Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Abuja____ A Delta State born human and environmental justice advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff has called for the restoration of Delta state, claiming that the state is sinking economically, politically and human capital development. 

The peace and development advocate who stated this in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while speaking in Abuja with a cross session of Deltan youths to mark International Youths Day said the oil-rich State is sinking, describing it as the most economic suffering state in Nigeria, as a result of poor leadership and bad governance over the years.

While expressing his sadness towards the sorry situation of Delta State, Comrade Mulade noted that youths in the State have been reduced to political sycophancy and thuggery, claiming that; "Deve" or “Agbero” is the major job available to youths due to lack of employment and economic empowerment by the state government. 

On political appointment by the present administration, he said the highest appointment the Governor can provide for the teeming youths in the state is Senior Special Advisers (SSA) and Special Advisers (SA), which placed them as government political thugs, rather than meaningful profession of serving the state, lamenting that "this is really disheartening". 

 

Comrade Mulade pointed to the fact that the state economy has continually dropped as a result of uncalculated borrowings and loans collected by the present administration with little or no development impact to the people of Delta state, "hence, this requires the collective efforts of all Deltans to rescue the state through collaboration, support and experience-sharing to assist in restoring the state to it past glory and to be envied by other states in the country"  he added. 

The Gbaramatu Kingdom born traditional Chief cum activist also claimed that, since the creation of Delta State, the state have been blessed and privileged to have had two renowned academic medical professionals as Governors as well as two legal icons as Deputy Governors, which ought to have brought real development and professionalism in government and as well placed the State above others in terms of academic development and as profession service providing state, but reverse is the case. 

Buttressing his claims as regards the underperformance of past and present administrations, Comrade Mulade said, with Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as governors of Delta State, the state was supposed to have and be the best health services providers in Nigeria,  but that is not the case, “in fact it is a big shame to the State". 

On the part of deputy Governors, Comrade Sheriff said that," Prof Amos Otuama and Barrister Kingsley Otuara both as deputy governors of the state were expected to show to the world, particularly Nigerian youths the importance of legal  profession and education in governance, and to be law abiding state, but Delta State became the most lawless state in the nation without any recourse to human rights".

The Environmentalist, while speaking on fixing and restoring the state to it lost glory, said that with the 2023 general elections fast approaching, Deltans, particularly the youths should choose wisely by voting the right candidates with technical knowledge of community development, environmental base orientation, street leadership qualities, youth and women development plans. 

He said that; Someone that have deep and sincere concern for those living with disabilities, real sense for economic and education development and infrastructure, that will bring development to all parts of the state".

He said when all Deltans come together to vote in the right people as Governor, Senators, House of Representative and State House of Assembly members, Delta state will be rescued and restored from the present underdevelopment and be great once again.

Oil Theft: FG to Partner with State Governors to Stop Menace, as Diri laments over illegal bunkering in Niger Delta

Oil Theft: FG to Partner with State Governors to Stop Menace, as Diri laments over illegal bunkering in Niger Delta

Asu Beks

Yenagoa_____ Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured of the state’s collaboration to tackle the menace of oil theft, which he says poses a serious threat to the Niger Delta region.

Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday when he received a federal government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Governor Diri remarked that oil theft has seriously affected the environment and image of the region negatively.

He called for urgent actions to end the ugly trend in the interest of the region and the country at large.

Governor Diri lamented that oil theft, which also affects government at all levels, has denied the locals their means of livelihood, stressing that if it is not stopped or reduced drastically, the implications would be grave.

Recalling how the Chief of Defence Staff had talks with governors on the same issue, Diri welcomed collaborative efforts between the states and the federal government to tackle the menace.

He assured the delegation that his administration will play its role in ensuring that it is tackled effectively.

His words: “The federal and state governments largely depend on oil. So, oil theft does not affect only the federal government. It affects us as a state government and the local governments. We have spoken about this over and over and we will continue to say it.

“We are talking about our environment that has been brazenly polluted through oil bunkering activities. If you go to our communities, you will see oil floating on our rivers, and that has led to the locals not having a means of livelihood. It has led to unknown diseases and sicknesses.

“There is a spiral effect of oil theft that is going on in the Niger Delta and it affects the communities and the people. So, I welcome you and I assure you that we will collaborate to ensure that oil theft is brought to an end.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the federal government delegation was in the state to seek collaboration to end oil theft in the Niger Delta.

He said the stealing of oil was going on at an alarming rate and should no longer be allowed given its negative effect on the economy of the country.

Chief Sylva lamented that production has been badly affected, which is also having a negative impact on foreign investments in the country.

The former Bayelsa governor commended Diri for his willingness to collaborate with the federal government to end oil theft.

Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the military has heightened operational engagements to stop criminal activities in the region.

He noted that the activities of oil thieves was bleeding the nation and called on those involved in the act of sabotage to have a rethink, failing which the military will clamp down on them.

Also, Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, said the country was facing a dire situation that is not just affecting the economy but also the environment.

He said the importance of collaborative efforts with states in the region cannot be over-emphasised as only one tier of government cannot do it alone.

Just-in: Bandits Attack Sokoto Village, Kill Eleven, Abduct Many

Just-in: Bandits Attack Sokoto Village, Kill Eleven, Abduct Many

Bandits invaded Buwade village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and reportedly killed 11 persons.

A former chairman of the local government area, Abdullahi Haruna Illela, who confirmed the attack said the bandits also abducted several persons at Buwade and Dambo villages.

According to Haruna, the bandits invaded Buwade around 8pm on Tuesday, August 9, shortly after the Isha Prayer and started shooting sporadically.

“Eleven people were confirmed dead while several others were injured. The two villages which were closed to each other are all deserted. Some of the residents fled to Illela town, some to Gwadabawa while some are now in Sokoto,” he said.

The ex-chairman, however, said he was not aware of an attack on the Illela International Market.

“I don’t hear anything like that but I know they rustled livestock from the two villages they attacked,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Illela local government, engineer Aliyu Salihu Illela, on Wednesday, visited the community to condole with families of the victims.

He was accompanied by the D.P.O Illela Division, PDP Chairman of Illela, Alh. Abubakar Sulaiman Illela, among others.

Wike reveals whose candidate to vote for 2023, insists power must come to the South

Wike reveals whose candidate to vote for 2023, insists power must come to the South

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has revealed the 2023 presidency is coming to the Southern part of Nigeria.

In a post on his presidential Facebook page, Wike said power must come to the South and the individual must be a young and competent person with the interest of youths at heart.

The post on Facebook reads thus: “Power must come to the south. And we must support young competent candidate for the interest of Nigerian

youths.”

Already, Nigerians know that Wike has lost support for Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP. He has been having running battle within the last few weeks.

He has been fraternising with governors of the APC just as he invited some of them to commission projects in Rivers state.

Arising from that, many are thinking the governor would give his support to the APC. But this post is indirectly pointing to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Abuja____ A Delta State born human and environmental justice advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff has called for the restoration of Delta state, claiming that the state is sinking economically, politically and human capital development. 

The peace and development advocate who stated this in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while speaking in Abuja with a cross session of Deltan youths to mark International Youths Day said the oil-rich State is sinking, describing it as the most economic suffering state in Nigeria, as a result of poor leadership and bad governance over the years.

While expressing his sadness towards the sorry situation of Delta State, Comrade Mulade noted that youths in the State have been reduced to political sycophancy and thuggery, claiming that; "Deve" or “Agbero” is the major job available to youths due to lack of employment and economic empowerment by the state government. 

On political appointment by the present administration, he said the highest appointment the Governor can provide for the teeming youths in the state is Senior Special Advisers (SSA) and Special Advisers (SA), which placed them as government political thugs, rather than meaningful profession of serving the state, lamenting that "this is really disheartening". 

 

Comrade Mulade pointed to the fact that the state economy has continually dropped as a result of uncalculated borrowings and loans collected by the present administration with little or no development impact to the people of Delta state, "hence, this requires the collective efforts of all Deltans to rescue the state through collaboration, support and experience-sharing to assist in restoring the state to it past glory and to be envied by other states in the country"  he added. 

The Gbaramatu Kingdom born traditional Chief cum activist also claimed that, since the creation of Delta State, the state have been blessed and privileged to have had two renowned academic medical professionals as Governors as well as two legal icons as Deputy Governors, which ought to have brought real development and professionalism in government and as well placed the State above others in terms of academic development and as profession service providing state, but reverse is the case. 

Buttressing his claims as regards the underperformance of past and present administrations, Comrade Mulade said, with Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as governors of Delta State, the state was supposed to have and be the best health services providers in Nigeria,  but that is not the case, “in fact it is a big shame to the State". 

On the part of deputy Governors, Comrade Sheriff said that," Prof Amos Otuama and Barrister Kingsley Otuara both as deputy governors of the state were expected to show to the world, particularly Nigerian youths the importance of legal  profession and education in governance, and to be law abiding state, but Delta State became the most lawless state in the nation without any recourse to human rights".

The Environmentalist, while speaking on fixing and restoring the state to it lost glory, said that with the 2023 general elections fast approaching, Deltans, particularly the youths should choose wisely by voting the right candidates with technical knowledge of community development, environmental base orientation, street leadership qualities, youth and women development plans. 

He said that; Someone that have deep and sincere concern for those living with disabilities, real sense for economic and education development and infrastructure, that will bring development to all parts of the state".

He said when all Deltans come together to vote in the right people as Governor, Senators, House of Representative and State House of Assembly members, Delta state will be rescued and restored from the present underdevelopment and be great once again.

’My Performance is based on my passion to serve my people', Gov. Wike tells critics

’My Performance is based on my passion to serve my people', Gov. Wike tells critics

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has continued his onslaught against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stating on Tuesday that he can still perform to public acclaim even if he goes to any party.

The governor, who has stayed away from the PDP activities, but has continued to romance high members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, again hit his party during the inauguration of the dualised Ogbunuabali-Eastern Bypass Road, as a week-long inauguration of infrastructure carried out by his administration continues.

After hosting two governors on the platform of the APC – Dave Umahi and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Ebonyi and Lagos states respectively on Monday for the commissioning of flyover, the governor on Tuesday hosted another high profile APC member in the person of Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

He downplayed the role of the PDP in his administration, arguing that his performance had nothing to do with being a member of the party.

According to the combative governor, said:

 “Leadership is not about party, leadership is about individual. Party is only a vehicle to actualise your ambition, to be able to tell your people I have this capacity, I have this quality to render services to you.

“If you take me away today from PDP to another party, I will still perform. So, it is not because I’m in PDP that I’m performing.”

Wike whose membership of the PDP has come under serious scrutiny in the last two months made it clear that, “It is because I have that passion for my people. It is because I have the commitment to serve my people. Take me to YPP, allow me to become whatever I will become there, I will perform. Take me to any party, I will perform. So, it is not party that makes you to perform.”

The former Minister of State for Education came second to the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, during the party’s May presidential primary.

He has continued to stay away from the affairs of the party since being overlooked by Atiku, who opted for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as his presidential running mate.

This has enmeshed the PDP in crisis as the Rivers State governor has the support of high profile members of the party such as governors of Abia, Enugu and Oyo States as well as former governors, ministers, current and former lawmakers.

Recent moves to mend fences have also fallen flat as the key demand of the Wike camp that the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, steps down has been rebuffed by the Atiku camp, who insist it can only happen after the presidential election in 2023.

The governor however restated his commitment to service, insisting his performance is not based on being a member of the PDP but his undying love, passion and commitment to render effective service to the people.

Family Releases Actress Ada Ameh's Funeral Rites for August 19th and 25th

Family Releases Actress Ada Ameh's Funeral Rites for August 19th and 25th

The funeral plans for late Nollywood actress, Ada Ameh, who played the character ‘Emu’ on a television comedy show, The Johnsons have been announced by her family.

There will be a novelty match in her honour on August 19 at Nathaniel Idowu Pitch, Oregie, Lagos.

The match will be followed by a candlelight procession at Teslim Balogun Stadium on the same day.

On Thursday, August 25, there will be yet another candlelight service at Saint Mary’s Primary School, Ogobia, Benue State.

This would be followed by the funeral service and interment at her father’s compound in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Ada Ameh Obituary poster has left her family, fans and colleagues in tears, as many left crying emojis under the announcement.

Recall that the popular Nollywood actress Ada Ameh died on Sunday July 17, 2022 in Warri, Delta State.

Featured Article: Timiebi's First Letter To Her Son From Prison_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Featured Article: Timiebi's First Letter To Her Son From Prison_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Catapulted by numerous items on my mind – very much unlike Wole Soyinka in his own seminal work, THE MAN DIED, when he was ‘prompted by two items on’ his table – I sat in my library engrossed in creative meditations, exercises, and mental search for communicative resources to cast a particular character in my new work when four men who introduced themselves as King Robert Ebizimor,High Chief Ekpemupolo Thomas Osen,Hon.Teiyeibo Agbeotu and Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja came to me with a letter. They walked unhurriedly away after the letter was handed to me. Grimaces were boldly written on their countenances though they handed the letter to me without words. 

Like a hasteless paddler on a slow-flowing river, without haste I opened the letter. The letter began thus: ‘Dear son, in pains and anger I am writing this letter to you.Even with echoes of your own article published in the Vanguard of 8 April 2022 entitled 'Appraising Otuaro's First Epistle',I must confess quite early that I am not a lover of letter-writing as that is artistically suited to JP Clark who is a genius in writing letters for his beloved characters in his creative world, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who corresponds with supposed erring rulers as a tool for reawakening in governance towards good governance, His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro who sometimes chooses letter-writing to communicate his core development theories and vision to the people and Mariam Ba whose globally recognised speciality it is to write long letters to the artistic carriers and drivers of her treasured messages to the world in her beautifully carved artistic canoe called SO LONG A LETTER.

 'I value face-to-face communication and over the years I have always communicated my thoughts to you through dialogue where we are seated. In this city of imprisonment where I currently reside  -  where no one is willing to volunteer as a surety and sign one's bailbond  - open visible communication with you is totally barred and contravening this embargo comes with a heavy penalty too heavy for me to bear. The penalty-free escape route of this embargo placed on all by the Royal Majesty of the city, His Royal Majesty Dueama Pere, is to write this letter  routed to you by  King Ebizimor,High Chief Osen, Hon.Agbeotu and Chief Coach Lokoja who have amazingly shown deep solicitude for my plight in this prison.

'In a letter that demands immediate response unto thee I have come today like the Israelites and the Ogbokones of Ogbokone community in Warri. In the duration of the Arab-Israel war in 1948 Jordan claimed the East Jerusalem with a proprietorial flourish but in the six-day  Arab-Israel war in 1967 the Israelites restrategised militarily and reclaimed East Jeruslaem just like the way the Ogbokones in Ogbokone community in Warri  were deprived of their own community through war of attrition  waged by their enemies against them.Interestingly, the Ogbokones equally reinforced militarily after many years of proprietorial deprivation and reclaimed their own Ogbokone Community. Similarly I have come to reclaim what I have been deprived of by you for some years. This deprivation gives me embarrassment, indignity and jeers here among some battery-hearted arrogant colleagues. I was already contemplating suicide here and be caught off from you perpetually but for the good-intentioned intervention of King Robert, High Chief Osen,Hon. Agbeotu and Suoye Lokoja who implacably insisted I write a formal letter to you cataloguing my plight here. 

'I journeyed away from you on 30 August 2020. Even before I left, I timely intimated you with the details of my departure itinerary in a dream but you insisted I wait until you had the strength to buy coffin as the canoe on which I should journey away. I obliged. On the 28 of August 2020 when the money you expected from your executed contract stormed your bank account, I retired from the earth on 30 August 2020. This opportunity was purposely created for you to have financial strength to 'coffin' me to my new city of sojourn. And expectedly, I should be correspondingly  'coffined' and be given a seat of dignity here. 

'Soon after my departure from your current city, some dignitaries like His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Solomon Funkerene, Hon. Braduce Angozi, Senator J.E. manager, Hon.Forteta Peter Asupa, Hon.Julius Pondi, Hon. Macdonald Igbadiwei, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo,Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh,King Alfred Izonebi, Ebitonmo Alapala,Barrister Soja Smooth,King Pereama Freetown and many others too numerous to name came to condole with you. I can also recall historically that King Alfred Izonebi and Alapala Ebitonmo were the very first condolers who stormed your place, and Rt.Hon.Solomon Funkekeme as the very first personality to give you  telephone condolences before actually coming in person later . 

'Unforgettably, by every perspective these condolence visits are commendable developments bound to live in your archive  forever as treasured historical chronicles. I would not be surprised if they later condense and metamorphose into a book entitled: A CHRONICLE OF MY TREASURED CONDOLERS WHEN TIMIEBI MAIKA DIED IN 2020. 

'Much as the condolence visits of these personalities demand notable appreciation from you, it is not my obsession here in this letter. My worries and pains far outweigh these condolences that gave you psychological balm,resuscitation, stamina, stability and feelings of humanity.

'I have been turned into an object of ridicule and mockery here by my colleagues. Today marks the third year of my sojourn and imprisonment in this city, yet you have not made any attempt to give me a befitting burial. Is the hyped condolence visit a replacement for my befitting burial, my dear son? 

'Seemingly, It could be that you are financially too weak to bury me in a befitting manner to command the respect of my colleagues here in this Dueama city. Truly, lack of money could  ruin one's burial rites and this could be the reason why you have not performed my final burial rites after all these years when I died on 30 August 2020. Don't you have a feeling for me, son?

'Because I know you will have some financial challenges bordering on giving me a notable burial, I prayerfully cried to God in your interest and HE answered my prayers. My homeward journey was embarked on 30 August 2020 and by October 2020, through my fervent prayers, His Excellency  Governor Okowa gave you political appointment as Special Assistant on Political – which is enough for you to  equip yourself gradually and perform my final burial rites. But up till now there is no visible move on your part to give me a befitting burial. These are my worries and pains here because I am daily ridiculed by my colleagues here. When will you give me final burial rites, my dear son whom I have licensed to continue my heritage of storytelling?

'My son, I wish to be given final burial rites  and earn the respect of my colleagues here in this city of imprisonment. From 2020 till 2022 I am yet to be honoured  with my long anticipated final burial rites in actuality. I am tired of waiting, my son. Please perform my final burial rites even if you don’t have money. It is too long. I am being mocked by my arrogant colleagues here everyday except King Robert Ebizimor, High Chief Ekpemupolo Thomas Osen,  Hon.Teiyeibo Agbeotu and Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja who daily comfort me with great words of encouragement.

Memorably, I must mention here that Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja who has just arrived is most memorably comforting to me in many ways because it was he who energised and persuaded King Ebizimor, Hon.Agbeotu and High Chief Thomas Osen and convinced me to walk on the epistolary path instead of embracing the suicidal path bound to put to an end to all the possible avenues of communicating with you from the Dueama prison where sureties and bailbonds are perpetually embargoed by His  Royal Majesty, Dueama Pere 1.

'For the purpose of unsolicited emphasis I feel compelled to journey again and again to the already familiar creek that thoughts of committing suicide have already begun to invade me.The moment I commit suicide here I would be totally cut off from you. It was the moment  thoughts of committing suicide invaded me repeatedly that King Ebizimor, High Chief Osen, Hon.Agbeotu and Chief Coach  Lokoja came to comfort me and pleaded with me to embrace epistolary communication. Let my long awaited final burial rites be therefore performed this 2022 my son because I can no longer tolerate the taunts, innuendoes and jeers of my arrogant colleagues here. And hopefully, this will be the first and last letter from your mother now away from you like the two conjoined plantains of King Alfred Izonebi's creation cut and  separated from each other'.

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Writes from Akparemogbene,Delta State.

Olu of Warri visits NPA Fire Scene, Sympathizes with Victims

Olu of Warri visits NPA Fire Scene, Sympathizes with Victims

Francis Tayor

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III on Thursday visited victims of the recent fire disaster that consumed shops at the popular Miller Waterside, Old Port, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

During the visit, Olu sympathises with the victims over loss of properties worths millions of naira, stressing that when there is life, there is hope for better things to come.

He assured them of the kingdom's support to restart their businesses, adding that they should be safety conscious in their business environment henceforth in order to prevent avoidable fire disaster in the future.

Recall that on Thursday, August 4, 2022, fire gutted sections of the Miller Waterside, Old Port, Warri, which destroyed shops and other property's.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr Michael Tidi conducted the Olu of Warri and his entourage around the devastated areas.

Lesbian Arrested for Stabbing her Married Partner’s Husband to Death in Anambra

Lesbian Arrested for Stabbing her Married Partner’s Husband to Death in Anambra

A yet-to-be-identified lesbian has been arrested by the police in Anambra State for allegedly k#lling her married partner’s husband.

It was gathered that the suspect attaked and killed the deceased, identified as Ikechukwu Onuma aka Ayaaya Onye-Obodo, after he walked in on her and his wife making out in his house in Onitsha area of the state.

Details of the sad incident are still stretchy, but according to reports, Ikechukwu came home unexpectedly and met his wife making out with her lesbian partner, an argument ensued and in the heat of the moment, the suspect stabbed him to death.

The suspect was reportedly arrested alongside the wife.

Masterminds of Owo Church Massacre was Arrested in Ayetoro_ CDS Irabor

Masterminds of Owo Church Massacre was Arrested in Ayetoro_ CDS Irabor

Two of the masterminds of the deadly terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria have been arrested. The suspects described as top commanders of ISWAP in Nigeria, are 32-year old Idris Ojo and 39-year old Jimoh Ibrahim.

Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Lucky Irabor who disclosed this to senior Editors at a parley on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, said the two were arrested in separate joint security operations involving the Army, Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.

General Irabor said Idris Ojo was arrested in Ayetoro, Ondo State on Sunday, August 7 along with his other commanders, who were already planning another attack before intelligence reports identified his location and he was subsequently arrested in the operation.

The CDS also said four other persons were arrested in Eja, Okehi local government area of Kogi state, in connection with the June 5 attack on the Catholic church in Owo and another attack on a police station in Ada in which a policeman was killed. They are Idris Abdul Malik Omeiza, Momoh Ojowu Abu, Aliyu Yusuf and Auwal Onimisi.

The CDS described all those arrested as top members of ISWAP in Nigeria and they will be publicly paraded soon. General Irabor said massive operations are ongoing in the North-West and North-Central to combat bandits and eliminate them as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

I invited ‘Tinubu's men’ to come and see what I have done in Rivers– Wike

I invited ‘Tinubu's men’ to come and see what I have done in Rivers– Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has defended his reasons for inviting members of the opposition political parties to commission projects in the state.

The governor said he wants them to come and see what he has done and take the message back home.

He was speaking during the commissioning of the Ogbunuabali Eastern Bypass dualized road in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Governor said, “Nobody can stop me from bringing people from other walks of life to see what we have been able to do, and what we are doing in Rivers state.

“Yesterday, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sawolu was here. Today the former Governor of Sokoto was here, on Thursday the Speaker of the House of Representatives will be here to commission the assembly residence.

“Go and see the wonders that God helped us to do.

“Whether you are in Labour Party, APC or PDP, it is to invite you to come and see, and then go back home and compare”.

Wike’s defence came after a former Rivers South East senator, Lee Meaba described his action as anti-party activities.

Sen. Meaba wondered why Governor Wike in the middle of campaigns is promoting allies of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, instead of the PDP presidential candidate.

He said, “If we see anybody who wants to stop us from producing the next government at the centre, then the person needs to know what he is fighting for.

“If you stop us from working for Atiku, that is anti-party to the highest level, I stand to be corrected.

“In the middle of our campaign, you line up Tinubu’s men, why do you line up Tinubu’s men, in the middle of our campaign, you are highlighting APC and Tinubu above our own candidate”.

Pity as Nigeria Loses N50bn yearly over Decay of NIMASA N50bn Floating Dock

Pity as Nigeria Loses N50bn yearly over Decay of NIMASA N50bn Floating Dock

Lagos____ Four years after the Nigerian 

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) acquired N50 billion modular floating dock, the asset has continued to decay at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, due to management’s willful neglect.

Since arriving Nigeria in 2018, the floating dock has remained idle and abandoned with the management refusing to put it into use for once  contrary to the Federal Government expectation.

At inception, the government’s purpose for acquiring the asset was to boost the nation’s ship repair capacity and transform Nigeria’s maritime industry for wealth and employment creation.

But experts have said that Nigeria may be losing an estimated potential revenue  of over N21.5 billion annually to neighboring dock facilities with the abandonment  of the modular floating yard.

Regrettably rather than earning revenue for the country as originally projected, the floating drydock costs NIMASA a whopping N3.6 million in daily maintenace expenses and about $30,000 per day as berthing fees to the Nigerian Navy Holdings Ltd, according to the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES).

Analysts who spoke with Daily Sun said that  Nigeria was losing about N16.5billion annually to neighbouring countries through the movement of its vessels dry-docking to meet the International Maritime Organisations’ (IMO) requirement.

A marine Engineer, Mr Effiong James-Anaye, said the floating dock is a waste of investment, with both previous and current management of NIMASA lacking the dexterity, visions to run the facility, stressing they appear confused about what to do with the floating dock.

“The floating dock has been reported to be costing Nigeria over N100 million monthly in running cost without any economic benefit to the nation in return.

“What they told us then was that the floating dock was actually constructed to be taken to Okerenkoko. We were told the feasibility study and every other job was done and it was for that purpose it was acquired. But since then, the floating dock remains idle consuming money instead of generating revenue.

“The current management led by Dr Bashir Jamoh, has at different fora stated categorically that the agency has concluded plans to deploy the floating dock.

 

Early this year for instance, he assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment towards putting the floating dock to use. He said stakeholders expect that before the end of the first quarter of 2022, the floating dock would be operational. But as we speak, the floating dock remains stationery and idle thus consuming the government’s lean resources rather than creating wealth for the citizens. Maybe they will deploy it tomorrow or next year.

“The acquisition of the floating dock was a choice and bad investment. The man who took the decision in the first place to construct the dock was wrong to have done so, just like many other decisions. What supposed to be coming to Nigeria in terms of revenue in foreign exchange for ship docking is going to Ghana. We are use to talking but no actions,” he said.

 

He said for instance, it cost between N45 million  and N75 million to dry dock a vessel, and that approximately, 200 to 300 vessels go to Ghana, Duala and Robins Bay for dry-docking annually, these vessels are supposed to dry docked here in Nigeria but the facility to do so is lying idle.

Why Nigerian Singer Kizz Daniel was Arrested in Tanzania

Why Nigerian Singer Kizz Daniel was Arrested in Tanzania

Nigerian singer, Kizz Daniel has been arrested in Tanzania over his failure to perform at a show he was paid for.

According to reports, he “blatantly refused” to perform due to unavailability of his clothes he allegedly forgot in Uganda.

In a video posted online, the “Buga” crooner could be seen being escorted from his hotel by security operatives into the back of a pickup truck.

Scores of his Tanzanian fans had taken to Twitter to express displeasure over his behaviour, lamenting that individuals paid as much as $5,000 dollars to see him perform.

This is the third time in 2022 that Kizz Daniel would be called out for failing to perform at paid shows, reliable source disclosed.

Ngbilebiri Kingdom: Bigborogha, Kaka Royal Families Set Up 7 Man Committee to restore peace

Ngbilebiri Kingdom: Bigborogha, Kaka Royal Families Set Up 7 Man Committee to restore peace

Wilson Macaulay 

Warri____The Bigborogha and Kaka Royal Families of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, in a well attended meeting in the Pere’s Palace at Kiagbodo, on Saturday 6th August, 2022 after deliberations on issues of utmost importance, has set up a Seven-Man Think-Tank Committee.

The Joint Committee which have Apostle Simeon Dode as Chairman, Prince Dr Ahmed Saibakumor as Secretary with five others as members were given the responsibility to work towards the peace and progress of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom, in respect of pending agendas in the kingdom.

Prof. Dr Moses M Adagbabiri, Chairman Reconciliation Committee of the Kaka Royal Dynasty who addressed the committee concerning their terms of reference said:

“My advice to you members of the committee is to take the issue seriously, work within the terms of reference and make sure that you come out with positive result within the time stipulated.”

He remarked: “The meeting held today here at Kiagbodo in the Pere’s Palace by the Bigborogha and the Kaka Royal Dynasty which was well attended is the first of it’s kind, let us make our promises good by working towards the peace and progress of our kingdom.”

Apostle Simeon Dode the Chairman of the Seven -Man Think -Tank Committee in his inaugural speech said: “The meeting was fruitful and the committee is a great opportunity to put many things Which are not in proper shape in order for the overall interest of all sons and daughters of Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom both at home and in diaspora.

He explained: “The need for this committee is long overdue, because we have longed for a day like this, and today we have set up a joint committee here in the Palace at Kiagbodo, and I am privileged to be the chairman.

He continued: “Within the terms of reference, l assure the Bigborogha and Kaka Royal Families that we Will do our best to fine-tune identifiable grey areas and obstacles confronting us as a people in our dear kingdom, and by the grace of God, we will get a solution that will be beneficial to all to move Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom forward as one entity collectively indomitable.”

Prince Dr. Ahmed Saibakumor, the Secretary of the Committee in his statement said: ” Today with this committee, I will say we have achieved a breakthrough, in the sense that the two Royal Families

agreed to set up this joint committee which suggest unity of purpose, a ray of hope and a clear signal of better things to come.

Hon Paul Kurugbe and Elder Matthew Apiakise who spoke onbehalf of the Bigborogha Royal Family Posited. ” From the depth of our inner reccesses, we sincerely appreciate the efforts of the Kaka Royal Family for their show of love and solidarity towards the Bigborogha Royal Family in Particular and the entire Ngbilebiri Mein Kingdom in general.

The duo of Hon Paul kurugbe and Elder Matthew Apiakise in their advice to the Committee stressed thus :

“Our candid advice to you members of the Seven -Man Think–Tank Committee is for you to come out with a blueprint within the shortest possible time guided by the terms of reference to move the kingdom forward.”

Sen. Kwakwanso Set to Unveil NNPP’s Maritime Agenda to Nigerians in Lagos

Sen. Kwakwanso Set to Unveil NNPP’s Maritime Agenda to Nigerians in Lagos

Asu Beks

Lagos_____ Presidential Candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Sen Rabiu Kwankwaso along with other party stalwarts is set to storm Lagos to unveil its maritime agenda.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) will be making history as the first ever political party in the country to present a maritime agenda to Nigerians prior to a general election. A statement by Prime Maritime Project, promoters of the event disclosed that because the party considers that deserves priority attention of the NNPP. Consequently, the party’s presidential flag bearer, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside his running mate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, and other party stalwarts will storm Lagos on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 for that purpose, the statement signed by Mr Kingsley Anaroke, Prime Maritime Project Director of Administration and Communication , further explained.

Sen. Kwankwaso, who will be the Special Guest of Honour at the proposed Town Hall Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, will use the opportunity to interact with maritime stakeholders with a view to ascertaining the peculiar needs of this vital but neglected sector of the economy.

The forum will also offer the Kwankwasiyya Movement leader the opportunity to enter into a social contract with the stakeholders on what they should expect from the NNPP government should the party come into power in 2023.

The event, slated for 11.00am, will be chaired and moderated by a maritime technocrat, Otunba Kunle Folarin, who is also the Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC). Introductory remarks would be expected from the Founder of the NNPP, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, the Ozo Ebubechukwu Umuawulu, who also doubles as the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) and Spiritual Leader of the party.

Expected at the forum are key industry stakeholders cutting across all segments of the sector, including public and private establishments.

Oyetola Drags Adeleke to Election Tribunal, Alleges Overvoting In 749 Polling Units

Oyetola Drags Adeleke to Election Tribunal, Alleges Overvoting In 749 Polling Units

 

Oshogbo_____ The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in Osun state, Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, has dragged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Ademola Adeleke, to the election tribunal, alleging overvoting in 749 polling units. 

Oyetola and the APC, on Friday, filed a petition before the Election Petition Tribunal sitting at the State High Court, Osogbo. 

Gov. Oyetola questioned the results of the election in some local government areas and prayed the tribunal to return their mandate to them. 

This is even as the first petitioner, Oyetola, was physically present at the tribunal to sign the petition filed before the tribunal. 

A lawyer among the petitioners’ team, Ibrahim Lawal, posted on his verified Facebook page on Friday that Oyetola and the party discovered overvoting in 749 polling units across 10 local government areas. 

Lawal said: “We are challenging 749 polling units scattered across 10 local governments for overvoting.” 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Adeleke winner of the election, having polled 403,271 against 375,027 polled by Governor Oyetola. 

Addressing journalists after the petition was filed on Friday, one of the petitioners’ lawyers, Mr Kunle Adegoke (SAN), expressed confidence in the substance of the petition to ensure victory for Governor Oyetola and the ruling party. 

According to him, the legal team of the petitioners has established fundamental grounds to seek justice and ensure victory for them in view of the substance of the case. 

Adegoke said: “We are here to file a petition on behalf of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in respect of July 16, governorship election in the State. The petition has been filed and it has been received by the registry of the tribunal. 

“In the next few days, activities will be in top gear in respect to the proceedings of the tribunal. So, we are here today with the petition which has fundamental grounds upon which we believe the election ought to have been returned in favour of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola and All Progressives Congress (APC). 

“We are confident of the petition and we are confident of victory.” 

Also, the state chairman of the APC, Mr Gboyega Famodun, while fielding questions from newsmen, expressed confidence in the substance of the petition, saying “by the grace of God, we will win the case and come out victorious.” 

Famodun said: “We are here today to file our election petition to challenge the outcome of the July 16 governorship election in Osun. We just filed it, signed and sealed it for the tribunal to take over from there. 

“By the grace of God, we are confident of victory. The members of the party are in tune with me and that is the reason why you see many of them here with me. A lot of people are here today, believing that we have a good case and by the grace of God, we will have a cause to jubilate at the end of the case.”, the statement added.

Disconnecting customers’ electricity supply without 10-day notice illegal, FG declares

Disconnecting customers’ electricity supply without 10-day notice illegal, FG declares

“The massive disconnection of communities because of debt is not only illegal, it is outrageous and an abuse of the people’s right.”

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says it is illegal to disconnect a consumer from a power supply source without a 10-day prior notice from the date of bill delivery.

Babatunde Irukera, the FCCPC executive vice-chairman, stated this on Wednesday in Calabar at an electricity consumer complaint resolution platform.

Mr Irukera bemoaned the abysmal service provided by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) in Calabar and its environs.

He said from an investigation by the commission that PHEDC had not fared well in providing services to its consumers commensurate with their bills.

Mr Irukera described as “oppressive” PHEDC’s services to residents of Cross River.

He added that the reports the commission received on many issues included mass disconnection carried out by the company without recourse to the law.

“I want to convey to you the incredible displeasure of the people of Cross River. According to them, especially the governor, if they have their way, they will prefer that PHEDC does not operate in the state,” said the FCCPC boss. “If this is the view about your business, then I don’t think that business will survive.”

He added, “The massive disconnection of communities because of debt is not only illegal, it is outrageous and an abuse of the people’s right. Disconnecting the whole community is oppressive.”

According to Mr Irukera, there are people in the community who are consistent in paying their bills,

“So, it is unjust and unfair to disconnect them.

Any business that cannot satisfy its consumers is preparing to die. Allowing consumers to pay tariffs without commensurate electricity supply is against the law,” he further explained. “The problem of compelling consumers to pay electricity bills is tantamount to oppressing and extorting money illegally from consumers. The internal mechanism for assessing scorecards of electricity companies is not by a collection of tariffs. Rather it is customer satisfaction that matters.”

Mr Irukera also mentioned that DisCos disconnecting the power supply for days and still giving bills covering that same period was “exploitative.” He explained that it was illegal for consumers to buy transformers, and they would later become the property of PHEDC.

Shock makes man collapse after discovering that his wife is his Landlord after 15 yrs

Shock makes man collapse after discovering that his wife is his Landlord after 15 yrs

A married man identified as Martin Stampa reportedly collapsed after discovering his wife is his “landlord.”

Local news platforms reported that Stampa, from Zambia lived in the house for 15 years, and was paying 3500 kwacha every month. It was also gathered that his wife was the one who always took the rent to his “landlord.”

However an altercation ensued after the lady identified as Lushomo discovered that her husband was having an extramarital affair. Martin reportedly told his wife that he got a side chick because he wanted someone who was intelligent and engages in smart conversations.

This riled Lushomo, who ended up spilling the beans and telling Martin that he’s not intelligent enough as he has been paying her a monthly rent because the house they live in belongs to her.

On seeing the house’s title deeds, Martin lost consciousness and collapsed. People had to drench him with bucketfuls of water to wake him up.