-By Albert OGRAKA/ Prosper EDO:

The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA, has assured that the present management is committed to driving the vision of His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa through the legal instrumentality of the Commission.

Bashorun Askia who stated this during a three-day Workshop for Building Creative Communication/Public Relation Platforms For Strategic Repositioning organized for the Press and Public Affairs Department of DESOPADEC at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, said “we shall not rest on our oars until every man, woman, boy or girl across our mandate areas feel our impact. We fully understand the mandate and the enormity of the responsibilities before us and we know with clarity of purpose, and our resolute resolve to making a difference, we cannot let Deltans down.”

The capacity building programme which was attended by all Executive Directors of the Commission, according to him, is intended to put in place the right structure that will drive sound mental framework to optimize staff capacity for operational efficiency at the Commission, and to achieve the noble goals and mandate of DESOPADEC.

“One of the cardinal thrusts of this management will be Human Capacity Building. It is our firm belief that, if our human capital resource is well grounded with fresher perspectives, current techniques and is exposed to best practises in work ethics and operational effectiveness, then excellent service delivery will come as a second nature.”

“All our efforts and struggles may end up in futility if they are not properly, professionally and timely communicated with deft precision and creativity. So we have designed this very workshop to set the groundwork for a vibrant Press and Public Affairs unit with a view to enabling the department cultivate and firm up relationships with the media, master the art of crisis communication, handle all forms of reputational risk associated with dealing without publics and most important of all, building a virile image occasioned by our hard work with a view eliciting the right perceptions we deserve from our mandate areas, Deltans and Nigeria at large.”

While calling on all hands to be on deck to actualize the vision of the Commission, Managing Director/ CEO promised not to relent in giving the participants the needed tools, training and motivation to get the work done, insisting that “management requires nothing but the right attitude, discipline and commitment from you all to reposition this Commission.”

-From Crime Desk:

A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Delta State who was allegedly kidnapped at the weekend along the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha expressway has regained freedom after an alleged payment of N3 Million ransom.

But the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke however denied the incident and the subsequent payment of ransom.

The victim whose name was simply given as Mr. Okoro is in charge of Galilee Police Station, Ute-Ogbeje community in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

An insider source at the state police command headquarters in Asaba told our correspondent that the victim was freed by his abductors after a ransom of N3 million was paid.

The said DPO was said to have been kidnapped between Onicha-Ugbo and Issele-Uku on the expressway last Friday by gunmen who shot sporadically before whisking him to unknown destination.

A police source who begged for anonimity revealed that the DPO was on his way to Asaba for official assignment when the hoodlums swooped on him.

He was said to have regained his freedom on Sunday after the negotiated ransom was dropped at a designated location for the abductors to grab.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeyinka Adeleke however denied the incident and the subsequent payment of ransom, saying that it was the DPO’s friend that was allegedly kidnapped on the fateful day.

Adeleke who said he was in touch with the DPO, added that the police will never encourage anybody to pay ransom for their kidnapped friend or relative to be freed.

-From Mike Sogbola:

Borno Governor, Professor Babagana Umara has called for prayers for those in the trenches fighting Boko Haram.

This is just as his Yobe state counterpart, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni called for prayers for improved security, unity, peace and socio-economic development of Nigeria.

Professor Babagana Umara, in his Eid-el-Kabir message, said the festival should be dedicated and used to offer to soldiers, other armed forces, the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes who despite the festivities, are currently in front lines, making sacrifices in fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

He said many are currently engaging Boko Haram through ground and air operations, particularly around northern Borno, in a continued determination to fully regain peace, and they need to be prayed for by all.

In the Sallah message, sent to our e-mail by the Special Adviser on Public Relations and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, the governor said: “With the Eid-el-Kabir being about faith and sacrifices in obedience to Allah, citizens should without losing focus on spiritual essence, also reflect very deeply, that even as we all gather in exciting congregations, share moments with our loved ones, exchange visits and gifts with families and friends, there are soldiers, policemen, other armed forces in the paramilitary and the DSS, volunteers from the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes who are in war fronts sacrificing their safety, sacrificing proximity to their loved ones and sacrificing all the Sallah excitements mainly to ensure that those of us who celebrate the festivities, do so in an atmosphere of sustained peace.”

He said: “As we celebrate, each of us owes these patriotic soldiers, other armed forces and volunteers portions of our time to remember and pray that Allah keeps all of them safe and make them consistently victorious over the Boko Haram insurgents.

“Beside prayers, I appeal to citizens to share whatever they can with families of fallen soldiers, policemen, civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes within their reach, in recognition and appreciation of the sacrifices made by their bread winners to help in Borno’s desperate search for peace.”

The Governor also urged citizens to remember that there are thousands of fellow brothers and sisters, who are celebrating the Sallah outside their communities as a result of displacement inflicted by insurgents.

He said: “Thousands of orphans; hundreds of old and weak women and men‎ will be celebrating the sallah as displaced persons in government camps within Nigeria and as refugees in republics of Niger, Cameroon and Chad. We owe them prayers for permanent peace and restoration of livelihoods in their communities so that insha’Allah, this will be their last Sallah as IDPs and refugees. Aside prayers, we owe them support. I appeal to citizens to extend kinds gestures to displaced persons within their reach.”

Meanwhile, the governor of Yobe state, Alhaji Mai-Mala Buni, in his Eid-el-Kabir message sent in from Saudi Arabia where he is presently performing the Holy Pilgrimage, asked that: “As part of the lessons of the Eid, we should emulate the examples set by Ibrahim and Ismail (AS) by sacrificing for the good of society and by obeying Allah’s commandments wholeheartedly.”

He said: “We should therefore strive for the attainment of a happy society where we are all our brother’s keepers. This will serve to strengthen our quest for a harmonious, peaceful, disciplined, and just society.”

“I urge all our citizens to continue to uphold the ties that bind all of us either as Muslims or followers of other religions together by showing and exhibiting the well cherished values of respect, kindness, love, generosity and faithfulness in furtherance of our collective wellbeing,” Buni said.

He added that: “I wish to stress that our administration will remain focused and committed to implementing programmes that will take our State to the Next Level in keeping with the policy pronouncements that I made earlier.

“I urge all our people to work with commitment, dedication and make meaningful contributions to enable us collectively build a very robust, vibrant and prosperous State, where all of us will be proud to belong and proud to live in.”

The governor further said that: “In order to achieve our objectives of post-insurgency rehabilitation and peace building following the security challenges that we have faced, I appeal to our citizens to remain vigilant and report the movement of any suspicious individuals or groups to security agencies.

***Seeks Judicial Panel Of Inquiry

The minority caucus of the House of Representatives, has condemned in strong terms, the killing of three police officers allegedly by military personnel in Taraba State and the purported escape of a kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume, saying these incidents have further demonstrated why the country was far from winning the war against insecurity.

The caucus said the situation where security agencies turn their guns at one another, leading to the questionable “escape” of hardened criminals pointed to leadership failure in the security sector.

Baring its mind in a press release endorsed by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Friday 9th August, 2019 and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the caucus’ statement reads in part:

“We are very aggrieved by the killing of three members of the Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) by soldiers on Ibi-Jalingo road in Taraba State. The gruesome murder of some of Nigeria’s anti-kidnapping and anti-insurgency police intelligence officers shames us before the entire world and highlights, once more, the seeming lack of operational synergy and the unhealthy inter-agency rivalry and sabotage, that keeps Nigeria far from winning the war against escalating insecurity across the nation.

“A situation where policemen on lawful duty are mowed down so gruesomely at the hands of a sister security agency is untenable and demonstrates leadership failure of unspeakable proportions in the security sector. It portrays the nation’s security agencies as working at cross-purposes and infested by fifth columnists.

“We therefore, as opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives, call on the Federal Government to immediately institute a judicial panel of enquiry into the incident, with a view to unraveling the circumstances that led to the unwarranted incident. It must not be swept under the carpet as usual.

“Whereas the House minority caucus will take up this matter upon resumption of plenary, we also call on the Federal Government of Nigeria to institute a full judicial enquiry into the death and circumstances surrounding the supposed vanishing into the thin air, of an alleged billionaire kidnap kingpin, who has been a high security risk to the society.

“The investigation ordered by the National Security Council at the end of its Thursday, August 8, emergency meeting, appear all too banal and may not yield much if investigations into related events of past years is anything to go by.

“Furthermore, Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion and those entrusted with securing the lives and property of Nigerians must never be above suspicions of conspiracy, aiding, and abating crime or of sabotaging the solving of crimes.

“We, therefore call on the security agencies, particularly the military authorities in this instance, to launch a manhunt for Alhaji Hamisu that will produce him to face the law. Allowing such a dangerous character to reintegrate into the society is a security risk of monumental proportions”, the caucus stated.

The lawmakers sympathised with the Nigeria Police and the family of the deceased over the loss of their officers and loves ones and prayed God to grant the fallen security agents eternal peace, noting that they were heroes, having died in active service to their fatherland.

African Action Congress (AAC) has slammed its 2019 Presidential candidate and convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore suspension for six months.

The suspension took place during a Special Congress of the party held in Owerri, Imo state on Friday, August 09, 2019.

A motion moved by a representative from Plateau state condemned Sowore’s actions of calling for a revolution without the knowledge of the part, saying that the action was a breach of the constitution of the African Action Congress (AAC).

***Watch out for more details…

DELTA Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for greater collaboration between the Federal and State governments to attract positive development to the people at the grassroots.

Speaking on Thursday (08/08/19) when he commissioned The Goldcoast Memorial Market built in memory of Madam Goldcoast Dickson, late mother of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Seriake Dickson, Governor Okowa noted that the people at the grassroots will fare better with good collaborative efforts between the Federal and State Government.

The commissioning exercise which took place at Toru-Orua Town, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in the presence of Governor Dickson, Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment, Maryam Uwais, among other dignitaries coincided with the one year remembrance anniversary of Madam Goldcoast Dickson.

“I want to thank God for this project; it is important that when mothers make requests, it should be granted as our mother before her death, requested for the construction of this market, and it is gladdening that the market has been constructed.”

“It is also, heart-warming that the Special Adviser to the President on Social Investment is here to give out Trader’s Money; the beneficiaries are our people at the grassroots because, our people at the different communities benefit more when there is collaboration between the Federal and State government to engage in developmental programmes.”

“I know that 95 per cent of those who trade in markets are women and we are aware that when women have money, the family cannot go hungry; I am glad Trader’s Money is coming to the women who are trading in this market and I congratulate my brother for granting the request of his mother to build this market,” Governor Okowa said.

Dickson had said that he was spurred to construct series of projects, especially, granting his mother’s request to construct the market following his invitation by Governor Okowa to commission projects in Delta State.

He explained that apart from the excitement seen on the faces of the people in areas where roads were commissioned, the ovation that greeted him when he commissioned markets were overwhelming.

Dickson disclosed that though, the mother requested that he construct the market, his experience in Delta was a great inspiration as to how important market is to the women.

As part of the memorial event, a thanksgiving service was held, there was also, fund raising for Seriake Dickson Foundation and a ground breaking ceremony of the Goldcoast Dickson Memorial Cancer Centre.

Export quality yellow garri, the pilot product of the Delta State Government’s Foods Export Initiative has hit grocery shops in the United Kingdom.

This is another significant milestone achievement in Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s determination to develop the agricultural value chain and to diversify the economy towards a stronger Delta.

The cassava product packaged in 2kg and 10kg bags was produced under the utmost hygiene to meet international export standard by the project committee on Delta Foods Export Initiative, chaired by Prof Eric Eboh, the Chief Job and Wealth Creation Officer.

Speaking on behalf of the project implementation committee, Prof Eric Eboh, stated that the Delta Foods Export Initiative is a market-oriented agricultural value chain development intervention, with garri as its pilot product.

According to him, the central goal was not only to create a sustainable assured market for Delta State agricultural products based on fair prices and to breach the gap between farmers and processors, but to create jobs and wealth towards building a stronger Delta.

He said the export quality yellow garri meets all the required international standards of food quality, particularly, the limits to moisture content, hydrogen cyanide and crude fibre as well as being free from microbial contaminants and extraneous materials and organoleptic properties of colour, taste and odour.

Accordingly, the Delta Foods Export Initiative has secured product trademark registration of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments and quality certification by the National Food and Drugs Administration Council (NAFDAC).

It could be recalled that the 2kg and 10kg high quality packaged Delta Yellow Garri was launched by the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on the 24th of January, 2019 in Asaba.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said accountability is as an indispensable tool of management and hallmark of his administration and charged all political appointees to embrace it.

The governor stated this on Wednesday in Asaba at the inauguration of the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

While congratulating the appointees, he specifically urged members of the Board of DESOPADEC to ensure that projects were executed according to the needs of the people.

“Do not exclude the locals from the process of project execution; I recognize that quite a number of the board members are proven grassroots politicians.

“I trust that you will do the wise thing of involving the host communities in your decision-making process, because it is imperative for peace, cooperation and development, team work, discipline, mutual understanding and cooperation are prerequisites for your success.

“You must be fair, equitable and just, and let me hasten to add that this administration will NOT hesitate to sanction any erring board member in accordance with the provisions of the law.”

The governor, who scored his administration high in project delivery through DESOPADEC, asserted that “after four years of the new regime, I believe there has been better synergy in the management of the agency, quality representation on the board and responsiveness on the part of the agency to the developmental aspirations and environmental concerns of the host communities.

“This is, because during the course of my first tenure, I inaugurated notable infrastructure projects executed by DESOPADEC and I was impressed not only by the quality of these projects but by the fact that they were in tandem with the expectations of the host communities.”

Those inaugurated as members of DESOPADEC Board were Hon. Michael Diden (Chairman), Chief Askia Ogieh (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer) and Mr Shedrack Agediga, Barr Leonard Anoka, Hon. Daniel Mayuku and Hon. John Nani as Executive Directors respectively.

Others who were inaugurated as representatives of oil producing areas in the state are Mr Grifton Omastsuli, Dr Paul Oweh, Chief Kent Okiemute, Hon. Joyce Overah, Arch. Anselm Nwokenye, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, Mr. Ikechukwu Akozor, Chief Vincent Oyibode and Dr. Ossai Ochonogor Samuel.”

Responding on behalf of members of DESOPADEC, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Bashorun Askia Ogieh assured the Governor that the new Board would be focused towards ensuring a fair deal with host communities.

He said that there would be a rebranding in the Commission’s activities to meet the yearnings of the oil producing areas in the state, adding the present Board is made up of dedicated and result driven members.

The Delta Online Publishers’ Forum (DOPF) has congratulated Ogbuehi Patrick Ukah on his appointment as a member of the Delta State Executive Council and subsequent deployment to the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as commissioner.

The body aso felicitated with the Communication Manager, Government House, Mr. Jackson Ekwugum on his re-appointment by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

The congratulatory messages were conveyed in separate letters, and signed by the Chairman Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli and the Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha.

Felicitating with Ogbueshi Ukah, DOPF stated: “Of course, it needs no telling that in the Governor’s first tenure, you discharged the responsibilities of your office as Commissioner for Information with uncommon zeal, zest and candour. You were able to mobilize and galvanize the entire media genres in the state, and beyond, in a dimension that engaged their respective sense of belonging for effective information dissemination for the full delivery of the administration’s SMART Agenda.

“Today, the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa SMART Agenda is a well known phenomenon in every house hold in Delta State, and into which many have keyed in and are enjoying the resounding benefits. So much so that even external forces have applauded and appreciated what the Governor is doing by giving him awards in recognition of his good deeds, all in just four years.

“It was, therefore, not a surprise when the Governor proposed you again to the House of Assembly for their consent to re-appoint you as a commissioner and member of his cabinet for the second term. It is an expression of his trust in you as a diligent and loyal aide with focus for mandate delivery.

“For us in the Delta Online Publisher Forum (DOPF), you are a friend indeed, and a good bridge builder between us and the government.”

And for Mr. Jackson Ekwugum, DOPF wrote: “Your re-appointment is testimony of the diligence and candour your brought to bear in your work that has endeared you to him as a loyal team player, one that knows his onions.

“Besides, your skill as a tested journalist and an expert in strategic communication has helped in no small measure in bringing the government and the people together through effective communication of the policies, programme and intentions of government to the people.

“The fall out is that Deltans, as well as external publics are kept abreast of the doings of the state government and they have come to appreciate them.

“You are a friend of the Delta Online Publisher’s Forum (DOPF) and we celebrate with you on your re-appointment for the second term.

“As you settle down to work in this second term, we wish you God’s strength, wisdom, protection and good health as you carry on the onerous work as the Communication Manager.”

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) today praised leaders at the World Bank for quickly committing $300 million in aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for its efforts to contain and eliminate an outbreak of Ebola in that country that has claimed nearly 1,700 lives.

As of July 12, there have been 2,477 Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that have resulted in 1,655 deaths. In addition, the virus spread to neighboring Uganda, where as of June 24, there have been a total of three confirmed cases of Ebola. All three individuals had recently traveled to the DRC, and all succumbed to the disease.

The World Bank’s commitment of aid comes after the World Health Organization (WHO) finally declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in the DRC on July 17—a long overdue acknowledgement that the current Ebola outbreak remains uncontained and still poses a significant threat to global health security.

A PHEIC declaration carries legal obligations requiring affected states to cooperate with the WHO in coordinating an outbreak response plan and also puts the global public health community on notice signifying a substantial health security risk to the world.

“We thank the World Bank for stepping up so quickly with this much needed aid to help contain and eliminate the current Ebola outbreak in the Congo,” said AHF President Michael Weinstein. “We have been highly critical of the World Health Organization and its leader, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, for their unconscionable delay in formally recognizing this outbreak as a public health emergency in DRC, but also as the significant global health threat it poses to the world. An emergency declaration is only effective if it’s followed by swift action and we applaud the World Bank for its both its compassion and alacrity delivering this aid. And in order to mount a truly robust response, all available vaccines must be fast-tracked for approval so that a large-scale inoculation campaign can also begin immediately.”

According to a news report by the BBC, the WHO is currently facing a shortfall of $54 million needed to address the outbreak.

AHF operates healthcare programs in two countries currently being affected or being threatened by the outbreak—Uganda and Rwanda. Despite lessons learned from the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, basic medical equipment and supplies are still in short supply. AHF recently donated thirty-thousand dollars’ worth of medical supplies to Uganda to help protect medical staff in Western Uganda near the DRC border.

*AETOS Wire

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Deltans from oil producing communities, comprising Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko and Ndokwa ethnic nationalities, have expressed satisfaction over the appointment of the new Board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) by Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.

The host communities, in their numerous statements of appreciations, particularly praised Governor Okowa on the appointment of Bashorun (Hon) Askia Ogieh FCNA, CrFA as the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, after having served meritoriously as the Executive Director of Finance and Administration at DESOPADEC and ensured enduring development policies in the mandate oil bearing communities in the state.

Meanwhile, Bashorun Askia, who was on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 screened and confirmed by the Delta State House of Assembly as the MD/CEO of DESOPADEC, expressed immense appreciation to His Excellency the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for his consistent commitment to the development of the DESOPADEC mandate areas.

“In the face of economic challenges, the Governor has continued to fund the activities of the Commission. We (Deltans) are lucky to have Okowa as Governor. We are lucky to have a Man who understands the dynamic of the political, economic and social life of contemporary Deltans and has successfully managed the resources accruing to the State.”

While commending Governor Okowa for his zeal and commitment towards building a Stronger Delta state, Bashorun Askia assured that the team of DESOPADEC Board presently put together by the Governor is competent and determined to ensure that the Commission sustains the prudent financial management of resources and execution of people oriented projects in the DESOPADEC mandate areas of the state.

-From Mike Sogbola:

Over 60 persons were killed at a graveside in Borno State, Chairman of Nganzai local government, Muhammad Bulama, told journalists on Sunday.

Bulama, lamented that the insurgents who were pushed back two weeks ago returned on a reprisal mission on Saturday, killing over 60 persons and injuring 10 others.

The council boss, said the insurgents attacked Badu village and killed over 60 persons and injuring 11 others.

He said: “Two weeks ago, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Badu village but the attack was repelled by the villagers and members of the vigilante group.”

He said in the first attack, the villagers were able to resist the attackers, killed 11 insurgents and recovered 10 AK-47 rifles in the encounter.

He lamented that: “On Saturday at about 11:40 am, the insurgents came on a reprisal mission, attacking mourners at a grave yard in the area, killing over 60 persons and injuring 11 others.”

He said the wounded were brought to the Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, for treatment.

Attempt at getting the reactions from the military on the attack was unsuccessful as calls to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Ado Isa, did it go through.

Meanwhile, Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara has reiterated his commitment to supporting security agencies to protect lives and property in the state.

The governor, who visited Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai local government area of the state, to commiserate with the people over the murder of 60 villagers by Boko Haram insurgents, said the state government would not relent until permanent peace was restored to the state.

Umara while condemning the attack, called on the people to be vigilante and cooperate with security agencies in their communities.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and the families, the fortitude to bear the loss.

The governor also visited Specialists’ Hospital Maiduguri, and sympathized with persons who sustained injuries in the attack.

By EA Uzumnism

The pendulum swung in favour of Festus Keyamo SAN who took the Senate Chamber on a voyage of legal tourism and moot suggestions during his clearance as a Minister designate. I congratulate him.

As expected, Keyamo seized the floor eliciting his legal sagacity and eloquence. This did not fall short of expectations especially from the gallery. However, an aspect that requires further clarification was the learned SANs attempt to bandage a wound without proper first aid. He suggested: “Unbundling the Supreme Court”.

To the layman, it means creating more Supreme courts in the various regions or federating units. Let’s accept without conceeding that this is the way to go.

The final interpretation of our statutes rests on the Supreme Court and that is where courts of lower jurisdictions draw their ultimate precedent. The doctrines of Res Judicata and Stare decisis are ultimately hinged on it.

Note that we have hierarchies within our judicial system: From the lowest courts – Customary/Magistrate/Area courts to the State High Courts and Federal High Courts (though both are of concurrent jurisdiction), the Court of appeal and finally, the Apex/Supreme court.

At this point, the SC is the final arbiter. Now, an appraisal of some contradictory rulings of High courts and conflicting judgements from the various divisions of the Appeal Court even on very sensitive National issues have been a major pitfall in the development of our legal system.

We have judgements emanating from a competent High Court but the same precedents are not followed even by inferior courts. Some High Courts decline jurisdiction on issues that a court of concurrent jurisdiction in another state assumed jurisdiction. It is even worse at the appellate level where some judgements are clear deviations from established case law authorities even from the Supreme Court.

These issues are very fundamental as it weakens the true taste of justice, erodes the confidence of citizens in the judiciary.

Corruption, Nepotism and conflicting legal orientation play roles here but to a large extent, these issues are most times resolved at the Supreme court.

At the Supreme Court, we have 21 judges with 7 seated and 4 as Quorum but all within the Supreme jurisdiction and it’s jurisdiction is without bounds. I want to believe that the solution is not by increasing the number of Supreme courts but strengthening Judicial Institution with National Judicial Council functioning optimally.

How will increasing the numbers of supreme court eradicate the judicial haemorrhage we have as a Nation?

Now, if we UNBUNDLE the Supreme Court as suggested by Festus Keyamo SAN how does that help the National Judicial Council manage the fallouts of conflicting judgements, or corruption within the judiciary. What about Executive encroachment in terms of references of the NJC? How does UNBUNDLING the Supreme court forestall the appointment of less competent judges in the face of qualified legal luminaries, rather it reinforces ILLEGALITY.

Another question is, which of the courts will be more Supreme? is it the South South Supreme court , the North East supreme court, South West supreme court or North Central Supreme Court?

This is already playing out even in our straitjacket supreme court system where it is believed in some quarters that Western State Judges are believed to be Pro West which I totally disassociate myself from that view. However if you ask average Southerners their opinion on our former CJ, most persons will tell you that His Lordship Justice Walter Onnoghen CJ as he then was, paid the price for being a Southerner.

Today some of the Northern elites are very comfortable with the leadership status-quo of our Apex court even with the attendant challenges it faced during the removal of the former and confirmation of the present.

The suggested legal surgery by Festus Keyamo SAN may lead to more conflicting judgements as our judicial system and nascent democracy cannot guarantee or support such.

Conflict of judgements is a recipe for anarchy, thus let’s strengthen our judicial institutions rather than unbundling the Supreme court to create regional mushroom court which will definitely be easier to compromise.

Amid the intrigues surrounding the Minority Leadership positions of the House of Representatives, it has emerged that a recent petition sent to the Peoples Democratic party, PDP leadership, discrediting the Committee set up by the PDP Board of Trustees to investigate the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as Minority Leader and three other Minority Officers, was authored by persons still nursing the futile hope of undoing what has already been concluded, gazetted and reflected appropriately in the votes and proceedings of the House of Representatives.

It will be recalled that a petition entitled: ‘Iyorchia Ayu Committee-Need for Chairman and Secretary to Rescue Themselves,’ dated 17th of July and signed by Solomon Maren, Representing Mangu/Bukkos federal constituency of plateau state and Amos Magaji Gwamma, representing Zango kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, kaduna state, was made available to an online news portal TheNewsGuru.com, in which the lawmakers, under the aegis of Concerned PDP Reps, demanded that the Ayu investigative panel should stop functioning as there are clear indications that it has been compromised.

In the said petition, the lawmakers, proceeded to accuse the chairman of the Probe panel and former Senate President, Dr Iyorchia Ayu and the Secretary and former Deputy Speaker of the House, Chief Austin Opara, of bias and even stated clearly that Senator Ayu had already compromised himself before the impasse by instructing some Benue Reps to vote for a particular candidate and so cannot be a judge in his own case, while Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, who is from Rivers state and is a Godfather to one of the candidates that contested for the minority House leadership position, will not be expected to go against his political godson.

The petitioners, who further revealed that one of the prominent members of the committee allegedly collected N15m and had insisted to continue the work until he was prevailed on by other members, then went ahead to pleaded with the party’s top hierarchy to politely remove all members of the committee with tainted records immediately, if the party must forge ahead, and while claiming that they earnestly respect members of the committee as leaders of proven integrity, noted however that these leaders are not infallible, warning that justice should not only be seen but must have been seen to have been done.

However, investigations within the PDP and inside the House of Representatives reveal that there is definitely more to the petition signed by Solomon Maren and Amos Mogaji, as multiple and very reliable sources confirm that they were not the original authors of the document, but their signatures had purportedly been procured for a fee by the original authors, in a plot masterminded by a very prominent PDP South South Governor and orchestrated by one of the contestants for the Minority Leader position in conjunction with others who lost out in the minority leadership race.

Deeper findings confirm that the plot behind the petition is actually targeted solely at discrediting and removing the Chairman of the BoT probe Committee, Senator Iyorchia Ayu, who is well known and respected across the rank and file of the party as a Man of impeccable integrity and the fear of the petitioners, according to solid PDP sources is that since Dr. Ayu does not come from South South where the two contestants for the post of minority leader come from, his position, as a true party man, will be to act in the interest of the party rather than that of an individual.

Sources claim that since there is no way of influencing his opinion, the grand ploy of the petitioners, is to discredit him and the committee members through levelling unwarranted accusations of graft and bias against them and painting them in a bad light, especially as there are no tangible reasons to warrant these insults, on such respected and reputable leaders of the party, by alleging that money changed hands, amongst other claims.

Impeccable sources within the PDP House caucus further confirm that the petition discrediting and calling for the removal of the committee chairman and Secretary, was the handwork of particular persons who lost out in the Minority leadership tussle and galvanized by two former immediate past principal officers from the South East and Kogi State, respectively, at the behest of the prominent Governor from the South South,. But the sources are quick to point out that it is only God that gives power, not man. In this case God has chosen His anointed Children and so all the glory must go to God not any man.

Their actions, according to the sources, were meant to further exhibit their desperation in their desire to see if they can upturn things, even when they have no concrete or substantial facts to support their allegation against the person of Senator Iyorchia Ayu.

Further investigation also suggest that the Secretary of the Committee Rt. Hon. Austin Opara, may also be a willing and inevitable accomplice in the plot to initiate the petition, given the fact that one of the contenders for the position of Minority leader is from his state and since the position of the PDP National Chairman, who is also from Rivers State is very clear, he had no choice but to allegedly become culpable, especially since the reason for asking for his removal was very obvious and would go a long way to influence the decision for them to recuse themselves from the committee.

Knowledgeable inside sources within the House of Representatives affirm however that both the petitions and all other covert and clandestine moves to discredit the Committee and upturn the announcement of Ndudi Elumelu and other Minority principal offices may just be a bridge too far for the plotters, in any case, by virtue of the fact that the Minority Leadership positions as announced by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiala, has already been gazetted and the officers in question have resumed their duties, so it will pay PDP better to sheath their sword and embrace the newly inaugurated principal officers from their party, in order to avoid losing out completely in the long run.

This position, according to insiders, is because, inspite of the intrigues and allegations, the petitioners and their spibsors have no powers to change what has already transpired, bearing in mind that the election of the principal officers has authoritatively been endorsed by the gavel, which also culminated in the votes and proceedings being adopted by the House. Besides, it will take two thirds majority of the whole House, under Order 7 Rule 14, to change the tide and PDP does not have such numbers to decide otherwise. The sources also suggest that even in worst case scenario, that the party decides to expel them, they will still be minority leaders from any party at all, since they have already taken oath as members of the House and that will amount to PDP shooting themselves in the foot because it will end up not having any principal officers on the floor.

The sources also hint that the hide and seek game using indirect ways to speak, just like the hand of Esau, voice of Jacob should stop forthwith, for the fact that it will not in any way benefit the PDP, since the majority of the members of the House who believe strongly in the instrumentality of the rule of law and the independence of the legislature, have put that matter behind them.

Investigations also revealed on good authority that Solomon Maran and Amos Mogaji have been attempting to meet and plead with the newly inaugurated principal officers to forgive them as it was not their intention to get at them in any way and they had even also been claiming that the intention of the petition was even meant to favour the the principal officers. The sources reveal further that every attempt made by Maran to get the ear of the newly inaugurated principal officers were shunned by the officers, for the fact that they felt Hon. Maran was mischievous and an interloper who has no locus standi in terms of the matter because he neither contested for any of the positions nor is he from the South South region.

Further investigation equally revealed that when Hon. Solomon Maran was the chairman of the North Central Caucus, it was before his eyes, that the same Northern Caucus endorsed all the Minority officers of the party for the positions, so it becomes pertinent to ask why Hon. Maran is crying more than the bereaved, even when he has been claiming that one of the principal officers is his good friend and House sources went further to reveal how the said Hon. Maran complained that his pain was that he was not allowed to be the one to market this particular Minority officer in his zone. However the question that will continue to seek for a credible answer is if all this is enough for Hon. Solomon Maran to be mischievous and at the same time be a Judas?, the sources opined.

However, it is also the firm position of the multiple sources that for the petitioners to be truly sincere, they should prove and give substantive evidence that indeed money changed hands, especially the purported N15 millon and other allegations that “it was disheartening to see rich men go hungry and collect a morsel of porridge to destroy the party” as they so clearly stated in their petition, otherwise they should shut up their mouths and face what their constituencies elected them to do.

It was also revealed in the course of the investigation, that the duo of Hon. Solomon Maran and Hon. Amos Mogaji have not been showing up regularly in the House of Representatives chamber in line with the stipulation of the relevant laws, since Parliament was inaugurated and there are hints, gathered from credible authority, that the House has taken cognizance of this infraction and will soon invoke the provision of the constitution as it relates to attendance, which if activated, would automatically open the way for their various constituencies to call for their recall, for reason of not attending sitting of the House in consonance to the mandate given to them as their representatives.

Polity watchers will recall that a couple of days after it was set up, the Dr. Iyorchia Ayu committee met with Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and six other lawmakers; Wole Oke, Lynda Ikpeazu, Anayo Edwin, Gideon Gwadi, Toby Okechukwu and Adekoya Abdul-Majid, who were suspended by the PDP over the House of Representatives Minority leadership crisis.

The five-man committee, which is made up of eminent past leaders and principal officers of the National Assembly including, Sen. David Mark, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu and Sen. Adolphus Wabara, had been set up to intervene in the matter and submit their findings in Seven days, from the inauguration date of July 9.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Ayu, who spoke with journalists after the meeting with Elumelu and the others, had affirmed at that time that the matter was a family affair being handled by the elders of the party and assured categorically that the decision of the committee would be in the best interest of the party and the committee will not take any decision that will end up fictionalizing the PDP.

PDP and National Assembly watchers who spoke in the course of the investigation, noted that the Dr. Iyorchia Ayu Committee had a mandate of seven days to address the crisis and so was expected to have submitted its report to the PDP National Working Committee by July 15. They wonder therefore, why the petition of Solomon Maran and Amos Mogaji is coming on July 17, two days after the Committee report must have been submitted, if not perhaps that the plotters of the petition may have been privy to the contents of report which may not have been in their favour, and so embarked on this ploy to discredit the entire membership of the Committee for their own selfish interests.

And so, as the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives and indeed the entire nation, await the decision of the PDP on a matter which many people believe has already been settled, it is left to be seen, according to analysts, whether the leadership of the PDP would do the honourable thing by submitting to the democratic will of its elected members in the House of Reps or choose the other option which will ultimately and eventually end up dividing the party against itself irrevocably.

-Blank NEWS Online Education Desk:

The Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, has warned School Heads in public secondary schools in the state to stop the practice of engaging their students in labour exercise just before the commencement of their examinations.

Chief Ukah gave the warning after he rounded up the monitoring of the conduct of 2019 promotion examination which ended on Friday in the state.

He expressed surprise that students, who were scheduled for an examination by 9am, were being engaged by some school authorities in manual labour exercise before writing their examination which he said would stress out the children and could make them not to perform well in the examination because of fatigue.

He, however, advised the Principals of affected schools to come up with a better strategy to engage the students in labour exercise at the beginning of each term or after the examination.

Chief Ukah cautioned School Heads to desist from the habit of collection of money from students to buy foolscap sheets to write examinations, instead the students should be made to provide them for the school authorities to stamp for authentication.

The Commissioner also frowned at the shortage of question papers for the examination in some of the schools and directed that it should be investigated and a report be sent to his office this week.

FROM SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA

The Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue says the Ministry is desirous of riding Anambra State of Mentally Challenged People and Beggars.

Lady Mezue disclosed this while parading Fake Beggars in her Office in Awka.

The Fake Beggars who operate under the name, Rescue Helpers People Foundation Incorporated, were in the business of using Children for alms across the State.

The Commissioner who regretted that most of the beggars in the State are from the neighbouring States, explained that her Ministry in Collaboration with the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative of the Wife of the Governor train people who are unemployed at the various Skill Acquisition Centres, after which they will be empowered and warned that nobody has any reason to be begging along the road. 

The Mother of one of those arrested, Mrs. Uju Obiekwe from Ihiala Council Area, told newsmen   that she joined the syndicate after the death of her husband and that they pay her One Thousand Five Hundred Naira daily. 

The Rescue Helpers People Foundation Incorporation was located in Oba, Idemili South Council Area.

 When the Fake Beggars were arrested at the Unizik Junction, Awka, they were using a young girl whom they used bandage and cello tape as well as ink to cover her stomach, deceiving people that she was having stomach problem.

• From Mike Sogbola:

Suspected members of Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have attacked a convoy of aid workers in Borno State, killing one person and believed to have abducted six others.

A statement signed by Shashwat Saraf, Country Director of Action Against Hunger said on Thursday 18 July, 2019, a convoy of vehicles was attacked on the road to Damasak, Borno state, Nigeria.

The Country Director lamented that one of the drivers was killed, while one Action Against Hunger staff member, two of the drivers and three health workers are missing.

He said: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident as these are colleagues dedicated to providing life-saving assistance to individuals and families affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the north east of Nigeria.

“We are very concerned and want to ensure that they are safe and can be reunited with their families.”

He said: “Action Against Hunger strives to ensure that millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance in north east Nigeria receive the essential services required for their survival, especially women and children.

We express our deepest condolences to the family of our driver and we extend our support to the family of our missing colleagues as well as others affected by this incident. We appeal to the media and the public to desist from circulating unverified information about the situation above.”

A statement by Edward Kallon, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria said his thoughts and that of the humanitarian community are with the victims and their families.

He said: “I am deeply disturbed by reports of an incident involving aid workers from International NGOs in northern Borno State. As details are still coming in and information has yet to be confirmed, the humanitarian community in Nigeria is concerned about the safety of our ACF colleague, partners and contractors involved in the attack against an aid convoy reported on 18 July on the Gubio-Damasak road.”

Kallon said: “They devote their lives to helping vulnerable people and communities in an area heavily affected by violence. I call on all who may have influence to do everything they can to keep them unharmed and work towards their safe return.”

He however said: “Out of respect and consideration for the families, the humanitarian community in Nigeria is also asking the general public, including the media, to refrain from sharing any unconfirmed information. The spread of misinformation may put the concerned aid workers at risk and jeopardize their way back to safety.”

He noted that: “This attack occurs only a couple weeks before the ongoing crisis affecting the states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe enters its tenth year. Today, 7.1 million people still need humanitarian assistance. Violence, insecurity and inaccessibility to remote areas of Borno State continue to hamper the response to urgent needs.”

He lamented that: “These acts of violence affect the very individuals, families, and communities that we support, and deprive vulnerable people of vital services.”

He advised that: “All parties should protect and facilitate the delivery of aid.”

He said: “Despite constraints, the humanitarian community remains committed to do its utmost to provide lifesaving assistance and help the people in north-east Nigeria rebuild their lives.”

From Michael EKOKORUWE:

The President General of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman Isoko North local government area, has averted Oyede community traditional monarchy crisis at Oyede, Isoko North local government area of Delta state.

Anonymous source stated that the crisis started when HRM Odio Joseph Emasibeta Idiareh who was installed as the Odiologbo of Oyede kingdom on 17th of Febuary 2017, suddenly changed the choice of Mr. Ighoadue Idiareh who represents him as the Odiologbo of Oyede kingdom.

The monarch, according to the source has not been comfortable over time with Mr. Ighoadue Idiareh whom he alleged of misrepresentation and decided to change him with his son as old age demands in Oyede tradition and custom.

The source maintained that Mr. Ighoadue Idiareh became apprehensive when HRM Joseph Emasibeta Idiareh during a town meeting declared one of his sons as the man to represent him as the Odiologo of Oyede kingdom.

Irked by the development, Mr. Ighoadue petitioned the three founding families of Oyede kingdom (Athuaro, Okro and Ekoye) that installed the monarch whom he represents to police zone 5 at Edo state Benin City.

The source noted that sensing impending crisis in the community, High Chief Iduh Amadhe conveyed emergency meeting with representatives from the three founding families to the secretariat of Isoko Development Union Oleh, Isoko South local government area to proffer solution.

The monarch during another meeting at the community town hall, was attacked by forces suspected to be loyalist to Mr. Ighoadue Idiareh, saying the meeting is illegal, but were resisted by the Area Commander Police Ozoro sent by Hon Emmanuel Egbabor.

The source noted that the youths of the community became violent and resorted to rampage but were curtailed by a combined team of the Nigeria Army that dispersed the rioting mob and restored peace to the community.

When contacted, High Chief Iduh Amadhe confirmed the incident and commended Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor, Chairman Isoko North, the police, Nigeria Army and the State Security Service for immediate response towards averting the crisis in the community.

Amadhe stated that the situation was about to degenerate to more serious crisis even as some disgruntled elements in the community supported the illegality. He warned those involved in the community crisis to steer clear and allow peace to reign.

Amadhe also commended the prominent sons of the community and other stake holders for prompt response at ensuring that peace returned to Oyede community. He further warned those behind fueling the crisis to rescind their nefarious attitude or be prepared to face the wrath of Isoko Development Union and the law enforcement agents.

It could be recalled, that His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, represented by Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, installed HRM Odio Joseph Emasibeta Idiareh as the Odiologbo of Oyede kingdom on the 17 of February, 2017.

Operation of the soldiers in 19 Battalion, Koko, Delta State of Nigeria against illegal oil bunkering has began to yield tremendous result says the military.

In particular, incessant oil bunkery activities within Benin river along Abide community, an area our source described as “a major crossing point of bunkerers has been nipped and checkmated.

A soldier who pleaded anonymity told newsmen who were at the area to access and investigate report of the activities of indiscriminate oil theft said, “with the 19 Battalion troop from Koko dominating the general area, serious destruction of boats and vehicles hitherto used in conveying illegal products are being carried out.

A community leader in Aside at the Benin river who simply gave his name as Opus Meshack corroborated the claims of the soldiers, affirming that the soldiers actions has yielded immeasurable result.

“We the people of Aside community truly appreciate the efforts of the soldiers in checkmating bunkering activities in the riverine. Our water is now safe and clean and as you can see, bunkering camps within the area are being burnt BT the soldiers”.

The people of the locality therefore commended the soldiers and urged them to sustain efforts.

Meanwhile, the soldiers have revealed and asserted that they decided to storm the area in order to reduce the rate and effects of oil theft which has greatly affected the economy assuring that the operation which has stopped the movement of bunkerers both in the land and water would be sustained.

**Recommends standard walkway of 1.5m high to discourage anyone who might want to jump from the bridge into the river

FROM SUNNY A. DAVID / ONITSHA

The Federal Controller of Works in Anambra State, Mr. Adeyemo Ajani, on Saturday said the second Niger Bridge may be redesigned to prevent suicide attempts.

Ajani stated this when the Abuja branch of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) inspected the on-going works at the Ogbaru site of the project, near Onitsha.

He said he would take up the NSE recommendation with the appropriate authorities.

“What we have on the walk lane is our standard design but what the engineers are talking about is a kind of review.

“If we have to do abnormal design to take care of suicidal situations, it will require another design.

“There has been rapid progress on the project. The last time the minister and the vice-president came, it was 15 per cent level completion but today it is above 21per cent.

“When you look at it from the time the project started, we are now at 24 per cent completion.

“The main bridge has begun.; we have done all the piling and the structures above water level have been done considerably.

“At the Asaba end, we have raised the structure to the deck up to 80 per cent,” Ajani said.

During the inspection earlier, the NSE Abuja Chairman, Mr Chinasaokwu Okoli, recommended a suicide-proof design of the pedestrian walkway of the bridge to prevent cases of suicide.

Okoli recommended a standard walkway of 1.5m high to discourage anyone who might want to jump from the bridge into the river.

“We are 25 engineers from Abuja, here to see for ourselves the second Niger Bridge.

“The project is fully crafted and the work is being handled and supervised well.

“Our concerns are positive. All the places that could raise concerns have been properly tidied up.

“The only area we have concerned is the pedestrian walkway.

“With what we are hearing about people jumping over the bridge and committing suicide, we feel it could be raised up a bit to make it a little difficult for those who may think of committing suicide here.

“There should also be an attachment at the end of the 1.5m so that even if one wants to climb, he will be discouraged,” the chairman, said.

Okoli advised the consultants and the contractors to go back and try to reflect the concern that suicide attempts might be considered on the bridge if not raised.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for embarking on the project and expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work at the site.

-FROM SUNNY A. DAVID / ONITSHA:

In an effort to improve the standard of education in her community, wife of the Traditional Ruler of Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, HRH Odua Nwanyj Adaeze Ngoddy, alongside her friend Mrs. Pamela Okwuosa Nwiloh donated assorted text books to Primary and Secondary Schools in Ogbaru communities.

The beneficiaries for the items  were, Technical College Osssamala, Community Secondary School Atani, Kings Ambassador Seminary School Atanj, The Seat of God’s Power Academy Atani and Archbishop Valerian Secondary School, Atani.

Also, Urban Primary School Atani, Central School Atani, The Seat of God’s Wisdom Primary School Atani, Okpoko School 3 Okpoko and St Jude’s Primary School Atani, were the primary Schools which benefited.

Speaking to newsmen, the Igwe of Atani, HRH Igwe Augustine Azuka Ngoddy who was absolutely delighted at the event revealed that his wife who is based in American embarked on sharing of reading items to the students of Ogbaru for the period of  three years now.

The Traditional Ruler attributed such magnanimous acts of his wife to her passion for Education.

The Monarch said that “I am also very interested in our school in Ogbaru In doing well and improving well in the standard of education and could be able to compete in  any where in the world.”

He further advised the students to be more studious, shun
thuggery and occultism, just as he urged the indigenous people of Ogbaru living in diaspora to emulate his wife.

Also, Mrs. Patricia Ngoddy who represented Odua Nwanyi hinted that the main cardinal points of the dooner to under take such humanitarian acts was to inculcate the students in Ogbaru the habits of reading culture.

In their separate speeches, Mrs. Ogbonnaya Chioma Principal of Archbishop Valerian Secondary School Atani and Mr. Francis Okechukwu of Kings Ambassador Seminary School Atani commended the initiative of Igwe’s wife in encouraging students of Ogbaru in their studies, assuring that they will use the books to impact knowledge on the students.

Similarly, the organizer of the event Mrs. Udenyi Nneka extolled the donor and asked God to bless her, saying that the items would properly shared equitably to the schools accordingly.

Some of the students, Miracle Simon and Ginika Oluchukwu who spoke on behalf of the students thanked the donor and pray God to bless her.

Income alone cannot be used to classify rich and poor people, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has said.

According to the United Nations body, findings from the 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) have shown that there are disparities in how people experience poverty, revealing vast inequalities among countries and among the poor themselves.

A statement on Thursday from the UNDP said: “”The traditional concept of poverty is outdated.”
Relying on a new report released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), the statement said: “New data demonstrate more clearly than ever that labeling countries – or even households – as rich and poor is an oversimplification.”

The statement, quoting Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator, said: “To fight poverty, one needs to know where poor people live. They are not evenly spread across a country, not even within a household.””He noted that: “The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index provides the detailed information policy makers need to more effectively target their policies.”

The statement revealed that the MPI goes beyond income as the sole indicator for poverty, by exploring the ways in which people experience poverty in their health, education, and standard of living.

Particularly the report revealed that “in Nigeria, even though the proportion of people who are multidimensionally poor has remained constant at just over 50% over the past decade (upto 2017) the actual the number of people who are multidimensionally poor increased from 86 million to 98 million over the same period.

Also, important to note from the report is that when compared to the national poverty line which measure income/consumption, a larger proportion of Nigerians (51%) are multidimensionally poor than those that are income poor (46%).”

The statement added that: “This year’s MPI results show that more than two-thirds of the multidimensionally poor—886 million people—live in middle-income countries. A further 440 million live in low-income countries. In both groups, data show, simple national averages can hide enormous inequality in patterns of poverty within countries.”

Also showing the example of Nigeria, the statement said: “Even though the national average shows that around 50% of Nigeria are multidimensionally poor, state and local government levels will reveal a completely different scenario – higher or even lower levels.”

It added that: “There is even inequality under the same roof In South Asia, for example, almost a quarter of children under five live in households where at least one child in the household is malnourished and at least one child is not.”

The statement quoted Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at UNDP, as saying that: “We need—even amongst those living in poverty—to understand people’s different experiences of deprivation. Are they malnourished? Can they go to school? Only then will poverty reduction policies be both efficient and effective.”The statement said: “”There is also inequality among the poor. Findings of the 2019 global MPI also paint a detailed picture of the many differences in how – and how deeply – people experience poverty. Deprivations among the poor vary enormously: in general, higher MPI values go hand in hand with greater variation in the intensity of poverty.”

The statement said: “Results also show that children suffer poverty more intensely than adults and are more likely to be deprived in all 10 of the MPI indicators, lacking essentials such as clean water, sanitation, adequate nutrition or primary education.   

It indicated that more staggering, worldwide, one in three children is multidimensionally poor, compared to one in six adults. That means that nearly half of the people living in multidimensional poverty—663 million—are children, with the youngest children bearing the greatest burden. 

It however said that new data have shown a positive trend that those furthest behind are moving up the fastest.
“We looked at data for a group of ten middle- and low-income countries and we found encouraging news that the bottom 40 percent were moving faster than the rest,” Sabina Alkire, OPHI Director, was quoted as saying, adding that there is: “A pro-poor pattern that reduces inequalities in several Sustainable Development Goals.”

The 2019 global MPI paints a detailed picture of poverty for 101 countries and 1,119 subnational regions covering 76 percent of the global population, going beyond simple income-based measures to look at how people experience poverty every day.

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Wednesday congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria for qualifying for the Semi finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the Semi finals of the 32nd edition of the tournament by beating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa by 2-1.

Governor Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu in Asaba on Wednesday commended the resilience of the Nigeria National side, adding that Deltans and Nigerians are fervently praying for the team to succeed in their quest to bring back the trophy home.

He commended the coaching crew and the NFF for ensuring that all necessary logistics were put in place to encourage the Eagles to defeat their South African counterparts.

The Governor urged the Eagles to remain focused and make the nation proud once again when they take on their next opponents in the semi final encounter.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State i congratulate you all for your success so far even as i urge you all to remain commited and focused as you approach your next opponent in the semi-final encounter.

“I have no doubt in mind that you will all remain committed as you prosecute the next match with same zeal and vigour as Nigerians are desirous to see you return home with the coveted trophy,” he added.

-From Blank NEWS Online Education Desk

Delta State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, has called on community vigilantes to partner with the state government in securing school facilities against vandals in public schools in the state.

The commissioner gave the charge when he inspected some public schools in Okpanam and Obomkpa towns on Wednesday, July 10, 2019.

Chief Ukah, who expressed his displeasure over the incessant rate of vandalisation in public schools, appealed for intensification of cooperation from the communities and their vigilante groups that will guarantee the security of educational facilities of schools in their respective communities.

He urged the communities to step up their game in protecting these school facilities in their areas as it has become a big challenge, which according to him, must be tackled with all seriousness as government had spent huge resources in providing the facilities.

The commissioner, who reiterated the state government’s commitment in developing the basic and secondary education sub sector in the state, stressed that the construction and renovation of public schools across the state is a demonstration of government interest in making the public schools in the state conducive for learning, while stating that the Okowa administration would continue to give priority attention to education as it played a very crucial role in the Stronger Delta agenda of the present administration.

The school heads of the various schools visited by the commissioner assured him they would continue to partner with the state government to ensure that the standard of education in the state is not compromised.

The schools visited by the commissioner during his inspection visit are Mgbala Primary school, Umebali Primary school, Oruchi Secondary school, Okpanam High School, all in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, and Obomkpa Mixed Secondary School, Obomkpa, Aniocha North Local Government Area.

FROM SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA

South-East Governors have denied allocating any portion of land in the region for the Ruga Fulani herdsmen settlement, even as they promised to tolerate herdsmen who carry out peaceful trade.

In a statement signed by the Director General of the South East Governors’ Forum, Prof. Uchenna Ortuanya, and was made available to our correspondent in Awka, said: “The attention of the South East Governors’ Forum has been drawn to the various attacks and campaign of calumny by our people alleging that governors of the South-East have secretly donated land for the Ruga programme being promoted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as approved by the National Economic Council (NEC).

“The fact remains that no South -East Governor has donated any land or intends to donate any land for any of the two programmes due to lack of enough land in the entire South -East.

“Governors of the South -East appreciate the fact that we have good and law abiding herdsmen who have been living with us. Some of them were even born here.

“We have been living in peace with them until recently when we started witnessing the invasion of our land, kidnapping of our people, killing of defenseless natives and the destruction of their farmlands.

“These herdsmen that have been living peacefully with us together with the natives have insisted that these evil now experienced in our land are the handiwork of herdsmen moving from other states into the South-East and most of the time, these herdsmen are not even Nigerians.

The Governors resolved: “They will not chase away herdsmen who are peaceful and have been living peacefully with us in the South-East.”

“We agreed with herdsmen living peacefully with us and the natives that the movement of cows into the southeast should be by road transportation using trailers to their specific cow markets.

“No more allowing foreign herdsmen to move their cattle by foot as this is the point of conflict with the farmers and natives.

“We do not have any land to donate for Ruga or NLTP programmes but we are committed to selling grass and by-product of our farms to support NLTP for states that have keyed into the programme.

“We believe that our brothers and sisters who are herdsmen deserve a better life and we commend Mr. President and the vice president for their good intentions in this direction. However, it must be emphasized that what Federal Government and NEC approved was NLTP and it is not compulsory for all the states but for any willing state that wants to participate in NLTP.

“We advise our kinsmen, women and indeed all Nigerians to please be careful with comments not to heat up the already charged state of Nigeria in this regard,” they stated.

FROM MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:

Flood victims from Isoko South local government area at the weekend, received relief materials from the state government and were disbursed by SEMA AND NEMA Officials at the local government council secretariat Oleh.

Anonymous beneficiary that witness the disbursement said, about 200 knapsack sprayers, agricultural chemicals (insecticides and herbicides) were distributed to farmers affected by the 2018 flood from various communities of Isoko South local government area.

According to the eye witness, the SEMA, NEMA team and Mrs. Omoefe that was in charge of Isoko South local government were assisted by officials of internally displaced persons from Emede camp, staff of ministry of Agriculture  and executive members of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) while disbursing the materials.

The source reveal that the distribution was orderly but trouble started when more preference was given to Iyede – Ame flood victims from Ndokwa East local government area even as about 65% of materials have been disbursed.

The flood victims that queued up for the materials became apprehensive when the list of farmers from Mrs. Omoefe became more favorable to persons from Iyede – Ame. Advice given to Mrs. Omoefe to write names of farmers present and compare to names in her list was turned down.

According to the eye witness, another list of farmers as compiled by AFAN chairman that had earlier received planting materials was made available for use but Mrs. Omoefe maintained that only flood victims from internally displaced persons camp are to benefit from the disbursement.

The farmers became more apprehensive as they burgled and destroyed the window of the store were the materials were kept and looted some of the items. The ministry of Agriculture staff immediately calls the security operatives to calm the situation.

The source noted that, Mrs. Omoefe handed over the remaining materials to Mr. Chindu, AFAN chairman to continue the disbursement and left in a hurry.

But sensing that the materials will not go round the farmers, hoodlums that mixed up with the farmers forced themselves into the store – house amidst fighting and carted away the remaining items even as police dispersed them with canister and many farmers and officials from ministry of Agriculture sustained various degrees of injuries.

When contacted, Mrs. Omoefe confirmed the disbursement and stated that she is not aware of materials stolen by hoodlums as she handed over to the AFAN chairman and left the scene. Omoefe noted that the disbursement was orderly and peaceful adding that her list was exhausted before she left.

By Charles Aniagwu 

“Greatness lies not in ruling a people, it lies in being the cause of happiness in their lives.” ― Abhijit Naskar

As Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa celebrates his Diamond jubilee, today (July 8, 2019), all attention is focused on a man who has given his all to create peace, happiness and progress for the people of Delta State and Nigerians in general. Gradually, the Governor is stepping into the elders club. As he ages, it is never a dull moment for a man who has spent the greater part of his life to render selfless service to humanity. Describing Okowa as a child of circumstances with a great destiny is like stating the obvious. It is often said that some were born great, while others achieved greatness. For Okowa, it is a combination of being born great and working hard to achieve greatness. 

To Okowa, the ideal celebration would not be to organize an elaborate feast, to bring friends and well-wishers together for a mother of all feasts. Doing so is not in his character. If there would be a get-together at all it would be with his immediate family as he has done in the last four years as the governor. Therefore, It’s only appropriate to seize the occasion of his birthday to examine his relentless work schedule that has benefited the state and provided prosperity for all Deltans in the last four years.

At 60, Dr. Okowa has garnered in that relatively old age, a record of achievements that is the envy of his peers. Born on July 8, 1959 to his Owa-Alero and Abavo parents in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas of Delta State Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. His aged father Pa Arthur Okowa who was recently installed as the Okpara-Uku of Owa-Alero and his beloved mother Mrs Victoria Okowa of blessed memory wouldn’t have imagined the great heights their then little child was destined for. But as Lydia Sweatt puts it, “Successful people don’t become that way overnight, it is the result of hard work and hustle over time”.

Dr. Okowa worked his way to success when he enrolled into Iroro Primary School, Owa-Alero, and later attended Edo College Benin between (1970-1976) and then went on to the prestigious University of Ibadan where he studied Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) degree where he graduated in 1981 at a record age of 22 years. After his National Youth Service Corps, Dr. Okowa started his working career with the Bendel State Hospitals Management Board as a Medical Officer and later entered private practice as Director, Victory Medical Centre, Igbanke in 1986.

Dr. Okowa began his political career as Secretary to the Ika Local Government and then pioneer Chairman of Ika North-East Local Government Council (1991–1993). He was Delta North Coordinator of the Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM). He joined the PDP in 1998, and assisted in Governor James Ibori’s campaign in 1998/1999. He served as a Commissioner in the Delta State government for Agriculture and Natural Resources (July 1999 – April 2001), Water Resources Development (April 2001 – May 2003) and Health (September 2003 – October 2006).

Okowa resigned to contest in the 2007 Delta State PDP governorship primaries, but did not win the governorship primaries. In June 2007, he was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government. Against all odds, he was elected Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in 2011. As senator in the seventh National Assembly, he was ranked among the best senators for sponsoring 10 bills, including the National Health Bill, a feat many acknowledged as ingenious, legendary and laudable despite his short stint in the red chamber. 

In April 2015, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa was elected Governor of Delta State and was inaugurated on May 29, 2019. His steady progress did not just start today, as those who know would not easily forget how he rode on the back of humility, through his professional and political career, to his present status as governor of Delta State.

As Governor, he met serious challenges but as Lydia Sweatt puts it again, “Sometimes we are tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths”, Governor Okowa showed his strength amid economic crunch occasioned by low crude oil prices, insecurity and destruction of oil installations and eventually economic recession. Despite all of these challenges, his administration through the Ministries of Works, Urban Renewal and the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, embarked on a total of 455 projects comprising 1,269.42 kilometres of roads and 517.34 kilometres of drainage channels. As at April 30 this year, 263 of these roads, covering 638.23 kilometres of roads and 295.71 kilometres of associated drains have been completed.

Beyond road construction, one of the major policy plank of the Okowa led administration is Wealth Creation. In the first term, the state government devoted substantial resources, time and energy to build a knowledge-based economy and a critical mass of skills for entrepreneurship and business competitiveness. Over 20,000 persons benefited from the flagship Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and similar programmes undertaken by the Ministries of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Commerce and Industry, Women Affairs as well as the Delta State Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency.

The last four years was also a period of economic boom for artisans, petty traders and suppliers in the construction industry. With the completion of the Asaba Township Stadium (now Stephen Keshi Stadium), which has been hosting international football matches and other games, the hospitality industry in Asaba witnessed an increased level of patronage and prosperity.

As a health professional, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa brought his wealth of experience to bear in the State’s health sector with Delta State becoming the first state in the country to commence Universal Health Coverage with the establishment of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission in February 2016. The Commission commenced healthcare service access to enrolees on the 1st of January 2017. As at May 15, 2019, the total number of enrolees stood at 530,664. Providing services under the scheme are 110 primary healthcare facilities, 65 secondary healthcare facilities and 52 private healthcare facilities spread across the 25 Local Government Areas in Delta State. Healthcare service access has also been provided to employees of the State at the Abuja and Lagos Liaison offices.

Because of his superlative performances as Governor, he was honoured as ‘Man of the year 2017’ by the Independent newspaper at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. The award was presented by Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua. He also won other awards including the NUPENG’s Award for Peace in recognition of his contributions to peaceful oil and gas exploration in the Niger Delta region. Silver bird Governor of the Year 2018, Independent Governor of the Year 2018, Vanguard Newspapers Governor of the Year 2018.

In 2017, he also bagged the highest award of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan-Nigeria as the Alumni of the year 2016, where he successfully delivered a lecture titled “Good Governance for Wealth Creation and Sustainable Development: Experience and Lessons” at the 2017 edition of University of Ibadan Alumni lecture organised by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association. In October, 2017 he was also confered with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka highest award as the Dignity of Man Award at the 57th Founders’ Day celebration of the university.

A man of great faith, enviable impacts and of flawless reputation, Governor Okowa was described as a man of unquestionable integrity by Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar due to his roles in organising credible PDP National Conventions that saw the emergence of Prince Uche Secondus as National Chairman of the party and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar emerging as Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP with other aspirants accepting the outcome of the conventions as most transparent and credible.

Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark in his goodwill message to mark the Governor’s 59th birthday anniversary, described him as a worthy ambassador of the upper legislative chamber. Senator Mark noted that Okowa’s silent revolution in terms of infrastructural development in Delta state is a testimony that he is effectively combining legislative and executive experiences to develop the oil rich state.

Looking back the past 60 years, his family and indeed his associates and admirers do have cause to be grateful to the Almighty God for having granted him a life of great accomplishments and abiding fulfilment.

Ekwueme (one who does what he says he will do) is his traditional title and for him, nobility of birth in a predominantly peasant milieu was more of a challenge than the comfort it provided. In fact, it was this outlook that has become the fulcrum on which his life and leadership style revolves. In Delta today, the citizens are rightly rich in expectations from the Okowa administration. This, in all honesty, is not unfounded because of his pedigree and passion for service.

Through consensus-building, thorny political issues have become free of tumult, acrimony and bad blood. This was made possible by Okowa’s calm persona on a very volatile system. By entrenching core values of selflessness and integrity, he has effectively earned the confidence and trust of his friends and foes alike. He has re-defined the concept of leadership and effective governance by effectively re-orientating the mindset of the political class to see politics as a call to service. 

As he clocks 60 years, his track-record in politics and in the leadership of Delta state sure sets him apart as a selfless and passionate leader who burns to put his state on the world developmental map. He detests waste because he is confronted daily by the lack that dots the socio-economic landscape of Delta State. That is why since he came into office, he requested that friends and well wishers should not place goodwill advertorials in the media. He rather urged them to convert such resources to assisting the needy. 

Okowa, a grandfather and a man of impeccable character and unassailable integrity is married to his beloved heartthrob and founder of the 05 Initiative, Her Excellency, Dame Edith Okowa. Their union is blessed with four children and three grand children. 

As this astute administrator celebrates his birthday today, I join other teeming Deltans and Nigerians to wish him a happy birthday and pray that God grant him more strength to lead a stronger Delta that will usher in better days for our people. 

Happy birthday sir! 

*Aniagwu is the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Okowa.

***PS Edafioghor Pledges Staff Support

The Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye, has charged the staff of the ministry to brace up for serious work in the second tenure of Governor Okowa administration.

Chief Augoye who resumed work in his office at exactly 8.50am on Friday, stated this when he was welcomed to the office by the Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff of the ministry in Asaba.

According to Chief Augoye, “The Ministry of Works is the window through which the governor showcases his work to the people of the state, saying, “The vision of Governor Okowa is to make the state Stronger and he expects more from the ministry.”

The commissioner who thanked Governor Okowa for reappointing him as the Commissioner for Works said, “The governor wants the urban and rural areas connected and it is through the ministry of works that he does achieve the purpose.”

He called on the staff to be ready to work harder and support him in this second tenure, saying that they may be call up to work even at the weekend.

Chief Augoye stated that in this second tenure there is going to be more regular and close supervision of projects to ensure that contractors keep to specifications and time line, saying that the governor is going to be judge by what the ministry has done.

The commissioner who revealed that in the first tenure of Governor Okowa, the ministry set for itself a target of constructing 2000km of roads but was able to do 1174km, stated that there is going to be a serious work because this is transition tenure.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Edafioghor had pledged the support of the staff to the commissioner to enable him function better in his second tenure as commissioner for Works.

Mr Edafioghor revealed that since the commissioner handed over on the 24^th of May 2019, not much had happened but that the DBS/Government House Water Sewer has been connected to the river and the governor could now sleep with his eyes closed without bordering about flood in that end.

In their separated interview, the Director, Highways, Mr Joshua Ebube and the Director Urban and Rural Roads, North, Dr (Mrs) Juliet Eboloje stated that the commissioner should consolidate on what he had done before to achieve more in this second tenure and also to continue in the training and retraining programmes for engineers which he introduced in his first tenure to refresh engineers of fresh ideals in the engineering field.

***Wants PDP NWC To Rescind Decision

The newly elected Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ndudi Elumelu has expressed shock over his alleged suspension from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).

The NWC under the leadership of Prince Uche Secondus had on Friday hinged its decision on the alleged refusal of Elumelu, and other PDP lawmakers to appear before the committee on Friday morning at the Wadata House. But the Minority Leader said he and his colleagues got the invitation to appear before the party late on Thursday by which time, he, the Deputy Minority Leader, the Minority Whip, the Deputy Minority Whip and all other lawmakers invited had travelled out of Abuja.

Even at that, Elumelu said out of the respect he has for the party, he instructed his Special Assistant to notify the party in writing, conveying their inability to honour the party’s invitation as directed. However, as obedient and loyal party members, the Minority Leader said they had asked the NWC for another date to appear before it only for the party to hastily suspend them, in flagrant contravention of the principles of fair hearing.

Hon Elumelu said he and his colleagues selected to lead the opposition parties in the House of Representatives didn’t contravene the laws regulating the selection of members into leadership positions and wondered why his party suspends them from the party they have strengthened over the years. 

The Minority Leader noted that their selection as leaders by their colleagues of the minority parties was in strict compliance with Order 7, Rule 8 of the House of Representatives. 

He said:    “As loyal party members, we had thought that the PDP NWC would have availed us the opportunity of fair hearing, robust and constructive engagements before taking such drastic action on elected representatives who have over years, strengthened and  protected the corporate interest of the party and Nigeria in general.

“We have become good ambassadors of the PDP and we don’t deserve this kind of treatment. Our alleged suspension negates the spirit and letter of fair hearing which is at the heart of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution and extant laws of the land. We love PDP and we are ready to meet with the party leadership as we have no other party to call our own than the PDP.

“We therefore call on the NWC to rescind its decision of suspending us, in the interest of the PDP, the National Assembly and Nigeria as a whole.”