*Okowa boosts drive with reported qualified endorsement

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The promoter of the agitation for the constitutional creation of a new Anioma State out of the present Delta State, Senator Ned Nwoko, has intensified the campaign to woo the people of Delta North to support the project with a critical stakeholders conference in Asaba.

This is coming at a time the immediate past governor of Delta State Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was said to have given conditional support to the agitation for Anioma State.

Okowa’s reported support for the new state was revealed at the one day Anioma Stakeholders Summit, by Senator Nwoko, the senator representing Delta North senatorial district, the convenor.

The theme of the summit was, “The Renewed Quest for the Creation of Anioma State”; and, it had numerous political and traditional leaders from the nine local government areas comprising the district (also known as Anioma), in attendance.

Nwoko revealed that the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, was favourably disposed to the creation of Anioma State although he would want the new state to be part of the South-South geopolitical zone rather than being joined to the South-East zone.

Addressing the gathering that had national and state legislators, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders as well as women, youths and other critical stakeholders, Senator Nwoko noted that the agitation for the creation of Anioma State has been on for decades and sued for cooperation of all Anioma sons and daughters asserting that the state was a dream whose time has come.

Going down memory lane, Nwoko eulogized prominent Anioma sons and daughters who made outstanding contribution in the past years to the development of the area as well as the struggle, including the late Dennis Osadebay and late Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof) Chike Joseph Edozien, George Orewa, Senator Nosike Ikpo.

The aim of that the Stakeholders Summit was to reawaken the consciousness of Anioma people on their desire to be independent through the creation of the new state.

He allayed fears that he might be pursuing a private agenda around his ambition to become the leader and governor of the proposed state.

It does not matter whether the proposed state is eventually grouped with the South-East or South-South geopolitical zone, he said, noting that he was primarily concerned about Anioma people having a state that would be truly their own.

The Bill for the creation of the state, which he sponsored, had passed the first reading in the Senate and would soon go through the second reading stage, preparatory to a public hearing that would lead towards its hopeful passage, he noted.

Senator Nwoko further expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will assent to the Bill, adding that it will equally enjoy nation-wide support in line with the country’s constitutional provision.

Nevertheless, he assured the stakeholders that he would do all necessary to garner the needed support, including that of his colleagues at the National Assembly, to midwife the proposed Anioma state into reality.

He therefore urged sons and daughters of Anioma (Delta North) to unite and to embrace the agitation for the creation of the new state as “a collective responsibility” towards a worthy cause for posterity.

Speaker after speaker at the event, including House of Representatives members, Hon Ngozi Okolie, Hon Ossai N. Ossai and Hon Emeka Nwaobi of the State Assembly, with ome some royal fathers, including Ochendo Asagba, Prof Louis Edozien, Obi Henry Kikachukwu of Ubulu-Unor, Dein of Agbor, Ikenchuku Kiagborekuzi I, commeneded
Senator Nwoko for his commitment to the campaign for the creation of Anioma State, soliciting support for the initiative.

Members of the organising Committee of the summit in attendance included the Chairman, Chief Dan Okenyi (Olikeze), the Secretary, Apostle Victor Sorokwu (Ugo-Anioma) and others including Eziada Ifeoma Ogbomah, Prince Tonnie Oganah, Comrade Norbert Chiazo, Ogbueshi Godfrey Odogwu, Mr Hayes Ikhator, Mr Godwin Ossai, Chief Cubert Nzete, and Mr Joshua Opia.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

President of the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, Prof Epiphany Azinge, has emerged as the Asaba monarch-designate as he is set to become the 14th Asagba of Asaba Kingdom in Delta State.

Prof Azinge, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS).

The coronation of Obi Azinge is expected to take place in no distant time, following his overall success in the race for the referred stool of Asagba of Asaba, which reportedly featured nine other illustrious titled sons of Asaba.

The Asagba-in-Council, which announced the selection of the international legal luminary on Sunday in Asaba, stated that Prof Azinge emerged as the most qualified among the 10 contenders in the race for the royal stool.

The contenders hail from Ugbomanta Quarters, whose turn it is, of the five quarters (ebos) of Asaba Kingdom, to produce the next Asagba, who will rule in the stead of Obi (Prof) Chike Joseph Edozien, the 13th Asagba of Asaba who had joined his ancestors earlier in the year.

The Ochendo Ahaba (Regent) Dr. Anthony Edozien, announced the result of the selection process in line with the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979, applicable to Delta State, at the former Palace of the Asagba of Asaba at Ezenei Quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

There was jubilation with praise songs and dances at the Asaba residence of Prof  Azinge, the 14th Asagba-designate, following the official announcement.

The Asagba-designate had recently taken the Obiship (red cap chieftaincy) title as one of the leading contestants to the throne.

The Obi title (red cap) which is the highest traditional social rank amongst the Ahaba people, that is, Obi institution, But Azinge has also been one of high-ranking traditional chiefs in the Asagba’s cabinet with the title of ‘Okilolo Ahaba’.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

 After days of uncertainty, the Delta State Police Command has confirmed that female politician and a former Commissioner in Delta State, Hon Joan Onyemaechi, alias ‘Ada Anioma’ has been released about nine days after she was whisked away from her church in Asaba, the state capital.

The commands’ spokesman, Bright Edafe, did not give details about the release but it was learnt that Joan Onyemaechi was safe somewhere in Asaba.

Although it was widely reported on Thursday with the story of Ada Anioma’s alleged freedom after more than one week in the mysterious kidnappers’ custody, the police said that it could not confirm the victim’s release.

However, the influential female politician was said to be receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital, amid reported jubilation in her country home of Ubuluku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

“As we speak there is wild jubilation at her hometown, Ubulu Uku following the news of her freedom,” an online report had stated earlier.

However, when contacted, the police spokesman had told ������Ƶ that the police could not confirm the alleged release of the former commissioner.

“The story/report is not confirmed”, the Delta State PPRO told ������Ƶ flatly.

 Nonetheless, it could not be ascertained if any ransom had been paid for the freedom of Hon Joan Onyemaechi (formerly Mrakpor) and if indeed she had regained her freedom because the abductors had allegedly demanded as much as N1billion in ransom, a claim which the police also earlier declined comment.

An earlier news report “broken” by an Abuja-based online newspaper, but whose publisher hails from Delta State, had claimed that the victim had been killed by her abductors and her remains and those of two other unidentified ladies had been found at the Anambra State bank of the River Niger.

However, the said discovery turned out to be false, forcing the said newspaper to pull down or delete the report, which sources it attributed to a high-ranking official of the Delta State Government.

Joan Onyemaechi was kidnapped on July 30, 2024, from her Church premises on DBS Road Asaba, killing the victim’s driver and police orderly and injuring others before escaping with her in a speedboat stationed at the bank of the River Niger.

*Pays over N100m monthly for over 300 CS births  

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has said the state has evolved into Nigeria’s foremost health insurance service provider with over two million enrollees.

He added that the state government currently subsidises more than 300 Caesarian operations monthly across 550 registered facilities in the state under the scheme.

Akpoveta, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the commission, disclosed this when members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited the commission in Asaba, at the weekend.

 Akpoveta said the state emerged as number-one in contributory health insurance in the country with the current figure of over two million enrollees across the 25 local government areas of the state. “Delta State is number-one by every parameter of health insurance in the country,” he observed.

According to him, the state government particularly subsidises the healthcare of pregnant women and under-five children at a cost running into millions of naira.

“If you do Cesarean section in a private hospital, you could pay as much as between N300,000 to N500,000; then do a little arithmetic by multiplying that amount by 300 for every month,” Akpoveta said.

He noted that these services were some of the silent by outstanding efforts of the Delta State Government but which were hardly noticed or acknowledged, adding that only the media as an agent of development could highlight them towards the promotion of the contributory health insurance in the country.

He, however, said it was gratifying to note that the commission was signed into law in 2016 under the administration of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, when the incumbent, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, noting that the current government was consolidating the achievements of the previous in the health sector.

Against the backdrop of inflationary trends in the country, it was better left to imagination how very high the cost of health or medical services would have been today, saying that “the Oborevwori administration believes in taking care of its people,” Akpoveta said.

According to him, the commission has enrolled over 35 percent of the people in Delta State into the scheme since the commission started seeing patients in January 2017.

The DSCHC director-general said, “I can tell you that we cover the bills of over 300 Cesarean sections monthly at a cost of over N500,000 each but it has been a silent activity of the government that people are not aware of. Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH) alone covers over 60 to 70 Caesarian sections monthly.

“The DSCHC scheme, by law, has various plans; the Equity Plan is for the vulnerable, the Formal Plan is for the Civil Servants and the organised private sector, while the Informal Plan is for the artisans in.”

He said that the commission was primarily set up to finance the health sector, adding that with N7,000 premium an enrollee would have access to healthcare in any facility in the state and designated facilities outside the state for one year.

“The commission is set up to cover the residents of Delta from financial constraints. Today, many have been pulled into poverty because of health bills.

“People sell land and property to pay health bills and to secure their health, so health insurance is to prevent financial disaster and to protect the individual from financial constraints.

“The law establishing the scheme is to cover all residents of Delta State irrespective of tribe, language or colour, religion or culture, but all that live in the state should be covered.

“Especially, the state is determined to protect the vulnerable people, particularly pregnant women and children under five years and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“I am glad that you mentioned that the yearly premium of N7,000 for the health insurance is small compared to the huge cost of accessing medical care but this is possible because the government has been subsidising, augmenting the medical bills of the over two million subscribers to the scheme.

“In 2016, when we did the accrual determination of how much should cover an individual healthcare in a year, it was put at about N18, 000 per enrollee.” 

He, however, called on other well meaning people of the state to support the scheme by enrolling indigent members of the community into the scheme.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, commended the state government for its bid to provide quality healthcare at a considerably low cost for residents of the state.

With the current economic realities of today, a fee of N7,000 as annual premium for medical services remains an economic rent (gain) for the enrollee

While congratulating Akpoveta “for a well-deserved appointment, he appreciated his passion for the job, particularly the inclusion of students of the state-owned tertiary institutions into the scheme.

“It is heartwarming that you personally sponsored and enrolled 1,000 indigent persons on remote communities and other persons with disabilities  into the scheme from across the state.”

Highpoint of the visit was the DSCHC facility tour by the journalists, conducted by Dr. Isaac Akpoveta to showcase the automated system provided by the state government to ensure effective healthcare delivery in the state with real-time vetting, assessment and monitoring of the enrollees as well as the health facilities.

. Welcomes  Supreme Court  judgement

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State  has said that the recent Supreme Court judgement granting broad autonomy to the 774 local government councils in the country, has  lifted a huge financial burden off the shoulders of the state government.

Oborevwori stated this during the swearing in of the new executive chairmen and their respective vice-chairmen of the 25 local government areas of the state yesterday in  Asaba.

The governor noted that the state government has, over the years, had to take on the extra responsibility of helping the local government councils meet their financial demands by augmenting their salaries and pensions.

He assured the new council chairmen that the three months allocations for the local government areas from the Federation Account were intact, adding  the councils could hit the ground running.

However, the governor harped on the need for prudent management of resources, embark on relevant projects that will impact the lives of the people and fiscal discipline among the councils’ executive officers, noting  that inclusiveness in their programmes and activities should be their watchword.

He advised them live with and stay close to their people in the local government as absentee council chairmen that would run their office from Asaba, Warri or other cities will not be tolerated.

The governor also tasked them to avoid extravagant lifestyles and wasteful spending, but to address the recurring problems of insecurity, poverty, unemployment and environmental decay in the various local government areas. 

Oborevwori said: “To the elected local government council chairmen, I urge you to reciprocate the huge mandate that has been given to you by giving preference to the needs and aspirations of your people with a view to delivering good governance. 

“You must discharge your duties with sincerity of purpose, impartiality, compassion, fairness, and justice and I expect you to work assiduously for the actualisation of the MORE Agenda. 

“As the third tier of government closest to the people, you need to improve the environmental sanitation in your communities. Our urban centres are riddled with filth as a result of improper waste disposal and poor sanitation habits of our people. 

“I will like to see you step up in this regard by devising proper waste disposal measures, while embarking on aggressive public enlightenment campaign to educate our people on good sanitation habits.” 

He said as the then Speaker of the State House of Assembly, they voted for autonomy for the councils during the 5th Constitution alteration session. 

“I therefore, expect you to hit the ground running by embarking on visible infrastructural projects that can be commissioned.  You must shun wasteful spending and extravagant lifestyle.  

“Let your administrations be characterised by modesty, fiscal discipline, prudent management, judicious allocation of resources, and excellent project delivery. 

“As Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we advocated financial autonomy for the legislature and judiciary.  The House also voted YES to Local Government autonomy during the Fifth Alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

“Therefore, the Supreme Court judgment on financial autonomy for local government councils is a welcome development. Actually, Delta State Government has never tampered with local government funds. Rather, the state government has often had to augment the allocations to the local government councils to enable them meet their financial obligations,” he said. 

While charging the new chairmen to improve on their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), the governor cautioned against overtaxing an already burdened populace reeling under the painful effects of the current economic hardship. 

He said: “Your success on this job will also depend on your ability to work seamlessly with your vice-chairmen, the legislative arm and other critical stakeholders in the Local Government Area. Please, avoid running a one-man show.  

“You must demonstrate the political sagacity to manage the local politics, and the administrative acumen to be all- inclusive to ensure peace, stability, and cohesion in your domains.” 

He expressed appreciation to the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, (DSIEC), for conducting free, fair and credible elections and to the security agencies for ensuring peace and security throughout the exercise across the state. 

While congratulating the new chairmen and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the resounding victory at the polls on Saturday, the governor said that it was a result of weeks of grassroots campaign, thanking the voters who sacrificed their time and energy to vote leaders of their choice.

Responding on behalf of the chairmen and Vice-chairmen, Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Council, Hon Innocent Esewezie, expressed appreciation to the governor and leaders of the PDP as well as the people of the state for the opportunity to serve particularly at the grassroots level of governance.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Chairmen of the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State are to be inaugurated today, July 15, 2024 by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, after emerging victorious at the state local government election held on Saturday. 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won all the 25 chairmanship positions in their respective council areas, the Chairman of the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIDEC), Dr Jerry Agbaike, declared at the commission’s headquarters in Asaba yesterday.

Comrade Vincent Ogheneruemu Oyibode, also of the PDP, had earlier emerged as the first Udu Local Government Area chairmanship candidate to be returned as unopposed and winner of his council election by DSIEC after his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart stepped down for him. 

Addressing newsmen after the declaration of the results by the Local Government Area Returning Officers, the DSIEC chairman said that PDP won in 499 electoral wards, while the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) won in one ward in Akwukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

The election on Saturday was unprecedentedly peaceful despite the glaring voter apathy and  delay in the supply of voting materials in most of the polling centres. 

However, there were reports of withdrawal from the race by the chairmanship candidates of the APC in Warri South and Ughelli North Local Government Areas, alleging unfairness in the conduct of the exercise by the DSIEC.

Restriction of human and vehicular movement announced by the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwanda Olufemi, was apparently not enforced as people generally went about their usual businesses between 8.00a.m and 3.00p.m when the restriction order was supposed to be in force.

Nonetheless, the governor will inaugurate the new local government council chairmen in Asaba, while the chairmen will subsequently swear in their respective successful councillors at a later date.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Delta State, Dr. Faith Ireye, has called on the state government and other stakeholders to address the increasing cases of adolescent pregnancy among the girl-child in the state to reduce the dangerous trend. She observed that pregnancy in adolescents, especially within the age of 14 to 19 in Delta State, was worrisome.

Ireye said that there is the need to address the issue of adolescent pregnancy because currently, four percent of pregnancies in the state occur among adolescents.

The WHO coordinator in the state gave the advice at the weekend in Asaba during a one-day programme organised by the Delta State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Management Board in collaboration with SFH, tagged: ‘DISC 1.0 State Level Project Dissemination’.

Dr. Ireye stated that it was high time the government took a firmer decision to drastically reduce adolescent pregnancy, through rigorous educating and alerting of the girl-child to the hazard of early and needless pregnancy.

“If they have information, and are well guarded with the information at their disposal, it will be possible to crash teenage pregnancy below four per cent,” she said.

Nonetheless, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, lauded the Society for Family Health (SFH) on its Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) project aimed at expanding access to contraceptives by women in the state.

The state commissioner noted that the meeting was necessary to reflect on the accomplishments of the project discuss its impact and chart a course for the future.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Philomena Okeowo, the commissioner noted that the DISC project is funded by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), adding that SFH has been a dependable partner with much impact.

Onojaeme said: “Society for Family Health has been a long-standing partner to the state having significantly contributed to the health indices of Delta State.

“Over the past two years, the DISC project has been a beacon of hope and progress in Delta State, championing the utilisation of Sayana Press subcutaneous contraception to empower individuals and communities towards better reproductive health outcomes.

“Through innovative approaches and dedicated efforts, the DISC project has expanded access to contraception and also empowered women and families to make informed choices about their reproductive health, thereby, fostering a brighter and healthier future for our communities.

“While we reflect on the successes of the DISC project, let us also acknowledge the challenges encountered and the lessons learned along the way.

“Our collective experiences, insights, and feedback will serve as invaluable resources as we continue to navigate the complexities of reproductive health programming and strive to address the evolving needs of our population.”

Also, the Deputy Team Lead, DISC Project, SFH, Mopelola Raji, said that the project was aimed at changing the way self-care contraception was perceived.

She said: “The DISC project is a four-year project funded by CIFF and implemented by Population Services International and SFH.

“So, we have what we call DMPA-SC Self-Injection, our unique product; it helps the woman to amplify her voice and also promotes autonomy for the woman to be able to decide what works for her.

“Moreover, we have an innovation called the ‘Empathy Based Training’, where we train the providers to have the competence and increased capacity to coach women to successfully self-inject themselves.”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has commiserated with the Onyeobi family and people of Asaba over the passing of the Iyase of Asaba, Chief Patrick I.G. Onyeobi, saying that he would be greatly missed across the state and Nigeria at large.

Onyeobi, who died at 90, was a former Secretary to Government and Head of the Civil Service of the defunct Bendel State.

Until his passing, he was the Diokpa (Eldest-man) of Idumuojei village, Umuezei Quarters of Asaba and held the prestigious title of Iyase, the traditional prime minister of Asaba Kingdom.

In the condolence message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, Governor Oborevwori expressed sadness over the departure of Onyeobi despite attaining the ripe age of 90.

Oborevwori said, “The passing of Chief Patrick Onyeobi is a big blow to his family, Idumuojei village, the people of Asaba and Delta State, considering his immense contributions to the traditional institution in the state capital.

“Late Onyeobi was a fine gentleman, model administrator and community leader with impeccable leadership qualities, who contributed to the growth and development of his community and the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of an astute administrator and community leader of immense repute, Chief Patrick Onyeobi.

“Chief Onyeobi was astutely dedicated to cause of helping others and his many and extraordinary life achievements, distinguished him as a wonderful mentor and role model, whose works will continue to motivate the next generation.

“Onyeobi’s enduring imprints on the sands of time will remain a powerful symbol of Asaba’s traditional institution.

“It is indeed the end of an era for a man whose name reverberated across the length and breadth of the defunct Bendel State and Nigeria as a whole.”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has described the state Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, as a prudent manager of state resources, which is good for the state, especially at a time the country was hit by severe inflation.

He urged the media to give the governor all the support they can towards the overall success of the administration’s development blueprint encapsulated in the M.O.R.E. agenda, noting that the role of the media in influencing the governance process could not be over-emphasized.

In his remarks when he received members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who visited him yesterday in his office in Asaba, Aniagwu noted that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration enjoyed a robust and cordial relationship with journalists, during which period he served as the governor’s chief press secretary and also the commissioner for information, and sued for the sustenance of that spirit in the present government.

The commissioner said: “Many a time I hear people say that I was successful in performing those two roles; but for me, I know that the larger part of the success came from the support I got from you, the journalists.

“I never had any cause to worry or begin to refute anything because you reported me correctly. Secondly, you never engaged in any clandestine activity to undermine what we did as an administration then.

“Journalists will, therefore, do well to extend the same vigorous commitment and support to the current state information commissioner, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, by ensuring that the numerous programmes and activities by of the government are given effective coverage and dissemination.

Aniagwu stressed that given the inflationary trend in the country, the governor was careful with spending available funds in order not only to meet contractual obligations on numerous completed and ongoing projects but also to ensure that Deltans had full benefit from the financial resources accruing to state.

He noted: “There are lots of projects that we are handling, and policies that are being churned out. The governor is also being careful because there have been lots of changes in terms of our economy as a nation from when he took over and now.

“So, the governor is being careful in terms of application of resources; some who do not understand may think that we are being slow. No!

“Those of us who are quite integral in the administration understand that we needed to be careful so that any fund that we spend, will give Deltans value for their money.”

Aniagwu promised that in spite of the challenges, there were lots of activities going on across the state, noting that activities to mark Governor Oborevwori’s one year in office were in top gear, especially in his ministry.

Earlier, the Chairman of Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Ifeanyi Olannye, said that the visit was primarily to felicitate the commissioner on his appointment as Commissioner for Works; Rural and Riverine Roads, urging the commissioner to sustain the cordial relationship he had with the chapel and journalists in the state in general.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Government has approved the sum about N3 billion for acquisition of 60 working equipment in 20 general hospitals across the state, saying it was to boost the state healthcare programme in line with the M.O.R.E development agenda of the Oborevwori administration.

In the same vein, the government also announced approval of N2 billion for compensation to property owners that would be affected by the ongoing construction of flyover bridges and roads in the Warri and Uvwie area in the state.

Intimating newsmen with some outcomes of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at the Government House Asaba, yesterday, the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza, said that the EXCO also approved Phase Two procurement of medical equipment for 20 general hospitals across the state.

He listed the hospitals to include general hospitals at Obiaruku, Abraka, Ekpan, Owa-Alero, Okwe, Koko, Orerokpe, Otu-Jeremi, Burutu, Abavo, Owa-Oyibu, Issele-Uku, Ibusa, Aviara, Onicha-Olona, Ofagbe, Aboh, Ashaka, Kiagbodo and Eku Baptist Government Hospital.

Flanked by the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverside Roads), Mr. Charles Aniagwu; his Higher Education counterpart, Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Festus Ahon, noted that the compensation would cover the infrastructural projects being executed between Enerhen Junction to First Marine Gate in Warri South Local Government Area.

Osuoza dsclosed that the meeting also approved upward review of contracts for the procurement of medical equipment in 20 general hospitals in Delta State.

He said: “There is an upward variation of the contract for the remodeling of the uncompleted library building of the basic clinical building for the College of Health Sciences, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

“There is also approval of compensation for buildings that will be affected by the construction of the flyover bridge from Enerhen Junction, Effurun to Marine Gate, Warri,” straddling Uwvie and Warri South local government areas.

The council also approved payment of over N674,000,000 as bursary to students of its origin for the 2022/2023 academic session under the Students Assistance Scheme, otherwise called bursary.

On the bursary payment, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverside Roads), Mr. Aniagwu further said that the gesture was meant to cushion the current hardship faced by students.

Aniagwu said: “On the hardship in the land, the reason the Governor is very much interested in this is because when parents are looking for money, they need the money to take care of their children, pay school fees and provide basic necessities.

“As a government, we believe that if we are able to give some funds to these students, then that way we have also been able to help their parents.

“Any student that you make this money available to now, at least, for that month and maybe the next, will not ask his or her parents for money to buy one book or feed.

“So, if we are able to reach out to as many as over 30,100 students of Delta State origin, you will know the number of households the government has been able to reach out to through this form of palliative.

“As an administration, you will notice a number of things we have mentioned here that we are doing in the health sector. It is also with a view to ensuring that our people have access to medical facilities and that they are able to reach out.

“Once we are able to put the hospitals in good shape and they are functional, it means that the funds that are available to you, even when we did not give it to you by cash, that as a government, we have also provided in that area.

“All the steps being taken by the Oborevwori-led administration is with a view to making life much more livable for our people.

“That we are ensuring that you have good roads, for students have schools to go to, that our people have good hospitals and conversion of more schools to universities to ensure that our people have access to more higher education; all of them is to make life much more livable.”

On gully erosion ravaging parts of the state capital, Aniagwu, said the state government was working on addressing the challenges posed by the 1.8km meters gully erosion site on the Marble Hill Road to Vanguard and NNPC, Asaba, and other sites across the state.

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, said that over N3 billion was approved for the equipment of 20 General Hospitals across the state.

He also said there is a standing approval for immediate replacement of essential workers lost to brain drain, adding that the state government was committed to ensuring the health of Deltans.

The State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerovwo Tonukari, said over N674 million would be paid to 30,116 students of the state origin drawn from 195 institutions across the country for the 2022/2023 bursary, adding that processes for the payment of 2023/2024 has also begun.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, has charged corps-members to take their training during their orientation seriously in order to build self-confidence that would enhance their ability to actualize their future.

Olawande gave the charge on Wednesday when he paid a working visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Delta State.

He said that they must believe in themselves and “strive for excellence” by being ready to put in their best always in whatever capacity they might find themselves, irrespective of current challenges in Nigeria.

Addressing the 2024 Batch “A” Stream “1” corps-members at the orientation camp in Issele-Uku, Olawande them to acquire skills for self-sufficiency, bearing in mind that their best efforts would ultimately contribute to the nation’s growth and progress.

He stressed the importance of adopting a new mindset and actively working towards positive change that was so desirable in the country.

Olawande expressed optimism about Nigeria’s growth trajectory, noting that with determination and hard work the nation would reclaim its pride of place among the comity of nations.

He was welcomed by the State Coordinator, Mr. Alao Olusegun Olaosebikan, who disclosed that 1,807 corps members, comprising 902 female and 905 male were deployed to Delta State.

The minister was accompanied to the orientation camp by Delta State Commissioners for Youth Development, Transport and Environment, Mr. Isaac Weyimi Agbateyimiro, Mr. Onoriode Agofure, and Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro, respectively.

Others were the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr.  Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Special Assistant to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals, Mrs. Diana Ereyitomi Eyo-Enoette and the Permanent Secretary Delta State Ministry of Youth Development, Ms. Ngozi Nwagbolo.

Principal camp officials present were NYSC Director South-South Area Office, Mr. Ladan Baba, State Coordinator, Mr. Olaosebikan, Camp Director, Mrs. Chidimma Ichide, and Camp Commandant, Captain O. C. Abolarin.

While on a courtesy visit to the governor of Delta State on Tuesday, Olaosebikan appealed for more assistance in providing certain facilities, including perimeter fence and an ambulance, in the state’s permanent orientation camp, Issele-Uku in Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the NYSC has over 15,000 corps members serving in Delta State and “contributing their own quota in the area of education, health, agriculture and so many areas of the state’s economy.”

Governor Oborevwori commended the skills acquisition programme of the NYSC, stressing that it was the way to go especially at a time white collar jobs were scarce and unemployment level high amid economic challenges affecting the country.

The governor said: “The good thing about the NYSC in Delta State is that they are always involved in entrepreneurship programmes and we will continue to see how we can partner together.

“I want to assure you that in Delta State, one of our M.O.R.E agenda is to ensure peace and security; and, I can assure you that we will continue to sustain that peace which we have enjoyed in the last nine months of this administration.

“I say this because when they finish as graduates and there are no jobs, it is the skill they are able to acquire that will keep them going pending when they get a suitable job.

“It is not easy now to get white collar jobs, so entrepreneurship is key to the survival of our youths.”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Governor of Delta State, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, has stated that no nation could achieve its desired development without the critical contribution of its youths in the implementation of policies and programmes of the government.

Governor Oborevwori noted that the Delta State Government under his watch placed high premium on human capital development as a precursor to ensuring quality manpower for driving the economic and political processes effectively.

He made this statement at the official opening ceremony/swearing-in of the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 Orientation Course for Corps-members deployed to Delta State, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state.

The governor, who was reepresented at the ceremony by the State Commissioner for Girl-child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services, Ms. Orode Uduaghan, noted that the vibrant youths of Nigeria who are represented by members of the NYSC scheme, have a critical role to play in the overall development of the country.

Oborevwori said: “My administration’s covenant with the people as encapsulated in the M.O.R.E Agenda identifies human capital development, wealth creation and poverty reduction as principal pillars of our economic restoration and regeneration efforts.

“We are convinced that the successful implementation of M.O.R.E agenda not only enhances the prospects of our realization of sustainable development goals but it will also help us to actualise our vision of a better and greater Delta State.

“The vibrant youths of Nigeria, as represented by members of the National Youth Service Corps scheme, have a critical part to play in this regard. It is my hope that you will use your service year to properly lay the foundation for the practical realisation of your historic roles as our successor-generation.”

The governor appealed to the different stakeholders in the state to come to the aid of the scheme, which is burdened with logistical and infrastructural problems.

He said: “Government is not unaware of the enormous challenges that the NYSC’s scheme is faced with today. This informs my plea to local governments and the organísed private sector to partner with the state to boost the scheme and enable corps-members to maximise their creative and productive potentials for the accelerated development of our nation.

“While I implore all stakeholders to ensure that they render the requisite support and encouragement to the scheme, I equally challenge corps members to see themselves as critical agents of positive change and development in whatever communities they find themselves, by identifying with their culture, customs and aspirations.”

Nevertheless, the governor advised them to shun all forms of negative tendency like thuggery, cultism and other anti-social behaviours, which could undermining their potentials and individual progress. and desired self-actualisation.

Earlier in his address, the NYSC Delta State Coordinator, Mr. Alao Olusegun Olaosebikan, urged the fresh corps-members to seize the opportunity of the orientation training to grow and develop as leaders, saying that “your commitment and dedication during this orientation course will set the tone for your entire service year.”

Olaosebikan disclosed that the 1,767 prospective corps-members that have been duly registered for national service in Delta State were made up of 884 male and 883 were female corps members.

While commending the Oborevwori’s administration for its consistent support for the NYSC’s scheme, the state coordinator appealed for government’s assistance toward improving the orientation camp facilities, including “the provision of an ambulance, perimeter fencing of the camp for security purposes and the provision of a 150 KVA diesel generating set.”

…As Asagba of Asaba centenary activities kick off

By Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Ninety-nine year- old Obi Chike Edozien, the Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, has warned that sincere restructuring through amendment to the nation’s Constitution remains the panacea to successfully address the challenges of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.

Obi Edozien, who noted that ethnicity, which has not abated from the situation it was about 50 years, and pervasive corruption, were at the root of the problems of poverty and insecurity that have greatly undermined Nigeria’s democratic and threatened her very existence with a significant portion of the population practically losing faith in the system.

He asserted that it remains an uphill task to expect to successfully tackle or overcome the country’s multifaceted problems while the traditional rulers and institution were excluded from the nation’s Constitution.

Obi Edozien, who is Nigeria’s first professor of medicine and the country’s most educated traditional ruler, made these assertions while speaking with newsmen in his palace in Asaba, weekend, reflecting on issues of Nigeria’s national, socio-economic, cultural and political growth and development especially since Independence in 1960.

The deep reflective dialogue on Nigeria’s progress and prospects for national greatness is part of a seven-month programme of activities lined up for the Centenary Celebration of the Asaba monarch, who will clock 100 years in July 2024, according to legal luminary, Chief Chuk Nduka-Eze, the Isama Ajie of Asaba Kingdom, who moderated the interview session.

The Asaba monarch said that his greatest wish and prayer for Nigeria and Nigerians in 2024, which coincides with his 100th birthday, was for the country to be rescued for her destined greatness among the comity of nations through a realistic tackle on the cankerworm of “ethnicity and widespread corruption in the country”.

On basic steps to change the country’s current unpleasant narrative, Obi Prof Edozien stressed that amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is inevitable. “If there will be a change, there will be amendment to the Constitution.”

He said that there was need to identify “what are the causes of corruption and how best to solve it, because for now majority of Nigerians cannot do something without seeking first their benefits. That is the attitude we have today. We need to have a change of mind because with this kind of attitude there can never be sustainable development”.

Obi Edozien said, “I believe Nigeria is a great country. We need to have peace and development in Nigeria. But my observation is that an average Nigerian does not have any idea, no trust. Is it truth, is it 419! So, we have come to a stage that anything we hear is false unless proven right. There is need to fight that disease called corruption if we want Nigeria to get out of the problems we are having now.

“We have to fight poverty and improve on the economy. At Independence, two dollars make one naira; but today one dollar is over a thousand naira. Most of the people who are not working need to be engaged.

“The level of corruption in Nigeria is surprising, shocking. Two things we need to do: one is to amend the constitution to bring in the traditional rulers for us to be one because today the traditional rulers and the people are out of the system.

“The ethnic issue is a very strong matter in the mind and heart of the people in Nigeria”, he noted, adding that it would be better if the about 250 ethnic groups in the country would agree to a constitutional amendment that would create multiple ‘nations’ from Nigeria as presently constituted, as an enduring cure for ethnic negativity.

“Perhaps, it is a call for autonomy to deferent units that make up Nigeria. Like the Delta State to become one nation.

“Nigeria should create like 10 different ‘nations’ and (these) can cooperate like the European Union to reduce the tension of ethnicity in Nigeria.”

Asked if he considered the ethnic challenge in Nigeria as better today or worse than previously, noting that a novel introduction or creation of a ‘Faculty or Department of Nation Building’ in Nigerian universities could be the way to go concerning the grave issue.

Prof Edozien said, “From my own observation and watching their interplay of personalities of Federal Government, I think the ethnic issue is as strong today as it was 40 years ago; and, one of the things I suggested in different quarters was university should create faculty or department of nation building. We are trying to put over 250 ethnic group into one nation.

“I think it’s something to study in Nigeria nation building to reduce the problem of ethnicity, because it is a very, very strong problem of putting 250 ethnic groups in one nation.”

Nonetheless, the erudite traditional ruler also had a special message for the country’s leaders in all areas and at all levels, urging them to stand out to be counted by shunning ethnic tendencies and fighting the menace of corruption with courage and candour.

“I believe that Nigeria can be a very great nation indeed. We need to have peace and development in Nigeria. And, one of the major problems and setbacks in Nigeria is corruption. We need to fight corruption resolutely and to create jobs to engage more youths. Then, the Constitution should be revised to bring in the traditional institution, which is currently shut out of the system.”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Onicha-Olona in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State was practically electrified yesterday as more than 2,000 children drawn from different schools in the area were treated to an elaborate year-end reception by the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation (DAO Foundation) as part of a special Christmas cum Boxing Day annual party package.

The host and initiator of the foundation, Dr. Doris Amaka Ochei, also lavished numerous gifts on the obviously excited children who turned out in the uniform of their respective schools, including customized strap-on school bags, notebooks and writing materials specially designed for them.

Many children, who attended the event with their teachers, also carted away various prizes and gifts for participating in the Bible Quiz and dancing competitions as well as cultural display and drama presentation during the event, which was attended by the monarch of Onicha-Olona, HRM Obi Agbogidi Christopher Uzumefune with a full complement of the Obi-in-Council and numerous other dignitaries.

Ugba Primary School Olona field was the venue of the event, which was the second edition of DAO Foundation’s Christmas Party for children, with Major-General Raymond Nkem Ochei, husband of Dr Doris A. Ochei and Executive Director of the Foundation, as Father of the Day. 

The event got an unprecedented solidarity boost from members of Ezemu Girls Grammar School Old Girls Associations, Ubulu-Uku, Viva Foundation Lagos and friends of the founder who graced and added colour to the occasion.

Moreover, the K’ibedinma Divas, comprising the wives of K’ibedinma Social Club of Enuani, in collaboration with DAO Foundation, made financial donations totalling N600,000 to primary six pupils of two schools in the locality to offset the cost of their enrollment for the Common Entrance and first School leaving certificate examinations in 2024.

The two schools, Iyiogbe Primary School and Ugba Primary School, Onicha-Olona received a cheque for N300,000 each for the aforementioned purpose, to the delight of their parents and teachers.

In an interview with newsmen after the children’s get-together, the Foundation’s executive director stated that politics and money were not the motivation for establishing the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation, noting that she has always abstained from partisan politics in Nigeria as her foundation was all about “giving back to the society from what God has blessed me with”. 

Ochei said, “DAO was born out of compassion for humanity. It is a Foundation that is to reach out to the downtrodden, a Foundation that is meant to reach out to those who are genuinely in need and we are indeed living to our goals and objectives. We are torching lives in different ways and one of them is the children’s Christmas party.” 

“The youth section of our programme comes up by Easter when some of the Youths would be empowered. We are coming up with a unique idea to empower them and teach them how to fish, from there, they can fish for themselves.”

Nonetheless, her Foundation is focused on women development, even as she said the DAO Foundation had been able to empower over 140 women who she revealed were given “interest-free loans to engage in one form of small scale business”.

“By doing so, they have the capital, year-in, year-out, to continue with their business all the time. We also have DAO Market Women Empowerment Programme. It is a scheme basically for market women which we have done in Ubulu-Uku and we are ready to replicate in Onicha-Olona in January 2024”, she disclosed.

She further revealed that DAO Foundation was also involved in infrastructure development for communities such as building and rehabilitation of markets, construction of roads and provision of solar street light, water boreholes, adding that DAO Foundation remains a Non-Governmental Organization being fully funded solely by herself. 

The Foundation has not received donations from anybody or from any organization, she stressed, ruling out any suggestion that DAO Foundation might be in league of organisations set up for monetary gains rather than purely humanitarian services for the less-privileged and variously challenged.

Dr (Mrs) Ochei vowed to continue on the trajectory of a multi-faceted business woman and entreoreneur, traversing stock brokerage, tourism and traveling consulting and industrialist rather than dabbling into the mucky waters of politics, which she noted required enormous energy and special orientation.

Earlier, one of the school children, Miss Kikachukwu Glory Olunwa, excitedly welcomed guests and participating children, noting that she, on behalf of all the children, greatly appreciated the “unbelievable and uncommon show of love by the founder of DAO Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Ochei”, praying that God will continue to bless the her and the Foundation for her kindness. 

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A six-man team comprising building experts from the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), has commenced investigation to unravel the cause of a collapsed portion of a seven-storey building under construction in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The NBRRI team, led by Akaolisa Ezeagu, had met with officials from the Delta State Ministry of Urban Renewal as well as the state Ministry of Housing, ������Ƶ learnt on arrival in Asaba.

The team, acting on the directive of the Director-General of NBRRI, Prof. Samson Dunia, included other members, including Kingsley Oghoro, Ikenna Onuorah, Chidiebere Afamefuna, Wan Igwe Daniel and Leonard Okolo (South-East zonal coordinator of NBRRI).

Although, no death was recorded when a portion of the first-floor level of the gigantic building, which is believed to be a five-star hotel under construction, caved in on September 14, 2023, several persons reportedly sustained injuries following the incident.

Nonetheless, numerous Asaba residents have raised eyebrows about the choice of the Inter Bau Flyover bridge site of the gigantic edifice within the Asaba CBD.

However, speaking with newsmen in Asaba on yesterday, leader of the team, Mr. Ezeagu, revealed preliminary investigation has been conducted by the NBRRI, adding that the team was still awaiting go-ahead from appropriate state authorities for a full-scale investigation into the incident.

Ezeagu said, “We have done a scientific prima-facie assessment of the collapsed section of the building and equally had a prima facie survey of the whole structure.

“We thank the state government for the preliminary access to the team, and urge them to grant us full access to the site to run a full-scale investigation.

“We believe that our expert reviews and findings as a research institute with the core mandate of research on critical infrastructure, in this case, the hospitality industry, will help government, the client and all agencies to forestall future occurrence not only on this but in other subsequent projects,” he said.

According to him, the team applied to the ministry for access to the building, approval was being delayed apparently for civil service bureaucracy.

“Now, we want to go into full-scale investigation, which must be documented. We have applied and waiting for approval. We learnt that the commissioner is out of the state for official assignment. Hopefully by next week, we will get the documented approval,” Ezeagu stated.

NBRRI, a Federal Government research based agency, is under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. It was established in 1977 by an Act which was amended the following year.

Its core mandate is to carry out comprehensive and forensic investigation on collapsed critical infrastructure across the country.

It is the third time NBRRI would be in the state on similar mission, it was further gathered.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly (NDCA), has called on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate pending election appeal cases as well as the appeal judges to Abuja in order to douse what it called observed post-election political tension in Delta State.

The group stated this at a press conference in Asaba, saying that the strategic place of Delta State justified the plea.

The NDCA stressed that the call had become necessary in order to avert possible breakdown of law and order prompted by agitations over post-election matters, particularly over election appeal cases.

The litany of cases often generated by elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become worrisome, just as the last general election in the country “gave birth to several electoral litigations by the candidates across board,” it said.

The numerous post-election disputes and litigations have really set tongues wagging as to the integrity of the national electoral agency as unbiased umpire, it further noted.

“Today, we are not here to talk about the free and fairness of our elections, but to point out an issue that should be handled swiftly and carefully by the government of Nigeria to avert unnecessary agitations that may lead to breakdown of law and order.”

In a press statement, signed by Hon. Lebari Young and Hon. Hamilton Ubido, the National Speaker and National Clerk, respectively, NDCA expressed optimism that the NJC will look seriously and favourably at its patriotic demand.

“As a group, the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly has observed with keen attention the brewing political tension in Delta State following election tribunal verdicts passed in the state. While some political pundits are jubilating, some are sad and angry in view of the verdicts.

“Post-election litigations in Nigeria have become as constant as the Northern star, which verily questions the integrity of our electoral umpires, which is not supposed to be so,” the group said.

Throwing more light on the diverse interests often generated by the rich resources of Delta State, especially with its premium position as Nigeria’s leading oil and gas producer, the NDCA argued that special attention should be paid to post-election litigations in the state.

“Elections and post-election violence is nothing new in Delta State. Delta State produces approximately 40 per cent of Nigeria’s oil. According to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), 13 per cent of federal revenue from natural resources is returned to the state from which it came, on a “derivation” basis. 

“Delta State is thus the richest state in the Nigerian federation, and control of its government structures is a major prize both for the individuals and the political parties concerned.

“Historically, among the main causes of the 2003 fighting in Delta State (as in 1999) have been disputes over the manner in which state and federal elections would be run, and the lack of confidence in the institutions responsible for resolving those disputes and ensuring the vote would be free and fair. 

“What we do not want as a group in the state, is aggrieved persons hijacking the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in Delta State as there seems to be growing tension in the camp of those who lost to their opponents at the various tribunals. 

“It is on this note that the Niger Delta Comrades Assembly is calling on the Nigerian Judicial Commission (NJC) to relocate all Election Tribunal Appeal Hearings in Delta State to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

However, it said the observed political tension was not only in Delta but other states across the nation as well, appealing to politicians who lost election to give peace a chance.

“The political tension is not only in Delta State but can be sensed in some states across the country. We believe as a group that our justices must be protected at all cost and the sanctity of the judiciary must be upheld at all times.

“Furthermore, we call on politicians who have lost at the tribunals to prepare for the next round of elections, rather than inflaming passions.”

7TH NATIONAL YOUTH GAMES

Omon-Julius Onabu  in Asaba

The Minister of Sports, Senator John Owan Enoh, has said that the discovery of fresh talents is the paramount aim of the apex sports ruling body as the National Youth Games began on Saturday in Asaba, Delta State.

Enoh said it was obvious that the competition would foster friendship from various parts of the country but he added that the main objective of identifying future champions for the country must not be jettisoned in any way.

“I am aware that the youths will be happy to socialise and mix with one another just as there will be lots of inter-cultural friendships. As officials, we are going to concentrate on those talents with potential to take the country higher in the years ahead. The objective of the games must not be lost,” observed Enoh, a former member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly from Cross River State.

The Minister, however, charged the athletes to be of good behaviour and avoid performance enhancing substances.

He said he was delighted to start his tenure with a grassroots event in a sports-loving state like Delta. “No doubt, Delta has raised the bar for other states with what I am seeing so far.

“I am so delighted with the facilities and setting here. I wish the athletes a peaceful contest, ” Enoh concluded in his message at the opening ceremony where he represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare the Games open.

Also speaking at the opening ceremony, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, remarked that Delta State has gradually assumed the status of Nigeria’s desired sports destination, and commended the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for its consistence and dedication in organizing the National Youth Games. 

The National Youth Games has come to stay, the governor noted, describing it as “a powerful vehicle to discover new talents from the grassroots” and ensure that there is a standard programme for athletes’ succession as well as promoting national unity.

Oborevwori said, “Aside from athlete development, the National Youth Games has also proven to be a cost-effective and reliable tool to promote national unity and advance development and peace agendas of both the national and sub-national governments. 

“Indeed, when effectively harnessed, sports have the power to positively impact on the economic and social wellbeing of any society.”

A total of 5,742 athletes are  participating in this 7th edition of the competition

 taking place at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

 *  Say exclusion of Ijaw in Warri North unconstitutional

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Ijaws of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State have demanded that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori should nominate a person of Ijaw ethnic extraction as commissioner and member of the State Executive Council because Ijaw was not included in the governor’s list of nominees from the area sent to the state legislature last week.

They said that such demand has become inevitable in the light of the fact that the Egbema-Ijaw of Warri North have been denied representation in the Delta State Executive Council since the local government area was created more than 30 years ago, despite the fact that the area comprises Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups.

This was one of the demands made at the press conference organised by the collegiate leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG) and Egbema Youth Council (EYC) on the nomination of two (Itsekiri) commissioners from Warri North by Governor Oborevwori to the exclusion of the Ijaw, held in Warri.

The leaders, in a press statement signed by Francis Abulu, for the leadership of Egbema Integrity Group (EIG); Comrade City Kelvin Eferusua, President Egbema Youth Council (EYC); Mr. Ekpokeme Governor, Secretary of Egbema Youth Council (EYC), warned that the people could no longer stomach the injustice against them, which Governor Oborevwori seems bent on continuing the unjust treatment by this attempt to shut them out.

Specifically, they demanded that the state government should “reverse the decision and appoint an Egbema Ijaw into the State Executive Council” and, secondly, it should “Convene a meeting of Egbema Leaders to resolve the impasse, whichever comes first.”

“Justice demands that if an appointment of a commissioner from Warri North should be considered, then that person must be an Ijaw. This is because since the creation of Warri North Local Government Area, it has always been Itsekiri occupying the position at the State Executive Council. Not until toward the end of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second term in office was an Ijaw, Hon. Joel Bisina, made commissioner for six months!

“We the Egbema people have suffered political oppression and injustice in Warri North Local Government Area for too long. The Ijaw of Warri North have been denied the position of House of Assembly Member since 1991 when the local government council was created (inclusive of the inception of democracy in 1999) till date.

They accused the governor of giving the Itsekiri two commissioner slots in order not to offend two opposing Itsekiri groups within the PDP in Warri North, led by two party chieftains, while leaving the Ijaw without a nominee at all.

The governor’s two commissioner-nominees for Warri North Local Government Area are Ms Orode Uduaghan and Dr. Issac Wiliky, both of Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

The Ijaw leaders said that the action of Governor Oborevwori was a clear case of injustice against Egbema-Ijaw of Warri North, which was unconstitutional.

“What we see is that the governor is pleasing two contending forces of Itsekiri ethnic group, between the former Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Michael Diden (a.k.a. Ejele) whose case is in the tribunal, by unwittingly making the Ijaws the guinea pig or scapegoat. We are, and remain, equal owners and stakeholders of the council area with four wards! So, rewarding a people with six wards with two commissioners without considering the people with four wards is an act of injustice, a heinous offence crying to Heaven for redress and roundly condemnable.

“We demand to know the rationale for this unholy decision. The action of the governor violates Chapter II, Section 14 subsection 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). The two commissioners nominees are: Ms. Erode Uduaghan and Dr. Isaac Wiliky, both Itsekiris from Warri North. Injustice is the bedrock of political conflict. Where the likes of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ejele (Diden) want everything, they should be courageous enough to demand their own homogeneous local government. We can only vote to increase their voting strength but not good for appointments!?”

While reminding the governor that Ijaw communities in Warri North are host to at least five major oil producing companies, the Egbema-Ijaw leaders vowed to use every legal means available to them to halt oil exploration and production in their communities unless their grievances were satisfactorily addressed.

“As a major oil producing kingdom, we are host to Opuekeba Flowstation operated by Chvroven, with production capacity of 20,000 barrels per day; Opuama Flotation operated by NPDCL, with production capacity of 18,000 barrels per day; Chvroven Nigeria Limited in (RMP 17) Olero Field; CONOIL Producing Limited OML 103 (undergoing drilling).

“Consequently, if we are not good enough to be where our God-given wealth will be shared in the state, we will do all within our powers legally to halt oil operations, where this monumental injustice is not addressed. Where there is injustice, rebellion is a lawful duty,” they warned.

While lamenting the failure of the new governor to honour an earlier letter by the Egbema-Ijaw leaders asking for a meeting, they said that “this action of the governor is clearly to perpetuate and escalate the political overpowering of the Ijaws of Warri North so that they can be kept under by the other ethnic group in the local government area.”

“Egbema leaders wrote the governor, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, a letter for a meeting but it was not considered, apparently because we are only good at turning in our votes massively during elections but cannot share in the proceeds therefrom. The disposition of the governor in alienating the Ijaws of Warri North from executive office shows he does not understand the political calibration of the state he is voted to govern,” they stated.

“The state government appears to be interested in the enormous oil resources from Ijaw communities as well as the votes that turn during every election, and not in their well-being and progress,” they said, asking why the governor should seek to please and pamper the Itsekiri to the detrimental of the Ijaw in Warri North, they further said.

“The votes that he got in Warri North did not come from the Itsekiris alone. It was a collective vote! The Ijaw four federal wards as against Itsekiri six federal wards were claimed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Ijaws overwhelmingly voted for H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor. So, on what basis was this decision to exclude the Ijaw completely in Warri North made?”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Ijaw people of Warri North Local Government Area have expressed dismay about their exclusion from the list of nominees presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the Delta State House of Assembly on Wednesday for consideration and confirmation as Commissioners and members of the State Executive Council.

The Egbema Ijaw, who form the two main ethnic groups in Delta North alongside the Itsekiri, said it amounted to barefaced injustice against them for the governor not to have included an Ijaw in his list of nominees but instead settled for two Itsekiri for the two slots given to the local government area.

A statement, signed on behalf of leaders of the Egbema Integrity Group (EIG) by Barrister Francis Abulu, and made available to ������Ƶ in Asaba yesterday, said that a similar scenario has played out regarding representation in the Delta State House of Assembly since the creation of the state in 1991, whereby no Egbema Ijaw has been allowed to represent the area as a lawmaker.

Titled: “Oborevwori Erecting a Government of Injustice? Appointment of Two Commissioners From Warri North Excluding Ijaw Is An Act of Injustice”, the statement warned of dire consequences, particularly around oil  and gas exploitation in the area,  for what they termed a deliberate state policy to keep down the Ijaw people of Warri North.

They  announced  that they  would commence series of protests in parts of the state very soon.

The press statement by EIG read in part: “The news of the nomination of names for Commissioners and members of Delta State Executive Council by the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, should ordinarily be a thing of joy but for the Egbema people of Warri North Local Government Area it is a sad day.

“We the Egbema people have suffered political injustice in Warri North for too long. The Ijaws of Warri North have been denied the position of House of Assembly member since 1991 when the Local Government Council was created (inclusive of the inception of democracy in 1999) till date. We thought that a governor, whose emergence was only by divine grace, would give serious thought to the Egbema political situation; yet not so!

“Justice demands that if there should be an appointment of a Commissioner from Warri North, then that person must be an Ijaw. This is because, since the creation of Warri North Local Government Area, it has always been Itsekiris occupying the position at the State Executive Council. Not until towards the end of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s second tenure that an Ijaw, Hon. Joel Bisina, was made Commissioner for six months.

“Egbema leaders wrote the governor, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, a letter for a meeting but it was not considered because we are only good at voting but cannot share in the proceed therefrom. The disposition of the governor in alienating the Ijaws of Warri North from executive office shows he does not understand the political calibration of the State he is voted to govern.

“Warri North comprises the Itsekiris and Ijaws who are equal stakeholders in the Local Government. It would have been a thoughtful act to appoint two Commissioners from the Local Government inhabited by two ethnic groups of equal footing to achieve political balance but sadly, the two Commissioners selected by the governor happen to come  from one of the groups and the other ethnic group is told to go to hell. This action by the governor is to perpetuate and escalate the political overpowering of the Ijaws of Warri North so that they can be kept under by the other ethnic group in the local government area.

“The votes that he got in Warri North did not come from the Itsekiris alone. The Ijaw Four Federal Wards as against Itsekiri six Federal wards were claimed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The Ijaws overwhelmingly voted for H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor. So, on what basis was this decision to exclude the Ijaw completely in Warri North made?

What we see is that the governor pleasing two contending forces of Itsekiri ethnic group, between the former Gov. Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Michael Diden (a.k.a. Ejele) whose case is in the tribunal by unwittingly making the Ijaws the guinea pig or scapegoat. We are equal owners and stakeholders of the council area with four wards! So, rewarding a people with six wards with two Commissioners without considering the people with four wards is an act of injustice and roundly condemnable. We demand to know the rationale for this unholy decision.

We had earlier alerted Nigerians to the Itsekiri policy that is akin to the Apartheid era in South Africa and what the Governor has done has only affirmed it as a State policy in Warri North.

“Consequently, we call on sons and daughters of Egbema to come out in the coming days and weeks to protest this brazen injustice with every legitimate means. The Egbema Integrity Group cannot guarantee the smooth operation of Oil Companies in our domain anymore as this action has overheated the fragile peace we are experiencing in Warri North. We have consistently assured our people that are agitated by the injustice in our area that this administration will make a difference. But what we have seen is even worse than previous administrations. So, we are in doubt our people can allow oil operations to go on smoothly. This unjust decision must not go unchallenged by all lovers of Justice.”

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The National and State Houses of Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting at Asaba on Saturday drew the curtains on the legal fireworks in the petition filed by the former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the victory of the Labour Party’s Candidate, Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie, for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta State.

This followed the formal adoption of written addresses of both parties vis-a-vis oral arguments canvassed by their respective counsel, but the verdict would be at a date to be announced later.

Counsel to Elumelu, Mr. Ken Mozia (SAN), maintained that the tribunal should grant the petitioner’s prayer claiming that there was no valid primary that threw up Ngozi Okolie, adding that the LP candidate was not qualified.

On the other hand, Okolie’s Lead Counsel to Okolie, Mr. Chike Onyemenan (SAN), submitted that the petition should be dismissed on several grounds, claiming that “the petitioners, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and PDP abandoned their claims that Honourable Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party (LP) won the election into the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency by a landslide victory by defeating Honourable Ndudi Elumelu with more than 20,000 (twenty thousand) votes.

“That the petitioners also abandoned their claims that the election was rigged or was invalid and that the tribunal should declare the election null and void and order INEC to conduct fresh election for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency.

“That the counsel for the 3rd Respondent, Mr. Chike Onyemenam, consequently urged the tribunal to strike out grounds 14(2) & 14(3) of the petition and paragraphs 15, 18-33 of the petition since both parties agree that they have been abandoned.”

Counsel to the 3rd Respondent (Okolie) then prayed the honourable tribunal to dismiss the entire petition because “the only ground remaining in the petition is the claim by the petitioners that Hon. Ngozi Okolie was not qualified to contest the election for several reasons.”

Onyemenan further submitted that since none of three witnesses called by the petitioners adopted a deposition or gave any oral evidence to say that Hon. Ngozi Okolie was not qualified to contest the election for any reason, the petition is deemed in law to have been abandoned as the Supreme Court has decided that where a petitioner fails to field a witness to adopt his deposition or fails to lead oral evidence in respect of the petitioner’s claims, the petition is dead and cannot be revived by looking for evidence from the opponents (defendants) to revive a dead petition.”

Citing Supreme Court decisions, which recently held that the “tribunal is also not permitted by law to start inspecting the INEC documents and reports tendered by the petitioners’ counsel from the bar and by the INEC’s witness on subpoena without any evidence to support or link the documents and reports to any part of the petition; so as to discover violations inside the Documents, because the Supreme Court has decided that such documents dumped on a tribunal without oral evidence are worthless documents.”

In conclusion, Onyemenam also cited Supreme Court Judgments, which established that PDP and its candidate do not have the locus standi or right to complain that Labour Party and its candidate did not hold primary election for which the petitioners equally did not lead any oral evidence in respect of, save to tender reports and exhibits not linked to any oral evidence or any part of the petition.

He, therefore, urged the “honourable tribunal to dismiss the petition for failure of the petitioners to lead any evidence, let alone, credible evidence, to make out a prima facie case against Honourable Ngozi Okolie and Labour Party.”

However, following the formal adoption of written addressees, the three-man panel led by Justice Musa said that it had reserved judgment to a later date to be communicated to the contending parties through their respective counsel.

Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have congratulated media mogul and Chairman of ������Ƶ/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.

Others who congratulated the media mogul are a former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; ex-governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; and former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
Abbas in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, said Obaigbena has paid his dues as a patriotic Nigerian and a media mogul.

The speaker noted Obaigbena’s invaluable contributions to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria through the media, stressing that the media mogul used his God-given talent to promote the unity and stability of the country.

He urged the media mogul and other media owners to continue contributing their quota to the growth and development of Nigeria.
Similarly, Oborevwori, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described Obaigbena as an accomplished journalist, outstanding patriot, a detrabilised Nigerian, a shining statesman and an exceptional entrepreneur who has inspired others to succeed in many endeavours.

Oborevwori hailed the media baron for his exemplary leadership as President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), adding that the history of the Nigerian media industry would not be complete without acknowledging Obaigbena’s astute contributions to the growth and development of the industry.

The governor, who described Obaigbena as the “Duke of Owa Kingdom”, said he remains an illustrious son and great pride of Delta State.
He lauded his vision in establishing renowned media outfits that have continued to offer employment and remarkable channels for disseminating information to Nigerians and the world at large.
“On behalf of my family, the Government, and the people of Delta State, I congratulate an illustrious Deltan, veteran journalist, and media entrepreneur, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON, on his 64th birthday on July 14, 2023.

“For us in Delta, we will continue to identify with your laudable commitment to the defence of our democracy and national cohesion even as you have used your medium to promote the rule of law, good governance, and fundamental rights of citizens.
“I join your family, staff of your media outfits, and well-wishers to celebrate with you on this auspicious occasion.
“It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health and sound mind to remain in service to our nation and humanity,” Oborevwori said.
In his congratulatory message, Anyaoku prayed to God to continue to bless Obaigbena for his service to the country.

“May God continue to bless you with good health and stamina for your enduring service to our country and the wider world community,” Anyaoku said.
On his part, Kalu in a statement noted the contributions of the media mogul in the growth of the journalism profession in Nigeria and Africa.
He said despite the challenges confronting the media industry, ������Ƶ Newspapers and ARISE TV are competing favourably with many media brands on the African continent.

The Deputy Speaker described Obaigbena as a colossus who has through his own consistent and concerted efforts, supported the ambitions of many in the profession.
“I congratulate my friend and brother, the media guru, Prince Nduka Obaigbena as he turns 64 today. His tremendous contributions to the media industry are well noted and the impact is immensely felt.

“He has contributed a great deal in the promotion of the journalism profession in the country and beyond. Aside from his laudable innovations that have shaped Nigeria’s media industry for decades, Obaigbena has also played a notable role in Nigeria’s political reform,” Kalu added.

* Oborevwori hails Ika’s unity as Okowa, Obaigbena, Onyeagwu, others pour encomiums on former CDS

Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba

The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd), yesterday said the peace of the nation would be guaranteed with the appointment of Major General Chris Musa as his successor.
This is coming as Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, urged all other ethnic nationalities in the state and Nigeria to emulate the unity of the Ika nation, which he said led to the kind of reception that attracted dignitaries from across the nation to honour the former CDS.

Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu has also hailed the Ika nation for producing many men of distinction in the many professions such as banking, politics and others and also lauded General Irabor for his dedication, discipline and meritorious service to Nigeria.
General Irabor who spoke at a reception organised for him by the Ika nation, gave an assurance that with General Musa as CDS, the defence of the nation is in good hands.

Addressing the new CDS, Irabor said: “I am sure that your pedigree is well known. Let me assure the nation that in Gen Musa as CDS the defence of the nation is in good hands.”
He also praised those he said mentored him, citing General Ihejirika under whose tenure as Chief of Army Staff he served as Principal Staff Officer, saying it exposed him to the fundamentals of the operations in the North-east.
General Irabor affirm

ed that he left the armed forces in good stead, stressing that with the appointment of General Musa as the new CDS, the armed forces will even do better.
Asserting that the peace of the nation was guaranteed with the appointment of General Musa and the new service chiefs, Irabor said: “I am glad that your pedigree is well known and I am happy that no other person was chosen to be the chief of defence staff at this time. Let me use this opportunity to assure the nation that with CG Musa as CDS, we certainly are well pleased and the security and defence of our nation are in good hands.
“The growth and development of the armed forces is in good hands and so be rest assured that Musa along with his team of service chiefs will do the best to ensure that they increase or escalate the approaches that we have established to ensure that within our nation that there will be no problem of insecurity,” Irabor added.

Irabor thanked the Ika nation for the honour done him and his family, adding that he would remain grateful to the Nigerian military for the opportunity to serve the nation.
He pledged continued support for the unity and growth of the nation.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Oborevwori hailed the contributions of General Irabor to turning the tide against the insurgency that had besieged the country.

Admiring the turnout of dignitaries across the nation and the presence of the different clans in Ika Nation at the ceremony, Governor Oborevwori said: “You can see that this is not a hired crowd. You can see that the unity of the Ika nation has brought about this hosting. God will bless the Ika nation.
“As governor, I must encourage other ethnic nationalities to continue to unite and to host their own and that will spur them to continue to do more. A lot has been said about our brother Gen. Irabor. As a speaker in the 7th Assembly, I’m aware of the lot that he has done, he was upgraded and almost at the point of retirement, he was made the Chief of Defence Staff and put another 29 months.

“And he has done very well as a brilliant officer. And one thing I find about him is that he is someone that has a passion to serve. He is committed, and very focused in all his doing and I am very sure that the person that has taken over from you, CG Musa, is somebody that I know for almost two decades, is also a fine officer and I know with him peace will come to this nation,” the governor said.
Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his remarks, said General Irabor did a lot for the peace and security of the country.
Okowa said: “I thank God that our people have deemed it necessary by organising this befitting reception for you. You are worthy of it all because we know what you did for our country, Nigeria.

“Listening to the testaments here, we are even more proud as Ika nation than we were before. Obviously, you rose as a compatriot to obey Nigeria’s call to serve our fatherland and our fatherland you have served with all your strength believing in Nigeria.
“You served with heart and might, the true wording of our national anthem and you have kept faith with this nation and you have made each and everyone of us proud.

“I am particularly very proud to associate with you and welcoming you back home today, we are truly very grateful that God led you through these 37 years and has brought you back home strong and healthy and your wife and children strong and healthy.”
On his part, the Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Onyeagwu lauded General Irabor for his dedication, discipline and meritorious service to Nigeria.
Onyeagwu said that the celebration of General Irabor’s feat in rising to the apex of the nation’s military architecture was with utmost discipline on the path of the erstwhile CDS.

“For you to get to the rank of general you must have passed through a lot of discipline, a lot of regimentation. You don’t get there by mere announcement, you work your way through.
“So, today we celebrate a man who has worked assiduously, meritoriously, dedicatedly to become a Chief of Defence Staff of our nation, Nigeria,” Onyeagwu added.
The reception, which was attended by serving and retired generals led by the current CDS, Major General Musa, accompanied by his wife, also had former defence and army chiefs, including former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alex Ogomudia (rtd); former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), among the dignitaries.
Also present were the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Mr. Monday Onyeme; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; the Chairman of ������Ƶ/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank, Dr. Onyeagwu; Chief Nduka Irabor; the Dein of Agbor, Dr. Benjamin Ikenchukwu; the Obi of Owa, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor; Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; and Senator Uche Ekwunife, among others.
Some of these dignitaries, who spoke at the occasion, poured encomiums on the former CDS for his contributions to the fight against insurgents.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has dismissed speculation in the media that disagreement among stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was causing delay in the selection of his nominees into his cabinet and composition of the State Executive Council (EXCO) for his administration to take off.

Oborevwori said that contrary to certain media reports, he was not under any pressure regarding the selection of qualified members of his cabinet but was only bidding his time in putting together a formidable team towards the effective implementation of his M.O.R.E Agenda.

Speaking  yesterday on behalf of the governor, his  Chief Press Secretary,  Festus Ahon,  emphasized that he was taking his time “to pick suitable and competent hands to be appointed into the State Executive Council.”

The governor said that it was incorrect to claim that pressure from certain quarters, including his immediate predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was responsible for the perceived delay in making public or submitting to the Delta State House of Assembly a list of commissioner-nominees one month after his inauguration as the state chief executive officer on May 29, 2023.

While appealing to media practitioners “to avoid speculations that could heat up the polity”, Oborevwori debunked insinuation of any delay in letting Deltans know the possible members of his crucial team.

“First, the State House of Assembly was constituted on June 13th and thereafter went on recess for two weeks and only reconvened on Tuesday June 27, 2023.

“The Governor will pick credible and capable persons, devoid of sentiments, that will help him deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans.

“The report is, therefore, wrong in its entirety and borne out of mischief. Former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa does not interfere with appointments”, Ahon stated.

He assured Deltans to be patient with the state government as it was poised to deliver more for the people through a carefully selected team of qualified Deltans to drive the process effectively.

Aside alleged  of interference from his the immediate past governor, ������Ƶ checks revealed that Governor Oborevwori was being careful not to further escalate the deep division created in the fold of PDP particularly of Ijaw ethnic extraction following the emergence of member representing Warri South-West state constituency, Hon Emomotimi Guwor as the new Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Specifically, there has been agitation for a commissioner-nominee of Egbema-Ijaw extraction to be picked for Warri North Local Government Area, amid alleged plans to foist the daughter of former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, apparently as compensation of sorts for the young woman losing out in the effort to be the PDP state legislative candidate for the area.

Moreover, after his initial fruitless defection to the APC,  Uduaghan had made himself a dependable pillar of support for the PDP and its energy-sapping campaign to ensure that Oborevwori emerged victorious in the March 18, 2023 governorship election.

Omo-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Immediate past Commissioner for Information in Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has said the smear campaigns against the former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa were being sponsored by individuals who have busied themselves with the struggle for the control of the resources of the state and have failed to perpetuate themselves in power.

At a news conference in Asaba at the weekend, Aniagwu said that the campaigns of calumny against the former governor commenced during the build-up to the 2023 governorship election in the state.

He said people castigating Okowa were those who lost out in the gubernatorial contest and were using every means to malign and impugn his reputation because he deployed the resources of the state to develop every sector of the state.
He explained the genesis of what has now become a smear campaign against the immediate past governor by individuals who have busied themselves with the struggle for the control of the resources of the state.

“You will recall very well that ahead of the 2023 general elections, there were individuals that had their own candidates in the PDP. They tried as much as possible to see how they can sell their candidates which we consider as their democratic rights.
“We also reason that the management of the resources of the state and the sustenance of the accountability, which Okowa introduced as part of his governance principle is paramount so that at the end of the day, the great people of Delta State will have value for the resources that God has blessed us with beneath the soil of our dear state.

“In the course of the build-up to the 2023 elections, Deltans converged particularly with members of the PDP at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, they elected a candidate of their choice and at the end of the day overwhelmingly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori won to become the candidate of the PDP and we all saw what followed.

“Individuals who are involved in this struggle who want to have a grasp of the resources of the state proceeded to the law court, went to the media invoking lots of campaign of calumny against the then governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and cast aspersions against the candidate of the party (PDP), which is the present governor but Deltans knew where they are coming from just like they said, “The Egyptians you see today, you will see them no more.”
He said the PDP transversed the length and breadth of the 25 local government areas of the state and Deltans put a seal on that nomination by the members of the PDP and an overwhelming against 24 out of 25 LGAs voted in acceptance of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori even as he received appreciable votes from the other marginally won by the APC candidate.

“These individuals while they were members of the PDP proceeded to pitch tents with the APC, the opposition party in the state, that didn’t work out they went to the extent if you recall in the course of the election even trying to ambush the results and some of the electoral officers in some of their local governments and that did not also give them the victory they are looking for because the victory is not in their direction.

“Now the election is won and lost the government is being formed, they have continued with the bitterness of losing that election rather than waiting for the next election which comes up in 2027 they have gone to court though it is within their democratic rights but rather than staying in the court, they went to the media to begin to tell lies which is totally at variance with the reality,” he added.
The former commissioner said the Okowa administration expended over N2.6 trillion on capital projects across the 25 local government areas and the payment of salaries and running of government within eight years.

“Out of this amount, N1.4 trillion was spent on recurrent expenditure for salaries, overhead expenses, and day-to-day running of government while N989 billion was spent on capital projects including over N50 billion so far spent on the Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project.
“During our administration, we embarked on adjustment of salaries to what we call the living wage and that of course meant that we had consequential adjustments which affected those on pensions taking our wage bill to as much as N10bn every month.

“If you calculate the wage bill alone for 96 months that we held sway, we spent close to 900 Billion on the issue of salaries alone not to talk about overhead expenses as well as other costs of running the government,” he said.
He further remarked that the Okowa administration restructured DESOPADEC to become more responsive to the people of oil-bearing communities because of the introduction of good corporate governance in the interventionist agency.

“These individuals who during their time in the past were not able to bring commensurate development to their brothers and sisters in the oil-bearing communities are now the ones alleging that we have shortchanged the oil-bearing communities.
“The Okowa administration constructed a multi-billion-naira floating market at Ogheye-Dimigun in Warri North, as well as the construction of the multi-billion Trans Warri Road and bridges; paved all the internal roads in Burutu town.

“Others include reconstruction of Utonlila and Oboghoro communities; internal roads in Burutu; Construction of Beneku bridge; Orere bridge; Agbarho-Orherhe bridge; bridge across River Ethiope at Obiaruku; construction of 20.29 km Obotobo 1 – Obotobo 11 – Sokebolou–Yokri Road in Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu LGA as well as the main axial road at Okerenkoko among others.
“So, let them come and tell us which money they are looking for and we will show them the projects, which have contributed to the improvement of the lives of our people.

“Okowa came and gave a good account of himself and by the grace of God, we have had a seamless transition with the emergence of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, a man who will continue with the same steps and of course do more to advance Delta.
“They claimed that former Governor Okowa owns Jacedarl Hotel just as they alleged he owned a bank. Nothing can be further from the truth than that bogus claim. Okowa came into office with a high dose of integrity and bowed out honourably with thousands of remarkable milestones in his trail,” Aniagwu stated.

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, yesterday, swore-in his first set of political appointees, including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, while restating his firm belief in the unity of the state and determination to resist all forms of sectionalism and nepotism in the discharge of his statutory responsibilities.

Oborevwori also swore-in former managing director of NDDC, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, as Senior Political Adviser (SPOLAD).

While congratulating the appointees on what he called their “well-deserved appointments”, the governor urged them to key into the M.O.R.E Agenda of his administration towards sustained infrastructural renewal, human capital development and social investment programmes. 

He reassured on his promise to run an all-inclusive government but stressed that “capacity and merit” would form the basis of political appointments under his watch.

The governor warned political appointees in his administration against ethnic politics and sectionalism but to regard the entire state as their constituency by being fair and just to all citizens of the state. 

Oborevwori said, “Let me sound it loud and clear that this administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism or nepotism. I am an unrepentant believer in the unity of Delta State. 

“Therefore, both of you must always strive for unity by ensuring that there is fairness, equity, and justice in all your actions and utterances. 

“This administration is set to build on the legacies of the previous government and break new grounds in infrastructure renewal, human capital development, and social investment programmes. 

“In this regard, Dr. Emu’s broad experience in government will be very useful in the implementation of our M.O.R.E. agenda. He has a firm grasp of our policy direction and, therefore, is in a position to properly integrate it into the operations and activities of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government. 

“A major requirement for success in this office is the ability to marry policy and politics. Policy generally points the direction of the government but good political skills enable their seamless execution.  

“As the engine room of government, the SSG interfaces with and coordinates the operations of all the MDAs. Hence the SSG must be a consensus builder with the wisdom to marry policy with politics. 

“Indeed, how the SSG carries out this function is very critical to the success of this administration. With his vast experience in corporate governance and the public sector, Dr. Emu is well equipped to handle this responsibility. 

“I advise Dr. Emu to ensure that he is accessible to all.  This office will certainly task your patience and resourcefulness because you will be confronted with all manners of issues from all manners of persons. But you must never lose your cool.   

“Ask God for the grace and enablement to always remain calm while maintaining the highest standards of discipline, firmness, and decorum.” 

Oborevwori assured Deltans that he would be faithful in implementing the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, adding that appointments would be based on capacity and merit. 

“I wish to reassure the good people of Delta State that this administration will be faithful to its M.O.R.E. agenda. In formulating our manifesto, we were very mindful of the needs and aspirations of our people at this time. 

“Deltans should expect M.O.R.E. policies and programmes that will touch their lives positively because ours is a home-grown approach to governance and development. 

“As I have always said, this will be an all-inclusive government whether in terms of projects distribution or appointments.  

“With the appointment of the SSG, the process of constituting the State Executive Council has commenced. However, I wish to state that appointments into this administration will be based on capacity and merit. 

“We need capable, tested, and competent hands who can hold their own and be worthy ambassadors of the government. Rest assured, it will be a good mix of youth and experience but they must be deserving,” Oborevwori stated. 

Responding, the new SSG thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them, assuring that they would serve with loyalty to the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda aimed at advancing the state. 

The Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Senator James Manager, former deputy governor Benjamin Elue and many former political appointees in the previous administration as well as top-ranking government functionaries, attended the event.