The devastating fire in Paris occurred during Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar.

By Carol Kuruvilla

Parisians and onlookers around the world reacted in horror Monday as a fire ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral.

Parisians and onlookers around the world reacted in horror Monday as a fire ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral.

The blaze, which burned through two-thirds of the French cathedral’s roof and destroyed its iconic spire, was especially distressing to Christians because it occurred during Holy Week, the most sacred period on the Christian calendar. 

It is during this week that Christians commemorate the story of Jesus’ death on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. Typically, staff at Notre Dame would have been preparing to display the cathedral’s holy relics to pilgrims, CNN reports.

Instead, fire crews were working to save what they could of the roughly 850-year-old Gothic cathedral. On Monday evening, French officials said that the structure of the building had been preserved, including its two front towers. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Hundreds gathered in the nearby streets of Paris to sing hymns and pray as they watched the fire. The Catholic archbishop of Paris, Michel Aupetit, asked priests across France to ring their church bells to call people to pray for the cathedral. 

Ignacio Gil@Inaki_Gil

Ave Maria286K8:12 PM – Apr 15, 2019127K people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

The Vatican expressed shock and sadness over the “terrible fire” and described Notre Dame as a “symbol of Christianity in France and the world,” according to the Catholic news site Crux. 

In the U.S., Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the bishops were also shocked and saddened by the fire. “It has long been a symbol of the transcendent human spirit as well as our longing for God,” he said in a statement.

The Rev. James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor at large of the Catholic magazine America, wrote on Twitter that watching footage of the burning cathedral was “like watching a dear friend die.”

Notre Dame is one of the most popular tourist spots in Paris, receiving about 30,000 visitors every day and about 13 million per year, The New York Times reports. 

On social media, many people ― the famous and the not-so-famous ― posted photos of their own trips to the cathedral. Others shared regret that they hadn’t visited the historic church before this destruction.

Ulrich Janse van Vuuren✔@UlrichJvV

It’s unbelievably tragic how a structure that stood for nearly a thousand years through wars and plagues and revolution can be razed by a random fire in mere minutes. Nothing in this world is forever. #NotreDame 1,7508:57 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy444 people are talking about this

Stephen McGann✔@StephenMcGann

Oh poor, ancient, beautiful, wounded thing, in a city of light. The precious, fragile things that represent us are not invincible. Our past can turn to ash and darkness in an instant. Things fall apart. We must hold the cloistered centre closer to us. #NotreDame1,8978:51 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy334 people are talking about this

Marcus Smith✔@MarcusSmithKTLA

So sad… I was just at #NotreDame yesterday for #PalmSunday. I can’t believe I saw this magnificent piece of history standing as we knew it less than 24 hours before it burned down. People here in London are emotional, in shock and disbelief. #NotreDameCathedral #Paris1,9119:29 PM – Apr 15, 2019564 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Glow@GlowyellowsReplying to @Glowyellows

I’m no longer a practicing Catholic but I am a huge fan of art and culture. Watching this fire devastate this over 800 year old building made me cry. Regardless of what it represents its an architectural master peace and the fact that I may never see it in person breaks my heart1558:17 PM – Apr 15, 201949 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Daniel Newmaη✔@DanielNewman

The #NotreDame was such a landmark of my youth living in Paris for many years! So many memories at Notre Dame. I hope everyone is safe! So much history lost. J’aime la France Shiv Aroor✔@ShivAroorNo words. The #NotreDame in Paris. 9038:06 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy223 people are talking about thisView image on Twitter

Johnny Weir✔@JohnnyGWeir

I am so heartbroken for Paris and our world to lose such an incredible monument to faith and beauty. #NotreDame1,6827:44 PM – Apr 15, 2019413 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Patrick Galey✔@patrickgaley

I’ve lived in Paris for years, and I always felt a little “touristy” every time I stopped and took a photo of #NotreDame. Now I’m grateful for every single one1,1018:07 PM – Apr 15, 2019 · Paris, France209 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Jenny Rae Rappaport@jennyrae

Look, I’m not Catholic, at all & my heart is breaking over the fire. Notre Dame is gorgeous, both inside and out. So here, have some photos that I took there six years ago, because photos are proof that things were there and that THEY MATTERED. #NotreDame1047:09 PM – Apr 15, 201940 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacyView image on Twitter

𝑇𝑤𝑜𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑤𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠@02strawberries

When a piece of art dies, each of us has the right to be affected. So each of us has the right to feel burned by the flames that have flared up tonight in Paris. That’s the greatness and power of art: it belongs to no one—it belongs to every single person who loves it.#NotreDame5,70910:13 PM – Apr 15, 20192,079 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Be A King✔@BerniceKing

Praying for the 400+ firefighters battling the fire at #NotreDame. Praying for the city of Paris. Praying for our world. “Let the Church [believers in Christ seeking to be vessels for Christ’s love, grace and justice] rise from the ashes.” #Resurrection #Revolution #Redemption1,89110:05 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy298 people are talking about this

Hillary Clinton✔@HillaryClinton

My heart goes out to Paris. Notre Dame is a symbol of our ability as human beings to unite for a higher purpose—to build breathtaking spaces for worship that no one person could have built on their own. I wish France strength and shared purpose as they grieve and rebuild.150K8:14 PM – Apr 15, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy24K people are talking about this

Bill Clinton✔@BillClinton

Mourning the Notre Dame fire with the French and people around the world. I first visited the cathedral 50 years ago this June. I was in awe then and every time I visited it after that. Vive la 13.6K12:12 AM – Apr 16, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy1,445 people are talking about thisView image on Twitter

Barack Obama✔@BarackObama

Notre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can.521K9:25 PM – Apr 15, 2019107K people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Michelle Obama✔@MichelleObama

The majesty of Notre Dame—the history, artistry, and spirituality—took our breath away, lifting us to a higher understanding of who we are and who we can be. Being here in Paris tonight, my heart aches with the people of France. Yet I know that Notre Dame will soon awe us again.Barack Obama✔@BarackObamaNotre Dame is one of the world’s great treasures, and we’re thinking of the people of France in your time of grief. It’s in our nature to mourn when we see history lost – but it’s also in our nature to rebuild for tomorrow, as strong as we can.

Authorities said Monday night that the main structure of the building was saved, despite earlier concerns all was lost.

Authorities responded to a massive fire at Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral on Monday that spread rapidly through the historic monument, toppling its spire and appearing to spread inside one of its two towers.

Firefighters responded to the scene around 7 p.m. local time on Monday, HuffPost France reported.

While authorities feared in the fire’s early hours that the entire historic monument could be destroyed, city officials confirmed around 11 p.m. local time that the main structure was “saved and preserved.”

By early Tuesday morning, Paris firefighters said in a tweet that it took nearly 400 firefighters more than nine hours to extinguish the blaze. Two police officers and a firefighter were slightly injured. 

“The next hours will be difficult,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron said earlier in an address to the crowd gathered outside the cathedral. “But thanks to [the firefighters’] courage, the facade has not been damaged.”

He added that there will be a national effort toward making the repairs.

“We will rebuild Notre Dame, because it’s what the French people expect,” he said. “It’s what our history deserves. It’s our profound destiny.”

The gravity of the fire is still to be determined, but firefighters said the blaze began in the cathedral’s attic. About two-thirds of the building’s roof was destroyed.

The fire is “potentially linked” to renovation work in the building, firefighters told Agence France-Presse.

Several online videos captured the monument’s towering spire collapsing as onlookers gasped from down below. Later videos at the scene captured firefighters shooting water into one of the cathedral’s two front towers where flames appeared to be glowing inside.

As the religious monument burned into the night, Pierre Tremblay, a reporter withHuffPost France in Paris, described watching ashes fall from the sky over hundreds of people as they cried in silence.

La flèche de Notre-Dame vient de s’effondrer sous les exclamations horrifiées des gens #NotreDame pic.twitter.com/kfLNt7rhsZ— Wladimir Garcin-Berson (@vladogb) April 15, 2019

“The atmosphere was the same as after a terror attack. A lot of tourists but more Parisians than usual in this neighborhood,” he said.

One video posted on Twitter showed a group of people somberly singing as flames lit up the sky in the distance.

Ave Maria pic.twitter.com/lb6Y5XV05a— Ignacio Gil (@Inaki_Gil) April 15, 2019

Earlier, when the fire’s reach was still uncertain, a spokesperson for the cathedral expressed concern that the destruction would be beyond repair.

“Everything is burning. The framework, which dates from the 19th century on one side and the 13th century on the other, there will be nothing left,” the spokesman André Finot told Le Monde. “We have to see if the vault, which protects the cathedral, will be affected or not.”

Laurent Nuñez, secretary of state of the interior, told AFP at the time that it was “not a given” that they would be able to save Notre Dame.

“The firefighters are battling this fire with 18 fire hoses, from the outside and also the inside, to try to save this building, which at this time is not a given,” he said.

According to Le Monde, first deputy to the mayor Emmanuel Grégoire said on local station BFM TV that they have begun working “to try to save all the works of art that can be [saved.]” 

Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, said officials had saved several prominent artifacts from the cathedral’s collection that had been safeguarded for centuries. Hidalgo noted that the Crown of Thorns, a religious item referred to as Notre Dame’s “most revered object,” was rescued alongside the Tunic of Saint Louis and other treasures.

Merci aux @PompiersParis, aux policiers et aux agents municipaux qui ont réalisé ce soir une formidable chaîne humaine pour sauver les œuvres de #NotreDame. La couronne d’épines, la tunique de Saint Louis et plusieurs autres œuvres majeures sont à présent en lieu sûr. pic.twitter.com/cbrGWCbL2N— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) April 15, 2019

“Thanks to the @PompiersParis, the police and the municipal agents,” Hidalgo wrote, according to a translation of her tweet. “The Crown of Thorns, the Tunic of Saint Louis and several other major works are now in a safe place.”

#NotreDame on fire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2o6fdFmLbC— Liam Taylor (@LiamMTaylor) April 15, 2019

Macron postponed a major speech Monday evening due to the incident and arrived at the site in person. In a Twitter message, he said he shared the country’s emotions amid the flames.Subscribe to The Morning Email.Wake up to the day’s most important news.

“Like all our compatriots, I am sad tonight to see this part of us burning,” he stated.

BREAKING NEWS: Huge fire reported at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.pic.twitter.com/7S0klvLkmn— Breaking News Feed (@pzf) April 15, 2019

Construction on the medieval Catholic cathedral, famous for its French Gothic architecture, began in 1163, making parts of it 856 years old, according to Notre Dame’s website.

The cathedral faced substantial damage and plunder during the French Revolution in the 1790s. In the 1800s, it underwent a 25-year restoration that recreated the original glass and sculptures and added a reconstruction of the original spire. That spire collapsed Monday.

In the 1900s, the cathedral again went through several rounds of restoration, including after World War II, to replace medieval glass damaged by bullets. 

Close up shot of the #NotreDame on fire. Horrible. 😔 (AFP) pic.twitter.com/Vtdm1cfiGx— Anthony (@alloveranthony) April 15, 2019

Approximately 13 million visitors per year visit the monument, which does not charge admission. Financial efforts to restore and preserve the church have been underway for some time amid concerns that it is eroding and crumbling.

Such restoration efforts led to last week’s removal of several copper statues representing the 12 apostles and four evangelists from the church’s spire. The statues were being sent to southwest France as part of a $6.8 million renovation project, The Associated Press reported.

Michel Picaud, president of the group Friends of Notre-Dame, which was behind philanthropic efforts to finance part of the renovations, told Le Monde that renovations on the church were expected to last about a decade and would be financed largely by the state for 150 million euros, or approximately $170 million.

“Our program of fundraising had 10 million euros in donations, of which 3.8 million were dedicated at the end of 2018 to renovate the spire. The whole world gives for Notre Dame, notably the Americans, who give practically as much as the French,” Picaud said.

In addition to the spire collapsing, the cathedral’s belfry, where the bells are housed, has been damaged. The condition of the bells was not immediately known, he said. 

“Some works of art were able to be evacuated, but we’ll have to start everything over again, and that’s heartbreaking,” Picaud said. “We’re fighting to restore this magnificence, and all of our efforts were just destroyed in a few hours.”

Gallet, the commander general of the Paris Fire Brigade, expressed particular concern about the cathedral’s massive bells to reporters at the scene.

“If the bell falls, it’s the tower that collapses. There are firefighters inside and outside. The next hour and a half will be crucial,” he said, according to CNN.

Audrey Azoulay, director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, which designated the cathedral a World Heritage Site in 1991, said her organization is standing by to aid France amid the historical tragedy.

“UNESCO is closely monitoring the situation and is standing by France’s side to safeguard and restore this invaluable heritage,” she tweeted.

U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and first lady Melania Trump were among those expressing condolences on Twitter.

So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Perhaps flying water tankers could be used to put it out. Must act quickly!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 15, 2019

Notre Dame is an iconic symbol of faith to people all over the world – and it is heartbreaking to see a house of God in flames. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighters on the scene and all the people of Paris. https://t.co/5Pecbf02em— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) April 15, 2019

My heart breaks for the people of Paris after seeing the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral. Praying for everyone’s safety.— Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) April 15, 2019

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council has raised the alarm over the return of roadblocks mounted in Delta State by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammad Abubakar Adamu, to explain if Delta State is exempted from the ban on roadblocks on Nigerian highways.

The union in condemning the trend as ugly wondered if the ban on roadblocks by the Inspector Geneŕal of Police (IGP) exempted Delta State, stressing that the situation showcases the state as unsafe to visitors and would be investors.

According to a statement issued by the council, it described the roadblocks as instrument of extortion and harassment, adding that the practice had subjected Deltans and motorists plying roads in Delta State to untold hardship, intimidation and unwarranted delays, sometimes arrest.

The council, in the statement endorsed by its Chiarman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Secretary, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, accused the policè personnel on patrol of operating under the guise of staging nipping points for routine checks to mount road block.

” We are at a crossroad as to whether Delta State is exempted from the ban on road blocks. We cannot see why the police personnel under Delta Command will flagrantly flout the order of the IGP pretending to be staging nipping points for routine checks whereas what we see on ground are full blown roadblocks for distorting smooth flow of traffic, intimidation, extortion and unwarranted arrests” the statement said.

Continuing, the statement adds: “A journey from Warri to Agbor alone has over 10 road block. From Koko Junction to Effurun Roundabout we have over eight roadblocks. What are they all checking? It is uncalled for, they should fashion out better ways to track down criminals rather than subject innocent people to untold hardship continuously.”

“It is worrisome to say that police in Delta State now carry lower denominations of our currency to make change handy at checkpoints to facilitate the illegal acts and any attempt by motorists to disobey parting with stipulated amount, usually attracts intimidation, harassment, undue delay and possible arrest. This act also takes place in the capital city of Asaba where the Police Headquarters is situated.”

The council called on the State Commissioner of Police to put his officers on patrol in check before the trend snowballs into a crisis situation.

END

The Delta state governorship election tribunal petition against incumbent governor and governor-elect of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa by the All Progressives Congress (APC), and it’s governorship candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru would be struck out easily.

An aide to the governor, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe said this following reports that the tribunal has granted Ogboru permission for substituted service.

He said that Ogboru lacks the “locus standi” in the first place to bring the petition against Okowa’s re-election.

The Executive Assistant on Communications to the Governor hinged his argument on the subsisting court orders contained in the ruling of Justice Toyin Adegoke of the Federal High Court Asaba as well as the Victor Ochei instituted case by Justice Nnamdi Dimkpa, which nullified the 2019 primaries and election victory of candidates produced by the Jones Erue faction of the APC.

According to him,, “as it is today Ogboru is not known to law as the 2019 governorship candidate of APC in the state. The doors of the tribunal must be shut against the petitioner and all other candidates presented for elective positions by Erue’s faction.”

He contended that to have a “cause of action”, the legal rights must exist and the petitioner must establish that he or she is directly affected by the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so as to enjoy the legal principle of fair hearing.

“Therefore, Ogboru stand to be treated as a ‘political leper’ and ‘candidate not known to law’ by the election tribunal and reasonably deserves nothing but outright denial of right of fair hearing.

.”Its laughable for Ogboru to file petition at the tribunal challenging the results of the election after a court of competent jurisdiction nullified his candidacy occasioned by illegal primaries which was conducted by a non existent Erue party exco as clearly stated in the ruling of my Lord, Justice Adegoke.

“Ogboru’s candidacy is not known to law based on the Court subsisting orders declaring the Cyril Ogodo faction as the legitimate and authentic state exco of APC in Delta State, and subsequently declared the election victory of all candidates presented by Erue faction for the 2019 general elections null and void and of no effects whatsoever.

“It is the law that Ogboru lacks locus standi to file a petition referring to himself or APC referring to him as the 2019 governorship candidate of APC in Delta State, because the court orders contained in the judgment are valid and subsisting since no appeal has been filed, heard and determined in the matter”, the statement added.

The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the 2019 governorship election in Delta State has yet to serve the incumbent governor and governor-elect, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa with election petition.

The petition marked, EPT/DT/GOV/01/2019 was however delivered by a substituted service granted the 1st and 2nd petitioners, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru and the All Progressives Party, after series of alleged evasiveness by the first respondent, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to personally receive the petition as reported by the petitioners to the tribunal.

Chief Great Ogboru, Delta State APC gubernatorial candidate in the March 9, 2019 governorship election, is amongst others, challenging the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the election tribunal holden in Asaba.

The suit filled by the APC candidate has Governor Okowa as the 1st respondent while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC are the 2nd and 3rd respondents respectively.

The petition revealed that, the chairman of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in the state, Hon. Justice Suleiman Belgore granted an order for substituted service of the petitioner petition No. EPT/DT/GOV/01/2019 dated 25/3/19, filed on 31/3/19.

At the tribunal proceedings on Friday, April 12, 2019, upon reading the Motion Ex Parte and the Affidavit deposed to the court by a close associate of the APC gubernatorial candidate and after hearing the submissions of TieTie Esq. counsel to the Petitioners, Justice Suleiman Belgore ruled that, “It is hereby ordered that the 1st respondent, Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa be served the petition and other processes by substituted means to wit: service through the secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (P.D.P), Delta State Chapter, Asaba or through any officer in his office.”

Meanwhile, Chief Obi Nzeteh, Secretary, Delta State PDP, could not confirm the status of the petition as he declined comments.

The wife of the Governor and Founder O5 Initiative has lauded the speaker and members of the Delta state House of Assembly for passing the Sickle cell bill into law.

In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the wife of the state Governor, Mrs Alicia Dominic-Okobi, Dame Okowa said the bill will spur the O5 Initiative to do more for
Sickle Cell challenged persons and breaking the myth surrounding the sickle cell disorder.

The Governor’s wife said Sickle Cell is not a death sentence and enjoined those living with the disorder to remain positive as better days had come.

Dame Okowa called on well meaning individuals, civil society groups and faith based organizations to remain supportive to parents and caregivers of Sickle Cell challenged persons and join in the fight against the disorder.

Recall that Dame Okowa, through her pet project, 05 Initiative, has established sickle cell clinics in nearly all local government area of Delta state.

The Delta State Election Petitions Tribunal, says it has received a total of fifty one petitions arising from the 2019 National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

The Tribunal Secretary, Barrister Ahmed Gusau, stated this in a chat with newsmen in Asaba.

Barrister Gusau said one petition was filed against the State Governor-elect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, by Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who was his major opponent in the election.

He disclosed that four petitions were filed for the senatorial election, two against Senator James Manager of the PDP, one against Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the APC and one against Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

The Tribunal Secretary added that nine petitions were filed for the House of Representatives election, while thirty seven came from House of Assembly candidates against the winners of the election.

MEMBERS of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) have said the topic, MANAGING POST-ELECTION CHALLENGES: Nigeria As Case Study, chosen for discussion at the first Maris Annual Lecture is “apt, relevant to strengthen peace and unity of Delta State and Nigeria in general.”Chairman of the Asaba  Correspondent Chapel of the Union, Comrade Paul Osuyi who assured members of Maris Trust Council,  that Journalists will partner with them to give adequate publicity to the lecture, emphasised that it was important to take critical examination of how Nigeria can move on after the elections.Comrade Osuyi who spoke when he met with representatives of Maris Trust Council in Asaba today (01/04/19), said, “lecture of this kind is very relevant, topical and always welcomed as it will give Nigerians, especially, those who participated in the elections the opportunity to come together and discuss.”“As a union, we commend the Maris Trust Council for being proactive in organising an event that will strengthen our democracy, bring the people together to heal wounds ahead of the inauguration of new government on May 29, 2019,” Comrade Osuyi said.He added, “be rest assured that the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ will partner with Maris Trust Council in ensuring the success of the lecture; the topic is relevant; the Guest Lecturer, Chief Williams Makinde is well known in the political, media, academic and administrative cycles; the choice of the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nicholas Chizea, a respected Chief and credible personality is commendable; the Mother of the Day, Chief (Mrs) Josephine Ada Kachikwu was well selected; we know Maris with the Catholic doctrines, so, getting Very Rev. Father John Konyeke as Spiritual Father of the Day was expected.”“From the list of an array of personalities selected to discuss the topic, we are confident that you are bound to set agenda for Nigeria, especially those who conduct the elections and all of us who are involved in the electoral process; we shall be there to report the event because, it is a good partnership that will yield results; we commend all those who are involved in ensuring the success of the lecture and we pray that God will make it a success,” Comrade Osuyi stated.Earlier, Comrade Fidelis Egugbo, Secretary of Maris Trust Council had told Comrade Osuyi and members of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ that it was important to unveil the lecture to them as they will be key partners in ensuring that the message gets to all Nigerians including those in the diaspora.According to Egugbo, “my dear colleagues, most of us are aware that the Maris Trust Council is organising the first Maris Annual Lecture; we are happy with the publicity given to the press release issued at the weekend.”“The 2019 general elections are over and as Nigerians, organisations, the question that came to mind was, what do we do before May 29?  A meeting was held and the Chairman of the Trust Council,  Chief Kenneth Olise Ph.D endorsed the topic for the annual lecture which is, MANAGING POST-ELECTION CHALLENGES: Nigeria As Case Study and commended the Governor of Delta State for providing the enabling environment for Deltans to develop their potentials and contribute to the growth of the state; the lecture was designed to calm frayed nerves, and engender a peaceful environment ahead of the inauguration of new government on May 29, 2019. The lecture will take place at the Orchid Hotel, Asaba from 12 noon,” Comrade Egugbo disclosed, adding, “we appreciate the roles Journalists play in ensuring stable polity; as colleagues, we are all aware of the story behind Maris; we give God the glory for giving us the strength, the means, including the right set of people like you to do what we are doing for Maris; we plead that you give us the necessary publicity as we move forward, because, this is the first lecture in the series that will be held annually by the grace of God.“

On February 23, 2019, Nigerians across various parts of the country trooped out in their numbers, to their different polling units, and elected a President and Lawmakers that will represent them in the 9th National Assembly. These lawmakers include 109 senators from 36 states each divided in 3 senatorial districts and one from the Federal Capital Territory. Also, 360 members of the House of Representatives representing Federal Constituencies from their States. Those elected will replace members of the outgoing 8th Assembly Senate and House of Representatives.
A quick look into the 8th National Assembly, which is winding up gradually, particularly the Senate. This Assembly will be fondly remembered for its various controversies. Ranging from controversy that trailed the election of its principal officers, invasion of the Senate chamber by thugs who stole its mace allegedly led by Senator Omo-Agege, and mass defection of members to the opposition Party, including the president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki; Corruption charges levied against members of the Senate; the dramas of the likes of Senator Dino Melaye and lots more.
The better parts of their stay in the Senate was literally spent in frequenting courtrooms and being docked, while some of them were held in custody of law enforcement agencies, answering questions that bothered on their misdemeanour.
The 9th Senate, might not be devoid of these controversies that trailed the 8th Assembly, as about 10% of of its members are still facing major corruption charges, with some already being prosecuted. The list includes former governors and other public officials.
Away from all these, the tussle for the exalted seat of the Senate Presidency is getting intense, and gathering tumultuous momentum; the race is getting more competitive, contenders have left their marks and a lot of permutations, calculations and lobbying is being done by keenly interested parties. There is a forceful yet delicate ‘mad rush’ by several senators to possess the coveted seat, no doubt instigated by the prestige and incentives attached to it than the weighty encumbrances of loyalty and statesmanship it places on the occupant.
No matter the race, one thing is clear, the Senate needs a presiding officer who has an extra-ordinary clout and virtues needed for its leadership. Not just this, the individual must be well respected and largely free from corruption charges.
With a succession line of 13 former Presidents, the Red Chamber, as the Senate is fondly called must ensure the controversies that soiled the 8th Assembly, is ultimately avoided in the next gathering of 109 lawmakers that would be deliberating on behalf of the nation as a whole.
The Senate Presidency, is undoubtedly next in line in our democracy to the exalted position of the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, as the zenith in the legislative arm of government. It is therefore logical that a lot of attention is being drawn to who would take-over from the President of the 8th Assembly, Senator Bukola Saraki who lost his bid to return to the senate in the just concluded General elections.
There is a compelling need for caution in deciding how this important position should be filled and who is most suitable among those jostling for recognition, against the despicable experience of bitterness coupled with betrayals of all sorts which virtually halted the reign of APC in the country.
The President of the Senate is the presiding officer of the Senate, whose chief function is to guide and regulate the proceedings in the Senate. The Senate President is third in the Nigerian presidential line of succession. He is assisted by the Deputy President of the Senate. An indeed, coveted but uneasy position, not meant for lucky jesters or prank players, who found their way into the Senate. He must be devoid of corruption, must be loyal to our democracy and must possess all leadership qualities required to sail the ship to safe landing.
Chief among these contenders, is the present Majority Leader of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, whose role in saving the Senate and indeed his party, All Progressive Congress, APC, from total disintegration will be difficult to ignore in considering candidates for the next senate presidency. He exhibited impressive pedigree as one of the most experienced top-ranking senators, with an impeccable record of service and high moral standing; little wonder his colleagues call him the “Legislative Encyclopaedia”. Political Analysts have said that Senator Ahmed Lawan will be a fit for the role of the Senate president, who can be compared to the spick-and-span President Buhari, who has no corruption charges against him.
Truly, if the ultimate goal of the APC, in choosing Saraki’s successor, is to restore the Senate’s global and local respect, peace and harmonious relationship between the executive and the National Assembly, especially the Senate, and delivering good governance while upholding party supremacy, Ahmed Lawan comes highly recommended. He would prove himself as a loyalist and provide excellent leadership at the most difficult times without losing the respect of his colleagues or the APC party executives.
The leadership qualities, experience and capacity acquired by Ahmed Lawan, who represents the All Progressive Congress in the Yobe North Constituency of Yobe State, since 2007 qualifies him highly for Presidency of the Senate. Additionally, considering Ahmed Lawan’s geo-political zone which delivered APC ‘s massive votes at the Presidential elections, it is only ethically right to promote Ahmed Lawan to the post of a senate president.
Recall that, his excellent leadership qualities came to the fore during the trying times in the Senate, when he was nationally applauded as a bridge builder and most capable of restoring the dignity and repositioning the senate with the depth of his legislative knowledge and experience.
While most of his colleagues are being tried by various law enforcement agencies, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, who has been in the Red Chamber for 12 years now, has never been invited or tried in any court of law by any security or law enforcement agency for allegation of any corrupt practice. The senate should consider this, especially at a time that its public image is in its bleakest stage.
With the advantage of age on his side, being neither too young nor too old to rule the Senate, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan,  born in 1959, received a bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Maiduguri, a Master’s degree in Remote Sensing from Ahmadu Bello University and a Doctorate degree in Remote Sensing/GIS. from Cranfield University, UK, is known for his fearless roles in the Senate. Lawan, in August 2009, spoke against the proposed Kafin Zaki Dam.
Truly, if the ninth Assembly would succeed in its primary duties, it will need a thorough sanitation by a highly experienced Legislator like Senator Lawan, who has not lost his confidence, respect and integrity in the course of National duty.

The Management of Delta Force Football Club of Asaba will tomorrow unveil its players to the media and the public ahead of its debut in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League.

         The Delta Ambassadors who are expected to make their debut on Sunday at the Steven Keshi International Stadium when they tackle visiting Go-Round Football Club of Omoku, Rivers State will be unveiling the players at three in the afternoon at the Media Center, Steven Keshi International Stadium before unveiling the team to the public at the main bowl of the Steven Keshi Stadium Asaba.

          The Chief Executive Officer of the Club, Mr. Emanuel Chidi-Okonkwo said the team will be playing under flood light as the match against Go-Round will kick off at six in the evening with the gates thrown open to football fans in the capital city and environs.

          Mr. Chidi-Okonkwo said the team which is currently placed fifth believes in the power of the twelfth man therefore has urged the teeming football fans within and outside Asaba to turn out in their numbers to cheer the Delta Ambassadors to victory.

          He assured fans of exciting football display as Olympic Eagles invitee, and diminutive winger Anayo Iwuala, defence stalwarts Fabian Okorie, Pascal Eze, former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim and veteran Nigeria Professional Football League campaigner, Zaka among other players have assured that they would give the fans something to cheer even as they go for the maximum three points.

          Mr. Chidi-Okonkwo also urged the fans to support the team in their quest to retain their Nigeria Professional Football League status asserting that the team was still work in progress and will be aiming to bring continental football to the capital city next season.

-By Azua ALONU:

Do you think we are enveloped by what professor Wole Soynika called a cloud of sadness by the death of our loving Icon. No. Certainly not at the ripe age of ninety seven when he has emptied himself into our minds. Todd Henry, the author of Die Empity would have added Gabriel Okara to the list of those who died empty.
Gabriel Okara died emptying all that God gave to him on us before he took a triumphant bow
Okara did not live a modern life in which we fill our days with activities that do not bloom, prattling on our electronic devices all days without any definite deadline being met.
He utilized his life leaving with us a huge body of work. Our tomorrow will always be aglow with the flame of his work and the light that they emit.

“ Tell the truth and stand by it” That was what Gabriel Okara’s Father told him in the town of Bomadi on the bank of the River nun- the famed river that became one of his sources of his writings. It was this truth that became his guiding philosophy. He pursued truth, stood by truth and was ready to die for truth as his father told him to do.
But there are many words that will make us unleash our best every day in our lives, that the renowned poet, novelist and play write have for us the living. He said “if you want anything good in life trust God to guide you. Work as God directs you. If evil tries to make an entrance just kick it out like a football” He told Kim Shippey, a senior Writer of Christian Science Sentinel in 2011 “There is only one way to go – upward” His optimism about life was in infectious even at his ripe age. He was about ninety when he said there is still up to go. A class taught Christian scientist, his devotion to God was unbending, he does not belong to the class of writers who worship their intellects. He said “I depend on God to direct my thinking and outcome God is around me always at the back of my consciousness. Before I write a line I pause to remind myself that God is the source of all good, all wisdom, all excellence, so whatever I am doing I know that the inspiration comes direct from him.
The bible for Okara has been an invaluable source of inspiration. For him the bible gives one the discipline and breath that makes your crush the stubborn illusion that we are impregnable in our robust intellect. That is not to say that he has no other influence. Naturally he has a big library which he said he lost during the Nigerian civil war (1967 – 70). He said “I felt the loss, yes but spiritually not at all.
For him spirituality is a key to life. It does not mean that a spiritual premise discount what is real in life but it promotes discernment that makes you have a better perception and sense of clarity.
Okara wrote and published many books of friction, including his volume of poetry. He was a man committed to literature and intense interest made him to mentor so many people. He said of literature “its just bubbling every where- among boys and girls, they can’t wait to be poets and novelist. Take a sample of one of his poems “once upon a time”
“I have learned to laugh with only my teeth
And shake hands without my heart
I have also learned to say “Goodbye”
When I mean Good riddance
To say Glad to meet you
Without being glad and to say “ it’s been nice talking to you after being bored’
In his poems, novels, plays and other form of his writings, all sort of wise nuggets bristled, enriching our minds and making the most tremendous impact. We have courageous word of defiance that makes the timorous to pick up the gaunt let for battle. He has lines that comfort the grief and verse that the cripple will read and his muscles will come alive.
Felix Houphouet- Boigny, former president of Code’voir (former Ivory Coast) may have said “ Man has gone to the moon, but he does not yet know how to make a flower, a tree, or a bird song’ But he should know that writers may have not created tree but they write words, song, poetry, stories that give life.
Gabriels Okara did with his writing. He has written in all the genere of literature but most remember him for his novels the voice which has remain a classic and would continue to commend and elicit commendation and critical praise.
Some have argued that it is his poetry that has made the most impact. You are free to pick and choose.
Event at ninety-six, last year, he took time off to come to Yenagoe to join Prof Wole Soyinka and J P Clerk-Bekedereme when the Beyelsa Government hosted Wole Soyinka- in spite of his abridge mobility and fragile health he climbed the platform, helped by Wole Soyinka and other guest who were anxious to see him.
When your work goes beyond you in great acclaim, you will carry the burden in spite of your age to come and meet audiences when they itch to see you flesh and blood – if nothing to see the being that crafted what they enjoy in the privacy of their rooms. The readers do not care about their dying heroes for they will prefer to witness his death is one celebratory convocation.
Gabriel Okara is for me one of the greatest writers the world has ever produced because of his literature that has morality as eternal plank. We celebrate his passage. He has fought a good fight in the battle field of the world with his literary work. Our memory and history, he has enriched ,our literature he has made alive and has equipped us to fight on as he departs

*Azua Alonu is Vice Chairman,
Delta Literary Forum Asaba

BY MICHAEL EKOKORUWE

Professor Benjamin Okaba, Director Institute of Foundation Studies Federal University, Otuoke Bayelsa State, has dismissed online report by Sahara reporters alleging that ‘Governing Council sacks, slams DELSU provost with 5 months suspension over financial misappropriation and assault’.

Okaba while reacting to the online publication said, “I left the Delta State University Abraka to Federal University Otuoke, in January 2017 voluntarily with my salary pay slips up to the time I left the services of DELSU”. He noted that DELSU registrar’s report on his voluntary withdrawer/transfer of service bears eloquent testimony that he was never sacked as wrongly stated by the online publication.

He maintained that, there was no case of sexual harassment or assault of Mr. Ezekiel Otuye that was made against him, emphasizing that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Security Services (S.S.S) carried out full scale investigation into the allegation of financial impropriety for which he was relieved of administrative appointment as the provost of Oleh campus in November 2015, found him not guilty.

Okaba said, a circular referenced ICPC/BO/INV/T.A/24 by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission completely exonerated him of all the allegations of fraud/financial impropriety as provost of Oleh campus Delta State University, Abraka. According to Okaba, other false accusation of having offered a Ph.D admission to one Mrs. Mukuro of the Department of Nursing, Delta State University Abraka was wrong.

Professor Okaba explained that, he was also wrongfully accused of having awarded a contract to an ex – councilor of Isoko South local government area when he was provost of Oleh campus, noting that a panel headed by professor D.F.Tom dismissed the false allegation when he ascertained that at the time when Mrs. Mukoro admission was being processed in 2009, he was not a staff of DELSU.

He urged Sahara reporters to cross check facts on the above explanation and make appropriate correction as he will not seek the downfall of people or organization no matter the level of provocation, adding that he is currently enjoying the peace of the Lord at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

-From Albert OGRAKA:

In what many described as display of compassion and love, wife of Delta state governor, Dame Edith Okowa, has received the quintuplet born on January 28, 2019 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba.

The five babies who are all girls according to seniority are Chibuzor, Chioma, Chidinma, Chineye and Chinelo. At birth they weighed 1.15, 0.9, 1.25, 1.1 and 1.2 respectively and at date of discharge they weighed 2.2, 2.05, 2.5, 2.15 and 2.1 respectively.

The mother of the children, Mrs Pascaline Onyejekwu, who was rushed to the FMC from Nnewi, Anambra state, was immediately wheeled to the theatre where a caesarian session was carried out, but she gave up the ghost after the babies were delivered safely.

The deseased mother of the quintuplet is an indigene of Enugu state while the husband is an indigene of Imo state and both resident in Nnewi, Anambra state. The woman, Pascaline Onyejekwu, was a clothes seller at Onitsha market while the husband is an electrician.

Chief medical director of the hospital, Victor Osiatuma, who revealed that the babies were in the hospital for 54 days, noted that through divine intervention, the governor’s wife took over the welfare of the children without a mother.

“From January 28 to March 22, 2019, the children were in the hospital being taken care of by the hospital nurses while the bill was in the hands of the governor’s wife. They were in the hospital for 54 days before they were discharged on Friday, March 22.”

Dame Okowa, who while commending the management of FMC, said: “I like the management of this hospital. They took the woman without a dine paid. God will bless FMC. Today, we are doing God’s will. The children are leaving to where we built for them until their father is ready to pick them.”

She pleaded with the hospital management to send, on a daily basis, a nurse, to take care of the children at the home furnished for them by the 05 Initiative, assuring that “The children will grow and have favour with God because they have come into the hands of God.”

The governor’s wife paid over N600, 000 before the children were discharged from the hospital.

Father of the quintuplets, a 29 years old Kingsley Onyejekwu, an electrician in Onitsha, who lamented the demise of his young wife was thankful to God for using Dame Edith Okowa to bless and bring succor to them.

The children’s mother, according to medical sources, may have died due to lack of antenatal care.

Findings revealed that the children would be taken care of for five years as enshrined in the programme of 05 Initiative.

The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), has commended Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for extending the tenure of the current DESOPADEC Board till 28th May, 2019.

According to him, “since the emergence of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta state in 2015, the oil bearing communities have gained a lot in terms of fast-tracked infrastructural and human capital development projects being embarked upon by DESOPADEC, aside myriad of state government mega projects dotting the nooks and crannies of the state.”

It would be recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly, during plenary on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 granted the approval, following the expiration of an earlier extension of the board’s tenure which elapsed on February 29, 2019.

Bashorun Askia, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state, who had congratulated Governor Okowa for his successful re-election and the victory of almost all PDP candidates in the last general elections, called for total support of the state government to sustain the transformational growth of all sectors of the state economy.

He observed that the results polled in the state for PDP during the 2019 Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State House of Assembly elections which were basically free, fair, credible and transparent was a reflection of the confidence reposed in Governor Okowa by all Deltans at home and in the Diaspora, adding that “it was obviously a testimony of the peoples faith in the governor.”

He further said the overwhelming endorsement and eventual re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by Deltans across political divides, lends credence to the reality that the equitable rotation of the governance of Delta State among the three (Central, South and North) senatorial districts have been established.

Bashorun Askia, particularly thanked the entire Isoko Nation for hearkening to his frequent appeals for the re-election of Governor Okowa and election of all PDP candidates, which according him has resulted in the landslide victory witnessed during the general elections.

He therefore appealed to Deltans to ensure that all hands are on deck to support the Smart Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, to achieve a full blown ‘Greater Delta’ through the SMART agenda.

ACCRA, Ghana–Forbes and BusyInternet today announced the availability of Forbes8, a digital network that features more than 2,000 videos designed to inspire every aspect of an entrepreneur’s journey.
BusyInternet has for the past 18 years built a strong heritage of empowering its customers and supporting businesses – particularly small-and medium-sized businesses – to grow and fully optimize their potentials. Forbes8’s strategic partnership with BusyInternet will help drive focus in further detail and add new dimensions.
Forbes8 offers information, tips, advice and tools to help entrepreneurs get their start and accelerate their growth. Leveraging Forbes’ editorial expertise in championing entrepreneurial capitalism, Forbes8 features video spotlighting the best minds in business – all categorized into four distinct themes: Inspire, Launch, Grow and Impact. Intelligent machine-learning/artificial intelligence capabilities deliver a personalized experience at scale, creating custom playlists based on an individual’s on-boarding needs and preferences.
“Entrepreneurialism is as much a mind-set as it is a type of business,” said Thomas Brien-Mensah, Head of Marketing at BusyInternet. “While there are important local nuances, there are so many global commonalities business owners face, and Forbes8 helps bridge the gap and partner with entrepreneurs every step of the way. We’re excited to support Ghanaian entrepreneurs with this new service.”
“Forbes consistently champions those who have made it and those who aspire to make it, and our content will resonate with the burgeoning community of entrepreneurs across Ghana,” said Forbes Chief Growth Officer Tom Davis. “Ghana’s growing community of entrepreneurs, with the help of the government’s National Entrepreneurial and Innovation Plan (NEIP), means there is a tremendous need for a business-advice on-demand network. Forbes8 fills that void while also providing a sense of community with others on the same journey.”
Forbes8 is a global partnership between Forbes and AW3 Media, whose founder, Amos Winbush III, is a noted serial entrepreneur and visionary having built several technology platforms that culminated in building dozens of partnerships with telecom companies on a global scale. Most importantly, he is leveraging his expertise and knowledge as a successful entrepreneur to create experiences, services and products like Forbes8 to help people achieve their personal and professional dreams.
“BusyInternet is the right strategic partner for the launch of Forbes8 because it shares in our mission of helping promote entrepreneurial growth and access to opportunities across the region,” Winbush said. “Forbes8 features perspectives from the best minds in business across Ghana and the world that are applicable to every aspect of an entrepreneur, business leader or small business owner’s journey. I’ve created several multi-national companies over the last ten years and from my experience innovating can be a lonely, scary, isolating yet exciting and fulfilling journey. And for this reason, we built Forbes8 to help support, equip and resource innovators and the players around them. It’s truly inspirational and invaluable.”
*Source: AETOSWire

From Our Senior Correspondent/Crime Editor

Nemesis reportedly caught up with a woman and her daughter who tried to outsmart each other in their illicit relationship with the same man as they went into fisticuffs on Wednesday in the lover-boy’s apartment at Nkutaku Layout in Okpoko, a suburb in Onitsha in Ogbaru local government area of Anambra State.

According to report, the man who is in his early 30s, is a boyfriend to the woman and usually patronize her restaurant at Ochanja Market, Onitsha where her daughter also assist her mother to attend to customers.

According to a neighbor who had been following the dramatic battle for the lover boy, trouble started when the young lady in her early twenties began to succumb to love advances from the friendly customer simply identified as ‘Oga Dubai’.

“She did not know that her mother and Oga Dubai were already dating secretly before he decided to switch to her”, the source who did not want his name mentioned, said.

“He continued: “The mother kept her calm initially thinking that it was mere friendly play. But, trouble started when on one of the man’s visit to the restaurant, the daughter rushed to him and embraced and kissed him.

Angered by her daughter’s provocative action, the mother warned her to behave herself in a good manner, but the daughter fired back that she was old enough to choose whom to love and that she love Oga Dubai and would like to marry him if he eventually propose to her. After a brief exchange of words, the duo kept their cool and went home as if nothing happened.

Not ready to surrender her lover to her daughter, the woman decided to play the spoiler game on them. Days later when the man invited her daughter to his house at Nkutaku layout Okpoko, her mother was already tipped off and she trailed her to the rendezvous for a showdown.

“The daughter did not know that her mother was a regular visitor to the house and as such very familiar with co-tenants to the man. So after about three hours after her daughter went to the man’s house, she decided to pay an unscheduled visit to the man. On arrival, she made straight to the man’s apartment without greeting the co-tenants as usual whenever she came calling, ostensibly to get them in action.

“After knocking, she pushed the door open and saw both Unclad, with the daughter’s hand bag hung on the wall. The woman kept her calm and managed to hold herself until the man told her that ‘you are suppose to wait for someone to come and open the door for you before you come in”.

According to the witness, this infuriated the woman who raised her voice, accusing the man of sleeping with mother and daughter, swearing that she has cut their relationship and that the girl will not return to her house again but will remain there in the man’s house.

“As heated argument ensued between the man and the mother, the daughter tried to sneak away but unfortunately for her the mother rushed outside and held her, dragging her back to the man’s house. 

As the girl was trying to resist her mother, the mother started beating her up and calling her lover- boy snatcher. As the beating became unbearable, the girl fought back and tore her mother’s clothes into shred, exposing her unclothedness”.

The timely intervention of on-lookers who rushed and separated them saved the situation and both headed home from different directions while abusing each other, calling themselves ‘ashewo’.

A man who claimed to be one of the co-tenants of the loverboy also disclosed that the mother of the girl usually visit the man regularly and that that day was the first they saw the young girl. 

“The woman comes to our yard steady, we even think she is the wife to the man. Sometimes she will cook and fetch water and wash the man’s clothes”, he said.

From Sunny A. DAVID / ONITSHA

No fewer than seven persons were on Wednesday evening crushed to death and several others seriously injured at Upper Iweka in  Onitsha, Anambra State.

A tanker loaded with kerosene coming from Enugu axis towards Onitsha lost control and skidded off the road and crashed at a nearby motor park.

The accident also crushed goods and wares worth millions of naira.  

Eye witness account told our correspondent that the driver of the tanker after the incident disappeared from the scene as angry mobs gathered to set the vehicle and the driver ablaze.

The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigeria Red Cross Society, Prof. Peter Katchy confirmed that seven persons died instantly.  

He said three persons who sustained serious injuries were rushed to Pieter Specialist Hospital and to the Toronto Hospital, while one of the dead persons was beheaded completely.

As at the time of filling this report, our correspondent visited Toronto Hospital, most of the dead persons have been deposited in the hospital morgue while the headless body of the young man of about 30 years was still lying at the compound of the hospital.

Doctors at the Toronto Hospital were seen battling to save the lives of the survivors.  

It would be recalled that sometime in May, 2015 a similar accident took place at the same area where over 70 people were roasted alive.  

This is the fourth time such similar accident is happening in the same area.

All efforts made by the Anambra State government to stop loading and offloading of passengers in the area had always failed as transporters plying Onitsha-Asaba route have always defiled government efforts.  

The members of the Federal Road Safety Corps and the police who patrols through these areas seems not to be helping matters as these touts hold sway on daily basis.

Journalists in Abuja gather on March 9 during Nigeria’s gubernatorial and state assembly elections to report on a press briefing at the Civil Society Situation Room, which collected information from thousands of election observers, including on attacks against the press. (Jonathan Rozen/CPJ)

Abuja, Nigeria, March 13, 2019 — Nigerian authorities should investigate and hold accountable those responsible for the detention, harassment, and assault of journalists nationwide during the March 9 gubernatorial and state assembly elections, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Journalists covering the elections told CPJ they were detained and harassed by security services or other armed individuals, denied access to report on polling stations, forced to delete photographs, and assaulted.

“The freedom and fairness of any election requires that journalists are permitted to work unimpeded and without fear,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ Africa program coordinator, in New York. “Nigeria must act to ensure journalists can work safely during elections, and the first step is to hold responsible those who attacked or impeded the media during the recent polls.”

Nonso Isiguzo, a news editor with the privately owned Nigeria Info radio station, told CPJ that he was traveling on election day between polling stations to report on elections in the Ahoada West local government area in Rivers state when armed men, some wearing camouflage uniforms, stopped their Nigeria Info-branded car, told Isiguzo and his driver, Sunday Isiitu, to get out, and took their car keys. Shortly afterwards, a second car carrying five others whom Isiguzo identified as journalists with accredited press tags was also stopped at the same point on the road, he said.

“I said, ‘I’m a journalist. I’m just here to monitor the election’,” Isiguzo told CPJ. But the armed men told Isiguzo, without elaborating, that their “boss” was being held by the military and the journalists would only be released once the boss was free.

The men released Isiguzo, Isiitu, and the other journalists after holding them on the side of the road for two hours, after which Isiguzo did not continue reporting in the area, he told CPJ.

CPJ could not immediately determine the identities of the five people from the second car.

On March 10, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission suspended all election processes in Rivers due to “widespread disruption,” including violence and hostage taking, according to a statement posted on the official election administration body’s verified Twitter account.

Also on election day, Segun Adewale, a local politician known as “Aeroland” and a member of the People’s Democratic Party, hit and shoved BBC reporter Ajoke Ulohotse in Nigeria’s southwestern Lagos-Abeokuta area, according to a report by BBC Pidgin, which included video of the incident, and a BBC statement emailed to CPJ.

“We will be notifying the police in due course following an incident involving a BBC reporter in Lagos-Abeokuta on 9 March,” the BBC statement said.

Adewale claimed the BBC “lied” and he did not “beat up a lady,” in a tweet from a social media account linked to his official webpage. CPJ emailed Adewale for comment but received an error message stating that his account was no longer active.

A woman casts her votes during the gubernatorial and state house assembly elections at a polling center in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 9, 2019. (Sunday Alamba/AP)

In Damatuzu, a local government area in Nigeria’s northeastern Yobe state, members of the Nigerian military detained for over an hour journalists Musa Mingyi, with the privately owned Blueprint newspaper, and Hamisu Kabir Matazu, of the privately owned Daily Trust newspaper, according to Mingyi and the Daily Trust.

“We told them we are journalists and we are covering [the] election,” Mingyi told CPJ. “They did not harm us, but they denied us access to go do our rightful duties.”

A statement issued on the Nigerian army’s Facebook page by Njoka Irabor, the army’s acting assistant director of public relations, said “no journalist was held hostage” and the journalists’ car was stopped as part of “routine checks on vehicles as part of security measures during the elections.”

CPJ called Irabor repeatedly for comment and was disconnected; texts to his number were not immediately returned.

Kunle Sanni, a reporter for the privately owned Premium Times news website, told CPJ he was held for nearly 30 minutes in the Shendam local government area of Plateau state and forced by three men who identified themselves as “farmers” to delete photos of what he believed were underage voters.

After witnessing Sanni photograph children holding voting cards, the men took him aside, charged his phone because it had died, searched through his apps (including his social media accounts), and deleted images, Sanni said.

“They [even] went into the Google backup and deleted [photos],” Sanni said, but added he had already managed to send several photos to his editor.

A man raises a ballot paper during the counting of governorship and state assembly election results in Lagos, Nigeria, on March 9, 2019. (Adelaja Temilade/Reuters)

Collin Ossai, a broadcast reporter with the privately owned Channels TV station, told CPJ that he, his cameraperson, and a radio journalist with Speed FM were blocked from reporting at a polling station in the Esan Central local government area in Edo state.

Ossai said a man identifying himself as a state assembly candidate blocked their car from approaching the polling station at around 7:35 a.m., as the journalists were trying to see if election materials had arrived on time.

Ossai told CPJ that he exited the car and tried negotiate passage with the candidate. But about 10 men surrounded the car and began pushing him and telling him he could not enter the polling station, he said. The journalists left without gaining access, and Ossai said that “big guys” intimidated him into not bringing his camera out while trying to cover several other polling stations in the area.

In Kaduna state, a group of more than 20 men attacked Shinzong Bala, a reporter with the publicly funded Radio Nigeria station, and Amos Tauna, a reporter with the privately owned Daily Post newspaper, while they were investigating alleged election-related arrests and burning cars around the town of Zonkwa’s police station, Bala and Tauna told CPJ.

“We tried to identify ourselves… we were even wearing media vests that were given to us by INEC [the Independent National Electoral Commission],” Bala told CPJ.

The men attacked the journalists with stones and wooden sticks, took Bala’s phone, recorder, and car keys, as well as Tauna’s press pass, the journalists said.

Bala managed to retrieve his belongings after paying the men, but said his clothes were ripped and his body was bruised in the attack. Tauna said his pass was not returned.

CPJ contacted Yakubu Soba, a public relations officer for the Nigerian police in Kaduna, via WhatsApp for comment. Soba requested more specifics about the incident for the police to be able to follow up, which CPJ provided.

During Nigeria’s 2019 federal and state elections, CPJ worked with local civil society and press freedom groups including YIAGA, Civil Society Situation Room, Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism, Institute for Media and Society, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, and the Lagos-based International Press Centre to track press freedom issues.

The PDP in Ughelli North LGA performed brilliantly in the March 9, Governorship and House of Assembly elections in Delta state beating the APC hands down in ward 3/7

An analysis of the performance of the party in the ward indicates that the PDP trounced the APC despite the fact that Ughelli North LGA is the traditional home of opposition in Delta state and a place that the PDP has not won since the advent of the present day democratic dispensation (1999-date).

The performance of ward 3/7 in the March 9, election is considered even more remarkable because it is the only ward in Ughelli North LGA, where the PDP won convincingly as the tsunami of the APC broom swept the other nine wards in the local government area except Uwheru ward 09, in which PDP secured 54 per cent of the votes casted compared to APC’s 46 per cent in the Governorship election and 52 to 48 per cent of votes casted for the House of Assembly seat.

Ward 3/7 falls within the delineation of Ughelli constituency 2, which comprises Ughelli ward 1-5, 2-6 and 3-7 spread among: Ughelli township, Agbarho, Uwheru and Afiesere axis. Besides ward 3/7, PDP lost both Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the other wards. 

Specifically, Ughelli ward 3/7 has 17 Polling Units (PU) spread over Ogbovwan, Afiesere, Ohwaro, Ododegho, Ujode and Eruemukowharien communities.

Despite the cancellation of votes in four PDP strong hold polling units, for the House of Assembly (Ughelli Constituency 2) election, in ward 3/7, the PDP polled a total of 2,159 votes (61.8 per cent) while the APC polled a total of 1,337 votes (38.2 per cent). And for the governorship election, the PDP polled 2,245 votes (62.1 per cent) and APC polled 1,373 votes (37.9).

Sources attributed the brilliant performance of the PDP in Ughelli ward 3/7 to the influence of the Commissioner of Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie, a native of Afiesere whose positive impact on indigenes of the communities in the ward dwarfed those of the over bearing influence of the multitude of the APC members and leaders in the area.

Like they say in common parlance, all politics is local and from the performance of the PDP in ward 3/7 in the March 9 Governorship andHouse of Assembly election Olorogun David Edevbie has proven once again that he is very much in touch with the grassroots in his locality.

How The 25 LGAs Voted In Delta State.

2019 Delta Guber Official Results as Declared By INEC. Okowa’s PDP won in 23 LGAs, while Ogboru’s APC has 2.

1. Ukwuani
   APC – 7264
   PDP – 18,328
2. Ethiope East
   APC – 21,141
   PDP – 11,489
3. Ethiope West
   APC – 6,211
   PDP – 62,044
4. Ika South
   APC – 3,877
   PDP – 33,371
5. Ika North East
   APC – 2,303
   PDP – 67,417
6. Patani
   APC – 3,288
   PDP – 19,683
7. Oshimili South
   APC – 2,700
   PDP – 54,766
8. Okpe
   APC – 9,424
   PDP – 20,415
9. Aniocha North
   APC – 4,653
   PDP – 17,054
10. Aniocha South
    APC – 3,138
    PDP – 20,947
11. Isoko South
    APC – 14,259
    PDP – 43,730
12. Oshimili North
    APC – 2,906
    PDP – 37,744
13. Isoko North
    APC – 9,817
    PDP – 29,648
14. Sapele
    APC – 10,457
    PDP – 18,572
15. Ndokwa East
    APC – 4,306
    PDP – 30,670
16. Ughelli South
    APC – 20,233
    PDP – 32,086
17. Udu
    APC – 8,605
    PDP – 9,042
18. Warri South
    APC – 12,982
    PDP – 34,977
19. Bomadi
    APC – 4,437
    PDP – 63,851
20. Uvwie
    APC – 10,467
    PDP – 15,455
21. Warri South West
    APC – 10,906
    PDP – 139,534
22. Warri North
    APC – 11,116
    PDP – 44,713
23. Ughelli North
    APC – 22,081
    PDP – 19, 045
24. Burutu
    APC – 3,645
    PDP – 49,722
25. Ndokwa West
    APC – 5,722
    PDP – 30,971

From SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA

The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA has won 24 of the 30 seats in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP won six of the seats, leaving the All Progressives Congress, APC and other political parties in the state without any seat.
The duo of the minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and the Senator representing Anambra South Zone and State Chairman President Buhari campaign council, Senator Andy Uba failed to win any seat for the APC.
Senator Dr. Ngige and Senator Uba lost their state constituencies to candidates of the APGA.
The Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Rita Maduagwu who is of APGA however in a surprise twist failed to win back her seat as she was defeated by the candidate of the PDP.
Rt. Hon. Maduagwu had earlier lost the ticket of the party during the APGA primary elections, but the leaders of the party had allegedly foisted her on the people as the candidate.
Meanwhile, the Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi delivered his state constituency to his party as Hon. Ebele Ejiofor; thale party’s candidate was said to have been declared winner of the Anaocha 1 state constituency.
PDP also added Ogbaru I, Ogbaru II, Ekwusigo, Onitsha North 1 and Nnewi South 11 state constituencies to their seats, while all the others were won by the APGA.
Prior to the election, rumour had gone round that PDP was angling to win greater number of seats, in the hope to use the state assembly members to remove Governor Willie Obiano who was widely acknowledged to have worked against the party during the presidential election.
This had forced Governor Obiano to double strength, leading to his holding a mega rally to urge for votes for candidates of the APGA, insisting that anything to the contrary would breed trouble in the state. 
Meanwhile, some of the law makers who were re-elected include Hon. Obinna Emenaka of Anambra East, Hon. Lawrence Ezeudu of Dunukofia, Hon. Beverley Nkemdiche of Onitsha South One constituency, and Hon. Edward Ibuzo of Onitsha North Two constituency.
Some second time lawmakers also include Hon. Uchenna Okafor of Ayamelum constituency, Hon. Paschal Agbodike of Ihiala Two and Hon. Chuka Ezenwunne of Idemili South constituency.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and incumbent Governor of Delta State has been declared winner of the 2019 governorship election held on Saturday March 9, 2019.

INEC’s State collation officer, Prof. Serth Accra Jaja after the signing of results sheets formally declared Okowa winner of the keenly contested governorship election at about 12:30pm.

He was formally declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), after trouncing his key opponent, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate with 925, 274 votes.

PDP polled a total of 925,274 votes while APC scored 215,938, according to the final scores as collated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The state collation officer, Prof. Serth Accra Jaja said the state has a total of 2,831,205 registered voters, with 1,188,784 accredited for the election while a total of 1,178,335 votes were cast, out of which 1,154,188 votes were valid while 24,147 were rejected.

The various political parties agents signed the result sheet before the formal declaration of winner.

At a thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel in Asaba, and atended by former governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Governor Okowa who dedicated his victory to God commended INEC for being very fair in spite of pressures.

While thanking party leaders, members and Deltans for being there for him throughout the election, the governor-eoect disclosed that people were allegedly paid to burn down 12 INEC offices in Delta state but had a change of heart and the attempts by the nation’s rulling party to make the election in conclusive failed.

He declared that It was a victory for justice and fairness, adding that “There is no loser. The victory is for us all. We must join hands to move Delta state ahead. I seek for your cooperation and prayers. We must keep hope alive and think about the larger Delta. I reassure Deltans that I will improve on a better Delta state with the commitment of all.”

Results so far for governorship

Ethiope East
PDP 11,489 APC 21141
Ethiope West
PDP 62,044 APC 6211
Isoko North
PDP 29,648 APC 9814
Aniocha south
PDP 20947 APC 3138
Aniocha North
PDP 17054 APC 4653
Okpe
PDP 20415 APC 9424
Patani
PDP 19683 APC 3288
Ukwani
PDP 18489 APC 7264
Udu
PDP 13021 APC 8298
Ndokwa East
PDP 30670 APC 4313
Oshimili North
PDP 34497 APC 3068
Ika south
PDP 33371 APC 6877
Ika North East
PDP 67417 APC 2303
Sapele
PDP 18572 APC 10457
Ndokwa East
PDP 30670 APC 4306

Result so far

From Michael EKOKORUWE

Delta State governorship and state houses of Assembly election was held peacefully across the various wards and units of Isoko South and North local government area of Delta State as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates for state assembly wins the two constituency seat of Isoko South local government area.

Announcing collated results at Oleh Isoko South local government area, Dr. Ezoem N. I, provost federal college of Asaba, who was the returning officer for governorship and state assembly election Isoko South said, Hon. Kenneth Ogba, candidate of PDP Isoko South constituency 1 scored 15,973 votes to defeat his closest rival hon. Okiemute Essien of the All Progressive congress, former member Delta State house who scored 7,323 votes.

He maintained that for Isoko South constituency 2, Hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo of PDP scored 27, 753 votes to win Barr. Israel A.Umueri of All Progressive Congress who scored 6,936 votes. Dr. Ezoem said, the People’s Democratic Party scored total votes of 43,730 to defeat All Progressive Congress (APC) that scored 14,259 votes in the gubernatorial election.

Election materials arrived early in all the wards and units visited even as accreditation and voting commenced by 9.30am. Eligible voters queued orderly to vote as INEC smart card readers performed better than last election which according the electorates signifies improvement.

At Olomoro ward 6, unit 4, hon. Chief Ferguson Onwo, candidate for Delta state house of assembly Isoko South constituency 2 said, “I am satisfy with the voting process; this is the most peaceful and organized election, we believe in democracy and will ensure that our votes count’.

Uzere ward 4 recorded large turnouts of voters in all the units visited. Engr. Goodluck Idele, senior special adviser to Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State for community development said, ‘the exercise is peaceful and credible, the policemen working and the army far from the voting area”.

At Oleh headquarters of Isoko South local government area, the election was peaceful and orderly. Sir Matthias Eto, former commissioner public complains commission Delta State who voted at Oleh ward 2 unit 4 said, the voting is cool and fine and eligible voters came out in large numbers to vote for the candidate of their choice.

The voting process in Isoko North also witness peaceful environment as voters were orderly in all the wards and units visited. At Akhiewe Owhe ward 6 unit 11 and 12 were Rt.hon Barr. Tim Owhefere, house leader Delta State house of assembly voted, the election was peaceful compared to last election that was highly militarized. He noted that excitement is high but for the presidential election army that caused apprehension leading to low turnout of the electorates.

Also Arch. Joseph Ogeh, commissioner for housing Delta State who voted at Iyede ward 2 unit 3 commended INEC for the peaceful exercise saying, the people have exercised their franchise as the card reader worked better than previous election. He noted that the fear of the army scared away some electorates and urged INEC to follow the law and subsequently detailed the army to stay far from the poll area.

RESULTS AS COLLATED BY INEC ISOKO NORTH:
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY HON BAR TIM PDP 30,006, APC OKPURE EKEGWURE 8,737.
GOVERNORSHIP: OKOWA PDP 29,648,
OGBORU 9,814

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the 14th edition of Sharjah Biennial (SB14) commenced on Thursday at the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) Art Spaces in Al Mureijah.

SB14, held this year under the title ‘Leaving the Echo Chamber’, will feature three distinct exhibitions; Zoe Butt’s exhibition Journey Beyond The Arrow; Omar Kholeif’s Making New Time and Claire Tancons’ Look for Me All Around You.

SB14 features over 80 established and emerging artists from around the globe, including over 60 new commissions, as well as many never-before-seen works that will displayed in various locations across the emirate of Sharjah, the Mureijah Square and the Arts Square, as well as in SAF’s studios in Al Hamriyah, in the East Coast city of Kalba and other spaces in Umm Al Quwain.

The Sharjah Art Foundation is also organizing the 12th edition of the March Meeting 2019, from 9 -11 March, 2019 at the Sharjah Institute of Theatrical Arts in Al Mureijah, which will include panel discussions, performances, films and artistic productions, in line with the themes of the three exhibitions at SB14.

SB14 will also feature independent film screenings for film lovers in the UAE; as well as educational programs, aligned with this year’s theme ‘Leaving the Echo Chamber’.

Programs intended for adults and children include workshops on photography, drawing, writing and theatrical performance. Other workshops for ‘People of determination’ provide a variety of topics on photography skills, puppetry, drawing, musical instruments and Islamic art; while the schools and youth centers’ program offers a set of workshops and field trips on topics such as abstract art, architecture and storytelling.

SB14 is made possible through the generous support of Van Cleef & Arples (Gold Sponsor) and Crescent Petroleum (Silver Sponsor). In-kind support is offered by Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority; Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority; Bee’ah, the Dubai Economic Department; the Institut Français in the UAE and the Institut Français in France.

The Sharjah Biennial is the most important cultural event in the Arab world and, since its inception in 1993, has been instrumental in supporting the arts landscape in the UAE and the region.
*Source: AETOSWire

-From Sunny A. DAVID: AWKA-

The Chairman of the National Peace Commitee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has urged Candidates in the State Assembly elections to remain committed to ensuring peaceful conduct of the March 9 elections.

The Former Military Head of State made the call in Awka at a high level dialogue on Peaceful 2019 State Assembly election in Anambra State.

General Abubakar represented by a member of the committee, Mr. Duke Anoemuah restated the need for candidates of the different political parties engaged in the election to eschew violence and all forms of hate speeches and reiterated the need for them to properly advise their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner especially after the announcement of results.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner INEC Anambra State, Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary in the Commission, Mr. Charles Mbanaja reviewed the performance of the Commission in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and assured of their readiness for March 9 election.

He also spoke on the issues of delay in commencement of voting in some areas, malfunctioning of smart card readers and other issues that cropped up in the past elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Security agencies in Anambra State, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rabiu Ladodo, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Haruna Mohammed reassured on security preparations for the elections but sought for more public support in entrenching peace in the state before, during and after the election.

Other speakers at the event including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe represented by the traditional Prime Minister of the town, Chief Okey Ononye, the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Alex Ibezim, represented by Venerable Sam Okonkwo, all agreed on the import of peaceful elections to sustainable development.

In attendance at the high level peace dialogue were media practitioners, Civil Society groups and persons living with disabilities who highlighted many challenges facing the electoral process and suggested what should be done to ensure a more credible process.

From Sunny A. DAVID / AWKA

The Anambra State Government has alerted the public of an attempt by some unscrupulous politicians to cause crisis in Anambra State during this weekend’s House of Assembly election.

According to a statement endorsed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. C-Don Adinuba the unscrupulous politicians are operating under the aegis of the “Coalition for Better Anambra State” ostensibly led by a certain Dennis.

The statement said the group wants to cause severe religious and ethnic crisis in the state which will see Muslims at war with Christians as well as the Igala-speaking community of Anambra State in a bitter fight with the Fulanis.

It explained that their secret plan, which, according to sources, has for days been known to security agencies, is to incite Ndi Anambra by alleging on the eve of the election that the state government is building a huge mosque in the heart of Awka, the Anambra State capital, and to accuse Fulani cattle herders of massacring hundreds of farmers in Anambra West Local Government Area and even sucking their blood as part of a ritual.

It made it clear that the allegations by the group are patently false, as the state government is not in the business of building places of worship, whether churches or mosques.

Stressing that the primary intention of the so-called Coalition for Better Anambra State is to cause fear and bitterness among the people which will be manipulated to achieve electoral gains, while endangering the lives of millions of Igbo people living in different parts of the country.

It cautioned that when manipulative politicians carry out hate propaganda against other people living in Igboland which can lead to a grave crisis it made Igbo people outside Igboland vulnerable to all manner of attacks.

The statement advises Ndi Anambra to always disregard dangerous rumours by self-serving politicians whose stock in trade is the manipulation of primordial differences to achieve immediate electoral gains but which will end up leaving the people worse off.

Nigerian authorities should immediately drop charges against journalist Obinna Don Norman, release him from prison, and reform the 2015 cybercrime act to ensure it is not used to prosecute journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Norman, owner and editor-in-chief of online news outlet The Realm News, was arrested on March 1 by police in Umuahia, the capital of Nigeria’s southeastern Abia state, while he was at local radio station Flo FM to discuss politics on air, according to the journalist, who spoke to CPJ from Afara prison in Umuahia.

The day he was arrested, Norman was charged in an Abia state magistrate court under Nigeria’s 2015 cybercrime act, he told CPJ. During a second court appearance today, he was charged under an Abia state anti-terrorism and kidnapping law from 2009, he said. Norman is alleged to have defamed and harassed Abia state senator Theodore Orji of the People’s Democratic Party, according to the journalist and two charge sheets reviewed by CPJ.

“Abia state authorities should drop the charges against journalist Obinna Don Norman, ensure his release, and cease efforts to intimidate him,” said Angela Quintal, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator. “Nigeria’s cybercrime act has too often been used to silence journalists in the country and the additional charge against Norman indicates that authorities are intent on harassing the press.”

The charge sheets allege that the offenses were committed on or before March 21, 2018, but do not specify any articles or comments related to the charges. Norman and Realm News editor Rotimi Akinola told CPJ they believe the charges are reprisal for Norman’s reporting and criticism of the Abia state government, and are an attempt to silence the press ahead of the gubernatorial election scheduled for March 9, in which Okezie Ikpeazu, a People’s Democratic Party member, is running for re-election.

Norman’s March 1 charge sheet, which CPJ reviewed, listed four alleged offenses from sections 24 and 27 of Nigeria’s 2015 cybercrime act: cyberstalking, sending defamatory messages using a computer, using a computer to send messages “for the purpose of causing public hatred,” and using a computer to “bully, threaten and harass.”

The March 7 charge sheet alleged that Norman threatened Orji’s life with “messages through [the] internet and phone calls,” which is punishable under Abia state’s 2009 anti-terrorism and kidnapping law.

CPJ’s repeated calls to Orji went unanswered, and a recorded message on Ikpeazu’s line indicated that his phone was turned off.

Norman said he was told during the March 7 court appearance that he would be held in detention until April 24; his lawyer has filed a bail application with a federal high court petitioning for an earlier release. Those convicted under Nigeria’s cybercrime act can face fines into the tens of thousands of dollars and years in prison, CPJ has reported.

Abia Police Commissioner Ene Okun told CPJ that Norman was arrested because the journalist was listed as “wanted” in an official bulletin; Okun said he had no involvement in the case after Norman was transferred to the court.

In December 2018, the previous police commissioner had declared Norman “wanted” in an unrelated cybercrime case, The Realm News reported at the time. Norman counter-sued and the bulletin was nullified by a federal court, and Norman was not arrested, according to The Realm News.

Since its adoption, Nigeria’s 2015 cybercrime act has been repeatedly used against journalists for their reporting, CPJ has documented.

“We totally condemn Mr. President’s moves and schemes and say that they are mean and uncomplimentary….. We warn that he should not do anything that would be seen as his interference in the process that will make Saturday’s election not to be free, fair and credible.”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state, PDP leaders, stakeholders and political appointees are in a last minute strategy meeting in Asaba, ahead of Saturday, March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections.

Journalists were barred from covering the meeting which is coming on the heels of speculations that the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections may not be a smooth sailing for candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

This is happening just as President Muhammadu Buhari visits Warri today, Monday, March 4, 2019, the second visit in about two months.

The State Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online, said “it is not a surprise that tongues are wagging within the circles of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State that the trip is in bad taste, as the party supporters and Deltans in general are wondering why the president has always limited his visits to a microscopic Warri and ignoring the larger areas of the State.

“However, while we of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State will not get involved in the internal belligerent matters of a party that lives in factional disharmony, we urge the President not to get involved in sinister contrivances by working to use his office as President, to scheme and manipulate the electoral process.

“We say this because of the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, as we have it on good authority that Buhari’s trip is not altruistic, and has nothing to do with the good and progress of Delta State.

“Already, the entire Delta State is abuzz with claims and insinuations and it is being openly said that the President and indeed the whole gamut of well known election manipulators and hatchet men in the national APC leadership, are visiting Delta State ostensibly to perfect an APC rigging plan and subvert the electoral process and the ultimate democratic decisions of Deltans who have sworn to return Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for a well deserved second term and vote for all the PDP candidates in the March 9, 2019 State Assembly elections.

“It is indeed a thing of shame that President Buhari will ignore other very important and urgent State matters to come to Warri to be at the head of a despicable scheme to manipulate and swing votes in favour of the unpopular APC and its candidates.

“We condemn the president’s insensitivity to the sensibilities of the people of Delta State who have taken PDP as their party. We also decry the shameful, slimy drive of Buhari and his detestable mission to use the power of State to secretly get the various agencies of the Federal Government, namely, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the military and other security agencies to intimidate and harass PDP supporters, voters and subvert their democratic will and foist on the State an unpopular APC and its candidate.

“While the foregoing is to seriously inform and educate the general public of Delta State, Nigerians and the world at large of the President’s tricks and treacherous game plan being schemed to thwart and by subterfuge subvert the already known will of Deltans who are poised to vote for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other PDP candidates, we warn that President Muhammadu Buhari must be held responsible for any complications that may develop from his inglorious interference in the voting process in Delta State.

“Let the president be reassured that the people of Delta State are resolute in their decision to vote for the PDP candidates and keeping the party in Delta State. Certainly, he should understand that no amount of intimidation and other ill-conceived and devious ideas to thwart the peoples’ will shall thrive because Delta State is PDP and PDP is Delta State.

“We totally condemn Mr. President’s moves and schemes and say that they are mean and uncomplimentary. It is curious why the President has chosen to visit Warri at a time like this in the heat of preparations for, and almost on the eve of the State elections in which his party, and the APC is the major opposition party. We warn that he should not do anything that would be seen as his interference in the process that will make Saturday’s election not to be free, fair and credible.

“On this note, we call on PDP faithful, leaders, supporters and faithful not to be intimidated, but should come out in large numbers to vote the PDP, ensure that their votes count.

“We urge them to remain steadfast in standing by and for Governor Okowa’s re-election and all the PDP candidates.”

BOOK REVIEWER; NKECHI MADUEMEZIA

O the pen that keep my thoughts open
And is the screen to all that happens
Whether awake or asleep

O the pen that knocks at docks
That deep into sea depths
Of known and unknown

O the pen that swims into realms
In dreams
Of the future of unknown structure

O the pen that lives beyond men
And is now immortal
When we are no more.

TITLE OF BOOK; MR BENJAMIN’S PEN
AUTHOR; TONY NWAKA
INTRODUCTION OF THE AUTHOR;
Dr. Tony Nwaka is a Nigerian author from Delta state. He is also the author of ‘’Mountain of yesterday’’ and Lords of the creek. He lives in Asaba , Delta State of Nigeria
PLACE OF PUBLICATION; kraft Books limited. Sango Ibadan, University of Ibadan post office, Ibadan. Oyo state. Nigeria

PUBLISHER; KRAFT BOOKS LIMITED
DATE OF PUBLICATION; 2019
The back cover of the book is green with a dash of lemon green cascading into white where the author’s portrait is. At the front of the back cover is a drawing of three persons gaping at an otherwise ordinary pen lying on a form.
The book comprises of three postscript, five chapters and131 pages. The postscript exposes the reader to the dual personality of Mr. Benjamin. Chapter describes Mr. Benjamin who is the main character in the Novel. Chapter two introduces Maxwell Odum {a friend to Mr. Benjamin}. Chapter three takes the reader to a university setting and highlights the respect Professor Ambrose Idehen[ lecturer in the university where Mr. Benjamin is a part time student] has for him. Chapter four is about Ijele Agaza a politician [an acquaintance of Mr. Benjamin] while chapter five returns the reader back to Mr. Benjamin.

Theme of the book; POLITICS
Politics is a subject many dread but whether we like it or not Man is a political animal. We politic in our homes, communities, places of worship, offices even within our families. It is endless. Like what the author said ‘who truly can fathom the depths of the human mind.
BACKGROUND; Mr. Benjamin who is a full time politician won an award for one of his books. He was excited like any other person especially as he could not believe that what was done as a pastime would result in recognition. His ability to combine politics with literature made His book in the prose category win’ best imaginative literature of 2025. He received a plaque of honour and a gold pen. During a political rally he gave out a plastic biro for people to write down their names but did not retrieve it. He forgot all about it until c Ijele Agaza brought it back to him two months later and proudly announced that he had helped him retrieve the plastic biro left at the party secretariat after the last meeting. A few days after his experience with Ijele an unusual chain of events started happening around. Ordinarily he would not have attached much significance to these setbacks, but they came in such quick succession that it really seemed like some unseen forces may have truly gone to work.

PLOT; the story begins with Mr. Benjamin’s award.
CHARACTERIZATION; These characters in this work belong to our everyday life. Benjamin wins an award for one of his books and becomes a celebrity amongst the politicians and his friends. The character of Ijele is awesome. A shrewd money lender who appears angelic in his place of worship and a politician who belongs to the occult world of JUJU. A passage on Ijele reads ‘’ on Sunday I woke up by 6 am. And started my private chants. After that, I selected a white long sleeved shirt and a pair of grey trousers as my outfit for the day. Soon I arrived at the church with my family. The sermon was on false prophets and wolves in sheep clothing. The topic was delivered with such zeal that I began to fear if the priest too had found out certain things. I couldn’t wait for the service to come to an end.’’ Mr. Benjamin is the type of politician who is simple by nature and easily trust people and collected an ordinary biro that was retrieved after two months like in the words of Odum’’ O boy, life is not the way you look at it. It’s only your mind you know. You can’t tell about others’’. The other characters both the major and minor are unique in their own way.

SETTING AND MODE OR TONE; the work is filled with apprehension, sometimes annoying. A reminiscence of the three friends of Job in the old testament of the Holy Bible in the persons of Clifford who cares enough to tell Odum’ see not everyone has the appetite for incantations and enchantments, but you can introduce him to Christian priests. There are some good pastors around who can pray for him and neutralize whatever evil the pen may have caused.’’ during his discussion on Benjamin’s strange behavior with Maxwell Odum who told Clifford how he had gone on his own to consult baba Adudu over the problem and the native Doctor’s revelation that the pen had been responsible for Benjamin’s recent calamities, and Ijele Agaza who to the outside world is a saint but the devil incarnate in reality

VIEW POINT
From the eyes of Mr Benjamin’s the major and minor characters tried in their own ways to persuade him to join their own line of reasoning. Only his wife stuck to him an encouraged him to be loyal to his party and to put God first in all things. The climax was when Mr. Benjamin who was sacked from the Governor’s cabinet and later appointed Head of Service of Coast State and Ijele carried to the Asylum for he has been found foraging the refuse dump at the popular Ogbe ogonogo Market

STYLE OF WRITING/DICTION. The language is free flowing and easy to read. Understanding the book needs time. This is for the initiates
COMPARISON. This book reminds me of ‘’Alice in wonderland written by LEWIS CAROLL. Dreams of fantasies and waking up to discover that all the journeys were not real but seems so real.

RELATION TO THE THEME; the author defined Mr. Mordi Enujeko’s dilemma when he said’ my name is not Mr. Benjamin neither do I have a friend called Mr. odum. Even more intriguing is the issue of politics. Although I casually wish I could command that air of authority and importance usually seen around politicians- A desire I suppose is normal fantasy of the mind. I never really preoccupy my thoughts with such grandiouse ideas. I am a civil servant for whom job security will always be of higher priority than the fleeting glamour of political officer. Especially when my ambition is to be head of service.’ In dream land he experiences the intrigues of politics and as a politician he became the head of Service. He concluded in the last postscripts thus ‘I do not know if I am Mr. Benjamin seeing myself as Mr. Mordi or I am Mr. Mordi dreaming and appearing as Mr. Benjamin, I honestly do not know.’ The author may be a politician cum writer but was steadfast with the theme.

EVALUATION; the postscript gave an insight into the plot hence makes for easier understanding. When we hold on to the Almighty creator he blesses us with an overdose of what we least expect in his own time. I rate it AB. It should be used in our higher institution of learning.

CONCLUSION; I personally like this book because it reminds me of some seedless endless dreams I sometimes experience. As a writer it is usually difficult to separate the author from his dreams and the inner mind. Many writers are tormented by what they feel and hope for the future. The only avenue of escape is putting down our thoughts in books that when we are no more others like us and the world may benefit from. Sometimes writers are called crazy, bohemians and trouble makers. But the world of the writer is to point evils in the society and re make the world to be a better place for you and for me.
I believe that many writers and others have experienced this situation once in their life time.it means you are not alone and you are definitely not crazy.
This is a book for all to read that we may know the truth and be set free. Every evil deed has an evil repercussion at the end of the day.

Cardinal George Pell, Vatican Treasurer, Convicted Of Child Sexual Assault

Pell is the highest-ranking member of the Catholic Church to be convicted of such crimes.

Cardinal George Pell, once one of the highest-ranking members of the Vatican, was convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse during a trial in Australia in December, becoming the most senior figure in the Catholic Church to be found guilty of such crimes.

Pell, 77, was found guilty of five counts of historical sexual offenses related to the sexual abuse of two choirboys in 1996 and 1997, shortly after he was made the archbishop of Melbourne. A jury reached the verdict in December, but the media was barred from reporting on the news because of a court-imposed gag order.

He will be sentenced on Wednesday and is expected to serve prison time. He faces a maximum sentence of 50 years, according to The Associated Press.

The cardinal was once the third-most-powerful figure in the Catholic Church, serving as the de facto finance chief, and was close with Pope Francis. Pell was removed from his role as one of the pope’s advisers in December after the verdict was reached.

The media has been prohibited from covering the trial because of a sweeping suppression order meant to maintain the integrity of criminal trials in Australia. The orders are relatively common in the country, and news organizations that break them can be subject to heavy fines and jail time.

The Washington Post was among the first to report the conviction in December but other American outlets, including HuffPost, could not do the same because they have staff in Australia. A similar story was first published by The Daily Beast, but the outlet geo-blocked the report in Australia in an attempt to comply with the gag order.

“We understood there could be legal, and even criminal, consequences if we ran this story,” Noah Shachtman, the editor of The Daily Beast, said at the time. “But ultimately, this was an easy call. You’ve got a top Vatican official convicted of a horrific crime. That’s major, major news. The public deserves to know about it.”

Source: HuffPost

By Michael Ekokoruwe:

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate and minority leader of the house of representatives Isoko federal constituency hon. Leo Ogor, has been declared winner of Isoko federal constituency for the fifth time in last Saturday Presidential/ National Assembly elections at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.
Ogor polled 34,000 votes to defeat hon. Joel Onowakpor Thomas of All Progressive Congress (APC) who scored 23,553 votes.
 Announcing the results at the collation centre, the INEC officer, Dr. Edwin Asikaoh of the federal college of Education Asaba said, the election was free and fair.
In his reaction hon. Leo Ogor through Mr. Jay Ogor said, “We thanked God for the victory and we dedicate it to the good people of Isoko Nation for entrusting us yet again with their mandate for the 5th term”. He noted that he was humbled by the result and commended Isoko people for their support.
In a swift reaction to the declared results, hon. Silas Bowue director general to hon. Joel Onowakpor Thomas campaign protest the result, saying, the declaration is illegal and inconsistent with the provision of electoral act. The law says “where the total vote lead margin is less than the total number of registered voters in area or unit council in an election, a winner can’t be declared until a supplementary elections are held in those places.
He stated that the hurry in the declaration of hon. Leo Ogor, minority leader in the national Assembly as a winner reveals an underground activities by INEC and must be reverted.
He noted that five petitions has been submitted to INEC on the need for the cancellation of results of some wards in Isoko federal constituency due to cases of manifest fraudulent manipulation of the voting process and violation of the electoral act during the election. 
Meanwhile results of the South Senatorial seat of Delta State have been announced. Senator James Manager of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has been declared winner in the Saturdays Presidential and national Assembly elections. 
Manager scored a total of 258,812 votes to defeat his closet rival, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, former governor of Delta State who scored 125,776 votes.

Nigeria’s 2019 Presidential Election Results At A Glance as released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).