Oborevwori tasks new Urhobo UPU Youth President on quality leadership, congratulates Blessed, others elected

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the newly elected Executives of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Youth Wing led by Comrade Ughere Blessed.

Oborevwori, whose congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, also congratulated Okoloko Paul, Deputy President; Egheneji Oghenegweke, General Secretary; Aboyi Lawson, Publicity Secretary; Agbubi Ejovwoke Emmanuel, Chief Whip; and 17 others who were elected unopposed.

He expressed optimism that the Ughere-led UPU, Youth Wing, would contribute its quota to the growth and advancement of the Urhobo nation, given the experience and pedigree of the elected executive members.

The governor, who assured Urhobo youths and all other youth groups across the state of his support at all times, urged the youths to key into his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda and lead the youths to accelerate the development of the state.

The Governor challenged the youths to put a stop to the harassment of investors, especially on building levies, saying the State Government had passed a law prohibiting such illegal collection of levies across the state.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Comrade Ughere Blessed and other members of the newly elected Youth Wing of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) on the just concluded polls.

“Your victory at the polls signifies your general acceptance and astute readiness to provide the youths of Urhobo nation worldwide quality leadership.

“Your emergence at this time is not just momentous, but signifies your early and effective preparation for the enviable position as the number one Urhobo youth worldwide.

“As you and your executive settle down to provide leadership for the Urhobo youths worldwide, I must charge you to rally round your other colleagues who lost in the election and work as a united and indivisible union.

“As a state government, we would continue to partner with youths across the state as we strive to provide excellence in governance by attracting new businesses to our state while also providing landmark infrastructure across Delta State.

“The UPU Youth Wing, under your astute leadership, must strive to embrace these new businesses and encourage the old ones to blossom and not to encourage acts capable of driving away investors on the guise of collecting development levies.

“We count on your crucial support in stamping out these illegal collections within our state as already abolished by the State House of Assembly,” Oborevwori said.

8Million Deductions: Delta Local Government Retirees iDemand Justice Over Alleged Arbitrary Deductions from Pensions, Gratuities

Delta State Local Government Retirees are expressing their dissatisfaction with the alleged arbitrary removal of #8 million from pensions and gratuities of local government retirees. They are now demanding the immediate removal of the Auditor General and his deputy from office for misleading the Secretary to the State Government and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).

The chairman, Pst Daniel Onosanimoni, and Secretary, Elder Godwin Ekelini, are outraged by the deductions and claim that the issue surrounding the #40 billion ALGON loan has caused even more distress for the retirees in Delta State.

During an emergency meeting held in Ughelli on Thursday, October 19th, 2023, the Contributory Local Government Retirees in Delta State condemned the arbitrary deductions of N8 million from their pensions and gratuities by the Delta State Government and ALGON.

The retirees recounted their struggles over the past four months, highlighting how ALGON, in collaboration with the Secretary to the State Government, engaged a forensic auditor to re-evaluate their accrued rights using unfavorable parameters. This resulted in the removal of N4 million from each retiree’s pension and gratuity.

Despite the existence of a well-prepared document by BA Adigun and Associates, approved by the Delta State Government and Pencom since 2011, the forensic expert introduced parameters that led to a reduction in total emoluments instead of an increase, despite the inflationary trends and economic hardship in the country.

The retirees specifically blame the Auditor General (Local Government) and his Deputy for tampering with their consolidated salary, resulting in a significant withdrawal of N8 million from each retiree. They argue that a consolidated salary, as approved by the Salary and Wages Commission, cannot be unbundled or tampered with.

Citing the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended, the retirees assert that no one has the power to alter or remove retirees’ pensions without a law permitting them to do so. They question the authority of the Auditor General and his deputy to remove such a substantial amount from their pensions and gratuities.

The retirees also highlight the significant personal income taxes they paid based on their consolidated salaries, which generated substantial revenue for the State Government. They question why the Auditor General did not raise any concerns during that time but has now decided to deprive them of their lawful rights and benefits.

Furthermore, the retirees emphasize that the disputed accrued rights are monies that accrued to them before 2011, when they were still in service and entitled to transport, housing, and rent allowances. They continued to enjoy these allowances until their retirement in 2019 and 2020. They argue that if the Auditor General is allowed to remove these allowances, they should be reimbursed for the years they enjoyed them.

In light of these grievances, the Local Government Retirees are demanding the reinstatement of the arbitrarily deducted amounts from their pensions and gratuities. They are also calling for the immediate removal of the Auditor General and his deputy for misleading the Secretary to the State Government and ALGON.

The retirees warn that if their demands are not met, they will resort to massive protests and legal action to seek justice.

TANTITA Rejoices With President Tinubu over Re-affirmation Of His Victory

The management and entire team of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL), on Thursday , October 26,th, 2023, felicitated with His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on his well established victory at the Supreme Court.

Tantita management said in a statement that; “There is no doubt that you convincingly won the presidential poll of 25th February 2023. The sustained sabre rattling has come to an end and we implore all Nigerians to support and join hands with you to move the nation forward”.

“We give God all the glory that it is now all over. Mr. President’s victory was well deserved, as it started with the ballot and it is now well consolidated with the Supreme Court judgement”.

According to the management; “All Nigerians are reassured that Mr. President is a clean man, his credentials are impeccable. The die was cast and all saw how it panned out with the last judgement.The Asiwaju Administration is built on a solid foundation and cannot be unhinged.

“Tantita Security Services Limited stands with you all the way.

The tribunal of first instance wrote an all encompassing judgement in its Wednesday 6th September 2023 verdict.
That judgement was given after a thorough review of the facts.

In tandem with that verdict, the Seven- man Justices of the Supreme Court, acquiesced and upheld the truth”, they stated.

They added that; “Now that all issues pertaining to the presidential election have been resolved and brought to a head, the coast is clear for Mr. President to swing into the business of governance without distractions. And knowing who the Asiwaju is, we know Nigeria shall witness good tidings”.

“Tantita Security Services Limited is confident that the Nation shall observe a new regime of turn arounds, be it in the economy, security or at the diplomatic paradigm”, they further said

Tantita Security Services Limited re-assured the President of its commitment to preserving and securing crude oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region and the restoration of our ecosystem, saying that; “No stone will be left unturned to guarantee increased crude production to assure revenue generation for the growth and diversification of the economy No stone will be left unturned to guarantee increased crude production to assure revenue generation for the growth and diversification of the economy’.

It warned that all Al local and foreign saboteurs still hiding to operate in the oil sector would be totally dislodged and made to face the law, adding that; “There shall be no sacred cow in our line of duty of sanitizing the creek of bootleggers and crooks around the oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy”.

Once again, we congratulate Mr. President and wish you all the best as you navigate the nation to her assured destiny of greatness, happiness for all citizens and admiration in the comity of nations.The good Lord shall guide and protect you in the onerous task ahead”, Tantita Security Services Limited said.

Below is the full statement:

The management and the entire team of Tantita Security Services Limited (TSSL) felicitate with His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, on his well established victory at the Supreme Court, on Thursday, October 26th, 2023.

Dear C-in-C, there is no doubt that you convincingly won the presidential poll of 25th February 2023.

The sustained sabre rattling has come to an end and we implore all Nigerians to support and join hands with you to move the nation forward.

We give God all the glory that it is now all over. Mr. President’s victory was well deserved, as it started with the ballot and it is now well consolidated with the Supreme Court judgement.

All Nigerians are reassured that Mr. President is a clean man, his credentials are impeccable.

The die was cast and all saw how it panned out with the last judgement.

The Asiwaju Administration is built on a solid foundation and cannot be unhinged.

Tantita Security Services Limited stands with you all the way.

The tribunal of first instance wrote an all encompassing judgement in its Wednesday 6th September 2023 verdict.
That judgement was given after a thorough review of the facts.

In tandem with that verdict, the Seven- man Justices of the Supreme Court, acquiesced and upheld the truth.

Now that all issues pertaining to the presidential election have been resolved and brought to a head, the coast is clear for Mr. President to swing into the business of governance without distractions.

And knowing who the Asiwaju is, we know Nigeria shall witness good tidings.

Tantita Security Services Limited is confident that the Nation shall observe a new regime of turn arounds, be it in the economy, security or at the diplomatic paradigm.

Tantita Security Services Limited wants to re-assure Mr. President of its commitment to preserving and securing crude oil pipelines in the Niger Delta region and the restoration of our ecosystem.
No stone will be left unturned to guarantee increased crude production to assure revenue generation for the growth and diversification of the economy.

All local and foreign saboteurs still hiding to operate in the oil sector shall be totally dislodged and made to face the law. There shall be no sacred cow in our line of duty of sanitizing the creek of bootleggers and crooks around the oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy.

Once again, we congratulate Mr. President and wish you all the best as you navigate the nation to her assured destiny of greatness, happiness for all citizens and admiration in the comity of nations.

The good Lord shall guide and protect you in the onerous task ahead.

Court restrains Lucky Gbeneyei from referring self as “Gbeneyei 1 of Ogulagha Kingdom”

A High Court in Effurun Division, Delta State, has restrained Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei from referring to himself as Gbeneyei 1 of Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Justice Roli Daibo Harriman delivered the judgement in a suit between Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei and Elder, Captain King Joseph Timiyan the Ebenanaowei of Ogulagha Kingdom, Torububor 1, Chief Williams Igere, Chief Prefugha Karawei and Chief Emaye Benidiwei.

The judge said Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei was not conferred the chieftaincy title of Gbeneyei 1 by the traditional ruler of Ogulagha Kingdom and as such should not have used the title in a newspaper publication.

Justice Harriman dismissed the claims of Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei with the sum of two hundred thousand naira and awarded five hundred thousand naira as damages to the defendants for libellous statements published by Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei.

The court also restrained Chief Lucky Akara Gbeneyei from referring to Chief William Igere and Chief Emaye Benidiwei as mindless, noting that the position occupied by the monarch and his chiefs is not only one of authority but also commands respect within and outside their kingdom.

Delta Govt to prosecute land trespassers, reads riot act to land grabbers

Cautions SPDC, others 

Delta State Government on Tuesday said it would not hesitate to prosecute trespassers, who encroach on government lands across the state.

The State Commissioner for Lands and Surveys, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, gave the warning at a meeting with officials of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at Government House Annex, Warri.

The Commissioner observed and frowned at the action of SPDC for issuing a stop-work order to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc despite the fact that Shell had released substantial part of their previous holding to the State Government and divested their interests in Osubi Airport to Shoreline Oil Services Limited, before the recent takeover by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

The Commissioner added that such action was against the good intentions of the State Government which is aimed at improving the lives of the ordinary Deltans.

Obiodeh noted that no responsible government would fold its arms and watch some recalcitrant developers and land grabbers take possession of the state’s lands.

He said that the Delta State Government have always regarded SPDC as partners in the development and growth of our dear State.

“As part of that partnership drive, SPDC commenced the development of the Osubi Airport and allowed the State government to acquire the unused area in addition to a large expanse spanning through Ohorhe, Adagbrasa, Ugolo and Uwagba for the upscaling of the Osubi Airport to an international airport.

“Out of the area acquired from Shell and the communities, the State Government is providing a portion to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for use temporarily as a fabrication yard.

“This is to enable the company settle down quickly to commence the preliminary works and construction of the flyovers recently awarded to the company by the Oborevwori administration which is poised at giving Warri and Effurun a new lease of life.

“The State Government is therefore asking for the support of Deltans to enable it succeed in its M.O.R.E Agenda which is in the interest of the citizens,”

The Lands Commissioner warned those who had already encroached into government lands to come to the Ministry for regularisation.

“The State Government is using this opportunity to issue a very stern warning to those who have been encroaching on Government lands and those who are parading fake and forged documents to desist and retrace their steps as Government is bent on recovering it’s lands and may prosecute these land grabbers for trespass of state lands and forgery of government documents.

“I wish to also remind those who have enjoyed the State Government’s benevolence through the allocation of lands and those with Certificates of Occupancy to pay their annual ground rents to date to avoid penalties recommended for delayed payment.

“All Circle offices of the Ministry of Lands and Surveys have been directed to report every encroachments to the Office of the Honourable Commissioner for immediate action,” he stated.

The Commissioner had on assumption of office, warned those who built in error on government land to hurry to the Ministry, for regularisation and proper documentation.

The Honourable Commissioner urged Julius Berger to hit the ground running in line with the Governor’s speed to develop Warri, Effurun and environs now that all logistics have been sorted out.

Indigenous Contractors Forum Commends DESOPADEC for prompt Response

By Odeya Ogbetuo

The Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum has commended the Board of DESOPADEC for positive response to their demand.

Speaking to newsmen after a general meeting of the Forum in Warri, Delta State, the Chairman of the Forum, Engr. Samson Ogie said that the DESOPADEC Board has promised to pay Indigenous Contractors on a monthly basis which is ongoing.

He further said that based on the meeting held between the Forum executive and the DESOPADEC Board members led by the Managing Director, Hon. Festus Ochornogho, EDFA, Chief Oghenekome Okpobor and Chairman of the Board, Chief John Nani all promised to ensure that DESOPADEC Contractors are paid monthly.

Engr. Ogie stressed on the need for Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori created a plan to empower the Indigenous Contractors both in the State and DESOPADEC through his “More Agenda” for the State.

The Secretary of the Forum, Prince Charles Ebigbagha stressed on the need for a cordial relationship between Indigenous Contractors Forum and DESOPADEC Board, and also appealed for continuous harmonious relationship which has started already with the current Board led by Hon. Ochornogho as Managing Director and Chief Oghenekome Okpobor as EDFA. He then appealed to contractors to understand the need for coordinated effort to take all complaints to the contractors executives for adequate assistance.

In his brief contribution, the PRO of the Forum, Mr. Karo Okotete said that protest should not be an option because of the harmonious relationship that the present Board is building with the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum.

Delta: Julius Berger’s Involvement in Warri’s Infrastructural Development Praised by Businessman, Ras Orbada

Ras Orbada Clark Okigbo, the Chief Executive Officer of Bem Vindo Hotel Osubi, has commended Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, for securing the involvement of German construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, in the infrastructural development of Warri.

On October 18th, 2023, the Delta State Government signed a N78 billion contract with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the construction of flyovers, cloverleaf, and road expansion projects in Effurun and Warri metropolis.

The contracts include the expansion of a section of DSC/NPA Expressway, the construction of a Cloverleaf Interchange at the existing Effurun flyover, and the addition of pedestrian bridges. Flyover bridges will also be built at Enerhen junction, Marine Gate, DSC roundabout, and PTI junction. The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Asaba, with representatives from both the State Government and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in attendance.

Speaking to the press on Monday, October 23rd, 2023, Ras Orbada expressed his satisfaction with the recent contract signing, highlighting the significance of Julius Berger’s involvement in the development of Warri.

“This is the first time Julius Berger Nigeria Plc will be involved in the development of Warri, and I must commend the Governor for taking the bold step to do things differently. Warri and Effurun will undergo a transformation with the construction of these flyover bridges and road expansion projects,” Ras Orbada said.

He also emphasized the positive impact the projects will have on employment in the area. “The involvement of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc in the infrastructural development of Warri and Effurun will attract employment opportunities for our people during the construction period, which is beneficial for all of us,” he added.

Ras Orbada further praised the Governor’s efforts in attracting Shell Development Company (SPDC) to relocate to Warri, stating that it will contribute to the economic and social growth of the region.

“The good old days are gradually coming back to Warri, and I believe other companies will follow suit. The multiplier effects of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and SPDC working in Warri cannot be overemphasized, and it is a promising development for the people of Warri and Delta State as a whole,” he concluded.

Yole Hails Emergence Of Oyowe As Delta NUJ Chairman

By Johnson Ebigide

The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Talent Development, Amb. Ugagaoghene Ogheneyole, has congratulated the elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, and other elected executives of the council.

In a brief chat with newsmen in Asaba, the SSA said he was thrilled with the outcome of the election, adding particularly that Mr. Oyowe had been a household name in the Journalism profession.

He disclosed that his office needed a continuous and robust relationship with the NUJ for a better articulation of the mandate of identifying and developing talents in the state.

Ogheneyole urged the new leadership of the union in the state to continue to support the aspirations of the state govermor for a better Delta State where talents would not go unnoticed.

He prayed God to grant the chairman and his executives the wisdom and enablement to successfully pilot the affairs of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in the state.

Oborevwori, Okowa not in ‘cold war’

Delta State Government, Friday, said there were no disagreements between the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, in a statement in Asaba, said the purported disagreement as published by Daily Times was a figment of the imagination of the writer as no cold war exists between the two leaders.

The Governor’s spokesman said that Oborevwori and Okowa “enjoy the warmest of relationships”, describing the publication as total falsehood and a futile, unnecessary effort at undue sensationalism. He maintained that the Governor would appoint both remaining Commissioners at the appropriate time.

“We have read with great dismay, the unsavoury and sensational report on an imaginary cold war between Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as published by Daily Times Newspapers.

“We condemn the hatchet job and its unappetising and distasteful content as it is a clear imagination concocted by the reporter.

“The report in itself woefully fell short of journalism ethics as no attempt was made by the reporter to seek clarification on the alleged cold war between both leaders.

“While Governor Oborevwori holds his predecessor, Senator Okowa and other leaders in high esteem, reports of imaginary disagreements over appointments of two Commissioners are untrue.

“As professional journalists, the ethics of the profession demand that the newspaper should have sought the opinion of the dramatis personnae before going to the press but that was not the case.

“We, therefore, call on the said newspaper to withdraw the said publication as it is a clear misrepresentation of facts,” Ahon stated.