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Truthlinereporter.com, Yenagoa (2026)

05/08/2026

Group Backs Jonathan Obuebite for Brass/Nembe House of Representatives

A grassroots socio-political group, the Forum for Good Leadership (FGL), has endorsed Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite Ph.D for the House of Representatives seat for Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, describing him as the most qualified and experienced aspirant for the position.

The endorsement was announced during a press conference held on Monday in Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. In a statement signed by the group's National Coordinator, Hon. Edwin Orafiri Thomas, FGL described Obuebite as a prepared, credible and people-oriented leader capable of providing effective representation at the National Assembly.

According to the group, Obuebite's years of public service, political experience and commitment to grassroots development distinguish him from other aspirants seeking the office. It said his leadership qualities and understanding of governance make him the best choice to represent the constituency.

The forum noted that Obuebite has served the state in several capacities, including as a lawmaker, Commissioner and Special Adviser, where he consistently demonstrated dedication to public service. It added that his ability to engage stakeholders and coordinate policies has contributed to the growth and development of Bayelsa State.

FGL stated that his tenure in public office was marked by responsiveness, inclusiveness and a commitment to structured governance. The group said he has consistently transformed government policies into practical programmes that positively impacted the lives of the people.

The group also highlighted Obuebite's achievements as Commissioner for Education, noting that his leadership contributed to improved coordination and effective management of public schools. It further praised his continuous engagement with youth groups, professional bodies, traditional rulers, women leaders and community stakeholders, saying it has given him a deeper understanding of the needs of the people.

Calling for massive support, the Forum urged all its members and supporters with valid Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to remain united, mobilise eligible voters and actively participate in the electoral process by voting for Hon. Jonathan R. Obuebite. It also appealed to political stakeholders and residents of Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency to support his aspiration in the interest of credible leadership and purposeful representation.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to working for the success of Obuebite's candidature, expressing confidence that his election would bring quality representation and accelerated development to the constituency. "Together, we move forward with one vision, one purpose and one voice. God bless the Forum for Good Leadership, Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency and Bayelsa State," the statement concluded.

03/08/2026

APWEN President Hails Gov. Diri's Infrastructure Drive, Describes Him as Silent Champion of Development

The National President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, FNSE, has hailed the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, describing him as one of Nigeria's foremost champions of modern infrastructure development.

According to her the governor's unwavering commitment to delivering transformative projects has positioned Bayelsa as a shining example of sustainable development and purposeful leadership in the country.

Engr. Igwegbe made the commendation after a three-day working visit to Bayelsa State, last weekend, during which she led a delegation of female engineers on an inspection tour of several ongoing and completed government projects. According to her, the visit provided firsthand insight into the vision of a governor who is intentional, people-centred and committed to transforming the state through strategic investments in critical infrastructure.

She explained that the projects inspected, including the Polaku–Sabagreia Bridge, the ongoing Nembe–Brass Road, the nine-storey State Secretariat Complex, the New Yenagoa City road network, the completed Angiama/Oporoma Bridge across the River Nun, and the state's landmark 60MW Gas Turbine Project, are clear testimonies to Governor Diri's resolve to improve the quality of life of the people while laying a solid foundation for industrial growth and economic prosperity.

The APWEN President noted that women engineers across Nigeria are proud of Governor Diri's achievements, describing him as a "silent achiever" whose developmental strides speak louder than political rhetoric. She stressed that true leadership is measured by visible projects and lasting impact rather than promises, adding that Bayelsa's transformation is worthy of national recognition.

She further commended the people of Bayelsa State for their peaceful disposition, warm hospitality and continued support for the government's development agenda. Engr. Igwegbe urged governors across the federation to emulate the Bayelsa model by investing in roads, bridges, energy infrastructure and other engineering projects capable of stimulating economic growth and improving the living standards of the people.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of APWEN, Bayelsa Chapter, Engr. Amalate Ann Jonathan Obuebite, PhD, FNSE, expressed delight that the National President and members of her delegation had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable pace of infrastructural development across the state. She said the visit had reinforced her long-held conviction that Governor Douye Diri ranks among Nigeria's best-performing governors in infrastructure delivery.

According to Engr. Obuebite, Governor Diri assumed office with a clear vision for the transformation of Bayelsa State and has remained steadfast in executing projects that will stand the test of time. She expressed confidence that his developmental legacy would endure for generations, noting that his investments in critical infrastructure have already secured him a distinguished place in the annals of Bayelsa's history as a leader committed to sustainable growth, progress and the overall well-being of the people.

01/08/2026

Why I quit Okocha rematch mid-fight - Portable

Street-pop singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has explained why he walked out of the ring during his celebrity boxing rematch against Nollywood actor Charles Okocha, insisting he was unfairly attacked during the contest.

Hours after he was disqualified from the bout, the singer, via a video on his IG page, alleged that Okocha abandoned boxing for wrestling and even bit him during the fight.

Displaying what he claimed were bite marks and injuries on his back and body, Portable said, "He bit me. I landed a heavy hit on him," while alleging that several people also attacked him during the melee.

The singer maintained that he was in control of the fight before the situation escalated into a physical struggle.

"Normally, I beat him up. Man to man, one man is tougher than another. I dealt him a huge blow," he said, insisting he had landed more punches than his opponent.

Explaining why he exited the ring, Portable said he no longer wanted to risk his career over celebrity boxing, arguing that his status outweighed the prize money.

"He bit me, number one. He choked my neck. That's why I say I don't fight again. I'm big! I'm bigger than the money! I'm a star!" he declared.

Portable also claimed he fulfilled his promise of landing 10 punches on Okocha before leaving the ring.

"I wore one-round cloth to the bout. I wanted to beat him in one round," he added.

The highly anticipated rematch, tagged "Unfinished Business," took place on Friday at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The contest descended into a wrestling-like scuffle before security personnel intervened to restore order.

Portable walked out of the ring before the opening round officially ended. Although he later returned, officials disqualified him, handing victory to Okocha.

The defeat marked Portable's second consecutive loss in three months having lost to Carter Efe on May 2nd.

31/07/2026

Police Dismiss Five Officers, Demote Inspector Over Alleged Kidnap, Extortion Ring in Edo

The Edo State Police Command has dismissed five police officers and demoted an inspector after uncovering a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction, harassment and extortion of innocent residents in Benin City.

The command said the intelligence-led operation exposed a 10-member network comprising serving and dismissed police personnel, commercial minibus drivers and Point-of-Sale (POS) operators who allegedly preyed on unsuspecting members of the public.

According to the police, the syndicate operated around the Teboga axis off Aduwawa, where victims were allegedly forced into commercial buses under the guise of legitimate police operations.

Investigators said the victims were driven around different parts of Benin City and coerced into transferring money electronically or withdrawing cash through collaborating POS operators before regaining their freedom.

The command disclosed that the breakthrough followed months of surveillance and technical intelligence ordered by the Commissioner of Police as part of efforts to identify and dismantle criminal elements operating within the force.

Following the conclusion of internal disciplinary proceedings, five police officers were summarily dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will face criminal prosecution.

The command also announced the demotion of Inspector Ehubarieme Wisdom to the rank of Sergeant after he was found guilty of misconduct during the investigation.

Police authorities described the disciplinary measures as a clear demonstration of the command's resolve to rid the force of rogue officers and restore public confidence in policing across Edo State.

The command further warned POS operators against aiding criminal activities, stressing that anyone found collaborating with criminals would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

It also appealed to members of the public who may have fallen victim to the syndicate to come forward with useful information to assist investigators as efforts continue to bring all those involved to justice.

30/07/2026

APWEN President Hails Governor Douye Diri as Nigeria's Silent Development Champion, Commends Bayelsa's Remarkable Infrastructure Revolution

The President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engr. Chinyere Nnenna Igwegbe, FNSE, FNIWE, has showered glowing accolades on the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, describing him as Nigeria's silent but most productive and development-oriented Governor, whose transformational leadership continues to redefine governance and infrastructural excellence across the country.

Speaking during her inspection tour of the Bayelsa State Gas Turbine Project, Engr. Igwegbe praised Governor Diri for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sustainable development.

She stated that the Governor has consistently demonstrated a rare sense of purpose in governance by investing heavily in critical infrastructure that is reshaping the economic and social landscape of Bayelsa State.

The APWEN President described the Bayelsa State Gas Turbine Project as a landmark achievement that reflects bold leadership and strategic planning. She noted that the project stands as one of the finest legacy initiatives undertaken by any serving governor in Nigeria, adding that Governor Diri has distinguished himself as a quiet achiever whose developmental strides speak louder than political rhetoric.

She further remarked that the Governor's impressive record aligns with the spirit of national development. According to her, Governor Diri's results-driven administration has demonstrated that purposeful governance, prudent planning and people-centred policies remain the true hallmarks of enduring leadership.

Engr. Igwegbe also expressed admiration for the newly constructed New Yenagoa City roads, which she traversed from the Bayelsa International Airport. She said the smooth and modern road network is a clear indication that the Prosperity Administration is deliberately opening up Bayelsa State for increased investment, improved accessibility and accelerated economic growth.

She concluded by applauding Governor Douye Diri for his remarkable achievements, describing him as a beacon of hope, an exceptional builder of modern Bayelsa and a leader whose developmental footprints will stand the test of time.

She urged other leaders across the country to emulate his quiet but impactful style of governance, noting that true leadership is measured not by noise but by lasting accomplishments that positively transform the lives of the people.

26/07/2026

ALLEGED AVIATION SCHOLARSHIP SCAM: SECOND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE SUES DR ERUANI AZIBAPU AND AZIKEL GROUP FOR 1.9 BILLION NAIRA

YENAGOA

Yebei Amabebe, the second successful candidate of the proposed fully funded aviation training sponsored by the Bayelsa State business mogul and politician, Dr Eruani Azibapu, has formally filed a lawsuit at the Bayelsa State High Court against Dr. Eruani Azibapu and the Azikel Group.

The lawsuit, which seeks 1.9 billion naira in damages, marks a significant escalation of the ongoing crises rocking the proposed training, following allegations and counter allegations that the training was a mere make belief with no real intentions of seeing it through by the sponsors.

It will be recalled that in 2024, the Azikel Group owned by Dr Eruani Azibapu publicly pledged a multi-billion naira scholarship to train the brightest minds in Bayelsa state as commercial pilots up to airline transport pilot licence, and aircraft engineers in the United States.

Following a rigorous selection process, Mr. Amabebe and his colleague Kariyai Daukoru were the only two candidates to pass the screening examination. However, what was promised as a gateway to an international career was transformed into a sixteen-month period of forced, under compensated labor within the Azikel hangar.

Mr. Amabebe’s lawsuit alleges a flagrant breach of contract, asserting that the Azikel Group used the promise of elite education as a public relations stunt to recruit cheap labour and political image building, while never possessing the required legal accreditation, financial muscle, nor political will, to conduct such training.

The litigation comes at a time when the Azikel Group faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the scholarship program.

Despite the public declarations of partnership with international entities, investigations have since revealed a lack of formal agreements with the organizations cited in the original scholarship advertisement.

Mr. Amabebe’s action at the Bayelsa State High Court underscores a collective resolve to ensure that the intellectual labour of Bayelsa's youth is not exploited for corporate and personal image-building, and that the original promises made to the state are held to the standard of legal accountability.

The court documents sighted by our correspondent in the suit which is marked as Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/386/2026, Mr Amabebe is praying the court for specific performance of the contract, among other reliefs.

Mr Amabebe allege that contrary to claims by Dr Erauni and Azikel Group, that it was in partnership with relevant authority and stakeholders, including Emirates Air, United States of America Embassy, among others, Dr Eruani never truly had the intention of training them as checks with the supposed partners revealed that Dr Eruani was never in any partnership with the stakeholders. Mr Amabebe describe the whole training program as a scam, designed to launder the image of Dr Erauni.

The litigation follows an extensive, failed scholarship program that claimed to offer international pilot training for Bayelsa youth. The claimant allege that the promise was fraudulent, leading to the exploitation of participants as uncompensated labourers.

The two-trainee staff had earlier petitioned the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, alleging systematic betrayal, and prolonged neglect by Azikel Group. However, the Azikel Group through its lead communication officer, Austin Ebipade countered that the trainees were not abandoned, but were undergoing in-house, salary-paid probation in a conducive environment.
Mr Kariyai, who had since sued Dr Eruani in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/46/2026 is currently being remanded at Kuje prison in Abuja following a petition by Dr Eruani over allegation of cyberbullying and cyberstalking.

“Our client is well aware of the antics of Dr Eruani in trying to silence them, using state machinery and apparatus at his disposal, and our client is resolved in seeking justice and seeing that the almost two years of his life which has been wasted in relying on a promise that was built on make belief is compensated for.

“Mr Amabebe remains steadfast in his pursuit of justice through the Nigerian judicial system, seeking a resolution that addresses the breach of contract and the severe professional and personal damages suffered during the tenure of the progam.” Said Ferdinand Nta, one of the counsel to Mr Amabebe.

23/07/2026

Emulate Adaka Boro, Be Constructive in Advocacy, Gov. Diri Charges New IYC Leadership

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, has urged the new leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) to emulate the enviable qualities of late Major Isaac Adaka Boro in the struggle for a better Ijaw ethnic nationality.

Governor Diri made the call during the formal inauguration ceremony of the 10th National Executive Council (NEC) of the IYC at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa on Wednesday.

Represented at the well-attended event by his Deputy, Dr. Peter Akpe, the Bayelsa helmsman charged the newly sworn-in Dr. Doubra Okotete-led IYC leadership to lead the apex Ijaw youth body responsibly in the best interest of the Ijaw nation and strengthen its unity.

According to him, the IYC is not just an advocacy organization, but also the custodian of the hopes of millions of young Ijaw people at home and in the Diaspora.'

He therefore called on the youth body to restore a strong voice for the Ijaw nation by making its advocacy strident, firm and constructive.

Governor Diri, who pointed out that the issue of environmental justice should be one of the key focal areas of advocacy for the new NEC of the IYC, however charged them to leverage on the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Environment Commission.

While admonishing the IYC to be always guided by dialogue and mutual respect in their engagements with government, industry and the traditional institution, the Governor assured them of government's readiness to support them in the struggle for a united and prosperous Ijaw nation.

" The Ijaw nation needs progress, and if we are talking about progress, it can only be achieved under an atmosphere of peace, and there could be no peace without sacrifice."

"Now the charge of His Excellency to the new IYC President and his executive is to lead IYC responsibly. The IYC is more than an advocacy body; it is the custodian of the hopes of millions of young Ijaw people at home and in the Diaspora."

"Major Isaac Adaka Boro was only 28 years when he took a deciding stand for our people, and his courage was marked by clarity of purpose and duty. Let your leadership draw from the qualities of our great patriot Major Isaac Adaka Boro."

" Let your advocacy be firm, principled and constructive. Let your engagement with government, industry and our traditional institution be guided by dialogue and mutual respect."

"Our purpose is to restore one strong and united voice for the Ijaw nation. There is a further responsibility before you. The IYC must also be forceful on the front of environmental justice. As our youth arm, your advocacy on environmental justice must focus on the content of the recommendations of the Bayelsa State Oil and Gas Environment Commission."

"His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, and the Government of Bayelsa State will continue to give you a listening ear and open door for fruitful partnership."

Other notable personalities who spoke at event including Chief MacDonald Igbadiwei and Chief Kestin Pondi acknowledged the contributions of the Ijaw Youth Council, stressing that Ijaw nation would not be where it is today in terms of recognition within the Nigerian Federation without the agitations of IYC.

Chief Igbadiwe attributed the institutionalization of the Amnesty Programme, the 13 per cent derivation as well as the establishment of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by the federal government to sustained agitations of the IYC and urged the new leadership to remain steadfastly focused on its goals.

The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Kestin Pondi, who was represented by the Member representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the IYC for their thoughtfulness in forming the youth organization to advance the cause of the Ijaw nation.

Chief Pondi, noted that the IYC had succeeded in repositioning the Ijaw ethnic nationality and called on its present leadership to continue to draw inspiration from the legacies of late Ijaw freedom fighter, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.

He said: "The formation of the IYC has appropriately placed the significance of our ethnic nationality in prosper perspective in all national dialogue and discourse."

"As we continue in our emancipatory journey in the Nigerian state, let us continue to draw inspiration from the legendary Isaac Boro."

In his acceptance speech, the President of the IYC, Dr. Doubra Okotete, thanked the leaders and critical stakeholders of the Ijaw nation for their individual and collective sacrifices which ensured the peaceful transition of leadership in the IYC.

Dr. Okotete assured that the 10th NEC of the IYC would not let the Ijaw nation down, and promised to hold all relevant private and public institutions accountable for the environmental pollution and marginalisation of the Ijaw nation.

He called for legislative action for the amendment of the Petroleum Industry Act with a view to increasing the allocation to host communities from 3 to 30 percent and announced the constitution of a committee to embark on a fact-finding mission to Ondo State over alleged deprivations and injustice meted against Ijaw communities.

Earlier in his valedictory address, the outgone IYC President, Mr. Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr, highlighted some of the achievements of the 9th executive, including the successful review of the IYC constitution, placement of several Ijaw youths on scholarship in collaboration with the Amnesty Office and the NDDC, as well as the ongoing construction of the ultramodern IYC Secretariat in Yenagoa.

Goodwill messages were also delivered by Elder T.K. Ogoriba, Dr. Kingsley KuKu, the pioneer President of IYC, Dr. Felix Tuodolor, the pioneer president of the IYC, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; the Amayanabo Elem-Kalabari, King Mujahid Asari Dokubo, Hon. Julius Pondi represented Chief Kestin Pondi and Miss World Nigeria, Miss Tamunosoye Karibi-George.

23/07/2026

"I met my now ex-wife on the 4th of January 2015, engaged her on the 19th of March 2015. After I engaged her, I set up a nice dinner at the Red Restaurant of Eko Hotel. I invited all my friends, big boys, everybody. And guess what? She didn't show up. She had dropped the ring and left.

I was so embarrassed because it was a big thing on social media. Everybody was talking about it. Have you ever cried to the point where you get to a certain level that you cannot cry again? That's where I was. I couldn't stay in my house. I ran to Iyanya's house to see if I could find her because she disappeared. Nobody knew where she was.

Then they finally called me that they found her. After they found her, I started asking her questions like, "What happened? What happened?" Nothing. I checked into a hotel. I don't know how she knew my room. On the 21st of March 2015, somebody knocked on my door. I opened it, and she was the one. I asked, "Why did you do this?" She said she just had cold feet and all.

After that, we flew to London. We landed back in Nigeria on the 6th of April 2015. That day was AY Live. We dressed up and went for AY Live. It was beautiful. Everything was nice.

I'm telling you this story to let you know some of the things that have happened in my life that I survived, things that almost br0ke me. After AY Live, the next day, I entered the room only to see that she had dropped the ring on the bed and left. That was another roller coaster.

She came back again sometime in June and said she was now ready to get married. So I told her, "Fine." We started planning the wedding, and we got married. Unfortunately, we later went our separate ways.

But I'll tell you something. We didn't go on social media to f&ght ourselves. We didn't k!!l anybody. We became good friends, and we try to live a good life for our son.

I went through some depressing moments. I remember one time I bought a red CLA and drove to 3rd mainland bridge to e&d my l!f£. The only luck I had was that my cousin came to save me. Several times I tried to attempt it, and he saved me.

I was so embarrassed, I didn't know what to do. I kept asking myself, "What have I done to deserve all of this?" I had a good career going for myself. I had been one of the biggest artist in the country at the time. Everything was fine. So I just felt it was time for me to settle down.

Sometimes I feel like that relationship didn't work because it was just meant to be that way. Till today, I can't even really explain exactly what transpired. But we are very good friends. We co-parent very well. We celebrate events involving our son together.

So sometimes I always believe that regardless of all the p@in, the best result I got from that relationship is my son. She's still doing very well. Any opportunity I have to support her, I always do it to the fullest.

But this is the lesson I want you to learn from this. I don't want you to think that when something happens between you and another human being, you have to h@te that person.

No. That's not the case. If something happens between you and somebody, sometimes it's just an opportunity for you to learn from the process and keep it moving..."

- Popular music executive Ubi Franklin opens up about his f@iled marriage to actress Lilian Esoro, revealing the life lesson he learnt afterward.

23/07/2026

Attention, teachers of Bayelsa State!

The Bayelsa State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, is celebrating head teachers and teachers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and excellence in our public schools in the last academic session.

Through the BayelsaPRIME Teachers’ Appreciation Day initiative, outstanding head teachers and teachers will be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and positive impact on the lives of our children.

The Government of Bayelsa State, through SUBEB, recognizes your efforts.

You are not forgotten. Your hard work is seen. Your dedication is valued. And your contribution to the future of our children is deeply appreciated.

Keep doing your best.

Mr Ifidi Timi Festus
Acting Executive Secretary, SUBEB

22/07/2026

Engr. Ayerite Moses Declares Total Support for Sunny-Goli, Obuebite

Engr. Ayerite Moses, a youth leader and former Opu-Nembe Youth President, has declared his total support for Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli for the Bayelsa East Senatorial seat and Hon. Jonathan Obuebite for the Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency.

In a statement announcing his endorsement, Moses said his decision was shaped by years of observing the realities of politics and the experiences of loyalty and betrayal.

According to him, many people have experienced betrayal at the hands of politicians, followers, and leaders, a reality that has reinforced his belief that nothing is permanent except God.

Despite the challenges of politics, he described both Sunny-Goli and Obuebite as leaders who have earned his admiration and respect through their character and approach to public service.

"The taste of betrayal men have faced in the hands of politicians, followers and leaders is enough to tell me that nothing is exactly permanent except God. Even the gods have boundaries on how they interfere in the affairs of men. These candidates are the salt and seasoning of politics and have earned my respect in human anthropology," he stated.

Moses reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising support for both candidates ahead of the forthcoming elections, expressing confidence in their ability to provide quality representation for the people of Bayelsa East Senatorial District and the Nembe/Brass Federal Constituency.

Truthlinereporter.com

05/08/2026

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