Human Rights Group Condemns Police Abduction Of Four Journalists ln Warri .....wants erring officers brought to book, accuses police of attempting to gag free press

Press Statement
27th May, 2020

Human Rights Group Condemns Police Abduction Of Four Journalists ln Warri

.....wants erring officers brought to book, accuses police of attempting to gag free press

We wish to strongly condemn the unlawful arrest and detention of four journalists in Warri, Delta State by Nigerian police attached to Warri Area command.  The arrest of the four journalists were unlawful ,illegal, barbaric and unprecedented.The arrests were in violation of the right of the affected journalists.

The Police has thrown professionalism and discipline into the wind. You storm NUJ and abducted two journalists unlawfully,because you couldn't see someone you went for, and NUJ sent other two journalists to effect their release you arrested them again. This shows the hight of police lawlessness in the country.

The police is expected to have some levels of respect for the journalistic profession. The police should have invited them for questioning if it felt they have erred in carrying out their legitimate duties. Severally reporters have suffered similar humiliations from police in the country, and this is no longer acceptable as it is an attempt to intimidate reporters, silent public advocacy and free press.

The journalists have constitutional rights to practice their profession but if they erred in the cause of doing their business, they can be invited for clarification or apology and retraction and not to be arrested and detained unlawfully.
The police should know that every journalist has a right to source for story and decide not to disclose their souces. The right of free press should not be trampled under feet. Freedom of speech should not be gagged. The police authorities should reeducate their men on professionalism and discipline. Declaring war against lawful citizens on slightest provocations is condemnable and it makes police a baby force.

It is our demand that the inspector General of police and the police commissioner of Delta State should swing into action and bring to book the police officers who invaded Nigeria Union Of Journalists Office in Warri and unlawful abducted two journalists because they missed their target and in the same vein detained another two journalists who went for the bail of the abducted journalists, without a further delay as to serve as a detterent to other unguided police officers.

Signed
Comrade Ozobo Austin
Niger Delta Environmental and right activist and national president Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI.

NDDC Loot: Daily Watch Publisher, Opukeme Accuses Akpobio Over Threat To His Life, Calls On IGP To Hold Him Responsible If Anything Happens To Him

NDDC Loot: Daily Watch Publisher, Opukeme Accuses Akpobio Over Threat To His Life, Calls On IGP To Hold Him Responsible If Anything Happens To Him

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ A warri based veteran journalist cum the Publisher of Daily Watch Newspaper, Mr. Cletus Opukeme has raised alarm on threat to his life and family members by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio over his exposure of Akpabio's massive looting in NDDC before Nigerians and the National Assembly.

Mr. Opukeme blows the alarm in a Press Release dated Wednesday 27th May, 2020 charged Sen. Akpabio to do the needful by approaching the law court to challenge Daily Watch publication against him if he feels it is libelous and defamatory rather than using the DSS and Nigerian police to go after his life. He called on the lnspector General of Police, Mr. Adamu Muhammed to hold Akpabio responsible if anything happens to him and any member of his family.

According to the Press Release, read:

THREAT TO MY LIFE

My attention has been drawn to a clandestine move by Niger Delta Minister Godwill Akpabio who is the supervising minister of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) using crooked Inspector General Police (IGP) Boys to abduct me and do whatever thing they were instructed to do to  me over Daily Watch exposes of the  monumental fraud in NDDC running to billions of naira that had attracted the Senate and National House or Reprsentative to set up various committees to probe the commission Interim Management Committee.

Yesterday, the IGP boys  from Abuja traced me from Abuja to the office of the Nigerian Union of journalists office in Warri,Delta State and in a commando like manner abducted Mr. Matthew Omonigho away who later called that he was dumped at Area Commander office Warri.

The Union leadership sent a delegation to the police station to know why he was arrested without reason for his arrest and bundled away like a common criminal and manhandled.

The police instead of listening to the NUJ delegation confisticated all their phones and detained them also

The Police told them that they were special squad sent from Abuja to arrest Mr. Cletus Opukeme, the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief of Daily Watch.

I want to categorically warn that the so called crooked IGP paid boys and other security operatives should stay away from Daily Watch publications. That if Senator Godswill Akpabio or any other person feel aggrieved by our published storis. They know the right option which is to seek for redress as the court is there for them to sue Daily Watch publisher and allow the judiciary to determine our publication whether it is libelous and defamatiory. It is not the place of DSS ,the IGP boys or any other security operatives to be used to intimidate Daily Watch over our genuine investigations which first exposed large scale of financial missapproriation in NDDC. Senator Akpabio has turned NDDC to a cash cow looting the common wealth of the people of Niger Delta and intimidation or arrest by IGP Boys /DSS cannot frighten us from doing what we know how to do best by informing the public the right information.

The invasion of Warri NUJ office by the crooked  IGP TEAM to arrest a journalist is an embarrassment to democracy in the country as journalists have freedom of expression enshrined on the nation's constitution.

If Akpabio is aggrieved by our publications for exposing his massive looting, he should go to court and stop intimidating me with the  police and ex-militants to gag the press from doing our Constitutional duties

The said IG squad called one of the arrested journalists to direct them to Cletus Opukeme's residence who identified himself as Reuben with the following phone

one Reuben with mobile phone number:08116912068  quoting the reporter ''One Mr. Reuben just called now requesting to know if  I have been able to see Cletus. I told him that he only called me this morning wherein I asked him to be at the Area Command with me in solidarity and he refused. Again, he asked if I know any link with which they could get him and I said No. He later cut the call''

Therefore, I am calling the Inspector General of Police Mr. Mohammed Adamu to hold Niger Delta minister Godswill Akpabio and the members of the NDDC  Interim management committee responsible, if anything happens to my life and my members of my immediate family.

The same similar threats were being made by unidentified members over campaign against Akpabio's massive looting by Izanzan which after a protest was made against Akpabio and his NDDC IMC within a week assassins shot dead the vibrand and resourceful spokesman Comrade Famous Believe on the 18th May 2020 which police is investigating the murderers till now.


Signed:

Cletus Opukeme

Publisher/ Editor-in- Chief
Daily Watch.

More Trouble Looms ln NDDC As Akpabio, Ex-NDDC MD Joi Nunieh On Path Of War, As Lawyer Seeks Probe Of Spurious Contracts Discovered In The Commission

More Trouble Looms ln NDDC As Akpabio, Ex-NDDC MD Joi Nunieh On Path Of War, As Lawyer Seeks Probe Of Spurious Contracts Discovered In The Commission

....... writes Senate President, Speaker, others

........Tasks Buhari on the fight against corruption


Abuja_____ A legal practitioner, Mr. Ojeh Godwin, has lamented what he called flagrant abuse of statutory procedure and due process, calling for an urgent investigation of the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

‘’It is disheartening that the leadership of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) which was supposedly set up to restore sanity and rescue the body has taken over the same acts of corruption and fraudulent transactions with which the erstwhile leadership of the Commission were alleged. The Interim Management Committee which came on board and confidently accused the past leadership of the NDDC of lacklustre performance, abandoned projects, poor project delivery and so on is now enmeshed in acts of pervasive corruption, blatant illegality, flagrant abuse of power and flagrant abuse of statutory procedure and due process’’

He particularly accused former Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh of throwing caution to the winds.

‘’It is saddening that Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Ag  EDP of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the Ag. EDFA of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of the Management Team of the Interim Management Committee of the NDDC who are to oversee the forensic audit of the NDDC as ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari, in a spate of few months in office have done nothing but to betray the trust reposed in them. Rather than stemming or exposing the corruption they had accused their predecessors of, they had thrown caution to the winds and don the toga of corruption to perpetrate fraudulent acts and abuse of laid down statutory procedure under the NDDC Act and Public Procurement Act. The so much acclaimed contract verification Committee led then by Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of the Management team approved the sums of money to the tune of over N4billion on spurious contracts in the name of supplying  “Maternity Delivery Kits”,  “Cholera Vaccines”,  “Lassa Fever Kits” and “Outstanding Science Equipment’’.

In a petition to the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and others, the Benin based lawyer accused Nunieh of dispensing fund not captured under any budgetary allocation/appropriation.

‘’It is pertinent to state at the outset that Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Ag. EDP of the Interim Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, the Ag EDFA of the Interim Management Committee, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of the Management Team unilaterally approved huge sums of payments without any prior budgetary appropriation. This is reflected in the Memo dated January 17, 2020 where they directed the approval and also directed that the Summarised Information on the Health and Education Projects listed in a Memo dated 3rd December, 2019 and January 10, 2020 be treated for payment. They did this despite the fact that the Memo dated January 17, 2020 clearly stated that “The programmes have already been awarded and supplied”, and that “some of the items have already been distributed”. In fact, they overruled the professional advice of a top official (the DPRS) of the NDDC, who stated on the Memo that “The request is for inclusion in 2020 budget and not for payment”. This singular act of theirs was in direct conflict with the provisions of section 16(1) (b) of the Public Procurement Act which provides as follows: “(1) Subject to any exemption allowed by this Act, all public procurement shall be conducted: (b) based only on procurement plans supported by prior budgetary appropriations and no procurement proceedings shall be formalised until the procuring entity has ensured that funds are available to meet the obligations and subject to the threshold in the regulations made by the Bureau, has obtained a ”Certificate of No Objection to contract Award “from the Bureau” In the instant case, there was no budgetary appropriation and there was no Certificate of No Objection to back up the payments made. All the payments so made are detailed below. The Memos referred to above which speak for themselves are annexed herewith as ANNEXURE A, B and C’’.

Titled: Petition against Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, the former acting managing director/chief executive officer, interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, the acting executive director (Projects) interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Ibanga Bassey, the acting executive director (Finance and Administration) interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission and other management members of the interim management committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission for fraudulent misappropriation of public funds, contract splitting, payment of money for non-existing contract, unauthorised payment beyond official capacity, Godwin Ojeh said the Interim Management of the Niger Delta Commission had carried out several surreptitious and selective payments on nonexistence emergency contracts.

‘’Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of the Management team of the Interim Management Committee had carried out several  surreptitious and selective payments on spurious/ non-existence emergency contracts which are in direct conflict with and antithetical to the campaign against corrupt practices in public offices by the government of President Muhammadu Buhari. This is so in that, there was no time that any public announcement was made to allow for bidding for the said “contracts”. This is a contravention of the provisions of section 16(1) (c) and (d) of the Public Procurement Act which provides as follows: “Subject to any exception allowed by this Act, all public procurement shall be conducted: (c) by open competitive bidding. (d) In a manner which is transparent, timely, equitable for ensuring accountability and conformity with this Act and regulations deriving there from”


He said payments were made to Pear Medical Support Services (357,437,500.00 – First Bank (FBN) Account No: 2034259777), Signora Concepts Ltd- N357437, 500.00 -First Bank (FBN) Account No; 20342732267) and T & N Ltd – N357, 437,500.00 (UBA Account No; 0121112544.

Ojeh Godwin listed Cremes Ltd (21000 Lassa Fever Protective Kits –TSA/Pro/20/01/0006 –N857, 850,000 – FBN Account No; 2014316595, A & G Int. Ltd (100 Lassa Fever Protective  Kits in the Niger Delta Area – TSA/Pro/20/01/0004 – N47,166,787.50 –Zenith Bank Account Number 1014628310, Bukadi Global Services (100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area – TSA/Pro/20/01/0005 – N47,166,787.50 – Fidelity Account Number 5080021292, Ceeone Pharmacy Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0006 –N47,166,787.50 – Polaris Account Number 1770953450, Chloe Capital & Business Support -(100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area – TSA/Pro/20/01/0007- N47,166,787.50 –GTB Account Number 0139522300, Cremes Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0008 – N47,166,787,50 – FBN Account Number 2034782183), Deltafric Concepts ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0009 –N47,166,787.50 – Polaris Account Number 4091179628, Dotu Solutions Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0010 –N47,166,787.50 – Unity Bank Account Number 0085504, Duxter Services Ltd( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0011 –N47,166,787.50 – GTB Account 0089040175, Falconwood Nig Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0012 –N47,166,787.50 –Unity Bank Account Number 0028812258, Guaco Light Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0013 –N47,166,787.50 –UBA Account 1014623098, Jeog Logistics Nig Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0014 –N47,166,787.50 – Access Bank Account 0045147182, Lloyds Capital & Business Support Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0015 –N47,166,787.50 – Access Bank Account 0801084201 and Madinagreen Nig Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0016 –N47,166,787.50 – Wema Bank Account 0122807400 as companies used to indicate supply of Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Region.

He also listed Manson Global Healthcare Services ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0017 –N47,166,787.50 –FBN Account Number 2033000398, Master Builder Nig Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0018 –N47,166,787.50 –Unity Bank Account Number 008303813, Otams Services Ltd  ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0019 –N47,166,787.50 – FCMB Account Number 3031833017, Path Stones & Logistics Nig Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0020 –N47,166,787.50 – Ecobank Account Number 0432008716, Pearl Clinics & Maternity Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0021 –N47,166,787.50 – FCMB Account Number 5279674010, Signora Concepts Services Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0023 –N47,166,787.50 – FBN Account Number 2014079850, Squrepyram ID Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0024 –N47,166,787.50 – Zenith Bank Account Number 1015601833 and Switch Original Ltd ( 100 Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the Niger Delta Area –TSA/Pro/20/01/0025 –N47,166,787.50 – Fidelity Bank Account Number 4010298726 as other companies used to indicate supply of Lassa Fever Protective Kits in the region.

He expressed displeasure over the activities of the Interim Management Committee.

‘’Rather than follow due process statutorily laid down under the enabling law, the Interim Management Committee led by Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and Mr. Ibanga Bassey simply raised an Internal Memo in which it gave summary of contract awards and their various stages including the names of the beneficiaries companies and the contract sum’’.

Ojeh Godwin said the actions of Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh in making payments for non-existing contract were tantamount to fraud in the public service.

‘’Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of their Management team of the did not apply for and obtained the requisite “Certificate of No Objection to Contract Award” from the Bureau of Public Procurement as required under the law. In this wise, the enabling Public Procurement Act in its section 16 (1) (b) directs as follows: “Subject to any exception allowed by this Act, all public procurement shall be conducted: (b)“…based only on procurement plans supported by prior budgetary appropriations, and no procurement proceedings shall be formalized until the procuring entity has ensured that funds are available to meet the obligation and subject to the threshold in the regulations made by the Bureau, has obtained a “Certificate of ‘No Objection to Contract Award from the Bureau.”

 He emphasized that the Interim Management Committee in many instances paid sums of money beyond the bench mark of its official capacity.

‘’The Interim Management Committee under the leadership of Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and Mr. Ibanga Bassey in many instances had paid sums of money beyond the benchmark of its official capacity. For instance, on 22 January, 2020 the sum of N857,850.00 was paid into the First Bank of Nigeria Account No: 2104316595 of Cremes Ltd for the supply of Lassa Fever Protective Kits. On same date the sum of N357,437,500.00 were paid separately to Pear Medical Support Services, Signora Concepts Ltd and T&N Ltd. Meanwhile, the limit of money that the Committee can approve after following all the due process is N250 Million.

Ojeh also cited instances of gross violation of the Public Procurement Act.

‘’Prior to the setting up of the Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh led Interim Management Committee, on May 3, 2019, Prof. Nelson Braimbaifa led board of the NDDC wrote to the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, vide NDDC/BPP/EP16/2019/02/01, seeking ratification of 205 emergency contracts awarded in the 4th quarter of 2016, for the total sum of N81,271,015,478. In reaction, on May 8, 2019, the BPP responded vide BPP/S.1/CID/19/Vol.I/215 and rejected the request, declared the action illegal and spelled out the consequences to the Accounting Officer for authorizing such actions. The NDDC management at the material time was advised to make detailed records available to enable the Bureau make an informed decision on the request. Interestingly, the same Emergency contracts which the BPP rejected and described as “fraudulent and illegal,” has been approved and paid for by the Interim management Committee of the NDDC, consisting of Gbene Dr Joi Nunieh, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Mr. Ibanga Bassey and other members of the Management team. As a result, the Interim Management Committee has made various payments to contractors in contravention of the Public Procurement Act’’.

He said the Commission paid  N607,445,026 to Atamu Const Ltd (UBN Account Number 0067379672), N623,053,818 to Franez Nig Ltd (UBN Account 0045358643), N607,114,818 to Rill Oil Services Ltd (Zenith Account 1016082718), N655,471,044 to Simoka Marine Ltd (First Bank of Nigeria Account 2018520972) and N445, 686, 266 on December 3, 2019 to Rodnab Construction Ltd ( Zenith Account 1013906383).

 ‘’As a concerned Nigerian and indigene of the Niger Delta Area, I humbly bring the above detailed infraction of the laws to your attention and urge you to use your good offices to investigate this complaint/ petition’’ he added..

2020 Councillorship Election: Ogbe-Ijoh Group Endorses Barr. Oromoni For Ward 1 Councillor, Appeals To Ogbe-Ijoh Political Leaders To Consider His Candidature

2020 Councillorship Election: Ogbe-Ijoh Group Endorses Barr. Oromoni For Ward 1 Councillor, Appeals To Ogbe-Ijoh Political Leaders To Consider His Candidature

Francis Tayor


Warri____ Ahead of the forthcoming Local Government/Councillorship elections across the State, a group under the aegis of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Progressive Youth Forum (OWPYF) has endorsed Barr. Jeffrey Pere Boyor Oromoni for Councillor to represent the good people of Ward 1 Ogbe-Ijoh, in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The group in a statement issued on Tuesday 26th May, 2020 in Warri and jointly signed by its Coordinator, Comrade. Godwin Aloku and the Spokesman, Barr. Goody Afoegba noted that the endorsement of Barr. Oromoni became necessary owing to the fact that he has served and worked faithfully for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ward 1 in particular, and the Local Government at large over the years.

The group further appealed to the political leaders of Ogbe-Ijoh Ward 1 to consider Barr. Oromoni candidature, stressing that he has all it takes to serve and represent the interest of the good people of Ogbe-Ijoh Ward 1 in the next three years when given the mandate to serve.

According to the group statement, read: " Rising from its stakeholders meeting held yesterday 26th May, the Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Progressive Youth Forum has unanimously endorsed Barr. Jeffrey Oromoni for councillor ward 1, Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

The group said Barr. Jeffrey Oromoni has served the peoples Democratic Party, PDP diligently and faithfully as a youth and therefore, deserves to be nominated as the candidate of the party as Ward 1 councillor.

Barr. Jeffrey Oromoni single handedly initiated door2door campaign in Ogbe-Ijoh Ward 1 for our great party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2011 General Elections and he has continued to campaign and mobilize electorates in all the general elections to date."

“ lt was concluded and unanimously agreed that Barr. Jeffrey Oromoni possesses all the credentials, ability, credibility and charisma to serve the good people of Ogbe-Ijoh Ward 1 for the next three years as councillor”.

The group further stated that this is the time for Ogbe-Ijoh political leaders to position, project and promote their best (s) politically for the future of our great kingdom.

We hereby appeal to our great political leaders to nominate Barr. Jeffrey Oromoni as councilor Ward 1, Ogbe-Ijoh. We are confident that he will never disappoint the good people of ogbe-ijoh as a councillor, the group stated."

Signed
Cmr. Godwin Aloku
Acting coordinator  

Barr. Goodyear Afoegba
Spokesman.

Environment Taskforce: Evang. Oromoni Bans Street Trading At Popular Ekpan Head Bridge, Says It Poses Danger To Life And Environmental

Environment Taskforce: Evang. Oromoni Bans Street Trading At Popular Ekpan Head Bridge, Says It Poses Danger To Life And Environmental

Warri_____ The Delta State Taskforce on Environment has banned street trading at the popular head bridge along NPA expressway in Ekpan, saying it poses major socio-economic and environmental dangers to the people.

Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environment Hon Sylvester Oromoni disclosed this on Tuesday in Ekpan during the relocation of all street traders trading under NNPC flyover bridge to a write off way close to the bridge.

According to Oromoni who was represented by the Coordinator, Delta Central and South, Comr Kingsley Iweka, we all quite understand that street trading indisputably promotes monumental environmental problems coupled with environmental degradation but for now, the state taskforce team will let them do their trading within the write off space so as to remove everything defacing the aesthetics of our environment.

"We have examined the socio-economic characteristics of street traders as well as the physical/environmental effects within Warri and its environs and our findings revealed among others, the environmental challenges, high volume of vehicular movement, constant overcrowding. Again, trucks carrying petroleum products have lost control so many times here. So relocating them was also meant to save their lives Iweka added .

He also warned that should they abuse this privilege, Government will be left with no other choice than to relocate them to Ekpan market.

The traders at the Ekpan Express junction were also asked to join them at the space allocated to them while Tricycle park at the junctions around the expressway were given 100metres away as the laws that banned Keke from plying the Expressways around the state is still effective.

Moreover, Hotels and restaurants sealed for breaching State Government directives were unsealed. Rome Restaurants (Temple Grill) located at Bendel Estate Ogborikoko was also unsealed with the agreement to repair the failed part of the road damaged by waste water channelled to the road, to remove the illegal structure attached to the building, to redirect their water line and properly channel it to the existing drain line and lastly to henceforth abide by COVID-19 guidelines outlined by the state government.

While unsealing the restaurant, Iweka said that the goal was to enable the state achieve a balance between the protection of lives and the sustenance of livelihoods.

He further said that the Taskforce will investigate all reports, and ensure they take appropriate action. Penalties and sanctions will be accordingly meted out to all those found contravening the directives,”Iweka said.

Birthday: Ngbilebiri Traditional Council Of Chiefs Celebrate Pa. E.K. Clark At 93, Describes Him As A Dogged Nationalist

Birthday: Ngbilebiri Traditional Council Of Chiefs Celebrate Pa. E.K. Clark At 93, Describes Him As A Dogged Nationalist

 
Today is your 93rd birthday. Your coming to mother earth was never a mistake. God has a definite purpose for sending you here!

On behalf of the our Regent, the Traditional Council and the entire good people of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom, l have been mandated to wholeheartedly congratulate you on this auspicious occasion of your born day.

Your Nationalistic attributes and quintessential leadership characteristics can be over emphasized. In your dogged fight to liberate the poor masses of the Impoverished people of the Niger Delta in particular and the whole country in general remains uncovered even at this age.

Many of age group have retired back home but you remain energetic ever the more. Papa, you are indeed a very rare gem to behold! May the boarding pass be far from you; it's not yet time for you to depart.

The catalogue of genuine achievements from Service days in the civil cadre to politics stand very intimidating to both the old and young. The Bebeare-owei of Ngbilebiri-Mein Kingdom, we salute you.

Majority will continue to remember your good deeds beyond time immemorial! As you celebrate, Nigeria and the entire world is also celebrating with you. Once again, Congratulations.

Signed:
Hon Chief Yerin Ekpedibo Yerin, Secretary-ln- Council.

Birthday Celebration: Amb. Agediga Congratulates Ijaw National Leader, Pa.E.K. Clark As He Clocks 93

Birthday Celebration: Amb. Agediga Congratulates Ijaw National Leader, Pa.E.K. Clark As He Clocks 93


Warri_____ The Executive Director, (ED) Planning, Research and Statistics, (PRS), Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Amb. Comr. Shedrack Agediga has celebrated and commended foremost Niger Delta and Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON on his 93rd birth anniversary.

The DESOPADEC Executive Director made the commendation through Press Statement issued to newsmen in Warri, lauded Pa Clark on his contribution towards the growth and development of the Niger Delta region, stressing that he will continue to celebrate him and be proud of him anytime, anywhere and anyday.

According to Agediga, "said On behalf of myself, family and political associates, I wish to congratulate my father and leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark on the joyous occasion of his 93rd Birthday anniversary today.
“Gogorogo, your contribution to the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta and the country at large is being highly appreciated and commendable.

“As you celebrate today, it is my fervent prayer that God Almighty in his infinite mercy will continue to guide and guard you in all that you do. Once again congratulations and happy birthday”. Amb. Shedrack asserted.

Justin-ln: Delta State Task Force On Environment Sealed Sizzlers, Rome Restaurant, Samosa Hotel For Breaching COVID-19 Lockdown Order

Justin-ln: Delta State Task Force On Environment Sealed Sizzlers, Rome Restaurant, Samosa Hotel For Breaching COVID-19 Lockdown Order

Delta State Taskforce on Environment in collaboration with the Taskforce on Enforcement of COVID-19 Restriction today sealed off Rome Restaurants and Bar for violating the ban on hotels operation in the State.

The State Taskforce Chairman on Environment Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, represented by the Coordinator, Delta Central and south Comr. Kingsley Iweka said that several people were found in the eatery and drinking point.

According to Iweka, "we got a report that a wide and an elaborate party is frequently held here as against the state government's order.

“We sent security operatives the next day to go there and check and when the team went there to check, they saw a large crowd of people in their bar eating and drinking.

Besides, the Taskforce on Environment also noticed that they connected their waste lines to the road thereby damaging a large portion of the road.

The operation also have the council Chairman, Hon Ramsom Onoyake and members of Uvwie Covid-19 Taskforce.

Hon Ramson Onoyake while addressing newsmen said that the sealing of the Bar was timely as the council is collaborating with the state government to mitigate against the spread of COVID-19.

Another Hotel in Ekpan, Samosa Guest house as well as Floxy night club and Sizzlers fast food were all sealed for disobeying the rules guiding hotel business and restaurants in the state.

NCDMB: Creek Dragons Makes Case For Engr. Wabote, Says He should be reappointed as the only Ijaw man in the board with visible performance

NCDMB: Creek Dragons Makes Case For Engr. Wabote, Says He should be reappointed as the only Ijaw man in the board with visible performance

By Binebai Princewill

A group under the auspices of Creek Dragons (CD) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the minister for petroleum, State, Chief Timpre Sylva to completely disregard calls from the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) not to reappoint the current serving executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMD), Engr. Simbi Wabote.

This was made known to newsmen by the president general of Creek Dragons via a statement signed by self styled Gen. Freedom Adowei, a copy of which was sent to The Liberator Newspaper yesterday.

Taking a swipe on MEND, Creek Dragons revealed that the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) is dead and buried including the purported Jomo Gbomo, acclaimed spokesperson.

The statement reiterated that the Ijaws and indeed Nigerians are very comfortable and proud of the leadership of the current executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, describing his leadership as impeccable and result oriented.

Creek Dragons revealed that those using the name of MEND to dabble into such issues are the real enemies of Ijaw nation, wondering why people could make such statement when Engr. Simbi is the only remaining Ijaw man serving in the board.

CD explained that the real MEND is dead and buried, arguing that during the active days of MEND, the group was taking proactive steps and was protecting the interests of the Ijaws at every point.

Speaking further, the Dragons stated that what is masquerading as MEND today is the hand work of political jobbers that have in recent times worked against the interest of Ijaw nation to advance their selfish interests.

The statement had also fingered former militant leader, self styled Gen. Boyloaf and others for being behind the recent statements purportedly emanating from the allegedly dead MEND.

Gen. Adowei in the statement challenged Gen. Boyloaf, George Kelly and others  not to hide under the umbrella of MEND to front their personal interests, stressing that they should be bold enough to use their names to confront and chastise their interests.

In their words: "Engr. Simbi Wabote, executive secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board is not found wanting in any way, he should be reappointed to continue his good works for the board and the Ijaw nation as well.

"Anyone calling for his non reappointment is an enemy of Ijaw nation, we are therefore urging our dynamic minister for Petroleum, State, Chief Timpre Sylva to completely disregard such unproductive and fake calls crying for the downfall of fellow Ijaw man against the larger interest of Ijaw nation.

"Engr. Simbi has done more than enough to deserve whatever appointment in that board and beyond.

"We are using this medium to warn all those behind such childish gabbage statements, using the name of our revered but dead MEND, it is in their best interests to desist from this act of betrayal".

Birthday: Kurugbe Felicitates With Amb. Agediga As He Clocks Plus One, Describes Him As A Foremost Philanthropist With Heart Of Gold

Birthday: Kurugbe Felicitates With Amb. Agediga As He Clocks Plus One, Describes Him As A Foremost Philanthropist With Heart Of Gold

Asaba____ SUBEB PM3 Hon. Paul A. Kurugbe Wednesday in Asaba felicitated with, Hon. Shadrack Agediga The Executive Director Of DESOPADEC For Planning, Statistics An Research as he clock plus one today.

Describing him as a foremost philanthropist and a person who had always proved his mettle whenever necessary, recalling his contributions and distribution of palliative to the fight against COVID-19.


The SUBEB PM3 salutes the large-heartedness of Hon. Shadrack Agediga, noting that it is one thing to be so blessed, and another to use the wealth to the glory of God and for the good of humanity.

According to him, “Hon. Shadrack Agediga has always stood to be counted whenever it mattered, judging by his generous contributions to the fight against the current Coronavirus, and many other challenges which have faced the ijaw Nation and Delta at large.

Hon. Kurugbe prays God to grant the great son of the ijaw long life, good health, and further successes in all areas of endeavour, the statement adds.

Delta State Taskforce On Environment Arrests A General Overseer For Flouting Social Distance Order At Ovwie

Delta State Taskforce On Environment Arrests A General Overseer For Flouting Social Distance Order At Ovwie

Warri_____ The Delta state Taskforce Chairman on Environment Honourable Sylvester Oromoni has said that there would be no hiding place for any religious organisation which failed to operate within the ambit of the law, regardless of their faith.

Honourable Sylvester Oromoni made this statement after the Taskforce on Environment sealed Christ The Master Prayer Ministry owned by a popular Urhobo Christian Musician Evang. Jerry Omamesiri Ekpekuro.

The sealed facilities is located at Ogbolokposo in Uvwie local Government Area of Delta state.

According to Oromoni, religious organisations were supposed to demonstrate good conduct and Law abiding.
Those recalcitrant organisations or worship centres known to be flouting the order of the state Government will face the full wrath of the law.

In as much as the state government is positively disposed to the peaceful conduct of religion of choice by its citizens, it does not condone insubordination in the name of religious activities.

The General Overseer Was immediately handed over to the Ebrumede Police for onward interrogations.

The General Overseer, Evang. Jerry Omamesiri pleaded... saying that he has been maintaining the law until today. "I was already on the Alter when most of the members entered and couldn't asked them to go back.

Pleaded guilty and promised it won't happen again if forgiven.

While addressing the newsmen, Honourable Ramson Onoyake, Executive Chairman of Uvwie local Government council who also visited the scene quoted a portion of the BIBLE where God gave Christians order to Obey Constituted Authorities.

Ijaw Leader Amb. Mulade Salutes Gov. Okowa For Setting Up Operation Delta Hawk Security Outfit

Ijaw Leader Amb. Mulade Salutes Gov. Okowa For Setting Up Operation Delta Hawk Security Outfit

..... Says it is a welcome development

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for initiating the move to create an Independent internal security outfit named "Operation Delta Hawk" to secure the lives and property of Deltans, especially those in areas prone to famers/herdsmen clashes.

Speaking in Warri on Wednesday May 20, 2020, Chief Mulade who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, described the outfit as a welcome development. He said the establishment of such a security outfit to protect the lives of the people was long overdue judging from the barbaric manner in which armed herdsmen are attacking innocent crop farmers in the State.

Worried over the high rate of incessant killing, robbery, kidnapping and rape by herdsmen, Chief Mulade said those to be engaged in the security outfit should be selected based on experience and ability to be developed through more training and supply of adequate materials to enable them checkmate the herdsmen and others who may pose as security threats.

Recall that the Delta State Government on Tuesday May 19, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie announced that the State had begun moves to establish a security force to check the rising spate of insecurity in the State. The SSG made this known in Asaba at a news conference, saying that the proposed security outfit would be christened "Operation Delta Hawk."

He added that a Bill would be sent to the State House of Assembly shortly to give the outfit a legal backing to enable it deal with the security challenges in the State.

The independent Joint Security Taskforce will consist of personnel drawn from the existing security structure in the State, and will work in collaboration with community vigilante groups for more effective service delivery.

While appreciating Dr. Okowa for his initiative to establish Operation Delta Hawk, Chief Mulade said the outfit would provide jobs for many Deltans, and by implication, reduce the crime rate as well as unnecessary community clashes in the State.

Chief Mulade therefore, charged all Local Govt Chairmen and Ward Councillors, community leaders, youths, women, corporate organizations, traditional rulers amongst others to support the arrangement for a win win situation in the State, especially with the Local Government elections now at the corner.

Aluta SSA On Security, Ezekiel Commends Gov. Okowa For Operation Delta Hawk Initiative, Describes Him As A Listening Governor

Aluta SSA On Security, Ezekiel Commends Gov. Okowa For Operation Delta Hawk Initiative, Describes Him As A Listening Governor

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Delta State on Security Matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel popularly known as the Aluta SSA has commended his boss, His Excellency, Dr. Sen. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for listening to the cry of the people by setting up the 'Operation Delta Hawk' new security outfit in order to fight crime as well as to protect the lives and properties of all Deltans.

Comrade. Ezekiel made the commendation through a Press Release dated Thursday 21st May, 2020 described Gov. Okowa as a listening governor by taking the bold step to establish the new security apparatus to complement the already existing security agants in order to provide adequate security across Delta State.

According to the Press Release, Comrade Ezekiel said: " Who is a leader ? He is someone that weigh the opinion, purse and feeling of people, by using it to formulate his policy for the betterment of the society.  This my BOSS, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa demonstrated once again. His Excellency is known to be a listening and amiable leader who always collate the view of people through body language for his proactive steps. In the last few months Deltans across all board openly   agitated for home grown security out to complement the efforts  of the ones on ground, l mean police, Army , Navy. Air force and DSS to combat criminal elements making life unbearable for our people. As voices of Deltans rocked the AIR, His Excellency kept assuring them that they  voted for him in 2015, and repeated it again 2019 because they believed in him. For this singular reason, he will always do the needful by making protection of their lives and properties his WATCH WORD.   With the formation of  operation Delta Hawk, his contract with Deltans has been sealed.  Security is the live wire of every society, hence  nothing should be spare in working out strategy for a  peaceful state we all yarn for. At this junction, l must say a big kudos and congratulations to the man at the driving seat of affairs in the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi. Okowa for showing the way for other Governors in the region to follow and letting Deltans know that he has them in his heart by setting up operation Delta Hawk.   With Operation Delta Hawk, criminals will find the state too hot for comfort, so is better they turn a new leaf or relocate else where because THERE IS  A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN" .

Signed ,
Comrade Ezekiel Daniel,

Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Security matters .

NCDMB: Give Engr. Wabote A Second Chance, He Has Performed Creditably Well, Comr. Bakumor Tells President Buhari, Timipre Sylva

NCDMB: Give Engr. Wabote A Second Chance, He Has Performed Creditably Well, Comr. Bakumor Tells President Buhari, Timipre Sylva

....... Says Disregard MEND Call, They No Longer Exist On Earth

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Convener of Ijaw Unity Conference and leader of the ljaw Youths Political Alliance, Comrade Ellington Bakumor has called on President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief. Timipre Sylva to reappoint the current Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Simbi Wabote for another term, stressing that he has performed creditably well based on the numerous feasible achievements on ground in the past four years.

Comr. Ellington who also double as the Deputy leader of the Egbesu Brotherhood made the call in Warri on Monday through Press Statement, said Engr. Wabote laudable projects as well as massive youths empowerment training programmes across the Niger Delta as scored him pass for another term in office. He deserved our commendation rather than some calls from a faceless group seeking for his head cut off.

Comrade Ellington stated that barely five years for the establishment of NCDMB under the effective administration of Engr. Wabote, he has completed the 17-story building headquarters of the office complex in Yenagoa. He had successfully trained hundreds of youths, most of whom have been employed within and outside the country, and all these achievements translate to employment generation for Niger Delta youths. He however, called on President Buhari and Chief. Timipre Sylva to reappoint Engr. Wabote for second term, noting that Niger Deltans are comfortable with his administration.

According to the Press Statement, read: "Sometimes ago in 2018 we launched a campaign to support the Ijaw agenda ensuring that our sons and daughters of Ijaw nation are found in every strata of Government ensuring that Ijaw is not left out in the scheme of things in the Country Nigeria given the fact that Nigeria feeds on our Oil, and Other Natural  resources found in our region , we also launched a campaign at the same time to make sure we pressure Government to also sack Ijaw leaders who are not doing well and replaced them with other capable hands from Ijaw too which we succeeded in most of them . We have in the same vein observed the person of Engr Wabote in managing the NCDMD, and so far so good it has been nothing less than great and commendable with positive reports and testimonies coming from his office.

We were shocked upon seeing some “supposed” publications from MEND and other faceless groups. It is not a secret that MEND no longer exists, and Jomo Gbomo is long dead. We also know that there are certain elements seeking their personal and selfish gain and always opposing whatever doesn’t benefit them directly.

We want to call on the Minister of State for Petroleum who is our leader, Chief. Timipre Sylva to ignore such calls, that neither MEND or Jomo Gbomo exists on earth, that Engr Wabote has been the best hands handling that office at this time, and that majority of Ijaw Youths, Ijaw leaders and even Ex-Mend generals are solidly behind him, the statement adds."

Abacha's Loot: Capt. Owonaro Berates FG On How Abacha Recovered Loots Was Spent, As Nengi James Foundation Presents Palliatives For The Ijaw Nationalist

Abacha's Loot: Capt. Owonaro Berates FG On How Abacha Recovered Loots Was Spent, As Nengi James Foundation Presents Palliatives For The Ijaw Nationalist

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa____ A foremost frontier of the Ijaw struggle in the Niger Delta has berated the federal government on the manner at which the funds recovered from the Abacha loot were being spent without recourse to the unsatisfying existing derivation formula.

Retired Captain Samuel Owonaro JP made the statement when the Nengi James Foundation paid him a visit to mark the Boro Day in Kaiama, his home town, while recounting on some of the issues that prompted the struggle.

He says in the interest of fairness, the recovered funds should be first paid to the federal government coffers, where the benefiting states will get their 13 percent derivation before spending what is left on whatever project initiated by the legislature.

On looted monies recovered within the country, Owonaro, who was the second in command to Isaac Adaka Boro during the declaration of the Niger Delta Republic in February 23, 1966 noted that such funds, should be returned to the states where it was siphoned, and not to the federal government.

Retired Captain Owonaro who will be 76 by July, further expressed concerns over the attention the struggle they started is now receiving at the centre, noting with dismay the fall in the derivation indices from 15 to 13 percent and urged that the struggle for resource control and self realization should not be left fallow.

Earlier, Alabo Nengi James, who was at his residence with members of the Nengi James Foundation, in the spirit of the day to identify with him with palliative of Rice, Beans, Indomie, Garri among others to him, called for a public holiday to annually mark the Day and also a legislation mandating government to take care of all foremost heroes of the struggle, whether dead or alive and their families.