A group, Concerned Delta State Youths, has reiterated its call on youths to shun the ongoing nationwide hunger protest.
It lamented several lives and properties have been lost already across the country on the first day.
The group stated this was what it foresaw for which it appealed to youths on several.ocassions before to shun the nationwide protest and embrace dialogue.
Addressing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists at Press Centre in Warri and Press Centre, Ughelli, the Director General of the body, Activist Kelvin Ejemudo and Comrade Obakporo said the atmosphere was too charged and tensed for the protest to continue as more live properties will be destroyed across the country.
According to them: “There is need for youths of Delta state to shelve the protest. We also cautioned against the destruction of Government’s property, if the protest must continue, the youths must be law abiding and peaceful.
“We also want to call on security agencies to exercise caution to ensure that protesters are not molested but accorded their due place according to the law of the land.
”‘Security personnel must be law abiding, it is not enough to see youths gather and storm them and say they are planning protest, he that alleges must prove it.
“The protest has yielded positive results as the Federal Government, within these few days before the nationwide protest today, Mr. President has started to implement some policies to improve on the economy of the country especially in the area of Naira against dollars, among others.”
The body advised the government of the day to alleviate the suffering of the people by rolling out more palliatives and better economic policies to cushion the effects of the harshship on the people.
“Federal Government should not relax yet but should ensure that the Warri sea ports work, Warri and Kaduna refineries are back in full operation to enable the people afford the fuel to save them from the untold hardship.
“As a group, we will not be party of the protest, so we called on the youths to shun the ongoing nationwide protest and engage the Government in dialogue where no life will be lost to pave room for peace and sustainable progress,” it added.
Market women in Ughelli metropolis and neighboring communities hijacked protests that began as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, waving green leaves to show solidarity and express their hunger at Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The women and youths, numbering over two thousand, took over the East-West Road, disrupting vehicular movement and preventing travelers from reaching their destinations as the major road was barricaded.
Ughelli North local government council chairman, Hon. Jaro Egbo, advised the protesters to maintain decorum and ensure the protest remained violence-free, assuring them that the state and federal government would address their demands.
Meanwhile, a group under the auspices of Concerned Citizens of Delta State has appealed to youths in the state to abstain from violent protests and embrace dialogue.
The group also called on the federal government, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, to implement socio-economic policies and programs to urgently address the plights and aspirations of Nigerians.
The leader of the group, Comrade Kelvin Ejumudo, urged the youths to engage the government through constructive dialogue rather than resorting to violent protests, which would worsen the country’s economic woes.
Emphasizing the citizens’ right to peaceful demonstration, Ejumudo cautioned security agencies against victimizing innocent protesters, asserting that it is the right of Nigerians to protest against government inaction at all levels.
“While we advise the protesters to be law abiding to ensure safety, we are calling on security agencies not to take the protest as an avenue to arrest, victimize or prefer frivolous charges against innocent protesters.
“We are addressing the press today (yesterday) because of the security distress we received from security agencies that some criminal elements might want to use the protest cause mayhem. We know what we suffered during the EndSars, and we don’t want to suffer such again,” said Ejumudo.
He said: “Just today (yesterday) we hear of an attempted prison break in Imo state. If they succeed, more criminal elements may flow from there into the State and that might result to unrest.
“We don’t want our people to run helter skelter while they are hungry. They must be alive because a dead man cannot fight for justice,” he added.
The hunger and starvation ravaging Nigeria is alarming as it calls for concern. In the wake of this is “End bad Governance Protest”. The prevailing economic hardship is telling on every family member.
The group said: “It’s the right of the youths to protest against the government who has been insensitive to the plights of the people over the years. But do not infringe the right of others.”
It urged the government to roll out measures to reinvigorate the national assets market including the Refineries, noting that Dangote Refinery is not enough to serve the country of over 200 million people.
The leadership of the non-indigenes community in Delta State dissociated itself from the protest.
The non-indigenes comprising of Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Ibo, Idoma, Tiv, Edo, and others directed their members not to join the protest.
In a statement, its leadership said: “The Executive of the non-indigene community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores.
“The executives of the non-indigene community in Delta State appealed and directed its members not to be involved in the upcoming national protests as it would worsen the already fragile security and economic situation in the country.
“The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria seems to be politically motivated and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums that can potentially lead to fatalities and injuries.
“We advise all our members to remain law-abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country.”
In a communique read by Babatunde Ishmael, after a careful review, the non-indigene community executive agreed that while there is actual economic hardship in the country, it was a global issue which responsible governments have been addressing.
According to the communique, “the non-indigene community Executive also believes that another round of protests after the last #EndSars protests will actually worsen the precarious economic and security situation being witnessed in the country.
“The Delta State government has provided a conducive environment for the Non-Indigene community in Delta state to carry out their businesses without any form of discrimination or molestation.
“Also, as a government that has promised all-inclusiveness, the Oborevwori administration has appointed non-indigenes into his government.
“In order to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Tinubu administration, the Delta State government has been giving palliatives to vulnerable groups in Delta state and also carrying the non-indigene community along in this.
“The Executive of the non-indigene community believes that the community should not be dragged into politics and should not be used by politicians to settle political scores”.
To this end, the non-indigene community, arising from a crucial meeting resolved that “the current economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians is a global issue and we should exercise restraint and should not be seen ruffling feathers in a matter that can be settled amicably.
“The Executives of Non-indigene community in Delta State appealed and directed its members not to be involved in the upcoming national protests as it would worsen the already fragile security and economic situation in the country.
“The Delta state government has been partnering with the non-indigene community in Delta State in the form of political appointments and empowerment schemes for some of its members and as such we should support the Oborevwori administration and desist from engaging in a needless protest that is not a panacea to our challenges.
“We have security information that some detractors are planning to penetrate the ranks of the non-indigene community in the State and we advise our members not to be used to destabilize the polity.
“The Delta State government has been giving palliatives in tranches to vulnerable groups, widows, the aged, and the disabled and this includes the non-indigene population of Delta state.
“The planned protest with the hashtag #endbadgovernanceinnigeria seems to be politically motivated and our members are advised to steer clear of a protest that is likely to be hijacked by hoodlums that can potentially lead to fatalities and injuries.
“We advise all our members to remain law-abiding, be vigilant and avoid any act that could lead to a breach of law and security of the state and country.”
A political pressure group under the agis of Udu Youths in Politics in Udu Local Government Area has hailed the nomination of Hon. (Chief) Peter Okagbare Uviejitobor as Commissioner by Delta Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Comrade Goodluck Mukoro from Ovwian Community in Udu, who spoke on behalf of the youths, said Uviejitobor’s nomination did not come as a surprise based on his track record as two-term member of Delta Assembly.
Mukoro claimed the former lawmaker impacted lives and as well brought the dividends of democracy to the people.
He said that the open door policy of Uviejitobor will make youths have access to the government.
He argued Uviejitobor’s nomination will strengthen the party and build support at the grassroots, pointing at the deluge of congratulatory messages and support that have poured in since his nomination.
The Coordinator of PDP Wards Youth Leaders’ Forum in Udu LGA, Comrade Kolodi Jaho Godspower, also praised the nomination of Uviejitobor, stating it gladdens the hearts of Udu people, particularly youths.
The body noted that Uviejitobor’s track records while he represented Udu Constituency in the Assembly for two terms earned him greater acceptance as his Constituency projects were visible in all communities in Udu.
The Coordinator noted that Uviejitobor’s accessibility and his hard work in PDP gave the party victory in the 2019 general elections where PDP governorship candidate and PDP Assembly candidate won elections for the first time since 1999 in the areas.
The Coordinator praised Uviejitobor for his love for Udu development and urged everyone to rally round him, assuring he will perform very well on his mandate.
The people of Odimodi and its Federated Communities in Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have decried the high level of massive oil spillages around the seashore and waterways of Odimodi and its federated communities.
In a statement on Saturday by the Chairman, Odimodi and Federated Communities, Comrade New-World Endoro, he called on the Britania-U Nigeria Limited to commence urgent clean-up and remediation of the environment.
He stressed that the people were already suffering from the spills already and urgent intervention is needed to give the people some respite.
Endoro also called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government as well as Burutu Local Government Council to come to their aid as both the aquatic and the environment have been destroyed by the spillages.
Recall that on Thursday 18th of July 2024, a fire Incident was reportedly recorded on a drilling vessel platform, Britania U at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta.
However, on Friday 19th of July 2024, Endoro reportedly led other members of the community to visit sites where massive oil particles were seen in large quantities around the seashore.
Endoro, while briefing the press noted that the spills arising from fire incident at the Britania-U Vessel drilling platform had spread to Isiayegbene, Beniboye, Odimodi and Gbidipou community.
He warned that the people would not tolerate any delay in the clean-up and remediation, stressing that a JIV should be constituted immediately.
Other community members who spoke at the news conference included Comrade Monday Cyril Laide, Youth President of Odimodi; Isaiah Ingo, an opinion leader in Odimodi and Madam Peremene Helen, all lamented the high level of suffering occasioned by the spillage.
The people of Odimodi and its Federated Communities in Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, have decried the high level of massive oil spillages around the seashore and waterways of Odimodi and its federated communities.
In a statement on Saturday by the Chairman, Odimodi and Federated Communities, Comrade New-World Endoro, they called on the Britania-U Nigeria Limited to commence urgent clean-up and remediation of the environment.
The communities stressed the people were already suffering from the spills already and urgent intervention is needed to give the people some respite.
Endoro also called on the Federal Government, Delta State Government as well as Burutu Local Government Council to come to their aid as both the aquatic and the environment have been destroyed by the spillages.
On Thursday July 18, 2024, a fire Incident was reportedly recorded on a drilling vessel platform, Britania U at Ajakpa Field, (OML 90), 10.77 nautical miles South of Forcadoes Terminal in Delta.
However, on Friday July 19, 2024, Endoro reportedly led other members of the community to visit sites where massive oil particles where seen in large quantities around the seashore.
Endoro, while briefing the press noted that the spills arising from fire incident at the Britania-U Vessel drilling platform had spread to Isiayegbene, Beniboye, Odimodi and Gbidipou community.
He warned that the people would not tolerate any delay in the clean-up and remediation, stressing that a JIV should be constituted immediately.
Other community members who spoke at the news conference included Comrade Monday Cyril Laide, Youth President of Odimodi; Isaiah Ingo, an opinion leader in Odimodi and Madam Peremene Helen, all lamented the high level of suffering occasioned by the spillage.
Laide particularly called on the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to urgently swing into action as life is gradually becoming unbearable to the people.
Justice Onome Marshall-Umukoro of a Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has sentenced two to death for armed robbery and murder.
The two convicts, Abdulrasheed Mohammed (m) and Aliyu Bawa (m), allegedly committed the offence on May 29, 2020, on Oni Edozien Street, off Ezenei Avenue, Asaba.
The prosecution told the court that the defendants, alongside two others now at large, while riding in a commercial tricycle (keke), robbed one Ifeanyi Okafor of his mobile phone and stabbed him on his chest, which later resulted in his death.
The convicts then made away with the phone, which they sold to the 3rd defendant, Daniel Joseph, for N6,000.
The police tracked the phones to the 3rd defendant, who led them to arrest the 1st and 2nd defendants.
Justice Marshall-Umukoro held that the prosecution proved the case against the 1st and 2nd defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
He found them guilty of the offences as charged and convicted them accordingly.
The court held that the case against the 3rd defendant was not proven beyond reasonable doubt and accordingly discharged and acquitted him of the offence of receiving stolen property.
A man Onuwa Olise Ijie has been sentenced to death for the murder of a set of seven-year-old twins, Chidalu and Chigozie Olise Agwunobi.
The prosecution called five witnesses, while the fifth witness, 15-year-old Iweka Ajie, who testified via video link, refused to adopt his deposition on oath.
Justice Onome Marshall-Umukoro of the Delta State High Court in Asaba, the state capital, who sentenced them, held that the testimony of the five witnesses proved the case against the two defendants beyond doubt.
Low voter turnout and late arrival of electoral materials marred Saturday’s local government elections Warri and its environs in Delta state.
In Warri South and Uvwie, materials arrived about 11 a.m. This is even as traders at Igbudu market were seen going about their trade, and commercial operators going about their businesses.
Addressing reporters shortly after casting his vote at Osubi ward 6, unit 33 in Okpe LGA, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori who spoke on the Supreme Court judgement granting local governments financial autonomy in the country, Delta is not worried by the judgement, as the State Government does not tamper with local government funds.
According to him: “Supreme Court has given judgment. It does not affect Delta State Government. In Delta State, we don’t tamper with local government money. As we speak, the money for the local governments is still there. Almost 15 billion is still there.
“I’m a supporter of financial autonomy and as a former speaker, we’re at the forefront of financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary. I still believe in it.”
He further expressed confidence that the PDP would emerge victorious in the councils.
Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) has been accused of hoarding sensitive materials for the polls from the opposition.
As of 1p.m, sensitive materials were yet to be delivered across wards in Warri North.
The development led to the major opposition in the state, the All Progressive Congress (APC), to boycott the exercise in some LGAs, citing loss of confidence in DSIEC.
Speaking on the matter, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas who represents Delta South Senatorial District, condemned the commission for failing to release sensitive electoral materials, including result sheets and ballot papers, for the local government council elections.
He spoke at his country home in Emede, Isoko South LGA, accusing DSIEC of colluding with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to deny citizens their fundamental right to vote, effectively rendering the election invalid.
The Senator alleged that the PDP, APC’s readiness to take over local government affairs, conspired with DSIEC to manipulate the electoral process.
“Democracy worldwide is about the will of the people, but DSIEC and the PDP have conspired to deny citizens their right to elect local government leaders. This is undemocratic and unacceptable,” the senator said.
He asserted that the non-release of sensitive materials constitutes electoral fraud and compromises the election’s integrity.
The Senator advocated for local government autonomy and commended the Federal Government and Supreme Court for taking steps towards this goal.
He stressed the need for constitutional amendment to transfer the power to constitute state electoral commissions from state governors to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Until INEC takes over local government elections, we cannot guarantee the true autonomy of the third tier of government,” Senator Joel-Onowakpo concluded.
APC chieftain in Delta South, Chief Ayirimi Emami, had earlier advocated for INEC to conduct council elections in order to enthrone good governance at the grassroots on the heels of the Supreme Court granting LGs financial autonomy.
Chief Emami who hailed the judgement during the campaigns for the council elections, said President Bola Tinubu was doing what ought to be done.
“What is left is for INEC to come do local government elections. My people we we are winning. The president is doing what he is supposed to do. He knows our problem. He is solving them little by little,” Emami said.
The candidate of the APC for Warri North Akatakpo Omatseye and the Labour Party (LP), along with other party leaders and supporters, including Sir. Amorighoye Mene (for the APC), were gathered at DSIEC office in Koko as early as 6a.m for the distribution of voting materials but waited endlessly for the arrival of the commission’s officials.
Speaking on behalf of the APC, Sir Mene said despite directing them to be at the DSIEC office as early as 6 a.m, there was no sign of its officials. He added that the State Secretary of DSIEC promised to find out the situation, but was yet to revert on the issue.
The APC leader disclosed that security agents were also at the DSIEC office in Koko, and were surprised to find the place deserted.
Mene while noting that it would three hours for materials to arrive at some wards in the LGA, once they leave the DSIEC office stated, “we are here to let the world know that Local Government election did not hold in Warri North”.
It would be noted that in Warri South, Uvwie and Ughelli North LGAs, the APC announced that it was boycotting the election as it no longer had confidence in DSIEC.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori casting his vote at Osubi, Okpe
National Coordinator, Ukpe Anioma, Alex Ipeazu has urged all Anioma indigenes to speak in one voice for the creation of Anioma State irrespective of the geopolitical zone it will belong to.
Ipeazu stated this in Asaba at a media advocacy and sensitization organized by the Ugo Anioma Movement to enlighten stakeholders on the creation of Anioma State from the present Delta State.
He said Anioma indigenes in the nine local government areas of Delta North would be the greatest beneficiaries when Anioma State is created, and called for total support of all irrespective of political, religious and ethnic inclinations to realize the age-long clamour for Anioma State.
The National Coordinator, Ukpe Anioma, represented by the Ebubedike of Igbodo Kingdom, Chief Fred Obuseh, maintained that the creation of Anioma State would usher in more opportunities for infrastructural development, job creation, political appointments, economic growth, more revenue, and lots more.
He said, “We are all Igbos, speaking the same dialect of Nnua and Ndo, and none is superior to the other. And if we fail to support Senator Ned Nwoko’s aggressive drive for the creation of Anioma State because of sentiments bothering on the geopolitical zone it should belong to when created, we will be further divided, and rendered politically irrelevant forever.”
A community leader, Chief Dan Okenyi who recalled that the clamour for creation of Anioma State had been on for many decades, gave an assurance that Anioma State would be created this time around under the doctrine of necessity.
In their separate remarks, Chairman of the Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Churchill Oyovwe buttressed on the benefits of administrative efficiency and rapid development when Anioma State is created, while a chieftain of the Igbo Media Professionals, Chike Ifedi hinted that the people of the South East had thrown their weight behind the creation of Anioma State in view of same cultural background.
