IPDI, Ozobo, Comrade community threaten legal action against Burutu lawmakers over bill on night burial

IPDI, Ozobo, Comrade community threaten legal action against Burutu lawmakers over bill on night burial 

.....Say bill is animalistic

Timi Black

The Ijaw People's Development Initiative IPDI, Comrade Ozobo Austin, a Niger Delta foremost rights activist and Delta Ijaw Comrade community have threatened to challenge the bill proposed by Burutu legislative arm to prohibit night burial in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta state, adding that the bill is animalistic and inimical as it was meant to invade Ijaw tradition.

The Ijaw rights groups said Burutu Local Government Council lawmakers lacked power to abolish Ijaw tradition, noting that issues of Ijaw nation can't be determined by few lawmakers in Burutu Local Government Area as Ijaw cuts across nine states of the federation.

Speaking to newsmen in Warri, Comrade Ozobo described the bill as frivolous, mischievous, baseless and barbaric, stressing that it was promoted by mediocre and kindergarten lawmakers who lack mentorship on lawmaking.

The Ijaw born foremost activist said the Bill when passed to law will enfreeze the rights of the Ijaw people, maintaining that night funeral is a long standing tradition of the Ijaw people and can't be overrided by a mere local legislation.

Acccording to the activist, there has not been any security challenge in night funerals in Ijaw nation to have intervene by some local busy body lawmakers who do not understand the business of lawmaking.

Ozobo said the Bill is needlessly as night funeral is done in discretion of people in Ijaw land, noting that no one is under any obligation to conduct night funeral which to have been prompted legislation.

"It is insanity for anyone to think that stopping night burial will serve as a solution to increase level of promiscuity and immorality in the society", Ozobo averred.

He reiterated: "those who want night burial and others who want day burial should be at liberty to do so, as it is experienced in Ijaw land today".

The Comrade leader said that it's only in Banana republic that someone will think of using legislation to abolish a tradition, asserting that Burutu lawmakers should retrace their steps.

Ozobo further said that night funeral being a tradition across Ijaw land in nine states of the Nigeria federation can be upturned by any local legislation by lawmakers in a single local government area in Delta state.

He advised the Burutu Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Angele Godknows who also cherish night funeral not to assent to the bill as it remained frivolous and mischievous, stressing that they will rubbish the bill in court.

Delta2023: Deltans Be wise, Urhobo's at it again, Move to deceive Deltans about Edevbie as they did for Ibori

Delta2023: Deltans Be wise, Urhobo's at it again, Move to deceive Deltans about Edevbie as they did for Ibori

.......As Ex-Convict Ibori goes desperate for Edevbie, Meet Obasanjo to push for Okowa's acceptance

As the Delta 2023 Guber elections draws  close, the political atmosphere has found many desperate aspirants, making last resort clamours in order to attain victory.

Even those with staggering records of criminality and theft are seeking aids from higher authorities in order to get into power in Delta State come 2023.

For example, Chief David Edevbie, one aspirant with damning records of embezzling state and national funds, falsification of local government of origin and other atrocities against the people of Delta who still clamours for the Governorship Seat.

Edevbie's cohort, former governor, Chief James Ibori in his bid to aid his partner in his aspiration, visited the political living-ancestor, Obasanjo and pleaded that Obasanjo coerces Gov. Okowa to accept Edevbie as his successor.

This was a pathetic attempt at gaining goodwill in the heart of the former President as the stench of their past crimes still wafts wherever they thread. Meeting with Okowa over the Ibori/Edevbie issue, Obasanjo recognized Edevbie for the criminal and chronic financial rapist of the State that he is.

Apparently, the desperate appeal Ibori made is a failed attempt as every literate citizen is aware of the actions that led to Edevbie being barred from setting foot in London, and they are aware that part of some repatriated loot was traced to Edevbie.

Information from a credible source also revealed that Ibori, brought about the infamous Warri crisis that drove all investors from the state, thereby depleting the State's economy.

Whilst Ibori made amunitions available for Itsekiri's to kill Ijaws, he was also busy looting the state with the express approval from Edevbie who was the commissioner of finance and James Manager as the commissioner of works and transportation.

Edevbie and Ibori must not plunge this state into another economic darkness again.

Concerning the accurate local government of origin of Edevbie which is still being debated, an independent investigation  necessitated a disclosure.

As the dubious politician from Isoko Delta South Senatorial District who appropriated and covered up N40 billion of Delta State funds that was stolen. After Ibori left office as governor in 2007 Edevbie is now claiming to be an Urhobo man, Deltans are not fools. 

 

Edevbie has peddled this  deceitful claim while in reality, he is paternally full blooded Isoko Man from Owehlogbo, Isoko North Local government area of Delta State.

Knowing that it was the turn of Delta central, Ughelli South to Produce the Delta State Governor 2023, according to a ‘gentleman’ agreement under the People’s Democratic Party PDP, he despirately worked against the arrangements even contested the primaries against Governor Okowa in 2015, using the money he stole as Delta State as commissioner of finance under Former Governor James Ibori.

At that time he claimed to be an Isoko-man. 2023 this same David Edevbie is now claiming to be an Urhobo man from Afiesere, Ughelli North, Delta State where he forcefully buried his late father, that has generated unending disputes and generational abnormalities in their families.

It is pitiable that such man who has excused all moral sense of reasoning, after stealing billions from the state, schemes to govern the people by putting in another dubious conduct of falsifying his local government of origin.

His feeble attempt to vilify the political prowess and leadership charisma of the Urhobo people will not be tolerable. No politician in Delta State would toe the line of such insult on Urhobo people.

Just-ln: EFCC Uncovers Fresh $72.87m of Diezani ln Fidelity Bank, Arrests Ex-MD

Just-ln: EFCC Uncovers Fresh $72.87m of Diezani ln Fidelity Bank, Arrests Ex-MD

As part of the ongoing investigations of the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo, over an alleged additional $72.87m still in the coffers of the bank.

Okonkwo and Charles Onyedibe were currently being quizzed by operatives over the latest discovery.

Okonkwo, who is the chairman of First Bank Holding, alongside others, had earlier been grilled over $153m and another $115m by the commission.

While all the $153m were recovered by the EFCC, the cases involving $115m, as it relates with the Independent National Electoral Commission bribery matter, are in various courts.

The EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed these in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Diezani: EFCC uncovers additional $72.87m in Fidelity Bank.’

It said, “Okonkwo, who is currently the Chairman of First Bank Holding, alongside others, had earlier been grilled over a sum of $153m and $115m by the commission.

“Okonkwo and Charles Onyedibe are currently being detained by the EFCC over the whereabouts of the new $72.87m.”

Popular Enugu born Native Doctor Who Had 59 Wives, Over 300 Children, Grandchildren Dies At 74

 Enugu born Native Doctor Who Had 59 Wives, Over 300 Children, Grandchildren Dies At 74

Mr Simon Odo, a native doctor popularly known as ‘King of Satan’ who married 59 wives and had over 300 children and grandchildren is dead. He was aged 74.

The late Odo, who hailed from Aji in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness.

Mr Emeka Odo, one of the sons, who confirmed the death of his father to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in their family house, said that the father died at the age of 74.

Odo said burial arrangements for his father were already in progress in compliance with his father’s instruction to the wives and children that his remains should not be deposited in mortuary when confirmed dead, but should be buried as soon as possible.

“Yes, my father popularly known as King of Satan is dead; he died on Tuesday morning as he had been sick for the past three weeks.

“We are having family meeting to perfect arrangement for his burial since he instructed us not to put his body in mortuary,” he said.

He lamented that the death of his father was a big blow as he had a loving and caring father in spite of the large number of family members.

“Since this morning that my father died, kinsmen, friends and well-wishers have been trooping in shock and surprise to come and sympathise with our family,” he said.

Unusual As 62-Year-Old Man Marries 55-year-Old Virgin in Osun

Unusual As 62-Year-Old Man Marries 55-year-Old Virgin in Osun 

A 62-year-old bachelor, Isaac Bakare, ties the knot with a 55-year-old spinster, Esther Bamiloye, who is still a virgin in Osun State.

The couple who were celebrated by many on their wedding day revealed that indeed, God answered their long-time prayer by bringing them together.

When asked about the history of their relationships, the bride said, “The devil had plans to stop me from getting married. When I felt I was ready, there was no man coming for me. I kept waiting on God for a miracle till I reached 55-years.

“I never dated anyone till I got married. Initially, I thought the problem was from my former church and I left, but I give glory to God. He did it for me in my new church and all the barriers were removed”.

Narrating the story of how the couples met, and what came about the attraction, Esther stated: “God had been revealing his picture and personality to me and speaking to me about him through some people for over three years.

“Exactly on the day it reached three years that I first got the revelation, God sent the message again through a prophet. The description of his looks, where he would come from and others matched perfectly when I set my eyes on him at Ilesa.

“My church is in Osogbo, but we had an event in Ilesa where I met the man destined for me.

“God even revealed our wedding date, which was October 29, 2021. The period between our meeting and wedding was really short. I give God all the glory for remembering me after all these years," the bride narrated.

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.