-By Albert OGRAKA:

Like a wildfire that arouses anxiety and like the caressing moonlight at night, “Hope Alive”, an emerging independent political pressure group, routing support for Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas of Delta state, has become a household name among key political actors and strategists.

The group, though a political pressure group, committed to raising leaders, it also operates a foundation with interest in community and humanitarian services, including the empowerment of women, youths and children, especially the less privileged in the society.

Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the political relevance of Hope Alive has increased tremendously across all voting units and wards with the inauguration of unit and ward coordinators in Isoko North and Isoko South, in a bid to mobilize the electorates to vote massively for all the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearers in all elections.

The Hope Series now Hope Alive was founded by Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) during the Zero Party Era. Its first series was called “Hope 97” in the year 1997.
Hope 97 was a very powerful Socio Political Movement that had very disciplined intellectuals with a dream and burning desire to transform our polity for good.

The Ideology of Hope 97 was founded on the features and characteristics of its founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and hinged on Steadfastness, Commitment, Honesty, Integrity, Intelligence and Character.

These cardinals were the focal points of Hope 97. It was evident that all members of Hope 97 were disciplined with integrity and character.

With the transition to full democracy in Nigeria, Hope 97 remained relevant even in 1999, playing a vital role in the selection and election of government officials at all Levels of government.

Members who went into the private and public sector continued to excel in their endeavours. Hope 97 became a movement that attracted aspiring individuals from all works of Life. The success story of Hope 97 is legendary.

Hope 97 was the propelling force that navigated the turbulent political era of 2001 – 2002. The Steadfastness and commitment of the founder, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) and his members surmounted the political Challenge, paving way for his appointment into NNPC, as Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR administration.

The numerous political and economic transformation witnessed by members of the group was marveling, soon agitations continued to grow on the need to change the series of Hope 97 to reflect yearly progression. This led to the Hope Series of Hope 2002, Hope 2008, Hope 2013 and Hope 2014.

It is instructive to mention that the Hope Series has produced eminent personalities in the society. Hope Series has produced top government officials at all levels of government from the Ward level to the Presidency.

Some of these offices occupied by members of Hope Series include Local Government Chairman, Member, Delta State House of Assembly, NNPC Director, Eleme Petrochemical Company, Special Adviser,Govt House, to the Governor of Delta State, Members of various Boards and Governing Councils in Delta State, Members of Federal Boards and Governing Councils, Local Government Party Chairman, Councillors, Supervisory Councillors, Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Vice Chairman of Local Government Transition Committee, Members of Local Govt Transition Committee and Legal Advisers, among others.

The respect for diversity of human behaviour and effective political behavioral management has kept the Hope Series Alive, this is why members of the group have decided to move for a permanent name for a group that had seen them through economic and political emancipation. This is why the Hope Series has Transformed into HOPE ALIVE.

According to the Director General, Hon. Obaro Godspower, “Hope Alive is not restricted in scope to any Political Party, our membership cut across all present political parties. This is because Hope Alive transends the Present Day Political Parties. The tolerance of divergent veiws and respect for individual choice to association is highly respected, however the decisions of Hope Alive is binding on all members.

“The aims and objectives of the group is still propelled by the Ideology of our Founder now Grand Patron, Bashorun Askia Ogieh (JP) while the group is administered by a group of pragmatic, intelligent and committed individuals from all works of Life.
The Focal point of the group has intensified into Wealth Creation for Young Men and Women, Preparation of Young Men and Women for Leadership, Empowerment and Entrepreneurship.

“The group is opened to new members who are attracted to the ideals of the group.
Hope becomes Alive with you as our member. Hope Alive!!! Committed to Raising Leaders.”

The Delta State government has approved the renovation of 107 Primary Health Care Centres operating the Contributory Health Scheme in the state.

In addition, the reactivation of Airfield Ground Lightning Systems at the Asaba International Airport and the renovation of the existing transformer-powered street  lights in Warri and Effurun metropolis were approved.

These were some of the decisions taken on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 during the State Executive Council meeting held at the  EXCO chamber, Government House, Asaba,

The state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, speaking after the meeting, stated that the approval was in tandem with the determination of the state government to continue to give Deltans dividends of democracy by bringing health care services to the people.

He further revealed that the EXCO gave it’s nod to the establishment of Oduke Secondary School, Asaba, to take care of the educational needs of people living within the area.

Also approved was the installation of 200 Watts LED street lights from Amukpe/NTA roundabout to Total Filling Station at Okirighwre junction, Sapele.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned against what he called a consistent pattern of departure from constitutional due process to tendencies of authoritarianism.

The former Vice President said in a statement marking the 25th anniversary of June 12 that there is a growing culture of arbitrariness in some of the institutions of government at all levels that is contradictory to the notion of inclusiveness and fairness that a democratic society guarantees.

In the statement released Monday, the former vice president said the foundation of a democratic society is the guarantee of fundamental human rights that gives the citizenry the freedom of speech, freedom of movement and the ability of the people to belong to any lawful association that they deem inclined.

He noted that it is the exclusive responsibility of the state through the various security organisations to see to the protection of these fundamental rights of the people.

Recalling the recent campaign by youth across the country against the brutality of the anti-robbery unit of the Nigeria Police, SARS, Mr Abubakar noted that up till now there has yet to be a fundamental reform in the operations of that unit.

“Today, across our major cities and even in the hinterlands, citizens – especially the youth – can hardly walk freely in open avenues without the police stopping them to search through the content of their mobile handsets.

“Civil servants now lose their jobs just because they choose to criticize politicians in government positions. There are even suggestions in some quarters that civil servants should be barred from signing to social media networks. Opposition politicians are regularly being hounded on wanton criminal and civil prosecutions. All of these narratives have become a consistent pattern of behavior that is antithetical to an open and democratic society,” Mr Abubakar said in a statement.

“In many of the states across the country, there is a reign of fascism with governors who have suddenly become overlords dealing ruthlessly with anyone who dares to challenge their ruthless foothold of intimidation and oppression.

“Perhaps at this point, we need to remind ourselves that the democracy which we enjoy today did not come cheap price. It came at the cost of supreme price paid by persons that included Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Maj-Gen Shehu Yar’Adua, Chief Alfred Rewane and Bagauda Kaltho, among thousands of other patriots.”

Mr Abubakar reminded that democracy is not merely a mechanism of appointing a government, saying “its beauty is in the inherent safeguard to the citizenry to live and prosper as free people under the law”.

He called on all political actors to let June 12 and all that it embodies, inspire them to promote democratic principles, especially as Nigeria is about to go to the polls again.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has brought with him his own portable toilet to Singapore ahead of the Tuesday summit with U.S. president Donald Trump.

President Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are both in Singapore for their highly anticipated summit, the first of its kind between a U.S. president and a leader of North Korea.

While officials remain uncertain as to what exactly will come out of Tuesday’s unprecedented discussions, Mr. Trump has stated that he wants to strike a deal to get the Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

South Korean news agency The Chosunilbo reported that when Kim arrived in Singapore on an Air China Boeing 747 and was accompanied by an IL-76 transport plane carrying food, “his bullet-proof limousine and a portable toilet.”

Accordingly to Lee Yun-keol, who worked in a North Korean Guard Command unit before defecting to South Korea in 2005, that’s par for the course.

“Rather than using a public restroom, the leader of North Korea has a personal toilet that follows him around when he travels,” Lee Yun-keol told the Washington Post.

The reason? They are protecting against a literal info dump.

“The leader’s excretions contain information about his health status so they can’t be left behind,” Lee Yun-keol explained.

Similar travel considerations are reportedly made whenever the North Korean leader conducts on-site inspections of military bases and state-run factories across the country.

In fact, according to the South Korean news agency Daily NK, there is a customised bathroom built into Kim’s convoy of vehicles at all times.

“The restrooms are not only in Kim Jong Un’s personal train but whatever small or midsize cars he is traveling with and even in special vehicles that are designed for mountainous terrain or snow,” a source in South Pyongan Province

familiar with Kim’s Escort Command told the DailyNK in 2015. “There are multiple vehicles within the convoy so that people cannot tell which one he is in, and there is a separate car that acts as his restroom.”

So, in this respect at least, it seems this historic summit is no different than Kim’s other excursions.

He simply always uses a personal, highly guarded toilet in “loo” of public facilities.

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 15 and Monday, June 18 as public holidays to celebrate the 2018 Id-el Fitr.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.) made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. M. Umar in Abuja on Monday.

He congratulated the Muslim faithful on a successful completion of the Ramadan and enjoined all Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to pray for the peace, unity, prosperity and stability of the nation.

Dambazau stated that it was government’s desire that “all Nigerians be inspired by the virtues gained during the holy month of Ramadan to live a life of sacrifice, charity and love for one another.”

He encouraged all Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking the nation to greater heights.

The minister wished all Nigerians a happy, peaceful and rewarding Id-el Fitr celebration.

The general thrust seems to be that a current OPL 245 contract tender has been rigged for corrupt purposes benefitting Shell, ENI and certain Nigerian parties. Shell has past expertise in such matters

By John Donovan

More information has arrived as a follow up to the information we published recently in the article “More OPL 245 corruption, continues into 2018?”

OPL 245 is the notorious Nigerian oil deal involving the fraudster Dan Etete and more recently, his equally charming nephew, Ken Etete.

From what I know thus far, the leaked documents I am receiving now on an almost daily basis are authentic and were not previously known to OPL 245 investigators. I now have multiple insider anonymous contributors whose identity is known only to me. Frankly, I don’t know what it all means, but the information is apparently valuable to OPL 245 investigators who are trying to unravel what is going on.

The general thrust seems to be that a current OPL 245 contract tender has been rigged for corrupt purposes benefitting Shell, ENI and certain Nigerian parties. Shell has past expertise in such matters.

The whistleblower says:

“It is important to let everybody understand that what Shell and ENI people are currently doing is really against the Nigerian national interest because they are increasing the price of 40% and reducing the local content requirement from 55% to 36%. The adjustments are designed to generate more funds for corrupt parties. They can do these things only if people really powerful in the Nigerian government and in the oil companies Shell and ENI are fully supporting them!! All of these corrupt people are lining their own pockets. Bumi Armada cannot comply with the provision of the local content commission letter.

As can be seen from the document dated 14 February 2018, Bumi Armada is trying to involve Saipem, under the direct pressure  of Shell Management and NAOC people in particular Massimo Insulla, for three main reasons: first for compliance reason to Nigerian local content act because Saipem owns the biggest yard in Nigeria, second for avoiding that Saipem will rise problems, third to satisfy the interest of Stefano Cao. Please attached you can find the mail used by Bumi Armada to invite Saipem the real winner!!

Published below is a screenshot extract from a local content commission letter.

1. Demonstration of in-country investments in the development of their own fabrication yards with lifting capacity or investments in ownership of functioning existing yards having the capacity to execute 9000 tons (Topsides 7000 tons and Appurtenances 2000 tons) of fabrication.
2. Finalization of all MOAs with their nominated local vendors/suppliers and in-country service providers representing their firm Nigerian Content commitments (as contained in the table attached), subject to other commercial considerations.

Nigerian Content commitment inside out-of-country SoW Tenderer(s) shall identifies the COREN registered (i.e. with practising license) indigenous engineering company participating in the execution of the SOW (i.e. Early engrn., Hull engineering, LQ engineering, Mooring engineering) and confirming the allocation of 50% of the total man-hours out-of-country to that entity for Nigerian Content.

TEXT EXTRACT ENDS

The whistleblower has asked me to draw the attention of our readers to the content of the following article. I do not know who published it.

GROUP WANTS BUHARI TO PROBE AWARD OF OPL 245 ZABAZABA PROJECT BY SHELL, AGIP

*** CLAIMS OIL COMPANIES WORKING AGAINST RE-ELECTION OF PRESIDENT

 A social crusader group, the Grassroot Movement Against Corruption (GMAC) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately direct the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the National Security Adviser and Directorate of State Security (DSS) to beam their searchlights on the alleged $2 Billion corruption scandal in the award of OPL 245 Zabazaba  Agip/Shell JV Project.

The group in an open letter to the President accused Agip and Shell of planning to work against the re-election of President Buhari in 2019, saying that the two companies have no reason to award the OPL 245 Zabazaba Project to Bumi Armada Berhad (BAB), the highest bidder for the job.

According to the group, “Our findings revealed that Agip and Shell have perfected plans   to award the contract to Bumi Armada Berhad that bidded  highest as against Bluewater/ Saipem. Bluewater / Saipem bidded for 5, 426,500,714 USD (98%), Bumi Armada Berhad 7, 622,412,019 USD (134%) and 7, 630,575,309 USD (135%)”.

“Mr. President, this should not be allowed as it will rubbish the fight against corruption of your government. This $2 Billion fraud that is being spearheaded by Agip and Shell is to fight against the re-election of the President in 2019. We know that the President is not aware of this sudden manipulation by the two giant oil companies that are not pleased with your fight against corruption, hence we are imploring you to direct the EFCC, DSS and National Security Adviser to investigate this unholy act of the two oil giants,” GMAC stated.

“Mr. President, this extra $2 Billion bribe is to be given to a well known Nigerian and former Petroleum Minister whose nephew is linked to Bumi Armada Berhad. This fraud money is to be used against the re-election of Mr. President in 2019”, the group added.

The open letter  was signed by its President – Alhaji Mohammed Haku; Secretary – Hon. Bode Aremu and Public Relations Officer –  Comrade Ebi Tutu.

According to the group also; “The corruption scandal of $2 Billion if allowed to see the light of the day will dent the image of the administration of Mr. President and it will be an international disgrace to the Nigerian Government. The two oil companies are out to use the difference of the award amount ($2 Billion) to fund the 2019 election against the President”.

“The two companies must be questioned on why are they giving the job to the highest bidder. People around the President should investigate this wide scale fraud because it is a big embarrassment to the Nigerian Government. These two oil giants are out to sponsor the 2019 election against the President with the extra $2 Billion. This sudden change of the award of the contract by the two companies to the highest  bidder should not be tolerated. Those at the helm of affairs of these companies must be brought to book. The Nigerian Government should urgently invite the Managing Director of Agip for questioning over this manipulation. Those around the President, if they love him and wants him to succeed in his fight against corruption must act fast to investigate the activities of the two companies regarding the award of the Zabazaba Project. Those to carry out the investigation may not necessarily wait for a directive from the President before they act, delay on the matter should be avoided because the two companies are very smart and so they must be investigated quickly”.

They are awarding to Bumi Armada Berhad to pay somebody and nobody in Nigeria, in Italy, in Saipem is saying anything. If this is allowed to take place under the current administration, then the fight against corruption is useless”.

“Our investigation also revealed that in a letter dated August 30, 2017 by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board to the Managing Director, Nigerian Agip Exploration Ltd, clearly stated the bidders that have provisionally complied are therefore qualified for an award recommendation, contingent upon to the satisfaction of the Board prior to contract award”.

Nigerian reggae icon, Ras Kimono, has died, sources close to the musician said, according to multiple reports on Sunday.

He was 60 years old.

Kimono was said to have taken ill on Saturday on his way to the US.

Friends rushed him to a hospital in Ikeja from where he was transferred to Lagoon Hospital in Ikoyi.

He died on Sunday morning.

According to several biographical sketches, Kimono served a long apprenticeship on the Nigerian music circuit, experimenting with a number of styles, before making his late 80s breakthrough as a reggae singer.

Together with his Massive Dread Reggae Band, Kimono released his debut album, Under Pressure, in 1989.

Accompanied by the popular single, “Rum-Bar Stylee”, this revealed both a Jamaican and native African influence.

Before he released his solo album, he was in a group called The Jastix along with Amos McRoy and Majek Fashek.

Born in Delta State, Nigeria, he went to Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor and later joined the legendary Jastix Reggae group, alongside Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy Jegg and Black Rice Osagie.

He won several awards including the Nigeria Music Awards, Fame Music Awards and many more.

Two pan Niger Delta groups, the Pacesetters advocacy group and the Izon-Ebe in Diaspora, have thrown their considerable weight behind the House of Assembly aspiration of Mr. Tony Okirika, who is contesting for the Warri South West Constituency seat at the Delta State House of Assembly come 2019.

Rising from a crucial meeting in Warri, the commercial city of oil rich Delta State, the Pacesetters advocacy group pledged to support Mr. Tony Okirika as an aspirant for the highly coveted DTHA seat, asserting that they had endorsed him to run for the Delta house of assembly seat, to represent the good people of Warri south west LGA in 2019 because he is an innovation influencer, who will attract quality investors to the area, improve on the sustainable peace building efforts of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, ensure regular maintenance of infrastructure provided by government in the zone and also operate an all inclusive and consultative style of representation, where everybody will be carried along.

According to the group, in a statement issued and signed by its President Comrade Tony Agalabiri and Secretary, Comrade Solomon Agagha, “If you vote for Tony  Okirika, you are voting  for accountability, innovation and dynamism as Tony Okirika has a proven track record of impressive entrepreneurial engagements and is a young man who understands the ways and feelings of the People and youths of Warri South/West and will try his best to carry everybody along,” they said.

In a related development, the Izon-Ebe in diaspora, socio/cutural group of Ijaw indigenes especially those of Gbaramatu extraction, residing in London, have equally endorsed Mr. Tony Okirika to contest for the Warri South West House of Assembly seat come 2019.

The endorsement was contained in a brief statement issued by the group and signed by its President, Alex Jesse preye, who noted that the Izon-Ebe had held an emergency meeting in London and after X-raying the situation in the Warri South/West LGA, especially with the situation of the outgoing assembly Member Barr. Daniel Mayuku who had performed well for 16 years, it was time to put forth an Ijaw aspirant, who had the requisite pedigree and exposure, with the intent to serve Warri South/West LGA well in the Delta assembly, but without any rancour,  bias or undue ethnic coloration.

While calling on all qualified Warri South West sons and daughter to go and collect their Personal Voters Cards, PVC s in order to be eligible to vote in the 2019 elections, the President urged them to pitch their weight behind Tony Okirika for the House of Assembly seat, describing him as the “right man to continue and consolidate on the good works already started by his predecessors, as well as work in tandem with the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and all stake holders in the state and his LGA to bring more dividends of democracy to the people in line with SMART Agenda of bringing prosperity to all Deltans.

A political pressure group, the National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation – NAME, has charges its members home and abroad to donate towards the party nomination form for their grand master and principal, Waziri Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

This charge came from the National Chairman of the body, Adm. Tola O. Ajimisogbe, during their National Executive meeting held at Prestige Hotel, Benin city, Edo State.

The chairman said the action has become necessary following their pressure on Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to contest for the coming 2019 presidential election and for which he has yielded to.

He therefore said that the burden of salvaging Nigeria must not be left on Atiku Abubakar alone because according to him, “it was our pressure to help us that he has listened to.

“To this end, members must be made to take part in helping Atiku and Nigerians to do all necessary activities that will help in savaging Nigeria from the carnage that the All Progressive Congress (APC) has caused it.”

According to the chairman, “the present condition of the nation’s economy could frighten any individual and make him or her to withdraw from the race if not backed by well meaning Nigerians like us and also because Buhari has taken us a million years behind our earlier economic position in Africa.

“Therefore, I urge those of us here to take the message to our various state chapters and tell our members to agree with us to donate N200.00 each towards what we believed in.”

Earlier, the National Vice Chairman of the body in charge of the North, Alhaji Sanusi Isa Sokoto, drew the attention of the delegates to the unacceptable degree of polarization of the country along side Muslim/Christian, Fulani/Yoruba, North/South dichotomy which the current ruling party has helped in no small measure to cosmetically dress up to the detriment of the country.

Sanusi therefore begged members to ensure that the spirit of Atiku Abubakar which includes detribalism, tolerance and brotherhood need to be preached more than ever before to help sustain the nation’s economy before the comingof the grand master in 2019.

In the same line, the National Director of Planning and Strategy of NAME, Dr. Kakitie Sunday who requested that a minute silence be observed in honour of the recent Benue victims of Fulani herdsmen, called for stiffer campaign against the incompetent government of President Buhari and demanded that a letter is written to the United Nations (UN) by the National Chairman of the NAME in order to state our position regarding the current happenings in the Nigerian political space.

Adm. Ajimisogbe therefore nominated Alhaji Yunusa Maiwada, who is the National Secretary, Dr. Sunday Kakitie, and Prophetess Adunke Module Adebo, National Women Leader to urgently put in motion the process of opening an account for the prompt collection of our donations towards Waziri’s nomination form.

**Tells Journalists To Be Guided By Professional Ethics

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said the legislature and the executive are enjoying a harmonious working relationship because the Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, sees the legislature as his first constituency, having been an experienced former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The Speaker who stated this while briefing journalists during the third anniversary of the Sixth Assembly christened “Account for Stewardship: the Journey so far” on Thursday, June 7, 2018 in Asaba, hinted that despite the fact that the House had its fair share of daunting challenges and experiences, the legislature is determined and committed to do much for Deltans who deserve nothing but the best at all times.

“Delta State House of Assembly is not unmindful of the yearnings and expectations of Deltans for a proactive and forward thinking government which puts its people first.

“We hinged this firm belief on the fact that the legislature as an arm of government, and indeed, the Sixth Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly would be an instrument of change committed to the promotion of democratic tenets, the rule of Law and the Supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He disclosed that during the period under review, the House received a total of seventy-five (75) Bills and thirty-six (36) Motions, adding the that thirty-six were Executive Bills, while thirty-nine were Private member Bills.

According to the Speaker, “Twenty-seven (27) Bills have been passed and assented to, while five (5) bills are awaiting assent. Ten (10) Bills are at the Committee of the Whole House, while ten (10) are pending at various Committees of the House. One (1) Bill however was withdrawn by leave of the House, and one (1) failed first reading.”

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori, who was flanked by principal officers and members of the legislature, expressed appreciation to the Media for their virile reporting and promotion of the activities of the House since the inauguration of the Sixth Assembly.

“You have proven that the press is indeed the gate keeper between the government and the people. So, I enjoin you to always cross-check your facts before going to press as few in your fold still tread the sensational path which altogether is not salutary for the image of journalism.

“I must emphasize the need for our respected journalists to be guided by the basic tenets of journalism; therefore I enjoin you to shun speculative and sensational “head line – selling” stories – This will help to maintain and keep your credibility in tact – as we all know “comments are free but facts are sacred”.”

Press Statement

NASS RESOLUTION ON BUHARI HAS VINDICATED US, SAYS PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the resolutions of the joint session of the National Assembly against President Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency is a vindication of its stance on the Buhari administration.

The PDP commends the members of the National Assembly for their patriotism and courage in unanimously standing up for democracy, rule of law, national stability and cohesion at this trying time.

Nigerians would recall that the PDP had consistently pointed to the misrule of the Buhari presidency, as well as the unrelenting violations of our constitution, unprecedented executive highhandedness, abuse of the rights of citizens and the erosion of all known democratic norms under this administration.

These are in addition to the foisting of siege mentality on Nigerians as well as presidential aloofness to important issues of state thereby resulting in the escalation of violence, killings and daily bloodlettings in our country.

From the above, it has become evident that Mr. President must be called to order through an appropriate legislative instrument. The PDP therefore calls on all democrats, across board, irrespective of party affiliations, to come together, support the National Assembly and save our democracy from the misrule of the Buhari presidency.

Signed:

Kola Ologbondiyan
National Publicity Secretary, PDP

PRESS BRIEFING
UPDATE OF POLICE INVESTIGATION INTO THE OFFA BANKS ROBBERY AND GRUESOME MURDER OF MORE THAN THIRTY THREE (33) INNOCENT PERSONS INCLUDING PREGNANT WOMEN AND NINE (9) POLICE OFFICERS ON 5th APRIL, 2018, IN OFFA, KWARA STATE.

• Twenty Two (22) Suspects now in Police Custody.
• Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki is being invited to report to the Police to answer allegations indicting him from confessions of Five (5) Gang leaders arrested for active participation in Offa Bank Robbery and Killings of THIRTY THREE (33) Innocent persons.

SUSPECTS
i. Ayoade Akinnibosun a.k.a AY ‘M’ 37Yrs – Gang Leader (Coordinated the Killings) From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
ii. Ibukunle Ogunleye ‘M’ 36Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State
iii. Adeola Abraham ‘M’ 35Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Five (5) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
iv. Salawudeen Azeez ‘M’ 49Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons. From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
v. Niyi Ogundiran ‘M’ 37Yrs – Gang Leader, Killed Two (2) Persons (Latest Confession). From Oro, Irepodun LGA, Kwara State.
vi. Michael Adikwu ‘M’ 30Yrs – Sectional Gang Leader, Killed Twenty Two (22) Persons, mostly at the Police Station.
vii. Kabiru Afolabi ‘M’ 26Yrs – Principal Suspect
viii. Omoseni Kassim ‘M’ 28Yrs – Principal Suspect
ix. Kayode Opadokun ‘M’ 35Yrs – Principal Suspect
x. Kazeem Abdulrasheed ‘M’ 36Yrs – Principal Suspect
xi. Azeez Abdullahi ‘M’ 27Yrs – Principal Suspect
xii. Adewale Popoola ‘M’ 22Yrs – Principal Suspect
xiii. Adetoyese Muftau ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xiv. Alexander Reuben ‘M’ 39Yrs – Principal Suspect
xv. Richard Buba Terry ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xvi. Peter Jasper Kuunfa ‘M’ 23Yrs – Principal Suspect
xvii. Ikechukwu Ebuka Nnaji ‘M’ 29Yrs – Principal Suspect
xviii. Moses Godwin ‘M’ 28Yrs – Principal Suspect
xix. Adeola omiyale ‘M’ 38Yrs. From Isanlu Isin Town, Isin LGA, Kwara State.
xx. Femi Idowu ‘M’ 34Yrs
xxi. Alabi Olalekan ‘M’ 49Yrs-PA Political to Executive Governor, Kwara State
xxii. Yusuf Abdulwahab ‘M’ 58Yrs –Chief of Staff to Executive Governor, Kwara State

EXHIBITS
i. Two (2) AK47 Rifles
ii. Two (2) Barrette Pistols
iii. One (1) Pump Action Rifle
iv. One (1) Revolver Pistol – In Police Custody in Ilorin
v. Lexus RX300 Jeep with Reg. No. Kwara, KMA 143 RM belonging to Ayoade Akinnibosun (Gang Leader) – Used for the Bank Robbery
vi. Mercedes Benz – Compressor with Reg. No. Lagos LT496 KJA belonging to Ayoade Akinnibosun (Gang Leader) – Used for the Bank Robbery
vii. One (1) Toyota Prado Jeep with Reg. No. 19KWGH belonging to the PA Political to the Executive Governor, Kwara State – In Police Custody in Ilorin
viii. One (1) Toyota Camry Saloon Car with Reg. No. LRN 481 FE – In Police Custody in Ilorin
ix. The Cash Sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000.00) – In Police Custody in Ilorin
x. Four (4) Phones of victims recovered
xi. One (1) Sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony”

The investigation into the Offa Bank Robbery and gruesome killings of more than THIRTY THREE (33) Innocent persons in Offa, Kwara State on the 5th April, 2018 directed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K. Idris, NPM, mni, has made significant progress, successes and more revelations have been recorded. The Gang Leaders and some of the principal suspects arrested for their active participation in the robbery and the killing of innocent persons have made confessional statements admitting to the various criminal roles they and their sponsors played in this dastard and heinous crime.

2. The Five (5) gang leaders namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons which includes (some pregnant women and nine (9) Police personnel) admitted, confessed and volunteered statements that they were political thugs of the Senate President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed.

3. The arrests of the above mentioned Five (5) Gang Leaders and seventeen (17) others were made possible after the arrest of two principal suspects (Kunle Ogunleye aka Arrow 35yrs and Michael Adikwu an Ex-Convict) whose pictures captured by CCTV in one of the Banks during the Banks robbery were circulated to the media and the public. The two (2) principal suspects confessed to be among the suspects led by the five (5) gang leaders listed in paragraph 2 above to carry out the Offa Banks Robbery, the attack on the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons on the 5th of April, 2018.

4. During interrogation, the five (5) gang leaders mentioned in paragraph 2 further confessed and volunteered statements that they carried out the Bank Robberies, the attack on the Divisional Police Headquarters in Offa and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons during the robbery of the following six (6) banks (i) First Bank Offa (ii) Guarantee Trust Bank Offa (iii) ECO Bank Offa (iv) Zenith Bank Offa (v) Union Bank Offa (vi) Ibolo Micro Finance Bank Offa and (vii) the Divisional Police Headquarters, Offa on 5th April, 2018.

5. Millions of Naira from the Banks and Twenty One (21) AK47 Rifles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force in the Armoury of the Police Divisional Headquarters, Offa were admitted to have been carted away by the Five (5) gang leaders and the other Seventeen (17) principal suspects during the Banks robbery.

6. The Five (5) gang leaders confessed and volunteered statements to the Police investigators, giving a clear account of how they planned and carried out the Banks robbery operation in Offa, the attack on the Police Division in Offa and how they killed the THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons during the robbery.

7 The Five (5) gang leaders further confessed during investigation that they are political thugs under the name Youth Liberation Movement a.k.a “Good Boys” admitted and confessed to have been sponsored with firearms, money and operational vehicles by the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki and the Governor of Kwara State, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed.

8. In the course of discreet investigation into the confessions of these five (5) gang leaders and the other seventeen (17) principal suspects, a Lexus jeep GX-300 (Ash Colour) with a sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” used by the gang leader (Ayoade Akinnibosun ‘M’ 37Yrs) during the bank robbery and the killing of the THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons was taken to Government House, Ilorin on 16th May, 2018 where the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” was removed before another plate number (Reg. No. Kwara, KMA 143 RM) registered in the name of Ayoade AKinnibosun the Overall Commander of the Offa Bank Robbery was then attached to the vehicle to cover up the identity of the said vehicle. The exhibit vehicle was subsequently recovered from the premises of the Min. of Environmental and Forestry in Ilorin, Kwara State. While the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” removed from the vehicle was recovered from one Adeola Omiyale who drove the said Lexus Jeep to Government House, Ilorin immediately after the Bank Robbery.

9. The Personal Assistant (Political) to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Alabi Olalekan, who is privy to information that the Police is looking for the lexus Jeep as an exhibit used in the Offa Bank Robbery and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons directed one Adeola Omiyale to relocate the Lexus Jeep to Government House, Ilorin. The PA (Political) is currently in Police custody and has made useful statement assisting the Police in further investigation into the case. A revolver pistol and pump action gun were recovered by the Police Investigation Team from the Personal Assistant (Political) to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Alabi Olalekan’s Farm where he directed his brother to hide them after his arrest by the Police.

10. In order to conceal evidence, the Chief of Staff to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Yusuf Abdulwahab who has been arrested and taken into Police custody, arranged the removal of the sticker plate number with inscription “SARAKI” “Kwara, State of Harmony” from the exhibit vehicle and also registered the exhibit Lexus Jeep used in the Offa Bank Robbery and the killings of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons in the name of Ayoade AKinnibosun, the overall Gang Commander of the Offa Bank Robbery while the Ayoade AKinnibosun was already in Police custody for more than six (6) days before the registration of the vehicle.

11. Investigation is ongoing and effort is being intensified to arrest other suspects still at large. All suspects involved will be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.

12. Meanwhile, the Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki is being invited by the Nigeria Police Force to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office at Guzape, Abuja to answer to the allegations levelled against him from the confessions of the Five (5) Gang Leaders, namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons which includes (some pregnant women and nine (9) Police personnel).

13. The Nigeria Police Force will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails in every case under Police investigation and every offender is brought to justice.

ACP JIMOH MOSHOOD
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA

Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris is in “hot soup“, as the National Assembly, on Tuesday, June 5, 20¹8 passed a vote of no confidence on the IGP.

The three hours of closed door meeting is not unconnected with the fact that both Senator Dino Melaye and Shehu Sani have been guests of the police recently after being accused of criminal offences, while Senate President Bukola Saraki has been linked with the Offa bank heist of April 5 by the police.

The National Assembly and the IGP have been at loggerheads over the latter’s refusal to appear before the assembly, while the legislators have resolved to do all within their powers to uphold democracy.

Meanwhile, President Buhari also held a close door meeting with the country’s security chiefs at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Winnie died at the age of 17, following a severe illness and was burried. Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation.

After being dead for two years, she walked back to her parents’ home on Sunday.

A huge crowd gathered at Ndola Central Police Station after a girl of Masala township in Ndola, Zambia who was believed to have died two years ago walked back to her parents’ home on Sunday.

Her parents say the girl identified as Winnie Lufunja died after an illness and was buried at age 17, reports Zambia Daily Mail.

The parents narrated that the body of their late daughter even went through a church service and body viewing before it was buried.

Winnie was buried three days after her demise on November 12, 2016 in grave number 73, according to the Ndola City Council books.

Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation done on Monday, along with the blue blanket, bottle and other items that her mother identified.

The parents have also submitted the death certificate and birth certificate to the police to help establish the truth.

The parents and the “resurrected” Winnie are currently at the Police station, awaiting a DNA test to confirm if she truly returned from the dead.

Winnie was buried three days after her demise on November 12, 2016 in grave number 73, according to the Ndola City Council books.

Her bones are still there, according to the findings of an exhumation done on Monday, along with the blue blanket, bottle and other items that her mother identified.

The parents have also submitted the death certificate and birth certificate to the police to help establish the truth.

The parents and the “resurrected” Winnie are currently at the Police station, awaiting a DNA test to confirm if she truly returned from the dead.

CHAIRMAN of South-South Governors’ Forum, Chief Seriake Dickson has commissioned multi-billion naira projects in Delta State, describing Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as prudent manager of resources.

Chief Dickson who is the governor of Bayelsa State, today (05/06/18) commissioned road projects at Jesse, Ethiope West local government area and the multi-billion naira Sapele Market in Sapele local government area of the state. The market has 1, 532 shops, developed shoreline and four jetties.

According to Chief Dickson, “this is an international market, we are overwhelmed with the quality of projects you have executed, we have seen the wonderful roads you (Governor Okowa) have constructed.”

“These are special projects that will touch the lives of the people, improve on their economy and the economy of Delta State,” Chief Dickson said.

While paying glowing tribute to Governor Okowa’s administration, he asserted, “Governor Okowa came at a time of recession, we have heard about what he is doing in Delta State and today, we are witnesses, I wonder what Deltans will see in his second term.”

Governor Okowa at the ceremonies, thanked God for making the commissioning e exercise a reality, disclosing that the projects were initiated by Chief Ibori’s administration.

“Every good project that was started by previous administration must be completed, we will not have uncompleted projects in the state,” the Governor assured.

Chief Ibori in his speech, commended the efforts of Governor Okowa’s administration to transform Delta State and urged the Governors of the South South states to stick to their demand for the restructuring of the country.

“Carry on with the battle for the restructuring of the country to the finishing line,” Chief Ibori said.

Meet newly-sworn in All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen

1. Abia – Hon. Donatus E. Nwankpa

2. Adamawa – Alh. Ibrahim Bilal

3. Akwa Ibom – Hon. Ini Okopido

4. Anambra – Barr. Emeka Ibe

5. Bauchi – Alh Uba Ahmed Nana

6. Bayelsa – Jonathan L. Amos

7. Benue – Comrade Abba Yari

8. Borno – Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori

9. Cross River – Hon. Godwin Etim John

10. Delta – Chief Cyril Abeye Ogodo

11. Ebonyi – Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze

12. Edo – Anslem U. Ojezua

13. Ekiti – No Congress

14. Enugu – Dr. Ben Nwoye

15. Gombe – Nitte K. Amangal

16. Imo – Dr. Hillary Eke

17. Jigawa – Hon. Ado Sani Kiri

18. Kaduna – Air Commodore Emmanuel Jekeda (Rtd.)

19. Kano – Abdullahi Abass

20. Katsina – Shittu S. Shittu

21. Kebbi – Arc. Bala Sani Kangiwa

22. Kogi – Abdullahi Bello

23. Kwara – Hon. Ishola Balogun Fulani

24. Lagos – Alh. Tunde Balogun

25. Nasarawa – Philip Tatari Shekwo

26. Niger – Engr. Muhammed Liman

27. Ogun – Chief Dikia Adebisi

28. Ondo – Engr. Ade Adetimehin

29. Osun – No Congress

30. Oyo – Chief Akin Oke

31. Plateau – Hon. Letep M. Dabang

32. Rivers – Ojukaye Amachree

33. Sokoto – Hon. Isa S. Achida

34. Taraba – Alh. Abdulmumini Vaki

35. Yobe – Alh. Adamu Chilariye

36. Zamfara – Alh. Lawal M. Liman

37. FCT – Hon. Abdulmalik Usman

A political pressure group, the National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation – NAME has said that the only Nigerian by the grace of God that is capable of unseating President/General Buhari in the coming 2019 general elections is the first former vice president under the PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, GCON.

The NAME, whose National Chairman, Adm. Tola O. Ajimisogbe was addressing the South West caucus of the group maintained that with Atiku as the standard bearer of the PDP in 2019, Buhari is simply and certainly going back to Daura his hometown.

The National Chairman reiterated that Buhari is nothing but a monumental disaster that Nigerians could have avoided in 2015 but for the inability of Nigerians to remembered that once a soldier is always a soldier.

Adm. Ajimisogbe added that the degree of cluelessness displayed by Buhari so far suggested that Nigerians have no other choice but to look forward to a more intelligent, more detribalized, and more religiously tolerant president to pilot Nigeria affairs from 2019. According to him, the most suitable Nigerian today is Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

In his word “What we are asking our party to do is to do the right thing which is that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) should give Atiku the party’s presidential ticket because he is the only one that has the reach, credibility, capacity, experience, sagacity, and resources needed to face the present murderous, insensitive, clueless, and tribal religionist government in power.

Ajimisogbe who averred that although President Buhari has the right to seek re-election in 2019, but that Nigerians and God has rejected him just as it were with king Saul in those days of Israel.

He however maintained that despite this, the largest opposition political party in Africa must still bring forward the right candidate if it wished to have that biblical kind of victory for Nigerians.

“The National Atikulate Movement 4 Emancipation is now fully ready more than ever to mobilize Nigerians from the South South to South East, from North West to North East, South East to South West and of course to North Central,” he submitted.

New York/—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the launch of a complaints mechanism for media representatives and human rights defenders ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, which will enable journalists covering the World Cup and other official events to report press freedom violations directly to FIFA.

In a press release issued today, FIFA stated that it will respond to complaints submitted through the mechanism in accordance with the commitments outlined in its Human Rights Policy and in a separate, detailed statement on human rights defenders and media representatives.

“The World Cup is about to get underway in one of the most challenging countries in which to practice journalism, and CPJ welcomes FIFA’s efforts to ensure that journalists can report freely on the World Cup by launching a complaints mechanism,” said Courtney Radsch, advocacy director for CPJ. “The adoption of the mechanism is only a first step, however, as FIFA must ensure that both domestic and international journalists are aware of how to use it and that complaints are dealt with in a transparent and timely manner.”

Following the adoption of a mechanism by the International Olympic Committee in 2016, the reporting systems are indicative of an emerging norm to ensure that organizations like FIFA do more to hold host governments accountable for press freedom abuses that take place around major sporting events.

FIFA announced the mechanism weeks before the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and following a nearly one-year process of consultations and input from stakeholders like CPJ and other expert organizations.

“Given the dangers media has historically faced while operating in Russia, journalists planning to cover the games and their editors should familiarize themselves with the risks and take steps to mitigate them,” said CPJ Emergencies Director Maria Salazar Ferro. “CPJ will be closely monitoring safety concerns during the World Cup, and providing updated information on how journalists can protect themselves and their information as needed.”

In a 2014 special report ahead of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, CPJ found that because of both official repression and self-censorship, journalists shied away from covering sensitive issues related to the Games such as the exploitation of migrant workers, environmental destruction, and forced evictions. Journalists working in Russia routinely face physical attacks, threats, arrest, and other forms of intimidation, CPJ research shows.

In addition to using FIFA’s mechanism, CPJ encourages journalists to report any violations to report_violation@cpj.org.

The leadership of a faction of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), known as nPDP, has announced withdrawal from dialogue with the APC-led federal government, accusing the Nigerian presidency of double-standard and lack of good faith in the dialogue it entered with the aggrieved members of the ruling party under the nPDP.

A a statement issued on Monday by the nPDP chairman, Abubakar Baraje, complained about the plight of members of his faction and cited the police invitation of Senate President Bukola Saraki for questioning in a case of armed robbery and murder among indicators of the government’s alleged half-heartedness.

The nPDP were members of the Peoples Democratic Party who joined the APC in the build up to the 2015 elections.

Read the full statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT FROM FORMER nPDP

The public may recall that there have been ongoing talks between members of the former Npdp, the APC and the Presidency in recent days.

Nigerians may further recall that a team from the former nPDP led by Speaker of the House of Representatives, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara and four others, were to meet with the Vice President, His Excellency Prof Yemi Osinbajo today.

However, while we are truly and earnestly committed to achieving reconciliation, harmony, truce and cohesion in the APC as we approach the 2019 general elections, it is appears that the Presidency is not interested in the talks and that they may have been negotiating in bad faith.

We were alarmed that immediately after our meeting with the Vice President last week, the presidency misrepresented what transpired at the meeting by trying to blackmail some of the principal actors involved in the discussions in a national daily.

Similarly, the leadership of the party (APC) went ahead to ratify all the Congresses from ward, local governments, states and zonal where many of our members have complaints, effectively presenting us with a fait accompli.

The persecution of our members using state security apparatus have continued unabated.

We recognize the powers of the Police to conduct criminal investigations but by rushing to the public with the issue even when they have unfettered access to the leadership of the National Assembly suggests an attempt to undermine, caricature and humiliate the institution of the legislature.

It appears that there is a fouled and toxic atmosphere and environment of intimidation and threat to life in which we now find ourselves which may no longer be conducive for members of the former nPDP to continue with the talks. Given the unfolding events in the last 24 hours, where the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and His Excellency, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Executive Governor of Kwara State , both of whom attended the meeting with the Vice President on Monday 28 May, 2018 ,have suddenly been accused of sponsoring armed robbery by the Police under the directives of the Presidency.

Similarly, on Saturday, June 2nd, 2018, the Department of State of Services (DSS) also suddenly withdrew more than half of all the security details attached to the presiding officers of the National Assembly under questionable circumstances.

The nPDP leadership has decided to brief our members on the unfortunate development and get a fresh mandate if good faith returns to the discussions.

Thank you.

Signed

Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, CON

São Tomé and Príncipe, June 5, 2018 – The first President of the African Development Bank group to set foot on São Tomé and Príncipe, Akinwumi Adesina has arrived in the country for a five-day official visit to strengthen alliances between his institution and this lower middle-income island nation with a fragile economy.

He was welcomed by Américo dos Ramos, the Minister of Finance, Trade and Blue Economy, who is also the country’s Governor at the African Development Bank, and by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Urbino Botelho.

To help promote a competitive financial sector, the President of the African Development Bank launched the Payment System Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion Project (SPAUT) on Monday. The project – financed by a US $2.16-million loan from the African Development Fund, $299,000 from the World Bank and €345,600 from the Portuguese Trust Fund – aims to expand financial inclusion on the island.

“The payment system project launched today will have considerable development impact for São Tomé. An upgraded payment system infrastructure allows for and promotes interconnectivity with international credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard,” Adesina said.

“This, in turn, will help the country to position itself for what could be a genuine gold rush in the form of the tourist trade, as well as the longer term and more sustainable benefits of increasing regional and international trade, vital for island economies. It will also enhance private-sector growth through easier financial management conditions for enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.”

Américo Dos Ramos welcomed the completion of this long overdue project. “We must meet the demands of our dynamic and ever-growing economy and our transformation agenda requires improvement of our financial platform to facilitate national and international financial transactions,” he said.

Earlier, the African Development Bank President and his delegation held a meeting with the Prime Minister, Patrice Emery Trovoada, the Governor of the Central Bank of São Tomé, Hélio Silva Almeida, and the Ministers of Finance, Infrastructure, Agriculture and Education. A meeting with the Head of State of São Tomé, Evaristo Carvalho, is also planned.

“Despite the many achievements of the government, we continue to face challenges in this country,” the Prime Minister said. According to him, improvement of airport infrastructure, which has allowed for an increase in the number of tourists, and port management are the key pillars of economic development.

Adesina commended the Government for its continued commitment to the implementation of macroeconomic and structural reforms to ensure stability and growth. “This country is beautiful and blessed. There is no reason for poverty to persist here,” he declared. Priority areas are job creation, especially among young people and women for inclusive growth, he said. Adesina also expressed the Bank’s willingness to help São Tomé and Príncipe to develop a blue economy strategy.

“We believe in the economy and the future of this country,” he said.

During roundtables with donors, bankers and the private sector, the Bank President invited the various stakeholders to the Africa Investment Forum (AIF) to be held from November 7-9, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Adesina is expected to visit two sites financed by the African Development Bank that have made significant contributions to the development of the rural sector. They include the Agronomic and Technological Research Center (CIAT), responsible for the protection and control of food products and the conservation of seeds, and the agro-pastoral technical improvement centre (CATAP). Both centres have been rehabilitated and equipped by the Bank.

Adesina will also visit Agripalma, a concession covering almost 5,000 hectares, located south of the island and intended for industrial oil palm plantations. More than 2,200 hectares of palm groves have been planted. A factory – currently under construction – will produce its first yield in 2018.

On the last day of his official visit, Adesina will visit Príncipe Island and meet with the President of Regional Government, José Cassandra.

The Bank Group commenced lending operations in São Tomé and Príncipe in 1978. São Tomé and Príncipe hosted one of the Bank’s first National Program Offices opened in 1995. To date, the country has benefited from cumulative financing of US $195.20 million since 1978. Assistance has expanded to several key sectors of the economy, including agriculture, structural adjustment programs, energy, transport, roads, telecommunications, water and sanitation, governance, financial sector and private sector development.

There are six ongoing operations valued at US $35.38 million. Public-sector projects account for 100% of the total portfolio, as there are no private-sector operations or multinational projects. The share of the active portfolio by sector is as follows: agriculture, 57%; and multi-sector and finance, 37% and 6%, respectively.

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh JP, has commended the people of Delta state for supporting the second term bid of the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Bashorun Askia who thanked the citizenry for their support for Governor Okowa’s administration in the last three years due to the massive service delivery and infrastructure development in all nooks and crannies of Delta state, assured that there are better days ahead.

The Senior High Chief who is also the Deputy National Chairman of Delta Political Vanguard (DPV), a mass mobilisation and sensitisation organ of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, said “Governor Okowa has demonstrated equity in the distribution of projects across the three senatorial districts and in the appointment of political office holders in the state.”

He said that majority of Deltans have therefore vowed to ensure the electoral victory of Governor Okowa and all PDP candidates during the 2019 general elections, as a result of the unprecedented transformation of the state within three years, especially the construction of over 193 roads and drainages with more than 90 of them completed across the state.

According to him, “Deltans resolve to return the ‘Road Master’ is because Governor Okowa has turned Delta State into a construction site with various sectoral infrastructure achievements in the major cities and rural communities.”

Bashorun Askia, who appealed to the people to sustain their love and support for the governor, assured the electorate that Governor Okowa’s SMART Agenda of “Prosperity for All Deltans” is to further improve the lives of the electorate through provision of basic amenities and other major infrastructure development across the state.

Recall that recently, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and Governor of Bayelsa state, Seriake Dickson respectively commissioned multiple road projects in parts of Delta State, describing the “Road Master” Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as a man who represents hope for Nigeria’s democracy.

The traditional ruler of Ogodor and Chairman of Aniocha North Traditional Rulers Committee, HRM Sunday Olisewokwu has been reportedly abducted by unknown gunmen who invaded his palace over the weekend.

Ogodor is an agrarian community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Dependable source from the area disclosed that the abduction may not be unconnected to his role in the festering Royal crisis rocking Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom in Aniocha North local government area.

A family source who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the monarch was abducted at the weekend, wounding two of his aides in the heat of the abduction

Recently, Obi Olisewokwu, had in a letter addressed to the Permanent secretary, Directorate of chieftaincy Affairs, Deputy Governor’s office Asaba, on behalf of Aniocha North kings, dated 3rd May 2018, titled ”RE -APPOINTMENT OF PRINCE JUSTIN OREZE CHUKWUNONSO NWOKO AS THE OBI OF IDUMUJE UGBOKO KINGDOM” warned that non adherence to established procedure in crowning a new obi could ”lead to mayhem” and unprecedented violence in Idumuje Ugboko.

In the letter signed by the obi of Ogodor and the secretary of Aniocha North traditional rulers committee, Mr. Nwaokolo Louis, the traditional rulers noted that beyond customary guidelines for royal ascension ”there are many court cases challenging the enthronement of Nonso Nwoko of which the Aniocha North traditional rulers committee is a party.”

Some observers are linking the abduction to the position of the chairman, and members of the Traditional council of the area, on the lingering crises in Idumuje Ugboko Royal dispute, as the counsil had insited that due process be followed in the face of several court cases on the issue of the right person to ascend the throne.

Recently, tension rose in the Idumuje Ugboko community when the Senator representing Delta North visited the community, was welcomed by Prince Nonso Nwoko where he reportedly received “royal blessings” from Nonso Nwoko on behalf of the Idumuje Ugboko people.

The Iyase (Prime Minister) of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu in a letter faulted the ascription of Nonso Nwoko as the Obi of the community.

As at the time of filling this report, the state police command has not responded to enquiry on the abduction.

Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has reacted to his invitation by the Nigeria Police Force over the recent bank robbery in Offa, Kwara State, describing it as baseless.

He alleged that the plot was designed to embarrass him, and would fail.

Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, had, earlier on Sunday, announced the invitation of Saraki over the bank robbery, claiming that some of the leaders of the robbery gang had implicated him.

“Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki is being invited by the Nigeria Police Force to report to the Force Intelligence Response Team office at Guzape, Abuja to answer to the allegations levelled against him from the confessions of the Five (5) Gang Leaders, namely; Ayoade Akinnibosun, Ibukunle Ogunleye, Adeola Abraham, Salawudeen Azeez, Niyi Ogundiran and some of the other Seventeen (17) suspects arrested for direct involvement and active participation in the Offa Bank Robbery and the gruesome killing of THIRTY THREE (33) innocent persons which include (some pregnant women and nine (9) Police personnel),” Moshood said.

But reacting in a statement issued by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki said the invitation was designed to embarrass him.

According to him, he said it was a bid to implicate him by all means.

He however said that whenever the invitation was extended to him, he would honour it.

The statement reads:

The attention of the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been drawn to a story circulating online and apparently derived from a Press Conference addressed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moshood Jimoh, linking him (Saraki) to the Offa robbery.

Dr. Saraki will want the entire public to disregard this claim as a baseless allegation and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.

“Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people. When the Offa robbery incident happened, I was the first top public official to pay a visit to the place and right there in the palace of the traditional ruler, I put a call through to this same Mr. Ibrahim Idris, the IGP, requesting him to make certain specific security arrangements as demanded by the people.

“Members of the public will remember that on May 16, 2018, I alerted the Senate about the information passed on to me by my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, over a plot by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, to frame me up by getting some suspected cultists arrested in Ilorin to implicate me. It is believed that the timely leakage of the plot in that case aborted the use of the suspected cultists to implicate me. Now, it is the Offa bank robbery suspects that are about to be used.

“This plot is concocted to embarrass me and, in the mind of the IGP, it is his own response after his refusal to honour the invitation by the National Assembly, headed by me, for him to come and offer explanations on the rampant killings and violence across the country.

“Like the earlier one, this frame-up will also fail as I hereby state categorically that I have no link with any band of criminals.

“As a person who has utmost respect for the rule of law and all constitutional institutions, when the invitation from the Police is formally extended to me, I will be ready to honour it without any delay.

“It is however sad that this abuse of the criminal investigation process aimed at intimidating and over-overawing the legislature, thereby obstructing it from doing its work, is a big threat to our democracy “, the Senate President stated

It would be recalled that about three weeks ago, Saraki raised the alarm that there were plans by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to implicate him.

Addressing his colleagues at the Senate, Saraki said: “My distinguished colleagues, there is an issue which I need to bring to your attention very urgently. Last night, my State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatai Ahmed, revealed to me an information at his disposal that a group of suspects who had been in police cells for several weeks for cultism and whose investigation had been concluded with prosecution about to commence under the State law based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Ministry of Justice were ordered to be transferred to Abuja this morning.

“According to the information available to the Governor, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Ibrahim directed the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State to immediately transfer the men to the Force Headquarters.

“The plan, as the Governor was made to understand is that, under duress, the suspects would be made to alter the statements they already made in Ilorin. They will then be made to implicate the Kwara State Government, and in particular, myself, in their new statement.

“This plot is part of the strategy by the IGP Idris to settle scores over the declaration by this honourable Chamber that he is not qualified and competent to hold any public office, within and outside the country and that he is an enemy of Nigerian democracy based on his usual disrespectful conduct towards lawful authorities.

“In my own view, this plot is an act of desperation, blackmail, intimidation, abuse of office and crude tactics aimed at turning our country into a Police State where top officials cannot be made to obey the law, follow due process and subject themselves to constituted authorities.

“I want to bring this dangerous development to the attention of all of you my colleagues, the entire country and the international community so that you can be aware of the level of impunity in our country and the danger it constitute to our democracy.”

-By Albert OGRAKA:

The wife of the governor of Delta state and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, on Friday, June 01, 2018 celebrated her 57th birthday anniversary with pupils at the Special Education Centre (School for the Handicapped), Agbor in Ika South local government area of the state.

The Governor of Delta state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa had earlier made a surprise appearance at the office of the First Lady to celebrate with his wife, Dame Edith Okowa before leaving to embark on commissioning of completed projects in company of the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu.

At the Special Education Centre (School for the Handicapped), Agbor, a proof that disability is not a deprivation manifested when the pupils’ performance emotional brought tears to the faces of many who attended the birthday celebration.

In an emotion laden speech, the First Lady and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, enjoined all to fufil their earthly purposes in life by affecting the lives of the less privileged and persons with disabilities.

She therefore urged the people not to relent in their efforts at giving succour to the less privileged in the state.

According to her, “Everyone of us came into the world for a purpose. We should do away with self and think about how we have fared in our relationship with God and humanity.
What matters in this world is how much you have affected the people and not how much is in your bank accounts.

“To fulfill the purpose, we need God, parents and humanitarian person to help make ends meet for the children. A child is for the whole community. All hands must be on deck to help alleviate their several challenges. No child should be despised because of disability. Your life should not always be for you and your children but for all.”

Dame Okowa also encouraged parents to continue to assist their children with disabilities and mostly teach them the word of God.

While acknowledging the efforts of the Head of the Special Education Centre, Mrs. Ezehi Francisca, she promised to take over the payment of salaries for two voluntary teachers for one year and assured that the JS1 will commence in next session in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The two lucky teachers were said to have been paid N10,000 each monthly by the head of school through voluntary contributions by humanitarian individuals.

In her address, the Head of the Special Education Centre, Mrs. Ezehi Francisca expressed appreciation to Her Excellency who despite the position God has placed her, has humbled herself to identify with the less privileged in the society.

She said as a result of its uniqueness, the Special Education Centre has given hope to the hopeless and wiped the tears and confusion of parents and families of children with disabilities, adding that the Centre is the only school that provides educational, vocational and social needs of children with disabilities in the whole of Ika South and Ika North East local government areas of the state.

The categories of disabilities in the Centre, according to her, include the hearing impaired (deaf), the visually impaired (blind) and intellectually impaired, just as she mentioned that the children use the same curriculum with regular school and write the same terminal examinations while most of the pupils that passed out from the school with their primary school certificates had no secondary school around to continue their education.

She further mentioned the lack of a school bus as another major challenge faced by the day school, as the children trek to and from school everyday, despite their challenges, thereby facing the hazards and risk of being knocked down by vehicles.

The Chief Inspector of Education (CIE), Ika South local government area, Mrs. Joan Nwanji described the First Lady as “humility personified for leaving your exalted office to this lowly place.”

One of the parents and a pupil, Miss Blessing Okwuazu respectively, thanked Dame Okowa for coming to celebrate with them.

Highpoint of the birthday celebration was the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of gifts to the children which includes black boards, science equipment, writing materials, toiletries, buckets, food flask, mats among others, after the rendition of the National Anthem with signs, birthday songs and cultural dance by the children with disabilities.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

The Delta state House of Assembly has confirmed the nomination of Mr. Anthony Chuks Obuh and Mr. Lawson Efenudu as the Chairman and Secretary of Delta State Bureau for Pensions.

Obuh, a retired Permanent Secretary and former Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House) in Delta state was confirmed on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the legislative chambers of the state House of Assembly.

While screening the nominees for the apointment, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who asked the duo to take a bow and leave described them as persons with exemplary qualities.

The Majority Leader of the House and member representing Isoko North Constituency, Sir. Tim Owhefere and his Ika South counterpart, Hon. Okoh Festus Chukwuyem moved and seconded the motion for the screening of the nominees before introducing them to the House.

The member representing Ika South Constituency, Hon. Okoh Festus Chukwuyem described Mr. Anthony Obuh as a very resourceful person whose services to the state government would bring value and prudence to the state Bureau for Pensions.

The motion for the confirmation of the duo was also moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere and seconded by member representing Ika North East State Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Anthony Emeka Elekeokwuri.

In an interview, the newly confirmed Chairman of the Delta state Bureau for Pensions, Mr. Anthony Obuh expressed his determination to work for the interest of pensioners in the state in accordance with laid down rules and also thanked God and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for finding him fit to serve in that capacity.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh a Former member of the House of Representatives and frontline Delta state Governorship Aspirant of the APC has listed some of his achievements as public office holder. 

Cairo said he believed that achievements will always speak for itself, but he decided to outline some of them by himself to set the records due to what he described as deliberate attempt by some people to misinform the public.

The Delta Governorship hopeful who represented Ika Federal Constituency of Delta State from 2003 – 2007 while responding to questions and answers during an interactive session has described his public service record as corrupt free.

Writing on his official twitter account @CairoOjougboh stated: “Since the day I made the decision to engage in how I and my constituents will be governed by being part of the political process I have always been of the opinion that my achievements will speak for itself.

However, it is important we set the records straight due to the malicious attempt my some individuals to distort my achievements as a political office holder during my tenure as a member of the House of Representatives and as a private citizen. My Achievement meets integrity.

1. Member Federal House of Representatives, 2003-2007.
2. As a member of the Federal House of Representatives, between 2003 – 2007, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh sponsored the award of the Benin-Agbor-Asaba 133KVA Sub-stationed Transmission line that has now being commissioned.
3. The Digitalization of the Agbor Telephone Exchange.
4. Initiated and completed numerous infrastructural projects such as mechanized power-driven Boreholes in Alihame, Ozanogogo and Ekuku Agbor.
5. Completion of Agbor/Sokponba/Ogharife Road.
6. Employment facilitation of over 2000 persons both graduates and non-graduates into state and federal establishments.
7. Consistent critic of corruption and misgovernance.
8. Till date I have an untainted public servant track record without any single case of corruption.
9. Promotion of Nigerian Exports.
10. Scholarships funding of students under the Cairo Ojougboh Foundation.
11. Till date The 15 Elders of Alihami (Ndi Ichen) have been on the Monthly support programme of the Ojougboh Foundation.
12. I have consistently stood against oppression and injustice no matter the consequence.
These are just to mention a few.
I am Dr. CAIRO OJOUGBOH A TRUE SON OF ALIHAMI AND I SEEK YOUR SUPPORT FOR A NEW DELTA OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF TRIBAL AFFILIATION OR RELIGION” The tweet ended.
CHECK OUT THE TWEETS
Check out @CairoOjougboh’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/CairoOjougboh/status/999280554498502656?s=08
Check out @CairoOjougboh’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/CairoOjougboh/status/999282468195917824?s=08
Dr. Cairo was also Chairman, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) ,Presidential Liaison Officer to the President on NASS and Special Assistant to Mr. President on NASS (2007 – 2011)

As Deltans and Nigerians in general mark another Democracy Day, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, speaks on the three years of the administration of Governor Okowa. He tells Journalists in Asaba, the State Capital that the Governor has done very well. Happy Reading :

QUESTION: HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE OKOWA’S GOVERNMENT?

ANSWER: My rating of the administration of His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa is very high. High in the sense that, he has done a lot for the State in the past three years of his administration. The impact of the Governor is being felt in all parts of the State. He came into office at a time when there was a serious economic recession in the country and this affected the revenue of the State. But as a Governor with a vision and on a mission, he has carried on efficiently and Deltans are seeing things for themselves that they have a capable and experienced Governor. I will rate this Government very high because we have a prudent Governor at the helm of affairs who has been able to manage the funds coming into the State to the satisfaction of the people.

QUESTION: IS IT TRUE THAT THE GOVERNOR FAILED TO DELIVER ON HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISES?

ANSWER: It is not true that His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State failed to deliver on his campaign promises to Deltans. The Governor has fulfilled his campaign promises. The Governor has kept his Covenant with Deltans. I have known the Governor for a very long time; he is a man that you can trust. The Governor has been able to spread infrastructural development to the three Senatorial Districts of the State and today, cries of marginalization have died down naturally. He has restored peace to all parts of the State and today Deltans are enjoying ethnic harmony. Apart from the menace of Herdsmen in some parts of the State, there is no threat to peace in the State. The menace of the Herdsmen has been curtailed to a very large extent by this administration. Attacks on oil facilities have stopped. The summary to your question is that, the Governor has delivered on his electoral promises to Deltans and he should be given a pat on the back. He should be commended for his developmental strides in the State. The Smart Agenda of the Governor is a Reality. The Governor Okowa that I know is a man of his words and a listening person.

QUESTION: ARE YOU COMFORTABLE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE UNDER OKOWA’S WATCH?

ANSWER: Yes, I am very comfortable with the development of the State under His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa. Like I said a short while ago, the Governor has been able to spread infrastructural development to all parts of the State and Deltans are happy with the man that they elected as their Governor three years ago. The truth of the matter is that the achievements of Governor Okowa are enviable and Deltans have the course to roll out the drums and red carpets on May 29, 2018 to celebrate the laudable achievements of the Governor Okowa led Administration. The Governor has done extremely well. The Governor has received several awards as a result of his enviable achievements. Only recently, Urhobo Traditional Rulers passed a Vote of Confidence on the Governor over his achievements. All over, the people are comfortable with the development so far recorded by our dynamic Governor.

Delta state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has been described as a worthy Leader and Ambassador of Democracy in Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

This lofty description was made by Jon. Ndudi Elumelu, a former House of Representative Member and chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who, stated it in his message of congratulations to the Governor, as he mark his three years anniversary as the Governor of the State.

Elumelu said that Governor Okowa has, in the last three years at the saddle of administration in Delta State, demonstrated leadership and unprecedented good governance in piloting the affairs of the state, adding that the people of Delta State have no doubt, felt the impact of his administration in one way or the other.

“The purpose of democracy is for good governance and good representation of the people in issues that have to do with their well-being. Democracy has to do with leading the people in the right direction and is aimed at using the available resources of the people in improving their standard of living.

“And I make bold to say that Governor Okowa has used the available resources of the people of Delta State in the most prudent  and God fearing way in improving their standard of living.

“He has shown maturity, determination, fairness, transparency and above all the fear of God in the appropriation of the resources of the people of the State and on behalf of my family and the people of Aniocha Oshimili, I sincerely congratulate and felicitate with him for the wonderful works so far done in the State. We are very happy with his administration,” Hon. Elumelu affirmed.

Hon. Elemulu who is a seeking the Aniocha Oshimili Federal constituency House of Representative seat come 2019, as the leading contender and with the massive support of his people, further stated that the state, particularly the Aniocha Oshimili people will continue to be grateful to the Governor for making them feel the impact of democratic governance through massive infrastructural developments located in every part of Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency.

The grassroots politician, commended Senator Okowa for the establishment of the Delta State Capital Development Authority and said that with the completed and ongoing construction work in the various projects within the Asaba Capital Territory, especially the Storm drainage flood Control, which he described as a mega project ever to be undertaken by any administration in the State, Asaba the capital of the State is about becoming one of the best state capitals in Nigeria.

Elumelu added that the SMART Agenda of the
State Governor has become a laudable one
that is about transforming the State to an enviable one amongst the comity of States in the country.

The PDP Chieftain therefore reiterated his resolve and that of his family to join forces with the leaders and the People of Aniocha Oshimili to work assiduously with a view to returning the Governor in 2019 to continue with his good work of transforming the State, even as he called on Aniocha Oshimili People to continue to show love and gratitude to the Governor as they work towards re-electing him for another term in office next year.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

AS Children’s Day was celebrated in Nigeria on Sunday, May 27, 2018, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, through the O5 Initiative Kitchen prepared sumptuous buffet for children at the Cenotaph, in Asaba with the governor calling on parents to devote greater time to their children.

Despite the low-turnout of children at the celebration which featured march past, cultural dance, modelling, among others, wife of the Governor and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, used her pet programme, O5 Initiative to provide food and refreshment for the children.

According to the Governor, “parents and caregivers, should devote greater time, and attention to the children, we must not leave the upbringing and character formation of our children to teachers alone; we should take greater responsibility for the sake of their protection, wellbeing and the orderliness of society at large.”

Governor Okowa said, “This year’s theme, ‘Creating Safe Spaces for Children: Our Collective Responsibility,’ is meant to sensitize government, stakeholders and other duty bearers on the crucial need to strategize on ways of creating a protective, violence free and safe spaces for every child in Delta State.”

He decried the level of abuses against children “ranging from rape, defilement, sexual exploitation, cultism, child trafficking, child labour, to mention a few,” asserting that, “the situation calls for more concerted efforts of all and sundry to take proactive measures and increase the consciousness of providing safe and very secure spaces for our children to grow up in the midst of genuine and selfless love, care and attention.”

He emphasised, “I wish to appeal to all duty bearers to actively promote the ideals of the Childs Rights Law, bearing in mind that we are accountable to God on how we discharge our obligations to our children, knowing very well that our future as a State and nation, will be defined by the quality of today’s children.”

High point of the celebration was the feeding of the children by members of the 05 Initiative led by Dame Edith Okowa, who personally served food and drinks to the children from various schools and insisting that “children deserves Godly counselling, special care, affordable education, good health care and protection from parents, guardians and government”

The First Lady’s pet project, 05 Initiative is also engaged in providing free health care services, establishment of sickle cell clinics, visits to prison inmates, assisting orphans in orphanage homes, providing for less privileged women and clothing the naked, especially in public schools across the state.

Earlier in a church service, guest preacher, Master Chibuzor Promise urged parents to create safe spaces for their children, bring them up in the way of the Lord so as they can make good choices in life.

Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, members of the National Assembly, among other political office holders and cross section of the society attended the event.

**Residents Gear Up For Protest Over Outrageous Estimated Bills, Negligence

-By Albert OGRAKA:

The unholy acivities of the Benin Electricity Development Company (BEDC) in parts of Delta state have become a torn in the flesh of Deltans as a result of gross negligence, exploitation and hindered services.

The management of the company have also been alleged to be compromised as complaints from members of the public about the nefarious activities of their staff usually fall on deaf ears.

An incident of note was when an 11 KVA High Tension wires were cut off in a residential area in Okpanam area under the jurisdiction of BEDC on Friday, May 25, 2018, making residents to run for their lives.

Despite a call put across to the Manager, Mr. Godspower describing the location and explaining the situation which posed serious danger to the residents at 12:56pm, it took BEDC officials over three hours to arrive the scene, after residents mounted sentry to warn passersby and motorists of the lurking danger.

Efforts to futher reach other officials of BEDC was scuttled as calls made to one
Engr. Stephen, who had earlier claimed to be in charge of the affected area did no go through as his phone line was switched off, an act which a BEDC official later disclosed was deliberate since he was unwilling to swing into action. “That is his style. He only acts when money is involved.”

To the chagrin of this writer, when the officials led by their team leader, Mr. Monday eventually arrived the scene, they became furious with the caller, saying that “Why are you calling us. Don’t you know that our vehicle is not functional?”

When reminded about the dangerous effect of a powered 11 KVA High Tension wire dangling on the ground in a residential area, the BEDC official responded that, “,Anybody can die and we will defend it anywhere. After all we are not getting much fund from this neighborhood.”

Meanwhile, as soon as the BEDC officials arrived the scene of the cut-off high tension wire, the official Hilux van they came in broke down in the middle of the road. It also took the efforts of this writer to hire a car battery, as they also bitterly complained that “the engine of this car is dead and we do not have any means to leave this place after the repairs.”

Only recently, BEDC officials besieged some parts of Okpanam and Asaba with heavily armed military personnel in a white Hilux Van and two black Landcriser Prado Jeep with registration numbers KSF 987 EL and KSF 347 EW.

The team led by an expatriate embarked on mass disconnection of electricity, carting away electric wires to the astonishment of residents, whose complaints of over billing due to BEDC’s alleged estimation of their residences fell on deaf ears.

A resident whose light was cut-off in the process described what is faced by electricity consumers as unfair and unjustified. He said, “This is outrageous and broad-day light stealing, humiliation and oppression by BEDC to Nigerian Citizens of Delta State, Edo and other area of jurisdiction of BEDC.”

Another resident complained bitterly saying, “Our monthly estimated electricity bills for a three-bedroom bungalow when electricity actually lasts for few hours daily ranges from between N30, 000 and N50, 000. How can such bills be said to be fair. We were exploited by one Mr. Ejiro of BEDC who demanded so much money to give us prepaid meters. We are yet to see any after collection of money with the pretext that we will get them.”

Aggrieved Deltans have therefore called on the federal government, NLC, Human Right Commissions, the Management of BEDC and other concerned Nigerians to be conscious and aware of the suffering ordinary Nigerians are going through in the hands of BEDC.

Meanwhile, landlords and homeowners in Delta State have vowed to take to the streets to protest what they claimed was “outrageous estimated electricity bills” from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The anticipated protesters are demanding the installation of prepaid meters to all desiring homes in the state capital, complaining about alleged demand by some BEDC officials for N100,000 for the installation of the meters.

Although some BEDC officials, under condition of anonymity have claimed that they were given a matching order and mandate to generate funds by all means, that the amount they generate, will determine salaries; and since then they have been issuing indiscriminate and unchecked estimated bills on their customers and Nigerians, millions of Nigerians have been facing the same agony and humiliation of estimated billing with mutiny by BEDC, especially those who do not have means to present their case to the general public.

***Watch out for more reports on activities of BEDC in Blank NEWS Online