News Waka Now - NWN

15/11/2025

NIM Holds Quiz Competition and Career Day Discussions for Secondary Schools in Bayelsa.

The Bayelsa State Chapter of The Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) has concluded plans to hold a quiz competition and career day discussions amongst schools in the State.

The quiz competition and career day discussions, which is the maiden edition, is with the theme “Inspiring Future Leaders Through Knowledge and Career Discovery”.

According to the Chairman Planning Committee of the event; Mrs. Fidelia Mac-Ake said that the event is expected to hold on Thursday the 20th of November 2025 at the
Ayalla Hotels located at Kpansia in Yenagoa,the state capital by 10AM.

The Chairman Planning Committee,Mrs. Fidelia Mac-Ake, while speaking with newsmen, said the quiz competition and career day discussions which will involve the participation of Nine Secondary schools in the State.

She said the purpose of the competition is to give back to the society, inspire future leaders through knowledge and career discovery, "We want to encourage them and acknowledge their academic excellence.

"This is known to be a reward system which is aimed to encourage their strides towards the journey of learning as the career talk will help them take informed decisions while choosing a career"

" Many of these children are multi talented and during the career talk, the future purpose will be shaped, modelled and discovered."

She also noted that the Nigerian Institute of Management Chartered in Bayelsa under the leadership of Dr. Sani Abubakar, who is a lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic,Ekowe, is out to encourage stakeholders to support the molding fundamentals of our future leaders.

15/11/2025

Bayelsa Deputy Gov. Charges NESREA To Up Ante on Environmental Remediation
.. Describes Bayelsa As Headquarters Of Environmental Pollution

The Bayelsa State Government has urged the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to be more pragmatic in its approach towards addressing the issue of environmental remediation in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call at the weekend during a courtesy visit by officials of the Bayelsa Field Office of NESREA led by the state Coordinator, Mr Stalin Nwakwoala, to his office in Government House, Yenagoa.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor described Bayelsa as the headquarters of environmental pollution and ecological destruction in the Niger Delta, following over six decades of crude oil exploration and exploitative activities.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo noted that Bayelsa's case was worse than that of Ogoni in Rivers State, and stressed the need for the federal agency to join hands with the State government in seeking environmental justice and not just be contented with being part of joint investigation teams to visit oil spill sites.

He said due to heavy pollution of water bodies by oil spills and emissions from seismic activities, the aquatic life and source of drinking water in most rural communities had been contaminated and rendered unsafe for human consumption.

It was against this backdrop, the Bayelsa Deputy Governor charged NESREA and other relevant agencies to ensure that all extant environmental laws of the country were enforced to hold the oil companies accountable for the damaging the environment of the entire Niger Delta region.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, equally expressed concern over the unrestricted and arbitrary use of herbicides by local farmers who have little or no knowledge about the safety precautions to apply in using such herbicides, thereby contaminating food crops to cause potential health and environmental hazards.

In response to the issue of employing Bayelsans in NESREA as well as aggressive sensitization on the harmful effects of pollution, he directed the state Coordinator to liaise with the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Irorodamie Komonibo and the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.

His words: "We really will want to see how you can assist us in the area of environmental remediation. We have heard about the Ogoni issue, but ours is worse than that of Ogoni. Bayelsa is the headquarters of pollution.

"If you go to some areas, you will see it yourself that when you dip your hand into the water and bring it out, it is crude oil that you will see. So we are consuming more of crude oil-polluted fish and sea food.

"Another issue I really want you take very seriously is about the use of herbicides. I am one of those who don't believe that our farmers should exclusively use herbicides to farm. I think that is an area of concern we have to do a lot of public enlightenment on.

"Because those chemicals that have the capacity to kill grasses and weeds also have the capacity to harm humans. When they use those powerful chemicals to kill the weeds, as the rains fall, they percolate through the soil to form part of the nutrients the plants take. So some of these carcinogenic diseases we are having may be attributable to them."

Earlier, the State Coordinator of NESREA, Bayelsa State Field Office, Mr. Stalin Nwakwoala, said the federal agency had made significant strides in the State through its sensitization programmes on environmental pollution, indiscriminate bush burning, felling of trees and land degradation.

Mr. Nwakwoala, who noted that NESREA had been partnering the State Environmental Sanitation Authority in monitoring monthly sanitation exercises, however, appealed to the State Government to support the agency with basic office equipment to carry out its mandate unhindered in the state.

The state Coordinator of NESREA was accompanied on the visit by the agency's Chief Geologist, Mr Royal Owupele, the Chief Scientific Officer, Mrs Ebipador Udo-Umoh and Scientific Officer, Mr Okpe James.

15/11/2025

PAP SCHOLARSHIP: EX-AGITATOR COMMENDS OTUARO FOR USING EDUCATION TO REPOSITION NIGER DELTA YOUTHS.....

An ex-agitator in the Niger Delta, Alhaji Letugbene, has said the priority attention being given to education and capacity building by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) under Dr Dennis Otuaro's leadership, is a means to empower, reposition and elevate youths in the region.

His comment follows the commencement of the second phase of laptop distribution by the PAP to its 2024/2025 scholarship beneficiaries across universities in Nigeria.

Letugbene, who is the current National Vice Chairman of PAP Phase 3, applauded Dr Otuaro for strategically using education to bridge the human capital development gap and to foster social-economic growth and development in the oil-rich region.

"I have said before and I'm saying it again, the era of militancy in the Niger Delta region is gone forever. We have moved on from that dark period in our history and we have learnt from the experience. That is why we have keyed into the educational scholarship programme of the Presidential Amnesty Programme under the guidance of Dr Dennis Brutu Otuaro".

He said the provision of the laptops was in fulfillment of the promise made last year by Dr Otuaro to provide support for scholarship beneficiaries during his tour of some universities, commending him for the gesture and charging him to do more for youths in the region in order to curb restiveness and criminal activities like pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

Letugbene said the PAP Administrator, through his visionary and innovative leadership has shown commitment to advance the socio-economic growth of the Niger Delta in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and asked stakeholders in the region to support him to achieve the core mandate of the Amnesty programme.

"This programme indeed has come to stay because many of our youths have been repositioned to play critical roles in the development of our region because of education. We are not sitting on the fence and are ready to participate in rewriting our story, which is fueled by the realization that through education, we can tell our story and through determination, we can rewrite our history".

The ex-agitator, who hails from Ekeremor Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, advised the Amnesty scholarship beneficiaries to use the laptops for the purpose for which they were provided, which includes learning, conducting research and to help them achieve excellence in their academic work.

He further appealed to them to be studious in order to justify the huge resources the federal government has allocated to their education, emphasizing that their success will be a catalyst for more investment by the government.

While appreciating President Tinubu for his continued support for Dr Otuaro and the Amnesty Programme which has been in existence since 2009, Letugbene assured him of the cooperation of ex-militants in the programme to sustain the prevailing peace in the Niger Delta region.

"We have accepted Amnesty since 2009 and we are committed to sustaining the peace in our communities. We want the federal government to be steadfast in its support for Dr Dennis Otuaro and his team by promptly releasing funds for various initiatives like the leadership training, monthly stipends, skill acquisition training, inclusion of impacted women and youths among others".

14/11/2025

IJAW NATION GAINS PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNITED NATIONS UNREPRESENTED PEOPLES ORGANISATION (UNPO), MARKING A NEW DAWN FOR SELF-DETERMINATION AND INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY

On behalf of the entire Ijaw Nation, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) announces with immense pride and historic significance our provisional admission into the esteemed ranks of the United Nations Unrepresented Peoples Organisation (UNPO), effective 29th October 2025.

This landmark decision, communicated to us following a review by the UNPO Presidency, is a monumental victory for every Ijaw man, young and old. It marks our long-awaited and rightful entry onto the global stage, providing a legitimate platform to amplify our voice and articulate our struggles after decades of marginalization, environmental devastation, and the suppression of our rights within the Nigerian federation.

Our membership in UNPO is not merely a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful tool for empowerment and a catalyst for tangible change. It unlocks a new era of international solidarity and support for the Ijaw cause. The benefits of this membership are profound and directly address the core challenges we face. These include:
- Providing a Global Platform for Our Voice: For too long, our story has been told by others. UNPO provides us with a direct channel to the international community, allowing us to share our experiences, our aspirations, and the grave injustices we endure, particularly the environmental genocide in the Niger Delta.
- Strengthening our Advocacy for Environmental Justice: The Ijaw homeland has been a sacrifice zone for decades of unchecked oil exploitation. Through UNPO’s dedicated focus on environmental justice, we gain a powerful ally in our fight to hold multinational corporations and the government accountable, demand remediation, and secure a safe, healthy environment for our people.
- It is also an affirmation of Our Right to Self-Determination. Our quest for autonomy and the right to determine our own political, economic, and cultural future is a fundamental pillar of our struggle. UNPO’s core mandate to support the rights of indigenous and unrepresented peoples provides a significant moral and advocacy framework to bolster our legitimate demands for true federalism and self-determination within Nigeria.
- Our membership enhances the INC’s Capacity Building and Networking efforts. We will now have access to UNPO’s capacity-building programs, which will equip our people with advanced skills in advocacy, human rights monitoring, and sustainable development. Furthermore, we will forge strategic alliances with other unrepresented nations across the globe, creating a united front for our collective rights.

In light of this development, we call upon the Nigerian government to view this not as a threat, but as an opportunity for constructive dialogue. Our international recognition is a compelling reason to re-engage with the Ijaw Nation in good faith to address the foundational issues of resource control, environmental protection, and political restructuring.

To the international community, we say: See us. Hear us. The Ijaw Nation is now officially at the table. We are ready to engage, to collaborate, and to work towards a future of justice, peace, and prosperity for our people.

We also wish to profusely appreciate all individuals and sister ethnic nationalities for their support in making us actualize this noble feat at this auspicious time in our steady journey to self-determination. This is a new dawn for the Ijaw Nation.

14/11/2025

Lokpobiri aide clarify Minister's remark on Frontier Exploration fund
.deny media report on planned probe Frontier Exploration Fund

Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri faulted claims that the Federal Government is set to probe an alleged diversion of the Frontier Exploration Fund.

According to Okafor, the report by some media outfit is inaccurate and does not reflect the actual statements made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D, during his address at the 43rd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) held in Lagos on Monday.

Nneamaka Okafor, the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, in a statement issued on Friday, said "At no point did the Minister announce or hint at any probe or investigation into the Frontier Exploration Fund."

"Rather, he highlighted the need for the optimal and purposeful deployment of the Fund, as provided for under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), to drive exploration in Nigeria’s frontier basins such as Chad, Anambra, Sokoto, and Benue, among others. His remarks were aimed at encouraging renewed commitment to the Fund’s objectives, not at alleging wrongdoing or announcing any formal investigation."

"The Minister emphasized that the Frontier Exploration Fund represents a strategic instrument for unlocking Nigeria’s untapped hydrocarbon potential and should therefore be utilized effectively to stimulate investment, boost exploration, and secure the nation’s energy future."

" He reiterated that the current administration remains fully committed to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of all public funds, including those within the petroleum sector."

"The media is urged to exercise due diligence and accuracy in reporting official statements, ensuring that the Minister’s comments are reflected faithfully and within the appropriate context."

14/11/2025

NIGER DELTA APC YOUTH VANGUARD CONDEMNS FALSE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST PAP ADMINISTRATOR

… PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON OTUARU, TOMPOLO

The National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, the umbrella body of committed All Progressives Congress (APC) youths across the nine Niger Delta states comprising ex-agitators, party stakeholders, and human rights activists, have condemned in totality, the false allegations and cheap blackmail targeted against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru.

The group made its position known during an emergency press conference held in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to address what it described as “an unfortunate wave of fabricated stories and politically motivated blackmail being circulated by a few disgruntled individuals uncomfortable with the transparent and excellent work being done by Dr. Otuaru in the Amnesty Office.

According to the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard, in a statement read to newsmen and signed by the President/ National Coordinator, Snr. Comrade Emmanuel Fiawei Pathfinder And National Secetary, Dr. AK Peters, totally condemn, in strong terms, these baseless and malicious allegations sponsored by misguided, unpatriotic, and disgruntled elements, whom are best described as idols of underdevelopment in the region.

According to the group, these agents of distraction have chosen the path of falsehood and blackmail rather than contributing to peace and progress, simply because they cannot withstand the visible transformation and transparency that Chief Dr. Otuaro has brought to the Presidential Amnesty Programme in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The group stated that "Since assuming office, Chief Dr. Otuaru has demonstrated visionary, pragmatic, foresighted, and transparent leadership that has repositioned and transformed the Presidential Amnesty Programme from a transactional initiative benefitting a few individuals into a credible, people-oriented, and transparent human-capital development platform."

"Under his administration, the PAP has:
Implemented large-scale vocational and technical training programmes for ex-agitators, Niger Delta youths, and women both within Nigeria and in reputable international institutions in the United Kingdom and other countries, in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope mantra.Expanded educational scholarship opportunities, professional certification, maritime, and seafaring training to global standards for human capacity building."

" He Promoted a culture of accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and open-door governance, engaging critical stakeholders, traditional rulers, and youth leaders across the region and Aligned the Amnesty Programme with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, transforming Niger Delta youths from agitation to productivity, and from restiveness to responsible nation-building."

"Through his dynamic and people-oriented leadership, the Amnesty Programme has become a cornerstone of sustainable peace, socio-economic growth, and development in the Niger Delta."

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard also commended High Chief Tompolo for his patriotic commitment to safeguarding national assets and securing Nigeria’s oil and gas infrastructure.

According to the group, " Tompolo, through Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Tompolo has played a key role in boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production, which has risen from under 900,000 barrels per day to nearly 2 million barrels per day. His collaboration with security agencies has ensured relative peace, protection of vital infrastructure, and restoration of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas operations."

The group noted that together, Dr. Otuaru and Government Ekpemupolo represent a new era of responsible leadership, partnership, and patriotism in the Niger Delta, in perfect alignment with President Tinubu’s vision of national unity, prosperity, and inclusive growth.

The group however warned against Political Sabotage and Blackmail, warning those circulating fabricated allegations and malicious propaganda against these respected sons of the Niger Delta to desist immediately.

The group described such campaigns of deceit and character assassination as not only counterproductive but also as direct attacks on the peace, stability, and economic progress currently being enjoyed under President Tinubu’s leadership.

The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard declared that it will no longer tolerate any form of cheap blackmail or unfounded allegations orchestrated by known enemies of peace and development in the region. Should these unpatriotic actors persist, the group said it would have no choice but to declare them “enemies of peace and economic stability” in the Niger Delta.

The group however declared that in view of Chief Dr. Otuaru’s unprecedented achievements, transparent governance, and loyalty to the APC and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leadership of the Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard hereby passes a resounding Vote of Confidence on Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaru, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The group also recognizes and appreciates High Chief Tompolo for his outstanding contributions to peace and economic stability in the Niger Delta region.

"The Niger Delta APC Youth Vanguard reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty, full support, and total commitment to the visionary leadership of Dr. Otuaru, and to the Renewed Hope Administration of President Tinubu."

13/11/2025

‎*NIS DG Congratulates Super Eagles Charged the Players to be Focused on their Next Game*
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‎The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute For Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu has congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their 4-1 victory over Gabon.
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‎Shaibu who was at the Prince Moulay ElHassan Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco to cheer the team to victory praised the players for their commitment and doggedness in achieving the win.
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‎"The Super Eagles have really made us proud tonight and I salute them for that. Even when the Gabonese equalized, they still kept their composure and determination", he said.
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‎The DG further charged the Eagles to be focused on the next task ahead against either the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon or the Leopards of DR Congo.
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‎"Today's victory has come and this is not yet complete. They should not be carried away by the euphoria of this victory. They should be focused on the task ahead". Shaibu noted.
‎
‎After a barren first half dominated

12/11/2025

I Won’t Force My Deputy To Join APC, Says Gov Diri

*Dispels Security Threat In Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said he will not compel his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he formally joined on November 3.

Governor Diri resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on October 15 citing obvious reasons for his decision but his deputy did not join him in the new party.

Speaking during the weekly state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday, with Ewhrudjakpo also present, the Bayelsa governor said as a matter of principle, he believes in engagement rather than confrontation and that he will continue to discuss with his deputy.

While admitting that it is difficult for both of them to be in different political parties, Diri expressed the optimism that ongoing engagements with his deputy would yield positive results.

He disclosed that the case filed by Ewhrudjakpo at a Federal High Court in Abuja to halt a purported impeachment plan had been discontinued after they discussed it.

He urged people of the state to love one another and see politics as a means to bring development and not to pull others down.

His words: "I express our gratitude to the people of our state for the successful and well attended thanksgiving day service. The spirit of oneness and love is what we should keep exhibiting.

"I like to also thank the people for the mammoth crowd at the sports complex during our defection. I appreciate the leader of our party, President Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima. I pledge our loyalty to continue to work for a better Nigeria, for the upliftment of the standard of living of our people.

"Let me address an issue that had been a subject of speculation in the media. I do not intend to force people to join the APC but rather to appeal to them to see reason with me. I might have the power today but not tomorrow.

“It is actually difficult for the governor to be on one side and the deputy on another. But we will continue to talk and we might end up in the same party tomorrow.

"We must not heat up the polity. We are done with violence in Bayelsa State. We are brothers and we are one. Politics should be for the development of the state and not to fight one another.”

On the rumour of the arrival in the state of armed men from a part of the country, Governor Diri dispelled it as fake news.

He however assured that security agencies have been put on notice to check any threat in any part of the state.

He reaffirmed Bayelsa as one of the most secured states in the country and urged the people to go about their businesses and report security issues to the relevant agencies rather than rushing to post falsehood on social media.

At the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, presented to the governor the recognition of Bayelsa as the "Best State in Health Insurance Service Delivery" by the Nigeria Governors Forum while his counterpart in the Ministry of Sports, Dr. Daniel Igali, also presented a "Distinguished Governor Award for Outstanding Support to SWAN and Contribution to Sports Development In Nigeria” from the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

12/11/2025

Bayelsa Exco approves Agbere-Elemebiri road, Okunbiri-Eriama-Egbema-Angalabiri road, Sampou mini stadium

The Bayelsa State Government has approved the construction of two new roads in the Western Senatorial district- Agbere-Abuetor-Osifo-Osekwenike-Asamabiri-Ekperiwari-Elemebiri Road Project and Okunbiri,Kunu, Eriama, Adagbabiri, Ogbosuare and Egbema-Angalabiri road.

This approval was given at the 176th State Executive Council meeting presided by Governor Douye Diri.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, also announced the approval of a 5,000 seater mini stadium at the cost of N18.9 billion to be built at Sampou in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

The 18.7 km Agbere-Abuetor-Elemebiri road project at the cost of N110 billion would be done on a 60-40 percent counterpart funding between the State Government and the NDDC respectively.

At the briefing along with the Information Commissioner were Works and Infrastructure commissioner, Moses Teibowei and Daniel Igali of Sports Development.

12/11/2025

OP-ED: General Christopher Gwabin Musa: A Leader Kaduna State Needs, By Eddy Hyacinth

In every generation, there arises a leader whose experience, discipline, and sense of service embody what true leadership should be. General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, stands tall among such men.

He is too young to fade into retirement when his leadership, vision, and deep understanding of Nigeria’s diversity are still greatly needed, especially in a state as complex as Kaduna.

General Musa’s distinguished career in the Nigerian Army is not one built on political connections or privilege, but on merit, courage, and competence. From his early days at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna to his rise as Chief of Defence Staff, he has exemplified what it means to serve with honor.

His years of experience commanding troops across Nigeria; including his tenure as Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East ; prove his ability to manage people from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.

If he could successfully lead Nigeria’s armed forces through some of its toughest security challenges, he can surely lead his people toward peace and progress in Kaduna State.

The General’s qualifications speak for themselves. He has attended the most prestigious local and international military institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji, the National Defence College in Abuja, and advanced courses in the United States, the United Kingdom, and India.

These experiences have shaped him into a strategic thinker, a disciplined administrator, and a unifying force.

Few politicians in today’s Nigeria can boast of such a blend of global exposure and patriotic commitment.

It is also worth noting that many of our current politicians, some with questionable educational backgrounds, continue to occupy top offices.

Yet, a man like General Musa — who has managed human and material resources at the highest levels of national defense — is told to retire quietly.

This is unfair, both to him and to the nation that invested so much in his training. Leadership should not be about how long one has been in politics, but about the ability to lead effectively, with vision and integrity.

Kaduna State needs a leader who understands its delicate balance of faiths, ethnicities, and interests. General Musa’s years of service have prepared him for exactly that.

He has lived the realities of Nigeria’s diversity and learned to build unity through discipline and fairness. He represents a new kind of leadership — one that values competence over political noise, and results over rhetoric.

If older leaders like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remain active in governance and retired politicians like Atiku Abubakar still pursue presidential ambitions, why should a younger, vibrant, and better-qualified patriot like General Musa not aspire to serve his people? Nigeria’s democracy needs leaders who have proven themselves not by words, but by actions; not by party loyalty, but by love for the nation.

General Christopher Gwabin Musa’s story is a reminder that Nigeria still has capable men and women whose service should not end in the barracks.

His leadership could bring a fresh wave of discipline, unity, and purposeful governance to Kaduna State, a model that the rest of Nigeria might learn from.
The time has come for competence, not politics. And if service to humanity is the highest calling, then General Musa still has much to give.

KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS

12/11/2025

In a post via its X handle, , the Defence HQ Nigeria, wrote: “It is an honour to serve in the Nigerian military. Unshaken, Unbent, Unbroken.” Read more:

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters posted a cryptic message after the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, clashed with some soldiers over a land dispute in Abuja.

12/11/2025

Bayelsa: Police order mental health evaluation on Inspector who assaulted own children
...as NBA,FIDA,CSOs demand quick prosecution

Authorities of the Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Inspector, Sunday Idey over his weekend criminal assault against his three children over allegations of witchcraft.

The police authority also confirmed that the arrested Sunday Ideh will be subjected to mental health evaluation to determine his status before being criminality prosecuted.

The Deputy commissioner of police, Operations, Sanusi Mohammed, made this known in Yenagoa during a call on the command by members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by the Vice Chairman, VIVIEN Brisibe,PhD and Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Branch., Dr. Boma Miebaiwho Esq.

The Deputy commissioner of police, Operations, Sanusi Mohammed, pointed out that though the embattled police Inspector is in custody and an upright personnel before the dastardly act, the case would not be swept under the carpet and the personnel will be diligently prosecuted.

Earlier, the Vice Chairman, NBA Yenagoa Branch, Vivien Brisibe, PhD informed the Deputy Commissioner of Police that the incident of criminal assault against the children by the police inspector was worrisome and of a great concern considering the fact that he is a police personnel and expected to protect the citizenry.

She called for quick and diligent prosecution of the police inspector, citing that his actions against his own children violated all extent laws in the country," He should be prosecuted and charged with maximum.he should be charged with attempted murder. He should not be charged with a slap on the wrist."

Also speaking, the Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa State Branch, Dr. Boma Miebaiwho Esq expressed the concern over th3 welfare of the assaulted children, demanding that the children should not be handed to the family as an NGO has offered to care for the troubled children.

Meanwhile, Gender based violence advocacy group, Do Foundation has also called for the quick prosecution of the Police Inspector and care for the assaulted children.

The Do Foundation, in a letter of appreciation signed by the Founder and Team leader, Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry and addressed to the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu for his quick response during the incident, urged that the police is expected to prosecute and bring the offender to justice.