa state Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva was booed and stoned by Bayelsans during the civic reception of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Since the event, different people had been making comments on what might have caused the people's action which brought national humiliation to the state governor While some are pointing accusing fingers at political opponents, others have blamed the incident on members of the organizing committee set up for the reception of the President, stating that they used the funds to enrich themselves without carrying the youths along.
Yet others have described the attack on the governor as the joy of democracy where the masses are free to protest against bad governance. First to comment on the incident were two ex-militant leaders in Bayelsa state, namely Africanus Ukparasia and Eric Paul a.k.a Ogunbus.
Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa, Ogunbus who described the incident as a shame to Bayelsa, indicted the organizing committee for the president's visit for failing to make judicious use of the funds given to them but rather bought expensive cars for themselves. Prior to the presidential visit, Ogunbus revealed that over three hundred youths from different areas of the state had matched to the Government House to show their concern for participation during the visit but were not given attention.
The ex-freedom fighter also alleged that some politicians sponsored the youths to perpetrate act against the governor.
While condemning the action, Ogunbus stated that even though Bayelsans feel that the governor had not done well, they should have used dialogue to express their grievances.
He called on the Federal Government to reprimand the National Security Adviser and asked the Director, State Security Service to resign immediately.
Also speaking, another ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia accused two governorship aspirants and a serving legislator in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to have sponsored the act, describing them as desperate politicians.
“We are not going to take this again. We are going to set up “anti desperate politicians' squad if such incident re-occurs in the state” He warned.
But in its reaction, the Action Congress of Nigerian (ACN), which is the only opposition voice in the state said what happened at the Samson Siasia sports stadium had vindicated the party on its constructive criticism over the non-performance of the Sylva-led administration
.
Speaking through its Acting Chairman, Comrade Miriki Ebikibina, the party stressed that the actions of Bayelsans during the president's visit was the true reflection of their minds towards a failed government, adding that nobody was sponsored to carried out the act as being claimed by government officials in the state.
Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Bayelsa Youth Leaders Forum has tendered an unreserved apology to President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa state over the assaults on the later during the former's visit to the state.
Briefing journalists in Yenagoa, the group led by its coordinator, Mr. Egba Claudius claimed that political opponents of the governor manipulated some youths to perpetrate the act, urging Bayelsan youths to be wary of such politicians.
But in disagreement with that claim, the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYC) said it was not true that some youths were manipulated to assault the governor
.
Speaking through its Assistant Social Secretary, Asiagbe Princess Sarah who was also at the briefing, NYC recounted that the assault on the Governor only started from one point and spread across the whole crowd.
Her words: “I disagree with you that anybody was manipulated to perpetrate the act.
“I and my colleagues were all there. It started from one direction and spread all over the whole place. We could not bear it any longer, so we left. It was that shameful. We should only apologize on behalf of the youths of Bayelsa state”.
It could be recalled that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva was booed and stoned by the crowd penultimate Friday during the civil reception of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Samson Siasia Sport Stadium in yenagoa.
Toremeye Fibi (male) 37 years, Ukalizeb Bernard (male) 28 years and Beneyi Blackie Best (male) 30 years were Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa on a two-count charge.
In the case with charge No FHG/YNG/252010, the prosecuting counsel Mr. Henry A. Ogbeiwi is accusing the three suspects to have attempted to remove from office the governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva and thereby committed what he described as treasonably felony.
The prosecuting counsel also charged the suspects to have attempted to compel the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to change his attitude and have negative opinion about the governor of Bayelsa State.
The two-count charge sheet reads in part: “that you Toremeye Fibi, Ukalizebe Bernard, Beniyi Blackie Best and others at large on the 22nd day of October, 2010 at Samson Siasia Stadium, Ovom, Yenagoa did conspire to commit felony, to wit: Treasonable felony, by forming an intension to remove during the term of office other than by constitutional means Governor Timipre Sylva as the Governor of Bayelsa State.
“To compel by intimidation the President of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to change his measure, council, attitude and have negative opinion about the governor of Bayelsa State.
“And you manifested such intension by stoning the governor of Bayelsa with stones, dangerous weapons, and sachet of pure water in order to discredit the governor's administration and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Act CAP C38 laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004”.
However, BOF reports that the three suspects all pleaded not guilty of the criminal allegations leveled against them.
The presiding Judge, Justice R. M. Aikawa therefore adjourned the case to 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th and 8th of December, 2010 for accelerated hearing.
Meanwhile, BOF checks had revealed that two out of the three suspects are natives of Azikoro Community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
One of them, we gathered, is the Youth President of Azikoro Community and a staunch supporter of Mr. Petterson Ogon, an Epie-born PDP aspirant vying for the Yenagoa Constituency I in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
We also learnt that the embattled Azikoro Youth President is opposed to the second term bid of Hon. Alfred Egba of Attisa Kingdom who now represents the Yenagoa constituency I, arguing that it was the turn of Epie to produce a candidate for the 2011 election into the Yenagoa constituency I based on the 'political arrangement' between the Epie/Attisan Kingdoms.
Our checks also revealed that one of the three suspects from Ekeremor Local Government Area is a relation of a governorship aspirant under the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the state, Mr. Famous Daunemigha who is known to be a political critic of the governor Sylva- led administration.
Meanwhile, mixed reactions have continued to trail the ugly incident that occurred penultimate Friday 22nd October , 2010 at the Samson Siasia Sports Stadium where the Bayelsa state Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva was booed and stoned by Bayelsans during the civic reception of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Since the event, different people had been making comments on what might have caused the people's action which brought national humiliation to the state governor While some are pointing accusing fingers at political opponents, others have blamed the incident on members of the organizing committee set up for the reception of the President, stating that they used the funds to enrich themselves without carrying the youths along.
Yet others have described the attack on the governor as the joy of democracy where the masses are free to protest against bad governance. First to comment on the incident were two ex-militant leaders in Bayelsa state, namely Africanus Ukparasia and Eric Paul a.k.a Ogunbus.
Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa, Ogunbus who described the incident as a shame to Bayelsa, indicted the organizing committee for the president's visit for failing to make judicious use of the funds given to them but rather bought expensive cars for themselves. Prior to the presidential visit, Ogunbus revealed that over three hundred youths from different areas of the state had matched to the Government House to show their concern for participation during the visit but were not given attention.
The ex-freedom fighter also alleged that some politicians sponsored the youths to perpetrate act against the governor.
While condemning the action, Ogunbus stated that even though Bayelsans feel that the governor had not done well, they should have used dialogue to express their grievances.
He called on the Federal Government to reprimand the National Security Adviser and asked the Director, State Security Service to resign immediately.
Also speaking, another ex-militant leader, Africanus Ukparasia accused two governorship aspirants and a serving legislator in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to have sponsored the act, describing them as desperate politicians.
“We are not going to take this again. We are going to set up “anti desperate politicians' squad if such incident re-occurs in the state” He warned.
But in its reaction, the Action Congress of Nigerian (ACN), which is the only opposition voice in the state said what happened at the Samson Siasia sports stadium had vindicated the party on its constructive criticism over the non-performance of the Sylva-led administration
.
Speaking through its Acting Chairman, Comrade Miriki Ebikibina, the party stressed that the actions of Bayelsans during the president's visit was the true reflection of their minds towards a failed government, adding that nobody was sponsored to carried out the act as being claimed by government officials in the state.
Meanwhile, a group under the aegis of Bayelsa Youth Leaders Forum has tendered an unreserved apology to President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa state over the assaults on the later during the former's visit to the state.
Briefing journalists in Yenagoa, the group led by its coordinator, Mr. Egba Claudius claimed that political opponents of the governor manipulated some youths to perpetrate the act, urging Bayelsan youths to be wary of such politicians.
But in disagreement with that claim, the National Youths Council of Nigeria (NYC) said it was not true that some youths were manipulated to assault the governor
.
Speaking through its Assistant Social Secretary, Asiagbe Princess Sarah who was also at the briefing, NYC recounted that the assault on the Governor only started from one point and spread across the whole crowd.
Her words: “I disagree with you that anybody was manipulated to perpetrate the act.
“I and my colleagues were all there. It started from one direction and spread all over the whole place. We could not bear it any longer, so we left. It was that shameful. We should only apologize on behalf of the youths of Bayelsa state”.
It could be recalled that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva was booed and stoned by the crowd penultimate Friday during the civil reception of President Goodluck Jonathan at the Samson Siasia Sport Stadium in yenagoa.
Wednesday 10 November 2010
A senatorial aspirant and former youth leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State Mr. Kikile Dan-Esueme has warned that adoption of candidate, harmonization and consensus option will not be acceptable during the party primaries come 2011.
Kikile who is seeking the Bayelsa central senatorial ticket told BOF in Yenagoa recently that harmonization has never been part of the party's rules emphasizing that it worked in 2007 because of the prevailing political atmosphere in the state.
He predicted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will witness what transpired in 1998 primaries which were hotly contested in all the states of the federation so that qualified candidates would emerge at various levels.
Kikile, a former image maker of the party made it clear that the consciousness of the people have taken a different dimension considering the fact that people are aware of their civic responsibility to the citizens and the duty of the government towards its citizens.
The senatorial hopeful said he is in the race to improve on the level of under representation the people of Bayelsa Central zone have been subjected to and create a new era, for the senate will be a refining moment in the relationship between the people and their representatives.
Kikile explained that his intention is to serve the people having reviewed the politics of the state for three and half years at various levels and considering the dynamics of politics emphasizing that he has been involved in the politics of the state since 1996.
He admitted that though he has not held government position, he participated in the Ambassador Lawrence Egbebu’s transition Committee which produced the economic blue print for Governor Timipre Sylva’s administration in 2007.
The senatorial aspirant who was a legal adviser of the ruling party was of the opinion that his academic background offered him the opportunity to have a working knowledge of different fields. On Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, he described it as a child of circumstances that has managed to stabilize the political environment adding that the president has given a clear indication of according priority to the power sector by launching the power sector roadmap.
Kikile noted that the power sector roadmap has a clear vision of implementation strategies so that by 2011, there will be increase in power generation capacity , strengthening distribution network and power transition network to have less loss transmission.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission the senatorial aspirant was optimistic that Nigerians will witness a better election emphasizing the electorate will determine the success of the process.
Kikile who is seeking the Bayelsa central senatorial ticket told BOF in Yenagoa recently that harmonization has never been part of the party's rules emphasizing that it worked in 2007 because of the prevailing political atmosphere in the state.
He predicted that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will witness what transpired in 1998 primaries which were hotly contested in all the states of the federation so that qualified candidates would emerge at various levels.
Kikile, a former image maker of the party made it clear that the consciousness of the people have taken a different dimension considering the fact that people are aware of their civic responsibility to the citizens and the duty of the government towards its citizens.
The senatorial hopeful said he is in the race to improve on the level of under representation the people of Bayelsa Central zone have been subjected to and create a new era, for the senate will be a refining moment in the relationship between the people and their representatives.
Kikile explained that his intention is to serve the people having reviewed the politics of the state for three and half years at various levels and considering the dynamics of politics emphasizing that he has been involved in the politics of the state since 1996.
He admitted that though he has not held government position, he participated in the Ambassador Lawrence Egbebu’s transition Committee which produced the economic blue print for Governor Timipre Sylva’s administration in 2007.
The senatorial aspirant who was a legal adviser of the ruling party was of the opinion that his academic background offered him the opportunity to have a working knowledge of different fields. On Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency, he described it as a child of circumstances that has managed to stabilize the political environment adding that the president has given a clear indication of according priority to the power sector by launching the power sector roadmap.
Kikile noted that the power sector roadmap has a clear vision of implementation strategies so that by 2011, there will be increase in power generation capacity , strengthening distribution network and power transition network to have less loss transmission.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission the senatorial aspirant was optimistic that Nigerians will witness a better election emphasizing the electorate will determine the success of the process.
Tuesday 9 November 2010
Representatives of Ex-militant leaders in the Niger Delta have warned politicians against heating up the politics. This is just as they condemned attacks on Governor Timipre Sylva, describing the act as unacceptable.
Also, the group called on President Goodluck Jonathan to probe the killings of Late Dele Giwa, the Abuja bomb blast among others and bring the culprit to book to serve as deterrent to others.
Making this known in Yenagoa, the duo of General Paul Eris and General Africa Ukparesia leaders condemn attack on Sylva
Ex-militants leaders have warned politicians against turning Bayelsa state , describing the booing as hurling of objects at Governor Timipre Sylva during a civic reception held in honour of visiting President Goodluck Jonathan as a slap on the nation’s democratic.
Warning against the repeat of what they described as national disgrace and embarrassment General Eris Paul aka Ogunboss and Africa Ukparesia at a press briefing threatened to deal with the sponsors should the act repeat itself again.
Lamenting over the incident, Paul advised politicians to always play the game rule, rather than embarking on character assassination, submitting that Bayelsa state belong to all of them.
His words, :”It was not really palatable , Jonathan had travelled to several states in parts of the country on official visits. We have never seen such incident happened there. I want to say that it is national slap and disgrace ,not only to Bayelsa State but to Nigeria at large.”
This is not the first time that Governor Sylva will be addressing mammoth crowd, while is it now that people decided to embarrass him in front of Mr. President. Some of the so called politicians that occasionally visit the state but used the occasion of Mr. President visit to come could not claim ignorance of the incident.
Most of the youth that participated in the dastardly act put on the vest of some governorship aspirants that tells you who their sponsors are.
Speaking in the same vein, Gen Africanus Ukparasia called on the desperate politicians to desist from such evil act on the Governor.
He advised the alleged politicians to allow the Governor to complete his tenure, rather sponsoring youths to throw stones at him.
The ex-militants leaders, Gen Ukparasia said would partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for a credible election come 2011 and ensure the commission that the campaign for one man, one vote would be put to practice.
Also, the group called on President Goodluck Jonathan to probe the killings of Late Dele Giwa, the Abuja bomb blast among others and bring the culprit to book to serve as deterrent to others.
Making this known in Yenagoa, the duo of General Paul Eris and General Africa Ukparesia leaders condemn attack on Sylva
Ex-militants leaders have warned politicians against turning Bayelsa state , describing the booing as hurling of objects at Governor Timipre Sylva during a civic reception held in honour of visiting President Goodluck Jonathan as a slap on the nation’s democratic.
Warning against the repeat of what they described as national disgrace and embarrassment General Eris Paul aka Ogunboss and Africa Ukparesia at a press briefing threatened to deal with the sponsors should the act repeat itself again.
Lamenting over the incident, Paul advised politicians to always play the game rule, rather than embarking on character assassination, submitting that Bayelsa state belong to all of them.
His words, :”It was not really palatable , Jonathan had travelled to several states in parts of the country on official visits. We have never seen such incident happened there. I want to say that it is national slap and disgrace ,not only to Bayelsa State but to Nigeria at large.”
This is not the first time that Governor Sylva will be addressing mammoth crowd, while is it now that people decided to embarrass him in front of Mr. President. Some of the so called politicians that occasionally visit the state but used the occasion of Mr. President visit to come could not claim ignorance of the incident.
Most of the youth that participated in the dastardly act put on the vest of some governorship aspirants that tells you who their sponsors are.
Speaking in the same vein, Gen Africanus Ukparasia called on the desperate politicians to desist from such evil act on the Governor.
He advised the alleged politicians to allow the Governor to complete his tenure, rather sponsoring youths to throw stones at him.
The ex-militants leaders, Gen Ukparasia said would partner with the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for a credible election come 2011 and ensure the commission that the campaign for one man, one vote would be put to practice.
Sunday 19 September 2010
The continued withholding of the results of the 2010 May/June Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in Bayelsa State by WAEC may scuttle the high education aspiration of the affected students in the state.
The May/June 2010 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination results of all public schools in the state is being withheld by the West African Examination Council WAEC due to the alleged failure of the state government to pay registration fees of its students.
Many worried parents in the capital city have decided to seek clarifications from media houses in the state rather than face officials at the Ministry of Education or school principals.
Branch Controller of the West African Examination Council in Bayelsa State, Mr. Femi Olusola, who confirmed the withholding of the WAEC results of all public schools in the state, blamed the development on debt owed.
According to him, parents and secondary school principals had besieged his office in the past few weeks to make enquires about the delayed results.
Though he did not give the excat amount involved, but informed sources told Vanguard that the Bayelsa State government is owing WAEC about N162milion as registration fees for the May/June examination.
“We usually conduct the exam on credit, but they pay before the results are released. If we continue to conduct exams on credit we might become insolvent,” Olusola said adding that the results would not be released until the government defrays the debt.
“I will appeal to the government to pay because a whole generation of students is affected and they will need the results for admission into universities soon,” he said.
It was however learnt that the government had approved fund for the registration fees for last year but that the ministry was yet to get the cash to pay WAEC.
Though the Commissioner for Education, Chief Josephine Izonbodor could not be reached as at press time but a ministry official who pleaded anonymity said about 15,000 students in public schools were affected. Reacting to the development, the Action Congress Nigeria described the situation as pathetic.
ACN Chairman, Mr. Miriki Ebikibina, said a government that could spend public money on the vanity of peace day celebration had denied its youth access to their examination results.
“It is not just the height of insensitivity of government to the plight of its students, but a deliberate denial of the rights of admission to tertiary institutions,” the ACN lamented.
We can make Bayelsa Better by Voting the right persons come 2011.
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