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FALSE PUBLICATION: OGBE SPITS FIRE, THREATENS REDRESS FOR DEFAMATION

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The chairman of All branches of Irri indigenes in Diaspora, Mr. Eniye Isaac Ogbe, has condemned in strong terms the malicious false online publication by Daily Watch on 24th of October 2020 with the caption, “Alleged Theft: Irri Indigenes in Diaspora urge security agents to arrest Culprit” and described it as misleading, devoid of truth and plot by Mr. Adigheji Orahemo to cause panic and anarchy in Irri community, Isoko South local government area.

Ogbe stated that the purported publication falsely used his name to call for the arrest of Mr. Lucky Obuwaye and Chief Duke Coast by security agents for allegedly stealing and selling of BEDEC step-down and amoured cables of Irri community, noting that Orahemo has ridiculed his personality and caused tension among the people of the area through unrepentant aggrandizement.

According to Ogbe, Mr. Orahemo has lied against him and he will seek redress at the appropriate time, adding that the opinion of community stakeholders and leaders was never sought as claimed. He cautioned Orahemo to desist from using Irri indigenes in Diaspora as tool to perpetrate peddling of fake information in the community.

“Irri indigenes in Diaspora at no time saw crane lifting a stolen step-down into a heavy duty vehicle (a maximum size truck) in a broad day light as falsely published by Mr. Orahemo who also claimed that the step-down transformer and amoured cables were stolen on the 2nd of July, 2020.” Ogbe said.

According to the branch chairman, the case at Oleh police station between Orahema and Obuwaye is an individual desperation to cause disaffection and confusion between Mr. Lucky Obowaye led executives and Irri community, adding that Orahemo has become a perpetual liar that uses any person’s name to forment trouble because of greed.

Recall that, Obowaye while speaking to Journalists said, the publication alleging the theft of a mini – step – down and cables of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), in Irri community, is false and a deliberate attempt by Mr. Adigheji Orahemo and Chief N.U. Akpor to scuttle the leadership of the present administration and to create unnecessary tension in the peaceful community.

He maintained that the faulty step down sent for repairs was sold due to costs of maintenance, adding that the proceeds were channeled towards the repairs of other faulty transformers within the community.

Obowaye noted that the step – down was given to Irri community by Agip oil company as part of their MOU and not BEDC property as alleged by Mr. Adigheji. He said, the step – down was installed by late Apostle Fred Adebe in 2005.

Obowaye said, “Following the invitation of the police over the preposterous complain of Mr. Adigheji Orahemo, an apt response and clarifications over the sales of the step – down was documented just as the President General of Irri Federal Union, Chief Adonis Obuwheri condemned the invitation and asked the police to release Mr. Obowaye.

The president general urged the public to disregard the frivolous publication, assuring that Irri community has been peaceful and warned anybody making unguarded statements capable of causing crises to steer clear.

RIGHT OF REPLY

OLEH 9: C.A.N, P.F.N PRAY FOR PEACE, REVELATION OF PERPETRATORS

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

To condole the bereaved families of the nine Oleh indigenes killed at Oleh farmland, the Oleh Christian Association in collaboration with Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (P.F.N) and Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N), Isoko South chapter, on Sunday came together for inter-denominational prayer of peace and restoration in Oleh kingdom, Isoko nation and Nigeria.

The intercessory program tagged “Black Sunday” which held at Oleh Yanga market area, Isoko South local government area of Delta State was coordinated by Isoko Church Leaders Council (I.C.L.C) for peaceful co-existence of the people.

Speaking during the prayer session, Bishop Benson Eghaire noted that, the prayer of peace is also to the bereaved families of the recent casualties of youth, police and Army lost during the #ENDSARS protests in Nigeria.

Bishop Eghaire reiterated that, the purpose of the prayer session is to preach peace to the people, stressing that “Let there be peace in Oleh, Isoko nation and Nigeria”, just as the people wore black to signify mourning and commiseration to the bereaved families.

In a short exultation, titled “We are in the End Time”, taken from 2Timothy 3: 1 – 3, Bishop John Usiwoma Aruakpor of Anglican Communion and Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N) Isoko South chapter, admonished the people to be prepared and live righteously because of terrible happenings at the end time. He stated that people will live without affection, desperation to do evil and killing everywhere.

Aruakpor added that, there shall be pestilence, diseases, mourning and crying because of greed and evil perpetrators, noting that the church should watch and pray to avoid temptation, emphasizing that God has not changed. He prayed God to change evil doers and fight for Oleh kingdom, Isoko Nation and Nigeria.

The highlight of the event was a prayer session by various church leaders towards redeeming the land and people from evil and restoration of peace.

The clergymen prayed for the consolation of bereaved families and declared that death and sorrow will never be seen in the land anymore.

They also prayed for spiritual cleansing through anointing the land and declaring that evil perpetrators in Isoko and Nigeria be exposed and ridiculed. They asked God to do what no man can do, to expose the perpetrators and their sponsors, as lies and injustice on the people is everywhere.

The President General of Oleh kingdom, Chief Believe Alakri, while commending the Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom, HRM Anthony William Ovrawah, Omogha 1, for been present, thanked Oleh indigenes, people from Irri and other neighboring communities for en-mass attendance. He also commended the clergymen from various churches, maintaining that the interdenominational prayer for peace in Oleh, Isoko Nation and Nigeria was at the right time.

He urged the people to be peaceful and vigilant, noting that government is on top of the situation to unravel the perpetrators of the heinous crime. Alakri prayed God for justice as Oleh people are peace loving and urged the youths to remain calm.

Dignitaries present at the Yanga junction, venue of the Prayer session include the Odiologbo of Oleh, Oleh community leaders, members of Isoko Church leaders Council, women and youth among others.

A SEASON OF DISTRUST

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

As the eerie smoke seems to be settling down and the rivers of tears simmers, distrust, accusations and counter accusations seems to be the order of the day in Nigeria. Those who murdered sleep are sleeping no more.

Just as intrinsically complicated as the mayhem is, so are the explanations and the deluge of conspiracy theories flying around.

I have made up my mind not to go digging too much as to the remote and immediate cause of the near two week madness untill what resembles the truth resurfaced. Or else, your perspective could just end up as another endless conspiracy theory.

But one thing is sure: we have goofed badly. We have once again exposed ourselves to ridicule and deepened our ever yawning fault lines. We have demonstrated genuine anger that took over our emotions and made us injure ourselves. And this is tragic.

In the melee that ensued, we have seen how fickle and fragile human emotions are and how easily persuaded to do good or evil the human person is. We saw the wickedness of those who claimed to love us and also the love of those who we distatefully ignore and relegate.

We have all become the victim of unrestrained anger with the custodians of the country we love so dearly, yet wouldn’t mind destroying to prove a point.

So much lessons to learn in just two weeks of national anger and “rebirth”. From lessons of patriotism to that of consequences of greed and elite gluttony. From lessons on emotional intelligence and social media manipulation to that of Ethnic downplaying, hate, official insensitivity and citizenship disenchantment and fury.

Spiralling bandwagon took negative dimension as states were being consumed unreservedly in truth and untruths. Half truths, naked truths and absolute lies became concubine in a beautiful ambivalence that even the devil trembled. It was truly a bad story.

Those who dragged tribal connotation and colouration into the crisis angered me the most. Hunger, poverty, deprivation and depression have no tribe, tongue or creed; neither do market forces.

Ours was genuine anger gone awry; agitation hijacked and thrown overboard by conflicting influences, both local and foreign.
But we’re back home to our senses and our humaness. But things are no longer the same.

Everyone must perform his role in restoring hope and confidence to our embattled union. And this must begin with those who have chosen to lead us. Leadership is by example. As they lead, we follow. If they make mistakes, we tell them to make amend. The relationship between the leaders and the led in Nigeria must be symbiotic and not parasitic.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

#ENDSARS Protest: ActionAid Wants Buhari To Address Nation, Stop Looming Anarchy

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO (North East Bureau):

ActionAid Nigeria has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately act as a father by addressing the nation and stop the ongoing ENDSARS protesting from degenerating into full scale anarchy.

The organisation, in a signed statement on Monday by it’s Country Director, Ene Obi said the President needs to act now before it is too late.

The statement read: “ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has been following the unfolding events amidst the agitations by the citizens and has deemed it fit to further address emerging trends in the ongoing protest.

“The protest has moved from being a social media campaign to a peaceful protest by Nigerians across the globe in the last 13 days, with clear demands on the abolition of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad accused of unlawful arrests, torture, and extra-judicial killings.”

The statement added: “ActionAid Nigeria has observed that the peaceful protest is gaining more momentum across the country, with Young People airing their grievances on rights violations and the need for an overhaul of the country’s security and governance architecture. However, the latest twist and turns in the ongoing protest, specifically the pockets of hijacks by unknown elements with unending attacks on peaceful protesters; the attack on the governor of Osun State; the loss of lives and property of protesters and innocent citizens; and most recently the prison break, and destruction of government properties in Edo State, the multitude of cars burnt in Apo, Abuja, calls for concern and swift action before the situation degenerates into full swing anarchy.“

The statement further read: “ActionAid Nigeria therefore calls on President Muhammadu Buhari, to fully address the nation in a national broadcast as a Father, Leader, and the President of Nigeria, with the mandate of the people to manage the affairs of the country and give clear-cut responses to the demands of the protesters before it is too late.”

It said: “Nigerians anticipate clear plans, timelines, and commitments, which will be in form of a pact with the citizens. The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, should see this as an opportunity to write his name in the sands of time by starting the process of transforming this country especially by responding to the demands of citizens.

“ActionAid Nigeria also call on security agencies to keep securing the streets to get unscrupulous elements with illegitimate interests off the peaceful protests, while respecting the rights of peaceful protesters.

“We applaud the resolve of Nigerian youths leading the revival across the country and the resolute to hold government to account. However, it is pertinent that decorum is maintained while resisting any calculated attempts by unknown elements to disrupt, the just cause for total reformation of our country, Nigeria.“

Press Statement Of IANA On Ambush/Brutal Killing Of Farmers From Oleh On 10/16/2020

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Press Statement of the Isoko Association of North America (IANA) on the Ambush and Brutal killing of farmers from Oleh on 10/16/2020

The Isoko Association of North America (IANA) is shocked to learn about the ambush and savage murder of 9 (may be more), Isoko men, women and children by some criminal elements over a disputed piece of land along Oleh-Ozoro Road. Our hearts are heavy and grief stricken as we mourn the dead. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this demonic and evil act.

We strongly condemn this barbaric and senseless killings and call for a swift and thorough investigation of this heinous crime. All the conspirators and perpetrators of this crime should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. That will be a great first step to mitigate the justifiable anger in the land. We condemn the inflammatory and violent language of some faceless subhuman on Facebook leading up to the ambush and brutal slaying of these innocent citizens of Oleh community.

We want to call on the leaders and traditional fathers of Oleh and Ozoro to continue to appeal for peace and patience so as not to seek vengeance and escalate the situation. We plead for restrain and urge the people of Oleh community to reject and resist any lure to vengeance. War will be a no win proposition in the land. An eye for an eye will soon leave our entire communities a land of the blind!

We call on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the Delta state commissioner of Police to take the necessary steps to ensure that the situation does not escalate and work to bring all accomplices and bad actors to justice. We plead with the Governor and all law enforcement officers to go the extra mile to bring enduring peace to Oleh and Ozoro communities and indeed all the other Isoko communities with lingering land disputes.

We appeal to the law abiding citizens of Oleh and Ozoro communities to reject any attempt by any persons to lure them into any acts of violence either physically or incite violence on social media. Such acts could and will be used against you in a court of law. We urge citizens to observe and respect the curfew currently in place by the police command in the area for your safety and that of others in the community.
We commend the role of the Royal fathers, HRM Anthony William Ovrawah, Omoghai 1 of Oleh Kingdom and the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1 in unequivocally calling for calm.

We stand firmly against violence in any part of Isoko land! We are one people, united in one homeland-the Isoko nation! How can we confront and tackle the common problems that we face if we are not united and living peacefully with one another as neighbors? We have bigger issues of floods, diseases and pandemics, lack of economic development, high youth unemployment, poverty, ill-equipped colleges and hospitals, lack of electricity, lack of clean drinking water, bad roads, and environmental pollution. The list goes on! How do we solve these problems if we continue to kill each other? We should stay strongly united as one people to confront the bigger threats that we face, even more so as a minority of minorities in Nigeria. This barbaric acts must stop now.

Let us pray for our homeland and the families of the victims. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace!

Signed:

Chief Obaro W. Odu
President-General, Isoko Association of North America-IANA

Prof. Oghenekome Onokpise
Secretary-General, Isoko Association of North America-IANA

Bashorun Askia Condemns Murder Of Oleh 9: *Says Not In Our Character, Name, Culture

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Albert OGRAKA:

The UDU of Isoko Nation and Managing Director/CEO of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA has expressed shock over the recent gruesome murder of nine sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom by yet-to-be-identified criminals allegedly over land dispute.

Bashorun Askia, who described the act as dastardly, abominable, barbaric, cowardly, mindless and unacceptable, commiserated with the families of the deceased, His Royal Majesty, Anthony William Ovrawha I, Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom, the President General of Oleh community as well as sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom on the devilish act.

He however, disclosed that taking lives, especially gruesome killing have never been associated with Isoko people, adding that such condemnable acts should not be allowed to happen again in the peace-loving Isoko nation.

A statement personally signed by the UDU of Isoko Nation, reads:

“Last week, the Isoko nation witnessed an abominable act when nine sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom were gruesomely murdered by yet-to-be-identified criminals allegedly over land dispute.

“To say that the dastardly act shocked the Isoko nation is putting it mildly. It was barbaric, cowardly, mindless and unacceptable. I am appalled by the killings, an act that diminishes our people and offends our psyche, our culture and our treasured name as a peaceful and peace-loving people.

“I unreservedly and totally condemn the mindless murder of our people under any guise. I sympathise and commiserate with the families of the deceased, His Royal Majesty, Anthony William Ovrawha I, Odiologbo of Oleh Kingdom, the President General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alakri and all our sons and daughters of Oleh Kingdom on this devilish act.

“I commend you all for the act of restraint with which the killing is being handled.
Already, I and other leaders of Isoko nation are liaising with relevant authorities and other stakeholders to restore peace to our land and bring perpetrators of the act to book. We are. committed to achieving these objectives.

“Taking lives, especially gruesome killing have never been associated with Isoko people. This must never happen again.”

NHRC Sets Up Panel To Probe SARS

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO (North-East Bureau Chief):

The National Human Rights Commission has constituted an 11-man panel to probe allegations of violation of human rights by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

The police unit was scrapped by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu following ongoing protest across the country following allegations of excesses against it’s men.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu in a statement on Saturday said all petitions, complaints and memoranda must reach the Commission, which is the Secretariat of the Panel on or before 31 October, 2020.

He said: “In line with the National Human Rights Commission’s mandate and in response to the nationwide agitations by some Nigerian youth groups under the auspices of End SARS, the NHRC has constituted an 11-man Independent Investigative Panel (IIP) to look into allegations of human rights violations against the defunct SARS and other units of the force.”

He disclosed that the National Human Rights Commission has constituted an 11-man panel to probe allegations of human rights violations by the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

Ojukwu said the Committee headed by a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Suleiman Galadima will hear petitions, complaints and memoranda from Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, and thereafter make recommendations to the federal government on how best to reform SARS and other units of the Police force.

Ojukwu. in the statement made this known in Abuja Friday evening, while noting that the terms of reference of the Panel include, investigate all complaints of human rights violations against SARS and other units of the Police force, make appropriate recommendations as per the damages and compensations to be paid to the victims of Police brutality.

The statement said besides, the Panel is given the powers to refer any matter, in the course of their assignment to the Attorney General of the Federation, or that of a State for prosecution in accordance with the law.

The panel is empowered as well to make recommendations to government on measures to be taken in respect of operatives of defunct SARS or officers of the Nigerian Police Force, if any, found in violation of human rights of citizens and propose remedial steps that may enhance the professional conduct of defunct SARS operatives, any succeeding unit and other members of the Nigerian Police Force and any other recommendations that may be considered appropriate.

Other members of the Panel are: Abdulrahaman Yakubu, Yemi Ademolakun, Chioma Chuka, Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa, Tijani Mohammed, Dr. Uju Agomoh, DIG Ibrahim Lamorde, Dr. Garba Tetengi, SAN, Feyikemi Abudu, John Aikpokpo Martins, while
Hilary Ogbonna, will serve as it’s secretary.

Nigerian Army To Commence Operation Crocodile Smile Nationwide

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO (North-East Bureau Chief):

The Nigerian Army is set to commence its annual military exercise ragged Crocodile Smile, nationwide.

According to a press release by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, the exercise which is traditionally conducted in the last quarter of the year, will hold this year between 20th of October to the 31st of December.

He said this year’s exercise, Crocodile Smile VI, is deliberately intended to be all encompassing to include cyber warfare exercises designed to identify, track and counter negative propaganda in the social media and across the cyberspace.

He said: “This is the first ever Cyberwarfare exercise to be conducted in the history of the African Armed Forces. Accordingly, the exercise will also include positive identification component aimed at identifying Boko Haram terrorists fleeing from the North East and other parts of the country as a result of the ongoing operations in the various theatres of operations especially in the Northeast, North Central and North Western parts of Nigeria.“

He said: “The Nigerian Army, once again, reassures all well meaning Nigerians of its commitment to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria and urges members of the public for their support and understanding throughout the period of the exercise.”

KILLING OF 9 OLEH INDEGENES: MONARCH CALLS FOR CALM, COMMISERATES WITH BEREAVED FAMILIES, URGES PEACE

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom and chairman Isoko Nation traditional ruler’s council, HRM Anthony William O. Ovrawah, Omogha 1, has called on the people of Oleh kingdom to remain calm and embrace peace as he commiserated with the bereaved families of the 9 persons killed at Oleh and Ozoro farmland dispute, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

The monarch while condemning the gruesome killing of 9 indigenes of Oleh kingdom described the action as barbaric, dastard and highly condemnable.

He stated that others are still missing just as he appealed to the people to sheathe their sword as investigation on the killing is been carried out by the state government.

The monarch said, “I and the Ovie of Ozoro kingdom, HRM Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo, Ibuka 1, received the report during a meeting at Asaba yesterday and was called to meet with the commissioner of police Hafiz Inuwa, to urge the people to be calm and embrace peace”.

According to the royal majesty, “I called the chairman and some members of Oleh council of chiefs, the president and some honorable members of Oleh kingdom to meet with the bereaved families at Iye – Edho, Ota and Ogha Street to commiserate and urged the people to remain calm as government is aware and on top of the crises”.

The monarch appealed to the people to go about their duties just as he urged farmers to continue their farming activities at Oleh farmland along Oleh / Ozoro road, adding that the situation should not stop farming activities in Oleh kingdom.

He maintained that the restriction of movement order for pedestrian along Oleh and Ozoro old road between 7. pm and 6.am beginning from yesterday Friday 16th of October 2020 till further notice by Sir Itiako Ikpokpo and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, both chairmen of Isoko South and North local government area, should remain accordingly.

The royal majesty noted that Oleh Ada farmlands were the killing was perpetrated is not among the disputed land area, emphasizing that the issues of that farmland has been resolved many years ago.

He urged the people to remain calm, go about their business and farming activities as government is on top of the situation.

OF PREDATORS AND VICTIMS

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)By Austen AKHAGBEME:

In Nigeria today, times are tough, tempers are high, feathers are being ruffled, no thanks to the raging hashtag protest by the rampaging but hitherto ” lazy” Nigeria youth. It has become a test of resolve between predators and victims.

Those whose conscience are smeared with hot iron, who never care a hoot about the lives of their neighbours are beginning to realise the ephemerality of their bloated, brutish resolve versus their sheer humanity afterall.

The boys are angry, obviously. They’re angry over a supposed friend turned foe, a supposed protector turned tormentor. They’re miffed about a society that gives them undulating playing field to express their youthful energy and realise their age long aspirations. They’re ready to make a fight by protest and to face the fight by stamping their feet on the ground for a change.

Those who mistook this for “sponsored public disturb” are either myopic or insincere and obviously oblivious of the times. The menace of SARS and their unleashed terror on society is pitiably palpable to any conscientious lover of freedom and humanity. It is time to shout out; to shout hoarse on the loudest vocal cords. Let the killings stop, the killers punished and the victims adequately compensated.

So far so good. The Inspector General of police and the government of the day are not grandstanding. They seems to be playing ball for now. But on whose behest was the pockets of resistance to the protest orchestrated? What happened in Berger Junction, Abuja was vexatious.

Those who are asking why the protest still persists even after the government has verbally disband the embattled killer unit, SARS, do not understand the sociology of the struggle. Pent up anger and deep seethed animosity must be allowed to be ventilated. You cannot beat a child and still determine when he should stop his crying.

Nobody should read any ulterior motive to the protest. We have a case in point and that is the mistreatment of Nigerians by the ill-fated SARS, the very pivot on which the protest rotates. Any other adduced and assumed reason becomes a matter of conjecture.

Those who are crying fow that the matters may escalate to the breakdown of law and order are suspect. When last in Nigeria have we had such a successful, peaceful, widespread and evenly coordinated protest like this present one?

The youth have come to understand that they can never win against the establishment using methods that are statutorily exclusive to their tormentors. They’re educated enough to know that non violent change is possible.

This is the reason why they’re on the street, armed with nothing but their vocal prowess. We must listen to them. We must do their bidding and earn their trust. If we say they’re the leaders of tomorrow, then let’s allow them to determine their tomorrow.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

JP CLARK: You Will Murder The Play

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – By AZUA ALONU:

When we told our English teacher, we were going to put on stage J.P Clark’s Play. Ozidi, he said: You will murder the play. Our dramatic society in our estimation very virile, we were teenagers in our Baptist Secondary School and the level of enthusiasm in our rehearsals was top-notch. No play we could not stage. We were at the verge of completing one play called “Dinner for promotion” in which our English teacher gave us an excellent mark when this Ozidi love caught fire in our bones. We thought we will do a nice job and was looking forward to getting our principal and the teachers to watch us when our English teacher resigned and joined the Nigeria National Shipping line.

We continued amateurishly with our rehearsals. The English teacher that replaced him sneered at our ambitions and did not get close to our rehearsal venue. Then, our resigned English teacher wrote me a letter: How is your dramatic society. How is the Ozidi rehearsal going on. I hope J.P Clark does not sue you for murdering his play. By the time the letter came, we had murdered the play in our rehearsal and left the corpse unburied. I quickly replied that we had discontinued. But I still remember this line after forty years of that dramatic fiasco, it was one of Ozidi’s greetings: Man of Twenty toes/ and Twenty fingers, I greet you, then.

We actually did not know much of his other plays except the three plays: Songs of a goat, the Masquerade and the raft. It was in the university that the rich body of J.P Clark’s poetry was exposed to us after we have read Abiku, the most popular of his poems in our secondary school. Most people know him as a poet and he continued to write poetry until his final departure. There were beautiful poems of his that were not necessarily in the public. I was reading Dr. Newton Jibuno’s Me, My Desert and I, A journey, A mission, A life and I encountered this beautiful poem titled: One Man and the Desert (for newton Jibuno).

I met a man
In a glass and marble place
At his gates, waves and dunes
Of an ocean all set to move in
Trucked by satellite
He crossed the sahara
In five days by sunlight
And always ahead of him
Day and night
Over a lunar landscape
At full stretch for a syllable
An albatross flew
Beating waves and dunes
Away from his jeep and tent.

This poem and the poems that talked about his death and “will” ard many private poems that will come out of the crevices of his creative armory have not been extinguished by death. For as we remember him and celebrate him, the spirit of his creativity will be with us. When we recite his poems, we will lit a huge light, the flames flourish.
J.P Clark’s poetry is the channel in his culture, life and vision flow. He was a poet in the market place and his poetry-songs are the ones that awaken in us the spirit of dance. It was this dance that I went with my friend and poet, the secretary of Delta Literary Forum, Albert Ograka to Kiagbodo, J.P. Clark’s home town for one of his birthdays to dance and sing his poetry but the programme became too choked, they murdered our poems. We left the venue happy because there were others who did justice to the occasion. We will not have any alibi for not organizing a festival of his poems when next we do some of our events in Asaba. At that time we will write some of his children to tell of the endless stories he told them full of colourful humor, myth and poetry. And then we will retaliate with his poem Olokun.

I love to pass my fingers
(As tide thro weeds of the sea 
And wind the tall fern-fronts)
Thro the stands of your hair
Dark as night that screen the naked moon

J.P. Clark did not concern himself with his arts alone. He intervened in the politics of our country. I cannot forget the trip of himself, Soyinka and Achebe to see General Ibrahim Babangida our head of state when Manman Vatsa, a fellow poet and soldier was implicated in a coup and how their plea fell on deaf ears. Of course he talked about the crisis in the Niger Delta and I remember his article “Armistice” in which he offered solution to the deep crisis in the Niger Delta. He continued to offer opinion both publicly and privately on the way our nation should go.
Even though he continued to offer opinion and continued to write until he left this our mortal world, his rewards in monetary terms was not as big and appreciable. And like most writers in this part of the world, it is not to be said of him that he was rich. I think he was comfortable.

J.P. Clark achieved much in literary success and has become a model for most young people.
And we do know that he asked the question that has been bothering the minds of young people in the poem “ Where do they all go” He was asking of where the politicians will go when they leave office. Are they going to go to board rooms or thrones termites dispute.

J.P. Clark did not talk of life after this earth. Certainly, he would not go to the throne that termites dispute. Would he go to the Palace angels’ guard. Maybe he will be reading his poem “Abiku” among children in heaven who come to earth and return to heaven several seasons. Let us end this piece with this now popular poem “ My Last Testament” from his book Full Tide (Collected Poems) Page 385.

This is to my family
Do not take me to a mortuary,
Do not take me to a church,
Whether I die in or out of town,
But take me home to my own, and
To lines and tunes, tested on the waves
Of time, let me lie in my place
On the Kiagbodo River.

If Moslems do it in a day,
You certainly can do it in three,
Avoiding blood and waste,
And whatever you do after,
My three daughters and my son
By the only wife I have,
Do not fight over anything
I may be pleased to leave behind

  • AZUA ALONU, Writes from Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.

Isoko Nation, Groups Kick Over Zamfara, CBN N5Bn Gold Deal **Berate FG’s Injustice In Niger Delta Region

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

Isoko Nation has kicked against the alleged sale of a bar of Zamfara gold to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for N5 billion by the Zamfara state government and supported the Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo–Agege as he faults the arrangement that allows a state to sell mineral resources to the federal government.

A press statement by the Apex body of Isoko Nation signed by the President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, described the action as provocative and a perpetrated injustice to the Niger Delta region.

The statement condemned the arrangement that allows a state to sell mineral resources to the federal government, noting that the sale is a breach of the laws guiding exploitation of mineral resources in Nigeria.

The statement described the action as anti–peace, culpable of creating tension and anarchy in the region, maintaining that it negates the constitutional position of one Nigeria in the federal allocation sharing formula.

The statement added that, Nigeria majorly depends on the Niger Delta, particularly Isoko Nation communities, but continuously ignore the demand of the people for resource control and restructuring.

Recall that the Deputy Senate President faulted the arrangement while contributing to a debate on the 2021 Appropriation bill during Senate plenary on October 14th 2020.. Omo Agege said his constituents and other Niger Delta people are worried about the development since all proceeds from oil in the territory solely go to the federal account.

He insisted that “the proceeds from the sale ought to be remitted to the federal government account not credited to the account of Zamfara state government”.

The Deputy Senate President said, “it is clear that only two sources identified in the budget for the funding of the budget is revenue from oil on the most part, and borrowings, both local and foreign”, adding that we have other sources of revenue that is not looked into by the federal government.

“Not too long ago, we saw the Governor of Zamfara state come before CBN to present a gold bar worth close to about N5 billion and the gold bar was presented for sale to the CBN. Our people are beginning to wonder who owns the gold that is been sold to the CBN”, he said.

He maintained that, “No state sells oil in the Niger Delta region. I am wondering why a governor of a state should be selling gold bar from Zamfara to CBN”. Omo–Agege stated that whatever revenue that ought to come from that transaction belongs to the entire country and not the state government.

The Deputy Senate President said, “There is a lot of revenue that will take the burden from international borrowing which needs to be explored by the federal government”.

Also in a separate statement signed by the Chairman of Isoko Advancement Network (IAN), Chief Paul John Odhomor, the Network noted that the deafening silence of the Senators by deliberately refusing to debate the issue on the floor of the Senate sends dangerous signals to the people of the Niger Delta region that contributes so much to the national GDP.

“The IAN is aware that solid minerals is one of the items in the Exclusive Legislative List of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) like oil and gas. It is incredible that the man from Gusau can sell gold directly to the apex bank and an Isoko man from the Niger Delta cannot sell crude oil and gas directly to the NNPC. The IAN frowns at this negative development and warned that this kind of inequalities in the handling of the exploitation of natural resources in Nigeria can trigger youth restiveness in the Delta.”

The IAN noted that the youths of the Niger Delta region are already agitated as there was no justification for the criminalization of their activities with oil and gas facilities in the region while their Zamfara counterparts approaches the vault of the CBN as off takers of their gold.

It however, called on the Federal Government to implement relevant policies towards solid mineral exploration and exploitation with a view to improving the balance sheet of the Country.

Internal Security: NAF Plots More Operational Platforms For S’South Region

***As CAS Commissions Residential Accommodation For Airforce Personnel In Calabar

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO:
 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is set to deploy additional Super Puma Helicopter to Calabar to secure the southern axis of the Nigerian airspace and complement air operations in the South-South Geopolitical Zone.

This was made known today, 15 October 2020, by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, made it known on October 15, 2020, while commissioning a furnished block of 30 x one-bedroom transit accommodation for airmen at the 305 Special Mobility Group (305 SMG), Calabar.
 
The CAS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Headquarters NAF, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Oladayo Amao, disclosed that the 305 SMG Calabar was established to survey and secure the southern axis of the Nigerian airspace, continuing from the point where the Area of Responsibility (AOR) of the 115 Special Operations Group Port Harcourt terminates.

He remarked that the NAF Headquarters was doing its best to make at least one more Super Puma helicopter operational, which would ensure that there is an aircraft domiciled in Calabar for necessary air operations. This, he said, was to make up for the Unit’s existing Super Puma helicopter which is currently deployed for operations in the North East. He assured that, in the interim, 115 SOG Port Harcourt would continue to extend air support to Calabar with its platforms, as done a few months ago when an EC-135 helicopter from Port Harcourt was deployed to Calabar to support the Nigerian Navy during Operation SAFETY CHECK.
 
Speaking further, the CAS disclosed that, as part of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Deep Blue Sea Project, aimed at comprehensively addressing insecurity and criminality in Nigeria’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), special mission aircraft, being acquired by the Federal Government, would operate from Lagos, Benin, Calabar and Port Harcourt, amongst other locations. He noted that this would undoubtedly enhance maritime domain awareness thereby improving security in the South-South axis.

“All these efforts are geared towards ensuring that Nigerians go about their business in a safe and secure environment”, he said. He therefore charged the personnel to always maintain the highest level of vigilance and security within their AOR.
 
The CAS also used the opportunity to express his profound appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his continued support in providing platforms and equipment required by the NAF to achieve its objectives and perform its statutory roles. “We will continue to show our appreciation by remaining disciplined and loyal while exhibiting the highest level of professionalism.” He also commended the Cross River State Government for its support to security agencies in their efforts to rid the State of all forms of criminality.
 
While appreciating the CAS for continuously according high priority to the welfare of personnel, the Commander 305 SMG, Group Captain Abraham Sule, reaffirmed the Unit’s dedication to the accomplishment of assigned tasks and promised to continuously achieved desired results in their daily operations. He further appreciated the CAS for his relentless commitment to the provision of infrastructure for the optimal performance and comfort of NAF Personnel.

Also present at the event were the Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command, AVM Ibukun Ojeyemi, as well as other senior military officers and heads of paramilitary and security agencies in Calabar.

October Ration: NEMA Shares Food To 38,000 Displaced Households

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO (North-East Bureau Chief):

Food items have been shared to 38,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) households in Borno State for the month of October.

This is part of the monthly distribution directed by the Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Muhammed (rtd).

A statement on Thursday by the spokesman of the agency in North East, Abdulkadir Ibrahim said the food items were distributed by the Head of Food distribution team for Borno state Flt. Lt. Umar Sani represented the Director General during the exercise which commenced on Monday.

He said the routine distribution of food items to 38,000 households of IDPs in camps and host communities which has commenced is part of support that Federal Government is rendering to the IDPs to provide adequate nutrition.

According to him: “The IDPs who were full of praises to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the routine monthly intervention has ensured that they have sufficient food supply.

Abdulkadir said each of the household was given 54.6kg of food items including 25kg of beans, 12.5kg each of rice and maize, as well as 4.6kg of condiments.

No Resumption For KG 1-3 Pupils In Delta -Ukah Cautions School Owners

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah has cautioned private school owners in the state against the resumption of academic activities for nursery/pre-primary (KG 1-3) pupils.

He warned that anyone who goes contrary to the directive of the state government will be sanctioned appropriately.

Handing down the warning in Asaba in a statement on Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, said that officials of the ministry have been ordered to visit private schools in the state to fish out defaulters.

He noted that the state is implementing phased resumption of schools because of the Covid-19 pandemic and critical stakeholders in the education sector are of the opinion that nursery/pri-primary pupils will resume academic activities in January 2021.

Chief Ukah advised parents and guardians not to take their children and wards in the aforementioned classes to school as government has not approved the resumption of academic activities for them.

The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner cautioned private school proprietors who are contravening state government’s directive to retrace their steps or face appropriate punishment.

NHRC Calls For Prosecution Of Culpable SARS Men

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLO (North-East Bureau Chief):

The National Human Rights Commission has commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) after a mass protest by Nigeria.

The Commission insisted that every member of SARS and the Nigeria Police Force involved in the dastardly act should be brought to book.

The Executive Secretary of NHRC, Tony Ojukwu in a press statement on Monday said the action was courageous and a display of mark of a listening Government.

The statement read: “In line with its mandate of promoting, protecting and enforcing human rights in Nigeria, the NHRC has been monitoring reports from individual victims and the media with respect to human rights violation of innocent members of the public by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as well as other police units across the country.

“The Commission is equally aware of the public outcry to scrap SARS so as to put an end to these violations which has now been met by the Federal Government as a mark of its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights of Nigerians.”

The statement added that: “The Right to protest is a constitutionally protected right as long as it is carried out responsibly and without resulting in the violation of the rights of any member of the public including law enforcement personnel.

“You will recall that earlier, the federal government responded to public outcry against human rights violations by SARS in constituting a special Presidential investigation panel with a broad-based membership including the civil society to investigate these allegations and make appropriate recommendations to sanction any SARS operatives found to have violated human rights of members of the public and to also suggest measures to reform SARS.

“With the initial and right step to disband SARS by the IGP as part of the recommendations of the Presidential Panel, the stage is now set to implement the other recommendations of the panel and in this regard, the government had requested the Commission to constitute a broad based implementation committee inclusive of relevant government agencies and civil society organizations to ensure the transparent, comprehensive and accountable implementation of the white paper on the presidential panel report.”

The statement said: “The Commission assures Nigerians that the federal government is wholly committed to protecting the human rights of all Nigerians in accordance with the 1999 Constitution as amended, Nigeria’s international human rights obligations and respect for the rule of law.”

It however advised that: “Nigerians should appreciate the critical role being played by the Nigerian police and Special Anti-Robbery Squad in bursting armed robbery and other heinous crimes in the country even at the risk of their personal safety and some of them have paid the supreme sacrifice too.“

It said: “However, law enforcement must be carried out bearing in mind constitutional guarantees of human rights, in particular respect for the life and dignity of human person and with utmost professionalism.

“Consequently the SARS/police officers tarnishing the image of government and the police force should be made to be accountable.

“The National Human Rights Commission, more than ever before is wholly committed to working with all stakeholders, state and non-state actors to raise the bar of human rights protection, and enforcement in the country.”

Ojukwu called on everyone, including the protesters to be more vigilant, law abiding and give the ongoing process a chance to resolve all the current issues that have been canvased by Nigerians and to report any form of human rights violations or reprisals to the Commission through its various channels.

EDO-ONDO ELECTIONS: BETWEEN MUSIC AND WAR SONG

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

I love Eyitayo Jegede, the PDP Governorship candidate for the just concluded Ondo gubernatorial elections. He came, he saw but couldn’t conquer.

Though the Senior Advocate won convincingly in Isidore, Akure North and South local government areas, he fought a fair fight in others. He had the full support of his party to the dying minutes and enjoyed their hopes and expectations. Yet, he lost. He must have lost satisfactorily and gallantly even though it might be too early to declare the elections free and fair.

But the loss in Edo was heralded by another genre of music. It was a war song orchestrated to go for the opponents jugular. Between the political maneuvering, costly mistakes were made unawares.

At the final hour, friends turned enemies and publicly professed party fatefuls fell for greed and vendetta. The victim became the innocently confident arrow head. This was painful.

In politics, there’s always a big lesson to learn. One of the biggest lessons is striving always to be at peace with your own political household. Another is to learn how to choose your battles rightly and timeously.

In Edo state, friends fought with themselves like there was no tomorrow. They fought dirty, openly and secretly. Those who fought openly were better than those who fought secretly. The secret enemies turned the apple cart with ignominy. They were the unknown winners and known losers at the same time. What an ambivalence and ambiguity of purpose and vision!

This is surely not a requiem for the humongous betrayal by the self same political siblings in Edo. It is rather a reflection on what went wrong that could have gone right.

APC is just a party of the impossible. Today’s heroes can easily be turned into tomorrow’s villains, no thanks to the inherent unforgiveness of political sins, greed and vendetta prevalent within the rank and file.

Unlike what happened in Edo state, I knew APC will win Ondo state. Not because of the political ingenuity of the AKETI himself, but the diametrically opposed interest and intentions of the party demi- gods and demagogues in comparison with the Edo debacle.

The deft move to silence others to the detriment of the overall well being of the party all in pursuit of relevance come 2023, was their greatest undoing.

But all of that is over now, as life goes on. The battle that was won and lost in Ondo was like sweet music to both the contestants and the voters even though there was the fear of a possible violence in the beginning.

That of Edo was another genre of music with a macabre dance: it was a war song, sweetened with a cacophony of dissent and distrust that took away so much sanity and conscience from both the winners and the losers alike. Congratulations to the Aketi himself; the executive governor of Ondo state.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Bashorun Askia Reveals DESOPADEC Plan To Train Youths On Skills

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Determined to make youths to become entrepreneurs and employers of labour, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), is in the process of setting up an Academy where youths will be trained to become experts at various skills.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, who disclosed this at the grand finale of DBS Song of the Year Talent Show held at Warri at the weekend, said that the show is an enterprise that fits in perfectly with a market with limitless potentials.

Bashorun Askia said trainees from the DESOPADEC Academy “will be well kitted to take off and become “Engineers and Designers,” or they may decide to give themselves such other appellations or big titles that fit them,” adding, “after all, tailors are now Fashion Designers, our car Mechanics are Engineers, all without seeing the four walls of the polytechnics and universities. Who cares?

“All we care about is for our youths to be self-sustaining through their handworks, while contributing to growing the economy of our State. I am sure our experts who are putting this together will accommodate graduates and non-graduates who may be interested in The Academy.”

While stating that “skills in the artisanal sector are going or have gone extinct such that we are now importing these skills from neighbouring countries,” he regretted that he “never imagined that one day we would be hiring masons (bricklayers) plumbers, tilers, mechanics, electricians, etc., from outside Nigeria, with far-reaching implications for our economy.”

The DESOPADEC helmsman said “We must put up conscious efforts to encourage our youths to be fully engaged in this very vital sector of the economy. I can tell you confidently and boldly too, that there is more money to be made being a well-trained roadside mechanic or bricklayer or tiler than in some of these white collar jobs that are even nonexistent.”

Bashorun Askia said “Nigerian music, especially the genre made by our enterprising young Deltans, have made significant inroad internationally, stating that music and comedy have fused to become one of Nigeria’s major export not just to Africa, but the entire global community despite Western pop being dominant on the international scene, the world is looking for something fresh from Africa.”

While assuring that DESOPADEC, under his watch is proud to be associated with this initiative by DBS Warri, he said: “We believe that our younger generation has the latent talent, desire and drive to excel even in the most inclement and competitive environment. We have testimonies on this. Right before us, Nollywood as Nigeria’s indigenous motion picture industry is globally described, rose from the ashes of nothingness to become a global brand and the third largest film industry without government or institutional support.

“I have no doubt that right before us here are some of the most creative, resourceful, energetic and bourgeoning entertainment brands the world is waiting for. For those who could not make the finals, it is not an indication of any less creativity. I am sure that if the judges had their way, every one of you would have been declared winners. But truly, everybody is a winner because the vast world awaits you.”

GOODLUCK JONATHAN: THE RUMOURED ADVENT OF THE SHOELESS HERO

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

Very recently, there’s been so much noise, purportedly coming from the noise less one: our amiable Jolly good fellow, former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, that is.

The grapevine is replete with the news of the planned re-emergence of the Otuoke born shoeless Hero, this time around, to complete his “denied” second term.

I didn’t believe it. But I’m not too naive, too, to know that the Nigerian political power brokers have the largest of minds and imagination, capacious enough to concoct and contain the unimaginable.

Because politicians are norturnal inventors of deft tactics for political pugilism, the rumour mill is rich with unconfirmed but troubling stories that seems to be originating from Mars or Jupiter but definitely not from this plane of existence.

I was initially angered by the mere fact that he was coming out, not on his own volition, but on the evil machinations of those who wants to use him to score a point while consolidating their interest for a less troublesome day.

But thank God it’s a rumour; a troubling fable that gave me sleepless night, though. But what if it turned around to be true? The problem with an unpleasant rumour is the inability to get a window for confirmation and the often psychological effects of always tilting your mind and thoughts to the unpleasant side of disfavour.

Agreed, that it is Goodluck Jonathan’s inalienable right to vie for any office in the land; but not with the rumoured behest of another, especially one with ulterior motive.

Pardon my petulant perversity here: how will I be able to console great lovers of GEJ like Sunny Lawrence, Boniface Onyedi and a host of others that our mutual hero has ‘gone mad’ again?

But yours sincerely have chosen to develop a thick skin in preparation for the unexpected. This is so because of the ever winding desires and the elasticity of self given purposes on the part of the average Nigerian politician.

Whoever thought that after the gallant but costly defeat of former vice President Atiku Abubakar at the last presidential election, with all the ” cyber arguments” that he will still be a visible name in the rumour mills and a possible presidential hopeful come 2023?

In Nigeria politics, nothing is impossible. Every one and everything has a price. Anything is possible, depending on which side of the philosopher King you belong.

Agreed that it is Goodluck Jonathan’s inalienable right to vie for any office in the land; but not at the expense of his hard earned reputation as a true and internationally acclaimed Democrat and a peace ambassador.

But again, what if he didn’t succeed at the polls? What will happen to his hard earned reputation of the harmless dove whose reelection, the other time, was not worth the blood of another man? This is why I kept hoping that it is a rumour and the fattest lie in recent time.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME: is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

BETWEEN PASTOR ADEBOYE’S CALL AND PRESIDENT BUHARI’S REBUFF

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

The sound of the call for the restructuring of the Nigerian federation has become like that of a broken record. It comes in a bewildering staccato; it comes intermittently from both the usual and the unsual, the serious and the unserious quarters.

More often than not,  it is usually dismissed as a mere hollow cry at the expense of true political convenience or often taken as a mere demonstration of mischief by a ‘disgruntled Citizen ‘ who sees nothing good in the status quo.

Paradoxically, our present rulers rode vigorously to power on the back of a declared desire for restructuring of the Nigerian federation. It is on this premise that one finds it very disconcerting that President Buhari, through his media aid, dismissed the call for restructuring made by our ageing but legendary Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Church, as a stampede.

Ordinarily speaking, one will be very surprised at the quick rebuff of the Presidential aide by reducing a seemingly innocuous admonition into a national ridicule and a tirade of concealed vituperation and deep seethed animosity.

The Covid 19 pandemic and it’s potpourri of uncertainties, painfully, has become their anchor: any pressure  from any genuine quarters is rebuffed and seen as putting “pressure ” on the establishment and a distraction from the expected focus on the covid 19 pandemic.

The Clergyman has spoken, just like every other Nigerian. He didn’t only speak but gave a graphic detail of how such restructuring should be done even at state level. He advocated for devolution or diffusion of power that takes away the concentration of executive powers and statutory responsibility from one almighty organ of government.

He called for a mixture of the American Presidential system and the British parliamentary type. This gives us a President that shares certain hitherto exclusive roles with an equally powerful executive Prime minister.

But all of these was dismissed as a mere “threat” to  “succumb to pressure” by the government spokesman. This, ought not so to be. Especially for a government that had this very gesture as a campaign slogan and part of it’s manifesto in her bid to come on board during the electioneering campaigns.

It is most unfortunate that the genuine call for restructuring of the nation, over time,  has truly become politicised. Those who called for it are often vilified and looked upon as agent provocateur by the government of the day.

Meanwhile, we already have a plethora of documents on restructuring or true federalism since the advent of Democracy in 1999. There’s the Obasanjo political reform conference document, the Goodluck Jonathan national conference document and the report of the All progressives Congress, APC, committee on true federalism.

The availability of these documents ( though on dusty shelves within the inner appalachik) should suggest that a call for restructuring or the adoption of the findings of these noble  committees, must be embraced and not vilified.

Others, like the erstwhile electoral umpire,Prof Attahiru Jega, in his professorial manner,  sees restructuring from the sociological transformation of the Nigerian society over time as restructuring, itself. He traces the transformation of the erstwhile regions to 12 states till we became 32 states today as restructuring. Whether this was a comic satire or a mere admirably ambivalent position, I do not know.

The Clergyman sounded a note of warning: that we must restructure now or break up. This is too serious a warning, to be ignored.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with :Blank NEWS Online

Boko Haram: Nigeria Approaches Cameroonian Military For Support

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA (North-East Bureau):

The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) In order to tackle the menace of Boko Haram insurgents has approached Cameroonian military structures for support.

A press release signed on Saturday by the Chief of Military Public Information, MNJTF, Colonel Muhammad Dole, revealed the Force Commander (FC), Multinational Joint Taskforce (MNJTF), Major General Ibrahim Manu Yusuf was on three day operational visit to Cameroonian formations/units in Maroua in the Far North Region of Republic of Cameroon.

Dole said: “It is pertinent to note that the operations of Sector 1 MNJTF (Cameroon) are closely linked with the operations other formations of the Cameroonian Defence Forces. These include Operation EMERGENCE by the 4th Joint Military Region and the 4th Gendarmerie Region as well as Operation ALPHA by the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) all located in Maroua.

He said the purpose of the visit was to enhance synergy between the MNJTF and the adjoining national operations of the Cameroonian Defence Forces.

Dole said:“​On arrival, Major General Yusuf paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Far North Region, His Excellency, Midjiyawa Bakari

He said the Governor commended the MNJTF for stabilising and restoring relative peace to the Lake Chad Basin.

He appreciated the sacrifices of all the soldiers from the MNJTF Troops Contributing Countries and assured that the ongoing military operations will ultimately bring peace and security for sustainable development of the region.

Dole said General Yusuf, in his response, appreciated the political support and public goodwill extended to Sector 1 of MNJTF.

He said, the support had facilitated the smooth execution of non-kinetic operations, leading to the surrender of several insurgents in Sector 1 Area of Operation.

He added that the FC was emphatic on the unalloyed commitment of the MNJTF to creating conducive environment for return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes of origin to pursue their legitimate economic activities.

He noted that at the Headquarters, Fourth Joint Military Region, the Commander, Major General Saly Mohamadou extolled the existing seamless synergy and collaboration among Operations EMERGENCE, ALFA and troops of Sector 1 of MNJTF.

The Commander urged the FC to explore additional areas in which the two operations can further consolidate on the operational successes recorded. General Saly expressed willingness to continue with joint operations between the national and MNJTF forces in the region.

Dole said, in his remarks, Major General Yusuf acknowledged the need for sensitisation of national forces on the imperative of non-kinetic measures as complimentary efforts to kinetic operation to ensure continuous insurgents defection.

He added that, winning public support is a tested veritable strategy for successful counter insurgency operations in the region, while urging both the national and MNJTF forces Commanders to sustain regular operational visits for better understanding and mutual benefits.

OSINBAJO, THE PRESIDENCY AND THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

In the present equation and the many calculations towards the 2023 Presidential election, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo seems to be a forgotten numerator or denominator.

His name is hardly mentioned in serious political discourse and permutations. Even now, his disinteresting mien stands aloof, even as he refuses to join in the cynical contestation that his contemporaries are jostling for.

His uninspiring disposition is shocking and discouraging despite the fact that he’s more academically qualified than all the branded names masquerading as Presidential hopefuls today.

Is the Vice President truly aware he can push for his natural right of first refusal at all? Again, this brings to the fore, the danger embedded in the politics of Godfatherism. No matter how astute, young, fit, savvy and intelligent you’re, you can only make a meaningful move only on the approval of the Godfather.

It should be noted that the choice of Yemi Osinbajo, in the deft fireworks that heralded the joint 2015 presidential ticket of the APC, was a quick after thought; a subtle substitution of a vision or an idea wholly owned by an interest outside the Osinbajo persona. It is only on this premise that one can understand with Osinbajo and his precarious circumstance.

In leadership recruitment, experience is a factor. But the politics of ethnicity entrenched in our psyche will not allow us to do the needful and go for the best. Or else, how can one explain the fact that in our clime, it is almost a taboo for an outgoing president to project his vice as his successor?

This is because our first consideration is not competence nor experience. It is based on geography, faith and tribal bloodlines coupled with the dangerous partisanship in our jinxed politics of convenience. It’s a pity.

As at today, I do not know the common perception the average western Nigerian have for the person of the Vice President, his chances and his politics. Will they go for and rally round him at the appropriate time?

It must be noted that the circumstances that threw up Osinbajo are still here, lurking and waiting. The very reason why his benefactor must move and throw his heavy weight behind him as it has become very glaring that projecting himself will be dirtier and deadlier.

Osinbajo, no doubt, has showed some sparkles of hope and leadership dexterity, when he had the opportunity. During the absence of his boss ( in those harrowing days of Buhari’s ill-health), he held his ground and was firm in the face of provocation, contempt and impunity by the then DSS boss. Osinbajo successfully showed him the way out.

This was the quintessential Osinbajo, the Professor of Law and former Lagos state attorney general and commissioner for justice. Even though this latitude of ‘freedom’ was short lived (as he was again sidelined to sharing money among traders in the market), he could be the flicker of hope we’ve all been waiting for. May they give him, the right of first refusal.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

SIXTY SHOUTS OF UP-NEPA!!!

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Azua ALONU:

And whilst we are still lamenting the doldrums of pain and poverty of our country, light intruded and instinctively we shouted up-nepa, my friend, a top attorney in the city of Asaba, whom I was discussing the parlors state of Nigeria said his children still shout up-nepa like all Nigerian children, the shout we shouted in the sixties and seventies. That shout is a stenchy metaphor of the pitiable, painful condition of our country. That in the darkness which envelopes all areas of our national life, a fire fly becomes our light that excites our mind with such token brightness which mock our helplessness as a nation.

After sixty years of misrule, decadence and political chicanery, Nigeria seems not to have raised her head in the commity of nations, her limbs crippled. We are in the Nigerian ship in the Ukwuani (a tribe in Nigeria) folklore called Ugbo-Sakinya. Everbody kept entering the ship – beautiful and refurnished but have no mobility features. In the folklore, it took a wise man to let them know that the ship has been there for over five hundred years without going anywhere. It took another wiser man to put the things that made the ship move.

The question must be asked: are we in the demobilized Ugbo-Isakinya? Is the little we have achieved in education, health, food security, transport, just a token that is making us shout, up-nepa in those flicker of development. Why is it that the whimsical flimsiness that our leaders say is development is what we are proud of?

Don’t we have capacity for full blown developmental stride? I think we have. What we need right now is a crusader and a revolutionary as our leader who will stop talking the talk of yesterday and mobilize us all for a great future that awaits us. We need the ones who will lead us out of darkness. And in doing so, they should be above board emphasizing excellence, patriotism and purposefulness of goals. This will require the electoral commission to do what it did in Edo State: transparent and fair conduct of election. If the electoral umpire and security agencies will be courageous enough to follow that path even in a presidential election, we would be on the path for a great national rebirth, for it takes a patriot elected by the people and not forced on the people by a god father or a crooked system to carry out reforms.

And when we get such patriot, we will escape the self styled gods who have built shrine for themselves across the nation that our country men go to worship during election and after election. They see themselves as Julius Ceaser, Napoleon Bonapart, Charles, de Gaul, and Bedel Bokassa. They are not interested in being Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela or Murtala Mohammed. They want to be like gods so that we can worship them with our lives. They have gobbled the patrimony of our children and recruited people who acts as attack-dogs whenever we say: we want freedom from their grip. When we say they are hunters and leeches, their slaves and dogs will talk down at us. When we say the money they flaunt are stolen from our treasury, they say, Nigeria’s money is not missing. When they give pittance and crumbs to our people they shout up-nepa, may your days be long and may you continue to give us light like fire-flies. When we tell them that the day for Nigerian’s second independence is ripening, they check how urgent we look. They do not know that you can’t measure the discontent of a man in his face. The great william shakespere said it years ago.

But even as we celebrate our sixty years of independence, it seems to me that 2023 will hand over a shocker to those who think they will continue to manipulate the destiny of Nigeria, Edo people spoke, Ondo people will speak but the greatest thing will be Nigerian people speaking In 2023. I believe that president Buhari will leave a legacy of allowing the Nigerian people – the ordinary people elect their leaders. The manipulators would have been thoroughly vanquished before 2023. Those who worship in the shrine of those opportunistic gods would have recovered themselves from the years of assault. Some of the best people are already coming together for Nigeria’s rescue. This patriotic enterprise will not stop until Nigeria is under the leadership of a leader chosen by Nigerians, not a leader chosen on the basis of religion or ethnicity. Not a leader chosen by one god father-god. We have had enough of impudence and recklessness as if Nigeria does not belong to us. We belong to Nigeria and Nigeria belongs to us. Those who loot our palm nuts to far away corners of the globe in one celebratory conquest will soon discover that their time is up. And if they think they can throw some nuts at us and shout in great excitement: ‘up-nepa’ they would have been wasting their time for it is a disdainful pyrrhic triumph.

I remember some years ago, the respected Nigeria Journalist Dele Giwa who was killed with parcel bomb said that Nigeria has reached a state of unshock-ability. I think what the accomplished Nigeria journalist did not know is that Nigerian’s simply anesthetized their shock system so they could go through the traumatic times before them, after which they will get ready to take their country back.

Today, our condition as a country is debilitating and frightening but because we have a flaming hope, we will overcome. What it requires is just a steadfast reliance on the faith we have in Nigeria, a knowledgeable, patriotic and passionate leader.

Happy Birthday Nigeria!

  • Azua ALONU
    Poet and Vice Chairman
    Delta literary Forum
    Asaba.

NIGERIA: THE INFANT AT 60

-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

With a concocted feeling of joyful rhetoric in the midst of a collective discontent, the old drums are rolled out, once again, in celebration of Nigeria’s independence anniversary.

It has become our favourite ethos, to unconsciously speak glowingly about our Nation in times like this, despite the overwhelming temptation of giving the issues, the rough edge of our tongue.

There are those who argue that it is not always as bad with Nigeria as some others would want us to believe. This may be relatively true. But a Nation still grappling with the fundamentals of nationhood, amidst ethnic discontent, mutual suspicion, economic misdirection, social insecurity, political aloofness and ravaging kleptopredation, one has no option than to call a spade it’s true name.

It is painfully nauseating and terribly disheartening to know that the self acclaimed and widely proclaimed giant of Africa is still an infant, learning hard to stand on his feet. It is equally discomforting to see sister commonwealth nations in Africa and Asia, making tremendous progress, who were, one time or the other on the same teething pedestal and developmental page with us, while we remain where we are.

It is true that our shared dilemma is multifaceted. But nations problems are solvable, especially when national goals are personalized, understood and owned by her citizens.

Thus, building a nation becomes an impossible task when her citizens feels alienated from the commonwealth and regards themselves as ethnically and qualitatively inferior to their fellow ethnic groups in the union, no thanks to the political manipulation and emasculation of the majority by the opportunistic few.

Politically speaking, Nigeria stands on two cardinal points; the North and the South. This is the myopic prism from which all issues are viewed, accepted or rejected. Isn’t that just like the way we came together in the first place? The amalgamation of two culturally different and structurally skewed protectorates to create the terribly unbalanced territorial expression we have today, that is.

At 60, we’ve truly come a long way. A long way from being an epitome of development, peace , prosperity and ideological stability. No thanks to the colonial deception and the ensuing neocolonial treachery by the economic compradors.

Nigeria has become an old jungle, full of predators and victims. A state where being brawny is held in high esteem than being brainy.

We must begin to think of a way out. A way out of the suffocating dragnet of strange bed fellows we find ourselves. We must protect posterity from being carnibalized by these present locusts whose only god is their belly.

There must be a value reorientation to deliver to the future, leaders that are hardly given to cronyism, tribalism and prebendalism. We must find a way to rejig our union and narrow the fault lines.

We must take advantage of the vast natural resources and the enormous human resources at our disposal. It should be noted that Nigeria as a physical and geographical entity is not poor. It is only Nigerians that are poor. The inability to find a nexus between these two parallel facts, is our bane. Happy Anniversary.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with :Blank NEWS Online

Delta SSG Ebie, Ukah Urge New Teachers, Education Officers To Add Value To Children

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)

The Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie Esq., has urged newly recruited 1,000 teachers and 75 Education Officers to strive towards qualitative service delivery and discharge their duties to the benefits of the state especially children in schools who need the right foundation in their quest to become future leaders.

Mr. Ebie, who gave the advice in Asaba while declaring open a two-day induction programme, organised by the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, said that he was glad to declare the induction ceremony open having been part of the midwifing of the process particularly as the former Commissioner of the ministry.

While reiterating that their recruitment process was transparent and that the inductees, who merited the job, did not influence their recruitment, Mr. Ebie recalled that a total of 52,505 applicants applied and 7,331 was shortlisted for interview.

He said that the purpose of the induction training was to complete the cycle of excellence despite the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, adding that the Education Officers must obtain the mandatory two years field experience before reverting to their post in the ministry.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Patrick Ukah, admonished the inductees to discharge their duties with utmost sincerity and commitment and consider their employment as an opportunity for them to contribute their quota in building mentally and morally balanced children whom he said would be future leaders.

Mr. Ukah, who said that through commitment, effective discipline and personal reorientation, one could excel in any chosen career, stressed the need for the teachers capacity to be constantly built to enable them keep abreast with the modem trends in line with the vision and policy of the Okowa-led administration.

The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner maintained that the knowledge of the newly recruited teachers would be upgraded through what he termed ‘train the trainer’ approach, adding that they should proud of their profession as that is the only way they can progress as teachers.

He added that as part of the strategies to actualise it’s desire for developing the capacity of teachers in the state geared towards attaining world class standard, the administration of Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa deemed it fit to establish the Teachers Professional Development Centre, Owa-Oyibo in Ika North East Local Government Area.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Director-General/Cordinator of Teachers Professional Development Centre, Owa-Oyibo, Chief (Dr.) Anthony Dibashi, and the State Coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Sarah Uge, enjoined the inductees to maximize the benefits of the initiative to add value to the children by taking their jobs seriously.

The induction programme will also hold in Delta South and Central Senatorial Districts next week. Government Collect, Ughelli will host two centers for Central Senatorial District on October 6 and 7, while Government House Annex, Warri and Yowure College, Ugbuwangue will be venue for South Senatorial District on October 8 and 9 at 9am prompt each day.

President General Poll: Akpoili Pledges Jobs, Crime Free Ozoro Community

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA): From Theophilus UZI / Ozoro:

As the presidential elections race into the Ozoro Progress Union (OPU) executive gathers momentum, Chief Daniel Miller Akpoili has pledged an all-round development in the areas of security, peace, unity, development and growth as his basic priority, if given the mandate to serve his kinsmen come April, 2021.

High Chief Akpoili dropped the hint of his interest to contest the office of President General, at the weekend in an exclusive interview with our correspondent at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.

He said he was filled with determination; enthusiasm and passion to serve his kinsmen in order to improve on the living standard of one of the largest communities in Isoko nation, saying “it is high time to serve my people”.

According to him, having served as a member of Ozoro Progress Union (OPU), Lagos branch as a secretary and also partook in all the activities of the union, “I promised to take Ozoro kingdom and the entire people to the Promised Land, if given the opportunity to serve”.

He commended the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom, HRM Barr. Anthony Uvietobore Ogbogbo Ibuka 1 (JP) for his leadership qualities and prayed God to continue to protect him and his entire household and Ozoro land in general.

Hon. Akpoili who promised that if voted into office, poor electricity supply to Ozoro and its environs would be a thing of the past, noted that he will take advantage of his cordial relationship with the Executive Director, Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Mr. Abu Ejoor and ensure that my people would begin to enjoy steady power supply that would ultimately boost business activities in the area.

He also promised to facilitate internal roads construction in the community to boost and enhance movement of farm produce and other economic goods within and outside the community.

NIGERIA THINK! NIGERIA THINK!! NIGERIA THINK!!!

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –Ogbeide Osas KENNEDY:

We lost Awo, yet we proclaimed he was the president that Nigeria never had.
Achebe wrote in his book, There was a country, a book meant to tarnish the image of Pa Awo, but unfortunately, the Biafra warlord himself proclaimed; Awo was the best that never happen to us as a nation.
Awo was betrayed by his close associates – Akintola, Fani Power in the early days and of course pave way for the Northern hegemony, in his later days he was betrayed again by Baba Kekere, the rest is now history. We lost a great man and today we have not recovered. Nigeria wept.

We lost MKO, a MAN described as the symbol of democracy.
His election was declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential election by national and international observers, with Abiola even winning in his Northern opponent’s home state of Kano. Abiola won at the national capital, Abuja, the military polling stations, and over two-thirds of Nigerian states. Men of Northern descent had largely dominated Nigeria’s political landscape since independence; Moshood Abiola, a Western Muslim, was able to secure a national mandate freely and fairly, unprecedented in Nigeria’s history. However, the election was annulled by Ibrahim Babangida, causing a political crisis which led to General Sani Abacha seizing power later that year. We eventually lost him to the cold hands of death while still under the custody of the then military junta which eventually pave way for the 4th republic in 1999, he is today better known as the Symbol of Democracy. We lost an opportunity.
MKO, was betrayed by the people he loved most, the military Junta’s, the Yoruba man, you & I, couldn’t fight for him, we watched him incarcerated and we only paid lip’s service to his release, this will not happen to any Northern Nigeria, else there would have been a Jihadist.
Nigeria bleeds, MKO is gone, the consequences is upon us, the blood of several innocent Nigerian’s heroes and heroine call out to us as they watch the nation BLEED.

Fast forward to 2020, Betrayers smells from afar, from near, from amongst us. Shall we watch again our dear nations lose another opportunity?
There is bickering within the power that be, there is disharmony within the CHESS master and a few people are toying with the life of Nigeria.

“Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”
― William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

It is time to spread the news home and abroad that the wine we drank was poison, we drank in fear, though we feared to drink. Those we trusted, those for whom under the scorching sun, we had to run their errands, empty vessels of no consequence have they proved to be. They that in the morning saintly appear are in the evening monstrous and villainous. Is all but a paradox…. What a master…what a slave…. who will free the prisoners……the jailers or sympathizer………?

BAT – The MAN,
As a popular saying goes; ” Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some love greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu seems to belong to both categories of the idiomatic expression. In the history of contemporary politics of Nigeria today, one name which easily has made itself well pronounced is Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a political strategist, reformer of political structures, generalissimo, Awolowo of our time, a man of a calibre which no other people can contend with; a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a firm nationalist of undisputable patristic enthusiasm, a diplomat of no mean feat and a former Executive Governor of Lagos state. As an inspiring leader and handler of men, a loving husband and father, a charming and tactful friend, if his contribution for the welfare of his own followers brought him the reward of victories, his mercy and courtesy towards his oppositions are the gratuitous expressions of the men’s own character. A man who grew up in Lagos but rose through the ranks as a focused disciplined and Jagaban of Borgu, never left anyone in doubt that he is created to positively influence the lives of many people in virtually all areas of human experience; politics, careers, professions, leadership and self-development. A political stalwart, Tinubu insisted from youth that he is that light which must shine bright in the lives of men and charge their fortunes for good.
During the period of Nigeria’s history when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was the strongest and biggest party in Africa, Action Congress grew from a tiny settlement to form a mighty party, All Progressives Congress (APC), only once was the mighty and destiny of the most powerful party in Africa PDP seriously threatened, and that threat was conveyed by the patriotism, courage and genius of the former Lagos State Governor. He alone braved the strongest party and outwitted them by his cunning, he put down, stamped out all who opposed him and APC snatched the mantle of leadership from the PDP government with the watchword, “Change”.
Will we BETRAY him again?
AWO, betrayed, MKO, betrayed?
JAGABAN- Nigeria will resist, Nigeria is a GOAL.

  • Ogbeide Osas KENNEDY writes from Lagos.

Isoko South, Patani, Ndokwa East LG Chairmen Visit Uzere, Asaba-Ase Road To Access Effects Of Flood Devastation

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-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The Chairman of Isoko South local government area, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Hon. Juan Governor, chairman Ndokwa East, Hon Perez Omoun, chairman Patani local local government area, represented by the vice chairman, Hon. Perekeme D.J. Obi and High Chief Iduh Amadhe, President General Isoko Development Union, on Sunday visited Uzere Asaba – Ase road which was cut off by the ravaging flood, to access the level of devastation.

Sir Ikpokpo, also ALGON chairman Delta state, led the delegation and commended Asaba–Ase,, Uzere and Abari people for their self help efforts that has salvaged the flood situation, noting that the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was proactive over the flood and never expected that the flood would cut off the only road linking both communities.

He assured the people of government’s commitment towards providing speed boats and food to those whose farm have been washed away by the ravaging flood. Ikpokpo, however noted that, government may not provide camps to accommodate flood victims this year.

The ALGON chairman appealed to the people to steer clear from the area devastated by the ravaging flood, stressing that the current is very high and dangerous to human lives. He reiterated that the chairman of Ndokwa East and Patani local government area will always respond as government is aware of the flood situation in the area.

Ikpokpo stated that the delegation will visit the area again next week to provide necessary logistics that can cushion the effects of the flood devastation.

Hon. Juan Governor while commending the ALGON chairman, expressed government’s commitment towards the construction of a bridge in the area to avert future occurrence, just as Hon. Perez Omoun, represented by Hon. Perekeme Obi, described the flood devastation as massive, noting that the area is riverine and promised the people of security of lives and property.

For his part, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, commended the three local government chairmen for personal assessment of the flood situation, noting that the level of devastation is enormous as people from Isoko South cannot go to Asaba–Ase, Ndokwa East and Patani local government area.

Amadhe maintained that, famers cannot carry their produce across as the road linking the three local government area has been cut off by the ravaging flood. He appealed to the three council chairmen to lead a delegation to Governor Okowa, adding that the level of the flood devastation is bigger than what they can handle.

The I.D.U. president appealed to government to provide speed boats that can ameliorate the suffering of the people, just as he disclosed that the flood will continue to rise and if urgent steps are not taken, human lives may be in danger, adding that the flood may recede by November 2020.

Also speaking was the President General of Asaba–Ase community, Mr. Alabo Geoffrey. He stated that the flood has cut off the only road leading to Asaba-Ase and other riverine communities, noting that residents of the area through self efforts were able to cross over 40 vehicles and people stranded after the flood cut – off the road at the weekend.

He maintained that no vehicle and motorcycle can cross to Asaba–Ase even as the flood level is still rising from the river banks. Alabo said, the community through self efforts also built a blockade to prevent the flood from taking over the town. Hon. Amakepreye from Abari community called on the state government for urgent rescue as the flood is about taking over Abari community.

In attendance was Hon. Amaleka Friday, leader of the legislative arm, Ndokwa East local government area, people from Asaba –Ase, Uzere and Abari communities.

KAYODE FAYEMI: THE NEW STORMY PETREL

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-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Austen AKHAGBEME:

This is surely not the best of times for the Governor of Ekiti State and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi. Yet, he seems to be riding in the storm, purportedly orchestrated by his new traducers and party rivals.

Party rivalry and political animosity, generated from a perceived Presidential or Vice Presidential ambition come 2023, had undoubtedly threw up some murky waters for Fayemi to swin in.

In the days preceding the stormy exit of the Adam’s Oshiomhole’s led NWC of the crisis ridden APC, Fayemi’s name kept appearing for the wrong reasons. He was perceived to be the arrow head of the calculable subterfuge that was pushing for the exit of the Oshiomhole led NWC as he campaigned vigorously for the president’s recognition of Giade as the new helm of affairs.

Ever since then, Fayemi has fallen into the bad books of his Godfather, the APC National leader, Bola Tinubu and till today, neither Fayemi nor Bourdillon has found rest politically, against themselves.

Those who knows says the bottom line is 2023. The clash of interest and the innate desire to clitch the expected mandate of the West, has probably piqued Fayemi against his benefactor. And the old man of Bourdillon is unrelenting as he finds it very disconcerting.

Because every Politics is local, the war was taken to Ekiti grounds, spearheaded by the erstwhile fiery journalist, Babafemi Ojudu, against Fayemi. They seems to be winning as Kayode Fayemi was controversially sidelined and suspended from the party until the National leadership came to his rescue.

Against the run of play, Kayode Fayemi seems to be gaining more ground as he is rumoured to have his hands on every ‘bad pie’. His rumoured fellowship with the opposition PDP and his open identification with her chieftains, leaves no one in doubt as to his readiness to quit the party, when push comes to a shove.

Afterall, Nigerian political parties are fundamentally inorganic by nature and are devoid of ideological lineages good enough, to prick anybody’s political conscience. Because they’re borderless and fluid, personal interest and strong desires becomes the driving force and the very essence of partisanship itself.

This fact, Fayemi understood fully; the reason why he chooses to be the stormy petrel, a new thorn in the flesh of the powers that be, in APC. Whether or not this will favour him in the long run, no one can tell.

Kayode Fayemi, no doubt, is highly cerebral, young, energic, politically savvy and daring. He may even have a longer political lifespan among his contemporaries in his geopolitical zone, too.

But his often and generally talked about anti-party activities does not speak well of a self acclaimed political pugilist and Democrat, whose eyes are on topmost political job in the land. He must learn to

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Boko Haram Attacks Gov Zulum’s Convoy Again, As 521 Households Resettle In Baga

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA (North East Bureau):

The convoy of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum was again attacked on Sunday morning around Baga.

The latest attack, which recorded no death, happened when the convoy was on their way back to Maiduguri.

They were said to be attacked at about 10.30am on Sunday about two kilometers away from Baga.

The convoy, according to some of the people who returned back to Maiduguri on Sunday evening from the tour, were shot at by Boko Haram.

One of them, said: “There was no death recorded this time around except some minor injuries.

“The windscreen of some vehicle were scattered, some vehicles had their tyres busted by gunshots, including the Government House Press Crew bus.

“The military gun truck was also shot at and a soldier had his shoulder scalded with gunshot.”

The latest attack happened minutes after the governor had resettled some IDPs in Baga town.

The governor had on Sunday resettled 521 households displaced from Baga as part of the government plan at returning live back to the commercial border town with riverine environment.

Zulum has distributed food items and cash support to each of the 521 displaced but returned households.

Each households were given a cash support of N10,000 to assist them in resettling back.

While distributing the food items and cash support to the returnees in Baga town, Zulum had reassured them and those to later return that his government will do everything in it’s power to ensure their peaceful and safe living now that they are back home.

He however charged them to continue to be watchful on their children and restrict their movements unnecessarily to avoid falling victims to land mines that may still be scattered in bushes.

He warned that some parts of Baga town are still dangerous to walk as there are still IEDs planted by the Boko Haram which may likely not have completely evacuated.

The governor also appealed to the returnee IDPs to be patient while their individual houses are being renovated, urging them to share residences at least for sometimes before everything is prepared.

He assured them of security from aggression, noting that the Nigerian military, police, civil defence , Immigration Service , CJTF and vigilante hunters have been deployed to provide security of lives and property in Baga and it’s environs as well as ensure establishment of law and order.

He added that as the military continues to clear land mines in parts of the town , the committee will renovate their respective houses and provide them with all the basic facilities and amenities of life for their services while the situation improves steadily.

The governor was later at Monguno enroute Maiduguri at about 12.30 pm, before Monguno he had addressed about 500 IDPs at Baga-Cross Kauwa-Kukawa check point gate.

The governor also addressed another large crowd of Baga IDPs who were not yet screened and given a go ahead to return to Baga at the Monguno Government Lodge.

The governor who addressed the large congregation along with Senator Abu Kyari, representing Borno North senatorial district at the National Assembly, pleaded with the IDPs and assured them of their return back home to Baga town without the threats of Boko Haram.

Zulum commended the efforts of the committee and security agencies , particularly, the military for their support while promising them that his government will continue to support and empower them to enhance their livelihoods in Baga.

He also told them that government has provided an enabling environment, security, food and basic infrastructures for their return and to better their lives in their various communities.

Breaking: Laycon Grabs N85m In 2020 Big Brother Naija Reality Show

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

Olamilekan Agbeleshe, also known as Laycon has been declared winner of the 2020 Big Brother Naija Reality show (Season 5), with Dorathy as the first runner-up to beat 19 other housemates.

He becomes the 4th male housemate to win the reality show after Katung Aduwak, Michael Efe Ejeba and Miracle Igbokwe.

Laycon will cart away N30 million cash prize; a two-bedroom apartment courtesy Revolution Plus; a top of the range SUV from Nigerian automaker, Innoson Motors, and other gifts which make up his winning to N85m.

N85 million worth of prizes

  • For winning the show, Laycon will be rewarded with
  • N30million cash prize; an SUV from Innoson Motors;
  • a two-bedroom apartment courtesy of Revolution Plus;
  • a trip to Dublin, Ireland, courtesy of Guinness Nigeria Plc;
  • amazing home appliances courtesy of Scanfrost and other mouthwatering prizes.

Boko Haram Attack On Gov Zulum’s Convoy, Police Confirms Death Of 13

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Mike SOGBOLA (North-East Editor):

Police on Saturday confirmed the attack on the convoy of Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum.

In the convoy the governor was however absent as he chose to travel by air to Baga but had present some commissioners.

On 25th September, 2020 at about 12PM, the security convoy who were heading to Baga in respect of Government’s effort to relocate indigenes of Baga to their ancestral home came under heavy gun attack by Armed men suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists a few Kilometers from Cross Kauwa. The security convoy returned fire and successfully repelled the attack.

In the ensuing gun fight however, casualties were recorded on both sides. Unfortunately, eight (8) Policemen and three (3) members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price. Thirteen (13) other persons sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Hospital for treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, Bello Makwashi assures members of the public that the Nigeria Police is determined to carry out its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and properties and will not relent in providing the needed security for the good citizens of Borno State at all times.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has expressed sadness over the killing of 11 security personnel in the convoy.

A statement by his spokesman, Mallam Isa Gusau on Saturday said those killed include eight policemen and three civilian JTF members that were ambushed on their way to Baga as security backup in reconstruction efforts.

The statement said the governor was in Baga from Thursday till Friday in an effort to supervise efforts to return residents as part of strategies aimed at cutting Boko Haram’s long use of the commercial town as main transit for undertaking major fishing trade and tax administration from which the insurgents fund their murderous activities.

Baga, which is Borno’s largest fishing community in the shores of the Lake Chad with waterways to neighboring countries is considered strategic to Boko Haram’s operation.

Gusau revealed that two convoys- one belonging to the governor and another, the committee on Baga reconstruction had safely plied the Maiduguri-Baga route previous days before the third convoy of security men was ambushed on Friday morning even after precautionary steps had been taken to ensure safe trips.

The statement read: “Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is saddened by this unfortunate carnage. He shares the grief of families of these 11 priceless heroes to whom Borno shall remain grateful. The governor prays for the repose of their souls and urges all stakeholders to remain committed to ongoing peace building efforts. Zulum is of the opinion that we must continue to keep hope alive even in the face of tribulations, and believe that with sustained efforts and prayers, Borno will eventually regain peace.

“The situation facing us is a tough one but we must choose between doing something which gives us some hope and doing nothing which will leave us more vulnerable to Boko Haram’s ultimate wish to takeover Borno and bring it under their sovereign brutal administration.”

The statement said the governor attended Baga’s first juma’at prayers in nearly two years

Baga town was displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents 21 months ago, with most of the residents taking refuge in Monguno and Maiduguri.

In the Governor’s convoy were the Senator representing Northern Borno, Abubakar Kyari, House of Representatives members representing Marte, Monguno, Nganzai, Mohammed Monguno and that of Mobbar, Kukawa, Guzamala, Abadam federal constituencies, Bukar Kareto. Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, Chairman of Baga resettlement committee and the Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Kaka-Shehu Lawan were on the trip and some top government officials.

STEP Beneficiaries Hail Gov Okowa For Making Them Fulfill Biz Venture

Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –By Albert OGRAKA:

Twenty-six beneficiaries of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), on Friday, September 25, 2020 received their starter packs in Asaba, having successfully completed their training and passed the second Post Training Proficiency Test (PTPT) in cosmetology, decorations and event management, fashion design, hairdressing and makeover, information technology services, plumbing as well as welding and fabrication.

The Beneficiaries were earlier suspended from receiving their starter packs after failing to fulfill the initial requirements of Post Training Proficiency Test organized by the Delta State Job Creation office.

The PTPT is one of the measures put in place by the Delta State Job Creation office to ensure that beneficiaries of the various programmes acquire the basic skills in which they were trained and to enforce discipline and diligence on the part of the trainers and the trainees.

The 26 beneficiaries, according to the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, constitute the third batch of those who have received starter packs in the 2019/2020 Programme Cycle, and those who spilled over from the first and second batches but had to undergo a remedial course on their own and then return to retake the PTPT.

“They reassessed themselves and we administered the test to them and they came out successful. PTPT was introduced in the fourth cycle to ensure that the beneficiaries actually learned the skill and as part of the State Government’s efforts to enforce discipline and to ensure that the beneficiaries take the programme seriously,” he pointed out.

The highly elated beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for giving them a second chance.

Ajueyitisi Blessing (Uwvie LGA) in Hairdressing, Makeover and Braiding, said she was grateful for the opportunitygiven to beneficiaries who failed the PTPT to repeat the test, saying that the gesture was borne out of Governor Okowa’s commitment to nurturing them as entrepreneurs and job creators.

“It was a very painful experience for me because I realized that I did not put in much effort. I had to pay my trainer to re-train me for one month; I made sure I put in more effort, night and day, to achieve success. I thank our Governor for the opportunity he gave to us to retrain to become entrepreneurs. I hope to grow my business in order to train others.”

On her part, Igben Vivian (Ethiope West) in Cosmetology explained that she could not sleep for three days when she learnt she was not invited to receive starter pack along with her mates because she failed the PTPT.

While expressing happiness at the quality of items that make up her starter pack, she recounted her experience, “I paid to relearn; with more efforts and seriousness, I passed the test to qualify for starter pack. Are all these items mine? I am grateful to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. I shall put them into good use to make Delta State proud”

For Ahworegba Goddy (Isoko South LGA) in Event Management and Decoration, he said he missed the first proficiency test because his phone was unavailable as at of the time he was invited for it by the job creation office.

He said he was optimistic that he would use his skill as an Event Manager to live a meaningful life and to create job for other unemployed youths.

Speaking earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Wealth Creation and former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Edewor Tony Omonemu, congratulated the beneficiaries for surviving the programme from the onset, till the Proficiency Test, which is a crucial hurdle.

He advised them to try and make the state government proud for spending it’s resources on them and to put them into maximum use in order to fulfil the vision of the Governor of nurturing them into great entrepreneurs who would drive the state economy.

S.O.S: TRADERS, VEHICLES STRANDED AS FLOOD CUTS OFF ROAD -AMADHE BEGS OKOWA FOR URGENT INTERVENTION

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Michael EKOKORUWE:

High Chief Amadhe

The President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, has called on Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State, for urgent intervention to rescue people and vehicles stranded as ravaging flood cut’s across Asaba – Ase road after Uzere kingdom, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

Speaking to Journalists at Ekregbesi community in Uzere kingdom, Isoko South local government area, where the only major and accessible road has been cut off by the ravaging flood and subjecting people and vehicles to life threatening danger, he called for urgent intervention to rescue the people from the disaster.

He expressed surprise that the road suddenly cut off today, September 26, 2020, being the market day of Asaba – Ase clan while traders from Isoko, Urhobo, Kwale and Ijaw area were still at the market.

He maintained that if urgent steps were not taken, over 40 vehicles may remain stranded at the other side of the road till November 2020.

For her part, Miss Florence Godspower, a trader from Igbide said, she passed through the road in the morning with her goods to the market, but suddenly, they were informed that the road has been cut off by the ravaging flood, which according to her was just by the side of the road earlier today.

Amadhe appealed to Governor Okowa to provide big marine boat to rescue people and vehicles across the damaged portion of the road now under heavy current of the ravaging flood. He also asked for a pontu to be stationed at the area until final solution of road maintenance will be provided.

She said, to cross one person across the damaged portion with high current flood is N500 while speed boat from the market area, costs N2,000 each, just as motor cycles were at the other side of the road to carry people back.

At the time of filing the report, persons that got to the damaged portion of the road were crying for immediate help from Governor Okowa, even as the Police Hilux with security men was stranded at the other side of the road waiting for rescue.

Obaseki’s Victory, Attestation Of Peoples Power, Says Bashorun Askia

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-Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Albert OGRAKA:

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has attributed the reelection of Mr. Godwin Obaseki as Governor of Edo State to the power of the people and the legacy of untainted service.

Bashorun Askia said in a congratulatory message to Obaseki that his triumph against all odds has proved that power resides not with self-styled godfathers, but with the people.

The statement released in Warri, Tuesday reads:

“If there was any doubt that the greatest ally a leader can rely on is the people and the best legacy a leader can leave is untainted service, the victory of His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, Governor of Edo State in the September 19, 2020 gubernatorial election has amply dispelled this.

“I am immensely delighted that Your Excellency not only emerged victorious in a decisive manner, but also came home to a natural habitat, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where the party is supreme and gangsters in the cloak of democrats abhorred.

“I heartily congratulate you my brother, Governor Obaseki on your well-deserved reelection. Indeed, by this triumph against all odds, you demonstrated that power resides not with self-styled godfathers, but with the people.

“Your Excellency, in your unflagging commitment to better the lives of the people of Edo State through quality leadership, you have ushered a new era in the state and proved that loyalty and service to the people is the supreme strategy for success.

“Congratulations, Your Excellency, on your resounding victory. I pray that the Most High God will renew your energy and give you the grace to continue to serve the people.”

AMADHE COMMISERATES WITH FAMILY OF LATE HIGH CHIEF PATRICK OMONOSE

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA)- From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe at the weekend commiserated with the family of High Chief Patrick Wilson Omonose as he was laid to rest at Olomoro, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

Speaking at the National secretariat of Isoko Development Union at Oleh, Isoko South local government area, to honor Chief Patrick Omonose as a one-time President General of Isoko Development Union, Amadhe described Omonose as a dedicated leader of Isoko nation, noting that his legacies will be remembered by Isoko people.

Amadhe while eulogizing Chief Omonose said, he served in several professional, cultural and community organizations to include, Secretary General of the Trade Union Congress, Akim–Oda, Ghana, Chairman Olomoro Development Union Warri, President Isoko Development Union, Warri, President General, Isoko Development Union worldwide.

He stated that, as a dedicated leader poised towards achievements, he purchased a piece of land as president Warri branch and also laid the foundation of Isoko house Warri. According to Amadhe , Chief Omonose led the team that brokered peace between Igbide and Emede conflict in 1987.

He maintained that, as president general of Isoko nation, his team, helped in the creation of the second local government area in Isoko, now Isoko North local government area.
Amadhe added that Omonose created Isoko Day celebration, Isoko Merit Award and the establishment of Isoko Community Bank, now known as IC Global Micro Finance bank.

Amadhe said, 21 gun salute at Isoko Development Union National secretariat and another 21 gun salute at IC Global Micro Finance bank was in honor of Chief Patrick Omonose as last respect by Isoko people towards the development of Isoko nation.

He noted that Chief Omonose was among the people that contributed towards the purchase of the land of Isoko national secretariat, emphasizing that he had a good vision, good mentor and lived a successful life worthy of emulation.

Chief Patrick Omonose was buried at Olomoro community, Isoko South local government area by the children, family and church members amidst more eulogies from friends and sympathizers from Delta State and other part of Nigeria.

BASHORUN ASKIA MOURNS LATE EMIR OF ZAZZAU *He Bonded Across Ethnic Divide

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Blank NEWS Online ( NIGERIA) – Front Albert Ograka:

Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has described the death of the Emir of Zazzau (Zaria), Alhaji Shehu Idris, as a personal loss of a father and friend who was a close confidant for over three decades.

Bashorun Askia, in a statement in Warri, said “the late Shehu Idris assumed the role of a father to me during my many years in Zaria and indeed my sojourn in the northern parts of Nigeria, mentored me in various ways that are forever fulfilling and enduring. I am blessed to have known him for a long rewarding period.

“He had an uncanny way of building bridges of love across all ethnicities, molding the young and old to imbibe the virtues of brotherliness and to live in peace and harmony. He was a pillar of trust at times of crisis who always deployed his wisdom to benefit all.

“His Royal Highness Shehu Idris, Sariki Zazzau, was a nationalist who bonded across all ethnic divides and was loved by all. I will miss him greatly, his death is a personal loss to me and my family.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, the entire people of Zazzau and Kaduna State. May God grant the peaceful soul of my dear father and friend eternal rest.”

DEMOCRACY, APC AND THE EDO MISADVENTURE

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) -By Austen AKHAGBEME:

Not everybody saw it coming, neither do I, too. Not with the vociferous echoes of assurances coming from the APC national leadership and the misunderstood demagoguery of her local chieftains.

It was a rude shock stocked straight into the annals of political History in Nigeria. It is not so because of the defeat in itself, but because of the frailty of man’s confident assurance and wasteful boastfulness of self acclaimed strength and invincibility.

There’s no denying the fact that the national leadership of the APC paid lip service to her quest to annex more states as their heart was not where their mouth was.

Why would a government brought to power under APC inflict pains on voters by increasing prices of utilities, VAT, Electricity tariffs and pump price of fuel all at the same time when the only APC state in the South-South was gasping for breath in preparation for a make-or- mar gubernatorial election?

In a Democracy, the power of the ballot is key. And the only way the voters can exercise their power and demonstrate their anger against harsh government policies is by voting and this is what is playing out in Edo state.

The last straw that broke the camel’s back for the APC is the unwarranted call for support of their candidate by the Indefatigable APC national leader, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

His call at that point in time, was a dangerous one and , therefore, counterproductive. Apart from the perceived Oshiomhole’s overbearing influence on the whole process, Tinubu’s call became an irritant needed to spur the angry voters and those who were undecided and were already seething with discontent to give their sympathy vote against the APC candidate.

As it stands now, it is no longer about Oshiomhole, Tinubu, Wike or Obaseki. It is about Democracy and its sacred tenets; it is about the will of the people and the supremacy of their aspirations. It is about the progress of and well being of the good people of Edo state. This is the reason why this outcome must be embraced by all as we sheath our swords.

It is natural, normal and humanistic for negative or positive emotions to be expressed after such a fierce political battle by the two major parties as we just witnessed in Edo state. But gloating and teasing must be done within the ambit of the law and human conscience such as to eschew bitterness and vendetta at the end of the day.

Congratulations to Governor Godwin Obaseki and the PDP. As the euphoria of victory simmers down, hit the ground running and justify the confidence repose on you by the Edo people. Right the wrongs, adjust, recalibrate and fly. This is your time.

  • Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online

Edo Polls: INEC Declares Obaseki Winner *PDP=307,955 *APC=223,619

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA):

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Godwin Obaseki, winner of the governorship election in Edo State.

INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, who announced the total result of the election said APC polled 223,619 votes while PDP got 307,955.

Results as announced by INEC:

1. ESAN CENTRAL = APC – 6719, PDP 10,794

2. IKPOBA OKHA = APC – 18218, PDP – 41030.

3. UHUNMWONDE = APC – 5972, PDP – 10022.

4. EGOR = APC – 10202, PDP 27621.

5. OWAN EAST = APC – 19295, PDP – 14762.

6. OWAN WEST = APC – 11193, PDP – 11485.

7. ESAN SOUTH EAST = APC – 9237, PDP – 10565.

8. OVIA NORTH EAST = APC – 9907, PDP – 16987.

9. ETSAKO WEST = APC- 26140, PDP – 17959.

10. IGUEBEN = APC – 5199, PDP – 7870.

11. OREDO = APC – 18365, PDP – 43498.

12. ESAN NORTH EAST = APC – 6556, PDP – 13579.

13. ESAN WEST = APC – 7189, PDP – 17434.

14. ETSAKO CENTRAL = APC – 8359, PDP – 7478.

15. ETSAKO EAST =j APC – 17011, PDP – 10668.

16. AKOKO EDO = APC – 22963, PDP  – 20101.

17. ORHINMWON = APC – 10458, PDP – 13445.

18. OVIA SOUTH WEST = APC – 10636, PDP – 12659

GOVT NEEDS COOPERATION TO RESOLVE CONFLICTS, SUSTAIN PEACE – UZOR

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Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The special adviser to the governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on peace building and conflict resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, has urged the people of Aboh, Ndokwa East, Kwale, Ndokwa West and Obiaruku, Ukwuani local government area of Delta State, to cooperate with the state government in his efforts to resolve conflicts and sustain peace in all parts of the state.

Chief Uzor gave the charge during the peace advocacy workshop for communities in Aboh, Ndokwa East, Kwale, Ndokwa West and Obiaruku, Ukwuani local government area of Delta State. He stated that “violent Community conflicts exist in nearly all communities and local government in the state”, noting that the situation places enormous challenge on the community leaders women and youths.

Uzor urged the people to be proactive, manage and handle conflicts in their respective communities and live peacefully with their neighbors without resorting to violent means. He maintained that the government of Okowa is “strongly committed to providing security for the Delta people and ensuring that they have peace and live in peace to actualize the vision of a stronger Delta”.

Speaking at Aboh, Ndokwa East local government area, Chief Pharmacist Paul Enebeli, commended governor Okowa for the SMART Agenda of Delta State, noting that peace building is very important to national development. He emphasized that taking peace to the grass root resolves crisis and maintain its sustainability. Enebeli urged the people to imbibe the virtue of making peace through dialogue and consultative forum.

For his part, Aboh divisional police officer, DSP Tuadum Dedu and the local government security chief, Mr. Elisha Ivimiya, stated that “where there is peace, there is development and progress’, stressing that without peace, there is no human and capital development. They urged community leaders to preach peace and say the truth always, adding that selfishness and greed ignites conflicts in communities. The security men also urged the people to understand the root causes of crisis and resolve such issues amicably.

While X-raying the peace situation in Aboh, Ndokwa East and Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area, hon. Jaun Governor and hon. Ifeanyi Osakwe, both chairmen of the council area, identified causes of conflict in the local government area to include, oil companies operating in the various communities, social change, leadership structure, traditional rulers tussle, president / youth leaders election and political appointments.

They urged the people to avoid the struggle for supremacy and jettison transfer of aggression which according to them are the causes of war and conflicts. The council chairmen reiterated the need for peaceful coexistence among members of different clans, noting that peace building using proactive methods can prevent intra-communal and inter–community conflicts.

The council chairman urged the people to always use dialogue in resolving disputes, just as they called on the leaders to hold meetings periodically towards resolving conflicts. They commended governor Okowa and Chief Uzor for the peace advocacy workshop, describing it as timely and fantastic idea meant to unite the people at the grass root level. The council chairmen urged the various community leaders to educate the people on government activities and information.

Speaking on the past legacies of Ndokwa West,, hon. Charles Emetulu, member Delta State house of assembly, representing Ndokwa West, called on the people to find out the remote causes of conflicts and have a negotiating focus towards resolving community crisis. He emphasized that “land lives on and only those fighting over the land that will die”. Emetulu noted that crisis emanates from communities over land and oil company activities.

Hon. Emetulu urged the people to caution their children over cultism activities which according to him create tension and crisis. He noted that political influence on the people through sentiments leads to hatred and conflicts. He urged politicians to be neutral to avoid conflicts, noting that resolving crisis through dialogue approach leads to peaceful resolution. He added that the court should be the last option to explore, even as conflict with peaceful approach does not degenerate to violence.

The highlights of the peace advocacy workshop was interactive section and goodwill messages by the various representatives across the three local government area of Aboh, Kwale and Obiaruku, Okwuani communities of Delta State.

While reacting to questions from representatives across the various communities, Chief Edwin Uzor condemn the myopic aggrandizement of some community leaders collecting money from oil companies at the detriment of the area.

He noted that delay to conflict resolution between communities is caused by no truth from the leaders and representatives of the people. Chief Uzor also condemn the choice of oil companies employing non- indigenes which according to him leads to conflicts. He noted that aged people in Community Development Committee (C.D.C) should be controlled; maintaining that the leaders should dialogue with oil companies and intervene for the people of the area.

On her part, Ambassador Mrs. Caroline Usikpedo, special assistant to governor Okowa on youth development, at the three local government area, spoke on women and youth as critical partners and change agents for positively promoting the peace agenda for a stronger Delta.

In attendance were traditional rulers (Okpaluku), Rt. Hon. Olise Emegu, former speaker, Delta State house of assembly, hon. Mrs. Benedita Osakwe, former chairman Obiaruku, Okwauni local government area, various communities men, youth and women representatives across Aboh, Kwale, Obiaruku, Ukwuani local government area of Delta State.