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Alabo: Amaechi Knocks Wike, Bayelsa, Govt Fill Void With Large Contingent At Funeral

Published

4 years ago

September 10, 2022

Editor

…Dame Jonathan, Diri, Science Minister, Sara-Igbe, Others Pay Last Respect

…TOG An Incredible Gift To Ijaw, Nigeria – Diri

Former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, could not hide his displeasure over the indifference of Governor Nyesom Wike and the Rivers state government to the funeral of Alabo Tamunotenyim Omubo Graham-Douglas (TOG) as the four times federal minister who died at 83 was laid to rest Saturday in Abonnema, Akuku Toru Local Government Area.

Governor Wike, his Deputy and daughter of Kalabari Kingdom, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo were conspicuously absent and no representation announced for the Rivers State Government as activities marking the burial of TOG of climaxed at his home town with a requiem service before his remains were interred.

Amaechi, Wike’s predecessor, in his moment to remark among other dignitaries on the eventful life and times of Alabo Graham-Douglas (TOG) said by his immense contributions to nation building, Rivers in particular, TOG, Head of Orubibi Douglas War Canoe House deserved a state burial.

He said, “When I became governor, he (TOG) was one of the first key figures and leaders I visited. Alabo and I spoke on ends on how to move the state forward.

“Indeed going by the contributions he made to the state, I was thinking that the state would take responsibility for everything concerning Alabo. You don’t need to be Governor to be recognised.

“Alabo played a very important role in making Rufus Ada George governor of Rivers. We came to thank him here in Abonnema when Ada George became governor. And he (TOG) was arguably one of the best dressed Rivers man until his death.”

Whatever imagined void created by absence of the Rivers State Government was, however, filled by the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen Douyi Diri who let a large contingent from his state to “celebrate greatness” in TOG in the words of Diri.

Diri said, “TOG was a colossus. We are all here to pay our last respect to this incredible man. We are not here to mourn, but to celebrate greatness. I’m deeply honoured to be part of the gathering.

“TOG represents the very important symbol and voice, highlighting the issues and importance of our corporate existence as a country and as an ethnic (Ijaw) nationality.

“Myself and the Government of Bayelsa thank the Graham-Douglas family and the people of Abonnema for the incredible gift that TOG was to the Ijaw nation and to Nigeria at large. It is remarkable to note that throughout his service to the nation, he left indelible imprint as an administrative and innovative genius.

“Whereas he is a staunch and patriotic Nigerian, he will wear the Ijaw ethnic identity with great pride. And what defines a people, their language and mode of dressing. Today I dress, though lowly, like Alabo Graham-Douglas, representing the Ijaw ethnic nationality. We would always remember him as a man of integrity who embodied the principals and values of our forbearers.”

Prof Benjamin Okaba, President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), celebrated TOG as, “A man who stood out from the crowd, a crusader for Ijaw Kingdom with an impeccable record of excellence. Ijaw nation is mourning because we are passing through perilous times and we needed Alabo to be with us at this time. Alabo is somebody we need to study. He was a leader of Ijaw nation.”

The International Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge in the funeral sermon, themed, ‘Why Do We Have Life’ said “the essence was to follow the word of God and to please Him, urging the congregation to keep commitment to at all times to liviing aright before their maker as everyone who bid farewell to life on earth.”

Among others present to pay last respect were Rtd Maj Gen Ike Nwachukwu, former Petroleum Minister, Odein Ajumogoba (SAN), Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, former 1st Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, widow of TOG, Muriel Graham-Douglas and Ikechukwu Ikoh Minister of Science and Technology.

Semabo Graham-Douglas, eldest son, was thankful to dignitaries from far and near who graced the occasion.

VANGUARD

Related Topics:Alabo Amaechi Bayelsa Diri Rivers Wike

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Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

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Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.