It was a beehive of activities bordering on presentation, interactions, questions and answers at the newly built NUJ Press Centre, Asaba yesterday 7th February 2023 as journalists of NUJ Delta State Council engaged the PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on a programme tagged “The Platform”. The programme was designed to offer journalists the opportunity to interact with the gubernatorial aspirant as he outlines his M.O.R.E agenda for Delta and deltans.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate and present Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly thanked the NUJ for propagating the policies and programmes of the Okowa-led administration, as he termed the Press as partners in progress of the State. “Press Centre building is one of the dividends of the relationship between the State Government and the Press”; the 3-time Speaker affirmed, while assuring to equip the Press Centre with more air conditioners and other equipment.
Elucidating on his M.O.R.E. agenda, Oborevwori harped on meaningful development, opportunities for all, realistic reforms and enhanced peace and security which embodies his social contract with deltans in consolidation of the legacy of his boss, the Vice Presidential Candidate of PDP and Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
“I will continue to support NUJ and pledge to serve as governor for all deltans irrespective of the divide; I’ll be fair, just and accessible to all irrespective of tribe.” “I have the capacity and experience to make Delta great. By divine grace, I am the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly”; the 3-time Speaker confidently expressed. Outlining his mission and vision, Oborevwori said; “I am in a mission to enthrone sustainable development and lasting peace in Delta State”. “I am a pro-NUJ; Sheriff that is standing here is your friend and one of you; I remain your reliable friend; you have two powerful tools to use in electing me as Governor – your pen and your PVC; use your pens to publicize me across Delta State and your PVCs to vote for me and other PDP candidates from Presidential to State House of Assembly.

The Speaker lamented how Deltans and Nigerians at large have not had it most terrible like this in the APC administration challenged with fuel scarcity, currency paucity and suffering. Further assuring the journalist, Oborevwori promised that he will work in collaboration with his colleagues to do more, listen to journalists more, and achieve more when voted as the Governor of Delta State.
In the question and answer session, the Speaker fielded questions ranging from uncertainty of his endorsement by PDP political leader and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, his impact on Osubi which was perceived to be situate at his constituency, his grassroots penetration, expectations from Ndokwa people, issues of loans secured by the present administration of Delta State, amongst others. He assured NUJ that as a unifier with his street credibility and local content, he will penetrate the length and breadth of Delta with sustainable development.
The NUJ Chairman of Delta State Council, Cmr. Michael Ikeogwu, in a vote of thanks, appreciated the PDP gubernatorial candidate and Speaker, DTHA for engaging with the Press, with the credit of being the first government official to visit the Press Centre since 28th October, 2022 when it was commissioned, and prayed God to grant his quest to lead Delta. Ikeogwu expressed appreciation to the Governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the job well done in the Press Centre and pleaded with the Speaker and other government functionaries in his entourage to come to the aid of NUJ in providing some basic facilities in the Centre like more air conditioners, generator and construction of NUJ relaxation centre, among others. Reacting, the Speaker promised to provide 2 more air conditioners and five hundred thousand naira (#500,000) for generator the next day.

The event was roundly attended by some political bigwigs in Delta State amongst which were; the Deputy Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, Chief of Staff to the State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Prince Emmanuel Amgbaduba, Hon. Dr. Ebenezer Ogborodudu, Hon Hope Oborevwori and immediate past S.A. to the Governor on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, JP, among others. Gentlemen of the Press who are members of NUJ Delta State Council were visibly present at the event.

Leading Delta North Senatorial Candidate in the forthcoming general elections and renowned Philanthropist, Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko met with journalists yesterday 7th February 2023 at the newly built NUJ Press Centre, Asaba in what seemed to be a beehive of activities bordering on interactions, questions and answers in a programme organized by NUJ tagged “The Platform”. The Star Prince, as he is fondly called, stole the show as he unbundled protocols and moderated the programme. He assured the Press that he did not come for campaign, but to interact with journalists.

Prince Nwoko, while speaking to journalists yesterday, harped on objective reporting/reportage. He made a dig on how not to support a team with the analogy of football teams, and urged supporters to support both candidates and their team which is the party. He berated party supporters who support candidates across party borders, saying; “When we here persons saying they are voting individuals not party, they are creating problems for us. When you have me as PDP Senator, I can easily approach a PDP Governor and a PDP President for the needs of my people”. “Don’t mix-match; if you mix-match, it will be difficult for the team or party to win. The PDP Senatorial Candidate outlined the ills of being a minority or in opposition at the Red Chamber. “I don’t want to get to Abuja to be a minority or in opposition”; the PDP Delta North Senatorial Candidate enthused.

In the question and answer session, Prince Nwoko fielded some questions. On the trending “Obidient” movement making the waves across the nation and in diaspora, the Senate hopeful allayed the fears and worries on the emergence of Peter Obi, maintaining that Peter Obi cannot win any State; that he can win elections only if it is conducted among Nigerians in diaspora.
Reacting to a question raised on whether his closest rival Senator Peter Nwaoboshi of the APC poses a threat to his bid, and another on his perceived incontrovertible candidature over his rival who is presently embattled, the Star Prince said that it is his ernest prayer that Senator Nwaoboshi be a free man so that they can have a fair contest, and accord the electorate the luxury of choice.
In a vote of thanks, the NUJ Chairman of Delta State Council, Cmr. Michael Ikeogwu, appreciated the PDP Delta North Senatorial Candidate for making out time to be with the Press on the Platform. He however, solicited his kind support to look into some uncompleted projects in the Press Centre like the Bar and Restaurant after its commissioning on 28th October 2022.

The event was roundly attended by some political bigwigs in Delta State and gentlemen of the Press across Delta State.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

Senator Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), is expected to commission the Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje Auditorium in University of Ibadan (UI), on Tuesday, 7th February, 2023.

The governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Ph:D, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, has invited his Party presidential flag-bearer, to commission the auditorium he built for the Premier University, through the influence of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA).

The event is expected to be chaired by the Federal Minister of Special Duties and former Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Senator Dr. Gorge Akume, who is also an alumnus of the University.

Spade Ng News further gathered, that the fully furnished Ganduje Auditorium, built for the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, was completed in November last year, but Governor Ganduje appealed for a delay of the official commissioning till Tuesday, 7 February, when Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be available to perform the inauguration.

The Ganduje Auditorium, which was initiated by the immediate past Prof. Elsie Olufunke Adewoye led-exco of the UIAA, is expected to be handed-over to the University of Ibadan authority, through the Alumni Association after the commissioning.

While inviting the entire membership of UIAA WORLD-WIDE to be at the occasion, the Worldwide President of the Alumni, Prof. Gabriel Nyityo, disclosed that there would be a symposium after the commissioning.

“There will be a symposium immediately after the official commissioning of the Ganduje Auditorium”. Nyityo affirmed.

By Oghenekevwe Kelvin Jakpo

In recent times, the news media in the state have been inundated with criticisms against Chief (Barrister) Kenneth Gbagi; the Social Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election in Delta State. The surprising thing about these attacks against him is that, they are not because of any known fault or default on the part of this well-accepted illustrious son of our dear state. Rather, it is hinged on the flimsy reason that he is fraternizing too much with the Church of God; the Body of Christ.

Many right-thinking Deltans have raised their voices in condemnation of this despicable act of persecuting a man for his love, faith and trust in God. And I’m of the opinion that Gbagi should be seen as an example for other candidates who are openly uninterested in the things of God and open identification with the church of God instead of being persecuted by the powers that be.

I say this because, Jesus speaking in the Bible says that whosoever is ashamed of him before men (in this wicked and froward world), He also will be ashamed of such a fellow before God, His father and before God’s angels in heaven. Barrister Kenneth Gbagi, by his open identification with the body of Christ, has shown faith and dependence in God. He should be commended!

Again, without any iota of doubt, therefore, Chief Kenneth Gbagi should receive accolades and encomiums for not shying away from God like other candidates and politicians, instead of being antagonized.

In actual fact, he should be held out as a role model for politicians in all their activities especially in the pursuit of political power because Gbagi has shown faith in God unlike others who consult and patronize fetish and devilish means to get to power. Did the Bible not say that he that rules over men must do so with the fear of God?! The seeking of the help of God from the church of God, remember, is a sign of the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. Kings rule by wisdom. Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, therefore, has shown capacity for godly leadership by seeking the wisdom of God and should be emulated.

I’m here calling on all voters of Delta State to be alive to their responsibility; to see that God is actually using this development to reveal the real and true nature of those who are aspiring to lead us. Most of them are devils in human clothings. We must reject them this time around!

We must shine our eyes and choose wisely from the stock of candidates available. Barrister Kenneth Gbagi is of a different political stock. He, like Peter Obi, has shown love for God and faith in His power. Shouldn’t such a man receive our votes and support for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state? Shouldn’t all Deltans file behind such a character and reject all others who feel they are bigger than God or too proud to seek God’s help as Kenneth Gbagi is doing?

The choice is left for us to make. But wisdom demands that we choose a man that fears and loves God. Only then will be be sure of good governance in the next dispensation. Kenneth Gbagi is the man.

Let’s support him.

The families of Pa Joseph Oritseretsolokumi Ayonmike and his wife, Dr. Shirley Chinyere Ayonmike, have issued a cash reward amid the search for a man suspected of killing the couple about two years ago.

The families of the two deceased are offering N2m reward for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the driver to the murdered couple.

He is said to be the prime suspect of the heinous crime and the two families have solicited public inputs in solving the “deliberate, intentional and brutal” murder of the Ayonmikes, saying that the gruesome incidence was a nightmare that would not go away easily.

Pa Joseph Ayonmike, 83-year-old man of culture and immense intellect and his wife, Dr. Chinyere Shirley Ayonmike, opera soloist, duetist, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expert and senior lecturer at the Delta State University Abraka, were on Friday, June 25, 2021, gruesomely murdered in their residence, N0 28, Mabiaku Road (Nana College Road), GRA in Warri.

They were reported to have been shot, stabbed and cut with machetes.

Their driver, Chukwunonso Nwogu (Nonso) alias Drey, Kelly, Derek, was suspected to be the murderer and his whereabout since the incidence is still unknown.

He has been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police since 2021 in connection with the murder.

The prime suspect hails from Isi-Alangwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

The two families are appealing to anyone with credible information that could lead to his arrest to contact: 0807-154-8887 and 0803-830-0921 or the nearest Police station, and have now offered the sum N2m as a reward for his arrest.

Ex-agitators and former Youth Leaders of Isoko ethnic Nationality, under the auspices of Generals of Isoko Nation have passed a confidence vote on the Coalition of Eleven Isoko Youth Groups convened by, Mr. Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe and Mr. Karo Edor who have been at the fore of the national putsch for the recognition of Isoko Nation in the pipeline surveillance contract of the federal government.

The group, Generals of Isoko Nation, also called on the attention of the Presidency, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to the attempts of some individuals who aim to hijack the Isoko pipeline surveillance contract and undermine the efforts of the Isoko Youths Coalition.

This was contained in a communiqué issued and signed by General Julius Mallam-Obi, General Lucky Palama, General Othuke Omoro, General Awo Umukoro, General Sam Uyeri, in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, after an emergency meeting.

“In 1998 when we shut down five flow stations in protest to the marginalization of Isoko Nation, our aim was to push for the development of our land, that aim has not changed. Instead, we have resorted to intellectual engagement, not because we are afraid of violence. But today, those who have fomented troubles leading to the economic woes of Nigeria are rewarded and respected while those of us who have embraced peace are relegated to the background. This cannot continue.

“We are perturbed by what we term ‘deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to undermine the autonomy of Isoko Nation’ in the award of pipeline surveillance contract to stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.

“Hence, we hereby commend the efforts of the Coalition of Eleven Isoko Youth Groups convened by our illustrious sons, Mr. Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe and Mr. Karo Edor who have been at the fore of the national putsch for the recognition of Isoko Nation.”

“We also commend the Nigerian Senate for its due diligence in listening to the plight and positions of the coalition and by extension adjudicating over the matter altogether. Nevertheless, we are concerned by several interests who are proving to be clogs in the wheel of progress of the struggle for Isoko Liberation.”

We believe that a successful pipeline surveillance contract will bring numerous benefits to the Isoko people, including job opportunities and economic development as this can only be achieved if the contract is awarded to the right company and the process is free from exploitation and corruption.

It is imperative that you are observant of those who are trying to exploit the opportunities provided by the contract with intentions that are not in line with the welfare of the Isoko people. Isoko nation is hereby distancing itself from the self-acclaimed Mayor Of Urhobo that Isoko and Urhobo are two different ethnic groups, so the so-called Mayor should keep Isoko out of his personal schemes.

“It has come to our attention that this individual has been using the name of the Isoko people to further his political agenda and personal interests without our consent or approval. This is a gross misrepresentation of our nation and we firmly reject it. We would like to emphasize that Isoko and Urhobo are two separate and distinct ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultural and historical heritage.

“The Isoko people have always maintained a cordial relationship with our neighboring ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, and we have always sought to promote unity and peaceful coexistence amongst all ethnic groups in the region.

“We would like to make it clear that the Isoko people have no involvement in the political struggles of the self-proclaimed Mayor of Urhobo and we do not support any actions or statements that may cause division or unrest in our communities.

“We implore the self-proclaimed Mayor of Urhobo to refrain from using the name of the Isoko people for his personal gain, and to respect our right to self-determination.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to all ethnic groups in the region, as we believe that our common interests and goals are best served through mutual respect.” The communiqué read.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has admonished all support groups in the All Progressives Congress(APC), to liaise with the Dr Nasiru Ladan led management of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups(AASG), as it is the only body approved by the NWC to collate, supervise and monitor the activities of various support groups nation-wide.

In a memo from the APC National Secretariat, head of mobilization and support groups Alhaji Salisu Yahaya Alfa, affirmed that “This reprimand has become imperative after discovering that, some persons are impersonating the AASG, by operating a parallel Whatsaap group, requesting members to present their recognition letters and certificates for screening”.

He further averred that only the Dr Ladan team led enjoys the NWC’s authorization to collate, supervise and monitor AASG’S activities in the 36 states and the FCT, adding “The party has not mandated any other person or group to discharge the above assigned responsibility.”

While urging all support groups registered with the party, to liaise with the Dr Nasiru Ladan led administration, he declared that any publication not emanating from Dr Nasiru Ladan’s team should be classified as a scam, and should be reported to the Director, Support groups at the national Secretariat.

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity has described the 2023 national budget of the Federal Government as anti-people.

It has therefore called for a review of the budget to reflect current realties to place emphasis on revamping the economy and give Nigerians hope.

A statement by the NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje entitled : Troubling Trends in the 2023 Budget’ which expressed concerns over the N10.78 trillion budget deficit, warned that the huge budget deficit was capable of plunging Nigeria into acute borrowing that would further create economic distortions for the fragile economy.

Owoaje, while frowning at the huge budget allocations to fund the profligacy of government officials also reprimanded the National Assembly for indulging the Executive arm in financial recklessness.

According to him, rather than the National Assembly play“ its part as an institution that should be on the side of the people, playing oversight functions to checkmate the Executive, it has joined in the binge spending and reckless financial jamboree of the Executive branch,”
It has therefore urge the Federal Government to cut wastage, especially those allocated to fund the extravagance of political office holders and intensify war against oil theft to get more revenue to fund the budget.

The statement read in part, “In addition to this, the Senate should shake off its self-serving posture and work for Nigerians by ensuring all revenue generating Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA) remit what is due to government coffers. We urge President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan to walk the talk over the threat to turn the heat on revenue-generating agencies for adequate revenue to fund the implementation of the 2023 budget. As a sign of seriousness we expect the lawmakers to revisit its report released in May 2021 which indicted over 60 MDAs for failing to remit revenue meant for the government. The various officials behind this defiance should be fished out and sanctions meted out appropriately to curb impunity, while the monies should be recovered. Government should pursue diversification of the economy with renewed vigour. If need be, the President should issue Executive Orders to encourage establishment of
Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promote export policy and job-creation.
“Nigeria’s economic turmoil cannot end without the Federal Government resolving the power supply issue in Nigeria. The absence of regular and adequate electricity has crippled productive activities and discouraged investment. This ugly drift should be redressed. It is incumbent on the Federal Government to speed up its investment and needed reforms in the power sector to improve power supply which is critical to industrialization and opening up of the economy for more investments.

“More importantly, the Federal Government must move beyond its current impulse to fight insecurity. The devastating effect of insecurity on farming, commence and other economic activities are overwhelming. Nigeria’s economic downturn cannot be reversed if terrorists, bandits and kidnappers continue their orgy of unrestrained violence across the country.
The ball is in the court of President Buhari as a sense of responsibility to save the Nigerian economy from imploding thereby saving Nigeria from an impending disaster.”