INC Inconclusive Election: Leading candidates reject calls for fresh election, threaten court action

INC Inconclusive Election: Leading candidates reject calls for fresh election, threaten court action

 Emem Idio, Yenagoa

Amidst rumoured calls in some quarters for a fresh elections following the 2019 botched election of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, the apex socio-political group of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, some leading candidates have vow to reject such moves. 

The candidates for the post of President-General Professor Benjamin Okaba, and that of Vice-President II, Chief Nengi James, while reacting to the purported calla, said they will challenge any attempts to impose an unpopular decision and subvert the constitution of the body in a competent court of the law.

Addressing newsmen in Yenagoa, Prof Okaba said, "the recent call by the government to resuscitate INC is in the right direction but again we are compelled to state categorically in the midst of rumours making the rounds that some persons are clamouring for fresh elections, meaning that all we did is invalidated, and people are already parading themselves as government candidates, people that were not part of the process earlier.

"We are saying you started a process that was inconclusive, you have to complete the process. We are offering several solutions, that after the four years tenure, whoever that is interested can come in, so what is the essence of canceling the process that did not end?

"As a family let us respect tradition, let us respect the dignity of our institution, we should not be thinking of building individuals, we should build institutions and the best way of building institutions is to stand by the decisions of the institution. For the fact that we did not go to court does not mean we cannot go to court."

On his part, the candidate for the position of Vice-President II, Chief Nengi James said: "I have heard of a kangaroo arrangement that some people are going around all the zones giving people money to support a fresh election so that their puppets would be part of the purported fresh election.

"In the Constitution of the INC, there is no place for replacement or substitution of candidate in an event of death, if they want to replaced any candidate that is late, such action is unacceptable and unconstitutional, who is afraid of Nengi James in Ijaw nation? 

"As a vice presidential candidate, I want to put it in record that the Justice Tabai Committee has not invited me officially, Justice Tabia is a respected jurist and a traditional ruler, and while I'm not against the Committee or process, but as a candidate and stakeholder, I need to be part of any decision taken with regards to the inconclusive election of INC.

"I have the right to fair hearing, and to make inputs, but if I am not part of the decision taking process or I am not satisfied with the decision taken by the Justice Tabai committee and the right thing is not done, I will go to court to seek redress or form a parallel exco, we are all Ijaw people and I have been involved in the Ijaw cause for over 35 years, I'm an elder and so I deserved some respect."

He added that the traditional rulers in Ijawland had earlier taken a decision that the process should be completed and queried the rationale behind the sudden call for fresh elections, warning that such moves will be vehemently rejected.

Delta Waste Mgt Board Resolves Rift Between IPMAN, PSPs

Delta Waste Mgt Board Resolves Rift Between IPMAN, PSPs

The Chairman Delta State Waste Management Board, Hon. Emma  Chinye has resolved the rift between the Private Sector Participants on waste management and the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN). 

Chinye was represented by the second member representing Delta South Hon. Mofe Edema.

Recall  that last week, the waste management board in collaboration with the Taskforce on Environment sealed up some Petrol stations found wanting of not using the government approved waste collectors in Uvwie, Warri and environs and for violating the state environmental laws. 

Some of the erring independent marketers were last Thursday brought before Mrs. Kate Otunowobo led mobile court and were prosecuted with different levels of fines. 

In the meeting attended by the Executive of IPMAN Delta state, the Union's scribe said that they had plans to suspend operations in the state to draw government's attention to the resolution of what they called dehumanization but decided to reach out to the Agencies that carried out the operations before any action was taken. 

According to the State secretary Mr. Nwarolan Frank, "we thought that since all our payments was consolidated, we ought not to pay any fee but it's obvious this is utility bill so we will direct our members to comply. 

Hon. Mathew Mofe Edema who stood in for the Chairman, Waste Management Board directed the PSP leadership to meet with the leadership of IPMAN and to agree on categories of their tariffs and send names of government approved PSP operators across the state to them so they can reach their members. 

Edema reiterated that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's led-administration would not tolerate any act of environmental degradation and any offender caught would not be spared. 

The Vice Chairman Prince Harry Okenini who was accompanied by Aironi Greg, Chief Friday Ofobrokuete and Ufuoma Oberebor thanked the waste management board for their understanding and promised not to disobey Delta State Government laws on Environment. 

He urged the body not to dump waste indiscriminately which often ends in drainages, thereby blocking free flow of wastewater. 

"They are also encouraged on the need to patronise Public Sector Participants, PSPs, and desist from patronising Cary pushers," Edema stated.

Operation Show Your PSP Receipt: Mobile Court Prosecutes 18 Offenders, Remanded 1 ln Warri

Operation Show Your PSP Receipt: Mobile Court Prosecutes 18 Offenders, Remanded 1 ln Warri 

Delta State Waste Management Board (DSWMB) in collaboration  with the  Taskforce on Environment has set up a mobile court to prosecute sanitation offenders in Warri, Uvwie and it's environs.

According to the Taskforce Chairman on Environment Honourable Sylvester Oromoni, the mobile court became necessary to change the attitude of uncooperative residents, who failed to obey environmental laws in the area.

According to him, a team of Taskforce Marshals and law enforcement agents will carry out routine inspection within  the aforementioned  areas every day to monitor compliance with the laws.

Honourable Oromoni, who said offenders would be tried in the mobile courts, advised residents to cultivate the habit of patronizing the PSP who will take their waste to designated areas in the town.

He said that Waste management board had registered private companies (PSP) who indicated interest to partner with the state government, to manage waste in the area.

Thus far, in today's sitting The magistrate Mrs. Kate Otunowobo prosecuted 18 persons to be remanded in warri correctional facility with option of fines ranging from sixty thousand naira and above. 

As at the time  of this report, about 11 persons are still  standing  trials on the same offence at the ongoing  sitting at the Governor's office Annexe warri.

Gov. Okowa Holds Private Burial For Late Father, Appreciates Nigerians

Gov. Okowa Holds Private Burial For Late Father, Appreciates Nigerians

Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their condolences and show of love on the passing of his father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.

The governor, in a statement he personally signed, thanked all those who came to condole with him and those who called or sent messages of condolences to him and his siblings.

He announced that because of the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, the family had resolved to hold a private burial for their late patriarch sometime in February, 2021, adding that a ``celebration of life’’ would be held in his honour in August, 2021, subject to the slowing down of the pandemic.

According to Okowa, in view of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, we have opted to hold a private burial ceremony sometime this month, while a Celebration of Life event will take place on August 21, 2021.

"Hopefully, by then the current challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic would have given way to a freer and more assured environment,’’ he stated.

He described his late father as a ``huge pillar of support'', and said that he would miss his wise counsel.

"On behalf of the Okowa family of Owa-Alero, Ika North East Local Government Area, I wish to thank all who have taken time to commiserate with us on the death of my beloved father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa.

"Ever since the news of his demise, our family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of goodwill from a wide spectrum of political, business, religious leaders as well as the mass of Nigerians.

"My siblings and I are deeply grateful for the show of solidarity, which have, in no small measure, helped us to cope with Papa’s passing.

"Although he died at what may be considered a good old age, the death of someone so dear cannot but leave one with a sense of void.

"My late father was a strong pillar of support all through my political/public service career.

"I drew immeasurably from his fountain of knowledge and wisdom, and he was very passionate about the growth and development of our beloved Delta State.

"As a family, we will greatly miss his physical fellowship but we thank God that he lived a good and full life; he has etched his name in gold with his legacy of hard work, selfless service, discipline, godliness, love for others/community, and passion for positive, lasting change," he said.

"Once again, I thank all those who have called, visited, prayed for us  and issued statements in solidarity with our family. May God richly bless you," the governor added.

Sen. Omo-Agege Moves Senate To Restore Ethiope West(Jesse-Mosogar) State Constituency 1

Sen. Omo-Agege Moves Senate To Restore Ethiope West(Jesse-Mosogar) State Constituency 1

 

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, today successfully moved the Senate to restore Ethiope West (Jesse-Mosogar) State Constituency 1 which shall henceforth have an elected member in the Delta State House of Assembly. The Obarisi of Urhoboland had earlier on December 10, 2020 also moved the Red Chamber to restore Abraka State Constituency to elect its own member to the House of Assembly.

 

Following a detailed motion by the DSP during today’s plenary, the Senate unanimously adopted a resolution approving the immediate restoration of Ethiope West State Constituency 1 as a separate and distinct State Constituency in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution.

 

Senator Omo-Agege presented compelling facts supported with valid and subsisting judicial pronouncements confirming that Ethiope West State Constituency 1, which consists of Jesse Ward I, Jesse Ward II, Jesse Ward III, Jesse Ward IV, Mosogar Ward I and Mosogar Ward II, was arbitrarily and unjustifiably suppressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

 

The DSP’s re-election to the Senate is a privilege and a mandate for more courageous, qualitative, and progressive representation for our people. Today’s resolution is yet another fruitful evidence of that. It proves his seamless capacity to network with other leaders to advance our people’s strategic interests. This will continue, as he is totally committed to his solemn duties.

 

It can only get better through God Almighty who gives grace, strength, and excellence. May the good Lord protect our Obarisi in Jesus name.

Just-ln: Unknown Gunmen Kill A Soldier, Cart Away AK-47 Rifle ln Bayelsa

Just-ln: Unknown Gunmen Kill A Soldier, Cart Away AK-47 Rifle ln Bayelsa

Palpable fear has gripped the people of Apoi Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, as unknown gunmen have reportedly killed a military officer and carted away with his AK-47 rifle.

Already, the indigenes of the community have fled the community to neighbouring villages and elsewhere for fear of reprisal attack on the community by the military. It was learnt that the soldier was on official duty to Apoi Community for a pipeline surveillance job when he was gunned down on Monday afternoon. He was said to have been killed in the forest between the boundary of Apoi and Azuzuama communities, where there is a pipeline, the assailants reportedly carted away with his AK 47 rifle, before community folks could get to the spot. When contacted on the development, the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Army, 16 Brigade, Yenagoa, Capt. Tonye, said efforts were on to reach out to the appropriate quarters to confirm the incident.

Meanwhile, confirming the development, the Community Development Committee, CDC, Chairman, Jepthah Keme, while condemning the incident, said the community was ready to give security agencies every necessary information and assistance. He said the community is restless as such thing has never happened before as they are generally peaceful and law-abiding. 

He said: “As a community, we are restless, we equally condemned the attack, we are working with the security agencies to give them every necessary information and support to bring the perpetrators. 

These people (perpetrators) are not from Apoi, something like this has never happened, they are not from our community and their identity is still unknown. Because of this incident, our people have fled to neighbouring villages and other places. The community is deserted.

Delta Mobile Courts Commence Sitting On COVID-19 Protocol On Wednesday Today

Delta Mobile Courts Commence Sitting On COVID-19 Protocol On Wednesday Today

The Chief Judge of Delta, Justice Marshall Umukoro, on Tuesday announced that mobile courts for non-compliance with COVID-19 protocols would commence sitting across the state on Wednesday. 

Umukoro announced this in Asaba at the reopening of the rebuilt High Court Complex which was burnt down during ENDSARS protests in 2020.

He called on the public to ensure strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols to avoid prosecution. 

"As from tomorrow (Wednesday), the mobile court on COVID-19 will start sitting. So, the media should spread the news and let the people know that anybody not wearing face masks from tomorrow will be prosecuted," he stated. 

The chief judge urged youths in the state to live within the ambits of the law, adding that most youths who fell short of the law were products of broken homes. 

"We pray that our youths should be able to live within the limit of the law and morality.  

"Most of the youths who engage in crimes are all products of broken homes. I go for prison visits and mostly all the inmates there are products of broken homes," he said.

Umukoro also announced that the Local Government Elections Tribunals to receive petitions that would arise from the Local Government Councils elections scheduled for March 6, 2021would be inaugurated Feb. 17.

"The law says that, latest two weeks before the election, the Election Petitions Tribunals ought to have been in place. 

"So on the 17th of February, we will inaugurate the tribunals to receive petitions from the three senatorial districts in the state," he stated. 

Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Information in the state,, Mr Charles Aniagwu, told newsmen that the state government was building a new high court complex that would accommodate all the judges in Asaba. 

He said Governor Okowa's administration was conscious of access to justice and dispensation of justice in the state hence it embarked on the construction of the high court headquarters. 

"Of course, you are aware of the new High Court building that is ongoing.  

"A six-storey building that will house the office of the CJ and other Judges and it will be well digitalised to help in the speedy dispensation of justice," Aniagwu said.

Operation Show Your PSP Receipt: Taskforce, Waste Mgt Begin Enforcement ln Delta

Operation Show Your PSP Receipt: Taskforce, Waste Mgt Begin Enforcement ln Delta

The Delta State Taskforce on Environment on Tuesday joined the Waste Management Board to enforce compliance of Private Sector Participants (PSP) patronage. 

It was observed that most residents of Uvwie and Warri prefers to patronize the cart pushers who had no knowledge of proper waste disposal rather than patronizing the Government recognised organ saddled with the responsibility of disposing wastes in a professional manner. 

Reacting to complaints from residents of Commissioner str, opp. Ekpan General hospital among other streets, the Delta State Taskforce Chairman on Environment, Honourable Sylvester Oromoni said that the generation of waste and it's disposal, collection, transport are important for healthy ecosystems and the health of our people remain sacrosanct. 

He said the patronage of cart pushers had given birth to illegal dump sites across the various local government areas of the state, mostly the urban local government areas. 

According to him, main health outcomes have been found to be statistically associated with waste exposure caused by delayed evacuation and they are: gastrointestinal, dermatological, respiratory, genetic, and several other kinds of infectious diseases. 

"So, it is expected of the PSP operators to be up and doing. My private investigation shows that some of the operators do not have trucks, they will have to wait for few ones that have trucks to finish with their zones so they can rent it from them to evacuate their own zones. 

"That's irresponsiblity. If you are not ready to invest money to upgrade your business, give room for others who have the capacity to serve the people as at when due," Oromoni stressed. 

He said so many residents had lost faith with the PSP and decided to patronize the cart pushers who are more efficient and prompt than the PSP operators.  

"This must not continue, they should understand that human beings generally do not keep waste for too long. Two weeks is too long for evacuation of wastes from residents. 

"In the face of increasing population level and rapid urbanization, the increased urbanization with large population density has further intensified these concerns, unless we take urgent effective steps to improve solid waste management now will give birth to many illegal dump sites. 

"Little attention is given to waste disposal by the PSP and we won't tolerate that practices any more as it is gives room to heaps of wastes in the major cities littering the streets, dumped indiscriminately in drainages, vacant plots and open space especially in the developing cities and this has contributed not only to the spread of communicable diseases in the affected areas; it has effect on flooding and other environmental problems," Oromoni stated.

Okowa Schools Upgrade: Ndokwa Nation Demands Fair Share Of Tertiary lnstitutions

Okowa Schools Upgrade: Ndokwa Nation Demands Fair Share Of Tertiary lnstitutions

Richardson Ogwezzy

It was a thing of great joy to the people of Delta State when the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa presented a Bill to the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborewori for the upgrade of three institutions of higher learning to full fledged universities.

The people of the state see the proposal as laudable because when it is achieved it will go a long way in achieving his S.M.A.R.T agenda, principally on his educational policies and by implication, strategic wealth creations, projects and provision of jobs for Deltans. It is pertinent to know that educational policies cannot be achieved without relevant institutions of higher learning like universities.

Frankly speaking, the establishment of the three Universities in Delta State will give room to an avalanche of job opportunities and increase the rate of economic activities within the state. Most importantly, with the teeming population of students seeking admission into the few available vacancies within the Universities in the state. It therefore becomes imperative to establish additional Universities. Besides, it will reduce the risk and stress of Delta State students seeking admission in distant states of the federation. Not only that, the cost or rate by parents’ expenditure on their children’s education will be reduced because Universities are nearby.

Apart from that, with the high level of insecurity in Nigeria, students within the state that should have gained admission in other states that are prone to issues of insecurity, which would have placed their lives and their parents/guardians in perpetual fear, may decide to take advantage of the proximity of the newly established Universities.

The equitable distribution of such milestone development in a state like Delta if not wisely looked into, may be misunderstood by many. This is because some may feel cheated or neglected and may have ill-feelings rather than praying for the quick establishment of the Universities. Observation has shown that many have been bickering over the choice and locations of the Universities. Instead of thanking the Governor for the unrivaled, unprecedented and unparalleled venture. Knowing full well that the dwindling revenue in the country as occasioned by Covid-19 has negatively affected developmental projects in the country. This was evidenced in some widely circulated publications in the media. Such feelings, I think should be discarded because Delta State is one and must always reman one bearing in mind that Deltans have been living peacefully when we had no University. Now that the developmental initiatives of our past and present state government have brought us thus far educationally, let us embrace the proposal with open hands and utmost sincerity.

If any ethnic nationality is to complain, I think it is the Ndokwa ethnic nationality. In virtually all ethnic nationalities, it is the people of Ndokwa that is grossly marginalised in the aspect of institutions of higher learning. *The people are aware that the perennial neglect on the aspect tertiary institutions is an offshoot of past administration. Your Excellency sir, the people of Ndokwa also know that you have great love for them which was made manifest especially in your political appointments, because they were given juicy appointments. This has never been recorded in Ndokwa politics since the beginning of the nascent democracy. Moreso, in the aspect of developmental projects, Ndokwa ethnic nationality was not left out in the scheme of things. This is laudable. The dire need of institutions of higher learning in the area has become a bane and a case of serious concern which the people have been praying fervently for you to use your good offices to give them a facelift now that establishment of tertiary institutions has become imperative. By the calculations of an average Ndokwa person, he knows that, your administration will make Ndokwa take her pride of place by God’s grace.*

All and sundry should keep in mind, that the three Local Government Areas that make up Ndokwa are among the major oil producing areas in Delta State. Recall also that the people are the second to the largest ethnic group in Delta State. Yet, there are no dividends in terms of provision of tertiary institutions to show for the large population and enormous economic endowment of natural rich resources.

The people of Ndokwa at home and diaspora sincerely commend the priceless gesture of His Excellency, Sen.(Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and pray him to consider the plight of Ndokwa nationality in terms of institutions of higher learning.The outright marginalisation are at times mistaken by some persons as due largely to the factors such as, the Ndokwa politicians are weak, selfish and self-serving. Hence, they lack the political will power to lobby and attract meaningful developmental projects to their areas. These are sayings of distractions that are highly detrimental to Ndokwa developmental agenda. And such ideas should be nipped at its bud.

Your Excellency sir, with due respect, the people of Ndokwa are of the opinion, that you can still make a great difference in addressing the injustice and abject lack of fair play in responding to the dreams and aspirations of the neglected people by former political leaders.

In a kind of flashback, during the defunct Bendel State, under the administration of Prof. Ambrose Alli, Bendel State House of Assembly passed into law for the establishment of Industrial College of Technology, at Kwale. Everything about the College ended in a Legislative documentation and government gazette.

Furthermore, under the administration of the immediate past Governor of Delta State, His Excellence Dr. E.E Uduaghan, there was an approval, after due legislative processes and executive accent to a bill for establishing Delta State Polytechnic, Aboh. Everything about the proposed institution appeared to have been buried after commencing work at the site. One day, Ndokwa leaders, and all political office holders that fought assiduously to see that the Bill establishing the Polytechnic, got the accent of the Governor will explain to peace loving Deltans why the polytechnic became a shattered dream.

Very recently, our distinguished representative at the National Assembly, Sen. Peter Nwaoboshi, the current Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the Senate, saw the pitiable state and the urgent need for tertiary institutions in Ndokwa land. He fought doggedly to ensure that Federal Polytechnic is established in Kwale. After the bill passed some necessary legislative processes, it was truncated by heavy weight legislators. Today, nothing is heard about the proposed Federal Polytechnic, Kwale.

The list below shows the institutions of higher learning in Delta State by Senatorial Districts

Delta North Senatorial District

(1) Delta State University, Anwai, Campus

(2) Federal College of Education(Technical) Asaba

(3) Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku

(4) College of Education, Agbor

(5) School of Nursing, Agbor

(6) Delta State School of Midwifery, Asaba.

Delta Central Senatorial District

(1) Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun

(2) Delta State University, Abraka

(3) Petroleum Training Institute(PTI), Effurun

(4) Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara

(5) Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe

(6) College of Education, Mosogar

(7) Baptist Hospital

School of Nursing, Eku

(8) Delta State School of Midwifery, Sapele

(9) College of Health Technology, Ufuoma

Delta South Senatorial District

(1) Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko

(2) Delta State University, Oleh Campus

(4) Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro

(5) Delta State School of Marine Technology, Burutu

(6) College of Education, Warri

(7) Delta State School of Nursing, Warri.

The list above shows without equivocation that Ndokwa nation has sheer neglect from past successive administration in the distribution of tertiary institutions.

In all frankness, the neglect of Ndokwa nation on the establishment of tertiary institutions should not be attributed to any one at all. The beauty and glory of it all is that we have an altruistic Governor, a Political Restorer who has been restoring all things in the State since his assumption of office. The case of Ndokwa on the aspect of tertiary institutions I believe Almighty God ought not to be different.

I hereby appeal to all our major political office holders, political stakeholders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, academia, The Ndokwa Neku Union(NNU) and other well meaning Ndokwa sons and daughters to take the issue at stake as cogent and relay it to the Governor as a people *ibe ku ibe anu* at least if the earlier approved polytechnic at Aboh, could not be reawakened because of any reason, Utagba Ogbe Technical College, Kwale, has all it takes to be upgraded to a full fledged Polytechnic. On the alternative, a campus of any of the Universities at the Governor’s discretion could be located in Ndokwa land.

The people of Ndokwa once again appreciate His Excellency, Sen.(Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa for his bold step taken to upgrade our existing tertiary institutions to full fledged Universities. It is our sincere hope that Ndokwa should have a fair share of the dividends of your good governance particularly on the aspect of institutions of higher learning.

Apostle Suleman Sues Pst. Davids N5bn On Alleged Character Defamation

Apostle Suleman Sues Pst. Davids N5bn On Alleged Character Defamation

Senior Pastor and General Overseer, Omega Fire Ministries International, Apostle Johnson Suleman, has instituted legal actions against one Pastor Mike Davids who accused him of interfering in his marriage.

Apostle Suleman, through his legal team led by Osa Director Esq, For: Osa Director And Co, is launching a N05bn suit at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, against Pastor David for “conspiracy to blackmail and defamation of character.”

In a statement to newsmen on Friday, the man of God, through his legal team, also revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Adamu has, in a suit with Number: FHC/ABJ/CS/115/2021, also approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to arrest Pastor Davids over petition of alleged blackmail, defamation and threat to Apostle Suleman.

The statement said pastor David, who was expelled from the ministry since 2018 for “acts inimical to the body of Christ has for the past six years been attempting to blackmail Apostle Suleman.”

It said, “He constantly threatened and boasted that he will bring down Apostle Suleman and Omega Fire Ministries down, of which our client has audio and video evidence to expose his threats and blackmail,”

The statement reads thus:

“It has come to our knowledge that one Mike David has purportedly filed a law suit against our client, Apostle Johnson Suleman and seeking two billion naira as damages for allege interference in his marriage which has since been dissolved a few years ago.

We are yet to be served with any court process. However, our client has refrained from joining issues with the said Mike David as his utterances are mere hallucinations of a man on the fringes of lunacy and desperation to survive.

For the record, Mike David was a pastor in our client”s church but expelled since 2018 for acts inimical to the body of Christ. He has for the past six years been attempting to blackmail Apostle Suleman. He constantly threatened and boasted that he has materials in his possession to embarrass Apostle Suleman with and his recent video allegations is one of such materials and tools of blackmail.

In short, he has been boasting that he will bring down Apostle Suleman and Omega Fire Ministries down, of which our client has audio and video evidence to expose his threats and blackmail. The matter was reported to the Nigerian Police Force.

Consequently, the Inspector General of Police has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/115/2021 seeking the arrest and detention of the said Mike David.

Also, Apostle Suleman is instituting a law suit against Mike David at the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja seeking Five Billion Naira damages for conspiracy to blackmail and defamation of character.

As believers in the rule of law and judiciary, we hope justice will be served and clearly so at the end of the day,” the statement concluded.

Delta ljaw Proposed Hosting Of Ibori ln February Postponed, Says Mulade

Delta ljaw Proposed Hosting Of Ibori ln February Postponed, Says Mulade

..... A new date will be announced soon

The Ijaw People in Delta State (IPDS), on Saturday February 6th 2021, announced the indefinite postponement of the planned hosting of the former Delta State Governor Chief James Onanefe Ibori, scheduled for February, 2021. 

The reason for the postponement of the event in a statement by the convener, Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff, is to comply with the Federal government’s directive on large gatherings. 

The postponement was a painful decision by the organizing committee to adhear strictly to the Federal Government’s instruction on COVID-19.

Chief Mulade said they were expecting a massive turnout of over twenty thousand sons and daughters of Ijaw Nation and others from Delta State and Niger- Delta to grace the epic occasion in Bomadi town,  Bomadi LGA where they have chosen for the event.

While expressing regrets over the postponement and inconveniences this must have caused invited guest and the general public who may have tailored their affairs to be at the occasion, Chief Mulade said it is very pertinent that we should be conscious of our health by protecting ourselves and others by staying safe. He assured the people that a new date will be announced soon.

Let's Unite For Victory, Hon. Ogboru Tells Ethiope East APC

Let's Unite For Victory, Hon. Ogboru Tells Ethiope East APC

A former aspirant for the Delta State House of Assembly seat to represent the good people of Ethiope East constituency, Hon Rex Onajite Ogboru, has called on the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area to embrace peace, urging them to unite for victory ahead of the March 6 council polls in the state.

 

Recall that on Friday, Hon. Ogboru in company of key Ethiope East APC party faithful and leaders held an all important meeting in order to push for unity in the party.

 A source in the party said the just concluded LGA primaries in Ethiope East APC was marred by irregularities, imposition, lopsidedness and suppression/intimidation of voters.

 

Adding: “These mishaps had given rise to bad blood, disunity, dissatisfaction and anger in some quarters.” 

This development, he said made stakeholders in the party to set up a reconciliation committee to seek for the return of lasting peace. 

This yielded no much result, as litigation, accusations and counter accusations were the order of the day.

But, in a swift move, leaders in Ethiope East were determined to close ranks as they prepare for the forthcoming elections.

An array of notable party leaders like Chief Okpuibigho, Chief Julius Ogboru, Chief Igbru and Hon. Rex Enajite Ogboru at the said meeting appealed to all those aggrieved to give peace a chance.

Sources at the meeting said the move paid off as anger gave way for peace. 

Oasis Magazine (OM) gathered that Hon. Barr. Ejiro Etaghene and Hon. Voke Ighorodje came to a compromise to foster the way forward for the party and agreed to work together to enable the party come out victorious next month.

Speaking to Oasis Magazine (OM), Hon. Ogboru said “the fruitful olive branch meeting is a testament to the fact that unity in APC is the only way to reclaim power from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) who he said are without a candidate for the March 6 LGA elections.” 

“Unity is the only sure way for victory,” Hon. Ogboru opined, as he thanked God for making the restoration of peace possible, saying that the APC is set to take over the council and bring meaningful development to Ethiope East after the March 6 polls.

Marital Bliss; Comm. Biggy Sets To Marry Lawrenta Today 6th ln Warri, Invite Friends, Well Wishers To Celebrate With Him

Marital Bliss; Comm. Biggy Sets To Marry Lawrenta Today 6th ln Warri, Invite Friends, Well Wishers To Celebrate With Him

A renowned ex- Niger Delta agitator cum freedom fighter and philanthropist, Double Chief. Ebi Wilson Pinapinawei, popularly known as Commander Biggy will be getting married to his second missing ribs, pertty Lawrenta Thomas lkinbor today in the heart of warri.

According to the programme, the traditional marriage ceremony would be taken place at Kelmes Hotels&Suites, after Otokutu junction along DSC Express Way, Udu Local Government Area, Delta state. 

Time: 10.00am prompt.

It will interest you to note that the bride, pretty Lawrenta hailed from the families of Mr. Thomas lkinbor of Ofunama Town, Egbema Kingdom in Ovia South West LGA, of Edo State, while the groom Ebi hailed from the families of Mr. Wilson Pinapinawei of Ekeni Town in Southern ljaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

The statement further adds that music would to be supply at the occasion by Endurance Isaiah, jnr lzonebi, Endurance Fiyebo among other talented guest artists.

However, Commander Biggy uses this medium to invite his loved ones, friends, well wishers and the general public to come and celebrate with him, stressing that there shall be a lot of foods and drinks for merriment, the statement adds.

Onduku To Latimore, Stop Been Myopic, Okowa Was Biased ln School Upgrade Project

Onduku To Latimore, Stop Been Myopic, Okowa Was Biased ln School Upgrade Project

...... Charged him to render public apology, says Chief. Mulade didn't goofed, he only made an appeal to Gov. Okowa 

Francis Tayor

An ljaw youth leader and the President Concerned Citizens For Izon-Ebe Development (CCFID), Comrade Oyinbi Onduku has proved Mr. Fred Latimore wrong on his unguided statements by calling an ljaw revered chief, who is a renowned global philanthropist cum peace advocate, Comrade (Chief). Sheriff Mulade goofed on his recent call on the Delta state government to as well upgrade Burutu School of Marine Technology, Warri College of Education as well as Esenabe college Bomadi among Anwai, Agbor and Ozoro campuses he recently approved for upgrade in order to be fair and just to all ethnic groups in the state.

Onduku in a Press Statement released on Thursday at Warri, expressed displeasure over Latimore usage of poor choice of language against the ljaw respected peace advocate who had made so much impact and contributed meaningfully to the Okowa led administration in terms of peace building, education development, security and youth leadership capacity building across the state.

The ljaw youth leader lambasted Latimore as myopic and bereaved of what to say by tagging an appealed Mulade made as goofed as very unfortunate and need to be cautioned by every well meaning individual in the society. He advice Latimore to go back and read to understand the content of Mulade message to Gov. Okowa and do the needful by rendering public apology over his unguided utterances against the ljaw leader.

According to Onduku, said: " l don't have time to drag issues with Latimore on the pages of newspaper, but l want him to be mature in dealing with matters of public interest. If Gov. Okowa can upgrade two institutions to university standard from one senatorial district in Delta North, what stops him from doing thesame in Delta South? Gov. Okowa should know that what is good for A is also good for B. He should be fair and just to all Deltans. Mulade drawing Delta state government attention on the need to upgrade Burutu School of Marine Technology to University of Fisheries, College of Education Warri to university of peace and conflict studies among others is not out of place.

If more schools may be upgraded in the future as Latimore alleged, why can't you air your view politely and commend Mulade for drawing Gov. Okowa attention to the needs of riverine dwellers instead you prefer to make mockery of yourself before the public. Is Latmore the only appointee of Gov. Okowa who always derives pleasure in making unguided statements against anybody that speak the truth to the present administration?

In addition, were was Latimore when Mulade built the neglected government secondary school, Kokodiagbene to a modern boarding school and handed it over to Gov. Okowa led Delta state government?

Is Latimore not aware of the annual ljaw/Itsekiri peace and unity football tournament cup been sponsored by Mulade in order to foster unity and peaceful coexistence among the two tribes in the state? What of the Mulade Quiz and Essay competition been organized annually in government secondary schools across the state? 

The recent one was the Office of lntelligence Department Mulade built for the Nigerian Police Force at Warri Area Command, that attracted the new Delta CP to applaud him for his wonderful works towards a better society."

" If l may ask, what has Latimore done to affect lives meaningfully in the state? Can he just come up with one thing he had done for his people?  I advice Latimore to always make his findings before coming to the public to defend his boss in making such unguided statements. I urged Latimore to render unreserved public apology to Chief. Mulade because he (Latimore) was the one that really goofed, Onduku asserted. "

Shocking As DNA Shows Delta Judge Okorodas 3 Kids Are Not His Biological Children

Shocking As DNA Shows Delta Judge Okorodas 3 Kids Are Not His Biological Children 

Ladies and gentlemen of the Press, I thank you for attending this Press Conference. I have taken the decision to address the Press in respect of certain traumatic developments that have arisen between me and my ex-wife, Barrister Celia Juliet Ototo of the Ototo Family of Ovom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. It is now nearly 11 years since our separation and divorce. This Press Statement is important in order to prevent damaging speculations, half- truths and outright lies from persons who may want to cash in on the tragedy that has befallen my home.

Sometime during the coronavirus lockdowns early last year, I received information from an anonymous source that indicated that the last of the three children from my previous marriage was in fact not my biological child.

 Due to the COVID-19 restrictions at the time, I had to wait until August 2020 to carry out a DNA test. The DNA test result which came out in September 2020 confirmed that I was not the biological father of the child.

Consequently, I convened a joint meeting between my extended family on the one side, and Celia’s paternal and maternal families (i.e., the Ototo Family of Ovom Town and the Agbagidi Family of Yenagoa Town) on the other side, where I confronted her with the paternity fraud allegation. Although she initially strongly insisted that I was the biological father, she has since confessed to having the child with another man during the course of our marriage.

This repulsive act of my ex-wife prompted me to conduct DNA tests in respect of the two other children. A few days ago, the results came out. Sadly, none of them is my biological child.

This abomination has caused excruciating mental trauma to me, my present wife, Barrister (Mrs) Ebi Okorodas and all of the innocent children involved. This is particularly so for Ebi, who has had to agree to having DNA tests on the four children of our own marriage. Thankfully, the test results confirm each of them to be my biological child.

It is important to state that Celia walked away from the marriage when her youngest child (who is now 17 years of age) was just 6 years old. Since then, all of her children have lived with my wife, Ebi and I, and we have been wholly responsible for their wellbeing and education. Friends who are close to my family would readily attest to the fact that unless specifically informed, no one could tell that the children were not the biological children of my present wife.

Ebi and I would continue to support the children in any way that we can. Indeed, even after the release of the first DNA test result which proved that I was not the biological father of the last child, we have continued to pay for his education in a private boarding school. The two other children are University undergraduates. The first, a female, will be a graduate later this year, and the second will soon enter his 4th year of study. We pray for them to overcome the trauma and become responsible citizens of our country.

For Celia and her boyfriend or boyfriends, we leave them to their conscience. Thank you very much.

The Hon. Justice Anthony Ezonfade Okorodas, PhD. Judge

High Court of Delta State

January 28, 2021.