A leadership dispute is reportedly brewing in the oil-rich Bilabiri Community of Bayelsa State following allegations that the Chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC), Mr. Tekenane Abaka, has refused to vacate office despite the expiration of his tenure in December 2024.
Concerned indigenes say tension is rising steadily in the community, warning that the situation could degenerate into unrest if urgent intervention is not undertaken by the appropriate authorities.
Bilabiri
One of the concerned indigenes, Mr. Lucky Tubotu, who raised the alarm, called on the Bayelsa State Government to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“The Bayelsa State Government must intervene immediately to forestall chaos. Mr. Abaka’s continued occupation of the CDC chairmanship after the expiration of his tenure is unconstitutional and poses a serious threat to peace in Bilabiri,” Tubotu stated.
Bilabiri
According to him, Abaka’s tenure has allegedly been characterised by intimidation, rising tension, and constitutional violations, accusing him of usurping community leadership for personal interests at the expense of development.
Tubotu further alleged that Abaka has openly claimed to have strong political connections which, he believes, would enable him to remain in office indefinitely in defiance of the CDC constitution.
“The tenure of CDC executives is clearly provided for in the community constitution. It is therefore disturbing that Mr. Abaka has remained in office more than one year after his mandate expired, without any tangible achievements to justify such overstay,” he added.
Bilabiri, Ekeremor in Bayelsa State
He urged the Bayelsa State Government, which he described as peace-loving, not to allow what he termed “the imposition of one individual on the collective will of the Bilabiri people.”
Tubotu also expressed concerns over the safety of residents and the security of oil and gas facilities in the area, warning that prolonged tension could have far-reaching consequences.
In a related development, he called on Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd and other oil and gas servicing firms to suspend engagements with Abaka and members of what he described as a “self-imposed CDC,” noting that their mandate expired in December 2024.
“Any individual or company dealing with them does so at its own risk,” he cautioned.
The concerned indigene further alleged that in 2025, some CDC executives of Bilabiri 1 Community were involved in the disappearance and alleged sale of 500kVA and 350kVA generators belonging to Bilabiri 1 and 2 Communities, without the consent of Bilabiri 2.
He also raised alarm over the recent alleged theft of an armoured turbine cable drawn from Tunu to supply electricity to Bilabiri 1 and 2 Communities, questioning the role of the CDC leadership and local chiefs who claim to oversee security.
“These critical assets reportedly disappeared under their watch. The self-imposed CDC chairman should be questioned and investigated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding these incidents,” Tubotu said.
Tubotu further alleged worsening insecurity in the community, accusing Mr. Ebimene Abaka, a brother to the CDC chairman, also known as ‘Small Fire’, of unlawfully declaring himself Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Bilabiri.
According to him, the self-acclaimed CSO has allegedly aided and abetted criminal activities, noting that major infrastructure thefts occurred under his watch.
“Bilabiri Community is effectively under siege. Residents are living in fear as a result of self-imposed leadership and unchecked criminal activities,” he said.
He warned that unless the Bayelsa State Government takes decisive steps to restore lawful leadership and investigate the alleged criminal activities, the once peaceful oil- and gas-producing community could slide into crisis.
“The warning signs are clear. Urgent intervention is required to prevent Bilabiri from descending into chaos,” Tubotu concluded.
It was a sigh of relief for motorists as court strikes down DESTMA power to arrest and fine motorists in Delta State.
This came following a High Court landmark judgment which declared that the Delta State Traffic Management Authority DESTMA has no “locus standi” or legal authority to arrest motorists, impose fines or impound vehicles in Delta State.
The court ruled that the enabling law establishing DESTMA does not confer powers of arrest prosecution or fine imposition on the agency or its officers adding that such powers are vested exclusively in the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies expressly empowered by law.
In its judgment the court described DESTMA’s enforcement actions including arrests fines and vehicle impoundment as “ultra vires” meaning beyond its legal authority and therefore null and void. The ruling effectively strips the agency of its core enforcement powers and renders its past practices unlawful.
The court further held that motorists who were arrested fined or had their vehicles seized by DESTMA under these unlawful practices are entitled to seek redress including refunds and damages through the courts.
The judgment follows years of widespread complaints by commercial and private motorists across Delta State who accused DESTMA operatives of harassment extortion illegal towing and abuse of power under the guise of traffic enforcement.
Following the ruling celebrations broke out across motor parks and transport corridors in Asaba Warri Sapele Ughelli and other parts of the state as drivers and transport unions described the decision as liberation from what they called daily oppression on the roads.
Some stakeholders however expressed concern that the judgment could weaken traffic control and enforcement if the state government does not urgently put alternative lawful measures in place to maintain order on Delta roads.
Legal analysts say the ruling means DESTMA can now only function in traffic control education and advisory roles unless the Delta State Government appeals the judgment or amends the agency’s enabling law to clearly define and legalise its enforcement powers.
The Oborevwori administration is now under pressure to respond either by filing an appeal restructuring DESTMA or introducing a new legal framework to prevent a vacuum in traffic management and enforcement across the state.
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Jude Ighalo has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the decision to rule out Calvin Bassey’s goal in Nigeria’s AFCON quarter-final match against Algeria.
Speaking after the game, Ighalo said the ball clearly crossed the goal line and should have been counted as a goal. He blamed the incident on the absence of goal-line technology at the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to him, replay footage showed that most of the ball went over the line, but the referee’s decision was upheld by VAR, denying Nigeria an early lead.
Ighalo described the situation as disappointing, saying that major tournaments like the World Cup and European competitions use goal-line technology, while Africa’s biggest football event still lacks it and miles behind.
Despite the setback, Nigeria went on to dominate the match and later scored two second-half goals through Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams to defeat Algeria 2–0.
Nigeria to receive fresh $9.5 million (£7 million), believed to be stolen funds linked to former military Head of State, Sani Abacha, from the United Kingdom’s Jersey. Jersey has reportedly agreed to repatriate the fund to the Nigerian government.
The money, described as proceeds of “tainted property,” is said to be part of the vast fortune stolen by Abacha, who ruled Nigeria between 1993 and 1998.
The funds were kept in a bank account in Jersey and had been tied up in legal proceedings for several years.
Although the assets were first recovered during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, court challenges stalled their return to Nigeria. Progress was made in December 2025 when Jersey’s Attorney-General, Mark Temple, signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU, with Nigerian authorities to enable the repatriation.
The latest agreement builds on two earlier arrangements between Jersey and Nigeria that led to the return of more than $300 million (£230m) in recovered assets.
In the heart of the Government of Rivers State resurfaces a political storm as the House of Assembly embarks on a rather unrepentant and contentious journey to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu.
The impeachment proceedings initiated on January 8, 2026 have sent ripples through the state’s political landscape, marking a pivotal moment in its governance.
The impeachment process was set in motion during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule. The Majority Leader, Major Jack, presented a notice of allegations against Governor Fubara, citing gross misconduct. Among the seven allegations were unauthorized demolitions and breaches of a peace accord brokered by President Bola Tinubu, which the governor and his deputy allegedly disregarded.
The decision to proceed with impeachment has sparked mixed reactions across Rivers State. Supporters of the Governor argue that the allegations are politically motivated, aimed at destabilizing the current administration. Critics, however, insist that the charges reflect a pattern of governance that undermines the state’s stability and prosperity.
As the proceedings unfold, the atmosphere in Rivers State is tense. The impeachment process, governed by Section 188 of the Nigerian Constitution, requires a thorough examination of the allegations. This legal framework ensures that the governor and his deputy are given a fair chance to defend themselves against the charges.
The implications of this political drama are profound, holding a double fold consequences such that should the impeachment succeed, it could lead to a significant shift in the state’s leadership, potentially altering the political dynamics in the region, and conversely, should the governor and his deputy be exonerated, it may strengthen their administration’s resolve and legitimacy.
Amidst the unfolding events, the phrase “postpone of the evil day” resonates with the abiding and unrepentant impeachment move of the Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly, the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding the outcome. For the people of Rivers State, the impeachment proceedings are not just a legal battle but a test of their democratic institutions and the resilience of their political system.
As the story continues to develop, all eyes remain on the Rivers State House of Assembly, where the fate of Governor Fubara and his deputy hangs in the balance. The proceedings are a reminder of the complexities of governance and the ever-present challenges of maintaining political stability in a diverse and dynamic state.
The Federal Information Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council received the news of the passing of one of Delta State finest journalists, Comrade Matthew Ochei as a rude shock, describing it as a huge loss and one too many
The deceased who was a member of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel and staff of The Punch Newspapers died in the early hours of Tuesday 6th January 2026 after a brief illness.
The Chapel Chairman , Comrade Abel Johngold through the Chapel Secretary, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, on behalf of members of Federal Information Chapel extends his sincerest condolence to the families of the deceased in particular and Asaba Correspondents Chapel where the deceased was a member until his demise.
“Comrade Matthew Ochei was a consummate journalist who demonstrated high sense of diligence and professionalism in the discharge of his duties. He would be remembered for his diligence, dexterity, commitment and contribution to the growth of the print media in Delta State.”: the statement reads in part
The Chairman and members of Federal Information Chapel commiserates with the families of Comrade Matthew Ochei and stands with them in prayers during this dark period of mourning.
Leaders of the Sapele Okpe Community have released a detailed rejoinder rejecting claims by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, over the ownership and naming of the proposed Abigborodo Oil Field in Petroleum Prospecting Licence 220 (PPL 220), insisting that the land belongs to Okpe people.
Sapele
The leaders issued the statement in response to a Facebook post credited to Uduaghan, which asserted that the oil field was rightly named after Abigborodo Community. The Okpe leaders said the claims were misleading and contradicted by colonial records, government White Papers and legal instruments.
The statement was jointly signed by Chief Onoriode Temiagin, Chief Austin Arieja, Chief Lt. Col. Babuba Moses Abeke (rtd.), Hon. Chief Godwin Atose and Chief Patrick Akomovba, who said they were speaking for the Sapele Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State.
SAPELE
Below is the full press statement as released by the Okpe leaders, reproduced verbatim:
“A JOINDER TO THE FACEBOOK POST: ABIGBORODO OIL FIELD RIGHTLY NAMED
The attention of Sapele Okpe Community leaders has been drawn to the crass ignorance on the ownership and founding of Sapele Okpe land, part of which has been erroneously christened as Abigborodo Oil Field (PPL220), which was displayed in a Facebook write up by Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan. To correct the deceptions by which the false narrative was deliberately decorated, We, CHIEF ONORIODE TEMIAGIN, CHIEF AUSTIN ARIEJA, CHIEF LT. COL. BABUBA MOSES ABEKE (RTD.), HON. CHIEF GODWIN ATOSE and CHIEF PATRICK AKOMOVBA representing the people of Sapele Okpe Community in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State of Nigeria have decided to straighten the facts as follows:
SAPELE
First it is important to begin by saying that it is in the interest of the Government, Navante Exploration and Production Limited and the general public for the Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) to give full attention to the protest of the Udogun Okpe (the Orodje in Council), the Highest Decision-making Body of Okpe Kingdom over the wrong naming of the location referred to as Abigborodo Oil Field (PPL220). We wish to state for the umpteenth time that the area of land covering PPL 220 does not belong to the Abigborodo people. The White Paper of the Delta State Government produced in 2020 after an extensive judicial panel of enquiry unambiguously affirms this position.
Sapele
Gbekoko and Otonyatsere have never been part of Abigborodo and were never under any form of administration of the Olu of Itsekiri (as he was then known). The said White Paper identified these communities as under Sapele Local Government Area and within the areas excised from the Reserve. Abigborodo was never included nor excised anytime from the reserve.
Before the reserve was constituted by the colonial masters, notice was given on the 7th May 1932 to all affected communities and persons to submit their claim. The Olu of Itsekiri petitioned the Constitution of the Forest Reserve on the 11th July 1932 that “all that piece of land described in the aforesaid Notice belong to Olu of Itsekiri who is the sole trustee of all Itsekiri land.”
The Colonial Masters found the claim of the Olu as lacking merit. The claim was dismissed and the Forest Reserve constituted. The Petition was not ignored as falsely claimed by Chief Uduaghan. The failed Protest letter of the Olu and the response of the Colonial Masters are contained in National Archives.
SAPELE
The Native Authority which administered the constituted reserve comprised only Okpe indigenes. They include Ayomano, A. E. Omarin, Ojegba, Agbotor, Avbioroko, Eyeregba, Bakpolo, etc. These families are still present in Okpe land till date. The constitution of the Forest Reserve was approved by G. C. Whiteley, Chief Commissioner for Western Province. A copy of the letter of the Colonial Masters conveying this decision is contained in national archives. So, it is not true that Udogun Okpe never administered Okpe-Urhobo Forest Resreve. The Okpe indigenes listed above were the representatives of the Udogun Okpe.
The Claim of Chief Uduaghan that Okpe authorities informed the Colonial Administrators that they have no land to contribute to the proposed Forest Reserve is one of the weakest and illogical fallacies ever proposed. The Forest itself was named by the Colonial Masters as Ukpe-Sobo (Okpe -Urhobo) Forest Reserve and same was administered by native authority composed of Okpe people after Itsekiri’s claim was dismissed. If Okpe authorities did not give land to the Colonial Masters, the question then is who did? Is it the Itsekiris whose claim of ownership was dismissed from the world go?
It is important to state that the claim of Chief Alema Okonedo, the forefather of Chief Uduaghan, that Gbekoko and Otonyatsere belonged to Abigborodo was equally dismissed. Okonedo’s petition did not lead to any recommendation or legal instrument, nor was it upheld as falsely claimed by Chief Uduaghan in the misleading facebook write up. In fact, the then Chief Secretary to the Colonial Government (Lagos) wrote to Chief Alema Okonedo on the 14th May 1941 emphasizing that all “claims to interests in the land were heard, investigated and decided on the 25th of October 1932. The Reserve was finally constituted by Order No.33 of 1933 which was published in the supplement to Gazette No. 51 on the 31st of August 1933.” This colonial letter put an end to all agitations by the Itsekiris to the Okpe Urhobo Forest Reserve until recently when Chief Uduaghan began to revive the stale claim.
The name Abigborodo Oil Field is a much later manipulation to ascribe ownership of Okpe Urhobo land to Abigborodo people whose claim had been resolved against them. All existing records show that Abigborodo has no land in the Reserve, how then an oil field covering Okpe-Urhobo Forest Reserve is being designated as Abigborodo Oil Field without the input of local authorities or of the State. It is important to mention that in a state meeting held on the 23rd October 2025 between Navante Limited and Sapele Okpe Community leaders, the Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas as well as that for Environment unequivocally directed Navante to do everything necessary to ensure that the name of the proposed oil field reflects the owners of the land before commencing EIA exercise.
No Abigborodo indigene farmed in Okpe land and there was no such magistrate court case in 1940 discharging and acquitting Abigborodo farmers on the land. None also affirmed Abigborodo ownership over any part of the Reserve. These are all illusions and fake narratives to deceive the unsuspecting public. No such judgment has been tendered anywhere – not even before the Judicial Panel of Enquiry where Abigborodo was unmistakably told that they have no land in the Reserve.
Chief Uduaghan is aware that the land released by the Delta State Government was released to Otonyasere people. Abigborodo could not establish before the Judicial Panel of enquiry their bogus and ostentatious claim of owning Otoyantsere land which is part of Sapele Okpe Community. Thus, his claim that the Delta State Government released land to them is not only deceptive, it is a wicked lie. The government instrument enlarging Otonyatsere enclave by adding 200 acres in favour of Otonyasere people is contained in Delta State Legal Notice 11 of 1996, for anyone who cares to verify. The 200 acres was release to Otoyansere on the application of the leaders of Otonyasere people. Another expanse of 1200 hectares was also de-reserved for the Sapele Okpe Community by the Delta State Government. None was deserved and no portion of Okpe Forest Reserve has ever been released to Abigborodo people.
The Claim that Abigborodo land extends into Sapele Local Government is a stale statement lacking historical authenticity and legal authority. No historical record anywhere affirms Sapele as Itsekiri territory. There is no such decision rejecting Sapele Okpe Community Land anytime as speculated by Chief Uduaghan. These facts only exist in his imagination.
It is also important to remind Chief Uduaghan that though EIA is an environmental exercise, those who will be impacted by proposed projects are important stakeholders in the process. Identifying the wrong people as owners also means that those who will bear the burden of the environmental impacts have not been rightly identified, and that is environmental injustice which FME, Navante and other relevant bodies must not permit. Chevron Nigeria Limited never operated in PPL220. This claim by Chief Uduaghan is also false. Chevron is operating in Abigborodo community and not in Okpe land.
In the final analysis, we advise FME and Navante not to be deceived by the facebook falsehoods released by Chief Uduaghan as some sort of new year pleasantries to his people to garner the confidence of his usual uninformed followers. The ownership of what does not belong to Abigbordo is what the leaders of Abigborodo have been asking for since 1932. It is an impossible request. FME is not competent to grant this request through Oil field naming. The Forest Reserve is under the occupation of Okpe People. Chief Uduaghan and Abigborodo people should not be taken seriously until they are able to file a simple civil court action for declaration of title over Okpe Urhobo Forest Reserve. In the absence of this, the imaginary historical records being cited over and again by Chief Uduaghan are not, and cannot be recognized as conferring ownership in the face of gazetted colonial instruments and Delta State Legal Notices. We urge FME to be advised.”
The statement follows a rejoinder by the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, who had asked the Federal Ministry of Environment to disregard protests by the Udogun Okpe over the naming of the Abigborodo Oil Field.
Uduaghan maintained that the oil field rightly belongs to Abigborodo Community in Warri North Local Government Area, citing colonial records, court decisions and past government actions, and insisting that the Environmental Impact Assessment process was not a platform to reopen land ownership disputes.
The dispute has since reignited long-standing tensions over land ownership in the Okpe–Urhobo Forest Reserve, with federal and state authorities now expected to review the competing claims.
In what turned out remarkable and memorable, the families of Late Chief Marki Okwose and Late Elimuya Nwaiku laid to rest their centenarian – mother, grand mother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister and aunty, Chief Madam Cecilia Mgbuzor Okwose, who took a bow at 101.
The epoch-making ceremony took place on Friday 2nd January 2026 at Ekpemili Primary School, Obiogene Ebedei in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State, which brought together dignitaries from all rank and file to grace the occasion.
Speaking at the event through Ukwuani Trumpet Correspondent, the children of Mama took turns to pay tributes to their mother, eulogizing her for a live well spent.
“Nnem was a mother of many, a mother of all, mother of the lost, a hardworking and loving woman who loved me and taught me how to do business and keep my home”: Princess Elizabeth Ijeoma renders in part, as she eulogized her mother in Ukwuani dialect.
Late Mama Mgbuzor, the grandmother of a masterly journalist, Comrade Wilbet Ijeoma, led a life of love, selflessness, humility and service, leaving a legacy for the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren she left behind.
Mama was survived by 4 children, 2 foster children, 26 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren.
The funeral procession was conducted by members of Jehovah’s witnesses where Mama fellowshiped until her demise. The speaker, Brother Godwin Ikonne extolled Mama’s virtue as a patient and selfless woman whose character would resonate till the end of times, and have paid off as hopes beacon on her for resurrection and life everlasting in paradise earth, urging attendees to emulate Mama, live a virtuous life and earn salvation.
Highpoints of the ceremony were press interview, funeral procession, burial talk by Jehovah’s witnesses, group photograph and entertainment of guests.
There was widespread jubilation across Asaba Kingdom following the New Year proclamation of the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Prof. Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FNIALS, LLD (HC), KSG, KSJI, nominating Hon. Bridget Ifechukwukwu Anyafulu, the Member representing Oshimili South State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, for the prestigious Olinzele Ahaba Chieftaincy Title.
Prof. Asagba Epiphany Azinge, Asagba of Asaba
The revered monarch, in his traditional New Year message to the people of Ahaba, listed Hon. Anyafulu among distinguished sons and daughters of the kingdom considered worthy of the ancient honour. Also nominated are Ogbueshi (Prof.) Louis Edozie, former Delta State Commissioner for Information, and Barr. Chike Ogeah, among others.
The Asagba made it clear that the nominations are in keeping with the customs and traditions of Asaba, noting that all nominees are expected to undergo the necessary screening and fulfillment of age-long requirements, with the final conferment to be done solely at the pleasure of the throne anytime in 2027.
Asagba of Asaba and Hon. Bridget Anyafulu Esq.
The royal announcement was greeted with excitement as the Comrade Community and residents of Asaba rolled out drums of celebration, pouring encomiums on Hon. Bridget Anyafulu for what many described as a well-earned recognition of her service, humility, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of her people.
Community leaders and residents alike praised the Asagba of Asaba for upholding the sanctity of Asaba tradition and for ensuring that the revered Olinzele title remains a symbol of honour, responsibility, and service to the Ahaba people.
The Olinzele Ahaba title, steeped in history and cultural significance, is traditionally reserved for individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to the progress, peace, and unity of Asaba Kingdom.
As songs of praise and congratulatory messages continue to echo across the land, the nomination of Hon. Bridget Anyafulu is being celebrated as a moment of pride for Oshimili South and the entire Asaba nation.
It was the second anniversary and end of year get-together of Ebedei Secondary School Old Students Association (ESSOSA) marked with ambience and an electrifying atmosphere which permeated in the faces and cheers of the principal and staff of the school, students, invited guests and members of the association alike.
The event which took place on Saturday 27th December 2025 at Ellen’s Ville Hotel Ebedei marked the second anniversary of ESSOSA after a successful inaugural outing last year to the glory of God.
