By David Owei, Yenagoa

The outgoing National Vice President II, of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Chief Nengi James described the purported election and inauguration of a new executives of the organisation as unfortunate and an act of impunity.

James, who was also in the presidential race of the organization, said it is an act of sacrilege to go against the decision and instruction of the monarchs and elders of Ijaw nation, who are well constituted as National -Council of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders,N-CITRE, with clearly defined roles and powers under the INC Constitution.

The outgoing INC second vice president who stated this in his valedictory and handing over speech at the Ijaw House in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital yesterday, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders and the Ijaw nation for giving him the opportunity to serve as the second vice president of the apex Ijaw socio -cultural organisation.

He commended Governor Douye Diri for ensuring a level playing field for all candidates in 2021 which enabled him to emerged victorious on his third attempt, and also for his continuous funding of the organization over the years.

His words: “I want to thank everyone that has supported us, supported me as the National Vice President 2 of the INC, supported the Prof Benjamin Okaba led exco of which I am part.

“We have contributed our best as a team, we faced challenges, we have resolved issues, we accept blames because we cannot do it all, this is the more reason we appreciate the support of all Ijaws in Nigeria and the diaspora.

“We have passed through challenges like the one we are currently going through. Let me use this opportunity to state that the INC is not a one man or for few peoplee organisation. The INC is an Ijaw nation organization therefore no one man can claim monopoly of INC.

“I want to particularly thank Governor Douye Diri for creating a level playing field for everyone during the 2021 without interference. The governor has continued to support the leadership of the INC by funding the organisation to this level. He is not the Governor General of Ijaw nation but also the head of INC behind the scene.

“My life has been service oriented, service is my watchword and I believe that serving humanity is the ultimate in life. That being said, the present situation in Ijaw nation is not palatable and it’s not good for Ijaw nation.

“I am in support of the decision of our governor Senator Douye Diri and the N-CITRE led by HRM King Bubraye Dakolo and the decision of stakeholders and the people of Ijaw nation.

“N-CITRE said we should not go for the elections at a meeting where we were all in attendance and they said that there are issues to be resolved before going into the elections. I adhered to the decision, but I heard that there was a purported election.The governor again instructed that there should be no inauguration .

“I think that it is disrespectful , for me as a traditional man I think it is a sacrilegious act to disobey our monarchs who are natural rulers and custodian of our traditions and culture and the Governor of Bayelsa State who is the Governor General of Ijaw nation. Elections is not a do or die affair and we need to respect the decision of our founding fathers.”

On whether he will contest once the crisis is resolved and another national eleco is constituted, he said is ever ready to contest,because he learned a lot from the Ijaw struggle and ready to contribute his quota.

By Our Correspondent

As preparations for 2027 election draw close,Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike has brushed off reports of a supposed partnership between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement, calling the story a “Political 419” scam.

Speaking to reporters while inspecting road construction in Gomani-Yangoje, Kwali Area Council, Abuja on Thursday, Wike accused Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of misleading the public with claims that PDP had teamed up with APM for the 2027 elections.

“When I call people fraudulent, some think I’m joking. This is exactly the kind of 419 I mean,” Wike said.

He stressed that neither the PDP leadership nor the Independent National Electoral Commission had any knowledge of such a deal.

“There is no coalition between the PDP and the Allied Peoples Movement, or any other party for that matter. INEC is aware that no PDP-APM alliance exists,” he stated.

Wike pointed to the party’s ongoing internal processes, including candidate screenings, as proof that the PDP was operating independently and had not entered any coalition.

“The PDP has already put forward a presidential candidate. Wait and see whose name goes to INEC, then you’ll know if there’s anything like a PDP-APM arrangement,” he added.

The minister alleged that Makinde’s real motive was to use APM to push his own presidential bid.

“What’s actually happening is that Seyi Makinde has moved to APM to chase his presidential ambition, which is already going nowhere,” Wike claimed.

He also said Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed had never mentioned any PDP-APM alliance, arguing the story was simply made up.

“It’s unfortunate. We know this has been his plan all along, but he won’t get the PDP ticket,” Wike said.

On comments attributed to the Rivers State governor about Wike’s ties to the All Progressives Congress, the minister pushed back.

“Pity for what? Why talk about problems when the man himself hasn’t said he has any? He’s told you he’s still in APC. So what’s the issue?” he asked.

Wike added that any issues around the governor’s position in APC were for that party to handle internally.

“Ask me about PDP and I’ll respond. It’s not my place to speak on what’s happening in another party. If there’s a problem there, it’s their internal matter,” he concluded.

Wike expressed satisfaction with the ongoing road project linking Gomani to Yangoji in Abuja, saying the development aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to spread infrastructure beyond city centres and open up satellite communities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister said, the Tinubu administration deliberately prioritised rural and satellite town development to curb rural-urban migration and improve connectivity across the FCT.

According to him, the road project forms part of a broader infrastructure drive that began with the A2-Pai road, which was inaugurated by President Tinubu during his second year in office.

“Remember that when we came on board, one of the directives of Mr. President is that we should not concentrate development, we should not concentrate provision of infrastructure just only in the cities. We must open up all the satellite towns in order to discourage rural-urban migration,” Wike said.

He explained that the ongoing 13-kilometre Gomani-Yangoji road project was awarded to Zeberced Construction Company, the same contractor that handled the A2-Pai road.

The minister noted that work on the project had reached an advanced stage, with the bridge already launched and drainage works nearing completion.

“From what we’ve seen, you can attest to the fact that we are very much encouraged. Luckily, the bridge had been launched, which we are standing on, the drainages have been done, optimized in 90 to 95 per cent. They are now building the streetlight pillars,” he stated.

Wike disclosed that the road would be among projects scheduled for inauguration during activities marking President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office this June.

He commended Zeberced Construction Company for delivering quality work and adhering to agreed timelines.
“I commend, as usual, the contractor, Zeberced, not only for providing quality jobs, but also keeping to the timeline, making promises that we will inaugurate this road this June. I’m happy,” he said.

The minister also praised the management and staff of the company for their commitment to ensuring the completion of the project.

He added that the President would be pleased to see infrastructure extending to underserved communities across the territory.

“I believe that when Mr. President comes here, it will be a thing of joy for him to see that development is passing through all the satellite towns,” Wike added.

By Our Correspondent

As the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra,(MASSOB),prepares for its 22nd May anniversary,it’s Founder and leader, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, Thursday, pleaded with President Donald Trump of United States of America, (USA)to divide Nigeria into six separate zones and grant them Independent status.

He made the passionate appeal as BİM-MASSOB prepares to celebrate 26 years anniversary of New Biafra billed for 22nd May, 2026.

According to Uwazuruike, “Biafra Day is being observed and celebrated annually on May 22nd to mark the re-declaration and hoisting of the New Biafra flag at Aba (Enyimba City), Abia ştate on May 22, 2000 by the National Co-ordinator of MASSOB, Barr. (Chief) Ralph Uwazuruike himself”.

In a similar development, Uwazuruike while directing his members to celebrate Biafra independence Day in their respective regions across Biafraland, also clarified the position of MASSOB or rather BİM-MASSOB concerning the celebration date which happened every 22nd May instead of May 30.

In a statement by MASSOB Director of Information/SSA on Media and Publicity to BIM, Mazi Chris Mocha, Uwazuruike revealed that the name New Biafra was derived from the fact that the one of 1967 is different from the one he is currently championing.

According to him, “Biafra of the old led by our respected Igbo leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu- Ojukwu was characterized by violence leading to loss of about three million lives and properties while the Biafra of today is built on Non-violence and Non-exodus.

Explaining further he stated that the former Biafra was discontinued after about three years of war (1967-1970) while the New Biafra is a continuation of the former, with new method, new ideology and new concept.

“We will not fight again to achieve the United States recognition of Biafra, former Biafra was not defeated in the said civil war with the Nigerian Federal forces, instead Biafran forces surrendered to enable our people organize themselves better,” he further clarified.

He disclosed that 30th May each year is being honoured and observed as heroes and heroines Day for Biafran dead soldiers who fought gallantry in defence of their dear fatherland insisting that granting independence to Nigeria’s six geo-political zones of the country is the only panacea to insecurity and other problems confonting Nigeria headlong after her independence in 1960.

Uwazuruike stated that the emerging New Biafra was structured to have a weak centre and the component units stronger, to ensure that the federating units come together without encumbering the other and each allowed to grow at its own pace.

The MASOB boss who disclosed he is the leader of the 46th – member- state of the Unrecognized Nations and Peoples Organization, UNPO, explained further that the new Biafran states will be carefully restructured that the component units will be expected to take100 percent full charge of her God -given human and material resources while making contributions agreeable to take care of the less bogus central responsibilities.

Hear him, “It will be beautiful to divide Nigeria into its natural units of six independent Nations of which Biafra is one to save lives”.