By: Odeya Ogbetuo

A prominent Ijaw leader in Delta State, High Chief James Tangbowei JP has called on Nigerians to give President Ahmed Bola Tinubu the necessary support for his administration to achieve its set targets of promoting economic prosperity and peace.

Chief Tangbowei who made this call in Warri, Delta State, noted that now that President Tinubu has been victorious at the Election Petition Tribunal he should be supported to implement his programmes and policy of economic transformation.

Chief Tangbowei further said that Tinubu deserved the victory, adding that Tinubu is a strategist and well-focused leader.

According to him, “your victory is well deserved, your pedigree as a technocrat and strategist will raise our country’s level of development. Your remarkable service as Lagos state governor and a successful businessman will surely lead to a stable and progressive economy. Your victory has reminded us of your numerous achievements and initiatives that gave us assurances that we have a leader that will bridge the gap and bring development to all parts of Nigeria.”

Chief Tangbowei who is the Toimelemowei of Gbaramatu kingdom stated that under the benevolent favour of God, Nigeria will witness tremendous leadership and development in various spheres of life during the government of President Tinubu, adding that Tinubu is a visionary leader with wisdom and unwavering commitment to deliver the dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

Founder and General Overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche has urged the Chairman and Board members of Revelation Micro Finance Bank Limited Ughelli, Delta State, to conduct their banking affairs with the highest level of sincerity, integrity, probity, financial accountability and function according to the rules of banking.

The popular Pastor who visited Delta for the official opening of the Revelation Microfinance bank and accompanied by his wife, Dr. Becky Enenche, stated this on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Ughelli, headquarters of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.

Pastor Enenche while commending the Chairman of the bank, Engr. Frank Esemudje for his vision, noted that what he saw is a sign of great efforts, great progress and great development for the land of Ughelli kingdom.

“This is just the beginning of many good things to come, and i believe that sons and daughters of the land will rise to bring such level of development home to empower people with skills, trade and expertise but do not have the resources to carry out their vision”.

He said Revelation Microfinance bank will be a platform to empower so many lives and congratulated the management and the entire kingdom for the blessings God has given to them.

He however advised the management to be financially prudent and understand that people are entrusting their lives, savings, resources, sweat and energy into their hands through banking operation, urging them to abide and function strictly according to best global standard and practices of banking and not to bend the rules in order to avoid issues of going distressed.

On his part, the chairman of the bank, Engr. Frank Esemudje disclosed that his visions were divine as he has done several businesses in Ughelli land and have never experience failure.

“I have businesses in Ughelli town with over 2000 persons under our employment. I didn’t just jumped into the banking sector, I was formally there in that sector and I seemed the faced of and God approves of the vision of establishing Revelation Microfinance bank before we ran with it”.

He said, with the establishment of Revelation Microfinance bank, more people will be gainfully employed and businesses will also be supported financially to grow and attract more development to the land of Ughelli.

He thanked the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche and his wife Dr. Becky for finding time to come and unveil the bank, noting that he didn’t worth it but grace of God only made it possible.

Recounting how Revelation Microfinance bank was birthed, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Engr. Okhimamhe Patrick said, the vision to establish the bank dated back to the last quarter of 2021 when the process of registering the bank commenced, though, rigorous he revealed and coupled with the closure of about 134 microfinance banks by the Central bank at the time, but the process began and was only approved and licensed by the Central Bank in August 2023.

Okhimammhe further disclosed that due to its preparedness and capacity, the bank decided to open its doors of operation to the public within two months of receiving the final approval, saying that Revelation Microfinance Bank prides itself on having robust management team consisting of seasoned microfinance bankers who are all certified by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), and that the Board of Directors is composed of individuals with proven business strategies and exceptional corporate and leadership skills that will provide good corporate governance and leadership in the bank.

The MD/CEO noted that the core values of the Revelation Microfinance Bank revolves around Transparency, Reliability, Accountability, Integrity, and Notability (TRAIN) with the vision to create an open doors where everyone, regardless of their social and economic status, has access to financial services and opportunities, maintaining that Revelation Microfinance Bank prides itself on being fully digital and equipped with modern technology’s to make banking easy and accessible to its customers.

He said he is very optimistic that the bank will excel because it was borne out of God’ s revelation hence the motto of tge bank is Empowering dreams and enriching lives.

Notable businessmen, captain of industries and top personalities from the banking sector as well as top government functionaries amongst whom were Sen. Emmanuel E. Aguariavwodo P
Senior Political Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Chief Anthony Oboroh, Hon. Godwin Adode and others attended the ceremony.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has urged the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to collaborate with State Governments to ensure that the region benefits from quality projects in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Oborevwori stated this on Saturday when he received on courtesy visit the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Hon. Abubakar Momoh and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.

The Governor who congratulated the Minister on his appointment, said such collaboration was necessary in order to improve the living conditions of the people of the region.

He said: “A few days ago I received the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi who was here to look at the state of the Federal roads in the State. He saw for himself the state of the Warri-Benin Road and also the East-West Road.

“I am happy for your appointment because you are somebody from this region and I know that when you appoint somebody from the region he will do something that he will be remembered for.

“You are already aware of the pains and challenges we are passing through because you have said it all but its not just about knowing the challenges and not dealing with them.

“You may know what is happening and not dealing with the challenges. You have passed through the road to Port Harcourt, the whole area is bad.

“This region produces the highest wealth that we use in running this country so attention ought to be paid to the region.

“This is the opportunity you have to put the records straight, those that are going to be in charge whether contractors or those giving out the contracts should do the right thing because what is causing this problem is shortcut.

“As a Minister for the Niger Delta, do your best to ensure that the region gets the best in terms of road projects, security, shore protection among others. Don’t also forget the issue of youths restiveness.

“Most of our riverine areas are being taken over by erosion and we need to also look at our roads and how we can fix them. That’s the reason the NDDC and Ministry of Niger Delta were created to focus on the Niger Delta”.

Governor Oborevwori further said that his administration was committed to the execution of quality projects, adding that he had also approved the payment of over N5.5bn promotion arrears for civil servants.

“When I came in, I said I need quality jobs and we have inaugurated some projects and we are consolidating on the old projects and finish them while also embarking on new ones.

“We are bringing Julius Berger to execute projects in Warri and Effurun. Exco has approved N78bn and between now and next month we will sign the agreement because we are mobilising them with 25 per cent.

“Most of those roads are Federal Roads. Is it the PTI junction, DSC and Effurun roundabouts or the Enerhen junction to Marine quarters?

“These are all Federal roads and if a Governor can approve N78bn to construct Federal roads then we need to collaborate to work for the people. Politics has come and gone and it is now time for us to see how we can develop the region,” he said.

Earlier, Engr. Momoh said the delegation was in the state as part of his stakeholders visit to the Niger Delta region to know what is on ground and the challenges.

He said: “As Governors of the states you are the authority and custodians of the states and as far as the Ministry is concerned, we need to collaborate with the Governors of the states in order to bring about development and peace to the Niger Delta region.

“We are here to carry out the assignment of President Bola Tinubu of the renewed hope agenda with eight presidential priorities of Mr President which if fully pursued vigorously Nigeria will be better for it.

“We have directed the NDDC on how to partner with state governments in order to target major projects executed across the Niger Delta and if the Ministry can come together with the state governments to identify some of these areas, I believe that we will do better than we were doing before”.

DAILY POST Newspaper Correspondent in Delta State, Mr. Matthew Omonigho is now a Certified Peace&Environment Protector of the (fellow member)of the Institute of Global Peace and Conflict Management, IGPCM.

The journalist was inducted alongside eighteen others by IGPCM President-in-Council, Dr. Asiwaju Adetunberu Oludotun during a training workshop certification of fellowship investiture and Global Peace Icon Award Ceremony organised by the IGPCM in Port-Harcourt Rivers State.

IGPCM, President-In-Council was ably represented by IGPCM Vice President, South-East Zone, Dr. Nworgu Okey-Theodore who charged the inductees to be good ambassadors of the Institute.

Responding on behalf of the inductees,Bob Eilwuribr thanked the management of the Institute for the institure and promised that they will be good ambassadors of the IGPCM.

On his part, Mr. Matthew Omonigho thanked the Institute for the honour done him and others just as he promised to preach the gospel of peace as well as ensure it reigns in any environment he finds himself.

He said peace is very essential in the lives of every human, community and country and as such, cannot be toiled with it in anyway.

Mr. Omonigho urged everyone including communities that are at war to tow the path of peace to attract dudtainablr development to their individual lives, communities, State and the nation at large.

**Gives two weeks ultimatum to embark on massive protest, to shutdown commission

By: Odeya Ogbetuo

The executive and members of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission [DESOPADEC] Indigenous Contractors Forum have expressed disappointment over delay in payment by the new DESOPADEC Board and have failed to look into the plight of Indigenous Contractors.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Warri, Delta State, the Contractors resolved to embark on a mass protest should the Board fail to accelerate payment of Contractors within two weeks.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the chairman of the DESOPADEC Indigenous Contractors Forum, Engr. Samson Ogie said that the new DESOPADEC Board has not responded positively to the payment request made by the Contractors and despite the subtle approach to the Board to make payment to Contractors to avoid conflict or protest, but all to no avail.

Engr. Ogie further said that he had made several attempts to reach the Managing Director of DESOPADEC Hon. Festus Ochornogho and the Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Hon. Okome on how payment could be carried out to avoid conflict between Indigenous Contractors and the 2023 DESOPADEC Board, but all efforts to harmonize the system were not successful because the Board was adamant.

The Forum chairman reiterated that lack of payment of outstanding money and maltreatment of Indigenous Contractors have be very worrisome, adding that they have been very patient with the Board and they are expecting the Board to respond to payment before the end of September 2023 and draw the attention of Governor, His Excellency Oborevwori to the plight of Contractors and to do his best to avoid mass protest that may likely take place shortly at the expiration of the ultimatum.

A member of the Forum, Mr. Felix Akpoyibo called on the Forum to immediately embark on protest to draw attention to the plight of the Indigenous Contractors, but the chairman pacified members to wait until the end of September 2023.

The secretary of the Indigenous Contractors Forum, Prince Charles Ebigbagha said the decision of the exco should not be taken for granted in order to avoid protest by the aggrieved Indigenous Contractors, adding that if the Board fails to honour the Contractors request they may embark on mass protest.

He noted that the Board promised to pay monthly but they failed to fulfill their promise, stressing that the Board was unable to pay the Contractors thereby creating the present imbroglio.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has congratulated the Pere, Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, HRM Couple Mackson Oromoni, Monbene III, on the eighth anniversary of his coronation.

Oborevwori in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, commended the traditional ruler for the unity in Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom.

He enjoined the king to ensure peaceful relations between Ogbe-Ijoh and its neighbour, Aladja and urged the monarch to do more in reviving the economic well-being of both Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja.

The Governor described Monebene III as “a respected monarch with great love for his people,” whose reign had thus far resulted in an improvement in both the lives of his subjects and the kingdom.

He also expressed his admiration for the royal father for inspiring his citizens to support good governance and a reawakening of civic responsibility.

Governor Oborevwori further remarked that the king was a wonderful source of inspiration for his people and charged him to stay strong in his efforts to ensure that they had a good life and that there was peace in the land.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I warmly congratulate His Royal Majesty, Couple Mackson Oromoni, Monbene III, the Pere Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, on his eighth coronation anniversary.

“I join the people of Ogbe-Ijoh in honouring a great king and sending him my best wishes for continued strength, wisdom, and good health as he continues to be the traditional and cultural leader of his people.

“I must commend you for keeping the culture and tradition of Ogbe-Ijoh people by promoting harmony, socio-cultural cooperation and communal living.”

President Bola Tinubu has filed a motion challenging the Northern District of Illinois order directing the Chicago State University to release his academic records within two days.

Judge Geoffrey T. Gilbert made the order on September 19 after the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar made a request.

In the motion, Tinubu contended that the district court breached the US constitution by acting as a final court in such matters of discovery.

Tinubu argued that a magistrate should only report and recommend to the district judge in such matters and not to make a final order for immediate compliance.

He quotes the court papers as saying that the “Intervenor asks this court to enter an immediate order delaying the effect of the Magistrate’s order, at least until Monday, September 25, 2023, so the court may fully consider both the scope of the Magistrate’s authority to issue the order without review and the issue of whether the Magistrate’s order was a correct application of the law to the facts presented.”

He requested the court to delay the effect of the magistrate’s order until September 25, 2023, to fully consider the order’s scope and its application of the law to the facts presented.

“‘If Chicago State University complies with the magistrate’s order prior to this court having an opportunity to review the order, intervenor will suffer prejudice because the information will have been disclosed and effective relief will be impossible,” he continues in the document.

“The order requires the documents to be produced today. (Dkt. 40, pg. 31.)

“By contrast, Tinubu maintained that he has at least until September 27 to submit material, if not longer, and, as the magistrate commented, the “tight timeframe” was created “in no small part” by applicant. (Dt. 40, pg. 28.).

That leaves enough time for the Court to review the ruling and, if discovery were permitted to proceed, for the applicant to still obtain the information sought.

“Due to the timing for compliance by Chicago State University — later today ~ intervenor is filing this motion separately from its challenge to the Magistrate’s ruling on the application. Intervenor intends to file, by the end of the day, a substantive brief addressing the errors in the magistrate’s decision.

“Intervenor requests that the court defer compliance by Chicago State University until Monday, which will provide both an opportunity to review the magistrate’s ruling, and, if ordered, to allow the discovery to proceed before September 27.

“For example, a production could accur on Tuesday morning, be followed by a deposition in the afternoon, and a court reporter can provide a rough or real time transcript that evening.

“Counsel for intervenor, Christopher W. Carmichael, communicated with counsel for applicant, Alexandre de Gramont, who opposes the motion.

“Wherefore, intervenor prays that the court grant the emergency motion and delay compliance with the magistrate’s September 19, 2023 order until the end of the day Monday, September 25, 2023.”

Atiku had on July 11 filed a petition seeking to obtain further details of Tinubu’s academic records at the Chicago State University.

Documents sought by Atiku, through his counsel, Angela M. Liu, include record of his admission and acceptance at the university, dates of attendance including degrees, awards and honours attained by Tinubu at the university, among others.

Both Tinubu and the CSU had, through their lawyers, filed objections to the grant of the requests under privacy rules

Ibe said he views Tinubu’s motion as a delay tactic to slow down the release of academic records before the Supreme Court begins hearing Atiku’s appeal against the September 6 judgement of the President Election Petition Court.

“Nigerians will soon see the true position of Atiku on the academic qualifications of Tinubu. It is just a matter of time,” he said.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved 25 percent reduction in acceptance fees payable in the four State-owned Universities as part of palliatives for students.

The Governor’s approval was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, on Wednesday in Asaba.

The statement said the reduction in the acceptance fee was in line with measures taken by the Delta State Government to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal on citizens.

Ahon further said the 25 percent reduction in acceptance fee is applicable to new students at the State-owned Universities, viz. Delta State University, Abraka; Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro; University of Delta, Agbor and the Dennis Osadebay University, Anwai-Asaba.

The Governor had earlier approved the payment of N10,000 to workers for three months and payment of N5.522bn to 50,196 workers as promotion arrears as palliatives to civil servants across the state.

This is in addition to the Governor approving three working days rotational scheme for civil servants on Salary Grade leve 1-14, while staff on SGL 15 and above are to work out what is convenient for them in their respective MDAs, thereby ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted. Also, 2,000 primary school teaching and non-teaching staff are being recruited in 22 out of the 25 Local Government Areas in the State.

The Governor’s spokesman further said that the State Government has earmarked the sum of N10 billion in addition to over 17,000 bags of rice and over 64,000 bags of maize all in 50kgs as palliatives for the less privileged, the poor, persons with disabilities and the aged in the society.

He said all these efforts were geared at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal on citizens of the State.