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Tag: Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan

  • Dafinone hails Uduaghan’s legacy of service at 71

    Dafinone hails Uduaghan’s legacy of service at 71

    Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) has felicitated former Delta Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, on his 71st birthday, describing him as a statesman whose leadership continues to inspire generations across the Niger Delta.

    In a statement by the Senator, Dafinone lauded Dr. Uduaghan’s tenure as Governor, noting that his administration laid “significant groundwork for socio-economic stability” in Delta State through landmark investments in healthcare, education, and security—pillars upon which successive governments continue to build.

    The Delta central lawmaker’s statement reads: “I, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, extend my felicitations to the former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, on the joyous occasion of his 71st birthday. 

    “His tenure as Governor laid significant groundwork for socio-economic stability, particularly through his landmark commitment to healthcare, education, and security, creating a sustainable foundation upon which subsequent administrations continue to build.

    “On this special day, we celebrate not just the milestone of 71 years, but the enduring legacy of a man whose political maturity and sagacity have continued to inspire many across the Niger Delta region. Dr. Uduaghan’s wise counsel and commitment to fostering unity remain invaluable assets to our state’s political landscape. 

    “On behalf of the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District, I join his family, friends, and associates in giving thanks to God for his continued health, grace, and wisdom. 

    “May the years ahead be filled with greater joy, fulfillment, and renewed strength to continue mentoring the next generation of leaders. We pray that he continues to enjoy many more years in service to humanity. Happy Birthday, Your Excellency!”

  • Omo-Agege caused APC’s loss in Delta – AVM Ajobena (Rtd)

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, ), has alleged Senator Ovie Omo-Agege’s wrestle for “power” led to the party’s gross failure in the recent gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in the state.

    The former military administrator, in a statement on Tuesday, also labeled former Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu as “moles” who put their individual interests before those of the APC.

    Decrying the party’s woeful performance in the 2019 polls, Ajobena whose daughter sought the Okpe House of Assembly seat and lost, claimed the Delta Central Senator “conspired against Ogboru” to hijack the party’s structure for his alleged 2023 governorship ambition.

    According to him: “Senator Omo-Agege for his selfish and pretentious support role for Ogboru’s governorship conspired against Ogboru and actually has had a hidden agenda to takeover/hijack the House of Assembly that would emerge should APC win the election.

    “The people in the NWC saw through this evil scheme and advised Ogboru to identify persons that would be loyal to him to replace Omo-Agege’s handpicked candidates for the House of Assembly.

    “This opened another front in the grand conspiracy as to who would be in charge of Delta State’s affairs should APC win the election.

    ‘’This was the background to the internal rift in the Prophet Jones/Ogboru led camp.

    “With the open endorsement of Ogboru’s candidacy and his handpicked would be House of Assembly team, Senator Omo-Agege went back to re-strategise on how best he could position himself to be in charge.

    “It was against the background of these internal undercurrent of power struggle that I admonished that we go into the election as a united APC team while we wait for the court to decide who should be on the driver’s seat in managing the affairs of an APC government which all long suffering Deltans were looking forward to,” AVM Ajobena stated.

    READ ALSO: You have no moral right to claim Omo-Agege’s seat, ex-Milad tells Emerhor

    Recalling events leading to the party’s primaries last year, the retired AVM described Kachikwu and Uduaghan as “moles” in the party

    He added the minister made no or little efforts “to intervene,” in the disunity among party stakeholders despite the national chairman, Adams Oshiomole’s, directive to reconcile all factions last June.

    “The outcome of the primaries was predictable and our party was heading on a course of self- destruction.

    ‘’Again, on October 11, 2018, I reached out to all our party leaders calling for a political solution to the crisis rocking the party, again the call was ignored.

    “When all INEC doors and windows had been tightly shut, the Minister started pretending that he is doing a great job of trying to broker unity within the party. Are we fools?

    ‘’For avoidance of doubt we know where the Minister’s interest lies. Fortunately, for him he has found an ally for the pursuit of that interest with the entrance of Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan into the party,” Ajobena alleged.

  • Delta South Senatorial: Isoko monarchs endorse Uduaghan

    The traditional rulers of Isoko nation in Delta state have endorsed the immediate past governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the senatorial seat of the Delta South Senatorial District.

    The royal fathers, who received the former governor in two separate meetings in Ozoro and Oleh on Wednesday, said the endorsement was given on the strength of his personality and not because of any political party.

    Dr Uduaghan, who is the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Delta South Senatorial seat, part of which the Isoko nation is, visited the palaces of the Ovie of Ozoro, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ogbogbo, Ebuka 1 and the Odio-Logbo of Oleh, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Williams Onovughe Ovrawah, Omogha 1, as the first leg preceding his campaigns in Isoko land.

    Speaking for traditional rulers in Isoko South in Oleh, His Royal Majesty, Anthony Ovrawah, Omogha 1, the Odio-Ologbo of Oleh, said Uduaghan has the blessings and support of the royal fathers for the Senate seat.

    The Odio-Ologbo of Oleh, who spoke in Isoko Language during the visit on Wednesday, noted that “Uduaghan has the blessings and support of Isoko nation for the senatorial seat. You’re our candidate for the Senate. We picked you not because of APC but for who you are.”

    In his remarks, the Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers in Isoko North council area of the state, said Uduaghan is loved by the traditional institution in the state, particularly by royal fathers of Isoko nation.

    According to the Ozoro monarch, “the other kings are here to see the man who elevated their status. You’re somebody that fought for the traditional rulers and the sanctity of our culture.

    “We (traditional rulers) in Delta State will not forget you in a hurry. You did well as a governor. You won our hearts with your issue-based speech. We pray God to grant your aspiration with resounding victory.”

    Uduaghan, while speaking during the visit to the two palaces, said he was in Isoko land to solicit the support of Isoko nation for his senatorial race in next month’s National Assembly election in Delta South.

    He said he was at the palaces of the Isoko monarchs to intimate them of his ambition and desire to campaign in their areas, before officially flagging off his senatorial campaign in the two local government areas of Isoko North and South.

    He noted that as a Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and later governor of Delta State, he is well abreast with the role traditional rulers in ensuring peace in the state.

    Uduaghan also told the monarchs that if elected as senator, he would sponsor bills and law that will give constitutional backing to the traditional institution in the country.

    “As an SSG and secretary to the State Security Council and later as a governor of the state, I know the enormous role traditional rulers play in helping to ensure peace and security.

    “One of the reasons why I am seeking your support to go to the Senate is that I believe that our traditional institution should have legal backing in their role in ensuring peace in the country.

    “I also believe that as people from oil producing community, we should have a major stake in the ownership of the oil and gas companies in our communities. Through this, our communities will benefit more from the oil and gas that is derived from our area.

    “I will also push for the cleaning of impacted communities. Based on my experience as a governor, there is such much we can do to create jobs for unemployed youths in the region”, Uduaghan said.

  • Uduaghan appoints Mallam-Obi as DG of Campaign Organisation

    Former Delta state governor and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Delta South Senatorial District election, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, has appointed Mr. Charles Mallam-Obi as the Director-General of his campaign organisation.

    Read Also:Herbalist nabbed for defiling teenage patient

    According to a statement issued by the Media Assistant to Dr. Uduaghan, the former governor made the appointment on Wednesday, 7th November 2018 after a crucial meeting with members of his caucus in Warri.

    Mallam-Obi was Dr Uduaghan’s Political Adviser (Delta South) while he was Delta state governor.

    “Mr. Charles Mallam-Obi, who hails from Oleh in Isoko South council area of the state, holds a Bachelor’s Degree (Bsc) in Economics from the Lagos State University, (LASU).

    “Other positions would be announced to the general public in a later date,” the statement said.

  • Uduaghan’s move, deadliest blow to Delta PDP ever – Emerhor

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta state has described the exiting of former state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, as the deadliest blow to ever hit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    Leader of the mainstream APC in the state, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, who disclosed this in a statement Thursday, also said the former governor’s entry into the APC had made the party’s position and chances stronger as the state approaches an election year.

    Read Also:I defected to APC to help stabilise Niger Delta, says Uduaghan

    Emerhor, while welcoming Uduaghan in his party, noted that the latest step by the former governor is a ‘quit notice’ to his successor and the incumbent governor of the state, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, saying the days of PDP’s misrule of the state are over.

    Emerhor, who was the APC’s governorship standard bearer in the 2015 elections, noted that Uduaghan was not just a paramount leader of the PDP but the soul and body of the party that gave it life in its formidable days. The exit of Uduaghan, therefore, means that Delta PDP is now lifeless and in the throes of a degenerative death.

    “I am particularly excited about his joining our party because the value he brings is unquantifiable! He is a man that has conquered the rough and rugged political terrain of Delta again and again, winning and ruling the state twice for a total of eight years.

    “He comes with political hands-on experience spanning over 16 years. He knows Delta and Deltans know him. What more, he comes as ‘ John the Baptist’ forerunning ahead of a multitude of his time tested followers and indeed political associates! No deadlier or more fatal death has ever been cast against PDP in Delta State.

    “For Delta APC, Gov Uduaghan’s coming couldn’t have been better timed. His experience and stature will help to rally the party in its current drive for unity. The strength he comes with will further validate our hope.

    “On behalf of the mainstream and larger APC family in Delta State, I heartily welcome Gov Uduaghan into the Delta APC fold and assure him of our full cooperation and his entitlement to the full privileges and rights due to every members and party leaders. Deltans should fasten their seat belt as the journey from perdition to liberation has now started ernestly. 2019 here we come,” Emerhor concluded.

     

  • Delta South: Between Uduaghan, Manager and Diden

    With the tempo of political activities revving up a notch in Delta State as the 2019 election looms, Senior Correspondent, Okungbowa Aiwerie, examines the prospects of some aspirants and the issues that may shape the election

    POLITICIANS in Delta State are leaving nothing to chance in their bid to claim the sole tickets of their respective parties, as the 2019 General Election inches closer. To this end, many have begun consultative visits to sell their candidacy to the electorate.

    In the Delta South Senatorial District, which comprises the Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw ethnic nationalities and minority Urhobos, the battle for supremacy appears a straight fight between former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, incumbent Senator James Manager and Michael Diden a.k.a “Ejele,” who is the incumbent legislator representing Warri North Constituency in the state’s legislature.

    The three aspirants, incidentally, are all influential members of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

    While Manager is of the Ijaw ethnic group, Uduaghan and Diden are Itsekiris.

    Although Manager has been coy over his ambition, Uduaghan and Diden have not hidden theirs, and have intensified underground moves to woo various groups.

    Despite his coyness, it is safe to assume that the incumbent senator is eyeing the coveted senatorial seat, and will deploy enormous resources to get re-elected.

    Recently, while speaking with reporters in Warri, Uduaghan hinted of his readiness to contest the forthcoming election.

    He said, “I am ready for election. If I get the nomination of the party, I will contest”.

    It is however unclear yet which political party platform he wants to use because there have been speculations he may have dumped the ruling PDP for the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC). But Uduaghan has neither denied nor confirmed his alleged romance with APC.

    The Nation gathered that secret consultations between the ex- governor and the ruling PDP kingpins and some Itsekiri leaders may have held following the endorsement of many pressure groups.

    But what are the chances of these three aspirants? Given the cries of marginalisation by the other ethnic groups in the zone, how will the PDP resolve the impasse? Will the other three ethnic groups allow James Manager an unprecedented fifth term in office? In the event of a tie breaker, who will the Urhobos in Delta South throw their weight behind?

    Undoubtedly, the cry of alleged marginalisation in Delta South will become more strident as election draws closer. This alleged marginalisation was re-echoed in a recent interview by ex-Secretary to the State Government and ex-Nigeria Labour Congress President, Delta State Chapter, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay, an Isoko man.

    He said “It will be unfair for any Ijaw man to show interest in the senatorial seat for 2019, having occupied it for 16 years. I think the matter is between Itsekiri’s and Isokos,” he said.

    Also the apex socio-cultural pressure group, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT), through Edward Ekpoko, has thrown their weight behind the clamour for James Manager not to contemplate a return to the Senate, saying “Manager has overstayed at the Senate and it is time for him to go”.

    According to the group, “It is the turn of the Itsekiri ethnic nationality to produce the candidate to represent the Ijaw, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities that make up the Delta South Senatorial District at the NASS”.

    Of the three ethnic nationalities in Delta South, the Itsekiris and the Urhobos are the only groups that have not represented the district at the NASS under new democratic dispensation. While Isoko enjoyed one term under Senator Stella Omu in 1999; neither the Itsekiris nor the minority Urhobos have tasted the position since 1999.

    Ordinarily, based on the number of wards in Delta South, it is easy for the Ijaws to claim the senatorial seat, but should there be a gang-up between the Isokos and the Itsekiris and the minority Urhobos, then the Ijaws will face a herculean task holding on to the seat.

    The Ijaws have 40 wards, the Isokos 24 wards while the Itsekiris have 18 wards. The Urhobos have six wards.

    But politics in Delta State is not only about numbers, other extraneous factors play significant roles in determining who gets what.

    Uduaghan

    Although, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, then the serving governor, had in 2015 indicated interest in running for the senatorial seat, he nonetheless, pulled out of the race at the eleventh hour citing his desire to allow “peace reign” in the state.

    A two-term governor, Uduaghan wields enormous influence within the PDP and in the state. He could leverage on his political clout, cultivated over the years across the senatorial district, to clinch the ticket.

    He recently got a boost from an unlikely source following an endorsement by Ijaw Liberation Movement in Ijawland.

    Its coordinator, Peremotebi Simeon, said, “We had followed Dr. Uduaghan’s painstaking effort to develop our area, nay the whole state, while he was governor of Delta State. We are also aware that he stepped down for our son to continue a few years ago, so he is the most suitable person for the job now,” he said.

    Also, The Nation gathered that the former governor has a huge war chest with which to prosecute his election, coupled with the influence of ex-Governor James Ibori, he may get the ticket easily.

    But some Deltans say his failure to install his successor and many of his political allies into elective position during the 2015 election, count against him, and for this reason they discount his chances.

    James Manager

    Senator James Manager is a seasoned politician. He was the pioneer PDP Chairman in Delta State and one time commissioner under ex-Governor James Ibori. For the past 16 years, Manager has been Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and also, since the creation of the ministry, he has held the position of Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Ministry of Niger-Delta Affairs.

    But some political analysts blame him for not supporting the emergence of an Isoko person after Okowa won PDP primaries in 2015 and as such may not get the backing of the Isokos in 2019; crucial for his reelection .They claimed he backed another Ijaw man for the position of Deputy Governor.

    A political activist, and coordinator, Delta South Coalition for Progress, Dr. Tosan  Omojuwa, has this to say about James Manager chances in the forthcoming  2019 elections, “As Senator Manager did nothing to support the emergence of an Isoko candidate for the position of Deputy Governor, the Isoko people also owe him no moral obligation to return him to the Senate”.

    Another major stumbling block to Manager’s ambition is the cry of marginalisation among the three ethnic groups in Delta South. How he navigates this clear and present danger to his aspiration remains to be seen.

    Michael Diden

    Of the three aspirants, Diden, the lawmaker representing Warri North Constituency, appears to lag behind in terms of experience and national clout.

    But he is a proven grassroots politician with a large youth followership across Delta South. He is an enormously wealthy businessman, prepared to deploy huge resources in the pursuit of his political ambition. Diden is admired for his courageous approach to politics.

    It will be recalled that in the run-up to the 2015 gubernatorial elections, Diden, against the wishes of then Governor Uduaghan,   publicly supported Okowa’s candidacy against Uduaghan’s backed gubernatorial candidate, Tony Obuh, when it was dangerous to so do.

    An Okowa loyalist and member of his kitchen cabinet, Diden became a state legislator in 2015.

    Some analysts believe that Okowa may be the one behind his ambition and with the party machinery firmly in Okowa’s hands; it is not impossible Diden may have the last laugh.

  • A dedicated Councillor would have done better than Uduaghan- Utomi

    A dedicated Councillor would have done better than Uduaghan- Utomi

    Professor Patrick Utomi has berated former Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for allegedly wasting countless opportunities the state had to develop, saying a good elected Councillor  would have done better.

    In response to Dr Uduaghan’s recent negative shot at him in the media, Professor Utomi, who is also a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), narrated how he contributed to make the Uduaghan administration take certain open advantages of available opportunities to develop the state, which he state the former governor wasted.

    Utomi said he had thought that the former governor would have been sorry and sober for wasting several opportunities the state had under his watch, adding that his (Uduaghan’s) attempt at spinning the story of how the state was misruled around would not sell as the people of the state had not forgotten what his era looked like.

    He, however, added that he had been at the vanguard of a new leadership focus for the state because he believed that the people deserve better than what the past and current leadership had given to them.

    “A good Councillor would have done much better for the people than Uduaghan did as Governor. There is extreme misuse of the opportunities available to Delta State. It will take a serious and truly capable government to vigorously tap its potentials and create jobs for our teeming youths.

    “This is one of the many reasons why I believe Delta State needs new political leadership in 2019. Deltans are not meant to suffer from the jeopardy of a clueless administration, especially at this critical phase of our existence.

    “I would have imagined that Uduaghan will be very sober and saddened by his legacy of mismanagement and gross wastage that he left behind in Delta State. Trying to spin his poor record in the hope that Deltans would have forgotten so soon is a failed attempt to rewrite history. Undoubtedly, he knows that only few Deltans speak well of him and it is his pain to struggle with that reality.

    “As he grapples with history, what is more important to Deltans today is how we can rectify the wrong policies, decisions and actions of the past, so that we can create a government that would not only meet the needs of our people today but guarantee a better life for successive generations.

    “This is the task that I have offered to commit myself to between now and 2023. We are looking forward to 2019 with hope and renewed zeal for the beginning of a ‘New Delta’ teeming with opportunities and alive with possibilities,” Utomi said.

  • HURIWA proposes seven years imprisonment for political blackmailers

    HURIWA proposes seven years imprisonment for political blackmailers

    The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the National Assembly (NASS) to enact laws capable of sentencing political blackmailers to seven years imprisonment if found guilty.

    HURIWA National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko made the call during a briefing, at his office in Abuja on the increasing trend of political blackmailing in the country.

    He alleged that same group who attempted to tarnish the image of the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially visited his office to use his platform for their hatchet job.

    He condemned corrupt practices among every section of the society including security operatives and dishonesty among insincere civil society groups.

    Onwubiko urged the federal government and top rank government officials to desist from the process of media trial to discourage corrupt practices and economic crimes.

    His Words: “The Right group wondered why unscrupulous person sometimes with powerful political sponsorship will seek to continuously attempt to recruit registered group that have credibility to do some sinister campaign when legally such organisations can be sued by those politically exposed persons whose well-earned good reputation as statesmen or women are being tarnished on the altar of sensational media stories.

    “The ongoing mass demonization and character assassination of some members of the political class whose political tenures in various offices have reminded untainted has created the erroneous impression that all political office holders in Nigeria are corrupt. This is a fallacy with far reaching negative implication for the standing in the international community of civilised nations of the Nigeria Nation-state.”

    However, HURIWA said it became imperative for it to go public with the information so members of the public would be made aware of such corrupt groups whose, ‘major preoccupation is to stoke the embers of hatred against targeted high profile Nigerians just because such persons may not agree to be blackmailed into paying huge payouts to such professional and career blackmailers.”

  • Stop celebrating Ibori’s release – Uduaghan

    Stop celebrating Ibori’s release – Uduaghan

    Former Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has cautioned supporters of his predecessor and cousin, Chief James Ibori not to create more problems for Ibori through unbridled celebrations of his recent release from London prison.
    The London residence of Ibori has become a Mecca of sort for the state’s  politicians since his release from prison where he served 13 years for money laundering and other corruption related crimes, last week.
    Uduaghan, who spoke with our reporter on telephone, expressed concern that the Ibori’s well-wishers actions could expose him (Ibori) to more political problems.
    Among politicians who have visited Ibori are Speaker of the state house of assembly, Chief Monday Igbuya, PDP stalwart, Chief Ighoyota Amori among others like Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who sensationally declared that Ibori facilitated the emergence of Senator Bukola Saraki and Rt Hon Taking Dogara as Senate President and Speaker House of Representatives respectively.
    Nwaoboshi, in a video widely circulated on social media, said Ibori made governors, ostensibly incumbent Ifeanyi Okowa, senators ( himself as one), made his daughter, Eriatake Ibori a state lawmaker among others.

    Uduaghan however lamented that such statements and showoffs by Ibori’s supporters, could turn to haunt him.

    He said that such utterances and boisterous cerebration were capable of creating more problems for the ex-convict former governor.
    “For those going London to see Chief James Ibori and posting pictures and making statements, please stop it.
    “We appreciate your love for him. But you can go quietly without the unnecessary publicity.
    “You are creating problems for him than you can ever imagine.
    “Nigeria is a complex country and you must understand and respect people’s sensibilities,” Uduaghan added in a statement posted on his Facebook.
  • Uduaghan to Buhari: Dialogue with Militants

    Uduaghan to Buhari: Dialogue with Militants

    Former Delta state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has advised the Federal Government to consider engagement and dialogue as an option towards arresting the upsurge of militancy in the Niger Delta.

    Recent attacks by the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers has crippled oil and gas production from Delta/Bayelsa axis of the Niger Delta and the ex-governor said peaceful engagement is the best option available.

    The former governor who was a key player in the offer amnesty to former militants, said the engagement should be between regional leaders on one hand and another between the leaders and the Federal Government.

    Uduaghan, who spoke in the wake of unrelenting attacks on facilities in the Warri area, especially those of Chevron Nigeria, lamented the devastation and environment damages resulting from the attacks.

    “The bombings are damaging our environment and it will take several years to rebuild.

    “I want to advise the Federal Government to take the issue of dialogue very seriously because I believe that is the solution to the current crisis.

    “The leaders of the Niger Delta should come together and engage ourselves to find solution to the problem.”

    Speaking on rumour that there are external forces involved in the latest attacks, he said, “I do not think so because there is enough of issues in the region to cause what’s happening.

    Dr Uduaghan also advised his successor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to step up dialogue, engagement and improve on intelligence gathering to assist the Federal Government I dealing with the situation.

    “No segment should in isolation; the state should assist the FG to tackle the situation.”

    He further advised those behind the attacks to rethink their action because of the economic challenges it is posing for the nation and ecological destruction to their region.