Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Dr. Paul Oweh receives award
Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, was on Thursday honoured as Delta Man of the Year 2017 at the 15th Delta Role Model Awards in recognition of his outstanding performances in office.
The Award, an initiative of the Don2dammy Productions in conjunction with the African Child Foundation was instituted to honour “outstanding Deltans…who are not only successful in their endeavours but also have carved a niche for themselves in Country , contributing in no small way to the upliftment and growth of Delta State in particular and Nigeria in general.”
The Award ceremony took place on Thursday, August 24 at the Orchids Hotel, Asaba.
Presenting the awards, Country Director of the African Child Foundation, Prince Donaldson Onosakponome, said the award was conceptualized in 2002 adding that the awardees were honoured for putting others above selves, serving humanity with integrity and the rule of law.
Speaking further, Onosakponome said: “Delta Role Model Awards through the African Child Foundation Int’l has offered scholarships/school supplies to over 43,000 Children in Delta State alone, hospital renovation and health supports.
“We don’t just honour excellence, we impact and add value to the society. On Thursday 24th August 2017 was another Delta State August meeting, as Deltans from all works of life gathered at the Main Hall of the Orchid Hotels Asaba, not for personal reasons , but for collective good of humanity,” he said
The event also featured the investiture of the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Dr William Makinde as Advisory Board Member of the African Child Foundation.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
In an apt move to deliberate on issues of regional integration, partnership and fostering of development in their respective states, Nigerian Governors from the South-South and South-East regions have reaffirmed their faith in the unity of the country, promising to promote an indivisible country.
Speaking at the end of their meeting in Government House, Port Harcourt on Sunday, August 27, 2017, Chairman of the forum, governor Emmanuel Udom who briefed newsmen, said they looked at several issues, including security and other topical matters dominating the media space.
He said the region would collaborate with other regions of the country to promote national interest, stressing that they will also reach out to resolve decay in the regions.
“Nigeria is a country we love, we will do all to maintain unity of the country.
We will follow up on how to tackle decay in the regions.
“We touched on security issues. We must do all possible to protect lives.
“We discussed economic issues, we will collaborate with other region to make sure issues of national interest are promoted.”, he said.
It was gathered that the governors, who converged on the platform of the South-South, South-East Governors’ Forum, also discussed issues bordering on the development of their states.
COMMUNIQUE OF THE MEETING OF SOUTH-EAST/ SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS FORUM IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE, ON SUNDAY 27 AUGUST, 2017.
August 28, 2017
The Governors of the South-East and South-South States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria met in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday 27 August, 2017 to deliberate on critical economic and political issues common to the interests of the States in the Nation’s affairs.
The Meeting, which was chaired by Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, had in attendance 7 Governors and 4 Deputy Governors. Other Governors present at the meeting were Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State. Deputy Governors who represented their Governors were Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, Acting Governor of Bayelsa, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra, Philip Shaibu, Deputy Governor of Edo State and Prof. Ivara Esu, Deputy Governor of Cross River State.
PREAMBLE
Determined to reinforce resolutions taken at the inaugural meeting of the forum and take practical steps to identify and define the different strands of cooperation and integration as well as establishing the institutional framework to advancing and consolidating the drive towards achieving these noble objectives;
Recognizing that from time immemorial, the South-South and the South-East regions share progressive historical ties, culture, religion and geography;
Acknowledging the urgent need to establish and link our cities with railways and super highways; to provide viable and affordable flight services between our cities, and to ensure that cargoes are brought into the country and the regions through our seaports, jetties and ferry services as a veritable means of stimulating economic growth and social progress across our two regions;
Aware that economic growth and social progress are possible only in a peaceful and secure environment;
Concerned that despite providing the necessary logistic support to the security agencies, perceptions of insecurity are on the rise, doing significant damage to our investment climate thereby preventing reasonable inflow of direct foreign and local investment into the regions;
Determined to overcome, through regional efforts, by sharing resources, intelligence and denying sanctuaries to criminal elements in our respective territories;
Determined as Governors, to develop our respective States and improve the living conditions of our people with the meagre resources at our disposal;
Acknowledging that we can do better planning and achieve more progress working together, especially in the overlapping areas of national politics, economic growth, human security, transport infrastructure, as well as food and energy security.
Concerned about the reality of the dearth of infrastructure, the Forum noted with dismay:
1. The deplorable state of federal roads in the two regions. That none of the airports and seaports located in our regions is reasonably functional, and that neither of the two regions are linked by any rail services.
2. That the Federal presence in the regions is very minimal and only noticeable in the presence of policemen.
3. The emerging trend where approvals for investments in the oil and gas industry are granted for siting in other parts of Nigeria with laying of pipelines in deep waters rather than siting the projects in the areas that produce the resources.
The forum resolved:
1. To pursue inter-regional cooperation and integration for the common good of the regions’ people.
2. To work together politically, align and re-align as a people that share common heritage, culture and affinity.
3. To articulate and advocate for issues affecting the wellbeing of the regions. The issues may not necessarily materialize immediately, but for the benefits of future generations.
4. To continue to subscribe our faith to the destiny and greatness of Nigeria and call upon Nigerians to put their hands on the plough and rise to claim our rightful place in the Comity of Nations.
5. To condemn hate speech in national discourse whether in individual communication, or utterances of political actors or parties.
6. To urge security agencies to set up joint border patrols and develop more proactive strategies in combating crime and criminality.
7. To urge the Federal Government to come up with a clear policy on concession of Federal roads and to fast-track the process in order to ameliorate the sufferings of the people of the regions.
8. To urge the Federal Government to encourage investors in the oil and gas industry to operate from within the regions and also make the investments in the sector in the region.
The forum will reconvene in Owerri, Imo State on Sunday, the 8th of October, 2017.
“You are a favorite of the press.”–PMB Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
If you are wondering how Governor Ifeanyi Okowa became the “favorite” of the fourth estate of the realm, ask Mr. President.
Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa of oil and gas wealthy Delta state is a friend of President Muhammadu Buhari, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as a serving Governor under a serving President, loyalty cannot be easily wished away.
At the inception of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Delta State governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was among the first few selected state governors that accompanied President Muhammadu Buhari to India on a fact-finding mission for Nigeria’s economic gains.
The governor has oftentimes prayed for the speedy recovery and quick return of President Muhammadu Buhari to Nigeria while he was recuperating in London, United Kingdom, saying nobody should wish the President otherwise.
He said: “Let nobody wish President Buhari otherwise as life and death are in the hands of God. We will continue to pray for his quick recovery.”
Although, Governor Okowa has been touted in many quarters as “non performing”, majority of Deltans are think that the governor has implemented many of his campaign promises, hinged on the SMART agenda policy within two years of his first tenure in office.
The media, however, has also helped in laundering the good part of the governor’s image of delivering on his campaign promises to actualize the sing-song of “prosperity to all Deltans.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, at the closed-door meeting with state governors at the Presidential Villa on Friday, August 25, 2017 remarked to the Delta state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa that he is the favourite of the Nigerian Press.
In the meeting attended by at least the 35 state governors except Governor Fayose of Ekiti, President Buhari had a hand shake with the governors as they arrived for the meeting.
To Governor Okowa, Buhari said, “You are a favorite of the press.”
Some say Governor Okowa may have earned the accolade from his recent role in the affairs of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a key opposing political party to President Muhammadu Buhari’s ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) by successfully organizing a Special Non-Elective National Convention at Eagles Square, Abuja, which extended the tenure of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’s led Caretaker Committee for a period of four months.
As as Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Senator Okowa assured that “This is a new PDP and with the excitement we saw after the supreme court victory amongst Nigerians and not only PDP followers, I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode by itself will realise that we are back alive and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians.
“From the way things are going presently in this country, I believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges.”, he added.
Others, however, have alluded the feat to his near frantic zeal to contribute his quota in the solid infrastructure development of the state.
According to Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Chief Press Secretary to Delta State, Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the state has recorded huge socio- economic and political transformation under the governor’s watch.
Specifically, the Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration since assuming office has embarked on the construction of more than 98 roads, covering a distance of over 612 kilometers, realizing that road development and construction is the backbone for the achievement of the SMART agenda.
These roads are intended to link up our various communities to enhance social- economic development in the state. The movement of farm produce from one locality to another has been enhanced with the provision of motorable roads linking communities.”
The unprecedented growth in Asaba, the state capital, has moved away from a glorified local government headquarters to something that looks more like an urban center.
In the area of education, the sate government has registered a level of progress by paying more attention to vocational training for students to reduce the incidence of unemployable graduates and focusing on graduating students who can not only employ themselves but become employers of labour.
It is on record that the state government has repositioned the technical and vocational schools in the state by investing huge resources to ensure that they become center of excellence, as Governor Okowa has approved the upgrade of infrastructure and equipment in Agbor, Ofagbe, Sapele, Issele-Uku, Ogor and Utagba-Ogbe technical colleges.
A lot of policy initiatives have also been directed at the tertiary institutions as the Delta State University and the state polytechnics have received various degrees of attention from the government in recent times in terms of upgrade of facilities and funding.
The state has also achieved a lot in the areas of Agriculture, Transport, culture and tourism as well as healthcare by sustaining programmes for mother and child healthcare, care of the aged, introduction of the contributory health insurance scheme and revamping of hospitals.
Aniagwu pointed out that “As a state government we are not owning our workers, just as the state government has taken steps to pay the pensioners. The recession that is ravaging the country will not permit for frivolous spending, rather such funds would be channeled towards uplifting the life of Deltans. Governor Okowa is building on the foundation laid by the administrations of Chief James Onanefe Ibori and Dr. Emmnauel Eweta Uduaghan.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Not withstanding the controversy which raged between unions and Delta State Government over a concession plot of Delta Transport Services Limited, operators of Delta Line by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Delta State Government has given reasons for its decision to sell part of its equity stake in the state owned transport company, saying that the company failed to be commercially viable.
The state government has therefore adduced the company’s nonviable nature, despite the continued injection of huge capital support into the only government-owned and branded transport company, as key reason for the sale of part of its equity stake in the transport company.
A statement signed by the Media Assistant to the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sam Ijeh, revealed that the state government in the past invested heavily in the company through the provision of 160 brand new Toyota Hiace Buses, 76 brand new Toyota Corolla Cars and other incentives in cash or kind.
The Media Assistant, who noted that the Workers Union interference in the affairs of management did not help matters, disclosed further that “from 2012 to April 2015, the state government released monthly palliatives to the company to mitigate the effects of fuel-price increase which occurred at that time.”
The statement added that, “unlike others who benefitted from the allocation of the government buses, Delta Line never remitted any revenue to the state government, instead the company was riddled with debts made up of salaries and wages of staff, allowances and claims of staff, contractors, and suppliers obligations.
“In a bid to sanitize the company, government sacked the General Manager and suspended some other principal officers and directed the Directorate of Transport to supervise and oversee the activities of the company, with an inherited six-month salary debt.”
He stated that to stem the tide of further deterioration, the government opted for sale of part of its equity stake and this was duly advertised in national dailies for expression of interest and respondents submitted their bids plus necessary documents in line with due process following which the successful bidder was considered.
The statement disclosed that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) did not indicate interest at the time of advertisement and neither did it provide details of how it would source funds for the purchase of the shares to be sold, noting that the entire process followed due process and a memo was forwarded to the State Executive Council accordingly.
But the State Executive Council of the Union, had during its emergency meeting registered dismay over the concessioning plot by government without wide consultations with relevant stakeholders and the Labour unions.
Recall that the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) had a showdown with the Delta state government over its concluded plot to concession the state owned Delta Transport Services Limited, operators of Delta Line, following a public invitation for pre-qualification of bidders for the partial privatization of the transport outfit.
The state government, through the Ministry of Finance advertised for bidders, an action that angered the leadership of AUPCTRE who claimed that the union had been sidelined, despite its stringent moves to resist such plot in the past.
On Thursday, December 15, 2016, the Union’s leadership addressed the workers at the Delta Line workshop on the Asaba-Onitsha express way, threathenig a peaceful protest to halt the sale of up to 60 percent of the equity of Delta Line to the governor’s surrogates.
While addressing the aggrieved workers, the state chairman of AUPCTRE, Comrade Jerry Okousun, accompanied by members of the state and branch executives, said the Union was taken aback by government for the partial privatization, explaining that the concessioning of Delta Line to a private owner at 60 percent is an indirect plan for jobs lay-off which strongly indicates that the buyer with an upper hand would dictate the fate of the nearly 750 workers.
According to him, “Delta Line company presently pay a monthly wage bill of N26 million with an average Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N42 million, adding that the
new management of Delta Transport Services Limited have made giant strides with prompt payment of workers’ salaries, gradual loan repayment to Zenith and Wetland banks, payment of contractors and cooperatives as well as prompt maintenance of vehicles and retrieving of vehicles used as collaterals.”
Although dependable sources had revealed that Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa’s notable kinsmen, Mr. Kingsley Emu (Commissioner for Economic Planning) and Mr. Lawrence Oshiegbu, former Rural Development Agency (RDA) boss in the state were involved in the buy-off which stands at 60/40 percent equity shares between the private investor and Delta state government respectively, the Delta state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Kingsley Emu denied his alleged involvement in thebuy-off.
Emu, while denying his interest in the buy-off, revealed that the company is near moribund because of poor management, adding that the move by the state government to sell Delta Line to a private investor was proper, in spite of fear for job losses.
Hear him: “I have no link whatsoever with Delta Line and I will never have any link with transportation business. We don’t need to waste money to pamper government businesses. Government has no business doing any business. That is a statement of fact. Where all of these businesses work, we know. We have continually subsidized that company (Delta Line). That company owes in excess of N200 million in terms of debt. That company is not professionally run. Before the advent of the Caretaker Committee today, that company was unable to pay their bills, salaries and debt, and as I speak to you they are still unable to pay those debts.
The Delta Transport Services Limited was incorporated over 25 years ago primarily as a transporter of passengers with nearly 750 workers, 38 terminals as well as a courier operation for the movement of goods and packages.
Verifiable facts have proved that successive governments may have been used Delta Transport Services Limited as financial drain pipe to loot the state treasury of its resources.
“Delta State received a total of N225,896,300 for the feeding of 141,663 pupils. A total of 1,364 cooks were engaged in the state.”—Presidency Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Out of the N6.2bn so far spent by the Federal Government on its National Homegrown School Feeding Programme during the academic year that ended in August, Delta State received a total of N225,896,300 for the feeding of 141,663 pupils while a total of 1,364 cooks were engaged in the state.
Delta state is listed among the 14 beneficiary states to include Anambra, Enugu, Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ebonyi, Zamfara, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi,Taraba, Kaduna and Abia.
While officials of the Delta state government have insisted that the state has implemented the programme and commenced feeding since June 2017, the Nigeria Union of Teacher (NUT), Delta state chapter expressed surprise, saying Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is yet to implement the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme in Delta public primary schools.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Chike Ebie told Blank NEWS Online on phone that the state government implemented the programme but promised to release more details shortly.
Efforts made by Blank NEWS Online to secure further information on the feeding programme at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on Thursday, August 17, 2017 proved abortive at the time of filing this report, as the Director of Public-Private Partnership Department of the Ministry, Dr. Giwa-Amu was said to have gone out on official engagement with the Commissioner, Mr. Chike Ebie.
Meanwhile, the NUT Secretary, Comrade Joe Iyalekhue said the union is unaware if feeding has commenced in Delta public primary schools.
“No, I’m not aware of such school up till now. They are not doing afternoon feeding at all. It has not started here. It only suggests that the governor has not implemented it. That is the implication if nothing on ground now.
However, a senior teacher in Uzoigwe Primary School in Asaba who preferred anonymity disclosed to Blank NEWS Online that pupils in the school were fed but not regularly, just as another source also mentioned that pupils in some primary school in Aniocha North local government area have benefitted from the feeding by government.
The unpopular National Homegrown School Feeding Programme is a component of the All Progressive Congress (APC) administration’s Social Investment Programmes which attracted N500bn allocation in both the 2016 and 2017 budgets.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, had recently in a statement, revealed that the sum of N6.2bn was spent on feeding primary school pupils in 14 states.
Akande said 2,827,501 school children were currently benefiting from the scheme, which has three million children as its target.
He also disclosed that 33,895 cooks had been engaged in the communities where the schools were located across the 14 states.
Akande revealed that “Delta State received a total of N225,896,300 for the feeding of 141,663 pupils. A total of 1,364 cooks were engaged in the state.”
Recall that in March 2017, the state government commenced the training of 1,700 caterers drawn from the various local government areas and targeted at feeding over 433,000 pupils in the state’s public primary school at Nana College, Warri.
Earlier in December 2016, delegates from the office of the Vice-President led by Mr. Dotun Adebayo, the Operations Manager of national Home-Grown School Feeding Programme attended a two-day stakeholders meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital, aimed chiefly at fine-tuning the process and working instruments for the implementation of the Delta State version of the national Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP).
“After all deductions for primary school teachers’ salaries, loan servicing, pension, gratuities and state civil service commission allocation, only six councils were able to pay their staff salaries.”–ALGON Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively reveal that the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has received the sum of N2.1 billion on behalf of the 25 councils in the state as their statutory share of the N10 billion Paris Club excess loan deduction refunded to the state and also received a total of N3.8 billion as federal allocation for the month of June.
Although respite may have come the way of the third tier of government in Delta state, complaints are still rife that the seeming huge recent receipts from the Federal and State Governments were grossly inadequate to meet the financial obligations of the local government councils as some solvent councils are still unable to pay up wages.
The Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Wednesday, August 09, 2017 confirmed the receipt of N2.1 billion by the 25 councils in the state as their statutory share of the N10 billion Paris Club excess loan deduction refunded to the state.
ALGON also said the 25 councils received a total of N3.8 billion as federal allocation for the month of June.
Mr Fidelis Akpotha, the Chief Press Secretary to the state ALGON chairman, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, who spoke on behalf of his principal, said the June allocation was the highest since 2015.
He said the loan refund and June allocation brought the total funds from federal coffers to the councils within the period to about N5.9 billion.
Akpotha, however, said that the seeming huge receipts were grossly inadequate to meet the financial obligations of the local government councils.
He said that after all deductions for primary school teachers’ salaries, loan servicing, pension, gratuities and state civil service commission allocation, only six councils were able to pay their staff salaries.
He could not immediately identify the solvent councils, but pleaded for time to find out and get back.
Akpotha explained, “The total monthly staff wage bill for the 25 local government councils is about N1.5 billion, and over N2 billion for primary school teachers’ salaries.
“Each of the 25 councils owes their staff an average of eight months salary arrears, and another three months for primary school teachers.
“After all the deductions, only six councils were buoyant enough to pay their staff salaries for three months.
“This prompted ALGON to appeal for assistance from the state government, which bailed them out with about N600 million.’’
With this, he said, each of the councils will be able to settle three months staff salary arrears and one month for primary school teachers.
The ALGON chairman thanked Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for coming to the aid of the councils.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Mr. Patrick Ukah! Delta Information boss
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has condemned the attitude of some Nigerians who are fanning the embers of ethnicity, nepotism and hate speeches and called on those involved to change their attitude positively in the way they think and act.
The Commissioner stated this while interacting with the State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Delta State Directorate, Mr. Okoro Ivan Jifbioced, when he led a team of his staff on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner on Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Asaba.
He also said that the Delta State Government will continue to do all that is necessary to ensure that the unity and progress of Nigeria is not compromised.
Mr. Ukah stated that the Delta State Government will continue to work with all well meaning Nigerians to make the Nigerian project a success.
The Commissioner stated that the state Ministry of Information will collaborate with the Agency to inform, educate and sensitize all, especially Deltans, on the policies and programmes of both the federal and state governments.
Mr. Ukah noted that Delta State also has an Orientation Agency whose duties are in agreement with that of the NOA promising that the Ministry of Information will support the Agency as it carries out its mandate in the state.
Earlier, Mr. Okoro Ivan Jifbioced told the commissioner that he was in his office to get acquainted with the ministry having resumed as the State Director of the NOA a few weeks ago.
Moreover, the need for the Agency to work closely with the ministry prompted the visit since the two government agencies are very important in the area of social mobilization, sensitization and advocacy on behalf of the federal and state governments respectively.
He therefore appealed for assistance from the Delta State Government in order to carry out the Agency’s core mandate in the state which included ‘change begins with me’ and doing the right thing which will be as a result of thinking the right way.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: B-1B bomber
The American military is ready with a plan to strike North Korean missile sites in a preemptive attack if Donald Trump decides to do so.
The plan involves flying a B-1B heavy bomber from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam accompanied by satellites, drones, higher jets, and aerial refuelling warplanes. Training for the mission has been ongoing, and there have been 11 practice runs for a similar mission since May when the training was accelerated.
“Of the military options … [President Trump] could consider, this would be one of the two or three that would at least have the possibility of not escalating the situation,” retired Admiral James Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander Europe, told NBC.
There are six B-1B bombers positioned in Guam, about 2,100 miles by air to North Korea. The bombers have been heavily used in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and have been updated since then.
The news of the potential operations comes as the relationship between the US and North Korea has become very strained. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Mr Trump have engaged in a heated back and forth of threats. Recently, Mr Trump promised “fire and fury” if Mr Kim didn’t stop threatening the United States. In response, Mr Kim’s government signaled they were considering an attack on Guam if Mr Trump didn’t cool his tough talk.
Both countries appear to be more than willing to push the other further and further with the threats, however, in spite of assurance from US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has said that Americans have no reason to worry about an impending war.
Should Mr Trump choose the attack plan that includes the B-1B bomber, they would be targeting approximately two dozen North Korean missile-launch sites, test grounds and other facilities, sources told NBC.
Defense Secretary James Mattis, following the exchange of threats, released a statement saying that the Pentagon was prepared for any escalation to violence including an offensive attack or a defensive, retaliatory attack.
“While our State Department is making every effort to resolve this global threat through diplomatic means,“ the statement said, ”it must be noted that the combined allied militaries now possess the most precise, rehearsed and robust defensive and offensive capabilities on Earth.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: from left; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; PDP National Technical Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makafi and Senator Ben Obi
AHEAD of the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] Special Non-Elective National Convention, Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee and Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said the party was ready to organize a successful Convention.
Governor Okowa stated this on Thursday while inspecting the Eagles Square, venue for the Convention assuring that every necessary arrangements have been taken care of.
“We just came to see what is on ground, I believe that our people will be safe because we have everything under control, we are not expecting any hitches at all, we are doing very well as a party and as a committee, in this kind of planning you will have some challenges here and there but there are solutions being proffered for every one of it and we are confident that we are on the right track and it shall be well on Saturday”, he said. from left; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; PDP National Technical Committee Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makafi and Senator Ben Obi
Senator Okowa assured that high profile Nigerians will join the party within the next three weeks, stressing “This is a new PDP and with the excitement we saw after the supreme court victory amongst Nigerians and not only PDP followers, I believe that a lot of people who thought that the party was going to implode by itself will realise that we are back alive and ready to offer what it takes to better the lives of Nigerians”,
“From the way things are going presently in this country, i believe Nigerians will realise that PDP is the only alternative that can bring Nigeria out of her present economic challenges.”, he added.
Many of our members that left earlier due to one form of disagreement or the other will return back to their party because the National Caretaker Committee has constituted a Reconciliation Committee as well as a Contact and Mobilization Committee to reach out to them.
In a related development, National Chairman of the Party, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has assured members of the party that the issues relating to the South West zone of the party have been resolved.
According to Makarfi, “In politics there are always issues but what is important is that we sit down and resolve the issues in a civil manner.
“Yesterday we had a long meeting with the leaders from the zone to resolve the issues and no matter what you are doing as a political party you must lose some members and also gain others.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Prosper Edo: Bashorun Askia Ogieh (CrFA) dancing with Uzere women
Uzere Kingdom in Isoko North local government area of Delta state went agog on Sunday 6th August, 2017 as over 500 Women declared massive support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
In a gathering of over 2000 Women at the country home of Bashorun Askia Ogieh (CrFA), the women gave account of their diligent and painstaking drive to bring more members and enlarge the PDP fold.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Mrs Alice Cigarette said they are a mixture of other political parties members and non aligned who have identified with the philanthropic, empowerment and leadership virtue of Bashorun Askia Ogieh as well as the development Delta State has witnessed under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
She said that they have met severally and took a critical analysis of the present day socio economic and political realities in Isoko and Delta State and has decided to pitch their tent with the PDP.
The Uzere PDP Woman Leader Mrs Gladys Omoruku received the new members and presented them to the Ward Chairman Mr. Immortal Efi and the Isoko South PDP Chairman Mr. Raphael Odorewu.
The visibly elated Bashorun Askia Ogieh also received the new members and praised the zealous disposition of the women in reaching out to expand the coast of the PDP.
In a passionate appeal, the DESOPADEC EDFA enjoined the women to canvas more members to the PDP, stressing on more support for Governor Okowa as that is his paramount request.
Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of 1000 pieces of Wrappers to the women, with a promise to provide more wrappers to accommodate all members and intending ones.
Bashorun Askia instructed the Woman Leader within one week to call an enlarged general meeting to access the empowerment needs of the women and get back to him for immediate implementation.
In his words, Bashorun Askia said grassroot empowerment is more meaningful when it addresses the need of the recipient(s).
The women gave the UDU 1 of Uzere Kingdom their commitment in moving across all the Wards in Isoko to win more members for the PDP and Gov Okowa.Uzere women displaying wrappers
Delta state government, on Tuesday, August 08, 2017 reacted to a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court order freezing the state’s Paris-London Club Refund bank accounts as a result of a dispute surrounding the money received as its share of the Paris-London Club loan refund.
The court presided by Justice Y. Halilu, had issued an interim order, barring the state government from having access to $27.2 million and N3 billion in its account with the Zenith Bank.
The order followed a suit filed by a private firm, Mauritz Walton Nig Ltd, which claimed that the frozen sum is what was due to it as consultancy fee from the money the state received as “proceeds of the refund of excess deductions on foreign loans and miscellaneous charges (aka Paris-London Club Refund).”
Mauritz Walton Nig Ltd, according to a court document, said going by their contract with the Delta State government, they were entitled to 30 per cent of the total sum received by the state government.
Zenith Bank, a co-defendant in the suit which has been adjourned to September 7, 2017 was also ordered the court to set up an escrow account for Delta state’s frozen fund pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
The Court, acting on the affidavit in support of an ex-parte originating summons to, in the interim, stop further disbursement of the money already in or accruing to the Paris-London Club Refund account also ordered the freezing of the accounts of Abia and Cross River states.
When Blank NEWS Online contacted the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, he said “It’s a court issue and I cannot make a comment on it”, while the phones of the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpor were switched off.
But Mr. Charles Aniagwu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, told Blank NEWS Online that “The consultant that was engaged by the former administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to do consultancy with respect to the funds did not continue because when we came in in 2015, we found that we cannot continue with that engagement because for obvious reasons, it was not going to serve the interest of the people as the firm was asking for more than 30 percent.
“Since 2015, we did not have any engagement with him and the persons who helped us to work out the mathematics of outstanding to Delta state with respect to the over deductions was able to do the job in 2015 and 2016. So, we got our money. It was when he discovered that we have collected our money that he decided to go to court to file an ex-parte motion.
“Of course, we are a law abiding state. Our legal department headed by the Attorney General is already studying the judgment with a view to taking necessary legal action.”
Mauritz Walton Nig Ltd, owned by a Nigerian businessman, Mauritz Ibe, is said to have assisted some state governments in computing and negotiating the refund of the excess deductions on the foreign loans.
The company and other consulting firms have been at loggerheads with the state government over the non-payment of the consultancy fees.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said that the sum of 12.319 billion naira would be recovered from public servants who fraudulently falsified their records of service.
The governor also directed that the over 530 staff who falsify their retirement age or refused to appear before the Verification Committee On Age Discrepancy And Date Of Birth and Employment of Public Officers in Delta State should be expunged from the payroll immediately.
Receiving the Final Report from the Committee which had Chief Nkem Okwuofu as Chairman, on Monday August 07, 2017 in Asaba, Governor Okowa decried falsification of documents and laxity in the part of those who aid and abet such actions in the public service.
He bemoaned the connivance of staff in the falsification and handling of records especially those that are dead and retired, directing the office of the Head of Service to take disciplinary action against the Heads and Directors of affected Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“It is quite unfortunate that at this point in time we are still dealing with this situation in our public service where people can still voluntarily work with other people to change their date of birth and date of appointment and it is something that all of us must frown at; I frown at such and I believe that the public service and its management must continuously frown at such an act because it is not possible for any staff to unilaterally change his or her date of birth or appointment, so obviously there is a collusion in the entire system and it worries me that at this point in time this is still ongoing”, he said,
“Head of Service, with effect from today, the 402 absentees have to be disengaged from the payroll completely and the people that are due to retire, must be expunged from the payroll between today and tomorrow, we cannot continue to tolerate this, it is very unfortunate that we continue to see people who are dead and are still receiving salaries, it is very unsettling and I do not know what the reporting system is; when someone is dead he/she is dead and the name must be removed immediately”, Senator Okowa said
“I think that there is a lot of laxity in the entire system and we must find a way to improve on the workability of the system and people must be held liable and disciplined if they do not do their duties; the permanent secretaries, the directors are there, so henceforth any place we find such laxity the people at the head including the permanent secretary or the director must be disciplined themselves otherwise such acts will continue and it should not be because it is very embarrassing to see people that have died over three years ago and we are still paying them”, he added.
The governor commended the Committee for the exercise and assured them that government would implement their recommendations for the betterment of the civil service.
Earlier, while presenting the report, Chief Okwuofu disclosed that a total of 4,742 persons were screened, out of which 1,695 were cleared, 137 were asked to proceed on retirement, 810 had their dates of birth and employment corrected and 2,085 verified and affirmed while 402 were absent.
She disclosed with the correction of dates of birth of some staff in the payroll who ought to have retired but, for the falsification of records and others whose dates of birth were altered though not within retirement age, the exercise has resulted in total financial gains of 12,319,762,921.20 naira for the state government.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: PRESS RELEASE:
N1.650bn released to DESOPADEC in July 2017
The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) has deemed it imperative to explain its financial records of receipt and expenditure as it affects the allocation from the state government for the month of July, 2017.
A total sum of one billion, six hundred and fifty million naira (N1,650,000,000) was released to the Commission by the state government for the month of July, 2017.
A breakdown of the said amount is as follows:
Out of the total sum received, One Billion Naira (N1,000,000,000) is meant for Capital Expenditure: Payment of Contractors, i.e Ethnic and Centralized projects while Six Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N650,000,000) is for Personnel, Overhead and other Operational Costs.
As the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), I have therefore decided to set the records straight for the proper understanding of members of the public who may have been misled or misinformed about the financial activities in the Commission.
The Commission wishes to remind Deltans, especially those from DESOPADEC mandate areas, that recently members of the Indigenous Contractors Forum, carried out a protest to the commission to demand for payment for completed jobs because the protesters were erroneously informed of an alleged release of the sum of N500 million naira to offset part of the money owed the contractors.
The Commission reaffirms the board and management’s confidence in the governor to reposition the commission to fulfil the mandate of developing the oil and gas communities in Delta State.
Deltans should not be distracted but continue to support the government of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who is irrevocably committed to the overall development of the state.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Gov. Okowa
Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah has confirmed that the state government received the sum of Ten Billion naira (N10,000,000,000.00) from the Federal Government, as part of its share from the second tranche of Paris Club refund of over-deductions on Paris Club, London Club Loans and Multilateral debts on the accounts of States and Local Governments (1995-2002).
Ukah’s clarification on behalf of Delta state government, has however put paid to earlier claims by some government officials who erroneously claimed that the state has only received half of the funds from the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, a total of N652.229 billion has also been distributed as federal allocation for the month of June 2017 to the Federal Government, state governments and local government councils.
A communiqué issued by the sub-committee of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, at the end of the meeting held on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 in Abuja, indicated that the Gross Statutory Revenue received for the month is N570.584 billion and is higher than the N317.562 billion received in the previous month by N253.022 billion.
Responding to questions during a post Executive Council (Exco) press briefing on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, Mr. Patrick Ukah said he has not heard anything contrary to what was announced by the ederal government.
“I don’t know who would have given you that information about what was received and what was not received. I know you would not act on speculations.
“On the Paris Club fund, if you go to the state website, you will get a full explanation on how the money received in the past was channeled. Please let us endeavour to go there and if you have any issue, revert back to me and I can clear with the Commissioner for Economic Planning and the Accountant General.
“When we spend, we post. Its also submitted to ICPC. So there is a procedure and those facts are not hidden.
“On the current one, I have not heard anything contrary to what was announced, which is to say that I don’t know who told you about being half or not being full. But I’m aware that in the Paris fund released, the local government has a share of that amount and we have backlog of salaries and when I mean salaries, I don’t mean the net pay. I mean backlog in terms of check-off systems, union dues and the likes and you also have substantially, Pension backlog and when you look at that and you see what the local government would be taking, then you will have an idea but I will not be able to give you the rato of sharing until the Economic Planning, Finance and Accountant General comes out with their records.
“I assure you of one thing that it will be posted on the website but I just gave you the critical areas and when you look at that, you will find out what percentage, if any, that can go to infrastructural development and what have you. I just gave you an idea. So, be patient. The past ones you can find them, this inclusive, you will also find them.”
A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance indicates that Delta state received a total sum of N10,000,000,000.00 in the second tranche of Paris Club refund to States totalling N243. 795 billion.
Recall also that a total of N516 billion was released to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the first tranche where Delta state received a whooping sum of N14,500,000,000.
Another top government source, who confirmed the moves to reimburse states, however, said: “The second tranche will be released based on the compliance of states with Fiscal Sustainability Plan(FSP), which was endorsed by all the governors at a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) on May 19.
In the earlier tranches of the Paric Club refunds, some governors are said to have failed to disclose the actual amount given to their states while others have devoted only 10 to 25 per cent of the funds to the payment of backlog of salaries.
The Presidency has made it mandatory for all the states to account for the first tranche of the loan refunds – in line with the agreement it reached with the Nigerian Governors Fo (NGF), just as some of the 36 governors are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) for allegedly diverting the first tranche of the refund.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje
The Delta State government has hailed the balanced reportage of the programmes and policies on the five pronged SMART agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa in the past two years, saying that the present Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led administration has tremendous regard for media men practicing in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Government House Protocol, Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje, who stated this while receiving members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta state Council, in Asaba on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 also said the Governor of the state, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, is abreast of occupational hazards confronting journalists within and outside the state.
According to him, “Journalists are professionals who bridge the gap between government and the electorate. No reasonable government can succeed without the media because it is through the media that the people feel the impact of government. Hence as a state, we hold the media in high esteem.”
While urging practising journalists to eschew bias, unethical practices and ensure that reports are balance, fair and objective, Ogidi-Gbagbeje acknowledged that respect for professional ethical standards also helps the journalist to avoid some of the routine occupational hazards associated with the profession.
He however noted that the Delta State Government would give adequate protection to journalists in the discharge of their professional duties as watchdog of the society, having taken cognizance of the enormous challenges facing journalists while reporting critical issues.
Although he pointed out that the financial resources accruing to the state have been grossly affected by the current national economic recession, he assured that the Governor Okowa’s administration would not relent in its partnership with the Fourth Estate of the Realm, considering the deliverable goals and achievements of the administration which must be appraised by members of the public through the uncompromising efforts of the mass media.
Leader of the delegation and chairman of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Comrade Paul Osuyi, while emphasizing on the practice of development journalism, urged government at all levels to develop cordial relationships with the media if their policies and programmes must fly.
Comrade Osuyi had on behalf of the chapel, congratulated the Permanent Secretary on the award of excellence recently conferred on him by the Institute of Strategic Management, and urged him to continue to do more for the progress of the state.
Also, a member of the delegation, Mr. Barry Agbanigbi who described Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje as a humanist and philanthropist said that the state government is determined to achieve more successes in its partnership with professional media practitioners as a result of the commendable feat that has been recorded by the Permanent Secretary of the Directorate of Government House Protocol.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Rev. Mrs. Omatsola Williams, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development hands over fishery starter packs to a PWD “The Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer of Delta State was created by Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as a special purpose vehicle for the actualisation of job and wealth creation under the S.M.A.R.T agenda. The job and wealth creation scheme has been tagged OkowaPlus for its potential to imbue the participants with life skills, develop their leadership qualities, increase personal effectiveness and productive potentials.”
In its determination to drive economic support for People With Disabilities (PWDs), Delta state government has continued to give a new lease of life to these class of citizens across the state, through the Youth Agricultural Enterpreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) established by the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
In continuation of the exercise, another Twenty Eight (28) persons living with various disabilities were given starter-packs to enable them set up different micro businesses through the office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh in Asaba on Wednesday, July 19, 2017.
The persons empowered at a brief ceremony held in Asaba, included visually impaired, the deaf, the dumb and the physically challenged. The beneficiaries, who were trained in different skills of their choice, were given starter packs in fish production (23), catering and confectionary (3) and craft/home care products production (2) respectively.
The starter-packs ranging from equipment for fish production as well as arts/craft, catering and confectionary were given after a training programme in various government-approved skill acquisition centres within and outside Delta State.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Mrs. Omatsola Williams, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, whose ministry takes responsibility for PWDs, charged the beneficiaries to put the items to good use, adding that the beneficiaries were drawn from among fifty PwDs who are the first set to be enrolled in the programme and selected from the twenty five local government areas of the state at the ratio of two per local government.
While saying that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration was committed to the well-being of all Deltans, including PWDs, the elated Commissioner admonished the beneficiaries against selling the items, adding that if the starter packs were properly utilized, the skills they had learnt would lift them above poverty level and also make them employers of labour.
Also,the Senior Political Adviser to the state governor, Chief Ochonogor praised the human capital development initiatives of the Governor Okowa administration, which he describe as a tip off the iceberg, considering the many good incentives and development projects that have been earmarked for Deltans.
The state Chief Job Creation Office, Prof. Eric Eboh, who presided over the presentation ceremony, noted that the exercise was the second in the series of starter-pack distribution targeting successful trainees living with disabilities.
Eboh, who noted that the Job Office was working in collaboration with the state Ministry of Women Affairs, revealed that other beneficiaries in the same category had earlier received starter-packs under the scheme.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Johnson EBIGIDE:
Dr. Abraham Maslow (1908-1970), American Psychotherapist, stated in his theory on ‘’work and why people work’’ that work is a very important part of our lives to which we dedicate more than half of our whole time on earth’’ and that ‘’if you are unhappy with your work, you have lost one of the most important means of self-fulfillment.’’
The essence of work, therefore, is utilization of the inner drive of an individual towards the actualization of his aspirations in life. Apart from the urge to meet the basic human needs of food, clothing and shelter, humans, unlike instinctive animals, crave recognition as being self fulfilled in the society. It is the aspiration of every sane human to be a force to reckon with in the society.
Normally, it is by working that such recognition is attained. However, different communities in the world have different canons with which to judge the greatness of an individual. While some communities rely heavily on the humanitarian uprightness of an individual in assessing greatness, some others hinge such judgments on material growth of individuals, resulting in the people in such a materialistic community striving at all costs to arrive the shores of greatness through devilish, capitalistic maneuvering, even at the detriment of the society itself.
In such a debased community, less importance is attached to the dignifying values of work; instead, people would be materialistic, corrupt, hard-hearted and generally devilish in their inter-personal relationships, thereby, making life unsafe and brutish. Their work philosophy would be ‘’Less effort, huge material gains’’. Indolence, mediocrity, and political appointments are embraced at the expense of industry, justified means of livelihood and commitment to the general well-being of one another. A sudden reversal of the work ethics of such people would result in most of them complaining of job dissatisfaction.
Nigeria at present can be said to have some taints of such a debased community. Why are most Nigerians dissatisfied with the work they do these days, particularly in the public service? Why is it that while some civil servants are unhappy with their job and working strenuously to retain their present offices, some others are dissatisfied with theirs and praying fervently for a possible immediate reversal of the status quo?
That is not far-fetched. It all borders on insincerity of those making the whole gamut of bureaucracy much more bottle-necked than expected. Why for example an office should be created and funded at all if its utmost goal is to serve as a dungeon for civil servants who are perceived to be deviants?. Why in the name of morality should staff of any ministry be segregated into first choice and second rate?
As a follow up from the above, the question of placement during posting exercises in the service is germane. Most Nigerians for obvious reasons prefer life in the glittering urban centres to that in the rustic rural scene. Posting such Nigerians to the sleeping rural enclaves would result almost immediately in the lost of interest in their job. Most times, however, such posting may not be ordinary, but simply a vindictive exercise to punish and possibly vanquish a perceived intransigent staff.
Again, internal deployments of staff within a ministry and from one government establishment to another can bring about job dissatisfaction of some staff. Some offices and establishments are definitely rosier and juicier than others. A deployment or posting from the former to the latter could suddenly remove the glamour of the job for most staff, resulting in their being dissatisfied with the routine of the new office. That explains why most civil servants go the extra miles to lobby and continually bribe the authorities concerned to ensure the consolidation of their rosy positions while those that are so morally upright as to ignore such corrupt authorities are continuously frisked from one drab office to another.
Another major source of job dissatisfaction and frustration is imposed idleness. This is common place in the civil service. Government is the largest employer of labour; most times, employing just to satisfy the political aspirations of the ruling party, even when there are no vacancies in the various ministries and establishments, resulting in unmanageable bloated public workforce. When this happens, too many staff in a department would be pursuing the same assignment at the same time. In such an instance, those staff that are closer to the departmental head owing to tribalism, favouritism, nepotism and other unwholesome relationships are more often scheduled to engage in rosy assignments, leaving tedious, gratuitous duties to some, and some others to merely browse through old discarded files. This can be very frustrating and demeaning!
Before now, it was thought that only the dead wood, those that could not cope with the rigour and fast pace of the private sector, chose to work in the public service, which was, therefore, seen as a kind of dumping ground for people with low academic and intelligent quotient. However, with the present high rate of unemployment in the country, the earlier perception and paradigm have shifted, as most recently employed civil servants in the country are not only geniuses, but vibrant staff burning to showcase their innate intellectual gifts but are being frustrated and tamed by the bureaucratic bottle-necks of the service. This in addition to constant frictions in most cases between some heads of departments and some of their subordinates, particularly the vibrant ones, is a cause of serious job dissatisfaction among the latter. In some instances, the cause of such unnecessary debilitating frictions is the conflicting points of view of the two groups. While some of the senior management officers are conservative, pedantic, adamant and uncompromising, most other officers are progressive, flexible and intelligently compromising in their attitude to work, making it nightmarish for the latter to work in tandem with the former.
The ever widening gap between the private and the public sectors, particularly in terms of emoluments in the different sectors, is another major problem. While employees in the private profit-oriented sector are invariably often highly remunerated with better working conditions and mouth-watering welfare packages, their counterparts in the public sector until lately were laughable species in this regards. Even now, some civil servants see the service as a mere launching pad to a better job in the private sector in the future, while taking solace in the job security being provided in the public service. Again, the nascent democracy where a fresh graduate from the university for example is catapulted through political appointment to head the affairs of a government establishment could also be a source of job dissatisfaction to some civil servants in the establishments; particularly when such an appointee is arrogant, dictatorial and disrespectful to those who are clearly far older than him or her.
Against this backdrop, it is necessary that the Nigerian society should help in installing job satisfaction into workers by institutionalising a reversal of canons of assessing those to be acclaimed successful in the society. Most Nigerians would start enjoying what they do for a living, even though menial but not demeaning, with the realization that societal inducements, such as chieftaincy titles, could be bestowed on those with the sparks of transparency, accountability, probity and total commitment to work, even though poor, rather than the present deleterious, putrid situation where the richest and highest bidder, corrupt and incorrigibly hedonistic is adorned with the regalia of the achiever and celebrated in the society.
It is also necessary to inform and advise dissatisfied Nigerian workers that they cannot be truly saddened with the thought of being idle, and so showcase their intellectual gifts one way or the other, even though the hard ways, in their job.Yes, ‘’Growth comes through pain and struggle, ‘’ says the Philosopher, Friedrich Hegel.
*Johnson Ebigide, a journalist, writes from Asaba, Delta State
The attention of the Publisher of Our Daily Manna and General Overseer of Manna Prayer Mountain, Bishop Chris Kwakpovwe has been drawn to various publications online on how Ohio Ojeagbase who is the publisher of Probitas Report, Barr. Uche Iloani and his former staff, Rita Ibeni were called blackmailers and extortionist following the arrest of Ohio and Uche over some burning issues which is before the court.
We however wish to state clearly that before the publications were made, Bishop Chris permission was never sought and therefore he could not have called Ohio or Uche blackmailers. As a revered Man of God known worldwide, it is his duty to lead such persons to Christ if they have wronged him and not to have them defamed on the pages of newspapers or online media.
We do not believe or have cause to believe that any of the above mentioned persons are blackmailers except declared so by the court(s) which has not been done. The publication we agree was done out of context and misunderstanding of the issue, which was not fully comprehended before going to press.
Bishop Chris will rather face the calling of winning souls for God than publications which his approval was not sought.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
THE Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC), Tuesday hailed Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited ( NAOC) for the development of the Niger Delta Region and implored other oil companies it accused of playing games with development of the Region to emulate the company.
Specifically, the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC showered praises on the Managing Director of the Company, Mr Massimo Insulla for being sensitive to the plight of the people of the Region.
In a press statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, the group commended the Managing Director for making the impact of the Company felt in its area of operations in the Region.
According to the group, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company has won it’s way to the hearts of the people of the Region, saying that the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was working wonders in the oil rich Niger Delta Region.
“We want to commend the Managing Director of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mr Massimo Insulla for his managerial skills. The Company has been able to eliminate poverty from the Niger Delta Region through its laudable Developmental and Empowerment Programmes. Jobs have been created for our army of unemployed youths by the Company. We have been watching the activities of the Company closely and we are impressed with its Managing Director for bringing Development, Employment and Empowerment to the oil rich Niger Delta Region”, the group said.
The group added that;”The management of the Company is very sensitive to the plight of our people in the Region. The Corporate Social Responsibility of the Company is real. Other oil companies are playing games with the development of the Region. Agip has shown that it is possible to eliminate poverty and insecurity from the Region. No oil Company can beat the records of Agip. We want these other multinational oil companies playing politics with the development and Empowerment of our people to emulate the good example of Agip”.
The oil monitoring group said that”Today, our people are having sense of belonging as a result of the Corporate Social Responsibility of Agip. Our people no longer feel neglected as they are being carried along by the Company. If other multinational oil companies can do what Agip is doing, the whole of the Region will be massively transformed. Our youths have been engaged meaningfully by the Company and no longer thinking of going back to the Creeks to destroy oil facilities”.
“The Managing Director of the Company should be commended for the wonderful things he is doing in the Region and we are not surprised when the Bayelsa State Government recently offered to provide land for the Company to build its corporate office and residential quarters in Yenagoa, the state capital. The Company is doing well in the Region and we enjoin the Managing Director to keep up with his good work”, the group stated.
According to the group also” So many Communities in the Region now want to be host to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited because there is no oil Company that can be compared to Agip. The Managing Director of the Company should be praised for the Empowerment of our people. The interest of our people is being well served by the Company. We are charging other multinational oil companies still shortchanging our people to emulate Agip in order to eliminate poverty totally from the Niger Delta Region”.
“We are using this medium to appeal to all Stakeholders where Agip is operating in the Region to support the Company. Agip ought to be known as Niger Delta Limited as it is the only known oil Company that is focusing on the development of the Region”.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
The internal crisis that bedevilled the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and now laid to rest with the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Senator Ahmed Makarfi as authentic National chairman did not affect existing structures in the states, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has said.
Aniagwu, who responded to questions on whether the impasse had affected the party structure in Delta state ahead of the 2019 governorship election told Blank NEWS Online that while the crisis lasted, the PDP states had duly elected structures because congresses were held at the ward, local government and state levels respectively.
“Even when the crisis was on, it did not affect us. Our political structures are still intact. It only affected the process of the national convention and who becomes national chairman. We had insisted that irrespective of the judgment of the Supreme court, that the party will not derail and that we would go back to rebuild our party.
“We are not disturbed about 2019 or anything else but the performance of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. We beleve that the people of Delta state will view our performance, particularly at a time we are going through a recessed economy and then judge us based on that performance.”
“We are committed to delivering on our promises as contained in our SMART agenda and prosperity to all mantra of carrying everybody along.”
Speaking on the impact of the ongoing Town Hall meetings on the average Deltan, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Delta state governor, explained that “the Town Hall meeting is for us to interface with the people. We are taking the power back to the people in line with the policy of the PDP’s “Power to the people”, because we believe that the power belongs to the people and the way to be transparent is to do it through the Town Hall meetings where everybody is free to speak and tell us what they feel and we also know what they are going through directly and they also know what we are going through and the steps we are taking to address issues that affects them directly.”
He however said “The town hall meeting is not a political gathering where praises are rendered. It has been effective. Deltans are very happy, they only need more and given the enabling environment, we are ready to give more. Every Deltan expects something good. So if it has not gotten to them, they have the right to be angry. Its not abnormal to see some genuinely aggrieved Deltans, their demands are genuine just as our pleas are also genuine.”
While commenting on the recent Supreme Court judgement, Aniagwu said,
“It is victory for Senator Ahmed Makarfi and the Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is also victory for Ali Modu-Sherrif who took us to court because by testing the law court, he has also agreed that it is important to give strength to the rule of law.
“It is a win win situation for all of us. Now we can afford to say, the chicken has come home to roost. The leadership of the party must see it as victory for all. It is a no victor no vanquished situation because everybody is happy.
“Disputes is one of the ingredients of any political setting and the ability to settle it is what makes democracy very unique. This judgement has not only helped members of the PDP but Nigerians because the people now have a viable alternative. It has deepened democracy and its practices as well as the rule of law.
Aniagwu also posited that the impasse had become a reawakening to Nigerians who have now seen the need for a much more viable alternative to a better government at the centre since the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) who promised them change has only given them recession while under the PDP government, Nigeria had the strongest economy in Africa.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Senator Ahmed Makarfi-Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh (JP)
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, JP, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Supreme Court judgement, saying it was victory for democracy, justice and rule of law.
Hon Askia, who was highly elated with the verdict of the country’s apex court said it would futher bring cohesion and unity of purpose to the party, adding that the party is now determined to focus on winning back all lost positions including the presidency come 2019 since PDP is back in the right hands.
According to Bashorun Askia, ” The Supreme Court verdict is a case of ‘no victor and no vanquished”. We are now poised to work towards achieving greater political goals devoid of distraction and unnecessary litigation. We will move on beyond boundaries and break barriers until we once again recapture the Presidency to bring back hope to the people and glory to this great nation.”
“I must also commend the judiciary for the landmark judgement because it is a victory for justice, rule of law and democracy. This victory is not for only the PDP but for all Nigerians.”
“The PDP has shown tenacity and the ability to lead Nigeria as egalitarian society based on the rule of law. The party managed the affairs of Nigeria for 16 years, and during that period, democracy was deepened and the rule of law respected; things were done according to the dictates of democracy and rights of Nigerians. There was no form of infringement and violations of people’s rights”.
The PDP chieftain who noted that with the setting aside of the internal wranglings within the party, the Nigerian nation ca now move forward, insisted that it is only the PDP that can strengthen the country’s democracy and national economy which has been burgled and trampled upon by political novices.
“If you take a close look at the current situation in the country and justapose them with the past developments, you would see clearly the the PDP had a better understanding of the running of government, managerial efficiency of rhe economy, institutional strength, wisdom and the ability to cater for the people as citizens. Thank God for his mercies and I can assure you that what we may have lost in the past, we must regain.”
While praising the efforts of the founding leaders of the PDP who fought through the storm and kept faith with the party throughout the protracted leadership crisis that bedeviled the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa, Bashorun Askia emphasised that the process of genuine reconciliation and rebirth within the party has just begun despite the tortuous journey.
He attributed the party crises to external influence orchestrated by those who, according to him, were afraid of the soaring popularity of the PDP and advised those who decamped to return and be part of the rebuilding process.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
The Supreme Court has declared the Ahmed Makarfi Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as validly constituted.
The 3-man Supreme Court panel led by Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour in the judgement ruled that Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff ceases to be the party’s national chairman and ordered Ahmed Makarfi to take over the leadership of the party.
Both men have been at loggerheads since May 21 2016 when Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was purportedly removed at the party’s convention held in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the Supreme Court judgement which was in their favour.
Reacting to the judgement in Asaba today (Wednesday, 12/07/17) shortly after the delivery of the judgement by the five-man panel of Justices of the apex court headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Aniagwu lauded the Supreme Court for the sound ruling which has put to an end the protracted leadership crisis that has bedeviled the party, described as the biggest political party in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Governor said, “I on behalf of the good people of Delta State, home of the PDP, congratulate the Senator Markafi-led PDP for the victory recorded today at the Supreme Court. It has been a tortuous journey for the party but, I am glad that the Supreme Court has put the crisis to an end. I congratulate members of our great party particularly the National Chairman, Senator Ahmed Makarfi and members of the National Caretaker Committee for this well deserved victory. It is a victory for the Board of Trustees, Governors Forum of the party, National Assembly Caucus, State Chairmen’s forum and other stakeholders.”
“This judgement is victory for Democracy because, the Judiciary had always proven their independence and wisdom, it is a reawakening for our great party to provide the much needed leadership for our country, Nigeria. It was a case of PDP Vs PDP, so, we should remain united and committed to the slogan of the PDP – power to the people.”
“As the biggest political party in Africa despite losing the Presidential elections in 2015, it is time for us to rebuild our house, remain united, accommodate those who are leaving other political parties to the party that is truly democratic and believes in the rule of law, a political party that has the interest of the common man on the street at heart and continue to ensure that the best is achieved for the country.”
“I commend the Judiciary for its commitment to setting precedence that will sustain Nigeria’s democracy; I commend all Nigerians for their prayers while the internal rumbling lasted and I give glory to God for ensuring that democratic tenets are consolidated in the country.”
Governor Okowa urged members of the party to be accommodating to any Nigerian who wishes to join the party, noting, “the umbrella is large enough to accommodate any Nigerian, it is a party Nigerians are happy to identify with.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori; Delta state House of Assembly and Mr. Otto Aghoghophia have been dragged before the Federal High Court, Asaba over the illegal appointment of the Deputy Clerk in violation of the Delta State House of Assembly Service Law of 2013.
It could be recalled that the erstwhile impeached Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Mr. Monday Igbuya had allegedly deliberately arm twisted the leadership of the legislature to undermine laid down laws by foisting one of his cronies and tribesman on the House, even when the said Otto Aghoghovia did not meet the requirements.
In a rude display of ethnocentric chauvinism by the impeached Speaker, the legislature unilaterally approved the appointment of Barr. Aghoghovia Otto as the new Deputy Clerk, amidst claims by the legislative staff that the appointee is inexperienced and not yet qualified to hold such office.
The confirmation of Aghoghovia followed a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owefere, seconded by Hon Oboroh Preyor and adopted.
The statement titled, Appointment as Deputy Clerk to the State Assembly, read in part: “I write to communicate to you the decision of the Assembly at its sitting on Tuesday March 28, 2017, approving your appointment as Deputy Clerk to the Delta State House of Assembly.”
In a suit No.: FHC/ASB/C8/56/2017, the plaintiffs, Barr. Ferdinand Okoh and Hon. Kema Augustine Egenu are challenging the appointment of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia (3rd defendant) as Deputy Clerk of the Delta state House of Assembly by the Speaker (1st defendant) and subsequent confirmation by the House of Assembly (2nd defendant) in total violation of Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013 which prescribes that the person to be appointed Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly shall not be less than 14 years working experience in the House and not below Salad Grade Level 14.
The suit, which is seeking an order of injunction restraining the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) from further parading himself in any manner whatsoever as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly is also praying the Court for an order to set aside his purported appointment and confirmation.
In the suit filed by the Plaintiffs’ Counsel, Simon Ngbakor Esq., the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) was allegedly employed as a staff of the House of Assembly on the 1st day of March, 2004 (13 years working experience), stating that the 1st defendant (Speaker) and the 2nd defendant (House of Assembly) acted in error and as such must act in compliance with the provisions of the law, since they are there as representatives.
It added that the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) is therefore not qualified to be appointed as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly, having not met the criteria as provided for in Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013.
Earlier, a letter titled: THE APPOINTMENT OF BARR. OTTO AGHOGHOPHIA AS THE DEPUTY CLERK OF DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IN BREACH OF SECTION 13 (3) OF THE DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMMISSION LAW, 2013/ CALL FOR URGENT REVERSAL OF SAME FOR OVERRIDING PUBLIC INTEREST and addressed to the Speaker on 20th April, 2017, counsel to the plaintiffs, Ngbakor Simon Esq., had demanded for the reversal of the contentious appointment of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia as Deputy Speaker within 30 days, pending the filing of the suit.
However, the leadership of the state Assembly has bluntly refused to reverse the appointment and reneged to comply with the provision of the law made by the legislature after becoming aware that the appointment and confirmation of Mr. Otto Aghoghophia as the Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly on Tuesday, 28th March, 2017 was in breach of the same law made by them.
According to Blank NEWS Online findings, Mr. Otto Aghoghophia’s first letter of “Offer Of Appointment” with Ref No: DTHA/SPK/SA/04/13/3, signed by Raymond Yavbieri (Deputy Clerk) on April 1, 2003 stipulated that the appointment takes effect fro 1st March, 2004.
The plaintiffs in their suit had argued that Mr. Otto Aghoghophia is unqualified, inexperienced and not competent to hold the office of the Deputy Clerk in respect of the qualification or criteria of would-be Deputy Clerk of Delta state House of Assembly.
They further hinted that the office of Deputy Clerk has been vacant since 2015, leading to public outcry for the vacant position to be filled for the effective running of the Delta state House of Assembly and for the interest of the general public.
The plaintiffs’ counsel in the originating summons filed at the Federal High Court, Asaba therefore urged the Court to declare that the actions of the 1st defendant (Speaker) in appointing the 3rd defendant (Otto Aghoghophia) and the subsequent confirmation by the 2nd defendant (House of Assembly) as Deputy Clerk are ultra vires, illegal, null and void abinitio as same violates the clear provisions of Section 13 (3) of the Delta state House of Assembly Service Commission law, 2013.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has assured local government teachers in the state of the state legislature support in their quest for autonomy and viability.
He, in the same vein, dissuaded rife allegations that the state government had turned deaf ears to their plight stressing that the government would soon Marshall out modalities to ameliorate their issues.
The Speaker gave the assurance, Wednesday while addressing members of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), during a nationwide mega rally led to the gates of the State Assembly Complex
Rt Hon. Oborevwori who broke security protocol by opening the gates of the State Assembly Complex to the rally, said no good government turn deaf ears to the issues confronting its people, adding that the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa led government is aware of the plights of the people and would address them when they are within his jurisdiction.
Earlier, while presenting their issues, State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Jonathan Jemirieyigbe called on the state legislature to ensure that the payment of primary school teachers salaries be taken over by the state governments in order to prevent the education sub sector from imminent collapse.
He observed that primary school teachers are being owed salaries for months in a number of states with Delta State not excluded, adding that it not only affects the survival of teachers, but portends great danger for the future of under privileged children in the country.
Comrade Jemirieyigbe commended the Speaker for his humility and stated that the NUT is not totally against Local Government autonomy, but the Union is concerned about the likelihood of scrapping the State Joint Local Government Account which would mean taking primary education back to the dark pre-1994 era.
According to him, the Local Governments neither have the capacity nor the political will to fund and manage primary schools in the country stressing that any attempt as such is tantamount to consigning primary education to the abyss of total collapse.
In a similar development, the Delta State Government has disclosed that the payment of primary school teacher’s salaries is the responsibility of the local government based on the constitutional mandate of the different tiers of government.
The Delta State Acting Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro made the disclosure when the State Executive of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and some primary school teachers staged a peaceful protest to government house, Asaba.
The Acting Governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, said the management of primary and secondary education had been the function of the state government adding that government had been augmenting salaries of primary school teachers even when it was not its duty to do so.
Barr Otuaro stated that government had not failed to pay workers salaries because it was its statutory role, adding that any insinuation that government was owing primary school teachers was not true.
He asserted that the agitation of the teachers as regard autonomy was a national and constitutional matter.
He expressed government sympathy with the primary school teachers due to inability of councils to pay them stressing that as soon as the depressed economy improves, state government would come to assist.
The Acting Governor lauded the union and teachers for their peaceful disposition and assured them that government had the interest of teachers at all levels at heart, assuring that government would look into their presentation and offer its necessary input at the national level to the benefit of all when the need arises.
The State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Jonathan Jemirieyegbe said the protest was to drum up support from the federal and state government that teachers’ salaries should be first line charge from the federation account.
Comrade Jemerieyegbe said primary school teachers were languishing because local government lacked the financial might to pay them adding that the issue was worrisome due to the fact that whatever affects education at the cradle could collapse the entire system.
He appealed to the appropriate quarters to further assist by taking the responsibility of paying teachers to the state government to avoid hindrance to the payment of the teachers.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
The effects of hyper inflation in Nigeria has led to increase in crimes in Ministries, Departments and Parastatals (MDA’s) in Data state, as activities in the full section of the Ministry of Information in the old state secretariat complex in Asaba has been dysfunctional due to the vandalization of electricity armoured cable by unknown persons.
The vandalization of the electricity amoured cables may have further demoralized staff of the Ministry of Information who were hitherto made redundant due to lack of state government patronage of the near moribund printing press.
The equipment and facilities at the state government printing press are fast becoming obsolete since the Ministry’s Commissioner has allegedly resorted to authorizing printing of state government periodicals, calendars, diaries, gazzettes among others in private establishments in a bid to make selfish and personal perofits.
This typical vandalization incident took place just as officials of the Delta state government are grappling with another incident where suspected armed robbers, last weekend, reportedly invaded the Commissioners quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, stealing huge sum of money and other valuables in the lodge.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has frowned at the security lapses inside the old secretariat complex in Asaba.
Ukah, who expressed surprise that such an evil act will be carried out without anyone seeing the perpetrators, bared his mind on July 3, 2017 when he visited the section of the Ministry of Information in the premises to inspect the vandalized armoured cable.
The Commissioner for Information in company of the functioning Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Paul Osahor, who were conducted round by the Director of Printing Press in the ministry, Mr. Lucky Omokri, however said that it was a thing of joy that the hoodlums were unable to take the cable away.
Similarly, suspected armed robbers had last weekend, Saturday, July 01, 2017 reportedly invaded the Commissioners quarters in Asaba, the Delta State capital, stealing hundreds of cash and other valuables in the lodge.
The suspected armed robbers were said to have robbed two apartment in the Commissioners quarters unhindered.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Omatshola Williams and her Science and Technology counterpart, Mr. Joyce Overah were however said to have been away when the suspected robbers stormed their apartments.
The armed men were said to have gained access to the apartment of the Commissioner for Science and Technology and carted away an undisclosed amount of money and some valuables.
“It was a terrible situation that Saturday night. it was a silent operation. Till now, we don’t know how these armed robbers managed to beat security to find their way into the commissioners’ quarters here in the Government House”, one of the commissioners residing in the lodge who preferred anonymity told our correspondent.
Reacting to reports of the robbery incident, Media Assistant to the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Sam Ijeh, in a statement he issued in Asaba on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, said that what happened was a case of burglary in the commissioner’s quarters which was not successful.
He advised journalists to avoid reports capable of creating unnecessary tension, fear and atmosphere of insecurity, noting that the government of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is working assiduously with security agencies to ensure the protection of life and property of Deltans.
It could be recalled that sometime in August 2016, armed robbers invaded the Delta State Government House Annex in Warri and killed a driver who, in company with some staff of the Government House, had gone to the bank to make some withdrawals running into several millions of naira for officials of the Delta State Waterways Security Committee, who were holding a meeting at the Annex.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Aniamaka could not confirm the incidents. He wondered why the state government officials have not officially reported incidents of such magnanimity to the police.
“The military is not all about war but also a key player in community development.” –Lt. Col. M. Maaji Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji distributing books and writing materials to ststudent
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Lucky ATU:
KOKO: Respite came to the people of Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state on Thursday, July 06, 2017 when the 19 Battalion, Nigeria Army headed by the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. M. Maaji celebrated this year’s Nigerian Army Day with free medical outreach to the people of various Wards and communities in Warri North LGA.
Lt. Col. Maaji in his advise to the youths, opinion leaders, council of elders and chiefs present at the occassion, tasked everyone of the urgency to embrace peace.
According to him, “It is only in an atmosphere of peace that every government will provide the needed infrastructural development to his teaming population”, adding that “development is a profit from every atmosphere of peace.”
The Commanding Officer however said, “the various activities carried out by the 19 Battalion Tactical Command, Koko, which include the free medical outreach programme and distribution of books and writing materials to the various schools in Warri North LGA is a testimony that the military is not all about war but also a key player in community development.”
Lt. Col. Maaji, who thanked the gallant soldiers of the 19 Battalion for their professional display so far and commitments to combating militancy, kidnapping and youths restiveness in the Niger Delta region, disclosed that this year’s celebration was unique with different activities, like the Jumat prayers for peace in the nation and Church Thanksgiving service among others.
Speaking on behalf of the Community, Chairman of Koko Community Management Authority (KCMA), Engr. David Esimaje Oniyeburuthan thanked the koko Commanding Officer for the initiatives of the military which has brought succour to the people and provided a lifetime benefit on the need to embrace education rather than violence.
The high point of the occasion was the distribution of books and writing materials and the free medical outreach.
The Nigerian Army Day is an annual event typically held on 6 July in honour of members of the Nigerian Army, especially those that took part in the World War I and World War II as well as those that lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War and the current serving member of the Nigerian Army. Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji distributing books and writing materials to ststudent Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji with students of Ojomba, Aguarajo and other schools in koko, Warri North LGA Commanding Officer 19 Battalion, Lt. Col. M. Maaji with members who came for medical check up.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Eyeball To Eyeball: Sir Moses Agboro, PG Emevor Community welcomes Dr Ogaga Ifowodo, NDDC Commissioner representing Delta state to Emevor Community.
The President General of Emevor community, Sir Moses Agboro has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for its efforts in the areas of road construction, especially with the assurance of commencement of work on the Emevor/Orogun road.
The President General gave the commendation in a welcome address to the NDDC Commissioner representing Delta state, Dr Ogaga Ifowodo who was on Project Inspection Tour to the Emevor/Orogun road on Saturday, June 17, 2017.
Sir Agboro who acknowledged the “imposing presence of NDDC projects in the community” further said “the construction of the Emevor/Orogun road is one project that is dear to the heart of all Emevor people at home and in diaspora.”
While charging the commissioner for the speedy completion of the project once commenced, Sir Agboro said “you will agree with us that mere award of the project, even though it is a critical aspect of the process that will lead to the realisation of the project, except there is a deliberate decision by your commission to treat the project as a priority and fund it in view of our yearning, it can remain on-going as long as it can be. We therefore seriously pray you to use your good office to ensure speedy completion of this project.”
Speaking, the commissioner, Dr Ogaga Ifowodo said NDDC is committed to its mandate and would ensure that the project is delivered.
In his word he said “though this project has been awarded before I assumed office, the new board has resolved to ensure all ongoing projects, particularly those up to 60 percent gets 70 percent of the 2017 budget to ensure their completion, while those awarded and work has not commenced get the remaining 30 percent and subsequently ensured they are completed.”
He said though the contractor for the phase 3 and 4 has mobilised to site, he assured that as soon as the contract papers have been finalised, work would commence in the phase 2 and 3 and would be completed. Dr Ogaga Ifowodo (left) and Sir Moses Agboro inspecting the Emevor/Orogun Road
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – President Buhari
THE Niger Delta Indigenous Movement for Radical Change (NDIMRC), weekend said that the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board ( NCDMB) was not playing ethnic politics.
It would be recalled that the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill recently accused the Board of being biased.
But the oil monitoring group, NDIMRC dismissed the accusation, describing the Board as transparent and serving the interests of all Nigerians and fingered Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards for being behind the accusation.
In a press statement signed by its President, Nelly Emma, Secretary, John Sailor and Public Relations Office (PRO) Stanley Mukoro, the group gave the Board a clean bill of health, saying that the Lagos based Contractors do not want anything good for the oil-rich Niger Delta Region.
According to the group, the Board is on course and had never deviated from the Federal Government’s policy on the development of local content.
“We want to express our disappointment with the recent accusation against the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) by the Coordinator, 4BetaNija, Bapakaye Georgewill. The Board is on course with its mandate of developing Nigerian Content holistically. It is not true that the Board has aligned itself exclusively with certain private interests and not also championing the cause of one section of Nigeria to the detriment of all others. The Board is not being sectional, regional or promoting tribal interests to the detriment of other qualified parts or people of Nigeria. These are cheap blackmail, calculated to paint the Board in a bad light”, the group said.
The group added that;”The management of the Board is not playing ethnic politics by directing that companies in the sector move their operations to a particular region. We want to make the coordinator of 4BetaNija to know that it was the directive of the Federal Government to multinational oil companies to relocate to their host States and so it is wrong for the Board to be accused of carrying out tribal, ethnic or regional sentiments on the relocation of oil companies to their host States. This directive of the Federal Government must be enforced”.
According to the group also;”To the best of our knowledge, NCDMB has been transparent in the protection of all Nigerians and never for once favour a particular ethnic group or private investor. The activities of the Board are not partisan.The Board has been fair to all Nigerians and the records are there for all to see. The coordinator of 4BetaNija should not deceive Nigerians and should endeavor to get his facts right”.
The oil monitoring group said it was not true that the Board has taken over the mandate of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), adding that;” The Board is fulfilling it’s mandate of developing local content and not in any competition with the NDDC in the development of the Niger Delta region. We want to make it clear to the coordinator of 4BetaNija and his sponsors that the Board that we know very well is not biased in anyway”.
“The present Board appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari is doing a good job, the current Board is doing the right thing as being directed by the Minister of state for Petroleum.Those behind the accusation against the NCDMB are hired by very well known Lagos Contractors and they are doing all this because they have come to realised that President Buhari wants nothing but the best for the sector and doing everything possible to frustrate the efforts of the Federal Government.These Lagos based Contractors with Fabrication yards who do not want the good of the Niger Delta Region should be watched, they should be investigated properly”, the group stated.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Dennis Otu
A journalist per excellence, author and prominent reggae promoter, Mr. Dennis Otu has been appointed by the Delta state government, as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff Oborevwori (JP), MNIM.
Otu’s appointment takes effect from May 11, 2017, the anniversary day of Robert Nester “Bob” Marley and same day his boss, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff Oborevwori (JP), MNIM, became the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly in an unavoidable change in the Leadership of the state legislature.
An appointment letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon Festus Ovie Agas, dated June 15, 2017 and entitled; “Appointment As Chief Press Secretary” read thus:
“I am pleased to convey to you, your appointment as Chief Press Secretary to Rt. Hon. (Chief) Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, (JP), MNIM, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, with effect from May 11, 2017. Your appointment, which is at the instance of the Speaker, is tied to his tenure”.
Until his appointment, Dennis Otu was the Warri Bureau Chief of The Delta State Government owned Newspaper, THE POINTER and the Vice Chairman, Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He bagged a bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communication from the Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State. He also attended the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Jos Campus, Plateau State and Institute of Journalism, Benin City, Edo State.
In a bid to further improve his professional credentials, he attended the famous Thompson Reuters Foundation, London where he did Writing and News Reporting.
At the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, he studied Advanced Writing And Reporting Skills at School of Media and Communication, as well as The Master Class In Oil and Gas Reporting.
Mr Otu who has since resumed duties is author of several books, including; Olivia Agbajoh: Portrait Of An Achiever; Dr Emmanuel Urhobo: Humanist And Legal Luminary; DORA and others.
He is married with three children and loves Reggae music, reading, writing and swimming.
Meanwhile, Speaker Oborevwori has also appointed Hon Okan Francis and Mr Freeborn Eghagha as Chief of Staff and Special Assistant to the Speaker on ICT respectively.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
The Delta State Government has approved the completion of outstanding works and spectators stand/tartan track of Asaba Township Stadium, Asaba.
This was one of the decisions taken during the state Executive Council meeting held in Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
The approval is in fulfilment of the pledge made by the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, that the stadium will host an international athletics competition next year.
Speaking after the meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, said that approval was also given for the renovation/reconstruction of infrastructural facilities at Urhobo College, Effurun, Uwvie Local Government Area, as well as the revalidation of contract approval and payment for additional works for the construction, furnishing and equipping of Model Primary School, Burutu, in Burutu Local Government Area.
The two approvals are a manifestation of the determination of the state government to give children of school age quality education in a conducive learning environment, Mr. Ukah revealed.
According to the Commissioner for Information, the council further approved the revalidation of the improvement and expansion works of the water supply scheme in Bomadi.
This is in addition to the approval of the construction of Trans Warri/Ode-Itsekiri Bridges and access roads (completion of 12.8 km main alignment) in a bid to link the riverine communities in that axis to the cities of Warri and Effurun, and the approval of the dualization of old Lagos-Asaba road from Emuhu junction to Agbor-Obi in Ika North East and Ika South Local Government Areas.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Hon. Julius Egbedi, flanked by Hon Frank Ebikeme (SA Agriculture Matters) and Hon Kelvin Ekenmili (SA Special Duties) making the presentation.
Seventy-nine successful Welding and Fabrication graduates in the Delta state government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), have been enjoined to complement the good gesture of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa by putting their starter packs to effective use and engaging other youths who are yearning to be removed from the labour market.
The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Agriculture, Hon. Julius Egbedi, gave the cousel during the presentation of Welding and Fabrication equipment to the 79 beneficiaries of the programme on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in Asaba.
While informing them that welding and fabrication is a laudable enterprise, he urged them to use the opportunity in contributing to the economic development of Delta state and also become good ambassadors of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s unrelenting determination to create wealth for Deltans through entrepreneurial skills and self reliance.
According to him, “This is a milestone in job creation and you have been given a life time support and package. The only way you can show gratitude to the governor is by utilizing them effectively and being successful in your various endeavours.
“Today you have been removed from the labour market by being provided with this entrepreneurial task to become self sufficient. You will also need to assist others by engaging them in your enterprise.”
The beneficiaries were urged to prepare assiduously for the forthcoming business exhibition in the state, which would afford entrepreneurs opportunity in marketing and showcasing of finished products, services and new inventions to the global community.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Efe Okoro expressed gratitude to the state government for the great offer and promised that the starter packs would be put to good use for the betterment and economic development of their families, communities and Delta state.
Items received by beneficiaries include industrial diesel generators, welding machines and welding and fabrication tools as well as financial grants and allowances.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of starter packs to 79 beneficiaries by Hon. Julius Egbedi, who was supported by Hon Frank Ebikeme (SA Agriculture Matters) and Hon Kelvin Ekenmili (SA Special Duties).
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: The Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh making presentation
In line with his policy of “Strategic Wealth Creation and Provision of Jobs for all Deltans”, Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has encouraged the 101 successful graduands in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) to use their new profession as a boost to the emerging entrepreneurial economic development of the state.
The governor stated this while presenting starter packs to the 101 beneficiaries of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), engaged in Fashion Design and Tailoring and Electrical Installations and Repairs, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in Asaba.
Represented by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, Governor Okowa encouraged them to be innovative and creative in their entrepreneurial engagements, having intimated them of the forthcoming business exhibition in the state, which would afford entrepreneurs opportunity in marketing and showcasing of finished products, services and new inventions to the global community.
Overwhelmed with excitement, the 101 trainees of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), engaged in Fashion Design and Tailoring and Electrical Installations and Repairs, lauded the efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in creating a strong economic base for youths in Delta state.
Responding on behalf of beneficiaries in the Fashion Design and Tailoring programme, Miss Sandra Uwaje, who appealed to Deltans to give Governor Okowa another opportunity to govern the state for another four year tenure, expressed gratitude to the state government for the great offer which she said they got on a platter of gold and appealed for continuity.
Also responding on behalf of beneficiaries in Electrical Installations and Repairs, Mr. Reuben Oji promised that the determination to put their starter packs to use have been given a boost by the youth empowerment and development gesture of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Items received by beneficiaries in Fashion Design and Tailoring include industrial weaving machines, generators, industrial sewing machines, cutting table, pressing iron as well as financial grants and allowances while beneficiaries in Electrical Installations and Repairs were given electric drilling machines, generators, adjustable aluminium ladder, electrical tools as well as financial grants and allowances.
Highlight of the event was the handing over of starter packs to 64 persons in Fashion Design/Tailoring and 37 persons in Electrical Installations and Repairs respectively by the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori
THE Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has called on leaders of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Sapele Local Government Area of the State to go back to their wards and units and more members for the party just as he appealed to them to live in unity and sustain the thriving peace in the area.
He made the call on Tuesday when he played host to members of Team Okowa Again 2019 from Sapele, led by Hon Austin Ayemidejor at the Press Centre of the State Assembly Complex.
According to the Speaker, despite the paucity of funds bedeviling the economy, the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has not reneged on bringing to fruition his campaign promises even as he assured Deltans of more as the government proceed through the second half of the dispensation.
The Speaker who was flanked by Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta, Hon Tim Owhefere, Hon. Pat Ajudua, Hon. Festus Okoh, Hon. Eric Oharisi, Hon Emeka Elekeokwuri and Hon Evance Ivwurie, commended the group for their dexterity and promised to support them, urging them to forgive and forget any grievance between them.
“On June 23, 2017, we are coming to Sapele for a mega rally. It is only in unity we can stand. We will continue to support this team. I am aware of what the Governor is doing in Sapele. We must continue to support him. I am amazed with the crowd. We must increase our quantum of political evangelism. We must go back to our wards and units to win more souls for our Party. If by 2019 the people that came here today work in their own area, they canvass in their area for votes, I believe that the result we got in 2015 will be a child’s play because 2019 will be something else.
“What we want is Peace, we have that peace in Sapele and we want to sustain that peace. I want us to live together. The kingdom is one, Okpe today is one, we have only one King and the people there live together and we love ourselves. We should sustain this unity.
“I am aware of what the state governor is doing in Sapele, the dualization and others. Some jobs are ongoing and some have also been completed and I believe that with what the Governor has achieved, what you have to pay him is to return him back in 2019, ” the Speaker reiterated.
Earlier, National Coordinator, Team Okowa, Hon Austin Ayemidejor, congratulated Rt Hon Oborevwori on his emergence as Speaker which he described as liberation to the people of Sapele and stressed that his emergence caused a monumental whirl wind of jubilation inSapele, adding that the group’s visit was to identify with his leadership and to declare their support
According to him, the group was formed on the fact that despite the huge economic setback Governor Okowa has defined himself as a leader who know his onions.
“We have come to pay solidarity visit to you and to celebrate you. You have always been with us, supported us, cooperated with us, lifted us up in your own way. Even before you became a member of the Assembly, as a Special Adviser, as a community leader, as the Ukodo of the Okpe kingdom. We are not here to bore you with speeches, but to let you know that you have our support”, he said.
” God in his infinite wisdom, he said, has elevated the Speaker at this critical time to liberate Deltans.
The leader of the group who praised the emergence of the speaker stated thus, “Your emergence caused a monumental whirlwind of celebration and jubilation across the length and breadth of Sapele. Your emergence can be likened to the fall of the walls of Jericho. We are not going to mince words, we will be very blunt, very courageous and bold.
“Let me re-echo that as you have contributed immensely to the transformation of Okpe kingdom, that you should also bring the wealth of experience to the state to assist the Governor in transforming Delta State.”
The group declared their total support for the second term ambition of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa come 2019 because his overwhelming achievements even in the face of scarce resources, should be appreciated by all.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Ejaife Odebala who was part of the delegation said that Team Okowa Again are people who are happy with Governor Okowa assuring that members of the Team will do their best to support the Governor always.
He reiterated that Sapele was excited on the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as the Speaker of the Delta Assembly and acknowledged his elevation as God’s design.
High point of the visit was the presentation of Team Okowa Again T-shirt and Face cap to the Speaker which he quickly put on in confirmation of his believe with the group’s vision.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
Following the Federal Government’s release of a state-by-state breakdown of the first tranche of Paris Club refunds paid to date, amounting to over N516.38 billion, facts have however emerged that Delta state ranked among five states that got the highest amount of refund from the Federal Government.
The details were contained in a statemeof issued on Friday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Nai’Inna Salisu Dambatta.
The states are Rivers N34.92bn, Delta N27.6bn, Akwa Ibom N25.98bn, Bayelsa N24.89bn and Kano N21.7bn.
Analysis of the payment schedule showed that these five states got a total sum of N135.09bn representing 26.1 per cent of the entire amount refunded by the Federal Government to all the states.
This was followed by Lagos N16.74bn, Katsina N16.4bn, Kaduna N15.44bn, Borno N14.68bn, Jigawa N14.2bn, Imo N14.01bn, Niger N14.42bn, Bauchi N13.75bn, Sokoto N12.88bn and Osun N12.62bn.
Others are Cross River N12.15bn, Anambra N12.24bn, Edo N12.18bn, Kebbi N11.95bn, Kogi N11.05bn,Abia N11.43bn, Ogun N11.47bn, Plateau N11.28bn.
The rest are Adamawa N10.25bn, Benue N13.7bn, Ondo N14.01bn, Taraba N9.32bn and Federal Capital Territory N1.36bn.
According to Salisu Dambatta’s statement, the payments were made to the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) upon the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari on November 21, 2016 in partial settlement of long-sanding claims by state governments relating to over-deductions from their Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation for external debt service arising between 1995 and 2002.
It reads in part, “The funds were released to state government as part of the wider efforts to stimulate the economy and were specifically designed to support states in meeting salary and other obligations, thereby alleviating the challenges faced by workers.
“The releases were conditional upon a minimum of 50 per cent being applied to the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions. The Federal Ministry of Finance is reviewing the impact of these releases on the level of arrears owed by state governments.”
Meanwhile, these details have been cleverly contained by government officials in Delta state, due to incessant clamouring and protests by aggrieved workers and pensioners over huge debts in arrears of salaries, pensions and other emoluments.
While some key stakeholders in the Delta state had sought for the effective utilization of the funds and called on the Federal Government to ensure proper supervision on how the states would use the first tranche of the Paris club refund, an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had argued that the Federal government is not supposed to dictate for the the States how to spend the money, hence the state is bound to define its priorities and apply these funds in line with its own priorities.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
The Delta State Government has approved the award of a contractor-financed road project to Mutual Commitment Company Limited, in addition to the award of contracts for seven other roads across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
The company is to handle the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Umunede/Otolokpo/Ute-Okpu/Ekuku-Agbor/Ndemili/Obeti/Umutu Road in Ika North East, Ika South, Ndokwa West and Ukwuani Local Government Areas.
This decision was taken on Tuesday during the State Executive Council meeting held in Government House, Asaba.
According to the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, the approvals are in fulfilment of the electioneering campaign promises made by the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
The EXCO also approved the variation of the contract for the construction of Joseph Ebolo and Madonna School Road in Asaba because of additional work to be carried out by the contractor.
Other roads approved are the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Obutobo 1 – Obutobo 11 – Sokeboluo – Yokri Road in Burutu Local Government Area, rehabilitation of Jesse/Boboroku Road in Ethiope West and the rehabilitation of Issele – Uku (from Obi’s Palace junction) to Onicha Ugbo Road in Aniocha North.
Mr. Ukah further stated that the EXCO further approved the construction of Ovivi-Olomu/Egodo Road, Ughelli South, construction of Okwagbe/Otutuama/Esaba Road (Phase 1: from Okwagbe to first bridge) in Ughelli South and the construction of Okotomi Road/Obi Okonkwo Crescent/Pato Okonkwo Chukwuemeka Lane/part of Samuel Dietake Street/Diokpa Bishop Odu Street, off Okpanam Road, in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori during a press briefing to mark the Second anniversary of the Sixth Assembly on Thursday, June 7, 2017
Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has commended the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for inspiring the co-operative spirit existing between various arms of Government in Delta State.
Oborevwori who stated this during a press briefing to mark the Second anniversary of the Sixth Assembly on Thursday, June 7, 2017, promised that the legislature would reciprocate the benevolent and supportive attitude of the Executive arm by giving prompt attention to passage of bills.
“I want to commend His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State for his support to the Sixth Assembly. I promise that the Legislature would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm of Government.”
He also noted that the legislature’s vision for Deltans is to ensure that the Assembly is on one page by making laws and performing oversight functions for the delivery of democracy dividends to the people of the state, insisting that “The House is one and intact.”
The Speaker stated that as members of the Sixth Assembly, they will continue to keep faith with their core duty of law making which is aimed at promoting order and good governance in Delta State, adding that the Sixth Assembly of the State is determined to improve on its performances as it enters the Third Legislative year.
“In the next parliamentary years, the House will ensure that it retains its focus. It will engage in deliberations and matters that would improve the fortune of Deltans.
“We are aware that Deltans are looking forward to the delivery of more dividends of democracy, and it is in our place to make that happen. Despite the harsh economic situation which has affected service delivery, the House remains committed to providing effective representation to our constituencies. We cannot afford to fail our people. We will continue to do that which is expected of us as lawmakers.”
He said that the House, under his leadership has continued to move on against all odds despite a few legislative challenges, which had been put to rest.
” I want to state here that as an arm of Government, the House has undergone some challenges. But by God’s grace, we have scaled the hurdles. Despite the May 11, 2017 unavoidable change in the Leadership of the House, Deltans should be rest assured that Members are united more than ever to take on the task ahead.”
Highlighting the achievements of the House within its Second legislative year, the Speaker disclosed that the House received a total of 34 Bills with 12 of the Bills already assented to and 6 awaiting the Governor’s assent.
“I wish to place on record that the Sixth assembly has performed credibly well by all standards. The house received a total of Thirty-Four (34) bills, of which, Ten (10) were Executive and twenty-Four (24) were Private Member Bills. A total of Twelve (12) Bills have been assented to while Six (6) Bills are awaiting assent; and Seventeen (17) Bills are at committee stage.”
The Bills Assented to during the Second year include; Delta State Economic planning Council (Amendment) Law, 2015; Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Law, 2016; Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Law, 2016; Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Hostage Taking law, 2016; Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism law, 2016 and Delta State Scholarship Board law, 2016.
Others are, Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement agency Law, 2015; Delta State Public procurement Commission Agency Law, 2015; Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs (Amendment) Law, 2016; Delta State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2016; Delta State Appropriation Law, 2017 and Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency (Amendment) Law 2017.
A SPEECH BY THE SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. (CHIEF) SHERIFF F. O. OBOREVWORI (JP) MNIM, AT THE PRESS BRIEFING TO MARK THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE 6TH ASSEMBLYOF THE DELTA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2017.
Gentlemen of the Press,
On behalf of my distinguished colleagues, I gladly welcome you to this press briefing on the activities of the House in the past one year as we mark the second anniversary of the Sixth (6th) assembly.
Let me start by appreciating your role as members of the fourth estate of the realm in promoting the activities and deliberations of the House.
The role of the press in a democratic dispensation cannot be over emphasized; that is why the Legislative arm of Government holds the media in a very high esteem. I want to express our gratitude to the media for their coverage of the activities of the House. We, however,enjoin our vibrant journalists in Delta State to shun speculative stories that would erode their credibility. Let me implore our gentlemen of the Press to always cross-check their facts from our offices which are indeed open to them before going to Press.
I want to state here that as an arm of Government, the House has
undergone some challenges. But by God’s grace, we have scaled the hurdles. Despite the May 11, 2017 unavoidable change in the
Leadership of the House, Deltans should be rest assured that Members are united more than ever to take on the task ahead.
As members of the Sixth Assembly, we will continue to keep faith with our duties of law making aimed at promoting order and good
governance in Delta State. �
It is in pursuant of our role as lawmakers and representatives of our people, I wish to place on record that the Sixth Assembly has performed credibly well by all standards. I now present our score card during the period under review:
1. The House received a total of thirty four (34) bills, of which, ten
(10) were Executive and twenty four (24) were Private Member
Bills.
2. A total of Twelve (12) Bills have been assented to
3. Six (6) Bills are awaiting assent; and
4. Seventeen (17) Bills are at committee stage.
Bills Assented to include
1. Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment ) Law, 2015;
2. Delta State Advisory council on the Prerogative of Mercy Law,
2016;
3. Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment ) Law; 2016
4. Delta State Anti-Kidnapping and Hostage Taking Law, 2016;
5. Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Law, 2016;
6. Delta State Scholarship Board Law, 2016;
7. Delta State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency Law,
2015;
8. Delta State Public Procurement Commission Agency Law, 2015;
9. Delta State Traditional Rulers and Chiefs (Amendment) Law, 2016;
10. Delta State Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Law, 2016;
11. Delta State Appropriation Law, 2017
12. Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency
(Amendment )Law 2017�
The Following Bills Are Awaiting Assent:
1. Delta State Bureau for Lands Instrument Preparation Charges Bill,
2015
2. Delta State Agency for Control of HIV/AIDS Bill, 2016
3. Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill, 2016
4. Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority
(Amendment) Bill, 2017
5. Delta State College of Education Mosogar Bill, 2016
6. Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016
Bills At Committee Stages are:
1. Delta State Collection of Metal/Steel Scraps fees Bill, 2015
2. Delta State Consumer Rights Protection Agency Bill, 2016
3. Delta State Illegal and Unauthorised Collection of Levy and
Extortion (Prohibition) Bill, 2016
4. Delta State Centre for Rural and Social Development Studies
Otorho, Abraka, Bill, 2017
5. Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Bill, 2016
6. Delta State Regulatory Committee for the Registration of all
Equipment Leases Bill, 2017
7. Delta State Bureau for Statistics Bill, 2017
8. Delta State Hotels and Restaurants Bill, 2016
9. Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidated (Amendment) Bill,
2016
10. Delta State Special Offences Court Bill, 2016
11. Delta State Forestry Development (Private Participation) and
Forestry Trust Fund Bill, 2016
12. Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill, 2016
13. Delta State Water Bill, 2016�
14. Delta State Private Education Institution Bill, 2016
15. Delta State Environmental Management Bill, 2016
16. Delta State Regulation of Smoking in Public Places Bill, 2016
17. Delta State Consumption Tax Bill, 2017
Other Bills are at various stages, either in first or second reading.
Two (2) bills were withdrawn by leave of the House while one (1)
failed at first reading.
Gentlemen of the Press, the House of Assembly is aware that Deltans are looking forward to the delivery of more dividends of democracy, and it is in our place to make that happen. Despite the harsh economic situation which has affected service delivery, the House remains committed to providing effective representation to our constituencies. We cannot afford to fail our people. We will continue to do that which is expected of us as lawmakers.
I want to commend His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi
Okowa, the Governor of Delta State for his support to the Sixth
Assembly. His favourable disposition towards the progress of this House is essentially inspired by the co-operative spirit existing between various arms of government in Delta State. On our part, we will continue to reciprocate the benevolent attitude of the Executive arm by giving prompt attention to passage of bills. In a speech I delivered after my emergence as Speaker, I promised that the Legislature would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the Executive arm of Government. I restate that promise here today.
We are determined more than ever to improve on our performance
as we enter into the third legislative year. �
In the next parliamentary years, the House will ensure that it retains its focus. It will engage in deliberations and matters that would improve the fortune of Deltans.
Finally, let me thank my distinguished colleagues for their
unflinching support and perseverance in the way they have
conducted themselves as we march towards the attainment of our
laid down goals. In the same vein, I want to extend gratitude to the Clerk and Staff of the Assembly for their wonderful cooperation. We will remain resolute in our collective goal of providing effective representation. We will continue to engage and consult with our people to allow them participate fully in the legislative process.
Distinguished gentlemen of the Press, permit me to once again thank you for the support given to the House during the year under review.
This unique support by the Press has been steady and unconditional, and we encourage you to always assist the House to play its constitutional role.
God Bless Delta State House of Assembly
God Bless Delta State
God Bless Nigeria
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
It is no longer news that Delta state government, under the governance of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is grappling with the premonition on how to either assist or pay up salaries of local government workers. What is news now is how would the SMART governor achieve this under the current economic meltdown and attendant recession in the state and country.
Meanwhile, most staff of local governments in the state have developed angst against the government for initiating this plot to downsize workers, even as they point accusing fingers at the governor, who had vehemently urged them to carry their own cross.
A statement sstatement signed by Mr. Paul Osahor, Director of information in Delta state give details on how to achieve this feat:
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public particularly staff of the Unified Local Government Service and Local Government Education Authorities in Delta State, that in continuation of the ongoing Staff Verification Exercise in Local Government Councils and Local Government Education Authorities across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, the Delta State Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) have commenced the Electronic Attendance Register (Clock-in and clock-out) for Staff of Local Government Councils and Local Government Education Authorities in the State.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance effective, accurate and timely record keeping in the State Unified Local Government Service Local Government Education Authority and not to witch hunt or victimize the staff of the Local Government Councils nor the primary school teachers.
All staff are expected in this new system, to clock in with thick finger print upon resumption of duty in the morning, after the long break and clock out at the close of work.
The Delta State Civil Service Commission shall monitor the exercise and ensure compliance in the various Local Government Councils, while the State Universal Education (SUBEB) will monitor and ensure compliance in the Local Government Education Authorities.
Accordingly, staff and stakeholders in the State Unified Local Government Service and the Local Government Education Authorities are by this announcement enjoined to abide by this directive and to work closely with relevant authorities for the successful implementation of the new system in order to actualise the government’s commitment to ensure efficiency in the local government Service and Local Government Education Authorities.”
LECTURERS in the three polytechnics in Delta State, under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, have begun an indefinite strike action over unresolved labour issues with the state government.
The lectures are also accusing the state government of unduly dismissing the ASUP chairman of Delta State Polytechnic, Oghwashi-Uku, Tobechukwu Ogidi. The union, in a statement by the President and Public Relations Officer of the state polytechnic Otefe-Oghara, Collins Oniyemofe and Nyore Mowarin respectively, said: “The purpose of the strike is to drive home our demands with the state government over unresolved labour disputes. “At this latitude, the union has directed its members to withdraw their services.”
The demands, according to the union, include the non- implementation of the Revised Scheme of Service for Polytechnics and other similar tertiary institutions in Nigeria and resumption of promotion from CONTESS 11 to 13 that was abruptly stopped without recourse. Others are the non- implementation of Migration of Technologists on CONTISS 12 and above since 2009, non implementation of Migration of staff on CONTISS 11 and below, non-payment of promotion arrears since 2014, unlawful withholding of cooperative cheques and union dues as well as the acquisition of Ph.D as prerequisite for promotion to the post of chief lecturer even without prior notice. *Courtesy: Vanguard
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Chief Job Creation Officer presents starter packs to beneficiaries
In continuation of the handing out of starter packs to beneficiaries of its job creation programmes, the Delta State Government has established STEPreneurs trained in Plumbing; Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Services and Furniture & Upholstery in their enterprises.
The 83 beneficiaries all youths were trained for six months by the State Government under its Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP).
Presenting the starter packs to the beneficiaries, the State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, congratulated them for the successful completion of their trainings in different training centres across the state.
Governor Okowa said the various successes recorded in the job creation programmes are indications of a promise fulfilled, pointing out that the programme is well thought out right from the inception of his administration. He said the programme is built on integrity and discipline.
Represented by the State Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof Eric Eboh, Governor Okowa stated that the STEPreneurs trained for three months have all received their starter packs to begin their enterprises, stressing that the handing out of starter packs to those in Plumbing, Upholstery and ICT Services marks the establishment of those trained for six months. Furniture and Upholstery kits
According to him, “This is a turning point for you, the end of a phase and the beginning of another phase. It is hoped that this phase will trigger you to the place we want you to be, which is the place of success”
While stating that their starter packs are of two components, namely a Non-Repayable Job Creation Grant and a Repayable Microcredit, he said 65 STEPreneurs in ICT Services were established with a HP Laptop; a Sumec Firman 2900 Generator; a Printer LaserJet HP 130A; a Micro Workstation Tool Kit; a #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
15 STEPreneurs in Plumbing received a Threading Dice and Accessories; Drilling Machine; Standing Vice”; Shifting Spanner (12”); Hack Saw (Iron Head); Saw Blade (Sandflex Roll); Big Trowel; Head Pan; Hammer; Chisel; Tapping Hammer; Spade (Elephant); Plumbs; Pipe Range, 2 pieces; #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
In the same vein, the starter packs for 3 STEPreneurs in Furniture and Upholstery were a Sewing Machine (Protes Brand for Leather); a Sumec Firman 2900 Generator; a Drilling Machine (Bosch, 13mm); Screwing Machine (Raider); Manual Spray Machine GX 160 5HP; Hand Held Plaining Machine=Iron Jack RSI Plane No 4); Hand Saw; Hammer; 25ft Tape; 12” G-Clamp; 10” Tirman Snip Scissors; Chisel, Pinches; #100,000.00 Cash Allowance and three months stipend of #10,000.00 per month.
He disclosed that the Office of the Chief Job creation officer in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency and the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring would organize a world class fair for YAGEPreneurs and STEPreneurs to showcase their products, challenging them to be innovative and creative so as to market their products and services to the world.
Also, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. (Mrs) Mary Iyasere, admonished the beneficiaries to make good use of their starter packs in order to sustain and grow their business to become great entrepreneurs.Plumbing
She said the State Government has fulfilled his promise to them, urging them to play their own role well by justifying the confidence reposed in them and to satisfy their customers which according to her is the secret of business success.
On his part, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties and a member of the Directorate of Youth Monitoring and Mentoring, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwueyenga likened them to the Biblical profitable servants, advising them to work hard to double their capital investment.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Adjohwenyo Igho, who hails from Ethiope East Local Government Area and was trained in ICT Services, expressed their profound gratitude to the State Government and all relevant stakeholders who made the programme a success, with a pledge to work hard to grow their enterprises and to contribute meaningfully to the development of Delta State.
