Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has commended deltans for conducting themselves peacefully and orderly during the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the state.GUBER GENERAL ELECTION:Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State casting his vote in his home town, Abigborode in Warri North LGA of Delta State
Governor Uduaghan who gave the commendation in Abigborodo in Warri North local Government Area after casting his vote at the unit one Umuegbe Primary School polling unit said information he received so far from security agencies indicated that voters behaved well adding that the development was a plus for deltans as well as the security agenda of the state government.
He commended Independent National Electoral Commission INEC for improving on its conduct of the presidential election particularly in ensuring that its staff and election materials arrived polling stations early.
While thanking every Deltan for their peaceful conduct, the governor said the peaceful behaviour proved analysts who had listed Delta State as a flash point wrong.
Governor Uduaghan and his wife, Roli who voted at about 1 45pm expressed satisfaction with the electronic card reader and voter turn out stating that “The INEC conduct of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections in the Umuegbe Primary School polling station, Abigborodo Ward Six was an improvement on its conduct of d Presidential Election, INEC officials and election materials arrived the polling station at 8 55 am while accreditation started at 9 52 am.”
Governor Uduaghan and his wife, Roli who arrived the polling station at 9 54 am was accredited in less than three minutes using the electronic card reader while that of his wife took less than one minute.
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Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the death of Oronto Douglas, Adviser on Research, Documentation and Strategy to President Goodluck Jonathan as “very shocking” and “a devastating personal loss” difficult to replace.Oronto Douglas
Reacting through Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, few hours after the news of the death, Governor Uduaghan said he is terribly disturbed that such a bright mind and articulate strategist as Douglas could be struck down in his prime, and a time when the nation would have benefited most from his wealth of knowledge and uncommon wisdom.
Said he: “I can’t believe that Oronto – that’s what we all call him is gone. I refuse to use the word dead. I’m very disturbed that such a brilliant mind, articulate strategist and friend has been struck down. It is even more painful that this has happened when the nation would have benefited from his vast knowledge and depth of wisdom”.
The Governor particularly noted the patriotic and heroic role of the Presidential Adviser in articulating a broad Niger Delta strategy as well as ensuring a continuous rapprochement between the states in the region and the President.
“I can tell you that he played a major role in ensuring that governors of the Niger Delta region maintained a cordial and close relationship with the Presidency. He was an unrelenting advocate of peace and justice. A bridge builder who wanted the progress of his boss at all times”, he added.
Uduaghan further said the loss would be difficult to replace. “It is a sad day for Delta State, for the Niger Delta and Nigeria. It is a personal loss for me, my family and everyone that has had a close encounter with him. Oronto Douglas will be greatly missed”, he noted.
While expressing deep condolences with the government and people of Bayelsa State and President Jonathan for the unfortunate incident, the governor particularly prayed that God should grant his wife, two sons and other members of the family fortitude to bear the loss.
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DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has commissioned a 3.5 billion naira 120 metre-long six span flyover bridge, the first constructed by the state government with a promise to ensure that Asaba will take its rightful place as one of the best state capital in the country.COMMISSIONING: from right; Commissioner for Works, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, Governor Emmanuel Eduaghan of Delta State, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Prof. Amos Utuama, Delta State PDP Guber candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo during the official commissioning of 120m Six-Span Flyover by the governor in Asaba, Thursday.
Speaking at the colourful ceremony in Asaba today, April 09, 2015, Governor Uduaghan stated that the project was part of his administration’s urban renewal programme meant to improve the social economic and political lives of the people and to give Asaba, the status of a befitting state capital.
“A lot of things have happened in the state capital and it is assuming the status of a befitting state capital, at the beginning we started with the airport, the new government house then we did the schools and the health sectors, very soon an ultra modern hospital will be completed. ”
” We have done a lot in Asaba to make it a befitting state capital. This project started two years ago, not eight years ago and today, we are commissioning it.”
He observed that the flyover was very strategic as it will ease traffic on the road which connects Edo State and reduces time of journey from Asaba to Abuja and the northern parts of the country.
“The flyover is very strategic, it is on the road that leads to Abuja, with the completion of the Utor bridge at Ebu, which constitute an arterial road from the South-South and South –East States through Edo state to Abuja and other parts of Northern Nigeria, this flyover bridge is very timely”, Dr Uduaghan added.
Uduaghan who thanked those who contributed to making the project a success, including Deltans for their patience, added, “we envisioned that there will be a time there will be heavy gridlock in this area, that is why we constructed the flyover.”
He assured Deltans that his administration would continue to execute projects and called on the people to vote for the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the House of Assembly candidates of the party during the elections.
The commissioner for Works in the state, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon in an address, said the flyover bridge located at the intersection of Nnebisi, Okpanam, Anwai roads was awarded to “Messrs CCC Construction Company Nigeria Limited by the state government in 2013 at a contract sum of N3, 528, 939, 077.63.”
“The scope of the works included a 120 metre-long six-span bridge, two ramps of about 140 meters each on either approach bringing it to a total of 400 metres long,” he said, noting, “the entire bridge/ramps structure is a four-lane dual carriage way, comprising of two in each travel direction demarcated with a New Jersey Barrier.”
Asagba of Asaba, Obi (Prof.) Chike Edozien represented at the occasion by Chief John Edozien, thanked Governor Uduaghan for his efforts towards transforming Asaba.
According to the Asagba, “the Governor has done very well, it is right that he makes people know some of the things he has done in Asaba that is why this commissioning exercise is important.”
Chairman of Oshimili South local government area, Hon. John Obusom said the people are happy with what Governor Uduaghan has done in Asaba and Delta State in general.
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A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Uche Uraih has said Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will be the first Delta Northerner to be Governor of Delta State twenty four years after the state’s creation.Delta state PDP Governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
Speaking in Asaba, Hon. Uraih, a former Chairman, Board of the Delta Broadcasting Service, Asaba stated that Delta State stands on a tripod.
According to him, Delta Central and Delta South have had their slots as Governor of Delta State and it is logical that Delta North will produce the next Governor of the oil rich state.
“Delta State stands on a tripod and as an Anioma man, it is right that after 24 years of state creation, Anioma man should be elected as Governor of Delta State, this is not too much to ask from all Deltans,” Hon. Uraih said.
He added, “Senator Okowa is eminently qualified and don’t forget, Delta Central has had it twice in Olorogun Felix Ibru and Chief James Ibori, Delta South had it once in the present Governor, Dr Uduaghan and for equity and fairness, North should have it.
The politician noted that his support for Senator Okowa’s guber interest was not only based on the fact that he is experienced but, because he is from Delta North district.
Hon. Uraih said, “I believe as an Anioma man, I should always be by my people and I am excited that we are producing the Governor of Delta State come April 11, he is qualified and understands the state more than other candidates.”
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GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan has charged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to mobilize people at the grassroots to participate actively at the April 11 governorship and House of Assembly elections.
According to the Governor, active mobilization of people at the units and wards would increase the margin with which the PDP will emerge victorious in the Saturday’s elections.
The Governor who spoke Tuesday at a Town Hall meeting for members of the PDP in Delta North Senatorial district in Asaba reiterated, “we must be able to mobilize our people at the grassroots to participate in the elections.”
“We must all go to the voting units with out PVC (Permanent Voters Cards), let us mobilize our people to go to the polling units with our PVCs, all the people you mobilize must go with their PVCs, but we are insisting that the card readers must work,” he said.
He added, “we have insisted that INEC must improve on logistics, INEC must start accreditation early and if at any time they do not want to use the card reader, they should inform everybody and on time.”
The Governor also, thanked the leadership of the PDP in the state for agreeing that the agents of the party for the elections would be trained before the Saturday elections, asserting, “this election is very crucial and winning the election with a wide margin is very important, our agents must must know what to do so that they do not go against INEC’s regulations.”
“This is our own project, your own project and God’s own project, one of the greatest challenges we have today is rumour but, each time the rumours come out, we come out stronger,” he said, adding, “the man we are projecting is experienced, so don’t be afraid of opposition because the PDP will remain a dominant party in this state, let us be steadfast, let us go out and vote, we must protect our votes, we must be united.”
He called for prayers stating, “we should pray, let God make this project possible in Jesus name, amen.”
The gubernatorial candidate of the PDP in the state, Senator Okowa in his speech thanked Governor Uduaghan and Deltans for their support, saying, “it is obvious that the PDP has done well and many more people are joining the PDP, we did very well in the March 28 elections, the Governor has made the work very light for us, I must thank His Excellency for that, we should be careful of rumours, PDP is going to win in the elections with a wide margin.”
Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor in his speech, said, “today is a very good day in the history of Anioma nation, we thank our Governor for his commitment towards to victory of our party, our personal commitment too to this project is important, we should be proud of what we have, we must do what is right, let us mobilize our people and deliver our governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the candidates for House of Assembly, we must produce 98 per cent of the votes for the PDP.”
“The PDP government has done very well in the state and those who are engaged in anti-party activities will be suspended immediately after the elections, Delta State belongs to the PDP and we will work for the victory of our party,” he said.
Those who spoke at the occasion including, former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Chief Benjamin Elue; the Senator representing Delta South, Senator James Manager; the Senator-elect for Delta North Senatorial district, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi; the Coordinator of the PDP campaign organization in Delta North district, Chief Godwill Obielum, the Chairman of the PDP, South South region, Dr Cairo Ojougbou, Senator Patrick Osakwe, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, among others stated that the election of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor would be with a high margin.
They observed that electing Senator Okowa would actualize zoning of political offices and equity in the election of Governors of Delta State, noting that the PDP will remain a dominant political party in the state.
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Two political leaders in Lagos Island are upset over remarks credited to the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu denigrating Igbos in Lagos State.The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu
Former Lagos Island Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Lukman Ajose and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Babatunde Olorogun Etti want the monarch to stop using his power, position and influence to deepen the crisis in the state.
“Instead of teaching non-indigenes to hate, we must socialize with them so that they learn cooperation and peacefulness. The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu should stop politicking. If he is interested in politics, he should remove our crown, keep it safely and join a political party of his choice” they advised.
At a stakeholders meeting in Lagos Island on Tuesday, the leaders said the action of the monarch raises concerns over rights and freedoms of non-Yoruba in Lagos State.
They accused the monarch of overstepping the mark and acting as a policeman, urging him to promote peaceful behavior.
“This is not a village where the head can tell his subjects to vote a particular candidate or political party. The people are determined to end Bola Tinubu’s reign in Lagos State. PDP has a bright chance. Even many All Progressives Congress (APC) members want Jimi Agbaje to be governor of the state.
While urging the electorate to remain resolute, the leaders insisted that the governorship election in the state was “a matter for the electorate”
“Don’t be afraid of any threat. Lagos is for all and Lagosians are very accommodative.” he added.
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Delta State Governor Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged gubernatorial and state house of assembly candidates to ensure a peaceful and violent-free elections on Saturday, April 11.MEETING: from left; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Delta State INEC Commissioner Mr. Aniedi-Abasi Ikiowak and the State INEC Administration Secretary, Mr. Thomas Ngele during the INEC-select stakeholder’s emergency meeting with all Governorship and House of Assembly candidates in Delta held in Asaba,
Speaking on Tuesday, April 07, 2015 during an Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Select Stakeholders’ Emergency Meeting in Asaba, Gov. Uduaghan said that the candidates have an onerous duty to ensure that they maintain the existing peace in the state stressing: “Those of you in this hall can ensure that we have a violent free election come April 11th. Let me inform you that 8years is short but 4years is shorter nobody should die for your ambition, no blood should be spilled for your ambition”
“We want to thank the gubernatorial candidates here for their peaceful campaign so far. You have campaigned in a manner that is civilized people are allowed into all areas to campaign. I want to appeal that we maintain the peace; Delta state needs peace, God will give us a peaceful person that will take over from me because Delta state is a peaceful state”.Cross section of some Guber candidates from different party and from left; Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (PDP) Chief Emeror Otega (APC) Dr. John Onwubuya (ACD) Mrs. Oluremi Mohammed (PDC) and Chief Great Ogboru during the INEC-select stakeholder’s emergency meeting with all Governorship and House of Assembly candidates in Delta
The governor charged INEC to inform the electorate early enough on any changes to its electoral rules adding that with all the effort of INEC “I hope that the card reader will perform better than it did in the last election”.
Dr. Uduaghan decried the problem of people publishing fake results on social media to the detriment of the peace and security of the nation.
“Let me remind us that INEC is the proper and feat body to collate result, we should allow it to do its job, a lot of rumors especially on social media can cause problems”.
He commended INEC for organizing the forum stating that it has given it the opportunity to hear from the political parties on the challenges of the last election and create a forum for the exchange of information to ensure that the next election would be better.
Earlier the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mr. Aniedi Ikiowak stated that the meeting was called to address all identified challenges in the March 28th elections and to proffer ways in dealing with these challenges to make the April 11TH election credible.
He assured the stakeholders that adequate measures were being put in place to ensure a hitch free election stressing that all the logistics and card reader challenges experienced in the last election were being adequately addressed.
While reminding party agents to work within their limit in the course of electoral material distribution and not to disrupt the work of the commission, Mr. Ikiowak however called for the protection of all INEC staff especially the adhoc staff in the course of their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the security agents the Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. Zaki Mohammed assured the stakeholders of the readiness of the security agencies to provide adequate security before, during and after the elections adding that politicians should caution their supporters to be law abiding.
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The All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate in Isoko Federal Constituency, Chief (Barr.) Daniel Magnus Oyowe has alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Leo Ogor may have rigged at the March 28 polls, which results is yet to be announced by the Independent National Eletoral Commission (INEC).All Progressive Congress (APC) House of Representatives candidate in Isoko Federal Constituency, Chief (Barr.) Daniel Magnus Oyowe
Accordng to a petition signed by Lady Nike Ayum and addressed to the INEC Resident Officer in Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta state, “Between 16:00pm and 17:05pm on the 28th of March, 2015, a vehicle with Registration number EH 825 SL, allegedly belonging to Leo Ogor and other vehicles bearing his names and party logo were used to convey two ballot boxes, ballot papers, result sheet and other electoral materials for the House of Representative election.
” Occupants in one of the vehicles, a green Toyota Extera Jeep with Registration number L.K.O. 2015 REP, also belonging to the PDP candidate, include two NYSC adhoc staff of INEC, NCDC officials as well as INEC officials, who were spotted at the Erebi Channel 10 Hotel, off Ogbemudia street, Oleh.
“On spotting them, I promptly reported the incident at the INEC office at Oleh and submitted a written petition to the Electoral Officer, Ms Omoile.
” I therefore urge INEC to use its good offices to take necessary action so that the real results are not altered or tampered with.”
Meanwhile, the APC candidate, Chief (Barr.) Daniel Magnus Oyowe has said that his opponent, Hon. Leo Ogor has compromised the INEC officials with an aim to falsify the results, saying that majority of the people of Isoko Federal Constituency had voted massively for the APC during the House of Representative election.
He also called on INEC not to allow persons with fraudulent intent to jeopardize the current electoral processes which have have been widely applauded.
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DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan said Monday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state was ready for the April 11, 2015 Governorship election, saying no party can intimidate the PDP.Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (middle), Prof Amos Utuama SAN Deputy (left) and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa
At a meeting with PDP members in Delta Central held at the PTI Conference Center, Effurun, the Governor stated that PDP would coast to victory in the governorship and house of assembly elections this weekend, but urged members of the party to work hard to emerge victorious in the polls.
While saying he was sure of PDP winning the governorship election, he revealed that he had commenced compiling his handover notes that he would hand over to Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on May 29, 2015.
According to him, “On May 29, I will hand over power to Senator Okowa. I am compiling my handover notes already that I will hand over to Okowa on May 29 because I am very sure of victory for our party.”
“We are stronger now as a result of our voting strength which we demonstrated on March 28 Presidential/National Assembly elections. We have no apology for voting massively for President Jonathan,” he said, noting that Senator Okowa is the only candidate for Delta.
He said: “Okowa is very experienced. We have passed the stage of having a Governor learning on the job. Okowa has made contacts over the years and we are all working together to win. We have a strong team. The next captain of the team is Okowa and I am appealing to all of you to vote massively for Okowa as we did on March 28. Let us work with one mind, if we do that, no party can win us in Delta Central. Let us not take things for granted.”
He added that, “We must work as a team. No party can intimidate us in the governorship election. We must be determined to win. We are on ground and ready for the election. No time for rumour mongering, let us use our time for proper mobilization to win the election.”
Also speaking, the State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama implored the people to vote massively for the PDP, saying they should not be deceived by other parties suffering from “incurable K-legs”.
On his part, the State PDP Governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, described PDP as a united party and implored the people to speak with one voice on Election Day.
“We must be united to win the election on Saturday. Deltans are one people; we one family. Other parties cannot divide us; they are afraid of us and on Saturday, let it be operation deliver all. We are not going to allow them any vote. Other parties do not have followers. We did not grow PDP overnight,” he said.
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Since the emergence of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari as the President-Elect, I have watched with concern, and frankly with disdain, as many of our so-called elite have overnight become rabid fans and supporters of the APC and Buhari. Typical of the chameleonic nature of the political class, many who were hitherto singing the praise of the PDP are today taking out full page advertisements to congratulate General Buhari on his victory. The sad truth about our political elite is their lack of ideological conviction and very fickle minded nature. They are purely driven by selfish interest as against the collective interest of the people they seek to lead, or should I say rule.
In Delta state, the swan song now seems to be that Delta cannot afford to be in the opposition. It would have been okay if this position is being canvassed by the unenlightened and those who do not know any better. But when you hear supposedly enlightened people making such statements, you wonder about the future of this country. Even respected lawyer, Festus Keyamo took out a full page advertisement calling on his “Urhobo brothers and sisters” to vote for the APC because “historically the Urhobos have never settled for an opposition” (Vanguard, April 4 page 17). That was at best distasteful, and at worst, intellectually bankrupt.
The campaign by people like Keyamo and some unscrupulous politicians that Delta cannot afford to be in the opposition, smacks of crass opportunism and a deliberate ploy to hoodwink the gullible electorate for their selfish purposes. In the first instance, it makes me wonder if the clamour of change is for all Nigerians to become members of the APC. Is it that they want Nigeria to be a one-party state? What manner of change is that? Secondly, are we now to believe that people like Keyamo who are supporting the APC today are doing so simply because it is going to form the government at the centre not necessarily because of any shared values and ideology? Does that mean that if in 2019 the PDP returns to power at the centre that these politicians would be making another “clarion call” on the Urhobos to follow the PDP? What manner of change is that?
Secondly, belonging to the same party that controls the centre does notnecessarily add any value to a State. Belonging to the opposition does not stop any state from getting its due from the Federation Account as the procedures for distribution of federal resources are clearly spelt out in the constitution. The truth also is that the PDP and APC have no real ideological differences, and so there are no major policy differences that could possibly counter any federal plans for the state if the federal government genuinely means to move Nigeria forward.
As a Yoruba married to a Deltan, I believe Deltans would be making a very big mistake if they fall for this cheap propaganda that Delta cannot afford to be in the opposition. Having lived most of my life in Lagos, I know that being in opposition can be a blessing in disguise. It is an incontrovertible fact that the south west part of Nigeria is the most developed part of the country. Yet, since the first republic, this is one part of the country that has often been in opposition to the government at the centre, so much so that it proudly wears the opposition tag.
The reason the south west has been able to forge ahead is because being in the opposition compels the leaders to work harder to earn the trust and confidence of the electorate. The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo launched his free education programme and the Odua Investment Company which was responsible for the industrialisation of the region as an opposition leader in the 60s. Being in opposition can be a blessing because the focus is usually on performance as we saw in Lagos during the Tinubu/Fashola era. We can see the same pattern of performance in all the states controlled by the APC.
This is because it is the only way such states can avoid being overwhelmed and overrun by the federal might. Once they are able to satisfy the yearnings of the people for real development, they will enjoy their support even in face of overbearing attitude from the centre. When the Obasanjo-led PDP government withheld the allocations due to Lagos under Tinubu, it only added to Obasanjo’s frustration as the people stood solidly behind the government. The Tinubu administration was then forced to become more creative in its internal revenue generation drive. Today, Lagos State generates monthly internal revenue of N30b as a result.
On the contrary, when states are aligned with the ruling party at the centre it often leads to complacency and a false sense of security. In addition, the political hucksters and prostitutes that inundate the Nigerian political landscape would be falling over themselves scrambling for the federal government largesse, with little or no attention paid to economic development. Ogun State where I come from witnessed the least form of growth and economic development during the eight-year administration of Otunba Gbenga Daniel. We were not only part of the ruling government at the centre, the President was from our state, and yet the state in real terms, regressed during that period. The story was the same in the entire south west except Lagos after Obasanjo fulfilled his promise to “capture” the region in 2003.
The politicians selling this agenda are merely interested in how they can benefit from the largesse at the centre; they are not really concerned about the welfare of the people. If they truly have the welfare of the people in mind they will know that being in opposition is not a death sentence; it will only serve to wake the politicians up from their slumber and make them become alive to their responsibilities. With the fluctuating fortunes in the international oil market, Delta is getting less income from oil. What the state needs now is a governor who knows what is at stake, a governor that can improve the economic fortunes of the state, not an ethnic governor.
*Mrs. Chwukuma is a Lagos-basedd journalist.
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Ibrahim Babatunde Olorogun-Etti, on Monday described the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje as a charismatic leader with a strong moral belief of how things should be.PDP gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje
“Mr. Jimi Agbaje is the perfect person for the governorship job. He will make the difference in the politics and development of the state” he said.
Olorogun Etti who spoke in Lagos Island urged the electorate to assess Agbaje based on his antecedents and track record.
“Jimi Agbaje is a large hearted philanthropist, a reputable humanist and a God fearing individual. He has the capacity to drive the state in the direction that we want it. So he is just the natural choice of the people” the PDP leader said.
He warned those working against Agbaje, urging traditional rulers, politicians, women and youths in the state to support the gubernatorial ambition of the PDP candidate.
Olorogun Etti said Agbaje would uphold the values of communal harmony that make Lagos State a unique model for us all.
“`He will drive productivity and growth. He will raise the standard of living in the state and improve the lot of everyone. He will lead the state to the next level. He will run an open government with accountability standards. He will deepen the mechanics of governance and service delivery. He will embark on a large housing development for low income earners. He will create the enabling environment for investors within and outside to invest in Lagos State in order to create more job opportunities for the people.
“He will improve water supply and distribution networks, boost the tourism sector, upgrade existing roads, and ensure that all roads in the state have adequate drainage system to aggressively check the menace of flooding and erosion.
“He will ensure lasting peace through security and good governance, decent education, adequate medical care and affordable housing. Agriculture will witness turn around. Youth employment and women empowerment will be given attention. Rapid results will be achieved in the economic sector”
“I look forward to his leadership in the state come May 29, 2015”, Chief Ibrahim Babatunde Olorogun-Etti said.
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Jews in the Diaspora, Nigeria Chapter have commenced the eight-day Jewish festival of Pesach, commemorating the biblical story of Exodus, during which the first-born sons of the Israelites were passed over while those of the Egyptians were killed.
The Chief Host, Mrs. Esther Yajoke Ugwu. a.k.a Ezewanyi is the Director and Mother to the people. The well attended feast was celebrated in Okpanam, Delta state.
Brother Caleb Igwebuike Oguchekwe, said the feast is celebrated by the Jews worldwide, to convert illnesses and poverty to generational blessing of God’s own people according to the command of Almighty God.
He encouraged people to join in the celebration and enjoy the abundant blessing of God as explained in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
According to Brother Sebastian Nnaemeka Omele, “We are celebrating the feast of Passover and unleavened bread. This shows the time the children of Israel were in bondage in the land of Egypt for 430 years. The Almighty heard their cry and sent their leader Nabi Moshe who went to Pharoah, the King of Egypt and told him that the Elohim of the Hebrews wants him (Pharoah) to let his people go and worship the Almighty in the wilderness.
“Pharoah refused to hear the word of Moshe but by too many signs and wonders, which the last one is the death of the first born of the humans and the beasts in Egypt made Pharoah to heaken to the voice of the Almighty Yahweh and allowed the people of Israel go out of Egypt.
“This period is called the Passover because the night that the death of the first born occurred, the Almighty instructed the Israelites to slay a ram or goat and make a mark of the blood on the lintels and two side posts of their houses so that when the destroying Angels see the mark of blood, they will pass over and smite the firstborn of the Egyptians in unmarked houses.
” And on that very day, the children of Israel had baked bread but because they were leaving Egypt the next morning, they could not put yeast in their bread and they ate the bread without yeast. That is called unleavened bread or bread of affliction.
“That is why the Almighty said we should do this to commemorate what He did in the land of Egypt to emancipate his people, Israel from bondage and slavery and that is exactly what we are doing.
“The period of this celebration is called the month of Habib or the month of Nisan which is usualy between the end of March and beginning of April in a year”, Brother Sebastian Nnaemeka Omele explained.
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Folks, let us make no mistake about this, there MUST be continuity in Lagos State. And here are my reasons for saying so. Akinwunmi Ambode
The state has witnessed tremendous growth in many areas in the last sixteen years, people who LIVE in Lagos will confirm this. There have been great strides in providing infrastructure amidst an ever increasing population and exploding demand on public services. We have seen a government driven by a quest for good governance, an inclusive team and a commitment to excellence. APC has in Lagos a state that has pioneered IGR that remains a model for many states in Nigeria and many countries in Africa. It remains an incubator for leaders and ideas that spread to other parts of Nigeria. So my people, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
Yes, there is much more that could be done but changing a winning formula for an untested one doesn’t make governance a positive engine of growth. We all know how much more Lagos State could have achieved but for the obstruction placed by the PDP federal government. A good example is the power projects, majority of Lagos homes would have had good regular electricity a long time ago if the PDP federal government had allowed Lagos state to implement its power programme. The PDP federal govt has for years frustrated Lagos’s development plans.
I am yet to see or hear anything from Jimi Agbaje that beats the APC’s master plan for Lagos other than populist ideas like scrapping the tolls and LASMA. Many people say he is a nice guy but he appears to me a man of telegenic appeal but little substance. PDP as a party has no precedence of performance or innovative ideas that suggests they have something that could surprise us positively. On a merit and competency comparison basis, Ambode beats Agbaje hands down. Ambode came from a humble background and rose to top level of his career whilst Agbaje’s record appears devoid of any tangible achievement or stint in public service. Besides, I am yet to see any concrete plans or policies from Agbaje that beats what Ambode stands for.
Lets call a spade a spade, the driving force behind Agbaje is really the anti-Tinubu gospel but Iet us be mindful of the saying that “don’t cut your nose to spite your face”…..he has done more good than harm. Despite what people are led to believe, Tinubu has done more for democracy than all politicians gunning for him combined together has done. But for him, Nigeria will be a one party state today. At the height of PDP’s intimidation with federal might, he stood rock solid in insisting on true federalism, in the process strengthening our democracy.
The risk of simply playing along with a party bearing Greek gifts is too much. A retreat from the centre to Lagos will simply mean an alternative wallet for PDP. The rot in PDP is simply too much for them to be trusted with Lagos State. This rot starts from the top and goes all the way through the body of the party. Let them fix this rot first before seeking our mandate.
Let’s call a spade a spade – the bitter, old and spent political opportunists are simply looking to camp their tents in Lagos State for the next four years. For the first time in recent times, we have an opportunity with APC in government at the centre and this promises to be Lagos State’s finest hour. All the special privileges which the state deserves but which it has been denied would now be easy to obtain. To change the ruling party in the state at the threshold of great opportunity would only serve to make the state’s governance dysfunctional and mediocre.
Four more years of Ambode is like four more years of Fashola, while four years of Agbaje is another four years of Jonathan. Brothers and sisters in Lagos state, keep the faith in APC – the party that has been tried and tested, and keeps delivering.
Please vote for continuity of good governance in Lagos State.
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Now that the APC has won the March 28 Presidential elections, one of the Major concerns is how the new government will deliver affordable uninterrupted Power to Nigerians.
Recall that the then Minister of Power under the Obasanjo government, the late Bola Ige, promised Nigerians that the challenges over power supply would become history within six months of his assumption of duty. At the end of the day, he could not deliver on his promise.
Former President Obasanjo, in a recent reaction, blamed Ige for ‘his’ failed promises and exonerated himself from the decision to solve the problem in the power industry in six months; Obasanjo eventually also found the power deficit difficult to overcome in his eight years in office.
Ige’s Promise was however naïve at best.
According to Obasanjo, “If you will remember, when I came back in 1999, my first Minister of Power was late Bola Ige. I won’t say Bola didn’t know what he was doing and he said publicly that he would fix the power problems in six months.
“After one year, Bola with his capacity couldn’t fathom what was wrong with power. It was riddled with corruption. Then we had no money, people have forgotten that in 1999/2000, the price of crude oil was $9 per barrel.” he said.
Obasanjo further expressed his disappointment in the late President Yar’Adua because, according to him, he failed to understand what to do at the right time.
In the reports presented before the House of Representatives in 2009, it was later established that Obasanjo had expended $3.08 billion on Power Generation.
So why didn’t Power generation improve? Well, actually it did.
Senator Ngige, in November 2012 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, was quoted as saying all the Power Plants Obasanjo built were located based on Political calculations and they were not close to transmission lines or Gas lines.
This has been shown not to be true, details as follows:
1) The Papalanto and Omotosho plants were located less than five kilometres to the existing Escravos – Lagos Gas Pipeline making the cost of connecting them to gas about $4m each.
2) The Geregu plant was located less than eight kilometres from the existing Pipeline that takes gas to the Ajaokuta Steel plant.
3) The AfamV Plant was located within the existing Afam Power Plant and therefore did not need any special pipe laying.
4) The distance of all the four power plants from existing major transmission lines is less than two kilometres making the cost of connection to the National Grid infinitesimal.
5) The turnkey costs of all the four power plants were less than $500 per megawatt which was verified by the Due Process Office to be globally very competitive. The benchmark price used for the NIPP projects which came up later was more than $1000 per megawatt.
6) All the four plants were completed within 24 months from contractors’ mobilisation, making them the fastest of deliveries in the history of Nigeria. AfamV was commissioned within 12 months!
7) A concessionary funding programme was negotiated with the Chinese Exim Bank for the Papalanto and Omotosho power plants through which Nigerian government paid only 35 per cent of their cost for the plants to be delivered. The balance of 65 per cent was supposed to be paid over a seven year period at six per cent interest rate and two years moratorium. The idea was that after paying 35 per cent and the plant was completed within two years, the income from generated power would be used to pay up the balance of 65 per cent without recourse to the Nigerian treasury!. Sounds like a plan doesn’t it?
The truth is that Power generation improved significantly under The Obasanjo government, between June 2000 and December 2002, our electricity generation capacity increased from 1425 to 4300 megawatts. Both the transmission and distribution subsections were strengthened such that peak load (delivered) for the first time in the history of Nigeria surpassed the 2400 megawatts maximum in 2002. The establishment of the Papalanto (335MW), Omotosho (335MW), Geregu (410MW), Afam V (276MW), Enron IPP(280MW) andKwale IPP (450MW) were added during the same period with the view of increasing the 4300MW generation capacity to about 6000MW. That was also the period when the Power Sector Reform Bill was crafted and submitted to the National Assembly to pave way for a more efficient deregulated power sector which we now have today.
The major reason why Nigeria has not achieved the 6,000mw goal is vandalism of gas pipelines. In this regard, the Buhari/Osinbajo government will have to tackle this gas pipeline vandalism problem head on.
There is no other way on the Long term.
Technically, Nigeria doesn’t have a Power Generation Problem per se; it has a gas distribution problem.
In this regard, the Lagos government and many private estates in Lagos have been able to identify the problem and switch to off grid captive power generation powered by Compressed Natural Gas /Diesel, enabling them enjoy 24hrs Electricity.
The Buhari/Osinbajo government will in the short term need to replicate this in industrial clusters, thereby freeing up more capacity for the grid. To do this, the power sector laws need to be relaxed as presently, only the licensed distribution companies are allowed to trade in power, Presently, such off grid power generating plants can only be used by the generating entity.
Once this is achieved, focus must be shift to improving the capacity of the grid. Presently the National grid can only transmit about 7200mw while analysts have said Nigeria needs at least 40,000mw to achieve stable electricity.
*Muyiwa Abiodun is a Board Member of Energy savers Nigeria, he is a Utility engineer who has designed and built over 40mw of off grid Power.
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MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, April 3, 2015/ — The Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy of Equatorial Guinea has announced the Ratification of Production Sharing Contract for Block EG-06 by the government of Equatorial Guinea.
The contract was signed on January 16, 2015 between ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Equatorial Guinea (Offshore) Limited, GEPetrol and the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, represented by the Ministry of Mines, Industry and Energy.
Block EG-06 is located offshore Bioko Island, immediately north of Block R (operated by Ophir Energy) and adjacent to the international border with Nigeria. Block EG-06 is composed of the areas previously known as D-8, D-9, a portion of C-10, a portion of C-11, B-10, and a portion of B-11.
US energy giant ExxonMobil has been active in Equatorial Guinea since 1995 as operator of offshore Block B, near Bioko Island. ExxonMobil holds a participating interest of 71.25 percent, GEPetrol has 23.75 percent and the Equatorial Guinea government holds the remaining 5 percent. The accumulated oil production of the Zafiro Field recently exceeded 1 billion barrels in December of 2014.
The Ratification instrument marks the commencement of the term of the Production Sharing Contract for Block EG-06 and therefore its enforceability and the start of operations. As part of the minimum work obligations for this PSC, ExxonMobil has committed to acquire 750 square kilometers of new 3D seismic data and drill at least two wells during the five-year exploration period.
The Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, Mr. Gabriel Mbaga OBIANG LIMA, said: “The Ratification of the new PSC signifies the start of a new adventure between old acquaintances and is expected to be as successful as the first one. The agreement with a supermajor like ExxonMobil is a major vote of confidence in Equatorial Guinea, even as global commodity prices remain depressed. This is added proof that offshore Equatorial Guinea continues to be an appealing jurisdiction for the exploration of hydrocarbons.”
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“Muhammadu Buhari, of the APC, having satisfied the requirement for the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”Nigeria’s President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari
These were the words of Prof. Attahiru Jega, ChIrman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Muhammadu Buhari won Nigeria’s March 28, 2015 presidential election by 2.57 million votes.
According to official results announced by INEC, Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) won 15, 424, 921 votes or 53.95 percent of the 28, 587, 564 total valid votes cast, while incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won 12, 853, 162 (44.96 percent) at the election, which was held on Saturday and Sunday.
INEC chairman Attahiru Jega said: “Muhammadu Buhari, of the APC, having satisfied the requirement for the law and scored the highest number of votes is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan and presidential candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party has congratulated the winner of the March 28 presidential election, General Muhammadu Buhari of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
Blank NEWS Online reports that President Jonathan had called Buhari at 5:15pm to make a concession and congratulate the winner, promising to ensure smooth handover.
The Director Media and Publicity of the APC Presidential Campaign Council Garba Shehu, on behalf of President-elect Buhari, thanked Nigerians for voting for change.
However, Buhari therefore advised all APC members not be involved in the molestation of opponents or the destruction of their property. “He or she is not with me, whoever does that,” Buhari said.
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Following the conclusion of voting in most states in Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced Presudential election results in nine states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The States are Ekiti, Ogun, Enugu, Kogi, Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Nasarawa and FCT Abuja.
Ekiti: APC – 120,331 ; PDP – 176,466
Ogun: APC – 308,290 ; PDP -207,950
Enugu: APC – 14,157 ; PDP – 553,003
Kogi: APC – 264,851 ; PDP – 149,987
Osun: APC – 363,603 ; PDP – 249,929
Ondo: APC – 299,889 ; PDP – 251,368
Oyo: APC – 528,620 ; PDP – 303,376
Nasarawa: APC – 236,838 ; 273,460
FCT Abuja: APC 146,399 ; PDP – 157,195
The commission will reconvene at 8pm to allow sufficient time for other states to submit their respective results.
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Delta state government has frowned at the claims by an online portal, Saharareporters, alleging that the collation of results for the presidential election in Delta state has been concluded.
A statement signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Monday, March 30, 2015 reads:
“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to a story on Saharareporters website where it was claimed that collation of results for the presidential election has been concluded in the state.
“Writing under the headline “preliminary independently collated presidential results” where it ran a table of results purportedly from all the states, Saharareporters claimed that the All Progressive Congress (APC) scored 5,331 votes in the presidential poll while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) secured 205,256 votes.
“This report is utterly false and should be seen as the product of armchair journalism by Saharareporters.
“The fact of the matter is that as at 5.30 pm today, Monday, March 30, 2015, results from only 11 out of the 25 local government areas in Delta State had been collated. The collation of results is still in progress. This should not come as a surprise given the challenging terrain in the state where many local councils are in the riverine areas.
“The INEC office in Asaba will forward the result to its headquarters in Abuja when the results are ccollated.”
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The ECOWAS Observer Mission (EOM), headed by former President of Ghana, John Kuffour, has declared Saturday, March 28 Presidential election acceptable, free and transparent. ECOWAS Observer Mission (EOM) head, John Kuffour
Kuffour who made the claim in Abuja on Sunday, March 29, 2015, lauded the commitment exhibited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies and other stakeholders on the electoral process.
The EOM, an election-monitorian body, is part of the ECOWAS sustained efforts to support the consolidation of democracy and good governance in West Africa.
He observed that:
“Security agents were present at most of the polling stations and on patrols in and around the cities as peaceful atmosphere prevailed in most parts of the country.
“The process of counting at the polling stations and the subsequent collations at designated centres were successful and in accordance with the Electoral Act.
“Some of the challenges the mission observed during the exercise included the late arrival of INEC officials in many polling stations and malfunctioning of Card Readers across the country.
“Cases of attempt to snatch ballot papers were reported in some polling stations leading to instances of uproar, shootings and sporadic violence in the affected polling stations.
“Despite efforts by the relevant agencies to secure the electoral exercise, explosions were also recorded in some parts of the country,” the ECOWAS Observer Mission (EOM) head, John Kuffour said.
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DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed satisfaction at the turn out of voters for the Presidential elections held today (28/03/2015.2015 GENERAL ELECTION: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State casting his votes during the 2015 general election in his home town, Abigborodo in Warri North LGA of Delta State.
Addressing newsmen shortly after voting at Unit 1, Ward 6, Abigborodo in Warri North local government area of the state, Uduaghan observed that though accreditation commenced late, the turn out of voters for the elections was very impressive.
He stated that the election process was smooth asserting:”The process is smooth all the way, accreditation was very quick, it took less than a minute.”
On the use of card reader, the Governor said, “for me and my wife, it was quite smooth using the card reader, but I am getting some feelers from some places that it did not work perfectly.”
While expressing hope that the PDP would win in the elections, the Governor decried an attack on a PDP chieftain “by some thugs of the opposition party,” assuring that security agents were on the trail of the thugs.
Governor Uduaghan who cast his votes at exactly 3.25 pm was earlier accredited at 12.50 pm along with his wife, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan.
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President Goodluck Jonathan has finally been accredited to vote, despite series of failed attempt to capture his biometric details.
Jonathan, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, had arrived at the Otazi playground polling centre in his home town, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, with his wife, at exactly 9:22 am, and could not be accredited on schedule.
Jonathan told journalists that the elections nationwide should not be viewed through the perspective of only one incident of failed card reader.
The Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to find out what is happening nationwide, added: “I want to use this opportunity to commend Nigerians and congratulate them for coming out to elect the next President, Senators and House of Representatives.
“There maybe issues, but this is the first time we are using this technology of voters card and card readers, I just spoke with the INEC Chairman to know what is happening across the country, President Jonathan is just one voter so even if we have problems with my own card, as long as nationally the process is going on well.
“They may be a way to resolve the hitches but my interest is for us to conduct a peaceful and credible elections and i believe that no matter the hitches.
“Nigeria elections is an election that the whole world is interested in and my conviction is that the election should go on.”
There had been complaints in various parts of Lagos concerning the challenges being faced by voters as well as the late commencement of the accreditation.
Jega told INEC officials to resort to manual voting process where the card readers fail to function effectively.
The official website of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has eportedly been hacked.
Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, has confirmed the incidence in a text message to huhuonline.com.
“Hacked will be up soon,” Idowu’s text read.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan’s accreditation on Saturday for the presidential election in n Utuoke, his home place for n Bayelsa state was delayed as three card readers failed to capture his biometric details.
Jonathan, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, who arrived at the Otazi playground polling centre in his home town, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, with his wife, at exactly 9:22 am, could not be accredited till after 10:00 am.
However, the same card reader had accredited some other voters before the President.
While waiting for a fourth card reader, a visibly sweating Jonathan urged Nigerians to be patient and ensure they all voted.
Calling the inability to be accredited a little delay, Jonathan told journalists that the elections nationwide should not be viewed through the perspective of only one incident of failed card reader.
Jonathan said: “President Jonathan is just one person, so if we have problem with one person, as far as the elections is going on well nationally.
“I’m not worried, there might be a delay, my interest is that we conduct a credible election.
“What I want to know is that what is happening across the country.”
Jonathan, who also placed a call through to the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, to find out what is happening nationwide, added: “I want to use this opportunity to commend Nigerians and congratulate them for coming out to elect the next President, Senators and House of Representatives.
“There maybe issues, but this is the first time we are using this technology of voters card and card readers, I just spoke with the INEC Chairman to know what is happening across the country, President Jonathan is just one voter so even if we have problems with my own card, as long as nationally the process is going on well.
“They may be a way to resolve the hitches but my interest is for us to conduct a peaceful and credible elections and i believe that no matter the hitches.
“Nigeria elections is an election that the whole world is interested in and my conviction is that the election should go on.”
There had been complaints in various parts of Lagos concerning the challenges being faced by voters as well as the late commencement of the accreditation.
Mr. Ima Niboro,Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria, said he spoke with the Chairman of the INEC Professor Attahiru Jega, who he said gave approval for President Jonathan to be accredited “based on the register”.
In another development, APC Residential candidate, Muhammadu Buhari has been successfully accredited in his Katsina voting unit.
Buhari lauded the use of the card reader, saying it will go a long way to check electoral malpractice case n the ongoing polls.
Also, the Presidential and National Assembly elections in parts of Delta state is witnessing a hitch with the seemingly unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At Abigborodo, Ward 6 with 4 units, Warri North Local Government Area, as at 12:10pm and one hour to the end of accredidatr exercise, there is no presence of INEC officials and electoral materials.
Incidentally, Abigborodo is the country home of Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is also stranded due to lack of officials and electoral materials.
Hundreds of voters who have been milling around the voting units since 8:00am complain that there may have been a ploy by INEC to disenfranchise eligible voters in the area.
They wondered why INEC personnel and materials are unavailable to conduct electoral process.
An INEC official in Asaba however mentioned that the Commission encountered some logistics problems, assuring that the problems would be sorted out shortly.
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The Presidential and National Assembly elections in parts of Delta state is witnessing a hitch with the seemingly unpreparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
At Abigborodo, Ward 6 with 4 units, Warri North Local Government Area, as at 12:10pm and one hour to the end of accredidatr exercise, there is no presence of INEC officials and electoral materials.
Incidentally, Abigborodo is the country home of Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is also stranded due to lack of officials and electoral materials.
Hundreds of voters who have been milling around the voting units since 8:00am complain that there may have been a ploy by INEC to disenfranchise eligible voters in the area.
They wondered why INEC personnel and materials are unavailable to conduct electoral process.
An INEC official in Asaba however mentioned that the Commission encountered some logistics problems, assuring that the problems would be sorted out shortly.
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The Nigeria Police Force has issued a list of electoral offences and warned members of the public, particularly eligible voters to beware of some offences that are punishable on Election Day.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Acting CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, members of the public have also been advised to avoid trouble, “as any offender will be arrested and prosecuted.”
He listed the 15 offences as follows:
(1) Casting of vote twice or more.
(2) Announcing false election result.
(3) Stopping any other person from voting.
(4) Revealing information on a ballot paper of another person.
(5) Being in possession of another person’s voter card.
(6) Disorderly Behaviour at polling unit.
(7) Canvassing for votes at polling unit.
(8) Shouting Slogan of a political party at polling unit.
(9) Being armed with guns, sticks, stones or any other dangerous weapons at polling unit.
(10) Loitering or walking about in a poling unit.
(11) Using siren at a polling unit.
(12) Snatching or destroying ballot boxes or Card readers.
(13) Holding public meeting during election hours on Election Day.
(14) Wearing or carrying badge or poster of a political party.
(15) Inflicts or threatens to inflict injury on any person or persons at a polling unit.
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NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR ON THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS, FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015
Dear Compatriots,President Goodluck Jonathan
As we prepare to go to the polls tomorrow, I have come before you this morning to express my immense appreciation for the opportunity you gave me to lead this great nation of ours in the past four years.
I also wish to place on record, once again, my sincere gratitude for the support you have given my administration without which the significant progress we have made in recent years would not have been possible.
In spite of the many challenges we have had to contend with since 1999, our present democratic dispensation continues to endure and grow stronger in keeping with the yearnings and aspirations of our people.
We have all worked very hard to nurture and strengthen our democratic institutions and promote the good governance practices which they were designed to deliver for the better well-being of our people.
I believe I can say without fear of contradiction that we all clearly cherish the democracy we now have and will never willingly give it up for any other form of governance.
This much-cherished democracy of ours is about to be put to the test once again.
I urge you all to troop out en-masse to peacefully perform your civic duty of voting for leaders of your choice tomorrow.
As we do so, let us all – political party leaders, contestants, party members, party agents, supporters and ordinary voters alike, be very conscious of the fact that the eyes of the entire world are on us.
We must therefore comport ourselves in a manner that will further strengthen our democracy and consolidate our place in the comity of truly democratic nations.
I made a commitment on assumption of office to progressively deliver freer, fairer and more credible elections in our country. In keeping with that commitment, the Federal Government has given the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all necessary support to ensure that it conducts very successful elections tomorrow and on April 11.
We have all been assured that INEC is fully ready for the elections. I believe that we can all trust that they are certainly more ready now than they may have been before security issues and other concerns necessitated a re-scheduling of the dates for the 2015 general elections.
As an administration, we welcome the fact that millions of Nigerians who were yet to receive their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as at February 14, and would therefore have been unfairly disenfranchised if the polls had gone ahead on that date, have seized the opportunity of the re-scheduling to collect their cards and can now exercise their right to vote tomorrow.
We are also glad that our gallant Armed Forces have successfully stemmed the seizure of Nigerian territories in the North-East by the terrorist group, Boko Haram.
They have recaptured most of the communities and territories formerly occupied by the insurgents, making it possible for thousands of internally-displaced Nigerians to begin returning to their homes and communities.
I heartily commend the very courageous men and women of our Armed Forces for the immense sacrifices which they continue to make in defending the nation and protecting its citizens.
I also thank all Nigerians for keeping faith with us over the past six weeks.
I call on all political parties and politicians in the country to allow the free, unfettered will of our people to be expressed without any hindrance in the coming elections in keeping with the hallowed principles and tenets of democratic governance which we all profess.
The will of the people freely expressed through the ballot is the bedrock of all democracies and ours cannot be an exception.
Let us all therefore be prepared, as true democrats, to graciously accept the outcome of the elections as the rightful choice of our people from whom all political powers in our democracy must emanate.
My administration has done its utmost best in the past four years to deliver on our promise to positively transform our country.
Tomorrow’s election is another very important milestone as we continue our march towards the fulfilment of our God-given potential for greatness.
The election offers us another opportunity to empower leaders of our choice once again, and to show the world that genuine democracy is alive and well in our beloved nation.
I will like to restate my belief that no political ambition can justify violence or the shedding of the blood of our people.
I reaffirm once again, my personal preparedness to ensure fair play during the elections and to deploy the resources and institutions of state only in the manner prescribed by our laws.
Let me warn, however, that as President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am under oath to protect the lives of all Nigerians and the security of our country at all times. I will never abdicate my responsibilities in that regard.
Democracy allows dissent. It encourages differences and even fervent disagreements. But elections must never be mistaken for war or an opportunity to set fellow citizens against each other and tear our beloved nation apart.
Those who may harbor any intentions of testing our will by unleashing violence during the elections in order to advance their political ambitions should think again as all necessary measures have been put in place to ensure that any persons who breach the peace or cause public disorder during or after the elections are speedily apprehended and summarily dealt with according to our laws.
The nation’s security agencies are also fully prepared and ready to deal decisively with any group or persons who attempt to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the elections or cause any form of public disorder.
Our dear country, Nigeria is the largest democracy amongst black nations of the world. We are a nation of great accomplishments, with a proud history of evolving affinities.
Let us go out tomorrow to vote peacefully and set a fitting example of political maturity for other emerging democracies to follow.
I wish you all and our dear nation, very peaceful and successful elections.
May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
I thank you all.
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Children Government of Nigeria has called on all political parties, candidates and other stakeholders in the 2015 general elections to embrace peace before, during and after the elections.
The president of the Children Government of Nigeria, Theodora Otitorichukwu made the clarion call at the Ministry of Information at the end of the “One Million Children March’’ in Asaba.
In an emotion laden speech delivered to the State Government, Miss Theodora Ora Otitorichukwu, decried the violence, characterized by the 2011 elections, stating that the 2015 general elections must be peaceful.
“Today, from the street of Asaba, Delta State and in the church, House on the Rock, we shout and say no to violence, 2011 will not repeat itself in 2015, we march for peace, and pray for peaceful conduct of 2015, general elections, Peace we must have”, young president Theodora declared.
She exhorted all political gladiators children, and youths to vote for peace first before voting for the candidates of their choice as they exercise their franchise adding that children have neither started war nor championed violence therefore should not be subjected to consequences of same.
Miss Titorichukwu who declared Friday March 27, 2015 as National Day of Pledging for Peace, expressed gratitude to Delta State Government for being the first in the federation to welcome the initiative of the One Million March for Peace.
In their respective speeches, the Child Vice President of the Children Government of Nigeria, Mr. Adamu Musa, and the Child Commissioner of Police Asaba, Gowin Emmanuel asserted that children of Nigeria condemned violence because it destroys their future, warning that anyone who causes violence during the elections will be arrested and prosecuted.
Receiving the address of the children, the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq. commended the children for their initiative even as he promised to give the event a wide publicity in the media including the social media.
Chike Ogeah who represented the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan stated that, Delta State has not recorded any violence because the governor has guaranteed peace, saying that the State is a peace loving one, even as the commissioner advised the children to take the message to other states of the federation before April 11th election.
Earlier in his remark, the coordinator of the ‘One Million Children March’ and Chief Executive Officer of Security Agenda For Africa, Patrick Ikpemeh said that children in the State embarked on the march to pray for peace, free and credible elections.
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Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), has vehemently warned that no persons or groups have the right to announce election results before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concludes its collation exercise.DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar
It therefore, advised all citizens of Nigeria, election observers and the International community to disregard election results which are not announced by INEC, stressing that the commission remains the only authentic body authorized to do so.
The DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, in a statement on Thursday, also urged all eligible voters to come out and exercise their franchise as security is fully guaranteed.
“We also want to seize this opportunity to remind voters to remain vigilant and to warn all those who have no business with the electoral process to keep away from Polling Units and Collation Centres.”
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Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan has performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the more than 16 billion dollars Gas Revolution Industrial Park (GRIP), Delta State with an assurance that the project would create over four million jobs.GROUNDBREAKING: President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) flanked by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (right) the Honorable Minister for Petroleum, Mrs. Alison Madueke (2nd left) and Minister of Commerce and Industry, Olusegun Aganga (left) during the official Groundbreaking ceremony of the Export Processing Zone by Mr. President held in Ogidigben in Warri-South LGA of Delta State
While assuring international investors that the project will be completed on schedule, the President announced the constitution of Steering Committee for the project headed by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.
This, he explained would ensure that the Federal Government and not just the President was briefed regularly on the progress of work at the Gas City project adding that the government was determined to deliver the project on schedule.
He stated that the GRIP which has Gas Industrial City, Ogidigben and Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu both in Warri South-West local government area of Delta State, will create more than one hundred and fifty thousand direct and indirect jobs during construction observing that it will to a large extent, solve the employment problems in Nigeria with over four million naira when it comes on stream fully.Royal Fathers and Traditional Chief welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan (middle) on arrival at the Osubi Airport, Warri and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (left) for the official Groundbreaking ceremony of the Export Processing Zone by Mr. President
According to him, “in the last few years we have grown our economy in an interesting rate, making our economy the fastest growing economy in Africa, the Gas City project, Ogidigben and the Deep Sea Port, Gbaramatu will reposition Nigeria as the regional hub for gas based industries. With our abundant natural resources, Nigeria should be among the most industrialized nations in the world.”
He thanked the Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the host communities for their efforts towards actualizing the project asserting: “This is a project which will diversify our economy, the federal government will benefit from revenue, Delta State government will benefit from revenue, host communities will get jobs and there are benefits for everybody, this project will be private-sector driven with assistance for its take-off from the Federal Government.”
The President said the project would be executed in line with international best practices noting that there were lots of benefits derivable from the project as the area has been designated a free trade zone (EPZ).GROUNDBREAKING: from right: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, the Delta State PDP Governorship flag bearer, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator James Manager, Senator Emmanuel Aguariarvodo and the NFF Chairman, Mr. Amaju Pinnick during the Groundbreaking ceremony of the Export Processing Zone by President Goodluck Jonathan
Excited Governor Uduaghan at the occasion sang praises to God for the ground-breaking ceremony saying that with the project, he can leave office as a fulfilled man.
He stated that the benefits of having the project in Delta State are enormous both to the present and future generations.
“At last we are here today, the President is here live to do the ground-breaking ceremony of the biggest gas city project in the world and the deep sea port; this project is not about clearing of grass, it is not about sand-filling but a project which will be beneficial not only to those who are alive now but those yet to be born. There is no doubt that our people are appreciative of what is been done here today, we pledge to protect this project because, we are the primary beneficiaries.”
Those who spoke at the occasion include the Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Deziani Allison-Madueke and an international investor listed out the benefits derivable from the project as enormous as it requires turning natural gas to the advantage of Nigerians.
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AHEAD of Saturday’s elections, the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged Deltans to comport themselves lawfully and avoid any action capable of leading to breach of peace.Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (2nd right), Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN Deputy (2nd left), Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Delta State PDP chairma, Mr. Edwin Uzor. during PDP stakeholders meeting
Besides, he said that there was need for the people to conduct themselves properly to avoid the wrath of the law and security agents that will be on duty.
Speaking at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders meeting in Asaba on Wednesday, stressed that everyone must conduct themselves orderly as the government will not tolerate anything that will breach the peace of the state.
“The Police has a firm directive from their headquarters that anybody seen around the vicinity of the CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) apart from accredited party agents should be arrested as electoral materials will be moved from the CBN office tomorrow (Thursday, 25/03/15) to the local government areas and from 8 am on Saturday, materials will be at the polling units where accreditation will start by 8am”, he said.
“I don’t want any of you to fall victim of this security arrangement, it is necessary we conduct ourselves properly and peacefully.”
“The Presidential election is coming up on Saturday and I want to brief you so that we will not make mistake, the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is using the card reader to identify the owners of the PVC (permanent voters cards). There are going to be three boxes at the polling points, there are going to be three ballot papers, please get it right for us not to get confused because, if you put the vote for the Senate in the Presidential box, it may be declared invalid, we must vote for our President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan.
Governor Uduaghan also reiterated that the PDP in the state has no agreement with any other political party and urged members of the PDP to vote only for PDP candidates in the elections.
“Nobody has negotiated with anybody to vote for another political party, we want to get hundred per cent for the PDP, we want to be the state with the highest number of votes for the President”, he stated.
“For the Senatorial and House of Representatives elections which are also coming up on Saturday, it is PDP in the three senatorial district, nobody has paid anybody to dump the PDP for another party. There is no negotiation, no agreement or any meeting held for our people (members of the PDP) to vote for another party. Please press the umbrella symbol all the way”.
“This explanation is important because of lies and rumour mongering, we need to clarify where we stand and let our people know where we stand.”
The Chairman of PDP in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor informed members of the party that security agencies, especially, the Police are prepared for the elections and urged that members must not be found wanting.
The Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has convened a rally for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan.
The event, which held at the National Stadium, attracted people from all parts of the state including representatives of professional groups, traders and artisans.
Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, National Vice Chairman of TAN Speaking at the forum, said the gathering was convened to tell Nigerians that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock till 2019.
He further said that his group would do whatever it takes to ‘’liberate the people of Lagos State.’’
Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, Mr Jimi Agbaje promised to run a fair and open administration, adding that everybody irrespective of tribe and religion would have a say in his government.
Agbaje also urged Lagosians not to cast their vote for the APC, adding that PDP is the only party that is interested in the welfare of Nigerians.
The crowd later moved out of the National Stadium on a street to street sensitization march along the busy Ikorodu road and some major streets in the neighborhood.
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The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to false reports in a section of the online media alleging that a N50 billion bond is about being drawn with just about two months to the terminal date of the administration.
The most bizzare of the reports by one Fejiro Oliver of Secret Reporters claimed that “over N40 billion will be diverted to private pockets as farewell gifts for loyal aides” while the balance will be used to bribe officials of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and banks.
There is absolutely no truth in the allegation that the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, is seeking another N50 billion bond from the capital market. There is no such plan and no move has been initiated to that effect.
It is our contention that in his morbid haste to portray the administration Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan in poor light, the author displayed total ignorance of the workings of the capital market or genuinely lacked adequate knowledge to distinguish between an executed bond and a tranche that was not taken.
On December 8, 2011, the SEC listed the Delta State N50 billion bond on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange NSE. The bond had earlier been issued on September 29, 2011 after due diligence and strict regulatory requirements of the capital market and SEC had been complied with. Rated A+ by Agusto & Co and Global Rating Company Limited, the issue was the first tranche of N50 Billion out of its N 100 Billion Bond Issuance Programme and was fully subscribed.
The bond proceeds were irrevocably tied to the execution of projects critical to the actualisation of Dr. Uduaghan’s pledge to provide world class infrastructure in health, education and transport to the people of Delta State. The projects include the building of over 50 model schools across the state, the Maternal and Child Care Centre, Eku, 100-bed Mother and Child Healthcare Complex at the Warri Central Hospital as well as some roads and bridges.
In December 2012, the then Director General of SEC, Dr. Arunma Oteh, had toured some of the projects executed with proceeds from the bond to ascertain the extent of its utilization. This is in the public domain. Dr. Oteh had expressed total satisfaction with the execution of the projects and commended Dr. Uduaghan for proper utilization of the bond. On visiting the schools, she further averred that “the schools are so unique, so impressive and outstanding and they have the potential to attract the children of the rich. I think it is likely to make the rich to withdraw their children from private schools to these model schools.”
The Delta State Government had the option of drawing the second tranche of N50 billion from the N100 billion bond programme. However, this option has not been exercised and there is no plan whatsoever to activate it as the administration winds down.
We understand that under the present political environment, mischief makers and hirelings will be on over drive. Even then, decency demands that there should be an effort to get the facts straight. If Fejiro Oliver had made a little effort to search the web or reach the Ministry of Information, he would have been saved from the embarrassment of looking so hollow in his story.
As an advocate of transparency in governance, every transaction entered into by Dr. Uduaghan is conducted with strict adherence to the rule of law and due process. More importantly, the details of every project are in the public domain.
Even as his administration exits on May 29, 2015, Dr. Uduaghan remains committed to keeping a hands-on approach to delivering on his promise to the people. Payment to contractors are made as at when due subject to the availability of funds as a result of the almost 40 percent decline in federal allocations to states and he will not enter into any project or transaction that will undermine the ability of the incoming government to function. The governor’s priority now is to superintend over the completion of all initiated projects as well as the ones he inherited.
We implore that as the administration winds down, media practitioners should endeavour to seek clarification on issues of interest to them from the Ministry of Information.
Governor of Nigeria’s oil rich Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that the International Community cannot be exonerated from the criminality of crude oil theft in Nigeria.Commissioning of a 30 gun boat in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State: From left: Hon. Seriake Dickson, Governor of Bayelsa State; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh; Dr, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State; Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minima and Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin.
Speaking Tuesday,:March 24, 2015 at the commissioning of thirty gunboats procured by the Defence Headquarters for the Joint Task Force (Operation Pulo Shueld) in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, Uduaghan observed that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s stolen crude are exported for use by refineries outside Nigeria.
“Over 80 per cent of the stolen crude is exported and refined outside Nigeria, the International Community needs to cooperate with Nigeria to wipe out crude oil theft”, he stated stressing that the military cannot do the job alone.
The Governor who was the special guest of honour at the event said that the International Community must join the collective efforts to check the increasing menace of oil theft in the country.Emmanuel Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State inspecting a guard of mounted by a detachment of the Nigerian Army in his honour during the commissioning of a 30 gun boat in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan was committed to wiping out crude oil theft, pipeline vandalization and other criminal acts bedeviling the nation’s economy urging everyone to join hands to solve the problem.
“This crude oil theft requires the participation of all of us; some of the people who are involved in the crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are our brothers, our friends and in some cases, our heroes. We must be involved in the engagement of the people involved in these activities for them to desist from the criminal acts”, the Governor said.
He said that the vandalization of pipelines was impacting negatively on gas supply to power plants which in turn has reduced available power supply in the country.
“President Jonathan has done a lot in the power sector; more power plants have been completed during his administration more than any other administration, but the challenge we have now is sabotage to our gas pipelines”, he stated.
Uduaghan commended the military for its fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism reiterating that the gunboats would boost the operations of the JTF in the Niger Delta.
Also, he thanked the military for its commitment to checking insurgency in the North-Eastern part of the country, noting that President Jonathan was committed to making Nigeria safe, peaceful and devoid of criminal activities.
The Governor used the occasion to call for the re-election of the President Jonathan in the Saturday elections, saying that he means and will continue to work in the interest of Nigeria as an indivisible country.
In his address, Governor Seriake Dickson thanked President Jonathan for equipping the military which has made it to be more proactive in carrying out its functions.
Apart from the warships recently given to the Nigerian Navy, Dickson said: “With these gunboats, the capacity of members of JTF to check the activities of criminals will be enhanced.”
Earlier, the Chief of Defence, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh thanked President Jonathan for his support for the Nigerian Armed Forces, stating that the boats would be deployed for the economic interest of the country.
“We want peace to prevail, so trouble-makers should be warned, criminals should desist from their unpatriotic acts,” he said, adding that the fight against insurgency and criminal activities was yielding the desired results.
The Commander, JTF, Operation Pulo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe stated that the JTF through cooperation from the riverine communities was winning the war against crude oil thieves.
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Wife of the Nigeria’s President, Dame Patience Jonathan, on Monday in Onitsha appealed to the people of the Eastern region of Nigeria to re-elect her husband, President Goodluck Jonahan for a second erm in office by voting massively in the Mach 28 Pesdential election.Rally: Anambra State Governor’s wife, Chief Ebelechukwu Obiano, welcoming the First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, on arrival for the women rally, in Onitsha
Dame Jonathan who advised the people not to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate that would not offer them any good, noted that the opposition party is determined to destroy all the good things President Jonathan and his predecessor had built.
She therefore appealed to Anambra and South East women to make her proud as one of their own, adding that hhusband would never forgot them after the elections.
“This is the time to pay him back, by voting massively for him to ensure that some of the projects he started in Anambra State and in South East in general, like the second Niger Bridge are completed.
“If you vote for APC all the projects President Jonathan started will be abandoned, it is their way; they do not build, but they know how to destroy.”
While affirming that the welfare of women and their children deserves more attention, Dame Jonathan inssted that when re-elected, the President Jonathan administration will ensure that the affirmative action of the PDP government is increased from its present 35 per cent to 50 per cent.
In her speech, wife of former governor of Anambra State, Dame Margaret PeterObi, who assured that tthe entire South East region will re-elect President Jonathan, considering the vast projects in the region, urged the women and their children to vote massively during the March 28 polls. RALLY: from left; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (middle) Her Excellency, the wife of Anambra State Governor, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano (left) welcoming Her Excellency Dame Patience Jonathan (right) on arrival at the Asaba International Airport enroute Anambra State for PDP Women rally yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini
Dame Jonathan was earlier received by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on her arrival at the Asaba International Airport before heading to Anambra state.
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Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has been conferred with the award of the Most Outstanding Governor in Human Capital Development in Nigeria by the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), Delta State Council.Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan receives Most Outstanding Governor in Human Capital Development in Nigeria award from Comrade Paul Osuyi
The governor who was presented with the award by the Chairman of the Chapel, Mr. Paul Osuyi expressed appreciation that journalists in the state acknowledged the developmental strides of his administration especially the human capital development initiative and gave the assurance that his successor would improve on these development.
The governor explained that Human Capital Development was very key to every administration stressing that the bottom line of every government was to affect the lives of the people positively.
“I am really humbled by this award, I want to thank you for acknowledging most of the developments achieved by the State Government especially in human capital because the bottom line of every government is to affect the lives of the people positively”, the governor said adding: “When journalists appreciate your efforts then it is genuine appreciation”.
Dr. Uduaghan who charged the members of NUJ to remain united in the interest of the union saying: “It is gratifying to note that NUJ in the state is united and stable, I am happy that as I am leaving office, NUJ is united and indivisible as against what it was years back. If you are united, you can achieve a lot but if you are divided you lose a lot, NUJ lost a lot when it was divided”.
While thanking them for their support over the year, Governor Uduaghan stated that his government would not have achieved a lot without their support of journalists in the state as whatever they write affect government positively or negatively. “I urge you to extend the same support to my successor in the overall interest of the state”, he added.
In his remarks before presenting the Governor with the award, Mr Osuyi enumerated the numerous achievements of the Uduaghan‘s administration particularly in the area of human capital development noting that it was worthy of emulation by other state governments.
ln a brief address, the State Commissioner Of Information, Barrister Chike Ogeah said that the award was to show appreciation to the governor for his administration’s achievement in his human capital development agenda.
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Delta State government has ssued N500 million to deserving 100 fisrt class graduate students of Delta sate origin in the year 2013 First Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme.Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (L), presenting Scholarship Award to Miss Abade Peace, during the 2013 First Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme
Uduaghan on Monday, March 23, 2015 presented the N500 million cheques to the 100 first class graduates of Delta origin drawn from various universities in the country at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Uduaghan revealed that the 100 students who benefited in Delta State were the best students of Delta origin from the universities in Nigeria, noting that no examination was given as the students were the best from all the universities in the country.
The Governor, who said the number of first class graduates of Delta origin was increasing on a yearly basis, said he would advise the incoming governor to incorporate the scholarship scheme to his programme when presenting his handover note on May 29.
“The benefit of giving scholarship to students cannot be quantified. The multiplier effect is more than road construction which you can see. In my handover note, I will advise the incoming to give scholarship to all first class students of Delta origin. The Intelligent Quotient of first class is very high”, adding that society should not put impediment to the full development of students”.
He called on government and corporate bodies to full assistance to first class graduates so as to achieve their goals and contribute to national development.
Governor Uduaghan said since the inception of the scheme in 2010, a total of 233 graduates have benefited from the Delta State Scholarshipscheme, challenged parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children.
He said that parents owe it as a duty to ensure that their children and wards were properly brought up in order to achieve a better family unit and better organized society.
Speaking on Monday during the presentation of scholarship awards to the year 2013 beneficiaries of First Class Graduate Scholarship Scheme at Asaba, the Governor said that it was impossible for a cultist to bag a first class degree in the university.
“Please let us build a better society by properly bringing up our children at the family level; generally, a child who is properly brought up is an asset to the society. No matter the position you have attained, personal attention to our children is very important and what we call insecurity starts from the home, parents, please we owe it as a duty to the society to take care of our children.”Governor Uduaghan and the beneficiaries
He explained that the “the principle behind the scholarship scheme is that the IQ of the child who makes first class is very high and the society should not put an impediment to the child who have such IQ to proceed to have a doctoral degree just because the person lacks the fund. This informed our administration’s decision to inaugurate the scholarship scheme.
“You have to be hard working, you have to be disciplined to be able to make a first class degree and to qualify for the scholarship as you know there is no cult member who makes first class because they do not have time to study,” he added.
“Before today we have given our scholarship to one hundred and thirty three graduates and today, we are giving scholarship to one hundred persons, and since each student is entitled to five million naira, we are giving out five hundred million naira today,” the Governor stated.
He appealed to the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the State and urged parents to always allow their children to choose what to study stressing: “In these days and age, parents should allow young people to make their choice, we want to advise that parents should not force children to read a particular course. Times have changed, allow the children to make their choices because at the end of the day, they do very well when they follow their passion.”
Uduaghan also disclosed that the Federal Government, under President Goodluck Jonathan, has disbursed scholarship to a total of 204 first class graduates across disciplines and from various universities in the country.
According to him, the students who succeeded in the federal government scholarship were given examination and 204 were shortlisted having performed excellently well at the examination.
Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Charles Emetulu, the state government is investing heavily in education, hence he called on corporate bodies and multinationals to assist students to actualize their goals.
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Igbo indigenes residing in Asaba and environs have endorsed the Delta
State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governorship flag bearer, Senator
Ifeanyi Okowa as the next governor of Delta State and thrown their
weight behind all the PDP candidates contesting for the various
elective positions in the State in the forthcoming 2015 general
elections.Delta PDP governorship flagbearer, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa
The endorsement was made at a well attended inaugural meeting of
Nzuko Owuwanyanwu, a pan Igbo umbrella group, comprising all Igbo
indigenes and collectives residing and operating within and around
Asaba, including communities like Akuebulu, Okwe, Umuda and Achalla
Ibusa, amongst others.
In his opening remarks, the convener of the meeting, which held at
Lone Palm Hotel, Asaba, and one time Ag. Local Government Chairman,
Oshimili South LGA, Comrade Chienedu Okafor, told his kinsmen that
Igbos have not only settled and found a home in Asaba, where they have
been embraced and accommodated with shared brotherly ethnic
acceptance, they have also prospered in their various endeavours and
lived in peace and harmony in their various communities, without
harassment and molestation.
Comrade Okafor, popularly known as C-C further noted that the Igbos in
Asaba have always supported the Peoples Democratic Party, since the
inception of democracy in 1999 and now that the PDP has picked an
Anioma man, in the person of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as its Delta
state governorship candidate, they now have a candidate they can call
their own and the decision to support him was already a foregone
conclusion.
He told the meeting that, having benefited tremendously from previous
PDP administrations in Delta State, over the years, the same
endorsement which the Igbos in Asaba have been given to Senator Okowa
as Governor should equally be extended to all other PDP candidates;
Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, (Delta North Senatorial candidate), Hon. Joan
Onyemaechi Mrakpor (Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency), Rt. Hon.
Peter Onwusanya (Oshimili South constituency) and President Goodluck
Jonathan for his re-election, in the forthcoming elections, as a show
of appreciation and solidarity to the PDP.
In the same vein, various speakers, including Chief PC Okeke, Pastor
Ekene Okoli, Chief Charles Okoye, Chief CY Nzeakor, Chief Geofrey
Umemmaduka (Aquila), Chief Emeka Agbawo, Comrade Obumneme Ike, Comrade
Steve Udemba (Obiadada), Comrade Ozor and Mrs Comfort Ude, all
extolled the virtues of Senator Okowa, highlighted his wonderful
humanitarian efforts in providing welfare and infrastructural
amenities to them at their time of need in their various areas and
affirmed that they will surely enjoy more dividends of democracy when
he becomes the governor of Delta State, having done so much for them
as Senator.
Highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of the motion to endorse
Senator Okowa and all the other PDP candidates, as well as, President
Goodluck Jonathan, which was moved by Chief PC Okeke and supported by
Chief Charles Okoye to the loud ovation and acceptance of all the
members of Nzuko Owuwanyanwu at the highly successful meeting.
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Tributes have continued to be showered on late Pa Samuel Uduaghan as thofse who knew him lamented his demise.
Deputy Chairman, Finance Committee of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme is not an exception as said she was greatly pained by the news.
According to her, “Delta State has lost a great leader. His personality was a mixture of powerful mind and sensitive conscience, of firmness of character with calmness of soul”.
The death of the 72-year-old political and community leader occurred on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Federal Medical Centre, Asaba.
Dr. Olejeme in a condolence message to the family, friends and relatives described late Samuel Uduaghan as an extraordinary man who demonstrated a life of service, love, compassion and excellence.
Olejeme extended heartfelt commiserations to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Director General of the Olejeme Campaign Organization, Mr. Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan
“Late Samuel Uduaghan had a generous spirit. He was dependable in every facet of his life. He was also admired for his wit, his charm, his vision and his steadfast devotion to his friends and family. He will be remembered as a loving and caring leader” Olejeme said.
She prayed that the Almighty God will grant Samuel Uduaghan eternal rest and comfort all who mourn him.
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A body of 13 global experts to be known as the President’s Advisory Panel (PAP) of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) has on Thursday, March 19, 2015 been formerly inaugurated.from right to left: HE Madam Aicha Bah Diallo-Former Minister of Education Guinea-Conakry, HE Dr Abdullah Gul-Former President of Turkey, HE Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali-President, IDB, HE DR Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie-Former President of Indonesia
President of Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Dr Ahmed Mohamed Ali chaired the first meeting the PAP, saying the role of members of the panel is to advise the IDB on how to tackle economic and development challenges.
Dr Ahmad Ali stated that the advisory panel brings reputable statesmen and women, who have amassed experience in different sectors of the economy and international development, to advise in steering the IDB towards making greater impact to both its member countries and Muslim communities in non-member countries.
“As we have our first meeting today in Jeddah, I have full confidence in your ability to discharge this important responsibility. You have managed nations and institutions, you have excelled with distinction in the private and public sector, and you have won the highest honours in the world. The IDB is optimistic that with this kind of experience and expertise, you would come up with ideas that will help us confront the challenges of the 21st century”, Dr Ahmad Ali told the 10 members of the Advisory Panel who attended the inaugural session.
“We have to be proud that IDB has AAA rating. I congratulate the President and his staff. Since we have been successful in the last 40 years, the expectation will also be high. But I believe that IDB is well positioned to deliver what is expected from it”, said Dr Abdullah Gul, former President of Turkey during his address at the inaugural session.
In his remarks, the former President of Indonesia, Dr Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, emphasized the need to focus on science & technology, and the development of human resources in order to achieve meaningful development.
Members of the Advisory Panel are:
1. H. E. Prof. Dr. -Ing. Dr. Sc. H. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie (Former President of Indonesia)
2 H. E. Dr. Abdullah Gul (Former President of Turkey)
3 H. E. Dr. Jobarah Al-Suraisry, (Former Transport Minister, KSA)
4. H. E. Madam Aïcha Bah Diallo (former Minister of Education Guinea-Conakry)
5 H. E. Madam Bintou Sanogoh (Former Minister of Finance Burkina Faso)
6. H. E. Dr. Jacques Diouf (Former Director General, Food & Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
7. H. E. Saleh Abdullah Kamel (Chairman, General Council of Islamic Banks)
8. H. E. Mr. Abdul Aziz Al-Zaabi (Member, Federal National Council, UAE)
9. H. E. Dr. Surin Abdul Halim Pitsuwan (Former Foreign Minister, Thailand)
10. H. E. Dr. Ishrat Husain (Former Governor, State Bank of Pakistan)
1. H. E. Prof. Dr. Abbas Mirakhor (First holder of INCIEF Chair of Islamic Finance)
12. H. E. Prof Dr. Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Laureate and founder Grameen Bank)
13. H. E. Abdellatif Jouahri (Governor Central Bank of Morocco)
Dr Ahmad Ali finally stated that IDB is working on developing a 10 year strategic framework aimed at maximizing the impact of the bank in addressing key global challenges, he explained that the input of the members of the President’s Advisory Panel will be crucial for the IDB Group.
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Mrs Ifeoma Agbomah, Chairman, Delta State Rural Development Agency (RDA) said that the state government has distributed 15 electricity transformers to boost power supply in rural communities across the state.
The Chairman disclosed this on Thursday March 19, 2015 at Otolokpo in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state during an inspection tour of some of the Agency’s projects.
Our correspondent reports that the RDA inspection team led by the Chairman visited the agency’s projects in four local government areas in Delta North Senatorial Districts to ascertain progress made so far.
“So far, we have giving out about 15 transformers to the rural communities who requested for them as an intervention from the state government and the jobs we have awarded are about 17.
“Ideally we are supposed to give out transformers and install but due to pressure, we give them transformers and feeders and tell them to go and install in a space of three months or we take it and give to those who are ready to install,” she said.
She noted that the agency commenced the released of those transformers and the award of contracts the re-enforcement and rehabilitation of electricity supply network since July 2014.
She said that the state government decided on the intervention projects to enable the rural communities benefit from the power reformed programme in which the private sector was in control.
Agbomah charged the communities to provide security from vandals for the transformers and other ancillary equipment being provided by government in order to encourage government to do more.
The Chairman said that the Agency’s 300/33/0415kv at Ugbolu, Oshimili North LGA and that of the Utagba Uno, Ndokwa West LGA projects were 90 per cent and 70 per cent complete.
According to her the Agency’s 300/11/0415kv at Otolokpo and that of Delta Development Property Agency (DDPA) Housing Estate in Agbor, Ika South LGAs re-enforcement and rehabilitation of electricity supply network has been completed and connected to the national grid.
“And from what you can see here the job is well done and the community and the landlords in the areas have confirmed that electricity supply in the areas has improved and that they are enjoying the light.
“As it is now the state government is doing this as an intervention project because ideally with the privatization, the electricity needs of the people should be met by the new operators of the electricity company.
“But what currently applies is that the distribution company seem to leave everything for the government and more disturbing is the high electricity bills been served the people”.
She, however, said that government has thought it necessary to invest in the projects to enable the people enjoy the dividends of democracy, otherwise they would suffer.
Some of the residents who spoke to journalists on the projects lauded the state government interventions, adding that since the installation of the transformers and reconnection to the national grid there has been an improvement in electricity supply.
They also pledged to safeguard the projects from vandals and encourage government to extend the gesture to other rural communities in the area.
His Royal Majesty, Obi Collins Anioma, Obi of Otolokpo thanked the agency for the intervention and pledged to continue to support anything that would bring the dividends of democracy and development in the area.
Also, Mr Fred Ofume, Chairman, Ika South LGA said with such intervention was a big relief to the LGA and thanked the agency for chosen to site the project in the new area to help open the area.
“The state government has done well be installing this transformer and getting connected to the national grid to improve power in this new DDPA estate.
“We will secure the transformer from being vandalized and my advise for the people in the area is that they should use energy saving bulbs in order to prolong the life span of the transformers,” Ofume said.
Also, Mr Benson Agwu, a landlord at the DDPA estate confirmed that there has been a tremendous improvement on electricity supply to the estate since the transformer was completed and connected to the national grid.
Our correspondent also reports that most of these projects would soon be commissioned by the state government and handed over to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
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