The Giant Questions ln King Robert Ebizimor's Remembrance Day Jamboree_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

The Giant Questions ln King Robert Ebizimor's Remembrance Day Jamboree_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke 

 

The common accreditation known to man which does not need the approval accreditation of the Nigeria Universities Commission is that thinking is a Jewel in any society that believes in growth because no society moves forward that devalues thinking and moves dismissively towards it. Thinking is the torchlight of the society, and for a society to be on the progressive lane, it must be peopled by great thinkers.

Writers are great thinkers whose thinking yields societal growth. Musicians are equally great thinkers whose thinking yields codes that guide the society as are dancers whose thinking yields varying dance styles sustaining the culture of dancing. Government as an institution is as well a great thinker whose thinking yields policies that become the lifeblood of the people. A combined application of the yields of these four agents of societal growth would be a memorable remembrance and celebration of King Robert Ebizimor on the 31 of July  every year but alas, musicians, dancers and government are the relentless killers of King Ebizimor’s remembrance day because, as the great philosopher Timiebi Maika coughs philosophically thus: ‘the killer disease that kills the date-palm (Bia tree) dwells on the foot of the date-palm’!

King Robert Ebizimor is a king and legend from Angalabiri town in Bayelsa State and Ojobo town in Delta State whose legendary kingship was felt in music, politics, culture and tourism. He reigned for decades from 1943 a king without a mutiny in his multiple kingdoms where his Royal Majesty was duly recognised. Because he reigned for decades without any report of ill-health and rebellion in his kingdoms, everyone thought he would be ‘Methuselahed’. In 2014 it pleased death to commission one of King Ebizimor’s legs to rebel against him. This was the first rebellion in the kingdom. This rebellion resisted all philosophical and medical entreaties and blandishments offered until 31 July 2014 – when with the brave prayerfully channelled acquiescence of King Ebizimor who was already existentially content with his experience on earth – death suddenly swooped on him inside his own car in a manner beyond human intervention close to Warri. This sudden visit came at a time King Ebizimor had prayerfully appealed to God  in his swansong 'My Leg(Doutimi)' to summon death to storm him in a manner devoid of pains in any part of his anatomical structure because he was already convinced there was nothing existentially new for him to behold in life beyond what he had already seen in his reign from 1943 to 2014. At death it was King Robert Ebizimor who waited for death to storm him, not death threateningly waiting to take him away with a flourish. 

So, as philosophically posited by King Ebizimor in his song 'In Honour of Kurutie Community Chairman Anthony Ayebibode(Late mama Oruogele Ekiamene)' he eventually became God’s sheep slaughtered whimisically by God for his supper on July 31 2014. It is this day of 31 July every year the Ijaws have chosen to remember and celebrate every year in agreement with King Alfred Izonebi’s position in his song 'The King of Music(The Voice of King Robert)'  that the departure day of Robert be remembered and celebrated like Bob Marley’s remembrance day. It was perhaps in anticipation of his remembrance day King Robert Ebizimor vocally stresses in his song ‘Ogoinbiri Special’ that so many things would be cumulatively gathered by him that at death the celebration would be epochal  like the famous Olorogun Masquerade carnival.

A critical survey of King Ebizimor’s song released while on earth reveals that it is his wish that he be memorably celebrated after his departure. With the departure of King Ebizimor, this exhortation further reinforced by King Izonebi on his two kneels right before King Robert Ebizimor’s corpse, seems to have evaporated like a boiling water. From 2014 till date the remembrance days of late King Robert Ebizimor have been poorly celebrated by Ijaw musicians, writers, dancers and government functionaries. 

It saddens that the man King Ebizimor whose songs philosophically constitute an encyclopedia of solutions to man’s problems on earth in every dimension of life have not been given adequate critical physiotherapy for the benefit of society. Virtually, there is nothing in life – no components or aspects of life – about which King Robert Ebizimor’s songs don’t thematically dwell on except the traditional 'Duwe Awee’ requiem for the dead as a dirge instrumentally and vocally constructed to mark the social wake of the departed in a purely traditional way.Another lacuna could equally be seen in the failure of King Robert Ebizimor to compose and release songs falling traditionally into the category and music taxonomy of Kuro-endi and Birifou's Ijaw traditional series suited to 'Agene' dance steps. This dearth of traditional 'Duwe Awee' requiem for the dead  and the traditionally designated 'Agene sei' songs in King Ebizimor’s repertoire of songs while alive marks the only lacunas in his widely applauded unbeatable music career. 

Ritualistic it appears that with every remembrance day that comes and goes, King Robert Ebizimor is poorly celebrated by Ijaw musicians. Beyond music, indelible imprints of King Ebizimor can be located in politics where he had two respective political appointments under two different governors in Bayelsa State  -   Special Assistant on Culture to Governor Sylva Timipere and Governor Seriake Dickson at different times.But whenever he is remembered and celebrated, it is not King Ebizimor’s imprints in politics, contract-execution and community development that form the focal point. Everything celebrated about King Robert Ebizimor is purely, totally and undilutedly music which was deployed by him to solve all types of societal problems confronting man. So if King Robert Ebizimor must be remembered and celebrated deservedly anytime his remembrance comes full circle like ‘Yenrenyenren’ full moon, the remembrance and the celebration must be purely based on his songs bequeathed by him. Vibrations of remembrance are hauntingly and poignantly dispersed, distributed, everywhere when King Ebizimor’s musical classics are produced on the performance stage by various musicians who are chiefly there to celebrate his legendary achievements in the music world. It is this skillful stage-reproduction of the musical classics of the remembered and celebrated music legend that is usually seen even when Bob Marley’s remembrance day is celebrated by musicians. Why is King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day different?

Statistically speaking, on King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day people do come from far and wide in large numbers to pay posthumous homage to him but some of the Ijaw musicians purposely gathered to remember and celebrate King Robert Ebizimor theatrically behave like miscast actors and actresses who flub or blow their lines and kill the expected joy of the day by singing their own songs on the performance stage rather than skillfully reproducing the songs of the late music legend. In this atrociously reversed stage-performance order it is the musician on the performance stage who is remembered and celebrated in place of the music legend King Robert Ebizimor. This is a questionable reversal which must be given a serious thought for it to be reversed again to the reproduction of King Robert Ebizimor’s musical classics on stage whenever his remembrance day is celebrated.

To remember and to celebrate the music legend, King Robert Ebizimor, is not an engagement for one-off musicians with one or two songs to their credit whose popularity or reputation is based on their studio songs rather than based on the ability to reproduce on stage the songs of different musicians in a manner that commendably stands in approximation to the original owners of the songs. The centre-piece here remains the fact that any musician coming on stage to remember and celebrate the music legend must have the musical capability to reproduce any of the songs of King Ebizimor to arouse the sensibilities of the people to the fact that King Robert Ebizimor once lived on earth as a great musician. For memorably referential remembrance and celebration of King Ebizimor on his remembrance day only Ijaw musicians who can demonstrate the skill to reproduce the musical classics of the music legend King Robert Ebizimor should be seen on the performance stage.

Not only is King Robert Ebizimor poorly celebrated by Ijaw musicians. The Ijaw professional dancers do too. King Robert Ebizimor 'generally known as crybaby'(6, Robert Ebizimor A King and the Legend) at birth based on his amazing capacity for musically seasoned tears began his entertainment career from childhood as a dancer whose services were employed in Angalabiri town and the neighbouring communities subject to the solicited permission of Ebizimor his father and Ziwuru his mother. Even after King Ebizimor’s dancing skill had been swamped, consumed and overshadowed by his prodigious musical skill in a matter of years, that he was a great dancer could be seen on his performance stage when he occasionally signals his band boys to take corresponding dance steps with him like the ‘Olu’ crab on sandbanks known for corresponding rhythmic movement of their legs and hands as if in response to rhythmic song only understood by them. Up till this moment Barrister Smooth, Sir Abraham young, King Izonebi and their band boys are fond of recreating this crab-like movement of legs and hands on stage like late King Ebizimor.

For a music legend like King Ebizimor who has a history of mesmerising dance steps prior to his full music career, and to whom the origin of ‘FILETE Dance’ is traced when his musical classic  'H.R.H.Chief Igbugburu Special’ - a  song that ruled the airwaves at the time of release - Ijaw dancers have obligation to dance his song on the remembrance day as a special emanation from special choreography reinforced and sustained by repeated rehearsals taken before the remembrance day. If rehearsed choreographically arranged dance steps voyaging skillfully around  Filete, Weirei, Egebu, Wabu, Owusei, Ongusei, Ekpedesei, Abosei, Agene and Anda dance steps are enacted on stage by Ijaw dancers, nobody will still voice out frustratingly that the music legend is poorly remembered. Rather than showcase choreographically arranged rehearsed dance steps, the Ijaw dancers dance haphazardly in predominant rebellion against the equally incongruent rhythms from the performance stage dominated by rebellious musicians who are either unwilling or cannot reproduce the music legend’s songs on the stage. For the rebellious IJaw musicians and the Ijaw dancers their performance output is the equivalent of a victim of ‘Arikpokpo’ constipation. 

What about the worrisome habitual appearance and disappearance theatricality often displayed by some Ijaw musicians on the remembrance day of King Robert Ebizimor after their timed performance on the stage?With a dose of panache and flourish some of the Ijaw musicians demonstrate their attitudinal rebellion in the area of appearance and disappearance on the stage like Shakespearean actors and actresses.There is nothing reprehensible for a musician to appear and disappear from the stage after performance provided the disappearance is not synonymous with disappearance from the remembrance jamboree.Some of the musicians do habitually leave the remembrance jamboree and retire to bed; they do not even wait to watch the performance of their fellow musicians on the stage after their own performance,forgetting that it is an all-night remembrance jamboree.Some members of the Ebizimor family and the Angalabirians may equally be habitual practitioners of the disappearance drama of some musicians.Any musician that goes to sleep before the remembrance celebrations are over has no respect for King Robert Ebizimor and the remembrance day.This habitual appearance and disappearance drama must stop now!That some people do habitually leave the remembrance jamboree before it is over must not be exampled by Ijaw musicians, members of the Ebizimor family and the Angalabirians during King Robert Ebizimor's remembrance day in Angalabiri town.

The circle of poor remembrance and celebration of King Ebizimor also expands to include writers of Ijaw extraction. Writers have the power to carry and spread the philosophical and ethical codes buried in the songs of the music legend. The intellectual and philosophical components/compositions of King Ebizimor’s music world can be critically massaged and revealed by writers as a moral and intellectual guide of this generation and globalise the greatness and musical achievements of King Ebizimor since writers are the voice of vision in any society, who are also capable of functioning as the vehicle for the vision of others  in intellectual direction but the Ijaw writers would not do this for the music legend whose stories are endless when told – even more endless than the endless stories of the Ozidi of JP Clark’s creation!

Ijaw writers are known to respond with amazing speed, steam and chemistry to certain issues but displaying no speed,steam and chemistry when issues border on the Ijaw music legend King Robert Ebizimor. When issues like the politics of desperation, economic attrition and similar other issues concerning politicians are spotted, writers would deafen everywhere with the resultant stench from politicians. In this category the Akparemogbene-born village writer and others could be identified but when it comes to the philosophical, moral, religious, political, economic, educational, sociological and cultural issues buried in King Robert Ebizimor’s songs,  they eagle away as if they were not aware of his life and legendary  achievements in the music world. Is this critical antagonism against King Robert Ebizimor’s musical classics a good thing, dear Ijaw writers? 

King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day is always poorly celebrated because even the Bayelsa State Government under which the music legend had two respective political appointments has not moved beyond its fixed traditional role of providing some financial support for the celebration. The annual celebration of the music legend provides an opportunity for government to turn Angalabiri into a tourist destination through massive construction of recreational centres, tourism centres, hotels, amusement and entertainment centres. With the provision of these facilities Angalabiri town could become a tourist destination as people coming from far and wide for the remembrance would be liberated from the scourge of zero-accommodation in the town. Turning Angalabiri town into a tourist centre by the Bayelsa State Government because of King Robert Ebizimor would mark an end to the complaints and murmurings of poor remembrance and celebration of King Robert Ebizimor, but will the Bayelsa State Government attitudinally move away from her traditional role of financial support and embrace this tourism-filled reawakening?

The world knows that it would be chimerical to think that attitudinal re-adjustment/reversal on the part of Ijaw musicians, dancers, writers and the Bayelsa State Government will mark the dawn of the memorable and flawless remembrance and celebration of King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day. Videography has a central role to play on the remembrance day. If all activities associated with the remembrance are videographed and produced for people to buy and watch leisurely at home - even for those who did not put up appearance on the remembrance day – it will always swell the number of would-be participants privileged to watch the remembrance day on video. However, the disgusting captured experience is that the remembrance days are not videographed and produced for people to purchase and watch apart from the maiden edition of King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day. 

No one denies that videographers are always seen at work during the remembrance day of King Robort Ebizimor but the expected visible production of the videographed activities cannot be seen commercially in the market after the remembrance jamboree. There is no alternative to celebration of King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance day without a video produced in commercial quantity after every celebration. Even for those unable to put up appearance in the remembrance day, the produced video tells the story fully and perpetually hangs on the wall of the world the annual ritual of celebrating the Ijaw music legend as an indestructible historical tapestry. For the organisers of King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance, they organise and achieve nothing if a flawlessly edited videotape on the activities does not eventually emerge in commercial quantities for people to buy and satisfy their compulsive curiosity of watching the music legend’s video after every remembrance day celebrations. However, even at the risk of aberrating rather interjectionally, would it strike the world as a repellent presumption, transgression and space-invasion if King Pereama Freetown, Barrister Soja Smooth and King Alfred Izonebi are collectively enjoined, pressurised and empowered to rotationally claim on commercial basis the responsibility to videograph and produce King Robert Ebizimor’s remembrance videotape every year after every celebration as differently conceptualised by these three wise men?

For all believers and lovers of King Robert Ebizimor and his directional philosophies buried in his numerous songs, the above path charted should be walked on unwaveringly. This is because with every remembrance day memorably celebrated, the Ijaw music tree is planted and watered as the inspiration for this generation and beyond. As Sk Karibo of Esanma town in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State once sold Ijaw music/songs bought by King Ebizimor upon which he grew into a remarkable musician philosophically referenced everywhere, so shall King Robert Ebizimor become another wholesaler of Ijaw music/songs in the history of Ijaw music industry if the widely celebrated Ijaw music legend is memorably remembered on his remembrance day on every 31 of July every year. 

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State.

Delta South: Ijaw Monarchs Accepts Nesiama, Commends him for God's Approval

Delta South: Ijaw Monarchs Accepts Nesiama, Commends him for God's Approval 

PENGlobal

Warri _____:The Chairman of the Delta State Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum, HRM Elder Capt. King Joseph Timiyan (JP) PhD, Torububou 1, Agbonu, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, has commended the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the Delta South Senatorial district, *Commodore *Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), for his well articulated vision and plans for the district as contained in his Manifesto.

His Majesty made the commendation to The Commodore of Hope as the NNPP candidate is popularly called, at a brief consultation visit by him and his team to the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom at his residence in Warri, Delta State on Thursday., July 7, 2022 to make known his plans for Delta South and to seek the blessings and support of the Forum.

Nesiama, who earlier made a brief introduction and presentation of his plans to some members of the Forum present, had reiterated the need for a candidate that can adequately give the expected effective representation to the people of Delta South at the national level come 2023 so that the protection of their interests will be well guaranteed. 

According to The Commodore of Hope: "We are the most blessed region of this country but we have very little to show for it. We need seasoned and abled men and women to represent us so those out there  would appreciate, value, trust and respect us for who we are. 

We need people who will stand for us and bring honour to those from this region. We need people who will speak and bring hope to the Delta South people that truly they have a Representative that can speak for them.

"That person is what my candidacy represents. I am tagged now as the Commodore of Hope. That rank I retired several years ago with is now the rank that has been tied towards the hopes and aspirations of the people. And I am very humbled, very honoured and very proud to be able to carry that toga on behalf of the yearnings of the teeming people of Delta South Senatorial district," Nesiama affirmed.

The Commodore of Hope also bemoaned the poor state of the region despite its abundant resources and said one of his plans is to channel more of constituency projects to human capacity development as a way to empower the people of Delta South to manage effectively other resources at their disposal.

"We want to ensure that even the constituency provisions that are made for legislators will be channeled more to human capacity development. It is not to construct road or dig gutter and all those things; those things the government can do. But when the people are developed, when their capacity is built they will be able to manage what you have kept for them overtime.

"We build roads, we build schools but we don’t have teachers to teach in the school, we don’t have means to maintain the roads, and at the end of it all they go back to square one. We need people to be able to be well equipped to manage all these resources that we have prepared for our own good."

The Senatorial Candidate of the NNPP also lamented the poor attention given to the Traditional Institutions which the Forum is a representation of, saying their views should be paramount especially if insecurity is to be tackled effectively.

"One of the things you will see in this manifesto which might interest you is the fact that I am brought up to respect traditional institutions because I believe that they are the Custodians, not only of our Tradition and Culture but the Custodians of discipline. That is how I grew up. We were taught to revere our Royal Fathers. 

"When we talk of Community Policing, it is none other than the traditional form of securing a particular community. And who are the Custodians of the Communities and their interests? It rests on the Traditional Rulers. In this manifesto I said that I will initiate and support any legislation that will bring back the reverence of our traditional institutions. People must respect them. Their views must be heard, consulted when it comes to the security management of this country. And when that is done then we can be on our way to development because without development there is no security, and vice versa," Nesiama added.

The Commodore of Hope appealed to the Forum of Traditional Rulers to help him take his message of Hope to the people at the grassroots in the language that they (the people) understand so as to reawaken their conscience and support for the prosperity of Delta South Senatorial district  

Speaking on behalf of the Forum, the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom applauded The Commodore of Hope for his respect for the traditional institution which he demonstrated by keeping to the time of appointment while also indicating that while theirs is to pray, God Himself knows who will represent the people of Delta South. 

"Our people made a parable that when you see the white cloth you will see what is inside. That means through your speech one can always know who you are. You are the first Candidate that has come to us like this a with manifesto. And I know that gradually politics will change, it will not be business as usual, and those are the things that are playing out. 

"And also, you were prompt to the time. That is another proof that you will keep to your promise. Because when you start it like this then you can end it very well. So, if people like you can respect us then our subjects will also respect us, and where there is respect there is peace; and where there is love there is also peace.

"I will really want somebody that will represent us in that house. I know we will do our prayers but God will choose the leader for this Delta South Senatorial district for us. But God is not a partial God we are serving; He is God of truth. So, He will also choose somebody that will do the best for his people because God also needs peace in this region," His Majesty counseled.

Highlights of the consultation visit among others include the presentation of the Manifesto by Commodore Nesiama to the Forum, the offering of prayers of blessings by HRM, Dr. Charles Ayemi-botu (JP) OFR, the Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom (Lion of the Niger) on the NNPP candidate, with a group photograph session at the end of the meeting.

Other traditional rulers in attendance include: HRM, Pere S. P. Luke Kalanama VIII (JP), Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom (First Vice Chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council); HRM, Dr. Danladi Foubiri Owoupele, PhD (Urology). Angulu 1, the Ebenanaowei of Tarakiri Kingdom; HRM, Jackson Foubriowe Angalabiri, the Ebenanaowei of Kumbowei Kingdom; HRM, Barr. Shadrach Peremobowei Erebulu, Aduo III, the Pere of Kabowei Kingdom; HRM, Bosu Dio (JP), Ayamabulo 1, the Ebenanaowei of Iduwini Kingdom; HRM, Couple M. Oromoni, Mobene III, Pere Amaokosuwei of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom; and HRM, Johnbull Polokowei, Onogolor 1, the Pere of Ogbolubiri-Mein Kingdom.

#TheCommodoreofHope 

#penglobalcommunity #Omatseyenesiamacampaignorganisation #HRM #deltasouth #itispossible

Wayles Felicitates with Gov. Okowa on his 63 Birthday Anniversary

Wayles Felicitates with Gov. Okowa on his 63 Birthday Anniversary 

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: HIGH CHIEF  EMONENA VICTOR WAYLES

EGUKAWHORE (JP) CHAIRMAN, DE WAYLE'S GROUP OF COMPANIES CONGRATULATES GOVERNOR OKOWA ON HIS BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY

By Victor Bieni,  Asaba

The Chairman, DE WAYLE'S GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) has congratulated His Excellency, Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, The Executive Governor of Delta State, And Vice Presidential Candidate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as he today celebrates his Birthday Anniversary in grandstyle.

The media learnt this in a press Statement today being 8th day of July, 2022, which was made available to newsmen in Asaba, Delta State Capital personally signed by the Chairman, DE WAYLES GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief Emonena  Victor Wayles  Egukawhore (JP) who commended the Governor for his selfless service to humanity.

The statement reads in parts: "Today being 8th day of July, 2022, I, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP) wishes you a happy birthday Anniversary as you celebrate today in grandstyle".

"Ekwueme! Ekwueme!! Ekwueme!!! I salute you. My very own brother, Your Excellency, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, our beloved Executive Governor of Delta State, on this very special day, I am really, truly glad to  celebrate you".

"Your selfless service to God and humanity has bestowed God's special Grace on you and he has consistently promoted you from glory to glory".

"As you mark this great day, I wish you God's abiding goodness and sufficient grace in sound health, happiness and peace as you step into another prospective and greater responsibility for the good of our country in the coming year".

Why Gov. Soludo Demolished Odumeje’s Church In Anambra

Why Gov. Soludo Demolished Odumeje’s Church In Anambra 

Keeping to his words to restore Onitsha to its former glory, governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has started massive demolition of illegal structures in Onitsha with the demolition of Odumeje’s Church this morning.

Recall ANAMBRA PEOPLE had on the 15th of March, 2022 reported that the then governor-elect planned to remove all illegal structures and demolish buildings on flood channels in the state.

Other churches, industries, residential buildings, etc. built along flood channels like Sakamori, Nwangene stream, Otumoye and other areas would be pulled down soon. Some of the structures at Zik’s avenue, fegge , Ochanja market, Biafran market and Main market Onitsha have been penciled for demolition.

Boris Johnson Resigns as UK PM Over British Economic Hardship

Boris Johnson Resigns as UK PM Over British Economic Hardship 

 

London____ British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has resigned as the leader of the Conservative Party and effectively as prime minister.

Mr Johnson announced his resignation Thursday afternoon at 10, Downing Street, London.

 

He said he will, however, remain in office until the Conservative Party elects a new leader who will also assume office as prime minister. That is expected to happen before October.

In his speech on Thursday, Mr Johnson thanked the Conservative Party and the British voters for trusting the party and helping it to victory in the 2019 elections.

“I want you to know how sad I am giving up the best job in the world,” Mr Johnson said Thursday.

He added that in politics, no one is indispensable. From now on until the new prime minister is in place, the interest of the British people will continue to be served, he said.

Mr Johnson pledged to support the new leader who emerges. The timetable for choosing a new leader will be released next week.

Mr Johnson came under severe public scrutiny over the party gates scandal and recently over Christopher Pincher who he appointed as Chief Whip despite being aware of his misconduct.

Other issues that sparked Mr Johnson’s woes include the current economic hardship faced by Britons.

A lot of the ministers who resigned cited a loss of confidence in the prime minister as a reason for their resignation.

Panic As Abuja High Court Sacks Oborevwori, Orders Fresh Primaries

Panic As Abuja High Court Sacks Oborevwori, Orders Fresh Primaries

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has nullified the primary election that made Sheriff Oborevwori as the gubernatorial flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State for the 2023 general elections.

According to Sahara Reports, the court on Thursday sacked Oborevwori with emphasis on the discrepancies of certificates. It ordered the party to conduct a fresh primary before the final date of change of candidates.

It was further noted that the Electoral Act does not permit the runner-up to automatically become the candidate.Just-ln: Court Sacks Sherrif Oborevwori, Delta PDP Guber Candidate.

Justice Taiwo Taiwo ruled that Oborevwori, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, isn’t qualified to contest.

The court order followed a suit instituted by David Edevbie, a former commissioner for finance, who is the anointed candidate of former governor James Ibori against Oborevwori’s candidacy.

Oborevwori is the candidate of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the state governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of the PDP.

Bayelsa Assembly: Amgbare Promises Robust Representation when elected 2023

Bayelsa Assembly: Amgbare Promises Robust Representation when elected 2023

Yenagoa _____ Princess Preye Joy Amgbare, candidate of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) has pledged to make a good and quality representation in Bayelsa state House of Assembly from Sagbama contituency 11.

She also pledged to embark on infrastructural development and massive empowerment of the youths, men and women within her resources,  if voted 2023 as lawmaker.

Amgbare,  disclosed in a press statement Tuesday,,  said'' I want to contribute my quota in human capital and infrastructure development  through legislative business in 2023 Bayelsa State House of Assembly. I have concern for sustainable infrastructural development as well as empowerment programmes for youths, women/men in my constituency. I have seen that youths, men and women need various kinds of support in my constituency as the poverty rate is high due to joblessnes,'' She promised.

Princess Joy Amgbare, lover of youths and  visionary young  leader from Sagbama constituebcy 11, noted that she has all it takes to represent her constituency with a good leadership and passion to serve her constituents.

Amgbare, a graduate of the prestigious  University of Port-Harcourt who bagged Education political science and  Msc. Education, said her people have spoken with her severally, urging her to give them robust and purposeful representation  She assured that she  would not let them down, if given the mandate in 2023.

'' Apart from participating in good lawmaking, I will engage vigoriously on my oversight functions by carrying out empowerment programmes of youths, women and men to justify and compensate my people for voting me.

Princess Preye Joy Amgbare

My empowerment programmes will cut across the entire constituency, irrespective of political party affiliation. Don't forget, I will also make a good bridge with the executive arm to attract robust constituency projects and ensure all projects are closely monitored for proper execution to thank my people as payback.

'' I have passion to serve my people. I want my people in Sagbama constituency 11 to send me as their messenger in 2023 to the Bayelsa state House of Assembly. I have the courage and the grace to stand tall in male dominated hallow chambers to look them eye-ball- to-ball to speak without fear or favour on behalf of the good people of Sagbame and for all Bayelsans  to yield the dividends of democracy, making my impact in lawmaking. Good lawmaking and genuine leadership know no gender. But capacity makes the difference . As a woman, I will not let my constituents down. And I am here to serve all Bayelsans, if voted into power by the grace of God, Sagbama constituency 11 shall sing song of joy for sending me to the Bayelsa state House of Assemby'' she promised.

Gov. Diri makes case for Federal Marine Safety Corps to Tackle Sea Pirates

Gov. Diri makes case for Federal Marine Safety Corps to Tackle Sea Pirates

 

Amgbare Ekaunkumo

Yenagoa _____ The Bayelsa State Government has again called on the Federal Government to expedite action over the establishment of a marine safety corps to effectively address security challenges on the waterways in the country.

The State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call on Tuesday when a delegation from the Nigeria Police Trust Fund paid him courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo pointed out that establishing the marine equivalent of the existing Federal Road Safety Corps would help in the fight against sea piracy, kidnapping and other crimes in the Niger Delta.

He pointed out that policing the creeks of Bayelsa demanded a lot of logistics, noting that the state needs more support in terms of gunboats to enable the marine division of the state Police Command to effectively secure the creeks.

While expressing the state government’s preparedness to collaborate with the Federal Government on security, he added that the Marine Safety Corps would support other security agencies to safeguard critical national assets such as oil facilities in the state.

According to him, until the Federal Government and the 36 states work closely together to fight against insecurity, Nigeria would not be able to achieve sustainable peace and tranquility.

Expressing delight over the infrastructure projects earmarked by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for Bayelsa, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the projects would go a long way to complement the efforts of the state government in the security sector.

The Deputy Governor, who passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Nebolisa Okolo and his team, expressed hope that the visit of the NPTF would facilitate the take-off of the Marine Police Training Institute at Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area.

His words, “Our security challenges are more in the riverine areas and if we are able to properly police those areas, we would have done a lot to boost our security architecture.

“So, we need more gunboats to help police our rivers and rivulets and help cover where we believe are to be their (criminals) escape routes. This will also help improve our oil production.

“That is why we have been calling on the Federal Government to establish a marine safety corps just as we have the Road Safety Corps to effectively police our waterways

“We are ready to collaborate with you on the provision of a Police Headquarters as the present headquarters is not befitting. We believe you can do your own contribution in your 2022 budget so that we can come and assist you to get a befitting Police Headquarters,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the leader of the team, Mrs. Gladys Odegbaro, explained that the Nigeria Police Trust Fund officials were on an inspection visit to police formations under Zone 16, which has its headquarters in Bayelsa.

Mrs. Odegbaro, who is a board member of the NPTF, said the fact-finding visit would enable them to know the basic needs of the various police divisions in the state.

She said the NPTF in its current budget had earmarked to rehabilitate the  Sagbama and Ekeki police stations as well as provide some infrastructure at the Marine Police Training Institute, Toru-Orua, police driving school and staff quarters.

While requesting the state government’s support in the building of a more befitting headquarters of Police in the state, Mrs Odegbaro, promised to convey the requests for gunboats to the appropriate quarters for action.

Delta South: Nesiama Urges Christians to Elect God-Fearing Leaders to Represent them

Delta South: Nesiama Urges Christians to Elect God-Fearing Leaders to Represent them 

Warri _____ The NNPP Senatorial Candidate for Delta South Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), has called on religious leaders and their followers across the country to vote God-Fearing Servant leaders into political offices so as to effectively represent their interest in government.

Omatseye, popularly known as the Commodore of Hope made the call during the annual harvest banquet at St Peters Anglican Church, Deco Road, Warri stated that only God-Fearing servant leaders can genuinely provide the dividends of Democracy to the people at the grassroot when elected. 

He particularly appreciated the priests and members of the church for the special invitation extended on him, stressing that he sees it as a rare privilege given to a politician. 

He further thanked the church for their political consciousness and encouraged them not to relent as the acts of commission or omission of a government has positive or negative bearing on the church in one form or the other. Thus, the need to find God-fearing men and women with good interpersonal skills to elect into political offices, the statement added. 

The occasion which was chaired by the Provost of the College of Education, Warri, Chief Dickson Oyovwi had some prominent sons and daughters of the state in attendance.

Comrade Emmanuel Aye, the Chairman of the Planning Committee in his Vote of Thanks, appreciated the Commodore of Hope and all other invited guests for honouring the invitation even at a very short notice and their willingness to support the mission. 

Rev Canon Amadi, while saying the closing prayer, prayed for the Commodore of Hope, Omatseye Nesiama to succeed in his Senatorial ambition.

Delta 2023: Oborevwori Wins Big At FHC Abuja, Two Cases Strike Out

Delta 2023: Oborevwori Wins Big At FHC Abuja, Two Cases Strike Out

Fred Latimore 

Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, got two more judgments in his favour at the Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday 5th July, 2022.

The frivolous cases which were statute barred and devoid of locus standi are; Ogbe v. Sheriff, and Ejoh v. PDP, making a total of eight judgments in Oborevwori's favour in recent times and counting.

The applicants brought the fragile suits challenging the governorship primaries but were disappointed as they lost out in all ramifications.

The remaining two cases against Oborevwori and PDP are fixed for judgment tomorrow, Wednesday 6th July, at the Federal High Court Abuja.

Meanwhile, there is jubilation across the state, obviously reaffirming Deltans total  and unrepentant support for the Sheriffied crooner, a unifier and candidate of the PDP, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, JP, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom.

ORDER AND SOLUTIONS NEEDED TO ADDRESS RECKLESS REGARDS FOR OTHERS IN BURUTU POLITICS

ORDER AND SOLUTIONS NEEDED TO ADDRESS RECKLESS REGARDS FOR OTHERS IN BURUTU POLITICS

By,

Kitua Dauyebo Anthony

My Burutu LGA people, I always feel disappointed reading comments and write-ups by some of us on the social media attacking other politicians. Such verbal attacks came up after the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Primary Elections because of issues of disagreement arising from those elections. Some of us have even personalized those issues resorting to insulting others. Some of such insults, names aren't mentioned though, we know those being referred to. However, those aspirants that contested in the PDP Primaries never even thought of such recklessness.

Rep. Julius G. Pondi and Chief (Hon.) Dan Yingi got my moral support in their respective elections. That doesn't mean I have the right to insult Rt. Hon. (Chief) Franc Enokorogha or Chief Arede Edeinmene and Hon. Asupa Forteta or Hon. Timi Akuna, if there were disagreements. I usually discourage those very close to me to attack Burutu leaders and others because we're too close to attack one another. And that insults won't change the destinies of some of those leaders because they have arrived except, if they behaved like Pharaoh who challenged God Almighty in the Bible.

Of course, disagreements and litigations are constant in the history of politics or decision making process. Election itself is a decision making process where participants would want to outsmart others which often leads to disagreements. It was such type of disagreements that God Almighty and one of his sons, Lucifer, had which caused a big riot in heaven because of how certain decisions would be made. However, God, at last, demonstrated His power against Lucifer and his followers, and they fled from Elysium.

The game of politics is getting tougher and more thorough on daily basis owing to the roles of electronic technology and the increasing number of enlightened people in the society. Therefore, as it's now, if we have a relative or a friend having the ambition for any political office, it's advisable to subject that person objectively to a rehearsal of screening exercise and found qualified before coming out for such position.

I'm dismayed to see and hear some enlightened persons calling politicians funny names for going to the law court to seek redress. I think taking legal actions is a civilized way of doing things. Maybe they prefer violence as a means of doing the right thing. Doubtlessly, what we should do is to discuss the validity of the arguments in the law court not the persons involved. Such discussions could provide enlightenment, education and humour in the opposite camps. That should be the limit of supporters.

Attacking a leader of other camp is usually counterproductive. An intelligent loyalist who loves his leader should be aware that if he calls a leader of other camp dishonourable names, he has made his own leader vulnerable to mockery. If this nonsense isn't checked on time, it might escalate. Attention of good leaders is hereby sought to intervene by cautioning their supporters to be mindful of their choice of words.

There's another way to contain the excesses of any supporter who refuses to take good advice. Simple, as we did in Ayakoromo Ward 7, profile that person and post it on any platform for analyses and delibrations. This would go a long way to bring sanity to the political system in Burutu LGA.

With the aid of microscope, one would be bewildered to discover that some of those venomous writers and commentators that specialize in attacking political leaders were beneficiaries of the magnanimity of those same leaders. It's time we behaved as politicians of honour.

- Kitua Dauyebo Anthony

  3rd July, 2022

Mulade Frowns at Okowa over regular Loans, Condemns use of ljaw, ltsekiri as Collateral

Mulade Frowns at Okowa over regular Loans, Condemns use of ljaw, ltsekiri as Collateral 

……. Says no project worth 10 billion naira in sight despite huge contributions under Gov Okowa

Asaba____ A Delta-born advocate and environmental right activist, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade has condemned the use of Delta State oil facilities in Ijaw and Itsekiri areas as collateral on the N150 billion loan by the Delta State Government. This was after chief Mulade congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the Vice Presidential running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.  Chief Mulade further admonished Governor Okowa to judiciously use the billions of naira borrowed to execute people-oriented development projects for the benefit of Deltans devoid of politics.

Speaking further, Chief Mulade said Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa obtained a N150b loan, part of which he (Okowa) said was meant for the construction of an international conference centre in Asaba, as well as other development infrastructure in the State, using the State's assets, especially the State's oil facilities, as collateral. 

Chief Mulade who is also the Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, made the assertion on Friday, 1st July, 2022, in a statement issued at Asaba, saying that the information was part of the findings of an independent investigation carried out on the alleged contract agreement used to acquire the said loan. 

He noted, as alleged that oil facilities in Delta State were used as collateral for the N150b loan, if this is correct, the move will be subjecting the entire Delta Ijaw and Itsekiri nations to perpetual indebtedness and financial bondage, despite the established fact that both ethnic nationalities have not derived any significant benefit from the administration of Okowa in his over seven years of governance. 

According to the statement, the facilities allegedly used as collateral include those operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, NPDC, Shell, Exxol Mobile Agip, Pan Ocean, Seplat, Neconde, etc, covering Escravos oil facilities, Forcados oil facilities, and others located mainly in Ijaw and Itsekiri areas of the State. 

Comrade Sheriff Mulade recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly, in May 2022, approved a request from Governor Okowa to borrow the sum of N150 billion in favour of the State Government, with Dr. Okowa claiming that the loan was principally meant to settle the arrears of unpaid job certificates earned by contractors with respect to the completion of some ongoing legacy projects awarded by past and present administrations, and that part of the loan would be used to take care of outstanding pension commitments to the State and Local Government pensions in the contributory pension scheme. 

Chief Mulade also recalled that earlier in February 2022, the Delta State House of Assembly approved Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s request for N12 billion bridging finance facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the State, to cushion the effects of the repayment of Federal Govt’s intervention facilities, on the expiration of the forbearance period. 

The statement added that in December 2021, the Delta State House of Assembly approved another request by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for a N20 billion loan facility from Fidelity Bank Plc to finance the State Government’s five per cent equity in the UTM Offshore Limited Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) Project.

Chief Mulade alleged that the loans above, borrowed by the State Governor, and other funds accruing to the State from the 13% derivation fund, as well as the State IGR, were recklessly mismanaged by the state government while Deltans are wallowing in abject poverty and suffering, with no meaningful infrastructural and civil benefits to the people, especially in the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities areas of the State.  

Lamenting further, the development advocate said despite the contributions of the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities to the State revenue, no project worth of 5billion naira was executed in the area to give credence to the Okowa legacy project, rather the roads master administrator will gladly for political reasons refer to concrete walkways in the riverine communities as ROADS that are not linked to any community. To me, it worrisome and a big shame on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his roads master administration.

Commenting further on the poor state of infrastructural, social and economic development of the riverine areas of the State, Chief Mulade said there are no access roads and bridges connecting the various communities in the riverine areas, as construction works in the areas were deliberately abandoned by Governor Okowa, including the most famous Escravors road known as the Amadino-Okerenkoko-Pepe-Ama and Kokodiagbene road project, Burutu and Ayakoromor bridge projects which have great economic values and should have contributed to the regions development; there are no health centres, schools and clean portable water, while the level of human capital development is low, as the people are still wallowing in abject poverty.   

Chief Mulade, therefore, called on Governor Okowa to focus on the development of the State, and use the borrowed funds to develop the State, especially the riverine areas whose over 80% of its assets are being used as collateral for the N150b and the recent 25billion loan, now that he has emerged the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, to win the heart, trust and confident of Deltans before Nigerians in general.

Marital Bliss: Warri Stand Still As John May Marries Emily ln Grand style

Marital Bliss: Warri Stand Still As John May Marries Emily ln Grand style

....... As Best May catapults invited guests to the moon with best of ljaw Owigiri highlife music at the reception 

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ There was a traffic jam on Saturday at the popular Apala road Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, as Mr. John May get married to his heartbeat, Emily Lyon amidst funfare over the weekend. 

The two days amazing marriage ceremony started on Friday 1st July, 2022 in a grand style according to ljaw culture payment of dowry (Bride Price) and other necessary requirements by the Groom in present of both family members at the resident of the bride parents, Mr/Mrs. Chief. Ebipade Lyon along Apala road, Warri. 

Thereafter successful payment of dowry and other traditional rites, the Blessed Marriage (White Wedding) ceremony took place on Saturday 2nd July, at the Biblical Deliverance Ministry Int'l Church, located at 15 Apala road, Warri where the founder/General Overseer (G.O.) of the ministry, Apostle John Akpofinine spiritually joined the latest couples together as one in Holy Matrimony. 

Immediately after the Holy Matrimonial service, cutting of wedding cake and signing of the marriage certificate by the couple amidst both parents as well as other witnesses in the church, the couple proceeded straight to the grand wedding reception arena at Yins Hotel, Apala for the climax of the occasion. 

At the reception ground, there was a lot of fun and side attractions, bumper entertainment, couple dance section, appreciation and presentation of gift items to the wonderful young couples by families, friends, unions, associations, business partners, politicians and other well wishers. 

However, the most capitivating moment at the reception was when the guest artist, Best May popularly known as JFred May and his Giant Star Band of Africa musically flights the over excited invited guests to the moon for complete non stop entertainment and dance to the melodies of best soundtracks of ljaw Owigiri highlife music to the amazement of the Nigeria Police Force men on duty as well as other foreign guests present at the occasion.

Meanwhile, it will interest the general public to note that the both parents of the couple hailed from Ayakoromo and Ogbe-ljoh Community's in Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

2023: Dr/Mrs. Sule, Eruvwu Queen Throw Weight behind Oborevwori for Governor Delta State

Delta 2023: Dr/Mrs. Mercy Sule, Eruvwu Queen Throw Weight behind Oborevwori for Governor Delta State

Francis Tayor

A Delta born lreland, Europe based grassroot politician, the CEO Bemy's Foundation and the Chairperson of the foremost political pressure group in Delta State and Europe known as 'Sheriff Pride of Deltans', Chief (Dr) Mrs. Mercy Sule and her Deputy, Ovieya of Agbarha Otor kingdom A.K.A. Auntie Oyibo Eruvwu Queen, has thrown their weight behind to support the Governorship Flagbearer of the People's Democratic Party, PDP Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for Governor Delta 2023 general elections. 

The duo in a statement released on Thursday in London during a Press Conference with The Times Print Media, stated that their endorsement and support for Oborevwori was based on the premises of the positive mission, sterling leadership track records and antecedents of the current Speaker of Delta State House Assembly to move Delta State to the next level of greatness after Gov. Okowa's tenure next year. 

Dr. Mercy Sule stressed that her family, friends and other patriotic Deltans in Europe and Nigeria formed the group Sheriff Pride of Deltans (SPD) in order to render strategic mobilization and campaign assistance towards the positive mission of Delta PDP Governorship candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori to win the forthcoming Delta 2023 governorship election. 

Dr. Sule further stated that she has seen the rescue missions among Sheriff potentials as a man who have developed his life, family, different people from his primary Constituency and the entire Constituency which citizens can attest to. 

That means, he can develop the entire Delta State at large in infrastructural and human capital development wise when elected as governor. What he needs most now is our consistent prayers, massive support, canvas and vote him the next governor of the state come 2023, Dr/Mrs. Mercy Sule asserted. 

In her reaction, the Vice Chairperson of Sheriff Pride of Deltans, Ovieya of Agbarha Otor kingdom, Eruvwu Queen noted that who the Delta governorship cap fit has been verified and also specified for All Deltans to be Sheriffied. 

She however, assured the governorship candidate of PDP, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori of massive support from Deltans, adding that he is the next incoming Governor of Delta State without mixing of words.

Ekweremadu Sues NIMC, UBA, Others to Court Over Organ Harvest Allegation

Ekweremadu Sues NIMC, UBA, Others to Court Over Organ Harvest Allegation 

Embattled former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and his wife, Beatrice, have dragged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations on human trafficking.

The suit filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, is for the commission to unravel the true age of their accuser, David Ukpo Nwamini.

Other defendants in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/2022, include the Comptroller General (C-G), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS); Stanbic-IBTC Bank; United Bank of Africa (UBA) and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc as 2nd to 5th respondents respectively.

It would be recalled that Ekweremadu and his wife were last week Thursday arrested by the Metropolitan Police in Heathrow, London while on their way to Instanbul, Turkey.

The couple was tried before the Uxbridge Magistrate Court for allegedly conspiring to the trafficking of Ukpo to the UK for organ harvesting.

Prosecutors say Ukpo was a minor and was incapable of giving consent for a kidney transplant for Ms. Sonia Ekweremadu.

The Ekweremadus persistently denied the allegations but were remanded in prison until July 7 when the case would be called up for hearing.

In the suit filed on Monday by counsel to the couple, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, the Ekweremadus sought the court to pass an order directing NIMC to supply them with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the biodata information of David Nwamini Ukpo.

The applicants said Ukpo’s National Identification Number (NIN):19438077110, which is in the possession of the agency, should be produced for the purpose of facilitating the criminal investigation and tendering same to establish their innocence with respect to Ukpo’s age in the criminal charges against them before the Uxbridge Magistrate Court.

They also sought an order directing the NIS C-G to supply the applicants with the documents and application form of David Nwamini Ukpo in the possession of the 2nd respondent presented for the issuance of International passport No. BO0569974 for the purpose of assisting criminal investigation and issuing same before the Uxbridge Magistrate Court, UK until July 7 in the alleged criminal charge brought against the applicants.

The lawyer noted that documents being sought to be handed over to the applicants will support the applicants in their defence and establish their innocence of the charges in the interest of justice.

Also, Bright Ekweremadu, the elder brother of the lawmaker, in the affidavit deposed to, said Ukpo informed the couple that he was 21 years old, having been born in the year 2000 and was ready to help Sonia.