The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Omo-Agege: we will make healthcare, education accessible, affordable

    Omo-Agege: we will make healthcare, education accessible, affordable

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Delta State Ovie Omo-Agege has assured he will make quality healthcare and education accessible and affordable to Deltans if elected.

    He also promised to invest in security architecture to protect lives and properties in the State for it to become investment-friendly and generate jobs for teaming unemployed youths. 

    Omo-Agege gave the assurance on Monday during at town Hall meeting with the Private School Owners of Nigeria (PSON), and Members of various healthcare associations in Delta State.

    Addressing the school owners in Ekpan, Uvwie local government area, the Deputy Senate President said that investment in education was very important adding that it was the bedrock of development.

    Omo-Agege noted that a country was as good as the product of her education and assured that he would address the needs of the private school owners when he emerged as governor.

    The APC Governorship candidate decried the hardship retirees had gone through over the years in the state noting that some had died without getting their gratuities and promising to address the anomalies.

    He expressed displeasure over the level of underdevelopment in Warri and pledged to embark on mass urban renewal in the Warri metropolis.

    “Unemployment is key to us and we have it in our blueprint.

    “We will dredge the Warri River to allow vessels to navigate into our ports and by implication create jobs for our people.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege promises downward review of educational levies, fees

    “We will also ensure multinationals operating in Delta relocate their headquarters to the state,” he said.

    Omo-Agege urged the people to vote for all the APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

    PSON bemoaned the exorbitant enrolment levies, license renewal and other taxes being paid to the state government.

    They decried being exploited by the state government despite their contribution to addressing unemployment in the state.

    The school owners consequently urged senator Omo-Agege to address the challenges when he emerged as governor of the state.

    Mr Lucky Ovwigho who presented an address on behalf of the PSON said that the group meticulously examined all the political candidates vying for the various political offices in the state and made its choice. 

    According to him, among all the gubernatorial candidates in Delta, senator Omo-Agege was the most qualified.

    “He has the zeal and feeling of the people of Delta to our much-craved political eldorado, economic freedom, empowerment, and job creation that have been elusive over the years. 

    “We have longed for an egalitarian society, a state of our own, where equity, fairness and justice shall be the symbol of the citizens and government, irrespective of origin or zonal backgrounds.

    “Sir, we are highly endeared to the capacity, personality and proven track records of your stewardship to the people of Delta Central in particular, Delta and Nigeria in general. 

    “You have indeed brought light to your people through your qualitative and quantitative representation which we tagged the first of its kind

    “To this end sir, PSON is prepared to deliver on your mandate by involving all our executive members, private school owners, teaching and non-teaching staff, our esteemed parents and everyone on the street of Delta, “

    he assured.

    Ovwigho, however, listed some of the group’s needs to include reduction in the schools’ yearly renewal fees, provision of grants and others.

    The APC campaign train later moved to Effurun where they held another town hall meeting with the Medical Associations in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. 

    Addressing the healthcare workers, Omo-Agege said that healthcare delivery should be a right for everyone, not a privilege.

    The lawmaker while assuring adequate training and retraining of healthcare workers also promised to upgrade the existing healthcare facilities and also built first-class health facilities in each of the senatorial districts.

    Responding to questions from the health workers, Omo-Agege said that he would have a quarterly interactive session with the health workers to discuss ways to move the sector forward.

    The Governorship candidate said that he would make the needed investment in public healthcare to reduce the overburden in the tertiary healthcare system.

    He also said that his administration would ensure Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the healthcare management system to reduce the child mortality rate.

    Speaking further, Omo-Agege said that he would partner with the Local Government authority to strengthen primary healthcare in the state.

    He also said that his government would ensure a robust and effective working relationship between the healthcare workers and security agencies in the state to ensure effective service delivery.

    Various health workers who spoke at the meeting charged Omo-Agege to ensure that he restores sanity to the employment and promotion of health workers, noting that a situation where ethnic consideration is placed above competence will not promote quality healthcare delivery in the state.

    Among the Medical Associations were: Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria; Association of Resident Doctors (DELSU) branch; Association of National Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, others were: the Association of Nurses and Midwifery (DELSU) branch, Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria and Pharmacy Society of Nigeria.

  • Dickson breaking new grounds at 57

    Dickson breaking new grounds at 57

    A viral video of former Bayelsa Governor, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, swimming in the famous River Forcados located around his country home of Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area, surfaced on the internet recently.

    In the video, Senator Dickson, who was at home for the usual Christmas and New Year festivities took a deep dive, swam to a point in the river and made a detour, to the delight of his aides, kinsmen and some journalists, who had come to honour a scheduled interview appointment with him.

    He showed his usual ancestral dexterity in the river just as he will do on the wrestling turf, displaying the traditional skills of the true Ijaw man. It was surprising for many onlookers as they never believed he will take to swimming in a river polluted by oil spills.

    Dickson knows this much and so he used the opportunity of having his friends from the media to quickly and once again make a statement, drawing the attention of the federal government and Multinational oil companies to the pollution caused by oil exploration activities in the Niger Delta.

    He said: “I call on oil companies to redouble their efforts by observing international best practices. This is as result of the oil exploration activities and the activities of misguided young people involved in illegal bunkering has resulted in the depletion of the ecosystem of the Niger Delta.

    “I am urging the oil companies to respect the environmental rights of the Ijaw people. The ethos of the Ijaw people revolves around the Rivers which is a source of livelihood to the people.

    “I call on those involved in illegal refining of crude oil to desist from the act as it affects the ecology of the Niger Delta”.

    Dickson’s renewed call on the issue gives hope to people of the region, particularly those from the Ijaw Ethnic Nationality that there is still a strong voice that is always ready to speak truth to power on what directly and indirectly affects them.

    This particular character trait of Dickson has undoubtedly, made him one of the most respected leaders of the Ijaw Nation;

    At no time will he shy away from raising his voice against acts of oppression and subjugation against his people. He has sustained his relentless activism for the socio-economic emancipation of the Niger Delta.

    Having been part of the Ijaw struggle for years with the Ijaw National Congress (INC) as a platform, Senator Dickson has made profound statements and carried out series of protests that triggered a u-turn of some of those policies considered to be anti-people especially of the Niger Delta.

    As governor of Bayelsa, he established for the first time the Ministry of Ijaw National Affairs to identify the issues of the people and make a case for them. The ministry became a rallying point for all leaders on the issue of ijaw interest and development till this date.

    Today, serving the people of Bayelsa West at the Senate, the former governor has at several occasions spoke against what in his view were things that were and are still not right and against the general interest of the people of his Senatorial District, Bayelsa state and Nigerians in general.

    Not minding whose ox is gored, the ebullient lawmaker as he does as duty calls recently kicked against the “take a bow” directive by the Senate leadership for two senior executive directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) whose names were sent for screening and confirmation for purpose of reappointment.

    He opined that with the suffocating situation of the economy it was wrong not to properly interrogate those in charge but rather provide a soft landing for them. According to him the event was happening at a time the apex bank was pursuing a “strange” cashless policy.

    “We are not here playing, this country is going through a very terrible situation and circumstances, and if at this point in time with the outcry in this country, we have nominees of Mr President, who have been managing the economy in such a way that people are not too satisfied. And we’re talking about screening excercise and people just say take a bow and go, I think that was not enough.

    “And that was the point I was trying to make, I disagree on record and let it be said that I am not in support of the timing of the report of this cashless policy so called. This central bank governor and this president has been in office for 7 years almost 8 years. You can’t be introducing this in the twilight of an administration. I think these are fundamental issues in my view

    “For the national interest, that should be left for the next administration, it can be introduced and we can debate it, but not to rush this country into this cashless policy when you have a national outcry.

    “I think that we need to re-examine this and the senate committee which I’m a part, should have more deliberately questioned the CBN nominees on policy and the readiness of our institutions, readiness of our economy, readiness of all the local people who are doing small small businesses, who are under-banked or un-banked, and then introducing this at a time that we’re preparing for a national election, a time that we have serious security challenges.

    “I think that this policy needed more interrogation by this committee of which I’m a part and unfortunately the chairman ruled that they should take a bow, but I have a duty to my conscience and duties to this country to make my views known for posterity, that I feel that more caution should be exercised, by the regulators of our economy especially the central bank and other institutions, they should not hurry into the implementation of this policy”, Dickson said.

    He had his say, even though his colleagues had their way. It was vintage Dickson. History will always be kind to men like him for his indefatigable effort to make society better at every opportunity through selfless service anchored on peaceful dialogue, strong personal values and calm understanding.

    As members of his extended family, we are grateful to God Almighty for the rare gift of him. It is a privilege to be his siblings. Every step of the way he has guided us to always do things right to the glory of God.

    As he clocks 57 today, we look forward to many more years of his astuteness of the political turf and wish him great and sound health as well as the bravery to continue to do his best for humanity.

    We are optimistic that with the massive support he enjoys, his re-election into the Senate on February 25, 2023 will not only be seamless but produce a result that will reflect and reaffairm his wide acceptance among our people.

    Happy birthday dearly beloved brother, turned father.

    By Moses Oruaze Dickson

  • We’ll resist fresh loan request by Okowa, says group

    We’ll resist fresh loan request by Okowa, says group

    Students and former student leaders forum in Delta State has vowed to use all lawful mean to resist the move by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to secure another N120billion loan barely four months to the end of his tenure.

    The Forum said unlike in the past when it took a passive posture when Okowa went on loan shopping, it will not stand aloof and watch the outgoing Governor plunge the State into further debt trap.

    A whistleblower, Fejiro Oliver on Thursday, alleged of a move by Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) vice presidential candidate to obtain a fresh N120bn loan.

    The facility, according to the report, if approved will balloon the state debt profile to over N480bn, a move that has generated reaction amongst critical stakeholders across Delta.

    Reacting to the development in a statement by the group’s Publicity Secretary, Comrade Godfrey Regha, the forum called on Governor Okowa to recede the decision to procure fresh loans in the interest of Deltans and generation unborn who will bear the burden of paying back.

    The forum also urged the members of the Delta Assembly, to prove Deltans wrong that they are not ‘figureheads and rubber stamp’ by rejecting the fresh loan request by Okowa.

    “We are calling on all well-meaning Deltans in the circle of Governor Okowa to appeal to his conscience to recede his ill-advised decision to take a whooping N120b loan in the twilight of his administration.

    “If Okowa fails to heed our appeal, we will mobilise Delta Students and youths in the mother of all protest to occupy the Delta Government House at Asaba, we will not sit aloof and watch Governor Okowa for his selfish political ambition mortgage our collective commonwealth to feather the political next of Atiku.

    “We are not unmindful that the leadership of the Delta Assembly led by our brother, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who also seeks to govern the state will as usual say the ‘Ayes’ have it, we, however, want to put him on notice that if they don’t act in the best interest of Deltans, they will be stoned when they visit their constituency.

    “Delta state is bleeding and is in an intensive care unit due to the huge debt burden hanging on our nick, no thanks to Governor Okowa but we will not allow him to take another loan to our detriment. We will resist it with every lawful means necessary including blacklisting any bank that goes ahead to grant him more loans,” the statement added.

  • Forum lashes Melaye over attack on Omo-Agege

    Forum lashes Melaye over attack on Omo-Agege

    Students & former student leaders Forum in Delta State has described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign spokesman, Senator Dino Melaye as a court jester and a misfit who should be not the face of any serious party in a saner clime. 

    It stated adding since PDP is in disarray, the party has gone for the worse of Nigeria to market a bad product.

    The group called on Deltans to ignore Melaye’s ranting noting that Deltans won’t be distracted by the antics of those who cannot successfully manage a home and have continuously displayed a maladjusted personality.   

    Describing Melaye as a failed politician for not securing a senatorial ticket in Kogi West, the group said he wants remain relevant by calling Delta governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ovie Omo-Agege names.

    The Forum in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Godfrey Regha while reacting to a comment credited to Dino Melaye on Tuesday during the PDP presidential campaign rally at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, said that no one takes him seriously. 

    Read Also: Don’t vote for those who will sell Nigeria, Omo-Agege warns

    It added, his view will not change Deltans’ determination to vote out the PDP.

    The forum demanded answers on how the N4.2 trillion which accrued to the State in the past seven and half years was spent without visible projects. 

    “PDP should be ashamed of parading a man like Melaye as his image maker. It shows the quality of people Atiku will recruit to run Nigeria if voted as President, but our people a wiser now, with Melaye, Atiku will turn governance into a circuit.

    “Melaye should go back to Kogi State and clear his name of how he diverted items meant for Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, in the North West to his home town in Ayetoro-Gbede, according to the then Kogi state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr Toufiq Isah.

    “A fugitive of the law, who was crying like a bush baby on national television to evade police arrest for culpable homicide and for giving Police False Information should be kept in solitary conferment in a saner clime but Atiku wants to rehabilitate him by making him the face of its campaign.

    “It is obvious that PDP is in disarray and the gale of defection that has hit them in recent times has made them more confused. Deltans has made up their mind to vote out Okowa and his group of borrowers. Let them tell us what they used our N4.7 trillion for.

    “Attacking Ovie Omo-Agege will not change Deltans mind about voting out the PDP, Deltans are tired of being in bondage,” the statement reads.

  • ‘I’m best candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency’

    ‘I’m best candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency’

    Candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, Anthony Onochie Ochei aka Onochieobodo has said he is the most qualified to take his people to the Promised Land.

    Onochieobodo, a chartered accountant and forensic expert and Fellow of Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, (CITN), has private and public sector experiences spanning over 24 years. 

    He previously served as a Special Assistant to a Minister for four years, as an internal consultant to another ministry for two years, and a consultant to several committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives, various departments and agencies and several private sector players.

    Anthony Onochie Ochei stressed while the electorate in Aniocha Oshimili continue to lament over the dearth of quality leadership in the country and blame the President for lack of development, it is high time the people demanded the low-hanging fruits of democracy from those who directly represent them.

    The aspiring House of Representatives member maintained the people of Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State have endured a torrid time under the incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Onochieobodo lamented the PDP to whom the people of Aniocha/Oshimili entrusted their mandate has failed to deliver basic democratic dividends, and must not be allowed to returned to office on 25th February, when the election into Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency takes place.

    Read Also: NNPP, APC bicker over billboards destruction

    According to Onochieobodo, he is determined to change the crude ways the people of Aniocha/Oshilimi have been made to live, with many communities in the constituency left without electricity supply, drinkable water, faced with insecurity challenges and lack of economic/empowerment opportunities for youths and small businesses.

    He stressed that he is poised to, if elected, facilitate infrastructural development that will promote economic activities in the constituency, beginning with ensuring a railway stop over in Ogwashi-Ukwu, electricity supply to communities that are without a pole, much less transformers to connect them to the national grid.

    “For instance, I facilitated the investigation of the contractor handling Ogwashi-Uku Multipurpose Earth Dam Project during the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the investigation into the Nigerian Food Crisis and Agricultural Sector (1999 to 2008). The Dam is a federal government funded project initiated since 2006 to provide potable water, irrigation and hydro power to my people 

    “I will make it one of my legislative agenda on provision of infrastructure. Access to water is a major challenge in our Constituency. Aside this, I make bold to say that there are other projects centered on railways and dry port that I have also been able to influence to the constituency that are still in the pipeline,” Ochei stated. 

  • Don’t vote for those who will sell Nigeria, Omo-Agege warns

    Don’t vote for those who will sell Nigeria, Omo-Agege warns

    Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege has cautioned Nigerians to be wary of politicians capable of selling the nation if they find their way to the corridors of power in 2023.

    Senator Omo-Agege said politicians who supervised the sales of critical national assets to themselves and cronies in the past do not deserve the votes of any Nigerian.

    He said such politicians, if they find their way to power, will not hesitate to sell-off Nigeria to themselves and neighbouring countries.

    The Delta All Progressives Congress(APC) governorship candidate spoke on Tuesday at the grand finale of APC ward-to-ward campaign to Delta Central senatorial district in Ughelli, Ogor and Agbarho towns in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

    Omo-Agege pointed out that opposition politicians gallivanting round Nigeria were those who sold Delta Steel Company (DSC) and other national assets at paltry sum to their associates, warning they’re ganging up to selling whatever that is left.

    The Deputy Senate President called on Nigerians to vote en masse for APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, stressing that the former Lagos Governor will not sell-off critical national assets like his PDP opponent Atiku Abubakar.

    He further charged Deltans to vote him as the next Governor and other APC candidates for other various positions during the coming polls.

    “Tell them that we are tired of the Okowa administration and the PDP administration. That for seven and half years, they have reduced us to secondhand citizens in our State. Okowa has treated our State treasury in the past seven and a half years as a personal treasury.

    “You see DSC in Udu, you know how it was before, once you graduate from school they will give you a job, but today the same people that sold DSC which was established with $1.5b, but was sold to their friends for $30m want to get back to presidency. Those same guys are the ones who are coming back saying they want to become president.

    “If they come back, they would even sell all of us. They will take us to our neighbouring countries and sell us all out, because after they finish selling all the companies what is left for them to sell, is it not us? Do you wish to be sold?

    “That is the reason we must come out and make sure that their ticket, Atiku-Okowa ticket, is not voted for. So, vote for Tinubu for president and all other APC candidates at the polls. Deltans will benefit more from Tinubu-Shettima presidency,” Omo-Agege stated.

    At the rally in Ughelli, a former PDP chieftain and prominent Urhobo leader, Chief Morrison Olori, assured that Ughelli Kingdom and indeed, Delta Central will vote for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and other APC candidates.

    At Agbarho ward one and two, former National Leader of APC and Executive Director, NEXIM Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete; Member, Governing Council, Federal Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Mr Godwin Anaughe and Federal Commissioner, Federal Character Commission, Hon. Moses Anaughe assured that Agbarho will deliver 95 per cent votes to APC at the forthcoming elections.

    Among those are at the rally are: the founding leader of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor; Director – General of APC Campaign Council and former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe; Delta APC chairman, Elder Omeni Sobotie; former NDDC EDP, Engr. Omatsuli Tuoyo; Chief Eunice Okoh, Madam Alice Ogba, Comrade Akpofure Kedienhon and Comrade Ovie Kanarbas.

  • GEIL implements Host Community Development Trust in three communities

    GEIL implements Host Community Development Trust in three communities

    The Otakikpo Joint Venture, consisting of Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and Lekoil Oil & Gas Investment Limited have inaugurated the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), for Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities in Rivers State.

    This is in accordance with section 235 of the Petroleum Industry Act which was signed into law in August 2021, by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Speaking at the inauguration in Port Harcourt, the Director, GEIL, HRH David Serena Dokubo Spiff noted that since inception, Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) and LekOil Joint Venture has continuously recognized its responsibility to create prosperity and have made consistent efforts to build trust, confidence and promote social development initiatives in the host communities.

    “Over the years, we have ensured that our core thematic areas are geared towards providing direct social investment programmes to address development deficits through empowerment of women and youths, capacity building and skill acquisition, health outreaches, scholarships, direct community contracts, infrastructures and promotion of poverty alleviation programmes and other sustainable development initiatives, even before the PIA was signed into law.”

    Read Also: How GEIL is changing Ikuru town through meaningful community projects

    The Otakikpo Joint Venture moved into action as soon as the PIA was signed into Law to document key legal provisions required for the establishment of Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    This, Dokubo said was followed through with a grassroot mobilization and sensitization programme to advance understanding of the legal provisions towards the establishment of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).

    He added that GEIL has engaged the people of Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama and Asukoyet communities at the grassroot level to galvanize support to conduct needs assessment that metamorphosed into a community Development Plan (CDP), which was carefully validated by members of the communities.

    He said the establishment of the HCDT was only possible through the engagement of community stakeholders, approvals by the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and a formal registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission “CAC” under the name “Ugama Ekede, Ayama Ekede, Asukama, Asukoyet Host Community Development Trust’’

    “With the support our host communities, Green Energy International Limited has clearly set the pace for other E&P companies by being one of the first to fulfill all requirements for the establishment of the HCDT” he concluded.

    Also commenting, the representatives of the communities, Chief. (Hon) Gad Harry Ekprikpo expressed their satisfaction with the company. According to him, GEIL has demonstrated its genuine love for the communities over the years through sustainable development programs that have positively impacted the lives of its dwellers and entire indigens.

    He added that with the inauguration of the HCDT for the communities, there is no doubt that meaningful projects designed to resolve the immediate socio-economic challenges confronting the host communities will be implemented without delay.

  • Delta APC Rep Waive begs Okowa for operational vehicle

    Delta APC Rep Waive begs Okowa for operational vehicle

    The member representing Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Hon. (Rev.) Francis Ejiroghene Waive has begged Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for an operational car.

    Rev Waive, a fierce preacher of morality, in a letter addressed to Governor Okowa dated December 19th, 2022 and received at the office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor on 20th December 2022, begged the Okowa to consider him as one of the beneficiaries of the car gift to Delta lawmakers.  

    Okowa following the tradition set by his predecessors gave a contract for the purchase and supply of 19 Toyota Land Cruisers for the 10 House of Reps members from Delta State.

    The contract, which was allegedly awarded to Governor Okowa’s kinsman, Hon Victor Nwakolo, a member of the House of Reps from Ika Federal Constituency, it was gathered was paid for in full.

    However, while the other nine members of the House of Reps from Delta State, including Hon Ben Igbakpa, an New Nigeria People Party Reps member, got their own vehicles Waive’s car was allegedly withheld.

    It was rumoured the vehicle is parked at the residence of one of the Governor’s associates in Abuja.

    In the letter, Rev Waive lamented that of all ten members of the House of Representatives from Delta State, he is the only one yet to receive his Toyota Land Cruiser.

    Rev Waive is the only APC member from Delta State all nine others are PDP.

    The letter titled: non-receipt of my car, reads: “First, let me thank you Sir for your magnanimity in upholding the tradition of our dear State in assisting members of the National Assembly with operational vehicles. In this 9th Assembly, you have been gracious in providing a Toyota Land Cruiser Jeep to all other members of the House of

    Representatives except myself the Honorable member representing the entire people of Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency in the House.

    “Your Excellency, I believe overzealous aides are responsible for my exclusion. I bring this to your kind attention so that you can direct a more senior officer to reach me with mine.

    Read Also: Delta APC Rep Waive begs Okowa for operational vehicle

    “I have called your phone number a couple of times and sent a few text messages without any response. I understand the huge demand on your time first as our Governor and at this crucial time of electioneering campaigns. I thus decided to write hoping that this letter will come to your attention and you will use your good office to ensure I am not shortchanged, oppressed or denied before your very eyes.”

    A PDP House of Reps member, a colleague of Rev Waive, who pleaded for anonymity, said it is a usual practice not to give operational cars to members from opposition parties.

    When queried why Hon Igbakpa, an NNPP member was given, the lawmaker said: You and I know that Hon Ben is PDP by heart, he is just in NNPP to use their platform for electoral purposes, if not PDP runs in his vein, but for Waive you don’t empower your enemy.”

    Another source at the office of the Secretary to the State Government challenged Rev Waive to decamp to the PDP, noting that if he does, he will get more than a car.

    “He cannot be working in Shell and goes to Chevron for salary, if he needs a Jeep, let him decamp, simple.”

    An aide of Waive, Comrade Ochuko Ovus while reacting to the insinuation that the lawmaker went to beg for a car, said the issue is not about Rev Waive but that the entire Ughelli/Udu constituency is being deprived by actions of certain people in the state government.

    According to him, Rev Waive rode his first brand new Toyota Prado in 2007 courtesy of his former employers, adding that Rev Waive is a contented man but will not keep quiet in the face of deprivation, oppression and wickedness.

    Ovus noted that though the tenure of Gov Okowa runs out in four months, one should expect a man who aspires to be Vice President not to exhibit pettiness against the entire federal constituency, especially in an election year.

    “Deploying the car that is due to our constituency for his Vice-Presidential bid will not help Gov Okowa, so he should prove us wrong that he has nothing against the people of Ughelli North, South and Udu federal constituency because his actions lately betray his “Prosperity For All Deltans” slogan,” he said.

  • Wayles splashes millions at book launch

    Wayles splashes millions at book launch

    Delta-born business mogul, High Chief Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore JP, has splashed multi-million at the launch of three books at the weekend in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

    The launch was part of occasion marking the retirement ceremony of the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, which culminated a week-long activities.

    Chief Egukawhore, chief launcher of the books and who is often referred to as the Marine Oxygen, lauded the authors for their initiatives and expressed the confidence that the books would enrich knowledge and enhance understanding of their projects.

    He expressed appreciation for the honour given him to launch the books as he acknowledged the obvious efforts that went into bringing the books to fruition, stressing that he wished them well in their future endeavours.

    He donated $100, 000 and N20 million naira for the books.

    In the same vein, the Rivers and Bayelsa State Governments made very significant donations along with a plethora of donors.

    The three books unveiled included Kate Abiri: Footprints on the Bench, Judges and Judging in Nigeria and Bayelsa State Law Reports: Volume One.

    Bayelsa gyovernor, Sen. Douye Diri, who is the Chief host, hailed Justice Abiri for her outstanding achievements, noting that she swore in three Governors during her 15-year term as Chief Judge and one Governor in Rivers State.

    They included Chief Timipre Sylva (2008); Sen. Seriake Dickson (2012); Sen. Douye Diri (2020) and Nyesom Wike (2015).

    He described Justice Abiri as a legal icon who rendered unblemished and meritorious services in three decades of legal practice, stressing “Bayelsa State will still require her services due to her commitment and wealth of experience”.
    Read Also : ActionAid, others lift households affected by flood in Bayelsa State

    The chairman, the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanikpekun (SAN), who is chairman of the occasion, described Justice Abiri as an elegant, brilliant and hardworking jurist, who he said represented the best in the legal profession. He also lauded Sen. Diri’s administration for supporting the judiciary.

    Justice Abiri expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa governor for his support and encouragement to the judiciary owing to the financial autonomy given the third arm of government in the state.

    She said: “The state judiciary now executes quality projects without external supervision or stifling of funds”.

    Dignitaries at the colourful event included Bayelsa Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo; wife of former President, Dame Patience Jonathan; Justice Chima Centus Nweze; Justice Gabriel Kolawole, HRM (Justice) Francis Tabai, JSC (rtd), legal icons/luminaries and a host of others.

  • Waive has done well, he will do better as a ranking member – Omo-Agege, Igbuya

    Waive has done well, he will do better as a ranking member – Omo-Agege, Igbuya

    Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege, former Delta Speaker Monday Igbuya and Delta Chairman of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Elder Omeni Sobotie have charged the people of Ughelli North, South and Udu federal constituency to vote for Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive to make him a ranking member of the House of Representatives.

    The three APC leaders said that Waive has done well as a first timer but will do better if reelected as a ranking member of the House of Reps because he will have more privileged to head committees.

    DSP Omo-Agege while addressing mammoth crowd of supporters who received him in continuation of the party’s ward-to-ward campaign at Iyara and Oviri Olomu in Ughelli South local government areas of the State commended Hon. Waive for not disappointing him and other party leaders who supported him.

    He urged the people of Ughelli North, South and Udu federal constituency to return him, saying that one good turn deserves another.

    Igbuya appealed to voters in Ughelli North, South and Udu federal constituency to vote Waive back, noting that as a ranking member of the House of Reps, he will perform better.

    “So, we’ve come to plead with you to vote Waive back. If he returns for his second tenure, he will do projects that will leave your mouth gaping. By that time, he will become a ranking member with more privileges,” he said.

    Sobotie said Waive
    has no competitor in the race because PDP candidature is still a subject of litigation, adding that Waive will be returned unopposed.

    “Who is their candidate? I am told that their candidate for the House of Representatives are still in court. But because I don’t want to run foul of the law, I don’t know who their candidate is. But as soon as we know their candidate, we will unmask him.

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    “So, for the House of Representatives vote Waive, and since PDP don’t even have a candidate, I think we may return Waive unopposed,” he added.

    Waive, after receiving the party flag, dedicated it to God. He called on the electorates in the constituency to come out en mass and vote all APC candidates 5/5.

    According to him: “The period of election is now, please vote for APC, vote for Ovie Omo-Agege, because it is someone who is familiar with a road track that is usually sent on an errand to ply the road. Like I said previously in my speech, we should vote the ‘broom’ symbol for the Presidential, Senatorial and House of Representatives election as it falls on the same day March 25th 2023.

    “So, let’s all come together people of APC, Christians, people of Ughievwie because on the day of the election, you won’t see the picture of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ede Dafinone and neither will you see my picture on the ballot papers.

    “The only indication for you to know you are on the right track is to thumbprint on the portion where you have broom on the ballot paper.

    “When you see the symbol of the APC broom held in hand on the election day, for the Presidency, Senate and House of Representatives, vote for it.

    “Two weeks after the Presidential, Senate and House of Representatives elections come the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections which is the ‘mega moment’. Because that is when we can vote on who will represent Ughievwie and Urhobo at large.

    “On that same day is for my boss. The one that paved way for me and held me in hand to Abuja is the one who vying for the position of Governor in Delta State.

    “I dedicate this flag handed to me today to God Almighty and to the people of Ughelli North Ughelli South Udu Federal Constituency.
    As I was first a timer in the House of Representatives, my record proves that I have worked tirelessly for God and my people.
    Going to the House as a ranking member means a lot of goodies for my people. Nothing but the best! Four more years of impactful representation.”