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Stop Destroying Niger Delta Environment, Ijaw Elders Warn

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A group known as Ijaw Elders Forum (IEF), Lagos State Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to stop the reckless destruction, auctioning and exploitation of resources of Niger Delta region and its environment.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary, Barrister Efiye Bribena and Engr Ben Okoro, IEF said the ecosystem and resources of the region had been unjustly destroyed and exploited for over 60 years.

“The oil producing companies wantonly destroy the environment and ecosystem, thereby spreading hardship, underdevelopment, poverty, sickness and disease in the region.

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“Also, there is the recent phenomenon of dead fishes washing up along the coastline from Odimodi area in Delta State, stretching through Bayelsa State to Bonny and Andoni in Rivers State and coastal communities in Akwa Ibom State, suspected to be due to discharge of contaminants by oil producers in the Forcados and Escravos axis.

“In Idu in Rivers State and Gbarain in Bayelsa, just like countless communities in the region, massive gas flares continue to smoke the communities and devalue their quality of life for decades.

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“The case of Poloububo in Delta State is pathetic as their ecology and natural water courses and occupations have been altered permanently by the oil companies in creating artificial canals to access oil wells, causing annual floods and the unnatural mixing of salt and fresh waters, in addition to the repeated oil pollution.”

The statement added: “The people have suffered this great injustice over the years and all efforts to get the oil companies and the Federal Government to rise up to their responsibilities and address this mindless destruction of the environment have failed.

READ ALSO: Ijaw Religious Group Accuses Akpabio Of Working Against NDDC Act, Berates Avengers Over Silence

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“It is for these reasons that we call on the Federal Government to suspend or cancel the current bid rounds for marginal fields until steps are taken to address the following issues; ownership of the natural resources of Niger Delta, remediation of the environment of oil bearing communities, compensation for damages already done to the people and communities and ensure safety in oil exploitation activities and protection of oil bearing communities.”

(NATION)

(PHOTO: File)

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JUST IN: Senate Confirms Amupitan As INEC Chairman

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The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.

Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.

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He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.

READ ALSO:Why I Picked Amupitan As INEC Chair – Tinubu

At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.

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Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.

Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.

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READ ALSO:Meet New INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan

According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.

The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.

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The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.

The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.

READ ALSO:Fire Ravages Residential Building In Oyo

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Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.

President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.

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A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.

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IPF Commends Tompolo’s Commitment To Security In Delta, Nigeria

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Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has commended High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, for his remarkable commitment to improving security in Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

In a press statement by its national president, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the IPF described Tompolo’s gesture towards Delta Security Trust Fund as a demonstration of his firm commitment to promoting peace, security, and progress in the atate, Niger Delta and Nigeria.

The group’s leadership lauded Tompolo’s philanthropic efforts, which according to them, portrayed his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the country.

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READ ALSO:IPF Wants NDDC MD Ogbuku, Others Probed

Recall that Tompolo promised continued support for the Delta State Security Trust Fund after making a handsome donation at the event held at the government house yesterday.

“The unprecedented donation and firm commitment to peace and security in the country by High Chief Tompolo are shining examples of his leadership and dedication to the development of Delta State, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

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“We commend him for his vision and generosity, and we urge others to follow his footsteps in supporting initiatives that promote peace and security in Delta State and Niger Delta region.

“High Chief Tompolo’s support will go a long way in enhancing security measures in Delta state and contributing meaningfully to the overall development of the country,” the statement reads.

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University Suspends Students’ Union Over Controversial ‘Gender Swap Day’

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The management of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, has suspended the Students’ Union Government (SUG) indefinitely following allegations of misconduct during the recently concluded 2025 Students’ Week celebration.

The decision came after photos and videos from the event’s controversial “Gender Swap Day” surfaced online, sparking outrage from members of the university community and the general public. The university said the activities violated its values, dress code, and moral standards.

In a statement signed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sunday Paul Bako, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, the management described the incident as “regrettable and disappointing,” noting that some students’ actions were inconsistent with the institution’s core principles.

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READ ALSO:Nigerian-born Rwandan Varsity DVC Named Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

An emergency management meeting held on Monday, October 13 reviewed the incidents and blamed poor supervision and coordination by the current SUG leadership for the disorder that occurred during the week-long celebration.

As part of the resolutions reached, the SUG has been suspended indefinitely to pave the way for a complete restructuring of student leadership and representation. The university also announced plans to introduce a new framework promoting accountability, discipline, and inclusiveness among student leaders.

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Students who were involved in actions that misrepresented the university’s image will face disciplinary action,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:Tinubu Under Fire Over Presidential Pardon For Drug Offenders

Those whose behavior involved criminal acts have been arrested and will be handed over to law enforcement for further investigation.”

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In response, the SUG led by Victor Mishak Abednego, tendered an official apology to the university management, expressing regret over the embarrassment caused by the event and promising stricter adherence to university rules in future activities.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to academic excellence and moral integrity, warning that such conduct will not be tolerated in any future student-organized events.

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