Sapele Leaders Tell Gov. Okowa To Purge PDP of Outright Manipulations, Illegalities, Institutes 50 Lawyers To Defend Sapele Interest

Sapele Leaders Tell Gov. Okowa To Purge PDP of Outright Manipulations, Illegalities, Institutes 50 Lawyers To Defend Sapele Interest


.....Warn Esiso, Umukoro, others

 ....Passes vote of confidence on Anirah

....Urge support for Godwin Atose

Francis Tayor

Sapele____ Prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Sapele on Thursday urged Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to purge the party of selfish manipulations and outright illegalities.

They also issued a stark warning to the Delta State PDP chairman, Mr. Kingsley Afejuku Esiso, saying enough is enough.

The leaders at a meeting in Sapele emphasized the reckless desperation of the incumbent chairman, the rule of fairness and the tenets of logic.

They urged Governor Okowa to appreciate and defend the sanctity of justice and the fairness doctrine.

‘’The party zoned the Organizing Secretary, Assistant Secretary and National Woman Leader, South-South positions to Ethiope East Local Government. It also zoned the position of PDP state chairman to Sapele Local Government. Mr. Kingsley Afejuku Esiso is not an Okpe man. He is not from Sapele’’

The leaders accused Afejuku-Esiso, Sapele PDP chairman, Mr. Perkins Umukoro and some political aides of Governor Okowa of provoking the fire of dissent and deepening the crisis in the party.

‘’We are insulted, mocked by a stranger. Mr. Kingsley Afejuku Esiso, in drunken rapacity is telling us to go to hell, that the good people of Sapele are tribal and that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa would impose him on us’’

A statement issued at the end of the meeting and signed by the chairman of PDP Ambassadors, Mr. Tony Akpeki, urged Esiso and Umukoro to stop insulting the sensibilities of Deltans by plotting to suspend those who refused to embrace the atavistic darkness represented by the man from Bateren in Warri North Local Government.

‘’The plot by Esiso and all those who hold survival as the ultimate value to suspend some people from the party should be seen as one of the diversionary tactics by the enemies of Sapele to shift the attention of PDP leaders in Delta Central from issues relating to micro-zoning and opportunity of a truly Sapele man becoming the party’s chairman.

The leaders cautioned Esiso against anything that could scuttle the union among Sapele and Ethiope East.

‘’Why is Kingsley Afejuku Esiso working against PDP consensus politics? Why is Kingsley Afejuku Esiso working against the good people of Sapele? Why is Kingsley Afejuku Esiso working against the Okpe Nation? Kingsley Afejuku Esiso and indeed his supporters in Agbor and Asaba are blind to the fact.

The leaders who passed a vote of confidence on Anirah called on PDP members in the state to support the nomination of the former chairman of Sapele Local Government, Mr. Godwin Atose.

They also promised to assemble a legal team comprising 30 Senior Advocates of Nigeria and other retinue of lawyers to contest the second term plan of the Itsekiri and Ethiope East politician.

‘’We appeal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to rectify the wrongs on the ground’’, the statement adds.

IPDI Knocks Those Exonerating Mutu Over Akugbene Shore Protection Project, Says Heads'll Roll When It Ends Investigation

IPDI Knocks Those Exonerating Mutu Over Akugbene Shore Protection Project, Says Heads'll Roll When It Ends Investigation

Press Release
9th May, 2020


Our attention has been drawn to the refutal made by some faceless persons in defence of Mutu involvement in Akugbene shore protection piling project. It is not our style to join issues with every dick, Tom  and Harry but the need to straighten the record becomes needful as lies told without a corresponding response could be seen as truth.

The said publication is misleading, unguided and where meant to mislead the public about the true story of the Akugbene abandoned shore protection Piling contract.
The position canvassed by the authors of the said publication was meant to entertain gullible Ijaw people and it should be disregarded.

We are making a thorough investigation about the Akugbene shore protection contract. The excuses given by the authors for the abandonment of the project were flimsy and false. Heads will roll when we finish our findings. A lot of money has been paid to the contractor. The few piling sheets and precast at the project site are not commensurable to monies paid. The contractor should  accept blame for the problem of the hight of the piling sheet and topographical problem being used as an excuse by the authors of the said publication.

It may interest you to know that it is the duty of a responsible contractor, consultant and engineer to understand the topography of the project site, before commencing work and that NDDC can't be blamed for it.  The problem cited can't exonerate the contractor of project scandal. It only shows that the contractor is a kindergarten contractor. He is not qualify for such jobs but the project was given to him on political grounds.

The authors of the counter report lied. We have written HRM, Pere St. Luke, The Pere, Kalanama ll, of Akugbene Mein-Kingdom to prevail on his subject who has callously abandoned such an important project to mobilize back to site. And the faillure of the contractor to do the needful will provoke us to break silent on the Akugbene abandoned shore protection project. The contractor does not have technical knowledge on such gigantic and multiple billion naira project.

Therefore, we call on relevant authorities to prevail on the said contractor and ensure he mobilizes back to site before we make issue out of it.

Signed
Mayor Timi Ogobiri
Acting Spokesman of Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.

Group Berates NBS Rating Of Delta As The Second Least Poor State In Nigeria As An Insult To Deltans, Descends On Gov. Okowa's Errand Boy Latimore As Cut-And-Nail WhatsApp Group Media Aide

Group Berates NBS Rating Of Delta As The Second Least Poor State In Nigeria As An Insult To Deltans, Descends On Gov. Okowa's Errand Boy Latimore As Cut-And-Nail WhatsApp Group Media Aide

...Says Sycophancy is Bane of Good Governance in Delta State; Hails Sheriff Mulade for Critique

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Media Director of Niger Delta Progressive Youth Forum NDPYF, a frontline Niger Delta rights protection group,  Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala has lampooned the overzealous Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe for being insensitive to the economic plights of Deltans.

In a statement issued in Warri in reaction to the recent rating of Delta as the second richest State in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Comrade Kagbala commended Chief Sheriff Mulade, a Peace Ambassador, as well as the Ebe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, and the Gbafade of Niger Delta for damming sycophants  and speaking out on the true situation in Delta State.

He described the NBS' rating of Delta State as a disconnect from realities in the State where most people suffer and live below the poverty line, as shown during the 28 days of lockdown, when the State Government could not adequately provide for all Deltans to reflect its rating as the second richest State in Nigeria.

He said the NBS as a Government Agency was only doing the bidding of some sycophants, such as Fred Latimore, to give a rating based on the extravagant lifestyles of the political class in the State. Describing Fred Latimore as a subjective self publishing writer.

 Kagbala said Latimore is the greatest parasite who trades with flattery to feed from the State Government, and that Latimore is good at his job of helping easy virtue politicians to institutionalize poverty in the State.

The NDPYF Leader, however, commended Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for being a listening Governor, and for doing his best to move the State forward, but appealed to him to focus on sustainable job creation for the teaming unemployed Deltans.

He stressed the need to send those feeding fat on the State Government to the field, and sack those whose appointments have no positive impacts on the State and on Deltans.

He described Fred Latimore as a cash and carry sycophant and a political jobber scheming to usurp the functions of the Press Secretary to the Delta State Governor.

Comrade Kagbala said latimore lacks the contextual rigour and dexterity to speak for Deltans because he is oblivious of the truth as his business ends in Asaba, therefore, there is no need wasting time to join issues with a man who is yet to understand the purpose of his core mandate but parades himself as a cut-and-nail media professional.

Notwithstanding that fact, he said it was very important for the NDPYF to contribute its quota towards achieving good governance in the State by commending the truth and correcting lies when necessary, in the interest of Deltans and other Nigerians.

Kagbala said Latimore's appointment was highly misplaced and a waste of the State's resources, since there are more qualified and experienced  professionals to handle the Governor's media job, while Letimore should concentrate on developing his legal carrier rather than being a parasite and political jobber.

According the NDPYF, Comrade Sheriff Mulade had never been an errand boy to any politician, and  had never joined issues with never-do-well "charge and bail lawyers" like Fred Latimore. He said Chief Sheriff Mulade faulted the NBS' rating because it does not reflect the realities on ground and the public opinion of Deltans who know the truth about the State's socio-economic situation.

Comrade Kagbala noted that the NBS' rating of Delta as the second least poor State in Nigeria was not only an error but also an insult to the people of Delta State, describing Latimore as the biblical blind guard looking for statistics, forcing the poor and hungry Deltans to accept to be what they are not.

He said it was evident that Latimore is among the poor and hungry Deltans because he reportedly made his statement available to newsmen in Asaba on Friday, yet he is personally sharing the statement on WhatsApp groups, an indication that his salary and office could not afford to hire the services of a media outfit to promote his frivolous write-ups. He wondered if Governor Okowa appointed Fred Latimore to write for WhatsApp groups.

Mr. Kagbala reminded Dr. Latimore of Comrade Sheriff Mulade's huge financial contributions to the emergence of Dr. Okowa as Governor in the 2019 general elections, yet remained supportive of the State Government even when he was not given any political appointment by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Mulade Faults NBS Ranking Of Delta As The Second Richest State In Nigeria, Urges Gov. Okowa To Create More Jobs To Reflect Prosperity For All Deltans

Mulade Faults NBS Ranking Of Delta As The Second Richest State In Nigeria, Urges Gov. Okowa To Create More Jobs To Reflect Prosperity For All Deltans

Francis Tayor

Warri____ The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade says the Report of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranking Delta as Nigeria's second richest State, does not reflect the economic realities in Delta State.

The human rights activist said most Deltans still live below the poverty line, therefore, NBS' Report ranking Delta as the second richest State in the country, is fake and misleading.

The National Bureau of Statistics on Monday, May 4, 2020, released the long-awaited Nigeria Poverty and Inequality Survey Report 2019 and ranked Delta State as the second least poor State in Nigeria. By this latest Poverty Index Report, the Bureau has ranked Delta State second after Lagos among the States with low poverty rate, stating that 40.1 percent of Nigeria’s population is poor.

According to the Report, an average of four out of 10 Nigerians have real per capita expenditures below N137, 430 per year, meaning that the monthly per capital income in this category is less than N11,500, while income per day is N383.03. The Report says Lagos State has 4.50 per cent poverty head count rate, closely trailed by Delta State with 6.02 per cent.

Analysing the NBS' Report, Chief Mulade, the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom said majority of Deltans still live below the poverty line which is less than N450.00 per day, especially in the riverine communities of the State. He said Delta State cannot claim to be the second richest State in Nigeria when most Deltans are jobless and have turned themselves into corperate beggars, hanging around ATMs, market places, shopping malls, streets and communities, looking for daily food.

While commending Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his Prosperity for All Deltans Initiative that has helped to lower the poverty bar in the State, Comrade Mulade charged the Governor to create more jobs and design capacity building and sustainable economic empowerment  programmes for women and young entrepreneurs in the State.

OIL PRICE FALL: This Is The Time For Investors To Identify Enterprises That Are Economically Viable - Francis Abai

OIL PRICE FALL: This Is The Time For Investors To Identify Enterprises That Are Economically Viable - Francis Abai

The brand director of PENGlobal Incorporated, an innovative business and social brand promoter, Sir Francis Abai has posited that the fall in the global price of crude oil is an opportunity for investors in the country to identify indigenous businesses that are economically viable for investment.

He made this known midweek after presenting T-Shirts and Face Caps to members of its PENGlobal WhatsApp Family Group that emerged winners of its April 2020 reward edition.

According to the brand director who specialises in brand education and in creating business and social brand awareness for more brand engagement across the social media networks, hinted that dependence on crude oil has made the country's leaders and investors alike to fail to identify prospective brands in the non oil sector.

"To some persons, it seems the end has come for Nigeria's economy as a result of the dwindling price of crude oil. But as far as I'm concerned, the price of crude oil is no different from the price of a local brand like garri or any other brand for that matter. Demand rise and fall for all commodities. This is certainly not the first time oil price is low.

"For years, the country's leaders have the opportunity to transform Nigeria into the business hub of Africa but they failed to do so because of cheap petrol dollars they relied on from oil export which are extravagantly wasted on a lot of senseless political and economic jamborees.

"But now that oil price is down because of coronavirus pandemic, I believe it is a wake up call and an opportunity for investors to begin to look at enterprises that are independent of the oil sector and are showing signs of growth as well as profitability, now and in the future."

Sir Francis also hinted that a negative mentality exhibited by Nigerian investors is their appetite for quick and big profits which the oil industry offers hence the focus on oil. He thus reminded investors to not forget that just as an infant requires time to develop into an adult, so too viable businesses are no exception.

Continuing, he said, "There are a lot of viable businesses that investors could invest in. In my area of specialty, I have come to discover that information is not just money but power and if you're not informed, you're certainly deformed. As a brand developer, manager and promoter, helping clients to circulate information about their brands as well keep them informed on ways to improve their brand is what PENGlobal is about.

"At PENGlobal, we help brands to gain awareness by educating and giving them a voice of their own through a brand story hinged on their philosophies. We have discovered that one reason most businesses fail is as a result of a lack of understanding what branding entails. A lot of persons venture into business with wrong philosophies that unknowingly to them, hinders their brand success."

The brand director called on the various levels of government as well as other well meaning bodies and individuals to invest in indigenous businesses across the non oil sector as well as do away with ideologies that impede local enterprises from succeeding.

"While Nigerians should be alarmed at what is going on in the oil sector, it is also important that they beam their focus on where they can commit funds locally. They shouldn't believe Nigeria can't do without oil. Like I said, there are a lot of businesses they can support, PENGlobal for one; and the earlier investors begin to look inwards, the better for the nation's economy.

"Our leaders in government are themselves not helping matters. They run abroad to beg foreigners to come invest in the country when there are local enterprises that can do magic but are not supported. It only shows that our leaders in government don't believe in the manpower capabilities of their citizens. And this is very wrong! Nigeria as a Giant of Africa is underutilising its youthful and skilled population.

"I therefore call on the various levels of government and investors to look inwards and diversify their investment portfolio. They should begin to support small and medium sized businesses that are hungry for success."

The winners of its PENGlobal April 2020 reward edition, Engr. Odu Richmond who is the Chief Executive Officer of Durichtech Nigeria Limited and Chief (Elder) Reuben Tonjoh who is the Public Relations Officer of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, while receiving their gifts from the brand director both attested to the uniqueness of PENGlobal as a brand propagator as they promised as well as called on others to support the brand.

SAPELE CULT SAGA: OKOWA, POLICE, SAPELE LGA CHAIR INOAGHAN HAVE FAILED SAPELE RESIDENTS__IPDI

SAPELE CULT SAGA: OKOWA, POLICE, SAPELE LGA CHAIR INOAGHAN HAVE FAILED SAPELE RESIDENTS__IPDI

It has become a great concern that Sapele has been abandoned by the governor of Delta State, His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Sapele LGA chairman Mr. Eugene Inoaghan and the Nigerian police over the increased waves of cultism in the ancient Sapele city.

It is worthy of note that His Excellency senator Okowa has failed Sapele residents. It is a pity that part of his empire is ruled by cult bandits. Sapele has fallen into the hands of cult bandits and despite the huge security vote accruing to the state governor private coffers, he could not address security challenge in Sapele. Except Okowa is telling us that Sapele and Amukpe are not part of Delta State where he governs. Okowa should wake up from his slumber and save Sapele residents from daily cult invasions.

The Sapele LGA chairman Mr. Eugene Inoaghan has failed as well. His failure to take appropriate measures to dislodge cult groups in Sapele were the reason why cult groups have taken over Sapele LGA.
He should shamefully resign. He lacks experience to preside over Sapele residents as LGA chairman. He is displaying ignorance and incompetency about governance. He doesn't care about the security challenge of Sapele residents. Despite Sapele residents are being attacked daily by marauding cult bandits, he his not worried about it.

It is disgusting that Nigerian police who ought have protect lives and properties is now more interested on bribe collection. The police is aiding and abetting crime in Sapele.
Nigerian police force has failed Sapele residents as well.
It is a shame that collection of bribe has turned a normal norm among police force in Delta State. The force has turned very indisciplined. And should be scrapped. If the police can fight cultism, the way it fought Yahoo boys, cultism will be eliminated from Delta soceity.  The faillure of the police could be attributed to the increased cult clashes in Sapele and Amukpe in the recent times.

We urge Comrade Daniel Ezekiel, senior special assistant to the Governor on Security matters to rise to the occasion as well and replicate his good works he did in Ovwian community when cult bandits took seige in the community. He should help to charge relevant security authorities in the area to rise up to their responsibility to ensure lives and property are protected.

Sapele is turning a banana republic. The residents' lives are in danger. The madness of cult banditry in Sapele is a threat to the peaceful co-existence of Sapele LGA as residents have been  attacked frequently and  randomly. Girls are being raped and people , including market women are dispossessed of their valuables. It is sad that non of the cult members have been arrested and prosecuted.
The police are now friends to cult bandits and they dine and wine together.

We however call on well-meaning Deltans and civil society groups in the state to prevail on His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner of Police, Chief Boro Opudu, chairman Delta water/land security committee and Sapele Council  chairman to wake up to their responsibilities of restoring peace ,law and order in Sapele once again.

Signed
Comrade Emma's Keneware
Acting Secretary, Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.

COVID 19: Delta Technical Education Projects Continues As Commissioner Gbubemi Ikolo Lauds Contractors

COVID 19: Delta Technical Education Projects Continues As Commissioner Gbubemi Ikolo Lauds Contractors

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ Despite the World pandemic caused by The dreaded Coronavirus-COVID 19, in  Delta State work continues across the designated technical colleges of Education under construction by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration of the state.

The Delta state Commissioner of Technical Education, Hon. Mrs. Gbubemi Ikolo, while carrying out inspection Tuesday May 5,  on one of the ongoing Technical College projects  at Asaba the state capital commended the contractors handling the project and expressed her satisfaction over the work done so far and charged them to do more in making sure they deliver in no distant time.

Hon. Ikolo hailed Delta state Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for having good heart for Deltans especially in the area of empowering the future of the state with self employed skills hence approving additional 19 technological education colleges across the  LGAs in the state which nine is currently ongoing to be completed soon  irrespective of the economic challenges in the country making each LGA in Delta to have a technical college which was not so before his administration.

She reiterated that inspection of all ongoing Technical College projects among others will continue in order to ensure quality job execution and timely delivery as awarded.

Just-In: Delta PDP lnaugurates Wards, Local Government Party Executives, Urged Them To Be Committed To The Party

Just-In: Delta PDP lnaugurates Wards, Local Government Party Executives, Urged Them To Be Committed To The Party

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has successfully sworn-in the newly elected Wards, Local Government executives of the party in the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.

A press release by Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, disclosed that the inauguration ceremony was brief and was conducted in strict compliance with the State government’s directives and mandated health guidelines, put in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.

Dr Osuoza said: “Delta State PDP is pleased to announce that the swearing-in ceremony of our 25 newly elected Local Government Areas party Chairmen, their executives as well as all the Ward executives, was successfully conducted on Tuesday, 5th May 2020, at the State Party Secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

“The brief but precise ceremony, which was low key, was done in full compliance with the laid down directives of not more than fifty [50] persons in attendance. All those involved also wore the compulsory face masks, kept the stipulated social distancing limits, and washed their hands with soap and running water, before and after the ceremony. Hand sanitizers were also provided to ensure that all the instructions were followed to the letter.

The Local Government Areas, whose Chairmen took the oath of office on behalf of their wards and LG executives, following their election victories during the Wards and Local Government Congresses of March 2020, are as follows:

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Dr Charles Ochei –       Aniocha North


Prince Mike Okwufulueze – Aniocha South


Opuofeni Prince – Bomadi


Ebike Victor Oromoni – Burutu


Felix Erhimedafe – Ethiope East


Solomon Obareki – Ethiope West


Agbomah Chukwudi – Ika North East


Jude Onya – Ika South


Ogorugba Godwin – Isoko North


Hon. Chief Godspower Obaro – Isoko South


Vincent Osilonya – Ndokwa East


Okwuji Lucky – Ndokwa West


Uko Ransome Efe. – Okpe


Chief Felix Nduka Ogwuda – Oshimili North


Ogbueshi Dada S.A Okonji – Oshimili South


Chief Asiuwhu Godspower – Patani


Hon. Chief Perkins Umukoro – Sapele


Siloko Ogheneochuko David -Udu


Agbatutu Lawrence Udyavbordia – Ughelli North


Djegbe Michael Oshetigho – Ughelli South


Chief Patrick Kaine Online – Ukwuani


Okoledo Efe – Uvwie


Hon. Isaac Wilkie, PhD – Warri North


Mr Johnson Agbeyegbe – Warri South


Chief Favour O. Izoukumor – Warri South-West


“Our Party leader in the State, His Excellency, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as well as zonal officials of the party, not only ensured that the ceremony was conducted in full compliance with all the COVID-19 containment directives but also congratulated the newly inaugurated Chairmen and enjoined them to sustain and further consolidate the gains of the Party which their predecessors had maintained during their tenure.

Delta State PDP led by Olorogun, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, on behalf of His Excellency and our leader, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa expressed the party’s gratitude to all outgoing Local Government Chairmen and Executives for their loyal and committed service to the Party and to Deltans in the course of their stewardship and to also congratulate the newly elected PDP LGA Chairmen and their Executives across the State.

“We hereby charge them to realize that their tenure would most certainly dovetail into the next general elections and while wishing them a successful tenure ahead, urged them to embrace the fact that the hard work of securing the PDP’s position as the number one political Party in the State and most preferred Party of choice for Deltans, begins immediately.

“We also appeal to Deltans to continue to display the commendable compliance they have exhibited since the outbreak of this Covid-19 pandemic which is ravaging the global community, by adhering to the State government’s directives and complying with the mandated public health guidelines.

“They are for our collective good and we must all pledge that we will all be committed to saving lives and working towards curtailing the spread of Coronavirus in our State.

“Please Deltans, stay at home and safe. We are aware that these are challenging times for everyone and the administration of Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa is fully determined to do everything possible to cushion the effects of the hardships that will be encountered by our people at this time.

“Together, we will win the war against Covid-19 in Delta State by the Grace of God. Amen.”

Akugbene Shoreline Protection Contract, Group Blasts Bomadi Political Jobbers, Blackmailers To Leave Hon. Mutu Alone .....Unfold Details Of The Project To The Public

Akugbene Shoreline Protection Contract, Group Blasts Bomadi Political Jobbers, Blackmailers To Leave Hon. Mutu Alone

.....Unfold Details Of The Project To The Public

Francis Tayor

A group under the auspices of Niger Delta Observers Movement (NDOM) has lambasted some perceived political jobbers, blackmailers in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State to stop dragging Rt. Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutu to the misfortune of Akugbene Community Piling/Shore protection contract, stressing that they should pull their strength to confront NDDC in order to ensure speedy completion of the project rather than indulging in falsehood and pull him down syndrome.

The group expressed dissatisfaction over series of malicious publications both on print and social media by some unscrupulous elements without getting facts from the contractor and NDDC concerning the said project rather than peddling in hypocrisy. They charged the public to disregard the poorly conceived written stories, noting that it lack facts and substance that is born-out of politics in order to malign the reputation of Rt. Hon. Mutu whose towering political profile is too intimidating for them to match in a free, fair and square political contest over the years.

According to the National President of the group, Mr. Opuofeni Michael said' " The recent landslide in Akugbene Community has generated a lot of malicious publications both in print and social media platforms. It's quite appalling that instead of addressing the root causes of the coastal erosion/landslide menace ravaging the community and proffering workable solutions, the authors and their sponsors have chosen to capitalize on the misfortune of the people to achieve political and parochial gains. They have chosen to use the opportunity to wage proxy wars, resort to mudslinging, and maligning leaders like Rt. Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo (OFR) who have worked tirelessly to address the numerous developmental challenges confronting the community and the Niger-Delta region. To achieve their narrow objectives, they have attempted to distort verifiable facts, traded in falsehood and fabricated lies to hoodwink non-discerning readers into believing these phantom stories. Ordinarily, as a group, we would have ignored these ill-conceived publications, the antecedents of these ill-advised agents of destabilization and blackmailers necessitated this response to straighten the records and correct the tissue of lies the reading public is fed with.

Landslide is not peculiar to Akugbene but an age long natural disaster ravaging almost all the communities along the shoreline of River Forcados including Kpakiama, Bomadi, Esanama, Ogbeinama, and a host of other communities. What Akugbene need at this trying times from its citizens including the youths and other well-meaning persons in the Niger Delta, is to leverage on their networks, connections and goodwill to impress on the relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of addressing such environmental challenges at the federal and state levels to come to the rescue of the people. Since there is an ongoing project funded by the NDDC aimed at addressing the problem, the leadership of the community should engage the Commission to accelerate its completion for the benefit of the communities. Instead of constructively engaging the relevant agency, some youths have allowed themselves to be used by desperate political jobbers and blackmailers to settle political scores.

While, Rt. Hon. Mutu initiated the Akugbene Shore Protection project as a representative, the award of the Contract like others awarded at the same time, were awarded by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) because of its magnitude. We had expected the people of Akugbene (especially the youths) to celebrate Hon. Mutu for attracting this laudable project amongst others to the community rather than vilifying him. We often times take for granted the efforts and resources it takes to attract such gigantic project to a community. We will urge the people of Akugbene to rally round Hon .Mutu, give him the necessary moral support, encouragement and work closely with him to get the NDDC and the contractor to address whatever bottleneck(s) that is inhibiting the speedy execution of the project. It needs to be said that, no matter how influential or powerful a Representative/lawmaker is, there is a limit to which he/she can go because implementation and execution of projects is outside his/her purview and solely that of the executive, nay implementing agency. The best the lawmaker can do in most cases, is to lobby and advocate on behalf of his constituents leveraging on his representative and oversight functions. This our view and based on available records, Rt. Hon. Nicholas Mutu has continued to be effective by ensuring that the project is adequately funded in the NDDC budget up till 2020, while engaging relevant stakeholders to address challenges that are delaying the execution of the project such as technical and structural defects identified in the project.

It is also important to state here for the purpose of clarity that the Akugbene Shore Protection project was never re-awarded as erroneously claimed. What NDDC did was to withdraw the project from the original contractor (who from all indication lacked the capacity and will to execute the project) after series of negotiations as a measure to salvage the project from being abandoned. If not for the efforts of well-meaning sons of Akugbene town, the said project would have been history like others awarded at the same time to other communities in Bomadi Local Government Area.

This is evident in the fact that the current contractor (the project was re-assigned to), had mobilized to site, procured and conveyed a good number of the precast concrete piling sheets to site, and had commenced the drilling of the precast (see pictures below) before it discovered some defects in the technical and structural design that led to the suspension of the project. Some of the defects includes the height of the precast concrete piling sheets, lack of anchoring points on the precast concrete piling, interconnection between the sheets, amongst others. Continuing with the projects in its current form despite the defects will have provided a short-lived solution to the landslide menace and would not stand the test of time just as we have seen from similar/previous shore protection projects that were funded by the state government. The contractor went ahead to inform NDDC of its observations and made far reaching recommendations for remedy. Unfortunately, despite consistent follow-up by the contractor, NDDC is yet to officially respond to the issues raised or give clear directive on how to proceed. I want to believe that the frequent administrative changes at the top hierarchy of the NDDC contributed significantly to the delays as discussions had to commence de-novo with the new Board, each time there is a change. These facts are there for interested and discerning persons from the community and others to verify. On this note, the misplaced anger and frustration of these so called youths and their sponsors who genuinely want solution to the problem, should be  directed at the NDDC to do the needful for the Contractor to proceed with the execution of the project and stop pointing accusing fingers at Hon Mutu who is neither the Contractor nor NDDC. His intention/commitment overtime has been to better the lots of his constituents which is an undeniable fact.

Most worrisome of all the unfounded allegations in the public domain is the claim that payment has been fully made on the piling project. It is quite disheartening that such assertion can be made by right thinking persons who ought to know the operational mode of NDDC. Since they claim to have access to the leadership of the NDDC, they ought to know that payments are made based on milestones achieved by contractors. May we  also remind them that NDDC stopped paying mobilization fee to contractors since 2013 or thereabout. Contractors who were paid mobilization before its suspension were made to produce bank guarantees (APGs) issued by reputable banks. In other words, these monies were guaranteed by commercial banks so the banks would be held responsible if any contractor abscond with such monies.

Some of the writers went as far as indicting the management of NDDC by alleging that over 65 projects were awarded to Akugbene community and have been fully paid without execution. This is rather unfortunate. For the benefit of the reading public, we deem it fit  re-emphasize that NDDC no longer pay mobilization fee. Contractors are expected to mobilise resources to execute projects awarded to them and apply to NDDC for payment based on achieved milestones. It should be made known to all and sundry that jobs awarded for execution in Akugbene  or any other community by NDDC that has not been executed or completed may be as a result of the inability of the contractor to mobilise the required funds or delayed payment for milestones achieved (IPCs) by the NDDC thereby impacting negatively on the contractors’ capacity or willingness to go back to site.

Findings shows that most of the contractors are owed for years for jobs done leading to accumulated interest on facilities collected from banks by these contractors to execute those jobs. Similarly, Contractors have found it extremely difficult to source funds from commercial backs to execute NDDC jobs due to its (NDDC) notoriety for delayed in payments. It is therefore uncharitable to accuse Hon. Mutu for the fate of such delayed or unimplemented projects in the community or anywhere.


Closely related to this is the claim that the Akugbene Piling Project has been fully paid for. This is pure falsehood and should be treated as such because findings at our disposal indicates that only about 20% has been paid for the project so far and I

we invite those peddling this falsehood to provide evidence to buttress their claims. The contractor has demonstrated good fate and reiterated its willingness and commitment to delivering the job as soon as NDDC rectifies the design defects highlighted earlier or gives further instructions.


Having said this, it is important to state that all the publications both on print and social media concerning the Akugbene Piling Project are born-out of politics and malicious intent to smear and malign the reputation of Rt. Hon. Mutu Nicholas whose towering political profile is too  intimidating for them to match in a free, fair and square political contest. A classic case of calling a dog a bad name to hang it. Finally, I urge the reading public to totally disregard these poorly conceived and inelegantly written stories for they lack facts, substance, depth and are products of the figment of the imagination of the authors and their co-travellers. We have taken the pain to also attach photos to further demonstrate the facts and efforts made by the Contractor so as to put a lie to these malicious publication, the statement adds. "

IYC Woman Leader Aspirant, Tina Tobusi Hails Ijaw Leaders, IYC Stakeholders, Delegates On Their Steadfastness During COVID-19 Lockdown

IYC Woman Leader Aspirant, Tina Tobusi Hails Ijaw Leaders, IYC Stakeholders, Delegates On Their Steadfastness During COVID-19 Lockdown

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ A front line Woman Leader aspirant in the forthcoming ljaw Youth Council (IYC) election, Comrade Tobusi Tina has commended ljaw leaders, youths, lYC stakeholders as well as delegates on their comportness and resilience during the nation wide COVID-19 lockdown.

Comrade Tobusi made the commendation in Warri on Monday during a press chat with journalists, expressed satisfaction over compliance of the Federal government stay at home order in the Niger Delta region.

Comrade Tobusi said the overwhelming compliance shows the Ijaws are peaceful and law abiding nation in Nigeria. She further urged Niger Deltans, especially the ljaws to continue to obey the lockdown order, stressing that it is for the good and safety of our  lives.

According to her, said;
" I, comrade Tobusi Tina  sent a blissful greetings to all my credible, impeccable and dynamic leaders of Ijaw youth council worldwide (IYC).

Despite what we are facing in this period of covid-19 pandemic crisis. God is still showing us his unquestionable love .I want to sincerely appreciate every IYC leaders in ijaw nation who have find out time  patiently sit at home and stay safe principle in this trying time of covid-19 pandemic. Indeed, it shows that we are law abiding citizens of this nation .

Also to all delegates of IYC general election that is coming very soon .May God almighty guide and protect you all and grant you all long and prosperity. Together we shall going to conquer this covid-19 pandemic in the name of Jesus Christ .God bless all .

Signed :Comrade Tobusi Tina , the incoming IYC National women leader 2020."

World Press Freedom Day: Mulade Hails Journalists for Doggedness, Resilience in Reportage ...Describes Media As Gateway To Attracting Devt To Abandoned Areas

World Press Freedom Day: Mulade Hails Journalists for Doggedness, Resilience in Reportage

...Describes Media As Gateway To Attracting Devt To Abandoned Areas

Francis Tayor

As the world marks the 2020 World Press Freedom Day, the National Coordinator Centre For Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade has hailed journalists across the globe, especially those in Nigeria for being dogged and resilient in dishing out balanced reports on COVID-19 and other happenings around the world.

Chief Mulade gave the commendation at the weekend while speaking on the 2020 world press freedom day. He charged newsmen to do more in eradicating falsehood called fake news in order not to jeopardize their good work, and urged them to adhere to the ethics of journalism and chase gatecrashers from the noble profession.

The media friendly peace advocate commended journalists for helping to bridge the gap between the high and the low in the society, as well as giving balanced and accurate information to the public on critical issues such as COVID-19 pandemic, corruption and terrorism within and outside Nigeria.

The CEPEJ National Coordinator therefore congratulated all journalists in the country especially those at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic battle, urging them to remain focused and determined in the discharge of their duties by obeying the ethics of their profession in their investigative reportage towards finding a cure to the dreaded coronavirus.

Comrade Mulade, a Niger Delta human rights activist with a bias for protecting the region's environment from pollution and degradation, described the media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm and a gateway to attracting development to the areas abandoned by the govt at  all levels.

Chief Mulade who is the Ibe-Serimowei of the Great Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State, reassured media practitioners of CEPEJ's steady and renewed partnership with them for progress at all times.

COVID-19: SSA Security To Gov. Okowa, Hon. Ezekiel Cautions Deltans Against Purchase Of Face Mask Along Road side Hawkers, Says It Stands A Risk Of Contacting The Virus

COVID-19: SSA Security To Gov. Okowa, Hon. Ezekiel Cautions Deltans Against Purchase Of Face Mask Along Road side Hawkers, Says It Stands A Risk Of Contacting The Virus

Obed Oluku

Warri____The Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Security, Hon. Daniel Ezekiel, has on Sunday the 3rd, May, 2020. Released a Jingle, cautioning Deltans on the purchase of face mask from sellers and hawkers.

The SSA made this call as a result of a personal experience he had while in a public transit, with a hawker, who was trying to sell a face mask to a gentleman.

Hon. Ezekiel narrated the scenario, whereby, a gentleman in the public transit, stopped a hawker who was hawking face mask on the road. And then, made attempt to buy one for himself, as a protective measure against the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

While making attempt to buy the face mask, the gentlemen started trying out various face masks, in order to figure out which one is suitable for him. The man on the long run, eventually tried several of the face masks, and then bought one at the end.

Hon. Ezekiel then, cautioned the gentleman, pointing out the danger he has posed on potential buyers of the face mask from that very hawker.

Stating that, if the gentleman already had the corona virus, and is unaware of it. He would have successfully transmitted the virus to other potential buyers, by testing out several face mask before picking one to buy.

Hon. Ezekiel further enlightened the gentleman that, even if he does no have the corona virus, he would have exposed himself to the virus, by testing several of the face mask. Not knowing if some one with the Virus has also carried out the same act of testing the masks before buying.

The SSA then admonished that, both the gentleman and others, should be extra careful concerning the virus, as it is real. And as such should be conscious of the face mask they buy especially from hawkers along the road.

Hon. Ezekiel on that note, called on Deltans to be cautious of buying face mask from hawkers along the road, as it is dangerous. Therefore advised Deltans to purchase their face masks from the pharmacy.

CEPEJ Applauds Gov. Okowa for Delta State 2020 Citizens Budget …..Urges Him To Focus More On Development of Coastal/Riverine Areas

CEPEJ Applauds Gov. Okowa for Delta State 2020 Citizens Budget

…..Urges Him To Focus More On Development of Coastal/Riverine Areas


Asaba_____The Delta State Government on Wednesday April 29, 2020 presented to the public its Citizens Budget for 2020 tagged Budget for Sustained Development.

Those invited to the Unity Hall, Government House Asaba, where the  budget was presented included civil commissioners, permanent secretaries, heads of MDAs, members of Delta State House of Assembly, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, private individuals, corporate organizations, professional bodies and NGOs, amongst others.

The participatory citizens budget was presented by the State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr. Barry Pere Gbe. The budget has a total summary of N395.5b with a deficit of N50.5b and a total revenue/grant of N344.9b with funds spread across all sectors and senatorial districts of the State.

CEPEJ which was invited among other NGO's and CSOs applauded the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the Economic Team chaired by the Commissioner for Economic Planning,  Dr. Barry Pere Gbe for organizing the State participatory citizens budget, and for involving the citizens in its preparation. CEPEJ however charged the State Government to allocate more funds to the health sector, especially now that COVID-19, a coronavirus is ravaging the world.

CEPEJ, represented by its Programme Manager, Mr Samuel Ideh, also charged the State Government to site development projects more in the coastal and riverine areas of the State, which it said were mostly marginalized in budgetary allocations.