A British judge ruled on Thursday that Bodo community in the Niger Delta region, which has been involved in a protracted legal battle with Shell over the clean-up of two 2008 oil spills, should retain the option of litigation for another year.

Lawyers for Bodo had accused Shell of trying to kill off the legal case by seeking a court order that would have meant the community had to meet onerous conditions before it could revive its litigation, which is currently on hold.

A London High Court judge, Mrs. Justice Cockerill, ruled that the litigation should remain stayed until July 1, 2019, with no conditions attached should the Bodo community’s representatives seek to re-activate it before then.

“We are delighted the court has rejected Shell’s attempt to restrict the community’s legal rights,” said Dan Leader, the Bodo community’s lead UK lawyer.

“The message is clear — Shell must clean up this appalling oil spill and the Bodo community will keep on with its legal case until they are confident that it will do so,” he said.

The 2008 oil spills devastated the lands and waterways of Bodo, which is just one of numerous communities in the oil-producing Niger Delta that have suffered environmental harm and profound economic and social dysfunction linked to the industry.

In 2015, Shell accepted liability for the spills, agreeing to pay 55 million pounds ($83 million at the time) to Bodo villagers and to clean up their lands and creeks.

After years of delays, the clean-up is currently underway, under the auspices of the internationally recognised Bodo Mediation Initiative.

Shell’s lawyers had argued at a hearing on Tuesday that the community should only be able to re-activate the legal case should Shell fail to comply with its obligation to pay for the clean-up.

But Bodo’s lawyers had countered that the community should have unfettered access to the London courts if the clean-up was not completed to a high standard.

A spokeswoman for Shell said the company remained committed to working with the BMI to advance the clean-up plan in Bodo.

She welcomed a section of the ruling in which the judge backed the BMI and stated that any obstruction to the clean-up process by members of the Bodo community could undermine any future attempts by its lawyers to revive the London litigation.

In the past, some members of the community — as is common in Niger Delta communities affected by oil spills — have sought to block the clean-up.

The reasons for such obstructions vary and can include local power struggles or attempts to extort bigger payouts or additional contracts from oil firms.

(Reuters/NAN)

Federal, states and local governments have shared N701 billion as revenue for the month of April, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, said.

Isa-Dutse told newsmen that the amounts shared were the outcome of Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting.

Giving a breakdown of the revenue accrued in April, the permanent secretary said mineral revenue increased by N50.7 billion, that is from N360.51 billion in March to N411.2 billion in April.

He added that non-mineral revenue also increased by N81.25 billion, from N120 billion in March to N201.3 billion in April.

He noted that Value Added Tax (VAT) collected increased from N80.35 billion in March to N83.4 billion in April.

He indicated that “gross statutory revenue of N613 billion received for the month was higher than the N480.59 billion received in previous month by N132.45 billion.

“Crude oil sales volume increased by 64 per cent, compared with 7.72 million barrels from the previous month, resulting in increased revenue from the Federation Crude Oil Export Sales by 226.90 million dollars.

“Also, average crude oil price increased from 65.7 dollars to 66.78 dollars per barrel.

“Performance for the month in review would have been better but for a few production shut-ins and shut-downs at various terminals for repairs and maintenance.”

Isa-Dutse said looking at the significant increase in revenues, the federal, states and local government decided to save some of the month’s revenue for rainy day.

To this end, the permanent secretary said, N24.5 billion would be converted and added into the dollars denominated Excess Crude Account.

He added that “based on increased revenue for the month and after due consultation, it has been decided that we will take out N24.5 billion and credit it into the Excess Crude Account.

“This brings the Excess Crude Oil Account balance to 1.11 billion dollars and the Excess Petroleum Profit Tax Account is 0.133 billion dollars,” he said.

In summary, Isa-Dutse said, N276.53 billion was allocated to Federal Government, N140.2 billion to states and N108.1 billion was allocated to local governments.

On the issue of reconciliation of accounts with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Isa-Dutse said it was ongoing.

He explained that reconciliation of monies collected by revenue generating agencies was also ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Finance Commissioner’s Forum, Mr Mahmud Yunusa, said states were planning to contest the current revenue sharing formula.

He said it was not fair that Federal Government should take the lion share of the revenue “when states and local governments were closer to the people.

“We are clamouring for review of the revenue sharing formula because most people reside in states and local governments.

“The Federal Government only controls Abuja but where the real Nigerians reside are states and local governments.

“So, we believe they should have more revenues so that they can work better, so that the people will feel the impact and presence of government.”

Yunusa said states would soon make their demand formal so that the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) would begin the process of reviewing the current revenue sharing formula.

Currently, the country is operating on a revenue allocation formula of; Federal Government — 52.68 per cent, State Governments — 26.72 per cent and Local Governments — 20.60 per cent.

Also, 13 per cent of the oil and gas federally collected revenue is given to oil producing states and communities as derivation revenue to compensate for ecological risks of oil production.

This formula was designed during the President Olusegun Obasanjo Administration.

However in 2015, the RMAFC saw the need to review the formula for balanced development of the country, hence it embarked on nationwide sensitisation tour to the 36 states of the federation to campaign for review.

The result was later submitted to former President Goodluck Jonathan, though it was never made public.

(NAN)

**Re: Idumuje Ugboko monarch throws weight behind Nwaoboshi

The tradidional Prime Minister, Iyase of Idumuje-Ugboko, Chief Chris Ogwu has discountenanced recent claims that the Senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi received royal blessings from the “Monarch” of Idumuje Ugboko, Justin Chukwunonso “1V” at his palace to return to the red chambers, come 2019!

Chief Ogwu, in a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online said the alleged endorsement of Senator Peter Nwaoboshi by a “Monarch” on behalf of the Idumuje Ugboko people, was false, malicious and capable of disrupting the peace of Idumuje-Ugboko, who presently do not have a king since the death of Obi Albert Nwoko.

The statement reads:

“My attention has been drawn to news reports such as the above titled making the rounds that the Senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaoboshi visited the “Monarch” of Idumuje Ugboko, Justin Chukwunonso “1V” at his palace where he (the “monarch”), was said to have given the Senator “Royal blessings”, this endorsing him on behalf of the Idumuje Ugboko people, in his quest to return to the red chambers, come 2019!

“For the avoidance of doubt, let me state categorically, that since the mysterious passing on of Obi Albert Nwoko about 2 years ago, (the matter is still in court), there has been NO installation of ANY OBI to succeed Obi Albert Nwoko till date!

“It is on record that NOBODY has been recognised or GAZETTED by the Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa administration either by verbal pronouncement or Presentation of Staff of office as OBI OF IDUMUJE Ugboko (or MONARCH) since the mysterious death of One Albert Nwoko almost two (2) years ago!

“It is therefore misleading and an action that could lead to the breach of the relative peace in Idumuje Ugboko, for publications such as the above under reference to be circulated and cause to mislead the general public to facts which are in the public domain as to the true position of the Ugboko kingship!

“As the TRADITIONAL Prime Minister and 2nd in Command after the departed Obi Albert Nwoko, Let me affirm that there is NO “MONARCH” in idumuje Ugboko since NONE has been installed, crowned and/or presented with a staff of office by Delta State Government or it’s proxies!

“I therefore discountenance the said publications and any others with the same subject matter, noting it to be false, malicious and capable of disrupting the peace of Idumuje Ugboko community!

“Please always crosscheck your facts before going to press, my esteemed colleagues!”

*CHIEF CHRIS OGWU, IYASE of IDUMUJE UGBOKO (Announcer).

In a bid to inculcate good values and virtues among students, the 05 Initiative has taken the campaign on drug abuse and cultism to publiic secondary schools in Delta state.

Wife of the state governor and founder of the 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, who flagged off the “Youth On A Mission”, tagged “Save The Future Now” at West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba said she was desirous to ensure that social vices were eradicated from public schools across the state.

She enjoined students who have found themselves enmeshed in the grip of social vices, especially cultism to renounce their membership and always meditate on the counseling given during the “Youth On A Mission” programme in order for them to encounter God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Speaking to the students, the Commissioner for Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie disclosed that peer pressure against acceptable norms and values is evil and advised that students who engaged in evil activities should navigate from them because it is an individual decision.

The Principal of West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, Mrs. Felicia Aghwadoma thanked Dame Okowa for the initiative which she said came at the right time, adding that the “Youth On A Mission” programme is a confirmation of her renewed efforts to stamp out cultism in the school.

In his counseling lecture, Pastor Austin Okorodudu explained the ills of cultism, drug abuse, pornography, sex before marriage and bad peer groups to the students and urged them to quickly do away with them and embrace Jesus Christ.

He told them to make up their mind to change from their negative lifestyles and jettison anything that could affect their academic pursuits, saying that “Young people have unknowingly sacrificed their lives on the alter of cultism.”

Also, Pastor Julius Ejedenawe who gave a mind boggling testimony of the effects of engaging in unproductive ventures, such as cultism and drug abuse prayed for the students who appeared willing to shun the tendencies and involvement in the unholy acts.

Highpoint of the event was the unplanned presentation of portrait artworks to the First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa by a Senior Secondary School (SSS 3) student, Andrew Young Okonofua with cheers and admiration.

The Olorogun O’tega Emerhor faction of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday, May 21, 2018, elected Chief Cyril Ogodo as the State Chairman of the Party in Delta State.

Recall that Ogboru/Omo-Agege faction which includes Mrs Mariam Ali, Chief Frank Kokori and A S Mene had on Saturday, May 12, 2018 conducted a parallel congress despite the postponement of the exercise by NWC owing to allegation of inducement.

Rather than hold the congress at the approved venue (College of Education), the parallel congress was held and conducted by the removed Senator Gbenga Obadara-led Delta State Congress Committee at St. Mulumba College in Okpanam near Asaba under tight security where it returned Prophet Jones Erue as State Chairman.

Ogodo, a former vice chairman under Prophet Jones Erue- led executive scored 731 votes, while Obe scored 99 votes with thirteen votes voided. Ogodo, who hails from Sapele in Delta Central Senatorial District, defeated his close rival, Fred Obe, who hails from Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta South.

The State congress which held at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, is the second State congress in Delta State by the APC within 48 hours, under the instruction of an earlier postponement of the Congress by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

The State congress was presided over by the Hon Eugene Odo congress committee and supervised by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with an overwhelming presence of various security agencies on ground to forestall breakdown of law and order.

While declaring Ogodo as the winner of the State Congress and the new Chairman of the Party in Delta, Hon Odo declared that a total of 1439 delegates from the 25 local government areas of the State were accredited, with 13 void votes.

In his comments, the Leader of APC in the State, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor described the Congress as very peaceful and a demonstration of true democracy, adding that after the congress, all aggrieved members will be reached out to in order to prepare for the 2019 political battle.

“The chairmanship position was contested and that is why we are voting Local Government by Local government, that is democracy at work… This is the ‘Unity Train’ but there are a few people who are out there who don’t want to join. Our effort is that, after this congress, we will reach out again to them and that is the role that the National is going to play. We don’t want anybody outside because we have PDP to fight and unless we are out together, it is going to more difficult for us to remove PDP.” Emerhor Stated.

Chief Cyril Ogodo in his acceptance speech, thanked the various leaders from the three senatorial districts who were present at the congress and appreciated the efforts of the congress planning committee for doing a very nice job. Saying, “let us go home and be united so that we will be able to install an APC government in Delta State come 2019. For those who are outside, we will surely bring them inside the house so that in 2019, we will be able to takeover Government House.”

Aside the chairmanship position which was contested, other positions were returned unopposed after a voice confirmation by the delegates.

**Two injured journalists taken to hospital

Government officials, journalists and elated residents of Ogembo (a small farming town in Kenya), were shocked as the Governor of Machakos County, Alfred Mutua; and others plunged into the river while taking a tour of a newly constructed footbridge.

Ogembo residents had waited to have the newly constructed Ogembo Nyakorokoro footbridge inaugurated.

And on Friday (today), the wait was over, as Governor Mutua, aided by the Deputy Governor of Kisii, was on hand to declare the footbridge open.

It turned out that the contractor did a shoddy job, as the footbridge gave way under the weight of dignitaries and villagers who had trooped out to celebrate the august event.

Worse affected was Governor Alfred Mutua, who escaped what would have been death-by-drowning as the bridge collapsed while he was taking a selfie.

Mutua, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and their entourage, which included journalists, had been standing on the recently constructed Ogembo Nyakorokoro footbridge in Ogembo area of the county when the bridge caved in, reports The Star.

The governor, the deputy governor, as well as two journalists, fell into the water, before they were rescued.

Mutua and Maangi were pulled out and rushed to Ogembo Hospital in Kisii County in an ambulance.

However, the governor dismissed the report about selfies.

“I have been baptised by River Gucha and now I must build a house in Gucha,” he said, as reported by Radio Citizen.

He reportedly said that he was safe and that he was having lunch at Maangi’s home.

“The bridge caved in after a crowd of those who accompanied us joined us,” he said.

Kisii Communication Director, Maseme Machuka, said the bridge was weak.

The Ogembo post office-Nyakorokoro footbridge was constructed by the Ministry of Public Works as part of the Economic Stimulus Project under the Constituency Development Fund.

“The Governor and DG were unhurt in the incident and they went on to address residents before going for lunch,” he said.

He added that two journalists were taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital with minor injuries.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, has stated that police officers must first surrender themselves to be searched before they search Nigerians, revealing that this is the “procedure.”

Idris said this yesterday during an interactive session with Nigerians on Twitter, through the hashtag #AskThePolice.

“If an officer wants to search you in your house/car, he must first surrender himself for searching. This is the procedure. Ask politely,” he said in response to a question.

When asked if it is legal for police officers to search people’s phones without warrant, the IGP said: “It is not ideal for Officers to search your phones without a complaint. It is not professional.

“Officers have been lectured not to unnecessarily search people’s phones without any case or complaint against the person.”

The Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN) says it has started recalling cough syrup containing Codeine from its stakeholders in compliance with Federal Government’s directive.

The Registrar of PCN, Mr Elijah Mohammed, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, had directed PCN, NAFDAC and other regulatory bodies to supervise the recall of codeine from the market.

Mohammed reaffirmed that codeine is an opioid drug similar to morphine which has been approved and accessed over the counter in low doses for relieving patients of symptoms associated with dry cough.

According to the registrar, codeine in such preparation, usually in smaller doses, serves as a cough suppressant and relieves pain associated with the stress of coughing.

“However, due to its inherent properties when used in high doses over a long period, it has been associated with dependence and powerful addictive propensity especially when used for recreational purpose,’’ the registrar said.

Mohammed noted that the council in view of the ministerial directive has carried out enforcement exercise in Ogun, Sokoto and Nasarawa States, adding that same activities were currently going on in Adamawa.

The registrar noted that the council has met with the leadership of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicines Vendors (PPNVs), among other stakeholders, in the pharmaceutical industry in order to facilitate the recall.

Mohammed, who emphasised that Codeine containing cough preparation was not included in the approved medicines list of PPMVs, however urged them to desist from the sale of codeine and other unethical drugs in order to guard against sanctions.

According to him, the council as part of efforts to rid off codeine in the society had also met with the leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) and they made a strong commitment to enforce the recall process as well.

“In continuation of various efforts of implementing the ministerial directives, PCN enforcement team has been strengthened to ensure strict compliance with regulations and extant policies as they relate to the council’s mandate.

“PCN is the agency of the Federal Government established by Cap P17 LFN 2004 and charged with the responsibility of controlling and regulating pharmacy education, training and practice in all aspects and ramifications,’’ the registrar said.

Mohammed, however, appealed to manufacturers, importers and distributors of drugs to display more sense of ethical and moral responsibilities in the production, supply and sales of codeine.

“Economic interest and financial considerations should not override the health implications associated with the abuse of these preparations.

“The health of Nigerians must come first before any other interest,’’ he warned.

The federal government banned the production, importation and sale of codeine in the country on May 1.

The government also directed NAFDAC to stop issuance of permits for the importation of the substance as active pharmaceutical ingredient for cough preparation.

It further directed PCN and NAFDAC to supervise the recall for labeling and audit trailing of all codeine containing cough syrups nationwide and as well ban the sale of codeine containing cough syrup without prescription.

The directive became necessary due to the gross abuse of codeine in the country, it said.

Chelsea defeated Manchester United by 1-0 at Wembley in the FA Cup final after the referee, Michael Oliver gave a penalty to Chelsea in the first half of play.

This was despite United control of the game until the 22nd minute when Eden Hazard was fouled in the 18 yard area.
The best chance Man United had came in the 44th minute when Phil Jones who caused the penalty earlier on headed the ball near post.
Paul Pogba made a brilliant run into the box at the stroke of half time but he was nullified by Chelsea’s defenders.
Jose Mourinho’s men continued from where they stopped as they resumed the second half.
It was United all the way.
They pressurised Chelsea but they did not get the equaliser they desperately needed.
While United were in control, Chelsea relied on quick counter attacks.
Their main ‎man, Hazard, was spear-heading the counter attacks.
In the 72nd minute, Mourinho made a double substitution, bringing on Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku for Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford‎.
Martial first touch of the ball was a goal attempt but the keeper saved it.
It became a case of Chelsea hanging on to the one goal lead.
With each minute that passed by, it looked like Man United would score but it did not happen.

Despite the Abuja National Industrial Court order directing the Joint Health Workers Union (JOHESU) to end its ongoing strike action, the Tertiary Health Institutions National Consultative Forum (THINCF), has threatened to restrategise and collectively mobilise in support of other members of JOHESU for a mass/street rallies to call attention to the injustice being perpetrated against health workers by the Federal Ministry of Health.

They also threatened that unless the adjusted CONHESS table and other demands put forward by JOHESU are approved, released and implemented with arrears paid, the ongoing strike will neither be suspended nor called off.

The THINCF position was expressed by the National Secretary of THINCF, Comrade Davidson Akilaiya, while briefing the press in Asaba.
Comrade Akilaiya revealed that their recent meeting at Kano appreciated the National leadership of JOHESU for their doggedness and focus in the strike struggle.

He also presented a copy of the six-paragraph communiqué issued at the end of the THINCF 42nd Regular Meetings held at the Secretariat of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Kano State Chapter, where decision on the mass rally was taken recently.

The communiqué signed by the National Chairman, Comrade Hussain Ahmed and the National Secretary, Comrade Davidson Akilaiya, called for the immediate sack of the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, over his alleged overbearing stance in the ongoing strike embarked upon by members of JOHESU, accusing the Health Minister of allegedly displaying impunity, corrupt tendencies and abuse of office.

The communiqué posited that the minister’s sack will act as deterrent to others tarnishing the image of the the present administration.

They averred that the deliberate divisive actions by the Federal Ministry of Health has led to the poor state of Nigeria health sector with attendant consequences.

THINCF also decried the use of security agents by Chef Medical Directors and Medical Directors to harass JOHESU members that are on strike, adding that the action is condemnable, barbaric and inhuman and will not be tolerated.

In the same vain, the meeting expressed dismay over the antagonistic, provocative and self-serving tendencies of members of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and MDCAN towards JOHESU members, contending that their legitimate demands from their employers should not be their business as they are not competent to speak for the government.

The Delta State Government has approved an insurance cover of N10 million yearly for personnel of the State Fire Service Command in the event of death, temporal and or permanent disabilities that may occur in the cause of duty.

The State Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr Ernest Ogwezzy, disclosed this when he briefed the press on the activities and achievements of his Ministry during the ongoing Ministerial Press briefing by Commissioners on the activities and achievements of their Ministry at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.

Mr Ogwezzy stated that the agreement between the State Government and the Insurance Firm (Royal Exchange General PLC) was presently being worked out at the Ministry of Justice, Asaba.

He also said that the Fire Service respond to all manners of distress call such as road accidents, someone falling into a pit, and other forms of mishaps demanding the rescue of lives and property said that the Command received 794 calls during the period from 2015 to April 2018 of which 63 were false calls.

The Commissioner said that a total of 794 fire calls were made and said 63 were false calls, saying that property destroyed to fire incidence during the period was estimated at N13 Billion.

He also stated that 24 persons were evacuated dead from the fire incidences, even as he revealed some of the fire outbreak during the period included Anioma Petrol Station at Okpanam Road, Asaba in December 2015 which he said would have been very disastrous if the fire service had not intervened on time; College of Education Co-operative Filling Station in Warri on January 19, 2018; PPMC Refinery, Ekpan on November 21, 2017 and Ubeji tanker fire incident involving some stores and residential buildings on November 24, 2017.

Others, according to the Commissioner, were Robinson Plaza, Okumagba Avenue Warri on September 17, 2017; Beta Glass Factory, Ughelli, on April 6, 2017; Sapele Main Market on October 13, 2017 and Asaba Aluminum Company on February 14, 2017.

He revealed that in order to effectively combat fire incidences in the State, the Bureau would purchase one brand new fire fighting truck and one ambulance yearly to replace the old ones.

The Bureau for Special Commissioner also said that the Bureau would construct a befitting fire service headquarter at Asaba, the State capital as the current headquarters is located at the Old secretariat and this had been very un-conducive for training and effective management of the activities of the Command.

According to Barr Ogwezzy, a lawyer, fire service stations would also be constructed in all the 25 Local Government Areas of the State which do not currently have one and also purchase some speed boats for fire fighting in the riverine areas.

For effective service delivery, the Commissioner stated that the Bureau had renovated 14 Fire Fighting trucks, two water tankers and four Toyota Corolla Cars at the cost of N21 Million approved by the State Government, even as he explained that the State Government also approved the sum of N49 Million to purchase firefighting equipment and accessories.

He stated that the sum of N11, 020, 000 was approved for the construction of Water Hydrant/borehole at the State Fire Service Headquarters, Old Secretariat, Asaba, which had been executed, saying with the execution of this project, the Asaba Fire Service office no longer rely on Private borehole owners for water as was the case before 2017 and that this had assisted the Command to respond promptly to emergency fire calls and even at odd hours.

The Commissioner also listed other projects executed in the Command for effective service delivery to include Renovation of Kwale, Issele-Uku, Agbor and Ogwashi-Uku Fire Service Stations; purchase of uniforms and kits for officials and men of the Delta State Fire Service Command; construction of water hydrant/borehole at the event Centre Complex, Asaba;          refurbishment and repairs of fire trucks/tankers and utility vehicles.

In a bid to ensure the emergence of Dr Cairo Ojougboh as the next Delta State governor come 2019, a formidable pressure group known as ward four political forum has called on Deltans to support, mobilise and create awareness that would actualise the governorship aspiration of Dr Cairo Ojougboh.

Speaking in an enlarged meeting of the forum, the coordinator, Engineer Isioma Obiazi harped on the need for every member of the state to be focused and remain committed to the aspiration of Ojougboh so as to redeem Deltans from the shackle of under development occasioned by bad governance.

He said the emergence of Ojougboh come 2019 would attract massive development in education, health and independent economy that would make the state an economic hob of the nation, adding that the All Progressive Congress aspirant is committed to providing fertile ground that would make Delta an economic footing.

Engr. Isioma Obiazi noted that Deltans needed a credible candidate which, according to him, would not emersh wealth to himself and family alone but would meet the yearnings of the people by creating jobs for the teeming youths, ensure adequate payment of pensioners and assist the less privileged ones in the state.

Engineer Obiazi who is also the managing Director of strollman confectionaries appeal to the people of the state not to allow influence of money to dictate their choice of candidate, noted that what should be in their minds was to remedy the years of locust foisted on the state by PDP led administration.

He reiterated that he has no doubt in his mind that Dr. Cairo Ojougboh would industrialize the state and create jobs that would stimulate economic growth of the state.

The Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Delta State, Barr. Peter Mrakpor has revealed that investigations proved that most cultists come from families where parents are cultists.

Mrakpor, who made this revelation while briefing journalists recently during the 2018 Ministerial Press Briefing in Asaba, claimed it is a generational problem, advising that parents must responsibly observe their children closely as they grow, in order to avoid a devastating future bred by cultism.

The Attorney General further decried the incessant increase of these cultists who have now festered their nets into secondary and primary schools, causing havoc to society and bringing untold agony to their families and loved ones.

He furthere said that 63 accused persons were sentenced by the courts in 2017 for various criminal offences, stating that Deltans, especially those within the age brackets of 16-25 go to prisons every day for various degrees of offences.

The Justice Commissioner, however enumerated the statistics as follows: Kidnapping 12, Armed Robbery 29, Murder 17 and Rape and Defilement 5; maintaining that convictions were duly secured on these offences.

He assured that government would continue to do the needful to reduce the spate to the barest minimum, but admonished parents to play more of the roles of parenthood in the lives of their wards.

The Commissioner who recounted the successes achieved by his Ministry within the period under review, especially the technical aspects of law enforcements that were created and reformed to engage more globally acceptable modules for proper prosecution and legal service deliverables; assured Deltans that the government was not sleeping on its oars in ensuring a secure and crime free state.

-By Michael EKOKORUWE:

The Legislative Arm of Isoko South local government area has, passed a vote of confidence on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Oleh, CSP Isah Hassan during the legislative session, held at the council secretariat Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

The Motion for the vote of confidence moved by Hon. Meeting Edobebe representing Erowa / Umeh ward, was seconded by hon. Wesley Erowo Igbudu from Oleh ward. The leader of Isoko South legislative Arm, Hon. Odho Oghenekome ruled and welcomed the DPO to the house proceedings.

Hon. Odho commended CSP Isah Hassan for effective security policing work in the local government area, noting that the hard work of the DPO overtime has reduced criminal activities in the area. He said the House was motivated to pass the vote of confidence on the DPO due to the prevailing peace and security of lives within the local government area.

Hon. Odho maintained that, the unanimous resolution for the vote of confidence on the DPO was taken during the House previous session, aimed at honoring the police boss for his gallantry and bravery, adding that the motion was moved by Hon. Dickson Osifo and was seconded by Hon. Orava.

The leader of the Legislative Arm also commended Sir Itaiko C. ikpokpo, Chairman Isoko South local government area for his doggedness and mutual cooperation with CSP Isah towards the security of lives and properties in the local government area.

While responding, CSP Isah Hassan commended the legislators for the honor even as he pledged to be more committed to the security of lives and properties of the people of Isoko South.

He said, “the honor is a seed sown today, and will aggravate me towards fighting crime to a halt”. He prayed God for more strength and enabling environment in the fight against criminals in the area.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Sen. Danjuma Goje, has said that no provision was made in the 2018 Budget for any increase in minimum wage during the year.

Goje made this known while briefing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja shortly after the passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill.

He said the failure to capture the wage in the budget may have been because deliberation on the issue had not been concluded by the Executive.

“The government has not brought it. I think that the issue of minimum wage is still under consideration.

“It is still at the committee level with the Executive. When they bring it to us we will look at it; ours is just to make law.

“If the Executive decides to pay workers N100, 000 per day or whatever it is, if they bring the Bill and can justify it, we will pass it.

“When they bring it, we will consider,” he said.

The lawmaker also said that subsidy on oil was not captured in the budget.

He said “the issue of subsidy was raised on the floor.

“It was explained that the Federal Government officially abolished subsidy. So, it is not for us to introduce subsidy.

“If they want to pay subsidy in accordance with the law they have to bring it to us to appropriate.

“If they bring it, we will appropriate. For now, officially there is no subsidy,” he said.

–Courtesy NAN

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Wife of Delta state governor and founder of 05-Initiative, Dame (Mrs.) Edith Okowa has harped on the urgent need for couples to allow God’s blessings manifest in their marriages by strengthening their bond of love for each other.

Dame Okowa made this call at the 2018 edition of Couples Forum, organized by the 05-Initiative for members of the state executive council, legislature, judiciary, elected and political appointees and their spouses on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

The home building programme tagged, Naked But Not Ashamed, attended by the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was also used to mark the 2018 Internatonal Day of the Family.

The First Lady, who emphasized that the annual Couples Forum has progressively transformed homes, encouraged couples to always appreciate the good values in their spouses to enable them experience overwhelming strength from God, hence everybody will give an account of their dealings on earth.

She thanked her spouse for availing the 05-Initiative of the opportunity to contribute to the spiritual, physical and socio-ecomomic wellbeing of Deltans, especially the less privileged in the society, adding that the feat recorded in families as a result of the prayers and counseling during annual Couples Forum, is encouraging and worthy of emulation.

In the first talk, Pastor Olutomi Sodeinde spoke on the need for couples to ensure that trust, openness and understanding becomes their watchword in marriage, explaining further that fear of the unknown and separation due to social status without recourse to the first love has grossly affected families and homes.

In the second talk, Evangelist Nnamdi Eze said that nakedness with shame is usually associated with sin, guilt, insincerity, unfaithfulness and infidelity in relationship while nakedness without shame allows partners to be financially accountable to themselves, truthful to each other and thrive in openness.

The Couples Forum which was spiced up with praise and worship, hymnal rendition, testimonies and prayers for families, government and people of Delta state and Nigeria was culminatied with an interactive session between Pastor Olutomi Sodeinde,Evangelist Nnamdi Eze alongside their spouses and the couples.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of gifts to Justice and Mrs. Maidoh and Mr. and Mrs. Umejei respectively.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

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 said that the political rallies organized by Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) is a pre-victory celebration for the second coming of the Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in 2019.

Bashorun Askia made this disclosure during a brief chat with Blank NEWS Online, shortly after a recent grand rally held at the Oshimili South local government Arcade in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

Recall that the Delta Political Vanguard (DPV) has held similar sensitization rallies for Governor Okowa in virtually all the 25 local government areas of the state with repesentatives drawn from the diverse ethnic nationalities of Delta state.

He insisted that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s performance, through the people oriented policies enshrined in the administration’s SMART agenda, has aleady secured him another tenure and scored him above board, adding that based on equity arrangements, the incumbent governor will get the nod of entire Deltans to return him for an eight year term as executive governor of Delta state.

“Its a pre-victory celebration because we are very sure that we will win. First based on equity, that the two other senatorial districts occpied the seat for eight years when their persons were there. There shouldn’t be an exception.”

The party chieftain said that despite the fact that funds accruing to the state through the federal government allocation and internally generated revenue were in short supply, Governor Okowa has continued to sustain the tempo of good governance by keeping the state afloat.

“When the nation’s economy was in shambles as it were and funds were short in supply, it was so difficult to keep the state afloat but despite all of that, he (Governor Ifeanyi Okowa) brought in his management acumen to have been able to pull us out of the woods and stabilize the state.

“The most important aspect of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s leadership qualities is
his performance, especially his performance on roads across the state and other infrastructures in all other critical sectors which earned him the name of “Road Master. It is only necessary for him to come back to consolidate on those gains.”

Bashorun Askia, while assuring Deltans that Governor Okowa was a good product to market, confirmed that his landmark achievements in the state which has earned him local, national and global accolade are unprecedented.

“All parts of Delta state are fully represented in DPV because when we come, all ethnic groups in the state is represented. We bring message from every ethnic group and key leaders are the ones that speak to the people to reassure the people that we are for him. We want all Deltans to stay strong. The DPV itself is all about Okowa and nothing else. He has done well. He is a good product, easy to sell.”

Delta State Government says in other to enhance the personal security and transportation needs of Legal Officers in the state, a budgetary provision of N30 million has been captured in the 2018 budget as car loan to lawyers in the Ministry of Justice.

The attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor disclosed this while receiving in audience the newly elected executive members of the State Chapter of Law Officers Association of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Barr. Thomas Anigara.

According to the Attorney-General, the new head in the 2018 budget which has a provision of N30 million was different from the amount captured for general car loan for civil servants in the state which is domiciled in the Office of the Head of Service.

Peter Mrakpor while explaining the rationale for the special provision, said it was aimed at supporting legal officers to purchase their personal vehicles to ease their movement to court.

He said, owing to the sensitive nature of their work which involves carrying of
bulky sensitive case files and their personal safety, the Governor approved a head as car loan special provision for lawyers.

While congratulating the new executives of the Law Officers Association for a peaceful election and transition, the Justice Commissioner charged legal officers in the state to imbibe personal developmental culture and comply with the standard behavior expected
of them as legal practitioners and that of the civil service.

He debunked the rumour that he was a tribalist as a result of certain decisions he took regarding the posting of some senior officers to some Agencies of Government as Executive Secretaries. He explained that the decision was in the best interest of the Ministry and the beneficiaries as according to him, the status of the three Executive
Secretaries appointed from the Ministry was equivalent to that of amPermanent Secretary. He promised to deploy some legal officers those Agencies for the establishment of their Legal Departments.

On welfare of legal Officers and Staff, the Attorney-General maintained that he was irrevocably committed to staff’s welfare as the Ministry has worked out modalities to disburse enhanced monthly imprest to all Departments and Zonal Offices for effective service delivery while the issue of payment of all backlog of claims is
receiving priority attention.

He pleaded with staff who were yet to collect their Permanent Voters Card to so without delay even as he promised to increase the number of participants from the Ministry to the annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Earlier, the newly elected Chairman of the Law Officers Association of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Barr. Thomas Anigara told the Justice Commissioner that the visit was to formally introduce Members of the new executive of the body to him.

Thomas Anigara who presented various issues affecting Legal Officers ranging from training and retraining, and general welfare of his members to the Attorney-General, pledged their cooperation and loyalty to the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s led administration.

The LOAN Chairman also expressed his willingness to partner with the Attorney-General for the mutual benefits and good of both lawyers and the Ministry.

One of seven major Democratic contenders in Maryland’s gubernatorial race, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, died early Thursday morning after suffering from cardiac arrest, authorities said.

Kevin Kamenetz, 60, a two-term Baltimore County executive, husband and father of two sons, was at his Owings Mills home around 2 a.m. when he woke up not feeling well. He drove with his wife to a nearby volunteer fire station where he received emergency treatment before being transported to a hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after, Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost said at a news conference.

The two-term county executive is survived by his wife, Jill Kamenetz, and their two teenage sons.

Kevin Kamenetz, who was one of several candidates running for the Democratic nomination to be Maryland’s governor, died on Thursday morning at the age of 60.
Armacost, who knew Kamenetz for almost 25 years, said his sudden death has sent shockwaves through county government.

“By all accounts, he appeared to be in excellent health. He went to a doctor regularly,” she said at the news conference, according to The Associated Press. “This was not a person who had unhealthy habits.”

It’s not clear why Kamenetz drove to a firehouse as opposed to calling 911, said Dr. Gail Cunningham, senior vice president of medical affairs at University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was treated.

“Obviously with these conditions, time is everything, but I don’t know for how long he was suffering from chest pains or symptoms before he chose to do that,” she said at the news conference, adding that people experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should call 911. In Kamenetz’s case, she said, it was determined he suffered from ventricular fibrillation, a life-threatening heart arrhythmia that is common among heart attack victims.

Kamenetz’s running mate, Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin, said she’s heartbroken by the news.

“Like so many, I am shocked and heartbroken by this sudden and unexpected loss. I want to thank those across Maryland for their outpouring of support, sympathy, and gratitude during this difficult time,” she said in a statement posted to their campaign’s website.

“Kevin was first and foremost a loving husband to his wife Jill and a proud father to Karson and Dylan. And he was a dedicated, bold leader who served the people of Baltimore County for over 20 years. I have been honored to call him a friend and partner. Today all of Maryland mourns with his family, friends, and loved ones,” she said.

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, whom Kamenetz hoped to face off against in the November election, ordered the state flags to be flown at half-staff. He also expressed his condolences on Twitter.

Kamenetz’s fellow Democrats also spoke out about their heartbreak over his loss, as well as about his character and years of work as a public servant.

**JOHESU Raises Alarm As Strike Suffers Setback 

**Interns Work Under Supervision -Medical Director

As the strike embarked upon by members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) in Federal Government hospitals enters a critical stage following the show of solidarity by members in state and local government areas, the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba branch of JOHESU has raised the alarm of possible high death rate in the hospital.

JOHESU, at a press briefing in Asaba revealed that management of the hospital has deployed inexperienced laboratory and pharmacy trainees and corps members to provide services to unsuspecting members of the public while using sheet of papers for patients in place of hospital cards.

Members of JOHESU, led by Comrade Christopher Ikperhe, Secretary, JOHESU, FMC, Asaba, Chapter and Comrade Anthony Iyasele, Chairman of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMSLN), FMC, Asaba Chapter, who stood in for the Chairman of JOHESU, Comrade Davidson Akinlays decried the use of interns and corps members to run the hospital, adding that anybody going to the hospital for any form of treatment was taking a risk as the Heads of Department (HODs) and management are administrative staffs and does not have the time to supervise interns.

According to them, “It is unsafe to visit the hospital now that we are on strike because patients might receive half or low quality treatment which is inimical to their health. We have told management that using inexperienced persons is wrong”, adding that the interns and corps members were forced to be attending to patients in the name of skeletal services without adequate supervision.

Explaining further, they said that drugs giving to patients cannot be guaranteed as the usual practice known as pharmaco-vigilance – whereby a pharmacy on duty, working in synergy with the doctor on duty, can detect wrong prescription, is absent, adding that the implication is exposure to wrong dosage and possible death.

They also revealed that interns in the Laboratory cannot effectively carry out test and examinations and come up with right results, without good supervision, stressing that FMC, Asaba is a tertiary health facility where you cannot use trainees to conduct test, dispense doctor’s prescription and administer injection.

While condemning the development in the hospital and possible death toll, JOHESU advised management to stop the practice for the sake of the lives of members of the public.

When contacted, the Medical Director of FMC, Asaba, Dr. Victor Osiatuma, said that medical doctors, management, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and interns were not on strike, adding that it is not possible that the interns were working without supervision.

According to him, contrary to submission by JOHESU, all the Heads of Department (HODs) are on duty and supervising the interns.

Nigerian popular music maestro artiste David Adeleke aka Davido, has bought a private jet.

This comes barely hours of him signing an endorsement deal with infinix as a brand ambassador.

He revealed breakthrough on his official Instagram page on Wednesday, adding that this is just the beginning.

“Air OBO soon Land. Youngest nigga with a jet !!.

The  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Delta State chapter has commended the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ekiti State PDP Primary for July 2018, governorship election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for conducting a hitch-free party primary election.

A press statement signed by Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary of said the party in the state, has successfully conducted a successful Governorship Primary.

“The Party is extremely proud and thrilled that our party leader, His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has done it again in Ekiti State, where he once again successfully conducted the PDP Governorship primary election for the July 14 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State, as the Chairman of the Primary election committee”.

Making reerence to the December, 2017 National Elective Congress, the party said the governor had consistently proved that he is indeed good product in the PDP Family.

“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has consistently proved that he is indeed a good product in the PDP family whose reputation and pedigree continues to grow in leaps and bounds, after re-awakening a rejuvenated PDP, when he midwived it’s hugely successful national convention, by an excellent combination of astute, articulate and strategically brilliant supervision of the national elective congress in December 2017”.

The state PDP, while commending the Organising committee for a good job, also extended the success of the primaries to the national working committee of the party, CWC, and all the aspirants, for displaying a spirit of sportsmanship in their commitment toward a peaceful, free and credible process, as they noted that the process leading to the primary was very transparent.

“We want to use this medium to extend our profound gratitude to all the members of the National Working Committee (NWC) and commend all stakeholders, particularly the aspirants, for not only displaying the spirit of sportsmanship in their commitment toward a peaceful, free and credible process, but indeed for keeping to their resolve to work together to ensure the victory of the party at the main election, irrespective of the outcome of the primary election”.

*Chindah To Conduct LG Congress Saturday

The national leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has replaced the chairman of the ward and local government congress committee, Alhaji Sani Dododo for unilaterally announcing ward congress result.

Dododo announced the results of the 270 wards of the 25 local government areas of the state at the party’s state secretariat in Asaba, without the inputs of other 6 committee members and recourse to the party national leadership.

According to verifiable sources, the party replaced Sani Dododo with Hon. Emmanuel Chindah because he had allegedly acted outside the party guidelines by unilaterally announcing ward congress result without the imput of other committee members.

Others who spoke on condition of anonimity said Dododo’s replacement by the APC national leadership may have been as a result of complaints of his alleged financial compromise within and outside the party.

The source added that Hon. Chindah and other members of the committee is now charged with the conduct of the local government congress billed for Saturday.

*Watch out for more details …

–By Norbert Chiazor:

There is something about the university. It is not just a school. It is prestige. Home of honorary self worth .Exact definition of development for both human and his habitat.

University . “TO RESTORE THE DIGNITY OF MAN” University of Nigeria Nsukka best captures the essence. What a motto !

This not the same thing as Chioma’s Porsche from love – struck Davido . University is the motor of progress.

This explains why the university is the evergreen legacy of leaders – great leaders. Home here in old Bendel, UNIBEN stands as Samuel Ogbemudia ‘s best feat of immortality. What remained of Governor Ambros Alli without AAU, Ekpoma ?

Nnamdi Azikiwe lives in our hearts through UNN. Ahmadu Bello reigns in ABU ,Zaria .In Ife, Obafemi Awolowo looms large from the gates of OAU .

Long after these enigmas departed ,the universities they planted have been watering the lives of millions of Nigerians .

Enamoured with the idea of a university, PRINCE NED NWOKO is on the threshold of history. His stead, Idumuje- Ugboko , a rural enclave in Delta state is dressing up to host a University .

The princely gift, STARS UNIVERSITY is the first sports university in Sub Saharan Africa !

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, a proud university product at 22 played smart the other day.

While at Warri town hall meeting , he ensured handsome government presence at the grand breaking ceremony of Nwoko ‘ STARS UNIVERSITY, at Idumuje- Ugboko with the youthful commissioner for higher education,Jude Sinebe standing on the front row of history.

The building block of a brand new future for human excellence has been laid. A new dawn beckons.

This university, designed to offer conventional courses beyond sports will place Delta North , Delta state and Nigeria on a global canvas .

This diminishes to a non issue a puerile argument by tiny traducers in town that the university would draw funding from Islamic nations / institutions.

Public officers and private citizens , all manners of Nigerians – christians ,muslims and pagans all go to enjoy themselves in Dubai , an Islamic nation.

Much more than any other country, gold from Islamic Saudi Arabia adorn the necks of Nigerians daily even at Sunday services.

Today almost everyone in Nigeria eats Aliko Dangote’s salt, noodles and sugar ,a man who honed his business tricks from Al- Azhar Islamic university in Cairo Egypt.

Majority of Rice Nigerians consume especially at Christmas , pass through the hands of Buddhist worshippers in Thailand and Hindu china .

The top 5 clubs in Europe- PSG, Manchester city, Everton , Malaga and Hull city which keep millions of Nigerians happy as soccer buffs are owned by Arabian billionaires who are predominantly Muslim.

Nebuchadnezzar was a vicious Christian who troubled the heart of God until he was cursed to beastly doom, just as Abraham was a beloved Christian, apple of divine eyes.

Mohammed was a compassionate prophet but Adolf Hitler was terrible in his Islamic persuasion.

Sani Abacha came from Kano, same place with Aminu Kano . Cobra and dove . Spot the difference.

Personally…..

2013. Europe – bound to Paris ,France via Charles de Gaulle Airport,I had the humble privilege of a 6 – hour retreat in Doha, Qatar . An Islamic city. My eyes beheld wondrous beauty that reminded me about heaven as dramatized
in christian dogma.

Religions are not evil . Tribes are not evil. Individuals are .Read Fredrick Forsythe thriller – Odessa File. 1972.

I cannot hazard a guess over the size of Ned Nwoko ‘s bank account .Nonetheless, with his passion, he has the financial muscle to carry a university to stardom. Ned definitely do not need an Oil Sheik or any third party to build STARS .

But whether he gets monetary support from Asaba, Abuja, Lebanon or London ,Caracas or America – count it all joy !

Education has no enemy. It is everybody ‘s friend .It does not wear a hijab or Cassock or charmlet . The only toga is respect and respite .

The coincidence of Ned Nwoko ‘ s SENATE ( Delta North ) and the STARS UNIVERSITY is conjoining by the hand of providence .

It is not the propaganda of politics. It is the propagation of human purpose .

Don’t tell people how good you are .
Show them how good you come.
Ned has a school , not a scam .

No. Everything is not politics !

STARS UNIVERSITY – Posterity will clap for sure . Soon …

NED NWOKO – More than a budding SENATOR !!!

By Albert OGRAKA:

Delta state has become the first state in Nigeria to implement and deploy the digital integrated learning solution for six trades in the state owned technical colleges and vocational education centres.

The $120,000 World Bank assisted SEEFOR project with M-Tutors, according to the Delta State Coordinator of State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR), Mr Benson Ojoko, is the first of its kind in Nigeria, intended to enhance teaching and learning by translating the curricula of six technical and vocational trades into an online and offline audio-visual digital integrated leaning system to make the students learn beyond the classroom.

While calling on public spirited individuals and corporate bodies to take cue from the efforts of the SEEFOR and World Bank in helping to improve the standard of teaching and learning in the technical and vocational institutions, he said that the present upgrading of infrastructure in the institutions was due to the high premium that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa places on entrepreneurship and skill acquisition.

The Delta State Coordinator of State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR), Mr Benson Ojoko, said SEEFOR partnership with the state government is hinged on the state government’s partnership with the World Bank and the European Union which has yielded evident results through adequate funding and capacity building of the technical and vocational institutions.

He said that through these supports, the state government has greatly improved the learning environment by providing basic technical and vocational intsructional materials as well as training students in the institutions with relevant skills to meet international standards to compete effectively in the global market.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Delta state Technical and Vocational Education Board, Mr. Michael Akpobire, said that Delta state has once again come to the forefront of blazing the ail in upgrading students’ performances in meeting with internationally acceptable standard of teaching and learning in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the $120,000 World Bank assisted programme has greatly defined the status of SEEFOR and Delta state government in meaningful skill engagements among the youths.

The six trades, according to Mr. Akpobire include, Welding and Fabrication, Electrical Installations, Building Technology, Automobile Technology, Mechanical/Engineering Crafts and ICT.

He further disclosed that the state government’s efforts in upgrading the institutions have yielded increased enrolement among students of the various technical and vocational institutions across the state.

Ahead of the training session, the Vice President of Mobile-Tutors Limited, India, Mr. Senthil Kumar said that M-Tutors with over 400 exparts in software development presently operates in 20 countries and offering basic software teaching and learning solutions to technical and vocational institutions to meet international standard.

He said in a bid to give the benefitting students the right exposure to handle academic challenges, M-Tutors offers audio-visual learning materials to help students comprehend what they have learnt through sustainable interest levels and simplified learning that would make them become useful to the society.

Mr. Kumar who said the goal of the M-Tutors digital integrated learning system was to impact on the behavioral change in students through capacity building noted that, “It gives confidence to the students with significant growth and interactive engagement to become useful to the society.”

***PDP Accused Of Influencing APC National Officials

The All Progressive Congress (APC) ward congress held on Saturday, May 6, 2018 in Delta state but amidst confrontations, mudslinging and blame on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for infringing on the activities of the APC.

In parts of the state, the congress held peacefully while it became violent in other areas, leading to death of a party member.

At the state secretariat of the APC in Asaba problems of delay took the centre stage due to late arrival of delegates nomination forms and materials but some National officials in charge of the congress, were on hand to douse tensions arising from complaints of inadequate delegate forms.

A party official. Olorogun Jaro Egbo complained that the nomination forms for the delegates congress that were supposed to be distributed to delegates were issued to only one group.

Alhaji Sani Dododo, Chairman APC Delegates Congress for Ward and local governments in Delta state state said the issue is not peculiar to only Delta state, saying it happens when more people are vying for few positions but assured that the problems would be solved for the congress to commence.

The Congress in Ward 4, Onicha-Olona, Aniocha North Local Government Area was conducted free, fair and credible with an INEC Official on ground to observe.

Meanwhile, in Ughelli, gunmen suspected to be assassins killed an All Progresaives Congress, APC ward chairmanship candidate.
The victim, Jeremiah Ogboveta, was until his death, the chairmanship candidate for Jeremi Ward III in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

Security sources in the area disclosed that the incident happened on Saturday morning.

Violence trailed the congresses as a chairmanship aspirant in Jeremi unit III, ward 10, Ughelli South of the state was stabbed to death.

While Olorogun O’tega Emerhor was at his Evwreni ward participating in the congress held Saturday, there were no proof that Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru participated

It could be recalled that Delta APC leader, Olorogun Emerhor had charged and instructed his followers, allies and all party faithfuls to participate in the congresses and eschew violence acts.

“We call on our teeming supporters and all party faithfuls to shun all acts capable of truncating the ongoing congresses even in the face of unwarranted provocations from various elements who are perfecting plans to destabilize the peaceful congress processes.”

However, the embattled senator representing Delta central senatorial district in the National Assembly, Honr. Ovie Omo-Agege , on Saturday allegedly shunned the All Progressives Congress (APC) ward congresses held across the state.

Also absent from the ward congress was the former 2015 Labour Party governorship candidate who is now a member of APC, Great Ogboru.

There were also reports of snatching and hijack of electoral materials in some wards in Delta central by persons suspected to be loyalists of Ogboru and Omo-Agege.

Delta APC chairman, Mr. Jones Erue, who is said to be a loyalist of both Ogboru and Omo-Agege, was alleged to have used thugs to hijack materials for the congresses in Delta central and other parts of the state.

At Abraka, home town of Ogboru, the congress did not take place, while at Orogun, home town of senator Omo-Agege, materials arrived safely.

At Ovu Ward 5, Salubi Primary School, Ethiope East local government area, congress was held while some persons were seen complaining bitterly of the result of the congress.

The leader of the ward and former labour leader, Frank Ovie Kokori described the congress as peaceful saying that the few persons seen complaining were those that lost out and that does not mean the ward is divided.

At Evwreni, home town of the leader of Delta APC, Olorogun O’tega, Emerhor, in Ughelli North local government council, the congress was peaceful.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote, Emerhor, described the exercise as generally peaceful, adding that the peaceful conduct would be replicated across the state:

“Here in my ward in Evwreni,you can see the ward congress is peaceful because we have a consensus and I expect every ward to do same either by consensus or voting for their choice candidate in areas were there are no consensus.”

He also commended party faithful for their display of maturity during the congress, despite attempts to disrupt it through stealing of the electoral materials.

“Though there was incident where some people wanted to frustrate the exercise where they broke into the hotel and stole some of the sensitive materials, but it was not enough to put off the congress.

Unfortunately, the materials had not moved at that time so those ones that had gone I am not sure they have been authenticated to separate them from those one that have been stolen. However, generally, the congress was peaceful,” Emehor said.

At Gbaramatu community, Warri South West local government area, an APC chieftain, Michael Johnny, also described the ward congress as peaceful in his area and thanked party members for their participation and good conduct during the exercise.

At Oshimili South, Aniocha South, Aniocha North, Ika South, Ika North East local government area, the congresses were conducted peacefully as at the time our correspondent visited the areas.

As at the time of filing in this report, it was learned that congresses were still going on at Bomadi and Burutu local government areas.

In another development, Delta state Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has been accused of allegedly infiltrating the APC as the party Chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue and Barrister Felix Morka are having an unholy romance with the PDP led government.

In the said meeting, the sum of one hundred million naira ( N100, 000 000) was allegedly disbursed by Gov. Okowa to Prophet Jones Erhue and Barrister Felix Morka to bribe the National Congress Committees headed by Alhaji Sani Dododo.

An APC chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that “It is important to clearly state that the cooperation between a guber aspirant from Delta Central and the government of Senator Okowa has continued to blosom and it is also clear that the All Progressives Congress, APC, Delta State may not survive if this guber aspirant from Central is allowed the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC for next year’s election.

“We, therefore, call on and plead with all men of conscience to intervene and pray for the APC, Delta State as a stitch in time saves nine.”

ABUJA/Nigeria: The member representing the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon Ossai N. Ossai has reacted to the recent call by the members of Registered Political Parties Chairmen, for him to forget third term bid, calling it a hoggish show of shame anchored on political bewilderment.

In a press release, titled “2019: Rt. Hon (Dr.) Ossai N. Ossai is the Best Man For the Job”, signed by his media Aide, Amb. Chibuzo, giving detail of his achievement since his arrival at the green chambers,  the statement called for the careful examination of the RPP statement, does not reflect the view of the people of the constituency, as the group is nothing but faceless.

“A careful examination of the RPP’s hasty, judgemental, and self-serving statement on who represents the enterprising people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency come 2019 and the faceless groups’ hoggish labour  to upturn the universally known political menopause of Hon. Olisa Imegwu is not just shameful but has revealed how ignorant they are about Rt. Hon. Ossai’s towering accomplishments at the National Assembly and their basic lack of understanding of legislative powers, practices and procedures”

2019 Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ossai N. Ossai is the Best man for the Job-

“The statement below credited to the faceless/non-existent ‘Registered Political Party Chairmen’- A hoggish show of shame anchored on political bewilderment”

RE: 2019: You Don’t Deserve a Third Term – Political Party Chairmen Tell Ossai

The Legislative Maestro Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Ossai Nicholas Ossai remains the best man for the job of representing and championing the cause of Ndokwa Nation for now at the Nigeria’s House of Representatives…

A careful examination of the RPP’s hasty,  judgemental, and self-serving statement on who represents the enterprising people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency come 2019 and the faceless groups’ hoggish labour  to upturn the universally known political menopause of Hon. Olisa Imegwu is not just shameful but has revealed how ignorant they are about Rt. Hon. Ossai’s towering accomplishments at the National Assembly and their basic lack of understanding of legislative powers, practices and procedures.

For the Benefit of our people and the general public, we won’t waste our time in this piece trying to respond to the hanging basket of lies and bogus claims peddled by the so called ‘Registered Political Party Chairmen (Chairmen without secretariat, secretaries and excos)’. However, we will rather invest the opportunity to educate and enlighten the people on Rt. Hon. Ossai’s Legislative and Representation strides, which has demystified representation in Ndokwa land and delivered pride and admiration to the people.

What has Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Nicholas Ossai done with his time in the National Assembly and how significant it is?

It’s common knowledge that there are three key functions of the legislature including: Law- Making; Oversight and Representation/Constituency related activities. It’s also important to note that any meaningful performance assessment of a Legislator should be measured against key indicators/targets inherent in these functions.

1. Rt. Hon Dr. Ossai Ossai & LAW-MAKING in the National Assembly
2. Today in the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Legislative Maestro Rt. Hon. Dr Ossai-Ossai otherwise known as the ‘Bill Process Machine’ is a leading HOR member with the highest number bills sponsored, processed, passed into law and assented to by the President.
3. Rt. Hon. Ossai N. Ossai has over 50 legislation/bills to his credit in the 8th Assembly alone, this is unprecedented in the history of Ndokwa Nation and arguably in Nigeria.
4. In December 2017, the President Buhari APC led government honoured Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Ossai with the National Merit Impact Award for sponsoring and facilitating legislation that helped Nigeria move 24 points in the Ease of Doing Business Ranking in the world. The Award was presented to Hon. Ossai Ossai by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on behalf of the President on 11th December 2017. This is significant, this is capacity, this is influence! It brought pride to Ndokwa nation and inspired young dreamers that Ndokwa nation provides leadership and has the best.
5. Just two months later, the National Assembly Press Corp Association (HOR) honoured Rt. Hon. Dr. Ossai Ossai with the National Assembly ‘Representative of the Year Award for 2017/2018’…The Press Corp is a well known aggressive watchdog of the parliament and could be said to have better knowledge of how members perform in the floor of the house and outside. By this award, the Hon. member became the first Ndokwa son to win such award as a result of his quality representation and vibrancy in championing the cause of Ndokwa nation and Nigeria at large.
6. List of bills sponsored by Rt. Hon. Ossai Ossai (you can access same at www.nassnig.org)

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“We have a very good chance of winning in 2019 and the best way to win is to make sure we stop corruption. The worst corruption is that of the electoral process.” –Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

By Albert OGRAKA (Editor):

Frontline governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta state, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has said he has all it takes to split the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and dismantle its rigging machinery and strategies.

Dr. Ojougboh who was the Deputy National Chairman of the Senator Ali Modu-Sherif faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a former South-South chairman of the party, said his political prowess and acceptability by Deltans would make it easier for the APC to sweep the winning stakes at the 2019 general elections, adding that his determination to halt the PDP’s uncanny plot has accounted for his One-man-one-vote campaign across the state.

The One-man-one-vote advocate stated this during an APC unity meeting of major stakeholders and aspirants for various positions held on April 29, 2018 in Evwreni, country home of Delta APC foremost leader and UITH Board Chairman, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

The meeting which was dubbed a “Unity Train to government house, Asaba” led to both aspirants and stakeholders agreeing to work together to unite efforts in other to put in place a structure that can win elections in 2019.

It also provided the Gubernatorial Aspirants under the platform of the party, an opportunity to make simple manifestoes in regard of their aspirations as the party strategizes and prepares for the forthcoming wards and LGA congresses scheduled to commence on Saturday the 5th of May 2018.

Addressing the gathering, the proponent of the one-man-one-vote campaign and leading governorship aspirant of the APC in Delta state, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh said he has all it takes to split the PDP in the state and dismantle its rigging machinery and strategies which has accounted for his One-man-one-vote campaign across the state.

While stating categorically, that he would do only ONE TERM (2019 –2023) in order not to abuse the zoning arrangement in Delta state, Ojougboh said:
“In the political journey embarked upon today, the only way the Central Senatorial District can be absolutely sure of power returning to them in 2023 is for a Delta North candidate to do just one term now and that is what I intend to do.”

Dr. Ojuogboh, a one time member representing Ika Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and PDP governorship aspirant in the run-up to the PDP governorship primaries in 2007 expressed optimism that an APC government would be enthroned in Delta come 2019, because of its popularity and the commitment of its members in the state.

Recall that during the consultation tour of Delta state senatorial districts ahead of the 2019 elections, coalitions of youths, women, elders, leaders, stakeholders and traditional rulers from the Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central Senatorial Districts of the State have respectively declared their support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh.

A renown leader of the party Chief Enuha while addressing the crowd, asserted that there is need for integration of various groups. He formally pronounced various pressure groups within the party such as the MDA and CDA dissolved in order the promote peace and unity ahead of 2019.

Olorogun Otega Emerho while speaking, admonished leaders and members to see the unity of the party as top priority, stressing that together we better together.

Chief Ogodo Cyril among other State Working Committee of the party in the State and AVM Frank Ajobena including numerous dignified personalities were in attendance.

A roll call of who is who in Delta State APC in attendance include Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chief Hyacinth Enuha, Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh, Air Vice Marshall Frank Ajobena(Rtd), Barr. Fred Okpohworo Olokor, NDDC EDP; Engr. Dr. (Chief) Samuel Adjogbe PhD, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, Some members of the State Executives and LGA Chairmen, led by the State Deputy Chairman Chief Cyril Ogodo were also in attendance. Other attendees included Chief Joe Arausi, Chief Martins Ohwoevwo, Chief Malachi Orode, Mr John Onojeharho, Hon. Austin Ogbaburhun, Chief Ogheneaga Andrew Orugbo, Chief Mike Odeli, Sir Ohwoekevwo, Chief Terry Otuya, Barr. Awele Nwoko, Dr Omawumi Urhobo, Barr. Omasan Agbajor, Dr Eniforo Mallam-Obi, Dr David Ejenobo, Hon. Sonni Efurhievwe, Chief Dr. Emaye Obiuwewi Ominimini, Hon. Rufus Edoja Akpodiete, Barr. Matthew Omonade, Chief Jaro Egbo, Barr. Omonade, Barr. Spencer Ohwofa, Dr Gabriel Oyibode, Dr. Wilson Odafe Omene, Chief Porbeni, Chief Yemi Emiko, Prince Stanley Emiko, Gen. Nick Agbogun, Engr. Eric Egere, Chief Josiah Ntekume, Chief Charles Olisa, Chief Jiminyevwe Digbame Ubu, Barr. Nelson Enumah, Barr. Cyprian Ashibougwu, Hon. Emmanuel Oki, Rev. Unutame.

Others are Barr. Dennis Nwanokwai, Barr. Alex Ikpeazu, Chief Philip Eyagomare, Chief Okiemute Agagaraga, Mr. Giddys Nwaomu, Hon. Fred Mordi, Bldr. Izu Agafiena, Mr. Chuk Nwabuonwu, Hon. Fred Nwaojei, Mr. Sam Biose, Barr. Evi Odhomo, Hon. Emma Adigwe, Chief Peter Abanum JP, Engr. Cletus Orji, Chief Paul Onwuadiamu, Barr. Mike Ogosi, Barr. Ambrose Egwunatum, Mr. Play well, Mr. Victor Sorokwuchukwu, Mrs. Felicia Iyase, Mrs Rita Eze, Mrs Edith Hassan, Barr. Joe Asem, Chief Gbagi, Mr. Dumero Omovie, Mr. Norberth Sochukwudinma, Chief Okoruwe, Mr. Nnamdi Ofonye, Engr. Sir Voke Emekpe, Chief Sunny Ogwu, Comrade Monday Oyeghe, Mudiaga Okorefe, Hon. Moses Kamaya, Dr Chris Ugoh, Hon. Julius Efeni Akpovoka amongst many others.

Governorship aspirants in attendance were, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, Prof. Pat Utomi, Chief Osiobe Okotie, Dr Iyke Odikpo, Dr. Leroy Edozien and Dr. O’Diakpor Obire.