Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA : Mr. Emmanuel Ogwuda, C.E.O. Chronicle Hotels
The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta state may have caught a rare personality who believes in selfless community service, as Mr. Emmanuel Nduka Ogwuda has been received as full time member of the party in Ward 09, Okpanam in Oshimili North local government of Delta state.
This development is coming on the heels of the determination of the APC to wrest political power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the forthcoming polls, especially the local government elections in the state.
Receiving the new entrant, APC Chairman in Oshimili North local government area, Deacon Peter Umerah and Ward 09 Chairman, Mr. Godwin Nwalie described Mr. Emmanuel Nduka Ogwuda as God fearing, humanitarian and philanthropist, with a hind sight for selfless community service and poise for massive infrastructure development of the community, state and country.
While urging members of the party to rally round the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections, they acknowledged that Mr. Ogwuda’s decision to join the APC was a wise one, considering his wealth of experience, humility and great concern for the reorientation of the people’s views of governance.
In his acceptance speech at the APC Secretariat, on Sunday, January 22, 2016, Mr. Emmanuel Nduka Ogwuda, who paid glowing tributes to former Mid-Western Premier, Chief Dennis Osadebey; Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzogwu; ace publisher, Chief Chris Okolie and present day politician, Barr. Ben Okonkwo, said “I saw hope in APC and that is why I am here.”
He however took a swipe at the past and present representatives of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituencies at the National Assembly, who he claimed have deliberately contributed to the denial of the people’s right to good living, social amenities, infrastructure growth, affordable and standard education and health facilities through gross negligence in their legislative assignments.
He therefore called on the Federal and state governments to as a matter of urgency, fast rack the establishment of a Federal Government funded University to be named after the former Premier of the defunct Midwestern region, Chief Dennis Osadebey, to give Delta state the same rights being enjoyed by other former Premiers, like Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Western Region) with Obafemi Awolowo University; Alhaji Ahmadu Bello (Northern Region) with Ahmadu Bello University and Chief Michael Okpara (Eastern Region) with Michael Okpara University.
He lamented that the lobsidedness in the arrangement has left Chief Dennis Osadebey, who hails from Asaba, present day Delta state capital, unsung by Delta state and Federal Government, adding that Delta state has become the only state in Nigeria without a Federal University, motorable roads and a state owned Gereral Hospital.
According to the Asaba based hospitality businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Chronicle Hotels Limited, the presence of a Federal University and a state owned Gereral Hospital would enhance productivity by generating employment, enhanced education and improved health services.
Mr. Ogwuda also stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led government in Delta state has only succeeded at further creating divisions within the state by creating obnoxious laws through executive and legislative bills which would further undermine the overall interest of some communities’ rights to equality and fairness in the sharing of resources accruing to the state from the Federal government.
He pledged to embark on a massive mobilization of Deltans, devoid of political party affiliations, through regular town hall meetings, to sensitize the people around the laudable vision to achieve the desired change needed for community, state and national growth.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Mr. Emmanuel Ogwuda, C.E.O. Chronicle Hotels
A Delta based hospitality businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Chronicle Hotels in Asaba, Delta state capital, Mr. Emmanuel Ogwuda, has decried the present decay in the Nigerian education sector.
The retired school teacher who hails from Ogbodogba Quarters in Okpanam, Oshimili North local government area of Delta state said:
“The teaching profession which used to be a noble one is pesently in decay. There are no teachers and there are no schools. The only way to revive the education system is to put in place well educated students, ensure regular payment of wages and provide conducive teaching environment. We need a complete renewal of our system, our direction, commitment of the government and the society.
He mentioned that the hand over of schools to the Missions was not well thought out by Delta state government. According to him, “The Missionaries on their own were doing well already. They had various schools they were managing. They were complementing government’s efforts. Government is in place to provide social services and government has all it takes to get it turn round. Before it was handed over, the public schools were doing well. The problem is that of management that we have to look into seriously. ”
On whether the dwindling oil revenue accruing to Delta state as a result of the fall in global oil prizes was responsible for the decay in the education system, Mr. Ogwuda said “There is no amount of money that is enough for any man, not to talk of government. There was a time in this nation when oil was N11 a barrel, we did not go on air. What is important is commitment and careful management of resources and you will achieve your set goals and objectives.”
He noted that apart from liberty and freedom of speech which was alien to Nigerians before Nigeria’s independence, democracy has not been able to provide the expected general infrastructure development as anticipated by Nigerians but added that with time and with the right people in place, the right things would be put in place.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Prosper EDO : Presentation of a letter of appreciation to Bashorun Askia Ogieh
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Ogieh, JP, KSJI, CNA, has lauded the patriotism of the organizers of Isoko Health Foundation Medical Fair for attending to the health challenges of Isoko people.
Bashorun Ogieh stated this during a thank you visit by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation, Dr. Lawrence Adu, represented by a member of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Emmanuel Ajiri Ojo, today 17th January, 2017.
Recall that in May 2016, Bashorun Askia Ogieh sponsored the Isoko Health Foundation Medical Fair where free medical treatment for Isoko people was carried out at Owhelogbo and Uzere as host communities respectively.
The DESOPADEC EDFA acknowledged the visit and commended the patriotism of members of the organisation who have painstakingly put together huge financial and human resources to allay the health challenges of the Isoko people.
“I was impressed to hear from beneficiaries about the benefits of the Free Health Programme. Because of the benefits of the programme on the health of the Isoko people, I have decided to continue to partner this organization in subsequent Medical Fair”, the UDU 1 of Uzere Kingdom declared.
Highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a letter of appreciation to Bashorun Askia Ogieh for sponsoring the 2nd Edition of the Medical Fair.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo (Left); Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Right) and His Majesty Ogiame Ikenwoli the Olu of Warri (middle), during the Vice President one day working visit to Delta State.
NIGERIA’s Vice President, Prof. Yomi Osinbajo has decried the neglect of the Niger Delta over the years and urged the people of the area to ensure its stability for speedy development to take place.
Addressing stakeholders at the conference hall of the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, during a fact-finding mission to Delta State on Monday, January 16, 2017, Prof Osinbajo observed that it was unfortunate that despite the huge contribution of the Niger Delta to the development of the country, there was little to show for such.
The Vice President who on arrival, visited Gbaramatu Kingdom where he had a closed door meeting with His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II Aketekpe, Agbdagba the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, had a town hall meeting with the people of the Kingdom before inspecting the facilities at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko and also met with the Olu of Warri Kingdom, HRM Ogiame Ikenwoli I.
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Minister for Petroleum (State), Dr Ibe Kachikwu and other top government functionaries accompanied the Vice Presidents on these visits.
“No Nigerian can be proud with the state of development in the Niger Delta; we are all beneficiaries from resources from the region but, we cannot have instability and be able to carry out speedy development of the region,” the Vice President said.
He disclosed that President Mohammadu Buhari was committed to the development of the region, asserting, “the issues at stake are very clear, this is not time for negotiation, it is time to act and we know the issues, we must all prepare for a future that will not be dependent in oil resources.”
“The Lagos-Calabar railway project is in the 2017 budget and when completed, it will benefit all the people of the Niger Delta, the Maritime University will come on stream, I can assure you that it is a done deal, we must do it; Ports are revenue generating, so plans are on to develop them but, the issue is how do we fund the projects?” the Vice President continued, reiterating, “the President is an honest man and my coming here for this programme is clear evidence that the Niger Delta is being carried along,”
Prof. Osinbajo urged all stakeholders to contribute to the stability of the region.
At all the places visited and at the conference centre, different ethnic nationalities, including youth organizations made presentations about what they expect from the federal government.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Laying the Wreath to mark grand finale of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Asaba.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has said that the celebration of this year’s Armed Forces remembrance day is very unique in view of the exploits of the military in the fight against Boko Haram.
Speaking during the grand finale of the ceremony held on Sunday, January 15, 2017 at the Cenotaph, Asaba, the Information Commissioner stated that the gains recorded by members of the armed forces is a devastating blow to the activities of insurgents who have been terrorizing some parts of the country for some time.
He noted that the routing of the insurgents from their stronghold, the sambisa forest, and the take over of the hitherto dreaded forest by the Nigerian armed forces is commendable.
The Commissioner for Information congratulated them for their bravery and urged them not to rest on their oars until the remnants of the terrorists are arrested and brought to book.
Mr. Ukah called on Nigerians to continue to support and, most especially, pray for members of the armed forces who risk their lives to ensure the protection of law abiding citizens.
He prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives in the course of duty, in addition to good health and long life for serving and retired officers and men of the Nigerian armed forces. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (3rd left), flanked by the State Chief Judge, Justice Marshall Umukoro (2nd left), and service Chiefs releasing Pigeon as a sign of peace at the grand finale of the armed forces remembrance day in Asaba.
The 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration was marked throughout Nigeria with the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa leading prominent Nigerians to lay wreath on the foot of the statute of the “unknown soldier.”
The ceremony was of great significant as Asaba witnessed its first rain fall shortly before the commencement of the ceremony which took place at the Cenotaph, Asaba and featured parade by the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy and the Nigerian Legion.
Though, the rain was not heavy, it added to the solemn nature and reduced dust at the event which was attended by civil war veterans who adorned their ceremonial uniforms.
The ceremony which was witnessed by former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue, the Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshal Umukoro, traditional rulers, clergymen, political office holders, among others also, featured a 21 one gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes while pigeons were released to signify peace.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –BY JOHNSON EBIGIDE: Comrade Norbert Chiazor, Delta NUJ Boss
The Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), like many other trade unions in the country, has suffered(and still suffering) the debilitating impact of leadership tussle and unbecoming conducts of some of its members in the state.
From the relatively stable tenure of the pioneer chairman of the union in the state, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, through that of Norbert Onwuegbuzie, down to the turbulent days of Bernard Okpu, then the interregnum of Uche Aboh, up to the days of Edward Akpati Ogude when the union and its leadership were dragged to court, and yet another interregnum of Ben Ogbogo, down to the lack-lustre days of Osita Biose, during which the union, united for once, put up a concerted fight to reclaim its stolen expansive land from some politicians to no avail, up to these last moments of the present second tenure of Norbert Chiazor, the Delta State Council of the NUJ and its members as a body can be likened to a pathetic house of horror, inhabited by goblins, paranoiac and fiendish beings; better still, a brewing cauldron of insidious controversies.
Not only has unbridled leadership tussle dwindled the fortune of the union in the state, but some members of the public, particularly among the political class and the affluent who are directly affected by their daily contact with some journalists, are still wondering whether unethical conducts, unedifying showmanship, strange affectation, intrigues against fellow practitioners, plagiarism and the plethora of rampaging fiendish hustlers of pecuniary and material gratification as practitioners are the peculiar traits of the Journalism profession in Nigeria. Yes, is it also true that in Nigeria, nay, Delta State, the rudimentary qualification for anybody to parade himself as a journalist without any reprimand from the NUJ is simply the ability to speak and write fairly well in the language the public understand and a possession of mere elementary certificate in Journalism? But the general public expects journalists on the average to be noticeably higher in quality and moral standard if Journalism, indeed the Fourth Estate of the Realm, is to continue to act as the unmovable beacon of agenda setting in the society?
In particular, Comrade Macaulay, who rose through the zenith of the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) in the state to be appointed the Secretary to the Delta State Government(SSG), after a double stint as a civil commissioner, in between which he had a brief spell as the Chief of Staff in the Government House, was so exasperated by the unbecoming and irritating attitudinal incongruous of some practising journalists in the state that he had to make repeated passionate calls to the ineffectual and passive leadership of the NUJ in the state to immediately shore up the image of the union by instilling ethical and professional discipline as well as nurturing the fading but binding spirit of love among journalists in the state. He wondered what had become of the camaraderie that existed among journalists during his days as a practising journalist in the state.
While most members of the union have been uncontrollably parading themselves publicly in various demeaning comedies of manners, in a most alarming display of unethical, beggarly and unprofessional conducts, some of its leaders from its inceptions in the state have been brazenly showcasing uncanning propensity for high-handedness, managerial ineptitude, profligacy, rapacity, low integrity, corrupt tendencies, selfish proclivities, feebleness, divide-and-rule machinations and many other cancerous vices; all of which have horrifyingly combined in creating an unfavourable weather, militating against the actualization of the legitimate aspirational pursuits of most of the members and the collective growth of the union in the state.
Even the present leadership of the union in the state is not unaware of the deteriorating image of the union. A recent statement from the state council of the NUJ disclosed that ‘’the union had been inundated… with complaints of false and mischievous reports by some journalists, saying they were not only inimical to the growth and development of the state and the nation but also an embarrassment to the Journalism profession’’ , even as it feebly threatened that ‘’the Union would henceforth evoke the relevant provisions of the NUJ Constitution on erring journalists who had the proclivity to bring the image of the profession to disrepute.’’ The burning question, however, is: how come that no erring journalist, so far, has been sanctioned in the state?
It is against this bleak backdrop, therefore, that one as keen and concerned observer of events in the union needs sound a modest note of caution for the present leadership of the union in the state as its life span is about to wind up and necessary moves being frantically made towards ushering in a new leadership through a credible election. Considering the fact that amidst some avoidable controversies and draw-backs, the relatively stable two-term tenure, led by Chiazor has so far been able to record some commendable achievements in the union, such as the sponsoring of the training of some journalists through the state government financial backing in London, ensuring the payment of the heart-warming Weigh-In-Allowances for journalists working in the state civil service and, most importantly, keeping tenaciously and actualising the promise to build a press centre of the union in the state capital, efforts should be determinedly geared towards the consolidation of these gains through the next leadership of the union which should be a formidable team of men and women journalists of high pedigree, integrity and moral standing in not only the union but in the public generally.
This is only possible through a credible election. Yes, the crux of the matter, for now, is organising a free and fair election by the NUJ in Delta State. Let it be known that elections are not necessarily rigged on the days of the elections; they are most times cleverly rigged long before the elections proper through clandestine stratagem by those who are interested in the outcome of such elections. The recent unfortunate caricature of election in a chapel of the union in the state where a pervading apathy, ennui and palpable fear of the presence of a marauding electioneering manipulative mafia in the chapel led to a panic withdrawal from participation and contesting for any position in the chapel by most members of the chapel, thereby allowing an unpopular candidate to emerge the winner by default is a manifestation of how an election could be hijacked brazenly and desperately by uncompromising stakeholders who are bent at all costs on having their ways.The reason, most times, for their iron cast posture may be either to ensure a continuation of their nefarious acts against the generality of members of the union with impunity or simply to perpetually cover up some offensive hidden skeletons in their closets, using the elective leadership position as a shield against the glare of other suspicious members. The reason could be both.
Such a condemnable sham election, capable of hauling the union into its darkest past in the state should be abhorred and stunned completely at all costs while conducting the on-coming council election in the state. In fact, a boisterous chick that would grow into a full-blown cock is known the very day it is hatched. The pedigree and quality of the individual members that would constitute the credential screening committee that would midwife the next leadership of the union through the on-coming election at the state council would, no doubt, serve as a reflective measure of what the results of the election would be. It should also send the right signal as a manifestation of the genuine intention and readiness of the Chiazor-led administration to organise a credible, fair and enduring election of the NUJ in the state council.
It is gratifying for one to serve conscientiously and to honouarbly bow out at the right time. It is also true that a good leader is mostly remembered, honoured and respected, if not deified, by the people when he does not surreptitiously attempt to perpetuate his stay in an elective position. No matter how attractive the position radiates and how indispensable he appears, he should not elongate his stay against the popular will of the followers, either by sitting tight or through the installation of any of his stooges, who are known to have been his protégées.
Niccolo Machiavelli in his classic, The Prince, very succinctly and conclusively encapsulates the futility inherent in bad leadership in that ‘’it cannot be called prowess to kill fellow citizens, to betray friends, to be treacherous, pitiless, irreligious. These ways can win a Prince Power but not glory.’’
*Johnson Ebigide is an Information Officer with the state Ministry of Information, Asaba, Delta State.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: HER EXCELLENCY DAME EDITH OKOWA FOUNDER O5 INITIATIVE REPRESENTED BY MRS KEVWE AGAS, DIRECTOR-GENERAL O5 INITIATIVE RECEIVES DELTA 2017 FIRST BABY OF THE YEAR FROM THE FAMILY OF MR & MRS MICHEAL MBAH AT ST JOESPH CATHOLIC HOSPITAL ASABA.
It was exactly 12:03am when Delta state witnessed the delivery of its star 2017 new year baby, weighing 3.6 kg at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital, Asaba, just as people all over the world were celebrating their entrance into another year.
While the parents of the “miraculous” baby, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Mbah were still basking in the euphoria of thanking God for its safe delivery, Wife of Delta state governor and founder of the 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa was on hand with gifts and prayers for the star new year baby in the state.
The governor’s wife who appreciated God for the safe delivery of the baby by praying for the child’s continued protection, settled the hospital bills after the presentation of cash and gift items to the lucky family.Cash Presentation
The evangelical Mother of Delta state in her state of grace further ushered prayers and lots of gift items on other children in the neonatal and maternity wards of the hospital, as part of the 05 Initiative efforts to cushion effects of the challenges often faced by the less privileged in the society.
True to her philanthropic nature, the Delta state First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, represented by the Director-General, 05 Initiative, Mrs. Kevwe Agas also settled bills for a three-year-old baby with congenital abnormality of the skeleton system and muscle at the hospital.
The Medical Director, Dr. Emmanuel Usige, who received the governor’s wife at the hospital, lauded her philanthropic gesture, while parents of the star baby, Mr. and Mrs. Mbah expressed their gratitude and described Dame Okowa as a unique mother with a kind heart. The wife of Delta state governor & founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, represented by the DG, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas & wife of the state Chief Judge, Mrs. Lizzy Umukoro, congratulate the First Baby of the Year born at St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, Asaba.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the US Ambassador, H.E Stuart Syminton during a parley between the Governor and officials of US Embassy in Asaba.
Governor of oil and gas wealthy Delta state, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has expressed confidence that the prevailing peace in the creeks of the Niger Delta region would be sustained.
The governor dropped the hint on Thursday, January 12, 2017) n the Ambassador of the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency. Stuart Syminton paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Asaba.
According to the governor, for more than four months, pipeline vandalism has not been experienced in the creeks, especially those in Delta State, asserting, “we are doing a lot to ensure that we have peace and it is our hope that we sustain the peace, it is in our best interest to do so.
“We are looking forward to a peaceful and progressive 2017,” Governor Okowa reiterated, adding, that it is in the collective interest of all stakeholders for the peace to be sustained.
While commending the USA government for doing business in Nigeria, especially in Delta State, Governor Okowa assured investors that Delta State is safe for business, observing that the people are friendly and accommodating to visitors.
Earlier, the Ambassadors who was accompanied by top Embassy officials disclosed that they were in the state to see how to deepen their business relationship with the people.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –Albert OGRAKA:
Palpable fear has gripped the leadership and members of the Ahmed Markarfi led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta state over the recent redeployment of one of the controversial Federal High Court judges in the country, Justice Okon Abang from the Federal High Court, Abuja, to the Asaba Division in Delta State.
The Olorogun Kingsley Esiso led executive of the PDP in Delta State is clearly afraid of the grand style political machinations and muzzling by the Ali Modu Sheriff led faction, ahead of the 2019 elections in Delta state.
It has also been touted that a known dramatis personae in the PDP crisis and National Deputy Chairman to Ali Modu Sheriff led faction and former House of Representatives member from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s Ika Federal constituency in the State, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, presently enjoys friendship with Justice Okon Abang in procuring controversial injunctions from Abang’s court.Dr. Cairo Ojougboh
Reactions which came in the guise of Delta State PDP Alliances For Good Governance (DSPAGG) and made available to Blank NEWS Online at 8:28 AM on Wednesday, January 11, 2017, have however begun to trail the redeployment of Justice Okon Abang to the Asaba Division of the Federal High Court in Delta State.
Describing Justice Abang as a stooge of the ruling All Progressive Congress APC, the DSPAGG in a statement by its Chairman, Fredrick Ikechukwu, appealed to the Federal High Court Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to reconsider the posting of Justice Abang to Delta State in order halt furter derailment of the nation’s democracy.
“Delta State is a PDP State with people who are peace loving and has never had problem with federal establishments in the State. It is our genuine fear that should the posting of Justice Okon Abang stay; strange things will begin to happen in the area of judicial dispensation” said Ikechukwu.
DSPAGG he said views the redeployment of Justice Abang from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court as part of the deliberate plans of the APC to wrestle power from the PDP in Delta come 2019 elections.
“Nigerians are well aware of the hatchet jobs which Justice Abang did for the ruling APC while in the Abuja Division, and we are sure he will do no less especially as one of the dramatis personae in the PDP crisis and self-imposed National Deputy Chairman to Amodu Sheriff, who enjoys the friendship with Justice Okon Abang is from Delta State and have always procured controversial injunctions from Abang’s court.”
Ikechukwu noted the jubilation that greeted the posting of Abang to Delta State by APC and the faction of PDP led by the self imposed Deputy National Chairman from the State as clear pointer to the expected patronage to the Federal High court judge who is renowned for giving judgments against the PDP.
While appealing for the redeployment of Justice Abang to any of the APC controlled states, Ikechukwu stated that, “Nigerians can still recall vividly that this judge gave judgment against the PDP governor of Abia State that led to INEC re-issuing another Certificate of Return to a man who did not contest election and also issued an Order to INEC to recognize Senator Sheriff’s candidates in Edo and Ondo states.” Delta PDP boss, Barr. Kingsley Esiso
He said the peaceful PDP family in Delta rejects Justice Abang who is known agent of the APC who they have expected to the state to continue from where he stopped in the Abuja Division.
“We expect the judiciary to in the alternative retire Justice Okon Abang instead of posting him to Delta State where he is expected to inflict damages to the PDP family in the State. Very soon strange suits will be filed and already prepared injunctions/judgments will be delivered all to truncate democracy and distabilise PDP in Delta State.”
The Delta State PDP Alliances For Good Governance DSPAGG reaffirmed its support to the Olorogun Kingsley Esiso led executive of the PDP in Delta State and commended a chieftain of the party, Senator Ighoyota Amori, who is the Special Adviser to the Senator Ahmed Makarfi led National Chairman Caretaker Committee of PDP on Reconciliation and Conflict Management for his exemplary leadership qualities and effective representation of Delta State at the national level.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Nana Akufo-Addo
The Ghanaian people give thanks to Almighty God for the blessings, favour and grace He continues to bestow on them. Exactly a month ago, that is 7th December last year, 2016, we, the people of Ghana, in all serenity and dignity, exercised our democratic franchise freely to elect a President and Parliament of our Republic. We are met here today to give effect to the outcome of that exercise.
In accordance with our republican custom, I, having been declared the winner of the presidential contest on 9th December, 2016, by the returning officer, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, have taken the oath of the high office of President of the Republic, in the presence of the newly sworn Vice President, His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and the newly elected Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Prof. Michael Oquaye, an oath administered by the Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Georgina Theodora Wood, before the elected representatives of the people assembled in this 7th Parliament of the 4th Republic. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Our nation is honoured by the presence, at this solemn ceremony of investiture, of leaders and representatives of friendly countries across the globe, in particular those of the sister nations of our regional body, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and of our continental body, the African Union. I salute the Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Governments of the AU, His Excellency Idriss Déby, President of the Republic of Chad.
I salute the Chairperson of the Authority of Heads of State and Governments of ECOWAS, the historic figure, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia; our special guest of honour, His Excellency Alassane Dramane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, and we thank him for his excellent speech; His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of mighty Nigeria; His Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal; His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Republic of Togo; His Excellency Alpha Condé, President of the Republic of Guinea Conakry; His Excellency Patrice Talon, President of the Republic of Benin; His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone; His Excellency Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta, President of the Republic of Mali; His Excellency Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Burkina Faso. We are grateful also for the presence of His Excellency Teodoro Obiang Nguema, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea; His Excellency Ali Bongo, President of the Republic of Gabon; and His Excellency Edgar Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia. To them and the representatives of all the other friendly nations who are here, and former presidents and leaders, I say ‘akwaaba’, our famous word of welcome.
I have, at the outset, to thank sincerely our departing President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, for his service to our nation. He stepped into the breach of national leadership at a delicate moment in the country’s history, with the death in office, for the first time, of a sitting president, the late Prof. John Evans Atta Mills. He has since steered the ship of state with conviction.
His elegant, dignified acceptance of the verdict of the people on 7th December, 2016, will, without doubt, receive the approval of history, for it has contributed significantly to the process of democratic consolidation in Ghana. I wish him and his family well.
For myself, I am in the unique position of being able to draw on the wisdom and experience of three former Presidents of the Republic, their Excellencies Jerry John Rawlings, John Agyekum Kufuor and John Dramani Mahama. They represent the continuity of the institutions of our Republic, for which we thank God.
Mr. Speaker, I am deeply humbled by the exceptional mandate and extraordinary show of confidence that the Ghanaian people have conferred on my party, the New Patriotic Party, and on my modest person. I am determined to do all in my power to accomplish the tasks of the mandate and justify their confidence. I will not let you, the people of Ghana, down.
We have a proud heritage. We are the heirs of John Mensah Sarbah, Joseph Caseley Hayford, George Pa Grant, R.S. Blay, Joseph Boakye Danquah, Emmanuel Obetsebi Lamptey, Edward Akufo-Addo, William Ofori-Atta, Cobbina Kesse, Ernest Ako Adjei, Kwame Nkrumah, Komla Agbeli Gbedema, Kojo Botsio, S.D. Dombo, Kofi Abrefa Busia, Baffuor Osei Akoto and others, who taught us that fidelity to principles, courage, patience, resilience and collective action do yield results.
They fought with intelligence, guts, steely determination and patriotism to liberate our land and reclaim our worth as human beings. Their love for country continues to inspire generations of us to commit our lives to the search for an enduring democratic legacy for Ghana. It is not for nothing that when our forebears established the Ghanaian nation, they chose “Freedom and Justice” as our motto. Our generation has to give meaning to this motto.
On March 6, in a few weeks’ time, Ghana will attain 60 years as an independent nation. I suspect that those early nationalists would be disappointed, if they came today and saw the level of development we have achieved in 60 years of independence.
Our journey has had some highs and unfortunately many lows. Since we accepted a consensus on how we should be governed with the onset of the Fourth Republic, we have performed more creditably. It is within this period of 24 years that Ghana has witnessed a consistent period of development.
Sixty years after attaining nationhood, we no longer have any excuses for being poor. I stand here today, humbled beyond measure for the opportunity to lead this country at this time and take us to a higher level in our development.
The words of JB Danquah, one of the founding fathers of the Ghanaian nation, are compelling. He said as far back as 1960 that the duty of government should be “to liberate the energies of the people for the growth of a property owning democracy in this land, with right to life, freedom and justice, as the principles to which the government and the laws of the land should be dedicated in order specifically to enrich life, property and liberty of each and every citizen.”
We have an exuberant and young, growing population that wants the best of what the world has to offer and will not settle for “Third World” or “developing world” standards. We have an adventurous people who are in a hurry for success. I have no doubt that the talents, energies, sense of enterprise and innovation of the Ghanaian can be harnessed to make Ghana the place where dreams come true.
It took us a while, but the consensus on multi-party constitutional rule has been established, and, for the third time, we have had a peaceful transfer of power from a governing party to an opposition one. We have done it without any fuss and it is now part of what we do as a people.
Kofi Abrefa Busia, Prime Minister of the Progress Party government of the 2nd Republic, and one of the great Ghanaians, said in these eloquent words: “We regard politics as an avenue of service to our fellow men. We hold that political power is to be exercised to make life nobler and happier.
Our success or failure should be judged by the quality of the individual, by his knowledge, his skills, his behaviour as a member of society, the standard of living he is able to enjoy and by the degree of harmony and brotherliness in our community life as a nation.”
We should move on to deepen our democracy. It is time to make sure that we have a true separation of powers between the various arms of government. Our Parliament, the legislative arm of government, must grow into its proper role as an effective machinery for accountability and oversight of the Executive, and not be its junior partner.
The Ghanaian Parliament, the Ghanaian Member of Parliament, must stand out as institutions that represent all that we hold dear and citizens can take pride in.
Our judiciary must inspire confidence in the citizens, so we can all see the courts as the ultimate arbitres when disputes arise, as they would. A Ghanaian judge must be a reassuring presence and the epitome of fairness.
We have worked with our national constitution for 24 years and we now know the areas that require change. I believe a consensus is emerging that we must decentralize more. We must devolve more power with corresponding resources to the base of our political system and to our people, in the regions and communities. We must trust the individual and collective wisdom and good sense of our people.
We must restore integrity in public life. State coffers are not spoils for the party that wins an election, but resources for the country’s social and economic development. I shall protect the public purse by insisting on value-for-money in all public transactions. Public service is just that – service and not an avenue for making money. Money is to be made in the private sector, not the public. Measures will be put in place to ensure this.
We must create wealth and restore happiness to our nation. We can only do this when we have an educated and skilled population that is capable of competing in the global economy. We must expand our horizons and embrace science and technology as critical tools for our development.
We believe that the business of government is to govern. Ours is to set fair rules. We will provide vision and direction and shine the light down the path of our entrepreneurs and farmers. We are, indeed, counting on a vibrant private sector to drive growth and create jobs.
We will stimulate the creative juices of innovators. We will bring back to life the adventurer in you. It is time to imagine and to dream again; time to try that business idea again. We will reduce taxes to recover the momentum of our economy. The doors of Ghana are open again. The shutters are up again. There could not be a better opportunity to “Make in Ghana”, and to make it in Ghana. GHANA IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS AGAIN!
We will build a confident Ghana which is united, at peace with itself and takes pride in its diversity.
We will rekindle the spirit that made Ghana the leading light on the African continent, and make our conditions deserving of that accolade. We will work with our neighbours and friends on the continent to enhance peace, democracy and political stability in our part of the world. We will reassert vigorously the Pan African vocation to which our nation has been dedicated. Integration of our region and of our continent will be a strategic objective of Ghanaian policy.
It will not be easy. We have no illusions whatsoever about the enormity of the task that we face, but I know that Ghanaians at home and abroad will rise to the occasion; they always do.
It will require sacrifice, but it can be done. Others have done it. So can we. Our best days still lie ahead. Though our challenges are fearsome, so are our strengths. Ghanaians have ever been a restless, questing, hopeful people. And we must bring to our task today the vision and will of those who came before us.
The Ghanaian people have summoned the change we celebrate today. They have raised their voices in an unmistakable chorus. They have cast their votes without equivocation and have forced the change. Now we must do the work the season demands. To that work, I now turn with all the authority of my office. I ask the Legislature and Judiciary to join with me. But no President, no Parliament, no Government can undertake this mission all by itself.
Fellow citizens, you must be at the centre of the change. The change we have voted for will have to start with each of us as individuals. We can start with little changes in our own individual attitudes and practices. The change can and should start now and with us as individuals.
I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building your communities and our nation. Let us work until the work is done. Holy Scripture in Galatians 6:9 says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
I assure you, my fellow citizens, who have entrusted me with this mandate, that I will advance my convictions with civility, I will serve the public interest with courage, I will speak for greater justice as well as compassion, and I will call for responsibility and I will live it, as well.
This is my solemn pledge.
I see exciting times ahead. The rule of law will be the underlying tenet of our lives; and the law will be applicable to all of us, and not just some.
We will have to work hard, harder than we have ever done before; and the hard work will be done by all of us, and not just some. There will be discipline in all sectors of our lives; and this applies to all of us, not just some.
Our public service will be accorded the dignity and respect it deserves, and be made to attract the bright young people it needs.
We acknowledge there will always be the need for a safety net for the vulnerable in our society, as in all other societies. Our nation will work when the marginalised and vulnerable are catered for and treated with respect.
Our elderly people will be recognised for their roles in building Ghana and assured of care in the dusk of their lives.
We should all recognise the danger we face by the alarming degradation of our environment and work to protect our water bodies, our forests, our lands and the oceans. We should learn and accept that we do not own the land, but hold it in trust for generations yet unborn and, therefore, have a responsibility to take good care of it and all it contains.
Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, Osagyefo, said at the end of 1957, the year of our independence: “We shall measure our progress by the happiness which our people take in being able to manage their own affairs.”
Since March 6, 1957, we all say as a matter of routine that we are Ghanaians. It is time to define what being a Ghanaian ought to mean.
Being a Ghanaian must stand for something more than the holder of a birth certificate or a certain passport.
Being a Ghanaian must put certain responsibilities on each one of us.
Calling yourself a Ghanaian must mean you have signed up to a certain definable code and conduct. Being a Ghanaian puts an obligation on each one of us to work at building a fair, prosperous and happy nation.
And calling yourself a Ghanaian must mean we look out for each other.
There should be no higher praise than to be able to say I AM A GHANAIAN.
I thank the Almighty that I am able to say with pride, I am a Ghanaian. A new dawn has arisen in Ghana, which will enable us to build a new Ghanaian civilization which will be the beacon of Africa and the wonder of the world. I thank you all, my fellow citizens, for making me the president of this beautiful country.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and may God bless our homeland Ghana and make her great and strong. And may God bless us all and Mother Africa.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Trump
The US Congress certified on Friday that Trump won the November presidential election, as last-gasp objections by Democratic lawmakers were swatted away by an irked Vice President Joe Biden. Trump will be officially sworn in January 20.
Inspite of his Electoral College victory, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has told all ambassadors who are political appointees of President Barack Obama to vacate their overseas posts by Inauguration Day, refusing to provide even brief grace periods for special cases.
Lawmakers held a ceremonial final count in the House of Representatives chamber that affirmed the votes cast last month by the members of the Electoral College chose the Republican property tycoon as the nation’s 45th president.
“Donald Trump of New York has received, for president of the United States, 304 votes,” while his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton received 227 votes, Biden declared to assembled lawmakers after the counting was complete.
Seven electors defied their states’ results and voted for other figures, but it did not affect the outcome.
Biden said the official count “shall be deemed sufficient declaration” for Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence to take their oaths of office on January 20.
Vice President Joe Biden repeatedly told objecting congressman that their attempt to disrupt the usually staid moment that their objections were invalid because they did not have the signature of a United States senator. Biden, at times exasperated by the scene, at one point cautioned his fellow Democrats: “It is over.”
“There is no debate. There is no debate. There is no debate,” Biden repeated to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the frequent objectors in the Capitol.
“The Electoral College results are in. Donald J. Trump will be the 45th president of the United States,” House Speaker Paul Ryan announced in a tweet shortly afterwards.
Trump finished with 304 electoral votes and Democrat Hillary Clinton got 227. There were seven protest votes for other candidates. It takes 270 Electoral College votes to win the presidency.
At least three protestors were swiftly removed by security when shouting during the certification. US Capitol Police spokeswoman Eva Malecki said they arrested two males and one female and says they are being processed at U.S. Capitol Police Headquarters. They will release more information on charges later today.
Leaving the chamber, Republican Sen. John Cornyn said he thought the protests were “kind of embarrassing.”
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team has told all ambassadors who are political appointees of President Barack Obama to vacate their overseas posts by Inauguration Day, refusing to provide even brief grace periods for special cases, several senior State Department officials and American diplomats said.
“Political” ambassadors often have close ties to the president or are major donors and almost always leave their post at the end of the term, while career ambassadors frequently remain in their posts.
In keeping with standard practices, the White House requested and received resignations from all politically-appointed chiefs of mission shortly after Election Day, several senior State Department officials said.
But, in a break with precedent to consider grace periods on a case-by-case basis, a subsequent State Department cable sent last month to all non-career ambassadors instructed them to finish their service by January 20 “without exceptions,” the sources said.
The move leaves the US without top envoys at key posts such as Britain, Germany, Canada, Japan and Saudi Arabia until President-elect Donald Trump nominates successors and they are confirmed, a process that could take months. In the meantime, the posts will be run by the highest-ranking career official until Trump nominates, and the Senate confirms, someone new.
The decision has also left diplomats scrambling to secure new visas, living arrangements and schools for their children.
Past incoming administrations from both parties have granted exceptions on a case-by-case basis for ambassadors requesting to remain at post for weeks or months.
The exceptions are generally granted as a courtesy to ambassadors with school-age children or who have unique family situations, but are also occasionally made to help with continuity as the incoming administration seeks to fill a large number of postings at home and overseas.
Secretary of State John Kerry said that it is a “perfectly normal request” to political ambassadors to leave their post, noting that “all political appointees serve at the pleasure of the President of the United States.”
The State Department estimates that roughly 70% of US ambassadors are career appointees. Those ambassadors were not asked to tender resignation letters.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: The Senator representing Delta North in the Senate, Senator Barrister Peter Nwaoboshi, hosted traditional rulers in his Senatorial District at the palace of the Obi of Owa kingdom, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor 11.
The people of Delta North have pledged their support and total loyalty to the state government under the leadership of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
This was the high point of the decision taken on Friday during a get together of the political class led by Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and the leadership of the Delta North traditional Rulers Council held at the palace of the Obi of Owa, Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor ll.
Speaking at the occasion, Senator Nwaoboshi commended Governor Okowa for prudent management of resources which has led to the accelerated transformation of the three Senatorial Districts in the midst of economic recession that rocked the country.
Senator Nwaoboshi said government has equitably distributed political appointments and developmental projects to all parts of the state and assured that every segment of the state will continue to benefit from the development efforts of Governor Okowa.
“I want to commend our revered traditional rulers for the roles you are playing in ensuring peace and security in your domains; and it was a very good development that you are galvanizing your subjects to contribute to the development of the state,” Senator Nwaoboshi said, reiterating, “we are proud of traditional rulers and we will continue to partner with the traditional institution to strengthen democracy in the country.”
The Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council., Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor ll, described Senator Nwaoboshi as a true representative of the people at the national assembly, noting that Nigerians, especially, the people of Delta North Senatorial District were proud to have Barrister Nwaoboshi as their representative at the upper legislative chambers.
Obi Efeizomor II used the occasion to call on Deltans to close ranks and partner with Governor Okowa’s administration for a dream Delta State to be achieved.
“We are happy that our son, Senator Nwaoboshi is here today to tell us what is going on in the Senate, this is how it should be and we look forward to this type of meeting on regular basis because it encourages robust relationship,” the Obi said, asserting, “the traditional institution will always work for peace, development and stability of our state because, we are progressives and we know the value of peace to the lives of individuals.”
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers from Delta North while Senator Nwaoboshi was accompanied to the occasion by members of House of Assembly, Commissioners, Council Chairmen, members of the political class from Delta North Senatorial District and his followers.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –Albert OGRAKA: APC state chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue
The frustration and subsequent embattlement of the Delta State Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Inter-Party Relations, Mr. Moses Abe seems unending, as the N30 million grant released by the state governor to political parties has created a crack in the hierarchy of the All Progressive Party (APC) in the state.
Blank NEWS Online understands that the State Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Delta State chapter, Comrade Chidi Okonji purportedly forged the signature of the the state chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue and allegedly collected the sum of N600, 000 grant from the state government without the consent of the party.
Dependable sources disclosed that when the APC chairman, Prophet Erhue and his security details arrived the collection point on Tuesday, January 03, 2017, he discovered that his Secretary, Comrade Okonji had made away with the money, having presented a forged letter, purportedly signed by the APC chairman.
Angered by the unholy development, the absconding party Secretary was summarily suspended on Wednesday, January 04, 2017 during a meeting of the State Working Committee at the party’s state secretariat, Asaba.
The Deputy state chairman of APC, Chief Cyril Ogodo who presided over the meeting said that “the SEC at the end of the meeting resolved that the state secretary of the party, Comrade Chidi Okonji is here suspended from office indefinitely pending the report of a five-man disciplinary committee setup to investigate his anti-party activities in accordance with provision 21 of the party’s constitution.
“The allegations against him bother on criminal, forgery, fraudulent conversion, and connivance with the Delta State government where he unitarily collected the sum of N600, 000 as purported grant from the state government without the knowledge of the hierarchy of the party.
“This action became necessary as the party would not condone criminal activity within its fold which is capable of bringing the party to dispute and public opprobrium. The APC Delta State will not, cannot and would never collect any money from the failed Okowa led PDP government in Delta State.”
“The PDP led government for the sustenance of their evil machineries, decided to employ the services of our suspended secretary, Comrade Chidi Okonji and others whose identity would soon be unraveled to undermine our party and they will be dealt with soon.”
Meanwhile, speaking from his hideout, the runaway APC Scribe, Okonji while reacting to his suspension accused the state party chairman, Prophet Jones Erhue of allegedly withdrawing monies illegally from the party’s account for his personal se.
According to the embattled state scribe of APC “The meeting was an illegal meeting. The chairman is expected to call a State Executive Working Committee meeting before such decisions are made and they were not up to 11 persons in attendance at that meeting.
“Besides, the directive for the collection of that money which is N500, 000 was given to me by the state chairman. He was part and parcel of that money and specifically told me that the money was meant for interparty from the national fund for political parties and it’s our entitlement.
“So, if they want to probe me, they should also invite the state chairman, because out of the N500,000 which I collected, I gave him N250,000 and it will be out of place to single me out for persecution,” he added.
Delta state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Kingsley Emu has denied his alleged involvement in the buy-off of the state owned Delta Transport Services Limited, operators of Delta Line, which stands at 60/40 percent equity shares between the private investor and Delta state government respectively.
Recall that Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa had ordered the Ministry of Finance, headed by Mr. David Edevbie to advertise for bidders for Delta Line, an action which angered the leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) who claimed that the union had been sidelined in the decision making process.
Although Mr. Emu denied his interest to buy-off the state owned transport company, he 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, inspire of fear for job losses.
Hear him: “That is not my area of specialization in any way, except in terms of consulting and hotel.
“I have no link whatsoever with Delta Line and I will never have any link with transportation business. That is the worst business anybody can get into, dealing with drivers. I will never do that. I don’t want to put trackers on vehicles and trackers on human beings. I also do not have funds to waste because if I have to borrow to do that, I have to borrow to do what I can have an oversight on.
“But let me also talk about it as Commissioner for Economic Planning. I was fascinated about the concession plan because over time, you would find out that even those who uses Delta Line have stopped using them for courier services because of delay in delivery, unlike others. If you also look at the structure, it stinks.
Some of his arguments however runs contrary to earlier claims made by the state Secretary of AUPCTRE, Comrade Emeni Fidel who insisted that 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 makes gradual loan repayment to Zenith and Wetland banks.
According to Emu, “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.
“Its not true that they are paying Zenith Bank. Its not true. In any case, they are going through a due procurement process of publicising it to enable people bid. I will urge you as journalists to be patient and see the process through.
“The fear is job loss. There may not even be any job loss. For all you care there will be enhancement of value because most of the drivers have not been trained for a long time. If you look at transportation businesses, operational efficiency is the most challenging part of it. You must have a functional workshop with spare parts and drivers must go through preferential training regularly to understand what they are doing.”
In a corroborative statement, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan had earlier taken a swipe at the last administration of his elder brother, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan on the state of Delta Line when he alleged that the past government purchased substandard buses which have no road worthiness, stressing that many of the vehicles have gone beyond repairs.
He also disclosed that the Delta Line sister company, Delta Waterways also owned by the state government has becme moribund and there are moves to invite private investors to bring the water transport company back to life, since government business is nobody’s bussince.
“To start with, that is how we met it. If you have the history of the state at hand, you will see that the people that started the Ministry then experienced buoyancy in finances and they invested in boats and with time you know government business is nobody’s business and they were run aground or run awater.
“The boats are today not operating. They are just there and they are very few. So we are trying to look at the possibility of an investor, outside what we have as boats, we equally have the dylocking section where the boats can be fixed. We are talking to investors that are coming to see what they can possibly bring in to bring that place back to life.”
Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and its affiliate unions had in a bid to halt the sales of the state government owned transport companies, held series of meetings with the Special Adviser to Governor Okowa on Labour Relations, Mr. Mike Okeme and representatives of the state government.
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 is 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.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –Albert OGRAKA:
Leaders of nearly 40 opposition political parties in Delta state are presently spoiling for a showdown with the Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Inter-Party Relations, Mr. Moses Abe, who had allegedly swindled part of the N30 million grant approved and released by the state governor.to the concerned political parties.
Abe, who had reportedly relocated from his abode and office to an hotel, Swiss Spirit, on Okpanam road is alleged to have shortchanged most political parties of the funds accruing to them.
An insider source told Blank NEWS Online that the SSA on Inter-Party, who had earlier declared that the sum of N3.4 million was missing from the monies released to him by officials of the state government, decided to issue the funds to his cronies who were neither chairmen nor executive members of any political party.
“We will petition the governor and the EFCC on the activities of Mr. Moses Abe. He has succeeded in making the governor’s goodwill unpopular and of no effect. He gives some parties N500, 000 and others between N300,000 and N200, 000 while some are yewt to receive anything, depending on your personal relationship with him.”
An opposition party leader, who pleaded anonymity also alleged that the SSA on Inter-Party has displaced some duly elected party chairmen and imposed non party members in their place in order to stop some chairmen from receiving government annual grant to the opposition parties.
It has also been alleged that the SSA to the Governor on Inter-Party Relations has deviced some strategic fraudulent strateghies by calling National Chairmen of other political parties in an attempt to compromise them and also shortchange the affected political parties..
Mr. Moses Abe is also said to be having unsavory relationship with his close associates who he has also refused to pay what is due them during the yuletide.
The embattled aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is yet to make any formal statement.
Efforts by Blank NEWS Online to contact Mr. Moses Abe on phone was scuttled by his personal aides who advised that it would be appropriate to meet him personally in his office on Tuesday, January 03, 2017.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –Albert OGRAKA: Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo
Second Republic senator and chieftain of All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo is dead.
Okpozo, a South-south leader and elderstatesman who hails from Ozoro in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta state died on Monday at the age of 84 years.
He was a fierce voice on national discourse and strong pillars of APC family in Delta state.
Okpozo was the Deputy Speaker Bendel State House of Assembly under the UPN until 1984 when the army seized power before the creation of Delta state and also Chairman Senate Committee on Environment in 1992 after been elected to represent Isoko, Itsekiri, Ijaw Senatorial District in the upper Chamber.
Meanwhile, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday commiserated with the family of former third Republic Senator, Francis Spanner Okpozo, who died on Monday at the age of 84 years.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, in a statement on Tuesday, in Asaba, said Governor Okowa received with sadness, the death of the Octogenarian politician and former Deputy Speaker of the defunct Bendel State House of Assembly, also extended heartfelt condolences to the Isoko Nation, his party, All Progressives Congress, (APC) where he was a member of the Board of Trustees, over the loss.
The statement read, “Governor Okowa recalls that Senator Francis Okpozo was a vocal voice in the Senate and until his death he has remained a consistent critic and commentator on National issues.
“He affirms that the then Senator, served his country and humanity with all his God-given strength and talent, noting that the distinguished Senator was a worthy leader in the Niger Delta.
“We have lost a great man whose contributions to the literary world can best be described as legendary, inspirational and worthy of emulation.
“The late Senator Okpozo, a distinguished lawmaker and elder statesman, will be remembered for redefining the place of service and patriotism in Nigeria’s development.
“He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in many ways. I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of the late Senator F.S. Okpozo to take solace in the fact that his was a life of integrity and great accomplishments.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I mourn with the family of the late Distinguished Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo, the Isoko Nation, and the APC on the demise of the erudite Senator.”
He prayed God to grant his immediate family the strength to bear the irreparable loss, pointing out that his achievements in different areas of national life will always be remembered..
In the ame vein, the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, JP, KSJI, CNA, who received the news of the death of the Octogenarian politician with shock, described Late Senator Francis Spanner Okpozo as a great politician whose political school of thought became a rallying point for newbreed politicians.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has disclosed that his vision for the state is to bridge critical infrastructure and create a conducive environment that encourages investments and the meaningful engagement of Deltans, especially the youths upon whom the future lies.
Okowa explained that such lofty vision which is lucidly encapsulated in the SMART Agenda is being vigorously pursued by his administration which, he said, has initiated an economic development approach aimed at integrating the entire land mass of the state through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.
The Governor stated this on Friday during the fourth biennial public lecture of the Enuani Democratic League (EDL) held at Ejeme-Aniogor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the State.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, Okowa said his administration is conscious of the challenges facing Nigeria, of which the state is not an exception, noting that his government is working assiduously to tackle the difficulties and deliver prosperity to all citizens.
His words: “Our vision is to achieve sustainable development by building necessary infrastructure and creating the conducive atmosphere that would encourage investments and the meaningful engagement of our people, especially the youths to whom the future really belongs.
“Our economic development approach aims at integrating the state through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the state. This will also include the building of a befitting state capital. It is our goal to see that the completion of on-going projects across the length and breadth of the state is to give nerve and impetus to commerce”.
He called on all Deltans to encourage investors and also contribute their quota in the task of developing the state, assuring that State Government will continue to encourage and assist genuine investors who are out to serve as agents of positive social and economic change in all communities of the state.
On the yuletide, Okowa called on Deltans to imbibe the spirit of good neighbourlines, love, understanding and peaceful coexistence, noting that there is no gain in violent exchanges.
The Governor also commended the EDL for holding tenaciously to the spirit and mission of the group which is geared towards deepening the root of democracy in the Anioma clime.
In his welcome address, the President/Founder of the EDL, Hon. Collins Iwebunor, observed that the festering woes of Nigeria is consequent upon a geometric growth in the number of graduates without a commensurate increase in the number of thinkers and a surge in the number of polititians without a similar increase in numeric strength of actual leaders.
Iwebunor said “when the harvest was plenty, the labourers were few” adding that at present, “the wealth gave way to poverty and penury, debt and slavery”.
He said the sterling qualities of Governor Okowa as typified in his commitment to leaving indelible marks in the annals of the state justify the biennial event which was held in his honour.
In a lecture entitled “The Anioma Nation and Democratic Consolidation in Delta State”, a professor of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Prof. J. G. N. Onyekpe, urged political leaders to rise above the obnoxious divide and rule system of governance, noting that the principles of egalitarianism must be adhered to the distribution of resources and democratic dividends.
Prof. Onyekpe, who admitted that the Anioma has overcomed the shackles of perceived marginalization with the emergence of Okowa, advised the Governor’s kinsmen not expect the concentration of the state’s resources in their domain alone, noting that the pan-Deltan initiatives of the Governor must be sustained at all times and in all circumstances.
In an interview with newsmen, the member representing Aniocha South constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Angela Nwaka, urged Deltans to continuously support the current administration which, according to her, has achieved much despite palpable economic constraints.
Edith Okowa, wife of the Governor of Delta State/Founder 05 initiative (left) felicitating with the children during the 2016 Christmas children party organized by 05 Initiative in Government House Asaba
It was fun, pomp and pageantry on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 as Dame Edith Okowa, wife to the Governor of Delta State and founder of 05 Initiative hosted a cross-section of Delta children from the 25 local government areas of the state to an exciting Children’s Christmas Party at Government House, Asaba.
The event which was heralded by a lot of activities lined up for the large number of Delta children, featured dancing competition, kiddies games, quizzes and lots more, carefully coordinated by Aunty Ella, who was accompanied by Spider man, Mickey Mouse, and Father Christmas amidst glamour.
In her speech, the First Lady, appealed to parents and guardians, especially mothers and care givers to continually teach their children and wards Godly principles and bring them closer to God, saying that “Mothers should bring up their children in the ways of the Lord, because God will ask you questions on how you trained your children on the last day.”
“As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season, He is the solution to every situation”, she added.
Dame Okowa, who however acknowledged the current national economic recession thanked God for his faithfulness upon Deltans, as she said that Delta State has continued to move ahead, despite the economic downturn.
While expressing optimism that 2017 is going to be a good year because so many things will change for good, the 05 Initiative founder further assured Deltans that 2017 will yield more positive tidings if they truly dedicate themselves to God and give adequate support to the less privileged ones in the society.
“What God desires from us is to do His will, life is not about what we are, it’s about how many lives we have touched, if you have not done that, there is still time for you, this is the season to remember the less privileged people.”
Earlier in her exaltation, the Director-General, 05 Initiative, Mrs. Kevwe Agas reminded the children of the need to do away with sinful tendencies and habits, which according to her, negates the exemplary principles of Jesus Christ which could also hinder God’s good intentions for mankind.
The children who adorned themselves in various colourful Christmas outfits were later led to a temporary kiddies games village at the Government House complex, where they had ecstatic and memorable fun-filled pleasure.
Some of the children who spoke to Blank NEWS Online expressed delight at the cosy reception accorded them and the celebration with the Delta state First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, whom they tagged “Our Mother.”
Highpoint of the glamorous event was the cutting of the Christmas cake by the governor’s wife with the children, members of 05 team, wives of political appointees, among others, and distribution of food, drinks and gift items to all children.
Cutting the cakeDancing time
Father Christmas cheers with kidsMrs. Alicia OKOBI & her team putting heads togetherPlaytime
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh (JP)
Christians have been told to realize that the true essence of Christmas celebration lies in the sacrifices that we all make in the interest of a better and more prosperous Delta state and the Nigerian nation.
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, JP, KSJI, CNA, stated this in his felicitation to Christian faithfuls across the country as they celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ.
A statement issued by Mr. Prosper Edo, Special Assistant to the Executive Director (Finance and Administration) said that the season of Christmas should inspire sacrifices which give hope to the people, urging Deltans to yearn for the best, hence the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, through the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) is determined to bring prosperity to the doorsteps of all Deltans.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, it is appropriate that we all, Christians and non-Christians alike, exhibit the virtues of love, tolerance, honesty and peaceful co-existence with others.
“I appeal to our people, especially youths in the oil producing areas of Delta state to be law- abiding and place the greater interests of our state above all personal or sectional interests for the progress and development of our dear state.
“Let us all be more statesman-like, conduct issues-based criticisms, and eschew the promotion of falsehood and division. I am convinced that with greater commitment to God Almighty, we shall surely overcome our current economic challenges.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) has planned a major 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 recent public invitation for pre-qualification of bidders for the partial privatization of the transport outfit.
Meanwhile, Blank NEWS Online dependable sources have 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 have been pencilled down for the buy-off which stands at 60/40 percent equity shares between the private investor and Delta state government respectively.
The state government, through the Ministry of Finance has already advertised for bidders, an action that may have angered the leadership of AUPCTRE who claimed that the union had been sidelined, despite its stringent moves to resist such plot in the past.
In its defence and defiance, the state government insisted that Governor Okowa’s approval of the involvement of the private sector in the operation and partial ownership of the government owned transport outfit was in pursuance of its agenda to improve inter and intra-state transport. state chairman of AUPCTRE, Comrade Jerry Okousun, accompanied by members of the state and branch executives
But the State Executive Council of the Union, during its emergency meeting has registered dismay over the concessioning plot by government without wide consultations with relevant stakeholders and the Labour unions.
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 is 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.
Comrade Okousun, who appealed to the vexed workers to be patient and calm while the issue rages, therefore called on the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to have a rethink by urgently halting the sale of the only state owned transport outfit, and instead restructure it in line with the aim of providing affordable transportation for Deltans, as part of fulfilling his campaign promises.
He promised the staff of Delta Line that the union will not rest on its oars in pursuing the welfare of workers since it is a known fact that privatization oftentimes lead to retrenchment, poverty and youth restiveness, saying that plot by government largely negates the governor’s advocacy of prosperity for all Deltans.
The workers, who were spoiled for showdown with the state government were chanting solidarity songs and saying “We don’t need recapitalization but restructuring.”
Also AUPCTRE, had in a letter addressed to the state governor and signed by its state Secretary, Comrade Emeni Fidel argued that the state government’s move for an outright sale negates the purpose of establishing the transport outfit which is purely for social services but not for profit maximization as envisioned by the present Governor Okowa led administration.
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.
Recall, however that during his ministerial press briefing of Wednesday, November 30, 2016, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Vincent Amejuma Uduaghan, whose Directorate shoulders the responsibility of Delta State Transport Services Limited, operators of Delta Line, said “The Directorate has effectively keyed into the SMART agenda of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeany Okowa’s administration as relates to transportation sector of the state economy.
“The Directorate has created an enabling environment and platform to fully deploy all available resources within its reach in providing a sustainable transport infrastructure and an efficient service delivery for the development of the transport sector of Delta state”, the Commissioner had claimed, even as he also complained that inadequate budgetary provision has hindered the overall performance of some of the Directorate’s projects.
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.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
A Delta State High Court sitting at Kwale presided over by Honourable Justice O. Jaloggo-Williams has sentenced eight accused persons responsible for the kidnap of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Honourable Monday Igbuya on May, 21, 2009 at Sapele to a total of 104 years imprisonment.
The accused persons are Godspower Ikoro, Godspower omoniyi (an ex soldier) , Ernest Atteh, John Adapamu, Ife Freedom,Sunday Uba Tiemo, kemi koinyang and Isaiah Mumbor.
The eight accused persons who were charged to court after their arrest by Security Agents on Charge No S/1c/2010 were later transferred from the Sapele High Court in 2011 to Kwale for trails on a six count charge of conspiracy to commit a felony to wit, kidnapping, Armed Robbery and the substantive case of kidnap of Monday Igbuya and demanding with menaces the sum 100 million as ransom.
Monday igbuya was subsequently released on 27th May 2009.
The Court in its ruling found all the accused persons guilty on the count of kidnapping and demanding property with menace and sentenced them to 10 years (for kidnapping) in jail each with hard Labour and three years in imprisonment (for demanding N100 million with menaces). They Court further held that the sentences are to run concurrently.
Justice Jaloggo-Williams however discharged them on the count of armed robbery for lack of sufficient evidence by prosecution.
The accused persons were charged under the criminal Code Law Section 364 (I.) & (in.) that prescribed 10 years jail term for Offenders before the Delta House of Assembly enacted Anti-Kidnapping Law, 2016 that now prescribed life imprisonment for Offenders.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Gov. Okowa
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said salaries owed local government workers was attributable to their unique salary structure and large number of staff.
According to Governor Okowa, it was only in Delta State that some local government councils have the same salary structure with the state government and the federal government.
The governor who expressed sadness that staff of the third tier of government was suffering in the state as a result of salary arrears, noted that apart from the salary structure, some local government councils have more than 700 persons as their staff strength.
He spoke at Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state during electoral victory celebration cum empowerment programme of the member representing the area in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi.
While assuring that his administration would not encourage the sack of workers because of recession ravaging the country, Governor Okowa disclosed that the Councils have adopted an approach where only verified staff and “those who come to work are paid.”
He also, used the occasion to reiterated his administration’s commitment to equitable distribution of projects in the state, asserting, “we are doing a lot across, the state and Deltans in Central, South and North know that I am not discriminating.”
“Despite the tough time, we are doing a lot because God has given us the wisdom to utilize what we have to the benefits of our people, I am confident that our revenue will improve in 2017 and we will increase the tempo of what we are doing in the state,” the governor said.
He congratulated Hon. Nwaobi for the affirmation of his victory at the polls by different courts of the land, noting dedicating such victories to God was important because, political offices were to render service to God and humanity.
“We must be constantly reminded that we were chosen to serve for a reason; the real thanksgiving is to render selfless service mankind and to the service to God,” the governor said.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
The Delta State Government has approved the construction of a new ultramodern Central Secretariat complex in Asaba.
Planned to be located between the two state secretariats along Marian Babangida Way, the complex is to give the state workforce a befitting working environment.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, who spoke to journalists in Asaba after the State Executive Council meeting, disclosed that all Ministries, Boards and Agencies (MDAs) currently operating in several locations in the state capital will be accommodated in the new complex.
Apart from making the coordination of government activities much easier, the Commissioner for Information said that the new Central Secretariat complex will also save the state government millions of Naira presently being spent on payment of rent for the MDAs operating from rented structures.
Mr. Ukah further revealed that the state government equally approved the upward review of the construction sum for the completion of the Faculty of Law complex at the Delta State University, Oleh campus, in anticipation of the National University Commission (NUC) accreditation of the faculty.
The State Government also approved the expansion of the Effurun -Warri Road into six lanes and the return of the contractor back to site.
Mr. Ukah stated that the decision of the state government to review the scope of the project is part of the quest of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) led administration in Delta State to alleviate the suffering of the people and ensure free flow of traffic on the road.
It could be recalled that the state government had earlier stopped the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project on the Effurun -Warri Road.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Patrick Ukah, Delta Commissioner for Information
In recognizing the importance of Radio Nigeria towards community development, Delta State Government says it is keenly interested in sustaining its partnership with the radio service as it is stipulated in the constitution.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, disclosed this in Asaba during a media lecture titled “The Media And Community Development: The Role Of Government” which was organized by management and staff of Radio Nigeria, Charity FM 104.4, Asaba.
Mr. Ukah who noted that the state government recognized the various challenges confronting Charity FM especially as it concerns its going live, however, said “we are ready to thinker with the management on finding lasting solutions to the challenges”.
This, according to him, is because, in all honesty, it is in our best interest to have a robust Radio Nigeria in Asaba that will help promote the government of the day’s policies especially as it concerns the rural dwellers.
Speaking through his Media Assistant, Mr. Sam Ijeh, the Commissioner, who was a co-speaker on the topic of the lecture, noted that radio serves as an agent of social mobilization especially in rural communities where people could be moved to delivering certain goal based on the awareness of their rights and responsibilities to the society, adding that communication should play a significant role in helping rural dwellers to live a worthwhile life.
He, therefore, urged management and staff of the FM station not to get caught up with the pop culture that is evidence in most private radio stations, adding that they should consider themselves as the last gate in pursuing programming that embraces the yearning of the rural communities.
In his presentation, the Guest Speaker, Prof. Francis Osaweru Omoruyi, who is a Director, Centre for Distance Learning in the University of Benin, said that the media plays significant roles in community development, adding that the essence of community development is to integrate communities into national development.
Prof. Omoruyi noted that development is of the people who, according to him, must be involved in the developmental process of their communities, just as he observed that media messages are both intellectual and emotional.
While saying that the Nigerian media had played significant roles in promoting national unity and sustainable development, he stressed the need for adequate funding of media houses in the country as well as training and retraining of media personnel.
Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager of Radio Nigeria, Charity FM, Mr. Ben Odiete, said that the topic of the media lecture was carefully selected to stimulate societal growth and development.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Nana Akufo-Addo
Ghana’s opposition leader Nana Akufo-Addo outrightly won Ghana’s presidential election on Friday, tapping into an electorate fed up with a sputtering economy and ready for change.
The erudite 72-year-old human rights lawyer cruised to victory winning 53.8 percent of the votes, according to the country’s election agency.
“I will not let you down. I will do all in my power to live up to your hopes and expectations,” Akufo-Addo said to an ecstatic crowd at his house in the country’s capital of Accra.
“I will do my best to serve your interests and put our country back on the path of progress and prosperity.”
Incumbent John Mahama conceded defeat in the evening two days after a hotly contested race that was seen as a test of the country’s democracy in a region plagued by dictators and coups.
Mahama called to congratulate opposition leader Akufo-Addo, whose New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters had been gathering for hours outside his house after local media gave him a clear lead following the Wednesday vote.
“Yes he has conceded defeat,” George Lawson of Mahama’s New Democratic Congress (NDC) party said.
Akufo-Addo had campaigned on a platform promising to boost growth and deliver jobs.
“The president of Ghana is president for every single Ghanaian,” Akufo-Addo said, as fireworks popped overhead and thousands of people cheered in the streets outside his house.
GAMBIA’S JAMMEH U-TURNS, SAYS HE REJECTS ELECTION RESULTS Yahya Jammeh
Meanwhile, the fate of the presidency in Gambia took a peculiar turn Friday night when the longtime incumbent appeared on state television to announce that he was rejecting the results of last week’s vote that ousted him. He also called for new elections.
Seated in front of microphones and between two flags, President Yahya Jammeh rattled off accusations of voter irregularities, from transposed numbers in tabulations to missing numbers that he said left in question the results of the election that handed the presidency to Adama Barrow.
“I hereby reject the results in totality,” said Mr. Jammeh, who has been in office for 22 years. “I will not accept the results.”
Mr. Jammeh, who first came to power during a coup, said he wanted “fresh and transparent elections, which will be officiated by a God-fearing and independent electoral commission.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, JP, KSJI, CNA) and Olorogun Williams Makinde
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, (JP, KSJI, CNA), has expressed optimism that more human capital and infrastructure projects would be made available to Deltans, especially in the oil bearing communities.
Bashorun OGIEH, stated this shortly after the Managing Director of the Commission, Olorogun Williams Makinde, commissioned some projects executed in Abalagada, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, on Thursday, 8, 2016 by DESOPADEC.
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration), disclosed that DESOPADEC under the government of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Managing Director of the Commission, Olorogun Williams Makinde, is determined to execute people oriented projects in communities within the mandate areas of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and also create an enabling environment for investors. MD of DESOPADEC, Olorogun Williams Makinde commissions a project in Abalagada. He is proudly supported by the Executive Director (Finance and Administratn), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, (JP, KSJI, CNA) on red cap and Hon Ochor Chris Ochor, Executive Director (Social Services Development) in white dress among others.
He praised the prudent and transparent leadership qualities of Olorogun Williams Makinde and the commitment of members of the DESOPADEC Management Board, whose utmost concern is to bring the dividends of democracy to bear on the lot of the people, through improved development across the state.
According to him, “This team in DESOPADEC have exhibited a high level of transparency and prudency in the management of its resources to bring sucour to the people of Delta state within our mandate areas. You can see the huge number of projects being executed by the state government through DESOPADEC. The standard of these projects speak for themselves and the people who are the immediate beneficiaries are happy because they are given exactly what they want. ”
Bashorun Ogieh said this feat has further restored the peoples’ confidence on government and its policies, adding that despite the dwindling revenue accruing to the state, the state government under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has remained resolute in delivering on its electoral promises to Deltans.
While soliciting the cooperation of all Deltans, especially the oil bearing communities, Bashorun Ogieh said that the government of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and entire members of the Olorogun Williams Makinde led DESOPADEC Management Board were keen on transforming the nooks and cranies of Delta state to become a major economic hub of Nigeria.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –:
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta Sate Council, has called for the immediate release of a local publisher and media practitioner in the State, Mr Daniel Ekkiugbo, detained over a month by the State Security Service for an undisclosed reason.
The NUJ, in a courtesy visit to the Delta State Director of State Security Service, Mrs Otubu, said Mr Daniel Ekiugbo had been in the SSS detention for over a month and that his continued incarceration violated his constitutional right as a citizen of Nigeria.
The Union, in stating its position, through the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, described the detention as objectionable and unacceptable, saying such should not be happening in a democracy since Decree 4 had long been abolished.
The Council appealed to the Director of SSS to use her good offices to ensure that the constitutional right of Mr Daniel Ekiugbo was respected by releasing and charging him to court as required, a statement signed by the state NUJ Secretary, Comrade Churchill Oyowe and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Thursday, December 8, 2016.
Responding, the SSS Director, Mrs Otubu, thanked the Delta State NUJ for the initiative to interface with her office on the detention of one of theirs, calling for more to strengthen the bond of friendship between security agencies and the media.
She disclosed that the issue was still under investigation but gave an assurance that as soon as investigations were done with, Mr Daniel Ekiugbo would be released.
The Director called on the NUJ to prevail on its members to exercise restraint in reporting sensitive issues likely to worsen an already bad situation, explaining that sensational reportage could create security problems capable of engulfing society.
Recall that it has been alleged that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, had ordered the arrest of the publisher of Ughelli Times Magazine, Mr. Daniel Ekiugbo over an alleged libelous publication against the Minister.
The journalist has been in the “gulag” of the Department of State Security (DSS), Delta State Command in Asaba since his unlawful arrest.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –: Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right) presenting a Staff of Office to His Royal Majesty, Oboro Gbaraun II Aketekpe, Agbdagba the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Tuesday, December 06, 2016 took the message of peace to the creaks of the Niger Delta, saying peace was a panacea for meaningful development to take place.
According to the duo, destruction of pipelines in the area has not only affected revenue generated to the federation accounts but, has also, reduced revenue accruable to Delta State.
Both leaders spoke at the official presentation of Staff of Office to HRM Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba , The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South west local government area of Delta State.
“We need peace for development to take place, Nigeria is a great nation, no matter what is happening, Nigeria will, Niger Delta will succeed, Gbaramatu Kingdom will succeed,” Dr Jonathan said, while Governor Okowa emphasized that his administration was committed to executing developmental projects in the creeks of the Niger Delta but requires peace for such to take place.
The governor who was excited at the colourful ceremony which attracted a retinue of political office holders, traditional rulers, captains of industries, including representatives of different countries’ Presidents, asserted, “it is time we realize that under a peaceful atmosphere, where everybody lives in peace, we can build a future of trust for our children.”
“There is no alternative to partnership, when you are aggrieved, you have reasons to feel bad but, we can carry out our agitations with dialogue; it is time to forgive those who needs to be forgiven because, when we do that, it will be easier for us to speak boldly and be heard,” the governor said.
While congratulating the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom for the peaceful way they chose their King, Governor Okowa reiterated, “we need to pay greater attention to the development of the creeks and the riverine communities.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Our Crime Reporter:
Residents of Obiaruku, headquaters of Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta state, were again subjected to untold harrassment as two rival cult groups clash in a supremacy conflict.
Blank NEWS Online reporter gathered that the incidence which took place on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th of November, 2016, saw many innocent people beaten and dispossesed of their money and valuables like GSM handsets, wrist watches and other valuables along the streets, especially around Ogbeaka area of the community.
Blank NEWS Online was reliably informed that trouble started when a member of one of the cult groups decided to defect to another cult which is contrary to the laws of his initial cult, thereby setting off a supremacy duel between the rival cults.
As usual, the police was unable to arrest the pandamonium that ensued for two days, only to arrest a few of the cult members after the two days incidence, after the major culprits had escaped into the bush and neighbouring villages.
In recent times, Obiaruku has become a major hot spot of cult activities and related criminal and anti~social acts in Delta state. Almost at quarterly intervals the entire community is put on the precipice by warring cult gangs, often killing each others in attempts to assert their supremacy in the community.
Equally, stakeholders including the state Police Command, community leaders and vigilante groups have held series of peace and security conferences in a collective bid to find a lasting solution to the challenge to no avail.
With this year’s Christmas coming close, residents of the community now sleep wait one eye closed as the teenage cultists have developed penchant to unleash violence on innocent people witout notice.
The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has revealed that out of the N237 million approved for the ministry in the 2016 budget, the ministry was only able to access N147 million and was able to achieve 62 percent performance.
Mr. Ukah made this disclosure during the budget defense of his ministry before the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Information in Asaba recently.
He said that the ministry have been able to ensure that the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba, is back on air, adding that the state radio station is functioning well, while 2017 focus will be on the full digitalization of all government broadcast media.
The General Manager of the Delta State Printing and Publishing Company Limited, publishers of the Pointer Newspapers, Mr. Bosah Iwobi, revealed that the company was able to access only N3.9 million out of the N6 million in the 2016 approved budget, adding that with a projected revenue of N60 million from advertisements and sales, only N18 million was realized.
Mr. Iwobi, however, stated that the company has a forecast benchmark of N70 million from advertisements and sales for the 2017 financial year.
In his presentation, the General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, Mr. Tunde Omonode, revealed that the station was able to access N1.5 million out of the N6 million in the 2016 approved budget resulting in low performance of the station.
The General Manager of Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba, Mrs. Evelyn Benitie, on her part, revealed that the station was able to generate N50.082 million in the 2016 financial year.
The Committee Chairman, Hon. Tim Owhefere, who spoke alongside Hon. Emeka Elekeokwuri and Hon. Pat Ajudua, who are members of the committee, stressed the need for ministries to harmonize their budget proposals to ease implementation by the government.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Bertrams Esegbue: Shops on fire
As the harmattan season sets in, Obiaruku, headquarters of Ukwuani local government area of Delta state had its first shot of inferno crisis.
The town was recently thrown into agony as they watched helplessly while fire razed shops and commodities estimated to be worth over 50 million naira.
The incidence started at about 6.30pm on the fatefull evening on Saturday 26th of November, 2016. An eyewitness confided to Blank NEWS Online that the fire was started by a woman who sells black market fuel and kerosine products at a location along the old Sapele/Agbor road, opposite the main market at Obiaruku.
The source who reguested to remain anonymous, explained that as the woman concluded the day’s business, she then swept the surroundings and gathered the accumulated debris which she set on fire, unmindful of the gallons of petroluem products she kept nearby.
The source further revealed that while the fire razed, a mysterious breeze blew some piarticles of the debris with glowing flames to the nearby fuel and kerozine products which then set off a big explosion in the place.
All efforts made by residents and passersby to put off the fire proved abortive as the fire engulfed the shops in the location and razed them to ashes. Two of the shops were said to contain over 100 bags of rice which is the staple food of the forthcoming Christmas celebration and which price has skyrocketed to all time high.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh (JP)
The Executive Director (Finance and Administration) at the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Bashorun (Hon.) Askia Samuel Ogieh, JP, KSJI, has commended members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Isoko South local government area for agreeing to embrace peace and move the part forward.
Bashorun Ogieh, who stated this during the party’s rally organized in honour of the state chairman of PDP, Barr. Kingsley Esiso iin Oleh, assured that the party leaders in the local government have already initiated strategies to reposition the party, adding that reconciliation moves have also begun to yield positive results.
According to him, “The issues are being tackled and I can assure you that we as leaders would not relax until we fully reposition our great party. You can see the impressive turn out of members to welcome our leader. It clearly shows that we are on the right track.”
Bashorun Askia Ogieh therefore called on all sons and daughters of Isoko South to continue to be loyal party members, saying that the part to genuine reconciliation of aggrieved party members is fully on course.
He lauded the giant strides of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for providing sustainable development across the state, adding that Isoko nation has not been left behind in the people oriented SMART agenda of the governor, whom he described as
detribalized true son of Delta state.
While praising the state PDP chairman, Barr. Kingsley Esiso and his executive for embarking on the familiarization tour of all local government areas of the state to further ensure a firm grip of the PDP in the state, Bashorun Askia Ogieh assured that the people of Isoko South were fully behind the party.
He however promised that all Isoko South and Isoko North people are determined to rally round the the governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and Olorogun Barr. Kingsley Esiso for greater prosperity for all Deltans.
“There is something you can do, no matter how little, help make a world of difference in the life of an orphan, by showing a little bit of love, a little care and giving a little support. In so doing, we can change our world. One person at a time.” Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA:
Wife of Delta state governor and founder of the 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa has called on well meaning Deltans to make adequate positive impact in the lives of the less privileged, especially orphans, who are mostly victims of war, famine, displacement, poverty and death of both parents.
She made the call on Monday, November 14, 2016 during a special presentation of food items to 43 orphanages, drawn from the 25 local government areas of the state and three families to mark the World Orphans Day at Government House, Asaba.
Dame Okowa, disclosed that the 05 Initiative has intensified efforts at executing programmes to cushion effects of the challenges often faced by the less privileged, especially orphans, through scholarship schemes, adoption of orphans, provision of accommodation for care givers and organizing parties in registered orphanages, among others.
She therefore, appealed to well meaning Deltans, concerned residents and corporate organizations to show support and regularly be reminded about the plight of orphans, who she said have been traumatized due to the emotional stress of constantly living without the care and love of paents.
“It is reassuring that their situation is constantly made relevant by this celebration of World Orphans Day which has been dedicated to them to remind society about the plight of orphans. This special day aims at drawing attention to their needs, so people are encouraged to actively participate to help raise awareness support and funding for them”, she said.
While enjoining care-givers and owners of orphanages in the state to imbibe acceptable standard in their activities, she encouraged them to handle the orphans with adequate care and constantly teach them the ways of the Lord.
She further promised to liaise with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to make registration requirements for establishing orphanages less stringent, so that more care-givers are given the opportunity to help the less privileged in the society.
According to her, “There is something you can do, no matter how little, help make a world of difference in the life of an orphan, by showing a little bit of love, a little care and giving a little support. In so doing, we can change our world. One person at a time.”
Items distributed to the beneficiaries include bags of rice, garri and beans; tubers of yam, vegetable and palm oil; cartons of tomatoes, crayfishes and umbrellas.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Igbuya Security mounted at Delta Assembly entrance Blank NEWS Online can authoritatively disclose that Staff of the Delta State House of Assembly under the aegis of Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) have, on Monday, sealed the Assembly complex in protest and chased out legislators over claims of unfulfilled welfare demands and highhandedness by the Speaker, Hon. Monday Ovwigho Igbuya and principal officers of the legislature.
The move which would have marred the official presentation of the of the Delta state 2017 budget to the state House of Assembly by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa last week Thursday was curtailed by failed promises made to the aggrieved staff by the House leadership that their issues were being handled.
Realizing that they were deceived by the Speaker, State Chairman of the association, Comrade Emmanuel Edozien ordered that every entrance to the complex be locked, thereby depriving all lawmakers, including the Speaker of the Assembly access to their offices within the complex.
Blank NEWS Online sources also revealed that a few heady legislators and their aides who were unaware of the protest escaped by the whiskers when some aggrieved staff chased them away with sticks.
Meanwhile, fierce looking security operatives have been stationed at the entrance to the complex to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order and to quell possible uprising from the aggrieved workers. The security agents numbering about 100 were stationed at strategic points at the Assembly complex located along Okpanam Road and prevented anybody from gaining access.
The association whose grievances have remained unaddressed since the administration of the past two speakers, Victor Ochei and Peter Onwusanya, shunned all pleas to give peace a chance and allow the legislators into their offices for the business of the day, even as plenary has resumed.
Comrade Edozien, however listed some of their grievances to include the non payment of imprests, appointment of a substantive Deputy Clerk which has been vacant for over two years, poor funding of the Assembly clinic and payment of death benefits to families of late staff.
He vowed that that members of the association would continue the seige on the Assembly until their demands were met unconditionally.
According to him, “Since February 2016, there has been no single drug in the assembly clinic. They always saying there is no money. This is affecting the staff, as a result we lost two of our staff because of no drug in the clinic. In the past two months, we have lost about four staff.
“What is happening is not good for the system. We said at least, let some drugs be provided, they refused. Again, one doctor cannot service the assembly staff, the lawmakers, their relatives and the assembly commission. So, we need another doctor.
“Appointment of a deputy Clerk is another problem. Since the deputy Clerk retired last year, the vacuum has not been filled. And there is a law passed by the same House for that position. We need a deputy Clerk, who is a staff and not a politician.
“For the outfit and special duty allowances, it is a yearly ritual. It is something that has existed over the years across legislatures all over the country. The House has refused to move our files to the governor. This touches on workers’ welfare, so we will not let it go just like that,” he vowed.
Chairman of PASAN, Comrade Edozie insisted that the protest signalled the commencement of an indefinite strike, saying that the workers will not resume until their demands were met.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Stephen Onome Omonefe is a Christian minister in Nigeria.
Background
In the ministry, he worked with Pastor Paul Egogo of Christ Apostolic Church at Udu Road in Warri. He is the evangelist in charge of Christ Apostolic Church (Royal Court of Grace) Ijala.
Marriage>
According to a report by Pastor Isaiah Ogedegbe in Warri Times, Stephen Onome Omonefe married Ovigue Kedo in a traditional marriage that held on Thursday, May 19, 2016. It took place at Beji’s Court in Ugborikoko area of Warri in Delta State. It was between the families of Late Mr. Omonefe Stanley Obiunukefe of Mosogar Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area and Late Dr. Jacob Kedo of Imode Town in Ughelli South Local Government Area both of Delta State.
Only a few select friends attended the traditional marriage. There were two dance presentations by some boys.
Stephen Onome Omonefe attended Igbudu Primary School and then Dore Numa College, but he left in 2008 to complete one year of secondary education at Royal College.
He had the call of God in early life, but answered after he saw Jesus in a divine revelation in which he was shown hell and about to be cast into it. God intervened and gave him a second chance to return to the world and to tell people that Christ is coming very soon and that rapture is imminent.
Interview
Can we meet you?
I am Evangelist Stephen Onome Omonefe from Christ Apostolic Church (Royal Court of Grace) behind Warri Refinery Jetty, Ijala, Delta State. I am a native of Mosogar in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria. I am married to Lady Evangelist (Mrs.) Ovigue Destiny Omonefe.
Can you tell us more about your background?
Actually, I was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Omonefe Obiunukefe in Delta Steel Company clinic many years ago. I am the fourth out of eight children, six boys and two girls. I attended Igbudu Primary School in Warri and also Dore Numa College in Warri, before moving to the theological seminary where I answered God’s call. Before now, a man of God prophesied that I was going to die for not answering the call of God. It happened one night when I was sleeping. I joined a queue of people waiting to be judged by Jesus as it says in Hebrews 9:27. When it was my turn, the Lord did not bother to check the Book of Life for my name but asked, “Did you do the work for which I sent you to the world? I sent you to the world to do My work, but you proved to be very stubborn.” Then He ordered two angels with muscular bodies to cast me into hell. Feeling afraid of going to hell, I not only begged but also cried for mercy. Jesus turned His back on me and ordered them again and they held me by both arms, took me away from His presence and raised me up over a pit of fire. I saw countless souls in the pit and heard their agonized cries. As they were about to let go of me, the Almighty God Himself asked them to stop with a shout and immediately they released me. Then God said, “You thought the world has ended. You are dead now. I would have cast you into hell if not for the love I have for you. I will give you a second chance. Hurry back and do the work I sent you before the world comes to an end. Very soon, very soon the world will come to an end.” I want to tell you Christ is coming very soon and rapture will take place not too far from now.
How do you see the issue of economic recession in Nigeria?
I see it as a warning from God so that our people can turn to Him again.
What do you think we need to do spiritually for it to come to an end?
We need more of God in our lives and in the lives of our leaders. We also need the fear of God which will create no room for corruption within us.
In a bid to survive, some youths have resorted to crime. What should they do instead?
All Nigerian youths need to be hardworking. The time has come for all Nigerian youths to remove their hands from crime and be diligent in business.
How do you also see the issue of cohabitation that is common in our society?
The bride price paid on a woman signifies many things. In fact, the dignity of every married woman is the bride price paid on her. The reasons why some people in our society are into cohabitation are financial constraint, joblessness and spiritual problem. Cohabitation is a sin against God which should be discouraged.
What is your advice to our youths?
They should abstain from sexual immorality. There is a time for everything. They should prepare for their future which will bring about a glorious success.
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Presentation of 2017 Budget
DESPITE the economic down turn in the country, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has earmarked the sum of one hundred and nineteen billion, one million naira (N119.001bn) for capital expenditure for the 2017 fiscal year with road infrastructure billed to gulp the sum of N35 billion.
According to Governor Okowa, though, paucity of funds hampered the provision of infrastructure in the implementation of the 2016 budget, “in the first year of our administration, we constructed and completed 55 road projects covering over 148 kilometres (including 113 kilometres of concrete-lined drains) at a total cost of N27.2 billion.
Between June and now, a further N2b has been committed to the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation and completion of 29 roads across the State. We fully intend to sustain this momentum in the coming year.”
The governor made the disclosure had on Wednesday, November 10, 2016 presented a budgetary proposal of two hundred and seventy billion, nine hundred and ten million naira (N270.910bn) christened “Budget of Fiscal Consolidation and Steady Progress,” to the Delta State House of Assembly for 2017 fiscal year.
According to him, “a total sum of N35.188 billion is allocated to road infrastructure in the 2017 fiscal year and because, “technical and vocational education is at the core of our educational policy, which emphasises skills acquisition as against certificate acquisition, the sum of N900 million is earmarked to strengthen Vocational and Technical Education in the State during the 2017 fiscal year.”
“As contained in the 2016 budget, we intend to establish a Teacher Professional Development Centre aimed at updating and upgrading the skill set of our teachers by providing systematic and coordinated capacity building for them; the Centre will also coordinate teacher’s professional registration, licensing as well as offer continuous professional development programmes and the sum of N400 million is proposed for the Centre in the 2017 budget,” the governor said, reiterating, “a total sum of N12 billion is allocated to the education sub-sector for capital projects in 2017.”
While stating that “the proposed capital expenditure estimates for 2017 is one hundred and nineteen billion, one million naira (N119.001bn) and the proposal is four billion, one hundred and fourteen million naira (N4.114bn) or 3.58 per cent higher than the 2016 capital budget of one hundred and fourteen billion, eight hundred and eighty-six million naira (N114.886bn),” Governor Okowa said, disclosing that the sum of N6.3 billion was allocated for the health sector as capital expenditure.
The sum of N1.3 billion was budgeted for Job Creation scheme, agriculture, N535 million, Finance and Investment, N1.1 billion, Environment and Urban Renewal (N1.2 billion), and for general administration, the governor said, “this administration is committed to the application of the rule of law; in this regard, the state’s Justice System will continue to receive maximum attention in the delivery of justice to our people; we shall continue with the development of our courts and offices including residential quarters for our judges throughout the State and for these, the sums of N400million and N174million have been proposed for the High Court of Justice and Customary Court of Appeal, respectively, during the 2017 fiscal year.”
“The construction of a befitting State Civil Service Secretariat Complex will commence in 2017. Government also intends to complete the on-going construction of the Office of the Head of Service Complex; no doubt, the construction of a new State Secretariat Complex and the office of the Head of Service will not only save costs for the government in the long term, but also enhance better coordination and efficiency of government operations across the Ministries, Departments and Agencies, so, the sum of N1 billion has been earmarked for the Secretariat Complex, while N100 million is provided for the Office of the Head of Service in the proposed capital budget of the 2017 fiscal year,” he stated, reiterating, “in 2017, we hope to extend our social safety net through the provision of N1.2 billion for the State’s Social Security programme which will cover agro-business, skill acquisition or outright disbursement of cash to persons in dire conditions.”
Governor Okowa used the occasion to state that the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) “in line with the funding prescription of the law setting up the Commission, the sum of N28billion, representing 50 per cent of projected derivation revenue receipts from oil accruable to Delta State is set aside for DESOPADEC in the 2017 fiscal year.”
“It is our hope that with the renewed engagement of all stakeholders by the Federal Government, and our willingness and determination to follow through with peace process, the country and our State will experience a better 2017, devoid of the interruptions and disruptions that characterised the outgoing year because, in this 2017 Budget of Fiscal Consolidation and Steady Progress, we shall continue to cut unnecessary waste and keep a tight lid on Government spending; our efforts to boost Internally Generated Revenue will be matched with zero tolerance for tax evasion and crackdown on corruption in tax administration and collection,” the governor said, adding, “we cannot afford to become complacent, therefore, I enjoin all of us to brace up for the work ahead, we must shun wrong choices and actions that could turn back the hands of the clock and derail our economic agenda because, our future and that of the next generation depend on it.”.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Trump
In an astonishing victory and against bookmakers’ predictions, Donald Trump was elected America’s 45th president Tuesday. His triumph over Hilary Clinton will end eight years of Democratic dominance of the White House.
Trump polled 276 votes to defeat Hillary Clinton: who polled 218 in a keenly contested election. Clinton has however called Trump to concede victory.
The Republican blasted through D mocrats’ longstanding firewall, carrying Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states that hadn’t voted for a GOP presidential candidate since the 1980s. He needed to win nearly all of the competitive battleground states, and he did just that, claiming Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and others.
Trump will take office with Congress expected to be fully under Republican control. GOP Senate candidates fended off Democratic challengers in key states and appeared poised to maintain the majority. Republicans also maintained their grip on the House.
Senate control means Trump will have great leeway in appointing Supreme Court justices, which could mean a major change to the right that would last for decades.
Trump upended years of political convention on his way to the White House, leveling harshly personal insults on his rivals, deeming Mexican immigrants rapists and murderers, and vowing to temporarily suspend Muslim immigration to the U.S. He never released his tax returns, breaking with decades of campaign tradition, and eschewed the kind of robust data and field efforts that helped Obama win two terms in the White House, relying instead on his large, free-wheeling rallies to energize supporters. His campaign was frequently in chaos, and he cycled through three campaign managers this year.
Trump will inherit an anxious nation, deeply divided by economic and educational opportunities, race and culture.
Exit polls underscored the fractures: Women nationwide supported Clinton by a double-digit margin, while men were significantly more likely to back Trump. More than half of white voters backed the Republican, while nearly 9 in 10 blacks and two-thirds of Hispanics voted for the Democrat.
Trump has pledged to usher in a series of sweeping changes to U.S. domestic and foreign policy: repealing Obama’s signature health care law, though he has been vague on what he could replace it with; building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border; and suspending immigration from country’s with terrorism ties. He’s also praised Russian President Vladimir Putin and spoken of building a better relationship with Moscow.
Meanwhile, several world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a message to Donald Trump, expressed confidence that the dialogue between Moscow and Washington, in keeping with each other’s views, meets the interests of both Russia and the US.
Putin also expressed hope over the joint efforts on bringing Russian-American relations out of their current crisis.
The Russian leader noted in the message that he hopes to address some “burning issues that are currently on the international agenda, and search for effective responses to the challenges of the global security.”
On top of it, Putin has expressed confidence that “building a constructive dialogue between Moscow and Washington, based on principles of equality, mutual respect and each other’s positions, meets the interests of the peoples of our countries and of the entire international community.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
As the yuletide sets in and as a result of an unsuccessful armed robbery attempt made at some banks in Agbor and Owa, Ika South Local Government Council of Delta, banks in the area have closed business in protest, alleging poor security of their services and state government’s utter disregard to their plights.
Speaking on behalf of Bank Managers Association, Mr. Patrick Oriwo (Engr) who is the Chairman of the association said that the closure of the bank operation is total, involving both the closure of the ATM and other banking operations which is aimed to further draw the attention of the Government to the damages that banks continue to face every day in their operation.
He said they have been drawing the Government attention through letters and other measures in the past which have not yielded result but that this time they decided to close down every operation so that Government will come to their rescue.
He pleaded with the bank customs to understand their plights since the action is not just for their banking benefit only but for all and sundry because where there is armed robbery operation, bullets could hit anybody.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer, Agbor, Mr. Akintunde Oyeniran, who confirmed the robbery threat assured the general public to be calm and continue with their business since the criminals only came to test the readiness of the Police Force and other security agencies in securing lives and properties in Agbor and its environs.
He said his team is ever ready to make sure that lives and properties are well secured while disclosing that the force in collaboration with the council is putting a lot of strategies in place to checkmate hoodlums’ activities.
He advised Banks to improve on their internal security while also checking their private security apparatus from time to time as well as advised bank customs to be security conscious about their environment, especially after withdrawing money.
However, Chairman of Ika South Local Government Council, Hon Fred Ofume, has appealed to the Association of Bank Managers of Ika to reopen the banks in Agbor/Owa, which they shut down in protest to an attempt made by armed robbers to rob one of the banks in town.
The Chairman, who invited the Banks Managers to his office pleaded with them to at least open up ATM machines to enable people collect money in the interim while disclosing to them all the security measures his administration has put in place and the ones they are still trying to put in place in order to checkmate the activities of hoodlums.
He promised that with the help of the Divisional Police Officer who was at the meeting an aggressive patrolling of Lagos Asaba road and some major streets as well as stop and check of vehicles will soon begin.
He appealed to the Public to bear with these new measures which is to help secure lives and properties in town.
He further disclosed that Agbor Police Division has been elevated to an Area Command which requires more work to be done especially building and equipment, appealed to well meaning sons and daughters of Ika to contribute their quota since Government alone cannot do it.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The National Judicial Council (NJC), has suspended seven senior judges arrested in October by the State Security Service for alleged corruption.
The NJC had initially refused to suspend the judges despite public pressure, saying the allegations against them had not been substantiated.
It however said the judges had voluntarily stepped down from court sittings.
The latest decision came after the council’s 7th meeting between Wednesday and Thursday.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting, and signed by NJC’s Director of Information, Soji Oye, said the decision was taken to avoid allowing persons under investigation to to partake in presiding over judicial matters at the same time.
“Council also decided that Judicial Officers shall not be standing trial for alleged corruption related offences and be performing judicial functions at the same time,” the communique said. “Council however decided that it will ensure that Judicial Officers who are being investigated for alleged high profile criminal offences do not perform judicial functions until their cases are concluded.”
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Governor Okowa
IRKED by contradictory statements attributed to government officials, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said it is only the Ministry of Information that is the official organ for the dissemination of government information.
The governor, who took a swipe at those who issue contradictory information from government emphasized, “the Ministry of Information is the officially designated organ of managing and disseminating government information; it is supposed to be the clearing house for all government information.”
Governor Okowa made the clarification in an address he delivered at the 46th meeting of the National Council on Information held in Asaba, Delta State, recently.
He bemoaned situation where government officials dish out contradictory information, disclosing, “we have seen situations where heads of other ministries and political appointees made public pronouncements that contradicted the official government policy leading to confusion in the minds of the public and loss of confidence in government’s information machinery.”
“I believe the Ministries of Information should serve as sensors of stakeholder and public opinion on and about the policies, programmes and performance of the government through periodic perception audits.
“The intelligence gathered is very useful in ascertaining the impact and acceptability of government policies and programmes, as well as helping to gauge the public mood, and their perception of the government or governor,” Dr. Okowa asserted.
Nigeria’s Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, during the meeting said, “information managers have to be at the forefront of reshaping our country to the time-tested values of old.”
Twenty nine Commissioners of Information and their Permanent Secretaries, including key functionaries in the information sector in the country, attended the meeting which lasted for three days.
