By: Celestine Ukah

The governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Douye Diri has boasted that nobody and other party can beat PDP in the forthcoming November 11 governorship poll in the state.

Gov Diri boasted further that Bayelsa is a PDP state and that the party has clinched nearly all seats in the Bayelsa Assembly making the party majority in the Assembly as well the senatorial all massively won by the PDP at the National Assembly

While responding to questions put to him by Reuben Abati and other interviewers on AriseTv, live from Yenagoa, described the Labour Party Aspirant Udengs Eradiri as half harzard criticism person about his administration in Bayelsa State.

He highlighted some of his achievements to include building so many roads in Yenagoa, the Sagbama Ekeremor Road, building of bridges. Judges quarters completion upgrade of infrastructure at the Heath sector, aviation and human capacity development.

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, inaugurated two new fire fighting trucks procured by the state government to strengthen the operational efficiency of the State’s Fire Service.

Each of the trucks has 7,000 litres of water, 250 foam concentrate to fight liquid fire, two suction host, wheel chair, two stretchers, breathing apparatus, six fire tunic and first aid box as well as the capacity to carry six fire men.

Inaugurating the two trucks, Okowa said the trucks were to complement the fleet of fire fighting trucks being used by the State Fire Service to combat incidents of fire outbreak in all parts of the state.

He commended the State Fire Service for their proactive efforts and prompt response time in attending to emergencies and pledged government sustained commitment towards providing basic operational tools that would stimulate their efficiency.

He said as more cities continued to emerge, there was need to prepare adequately for emergencies, even as he charged men of the State Fire Service to make good use of the fire fighting trucks.

“There is no doubt that Delta State has done very well in fighting fire outbreaks across the state and l know that we have several fire fighting stations now in the state increasing by the day for which l am very grateful to the management of the State Fire Service.

“We have had lots of interventions in the state and in some occasions, we have had to be called by sister states to intervene in their own state.

“I feel very very elated every time l speak about the Fire Service in Delta State. They have a wonderful management and their response time is something that is very encouraging.

“I have been a witness to it and several other persons have testified to this effect. I think it is something that we must continue to encourage.

“So, having two additional fire fighting trucks to join their fleet is something that we must truly be glad about. I hope that we will continue, as a state, to support them.

“It is also one very important thing that will be in our handover note to the next administration because as the city grows and as the state grows, you must prepare for emergencies such as the one that the Fire Fighting Service does engage itself in and we must find ways to encourage them.

“I am also glad that recently (just between yesterday and today), l have had to give approval to two memos that concerns the Fire Service workers both those in the lower category and those in the management and upper echelon where they are able to thrive to their best.

“I think that will add greater encouragement to what they do. I have always said in various occasions that l will find it very easy to approve any request coming from the Fire Service.

“This is because they have shown skill, they have shown commitment in their job and l just hope that every other person that works for the government works in that manner, things would have been made easy for everybody,” Okowa said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Johnbull Edema said the two brand new trucks were locally fabricated to meet international standard.

He thanked the governor for always providing resources for the procurement of operational equipment that had enabled the State Fire Service attend to emergencies in the state.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the State Director of Fire Service, Mr. Eugene Oziwele said the trucks have all that were needed to combat all kinds of fire incident.

Highlight of the event was a practical drill on how to use the fire fighting trucks to combat fire emergencies by men of the State Fire Service.

Delta State Government on Tuesday, said it had given an ultimatum to its Ministry of Works to ensure that Section C2 of Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation project was completed in the life of the present administration.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing journalists on some decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu said that a lot of works had been done on the Section which ran from Koka flyover and interchange to Ogwashi-Uku junction, adding that the remaining part of the project would be completed by the incoming administration.

“The governor has also given marching order to the Ministry of Works to impress it upon the contractor handling Section C2 of the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation project. The Section has to do with the Koka interchange up to the Ogwashi-Uku Junction.

“The import of the order is to enable us have the privilege of inaugurating that particular corridor before we exit on the May 29.

“Our initial intension was that we would be able to complete work on that road before we leave. But the effect of the flood that took place in 2022 which did not only disrupt construction work but also undermined the work done.

“We are quite optimistic that we will be able to deliver Section C2. For the other sectors, we are committed to the work but because the rains are here, we will not because of speed, mortgage quality of work. We are not interested in delivering works that will not stand the test of time,” he added.

Aniagwu pointed out that the Exco gave approval for the construction of Alihagu Road, Umudein Street as well as Orewa Street all in Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the cardinal goal of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was to connect all communities in the state with motorable roads.

According to him, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah has been mandated by Exco to liaise with the authorities of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) on ways to fast track the process of actualising the flood control projects in the area.

Aniagwu explained that the project was expedient owing to the fact that no roads could stand the test of time if the flood challenge in the area was not adequately addressed.

“At today’s Exco, we approved some roads for construction. We also gave instructions to supervising ministries to reach out to different contractors handling critical projects.

“The governor will in the course of the week and next week, continue to inspect projects. He has directed that the SSG should liaise with the authorities at the Warri/Uwvie and Environs Development Agencies (WUEDA), for the purpose of fast-tracking the control of flood in the Warri axis.

“Our commitment to control the flood in the Warri axis is with the view to allow government to proceed to construct roads in dire need of rehabilitation or construction.

“If we don’t address the flood challenge in that corridor before constructing the roads, we will only be doing the wrong thing because when the floods come, it will not only destroy the roads but also, ravage the homes around the roads.

“We have explained it before now that we need to address the flood issues in the Warri axis before constructing the roads. The contractors have been given notice to hasten up,” the commissioner said.

He said the Ayakoromo Bridge will be inspected by the governor to ascertain the level of work done so far and how soon the project would be completed.

“We are happy that a well known person in taking over, in the person of Sheriff Oborevwori. We are very confident in him because he understands all the projects that we have executed.

“He presided over the approval of the budgets that paved way for the execution of these projects. He also worked very closely with this administration as a key member. So it is a win-win for this administration.

“The governor has at today’s Exco, appreciated Deltans for finding the PDP worthy of continuing with the laudable projects that this administration has executed by voting massively for Sheriff Oboriwori,” Aniagwu said.

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Madinah, Saudi Arabia at the commencement of his  eight  days official visit.

Upon arrival, he was received by Deputy Governor Sa’ud Khalid Al-Faisal.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu on Tuesday said the President visited and prayed at the Prophet’s Holy Mosque this evening and greeted Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his two companions.

At the entrance of the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, the President was received by  some government and other top officials.

Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has hailed Chief Great Ogboru, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, (APGA) in the March 18, 2023 Governorship election in the State, as a “true democrat and great patriot.”

In a congratulatory message that was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, the Governor-elect was full of praises for Ogboru’s spirit of sportsmanship before, during, and after the recently concluded gubernatorial election in the State.

“On behalf of my family, political associates, constituents, and the good people of Delta State,” Rt.Hon Oborevwori said, “I celebrate a great man of our time, Chief Great Ogboru on his 65th birthday. A man with a large heart and an apostle of politics without bitterness, he was the first governorship candidate to congratulate me after I was declared winner of the March 18, 2023 governorship election in Delta State. Indeed, Chief Ogboru is a true democrat, an exemplary leader, and great patriot.”

According to Rt.Hon Oborevwori, Chief Ogboru earned the appellation of ‘The People’s General’ because of his “undiluted passion for and unwavering commitment to good governance, and a nation anchored on the principles of equity, fairness, and justice.”

He lauded Chief Ogboru’s avuncular disposition, noting that “many politicians in the state realised their political ambitions through him.” Similarly, the Governor-elect added that as a successful businessman and wealth creator, hundreds of Nigerians have been rescued from the jaws of unemployment and poverty through Chief Ogboru’s companies.

Concluding, Rt Hon Oborevwori said: “I celebrate my brother and friend on this wonderful occasion of his birthday. I pray that God would add many more years to him in good health, sound mind, boundless joy, manifold wisdom, and prosperity.”

*Says it gives Christians edge over other religion

*Reveals The Church as sustaining Nigeria

The Minister In charge of Shalom Baptist Church Ekpan near Warri, Delta State , Pst. Bright Opate has declared that Easter signifies the strength of Christians across the world.

Pst Bright Opate made the declaration Sunday April 9, 2023 at Shalom Baptist Church, Ekpan, while delivering his Easter message titled “The Mystery of Easter”, the Man of God pointed out that Easter is the celebration of the sacrifice of God through His Son Jesus Christ in order for people to possess the Holy Spirit.

While admonishing Christians to be focus to the things of God, Pst. Bright revealed that Easter celebration is the steadfastness of God love to mankind as well the celebration of the Christian Faith.

The global gospel minister further described Easter as the security and stability of eternal salvation, adding that the Church of God and prayers is what is sustaining Nigeria because of bad and failed leadership from federal to state and local government levels PST Bright encouraged all believers of Jesus Christ to be hopeful for better Nation.

Pst. Bright during his ministration said Easter has given Christianity edge over other religion because of Jesus Christ resurrection from the dead , therefore all Christians are free from captivity as Christ has paid the debt on the cross of Calvary.

The Christian cleric took his sermon text from the book of Romans 5: 8, Heb. 10: 38, Heb. 11: 6, Job 32:8 and 1 Peter 2: 21.

By: Celestine Ukah

The current Member and Member Elect Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP says Jesus Christ Sacrificed Himself for love to win among humans and mankind hence he was crucified on the Cross.

Hon. Chief Dr. Ereyitomi in his Easter message to Christians and Warri Federal Constituents preaches unity , oneness among the people, urging them to always imbibe the spirit of Jesus Christ the lamb of the world that roles away obstacles from humans.

The second term Warri federal lawmaker and most senior political office holder representing the federal constituency at the National Assembly quipped that he will consolidate on continuity and reenforce super legislative prowess in making sure attraction of more enhanced Democratic values are brought to the people.

He admonished his Warri federal constituents to sustain their calmness and show of support , adding that with resurrection of Christ on the cross of Calvary it is a clear victory over any stumbling stones in their lives and destinies.

According to Chief Ereyitomi “It’s Christ Love that hung upon the cross and gave up everything to rescue us. “It is finished” was a cry of victory, because Christ defeated everything that held us in captivity.

“Grieve that the torture and sorrow Jesus Christ endured on the cross were necessary to save humanity. He didn’t want us enslaved to fear and anxiety. He sacrificed Himself so that Love could win”.

Rep Ereyitomi added that Christ Sacrifice has made Christians to experience how to share in love and peaceful coexistence.

By; Celestine Ukah

A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Bowen Ward, Warri South Local Government Area, Evang. Amb. Dr. Toyin Agbolaya JP has sent his easter message to the people of Warri South LGA, Delta State.

Amb. Dr. Agbolaya in his goodwill message to felicitate with Christians in this year 2023 Easter celebration marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, urges all Warri South residents and stakeholders to get ready to celebrate a new beginning politically and in all side as Christ has risen from the cross.

Dr. Agbolaya a seasoned administrator per excellence, an astute politician whose membership, loyalty and commitment to the ruling PDP in the state speaks volume and cut across leaders , expressed joy that with the resurrection of Jesus Christ the people will experience hope and renewal in all sphere.

Amb. Agbolaya whose humility and oratory prowess has endeared him to many in Warri South Local Governor Area and beyond promised Warri residents of a better tomorrow moving forward in 2023 as new government set to take over and continue in Delta advancement and development.

The Warri South PDP faithful called on Deltans and Nigerians to cooperate with the incoming administration of the state headed by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as governor of Delta state from May 29, 2023, stressing the need for people to imbibe the spirit of tolerance, peaceful co-existence and sacrifice for one another, adding that development and growth can only occur in the nation when all unite and speak with one voice.

As Group talk tough against Monitization Of APC Guber Ticket

Elders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress,APC, in Bayelsa State under the auspices of Elders Forum, has warned the National leadership of the party that throwing up Chief Timipre Sylva as a candidate of the party will spell doom and jeopardize the chances of APC as a party in the November governorship election.

According to the party elders, the current political configuration in the state does not support a Sylva’s candidature, particularly the rotation arrangement.

They added that Chief Sylva currently does not have the appeal, attraction and followership to bring victory for the APC, as according to them Sylva has not only polarized the party, but have also weakened the structures and morale of members for acting out of clannish and self-interest.

The party’s chieftains in a petition to the national leadership of the party signed by its Chairman, Prof. Zouworitei Indoribo, Secretary, Chief Seikeme Pigatin, Spokesman, Dr. Andrew Maciver, Treasurer, Chief Indoriotu Zuboebidoughawei, and Financial Secretary, Hon. Joseph Asper Jasper, had warned the party leadership against monetizing the party’s governorship ticket.

The elders regretted that as things stand, the former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and leader of the Party in the State, Chief Timipre Sylva and the former Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon who believes he has a right of first refusal and their supporters have vowed to work against the interest of each other and by extension the party. The bitter truth remains that it may take more than the intervention of earthly mortals to bring about a true reconciliation between them.

The petition which was made available to Newsmen reads: ” As elders, we have to say the truth, especially at trying times like this to save the party from a catastrophic collapse. The truth is, the current political situation in Bayelsa State does not support a Sylva candidature.

The petition which had different sub-titles also reads:

SYLVA’S LACK OF APPEAL AND REJECTION: “First, Chief Sylva currently does not have the appeal, attraction and followership to bring victory for APC. He has not only polarized the APC, he has also weakened the structures and morale of members for acting out of clannish and self-interest.

“Second, the people of Bayelsa will reject him because they know him. When he was Governor between 2007-2012, he showed dictatorial arrogance, ran government according to his private whims and caprice and ultimately failed to develop the State. As Minister, he also failed to attract visible and verifiable development to the State. What else if not greed is fueling his ambition to return as Governor after 16 years when times have apparently changed?

“Third, the people do not trust him. Chief Sylva himself said in a recent phone-in radio programme in Yenagoa that he is not going to contest for Governor anymore as that chapter of his life is closed.

Other sub-titles of the petition further read: ‘ROTATION ARRANGEMENTS NOT FAVOURABLE TO SYLVA:’

“Plus, the governorship rotation arrangement among the three senatorial districts in the State has become deeply entrenched as it promotes equity and justice, unity and progress and harmonious relationships. This is the turn of the Central Senatorial District. But Chief Sylva from the East Senatorial District has stepped forward to violate it.

“By the political history of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha (now late) from the Central Senatorial District became the first Executive Governor in 1999 and ruled till 2005 when he was removed. His Deputy Governor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from the East Senatorial District took over staying on till 2007 when he was elevated to the position of Vice-President. Then, Chief Timipre Sylva also from the same East Senatorial District succeeded Jonathan as the Governor, he served for five years. The Governorship, therefore, moved to the third Senatorial District, Bayelsa West. Seriake Dickson emerged and served for two terms

“With the rotation between the three senatorial districts completed in 2019, the Governorship returned to the Central. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gave its ticket to Sen.Douye Diri while our great party presented Chief David Lyon also of the Central Senatorial District. The PDP is set to return Sen.Douye Diri.

“The Central Senatorial District accounts for about 50% of the total voting population. The senatorial district suffers the pithy tale of marginalization and near-total neglect at the national level since the APC won the presidential place in 2015. It is just, equitable and perspicacious for the APC to respond in corresponding language by putting forward someone from the Central”.

Other sub-titles of the party’s Elders Forum petition were: ‘RESULTS OF WORKING TOGETHER.’

“After President Buhari was inaugurated in 2015, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri from Bayelsa West Senatorial District was appointed Minister, Prof. Nelson Brambayefa from the same Senatorial District with Sen.Lokpobiri was also appointed, acting Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission while Chief Timipre Sylva from the East was appointed Chairman, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.

“Notwithstanding the abnormally, all the stakeholders worked together in 2019 and gave President Muhammadu Buhari, 118,821 votes. APC won a Senatorial seat, two House of Representatives and five State House of Assembly constituencies. For that reason, Chief Sylva was appointed Minister of State, Petroleum Resources. Sadly, he became high-handed, orchestrated deliberate steps to factionalize, weaken party structures, and frustrate other leaders with huge support bases”.

SYLVA INFLUENCING APPOINTMENTS TO CRONIES AND BLOOD RELATIVES: “He influenced the enthronement of those with consanguineous relationships and cronies into cushy positions.

“For instance, Chief Sylva is from Okpoma, Brass, Bayelsa East Senatorial District. Until his recent resignation, he was the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.

“Nigeria’s Ambassador to Argentina with concurrent accreditation to the Republics of Chile, Peru and Uruguay, Philip Ikurusi is his relation from Okpoma, Brass, East Senatorial District.

“The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, Simbi Wabote is also his relation from Okpoma, Brass, East Senatorial District.

“The Vice-Chancellor, Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State Prof. Emmanuel Adigio is another of Chief Sylva’s blood relation from same community, Okpoama, East Senatorial District.

“Oyambo Peace Owei, member of the Governing Council, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board is also a relation of Sylva from the East Senatorial District.

“The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) who is Chief Sylva former Chief of Staff is also from Bayelsa East Senatorial District

“Chairman, Board of Directors Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) King Edmund Daukoru is another relation of Chief Sylva from Nembe in the Bayelsa East Senatorial District.

“Bayelsa State representative in the Federal Character Commission, Tonye Okio also hails from the East Senatorial District.

“Alfred Egba, member of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission is also connected to Chief Timipre Sylva as he is maternally from Nembe, East Senatorial District”.

SYLVA’S OBESSIVE ENTITLEMENT MENTALITY: “These and Chief Sylva’s obsessive ambition which has become more of an entitlement have led Chief Sylva and David Lyon who was Governor-elect in 2019 but was stopped by the Supreme Court to be boiling with infighting. The direct consequence is that APC Bayelsa was only able to deliver a disgraceful 42, 572 votes to our presidential candidate, Bola Tinubu, coming a ridiculous 3rd place after Labour Party. The party lost all three Senatorial seats. Lost four out of the five House of Representatives seats, the fifth one awaiting a re-run. Won only three State Assembly constituencies out of twenty-four.

“As things stand, the former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources and leader of the Party in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva and the former Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon who believes he has a right of first refusal and their supporters have vowed to work against the interest of each other and by extension the party. The bitter truth remains that it may take more than the intervention of earthly mortals to bring about a true reconciliation between them”.

OUR CANDID ADVICE: “Therefore, out of love and for the future of the party, we hereby appeal to your esteemed national leadership to exercise utmost good faith as the outcome of the primary will determine the fate of the party. If we may offer advice, Chief David Lyon should be supported to emerge as the flag-bearer. Worst case, the party should shop for a neutral aspirant with the ability to close ranks, re-tool and deliver victory.”

*Urges all  Not to Despair, But Keep Hope Alive

The Delta State Governor-Elect and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has called on Nigerians to make sacrifices for one another, urging them not to despair, but keep hope alive.

In his Easter message to Nigerians contained in a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, the Governor-elect noted that Jesus Christ, the reason for the celebration, made sacrifices to humanity and implored Nigerians to emulate His selfless virtue in order to have a great nation.

According to the Statement; ” Our nation is passing through enormous challenges at the moment, but we should not despair. We must make sacrifices for one another and for the love of our beloved country and the people. There is light at the end of the tunnel and so let us keep hope alive.

“As we celebrate this year’s Easter, let us be reassured that Almighty God can turn a bad situation around for good. Easter is all about renewed hope and faith in God for a better tomorrow. Let us continue to believe and be confident that there are better days ahead by the special grace of God. May the spirit of revival and renewal guide all of us”.

“Easter is a time to come together and celebrate new beginnings.Today, we remember the sacrifice ofJesus and give thanks for what He brought to our world and so with renewed hope and faith, our nation will be great again. May God shower us with blessings, love, and peace this Easter.

“This is wishing all our Christian brothers and sisters a joyous and exciting Easter. May we be surrounded by spirituality, inspiration and love. May Jesus bless us with opportunities to serve and make all Nigerians happy. Happy Easter to all of us”, the statement added.

The Governor-elect affirmed that Easter is the triumph of light over darkness and used the opportunity offered by the Easter celebration to extend a hand of fellowship to everyone, especially those who contested with him, saying that as a state; “We have had an election that has produced the next set of leaders. Winners have emerged. While I congratulate all those who won, I am imploring those who did not win to join hands together with the winners to build our State”.