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Court Cancels APC Zamfara North Senatorial Primary, Sets 14-day Deadline For Fresh Election – From Abdullahi Alhassan/Kaduna

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Court Cancels APC Zamfara North Senatorial Primary, Sets 14-day Deadline For Fresh Election – From Abdullahi Alhassan/Kaduna

A Federal High Court sitting in Gusau, has invalidated the May 19, 2026, All Progressives Congress (APC) Zamfara North Senatorial District primary election, and ordered the party to hold another poll within 14 days.

Justice Hassan Dikko delivered the ruling virtually and grnted the pre-election suit filed by APC aspirant Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi.

The court nullified the primary that produced Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura as the APC candidate for the 2027 election.

The APC, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and Senator Sahabi Ya’u Kaura were joined as defendants.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the judgment, counsel to the plaintiff, Bello Galadi, said the court upheld his client’s position that no valid primary election was conducted by the APC on May 19, 2026.

According to him, the court found evidence of overvoting and non-compliance with the APC Constitution, the party’s guidelines, and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act.

Galadi said the court consequently set aside the purported primary and directed the APC to conduct a fresh exercise within 14 days.

He described the judgment as a victory for democracy and a reaffirmation of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.

Counsel to the All Progressives Congress and Senator Sahabi Ya’u, Musbahu Salawudeen also welcomed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Gusau ordering the party to conduct a fresh primary election for the Zamfara North Senatorial District within 14 days.

Salawudeen described the judgment as an opportunity for the APC to conduct another primary rather than risk being excluded from participating in the 2027 general elections.

He said the court had given the party “a second bite” by directing that a fresh primary be conducted within 14 days from today.

“That is the beauty of the judiciary. My Lord has given another window and opportunity to the APC that they can have a second bite, now that a fresh primary will be conducted within 14 days from today.”

The counsel, however, said his legal team would study the judgment carefully before advising Senator Sahabi Ya’u on whether to accept the ruling or appeal it.

He stressed that the final decision rests with his client. According to him, the APC remains optimistic that even if a fresh primary is conducted, Senator Sahabi Ya’u would emerge again as the party’s candidate for the senatorial district.

Reacting to the judgment, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi described it as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

Shinkafi urged the national leadership of the APC to conduct the fresh primary in strict compliance with the Electoral Act and the party’s guidelines.

He said the decision had reaffirmed the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, particularly for those seeking legal redress when their rights were allegedly violated, and called on the APC and other political parties to strictly adhere to their constitutions, internal guidelines, and relevant electoral laws when conducting party primaries.

He cautioned political parties against actions capable of undermining democratic processes, urging aggrieved members to seek legal redress rather than resorting to violence or other unlawful means.

Timipre Sylva Quits APC, Says All Not Fair In Politics – From Our Correspondent

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Timipre Sylva Quits APC, Says All Not Fair In Politics – From Our Correspondent

Sylva: Federal Government Has Disappointed Majority Of Nigerians

FORMER Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of abandoning its founding ideals and the Federal Government of disappointing the majority of Nigerians.

Sylva, in a strongly-worded resignation letter dated August 31, 2026, said he could no longer remain in a party, whose leaders had allegedly embraced the philosophy that “all is fair in politics.”

Sylva’s resignation letter was electronically delivered and addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 4 in Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The former governor, who described himself as a founding member of the APC, said he took the decision after wide consultations with his family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers.

“Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect,” Sylva said in the letter.

He recalled that as a founding member of the APC, he contributed to building the party, but said it was “deeply saddening” to witness how the ideals upon which the party was founded had been “so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.”

The former minister also took a swipe at the leadership of the APC, alleging that its approach to politics had eroded basic standards of decency and morality.

“I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that ‘all is fair in politics,’ and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice,” he said.

According to him, “all cannot be fair in any endeavour of life,” insisting that “the demands of basic decency and morality forbid it.”

Sylva further accused the administration formed under the APC of disappointing Nigerians, saying he could see neither “a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp.”

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians,” he said.

The former governor said he was therefore left with no choice but to abandon what he described as a “floundering ship.”

“I am, therefore, left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities,” he said.

Sylva expressed confidence that Nigerians would use the next election to change the political direction of the country.

“I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country,” he said.

Sylva copied the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his resignation letter, accusing the anti-graft agency of becoming increasingly partisan.

He said he deliberately copied the EFCC because “of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State.”

Sylva acknowledged that his resignation could trigger further scrutiny or investigation against him and his associates.

“I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take,” he said.

The letter was copied to the National Chairman of the APC, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC and the Bayelsa State Chairman of the APC.

Sylva, who served as governor of Bayelsa State from 2007 to 2012, remains one of the prominent political figures from the Niger Delta. His exit from the APC is expected to generate fresh political realignments in Bayelsa and the wider South-South ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Sylva’s letter said: “Having consulted widely with my family, associates, colleagues and sympathisers, I wish to formally tender my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), with immediate effect.

As a founding member of the APC, and one who joined other well-meaning Nigerians in building the Party with sweat and money, it is deeply saddening to witness how the ideals we espoused have been so thoroughly and unrecognisably thwarted.

Moreover, I cannot, in all good conscience, continue to belong to a Party whose leaders believe that “all is fair in politics;” and have consistently demonstrated that belief in practice.

“All cannot be fair in any endeavour of life. The demands of basic decency and morality forbid it. Unfortunately, this mentality appears to underpin virtually every action, and even inaction, of this administration.

“The present Government, formed under the banner of the APC we once loved, has disappointed the vast majority of Nigerians. And I can see neither a credible attempt nor any possibility of a revamp.

“I am therefore left with no other choice than to jettison a floundering ship whose fate appears to have been sealed by its irredeemable load of iniquities. I have no doubt that, in the coming election, Nigerians will vote for Nigeria and free the Country from this stranglehold on our beautiful country.

“I am deliberately putting the EFCC in copy of this letter because, of late, it has conducted itself more as an organ of the APC than as an institution of State. I am fully aware that this action of mine may invite a redoubled witch-hunt against me and my associates, but that is a risk I am willing to take”.

Abia NDC Rejects Apugo’s Voting Directive for Umuahia Constituency

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Abia NDC Rejects Apugo’s Voting Directive for Umuahia Constituency

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Abia State Chapter, has condemned what it described as “unauthorized political directives” issued by Hon. Ikechukwu Martin Apugo to voters in Umuahia Federal Constituency.

In a statement on Saturday, August 30, 2026, the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Rtn. Emeka Luis Okoro, said the party’s attention was drawn to a viral interview on Ikwuano TV where Apugo made pronouncements on voting patterns for the 2027 elections.

The NDC said Apugo lacks the authority to direct how constituents should vote, stressing that he is not the party’s candidate for the constituency neither a party official with such mandate.

Citing Section 77(2) of the 1999 Constitution, the party said voters in Umuahia have the right to freely choose their representatives without coercion.

The NDC also warned that the comments amount to anti-party activity and assured that relevant party organs will take necessary steps in line with the party constitution.

The party called on members to remain united and committed to the NDC’s roadmap for the 2026 campaigns and 2027 general elections, adding that “no individual can speak for the collective will of the people.”
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Why Ndi Enugu Must Re-Elect Gov. Peter Mbah For Second Tenure

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Why Ndi Enugu Must Re-Elect Gov. Peter Mbah For Second Tenure

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon Dr. Livinus Okwor,says the best thing that would happen to Ndi Enugu in 2027, is to re-elect Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for a second term in office.

Speaking with our Correspondent in Enugu, Dr. Okwor who is also President of Ujodo Unity, Forum, a Cultural and Social organization that comprises the seven communities in Mbulujodo Nike,
stated that Gov Mbah had within less than four years in office left his footprints in the sands of time in all facets of life of the people.

He stressed that if the governor could record these loads of achievements within his first tenure, what he could do in eight could better be imagined.

According to Dr. Okwor, since the reward for a good job is another challenge, it is only wise that Gov. Mbah be given another mandate to pilot the affairs of Enugu State in the next four years.

He argued that the award winning governor had excelled in many spheres like infrastructural development, roads construction,and reconstruction, rehabilitation of moribund industries,bringing to life abandoned projects like the International Conference Centre, Hotel Presidential to mention but a few.

.”Governir Mbah’s Smart Green School project has become a model for educational development in the country. Security is the bedrock of this administration.

“Mbah has done a lot that cannot be stated here for space and time constraints That accounts for the reason why many local and relevant international organisations had conferred on him many prestigious awards and honours.

“Today Enugu State ranks among the few states with the fastest developing economies courtesy of Gov. Mbah’s prudent management of resources and transparency.

‘I advice those that want to govern Enugu state to wait for their turn. To return Mbah is a task that must be
done” said Dr Okwor.”

Dr. Okwor who is popularly known as Ochiagha Nike congratulated Gov. Mbah over his appointment as the South East Coordinator of APC Presidential Campaign Council.

He attributed it to the Governor’s good governance and love by the people of South East, and expressed confidence on his ability to succeed.

PC-NCG Warns Against Fake Coast Guard Recruitment, Training – From Our Correspondent

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PC-NCG Warns Against Fake Coast Guard Recruitment, Training – From Our Correspondent

THE Provisional Committee of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard (PC-NCG) has warned Nigerians against individuals collecting money for fake recruitment, training and appointments into the proposed institution.

The committee said the activities of these individual are unauthorised, stressing that a statutory Nigerian Coast Guard is yet to be established by law.

Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, PC-NCG, gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

Kiyaramo issued the statement on behalf of Capt. Noah Ichaba, Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the committee.

He said PC-NCG was an advocacy platform supporting the lawful establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard through constitutional, legislative and governmental processes.

“Advocating for the lawful establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard is not the same as operating a statutory Coast Guard,” he said.

According to him, PC-NCG does not recruit personnel into a statutory Nigerian Coast Guard or commission officers and confer statutory ranks and appointments.

He said the committee also did not collect money for enlistment, recruitment, training, appointment or commissioning into a statutory Coast Guard.

Kiyaramo therefore advised Nigerians to disregard individuals or organisations presenting purported recruitment or training exercises as enlistment into an already-established Nigerian Coast Guard.

He said participation in PC-NCG advocacy activities did not amount to enlistment, employment, commissioning or appointment in a statutory Coast Guard.

The committee also urged members of the public not to make payments or surrender personal documents to persons offering purported Coast Guard recruitment or training.

It advised prospective participants to independently verify the legal authority and status of any organisation making such claims.

The committee said no individual or group should present itself as a statutory Nigerian Coast Guard before the institution was established by law.

It also cautioned against the unauthorised use of the proposed Coast Guard’s name, uniforms, ranks or insignia to create the impression that the institution already existed.

Kiyaramo said PC-NCG had consistently conducted its advocacy through open and accountable processes.

He said the committee remained committed to engaging the National Assembly and relevant government institutions toward the establishment of the Coast Guard.

He recalled that the activities of PC-NCG were reviewed by the Force Intelligence Bureau of the Nigeria Police Force in 2022.

According to him, the review did not establish that the committee had constituted or operated a statutory Nigerian Coast Guard.

Kiyaramo also said the proposed Coast Guard establishment process had previously faced legal challenges from individuals opposed to the initiative.
He said the proceedings were dismissed and did not terminate the advocacy process.

The committee expressed concern over attempts by some individuals or groups to operate parallel structures under the identity of the proposed Nigerian Coast Guard..

It said such activities could mislead members of the public and undermine the lawful process for establishing the institution…

The committee welcomed Nigerians and organisations genuinely supporting the establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard.
It, however, urged supporters to pursue the objective through constitutional and legislative channels rather than establish parallel structures..

Kiyaramo said PC-NCG would continue engaging the National Assembly and relevant government institutions on funding, jurisdiction and inter-agency coordination.

He said the engagements would also address operational effectiveness to support the emergence of a viable and professionally regulated Nigerian Coast Guard.

“Our objective is not personal ownership of an institution, but the lawful establishment of a Nigerian Coast Guard that belongs to Nigeria and serves the Nigerian people,” he said.

The committee called on maritime professionals, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to support the lawful legislative and governmental process.

It urged Nigerians to reject unauthorised recruitment exercises and other activities capable of creating confusion over the status of the proposed Coast Guard.

“The facts and chronology of events are now in the public domain. Nigerians are capable of examining them and drawing informed conclusions,” the statement said.

Oil Spill Pollutes Nembe Creek, Communities Demand Clean-up, Compensation

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Oil Spill Pollutes Nembe Creek, Communities Demand Clean-up, Compensation

An oil spill from crude loading operations at Nembe Creek oilfield in Bayelsa, has affected several fishing communities, residents and environmental monitors have said.

It was learnt that the incident occurred on August 22, when a barge loading crude oil from a manifold at the facility reportedly ruptured.

The Nembe Creek oilfield within Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML) is operated by Nembe Exploration & Production Limited formerly Aiteo Eastern Exploration and Production Limited.

A field report bu Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development (ECARD), sighted by NAN indicate that the organisation visited the spill impacted site on August 24.

ECARD said it observed crude oil along the creek and mangrove banks.
Its Lead Field Monitor, Chief Alagoa Morris, said the pungent smell of crude oil became noticeable about two kilometres from Nembe Creek during the visit.

ECARD said the spill had spread to several fishing settlements, with residents reporting loss of fishing activities and damage to fishing equipment.

The paramount ruler of Nembe Creek communities, HRH Agent Waya, said the incident had worsened the hardship faced by residents.

Waya said the community reported the spill to naval personnel after Aiteo officials allegedly failed to respond immediately to their concerns.

He said women from the affected communities later protested at the Aiteo facility, demanding relief materials, assessment of damages and compensation.

According to him, the affected communities requested relief materials within three days because residents could no longer engage in fishing.

Waya said the spill reportedly occurred while crude oil was being loaded into a barge, which subsequently tilted and discharged crude into the river.

He listed Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3, Roka, Williamkiri, Atonbarakiri, Korukiri and Madam Wanwakiri among the affected communities.

Others, he said, included Ewelesuo, Kpongbokiri, Victorkiri, ‘Abuja’ 1, 2 and 3, Pipeline 1, 2, 3 and 4, Kalakububogo and Etikiri.

The women leader, Mrs Ebi Otokolo, said the pollution had made the river waters unusable for fishing, domestic activities and other livelihood purposes.

She said residents had been forced to remain indoors because of the crude oil odour, while fishermen could no longer access their means of livelihood.

A community woman, Mrs Love Mark, said some fishing nets contaminated by crude oil had become unusable.

Mark said individual fishing nets cost between N150,000 and N170,000, adding that affected residents needed urgent assistance from the operator.

Also, a former youth president of neighbouring Ewelesuo community, Mr Daukoru Benjaka called for the inclusion of the community and its fishing camps in the Joint Investigation Visit.

Benjaka said the spill had affected fish catches and other aquatic resources, including periwinkles, while threatening the survival of fishing communities.
ECARD said its observations showed substantial crude oil on the water and along mangrove roots, despite residents’ reports that tidal movement had thinned the pollution.

The organisation said rising tides could carry crude oil deeper into the mangrove ecosystem and further affect aquatic organisms, including crabs, oysters and periwinkles.

ECARD said information from the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and Nembe Oil and Gas Committee indicated that the Joint Investigation Visit had identified operational failure as the cause.

However, it said the volume of crude spilled and the extent of the affected area remained inconclusive as of Aug. 26.

The organisation said the latest incident was part of a history of oil spills associated with operations in OML 29.

The Nembe Creek oilfield, regarded as the largest oil and gas field within OML 29, was developed by Shell Petroleum Development Company from the 1970s.
Shell divested its interest in OML 29 including the 97 kilometer Nembe Creek Trunkline to Aiteo in 2015 for about $ 2.5 billion.

Among the notable incidents was the 2019 spill at Santa Barbara Well 1 and the major 2021 incident, which reportedly discharged crude oil into the environment for more than a month.

ECARD said subsequent spills around the Nembe Creek facility had frequently been linked by residents and environmental groups to crude-loading activities.

Residents also accused oil operations of restricting fishing through the deployment of large lifebuoys and the movement of crude-loading vessels.

They said fishing nets were sometimes caught by the buoys or damaged by vessels operating around the loading areas.

The paramount ruler appealed to the Bayelsa Government and relevant authorities to intervene, saying the communities were facing severe economic hardship.

He also urged Aiteo to provide regular support to fishermen whose livelihoods had allegedly been affected by oil pollution and operational restrictions.
ECARD called for comprehensive cleanup and remediation of the polluted Nembe Creek environment to restore the ecosystem and the communities’ fishing livelihoods.

Public Affairs officials at Nembeb E & P declined to comment when contacted for an update on the development.

Seven Years Later, Bende–Ozuitem Road Still in Deplorable State

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Seven Years Later, Bende–Ozuitem Road Still in Deplorable State

Seven years after assuming office in the House of Representatives, the condition of the Bende–Ozuitem Road continues to spark frustration among constituents.

The deplorable state of the road was brought to the fore on when a bus conveying members of the Deputy Speaker’s party got stuck along the stretch. Occupants were forced to alight and push the vehicle, still wearing branded polo shirts and T-shirts bearing the image of the Deputy Speaker.[day]

Residents say the incident underscores years of neglect on a road that serves as a major link for communities in Bende Local Government Area.

There are also allegations that the Deputy Speaker no longer plies the road, opting instead for the Umuahia–Uzuakoli route when travelling to Ozuitem.

For many in Bende, the issue has gone beyond bad infrastructure to questions of representation and accountability.

“As we approach another election cycle, Ndi Bende are demanding better. OFUJI says he is coming to restore hope in representation,” a constituent said

Umahi says Trans-Sahara Highway will boost security, agriculture, commerce.-From-Paulinus Ogbonna

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Umahi says Trans-Sahara Highway will boost security, agriculture, commerce.-From-Paulinus Ogbonna

 

Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, says Trans-Sahara Superhighway will significantly boost security, agriculture and commerce across its corridor.

Umahi stated this on Saturday in Abakaliki after the inspection of ongoing works on Section Two of the Trans-Sahara Superhighway project in Ado Local Government Area of Benue.

He said that the Section Two, measuring approximately 173.4 kilometres, would connect the end of Section One through Benue, Enugu and adjoining states.

According to him, Section One, which runs from Ebonyi to the Ebonyi-Benue boundary, covers about 123 kilometres, bringing the combined length of the two sections to nearly 300 kilometres.

“When communities are brought closer through road construction and states become more accessible to one another, you can see the economic impact.

“If we complete this project, you will see significant improvements in security, agriculture, and commerce,” Umahi said.

Umahi said the highway would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from major farming areas in Benue, Ebonyi and Enugu to markets.

He said that the Federal Government was also constructing bypasses, including the 8.9-kilometre Afikpo bypass in Ebonyi, which was being dualised.

The minister said that the second carriageway of Section One was being designed to align it with other legacy projects of the President Bola Tinubu’s government.

On funding, Umahi acknowledged financial challenges but assured that the government would continue executing projects based on available resources.

“There are challenges; we cannot have all the money to do all the projects at once, so we will continue to do the much we can based on our available resources,” the minister said.

He projected that the projects would be completed by 2031, subject to Tinubu’s re-election and continuity of the administration.

Umahi who appealed to host communities to cooperate with contractors, particularly by providing access to borrow pits and facilitating valuation of affected crops and properties, said that nobody would buildings along the corridors unnecessarily.

“Nobody will touch your building unnecessarily; I want you to cooperate with us and show us the borrow pits. We will pay compensation where necessary,” he added.

Umahi commended the contractor for its commitment, noting that work was continuing despite the rainy season.

He urged Nigerians to appreciate the Federal Government’s intervention in communities that had previously lacked federal roads.

The minister also canvassed support for Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, saying that continuity was necessary to ensure completion of the highway. ENDS//

Peter Obi says No to malicious Northern campaign against him.

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Peter Obi says No to malicious Northern campaign against him.
  • THE Peter Obi Media Office has condemned what it described as “malicious whisper campaigns” in rural areas of the North by some individuals against the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi.

The Media Office in a statement by its Spokesman, Idris Zekeri jnr. accused the unnamed individuals of peddling falsehood against Obi regarding his relationship with  Northerners resident in Anambra state during his tenure as governor.

According to the statement, the circulation of this falsehood has persisted despite credible denials by Northern leaders resident in Anambra state.

The statement quoted the Northern leaders as having explicitly stated that Obi was, and remains “a vital supporter of theirs both in and out of office.”

The statement challenged all those behind the malicious campaign to provide evidence of maltreatment by Obi against Northerners during his tenure as governor of Anambra state.

The statement made available to SummitBews reads:-

“The Peter Obi Media Office has credible intelligence that some individuals are still conducting malicious whisper campaigns against the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, in northern rural areas.

“The circulation of this falsehood regarding Peter Obi’s relationship with Northerners during his tenure as Governor of Anambra State has persisted despite credible denials from Northern leaders in Anambra State, who have explicitly stated that Obi was, and remains, a vital supporter of theirs both in and out of office.

“Despite clear facts, some individuals continue covertly planting these false narratives at Northern gatherings, hoping repeated claims will eventually seem convincing.

“We challenge those behind this campaign to provide names, dates, records, and verifiable evidence supporting their allegations.

“They should cease hiding behind whispered accusations and political propaganda.

‘Peter Obi governed Anambra State for all its residents, regardless of ethnicity or religion. His relationship with Nigerians from the North was not based on the falsehoods now being fabricated for political gain.

“The timing is revealing.

“As the 2027 election approaches, those unable to challenge Peter Obi on his competence, integrity, and public service record are resorting to the oldest political weapon—ethnic suspicion and misinformation.

“We urge our brothers and sisters in the North to seek facts, not rumours; evidence, not whispers; and policies, not propaganda.

“Nigeria cannot be rebuilt by weaponising lies that have long divided its people. Enough of the lies.

“Let the facts speak for a new Nigeria that is Possible.”

NIDDEMOG Calls For Police Reform, Better Welfare For Officers

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NIDDEMOG Calls For Police Reform, Better Welfare For Officers

 

THE Niger Delta Development and Monitoring Group (NIDDEMOG) has called for improved welfare, allowances and incentives for personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

The group said better working conditions would strengthen the capacity of police personnel to tackle the country’s growing security challenges.

NIDDEMOG Executive Director, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, OON, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday

James-Eriworio also called for improved police funding and better living conditions for officers and men of the force.

He said the condition of police barracks in some parts of the country remained unacceptable, with several formations suffering prolonged neglect.

The NIDDEMOG chief said police personnel deserved decent accommodation and functional facilities to enable them perform their duties effectively.

He also supported calls for the police to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme and adopt a more suitable pension arrangement.

James-Eriworio, who serves on the oversight board of the Police Violence Crimes Response Unit, commended officers of the Bayelsa Command.

He particularly praised personnel involved in the rescue of a kidnap victim held for about 30 days in a remote coastal area of Southern Ijaw.

He said the successful operation demonstrated the difficult security challenges posed by criminal activities in the creeks and mangrove forests.

James-Eriworio said the development strengthened his advocacy for the establishment of mangrove swamp forest guards to complement existing security agencies.

He alleged that some criminals had established camps and hideouts in deep mangrove forests to perpetrate kidnapping, sea piracy and pipeline vandalism.

“Some criminally minded people are building homes and camps and using them as criminal hideouts in the deep mangrove forests,” he said.

He said the situation required a coordinated security framework, particularly in areas where conventional policing was hampered by difficult riverine terrain.

James-Eriworio urged the National Security Adviser and other security agencies to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering across Niger Delta creeks and mangrove forests.

He said sustained investment in personnel, equipment, welfare and specialised policing structures was necessary to secure the region’s difficult terrain.

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