Delta2023: Ibori Allegedly Begs Power Brokers to Appeal to Okowa to Accept his Candidate Edevbie

Delta2023: Ibori Allegedly Begs Power Brokers to Appeal to Okowa to Accept his Candidate Edevbie

Information reaching our news desk is indicative that former Governor James Onanefe Ibori of Delta state is reportedly making frantic efforts to woo the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to anoint his political godson, Olorogun David Edevbie, for the 2023 guber race in Delta state.

Available reports revealed that Governor Okowa is not favourable disposed to Edevbie as possible successor for the office of the governor. This is even as recent reports revealed that the governor has decided to turn to Urhobo ethnic nationality to take over the office in 2023.

 

Edevbie, a former finance commissioner in Okowa’s first term and a chief of staff in the governor’s second term was axed from office by the governor following his ambition to run for office of the governor in 2023. Sources close to powers have also hinted that the DC-23, a lobby group of a select Urhobo people is surreptitiously moving to anoint Edevbie as its utmost objective.

Okowa’s perceived unwillingness to go the way of Edevbie may not be unconnected with the 2014 PDP primaries where David Edevbie slugged it out with him and clinched second position in the primary election that produced Okowa as PDP candidate.

The action of Edevbie was contrary to the PDP zoning arrangement where it was clearly the turn of Delta North to produce the governor. It was not expected that Edevbie should join the race with the governor. Edevbie’s entrance into the race, despite the zoning arrangement is reportedly displeasing to the governor.

 

In the 2023 general elections, Ibori is believed to have pitched his tent with Edevbie, on whose auspices the DC-23 is allegedly lobbying for Urhobo governor, though covertly working for Edevbie.

Within the last few days, Ibori is reported to have made moves to speak to powerful figures in the country to help appeal to the conscience of Okowa to anoint Edevbie for the 2023 governorship race.

 

One of the names, sources mentioned, is former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was civilian president from 1999 to 2007. According to our source, Ibori reportedly met with Obasanjo in Lagos to help talk to Okowa to look the way of Edevbie for the 2023 race.

While Ibori is making underground moves, the people of Delta are of the opinion that the era of godfathers in the state must come to a close. Okowa’s emergence did not come through godfathers.

Deltans are of the opinion that Ibori should give way to allow people of independent minds, selected by the majority take over the rein of power.

2023: PDP Will Not Impose Candidates_ SEN. AYU

2023: PDP Will Not Impose Candidates_ SEN. AYU

..... As Ortom backs him, says imposition is undemocratic 

National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Iyorchia Ayu says the party under his leadership will not give room for imposition of candidates. 

Ayu spoke just as the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom aligned with the National Chairman, insisting that imposition of candidates is undemocratic and will not augur well for the party in 2023. 

Senator Ayu spoke Saturday,11th December, 2021 at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while addressing stakeholders of the PDP during his first visit to the state as National Chairman of the PDP. 

He stated that under his tenure, whoever emerges as candidate for any elective position will be protected, pointing out that he has a competent team that has been carefully elected for the enormous task ahead. 

The former Senate President charged party faithful to go back to their wards and work hard to ensure victory for the PDP in all elections in 2023, stressing that the party must rescue Nigeria from APC's misrule. 

The National Chairman acknowledged the support shown him before and after his emergence by Governor Ortom, Senator David Mark and other critical stakeholders, saying it's an indication of a united Benue. 

He said with the commitment shown by leaders who stood behind him for his election, it is a clear indication that Benue can win anytime but "when we fight against each other, victory will elude us." 

Senator Ayu pledged the commitment of the National Working Committee of the PDP towards rescuing and rebuilding Nigeria, stressing that the party is poised to reclaim power at the centre in 2023. 

Governor Samuel Ortom in a remark, corroborated Ayu's position against imposition of candidates, saying, transparency, justice and equity should be allowed to play out, even as he encouraged consensus arrangement. 

The Governor advised the NWC of the PDP to work as a team in order to ensure victory for the party at all levels in 2023, saying the APC's failure is an opportunity for the PDP to reclaim their position and rebuild Nigeria. 

While thanking Senator David Mark and other Northern leaders for standing firm to ensure the emergence of Ayu, Governor Ortom announced that the PDP in Benue will be receiving other ranking politicians into its fold in the days ahead. 

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark acknowledged the degree of responsibility the nation has placed on the PDP, saying the party has no excuse but to succeed. 

He prayed God to grant Ayu the wisdom and courage to lead the party in the right direction, saying Benue people will reciprocate the gesture by standing firmly behind him. 

Senator Ayu and other members of the NWC of the PDP were later decorated in the Benue unity attires by Governor Samuel Ortom and other top government officials.

Dowen College: Falana Asks Police to Invite Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo Over 'Reckless' Comment On Sylvester's Death

Dowen College: Falana Asks Police to Invite Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo Over 'Reckless' Comment On Sylvester's Death

A human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has petitioned the deputy commissioner, Lagos police command to invite controversial blogger, Kemi Olunloyo over a comment she made regarding the death of 12-year-old Sylvester Oromoni Jnr. 

Sylvester's case generated public outrage some weeks ago when one of his relations lamented his death on the microblogging platform, Twitter. 

He alleged that the young boy was tortured to death at Dowen College over his refusal to join a cult. 

News of Sylvester's death has continued to attract the outrage of Nigerians as many have asked the authorities to bring the culprits to justice.

No fewer than five persons have been grilled by operatives of the Lagos State police command in connection to the death of the deceased.

However, Olunloyo, in her reaction to the events, claimed that the deceased drank engine oil as part of the cult initiation process, adding that Oromoni was not bullied.

#Justiceforsylvester Sylvester Oromoni’s death involved HAZING he allegedly participated in. It is important for Nigerians to know that hazing is a crime in many countries but NOT in Nigeria. The bulk of the investigation should focus on adult supervision when this was going on.

— Journalist Dr Kemi Olunloyo📡 (@KemiOlunloyo) December 11, 2021

Olunloyo via an audiotape reiterated that the late Sylvester Oromoni who died under controversial circumstances at Dowen College willingly wanted to join the boy’s gang and drank engine oil.

Her comment sparked angry reactions from Nigerians who condemned her for making such a comment against the deceased who cannot defend himself.

Meanwhile, Falana, in the petition signed by Taiwo Olawanle, a lawyer in Falana & Falana Chambers firm, called for an investigation into the comment made by Olunloyo.

The human rights lawyer said Olunloyo’s comment has exacerbated the pains of the deceased’s parents and family.

Falana asked the police to invite Olunloyo to explain her “false information” and be charged to court if she cannot substantiate the comment.

The petition reads, “Although the students and staff of the college suspected to have played a role in the brutal murder of Sylvester Oromoni have made useful statements to the police, one Ms Kemi Olunloyo has just introduced another twist to the incident.

“According to a false statement credited to her, Ms Olunloyo claimed that Sylvester Oromoni wanted to join the cult, he agreed to be beaten and drank engine oil as part of the initiation process.

“Ms Olunloyo recorded her false statement and has been circulating the same on social media in a wicked manner with the sole purpose of diverting attention from the ongoing investigation by the police.

“Apart from attempting to destroy the name of Sylvester Oromoni, Ms Olunloyo has exacerbated the tragedy of his parents, family members and friends without any justification whatsoever.

“Even though the reckless statement is a figment of the imagination of Ms Olunloyo, we are of the strong view that she ought to assist the police in the ongoing investigation into the cause of the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“We are therefore compelled to request the police to investigate the allegation of false information being circulated by Ms Olunloyo on the gruesome circumstances surrounding the death of Sylvester Oromoni.

“If she cannot substantiate her reckless allegation, Ms Olunloyo ought to be charged with false information in the Magistrate Court in Lagos State,” the statement adds.

Delta 2023: Okowa Makes Uturn, Gives Condition For Urhobo to Produce Governor

Delta 2023: Okowa Makes Uturn, Gives Condition For Urhobo to Produce Governor

 

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has reneged on his earlier decision to pick his successor from the Ijaws ethnic nationality of Delta south senatorial district.

The earlier decision pitched him against power blocs in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta Central senatorial district of the state.

Sources close to the governor, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed to THEWILL that the governor “has finally made up his mind to pick his successor from the Urhobo ethnic group, after a long careful thought”.

According to two impeccable sources, Okowa, who was irked by the move by some among the Urhobos to jettison the gentleman agreement in the state during the governorship poll in 2015, decided to respect the unwritten power-sharing agreement within the PDP in the state but with a caveat.

“He would not support any aspirant in the race that played a key role in the botched 2015 primary coup,” one of the sources said.

All three zones have each produced a governor under the zoning formula started at the beginning of this republic, with Chief James Ibori (Central), his successor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan (South), and the incumbent, Okowa, who hails from the North.

THEWILL recalls that the power bloc, which had the ears of Uduaghan, had tried unsuccessfully to circumvent the power-sharing agreement in 2015 by backing a former commissioner in the state, David Edevbie, from the Urhobo tribe, to clinch the party’s governorship primary.

 

In retaliation, after his reelection in 2019, Okowa and his close allies have been covertly encouraging aspirants from the Ijaw to enter the governorship race in 2023 to the discomfort of Ibori and other interests in Delta Central.

The move gave politicians like Senator James Manager and the deputy governor, Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, who are both Ijaws, the spark to seek the governorship ticket.

 

With his latest decision to support the zoning agreement, the governor, according to our sources, is ready for the battle to determine who succeeds him in 2023. (THEWILL)

Mulade tackles IOCs, FG to Remediate Polluted Niger Delta Environment

Mulade tackles IOCs, FG to Remediate Polluted Niger Delta Environment

A prominet Niger Delta  environmentalist, Chief Sheriff Mulade has faulted the pollution and degradation of the Niger Delta environment through gas flaring and other oil activities in the region, and stressed the need for the immediate remediation of the environment.

Comrade Mulade who is the Chief Executive Officer of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a foremost environmental sustainability advocating organisation, noted that the Niger Delta Region has contributed immensely to the economy and wealth of the Nation as a result of the enormous oil production activities in the region.

He, however, lamented that despite the high oil production in states such as Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa and Cross Rivers, oil pollution and reduced life span are the prices that the oil rich region has to pay for feeding the nation.

Chief Mulade who is also the Ibe-Seremowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, noted that the Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on the oil sector, accounting for about 95% of the export earnings, and 40% of government revenue, according to the International Monetary Fund, IMF. He added that the revenue generated from the Niger Delta is used practically to run the country's economy.

He said "it is no more news that the exploration and exploitation activities of oil companies in the region have degraded and devastated the environment at an alarming rate, so much so that life expectancy in the Niger Deltan Region has been reduced due to health hazards from the polluted environment."

He noted further that "oil pollution has destroyed the environment and the traditional occupation of the people, leading to high rates of poverty unemployment, criminality and violence in the Niger Delta Region." He said "this morbid situation has been worsened by the poor environmental practices of the IOCs, (international oil companies) and the failure of Government Agencies to hold them accountable."

The environmentalist asserted that the people have resorted to self help by engaging in pipeline vandalism, illegal refining of crude oil, illegal oil bunkering, destruction of forests, militancy and other forms of violence as a result of perennial environmental pollution and degradation. He then proffered solution to the the sad violation of the region by stressing that the oil multinationals and the Federal Government must interface and make aggressive efforts to increase the standard of environmental practices by the oil companies in the region."

He, however, warned the IOCs to adhere strictly to environmental sustainability practices and equally urged the locals in the region to stop all acts of violence and vandalism that can lead to the continues pollution of the environment, adding that the Niger Delta is their economic base that must be protected at all times.

Hon. Clement Salutes Gov. Okowa on Approval of Technical College in Kiagbodo

Hon. Clement Salutes Gov. Okowa on Approval of Technical College in Kiagbodo

Warri_____ Following the announcement by the honourable Commissioner for Information Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, after the state Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday, in Asaba on the approval of the establishment of Technical College Kiagbodo, the Councilor representing the good people of Ward 13 Kiagbodo in Burutu LGA, Hon. Clement Wagha, has commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on his kind gesture and developmental stride towards his people.

Hon. Wagha made the commendation on Thursday at Burutu, headquarters of the LGA, through a Press Statement noted that with the establishment of State Technical College Kiagbodo, the new school will create employment opportunities to the people of Kiagbodo Burutu in particular, and Delta at large.

He appraised Gov. Okowa's development sagacity across the state, stressing that the new Technical College will bridge the gap of unemployment as well as lack of education facing the riverine community's in the state.

He described the gesture as a welcome development, and urged the state government to speed up construction work at the school site, so as to engage the teeming unemployed youths meaningfully. 

Hon. Clement further thanked and appreciated all those who contributed in one way or the other in influencing the school to Kiagbodo, noting that posterity will remember them for good in a job well done.

He once again, on behalf of the hospitable people of Kiagbodo Community salute His. Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and pray God to give him the strength in order to make the school comes to fulfilment, the statement added.

Augoye speaks on ‘Delta Beyond 2023’, consolidation of Okowa’s successes

Augoye speaks on ‘Delta Beyond 2023’, consolidation of Okowa’s successes

A foremost aspirant in the 2023 governorship race in Delta State, Chief James Augoye has said that the next administration in the state come 2023 should not only consolidate on the successes of the administration of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa but, should be able to transcend them, if not in all the sub-sectors.

Augoye, a two-time Commissioner for Works stated this in a paper titled “Delta Beyond 2023” at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri Chapel lectures and awards held at Casa De Pedro Annex Hotel Hall, Effurun in Delta State,

Augoye, whose paper was presented by his media aide, Mr Obaro Egagifo said, “It would be a monumental setback for a new administration to ruin the legacy on the ground through poor policy thrust and administrative ineptitude of the state government.

Mr Obaro Egagifo, who presented Chief James Augoye’s paper at the NUJ DBS Warri Lectures/Awards ceremony

“Great empires in history have fallen to unfortunate retrogressions as a result of the poor planning and execution of the policy direction of such empires.

“Without casting aspersions on his predecessors, Governor Okowa has positively transformed the socioeconomic, political and cultural essences of the state beyond our expectations within the past six years of his administration in the state with yet a stronger vision of leaving a lasting legacy in 2023 when he would have completed his second term in office as the state governor.

“It is not expected to start doing a sectoral analysis of his monumental developmental efforts today, but I am particularly happy to be part of his success story as a two-time Commissioner for Works, a sector that endeared him so much to Deltans through massive construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, linking the various communities, including the riverine areas, in the state.

“It was for that he was given the sobriquet, “The Road Master”. That sector is an index of his developmental milestones in all the sub-sectors of the state economy.”

 

Dwelling on key areas such as industrialisation, tourism, security of lives and property and health, which should be given priority attention by the next administration in the state, Augoye emphasised that: “What must not be encouraged is wasteful spending on any project that would not benefit the people.

“Such unfortunate misplaced priority would not only drawback the hand of the clock of development in the state, but would definitely estrange those in governance to the governed; it would make the state government forfeit the trust and confidence of the people and could easily lead to the withdrawal of their loyalty and support.

“And we all should know the danger inherent in such a situation of a gap between Government and the people. Therefore, the policy thrust of the state government should continue to reflect the aspirations and expectations of the people at all times.”

In conclusion, the Okpe born politician posited that: “Governance is not a one-way traffic; it is a two-way matrix between the government and the governed. A greater Delta State beyond 2023 is achievable when there are constant interfaces between the two divides in governance.

“There is always the need to be accountable and responsive on the part of the government while the people should reciprocate the good intention of the government towards them by carrying out their civic responsibilities in a committed disposition towards the advancement of the state. This I hope we would all witness in Delta beyond 2023.”

Ned Nwoko gives reason for divorcing Moroccan wife

Ned Nwoko gives reason for divorcing Moroccan wife

Nigerian billionaire lawyer and politician, Prince Ned Nwoko says he broke up with his Moroccan wife, Laila, following her ‘indecent conduct’.

Recall that Laila in October in an Instagram post announced that her marriage with Nwoko has ended.

 

However, the Delta born former federal lawmaker and philanthropist in a statement shared on his Instagram page by his media team said, “The truth is that the marriage degenerated to irreconcilable differences rooted in indecent conduct on the part of Laila which started whilst she was on holiday in London.”

Nwoko in the statement dismissed insinuations linking his collapsed marriage with Laila to the use of a local aphrodisiac known as ‘Kayamata’, sold by Jaruma.

“We note with a sense of responsibility that prince Ned Nwoko has nothing whatsoever to do with Jaruma products in relation to his cordial relationship with his actress wife, Regina Daniels.

“Ned Nwoko Media Directorate wishes to reiterate that himself and the entire family has no connection with Jaruma products contrary to false narratives even as he bears no blame on the widely reported divorce issue with Laila,” the statement stressed.

Big Story: Down College, FG vows to bring perpetrators to book, Condoles with Oromoni's family on son's death

Big Story: Down College, FG vows to bring perpetrators to book, Condoles with Oromoni's family on son's death

President Muhammadu Buhari as assured that no one involved in the alleged killing of Dowen College’s student, Sylvester Oromoni Jr would be spared.

In a statement issued on Wednesday evening by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, the president condemned the incident that led to the death of the 12-year-old schoolboy.

Recall that Sylvester Oromoni had prior to his death, alleged that five senior students of the Dowen College, Lekki, Lagos State, had bullied him for refusing to be initiated into a cult group.

The incident which led to the death of the young boy had triggered a reaction from several Nigerians who continued to demand justice for the late schoolboy.

The Lagos State government had launched an investigation into the incident to unravel the controversy surrounding the death.

According to Garba, Buhari vowed that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, stressing that those found guilty, would be punished as a deterrent for others.

He said, “I share the anger and grief up and down the country following this incident. On behalf of my family and I, and the government of the federation, I convey our heartfelt condolences to the Oromoni family, the government and the people of Lagos State and give the firm assurance that this incident will be thoroughly investigated and the appropriate punishment meted out to all those who are culpable.”

The President urged the Police to continue the ongoing investigation until they get to the root of the matter for the law to take its course, assuring that justice will be done, no matter who is involved, the statement added.

Reps Order lGP to take over Sylvester Oromoni Death Investigation

Reps Order lGP to take over Sylvester Oromoni Death Investigation

The house of representatives has asked Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, to take over the probe of Sylvester Oromoni’s death.

The lower legislative chamber also directed the federal ministry of education to set up guidelines for the operation of boarding schools across the country.

Unyime Idem, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker from Akwa Ibom, moved a motion on the issue on Tuesday.

In recent months, there have been cases of molestation of students, especially in boarding schools.

The latest incident involved Oromoni, who was allegedly beaten and fed a liquid chemical by his seniors for refusing to join a cult group.

Speaking on the floor of the house, Idem said: “Some Nigerians on the social space have been voicing out their bitter experiences with the boarding school system.

“Social organisations have attacked the ministry of women affairs and the ministry of education over their silence and complexity on the several incidences of killings and abnormal behaviours in public schools across the country.

“The federal government should without delay launch a national campaign, the campaign should include advocacy, public sensitisation and social mobilisation, as it will take the joint effort of government, school management and parents to curb ugly happening in our schools.”

Contributing to the motion, Babajide Obanikoro, a lawmaker from Lagos, said the students who allegedly molested Oromoni should be placed on a no-flight list.

“In this particular matter, there are five students involved. Their names should be placed on the no-flight list and that the school, as shut down by the Lagos government, should remain shut until the investigations are over and the school is cleared of all these allegations,” he said.

Also speaking, Victor Akinjo from Ondo, said the development is a “huge embarrassment,” adding that schools have been made a breeding ground of cultism.

“It is the responsibility of the regulators to do proper oversight, to do what is right and save Nigeria from this embarrassment. It is a huge embarrassment for those schools to be converted to a cultists medium,” he said.

The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Idris Wase, deputy speaker of the house.

The house subsequently mandated its committees on education, youth, women affairs and social development, safety and standards to follow up with the investigation.

Why l Withdraw from Delta 2023 Guber Race _ Mulade

Why l Withdraw from Delta 2023 Guber Race _ Mulade

A frontline governorship aspirant from the Ijaw extraction, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff has withdrawn from the Delta State 2023 guber race.

Chief Mulade announced his withdrawal in a Press Statement signed by him personally, which he dedicated  to his late mother, Madam Ebikeseiye Christiana Mulade (Nee Timiyan) who died on the 27th October, 2021.

The renowned peace and environment activist, and CEO/Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, a notable non-governmental organization (NGO) was widely accepted as a governorship aspirant by Deltans, at home and in the diaspora, due to his doggedness in pushing for good governance, sustainable development, environmental justice and respect for human rights.

He described his withdrawal from the 2023 governorship race as a great sacrifice he had to make to honour his late mother. Chief Mulade said his decision to shelf his governorship ambition was predicated on two reasons - first is to avail the family ample time and opportunity to mourn his late mother in quietness while reflecting on the sterling qualities and legacies that she left behind; and second reason was the fact that, as the first child and now head of the family, he needed to focus more on maintaining the unity of the family that his late mother left behind, as well as to enable him redirect his energy to engage government and policy makers on the need to critically address the issues of pollution and under-development in the Niger Delta Region, especially because his mother died of Sarcoma Cancer caused by environmental pollution. 

The environmentalist promised to further engage stakeholders and advocate for a cleaner, healthier and sustainable environment, as well as justice for the Niger Delta host communities.

On behalf of his siblings, Comrade Mulade Sheriff promised that he would continue to celebrate his late mother who lived a life full of commendable qualities,  promising to ensure that same virtues are replicated and instilled in their children, as well as  generations yet unborn.

While bidding his late mother farewell, Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, appreciated all his political advisers and supporters for their understanding over the painful personal decision to withdraw from the race and promised to always work with them for a better Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Dowen College: Three suspects are in our custody–Police

Dowen College: Three suspects are in our custody–Police

...... As Oromoni's family hires Femi Falana to prosecute management of Dowen College over death of son

Lagos_____ Three students of the Dowen College, Lekki Lagos are currently assisting the police in their investigation into the death of Sylvester Oromoni junior, a 12-year-old student of the college.

The Lagos State commissioner of police Hakeem Odumosu told Channels Television on Tuesday.

Odumosi said three of the five students mentioned by Sylvester before he died are already in custody and cooperating with the police in their findings.

Although Odumosu did not give the identities of those in custody he insisted that they are key suspects.

The police boss explained that the Command is set to go for the post mortem of the body in Delta state to ascertain the cause of death.

He assured that police authorities in both Lagos and Delta State are keenly interested in the outcome of the investigation to unravel the mystery behind Sylvester’s death.

Meanwhile, the Oromoni family has hired the firm of a foremost human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, to prosecute its case against the institution over the death of their son.

Channels Television on Monday obtained the letter written by Falana to the office of Lagos State’s Chief Coroner, requesting an inquest into the circumstances leading to the death of his client’s child.

The letter was dated December 6, 2021, signed by Taiwo Olawale, and addressed to the chief coroner, High Court of Lagos State.

Taskforce lssues Stop Work Order Abatement to Illegal Dredger in Warri

Taskforce lssues Stop Work Order Abatement to Illegal Dredger in Warri

Team of the Delta State Taskforce on Environment in collaboration with Delta State Ministry of Environment on Tuesday served Abatement Notice on Stop Work Order to one illegal dredger operating along a canal at Bendel Estate, in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State.

The action was prompted following a complaint made by owner of a building located at the dredging site whose life and prosperity was under threat due to the illegal dredging activities.

The combined team ordered the dredger to stop work immediately pending they provide Letter of Permit for Land Reclamation as well as Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the State Ministry of Environment.

It will interest Deltans to note that, His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration through the Delta State Taskforce on Environment ably led by Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, is doing their best to ensure that the lives and properties of all Deltans are well protected.

Speaking during the operation, Mr. Ichei Ausken, Head of Warri Field Office Delta State Ministry of Environment, said it is against the State Environment Law for an individual to carry out Land Reclamation (dredging) activities close to a residential area. 

He further stressed that before one is allowed to embark on such dredging activities, he or she must first of all obtain approval letter for land reclamation and EIA report from Ministry of Environment. The essence of doing that is to be at the safe side of the Law as well as to ensure safety of lives and property of people living within that vicinity, he stated.

However, the Delta State Taskforce on Environment has charged residents in Warri and its evirons to report any illegal dredging activities close to their residential building for government prompt intervention in order to prevent erosion.

Wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Sylvester Oromoni's family over death of son

Wife of Governor Sanwo-Olu Condoles with Sylvester Oromoni's family over death of son

 

The First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of the 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Sylvester Oromoni jnr, as a big slap on the state’s face.

The wife of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this while speaking during an advocacy visit to some schools in furtherance of the ongoing 16 days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

This was contained in a statement by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs from the Office of Lagos State First Lady, Olubukonla Nwonah.

According to the statement, Mrs. Sanwo-Olu described the incident as unfortunate, saying such would never reoccur in the state.

She said, “I am aware that the Lagos State Government is at the moment investigating the incident and honestly, it is something we are not very happy about. It’s a big slap on the face of the education sector, the community, and Lagos State as a whole.

“It is a case that is being investigated and for the parents and everybody involved, honestly, we commiserate with them and send our condolences.

“As I said, the case is being investigated and I will not be able to say much on it at the moment.”

The news of Sylvester’s death went viral on Wednesday following a social media post by his cousin, Perry Oromoni, who alleged that some senior pupils of the college beat him up in his hostel for refusing to join a cult.

But the school denied the claim, stating that the boy complained of pain in his legs and hip following an injury he sustained while playing football.

The state government on Friday ordered the indefinite closure of the school pending the outcome of an investigation into the matter.

The Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeen Odumosu, has assured the family that the outcome of the investigation would be made public.

Just-ln: Late Friday Igbegbe burial rites Postponed to next year 2022

Just-ln: Late Friday Igbegbe burial rites Postponed to next year 2022

The Ozikana lgbegbe family of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom, in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, has announced the postponement of the final burial rites of their beloved son, father and grandfather, late Alaowei Friday lgbegbe, to next year 2022 due to circumstances beyond their control.

In a statement released on Tuesday 7th December, 2021 and signed by elder Bouy Ogisi of the Ozikana lgbegbe family and the eldest son of the deceased, Comr. Kent lgbegbe, on behalf of the children, said the postponement of the burial became necessary due to the current prevailing security challenges in and around the community.

It would be recalled that the final burial rites of the foremost Niger Delta ljaw freedom fighter who died on the 23rd of October, was earlier scheduled to hold on the 10th of December, 2021, this weekend at his country home Ogbe-ljoh.

The family is deeply sorry to the general public of any inconveniences the sudden change of date might have caused you. 

However, new date for the burial shall be communicated to the public via this medium in due time. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding, the statement adds.

Signed:

Comr. kent lgbegbe, for the Children.

Elder Bouy Ogisi, for the family.