Botu Calls for unity among Niger Deltans, Salutes Tompolo on Surveillance Contract

Botu Calls for unity among Niger Deltans, Salutes Tompolo on Surveillance Contract

By Ndu Samuel 

Revered Niger Delta youth leader who is the head of surveillance Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Prince Emmanuel Botu, popularly known as (Olotu) on Friday stated that the unity of Niger Deltans is Key to the region's development.

Prince Botu made the assertion yesterday in Warri while marking his glowing birth anniversary, stressing that his birth anniversary wishes is that apart from his self development, he wishes to see a more developed Niger Delta and Ijaw nation. 

However, the Niger Delta youth leader and renowned philanthropist noted that he is thankful to the Lord Almighty to enable him see his birth anniversary, stressing that he will continue to be indebted to God for all the good things in his life so far. 

Speaking further, the Olotu as he is popularly called has charged Niger Deltans to genuinely love themselves and not betraying themselves before others in the Nigerian state, adding that such behaviour has greatly hampered the progress of the region. 

Nevertheless, he stated that the stagnated development in the region over the years is mostly caused by lack of unity and genuin love among Niger Deltans.

Prince Emmanuel Botu had also added his voice to that of other good spirited Nigerians in congratulating High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo on the recent award of a pipeline surveillance security contract by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Olotu had expressed optimism that Tompolo will no doubt deliver fully in handling the Surveillance Contract by securing the pipelines, maintaining that such development deserved to be commended. 

Meanwhile, rejoicing over the birth anniversary celebration of the young and visionary Niger Delta Prince, Amb. Binebai Yerin Princewill who is the President of Delta Ijaw Comrade Community (DICC) had described Botu as a blessing to Niger Delta. 

Amb. Princewill continued that he has several reasons to celebrate Prince Emmanuel Botu because he has used his body and personal resources over the years in contributing towards the growth and development of the Niger Delta region. 

Princewill asserted that he will always celebrate and encourage any Niger Deltan that has been contributing meaningfully towards the region's development, stressing that Botu is one of such personage that has been silently adding value to the region's development, stating that his good deeds has been under reported over the years. 

He noted that through his contacts, Prince Botu has empowered and secured the employment of several Niger Delta youths into commissions and ministries in Abuja, praying that the Lord Almighty shall continue to guide, protect and give him long life and prosperity. 

Wayles Marks late Mother's 3rd Anniversary, Greets Gov. Okowa, Diri, others

Wayles Marks late Mother's 3rd Anniversary, Greets Gov. Okowa, Diri, others

...... As Anglican Bishop Says, the High Chief's Mother Left A Lasting Legacy

 ....Tasks Christians On Humility, Service To God And Humanity.

By Victor Bieni, Patani

The Chairman, DE WAYLES  GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) has Commended all those who attended the Thanksgiving Service to mark the 3rd Year Anniversary Memorial Service of his departed Mother, Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore (Nee Okoro)  today at St. Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State.

The business mogul disclosed this to the media today being  Sunday, 14th day of August, 2022 at St  Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State as DE WAYLES GROUP OF COMPANIES Boss, High Chief Wayles honors beloved departed mother for the lasting legacy she left behind for him, his siblings and the society at large.

Recall that Late Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore (Nee Okoro) passed on as a devout Christian and dedicated Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, whose lives, service to humanity has left a lasting and indelible footprint, at  the age of  77 years (28th August, 1942 -15th August, 2019). High Chief Wayles also said that these yearly remembrance activities are meant to immortalize his beloved mother.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving Service, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Western Izon, Rt. Reverend Victor Ebipade Okporu, extolled the qualities of his departed mother whom he described as an exceptionally virtuous woman who had left good legacy and impacted positively on the lives of all those who came in contact with her during her lifetime. 

The Anglican Bishop represented by Venerable Simeon E. O. Ariye, Cathedral Supervisor, who dwelt on the topic: "The Greatest Gifts", while delivering his sermon using biblical quotations admonished Christians to have good minds, the qualities of a child; humble themselves like children and reconcile with everyone that has offended them to make themselves acceptable to God, and express the good image of God.  

While drawing more illustrations from some Biblical quotations: The book of 1st Samuel Chapter 18, and Mark 9 verse 41, the Clergyman, also stressed  the need for Christians to make human capital development very imperative in their lifestyle, by supporting the less-privileged citizens, Christians and the work of God for societal development, growth and development of Humanity.

At the Thanksgiving Service, the Marine, Construction and Oil Magnate who spoke on behalf of the family  commended the church, Clergymen for their support, His Excellency Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, ably represented by his SSG, Chief Patrick Ukah and His Excellency, Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri represented by the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, Commissioners, Executive council members and other top government funtionaries, dignitaries across the Niger-Delta and Nigeria in general,  for their  attendance as he promised to key into the call  for human capital development and support for the less-privileged citizens raised by the officiating clergyman.

He noted that the next Anniversary memorial service of his beloved mother will be a replica of practical exhibition of God's call for human capital development, a norm he said will continue as he give God all the glory for today's Thanksgiving Service. He commended those that came from far and near even as he hosted the people, guests with sumptuous entertainment, wishing them safe journey to their various destinations.

Others in attendance  during memorial Thanksgiving Service were: HRM of Kabowei, Okpolo (Enhwe) and Obotebe Kingdoms,

 High Chief Tunde Smooth, Chief (Evang.) Johnbull Ejovi, High Chief Enahoro Eta, Chief (Barr) Kingsley Esiso (Delta State PDP Chairman),

Chief of Staff to Governor (Sen.) Ifeanyi Okowa, Rt. Hon Ovie Festus Agas, Chief (Dr) Mrs. Stella Aganwu, Dr. Barry Gbe, Sir Clement Moni, Hon. Dan Yingi, Surv. Elias Ovesuor, Chief Tony Okoh, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Prof. Chris Akpotu and Executives of Isoko Development Union, Olorogun Fred Majemite, Dr. McCarthy Ijibor, Dr. (Engr.) Daniel Omoyibo, Chief Peter Asagba, Chief Frank Omare, Hon. (Chief) Michael Okah (Commissioner of Transportation), Hon. Godspower Asiuwhu (Commissioner of Environment), Chief Patrick Abe, Kingsley Ogedegbe, Capt Gabriel Brobor, Management and Staff of First Bank of Nigeria and other Banks, James Welch Old Boys Association, former and serving commissioners, Members of the State Executive Council, Community leaders, Clergymen and members of  Anglican Church to mention but a few.

Speaking to newsmen at his residence during the reception organized for  Guests after the Thanksgiving Service, High Chief Wayles then eulogized his  beloved mother. He said: "My beloved mother was a devout Christian, a loving, dedicated, a humanitarian and a great example to Womanhood and a great personality  whose life affected in no small measure, her children, Communities and the society at large".

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Abuja____ A Delta State born human and environmental justice advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff has called for the restoration of Delta state, claiming that the state is sinking economically, politically and human capital development. 

The peace and development advocate who stated this in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while speaking in Abuja with a cross session of Deltan youths to mark International Youths Day said the oil-rich State is sinking, describing it as the most economic suffering state in Nigeria, as a result of poor leadership and bad governance over the years.

While expressing his sadness towards the sorry situation of Delta State, Comrade Mulade noted that youths in the State have been reduced to political sycophancy and thuggery, claiming that; "Deve" or “Agbero” is the major job available to youths due to lack of employment and economic empowerment by the state government. 

On political appointment by the present administration, he said the highest appointment the Governor can provide for the teeming youths in the state is Senior Special Advisers (SSA) and Special Advisers (SA), which placed them as government political thugs, rather than meaningful profession of serving the state, lamenting that "this is really disheartening". 

 

Comrade Mulade pointed to the fact that the state economy has continually dropped as a result of uncalculated borrowings and loans collected by the present administration with little or no development impact to the people of Delta state, "hence, this requires the collective efforts of all Deltans to rescue the state through collaboration, support and experience-sharing to assist in restoring the state to it past glory and to be envied by other states in the country"  he added. 

The Gbaramatu Kingdom born traditional Chief cum activist also claimed that, since the creation of Delta State, the state have been blessed and privileged to have had two renowned academic medical professionals as Governors as well as two legal icons as Deputy Governors, which ought to have brought real development and professionalism in government and as well placed the State above others in terms of academic development and as profession service providing state, but reverse is the case. 

Buttressing his claims as regards the underperformance of past and present administrations, Comrade Mulade said, with Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as governors of Delta State, the state was supposed to have and be the best health services providers in Nigeria,  but that is not the case, “in fact it is a big shame to the State". 

On the part of deputy Governors, Comrade Sheriff said that," Prof Amos Otuama and Barrister Kingsley Otuara both as deputy governors of the state were expected to show to the world, particularly Nigerian youths the importance of legal  profession and education in governance, and to be law abiding state, but Delta State became the most lawless state in the nation without any recourse to human rights".

The Environmentalist, while speaking on fixing and restoring the state to it lost glory, said that with the 2023 general elections fast approaching, Deltans, particularly the youths should choose wisely by voting the right candidates with technical knowledge of community development, environmental base orientation, street leadership qualities, youth and women development plans. 

He said that; Someone that have deep and sincere concern for those living with disabilities, real sense for economic and education development and infrastructure, that will bring development to all parts of the state".

He said when all Deltans come together to vote in the right people as Governor, Senators, House of Representative and State House of Assembly members, Delta state will be rescued and restored from the present underdevelopment and be great once again.

Oil Theft: FG to Partner with State Governors to Stop Menace, as Diri laments over illegal bunkering in Niger Delta

Oil Theft: FG to Partner with State Governors to Stop Menace, as Diri laments over illegal bunkering in Niger Delta

Asu Beks

Yenagoa_____ Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assured of the state’s collaboration to tackle the menace of oil theft, which he says poses a serious threat to the Niger Delta region.

Speaking in Government House, Yenagoa, on Monday when he received a federal government delegation led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, Governor Diri remarked that oil theft has seriously affected the environment and image of the region negatively.

He called for urgent actions to end the ugly trend in the interest of the region and the country at large.

Governor Diri lamented that oil theft, which also affects government at all levels, has denied the locals their means of livelihood, stressing that if it is not stopped or reduced drastically, the implications would be grave.

Recalling how the Chief of Defence Staff had talks with governors on the same issue, Diri welcomed collaborative efforts between the states and the federal government to tackle the menace.

He assured the delegation that his administration will play its role in ensuring that it is tackled effectively.

His words: “The federal and state governments largely depend on oil. So, oil theft does not affect only the federal government. It affects us as a state government and the local governments. We have spoken about this over and over and we will continue to say it.

“We are talking about our environment that has been brazenly polluted through oil bunkering activities. If you go to our communities, you will see oil floating on our rivers, and that has led to the locals not having a means of livelihood. It has led to unknown diseases and sicknesses.

“There is a spiral effect of oil theft that is going on in the Niger Delta and it affects the communities and the people. So, I welcome you and I assure you that we will collaborate to ensure that oil theft is brought to an end.”

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the federal government delegation was in the state to seek collaboration to end oil theft in the Niger Delta.

He said the stealing of oil was going on at an alarming rate and should no longer be allowed given its negative effect on the economy of the country.

Chief Sylva lamented that production has been badly affected, which is also having a negative impact on foreign investments in the country.

The former Bayelsa governor commended Diri for his willingness to collaborate with the federal government to end oil theft.

Also speaking, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, said the military has heightened operational engagements to stop criminal activities in the region.

He noted that the activities of oil thieves was bleeding the nation and called on those involved in the act of sabotage to have a rethink, failing which the military will clamp down on them.

Also, Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, said the country was facing a dire situation that is not just affecting the economy but also the environment.

He said the importance of collaborative efforts with states in the region cannot be over-emphasised as only one tier of government cannot do it alone.

Just-in: Bandits Attack Sokoto Village, Kill Eleven, Abduct Many

Just-in: Bandits Attack Sokoto Village, Kill Eleven, Abduct Many

Bandits invaded Buwade village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and reportedly killed 11 persons.

A former chairman of the local government area, Abdullahi Haruna Illela, who confirmed the attack said the bandits also abducted several persons at Buwade and Dambo villages.

According to Haruna, the bandits invaded Buwade around 8pm on Tuesday, August 9, shortly after the Isha Prayer and started shooting sporadically.

“Eleven people were confirmed dead while several others were injured. The two villages which were closed to each other are all deserted. Some of the residents fled to Illela town, some to Gwadabawa while some are now in Sokoto,” he said.

The ex-chairman, however, said he was not aware of an attack on the Illela International Market.

“I don’t hear anything like that but I know they rustled livestock from the two villages they attacked,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Illela local government, engineer Aliyu Salihu Illela, on Wednesday, visited the community to condole with families of the victims.

He was accompanied by the D.P.O Illela Division, PDP Chairman of Illela, Alh. Abubakar Sulaiman Illela, among others.

Wike reveals whose candidate to vote for 2023, insists power must come to the South

Wike reveals whose candidate to vote for 2023, insists power must come to the South

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has revealed the 2023 presidency is coming to the Southern part of Nigeria.

In a post on his presidential Facebook page, Wike said power must come to the South and the individual must be a young and competent person with the interest of youths at heart.

The post on Facebook reads thus: “Power must come to the south. And we must support young competent candidate for the interest of Nigerian

youths.”

Already, Nigerians know that Wike has lost support for Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP. He has been having running battle within the last few weeks.

He has been fraternising with governors of the APC just as he invited some of them to commission projects in Rivers state.

Arising from that, many are thinking the governor would give his support to the APC. But this post is indirectly pointing to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party.

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Bad Leadership: Mulade Urges Delta Youths to save the state from total collapse in 2023

Abuja____ A Delta State born human and environmental justice advocate Comrade Mulade Sheriff has called for the restoration of Delta state, claiming that the state is sinking economically, politically and human capital development. 

The peace and development advocate who stated this in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while speaking in Abuja with a cross session of Deltan youths to mark International Youths Day said the oil-rich State is sinking, describing it as the most economic suffering state in Nigeria, as a result of poor leadership and bad governance over the years.

While expressing his sadness towards the sorry situation of Delta State, Comrade Mulade noted that youths in the State have been reduced to political sycophancy and thuggery, claiming that; "Deve" or “Agbero” is the major job available to youths due to lack of employment and economic empowerment by the state government. 

On political appointment by the present administration, he said the highest appointment the Governor can provide for the teeming youths in the state is Senior Special Advisers (SSA) and Special Advisers (SA), which placed them as government political thugs, rather than meaningful profession of serving the state, lamenting that "this is really disheartening". 

 

Comrade Mulade pointed to the fact that the state economy has continually dropped as a result of uncalculated borrowings and loans collected by the present administration with little or no development impact to the people of Delta state, "hence, this requires the collective efforts of all Deltans to rescue the state through collaboration, support and experience-sharing to assist in restoring the state to it past glory and to be envied by other states in the country"  he added. 

The Gbaramatu Kingdom born traditional Chief cum activist also claimed that, since the creation of Delta State, the state have been blessed and privileged to have had two renowned academic medical professionals as Governors as well as two legal icons as Deputy Governors, which ought to have brought real development and professionalism in government and as well placed the State above others in terms of academic development and as profession service providing state, but reverse is the case. 

Buttressing his claims as regards the underperformance of past and present administrations, Comrade Mulade said, with Dr Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan and Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as governors of Delta State, the state was supposed to have and be the best health services providers in Nigeria,  but that is not the case, “in fact it is a big shame to the State". 

On the part of deputy Governors, Comrade Sheriff said that," Prof Amos Otuama and Barrister Kingsley Otuara both as deputy governors of the state were expected to show to the world, particularly Nigerian youths the importance of legal  profession and education in governance, and to be law abiding state, but Delta State became the most lawless state in the nation without any recourse to human rights".

The Environmentalist, while speaking on fixing and restoring the state to it lost glory, said that with the 2023 general elections fast approaching, Deltans, particularly the youths should choose wisely by voting the right candidates with technical knowledge of community development, environmental base orientation, street leadership qualities, youth and women development plans. 

He said that; Someone that have deep and sincere concern for those living with disabilities, real sense for economic and education development and infrastructure, that will bring development to all parts of the state".

He said when all Deltans come together to vote in the right people as Governor, Senators, House of Representative and State House of Assembly members, Delta state will be rescued and restored from the present underdevelopment and be great once again.

’My Performance is based on my passion to serve my people', Gov. Wike tells critics

’My Performance is based on my passion to serve my people', Gov. Wike tells critics

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has continued his onslaught against his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stating on Tuesday that he can still perform to public acclaim even if he goes to any party.

The governor, who has stayed away from the PDP activities, but has continued to romance high members of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, again hit his party during the inauguration of the dualised Ogbunuabali-Eastern Bypass Road, as a week-long inauguration of infrastructure carried out by his administration continues.

After hosting two governors on the platform of the APC – Dave Umahi and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Ebonyi and Lagos states respectively on Monday for the commissioning of flyover, the governor on Tuesday hosted another high profile APC member in the person of Senator Aliyu Wamakko.

He downplayed the role of the PDP in his administration, arguing that his performance had nothing to do with being a member of the party.

According to the combative governor, said:

 “Leadership is not about party, leadership is about individual. Party is only a vehicle to actualise your ambition, to be able to tell your people I have this capacity, I have this quality to render services to you.

“If you take me away today from PDP to another party, I will still perform. So, it is not because I’m in PDP that I’m performing.”

Wike whose membership of the PDP has come under serious scrutiny in the last two months made it clear that, “It is because I have that passion for my people. It is because I have the commitment to serve my people. Take me to YPP, allow me to become whatever I will become there, I will perform. Take me to any party, I will perform. So, it is not party that makes you to perform.”

The former Minister of State for Education came second to the presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar, during the party’s May presidential primary.

He has continued to stay away from the affairs of the party since being overlooked by Atiku, who opted for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, as his presidential running mate.

This has enmeshed the PDP in crisis as the Rivers State governor has the support of high profile members of the party such as governors of Abia, Enugu and Oyo States as well as former governors, ministers, current and former lawmakers.

Recent moves to mend fences have also fallen flat as the key demand of the Wike camp that the National Chairman of the party, Iyorchia Ayu, steps down has been rebuffed by the Atiku camp, who insist it can only happen after the presidential election in 2023.

The governor however restated his commitment to service, insisting his performance is not based on being a member of the PDP but his undying love, passion and commitment to render effective service to the people.

Family Releases Actress Ada Ameh's Funeral Rites for August 19th and 25th

Family Releases Actress Ada Ameh's Funeral Rites for August 19th and 25th

The funeral plans for late Nollywood actress, Ada Ameh, who played the character ‘Emu’ on a television comedy show, The Johnsons have been announced by her family.

There will be a novelty match in her honour on August 19 at Nathaniel Idowu Pitch, Oregie, Lagos.

The match will be followed by a candlelight procession at Teslim Balogun Stadium on the same day.

On Thursday, August 25, there will be yet another candlelight service at Saint Mary’s Primary School, Ogobia, Benue State.

This would be followed by the funeral service and interment at her father’s compound in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Ada Ameh Obituary poster has left her family, fans and colleagues in tears, as many left crying emojis under the announcement.

Recall that the popular Nollywood actress Ada Ameh died on Sunday July 17, 2022 in Warri, Delta State.

Featured Article: Timiebi's First Letter To Her Son From Prison_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Featured Article: Timiebi's First Letter To Her Son From Prison_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Catapulted by numerous items on my mind – very much unlike Wole Soyinka in his own seminal work, THE MAN DIED, when he was ‘prompted by two items on’ his table – I sat in my library engrossed in creative meditations, exercises, and mental search for communicative resources to cast a particular character in my new work when four men who introduced themselves as King Robert Ebizimor,High Chief Ekpemupolo Thomas Osen,Hon.Teiyeibo Agbeotu and Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja came to me with a letter. They walked unhurriedly away after the letter was handed to me. Grimaces were boldly written on their countenances though they handed the letter to me without words. 

Like a hasteless paddler on a slow-flowing river, without haste I opened the letter. The letter began thus: ‘Dear son, in pains and anger I am writing this letter to you.Even with echoes of your own article published in the Vanguard of 8 April 2022 entitled 'Appraising Otuaro's First Epistle',I must confess quite early that I am not a lover of letter-writing as that is artistically suited to JP Clark who is a genius in writing letters for his beloved characters in his creative world, former President Olusegun Obasanjo who corresponds with supposed erring rulers as a tool for reawakening in governance towards good governance, His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro who sometimes chooses letter-writing to communicate his core development theories and vision to the people and Mariam Ba whose globally recognised speciality it is to write long letters to the artistic carriers and drivers of her treasured messages to the world in her beautifully carved artistic canoe called SO LONG A LETTER.

 'I value face-to-face communication and over the years I have always communicated my thoughts to you through dialogue where we are seated. In this city of imprisonment where I currently reside  -  where no one is willing to volunteer as a surety and sign one's bailbond  - open visible communication with you is totally barred and contravening this embargo comes with a heavy penalty too heavy for me to bear. The penalty-free escape route of this embargo placed on all by the Royal Majesty of the city, His Royal Majesty Dueama Pere, is to write this letter  routed to you by  King Ebizimor,High Chief Osen, Hon.Agbeotu and Chief Coach Lokoja who have amazingly shown deep solicitude for my plight in this prison.

'In a letter that demands immediate response unto thee I have come today like the Israelites and the Ogbokones of Ogbokone community in Warri. In the duration of the Arab-Israel war in 1948 Jordan claimed the East Jerusalem with a proprietorial flourish but in the six-day  Arab-Israel war in 1967 the Israelites restrategised militarily and reclaimed East Jeruslaem just like the way the Ogbokones in Ogbokone community in Warri  were deprived of their own community through war of attrition  waged by their enemies against them.Interestingly, the Ogbokones equally reinforced militarily after many years of proprietorial deprivation and reclaimed their own Ogbokone Community. Similarly I have come to reclaim what I have been deprived of by you for some years. This deprivation gives me embarrassment, indignity and jeers here among some battery-hearted arrogant colleagues. I was already contemplating suicide here and be caught off from you perpetually but for the good-intentioned intervention of King Robert, High Chief Osen,Hon. Agbeotu and Suoye Lokoja who implacably insisted I write a formal letter to you cataloguing my plight here. 

'I journeyed away from you on 30 August 2020. Even before I left, I timely intimated you with the details of my departure itinerary in a dream but you insisted I wait until you had the strength to buy coffin as the canoe on which I should journey away. I obliged. On the 28 of August 2020 when the money you expected from your executed contract stormed your bank account, I retired from the earth on 30 August 2020. This opportunity was purposely created for you to have financial strength to 'coffin' me to my new city of sojourn. And expectedly, I should be correspondingly  'coffined' and be given a seat of dignity here. 

'Soon after my departure from your current city, some dignitaries like His Excellency Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Solomon Funkerene, Hon. Braduce Angozi, Senator J.E. manager, Hon.Forteta Peter Asupa, Hon.Julius Pondi, Hon. Macdonald Igbadiwei, Dr. Paul Bebenimibo,Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh,King Alfred Izonebi, Ebitonmo Alapala,Barrister Soja Smooth,King Pereama Freetown and many others too numerous to name came to condole with you. I can also recall historically that King Alfred Izonebi and Alapala Ebitonmo were the very first condolers who stormed your place, and Rt.Hon.Solomon Funkekeme as the very first personality to give you  telephone condolences before actually coming in person later . 

'Unforgettably, by every perspective these condolence visits are commendable developments bound to live in your archive  forever as treasured historical chronicles. I would not be surprised if they later condense and metamorphose into a book entitled: A CHRONICLE OF MY TREASURED CONDOLERS WHEN TIMIEBI MAIKA DIED IN 2020. 

'Much as the condolence visits of these personalities demand notable appreciation from you, it is not my obsession here in this letter. My worries and pains far outweigh these condolences that gave you psychological balm,resuscitation, stamina, stability and feelings of humanity.

'I have been turned into an object of ridicule and mockery here by my colleagues. Today marks the third year of my sojourn and imprisonment in this city, yet you have not made any attempt to give me a befitting burial. Is the hyped condolence visit a replacement for my befitting burial, my dear son? 

'Seemingly, It could be that you are financially too weak to bury me in a befitting manner to command the respect of my colleagues here in this Dueama city. Truly, lack of money could  ruin one's burial rites and this could be the reason why you have not performed my final burial rites after all these years when I died on 30 August 2020. Don't you have a feeling for me, son?

'Because I know you will have some financial challenges bordering on giving me a notable burial, I prayerfully cried to God in your interest and HE answered my prayers. My homeward journey was embarked on 30 August 2020 and by October 2020, through my fervent prayers, His Excellency  Governor Okowa gave you political appointment as Special Assistant on Political – which is enough for you to  equip yourself gradually and perform my final burial rites. But up till now there is no visible move on your part to give me a befitting burial. These are my worries and pains here because I am daily ridiculed by my colleagues here. When will you give me final burial rites, my dear son whom I have licensed to continue my heritage of storytelling?

'My son, I wish to be given final burial rites  and earn the respect of my colleagues here in this city of imprisonment. From 2020 till 2022 I am yet to be honoured  with my long anticipated final burial rites in actuality. I am tired of waiting, my son. Please perform my final burial rites even if you don’t have money. It is too long. I am being mocked by my arrogant colleagues here everyday except King Robert Ebizimor, High Chief Ekpemupolo Thomas Osen,  Hon.Teiyeibo Agbeotu and Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja who daily comfort me with great words of encouragement.

Memorably, I must mention here that Chief Coach Suoye Lokoja who has just arrived is most memorably comforting to me in many ways because it was he who energised and persuaded King Ebizimor, Hon.Agbeotu and High Chief Thomas Osen and convinced me to walk on the epistolary path instead of embracing the suicidal path bound to put to an end to all the possible avenues of communicating with you from the Dueama prison where sureties and bailbonds are perpetually embargoed by His  Royal Majesty, Dueama Pere 1.

'For the purpose of unsolicited emphasis I feel compelled to journey again and again to the already familiar creek that thoughts of committing suicide have already begun to invade me.The moment I commit suicide here I would be totally cut off from you. It was the moment  thoughts of committing suicide invaded me repeatedly that King Ebizimor, High Chief Osen, Hon.Agbeotu and Chief Coach  Lokoja came to comfort me and pleaded with me to embrace epistolary communication. Let my long awaited final burial rites be therefore performed this 2022 my son because I can no longer tolerate the taunts, innuendoes and jeers of my arrogant colleagues here. And hopefully, this will be the first and last letter from your mother now away from you like the two conjoined plantains of King Alfred Izonebi's creation cut and  separated from each other'.

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Writes from Akparemogbene,Delta State.

Olu of Warri visits NPA Fire Scene, Sympathizes with Victims

Olu of Warri visits NPA Fire Scene, Sympathizes with Victims

Francis Tayor

The Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III on Thursday visited victims of the recent fire disaster that consumed shops at the popular Miller Waterside, Old Port, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

During the visit, Olu sympathises with the victims over loss of properties worths millions of naira, stressing that when there is life, there is hope for better things to come.

He assured them of the kingdom's support to restart their businesses, adding that they should be safety conscious in their business environment henceforth in order to prevent avoidable fire disaster in the future.

Recall that on Thursday, August 4, 2022, fire gutted sections of the Miller Waterside, Old Port, Warri, which destroyed shops and other property's.

Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council, Dr Michael Tidi conducted the Olu of Warri and his entourage around the devastated areas.

Lesbian Arrested for Stabbing her Married Partner’s Husband to Death in Anambra

Lesbian Arrested for Stabbing her Married Partner’s Husband to Death in Anambra

A yet-to-be-identified lesbian has been arrested by the police in Anambra State for allegedly k#lling her married partner’s husband.

It was gathered that the suspect attaked and killed the deceased, identified as Ikechukwu Onuma aka Ayaaya Onye-Obodo, after he walked in on her and his wife making out in his house in Onitsha area of the state.

Details of the sad incident are still stretchy, but according to reports, Ikechukwu came home unexpectedly and met his wife making out with her lesbian partner, an argument ensued and in the heat of the moment, the suspect stabbed him to death.

The suspect was reportedly arrested alongside the wife.

Masterminds of Owo Church Massacre was Arrested in Ayetoro_ CDS Irabor

Masterminds of Owo Church Massacre was Arrested in Ayetoro_ CDS Irabor

Two of the masterminds of the deadly terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, South-West Nigeria have been arrested. The suspects described as top commanders of ISWAP in Nigeria, are 32-year old Idris Ojo and 39-year old Jimoh Ibrahim.

Chief of Defense Staff, CDS, General Lucky Irabor who disclosed this to senior Editors at a parley on Tuesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital, said the two were arrested in separate joint security operations involving the Army, Police and the Department of State Services, DSS.

General Irabor said Idris Ojo was arrested in Ayetoro, Ondo State on Sunday, August 7 along with his other commanders, who were already planning another attack before intelligence reports identified his location and he was subsequently arrested in the operation.

The CDS also said four other persons were arrested in Eja, Okehi local government area of Kogi state, in connection with the June 5 attack on the Catholic church in Owo and another attack on a police station in Ada in which a policeman was killed. They are Idris Abdul Malik Omeiza, Momoh Ojowu Abu, Aliyu Yusuf and Auwal Onimisi.

The CDS described all those arrested as top members of ISWAP in Nigeria and they will be publicly paraded soon. General Irabor said massive operations are ongoing in the North-West and North-Central to combat bandits and eliminate them as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

I invited ‘Tinubu's men’ to come and see what I have done in Rivers– Wike

I invited ‘Tinubu's men’ to come and see what I have done in Rivers– Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has defended his reasons for inviting members of the opposition political parties to commission projects in the state.

The governor said he wants them to come and see what he has done and take the message back home.

He was speaking during the commissioning of the Ogbunuabali Eastern Bypass dualized road in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The Governor said, “Nobody can stop me from bringing people from other walks of life to see what we have been able to do, and what we are doing in Rivers state.

“Yesterday, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sawolu was here. Today the former Governor of Sokoto was here, on Thursday the Speaker of the House of Representatives will be here to commission the assembly residence.

“Go and see the wonders that God helped us to do.

“Whether you are in Labour Party, APC or PDP, it is to invite you to come and see, and then go back home and compare”.

Wike’s defence came after a former Rivers South East senator, Lee Meaba described his action as anti-party activities.

Sen. Meaba wondered why Governor Wike in the middle of campaigns is promoting allies of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, instead of the PDP presidential candidate.

He said, “If we see anybody who wants to stop us from producing the next government at the centre, then the person needs to know what he is fighting for.

“If you stop us from working for Atiku, that is anti-party to the highest level, I stand to be corrected.

“In the middle of our campaign, you line up Tinubu’s men, why do you line up Tinubu’s men, in the middle of our campaign, you are highlighting APC and Tinubu above our own candidate”.

Pity as Nigeria Loses N50bn yearly over Decay of NIMASA N50bn Floating Dock

Pity as Nigeria Loses N50bn yearly over Decay of NIMASA N50bn Floating Dock

Lagos____ Four years after the Nigerian 

Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) acquired N50 billion modular floating dock, the asset has continued to decay at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard, Wilmot Point, Victoria Island, due to management’s willful neglect.

Since arriving Nigeria in 2018, the floating dock has remained idle and abandoned with the management refusing to put it into use for once  contrary to the Federal Government expectation.

At inception, the government’s purpose for acquiring the asset was to boost the nation’s ship repair capacity and transform Nigeria’s maritime industry for wealth and employment creation.

But experts have said that Nigeria may be losing an estimated potential revenue  of over N21.5 billion annually to neighboring dock facilities with the abandonment  of the modular floating yard.

Regrettably rather than earning revenue for the country as originally projected, the floating drydock costs NIMASA a whopping N3.6 million in daily maintenace expenses and about $30,000 per day as berthing fees to the Nigerian Navy Holdings Ltd, according to the Association of Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES).

Analysts who spoke with Daily Sun said that  Nigeria was losing about N16.5billion annually to neighbouring countries through the movement of its vessels dry-docking to meet the International Maritime Organisations’ (IMO) requirement.

A marine Engineer, Mr Effiong James-Anaye, said the floating dock is a waste of investment, with both previous and current management of NIMASA lacking the dexterity, visions to run the facility, stressing they appear confused about what to do with the floating dock.

“The floating dock has been reported to be costing Nigeria over N100 million monthly in running cost without any economic benefit to the nation in return.

“What they told us then was that the floating dock was actually constructed to be taken to Okerenkoko. We were told the feasibility study and every other job was done and it was for that purpose it was acquired. But since then, the floating dock remains idle consuming money instead of generating revenue.

“The current management led by Dr Bashir Jamoh, has at different fora stated categorically that the agency has concluded plans to deploy the floating dock.

 

Early this year for instance, he assured stakeholders of the agency’s commitment towards putting the floating dock to use. He said stakeholders expect that before the end of the first quarter of 2022, the floating dock would be operational. But as we speak, the floating dock remains stationery and idle thus consuming the government’s lean resources rather than creating wealth for the citizens. Maybe they will deploy it tomorrow or next year.

“The acquisition of the floating dock was a choice and bad investment. The man who took the decision in the first place to construct the dock was wrong to have done so, just like many other decisions. What supposed to be coming to Nigeria in terms of revenue in foreign exchange for ship docking is going to Ghana. We are use to talking but no actions,” he said.

 

He said for instance, it cost between N45 million  and N75 million to dry dock a vessel, and that approximately, 200 to 300 vessels go to Ghana, Duala and Robins Bay for dry-docking annually, these vessels are supposed to dry docked here in Nigeria but the facility to do so is lying idle.