OML 42 Host Communities write Buhari, vow to shut down NEPL/NECONDE over pollution

OML 42 Host Communities write Buhari, vow to shut down NEPL/NECONDE over pollution 

15th March, 2023

Open Letter To His Excellency,  President  Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)

His Excellency,

Gen Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,

President and 

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,

Federal Republic of Nigeria, Presidential Villa,

Aso Rock,

FCT

Abuja 

 

Your Excellency, Sir,

CONTINUOUS DESTRUCTION OF OML 42 ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITIES BY NEPL/NECONDE ENERGY IN DELTA STATE 

We, the undersigned executive members of OML 42 Host Communities Forum wish to draw the attention of our indefatigable President to the continuous activities of NNPC E&P limited (NEPL)/NECONDE ENERGY in the OML 42 Field Asset that creates frequent pipeline leaks leading to the continuous destruction and degradation of our environment and means of livelihoods.

Mr President, it is imperative to inform you that we have made several complains,  representations and meetings with Management of NEPL/NECONDE with a view to addressing these activities, but all efforts have proved abortive. However, after critical consultation with all stakeholders of our communities, the following resolutions have been reached: 

(1) First, we want to sincerely thank and appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for saving the lives of our people through the awarded pipeline surveillance contracts to Tantita Security, a private and  indigenous security outfit, owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, today there has been  commendable improvement, as we can go about our traditional occupation of artisanal fishing and farming in the Creeks, considerably.

Mr President, it is pertinent to state that Tantita Security Services has contributed immensely to the preservation of our environment and the ecosystem, as illegal bunkering activities, Pipelines vandalism and pollution of our water bodies has been drastically reduced.

2) Mr President, We are constrained to bring to your notice reported plans by NEPL/NECONDE to embark on repair work on sections of the Trans Forcados Pipelines (TFP) which runs from OML 42 to Forcados Terminal in Burutu LGA of Delta State, without recourse to its  negative implications to communities and the environment. TFP Pipeline was constructed since early 1960s, and have outlived its useful lifespan, long ago leading to continuous pollution of our environment and destruction of our ecosystem, thereby creating hardship for the locals. We are strongly appealing to President Muhammadu Buhari to save our lives and direct the GCEO NNPC limited to compel NEPL and NECONDE to commence full replacement of the said pipeline rather than sectional repair works that will not stop further leakages. This line TFP is one of the major lines destroying our environment because it has expired and cannot withstanding the pressure of crude oil on the line.

Therefore, we vehemently reject the section repair works as concurrently contemplated by the NEPL/NECONDE which will continue to leak and continue to destroy our environment that is gradually recovering, thanks to operations of Tantita Security Services

(3) Mr President, it is worthy of note that NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL) and Neconde Energy Limited has continuously refused to genuinely, committedly and transparently embark on the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). We wish to state categorically that, OML 42 communities are no longer comfortable with NEPL/NECONDE on the PIA implementation process and other community related issues in the Asset. We therefore, give the Management of NEPL /NECONDE a 21-day ultimatum to commence genuine implementation process of the PIA, failure of which will amount to shutdown of operational activities in the OML 42 Asset.

4) Mr President, it will interest you to note that all communities based contracts are being awarded to top management staff of NEPL and Neconde Energy Limited, using their cronies as community vendors thereby depriving indigenous contractors of patronage. Sir, in line with the Nigerian Local Content Act, all community-based marine and other services contracts should be awarded to indigenous community based contractors to develop their capacity and  expertise to enable them contribute meaningfully to operations of the oil industry particularly OML 42 in Delta State.

We strongly appeal to Mr President to intervene in this regard, to compel the Management of NEPL /NECONDE to do what is right and needful, as a matter of urgency, to avoid operational  disturbances.

A Stitch In Time, Saves Nine.

Your Excellency, kindly permit us to express our profound appreciations, for your understanding of our plight, and  your anticipated intervention, please.

Signed for and on behalf of the 14 host communities in OML 42 hosting 

JONES CREEK Flowstation 

ODIDI Flowstation 

BATAN Flowstation 

EGWA 1:Flowstation 

EGWA 2: Flowstation 

Winfree Atemubaghan

Chairman 

OML 42 communities forum- Odidi Field 

Francis Ayeku

General Secretary 

OML 42 Communities Forum- Jones Creek Field 

Chief (Engr) Samson Oyimi

Public Relations Officer 

OML 42 Communities Forum- Batan Field 

Victor Tonlagha 

Vice Chairman, OML 42 Communities Forum- Egwa:1

Mr Touyo Megbauteran

Assist Secretary 

OML 42 Communities Forum-Egwa: 2

Hon Dr Shadrack Otuara 

Adviser, 

OML 42 Communities Forum 

Mr Prince Okrikpa 

Adviser 

OML 42 Communities Forum 

Cc 

* Group Chief Executive Officer

NNPC Limited Tower 

Abuja 

* His Excellency, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa 

Executive Governor 

Delta State 

Asaba 

* Managing Director 

NNPC E&P Limited 

Benin City 

Edo State 

* The Commission Chief Executive, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC, Abuja 

* The Chairman/GMD, Neconde Energy Limited, Nestoil Tower, Lagos 

* The Asset/Deputy Project Manager, JPMT-OML 42, Edjeba-Warri, Delta State 

* The Project Manager, JPMT, Amaranta Building, Warri, Delta State.

Proudly ljaw Ambassadors to hold Good Governance Walk in Bomadi Tomorrow

Proudly ljaw Ambassadors to hold Good Governance Walk in Bomadi Tomorrow

Francis Tayor

Warri _______ ln their bid to hold their political representatives accountable as well as to elect credible candidates in the forthcoming March 18, 2023 Gubernatorial/House of Assembly elections, the people of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State has taken their destiny in their hand as they set to embark on a peaceful grassroot political awareness walk on Wednesday.

In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Coordinator of the movement, Hon. Mmd Tamsokunbiri noted that the rally was tagged:' Accountability and Good Governance for Change' walk at the headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area towards preparing the mindset of the electorates at the grassroot to critically identify and vote for credible candidates with the masses at heart to represent them at the State House of Assembly in the forthcoming elections.

He said new Bomadi LGA is very possible, and he urged well meaning Bomadi youth, women groups, activists, opinion leaders and other critical stakeholders to support and come out enmass to participate in the peace walk, adding that it is time to make things right by taken drastic decision with their PVCs.

Time and venue for the peace walk is 10am prompt at Bomadi main Town.

He however, use this medium to invite the member representing Bomadi primary constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Oboro Preyor to make himself available in order to address them on what he has done for the people over the past twelve years in office, and what he intends to do, saying it is when he give adequate stewardship of his services over the years for the people that will determine his reelection, the statement added.

Omo-Agege Received Mamamu, two PDP Councilors, others defect to APC in WSW

Omo-Agege Received Mamamu, two PDP Councilors, others defect to APC in WSW

Francis Tayor

Asaba______ Major boost to the main opposition party over the weekend as the Candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the forthcoming March 18, 2023 Delta State Governorship elections, His Excellency, distinguished Sen. Barr. Ovie Omo-Agege, the Obarisi of Urhobo land has received over hundred decampees from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

The decampees where received by the incoming governor to be, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege through the influence of the DG APC Campaign Council, Elder Godsday Orubebe alongside Chief. Barr. Bosin Ebikeme, Director Contact and Mobilization and Chief. Austin Izagbo on Monday at the popular Grand Hotels, Asaba.

Amongst the decampees include; the Deputy Leader Warri South-West Legislative Arms, Hon. Governor Stanley Warenanawei, the Councilor representing ljansa/ljelejele Ward, Hon. Felix Yerinbowei Company, and a very influential youth leader of the PDP in Warri South-West LGA, Chief. Amb. Mamamu Bene Youkore with various youth, men and women groups numbering over hundred joined them to the main opposition party in the state.

In their brief remark, the decampees noted that the PDP led government in the state has lost focused, hence their decision to try other party in the forthcoming elections.

They noted that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege human capital empowerment Programmes across the state couple with the massive harvest of infrastructural development projects he influenced to his primary constituency Delta Central Senatorial District in the past eight years is more than that of PDP led Delta state bad government over the past twenty four years.

They added that the PDP government has destabilize and mismanaged the collective resources of the state, thereby impeding genuine progress and development of the state.

However, the newly decampees has vowed to mobilize their over two thousand followers to deliver Warri South-West LGA to the Governorship candidate of the APC, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and other State House of Assembly candidates come this weekend Saturday, the Statement added.

PDP Ogbe-ljoh Ward 1 Refers Decampees as Cash Out Councillors

PDP Ogbe-ljoh Ward 1 Refers Decampees as Cash Out Councillors

........ Says they are situational loyalist councillors of Warri South-West LGA with no commercial value to PDP_Sylvester Tiebebedigha 

Warri _____ It is a public knowledge that, we have a few councilors whom have demonstrated in many ways that they are no longer loyal to the party. 

It will be a disservice for the party to feign ignorance of the fact that they have decided to work against the party for their personal interest. 

It is unfortunate that they have resorted to insulting the party leadership and the party faithfuls that gave them the needed support to enable them emerge as candidates. This same leadership gave them money for their tax clearance and sorted out every necessity in other for them to meet requirements to be councilors. It is shameful of some youths whom only become aware of challenges we face yesterday to now muster insults on the leaders that has be shown capacities at different levels in almost 40 years. 

It’s utterly sad, disgraceful and disrespectful that, in the whole of the state, they are the only ones who go around insulting their leaders who made them and such characters are inimical to any responsible person. 

These sets councilors with this sort of behaviour hiding under some hideous issues can only be termed cash out councilors. There’s no record of what they have personally done for the party or the community from their benefits as councilors. They have no record on personal contributions towards resolving the Aladja/Ogbe-Ijoh crisis. But yet, that has become an excuse to insult our reverenced party and leaders. The leadership of the party will not tolerate and continue to associate with pretentious characters and situational loyalists, who are only loyal when the going is good for them. 

The same party that have made them to pay their bills, achieve marriages, fed their families and built houses, is what they suddenly now think does not have the interest of people because it refused to serve their personal desires. A party that have practically made them. They can quietly go to serve other parties without insulting the party and the leaders. 

Also, It is a public knowledge that they were not the most contributors to the party’s success yet they were made councilors. There were far more deserving and party faithfuls whom have served meritoriously, yet they were chosen for very peculiar reasons known to many.

However, what the party will not entertain, is the interests of an individual or group that think their personal interest supersede the interest of the party and the people. We will continue to hold dear the collective interest of the party and its people above any individual or group. 

Moreso, we want reiterate our confidence in our leadership as no party, kingdom nor association succeeds without a committed leadership like ours. We have resolved to continue to repose our absolute trust in the party leadership.

To the those other councilors whom are doing anti-party activities in their secrecy, we want to let you know that we are aware of your activities and we are watching keenly. 

To the general public, please, be aware that, there are those whom are not members nor have any sort associations of our party, now decamping to other parties under the false pretense of former PDP members. The results of elections will show how their noises do have zero effects on the elections.

Meanwhile, we want to urge our party faithfuls and teeming supporters and well wishers of our party not to deter in their optimism and utmost faith in the party’s victory at the polls on the March 18th governorship and house assembly elections. We know by the grace of God, we will win the elections and their Labour will not be in vane. 

Finally, we want to use this medium to wish our brothers whom have found new brides in other parties, the very best in their future endeavors.

Signed:

Chief Sylve Tiebebedigha,

PDP Secretary Ward 1,

Warri south West Local Government,

Delta state.

Wike Promises to Rebuild PDP, Vows to Chase Away Atiku, Ayu, others

Wike Promises to Rebuild PDP, Vows to Chase Away Atiku, Ayu, others 

PortHarcourt _____ Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has vowed to chase the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, the National Chairman of the PDP, Iyorchia Ayu and some other leaders of the party out of the PDP.

Wike made the vow at the commissioning of a road project in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday.

Wike blamed the loss of the PDP in the just-concluded presidential election on those who he said refused to obey the Constitution of the PDP. He promised to chase them out of the party and start the process of rebuilding it.

The governor described the move as the “second phase of the war.”

According to him: “These people left our party in 2014-2015, our party lost; again they came back, our party has lost again.

“They have destroyed our party. We are going to chase them away from our party. They have no role to play for our party.”

Wike also slammed the leadership of the PDP for accusing the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission of not following election guidelines when they (PDP) allegedly refused to follow the party’s constitution.

He further mocked the PDP leaders for staging the protest against INEC describing the party leaders as “students unions.”

Amnesty Program has Succeeded in Restoring Peace in N'Delta_Ndiomu

Amnesty Program has Succeeded in Restoring Peace in N'Delta_Ndiomu

Abuja ______ The Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) Maj. Gen. Barry Ndiomu (rtd) has affirmed that the Programme remains a critical tool to mitigate conflicts in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. 

The PAP as initiated and signed into law by late former President Umaru Yar'Adua on June 25, 2009, was conceived as a special intervention programme of the Federal Government to disarm, demobilze and reintegrate ex-agitators who responded to calls to lay down their arms.

While delivering a lecture on Friday at the National Defence College Abuja, General Ndiomu recalled that 13 years down the line, the PAP has played a more critical role in stemming agitations, compared to the efforts of other intervention modules in the past.

In a lecture entitled 'Concepts of War and Theories of Peace in Conflict Management: Niger Delta Post - Amnesty Programmes in Perspective', to mark the Module 7 of the lecture series of the College, Gen. Ndiomu listed corruption, inadequate funding, lack of political will and other factors, as responsible for the failure of various intervention agencies in the region. 

Ndiomu who was represented by Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajogbena (rtd), his Technical Assistant explained that the PAP has since embarked on its "3 Prong Model" - Robust Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic & Targeted Communication and Community Outreach, Peace Building & Reconciliation to manage conflicts in the Niger Delta.

He stated that the PAP is only a comprehensive arm of the Niger Delta Recovery Plan (NDRP), which also has the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Ministry of Environment. "The PAP is essentially a capacity building Programme," he said.

While responding to questions on environmental remediation from participants at the Lecture, the PAP boss hinted that the Amnesty Programme has trained ex-agitators in environmental cleaning as well as remediation and made reference to Government Ekpomoplo aka Tomplo's whose Tantita Security Services Limited is executing a Pipeline Surveillance Contract for the Federal Government. 

He added that the region has enjoyed relative peace, with no reports of blowing up of pipelines and an increase in crude oil production. 

In a remark, Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, Major General Lawrence Fejokwu noted that since 1958 till date, various intervention agencies have struggled to address agitations in the region.

He recalled that when the Amnesty Programme kicked off, it was so successful such that other countries facing similar challenges, came to Nigeria to understudy the Programme.

Man Raises alarm over discovery of coffin with his photo in Kenya

Man Raises alarm over discovery of coffin with his photo in Kenya 

A concrete tension loomed in Nyamwansu Tabaka ward in South Mugirango, Kisii county, Kenya, after a coffin with a picture of an alive person was dumped in the community.

Daily News Bullentin gathered that the coffin was found outside the compound of Mzee Kayusi, a respected elder in the community, who is still very much alive.

 

The incident has sparked fear and confusion among the residents, as it is believed to be a bad omen.

According to their local customs and traditions, a coffin is only supposed to contain the remains of a deceased person and the presence of a picture of a living person is considered a taboo.

The incident has attracted the attention of the media, with reporters arriving at the scene to cover the story.

The community is in a state of disbelief, with many wondering who could have placed the picture in the coffin and for what purpose.

The authorities have been called upon to investigate the matter and to ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future.

The community is also planning to hold a cleansing ceremony to ward off any bad luck that may have been brought about by the discovery.

Engr. Gbaboyor Establishes Sports Academy in Delta, Gives Scholarship to Students

Engr. Gbaboyor Establishes Sports Academy in Delta, Gives Scholarship to Students 

Warri ______ As part of efforts to identify budding talents in sports in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, President of Jude Gbaboyor Sports, Engr. Jude Gbaboyor Akpodubakaye on Wednesday announced scholarships for all prospective students from Warri South-West that gain admission into the newly established sports academy. 

Engr.  Akpodubakaye who made the commitment during the unveiling of Jude Gbaboyor Sports Academy at Isaba, explained that: "The goal of Jude Gbaboryor Sports Academy is to take youths (boys and girls) of ages 9 to 16 years with identified raw talents in sports off the streets, with a view to grooming them to be able to explore their God’s given talents to better their lives and their families.

"The academy will provide youths of Warri South-West Local Government Area and Delta State in general, an opportunity to be groomed and nurtured by professional sports administrators and coaches from  within and outside the country in different sports.

"The academy intends to offer scholarships to students of Warri South-West Local Government Area origin as our way of encouraging youths from the catchment communities to take advantage of this opportunity to benefit from the programmes of the sports academy in line with our corporate social responsibility policy", he said. 

Ko

While presenting books to the principal of Isaba Grammar School, Mr Baro Timi, Engr. Akpodubakaye, emphasized that: "Playing sports or engaging in extracurricular activities play important part in one's character/personality development. One develops management skills, negotiation skills, communication skills, convincing skills, conflict management and confidence.

"Sport, generally helps an individual much more than in the physical aspects alone because apart from building character, it teaches and develops strategic thinking, analytical thinking, leadership skills, goal setting and risk taking, just to mention a few.

"Sport, in today’s world has become a lucrative business venture that has turned many talented youngsters into great stars and celebrities worldwide, such that some of them have become so wealthy through sports participation from sports academies like this", he said. 

He added that: "Our sports academy boasts of a cream of seasoned professional coaches and instructors, including top sports men and women from within and outside the country, who will either be on ground or will be visiting academy from time to time to add value to our training programmes here.

"To achieve our goals, the academy is partnering with foreign scouts and similar sports academies around the globe to nurture selected players from the academy, as well as identify more budding talents in the different sports. Our academy intends to start up with two sports, football and basketball, pending when we have more space and facilities to accommodate other sports", the proprietor said. 

Engr. who is sports enthusiast further explained that the academy will not only nurture and groom youths in different sports, but will also expose the students to quality education in sports administration as well, informing that there will be classroom sessions for teaching and learning alongside the practical trainings in line with the curriculum of the Delta State ministry of education.

"I like to inform you that sport is not just a good way to keep children's bodies healthy, but it also has psychological benefits that teach the children very important life skills too.

"Therefore parents have key roles in developing a child's life skills through participating in sport by way of keeping the children interested and enjoy sport, making it a positive experience for them. 

"One of the benefits of this academy located in Isaba Kingdom, is that it will help to promote sport participation among the youth and showcase our rich cultural heritage and the peacefully disposition of Isaba kingdom, warri south-west and Delta State at large.

In his remark, the principal of Isaba Grammar School, Mr Baro Timi who represented the Chief Inspector of Education, Warri South-West Local Government Council, thanked Engr.Akpodubakaye for his vision in establishing the academy in Isaba, said the sports institute being the first of its kind since Isaba Grammar School was established in 1977, will serve as  stimulus to enhance academic and numerical growth of the school. 

He said education is the bedrock of development, just as he called on parents to encourage their wards to participate in the programmes of the new sports academy. 

Also speaking, Chief Coach of Warri Wolfs, Jolomi Alli commanded the proprietor of the sports academy, Engr. Akpodubakaye and promised to do his best to support the academy in the area of training and talent hunt. 

Royal Queens FC of Warri took on Olori Babes FC of Sapele in a novelty match that ended 1-0 in favour of Royal Queens FC, while Nigeria Pro FC slogged it out with Jude Gbaboyor FC which ended 1-1 draw. Other side attractions include performance by Fleta Man and O'Fresh.

The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the academy's logo by the Vice President of Jude Gbaboyor Sports Academy, Mrs Uruopa Gbaboyor, while the prototype design of the academy's permanent campus was unveiled by the Regent of Isaba Kingdom, HRH John Ibowei Ekpenzu. Pst Maureen Atie Oruma dedicated the academy to God.

2023: Wike Mocks Atiku Over Protest At INEC Office, unfolds why he fails at the poll

2023: Wike Mocks Atiku Over Protest At INEC Office, unfolds why he fails at the poll

PortHarcourt____ Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Monday took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar who led leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on a demonstration at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protest the outcome of the February 25, 2023 Presidential election.

Wike, who spoke at the commissioning of Chokocho-Igbodo Road in the Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, said he warned the leadership of the party over its insistence that northerners hold onto the presidential ticket and national chairmanship seat of the party.

“While other people are demonstrating, I am commissioning projects. I have not gone to do demonstration; my own is to commission projects and make my people happy,” Wike said.

The Rivers governor also commended the people for voting a southern President in the just-concluded elections.

According to him, Section 7(3)(c) of the PDP constitution recognised zoning and rotational presidency but the leadership of the party contravened the provisions of the party’s regulations.

“I owe nobody any apology at all. I am one of the apostles, one of those who stood firm that power must rotate to the South. This is for equity, this is for fairness and this is for justice.

“Whether you voted for Labour, I have no problem with you. Whether you voted for APC, I have no problem with you. That is what we have argued for: that the north has had it for eight years. Therefore the south must be there for eight years,” he said.

For months before the elections, Wike and four other PDP governors known as the G5 demanded the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu, saying northerners should not be the PDP national chairman and presidential candidate.

Both Atiku and Ayu called the governors’ bluff and did not succumb to their demands in the just-concluded elections.

For the presidential election, Atiku lost in all the G5 states while Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi won Enugu and Abia, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) raked in Oyo, Benue and Rivers.

INEC subsequently declared Tinubu as President-Elect after he came out tops in 12 of Nigeria’s 36 states, and secured significant numbers in several other states to claim the highest number of votes — 8,794,726, almost two million votes more than his closest rival — Atiku.

Atiku, 76, who has now run for president six times, got 6,984,520 votes, while Obi, who, in less than a year, galvanised young voters in a manner some have described as unprecedented finished the race with 6,101,533.

Both Obi and Atiku said the election was flawed and will be challenged in court. They faulted INEC for not uploading election results from polling units electronically to the commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV), as stipulated by Section 60 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“The weekend election was neither free nor fair. Preliminary assessments indicate that it is the worst conducted elections since the return to democratic rule. The manipulation and fraud that attended this election were unprecedented in the history of our nation,” the former vice president said last Thursday.

Delta 2023: Okowa’s Aide, Ezekiel Appeals to Ibori to support Sheriff, PDP

Delta 2023: Okowa’s Aide, Ezekiel Appeals to Ibori to support Sheriff, PDP

...... Plead with him not to allow his anger to destroy PDP

Warri _____ Following the feud in Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP after the outcome of the party gubernatorial candidate in 2022, a Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel Pere has appealed to the aggrieved former governor of Delta State, His. Excellency, Chief. James Onanefe Ibori not to allow his anger to destroy the People’s Democratic Party, PDP which he had built over the years.

The governor’s aide, made the appeal on Sunday through Press Statement and signed by himself noted that the former governor should overlook whatever that had transpired between him and the incubent governor during the party's governorship primaries last year.

Daniel said despite the misunderstanding in the build up of the party’s governorship primaries in the state, Ibori should forgive and forget whatever that had transpired and support the party’s governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the coming Saturday’s March 11, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.

The security aide averred that Ibori having been highly respected, he must also observed that posterity will beckon on him if he destroyed the party due to avoidable anger.

Read in full details of the  statement below:

 “it is with deep sadness in my heart that l pen this letter to you.

His excellency, you having been the father of modern Delta State politics is not in doubt. In fact, l see you as George Washington of our dear state taken into account your charisma and grassroots connect. You have made leaders who are playing key roles in moulding the state. Your visionary power, understanding of statecraft which brought the state out of ruin caused by incessant ethnic clashes.

All these qualities placed you ahead of every leader that has governs the state since it was created.

He said, “the love Deltans have for you cut across all the ethnic groups and religious bodies because in the course of your leadership as governor of this state, you spread developmental projects and empowerment of individuals across board without seeing them through prism of ethnicity. It is a fact that be it in the South, central and Northern parts of the state, all the key leaders in the zones passed through your political tutelage.

I, as an Ijaw youth activist, my love for you can not be quantified by any measure because whenever l drive on Bomadi long bridge that looked like third mainland bridge in Lagos, l always pray for you.

“His excellency, due to huge positive impacts you made in the lives of Deltans, riverine area to be precised, as the spokeperson of SAVE NIGERIA GROUP, Delta State chapter , I used several platforms at my disposal to crusade against your persecution then, despite the fact that fellow Ijaw man, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan was the President.

His excellency, PDP in Delta State is your baby, why will you wants to throw the baby away with the bath water.

Why would you want the house you built over 23 years be destroy because of anger being instigated by sycophants.

“His excellency, any action taken in anger always turn out to be counter productive.

Am aware that you are angry with my BOSS, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, who happens to be your product.

His excellency, whatever my BOSS might have done wrong, AM ON MY KNEELS BEGGING THAT YOU FORGIVE HIM.

“His excellency, have you forgotten that one of leading candidates made you to passed through harrowing period few years ago when he was given appointment as Secretary to the state government.

His excellency, for the few months he acted, he supplied all the documents antagonists used to prosecute you both in Nigeria and outside the country.

He did that to spite you out of anger and envy because you refused to support his ambition of wanting to become Governor then.

“His excellency, the same candidate today is all over you, pretending to love and ready to be loyal to you. You and l know that this is pure fake, and deceit to hoodwink you into backing his candidacy.

He is a leopard that can never be changed, and a great serpent whom l can assure you that will brutally bite you more than the one he did in the past if you make the mistake of anointing him to be governor.

“His excellency, your daughter is one of numerous PDP flag bearers, how will you feel should the party be pull down and opposition becomes rulling party in the state. If this particular candidate can put you in the mess you went through few years ago as SSG , imagine what he will do should he become Governor. I can bet you that your legacy that shines like morning star across the state will be totally wiped out.

‘His excellency, SI SI KE EMA ETE ME (Ijaw word for please am appealing to you that you should not go this path of wanting to cut your nose to spite your mouth)

Always remember, PDP is your home, PDP is your family, PDP is your sweat and PDP is your legacy, reason the party’s sectariat at Oghara was named after you.

“His excellency, do not allow anger to make you to destroy what you built, whatever happened prior and during the party primaries are all family affairs which you should not allow opposition to take advantage to erase your legacy. Godbless Delta State", the statement added.

Man to Sue Omo-Agege 50million damage on Boat hired for campaign

Man to Sue Omo-Agege 50million damage on Boat hired for campaign 

......... Vows to mobilize outboard boat owners association of miller waterside NPA to vote against Omo-Agege and other APC candidates come 11th march, 2023 

Francis Tayor

Warri______ A man identified as Mr. Godfrey Convention, a native of Salvation City Benneth lsland in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has cried out and threatened to institute fifty million naira (50, 000 000 00) legal action against the 2023 Delta State APC Governorship candidate, His Excellency, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege over non payment of his 200 horse power outboard engine boat he hired for election campaign on the 20th December, 2022 which had accident in Warri River that claimed over six lives.

Mr. Godfrey who disclosed this to newsmen in Warri on Tuesday 7th March, 2023 described Omo-Agege and Chief Bosin Ebikeme, a chieftain of APC from Gbaramantu kingdom who hired the boat on behalf of his principal as heartless and ungrateful human beings on earth, saying he will mobilize Outboard Boat Owners Association of Miller waterside NPA, Warri and the youths of Warri South-West LGA to vote against Omo-Agege and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 11th March, 2023 Governorship/State House of Assembly elections.

The marine transporter lamented that he went through hell, psychological trauma and was lucky to survive the accident on that fateful day but they refused to pay him for his service neither repair his badly damaged boat or gave him money to treat himself the injury he sustained as result of the fatal boat mishap.

He reiterated that Senator Omo-Agege having settled the bereaved families of those lost their lives, he was left behind to be compensated neither attended to for the services he rendered up till date.

He noted that Bosin Ebikeme on behalf of his principal contacted him through one Saturday David, an APC youth leader from Oporoza to hire his 200horse power speed boat without any payment made, convincing him that their respected leader will settle him immediately as they returned from the campaign trip.

Regrettably, they had accident on their way coming back to Warri and his boat where badly damaged.

But unfortunately, all efforts to reach out to Ebikeme and Sen. Omo-Agege remain abortive because Bosin refused to take his calls neither respond to his text messages.

According to him, said whenever he put a call across to his boy Saturday David who Ebikeme sent to hire the boat, he keep telling him to go and meet Chief Bosin Ebikeme and Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege to collect his money, adding that he was just a messenger.

However, Mr. Godfrey has given Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, Chief. Bosin Ebikeme and the APC Delta State chapter twenty four hours (24hrs) to put his 200horse power engine boat that costs him over five million naira (#5, 000 000 00) in order, as well as compensate him of all the expenses and loses he incurred as result of the boat accident, otherwise he have no other choice than to seek justice in the court of law by instituting fifty million naira (#50, 000 000) lawsuit for damages he incuured against the Delta APC governorship candidate amongst others.

He further vows to mobilize the Outboard Boat Owners Association of Miller Waterside NPA, Warri Delta State, and the youths of Warri South-West Local Government Area to vote against Omo-Agege and other APC candidates in the forthcoming March 11, 2023 Governorship/State House of Assembly elections, the statement added.

March 11: Collins Appeal to Deltans, Burutu North to Vote Labour Party

March 11: Collins Appeal to Deltans, Burutu North to Vote Labour Party

........ Says he has the capacity to protect the interest of Burutu North Constituents when elected 

Francis Tayor

Warri ________ Candidate of the Labour Party for Delta State House of Assembly Burutu North Constituency, Engr. Collins Edumogiren has appealed to Deltans and the good people of Burutu Constituency 1 to come out enmass and vote massively for him to represent them at the State House of Assembly and Dcn. Kennedy Pela, the governorship candidate of Labour Party for Governor of Delta State come March 11, 2023.

He made the appeal on Monday at Okpokunou Ward 4 Burutu, during a meeting with critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, market women and youths of the community.

He lamented that Burutu North Constituency had been experiencing bad representation in the past four years of the incubent member representing them.

The Ayakoromo born graduate of Civil Engineer with vast knowledge and experience of leadership made the people to understand that leadership is not about donating, sharing and spraying money at any given occasion, rather it involves identifying the problems, needs of the people and having the political will to provide solution to them.

Engr. Collins noted that when given the mandate to serve, he will influence people oriented Programmes, such as human capital empowerment (Skill Acquisition) training for the women and the youths in fashion design, catering services, computer literacy, fish farming, hair stylist/dressing amongst others.

He reiterated that it is possible for honourable member to light up rural communities under his primary constituency through the ministry of power and energy, provide drinkable borehole water through the ministry of water resources, provide scholarship to students through the federal, state government interventionist agencies as well as the multi-national oil companies operating in our environment, such as the NDDC, NNPC, DESPPADEC, Chevron Oil company, Shell, Agip and many others too numerous to mention.

He stressed that the present crops of lawmakers in ljaw nation representing them are bereaved of ideas and lack the political Will to act accordingly, hence our communities are in perpetual darkness and not developed unlike that of our Urhobo counterparts in the upland.

However, Engr. Edumogiren passionately appealed to all Deltans, especially his primary constituents delta ljaw people to support and massively vote for Dcn. Ken Pela of the Labour Party for Governor Delta State and the good people of Burutu North to vote him the next lawmaker for Delta State House Assembly come March 11, adding that the new incoming administration will usher in more greater opportunities to different set of people who had been marginalized over the years.

The Untold Story of How Fela Kuti Married 27 Brides on Same Day in 1978

The Untold Story of How Fela Kuti Married 27 Brides on Same Day in 1978 

In 1978, the pioneer of Afrobeats, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, married 27 women in one day. This should not be strange to those who know the life and style of the Nigerian music legend nicknamed Abami Eda (strange creature).

Many of Fela’s band members became homeless after the devastating soldier attack on Fela’s commune (Kalakuta Republic) in 1977. In order to keep them together, Fela decided to do the unusual.

He gave a piece of paper to his female band members requesting the names of those that would like to marry him; the entire twenty-seven female band members put down their names.

After getting their consent, Fela Kuti married the 27 women on the 20th of February, 1978, at the Parisona Hotel in Anthony, Lagos, with the blessings of twelve Ifa priests. It was alleged that some parents of the ladies objected the marriage.

Fela married the women to protect and keep them together. The marriage ceremony was attended by Fela’s families, friends and other band members.

During the marriage ceremony, Fela rendered a short speech, pressed naira notes on his new wives’ foreheads and gave them marriage certificates. Fela embraced a rotation system of 12 wives at a time. After the marriage, Fela took his 27 wives to Ghana for honeymoon.

However, in 1986, shortly after his release from prison, Fela Kuti divorced his 27 wives on the claim that marriage brings jealousy. It should be noted that they were not forced to leave his house after the divorce; some lived with him till his death in 1997.

Source: NIGERIA STORIES