Following an alleged controversial religious activity in Ekiti State; Ekiti State Police Command clears the air, calls for calm.
A press statement issued to Blank News Online by Ekiti state police spokesman, ASP Abutu Sunday reads:
The Ekiti State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it has investigated a cleric of Christ High Commission Ministry, Pastor Noah Abraham, for allegedly collecting money from members of his church on a promise to take them to heaven after rapture in Araromi Ugbeshi-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
This has become necessary to avoid misinformation, unnecessary apprehension and to inform members of the public that the Command is not unaware of the trending controversial activity as necessary steps and actions have been taken.
Based on intelligence report received by the Command on 25/04/2022 concerning the religious activity, the Area Commander, Omuo-Oke led a team of detectives to the church camp at Araromi Ugbeshi-Ekiti. The pastor was subsequently invited to the station for interrogation.
Meanwhile, Pastor Noah Ade Abraham, after thorough investigation, was arraigned accordingly.
The Command pledges to closely monitor any suspicious activity by any person or group of persons across the State to ensure that the lives and properties of innocent citizens are totally protected.
Oleh community in Isoko South local government area of Delta State was shutdown as residents staged a peaceful protest and demanded for the white paper over land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro communities, from Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta State.
Economic and social activities were paralysed as the community women, men and youths in their numbers blocked major roads within Oleh metropolis and Oleh roundabout/Asaba express road, over land dispute and the loss of Oleh 12 indigenes that were gruelsomely murdered on the 16th of October 2020.
The people displayed placards with various inscriptions as “Governor Okowa release the white paper between Oleh and Ozoro to enable the families of the dead bury their son’s and daughter’s”, “Oleh community is tired of crisis between Oleh and Ozoro”, “We do not need more bloodshed between Oleh and Ozoro”, Okowa hear Oleh community cry now”, “the report of the judicial panel of inquiry has been submitted since May 2021”, and “We want to bury our 12 son’s that are still in the motuary”.
Speaking to newsmen, the President General of Oleh community, Chief Believe Alakri said, the report of land dispute between Oleh and Ozoro, killing of the 12 Oleh indigenes submitted to governor Okowa since May 2021 white paper has not been released, adding that both communities are still engaged in land encroachment.
He maintained that same protest was carried out by Ozoro community to avoid further crisis between the two communities. Alakri noted that the dead bodies laying in the motuary must be buried and demanded for justice over the 12 Oleh indigenes that were murdered.
The President General reiterated that the release of the white paper by Governor Okowa will specify where to bury the 12 people, adding that the parents and children of the dead and crying as their bodies are yet to be buried.
“We voted for Governor Okowa and he will not allow us to die in crisis.We need peace in Oleh as people cannot go to their farm because of fear”, Alakri said.
For her part, the women leader of Oleh community, Mrs. Itewor Juliana, commended governor Okowa for setting up the panel of inquiry and report submitted to him.
She appealed to Okowa to release the white paper for peace and justice, adding that Oleh community is tired of war and wants to bury the 12 indigenes of Oleh community still lying in the motuary.
HELEN OWIGHO hails from Isoko South and has an HND in Agricultural Extension Management. She is a product of the 2016/2017 cycle of the Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP.) She is the CEO of Helen-O Fish Farm Enterprise located in the Fish Farm Cluster at Egbokodo-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area.
In spite of the challenges she encountered in her first year of operation, she is forging on. She is a consultant in fish production and has diversified into stock supply. Four years after, she shares her story.
“I have gained lots of experience in fish production in the past four years. I thank God I am still in business. At a time, I took a cooperative loan to boost my business. Currently, I have four ponds stocked with 3,000 fish. I have stock all year round. It is quite rewarding.
YAGEP made me financially independent. I have diversified into supply of fingerlings, post fingerlings and juveniles to farmers within and outside Delta. The market for fish is there. I sell to major buyers who off-take or to market women.
“YAGEP is an excellent agricultural policy. It is helpful to youths all over Delta State. Kudos to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Successive governments should not only continue with it but should improve on it.”
Facts have emerged on how House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his consultation team were attacked by thugs at Otor-Igho, on Tuesday.
Sources confirmed that the attack was preconceived and executed by the hoodlums who were evidently loyal to some Isoko North PDP politicians, amongst whom were allegedly the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba and others.
Sources also revealed that Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba had hired two groups of thugs stationed at different spots, alleging that Ogorugba had received huge sum of money from one of the aspirants.
Our source who was privy to the alleged plot debunked the involvement of the Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Council, Mr. Christian Iteire, as earlier reported.
According to the source, “Ogorugba arranged two sets of thugs. One, to disrupt Askia while addressing the delegates and party officials. While the other group of thugs was stationed at the Otor-Igho Primary School to attack Askia’s convoy on their way out of the community.”
Another revelation claimed that, “In addition to this, the LGA PDP chairman after the presentation of Bashorun Askia, in what could be seen as partisan preconceived response, went on countering whatever Bashorun had presented.
“He cut short persons who were in support of Bashorun in their speeches, claiming he was expecting others who were coming after Bashorun visit. A total disregard for his visitor and very unfriendly in his response.m,” the source alleged.
Reacting to the attack, the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, denied his involvement in the attack against Ogieh by political thugs in his compound.
He said, “I was very angry, I learnt it was some boys from Emevor, Owhelogbo and Ozoro that were stoning him because they said he didn’t give them money.”
The glowing performances in terms of employment and development of Isoko nation, including the rising profile of Bashorun Askia Ogieh, according to sources had sent jitters into the camps of Jonathan Ukodhiko who is also said to be aspiring for the Isoko federal constituency in the 2023 general elections.
“The only option left for Ukodhiko due to his unacceptability is to create trouble everywhere. I will boldly say that this is not the way to go in responsible politics”, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain from Isoko South said. Ogieh is also a former Managing Director of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
It could be recalled that Bashorun Askia Ogieh and his entourage during a consultation visit to the Isoko North PDP chairman, Godwin Ogorugba, at Otor-Igho community were attacked by armed political thugs allegedly working for Jonathan Ukodhiko, a fellow aspirant of the same party.
In the attack, two mobile police officers attached to the former DESOPADEC MD, Bashorun Askia and members of his entourage were severely wounded while their vehicles were badly damaged.
No arrest has been made as at the time of filling this report.
Leading House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh has called for deep sober reflections and prayers as Muslims mark the end of Ramadan fasting.
Bashorun Askia in an Eid-el-Fitri message on Monday, in Uzere enjoined all Muslims to rededicate Nigeria to God as the country faces existential challenges, adding, “The fasting was successful and the spirits of all Muslim faithful were lifted high. And it is without doubt that God answered all supplications and rewarded accordingly.”
The statement reads:
“As the Muslim faithful celebrate the successful completion of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan, I heartily felicitate with all faithful for God’s abiding grace that saw them through the sacred exercise. The fasting was successful and the spirits of all Muslim faithful were lifted high. I pray that the lessons of Ramadan; piety, self-denial, prayers and generosity to the poor and needy be rewarded accordingly by the Almighty God.”
“At this time in Nigeria’s existential challenges, I enjoin all Muslims to use the special blessings from God in Ramadan to rededicate our dear country to Him in fervent prayers.
I believe that despite the challenges facing our country, we are undoubtedly a people that are special to God. He continues to harken to our prayers.
“Due to His outstanding love for Nigeria, I urge all Muslims to continuously present the country in prayer to God, knowing that He is always there for us.
“Witnessing another Eid el Fitri is a special privilege from God who has control over the destiny of man and I therefore pray that all may look forward to a much more fulfilling and rewarding future.
PRISCA UGHELLI trained in Fashion Design and Tailoring and was established in the 2017/2018 cycle of the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme as a Brown STEP beneficiary. She hails from Udu Local Government Area. She is a Business Administration graduate, but now the CEO of P & G Fashion Houze, Warri.
Three years after establishment, Prisca has bought four manual sewing machines and trained five persons. Currently, she has three trainees. She has a fashion outlet at Ekete-Inland being managed by one of her graduated trainees. She shares her experience.
“I am enjoying the fashion life. The starter pack was a boost to my shop as it placed me on a higher class above my competitors. It added glamour to my brand as most of them do not have industrial machines and a generator in my area. Any client who comes to my shop feels comfortable doing business with me.
“I have diversified into transportation and foodstuff business. I bought an ‘Okowa bus’ with ₦1.2M, from which the driver remits ₦25,000.00 weekly. I established the foodstuff business with ₦500,000.00. I was able to raise the funds through a cooperative society I belong to and from savings from my fashion business, especially the money realized from the production of facemasks. I am now married and blessed with a child.
“The programme changed my life. I could afford to acquire a skill, but the challenge was how to establish. Job creation bureau made it easier for me. I am a testifier. I am no longer in the labour market. I no longer engage myself in menial jobs. I am now financially independent.”
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Dr. Iyorchia Ayo has applauded the Minority leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for his outstanding contributions towards human capital development of the people in his Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency, saying that Delta State was very lucky to have such an outstanding personality.
Speaking on Friday at the 2021 edition of the Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu’s empowerment programme for the people of his Federal Constituency, held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, Dr. Ayo acknowledged that Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives had done well, even as he affirmed that the PDP was very proud of him.
665 constituents were empowered with empowerment items that included; tricycles, motorcycles, high capacity power generating sets, deep freezers and high standard sewing machines, while 300 artisans were empowered with Cash grants of One Hundred Naira to support their vocation.
While urging other representatives to replicate what Elumelu had done in their respective constituencies, the PDP National chairman urged politicians to place high premium on the welfare of citizens, especially the ordinary Nigerians.
According to him, politicians should not forget the ordinary people because without them and the support of the people, they cannot be anything as far as politics is concerned.
“Delta State is very lucky to have such an outstanding personality. Elumelu has done very very well and the PDP is very proud of him.
“If all our representatives across the country do this in their respective constituencies, it will help the party a great deal.
“What Elumelu is doing will enormously support the efforts that our governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, is putting for his people.
“I congratulate him for the concern he has shown to our people. I urge all politicians not to forget the ordinary people because without them and the support of our people, we cannot be anything as far as politics is concerned.
“It is only their support that makes it possible for us to win elections as a party and for us to continue to be the big men that people say we are. You can’t be a big man without a small man.
“Therefore, l will be very happy to campaign for any candidate who show concern for the ordinary people because our party, the PDP, was formed for the people with umbrella as its symbol,” he said.
Ayu thanked the lawmaker for his contributions to PDP, adding ,”I thank you for looking after the ordinary people of the PDP family and l urge everybody who is elected whether as a member of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly or as a councillor; if you cannot help a 100 people, try to help at least one to five persons.”
In his remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa noted that Rt. Hon. Elumelu was doing great wonders in his representation of his constituents, adding that the event was not the first time he was empowering the people in the constituency.
According to the governor, it is important that people continue to realise that when you find yourself in privileged position, you must honour people because it is through the votes of the people that we find ourselves in wherever we are as elected officials.
“I thank God for your life. Last year, l spoke glowingly of what you had done; today, it appears to me that you have even surpassed what you did last year; may God continue to empower you.
“There is no doubt that anything that is done to engage every youth, every man or every woman in Delta State and to support them to succeed in life, such a person that does that is helping the government of Delta State to reach out.
“You are aware that we have had several entrepreneurship programmes in Delta State, so anybody who complements that effort is high in our mind and l want to congratulate you with what we have seen here, today,” he said.
Congratulating Hon. Elumelu for his sterling contributions to the growth and development of humanity, Okowa urged the beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to make good use of the items given to them, stressing that they should continue to find a way to reach out to others.
“It does not take only the rich to bless others, in your own very little ways, you can also bless others and bless a fellow party member. It helps us to grow as a people.
“In our individual ways, whether you are a councillor, you are a supervisory councilor, you are a vice chairman, a local government council chairman, you are a member of House of Assembly, you in the National Assembly, you are a governor or deputy governor, wherever you find yourself as an elected official, help somebody and all of us in a privileged appointment should find somebody to help.
“By the time we find one, two, three or four persons to help individually, we would have had a multiplier effect and it will be good for our nation, Nigeria,” the governor added.
Also speaking, the PDP Chairman in the state, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso lauded Elumelu for his contributions to national development as well as his contributions to the socio-economic well-being of his constituents.
Earlier, Elumelu had said that the programme was part of measures to give sense of belonging to men, women and youths of his constituency.
He used the forum to give a score card of his representation in the area of wealth creation, security, health and physical infrastructure.
“You will recall that last year, under the 2020 constituency development and empowerment programme, I delivered across my constituency, very robust infrastructural and human capital development projects including strategic roads and drainage projects, vocational centers, ICT centers and town hall projects in Asaba, Agbor, Idumuje-unor, Onicha-uku, Ibusa, Onicha Olona, Ogwashi-uku, Ewulu, Ubulu Uku, Ubulu-unor, Obior, Ubulu-Okiti, Akukwu-Igbo, Obomkpa, Ugbodu among others.
“This is in addition to the provision of 820 stands of solar lights across the communities in the four Local Government Areas in Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, rehabilitation of Government Hospital, Onicha-olona, construction of 20 flats staff quarters as well as clinic for the Department of State Services (DSS), renovation of DSS office and premises in Issele-uku, renovation of Police stations across the four LGA’s in the Federal Constituency and construction of befitting palaces for our revered traditional rulers.
“Further to this is the empowerment of over 2,300 beneficiaries, including through direct employment of over 150 constituents as Personal Assistants (PAs) on youth and women matters, job placements for over 40 beneficiaries in Federal Government ministries, agencies and departments and over 1,375 beneficiaries empowered through various financial interventions.
“This is in addition to the training of 200 youths and women in cassava and rice production, after which starter packs were given to them as well as the 456 beneficiaries of 107 tricycles, 148 motorcycle, 111 electricity generating sets and 90 deep freezers worth over N300 million.
“Mr. Chairman, it may interest you to know that in line with your belief in the deepening of leadership capacity, which you demonstrated upon being sworn in, I sponsored a four-days capacity building workshop in Abuja, for Chairmen and Vice Chairmen as well as 80 Councilors in the four Local Government of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency their election.
“In keeping with my commitment to our people, we are again gathered here today for the formal presentation and distribution of more empowerment items in addition to numerous constituency projects to more communities under the 2021 programme.
“Today, 665 beneficiaries from various wards in our Constituency, will be presented with assorted empowerment items including 211 more deep freezers, 211 more electricity generating sets, 91 more motorbikes, 81 more tricycles and 71 more sewing machines, waiting for formal presentation to beneficiaries.
“I am also delighted to inform you that under the 2021 intervention, various skill acquisition programmes were organized for which 300 beneficiaries will today receive N100,000 cash empowerment to finance their various vocations.
“I also attracted and executed various infrastructural projects for the wellbeing of our people. These include 400 more solar street lights for our communities, construction of more roads, drainages, boreholes, electricity projects and utilitarian townhalls, respectively in various communities including Ugbodu, Idumuje-Ugboko Issele-mkpitime, Nsukwa, Ukwu-nzu, Ezi as well as befitting palaces in Idumuje-unor and Obomkpa.
“This is in addition to the construction of another 28 flats (2 blocks of 14 one-bedroom apartments) for DSS officers, renovation of DSS office/quarters in Aniocha, renovation of Police stations and Police quarter including in Asaba, Isselu-uku, Ogwashi-uku, among others.
“Your Excellencies, you will observe that I deliberately left out the 2022 projects. However, work on most of the projects have reached advanced stages and will be unfolded at the appropriate time. Permit me to state that amongst them is the construction of Asaba Massacre Memorial Centre for which the Asagba of Asaba has graciously provided land as well as the Oko and Asaba Jetty for 8 numbers of 20 passengers boats respectively.
“May I with utmost respect thank our dear Governor Okowa, party leaders, my elders, the youths, women and all stakeholders for their support and encouragement towards my success story as the representative of our people in the National Assembly, particularly as the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.
“I also thank all our leaders and entire people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency for the confidence you have over the years reposed in me. I am grateful for your outpouring of goodwill to me during my consultative tours and particularly your resolve to renew my mandate to continue to represent you in the House of Representatives, come 2023. I do not take this for granted and I will never let you down.
“Permit me to commend the four LGA Party Chairmen (Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North and Oshimili South), Dame Nkem Okwuofu, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, Hon. Odinigwe Odigie, Hon. Austin Chikezie, Sir Tony Ayaegbunam, Bridget Modebe and a host of others for their commitment, tenacity and resilience in putting this program together.
“Mr. Chairman sir, in Delta under the leadership of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, PDP is alive and we are ready to follow you to rescue and rebuild Nigeria and If I may borrow your word sir ” PDP is back”, Elumelu stated in his speech.
Also at the event was the Former Governor of the State, Chief Onanefe Ibori, Some members of the National working Committee of the PDP, Some members of the National Assembly, Members of the State House of Assembly, Members of the State Executive Council and notable leaders of the party in Delta State.
Wife of Delta State Governor and founder, 05 initiative, Dame Edith Okowa, has formally commissioned the 19th Delta owned sickle cell clinic in the state.
She inaugurated the newly built and equipped clinic at Bomadi General Hospital in Bomadi Local Government Area, during the flag off of the ongoing free grassroot medical outreach for Patani/Bomadi Federal Constituency, where she urged the politicians and elites to ensure that the people benefits from the various health initiatives of government.
While thanking God for the privilege to impact lives, Dame Okowa charged the people to bring those with traces of sickle cell anaemia symptoms to the clinic for early detection and enjoined health personnel to give adequate attention and care to patients in order to justify the huge investment of her 05 Initiative pet project.
The governor’s wife therefore, urged the residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its adequate maintenance and effective usage.
She however, frowned at the alleged lackadaisical attitude of some medical personnel in the discharge of their duties and warned that the state government is ready to bring to book, medical personnel who deprive vulnerable indigenes of medical care.
“If doctors or nurses do not come to the hospital, report to the appropriate quarters. Put your feet on the ground and ensure that you get the needed medical services. The Governor cannot be everywhere at the same time and so you need to serve as the watchdogs of the government”
She emphasized that a lot of efforts had gone into upgrading existing government hospitals in the state and that it would be disappointing if the facilities are not maintained or the professionals deny the people of the needed care.
The council boss, Hon. William Angadi lauded the efforts of the 05 Initiative, in restoring hope to the hopeless in the state and assured of further council’s support.
Commenting on the commencement of the five-day free eye care outreach, Dame Okowa charged the elites: “Beam your searchlights into your communities, look for everyone with visual impairment and bring them because if after these give days, you still have any blind person in your community, you will be held responsible”.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye expressed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the activities of the Initiative.
The Coordinator, Restore Sight Africa Initiative Dr Ernest Ogbedo whose initiative is partnering with the O5 Initiative, said plans were also in place to examine the eyes of sickle cell warriors.
In his words, “As those living with sickle cell disorder are being enabled to live longer, it is important we help them stay healthy”.
MERCY OGHALE AKPUKANE has an OND in Business Administration. She hails from Isoko North Local Government Area and is the CEO of Mercy O.G Global Venture. Four years after her higher education, she enrolled in the Delta State Government’s Youth Agricultural and Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2018/2019 cycle. She is passionate about agriculture and feels fulfilled practicing it. She has diversified into poultry, into agricultural stocks supply and has acquired some tools for personal use. She tells her story.
“I currently have seven fish ponds and 7,000 fish. First and foremost, YAGEP gave me a sense of belonging after four years of unemployment. It gave me the opportunity to associate with others; the joy of leaving home in the morning and having somewhere meaningful to go to.
“YAGEP has given me financial freedom to some extent. I have rented and furnished an apartment where I live and at the same time contribute to the upkeep and education of my siblings. I have acquired a personal pumping machine and scale. I do not need to queue up to harvest my fish. I work according to my own timetable.
“I am a testimony that YAGEP is successful. I feel fulfilled being a YAGEPreneur. I am developing my entrepreneurial skills. I have diversified into poultry. I supply day-old birds, point of lay birds, fish fingerlings, post-fingerlings, juveniles, medication for birds among others.”
Twitter has confirmed that it is selling the platform to billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk in a deal valued at $44 billion.
This development was made known on Monday.
The sale, however, was a dramatic shift for the board, which had earlier plotted to block billionaire Musk from taking the social media network private.
“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” Musk had said in a joint release announcing the takeover.
The Independent Investigation Panel on Human Rights Violations by the defunct SARS and other units of the Nigerian Police Force on Monday issued a warrant of arrest on the Commissioner of Police in charge of legal services at the Force Headquarters, CP Ogbeh Ochogwu.
The warrant was issued in respect of the alleged enforced disappearance and unlawful arrest and detention of John Emeka Alozie by the Force since 25th of June, 2017.
The CP was on several occasions ordered to appear before the panel with the case file of the victim, Alozie but up till date he has not honoured the order of the panel despite adjourning the petitions five times to allow more time for the CP to do the needful.
Apparently angered by the disregard, the Chairman of the panel Justice Suleiman Galadima (rtd.), who issued the arrest warrant on the top police officer, said that the attitude of Ochogwu is unbecoming of a lawyer and officer of the Police Force.
According to the eminent jurist, the only option left for the panel is to issue a warrant of arrest on the CP Legal and mandate the National Human Rights Commission to write to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC to report the Ochogwu conduct in the matter.
The Chairman noted that the CP has flagrantly and repeatedly disobeyed the order of the panel, having refused to turn in the said case file to enable the panel unravel the truth about the whereabouts of Alozie in accordance with the law.
It would be recalled that the wife of the victim, Alozie had testified that a high court had ordered the Police to release the victim and the ordered was never obeyed till date.
The panel adjourned the petition till 27th of April, 2022 for progress report.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday said the billionaire drug baron fingered in the N3 billion tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, IRT, is now in their net.
A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi read: “Billionaire drug baron behind the N3billion tramadol deal involving the embattled suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari-led Intelligence Response Team, IRT, Chief Afam Mallinson Emmanuel Ukatu has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.”
He disclosed that the arrest was after months of surveillance and Ukatu’s evasion of arrest, adding that Ukatu who is Chairman of Mallinson Group of Companies was eventually nabbed onboard a flight to Abuja at the MM2 terminal of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 13th April.
Babafemi said Investigations revealed that Ukatu has been a major importer of large consignments of different brands and high dosages of tramadol hydrochloride, ranging from 120mg, 200mg, 225mg and 250mg, all of which are illicit.
He said Ukatu owns pharmaceutical and plastic manufacturing companies, which he used as a cover to import illicit drugs into the country, in addition to operating 103 bank accounts, most of which are used to launder money.
He disclosed that Ukatu came under watch last year after five cartons of Tramadol 225mg were seized from his staff on 4th May 2021 when he sent them to sell to undercover police officers (unknown to Ukatu) from the then Kyari-led IRT of the Nigeria Police, Ikeja, Lagos. The price of a carton of tramadol was negotiated at N17 million each as against the then black market value that ranged between N18 million and N20 million a carton in Lagos.
He said after the arrest of Ukatu’s staff: Pius Enidom and Sunday Ibekwete, Kyari’s men were then led by the suspects to Mallinson’s warehouse at Ojota in Lagos where 197 additional cartons of tramadol 225mg were seized by the IRT Team. The monetary value of the 202 cartons of the seized products from Mallinson in one day was over N3 billion.
He alleged that three weeks after the seizure, the Kyari’s IRT team transferred only 12 Cartons of the tramadol with one truck and a suspect to the Lagos Command of the NDLEA, leaving 190 cartons unaccounted for, and after over eight months of following the lead, anti-narcotics officers of the agency eventually arrested Ukatu at the Lagos airport on 13th April 2022.
Babafemi recalled that Kyari and four top members of his team are already facing trial for a different but similar offence at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have thwarted plans of drug traffickers to smuggle large quantities of cocaine in teabags into the country through Lagos and Abuja international airports.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said fresh attempts by Brazil based drug cartels to smuggle substantial quantities of cocaine into the country through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos by concealing the Class-A illicit substance in teabags have again been thwarted.
He said at least, four traffickers involved in the attempts to import and export illicit drugs through the country in the last week are now in the custody of the anti-narcotics agency.
He disclosed that one of the traffickers is 33-year-old Pascal Ekene Okolo, who was arrested during an inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Sao Paulo via Doha at the arrival hall of the Abuja International Airport on Sunday 17th April.
He said Okolo who claimed to be into wine business in Brazil was arrested with a travelling bag containing different medicinal teabags, which were used to conceal 4.1 kilogrammes of cocaine.
He also disclosed that on the same day, a Canada based Nigerian, Anigo Godspower was intercepted at the D-Arrival Hall of the Lagos International Airport during an inward clearance of passengers on Qatar Airways from Sao Paolo via Doha to Lagos, noting that when his luggage was searched, two blocks of cocaine with a total weight of 2.1 kilogrammes were discovered.
He said the 52-year-old Anigo claimed he operated an unregistered Bureau De Change business before delving into the illicit drug trade.
Babafemi said the bid by another cartel to export 950 grammes of heroin concealed in the soles of lady’s footwears through the MMIA cargo shed was equally foiled by anti-narcotics officers who have so far arrested two suspects linked to the crime.
He disclosed that those arrested between 16th and 17th April in connection with attempt to export the drug to Monrovia, Liberia include: Idokoja Chukwurah and Patrick Tochukwu.
He said NDLEA operatives in raids in Kano, Kaduna, Benue and Akwa Ibom state seized no less than 88,734 doses of tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam and swinol. In Kano, Aliyu Usman, 28, was arrested at Railway area of the state capital with 47,000 capsules of tramadol and 2,000 ampules of pentazocine injection on Tuesday 19th April while Saminu Usman, 28, was nabbed with 24,710 tramadol tablets at Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano two days earlier.
He also said in Benue, another dealer, Emeka Eze was arrested at an NDLEA checkpoint at Adikpo, Kwande local government area of the state with 10,000 tramadol capsules and 900 tablets of swinol, while in Kaduna state, the duo of Raphael Daniel and David Musa were arrested at Mando park, Kaduna with 1 kilogramme of cocaine last Thursday.
He added that a week after Muhammad Ibrahim sent 12.1 kilogrammes of cannabis from Lagos to Kaduna, operatives were able to trace and arrest him last Thursday and brought him to Kaduna after his consignment was intercepted. Another dealer, Kamilu Ibrahim was also arrested same day at Kargi village in Kubau local government area, Kaduna State with 10.6 kilogrammes cannabis sativa, while Bashir Ibrahim was arrested last Friday after his four consignments containing cannabis sativa weighing 44.6 kilogrammes were intercepted three days earlier along Abuja-Kaduna express road.
In Akwa Ibom state, operatives arrested two female drug dealers: Eno-Obong Edet, 36, and Hossana Ukpong, 28, with various quantities of rohypnol, diazepam, tramadol and cannabis, while a suspected fake security agent was arrested on Saturday in Abuja while moving 23.8 kilogrammes cannabis from Lagos to Maiduguri, Borno state.
Meanwhile, Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) apparent pleased with the development, commended the officers and men of the NAIA, MMIA, Kano, Kaduna, Akwa Ibom and FCT Commands of the agency for sustaining the heat on drug cartels.
He however charged them and those in other commands across the country to remain vigilant and on the offensive until the last gramme of illicit drugs is taken off the street.
A sixty years old Deeper Life Bible Church pastor, Mr. Boniface Onyekwere is to face trial before the High Court for allegedly raping a twelve years old girl in Awka the capital city of Anambra State.
Already the suspect has been remanded at Correction Center in Awka pending his appearance before the Court .
This is coming as the Anambra State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs in the State Mrs. Ify Obinabo called for the full prosecution of alleged suspect.
Recall that two weeks ago, Pastor Onyekwere who is also a Lecturer at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka was said to have defiled a minor who had been living him three days before the incident.
The minor who gave her name as Uju Okafor from Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government Areas of Anambra State, said that when she could not bear the pains of rape about 9:30pm on that fateful day she jumped down from two storey building and broke her leg in the process.
Speaking during a protest carried out by ultimate Business women and farmers Association of Nigeria, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra State DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said that the Command is carrying out more investigation on the matter .
The Police Spokesperson advised parents and guardians to be mindful of the people they handover their children to as house maids.
Also speaking the Women Commissioner Mrs. Obinabo expressed her joy over the protest carried out by the women organization adding that one of the key agenda of the Governor Charlse Soludo’s administration is to ensure the protection of women children.
“We have commenced sensitization programs for women, girl child and young boys to avert abuse of the younger generation.
“We also call on groups and faith based organizations as well as chuches to teach morals and embrace the culture and traditions of the society for posterity”
Speaking earlier the Leader of the Women Organization Hon. Nkiru Nwagbo contended that the body will leave no stone unturned until the victim gets justice.
“We do not know what our society is turning into and that is why we are doing all that we can to get justice and this would serve as a lesson for those who may want to continue in this inhumane activities,” she added.
The placard carried by the Women Group read, Soludo protect our girls. Pastor Boniface Onyekwere must face the wrath of law, say no to rape, we want justice, Soludo on justice we stand, among other things.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said the nation’s correctional facilities (prisons) are now impregnable to attacks, insisting that the federal government has taken all needed measures to secure them against intruders.
The Minister made this assertion on Friday in Abuja while fielding questions from journalist during the 2021 third and fourth quarter review of the performance of the ministry and its paramilitary agencies.
Many correctional facilities in the last few months have been attacked with prisoners let loose, which has called for worries among Nigerians.
The Minister while responding to allegations that some high profile inmates at the Kuje custodial center in Abuja, are being lodged in nearby hotels and not in the correctional facility, said: “I have said it repeatedly that all that we must do to make our correctional facilities impregnable were done, however the allegations you raised are so worrisome that I want to even appeal to the press to investigate when you hear anything.”
He assured Nigerians that correctional facilities across the country are well secured and it is near impossible to lodge any inmate in any hotel instead of a correctional facilities.
He asked: How is it possible for an inmate in the correctional facility to live in an hotel? It is simply impossible so the answer is that that allegation is false and it is almost impossible.”
The Minister while admitting that urbanization have brought development of settlement close to some correctional centres including that of Kuje, noted that: “there is a minimum setback between all correctional centres and any human development and I want to believed that is observed even in the Kuje correctional facility and in all of our other facilities and where for whatever reason that is not yet fully enforced, we are going to enforce it.”
Aregbesola while giving a scorecard on the performance of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), said it is the most performing paramilitary agency as it has introduced a number of innovations and strategies that has yielded result in protecting the public and critical infrastructure in the country.
He commended the establishment of the Corps’ Female Squad which he said has buffered security across schools against kidnapping.
He also assured all of better service delivery in passports processing by the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), he said most of the challenges and problems faced during passport processing emanates from the applicants because of faulty data imputation and other errors.
He said: “The operations of the Federal Fire Service, (FFS), grew from 14 States and FCT before this administration to all the 36 States of the Federation, all of them equipped with modern fire-fighting equipment.”
In his speech, Permanent Secretary of the Ministrt of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, said the quarterly review is conducted by the ministry to identify gaps, challenges and areas of improvement through an assessment of its performance and that of agencies under it using key performance indicators provided the federal government for internal security.
He said “The discussions at this meeting will further identity gaps of implantation of programmes and policies that are being implemented.”
As the United Nations (UN) has declared that 13 million people living in Ukrainian territory are in need of vital humanitarian aid; including shelter, food and medical supplies, countries across the world has scheduled a conference for May 5 to raise finance for the humanitarian need of Ukraine presently engaged in war with Russia.
A press statement on Friday by the Embassy of Poland in Nigeria disclosed that an international donors’ conference for Ukraine is to be held in Warsaw on 5th May.
According to the statement, the event is being spearheaded by the Prime Minister of Poland – Mateusz Morawiecki and the Prime Minister of Sweden – Magdalena Andersson, in partnership with the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to provide humanitarian support for Ukraine.
“The meeting will be convened at the Heads of State and Government level, with the participation of global business and financial institutions’ representatives. The conference will initiate a series of aid events for war-ravaged Ukraine in the upcoming months,” the statement read.
The statement added that: “The conference aims to raise funds for Ukraine’s growing humanitarian needs. Poland and Sweden want to encourage their partners to jointly respond to the difficult humanitarian situation in Ukraine. As a result of Russian aggression, there are civilian casualties, organised forced deportations, and the financial situation of millions of people is constantly deteriorating. Today, real solidarity is needed to effectively support Ukrainian society.
The UN has said 13 million people living in Ukrainian territory are in need of vital humanitarian aid; including shelter, food and medical supplies, this has made it essential to mobilise immediate international aid for Ukraine, which currently covers less than 15% of that which is needed.
Nigerians have been urged to join hands with the government to tackle the increasing challenge of illicit drugs and substance abuse to stem the alarming rate of mental illness across the Country.
Speaking to journalists in Awka, the Anambra State Chairman of Nigeria Red Cross Society Professor Peter Katchy, cautioned that illicit drugs use and dependency among young people are harming the socioeconomic life of the society and threatening the future of the Country.
Our correspondent reports that according to World Health Organisation, about fifty million Nigerians are suffering from one sort of mental illness or another while survey by the Federal Government revealed that over fourteen-point three million Nigerians abuse illicit drugs representing fifteen per cent of the country’s population who are between fifteen and Sixty-four years.
Professor Katchy explained that the use of illicit drugs by children and young people has lasting adverse effects on their mental and physical development as according to him, drug abuse can impact the brain’s ability to function in the short term as well as prevent proper growth development later in life which he noted create various problems for families, communities and entire society including encouraging indecent dressing, display of psychiatric tendencies and often a disruption of academic and social activities.
The Chairman regretted that in addition to illicit drugs, malnutrition occasioned by economic hardship is also compounding mental health issues resulting in anxiety and depression which have continued to disable people especially youths, thereby undermining healthy lifestyles and encouraging social vices.
Professor Katchy urged families to strive to inculcate strong moral values in children while asking security agencies and schools to clamp down on those who abuse gender dressing as well as those who peddle illicit drugs and other intoxicants among minors and youths.
Also speaking, a retired school teacher, Mrs. Nkechi Onyekachukwu urged parents to closely monitor the activities of their children and their friends to protect them against negative peer group influence that could lead to illicit drug use and attendant consequences.
The Peoples Democratic Party Presidential aspirant, Mr. Peter Obi, has said he will reposition Nigeria in less than four years if voted as the president of the country in the next year’s general elections.
He stated this in Awka, the Anambra State Capital during the Anambra Central Senatorial District Stakeholders’ Briefing/Town Hall Meeting organised by Senator Uche Ekwunife.
Mr. Obi said, “Nigeria must create jobs; it must give people the opportunity to earn their livelihood, and it is not a rocket science. I have travelled to over 30 countries and I still say it that all I need is four years to position Nigeria to the path of progress.”
The Presidential aspirant said he would fix insecurity, bad economy, poor electric power supply and ensure food security in the country among others within the shortest possible time as President.
The former Anambra State Governor added, “Who says we can’t enjoy steady power supply in this country? Egypt, between 2016 and today, has doubled its power generation and distribution from 28,000 megawatts to 58,000 megawatts. Vietnam has doubled its own from 38 to 76.
“What is happening here? Why are they wasting people’s time here? Let us give people conditions. If I am Mr. President, if we do not have 20,000 megawatts in three years, I’ll go home,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Senators and other stakeholders in the State on Wednesday endorsed Mr. Obi for President.
They said their support for Obi’s Presidential aspiration was based on his impressive performance when he was Governor of the State from 2006 – 2014.
At the meeting were both State and Federal Lawmakers as well as Traditional Rulers, Presidents General of Communities, Religious and Market Leaders, Leadership of Organisations, Youth Leaders and other stakeholders across party lines.
Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ndi Obi, said he was pleased with the Leadership qualities of Mr. Peter Obi, adding that he had made positive impacts in the lives of the people.
Senator Obi who was a former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter-Party Affairs said he was very confident that Obi could fix Nigeria’s problems if given the opportunity to do so.
The representative of Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Chief Chinedu Onwuaso, moved a motion for the endorsement of Obi for President and it was overwhelmingly supported by the crowd in the hall.
Senator Ekwunife in her speech, thanked the people of Anambra Central for the opportunity given to her to represent them in the Senate, saying that she would do more if given another chance.
She said ,”Beyond the discharge of my official duties as your Senator, I have continued to intervene in the welfare of constituents through the Senator Uche Ekwunife Foundation.
“I recognise the fact that while we move motions, sponsor bills and attract projects; a lot of our constituents are passing through difficult times. Many are unable to fund their medical treatment, pay their children’s school fees and so on.
“We are grateful that through our little effort, hundreds of constituents have received assistance. We have, through the foundation, paid medical bills and performed other charitable services. We do this in our bid to provide succour to the less privileged ones among us.
“What we have achieved in the last two and half years is a litmus test of what we can achieve if you once again grant me your mandate. I urge you to join me in this journey of building the senatorial district of our dream.
“With your support, I will continue to raise the bar and offer a representation that is vocal, effective, unmatched and people-oriented.”
Sunny Davids is Head, South East Bureàu, Blank NEWS Online
In a clear demonstration of it’s determined efforts to speedily eliminate the Boko Haram Terrorists /Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents hibernating along the fringes of the Lake Chad, the forces of the Multinational Joint task Force (MNJTF) have in the past weeks been conducting a well coordinated land and air offensives. The Operation codenamed OPERATION LAKE SANITY is a joint and combined operations involving the MNJTF troops from Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon and troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK- Nigeria) as well as the Air Task Forces of the MNJTF and OPHK, other security agencies and the Civilian Joint Taskforce (CJTF).
Steadily advancing in different corridors of the theatre towards identified enclaves, the dogged troops operating under the shared aspiration of the MNJTF made gradual but unprecedented incursions into the insurgents dens. Some of the areas cleared include ZANARI, ARINA WOJE which served as a major fabrication workshop, ASAGAR, LARKI and GARERE. Other areas cleared include KERENOA, WURJE, AREGE, ABADAM, DORON LELEWA, KOLARAM and several other locations around the Islands. Within the period of this operation, well over a hundred terrorists have been neutralised. Including over 10 top commanders neutralised following intelligence driven lethal air strikes in the Lake Chad islands by the combined Air Taskforces. Some of the commanders include Abubakar Dan Buduma, Abubakar Shuwa, Abu Ali and Abu Jubrilla among others. Relatedly, sophisticated weapons of different calibres were either destroyed or captured including a 105 mm artillery piece, several canoes/boats, motorcycles, bicycles, other terrorists’ equipment, several Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) making factories and bunkers were destroyed. In the course of the operation, significant number of innocent citizens mostly women and children held captive by the criminals were rescued. Large quantity of food stuff (grains), fuel dumps, illicit drugs, terrorists’ uniforms and other house holds materials were recovered and destroyed immediately.
Recent activities of the Operations include a clearance patrol to Fedondiya settlement where logistics and foodstuffs including several bags of maize and beans, motorcycles, some immobilized and cannibalized military and civil vehicles, were discovered. Others include grinding machines ,other vehicle fabrication tools and military uniforms were all destroyed and set ablaze in the location. It is obviously a big Boko Haram /ISWAP camp having another large IED making and vehicle borne IED making factory that was cleverly camouflaged to prevent detection from the air. In a related development, the MNJTF troops on clearance patrols in the general areas of Kimeguna near the Lake Chad in Niger republic accosted BHT/ISWAP logisticians ferrying Four Hundred Fifty Seven (457) bags of fish in several carts. The bags of fish were immediately destroyed in line with the MNJTF Standing Operating Procedure, while the suspects are being profiled.
The obviously frustrated criminal,BHT/ISWAP have resorted to indiscriminate laying of IEDs and use of Vehicle Borne Explosive Devices attacks. One pattern noticed in the operation is that the criminals hastily withdraw and avoid making contact with the approaching troops . They instead rely on suicide vehicle borne attacks. About four (4) different such attacks have so far targeted the determined troops who have not been deterred. Sadly, eighteen (18) soldiers including an officer have been wounded in these attacks and have been evacuated to various military medical facilities for treatment while three soldiers and one member of the CJTF paid the supreme sacrifice.
Despite the obvious challenges of difficult terrain,IED threats and sundry challenges, especially in this religious season, the troops continue to maintain the momentum, remaining focused and determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists, wherever they go in the Lake Chad islands. The Force Commander (FC) MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah Ibrahim has commended the Deputy Force Commander, sector commanders, other officers and especially the gallant officers and men of MNJTF and other operations, including the CJTF actively operating in the field for their courage and commitment. While paying tribute to the members of this operation, who paid the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty, he referred to them as heroes that would never be forgotten. He also prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded heroes. The FC urged the troops to be resolute and bold to finally eradicate the criminals from the Lake Chad areas and promised continuous logistics support to the troops. General Ibrahim advised the terrorists to lay down their arms like thousands of their colleagues who had done so instead of pursuing a futile and failed cause. He finally appealed to the communities in the areas of operation and beyond to always support security forces by passing credible information on the terrorists quickly to bring the scourge of terrorism in the area to an end. ( See Attached pictures of the Operation)
Signed Colonel Muhammad Dole Chief of Military Public Information Headquarters, MNJTF, Ndjamena Chad 17 April 2022
Nigerian students currently studying in the United States may now renew their student visa without interview.
A statement by the US Embassy on Thursday read: “If you are currently studying in the United States, you may be eligible to renew your student visa without an interview when you return to Nigeria this summer.
“To qualify for this procedure, you must be physically in Nigeria renewing a student visa that is still valid or has expired within the past 24 months and are renewing your visa either to: (a) continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or (b) attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.”
According to the statement, those applying at the Embassy in Abuja should go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow instructions to complete their application and visit a designated DHL facility to drop off their application with the following documents: A printout of your Submission letter (printed from www.ustraveldocs.com/ng) a completed DS-160 ; an approved I-20; A receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee; a GTBank (MRV) receipt for their visa fee; a passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport is expired, a current valid passport is also required); a passport photograph meeting these requirements.
The statement said those applying at the Lagos Consulate should go to www.ustraveldocs.com/ng and follow the instructions to make an interview waiver appointment for a student visa. They must come in person to the U.S. Consulate on the date and time of their appointment with the following documents: A completed DS-160; an approved I-20; a receipt for your I-901 SEVIS fee; a GTBank (MRV) receipt for your visa fee; their passport containing the expired student visa (if that passport is expired, a current valid passport is also required) and a passport photograph meeting these requirements
Applicants who do not meet the above criteria should visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ng to schedule a regular appointment.
Federal Government has been advised to tackle violence during the upcoming electoral season by deploying technology.
The advised was given on Thursday in Abuja by a Civil Society Organisation, CSO, Stand To End Rape, STER, which lamented that many incidences of electoral violence are against women in the country.
The Executive Director of STER, Oluwaseun Osowobi, during a press briefing and launch of Strategic Innovation Fund, SIF, project report, titled: “Vulnerable and Outside the Margins: From Challenges to Informed Inclusion” said national and state governments including communities should leverage technology to tackle electoral violence.
She urged that a nationwide awareness-raising initiative on the use of platforms to report apps and training should be implemented across the country, noting that this will aid data tracking on incidences of violence during elections in real-time and also equip security agencies to track persons in precarious situations, intervene and make available prompt support.
Osowobi called on FG to double it’s effort in combatting violence against women, particularly on the domestication and implementation of all international and regional human rights treaties to protect women’s rights.
She pointed-out that there is a need for the state Houses of Assembly to ensure the adoption and implementation of the violence Against Persons Prohibition, VAPP, Act and Child Right Act.
She said: “Review of the VAPP Act by the Human Rights Experts established in November 2015 and mandated to compile a list of laws to be reviewed for compliance with human rights norms and standards. This would be done under the purview of the National Human Rights Commission which is vested in national human rights institutions in receiving and investigating complaints of human rights abuses, with the power to enforce decisions.
“Domestication and implementation of the CEDAW and the Maputo Protocol and other international and regional human rights treaties to protect women’s rights.
“The State Houses of Assembly should ensure the adoption and proper implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act and Child Rights Act.
“Women’s rights must be prioritized in allocating funding and training government officials, including police officers and court officials. Members of the police force should receive in-depth training while in and after graduating from the Police Academy on adequate and survivor-centered response to gender-based violence.
“Nationwide Sensitisation Efforts by The National Orientation Agency., Independent National Electoral Commission and other stakeholders, including CSOs. This would also include training for election/political/security stakeholders by the Electoral body.
“Adequate security, welfare and logistics should be provided for Corp members involved in election duties. STER reiterates the call for security reinforcement for all the Adhoc staff involved in elections, as a preventive strategy, especially NYSC members in volatile areas.”
Osowobi revealed that findings from the SIF survey which aimed at examining the troubling, multi-dimensional phenomenon of violence against women in politics and elections in Nigeria, have shown that there have been scores of cases regarding rape of ad-hoc staff, particularly corp members who were delegated to cover elections at areas without tight security.
She lamented: “The electoral process in Nigeria is not free from violence, and women face significant gender-based vulnerabilities. In the year prior to the elections, Nigeria experienced more political violence than it had during its previous election cycle in 2011, when over 1000 fatalities were reported.”
She said: “Among the respondents for this study who identify as electoral ad-hoc staff, particularly the Corp (NYSC) members, about 11% of them report that they have either been raped or sexually harassed based on their involvement in the electoral process. Similarly, about 21% of the Corps members reveal that violence has been perpetrated against them by law enforcement officials as a result of their affiliations with electoral management agencies.”
Earlier, the Programme Manager, Women Rights Unit, ActionAid Nigeria, Nkechi Kanny, commended the STER initiative for its efforts in conducting a survey in a bid to address gender based violence in Nigeria.
The SIF project was likewise funded by the Action Aid Nigeria.
A joint team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and Department of State Services (DSS) have raided and sealed off Diplomatic Suite Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja.
A statement by the spokesman of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said the hotel was sealed off to stop a cannabis party and the launch of new psychoactive drink.
The statement read: “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have raided and sealed Diplomatic Suite Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja in a joint operation with men of the Department of State Services, DSS to stop a cannabis party and the launch of a suspected new psychoactive drink.”
Babafemi disclosed that about 200 attendees including three young ladies who organised the hemp party are currently being profiled and interviewed while bottles of the new drink have been taken for lab analysis.
He said the hotel was raided at about 8:18pm on Wednesday following actionable intelligence that some youths were planning to hold a hemp party at the hotel.
He revealed that quantities of cannabis sativa were recovered from the pockets and bags of those arrested at the hemp party.
He said: “The audacious party no doubt is part of attempts by some elements to create a drug subculture in the Nigerian social space,” insisting that: “The NDLEA will however continue to work with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure abuse of illicit substances is not allowed to get entrenched in the country under any guise.”
The United Nations has allocated US$15 million to support humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s North East.
A statement by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) on Thursday said the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Martins Griffiths has allocated US$15 million emergency funding from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgently needed humanitarian assistance in north-east Nigeria.
The statement quoted the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i) for Nigeria Mr. Matthias Schmale to have said that: “The food security and nutrition situation is deteriorating, with more and more families pushed towards vulnerability, and forced to resort to negative coping mechanisms including child labour and early marriage.”
He added that: “As desperation pushes extremely vulnerable people to the edge, food and nutrition assistance is critical for their survival. The $15 million CERF allocation comes right on time to respond to the most urgent needs of people at extreme risk as we appeal to Member States to provide the resources we urgently need.”
According to the statement, the CERF allocation will enable humanitarian agencies to improve and strengthen timely and coordinated access to appropriate food and cash aid to the most vulnerable in crisis-affected areas.
Schmale said: “Thanks to the support of humanitarian agencies and donors, a catastrophic food insecurity was averted in 2021. However, danger looms again for the people of north-east Nigeria if efforts are not sustained and the urgently needed resources are not made available, enabling to take immediate action for the people of north-east Nigeria.”
The statement revealed that the $15 million allocation to the humanitarian response in Nigeria is part of $100 million that the UN allocated to fight hunger in Africa and the Middle East, as the spill-over effects of the war in Ukraine threaten to push millions even closer to famine and exacerbate humanitarian needs.
Violence and conflict over the last 12 years have turned north-east Nigeria into a prolonged and alarming humanitarian crisis which has displaced 2.2 million people.
According to the Cadre Harmonisé food and nutrition analysis published in March 2022, about 600,000 people are projected to be in an emergency situation, not knowing where their next meal will come from. They are among 4.1 million people projected to be food insecure in the crisis-affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, during the peak of the June to August 2022 lean season. This is a 19 per cent increase in the number of people in need of food security assistance since the October 2021 analysis, including an alarming 28 per cent increase in the number of people in the emergency category.
The statement further lamented that malnutrition among children continues to be increasingly threatening, and $351 million is urgently needed by May to deliver life-saving food security and nutrition assistance to the most affected people.
In total, the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan for Nigeria is seeking $1.1 billion to support 5.5 million people.
CERF is one of the fastest and most efficient mechanisms for providing emergency funding to people in need, through rapid allocations to new and deteriorating crises or where there’s shortage of funds. The fund pools contributions from a range of donors, and resources are allocated on strict life-saving criteria to help the most vulnerable. Over the past six months, CERF has allocated more than $170 million to address rising food insecurity in several countries, including those that will receive the new funding.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, has stated that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will ensure it thoroughly investigate the cause of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft crash that Tuesday, 19 April 2022 at NAF Base, Kaduna.
He stated this when he visited Kaduna earlier today to commiserate with families, friends, and colleagues of the 2 pilots, Flight Lieutenant Abubakar Muhammed Alkali and Flight Lieutenant Elijah Haruna Karatu, who lost their lives in the tragic accident.
Air Marshal Amao had constituted an Accident Investigation Board upon receiving the sad news of the crash yesterday, to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash. While at Kaduna earlier today, he assured the officers, airmen and airwomen of 401 Flying Training School that all measures will be emplaced to avert similar occurrence in the future. He also reminded them on the need to remain steadfast and focused on their assigned roles and responsibilities in view of the onerous task before the NAF and other security agency to rid the Northwest and indeed the entire Nation of all criminal elements.
The unfortunate incident of yesterday’s trainer aircraft crash is yet again a tragic reminder of the perilous nature of the military flying profession as well as the risks NAF pilots continually take, daily, to secure Nigeria’s territorial integrity. Kindly bring this information to the awareness of the general public.
Thank you.
Edward Gabkwet Air Commodore Director of Public Relation and Information Nigerian Air Force
Africans Rising has reflected the need for renewed unity amongst Africans all over the world to own, control and manage African affairs.
A statement at the weekend said: “Africans Rising is pleased to announce that the week from 23rd – 29th May has been declared as African Liberation Week. This is the first of its kind and this year’s mobilisation will run under the theme “Africa for Africans” and reflects the need for renewed unity amongst Africans all over the world to own, control and manage our own affairs.”
The statement further read that: “Each year, African Liberation Day is recognized on May 25th to promote unity and solidarity among African people and states. The commemoration is an opportunity to mobilise all Africans to take action on specific themes or issues relevant to the local as well as continental contexts.
“Africans Rising utilises the whole week of May 25th to ensure that Africans across the globe can take part in this commemoration, and to explore a breadth of issues facing African communities.”
The statement said: “Along with our theme this year, we are recognizing the following sub-themes:
Decolonization – capturing the unfinished business of decolonization; Gender justice – ensuring gender equality in carving the Africa We Want; Health – equitable access to quality healthcare amid COVID-19; and Climate and Environmental Justice – advancing the push for climate and environmental justice towards the #AfricaWeWant.”
Individuals or organisations are called to register their events for that week on: https://bit.ly/3JVHVhe.
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has claimed that the mass surrender of over 35,000 fighters and commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) was divine intervention through the endless prayers from all over the globe.
The Governor, made the claim in his Easter message, saying the mass surrender of over 35,000 fighters and commanders, was certainly one of Allah’s many miracles towards healing Borno and rest of the Northeast.
He said: “The mass surrender of over 35,000 fighters and commanders, is certainly one of Allah’s many miracles towards healing Borno and rest of the northeast.”
“This mass surrender is product of the endless prayers citizens across Borno, the northeast, rest of Nigeria and indeed the world, have been offering, seeking God’s intervention to heal Borno State. It is the product of immense sacrifices by armed forces and volunteers. It is product of repeated calls by political leaders, clergies, elders and traditional rulers, asking insurgents to lay down their arms and embrace peace.”
“We must therefore be optimistic in welcoming the likely benefits of disarming, demobilizing, rehabilitating and reintegrating mass-surrendered insurgents.”
“However, we must welcome them without disregarding the risks associated with the programme, hence the need for sustain stringent security profiling and other Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration, DDR, procedures that can ensure overall safety of the programme.”
“I therefore urge all citizens to fervently pray for the success of our DDR for the mass surrender of those who seek peace, and for the successes of our armed forces and volunteers in front lines against those who insist on violence.”
“May God grant us enduring peace in Borno State, the northeast and rest of Nigeria. Happy Easter to our christian brothers and sisters.”
He added that: “In over 12 years of our battles with insurgents (Boko Haram and later, ISWAP) Borno State, for the first time, has a golden window that has the potential of ending the insurgency.”
“May God grant us enduring peace in Borno State, the northeast and rest of Nigeria. Happy Easter to our Christian brothers and sisters,” he said.
Attacking Anambra Frustrate Soludo’s Effort To Free Kanu
A Group, Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL has said that some elements in the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB were responsible for attacks in Anambra State.
The Group in a press statement signed by its President General, Mr. Goodluck Ibem said the elements are opposed to the release of Nnamdi Kanu because of the money they were making as a result of Kanu’s absence.
He said the Group choose Anambra for latest attacks because Governor Chukwuma Soludo was working hard for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, and the elements feel the attacks will make the Governor abandon the efforts.
The release by COSEYL read: “The gunmen burning Government properties in Anambra are doing so because they are not happy with Soludo’s move to secure Nnamdi Kanu’s release.”
The Group, an umbrella body of all the Youth Groups in the South East geopolitical zone said after a careful study and analysis of the burning and destruction of Local Government Council Secretariats in Anambra State, unprovoked attacks on innocent people by gunmen and targeted attack on the residence of Professor Soludo has confirmed that they were after the Governor.
They said this was because of his move to mobilize South East Governors and other Igbo leaders to negotiate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu who is currently in DSS custody in Abuja.
“Governor Soludo after his swearing-in as the Governor of Anambra State made a categorical statement that he was going to mobilize his colleagues and notable Igbo leaders to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu and called on civil servants to go to work on Mondays.
“After making the statement, heavens was let loose as gunmen and arsonists from no where stated burning down Local Government Secretariats in the State and even made an attempt to attack the house of the Governor.
“The actions of the gunmen showed that they were not interested in the release of Nnamdi Kanu but only wants the Monday sit-at-home to remain and not tempered with despite being cancelled by IPOB Leadership.
“These gunmen and their sponsors knows fully well the consequences of their actions and there are very serious doing it. The reason for their actions point to one fact that there are not interested for the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody.
“The sponsors of these gunmen don’t want Nnamdi Kanu released maybe because of their personal benefits which will cease if Nnamdi Kanu is released, hence the attack on anyone who dares to make a move to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu,” COSEYL said.
The Group said many Igbo prominent sons have spoken against the Monday sit at home and nothing has happened, but immediately Soludo indicated interest to work towards the release of Kanu, they became agitated.
“We should not be deceived over what is happening in South East. Some people are getting heavy financial benefits over the incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu in DSS custody.
“If Nnamdi Kanu returns, their business will cease to flourish and they will not be getting money hence the attack on anyone who wants to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu from DSS custody.
“What is happening today is not agitation, but pure criminality and banditry. The killings going on presently is South East must stop,” they stated.
At least five person have been kidnapped by unidentified men wielding guns in Anambra State on Easter Monday.
It was gathered that the five person who attended the traditional marriage ceremony of a cousin to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa were on their way back home when they were kidnapped at gunpoint.
An alert message by the Commissioner, which was made available to our correspondent stated that the victims were kidnapped around Akpo Community in Aguata LGA at about 10pm on Monday, and that no contact has been established with them or the kidnappers.
Barrister Ezeokenwa wrote: “The following friends of my cousin – Sampson Okafor, Chidozie Eze, Franklin Osuuagu, Chijioke Uduba, Benedict Ozoagwu who visited for his traditional marriage yesterday (Monday) were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 10pm last night in Udo Village, Akpo in Aguata Local Government Area along Akpo – Nkpologwu Road about 300m to Akpo Junction. We are yet to establish any contact with the victims.”
When our correspondent reached out to the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, he confirmed the development.
He said the Command has launched operation to rescue the abducted persons, and that the Commissioner has also been contacted over the claims.
“The Command has already made contact to the Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Sly Ezeonkenwa and operation is currently ongoing for possible rescue of the victims,” he stated.
The burial ceremony of HRM Queen Eunice Ichiofu Ovrawah, the Ovieya of Oleh Kingdom, earlier scheduled to hold on the 23rd of April 2022, has been postponed by the family.
Prince Anthony Ovrawah in a statement said, the postponement was due to a ‘Court Order’ on preliminary objection that urged parties involved to maintain status quo to ensure peaceful transition of the queen mother.
He maintained that, a new date for the burial ceremony will be announce by the family to the general public accordingly.
Politics and politicking in Nigeria are becoming like a game for the opaque and deceitful minds, masquerading as politicians, Statemen, Patriots and heroes.
In Nigeria today, every political aspirant is busy, running up and down, looking for endorsement by some kingmakers, power blocs and power brokers all over the tense political space.
While some go to the normal but less travelled route of grassroots mobilisation, others are still flouting age-long primordial affiliations and faulty prejudices that have brought our nation to her knees such as faith, ethnicity and geography.
Our politics and leadership recruitment process are no longer based on competence and the hunger to serve but on a sheer stealthy desire to have access to our collective patrimony for personal aggrandisement and that of cronies.
Even those who should know and be concerned enough to want to bring on board a selfless and altruistic goal-getter through a normal democratic process are themselves, harbouring a crony, puppet or a deliberately orchestrated political hegemon to protect and maintain an interest regardless of its possible debilitating effect on the Nigerian state.
This is where we found ourselves and the reason every aspirant is not genuinely seeking a grassroots approval but a kingmaker of some sort to anchor their hope on.
Our variant of democracy in Nigeria is truly funny; it is a democracy of the Godfathers, kingmakers and puppets. It is one with all the apparachik of political aberration masquerading as normal. It keeps us glued to the blurred and misty screen of hopelessness when we know exactly what to do to bring goodness to the greater number of Nigerians.
Even our own “philosopher-king” has admitted having a crony, an heir apparent, a crown prince of some sort, lurking somewhere whose shoe latchet, no one is worthy to untie. May God give Nigeria a good and reasonable President come 2023.
Austen AKHAGBEME is a Columnist with Blank NEWS Online
Gunmen on Friday invaded Isuofia Community, Aguata Local Government Area, where Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo hails from.
Our correspondent gathered one Policeman was killed in the process, and that the incident happened at a junction leading to the Governor’s House.
A source said the gunmen stormed the junction, where security operatives were stationed, attacking the operatives.
The source said the gunmen were angered by the idea of stationing a security post in the area.
“The hoodlums stormed the area, shooting none stop, while residents scampered for safety.
“One Policeman was, however. killed in the process,” the source said.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Police Command has debunked reports claiming that the house of the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo was attacked.
In a statement made available to our correspondent, by DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, PPRO Anambra State Command read:
“Soludo’s house was not attacked. To set the records straight, the Police observation point along Ekwulobia Expressway, in Aguata Local Government Area, came under attack late hours of on Friday.”
The Mobile personnel posted at the point, gallantry repel the attack but unfortunately, three of them sustained gunshot injuries during the gun battle with the hoodlums.
Following the quick deployment of operatives in the area by the Command, calm has since returned in the area.
Meanwhile, Operation is still ongoing and further details shall be communicated.
Delta South Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Leaders and Stakeholders Forum in Delta South have reiterated their support for the governorship aspiration of Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori in the 2023 gubernatorial election.
Oborevwori who is the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, is one of the aspirants on the platform of PDP.
The resolve of the PDP leaders to stick with Oborevwori at a meeting in Asaba, Friday is stemmed from their belief in his ability to provide meaningful leadership for the state in 2023 and to continue with the good works of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
Addressing the gathering, chairman of the forum, Chief Mike Loyibo also reiterated the forum’s support for the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to finish strong in 2023.
Loyibo said: “This is a consultative meeting of the party in Delta South. And you know, Delta South has remained the strongest hold of the PDP over the years.
“We have agreed to go with Speaker of the House of Assembly, Oborevwori and ensure that he clinches the ticket of the party.
“As leaders, again we are reiterating our stance for Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
“We will continue to unite behind the governor for him to finish strong. And to further strengthen PDP in Delta South, we will be holding a rally very soon.
“At the end of this meeting, a delegate of this Forum will pay Easter visit to the Governor at Owa-Oyibu to felicitate with him and to also to tell him that we have implicit confidence in Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori as he is the most popular and acceptable aspirant among others”.
Among those present at the meeting were; Solomon Areyinka, Askia Ogieh, P.Y. Biakpara, Michael Diden, Solomon Funkekeme, Frank Omare, Boro Opudu, Emmanuel Okoro, Joseph Otumara, Roland Oritsejafor, Brodick Demeyeibo, Josephine Abeki, Nicholas Mutu, Thomas Ereyitomi, Ferguson Onwo, Iduh Amadhe, Daniel Mayuku, Nelson Ejakpovi, all Local Government Council chairmen from Delta South, among others.
The Acting Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Samson Karebo has called on Nigerians to prioritize safety during the ongoing Easter celebration.
The Acting CGF made the call while wishing Christians a peaceful Easter, which is a celebration in commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He tasked them to ensure diligent safety precautions while celebrating.
Karebo, while acknowledging that there will be a lot of cooking related activities during the easter celebration, asked that all cooking precautionary measures such as not leaving cooking unattended, keeping matches away from children, keeping the gas cylinder outside the kitchen etc must be complied with to avoid fire incidences.
The Acting Controller General, said he has directed all commands to be on red alert so as to ensure quick response to emergencies during the easter celebration.
He however called on citizens to make sure they have the emergency numbers handy and call the Service in a case of fire or any emergency.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has through Partners for Development launched a three-year $3.5 million Water Improvement and Sanitation Enhancement (WISE) activity to improve water safety in Jigawa and Kano states. According to a statement from USAID on Thursday, the WISE activity will reduce the occurrence and impact of waterborne diseases through improvements in access to clean drinking water and sanitation, and the adoption of key hygiene behaviors.
The statement said one of the first tasks will be to construct or rehabilitate 30 water access points and install 55 sanitation facilities in schools and community health centres, it is expected that these improved water access points will provide clean drinking water to more than 66,000 local residents. In her remarks, USAID Deputy Mission Director Katie Donohoe said, “Access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services within a community are the cornerstone of a healthy, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.” She added: “When this is done, each community will have a first line defense against the spread of infectious disease and allow children to spend more time in school.” The Deputy Governor of Jigawa State Umar Namadi said, “Water is life, and it has been one of the priorities of the Jigawa State government.” He added, “We are ready to cooperate with the USAID WISE activity to ensure that safe drinking water is provided to the people of the state.” According to the 2019 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene National Outcome Routine Mapping report, two out of five schools in Jigawa State, and three out of four in Kano State do not have access to reliable drinking water. Frontline healthcare workers also lack access to safe water and struggle to deliver high quality health services.
The survey found that over half of community water access services in Jigawa broke down within their first year of operation, while over 20 percent in Kano no longer functioned after six months.
The WISE activity will work toward addressing some of these deficiencies and increase the capacity of local stakeholders to sustain and manage equitable access to water and sanitation.
A foremost aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Aniocha North State Constituency Seat in the Delta State House of Assembly, Engr. Fidel Onwodi has formally been unveiled to the leaders, delegates and Stakeholders of the party in Aniocha North.
Onwodi’s unveiling was sequel to his consultation visit to the executive members, leaders and critical stakeholders of the party on Wednesday at the Party’s Secretariat at Issele-Uku.
The PDP Chairman for ward 5, Issele-Mkpitime/Issele-Azagba, Mr Okafor Dibie formally presented and unveiled the young and charismatic politician as the party’s hopeful.
On ground to formally receive the aspirant and his entourage was the Chairman of the Party in the area, Hon. Dr. Charles Mohayem Ochei, His Deputy, Chief Ayo Momah, the Secretary, Hon. Samuel Osadebe and other executive members of the party in the area which included the Woman Leader, Mrs Nkem Ogbechei and the Youth leader, Hon. Richard Anonyei
Three former Chairmen of the Local Government, Hon. Chief Cal Nwawolo, Hon. Sir Sunday Aniamaka and Hon. Chief Jaunty Okwudi, as well as three former Chairmen of the party in the area; Prince Andy Offor, Chief Victor Egbune, and Chief Nnamdi Mohayem were among the renowned party leaders that graced the event.
Also at the grand event was a former State officer of the party, Chief Ignatius Memeh, former vice-chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Afam Anyasi, former deputy chairman of the party in the area, Chief John Adigwu, a well known party leader, Chief Valentine Okafor, a three time councilor in the Local Government, Hon Sunday Okenyi, a former Councillor, Hon. Ndubuisi Osemene, former secretary to the Local Government, Chief Odi Okoh and a chieftains of the party in the area, Chief Austin Nguru Modungwu, Chief Cythian Nwaobi-Udeh and Barr. Tony Nwaokwu as well as a grassroots youth mobilizer, Prince Oluchi Nwoko amongst others.
It was indeed a unique gathering of notable leaders, delegates and critical stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the various communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area, attesting to their love for the foremost aspirant, Engr. Fidel Onwodi
Unveiling Engr. Fidel Onwodi, his ward Chairman, Mr. Dibia, described him as a great and accomplished son of the ward, a member of the party with a heart for the people, saying that Engr. Onwodi has consistently devoted his time and resources for the development of the party, not only in the ward, but also in the entire Area.
“He is our great son who has remained committed and is doing excellently well for us and the entire people of the Local Government area.
“Our beloved son, Fidel, has intimated us of his aspirations to go and represent the people of Aniocha North in the Delta State House of Assembly and we have accessed him thoroughly and resolved that we will support him because we have also judged him to be more than able for the job.
“I hereby present, Engr. Fidel Onwodi, on behalf of ward 5, Issele-Mkpitime/Issele-Azagba, to the executives, leaders and critical stakeholders of our party in the LGA today, to formally state his intention,” the ward Chairman declared.
Stating his intentions, Engr. Onwodi who is a renowned grassroots politician and an accomplished businessman with over two hundred persons under his employment, said that he came formally to consult with the leaders and to declare his intention to contest for the Aniocha North State Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly under the PDP in the next general election come 2023.
While promising quality and efficient representation based on regular interaction with the people, Engr. Onwodi highlighted his agenda to include, working with the Governor to bring about meaningful infrastructure across the various communities in the area, massive youth and women empowerment geared towards reducing youth unemployment, developing the rich agricultural and natural resource that abounded in the area by attracting partners through his verse contact within and outside the country with a view to creating job for the teeming youths.
He promised to be a loud voice for the people at the State House of Assembly where he noted that he has prepared himself to argue firmly and influence meaningful projects with direct bearing to the lives of the people, saying that project implementation which is his area of specialties will be done in fairness and in conjunction with the aspiration of the party to the benefit of the people.
“I sleep and drink projects and I will be close to the Governor as well as do everything within my power to ensure massive attractions and implementation of projects in Aniocha North, we will have regular stakeholders’ engagement to know and assess the need of the people and what they want and above all, human capital development is going to be one of our major preoccupation.
“I choose to declare officially today because the team spirit and the working forces, the elders and our mothers, the youths and elites, the average and downtrodden, the commoner and the plutocrats of our beloved Aniocha North, at home and Diaspora, have stirred the purpose through the level of commitment to the realisation of a better operational policy.
“We are not coming into office to stay longer than expected but to breed the quality of youths that will have the capacity to lead better than us because that is the only way we can promise the future of a better time,” Engr Onwodi assured.
He affirmed that the contest is not a do or die affair, noting that as the best for the job at this critical time, he pleaded that he should be given the opportunity to be the flag bearer for the Party for the Aniocha North State Constituency in the May primary election.
“A house divided against it-self cannot stand, that is why I believe in the possibility to win the trust of the entire people because of our standing foundation that is built on unity. I don’t expect the working unions to be dissolved, nor do I expect the foundation to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become one course, so we can channel our togetherness to our united challenges and reap the fruits of teamwork.
“The State House of Assembly will experience a time when millions of voices will echo in the voice of one man. We will have the loudest voice at state level because of the culture of our unity.
“My first responsibility will be to install a home based parliament sort of, that will meet quarterly to discuss notions, adjust them to motions and present them as a statute in draft, before it will become our united laws at state level. On this note, we will not only work but mentor as well.
“The leaders from the local government at different levels are my brothers and sisters, and such a relationship idea will strengthen our ability to work in harmony, so that we can raise a symphony of our victories in the long run.
“Let’s still chart the possibilities of this movement and improve the momentum we have created as of today. I will get to work because you will all get me the job, and that will become a responsibility, to live up to the expectations of the vision of our Local Government from the House of Assembly,” the highly charismatic aspirant stated.
Responding on behalf of the leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the Party in Aniocha North, the Chairman of the Party in the area, Hon. Dr. Charles Ochei appreciated him for the consultative visit and agreed with him that the party will continue to be united as one indivisible family to ensure that PDP remains the only party in Aniocha North, even as he prayed for him in his aspiration to represent the people of Aniocha North in the State House of Assembly
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has felicitated Nigerians on Easter, describing it as the celebration of the triumphant resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the dead and the hope of a brighter future for Nigeria as a nation
According to the Caucus in a statement on Friday by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, Easter, points to the victory of life over death, “reinforces our hope and confidence that no matter how miserable the situation might be under the current leadership, our nation will surely overcome with our trust in God, love for one another and determination to unite and democratically enthrone a purposeful leadership in our country.
“Indeed, Easter offers inexorable lessons in faith, hope, patience and assurance of the imminent triumph of light over darkness, justice over injustice, happiness over despondency, prosperity over poverty, peace over chaos and unity over division under a new leadership that truly cares for the people.
“Moreover, the death and triumph of the Lord Jesus from the shackles of dead, denotes the mercies of God in redeeming the sinful world as well as demonstrates His love for mankind and readiness to bring solution to our individual and collective challenges when we put our trust in Him.
“It is therefore time for us as a people to put aside all parochial differences and rekindle the virtues of love, forgiveness, piety, honesty, mutual respect, regard to rules as well as industry and resilience for which we are known all over the world.
“We must begin to look after one another, irrespective of social, ethnic, religious and political differences so as to foster the national rebirth which we all yearn for.”
In the spirit of the season, the caucus called on those behind acts of terrorism in the country to retrace their steps while calling for the release of those in their captivity including those abducted in the recent terrorist attack on Kaduna/Abuja bound train.
The Minority Caucus further tasked all leaders at all levels and spheres of engagement to reorder their priorities and put the interest and wellbeing of the people above all other considerations, saying that the security and economic sustenance of Nigerians must be paramount at this point in time.
They therefore urged the Federal Government to immediately review its economic policies, curb corruption and waste so as to restructure the management of our national resources in a way that will revamp productivity, infrastructural development, engender reduction in cost of food, essential commodities and critical services, boost employment and job creation and ensure lasting peace in the Country.
Delta State People’s Democratic Party, PDP Frontline politician and House of Representatives aspirant for the Isoko Federal Constituency, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, FCNA, CrFA, has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter.
Bashorun Askia urged the entire Christendom to rededicate themselves to God that has sovereignty over the affairs of man, who has been ordained to chart a new course of prosperity and fulfillment for the country.
He said that despite the rudderless leadership being faced by the Country, there is the dire need for men of proven integrity to use their capacity to return Nigeria to the the right path.
He used the opportunity to offer himself for the rebuilding of the nation, through the Isoko Federal Constituency by seeking to be elected into the House of Representatives, during the forthcoming 2023 elections.
In an Easter message titled, “A Time To Chart A New Beginning”, Bashorun Askia said:
“This weekend, Christendom is celebrating the redemption of man through the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
“This year’s celebration has a special significance, coming just ahead of the 2023 General Elections that will define the extent our dear country will go in returning to the path of restoration.
‘As the Holy Book says in Proverbs 11:14, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
“Our dear country has been the victim of a rudderless leadership. However, we are not powerless. In us lies the capacity and road map to bringing Nigeria back onto the right path. In this season God used it to reconcile us to himself, we are offered an opportunity to smoothen the path to reconciliation with the Most High.
“As we celebrate the true significance of Easter, I urge you all to rededicate yourselves to Him that holds unquestionable sovereignty over the affairs of man by invoking His power over our country’s affairs. It is time to exercise the powers given to us by the Almighty to chart a new course of prosperity and fulfillment for our country.
“By the grace of the Almighty, I am offering myself to be part of the task of rebuilding Nigeria by seeking your vote into the House of Representatives through the Isoko Federal Constituency. Together, we can build a new and great Nigeria.
“I pray that in this Easter season, our Lord will harken to our supplication and lead our nation back to the path of sustainable development by enthroning a leadership that is empathetic to the deprivations of the people.
“May the resurrected Christ rekindle our spirit of unity and fairness and to lead us back to the path of uplifting by conscientiously choosing the leadership that will bring us to the right path.
“May the blessings of Jesus Christ heal our nation as we march towards 2023.
The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has dismissed the Thursday, April 14, 2023 Delta 2023 Governorship declaration speech of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a catalogue of lies and deceits.
PDP in a swift reaction described the Orogun politician, as an unserious pretender, with nothing to offer Deltans, except to tell them to continue praising President Mohammadu Buhari for his own political good fortune in becoming Deputy Senate President.
A statement by Delta PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza noted that while Omo-Agege’s entry into the Delta Governorship race has at least given the APC in the State some undeserved attention as a kind of political nomenclature, it has nevertheless, increased appetite and heightened the resolve of the PDP, more than ever before, to now intensify its already formidable efforts towards securing resounding victory in the 2023 Delta Governorship polls.
The statement reads: “The Delta PDP watched in utter amazement and tasteless disgust, as the Deputy Senate President of the Nigerian Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, in what he described as a declaration speech for the 2023 Governorship of Delta State, under his party, APC, on Thursday, April 14, 2022, reeled out lies upon lies one after the other, with deceitful political cunning before Deltans and the world.
“We watched aghast, as Omo-Agege literally brought great dishonour and unpardonable disrepute upon the hallowed reverence and integrity of the Senate as the citadel of our democracy, where he superintends as number two man, as he dropped lie upon lie from his mouth and with a straight face, to the shame of many Deltans watching and the chagrin of discerning Nigerians, who observed this shallow brand of politics that impugned harshly on our intelligence and sensibilities.
“Anyways, we were not surprised that most politicians who can look you straight in the face, lie effortlessly through their teeth, and commit all manner of moral and existential misdemeanors that tarnish even on the sacred authority of the positions and status they occupy, are the ones who get national, presidential pardon and are elevated to heights of political authority, in this APC-led administration.
“Of course, we all remember how the then-Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial zone in the last Senate session, was linked to a shameful and brazen invasion of the Senate chambers by unknown hoodlums, which led to the “Mace grabbing” saga, on the very day that debate was slated and signatories were even supposed to be taken, to commence impeachment proceedings on the President. But plenary could not commence without the Mace and the matter subsequently frizzled away naturally.
“All accusing fingers of complicity pointed at the Delta Central Senator, as the mastermind of the sordid Senate invasion and Mace grabbing episode.
The Senator was then elevated to the position of Deputy Senate President in the next dispensation, allegedly in recognition of the incident on that fateful day when the Senate chambers was invaded, the Mace was carted away in bandit-like style and impeachment proceedings against the President, as well as other matters, could not be tabled.
Of course, without prejudice to the final declaration of the court, Nigerians and indeed Deltans have not forgotten and will never forget. The shame and disgrace of that gory and gang style affront on our democracy still hangs over us and the association with the moniker “Mace grabber”, will always be the first impression and perception, rightly or wrongly glued and attached to any Deltan from that shameful episode, who aspires to become Governor of our great and nationally respected State.
“So, we are not in the least, disturbed by the lies which poured forth with glib oratory in that watery declaration speech and we will not join issues with him for the simple fact that we intend to figuratively keep our gun powder dry and instead, encourage our aspirants who have declared their guber ambitions, to continue to engage Deltans with our dedicated concentration on promoting and informing our people on how to deliver democracy dividends to them, as contained in the comprehensively packaged developmental agenda of our distinguished aspirants; an agenda which Omo-Agege, unfortunately, did not provide in his deceitful declaration.
“By the way, we watched with great laughter and pity, as Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, who quite a while ago, decamped to the APC, listened with quiet embarrassment as Omo-Agege reeled out his modest street lights and small transformers achievements, and stated categorically that, while he has accomplished so much for his people, there are however no projects and democracy dividends to show in the eight years of PDP rule in Delta North, especially in Aniocha, Oshimili and Ndokwa; a period out of which Peter Nwaoboshi was the Delta North PDP Senator for Six years.
So, is Omo-Agege directly addressing Nwaoboshi, who was the powerful Chairman of, the Senate Committee on Niger Delta and NDDC, as a failure? Your guess is as good as ours.
“Interestingly too, we have read some APC social media hacks gloating about the “crowd” that turned out for the Omo-Agege:s declaration, but we know for sure that the mammoth crowd at the ‘High Voltage’ Mega Rally that overwhelmed Ughelli township stadium, to welcome Barr. Jaro Egbo, one of Omo-Agege’s closest ally, back to PDP, was more massive than the few hundreds that gathered at FUPRE, in Warri for a whole DSP.
“As for Senator Omo-Agege’s brazen lies that the Okowa administration has not created jobs for the youths or done projects in Delta, we would have loved to inform Senator Omo-Agege that in the last six years of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, more than 200,000 youths, including over 4,000 from Omo-Agege’s own LGA, have been trained and empowered and are now proud independent entrepreneurs and job creators. More will be created before the end of the tenure.
“We would also like to inform Senator Omo-Agege that legacy projects have been delivered in the area of education where he slammed Isoko people, by flippantly describing their newly upgraded University and pride of Isokoland, as ‘glorified secondary school”. The fact is that the institution has not only already admitted thousands of students which include students from Omo-Agege’s village and LGA, but has been referenced as a shining example of how postmodern academic institutions can be administered in accordance with best global practices.
“Also Omo-Agege needs to be informed that the Okowa administration, from available records, has constructed over 1,500 kilometers of roads and over 1,000 kilometers of line drainages, including the famous stormwater drainage projects to tackle flooding in Asaba, Okpanam, and the Warri, Effurun axis and these have been widely reported and are in the public domain. It is on record that as of today, there is no Local Government in Delta State where the outstanding legacy projects footprints of the Okowa administration have not been planted.
“So when next Senator Omo-Agege comes out with his avalanche of lies and deceitful campaign rhetoric because he wants to be Governor at all cost, the facts will always challenge his lies and speak for themselves. Deltans are wiser and know the truth.
“On a final note, Senator Omo-Agege needs to be reminded, as a matter of serious consideration, that he has already committed his first irredeemable mistake by vowing and ranting that “he will chase away the Okowa-led PDP administration in Delta State” (his own words).
Now, unless we are missing something, or maybe Omo-Agege is living in a different time zone, how exactly is he going to do that, when Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s tenure will end in 2023? Or perhaps is there going to be another similar “Mace-grabbing” invasion of Osadebe House before May 29, 2023? Nothing is beyond these desperate people at all.
“In any case, however, let us sound it loud and clear that the PDP is very ready and prepared to meet whoever the opposition throws up as their candidate in the Delta 2023 Governorship election. We are very organized, we are United and we are very ready. PDP is Delta and Delta is PDP. Come 2023, as it is said in our street parlance, “Ovie Omo-Agege, APC and their co-travelers go collect again, but this time dem go collect wótówótó.”
End of discussion.
PDP! Power to the People!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza State Publicity Secretary, PDP, DELTA STATE.
ANNA ONOME EYIMEJE, a graduate of Sociology, is a beneficiary of the Delta State Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) in the 2016/2017 cycle. She is the CEO of Anazek and Sons Enterprise located at the Fish Farm Cluster at Egbokodo-Itsekiri in Warri South Local Government Area (LGA). She hails from Ethiope East LGA. She shares her story.
“From two fish ponds and 2,000 fingerlings, I now have six fish ponds stocked with 5,000 fish. I have trained two persons who are established and have begun their own fish farms. I have a casual staff. I am working towards expanding my business and diversifying into poultry when I acquire personal land. I acquired a personal pumping machine and measuring scale.
“I pay my bills and support my family from the proceeds. YAGEP has created employment for many youths in Delta. I appeal to the Government to engage more youths and to support existing youth farmers in order to provide more food for our
Ongoing construction Work on Constituency Projects and other projects attracted by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elemulu, located across Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta state, has steadily progressed with some completed and waiting for commissioning.
The projects which were part of the 2021 Federal budget, are located in Nsukwa, Olodu, Ezi, Issele-Mkpitime, Obomkpa, Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko and Ugbodu.
In Nsukwa, Olodu, Ezi, Issele-Mkpitime and Idumuje-Ugboko, Multipurpose town halls are being constructed, while ultra modern Obi Palaces are being constructed at Obomkpa and Idumuje-Unor.
All of the Projects, which are meant to directly impact on the lives of the people of the federal constituency when fully completed, were commenced in the fourth quarter of last year.
A visit to the project sites by a team of selected journalists, on Friday April 8, 2022, for on the spot assessment of the level of work, confirmed that four of the Multipurpose Community halls located at Nsukwa, Olodu, Ezi and Idumuje-Ugboko, have been completed while that of Issele-Mkpitime is still ongoing with about 80% of the job done.
In an interview with the site Engineer at Issele-Mkpitime, he gave his firm commitment of rounding up work on the project in two weeks, adding that circumstances beyond his control militated against his not being able to meet up on the due date.
At Obomkpa and Idumuje-Unor, where Palaces are being constructed for the traditional rulers of the communities, the level of work was about 80 percent completed with the site Engineers promising to deliver the projects on or before the second week of May, noting that they are being careful to meet with the set standard and specifications.
Speaking with Journalists at the Idumuje-Unor Palace project site, the traditional ruler of Idumuje-Unor, His Royal Majesty, Obi Charles Anyasi the III, Obi of Idumuje-Unor, commended the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, for not only remembering the people of his community with such a laudable project, but for his commitment and sincerity of purpose, in ensuring that the right thing is being done by the contractor and the Engineer, even as he appealed for the quick completion of the Onicha-Uku/Idumuje-Unor road project, which he noted will add additional value to the lives of the people.
“I must say that the project is commendable and I commend the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu. He has done well and we will continue to pray that the Lord God Almighty will continue to give him the enablement to continue to do more for the people.” the traditional ruler prayed.
Also in his reaction, the Monarch of Obomkpa kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Obi Onyemaechi Josiah Kanyinaga I, was full of praises for Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and said that the entire people of the Community are happy with the level of transformation he is bringing to bear in their lives with the construction of a mega palace and other projects for them.
He commended the quality of the job being done on the project and said that the people of the constituency have never had it so good in governmental representation at the Federal level, even as he prayed God to continue to give the Minority Leader all that is needed to do more for the people.
“Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu is a visionary leader, a man that has the heart for true representation. He is a wonderful person who is giving us true representation,” the Monarch affirmed.
Work has equally progressed considerably at Ugbodu/Ohordua Ecological project site located at Ugbodu, with the construction of the necessary drains to control the massive Ecological problem in the area, as well as the ongoing bridge to link the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal constituency with Edo state, through Ohordua.
According to the site Engineer, Engr. Austin Azih, they have achieved one point zero eight kilometers of the specified drains, and they are introducing culverts where they are needed. Box covers are being constructed at the river to carry the bridge head, blinding has been done with headwall to increase the height of the bridge, and they are still pumping water out, as a result of heavy underground water.
Engr. Azih said that the rain that fell on Thursday night (7/4/2022) had posed a great challenge for them, but that they have taken full control and were at the moment, tackling the problem headlong, even as he commended the Minority Leader and the people of Ugbodu for their maximum cooperation.
The Vice- Chairman of the Ugbodu Progressive Union, Dr. Festus Ashiedu, who was also on ground at the site, commended the pace at which the work is progressing and while expressing the appreciation of the traditional ruler and the people of Ugbodu kingdom, to Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for attracting the project, commended President Mahammadu Buhari for approving the release of the needed funds for the project.
He said that the Obi and the entire people of Ugbodu are happy with the proactive representation of the people of Aniocha/Oshimili by Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu at the National Assembly, describing him as a leader who has the reach and the heart for service to the people.
