Creekside News, Okaka, Yenagoa (2026)

20/01/2026

YENAGOA

The bodies of 4 young girls were discovered earlier today in an uncompleted building in Akenfa.

18/01/2026

30,000 Capacity Stadium under construction in Igbogene, Bayelsa State.

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18/01/2026

2027: SEEK GOD'S DIRECTION, DIRI TELLS BAYELSA POLITICIANS

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has admonished politicians in the state to prayerfully make decisions ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that power comes from God.

Governor Diri also urged them to eschew politics of bitterness and violence.

Speaking in his hometown, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area during the KOLGA Annual Day of Thanksgiving on Saturday, he advised people of the state not to allow politics to separate them.

Diri commended the KOLGA people for sustaining the annual event, noting that an attitude of appreciation attracts blessings.

He appreciated the other arms of government, the clergy, and people of the state for their support, urging them to be thankful to God at all times.

His words: "I thank God for a day like this that has been set aside legislatively to thank God. The more this local government area thanks God, the more it will be blessed.

“I call on other local government areas to emulate KOLGA because as governor, I want the blessings to spread across the state.

"This is a political year. Let our political class be reminded that power comes from God. Whatever position you desire, my admonition is go and pray; go and consult God. Use me as a point of contact.

"Let me also appreciate Apostle Zilly-Aggrey, the initiator of this event.
Whenever you recognise God, He never lets you down. That is why KOLGA and Bayelsa State will continue to grow from strength to strength because we always put God first.

"For us holding public offices, your service should be to the people. Do not be the only rich man in your community.

“Together we can acheive a lot. Let the bitterness and hatred be removed. If your brother is succeeding, support him. Let us open our hearts and love one another."

In his welcome remarks, the KOLGA Chairman, Tariye Lelei, stated that people of the area were thankful to God for the achievements recorded.

He noted that the local government had become more accessible by road unlike in the past when most of the communities could only be reached by water.

In a sermorn, Presiding Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, said KOLGA was blessed to have a governor that has transformed the local government and the state at large.

The renowned cleric hailed the state assembly and members of the state executive council for supporting the governor, saying development was a collective responsibility.

Present at the programme were the wives of the governor, Dr. Gloria and Justice Patience, leader of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Bubou, and other state legislators, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and members of the state executive council.

Others were the State Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Barr. Dennis Otiotio, Executive Director, Social and Human Capital Development, South-South Development Commission, Engr. Preye Aganaba, local government chairmen as well as the Chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers and Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, King Bubaraye Dakolo King of Kolokuma Clan, HRM Onya Mozi Agara, other traditional rulers and top government officials.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary
January 18, 2026

15/01/2026

GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT

The programme of events for the Funeral of the Late Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo PhD

Day 1: 27th January 2026 - Sporting Activities
(Football, 4 by 4 relay and wrestling)
Time: 3.00pm
Venue: Sampson Siasia Sport's Complex, Ovom.

Day 2: 28th January 2026 - A day of Tributes
Time: 3pm
Venue: DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall

Day 3: 29th January 2026

Valedictory Sessions
▪︎ Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
Venue: High Court Complex
Time: 10.00am

▪︎ State Executive Council
Time: 12.00noon
The EXCO Chambers, Government House

Funeral Vigil Mass
Time: 4.00pm
Venue: St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Ovom, along Swali Market Road, Yenagoa.

Day 4: 30th January 2026 Requim Mass at St Paul's Catholic Church Ofoni
Time: 12.00noon

Interment shall follow thereafter at His Residence,Eyanvwien quarters Ofoni

There shall also be a Traditional Wake at Ofoni.

The full participation of all residents is solicited to give our late beloved Deputy Governor a befitting farewell.
May his soul find rest in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour
Amen

Announcer: Professor Nimibofa Ayawei; Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, State Burial Committee

09/12/2025

Burkina Faso military government has said it detained 11 Nigerian military officers and seized a cargo plane belonging to the Air Force following an emergency landing in the country after they crossed into Burkinabe airspace without authorisation.

21/11/2025

Nigeria's only President who valued the lives of citizens ahead of his personal ambition is 68 today.

Here is a timeline of his unique destiny turnaround that has made him more popular globally since leaving office.

1. 1957–1970s: Humble beginnings

Born in Otuoke, a small riverside village with no electricity or basic amenities.
Walked long distances to school; lacked shoes as a child.
Destiny turn: Rising from one of the most modest backgrounds among all Nigerian presidents.

2. 1999: Chosen as Deputy Governor (Unexpected)

After working as an education inspector and lecturer, he entered politics quietly.
Was not a major political figure but was selected as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State.
Destiny turn: His first major political office came without intense struggle.

3. 2005: Becomes Governor by circumstance

Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha was impeached.
Jonathan, the deputy, automatically became Governor of Bayelsa State.
Destiny turn: Elevated by events outside his control.

4. 2007: Picked as Vice Presidential candidate (Also unexpected)

Umaru Musa Yar’Adua needed a running mate.
Jonathan was selected due to political balancing, not personal ambition.
Became Vice President of Nigeria at 50.
Destiny turn: Again, he was chosen, not seeking.

5. 2010: Doctrine of Necessity makes him Acting President

Yar’Adua fell ill and was absent for months.
National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity, making Jonathan the Acting President.
Destiny turn: A historic constitutional intervention pushed him forward.

6. May 2010: Became President after Yar’Adua’s passing

Upon Yar’Adua’s passing, Jonathan was sworn in as the 14th Head of State.
Destiny turn: Became president through a mix of fate, circumstance, and political history.

7. 2011: Wins presidential election

Contested and won one of Nigeria’s most competitive elections.
First Nigerian president from a minority ethnic group.
Destiny turn: Broke a major historical barrier.

8. 2015: Peacefully concedes defea

07/11/2025

the Ijaw Republic Map

The Ijaw Republic stands today as a living testament to the resilience, identity, and unbroken spirit of the Ijaw people — a nation bound by blood, heritage, and purpose.

The map before you represents the official territorial definition of the Ijaw Republic, encompassing the historical homelands and settlements of the Ijaw Nation across the Niger Delta. This land — richly endowed with natural resources, deep waterways, and cultural legacy — extends through the present-day regions of Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Ondo, Edo, Akwa Ibom States among others.

Our republic is organized into three core Regions of Zones:

Western Region or Zone – Covering the Ijaw territories in Ondo and Delta States.

Central Region or Zone – Anchored in Bayelsa, the spiritual and administrative heartland of the Ijaw Nation.

Eastern Region Or Zone – Spanning Ijaw communities in Rivers, Akwa Ibom.

This map, produced by the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and ratified by our leadership council, serves not only as a geographical reference but as a declaration of unity and vision. It symbolizes our right to self-identity, self-determination, and governance rooted in justice, equity, and the advancement of all Ijaw sons and daughters.

Under the leadership of General Ditari, the Ijaw Republic remains committed to peaceful development, cooperation with neighboring nations and peoples, and the total liberation of Ijaw land from poverty, marginalization and underdevelopment

31/10/2025

NDDC DEMANDS RETRACTION AND APOLOGY FROM DAILY TIMES AND PUNCH NEWSPAPERS

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has demanded a retraction and apology from the Punch and Daily Times newspapers over an alleged coup rumour against the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Commission’s Legal Counsel, ADEDIPE AND ADEDIPE Legal Practitioners, in a strongly worded letter signed by Chief Ayodeji Adedipe, SAN, demanded that The Punch, the Daily Times and others retract the offensive and false publication and tender an unreserved public apology.

Adedipe said the report, “falsely alleged that Dr Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), was arrested by military intelligence for allegedly co-sponsoring a failed coup plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The publication further claimed, without any factual or evidential basis, that Dr Ogbuku transferred funds from NDDC contracts to finance an alleged coup plot. These allegations are entirely false, malicious, and defamatory.”

According to the letter, “Dr Ogbuku categorically denies these baseless claims. Neither he nor any staff of the Commission have been invited, arrested or interrogated by any authority in connection with any alleged coup plot or financial misconduct. The publication represents a gross violation of journalistic ethics, as no attempt was made to contact or verify the story with him or the NDDC before its release.

“This reckless and damaging report has caused Dr. Ogbuku and his family severe emotional distress, embarrassment, and reputational harm. Friends, associates, and colleagues have inundated him with calls expressing shock and concern over the false claims.

“Accordingly, through his legal representatives, Dr Ogbuku and the Commission have demanded the following from both Daily Times and the Punch Newspaper:

1. Immediate retraction of the defamatory publication from all their news platforms; and

2. Publication of a written ap

30/10/2025

PUBLIC NOTICE

PAP Scholarship Is Free

The Presidential Amnesty Programme wishes to reiterate that its scholarship scheme is free of charge.

The PAP, once again, alerts members of the public, particularly, Niger Deltans, that the scholarship application process for undergraduate and post-graduate programmes does not involve payment of money.

The PAP does not accept money or encourage same in exchange for services, including the placement of successful applicants in institutions for admissions in any academic year.

This clarification has, again, become necessary following complaints to the Office of the Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, that some unscrupulous PAP stakeholders and dubious individuals are allegedly collecting money from parents and guardians with all sorts of fake assurances of admissions.

We have warned against this fraudulent act before now. No applicant, parent or guardian should pay money to anybody for the PAP scholarship programme. If you pay money to anybody, you do so at your own risk.

The management of the PAP under the leadership of Dr Otuaro will not hesitate to take drastic measures against anybody caught involved in this nefarious act.

Signed:
Mr Igoniko Oduma
Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator, Presidential Amnesty Programme.
29/10/2025.

30/10/2025

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29/10/2025

Court halts impeachment moves against Bayelsa Deputy Governor

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the House and five others to appear before it to show cause why they should not be stopped from making any move to impeach the Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Oborawharievwo Ewhrudjakpo pending hearing and determination of a motion on notice to that effect.

The trial Judge, Justice Emeka gave the order on October 27, while ruling on an ex-parte motion marked, FHC/ABJ/CS/2219/2025 filed by the Bayelsa state Deputy Governor against the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the Speaker of the State Assembly, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Director, Department of State Services (DSS), Attorney General of Bayelsa state, the Chief Judge of Bayelsa state and the Clerk, Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The plaintiff, Senator Ewhrudjakpo had, in the motion filed on October 17 prayed the court for an order of interim injunction directing the defendants to appear and show cause why the prayers for interim injunction in the motion on notice pending before the court should not be granted against them pending the hearing and determination of the aforesaid motion on notice.

He also prays for an order of court restraining the defendants from, "Removing or impeaching him as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa state arid by disregarding the provision of Section 188(5), (6), (7)(a), (b), (8), (9) and (11) and Section 36(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) on the decision of the plaintiff not to defect/decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or any registered political party before the expiration of his four years tenure as an elected deputy governor of Bayelsa state pending hearing of the motion on notice".

The Deputy Governor also wants an order restraining the defendants from initiating impeachment notice, impeachment pr

28/10/2025

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES MOTION TO REGULATE ARBITRARY RENT INCREASE
~ As Hon. Pamoh, others advocate for action

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging the Ministry of Lands and Survey and other relevant agencies to regulate arbitrary rent increases in the state, particularly in Yenagoa and other urban centres.

Speaking in support of the motion, the lawmaker representing Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, Hon. Pamoh Werinipre, emphasized the need for both government and landlords to consider the prevailing economic challenges faced by citizens and to fix house rents and agency fees at affordable rates.

In their separate contributions, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Michael Ogbere, the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday-Bubou Obolo, and Hon. Omubo Ayonatiminyo all affirmed that since the welfare and security of the people remain the primary responsibility of government, the House is obligated to act swiftly in addressing such a distressing situation.

Hon. Barr. Tare Porri, who sponsored the motion, noted that the alarming rent hikes have made it increasingly difficult for civil servants and low-income earners to afford decent accommodation, with prices soaring from ₦120,000–₦200,000 per year to as high as ₦800,000–₦1,500,000.

Other lawmakers, including Hon. Living Mitin, Hon. Ben Selekaye Victor, and Hon. Daniel Charles, stressed that as representatives of the people, it was imperative for the House to respond to the widespread public outcry, noting that the hardship is even more pronounced in a predominantly civil service state like Bayelsa.

The House also advocated for the establishment of a Rent Control and Tenancy Regulation Law and a committee to mediate disputes between landlords and tenants.

In another development, the House considered and approved the report of its Committee on Women, Children Affairs, and Social Development on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2025.

Creekside News

20/01/2026

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09/12/2025

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