Edevbie Appreciates Burutu PDP Excos, Delegates, on Successful Consultative Visit

Edevbie Appreciates Burutu PDP Excos, Delegates, on Successful Consultative Visit

PRESS RELEASE

11TH FEBRUARY, 2022

OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE CAMPAIGN COUNCIL BURUTU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

We bring you warm greetings from our Principal Olorogun David Edevbie, the front line gubernatorial aspirant of the People's Democratic Party PDP Delta State. 

Olorogun David Edevbie with profound gratitude expressed deep appreciation to the entire PDP in Burutu Local Government Area and especially the Chairman of the PDP Hon Ebike Oromoni and all the statutory delegates and the Honourable Councillors for the warm reception accorded to him and his campaign council on the consultative visit to Burutu delegates.

Been an incurable optimist, it is Olorogun David Edevbie's firm believe that Burutu will deliver KPURUKU as promised.

 He promised equally to keep to the campaign promises as the Modernization Blue Print and other documents are available for references in the future when he Olorogun David Edevbie administration starts on May 29th 2023 by the grace of God. 

We equally use this opportunity to thank our very reliable ward coordinators and all supporters of Olorogun David Edevbie for their commitment to the Modernization Mantra.

Olorogun David Edevbie remains the first among equal in the guber race and we encourage you to continue to give your very best as the days ahead remain very HOPEFUL. 

*We want to very categorically and unequivocally state in very clear terms that Olorogun David Edevbie and his teaming supporters in Burutu LGA identify with ALL HOUSES OF ASSEMBLY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  AND SENATORIAL ambition of all aspirants. All TeamDavid members are encourage to remain steadfast with their preferred aspirants as WE IN OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE CAMPAIGN IS ALL EMBRACING*

As clearly stated by our principal, if the zoning discussion favors IZON, be rest assured TeamDavid will massively support the system. In the same benevolent spirit and brotherhood we sincerely and passionately appeal that if the zoning favours Central, please REMEMBER *OLOROGUN DAVID EDEVBIE.*

May God Almighty bless all members of the PDP.

PDP 

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Signed:

Mr. Enoch Gesimien Azigbeotu, Burutu Federal Constituency/LGA Coordinator.

Pullah Commiserates with P.Y. Biakpara on demise of his wife Comfort

Pullah Commiserates with P.Y. Biakpara on demise of his wife Comfort

The member representing Burutu Constituency ll in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Ebipade Ekpotuayerin Pullah, has commiserated with Burutu born Delta PDP chieftain, Rtd. Wing. Commander P.Y. Biakpara, on the passing away of his beloved wife, late Mrs. Comfort Okwy Biakpara, whose sudden death occured in January, 2022 after a brief illness.

In a condolence message released on Friday 11th February, 2022 in Asaba, following the official dead announcement by the deceased family, Hon. Pullah sympathized with the elderstatesman in Burutu PDP family, stressing that God will strengthen him to overcome the emotional trauma. 

He charged elder P.Y. Biakpara and the bereaved family to take solace in the word of God, stressing that God giveth and taketh. Pullah reiterated that though late Mrs. Biakpara departure is very saddened and untimely but who are "we to question God why ? God said in every situation good or bad, we should give thanks unto Him. Our prayer is for God to accept and grant the gentle soul of our departed mother eternal rest in peace in His bossom". 

He however, pray God to grant elder P.Y. Biakpara and the entire bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost, the statement adds.

Sign:

Hon. Pullah Ekpotuayerin Media Team.

Egbema is Autonomous kingdom, not under ltsekiri, EYC tells Ariyo to retract false publication

Egbema is Autonomous kingdom, not under ltsekiri, EYC tells Ariyo to retract false publication

The attention of the Youth Council of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State, has been drawn to the wrong interpretation given to the Delta State Government publication of the names of Royal Fathers in the reconstituted Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, in which the name of the Pere of Egbema Kingdom was not included.

In the report released and widely circulated by Chief Ariyo on social media platforms, the Itsekiri group misinterpreted the exclusion of the name of the Egbema Monarch to mean that Ogiame Atuwatse III is allegedly the sole traditional ruler in Warri North Council Area. We strongly protest this gross misinterpretation of Government’s publication for the following reasons:

First, the demise of our former king, HRM G.O.E. Tiemo (JP, AmbP), the Pere of Egbema Kingdom which was announced on December 3, 2020, necessitated the inauguration of a Regency Council headed by High Chief Johnbull Adaun, JP, to steer  the affairs of the kingdom pending the installation of a new traditional ruler (Pere) for the kingdom.

We are still in the process of selecting a traditional ruler to be presented to the State Government for the presentation of Staff of Office. Egbema is an autonomous kingdom, and has never been and will never be under the control of another traditional ruler.

We believe the exclusion of the Pere of Egbema Kingdom on the list of members of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers as reconstituted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, does not mean that the Ogiame Atuwatse III is the sole traditional ruler in Warri North, as erroneously claimed by Chief Ariyo and his Itsekiri group.

Secondly, prior to the demise of the former Pere, he was a member of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, and we believe that when we conclude the process of crowning another Pere, the new Pere of Egbema Kingdom shall be included in the State Council of Traditional Rulers. 

We, therefore, declare the wrong message published in the social media on this issue as an affront on the status and dignity of the ancient kingdom of Egbema people in Warri North LGA.

 We also see the publication as another attempt by a section of Itsekiri nation to fan the embers of disunity and crisis in Warri North where the Ijaw and Itsekiri people have been living side by side in peace over the years.

Consequently, we request our peace loving Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to prevail on Chief Ariyo and his Itsekiri group to immediately retract the said publication of wrong interpretation of a well-constituted Council of Traditional Rulers by the State Government.      

Signed:

On behalf of Egbema Youth Council (EYC)

Chief Pastor Tilikiwei

The Ibebenimowei of Egbema kingdom

King Couple has no hand in Ogbe-ljoh election, Omare was disqualified by ELECO_ Sylvester

King Couple has no hand in Ogbe-ljoh election, Omare was disqualified by ELECO_ Sylvester 

Francis Tayor

The Chairman Ogbe-Ijoh Community Electoral Committee, Chief Sylvester Tiebebedigha has debunked report and clarified the air that HRM. King Couple Oromoni Mobeni lll, has no hand in the just concluded Ogbe-ljoh Community Governing Council Chairmanship election, adding that his electoral umpire disqualified Chief. David Omare due to his gross violatiion of the community constitution.

He stressed that the allegations levelled against His Royal Majesty Couple Oromoni of intruding into the Ogbe-ljoh Governing Council election is false and blantard lies from the pit of hell, urging the general public to disregard the story.

Chief Tiebebedigha, disclosed this to the press on Wednesday 9th February, 2022, in Warri while reacting to the petition and media report intended to rubish the hard earned reputation of the Ogbe-Ijoh monarch by some aggrieved persons who sent an open letter to the Delta state governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, urging him to intervene into the Ogbe-Ijoh community chairmanship matter.

The Ogbe-ljoh Community ELECO Chairman stated that his led committee disqualified David Omare because he violated the constitutional provisions chapter two ( 11) section ten (10), subsection five (5) which states that '' For the purpose of an election into the Governing Council, a person cannot aspire for any position outside the quarter where he/she reside. David Omare violated on that portion of the constitution. David Omare was disqualified because he first aspire to contest in Ikiandumu and he lost out, then he came to Oturubiri quarters to recontest. That is dual registration based on  which my committee screened him out and recommended another qualified person from the same Oturubiri quarter in the person of Chief Victor Akposeseye Okiri as the selected candidates of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom as stipulated in the Ogbe-Ijoh constitution 2003/2015 as amended (quarter rotation)"' He said.

According to him, said: " Even in Nigeria circular  elections, an electorate cannot register in two different polling units at a time and vote concurrently. Such electorate will be automatically disqualified by the electoral umpire or the voters machine during election process. The case of David Omare can be likened to that scenario l just cited above. He double crossed the Ogbe-ljoh community constitution, hence his disqualification became imperative, "Sylvester noted.

The ELECO Chairman went further to condemned earlier media report following a false petition by aggrieved persons, accusing the monarch of Ogbe-Ijoh for choosing chairman for the community, thereby, setting the community on fire.

He appealed to the public to disregard such negative reports against the reverend monarch over the Ogbe-Ijoh community chairmanship election, the statement added.

Hon. Pullah charges Burutu politicians to be tolerant, show love

Hon. Pullah charges Burutu politicians to be tolerant, show love 

Member Delta state house of Assembly from Burutu South constituency, Hon. Pullah Ekpotuayerin has tasked politicians in Burutu local government area to be tolerant and exhibit spirit of good sportsmanship with  love ahead of 2023 general polls.

Hon. Pullah disclosed this at the weekend while hosting some journalists at his residence in Warri, said '' We need to be tolerant and show love to one another. Elections will come and go. But our family ties and friendship will remain forever..

'' I can see that the  political atmosphere at the early part of 2022 in Burutu LGA is getting quite tense with various groups springing up with press statements and social media comments, making it  quite serious ahead of 2023 general polls'' he noted.

The lawmaker who is the chairman House committee on Oil and Gas as well as environment in the state house of Assembly said that power belongs to God and nobody can implant himself on the will of the people and God, advising aspirants and their supporters to play politics with the spirit of sportsmanship where both losers and winners embrace each other.

He revealed that he is still consulting whether he would seek for second tenure or not. '' But  my second tenure campaign cannot come up now. I am still the lawmaker representing the good people of Burutu South, it will be too hasty now to declare my ambition at the early part of the year. But you must understand that if my people want me to return, who am I to say no. I am just a messenger sent by my people to serve them on lawmaking and again to draw development to the people through our amiable Delta state governor Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, a man who is detribalized and visionary leader, taking Delta state to the next level.

'' Well of course, I have received several groups, high Burutu personalities have been urging me to go for my second tenure to continue my good works in the Delta state House of Assembly. 

''You know the Nigerian constitution permits as many tenures you can as far as your people are comfortable and happy with you.

'' My people are happy with my leadership and that is my greatest joy as a lawmaker. But to answer you, I am still consulting' ' He said.

Courtesy:

Pullah 2023 media team

Taskforce resumes demolition of illegal structures in Delta

Taskforce resumes demolition of illegal structures in Delta

Delta State Taskforce on Environment has commenced demolition of illegal structures, shanties and make shift shops built under high tension along NNPC Housing Complex road Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was carried out in the early hours of Monday 7th February, 2022 after the expiration of one year quit notice served traders by College of Education Fence, along Ekpan Link road, Warri.

The state taskforce Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni said all illegal structures and shanties encroachment on the streets are the major target to be demolished, noting that the demolition operation was prompted after the expiration of the ‘Removal Order’ the state government served them.

Oromoni implored Deltans to always seek approval of relevant agencies before erecting their buildings, stressing that trading under high tension cable wire puts one's life in danger and not safe. He noted that the essence of the operation was to protect avoidable loss of life as result of electric spark.

Oromoni further warned miscreants, illegal mechanics, food vendors and owners of illegal shanties across the state to vacate now or face demolition. He said the state taskforce will no longer tolerate incessant defacing of the aesthetics and beauty of our streets. 

He noted that a situation where illegal structures are built attached to electric polls stands a big risk of attracting electric shock, stressing that Gov. Okowa led government would no longer tolerate that in the state, he concluded.

Other areas demolished include Jakpa road as well as Hospital road Ekpan. The exercise will continue tomorrow.

Billionaire Obi Cubana Begins Massive Road Construction In Oba His Community

Billionaire Obi Cubana Begins Massive Road Construction In Oba His Community

Anambra-born billionaire and the Chairman of Cubana Group, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu popularly known as Obi Cubana, has commenced the construction of roads in his community: an unprecedented feat that triggered mixed reactions from netizens.

According to reports, one of the roads, ‘Afor Oba Old Road’, is already under construction, with many indigenes of the community praising his gesture across the state while many were left wondering the size of his wealth.

A eulogizing post, complimenting the billionaire on social media read: “Obi Cubana joins the ongoing Road Construction competition among wealthy Ndi ANAMBRA in their various communities.

“To God be the Glory, Chief Obinna Iyiegbu okpataozuora 1 Of Oba and President of Cubana group has constructed the road from Afor Oba old road to new road single handedly.

“May The Good Lord grant him all His secret prayers and bless Him with long life in sound health In Jesus name.

“In Anambra, most individuals are no more waiting for the govt to build their community roads, they are now doing it on their own with their hard-earned money.”

Delta 2023: I am still very much in the race -Engr. Augoye

Delta 2023: I am still very much in the race -Engr. Augoye

....... Says candidates for elective positions in Nigeria are determined by political parties and not political pressure groups

Chief James Augoye, immediate past Commissioner for Works of Delta State has said he is still very much in the race for the 2023 governorship election of the State.

Chief Augoye, in Asaba, capital of the State, made this known while addressing newsmen on the outcome of a screening exercise conducted by Delta Central 2023 (DC-23).

The frontline governorship aspirant said he subjected himself to the DC-23 exercise to fulfill all righteousness, stressing that the outcome of the political pressure group's screening exercise is not final.

Augoye said he has the mandate of Deltans to represent them as Governor come 2023, and that throwing in the towel at any point when the People's Democratic Party (PDP) was yet to conduct primaries would mean letting Deltans down.

Augoye stressed that candidates for elective positions in Nigeria are determined by political parties and not political pressure groups. He, therefore, urged his teeming followers in the State, across the federation and in the diaspora to remain calm, focused and stay the course.

Augoye said: "The outcome of the screening exercise of DC-23 has been brought to my notice. The outcome is not surprising. The screening committee had its job cut out.

"I shared my ideas and plans for the growth and development of Delta State with the committee. I was able to prove to the committee that I am the best choice for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to win the 2023 governorship election in Delta.

"I told the committee that I am not only contesting the governorship election on a personal mandate, but on a collective mandate of Deltans. Deltans have reposed their trust on me. They have given me their mandate. So, I cannot let them down. 

"Even, our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa and other leaders of our great party, the PDP have agreed that the governorship primaries would be free for all, fair and transparent.

"Moreover, I subjected myself to the screening exercise to fulfill all righteousness. The outcome of the screening is not final. As enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, only a political party can present a candidate for election, not a pressure group.

"On these grounds, I am still very much in the race for the 2023 governorship election of Delta State. We will see at the primaries. At this time, I urge my teeming followers at home and in the diaspora to remain calm, focused and stay the course".

2023 Elections: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Make Your Choice Wisely Nigerians

2023 Elections: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Make Your Choice Wisely Nigerians

With politicking for the 2023 general election gathering momentum, developments in the polity are already pointing to the complexion of the next election. Perhaps, it will be a battle between the old and the new order with Nigerians proving that they have attained political maturity. Indeed, the activities of political actors offer enough basis for tea leaf reading as far as the 2023 season goes. The earliest of these indicators emerged when an otherwise taciturn President Muhammadu Buhari refused to name his likely successor on the basis that “he may be eliminated if I mention his name”.

This disclosure in an interview with Channels Television indicates that the President already has a horse in the race slated for February next year. While there may be other intelligent reasons why the identity of this person must be a secret, for now, how the President couched his response smacks of fait accompli. When deconstructed, it suggests that this preferred candidate is bound to become the next President hence it is best to protect the favoured from ambitious politicians who brook no obstacle. The fear of elimination suggests that whoever enjoys the backing of Buhari stands a better chance of becoming President than the person most Nigerians want to occupy Aso Villa in 2023.

Enter Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, former governor of Enugu State. He recently courted controversy and brought opprobrium upon himself when he declared that Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi “is the leader who directs affairs” and “will determine who succeeds him”. As backlash mounted, he didn’t bother to retract nor clarify that sycophantic assertion. How would he when he only expressed the code that has stymied democracy in Enugu State since 1999? This political culture has seen a cult of power brokers determine who gets what political positions to the exclusion of the electorate. The former governor noted this much when he asserted that this is the “tradition in Enugu State politics”.

While Ugwuanyi with the latitude to “determine his successor in 2023” is yet to openly rub it on the face of Ndi Enugu, the Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State is not discreet about who he wants to succeed him. At his party’s stakeholders meeting that took place at the Government House Uyo on Sunday evening, Emmanuel presented Pastor Umo Eno as his preferred candidate to succeed him. It soon emerged that even at the party level, stakeholders were not adequately carried along as Peoples Democratic Party’s founding members in Akwa Ibom were soon reported as warning Governor Emmanuel not to plunge PDP into crisis with “his unilateral endorsement of Pastor Umo Eno, his Commissioner of Lands, as his successor in the 2023 election”.

Instances like this and many other subterranean moves by political gladiators and godfathers have made Naija News ponder on the place of the people in the scheming for the next general elections. The other day, a top contender for President called himself a kingmaker who wants to be the king as Nigeria is practicing a monarchical system of government. We find it distasteful that politicians are by their actions and utterances passing a message that the electorate do not matter when it comes to who governs them. Such disposition is quite antithetical to democracy. It is for this reason that this newspaper welcomes the conversation initiated on social media by the Co-founder and CEO of BudgIT, Seun Onigbide, who tweeted, “A ₦10bn GoFundMe for Peter Obi will be [a] great starter for those who want [to] crowdsource Nigeria’s next leader. This will change the dynamics with the space hijacked by moneybags.”

While not promoting the bid of any aspirant, Naija News believes that the use of trusted technology platforms for crowdfunding presents a major opportunity for Nigerians to get involved in enthroning the right leadership for the country and checkmate the shenanigans of political desperadoes. This is not referring to the stunt of sponsored youth and groups “raising funds” to buy nomination forms for politicians or threatening to sue ambitious politicians if they do not join the race to become the next President.

We are worried that Nigeria’s political process has been hijacked by moneybags ready to deploy bullion vans when the polls open to sway voters. Earlier this week, a Financial Times article estimated that it takes a staggering $2bn (over N1trn) to get a President elected in Nigeria. Pray, what fit and proper Nigerian can afford or spend such an amount for an elusive office? The other way to look at it is: when an aspirant or godfather spends that much to corner the country’s plum job, the magnitude of looting that will follow can only be imagined.

It is for this reason that Naija News calls on upwardly-mobile Nigerians, who find it difficult to vote during elections, to start crowdsourcing the next leader of the country. This way, they can route recycled old men whose only claim to the presidency is having lots of money to throw around. The beauty of crowdfunding is that it bears the right answers to Nigeria’s leadership deficit. Through this support, the best of the populace gets an opportunity to lead shutting out misfits and myopic individuals from public policymaking and execution.

The gains are so enormous that crowdfunding should not be restricted to presidential candidates alone but should be extended to gubernatorial positions and elections into the National Assembly. The Nigerian youth have for long been derided by politicians as mere social media warriors who do not have permanent voter cards. Unscrupulous politicians capitalize on this apathy to buy votes from rural dwellers and the illiterate mass who can’t make informed choices at the polls.

While we call on every eligible voter to register and get their voter cards, it cannot be over-emphasized that with GoFundMe, the elite in various sections of the society can determine who becomes the President or Governor. With little contributions, they can collectively displace moneybags. We recall that before voting by text message was stopped by the organizers, Nigerians spent N7.2bn voting in the ‘Pepper Dem Gang’ edition of Big Brother Naija.

If reality TV show enthusiasts can generate this much through N4 SMS, imagine what can be raised if all those interested in putting square pegs in square holes in Nigeria’s public service donates at least N100. There is no doubt that over N1trn will be generated. Yet, the election of the ideal President won’t gulp so much since it is the people’s project. When enlightened citizens are bankrolling a candidate for political office, they won’t need to be financially induced or demand foodstuff to elect their choice.

It is only unpopular candidates that would need to spend billions of dollars on electioneering just to make up for the baggage they are burdened with. When such morally-bankrupt persons carry the polls, they shortchange the people by recouping much more than they spent to get into office. Nigeria cannot continue this way. Ahead of the lifting of the ban on electioneering, Naija News calls on conscientious Nigerians to seek out those with the right leadership credentials and crowdsource their campaigns. They can work for their victory at the polls either through monetary contributions or by volunteerism. This is towards the enlightened self-interest of the citizenry.

Aviation entrepreneur hails Buhari on Twitter ban lift , says better days are here

Aviation entrepreneur hails Buhari on Twitter ban lift , says 

better days are here 

Mr. Ifeanyi Onukwubiri, a young successful aviation industry entrepreneu,TMT Travels and Tours Limited, has commended President Muhammdu Buhari for lifting of the ban on Twitter, saying that the lifting has helped to boost many businesses.

Mr. Ifeanyi Onukwubiri who is the chairman of TMT, a local and international flight firm, located in Lagos told journalists,''The Twitter ban affected businesses globally. There have been economic costs. A report on the cost of internet shutdowns in 2021 estimates that Nigeria lost $1.45 billion as a result of the seven-month Twitter ban, making it the second worst hit country by an internet shutdown.

''Out of this $1.45 billion, we in TMT, a company deals of travels, we had our fair share as our clients in Twitter were shutdown completely. But I thank Mr. President for his wisdom to listening to the voice of reasoning. The good news is that after the ban lifting, businesses at all sectors are bouncing back. Better days are ahead''He stated

Mr. Ifeanyi Onukwubiri who is also a member of the famous global money team owned by Floyd mayther,

He urged young entrepreneurs to set a long term goal and be focused to succeed in business.' No legitimate business takes a sudden flight to success. No short cut to success in business You must build the business from the ground with diligence, hard work, integrity and a set goal. If you want to succeed, you must learn from those who have made it in the same line of business. Although, what is good for Mr. A may not work out for Mr. B. The applications may be different. But the principles of successful business are the same.'' He revealed.

He also advised young Nigerian entrepreneurs to stay out of relationship, until you are successful, noting that the relationship you are seeking for may perhaps, ruin your business as your vision and dream may no be the same.

The young entrepreneur on aviation industry, however, appealed to the federal government to boost the aviation industry with policies that will help those in the industry to succeed.

Ayakoromo Bridge: Opukeme Salutes Okowa, Urges ljaw Politicians to be Up and Doing

Ayakoromo Bridge: Opukeme Salutes Okowa, Urges ljaw Politicians to be Up and Doing

His Excellency, Executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa

Sir

 AYAKOROMO BRIDGE:  GREETINGS FROM CLETUS OPUKEME TO A LISTENING  GOVERNOR OKOWA

I am using this same epistolary method to react to your final approval and show of commitment to complete and commission the aged long abandoned Ayakoromo bridge project. 

I wrote you an uncensored open letter on 7th January, 2022, drawing your attention to the abandoned Ayakoromo bridge. The letter is uncensored because the diction and tone were quite acidic in nature  unlike the usual letters. It was full of sadness and total disappointment expressed in the face of the letter writer.

The letter went viral in social media as well as drew reactions, commendations and condemnations.

But in less than two weeks, I read in the pages of newspaper and social media that my open uncensored letter has been received  and read by his Excellency  which  necessitated your calling of an emergency executive meeting for the  approval of more funds from the original N5billlion after about 9 years  to N10.5 billion with a marching deadline order to complete  the Ayakoromo bridge project in 15 months. The governor also  used the opportunity to approve other projects across the state, even though they were not captured in your original 2022 budget. That is to say if not my  uncensored letter, the Ayakoromo bridge project was as good as a forgotten project even in Okowa's two tenured administration. 

Sir, I have known you to be a listening governor from other occasions before  my personal letter to you  which you reacted the same way. You are a good leader who listens to both the complains of the high and low. If not your wisdom to listen, who am I to write you on matters of public exigency and you replied  by acting in the affirmative.

In 2020, as journalist I went into big trouble with the Niger Delta minister Senator Godswill Akpabio after exposing a massive looting in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Akpabio chased me with highly compromised police officers and I went into hiding, I wrote a similar letter for security and protection of my life after Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike in a commando like manner  rescued the former NDDC chairman Mrs Joy Nuneh. You quickly responded to my outcry provided a huge sum of money   through your immediate past Senior Special Political adviser Chief Solomon Funkekeme. Many people did not know how you provided security to cover me because you are not the ''gragra'' type of governors who do their things in media stunts.  I received quite a large sum of  money at  different times . I have never had the opportunity to thank you openly for your kind gesture during in 2020 NDDC episode. I may not know the source of the  money  whether from your coffers or that of Chief Solomon Funkekeme's purse as Funkekeme kept the good gesture till date, making it feasible to have financial security   while under attack in the pursuit of  investigative journalism in the country.

One good thing about your Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa  is his meekness and ability to tolerate even the vicious opposition, including negative media reports and criticisms like our organization. 

Sir, I can vividly recall late 2021, my organization focused on some public schools and showcased video clips of public  schools children sitting on bare floor while learning. Instead of negative reactions from your government, you calmly read it like every other reader. If it were some state Governors, it would have ended in quarrels and chase..   

 As a journalist who had had touch with global journalism of the British true media. I tried to keep to the creek of journalism by being on the side of the suffering society as a mirror of the society, even though, the reports are breaking personal relationships/friends.  

Sir,  our country does not want truth as  my brand of journalism is not welcomed and so not applauded by both those in government and the people. Many called me fool for not collecting money in the 2020 NDDC episode and drop my investigations. 

To be very frank, If I was in some States, over zealous politicians might have advise you to go hard on me,  just like the way Niger Delta minister Akpabio did. Rather you paid me with kindness, honour and encouragement for saying the truth even though, it directly affects your adminstration. That is a civilized and democratic leader.

Now, back to my first letter to you, I demanded two projects, University campus in Ijaw community and  Ayakoromo bridge bridge. You have addressed one and left the University campus answered. I am not too greedy, but want to act like Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist, kindly hold another emergency executive meeting and present the University campus request before your executive and legislative members. It is not too much as resources in Delta Ijaw communities have  enough resources to run the state University. I suggest BOMADI town be made campus of the proposed state University. Reason is that Bomadi is a central place to the Delta Ijaw and more favourably because Bomadi is  motorable and the community loves strangers who have been living friendly and peacefully over several decades.

 To get clear understanding about the choice of Bomadi. I am not from Bomadi town, my community is Okpokounou town which is few kilometers away,, located in Burutu LGA.

His excellency, your words are like words of God. You just pronounce the Ijaw University establishment in Bomadi and leave the construction job for your successor, just as you inherited the Ayakoromo bridge project from former governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

Sir, it is not true that Ijaw youths are bad as they described them with violence and militancy. When we react over high magnitude of marginalization and neglect in all fronts by both multinationals and successive Nigerian administration,  the result becomes unbearable like wildfire. 

To my Ijaw politicians working with our listening governor, do not see your appointments as privilege to serve in the Delta state government or much like one being employed in CHEVRON or SPDPC solely defending his monthly salary without mind the general welfare of his immediate community. That is the clear scenario of the crop of Ijaw politicians in your administration. But it is your right as Deltans and as Ijaws who are major stakeholders in the state Therefore,  I urge all of you to be bold and strong enough to lobby with diplomacy by not being confrontational, making your demands logical and with consistency (even reminding the governor in lawn tennis grounds, weekend outings and several unusual outings) on behalf of the Ijaw people. What we see among the Ijaws in Delta government is that nobody talks for general interest of Ijaws. But rather everybody is busy pursuing their selfish agenda.. Ijaws lost out in Uduaghan's eight years administration and same also replaying in your administration. I know many will be angry in this attestation on their gross incompetency. But the good thing is that I do not have even the phone numbers of many of these top Ijaw politicians who have betrayed the trust reposed in them. They should bury their faces in shame. Cowards! There is one London returnee who speaks always British accent in your administration with no single impact felt by the people. Good leadership goes beyond blowing big and sweet sounding  grammar, but making impact. 

Let me apologize here by calling you in my first letter by accusing and labelling you as an enemy of Ijaws. It is not true by your prompt reaction to the Ayakoromo bridge demand,you showed exceptional quality and uniqueness in this clime of  political deceit and self aggrandizement. What  is true is that there is a big communication gap between Ijaw reps in government  generally and the governors. Nobody was bold enough to present the real Ijaw problem as they all dance around you for personal favour. You are not Ijaw enemy and my harsh words were intended to push you into action which you have done for the wholesome benefit of the Ijaw nation as a whole.

Although, Senator James Manager  made a difference during his days in the state as he used his position then in Chief James Ibori's administration to lobby and negotiate tactically for the Ijaws which resulted in the  construction of the Bomadi bridge project.  

Governor Okowa is a listening and enlightened modern digital governor. He will never relieve you of your appointments. Stop serving like ''House Boys'' in Delta government. The government belonged to all Deltans.   

This Ijaw '' House Boys'' mentality in Delta government did not only undo the Ijaw communities from projects that should have been allocated to Ijaw communities. It took Ijaw  backward in the scheme of things during former governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan eight years in government. Though, Uduaghan initiated the Ayakoromo bridge project in 2013, but left thereby turning  the pillars to a huge security threat to those who ply the river. And they, the politicians  kept mute, waiting to correct the infrastructural imbalance in 2023.  

Sir, before concluding this epistle, I want to thank you once again and urge you to make your words your bound as your usual saying to complete and commission the Ayakoromo bridge to prove to me wrong and thousands of others that you are truly a friend indeed of the Ijaw people and not enemy like we before now thought.

 May the God Almighty continues to bless you,  give you the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state to finish strong, while my media organization Daily Watch has promised to give you and the world live progress report on Ayakoromo bridge as one of your legacy project. I plead for  logistics and security ( security, I mean, help me to direct the company handling the project to cooperate with our camera crew in our monthly visit to the their site) to enable us carry out this onerous task. You can reach me through the Honourable commissioner for information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu who has been one of the amiable  face of your administration as a media friendly person.

Thank you and Godbless.

Yours

Cletus Opukeme

Journalist/ Activist

( Opukeme is also the publisher www.dailywatchng.org)

Pls, kindly publish in letter or news, thanks

2023: INEC Releases Election Timetable, Fixes May for Party Congresses

2023: INEC Releases Election Timetable, Fixes May for Party Congresses

The National Independent Electoral Commission, INEC – have released calendar and political itinerary in 2022 in Nigeria.

The calendar is consists of political activities bordering the 2023 presidential and gubernatorial elections in the country.

According to the calendar released by the INEC, starting from March 2022 the commission will give guidelines to the respective parties to conduct primary election that will birth flag bearers.

The calendar made it clear that by April 2022, campaign for presidential and gubernatorial elections will kick off, whereby, May 2022, there will be party Congresses across Nigeria.

Fast forward to February 2023, when the presidential election will officially be conducted.

Check out the calendar below

1. Consultation continues January: 1-31

2. Intensive consultation continues February: 1-28

3. March: INEC gives guideline for aspirants, candidates, parties in respect of congress, primary election and campaign.

4. April: Campaign for Presidential and Gubernatorial elections.

5. May: Party Congresses.

6. June: Party Primary Elections.

7. July: Petitions on Primary elections.

8. August: Court of Appeal hearing on Primary elections conducted.

9. September: Supreme Court verdict on all Primary elections. Candidates & winners for Presidential & Gubernatorial flag bearer of Parties contesting.

10. October: Aggressive campaign by candidates/Parties across the federation.

11. November: Campaign continues.

12. December: Peace Accord signed by all presidential and Gubernatorial candidates.

13. February 2023: Presidential and National Assembly elections

14. March 2023: Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections.

15. Plan your Calendar for 2022 with this on your mind. Cheers.

Late Pa. T M Binebai for burial on 2nd April, 2022, in Burutu lsland Delta State

Late WPa. T M Binebai for burial on 2nd April, 2022 at Burutu lsland in Delta

The people of Ofouware in Izon-Oborotu, Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State and the family of Chief T. M Binebai (JP), has announced date for the final burial rites of their late patriarch. 

This was disclosed to newsmen in Warri on Tuesday 1st  February, 2022, by Mr. Binebai Beecroft, most eldest son of Chief T. M Binebai and Sir Frederick Christmas on behalf of the family. 

The duo stated that the announcement is sequel to the series of meetings held by the children of Chief T. M Binebai, extended family and the Ofouware quarter. 

They noted that after critical deliberations among themselves, the burial date of late Chief. T.M Binebai has been fixed on the 2nd-4th of April 2022.

Speaking further, the family asserted that Chief Binebai will be given a three days befiting burial at Burutu Community, headquarters of the Local Government starting from April 2nd to 4th.

However, a book of tribute from friends and well wishers is already in motion as submission of tributes ends first week of March 2022.

Late Chief T. M Binebai was a former commissioner of DESOPADEC and was aged 94 (1927-2022).

More details of the burial programme would be unfold to the public subsequently.....

Delta Zoning lntrigues, Manager, Otuaro Provoke as Okowa Postpones D-Day

Delta Zoning lntrigues, Manager, Otuaro Provoke as Okowa Postpones D-Day

......Uduehi, Omu, Elumelu fault Ijaw 

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders in Delta State, who attended penultimate Friday’s caucus of the party at Government House, Asaba, the state capital, discerned before commencement that the conclave would be explosive, but what they could not immediately put their fingers on was how stormy it would be.

Subject matter

The state Chairman of the party, Kingsley Esiso, a lawyer, sensitively introduced the only subject matter for the meeting, saying there had been contradictory talks about zoning of governorship by the party, stressing there was need for the caucus, which is the highest decision making organ of the party in the state, to take a decision on the matter ahead of 2023.

A source told Sunday Vanguard: “Contrary to media reports that Esiso said zoning of governorship for 2023 should restart from his Delta Central, he never said so at the meeting. He only introduced the only agenda for the day as zoning and called for discussions.”

Manager explodes

First state Chairman of the party and Ijaw governorship aspirant, Senator James Manager, strongly opposed zoning the 2023 governorship ticket of the PDP, arguing that since the formation of PDP in 1999, the party had never zoned the ticket and it should not start in 2023.

Manager’s apprehension was that Delta Central had possibly concluded plan to inveigle the party to zone the 2023 governorship to the district (Urhobo) and he presaged that no matter what materializes at the end of the day, Ijaw must contest the party’s 2023 governorship primary.

The longest serving senator in the country dug into protracted history of how the PDP was formed, how leaders and governors from different ethnic groups emerged in the past, the role of the Ijaw nation in their emergence and why nobody should stop Ijaw in 2023.

“Senator Manager took the garb of former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, at the meeting, as he stated that Ijaw must participate in the 2023 governorship primaries no matter whose ox is gored”, a party leader who attended the meeting told Sunday Vanguard.

Uzor supports Manager

Chief Edwin Uzor, a former state Chairman of the party and current Special Adviser of Peace and Conflict Resolution to the Governor, stoutly supported Manager’s contention that there had not been zoning of governorship in the party since 1999

Ijaw unstoppable – Otuaro

Deputy Governor, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, another Ijaw governorship aspirant, reaffirmed why Ijaw must not be excluded from the 2023 governorship race of the party under any facade, let alone zoning, insisting it was non-negotiable for the ethnic group.

Uduehi, Omu, Oritsejafor, Elumelu stick to zoning

A member of the party’s Board of Trustees, BoT, and former governorship aspirant, Dr. Esther Uduehi, lashed out at Manager, saying zoning (rotation) was the way to go and even the Senate seat for Delta South, which he (Manager) has commandeered for five tenures must be rotated.

Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Elumelu, came down very hard on Manager and other challengers of zoning which, he argued, has brought stability to the PDP in Delta.

Elumelu submitted that rotation of governorship should start in 2023 from Delta Central, tasking Urhobo leaders to put their house in order just like Delta North leaders had done and listened to Okowa as their leading light.

Senator Stella Omu from Delta South argued in favour of governorship rotation beginning from Delta Central in 2023, saying the district would have waited for a 16-year period by then, a position Chief (Dr.) Roland Oritsajefor, a former Minister of State for Defence, further explicated, emphasizing that zoning has brought stability to the party.

Oyovbaire, Amori reiterate zoning

A former Minister of Information and political father of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Prof Sam Oyovbaire, and Deputy National Organizing Secretary, PDP, who also leads Delta Central- 2023, DC-23, a lobby group of the senatorial district for 2023 governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, also spoke in favour of zoning of governorship by the party.

Uduaghan wants decision expedited

A former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who spoke from experience, counseled that the caucus should take a decision on zoning, possibly on that day, so that governorship aspirants likely to be affected by the resolution would not be waste their funds on campaign.

Let the right thing be done – Ibori

Another ex-governor, Chief James Ibori, in measured words, also advocated that leaders of the party should always do what is right in the interest of the party.

Okowa intervenes

The mood at the meeting was that members of the caucus should vote on zoning beginning in 2023 or otherwise and it was also unmistakable that Urhobo would have carried the day if it was perfected.

But for Okowa, who, as leader of the party, has overruling power, saying the decision should be deferred to another day, Ijaw would have lost the tally.

Our source said:

“The governor, in his contribution, noted that Ijaw were not against zoning, but apparently viewed it from a perspective different from others.

“However, since the arrowhead of the Ijaw lobby group for 2023 governor, a former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, was not present, he said it was better to postpone the discussion to another day to get a fuller house before final decision.

“The spirit of the governor’s ruling is that it will be unfair to take a decision on the subject matter when only the head of one group advocating for zoning was available and the other absent.

“You know that when the governor speaks, no caucus member will challenge him, so the matter was left at that.

“But the party chairman, Esiso, was directed to reconvene another meeting in not more than three weeks or thereabout for another deliberation on the contentious matter”.

Why I didn’t attend meeting – Bozimo

Sunday Vanguard contacted Bozimo on Monday over the distinctive respect accorded him by the governor, and the elder statesman, who said he could not attend the caucus meeting because of his health condition, disclosed that none of the Ijaw leaders that attended the meeting had called or visited to brief him on what transpired.

He said it would, therefore, be imprudent on his part to respond to our inquiry, adding that he would wait for Ijaw governorship aspirants and others who attended the meeting to brief him before making comments.

Suspicion

However, an Ijaw leader, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said: “I suspect that there was pre-caucus meeting by Urhobo people and other people to go into zoning on that day the matter was thrown up.

“The Chairman of the party, Esiso, just came out with the proposal and that a decision should be taken on it.

“Of course, Senator Manager rose to give the history of the party and all that, but Otuaro, the deputy governor, stressed the need for the caucus, which is the highest decision making organ of the party, to avoid taking a decision that cannot be implemented.

“Otuaro pointed out that for an acceptable decision to be taken on the matter, the caucus has to appraise whether there had really been zoning of governorship by the party in the state before now, if there was zoning, was it enforced in the past? He said as for Ijaw, the ethnic group would contest the 2023 governorship primary of PDP and nobody would stop it”.

Some party members who spoke to Sunday Vanguard after the caucus meeting, said from the governor’s statement at the meeting, he seemed more disposed to the Ijaw because everybody knew that Ijaw would have lost it if voting took place that day.

But our source said:

“Those who said the governor sided with Ijaw are unfair to him. He never took sides, he saw that the leader of the Ijaw lobby group for governor, Bozimo, was unavoidably absent at the meeting and, as a good leader, he suggested that the caucus should not be in a hurry to take a final decision on that day, but a meeting should called as soon as possible for a fuller house to deliberate and take a decision.

“I think we should congratulate him for his maturing and wisdom because if he did not that, things would have gone out of hand at that meeting”.

Otuaro commends Okowa

Contacted, Otuaro, who refused comments on what happened at the caucus, said: “I am pleased with the decision of the state governor, it statesmanlike.”

How King Pereama Freetown Reinvigorate Ayakoromo Beach Carnival to Spice Up Olorogun Festival

How King Pereama Freetown Reinvigorate Ayakoromo Beach Carnival to Spice Up Olorogun Festival

Francis Tayor

January 28th, 2022 will continue to be a memorable day in the hearts of Niger Deltans, especially the ljaw people who witnessed the 2022 Ayakoromo Olorogun Beach Carnival as the Numoupere ll of lzon-Ibe Owigiri highlife music, King Pereama Freetown JP, thrilled the mammoth spectators with best of good sound and music to the maximum satisfaction of his fans worldwide.

It has become a tradition and part of the hospitable people of Ayakoromo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, that whenever the community releases her annual programme of the year, a day is set aside for beach fiesta ahead of the first outing of the popular Ayakoromo Olorogun masquerade.

It was on record that over the past 13 years when One Love social club of Ayakoromo brought King Pereama Freetown to perform last, the beach carnival had suffered a huge set back in terms of turn out and massive patronage.

To God be the glory, there was a turn around as the Numoupere ll of llzon-Ibe Owigiri highlife music, King Pereama Freetown JP, took the main stage this time as he restored and reinvigorated the lost glory in pulling a mammoth crowed that almost caused a stampede at the 2022 Ayakoromo beach carnival. 

The Chief Security Officer, CSO of the occasion, Prince Kelvin Perekeme attested to the fact that it cost him and his boys a sleepless day and night to map out strategists before, during and after the memorable beach carnival in order to maintain peace and orderliness in the community. He asserted that Ayakoromo beach have not witnessed such a massive crowed in the past one decade. " Seeing the mammoth crowed at the beach, I was provoked to denny myself from pleasure to join my boys in order to provide adequate security at the event", Prince Kelvin stated.

Meanwhile, the invited special guests of honour of the day where not left out as Alaowei Promise Lawuru from Egbema Kingdom, Gen. Godday Smith alias Bounanaowei, Chief Priest Godwin Oroupade aka Danjer the mirror gods, Cdr. Josiah Oyimi, Stephen Christmas, King Zubri, Apostle Timi Yanky, Selebi Tarebi, Ogbeinama Atumu, Hon. Timi Akuna, Hon. Kofi Amasuomo, Ekampou Enewaridideke, Mrs. Doris Adama amongst others abducted the stage for over thirty minutes as they spray and appreciated the performing musically fitted great grand master, King Pereama Freetown with varieties of Nigeria naira currency. 

Where'as, his undying fans also hold him hostage at the stage with their smart camera andriod phones snapping, videoing, screaming and dancing to the melodious tunes of best of King Pereama songs as he performs.

Even the performing guest artiste, King Pereama Freetown was amazed by the display of show of love at him by friends, love ones and his undying fans present at the beach carnival.

It was confirmed by the over excited whaling mammoth crowed that King Pereama Freetown has bring back to limelight Ayakoromo Olorogun Beach Carnival in pulling the population of over ten thousand people across the Niger Delta region to grace the event.

Another glamorous and spectacular moment at the beach was when the Creek MC Akpolokpolo 1 of Niger Delta alongside the CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror Ndm News Online, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku swagalliciously handled the microphones to anchor the occasion as the duo stylishly welcomed all the special invitees to wholeheartedly made their donations to support the organizers of the event.

Expressing his appreciation, the sponsor of the beach carnival, Mr. Moses Egbegi, said he was overwhelmed by the massive turnout despite the economic challenges in the country. He specifically thanked the Numoupere ll of lzon-Ibe for his consistent non-stop brilliant performance at the beach in other to capture the soul, body and mind of the audience to a standstill at the occasion. 

He went further to appreciate all the special invited guests of honor, the mass medias, King Pereama Fans Club worldwide, DJ. Angos, Dollar Girl, Multibee and all the security agencies, especially the Nigerian  Army and Ayakoromo Vigilante group for their gallantry in providing adequate security at the event.

In his remark, the media promoter of the beach fiesta, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku extended his sincere heartfelt appreciation to the astonishing performance of the various media organizations that publicized the beach carnival to achieve a great success.

Onduku specifically appreciated DailyWatch Newspaper, Egbema Voice, Gbaramatu Voice, the PeoplesVoice, Coastal Time, the Liberator Newspaper, Niger Delta Mirror Ndm, Hinfa TV and other numerous social media users that help disemminated the event in their various capacities to support the organizers. Godbless you all for your amazing support, Onduku concluded.

However, Prince Kelvin Perekeme and Apostle Timi Yanky also commended the organizers of this year Ayakoromo Beach Carnival, adding that the duo will put head together looking forward to sponsor the coming year 2023 beach carnival.