Delta Oil/Gas producing community's petition Okowa at EFCC over 1Trillion fraud

Delta Oil/Gas producing community's petition Okowa at EFCC over 1Trillion fraud 

Abuja_____ Members of oil and gas producing Communities of Delta State has stormed the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC to demand for the probe and investigate the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for illegally and unlawfully diversion of host communities 13% oil derivation funds.

The protester led by Delta born human and environmental rights advocate, Comrade Mulade Sheriff stormed EFCC demanding the commission to invite the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to account for the 50% exclusively enmark for oil and gas producing communities through DESOPADEC to develop our communities as being diverted for his personal interest.

Read the fully text of the petition 

22nd May, 2023

The Chairman,

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

301/302 Institutions and Research Cadastral District,

Jabi,

Abuja.

 All Protocol observed,

ILLEGAL AND UNLAWFULL DIVERSION AND MISAPROPRIATION OF THE SUM OF N1,077,450,285,552.17 (ONE TRILLION, SEVENTY-SEVEN BILLLION, FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION, TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO NAIRA, SEVENTEEN KOBO) BY THE IMMEDIATE-PAST GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE, SENATOR (DR) IFEANYI OKOWA IN RESPECT OF THE 50% LEGALLY PRESCRIBED ALLOCATION TO DELTA STATE OIL PRODUCING AREAS DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION (DESOPADEC) FROM THE 13% OIL DERIVATION FUND FOR REHABILLITATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE OIL PRODUCING AREAS IN DELTA STATE.

We are leaders and representatives of oil and gas producing Communities of Delta State. We wish to draw the attention of the general public, particularly, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to the illegal diversion of our entitlement from the 13% derivation funds.

We are indigenes and members of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities in Delta State and it’s on this strength we are drawing the attention of your office in respect of the flagrant and deliberate abuse of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and section 13 (1) of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Law of 2006 (as amended), 2007, 2015 and 2018 established to cater for the wellbeing of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities in Delta State.

It is imperative to state that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Law 2006 (as amended), 2007, 2015 and 2018 respectively was established to expressly execute a clear mandate as stated in Section 13(1) of the DESOPADEC Law which provides thus:

"The commission shall receive and administer exclusively 50% of the Oil Derivation fund accruing to the Delta State Government for;

a) The rehabilitation of the oil producing communities/areas of the state.

  b) Other development projects as may be determined from time to time by the communities".

1. We have observed curiously in 2022/ 2023 that the DESOPADEC has become moribund, and the Oil Producing Areas/Communities are nose-diving into abject poverty, which is inciting and causing youths restiveness and agitation in their various Communities hence we have decided to take necessary steps to address this issue.

2. From the records available to us upon an application to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the 13% oil derivation fund from the Federation Account to the Delta State Government between 2015 – 2022, the sum of N1,077,450,285,552.17 (ONE TRILLION, SEVENTY-SEVEN BILLLION, FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION, TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND, FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO NAIRA, SEVENTEEN KOBO) has been disbursed to the Delta State Government from July 2015 to December 2022, for the Rehabilitation and Development of the oil Producing Communities/Areas in Delta State. In fact what Okowa received is far more than N1,077,450,285,552.17 if the 13% monthly allocations of January 2023 to May 2023 are added. See attached CTC

3. It is very disheartening and callous to note that despite the copious and unambiguous provisions of Section 162 (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 13 (1) of the DESOPADEC Law of 2006 (as amended), 2007, 2015 and 2018 respectively, the immediate past Governor of Delta State His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa has deliberately and flagrantly abused, violated and breached the above provisions of the Law and had continued to misappropriate the said funds for his personal use at the expense of the suffering people of the Oil and Gas Producing Communities in Delta State.

4. By section 13(1) of the DESOPADEC Law 2006 (as amended) 2007, 2015 and 2018, the commission is legally and lawfully entitled to 50% from the 13% oil derivation fund from the Federation Account which is calculated at N538,725,142,776.85 (Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, One Hundred and Forty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Naira, Eighty-five Kobo) from the Delta State Government.

5. That from the information obtained, it is obvious that the Delta Government grossly underfunded the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission as it was in the habit of consistently and deliberately disbursing less than the sum of N20,000,000,000 (Twenty Billion Naira) only annually for the past Eight Years. This was confirmed by the immediate-past State commissioner for information to the former Governor, Mr Charles Aniagwu that the state remitted only 208bn against 538,725,142,776.085. See attached.

6. Sir, unfortunately all efforts by our  communities' leaders and other well-meaning personalities in Delta State to have the Delta State Government to obey, observe and comply with the DESOPADEC law and render account for the said  misappropriated fund have proved abortive hence this petition.

7. It is very nauseating that despite the stupendous Billions of Naira being paid to the Delta State Government from the 13% oil derivation fund from the Federation Account, The Oil Producing Areas/Communities continue to wallow in abject poverty with no commensurate social amenities and infrastructures in place. This gross and reckless misappropriation of the 13% oil derivation fund meant for the Oil Producing Communities largely account for the incessant restiveness and agitations in the Niger Delta Region.

8. We are strongly appealing to the Commission saddled with the responsibility to probe and Investigate the immediate-past Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to recover and return our money of the 50% of the 13% Oil derivation fund from the Federation Account to the State Government and render necessary Account for the said illegally and unlawfully misappropriated balance to DESOPADEC coffers, to enable them Development our communities.

9. It will interest the public to note that the immediate-past Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa used our 13% derivation funds to build and buy over 80% shares in Premium Trust Bank Plc and acquire numerous properties including Jace Darl Hotels in Asaba, the state capital, Abuja and Lagos etc for himself and his daughter, Mrs Mariyln Okowa-Daramola.

10. The Immediate-past Governor, Senator, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa went further to use our 13% derivation funds to develop his village which is not part of oil producing communities in Delta State, with proposed plans to Re-named state institution in his honour particularly (University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State)

11. There will be relative peace and development in the Niger Delta Region if the stupendous oil funds which accrue to the oil producing Areas/Communities from the 13% Oil derivation Fund are judiciously used for the rehabilitation and development of the Oil Producing Areas/Communities.

Conclusion: We want to strongly appeal to your indefatigable commission to kindly reject any offer from the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa who has boosted to have made concrete arrangement with top officials of the EFCC for a plea bargain to the deterrent of the oil and gas producing Communities of the State.

Sir, it is in view of the above, we appeal to your good Office for your prompt intervention to diligently probe and investigate the allocations and the deployment of our 13% oil derivation funds accrued and disbursed to the Delta State Government from the Federation Account from 2015 – 2023 with paid attention to the 50% of the 13% oil derivation fund prescribed by the DESOPADEC law of 2006 (as amended), 2007, 2015 and 2018 respectively.

We offer our thanks in anticipation of your kind cooperation. Sir.

 

Signed:

Chief (Comrade) Mulade Sheriff                        

(Ijaw Ethnic Nationality)                                                   

The Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

 

Sir Mathew Itsekure

(Itsekiri Ethnic Nationality)

 

Mrs Patience Ego Afujue                                            

(Ndokwa Ethnic Nationality)                                   

Hon Mark Ikpuri

(Urhobo Ethnic Nationality)

 

Chief John Etenero

(Isoko Ethnic Nationality).

Biography of Johann who Dethroned Dangote as Africa’s Richest Man

Biography of Johann who Dethroned Dangote as Africa’s Richest Man

South African Billionaire and businessman, Johann Rupert Is now   Africa’s richest man according to Forbes magazine. He dethroned Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to regain the first position.

Rupert’s net worth is currently $12 billion according to Forbes Real-time Global Billionaires Ranking, while Dangote trails behind him with a net worth of $10.8 billion as of Friday.

Johann Peter Rupert is a South African billionaire businessman who is the chairman of the Swiss-based luxury-goods company Richemont and the South Africa-based company Remgro. He is the eldest son of business tycoon Anton Rupert and his wife Huberte. 

In 1979, Rupert founded Rand Merchant Bank, which later became one of South Africa’s largest investment banks. In 1984, he joined his father’s company Rembrandt Group, which was later renamed Richemont. Rupert has served as chairman of Richemont since 1998.   Richemont is a global luxury-goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Montblanc, and Net-a-Porter. The company is one of the world’s leading luxury-goods companies, with annual sales of over €20 billion.  

Rupert is a controversial figure in South Africa. He has been criticized for his wealth and his close ties to the apartheid government. However, he is also respected for his business acumen and his commitment to philanthropy. 

Early life and education 

 Johann Rupert was born on June 1, 1950, in Stellenbosch, South Africa. He is the eldest son of Anton Rupert, a successful businessman and politician, and Huberte Rupert. Rupert’s father was the founder of the Rembrandt Group, a multinational conglomerate that later became Richemont. Rupert attended Paul Roos Gymnasium, a prestigious boarding school in Stellenbosch. He then went on to study economics and company law at the University of Stellenbosch. However, he dropped out of university after two years to pursue a career in business. 

Early career:

After dropping out of university, Rupert worked as a trainee at Chase Manhattan Bank in New York City. He then returned to South Africa and joined his father’s company, Rembrandt Group. Rupert quickly rose through the ranks of the company and was appointed chairman in 1984.

In 1989, Rembrandt Group was renamed Richemont. Rupert continued to lead the company and oversaw its expansion into the luxury goods market. Richemont acquired a number of well-known brands, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Montblanc. The company also expanded into new markets, such as China and India. 

In addition to Richemont, Rupert is also the chairman of Remgro, a South Africa-based investment holding company. Remgro has interests in a wide range of businesses, including financial services, healthcare, and mining.

Johann Rupert Philanthropy:

Rupert is a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to charitable causes. He is the founder of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport to help young people overcome social challenges. Rupert has also donated to a number of other charities, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the University of Stellenbosch.

Rupert has been a controversial figure in South Africa. He has been criticized for his wealth and his close ties to the apartheid government. However, he is also respected for his business acumen and his commitment to philanthropy.

Johann Rupert Personal life.

Rupert is married to Gaynor Rupert and they have three children. He is a keen golfer and a member of the Royal St. George’s Golf Club in England. 

Johann Rupert is one of the most successful businessmen in South Africa. He has built a global empire in the luxury goods market and is a major philanthropist. Rupert is a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most influential people in South Africa.   

 Total net worth of Johann Rupert was valued at $12 billion on Friday, June 16, while Aliko Dangote’s net worth stood at $10.8 billion.

HRH. Kenibara Vll Condoles with Smooth Over Death of Band Members

HRH. Kenibara Vll Condoles with Smooth over Death of Band Members 

Warri ____ Kenibara Vll, the Amadabo of Moko-Ama Sangana, HRH. Theophilus Moses of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, has condoled and commiserated with the renowned ljaw born Niger Delta music maestro, Chief. Barrister S. Smooth aka. the Paddle of Niger Delta on the tragic death of five super star members of his music band.

The bizarred incident occurred on Sunday June 11, 2023, when the Smooth musical organization were on transit to Abuja to perform at the reception of the 10th National Assembly members elect inauguration when one of  their vehicles was involved in a fatal crash along Lokoja-Abuja road, leading to the death of five members of the musical band.

King Theophilus who is the Treasurer of ljaw National Congress, INC Central Zone, was accompanied by Double Chief. Ebi Wilson Pinapinawei, popularly known as Commander Biggy, Mrs. Laurenta Pinapinawei, Gen. Alamco of Amasuomo, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror Ndm Newspaper Online and a veteran Bayelsa born broadcaster/Radio presenter, Mr. lzon-ebi Oyintunemibofa on Wednesday 21st June, 2023 during the Service of Songs/Night of Tribute in honour of the fallen ljaw music lcons at NPA Warri, condoled with Smooth and the families of the deceased, on the unfortunate incident, and prayed God to give them the strength to bear the irreplaceable colossal lost.

Kenibara Vll said the bizarred incident was a big blow to ljaw music entertainment industry, regrettable and had caused great pain to the bereaved families, loved ones and their fans all over the world. 

In his words, he said:

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I and the good people of Moko-Ama Sangana Brass commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives in the fatal motor accident of Sunday, June 11, 2023, along Lokoja Abuja road.

“Indeed, their deaths have caused a dark cloud and great sorrow for their families, loved ones, fans and the entire ljaw music entertainment industry.

“ I extend my heartfelt condolences to my dear brother and friend, Chief. Barrister Smooth, the bereaved families, loved ones and the entire ljaw nation on this sad incident.

“Their untimely deaths have undoubtedly caused great pain and sorrow to their families. I pray for quick healing to the injured ones and that such tragedy will never occur again in our lives.

“May God grant the families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord,” the statement added.

Chief Mulade Celebrates Governor Oborevwori @ 60

Chief Mulade Celebrates Governor Oborevwori @ 60

Abuja_______ Delta-born human and environmental rights activist, Comrade Mulade Sheriff has congratulated the Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori on his 60th birthday anniversary.

In a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen, Comrade Mulade Sheriff thanked the Governor for his unwavering support towards building a better Delta State and the next generation (youths) for leadership roles in the State.

He extended his warmest birthday wishes to the new Governor, and expressed confidence in his capacity and ability to navigate and surmount complex challenges. He commended the Governor for his efforts at fostering partnerships and takes tough decisions for a better Delta State within a short period of his being in office, describing it as encouraging and inspiring.

“As we celebrate this special day, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to God  Almighty for His infinite mercy and grace upon your life, and for the wisdom and leadership qualities He deposited in you," he stated.

According to Chief Mulade, "as we mark your 60th birthday, Sir, I strongly believe in your unwavering commitment to change the narrative of Delta State's development that will bring Delta State to an enviable height and create opportunities for grooming more youths for leadership positions, so as to attract the much desired development to our dear State.

“On behalf of myself and my family, I wish you a very happy and peaceful birthday, good health and well-deserved moments of  relaxation, he said."

Chief Mulade also prayed that the years ahead would bring the Governor greater opportunities, and fulfillment in all his endeavors.

Wife of Journalist, Mrs Ajiri Kagbala Adopts Ijaw Name in Delta

Wife of Journalist, Mrs Ajiri Kagbala Adopts Ijaw Name in Delta 

Wife of a Popular Journalist and online newspaper publisher of FocalPoint Reports in Delta State, Comrade Ezekiel Kagbala has adopted an Ijaw name, Ajiri Tokoni Kagbala to express her love in the relationship.

According to her post on social media, she noted that she has embraced the Ijaw culture for their love and hospitality.

She noted that Ajiri an Isoko name means Praise when translated to English and Tokoni when translated to Ijaw. 

Both of them got married on November 12th, 2022, at the bride's father’s Compound, Elder Okoro in Owheologbo, Isoko North local government area of the state.

High-tension cable electrocutes widow, son in Ughelli, Delta

High-tension cable electrocutes widow, son in Ughelli, Delta

There is mourning in the Eruemukohwarien community of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, as a widow named Mary and her son, Prince were electrocuted by an 11KVA high-tension cable owned by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Eyewitness accounts said tragedy struck when the cable snapped on the roof of a market stall, leading to a fatal electric shock as Mary attempted to rescue her son.

More details shortly.......

Tinubu appoints Ribadu, Alake, Edun, five others as Special Advisers

Tinubu appoints Ribadu, Alake, Edun, five others as Special Advisers

 June 15, 2023

 

President Bola Tinubu has named eight individuals as special advisers.

They include a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu, and a former Lagos Commissioner for Information, Dele Alake, who has been a close aide of Mr Tinubu for years.

Me Ribadu was named special adviser on security, a position suggesting he might function as national security adviser.

Mr Alake, on the other hand, will serve as special adviser on special duties, communications and strategy.

Mr Tinubu also appointed Wale Edun, a former Lagos commissioner, as special adviser on monetary policies.

Mr Tinubu had last week named a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, as his chief of staff and a former Governor of Benue State, George Akume, as Secretary to the government of the federation.

Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, a former senator and deputy governor of Jigawa State, was also appointed deputy chief of staff.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ADVISERS

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the following as Special Advisers:

1.Mr. Dele Alake; Special Adviser, Special Duties, Communications and Strategy

2. Mr. Yau Darazo; Special Adviser, Political and Intergovernmental Affairs

3. Mr. Wale Edun; Special Adviser, Monetary Policies

4. Mrs. Olu Verheijen; Special Adviser, Energy

5. Mr. Zachaeus Adedeji; Special Adviser, Revenue

6. Mr. Nuhu Ribadu; Special Adviser, Security

7. Mr. John Ugochukwu Uwajumogu; Special Adviser, Industry, Trade and Investment.

8. Dr (Mrs.) Salma Ibrahim Anas; Special Adviser, Health

Abai Rewards Brand Advocates as PENGlobal Magazine Launch in Warri

Abai Rewards Brand Advocates as PENGlobal Magazine Launch in Warri 

A business and social brand promotional agency popularly known as PENGlobal has launched her maiden edition of its magazine in the oil city of Warri with appreciation of over thirty (30) distinguished Brand Advocates who had been supporting and patronizing the organization over the years of operation.

The PENGlobal Watch Magazine, with the themed “A Magnum Opus collection” is the maiden edition of the quarterly magazine which was unveiled on Wednesday June 14, 2023 in Warri. The magazine reports on trends as well as give accurate and promotional coverages to events.

While delivering his welcome address, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO/ Brand Director, Abai Francis, disclosed that the company is a brand that is into the promotion and development of brands, and that the magazine contains entertaining and educative contents with focus about happenings in the Niger Delta region, especially with more attention given to the riverine areas so as to bridge the gap of underreporting to draw government and other relevant stakeholders attention to addressing the myriads of challenges facing the region.

The Ijaw National Congress (INC) President, Prof. Benjamin Okaba who was represented by High Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), commended the CEO of PenGlobal for his effort in establishing the magazine company, assuring of support to make the brand to succeed.

Prof. Okaba expressed delight for the launching of the magazine, as well as urged all to rally round the publisher and show solidarity to the magazine's growth.

High Chief Linus Yerinanagbegha (JP), the Perewenibuominiwei of Ogulagha Kingdom who played the Father of the Day, commended the CEO and Brand Director for his initiative to float the magazine and that it will push for the development of the state and the world because of the global vision of the brand.

Among other highlights of the magazine launch is the presentation of a Certificate of Recognition as a Brand Advocate to the Fiyewei (Spokesman) of Gbaramatu Kingdom, High Chief Godspower Gbenekama (JP) who is also a Father of the Day and to other 30 recipients including the National Coordinator of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comr. Amb. Chief Sheriff Mulade.

Others recognised at the magazine launch are: High Chief Kestin Pondi, High Chief Michael Johnny, High Chief Wellington Bobo (JP), Chief Josephine Ogoba, Hon. Chief Barr Juliet Yeiwareneghan, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), Bishop Dr. Godwyns Soroaye (JP), Rev. Matthew Doghor, among several other special guests.

Jonathan meets Tinubu, briefs him on developments in Mali

Jonathan meets Tinubu, briefs him on developments in Mali

Former President Goodluck Jonathan briefed President Bola Tinubu on some political developments in West Africa at the State House. 

Dr. Jonathan is the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Special Envoy to Mali.

The former president stated that he was at the State House to convey to President Tinubu the results of his discussions with other members of the West African Elders Forum, which he chairs.  

“I came to update the President on the activities of several continental and subcontinental organisations. 

You are aware that I serve as the ECOWAS mediator for Mali and as the chairman of the West African Elders Forum. 

 “Therefore, there are certain continental and subregional issues that I discuss with various presidents,” he said.

Mulade Congratulates Guwor As Speaker, Delta State House Assembly

.Mulade Congratulates Guwor As Speaker, Delta State House Assembly 

Warri_____ A renowned Delta State born Environmentalist and development advocate Comrade (Chief) Mulade Sheriff has congratulated Hon Emomotimi Guwor as speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and for his successful election and inauguration.

While congratulating Hon Emomotimi Guwor as the Speaker of the oil-rich Delta State, he described his emergence as a well deserved one, Chief Mulade called on members of the hallowed chamber to kindly give him all necessary support to enable us have a formidable Legislative arm of government with people oriented development policies that will strengthen the state government led by Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as executive Governor to achieve his MORE Agenda for Deltans.

I equally call on the new speaker and his colleagues to give maximum support and cooperation to the Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori administration for a better Delta, just as he implored other residents of the state to work with the government to achieve the administration MORE Agenda for the good of Delta State.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Government Area of the State, and a former PDP governorship aspirant, have expressed appreciation to all Honourable Members of DTHA, we are very happy and grateful for your huge collective support rendered to our illustrious son. We appreciate all Deltans for the trust, which will not be taking for granted in the State.

In Mulade’s words; "it is imperative to state that Delta is getting closer to achieving true democracy of building bridges of development across the state and I call on the speaker Hon Emomotimi Guwor to reach out to build bonds of trust with all, irrespective of tribe, religious and party to make good legislation for a prosperous and develop Delta State of our dreams".

King Pereama Condoles Smooth as ljaw Dumatun-Ogbo Mourns in Warri

King Pereama Condoles Smooth as ljaw Dumatun-Ogbo Mourn their Colleagues in Warri 

Oyinbi Onduku

Warri ____ Numupere ll of lzon-lbe Owigiri Highlife Music, King Pereama Freetown JP, has paid a condolence visit to his brother and colleague in the ljaw music entertainment industry, Chief. Barrister S. Smooth aka. the Paddle of Niger Delta on the death of some members of his music band over the weekend.

The unfortunate incident occurred on the noon of Sunday June 11, 2023, when the Smooth musical organization were on transit to Abuja to perform at the reception of the 10th National Assembly members elect inauguration when one of  their vehicle was involved in a fatal crash after Lokoja Kogi State, leading to the death of 5 members of the band with two others sustaining injuries.

King Pereama who was accompanied by the executives and members of the Dumatun-Ogbo of lzon-lbe on Tuesday visited Barrister Smooth at his residence along Jakpa Road Warri, condoled with him and  the families of the deceased, on the unfortunate incident and prayed for quick healing and recovery of those sustained injury.

He said that the bizarre incident was a big blow to ljaw music entertainment industry, regrettable and had caused great pain to the bereaved families, loved ones and their fans all over the world. 

According to King Pereama Freetown JP, said:

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I and the Dumatun-Ogbo of lzon-lbe commiserate with the families of those that lost their lives in the fatal motor accident of Sunday, June 11, 2023, along Lokoja Abuja Road.

“Indeed, their deaths have caused a dark cloud and great sorrow for their families, loved ones, fans and the entire ljaw music entertainment industry.

“On behalf of the Dumatun-Ogbo of lzon-lbe, I extend my heartfelt condolences to my brother, Chief. Barrister Smooth, the bereaved families, loved ones and the entire ljaw nation on this sad incident.

“Their untimely deaths have undoubtedly caused great pain and sorrow to their families. I pray for quick healing to the injured ones and that such tragedy will never occur again in our lives.

“May God grant the families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and may the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord,” King Pereama stated.

However, amongst those died in the accident includes 3Men and 2Women in the ages of 40s, 30s; Chief. Joseph Ekeremieye alias Egberigboloemi from Ayakoromo/Okpokunou, Queen lkisima Brown (Singer/Song Writer) popularly known as the Queen of Highlife Music in the Niger Delta from Kalabari Rivers State ljaw, Mr. Tukur Eniekebi (Keyboardist) from Ayakoromo and two other dancers of the band from Patani and Rivers State...

Understanding the Secret Behind Fuel Subsidy & its Removal Benefits

Understanding the Secret Behind Fuel Subsidy & its Removal Benefits 

Many people do not understand the politics behind fuel subsidy and it's dangers to the development and growth of Nigeria.

The intension of the government to subsidise petrol was simply to make the product affordable for Nigerians and make life easier. So, the average price of petrol in the world can be as high as N590, however, the Nigerian Government will subsidise the product and fix price at N185 bringing total amount of subsidy per litre to N405.

The average consumption of litres of petrol in Nigeria per day is 60 million litres. However, Marketers of the product loads as much as 100 million litres and above per day.

This means the Nigerian Government is expected to pay as much as N405 × 100,000,000 (litres) as subsidy per day to the Marketers of the product to keep prices at N185 for instance. This brings the amounts to N40.5 billion daily and about N1.2 trillion monthly. Kindly take note that this amount can either decrease or increase following prices of petrol at the international market.

So, just try to wrap your head around it and know what Nigeria expends on fuel subsidy alone in a year - obviously some billions of dollars.

Here's the irony of whole arrangement

1. Petroleum Marketers (major petrol dealers with tank farms) usually divert larger quantity of the subsidised petrol to neighbouring countries to resell at the international market price. So, they make same amount of money the Nigerian Government has paid on the subsidised petrol at the neighbouring countries.

2. This makes the product relatively scarce in Nigeria as the left over becomes lower than the daily consumption in the country. The implication is that petrol stations will be selling fairly higher than the fixed price of N185 (some sells N190, N205, N225, N250 and so on depending on the area). And during peak periods of scarcity, which are also engineered by the marketers, Nigerians still buy same subsidised petrol for as high as N400, N500 and even N800 as the case was in first quarter of this year while sleeping in filling stations. Again, marketers make double.

3. Marketers also import above the daily consumption of 60 million litres as seen above and still force the federal government to pay subsidy on the excesses, which are usually part of what they smuggle to neighbouring countries. Again, marketers dupe Nigeria.

4. This entire scenario makes a mess of the good intention of the Nigerian government to make petrol affordable for Nigerians.

5. This scarcity and high cost of the product despite subsidy leads to arbitrar increase in the cost of living. Transportation for instance, goes up crazily.

Moves to Remove Subsidy & Reactions 

Therefore, successive federal governments having seen the outright abuse of the subsidy policy have always tried to cancel the policy so that market forces can determine the cost of petrol. 

More so, the huge amount of money paid into the pockets of Marketers can be channeled to other meaningful venture such as infrastructural development, agriculture, social security, technology, health, etc.

However, whenever the move to remove subsidy is made, the Marketers are quick to shutdown their filling stations and deprive Nigerians access to the already subsided fuel in their possession. This leads to instant scarcity regime and hardship (like we are already witnessing).

And while the marketers make more money on one hand, they force and instigate Nigerians against the federal government with the hardship created on the other hand. 

Then, the innocent Nigerians who do not understand the politics behind subsidy goes on strike, attacks the government and force her to continue the subsidy regime. We pay more for our ignorance at the long run.

The marketers are happy; they remain the top billionaires in Africa. Everyone loves them, wish to be like them, and celebrate them. Whereas the federal government count her losses, takes the insult, bears the bad name and pity uninformed/suffering Nigerians like you and me.

Will you support Tinubu to break this barrier and give us freedom or you will remain adamant and spread the hate

#TogetherWeCan

Late John Togo Boys Congratulate Oborevwori as Gov of Delta State

Late John Togo Boys Congratulate Oborevwori as Governor of Delta State 

........ Appeal for appointment in his administration 

Francis Tayor

Warri _______ Ex-agitators of the defunct Niger Delta Liberation Force (NDLF) under the leadership of late Gen. John Togo, has congratulated and rejoiced with His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori on the occasion of his successful inauguration  as the executive governor of Delta State on May 29, 2023 at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

The group in a congratulatory message released on Wednesday at Ayakoromo, and signed by Commander Ayakeme Sunday, popularly known as Prapra on behalf of late John Togo boys noted that Rt. Hon. Elder Oborevwori successful sworn-in as the Executive Governor of Delta State is a well deserved one, while calling on all Deltans to support the new administration for a better Delta, so that to enable him achieve his MORE Agenda for the good of the people of the state.

While congratulating Oborevwori, he however appealed to His Excellency to remember and give appointment to the surviving John Togo boys in his administration, stressing that they all work for the interest of PDP to succeed.

The security expert reiterated that they can adequately secure the Delta waterways against any form of criminality such as sea piracy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft, saying Sheriff should consider them in that aspect in his government.

Commander Prapra, who is a PDP Stalwart and he  was the Chief Security Officer, CSO of the 2023 Delta State Governorship/House of Assembly elections in Ward 7 Ayakoromo Burutu LGA, and delivered PDP with his colleagues in the struggle.

The group however pledge their unalloyed support in this new administration, adding that Governor Sheriff is a grassroot oriented servant leader that will amiliorate the suffering of all Deltans majestically, the statement added

Subsidy: Kwara Civil Servants to Work 3Days Weekly, Govt Declares

Subsidy: Kwara Civil Servants to Work 3Days Weekly, State Govt Declares

The Kwara State Government has approved a temporary palliative measure to bring some ease to workers following the removal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government. 

The State Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole announced today that the State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, has directed that the workdays be reduced from five days to three days per week for every worker.

Mrs Oluwole directed all Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State to immediately work out a format indicating the alternating work days for each worker under them.

The Head of Service however, warned the workers not to abuse the magnanimity of the Governor, stressing that the regular monitoring of MDAs by her office would be intensified to ensure strict compliance.

Signed:

Murtala Atoyebi,

Chief Press Secretary,

OHOS.

5/6/2023.