Unfolding the reality
CEPEJ To Hold 3Days Zoom Environmental Program, lnvites The General Public
*Program Schedule:*
*Day One:* Oct 14, 2020
*Day Two:* Oct 21, 2020
*Day Three:* Oct 28, 202
*_Time: 12:00 noon West Central Africa_*
*Join the Zoom Environmental Program:*
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89314235669?pwd=MmUxbnU4MjlIWTd4bWFPeHJSWkZYQT09
*Program ID:* 893 1423 5669
*Passcode:* CEPEJ
Delta 2023: Ijaw Nationalist, Dr. Ahmed Makes Case For Ijaw Governor, Writes Gov. Okowa An Open Letter To Give Ijaws A Chance ln 2023
A CASE FOR A GOVERNOR OF IJAW EXTRACTION COME 2023. AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR IFEANYI OKOWA OF DELTA STATE
BY SAIBAKUMO, AHMED ENIYEKETON
5th October, 2020
His Excellency,
Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa,
Executive Governor of Delta State,
Government House, Off Anwai Road, Asaba,
Delta State,
Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dear Governor,
“Without an individual, there is no community, without community, there can be no tribe, without tribe, there can be no nation. It takes individuals to form a tribe. It takes tribes to form a nation.” (Zik of Africa)
Your Excellency, I am compelled to route this open letter to you. I congratulate you on your landmark achievements as the Executive Governor of Delta State from 2015 to date. You indeed fulfilled your mandate as overwhelmingly given to you by the people of Delta State in your two tenures running. Your enduring legacies of over 55 trunk roads constructed which so far has measured 148km; and 113km of concrete lined drainage pavements are no mean feat. Your job creations/youth empowerments which have impacted on many youth through the skills training entrepreneurship and Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP); ensuring security and peace among multinational oil companies, host communities during your tenure shall be written on the marble of history in Delta State. Moreso, these achievements were attained amidst dwindling revenue of the state, huge wage bills, and overbounding debt burden. These accomplishments earned you the sobriquets, “The Ekwueme” (meaning ‘Talk and Do’); “The Road Master”. It is therefore, a fact of history that politics is your calling, and practicing medicine is your career.
Your Excellency, as you are aware, the media in all fronts are overheated over agitations, arguments, outbursts, recriminations about which zone or ethnic group should be given the mandate to produce the next executive governor of Delta State, come 2023. Sectional chauvinists and bigots who have found their ways into the corridors of power and have also forgotten their ends had made statements which threatened the very existence of Delta State. And because most of these jingoists are dry of facts, exhausted of invented or fabricated lies; and the law of natural justice has rejected them; they resorted to void, futile except desperate barking. I want to state this loud and clear. Politics has built resourceful empires; it has also led to decimation of millions of lives. The gluttony of a select few can lead to the massacre of a mass of the population.
Your Excellency Sir, I am not writing you this letter as the leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State but as the “de jureand de facto” sitting governor of that state. You wield the highest command and control and could exert obedience and harmony for the hope of the state. There is no success without a successful successor. Delta State is among the five top richest states in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics and Poverty Ratings. The economic mainstay of that state is crude oil accruals from federal allocations. The Ijaw nation there, as you are aware produce the major chunk of that (over 50%) revenue from Western Region to Delta State. May I also remind you the fact that Delta State is ethnically an explosive state. It is also implied, an economic instability in the state could disrupt the micro- and macro-economics of Nigeria. The conflagration that exploded in Warri in the early 1990s was not caused by a mere relocation of local government headquarters. It was a detonation of age-long, bottled-up reactions to the whipping enslavement from the advent of colonial rule in Nigeria.
I am an Ijaw man and being fruit of the soil, I understand the sensibilities of the Ijaws. Never push them to the wall. There is a passionate religion that their allegiance and sacrifices to the peoples of Delta province from Midwestern Region to Delta State was an unremittable and unjustifiable mistake.
Your Excellency Sir, political science without history cannot bear fruit and a writer without history is a mechanic. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, founding President of Nigeria also mentioned, “History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future.” This letter would dwell on the historical precedents of Delta province; the union yesterday, today and tomorrow. This is beyond the emotions, hysteria, political demagoguery. It is a matter that would touch the raw cord of the state. Let us try and awake reason rather than sending reason to sleep. No nation-state achieves civilization by accident. Your position or action can speak louder than you after decades of your tenure. Never be in love with sycophants and praise-singers. This is because most leaders are always blinded by the eye-servants of their flock. It is also an African axiom, the beautiful bride who was cautious of choosing her suitor ended up with the boa constrictor. You may ignore the messenger, Your Excellency, please never turn a blind eye to this message.
DELTA STATE: HISTORICAL PREAMBLE
History may go to sleep but memory can surely wake it up. Delta State is an offspring of the fourth region of Nigeria called Midwestern Region created on 27th May, 1963; later renamed Bendel State on 17th March, 1976. Bendel State as the name connoted was an amalgamation of Benin and Delta provinces with Headquarters at Benin-City. The Benin province had the constituents of the Benins, Afemais (Kukuruku) and the Ishan sub-tribes while the Delta Province had the Anioma (Ika-Igbos and Ukwuanis); Urhobos; Ijaws; Isokos and Itsekiris. On August 27, 1991 the Nigeria Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida proclaimed the creation of Delta State. A state created from the Delta province of the defunct Bendel state of over five million indigenous people with a capital at Asaba located at the northern end of the state.
As usual, the history of creation of states in Nigeria is concerned; it has been dogged with bad faith. There has been no room for referendum. Therefore, Delta State itself was a child of military fiat. Delta State is principally made of the northern Aboh and Asaba divisions of the Ika-Igbos and the Ukwuanis while the southern tribes of Ijaw, Isoko, Itsekiri and the Urhobos occupy the central and extreme southern axis of the state. The various linguistic groups in the state remains Edoid, Igboid and the Ijoid. In spite of the fact that the people who constituted the state made various agitations for autonomous states; such as the Ika-Igbos and the Ukwuanis preferred Anioma state with a capital at Asaba while the the southern tribes demanded for a True Delta State with capital at Warri. The Ijaws harmonized and further presented a case for creation of Toru-Ibe State for all Ijaws in the Western Niger Delta. Some ethnic units even rejected Warri as the capital of the “concensus juris” called the Delta State for fears of losing their “homeland.” Therefore, the Federal Military Government had no choice than to site the capital at Asaba. The same Federal Military juntas of Nigeria had earlier unilaterally excised over 300 western Ijaws to Rivers State by the State creation/boundary adjustment action of 1976. Those merged Ijaws of the Delta province now constitute Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas of current Bayelsa State.
Therefore, when Delta State was pronounced a statutory state on August, 27 1991 with a capital at the northern end, Asaba; there was palpable grudge from the present Delta Central and South Senatorial zones. There was that unwritten tacit conspiracy by the southern tribes to deny the northern tribes executive power. Sentiments were whipped up and almost all tribes at the southern end danced to that tune; hook, line and sinker. The pervasive idiosyncrasy was that the Delta North should be contented with their state capital and should resist any temptation of assuming political or executive power of the state. All accusing fingers were on Mrs. Mariam Babangida of blessed memory who was a daughter of Delta North. It would be deduced, that was the reason the pioneer Chief Executive Officers of the new Delta state were from the Central tribe. As usual, politics has been about fears, interests, polarization of thoughts and ideological differences/orientations mostly very fake.
I stand to be corrected. The only reasonable basis for creation of state or local government authority has been linguistic and historical background. Any deviation from these criteria amounts to a pseudo-union. We cannot ignore the hard truth that tribes are united by tongue, custom and respect for common genre. We answer our names by our linguistic vocabulary, culture, clothes, tribal marks, accents etc. Hence we promote primordial sympathies and even resort to self-help (agitations). The politics of a people can never transcend above the language with which they articulate their fears and feelings. After all, what is anarchism? It is hostility against the state provoked by lack of faith in the representative government. This is most tragic when people are denied of their fundamental human rights and self-worth in a union. The term ‘land’ of every tribe in Delta State has its economic, social and political significance. The truth must be said, Delta State is a collection of diverse tribes bound in same geopolitical area with no common heritage among the racial and kinship groups. Yes, unity in diversity is very possible if political power is freely and evenly dispersed among the tribal constituents in the state. The verdict of the people must be sought and a panacea be proactively encouraged by any responsible leader.
It is patently obvious, from 1963 when Midwestern Region was created till date; a war of indemnity has been imposed on the Ijaws of the Delta province. This is the reality! Your emergence as the executive governor twice from the Anioma district is a pointer to the fact that a new Delta State is founded. Deltans have resolved to put their past behind them. By your charisma and character, drive the state to that dynamic equilibrium and collective agenda. By the grace of God, Deltans have realized the need to build Government House annex at Warri during the tenure of the able leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. With your exemplary performance, you have the mandate, move on!
WOES OF POLITICAL AND INFRASTRUCTURAL DEPRIVATION AGAINST IJAWS OF DELTA PROVINCE/STATE
By the letters and spirit of any autonomous polity should anybody or member of that union be denied political leadership because of his/her descent, race, sex and religion. Let there be no standing order that Delta State is a satellite state of any ethnic unit based on populational gravity. The sensibilities and psycho-cultural disposition of the Ijaws from the Western Region to Delta State should not be insulted any further. No Ijaw of Delta State descent had held state executive position since the evolution of Midwestern Region/State till this day. A period of over five decades! The only Ijaws who held sway from Bendel to Delta State were Col. John Ewerekumoh Yeri and Navy Captain Walter Feghabo from Asemabiri (Sagbama LGA) and Ogbolomabiri (Nembe LGA) communities in Bayelsa State respectively. Both of them spent barely one and half year in office. They were not indigenous people of Delta State. To that end, the Ijaws of Delta State have been deprived of biocentric equality. This is against the moral order of modern societies that politics should be married to ethical best possibility. The message here is that we should not pretend over the ethnographical creed. The reign of civilized societies among the nations in developing states in Africa and beyond is what you bring to the table. The Ijaws of Delta State have, by all ramifications paid their dues. And because they were politically docile by all examination and evaluation, their rights were ridden off roughshod over decades. Consequently, they now fall into the poverty trap. This is the provocation of this letter.
From Midwestern Region/State to Delta State, let me illustrate the dynasty of political rulership among the ethnic nations that constitute the Delta Province/State.
Rulership Tenure Ethnic Ijaw Nation
(1) Chief Jereton Marierie
Governor, Midwestern Region (1964-1966)
2 years
Urhobo
(2) Chief Dennis Chukude Osadebay
Premier Midwestern Region (1964-1966)
2 years
Anioma
(3) Lt. Col. David Ejoor
Military Governor,
Midwestern State (1966-1967)
1 year
Urhobo
(4) Chief Demas Onoliobakpovba Akpore
(First elected Deputy Governor representing Delta Province in Bendel State under Prof. Ambrose Alli as Governor (1979-1983)
4 years
Urhobo
(5) Olorogun Felix Ovudoroye Ibru
First Executive Governor of Delta State (1992-1993)
1 year
Urhobo
(6) Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Executive Governor of Delta State
(1999-2003)
4 years
Urhobo
(7)Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Executive Governor of Delta State
(2003-2007)
4 years
Urhobo
(8) Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan
Executive Governor of Delta State
(2007-2011)
4 years
Itsekiri
(9)Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan
Executive Governor of Delta State
(2011-2015)
4 years
Itsekiri
(10) Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
Executive Governor of Delta State
(2015-2019)
4 years
Anioma
(11) Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
Executive Governor of Delta State
(2019-2023 in-view)
4 years
Anioma
From the above statistical analysis among the indigenous people of Delta Province/State, the Ijaws/Isokos are naked! There is neither fairness, nor equity in the governance of that state. The Ijaws and the Isokos have declared their absenteeism in the governance of that Region/State from 1963 till date; while some ethnic groups have displayed their absoluteness. THIS IS NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE. The Ijaws of Delta State have played enough of the underdog. They offered maximum support to all the above leaders without any disobedient act. Let me recall, even during the regime of Chief Jereton Marierie/Senator Dennis Osadebay in Midwestern politics, the Western Ijaw Division with Headquarters at Bomadi was under the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) led by Chief Ninetry Ezonbodo of Agbere, present Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State); Chief L.S.T Fufeyin and Hon. Harris Ozeke from Ojobo; Hon. Peter Bietebeyei Nieketien of Tuomo and my beloved late father, Chief Saibakumo Enefugha of Ayakoromo. They collectively delivered that territory to that party.
We would ask, why is it that those who breached the gentlemanly agreement most earnestly and desperately want it back as watertight? Zoning as I understand is unspoken gentleman agreement. A pseudo-arrangement out of the exigencies and contingencies of that time which the position of governor shall oscillate among the senatorial zones and tribes. The sanctity of that agreement has been severally violated in deeds by ethnic units. Political agreements are temporary and are so vulnerable to the viscilitudes of the time. Such covenants are unwritten maxims. The sentiments of the political actors dictate it. Change is the law of life in accordance to the dictates of the moment. No ethnic group should be disenfranchised or exiled from the governance of the state for too long. It would surely lead to unnecessary bloodshed. And politics in Nigeria has a history of horse trading or deep bargaining. So many ethnic nations especially the Isokos, Ukwuanis and Ijaws have been betrayed over the years. My callow advice is “we should avoid bad politics.” That I feel will grant sense of belonging, and dignity to all tribes in that state.
It is reminiscent in fact; the history of state creation in Nigeria cannot be divorced from its foundation of ethnic and minority agitations. Those expressions of fears of potential underdevelopment and political marginalization by major ethnic groups led to the inauguration of Sir Henry Willink Minorities Commission by the British Colonial authority in 1957. The Commission was mandated to ascertain the facts and recommend measures of allaying the fears of the minorities. The British government rejected the quest for creation of states before proclamation of Nigeria as autonomous sovereign state. They went ahead and declared Nigeria independence in October 1, 1960. The Ijaws West and East of the Niger earlier had made a case for a Nigeria Delta State through Pa Harold Dappa-Biriye the patriarch/advocate of the Niger Delta Minority Right Struggle.
Shortly after independence these availed fears manifested themselves in various horrible manners! The upland politicians declared the riverine communities as “undevelopable difficult terrain.” They inquired, how can the roads, hospitals and the schools be built on water? Today, Delta State has become a model exemplified in the woes of Niger Delta struggle among the Ijaws.
The social contract of any statehood has been security, welfare or social equality. There should be equity and fairness in social stratification in the affairs of the state. The inequalities of power, education, privilege development ought be eliminated else neo-servitude is encouraged. The Ijaws are worst hit by the devastating ecocide perennially. Communities, residential buildings and farmlands are destroyed yearly by gas flaring and oil pollution. The various indigenous governments lacked the political will to take the bull by the horn for a lasting remedial action. As I write this, the Ijaw communities are habitable only about half of the year. As such, they are refugees in neighbouring towns/cities resulting in massive rural-urban consequential drift. It took the rare courage of Governor James Onanefe Ibori with Chief (Senator) James Manager as Commissioner of Works of Delta State to construct and deliver the Bomadi bridge across River Forcados. It was a bridge of 612m total length completed by SETRACO in 2005 within four years. We have witnessed visible exponential development among communities in the humid creeks along Forcados River since the accomplishment of that project. The viable Ayakoromo bridge which was started by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been shrouded in political semantics since he left office. The Ijaws have no doubt than to come to terms with the fact that the war of attrition and aggression has been executed against them faithfully till this day! The Ijaws cannot continue to beg for a mouthful of food by picking among the teeth of her neighbouring tribes. The new song of this centurial age has been “he who pays the piper dictates the tune! This is not the equilibrium even as advanced by Keynesian theory.
A deputy governor is a spare tire by the recent vocabulary of politics in Nigeria. A senator or member of the National Assembly is a mere law-maker as you are aware. A Personal Assistant to an Executive Governor would be more proactive and resourceful than a deputy governor. The Ijaws have come to the reality that they can no longer sow seeds for others to harvest. They can no longer be half-starved and ill-clad! Why must they kneel on the neck of Ijaws to execute their ethnic agenda with impunity? Delta Province/State from ab nitio has track-record of deep-rooted nepotism and ethnic favouritism which has turned the dream of True Delta State a nightmare to some of the tribes. Let me make another illustration of some of the state and federal owned infrastructural institutions to indicate the depth of purposeful under- development inflicted on the Ijaws of Delta State.
S/n
Institution Tribe
(1) Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurum
Urhobo
(2)Delta State University, Abraka
Urhobo
(3)Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara
Urhobo
(4) Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku
Anioma
(5) Delta State University, Anwai, Asaba
Anioma
(6) Delta State University, Oleh Campus
Isoko
(7) College of Education, Agbor
Anioma
(8) Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba
Anioma
(9) College of Education, Mosogar
Urhobo
(10) College of Health Technology, Ufuoma
Urhobo
(11) Petroleum Training Institute, Effurum
Urhobo
(12) National Open University Study Centre, Asaba
Anioma
(13) National Open University Study Centre, Emevor Campus
Isoko
(14) National Open University Study Centre, Owhrode (Udu) Campus
Urhobo
(15) College of Education, Warri
Itsekiri
(16)Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESOMATECH), Burutu
Ijaw
(17) Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESOMATECH), Kwale Campus
Anioma
(18) Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESOMATECH), Gbaregolor Campus
Urhobo
(19) School of Nursing, Warri
Itsekiri
(20) School of Midwifery, Asaba
Anioma
(21)School of Nursing, Agbor
Anioma
(22)Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko
Ijaw
(23) Admiralty University of Nigeria (PPP) Ibusa,
Anioma
(24)Admiralty University of Nigeria (PPP), Sapele Campus
Urhobo
(25)Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro
Isoko
From the above analysis, the Ijaws of Delta State are naked in a frustrated marriage upon their major economic contributions to the establishment and development of these infrastructures and institutions in the state. In the history of Nigeria, no University has so far been created was more controversial than the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. Even the Delta State School of Marine Technology (DESOMATECH), Burutu has been a caricature of itself. The Ijaw nation in Delta State presents a horrible representation of a conquered terrain. There has been an open abuse of non-appeasement and concession. These can result to belligerency. It could cause sedition as the Ijaws and Isokos who contribute more than 70% of the economy of Delta State would be forced to cause disability in the state.
As the Ijaws would cite, how many Secretaries to the State Government (SSG), Assembly Speakers, Chief Justices have they produced? It could be less than 5%! Are the Ijaws really part of the Delta Province/State? Their representatives at the stratum at the executive, judicial, and civil service in Ministries present have disastrous results.
There are pathetic tears in the eyes of the Ijaws. Your Excellency, even your widely acclaimed sobriquet as “Road Master” as accorded you by Silverbird communications has never impacted on Ijawland. Where are the rivercrafts, the unity bridges, the reclamations of land in Ijawland? Therefore, it would amount to the greatest travesty of justice for you to deny Ijaws of the executive governorship of Delta State come 2023. All state owned major establishments have been denied the Ijaws. This has been a consistent display of inequity.
The Ijaws as I have known them are just like the scorpions which can hold it breath up to six days and can survive a whole six years without food, can climb any surface and still can glow under ultra-violet light. The Ijaws I know would never beg for what they can earn. They have resolved to think, believe, dream and dare! That is the reality of today. The implosion of Delta State should be avoided by your wise leadership of today. We, as intellectuals would advise, but when the guns are forced to speak, we are duty-bound to guide the guns for the common good. This is the import and the thrust of my letter to you, Your Excellency.
DELTA: RE-EXAMINATION AND ADMONITION
Your Excellency, it is my humble advice that we should resist any temptation of laying foundation for self-help options. The reality of the day could be that anyone can own the knife, yet no yam available. From Midwestern Region of 1963 to Bendel State of 1967 to Delta State of August 27, 1991, the Ijaws of that Province have been denied of very strategic positions at the centre. What is the raission d’état of Delta State without overriding utility factor as all ethnic constituents preserve their self-protective interests? The political philosophy of that state has become abstract and non-normative in the real sense. This is unfair and provocative especially against the backdrop that over 50% of the 316,000 barrels per day crude oil production from Delta State are pumped out of the veins of Ijaws. The provocation is unbearable and uncontrollable. These could lead to abominable conflict and severe instability in the Niger Delta, nay Nigeria. According to the former editor of Newswatch Newspaper magazine Mr. Ray Ekpu, “when a state is in crisis, heroic leaders emerge.” The Delta State I see cannot absorb the imperialism of any ethnic unit. The common good of the state must be advanced and prevailed upon the people. All Deltans of good conscience and justice should stand by the popular choice and justice; and push the moving train forward. Nature, inherently would find equilibrium in the balance of power or else all of us would be victims of our internal divide and rule contrivance. Delta State is under your watchship. The liberty of state should not be biased. This implies the machinery of state should mobilize objectively and dispassionately to the advantage of ethnic unions that constitute the state. As a statesman, endeavour to avoid advancing to the brink of collective collapse for the sake of public spirit. Try and put your ears to the refrain “The voice of the people”. All self-servicing motives must be discouraged. Now that these dichotomy of Northern and Southern Delta have been abolished, it is a clarion call for a passive revolution; to create a formidable foundation for peaceful co-existence among the indigenous nations that constitute Delta State.
The state being a human union cannot be conceived without the people as Philosopher Leacock put it “The unhabited portion of the earth taken in itself, cannot form a state.” By the structural formation of Delta state; no ethnic nation can boast, “I am the state”. Your Excellency, never bow to the whims and caprices of a select self-serving few. Your wise leadership or judgment would count at this trying moment of the state. Delta State is enough for everybody’s need. It is not sufficient for anybody’s greed. The ultimate measure of a man as a viable leader is where you stand in times of great challenges or controversies; not in the period of comfort. Violence can never bring enduring reform but winning the minds. I urge you to kickstart and execute the machinery of dialogue as the leader of the state. By the ‘Moses’ rod of prayers all Deltans can meticulously triumph. Justice brings forth peace, unity and love.
As governor of the state, try and balance the equality through tolerance, popular consultation and activate the dialetics of the state. Your Excellency Sir, bring Deltans to the peace table.
Democracy is all about cross-fertilization of thoughts and opinions. Every constituent is guided by what we call self-preservation. Feel the pulse and the heartbeat of the state. Leadership as I was taught has been a process of moving your subjects in a planned direction through non-compulsive means. As a leader, create vision and move towards fulfilling it through rational strategies. Our local primordial sentiments could be buried at the cemetery for public interest.
A word is enough for our wisdom and may God Most Gracious guide all your undertakings in the remaining years of your tenure, my principal.
Saibakumo, Ahmed Eniyeketon
is an Ijaw Nationalist and Niger Delta Intellectualist.
Featured Article: The Kidnapped Otuaro And The JSS II Boy-By Ekanpou Enewaridideke
His Excellency Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro the carrier of a nectar-garnished fatal weakness hidden from the world but known only to the eagle-eyed, the formidable professor of humility and loyalty, is the Deputy Governor of Delta State. Implacably, he remains a hunter of young talents in every space, particularly talents buried in the arts in their variegated colours. Everywhere he goes, he hunts for talents in the arts. In his relentless hunt for talents he is occasionally inhibited by his innate nectar-garnished fatal weakness - a radiant fatal weakness talented persons often draw on as a tool of transmogrification to get him kidnapped in anticipation of ransom - but quite miraculously, he often regains freedom without being notoriously ransomed. Yet, Otuaro was successfully kidnapped by a JSS II student of Good Citizens College, Warri. Must the deputy governor of Delta State, Otuaro, have been voodooed by the JSS II boy?
Presumptuous! Yes, presumptuous I am – as you may be whimsically tempted to label me – and I am not prepared to submit that presumptuous clothing to immediate cremation to please the pathological proclivities of benighted gossips masquerading as critics of vision.
I can never run away from the fact that I know I know it and would proudly mouth it anywhere in the globe.I know the achilles heel,the soft underbelly, of His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro the Deputy Governor of Delta State who has become the best interpreter of humility, the best interpreter of the office of a deputy governor, the best interpreter of peaceful co-existence in the ecclasiastical, political, secular and the traditional space.This is perhaps the reason why he has become the endless recipient of peace ambassadorial awards in Nigeria and beyond.
The celebrated humble, meek, firm, dependable ,visionary, alert, shrewd, resilient, cool-headed, level-headed, compassionate, altruistic, principled, ideologically distinguishable , approachable ,eloquent ,vibrant and foresighted carapace of Otuaro is smashed into smithereens the moment his achilles heel is revealed and hammered with deadly accuracy. Otuaro becomes a totally different persona at odds with the animatedly dramatized public persona of a humble, peaceful and loyal deputy governor.
Contextually, Otuaro could be imprisoned and glued for eternity to a given spot inextricably linked to his achilles heel. Mastery of his soft underbelly strategically drawn and showcased occasionally could be one of the ways to get his attention imprisoned as long as one wills because at such time Otuaro becomes like a fly in the hands of the gods of Greek mythology – as it is in the mythology and cosmogony of the Ijaws.
Nothing on earth has much magnetic pull on Otuaro as the art of drawing and the art of writing with didactic animation possessed of identifiable marks of impersonality. Otuaro is always captivated whenever he sees a poetically painted verbal canvass or visible artistic portraits of people or animals. If an inspired hand turns out a great poem, novel, play, short story, article or a beautifully drawn portrait of an identifiable figure of a person, animal, plant, etc, Otuaro appreciatingly loses his known equanimity and equilibrium.
Held artistically spell-bound he would literally merge into the object of his captivation, crowned ultimately with a presentation of corresponding gift to the magical creator, artist, the painter , the writer, etc. Otuaro cannot resist the radiance of a beautiful artwork and its kidnapping hands anytime he comes face to face with one because that is his achilles heel I told you quite early I know – I proudly know...
Recently, Otuaro was kidnapped by a JSS II boy in Good Citizens College, Warri. The boy kidnapped Otuaro with a contrivance and demanded no ransom to free him, yet the Deputy Governor was unable to leave the kidnap den of the JSS II boy. The JSS II boy thought Otuaro could be kidnapped for a huge ransom but on the discovery that it was the humble, loyal and visionary deputy governor he had kidnapped mistakenly, he decided to free him immediately but Otuaro strangely chose, of his own volition, to remain perpetually in the kidnap den of the JSS II boy.
Gesi is the name of the JSS II boy in Good Citizens College, Warri, who successfully kidnapped the deputy governor recently. Gesi is a gifted fine artist who has a prodigious skill for drawing. His artworks have been showcased, emblazoned and celebrated on the social media to awaken the jaded artistic palate of this generation cast as 'a wasted generation' by Wole Soyinka in 'the crumbling edifice that is still generously called Nigeria.' His Royal Majesty Pere S.P. Luke Kalanama VIII of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro Gbaraun II of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Barrister David Ekereokosu (Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okowa), Benike Joseph of the Delta State University, Abraka, and many others can testify to the spell-binding artworks of Gesi. That Gesi is a highly gifted young fine artist does not demand any contestation as everybody is familiar with his skill of drawing and painting wonderfully. Gesi could someday become the modern equivalent of Leonardo Da Vinci the Italian artist credited with the 15th-Century mural painting of the 'The Last Super'.
Like the Leonardo Da Vinci of the artistically captivating and applauded 'The Last Super', it was Gesi's artistic interpretation of the deputy governor's picture using only pencil which got him baited by Gesi and eventually kidnapped because he could not fathom how a JSS II boy could skillfully use pencil to capture his (Otuaro's) own image. As the arts aficionado with a 'distinguishing' distinction, Otuaro willingly submitted himself to be perpetually kidnapped by Gesi until a ransom was paid. And actually, Otuaro paid a ransom though the JSS II student pleaded with him to limit himself only to appreciation of his talent and leave without a ransom. However the JSS II boy insisted that Otuaro leave appreciatingly without any ransom paid, the deputy governor insisted that a ransom, a talent-development ransom, even if unsolicited, be paid before his unwilling departure.
Amazingly, with an electrifying insistence that mystified the JSS II boy, Deputy Governor Otuaro made an instant deposit of Gesi's tuition fees from JSS II to SSS III, with a promise to take care of his University education when he had the required 'O' level credits and passed the qualifying U.T.M.E.
Otuaro has built the bridge for the JSS II boy to arch over the ocean to study in the University and become a great citizen whose talent would become a pillar for the task of solid nation-building. A solid educational insurance has just been given to Gesi the JSS II boy of Good Citizens College, Warri.
Clearly showcased and projected from the Delta State Deputy Governor's encounter with the JSS II boy is the fact that His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro is the embodiment of the right vision to hold political office in a society where many talented people wilt, droop and get perished for lack of supportive encouragement and empowerment framework for their various talents to blossom like the famous biblical mustard seed. May His Excellency Otuaro continue to be kidnapped by the radiant talents of students so that thousands of Gesis in the society could be discovered, identified and empowered to pursue their vision of life without inhibitions thrown up by the straitened circumstances of their lives. For Otuaro who has built a strong bridge for Gesi, God will also build a mightier bridge for him to walk on for the discovery of young talents in their multitudes.
BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE
Writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State
Mutu, trains 75 constituents to boost fish farming in Delta coastal communities
Warri___ Mr. Nicholas Mutu, Member Representing Bomadi/ Patani Federal Constituency of Delta State has trained 75 constituents to enhance fish farming and production in Delta coastal communities.
Mutu who was represented by the vice chairman of Bomadi Local Government Area, Chief Mrs Flora Biripu, fielding questions from journalists after the 5-day training programme in Bomadi said that,"with this programme the participants were expected to live above poverty line and be employers of labour."
She thanked Mutu for deeming it necessary to further enhance the traditional fishing skills with modern techniques to the trainees and urged him to continually torch positively the lives of his constituents and people around him.
Also speaking,the duo, Deacon Godwin Maze, Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on special duties and Mr. Ebitimi Ogboma, Legislative Aide to Mutu ,made a strong appeal to the participants not to sabotage the efforts of the Federal Lawmaker by selling the starter-pack for immediate gains rather, they should diligently make good use of the fishing gear .
They noted that, if the trainees apply the knowledge gained as far as they live, food and money would not be a problem to them. The duo, also said that the participants could as well in turn train and employ others in modern fish farming techniques.
On his part, Dr. Ezekiel Adesuyi, of DUTCHPORT GLOBAL SERVICE LIMITED injunction with Centre for Management Development who facilitated the training for farmers in fish farming in Bomadi/ Patani Federal Constituency said, the 75 youths were trained in new techniques to Ach fish, to prepare their own feeds for the fishes, how to plan their own budget and how to have their pond.
One of the trainee's miss Ebi Pius who spoke expressed gratitude to God and Mutu for giving her this rare privilege to be trained for self employment. She promises to make good use of the starter- pack and urged other youths from the area to remain peaceful and wait for their turn.
Francis Tayor
Yenagoa_____ The peace loving people of Ekeni, Furupa and Ezetu of Ward 14 in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has raised alarm over Governor Douye Diri deliberate neglect of their sons and daughters in terms of political appointment into office, describing the action of the governor as injustice, biased and paying evil for good against the people after they had massively voted for him in the 2020 Bayelsa governorship election.
Speaking to newsmen in Yenagoa on Saturday, an illustrious son of the Ward who is a PDP faithful, Double Chief. Ebi Pinapinawei, popularly known as Commander Biggy stressed that Gov. Diri should consider the sons/daughters of Ward 14 for appointment, saying the people of Ekeni, Furupa and Ezetu tirelessly worked and massively voted for him to ensure his miraculous victory at the supreme court.
Speaking further, Commander Biggy called on the leader and father of Ward 14, Dr. Michael Amaegberi to as a matter of urgency intervene on the matter and call Gov. Diri to do the needful, stressing that his lopsided appointments doesn't speak good of him. He charged the governor to balance his appointments by given Ward 14 people what belongs to them in his government, noting that he cannot pay them back evil for good they did for him during the election.
According to Ebi Pinapinawei, said: " On behalf of the good people of Ward 14, l am appealing to our miracle governor, Sen. Douye Diri to balance his political appointments by giving Ekeni, Furupa and Ezetu sons/daughters juicy appointments as well, because they worked hard and voted for him during the election. Let there be some level of fairness, justice and tranquility in terms of political appointment.
Gov. Diri should take all Bayelsans as one and give appointments accordingly, because the people of Ward 14 are always left behind in terms of political appointments. We say capital 'No' to political segregation because the whole Izon-Ebe are one."
" Commander Biggy lamented that, the most shocking thing was that, After Gov. Diri finished appointing Commissioners, we were believing him as a man of the people to equally give us appointment in subsequent time, but to our greatest surprise, when the list of appointment for SA’s was released on Friday, no ward 14 person was among the appointees.
As regards to that effect, We the good people of ward 14 are totally disappointed in Gov. Douye Diri attitude towards us. If our votes are not valued here, then it’s high time we move to were we’ll be recognized.
Gov. Diri should equally know that Bayelsa Senatorial Districts bye elections is around the corner, he should balance the appointments now before it is too late.
I want to categorically states that, the present governor Douye Diri's appointments in the state is lopsided and that it doesn't speak good of him and the party. We therefore, urged him to balance his appointments by looking into this matter critically.
Since ward 14 delivered bloc votes for him, the governor should equally complement our efforts by giving us appointment and not paying us back evil for good, the statement adds."
However, Commander Biggy called on ward 14 leader and father, Dr. Michael Amaegberi JP, to swing into action for justice, fairness and equity to reign. He should called Gov. Diri to order and do the needful because the people of Ward 14 gave him bloc vote during the 2020 governorship election in Bayelsa State.
Warri Rep member Ereyitomi excited as Buhari inaugurates Warri rail line, Says Warri to experience economic boom
The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Abuja, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi JP has expressed excitement over the inauguration of the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri rail line by President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday September 29, 2020 at the rail way Auxiliary facility yard named after former President Goodluck Jonathan, Owa-Oyibu in Ika North East, Delta State.
Chief Ereyitomi pointed out that with the official commissioning of the 326 kilometres rail line network connecting Delta , Edo to Kogi states goods coming through Warri ports will be easily evacuated as FG is highly committed to open the businesses in the area and decongest the Lagos port which is becoming sources of worry to Nigerians.
The Warri National Assembly member noted that Warri Federal Constituency is glad over the inauguration of the rail way line, adding that he's working hard in making sure federal government revive koko port in Warri North LGA to full operational state and as well as extend the rail network up to that area for easy importation and usage as the water channel is closer to Lagos.
Chief Ereyitomi who is also the Deputy Chairman House committee on Niger Delta Commission, NDDC revealed that the rail line has strong potential for stimulating socio-economic activities and bringing succour to low income earners within Warri federal and across.
He assured his constituents of Warri South , Warri North and Warri South-West LGAs of his determination in attracting federal government presence to the area, he praised President Buhari for seeing to the completion of the project.
Rep Ereyitomi commended the youths for their corporation and peaceful disposition in making sure the projects were completed with out hitches as well as Governor Okowa for creating enabling environment. He appealed to importers and private business owners to take advantage and patronise the rail way as means of transportation to link Abuja and other parts of the North faster and convenient.
Delta State Taskforce on environment today inspected silted canals around warri metropolis to give way for free flow of water into the river.
Speaking with the newsmen during the inspection, the state taskforce Chairman on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni noted that the exercise was a measure put in place by the Okowa led government meant to proffer a permanent solution to curbed the perennial flooding affecting residents in warri and its environ.
Hon. Oromoni stressed that the state taskforce on Environment has begun to work out modalities to clear all the blocked canals within Warri/Uvwie and environs so as to control the incessant flooding in the city.
He therefore, urged residents who built on natural water routes to vacate their homes within one week or face demolition.
Inspected areas includes; the canal connecting Daudu street in lgbudu market down to lower Erejuwa, PBJebba along Warri Sapele road, stadium road and Bowen amongst others.
Meanwhile, the team also discovered that most landlords along Stadium road blocked natural lines thereby obstructing free flow of water into the main warri river.
Hon. Oromoni was accompanied by Comrade Kingsley lweka, Coordinator Delta Central and south, supervisors and the Environmental Chairman of Igbudu Market management amongst others.
As the wife of the amiable Chairman of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni marks her Birth Anniversary, the entire staff and members of taskforce has join the Oromoni's family to celebrate with their boss wife, Evang Mrs. Roseline Oromoni as she clocks 53.
During the surprise birthday visit at her residence in Warri on Wednesday, the state Coordinator in charge of Delta South/Central, Comrade Kingsley Iweka, on behalf of the taskforce wished our mother happy glorious birthday anniversary, describing her as a virtuous woman with fear of God who has affected so many lives positively that come across her way in the society.
Comrade lweka pray God to give her and the entire Oromoni family peace of mind, good health, long life and abundance blessings to the glory of God and to add more value to more lives in the society, he stated.
In her reaction, the celebrant, Evang. Roseline Oromoni thank and appreciated the state taskforce in celebrating with her, noting that God will reward them in a thousand fold.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Oromoni admonished the state taskforce to do their job diligently with fear of God and have a human face, stressing that many Deltans are in a hard time due to the global coronavirus pandemic, she asserted.
High point of the occasion was presentation of Birthday Cake by the state taskforce to the celebrant, Evang Mrs. Roseline Oromoni.
However, among the delegation present at the Birthday visit include; Comrade Kingsley Iweka, Hon. Frank Alale, Mrs. Philomena Odjegbu, Mr. Michael Oyimor, Dr. PA among others.
Nigeria @ 60, A Country Of Horrors, Hunger And Death— Comrade Mrs. Rosemary John Oduone
As Nigeria gets set to enter yet into another phase of existence, since independence, a Niger Delta Ijaw born Freedom Fighter, a Comrade, lover and defender of the Ijaw Course, Comrade Mrs. Rosemary John Oduone, the President of Ijaw Women Connect ( IWC ) worldwide has poured out her heart, on the unimaginable and unbearable state of affairs of the Nation.
The IWC President Comrade Rosemary, describes the country Nigeria, as a country full of “Horror, Hunger and Death”.
In her words, she said:
"Mediocrely, we, like hungry flies gather to worship and praise-sing the Nigerian feudal lords devilishly holding the destiny and souls of millions of Nigerians, while they gather in high places to celebrate and count their gains in the acrimonious Nigeria @60.
Why will I celebrate a nation that has raped and screwed the beautiful bride of (Olobiri) (ML-O1) for sixty two (62) years with no offsprings but pains and dryness.
Why will I celebrate a nation where a man would be forced at gun point to sleep with his wife and the loins of his strength forcefully taken and fathered by a barren stranger from a strange land?
Why will I celebrate a country that is completely unproductive and it's citizenry hopeless in the midst of wealth @60, when in actual sense it would've been a season of tributes and celebrations for national growth, peace, love and unity?
Why should I celebrate Nigeria 🇳🇬 @60, when my people die of cancer from crude oil and gas polluted creeks that flows from the western Ijo of Ondo in Apoi-Arogbo to the Eastern flank of Ijaw in Rivers State down to Akwa-Ibom state?
It is hypocritical to celebrate Nigeria @60 where source of livelihood no longer exist, citizens have begun to prey on each other for survival, criminality and terrorism have crossed the bar.
A country where Nepotism, ethnic cleansing and terrorism strive cannot be called a nation and absolutely needs not to be celebrated.
A country where unpatriotic and unholy bills carrying hidden agenda of some sections or group of people to enslave others and worthy of causing wars and chaos are sneaked into parliament by a government responsible for the protection of her citizens is not a country.
A federated system with zero federal character can only be described as federal darkness, certainly, not a country.
A country where a natural gift of crude oil and gas seat on my father’s ancestral home, farmlands and waterways are forcefully taken from me is a faulty system. It does not deserve my celebration.
A nation where laws are written to usurp a particular group and favours the wishes of the caliphates is a failed system. Nobody celebrate failure, I won't be the first.
A country where mining laws are for the actual owners and the PIB is a national interest should not exist.
A country where some people's pendulum swing only towards land grabbing through evil bills should be tagged a country of few. Few days ago was a grazing reserves demand to strategically own the peoples lands, yesterday, same controversial demand coined as “RUGA”. Today, is a systematical demand to own the coastlines, creeks and waterways through a fraudulent bill, which met a fenced defense by the people. What next we don’t know.
With the many travails we have endured since the birth of these 60 years old bully, we can say tomorrow is pregnant and we don't know what horror and terror it would deliver. The question nagging sane minds at this time is.. do we continue to live amongst men who sits awake all nights planning to forcefully take over what belongs to others because power is in their hands?
Or we rise up as fearless breeds of Major Isaac Boro, Harold Dappa-Biriye. Captain Sam Owonaro and all the Ijaw warlords in the realm of sainthood?
Permit me to salute and give my lifetime allegiance to those who genuinely stood for true federalism, 100% Resource ownership and Environmental Justice.
My respect goes to Late. Chief DSP Alamieyesiegha and Late. Oronto Douglas of blessed memories. Both, until they left mother Earth, were champions of the sociopolitical and economic liberation of Niger Deltans, Resource Ownership and Environmental Justice.
To my Ijaw fallen Heroes, we continue to remember you, particularly, your blood, tears, strength and struggles for a better Niger Delta Region.
My call is for Ijaw Nation to Arise and be counted amongst the nations of men.
Oloibiri the beautiful Ijaw bride and her offsprings across the creeks, swamps, mangroves scattered along the river nun cries out for protection. Let us fearlessly defend, protect, guard and occupy our coastlines from further invasion.
Long Live The Ijaw Nation!
I Remain Your Humble Servant,
Rosemary John-Oduone.
President. IWC-Worldwide.
Nigeria @ 60: Stop Making Empty Political Speeches On Piece Of Paper Every Year, Mark Nigeria Independence Day With Commissioning Landmark Projects Nationwide, Amb. Mulade Tells Nigerian Government
Francis Tayor
Port Harcourt____ As the nation marks its Independence Day on 1st October, 2020, the National Coordinator, Chairman and CEO of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a Civil society Society Organisation, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade has decried the level of infrastructural decay in Nigeria at 60.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, River State on Wednesday 30th Sept, 2020 to mark this year's edition of the country's independennce Day, the CEPEJ boss urged the Federal and State Governments to mark every 1st October with foundation laying and or commissioning of landmark infrastructural projects for the benefit of Nigerians.
Chief Mulade noted that as Nigeria celebrates this year’s Independence Day to mark its freedom from its colonial masters as a sovereign Nation, the Federal and State Governments should come up with laudable landmark projects and programmes that Nigerians can be proud of instead of presenting only papers and making political speeches to Nigerians every year without any tangible results.
Chief Mulade who is also the Ibe-soremowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, used the medium to congratulate all Nigerians for their individual and collective efforts towards uniting the country, and for being an Independent Nation in our God-given fatherland for 60 years now despite some critical challenges confronting our dear Nation Nigeria such as Insecurity, Dwindling Economic, Degradated Environmental and Bad Leadership
He said Nigeria's Independence Day celebration should be dedicated to the harvest of completed projects that will add value to the lives of the masses. He urged the present administration to use the Nation’s huge financial resources to transform the country into an entity that all Nigerians can be proud of and also fight against all forms of nepotism, god-fatherism and favouritism.
While commending President Muhammadu Buhari and his Cabinet for ensuring unity, peace, good governance and prudent management of the nation's resources in the face of COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Mulade appealed to the Presidency to beef up security in the country, especially to stem the killings in southern Kaduna, indiscriminate attacks, adoption and killing of armless Nigerians by armed bandits and headsmen.
On the current state of corronavirus in Nigeria, Chief Mulade appreciated the NCDC on how the COVID -19 pandemic has been managed despite the economic hiccups experienced by the country in the past years.
Chief Mulade further expressed his pleasure over the fairness in the just concluded Edo State governorship election, adding that freedom to choose a leader is the right of all citizens, and therefore should not be seen as a favour. He urged all Nigerians irrespective of political, ethnic and religious affiliations, to always seek good governance and leadership at all levels of government for a better and well developed Nigeria.
He implored all Nigerians to be peaceful, tolerant and express love for one another so that the change we all seek and hope for can be achieved, as this would draw everyone closer to achieve a common development goal and the re-branding of our country Nigeria. He said, the Independence Day has a great importance in every citizen’s life as it reminds each one that freedom is sacred and that citizens must do everything to ensure that it is not endangered.
Francis Tayor
Warri____ A political interest group under the aegis of COPERATE MANDATE (CM), has declared their support for Hon Chief Dr. Braduce Angozi ahead of 2023 governorship election in Delta State.
The group disclose this on Tuesday in Warri having critically studied the background of Dr. Angozi exceptional leadership style over the years, concluded that the former Burutu LGA Chairman as well as one time Commissioner for Agriculture in the state, has all it takes to develop Delta state to an enviable height when given the opportunity.
In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Engr. Moses Yerinbide Clinton said the track records and legacy projects of Dr Angozi while he was a council boss and Commissioner paved the way for him to stand tall among other aspirants to be trusted by Deltans.
He therefore, urged Deltans to work with Angozi candidacy, stressing that he had been tested and trusted with power who delivered and never disappointed the masses. Dr Angozi has the leadership capacity and foreign connections to bring industries in order to create massive jobs for Deltans.
Meanwhile, It is worthy to note that COPERATE MANDATE (CM ) is a formidable political interest group of like minds across Delta, working together for an outstanding leader from Ayakoromo community Ward 7 in Burutu LGA, Delta State.
Dr. Angozi will deliver good governance for all Deltans when given the mandate. Lets work as one to ensure that Dr. Angozi emerge as the flagbearer of PDP to lead as the Executive Governor of Delta State come 2023, the group stated.
Francis Tayor
Warri____ Ahead of Delta State 2023 governorship election, a renowned Niger Delta born global environmental/human rights activist, Comrade (Chief). Sheriff Mulade has said the ljaws of Delta state are the rightful ethnic group to produce the next governor of the state come 2023.
Comrade Mulade who is the pilot of the Bold Movement 2023, with the aim of promoting ljaw guber aspiration stated that the ljaws will outrun Urhobo nation to occupy government house Asaba in 2023.
While emphasizing on the Bold Movement, Mulade said the group will protect the interest of all ethnic groups in the state. He reiterated that the Bold Movement is promising hope, equity, justice and fairness for all Deltans.
It will interest you to note that, the battle for 2023 governorship in Delta state is raising dust between the Ijaw people of Delta South and the Urhobos who are the occupants of Delta central. Although by rotation and zoning, it is the Urhobos turn to produce the next governor, the Ijaws are unwilling to cede the governorship to the Urhobo people.
To the Ijaws who constitute the major tribe in Delta south and the tribe that produces the highest number of votes in all elections in the state, this is the time to wrestle the governorship from the Urhobos and they are dead ready for the titanic warfare. The ijaws are also the major financier of the state because most of the oil wealth in the state is from the Ijaw axis.
The assertion of the state PDP chairman, Kingsley Esiso, that the governorship will not go to another tribe other than the Urhobos is adding more fire to the already tensed political atmosphere in the state. Groups are emerging from the Ijaw communities and they are lubricating their political warfare machinery for the all time battle.
Some of the persons the Ijaws have reportedly penciled down for the position are the deputy governor of the state, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro, who close sources say has started close door consultation with some power brokers. Senator James Manager, who has been in the senate since 2003, is also being prepared for the great political warfare to take over government house in 2023.
Chief Sheriff Mulade, an environmentalist and a Niger Delta activist, is floating a movement, Bold Movement 2023, with the aim of promoting the Ijaw guber aspiration for 2023. The movement which is an advocacy group for Delta Ijaw 2023 governorship is gearing up for the all time battle for the coveted office in the state.
Mulade is also the pilot for the Ijaws of Delta South Wake Up Call to occupy the Government House, Asaba in 2023. The movement is a wake up initiative for Ijaw leaders to be awake and prepare early for a sumptuous political occasion come 2023 governorship. The movement, according to him, is expected to culminate in Ijaws triumphantly taking over government house.
According to Mulade, Ijaw sons and daughters are dressing up and preparing for the titanic political battle of wits. The group is promising to outrun the Urhobos and win the seat for their people. Mulade, a bridge builder, is calling for justice and equity and as it is now, the Ijaws are the rightful people to produce the governor in the 2023 general elections.
He said the group is promising hope, justice and equity for all Deltans. He said the interest of all ethnic groups will be fully represented. He added that there will be fairness for all ethnic groups, the statement adds.
Delta State Government on Monday expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy to enforce compliance of all environmental regulations in the state waterways.
The State Chairman, Taskforce on Environment, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni disclosed this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta in Warri, Commodore Semiu Adepegba.
Addressing the Commanding Officer NNS Delta, Commodore Semiu Adepegba, the State Taskforce Chairman on Environment said that the essence of the visit was to collaborate with the Navy so as to enforce compliance of all the environmental regulations along the waterways.
According to the Chairman, control and monitoring of ships is important for prevention of marine pollution (MARPOL) and also allows improving the rules of prevention of pollution itself.
"Oil pollution is recognized as a major environmental problem. Already, many countries have begun to adopt national legislation in order to control the trans-shipment of oil in its territorial waters.
Responding, the Commanding Officer NNS Delta, Commodore Semiu Adepegba said public health is one of the greatest things in which a government cannot overlook.
He said early prevention, which is relatively inexpensive, can prevent dire and expensive health care problems later in life.
He also called on the government to take responsibilities for public health beyond voluntary activities and services to include additional authorities such as quarantine, mandatory immunization laws, and regulatory authorities.
He said that the state should be in partnership with the police to enforce compliance on land and promised to be of any help in the riverine region of the state.
He further encouraged residents to do things that benefit their health or create conditions to promote good health, and requiring certain actions such as food safety.
High point of the visit was a presentation of plague to the State Taskforce Chairman, Oromoni, by the NNS Delta Commander.
Sir Igho Akpojotor, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Special duties, Chief Peter Abugewa Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Comr. Kingsley Iweka, Coordinator Delta Central and South and the Supervisor Uvwie local Government are the members of the team that accompanied the State Taskforce Chairman.
Uduaghan Officially Return To PDP, Collects Membership Card At Ward 6 Abigborodo ln Warri North
Warri____ The immediate past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has officially defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Uduaghan rejoined the PDP at his Unit 1, Ward 6, Abigborodo in Warri North local government area of the state on Monday.
The former governor arrived the venue of the ceremony with thousands of supporters at about 11:40am.
The former governor was accompanied to the defection ground by the member representing Warri Federal Constituency, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi and the PDP Deputy chairman (Delta South), Mr. Val Aroyenka.
LGA Polls: Aggrieved PDP Faithfuls ln Warri South West Kicks Against Taiye Tuoyo 2nd Term Bid, Laments over His Bad Leadership, Writes PDP Chairman Izoukumor An Open Letter To lntervene
Francis Tayor
Warri_____ Again, another aggrieved party Faithfuls and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, has lamented over the bad leadership pattern of the incumbent Chairman of the Council, Hon. Duke Taiye Tuoyo in the past three years, stressing that any attempt for PDP to bring back Taiye for second term would be disastrous to the party comes 2021 LGA polls.
The aggrieved party faithfuls disclose this on Monday in an open letter signed by its leader, Comrade Kenneth Ebi Ikoro and addressed to the PDP Chairman of Warri South West LGA, Hon Chief. Favour Izoukumor, noted that the people at the grassroot has loss faith and confidence in Tuoyo's leadership. They appealed to Chief. Izoukumor to use his good office as the dynamic party Chairman of the LGA to meet with the leadership of the party both in ltsekiri and ljaw axis in other to bring another trustworthy, foresighted, industrious and reliable ltsekiri son to takeover from Tuoyo after the expiration of his tenure in 2021.
Comrade Kenneth stressed that the letter became imperative because they believe in Chief. Izoukumor led party executive will listen to their tears and do the needful. However, they kicked against Hon. Tuoyo second term aspiration bid in other to further cage the innocent masses of Warri South West in a total darkness, stressing that the grassroot does not want him again because he has failed the people woefully.
According to the open letter, read:
OPEN LETTER TO HON. CHIEF FAVOUR O. IZOUKUMOR, THE CHAIRMAN OF WARRI SOUTH WEST PEOPLE DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) OVER THE SECOND TERM AMBITION OF HON. DUKE TAIYE TUOYO, THE EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF WARRI SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.
28th September, 2021
Sir,
We the aggrieved party faithfuls and supporters of PDP in Warri South West LGA led by Comrade. Kenneth Ebi lkoro addressed this open letter to you as the PDP Chairman of Warri South West LGA in other to appeal to please listen to the voice of the masses that we don't want Hon. Taiye Tuoyo's second term ambition in PDP comes 2021 due to his bad leadership style in the past three years.
We are writing you because you are the party Chairman, and thesame time we know you to be a honest leader who believes in equity and peace loving, a leader that do listen to the oppressed ones and always fight for them.
For that reason, we urged you to do the right thing as usual, so that you will not see us as bad people by the time we react violently and go against the party because of Taiye Tuoyo's second term ambition.
We are using this medium to plead with you as our respected party Chairman to kindly listen to the voice of the masses because it won't tell well if the party dares to impose Taiye Tuoyo on the masses again.
We at the grassroot have suffered a lot from Taiye Tuoyo bad leadership pattern over the years. Therefore, we are ready to do anything against any party leader that want to make Taiye Tuoyo the LGA's Chairman again.
We are not against the fact that, it is still the turn of the Itsekiris to produce the next LGA Chairman. But we are only against the ambition of Hon .Taiye Tuoyo who has performed below expectation to become the LGA's Chairman again. Taiye has failed the good people of warri South West woefully, hence we don't want him anymore.
In conclusion, the name TAIYE TUOYO and his SECOND TERM AMBITION will destroy PDP completely in Warri South West come 202. Therefore, if you knows what is good for the party, we urged you to use your good office as the party Chairman and talk to the leadership of PDP to call off Hon. Taiye Tuoyo's second term ambition, and meet the Itsekiris to bring another reliable and trustworthy person, so that, we all will enjoy peaceful election come 2021 in Warri South West LGA. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. We are eagerly expecting your favourable response in the shortest possible time.
Signed:
Comrade Kenneth Ebi Ikoro, leader Aggrieved PDP Supporters Warri South West LGA, Delta State.