Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa for the 2023 general election were focused on recovering Nigeria from the deep mess created by the seven years of rudderless leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said that the Atiku-Okowa ticket is a ticket for recovery aimed at bringing Nigeria back to winning ways, uniting the country and giving jobs back to the youths.

Aniagwu who stated this at a news conference in Asaba on Monday, lauded the media for their contributions to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s emergence as Vice-Presidential flag-bearer of the party.

He stressed that the party was devoted to building infrastructure which had suffered abysmally on account of the APC government not understanding what development was all about.

Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Olisa Ifeajika, the Information Commissioner remarked that “the honour done to the governor is not for the governor alone but the entire Southern Nigeria and the rest of the country.

“The Atiku-Okowa ticket is a ticket that is going to restore our country to become a much more secured country and to restore the economy of the nation.

“They both understand economic issues and the need to bring in many persons on board irrespective of their political persuasions.

“The Atiku-Okowa ticket is already moving because while they are busy looking for a place holder, the PDP already have its candidate.

“INEC gave the timetable at the same time, while others are still searching for running mates, the PDP has shown that they are ready because they understand the issues,” he said.

Responding to the allegation by the Ovie Omo-Agege campaign organisation in Delta, Aniagwu urged the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege to concentrate on what he intends to do if elected and stop chasing shadows.

“We read in some quarters of the media that he is alleging that Okowa betrayed Southern Nigeria by accepting to be running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

“The quest of the Deputy President of the Senate to govern our state is within his constitutional rights to aspire and we do not begrudge him just as it is the right of every other Deltan to want to contribute to the development of the state.

“But you will recall that we told him to tell Deltans what he is going to bring on board. So for Ima Niboro to constantly progress in error is to say the least unbecoming of some persons who think he wants to govern a sate as cosmopolitan and as advanced as Delta State.

“The last time I checked Senator Ovie Omo-Agege belongs to a political party called the APC, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa belongs to the PDP.

“By our constitution for you to aspire to hold any political office, particularly at the elective level you must belong to a political party because our constitution at the moment does not recognise independent candidacy.

“The political parties are governed by both the Constitution, the Electoral Act and the rules of engagement that are very well stated in these political parties.

“Those rules define how an aspirant can emerge a standard bearer. You cannot be in Leventis and determine how they are paying salaries in UAC. It does not follow the same rule,”

Aniagwu said the Director of Communications of the Ovie Omo-Agege campaign organisation was a failed presidential spokesman hence he was replaced in 2011.

“Our brother, Ima Niboro who couldn’t help his former principal, the former president of Nigeria to canvass what the man was doing between 2010 and 2011 which is why he was replaced when the man won election.

“If he was doing so well am not too sure if he would have been replaced then as presidential spokesman so I wonder why Senator Omo-Agege would want to elevate a man who failed woefully in projecting his boss.

“He is already failing again because I have not read anywhere he has put forward what Senator Omo-Agege intends to do if elected as governor and I think that should have been his responsibility.

“Betrayal of who? The PDP as a political party met at the NEC level and resolved that given the circumstances of the party in opposition that they were going to leave the ticket of the presidency open to everybody to contest.

“Nobody kicked against that as both Northerners and Southerners contested but somebody won in this case Former Vice-President, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar won fair and square creditably.

“Delegates of the party chose him from across the country and by the provisions of our laws once you win and you become a presidential candidate, your candidacy cannot be validated until you nominate a running mate for that ticket to be complete,”

Aniagwu further averred that leaders of the party and the flag-bearer examined a whole number of persons in the southern part of the country and found our governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa very well qualified to be able to bring a whole lot of value to that ticket.

“He is bringing on board values in terms of the developmental initiatives, values in terms of his presidential disposition and his appreciation of the many challenges that confronts us as a country.

“The Vice-Presidential ticket is not a position of contest, Okowa didn’t buy form to contest for Vice President.

“If Omo-Agege and his campaign organisation do not have what to tell Deltans as to what they are bringing to the table, they should leave Senator Okowa alone.

“We know they are already intimidated by the rising profile of Senator Okowa. Okowa’s selection as Vice-Presidential candidate is a product of the appreciable progress and the many milestones we have achieved in the last seven years,” he added.

On the alleged N25 billion naira loan, Aniagwu mocked the APC for lacking knowledge of governance, adding that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has assisted a number of persons across sectors.

“The role of the state government is to guarantee the farmers and to assure the CBN that the farmers are credible enough to pay back at the appropriate time.

“To ensure that the individuals the funds would be given to will be able to use it judiciously for the CBN to get back its funds.

“Delta State Government being a responsible government decided to guarantee our farmers so that the CBN can make the funds available for the farmers to increase their yield.

“How does that become a wrong decision of government? The fund is coming from CBN, they only need the state to have a buy-in to agree that once the money gets to the farmers it would be used for the purpose it was meant for.

“Is the APC in Delta expecting that we will keep quiet because they don’t understand governance and allow the funds to go to other states and farmers in those states would be making progress and ours will have to fold their hands?

On the N150bn bridging finance, the Information Commissioner said the state government was yet to access the facility because Federal government was yet to commence the process of repatriation of the funds.

He urged the opposition to stop talking about the N150 billion in isolation and also be concerned about the projects the funds were earmarked for, adding that “until the refunds starts coming in, we will not proceed to approach the bank.”

By Celestine Afokobah

The Publicity secretary of Ohaneze Ndigbo and Senior special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Hon. Emmanuel Sorokwu, has congratulated the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his birth anniversary.

The former Chairman of Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State noted that this year’s birthday was remarkable in the life of the Speaker that his emergence as Governorship flag bearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of Delta State was first of it’s kind in the State political history.

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Sorokwu thanked God for adding a new cap to Oborevwori’s feather and pray also that God help him in actualizing his vision of becoming the Governor of Delta State.

While commending Oborevwori for being the longest serving Speaker of the DTHA, Hon. Sorokwu enumerated some of the remarkable achievement of the Speaker to include the mutual relationship between the house and the Executive and also the passage of people oriented bills which has gone a long way in helping the Governor in achieving the stronger Delta mantra of his administration.

By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA

The University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter, has felicitated with Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State, on his emergence as the running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) flag bearer, in the 2023 presidential election.

In a congratulatory message yesterday, Thursday, June 16, 2022, the Chairman of Asaba Chapter, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Adun, FNES JP, said: “On behalf of the entire members of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), Asaba Chapter, I heartily congratulate Your Excellency, a distinguished alumnus of the great University of Ibadan, on your emergence as the Vice Presidential Candidate of your Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming general elections.”

Dr. Adun, who noted that Governor Okowa possesses the needed intellectual capability that would bring value to governance at the federal level, if the PDP was eventually elected by Nigerians, stressed that it was as a result of the confidence the former Vice President of Nigeria and indeed the entire PDP members reposed in him that gave the Delta Governor the VP slot.

According to the chairman; “Okowa’s selection glaringly shows the confidence his Party has in his ability and capacity to perform, as noted by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in his unveiling speech .

Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa

“Governor Okowa personifies not only the seriousness the current moment represents for our country, but also the future that our young people yearn for and deserve.

“He will also help to bring focus, discipline and stability to governance, if the PDP wins in 2023. He has both Legislative and Executive experiences to lead.

“As an alumnus of the University of Ibadan (UI) and a member of the Alumni Association, the Asaba Chapter is especially proud of his meritorious elevation, which has distinguished him as a worthy ambassador of our Alma Mater and a national asset to the country in general,” Dr. Adun noted.

News View reliably gathered that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was awarded the distinguished Alumnus of the University of Ibadan for his contributions to the National Health Insurance Scheme, infrastructural development, job and wealth creation in Delta State by the Alumni in 2017.

The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba, Delta State, Dr (Mrs) Josephine Anene-Okeakwa, has said that his appointment as the Provost of the college was divine as she never lobbied for it.

Dr Anene-Okeakwa made the disclosure while speaking on the occasion of the 3rd year anniversary as Provost, organised by the Directorate of Consultancy Services, Federal College Of Education (Technical), Asaba, held at the Main Auditorium of the institution.

The several award winning Provost who narrated the story of her humble beginning as a pretty trader while growing up at the popular Ogbe-Ogonogo Market in the capital city of Asaba, gave glory to God Almighty who according to her took her from the dungeon to a place of honour.

“I am what I am today because of God. I cannot share His glory with any man. If you don’t know God, better know him now He is the one that made my appointment possible for I never thought I will be Provost any day and I never lobbied for it. I was only working hard and putting in my best because I love working hard not to impress anybody because that is the stuff I am made of.”

“What God cannot give me no one can give. You can only help when God has approve of it. Who am I to stand before the mammoth crowd. I was a garri seller, orange seller. I sold pap (akamu) and today I am a Provost. There prize for hard work. There is prize for patience and there is great reward for dedication to duty.”

“I know I may have stepped on toes in the course of carrying out my administrative responsibility as Provost of this college, it was not intended to hurt or punish anybody. Please when I correct you, don’t be angry because it is he who loves you that can correct you. As a daughter of the soil, I will do everything within my powers to positively impact on the college and will not also tolerate any step intended to ridicule the institution. ”

Dr Anene-Okeakwa who came to the college as a youth corper in the early 90s and pioneered the Home Economics Department, charged management and staff to redouble their efforts to the service of the college, stressing that every iota of positive effort put in by staff will be highly appreciated.

She expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Governing Council of the College, Prof Kabiru Ishyaku, for his fatherly role and immense support which according to her translated into the monumental achievements recorded in her three years in office.

In the same vein, she thanked management, staff and students of the college for their show of love, understanding and cooperation, just as she shared them not to relent in the team work that has kept the college going.

Also speaking at the auspicious gathering, the Chief Host and Chairman, Governing Council FCE(T), Asaba, Prof. Kabiru Ishyaku, commended the Provost for her doggedness and steadfastness which according to him was the result of the day’s celebration. He charged the Provost not to rest on her oars but continue to thrive towards the upliftment of the college and society at large.

The immediate past Provost of the College, Dr. Nwanze Ignatius Ezoem, congratulated Dr. Anene-Okeakwa on her successful three years of efficient, proactive and effective leadership of the the great citadel of learning, adding that despite the economic challenges in the nation, she have taken Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba to another level.

“Indeed, without mincing words , your three years tenure as Chief Executive and Provost of FCE(T), Asaba, promoted and sustained a good working relationship among staff, absolute peace within the students and cordial relationship between the college and the community/public. Also within these three years, you have raised structures such as new ICT Complex, Hostels to mention but a few.”

Controversial Catholic Priest, Ejike Mbaka has described the presidential aspiration of Mr. Peter Obi as a dream that will never come to pass.

Father Mbaka made the declaration during his weekly prayer meeting on Wednesday. The popular Catholic Priest further described Obi as a stingy man and said its better for an old generous man to win the election than an stingy politician.

Mbaka further said that for leaving Peter Obi out of his team, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar is now serious to contest for the nation’s number one seat.

Recall Fr. Mbaka campaigned in the emergence of President Buhari as president, said Buhari is the hope of a common Nigeria.

Telecommunication Giant, MTN, has come under strong criticism from the Private Telecom Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PTECSSAN, over the failure of the Company to respect the Labour Laws.

The Group alleged that MTN has failed to implement its employees Exit Package as an item in their collective bargaining agreements, urging the Federal Ministry of Labour to take necessary measures to defend her labour laws.

In a press statement signed by Francis Ude, an Executive in the Union noted that, an organization like MTN cannot claim to be Investors In People, IIP, certified and refuses to care what happens to an employee who spent all his/her youthfulness within the organization.

In the statement, the Union recalled that, on March 1, 2022, both MTN and PTECSSAN were at Abuja on the auspices of the Ministry of Labour who invited both parties on the prompt of MTN that Union wanted to disrupt its activities in Nigeria and alleged that the Union refused to obey the agreement entered into by both parties in a Procedural Agreement (PA) entered and signed by both parties.

“It is needful here to state that the said PA entered and signed by MTN and the Union (PTECSSAN) on the 9th of October 2020, states in paragraph (d) of the preamble that;

“This agreement shall constitute the sole record of the understanding and agreement between the parties relating to its subject matter and CANCELS and OVERRIDES any prior verbal or written communications relating to such subject matter, whether express or implied including letters or memorandum of understanding.”

The union noted that, MTN in total disregard to this clause, refused to further the negotiation of the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) presented by the Union, holding that MTN had concluded everything about “Exit Package” in a document entered into before the SIGNING of the Procedural Agreement and the clause mentioned above.

However, in deciding the dispute the ministry having the full grasp and understanding of paragraph (d) as above, held that MTN cannot reprobate and approbate at the same time, stating that having signed the Procedural Agreement and the clauses contained therefrom, MTN in all intents and purposes, is bound by such agreement and therefore out of place to claim that the union does not respect the agreement.

The union also noted that MTN has continually refused to commence meeting to conclude the CBA as directed by the ministry, even when the Nigeria Labour Congress on the 14th of April wrote to MTN on this seeming recalcitrant nature of MTN to obey the extant laws of the land and obey labour laws, and stop having the management’s employee council as a parallel union in the organization.

It however expressed worries that the ministry of labour till now has refused to transmit MTN appeal to the arbitration panel as it bound to do under the circumstance.

While the union has continue to follow due process to resolving any industrial dispute with MTN, MTN has continually used all controls within its powers to scuttle every effort of PTECSSAN and cause disunity within its fold.

The union said, MTN cannot claim to be IIP certified and cannot have something as basic as EXIT PACKAGE for its employees. The body noted that, whatever MTN claim to have for its work force, is enjoyed by her senior staff and only a very little fraction goes to the lower levels:

According to the union, MTN pay EXIT PACKAGES to its Senior Staff but refused to do same to the lower cadre.

It was revealed that All Exited/Sacked Executives have all been paid huge sums Exit Packages, but frowns at the lower cadre, despite claims by MTN that it is an IPP.

It was also alleged by the Union that Senior Staff enjoy $15,000 as Life Style Benefit, at the expense of the lower cadre who are been denied.

The Union also alleged that MTN Pays School Fees for the Kids of the Executives, Fuels generators of its Executives but frowns at the Union talking about inflation and fuel price increase for the lower staff.

“MTN PAYS 80% OF THE EXECS TAKE HOME AS BONUS, WHILE THE LOWER CADRE TAKE ONLY 20%. INSPITE OF ALL MTN HAS DONE FOR IT WORKFORCE INCLUDING THE EXECS, THE TOTAL STAFF COST TO REVENUE IS BARELY 3.5% WHICH IS SO LOW COMPARED TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND BANKS IN NIGERIA WHO ARE DOING WELL ABOVE 6-9%”.

The union expressed dismay that a labour ministry of a country would refuse to take necessary measures to defend her labour laws and bring recalcitrant employers to obey international best practices, adding that all union members are asking for now, is the an EXIT PACKAGE as item in their collective bargaining agreement.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has commended Mr Ejiro Otarigho, driver of the petroleum truck that exploded at Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area, on Saturday, for his uncommon heroism that averted a major disaster.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Okowa said that the bravery and patriotism-propelled risk taken by Agbarho-born driver saved what may have resulted in collosal loss of lives and property.

He expressed deep appreciation to Otarigho for the discretion he applied in steering the already burning truck, laden with petroleum product, away from a densely populated area, at the risk of his life, describing his valour as “amazing”.

According to Okowa, this act of bravery and compassion in today’s Nigeria is without equivocation, worthy of commendation and emulation.

“Yesterday, a tanker laden with diesel caught fire at Agbarho community, but for the uncommon bravery and heroism exhibited by the driver, Mr Ejiro Otarigho, a lot of houses and probably lives,vwould have been lost to the inferno.

“We were delighted to hear of the gallantry of the driver who took the initiative and risk to drive the tanker away from densely populated area to a secluded area before the tanker finally exploded.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I commend Mr Otarigho what our God Almighty used him to do on that day – saving lives and property by his heroic action.

“In a country plagued by challenges of varying dimensions, such acts of bravery are commendable and worthy of emulation.

“As a government, we thank Mr Otarigho for this great act of putting the lives of others first before his and we thank God for saving him from the inferno.

“We are proud of you and we urge other Deltans and Nigerians to emulate your heroics acts in all their activities,” Okowa stated.

By EUNICE EMEYAZIA

The need for colleges of Education to remain focused in upholding the standards of education and raising generations of leaders capable of reviving the fortunes of the country has been brought to the fore.

The Provost of the Federal College of Education, Dr. Josephine Anene- Okeakwa stated this during a Press Conference, organised by the Consultancy Services Unit of the College, at the College’s Council Chamber, as part of lined up activities marking the 3rd Anniversary of the Provost’s Assumption of office.

Dr. Anene-Okeakwa said the War Against Indiscipline launched in the college on assumption of Office in May 2019, had entrenched discipline, diligence, comportment and sanity in the institution, adding that the college had never had cause to worry about the issue of cultism, as students had remained compliant with the rules of the college.

She said in her poise to tackle the infrastructural and economic challenges in the college, she and her team attracted ultra modern TETFUND projects, completed and ongoing, including the construction of the Home Economics Complex, Home Economics Annex building with external works, Academic Staff Office Complex with external work, ICT Centre with external work, Home Economics Practicum Centre with external work, Construction and Renovation of ETF College, Entrance Gate with external work, Construction and Furnishing of male and female hostel, Renovation of ETF 111 hostel, Completion of the College Library and that of the School of Vocation.
The Provost listed other awarded projects to include, renovation of business auditorium and block of classrooms in the School of Science, Construction of generator House and offices Fencing, and beautification of Home Economics Complex, as well as other capital projects.

Dr. Anene-Okeakwa said the college has been more like an egalitarian society, where everyone has fair and equal opportunities, as the administration has been all- inclusive, maintaining an open door policy, propelled by team spirit.
She said there has been industrial peace, harmony and mutual understanding between staff and Unions in the institution owing to the transparency and sincerity of the school management, stressing that Staff of the college has benefitted from TETFUND sponsored Staff Training and development within and outside the country, as well as TETFUND interventions in manuscripts publications and Research works.

The Provost listed the challenges facing the college to include dwindling students enrollment as a result of several tertiary institutions existing in the state, which has contributed to the poor internally Generated Revenue, as well as the issue of security and vandalism of school properties.

While thanking the leadership and students of the college for their support which has enabled them achieve the successes recorded so far, she showered encomiums on the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu, for maintaining high sense of decorum in all his activities and redefining the journalism profession, urging all journalists to take a cue from him.

For his part, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Comrade Mike Ikeogwu called on Deltans in all spheres to focus on making impact in whatever assignment given to them, endeavour to do the right thing at all times, irrespective of the situation, pay their workers what was due them, as that would help boost productivity.

Comrade Ikeogwu stressed the need for everyone in the socialization process of a child, including parents and the teachers, to play their role in raising citizens who would protect the future of the country.
He commended the Provost for the transformation in the college and congratulated the school on their anniversary.

The Conference featured questions and answers session where grey areas were clarified.