Category: Niger delta

A group, Coalition of Ex-Agitators of Niger Delta (CEND), has apologised to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku over a five-day ultimatum to vacate the agency or face their wrath. 

They withdrew the threat, saying it was hasty and not intended to ridicule the hard-earned reputation of Ogbuku. 

A statement jointly signed by the national coordinator chief Gershom M Gbobo and the spokesman Mr Ellington Bakumor of the coalition apologised for the stance. 

They acknowledged Ogbuku has made a lot of sacrifices for the region and promised to support his drive to develop the oil -rich States. 

The ex-agitators thanked him for graciously forgiving them, pointing out he has proven himself as a true, listening father. 

According to them: “We are glad to inform you that the Nddc boss Dr Samuel Ogbuku hold no ill feelings towards the ex-agitators and as a man of his words has pledged that the commission will sponsor the training of Niger Delta youths and has also rolled out different empowerment programs for the region.

Read Also: Bayelsa elders to NDDC: tackle flood

“He has also promised to partner with the Amnesty office to ensure ex-agitators are properly reintegrated to society through entrepreneurship empowerment and other programmes. 

“We the coalition of ex-agitators of Niger delta, is hereby appealing to youths of the region to sheath their sword and give the Dr Samuel Ogbuku led NDDC board administration their support and assistance to actualise the set targets, for the development of the area and human capacity building, this is no longer the time to pull down our own. 

“We as a coalition will from henceforth support and give the necessary assistance to your administration.”

• By, Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba 

No fewer than 300 youths from Delta State attended a career/ leadership mentorship  programme by industry leaders.

The event ,which is a collaboration between Foundation for Partnership Initiatives In the Niger Delta (PIND) and Young Professional (YP) Asaba, was held in Asaba, Delta Capital.

The one day event had young university graduates within the 30 years age bracket mentored by lawyers, accountants, medical doctors and the members of the business class.

Chief Executive Officer, Unboxed and Convener, Young Professional (YP) Asaba, Mr. Wale Adenuga, in an interview, said the event is a career mentoring programme that provided participants with opportunity to connect with industry leaders.

According to him, the programme would afford  young people the opportunity to gain insights, ask questions and connect with mentors from different areas of human endeavour.

Adenuga said the mentoring programme which started since 2015 has berthed in different cities including Lagos, Calabar and Asaba.

He said over 65% of youths participating in the event in Delta state are interested in digital media technology, stressing that business leaders who have distinguished themselves have been selected to be mentors at the occasion.

Adenuga stressed that the event was a mentoring and not an empowering event that offers starter packs to participants.

He said insights gained by mentees at such occasions have  transformed the lives of many mentees.

Patrick Ekpe, Youths Employment Pathways Project (PIND), said PIND is a non profit organization working within the Niger Delta region to impact on economic development and peace building.

Ekpe noted that PIND has been collaborating with Young Professional as a career mentorship programme to help support young persons build their skills within the region.

He said that PIND’s youth employment programme (YEP) is to ensure that all skills that are market relevant including ICT, Building Construction and Renewable Energy in the Niger Delta are captured.

Executive Director PIND, Tunji Idowu, expressed happiness at the youths who according to him, “turned up early and in huge numbers” to participate at the event.

He said despite the negatives associated with youths of the Niger Delta region, “every year, we have been able to prove that if we invest in young people, they can rise up to the occasion if we channel their (youths) energies correctly.”

Tunji went on, “About 300 youths showed up on time,showed up prepared and the level of engagements with their mentees.”

Read Also: ‘Reconstruct Niger Delta’s image for democratic dividends’

On funding for entrepreneurs, Mr Idowu maintained that funding is available from multiple sources including equity and loans, adding that only efficiently run businesses are eligible.

He said PIND had trained and built the capacity of over six thousand youths in PIND’s youth employment programme (YEP) with a 95% success rate.

Idowu noted that PIND did not give starter packs but rather engaged participants in a “challenge fund” that requires them to pitch their business ideas.

Chuks Ofulue, Advocacy Manager (PIND) the organisation works solely with partners, adding that PIND through its YEP scheme have collaborated with the Delta state wealth creation scheme since 2017.

The highpoint of the occasion was the pitching of business ideas by four selected participants. 

Miss Chinwe Unique Abujai and Mr Solomon Chigozie emerged winners carting home the sum of N125,000 each.

A Civil Society group, Delta State Comrade Assembly (DSCA) has joined the league of groups asking former Delta Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to account for over N200bn education funds received under his administration.

The group, in a statement, gave the former Governor and the successor Sheriff Oborevwori, a 14-day ultimatum to disclose to Deltans how the said N200bn was spent on projects across the state.

DSCA, in the statement by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbebor also commended Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) for taking up the case and exposing alleged corruption in the Okowa-led government.

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the Delta State Government to disclose details of how over N200bn in education funds was spent under the administration of Ifeanyi Okowa.

The funds were collected by Okowa’s government from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) between 2015 and 2019.

On July 17, Daniel Osiagor, the presiding judge delivered the ruling, following a freedom of information (FIO) suit marked FHC/L/CS/803/2019 filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).

SERAP had asked Okowa’s government in 2019 to account for the spending of the UBEC funds but his administration declined at the time.

The anti-corruption group subsequently filed an FIO lawsuit, among other things, seeking to compel the Delta government to “explain the disparity between budgetary allocations to primary education and the reality that several of the 1,124 primary schools across the state are in shambles, and with very poor teaching facilities”.

In the judgment, the court ordered Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta, to “disclose details of budgetary allocations and actual spending by the Okowa government between 2015 and 2019, including specific projects carried out to improve primary education in Delta state, and the locations of such projects.”

Read Also: ‘Reconstruct Niger Delta’s image for democratic dividends’

Comrade Ogbebor, while applauding SERAP for helping to expose corruption in Delta State, tasked Senator Okowa to come down from his high horse and explain to Deltans what he did with over #200b education fund or they will mobilize Deltans to protest and occupy Government House Asaba until their request is attended to.

According to DSCA: “SERAP petition has proven to all that the Okowa-led administration in Delta State was characterized with monumental corruption, This has always been our position and it is left for Okowa and Oborevwori to tell Deltans how over #200b of their money was spent.

“We the members of Delta State Comrade Assembly by this statement give Senator Okowa and his stooge to account for the said #200b within 14 days, if not we will have no other option but to mobilize Deltans to occupy Delta Government House until our request is met.

“We are not going to accept the very weak and laughable explanation from his spine doctor that Delta did not get up to #200b from UBEC without telling how much the state got under Okowa and what it was for.

“Let’s assume, without conceding that Governor Okowa didn’t get up to #200b, is it not proper that he tell Delta how much he got, or is Senator hiding something?

“We, therefore, called on Deltans of goodwill to come out there and put pressure on the current governor to give us an account according to available records, anything short of this is unacceptable to Deltans.”

Former Delta Commissioner of Finance and prominent leader of the APC in Delta State, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba has commended President Bola Tinubu for his timely national broadcast in which he not only allayed the fears of Nigerians but also laid out a robust plan of actions to re-boot the economy and make lives more meaningful for the majority of Nigerians.

In his first national broadcast to address the current economic challenges titled: “After darkness comes the glorious dawn,” Tinubu highlighted the reasons for the policy measures his government has taken so far to combat the economic challenges the nation has long faced, which according to him is to “reform the economy for the long-term good by fighting the major imbalances that had plagued our economy” by ending fuel subsidy and the preferential exchange rate system.

In a statement, Olorogun Okumagba applauded President Tinubu for re-affirming his commitment to “help and not hurt the people and nation,” by rolling out measures like utilising N75 billion between July 2023 and March 2024 to fund 75 enterprises at 9% per annum; a commitment to spend N125 billion to energise micro, small and medium enterprises, out of which N50 billion will be given to one million nano businesses between July 2023 and march 2024 as conditional grants, and firm commitment for an upward review of salaries of workers, amongst other far-reaching measures.

According to Okumagba, by keeping true to his promise to address the nation’s economic problems, Tinubu is well on the path to “remodel our economy to bring about growth and development through job creation, food security and an end of extreme poverty. 

“His well-thought out national broadcast also reinforces the President’s remarkable focus on growing the economy and tackling multi-dimensional poverty which would boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and thereby create a robust middle class that will drive our country’s economic rebound.” 

These will be achieved through additional measures announced by President Tinubu which include his directive for the release of over 200,000 metric tonnes of grains to families in the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; and the President’s approval to remove all restrictions on the Students’ Loan, making it available to any student or household in need.

Part of the programme is also to roll out buses across the states and local governments for mass transit at a much more affordable rate with a provision to invest N100 billion between now and March 2024 to acquire 3000 units of 20-seater CNG-fuelled buses. According to the President these buses will be shared to major transportation companies in the states, using the intensity of travel per capital. Participating transport companies will be able to access credit under this facility at 9% per annum with 60 months repayment period.

Read Also: Okumagba hails Tinubu for ‘inclusive’ ministerial list

Other commendable initiatives as announced by President Tinubu in his national broadcast include the plan to support cultivation of 500,000 hectares of farmland and all-year-round farming practice. The President further specified that N200 billion out of the N500 billion approved by the National Assembly will be disbursed as follows – N50 billion for cultivating 150,000 hectares of rice; N50 billion for cultivating 150,000 hectares of maize; N50 billion for cultivating 100,000 hectares of wheat; and N50 billion for cultivating 100,000 hectares of cassava

The former Commissioner of Finance recalled that earlier in the month of July, President Tinubu also took the bold initiative to fast track the re-boot of the nation’s economy for the benefit of all Nigerians by reducing the tax burden on Nigerians and businesses effected through the signing of four Executive Orders deferring and suspending the commencement of certain taxes paid by individuals and companies in the country to ensure the achievement of the desired tax law reforms, harmonization of taxes and revenue administration, all of which will boost investor confidence.

Okumagba  applauded President Tinubu for his resolve to steer the economy in the right direction, stating further that the work is just beginning and all stakeholders within the private and public sectors must be ready to support the administration’s effort through effective collaboration, hard work and sacrifice. According to Olorogun Okumagba, “we must all stand ready to make our dear nation great again to enable it occupy its justified place amongst its peers in the comity of nations in the coming years.”

• By Pius Okwuanya

Sometime in the recent past, I was having an interesting chat with a friend that is working with The World Bank when he said something sublime rather offhandedly. Encapsulating the conundrum that has stifled impact and derailed both the success of cash transfer programs and the financial inclusion efforts in Nigeria; he stated that ‘there is actually a fundamental difference between driving a successful cash transfer program and driving financial inclusion.’

This distinction needed to be made especially in developing countries like Nigeria where there may not be clarity as to what the Government or the Humanitarian organization is prioritizing or should be prioritizing. On the one hand, Social and Humanitarian cash transfers may be geared towards responding to endemic poverty, increasing household consumption, improving nutrition, responding to shocks; yet on the other hand, there is that niggling doubt that for the investment outlay involved in such projects, financial inclusion should be an expedient by-product of these cash transfer programs. The thought is not far-fetched, one of the ways of deepening the gains of these cash transfer programs is by ensuring that the beneficiaries are financially included.

It was expected that a financially included beneficiary would have some financial literacy and particularly digital payments literacy which would introduce the beneficiaries to the broader formal financial services landscape with its attendant products and services like micro-credit, micro-insurance and micro-savings. Scholars have argued that ownership of bank account as a measure of financial inclusion is not a sufficient metric and would hide more than it reveals, especially when such accounts was opened at the instance of a receiving a social protection or humanitarian benefits. These accounts will become inactive and eventually dormant at the end of the program.

There are already evidence generated across certain programs one of which stated that the targeted beneficiaries often relied upon proxies to access their payments. In one program, beneficiaries were observed to have sometimes given their debit cards to proxies, who are often already banked and could navigate the ‘complexities’ of the digital payments ecosystem so that these individuals can help them access their benefits. Of course, the risk in this shortcut is immediately obvious. Unwittingly, middlemen have been created by the financial inclusion process and sometimes, beneficiaries may be short-changed or outrightly defrauded as they compensate the middlemen.

In fact, research has pointedly shown that delivering cash transfers through mobile money and other digitized mechanisms does not automatically lead to financial inclusion and beneficiaries often resort to their more familiar informal systems.

Read Also: Cash surge into economy forces interest rate hike

Other times, Financial Inclusion could lead to lethargy in program delivery as stakeholders spend a lot of time discussing how best to integrate off-grid beneficiaries into the formal financial system within existing regulations and with minimum disruptions to their lifestyle. For instance, in Nigeria, a good percentage of the financially excluded do not have mobile phones and valid means of identification, basics of opening and running a bank account in Nigeria.

Supporting the National Cash Transfer Office, an office within the National Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, it was discovered that in the field, beneficiaries of social cash transfers may not have mobile phones and it is not strange to find a community of 50 beneficiaries having less than 10 phone numbers.

Furthermore, stakeholders will also need to deal with the paucity of digital payments infrastructures especially in rural settings like bank branches, agent network, mobile network and even electricity.

Therefore, financial inclusion if pursued without sufficient clarity could be a loaded gun, and morph into a cure that is worse than the disease.

However, it would be unwise to overlook the importance of financial inclusion in delivering sustainability of cash transfer programs. The availability of identity data, some form of benefits for the beneficiaries and remuneration for Payments Service Providers who often earn an average of 3% of disbursed value, creates a kind of subsidy, incentivizing Banks and Mobile Money Operators to invest in pushing products and resources towards meeting what data has shown as an obvious need, the financial inclusion of the unbanked segments. According to Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFINA) Access to Finance publication, there are still over 35% of the population who do not have bank accounts and have remained unserved by the formal financial services sector

No time has this challenge and need been more palpable than the recent currency redesign and the attendant cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, revealing the extensive dependence of Nigerians on cash and its tyrannical reign. Long queues at the bank branches, ATMs and even some POS Agent locations showed the need to drive digital payments adoption through financial inclusion especially as several stakeholders have commented that the brunt of the currency redesign and cashless policy would be borne by the financially excluded.

What is then the best way to drive financial inclusion through social or humanitarian cash transfer programs? Having worked with and supported both social and humanitarian cash transfer programs across thirty-six states in Nigeria as a Project Manager, Product Manager and Digital Payments specialist, I understand the critical nature of this conversation and have a few thoughts on how stakeholders can start the conversation of driving financial inclusion

First, it will be important to collect program beneficiaries’ data with financial inclusion in mind. At this point, it is advisable to refer to extant regulations and consult payments service providers to understand account opening and management requirements. It is equally necessary that you elicit the consent of beneficiaries if you intend to use the data to open accounts for them. Best practice would be to give the beneficiaries the capacity to choose from an array of licensed and regulated providers.

Secondly, there is need to understand the FinTech Product options that will drive financial inclusion targets and objectives. In Nigeria, financial inclusion has sometimes been interpreted to absolutely mean the ownership of Commercial Bank Accounts which sometimes may not be the right products to drive it. Mobile Money, Agent Banking and Payments Service Banking and even Microfinance Banks in Nigeria are all viable and more flexible for driving financial inclusion. Quick Response Codes, Near Field Communication technologies, USSD and Debit cards are all useful technology options duly regulated by the Central Bank.

Furthermore, it is best to set realistic financial inclusion targets informed by mapping and relevant data. Program beneficiaries in urban and peri-urban are usually more equipped and receptible to digital payments than those in rural areas. The rate of mobile phone ownership, mobile network coverage and availability of banking services infrastructure decreases as you move away from urban areas and deeper into rural locations.

As the targets have been set, cherry-pick the low hanging fruits, deploy digital payments there and begin to learn, while maintaining the distinction between cash transfer objectives and financial inclusion objectives. Sometimes, both may be working at cross-purposes especially if your objectives of delivering the benefits to the beneficiaries at the last mile is being hampered by the financial inclusion drive. Financial inclusion should solve a problem, not create one.

Stakeholders must also invest in sensitization and digital payments literacy campaigns. Beneficiary readiness to accept digital payments and banking must be a major focus. Asking program beneficiaries to adopt digital payments tools which would lead to financial inclusion is a change issue and change has to be appropriately managed.

There is also the need to establish an issue management and dispute resolution framework integrated between the cash transfer program and the fintech systems that is being leveraged for the program. This may mean that the Payments Service Providers need to become a part of the program design. If issues which would definitely arise are not resolved expeditiously for and by the beneficiaries who are new and sometimes ‘involuntary’ adopters of digital payments mechanisms, the case for the use digital payments may be weakened.

Finally, there is a need to have a Monitoring and Evaluation framework that will ensure that the financial inclusion drive is delivering sustainable impact and is not hindering beneficiary access. There is no use having a bank account or a debit card that a beneficiary cannot use or even having an account number that they will discard at the end of the social or humanitarian cash transfer program.

Pius Okwuanya is a Digital Payments Specialist and comments mostly on the potentials of Fintech to drive financial inclusion.

The former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has warned hired blackmailers and hack writers to leave him alone, following an alleged orchestrated campaign of calumny targeted at him in the last one week.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State had alleged Umana worked against the party’s victory in the last elections.

A statement on Tuesday by Iboro Otongaran, SA Media to Umana Okon Umana warns blackmailers to desist from such act, stating that “if the smear campaign is about a ministerial appointment, those behind it should know that it is entirely the prerogative of the President and commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to appoint whoever he wants to work with.”

The statement reads: “My position is that blackmailers, those who fabricate stories and those who peddle false stories to malign me because they want ministerial appointment, should leave me alone,” the former Minister said. “They ought to know that the appointment of ministers is the sole prerogative of the President.”

It should be noted that when a group under the name of Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance issued a false flag write-up last week upon which all the subsequent vitriolic publications have derived their justification, Umana saw through their ill-intent and issued a prompt disclaimer. Umana stands by the letters and spirit of that disclaimer which is reproduced below: 

“RE: PETITION TO SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION OVER MINISTERIAL SLOT FOR AKWA IBOM STATE”

“The attention of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Umana Okon Umana, has been drawn to a letter purported to be issued by Akwa Ibom APC Renaissance and addressed to the Secretary to Government of the Federation, His Excellency George Akume. In the said letter, a copy of which the group claimed has been sent to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, a strenuous effort is made to create the impression that the group is fighting for the political interest of Ibibio in Akwa Ibom State and Mr Umana as an individual in respect of who should be appointed Minister from the State into the present administration.

“We want to make it crystal clear that Mr Umana has nothing to do with this letter, and that the group is not acting at the behest of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

“Contrary to the impression that the letter and those behind it want to create, Mr Umana is not an ethnic champion. In all the roles he has had the privilege to play at the state and national levels Umana has always acted in the national interest, prioritising competence, fairness and equity above other considerations. And over the years, Umana has demonstrated his loyalty to the APC and has been unstinting in his efforts to build and defend the unity of the party at both the state and national levels.

“Umana is neither aware nor is he part of any factional fight within the APC in Akwa Ibom State.

“We totally disavow any insinuation of Mr Umana’s involvement in or support for any crisis in the APC in Akwa Ibom State.”

• By, Othuke Emmanuel

Last week’s judgment by Judge David Tomlinson of the Southwark Crown Court, which ordered former Delta State Governor James Ibori to pay the sum of 101.5m pounds immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence, is meant to achieve one sole aim: cause a frenzy in the polity. However, the news soon faded out and failed to achieve the purpose for which it was intended.

While many ignorant Nigerians, some who were not yet born when Ibori became governor in 1999 took to social media to hail the judgment and pour invectives on the man who has lived all his life defending the interests of the Niger Delta on the issue of resource control, other discerning Nigerians saw through the façade in the ruling.

A cursory look at the order clearly shows Judge Tomlinson’s ulterior motive. He ruled that Ibori should pay the sum of 101.5m pounds “immediately” or be jailed for 8 years. While many undiscerning minds are focused on the amount ordered by the judge, supporters of Ibori including some civil society organisations who have no association with him have kicked against the ruling, saying the judge’s aim is to return Ibori to prison for a second term.

What a ridiculous judgment! How did Judge Tomlinson and the prosecutors arrive at that sum? For someone who completed his tenure as governor over 16 years ago and has not held any public office since then till now, where Ibori will get 101.5m pounds to pay the fine? Even if they sell all his confiscated assets, will it amount to the sum he is asked to pay? The fine is nothing but ludicrous cum preposterous.

Of course, it has been proven times without number that Ibori has been a wealthy man even before his emergence as Delta state governor in 1999. In a recent interview, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, the state secretary (later chairman) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state when Ibori became governor in 1999 said “ We came together and said Ibori, you have to run for governor because he was the richest among us. He has more contacts. He was rich and he also has the reach. And so, we knew that none of us can stand the force. So, we all agreed here in Ibuzo here. All of us the young men, we said as far as we are concerned, he is going to be the governor. He brought his money. I am not an ingrate. Some people will be talking negatively about Ibori today because of ingratitude. None of us had money to go for election. He (Ibori) was the only man who has money, real money to go for the election. 99 percent of the money we spent was from Ibori.  I speak as the State Secretary of the party. Even the contacts we used and the electronic systems and all the equipment we used were in my cahmbers. All of them were done by Ibori”.

This statement clearly punctured the claims of the UK government and other naysayers who claimed Ibori acquired his wealth by stealing the resources of Delta state as governor from 1999 to 2007.

According to Ibori in a statement issued shortly after the ruling by Judge Tomlinson, “Since 2005 the British Prosecutors have investigated my assets worldwide, they have had a restraint order in place on most of those assets and they are well aware that the total monetary value of those assets is nowhere close to the sums that were the subject of today’s Order. Notwithstanding the fact that many of the assets are not and have never been owned by me – it seems that if you are my friend and you allowed me to spend some holiday time in your house, then by this order I now own your home and must ask you to sell it to satisfy the Order”.

It is not surprising therefore that Ibori likened the ruling to estimated billing by NEPA, a situation where electricity companies give out outrageous guess bills to their customers even when electricity is not supplied to them and they expected them to pay

After serving his term in prison, Ibori was due to be released on 20 December but instead, he was illegally held in immigration detention . Rather than release him, the Home Office made wanted him to be kept in prison for a longer period. It also made an application that Ibori should be electronically tagged and subjected to strict cur­few conditions. However, the ap­plication was rejected by Justice Juliet May who described the Home Sec­retary’s attempts to detain Ibori as “quite extraordinary. While condemning the actions of the Home Office and ordering Ibori to be immediately freed from prison, Mrs. Justice May said: “You don’t hold someone just because it is convenient to do so and without plans to deport them.”

Upon his release, Ibori sued for damages for false imprisonment and breach of his rights and demanded 4,000 pounds in compensation. The judge, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said the home secretary had been “wrong throughout her dealings with Mr Ibori over the weeks leading to his release” and that he had been unlawfully detained. She then awarded a nominal damages of 1 pound against the Home Office. Ibori was vindicated. Rather than offering a profuse apiology for violating his rights, Judge Tomlinson is talking of another possible 8-year jail term. The question rational minds should ask is ‘why were they hell-bent on keeping him in prison after he has officially served his terms’? Why are they talking of another possible 8-year jail term now? Can you jail a man twice for the same offence? That amounts to double jeopardy!

Consequent upon his release in 2016, Ibori has insisted that he was unfairly treated. In the current case, he has vowed to seek redress in higher courts in UK. That rights must be respected. Therefore, the issue of immediate payment or jail term cannot arise. The Supreme Court, not Judge Tomlinson will be the final arbiter in this case.

The people of Niger Delta are watching the latest development with keen interests. They see Ibori as a genuine leader who has genuine love for his people and will protect their interests, no matter whose ox is gored. When the agents of the federal government attempted to arrest him in 2010, the people vehemently resisted it. In 2017 upon his return from the UK, a tumultuous crowd rolled out the drums to celebrate his return home. His return saw to the cessation of militancy activities in the Niger Delta region.

Read Also: Ibori breaks silence on UK court order confiscating £101.5m

From 1999, Ibori has been vocal in his quest for resource control and development in the Niger Delta. During the 2005 National Dialogue, he listed core demands of the Niger Deltans which include increased autonomy for the federating units, resource ownership and control local control of police and security and equitable representations at the national level. It was the struggle from leaders like Ibori on equitable representation that  made it possible for a Goodluck Jonathan from Bayelsa state in the South-South region to emerge as Nigeria’s vice president and later, president.

In August 2019, the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Ghana Branch described him “as a role model and champion of the resource control struggle which has given the Niger Delta improved allocations from the 13 percent derivation fund”.

The Niger Deltans will not watch and allow one of their respected son and leader to be persecuted and taken away from them again. Therefore, after due consultation, they have given Ibori the backing to appeal the obnoxious judgment by Judge Tomlinson. That was why, in conclusion of his statement,  he boldly said “I know one thing for sure, that if I do not go to the Court of Appeal to contest this outrageous Order then my people will definitely say that I am a madman!”.

Emmanuel, a human rights activist and public affairs analyst writes from Abuja

• By, John Mayaki

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment as the Chairman of ECOWAS has sparked optimism and high expectations for the future of West Africa and the continent as a whole. Renowned for his visionary leadership and bold strategies, President Tinubu is poised to effect transformative change across Africa.

Even before assuming his new role, President Tinubu had crafted an ambitious agenda, known as the Renewed Hope action plan, aimed at propelling Africa forward. This comprehensive plan encompasses vital foreign policy initiatives designed to foster unity and development throughout the region. Let’s delve into some of the key policies.

President Tinubu envisions establishing a strategic alliance among major African nations to collectively address critical continental and global challenges. This united front will empower Africa to influence key issues and shape its own destiny. He also plans to lead Africa in seeking reforms within international financial institutions and the World Trade Organisation to prioritize African industrialization and secure equitable trade deals for the continent’s benefit.

Through active diplomacy, President Tinubu aims to bring an end to conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly within the West African sub-region. By fostering peaceful resolutions, he seeks to create an environment conducive to progress and prosperity. Additionally, President Tinubu envisions enhancing internal sub-regional trade within ECOWAS, facilitating joint industrialization efforts, and promoting collaborative infrastructural projects. These initiatives will unlock the economic potential of the region and amplify West Africa’s collective voice.

Recognizing the vital role of security in fostering development, President Tinubu aims to enhance regional cooperation to combat cross-border terrorism. His focus is on deterring terrorist movements and preventing non-African terrorist organizations from infiltrating West Africa, ensuring stability and prosperity for the region. Moreover, President Tinubu is committed to rallying Africa in a united effort to eradicate malaria, a longstanding obstacle to health, economic development, and productivity. By working together, the continent can conquer this pervasive challenge and create healthier, more prosperous societies.

President Tinubu emphasizes the immense potential of West Africa in agriculture and gas sectors. By harnessing these resources and fostering unity among nations, he aims to unlock the region’s true capabilities. With his impressive track record as the former governor of Lagos, President Tinubu’s appointment fills West Africa with anticipation for a promising future. His visionary leadership and proven ability to execute plans bode well for the continent’s progress.

President Tinubu’s transformative agenda, with a projected success rate of 70%, has the potential to rewrite Africa’s narrative. As West Africa embraces this new chapter, the continent stands on the precipice of meaningful and lasting change.

President Tinubu enjoys significant support and enthusiasm across West Africa for several reasons. First, his extensive experience in Nigerian politics, including his tenure as governor of Lagos State, has demonstrated his leadership capabilities. He has a track record of implementing progressive policies and driving development, earning him respect and support from the public.

Second, President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to democracy resonates with many people. His emphasis on strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance aligns with the aspirations of citizens who seek accountable and transparent leadership.

Read Also: NIDCOM lauds Tinubu as ECOWAS Chairman

Third, President Tinubu’s ambitious agenda, as outlined in his Renewed Hope action plan, demonstrates his vision for transforming West Africa and the continent as a whole. His focus on economic integration, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation has struck a chord with those who aspire for progress and prosperity in the region.

Fourth, President Tinubu’s leadership within ECOWAS signifies Nigeria’s continued influence and active engagement in regional affairs. His commitment to fostering regional unity, cooperation, and collective decision-making resonates with citizens who believe in the strength of collaboration for the betterment of West Africa.

Lastly, President Tinubu’s emphasis on security and conflict resolution is highly valued in a region that has faced numerous challenges. His determination to combat terrorism, promote stability, and strengthen regional security frameworks has garnered support from those seeking peace and safety in West Africa.

President Tinubu’s support stems from his proven leadership abilities, commitment to democratic principles, visionary agenda, and focus on regional unity and development. As he assumes his role as the Chairman of ECOWAS, many people are optimistic about the positive impact he can make in shaping a brighter future for West Africa and the continent as a whole.

Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has emphasised his duty is to serve the people of Delta Central and touch as many lives as possible in the district without minding political or religious affiliations.

He also urged All Progressives Congress(APC) faithful and Deltans to remain steadfast and resolute in their quest for a new Delta, noting that in no distant time, the APC Governorship Candidate Senator Ovie Omo-Agege would be declared Governor.

The Delta Central lawmaker stated this while speaking at his election victory/inauguration thanksgiving held at Praise Baptist Church in Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area in Delta State.

He said: “I belong to the Urhobo people, it does not matter if you vote for me or not whether you are in party A or B, it’s irrelevant. My assignment is to serve the good people of Delta Central. I promise my people that I will be accessible, my door is always open for everybody.

“My assignment is not an easy one, my late father Senator David Dafinone, made a trail through which I am now following, he threads the party not just in Okpe, Urhobo and Delta State but the whole of Nigeria. As I take up the assignment, I take all the responsibility that goes with it, to deliver the dividends of democracy to the great people of Delta Central, I have the objective to touch as many lives of the people Delta Central, to change as many lives as possible.”

Dafinone further said the outstanding performance of Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President made his campaign easier “because of what he (Senator Ovie Omo-Agege) did all over Delta Central and beyond. We could point at a meaningful project at every ward we visited. The number of senators that could achieve what he did in the last 24 years would not be more than five,” he said.

While offering thanksgiving to God during the service, Senator Dafinone said he was dedicating the victory to God, the hardworking members of the political campaign team and the esteemed leaders of the APC for their tireless efforts during campaign periods, adding that the teams were undeterred by challenges.

Ministering at the Thanksgiving service which took place at Praise Baptist Church New Ogorode Road Sapele, Delta State, Rev Iweh Godspower took his sermon from 1st Corinthians 15 verse 9-10 and titled his message “I am who I am by his Grace.”

Rev Iweh begged the congregation to always acknowledge the grace of God in their lives, stressing the need for believers to embrace humility in their day-to-day affairs.

“This is the conclusion of the whole matter fear God.”

“If you wish to express gratitude to God, you must recognise His grace. Humbling oneself is one of the ways to respond to grace.”

While outlining some of the challenges Dafinone might face, he advised him to carry the eight local governments along.

“We have 24 clans in the eight local governments in Delta Central and you must carry everyone along, I know it’s not easy but with the grace of God you can,” he said.

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The thanksgiving was graced by Royal Fathers from across the Senatorial district, party leaders and supporters from the eight local government areas and beyond.

Some notable party leaders at the event were Delta South Senator Joel Thomas-Onowakpo, Stella Erhuvwu Okotete as the Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank, Minority Leader DTHA, Rt Hon Emakpor Edafe, Hon Spencer Obokpare Ohwofa, Esq, Hon Blessing Achoja, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Esq, Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, Hon Chief Ejaife Odebala, Chief Tuesday Onoge, and Chief Joshua Asah.

Prominent royal fathers include: HRM Maj General Felix Mujakperhuo CFR MNI Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Okiemute Onajita 111 Ovie of Ogor Kingdom, HRM Oghenekevwe Kumane Eruvwedede 111 Ovie of Evwreni Kingdom, HRM Dr Emmanuel Sideso Abi1 JP, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, HRM Oharisi 111 Wilson Ojakovo JP, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Obukowho Monday Whiskey, the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, HRM Richard Oghenevwogaga Ebelle JP, Okorefe 1, Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Kingdom, HRM M.E Egbi JP, Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, HRM Sunny Odogwu Okpurhie JP, Uduaka 1, Ovie of Mosogar Kingdom, HRM Ugugu JP, the Osuivie of Agbarha kingdom, HRM Solomon Ukukavwen JP, the Ovie of Aravwarien Kingdom and many other dignitaries too numerous to mention.