-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / NNEWI:

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a thirty five year old woman for allegedly stealing a five day old twin baby boy.

A statement endorsed by the State Public Relations Officer of the Command SP Haruna Mohammed said the suspect  Dorathy Sunday from  Izzi, Ebonyi State allegedly sneaked into the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi and stole  the Baby Boy at the maternity ward of the hospital when the mother of the baby one Mmadu Happiness Miracle  of  Uruagu, Nnewi went to the hospital compound to wash her clothes.

It stated that luck ran out of the suspect when Nurses at the hospital gate saw her in a suspicious manner and raised alarm which led to her arrest. 

The statement explained that the stolen baby was recovered in good condition and the case is under investigation after which the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution. 

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA:

In a bid to meet Governor Willie Obiano’s monthly target of five billion naira revenue generation, the Anambra State Internally Generated Revenue Service says it has concluded plans to explore modern ways of tax drive in the State.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Board of Internally Generated Revenue Service, Dr. David Nzekwu stated this while exchanging views with newsmen in Awka.

According to Dr. Nzekwu, the Service is working to automate the system and ensure that every taxable adult are brought into the tax net, stressing that they will engage the public by embarking on massive tax education exercise in the coming weeks, as the people that pay tax is still low.

Dr. Nzekwu, while pointing out that about two billion naira improvement on tax generation monthly is a clear indication that more Ndi Anambra are voluntarily coming to pay their taxes, revealed that they are adopting the strategy of enumeration of people and assets to create an automated billing system.

He further said that they will increase their conduct of periodic audit of agencies in the State as part of their mandate, calling on the public to reach out to them when in doubt or report suspicious and fraudulent agents to them for clarification, insisting that the proper channel for all tax related issues are their offices.

It would be recalled that during a recent IGR Retreat at the Gold Tulip Hotels, Agulu Lake, stakeholders in revenue generation and collection brainstormed to review and look at ways to improve the drive process.

During the retreat, Governor Obiano stressed that the State is underperforming in terms of revenue drive, and gave stakeholders a five billion naira monthly target.

Ethiopian Athlete, Sintayehu Legese, has won the 2019 edition of the Lagos City Marathon.

Legese who finished the race with a time of 2:17:26 will be winning the grand prize of $50,000.

The second runner up, Joshua Kipkorir from Kenya had a finish time of 2: 18:16 while the third runner up William Yegon also from Kenya had a finish time of 2: 19: 04.

Both second and third placed runners are expected to go home with $40, 000 and $30, 000.

BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA

The Commissioner for Trade, Market and Wealth Creation, Dr. Christian Madubuko, says the state is losing over six billion naira to revenue extortioners yearly.

Dr. Mmadubuko, disclosed this in Awka when his men apprehended some illegal revenue collectors at Afor-Igwe Market Umudioka, Dunukofia Council Area.

The Commissioner who decried the ugly activities of illegal revenue collectors despite warnings from the government, said through internal generated revenue, government will continue improve the lives of the citizenry .

He said that the present administration has sensitized some stakeholders on the dangers of illegal collectors but alleged that some Presidents General of communities were deeply involved in sending their boys to markets for revenue drive without remitting same to the government.

Dr. Madubuko stated that it will no longer be business as usual stressing that those apprehended will be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.

The Commissioner maintained that his Ministry this year, will expand and develop markets, increase IGR to the best of their ability even as he said, they will relate cordially with Ndi Anambra in such a way that the traders will be happy with the present administration.

Dr Mmadubuko stated that more measures would be put in place to discourage diversion of revenue urging traders to be alive to their responsibilities.

Those apprehended are cooling off at the State Police Command, Awka.

By  SUNNY A. DAVID AWKA

The Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has secured four convictions in the month of January.

They are James Odili male twenty-six who was arrested with one point-one-five-zero kilogram of cannabis sativa and sentenced to two years imprisonment while Paul Odah male twenty-one arrested with three point-five kilogram of cannabis sativa was also sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Others are Ugochukwu Okafor male twenty-eight years, arrested with two point-eight kilogram of cannabis sativa and Ugochukwu Onuchekwa thirty-five years arrested with one point eight grams of methamphetamine, and one point-seven grams of cocaine both were sentenced to two years imprisonment respectively.

In a release issued by the Public Relations Officer, Charles Efosa Odigie, the judgment was delivered by Justice I.B. Gafai, at the Federal High Court in Awka.

Meanwhile the NDLEA Anambra state commander, Mr. Sule Momodu has warned drug traffickers and peddlers to put a stop to their illicit trade, or relocate elsewhere outside the state, because according to him, Anambra will be too hot for them to stay.

-By Omoshola Deji

Nigerian is reminiscent of someone destined to be king, but becomes a slave in the king’s palace. The nation’s situation chronicles the life of Wazobia: a boy destined to be a lawyer, but grows up to become a roadside mechanic. Wazobia is blessed with the qualities of a legal luminary. He is a smooth-talker, provides a well-articulated defense, good at arguments, and his favorite colors are white and black. These qualities manifests so much that people nicknamed him “D law”. Despite Wazobia’s abilities, the truth remains that he is a mechanic, not a lawyer. Why is Wazobia a roadside mechanic despite his potentials?

Wazobia’s parent may be illiterates who neither value education nor make effort to get him schooled. His parents may have the will, but lack the wherewithal. Wazobia may have lost his parents and got nurtured by an uncaring guardian. Life may have been so unfair to Wazobia that he had no opportunity to become a lawyer. But that is not the case.

Wazobia failed to discover himself and underutilized his potentials. He has all it takes to be a lawyer, but had mismanaged his life, time and resources. He lavished his school fees on show-offs and spent his time partying, snap-chatting and twittering, when his mates were studying. Sadly, Wazobia is not the only one suffering for his misdeeds and lack of foresight. The people he should be defending as a lawyer are being disrespected, cheated and jailed. His entire household that should be enjoying are terribly suffering. Of what gain is Wazobia? He has failed. The character Wazobia is the Nigerian State.

Nigeria is blessed with enormous human and natural resources, but majority of her population suffers amidst surplus. The oil rich nation cannot boast of any meaningful achievement after 58 years of independence. Successive leaders were visionless, clueless and unbothered about development. They built personal empires instead of infrastructure. Basic amenities are either unavailable or dysfunctional. In the 21st century, Nigerian campaign manifestos are still based on promises of providing the essentials when other nations are making giant strides in technology and inventions.

Nigerians are forced to seek greener pastures in nations that once ran to them for help. The then apartheid ridden South-Africa that Nigeria assisted is now better off. Nigerians now go there to hustle at the risk of losing their lives to xenophobic attacks. Sometimes ago, Nigerians said “Ghana must go”, but today, a significant portion of our population are leaving Nigeria to seek opportunities in Ghana. Prominent figures such as Dele Momodu lives in Ghana. Asari Dokubo is a naturalized Beninese.

Malaysia’s economy was on the verge of collapse after Singapore seceded decades ago. The nation had almost nothing. Malaysians had to come to Nigeria to negotiate the importation of palm seedling to their country. Malaysia is now making substantial earnings from the exportation of crude and processed palm-oil, while the Nigerian agricultural sector is unyielding. Front to back, Nigerians are now trooping into Malaysia for tourism and study. Nigerian Government spends millions of dollars – under the Tertiary Education Trust (TET) Fund scheme – sponsoring her lecturers to study in Malaysia.

Sadly, the Nigerian education sector remains undeveloped, underfunded, and runs archaic curriculums that produces unemployable graduates. Even the firms that could have hired the graduates and youths are either collapsed or nonexistent. What is being Nigerian to students unable to study because of strike, while the children of politicians are studying at the best universities abroad?

Look at yourself and look around you. The only stumbling block to some person’s progress is being Nigerian. People are configured to fail by default. There is no pathway to success and the system is unrewarding. Famous political thug, MC Oluomo is living large and well-connected than most Professors. Inventions and brilliancy do not often get patronized or celebrated. Frustration has turned many university graduates into motorcycle riders, prostitutes, kidnappers and fraudsters. The billions of dollars government failed to invest on the youths is now being used to fight crimes committed by the youths. The ruling elites’ greed and incompetence is impeding national growth, crushing creativities, burying potentials, and changing destinies.

Oh poverty and underdevelopment, why hast thou made Nigeria thy dwelling place? Pastors have cast and bind thee, Imams have recited the Quran against thee, Herbalists have cast out thy spirit, but thou hath refused to depart Nigeria. This is because thy antidote is not prayer. Other nations conquered thee by properly utilizing their human, material and natural resources. We are praying rather than working, when the principles of success says work (first) and pray.

The gap between the rulers and the ruled in Nigeria is as wide as that between the ground and the sky. The ruling elites live like they are more Nigerian than we the masses. They are under heavy security, we are insecure. We die on bad roads, they fly in the sky. They waste food and resources, we are starving. They have all, we have nothing. Yet we are not united. We allow them set us against ourselves and divide us along political, ethnic and religious lines. They feast on our disunity. Our pain is their gain.

Other nations are progressing while Nigeria is retrogressing. Why is our yesterday better than today? Some years ago, electricity was constant than it is now, the roads were better, foreign exchange rate was lower, and getting a visa was easier than it is now. Bombing was alien to us, kidnapping was a taboo, and Nigerians were more united. Disheartening, we are now more dependent than we were during independence. We cherish anything west; commend them as original while Aba made goods are derided as artificial.

Successive Nigerian rulers were bad managers and the current set of politicians in the ruling and main opposition party are middlebrow men. They lack the ideas and commitment to move Nigeria forward. US President Donald Trump allegedly called President Buhari “lifeless” not because he is old. Trump too is a septuagenarian. His comment is apparently based on President Buhari’s inability to stand up to him during diplomatic talks. While that is unfortunate for Nigeria, there is really no single way of measuring intelligence. In effect, Trump’s intelligence assessment is based on the extent of his own intelligence. One may also rate Trump as unintelligent because he speaks uncouthly.

But if truth be told, most Nigerian leaders lack foresight and intellectual insight. The drastic turnaround the nation needs is not within their faculty. Their major concern is retaining or regaining power; the efficient running of the country is secondary. The only barrier between most people and their success is being Nigerian. Else, why do Nigerians fail at home but succeed abroad? Being Nigerian is nothing other than a misfortune to many. You may be one of the few privileged individuals not so affected, but before you discard this, think: What is being Nigerian to those pushed into the sea while migrating to Europe and those being sold as slaves in Libya because of their nationality?

What is being Nigerian to the agrarian Ogoni populace whose land and marines have been degraded by oil spills, denied resource control, and abandoned by the government? What is being Nigerian to the fallen soldiers whose government failed to provide adequate weapons to fight Boko-Haram, but paid the terrorists to ceasefire and release abductees?

What is being Nigerian to citizens whose government spent $16billion on providing power, but still lives in darkness? What is being Nigerian to the poor and uninfluential persons being harassed, extorted, maimed and unjustly killed by the police, but never gets justice?

Does Ibrahim El Zakzaky – the Shia Muslim cleric who was granted bail, but detained by government – feels fortunate to be the citizen of a country that violates human rights, disregard the rule of law, and disobey court orders? What is being Nigerian to MKO Abiola who won a free and fair presidential election, but denied the right to rule by the Babangida led military regime? Buhari recently honored Abiola and apologized on behalf of Nigeria, but with their irrecoverable loss, can the Abiola family ever feel fortunate being Nigerians?

What is being Nigerian to the unarmed IPOB members that were declared terrorists and killed for demanding secession while murderous Fulani herdsmen operate unchecked? What is being Nigerian to citizens whose government vows to fight corruption, but protects corrupt politicians working for the President’s reelection?

What is being Nigerian to poor honest persons when then President Jonathan said stealing is not corruption? What is being Nigerian to the hardworking youths seeking opportunities abroad when President Buhari told world leaders that they are lazy? Which country will issue visa, scholarships or employ youths confirmed lazy by their President?

What is being Nigerian to Sambo Dasuki, the former national security adviser who was arraigned for mismanaging public funds, granted bail by several courts, but still being denied freedom by government? Does Dasuki and millions of people whose rights are being violated daily feels fortunate to be a Nigerian?

Be that as it may, Nigeria is not all about misfortune and downs. There are quite a number of things and people that still makes one proud of being a Nigerian. World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Anthony Joshua is making many proud of being Nigerian. Welterweight Boxing Champion, Larry Ekundayo is also making Nigeria proud. Dr Oluyinka Olutoye, a Nigerian, who delivered the baby that was born twice in the United States made us proud. Olutoye removed the baby from her mother’s womb at 23 weeks, performed an operation, returned her to the womb, and delivered her at 36 weeks without any complication.

Five students from Regina Pacis Model Secondary School, Anambra State also made Nigeria proud by winning the 2018 Global Technology Challenge in the US. Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka and Novelist Chimamanda Adiche have also projected Nigeria positively to the world. While these persons signify that Nigerians are blessed and a blessing to nations, it is unfortunate that the Nigerian government virtually contributed nothing to their success. Most of them fought their way to the top independently. What is being Nigerian to the son of a taxi driver who is losing the fight to become a doctor because he could not afford the school fees or get an education loan? For every Soyinka you see, thousands of similar potentials has been wasted.

God has been kind to Nigeria, but Nigerians are a problem to themselves. The nation’s problems are man-made. Nigeria is not troubled by natural disasters such as earthquake, volcanic eruption, cyclonic storm, avalanche or tsunami. The flood we’re experiencing is the aftereffect of an inefficient waste disposal mechanism. The nation became the world poverty capital on account of the leaders’ mismanagement and corruption. PDP squandered the treasury while the APC that promised change changed the promise after winning election. It is a misfortune that a blessed nation like Nigeria has been successively led by middlebrow men. Nigeria keeps falling because the leaders keep failing. The electorates need to stop reinforcing failure with their votes. Nigerians would work for all when the leaders lead well and the citizens act right.

*Omoshola Deji is a political and public affairs analyst. He wrote in via moshdeji@yahoo.com

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA:

With less than sixteen days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, has restated commitment to partnering with Journalists in order to conduct credible elections that meet international standards.

The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Anambra, Enugu and Benue States and Chairman of INEC Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye, restated this commitment while addressing senior media practitioners at the Sensitization Forum for Media organizations in South East and South South Zones of the country on the 2019 General Elections.

The forum which is part of the Commission’s timeline of engaging critical stakeholders in the electoral process, was to address the challenges and other matters in the pre, during and post election periods.

Reiterating the commission’s determination to deliver free, fair, and credible polls, the INEC National Commissioner, Barrister Okoye, enumerated the steps already taken by the commission in line with electoral provisions and the 1999 Constitution of the country.

Barrister Okoye sought for collaboration of the media to deliver and meet international best practices while cautioning against illegal and unauthorized announcement or publication of results by media organizations or by their personnel.

Expanding on the roles of the media, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji, represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Commission in the State, Mr. Charles Mbanaja, called on media practitioners to ensure they avoid being used to disseminate false news or propagate hate speeches.

The Deputy Director of INEC Information and Voter Education, Mr. Victor Aluko, also explained the Commission’s provisions for people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups to give them easy access to participate actively in the entire process.

Participants at the programme also made contributions on other matters affecting coverage of elections and proferred ways for better working relationships between the media, INEC, security agents and other stakeholders in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, the INEC National Commissioner, Barrister Okoye says Non sensitive materials for elections have been sent to the various local government INEC offices while sensitive materials are already being deposited at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

° Gathering to coincide with historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb, The Grand Imam of Al Azhar
° Event to consolidate UAE’s status as global centre of tolerance
° Conference to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence among nations

Abu Dhabi, United Emirates:
The Global Conference of Human Fraternity will convene prominent international religious, intellectual and media personalities, event organiser, the Muslim Council of Elders, today revealed. The Council is an Abu Dhabi-based independent international organisation chaired by His Eminence Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif.
The event will run from 3 to 4 February at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Aimed at consolidating the UAE’s status as a global centre of tolerance, the gathering will coincide with the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State and His Eminence Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif, Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders to the country.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, will open the conference proceedings. Headline speakers will include His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the Arab League, His Excellency Dr Yusuf bin Ahmed Al Uthaymeen, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Dr James Zogby, Founder and President of the Arab American Institute, His Beatitude Bishop Yulius, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Reverend Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, and His Eminence Ali Al-Amin, Member of the Muslim Council of Elders. The event will draw the participation of leading intellectual and media personalities shaping the fabric of international human fraternity.
Dr Sultan Faisal Al Remeithi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, said: “Through hosting this constellation of eminent international speakers and participants spanning diverse faiths, we seek to uphold the values ​​of tolerance and love among mankind as the optimal tools to achieve peaceful coexistence.”
He added: “The conference will provide an ideal platform to reiterate the significance of tolerance and harmony in heralding a new era of human fraternity, mutual acceptance, moderation, and countering the culture of hatred that disrupts peace and security.”
The agenda will feature knowledge sessions focusing on a wide spectrum of themes related to human fraternity, aimed at stimulating discussions on promoting a culture of peace as an alternative to violence and conflicts based on ideological and ethnic differences. The event will reinforce citizenship as an overarching concept, recognised by all religions and human charters, that places the nation above all considerations while combating religious extremism that encourages isolation and hatred instead of peaceful coexistence and dialogue.
The conference will also examine ways to strengthen cooperation between East and West to achieve global peace, as well as the responsibility of international humanitarian organisations to maintain harmony and security. Its sessions will highlight the role of religious, educational, cultural and media organisations in raising awareness of the importance of human fraternity in society.
Furthermore, attendees will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing human fraternity, outlining a course of action to leverage human conscience and religious ethics to address the underlying causes of violence, such as selfishness, intolerance and hatred.

*Source: AETOSWire

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will probe the TraderMoni micro-credit scheme of the Federal Government.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this to reporters on Thursday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

While the preparations for the coming elections were taking shape, the INEC chairman raised several concerns about vote buying by some politicians.

He said the electoral body was aware of the controversy trailing the TraderMoni, stressing that they would investigate the scheme for possible violation of campaign finance laws.

Professor Yakubu explained that the commission would study public comments on the scheme and assess whether or not the government violated the campaign finance laws.

According to him, INEC has a mechanism for tracking campaign finance violations by the candidates and various political parties in the country.

This comes amid accusations by individuals and groups, including civil society organisations who described the scheme as a form of vote-buying.

Earlier, the INEC chairman addressed senior officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at a strategy meeting which focussed on the general elections.

In his presentation, he highlighted 10 areas of collaboration between the electoral body and the FRSC to ensure the success of the polls.

FRSC Corps Marshall and Chief Executive, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, on his part revealed that the Corps was already designing strategies and guidelines for officials during the elections.

He informed the INEC boss that a total of 20,000 officials would be deployed for the polls across the country.

Oyeyemi said the FRSC has slated February 5 as commencement date to certify the vehicles that would be used in conveying sensitive election materials.

-Channels Television

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has promised to revive all the sea ports in Delta State and complete the second Niger Bridge when he emerges as President.

Alhaji Abubakar gave the promise on Thursday (31/01/19) during the Presidential Campaign rally of the party in Asaba. Thousands of Deltans took over all available space at the Stephen Keshi Stadium and spilled through miles on Nnebisi road, Asaba in solidarity with the PDP.

Excited with the huge turnout of people, Alhaji Abubakar commended Governor Okowa for improving on the fortunes of the PDP assuring, “I will reactivate all the sea ports in Delta State and you know that my wife is from Onitsha, so, we won’t have any option than to complete the second Niger Bridge.”

“I promise you that our elections, all the infrastructure projects that have been abandoned by the Federal Government will be completed; the All Progressive Congress (APC) has failed to deliver; for you to continue reaping the benefits of good governance, continue to vote for PDP; we are all members of the PDP family, no space for APC.”

He continued, “your Governor, Senator Okowa is one of the best Governors this country has produced, we are grateful to Deltans for being loyal to the PDP since 1999; the roads that you have in the state came through the PDP, most of the development in the state were done by the PDP, so, why will Deltans not vote for PDP?”

Governor Okowa at the rally, stated that Deltans are peace-loving and his administration has built bridges of unity among the people which Alhaji Abubakar will replicate once he emerges as President by uniting all Nigerians and making them to live in peace.

The governor listed the achievements of his administration in the health sector, job creation, health, road construction and summed it up by calling on all Nigerians to vote for the PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections as such would attract development to the country.

“The most important thing to us as a people is that we are seeing the future, a future which the PDP will bring peace to our entire country; we are prepared for the elections and from the crowd we have today, you (Alhaji Abubakar) will be encouraged to know that Deltans will vote PDP in large numbers, and we will defend our votes,” the governor said.

Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, Senator Bukola Saraki, who danced to the admiration of the people, congratulated Governor Okowa for his developmental efforts, especially, for constructing the Stephen Keshi Stadium, noting that the governor “understands the act of governance.”

Saraki who is the President of the Senate said it was important for Nigerians to vote for Alhaji Abubakar because, such will boost the confidence of investors, boost the economy and create job opportunities for the people.

“Investors do not go to countries where there is no rule of law, countries where security of lives and property is not guaranteed; don’t waste your votes for the APC, don’t be afraid, we will monitor the votes so that they cannot rig, a vote for Alhaji Abubakar is a vote to boost our economy, provide jobs for our people; vote for the PDP,” Senator Saraki said while the National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus warned that any attempt to rig the elections would be resisted and spell doom for the country.

“We are aware that there are patriotic Nigerians in INEC, if the election is rigged, there will be war because, everybody is ready for the elections; the security agencies should obey the constitution and be neutral or else, there will be crisis,” Prince Secondus said, adding, “Nigerians should come out and vote and defend their votes because, the votes must count so that we can vote out someone who has brought disgrace to the nation.”

He continued, “we need digital President and Atiku is that digital President; Alhaji Abubakar can interact and engage the youths, he will be in charge and the government would not be in the hands of cabals.”

Others who spoke at the rally include, Chief Benjamin Elue, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, and Senator Stella Omu.

-BY MICHAEL EKOKORUWE:

Isoko development union women wing through its president Chief Mrs. Felicia Suleiman, has commended Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State for prompt response to the pregnant woman who delivered a baby girl during the state PDP campaign rally at Isiokolo, Ethiope East local government area of Delta State.

Chief Mrs. Suleiman overwhelmed by the immediate donation of N2 million by governor Okowa to Mrs. Odiri Benjamin of ward 10 unit 7, Ekaka village Kokori who delivered a baby girl at the campaign ground said, Okowa has displayed the spirit of sportsmanship to the plight of womanhood in Delta State.

She noted that with so much assistance given to widows in Delta State, youth empowerment and other wealth creation programmes by the Okowa administration, the governor in his magnanimity has shown his ability to do more and better the lives of the women if re-elected as governor of state.

Mrs. Suleiman while felicitating with Mrs. Odiri Benjamin for the bouncing baby girl, urged Isoko women and other women in Delta State to key into the Smart Agenda of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa even as he has transformed the state and deserves to complete two terms in line with the rotation principles of the PDP and consolidate on the developmental strides in the state.

She also commended governor Okowa for Isoko unity house, the 250 KVA generator and ongoing construction of the shopping mall at the secretariat of Isoko development union, noting that the massive crowd at different campaign rallies in Delta State shows Okowa’s doggedness and ingenuity towards the development of Delta State.

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA:

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar has ordered aggressive manhunt of persons involved in cult activities and their sponsors in the state.

Mr. Umaru who gave the directive in Awka through the Police spokesperson, Mr. Haruna Mohammed (SP), said the measure has become necessary following recent upsurge in cults related activities in the State.

Mr. Haruna asked those involved to desist henceforth or have themselves to blame, regardless of their positions.

“The CP directed for aggressive manhunt of perpetrators including their sponsors in order to stem the tide of the menace and the clamp down had commenced with immediate effect.

“Consequently, the Command is determined as usual to ensure that criminals in whatever guise have no hiding place in the State no matter how highly placed they might be especially during this period of electioneering Campaigns,” he said.

While vowing to deal decisively with anyone apprehended in accordance with the law, the CP reassured the people of state of the Command’s commitments towards providing Safety and Security in the State.

“The Command also implores parents/guardians to caution their children to refrain from indulging in cultism and other nefarious activities or face severe legal consequences when arrested,” he added.

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA:

The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed a resolution urging Governor Willie Obiano to direct the Commissioner for Road, Rail And Water Transportation and other relevant enforcement agencies to ensure that commercial vehicles plying the roads in the state are equipped with First Aid Kits.

The resolution was sequel to a motion sponsored to that effect by the member representing Onitsha North Two Constituency,

Mr. Edward Ibuzo during yesterdays plenary.Moving the motion, Mr. Ibuzo explained that the safety of road users is of overriding importance to the government, and that in the event of road accident, it is imperative to provide First Aid to the victims before taking them to the hospital.

He maintained that effective implementation of the provision of the National Road Traffic Regulation Act, 2012, would go a long way in reducing loss of lives during accidents on the state roads.In their contributions, the member representing Dunukofia Constituency, Chief Lawrence Ezeudu and his Njikoka One Constituency counterpart, Mr. Timothy Ifedioramma and the member for Ogbaru One Constituency, Mr. Beson Nwawulu called on the relevant agencies to sensitize the people on the need to have first aid Kits in their vehicles, while the speaker Mrs. Rita Maduagwu read out the resolution.

Meanwhile, the House had in a motion sponsored by the member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Mr. Onyebuchi Offor directed Mr. Ikenna Ofodeme who resigned recently as Transition Committee Chairman, Ekwusigo Local Government Area to immediately hand over to the Head of the Local Government Administration who shall act as the Chairman pending the appointment and confirmation of a new Chairman by the House.

The House also restrained and ordered Mr. Uchenna Elodimuo to stop parading himself as the new Transition Committee Chairman of Ekwusigo Local Government Area forthwith, just as the Speaker of the House, Mrs. Rita Maduagwu condem.

Meanwhile, Governor Obiano has announced a lift of suspension on the three members of the State House of Assembly suspended from the party during the recent misunderstanding in the Assembly including Messrs Harford Oseke, Ikem Uzoezie and Victor Okoye, noting that lifting the ban is important because the period is critical for unity to ensure a resounding victory at the forth coming polls, adding that a vote for APGA is a vote for democracy dividends.

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / ONITSHA:

Anambra State government says it has given order for cattle herders in Anambra West and East to gradually relocate to avoid further schemishes in the areas.

Governor Obiano made the declaration at Community Secondary School, Umueze Anam, Anambra West Council Area and Otuocha Township Stadium, Anambra East Council Area, during his thank you rally to the areas.

It was a gathering of APGA faithful, candidates and stakeholders.

-BY SUNNY A. DAVID / AWKA:

The Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji says the Commission has recruited over twenty-five thousand ad-hoc staff, for the 2019 General Elections in the State.

Dr. Orji disclosed this when he led top officials of the Commission as well as officials of the European Union Election Observer Mission on an advocacy visit to the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia in Aguata local Government Area, Igwe Emmanuel Onyeneke.
According to Dr. Orji the advocacy visit was part of measures put in place by the Commission to reach out to opinion leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders among others with the aim of sensitizing and educating them on the preparedness of the Commission in this year’s general elections.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner noted that Anambra has the highest number of voter registration in the country as the State moved from one point nine million in 2015 to about two point five million in 2019 and urged Ndi Anambra to come out en-masse to vote for candidates of their choice during the elections as the commission has set adequate logistics in motion to ensure free, fair and credible elections.

He commended the European Union Observers for their advice and criticisms in previous elections which he noted has helped in repositioning the country’s electoral body for the conduct of credible
elections.

Responding, the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia, Igwe Onyeneke thanked the Commission for the visit and promised that he will help in sensitizing the people of the area on the need to participate actively during elections.

A member of the European Union Election Observe Mission, Mr. Henrik Westerby appealed to Nigerians to shun acts capable of destabilizing the electoral process.

The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency in the forthcoming national assembly election, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has announced the immediate release of the sum of N5 Million to energize the Ubulu Uku substation which has been dormant due to lack of funds.

Hon. Elumelu made the donation while addressing the people of wards 4 and 5, Ubulu Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, during the ongoing general elections campaign to the area by the Delta North Campaign Council on Monday (28/01/2019).

The PDP candidate noted that the people of the area have always giving massive support to the party hence the need to reward loyalty as well as encourage them to support the candidates of the party starting from the Presidency to the House of Assembly candidates, promising to work harder for more development if elected to represent the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency.

The Director General of Delta North Campaign Council, Hon. Pascal Adigwe, speaking during the campaign, advised the people to be wary of some candidates of other political parties who are going around deceiving them that they should vote for them as they will return to the PDP after they win their election.

He declared that in all the places visited, Delta North has no other party hence the need for the people to embrace the only viable party which is PDP to ensure victory not only for the candidates but for all who love peace, security, good health, quality infrastructure and employment.

Also speaking, the Chairman Delta North Campaign Council, Chief Godswill Obielum, urged the people to drive away insecurity, hunger and maladministration by voting Atiku Abubakar as the President, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa as the Governor of the state, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as the Senator representing Delta North, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu as the Member Representing Aniocha /Oshimili Federal constituency while Hon. Austin Chikezie should be voted to represent the area in the Delta State House of Assembly.

Chief Obielum noted with confidence that when all the party candidates are voted for, they will work as a team thereby serving the people more by attracting development projects to the state and local governments.

In his remarks, the PDP Chairman of Delta North Senatorial District, Chief Moses Iduh, told the people that the party elected credible, loyal and trustworthy persons who are now candidates for various positions. Therefore they should ensure that they vote massively for all the party candidates as well as urging them, especially the youths, to ensure they their mandate was not truncated by voting as well as staying to ensure that their votes were counted and recorded before leaving.

A former Commissioner in the Delta State Executive Council, Hon. Tony Nwaka, reaffirmed the belief of the people of Aniocha South in the Government of Senator Okowa citing the projects, which are either concluded or ongoing, throughout Aniocha South, stating that Aniocha South is PDP territory given the assurance that all the party candidates will be voted for.

Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of the candidates to the people as well as receiving many persons that decamped from APC to PDP at Nsukwa. The entourage visited 6 wards including wards 2 and 3, Ogwashi Uku, wards 4 and 5, Ubulu Uku , ward 7, Nsukwa, and Ashama, ward 8 comprising of Ejeme-Aniogor, Ejeme – Unor and Egbudu–Akah.

THOUSANDS of Deltans on Tuesday defied heavy down-pour to attend the campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ughelli South with excited Governor Ifeanyi Okowa expressing joy that Deltans are appreciating the development projects of his administration.
The heaven was opened at Otu-Jeremy, Ughelli South local government area where thousands of Deltans sang and danced in the rain.
Governor Okowa at the rallies which also took place at Obiaruku, and Isiokolo, in Ukwuani, and Ethiope East local government areas of Delta State, expressed joy that Deltans appreciate the projects and programmes executed by his administration.
“I am happy that the projects and programmes we have executed have met the yearnings and aspiration of Deltans which has led to these excited crowd. Good people of Delta State, in the next four years, we will construct more roads,” he said.
The governor continued, “before the elections, we shall commission some projects because, even with the rain, you are happy and grateful to God for His goodness to us as a people.”
Governor Okowa who was accompanied to the rallies by his wife, Dame Edith stated, “when we came on board, the country was in financial crises, despite that, we applied experience in governance to do what we did and our people are happy; in the next four years, we shall triple the number of widows that we are assisting, more youths will benefit from the empowerment and wealth creation programmes because, things are better.”
The campaign rally at Isiokolo was spectacular as several members of the opposition political party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) decamped to the PDP while Mrs Odiri Benjamin of Ward 10 Unit 7, Ekaka Village Kokori delivered a baby girl at the campaign ground.
While congratulating the parents of the baby girl that was delivered at the rally venue, Governor Okowa gave them the sum of N2 million to open an account in the child’s name; he also, expressed joy that the projects executed by his administration had attracted members of the opposition political parties to join the PDP.
The governor at Obiaruku observed that massive crowd that came out for the rally was expected as the party has always won in the area and the votes should increase bearing in mind that their son, a Delta norther is seeking re-election as Governor.
He commended Deltans for their peaceful dispositions and called for continuous partnership with his administration which he said will transform the state.
The governor who urged the people to vote for all the candidates of the PDP from Presidency to House of Assembly level, urged them to protect their votes.
Those who spoke at the campaign rallies were immediate past Deputy Governor Amos Utuama (SAN), Chief Eric Anigala, Hon. Sunny Emeyese, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, and Chairman of the party in the state, Barr. Kingsley Esiso.
They all observed that Governor Okowa has worked hard to transform Delta State and deserves to complete two terms in line with rotation principles of the PDP in the state.
While assuring the governor of the votes of Deltans, they listed the achievements of the governor, stating that all the candidates of the PDP will be voted for.

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked supporters to vote whoever they like in the coming general elections.

He told them at the presidential rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State on Tuesday that regardless of party, ethnicity or religion, they should vote for who they want.

“I thank you very much and I want you to please maintain your balance, your senses. Don’t allow intra or inter-party (matters) to remove your sense of responsibility,” the President said.

“Your vote is your vote, choose whoever you like across party and ethnicity and religion. I thank you very much”.

Earlier, Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha assured President Buhari of total victory because of his laudable people oriented agenda.

The governorship candidate of the party in the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who took a swipe at the leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo who unilaterally endorsed the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar said the Ibos are opposed to the decision, assuring President Buhari that he has been fully endorsed by the people of Imo state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected the withdrawal of Oby Ezekwesili as presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN).

INEC insists that “the deadline for Ezekwesili or any candidate in that category to withdraw or be replaced has passed”.

Ezekwesili announced her withdrawal on Thursday, saying she wanted to give room for a coalition against candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

In reaction to this, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, said November 17 was the last date for withdrawal.

The statement read: “It is impossible for any presidential candidate to withdraw from the race now. According to the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2019 General Elections, the last day for withdrawal by candidates or replacement of withdrawn candidates by political parties was 17th November, 2018 for Presidential and National Assembly Elections.

“Section 35 of the electoral act, which gives deadline from withdrawal from any election, states: “A candidate may withdraw his candidature by notice in writing signed by him and delivered by himself to the political party that nominated him for the election and the political party shall convey such withdrawal to the Commission not later than 45 days to the election.”

The presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN, Oby Ezekwesili has withdrawn from the presidential race, according to a statement released by her media office early Thursday morning.

The statement signed by the spokesperson of the Obiageli Ezekwesili Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ozioma Ubabukoh, said the presidential candidate of the ACPN will now devote her time “to help build a coalition to defeat the All Progressives Congress and the People’s Democratic Party in the February 16, 2019 election.

The statement said her decision to quit followed “extensive consultations with leaders from various walks of life across the country over the past few days. I deem it necessary for me to focus on helping to build a veritable coalition to ensure a viable alternative to the #APCPDP in the forthcoming elections,” Ubabukoh said.

Ezekwesili was quoted as saying: “It is my ardent belief that this broad coalition for a viable alternative has now become more than ever before, an urgent mission for and on behalf of Nigerian citizens. I have therefore chosen to lead the way in demonstrating the much needed patriotic sacrifice for our national revival and redirection.

“I wish to state that over the past three months, I have been in private, but extended talks with other candidates to birth a coalition that would allow Nigerians to exercise their choice without feeling helplessly encumbered by the evil twins of #APCPDP.

“While the deliberations continued, I never hesitated for a moment in my willingness and determination to sacrifice my candidacy in order to facilitate the emergence of the envisaged strong and viable alternative that Nigerians could identify with in our collective search for a new beginning.

“My commitment to this promising political recalibration has been consistent and in consonance with my agreement, at the request of candidates under the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) arrangement in 2018, when I consented to supervise the internal selection process as an outside observer passionate about building an alternative force.

“However, despite resistance from the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria on these and other issues, I have decided that it is now necessary to show by action and example my determination on this issue by stepping down my candidacy so as to focus squarely on building the coalition to a logical conclusion.

“We have no right to allow citizens give in to despair. We will #Fight4Naija together and prove to all that the mess, which the political class has now become, should not be allowed to destroy our spirits and nation. We are also determined to ensure that the message keeps resonating that our beloved country deserves better, and that we will get the best that we deserve.

“From last year, when I joined the presidential race, I made it clear to Nigerians that the country has always had a 20-year cycle of change – 1958, 1979, and 1999. As such, 2019 begins another 20-year cycle, and together with all Nigerians of good will, I stand ready to play my part to ensure that we do not miss this golden opportunity to sing a new song. There is no more time to waste. Let’s get to work!”

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, presided over by Justice Abdul Aboki, has barred the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) from proceeding with hearing in the false assets declaration filed against the Chief Justice of Nigeria, (CJN) Walter Onnoghen.

At the resumed hearing of the appeal the Defence Counsel, Wole Olanipekun told the court that the CCT has vowed not to comply with orders from other courts which it described as Court of Coordinate Jurisdiction except that of the Court of Appeal.

He however emphasised on the issue of jurisdiction raised before the CCT which according to him was ignored.

Mr Olanipekun argued that if the application is not granted it will affect the judiciary in totality and will be a threat to the country and the constitution as a whole.

In a counter affidavit, counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Oye Koleosho said the decision on whether to stay proceedings at the tribunal is at the discretion of the tribunal.

He drew the courts attention to the fact that the lower tribunal adjourned the hearing of the application challenging its jurisdiction which was at the instance of the defence counsel and if the court stay proceedings, the tribunal cannot decide on the issue of jurisdiction.

Justice Abdul Aboki who presided over the appeal wasted no time after the arguments to order the CCT to stay proceeding pending the determination of the appeal and adjourned to January 30, 2019.

**”Strike Still In Force” –ASUU President

Despite the lingering industrial strike action of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) since Nov. 5, 2018, the Federal Government said it has released N163 billion to the universities from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige made the disclosure while addressing newsmen after a closed door reconciliatory meeting with leaders of ASUU on Monday in Abuja.

According to Ngige, “Government has released about N163 billion from TETFund account to universities.

“So, we have gotten some substantial agreement in most of the areas of the agreement.

“Most of the issues have being resolved, so they are going to go back to their members and present government’s offer to their council,‘’ he said.

Earlier, the minister had said that President Muhammadu Buhari had mandated him to ensure that all issues concerning the ongoing strike in the university system were resolved.

“The president has directed me to pass the night here until all issues that have kept our children away from schools are resolved and strike called off.

“He has also directed me to impress upon you, the imperative of little sacrifice from all sides, knowing fully well that the revenue of the federation has dwindled from what it was before the present administration assumed office,” he said.

“These are debts of 2009, owed by the past administration, that is 2009 to 2012, so it is not our own debt and we have been doing a lot to settle these debts.

“So, we will be reconvening at the instance of ASUU. They said they want to go and consult with their members and they cannot call off the strike without consulting with their members,’’ he said.

ASUU President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said that there were still some grey areas in the proposal presented by the Federal Government.

“The most critical area is the revitalisation, because it is central to our work, as academics and unless that area is addressed our members will have issues with ongoing action.

“We also did not ask for N50 billion, we are saying that the minimum we expect government to release in order to reactive the revitalisation fund is N50 billion.

“So, the strike is still on,’’ he said.

-(Editor): The Nigeria Police has prepared fresh criminal charges against embattled lawmaker representing Kogi West at the National Assembly, Senate Dino Melaye.

Melaye will be re-arraigned today, Tuesday, January 22, 2019, Blank NEWS Online can report.

Melaye claims that the police had concluded plans to arraign him before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on nine counts on January 21.

The charges, according to him, border on illegal obstruction and resistance to lawful arrest.

On Friday last week, a High Court in Abuja granted the senator bail on health grounds after almost two weeks in police detention.

The lawmaker was taken into custody on January 4 after the police laid siege to his Abuja residence for about eight days.

He was declared wanted by the police for alleged criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide which he reportedly committed on July 19, 2018 after his supporters allegedly shot a police officer last year in Kogi State.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday granted an order of interim injunction restraining President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF from removing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walter Onnoghen, from office.

Justice Inyang Ekwo who made the ruling at the hearing of the case, ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by Action Peoples Party.

Justice Inyang Ekwo however adjourned the hearing of the motion on notice to the 29th of January.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered the immediate disbandment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Special Investigation Panel and Special Tactical Squad.

The Acting IG also announced the setting-up of a Special Election Investigation Team tasked with the exclusive function of investigating and prosecuting electoral offenders.

Adamu, during his inaugural conference with Command Commissioners of Police and other senior officers in Abuja on Monday (today), explained that the squad will henceforth operate under the state Commissioners of Police, while the Force headquarters unit would be under the DIG, Federal Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.

Following the new development, there will now be a Special Anti-Robbery Squad domiciled in each of the 36 states under the direct supervision of the Commissioners of Police.

He said that a comprehensive reform in terms of ethics, mode of operation, nomenclature and orientation, function delineation command and control and accountability mechanism of SARS will be undertaken.

Adamu also disbanded all quasi-investigation and operations outfits, including the Special Investigation Panel, Special Tactical Squad, IG Monitoring and Intelligence Team, among others.

Recall that the IGP Special Investigation Panel and IGP Special Tactical Squad were established by the former IGP, Ibrahim Idris, who also centralised the operations of SARS into Federal SARS.

Read Excerpts:

INTERVIEW:
In this Interview, Comr Gospel Ifechikwu Amaliamifeobu bares his mind on his plans for Aniocha South Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, under the auspices of the Labour Party Candidate, ahead of the March 2nd 2019 election.

Ques-Why have you ventured into politics?

Thank you very much but just before I respond to your question, let me give a little background about myself.
My name is Comr Gospel Ifechikwu Amaliamifeobu, from Ejeme Aniogor, in Nsukwa Clan geopolitical zone of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
I am a Backpack Broadcast Journalist by profession and by the special Grace of God, the Labour Party Candidate for Delta State House of Assembly, Aniocha South Constituency in March 2nd 2019 election.

My foray into elective politics is driven by passion for more services to my people in particular and the general public.

As a matter of facts, politics is supposed to be the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group.
It refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance—organized control over a human community, particularly a state for their wellbeing.
But in most cases, those in the positions of authority abuse the offices and do not care about the masses.

I started my political career far back in my Secondary School days, where I was elected a Class Prefect, when I entered higher institution, I was made a Course Rep and because of my excellent performances and sacrifices in my line of duty, I was elected the Students Union Government(SUG)President of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku in 2006.
I have also contested for the position of the Secretary, Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Delta State Council.

I am going into elective politics because I am young, I am contributing my own quota to change the narratives, I am experienced, I have the capacity, I have the character, I have the competence, I know and understand my constituency and I have the compassion to use my positions to better the lots of my constituents.
I am going into elective politics because I know the problems and I have practical solutions to the problems of Aniocha South Constituency.
In short, I am in the race to give us Representation Redefined!

Ques-How prepared are you to wrest power from the ruling PDP considering the fact that Aniocha South Constituency is dominated by the PDP?

Hahahahahahaaaa, there you come!
What and how do you mean?
Are you from there, do you live there or you are saying from what you read or heard?
We have 91 political parties as registered by INEC and about 15 of them are actively participating in this 2019 general election even in Aniocha South and my party, the Labour Party is the only party who’s logo has the family.
I don’t want to join issues with any political party.
That Aniocha South is dominated by the PDP is a figment of your imaginations.
Its not an issue!

As far as Aniocha South is concerned, Labour Party remains a party to beat because we have very active structures in the eleven 11 wards that made up the LGA, we have the Best Candidate for DTHA in the person of Yours in Service, Comr Gospel Amaliamifeobu.

The party you mentioned, with all sense of humility, responsibility and modesty, who is their House of Assembly Candidate?
As a former Councillor, Vice Chairman of the LGA and the immediate past Commissioner for the almighty Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the State? How did he used his positions to impact positively on the lives of his people or is it when he enters the vibrant Hallowed Chambers of the State Assembly that he will change?
Of course you know the answer!
I don’t have any personal issues with him as far as I am concern.
Let the will of the people prevail.

My LGA, the Aniocha South is politically conscious and so they are not after purported big party name but after Credible Candidates and personality who has something better on the table to offer, that is effective representations and not those who wants to hide under the excellent performance of the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa whose SMART Agenda has continued to impact positively on almost every sphere of the state.

The Governor needs those who will partner with him in the legislature to take the state to a higher pedestal.

Am aware that power is not given but taken and so won’t allow our future to be toiled with in the name of Political Retirement Benefits for one man who doesn’t care about his people.
That is why I yielded to the clarions by the youths, the elderly and of course the less privileged to be their voice in DTHA in 2019 irrespective of their clan, age religion and social strata.

Some of them used to ask me ignorantly, who did you serve?
My response has been, I have serve the public.
As a veteran journalist, I have the fundamental duties of serving the general public through my objective reportage and programs on radio/tv.
Politics is all about service!

Ques-What will you do differently as lawmaker if you win the Aniocha South Constituency representations?

MY SOCIAL CONTRACT WITH ANIOCHA SOUTH CONSTITUENCY is to give them a LEAP!

Aside the Constituency Budget, I’m donating 10% of my salary as a Legislator to the welfare of the people and I mean it by Gods Grace.

My party is Labour Party of which I am the Party’s House of Assembly Candidate to Aniocha South Constituency by God’s grace in march 2nd this year.

The LEAP 2019 is an acronym of my blueprint(call it agenda) with which my business in the House will stand on.

You and I knows that the fundamental functions of a legislator are law making and carrying out oversight functions.
But from my own point of view, you’re not just to make for the state and carry out oversight functions, you are also duty bound to be a representative of your people/constituency on who’s mandate you were elected to hold brief for them. You’re their eye and voice in the House.
So am giving my people quality LEGISLATIONS.
As I speak to you now, I have drafted 2 Bills down which are already in the can and will be made public in the plenary for deliberations as soon we we resume legislative businesses after our inaugurations in June this year by Gods Grace. That shows my level of preparedness for this task ahead.

As a Legislator, you are also saddled with the responsibility of a representative of your constituents so you know their needs and one of them is
ECONOMIC EMANCIPATION which by God’s grace with partnership with relevant stakeholders, I intend to empower the people through various human interest programs etc.
I have also observed that the only time you see a legislator/constituents relationships is felt is during electioneering, there after, to your tents oh Israel but for me, I will be introducing what I referred to as a ‘Quarterly Rotational Interface’ with the Constituents, (QRIC) which is aimed at briefing and sharing and feeling their pulses. That is when the third enabler or pillar comes in, which is referred to as
ACCOUNTABILITY!

Finally, the last but not the least is the letter ‘P’ which signifies legacy
PROJECTS.
My representations will be laced with legacy projects based on the availability of the Constituency Budget.

To answer your question in a nutshell, what am going to do differently when I get into office by Gods Grace is to give Aniocha South Constituency a LEAP in 2019 and beyond.
So let’s LEAP in 2019!

Ques-Do you have faith in INEC conducting a credible poll come March 2019?

Well, to the best of my knowledge, the Electoral Umpire, the INEC from what we have seen and heard, is trying to ensure a seamless 2019 General election, so let’s give them the benefits of doubt.

Ques-What major policies will you promote if you win the Aniocha South Constituency seat?

Clientele politics or what you call patronage politics: This buttresses the People oriented politics.
I will be focus more on human interests programs.
First, as a Law Maker, is to look at some of the existing laws with my colleagues and see how we can amend them if need be to have some human face in them and sponsor new bills.
Secondly, as Representative,I am going to
emback on Community Choose your Projects Initiative which will be funded by development partners that I have already started talking with.

Ques-Aniocha South Constituency is largely rural and underdeveloped, if become a lawmaker how do you intend to attract development to the area?

This question I think has been taken care of but let me respond quickly.

Aniocha South is one of the oldest agrarian local government areas in Nigeria that has suffered a perpetual neglects in the past.
And so, in partnership with the state government and other agencies, will embark on small scale agrobased industries, skills acquisition centres, talent hunts and create enabling environment for businesses to thrive thereby stimulating the economy of our people.

Our people are mostly farmers, therefore we will ensure we have good markets for their products.
My profession as a broadcast journalist has has endeared me to the hearts of the people so I know their needs.

Ques-How do you rate your chances in the forthcoming polls,given the role money plays in politics?

My chances of winning is %100.
I am the primus inter peres!

It is said that over 80% of Nigerian politicians are opportunistic and not philanthropic, the masses will eat their money and still vote their consciences and that is me, they can’t be fooled again.

To my fellow contestants in the race, I need you to support and join hands with me as the youngest of all so we can together move the Constituency to an enviable height amongst the comity of LGAs in Nigeria.

To my good friend, the Nurse, who suddenly became Mother Christmas and the incumbent Member, Hon Angel Nwaka, start writing your handover notes, you have tried your best but its not good enough because Aniocha South Constituency deserves better, so let’s leave good behind!

Vote Comr Gospel Amaliamifeobu
For Delta State House of Assembly
Aniocha South Constituency.
Vote Labour Party!
…so we can Leaping

There have been uneasy calm within the political camp of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressive Congress APC, as former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar successfully arrived Washington DC on a visit to the United States.

The PDP presidential candidate arrived at 20.20 hours (14.20 hours Washington DC time) on Thursday, January 17, 2019.

A statement by Paul Ibe, spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, said that the PDP presidential hopeful “will in the course of his trip hold meeting with US government officials, the business community and the Nigerian community”.

Atiku’s visit to the United States comes a day after he met with the business community in Lagos at an interactive session to “unveil his plans to get Nigeria working again”.

He flew out of Nigeria on Thursday morning with the DG of PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation and Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki for the United States.

Abubakar’s arrival in the U.S. may have rattled the ruling All Progressives Congress, which has taunted him for his inability to enter the U.S. for over a decade.

Mr Abubakar has not visited the U.S. since 2007 when he left as Nigeria’s vice-president. He served under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Mr Obasanjo accused Mr Abubakar of fraud while in office, and he was also linked to corruption charges filed in the U.S. The politician denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

For the over 12 years that Mr Abubakar was unable to visit the U.S. American authorities had declined to issue him entry visa and there were speculation that a secret indictment had been entered against him by that country’s authorities.

Atiku Abubakar✔@atiku

Just arrived Washington D.C for meeting with US government officials, Nigerians living in D.C metropolis and the business community. -AA13.7K8:26 PM – Jan 17, 2019

New York: –Authorities in Ghana should immediately investigate the killing of journalist Ahmed Hussein Suale Divela and ensure that threats against the press are taken seriously, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday.

Two men riding a motorcycle shot and killed Divela, a member of Tiger Eye Private Investigations, an investigative journalism outlet led by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, as he was driving in the capital, Accra on Wednesday, according to media reports and a video posted on Twitter by Anas. The journalist had told CPJ in September 2018 that people had attempted to attack him and that he feared for his life after a politician made comments about him on TV.

“Those responsible for journalist Ahmed Divela’s killing should be swiftly brought to justice. Ghana’s government must prove itself willing to hold accountable those who attack the press,” CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal said. “This shooting is a grave signal that journalists cannot work safely to keep the public informed or hold power to account in Ghana.”

Divela worked on several investigations with Tiger Eye Private Investigations, including a June 2018 documentary “Number 12,” which investigated alleged corruption in African soccer, according to a report by the BBC.

On May 30, 2018, Kennedy Agyapong, a member of parliament from the ruling New Patriotic Party, threatened and encouraged violence against Divela for his involvement in investigative reporting on corruption in Ghanaian soccer during an appearance on the national television channel Net 2 TV, which Agyapong owns, according to broadcast footage and reporting by CPJ.

“I’m telling you, beat him,” Agyapong said while an image of Divela’s face aired on screen, according to a translation of the footage posted by Anas. “Whatever happens, I’ll pay. Because he’s bad. That Ahmed.”

Previously, in a May 29 appearance on the privately owned Adom TV, Agyapong had chastised Anas and his investigative journalism, then dragged his finger across his throat while making a choking sound.

CPJ’s repeated calls to Agyapong on Thursday went unanswered.

In September 2018, Divela told CPJ that he believed powerful figures in Ghana sought to harm him.

“Since my image was published and [the] public was incited against me […] many people have attempted [to attack me],” he told CPJ via WhatsApp. “These criminals after us are people who are […] associated with powers that be in Ghana and can do anything and get away with it.”

Divela told CPJ that he was afraid assassins would be hired to kill him. He said, “Indeed, it [has] been hinted in some quarters that the very man who published [my image] said he was doing everything possible to quell [my] existence.”

David Senanu Eklu, assistant commissioner of police and director general for public affairs and communications at police headquarters in Accra, told CPJ that detectives from the criminal investigation division have started an investigation.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo posted on Twitter  that he expected the police to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

Anas, from Tiger Eye Private Investigations, told CPJ that he was “deeply saddened” by Divela’s killing, but he will continue to report on corruption. “Come what may, we will never stop,” he said.

KAMPALA, Uganda:— AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization operating in 43 countries, is profoundly concerned with the rise in new Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and fear of its spread if uncontained. The August 1, 2018 outbreak is now the second deadliest in history and seems to be spiralling out of control amid insecurity in the country. This follows after the devastating 2014 outbreak which claimed over 11,000 lives in West Africa, including two of AHF’s doctors.
As of Jan 2, 2019, the total number of confirmed and probable patients is estimated to have surpassed 600, with 368 deaths and 207 people who have recovered from the illness, according to CNN.
With the epicentre of the outbreak bordering Uganda and Rwanda, there is a “high risk” of it extending, particularly due to the country experiencing insecurity issues. These factors continue to put healthcare workers at enormous risk, stifle vaccination procedures and inhibit contact tracing.
“Yesterday our teams in Beni were unable to carry out critical field work, including vaccinations, contact tracing, and following up on alerts of potential new cases. Protests at government buildings in Beni spilled over to an Ebola transit centre, frightening people waiting for Ebola test results and the staff who were caring for them. Staff at the centre temporarily withdrew, and most suspected cases were transferred to a nearby treatment centre,” according to a statement released by WHO on December 28, 2018.
Although there have been marked improvements compared to the 2014 outbreak response, the increasing number of new cases underscore the need for WHO, AU and partners, including Merck Pharmaceuticals to double their effort in the Congo. Furthermore, it is imperative that WHO declares this crisis as an International emergency and the African Union, whose silence has been deafening, must step up its leadership and keep the region and globe updated on outcomes.
“The situation in the Congo is unfortunate and reminiscent of the 2014 outbreak,” said AHF Africa Bureau Chief Dr Penninah Iutung. “More disturbing is the fact that the African Union has remained mute in the face of this unfolding crisis. What is the AU doing regarding the ongoing security challenges in the country that is disrupting Ebola control efforts and the lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers?”
“We cannot allow a repeat of 2014! The Africa Centre for Disease Control must be at the centre of this epidemic control in the Democratic Republic of Congo, keeping countries in the region, especially neighbouring countries, informed with updates on efforts to aid emergency preparedness should the need arise,” she added.
There is a need for accelerated and concerted efforts by the African Union, UN and the World Health Organisation to expand the provision of appropriate and adequate PPE, mobilize and deploy more health workers in the Congo, procure more Ebola vaccines, ramp up contact tracing, intervene in the ongoing security crisis and ensure the safety and security of the healthcare workers within the country and at the borders. The WHO and UN must protect the men and women working to reach and vaccinate people in remote areas, including by deploying troops, if necessary.

*Source: AETOSWire

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaign continues in Delta State, the second term bidder governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called for sustained unity among party members in order to achieve victory at the polls.

The governor, during the PDP campaign rallies at Issele-Uku, Akwukwu-Igbo and Asaba in Aniocha North, Oshimili North and Oshimili South local government areas of Delta State respectively, said with unity and cooperation, the PDP will win in all the elections billed for February 16 and March 2, 2019.

According to him, “We are going into the elections as a united people, we should cooperate, because, through cooperation, we will get maximum number of votes; let no one be involved in anti-party activity, let us get votes that all of us will be proud of.” Governor Okowa said at Issele-Uku.

He added, “the leaders and the youths should work together, everybody should be recognised; this is the turn of Delta North to complete two terms because, it will not be good that after working for other Senatorial Districts to do two terms respectively, the people of Delta North will fail to support their own for two terms; we have worked, our success stories abound in all parts of Delta, we will do more in our second tenure because, we are experienced and we have peace.”

At Akwukwu-Igbo, he challenged the people to check any form of electoral malpractice, saying, “there will be no room for rigging, there should be close monitoring of the elections because, our votes must count, collect your Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs), encourage others to get theirs; we should get all the votes that we can.”

Excited with the huge turnout of Deltans at venues of the campaign rallies, Governor Okowa expressed confidence that he may be returned unopposed by the people as his main opponent in the elections may join his campaign train.

The governor at Asaba, stated, “I love Deltans, you are my people and I am happy with the show of love by you all to me and my administration; from the feelers reaching me, the heavy turnout at the rallies, it will not be a surprise that Deltans will return me unopposed.”

“I have spent several years in Asaba, I am proud to be a Deltan; Asaba should wear a befitting look because, it is the mirror with which investors, visitors see the entire state; we are constructing storm drainage in Asaba, we are going to do the same in Uvwie and Warri; our development is not limited to major towns and cities, the rural areas are having good impact of our development programmes,” the governor said, adding, “in the second tenure we will do more in the area of entrepreneurial programmes for our youths; we will do a lot of empowerment and provision of infrastructure that after our tenure in 2023, any Governor that will emerge in Delta State will have a lot of challenge to meet up with the standards that we are setting.”

He thanked the people for their continual support and asked them to vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the elections.

Those who spoke at the rallies including former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, Chief Austin Izagbor, Chief Edwin Uzor, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Prince Ned Nwoko, Barr. Kingsley Esiso, among others observed that the governor has done a lot to be re-elected, adding that with the zoning formula of the PDP, he will be re-elected with high margin of votes in the election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the regulations and guidelines for the conduct of the forthcoming general elections.

According to the 33-page document obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, Smart Card Readers, SCRs and Permanent Voter Cards would be used for the elections.

Some of the rules as stipulated in the document are: “Voting shall be in accordance with the Continuous Accreditation and Voting System procedures as specified in these Regulations and Guidelines, the Election Manual and any other Guide issued by the Commission.

“No person shall be allowed to vote at any Polling Unit/Voting Point Settlement/Voting Point other than the one at which his/her name appears in the Register of Voters and he/she presents his/her permanent voter’s card to be verified by the Smart Card Reader (SCR), or as otherwise determined by the Commission.”

Each voter shall cast his/her vote in person at the Polling Unit/Voting Point Settlement/Voting Point where he/she registered or was assigned, in the manner prescribed by the Commission, while separate queues shall be created between men and women, where the culture does not allow the mingling of men and women.

The document adds that presiding Officers would also create a separate queue for People Living With Disabilities, PWDs.

According to Section 10 (b) of the guidelines, “accreditation and voting shall commence at 8.00am and close at 2:00pm, provided that all voters already on the queue by 2:00pm shall be allowed for accreditation and voting.

“(d) The accreditation process shall comprise reading of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and authentication of the voter’s fingerprint using the SCR; checking of the Register of Voter.”

Section 11 (v) of the guidelines also requested a voter to remove his/her cell phone or any photographic device before proceeding to voting cubicle.

Also section 11(c) states that “where a voter’s PVC is read but the name of the voter is not on the Register of Voters, APO II shall refer the voter to the PO or APO (VP) who shall politely request the voter to leave the Polling Unit”.

Section 11(d) also states that: “In the event that the PVC fails to be read by the Smart Card Reader, the APO I shall refer the voter to the PO or APO (VP) who shall politely request the voter to leave the Polling Unit.’’

*NAN

Assembling leaders from across the continent to champion initiatives for keeping girls in school

ABUJA, Nigeria, January 15, 2019/ –– The Sultan of Sokoto (Nigeria), His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, together with The Kabaka of Bugundu (Uganda), His Highness Ronald Edward Frederick Kimera Muwenda Mutebi II, today, chaired the ‘Keeping Girls in School Summit’; a convening of African leaders, traditional rulers, religious heads, youth groups, advocates and thought leaders, in Abuja, Nigeria.

The two-day event brings together influential traditional and religious leaders from across the continent to discuss the critical issue of keeping girls in school to complete primary and secondary education (i.e. 12 years of education) and find solutions from within the rich, diverse cultures and values of Africa’s thought leaders. With poverty being one of the key drivers of keeping girls out of school, the Summit also seeks to promote incorporating in-school skills that generate income.

For decades, African governments and international development partners have been trying to improve and reduce suffering as a result of pregnancy and child birth. Very few improvements have been recorded in the health of women and children, despite studies showing that the health of children substantially improves when the mother is educated. Completion of secondary education by girls has been found to significantly improve not only maternal and child health, but women’s decision-making, as well as their ability to earn a living; thus improving the health and nutrition of families and communities. This undeniable link between the education of the mother and health and development outcomes of families, shows that the future of African families is dependent on the education of the girl.

The Summit provides a platform for community leaders to share ideas and best practices and develop strategies and networks to keep girls in school. It also serves as a means to sensitize and equip these leaders with the right skills to motivate parents and care givers to be deeply committed to ensuring all girls in their constituencies complete at least 12 years of education.

Speaking at the event, The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III called on all traditional and religious leaders on the continent to focus on the development of their communities; stating, “A key factor in the development of our communities is the education of our girls.”

He further stated, “I believe traditional and religious leaders will lead in shaping the future of Africa by ensuring all girls complete secondary school education and learn life and livelihood skills in the process.”

In attendance were His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, The Emir of Kano (Nigeria) His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II who presented a lead paper titled “Perspective on Development in Africa – population, education and investment”; The Emir of Argungu (Kebbi state, Nigeria) His Highness Alhaji Samaila Mera; The Nnabagereka of Buganda Queen Sylvia Nagginda; The Asantehene of Asante Ghana,; Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; Sheikh Sheriff Ibrahim Saleh ; Queen Mother of the Asante, Her Majesty, Nana Ama Konadu; Sultan of Zinder (Niger Republic) His Highness, Alh. Aboubacar Sanda as well as representatives from international organisations such as the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Nigeria, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Department for International Development (DFID) and others. Also in attendance were representatives of various ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello and the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu who in his remarks reiterated the importance of girls’ education.

The conference gives the attending traditional and religious leaders the opportunity to reflect and come up with ideas on how they would contribute to the movement of keeping girls in school in their communities by increasing enrolment, retention and completion of school as well as ensuring girls acquire life and livelihood skills. This initiative would be amplified through the support of gender and youth focused groups and organizations.

African Youth Groups will support the traditional and religious leaders by amplifying the initiative through encouraging the youth to mentor and actively participating in promoting Keeping Girls in School in their communities. The Initiative also brings together African female leaders who will use their influence to promote keeping girls in school; serving as mentors and role models in their communities

Following the conference, it is envisioned that traditional and religious leaders will continue to have a platform for regular engagement and knowledge-sharing on keeping girls in School in Africa.

*APO Group

Brussels, Belgium: Participants of the ‘From Humanitarian Aid for Stability: UAE and EU together’ seminar noted that the UAE has gained a prominent position in humanitarian and development work as the largest donor of development aid in the world relative to GDP.

Organized by the UAE Federal National Council (FNC) in cooperation with the EU-UAE Parliamentary Friendship Group at the European Parliament and the Emirates Red Crescent, the event took place at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels.

Speaking at the seminar, Her Excellency Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, Speaker of FNC, said: “Helping those in need is deeply rooted in our culture, and we feel responsible for underprivileged and vulnerable groups. Instability provides fertile ground for terrorism and extremism, therefore our commitment to development involves a commitment to stability – a priority that we share with the EU.”

Highlighting the efforts of the Emirates Red Crescent in saving lives and supporting stability in crises and disaster zones around the world, she added: “The UAE houses some 45 humanitarian organizations that are active internationally. Between April 2015 and December 2018, the country disbursed US$4.91 billion in aid to Yemen, and has provided a safe haven for more than 127,000 Syrians since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis.”

His Excellency Antonio López-Istúriz White, Member of the European Parliament, stressed the importance of the EU and the UAE unifying efforts in the economic and investment domains as well as in the fight against terrorism, humanitarian aid and risk control. He commended the UAE for its unwavering dedication to achieving security and stability in the world, and praised the role of the Emirates Red Crescent and other humanitarian organizations in the country.

His Excellency Christos Stylianides, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said: “Increasing global challenges require sustained humanitarian efforts. We thank the UAE, a global model of humanitarian commitment, for demonstrating steadfast solidarity, significantly contributing to crisis resolution, playing an influential role in development cooperation and actively supporting international aid organizations.”

His Excellency Denis Haveaux, Director of the Red Cross EU Office, confirmed that the Red Cross and the Red Crescent are partners in providing humanitarian aid, and stressed the importance of safe access to services, particularly for victims of forgotten crises.

*Source: AETOSWire

President Muhammadu Buhari has inaugurated an advisory technical committee on the proposed N30,000 new minimum wage.

The committee which is made up of experienced economists and administrators is to be headed by a popular economist, Bismark Rewane.

Buhari while inauguration the committee on Wednesday, in Abuja, restated his commitment to paying the new minimum wage.

He said the committee would recommend “modalities for the implementation of the new minimum wage in such a manner as to minimise its inflationary impact, as well as ensure that its introduction does not lead to job losses.”

Buhari added that “the work of this Technical Committee will be the basis of a Finance Bill which will be submitted to the National Assembly, alongside the Minimum Wage Bill.

“I want to make it clear that there is no question about whether the National Minimum Wage will be reviewed upwards. I am committed to a review of the Minimum Wage.

“Also, it is important to explain that even though the subject of a National Minimum Wage is in the Exclusive Legislative List, we have been meeting with the State Governors because it is imperative that the Federal Government carries the State Governments along in determining any upward review of the minimum wage for workers.

“This is especially necessary considering the prevailing public sector revenue challenges, which have made it extremely difficult for some of the governors to pay workers as and when due.”

The appointment of the advisory committee comes a day after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held a nationwide protest over the N30,000 minimum wage.

Members of the union held the protest in various states across the country.

Also in Abuja, the NLC leaders assembled at the Labour House for the protest. They said the protest is aimed at drawing the attention of all relevant individual and institutions to the urgent need to transmit the recommended N30,000 minimum wage to the National Assembly.

*Channels Television

The campaign train of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Delta State will on Thursday January 10, 2019 be at Ozoro to tell the people of the area why they should vote for the candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections.

According to a statement signed by Mr Nelson Egware, Director, Media and Publicity of the Isoko North Local Government PDP Campaign Committee, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, will personally lead the campaign train to Ekwerigbe Primary School Ozoro, venue of the campaign rally billed to commence at 2pm.

Mr Egware stated that leaders of the party in the area have mobilised the people of Isoko North local government area to actively participate in the rally.
“Isoko North is home to the PDP and market women, opinion moulders, people from all walks of life are expected to be in the rally, not because of politics, but, because, the Isokos are in love with Governor Okowa, they will be there to show their solidarity with the governor who will lead the state till 2023,” Egware said.

He continued, “Governor Okowa has made the work of members of the PDP easy as we approach the elections, the people are already applauding his good works, he is a household name in Isoko and the situation is such that everybody identifies with the PDP.”

“The rally, though significant for a platform for the governor to say what he has been doing to uplift the standards of living of Deltans, we know the voting will be PDP all the way from Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Governor Okowa, Senator James Manager, Rt. Hon. Leo Ogor, and Hon. Tim Owhefere, they have credibility, track records of performance that will make the people vote for them,” Mr Egware stated.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Blak NEWS Online recently reports that the ongoing overwhelming campaign of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have driven the opposition parties into their shell of shame. It is true that some political parties exist only by INEC registration but are not truly on ground. They only adopt a candidate who wins even when they probably do not field candidates in their parties.

But when a major opposition party overwhelmingly support a candidate of another party, for whatever reasons, political watchers and bookmakers have issues to contend with, especially at the heat of campaigns when caution is usually thrown to the wind in both statements and utterances.

Although the fear of a common and constant opposition may give a winning team some sleepless nights, in a bid to curb surprises, you may have to carefully dine with a common enemy in pretense that all is well but it happens when you are not too certain of winning or losing at the polls.

It is known fact that for several reasons, many Deltans support the second journey of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to the Government House, Asaba but on Tuesday, January 08, 2019 members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Isoko Federal Constituency resolved to re-elect Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the March 2, 2019 general elections.

Member of the Elders Council of the APC, Chief Joe Arausi from Isoko South and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abikelegba Odhegolo who is a member of the state executive committee and South South caucus of the APC. led others to declare their support for the second term ambition of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

At a well attended meeting of the APC and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the residence of Chief Arausi at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State, the two leaders on behalf of all the members of the APC observed that the principle of rotation of political offices favours Governor Okowa’s return to Government House. They stressed that his humility, delivery of democratic dividends have earned him the votes of the people across political lines.

Chief Arausi in his speech, said, “on behalf of Isoko people, we have a pact with the Ika people, the people of Delta North to complete their tenure, because we believe in equity, we believe this is the turn of the Anioma people and in the spirit of equity, you (Governor Okowa) should continue till 2023.”

“No governor has equalled your (Governor Okowa) records in the area of project delivery in Delta State, the people who are here and members of the APC and PDP, I am the leader of the APC in Isoko South and the leader of the APC in Isoko North, Hon. Odhegolo is here with us,” Chief Odhegolo said at the occasion which had Governor Okowa in attendance.

He disclosed, “the governor is here to consult us; it is the first time that we are seeing a sitting governor consulting members of the opposition political party, it is a mark of humility, the spirit of oneness and we are happy with the projects you have executed in Isoko nation.”

In his speech, Hon. Odhegolo stated, “our Governor, you are the Road Master because your signs are everywhere; let us leave party issues aside, let us speak with facts, you have performed wonderfully well.”

“The change we talk about in APC is in you, Governor Okowa; your performance has made a lot us in APC uncomfortable, I am speaking my mind and that of members of the opposition political parties, we have decided that because of your performance, we will work for your victory,” Hon. Odhegolo said.

Governor Okowa at the occasion, thanked members of the opposition political parties for working with his administration to record successes, observing, “the governorship position is not for learners, I held several positions before contesting for the governorship position because, I believe that I am qualified, those who want to contest with me and have not held any other position should contest for other positions.”

“This gathering depicts the political prowess of Chief Arausi, it takes leadership to gather members of the APC and PDP; I believe the best way to govern is to continue to ask for the partnership of the people because, with the support of all, governance is made easier, there will be peace, and development will take place,” Governor Okowa said.

“I thank all Deltans for their support; it is a thing of joy that majority of our people believe in equity, equity engenders peace, cooperation and respect for one another; we will continue to work in the overall interest of Deltans because, that is what we are elected to do,” Governor Okowa stated, adding, “what we desire is for all Deltans to join us, so that we will continue to speak with one voice because, Delta Is a great state.”

Last Word: While the parley lasts between the two main contending political parties, the APC’s pledge to support Okowa’s come back does not apply to other PDP candidates in Delta state. YOU HAVE TO BE OKOWA TO MERIT THIS GESTURE.