News

Diri Raises Alarm Over Alleged Threat To Peace In Bayelsa

Published

5 months ago

March 27, 2025

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has raised the alarm about a plot to breach the peace of the state.

Diri, who warned that the state government would not condone any act that would disrupt the peace of the state, advised security commanders, youths, elders and traditional rulers to be on the alert.

He spoke on the issue on Thursday at separate meetings with the Bayelsa Elders Council and at the 37th session of the state security council.

The governor warned that a planned mega rally and inauguration of a group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, was capable of igniting avoidable crisis in the state.

Diri in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, noted that a suspended member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), George Turnah, had been enlisted to create factions in the party in the state.

The governor also stated that holding such event at a time the political crisis in Rivers State had heightened ethnic tensions could degenerate into conflict in the state.

Diri further stated that the alarm was imperative given that the FCT Minister had threatened to cause crisis in PDP-governed states in the country.

He said: “Any attempt to import the Rivers State political crisis into Bayelsa will be resisted.

“I urge security commanders in the state to be on the alert. Parents and traditional rulers should discourage their wards and children from being used by unscrupulous elements to cause trouble in the state.”

Diri, who insisted that the peaceful disposition of the Ijaws should not be misconstrued for cowardice, said the state would not allow a faceless group to foment trouble in Bayelsa, which is the homeland of all Ijaw people.

“As you are aware, we have threats from our sister state. The political crisis there is threatening us and we will not allow what is happening there to come into Bayelsa State.

“We had in our party a renegade, who has decided to form a parallel PDP in Bayelsa State, working with an ex-governor.

“The party in our state suspended him for gross misconduct and for now he is not a member of our party in Bayelsa State.

“He was a part of the kangaroo PDP South South zonal congress that was rejected by the National Working Committee of our party and he is threatening the peace of this state.

“This is not Rivers State. Bayelsa is the cradle of every Ijaw man. I have always said that being peaceful is not cowardice. We are very courageous and we can stand up for the truth at all times.

“Every public facility owned by the Bayelsa State government cannot be used except with the express approval of the state government.”

The governor enjoined the people to continue to maintain the prevailing peace in the state in order to sustain its development.

At the meeting with the elders council, the governor assured the elders of judicious use of the state’s resources.

Responding to the electricity situation in the state, Diri explained that the current blackout resulted from vandalised towers in Rivers and assured that he would work with relevant bodies to restore power.

He added that with the procurement of a gas turbine, the state would soon experience a steady power supply.

He also revealed that the state was set to employ about 1000 Bayelsans in the civil service.

“Again, we are going to employ another 1000 Bayelsans. That process is already on. From the information I got from the Civil Service Commission, they have received about 36,000 applications. It is like what we are doing is a drop of water in the ocean, but it is a good way to start,” he said.

Diri further stated that the teachers recruitment exercise was cancelled because of irregularities and that he had to set up a committee headed by his Deputy Chief of Staff to oversee a new exercise.

News

Okpebholo Announces ‘Massive’ Youth Recruitment Into Edo Civil Service

Published

1 hour ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to recruit youths into the state civil service.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025, Edo Central Senatorial by-election, the governor said it’s part of his administration’s effort to combat unemployment and accelerate Edo’s development.

He expressed his passion for his people and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Unveiling his new civil service recruitment plan, the governor disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, to begin the process without delay.

“We are going to massively employ our young people,” he affirmed. “Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo.”

News

Edo Govt To Open Up Riverine Communities For Development — Deputy Gov

Published

1 hour ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration will open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this at Inikorogha in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for Saturday’s Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

He told the gathering that the new administration led by Okpebholo is keen to see development across the nook and cranny of the state.

He said all that was needed from the people was support and for them to be patient with the nine month old government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa described the Inikorogha community as a peace loving people that had always supported him politically and otherwise.

The deputy, who was adorned by the community in their traditional regalia said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before your acceptance of me with this traditional attire.”

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate is going to continue with the good work he put up as the representative before his election as deputy governor.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver.”

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

Simirlarly, a chieftain of the party in the community, Ambassador Okubo Robert promised delivery of 100 percent votes for the party.

He noted that the Inikorogha community had always supported the APC in every elections, adding that Saturday’s bye-election will not be any different.

News

How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

Published

3 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Niger State Government has revealed how terrorist leader, Abubakar Abba, was arrested by the Department of State Service in the state.

Abba was the leader of the Mahmuda terror groups, which pitched its tent and operated in Niger and Kwara states.

He was captured in Wawa, the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday announced Abba’s arrest in a statement in which he said the terror kingpin had been moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja, for further investigation.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS.

“He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

Mahmuda, an offshoot of the deadly Boko Haram terror group, was also believed to have ties with the Islamic State and was responsible for a series of attacks across Kwara and Niger states.

The terror group had reportedly launched two attacks in one day in Kwara state on June 3—first killing three villagers in the morning and then four more in the evening, and leaving the community in mourning.

Mahmuda’s foot soldiers, usually clad in camouflage and often riding on motorcycles, continued their rampage, with at least three villagers killed in a fresh assault.

This indicated the group’s sustained threat.

A recent large-scale attack in Kwara reportedly resulted in the killing of seven residents, while several others were abducted.

The terror group had also reportedly struck numerous villages near Kainji Lake National Park while a market in Kwara was also attacked, killing four Fulani men, a local guard, and a 19-year-old bystander.

Another attack killed 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village.

The Mahmuda terror group reportedly established bases in forested areas linking Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It carried out activities including illegal mining, forced labour and extortion of herders and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor has applauded the DSS operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.