News Waka Now - NWN

29/09/2025

Bayelsa Govt Assures on Effective Budget Implementation, Posts N165bn as Surplus Revenue.

Bayelsa State Government says it will continue to prioritize effective implementation of its budgets as part of efforts to promote good governance, especially in terms of infrastructural and human capacity development.

Governor Douye Diri, stated this while declaring open a critical stakeholders' public interactive session for the preparation of the state 2026 Annual Budget at the Harold Dappa Biriye Conference Centre in Yenagoa, on Monday.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said his administration did creditably well in implementing the 2024 budget, stressing that it had not carried over any budget right from its inception in 2020.

He highlighted some completed and ongoing people-oriented projects budgeted for in the 2024 Appropriation Law to include, the Sagbama-Ekeremor road, the new Commissioners and Lawmakers' residential quarters, and Yenagoa-Oporoma Road with spurs to Otuan and Oporoma towns in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Others include the roads within the New Yenagoa City, the 2nd Phase of Glory Drive, the Nembe-Brass Road, the Angiama-Enewari Road, and the Light-Up Bayelsa project for which the state had already taken delivery of a 60Mega Watt turbine to provide electricity by December this year.

Describing budget planning as key to the development of any state and corporate organization, the Bayelsa Chief Executive urged the participants to make useful inputs into the 2026 budget to engender good governance and prosperity in the state.

Governor Diri, who thanked the people for their support, reassured them that his administration is determined to leave Bayelsa better than it met it in terms of development.

His words: "A budget session like this is important for planning and development. The good thing about our state is that we do not carry over our budgets, and that is a big applause for the Governor and the economic team.

"The Prosperity Administration knows where it wants to take the people of the state to. Our Turbine which was appropriated for in the last budget is here and we want to thank the Governor.

"We want to leave Bayelsa better than we met it: that is the essence of leadership. So, I really want to encourage us to continue to pray for the Governor and the state in general. We may not be where we want to be but we have made progress.

"The essence of today's gathering is to make input. So feel free to make your inputs which we believe will help us to make progress.

Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Flint George, stated that the stakeholders interactive session would culminate into a citizens' budget which will capture the aspirations of the people..

He remarked that some of the requests made last year were included in the 2025 budget which is doing well, stressing that the interactive session was an avenue to get feedback from the citizens and make governance all inclusive

Mr George expressed gratitude to Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo,for supporting the ministry to perform its functions effectively.

Delivering the 2024 financial performance report, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, represented by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulu, announced a surplus revenue of N165bn for the state as at 31st December ,2024.

He said though the state had N760bn as its approved budget of revenue for the year under review, it recorded an actual revenue of N925bn that enabled the state to meet a total actual expenditure of N760bn.

Mr Ebibai, added that funds appropriated for in the 2024 budget were judiciously utilized and properly accounted for during the monthly transparency briefing of the state government as required by law.

The report reads in part, "In the opinion of the Accountant General of the State, the financial statements were in agreement with the books of account and records, and show a true and fair view of the financial condition of the Government of Bayelsa State for the year ended December 31st, 2024."

Bayelsa Govt Assures on Effective Budget Implementation, Posts N165bn as Surplus Revenue.

Bayelsa State Government says it will continue to prioritize effective implementation of its budgets as part of efforts to promote good governance, especially in terms of infrastructural and human capacity development.

Governor Douye Diri, stated this while declaring open a critical stakeholders' public interactive session for the preparation of the state 2026 Annual Budget at the Harold Dappa Biriye Conference Centre in Yenagoa, on Monday.

The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, said his administration did creditably well in implementing the 2024 budget, stressing that it had not carried over any budget right from its inception in 2020.

He highlighted some completed and ongoing people-oriented projects budgeted for in the 2024 Appropriation Law to include, the Sagbama-Ekeremor road, the new Commissioners and Lawmakers' residential quarters, and Yenagoa-Oporoma Road with spurs to Otuan and Oporoma towns in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

Others include the roads within the New Yenagoa City, the 2nd Phase of Glory Drive, the Nembe-Brass Road, the Angiama-Enewari Road, and the Light-Up Bayelsa project for which the state had already taken delivery of a 60Mega Watt turbine to provide electricity by December this year.

Describing budget planning as key to the development of any state and corporate organization, the Bayelsa Chief Executive urged the participants to make useful inputs into the 2026 budget to engender good governance and prosperity in the state.

Governor Diri, who thanked the people for their support, reassured them that his administration is determined to leave Bayelsa better than it met it in terms of development.

His words: "A budget session like this is important for planning and development. The good thing about our state is that we do not carry over our budgets, and that is a big applause for the Governor and the economic team.

"The Prosperity Administration knows where it wants to take the people of the state to. Our Turbine which was appropriated for in the last budget is here and we want to thank the Governor.

"We want to leave Bayelsa better than we met it: that is the essence of leadership. So, I really want to encourage us to continue to pray for the Governor and the state in general. We may not be where we want to be but we have made progress.

"The essence of today's gathering is to make input. So feel free to make your inputs which we believe will help us to make progress.

Earlier, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Flint George, stated that the stakeholders interactive session would culminate into a citizens' budget which will capture the aspirations of the people..

He remarked that some of the requests made last year were included in the 2025 budget which is doing well, stressing that the interactive session was an avenue to get feedback from the citizens and make governance all inclusive

Mr George expressed gratitude to Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo,for supporting the ministry to perform its functions effectively.

Delivering the 2024 financial performance report, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, represented by the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, Mr Timipre Seipulu, announced a surplus revenue of N165bn for the state as at 31st December ,2024.

He said though the state had N760bn as its approved budget of revenue for the year under review, it recorded an actual revenue of N925bn that enabled the state to meet a total actual expenditure of N760bn.

Mr Ebibai, added that funds appropriated for in the 2024 budget were judiciously utilized and properly accounted for during the monthly transparency briefing of the state government as required by law.

The report reads in part, "In the opinion of the Accountant General of the State, the financial statements were in agreement with the books of account and records, and show a true and fair view of the financial condition of the Government of Bayelsa State for the year ended December 31st, 2025

29/09/2025

https://newswakanow.com.ng/missing-vicky-a-jealous-girlfriend-who-was-humane-by-tony-erha/

Missing Vicky, a jealous ‘girlfriend’ who was humane! BY TONY ERHA

28/09/2025

Amb. Winston C. Amain Congratulates Newly Elected EHSOSA Leaders

Port Harcourt, Nigeria Ambassador Winston C. Amain, a distinguished member of the Enitonna High School Class of 1990, has congratulated the newly elected executives of the Enitonna High School Old Students Association (EHSOSA), describing their emergence as a “victory of character, vision, and enduring service.”

In a goodwill message, Amb. Amain hailed Sir Godfrey Ohabunwa, who was elected and sworn in as President of EHSOSA, noting that his victory reflects the trust and confidence of the alumni in his leadership.

He also expressed delight over the election of Dr. Precious Omuku, President of the EHS Class of 1990 Forum, as Vice President of EHSOSA. Amb. Amain described Omuku’s emergence as “a proud moment for the Class of ’90,” emphasizing that it underscores both the strength of their brotherhood and the values passed down by the school’s founding fathers.

Beyond the top positions, Amb. Amain extended congratulations to all other newly elected officials, commending their dedication to service and urging them to uphold Enitonna High School’s legacy as “a beacon of discipline, excellence, and leadership.”

“As you embark on this new journey of leadership, may your tenure be marked by growth, harmony, and transformative impact,” he said.

Looking ahead, Amb. Amain pledged to continue serving as a worthy ambassador of the Class of ’90, working with the new EHSOSA leadership to strengthen the association and give back to their alma mater.

“Together, under this new leadership, we shall work to uphold the dignity and values of EHSOSA, support our alma mater, and keep alive the legacy that binds us as brothers,” he added.

The Enitonna High School Old Students Association (EHSOSA) serves as the umbrella body for alumni of the institution, fostering unity among members and contributing to the growth and development of the school community.

28/09/2025

Why Gulf Of Guinea Is Crucial To Bayelsa - Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said the location of the state around the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region presents unique opportunities for investment, its growth and development.

Governor Diri also stated that his administration was ready to deepen collaboration to enhance the security of the contiguous maritime area.

The Bayelsa governor spoke at the Nigerian Mission House in New York during a High-Level Discourse on the Gulf of Guinea, with the theme: “Unlocking Energy, Oil/Gas, Mineral Resources, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea: A Roadmap for Peace and Security” on the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The event was convened by a policy think tank, The New Diplomat in collaboration with Angola-based Gulf of Guinea Commission.

Governor Diri noted that Bayelsa, being the ancestral homeland of the Ijaw people, shares historical affiliation and geographical similarities with the Gulf of Guinea.

According to him, the huge economic potentialities of the area were yet to be fully exploited.

He said Bayelsa’s longest coastline in the country of over 200km offers opportunities in tourism, oil, gas and energy development as well as investments in glass, ceramics, fisheries, maritime and aviation among others.

His words: “The Gulf of Guinea, stretching approximately 6,000 kilometers from Cape Lopez in Gabon to Cape Palmas in Liberia, is one of the world’s most strategic maritime basins. It anchors nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s oil production, holds 4.5 per cent of global proven oil reserves and 2.7 per cent of global gas, and supports seaborne trade expanding at unprecedented pace.

“Surrounding this basin is a vast market of over 500 million people across West and Central Africa, making the Gulf not only a lifeline for energy but also a growth engine for trade, jobs, and food security.

“Bayelsa’s unique geography grants us unmatched prospects for oil and gas exports, maritime logistics, fisheries, and coastal trade. Our dual identity as an energy powerhouse and custodian of delicate ecosystems defines both our responsibilities and opportunities.”

He stressed that the objective of his administration was to create a safe and transparent environment where private investment, local enterprise and international partners can deliver shared prosperity for communities in the region.

Diri, however, noted that insecurity had been a serious challenge in the Gulf, particularly piracy, which he said required concerted effort among stakeholders to effectively tackle.

“As a government, we have pioneered a community-based crime prevention strategy - the first among Nigeria’s coastal states. We couple this with formal enforcement in partnership with the Nigerian Navy, Joint Task Force, Police and other agencies.

“We have re‑tooled local security outfits, established the Bayelsa Community Safety Corps and deployed technological surveillance mechanisms.

“Bayelsa State’s partnership with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the government of Government of Germany to launch a community-based crime-prevention programme has shown promising results, including the rescue of seven kidnapped victims in 2022.”

The UNODC Executive Director and Director-General of the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria, Amb. Ghada Waly, said the Gulf of Guinea is an important economic powerhouse of the African continent.

Waly re-echoed the significance of shoring up security in the Gulf as the region had become a transit route for illicit financial flows, drugs and organised crime.

She said: “According to the 2024 Nigerian Corruption Survey reported by the UNODC, over $40 billion had been lost in the last one decade through illicit financial flows and embezzlement. Corruption opens the door for criminal networks to infiltrate supply chain and erode the rule of law.

“With global demand for critical minerals set to rise, the risks will only grow. Without concrete action and sustained support, these threats will hold the region back from reaching its full potential. At the UNODC, we are working with our partners to curb organised crime in Nigeria and in the Gulf of Guinea.”

In a welcome address, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Thailand, who is the convener and Director of The New Diplomat, Oma Djebah, said the roundtable was organised to bring together global thought leaders, policy makers, private sector icons and the civil society “to advance pragmatic, enduring partnerships and a bright future for the Gulf of Guinea.”

He also stated that the proposed Gulf of Guinea Business Council (GoGBC) would foster collaboration between the private sector and governments in the Gulf of Guinea and development partners just as it would create jobs, improve infrastructure and unlock the region’s full economic potential.

The event was chaired by former Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister and erstwhile United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, and had in attendance Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, his Solid Minerals Development counterpart, Dr Dele Alake, and Nigeria’s 21st Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Awwal Gambo.

Others were former France Ambassador to Nigeria and currently, Head, Africa Division at France's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emmanuella Blatmann, Portugal's Special Envoy to Africa and former Ambassador to Denmark, Rita Laranjinha, and the Charge d' Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Amb. Samson Itegboje, among others.

28/09/2025

We Are Making Progress In the Development of Bayelsa, Says Gov Diri

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, says his administration is making steady and impactful progress in the development of the state and still poised to break new grounds

Governor Diri stated this through his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Sunday at the Inter-denominational Church Service in commemoration of Nigeria's 65th Independence and 29th edition of the creation of Bayelsa State at the King of Glory Chapel, Government, House, Yenagoa.

The governor who acknowledged that while the state has been modest in its growth, he expressed government's determination to do more within available resources.

He noted that although Bayelsa was being deprived of most development enablers, especially as a state with only eight local government areas, in a country where the number of local government councils was also a determining factor for resource allocation from the federal government.

Governor Diri asserted that despite some of these challenges, the Prosperity Government remained undaunted in turning around the social economic activities

According to him, with the December deadline promised by the Diri-led administration for 24 hours power supply, the state has demonstrated its desire to move the state towards its independence from the epileptic national grid by procuring a 60 megawatts gas turbine.

Governor who announced the arrival of the turbine machines in the state, emphasized that when the turbines become functional, investors and more development opportunities would be attracted to the state.

His words “For us in Bayelsa State, our development has been modest and we are going according to the resources available to us. As you are aware, every indicator is against Bayelsa. We have just eight local government councils and you know they are used to determine development and resources.

“Despite all that, Bayelsa has continued to make progress. You are aware that the governor has been able to use the instrumentality of his doggedness to acquire 60 megawatts of gas turbine to be installed in the state and by December, we will be having 24hrs power supply.

“That is progress because once there is light there is hope. And we believe that with this development, more investors will come in. So we may not be where we ought to be but we are not where we used to be.”

Speaking on the growth of democracy in the country as it celebrates another year of independence, Governor Diri contended that for the current system of government to make meaningful progress, it must respect the rule of law and uphold the rights of citizens.

Delivering a sermon titled, “Challengers of Our Settlement,” General Stephen Odede, said the plan of God at the birth of anything is growth, but challenges have hampered the growth and progress of man.

General Odede, described Bayelsa as a great state, stressing that, no matter the size of its enemies the state and Bayelsa and its well-meaning people would always triumph.
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‎Dignitaries present at the service were the immediate past Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, (Rtd), Speaker of the State House of Assembly, who was represented by the Member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, Col Bernard Kenebai, (Rtd), the Member representing Ekeremor Constituency 1, Hon. Tare Porri, and his Kolokuma/Opokuma Constituency 1, Hon Werinipre Waripamo.

Others included Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Mr. Irorodamie Komonibo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s office, Comrade Gowon Toruyouyei, Commissioners, other top government functionaries, service commanders the and Clergymen.
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Highpoint of the event was the offering of intercessory prayers for the peace and progress of the state, the Niger Delta and the nation.

28/09/2025

Missing Vicky, a jealous 'girlfriend' who was humane!

BY TONY ERHA

Inside the capital of Taraba, the north-east fringe state of Nigeria, there lived a humane woman, a very closed friend of mine, who occupies my mind non-stop, until now.

'Jalingo', the name of the growing urban centre, that sounds like the Christmas bell, was a 'captivity' where Vicky, the sensational girl, was 'rehabilitated' from the 'traffickers' that attempted to smuggle her through the porous Nigerian borders, into a Cameroon transit, from where she would have been flown to a European owner, who had made a down payment of USD$6,000, to own the girl-slave.

The Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) belongs to the Primates, a mammalian group that includes humans, monkeys and apes, having large brains and other unique features.

Vicky is from the filial group of the Chimp, which is about the most intelligent of animals, sharing the closest semblances with humans. While chimps actually behave like the human persons, Vicky, because she had had extensive socialisation with her keepers and other humans, soon learned to ‘ape’ or imitate some of the actions made by man.

To the amusement of everybody, she performed some human acts like dancing, mocking, folding the mat to lie down etc. she was commanded to do. Indeed, once on the popular Newsline Programme of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), anchored by Kefas Sule of the NTA, Jalingo, Vicky had mesmerised viewers with her human mimicry.

Vicky, the jealous girl, seemed to have had a score to settle with some women of the vicinity, who jeered at and mocked her.

She always mocked them back by showing off her little backside and patting her open palm to her mouth to hoot at them the way angry women do. Whenever she sighted these women from a distance, she would be ready to ‘deal with’ them.

First, she suddenly realized that she was naked and quickly covered her waistline with a piece of cloth. Her mates mustn’t see her nudity, she seemed to be resolute! And she would pick another cellophane to cover her head, as if to say “I am also feminine like you”

Sometimes, the friendly women jokingly called me and Jonah Joel Kiado the husbands of Vicky, because they came to know that Vicky was really a jealous type who didn’t take kindly to it when both of us joked and teased the women, who constantly brought food drinks and other delicacies for Vicky.

Other chimps and the baboons that were housed in the several enclosures of the mini zoo. Vicky evidently thought that we were too closed to her and sulked all day when we interact with the women.

She was so happy when a chain was bought to tame her, so that she stopped causing troubles around. At first, she was excited to wear it, thinking it was a necklace bigger than the ones, (in a defiance) her ‘fellow women’ would wear. She sooner got agitated when she could hardly frolic.

The baboons are the most jealous and rebellious. Anything they considered as favour, when it is done to Vicky and the other chimps, they hated. They stoned at us when we gave Vicky a waist fetters, but got hysterical when we gave them theirs.

In another exciting media expose, journalist Hendrix Oliomogbe of the Guardian newspaper worded a report on Vicky, which had thrilled his readership, including an Andy Akporogu, the late newsprint workaholic and guru of the Nigerian Observer and the Guardian fame, who was hardly pleased with news reportage.

Same year, about the middle of the 1990s, Professor John Oates, the celebrated American primatologist, an expert on the study of non-human primates, was also ecstatic about the Vicky’s story, when I met him and a Dr. Lee White, a conservationist who later became a minister of Ecology to Gabon, his place of birth.

Both had visited the former Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary, Arakhuan, Edo State, now called Okomu National Park.

Painfully, the story of Vicky and how she came to be ‘exiled’ in the animal enclosures at the former College of Education, Jalingo was a twisted one, which evokes empathy for the unfortunate girl-chimp.

As aforesaid, she was one of the chimps and baboons that were rescued by a synergy work with the then Taraba State Forestry Department, headed by it’s the Director, Hezekiah Omiri, a keenest conservationist and the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA).

Being a volunteer, who then carried out many rescue activities and welfare of animals with the animal Kindness Club, a global charity founded in 1959 by the late Canadian, Aida Maud Boyer McAnn Flemming (1896 -1994), I was readily disposed to the team that traversed wilderness of Taraba, Yobe, Adamawa and Bornu states, respectively, rescuing smuggled primates and sending their smugglers to jail.

The exercises took us to dangerous terrains of the tough and greater heights and deep terrains of the temperate Mambilla, a Taraba plateau that is the loftiest altitudes in Nigeria, at about 1,600 metres above sea level.

In one of our intricate trips up the plains, to Nuguroje and the Nge Yanki (the forest of lions), in a Landrover jeep, we were so lucky not to have skidded side-way and tumble into the deep valleys below.

As we descended down the steep mountain towards Mayo Kam in Bali local government area. It was raining slowly and our jeep had galloped to a sudden stop, in order not to hit a herd of the elephants, that slowly down the hills, as if they didn’t care that we existed.

It was likely that Nsentip Udom Udeme, now a doctorate lecturer with a Taraba’s higher institution in Zing, was in the team.

In some other rescue trips, we stayed within the Hadeja Nguru Wetlands, and today’s forest of Sambisa, the launch-pad for several deadly armed groups that lay siege to Nigeria and the contiguous countries. Paddy Ezeala, a notable conservationist and publisher of the Development Agenda magazine, was also in a study group of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), who ran into us at the Sambisa thickets.

Unfortunately, Ezeala, my long-time associate passed on two months ago.

One morning, as I stepped out of the mini zoom, Jalo Denda, a close friend, met I and Kiado on the way.

He did not heed our advise not to tease Vicky and to keep his transistor radio from her. Now, Vicky loved music, the radio and anything else that played sounds.

On our quick return, Denda was dispirited as we met Vicky admiring the carcass of the radio set that she hit on the concrete, when Denda was inattentive.

When my good friend and passionate conservationist, Jonah Joel Kiado, passed on, life was more difficult for Vicky, because he was her main keeper and benefactor.

I got back to Jalingo thereafter and not only mourn the demise of my good friend, who was a head lecturer at the then College of Education, but also longed to see Vicky.

Her where-about was initially unknown, until I was referred to Wukari town in the state.

Getting to Wukari on about three hours road distance from Jalingo, was like a much longer straight journey made to infinity.

In her new enclosure, Vicky was emaciated and confused. I had approached her cage on a face-to-face gaze with her, making grimaces and hooting calls that she was used to.

Severally, she closed and flipped her hopeless eyelids, until she raised an excited cry, forcing herself out of the cage. We rolled over on the ground, in our once familiar mode of play. She was caring and dutifully picked dirt off my head, just as I did same to her.

Then she held tight to me, looked to my face and began to cry, with tears dropping he cheeks. I was an agonizing moment but relieved that she recognised me.

The late Ibrahim Kefas, the good one, who loved animals, her new benefactor, was amazed by what he witnessed. I encouraged her to take a sedative to stop her from making scenes as I left after spending quality time with her.

Will somebody tell me where Vicky is? I long to meet her again and again!

28/09/2025

Encomium trail quick arrest of suspected killer of Bayelsa Estate Agent
..police,tactical team,Operation Puff Adder receives Commendations

Stakeholders in Bayelsa State have continued to shower encomiums on the Bayelsa State Police Command over the quick arrest of George Idumangi, the suspected killer of the 42 years old Estate Agent, Richard Ekpebu.

George Idumangi was arrested last Monday at the office of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) at Festac Town in Lagos while procuring an International Passport to flee the country.

Business morgul and Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State, Chief Robert Ayalla Enoa has commended the quick efforts of the Bayelsa Police Command through the Operation Puff Adder headed by CSP Chris Nwaogbo.

Also the Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Barr. Festus Daemuebi called on the top echelon of the Police Force and the present administration of Gov. Douye Diri to encourage police personnel who has distinguished themselves in the protection of the people with a reward system for excellence.

The leadership of the Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide , Bayelsa State chapter has also commended the State Commissioner of Police, Francis Idu and the commander of the Operation Puff Adder for a job well-done and in mobilising the search for the alleged killer

The Ohaneze Ndigbo headed by Dr. Frank Oduwukwe, described the successes of the police in the state as encouraging and radiate the feeling of safety among the residents.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo said the Igbo people have over the years monitored the successes of the Police under the leadership of the State Commissioner, Francis Idu and the support of the State Governor, Senator Douye Siri and found out that the state capital and it's environ have been quiet safe.

According to the Igbo Social Cultural group, the police have saved the state from the blushes of criminal elements with the rescue of Igbo businessmen from the attacks of kidnappers, the rescue of the State High Court Judge, the recovery of stolen rifles belonging to the personnel of the NCSDC, the rescue of the brother of the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku and many more through the Operation Puff Adder squad in the state.

" Above all the recent quick arrest of the suspected killer of the 42 years old Bayelsa Estate Agent. These actions have boosted the confidence of the people of the State in the Police and the administration of Governor Douye Diri."

He announced that the Ohaneze Ndigbo has earmarked the Police Leadership in the State led by the Commissioner, Francis Idu and CSP Chris Nwaogbo for honours during the September 29th Igbo Day,2025 for their bravery and tactical disposition to security which has brought desirable peace and calm to Bayelsa State.

In his solidarity message to the Bayelsa Police Command, the Chairman, Bomo Clan Council of Chief in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the State, HRH (Dr.) Inatimi I.S.A. Zalakoro, extended their profound appreciation and commendation to you and the entire Bayelsa State Police Command for your exceptional role in the arrest of Mr. George Idumangi, the suspected killer of Mr. Richard Ekpebu, a respected real estate developer in Bayelsa State and son-in-law of the Bomo Clan.

According to the letter of appreciation signed by HRH (Dr.) Inatimi I.S.A. Zalakoro and made available to newsmen, "the tragic and senseless killing of Mr. Ekpebu came as a devastating blow to our clan and left a deep wound in the hearts of our people. This heinous act committed against one of our own in-law families is one we continue to grieve over."

"However, your swift and determined response in pursuing justice has brought a sense of relief and reassurance to our communities."

*We are particularly moved to commend Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Chris Nwaogbo, Commander of the Operation Restore Peace (Puff Adder) Unit of the Nigerian Police Force, Bayelsa State Command, who, with uncommon courage, professionalism and tactical expertise, personally led the operation that led to the apprehension of the suspect in his hideout in Lagos."

," CSP Nwaogbo’s rare display of professionalism, tactical brilliance, and personal leadership in tracking and arresting the suspect from his hideout in Lagos, Nigeria, deserves the highest praise. His actions exemplify the core values of dedication, courage, and service that the Nigerian Police Force stands for."