GOV OKOWA IS COMMITTED TO EDUCATIONAL DEVT- EBIE

The Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie said the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration is committed to developing Education at all levels in the State.

He made this known during the award/prize giving ceremony for winners of the Chris Ikomi Annual Memorial Essay Competition for Secondary Schools in Delta State organised by the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.

Mr Ebie said that the Delta State Government would not relent in its efforts in ensuring that the standard of education in the State was not compromised and that the administration of  His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa was embarking on continuous upgrade and renovation of public primary and secondary schools across the state, which said included the upgrade of Sapele, Ofagbe and Agbor Technical Colleges.

Acvording to Mr Ebie, the inroads in development in technical education was in line with the administration's focus in repositioning technical and vocational education for the benefits of its citizens and the society.

He also stated that three other technical colleges in Issele-Uku, Kwale and Ogor were undergoing renovation works, even as he said that the State Government had given approval for the establishment of a teachers development center for the training and retraining of teachers in the state to keep them abreast of modern teaching techniques.

The Commissioner thanked the sponsors of the competition for their commitment towards sustaining the competition, while appealing to good spirited Nigerians and Corporate bodies to emulate the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture towards the development of education in the State assuring that the Ministry was ready to accept any viable Public Private Partnership arrangement that would advance the course of education in the State.

Earlier, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr Esimaje Brikinn, represented by Mr Tony Emegere, said that the commitment of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture was still firm as it had always been towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria affirming that education was important for the development of the Country.

He said Chevron Nigeria Limited had demonstrated commitment to qualitative education over the years through investments in education infrastructure, manpower development programmes and provision of scholarships for indigent students.

The Chris Ikomi Memorial Essay Competition was initiated by NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture in partnership with the Delta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to promote the study of English Language as a subject and essay writing among secondary schools in Delta state. It is organised in memory of Late Chris Ikomi, a staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited who lost his life in active service during the inter-ethnic crises in Warri in the late 1990s.

BETWEEN SEN. PETER NWOBOSHI AND HON. NED NWOKO: A word of advice

The Anioma people, especially of the Aniocha/Oshimili stock, have never been lacking in quality human resource. The moral, intellectual and creative excellence of our people have consistently attracted national and international acclaim. From the days of Rev. Martin, Dennis Osadebay, Zulu Sofola to the contemporary times of Okonjo-Iweala, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Stephen Keshi, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, Sunny Odogwu, Amb. Raph Uwechue, Prof. Frank Ndili and Gen. Paul Dike to mention but a few, the trajectory of the Anioma identity has been of incomparable distinction. 

I believe that this admirable representation of our cultural provenance should be the benchmark upon which every aspiring leader from Anioma must anchor his projections. It is in this context I am constrained to invite attention to my observations about the ongoing rivalry between Senator Peter Nwoboshi and Hon. Ned Nwoko for the 2019 Delta North senatorial ticket. Whilst I admit that these two distinguished sons of Anioma have the capacity to provide our people with effective representation at the national assembly, the unrestrained adversarial attacks against each other are beginning to undermine the foundations of their aspirations.

The supporters of these two gentlemen have completely thrown caution to the wind, all in a bid to diminish the prospects of the other. The vicious language and extremities of private and family issues they bring daily to the public arena against each other, are at total variance with the sense of decency and moderation for which the Anioma spirit is renowned. I have had cause in the recent past, at different times and in various fora, to raise this same issue. But it is obvious that rather than abating, the merciless attacks on social media against each other have been taken to very dangerous dimensions. I advise that this destructive attacks be checked now. If not, it would have unpleasant consequences for not just our party, the PDP, but also on the unity and brotherly bonds of Anioma nation.

Contests and rivalries are expected in every political environment. But when you begin to openly accuse each other of fraud, occultic proclivities, religious hypocrisy, disputed paternity, marital infidelities and all such vulgarities as are repulsive to the cultured mind, then we must rise and say that this is not at all reflective of the noble traditions of the Anioma people. It is even more disturbing that neither Senator Nwoboshi nor Hon. Nwoko is seeing the danger in the worsening war of attrition between their supporters. I am yet to read a message from either camps calling their own members to order. A higher capacity for intemperance does not necessarily win a war. To the thoughtful voter, sometimes, the social graces of public conduct resonate more than the crudities of unguarded utterances.

I pray that these two gentlemen would quickly intervene and bring sanity to their campaigns. As I said earlier, Anioma is blessed with sufficiently capable hands in all noble spheres of life. To continue on the current path of misadventure by both Nwoboshi and Nwoko camps would only open the doors for other untainted Anioma sons and daughters to join the senatorial race, and rescue the time honored values and decency of our people.

Massive Projects, Job Creation, Hallmarks Of Okowa Administration -- Igbenije

By Vincent Anikwushe

The Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Governor of Delta State, Hon. Cosmas Igbenije is not only a household name in the political arena of Ika South Local Government Area but also the entire Delta State. He is a grassroots politician who has worked hard and contributed his quota to the success story of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

 In an interview with our reporter, he bared his mind on the state of the nation, the lingering fuel scarcity, the giant strides of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, the recent Local Government elections in the state, among other issues.

Excerpts:
 Sir, Nigeria is currently facing so many challenges, particularly the killings by the Fulani Herdsmen in parts of the country. Do you think that the Federal Government is doing enough to address these challenges? Again, do you think the APC led Federal Government has kept faith with its campaign promises?

 It is obvious that Nigerians are suffering, things are getting tougher and worse every day. I think this is the time we must go back to our roots and more importantly, go back to God. It is also time to ask and find out what we are doing wrong or where we went wrong , then pray for good leadership.
 It is high time with the realities on ground that Nigerians went back to Agriculture and jettison the over dependence on oil. The economy that is solely dependent on oil is not good for our nation. We need good manager. Do I need to make a blame game? Things were not this bad when our sister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was managing our economy as the Minister for Finance and leader of the Economic Team during Former President Goodluck Jonathan administration. Nothing seems to work because I do not see any cohesion between the executive, the National Assembly and the judiciary.
 The Presidency seems not to know its left from its right. The three Arms of Government are always at dagger's drawn. Nobody seems to have solutions to the happenings in our country. Did you see the Index that was released recently where 2.7 million jobs were lost? What of the "Maina" case? You are also aware of the grass cutting scandal of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF)? What has happened to him? What about the leaked letters of Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and that of Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu to President Mohammadu Buhari?
 We are now faced with the senseless killings by Fulani Herdsmen all over the country. Look at the brutal and senseless killings of innocent people in Benue, Taraba and Adamawa States by Fulani Herdsmen. What about Boko Haram? In al of these I think Nigerians now know better. My fervent prayer is that God Almighty will not allow the perpetrators of these evils and dastardly acts to go unpunished.

 What is your take on the lingering fuel scarcity in the country?

 Well, I wish to sympathize with Nigerians who had to travel in these difficult times amidst high cost of transport fares. It is very sad and disheartening that Nigerians do not have food on their tables, but worst that it was almost impossible for them to go back home to meet their loved ones, having been stranded as a result of fuel scarcity with its resultant high cost of transport fare. Which way Nigeria? Apologies to late musician and freedom fighter, Sunny Okoaun in one of his tracks.
 Is this the change the present APC administration promised Nigerians? The difference between Jonathan administration and that of Buhari is indeed very clear. You see, Nigerians are quick to forget. Remember all the noise when the government of Goodluck Jonathan was to deregulate the oil sector? If I may ask, where are all the various groups such as "Occupy Nigeria Group" making the noise? Now we are calling for the same deregulation. Where is the Petroleum Industry Bill? Why will NNPC have a reserved account instead of the TSA account? Where are all the promises that our Refineries will work within months of this present government? What about fuel price now? We can't even see the petrol to buy but some people opted for change that has thrown the nation into a bottomless abyss and economic woes. To crown it all my brother, look at the Niger Delta where these monies are generated. Only God can rescue us.

 How would you acess Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's performance so far

 Permit me to say that I do not envy any person who is faced with governing a State like Delta. Why do I say this? I believe it is easier to govern some State in the country than that of Delta because of the diverse nature of the State. Delta State has three Senatorial districts with no fewer than nine ethnic cultural groupings with different languages and cultural background unlike those States who have one cultural background and speak one general language. Secondly, as an oil producing State where degradation and agitation resulting from activities of the oil companies take it obvious toll, as a Governor, you must be faced with great security challenges or militancy, all these some governors do not have to grapple with.
 His Excellency, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa has done very well in human capital development, infrastructural development, healthcare delivery, job creation, peace building and he is seen as workers'- friendly govrrnor. He is a good administrator, great politician and a God - fearing man who has brought his ingenuity, wealth of experience and administrative acumen to bear in the governance of Delta State. We must all accept that things are no longer the way they used to be. May I state here that a drastic situation requires drastic solutions. I believe you know that. In a democratic environment, time does not give room for drastic handling of issues or situations unlike the dictatorial governance of the military which do not care much about the masses.
 Imagine a situation where intermittently the Federal allocation you receive as a State falls lower than the wage bill. Remember too that this Delta State had a debt profile to settle, let alone carrying out capital projects or any programmes to positively affect the lives of the people. Irrespective of all these, the governor has done tremendously well in human capital development and infrastructural development across the state despite paucity of funds occasioned by the economic quagmire that has confronted the nation.
 In fact, Governor Okowa's milestone achievements in all spheres of the economy, massive projects, job creation and good governance are the hallmarks of his administration. He, therefore, needs our support and encouragement to enable him do more. Believe you me that his score card so far are clear indications of more prosperity and dividends of democracy for all Deltans beyond 2019 to enable him consolidate on his good works because one good term deserves another. 
 Without mincing words, I applaud Governor Okowa's political prowess with regard to the way he evenly distributed political offices across the state not minding the adverse effects of the dwindling economy and the fact that PDP no longer controls the central government. I also score him high in terms of managing various agitations and the prevailing peace which hitherto hindered Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
 He has created some laudable programmes through his SMART Agenda mantra, the job and wealth creation scheme such as the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme(YAGEP), Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Progamme(STEP), Production and Processing Support Programme(PPSP) which have turned out over 40.000 entrepreneurs/business owners and employers of labours. The most surprising of them all is his managerial ability leading to his payment of salaries every month when federal allocations dropped. I must congratulate him on that and pray that God almighty keeps him focused and steadfast.

 What would you say about improving the infrastructure of the State?

 The setting up of the Asaba Beautification and Management Agency was one key stroke for me. The befitting outlook of Asaba cannot be undermined by any government. Being the seat of governance and the first point of call of any visitor to the State, His Excellency, Senator Arthur Okowa has done tremendously well in road construction across the State. Over 90 roads which are verifiable have been constructed: a lot of school classrooms have been renovated or outright construction of new and additional classrooms through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. It will also interest you to know that furniture for both pupils and teachers have bee supplied to so many schools across the State. Furthermore, the Asaba International Airport has a fair share of the governor's quest to fix the infrastructure needs of the State - resurfacing and lightening of the runway and the taxiway. Streets lightening at night have been reactivated to mention but a few.

 For all these achievements you enumerated, don't you think the perennial flooding problem in Asaba, the state capital and other towns in the State is giving the state government bad image?

 I was coming to that, but since you raised it, you will agree with me that Asaba didn't have the issue of flood until the later part of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan's administration. Yes, you will also say that the population has not increased to what we have now. I want to believe that the governor is as concerned and worried as every person who is affected. I had the privilege of to have attended a government function where the governor dwelled heavily on the issue. He stated that the problem will be tackled in phases which he kick started with his first EXCO of the year. His Excellency has embarked on flood control projects in Asaba. The Commissioner of Works, Chief James Augoye announced after meeting with the 25 Local Government engineers that Ralph Uwechue and DBS road drainage projects will link the Anwai and Amilimocha rivers respectively. I know he will match these words with actions. As you can see also drainage project is currently ongoing in front the Federal Medical Centre and Uzoigwe Primary School in Nnebisi Road, Asaba to link Ambassador Leo Okogwu underground drainage, DLA road and finally discharge flood water through the street behind the FMC to Amilimaocha river.

 The just concluded Local Government elections conducted by DESIEC in the state saw the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) winning all the Chairmanship seats in the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, what was responsible?

 If you have been around the State for some time, you would agree with me that Deltans as a people are fully behind the PDP from the time of Ibori, Uduaghan and now His Excellency, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa whose good works cut across the entire nooks and crannies of the State. Remember that the Governor led the PDP Campaign team through the 25 Local Government Areas. At each Local Government, the Governor listed the various projects either concluded or on-going, canvassing for votes for the party's Chairmanship candidates. Another reason is the level of transparency in the selection process of the party which helped to reduce acrimony and encouraged oneness. Kudos must be given to the Chairman of our great party in the State, Barr. Kingsley Esiso and his entire team.
 I wish to give kudos to His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for taking the bull by the horn in the conduct of the council elections against the old practice of appointing transition committees. My congratulations goes out to the newly elected council Chairmen and Councillors, while charging them to make a difference in their various Local Governments and make those who voted them into office proud. They should bear in mind that they are now Executive Chairmen of every person in their council areas and as such, impact positively on the lives of the people at the grassroots.

ADHERE TO CODE OF CONDUCT GUIDING OPERATIONS OF SCHEME, CHIEF JOB CREATION OFFICER TELLS TRAINERS OF BROWN STEP

Trainers engaged to train the Brown STEP beneficiaries of the 2017/2018 job creation programme cycle have been charged to adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct guiding the operations of the scheme.

The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, gave the charge at a meeting between the Job Creation Office and the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) trainers held in his office yesterday.

The trainers who were engaged to train beneficiaries of Brown STEP are masters in vocational skills as Hairdressing & Makeover; Electrical Installation & Repairs, Catering & Confectionary; Fashion Design & Tailoring; Welding & Fabrication; Cosmetology among others.

Addressing the trainers, Prof Eboh enjoined them to ensure discipline, integrity and quality so as to sustain the high standard of the programme, warning that any trainer who violated the Code of Conduct guiding the operations of the programme would be delisted.

He pointed out that the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring charged with monitoring job creation programmes in the state would regularly visit the training centres to monitor the progress of the trainees and would afterwards provide them with mentorship after establishment.

Congratulating them on their inclusion on the list of job creation trainers, he explained that Brown STEP comprised candidates who learnt skills through personal sponsorship, but require assistance to be established in their various areas of vocational skills.

He particularly commended three STEPreneurs who benefitted from the programme in the 2015 Cycle, stressing that their ability to distinguish themselves in their enterprises qualified them to be engaged by the Job Creation Office to train new beneficiaries.

“Your engagement as trainers is a clear manifestation of the vision of the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, of nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs who would grow to train and employ others,” he emphasized.

He said beneficiaries of Brown STEP posted to various training centres for a month refresher course would resume training February 1 till  March 3, 2018, saying they would thereafter be established with starter packs to run their own enterprises.

He added that the 208 Brown STEP trainees had successfully undergone a week programme in Orientation and Personal Effectiveness Training (OPET) and Entrepreneurship and Business Management Training (EBMT) at Songhai Delta, Amukpe to provide them with life skills and business management tips that could adequately prepare them to become seasoned entrepreneurs and business managers.

He disclosed that 500 Green STEP beneficiaries who are fresh entrants and who want to learn skills and be established through the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) will commence the OPET and EMBT along with beneficiaries of the Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) mid-February and would resume training at the various training centres on the 1st of March, 2018.

In their separate remarks, trainers who were beneficiaries of the 2015 Cycle, Precious Nwaise (Fashion Design & Tailoring) and Karen Arubayi (Catering & Confectionery) expressed gratitude to the state government for upgrading them from being trainees to trainers with a pledge to put in their best so that their trainees would grow to perform better.

NUJ VISITS FAMILIES OF DEPARTED COLLEAGUES

Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has commiserated with the widow of the late Austin Okwuolise who until his death was a Senior Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Deputy Governor.

The Chairman of the Council, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu who led his executives and some members including the leadership of the State Information Chapel on the condolence visit to the Asaba residence of Mr Austin Okwuolise, described the departed colleague as a very big loss to the NUJ Family.

''The wealth of experience he has just taken away will be missed by NUJ and the Delta State Government that he served until his death.

"He is a senior PRO in the Office of the State Deputy Governor; he has created a vacuum there; I don't know whoever is going to step in whether he will be able to fit into it,'' Ikeogwu pointed out.
                             
The Delta NUJ Chairman stated further, ''If God had wanted him to live beyond the time he spent in life, he would have been alive today.

"He left because his time had come. It's not the time you die that matters but your relationship with God and what you achieved within that period you lived. I learnt that Austin Okwuolise was a very dedicated Christian and a pastor.

"So he should be resting in the bosom of the Lord. If it was something that God didn't permit, the prayers that people made would have saved him.''

''We have just come to show our commiserate with the family, and to let you know that we'll be part of the burial. So, get us informed as the burial programme unfolds so that we mobilize our members to attend on the day he will be laid to rest. So accept our sincere condolence on behalf of the entire members of the NUJ, Delta State Council, Comrade Ikeogwu added.

The wife of the deceased thanked the NUJ team for the visit and promised to carry the Council along in the burial arrangements.

The Council Executives and some members of the State Information Chapel also paid a similar visit to the wife of the late Ezekiel Godday Aghantin Owah at Agbor who until his death was the Public Relations Officer in the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development.

Comrade Mike Ikeogwu said that the NUJ received the news of the death of Mr Owah Godday with a rude shock, stating he died at his prime without fulfilling the greater part of his life.

According to the NUJ Delta Council Chairman, "The death of Owah still remains mystery to NUJ. Though, they told me when they were going to the hospital but I never knew it was so serious until he personally called me to say 'you people should not forget me here. We don't have to question God for Owah's death.

"We're here to commiserate with the family, and to let you know that NUJ, Delta Council is with you in this time of grief.

He admonished the wife of the deceased to be courageous, strong, focused and prayerful, saying that no amount of tears would bring back her husband.

While giving an assurance that NUJ, Delta State Council, would be part of the burial, Comrade Ikeogwu implored the family to intimate the Council with the burial date when fixed.

Responding on behalf of the wife of the deceased, Dr Philip Ebeyeghora, thanked the Council, for rallying round the family at the death of their inlaw and even when he was hospitalized.

According to him, "The death is surprising. Nobody knew what happened. Even the doctors that carried out the operation on him were surprised that he died after a successful surgery."

He said the remains of Mr Ezekiel Godday Aghantin Owah would be laid to rest Friday 9th February this year.

Highpoint of the visit was a prayer session led by NAWOJ Delta Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter,  Comrade Patricia Gbemudu.

DELTA CIVIL SERVICE COMMENCES CLOCK-IN CLOCK-OUT SCHEME…HOS ALLAYS FEARS

Delta State Government has officially commenced the pilot phase of the time and attendance scheme for public servants in Delta State.

The Head of Service, Delta State, Mr Reginald Bayoko, mni, who visited some MDAs to verify the level of implementation and the workability of the clock-in and clock-out machine and the reaction of civil servants, noted that the beginning of any innovation always had some teething challenges, saying they could be surmounted with time.

Mr Bayoko explained that the handling of the computer devices by the administrators and civil servants might not recognised the individuals if not properly handled.

The Head of Service also noted that the issue of deployment and posting of officers were not a challenge to the workability of the machine but would be sorted out by the administrator handling the machine as it concern each staff.

He also allayed the fears of some civil servants of people coming about the same time to clock-in, saying that the sequence in which they clock-in would enable management to determine their case adequately.

It should be noted that the MDAs visited by the HOS had the same concern of the ability to apply the machine properly due to lack of in depth knowledge of the usage of the device and the fears that those deployed, posted and shift schedule officers might be affected, even as others complained of waiting patiently for their turn to clock-in might make them come late.

The HOS who attended to all the concerns and fears revealed that the administrators of the devices and management of the various MDAs were there to collate the data that originated from the machine in order for civil servants to practice the core values of their profession.

When the team visited the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, the Commissioner, Rev. Omatsola Williams, welcome the innovation, saying that it was for the greater good of civil servants and Deltans at large.

Other MDAs visited included the Directorate of Establishments and Pensions, Post Primary Education Board, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Housing, West End Secondary School and Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba.

PRESS STATEMENT BY PRINCE CHRISTOPHER AKPOJOTOR AGAGA

CHIEF GREAT OVEDJE OGBORU APPEALS FOR CALM AMONGST  PARTY LEADERS AND SUPPORTERS IN DELTA STATE ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS


Chief Great Ovedje  Ogboru is  concern and
 focus on the activities of our great party in Delta State is to grow the party and eliminate divisions that will impair our electoral victory at the general election.

The meeting he held with the Local Government Areas  party chairmen and secretaries is with the sole aim of building a strong and indivisible party that cannot be distracted by internal intrigues  that are merely byproducts  of moves to  advance the rightful  ambitions  of aspiring  individuals as should be expected in a large party like ALL PROGRESSIVE CONGRESS.

It is very unfortunate that his  well intended and sincere move to create a synergy amongst party officials and members is being slanted as unhealthy and disruptive by some leaders at the very top echelon of the state who if properly briefed of the agenda and outcome  should embrace and commend his  initiative.

Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru implores  every leader in the state to join him in this unification effort and assure all that we need to stay strong together to win the elections.

In the meantime , he  passionately appeals  that  all actions  taken , whether legal or otherwise,  in response to the meeting he held with the party officials be stayed in the interest of the larger image of the party and her electoral fortune.

WHY DR MARIAN OGOH ALI, IS THE BEST OPTION FOR DELTA NORTH SENATORIAL SEAT.

By Joy Idam Ajah

(OPINION)

When the going gets tough the tough gets going and that is why we strongly believe that Dr Marian Nneamaka Ogoh Ali, Enyi Kpakpando is the best choice for Delta north senatorial seat. This is  because the red chambers is not for baby politicians. Its for matured, experienced, exposed and dogged politician and all of this qualities she possesses with grace and dignity.

Enyi Kpakpando, is a virtuous matured gentle lady who has paid her dues in the Nigerian politics, Delta state and Delta north in particular.

Only a bold, brave and articulate personality like Dr Marian Ogoh Ali, can withstand and defeat the current occupant of the seat. Her boldness is second to none in Delta north and evident in the way she handles issues and easily resolves them when there is tension.

Enyi Kpakpando, has got the heart of a Lion, thus Delta north would be better off with her representing them at the Senate.

When Enyi Kpakpando, eventually emerges, her talents of oratory prowess would naturally play out. She is not one to get to the red chambers and remain mute. I guarantee you she would argue out every debate on the floor of the Senate.

Dr Marian Ali, would sponsor bills and attract Federal Government presence to her constituency. She has an immense library of contacts, that can access dividends of democracy for her people.

She has been genuinely very disturbed about the welfare and wellbeing of Anioma people and that is why she is the best choice for that exalted position.

It is no longer news that the current occupant of the Delta North seat at the red chambers is a total disaster and failure and must be voted out in 2019. We have a God sent option, the best hand for the job. She is no other than Dr Marian Nneamaka Ogoh Ali.

Indeed Anioma would be very grateful when she accepts to contest. Who does Anioma people want? Kpakpando!
Who has the key to solving the puzzles! Kpakpando!!
Who does the cap-gele fit? Kpakpando!!!

This is a call on all Anioma sons and daughters to Vote Dr Marian Nneamaka Ogoh Ali, for Senate, Delta North, 2019.

Delta North APC Pass Vote Of Confidence On Omo-Agege, Chief Dr Mrs Ali, Chidi Okonji, Chief Okafor, State Exco

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

The Delta North Senatorial District chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC), yesterday, at Asaba, passed vote of confidence upon some of their leaders and party Exco members.

The meeting was convened only for congress elected LGA Chairmen, their Secretaries, party opinion leaders and state party officials of Delta North senatorial district extraction. 

This action and meeting convened in swift response to the paid advertorial in vanguard newspaper of 1st February 2018.

At the meeting yesterday, Ogbueshi Ben Onwuka, the party's Oshimili South LGA party chairman, moved a motion to pass vote of confidence upon their leaders.

He, being the chairman of all chairmen in the senatorial district, moved a motion of confidence upon the party's state executive committee; state party leader, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; Delta North Leader, Chief Dr Mrs Nneamaka Ogoh-Ali; Delta North Chairman, Chief George Okafor and state party Secretary, Comrade Chidi Okonji.

Hon Gregory Okolie Asikawudi, Secretary, Aniocha South LGA, seconded the motion moved by Ogbueshi Onwuka.

Addressing newsman, Chief Okafor re-enforced the fact that he still remains the senatorial district chairman of the party.

There is no dispute in the fact that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Dr Mrs Nneamaka Ogoh-Ali remains our state and senatorial leaders respectively.

All our senatorial district Exco members, LGA Exco members agreed and signed that Chief Mrs Ali should be made our senatorial leader, I have their signatures to that effect.

How can only six men out of more than one hundred senatorial officials, go to press, saying that she is not our leader, that is uncalled for and not neccesary at this time.

I affirm that Senator Omo-Agege is the state's constitutional leader, Chief Okafor pointed out.

He also decreed that all those going about leaving the party's image in bad light via media publications, will according to party constitution, be made to face the party's disciplinary committee.

If you are a politician, you have to know that, you don't divide to unite, unless you are a mole in the party.

This is not the time to breed distractions everywhere, as we have a critical election ahead of us.

I appeal to all those swiftly running to press with various nonsense, to carefully go through the party's constitution, they must be guided by the constitution, Chief Okafor warned.

Comrade Chidi Okonji, state party Secretary, in his remarks supported the views of previous speakers.

Adding that the party believes in the party's constitution.

We believe in internal democracy, we have to work within the party's structures, than working against it.

It is very wrong to rush to the press, when you have not exhausted engagement with all the party organs.

He also reaffirmed his stand on the indisputable leadership stake and relevance the Delta North Senatorial District placed upon Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Chief Dr Mrs Nneamaka Ogoh-Ali, as state and senatorial leader respectively.

SOURCE: ASABA POST NEWS WIRE (ONLINE)

TIV SEEKS INDEPENDENCE FROM NIGERIA, AS THEY WRITE UN

On behalf of the leadership of Sovereign Republic of Takuruku Movement and good citizens, we hereby solicit for United Nations’ (UN) declaration and support of the international community to the Middle-Belt region as an independent country out of Nigeria.

The Republic of Takuruku is a country built on the foundation of the fear of God and truly democratic.

The secession of the Middle-Belt out of Nigeria has become imperative for the following reasons:

In Nigeria, Tiv are the most cheated people and taken for granted despite the fact that they are the 4th largest ethnic group in a nation of 250 tribes.

The people have sacrificed more than other tribes in the struggles to keep Nigeria as one indivisible sovereign nation, and have contributed more to the socio-economic and political development of the country without reward, rather the people are been annihilated, denied of their inalienable rights and known only when it is time to douse crisis.

Before the advent of oil boom in Nigeria, agriculture was the main source of foreign exchange and the Tiv were the major contributors of the agric produce for export without demand for any resource control or derivation on the income as it is being done today by the Niger-Delta indigenes, who insists on getting 13 percent oil derivation monthly.

The income from the Tiv sweat was used for development of the country with little federal presence in the Middle-Belt particularly Tiv land compared with the Northern states that have everything; talk of the tap running with water, good express roads, qualitative heath care and educational facilities, name them; while roads in the Middle-Belt region have become death traps and the hospitals mere consulting clinics.

FG renames Ebonyi Federal Varsity after Ekwueme

 The Federal Government has renamed Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State after late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

Dr Ekwueme Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo conveyed the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari while delivering a speech at the funeral service held for the late statesman in Oko, Anambra state.

The University would know be known as Dr. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo, Ebonyi State. According to Osinbajo, the decision to rename the school was a way of immortalizing the late architect who has been describes by many as humility personified. Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (FUNAI) in Ebonyi State of Nigeria was founded on 26thFebruary, 2011.

The funeral service was attended by past presidents and vice presidents, serving governors, lawmakers, very prominent politicians and statesmen. As at the time of this report, a procession was being led for the final internment of the late statesman.
I
Ekwueme died at the age of 85 at a London hospital where he was flown to after he took ill and slumped. Ekwueme who was Vice President to President Shehu Shagari was ousted in a coup staged by military officers led by Brigadier Muhammadu Buhari on 31 December 1983.

He attended the University of London; King’s College; Lagos, Nigerian Law School; University of Strathclyde and University of Washington. He is the Ide of the Oko kingdom in Anambra State, where his younger brother, Lazarus, is the traditional ruler.

He was also honoured by the council of Traditional Rulers in the old Aguata as the Ide of Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State comprising forty-four (44) towns.
Ekwueme is a distinguished architect who started his professional career as an Assistant Architect with a Seattle-based firm, Leo A. Daly and Associates, and also with the London-based firm Nickson and Partners. He worked briefly with ESSO West Africa, Lagos, overseeing the Construction and Maintenance department.

He founded Ekwueme Associates, Architects and Town Planners, the first indigenous architectural firm in Nigeria.

He is currently being accorded the full compliments of a state burial.

A German's View on boko haram and other extremists

worth reading because this is by far the best explanation of the Muslim terrorist situation I have ever read.

His references to past history are accurate and clear. The author of this email is Dr. Emanuel Tanya, a well-known and well-respected psychiatrist--a man, whose family was German aristocracy prior to World War II, and owned a number of large industries and estates. When asked how many German people were true Nazis, the answer he gave can guide and shape our attitude toward the present day Islamic fanaticism. He said,

"Very few people were true Nazis, but many enjoyed the return of German pride the Nazis brought to the German nation, and many more were too busy to care. I was one of those who just thought the Nazis were a bunch of fools. So, the majority just sat back and let it all happen. Then, before we knew it, the Nazis were in control of the nation, they owned us, and we had lost control.

Suddenly they plunged the country into a devastating and costly world war, and by the end of the war we had woken up to a new reality - our world of comfort, peace and freedom had come to an end. My family lost everything. I ended up in a concentration camp and the Allies destroyed my factories.

"I see the same situation playing out today with respect to the attitude of the majority towards the the current Islamist movement. We are told again and again by 'experts' and 'talking heads' that Islam is the religion of peace and that the vast majority of Muslims just want to live in peace. This unqualified assertion may be true, but the fact is that it is entirely irrelevant!

It is meaningless fluff, meant to make us feel better, and meant to somehow diminish the specter of fanatics rampaging across the globe in the name of Islam. The fact is that the fanatics rule Islam at this moment in history. It is the fanatics who march. It is the fanatics who are waging any one of the 50 shooting wars currently going on worldwide. It is the fanatics who systematically slaughter Christian or tribal groups in Africa and are gradually taking over the entire continent in an Islamic wave. It is the fanatics who bomb, behead, murder, and carry out the so called honour killing.

 It is the fanatics who take over mosque after mosque. It is the fanatics who zealously spread the stoning and hanging of rape victims and homosexuals. It is the fanatics who teach their young to kill and to become suicide bombers. The hard and quantifiable fact is that the peaceful majority, the 'silent majority,' has been cowed and made extraneous and irrelevant."

"Communist Russia was comprised of Russians who just wanted to live in peace, yet the Russian Communists were responsible for the murder of about 20 million people. The peaceful majority were irrelevant.

China's huge population was peaceful as well, but Chinese Communists managed to kill a staggering 70 million people."

"The average Japanese individual, prior to World War II, was not a warmongering sadist. Yet, Japan murdered and slaughtered its way across South East Asia in an orgy of killing that included the systematic murder of 12 million Chinese civilians, most killed by sword, shovel, and bayonet."

"And who can forget Rwanda, which collapsed into butchery. Could it not be said that the majority of Rwandans were 'peace loving'?"

"History lessons are often incredibly simple and blunt. Yet for all our powers of reason, we often miss the most basic and uncomplicated of points: peace-loving Muslims have been made irrelevant by their silence. Peace-loving Muslims will become our enemy if they don't speak up, because, like my friend from Germany, they will awaken one day and find that the fanatics own them, and the end of their world will have begun.

Peace loving Germans, Japanese, Chinese, Russians, Rwandans, Serbs, Afghans, Iraqis, Palestinians, Somalis, Nigerians, Algerians, and many others have died because the peaceful majority did not speak up until it was too late."

"Islamic prayers have now been introduced into Toronto and other public schools in Ontario, and, yes, in Ottawa too while the Lord's Prayer was removed due to being so offensive! But to whom? Not to the vast majority of Canadians but to the few Islamic fanatics!"

"The Islamic way is only peaceful until the fanatics move in and take control. In Australia, and indeed in many countries around the world, many of the most commonly consumed food items now have the halal emblem (i.e a sign or instruction that says this product is not to be eaten, consumed or used because Islam forbids it) on them.

Just look at the back of some of the most popular chocolate bars, and at other food products in your local supermarket. Foods on aircraft have the halal emblem, just to appease the privileged minority who are now rapidly expanding throughout the world.

In the U.K, the Muslim communities refuse to integrate and there are now dozens of no-go zones within major cities across the country that the police force dare not intrude upon. Sharia law prevails there, because the Muslim community in those areas refuses to acknowledge British law. As for we who watch it all unfold, we must pay attention to the only group that counts -- the fanatics who threaten our way of life."

Anyone who doubts the seriousness of this issue and just deletes without sending it on, is contributing to the passiveness that allows the problems to expand. So, extend yourself a bit and send this on and on and on in the hope that thousands, world-wide, read this, think about it, and send it on.

The $5.792bn Contract that Turned Obasanjo against President Buhari

A top presidency source who pleaded anonymity stated that "Obasanjo was neck deep interested in the Mambilla power project. He brought in some companies and wanted President Buhari to use his veto power to authorize the minister in charge to hand over the project to his preferred companies, but President Buhari declined and insisted that due process is followed."

The source further added that the position of President Buhari didn’t go down well with Obasanjo, who was livid when the contract was eventually awarded to China Gezhouba Corporation, Sinohydro Corporation Limited and CGOC Group Limited. “ Obasanjo was livid that the president didn’t dance to his tune despite the pressure he mounted.

At some point, Obasanjo accused some close confidants of the president as being the brain behind the refusal of the president to grant him the concession, which wasn’t the case. President Buhari wanted due process to be followed and wondered why Obasanjo was so interested in the project.” The source stated.

A source knowledgeable in the history of the Mambilla power project hinted that the idea of the Mambilla plateau was first conceived in 1982 during the time of President Shehu Shagari.. he said that “the project was planned to consist of 2,600MW base-load hydroelectric power to be implemented in 5 years. The first phase of the project was planned to span the period 1982 – 1985.

It consisted of two stages, the pre-feasibility and feasibility stage. The Project was first awarded by the former President Shehu Shagari’s administration in 1982. However, in the first stage, the soil investigation was never completed, and the whole project came to a halt for financial reasons and political changes.” He said.

“In 2005 former President Olusegun Obasanjo resuscitated the Mambilla hydropower project and placed it and the supervisory Ministry of Power under the Presidency so that it could be accelerated.

A German company, Lahmeyer International was invited to review the previous work that had been carried out, which included the geotechnical work. After this, the company (Lahmeyer) was awarded a $3.2 billion contract in 2005 to conduct feasibility studies on the multi-billion naira Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.”

In a related development, it was gathered that former president Obasanjo became overbearing with demands as he is used to and the president felt uncomfortable with him and at some point tried to distance himself from him, which didn’t go down well with Obasanjo.

This much was gathered from a top security source who stated that “Obasanjo for some strange reasons feels a sense of entitlement in this government which he thinks he is not getting hence the open letter.”

“One would have reasoned that Obasanjo would have written a personal letter to President Buhari if indeed he meant good. What stops him from seeking an audience? But he chooses to do a publicity stunt to create an impression that he meant well for Nigeria.”

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

FOR THE RECORDS:
LETTER BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO SENATE PRESIDENT, BUKOLA SARAKI, ON BENUE KILLINGS, DATED JANUARY 25, 2018

I thank you for your letter Reference NASS/8S/R/01 /33 dated 18th January, 2018 and I have carefully studied the resolutions and comments contained therein.
2. As I briefed you and the Rt. Hon. Speaker when we met on the 14th January, 2018, several courses of action had already been taken prior to the Senate Resolutions. You may recall that I told you of the following steps taken as soon as information came to me about the Benue killings.
On Thursday 4th January, I sent the Minister of Interior and the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations for an on the spot assessment of the situation.

         On Friday, 5th January, the Inspector General of Police briefed me verbally on the latest situation. Calm had by then been restored.
(iii) On Monday 8th the Minister of Interior met with the following:

           Governors of Adamawa, Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa States together with
Director General of the State Security Services (DG SSS)
 Inspector General of Police
Commandant General, Civil Defence
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
Commissioners of Police from the  six  aforementioned states
Comptrollers of Civil Defence from the six aforementioned states.

3.  After the meeting I instructed the Minister of lnterior to brief you on the information gathered so far and steps taken. On Tuesday 9th January, I had a long session with Governor Ortom of Benue State during which I informed him of police arrest of some suspects with Kalashnikovs. In addition, I told him that I had instructed the IGP to speed up trial and prosecution of the suspects and give wide publicity to the police efforts.

4.  At the request of the Governor a meeting was held in the Presidential Villa on 15th January, with a wide - cross - section of Benue personages where frank and open discussions were held and everybody in the meeting appreciated the complexity and difficulties of this farmer/herder strife. I assured all and sundry of my commitment to ensure that justice is expeditiously done.

5.  To infer, therefore that nothing has been done is incorrect. The police are strenuously working to apprehend the rest of the culprits of these heartless killings. Furthermore, I have instructed the Inspector General of Police to relocate to Benue State, redeploy forces to the most sensitive areas. The Federal Government is initiating additional measures to address these and other security challenges, alleviate the consequences of these attacks and forestall reoccurrence. The Senate Resolutions itemised in your letter will be taken into consideration and I am instructing all relevant MDAs to factor them in their work.

6.  Earlier, on December 19th 2017 to be precise, while receiving the Report of the Committee which I had set up to review the operational, technical and administrative structure of the National intelligence Agency (NIA), I underscored the need to review the entire national security architecture - as I promised in my inaugural Address on 29th May, 2015. Action is being initiated and I expect to receive maximum cooperation from the Senate, in line with paragraph (iii) of the Senate Resolutions.

7. Please accept, Mr. Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards.

                    Muhammadu Buhari

Gov Obiano's address on Dr Alex Ekwueme Burial Ceremony.

1. Ndi be anyi ekenem unu.

2. We have gathered here today to celebrate a statesman.

3. One of the greatest we have known.

4. Indeed, if history is kind to Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, his name should go down as the Pillar of Modern Nigeria.

5. The facts before us indicate that only a handful of people may have sacrificed as much as Dr Alex Ekwueme to save Nigeria.

6. And much fewer have devoted as much time and rigour to redesigning Nigeria into a workable federation as Ekwueme did.

7. Indeed, His Excellency, Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme stands out today as one of the few Nigerians whose life and Times graphically reflect Nigeria’s attempts to be greater than she is.

8. In Ekwueme’s outstanding pursuit of knowledge, we are subtly reminded of the importance of knowledge in building a modern society.

9. In his fierce struggles with the military and eventual triumph with his colleagues in G34 to form the PDP, Ekwueme underscored the imperatives of entrenching democracy in Nigeria.

10. In the ease with which he sacrificed his personal ambition to be president after being denied the party’s ticket in Jos in 1999 and swiftly turned around to support the preferred candidate, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ekwueme showed us that Nigeria should always come first before personal or ethnic interests.

11. And in his resolute pursuit of the re-configuration of Nigeria into six geopolitical zones at the 1995 Constitutional Conference, he reminded us that no country can survive without paying attention to issues of fairness, balance and justice.

12. Again, with his Modotel Hotel chain spread across the South East, he poked all of us gently in the rib to always remember the importance of Aku luo uno.

13. And finally, in his unrelenting support to the government of Anambra State, he tells us that East or West, home is still the best!

14. But he also emphasized the mantra of our great party that na nkea bu nke anyi!

15. Brothers and sisters, I think the point is fully made.

16. I think that we can all see how a great man’s life is like a mirror through which his people can see their struggles and aspirations as a society.

17. Through the prism of Ide’s life, we can see rare glimpses of our individual and collective journeys through the tunnel of time to the present day.

18. It is a mark of the greatness of Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme that the ideals that he invested his youth and sagely old-age in have remained the dominant issues of our time and the resonant questions for the future generations.

19. Indeed, there can be no truer mark of greatness!

20. And this is what makes it compelling for the Federal Government to immortalize this great man by naming a national monument after him.

21. This will not only strengthen the walls of national unity but also ensure that the sacrifices of this great patriot were not in vain.

22. On a personal level, Ide’s death has been a huge blow to me.

23. Having lost my dear mother in June last year, nothing prepared me for the loss of someone who was like my own father five months later.

24. So, Ekwueme’s death is a pain I feel in the deepest recesses of my soul where no soothing word can touch.

25. It is a raw pain which only God can heal.

26. His Excellency Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme was my father, my mentor, my counsellor, my advocate, my motivator and the gentle voice of wisdom I could not ignore.

27. We had an amazing father-and-son relationship that made me look forward to his private visits and his attendance of almost all our major events.

28. His sagely presence was a silent stabilizer in the turbulent sea that is the politics of our dear state.

29. Umu nnem, in Ekwueme’s death, we have lost the soul of the season.

30. We have lost a foremost thinker and philosopher, a visionary leader, a pragmatic statesman and more importantly, the BEACON of modern Nigeria.

31. Ndi Anambra, our loss is immense.

32. But so is our heritage.

33. Yes, Nna anyi Ekwueme left us a proud heritage.

34. So, rather than grieve and mourn over his passage, I urge you all to celebrate the life and times of a man who came clearly ahead of his time and did his very best to make Nigeria a better place for everyone.

35. Umunnem bikonu, onye ebezina!

36. Ide has gone to a better place

37. Goodbye Your Excellency Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme

38. Goodbye Ide Anambra

Tweets from the Address by the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr Willie Obiano on the occasion of the Anambra State Commendation Service in honour of Late Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON, former Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; held at Awka yesterday.

*Join to celebrate the great Icon...

FULFILLING THE SMART AGENDA IN THE MIDST OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES. BY Chris Odia.

On assumption of office in May 2015, H.E. Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa set the pace with unveiling his ‘Dream Delta’ with the acronym ‘SMART’, wherein he summarised his vision for the State. This was greeted with much enthusiasm by Deltans because it was a demonstration of preparedness for the assignment to lead the State to great heights.

The vision for Delta, which is an acronym encapsulated as SMART stands for

- Strategic Wealth Creation Projects and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans

– Meaningful Peace Building Platforms aimed at Political and Social Harmony

– Agricultural Reforms and Accelerated Industrialisation

– Relevant Health and Education Policies

– Transformed Environment through Urban Renewal

He summarized the SMART Agenda as a programme essentially designed to create jobs, generate and sustain businesses and stabilise families and communities within a framework of equity, fairness, and justice.

While delivering his inaugural speech to the State House of Assembly, which he titled “My Vision for Honest Leadership and Responsible Government” the financial position of the State was not lost on him as he bared his mind on the obvious challenges that would crop up while trying to fulfill his promise to the electorate. In identifying the economic/financial challenges faced by the State, he listed them to include; drop in revenue receipts from Federal Government, huge monthly wage bill, revenue bonds and indebtedness to commercial banks, very low Internally Generated Revenue among others.

According to him, based on the position of things as at then, the State would have to borrow to pay salaries. He concluded by saying: “This is the dilemma that we face as we strive to deliver on our campaign promise of prosperity for all Deltans’. Not minding, the situation on ground, his optimistic personality refused to renege on the contract with Deltans and he made a heart-touching remark, quoted hereunder:

“I am told that when written in Chinese the word “crisis” is composed of two characters — one represents danger and the other represents opportunity.

I see more opportunities in our current economic predicament than the threats it poses. Times of prosperity can easily breed complacency, dull our sensitivity and foster an indulgent lifestyle steeped in corruption. But because necessity is said to be the mother of invention, periods of adversity often task our creative abilities, engender discipline, and imbue us with the capacity to pull together as a family”.

The SMART Governor hit the ground running when he immediately sponsored some bills with the aim of actualising his Dream Delta.

They included; Delta State Contributory Health Commission Bill, 2015, Technical and Vocational Education Board Bill, 2015, Asaba Capital Development Agency Bill, 2015. These were considered to be low hanging fruits that Deltans needed to harvest urgently.

The SMART approach is been carefully implemented in all sectors though there are yet more grounds to be covered.

The Governor’s interest in raising skilled manpower in different sectors, among the youth population led to revamping of Technical schools in the State and setting up of Job creation office that has been raising entrepreneurs among previously unemployed youth. The decision to establish a Teachers Professional Development Institute is another case in point in line with the vision

The issue of salary and pension payment is been handled adequately based on available funds. The backlog of pension/gratuity are gradually being paid and the monthly financial support to Local Government for payment of salary remains on course.

While some States falter in prompt payment of salaries, the SMART Governor has been regular in salary payment, not minding the initial fear as captured in the inaugural speech. He has worked tirelessly to sustain peace among warring communities and succeeded in persuading militants to stop oil pipeline bombing.

The State Contributory Health Bill is being implemented to assist every Deltan to access quality healthcare from chosen hospitals whenever the need arises.

The Teaching Hospital in Oghara and General hospitals in Bomadi, Asaba among others are being upgraded to meet the needs of the populace; this is work-in-progress, with a view to attending to more primary and healthcare centres in the State.

Several kilometers of road networks have been constructed/reconstructed in the State, all aimed at bridging the infrastructural gaps and linking communities to urban centres. The ongoing construction work in Asaba would liberate the City from the flood disasters earlier experienced with a view to appropriately channel the water away from homes and streets.

Obviously, Gov. Okowa has managed the State to the best of his knowledge and available resources. Though his prudent management approach has been misunderstood by the coinage ‘egho aria’, the Governor has remained unperturbed. He is gradually attending to the concerns in different sectors of the economy, which so many have wrongly summarized as being clueless.

Assuredly, he has proven to be a good manager of resource and would systematically win the hearts of critics and naysayers as 2019 elections draw near.

RATINGS OF CANDIDATES BY GLOBAL MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

DELTA SOUTH

1. Prophet Jones
。Too weak to rule
。Great Pretender
。A friend to all and loyal to none
。Rating (-54%)

Delta North

1. Chief Enuha
。Enjoys pulling members down
。Shows apathy to members
。Betrayed ilije
。Dragged LGA Secretary to Court
。Dragged Vice Chairman Delta north to court.
。Hijacked rice meant for the party.
。PDP's agent and mole in APC.
。Rating (-69%).

2. Vice Chairman APC Delta North, Chief Okafor
。Rejected gratification and instructions from Otega, evidence to be made available in 48 hours.
。Victim of Otega dictatorial tendencies.
。Exhibited strong party loyalty and commitment.
。Rating (200%).

3. Rt Hon Victor Ochei

。Too young to rule.
。Lack political maturity.
。Always in a hurry to grab power.
。Failed Speaker(forced to resign).
。Embezzled IPP #27billion.
。Better remain a Contractor
。Okowa's stooge in APC.
。Rating (-75%).

4.  Congress elected LGA Chairmen
。Rejected instruction to meet Otega on January 21st, 2018.
。Rejected gratification to attend the purported meeting.
。Snubbed his calls of desperation.
。Rating (160%)

5. Dr Marian Nneamaka Ogoh Ali, Enyi Kpakpando
。No nonsense politician
。Dogged fighter
。Advocate of Equity and Fair play
。Known as the Voice to the Voiceless
。Cautioned Otega against encroaching into Delta north affairs.
。Excellent mobiliser and motivator.
。Rating (350%)

DELTA CENTRAL

1. Dist Sen Ovie Omo Agege
。Helped in stabilising APC in Delta
。The APC Leader in Delta state.
。Has shown commitment and exemplary leadership.
。Hosted all the APC Chairmen and Councillorship candidates from the  three senatorial  districts from the Jan 6th Council polls.
。Hosts and appreciates party Exco regularly.
。Unifying the party at state level.
。Certain to be reelected.
。Rating (285%)


2.Olorogun Otega

。Always sabotaging
。Agent of PDP in APC.
。Known Saboteur
。Attempt to hijack party structure thwarted.
。Attempt to hijack Delta north Leadership thwarted.
。Attempted to pay Gratification to LGA  Chairmen and SWC to foil Sen Omo Agege's meeting with Councillors.
。Told stake holders of APC not to attend.
。Desperate for power.
。Rating (-85%)

3. Osiobe Okotie
。Lacks political experience
。Tagged political zombie
。Rating (-25%)

4. Olorogun Great Ogboru, the peoples general
。Humble
。Committed party faithful.
。Loyal to party hierarchy.
。A team player
。Rating (rating rose from 150% to 250%).

These rating of these APC Party members in Delta state were conducted independently by Global Media Communication.
“posted as copied.”

APC BEWARE OF EMERHOR OTEGA THE SABOTEUR

By Comrade Chike C.

Its often said that there is no smoke without fire. All fingers now point glaringly at Otega Emerhor, with today's  February 1st Vanguard publication that he is the problem of Delta APC and a Saboteur that must be stopped before he causes more damage in the party. It is clear that he is acting out a script by his master PDP's Okowa. All in a bid to stop the peoples general Chief Great Ogboru, and to pave way for Okowa to return.

Otega, is out to fight all the big names withing the APC, from Chief Great Ogboru, Dist Sen Omo Agege, Dr Marian Nneamaka Ogoh Ali, to mention a few and this is because of the greed that has beclouded his judgement. He no longer reasons well. Pretending to be APC in the daytime and PDP at night.

He has at many forum declared himself as the party leader in the state unduly interfering in the various senatorial zones. Meanwhile we know that is not how it works. The highest elected officer in the state is the party leader and that is Dist Sen Omo Agege.

I call on all APC Members in Delta state to beware of saboteurs within the party led by Otega. We must learn to be strong, keep our integrity and fish out the rest aside (Hon Ochei and Chief Enuha who are colluding with Otega to rob the APC of victory by attempting to hijack the party structures in the three senatorial districts.

On Sunday, January 21st 2018, Otega called LGA elected Chairmen to meet with him at his country home with a view to getting him endorsed from the back door as the state party leader. If he thinks he is popular let him stand for and win an election. The Chairmen rejected both his call and gratification. Only two out of the lot went. He resorted to blackmail.

Why is Otega out to grab power is it for selfish reasons or for Okowa time will tell. But the APC does not have the luxury of keeping such a dangerous character within the party, he should be SWEPT out.


Sadly Otega lacks popularity, spirit of failure follows him wherever he goes. He has failed at any and everything he attempted. Failed banker, failed Senate election, failed guber election failed as a father, husband and politician.

A fortnight ago, Otega's attempt to stop the Orogun meeting was thwarted. In a desperate move he began to harass Chairmen that attended the meeting threatening them. That got me wondering if the APC Otega's personal property. This was evident in paragraph 3 of their Vanguard advertorial. For avoidance of doubt Otega is just a mere floor member of the APC.

Otega should limit his childish tantrums to his bedroom and kindergarten cohorts. Any attempt for him to stray again into APC Delta north shall be met with fierce resistance.  You cannot eat your cake and have it. Let Anioma nation be we are not on the same page with you. heating up the polity and should be call to order.

We are aware you have been settled with heavy amount, free consultancy, go into business get an agent in Dubai or China to send you goods, our prayer for you this time is to succeed in the business venture politics is not your thing.

Beware of this saboteur.

APC Change
CHANGE OKOWA. NOW! NOW!! NOW!!!

Comrade Chike C.

THE MAN PRINCE NED NWOKO.......

Dr. Michael Nwoko Speaks!

By Jerry Onwuma

As the name Prince Ned Nwoko continues to trend on various social media platforms especially within the Anioma cyber space, The Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Special Duties) on contributory health commission, Dr. Michael Nwoko, has further given insight on the person of Prince Ned Nwoko!

He describes Prince Ned Nwoko as a "COLOSSUS", "A MODERN DAY PHILOSOPHER", "A LIVING LEGEND AND A HERO OF OUR TIME"

His words:

Some call him the Star Prince of Anioma land, others call him, "Dike Anioma"  But to me he is a colossus, modern day philosopher, a living legend and an iconic hero of our time.

The name prince Ned, as he is fondly called by friends and Associates, is one name that ring bell and will continue to ring bell not just within the Anioma enclave, or Delta state, but across Nigeria and globally as well.
You may wish to visit google to understand better.

Like a king destined to rule, Prince Ned Nwoko was born into the royal home of the Nwoko Dynasty in Idumuje Ugboko.

As a young boy who grew up in the Royal Palace of the Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom, he is a complete blend of culture, tradition and his higher education in the UK also exposed him to the sophistication of modernity.

He had his primary and secondary Education here in Nigeria, before proceeding to the University of Keele, UK, where he studied law and history, yet not satisfied by his quest for Knowledge, he further proceeded to Kings College, University, London, where he obtained an LLM in Marine and Commercial law.

He was formerly secretary general, Nigeria Legal Practitioners, UK.
An elected member of the Law Society of England and Wales,
A visiting adviser, Citizens adviser bureau, London.
In 1995, he emerged as the best black Lawyer in England.
He has many articles and publications to his credit, including; Nigeria: a time for all hands to be on deck, the Criminal Law Procedure of England and Wales.
He is happily married and blessed with children.

Prince Ned Nwoko is a beacon of hope for the New Anioma, a great asset loaded with uncommon ideas needed to transform Anioma land.

He is an embodiment of royalty, honour, dignity, humility, integrity, transparency, accountability and simplicity.

I must also tell you that the Prince is  bold, fearless, dogged, rugged fighter, focus and unrelenting. He never barks without biting.

As a young man in his late thirties, Prince Ned Nwoko bestrode Nigeria's political space like a colossus, his records in the house of representatives as member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency  between 1999 to 2003, is still unbroken.
In the short but eventful four years in the house if Representatives, Prince Ned, sponsored well over  twenty two bills (22) and moved the motion for the all important National Conference.

Here is a list of bills sponsored by Prince Ned:

(1)  Bill for the establishment of National Information Network Centre

(2)  A bill for an act establishing a National Disability allowance

(3)  A bill for an act for prohibition of corporal punishment in schools

(4)  A bill for an act for compulsory vehicle road worthiness test

(5)  National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) reform bill (2000)

(6)  A bill for an Act to establish Public Funds recovery and reward commission (Whistle blowing)

(7)  A bill for the establishment of a National minimum wage council

(8)  National minimum wage bill (1999)

(9) A bill for an Act to standardize allowances and fringe benefits payable to public government officials- Monetization Bill

(10)  Bill for an Act for continuity of evidence in court proceedings

(11)  A bill for an Act for compulsory professional indemnity in Nigeria

(12)  A bill for an Act for the protection of Nigerians abroad

(13)  A bill for the amendment of fire arms Act

(14)  A bill for an Act for the consolidation of all Decrees

(15) A bill for the prohibition of expensive burial rites in Nigeria

(16) A bill for an Act for community legal service

(17) A bill for an Act for the convening of a National Conference

(18) Bill for an Act for establishing a National Sports University

(19) A bill for an Act for compulsory Fire & Insurance Regulations at Homes and Offices

(20) A bill for an Act to Regulate the Activities of Okada Riders in Nigeria

(21) A bill for Federal Government Contract Awards performance Act.

Prince Ned Nwoko  has carved a niche  for himself as selfless and celebrated philanthropist.
As a matter of fact, he shocked his colleagues and made National headlines, in 1999, when he announced the donation of his  entire salaries and allowances to the  his constituents

His philanthropic nature is indeed highly exceptional.
Yes he is a Muslim, but he is neither a bigot nor a fanatic, he has donated handsomely to countless Churches, Orphanages,  Students, Civil Societies and indigent members of the society. His giving spirit can only be described as exceptional.

As a Royal Son of Anioma Nation, his love for Anioma is second to none. He think, talk, dream and live Anioma. Yet he is a completely detribalized Deltan.

He command great respect across board, irrespective of political parties, religion and ethnicity.

Being a man with a large heart, Prince Ned Nwoko never hire or rent crowds, rather, men, women and youths flock around him as butterflies flock around nectar.

Whenever he is around town - Idumuje Ugboko- both invited and uninvited guests troop to his residence. His gates are always wide open 247, as he believes whoever that is coming to his  house, is coming to see him and so should not be denied access.
I am yet to see a  man as accessible as Prince Ned Nwoko.

He dine and wine with the rich and poor, irrespective of class.

Prince Ned Nwoko believed in "We" and not "I".

Above all these Sterling qualities, Prince Ned possesses an ornate charisma and stunning simplicity.
He is an Enigma.
He concluded by calling on Anioma People to support Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko for Senate as Delta North deserves quality and pragmatic representative cum 2019.

Oshimili North Supervisors Screened and Cleared.........

Today the 1st day of February 2018, Oshimili North Council Legislative Arm led by the Leader,  Rt Hon Emeka Hilary Odogwu aka Bamishe screened and confirmed the five (5) nominees for the office of the Supervisory Councillors.

The Leader of the House,  Rt Hon Emeka Hilary Odogwu in his admonition at the end of the screening exercise urged the Prospective Exco members to be good Ambassadors Peace and Progress. He pleaded that the synergy between the two Arms of government will fastrack the needed developmental strides in the Local Government.

Hon Leo Nkeaka aka OHAMADIKE who spoke on behalf of the newly screened and cleared Supervisory Councillors reassured the house of their readiness to give the Council their best in other to move the Local government to an enviable height. He further promised that the Supervisors will maintain the existing tradition of cordial relationship between the EXCO and the Legislature.

The Persons who were screened and Confirmed today are:
* Hon Leo Nkeaka (OHAMADIKE)
* Hon Sunny S N ofili
* Chief Abu Peter Udeze (Okosisi)
* Mrs Nkechi Abah and
* Mr Victor Dunkwu

Hon Uche Keshi Tours Asaba Schools, Doles Out Educational Materials

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

Last Month, January, a former ward councillor, Hon Uche Keshi, undertook a tour of some schools in Asaba.

As a parent and politician, he told our reporter during a brief engagement that one of the reasons for his educational facility tour was to seek for opportunities for giving back to the humanity and society.

I visited these schools so that I can show some level of appreciation to the pupils and offer the little support my means can afford.

He visited Abu Ato Primary School and Kids Guild International Day Care, Nursery & Primary School, both in Asaba.

Kids Guild International Day Care, Nursery & Primary School, was where some years ago he did his Industrial Training/Attachment programs.

For the pupils of the school, his coming to the school was a great reunion opportunity for him and the pupils, he said.

Same feelings of gratitude was expressed at Abu Ato Primary School by both staff and pupils of the school.

Education is the basic right of every child, no adult has the power to deny them access to quality education.

It is our duties as adults to do everything in our powers and abilities to encourage them to embrace education.

This is the reason for my school tour and donation of educational materials, Hon Uche Keshi pointed out.

Hon Uche Keshi is an aspiring Delta State House of Assembly Hopeful for the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Oshimili South LGA.

According to him, his electioneering and campaign slogans and response are: "Equity 2019 progress",  "progress Equity must stand" respectively.

SOURCE:ASABA POST NEWS WIRE (ONLINE)

NGO Inaugurates Ward Officials, Set To Float Empowerment Initiatives

Okonta Emeka Okelum, Asaba

A Non Government Organization, Foundation for Effective Leadership & Development (FELD), today, Thursday, at Asaba laid the ground-works for commencement of their empowerment programs in Oshimili South LGA.

Addressing potential beneficiaries drawn from 11 wards within the council area, the foundation's chairman, Hon Paul Adingwupu, shared that now is time for the less privileged in Oshimili South LGA to benefit from the foundation's program.

In the first phase of our employment program, we will empower 30 less privileged persons to be identified by your ward coordinators, these persons will benefit from our empowerment programs.

We intend to empower rural farmers, traders, disadvantaged women, unemployed youths and other vulnerable persons within your local government area.

Unemployed youths will be engaged in skill acquisition programs, after which they will be given starters pack, funds to procure needed equipment and aided with adequate market penetration opportunities.

We will give out grants to our rural farmers, traders and artisans, to support their enterprise, Hon Paul Adingwupu said.

The foundation's boss informed all present that the grant and other empowerment opportunities are not loan schemes and not repayable.

I want you to judiciously use the grant and supports we provide to develop your businesses and use the proceeds to better support your family's basic needs.

Any LGA or Ward coordinator, who defraud any of you, upon my notice of such, will no longer be a member of this foundation, Hon Paul Adingwupu highlighted.

The highlight of the event was the inauguration of ward coordinators by the LGA Coordinator, Hon Victor Okocha and presentation of mobile phones to the ward coordinators by the foundation's chairman, to enable easy flow of communication within the foundation.

The foundation was established in 2011 with a view to pursue the vision of sustainable development and good governance, as well as create opportunities for positive engagement of the people to ensure a safe and progressive society.

SOURCE: ASABA POST NEWS WIRE (ONLINE)

NDDC PAYS OFF ALL FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP BACKLOGS- NDOMA-EGBA

The Chairman of the Governing Board of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, OFR, CON, SAN, has expressed deep relief and satisfaction over the clearing of all backlogs of NDDC foreign scholarship program owed since 2012-2017

The current NDDC Board and Management on inception of their tenure in November 2017, inherited backlogs of unpaid foreign scholarships amounting to over $2million USD.

This left hundreds of Niger Delta students stranded abroad as a result of non-payment of their upkeep and tuition fees. This situation has been very thorny, generating negative and disturbing reactions for the Commission.

You may recall that at the last Board meeting for the year 2017, held in Abuja on the 7th of December 2017, the Chairman disclosed to journalist the approval and deep commitment of the Board to clear all backlogs and all issues surrounding the highly contentious foreign scholarship program.


“By Tuesday next week, all outstanding issues regarding the foreign scholarship scheme would have been sorted out”

True to this promise, NDDC has indeed cleared all backlogs on the foreign scholarship owed to beneficiaries from 2012-2017.
 
Over $2million USD was disbursed in December to beneficiaries of this program. We believe this action will ameliorate all issues surrounding the scholarship scheme. 

In a statement released by the SA Communications to the Chairman NDDC, Mrs. Clara Braide on this development, Ndoma-Egba said,

“It is a huge relief that the issues surrounding our foreign scholarship backlogs have finally been sorted out. Going forward, we can now begin to focus on new entries and deploy more coordinated, seamless and sustainable ways of granting and disbursing our scholarships to avoid a repeat of past shortcomings."

In attestation to this fact, messages are pouring in from beneficiaries through our social media platforms expressing great relief and appreciation to NDDC for this intervention.

OFU-OBI ANIOMA GROUP HOLDS IT AGM.

The Stage is set for another Epoch making activities,the political history of Delta State would be re-written in the sands of time by two illustrious Sons of Anioma as Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa(Ekwueme) and Senator Chief Peter Nwaoboshi shall be re-elected one as Governor of the state for a second term making history as the first Anioma to achieve such remarkable feat and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi re-elected as a Senator of the federal republic also making him the first from the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency to attain such height.

To this end, today, Hon, Chief Louis Ogugua Ndukwe convened the first Annual General Meeting of the Ofu obi Anioma Group to discuss mainly the role, achievements and reasons why the duo of Dr Okowa and Senator Peter Nwaoboshi must be returned to complete their second terms in office.

He enumerated the long lists of laudable achievements recorded by the duo in the short time they have spent in their various offices and urge Ndi Anioma and Deltans in general to avail them their unflinching support. Several members and Speakers took turns to reiterate their strong support for the duo, significantly was Hon. Fidelis Oputa (aka Flenjure) Commissioner Representing Ndokwa West in DESOPADEC who is the new LGA Coordinator for Ndokwa West. He advised all other Aspirant to save their Money come 2019 because He was triple sure as a grassroot Mobiliser that the pulse of the electorates was favourable to these two Principals based on projects that can be felt and seen on ground.

Also amongst the LGA Coordinators who spoke was Hon. Cosmos Igbenije, Coordinator for Ika South LGA. He charged the House to be resolute in the set agenda of the group, since the two Leaders who are "our Principals" are the best political hands Anioma has put together in strategic offices at the same time since its existence. He gave plenty salutation to the Convener for the thought of reconvening the group at this time saying "it is timely and germane". The National Secretary of the group, Comrade Tony Ndanenu thanked the the nine LGA coordinators for their acceptance to function in the capacity as LGA coordinators and asked them to put in their best because,the National Secretariat which they also belong to, shall in a short while, resume visitations to the nine LGAs for wider consultation of leaders and groups to ensure all stones are turned before the elections.

At the end of the meeting, strategic resolutions were reached.

1) A vote of unlimited confidence was passed on His Excellency and the Senator for their Sterling leadership display..

2).The various Local Government Heads of the Group were inaugurated.

3). The Various LG Heads to inaugurate the various unit heads and LG Excos in consultation with their various LG party leaders and other stakeholders..

4): Monthly meeting by the group to champion the re-election course of the duo as earlier stated has just began.

5.) The sole aim,objective and responsibility of the group is to ensure a hitch free re-election of the Governor Okowa and the Senator Nwaoboshi.

6:) All members of Ofu Obi Anioma worldwide to mobilise massively for this onerous task.

7) The Local Government to Local Government tour, Ward to ward and unit to unit tour to start in earnest.

The Hon. Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah in his address, urged Members of the group and Deltans to ensure that the ongoing Voter Registration exercise is observed and treated with the level of Commitment and urgency it deserves. That he said would ensure that we are armed to vote for our two major Political Gladiators.

He also reiterated the need for Youths and women to mobilise for the general election and ensure that the Peoples Democratic Party is returned to power at the various level of all the Elective positions in the state and the Country.

Jerry Nwakpunku Umehai.
For:Ofuobi Anioma Group News