SBC Congratulate PST Opate as he celebrates 10th Marriage anniversary, Birthday, shower

By: Celestine Ukah 

The entire members of Shalom Baptist Church, SBC of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Off pipeline Road, Ekpan, Delta State joyfully celebrate with the minister in charge of the Church, PST Bright Opate as he celebrated his birthday, 10th marriage anniversary and yearly shower Sunday of appreciation.

Secretary of Shalom Baptist Church, Pst. James Uvietesivwi, Sunday September 24 on behalf of the Church Executive Committee members and other groups of the Church comprising of the MMU, WMU, LYDIA, G.A, SUNBEAM and others expressed deep appreciation to the Man of God as he celebrated triple day of divine Grace of God upon him and his family.

He described PST Bright Opate as a well filled Man of God who has continually discharged God’s word as it is to the children of God, impacting positively to liberating and delivering those in bondage bringing them to the light of God and the Kingdom of God.

While wishing PST Bright Opate Happy birthday and a happy 10th anniversary as well as the successful yearly shower Sunday of appreciation and thanksgiving, Uvietesivwi commended the delectable wife of the Man of PST Mrs. Ebitimi Opate for her sustained support and encouragement to the husband for the past 10 years of their blessed union, urging her to continue praying for the Man of God as her prayers has being of immense backup , Pst. Uvietesivwi prayed to God give them more wisdom strength and compassion to move on in God Ministry.

Deplorable State of roads: Delta commences remedial works on Old Umutu-Eku road

Delta State Government, Monday, commenced remedial works on the old Umutu/ Eku Road in Ukwuani and Ethiope East Local Government Areas of the state to provide alternative to the deplorable federal road.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads), Mr Charles Aniagwu who disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abraka, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was intervening on the road because of the challenges being faced by the people in navigating the failed federal road.

Aniagwu said the State Government was desirous to provide the alternative route spanning 36.5km and appealed to the Federal Government to reconstruct the entire stretch of the Agbor-Eku-Amukpe road.

The Commissioner who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Director Rural roads , Engr Solomon Aghagba and top officials of the Ministry, said the contractor, Obakpor Engineering Limited, was expected to deliver the job within four months and appealed for the support and cooperation of the impacted communities.

Aniagwu said; “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori having seen the challenges our people are going through on account of the totally failed federal road that comes from Agbor up to Amukpe roundabout, has decided that we carry out some reasonable remedial work on the Umutu-Eku road.

“This work in particular starts from Umutu to Eku so that our people can now have another option to navigate through this corridor to their different communities such that commerce and their source of livelihood is not disturbed.

“In doing that we discovered that we also have to deflood this particular corridor and for us to do that it became very necessary for us to construct this fresh road which terminates at the Ethiope River.

“You have just walked through the over 500 meters road, which is a fresh road, where we are also going to take the drain to the Ethiope River.

“We are doing it with asphalt overlay of some places or a total reconstruction of some parts of the road and it means we are going to take away the water otherwise the road will not last and Governor Oborevwori is not interested in doing job that we will come back to do again tomorrow.

“As we are carrying out this construction work, we are also pleading with the Federal Government to take steps to repair and reconstruct the Agbor-Eku Road which is in a very terrible and deplorable state.

Speaking at the palace of the Ovie of Oruarivie-Abraka Kingdom, HRM Akpomeyoma Majoroh, Ojeta II, Aniagwu appreciated the king and elders of the kingdom for the cooperation extended to the government in the course of starting the remedial works.

“I was told you have spoken to your people to remove all obstructions on the way and we can’t thank you enough. Our people cannot continue to go through very excruciating experience going through the federal road.”

In his remarks, Ojeta II, lauded Governor Oborevwori and the Delta State Government for coming to the aid of the impacted communities and road users.

He pledged the cooperation of the community towards successful completion of the road project.

“I thank Governor Oborevwori for approving the reconstruction of the road. Apart from the reconstruction I was trying to put up a team to write to the Ministry of Environment because some persons have taken over parts of the road for roadside trading.

“They have built stores on top of drains and it has been an uphill battle between us and them as well as the land owners,” he said.

The monarch also expressed concern over movement of heavy duty vehicles on the road and called for the construction of barriers to prevent them from plying the road.

On his part, Director of Works Delta State University, Abraka, Engr Anthony Igbeka, commended Governor Oborevwori for the road project, adding that it would alleviate the suffering of students and staff of the university as well as residents and passers-by in the university community.

**Want workers paid and promoted as when due, scraps promotion areas

The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has reassured Civil Servants in the state that the 5.5 Billion promotion and arrears inherited will be cleared by November 2023.

His Excellency on Monday October 9, 2023 directed that workers be promoted as and when due, with payment of necessary financial obligations, to avoid piling up promotion arrears.

A Cross Section of Judges & Deputy Governor, Sir Onyeme & others 

Governor Oborevwori gave the directive when he received on courtesy call, Judges of the State Judiciary, led by the Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai at Government House, Asaba.

He noted that his administration approved over N600 million monthly at N10,000 each per worker to be paid as palliative for three months in the first instance to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on workers.

Governor Oborevwori said: “On the issue of promotion arrears, I don’t want to hear it again because if workers are promoted as and when due, the issue of promotion arrears will not arise.

“But when you delay and you take about two years and accumulate this money for us to pay, it is not easy for the Government.

“When we came in, we heard about the salary arrears which was not caused by the Government. When people are due for promotion and you don’t promote them at that time, thereby causing problem for the Government.

“When I asked for the salary arrears, I was told N5.5bn and I said I will pay it in four tranches and we have paid two tranches, we will conclude the payment in November. I have promised and I have made the money available”.

The Governor emphasized the importance of the Judiciary to the prompt dispensation of justice and reiterated his administration’s commitment to the realisation of a truly independent and financially autonomous Judiciary.

“When I was the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, we passed the bill for financial autonomy of the Judiciary and that of the request to increase the service years of the Judiciary from 65 to 70 years.

“As a custodian of the executive arm of Government, I am not unaware of the challenges that faces the judiciary but I must confess that they have been a strong ally in shaping the future of our dear State and in moving our nation forward.

“I am aware of the various capacity building fora that the leadership of the judiciary has embarked upon in recent times in the collective development of our judiciary.

“As a Government founded on morality, equity and justice, we will continue to be supportive of your role in the achievements of a better society for mankind.

“The world is changing very rapidly in this advent of technology and we need judicial officers who are not only technologically savy, but are also in tune with global best practices of their profession.

“I believe that by the time they work in the new ultra-modern high court complex, when completed and equipped; I am confident that it will boost the moral of staff and enhance their productivity.

“I have released all what is needed by the contractor handling the High Court complex to complete the project. I believe that you should also put your own pressure on the contractor to make him move faster and finish the work.

“I sincerely thank all of you for coming as I wish you a successful new legal year,” Oborevwori stated.

Earlier, Justice Diai said the judges visited to congratulate the Governor on his victory at the polls and at the Election Petition Tribunal and to intimate him on the commencement of the 2023/2024 legal year.

Diai said the State Judiciary comprised of 37 High Court judges, 15 Revenue Court judges, 103 magistrates and seven Customary Court of Appeal judges among others.

She further stated that eight judges were on assignment for election petitions and thanked the Governor for approving overseas training for 15 judges.

The Chief Judge said automation of revenue collection in all courts in the State was on and called for the establishment of two more juvenile centres in the State, adding that the only one in the State was established in Sapele in 1951.

She said to speed up trial for criminal charges, all High Courts have been directed to hear criminal cases instead of a select few and assured of the cooperation of the judiciary to make his administration a success.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, says his administration would continue to invest in the judiciary to enable it meet up with its obligations of dispensing justice speedily in Delta State.

Gov. Oborevwori made this known Sunday October 8, 2023 at a special thanksgiving Mass to mark the beginning of the 2023/2024 legal year held at Emmanuel the Saviour Catholic Church, Asaba, the Governor frowned at delays in Nigeria’s justice system, urging stakeholders to work assiduously to ensure speedy justice delivery in the Courts.

He commended the judiciary for starting its new Legal Year 2023/2024 with a thanksgiving service, adding that; “I say that because God Almighty proclaims that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne”.

The Governor said the Bar and the Bench were co-workers with God to ensure that truth and justice prevailed in the society, saying, “it is a weighty responsibility, and one that you all should take very seriously for a just, secure, and safe society.”

He explained: “There is still public apprehension over delays in our justice system. All those involved, the Bar, Bench, and Security Agencies must see to it that the wheel of justice does not continue to grind slowly as is presently the case in many of our courts. Let us bear in mind that justice delayed is justice denied.

“As a government, our role is to provide the enabling environment for the judiciary to function without let or hindrance.

“Towards this end, we have continued to make the necessary investments in the judiciary to enable it meet the needs of the legal profession, and ensure that the public continues to be served by competent courts of law.

“Some two months ago, we sponsored 15 High Court Judges overseas for a capacity building workshop as part of our efforts at strengthening human capital in the judiciary.”

While wishing the judiciary a productive, rewarding, and fulfilling Legal Year 2023/2024, Governor Oborevwori assured the judiciary of continued partnership for the advancement of the knowledge base of judicial officers.

“We shall continue to partner with the judiciary to update and upgrade the knowledge and skills of judicial officers and their support staff for a robust, professional, and merit-driven judiciary,”

He said work was at advanced stage at the State High Court Complex, assuring that it will be finished and furnished within the shortest possible time to provide a very conducive working environment for the judiciary.

In his homily, Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev’d Michael Elue said the judiciary contributes immensely to the rule of law in any state or country.

He said those exercising the powers of government must ensure they comply with the rule of law in all their conducts to show good example to the citizenry.

He said judges must continue to uphold justice to justify the confidence reposed in them and appealed to Nigerians to give the judiciary the atmosphere that favours their independence and incorruptibility.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor and other top government functionariesvaccompanied the Governor to the thanksgiving service.

*** How Diri Secures Jonathan’s Endorsement

*** Diri Cajoles Jonathan’s Kinsmen With Succession Opportunity

All seems not to be well with the All Progressives Congress Party (APC) in Bayelsa State as the party is divided ahead of the November 11th, 2023 governorship election in the state.

As at the last count, about 10 political parties are battling for the number one position in the state.

But political watchers are of the view that the fight for the soul of Bayelsa state is between Governor Douye Diri, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Minister of State for Petroleum and former Governor of the state, Chief Timpreye Sylva.

Governor Diri is said to be taking advantage of the in house fighting in APC to warm his ways to the hearts of the people one more time and working round the clock to bring members of the divided APC in the state to join forces with him in order to secure his second term in office.

The aggrieved members of the APC in the state may jump ship soon and endorse Governor Diri and dump Chief Sylva.

Our checks revealed that Governor Diri has contacted big wigs in the APC, especially those the former Minister of state for Petroleum and ex- governor of the oil rich state, Chief Sylva may have stepped on their toes, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon, into his camp.

A reliable source revealed that Lokpobiri and Lyon are secretly working for the reelection of Governor Diri.

The duo have axe to grind with Chief Sylvia and have stayed away from the campaigns and political activities of the former governor in the build up to the next month governor ship election in the State.

Investigation revealed that all efforts to resolve the lingering crisis in the divided Bayelsa APC by the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and other top leaders of the party proved abortive.

Our source disclosed that Governor Diri is taking advantage of the situation to further divide the opposition ranks by giving a lot of concessions ahead of the poll.

The source claimed that the governor has promised to hand over to Lokpobiri as governor, with Lyon as deputy governor, if both of them duo can fully dump Sylva and join forces with him to win the November 11th governorship election in the state.

According to our source; “Governor Diri has not only conceded 50 slots of Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) each to Lokpobiri and Lyon, he has also promised them some measures of influence on decision making”.

“This unholy alliance between the governor and APC top chieftains implies that the two may have to defect to the PDP after Lokpobiri has served his term as minister in the Tinubu administration ahead of the battle to succeed Diri in 2026”, our source added.

But our source alleged that Governor Diri is threatened by the cold attitude of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, who has stayed away from his administration and likely not to give him the needed support.

It is being speculated that the former governor and his camp nurse a feeling of alienation and marginalization and efforts by the PDP national leadership to broker truce has not seen the light of day.

Senator Dickson was said to be not comfortable that Governor Diri was going about his reelection especially with the opposition elements without carrying him along.

According to our source, apart from Lokpobiri, Lyon and other members of the APC family, Governor Diri has equally reached to other big wigs in his party, PDP.

The governor, our source disclosed, has also promised Senator Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) the succession opportunity.

Senator Agadaga is from Ogbia, the base of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“Diri is promising succession across party lines by making overtures to APC and PDP. He also promised the Director General of his campaign council, Hon. Mitema Obodor, who is a member of the House of Representatives ,representing Ogbia Constituency of succession. So, also is Robert Enogha, a former commissioner and two-time member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, who also hails from Ogbia”, the source said.

“The three of them, Governor Diri has made succession promises to – Obodor; Agadaga and Enogha, are all of Goodluck Jonathan’s stock in Ogbia. This succession promise for Ogbia guys was a deceitful plot to secure Dr. Jonathan blessing and support in the forthcoming November poll.

“Surprisingly, former President Goodluck Jonathan has also fallen for the bait. He is supporting the reelection of Governor Diri because of dummy the governor has sold to him that one of his kinsmen from Ogbia is going to succeed him after his second term in office.”

In the forthcoming November 11, 2023 Governorship Poll in Bayelsa State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has appealed to Bayelsans to vote massively for the PDP and Governor Doye Diri , saying he has done well in the state within his first term in office.

Governor Oborevwori made the appeal  Saturday October 7, 2023 during the inauguration of Etegwe Bridge and upgrade of Etegwe-Edepie – Tombia Roundabout and Agilobi Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He lauded Diri for his outstanding accomplishments in the state and urged Bayelsans to come enmasse and vote massively to elect him for a second term.

He also called on Deltans residing in Bayelsa to give massive support to Governor Diri to ensure his re-election come November 11.

Governor Oborevwori said: “I consider it an honour and a privilege to be here to witness the massive transformation going on in Bayelsa State under the watch of my brother Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

“In appearance, words, and deeds, Governor Diri is the perfect picture of a servant-leader. He is humble, straightforward, caring, loyal, dependable, and passionate about improving the lot of Bayelsans.

“Since assuming office, Governor Diri has prioritized the security of the state, infrastructural development, and the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Indeed, virtually every sector of the Bayelsa economy has felt the positive impact of Governor Diri’s pacesetting administration.

“It goes without saying that the Governor has demonstrated good faith and commitment to link communities in the three senatorial districts with good road network. Some of the strategic road projects include the completed Ekeremo-Sagbama Road, as well as the ongoing Nembe/Brass Road and the Yenogoa to Oporoma Road.

“Under his stewardship, Yenogoa, the state capital, is now wearing the look that is befitting of its status as a state capital. Just last month, Phase 2 of Glory Drive Carriageway was commissioned by the Sultan of Sokoto.

“This bridge that we are inaugurating today, which is part of Isaac Boro Road dualization, is a glowing testament to the Governor’s passion and determination to transform the Bayelsa State capital.

“Thanks to His Excellency, Yenogoa is one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria today. This bridge is built to last. Aside from aiding the free flow of vehicular and human traffic, it will also enhance the ease of doing business, which is a huge draw for investors.

“I am proud to associate with Governor Diri’s success story. And I trust that the good people of Bayelsa State will reward his excellent performance by coming out to vote massively for him on November 11.

“He has been an exceptional Governor and a true servant-leader. He needs your mandate to continue and finish the good work that he has started. As the saying goes, one good term deserves another, and Governor Diri is no exception.

“Bayelsans should not allow themselves to be deceived by political hustlers and desperate power mongers. I urge them to support Governor Diri, a man with proven track record of performance, selflessness, reliability, and unwavering commitment to the security, prosperity, and wellbeing of all Bayelsans”.

The Governor had earlier inaugurated the Prosperity Youth Coalition secretariat in the state capital where 217 youths from Labour Party and APC in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Areas of the state were welcomed to the PDP.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Douye Diri lauded his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson for his vision in commencing the dualisation project and commended the impacted communities for their support towards completion of the projects.

Governor Diri said the Tombia roundabout was a hideout for criminals and expressed joy that the people had supported his administration to undertake the project.

“This project has been on for a very long while because it was started by the immediate past administration of Senator Seriake Dickson.

“Yenagoa used to be a one road state capital but this road has changed the narrative. We are putting your money back to the development of our state so that our state capital does not look like a fishing pond.

“Our vision is to bring Yenagoa at par with other state capitals in Nigeria or even better where possible.”

At the Agilobi Road inauguration, Governor Diri took a swipe at his opponents who wasted state resources during their five years in office describing it as wasteful.

“This road has relieved the pains of our people and we are doing our best to plough back the people’s resources for the benefits of the people.

“The people contesting with us were here for five years and all their five years put together is not up to what we have done in one year and we have over 50 of these roads in the Yenagoa metropolis alone,” Diri said.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, has appointed Mr. Fred Ofume as Senior Legislative Aide.

His appointment letter dated September, 28, 2023 and sighted by this reporter, indicated that the appointment took effect from June 13, 2023.

The letter was signed by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Department, Birma Shuaibu Maina, for the Clerk to the National Assembly.

Ofume who was one time elected chairman of Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, hails from Alihame, Agbor.

A former banker, community leader, administrator and astute politician, Ofume attended Gbenoba Grammar School, Agbor, before advancing to University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he bagged a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, with second class honours (upper division) in 1996.

He began an illustrious banking career in 1997, a career progression replete with distinguishing awards of excellence and recognition. He went through numerous trainings in credit, marketing, risk management and product development while he was in the Banking Industry.

His sterling career in the banking sector easily pales in the face of his identity as an Alihame-Agbor man. His simplicity, candour and passion for service endears him to all. He has built a reputation as a bridge builder within and outside his Agbor Community .

Ofume launched himself into politics and was elected as Chairman of Ika South Local Government Area in October 2014, a position he held till October 2017. In the following year, he was appointed Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State, a position he also held until May 28th, 2019.

As a trustworthy manager of human and material resources, he was appointed as the Director General of Ika South Local Government PDP Campaign Team for the 2019 general elections.

As usual he excelled and led the PDP to win all the elections with excellent management of resources as attested to by many. At the beginning of the second tenure of former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ofume was again appointed SSA to the Governor which was immediately reviewed upward to Executive Assistant on Community Development. He held the position until 10th of December, 2021.

Haven coordinated the David Edevbie campaign organization as the Ika Federal Constituency Coordinator and later on the Director of Operations, he joined in the early formation Delta Unity Group (DUG), a progressive group that worked with the progressive during the 2023 general elections. He is the National Treasurer of DUG.

As a public servant and community leader, Ofume has attracted a lot of developmental projects to Alihame community from both federal and state government.

Till date, Fred Ofume is a part-time resource personnel at the Vocational and Enterprise Development Center, Agbor, Delta State.

He is married with children.

Gov. Oborevwori Appoints 44 members Delta State Advisory And Peace Building Council 

The Governor of Delta State, Rt.Hon.Sheriff F.O Oborevwori has approved the appointment of the following persons as members of the Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council.

Prof. Sam Oyovbaire -Chairman

Chief Dr. Chris Agbobu

H.E Chief BSC Elue

Chief Nkem Okwuofu

Barr. Mrs.Josephine Ada Kachikwu

Alaowei Broderick Bozimo

High Chief Gen. Broderick Demeyeibo Rtd.

Chief Mike Adiotomre JP

Hon. Anthony Akpomiemie

Chief Ignatius Agidi

Chief John Nwagimeje

Mr. Sam Nwa Igumbor

Chief Benson Iyama

Sir. Simeon Efenudu

Sen. Mrs. Stella Unuezi Omu OON Mni

Dr. Eddy Ugboma

Chief Emmanuel
Onyenkwu

Rear Admr. Mike Onah Rtd.OON JP

Chief Robert Onome

Avm. Frank Ajobena CON Rtd

Mr. Tony Monye

Ibonye Philip

Engr. Dr Pius Sinebe MFR

Chief Mrs. Margaret
Unukegwo

Chief Godwin Edeki

Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue

Chief Major Patrick A. Egone Rtd.

Chief Emmanual Ogobene

Chief Sylvester Oduara O. Kohwo

Dr. Adogbeji Ideh

Dame Esther Uduehi PHD KSG

Chief Hope Erute

Hon Mrs. Irene Imilar

Chief Dr.Roland Oritsejafor

Chief Dr. Isreal Abido JP

Mr. John Edah

Chief Monday Arawore

Prince Igwe Nzekwe

Chief Iduh Amadhe

Chief Michael Eze

Rev.Gideon Oyibo

Bishop Emorariemu Benson

Bishop Jude Akhere

Bishop Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),Dr. Kingsley Emu, the date for their inauguration will be announced in due course.