19th December, 2022

It is hereby announced for the information of Deltans particularly our teeming supporters, that the Campaign Council of the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has slightly adjusted its Wednesday, 21st December, 2022 campaign itinerary as follows:

(1). ◼ PATANI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

   TIME: 10AM.

(2) ◼ ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

   TIME: 2PM

Further be informed that a new date will be announced for Bomadi and Isoko South Local Government Areas.

We regret all inconveniences that this slight adjustment may have caused our teeming supporters.

Signed:

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Deputy Director,
Media/Publicity Committee,
Delta PDP Campaign Council and
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted not less than 1,760,460 pills of tramadol and other opioids hidden in packs of Indomie noodles packs and other packs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos as well as in Gombe state.

A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi also disclosed that over 600,000 pills of tramadol 225mg coming from Karachi, Pakistan in two separate shipments on Ethiopian Airlines flights were intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport last Monday and Tuesday; noting that 5,960 pills of Rohypnol concealed in 60 packs of indomie noodles going to Johannesburg, South Africa were also seized at the SAHCO export shed of the airport last Wednesday.

He said a female freight agent, Olaleye Adeola has already been arrested in connection with the noodles consignment.

Babafemi also said a trader at Balogun market on Lagos Island, Akunne Tochukwu last Tuesday was arrested in collaboration with the Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Lagos over his attempt to export a tramadol consignment to Dubai, UAE, adding that the consignment was seized at the Lagos airport by NDLEA operatives on 25th November while a market labourer, Oke Ronke whose services were requested to convey the drug for export had earlier been arrested.

He revealed that NDLEA operatives in Lagos on Sunday 11th December intercepted a truck and a bus conveying 113 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 4,802.84 kilogrammes around the VGC estate area of Ajah while three suspects: Taofeek Yusuf; Ifeanyi Okorie and Israel Nwachukwu were arrested in connection with the seizures.

He said in Gombe state, a total of 1,154,500 pills of tramadol, Rohypnol and Exol being transported from Onitsha, Anambra state to Gombe by a truck driver, Umar Hassan, 28, were seized lastvThursday at Bye pass area of Gombe by a team of NDLEA officers following credible intelligence.

Babafemi said also acting on intelligence, operatives in Edo state last Friday intercepted a Honda Ridgeline pick-up vehicle with Registration Number BWR 699 CV loaded with 29 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 319 kilogrammes, while the driver of the vehicle, Alfred Vratombo, 32, was arrested with fake police uniforms, which he was using to deceive security men on the road.

The NDLEA Spokesman said attempt by a drug dealer, Chucks Kalu, 29, to smuggle into Kano 26 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa concealed inside packs of blenders was thwarted by operatives who intercepted the consignment along Abuja-Kaduna express road and later arrested him in a follow up operation in Kano, just as another suspect, Rabilu Abubakar,42, was also arrested in a follow up operation in Kano, following the seizure of his consignment 1,980 bottles of cough syrup with codeine, concealed inside cartons, were seized along Abuja-Kaduna express road.

In Bauchi state, operatives last Saturday arrested Muhammed Ahmed, 40, with 288 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 244.5 kilogrammes in Darazo area of the state, while in Delta state, NDLEA officers stormed the home of alleged drug kingpin, Okrika Ozioma, at Usiefurum town, Ughelli South local government area, where an underground drug bunk was uncovered in a three-bedroom bungalow building owned by the suspect who is now on the run. He noted that 17.6 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa were recovered from the bunk in addition to a 2003 Silver Golf car with registration number Lagos KJA 572 AZ used for the distribution of drugs within and outside Warri.

In Oyo state, a suspect, Yusuf Ayinde, 40, was arrested with 50.4 kilogrammes cannabis in his residence at Idi-Ose via Amuloko, Ona-Ara local government area last Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Lagos, Gombe, Edo, Delta, Kaduna and Oyo state commands for their commitment and vigilance leading to the arrests and seizures of the past week, urged them and their compatriots across other formations to continue to surpass their past records of achievements.

The Czech Ambassador to Nigeria, Zdenek Krejci has lamented that the reaction of European countries to the ongoing Russian/Ukrainian war has not been too smooth.

Krejci, who is the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Niger, Gabon, Central African Republic and Republic of Congo, said at the handover of the European Union Presidency to Sweden, that: “As we all know, the Christmas holidays in Europe and Ukraine will be difficult and complicated this year.

“The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation has completely changed the geopolitical situation on our continent, while demonstrating that the European Union is able to respond decisively. The events of the last months have shown that Europeans in a crisis triggered by an external threat, are able to act very quickly, effectively and in a united way.”

He stressed that: “The overall objective of the Czech Presidency was to contribute as much as possible to creating the conditions for the security and prosperity of the EU in the context of the European values of freedom, social justice, democracy and the rule of law and environmental responsibility.”

He added that: “The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU has been getting closer to the finish line and is gradually reaping the fruits of almost six months of work. Among other things, it managed to facilitate an agreement among Member States on further measures to tackle the energy crisis, negotiate the EU budget for 2023, successfully conclude further parts of the Fit for 55 climate package, and ensure the non-recognition of Russian passports issued in the occupied territories of Ukraine and Georgia.”

The Swedish Ambassador-Designate to Nigeria, Annika Hahn-Englund on her part, said she would want to congratulate the Czech Republic for a successful EU Presidency in a very challenging time with a war in Europe due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

She noted that: “The Czech Presidency has been able to unite the European Union Member States to have a common response to the war, and to together tackle the energy crises, to advance security and defence related issues and to lead the climate change discussions and results at the COP27. Many of these dossiers will continue to be on the top of the agenda during the Swedish Presidency.”

She added that: “Sweden is number three in the Presidency Trio – first France, now the Czech Republic and from 1st January Sweden. Building on the Trio Programme from December 2021, the political direction for the Swedish EU Presidency can be summarized in five headings:
-Providing security for EU citizens and strengthening the EU’s role in the world
-Stopping organised crime
-Speeding up the climate transition
-Strengthening the EU’s competitiveness for the jobs of the future
-Safeguarding the EU’s fundamental values.”

She explained that the Lucia procession is really about celebrating light and the future return of light in the middle of midwinter darkness, adding that: “The Latin word for light is “Lux” and this is the origin of the name of Lucia. Saint Lucia lived in Sicily in Italy in the 4th century and she came with food to poor people living in caves. As she was carrying the food in her hands, she put candles in her hair to light up.”

-By Dennis Agwa:

As Nigerians prepare for the general elections slated for the first quarter of 2023 a lot of permutations are going on about what should happen and who should get what by way of winning at the polls. The electorate is now the beautiful bride with suitors, many of them sweet-tongued and deceptive, coming to knock at the door to her heart. At the national scene, the furore has escalated around the three leading candidates namely, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP). Across Nigeria, some of the states with election schedule that falls into this electoral season are also having their fair share of contentions, disputations and campaigns. This is more so because it is a transition cycle as many of the governors are rounding off their second term and paving the way for new state executives. The media, both conventional and social, is awash with claims and counter-claims. The candidates and their followers are not resting, but toiling to see that they add electoral value to their cause. It is the season of the conflict of interest.

The scenario created above is also playing out in Delta State. What is becoming clearer by the day is the apparent and crystal clear signs that Rt. Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori, the incumbent Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has earned the peoples’ support and verdict that he is the next governor of Delta State come 2023. Oborevwori’s favourable run is predicated on a number of factors which the other candidates for the position lack. Despite initial hiccups provoked by opponents and which led to litigations that dragged on to the Supreme Court and during which he was overwhelmingly vindicated, Oborevwori has emerged better focused and he is now on top of the game. While his opponents seize every opportunity to malign him, he has embarked on a strategic meet the people campaign as he takes his message to the people of Delta State who have come to see beyond the lies other candidates told just to undo him politically.

Oborevwori remains the most Pan-Deltan among the candidates and has the real capacity and largeness of heart to continue to drive the Pan-Delta agenda that has made the State socio-economically and politically stable since 1999. A State like Delta State with a multi-ethnic colouration needs a character with a measured temperament like that of Oborevwori to thrive and prosper.

Oborevwori has never exhibited the tendencies attributable to a nepotistic and sectional leader. His credentials as the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly remain unmatched by any other politician in the State since the advent of the current dispensation in 1999. As Speaker of the State House of Assembly, the entire State made up of twenty-nine constituencies has been his one vast constituency. He knows the State like the back of his hands and he knows and appreciates the development aspirations of all Deltans.

It is his understanding and readiness to address the State’s development aspirations arising from his engagements with every sector of the State that inspired his desire to serve and entrance into the governorship race. In doing this, he has evolved a most people-friendly and development oriented manifesto which he codenamed the MORE AGENDA where he articulated his vision and strategy for the development of Delta State. Oborewvori’s MORE agenda recognizes that so much has been done, but that MORE needs to be done. The MORE agenda thus seeks to give Deltans Meaningful development, Opportunities for all, Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security. Embedded in each of the concepts on which the manifesto is anchored are visions and clear cut strategies for their realization.

Education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity, infrastructure, industrialization and ICT are the key drivers of the MORE agenda.

Oborevwori is conscious of Nigeria’s predicament which has negatively impacted Delta State and her people. That is why he didn’t limit his development vision to the precincts of Nigeria. As a contemporarily conscious and astute politician who has undertaken courses in political development and management studies in the best universities across the globe, Oborevwori has configured a Delta State that will participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution driven by ICT.

The majority of Deltans have come to see Oborevwori’s humble beginning, his struggles to the top and his political achievements as symbolic of their own dreams and aspirations. They have seen his aspirations as their s and have embraced his struggles as their own struggles too. While his opponents deride him because of his humble beginning and attribute the negative essence of the streets to him, the people claim him as their own. The people own the street and the street is where the people live and Oborevwori has a heavy dose of street credibility which his opponents lack. Oborevwori’s grassroots appeal makes him a sure bet for democracy and her populist ideals. He is a listener, a consensus builder and team player.

These attributes which attest to his uncommon leadership acumen are what have made him the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. It should be on record that at the national level, Oborevwori is the vice chairman of the Conference of Speakers of States’ Houses of Assembly in Nigeria.

Contrary to what his opponents falsely claim, Oborevwori is well educated obtaining degrees in political science up to postgraduate level. His case is that of practicing what he studied. He has in addition to the degrees in political science, which opened his eyes to political economy, attended courses in legislative matters, political leadership and management in top universities in the world. The truth is that no other governorship candidate is as prepared as Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

The people of Delta State have unanimously endorsed him as the best candidate for the governorship in 2023.

-By Festus Okubor:

ALL through the ages, great leaders, who impacted their generations and times rose from among the people and suffered as they emerged from nothingness to become something. The examples of Winston Churchill of Great Britain, Abraham Lincoln of America, Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria, just to mention a few, remind us that life for great leaders was never a walk in a beautiful park.

A more recent and contemporary example has been Barack Obama. These leaders have certain things in common. One of which is found in their humble background and beginning.

Another one is that they were clear-sighted and pursued their passion with courage and commitment to the astonishment of those who never gave them a chance. Reading the biographies or memoirs of these men who now occupy looming spaces in the memory or affairs of humanity only tells us that greatness is not always in the circumstances of our birth. The story of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we are about to celebrate this season, also has the same experience. He was born in a manger, marked for destruction, was despised and eventually crucified, but he emerged as the ultimate savior of humanity.

When Sheriff Oborevwori, the present Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, stepped out to indicate interest in becoming the governor of Delta State, some people laughed him off and called him names. It was not that the astute lawmaker and grassroots mobiliser was not constitutionally qualified.

Those who ridiculed him did so pointing to his humble background and the reality of him growing up in such places that were not fancied by the rich and newly rich. Those making jest of him referred to his early struggles to make it in life instead of commending his courage, focus and doggedness.

Sheriff, as Oborevwori is widely known and fondly called, came from a humble background and worked hard at odd and menial jobs to make ends meet. He never allowed his background to become a deterrent in his sojourn in life. He started from the very beginning with no helper except God.

Like every child of his time and place Sheriff went to primary and secondary schools and earned a pride of place among his peers. He knew the streets, became streetwise and enjoyed massive street credibility. He soon became the champion of boys and symbol of their defence.

Despite his underprivileged condition and becoming the champion of the downtrodden, Sheriff was never in defiance of the status quo. What he did was to get education and join politics and begin his advocacy for a better life for the common people who populate the streets. This stance of his earned him post after post in the executive arm of government and the ordinary people on the street who constitute the bulk of humanity saw his genuineness and acclaimed him as truly one of their own.

They saw him as the advocate of the youths and the masses. This same people came together in 2014 with a message that Sheriff should run for the Okpe House of Assembly seat and have a chance to truly and fully represent them in the legislative arm. He listened to their call and his victory at the polls in 2015 was overwhelming and unprecedented. That was the beginning of the mystique or icon called Sheriff that has today become an idea known as Sherification.

The Nigerian Red Cross Society yesterday flagged off the 2022 flood intervention for 1, 350 households affected by the recent flood disaster in some local government areas of Delta State.
Local government areas that are benefitting are Isoko South, Ndokwa East and Ughelli South.
1,350 households are to get one 25kg bag of rice, one 25kg bag of garri, one 30kg bag of beans, five liters of palm oil and 25 liters of empty jerry can for storage of clean drinking water.
In his welcome address, the Ivrogbor-Irri Community Chairman, Mr. Christopher Ebegbare, thanked the Society for choosing his community for the flag off of the distribution in Delta State.
He prayed that all those who contributed to bring succour to persons in his community who were affected by the flood be blessed abundantly.
In his speech, the Isoko South Local Government Council Executive Chairman, Hon. Victor Asassa, represented by Mr. Issac Omoyero, thanked the Society for identifying with persons in his local government area and coming to their rescue.
Flagging off the intervention at Ewoma Primary School, Ivrogbor-Irri, Isoko South Local Government Area, the National President of the Society, Elder (Chief) Bolaji Akpan Anani, stated that the Society carried out registration using prescribed selection criteria developed with members of the communities which was used to identify most vulnerable persons who will benefit from the intervention.
He revealed that the Society plan to distribute relief items or cash to about 180,000 flood affected persons in 23 most affected states totaling 29,700 households adding that the first phase of the distribution is simultaneously being flagged off in Delta and Kogi States.
Elder Anani expressed appreciation to those that donated, those that will still donate and all who have contributed in one way or the other to make the exercise a success.
Some of the beneficiaries thanked the Nigerian Red Cross Society for the gesture which they described as unprecedented.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, had on Wednesday, on behalf of the state Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, received members of the Society in his office in Asaba.

DELTA North Traditional Rulers Forum, has passed a vote of confidence on its Chairman and the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien, describing him as a father figure.

Briefing Journalists after a meeting of the forum held in Asaba, Vice Chairman of the forum and the Obi of Abavo, HRM Uche Irenuma, said the Delta North Traditional Rulers Forum led by the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien remains the apex body of traditional rulers in Anioma’s nation. 

Irenuma who was flanked by the Secretary of the forum and the Obi of Atuma, HRM Daniel Ogbudo, said; “we call on the general public to disregard any other body other than the Asagba led leadership of the forum.

“We commend the state government for the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival in Asaba. We also congratulate the state for coming out overall best in the games.

“We call on all community leaders and security outfits across the nine local government areas to be very cautious and report any unusual movements and activities to the nearest police station before, during and after the Christmas and new year celebrations.

“We urge those who registered in the last registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to go out to collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs from their respective local government areas. 

“The forum also approved the donation of N2 million to be distributed to the community most hit by the recent flood and call on federal government, state and well meaning individuals to assist in any way they can as the citizens return to total destruction in the coastal communities in Delta North.”

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has reiterated the fact that there is no impunity in the Party, and PDP is one big, united family as was demonstrated in the recently concluded and hugely successful, comprehensive Ward-to-Ward Campaigns across the 270 Wards in the State.

This affirmation was contained in a statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, State Publicity Secretary of Delta State PDP, while reacting to several contrary opinions on the unity of the party, including an earlier Press Release titled: “THERE MUST BE AN END TO IMPUNITY IN PDP DELTA STATE”, signed by Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie (Solicitor of England and Wales/Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria).

Describing the Press Release as totally misleading, divisive, and an unnecessary diversion at a time when the party is fully settled and focused, after embarking on the well-received campaigns across the Wards and is now fully prepared and poised to commence its Local Government Campaigns for the 2023 elections, the Delta PDP Press Release reads:

“Our attention has been drawn to a totally misleading and divisive Press Release titled: ‘THERE MUST BE AN END TO IMPUNITY IN PDP DELTA STATE’, signed by Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie (Solicitor of England and Wales/Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria), an erstwhile PDP Governorship aspirant in our last primary election.

“While we are mindful of the fact that he has, by his own admission, already approached the Court over a completely different matter which has no bearing whatsoever on the internal affairs of our party, we hereby inform and assure Chief, Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie, that we are fully and unambiguously satisfied with the judgment of the Supreme Court on the authentic Governorship candidate of our party for the 2023 elections, and so do not wish to join issues with him, or anyone else, over some of the sensitive legal assumptions, as well as the other spurious and baseless allegations, he boldly asserted in his Press Release.

“However, as a very responsible and law-abiding political party, guided always by the provisions and tenets stipulated clearly in our party’s Constitution, we want to state categorically that we take very strong exception to his statement that: ‘The PDP State Party machinery rigged the process of “electing” these purported delegates in favour of the sitting Governor’. The Party ensured that no delegate election took place across the State. The Governor, through his lackeys, selected the entire 835 Delegates and wore the sham/illegal process, the garb of a legal election.’

“In the same vein, we would also commend Chief Ikie for highlighting the appropriate sections of our Electoral Guidelines and Constitution which were the grundnorm on which the elections of the 3-Man AD-HOC Delegates for the PDP Primaries were conducted.

“We are glad to note, without any prejudice whatsoever, that with the exception of a few infinitesimal complaints which were to be expected, since no system or human process is completely infallible, the congresses to elect our ad-hoc delegates was hugely successful across the Wards and LGAs in the State and were widely reported on all media platforms.

“Let us also remind Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie and others who may still be nursing such hallucinations, that our Party’s ad-hoc delegates were neither robots, puppets nor mannequins and since lobbying and competition for votes are two of the important hallmarks in a proper democratic contest, it is only natural that delegates will have choices, especially since our party provided a level playing field for all aspirants, who are qualified to contest at the primaries to have unhindered and unfettered access to all the delegates.

“We are proud to state without any equivocation that our Governorship Primary was not only free, fair, and transparent, it was also an exemplary reflection of what a proper democratic exercise, conducted in the true spirit of freedom of choice, where all aspirants got votes and since again, elections are about numbers, the aspirant with the highest number of votes emerged as the authentic candidate of our party by majority votes and was duly recognized as the Party’s Guber flagbearer for the 2023 Elections.

“This point is incontrovertible and the fact that we conducted a free, fair, and transparent Governorship Primary has neither been challenged nor invalidated.

“It is against this crystal clear backdrop, complemented by the final and decisive Supreme Court pronouncement on the authentic Delta PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, that we wonder with some interest at the motive(s) behind the statement and actions of Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie and his ilk, which we see as diversionary, reactionary and aimed dubiously at creating an unnecessary diversion at this auspicious time when the party has fully settled and has set up the formidable structures for our comprehensive campaigns, which have already conducted and successfully delivered our Ward-to-Ward campaigns, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“We deem it superfluous and quite gratuitous that someone who claims to have nursed the aspiration for the Governorship ticket of our great party, should exhibit such joyless, unenthusiastic acrimony at this time, when the clarion call of all true, loyal, and committed members of our party, fully buoyed by cheerful exhilaration of the Supreme Court Judgment, is that we should all come together as one family, united with the sense of purpose towards winning the 2023 general elections in a 5/5 clean sweep.

“Let us state explicitly and unconditionally that, as a political party which believes and upholds the sacrosanctity of the rule of law, we are always prepared to submit to due process in the adjudication of contentions, and it is in that light, that we acknowledge and respect the decision of Chief Barrister Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie.

“We will however not be deterred or discouraged in our strident call and appeal to all party members, irrespective of their dispositions, to come together, now that our road to victory in 2023, has become clearer and smoother with the Supreme Court Judgment and overwhelming success of our Ward-to-Ward Campaigns.

“We will not relent in our concerted efforts to continue to reach out to all our members with the simple, yet powerful message that we are one united family and we are stronger, more dominant, and persuasive in our quest for an all-round landslide victory, working together as one big happy family.

Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta.

PDP! Power to the People!!

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) commission has engaged the leaderships of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and other stakeholders in identifying ways to a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the 2023 general elections.

The leaders drawn from the Northwest and Northeastern states of Nigeria were taken on training and interactive engagements on dialogue and mediation for national peace held on Tuesday in Kano. The 4-Day program is geared towards violent-free 2023 general elections in Nigeria with the enhancement of participants’ dialogue and mediation skills and platforms for addressing contentious issues, thus contributing to the prevention and mitigation of electoral-related conflicts and violence before, during, and after the polls.

Speaking, the ECOWAS Commission Programme Officer on Mediation, Directorate of Political Affairs, Dr. Brown Odigie, said the commission is concerned with the situation in the country, hence the need to bring stakeholders on board.

“We are committed to a peaceful electoral process in the region and Nigeria being an important and strategic member of ECOWAS, the commission is concerned that with the findings on the happenings in the nation, one of the key recommendations is to ensure that we interact with critical stakeholders and engage them on the need for the prevention of electoral violence by the use of mediation and creating room for dialogue among political actors and stakeholders.

“More importantly also, to address contentious issues around the electoral process and to ensure that we all work together with the hope that the political actors will appreciate the commitment of ECOWAS using mediation in resolving electoral related disputes and conflicts.”

Odigie had also in an earlier statement made available on behalf of the Commission, stressed that the training and interactive exercise are also expected to help create a healthy opportunity for participants to take cognizance of and appreciate the ECOWAS Constitutional Convergence Principles and Frameworks for transparent and peaceful elections, as espoused by the 2001 supplementary protocol on democracy and good governance, as well as the commitments of ECOWAS to the processes of dialogue and mediation in resolving electoral disputes and conflicts.

The statement noted that the stakeholders are also being brought together for a brainstorm, against the backdrop of electoral contestations which have become a major source of conflicts in West Africa, with grave potential for violence, triggered or heightened by the high premium on political power in the political discourse of both politicians and their supporters.

On his part, the National Chairman of IPAC, Yabagi Sani expressed worry over how the democratic system is being driven on the path of sabotage.

“Looking at the democratic space itself and all the institutions, you will discover that the political parties produce all the other organs of governance. The onus is on us to ensure that democracy survives and serves the purpose of the citizens of the country and that cannot happen without peace. Monetization of the process is so obscene that it will ruin the purpose of democracy.

“If you allow money or violence to take over the situation, what you end up with is compromised in a manner that is not anticipated in the principle of democracy in this country.

“Money has been allowed to be used excessively and violence has not been dealt with in the manner that is supposed to because as we speak today, the bill with the Commission for electoral offenses is still in the works and hasn’t been passed into law yet.”

In the same vein, ACP Daniel Amah, who represented the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, listed some of the causes of the election conflict in Nigeria including winner-takes-all syndrome, zero-sum approach to gaining political power, and lack of political ideology.

Amah also listed a lack of discipline by political actors, excess monetization of the polity, and too much focus on attacking personalities rather than on issues.

Also speaking, the representative of the United Nations Office in West Africa and Sahel (UNOWAS) Liaison Office in Nigeria, Dr. James Aji, harped on the importance of Nigeria’s peace and stability not only to the sub-region but the whole African continent.

According to Aji, “this is because Nigeria is like the engine that drives other issues in the region. This is why, he said, UNOWAS is working with other stakeholders to ensure peaceful and credible elections in the country.

The workshop which is part of the ECOWAS‘ strategic and operational support for the country’s peaceful 2023 general elections, is a follow-up to a similar one with members of the Inter-Party Advisory Council and other relevant stakeholders from the Southwest geopolitical zone of the country held in Lagos state in November 2022.

It would be recalled that participants at the Lagos Meeting committed to peaceful general elections by echoing messages of hope, confidence, and trust in the electoral process including upholding the content and spirit of the Peace Accord signed by political parties and presidential candidates on the Prevention of Violence and Promotion of issue-based Campaigns.

The training and interactive workshops are being supported with funding from the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark under the Danish Africa Programme for Peace.

In a related development Pre–the election Fact-Finding Delegation from the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) led by the Former Chairman of the Electoral Commission in Ghana, Mr. Kwadwo Afari-Gyan was in Kano.

The high-powered delegation was in the state to assess the level of preparedness and established issues ahead of the 2023 general elections.

-By Austen AKHAGBEME:

After the initial surge and the baring of the campaign fangs on the electorates last November, the politicians campaigning for the next general election in Nigeria are gradually slowing down.

This probably owes partly to the CBN’s new Naira policy, especially the “facelift” or colour change given to the embattled national currency. It could also be a deliberate tactical move to conserve campaign funds for next February while watching the swing of the apex bank’s pendulum with the accompanying vicissitudes.

However, we can not be oblivious to the fact that we have so far been “entertained” and provoked by the quality of the campaign as regards real issues of the day on one hand and the usual but age-long showboating by aspirants who obviously are unaware of the enormity of our national dilemma on the other.

Who are the real campaigners, you may want to ask? These are those who understand the existential threat to our beloved nation by our self-inflicted wounds expressed in the profligacy of the past and the obduracy of the present drivers to embrace the real change that we truly need.

The orthodoxy of thought and the emotional carelessness with which the show boaters talk about Nigeria and her future vis-a-vis their choice of president speaks volumes of the trouble we have in our hands.

This variant of campaigners has chosen to forget the distant and the immediate past of our chequered history and our ordeal in the hands of these same characters or their progenitors.

So they feel so free to sell the same old rotten potatoes for a new price in a crispy note to the unsuspecting Nigerians; it’s a pity. They lie, pretend, package and repackage failure to look like success going somewhere to happen. What a country!

Everyone that loves the country must endeavour to join the camp of the true campaigners; those who are ready to vote for progress and development with aspirants of proven integrity and strength of character to take Nigeria to her rightful destination. Let the show boaters be put to shame with our collective resolve to have a new nation where peace and justice reign.

• Austin AKHAGBEME is a Cilumnist with Blank NEWS Online

The wife of the state Governor and founder 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has charged wives of traditional rulers  in the state to be proactive so as to become positive influence in their families, kingdoms and society at large.

 Dame Okowa gave the charge when she hosted the royal mothers to a Christmas luncheon and interactive session at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

A yearly event, where the governor’s wife gather royal mothers across the state to rob minds together and exchange ideas with a view to maintaining peace and unity

Dame Edith Okowa appreciated the traditional rulers’ wives for their consistent support for the Okowa Administration for the past seven years, which had witnessed tremendous peace and development.

The governor’s wife reaffirmed that she had kept to her electioneering campaign promise that traditional rulers wives would be carried along if voted for.

She enjoined the royal mothers to stand for God wherever they found themselves and  take responsibility for the actions of the in prayers, considering that every mother  will give account of  her  deeds someday.

Dame Okowa  sued for maximum support for the wife of the PDP governorship candidate and lauded the team of the 05 Initiative and other partners for their support, even as she prayed God to reward them.

Earlier the Director General of the 05 Initiative, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas said the forum was an annual get-together where the governor’s wife interact and exchange ideas with wives of traditional rulers with a view to peace and unity as mothers in the state.

In a brief sermon, Lady Chineze Onya-Dike admonished the royal mothers to rededicate their lives to God, as Jesus came to take away sorrow,  and give life to as many who believed on his name,stressing that December was a season to show compassion to others as God did.

Some of the royal mothers including the wife of  Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse the third and the Omu of Okpanam who presented a book on the history of Omuship and a traditional attire known as Akwa-ocha.

They commended the efforts of the governor’s wife through her 05 Initiative  and prayed God to grant her desired.

The event featured dance and drama performances by the Delta State council for Arts and Culture as well as Glory of God Music and Drama Concept.

The governor’s wife in her usual manners, presented gifts to all royal mothers.

Patriotism is fast becoming a scarce commodity among Nigerian politicians, many of who pursue power inordinately for selfish and raw egoistic reasons. Some Nigerian politicians do not understand the essence of politics except to grab power, steal it and deploy it to satisfy their flatulent ego that shouldn’t amount to the least measurement of worth in sane climes. Sadly, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has provided a home for such elements that see everything through the prism of gangsterism. A political party that rewards mace theft with a high office and crowns it with a national honour is certainly in huge deficit of altruism. The same political party that is now selling a comatose presidential candidate to Nigerians to replace the one that now lives and rules in the past of fifty years ago. The party has gifted Nigeria and Nigerians the worst socio-economic reality ever in the history of the country. The APC has clearly shown that it is a party of doom that meant no good for Nigerians. Under the APC, Nigeria sinks into the abyss of hopelessness as one of the most corrupt nations on earth, the third most unsafe country in the world and the poverty capital of the world with about 150 million of her 200 million people condemned to penury.

It is from this sardonic political party that the true to type Senator Ovie Omo-Agege rears his head as governorship candidate in Delta State. Never known for altruism, except to steal power for the sake of it, Omo-Agege goes against the grain of altruism and morality when it comes to political engagements. The mace saga remains fresh in the minds of Nigeria. Nigerians still remember how he knelt down before President Buhari with a slavish smile in appreciation for being second fiddle in the Senate leadership. That act of him kneeling down wearing the full regalia of a chief was considered a reprehensible act amounting to a taboo among his Urhobo people. Only a slave of that age kneels before another man who is not his father, but our man did it because of power. This same character with his ludicrous mindset is now out spewing forth balderdash and shameless lies that he wants to become the governor of Delta State. The good people of Delta State are already cringing at the thought of having such a man without character on the saddle. Although, he is crying and throwing tantrums all over the place and offering Deltans lies and lies, the people have long concluded that his would be an exercise in futility.

He describes his BAND to mean building a new Delta. Certainly what he has in mind is ruining the new Delta especially with the kind of legacy of ruins that the APC represents nationwide. His other invention is EDGE which he describes as employment or empowerment, development, good governance and enduring peace and security. These items read like what were picked out of the pages in a Social Studies textbook and which a ten year old will easily reel out off-hand in an interview or an examination. These are basic ideas that a serious candidate will handle with depth and deftness. He even mentioned the highly abused and misused word “empowerment”. Does Omo-Agege who forcefully broke into government file cabinets as Secretary to State Government (SSG) even on a Sunday know anything about good governance? Or has he forgotten how he hijacked contracts, seized the funds and erased evidence of awards? Can he explain the transformation from a pauper fleeing American justice system to his being billionaire within a year of being in government?

Omo-Agege and his handlers are certainly not in tune with the order of things in the contemporary world. They need to put on their thinking cap and interrogate the socio-economic aspirations of Deltans from a global perspective which while taking our local peculiarities into consideration, do not lose sight of global trends in development. Omo-Agege dropped those words which he says make up his agenda for Delta State, but he failed to offer strategies for their realization. Putting together a manifesto for the modern state is not synonymous with stealing a mace. Explaining campaign message is not the same as cringing and kneeling down for a Fulani man.

That Omo-Agege has chosen BAND as his mantra only shows his commitment to offering Delta State to BANDits who will drive the State to the EDGE. But Deltans are saying no to BANDits, no to EDGE, no to Omo-Agege. The APC and the likes of Omo-Agege should never be allowed near public office again. A man who as Senator representing 24 clans took all five major projects he proposed to his small community of less than forty houses is not just acutely nepotistic, but unfit for public office. This is the verdict of Deltans. Even APC leaders have deserted him as they have known that nothing good can be associated with BANDits who want to drive us to the EDGE.

• Utieyon wrote from Warri in Delta State.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has set up Diaspora Desks at all international airports in the country to allow Nigerians returning to the country during the forthcoming Yuletide to have a seamless passport processing service.

A statement on Monday by the spokesman of the Service, Anthony Akuneme said the Comptroller General Immigration Service, Mr. Isah Idris has “directed the immediate setting up of Diaspora Desks in all the nation’s International airports in order to have a seamless passport process for all Nigerians coming home this yuletide period and may be desirous of processing their passports.”

He added that: “In line with this, CGIS has also directed passport offices across the country to give priority attention to such citizens living outside the country and their families bearing in mind that most of them have specific time of returning to their countries of residence.”

According to Akuneme; the CGIS has affirmed the commitment of the Service to continue rendering effective and efficient service delivery to all Nigerians both at home and abroad, as well as non-Nigerians who are desirous of using any of the service windows.

The spokesman recalled that this fast track passport process for this yuletide season commenced few weeks ago with the opening of passport offices on Saturday and will continue until 31st January 2023.

Nigeria Ambassador to Guinea Bissau and Cape Verde, John Usanga has called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to address the economic challenges facing the region with equal vigor expended on addressing political upheavals.

The envoy said the only way to take the region out of the economic woods is when continuous, concentrated attentions are given to improving the economy of West Africa, insisting that this was necessary if the the sub-region is to to benefit from its huge resources.

Usanga gave this advice while appearing on NTA Diplomatic programme via zoom.

He also said that the recent agreement signed between the leaders of Guinea Bissau and Nigeria is already yielding fruit, while pointing out that Guinea Bissau has become a beautiful investment bride in the subregion that needed to be courted.

He however regretted that the economic ties between Guinea Bissau and Nigeria is at a low ebb.

The envoy stressed that 96 percent of Nigerians doing business in Guinea Bissau are in the informal sector, mostly people trading in articles, spare parts and textile materials.

He said: “My drive is anchored on the fact that within the ECOWAS region itself, it is very easy to mobilise for the defence of democracy and stability through mobilisation of military forces and if we could easily do that we could also duplicate that on the economic front.”

“It is time to begin to jointly direct attention to the economy while we also work to maintain public stability. our action plan is a direct interface of entrepreneurs from both the public and private sectors forging a common goal,” he added.

He however said on his part, he has commenced move to change the narratives of the economic ties between the two countries by vigorously pursuing a much more meaningful and mutually beneficial economic relations.

The All Progressives Grand Alliance , APGA, Delta state will on Wednesday, December 14, 2023 unveil and inaugurate its Campaign Council at the Orchid Hotel at 10:am in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.

This was contained in a Press Release made available to newsmen by its Campaign Media Director/ Spokesperson, Great Ogboru Campaign Organisation, Zik Zulu Okafor.

The Statement stated that the Gubernatorial candidate of the party, Olorogun Great Ogboru will at the ceremony present his manifesto tagged the ” Jubilee Agenda” to Deltans.

According Okafor, the manifesto will herald victory and celebrations by Deltans in 2023 as it encapsulates his hope inspiring transformative programmes that will lead to the emancipation of the people from acute misgovernance, manipulation and exploitation that have been their ordeal since 1999.

The Media Director says the APGA Gubernatorial manifesto seeks to empower the youth, eradicate poverty and defeat hunger, attract revolutionary development in the rural communities through an uncommon partnership between LGAs and State Government Agencies, reinvention of education , healthcare and wellbeing of the people towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

He noted that the party is poised for a big win in the state in the forthcoming 2023 elections as it is
brimming with palpable confidence.

The Campaign Media Director noted that the party will also unveil Its Campaign Council made up of highly experienced and venerated members of the political class, technocracy organised private sector and scholars among others.

The statement also maintained that the campaign team has the inclusion of
men and women ready to offer sacrificial services towards untainted electoral victory and attainment of good governance in Delta state.

All members of the State Campaign Council, Local Government Areas Campaign Council, Ward Coordinators and Ward Chairmen are to be in attendance.

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council has expressed its deep and profound gratitude to His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the immediate past Governor of Delta State, describing him as a rare statesman, with a heart of gold and a generational leader, whose contributions to the development of Delta State and contributions towards the strengthening and deepening of our democracy, will remain indelible in the annals of our State and National chronicles.

This commendation was contained in a Press Release dated 12TH DECEMBER, 2022 by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Deputy Director,
Media and Publicity Committee,
Delta State PDP Campaign Council, in recognition and appreciation of the decision of the former Governor, not only in graciously hosting the Delta South PDP, Stakeholders Meeting at his residence, but in his unequivocal pledge and promise to throw his considerable political weight, and immense personal support, behind the ambitions of all PDP Candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections, especially Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who is the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the PDP.

The statement reads: “Your Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (Asamaigor), the Delta State PDP family is deeply, profoundly, and eternally grateful to you for the sterling leadership and inspiring statesmanship you displayed, when you hosted the Delta South PDP leaders and stakeholders at your residence, to kickstart our Ward-to-Ward campaigns in the Senatorial zone, on Monday, November 14, 2022.

“We were pleasantly surprised to witness once again, your great candour, symbolic charisma, and that natural aura of commanding presence and authority which comes so effortlessly to you, as you rolled back the years and held your party members spellbound, with that admirable interaction which contributed greatly in building and consolidating the image and reputation of the PDP into the formidable force we achieved, with you as the leader of our party.

“Your legendary generousity was again showcased magnificently, as you not only graciously hosted the Delta South PDP family at your residence and even offered the facility to the Party to utilize for its subsequent activities whenever the need arises, you equally calmed our nerves and uncertainties with the unequivocal and reassuring assurances that you have thrown your considerable political weight and pledged your “full chest” support to all our candidates, especially His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who is your successor and now the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP, in the forthcoming 2023 elections.

“As though these powerful statements and actions were not loud enough, you graciously embraced our Governorship candidate Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori at the meeting of the Federal Government College, Warri Old Students Association (FEGOCOWOSA) in Effurun, and in your legendary peaceful disposition and display of politics without bitterness, you followed up that ‘neutral ground’ meeting in Effurun by going to visit Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori at his residence in Osubi, accompanied by key stakeholders and candidates from Delta South and Central Senatorial zones, in your entourage.

“In addition, you recently hosted party leaders and stakeholders from Burutu Local Government Area at your residence in Warri, and your very central involvement and robust participation during our Ward-to-Ward Campaigns in the Delta South Senatorial zone, coupled with your consistent charge and admonition for all party members and indeed Deltans, to embrace His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP as a collective Delta project because he is one of our own, have all been much more than we could ever have asked for, demanded and even hoped for from you.

“No pledge could be greater, no assurance sweeter and no support more motivational than the immense and inspiring import of your comments and commitment, in your rightful, incontestable status as one of the great leaders of our party, and with the formidable team of candidates we have assembled for the State and National Assemblies, complemented by our own Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, “Ekwueme”, poised for the Vice-Presidency and surely heading to Aso Rock, the cause of achieving overwhelming landslide victories for the PDP at all levels, in the 2023 elections is already in the bag; a “fait accompli”.

“There are absolutely no doubts, from now henceforth, that your support and commitment will serve as a tremendous boost of encouragement and fillip to all our teeming party members, both loyalists, and contestants, to embrace the remaining campaigns with greater zeal and vigour in the knowledge that, with our leaders like you championing the party, our victory is fully guaranteed.

“We thank you most sincerely for this unparalleled vote of confidence, which has reinforced our trust and faith in the party to deliver and we are truly blessed to have a rare statesman and leader like you with a beautiful heart of gold, the genuine spirit of forgiveness and the unwavering conviction of a true peacemaker, in your concerted quest to ensure that peace and harmony reigns in the PDP.

“Thank you, Your Excellency, for being the great leader you are and will always be. By hosting and bringing the PDP family in Delta South together, you have shocked our detractors into confused speechlessness, truncated their temporary, unfounded glee over a non-existent disenchantment within our party, and proven with a resounding master stroke, that PDP is Delta and Delta is still and will continue to be PDP. It can only get better and brighter from now on.

“We salute you, the one and only Asamaigor! Agberendiden!!”

PDP! Power to the People.

The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity has called for the re-engineering of Nigerian foreign missions fir optimal performance.

The body, in Abuja on Friday listed some of the factors responsible for the underperformance to include inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, among others.

In a research document unveiled in Abuja and titled ‘State of Nigerian Embassies and Consulates,’ NAS said the issue of Nigerian embassies has continued to be a source of concern to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora, and equally friends of Nigeria who are embarrassed by all manners of stories about the situation and services at the embassies.

In the executive summary, the association further said it decided to commission a study to determine the actual condition of the embassies and consulates through the #OurVotesCount initiative.

It said the method of study involved site visitation to the embassies and consulates, desktop review and analysis of 358 respondents from a cross-sectional survey.

“The survey was designed to ascertain the experiences and provided perceptions of Nigerians and non Nigerians who use the services at the embassies and consulates. Nigeria currently has 219 missions abroad, but the initial target of the study was 94 embassies and 12 consulates. The following embassies or consulates were informed of the study’s objectives: the Embassy of Nigeria, Washington DC, Consulates in Atlanta, and New York, Embassies of Nigeria in The Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Japan, and Australia. The Nigerian High Commissions in Ottawa, London and Consular Affairs Annex, London; Pretoria and the Consulate in Johannesburg.

According to the report: “The importance of a country’s missions abroad cannot be overemphasised because sometimes, how they are perceived serve as a Measure of the prestige of a nation. Moreover, there is a nexus between a country’s mission, the pursuance of its national interests, and the implementation of its foreign policies. In essence, a nation’s diplomatic mission abroad plays an important role.

“The general perception is that Nigerian missions are not living up to the expectations of Nigerians and foreigners who use the services they provide. This study highlights inadequate budgetary provision, corruption, low competence among Nigerian diplomatic staff, inadequate staff strength, the politicisation of foreign service, the appointment of non-professionals or political diplomats and lack of synergy between the diplomatic missions and the headquarters, as some of the issues hindering the optimal service delivery of the embassies. In addition, the general impression is that the staff show some apathetic attitude towards the plights of Nigerians.”

The National Association of Seadogs however said the situation was not all gloom, insisting: “There are limited instances where embassy staff were reported to have been very professional, friendly, and courteous. There is an enthusiastic Nigerian atmosphere a sound queuing system, observing COVID-19 protocol, timely service, and efficiency in some cases,” but lamented that: “Unfortunately, these situations as observed, were few rather than the norm. The survey respondents’ perceptions about services received showed that only 20 percent of respondents were satisfied with services received at the embassy, 22 percent were neutral, and 58 percent were dissatisfied. The physical infrastructure/presentation of the Nigerian embassy was considered excellent/good by about 7 percent of respondents. In comparison, 66 percent believed the infrastructure/presentation was poor. and 27 percent felt the infrastructure/presentation was average.

“The attitude of the staff was considered satisfactory by approximately only one (1) in every five (5) respondents, while 56 percent believed the attitude of staff was not satisfactory and 25 percent were neutral.

However, about 31 percent of respondents indicated that they have had to pay non-official fees compared to 67 percent that did not pay any non-official fees. The reason for the payment includes expediting passport renewal, securing an appointment, payment to an agent or Nigerian association to facilitate service, and making photocopies at the embassy,” the National Association of Seadogs noted in the report.

In its recommendations, the National Association of Seadogs called for the establishment of a special trust fund for the acquisition, equipment, and maintenance of Nigerian embassies and consulates, with at least 20 percent of revenues generated from consular services domiciled in it. is long overdue.

This, the association stated, will help to reduce the over dependence on the annual national budget.

The association also called for the increment in budgetary allocation towards the acquisition of befitting embassies and consulate buildings and maintenance of existing infrastructure in Nigeria’s foreign missions is imperative and timely.

Amongst others, the research advocated for the removal of the quota system in the employment of embassy and consulate staff, saying that employment in that area should be strictly based on merit.

The leading and foremost civil rights advocacy group; the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has named the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Drugs Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA); Buba Marwa the Human Rights Man of the Year for 2022

HURIWA in a statement in lieu of the December 10 International Human Rights Day described Mohammed Buba Marwa as the most influential Nigerian in 2022, adding that he is one person who has officially and personally affected the news and lives more than any other Nigerian from whatever standpoint one looks at it.

“Several polls conducted have shown a clear consensus that Mohammed Buba Marwa is one Nigerian who has personally and officially affected the news and lives of Nigerians the most in recent times, with his very aggressive but human rights-based approach to drug policy.

“In just 24 months, Marwa has not just earned the image of the protagonist of the most topical human rights and developmental issues but as well distinguished himself as a courageous and insightful leader who understands the urgent need to embrace a multi-dimensional and holistic approach that aims to mitigate the harm done by drug use instead of the retrogressive traditional just-say-no-ism of past Chief Executives”, HURIWA noted.

The statement signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator; Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko further revealed the many areas, NDLEA has been seen to be blazing the trail in drug law enforcement and how the approach adopted by the Marwa-led administration is winning the confidence of Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

Highlighting the innovative approaches adopted by Marwa, HURIWA defined him as a very focused and assiduous person who plans, asserting that his tenure as Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), which laid the groundwork for the total overhaul of NDLEA, ensured he arrived at NDLEA with a blueprint.

“Within 24 months, his plans are taking shape and it is obvious to the public that he and his management team are caught in a historic moment and process of rebuilding NDLEA into an institution that will stand the test of time.

“One of the approaches adopted by Marwa is the collaboration with the Nigerian movie industry in the drug war. In his view, millions of young people watching Nigerian movies, even as they admire star actors, will be easily sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse through didactic stories.

“To achieve this, NDLEA opted for the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking to release engaging flicks that will aid their work. For the second year in a row, NDLEA has celebrated the UN Special Day with new movies.

“Again, the seizure of a massive crack cocaine haul in September, which was described by the spokesperson of the Agency as “the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s premier anti-narcotic agency,” tells volumes about the new life Marwa has breathed into the agency.

“Also, the arrest, detention, and ongoing prosecution of the highly decorated policeman; DCP Abba Kyari, who seemingly lived a secret life of serial criminality while allegedly fighting crime is the defining initiative of NDLEA under the former military governor’s watch”, HURIWA said.

Continuing, HURIWA informed that Marwa’s NDLEA is making a strong overall impact beyond high-profile cases. A fact-finding mission by HURIWA revealed that 19,341 drug traffickers were arrested between January 2021 and September 31, 2022, in addition to securing 3,111 convictions, and seized 5,451,000kg of illicit drugs within the same period.

More so, cash and drugs worth N420 billion were forfeited to the agency, while cannabis farms of 714 hectares were destroyed within the period under review, just as the group added that the agency is prosecuting over 3,232 cases in court and has also counseled and rehabilitated 12,326 drug addicts within the same time frame.

No doubt, in a country where issues are profoundly politicized and achievements of public officers viewed with distrust and x-rayed for ulterior motives, HURIWA stated that Marwa has proven to be an exception.

“Nigerians both home and in the diaspora from all walks of life, across political divides, from different religious leanings, and of diverse ethnicities, are in one accord in their appraisal of him, his reforms, leadership, and transformation of NDLEA – a testament to the Nigerian dream.

“Discussions about him invariably always narrow down to the question of what makes Marwa tick as a leader. But more than that, he has been revealed as the ideal 21st-century leader who irrespective of extenuating factors, has shown noticeable commitment to democratic ideals and issues of development

“Beyond this, Marwa has continued to advance a pragmatic approach to giving the NDLEA workforce improved work conditions. So far, there have been promotions, payment of allowances, and other constructive developments that give hope to the Agency’s staff.

“Many pundits and the media have termed his tenure so far as different in the annals of the Agency. Within 24 months, his plans are taking shape and it is obvious to the public that he and his management team are caught in a historic moment and process of rebuilding NDLEA into an institution that will stand the test of time”, HURIWA further explained.

Therefore, HURIWA acknowledged that 23 years after leaving the military in his mid-forties, Mohammed Buba Marwa is back in the headlines in a very different role from combatting armed robbery or addressing food contamination to making a high-profile impact in a prominent public position in the nation’s drugs fighting agency – Thus Human Rights Man of The Year for 2022

While informing that the award investiture will be done at a later date before the year ends, HURIWA calls for all stakeholders to support the commitment and will of the Marwa-led administration in helping the Agency continue rising to the challenge of its mandate in eliminating the cultivation, processing, manufacturing, sale, trafficking, and use of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances.

The National National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has explained the reason for organising in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) the first ever Presidential Town Hall on Human Rights to mark the International Human Rights Day.

Speaking at the Second United Nations – Government of Nigeria Human Rights Dialogue in Abuja, the Chairperson of the Governing Council, National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman said she was happy thankful to the UN Resident Coordinator and the entire UN Country Team for believing in this partnership with Nigeria and National Human Rights Commission to host this year’s dialogue.

She said: “I am delighted to note that the Human Rights Dialogue which started last year as an initiative of the UN Resident Coordinator’s office representing the UN System and the National Human Rights Commission representing the Government of Nigeria has entered its second year and is poised to become a major convening of policy makers and development partners, shaping the face of partnerships and commitments in the field of human rights in Nigeria.”

She noted that: “This Human Rights Dialogue is coming on the heels of the recently released Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index survey by the National Bureau of Statistics indicating that despite efforts by Government, we are failing in fulfilling most human rights and development obligations that are essential for survival.”

She also said: “The Human Rights Dialogue also follows the recent signing of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between the Government of Nigeria and the United Nations. It is my hope that cooperation framework serves as a vehicle to advance partnership to work together for the realisation of all human rights – civil, political, economic, social and cultural for all Nigerians as human rights is integral to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and there can never be development without human rights.”

She however said: “As we approach the 2023 General Elections, the National Human Rights Commission is working with various partners to advocate for issue-based campaigns anchored on the realisation of human rights and an electoral process that is peaceful and guarantees the right to participation of political parties and electorates.

“I cannot emphasise enough about the unique joint mandates of the United Nations and the Commission to serve as independent voices and gate keepers in ensuring that human rights are integrated and sustained in the process leading to the election and even beyond by supporting the next administration to continue to place human rights as a major priority on it political, social and economic agendas.

“It is following this that the both the Commission and the United Nations are proud to be collaborating to organise the first ever Presidential Town Hall on Human Rights to mark the International Human Rights Day.”

Suleiman said: “I therefore welcome the programme of this year’s dialogue as the beginning of an agenda-focusing consultation and discussions aimed at defining a human rights-based agenda for Nigeria. I want to thank all our speakers who have made their valuable time and expertise available to us today.”

She noted that the second edition of the Human Rights Dialogue has been convened in order to appraise the implementation of the outcome document of the first UN-Government of Nigeria human rights dialogue; evaluate the current state of human rights in Nigeria in the light of the upcoming 2023 General Elections and to discuss Human Rights priorities for Nigeria for 2023 and Beyond.”

The Minister of Women Affairs, Madame Pauline Tallen in her message tasked everyone to place priority on the issues of women and children.

She insisted that the issues of women should be given thought to always and by everyone.

The United Nations (UN) has said it takes all to fight corruption to a standstill with the states, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth all having a role to play in ending the scourge.

The was it’s message during the occasion of the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) celebrated in Abuja.

The 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) seeks to highlight the crucial link between anti-corruption and peace, security, and development, and at its core is the notion that tackling this crime is the right and responsibility of everyone, and that only through cooperation and the involvement of each and every person and institution can we overcome the negative impact of this crime.

A statement by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Friday said: “States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in this.”

According to the statement the 2022 IACD also marks the start of our efforts to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which is reflected by the theme of this year’s international day, “UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption”.

The statement said: “Over the next year, culminating with IACD 2023, together with partners worldwide, we will be reflecting on a world made better thanks to the collective push afforded by the Convention and, crucially, what gaps remain to ensure this is a truly strong mechanism for the years ahead.

“On this day, as well as beyond as we mark 20 years of UNCAC, join us as we continue to unite the world against corruption.”

The statement lamented that corruption is a major impediment to peace, security and development. “From education to the environment, from business to sports, from gender equality to access to justice, and more – corruption undermines all areas of society’s development.”

The statement recalled that in 2003, the world came together to adopt a landmark agreement – the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Since then, 188 parties have committed to the Convention’s anti-corruption obligations, showing near-universal recognition of the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.

While also recalling that Nigeria ratified the Convention in 2004 and has been reviewed twice since the Conference of State Parties to the Convention established the Implementation Review Mechanism in 2009., it revealed that the UNODC Country Office in Nigeria, in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, has prepared a report which takes stock of Nigeria’s follow up to the 2014 and 2019 UNCAC implementation reviews. The full report will be presented on 14 December at an event at the UN house in Abuja.

The statement added that: “The world today faces some of its greatest challenges in many generations – challenges which threaten prosperity and stability for people across the globe, including in Nigeria. As we move towards the twentieth anniversary of UNCAC in October 2023, this Convention and the values it promotes are more important than ever.”

The federal government through the Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE) on Thursday stressed the need for synergy among actors and stakeholders in the peace-building, early warning, and early response sectors.

Speaking during the inaugural summit and technical workshop of the Concord Initiative, the Director General of OSPRE, Chris Ngwodo, lamented the gap between civil society actors and state actors. “If both parties form synergy, there would be better results in the Peacebuilding and early warning and early response sector,” he said

Ngwodo said synergy is what is required at this time, hence this concord initiative aims at pulling together stakeholders in this sector to coordinate efforts, ideas, and resources in the operations across the country.

According to him, the inaugural summit which was organized by OSPRE with the support of GIZ and the European Union would look into bridging three major existing gaps in the sector; “the gap between civil society actors and state actors, the national level and the sub-national level actors and the movement from being more tactically oriented to being more strategically minded”

“There are state actors in the early warning and early response space, we have the national level and the sub-national level actors. So we have organizations that are working in the states and those working in communities. We want to partner with them because we operate at the federal level, we want to partner with them. The third gap we want to close is to move from being more tactically oriented to being more strategically minded. And that means having a long-term approach to peacebuilding in our daily response” Ngwodo explained.

In his remarks, the representative of the European Union, Ruben Alba reiterated the need for the government to collaborate with civil society in the Peacebuilding sector

He said, “We are supporting this Concord initiative because we want to create a platform where all the stakeholders including the government and the civil society can make a concerted effort to fight against insecurity and insurgency facing the country.”

While speaking at the inaugural event, Garba Abari, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), called on every citizen to participate in building peace and security in the country especially as the 2023 election draws near.

The attention of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization has been drawn to a misleading report published online on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 and credited to the Punch Newspaper, purporting that Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives was chased out of Oko, one of the satellite communities in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

The misleading reports also claimed that and the PDP Campaign train led by the Delta North PDP Senatorial Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh, was equally prevented from entering the Community.

A Press Statement dated on December 8, 2022 and signed by Mr. Eloke Aziekwu, Director Oshimili South Campaign Elumelu Campaign Council, disclosed that:

“This report is totally false and an unpardonable violation of journalism ethos of truth and factuality as it does not in any way reflect the facts of the very successful Ward to Ward Campaign but apparently scripted and smuggled into the media with a view to embarrass the Minority Leader as well as the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“This is because at no time was the well-received PDP Ward to Ward Campaign in Delta North Senatorial District disrupted or challenged, let alone prevented in Oko by angry youth as claimed in the said publication.

“Also, at no time did any persons, group of persons or youths challenged or stopped the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon Ndudi Elumelu from entering Oko Community or any other community for that matter as purported in the misleading report.

“Contrary to the said report, PDP Ward to Ward Campaign train which had the Minority Leader and other leaders like Senator Ned Nwoko, Bridget Anyafulu and all the PDP candidates in the forthcoming 2023 elections, was excitedly received by the people of the Oko Community, especially the youths, who came out enmasse particularly to cheer and celebrate Hon. Elumelu for his numerous development projects and citizen empowerment in the area.

“To set the records straight, rather than chase Hon. Elumelu away as was mischievously  reported by the Punch Newspaper, the youths of Oko community, through their leader, properly identified as Mr. Chukwudi Okolie, warmly welcome and appreciated the Minority Leader for attracting projects to their Communities and declared their resolve to re-elect him to the National Assembly.

“The community recalled the numerous empowerment schemes and infrastructural projects by Hon. Elumelu, including the 26-point Oko landing bay, initiated and completed by him as part of his constituency project, with 8 brand new 22-seater speed boats to shuttle between Oko and Asaba, which will be commissioned in January 2023.

“The Youth Leader however used the opportunity to call for intervention about the state of a particular road and the issue faulty transformer and urged the campaign train to take their message to the state government.

“Responding, the Delta North PDP Chairman, Elder Moses Iduh explained to the youths that the first contractor who was engaged by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led, Delta State Government to handle the road project, which was top on the list of infrastructural priorities, disappointed them, causing the State Government to re-award the contract to another contractor, SETRACO and that work had begun on the road.

“On his part, Hon. Elumelu, thanked the people for their support pledged that he in collaboration with Sen. Ned Nwoko and Bridget Anyafulu, will ensure that the contractor on the road delivered and that the faulty transformer will be immediately repaired.

“While we respectfully aknowledge the credibility of Punch Newspapers built over the years, we find it alarming that such misleading narrative could find its way into the pages of a highly reputable media platform as Punch Newspapers. We urge the Management of Punch Newspapers to take immediate action in this direction. 

“This is more so as our Campaign Organization has already established that the reporter, Matthew Ochei, the Asaba Punch Correspondent was not at the venue of the event but apparently fed his platform with script by mischief makers and political opportunists, who are being intimidated with the towering achievements and popularity of Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. 

“The Ndudi Elumelu Campaign Organization therefore demands an unreserved apology and retraction on the publication, as a redress for the damages suffered as a result of the false report.

“Our Campaign Organization also urges the media practitioners to immune themselves from politics as well as always crosscheck the facts before going to press to avoid misleading the public.

“We call on the general public, the good people of Delta State and particularly the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency to disregard the report as well as to be at alert on such designed to destabilize the state ahead of the 2023 general elections”, the statement concludes.