By David Owei

The Niger Delta Development Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has condemned former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke’s description of Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri as a “local champion,” demanding a retraction of the remark and an apology to the Bayelsa governor.

The group’s Team Lead, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, described the comment as unfair and disappointing, arguing that personal attacks and derogatory language would not advance the development of the Niger Delta.

Chief Nengi James, who spoke against the backdrop of the controversy surrounding the proposed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, said Duke, having governed a state in the region and served in regional development initiatives, should be more concerned about the challenges confronting coastal communities than engaging in verbal exchanges with a fellow governor.

He said the proposed coastal road addressed a longstanding infrastructure need in the Niger Delta and should not be dismissed on political grounds, insisting that the region deserved major investments in roads and bridges because of its contribution to Nigeria’s oil revenue.

According to him, the coastal road concept is not new to the region, having featured in earlier regional development plans and demands by traditional rulers in Bayelsa State.

“Coastal road development was part of the initiative adopted under the Niger Delta Regional Plan. It is not new to Bayelsa State or the Niger Delta,” he said.

Chief Nengi James recalled that in 1998 or 1999, when representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company visited Bayelsa State to ask traditional rulers what development project they wanted, the monarchs collectively requested a coastal ring road.

He said the proposal had remained relevant because of the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta, where communities are separated by rivers, creeks, mangrove forests and extensive wetlands.

The NIDDEMOG leader maintained that the region needed a network of roads and bridges capable of connecting its coastal communities, improving access to markets and public services, and opening up areas that had remained difficult to reach.

He cited road projects linking parts of the Niger Delta to the Atlantic coastline, including routes around Agge and Brass in Bayelsa State, as evidence that road infrastructure could be developed in challenging coastal environments.

He also referred to road and bridge connections in the Bonny and Opobo axis of Rivers State, arguing that the region’s terrain should not be used as a reason to discount the feasibility of further infrastructure development.

Chief Nengi James said the federal government should also address the poor state of existing roads, particularly the East-West Road, while pursuing new projects such as the coastal highway.

“We are not against the coastal road. I am one of those who advocated for it even before the Federal Government proposed the project. What we are saying is that the East-West Road and other failing roads in the region must also receive the attention they deserve,” he said.

He argued that even if the coastal road had political considerations, its potential benefits to the people should remain the priority.

“If a project is proposed to connect communities across the coastal states, we should look at what it will deliver to the people. Even if it is politically motivated, it is the people of the Niger Delta who need the road, including those criticising it. He is acting as an EDUCATED ILITERATE for not understanding the region’s terrain and development needs and challenges” he said.

The NIDDEMOG leader questioned Duke’s choice of words against Diri, saying the Bayelsa governor had a longstanding connection with the Niger Delta’s development struggles and understood the challenges of its riverine and coastal communities.

He also cited road construction in Bayelsa, including routes towards the Atlantic coastline, as evidence that infrastructure development in difficult terrain was possible.

According to him, the Niger Delta’s development challenges require experience and visionary leaders like Senator Diri in public office to engage in constructive discussions on infrastructure, coastal erosion, ocean encroachment and the economic difficulties facing their people.

Chief Nengi James urged Duke to retract the “local champion” remark and apologise to Diri, while calling on both leaders to avoid personal attacks and focus on issues affecting the region.

“We are the same Niger Delta people. The development of the region should be the overall interests of our leaders. The future of the Niger Delta can be brighter if our leaders focus on development rather than exchanging insults,” he said.

He added that the proposed coastal road should be implemented in a manner that ensures participating states benefit fairly from the project, stressing that communities in the oil-producing region deserved infrastructure commensurate with their contribution to the national economy.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has rewarded the student -players and coaches of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, with the sum of N50 million for making the State proud during their recent football tour of the United Kingdom.

Governor Fubara announced the reward on Friday while receiving the management and students of the Football Academy at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The Governor commended the team for their discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the tour, noting that despite the challenges encountered on the trip, they returned victorious without any case of misconduct or embarrassment to the State.

He said the Academy, initiated by his predecessor, was designed to groom young talents for whom football could become a lucrative full-time career, stressing that the football economy is even bigger than many conventional corporate organisations.

Fubara said the purpose of sponsoring the UK tour was to expose the students to football at the international level, and expressed delight that some of them were already attracting the attention of foreign football clubs who have reportedly started poaching them for greater opportunities abroad.

While emphasizing that intelligence without character amounts to nothing, the Governor said his administration is not only committed to building their football skills but also moulding their character to become responsible citizens and the pride of Rivers State.

He assured that the State Government will address the complaints of poor facilities, insufficient accommodation and all other challenges confronting the Academy, to ensure they study and conduct their trainings in a conducive environment

Governor Fubara also thanked the local and foreign consultants who led the tour for their efforts, and charged the students to take their academics seriously alongside their football career.

He noted that for many of the students who had never travelled beyond Port Harcourt Local Government Area, the UK tour was a life-changing exposure, making them true ambassadors of Rivers State.
“What we just did here is to give you the opportunity to see what is in football beyond the walls of Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt. It is meant for you to see football at the international level.
“You have made us very proud. On our own part, we will ensure that we give you every support needed for you to excel. I am really proud of you all, not just because of the trophy that you won but your conduct throughout the tour,” Governor Fubara said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Dagogo Wokoma lauded the Governor for sponsoring the tour, describing it as historic and a pacesetter in the country.

Earlier, the Principal of Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt, Dr (Mrs) Prudence Isaac -Harry, had expressed profound appreciation to Governor Fubara for his vision and “unparalleled magnanimity” in sponsoring the 61 students -athletes and 12 officials on the football tour to the United Kingdom.

The Principal noted that the trip provided the students with their very first taste of international football exposure. According to her, the students did not just participate in soccer duels but displayed tremendous skills that left a great impression on the entire community of Southampton, London.

“We were given a silver trophy for our students’ performances. Thank you Sir, for showcasing Rivers State’s raw talents to the global stage. This landmark trip has successfully opened windows for further international tournaments, as several top-tier clubs are already extending invitations to the Real Madrid Football Academy, Port Harcourt,” Isaac- Harry said.
She pledged that the management and students of the Real Madrid Football Academy will continue to bring honour and glory to Rivers State to justify the massive investment the State Government has made on the soccer academy.

By Our Correspondent

The National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — hails the timely inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general election.

In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Rufai Ahmed Alkali,the group noted that the inauguration provides a coordinated framework for political engagement and grassroots mobilisation while reaffirming the importance of unity, discipline and sustained attention to governance as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

The Movement commended President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, and all other party leaders and stakeholders for the various roles they played in the inauguration and their undistputed commitment to nationwide mobilisation for the Presidential election.

“We note, of particular importance is President Tinubu’s emphasis that electoral preparations would not distract his Administration from its constitutional responsibilities. This statesmanly position reinforces the principle that governance must remain a continuing priority, even as political parties organise for the forthcoming elections.

“The Movement further notes with interest the involvement and participation of prominent political leaders from other political platforms at the inauguration, including the Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who reportedly delivered goodwill messages in support of the President’s re-election bid.

“Their participation highlights the significance of political engagement that extends beyond traditional political party boundaries and creates opportunities for dialogue and cooperation among leaders with different political affiliations. This is a rare and unique bipartisanship in the service of the nation.

“The Movement believes that constructive engagement across the political spectrum would greatly contribute to a broader national conversation on governance, economic development and democratic stability. Such engagement need not diminish the legitimate status of the various political tendencies; rather, it can encourage dialogue on shared national priorities and the country’s long-term interests,” it noted.

The statement further said,”The emergence of cross-party engagement around the 2027 electoral process also underscores the importance of building political relationships through dialogue, accomodation, compromise and a shared commitment to Nigeria’s future.

“The Movement commends the President’s commitment to balance the demands of governance and the expectations of the political campaign throughout the electoral season. This clearly, underscores the need for continuity in public service delivery, economic management and national development.

“The President’s stated commitment to continued engagement with Nigerians, alongside coordinated mobilisation across states, local governments and electoral wards, also highlights the importance of maintaining communication between government and citizens.

“The Movement urges political leaders and campaign organisations to ensure that electioneering activities should complement and reinforce rather than detract from the national interest.

“The Movement believes that the campaign council is well positioned to communicate the President Tinubu’s Administration’s policies and records of achievements, effectively and in a manner that would invite the support from the electorates.

“The Movement notes the commitment expressed by the APC National Chairman to coordinate mobilisation from the national level through state chapters, local governments down to electoral units. Surely, this is the way to go. Effective grassroots engagement is an important component of political mobilisation. It provides the campaign coordinators opportunities to communicate government policies and programmes, listen to citizens’ concerns and explain government policy positions to communities across the country.”

The Movement also welcomes the call for the 2027 elections to be conducted as a contest of ideas, records and policies, with due regard for peace, democratic institutions and the Nigerian electorate.

“We encourage all political stakeholders to promote responsible communication, respect differing opinions and contribute to an electoral environment in which public debate is guided by facts, policy choices and the aspirations of citizens,” it added.

As preparations for the 2027 general election gather momentum, the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027 — Forward Nigeria — calls on political leaders, party supporters and other stakeholders to approach the electoral process with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles.

“The inauguration of the Presidential Campaign Council offers an opportunity to strengthen political coordination and broaden public engagement around the country’s economic, social and developmental priorities.”

The Movement calls on the opposition political parties to learn a lesson or two from President Tinubu’s approach to the 2027 season. They must know that public confidence is best sustained when political commitments are accompanied by responsible leadership, transparent communication and demonstrable efforts to address the concerns of Nigerians, not grand standing with innate and unverifiable statistics.

“We therefore encourage a political climate in which disagreements are resolved through democratic engagement, policy debates take precedence over personal attacks, and the welfare of citizens remains central to discussions about the country’s future.”

For the National Movement for Tinubu-Shettima 2027- Forward, democracy is all about a continuing commitment to national progress, inclusive political engagement, responsible governance and the pursuit of a more prosperous and stable country.

“Nigeria’s future requires responsible leadership, active citizenship participation, and a shared commitment to democratic progress. The All Progressive Congress (APC) is ready and able to offer these to the nation.

Forward Nigeria!,” it noted