The entry of Victor Ochei, the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly into the Delta North 2015 senatorial race on the platform of Accord Party (AP) is said to be giving his PDP counterpart, Peter Nwaoboshi, sleepless nights.
Unconfirmed speculations have it that the aspiration of Ochei, who is a three-term lawmaker in the House of Assembly, is being backed by major stakeholders within and outside the PDP, his former party.
Members of the National Association of Delta State Students (NADESSTU) at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi (AUCHI POLY) were all smiles last week when the government released the list of beneficiaries of the state bursary.
When the list of beneficiaries in the polytechnic was pasted, students rushed to check their names. The verification followed at various locations on the campus.
NADESSTU President, Emmanuel Oweki, hailed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the prompt release of the money, saying the stipend would encourage them to strive for excellence.
He said: “The bursary payment is an indication that our government is interested in education of the youth. We are grateful for the payment and we will continue to support his programmes for the youth.”
The association president said students would be paid N19,500, noting that the money would be paid two weeks after the screening.
The beneficiaries are expected to purchase a card at Zenith Bank for a PIN number that will enable them register online with their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration number.
Oweki said the screening method would prevent students that are not eligible for the payment to receive bursary.
He added: “We have a large number of students for this screening and those persons who are not from Delta State will be screened out”
On the complaints by beneficiaries who were admitted through pre-degree programmes, Oweki said meeting was ongoing with officials of Delta State Scholarship Board to remove JAMB registration number as criterion for the payment.
A beneficiary, Victory Odjegba, a HND II Polymer Technology student, said: “We appreciate the government for the payment, because it is coming at a time we need the money. I think the money is not too small neither is it too big. We just appreciate the money comes at the right time.”
Another beneficiary, Godfrey Kurudu, a ND II Computer Science student, said: “We are grateful for this gesture by Governor Uduaghan, because the money is helpful in a way. It is not all students that come from rich background; students whose parents cannot cater for their needs will be happy to get the stipend.”
Delta State will be a battle ground for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next month’s general elections. The majority ethnic group, Urhobo, has an axe to grind with the ruling party over its alleged marginalisation in the distribution of major elective offices. Thus, its leading lights are working assiduously to swing the votes in the APC’s d irection. Who wins the governorship poll between Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the PDP candidate, and Chief O’tega Emerhor, the standard bearer of the APC? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the issues that will shape the contest in the oil-rich state.
Unlike in previous elections, the general elections may be tough in Delta State. Although President Goodluck Jonathan is from the Niger Delta, certain factors may not make the presidential election a walk over for him. In the multi-ethnic state, there is no political accord. The bone of contention is the alleged sidelining of the majority tribe, Urhobo, in the distribution of major elective offices.
The ethnic group has complained bitterly that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reneged on its informal agreement to pick its governorship candidate from the tribe. Also, the deputy governorship has also eluded the ethnic group, fueling suspicion that certain forces were bent on relegating it to the background, despite its numerical strength.
The umbrella organisation, Urhobo Progressives Union (UPU) has been brainstorming on how to get a fair deal from the political class. Having lost the two prime slots, its leading lights have opened discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has zoned its governorship ticket to the tribe. The APC candidate, Chief O’tega Emerhor, is campaigning aggressively in Delta, like his PDP counterpart, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
Since 1999, PDP has been winning governorship polls convincingly in Delta. Between 1999 and 2007, Governor James Ibori held sway in the Government House. The threat by Chief Great Ogboru to dethrone him failed, owing to the formidable party machinery. After eight years in office, Ibori was succeeded by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, whose second term expires in May.
Ahead of the polls, PDP is basking on old glory. Prominent Deltas have sympathy for the ruling party. These political juggernauts are committed to the President’s re-election bid. Dr. Jonathan is an Ijaw. Therefore, his kinsmen, who are a potent force in the state, are mobilising for his second term. Apart from the apex Ijaw leader, Senator Edwin Clark, there are new centres of influence backing the President’s aspiration. A renowned government contractor, Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), is rooting for the President. He is an acclaimed freedom fighter. His influence lies in the numerical strength of militants in the creeks who have accepted his authority. Tompolo is rich. He has become a powerful mobiliser and unofficial PDP leader, to the consternation of the governor, who now appears to be on the fringe. Exuding confidence, the PDP leaders have boasted that Delta is a no-go area for the APC.
However, there are some undercurrents that could put a lie on the PDP’s bravado. Indeed, the time-tested confidence appears to be collapsing. There is a sudden shift in party leadership, with Tompolo migrating from a militant to a power broker in Delta PDP. The ex-agitator now plays a domineering influence in the chapter more than governor. According to sources, Tompolo now decides who gets what, how and when in Delta PDP. When his candidates became the governorship candidates and running mate, the Ijaw mega star rose to his zenith in the party hierarchy. Since then, Uduaghan appeared to have taken the back seat.
The turn of events is worrisome to the governor’s camp. Uduaghan has been an active supporter of the President since he assumed the reins, although the President’s camp has not forgotten the frosty relationship between Dr. Jonathan and Ibori, Uduaghan’s predecessor. When the governor took his preferred governorship candidate, Felix Obuh, to the Presidency, no eyebrow was raised initially. Later, his candidature was rejected, when, according to sources, Tompolo raised an objection. Those who had the ears of the President said Obuh’s ambition underscored another ‘Ibori agenda.’ Up came Francis Edebiri, a loyalist of Uduaghan and Ibori, who hails from Urhobo, the majority ethnic group, which accounts for 50 per cent population of Delta State. Anti-Ibori forces rose up again, saying that Edebiri may not be loyal to the President.
Edebrie is an Urhobo like Ibori. He was the Principal Secretary to the late President Umaru Yar’Adua. In 2007, Ibori was one of the sponsors of the deceased President. Therefore, Jonathan’s men said that Ibori was bouncing back. Suddenly, the table turned against Uduaghan and Edebiri. It was double tragedy for the governor. He lost his bid to anoint a successor like his many of his colleagues in other states. Also, his senatorial ambition crumbled. In post-2015, the governor will be scrambling for ministerial slot, if the PDP survives the elections. Gazing at the post-election period, Jonathan forces queued behind Senator James Manager, who is being positioned for the position of the Senate Leader. A party source said that the President threw his weight behind Okowa, who defeated other aspirants at the primaries. Many Itsekiri rooting for the senatorial ambition of the governor were downcast. The hope of Urhobo, who have been agitating for power shift to the North Central and zoning to Urhobo, was dashed.
These unresolved conflicts have implications for the elections. Although primaries are a party affair, general elections are a different ball game. The outcome of the primaries have triggered up ethnic tensions, which Uduaghan has tried to douse. The Central District is dominated by Urhobo, which has lost the governorship and running mate. While Okowa is from the minority Igbo, his running mate, Kingsley Otuaru, is Ijaw. If there a bond of unity and the ethnic group decides to vent its anger, it could be disastrous for the PDP. The North consists of Ikas (Agbor), Asaba, and Ndokwa/Kwale. The Igbos in this district are in the minority. Okowa is from this area. In the South are Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw and Urhobo from Effrum.
To the Uhrobos, this is a decisive year. The two Urhobo in the race-Emerhor and Ogboru of the Labour Party (LP)-are bitter. To them, the much taunted Southern solidarity is a farce, if the only Ijaw is the only ethnic group savouring the dividends of democracy in Delta. When the UPU met to discuss the future of the tribe, it was resolved that the race should give a bloc vote to the son of the soil, based on his campaign promises to the state, although there were also dissenting voices in the association on the vexed issue. The understanding is that Urhobo will vote for any party that has zoned the governorship to the tribe.
Urhobo is not the only aggrieved group in the state. Itsekiri also has its grouse. The ethnic group has alleged that Ijaw is clannish when Uduaghan, an Itsekiri, was compelled to step down for Manager. Besides, Itsekiri leaders have pointed out that the move to relocate the EPZ project from the area to Ijaw area was in bad faith. The project was about to be inaugurated before it was put on hold. Itsekiri believed that the decision was taken to spite the race.
Also, Isoko is angry. Its leaders have complained that the ethnic group has nothing to show for voting massively for President Jonathan in 2011. The APC running mate, Abanum Vander-Puye, is from Isoko. Party sources said no attempts have been made to pacify the aggrieved tribes, who believe that they now play second fiddle to Ijaw.
The Delta State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled former Speaker Victor Ochei and ex-Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Oharisi Omo-Agege.
Both contested last December 8 governorship primaries but failed.
Ochei joined Accord Party and became its Delta North senatorial candidate and Omo-Agege is Labour Party’s (LP’s) Delta Central senatorial candidate.
Also affected is a former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Doris Uboh, who is Accord Party’s House of Representatives candidate for Ika.
Another Accord Party candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency, Ngozi Okolie, was also affected for leaving the PDP after allegedly failing in the primaries.
Delta PDP Chairman Edwin Uzor addressed reporters in Asaba, the state capital, on the expulsion.
Delta Airlines has reported a 70 per cent profit increase in its financial results for the December 2014 quarter, the chief executive officer of the airline , Mr Richard Anderson has disclosed .
Anderson said the increase in profit by the airline is evidence that the carrier is focussing on delivering values to its employees, customers and investors.
He said 2015 will show significant opportunity by the airline to save more money from lower fuel prices .
He said :” “Our 2014 performance – an industry-leading operation, superior customer service, and a 70 percent increase in profits – shows that Delta is focused on delivering growing value for its employees, customers and investors.
“As we begin 2015, we have a significant opportunity from lower fuel prices, which will drive more than $2 billion in fuel savings over 2014. Through our capacity discipline, pricing our product to demand, and the fuel savings, we expect to drive double-digit earnings growth, along with increased free cash flow and a higher return on invested capital in the upcoming year.”
Delta’s operating revenue improved 6 percent, or $571 million, in the December 2014 quarter compared to the December 2013 quarter. Traffic increased 4.0 percent on a 3.7 percent increase in capacity.
Passenger revenue increased 4.6 percent, or $361 million, compared to the prior year period. Passenger unit revenue (PRASM) increased 0.8 percent year over year with a 0.6 percent improvement in yield.
Cargo revenue increased 2.1 percent, or $5 million, driven by increases in both freight volumes and yields. Other revenue increased 21.3 percent, or $205 million, driven by SkyMiles revenues, third-party refinery sales, and joint venture settlements.
“Delta delivered solid revenue performance in the December quarter, growing our top line by 6 percent against a backdrop of nearly 15 percent lower fuel prices,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president.
“While we face headwinds from the stronger dollar and lower fuel prices going forward, we have confidence we can continue to generate top-line growth as we realize additional benefits from our Virgin Atlantic joint venture, restructure our Pacific network, gain additional corporate share, and ramp up our merchandising efforts with branded fares and enhanced customer segmentation.”
Excluding mark-to-market adjustments, fuel expense declined $342 million driven by lower market prices and higher refinery profits. Delta’s average fuel price was $2.62 per gallon for the December quarter, which includes $180 million in settled hedge losses. At December 31, Delta had $925 million in hedge margin posted with counterparties. Operations at the refinery produced a $105 million profit for the December quarter, a $151 million improvement year-over-year.
Mr Paul Odili is a member of Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign publicity committee. He speaks with SHOLA O’NEIL on alleged hijack of the party, report of tension between Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and other issues.
What omen does the emergence of Sen Okowa portend for your party in next month’s general election?
The omens are very good. Okowa is a good candidate. He is well liked and he is known by the people of Delta State. He is has a lot of experience in politics. He has a lot of experience in government too. He understands the state and the people. He is a progressive politician who wants the best for the people of the state. He wants to build on the best successes of the government of Delta state. He is the candidate to beat, others are pretenders and jokers who have been tried and have failed the people. Unlike his opponents in the other parties, Okowa has never lost an election. Deltans don’t want failures to be elected into the exalted office of governor because they know that it is too risky. PDP with Okowa as flag bearer is going to sweep the election in Delta State.
Your enthusiasm is not shared by a section of the party against the backdrop the deep wounds the primary left on individuals, leaders and the party…
There is no deep wound on individuals. Where is the evidence of that? Don’t mistake smoke as fire. Right now almost all the PDP aspirants are working with the winner in the party campaign organisation. Some aspirants are zonal coordinators, some are directors of the PDP campaign organisation; those who are not directly involved have nominees holding strategic positions in the campaign organisation. So right now the deep wounds exist in the imagination of opponents who are praying and wishing to see a PDP in disarray and are in shock that the party has come together and is forging ahead into victory. The party has experienced managers and leaders and has emerged from the primaries stronger and more united. Its leaders have reached out to everyone and there is acceptance to be together and to ensure victory for the party in all the elections.
What’s your view on the rumoured friction between the incumbent governor and the party’s flag bearer?
You say it is rumour and you know what they say about rumour: it is usually smoke without fire. This rumour is a very good example of that. The oppositions are always imagining things. When what they imagine is not coming to reality, they start spreading rumour. The first person to publicly congratulate Okowa was Governor Uduaghan. He followed by inviting Okowa to dinner and to wish him well. Within 48 hours, the governor was working with Dr Okowa to reach out to the other aspirants and with the party leaders constituted the campaign council. So are these actions of two people having friction? The answer is no. Since then Governor Uduaghan and Dr Okowa have campaigned together on a number of occasions, with Governor Uduaghan time and time again raising the hand of Okowa and calling on Deltans to support and to vote for him and other PDP candidates. See, the thing with rumour is that it is easy to expose. My advice to the opposition is: don’t wait for imaginary friction, go to the field and campaign. Go to the people and look for votes. Governor Uduaghan and Dr Okowa are working together for victory. There is no friction.
A section of the party’s faithful and Deltans believe that the PDP has been hijacked by certain elements, how do you think he can deal with the ‘godfathers’?
There is no hijack. PDP is too big to be hijacked by certain elements. How is that possible? Again, I don’t think that godfather exists in the party. It is difficult for that to happen. I know a party with godfathers. Nigerians know that party and PDP is not that party. PDP is a masses-based party and members are free to express themselves and have always expressed themselves. There are regular meetings and consultations. So, who is hijacking who? Okowa is an experienced party leader and was part of the formation of the party in 1998 and knows all the key players and have a good eye for new members that have joined and are playing leadership role in the party. He understands how PDP works. He is a grassroots man and understands how the party works.
Okowa cannot be hijacked by anyone; he is a listening politician; he knows how to consult and how to reach out. He is man who is committed to create balance in how things work. I know Okowa cannot be part of plot to hijack the party and give undue advantage to anyone or group or godfather as you called it. He understands politics and the ingredients of politics. His success is a product of struggle and he knows that PDP will continue to grow if it promotes mass appeal and not the agenda of any godfather.
Some people feel that with the capital and several other key appointments, Delta north has more than its fair share of political offices and so are opposed to Okowa’s candidacy. What is your take?
It is true that all things being equal and with God’s help, Delta north under the principle of rotation will produce the next governor of Delta State. It is good that as people of one state that we give each other a sense of belonging and opportunity to be equal stakeholders. I was pleased and excited when Governor Uduaghan, an Itsekiri from Delta South senatorial district, was elected governor. That is a good thing. Today we are looking at Okowa from Ika in Delta north. Uduaghan did not govern Delta for Itsekiri. He governed for Deltans irrespective of tribe and I know Okowa is going to do same. Okowa is going to make sure every part of Delta belongs and benefits from appointments, programmes and projects. No part will be left behind. As a member of state executive council, I know that when decisions are being taken, there is conscious effort to ensure balance, equity and justice. Okowa served as commissioner of various ministries and SSG, and I am yet to hear that his tenure benefitted one group over another. So the fear is unfounded. But you know some persons and group will always canvass more. They will look for all kinds of arguments to justify their position, even if that argument does not hold water. Okowa’s governorship is not about Delta north, it is creating a better future for all Deltans. It is about inclusiveness for every part. I know that the silent majority of our people across know this and will give him their votes and support.
Beyond promising to bring posperity to Deltans, the PDP candidate is yet to roll out programme and roadmap to the ‘prosperity’?
Dr Okowa has an agenda and he has rolled it out. He is promising prosperity, he is promising empowerment, he is promising infrastructure development, he is promising real grass root development, he is promising health insurance for Deltans, he is promising agro-based industrial development. Dr Okowa is promising urban renewal and infrastructure development. He is promising environmental protection and development. He is saying that Delta State is a state with limitless possibilities and that the state with him will see great changes and consolidation. He has a five-point agenda, an improvement over the three point agenda of Uduaghan. Okowa is saying that there will be strategic wealth creation, there will be urban renewal, he is saying there will be consolidation in education and health, he is promising political and social stability and agricultural transformation. That is his programme and I cannot think at this time think of a better roadmap. There is no doubt the future of Delta State is secured and safe. This man has been tried and tested and he has excelled.
Delta State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate Otega Emerhor has promised to provide jobs for youths. He also promised to build more hospitals for rural communities. The flag bearer told a huge crowd of supporters in Patani, that access points will be established to facilitate the development of local communities.
He said the APC will collate the data of unemployed graduates for strategic empowerment and job placement in ministries, departments and agencies of government.
The APC candidate said the era of godfatherism in job placement will be over, if elected as the governor. He promised to build standard hospitals in Patani and other major towns.
Emerhor said more community health centres will be built in villages and qualified medical officers will be employed to restore primary health services in rural areas.
He said the propaganda against the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will not work, adding that the former Head of State will defeat President Goodluck Jonathan at the poll.
He described the PDP is a sinking party suffering from decline in popularity, ahead of the polls.
Emerhor said Nigerians will reclaim its lost glory when the PDP is voted out of power.
Emerhor eeds. promised to implement a rural integration programme that will make rural areas attractive to youths.
He also promised to fund the local government to make the third tier more functional and responsive to the needs of rural dwellers.
The flag bearer said he will use his wealth of experience to create industries in the area, thereby guaranteeing job opportunities.
Emerhor said Patani, being a rural community surrounded by water, will benefit from the agro-allied policy of his administration.
Men of the Delta State police command have killed two robbery suspects.
The suspects were killed when they engaged a police team in a gun duel after a botched robbery attempt.
The Nation gathered that the suspects, who operated on motorcycles, were part of a notorious gang of armed robbers who have terrorized residents of Ebrumede community, Uwvie Local Government Area.
The robbers allegedly posed as customers to rob a shop, which specialises in selling hi-tech phones and computer accessories.
According to the shop-owner, identified as Godswill Okito, “about two weeks ago, these armed robbers came to my office and requested for Hi-Tech phones and a Samsung Galaxy X5, with the total amount put at N500,000.I gave them my complimentary card, taking them to be real business men.
“They called me to say they were coming for the items on January 27th at about 1.00pm, but they got to my office at past 12.00 pm, when they met my sales girl and told her of an impending business with me. My sales girl told them to wait, but the suspects brought out guns and threatened to shoot her.”
However, luck was said to have ran out on the robbers when the sales girl escaped and raised alarm and put a distress call to the police.
As part of its corporate social responsibility to its host communities, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, operators of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Ventures, last weekend inaugurated the Ekpan Women Development Centre in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The facility was constructed under CNL’s Project Specific Agreement (PSA) with the Urhobo host community and is aimed at sustainable development of the host community through its women folks.
The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Mr Ovouzorie Macaulay, who was a special guest at the occasion, described the centre as an edifice that would be a money-spinner for the community and urged the people to put it to the best use.
Macaulay, who was represented by Mr Vincent Omorie, described the ceremony as a dream come through for the people, urging them to “own the project; it can also be put into other commercial purposes. It should be driven to enviable height.
He assured that the government would continue to intervene on behalf of the community and other host communities in the state.
Earlier in his remark, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA), Chevron Nigeria Limited, Mr. Deji Haastrup, said NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture believes very strongly in partnership and is resolutely committed to enhancing partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve the goal of sustainable development of communities around its areas of operations.
Haastrup, who was represented at the occasion by Mr Trust Inimgba, said, “This achievement is a testimony to the company’s Tradition of Care for communities around its areas of operations and the value it places on women development as bedrock of the development of any society. I salute the Chairman and Members of the PSA Board, and members of the Project Review Committee for their commitment and selfless service.”
While noting that NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture had continued to contribute to adding value to the lives of people around them, the Chevron’s PGPA GM encouraged the Ekpan people to put the facility to good use and maintain it for the benefit of the community.
In the same vein, Mr. Haastrup commended the Delta State Government for the continued support, which he said facilitated the successful completion of the project and also the Ekpan traditional and community leaders for their commitment and support in actualizing the objective of the PSA.
He added that without their support and cooperation, it would not have realized its mutual dream of providing the facility for the use of the women.
He specifically thanked the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovouzorie Macaulay, who he said has shown high visibility throughout the planning and implementation of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary community, Mr Godwin Omasibro, Chairman of Ekpan Development Committee, commended the management of the American oil firm for judiciously and sincerely funding the project, which he described as “a befitting gift for developing the women of the community.
“We sincerely cherish the commitment of the company to our wellbeing and socio-economic development and we promise to ensure that the centre being handed over to us today lives up to its primary objective of facilitating sustainable development of Ekpan community.”
The Group Managing Director (GMD), Royal Exchange Plc, Mr Chike Mokwunye, has met with members of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) chapter of the National Association of Delta State Students to boost their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
The interactive session, which was also aimed at opening the eyes of the students to investment in insurance, was attended by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the organisation, Mr Philip Ashinze, and Acting Group Head of the firm’s Corporate Communication, Mr Wilson Okon-Essien.
Mokwunye described the meeting as a welcome development, praising the students’ zeal to learn investment tips.
On insurance and investment, Mokwunye said insurance investment would guarantee students’ future against unforeseen circumstance.
He said: “As students, you should be able to take education, health and life insurance as no one is guarantee of unforeseen circumstance. Despite the high rate of unemployment in the country, you can start still create something that will give you monetary value before you graduate.”
Mokwunye advised the students to learn vocations in addition to their academic pursuits, noting that vocational skills would help them discover their entrepreneurial abilities. He charged the students to remain committed, focused and dedicated to their studies and turn away from worldly things that could distract them from attaining their dream.
The highpoint of the session was the induction of Mokwunye as a grand mentor to the association. The President of the association, Mark Orgu, said Mokwunye was made the association’s mentor because of his passion for youth development and his successful leadership at the insurance company.