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Tag: Uduaghan

  • Uduaghan: why I dropped my senatorial ambition

    Uduaghan: why I dropped my senatorial ambition

    Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday said he dropped his senatorial ambition in order to forestall chaos in the state. The governor spoke at the public presentation of a book, the pains of a country by Deputy Editor, ThisDay, Eddy Odivwri in Lagos.

    He said he had to forgo his ambition after he realised it was going to re-ignite militancy in the Niger Delta and further worsen the nation’s security challenge.

    “I was to contest for the  Senate but I withdrew when I noticed there was a build up of insecurity.

    “If I had continued with that ambition, by now,  we will be dealing with Boko Haram in the North and Niger Delta militants down South.

    “I have seen it before in 2003 in the Warri area,  villages were burnt as elections were being conducted. I was part of the team that managed that crisis then, and so, I asked myself if I should allow such a thing happen again because of my aspiration.

    “I told myself no. If I don’t go to the Senate now,  it doesn’t mean anything.  No sweat! Nothing spoil.

    “But if I go to the Senate and in the process people are killed, villages are burnt, what is the essence?

    “I am telling you that some of the villages burnt in 1997 when Niger Delta militancy started we are still rebuilding. Those who died we cannot bring them back to life.

    “So, if in the process of struggling for political position it doesn’t matter to you whether people die or jot, it is not worth it,” said Uduaghan.

    The governor said despite the palpable fear of violence during and after the general elections, the process would be peaceful.

    According to him, politicians were talking to their followers on the need to eschew violence, just as he emphasised the need for people to understand it was “not do or die”.

    Uduaghan hoped that the election would usher in a new Nigeria where things would be better if Nigerians collectively work towards it.

    He disagreed with those stating that issues had not been raised by the various parties canvassing votes, noting that they have talked about corruption,  insecurity, unemployment among others.

    “I do not agree that issues have not been raised for campaigns. When someone talks about corruption,  insecurity or underdevelopment, those are issues.

    “For some of us in the PDP,  we are sitting down and noting some of the issues raised by the various contenders in order to know the extra things we need to do to add to what is already being done if we win the election by God’s grace. “

  • Uduaghan becomes granddad

    Uduaghan becomes granddad

    In addition to being the Sillverbird Man of the Year 2014, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduagan, is relishing the birth of a new grandchild. His daughter, Orode, and her hubby, Ryan Okpu, welcomed their second baby in the US in the early hours of January 14, 2015.

    The union, which had already produced a girl, had occurred in Warri, Delta State, in 2011. Since the fairytale wedding, which was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, Warri has not witnessed such glamour and convergence of moneybags. It comes as no surprise that their union has blossomed after it was sanctified with intercessory prayers by Nigeria’s most successful men.

    Orode Ryan-Okpu is not only known for her success as a wife and a mother, the founder of Pink Pearl Foundation personifies courage and compassion. Her foundation has helped to treat hundreds of women diagnosed with cancer and provide awareness and various forms of support to women living with cancer.

  • Uduaghan: collect your PVCs

    Uduaghan: collect your PVCs

    Delta Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has raised the alarm over the non -collection of over 700, 000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the state.

    Uduaghan spoke at a PDP campaign rally at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend.

    Uduaghan observed that the large turnout of Deltans at PDP-organised rallies was good, but, asserted that such support could only be transformed to victory for the PDP if the people had their PVCs.

    While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for decentralising the collection points of the PVCs, Uduaghan said about 1.2 million PVCs had been distributed in Delta State.

    His words: “About seven hundred thousand Permanent Voter Cards have not been collected in Delta State. Please, it is good for us to attend rallies to show our strength, and it is also very important for us to vote and the only way we can vote for our party’s candidates is by having our PVCs. We don’t want our party to lose one vote in Delta. So, collect your PVCs to enable you vote.”

  • Why Jonathan must be re-elected, by Uduaghan

    Why Jonathan must be re-elected, by Uduaghan

    DELTA State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has declared that re-electing President Goodluck Jonathan for another term in office is non-negotiable for the people of the Southsouth.

    Uduaghan, addressing a  crowd at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally at Koko, Warri North Local Government Area, said the President was listening to the plight of the Niger Delta.

    “The biggest fish in this 2015 election is, President Goodluck Jonathan who is re-contesting again as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is not just a son of this area, it is significant that we re-elect him because he understands our problems; when we cry to him, he listens.

    “It is our responsibility to vote for him (President Goodluck Jonathan). We did it before and we shall do it again.”

    Uduaghan added that all the candidates of the PDP in the February elections deserved to be elected because they are masses-oriented.

    Speaking on the choice of a lawyer, Kingsley Otuaro, as running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Uduaghan explained that the decision was a strategic move aimed at consolidating on the peace in  Warri.

    He said: “We have had our fair share of conflicts in this area. We have tried to manage the peace and security in this area. It has not been easy. Nobody should take the peace and security we are enjoying for granted because a lot of persons contributed to it. We have a lot of youths who are today living peacefully together.

    “To continue with that peaceful process is not going to be easy but I believe if people in this area continue to be active in politics, we can continue to maintain that peace and even take it higher.

    “There is a young man who was involved in ensuring that we actively and seriously maintain peace in this area. I am saying this because I can give testimonies of his activities for us in  achieving peace in this area. He was a community leader, he was involved in most of the activities we carried out for us to have peace…and today, our governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has chosen him to be his running mate and that is the person of Kingsley Otuaro.

    “For me as an individual, the duo of Dr Okowa and Barr. Otuaro as governor and deputy governor is a divine blessing for us because even as we are enjoying the peace, there are also things that can cause insecurity, fortunately, he (Barr. Otuaro) is an evangelist and he is praying, and through his experience in achieving peace in this area, Delta State will continue to enjoy peace.

    “This is because, the truth is that when there is sneezing in this area, not only Delta State will shake but, the whole of Nigeria will be affected. We are going to ensure and give him the responsibility to ensure that there is no sneezing in this area.”

  • Uduaghan is Silverbird’s Governor

    Uduaghan is Silverbird’s Governor

    he Silverbird Group yesterday named Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan Governor of the Year, 2014.

    The governor received accolades for his administration’s outstanding performance in the Health sector.

    Its free medical care for children and the elderly as well as the free maternal care for expectant mothers were said to have made great impact on the residents.

    Through the micro-credit scheme, over 111,000 Delta residents were said to have been empowered to set up their own businesses.

    Majority of Nigerians, who participated in the voting, chose Uduaghan.

    A statement yesterday by the Silverbird Group, owners of Silverbird Television network and Rhythm FM, the governor’s massive investment in infrastructure and his success at restoring and sustaining peace and security in the state won the admiration of Nigerians who voted for him.

    The award was decided through popular votes open to Nigerians. It is the latest in the appraisal of Uduaghan’s administration by the media.

    The award comes on the heels of the three others he won towards the end of 2014.

    They include the BusinessDay Governor of the Year award in the Health category in its Good Governance and State Competitiveness Award; the Pilot Newspaper’s Governor of the Year award; the BEN Television award in micro-credit and job creation and Africa Independent Television (AIT) award as Governor of the Year.

    Delta State Commissioner for Information Chike C. Ogeah said it was a reward for the man’s devotion to creating a new national mentality on development through his Delta Beyond Oil Initiative.

    Ogeah said: “While others concentrate on projects that would have immediate impact, Uduaghan looks at the big picture with an eye on the future. Without losing sight of the need for short-term projects, he has given Delta people a new belief in their ability to venture into profitable businesses through the Delta State Micro-Credit Scheme.

    “Many of the beneficiaries have become employers of labour and with the N500 million recently pumped into the scheme through the collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), more ventures will be set up in various parts of the state. Young, budding entrepreneurs are very upbeat about this because Dr. Uduaghan has paid the interest on the entire amount upfront. In effect, the beneficiaries will get the loan interest-free.”

  • Uduaghan dumps Obuh for Edevbie

    Uduaghan dumps Obuh for Edevbie

    Few hours to today’s Delta State governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Emanuel Uduaghan has dropped his erstwhile “anointed” candidate from Delta North, Tony Obuh for a new entrant, David Edevbie, an Urhobo.

    The game suddenly changed, it was learnt, because Uduaghan wanted to align with the people’s popular demand that the next governor should be an Urhobo.

    Also, Deputy Governor Amos Utuama, has withdrawn from the governorship race to support the people’s choice.

    Uduaghan met some opposition from the political class that demanded equity in the fair sharing of the governorship position among the various ethnic groups in the state.

    The Urhobo were favoured to produce the next governor to ensure that the position is shared equitably among the major ethnic groups in the state.

    The governor’s earlier endorsement of Obuh, an experienced civil servant, was seen to be against the wishes of majority of the people.

    The height of the opposition to Obuh’s aspiration and the tactical support he got from the governor was the coming together of 14 other PDP aspirants.

    They got the backing of Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Clark to pursue an anti-Obuh agenda.

    The aspirants issued a statement denouncing the governor’s moves.

    But Uduaghan’s change of mind for Obuh filtered to town yesterday, less than 24 hours to the PDP primary. It showed that the governor had met with Urhobo leaders and agreed to support Edevbie, a former Principal Secretary to the late President Umaru Musa-Yar’adua.

    Our reporter learnt that the governor’s decision was informed by two factors that emerged ahead of the PDP governorship primary.

    These include the pervasive disunity among interests in Delta North Senatorial District, which has 10 aspirants in the race and the resolve and seeming unity of the Urhobo nation to produce the next governor.

    Although the governor’s change of mind was still being relayed last night in hushed tones, one of those believed to be close to the governor on political matters, Chief Ayiri Emami, has said the disunity among Delta North’s politicians might have informed the governor’s change of heart.

  • Uduaghan drops out of Delta South senate race

    Uduaghan drops out of Delta South senate race

    DELTA Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday said he dropped out of the Delta South Senatorial race to avoid bloodletting in the State. Governor Uduaghan said that his withdrawal from the Senatorial was in the general interest of the state and democracy at large.

    His words, ‘As a manager of the process in the state level, I have always appealed to other contestant that election must not be a do-or die affair. In this state there has been political tension, unfortunately in this state there has been ethnic tension that seems to be threatening the peace and security. This has been noticed at the national level. Mr President and the national hierarchy are concerned and a lot of discussion has gone on. My main agenda is the peace and security and I will do everything to stop anything that will threaten the peace and security of the state. The State has been more peaceful than I met it 7 years ago. And I am determined to leave Delta peaceful.’

  • Why I want to be senator, by Uduaghan

    Why I want to be senator, by Uduaghan

    Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has spoken on his senatorial ambition, saying that he would make a difference in the Upper Chamber, if elected in next year’s election.

    He also defended nine Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators jostling for senatorial ticket, which he said, is their fundamental human right.

    Uduaghan, who spoke with reporters in Asaba, the state capital, lamented that some senators are credited with cosmetic achievements, including yearly empowerment programmes that have no bearing with legislative functions.

    He said: “Senators are now being assessed by the empowerment they give to people. In my view, being a legislator is more than that. There is the need to attract more federal government projects. If I get to the Senate, I will propose a bill on equity participation in the oil business by oil-producing communities.

    The governor reflected on the succession battle in the Southsouth state, saying that it is normal. He clarified that he has not endorsed any aspirant, adding that the party will guarantee a level-playing ground at primaries.

    He confirmed that many governors are interested in the person that will succeed them because they want their people-oriented programmes to outlive their tenure.

    Uduaghan stressed: “I know those who will not succeed me and these are the people who did not take nomination forms. One of those who took the form and was cleared will succeed me. I have 16 anointed candidates. Governors are interested in who succeeds them. Some people come and do away with their programmes.

    “As you leave office, it is important that you are succeeded by somebody who will build on your achievements. We are talking about delta beyond oil. I don’t want anybody who will come and say that is nonsense. When I took over from the last administration, I completed its projects.”

    Uduaghan refuted the allegation that governors are behind the litigation against the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, pointing out that he is held in high esteem.

    He said: “PDP governors are not behind the cases against the national chairman. He is our senior colleague as a former governor. It is a propaganda by people who want to pitch the chairman against the governors. PDP governors are working with the national chairman.

    “Governors are not playing god. They play a lot if roles, spend money on the party and ensures that the party wins. Therefore, the governors are interested in the candidates. But, a governor cannot do it alone. It must be done along with other party leaders.”

    Uduaghan assured that there will be no repeat of ethnic war between Itsekiri and Ijaw, adding that the two ethnic groups are always discussing.

  • Uduaghan challenges doctors on maternal healthcare

    Uduaghan challenges doctors on maternal healthcare

    DELTA State governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan, has challenged gynaecologists and obstetricians to strive towards improving the health conditions of pregnant women and their new born babies in the country.

    Dr Uduaghan gave the charge on Thursday while declaring open the 48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and scientific conference of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) in Asaba.

    The conference, which was well attended, had as its theme, ‘Human Resources Development in Improving Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: Looking Beyond MDGs. Governor Uduaghan charged the medical experts to assist in the national efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare across the country, stating, “I wish to encourage you not to relent in your efforts towards our concerted quest for great ideals in the healthcare of our women and new-born.” The governor disclosed that his administration introduced free maternal health care programme in November 2007 to reduce maternal mortality rate and scored his administration high in the feat it has so far recorded in that direction.

    “Prior to the introduction of the programme, maternal mortality rate stood at an alarming 456 per 100, 000 live births – which was unacceptable to us, however, today even with more women availing themselves of the opportunities of the programme, the maternal mortality rate has reduced to 188 per 100, 000 live births in 2013 and we are still working hard to reduce these figures,” he said.

    Uduaghan stated that from the inception of his administration, it “embarked on critical programmes in the health sector, implementing the free maternal and under five healthcare programme with the aim of effecting a sustainable reduction in maternal and newborn deaths in the state, the horizon of this extends to tackling gynaecological malignancies in our rural communities.

  • Itsekiri to Uduaghan: don’t sacrifice our future for your ambition

    Itsekiri to Uduaghan: don’t sacrifice our future for your ambition

    The umbrella body of the Itsekiri in the Niger Delta region, the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILOT), has cautioned Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan against sacrificing their future for his senatorial ambition.

    The ILOT, led by J. O. S. Ayomike, reminded the governor, through a letter, that the Itsekiri were dissatisfied with him for allegedly not contributing to their progress and development in the last 16 years.

    The letter, signed by Ayomike, Edward Ekpoko (secretary), Madam F. E. Rewane (treasurer) and A. O. Agboghoroma (member), reads: “Generally, the state, and particularly the Itsekiri, have not fared well under you, despite your nearly 16 years in government. In almost every decision, policy, action or inaction, you have consistently compromised Itsekiri for your personal, political, family or group interests and survival.

    “Over the years, you have overplayed the game of numbers to the detriment of the Itsekiri. Your administration has not only been detrimental to the development of Itsekiri but has set us back by at least 40 years.

    “What can we today point to as your greatest contribution to the Itsekiri nation, after 16 years in government? Yet, you have a desire to further represent Itsekiri interest in the Senate.”

    The ILOT noted that projects that were dear to the Itsekiri had either been abandoned or not started by the Uduaghan administration, including the Trans-Ode Itsekiri Road, Koko-Ugbenu, Ogheye Market, Ubeji Road and Ekurede-Itsekiri Road.

    The letter faulted the substitution of the Itsekiri winner of the Warri South West Local Government’s primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Oritseweyinmi Omadeli, with an Ijaw candidate, George Ekpemupolo, who is said to be the younger brother of former Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) leader, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), as a declaration of the governor’s horse trading at the expense of Itsekiri.

    “A scenario, which witnessed the substitution of Oritseweyinmi Omadeli (an Itsekiri) as PDP chairmanship candidate for Warri Southwest Local Government Area by George Ekpemupolo, (an Ijaw) in violation of your own rotational arrangement, less than 48 hours to the election and contrary to the Electoral Law, speaks eloquently of the impunity and the disdain which the Itsekiri have been subjected to in your administration.”