BY Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna

The Inter-Religious Youths Affairs for Peace and Unity (IRYFAPU) has presented the Distinguished Peace Ambassador Award to Dr. Abdul Adamu Eneche, the Zonal Director of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), North Central Zone.

The award ceremony took place in Minna, Niger State, was attended by staff of the Centre and other invited guests.

Those present at the event included Lt. Col. O.K. Olagungu, Assistant Director, Support Services; ACP Usman Adamu Abini, Assistant Director, Operations; Mr. Christian Anyebe, Assistant Director, Intelligence; and Mr. A.D. Suleiman, Chief Programme Officer, Intelligence.

Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of IRYFAPU, Amb. M.U. Taofeeq, praised Dr. Eneche for his strong leadership, commitment to peace, and dedication to promoting unity among Nigerians. He said Eneche had made great contributions to peace and security, especially during his time as State Director of Security in Kaduna before his elevation to the National Headquarters of the DSS from where he retired He described him as a true role model in peace building.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Eneche said he was deeply honoured and humbled by the award. He explained that he accepted the honour not as a personal achievement, but as a recognition of the collective efforts of all those working for peace and unity in Nigeria.

He added that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the nation and contribute to its security and stability. He stressed that peace is everyone’s responsibility and called on all Nigerians to work together to promote understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Dr. Eneche also called on youths across the country and the world to embrace peace and reject division. He urged IRYFAPU to continue creating awareness about the dangers of the spread of illegal small arms and light weapons.

The ceremony ended with the presentation of the award and a group photograph. The event concluded peacefully.

By David Owei,Bayelsa

The Bayelsa state commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof Beke Sese has warned any community or group of persons that attack government workers or anybody that interfere with the on going fencing of the school to land situated in Biogbolo land off Tenacious road.

The commissioner who stated while reacting to a protest held by the concerned residents of Biogbolo , off Tenacious road over the weekend ,during which they averred that they were ready to confront government should government implement it’s plan of fencing the said portions of land which they bought genuinely and have occupied for over twenty years and they appealed to the state government temper justice with mercy.

According to the commissioner for Agriculture and Natural resources the piece of land measuring 16.19 hectare of land was aquired by the Bayelsa state government upon it’s creation to replicate the hitherto School to land created by the former administrator of old Rivers state,police commissioner Fidelis Oyakhilome to train manpower for Agricultural purposes in Bayelsa state also and the state knowing the importance of Agriculture went to invest hugely by building structures,such as feed mill, plantain and banana multiplication plant,two block of classrooms, two warehouses, broiler housing 500,000 capacity, but unfortunately there hasn’t been proper fencing and all these facilities including the 350KVA generator where vandalized and for government to avoid further vandalism and theft,the school to land premises had to be fence and approval was given by the state government and work was resumed and this led to fear and apprehension among residents therein.

He disclosed that” the centre was meant to train Agriculture workers,research ,ADP, Extension workers and operational and practical staff”
” The absence of security makes the premises vulnerable for theft and vandalism and l requested for the directive which governor Senator Douye Diri gave my ministry to fence the government property ,because all the previously vandalized properties worth millions of naira and government does not want that ugly senerio to repeat itself,adding that even though the protesters as Bayelsan have right to protest,but there is an extant land use Act and even in Abuja or Lagos governments have right to pull down any structure on government,s land. They are Bayelsans aggred and the land is for Agriculture purposes for benefit of every body.
The only directive which l requested for was given to me was to fence and not to demolish any property that encroached on government land.

” Warning is that nobody should obstruct the fencing or attack the workers.we have extremely benevolence governor and will look into the matter.The land belongs to the government and that much had been invested and government does want further vandalism and theft.All concerned persons and Bayelsans they have their rights ,but should allow government to continue the fence without interference. We don’t just compensate,there is rule of law.”
” Last December thieves attempted to vandalize the rice mill that was donated by Korean government ,as a result of absence of security the site is vulnerable to vandalism and the 350KVA generator was vandalized”

” Government had not given any order for demolition,but notice of eviction, the protesters are blantant liars,my warning to them is that they should not dare government work or harass staff anytime the go to site and government will look into the merits of their occupation.
The property being fenced is for agriculture purpose which is meant for common good of all Bayelsans and government will not make anybody an enemy”

By George Mgbeleke

To avert another round of political turmoil in Rivers state, the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has called for restraint and mutual forbearance in Rivers State, urging all parties to sheathe their swords and embrace peace amidst the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy.

PANDEF has constituted a high-level reconciliation committee, led by Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON, to intervene in the matter and achieve a peaceful resolution.

The committee comprises eminent Nigerians, including former senators, ministers, and senior civil servants.
Members comprise Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, CON (former Attorney-General of the Federation) as Chairman, Senator Obende Domingo, (former Senator, Edo North) – Vice Chairman, Rt Hon (Chief) Essien Nduese, CON, (former Minister of Housing), Dr. Timiebi Koripamo-Agari, OON, (Retired Federal Permanent Secretary), Member, Chief Mike Ejiofor (RTD Director, Department of State Service), Member, Mrs. Nella Rabana-Andem, SAN, (Former Attorney-General, Cross River State) – Member, Prince Godwin Okotie, (Deputy National Secretary, PANDEF), will serve as Secretary.

The intervention of PANDEF comes as the Rivers State House of Assembly commenced impeachment proceedings against Governor Fubara, citing allegations of misconduct, including extra-budgetary spending and demolition of the Assembly complex.

PANDEF’s intervention is seen as a crucial step in preventing further escalation and promoting stability in the region.

Meanwhile, the organization has appealed to all stakeholders to prioritize peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

A statement from the secretariat of the organisation read as follows: “The Board and National Executive Committee of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the apex socio-political body representing the people of the South-South geopolitical zone, notes with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.

“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the Governor of the State and the Deputy Governor.

This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.

“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers State to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole.

“In keeping with its non-partisan posture and its overarching role as a unifying and motherly platform for the region, PANDEF calls on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace, guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.

“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development, and the welfare of the people of Rivers State, as well as the interests of other citizens of the South-South, Nigerians at large, and the sizeable expatriate community resident in the State. We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state.

“PANDEF commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.

“However, in line with its long-standing tradition and proven record in peace-making and peace-building initiatives across the Niger Delta, PANDEF has constituted a high-level team of eminent Nigerians to intervene in the matter, as listed.

“PANDEF calls on all parties to fully cooperate with this distinguished and highly respected team of senior Nigerians and sons and daughters of the South-South zone, as they selflessly commit their time and experience to this arduous assignment, with the objective of achieving a peaceful, fair, and sustainable resolution through a dispassionate and inclusive process.

The statement was signed by
King Alfred Diete-Spiff, CFR, the
Amayanabo of Twon-Brass,
Co-Chairman, BOT. Obong (ARC) Victor Attah, former Governor, Akwa Ibom State, Co-Chairman, BOT and Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Boladei Igali, OON, National Chairman.