The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Amnesty flays allegation of corruption, threatens legal action

    Amnesty flays allegation of corruption, threatens legal action

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has expressed displeasure over a spurious story publication by an online platform (not The Nation), which described the programme as a cesspool of corruption.

    The Interim Administrator of the PAP, Major General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), therefore called on publishers of the unsubstantiated and unprofessional report, PMEXPRESS and writer Aisha Abubakar to publish a retraction within seven days for be prepared for a legal battle.

    On the 3rd of January 2023, the author of the unsubstantiated story, one Aisha Abubakar alleged that some staff members of the Finance and Audit departments of the PAP were involved in mind-boggling corrupt practices through what she called “advance payment” despite the new Interim Administrator’s  concerted efforts to stamp out corruption in the system. 

    Read Also: ‘How Presidential Amnesty Programme can reach full potential’

    In a statement by Mr. Thomas Peretu, PAP said: “We hereby state that the story entitled, ‘Presidential Amnesty Programme Still a Cesspool of mind-boggling corruption’ is nothing but a figment of the author’s imagination. 

    “It also violates simple journalistic ethos of fairness. From all indications, the misguided reporter is on a mission to dent the image of the programme.

    “We are at loss to understand what the writer means by Advance Payment (AP) and how it is being used to perpetrate fraud in the system, more so when the reporter failed to substantiate her bogus claims with verifiable evidence of corruption in the programme. 

    “The story is diversionary and totally at variance with the good traditions of journalism, and a deliberate attempt to rubbish the current puritanical disposition of the leadership of the programme as explained by the presidency and its finicky in its commitment to due process in the awards and execution of contracts where adequate attention is meticulously paid to details.

    “We challenge the reporter or her co-travellers to provide proof of her claim with facts and figures of such ‘mind boggling’ underhand dealings. 

    “We hereby, demand an unreserved public apology from the reporter and the PMEXPRESS for misleading the public.

    “Otherwise, the management of the PAP may be constrained to take a legal action to redeem its image. 

    “The author of report and the PMEXPRESS are hereby given seven working days from Thursday 5th January 2023 to retract the story, and render public apology to PAP or be faced with a legal action.

    “In the meantime, we enjoin the public to discountenance the said report because it lacks merit and does not represent the real picture of activities  at the PAP.”

  • Don’t scrap Amnesty Programme, Itsekiri leader tells govt

    Don’t scrap Amnesty Programme, Itsekiri leader tells govt

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) is a great initiative and should not be scrapped, Niger Delta activist and frontline Itsekiri leader Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor has said.

    He believes PAP requires reform and honest and competent administrators who can steer it to its full potential.

    There was recently talk that the Federal Government was considering ending the 13-year scheme, on the ground, among others, that it had outlived its usefulness.

    But Lori-Ogbebor, who spoke with reporters in Lagos, reasoned that scrapping the programme might precipitate a crisis, engineered by corrupt persons unlawfully benefitting from the scheme.

    She offered instead that the Federal Government should find selfless persons to run the PAP so that it can be properly implemented and have the desired effects on ex-militants and other beneficiaries.

    The PAP, led by Interim Administrator, Maj.-Gen. Barry Ndiomu (retd), announced in November that auditors uncovered a massive payroll fraud in the programme.

    It said about 513 persons were linked to multiple payments, adding that the Ndiomu management immediately initiated verification of all beneficiaries of the programme as part of the investigation.

    Commenting on the feasibility of the PAP, Lori-Ogbebor said: “The idea is good, but like what Jesus Christ said, the harvest is big but the labourers are few; the men who administer the laudable programme are not there.

    Read Also: How PAP will continue to meet training needs of ex-agitators, by Ndiomu

    “If you cancel it, there will be trouble and it is those few administrators that will engineer the crisis in the region if it is cancelled.

    “They will tell the youths that their problem is with the Federal Government for cancelling the programme.

    “So, where do we now find the labourers, the selfless men? That is the big problem. As a mother, all I can say is for us to search for good men to continue with the programme.

    “But, we should all know that the bad Niger Delta men are in the federal setup.

    “They are now holding the governors responsible for what is happening. But, what of the Niger Delta men at the top, who are causing trouble?”

    Commenting on the state of the nation ahead of this year’s general elections, the elder stateswoman advised Nigerians to consider the candidates’ vision and competence before making a choice.

    “The leader that Nigeria needs at the moment is the man who has a holistic idea of how to move the country forward,” Lori-Ogbebor said.

  • Ondo stakeholders ask court to stop NDDC board inauguration

    Ondo stakeholders ask court to stop NDDC board inauguration

    Stakeholders in the Ilaje Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop President Muhammadu Buhari from inaugurating the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) pending the hearing and determination of their suit.

    The plaintiffs in the case former Clerk of the National Assembly and Chairman Board of Trustees of Ugboland Development Congress, Asiwaju Oluyemi Ogunyomi, the trustee Mr. Adebowale Karaki and Secretary Dr. Mann Ali.

    The other plaintiffs are Incorporated Trustees of Ilaje Advancement Forum, Mr. Idowu Mafimisebi, Mr. Olaniran Obele and Mr. Ige Asemudara, all lawyers representing Ilaje Lawyers Forum.

    They filed the suit on Tuesday at the Abuja headquarters of the Federal High Court through their counsel Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).

    According to a statement by Adegboruwa, the Ppaintiffs are seeking, among others, an order of injunction to restrain the President from inaugurating, recognising or dealing with Mr. Charles B. Ogunmola as the Executive Director, Projects of the NDDC, arguing that he he is from Owo in the northern axis of Ondo State and not an indigene of the oil producing area of the state.

    The other defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Senate, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Mr. Charles B. Ogunmola.

    Read Also: The matter of NDDC appointees

    Adegboruwa said: “Specifically, the Plaintiffs are seeking AN ORDER OF INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION restraining the 1st – 4th Respondents whether by themselves, their servants or agents and/ or privies from taking any step or further step in treating and/ or dealing with or in any manner according the 5th Respondent the status of Executive Director of Projects of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, pending the hearing and final determination of the Originating Summons.

    “AN ORDER OF INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION restraining the 5th Respondent from presenting himself out or in any manner parading himself or performing the functions and duties of Executive Director of Projects of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, pending the hearing and final determination of the Originating Summons herein.

    “AN ORDER directing the parties herein, whether by themselves, their agents, servants or otherwise howsoever to maintain the status quo ante bellum in respect of the exercise of the statutory duties of the 1st and 3rd Respondents in appointment of an Executive Director of Projects of the Niger-Delta Development Commission, pending the hearing and final determination of the Originating Summons filed herein.

    “AN ORDER OF INTERLOCUTORY INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves, their servants or agents and/ or privies from taking any step(s) in relation to or that may jeopardize, affect, ridicule the fair and just determination of the subject matter and issues surrounding the substantive matter, pending the hearing and final determination of the Originating Summons herein.

    “In the main Originating Summons, the Plaintiffs are challenging the appointment of Mr. Charles B. Ogunmola on the ground that it is in violation of section 12 (1) of the NDDC Act wherein it is specifically stated that the Managing Director and the Executive Directors of the NDDC must be indigenes of the oil producing areas.

    “No date has been assigned for the hearing of the suit, which has been served upon the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation.”

  • PANDEF endorses Peter Obi

    PANDEF endorses Peter Obi

    The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has formerly endorsed Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

    Its leader, Chief Edwin Clark, announced the choice at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja.

    This is coming two days after former President Obasanjo endorsed Obi

    Read Also: Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi worthless, says APC-PCC

    Clark said the support for Obi was based on justice following eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He believes power should shift not just to the South, but to the Southeast.

    Details soon

  • 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.

  • Christmas: Omo-Agege, Delta APC campaign Council canvass peace

    Christmas: Omo-Agege, Delta APC campaign Council canvass peace

    Delta All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and the Delta APC Campaign Council have called on Deltans and Nigerians to seek peace with all men during this season of Christmas.

    The Council in a statement by its Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Olorogun Ima Niboro, reminded Deltans and Nigerians of the need to focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas, by reflecting deeply on the life and times and the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

    He said the birth of Jesus Christ symbolized liberty from oppression and despair and ushered in an era of hope and faith for Christians all over the world. He, therefore, urged Deltans to key into the joys and benefits of the season.

    “One of the most significant names of Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, and because of this, we must continually embrace peace with all men. During this festive season, it is important to uphold the banner of peace and love for one another. This is what Christ taught us when he said of all the commandments, the greatest is love, and that we must love our neighbours as we love ourselves.”

    The campaign spokesman said:  “No doubt, 2023 is going to be a prosperous year for all Nigerians especially Deltans who are determined to end the misrule of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and replace it with a government of vision and true prosperity that Senator Omo-Agege and the APC represent. “

    He said the APC the governorship candidate is determined to give a new deal to Deltans, and lead from the front in the project to Build a New Delta, BAND, through the Employment and Empowerment, Development, Good Governance, and Enduring Peace and Security, EDGE, Agenda.

    “Senator Omo-Agege and the Campaign Council urge you to participate in the change process that will shake off the shackles of economic oppression and despair imposed on Deltans through misgovernance, suffering and hunger amid of “MORE” loans by the PDP. This Christmas, we must determine to make a difference, and reject “MORE” adversity and socioeconomic woes come 2023.”

  • CBN, Access Bank, CIBN partner Goldcoast developmental foundation

    CBN, Access Bank, CIBN partner Goldcoast developmental foundation

    The humanitarian efforts of Goldcoast Developmental Foundation (GDF), a Non-Governmental Organisation(NGO) with interest for vulnerable people in the Niger Delta has received a major boost from the banker’s team. 

    The team led by Access bank in conjunction with other members of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Bayelsa donated food items, toiletries, cash as well as other relief materials to victims of the recent flood disaster in the state who were during the flood camped at the GDF’s Temporary Shelter Home in Yenagoa. 

    Speaking while making the presentation, Head of the delegation, Miebi Flint, said Access bank have closely monitored GDF’s consistency in reaching out to the less privileged and vulnerable especially, during the flood disaster. 

    According to him, the Bank has been moved by the pains of the vulnerable people and that’s why it reached out to other partners including the CIBN and the CBN to identify with them to jointly make this very important gesture. 

    He said: “As part of our culture in Access Bank, every year, we do what we call, Community Social Responsibility and our corporate social responsibility for the year tallies with the goals of the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation. 

    Read Also: Emefiele: What manner of CBN governor?

    “We observed that the foundation has been working tirelessly to support women especially nursing mothers children who clearly are amongst the vulnerable groups during this trying times and that is why we are working in synergy with them to bring support to you with this little token to support you”. 

    On his part the chairman of CIBN in the state, Osareme Santos, expressed hope that the items will cushion the effect of the hardship encountered during the flood especially as the nursing mothers are trying to get back on their feet again after loosing so much to the flood. 

    Receiving the donations, Founder of GDF, Barr. Moses Oruaze Dickson thanked the consortium of financial institutions led by Access Bank for their generosity. 

    Oruaze noted that their actions have showed their level of commitment to corporate social responsibility especially in very trying times and leaves no doubt about how sensitive they are to the needs of people within their areas of operations. 

    He said: “Today, we were surprised by Access Bank team with donations of food items, toiletries and much more including stipends to support nursing mothers and children that has been at our Temporary Shelter Home since the floods started. 

    “This support came so timely as we are in the process of carrying out much needed support to them to stand on their feet again after the loses and pains of the floods. We also thank the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) for this massive support which is most needed and well appreciated. 

    “As as celebrate the season, we urge everyone to remember those affected by the floods especially the vulnerable mothers and children who are still struggling to stand again”. 

    He also used the opportunity to appeal to well meaning individuals, organizations and other entities to throw their weight in financial support to the plans by the Goldcoast Developmental Foundation to establish an Education Trust Fund. 

    He said the Fund will enable some children and other beneficiaries obtain quality education from primary to first degree level in the university, adding that the Trust Fund will be launched during the forthcoming 10 years anniversary holding in December. 

    The GDF in October when the flood started, established the temporary shelter home for nursing mothers and their little children because of their peculiar situation.

  • 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.