News

#EndBadGovernance: IYC Distances Self From Planned Protest, Gives Reason

Published

1 year ago

July 31, 2024

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has distanced itself from the planned protest themed #EndBadGovernance, which is slated to hold from August 1st to 10th, 2024 in Nigeria.

The apex body of Ijaw youths worldwide said it was “not duly consulted by the proposed protest organisers in the design of their demands.”

In a statement jointly issued by Comrade Nicholas Igarama,
Chairman, IYC Western Zone; Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo, Esq, Secretary, and Comrade Tare Magbei, Information Officer, the Western Zone IYC, while admitting that “Nigeria is currently faced with diverse and severe economic hardship,” however said the planned protest “has so much unexplainable undertones and symptoms of a revolution, and bears so much risk.”

The IYC, Western Zone said the proposed protest lacks a unified and strategic leadership structure, adding “this ambiguity can lead to mismanagement of the protests, reducing their effectiveness and increasing the risk of unintended consequences.”

The IYC statement reads in part: “That demands that bothers on the development of the Niger Delta like the East-West Road, environmental remediation of the Niger Delta are not captured in the proposed protest.

“There is a need for all IOCs to relocate their headquarters to the Niger Delta region to boost the economic fortune of the Niger Delta region, this was not captured in the demands for the nationwide protest.

“That the intentional exclusion of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of the Niger Delta People from their onshore divestment initiative that is a major concern for the Niger Delta people is not also captured in the demands of nationwide protest.

“As a community, we treat with respect the counsel of the National Executive Council and prominent leaders of the Ijaw nation, and their calls for us to shun the protest is based on a deep understanding of the potential risks involved.

“While we recognize the importance of addressing bad governance at the national level, it is crucial that we also focus on local issues that directly impact the Ijaw nation. Our energies should be directed towards tackling challenges within our immediate environment,” the statement added.

The leadership of the IYC in western zone, called on the Federal Government “to discontinue the divestment of the onshore assets of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) until Ijaw sons and daughters are captured in the bidding and sales process.”

“The deliberate denial mete out on our people in the sale of assets domiciled in Ijaw will not be tolerated, and as promised, we will shutdown oil and gas exploration activities of the SPDC if our sons and daughters are not given room to be part of the divestment process,” the IYC said.

The IYC, Western Zone, therefore”advised all Ijaw youths to abstain from the proposed #EndBadGovernance protest owing to the aforementioned standpoints of Council.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

13 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

13 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

14 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.