Okonta Emeka Okelum
This year 2010 has gone down not generally well on the global political arena. The United States especially has had a very turbulent wind up of its politics as a result of the wikiLeaks revelations.Of course Rwanda and US relations were not an exception among other governments whose relations with Washington was shaken by the leaking of secret diplomatic cables. The American embassy in Kigali moved fast to calm the worries, praising Rwanda in the area of fighting HIV/AIDS and increasing agricultural production but actually it was a very diversionary diplomatic gesture.
As a result of the cables, Mr Paul Kagame has now become extremely paranoid. He is aware that details of Rwanda's arms acquisitions, sales and transfer of strategic materials such as uranium is being monitored.
This explains why the Kigali establishment rushed to place the blame of improper acquisition of arms to militias in eastern DR Congo, claiming the rebel groups are stuck with stocks of uranium as a diversion and they expected everyone to take this concoction.
And the only thing some elite Rwandans can do is to encourage fellow Rwandans who have lived in exile for years to paint the country a magnificent image, which they have never been given a chance to see for themselves.
It is painful that those young Rwandans encouraged to be the country's ambassador have never been to the country and these are the people being lured into campaigning for the country in the outside world. How can they start defending a country that is sending spies to foreign countries to bribe and silence critics?
How can they fit into the shoes of the diplomats when actually the Ambasadors themselves have failed to cover for the country's roaming network of secret agents and wielders of the black budget?
The RPF has established a political system that maintains a false appearance of multi-party democracy.
The country has reached a break even point due to a deepening political crisis fuelled by divisions within the military. First, it was a case involving the humiliation of Generals Frank Rusagara, Sam Kanyemera Kaka and Kayumba Nyamwasa.
Then the hammer took on Col. Patrick Karegeya, Maj Gen Karenzi Karake, Lt Gen. Charles Muhire, Brig Gen. Steven Karyango and Lt Col Marc Sebaganji, Col Deogene Mudenge, Maj. Ben Karenzi and Gen. Nyamwasa's brother, Col. Rugigana Ngabo.
The power rift within the army is very serious to the extent that each of the officers in the high command has become another's spy. It is not only a fight for loyalty towards Kagame by a section of RDF officers but a struggle for survival.
This has dramatically played against the RPF's overall popularity. The army, the politicians and the common man in Rwanda has no respect for the President now. He is simply holding the country hostage, playing at his best the ticket of fear.
Mr Kagame has realized that gambling on the tactic of fear and divisionism would be very short-lived, he has decided to lobby military backing from Ethiopia and Libya after being thrown out by South Africa.
The Rwandan leader has also asked Defense Minister, Gen. James Kabarebe to put top military officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), military attachs and the Reserve Force on red alert citing increasing threats against his leadership.
Gen. Kabarebe has been tasked to emphasise Mr Kagame's call for vigilance at this time when rifts within the RDF and the dramatic rise of the opposition within and outside the country threatens his leadership.
It is time to feel the weight and destruction of the hammer that he once promised.
With Mr Kagame;s lack of trust and respect for institutions coupled with his deaf ear on democratic values and human rights, all clues now point to the fact that he is preparing to go down in a military struggle without caring how much Rwandans will shed more blood.
This careless wastage of human life is the last thing Rwandans would want to experience again. He is taking every desperate measure to have a grip on the country but it has become very slippery.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Victory At Last for Uduaghan
Okonta Emeka Okelum
Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has emerged the gubernatorial PDP flag bearer in the April 2011 election.
Dr Uduaghan polled 938 votes out of the total of 983 votes cast in the PDP state governorship primaries to beat his closest rival Dr. Braduce Angozi who score 10 votes. Another aspirant Prof Saliba Mukoro scored two while 33 votes were voided.
Announcing the result, the Chairman of the PDP panel for the primaries, Mallam Baba Isa said Dr Uduaghan met all the conditions required to fly the PDP flag in the state.
The primaries which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and under tight security was transparent and applauded by agents of the candidates.
In a brief remark, the winner of the primaries and governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan commended the panel members for conducting a transparent primary saying “Our democracy is growing and has improved a lot because of the peaceful way primaries and elections are been conducted in the country”.
He commended PDP party faithfuls for reposing trust on him through the primaries and promised to live up to expectation. “I thank all of you for doing me this honour, I promise not to disappoint you”.
Governor Uduaghan also commended other aspirations for good sportsmanship and called on them to work with him in moving PDP forward in the state.
Delegates for the primaries were drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state who were led by the statutory delegates from the state and local government party executives.
All delegates were thoroughly screened and voting took place in a transparent manner especially as ballot boxes were conspicuously displayed and votes cast were counted in the presence of party agents.
Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has emerged the gubernatorial PDP flag bearer in the April 2011 election.
Dr Uduaghan polled 938 votes out of the total of 983 votes cast in the PDP state governorship primaries to beat his closest rival Dr. Braduce Angozi who score 10 votes. Another aspirant Prof Saliba Mukoro scored two while 33 votes were voided.
Announcing the result, the Chairman of the PDP panel for the primaries, Mallam Baba Isa said Dr Uduaghan met all the conditions required to fly the PDP flag in the state.
The primaries which was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere and under tight security was transparent and applauded by agents of the candidates.
In a brief remark, the winner of the primaries and governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan commended the panel members for conducting a transparent primary saying “Our democracy is growing and has improved a lot because of the peaceful way primaries and elections are been conducted in the country”.
He commended PDP party faithfuls for reposing trust on him through the primaries and promised to live up to expectation. “I thank all of you for doing me this honour, I promise not to disappoint you”.
Governor Uduaghan also commended other aspirations for good sportsmanship and called on them to work with him in moving PDP forward in the state.
Delegates for the primaries were drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state who were led by the statutory delegates from the state and local government party executives.
All delegates were thoroughly screened and voting took place in a transparent manner especially as ballot boxes were conspicuously displayed and votes cast were counted in the presence of party agents.
THE STARE OF AN INFANT.
Chris Nwaokobia Jnr-ii
Countrymen, I cannot resist the urge of passing across a great lesson I learnt this yuletide, one that is challenging and inspiring on the one hand, and on the other hand remains a big whip and a massive reprimand on the carapace of my mind. On account of which my conscience resonated with a NEW resolve to STOP at nothing until CHANGE is berthed, I pray that the same awakening happens to you because that which we always overlook hunts us somehow in the end.
The infant stared at me deeply and managed a smile, but that was not it, I saw something different, I saw questions, I saw curiosity, I saw a HOPE that is predicated on how much we are ready, willing and able to GIVE for the future that unfolds in that stare. I saw so much that we almost always overlook each time an infant stares at US.
I discovered that the stare of an infant is indiscriminate of the class of a Parent in the society. I discovered that all infants have an innocent stare full of questions, curiosities and HOPE; the rich infant seeks a great future and so does the poor infant. I also discovered that social stratifications are complimentary such that the one defines the other, the simple reason the Holy Books commands the RICH to care for the POOR not as a past-time but as part of natures priorities.
Tragically we are oblivious of the stare of the infant next to us, we are unmindful of the stare of the infant next door, and we ignore the stare of the infant far-away. We are removed from the realities of the morrow they demand as we politic with their future, and as we do the banal and the murderous in a desperate quest for POWER we overlook the fact that tied to that innocent stare is a verdict of divine and esoterically flawless dimensions, WHATEVER A MAN SOWS THAT HE SHALL ALSO REAP.
Compatriots, as the infant stared at me, I saw a plethora of questions, like you are perhaps my Uncle, Niece, Aunty, Father, Mother, Neighbour, you are certainly a relation in the human pilgrimage, I am smiling at you because it is a given that you admire and love my innocence, BUT if you do, how much are you ready to give FOR my FUTURE, how much do you really LOVE me, and how much FAITH should I have in you? These are the question we must all answer as we approach the 2011 elections, because for centuries now, democracy has located the power to make real and programmatic change in the lives of a people in their right to VOTE.
What we do with our VOTES will determine how much we truly mean the HAPPY NEW YEAR affectations and affirmations that tore the space this yuletide. What we do with it will show how truly we seek to stop the collateral governmental murders on our roads on account of avoidable accidents occasioned by bad roads, accidents that poses great damage to the chances of the infant growing up to full potentials.
What we do with our VOTES determines whether that infant will go down with Polio, a disease that has been wiped out of the whole of Africa but Nigeria. What we do with our VOTES tells how much we are ready to stop the collateral damage caused by an unconscionable gerontocracy on growing foetus in wombs who might perish on account of high infant mortality no thanks to a comatose health-care system, that sees our rulers travelling overseas to cure headaches and cramps. It is not FUNNY.
What we do with our VOTES shall tell how much for these infants we are ready to halt the barter and Bazaar of our collective patrimony amongst the locusts in POWER, a tradition that has left our nation in darkness without Energy and Electricity, a culture that has left our schools as monuments of indolence and cultism, a tendency that robs our future of greatness. How much do you really love that infant?
The stare of that infant is a question mark on our collective conscience, are we yet ready to lose more first class brains like UCHENNA RUTH NWAOKOBIA my younger sister who died after bagging a First class degree in Psychology in 2006 at the age of 22 via a car accident on her way to Abuja around the Lokoja axis (a road that has become a Golgotha of sorts for decades) without living up her full potentials, such and many more are the collateral damages caused by governmental actions and inactions. The infant’s stare wonders, is such going to be my fate?
Countrymen, Comrades and Compatriots, we are challenged more than ever before to halt this swing down the precipice. The infant when they stare worries about how willing we are to stop those who raped our yesterday. They are concerned about why we are seemingly faithless about our abilities to stop the plunder of today, and are curious about what we intend for the morrow.
We owe a duty to that infant, we owe posterity a great responsibility, we owe GOD a great one for the amazing munificence and riches ineffable that HE has blessed us with, and NOW is the time to effectively confront the OLD through the BALLOT BASED REVOLUTION that NIGERIA-NOW champions. The infant believes in that stare that we can, and so do I.
Now is the time to show that we care for the infant out there; now is the time to prove that the stare of the infant matters; now is the time to worry about the quality of education, of life and of health the nation offers that infant; now is the time to check a society that deafens its infants with sound decibels from generators after billions of dollars have been squandered in several Energy/Power sector scams.
Now is the time to set moral goalposts that will demand rectitude in governance such that posterity will learn the path of prudence and dignity. Now is the time to fix our Fatherland such that the stare of that infant will amount to one into a future bright and great; and now is the time to hew out of the pervading mountain of despair a rock of hope.
Wake up and heed the CALL to berth a NEW PARADIGM. Wake up for together through our VOTES we can rupture this era of banal, blood-thirsty, bellicose and bandit politics. Wake up for together we can make real the promises of democracy and make TRUE the realities of JUBILEE. Wake up for together we can guarantee a great future that assuages the fear in THE STARE OF THAT INFANT. Yes we can.
Countrymen, I cannot resist the urge of passing across a great lesson I learnt this yuletide, one that is challenging and inspiring on the one hand, and on the other hand remains a big whip and a massive reprimand on the carapace of my mind. On account of which my conscience resonated with a NEW resolve to STOP at nothing until CHANGE is berthed, I pray that the same awakening happens to you because that which we always overlook hunts us somehow in the end.
The infant stared at me deeply and managed a smile, but that was not it, I saw something different, I saw questions, I saw curiosity, I saw a HOPE that is predicated on how much we are ready, willing and able to GIVE for the future that unfolds in that stare. I saw so much that we almost always overlook each time an infant stares at US.
I discovered that the stare of an infant is indiscriminate of the class of a Parent in the society. I discovered that all infants have an innocent stare full of questions, curiosities and HOPE; the rich infant seeks a great future and so does the poor infant. I also discovered that social stratifications are complimentary such that the one defines the other, the simple reason the Holy Books commands the RICH to care for the POOR not as a past-time but as part of natures priorities.
Tragically we are oblivious of the stare of the infant next to us, we are unmindful of the stare of the infant next door, and we ignore the stare of the infant far-away. We are removed from the realities of the morrow they demand as we politic with their future, and as we do the banal and the murderous in a desperate quest for POWER we overlook the fact that tied to that innocent stare is a verdict of divine and esoterically flawless dimensions, WHATEVER A MAN SOWS THAT HE SHALL ALSO REAP.
Compatriots, as the infant stared at me, I saw a plethora of questions, like you are perhaps my Uncle, Niece, Aunty, Father, Mother, Neighbour, you are certainly a relation in the human pilgrimage, I am smiling at you because it is a given that you admire and love my innocence, BUT if you do, how much are you ready to give FOR my FUTURE, how much do you really LOVE me, and how much FAITH should I have in you? These are the question we must all answer as we approach the 2011 elections, because for centuries now, democracy has located the power to make real and programmatic change in the lives of a people in their right to VOTE.
What we do with our VOTES will determine how much we truly mean the HAPPY NEW YEAR affectations and affirmations that tore the space this yuletide. What we do with it will show how truly we seek to stop the collateral governmental murders on our roads on account of avoidable accidents occasioned by bad roads, accidents that poses great damage to the chances of the infant growing up to full potentials.
What we do with our VOTES determines whether that infant will go down with Polio, a disease that has been wiped out of the whole of Africa but Nigeria. What we do with our VOTES tells how much we are ready to stop the collateral damage caused by an unconscionable gerontocracy on growing foetus in wombs who might perish on account of high infant mortality no thanks to a comatose health-care system, that sees our rulers travelling overseas to cure headaches and cramps. It is not FUNNY.
What we do with our VOTES shall tell how much for these infants we are ready to halt the barter and Bazaar of our collective patrimony amongst the locusts in POWER, a tradition that has left our nation in darkness without Energy and Electricity, a culture that has left our schools as monuments of indolence and cultism, a tendency that robs our future of greatness. How much do you really love that infant?
The stare of that infant is a question mark on our collective conscience, are we yet ready to lose more first class brains like UCHENNA RUTH NWAOKOBIA my younger sister who died after bagging a First class degree in Psychology in 2006 at the age of 22 via a car accident on her way to Abuja around the Lokoja axis (a road that has become a Golgotha of sorts for decades) without living up her full potentials, such and many more are the collateral damages caused by governmental actions and inactions. The infant’s stare wonders, is such going to be my fate?
Countrymen, Comrades and Compatriots, we are challenged more than ever before to halt this swing down the precipice. The infant when they stare worries about how willing we are to stop those who raped our yesterday. They are concerned about why we are seemingly faithless about our abilities to stop the plunder of today, and are curious about what we intend for the morrow.
We owe a duty to that infant, we owe posterity a great responsibility, we owe GOD a great one for the amazing munificence and riches ineffable that HE has blessed us with, and NOW is the time to effectively confront the OLD through the BALLOT BASED REVOLUTION that NIGERIA-NOW champions. The infant believes in that stare that we can, and so do I.
Now is the time to show that we care for the infant out there; now is the time to prove that the stare of the infant matters; now is the time to worry about the quality of education, of life and of health the nation offers that infant; now is the time to check a society that deafens its infants with sound decibels from generators after billions of dollars have been squandered in several Energy/Power sector scams.
Now is the time to set moral goalposts that will demand rectitude in governance such that posterity will learn the path of prudence and dignity. Now is the time to fix our Fatherland such that the stare of that infant will amount to one into a future bright and great; and now is the time to hew out of the pervading mountain of despair a rock of hope.
Wake up and heed the CALL to berth a NEW PARADIGM. Wake up for together through our VOTES we can rupture this era of banal, blood-thirsty, bellicose and bandit politics. Wake up for together we can make real the promises of democracy and make TRUE the realities of JUBILEE. Wake up for together we can guarantee a great future that assuages the fear in THE STARE OF THAT INFANT. Yes we can.
REFORMATION OF NURTW
Okonta Emeka Okelum & Femi Jibodu
Nigeria in the recent months has been characterized and has been politically unstable owing to the various kinds of violence perpetuated by the political heavy weight through the hoodlums (NURTW) and some unscrupulous element who claims responsibility for such action.
The purpose of government is primarily to protect lives and property, however, it is so disheartening that the Nigerian government at all level rather than being sensitive to the insecurities happenings, ignores them probably because it is associated to their political godfather and or the close associates with whom they share some secrets.
The recent bombing in jos, yenegua and Abuja shows that some people should not continue in office this 2011 owing to the careless attitude when they are actually the head of the security in their respective status and with the situation report.
Also recent happening in the south west has also contributed to the upheaval of the insecurity issue, particularly Oyo and Lagos.
The death of Eleweomo at the PDP convention in Oyo state has shown that even though the government tries to shy away from being associated, the fact still remains that the NURTW are being used to perpetuate electoral violence which has out the general public in jeopardy.
Also in Lagos, there have been a continuous violence in the Mushin Area and this has always been perpetuated by the NURTW trying to take over reign of power which is obvious sponsored by the incumbent political party.
It is now glaring that NURTW is an integral part of our political system, particularly south west, but rather than make them a tool of violence, we could explore them and make them a better citizen. We use this medium to appeal to the government and Nigerians at large that we advocate for the positive reformation of NURTW.
Nigeria in the recent months has been characterized and has been politically unstable owing to the various kinds of violence perpetuated by the political heavy weight through the hoodlums (NURTW) and some unscrupulous element who claims responsibility for such action.
The purpose of government is primarily to protect lives and property, however, it is so disheartening that the Nigerian government at all level rather than being sensitive to the insecurities happenings, ignores them probably because it is associated to their political godfather and or the close associates with whom they share some secrets.
The recent bombing in jos, yenegua and Abuja shows that some people should not continue in office this 2011 owing to the careless attitude when they are actually the head of the security in their respective status and with the situation report.
Also recent happening in the south west has also contributed to the upheaval of the insecurity issue, particularly Oyo and Lagos.
The death of Eleweomo at the PDP convention in Oyo state has shown that even though the government tries to shy away from being associated, the fact still remains that the NURTW are being used to perpetuate electoral violence which has out the general public in jeopardy.
Also in Lagos, there have been a continuous violence in the Mushin Area and this has always been perpetuated by the NURTW trying to take over reign of power which is obvious sponsored by the incumbent political party.
It is now glaring that NURTW is an integral part of our political system, particularly south west, but rather than make them a tool of violence, we could explore them and make them a better citizen. We use this medium to appeal to the government and Nigerians at large that we advocate for the positive reformation of NURTW.
With Tears But Full of Praises to God
Okolo Limus
Except God watches a city, in vein does a watchman keeps vigil, because scripture says in Isaiah 31:2 and yet he is very wise and from him disaster will come.
Mr. Christopher Azubuike Nwani one of the security aids to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in June 2010, purchased a Honda Accord Car, Aka Honda Hala, with registration number AE825AKU.
This was to make his movement easy, but little did he know what fate awaits the car, which was seen as his companion.
Also Miss Osaigbevo Odion from Edo state was fully prepared with her clothes and shoes ready for the trip to her state to have a colourful celebration with her relatives, but such journey was a mission for clothes and shoes sacrifice.
Mr. Nwani in October 2010, few months after buying the car, had to under go an engine replacement, sequel to the knock of the first one. After the engine replacement, and in his quest to be comfortable and satisfied with the car, decided to install an Air – Conditioner AC.
Though, he had earlier disclosed that the AC was reducing the capacity of his engine.
The effect of the AC reached it peak and “Thing Fell Apart” on the sad day of 18th December 2010, at about 4pm. Mr. Nwani was returning from a trip to Abraka in Delta State, in company of Comrade Okolo Linus, Mr. Jimoh Ibitoye, a police corporal attached to the state government House Asaba, Osaigbevo Odion and another person whose identity could not be identified as at press time.
About 30 minutes to the trip back to Asaba, the temperature of the car rose, and speedometer ceased working. Nwani bordered with the rise in the temperature, reduced his speed to about 40 speedometers, but such was less than quarter solution to the problem.
After a while, there was an unfriendly sound produced by the car. But a wounded soldier commentators said should not be left in the battlefield. Coupled with the expectation of all in the car to get it (car) fixed in order, at Agbor, a neighbouring town to Abavo where the anger of the car was loosed like that of God to the people of “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
There was a sound from the car, which prompted for a stop for proper check, since no mechanic was around. The Radiator was refilled with water, with little smoke from the battery. When the engine could not start, Linus mounted the steering, while other passengers were asked to push the car. Luckily the engine was on with smiles on the faces of all, not knowing that was the last movement of the car on the surface of the earth.
Based on the quest of all to get their various destinations, and in less than 200 meters to the drive, after the water refill, the temperature at this time rose to the highest level, immediately smokes were seen dosing out from the bonnet. And in a twinkle of an eye, the car was engulfed with fire. Not even the little fire- extinguisher donated by two good Samaritans who ply the road could extinguish the anger of the fire.
The car was however left to it fate at the scene of the incident, as it burnt to ashes without a “pin” removed from it. Christopher Nwani with other passengers have no other option than to wave good bye to the 7months old car, and look for another car to convey them back to their various destination. As Nwani was however, consoled with the words of comforters, which submits that, as long there is life, there is indeed abundant of hope.
Except God watches a city, in vein does a watchman keeps vigil, because scripture says in Isaiah 31:2 and yet he is very wise and from him disaster will come.
Mr. Christopher Azubuike Nwani one of the security aids to the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in June 2010, purchased a Honda Accord Car, Aka Honda Hala, with registration number AE825AKU.
This was to make his movement easy, but little did he know what fate awaits the car, which was seen as his companion.
Also Miss Osaigbevo Odion from Edo state was fully prepared with her clothes and shoes ready for the trip to her state to have a colourful celebration with her relatives, but such journey was a mission for clothes and shoes sacrifice.
Mr. Nwani in October 2010, few months after buying the car, had to under go an engine replacement, sequel to the knock of the first one. After the engine replacement, and in his quest to be comfortable and satisfied with the car, decided to install an Air – Conditioner AC.
Though, he had earlier disclosed that the AC was reducing the capacity of his engine.
The effect of the AC reached it peak and “Thing Fell Apart” on the sad day of 18th December 2010, at about 4pm. Mr. Nwani was returning from a trip to Abraka in Delta State, in company of Comrade Okolo Linus, Mr. Jimoh Ibitoye, a police corporal attached to the state government House Asaba, Osaigbevo Odion and another person whose identity could not be identified as at press time.
About 30 minutes to the trip back to Asaba, the temperature of the car rose, and speedometer ceased working. Nwani bordered with the rise in the temperature, reduced his speed to about 40 speedometers, but such was less than quarter solution to the problem.
After a while, there was an unfriendly sound produced by the car. But a wounded soldier commentators said should not be left in the battlefield. Coupled with the expectation of all in the car to get it (car) fixed in order, at Agbor, a neighbouring town to Abavo where the anger of the car was loosed like that of God to the people of “Sodom and Gomorrah”.
There was a sound from the car, which prompted for a stop for proper check, since no mechanic was around. The Radiator was refilled with water, with little smoke from the battery. When the engine could not start, Linus mounted the steering, while other passengers were asked to push the car. Luckily the engine was on with smiles on the faces of all, not knowing that was the last movement of the car on the surface of the earth.
Based on the quest of all to get their various destinations, and in less than 200 meters to the drive, after the water refill, the temperature at this time rose to the highest level, immediately smokes were seen dosing out from the bonnet. And in a twinkle of an eye, the car was engulfed with fire. Not even the little fire- extinguisher donated by two good Samaritans who ply the road could extinguish the anger of the fire.
The car was however left to it fate at the scene of the incident, as it burnt to ashes without a “pin” removed from it. Christopher Nwani with other passengers have no other option than to wave good bye to the 7months old car, and look for another car to convey them back to their various destination. As Nwani was however, consoled with the words of comforters, which submits that, as long there is life, there is indeed abundant of hope.
Who Owns St Luke’s Hospital, Asaba
Okolo Linus
St Luke’s Hospital when it fully commence operation must be rated as one of the highest hospitals in the Delta State. Shortly after the gargantuan structure was erected, close watchers of the structure with it fast erection said the hospital belongs to Dr. Ifeanyi Arthor Okowa, the former Secretary to the State government, others said it belongs to the governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
But in every atom of rumor, commentators said there is an element of truth.
Uche Lawrence Okpono, Chief Executive Office of ULO consultants Limited is a renown contractors popularly known at the northern part of the country, particularly in Kaduna State where he was brought up.
But his raps with the State government started long ago.
Investigation revealed that during the administration of the former Military Administrator of the state, Ibrahim Kefas, Austin Izagbo the then appointed Chairman of the Task Force on the Accelerated Government House Project, was said to have recommended and brokered the purchase of an Estate belonging to Okpuno, at the sum of N25million.
Close watchers of Okpuno’s hob-nub with the state government in recent time based on the level of contracts awarded to the company (U.L.O), maintained that there is a secret deal between the duo.
The secret deal was recently laid open when the Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan came to claim the ownership of St Luke’s Hospital but was bluntly informed by Okpunor that the hospital belongs to him, (Okpunor).
An inside source close to the Asagba of Asaba, his Royal Majesty (Obi) Prof. Chike Edozie, disclosed that Uduaghan was not satisfied with response from Okpunor took the matter to his Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba.
According to the source, Okpunor was invited to the palace, and when the matter was laid naked, Okpunor according to the source produced over-whelming documents depicting his ownership of the Hospital; with these the source averred that Uduaghan left the Palace and was flabbergasted.
When contacted, the secretary to the Royal father Chief John Iloba did not comment on the matter.
When the Hospital located close to the office of the State Deputy Governor was visited, the private security guards on duty asked the reporter if he was in the hospital to submit his employment application letter.
Further investigation revealed that the hospital is breeding ground for the commencement of operation. As two sand tippers, one with Reg number XC787Asab belonging to ULO were seen parked in the hospital’s compound.
It will be recalled that in 1995 the state government awarded the contract for the construction /completion of the new state government House to ULO consultants Limited at the sum of N3, 100,000,000.00.
The contract was earlier awarded to Contain West Africa PLC, in 30th November 2000, at the cost of N1, 485,000,000,00 with about 25% mobilization moved into site and work started according to the former Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House Complex Asaba) Mr. Onochie Okonkwo.
Until 2003 according him, the site was abandoned by costain West Africa after an upward review of the contract sum, Onochie averred.
It will also be recalled that the construction for the Asaba International Airport is also awarded to ULO consultants Limited at the cost of N6, 477,907,484,81, before the recent inflation of the cost to about N20billion Naira by the state government.
The Asaba Ugheli dualization project, the sector C is also awarded to ULO consultants limited at the cost of N 6.174,904, 499.60 according to the document in possession of our reporters.
As the event on the hospital’s ownership continue to formulate, observers are keenly watching and waiting to know the outcome of the drama/tussle between Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the renowned contractor, Mr. Uche Okpunor.
Time will indeed tell what the outcome will be.
St Luke’s Hospital when it fully commence operation must be rated as one of the highest hospitals in the Delta State. Shortly after the gargantuan structure was erected, close watchers of the structure with it fast erection said the hospital belongs to Dr. Ifeanyi Arthor Okowa, the former Secretary to the State government, others said it belongs to the governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan.
But in every atom of rumor, commentators said there is an element of truth.
Uche Lawrence Okpono, Chief Executive Office of ULO consultants Limited is a renown contractors popularly known at the northern part of the country, particularly in Kaduna State where he was brought up.
But his raps with the State government started long ago.
Investigation revealed that during the administration of the former Military Administrator of the state, Ibrahim Kefas, Austin Izagbo the then appointed Chairman of the Task Force on the Accelerated Government House Project, was said to have recommended and brokered the purchase of an Estate belonging to Okpuno, at the sum of N25million.
Close watchers of Okpuno’s hob-nub with the state government in recent time based on the level of contracts awarded to the company (U.L.O), maintained that there is a secret deal between the duo.
The secret deal was recently laid open when the Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan came to claim the ownership of St Luke’s Hospital but was bluntly informed by Okpunor that the hospital belongs to him, (Okpunor).
An inside source close to the Asagba of Asaba, his Royal Majesty (Obi) Prof. Chike Edozie, disclosed that Uduaghan was not satisfied with response from Okpunor took the matter to his Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba.
According to the source, Okpunor was invited to the palace, and when the matter was laid naked, Okpunor according to the source produced over-whelming documents depicting his ownership of the Hospital; with these the source averred that Uduaghan left the Palace and was flabbergasted.
When contacted, the secretary to the Royal father Chief John Iloba did not comment on the matter.
When the Hospital located close to the office of the State Deputy Governor was visited, the private security guards on duty asked the reporter if he was in the hospital to submit his employment application letter.
Further investigation revealed that the hospital is breeding ground for the commencement of operation. As two sand tippers, one with Reg number XC787Asab belonging to ULO were seen parked in the hospital’s compound.
It will be recalled that in 1995 the state government awarded the contract for the construction /completion of the new state government House to ULO consultants Limited at the sum of N3, 100,000,000.00.
The contract was earlier awarded to Contain West Africa PLC, in 30th November 2000, at the cost of N1, 485,000,000,00 with about 25% mobilization moved into site and work started according to the former Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House Complex Asaba) Mr. Onochie Okonkwo.
Until 2003 according him, the site was abandoned by costain West Africa after an upward review of the contract sum, Onochie averred.
It will also be recalled that the construction for the Asaba International Airport is also awarded to ULO consultants Limited at the cost of N6, 477,907,484,81, before the recent inflation of the cost to about N20billion Naira by the state government.
The Asaba Ugheli dualization project, the sector C is also awarded to ULO consultants limited at the cost of N 6.174,904, 499.60 according to the document in possession of our reporters.
As the event on the hospital’s ownership continue to formulate, observers are keenly watching and waiting to know the outcome of the drama/tussle between Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and the renowned contractor, Mr. Uche Okpunor.
Time will indeed tell what the outcome will be.
Criticism trails Delta re-run election
okolo linus
The Delta State re-run election result has continued to be graced with criticisms and dismay.
According to Mr. Phlip Onyenukwe, an Asaba based business man, the Independent National Electoral Commission has just disapointed Deltans with the result he considered to be doctored.
However, findings revealed during the monitoring exercise at Ovwor-Olomu, that residents came out en-mass to allegedly cast their vote in the compound of cheif John Oguma, a PDP cheiftain.
The croud angrily urged journalsts not to video them. When the press-CREW asked cheif Oguma if his compound was a voting unit, he angrily asked if anybody was seen voting, but said the people were in his resident to appreciate his New-Year kind gesture to them.
Further findings at Ugheli south Local Government Area revealed that some voting materials were intecepted from some persons beleived to be PDP loyalists.
When the Police Area Command office was visited, the state Commisioner for Lands, survey and urban development, Barr. Fred Majemite who was in the CP's office with red and black t-shirt together with Dr. Steve Oru former assistant national secretary of the party was in light green brocade.
Oru said there was a problem they came to solve. But when Majemite was asked their mission to the police station, he said it was to know the preparation on ground. Mr. C. Abutu the police commisioner said election materials have been dispatched.
At Otujeremi Town hall where Prof. Amos Otuama voted, voting was peaceful. Also at unit 1 ward 1 Orerokpe Okpe LGA Headquaters, voting was also peaceful. At Modedom unit 4 and 20 ward 9 Eku, voting was as well peaceful.
The Delta State re-run election result has continued to be graced with criticisms and dismay.
According to Mr. Phlip Onyenukwe, an Asaba based business man, the Independent National Electoral Commission has just disapointed Deltans with the result he considered to be doctored.
However, findings revealed during the monitoring exercise at Ovwor-Olomu, that residents came out en-mass to allegedly cast their vote in the compound of cheif John Oguma, a PDP cheiftain.
The croud angrily urged journalsts not to video them. When the press-CREW asked cheif Oguma if his compound was a voting unit, he angrily asked if anybody was seen voting, but said the people were in his resident to appreciate his New-Year kind gesture to them.
Further findings at Ugheli south Local Government Area revealed that some voting materials were intecepted from some persons beleived to be PDP loyalists.
When the Police Area Command office was visited, the state Commisioner for Lands, survey and urban development, Barr. Fred Majemite who was in the CP's office with red and black t-shirt together with Dr. Steve Oru former assistant national secretary of the party was in light green brocade.
Oru said there was a problem they came to solve. But when Majemite was asked their mission to the police station, he said it was to know the preparation on ground. Mr. C. Abutu the police commisioner said election materials have been dispatched.
At Otujeremi Town hall where Prof. Amos Otuama voted, voting was peaceful. Also at unit 1 ward 1 Orerokpe Okpe LGA Headquaters, voting was also peaceful. At Modedom unit 4 and 20 ward 9 Eku, voting was as well peaceful.
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