By David Owei

High Chief Nathan Egba-Dienegha has been confirmed as the Acting Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom in Brass Local Government Area.

The confirmation followed an emergency Ibekobirya (general assembly) of the kingdom held on Monday at Isele Polo, Okpoama.

Speaking shortly after the confirmation, High Chief Egba-Dienegha stated that his one-year tenure as Acting Amayanabo was in line with a mandate of the Bayelsa State High Court.

According to him, his position stems from his election as Chairman of the Okpoama Kingdom Chiefs Council, which was subsequently ratified by the Ibekobirya.

He noted that during his tenure he would prioritise youth employment and women’s development in the kingdom and called on the people of Okpoama Kingdom to support his administration in order to promote peace and development in the community.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu, who is also an indigene of Okpoama Kingdom, warned individuals planning to cause unrest to reconsider their actions or face the full weight of the law., stressing that throughout his career as a police officer, he has remained committed to maintaining peace, law, and order.

Also speaking at Ibekobirya, the Okpoama Kingdom Youth President, Engineer Seiyefa Ben-Basuo; the Amayanabo of Agada-ama, His Highness Paul Odibikuma; Depyty Chief Iprete Ingofagha-Omubo; Elder Sidosi Emmanuel George; and Mrs Inemo Dei, all expressed gratitude to God for the successful Ibekobirya and pledged their readiness to support the Acting Amayanabo in moving the kingdom forward.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

A New Year reunion party of indigenes of Brass Island in Bayelsa State brought together former political adversaries, offering a fresh push for reconciliation after years of divisions driven by political differences.

The event, organised by the group Old Time Friends in Brass Island and sponsored by former federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. Israel Sunny Goli — who represented the Nembe/Brass constituency in the House of Representatives — took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House. It drew traditional rulers, politicians, youth and women leaders, signalling a collective desire to move beyond past animosities.

Attendees described the atmosphere as enthusiastic and hopeful. HRH Moses Theophilus Kenibara V, the traditional ruler of Moko Ama, Sangana, expressed delight at the gathering and called for sustained peace.

“The enthusiasm among those present was contagious,” one participant noted, highlighting the warm interactions among long-estranged kinsmen.

High Chief Dr. Kune Igoni Claudius, who chaired the occasion, described the reunion as historic. “The forum and today’s celebration are a signal of better things ahead,” he said. “What is happening here should serve as an awakening of all of us. It reminds us that friendship should last longer than misunderstandings, and that old quarrels, like expired phone numbers, should not be redialed.”

Claudius praised the sponsor, noting Sunny Goli’s track record in fostering unity. “Rt. Hon. Sunny Goli has a gift for bringing people together. Unity is his profession,” he said. “He would have retired with honours. The initiative reflects his belief that leadership is not about titles alone but about bringing people together, especially those who have not seen each other since hairlines were still negotiating peacefully.”

He urged residents to seize the moment as a turning point. “Life is too short and reunions are too rare to waste time on grudges that even we can no longer remember clearly,” Claudius added. “The people of Brass Island should rejoice together rather than return to the animosities of the past.”

Sunny Goli, the event’s initiator, framed the gathering as a revival of traditional communal ties. “The gathering has shown the positive disposition of all Brass Islanders to the issue of reawakening social life on the island,” he said. “It is to bring people who have not seen each other for a decade or two together.”

He emphasised broader implications: “It is a message to all that the social and economic life of our people should return in the atmosphere of peace.”

The reunion underscores ongoing efforts in Brass Island — part of Brass Local Government Area — to overcome political fractures that have strained families and communities for decades, with organisers positioning it as a foundation for renewed harmony and progress.

By Our Correspondent

At last Anambra Police Command has unveiled the identity of the detained masquerade reported to have assaulted scores of innocent people and destroyed a lot of property at Awgbu, Orumba North Local Government area, Anambra state, has been revealed as Ifesinachi Ezeolu, aged 28, by the state Police command.

Recall that the detention of the masquerade followed widespread public concern and reports of assaults and intimidation of residents by the masquerade.

In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, (SP), he said that, “The Command wishes to clearly state that the Nigeria Police Force respects and recognises the cultural and traditional practices of the people.

” However, no cultural activity or belief system should be used as a cover to harass, assault, intimidate, or violate the fundamental human rights of citizens.

“The Command also emphasizes that masquerade activities, like all public gatherings, must be conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.

“Therefore, any act capable of causing fear, injury, or public disorder will be promptly addressed. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify and bring to justice other suspects who are linked to the incident,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP, Ikioye Orutugu, has reassured residents that the Command will continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to promote peaceful cultural expressions, while ensuring the safety and rights of all individuals.