Timi Yanky Foundation Empowers 110 Widows, Elderly Women in Delta

Timi Yanky Foundation Empowers 110 Widows, Elderly Women in Delta

A popular Burutu born PDP youth leader cum Philanthropist, Apostle Timi-ebi Angodideke alias Timi Yanky, has empowered over one hundred and ten widows and the elderly women of Ayakoromo Federated Community in Burutu LGA, Delta State, with Wrappers and other items worths millions of naira in order to put a smile in their faces.

Apostle Timi-ebi who hailed from Ayakoromo storm his home town in the early hours of Saturday 22 January, 2022, with friends alongside his two adorable wives, Mrs. Mien-ebi Angodideke and Mrs. Eyoroware Angodideke, said God revealed to him to provide a little succur to those that needs care in the society, especially the victims of 2010 Ayakoromo bombardment by Nigeria Army during a gun battle with else while Niger Delta agitator, leader John Togo of blessed memory.

He said as result of the crisis, many innocent men died untimely leaving behind their wives, children as widows and orphans. Since after the incident, Federal Government of Nigeria has abandoned the innocent victims of circumstance without compensation, thereby making life difficult and unbearable for them.

According to Timi Yanky, said: " l entered into a covenant with my God the creator of heaven and earth, and that whenever he blesses me, l must from the proceedings render assistance and support to the needy. I have been doing this annually in the past three years with what God has done for me and my family. I have passion for putting smile in the faces of the helpless among us. It is a calling and l have vowed to do my best as far' as God blesses me with wealth and good money, he said".

When asked if the kind gesture doesn't connect to his 2023 political ambition, Timi Yanky categorically noted that his philantropic gesture has nothing to do with politics. 

" Like l earlier said, this is a calling and fulfilment of destiny. l will keep doing it provided Godbless and keep me alive. Though am a politician but my foundation programmes are not attached to politics. I am giving back to God with what He has blessed me," Timi stated.

In another development, the youths of Ayakoromo Community where not left out as Timi Yanky Foundation also presented tango football to support their sporting activities.

In return, the widows in their numbers with cheerful faces dedicated  five minutes to pray for Timi Yanky, his beautiful two wives and immediate family for more of God's favour and blessings to enable him continue his good works to humanity.

However, some personalities present at the ceremony include; Engr. Michael Tonlagha from Gbaramatu Kingdom, Mr. John Ambrose, ATECO Chairman Ayakoromo, Amb. Princewill Binebai, CEO The Liberator Newspaper Worldwide, Comrade. Oyinbi Onduku, CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror News Online, Comr. Miens Demebide aka MC. Akpolokpolo the Creek MC, Engr. James Ebis Biayeibo, Chief. Dauyebo Kitua, Sir. Matthew Apiakise, Mr. Kemasuode Kaduna alias Sokeme, Mr. Manager Arerebo among others too numerous to mention.

Featured Article: The Role of Music in The Olorogun Masquerade Festival Drama of Ayakoromo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

Featured Article: The Role of Music in The Olorogun Masquerade Festival Drama of Ayakoromo Town in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria

By Ebikabowei Kedikumo

Music plays a very important role in the Ayakoromo Olorogun masquerade festival performances. Music is, and always, will be part of all aspects of African life, whether it is performed by an individual or by groups in formal and informal gatherings or settings. Music is an integral part of African culture and it is unique in itself. It includes sounds produced by playing indigenous African instruments like wooden drums, flutes, gongs and bells, accompanied with singing. It does also include songs produced by Africans with their mouth popularly known as "African voice". 

Karolyi (1998) and Kubic (2010) broaden African music to include sounds not only from the abundant types of drums or xylophones as is widely believed and identified with, but to include all four groups of instruments namely chordophones, membranophones, aerophones and idiophones, with diverse construction methods, materials and shapes and repertoires.

 In the Ayakoromo masquerade performances, music making is a participatory group activity that serves to unite Ayakoromites into cohesive groups for a common purpose. Besides, the means of ensuring harmony with the movements of the masquerades are the drums. The drums confer harmony on the masquerade dance performances and their rhythm determines the movements of the masquerades. Instruments derived from natural sources comprise the majority of those used during masquerading ceremonies in African tribal societies. Drums crafted from wood, animal skins, and assortment of sticks, bells, rattles, and whistles create the music at the heart of masquerading in Ayakoromo community.

The following musical instruments are used during the Olorogun masquerade dance performances and they fall broadly into the following categories; membranophones and idiophones. The membranophones are instruments from which sound is produced through the vibration of membrane. Leather drums which constitute this category are potent instruments in the Olorogun masquerade performances. The drums are carved out of solid logs of wood and covered with hides and skins of animals. They are in different sizes, shapes and produce different sounds. The significance of the drums could be captured from the leading role they play in any performance. it is firmly established that masquerades in Ayakoromo do not talk. Dialogue is at zero level. A masquerade that talks is punished by the cult because anonymity of masquerades is held in great esteem. Speech is at minimal employment during masquerade performance and so the vital force is the spectacle amid drumming and singing, dancing, costuming and masking. The place of speech has been subsumed by drum beats, body gestures and songs. The rhythm of the drums determine the accompanying physical gyration and displays of the masquerades. In essence, the drums set the mood, bring everyone together as a community and create rhythmic music for the masquerade dance performances. As the masquerades dance, their movements are generally in rhythm to the music produced by the drums and other musical instruments at the orchestra where these drums are placed for use is called the "Awe ware" (orchestra house) in Ayakoromo community. The lead drummer who controls the music and/or the talking drum is called "Akuwa owei" (Master drummer) while his drums are referred to as "Akuwa ozi bo"(a set of talking drums). A look at some of the musical instruments used in the Olorogun masquerade dance performance is pertinent at this juncture.

First is the Opu Ozi (the big drum), the father drum. It is evidently the biggest drum in the collection. It is carved out of a big log of wood and covered with animal skin at the top. It produces a bass rhythm when hit with two sticks while one leg of the drummer rests on top of the drum. Three sets of drums are played together to produce the language of the drums. In this set of drums is the Amgbarangba (the lead talking drum). It is a hollow, long drum that is also carved out of a solid log of wood and covered with animal skin on one side. It is the star of the collection. It is this drum that gives out messages, appellations (kilebo) and meanings to the dance steps of the masquerades. 

There are also two smaller drum's of similar shape and almost of the same size that are played alongside the Amgbarangba, the talking drum. The Amgbarangba and these two smaller drum's are called the "Akuwa Ozibo" and they are arranged in front of a little fire to keep them warm and dry always. The master drummer sits on all three drums with his legs spread and with a stick in one hand, produces meaningful rhythm to which the masquerades respond. He can also give appellations, kilebo to the masquerades, the audience and to fellow cult members especially during the "Egbebilesei' dance performance. The "Egbebilesei" is a dance performed by cult members in two by two formula during the short break or interlude in the masquerade dance performances at the Ozubou playground.

We also have another smaller drum which is played by another drummer with two sticks and produces a monotonous twitter rhythm. And there is also the idiophone called ,"Awe" (wood rattle) it is a long and strong wood usually placed on a slightly raised platform between rows of about fifteen men per row in the orchestra. The participating players or performers face each other in the Awe. The Awe also produces a monotonous rhythm and a synchronizing sound when struck with similarly strong sticks simultaneously by 15 to 20 men. During performances, the drums and the Awe are played simultaneously except when members of the cult perform the Egbebilesei dance. In the egbebilesei dance, only the talking drum and the two other drums on which the master drummer sits are used to produce the rhythm for the egbebilesei dancers.

The Ayakoromo people rely greatly on instrumentation through which they achieve a fascinating performance and direct captivation of the audience. However, the playing of these instruments is not an easy job. It takes years of practice and experience to attain the expertise demanded. A detailed knowledge of the masquerade tradition is required of the master drummer for this is going to be the basis of his drum salutes to the masquerades and other unmasked performers.

The orchestra provides the music that the masquerades respond to. It is drum language that the master drummer speaks to the masquerades. He tells them with drum signal to come out and entertain the audience or go back into the masquerade house called Owu ware. He tells the masquerades to be aggressive or otherwise. For instance, if the Olorogun masquerade is approaching too close to the orchestra and he hears the drum signal "Zein Zein tugbein" (please retreat), the masquerade quickly goes back and when Olorogun moves back, the drum can tell him to be aggressive by beating the tune "Pa pa kitua" (machete anything on your path). Also, if someone is sneaking behind the masquerade or wants to get hold of it, the master drummer can play the drum signal "Zein Zein siko ke di" (please look at your waste gear). If Olorogun wants to cut a spectator with his machete, the master drummer can plead on behalf of the victim with the drum signal "Zein Zein ki ku mo, ki ku mo" (please don't cut). The drum signal "Ogidi Pou" tells the masquerade to sharpen his machete while the tune "kolo ki ee goi" signals the close of the masquerade dance performance.

The drums also give the Olorogun masquerade appellations (kilebo) such as "Alabenikolokolokolo (salt water is bitter), "Andensei" (angry face, wicked), "Egburuku (stubborn masquerade), "Mienye agbe" ( whatever he does is a beauty). These appellations are meant to propel or ignite Olorogun masquerade into action with leaping dance acrobatic displays and also urge him to continue with the performance.

However, in these modern times now, microphones are used to project the sounds or boost the quality of these local musical instruments. Nevertheless, the drums and other instruments are an integral part of the Olorogun masquerade dance performances. If the music is not right, the masquerade dancers are often disoriented, distracted and disorganized. As a matter of fact, without these instruments, there will be no masquerade dance performance and there will be no Olorogun masquerade festival in Ayakoromo community.

EBIKABOWEI KEDIKUMO

Amazing As Husband, Wife Decorated As Commissioners Of Police in Abuja

Amazing As Husband, Wife Decorated As Commissioners Of Police in Abuja

 

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, on Friday decorated Patrick Kehinde Longe and his wife, Yetunde Longe, as Commissioners of Police.

The couple were among those recently promoted by the Police Service Commission.

The ceremony was held at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Reading their citations, the Force PRO, CP Frank Mba, said the husband and wife were course mates and joined the Nigeria Police Force on the same day.

The IG also doctorated 23 other senior police officers including two Deputy Inspector Generals of Police.

 

Kehinde Patrick Longe and his wife, Yetunde  got into the NPF on the same day, March 3, 1990.

They started their relationship in the police academy in Kano.

2023: Burutu Pro-PDP Group Advocate for Competence, Free and Fair Primaries

2023: Burutu Pro-PDP Group Advocate for Competence, Free and Fair Primaries 

..... Commends Gov. Okowa for his fatherly role played in the party and the state

As the 2023 political breeze blows across the country, a Pro-PDP pressure group in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, under the aegis of Burutu Credibility Front (BCF), has urged the good people of Burutu to be wise and vote for a Competent, dependable and people orientated persons to represent them in the forthcoming Burutu State Assembly and Federal Constituency elections.

The group also called on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP leadership at both National and State level to establish a level playing ground for all qualified members of the party vying for various positions in order to ensure victory at the polls.

This was disclosed on Friday during a World Press Conference organized by the group at Casa De Pedro Annex Effurun, near Warri in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, where the Media Director of the group, Comr. William Welemu Jnr, stated that Burutu Credibility Front is a credible Pro-PDP grassroot platform of Burutu people, youths and women of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who seek to add their voices to the echoes of true tenets of Democracy hallmarking the yearnings of all peace-loving and morally stable people ahead of the elections in 2023.

He stressed that all members of the umbrella party PDP reserve the right to a level playing ground to express interest and pursue same to occupy any elective position that they are qualified to contest as guaranteed by the constitution of Nigeria and the party.

Speaking further, the group reiterated they count it a blessing that Burutu Federal Constituency is structurally divided into two state assembly Constituencies within the same territory of Burutu Local Government Area and that in itself has provided balance that has kept the conversation of zoning the federal constituency seat very easy and even at bay.

Welemu Jnr stated that the group is aware of the existence of a mischievous call to zone the federal seat that has always been free for all the players within the Constituency to contest. He noted that the group is not for or against any PDP card carrying man or woman who wishes to express his or her democratic right to vote and be voted for, but they will vehemently resist any one who stands on the head of issue-based campaign or solicitation of support from delegates because after the party's primaries, the group will collectively and surely work with the party candidate.

Emphasizing on the present political equation in Burutu, Welemu said that there is currently no political imbalance in Burutu LGA, stressing that the House of Reps occupant is from Burutu North while the Council Chairman is from Burutu South even though we are very unwilling and unyielding to the very weak position that the former and latter are the parameters used to balance Burutu political equation-using executive office with full executive powers and influence to equate suggestive, contributing lawmaking is the greatest misnomer of the 21st century.

The group therefore, charged Burutu people to go for Competence in selecting who to represent them in 2023 and not listen to those agitating for zoning when they are fully aware that the current political status quo is balance in Burutu between the South and North.

They further thank and appreciated the leader of PDP in the state, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa,  for his rare leadership acumen and a-father-to-all role he had been playing in the party and the state.

However, some members of the group include;

1. Mr. Darlington Owan - Coordinator

2. Comrade. Williams Welemu Jnr - Director Media/Publicity

3. Hon. Ken Oyakemeagbegha - Adviser

4. Comr. Clement Bebefegha - Secretary

5. Comr. Austin Ozobo - (SA)

6. Comr. Ellington Bakumor - (SA)

7. Comr. Kinsley Warekuromor

8. Reuben Tubotu etc.

Gov Uzodima Appoints Cubana Chief Priest As Special Adviser On Social Media Influence

Gov Uzodima Appoints Cubana Chief Priest As Special Adviser On Social Media Influence

IMO State Governor, popularly referred to as Court Judgment Governor, Chief Hope Uzodima, has announce the appointment of Cubana Chief Priest, a close business associate of Chief Obi Cubana, as Special Adviser on Social Media Influence.

The appointment which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government and dated 14th January, 2022, reflects the popularity of the young billionaire in the social media milieu, which the state government will deploy to generate negative or positive social media publicity for the Uzodima administration in IMO State.

It will be recalled that Cubana Chief Priest was grilled along with his boss and senior partner in business, Obi Cubana, by operatives of EFCC so as to unravel the mystery surrounding alleged convicted drug peddlers funds credited to the Cubanas bank accounts via Malaysia, India and Nigeria, respectively.

Cubana Chief Priest will be advising APC administration of Gov Uzodima, on matters relating to Social Media Influence and how to deploy social media to polish the unpopular and highly controversial APC government of Uzodima in IMO State.

Okowa Reviews Ayakoromo Bridge Contract from 6.bn to N10.5bn

Okowa Reviews Ayakoromo Bridge Contract from 6.bn to N10.5bn

Delta Government said it had approved an upward review of contract cost of Ayakoromo Bridge project from N6 billion to N10.5 billion.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told journalists in Asaba that the review was part of decisions reached at the first State Executive Council meeting in 2022, which was presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday.

Aniagwu explained that the contract for the construction of the bridge which was awarded in 2013 had to be reviewed as a result of present economic realities in the country. 

He said that the project was priority to the present administration in the state, adding that it was expected to be completed and inaugurated within the next 15 months.

"The Ayakoromo bridge also came up today and the Exco has approved an upward review of that contract which was awarded in 2013 at the initial cost of about N6 billion. 

On the Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Oghara, Aniagwu said that the council gave approval for a programme that would enable the IPP come on stream by bringing in Independent Power Generating Companies under lease to own it. 

"We have some turbines and equipment that they (the power generating companies) need to buy. We will bring them in and they will pay us some money from the beginning to some time and they will own the plant thereafter," he said.

According to him, the state government took the measure because it does not want to engage in outright sale of the power facility where the state may be short-changed. 

 

The commissioner further stated that Exco approved the upgrade of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) to enable it to beam its signals across the state and to the entire South-South region. 

To this end, he said, transmitters and other tools would be provided for the Asaba station and Ubulu-Uku sub-station to enhance the strength of the signal.

"The good one for me is that Exco approved the upgrade of Delta Broadcasting Service. So, in the next six months, we will, as much as possible, provide them with transmitters that would be able to cover the entire state," Aniagwu stated.

On road infrastructure, he said that approval was given for the construction of Idheze internal roads in Isoko axis, rehabilitation of 5.6km Idere-Ase road in Isoko South, construction of Umuchime-Ogbele road, Ogume in Ndokwa West and construction of Ovie Whiskey Palace Road, Jesse, in Ethiope West.

While saying that the Okpe- Ekuku-Agbor road in Ika South was also approved for construction, the Commissioner disclosed that the Exco approved the rehabilitation and expansion of the Ugbolu - Asaba road as well as the Flood Control measures of Sakpoba Water Board, Oghara and the Ajagbodudu Market road. 

"We also approved the rehabilitation of Ugbolu-Asaba road, to enable people easily access the film village coming to fruition soon. The road will also be expanded," he added.

Aniagwu said that Exco also approved the repudiation of the Udu Harbour Market due to non-performance of the contractor, and that the contract would be re-awarded to a more competent company.

He disclosed that the council approved the appointment of Michael Imoh as the Ovie of Aviara in Isoko South, adding that Solomon Usoro Onyesom was endorsed as the Okpala-Uku of Ashaka Kingdom in Ndokwa East. 

The Commissioner also announced that the government gave approval for the amendment of the declaration to the throne of Uvwie Kingdom regarding succession to the throne, even as he said that a 500-seater auditorium was approved for construction at the Delta State University, Abraka. 

On his part, the Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Chief Arthur Akpovwowo, said approval was given for the transfer of the Department of Town Planning and Urban Development Board from Ministry of Lands to the Ministry of Urban Renewal.

Akpovwowo disclosed that approval had been given for the ministry to work at Ekuku-Agbor in Ika South,  Ovu in Ethiope East and Akugbene in Bomadi Local Government Areas, and assured that the ministry would ensure that illegal activities in town planning and development were put to a halt. 

He sued for the support of all in correcting the ills bedevilling town planning and development in the state.

Birthday: Oromoni Felicitates with Bishop Dikeji As he Clocks 74

Birthday: Oromoni Felicitates with Bishop Dikeji As he Clocks 74

The Chairman Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, has congratulated God's General, His Lordship, Jesus Holiness, St. Daniel Dikeji Miyerijesu, the demon destroyer, the GO/Founder God's Grace Ministry Int'l, the Bishop of the whole world, on the auspicious occasion of his 74th birthday.

In his congratulatory message to the Warri based global revered God's General, Oromoni applauded him for his wise counseling, healing the sicks, delivering the afflicted and converting the lost sheeps to God for salvation over the years.

He particularly lauded His Lordship for his consistent passion for preaching and promoting the virtues of holiness through the undiluted word of God, winning souls for Christ and bringing salvation to the world.

According to Oromoni, said: " I join other well-wishers all over the world to felicitate, congratulate my spiritual father in the Lord and thank him immensely for his faithful service to God and humanity and pray that God grant him more grace on the throne of His vineyard in the years to come. 

"I pray that the Almighty God will grant you good health and long life to continue serving Him and deliver the children of God from evil forces,"he said. 

Once again, happy glorious birthday your Lordship, wishing you more fruitful years to come, the statement adds.

Xclusive: How Abacha lnfluenced Prominent Nigerians to Get to Power–IBB

Xclusive: How Abacha lnfluenced Prominent Nigerians to Get to Power–IBB

Former Military leader, Ibrahim Babangida, has said that Sani Abacha, former military ruler, deceived “prominent Nigerians” to get to power.

Recall that after Babangida annulled the 1993 election, a national protest ensued, which forced Babangida to step aside and hand over power to Ernest Shonekan on August 27, 1993, as the head of an interim national government. Weeks later, Abacha took over power after staging a coup.

In 2021, Babangida said he annulled the election because a bloody coup would have occurred if he did not.

In a fresh interview with DailyTrust TV, Babaginda said Abacha deceived Nigerians by promising to return the country to civilian rule after deposing Shonekan.

“Abacha’s government was very smart. They knew who were the most vociferous discussants about the election, about the coup, about June 12 and so on.

They started talking to them and sold a dummy to them and encouraged them to get rid of the interim government: ‘when we get rid of the interim government, we will bring you back to come and take over your democracy so that a civilian government would be installed’.

They sold that dummy to the public and to some prominent persons within the society, and when Abacha stepped in, there were drumming and sighs; ‘Good thing! Next thing is going to be a democratically-elected government’. I knew, we knew, that it wouldn’t be because the argument was: ‘Why should I risk my life only to come and hand over power to you?’ That was what happened.”

I knew it will not come as a surprise because even though I was outside the service – I knew what was going on.”he said.

Shocking as Physically challenged man arrested with Fresh Human head, hands In Rivers State

Shocking as Physically challenged man arrested with Fresh Human head, hands In Rivers State

A man identified as Chinedu Okoro, 23, who is deaf and dumb is now cooling his heels at a Police Station in Rivers State after he was allegedly caught with a human head and hands.

Africa Update gathered that Okoro was seen on Saturday, January 15, 2022 with a bag in Omoku Community in Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Area of the State, and when the bag was inspected, an elderly woman’s head and hands were discovered.

The Nigerian police is currently investigating the matter in order to unravel the true identity of the person killed and those behind the crime.

Electoral Act: Senate, Reps Okays Direct, lndirect And Consensus Primary For Party's

Electoral Act: Senate, Reps Okays Direct, lndirect And Consensus Primary For Party's

The National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives) yesterday has amended the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2021 to accommodate direct, indirect and consensus primaries as an alternative procedure for nominating the candidates of political parties for elective positions.

Lawmakers in the plenary of the House in Abuja on Wednesday, unanimously amended Clause 84 (2) of the bill, which hitherto recognised only direct primaries, as the method for nominating party candidates.

The new provision now accommodates both direct and indirect primaries.

It reads, “The procedure for nomination of Candidates by Political Parties for various elective positions shall be by direct or indirect primaries."

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had withheld his assent to the bill in December last year, giving some reasons, including the cost of conducting direct primaries by political parties and security challenges.

The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, presided over the consideration and amendment of the bill on Wednesday.

Before the proceedings began, Gbajabiamila reminded members that the amendment would be restricted to the clause the President objected to in his letter to the House, which was limited to direct primaries.

After the clause was amended, the speaker again clarified that every other provision of the bill as earlier passed, remained the same, except for clause 84 (2), which had been amended to address the President's objection.

"Honourable colleagues, nothing else was changed in the bill.

"Only clause 84(2), which had to do with direct primaries, was amended", he stated.

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Rep. Abubakar Fulata, in line with the rules of the House, moved a motion for a recommittal of the bill to the Committee of the Whole for consideration.

His motion reads, "The House notes that the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill was passed by the National Assembly and transmitted to the President for assent but the assent was withheld.

"Also notes that in withholding the assent, the President particularly referred to the amendment of Section 87 of the Electoral Act, 2010 dealing with the mode of nomination of candidates by Political Parties.

"Further notes that Section 87(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 provides that the procedure for the nomination of candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be by direct or indirect primaries.

"Recalls that the National Assembly amended Section 87(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 as Clause 84(2) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to read thus:

'The procedure for nomination of Candidates by Political Parties for various elective positions shall be by direct primaries.'"

"Cognisant of the need to allow Political Parties to choose the procedure for nomination of candidates for elective positions.

"Resolves to commit Section 84(2) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to the Committee of the Whole for reconsideration in accordance with Order 12, Rule 20 (1-3) of the Standing Orders of the House."

Bomadi/Patani House of Reps: Ganagana will Deliver Effective Representation_Gen. Raymond Nanaere

Bomadi/Patani House of Reps: Ganagana will Deliver Effective Representation_Gen. Raymond Nanaere

The people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in Delta State has expressed confidence in Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobawei Ganagana leadership sagacity based on past and current track records.

They are tired of the monarchical retrogressive style of representation by the inccubent law maker whose election into office since 1999 to date had not make any drastic change or impact to alleviate the suffering of the people.

The Community's in Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency cannot boast of portable drinking water, primary health care center, electricity, road network and the presence of any higher institution being influenced by the current representative over the past 22years.

The seat of Bomadi/Patani Federal House of Representative is not a traditional stool made for a single individual or one family to occupy till thy kingdom come. We need a change of leadership in order to usher in fresh ideas for accelerated development in our community's.

It is based on that premises, a youth leader of Ward 7 Toru-Angiama, in Patani LGA of Delta State, Gen. Raymond Nanaere aka Buggy Man, has come out to appeal to the good people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to vote Rt. Hon. Basil Okolobawei Ganagana, as member House of Representative come 2023.

Gen. Raymond said the era of bad leadership and unproductive representation is over, stressing that Basil Ganagana is the chosen one to liberate the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency from underdevelopement.

He noted that Ganagana is tested with proven integrity, capacity and has the political will to attract federal projects to the grassroot. He appeal to the people of Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency to be rest assured that Okolobawei Ganagana will attract meaningful infrastructural development lacking in our community's when given the mandate to serve.

He therefore, called on Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, to as a matter of urgency declare interest to run for the seat of Bomadi/Patani Federal House of Representative, adding that the people need him at this trying time to change the narrative for good governance in their Constituency.

" There ls Peace Among Us", Ayakoromo Community Chairmanship Aspirants Declares

"There ls Peace Among Us", Ayakoromo Community Chairmanship Aspirants Declares

........ As ATECO Chairman, Ambrose denies plans to cancel election

Warri_____ Prior to the rumor going round the length and bredth of Ayakoromo Community in Burutu LGA of Delta State, on alleged plan to cancel the forthcoming community Chairmanship/Vice Chairman elections by the Chairman Ayakoromo Town Electoral Committee (ATECO), Mr. John Ambrose, the various chairmanship aspirants has come out to tell the general public that there is peaceful coexistence among them and their followers, and that the elections slated on the 26th January, 2022, should hold according to the time table.

This was disclosed by the three aspirants, Mr. Richard Ebibofa Azeez, Mieyeseigha Okpe and Kemasuode Kaduna on Tuesday 18th January, 2022, at Ayakoromo Federated Community in Burutu LGA, Delta State, after meeting with the eldest man (Amakosu-owei) of the community, Pa. Esaba Duomu, where they resolved that the elections should hold as planned, and that there is no cause for alarm.

Speaking to the press one after the other, Mr. Mieyeseigha Okpe, said: " I am one of the chairmanship aspirant and these are my fellow contestants. We are talking, greeting and doing things together. Those spreading all kind of stories about us fighting ourselves are all lies. We want the public and the security agencies to know that Ayakoromo Community is peaceful and we all are going about peaceful campaign ahead the election day, he stated."

In his reaction, Mr. Richard Ebibofa also confirmed to our reporter that there is no problem in the community neither among the various aspirants. " We just finish a close door meeting with the eldest man of our community and he advised us to maintain peace and orderliness during our campaign. He further give us his word that the elections will hold and that what he expected from us is peaceful process, Richard noted."

While Mr. Kemasuode Kaduna alias Sokeme, stressed that since the beginning of campaign, his watch word was peaceful, free and fair election." I have earlier addressed my followers and supporters to always bear in mind that we are one family and the same brothers. There is no need for bitterness because of community Chairmanship election. We all are vying to serve our dear community for good and not evil. We are in harmony and doing things together, there is no cause for alarm. Let the election process be transparent and allow the wishes of the people prevail through the ballot, Sokeme asserted".

In a swift reaction, the Chairman Ayakoromo Town Electoral Committee (ATECO), Mr. John Ambrose has denied the allegation of his led electoral umpire purported plan to cancel the forthcoming election. Mr. Ambrose made this known to the public through telephone call, stressed that all arrangement towards conducting transparent, free and fair election is intact and there is no plan to cancel any election as far as he was concerned.

He however, urged the community and the leaders to support him in order to conduct a peaceful free and fair election, the statement added.

Electoral Bill: PDP governors urge NASS to override Buhari’s veto

Electoral Bill: PDP governors urge NASS to override Buhari’s veto 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has urged the National Assembly to immediately conclude issues surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by overriding President Muhammadu Buhari’s veto. 

The forum made the call in a communique at the end of its meeting on Monday in Port-Harcourt. 

In the communique read by it's Chairman and Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, the governors said that overriding Buhari’s veto would quicken resolution of the issue and not provide the President another opportunity to delay signing of the Bill by withholding assent again. 

The forum deplored the unabating insecurity and economic crises plaguing the country, pointing out that all economic indices bequeathed to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by the PDP in 2015 had collapsed. 

The communique reads: "The PDP Governors' Forum congratulated the entire PDP family for conducting a smooth and successful National Convention that led to the emergence of the highly-acclaimed Senator Iyiochia Ayu-led National Executive Committee. 

"The forum commended the new PDP National Working Committee for hitting the ground running with respect to repositioning the PDP as a credible party for the rescue and rebuilding of Nigeria which has been battered by bad economy, insecurity, unemployment and other social ills hoisted on citizens by the incompetent and inept APC administration. 

"The PDP Governors requested the National Assembly to quickly conclude deliberation on the Electoral Act Amendment either by overriding the President's veto or delete the areas of complain. 

"The meeting advised that the option of overriding the President's veto will lead to a quicker resolution to deny him the opportunity to once again truncate a reformed electoral jurisprudence for Nigeria because an early concluded Electoral Act is vital for credible elections."

The governors also decried the rising spate of insecurity in the country and the inability of the APC administration to confront kidnappers and bandits spilling the blood of innocent Nigerians on daily basis. 

According to the communique, the meeting expressed regrets at Buhari's unwillingness to consider the issue of state police which would help to tackle insecurity in the country. 

"We urge Mr President to reconsider his view and consider decentralisation of the Police 

"And, the meeting once again reviewed the state of the nation and observed that key economic indicators were on steady decline and it is clear that the APC government is a massive failure going from the record the PDP handed over to them. 

"The PDP handed over a 550 billion dollar-strong economy, the largest in Africa in 2015, but under APC, Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world. 

"In 2015 under the PDP, the exchange rate was N198 to a dollar, it is now over N500 per dollar under the APC. 

"In 2015, unemployment rate was 7.3 per cent under the PDP, it is now 33 per cent under the APC administration and one of the highest in the world. 

"In 2015, the pump price of petrol was N87 per litre, it is now N165 per litre and climbing under the APC administration. 

"Debt servicing under APC now takes over 98 per cent of the federal budget, the third in the world per earnings. 

"The forum noted that in the management of oil and gas resources, the administration of the Federation Account has remained opaque, confusing and non-transparent. 

"The meeting urges all Nigerians from all works of life, particularly the youths, to register enmasse with INEC to exercise their franchise in the 2023 general elections. 

"The 2023 elections is a very important election that should be used to end the inept APC government that had the arrogance to deny the youths the use of Twitter, a social media-friendly tool for the youths for over a year. 

"The youths now have the opportunity to decide those who leads them in 2023," it added. 

The forum commended the host, Governor Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding contributions to the growth of the party. 

In attendance were  Govs Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, - Sokoto State; Udom Emmanuel – Akwa Ibom; Douye Diri – Bayelsa State; Samuel Ortom - Benue; Ifeanyi Okowa – Delta and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Enugu State. 

Others Nyesom Wike – Rivers; Oluseyi Makinde – Oyo State; Ahmadu Fintiri - Adamawa and Bala Mohammed - Bauchi State.