PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to complete the 16 billion dollars gas city project before the end of his second tenure in office.

According to the President, the gas city project was very important to Nigeria as it will generate a lot of employment opportunities for the youths while the country’s economy would get a boost from the investments from foreigners and Nigerians.

Dr Jonathan who was addressing members of the Delta State traditional council shortly after a Presidential campaign rally in Asaba, said the gas city project which would be the biggest oil and gas investment in Africa was dear to his administration.

He stated that the project would be flagged off in the next couple of weeks and appealed to the traditional rulers not to relent in their support for his administration.

President Jonathan informed the traditional rulers that he was seeking re-election as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to complete the projects that his administration has started to the benefit of the country.

The Obi of Owa, HRM Efeizomor II who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers described President Jonathan as a performer whose projects have transformed the lives of Nigerians and repositioned Nigeria for faster economic growth.

The Owa Monarch explained that with President Goodluck Jonathan Nigeria will get a better deal. Earlier, the Ohworode of Olomu in his prayers said they were satisfied with the first tenure of the President and assured him of their support and that of their subjects.

The meeting took place immediately after the President commissioned the ultra-modern Government House complex in Asaba.

The Commissioner gave the charge today while receiving members of the Anioma Media Network on a courtesy visit to his office.

The Commissioner who noted that the nation needed prayers at this time also stressed that power was no to be seen as a do-or-die affair at any level and urged politicians not to unduly heat up the process.

According to him, there was the need for everyone to continue to emphasize issues that unite us as a people rather than dwell on issues that tend to separate us even as a country.

While appreciating the press for the support he has enjoyed since becoming the Information Commissioner in Delta State , Chike Ogeah stated that part of the successes recorded by the Uduaghan administration was by the good press support which they have given , adding that ‘’we need persons and materials to succeed in our endeavours’’.

Ogeah who described Okowa’s emergence as PDP flag bearer as ‘’PAN –Delta’’, said it was actually the hand of God as his track records speaks volume of his personality given his political pedigree adding that, for anybody to govern a state like Delta, such a person needs to be a calm and a very patient person which he said Okowa, like Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan possesses.

He noted that one of the greatest successes recorded by the present administration in the state was in the area of peace and security and thanked God for making it possible for the state to achieve the feat.

Earlier, in his address the National President of Anioma Media Network, Mr. David Diai stated that the body was made up of practitioners and professionals of Anioma extraction in Delta State and Diaspora with a view to celebrating Anioma essence, interests and agenda through dedicated and vigorous media initiative driven by media publications and platforms.

Mr. Diai who applauded the emergence of Dr. Okowa as PDP flag bearer, also praised the courage and magnanimity of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s statesmanship in ensuring that the entire election process was conducted in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.

He said the group recognizes the Commissioner as a partner in progress in its journey as a key stakeholder in the Delta State Project, adding that his disposition towards journalists has contributed in the promotion of developing journalism in the State.

He said in view of the above, the association has considered the commissioner as The Most Outstanding Commissioner for Information in Delta State since the creation of the state.

The National President noted that the success so far recorded by the Commissioner on the Job justifies the confidence reposed in him through his appointment to the office by the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

He on behalf of the group expressed the readiness of the group to continue to partner with the ministry in giving publicity to government policies and programmes.

Warri Wolves Football Club will arrive Abuja on Friday for the Super Six with 35 players and 10 Officials with the aim of doing better than last year where the team came second, losing only to Enyimba after thrashing Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United.

In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses, the players made up of the old ones and new ones are in high spirits and cannot afford to fail.

The players are even happy that they will be playing with the U-20 and 23 as that will stretch them and prepare them for the CAF Continental assignment which comes up in February in Burkina Faso.

Etu also disclosed that the team will leave Abuja after the tournament for Shagamu and Ibadan where they hope to play some friendly matches all in a bid to correct the lapses noticed in the Super Six in Abuja.

“We are leaving Warri for Abuja on Friday with 35 players and 10 Officials for the Super Six. Our players are well relaxed having played some local teams here but they are very excited that they will playing against the under 20 and under 23 as they believe that these matches will prepare them well for the task ahead.”

The speaker gave the assurance when he received more than 300 members of the Oshimili South Progressive Union (OSPUN) in his constituency office in Asaba recently.

Hon Onwusanya pointed out that the area registered more than 120,000 voters and will mobilize the people to ensure that the area recorded 100 percent of the votes, advising the members to begin immediately to canvass for votes in all the nooks and crannies of the local government.

The speaker who represents Oshimili South Constituency in the state House of Assembly, averred that the emergence of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as gubernatorial candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was a blessing to the people of Delta North, and enjoined OSPUN members to work hard to ensure that they record high votes to stand the chance of reaping in the forthcoming administration.

He commended the leaders of OSPUN for mobilizing eligible voters from all the wards in the local government area and assured them of his support to enable them work to achieve results.

The Coordinator of OSPUN, Comrade Emeka Asili, in his comment said the group was impressed by the performance of the speaker and had mobilized to ensure victory for PDP and Hon Onwusanya.

He said hundreds of members of the group had voter cards which is a prerequisite for registration as member.

In his contribution, the Senior Special Assistant to the Speaker, Hon Eloka Nwanze, urged the group to reach out to all registered voters so that the local government will get high votes.

Okowa stated this during his ongoing campaign rally in Ozoro, Isoko North local government area and Oleh. Isoko South respectively.

He reaffirmed his commitment to initiate people oriented policies by ensuring the protection of the peoples interest as enshrined in his five-point agenda.

The elated PDP flag bearer assured that his strategic plan to evenly develop the state was borne out of his strong desire to better the lives of all Deltans, through youth employment, peace building, agricultural reforms, relevant health and education policies as well as urban renewal.

The overwhelming turn-out of PDP supporters in Isoko North and Isoko South was appraised and described as a pointer to the fact that President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other PDP candidates would have smooth sailing during the forthcoming polls.

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Okowa, at an interactive session with media practitioners on Monday, January 19, 2015, in Asaba, Delta state, stressed on his plans to create strategic wealth and generate employment for the teeming youths in state.

He disclosed that interacting with the media became imperative because it helps in moulding the opinion of the people through positive information dissemination processes, adding that the President Goodluk Jonathan administration has, through the Freedom of Information (FOI) law, strengthened the press freedom in his human rights programmes.

“We have been campaigning in a bid to get the people’s confidence being the only one political party that gets in touch with the people. The PDP has been a tested party and I have been consistent with the people.”

While saying that the ruling party has done a lot for the citizenry since 1999, he promised to continue to consolidate on the gains of the past administrations.

Senator Okowa, who assured that his administration would fully concentrate on a strategic wealth creation and generation of employment for the teeming youths in Delta state, said that although the issue of unemployment has come to the fore and as a global phenomenon, it could be tackled.

He lauded the transformation goals of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration, especially in the area of peace and security, roads construction, better schools, free health care delivery services, micro-credit schemes among others.

In bid to further diversify the state’s economy, in the area of Agriculture, Senator Okowa said that plans are underway to strengthen the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) as well as encourage commercial Agriculture and development of Agro-based industries in the state.

He said there were also plans to accelerate Industrialization by wooing manufacturers to invest in key economic sectors of the state, adding that industrial estates would be establishment in the three senatorial districts of the state, to reduce the cost of doing business and in a bid to boost the state’s economy.

On Health, he promised to sustain the ongoing Free maternal and child health care system and embrace the health insurance scheme, while he said his administration will initiate the building of more housing units in the urban renewal programmes.

The PDP flag-bearer also met with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Delta state, led by Comrade Mike Arinze, where he enunciated on his five key development agenda for effective governance of Delta state.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Pro­gressives Con­gress (APC) has told the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State to get ready to surrender the only senatorial seat in its possession. 

PDP currently has one of the three Senators from the State in the person of Senator George Sekibo but Rivers APC in a statement issued Monday in Port Harcourt said it is determined to take that one as well during the February 14 National Assembly elections.
 
“PDP does not deserve the senatorial seat presently in its possession. In any case, Senator Sekibo has failed to represent Rivers East well enough at the Senate, so he should prepare to surrender it on February 14,” Rivers APC said in the statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.
 
The party described its candidate, Hon. Andrew Uchendu, as being by far better than Sekibo, saying: “Uchendu is a politician’s politician and an outstanding three-time member of the Federal House of Representatives. He is poised to retire Senator George Sekibo during the forthcoming National Assembly polls.”
 
Rivers APC declared that incumbent Senator Magnus Abe will easily retain his seat as Senator representing Rivers South-East while Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Amachree, will have no difficulty winning the Rivers West seat currently occupied by APC’s Senator Wilson Ake, who is about to serve out the two terms zoned to his area.
 
“Senator Abe and Senators-in-waiting Uchendu and Amachree are the best the State can boast at the moment with regard to the Senate. They are unbeatable and we trust the electorates to do the right thing by voting massively for them on February 14,” Rivers APC said.
 
Below is the profile of each of the APC senatorial candidates:
 
Distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe: Currently the Senator representing the South-East Senatorial Zone, Senator Magnus Abe is a lawyer by profession, an administrator par excellence, a political strategist of repute, an information expert and the best Commissioner for Information ever in Rivers State. Abe entered politics in 1999 when he was elected into the Rivers State House of Assembly, serving as Minority Leader. In 2003 he defected to PDP, and from 2003 to 2007 he was Commissioner of Information in the administration of Governor Peter Odili. When Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi entered office in May 2007, Abe was appointed Secretary to the Rivers State Government. He resigned to contest for the position of Senator for Rivers South-East, which he won. He is Chairman of the Petroleum Downstream Committee and member of the National Population & Identity Card Committee in the Senate.
 
Hon. Andrew Igbonule Uchendu: A 1992 recipient of the Federal Government National Productivity Merit Award, the highest honour that can be conferred on any Worker in the Public Service in Nigeria, Hon. Uchendu was in 1994 drafted into politics by the Ogbakor Ikwerre Cultural Organization. He represented Emohua, Ikwerre and Obio/Akpor LGAs at the 1994/1995 National Constitutional Conference. One of the best members of the House of Representatives, Hon. Uchendu has moved six crucial motions, namely, Ogbakiri crises, Rehabilitation of the East/West Expressway, the Establishment of the Oloibiri Oil Museum, Youth Unemployment and Youth Restiveness in Nigeria, Insecurity in the Niger Delta and the Invasion of the Rivers State House of Assembly by Hoodlums. He has in addition, sponsored three fundamental Bills in the House. They are the Standard Tendering Procedure for the Award of Contracts in the Public Service (popularly known as Due Process), the National Youth Development Programme and the Amendment to the Petroleum Technology Development Fund Act.
 
Rt. Hon. Otelemaba Daniel Amachree: He is not only currently Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly but also the longest serving member in any State House of Assembly in Nigeria, having served his constituency a record four times, from 1999 till date. Rt. Hon. Amachree’s contribution to the nationally acclaimed stability of the Rivers State House of Assembly since 1999 is legendary. He has at various times served as Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Chairman, Committee on House Services, Chairman, House Committee on Local Government Chieftaincy and Community Affairs as well as Chairman, House Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, in which capacity he initiated the epoch-making Port Harcourt International Oil and Gas Conference, which third edition was recently organised by the House with unprecedented multi-national participation. Rt. Hon. Amachree has also been elected Chairman, South-South Speakers Conference in recognition of his leadership acumen.
 
With this calibre of representations, the Rivers State can be assured that their feelings and interests will be highly protected and guided jealously.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of Deltans who turned out for PDP campaign rally at Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State at the weekend,  Governor Uduaghan observed that large turnout of Deltans at PDP organized rallies was good, but, asserted that such support could only be transformed to victory for the PDP if the people have their PVCs.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for decentralizing the collection points of the PVCs, Dr Uduaghan disclosed that about 1.2 million PVCs have been distributed in Delta State.

“About seven hundred thousand permanent voters cards have not been collected in Delta State, please, it is good for us to attend rallies to show our strength, and it is also very important for us to vote and the only way we can vote for our party’s candidates is by having our PVCs,” the Governor said, reiterating, “we don’t want our party to lose one vote in Delta, so, collect your PVCs to enable you vote.”

He added, “we must vote for our President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, he has done a lot within four years that people are comparing what he did within four years with what others did within eight years, imagine another four years for him in the office, Nigeria will be transformed.

“For our governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, he will work and I am sure he will do what you want him to do for you.”

Governor Uduaghan also called for votes for the Delta North Senatorial candidate of the PDP, Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi, votes for the candidate of House of Representatives Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency, Hon. Amaechi Mrakpor and the candidate of the party for House of Assembly, Oshimili North constituency, Hon. Pat Ajudua.

Senator Okowa assured Deltans that there will be revolution in the agricultural sector, rapid development of the state by consolidating on the achievements of Governor Uduaghan’s administration while introducing new programmes that will uplift the standard of living of Deltans.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor, chairman of the PDP campaign organization in the state, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, PDP chieftain, Chief Peter Okocha and others who spoke at the rally urged the people to vote for only candidates of the PDP.

It also endorsed the candidature of Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi for Senate in the Delta North Senatorial District as well as other PDP flag bearers in the forthcoming elections.

Members of the Norsemen Club International, drawn from Delta North Senatorial District of Delta state, at an enlarged meeting in Asaba on Sunday, January 18, 2015, vowed to mobilize support and vote for all the PDP candidates contesting in the forthcoming February polls.

The group, made up of politicians, businessmen, legal luminaries, media professionals among others, said their determination to fully support the ruling PDP was as a result of the resounding socio-economic and political development in almost all spheres of human endeavours in Delta state and Nigeria.

Addressing the meeting, PDP gubernatorial coordinator, Oshimili North, Hon. Innocent Esewezie; Secretary to the media committee, Okowa Campaign Organization, Barr. Eugene Uzum; the Governor, Norsemen Club, Delta state, Asiekwu Bassey and Comrade Adeh Onyeka Patrick respectively noted that the Norsemen Club International, would work for the success of the candidates.

They insisted that their primary responsibility, during the general elections, was to sensitize and mobilize the people to deliver all PDP candidates.

They further asserted that, despite criticisms, the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has yielded unprecedented development and massive transformation in various sectors of the nation’s economy, adding that the choice of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as PDP governorship candidate in Delta state, was a drive by the majority of Deltans towards attaining effective governance and growth across the state.

“We are seeking the re-election of our President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan on February 14 and the election of our candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa. We will work towards the victory of candidates of the party in the 2015 general elections.” they said.

The Norsemen Club International, Delta North Chapter, however urged the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to sustain his commitment towards a peaceful transition process.

Speaking to journalists in Asaba, Magege averred that the PDP Government has done very well in Delta State and will continue with the development strides of the past administrations.

He noted that the PDP administration had brought Peace and Security, Human Capital Development and Economic Growth to Delta State and should be returned at all levels in the next general election.

Magege explained that the PDP candidates in Delta State are grass-root politicians who are capable of delivering the dividends of democracy to the people. He called on all Deltans to vote enmase for President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GCFR), Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and all other PDP candidates in Delta State.

“That the PDP has been in power in Delta State for nearly 16 years attests to the fact that Deltans see the party as a vehicle for sustainable development. The people of Delta State are at peace with PDP knowing that under its umbrella, equity, employment and access to cheap funds to finance their businesses are guaranteed,” Magege stated.

He said that in Okowa, the party has a tested and expressed candidate who who will hit the ground running. “For over 20 years, Okowa has devoted his life to service right from the local government level through the state where he served as commissioner in a couple of ministries as well as being the secretary to the state government to the federal level where is a serving senator. He understands the challenges facing our people and the way forward. There is no nobody in the opposition that comes close to Okowa in experience and passion for service,” Magege stated.

Governor Uduaghan made the call on Friday, January 16, 2015 while addressing traditional rulers council of Oshimili North local Government Area of Delta State when he led PDP candidates for the February, 2015 general elections on a courtesy visit at the Palace of Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo, HRM Obi David Azuka.

According to Dr Uduaghan, traditional rulers should take it as a priority for all their subjects who are of voting age to exercise their franchise.

“The instrument to enable your people is the permanent voters cards, it is good that INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) has decentralized the collection centre for the PCV, tell your people to go and collect their cards to enable them vote,” he said, stating that there was the need for more enlightenment campaign to enable the voters know the ballot boxes to cast their votes so as to avoid void votes.

He informed the traditional rulers that President Goodluck Jonathan is the Presidential candidate of the PDP, stating that he deserves to be re-elected because, “he has held the country together despite the challenges.”

The gubernatorial candidate, Senator Okowa on his part also urged traditional rulers to help in enlightening their people on the need to exercise their franchise by voting during the elections.

While calling on the traditional rulers to thank Governor Uduaghan for making it possible for them to emerge as candidates on the PDP platform, the gubernatorial candidate assured the traditional rulers that he will consolidate on the successes of the Uduaghan’s administration and introduce new policies and programmes that will better the lives of the people.

Some of the traditional rulers who were present included the Ugoani of Okpanam, Comrade Ogbolu; Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo Kingdom, Obi Dr. David Azuka; Obuzo of Ibusa, Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi; Obi of Atuma, Obi Chukwuka Ogbubo; representatives of Ogbelani of Illah and the Regent of Ebu.

Chief Oyemike made the call while addressing members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Abbi, Ndokwa West local government of Delta State.

According to him, the opposition political parties due to desperation may engage in actions that are capable of causing breach of peace, and emphasized that there was clear evidence that the PDP remains the only party to beat in the elections especially in Delta State.

He described the emergence of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Delta State as a blessing for the PDP stating, “Senator Okowa is our man for Governor in Delta State, we are happy to have such a person as our party candidate because, he is a grassroots man who is acceptable to all Deltans.”

“There is no opposition in Delta State because of the person of Senator Okowa, we should be careful and engage in only peaceful actions to enable us succeed in making Senator Okowa to be our governor in May, we should also watch activities of the opposition, tell your people to collect their voters card and let them keep it to vote for the party with the umbrella,” Chief Oyemike said, adding, “I called this meeting of PDP members because, Abbi is for PDP, Ndokwa West is PDP and there is no other party in Delta State apart from the PDP, Senator Okowa knows us and will work for all of us.”

One of the leaders of the party in the area, Mr Ernest Okenmo said, “Abbi is one, despite having two Wards, Ward 8 and 9, we are united for Senator Okowa and we thank our leader, Chief Oyemike for calling this meeting to brief us on the way forward.”

The Chairman of Ward 8 in the area, Chief Timothy Ujene at the occasion, asserted, “Dr Okowa has no opposition, he will get all the votes in Abbi, we are happy to have somebody from Delta North for the first time producing the PDP governorship candidate, he is our own,” while the Ward 9 Chairman, Mr Augustine Azukwuweku said all notable politicians in the state were rallying their supports for Senator Okowa.

Others who spoke at the meeting includes Chief Josiah Eke, Chief Angelina Eni, Chief Ntugba, among others assured that the people were mobilizing people for Senator Okowa across party lines.

Governor Uduaghan, addressing a mammoth crowd that turned out for the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally at Koko, Warri North local Government Area maintained that the President deserved another four years in office because he has a listening ear to the plight of the Niger Delta region.

“The biggest fish in this 2015 election is President Goodluck Jonathan who is re-contesting again as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is not just a son of this area, it is significant that we re-elect him because he understands our problems, when we cry to him, he listens.”

“It is our responsibility to vote for him (President Goodluck Jonathan), we did it before and we shall do it again,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan asserted that all the candidates of the PDP in the February, 2015 general elections deserved to be elected because they are masses-oriented in their thoughts and actions.

Speaking on the choice of Barr. Kingsley Otuaro as running mate to the PDP Governorship candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Uduaghan explained that the decision was a strategic move aimed at consolidating on the peace in the Warri area.

According to him, “we have had our fair share of conflicts in this area, we have tried to manage the peace and security in this area, it has not been easy, nobody should take the peace and security we are enjoying for granted because a lot of persons contributed to it. We have a lot of youths who are today living peacefully together.

“To continue with that peaceful process is not going to be easy but I believe if people in this area continue to be active in politics, we can continue to maintain that peace and even take it higher.

“There is a young man who was involved in ensuring that we actively and seriously maintain peace in this area. I am saying this because I can give testimonies of his activities for us in achieving peace in this area. He was a community leader, he was involved in most of the activities we carried out for us to have peace…and today, our governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has chosen him to be his running mate and that is the person of Barr. Kingsley Otuaro.”

He added, “for me as an individual, the duo of Dr Okowa and Barr. Otuaro as Governor and Deputy Governor is a divine blessing for us because even as we are enjoying the peace, there are also things that can cause insecurity, fortunately, he (Barr. Otuaro) is an evangelist and he is praying, and through his experience in achieving peace in this area, Delta State will continue to enjoy peace.

“This is because, the truth is that when there is sneezing in this area, not only Delta State will shake but, the whole of Nigeria will be affected. We are going to ensure and give him the responsibility to ensure that there is no sneezing in this area.”

Governor Uduaghan introduced President Jonathan as the PDP Presidential candidate, Senator Okowa as the Governorship candidate in the state, Senator James Manager as the Senatorial candidate for Delta South, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju as the House of Representatives candidate for Warri Federal Constituency and Hon. Michael Diden as the House of Assembly candidate for Warri North local government constituency.

Senator Okowa, at the occasion thanked Governor Uduaghan for encouraging him and also commended the people for believing in him.

He promised to embark on programmes that will better the lives of the people of the state, noting that the PDP Government has transformed Delta since it assumed power in 1999.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor urged Deltans to vote massively for PDP Candidates, stating that there is no other political party that has better ideaology and has empowered the people through the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people like the PDP.

CHAIRMAN, Delta State Council of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Comrade Ifeanyi Obi has urged the Federal Government to reduce the price of petroleum products to reflect the fall in oil price in the international market.

According to Comrade Obi, when the price of oil was on the increase at the international market, the increase in fuel price was justifiable and as such, the Federal Government should also, reduce the cost of fuel from the current N97 per litre.

The driver’s union Chairman also urged President Goodluck Jonathan to fix petroleum refineries in the country for Nigerians to have full benefits of having crude oil.

“There is complain of hardship in the country because of crash in price of oil in the international market, so, the Federal Government should also reduce the cost of fuel,” Comrade Obi said, adding, “if the price of fuel is reduced, we will reduce transport fares and cost of goods and services will reduce in the country.”

He continued, “the Federal Government should make our refineries to work at full capacity, let them construct new ones so that Nigeria will not import fuel and the cost of fuel will reduce in the country.”

Comrade Obi observed that President Jonathan is performing especially in the transport sector which he stated was the most important sector of the economy listing the construction of roads and making the railway lines functional as laudable.

“We thank our Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan too for doing a lot for us, he gave us good roads, he has given us vehicles and we believe Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will do the same when he takes over as the Governor of the state,” Comrade Obi added.

He urged members of NURTW to be vigilant and ensure that they report any suspicious movement to security agencies as a way of contributing to a peaceful election in Delta State, stating “everybody should be peaceful during the elections in the interest of the state and Nigeria.”

The NURTW Chairman used the occasion to commend members of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) for been proactive during the yuletide season, noting that there were no traffic gridlock especially, at the Niger bridge.

Governor Uduaghan also inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Airforce, members of the Nigerian Legion, among others at the cenotaph.

Other dignitaries who laid wreath at the occasion, included, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, the Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Smith, Commandants of different security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and chairman, Nigerian Legion.

Also, there was 21 one gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes while pigeons are released to signal peace.

January 15 of every year is set aside by the Nigerian government to honour soldiers who died in wars for peaceful co-existence in the world.

As Nigeria gears up for the general elections that begin on February 14, 2015, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the decentralization of the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from local government to ward levels. In effect, registered voters will be able to collect their PVCs from the wards where they registered.

While logistics are being put in place for the collection of PVCs at ward level to be actualized, Deltans and residents of Delta State are enjoined to proceed to the local government headquarters where they registered to collect their PVCs armed with their temporary cards.

Information made available by INEC showed that many registered voters in Delta State are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards without which they cannot vote in the coming elections. We, therefore, urge registered voters to endeavour to collect their PVCs at the local government areas where they registered and at the ward level when INEC must have put logistics in place.

Local government chairmen are hereby enjoined to ensure that PVCs are distributed in their domain with minimum hitch. There is limited time for the collection of the PVCs before the elections begin.

Remember, your PVC is your ticket to exercise your civic responsibility of voting in the coming elections. Temporary voter cards will not be accepted. Collect your PVC and keep it safely.

The Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Peter Onwusanya, disclosed this shortly after he was presented with the party’s flag and confirmed as the PDP candidate for Oshimili South Constituency, Delta State, during the flag off of PDP gubernatorial campaign at Oghara, Ethiope West local government area, Tuesday.

He explained that President Goodluck Jonathan and Dr Ifeanyi Okowa will get 100 percent of their votes as President and Governor respectively, disclosing that the people had been mobilized and are set for the elections.

According to him, the PDP has demonstrated capability in the socio-economic and political development of the state and Nigeria in general, stressing that the people of Oshimili South had benefited, especially through his various empowerment programmes.

Hon Onwusanya said that his initial mandate as a legislator was well utilized which consequently prompted the renewed mandate by the people and assured that the second tenure will witness further unprecedented development and empowerment.

He called on Deltans to reach out to their neighbours and convince them to vote PDP in all the elections as the party will do more for Nigerians.

Among those who spoke at the occasion was the governorship candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, the Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Utuama, the state party chairman, Chief Edwin Uzor and South South PDP Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojougbo.

Governor Uduaghan stated that the PDP has a history of victory in the state and its track record of project delivery in the state and the country has given the party campaign materials.

The Governor who presented the PDP gubernatorial candidate for the elections, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to Ethiope East local Government Area traditional rulers’ council at the Palace of the Ovie of Oghara shortly before moving to the Oghara Township Stadium, said, “we have always won elections and we will win again because the PDP has a lot of things on ground to campaign with.”

Senator Okowa at the occasion, said he will consolidate on the achievements of Governor Uduaghan’s administration and that of former Governor James Ibori.

He assured the traditional rulers that when elected, his administration would encourage government partnership with them for the development of the state.

The Ovie of Oghara, HRH Oyibo Etsemitan commended the PDP for its unity and commended Governor Uduaghan for providing good leadership to the party.

Ovie of Mosogar, HRH Omene , Urie 1 specifically said the traditional rulers have endorsed the candidature of Senator Okowa stating, “we are moving away from politics of ethnicity, we are moving to the politics of development and we know that Senator Okowa will ensure development when he becomes the governor.”

At the campaign rally at the stadium, Senator Okowa assured Deltans that his administration will continue to build bridges of unity in the state, asserting, “we will remain as one united Delta.”

He added that his administration will develop the agricultural sector, accelerate industrialization of the state, restructure the education sector and improve on the programmes of Governor Uduaghan’s administration.

The PDP Chairman in the state, Chief Edwin Uzor who presented flags to the candidates observed that the PDP has done a lot for Nigerians, especially in Delta State and urged Deltans to vote for the PDP to enable the party continue with its development stride.

Others who spoke at the rally include the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Senator Okowa’s running mate, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, the South South Chairman of the PDP, Dr Cairo Ojougbo, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr Steve Oru, the Chairman of the PDP campaign committee, Prof. Sam Oyovbaire, the Chairman, Presidential Campaign contact committee for Delta State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesegha, among others, urged Deltans to vote massively for the PDP in the interest of the nation and the state in particular.

Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), of a landslide victory in the State during the February 14, 2015 presidential election. The party gave the assurance while congratulating Buhari on the successful flagging off of his campaign last Tuesday in the State capital, Port Harcourt.

“It was a thing of honour for us to have the privilege to host the flag-off of General Buhari’s presidential campaign and we wish to assure him that both Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta region are solidly behind him,” Rivers APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, stated. He said that “with the 65,000 APC supporters that thronged the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex to witness the historical event, Buhari and the APC leadership should not bother anymore about Rivers State as we are very convinced of not only winning the State but winning it very convincingly. The hatred which the misruling Federal Government in the hands of the evil PDP has against our State is enough to ensure that the party is totally disgraced during the forthcoming February 2015 elections.”

Rivers APC applauded General Buhari for his uncompromising stand against corruption and insecurity in the country, which he made clear during his campaign launch. “With the looting of our common patrimony with impunity currently going on in the administration of President Jonathan, we are very convinced that, knowing the antecedents of General Buhari, he is very capable of decisively tackling corruption, which has become perhaps the greatest problem facing our nation at the moment. Monumental corruption has given rise to many other problems such as spiraling unemployment, underdevelopment, bad roads, lack of power and many other facilities that would have been provided to improve the lives of Nigerians,” Rivers APC said in a statement signed by Ikanya and issued in Port Harcourt.

The party agreed with General Buhari that providing security should be the second priority of his administration after it is sworn-in on May 29. It lamented that no “Nigerian can boast of sleeping with two eyes closed these days because of insecurity occasioned by the incompetence of the present administration of Goodluck Jonathan.” The party expressed confidence with the incoming Buhari administration curbing corruption and insecurity, Nigeria will in the nearest future take her rightful place in the comity of nations.

Rivers APC in the statement also congratulated its governorship candidate in the State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, for the formal endorsement of his candidature by the APC national leadership through the hand-over of the party’s flag to him during Tuesday’s presidential campaign in Port Harcourt. “As we did to General Buhari, we similarly wish to tell Dr. Dakuku Peterside to rest assured as we shall do everything according to the laws of the land to ensure a landslide victory for him during the February 28, 2015 governorship election. Dr. Peterside has no equal among the candidates presenting themselves for consideration by the Rivers electorate and we trust the good people of the State to go for the best,” Rivers APC said.

There are strong indications that the All Progressives Congress (A.P.C) and Peoples Democratic Party (P.D.P) in Edo state is working out various means to woo, Mr. Oarhe Dickson as there are mounted pressure for him to decamp and join their party ahead 2015 general election.

Oarhe, however, declined knowledge of whatever such moves by the both political parties reaffirming his strong membership and believed in his party (Social Democratic Party, S.D.P) philosophy and his determination to remain a loyal party faithful.

Oarhe who emerged consensus candidate of Social Democratic Party (S.D.P) at her primary election held 29, November, 2014 for the House of Representatives, Owan federal constituency, Edo state, we gathered is presently call by his party to step down his ambition for another party man, a decision he is finding it difficult to accept but may be ready to work with.

It was learnt that the A.P.C and P.D.P is on the likelihood to key into this logjam because the S.D.P is a strong force to contend with in the Owan Federal Constituency going by existing rotational formula that favours the turn of an Owan West candidacy to present the next House of Representatives member for Owan Federal Constituency at the national assembly.

A telephone call put across to him, Oarhe said, “it is clear that S.D.P will sweep out A.P.C and pothole the umbrella of P.D.P to win all elective positions across Edo North based on our people oriented socio-welfare manifestoes and credibility of candidate we present hence my determination to remain a loyal party faithful of S.D.P is unshakable.”

Uduaghan made the call yesterday at an inter-denominational thanksgiving service as part of activities for the year, 2015 Armed Forces Remembrance Day held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters (Anglican Communion), Asaba.

According to him, it was important for Nigerians to shun actions that are capable of dividing Nigerians stating that peaceful co-existence should not be compromised on the altar of selfish ego.

“Terrorism is not a Nigerian affair, it is a worldwide phenomenon, we need to support our security agencies in the fight against terrorism,” he said, adding, “by the grace of God, this nation will remain one indivisible entity.”

He said there are fears of election violence in the country disclosing that his administration has mapped preventive measures to curb such violence in the state.

“Next month elections will come, there has been a lot of security concern for the elections; there have been prayers everywhere to prevent violence before, during and after the elections. As a government, we will not sit and watch it occur, we have put in place preventive programmes so that our people will know that nobody need to die in an election.”

“We will mobilise our religious leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and elders to educate our people to minimize election violence and reduce the work of security agencies”, he added.

He called for freedom of candidates to campaign wherever they want during the electioneering period and decried reports of threats to stop some people from campaigning in certain places.

The Governor noted that the armed forces was doing a lot for Nigerians and commended them for their efforts to keep Nigeria as one as well as safe and secured for lives and property.

“We appreciate the work of our security agencies, especially their sacrifices to keep the nation as one,” he said.

Earlier, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Asaba, Rt. Rev. Justus Mogekwu in a sermon decried the tendency by some people to Islamise Nigeria at all cost, saying the activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect was to “conquer the North, then foist their religion on the South.”

He prayed for peace and unity in Nigeria and called for support for the families of the fallen heroes.

The Governor made the call Sunday, January 11, 2015 at the thanksgiving service held in honour of the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa at St. Philip`s Anglican Church, Asaba.

According to him, it was important that the PDP win in the general elections for the sake of the country and in particular, Delta State but, reiterated that effective reconciliation was important among members of the PDP.

“A lot of reconciliation has to be done in the party at the national level, at the state level, local government level, even at the unit level, I want to appeal for open heart to enable us reconcile and forgive one another,” Governor Uduaghan stated.

While observing that there is a lot of internal wrangling within the party at the national and state levels, the Governor said, “if you don’t forgive, you are in prison, when you forgive, you release yourself from that prison. You must forgive even a repeated offender, an unrepentant offender, and even people who believe you have offended them, we need to forgive one another so that God will forgive us all.”

He urged the people to be committed to PDP winning in the elections and commended Senator Okowa for giving thanks to God for receiving the PDP flag as the governorship candidate.

“What is important is winning the main election, and one step to win the main election is this thanksgiving service,” the Governor asserted.

Fielding questions from journalists later,Senator Okowa thanked God for his emergence as the governorship candidate and urged Deltans not to relent in their support for his aspiration.

Earlier, Venerable Felix Okonkwo in a sermon urged Christians to always forgive those who offend them, stating: “Great people forgive those who offend them, but, cowards seek vengeance.”

He described Senator Okowa as a God-fearing person and urged him to always be prayerful.

Prayers were offered at the occasion for a peaceful election in Nigeria and Delta State in particular.

PASAN is calling for the urgent replacement of the Clerk of the House, Lyna Ocholor and Secretary of the House of Assembly Service Commission, Mrs. Isioma Nwabuoku for allegedly denying staff of their welfare packages.

Members of the Association, has therefore sealed the Assembly premises ahead of the House resumption of plenary on January 20, 2015 after its Yuletide break.

But an earlier statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Patrick Nwanze, on behalf of the Speaker appealed to the striking Assembly workers to resume, claiming that Management has met sufficient part of their demand.

The statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on Wednesday, January 07, 2015 further described the call for removal of the Clerk as ill motivated with external influence.

When Blank NEWS Online visited the state House of Assembly, located on Nnebisi road in ASABA on Thursday, January 08, 2015, aggrieved members of PASAN had set up a mock ‘Parliament’ at the entrance as a means of peaceful protest, just as the official vehicle of the Clerk had its tyres deflated.

The Public Relations Officer and Vice Chairman of PASAN, Comrades Afure Galaxy and Felix Egbejave, expressed disappointment over alleged claims by Speaker Onwusanya that the House has met 99 percent of the workers’ demands, describing the claim as pointless.

They said that staff welfare have been grossly neglected for over 10 years, alleging that monies appropriated for them have often times been diverted to other personal use by the leadership and management of the Delta state House of Assembly.

Meanwhile, a 15-point Communique dated 5th January, 2015 and signed by Comrades Mc Cartney Obrotu (Chairman) and Emmanuel Osubor (Organising Secretary) respectively on behalf of PASAN, insists that until their demands are met, the legislators would not be allowed to resume sitting.

Some of the demands listed in the Communiqué include payment of outstanding claims, allowances and imprests; training and retraining of staff; provision of departmental and Committee vehicles as well as unhindered assess to car and housing loans by staff among others.

According to aggrieved PASAN members, the strike action became a last resort after the leadership and management of the Delta state House of Assembly deliberately reneged in meeting with their demands.

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