Ijaw Backs Operation AMOTEKUN In South-West, Nigeria Sectional Security Agencies Has Failed Her Citizens, Says Comrade Austin Ozobo

Press Statement
16th January, 2020

Ijaw Backs Operation AMOTEKUN In South-West, Nigeria Sectional Security Agencies Has Failed Her Citizens, Says Comrade Austin Ozobo

Francis Tayor

As Ijaw people, we throw our weight behind the formation of operation AMOTEKUN in the South. It is a welcome development. We must defend ourselves against Boko Haram terrorists spread in the country. We must defend ourselves against the spread of killer herdsmen since the government has failed to protect lives and properties in the country.

Nigeria security is being control by the Hausa/Fulanis. It is what they told the police is what they are doing in the country. Herdsmen are still killing people because the police and other security forces have compromised, being the fact that herdsmen are their brothers. Boko Haram is increasing and becoming dangerous because Nigeria security system has been compromised. We can no longer risk our lives for a security that is loyal to a section of religion and tribe in the country.

The formation of Amotekun is timely and a round peg in a round hole. Amotekun formation has not breach any known law in the country. We have the Hisbah in the North. We have Sharia police in the North. We have civilian JTF in North East. All are being empowered to carry fire arm. The Government has not say such groups are illegal.

The issue of security being a business of the Federal Government has nothing to do with people providing internal defence for themselves. The Government is making blind argument on AMOTEKUN. Power is in the exclusive list, yet the Federal Government allows states to spent much money for power. Water is in the exclusive list, yet it is happy when states make frantic efforts to provide water to their states. Security is in exclusive list, yet it allows state governments to spent more on maintaining security in their states. You are coming to make blind argument, because we say, we want to provide internal mechanism for our safety because the police and other security networks in the country has failed us.

The action of the Government towards operation AMOTEKUN is shameful. As far as Ijaws are concern you can not quantify individual efforts to sustainable peace in the country. We as citizens, we do more of the security of our environment than what police and other security apparatus are doing.

There is no sense in Federal Government argument over Amotekun, especially now that Nigeria security has failed. We are at risk, hence we must devise means to protect and defend ourselves. Nigeria police has abandoned their official duty for extortion of members of the public. They have abandoned their national assignment for feasting on Yahoo boys. They now parade with POS like business men and women for additional daily pay. We can not risk our lives for people whose trade mark is extortion. For we can't longer depend on people who do not have time for protection of lives and properties. We will all be killed by herders, cults and Boko haram sects if we must depend on these commercial traders, call Police in this country. They have legalized bribe collection, extortion and killing of citizens at the slightested provocation. We are not safe if we must depend on Nigerian police as it has turned the greatest threat to survival.

It is pertinent that every state must devise means to protect her people and property. Looking at the volatile nature of the country. It may interest you to know that 60 percent of Nigerian police are now body guards and gatemen to politicians, and other influential citizens and the remaining 40 percent is only interested on commercial trade of extortion and parading with POS for additional daily pay. Neither police nor the Government is interested for the protection of the lives of the common people.  Operation Amotekun should be emulated by others in South-South, Southeast and middle belt states.

The law is not against private security guard. Amotekun is a private security guard in the South-West and the Federal Government lacks the constitutional power to call it Illegal. It lacks power to disband it. Whether we decide to give them gun or not. If Fulani herdsmen could carry aka 47 rifle free in this country , we are equally free to give Amotekun gun, If truly we are operating under same Nigeria constitution. As Ijaw people, we give backing to the South West for the the launch of Operation Amotekun. Here in Niger Delta we are at alert. Our gods and ancestors are at alert even if we have not come up with such internal security arrangements. Soonest we will follow suit because having internal security is the only way out.

Signed:
Comrade Ozobo Austin,
National president Ijaw people's Development Initiative, IPDI.

Party Congress: PDP Would Be More United, Stronger ln Burutu Under My Watch, Says Tam Odogwu, Commends Hon. Ebike Oromoni Led Leadership

Party Congress: PDP Would Be More United, Stronger ln Burutu Under My Watch, Says Tam Odogwu, Commends Hon. Ebike Oromoni Led Leadership

Francis Tayor

Warri___ A Chairmanship aspirant in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Congress in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Tam Godspower Odogwu has assured a more united and stronger PDP in Burutu when given the opportunity to serve as party chairman.

Hon. Odogwu made the statement in Warri yesterday 15th January, 2020 during a meeting with some party stakeholders in Burutu noted that, PDP is the only party in Burutu, as well as Delta State.

" The unity of our dear party is my top priority. It is unity that has made our party strong in Burutu and Delta State over the past twenty years. I am coming as Chairman to sustain the tempo for more united and stronger PDP in Burutu, Hon. Odogwu stated."

Meanwhile, Odogwu went further to commend Hon. Ebike Oromoni led leadership, stressing that he has done well for Burutu PDP. He described Ebike leadership style as unprecedented and thank him for keeping the party members together as one indivisible family under his watch.

However, Hon. Tam Odogwu appeals to Burutu PDP leaders to consider and support him to become the next party chairman, noting that he will not disappoint them when given the mandate, the statement adds.

Breaking: Former U.S. President Barack Obama Declares Interest To Run For Kenyan President In 2021, Launches His Own Political Party NDP

Breaking: Former U.S. President Barack Obama Declares Interest To Run For Kenyan President In 2021, Launches His Own Political Party NDP

Francis Tayor

Kenya_____ In a surprise announcement that could upset African politics for years to come, former American President Barack Obama has confirmed this morning his candidacy in the 2021 Kenyan presidential campaign.

Mr. Obama, who is a Son of Kenyan senior governmental economist, Barack Hussein Obama Snr, the politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017 is actually touring Africa to give a series of conferences.

While visiting the Kenyan port city of Mombasa, he was greeted by a large and extremely enthusiastic crowd,  loudly cheering and chanting his name.

Mr. Obama drew an almost ecstatic roar from the crowd when he made the announcement that he was returning to politics.

According to him, said; “I’m a bit disgusted with American politics recently while seeing Kenya struggle. I realized I needed to do something to help my Homeland.”

The former U.S. President believes he can help the country overcome its social and economic problems as he did with the U.S.

“I was able to solve the U.S.’ worse economic crisis in its history and put it on the right track until they elected a narcissistic reality tv star. I can certainly help Kenya.”

Mr. Obama announced that he was launching his own political party, the National Democratic Party of Kenya (NDP) and confirmed he was considering negotiations with existing parties to form a coalition.

Kenya is still struggling with social instability, poverty issues, government corruption, and an important water crisis even if it has recently known a few years of economic growth.

Although its economy enjoys the leading position in eastern and central Africa, 39.9% of its population lives below the poverty line, according to the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Initiative.

To make things worse, the country has been struggling with several economic problems recently, the most recent of which is a huge swarm of locust that destroyed swathes of maize, coffee, vegetable, and tea plantations, threatening the country’s food security.

Several experts believe the former American President’s chances of getting elected are extremely good.

Many analysts also note that the actual government will certainly hesitate to forbid his candidacy or trick the election if it takes place under international scrutiny.

The next Presidential election in Kenya is set for October 2021 and candidates have until April 2021 to confirm their candidacy.

Why U.S. Military Assassination Of Iranian Commander Soleimani Was Wrong, It's Against The Law Of Foreign Policy, Says A Nigerian Prof. Femi Mimiko

Why U.S. Military Assassination Of Iranian Commander Soleimani Was Wrong, It's Against The Law Of Foreign Policy, Says A Nigerian Prof. Femi Mimiko

Francis Tayor

It may perfectly suit the machismo image that President Trump has stridently tried to cultivate, there are several reasons why the recent Qasem Soleimani assassination by the U.S. military is wrong. It is doubtful if whatever intelligence that supposedly provided the basis for the U.S. action is of such high value, and the threat of such magnitude to warrant the assassination of a top official of a foreign government.

The nature of the threat that would justify such aggression by one country against another should be so clearly evident, and the urgency unimpeachable. Even so, going into a third country to effect such an act remains ever questionable.
The UK-Russia diplomatic beef on the Sergei Skripal poisoning saga, is a compelling reference point. Countries restrain from undertaking such escapades, not because it is so difficult to pull through, but paradoxically because it is within the capability of several countries to do. Without such self-restraint, assassination of this nature would become commonplace, with every country a ready and potential victim. With it, all pretences to order are lost, and the global system equates effectively, a complete jungle.

Thus, in the context of international law, the Soleimani assassination comes across as one of the most brazen violations of the rules of engagement. Many of such rules or conventions may be inconvenient, but nations appreciate their place in the sustenance of some semblance of order in a basically anarchical system. What Trump did in the instant case, therefore, amounts to a legitimisation of assassination of state officials by foreign governments. Even under the old order, in which the Central Intelligence Agency, CIA, had authorisation to undertake similar acts, such were done discretely, often through proxies, to enhance deniability.

The suggestion that Soleimani had to be killed, supposedly because he was a terrorist, stands against the grain of logic. No country is permitted to randomly appropriate the right to so tag and target officials of another country. Thus, Soleimani was different from Osama bin Laden, and Abu Bakar al-Baghdadi, both of whom operated outside of state structures. No matter how carefully, therefore, Trump tries to present the assassination of the Iranian General as equating some form of victory over a terrorist, who in the words of Secretary Mike Pompeo, was taken out ‘on the battlefield,’ such doesn’t wash with anyone with a fair level of appreciation of the workings of the international system.

The type of injury Trump has inflicted on the psyche of the Iranian nation is such that would not heal. The position of the ideological moderates in Tehran has also suddenly become completely untenable… When Iran finally arrives at that threshold, the pattern of recriminations between it and the U.S. is bound to assume a most dangerous proportion…

As well, it would be very naïve of anyone to assume that the Iranians would not retaliate, as they have clearly indicated. This is the sense in which Trump’s promise to hit 52 cultural sites in Iran if the latter makes goods its threat, sounds a bit off track. To assume such threats would deter a nation that is so gravely hurt by the assassination of its top official calls to question the depth of intellectual engagement in the Trump White House. It is the type of assumption that made Adolf Hitler attack Poland in 1939. Even countries that are calling for the de-escalation of the situation are merely doing what is expected in diplomatic parlance, hoping that the full ramifications of this unnecessary attack could be avoided. No one is in doubt about the inevitability of an Iranian response, and ultimately some form of armed engagement between Washington and Tehran.
George H.W. Bush’s decision to spare Saddam Hussein upon the invasion of Iraq in 1991 wasn’t out of lack of capability on the part of the U.S. Rather, wisdom dictated that it was needful to leave in office one man, who in spite of his evil proclivities, was capable of holding Iraq together. Such care was not demonstrated under similar circumstances under Bush, the 43rd president. He went for broke, brought down the government of Saddam, and ensured that the man paid the supreme sacrifice. Iraq, and now Libya, are evidence of the banality of regime change as a policy tool.

The U.S. lost 4,500 service personnel, and civilians, and humungous amounts of money in the Iraqi expedition. These have now practically come to naught, with the assassination of Soleimani – in Baghdad. The nature of the consequence is what has now been given effect to by Iraq’s parliament, in its decision to expel all foreign (American) troops from the country. The same reality consists in the State Department’s advice that all Americans scurry out of Iraq. What purpose the assassination was meant to serve when it has now put the lives of innocent Americans in Iraq in danger, remains unclear.

In the same vein, the Soleimani assassination eliminates virtually the possibility of a rapprochement between Iran and the U.S. The type of injury Trump has inflicted on the psyche of the Iranian nation is such that would not heal. The position of the ideological moderates in Tehran has also suddenly become completely untenable. Thus, Iran has latched onto this incident to ditch the nuclear deal, making the path to a nuclear bomb for the country too clear. When Iran finally arrives at that threshold, the pattern of recriminations between it and the U.S. is bound to assume a most dangerous proportion, given the nature of the permanent hostility that has defined relations between the two nations for 40 years. Realism dictates that you do not assume away the real world in pursuit of some highfalutin and ephemeral values. To conjecture that you would assassinate a serving top official of a state as truculent as Iran without consequence, is illusory. Such an act comes with consequences, which a realist will never ignore.
In the event of a war with Iran, it is doubtful if the U.S. would have too many of its erstwhile allies’ support to readily call upon. Meanwhile, it remains axiomatic that whatever power capability countries possess, no nation fights the type of war this assassination has made inevitable alone. A U.S. administration that chose not to give Congress a head start, in spite of constitutional obligations, couldn’t have accorded any of what remains of its Western allies anything different from a similar cavalier treatment. Which nation would be eager to follow Trump into war blindfolded, as one may argue was the case when President Bush built arguably the largest and most effective global coalition in history against Iraq in 1991?

The theory of international relations evinces that leaders often ‘instrumentalise’ foreign policy to the ends of private, and local political advantages. Specifically, the Diversionary Theory of Conflict avers that states trigger conflicts for the purpose of diverting public attention from local social challenges. The retention of power and accomplishment of set objectives, as Machiavelli suggests, often trump all other considerations, including morality, and law, in the conduct of princes. The question all these evoke is: Why would a U.S. administration latch onto a most dangerous, and brazen foreign policy act when actually there were several more benign and potentially effective options it could have taken to achieve the same result of taming a disruptive Iran?

Foreign policy runs on the fulcrum of national interest and power, both of which Trump would seem to have called upon to justify his decision to act against Iran in the manner in which he has done. Even so, realism dictates that you do not assume away the real world in pursuit of some highfalutin and ephemeral values. To conjecture that you would assassinate a serving top official of a state as truculent as Iran without consequence is illusory. Such an act comes with consequences, which a realist will never ignore.

By Femi Mimiko,
A Professor of Political Science at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife; and member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Nigeria.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the writer.

Opinion: 2023, Deltans Living With The Notion Of Non Existing Mirage Of Zoning, Facts To Ponder

Opinion: 2023, Deltans Living With The Notion Of Non Existing Mirage Of Zoning, Facts To Ponder

By Binebai Princewill/Ndu Samuel

As the debate on which senatorial district should occupy Dennis Osadobe House, Asaba come 2023 continues to gather momentum, several political permutations and gimmicks are already playing underground.

Currently, some leaders from a particular district are whipping up zoning sentiments in a bid to stop others from taking a shot at the governorship position. People from Delta central says its their turn to succeed  the incumbent Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who hails from the North, their argument is based on an undocumented zoning arrangement which they claim has been in place since the present political dispensation in 1999.

When Nigeria returned to Democracy in 1999, the Central produced the governor in person of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, and on completion of his two tenure of eight (8) years, Dr. Emmanuel E. Uduaghan from the South took over, ruled for eight years before handing over to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whose tenure elapsed in 2023.

From the above, one may be forced to conclude that the position is actually rotating among the three senatorial zones when in the actual sense it was only a mere happenstance.

As stated earlier, zoning has never being in practice since inception of Democracy in Delta State. As a matter of fact since people became awakened to participate in democratic elections in 2003, every senatorial zone has actively participated in Delta state gubernatorial elections.

In 2003 for instance, Prince Ned Nwoko, Chief James Ibori, Great Ogboru and many others from across the three zones, contested the Delta State governorship position, but Ibori from the Central was still able to retain his seat for a second term in office.

In a related development in 2007 when  the erroneous mantra began which has been in breach than practice, every senatorial districts participated in the governorship which negates any zoning formula rumoured  to be in practice.

Delta North had the likes of Godswill Obielum, Peter Okocha, Ifeanyi Okowa, Fidelis Odita and many others, in the same vein Delta south paraded big shots like Pz Aginighan, Emmanuel Uduagan, Young Daniel Igbrude and Albert Okumagba

For Delta central, the list is too long to mention, but notably were Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Pius Ewherido, Ejaife Odebala, Emmanuel Agwariawvkdo, Oscar Ibru, Great Ogboru, Olorogun Otega Emerho etc.

In 2011, the same scenario played out, Ovie Omo-Agege, Great Ogboru, and Samuel Onocharigho from Delta Central made attempts to clinch the ticket. Emmanuel Uduagan, Braduce Amakazi Angozi, Saliba Mukoro, John Kpokpogri were among the bigwigs from Delta South and so in the North that battle for the governorship position of the state.

The story was not different in 2015, Delta North came to the battle with political players that include Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Victor Ochei, Ngozi Olejeme, Charlse Emetulu,Tony Obuh, Peter Okocha with the host of others.

Delta central had Ovie Omo-Agege, Otega Emerho, Great Ogboru, David Edewvie, Otive Igbuzor while Godsday Orubebe  from South  took a shot as well.

One indisputable fact from the above is that all senatorial zones have participated in the state's governorship elections, even those  persons who have made respect for zoning formula their new song cannot deny this fact.

From the political analysis above, it is obviously lucid that all senatorial zones have always participated in all the elections that have taken place in the state since 2003 till date.

The big question begging for answer is if there is zoning agreement among Deltans, why then would politicians from all the three senatorial districts be contesting for the governorship position in each political dispensations, and if anyone from the said districts had won, would they have rejected the position?.

Just-In: Hundreds Of Unpaid Amnesty Students Storms Mercy City in Warri, Committs Prof. Dokubo lnhuman Treatment To God

Just-In:  Hundreds Of Unpaid Amnesty Students Storms Mercy City in Warri, Committs Prof. Dokubo lnhuman Treatment To God

Francis Tayor

Warri____ Hundreds of unpaid Niger Delta region students under the Presidential Amnesty Programme from various universities where they were deployed since 2018,has besieged Christ  MercyLand Deliverance Ministry under the general oversea of Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin  in Warri Delta State to seek the face of God and to cry out for His intervention in order to save them from the inhuman treatment that they have been subjected to by the SA and Coordinator to the President on the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Prof. Charles Quarker Dokubo.

The students who were deployed to various universities around February 2018 by the former SA to the President on the Amnesty programme, Brigadier Paul Boroh (Rtd), have been denied their stipends since Prof Charles Dokubo took over the office as the SA in March 2018 owing to some unsettled political issues between the two men. This is going on despite annual budgetory provisions  by the National Assembly to the tune of 65 billion naira to take care of all the students stay in the programme including all their stipends. But unfortunately, since almost two years now, Prof Charles Dokubo in connivance with , the office of the National Security Adviser, the office of the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank have refused to pay the students their stipends thereby putting their study under serious threat and jopardy.

It would be recalled that about 1040 students were deployed to the various universities before the assumption of office by Prof Dokubo. After leaving the entire students in hunger and unbearable pain in the various universities for over nine months in 2018, he selectively and discriminatorily embarked on the payment of some students who were from his area and from the camps of some ex-agitators loyal to him. This unexpected situation saw so many students dropping off from the programme as the good intention of government who made special provision for the payment of monthly stipends for ALL the beneficiaries owing to the fact that they were been transferred to far places from home, was defeated.

All efforts to get Prof Charles Dokubo to rescind this discriminatory payment has so far yielded no positive results as the professor sat down and unilaterally decided to pay the WHOLE 1040 students school fees and accommodation fees to the universities owners and went ahead to pay about 350 of the students deployed by his predecessor their statutory monthly stipends of 70,000:00 and 40,000:00 book allowances while leaving the rest students empty handed without a kobo to eat or buy books in the schools in order to focus completely on their studies to become better citizens as envisaged by the founding fathers of the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The students hope that a professor will understand the value of education more than anyone else in the Niger delta region has long been dashed.

All protest lettters, newspaper articles, messages to the Presidency, the National Assembly, traditional rulers, all the governor's of the Niger Delta region,  and critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta region and to Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo to pay the students their stipends has fallen on deaf ears. It is saddening to hear that those who the professor is paying the entire benefits of the programme were all deployed by the former SA the same day from the same list that Prof Charles Dokubo met on assumption of office. The students cannot understand why they have been left to suffer while those who are in the same schools with them, attending the same classes and sleeping in the same rooms have so fat been paid about 1.8M each by Dokubo to enable them focus on their studies while they are left without a dime to survive.

The refusal to pay the affected students have lead to a lot of problems for the students. The students who were deployed several kilometers from the Niger Delta region to new communities outside their homes in the creeks of the Niger Delta, have been suffering adversely in the various universities while professor Charles Quaker Dokubo has remained adamant to their plights.  They cannot understand why a man who is from the same region with them will intentionally want to kill their educational dreams knowing fully well that no student can perform well in school without feeding properly and getting reading materials. The students are also wondering why the professor has decided to pay the new students he personally deployed to the programme and have refused to do anything about their plights for over 22 months now.

It is hoped that the students decision to take their cry to the house of God, will bring succour to them so that like others who were deployed to the various universities with them the same day are smiling, they too will get divine intervention which is all that is needed now since all those who they thought could help them, has totally abandoned them to die in the wicked hands of Prof. Charles Quaker Dokubo until God will remove him from office.

Please help to share this message until this injustice and oppression is stopped and the students gets their entitlements in full from the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Breaking: Nigeria Police lnvades Home Of Gov. Okowa's Aide On Security At Udu, Molests Aged Mother, Son, Others

Breaking: Nigeria Police lnvades Home Of Gov. Okowa's Aide On Security At Udu, Molests Aged Mother, Son, Others

.....Nobody Can Silent Me, Says Lawuru

Francis Tayor

Warri___ Some unidentified Nigerian police officers has just invaded the house of Gov. Okowa's Senior Special Assistant on security, Alaowei Promise Lawuru at Igbiki Layout, in UDU Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly beaten his 82years old mother, whisked away his younger brother to unknown destination at about 11: pm in the night.

Alaowei Lawuru had cried out that some unknown policemen claimed to have come from Abuja invaded his house, allegedly molested his 82years old mother on Tuesday Night.

Alaowei Promise who reported the issue at press time, expressed disappointment over the conduct of the police, saying that he had done nothing wrong to deserve what he described as a barbaric treatment.

He said that the police were equally caught by his old mother and his younger brother as they were making an attempts to plant live bullet in his house.

Lawuru added that he had no beef with any police to think of invading his harbour and that no harm should be done to his brother as he vowed not to forgive anybody that is behind the evil plots if anything bad happened to his mother.

In his words, he said; " All Niger Delta activists were are you ? Nigeria police just invaded my house, molest my aged mother. Throw my 4 years old boy on the floor. Tried planting ammunition in my house but was caught on the act. Nobody can silent me, Lawuru stated."

However, the cause of the invasion was still sketch at press time as effort to get the identity of the suspected police officers prove abortive.

The Late Iranian Fallen Hero Gen. Suleimani, A Green Snake Under The Green Grass, Read The Five Reasons Why U.S. Trump Assassinates Him

The Late Iranian Fallen Hero Gen. Suleimani, A Green Snake Under The Green Grass, Read The Five Reasons Why U.S. Trump Assassinates Him

Francis Tayor

Washington____ 12.30am Friday morning, Donald Trump sat amongst his team of advisers, top Military Generals, VP Mike Pence and National Security advisor, Mark Esper..

He had a choice - choose between ordering an airstrike that could change the dynamics of military operations in the Middle East forever or withhold his 'Republican party' instincts by waiting for a more provocative action by Iran before launching attacks.

He chose the former! And sent a guided US Drone strike to shoot down Soleimani's convoy just after his plane had landed in Baghdad's airport.

I mean, why wouldn't he? On Monday Iranian militants guised as protesters following directions from Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, stormed the US Embassy in Baghdad, and destroyed sections of the embassy, burning down the reception area.

Attacking a country's embassy is considered an act of war in international law, so to attack the US Embassy as retaliation for US airstrikes that killed 25 Iran backed Kataib Hezbollah terrorists, when the same Kataib Hezbollah was allegedly responsible for last week's killing of an American contractor on an Iraqi military base - was very tempting for a Trump that ran his political campaign on an 'America First' mantra.

The last three Republican presidents have initiated wars or ordered military invasions, so Trump even though he has claimed he wants no wars and has been on a charm offensive with North Korea's leader will not hesitate to release America's military might if it is severely tested. And there is a conspiracy theory that says every 20 years America engages in a war just to show off to the world that they are still the dominant world military power.. In the face of recent events, and Republican party praise over Trump's killing of Soleimani, that conspiracy theory isn't far off.

Trump ordered a drone strike to kill Soleimani, meaning there could be no casualties and it can be monitored from the situation room in the White House.

It didn't just kill Soleimani but also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the deputy head of the Iran-backed and funded Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Here are five things you probably didn't know about Soleimani and why his killing makes a War between the US and Iran a 'when' rather than 'if' situation.

1.Soleimani was described by Middle East Military Generals as "the single most powerful operative in the Middle East today" as he was the principal military strategist and tactician in Iran's effort to combat and destroy Western influence as he helped promote the expansion of Shiite and Iranian influence throughout the Middle East.

2. Soleimani joined the military at a very young age, but quickly rose through the ranks because of his bravery during the Iraq-Iran war.

3. Soleimani was a cult like figure in Iran and was greatly feared. He led Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Quds Force unit, and was responsible for all Iranian militia operations outside Iran . Be it Lebanon, Syria, Iraq , Afghanistan. Every Iranian military proxy operation operated through him.

4. Under Soleimani, the IRGC command "coordinated attacks, trained militias, and set up an elaborate system to monitor rebel communications outside Iran. He played a crucial role in the Syria war since 2012 and was a staunch ally of Syria's president Bashar Al Assad.

5. Soleimani was from Kerman. His father was a farmer who died in 2017 while his mother, Fatemeh, died in 2013. Soleimani was a fitness trainer and martial artist in his youth. He had four children: two sons and two daughters.

Suleimani became the chief architect of the expansion of Iran’s regional influence, which started after the fall of Saddam in 2003. It enabled Iran to establish the influence in Iraq, a dominance that gradually extended to Syria, Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen, always in opposition to the US and its allies.

This history of relentless confrontation with Washington is Suleimani’s legacy, and will dictate how and when Iran responds to his Friday assassination.

Iranian leaders believe if Soleimani can be attacked that means any of them can be attacked. Imagine the head of the CIA or Secretary of State being assassinated when outside the US, that's how grave Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Khameni views the attack.

Iran will probably attack a US military base in Iraq, Afghanistan or even go as far as attacking Saudi Arabia or Israel as a sign to the Iranian people that Iran isn't a 'weak' nation.

Using it's proxy army, Hezbollah, in Lebanon, Iran could launch attacks against US owned oil mines, attack military installations or stop oil shipping lanes at the Hormuz Strait.

Iran's leadership has promised a severe response, so it's a case of 'when' rather than 'if' and this is how a World War III could develop.

Iran shoots down a US oil tanker or shoots a US military base in Iraq, Afghanistan or Israel.

The US retaliates by destroying a Hezbollah or Iranian army base while moving its warships close to Iran's borders. Iran uses cyber attacks against Israel or Saudi Arabia and they respond in kind knowing they have the backing of the US.

The US and Iran continues it's back and forth, Iran's allies Russia and China support Iran with Iranian oil in their minds, while NATO, EU and Israel stands behind the US, with Iraq, Israel and the middle east turning to a battle ground.. All hell is let loose. Boom!!! WORLD WAR III. Let's pray it never gets to that.

Evang. Sylvester Oromoni Congratulates Gov. Okowa, PDP On Supreme Court Verdict, Salutes Deltans

Evang. Sylvester Oromoni Congratulates Gov. Okowa, PDP On Supreme Court Verdict, Salutes Deltans

Oyinbi Onduku

Asaba____ The Chairman Delta State Environmental Task Force, Evang. Sylvester Oromoni has join other Deltans to congratulate the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as the Supreme Court reaffirmed his victory at the 2019 governorship polls, describing the judgement as a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

Evang. Oromoni also thank the good people of Delta state for their prayers, steadfastness and support towards our amiable governor during the legal battles from tribunal to High court, court of Appeal and finally the Supreme court. He said the 2019 governorship election in Delta state was won overwhelmingly by PDP, stressing that the candidate of the APC challenging the results in court was unfortunate and ill advised by friends.

Evang. Oromoni stated this in a congratulatory message to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the leadership of the people’s Democratic Party, PDP in the state over the Wednesday’s Supreme Court Judgment that affirmed the re-elections of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State for another tenure of four years. He said the Supreme Court verdict has finally laid to rest all the legal battles and the accompanying distractions, saying that the Governor will be better focused to deliver more democratic dividends to Deltans.

“Governor Okowa is so determined towards building a stronger Delta. The support of all Deltans who are critical stakeholders to the Delta State project is required. I urged all to continue to give your maximum support to the Governor. He is a well focused man, determined to leaving a lasting legacy in the state “, Oromoni stated."

He congratulated Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the leadership of the PDP for the victory and pledged the unalloyed support of the people of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom to the PDP administration in the state.

Evang. Oromoni prayed God to continue to grant the Governor the needed strength, good health and wisdom in his efforts to entrenching good governance in the state, the statement adds.

First In History, A Team Of Nigerian Doctors Successfully Separates Twins Conjoined At The Chest And Abdomen in Abuja National Hospital

First In History, A Team Of Nigerian Doctors Successfully Separates Twins Conjoined At The Chest And Abdomen in Abuja National Hospital

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ A team of 78 medical personnel have successfully separated a conjoined twins after several surgeries in Abuja, National Hospital has announced.
The doctors spent about 13 hours performing the last complex surgery to separate Goodness and Mercy Martins at the National Hospital Abuja.

The surgery involved 78 doctors working in two groups. Goodness and Mercy Martins were born on 13th of August 2018 at the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi Nasarawa state, through a caesarean session. Their unemployed mother had no idea she was expecting twins and she was even more shocked when they came out joined at the chest and abdomen.

The Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr Jaf Mommoh, while addressing newsmen in Abuja, said the twins were conjoined at the chest and abdomen.
“They have therefore been on admission at the hospital for more than 16 months, for care and several diagnostic procedures for a detailed diagnosis in preparation for the surgery.

“The hospital management decided to fund the care and the entire processes leading to the major surgical procedure for the separation as our corporate social responsibility.
“We therefore, ensured that lack of funds did not stop these beautiful girls from having the opportunity to enjoy their lives independently,’’ he said.

Mommoh, attributed the success of the operation to the hospital’s medical team, adequate funds, as well as the belief and trust the parents of the twins had in the hospital.
He then called on state governments to invest more in healthcare.
“So the states need to do more in other to build specialist hospitals or support the existing ones and employ more staff so that we will not be having brain drain.

“They should also provide places for housemanship in their general hospitals so that we will not be having young doctors or health workers roaming the streets for years.
While speaking to the BBC, the lead surgeon, Emmanuel Ameh, said the operation to separate Goodness and Mercy Martins at the chest and abdomen took place in November and the two sisters were now well enough to go home.

He said the operation, which cost about $55,000, was complicated. But the medics at National Hospital Abuja did not charge for their work because the twins’ parents – Michael Edeh and Maria Onya Martins – could not afford the medical bills. They rely on Mr Martins’ salary as a painter to get by.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the separated twins on Tuesday, January 7 in Abuja, ahead of their discharge from National Hospital on Wednesday, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, attributed the successful outcome of the surgery to the teamwork and administrative support the experts at the hospital received.

He said: “These beautiful girls of Benue State origin and their proud parents, are beneficiaries of a healthcare system, when it functions as it supposed to.
“The case management team has demonstrated that our health system, even with modest resources, can rise up to the highest challenges and offer quality care, to find its position among renowned international hospitals.”

The girls were brought to the National Hospital in Abuja a day after their birth. Since then, they have undergone four operations by a team of experts including paediatricians, neurologists, anesthesiologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists and others who spent 16 months treating them until they were well enough for the surgery to separate them.

Consultant pediatric surgeon, Professor Emmanuel Ameh, who led the team of experts, explained that the case Goodness and Mercy Martins was unusual because they were joined at two of the most delicate organs of the body.
He presented a short animation video which explained the steps taken to separate the sisters.

“This is an extremely rare condition. The biggest challenge we faced had to do with their separation at the chest region. This is really the first time that twins joined in the chest and the abdomen are separated throughout the entire country. All the other separated twins are joined only in one organ,” Ameh said.
The National Hospital Abuja has separated about 11 conjoined twins over the last 20 years, but in those cases all the twins had been joined at the abdomen.

The hospital’s medical director, Jaff Momoh, said this case stood out as it was the first time an operation had involved the lower chest wall, liver and diaphragm. Mr. Martins, a painter from Oturkpo, said he was so happy to see his daughters alive and well. He added that the family was looking forward to returning home.
He said: “I am so happy to see Goodness wrapped separately. I initially couldn’t believe it. My gratitude goes to God and the medical team. May this success continue, he stated.”

His wife said words were not enough to thank the team of doctors and the kindness of the hospital staff. The minister of health has visited the hospital to praise the efforts of the medics and meet the family. Also, the women’s affairs minister has promised to give Mrs Martin a job to help the family.

Okowa's Supreme Court Victory Is An Affirmation Of Deltans Mandate At the Poll, Says Okowa SSA, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel

Press Statement
8th January, 2020

Okowa's Supreme Court Victory Is An Affirmation Of Deltans Mandate At the Poll, Says Okowa SSA, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel

..... Salutes Deltans For Their Support And Prayers For His Excellency's Victory

Francis Tayor

The victory of His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa is a well deserved one. It was widely anticipated. I was optimistic that my boss will win at the supreme Court, I hail my boss. Thank God that all efforts to steal Deltans mandate has been finally put to rest.

It was bad advice that pushed great Ogboru to this unpalatable end. I earlier advised that he should not go to supreme court and take the appeal verdict in a good faith but he refused to listen. No wonder the appeal judge called him a gold digger ,trying to reap where he did not sow.

I can see the all-round jubilation on the faces of Deltans which is a sign that Deltans are pleased with Okowa's victoy at the supreme Court. We are happy that attempts to rob Deltans have been resisted.

Okowa's victory is good for all Deltans. I dedicate it to God Almighty and Deltans. Besides, Ogboru must learn to accept defeat. He should apologize to Deltans for the distraction and waste of the precious time of His Execellency Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa.

It was appalling that Ogboru could not substantiate his claim of over voting in an election that His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa won with landslide. I thank all Deltans for reposing confidence on our distinguished governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. I thank you for your prayers and support at the last year's gubernatorial election. We are owning you more appreciation and it may come in different forms either through development, employment, empowerment and appointments. Thank you and God bless.

Signed:
COMR. Ezekiel Daniel
SSA on Security to Delta State governor.

I Have Successfully Transformed Myself From Male Organ To A Female, Bobrisky Tells Fans

I Have Successfully Transformed Myself From Male Organ To A Female, Bobrisky Tells Fans

Francis Tayor

Nigeria’s most popular crossdresser cum transgender, Bobrisky has shared a new photo of herself which puts to bed the debate about whether she now has a pu$$y since her transformation from male to female became complete.

Looking as pretty as always with a swag only BIG girls legitimately posses, Bobrisky simply captioned her photo ‘Skin’ while holding the knob to her door.

Her well shaped female organ was evident in the photo with the camel toe illustrating that Bobrisky is now a woman. Any interested suitor can make attempt to feel the vibe, she stated.

CEPEJ Media Appreciation Day: Mulade Salutes Nigerian Media On Adequate Reportage Of CEPEJ Programmes, Calls For Greater Collaboration

CEPEJ Media Appreciation Day: Mulade Salutes Nigerian Media On Adequate Reportage Of CEPEJ Programmes, Calls For Greater Collaboration

Oyinbi Onduku

Warri____ The National Coordinator, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade has thank and appreciated both local and international media houses on the vital roles they played over the years in publicising the works of CEPEJ to the global world.

Amb. Mulade also appeal to all media outfits to continue with the good work to affect lives positively directly and indirectly, speak out and to tell the world only the truth about issues in and around Nigeria at all times, and shun fake and hate news to avoid over heating the polity.

He gave the charge on the occasion of the 2020 CEPEJ Media Appreciation Day that took place yesterday 7th January, 2020 at CEPEJ's Headquarters in Ugolo-Okpe by Osubi Airport near Warri, Delta state noted that, he deeply appreciates the interventionist roles the media played in peace building towards sustainable development in Niger Delta, Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

According to Mulade, said; " The way the media informed, educated and entertained the people, helped to influence the way people think and make decisions. I want to use this medium to charge all media practitioners to expose the challenges facing the riverine communities, the many sufferings of our people in terms of lack of good and accessible roads, lack of drinkable water, lack of electricity supply, quality education, health care facilities and other infrastructural facilities, Silting Rivers due to lack of dredging, air and water pollution from oil spills, poor maintenance of the few available facilities, and lack of community funding amongst others."

" Finally, l want to inform you that CEPEJ's Media have been operational with local and international news, leveraging on the informatively rich mainstream media. CEPEJ media will be more visible in the media space this year to join in the call for a stronger Delta, support advocacy for development, good governance, poverty eradication, peace building and security. We thank you for being with us today and it is our pleasure to host you here at CEPEJ's Headquarters, Mulade stated."

However, responding on behalf of the media, the Delta State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), Comrade Mike Ikeogu commended Sheriff Mulade for his selfless services and contributions to peace advocacy in the Niger Delta, Nigeria, Africa and Delta State in particular. He urged journalist to be objective in their reportage in order to protect the good image of the noble profession, he stated.

Climax of the occasion was the exhortation service conducted by the General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service DBS Warri, Pst. Malcolm Oteri who charges everyone present to make good use of their time wisely and get closer to God, stressing that we are all here for a particular assignment. He pray God for more favour and connections for CEPEJ boss, Amb. Mulade to keep the good humanitarian work he is doing, saying God will continue to bless and strenghten him to accomplished his purpose on earth, the statement adds.

Ayakoromo Bridge: Gov. Okowa Has Already Made Provision In The 2020 Budget For The Completion Of The Project, Appeals To IPDI, Ayakoromo Youths For Calm

Ayakoromo Bridge: Gov. Okowa Has Already Made Provision In The 2020 Budget For The Completion Of The Project, Appeals To IPDI, Ayakoromo Youths For Calm

Francis Tayor

Asaba____ The Delta State Government has denied reports that the Ayakoromo bridge project in Burutu Council Area of the state has been abandoned.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, in a statement on Tuesday in Asaba, said the State Government was desirous of completing the project, assuring that work on the bridge will commence in the early part of the year.

The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) in conjunction with Ayakoromo youths had threatened showdown with the state government over the project.

Aniagwu however, urged IPDI and Ayakoromo youths to sheathe their swords and shun their planned protest as government had already made provisions for the completion of the bridge in the 2020 budget.

“As a Government we are committed to the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge to link communities in Ughelli South and Burutu Local Government Areas.

“The Okowa administration is concerned about the slow pace of work on the bridge and had already taken steps to fast track its completion by making enough provisions for the project in the 2020 budget.

“The State Government remains committed to the development of riverine communities in Ijawland as well as other parts of the state and will stop at nothing until we give a new lease of life to rural and coastal communities in Delta State.

“I therefore appeal to IPDI and Ayakoromo youths to tow the path of peace even as Government is doing everything possible to make life more meaningful for them.” Aniagwu stated.

Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI Condemns Killing Of Four Soldiers, Abduction Of Four Expatriates In Bayelsa

Press Statement

6th January, 2019

Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative, IPDI Condemns Killing Of Four Soldiers, Abduction Of Four Expatriates In Bayelsa


We outrightly condmn the abduction of four expatriates and the killing of four soldiers by unknown pirates gang at Agge river in Ekeremo LGA, Bayelsa State. The expatriates were told to be working with Sterling global Nigeria limited. This is barbaric act, killing innocent soldiers is criminal. Abduction of oil workers for ransom is also a criminal offence. We condemn it in a strong term.

We are not at war at no point soldiers be killed. This is unacceptable. Ijaw communities in that area condmn the barbaric act of such miscreants. We will not hide useful information as to the where about of the abductors and their criminal hideouts.

It is our appeal that the military should spare innocent Agge, Aghoro, Agge Zion and Okubo Zion communities. The culprits be investigated and be arrested. No innocent people should be punished for the sins of some group of criminals.

We sympathize with the families of the slain soldiers and Nigerian Military. We will assist in information sharing. Those that will be found guilty should be made to face the music of the law.

It is our appeal no Community should be invaded as regards of this barbaric attacks. The criminals should be spotted out in such a way that it will not affect innoncent residents of communities such criminals may come from.
I appeal that despite the idiotic attacks, the military should remain lawful.

We want the military, other security agencies and community leaders of the area where the dastardly act is carried out in a view of bring them to book with no further delay.

Signed:
Comrade Ozobo Austin,
National President Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.