Delta State House of Assembly hopeful and environmentalist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has solicited the support of the Itsekiri people in Warri South West constituency in continuation of his consultation visits to various leaders in the constituency.

Comrade Mulade, together with his entourage, weekend, visited the home of Pa John Edah, an Itsekiri leader as part of efforts to boost his chances of actualizing his House of Assembly ambition.

The aspirant, who is also the National Coordinator, Centre For Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) was well received by prominent Itsekiri leaders in Warri South.

Explaining the reason for his visit at the home of the Itsekiri leader, Comrade Mulade told the people who came out in their numbers to receive him that he was there to intimate them about his intention to contest for the Delta State House of Assembly race.
He added that the visit was also to acknowledge importance of the Itsekiris in Warri South West, stressing that as an Ijaw man, he also needs the support of his Itsekiri brothers who are part of Warri South West in order to succeed in his political career.

He said, “I am very grateful to the Itsekiri people for this warm reception. The Itsekiris have always played a crucial role in Warri South West politics. Your son, Hon Daniel Mayuku has been representing the Warri South West constituency for some time now. This is not the first time I have indicated interest in contesting for this position. I have indicated interest twice but your son, Hon Mayuku was still interested and doing very well and based on that I stepped down my ambition. But now that he is not running, I need your maximum support.”

“Before coming out to indicate interest to contest this position, I have interacted with Hon Mayuku severely and I have told him about my interest this time around and he has told me to go ahead and that he was no longer contesting. He said he has done his bid and that some other persons should represent Warri South West constituency.

“Hon Mayuku has done well and it will be very tasking for anybody that wants to step into his shoes to measure up to him. I am coming out because I believe I have the prerequisite and qualifications to mount the saddle. All I need is your prayers and support.”

Earlier, High Chief Wellington Bobo who led the entourage told the Itsekiri leaders that they were there to present their son, Comrade Mulade to them and also seek for their prayers and support.

High Chief Bobo, who is from Gbaramatu kingdom, Warri South West Council Area, said, “The reason and purpose of the visit is to come and present Sheriff Mulade to you my brothers and sisters to support him. He is your son and as we are detribalised people, we felt that it was necessary to pay you this visit. We just want the right person to represent Warri South West and bring development to the area.”

Responding, Pa John Edah expressed his gratitude for the visit paid him and Itsekiri leaders , saying that Comrade Sheriff Mulade is the first aspirant to have visited him and to indicate interest in the  2019 House of Assembly race.

He assured Comrade Mulade of the support of the Itsekiri people stressing that the Itsekiris and Ijaws are brothers and sisters who lived together for ages.

Pa Edah however, urged Comrade Mulade not to forget the Itsekiri people when he gets there, adding that he should ensure that he brings development to all parts of Warri South West constituency if he eventually succeeds in his ambition.

Pa Edah said, “It is a good thing that you and your entourage have decided to pay me this visit. I am highly honoured with this visit. This visit has shown that you have recognized those that should be recognized. I have been a leader of the Itsekiris for a long time and there is no election in Warri South West that goes on without my support.

“I did not expect to see this kind of crowd that I am seeing here today. This goes to show that you are good man. We will support you in your political career. But I want to advise that if you eventually get to the House, you must spread development to all the nook and cranny of Warri South West Constituency. Do not ignore the Itsekiri people because we can only do better as one people.”

Other Itsekiri leaders, youths and women who spoke during the visit promised to work and support Comrade Sheriff Mulade, saying that the House of Assembly aspirant has all it takes to represent the people of Warri South West constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly come 2019.

The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), has condemned in strong terms the endless killings of Nigerians and destruction of houses in Benue State by  suspected herdsmen.

The National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, while speaking to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, at the weekend, described the unabated killings of innocent Nigerians in Benue State as barbaric, inexcusable and unacceptable and urged the Federal government to arrest the situation now and bring the perpetrators to book.

Comrade Mulade who decried the April 24, 2018 fresh bloodbath in Benue State, leading to the killing of two Catholic Priests and 17 others by suspected herdsmen when they stormed St Ignatius Catholic Church, Ukpor-Mbalom Parish, Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State, said that the situation in the State was getting out of hand.

According to him, the present situation was gradually turning into religious/cold ethnic war, imploring the Federal  government to do everything possible to bring normalcy to the State.

“What is going on in Benue State and other parts of the country is unacceptable. President Muhammadu Buhari who is the Commander-in-chief of the Armed forces, must rise up and give Nigerians adequate protection from these herdsmen. We are tired of the killings in several parts of the country”, he said.

He also appealed to the International community not to remain silent, but wade into the massacre of innocent Benue citizens by suspected herdsmen and Jihadists, saying there was growing tension in the State.

The Activist consoled the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi and families of those murdered by the suspected herdsmen and prayed God to intervene and reinstate total peace to Benue State.

The Delta State Government said it will not compel residents to key into the various water programmes and policies.

The State Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Sir Fidelis Tilije, disclosed this Thursday while addressing journalists at the ongoing ministerial press briefing on the activities and achievements of his ministry at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.

According to Sir Tilije, “We will not force Deltans to key into our schemes. We will try as much as possible to sensitize our people on the need and that is why we will continuously carry out advocacy, making people to understand the laws and benefits. Although there are enforceable clauses, like before you sink a bore hore, you must get permit from the Ministry.”

The Commissioner disclosed that his Ministry was currently moving away from erecting water tap stands in urban centres but rather embracing the idea of delivering water directly to homes of consumers, saying the trend was to give the urban towns truly regional outlook in water supply.

“We will not do water stand in Asaba. We are changing to regional water schemes that will be delivered directly to your homes and you pay as you go. We are experimenting with Asaba and Ughelli and we will connect consumers from Trunk A Lines based on request.”

He added that the few tap stands in towns and cities were positioned to indicate that water was available, affirming that water was available in so many places, but connection would be on request, stressing that the policy of the Delta State Urban Water Board was to make consumers pay for water consumption.

On testing of water as a policy of the State Government, the Commissioner noted that the essence was not for government to generate money but to make boreholes healthy, disclosing that the State Governor had directed the subsidizing of the process by reducing the price from N10,000.00 to N5,000.00.

“It is even being subsidized and also to make for a healthy water consumption. We can reduce the cost of medical bill by over 50 percent and by reducing the cost of healthcare we are improving on the productive capacity of our people,” Sir Tilije argued.

According to the Water Resources Development Commissioner, one of the biggest challenges facing his Ministry was that of reticulation of water to homes of consumers, stating that government was finding it extremely difficult to expand it reticulation coverage due to the high cost of it.

He recalled that State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, had been very supportive of his Ministry, being the pioneer Commissioner in charge of the Ministry, and had left behind a very sound structure, which the Commissioner said had made him to always be on his toes to deliver on the mandates of the Ministry.

*Some Fear Retirement May Mar Their Rise To High Echelon In Civil Service

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has approved the appointment of Nine New Permanent Secretaries for the Delta State Civil Service and Hospitals Management Board.

The new appointmentt, according to Blank NEWS Online checks, is yet to reveal the governor’s “main men” in the civil service. The list made available to the public on Monday, April 30, 2018 was a tip off the iceberg.

It could be recalled that Governor Okowa, during a recent quarterly media chart with journalists in Asaba, refused to disclose, who would be appointed and when, as he jokingly declares, “you know I cannot say much on that because many people are involved and that could heat up the civil system. I’ll just do the right thing when the time comes.”

Meanwhile, most Deltans, especially top hierarchy civil servants who are yet to make the list are anxious of what could happen next.

Blank NEWS Online checks have revealed that many civil servants in the government Ministries, Departments,  Parastatals and Agencies (MDAs) have been acting as “functional permanent secretaries” and are praying to make the list before their retirement which draws close by the dawn of a new day.

According to a statement endorsed by the State Director of Information, Mr Paul Osahor, those appointed include Engr Fred A. Edafioghor, Mr S.E.O. Dietake, Mr P.N. Anuku, Mr U.M. Aloba and Mr. L.O. Kekema.

Others are Mrs A. Arthur-Prest Umukoro, Mr C.N. Akpatiakwachukwu and Mrs G.A. Puegeren, as well as Dr A.I Pemu for the Hospital Management Board.

The statement added that the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries would to be inaugurated at a date to be announced.

The maiden edition of the Delta State Headmasters Cup Football Competition, kicked off today with Asagba Primary School Asaba overcoming hard fighting Uzoigwe Primary School Asaba 4 -2 in a penalty shoot-out after the game ended in a 1 – 1 draw.

Asagba Primary School opened the scores in the thirty eighth minute after Francis Nwite latched on to a loss ball in the vital area of the Uzoigwe Primary School before driving in a blistering shot into the top corner of the goal.

Uzoigwe equalized in the second half after Chigozie Nwakpors long shot from the middle of the Asagba Primary School half of the filed sailed into the top left corner of the Asagba goal.

Uzoigwe which dominated play in the second half blew several goal scoring chances and paid for their wastefulness after losing in the penalty shoot-out that ensued at the end of regulation time.

Speaking at the occasion the Commissioner Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chiedu Ebie said the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa government was keen on engaging young Deltans early in a bid to curb crime and vices inimical to the development of the youth stressing that the various sports events being organized by the state government was also to give the young talents a platform to excel.

Ebie said the Government was also looking at introducing other sports and even a girls category to the various events stressing that the Government was taking the sports events a step at a time.

He however commended the schools participating in the maiden edition of the tournament saying they had shown that Delta State was blessed with raw talents still waiting to be harnessed.

Ebie however called on the private sector to partner with the state government towards taking the youths off the streets as well as giving them a platform to be discovered, groomed and primed for both national and international sports activities.

The winners of the maiden edition of the Delta State Headmasters Cup football Competition are billed to represent Delta state in the forthcoming Channels Kids Cup competition for primary schools.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

Wife of Delta state governor, Dame (Mrs.) Edith Okowa has reiterated the commitment of the 05-Initiative and Restore Sight Africa to ensure that the ongoing Grassroots Medical Outreach gets to the 25 local government areas of the state.

Twenty Five Thousand medicated glasses are for grabs by persons with various eye defects across the state. A thousand glasses have been earmarked for each of the 25 local governments. Other free medical services include screening of the eyes, distribution of drugs and checking of BP Patients among others.

In continuation of the Grassroots Medical Outreach in the state, the founder of the 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, on Monday, April 23, 2018 at the Central Hospital, Agbor, venue of the three days 05 Initiative medical outreach in partnership with Restore Sight Africa and the Ministry of Health, insisted that “the blind would see”, adding that doctors treat but God is the great healer.

She urged Deltans who have been registered to benefit from the free medical treatment to cooperate with the medical personnel to record a successful exercise, and thanking God for the success story from Umunede, Ika North East Local Government where nearly 68 eye surgeries were successfully completed and 568 eye glasses and drugs distributed to people with eye problems.

According to Dame Okowa, “whatever we do, we have to bring in God first, that is why we minister the word of God in anything we do, because there is a belief that with God, all things are possible.”

The governor’s wife who declared the free grassroots medical outreach open, after inspecting the facilities at the Central Hospital, commended the medical teams for their great work in bringing relief to people at the grassroots who have been enmeshed in pathetic conditions of total and partial blindness.

She said the 05 Initiative will sustain the campaign on free medical outreach until everyone in the communities of the 25 local governments in Delta state benefits from the God-driven programme.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Victor Okoh said that the launching of the 05 Initiative Free Health Programme is an additional platform to deliver free, comprehensive and accessible health care to the people of Delta State.

He commended Dame Okowa for the foresightedness in conceiving this laudable project and bringing this comprehensive, free health programme to the people, adding that his people will make adequate use of the opportunity offered by the free exercise.

“The giant strides made in the health care sector in the state under the administration of His Excellency Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa are not only significant but innovative, which include the free under five and free maternal health packages in all government health facilities, the free health care scheme for the aged – 65 years – and above and widows and the comprehensive health insurance scheme, amongst others”.

Earlier in his goodwill message, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo of the Restore Sight Africa Initiative, disclosed that about 80 per cent of eye problems are mostly in the rural areas, due to ignorance, poverty and illiteracy.

He said that medical personnel who have carried out eye surgeries on patients also go round to monitor the progress of the treatment, adding that the 25 local government areas will not be left out in the course of the free treatment.

While calling on the people to take advantage of the opportunity, he appealed to philanthropists to assist the less privileged among them by ensuring that they benefit from the free grassroots medical outreach throughout the period of the exercise.

Dr Mordi Ononye, Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Dr. Pepple of the Hospitals Management Board (HMB) lauded the efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the implementation the National Health Act which was conceived by him as then Senator.

The Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi I, was represented by Chief Patrick Nwaonicha, Ene Oje-agbe of Agbor Kingdom while the Obi of Abavo, HRM Uche Irenuma II, was repesented by Chief Yusuf, Odafe Akaeze of Abavo Kingdom.

The occasion also featured talk on good nutrition diet to help enhance the eyes and the whole body by the Agbor Zonal Matron, Mrs. Faith Odiase and exaltation by Evang. (Mrs.) Ngozi Bamah, screening of the eyes, distribution of drugs and checking of BP Patients among others.

The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has been honoured with the Presidential Excellence Award of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) at the National Delegates Conference/Annual General Meeting of the Institute at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Abia State.

Presenting the award to him on Friday, April 27, 2018, the outgone NIPR President and Chairman of Council, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, eulogized the sterling leadership qualities of Mr. Ukah and commended him for reorganizing Delta State Chapter of NIPR for optimal functionality within the public relations fold.

Dr. Oladele posited that in a short while of being given the mandate to reorganize the Delta State Chapter, the Commissioner for Information have been able to produce over 50 prospective members whose forms were being processed and out of which 12 were inducted recently, including motivating about 60 existing members to recertify their membership.

“I have confidence that Delta State is a chapter to watch out for in terms of adding affirmative value to NIPR. I commend him; even as strenuous as his job of Information Management could be as Commissioner, he still found time to do the much he is doing. I will only implore you to do more, because there is always a place for hard workers like you in history”, the President affirmed.

Mr. Ukah, in his response, thanked the NIPR President and Board of Council for finding him worthy of such meritorious award.

He promised to remain committed to the service of NIPR and its ideals.

-By Albert OGRAKA:

In a bid to further boost the impact of the State Employment and Expenditure For Results (SEEFOR) in the development of Delta state economy, the World Bank has increased its counterpart funding of community projects in the state in the 2018 fiscal year.

The Delta state Project Coordinator of SEEFOR, Mr. Benson Ojoko, revealed to Blank NEWS Online that the State Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) and the Community Driven Development Intervention Unit (CDDSIU), through the CDDSIU-SEEFOR Delta initiative had greatly impacted on the infrastructural development of over 84 communities across the state with electricity extension, digitalized libraries, borehole water construction, provision of multi-purpose hall buildings, among many others.

“It is heart warming that the World Bank after a critical appraisal of SEEFOR programmes in the state has increased its counterpart funding of such projects in the state from the initial 10 million naira to 20 million naira in the 2018 fiscal year to further boost the impact of SEEFOR in the development of the state economy”, he said.

Mr. Ojoko, however explained that the CDDSIU which is a unit under the Delta state Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, is a sub component of SEEFOR project for youth employment intervention that supports social economic services to rural communities and public financial management resource .

He further mentioned that the elites are not allowed to capture the projects in any community that is desirous of intervention but through Participatory Rrural Appraisal with stakeholders comprising of the market women, youths, elders and traditional rruler who vote for projects.

“The communities simply identify the projects of their choice, pay 10% counterpart of the total cost of each project in cash or kind while through SEEFOR the remaining 90% for the completion of the projects is released to the communities.”

Other achievements of the state SEEFOR involves the construction and maintenance of concrete drains to checkmate the menace of erosion and floods across the state, particularly in erosion and flood prone areas, while in the area of employment generation, over 12,000 skilled and unskilled personnel were engaged in the 2017 fiscal year while about 3,000 of such workers have recently been engaged to carry out various remedial clean up and construction works across the state.

SEEFOR is also positively carrying out desired revolutionary repositioning of the educational sector of the state economy through the issuance of special grants to the technical colleges and vocational centres across the state for procurement of required materials for training.

The Agricultural sector has also been touched positively through the FADAMA III programme by assisting rural farmers to engage in all-year-round cultivation of crops to ensure food security in the state just as the Songhai-Delta in Amukpe has been assisted to continuously train farmers on how to cultivate hybrid tomatoes in the state.

Reacting to claims of alleged diversion of World Bank project funds concerning the CDDSIU-SEEFOR Delta, the Project Coordinator who described the allegations as false and misplaced, said it is being peddled by erring staffs of the CDDSIU unit, who were sanctioned for gross misbehavior by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, now headed by Rev. Mrs. Omatsola Williams.

According to him, “The affected staffs had gone out of their ways in doing things that were not allowable and breaching the trust and confidence reposed in them. It was actually a kind of conflict of interest situation.

“The ministry informed me about what the people did and that they (ministry) took an action to ease them out to allow people who are development oriented with passion to do their work without really puting their selfish interest forward first. The truth is that there is no single evidence of the allegations they are claiming.

“The allegation is the falsehood of a few people who just want to drag the name of this state into the mud. I don’t know what they gain by deciding to malign a whole state, a whole project because of their own selfish interest. You are accused for doing the wrong thing in a project, and you can also see how bad it feels when people do so much good and some few people say bad things about them.”

The coalition of state chairmen of registered political parties in Delta state has called for the replacement of the senator representing Delta North senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi come 2019, over multiple allegations of corruption and embezzlement running into billions of naira leveled against him by the Economic and financial crimes commission EFCC .

This is contained in a press statement signed on behalf of coalition of registered political parties in Delta state by its Chairman, Hon Peter Okeme; Secretary, Ambassador Jude Eze JP and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emeka Bidokwu .

The group expressed regret that the tenure of Senator Nwoboshi in the senate since 2015 had been characterized by ineptitude, graft, and ridicule to the utter disappointment and embarrassment of the people of Delta North and the state in general. They noted that Senator Nwaoboshi has not attracted any meaningful development to Delta North but endless controversy.

Nwaoboshi who hails from Ibusa in Oshimil North local government area of Delta state is being quizzed by the EFCC over N4 billion naira contracts and possession of 20 accounts in six banks.

He is also under the investigation of EFCC for allegedly obtaining a 1.2 billion Naira facility from Nigerian Export-Imports Bank NEXIM while sitting as a board member to buy electrical equipment but later diverted the loan to his pockets.

The embattled senator is also accused of fraudulently using one of his firms, Golden Touch construction project limited to purchase a 12 storey building in Apapa Lagos belonging to Delta state government at a cost of N805, 000,000.00.

EFCC also uncovered that Nwoboshi using a firm, Bilderberg Enterprises limited allegedly supplied refurbished equipment to Delta state owned Direct Labour Agency DLA contrary to the Bill of quantity (BOQ) which specified new ones at a cost of N1, 580, 000.000.0 0.

The coalition of registered political parties while viewing these weighty allegations demanded that Nwaoboshi should be replaced in 2019 and noted that ” the exalted position of a senator of the federal republic should be given to people of exemplary character who will bring honour to Delta North through their conduct in the hallowed chambers .

” If we compare his( Nwaoboshi) senate era to senate era of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa from 2011-2015, we would appreciate that while Okowa went to the senate to work,for the district ,the senator in question went there to work for himself. Throughout the senate years of okowa not one incident of corruption was recorded against him. Why then should Delta North be saddled with unending news of sleaze against their senate representative? “The group stated.

The coalition noted that senator Nwaoboshi has failed the people of Anioma through crass insensitivity to their plight and values of the indigenes.

***Parents, Guardians, Concerned Deltans Plot Protest Against Okowa, Onwusanya

A Delta state legislator turned contractor representing Oshimili South Constituency at the Delta state House of Assembly, Hon. Peter Onwusanya may have got his fingers burnt out, following a grand exposure of his incompetence in contract execution by the state government.

The former Speaker of the Delta legislature, who is currently touting for the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency electorate’s confidence and votes to represent them at the National Assembly, allegedly failed to execute a contract of over N100 million at West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, awarded to him by the state government, as part of his constituency project since 2016.

Sources disclosed to Blank NEWS Online that the former Speaker, instead of executing the project to acceptable standard ended up subletting the job to an incompetent contractor at less than 40 percent of the actual contract cost.

The project, according to Blank NEWS Online findings, was awarded to Onwusanya’s Sants Nig. Ltd but the legislator sold the job to one Mr. Osas, who is neither a building contractor nor owns a recognized firm. Mr. Osas however, in a bid to make some profit from the meager sum the contract was sold out, used substandard building materials and engaged non professional artisans to execute the job.

Another source from the legislator’s Oshimili South constituency who pleaded anonymity said that Onwusanya may have used the funds for his re-election since the contract was awarded ahead of his second term bid.

Irked by the continued delay in ensuring that students of the West End Secondary School, Asaba are given their proper place of learning, parents and guardians of students have concluded plans to protest and petition to the appropriate authorities.

The ugly development, according to insider sources had angered the Delta state First Lady and wife of the state governor, Dame Edith Okowa, who was a former Principal of the school. Despite her efforts to ensure that the best was given to the school, the unrepentant legislator, has allegedly in desperation, confronted government officials and appointees with claims of “political witch hunt”.

“The unrepentant legislator and one time Speaker has been alleging witch hunting by members of the state executive council, even after walloping a huge sum of N100 million for the failed project”, an aggrieved parent once said.

The unwholesome development, has however led the school authority to introduce morning and afternoon sections for students of West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba and bringing untold hardship for the students, teachers, parents and guardians.

Some teachers who prefered anonimy have reserved their angst against the state government and the contractor, hence they have been made to close school in the evenings, against academic norms of closing school in the afternoon.

Parents and guardians have also cried out over the risk their children and wards go through by attending classes at odd hours of the day.
“We are going through pains over and over again. Our children are no longer safe with the introduction of new sessions. They have been forced to be at school when students in other schools may have closed for the day. We will protest until government gives reasonable attention to this lingering matter”, an embittered parent told Blank NEWS online.

Meanwhile, some staff in the Ministry of Housing have been sanctioned for certifying the defective job okay, even as the Commissioner for Housing, Arch. Joseph Ogeh, has allegedly been fingered in a cover-up in the shoddy and fraudulent deal.

The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie, disclosed this when he took his turn at the ongoing ministerial press briefing to present the activities and achievements of his Ministry, held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.

Mr Ebie, who was responding to a question raised on the integrity test carried out on a building project at West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba, said that the officers were sanctioned to act as deterrent against others okaying shoddy execution of jobs.

Just as parents have continued to express worries over the delay in either correcting the defects on the school building or executing a new project, the Education Commissioner said that efforts were being made by government to correct the defect in the building based on findings by the consultant that carried out the integrity test on the building, adding that “no extra amount would be spent by government but would be that of the contracting firm concerned.”

He clarified that even though the construction of the building was a constituency project attracted by a former speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, it does not make him the contractor of the project.

Although, Hon. Peter Onwusanya has appeared unperturbed by the ugly development and failure to fulfill his electoral mandate to his Oshimili South constituents, he had owned up to his faults when he was confronted by Blank NEWS Online through a text message on November 09, 2016, 07:20AM urging him to respond to claims of his involvement in a shoddy contract execution of classroom blocks at West End Mixed Secondary School, Asaba.

In his response on November 09, 2016, 10:08AM, Onwusanya claimed that “the project is my constutuency project handled by a contractor called Osas, but the preliminary reports is suggesting over loading of students far and above capacity of 45 per class to 120. I am still awaiting final report before the intervention by the contractor.”

In his desire to fulfill all righteousness and free himself from the entanglement, Onwusanya had quickly embarked on the renovation of an abandoned school block near the ever busy and noisy Ogbeogonogo Modern Market to accommodate the stranded students who were admitted to occupy the new blocks of classrooms being built by Sants Big. Limited.

Unfortunately for him, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education rebuffed his tactical moves, just as parents resented the plan because the makeshift arrangements was too distant for the students.

The integrity allegedly carried out by experts to certify if the building is fit to accomodate students or should be pulled down, has however been kept as top secret document by Mr Chiedu Ebie, Commissioners for Basic and Secondary Education and Arch. Ugeh Commissioner for Housing, as both Commissioners refused to disclose the contents of the report.

Ogeh, when contacted by Blank NEWS Online through a text message on November 30, 2016 07:46PM, seeking his urgent response to the alleged cover-up of a shoddy contract execution of classroom blocks by Sants Nig. Ltd, refused to reply or return the calls.

Also, when Blank NEWS Online contacted on March 01, 2017, 09:58AM, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Chiedu Ebie to oblige it with
the integrity report on classroom block at the school, Mr. Ebie replied on March 01, 2017, 10:04AM thus: “No Sir. We have only just received it and have not even met to consider it. Once we consider it and come up with a position/next line of action, then we can inform you accordingly. Do bear with me.”

Meanwhile, Engr. Osas who allegedly executed the shoddy project with office located at Rain Oil plaza on Okpanam road has become dodgy, as efforts to severally contact him has proved abortive.

*Read and subscribe to Blank NEWS Online for more exclusive and investigative reporting.

-Reports by Albert OGRAKA (Editor)

Nigeria’s biggest reality TV show, Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ended on Sunday with Miracle, one of the 20 housemates winning the grand prize. 23-year-old Miracle Igbokwe won the 2018 Big Brother Nigeria (BBNaija) show, beating 19 other contestants to clinch the N25 million prize.

The show started on January 28.

23-year-old Miracle will go home with N25 million.

The five finalists are Miracle, Cee-C, Tobi, Alex and Nina

Find below the percentage scores by each of the contestants.

Miracle, has been a lucky one in the contest as he won many of awards put up.

He emerged winner of the BigBrotherNaija (Double Wahala) final wager challenge.

The lucky BBNiaja housemate, had earlier emerged winner of the season’s Payporte arena games challenge with a prize of N1 million.

He also won the Pepsi Challenge carting away the sum of 1 million naira.

Miracle was again lucky to have won N200,000 wager allowance after picking the box tagged number two.

Miracle won the cash in a contest with seven other housemates.

They were all instructed by BigBrother to pick a box each labelled 1- 10.

BigBrother, who presented the wager challenge as the simplest of the season, presented housemates with 10 suitcases with gift items in each of the boxes.

BigBrother said one of the suitcases contained a cash reward and instructed housemates not to pick the suitcase containing the cash reward.

He said if any of the housemates picked the suitcase containing the cash reward the housemate wins the cash reward but the house loses the wager.

Housemates were given two minutes to pick and open a box of their choice using the pin code 777.

Miracle picked the box labelled number 2, which contained the money.

Miracle’s winning profile

₦1m Payporte Games. ₦200k from final wager. Another ₦2m. Pepsi trip to One Music Africa Fest Dubai Year long supply of Pepsi Year long supply of Aquafina ₦25m cash ₦12m SUV ₦4.7m trip for 2 ₦3m entertainment set.

Miracle won so much.

₦1m Payporte Games.
₦200k from final wager.
Another ₦2m.
Pepsi trip to One Music Africa Fest Dubai
Year long supply of Pepsi
Year long supply of Aquafina
₦25m cash
₦12m SUV
₦4.7m trip for 2
₦3m entertainment set#Bbnaija #Bbnaija3

— 360Nobs.com (@360Nobs) April 22, 2018

*Courtesy NAN

*Hundreds Of Millions Lost *Houses, Markets Roof Blown Off, Many Injured

The people of Alifekede Community, a border town between Delta and Edo state in Ika South local government area of Delta state, have been thrown into pitiable situation as a result of the recent heavy rainfall which devastated the agrarian and commercial community.

Elders, women and stakeholders from the community, who lamented the ugly incident that slightly brought the community on its knees, have appealed to the Federal government to come to their aid, as most affected families have lost their shelter, agricultural produce and earnings to the rain and wind storm which hit the community on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

The rainstorm pulled out rooftops, felled economic trees and electric poles, destroyed arable farmlands, food crops and other farm produce meant to be sold in the market, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira in cost, despite the utter neglect of the border community by successive governments in Delta state.

Although no death was recorded during the incident, many persons including market women who had displayed their wares were severely injured while many home owners have been rendered homeless, among other displaced persons.

While conducting newsmen round the community, an All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Engr. Obiazi Kingsley Isioma , appealed to the Global community, donors, the Federal government and its relevant agencies, corporate organizations and good spirited individuals to urgently to come to the aid of the community through disaster reliefs, monetary and humanitarian support.

He disclosed that Alifekede community, which presently lacks government presence has suffered a major setback due to the rainstorm disaster, despite its large contribution to the economic wellbeing of Delta state and Nigeria.

A High Court sitting in Abuja and presided over by Jusice Ishaq Bello on Thursday granted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central, an interim order restraining the Police, Department of Sate Service (DSS) and other law enforcement bodies from arresting him.

Against the backdrop of his alleged involvement in the snatching of the mace of the Senate on Wednesday, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, approached the court on Thursday for protection.

His lawyer, Aliyu Umar, on his behalf sought the protection of the court against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS).

Upon granting the request, the judge reassigned the case to court 30 for hearing of motion on notice and subsequently adjourned the case till May 6.

Recall that the lawmaker representing Delta Central senatorial district, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege was reportedly arrested by the Police over the snatching of the mace, the senate symbol of authority.

Senator Omo-Agege was picked up by the police on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja, possibly in connection with the invasion of the Senate by thugs.

The thugs had stormed the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly earlier in the day, disrupting ongoing proceedings and made away with the mace.

The European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank have agreed to support the creation of the new Development Bank of Nigeria to strengthen lending for business and agriculture investment in the country. The European Investment Bank has finalized a US $20-million equity stake in the new financing institution, alongside US $50-million equity participation from the African Development Bank.

The Development Bank of Nigeria has been created by the Federal Government of Nigeria to address financing challenges hindering private sector investment in the country. The Bank is called to play an important and catalytic role in providing funding and risk sharing facilities to micro, small and medium enterprises as well as small corporates.

“The Development Bank of Nigeria will overcome the funding gap in the micro-, small- and medium-scale enterprises space and help businesses unlock opportunities across Nigeria. DBN’s ambition is strengthened by the financial and technical support of international partners, including the European Investment Bank and African Development Bank. The new institution builds on international experience and uses a business model that has demonstrated proven success to enhance private-sector investment across Africa and around the world where other financing options are inadequate or absent,” said Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of the Development Bank of Nigeria.

“Private sector businesses are critical to the development of the Nigerian economy as they possess huge potential for employment generation and output diversification. Nevertheless, there has been under-performance of these businesses and this has undermined their contribution to economic growth. Among the issues affecting their performance, the shortage of finance, particularly investment finance, occupies a very central position. The Development Bank of Nigeria is expected to contribute to mobilizing significant long-term financing to an important yet underserved sector with high development potential,”said Stefan Nalletamby, Director of the Financial Sector Development Department at the African Development Bank.

“New private sector investment is crucial to create jobs and enable business to expand and limited access to long-term financing holds back economic growth. The European Investment Bank is pleased to support the new Development Bank of Nigeria to strengthen private-sector investment in Africa’s largest economy. We look forward to continued close cooperation with Nigerian and international partners to ensure that once fully operational the new Development Bank of Nigeria can help harness the country’s economic potential,” said Ambroise Fayolle, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

“The European Union is committed to supporting private-sector investment in Nigeria. The new backing for the Development Bank of Nigeria by both the European Investment Bank, the bank of the European Union and the African Development Bank, with 13 EU member state shareholders, will make a clear contribution to tackling the lack of access to credit by entrepreneurs and businesses across the country. With more investment, we hope to promote a vibrant economy and stimulate growth, employment and increase opportunities, especially for youth,” said Ambassador Ketil Karlsen, Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Addressing the investment gap holding back private-sector investment

At present, new investment essential for companies to expand and create jobs is hindered by limited access to commercial banks. It is estimated by the Development Bank of Nigeria that only 5% of the 37 million entrepreneurs and small businesses in Nigeria that contribute to 50% of GDP can access credit in the financial system.

Building on broad international support

Other international financial institutions including the World Bank, Germany’s KfW and the French Agence française de développement (AFD) will also support the new bank alongside backing from the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

The African Development Bank is a development finance institution whose overarching objective is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries, thus contributing to poverty reduction. It aims to achieve this objective by mobilizing and allocating resources for investment in regional member countries and providing policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts.

*By Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr

CHICAGO, United States of America/ — Finally, the world met in Geneva on Friday 13th of April to gather the necessary financing to bring relief aid to desperate people of DRCongo. And this, subsequently to the efforts of DRC’s -Prime Minister Samy Badibanga Ntita. It is the first time ever that the International Community met to pledge financing for humanitarian aid to a war-torn country, big as one fourth of the United States, with some of its people unfortunately living in hellish conditions.

The hundred million Congolese thought the international community had abandoned them to their fate, in a crisis hidden behind the horrific news from Yemen and Syria. The stakes are high, with almost two billion dollars needed, which tells how much this mega-crisis has been forgotten and underfinanced.

Behind the figures, it is about humanity. It is challenging our hearts and willingness to deliver solidarity on a global scale. This is the unbelievable story of fifteen million people whose villages have been burnt down, their hospitals, schools and livelihoods looted and destroyed. The Congolese people of Kivu, Kasaï, Tanganyika and other regions of DR Congo have been attacked by armed men, in some cases by the Government security forces. Five million of them have been forced to flee and hide in the forests, after witnessing and being subjected to brutal rapes and killings of men, women and their children; the weapons of choice being guns, gasoline and machetes. In Kasaï, Kivu and Ituri, heart bleeding testimonials of survivors describe a situation which looks like the broad day light slaughterhouse of human beings

As we’ve just lost Winnie Mandela, who successfully fought apartheid in South Africa, as an eternal contribution to the freedom of black people in Africa and worldwide, it is shocking and outrageous. And it is sad that 13 million people are left in great need for relief aid after suffering so much violence. Today indeed, the DRCongo is the most important challenge to human dignity and global solidarity in Africa, if not in the world. This is coming out as an embarrassment to the International Community, when one considers that the equivalent of a 9/11 has been happening daily, for more than ten years, a problem now being exacerbated in the regions of Kasaï, Kivu and Ituri.

We also remember our fellow compatriot Michael Sharp brutally killed and beheaded in Kasaï, central DR Congo, together with Zaida Catalan, during an investigation for the United Nations. We pray for them and for their families.

Though the United Nations signalled alert calls after summer 2017, little has happened since. Aid workers and NGOs are still left to make impossible choices with little food aid or healthcare. Sadly, information indicates that the Government is hindering aid delivery, claiming taxes on relief aid, and finally refused to participate to the Geneva Conference.

We owe this first ever International Conference for DR Congo people to a man from Congo himself, my friend Samy Badibanga, who embarked in November last year on convincing the United Nations, the European Union, and developed Nations around the world to organize an International Conference to gather 1,68 billion dollars to finance the humanitarian needs of the people of DR Congo. Samy has led this work with Cardinal Mosengwo and Reverend Bokundoa towards its completion and deserves high recognition for the good and hope he just brought to his people.

The world now sees and knows what is going on in the Congo, and the everyday life of millions of women, left alone to provide for their children, amid their villages being burnt down and their husbands slaughtered in front of them. I hereby applaud Samy’s decisive commitment, faith in God and humanity, his work and achievement with the Churches of Congo. We now pray for relief aid to rapidly bring food, schools, healthcare, shelter, protection and security.

At Rainbow Push (https://RainbowPush.org), we’ll now pray for hope and strength to fill the heart of our fellow humans in DR Congo. Faith without deeds is indeed a contradiction. God bless Samy, the Congo and the whole Africa.

Keep Hope Alive
Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Founder & President

Prominent sons and daughters of Anioma Nation from all walks of life have resolved to formally honour the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his sterling leadership in the state.

The grand reception is expected to hold on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Chairman, Organizing Committee, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who was represented by the Head, Media and Publicity of the committee, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that the Anioma nation have come together to show support for Governor Okowa who has distinguished himself as a true son of Anioma.

Mr. Ukah, who was flanked by prominent chieftains of Anioma Nation at a recent media briefing in Asaba, said that though the reception is long overdue, it is coming at the most appropriate time now that Governor Okowa has stamped his feet in the governance of the state, adding that the celebration is worthy because the Anioma people have long desired to have it’s fair share in the governance of the state and such prayers have been made manifest in the person of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

He added that prominent sons and daughters of Anioma nation from all walks of life will grace the occasion, stressing that the state will also be expecting the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, various state Governors, Senators, Traditional Rulers and other party bigwigs as well as business tycoons.

Expressing his confidence in the ability of the governor to steer the state towards the promise land, Mr. Ukah said that Governor Okowa is a detribalized Deltan, who has taken the entire state as his constituency, even as he highlighted some of the laudable projects of the SMART agenda littered all over the state.

Ukah said that the organization of the ceremony signifies that Anioma nation is one united entity and stands solidly behind Governor Okowa to complete the good works he has started in the state, stressing that although there may be few dissidents, the reception transcends political sentiments.

By Albert OGRAKA:

The founder of 05-Initiative and wife of Delta state governor, Dame (Mrs.) Edith Okowa has formally flagged off the Grassroots Medical Outreach for the 25 local government areas of the state.

This is coming against the backdrop of recent revelation that over 40,000 persons are blind in Delta state while 20,000 mostly women and children affected with cataract.

The free medical outreach which is championed by the 05 Initiative in collaboration with Restore Sight Africa, kicked off on Monday, April 16, 2018 at the General Hospital, Umunede in Ika North East local government area.

The free health campaign by the O5 Initiative is to make health care delivery readily available to the vulnerable group of women and children, including the aged in the society, especially in the rural communities.

Speaking during the flag off, Dame Okowa, stated that the programme is intended to meet the yearnings of the less privileged to have access to free medication, saying that the gesture will be extended to everybody in the 25 LGA in the state.

While lauding the efforts of Restore Sight Africa Initiative (RSAI), Delta State Primary Health Development Agency (DSPHDA) and other donor agencies, the First Lady of Delta state called on Nigerians especially Deltans to carry out selfless services for the good of all.

Dr Mondi Ononye, Commissioner for Health, who highlighted the health development initiatives of Governor Okowa’s administration, including free medical services to pregnant women, under-five children and 20 widows from every ward, revealed that the state government has concluded plans to upgrade the hospital in Umunede.

In his address, Hon Victor Ebonka, Chairman, Ika North East Local Government, said the people are indeed happy for the rare show of patriotism Dame Edith Okowa, saying the programme meant to improve on the health care of the people is a collaborative one with other donor agencies.

“Improved access to good health care is one of the cardinal point of Universal Health Coverage, as well as direct fulfillment of the Governor’s SMART Agenda number four, Relevant Health and Education Policies. This we make bold to say that this move by 05 Initiative will not only make health care delivery, readily available, but will provide succor to the vulnerable group in the society – the women and the children.

“We want to sincerely appreciate the gigantic stride of the 05 Initiative, a pet project of her Excellency, an advocate of Improved Primary Health Care System, UNICEF Nutrition Champion, and the Delta State Primary Health Development Agency, DSPHDA, as they carry out the screening and treatment of malaria, distribution of long lasting insecticidal nets, screening for diabetes, hypertension, HIV, distribution of Family Planning Commodities, eye screening and free eye surgery for cataract in the next two days.”

Also, Dr. Ernest Ogbedo of the Restore Sight Africa Initiative (RSAI) in his speech, said over 40,000 persons are blind in Delta state while 20,000 mostly women and children affected with cataract.

He noted that the Restore Sight Africa Initiative (RSAI) is an organization that cares for the blind in the society who are unable to participate in normal social engagements and warned beneficiaries of the free eye treatment to desist from patronizing herbal medication.

Some beneficiaries of the free grassroots medical outreach, Mrs. Caroline Kadi, Mrs. Maria Egom and Mr. Ikechuckwu Sunday, expressed appreciation to the organizers. They also appealed for the sustainability of the free healthcare services.

Restore Sight Africa Initiative, DSPHDA, and other donor agencies praised the Governors wife for giving them the opportunity to carry out free eye surgery as blindness is common among women and children while also carrying out screening to discover other diseases among the residents in the 25 LGAs in the state.

Governorship hopeful under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has again intensified his one-man-one-vote campaign across the state and further reiterated his commitment to building a virile and corrupt-free state if voted to serve as governor of Delta state next year.

Speaking in Kwale, headquarters of Ndokwa West Local Government Area where he was received by a mammoth crowd of APC leaders and members on Saturday, April 14, 2018, Dr. Ojougboh said the days when the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP rig elections and manipulate results are over. He maintained that this time around, it is one person to his or her vote. He charged them to embrace the ongoing one man-one vote movement across the country in order to be relevant in determining the direction of leadership at both state and national levels.

Dr. Ojougboh described the Ndokwa nation as a land with great people of honour and dignity and assured of addressing and solving the issue of their continued marginalization by the present administration in the state led by Senator Okowa. In his words, for us to succeed, we must be courageous and United as the only way the Ndokwa nation can get what they want is to speak with one voice and key into the campaign that is ongoing.

” Our target is Osadebe House, Asaba next year by the grace of God and my appeal, let’s work together and build a family where all of us will sit down and work as a team. We must purge ourselves of indiscipline and make sacrifices to achieve this noble goal and One Mman one vote is the way to go .

Dr. Ojougboh used the opportunity provided by the campaign to reassure the people of Ndokwa Nation of sticking to an agreement of serving only one term if elected governor.

Immediate-past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has received yet another boost which will help reinforce his senatorial ambition as the tempo of political activities increases ahead of the 2019 general elections.

This time around, one of the three ethnic groups making up the Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State, the Itsekiri, has thrown its weight behind the former governor citing his pedigree and antecedents as reasons for their unwavering support.

Speaking recently on behalf of the ethnic group, the president of a political pressure group, Itsekiri Movement for Good Governance, IMGG, Mr. Jolomi Oritsegbemi said aside from Dr. Uduaghan’s influence which will positively rob off on the development of the entire state, the Itsekiri had had the least representation at the National Assembly over the years.

According to him, “It is the turn of Itsekiri to produce a senator representing Delta South and Dr. Uduaghan is the only Itsekiri man who will make us reap the dividends of democracy come 2019. He is a true son, a man of the people who believes in developments and impacting lives. Over time, he has proven this, even when he was the governor of the state for eight years. In fact, this is the kind of leader Nigerians need to move the nation forward.

“It is only the Itsekiri ethnic nationality that has not produced a senator to represent the district since 1999. In the interest of equity and fair play, this should be our turn without any arguments. It is time to prove that Itsekiri people are not made to deliberately play the second fiddle to the other tribes.”

He further reminded Deltans that an Itsekiri man was last in the senate 39 years ago. “Itsekiri also had two federal constituencies, where Late Hon. Vincent Jemide and Late Hon. Sunny Dabor represented them. The two federal constituencies were to be reduced to one when Chief Chamberlain Abeki from Patani LGA, was appointed as national commissioner into the then Federal Electoral Commission, FEDECO,” revealed Mr Oritsegbemi.

From 1979 till the current dispensation, five senators have represented Delta South Senatorial District. Out of these five, two were from Isoko (Senator Stella Omu and Senator Francis Okpozo of blessed memory) and another two were from the Ijaw tribe (Chief E.K Clark and Senator James Manager, the incumbent). The first and only senator who was from the Itsekiri stock was Chief Franklin O. M Atake in 1979.

Interestingly, the incumbent senator, James Manager, an Ijaw man has been returned to the senate on four occasions consecutively. By the end of 2019, James Manager would have spent a total of 16 years in the Red Chambers and feelers from the district reveal that the people are tired of his representation.

All the ethnic groups feel that being a position for the three groups in the Delta South, either an Isoko or Itsekiri should be favoured for the post this time around.

From all indications, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is highly positioned to grab the senate seat considering that he withdrew from the race in 2015 to ensure that peace reigned in the state and he has always maintained that peace was more important than electoral victories.

Dr. Uduaghan’s developmental strides while he was the governor of the state speaks volumes. Most of his legacies are still being enjoyed in the state presently.

In a related development, Pa Daniel Pessu, a former Delta State lawmaker who is 96 years old now, has declared his support for the former governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan senatorial bid.

Speaking on behalf of six of the 30 surviving former lawmakers in the state, Pa Daniel who represented Warri South constituency in the then Bendel State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1983 thanks Dr. Uduaghan for taking care of them while he was governor of the state. He also prayed for his success at the polls in 2019.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected an ex parteapplication filed by the Delta Central senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, to stop his suspension by the Senate.

He had, on April 3, filed the ex-parte application before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, asking the court to order that “all further proceedings against the plaintiff (the senator) in respect of the allegations referred to the first defendant’s (Senate’s) Committee for Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition” be halted pending the hearing and determination of his main suit.

He asked the court to order parties to the main suit earlier filed on March 26, 2018 “not to consider, act on or give effect to any recommendation, resolution or decision of the first respondent’s (Senate) committee for Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition.”

The defendants to the suit are the Senate, the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN).

But the Senate on Thursday suspended the senator for 90 days over his comment that the amendment to the Electoral Act 2010 to reorder the sequence of polls in a general election was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

This came after the Federal High Court in Abuja had, on Wednesday, rejected his ex-parte application requesting that parties be ordered to maintain status quo by suspending all actions concerning the issues raised in respect of the case.

On Wednesday, Omo-Agege’s lawyer, Mr. E.R. Emukpoeuo, had moved his client’s ex parte application filed before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba on April 3, 2017.

Ruling, however, Justice Dimgba refused to grant the order, directing the parties to maintain status quo.
*Courtesy Punch

The Senate on Thursday suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who is from Delta State, for 90 legislative days.

The lawmaker belongs to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Also, the Senate disbanded the Parliamentary Support Group for President Muhammadu Buhari led by Senator Abdullahi Adamu with Omo-Agege as the secretary.

The suspension followed the recommendation of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Senator Sam Anyanwu.

The offence of the senator was going against the Senate during the amendment of the Electoral Act in which the sequence of the 2019 general election was re-ordered.

As against the order by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the Senate said the presidential election should come last.

Political analysts described the re-ordering as a move that would put the president at a disadvantage during the election.

Omo-Agege was one of the legislators who moved against the amendment.

He went further to address a press conference describing the action of the Senate as targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omo-Agege was reported to have apologized for his sin, but went to court to prevent a possible suspension.

His going to court was said to be the main reason why some of his colleagues moved against him, insisting that he must be sanctioned.

However, some of his colleagues pleaded for him and the original recommendation of suspension for 181 days by the Anyanwu-led committee was reduced to 90 days.

Speaking on the situation, Senate President said: “Those of us that understand politics, understand that because of our own peculiar interest, sometimes some people decide to act like they are holier than thou or more committed — at the expense of others.

“This is not something that we should tolerate, and I believe that in an institution like this we must show discipline, but at the same time we must also show compassion.

“Distinguished colleagues, there must be discipline. We must show that such groups must be suspended and the case in court must be withdrawn.”

The Niger Delta Environmental Sustainability Movement, a nongovernmental organization, has appealed to the Federal Government to make reparations for the Borgu people of Niger State over the displacement they suffered 50 years ago.

The movement, in a letter made available to journalists in Warri, and signed by its coordinator, Sam Tuoyo Igbiaye and Director of Project/Mobilization, McCartney Obrotu, stated that the huge sacrifice of the Borgu people in allow their community, old Bussa to be submerged for the construction of the Kainji Hydro Power Station, in Niger State was long due for reparation.

“Bussa in its natural topography with its rapids was the ‘beautiful bride’. But the town must be buried entirely for a dam to be built at Kainji. Yet, the Borgu People obliged. Then the town ‘died’ and got buried (submerged) in the belly of Lake Kainji forever. Humans died. Whole settlement was lost. Historic artifacts were lost to eternity” the movement noted.

It urged the Federal of Nigeria to as a matter of urgency and fairness enact a payback mechanism to ensure the Borgu People reap benefit from their sacrifices to the Nigeria State in 1968, arguing that the Borgu people needed to get back an agreeable percentage of income from power generated from the Kainji Power Station.

The movement recalled that in the year 2004, the Expedition Society of Nigeria and the U.k based Metropolitan Expedition Club collaborated to carry out a joint Anglo – Nigeria Renaissance Expedition on the Niger River to mark the 200th birth anniversary of Richard Lemon Lander.

It revealed that during that expedition, there was a mind blowing under water recordings of the ruins of the old Bussa “sleeping” under the bed of Lake Kainji on the River course.

The body also appealed to President Muhamadu Buhari and Atsiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally involve in attending to the need of the Borgu people.

“This is a solidarity call by the Niger Delta Environmental Sustainability Movement. The Jagaban Borgu – Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs to fight this for his other home – Borgu where he holds the well respected title – The JAGABAN BORGU and President Muhammadu Buhari describing both as senior citizens of Borgu by long term association.

The movement announced that come 14th April, 2018 it will be 50th anniversary of the celebration of the relocation of the Borgu people from old Bussa and congratulated the HRH, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro, LL.B, BL, Kitoro IV, Mai Borgu, the Emir of Borgu and the entire Borgu people as they mark the auspicious renaissance in New Bussa.

The Delta State Job Creation Programme, Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) has received another boost with an additional twenty-nine (29) trainees comprising Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
This was made known at a one day orientation course organised for them by the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Social and Community Development on Monday, April 9, 2018 in Asaba.
Declaring open the orientation course, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, Social and Community Development, Rev. Omatsola Williams, said the inclusion of PwDs into the job creation programme is in fulfilment of His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s promise of prosperity for all Deltans in line with his cardinal agenda of “Strategic Wealth Creation and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans.”
The Women Affairs Commissioner affirmed that the orientation programme was to enlighten the trainees towards the smooth implementation of the programme so as to achieve the desired results.
She pointed out that 51 PwDs benefitted in the 2016/2017 cycle, while an additional 29 are to be trained in the 2017/2018 cycle which is the second set, adding that the beneficiaries were evenly selected from every local government area across the state on cluster to cluster bases.
Rev. Williams explained that the beneficiaries would be trained for 3 to 6 months depending on their chosen enterprise using the Community Base Vocational Rehabilitation (CBVR) Model Approach in which each trainee is attached to a relevant trainer within their respective communities of residence and provided with an interpreter when necessary to facilitate learning within the stipulated period.
She enjoined them to take the orientation course seriously and warned that any trainee who is either uncontrollable or reported to be absent from his training centre will be delisted from the programme.
She harped on the activities of the State Government geared towards the welfare of PwDs to include:
-Maintenance of persons affected with leprosy across the state;
-Regular rescue, evacuation and rehabilitation of mentally challenged destitute across the state;
-Annual sponsorship of vision impaired trainees of Delta State origin to the Federal Farm Craft Centre for the blind in Lagos State to acquire skill in craft;
-Regular purchase and distribution of various types of mobility aids and appliances to needy PwDs across the state;
-Appointment of a 10 member PwDs Steering Committee on the Affairs of PwDs who are placed on monthly stipends;
-2017 luncheon in honour of PwDs in the state and
-Collaboration with relevant NGOs, multinational companies and other government agencies on issues relating to the welfare of PwDs in the State.
On his part, the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare of PwDs, adding that their inclusion in the job creation programme is to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills required to make them self-reliant and business managers.
Prof Eboh reaffirmed that they would be given starter packs after their training period to establish their own enterprises and would be paid a monthly stipend of #10,000.00 within the 3 to 6 months training duration.
While informing them that the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring (DYMM) will regularly visit them to monitor their progress throughout the programme, he charged them to uphold discipline and hard work at all times.
Responding on behalf of PwDs, their State Chairman, Comrade Isaac Ogbruche, lauded the kind gestures of the State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for running an all-inclusive government, tasking the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunities so as to become self-reliant and to encourage the government to continue with the programme

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday announced his intention to re-contest for the post of the president in the 2019 general election.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, the president said his decision to contest was to heed the calls of Nigerians who want him to continue in office.

Also, the statement contains the remarks by the president on the report submitted by the All Progressives Congress National Executive Technical Committee.

Below is the full statement:

President Muhammadu Monday in Abuja declared his intention to seek re-election in 2019.

President Buhari made the declaration at a closed-door meeting of the National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President said he was responding to the clamour by Nigerians to recontest in 2019, adding that he wanted to give NEC the honour of notifying them first.

Shortly before making the declaration, the President presented a speech on the report submitted by the APC National Executive Technical Committee.

His remarks:

I am delighted to welcome you all to this very important meeting in the affairs of our party and our country. I want to specifically thank members of the Technical Committee for a job well done within the limited time frame.

2. It shows a great sense of commitment to the ideals of our party with a view to consolidating and positioning the party to continue delivering good governance in the overall interest of Nigerians.

3. With the present state of the party and based on the report submitted by the Technical Committee, it is important to focus on how to move the party forward by avoiding actions detrimental to the interest of the party. Considering that politics is a game of numbers, we must not be a house divided against itself and must try to note, appreciate and accommodate our differences as far as the law permits.

4. Upon my review of the Report, my position is to ensure that the party tows the path of unity, legality and cohesion and not that of division.

5. Therefore, I am stressing that we should strengthen our internal democracy by organising the Party’s Congresses and Convention where election of National Executive Committee members would be held. This will automatically end the cases filed by members seeking orders of Court compelling the party to hold its Congresses.

6. I also believe that the current executives should be free to vie for elective positions in the party if they so wish as permitted by our Party constitution.

7. However, considering the provision of Article 31(1)(iii) of the APC Constitution which requires any serving officer desirous of seeking re-election to resign from office 30 days before election, I am not sure of the practicality of present serving officers’ ability to meet this condition.

8. Accordingly, the party may consider granting waivers to party executives at all levels so that they are not disenfranchised from participating in the elections should they wish to do so, provided this does not violate our rules.

9. Necessary waiver(s) should also be extended to executives at the Ward level whose tenures may have elapsed, and indeed to anyone knocking at our doors from other political parties. This is in the spirit of the Right to Freedom of Association guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

10. In this circumstance, the party should officially issue a statement on the above Waivers so that our house may be full. We all must not be ignorant of the times, and the journey that is ahead of us.

11. Just like our party symbol; “the Broom,” which typifies strength in unity, let us strive to remain united in our purpose. Victory is sure by the Grace of God, and together we must continue to sanitise Nigeria’s political environment.

12. Once again, I welcome you all to this meeting with the hope that we will, in our deliberations today, conduct ourselves without rancour and promote the highest interest of the party and the nation.

The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has declared his administration’s determination to continue to support and encourage individuals with genuine intention to bring development to the state.

Dr Okowa made the declaration while performing the official ground breaking ceremony of the STARS University, Idumuje-Ugboko in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr Jude Sinebe, in his speech said that when completed the university would be the first of its kind in Sub-Sahara Africa as well as in Nigeria, just as in the case of the College of Physical Education, Mosogar.

Governor Okowa described STARS University as uniquely designed to train athletes in various sporting activities, expressing optimism that the university would open up the area and also accelerate development in the entire state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Rtd Captain Joseph Okubor, asserted that prince Ned Nwoko had a huge passion for his people’s well-being which he said had been re-enforced by the ground breaking ceremony, stressing that it would usher in unprecedented development in the community.

According to him, a seed had been sowed with the ground breaking ceremony of the STARS University and urged the people to strive to become role model rather than chasing wealth at all cost.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Project Implementation Committee, Prof. Nduka Uriah, described Ned Nwoko as a visionary politician and legal luminary of great repute.

Prof. Urial, started that when completed the university would be a center of excellence for sports/conventional university, stating that all the academic requirements by the National Universities Commission (NUC) had been met.

The founder of the University, Hon Prince Ned Nwoko, said that the sports university would also offer conventional courses, and joint honour degree would be awarded.

While thanking the people of Idumuje-Ugboko and those who graced the ceremony, he explained that STARS University represented Sports, Technology, Arts and Research Sciences.

“Interestingly, Bashorun Askia Ogieh became the first Non-Indigene of Olomoro Kingdom to be conferred with the Chieftaincy Title of Senior High Chief. A honour done him for his good works..”

OLOMORO – The proverbial golden fish that has no hiding place was made manifest yesterday Monday 2nd April, 2018 when the Odio-Ologbo of Olomoro Kingdom HRM Umukoro Josiah Agbaza 1 and the Olomoro Traditional Council conferred on Bashorun Askia Ogieh (FCNA, CrFA) the prestigious title of Senior High Chief of the Kingdom.

The ceremony which took place at the Odio-Ologbo Palace was a unique one in all measures. It should be noted that Olomoro Kingdom has only 3 High Chiefs and by this Chieftaincy Title as a Senior High Chief on Bashorun Askia Ogieh, the 3 of them were elevated to Senior High Chiefs thereby establishing a Council of Senior High Chiefs comprising of
1. Senior High Chief Dr. S.O Akpotu – The Clan Otota
2. Senior High Chief Dr.2 George Idodo-Umeh – The Osugba of Olomoro Kingdom
3. Senior High Chief P.W.O Omoniseh – The Okporhor of Olomoro Kingdom, and
4. Senior High Chief Askia Ogieh – The Ethe of Olomoro Kingdom.

In an invitation letter from the Odio-Ologbo Palace signed by Chief Esajobor Daniel (Palace Secretary) on behalf of the Olomoro Traditional Council dated 31st March, 2018, the good people of Olomoro Kingdom set aside Monday 2nd April, 2018 to honour a Man who honour is due.
Part of the letter reads “I am directed by Olomoro Traditional Council to invite you to the ceremony to host and honour you in respect of your good roles for the appointment of Olomoro Sons into key positions and for your great contributions for the Infrastructural and Human Capital Development of our cherished kingdom “.

Interestingly, Bashorun Askia Ogieh became the first Non-Indigene of Olomoro Kingdom to be conferred with the Chieftaincy Title of Senior High Chief. A honour done him for his good works.

The presentation of a Bible to Bashorun Askia Ogieh as a guiding tool in all he does was the first stage of the Chieftaincy Title. This was followed immediately by the conferment.

Dignitaries who attended the ceremony includes Delta State House of Assembly Majority Leader Sir Hon. Tim Owhefere, House of Assembly Member representing Warri North Constituency & an aspirant for the Delta South Senatorial District Hon. Michael Diden AKA Ejele, Urhobo Ethnic Nationality representatives of DESOPADEC Chief Amos Ithihwe and Chief P.O.C Ovbije and host of others.

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 been bestowed with the prestigious Papal’s Award at St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, Oleh.

This is widely acclaimed as the highest award the Pope can give to anyone according to the Catholic faith.

Making the presentation, representative of the Obi of Aboh kingdom, HRM Obi Imegwu, accompanied by His Royal Majesty, Anthony William Onovughe Ovrawah, (JP) FCAI, Omogha I, the Odio-Ologbo of Oleh Kingdom.

In his speech, Bashorun Askia expressed deep appreciation to the to the Catholic Pontiff for finding him worthy of the Award.

Recall also that the Delta State Youth of HOSTCOM, led by Comrade Lawrence Oloku on Monday, March 26, 2018 presented an Award in appreciation for his support for the Organisation.

Bashorun Askia Ogieh has gannered a number of awards, including the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Merit Award presented by the West African Students Union (WASU), an umbrella body that covers all students within the West African Countries on Thursday 23rd February, 2017.

Ahead of the 2019 gubernatorial election, a coalition of Youths from Delta North Senatorial District of the State have declared their support for the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Dr. Cairo Ojougboh. The youths made their declarations during a meeting with Dr. Cairo Ojougboh at the country home of the former lawmaker in Agbor, Ika South LGA.

The Youths in a Communique signed by the National Coordinator of the group , Mr. Odita Sunday and the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Frank Oshanugor and made available to journalists in Agbor, said the group is very mindful of the calibre of people who seek political offices to represent the people before throwing their weight behind their candidacy and have found Dr. Cairo Ojougboh worthy of their support owing to his strong political ideology of truth, transparencyand honesty.

According to him, ” Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has an enviable political pedigree that is well known to us and we have no doubt of his ability to deliver the true dividends of democracy to the people of Anioma in particular and Delta State in general. By this visit, we members of Anioma Youths Network for Development, A.Y.N.D are pledging our total support to his ambition of becoming the next governor of Delta state”.

Formally receiving the group and the award of Excellence and outstanding leadership quality presented to him, Dr. Ojougboh thanked them for finding him worthy. He expressed deep appreciation for their support, award and for keying into his political ideology of TRUTH at all times devoid of compromises. He said “I have a brand to sell and that brand is Truth. The kind of truth that will abolish the poverty, corruption and misgovernance from Delta State. I want to assure you that if voted to serve, as government, after two years, the mark of development will be there for all to see. We will build infrastructure that will stand the test of time, ensure that the infrastructures are equitably distributed and resources judiciously utilized.

Dr. Ojougboh urged members of the group to be law abiding citizens and good ambassadors of truth at any given time while holding on to the one-man-one-vote gospel. He said with one man one vote, the rigging strategies and machinations of the PDP will be thwarted.

In a closing remark, the National Coordinator, Mr. Odita Sunday said APC is taking over Delta State from next year. He said the group have set up several grassroot committees to work assidiously underground for Dr. Cairo Ojougboh and ensure that the entire Anioma nation and Delta State in general queue behind him. The awareness campaign, he said will be from house to house, schools to schools, markets to markets to gather support for him to emerge and win.

First batch of alleged looters, amount taken

1. PDP Chairman Uche Secondus
-Allegation: On the 19th of Feb 2015, he took N200 million only from the office of the NSA.

2. Former PDP Financial Secretary
-Allegation: On the 24th of Oct 2014, he took N600 million only from the office of former NSA.

3. Former National Publicity Secretary Olisah Metuh
-On trial for allegedly collecting N1.4bn from the office of former NSA.

4. Dr Raymond Dokpesi, Chairman of DAAR Communications
-On trial for allegedly taking N2.1 billion from the office of the former NSA.

5. Former SSA to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dudafa Waripamo-Owei
-On trial, over N830 million allegedly kept in accounts of four different companies.

6. Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s Cousin Robert Azibaola
-On Thursday, a Federal High Court ruled that he has a case to answer for allegedly collecting $40 million from the office of former NSA.

Second batch of alleged looters, amount taken

1. Former NSA Sambo Dasuki: Based on EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) investigations and findings alone (this is beside the ongoing $2.1 billion military equipment scandal), a total of N126 billion, over $1.5 billion and 5.5 million British Pounds was embezzled through his office. A good number of these monies were simply shared to persons and companies without any formal contract awards.

2. Former Petroleum Resources Minister Dieziani Alison-Madukwe: In just one of the cases the EFCC is investigating involving her, about N23 billion is alleged to have been embezzled. She is also involved in the Strategic Alliance Contracts of the NNPC, where the firms of Jide Omokore and Kola Aluko got oil blocks but never paid government taxes and royalty. About $3 billion was involved. The Federal Government is charging Omokore and Aluko and will use all legal instruments local and international to ensure justice.

3. Rtd. Lt.-Gen. Kenneth Minimah: N13.9 billion. N4.8 billion recovered by EFCC in cash and property.

4. Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika: N4.5 billion. N29m recovered by the EFCC so far.

5. Alex Barde, former Chief of Defence Staff: N8 billion, and EFCC recovered almost N4 billion in cash and property already.

6. Inde Dikko: former CG Customs: N40 billion, and N1.1 billion in cash recovered in cash and choice properties.

7. Air Marshal Adesola Amosun: N21.4 billion. N2.8 billion recovered in cash. 28 properties and 3 vehicles also recovered.

8. Senator Bala Mohammed, former FCT Minister: N5 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured.

9. Senator Stella Oduah: N9.8 billion. Interim forfeiture order on some property secured.

10. Former Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu: N1.6 billion – from NSA.

11. Senator Jonah Jang, former Plateau State Governor: N12.5 billion.

12. Bashir Yuguda, former Minister of State for Finance: N1.5 billion. $829,800 recovered.

13. Senator Peter Nwaboshi: N1.5 billion.

14. Aliyu Usman: Former NSA Dasuki’s aide: N512 million.

15. Ahmad Idris: Former NSA Dasuki’s PA: N1.5 billion.

16. Rasheed Ladoja: Former Oyo Governor: N500 million.

17. Tom Ikimi: N300 million.

18. Femi Fani-Kayode: N866 million.

19. Hassan Tukur, former PPS to President Goodluck: $1.7 million.

20. Nenadi Usman: N1.5 billion.

21. Benedicta Iroha: N1.7 billion.

22. Aliyu Usman Jawaz: Close ally of former NSA Dasuki: N882 million

23. Godknows Igali: Over N7 billion.

In continuation of the third phase of the Town Hall meetings, inspection and commissioning of projects by the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the team will visit Warri North and Warri South Local Government Areas on Tuesday and Wednesday, April  3 and 4, 2018.

A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Chairman of the organising committee of the event, Mr. Patrick Ukah, disclosed that the Governor will commission 5 projects in Warri North on Tuesday.

The projects are Access Road to Awaritse Industrial Park, Obitugbo (Phase 1), Korobe Road, Koko, Lucky Kpenosen Road, Koko, Iwere College Road,  Koko, and Alema College,  Abigborodo.

Same day, Senator Okowa will visit the Olu of Warri between 2.20pm and 2.50pm and thereafter embark on the commissioning of the rehabilitated NPA Bye Pass Road (from New Port Gate to Old Port Gate), Esiri Road, off Upper Erejuwa,  Warri, Ugberikoko-Poloko Market Road and Hon. Chief Frank Omare Crescent, Okumagba Layout.

The Governor will also inspect the dualization of Effurun-Enerhen Road and the construction of Access Road, Ubeji same Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Senator Okowa will hold Town Hall meetings with persons drawn from different groups in the two local government areas at Federal Government College Hall in Warri South by 10am and Community Hall, Koko, by 1pm.

The meetings are meant to provide the Governor the opportunity to present his score card to the people and allow them to react and ask questions.

ASABA/Nigeria: The ceremony for the official opening of the first Sports University in Sub-Sahara Africa, Stars University,  is to hold April 3, 2018 in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

In a statement released by the Management of the Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation, it stated that the ground breaking event will involve the laying of blocks of classrooms, hostel accommodation, take off campus project for the proposed university, Stars University.

The statement further stated that the event which will be attended by the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as the host, will have Capt. Hosa Okunbo as the Special Guest of Honour and the Iyase of Ogwashi-Uku, Chief Mike Nwaukoni as the Guest of Honor.

It could be remembered that in a recent media chat with the members of Delta Online Publishers Forum, DOPF, the founder of the University, Hon Prince Ned Nwoko, and a Senatorial Hopeful in Delta North in 2019, stated that the university has officially obtained a provisional certification from the Nigerian Universities Commission, NUC to commence academic activities.

According to him, Stars University will be a wholly sports university, the first of its kind in sub Saharan Africa, which will aid in the training of sports men and women for the African of Continent.

*Pledges Free Education, Free Health Care Services, Improved Electricity

A foremost governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and sponsor of “One Man One Vote” campaign, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has embarked on a consultation tour of Delta state senatorial districts ahead of the 2019 elections.

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. He was also 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.

The visit, according to sources, was to solicit the support and blessings of leaders and delegates ahead of the party’s primaries.

During a recent consultative visit to the leaders and caucus of Delta South APC and Delta Central APC Chairmen and Secretaries respectively, Ojougboh while addressing the leaders in Warri, pledged one term if elected as Delta State Governor in 2019, in line with the arrangement of Urhobo Governor in 2023, just as he seized the opportunity of the consultative visit, to unveil the “One Man One Vote ” campaign in Delta South.

At Agbara-Otor in Ughelli North, the governorship aspirant who was received at Chief Felix Ekure’s residence by Delta Central APC Chairmen and Secretaries, restated that four years is enough for any serious minded person to turn Delta State around for good.

Dr Cairo Ojougboh has also paid a consultative visit to the Palace of HRM Oboro Gbaruan II, at Gbaramatu, where he met with foremost Ijaw politiIjaw, Theodore Izonfade, and Hon Isaac Ulebor among other chieftains.

He promised to improve the epileptic electricity been suffered in Delta State, to five hundred mega watts, if elected as Governor in 2019.

He further expressed dissatisfaction over the deteriorating state of infrastructures in the state, especially the poor condition of facilities in various hospitals.

“Becoming Delta State Governor is not do or die for me, what is a must for me is APC taking over Delta State. However, if I am voted as Delta State Governor in 2019, I will do one term. Delta State budget is one of the smallest, the reason for the low budget is because the Governor is running a corrupt government, and the money is been looted, hence the under declaration of revenues. I will provide free education and free health care services for our people.”

He 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.

Ojougboh, while saying that the APC was a united party, advised that its members must be respectful and loyal to its structures and hierarchy to ensure its electoral victory come in the 2019 general elections.

In the entourage of Dr. Cairo Ojougboh was Hon. (Chief) Augustine Ogbaburhon and a host of other APC leaders.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in secret with China’s Xi Jinping this week in Kim’s first trip abroad since assuming power, Chinese state news reported Wednesday.

The news confirms widespread rumors that Kim had unexpectedly traveled to China via an armored train on Monday in his first foreign trip as leader of the North. The 21-car behemoth chugged into Beijing’s central train station, where a military honor guard and a large motorcade of diplomatic vehicles reportedly met it. But senior officials in the U.S., South Korea and China declined to comment on exactly who was thought to be in the carriages.

The news of Kim’s visit was only officially confirmed after the same train left Beijing. Yang Jiech, a leading Chinese diplomat, will brief South Korean officials on Thursday about the meeting, South Korea’s government said.

President Donald Trump said he heard from Xi on Tuesday night.

“His meeting with KIM JONG UN went very well and that KIM looks forward to his meeting with me,” Trump tweeted Wednesday. In the meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost!

China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency said Kim made the unofficial visit at Xi’s request, just weeks before the North Korean leader is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. Kim was also accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and his senior advisers.

The meeting is a new development in the diplomatic saga on the Korean peninsula. Kim met with envoys from South Korea earlier this month, who later said the North Korean government was open to holding talks with the United States.

Chinese media reported that Kim expressed a similar willingness for dialogue during his meeting with Xi.

“The issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if south Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace,” Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying in Xinhua News. The outlet also said Kim hoped to “develop friendship” with China following the meeting.

It’s unclear where a summit between Kim and Trump would take place. Until this week, Kim had never crossed North Korean borders. A sitting U.S. president has never traveled to the country.

The Nigerian Senate may have concluded plans to suspend Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing Delta Central Senatorial Districd, over his involvement to ensure that the Senate’s plans to override Buhari’s veto on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill fails in the Senate.

Although the Upper Chamber is allegedly acting based on the statements credited to him that the passage of the reordered sequence of elections in the amendments to the Electoral Act was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omo-Agege is said to be the Secretary of the pro-Buhari senators and and allegedly mobilizing support against the leadership of the Senate to ensure that the move to override President Buhari fails in Upper Chamber.

Meanwhile, Senate President Saraki’s die-hard loyalists are not happy with Omo-Agege’s behind the scene roles, despite having apologized for his wrongdoing during plenary.

Recall that when Omo-Agege appeared before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, he kept mum except saying that the issue is already in court.

Omo-Agege is also touted to have been involved in mobilizing support for the decision of President Buhari not to support the extention of Odigie-Oyegun’s tenure , an action that has further deepened the divide in the Senate Red Chambers.

Iceland announced Monday it will stage a diplomatic boycott of the football World Cup in Russia over the poisoning of a former double agent in Britain.

“Among the measures taken by Iceland is the temporary postponement of all high-level bilateral dialogue with the Russian authorities,” the foreign ministry said in a statement said.

“Consequently, Icelandic leaders will not attend the FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer,” it said.

The Reykjavik government also exhorted Moscow to provide “clear answers” over the poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in southwestern England on March 4.

“The Salisbury attack constitutes a grave violation of international law and threatens security and peace in Europe,” the statement said.

Britain announced in mid-March that British royals and ministers would stay away from the FIFA tournament set for June 14-July 15.

Iceland’s decision came as 16 European Union countries on Monday gave a large number of Russian envoys notice to leave their territory.

The United States, Canada and Ukraine have also announced the expulsion of dozens more Russian diplomats.

Iceland, a member of NATO but not of the EU, imposed sanctions against Russia along with the EU over the annexation of Crimea.

This year’s World Cup will see Iceland compete for the first time at the highest level.

AFP