The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger delta

  • Democracy and 2023 election in Nigeria

    Democracy and 2023 election in Nigeria

    By Oladosu Ademola

    In his Gettysburg address to celebrate the countless number of soldiers that died in  America’s deadliest civil war, Abraham Lincoln the sixteen (16th) American president defines democracy as the government of the people,  by  the  people  and  for  the  people.  Over  half  of  the  world’s population practice democracy as a legitimate source of governance. Democracy, like other political movements  (concepts) is  premised on some  parameters  like:  rule  of  law,  free  and  fair  election,  equity  and justice. The success of 2023 election can be correlated with the different levels of preparedness of various stakeholders like INEC, political parties and religious bodies. No democracy can strive without a free and fair election. We know no human operated system is free from errors but must be fair to all stakeholders about its possible outcome(s). Fortunately, Nigeria is a mixed “salad” of different ethnic, cultural and religious  groups.  Hitherto,  since  we  practice  a  participating  form  of democracy,  Nigerians  of  all  ages  above  18  troop  out  to  vote  for  the candidates  of  their  choice.  Moreover,  the  electoral  umpire  has  slated and started continued voters’ education and registration throughout the 774 local government areas in Nigeria. Like Abraham Lincoln opined; “election belong to the people. It is their decision if they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blusters”.

    2023 campaign must be issue-based

    As we move towards the end of the campaign seasons and jamboree, politicians should play by the rules. We all know that most Nigerian politicians care only about winning election, hence they should do so with high decorum and decency. Since the first republic the Nigerian political class has used sentiments and diatribe as a ploy of swinging and swirling votes to themselves. 2023 campaign should be all about what affect the over 200 million Nigerians. Unfortunately, Nigeria is sitting on a dire critical “knife-edge” situation cutting across various sectors of the nation’s life. This campaign should definitely deal with what the next president will face: high debt profile and mounting insecurity challenges. According to the latest international monetary fund (IMF) report, due to Nigeria’s low revenue profile the country need to mobilize more revenue to be able to have macro-economic stability. The report further warned that debt servicing may take all (100%) of Nigeria’s  revenue  by  2026  (3  years  from  now!).  Also,  it  stated  that Nigeria’s debt profile will hit 44.7% of GDP in 5 years. Nigeria is reeling from the bloody consequences of the mounting insecurity challenges as mass killing and kidnapping are going unabated and unchecked. This can  (has)  demarked  the  country’s  foreign  investment  and  earnings, thereby weakening the value of the naira.

    My issues and concerns

    Largely, most of the political campaigns have been issues-based: putting strategies on regaining the failures of the pass and sustaining the successes of the day. Most politicians should dwell more on addressing the issues of poverty and lack of trust by the citizens on the government as a veritable tool to fighting voter apathy. The hypocrisy of the Nigerian political system is that it wants patriotic citizens but not sincere leaders. We must fight a system that wants gullible voters but unquestionable emperor-like leaders. 2023 election must result to building of strong institutions and decentralized (small) government.

    In a survey of youths in 15 African countries in which youths were asked if they though their country was headed in the wrong direction, Nigeria comes the very bottom with a whooping 95% of youth (age 18 – 24 years)  as  compare,  to  4%  to  58%  of  youths  in  Ghana  and  Uganda respectively.

    As  we  race  towards  the  peak  of  campaigns,  it  should  be  all  about fighting for a true federalist state where devolution of powers to the administrating states and local government areas exist. To the voters, stick on issues that matter to you. Like former American President Theodore Roosevelt opined; “A vote is a riffle; it usefulness depends on the character of the user”. A nation depends on nationhood. Our nationhood depends on free and fair elections. Happy New Year; God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

    – Ademola Oladosu is a freelancer & Political commentator, writes from Abuja.

  • Join me to liberate, salvage Delta, Omo-Agege urges

    Join me to liberate, salvage Delta, Omo-Agege urges

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has empathised with  residents whose patience and forbearance have kept the State peaceful even in the face of undue hardship and deprivation from their entitlement to good governance.

    In a New Year message, the Deputy Senate President said he believes that Deltans will overcome whatever challenges they faced collectively and individually in the past as citizens and residents of one proud State

    A statement personally signed by the Delta APC governorship hopeful urged Deltans to pay more attention to those things that truly unite, advising them to eschew divisive tendencies.

    He said: “My Fellow Deltans. As we usher in the New Year, I want to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. I pray for the warmth of God’s love to fill every heart and home. And as we celebrate, I also want to empathise with fellow citizens and residents of our dear State whose patience and forbearance have kept our State peaceful even in the face of undue hardship and deprivation from their entitlement to good governance. 

    Read Also: New Year: I stand with you — Omo-Agege to Deltans

    “I believe that we will overcome whatever challenges we faced collectively and individually in the past as citizens and residents of one proud State and as a people.

    “As we move into a very important year in our lives as a people; an election year, let us reflect on how to liberate and salvage our dear State, because power belongs to the people. Let us pay more attention to those things that truly unite us and eschew divisive tendencies. Let us pay attention to the issues that will bring about the needed development of the State and not things that will run us down. Let us show understanding towards one another and conduct ourselves in a manner that will set us on the path of progress.

    “The State has not been lucky in the electoral choices we have been making since 2007. Those choices have brought about retrogression and backwardness, accompanied by the plunder of our resources, which has impacted negatively on the lives of our people and on our State. Our State resources have been pillaged by persons we elected to superintend our affairs as a people.

    “They frittered away our collective patrimony and slowed our progress. It has never been known that a government will receive money on behalf of a State and spend the money without informing the people. This disregard for the citizens, uncommon and unremitting brigandage has become the norm in Delta State, especially in the past seven and half years.

    “I believe that the 2023 election offers us a chance to redress the wrongs of governance in Delta State by electing the right and qualified persons into positions of authority to govern our dear State. Our lives and the future of our nation and State will therefore depend on the choices we make. 

    “We have before us in the March 2023 election, an opportunity and responsibility to take back our State from the hands and control of the people who wasted our resources and betrayed our people. Responsible leadership is needed now, more than at any other time in our history, to provide guidance, hope and inspiration for our collective success. “

    He added: ” Delta State needs to create jobs and opportunities for her people. She wants modern infrastructure: better roads, better schools, better hospitals and improved security. She wants not more of the infamy that has been our lot.  We have to get out of this muddle. We need to get out of this ditch and begin the process to chart a pathway for sustained growth and development before it is too late.

    “My desire to run is not about me but about the future of our State that has lost her befitting bearing.  It is about the desire to transform Delta State into a modern, well-governed and economically stable State. It is not a race about APC and PDP. Fundamentally, this is a race of right versus wrong, and who is right for Delta and who is clearly wrong for Delta State. This race is about competence, about character and courage.

    ” These are the qualities needed in the next governor of Delta State to repair the damage they have done to our dear State. Look at my track record in the past seven and half years and you will see character, competence and courage.  

    “My commitment is for us to make good and steady progress that will make our State the envy of all. I look forward to working hard towards achieving a successful and more result-oriented governance, and my focus will be to achieve an economy that is fit for the future and to build a robust and fairer State for everyone. A State that will bring about renewed confidence and pride. I will be governor for all. And every Senatorial District will be treated fairly and equitably.

    “Dear Deltans, I recognise that there is a lot of work to be done, and I cannot do it alone without your cooperation and support. I urge all of you to come along with me, as we roll up our sleeves to Build A New Delta.

    “I  therefore, appeal to the good people of Delta State to join me and the APC in the task of reorganising and rebuilding our State and returning it to a pre-eminent position among progressive States in Nigeria. We should commit to rebuilding our State through the faithful implementation of the EDGE Agenda of Employment and Empowerment; Development; Good Governance and Enduring Peace and Security. 

    “So, in the New Year, all patriotic and proud Deltans, must make our individual commitments to vote for APC and its candidates across the State and contribute to rebuilding our State.  

    “As I welcome everybody into 2023, I pray that the year presents us with greater opportunities for excellence for us and our families.

    “I wish all Deltans and indeed all Nigerians a very happy New Year and pledge that I will continue to do all I can to stand up for you.”

  • Okugbe R’ Urhobo/Isoko association seeks support for community-based projects

    Okugbe R’ Urhobo/Isoko association seeks support for community-based projects

    Okugbe R’ Urhobo/Isoko Association has called on Nigerians to support it to realise its vision to build a new secretariat and finance community-based projects.

    The President of the association, Chief (Dr.) Patrick Oghoghorie made the call in his keynote address at the end of the year Party/ 15th anniversary of the association in Lagos recently.

    According to him: “ In order to sustain the vision of the founding fathers of the association for the benefits of future generations, we have resolved to build a state of the art secretariat.

    “We have also resolved to expand our frontiers from member-centric to the community in which we operate by providing solar lights, solar powered boreholes, educational assistance to the less privileged and scholarships for educationally disadvantaged children as well as support orphanage homes and also offer free skills acquisition training to youths.”

    The President called on discerning Urhobos and Isoko indigenes residents in Lagos and its environs to support the association financially to be able to execute these projects as well as join hands with them in order to continue to promote their culture.

    The Urhobos and the Isokos are major ethnic groups in Delta State who speak the Urhobo and Isoko languages and located in southern Nigeria, near the northwestern Niger Delta.

    Oral tradition says the history of the Urhobos and Isokos began from the old Benin Empire and their migration to their present locations started at the end of the Ogiso dynasty.

    The Urhobos and Isokos are brothers who shared the same ancestry and culture.

    About 15 years ago, the founding fathers of the Okugbe R’ Urhobo/Isoko Association, taking cognisance of their common roots, decided to form it in a bid to assist members in their lawful pursuits, encourage developmental activities in the community in which they operate and to promote, stimulate and foster love, unity and brotherhood among them.

  • Omo-Agege promises to bring life back to Warri, expand Osubi airport

    Omo-Agege promises to bring life back to Warri, expand Osubi airport

    Delta governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has unveiled how his administration plans to bring back the glory of the oil city of Warri if elected.

    Omo-Agege, who is the Deputy Senate President, said his administration will prioritise the infrastructural development of the city through massive and deliberate urban renewal.

    He noted that night life, which has eluded the city, will be restored by investing in the security architecture of the state

    The Delta Central lawmaker spoke when the ward-to-ward campaign train of the APC visited Warri South Local Government Area on Friday.

    Omo-Agege said he will collaborate with incoming President Bola Tinubu to revamp the Warri Seaport by dredging the Warri river to accommodate bigger ships from across the world.

    The APC governorship candidate explained that as part of his urban renewal plans, his administration would embark on opening of canals, beautification and an overhaul the deplorable state of roads in Warri.

    Decrying the sorry-state of the famous Warri City Stadium, which he said had been abandoned by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led government, Omo-Agege promised to bring life back to the stadium by renovating it.

    “Warri has now become the poverty headquarters of Nigeria. The Warri of today is not anywhere close to the Warri we grew up in. When you go to the riverine area, you will ask if a government would allow his people to live in such condition,” he stated.

    Charging the people to vote for all APC candidates, he said “there is only two months left. God has given us another chance to correct this mistake, to make sure that never again we get a governor like Okowa or those clapping after him.

    “With Asiwaju as president, he will help us to bring back those companies that left Warri, dredge the Warri River to ensure that Warri, Koko, Burutu and Sapele ports are revamped. This will make our youths that Okowa sentenced to poverty have jobs and live well again.”

    Omo-Agege also promised that his administration would turn the Osubi Airport to an International one by expanding the runways and infrastructure at the airport if elected as governor.

    He said: “As the Governor, I will expand the Osubi Airport and make it an international hub by giving it another runway. As a senator in the eighth Senate, we voted N10 billion to put a runway at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    “So, as a Governor, I will do the same here by ensuring that Osubi Airport becomes an international one that can compete with other international airport in the country and beyond.”

    A leader of the party in the State Chief Ayiri Emami urged the people to vote for the APC presidential and gubernatorial candidates, noting that Omo-Agege will work with Asiwaju Tinubu, who is married to their Itsekiri’s daughter, to ensure all round development in the area.

    Also speaking, Olorogun Bernard Okumagba, assured that with Omo-Agege as Governor “life,” will be brought back to Warri, adding that Delta state is “yearning for development”.

    Present at the ward-to-ward campaign to Warri South were Omo-Agege’s running mate, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi; the Director-General of the APC Delta Campaign Council, Elder Godsday Orubebe; chairman of the party, Elder Omene Sobotie; party chieftain, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli and APC candidate from Delta South senatorial district.

  • Omo-Agege makes historic campaign visit to Itsekiri, Egbema riverine communities

    Omo-Agege makes historic campaign visit to Itsekiri, Egbema riverine communities

    Delta governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has promised to address the developmental needs of riverine communities in the State if elected.

    Omo-Agege, who lamented the absence of social amenities and development in Itsekiri and Egbema communities in Warri North LGA, said his administration will proactively tackle the challenges by bringing development to them.

    The Deputy Senate President gave the assurances on Thursday when the APC ward-to-ward campaign train made a historic campaign visit riverine communities of Gbokoda and Opuama in the Warri North Council area.

    By the visit, Omo-Agege becomes the first governorship candidate and government official since the creation of the State to take the campaign to the riverine communities of Itsekiri of Gbokoda and Opuama in Warri North.

    Omo-Agege, who rode on a two-hour boat ride to the oil-rich riverine communities, decried the absence of development in the communities visited and assured that his administration will address their pains.

    Speaking separately at the various wards visited, Omo-Agege said despite the homogeneous contribution of Warri North to the state resources, there was nothing on the ground to justify their contribution.

    Omo-Agege, who was accompanied by top APC leaders in the State, including former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and DG of Delta APC Campaign, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Delta APC chairman, Elder Omni Sobotie; Itsekiri leader, Chief Ayiri Emami; former Executive Director Project of NDDC, Engr. Tuoyo Omatsuli; Chief Michael Johnny and Prince Yemi Emiko, said Warri North was too critical to the state to be abandoned.

    He specifically stated that his administration will tackle the absence of hospitals to cater for the health needs of residents of riverine communities whose only access to quality healthcare is in Warri, which is two hours drive from Gbokoda and Egbema.

    The Delta Central lawmaker said he made the historic visit to the riverine communities to personally ascertain the challenges the people of the area were facing to tackle them.

    Omo-Agege, while appealing to Itsekiri and Ijaw people to vote for him as Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for president and other APC candidates in the elections, said his administration will put an end to the marginalisation and underdevelopment of riverine communities across the state.

    “This is an oil-bearing community and this is an oil-bearing LGA. The bulk of the money we receive as a state from the 13% derivation comes from the oil produced here.

    “If not for Tuoyo’s contributions, you will not know that this is an oil-bearing local government. The Itsekiri people are marginalised by the Governor Okowa-led government, inspect this, you still have some Itsekiri leaders saying, ‘where Okowa we will go’.

    “Somebody is using your money to enslave you and you are clapping and dancing after him, for seven and half years Okowa didn’t bring anything to our people here,” he said.

    Addressing a crowd of APC supporters in Gbokoda, Omo-Agege said: “The Itsekiris are marginalised by the current administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led PDP government. While coming on this two-hour boat ride, many questions are running through my mind. First, why is there poverty when Warri North contributes so much to our revenue development not here?

    “If you look at the entire Itsekiri and Ijaw nations, there is no tertiary institution in Itsekiri and Ijaw lands, yet in one day, not too long ago Okowa and Sheriff created three Universities and Governor took one to his home town and never considered the Itsekiri and Ijaw nations.

    “Okowa didn’t think that nobody in Itsekiri is important enough to be considered to be rewarded by placing a higher institution in Itsekiri land yet we have Itsekiri leaders dining with him and are now urging him on to continue the marginalisation of Itsekiri.

    “Despite of this, none of the Itsekiri leaders is angry, why is Ejele not angry, why are even Governor Uduaghan and your House of Assembly members not angry? Why I, Ovie Omo-Agege is angrier than they?

    “We have suffered enough. I am also a stakeholder in Itsekiri Nation. So, when I say we, I speak also as a stakeholder. I am angry and I want the Itsekiri people to be angry too. You have a chance now to remedy the marginalisation, by voting PDP and Okowa outcome 2023 elections.

    “We now have a choice, and our choice is easy. l am very certain that Okowa has not visited Gbokoda and doesn’t know the deplorable condition our people live in, and he has been a Governor for over seven years, in all these years what Okowa has to show for the Itsekiri people is market.

    “Asiwaju is your in-law. When Tinubu Becomes President, you have produced a president. When Asiwaju becomes president by your votes, we are going to collaborate to reactivate Koko, Warri and Burutu ports.

    “I know the challenges you face. I will work with Yinka and other Itsekiri leaders to address them. Tuoyo has tried but I will take it up from there. I promise to address the challenges of health in this community. Our women who want to deliver do not need to be rushed to Warri for the hospital,” he added.

    Chief Ayiri Emami, an APC Leader in Delta state while addressing party supporters said that wards in Gbokoda are all for APC, said: “The President that is coming is our in-law. He’s the husband of our sister. We must ensure that we vote for Tinubu. For the three of us (Tuoyo, Prince Yemi Emiko and Ayiri) to be here means Itsekiri is here. Vote for Omo-Agege.

    “In the forthcoming elections, don’t be deceived by money. Vote for Tinubu, Ovie Omo-Agege and other APC candidates. Omo-Agege as a governor will perform and develop our communities.

    Speaking also, APC Warri North LGA chairman, Omatsuli Akatakpo said: “It’s the first time a gubernatorial candidate will be visiting Itsekiri riverine communities for the campaign,” stressing that the people of Warri North will support the candidacy of Senate Omo-Agege. “Our people will vote for him enmass.”

    Sobotie noted that the level of underdevelopment of Gbokoda and Egbema communities deserves urgent attention, saying that it’s only an APC-led government that can address the situation.

    According to him: “Omo-Agege is also from Koko. Voting for him is voting for one of your own. Your in-law is going to be the next president of Nigeria. Is it not good to have your sister as the first lady? Vote for Bola Tinubu.

    Omatsuli said that Itsekiris will vote for Tinubu and Omo-Agege because they know what they he can do. “Omo-Agege understands the pains and needs of the Itsekiri People.”

    Ekpokpo Emmanuel, a House of Reps candidate, assured Omo-Agege and other APC leaders that the Itsekiri and other tribes in Warri North have agreed to vote Omo-Agege as the next Governor, assuring the Omo-Agege-led government will be beneficial to Itsekiri.

  • Stop heating polity, Tabai advises parties

    The Pere of Tuomo Kingdom in Burutu local government area of Delta State, HRM (Justice) Francis Tabai, JSC (rtd), Esuku 1, has tasked parties campaigning for the 2023 general elections to stop heating up the system with malicious campaigns.

    Tabai gave the task during an interview with newsmen at his country home at Torugbene, noting that elections were not do-or-die affairs.

    He advised political actors to strictly follow the rules of the game, stressing that violent and malicious campaigns could breed anarchy in the political system.

    He said: “Political parties should stop the dog-kill-dog attitude. You want to destroy your opponent for the purpose of your survival? That’s unhealthy politics, it will not help the system, it will not help the nation. Your campaigns must be issued-based and not character assassination.

    Read Also: Don’t heat up polity, Lagos APC cautions PDP candidate

    “We have to choose who governs us at all tiers of government and whatever we’re doing should be defined by the very purpose we want to achieve. As far as I’m concerned, the best defining factor in politics is love for society.

    “As for my kingdom, we virtually lack all basic necessities of life; there’s no potable water, electricity and infrastructural development. The only road leading to my kingdom, the Bomadi-Tuomo-Torugbene-Ojobo road, has been under construction for the past ten years.

    “However, I call on INEC to be straightforward in the conduct of the 2023 general elections, which is the only way to guarantee a healthy competition”.

  • I’ll make DESOPADEC functional if elected, says Omo-Agege

    I’ll make DESOPADEC functional if elected, says Omo-Agege

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has promised to ensure that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) meets her mandate of developing oil-bearing communities if elected.

    Omo-Agege, who is the Deputy Senate President, said DESOPADEC, unlike Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s era, will be fully functional and funded to meet the yearnings and aspirations of oil and gas producing communities in the State.

    He said he has struck an agreement with the presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to revive ailing seaports in the State including the Burutu and Warri seaports if the former Lagos Governor wins l.

    Omo-Agege gave the assurances on Tuesday in Burutu town when the APC ward-to-ward campaign train visited Burutu ward 10 and 11 in Burutu Local Government Area of the State.

    The Delta Central lawmaker decried that Burutu which used to be the economy hub of the state with one of Nigeria’s best seaports and Delta Timber Industry (DTI), Burutu has been left to rot away despite the council’s monumental contribution to the nation and Delta’s economy.

    The APC governorship candidate, while promising to “bring back Burutu to its glory days”, vowed to end the marginalisation of any section of the state by ensuring that development gets to all parts under him as governor.

    He also promised that his administration will tackle the issue of absence of power supply in Burutu Council and ensure that the all-important Ayakromo Bridge which connects several Ijaw and Urhobo communities was completed.

    “I can assure you that as a governor, we’ll restore the glory days of Burutu when Elder Godsday Orubebe was the council chairman when there’s electricity and the Delta Timber Industry was thriving. Today, Burutu is a shadow of its old-self, and yet, we have a sitting governor who came to Burutu to campaign in 2015 and 2019 where he promised prosperity for all Deltans.

    “But when you go round Burutu today, what you see is lack and decaying infrastructures. Governor Okowa, then, came to deceive Ijaw people. But we are here with your leader and former council chairman (Elder Godsday Orubebe) to assure you that we’ll restore the glory days of Burutu Council and even make it better.

    “I can assure you that we are going to bring electricity back here because this is the goose that lays the golden egg. We are going to pamper Burutu. We are going to pamper the Ijaw Nation, Itsekiri Nation, Ndokwa Nation, Isoko Nation, Urhobo Nation and Anioma Nation.

    “We’ll ensure that 50% of the Derivation money must be seen to be expended on behalf of those who produce the wealth. The era in which few persons hijack DESOPADEC funds for their personal use is over. If we say this money is for DESOPADEC, it must be used for the benefit and development of the oil-producing communities.

    “We’re going to appoint credible people who will effectively manage the resources of DESOPADEC for the benefit of our people to bring industry and ensure that there’s electricity in our communities”, Omo-Agege stressed.

    Omo-Agege, while soliciting votes from the people of Burutu for all APC candidates, further promised to attract investors to the state and revive ailing state-owned industries across the state.

    APC Chairman in Burutu LGA, Comrade Seikemiengan Moni said the people of the council will vote for Omo-Agege and other APC candidates in 2023 because the ruling PDP in the state has failed their people for too long.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege: I’ll establish tertiary institution in Ijawland

    Comrade Moni posited that more PDP members are joining the APC because they believed the capacity of Senator Omo-Agege who has performed credibly well as a senator representing Delta Central.

    He assured the people of the council and Ijaw Nation that Senator Omo-Agege’s administration would be beneficial to them and other tribes in the state.

    Also speaking, the Director General of Delta APC Campaign Organisation, Elder Godsday Orubebe, lamented, “Delta Timber is dead. It employs over 500 staff. There’s no light. Omo-Agege will give us light. The port will work again. I will come back to life. He will empower our youths, women and the aged.”

    Meanwhile, several chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Burutu Council have defected to the APC with the assurance that they will deliver Senator Omo-Agege and other APC candidates in the forthcoming elections.

    Among those who defected during the campaign train include Mr Abe Idolor, Comrade Alex Enekrogha, Lucky Otutufa, Chief Grade-One Clarke and Godspower General.

  • Omo Agege consults Delta Catholic Priests, PFN

    Omo Agege consults Delta Catholic Priests, PFN

    Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has dismissed fears that Nigeria may be Islamised if the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is elected.

    Omo-Agege assured Christians will benefit if Tinubu is elected as President Muhammadu Buhari ‘s successor.

    He asked them to mobilise their members and vote for the former Lagos Governor.

    The Delta APC governorship candidate spoke separately in separate town hall meetings with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) chapter and priest of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Agbarho and Oghara areas of the State.

    At Agbarho, Omo-Agege told members of PFN to overwhelmingly vote for all APC candidates, including Tinubu and himself, saying the Church has so much to gain with Tinubu as next President.

    He reminded Delta PFN leadership that though Tinubu is a Muslim, his wife, Senator Oluremi, is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) with five of their children as Christians.

    The Delta Central lawmaker also informed the Christian leaders that Tinubu’s wife also hails from the state, saying the former Lagos Governor deserves Deltans’ support in 2023.

    Omo-Agege assured the PFN leadership that he would run an all-inclusive government and regularly consult the body in decisions affecting the development of the state.

    “There’s no doubt that our presidential candidate (Bola Tinubu) and his vice are both Muslims. It’s also true that his wife is a pastor. For a man who couldn’t islamised his wife and children, will not islamise Nigeria. Tinubu will be fair and just to Christians. Christians will benefit so much from his government.

    “With Tinubu as President, Delta State has so much to benefit. We want the next president to come from Southern Nigeria. As for me, and my house and supporters we have decided we want a Nigeria like Lagos.

    “This is beyond an individual. It is what we want as a country. If God answer my prayers and make me Governor of Delta State and Tinubu President, it becomes easy for me to convince Asiwaju to help me reopen the Warri, Sapele, Burutu and Koko seaports.

    Read Also: Omo Agege to Okowa: you can’t rescue Nigeria after destroying Delta

    “As for Tinubu, his wife is from here (Delta), he paid the bride price in full.
    I know how I treat my in-laws and I love them just the way I love my wife.
    So, we expect Asiwaju to do same thing for us. I want the Church to support Tinubu and vote massively for him”, Omo-Agege said.

    While answering questions from Catholic priests at the town hall meeting in Oghara, the APC governorship candidate said: “By God’s grace, when I become governor, we’re going to be asking questions on loans that are borrowed that were not properly utilized.

    “This is my church and I feel comfortable here and I want to run an all inclusive government. I want to run a participatory Government, as governor every quarter, I want to hold a town hall meetings with the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.

    “Before we do our budgeting, I like to know the views of the Catholic Church,what area that is dearest to them that they want funds applied. I want to consult you every quarter, that way it becomes ‘our government’. I will come to you from time to time to consult, find out your views.”

    He further said that his administration would budget funds for the maintenance of public infrastructure across the State.

  • TOWARD 2023: DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

    TOWARD 2023: DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

    BY ADEMOLA OLADOSU

    The bond that connects human beings is their basic fundamental rights. We are
    continuously witnessing large scale devaluation of fundamental rights of persons
    all round the world. These examples are avalanche: Russia-Ukraine conflict,
    farmers-herdsmen conflict, indecent treatment of migrant (economic) workers and
    the immodest treatment of Iranian women. With the theme: dignity, freedom and
    justice for all, the United Nations (UN) in its wisdom expanded the scope of
    human rights in a working democracy. On 10 December, the United Nations
    usually celebrate human rights, in commemoration of the day when the UN
    General Assembly adopted the universal declaration of human rights in 1948. That
    declaration forms the backbone of the human rights architecture of our societies
    where each of us – without discrimination – has the right to hire and thrive in
    peace and safety.
    Personally, human rights can (will) always work in a solid democratic framework
    and ideas. Since the advent of democracy in Nigeria, the Nigerian people have seen
    increased sensitivity to the principles and ideas of democracy.
    The bygone era of the militaristic junta and phantom coup D’état have raised the
    Nigerian populace responsibility to human rights. Since then human rights based
    laws have been legislated to address issues of gender imbalance, police brutality,
    abuse of power and electoral violence. The electoral system has seen increased
    political reforms and gains since 2003. Pertinent to note, is the inbuilt inroad for
    people with disability and Nigerian living abroad participating in the electoral
    process. We have witnessed gigantic strive in judicial pronouncement like
    Amaechi vs INEC (2007) ,Fayemi Vs INEC (2010) and Mimiko Vs INEC (2010).
    There have deepened the electoral process and democracy.

    TOWARDS 2023

    2023 elections is Nigeria’s most important electoral process. Presently, Nigeria is
    witnessing turmoil in her strive towards progress. Her economic index is dipping
    down with many macroeconomic parameters showing poorly management of the
    economy by the political class. Unfortunately, poverty index is high with the
    attendant effects on the right of persons. The massive stealing of common wealth
    by the political class indicates devaluation of person rights and humanity. Since
    1999, the political class has not only devalued the “Naira Power” but also inflicting
    poverty and economic downtown to her citizenry. The integral part of a democratic
    system is the “people”. Supporting what former American President John F.
    Kennedy stated in his thesis; “the rights of every man is diminished when the
    rights of one man is threatened”. The political class must wake up to the right of
    “One Nigerian”.

    2023: Racing Forward

    The Nigerian people must fight for good governance and social accountability.
    Conversely, the political class must earn the populace trust and dignity. 2023
    election is a make -or -may process and not a do-or-die process of politicking that
    killed the previous Nigerian republics. Citizens must vote according to their
    conscience and defend it as such. On the other hand, politicians must be ready to
    accept the result and play no politics of bitterness. Like what the German
    philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr said; “Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy
    possible but man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” As
    Nigerians we must support Nigerian nascent democracy by participating in the
    electoral process.
    God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
    Ademola Oladosu is a political activist and freelancer, writers from Abuja.

  • Omo-Agege, Sobotie challenge Okowa to account for 13% Derivation refund

    Omo-Agege, Sobotie challenge Okowa to account for 13% Derivation refund

    For the second time, Delta governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has asked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to account for Delta’s share of 13% oil derivation paid by the Federal Government.

    Omo-Agege challenged Okowa to personally render accounts of how Delta’s share of the money was expended by the PDP-led administration in the State.

    The Senate Deputy President spoke on Monday when the APC ward-to-ward campaign train visited Abbi, Kwale, Utagba-Uno and other wards in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

    Omo-Agege, who was received by a crowd of supporters at the various wards visited, stated that there was nothing on ground to justify the huge resources the state had received from the federal government.

    Accompanied by his running mate Friday Osanebi and other APC leaders, he stated that APC remained the best choice for the 2023 general elections.

    The APC governorship candidate noted that the Okowa-led administration marginalised the people of Ndokwa Nation.

    He added that his administration will be youth and women-friendly if elected.

    Omo-Agege explained that it was on that basis he chose Osanebi as his running mate to bridge the gap between his generation and the youths.

    According to him: “You all know that about seven years ago, Okowa came running for Governor under the platform of Anioma Agenda. At a time, he told all Deltans that the people of Delta North have been marginalised and that the only way to address that marginalization was to elect an Anioma son and that when elected he will bring prosperity to the people of Anioma nation and the entire Delta State.

    ”But today, as I drive through Ndokwa west local government area, that prosperity that Okowa promised, I have not seen anything like that. For almost 12 years Charles Emetulu has been in government and Commissioner and House of Assembly but did not attract any development to Ndokwa West local government area within the period.”

    “Meanwhile, Emetulu was there when Okowa’s stooge, the Speaker of the Delta State of Assembly held the gavel and Okowa established three universities in Delta State but neither him nor Sheriff, the PDP governorship candidate brought anyone to Ndokwa Nation.

    “The Ndokwa Nation contributes too much to the Nigerian economy and Delta State and it is because of Ndokwa people principally that the derivation Funds came to Delta including the one that has been missing which Wike has helped us to trace in Premium Trust Bank. We didn’t know where our N250 billion that was missing was placed but Wike was able to help us and we have been able to trace our derivation money to an account in Premium Trust Bank.

    “We know that we have a law in Delta State that derivation Fund is supposed to be 50% to the oil producing communities and 50% to the government. We know that 50% belongs to the oil-producing communities in Delta State and before any money is expended it is supposed to be appropriated in the House of assembly but no, they have not appropriated that money, they should tell us why our derivation Funds is been spent without appropriation. Why we are asking Sheriff, Okowa and Charles Emetulu to give an account of Delta State derivation money, the good news is that God has given us the chance to vote out PDP in the coming election.”

    He urged Deltans to vote for APC presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who will help to reopen the economy and make all the ports functional, Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Ogidigben.

    Read Also: Orubebe drums support for Tinubu, Delta APC leaders close rank

    “He will also help us so that we can evaluate what happened to our Delta Steel Company, and when all of these are functioning, there will be good jobs for our youths and children; and that is why we must vote for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for President and Senator Peter Nwaboshi and all other APC candidates,” he said.

    Delta APC Chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie, while receiving defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to APC at Abbi, noted: “I can assure you that you are not going to regret supporting APC. Over seven years Delta PDP promised prosperity for all Deltans, but there is no single prosperity. Deltans should go and ask Okowa to bring back our N250 billion which President Buhari released to him.”.

    The leader of the PDP defectors at Abbi, Tony Ogwu said that the PDP-led Delta Government over the years has not been fair to the Ndokwa nation even with the huge contributions of Ndokwa to the State and National economy and development.

    Ogwu said: “PDP in the past 23 years has relegated the Ndokwa nation in the scheme of things, we are the least to be considered when developmental projects are to be sighted, our people are giving positions that they can’t even use to empower themselves let alone others, today, Ndokwa is at the bottom in the ladder of development index in Delta, no thanks to Okowa and Delta PDP.

    “The 2023 elections present an opportunity to pay the PDP back for their years of neglect of Ndokwa Nation by voting them out, and voting for APC, our future as a nation lies with the APC, in 2023 Ndokwa Nation must join the mainstream of our national politics by embracing and voting APC,” he added.

    Senator Omo-Agege and his team also visited HRM Oduosa of Utagba-Ogbe Kingdom, Kwale, where he berated the Okowa-led administration.

    He assured the monarch that his administration will be fair and address socio-economic and infrastructural development issues facing the people of Ndokwa West LGA.