The President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured his Nigerien counterpart of full support in preserving and protecting duly elected Democratic president and other institutions in that country.

According to President Tinubu in a State House Press release noted thus:

“Information filtering in from the Republic of Niger indicates some unpleasant developments around the country’s highest political leadership.

“It should be quite clear to all players in the Republic of Niger that the leadership of the ECOWAS Region and all lovers of democracy around the world will not tolerate any situation that incapacitates the democratically-elected government of the country.

“The ECOWAS leadership will not accept any action that impedes the smooth functioning of legitimate authority in Niger or any part of West Africa.

“I wish to say that we are closely monitoring the situation and developments in Niger and we will do everything within our powers to ensure democracy is firmly planted, nurtured, well rooted and thrives in our region.

“I am in close consultation with other leaders in our region, and we shall protect our hard-earned democracy in line with the universally acceptable principle of constitutionalism.

“As the Chairperson of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I state without equivocation that Nigeria stands firmly with the elected government in Niger and equally conveys the absolute resolve of leaders in our sub-region that we shall not waiver or flinch on our stand to defend and preserve constitutional order”. He stressed.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government

July 26, 2023

Our attention have been drawn to a report by one Fidelis Egugbo, dismissing a forgery matter before a court of competent jurisdiction, in this case, the Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, the State capital.

The report with the headline: “Delta Guber: Egugbo Punctures Lies Of Gbagi”, is very laughable, as it did not come to us by surprise.

But what is amusing is that, Egugbo, who ordinarily is not an authority could claim to dismiss what lawyers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Onyeme and Sheriff Oborevwori who are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Respondents, fruitlessly tried to stop but failed woefully.

Documents and other admissible evidence have been tendered and admitted at the tribunal by the three-man Justices, headed by Justice H.C Ahuchaogu.

A statement on Monday July 24th 2023, by Kenneth Orusi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM, OON, in the March 18th 2023 Election, noted that Gbagi was the Minister of State for Education while Onyeme served as Bursar to NOUN at a point in his life as a civil servant.

Gbagi, a renowned Criminologist, has records of integrity, impeccable character and unbeatable achievements with a midas touch, would not stoop so low to the likes of Onyeme, to cause disaffection and incite Deltans against anybody as the administration of Sheriff Oborevwori, was already built on faulty foundation of multiple forgeries which is before the tribunal.

It should be noted that at the time Gbagi chaired the Panel of Enquiry, which dismissed Onyeme, Gbagi, has no plans of contesting the governorship election in the State at a time like this.

Gbagi had told the tribunal that the election that produced Oborevwori and Onyeme was marred with irregularities, electoral malpractices and non-compliance to the electoral Act 202, for which he has approached the tribunal for justice, a move that falls within his fundamental rights.

It is again, laughable that a man dismissed from the services of NOUN, for forgery, could be described to have “unblemished record”, it is laughable indeed.

To put the records straight, within the nine years, 2006 and 2015, Onyeme, worked at NOUN, he was under Gbagi, at the time he was Minister of State for Education which made it possible for the Panel he chaired to investigate and found Onyeme, wanting of forgery which led to his dismissal.

Egugbo’s writeup, shows that he didn’t do any fact-check to truly know the antecedents of the largest private investor in the State.

Egugbo, a journalist who worked under the State owned print media, The Pointer, and was subsequently appointed Special Adviser, was expected to have carried out a thorough investigation on the unbroken records of Gbagi but hurriedly went to press with wishy-washy report.

At this juncture, may I bring my friend and colleague to speed, it is on record that during his time as education minister, Gbagi created 13 Universities, including Federal University of Lafia and Federal University of Petroleum (FUPRE) here in Delta State.

Others include but not limited to eight Federal Government Colleges,16 Colleges of Education and 14 Polytechnic.

Gbagi rebuilt and equipped the ICT center in Urhobo College, donated N10 million to Government College, Ughelli and as minister of state for Education, rebuilt Federal Government College, Warri.

Though, these schools are not in Olorogun Gbagi’s schedule, he showed commitment aimed at ensuring that they exist and function.

He fought against the relocation of PTI from Warri to Kaduna State.

Recall that there is a gentle minister for Petroleum called Rilwanu Lukman, said the College that was related to petroleum should be relocated

Thirty-two days after Gbagi became a minister, he founded FUPRE, Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Ugbomro.

Obasanjo gave them N1 billion to them to go and setup a College because they have created the state but there were no document. That was why Rilwanu Lukman was making that statement to say they should relocate the school.

But thank God, 32 days later Gbagi took a memo to council, where he got approval for the Petroleum University to be established.

Speaking on how memos are tagged at the Federal Executive Council, Gbagi said: “If you check the record that created that university, you will not see Kenneth Gbagi, as the owner or person who founded the University including the other 12. In memo to council, you do not put your full names but what you will see there is KOG”, he explained.

These records since he left office as Minister of State for Education, no minister appointed into the ministry have broken Gbagi’s records till date.

It would be recall that Gbagi had told the tribunal that Onyeme, was dismissed after a Panel of Enquiry set up by him found Onyeme wanting of ‘forgery’.

Gbagi, a sole witness and Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the March 18th governorship election in the State told the tribunal during cross examination.

Onyeme, is the 4th Respondent in Gbagi’s petition before the three-man Justices presided over by Justice H C. Ahuchaogu at the loo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the State capital.

Gbagi, a renowned Criminologist, who was cross examined by the counsels to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Respondents, told the tribunal that as a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he presided over the Panel that dismissed Onyeme.

According to him, “I was a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the 4th Respondent, was my staff at best.

“I was never a staff of the registry, the 4th Respondent was a staff under me.

“I can tell that for forgery and records that are being kept, I presided over the Panel as the minister of the federal Republic of Nigeria, in his dismissal.

“I constituted the panel. The 4th Respondent appeared before my panel.

“The 4th Respondent has several incursions into our lives as a people.

“After he left the National Open University, he came here as a tax collector of our IGR.

“Apart from the dismissal, there is an administrative Enquiry that enquired into his finances and the dismissal, is part of it.

“We terminated his engagement, the reason for him to have abruptly left the University services”.

Gbagi, told the tribunal that he relied on all documents at his disposal, “Whatever I have in evidence, I rely on them”, he insisted.

It would be recall that in Gbagi’s 79 page petition, the Petitioner averred that the “4th Respondent, was dismissed from the employment of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

“The 4th Respondent failed to disclose the fact of his dismissal in his Affidavit Form EC9 deposed to on 29th day of July 2022.

“That the 4th Respondent failed to declare the primary school he attended, neither did he exhibit a certificate to that effect.

“His failure to exhibit the certificate is because of the challenge that, if exhibited, it will not be favorable to him”.

The former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, is seeking the tribunal to disqualify Onyeme.

After Gun fire battle between hordes of unknown gunmen and operatives of the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) has led to the neutralisation of at least six of the criminal elements in Umuem Anam in Anambra East Local Government Area.

Acting on intelligence, officers and men of the NHFSS led by CSO Ojukwu of Umuoba Anam, working with some men of the state vigilante group had, between Friday night through Saturday, laid siege to a camp located at a forest in Umuem Anam which was identified as belonging to the unknown gunmen.

In the battle that ensued on Sunday, many of the gunmen were neutralised while two others were captured alive.

According to CSO Ojukwu who led the operation, although some of the NHFSS operatives sustained injuries, none of them died during the fight.

He said that after the gun battle, a search was conducted around the camp of the unknown gunmen which was constructed to look like a shrine.

Items found at the camp include human heads and other human parts Lexus 350 and 2 AK-47 rifles. They also demolished and set the camp ablaze. All recovered items were handed over to the Police for further action.

Ojukwu thanked the TC Chairman, Anambra East Local Government Dr. Anselem Onuorah, for his support for the NHFSS in the area which has continued to motivate them for exploits.

He also praised the Deputy Commander General, NHFSS in charge of Technical Services, Ambassador John Metchie for his role, adding that it was the Sienna Car he donated to them that was used for the operation against the gunmen.

Vanguard reports that t the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Otuocha Police Station was commended for his support which led to the success of the operation.

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared the sum of 907.054 billion Naira June 2023 Federation Account Revenue to the Federal Government, States and Local Government Councils.

The meeting was chaired by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein.

The total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of 301.501 billion Naira, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of 273.225 billion Naira, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of 11.436 billion Naira and Exchange Difference revenue of 320.892 billion Naira.

The balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) was 473,754.57 Dollars.

The communiqué stated that Gross statutory revenue of 1.153 trillion Naira was received for the month of June 2023, higher than the sum of 701.787 billion Naira received in the previous month by 451.134 billion Naira.

According to the communiqué signed by Bawa Mokwa Director (Press and Public Relations) office of the accountant general of the federation,Companies Income Tax (CIT) recorded tremendous increase in the month under review.

Import and Excise Duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), Oil and Gas Royalties increased significantly, while Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) and Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) decreased considerably.

Jubilation on Friday, July 21, 2023, thrilled the entire Irri Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area as Chief Eloho Jacko was crown the new Odio-Ologbo of Irri Kingdom.

The stool of the Odio-Ologbo has been a subject of controversy for some years, following the demise of the last king in 2015 and the subsequent passage of the regent 2 years after.

However the controversy has finally been laid to rest after the emergence of HRM, Eloho Jacko who was said to have been chosen by the gods and fulfilled all the necessary traditional rights and rituals as demanded by custom.

Speaking with journalists shortly after performing the coronation rites, the Osewo (King maker), Chief Omoefe Goodluck said Elohor Jacko was the only individual that fulfilled all the traditional and constitutional requirements and hence his crowning him.

He said; “I represent Omode family which have the traditional responsibility to crown a king for the kingdom. It is only the Osewo that has the power to perform the ‘Evo rite’ and without the Evo you cannot ascend the throne. I’m the only Osewo in Irri, I’m the only Osewo in Omode family.

“We were supposed to perform the coronation two days ago, we don’t do things illegally, we wrote a letter to the Governor’s Office, the Deputy Governor’s office, the local government, and the relevant security agencies. I was surprised when the Area Commander called me and said, there were some people claiming they were the once that were supposed to be crowned.

“When we got to the Area Commander’s office at Ozoro, we all met, the Area Commander asked, you, you said you are the right person, you you said its your turn, this is a traditional matter, no need to go to court, no need to go to the police, that we should go before the gods and swear, whoever is lying should die within seven days.

“Everyone now entered into agreement and signed it before the Area Commander. Behold when we got home, we asked them to come and swear but behold none of them came because they are afraid to die because they know it is not their turn. It was only Odion Jacko that stood, and said he was ready to swear, that even our kingdom gods are not enough we should go to gods of our brothers, Oleh and Irri.

“So Odion Jacko, now His Royal Majesty, Eloho Jacko was the last man standing and now the King of Irri Kingdom. I have announced him round the entire quarters in the kingdom and it was a wide jubilation. He has been well accepted all over the kingdom. No one else can come to say or claim other wise.”

On his part, the crowned Odio-Ologbo, HRM,,Eloho Jacko, called on his co-contestants to embraced peace and eschew any bitterness.

“It is only a good thing that is always fought for, but only one person can occupy the seat at a time”.

He assured of his preparedness to to ensure peace, progress and prosperity reign in Irri Kingdom, adding that crisis will never attracts progress and prosperity.

“My emergence is not by my power neither a honour taking upon myself, it is by the will of the ancestors (gods), and the people of the kingdom. I submitted my self for all scrutiny and traditional rites and rituals, so no one can say I didn’t not pass through all the process.”

He called on all Irri indigenes to join hand with him to develop the kingdom, even as he encouraged all indigenes to embrace skills and education, maintaining that before the white collar jobs, the people have away of fending for themselves.

By: Dan Domotimi 

Yenagoa: A young business man cum-philantropist, the Chief Executive Officer and the Managing Director, EBIMOBODEI DYNAMIC LIMITED, Mr. Teidei Eze has roled out his monthly empowerment scheme for the month of July.

The scheme which has beneficiaries across Bayelsa State, hosted home with a give-away to Mr. Amos Happiness a four-year old child who was born blind in Toru-Ebeni, Sagbama local government area, Eighty two years old Elelemukumo Akara, Christian Okosi Eighty-eight year old blind mother and Moses Markpa a Sixty year old father all of Amassoma Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government area of the state.

Others are, Clifford Alamieyeseigha, Opoekumo Joseph, British Dazi, Michael Igbaseimokumo, Worioyeinpere Mark and Prince Amiekumo.

The scheme which was basically a “House to House” empowerment scheme remained an act yet to be experienced in the state for a long while after the era of Chief David Lyon’s prowess as Governor elect in the state.

“It will not be out of place if Mr. Teidei Eze also nurse the ambition to contest for the number one man of the state in the nearest future”.

Speaking to the press, the beneficiaries thanked the initiator and pray for God to bless the fruits of his labour.

“May the Almighty God continue to bless you as you reach out to our needs”.

“We know that it’s never an easy one for you especially due to the fact that times are hard and due to the fact that there are other well-to-do class whom never dim it fit to reach out to us but you do”, they added.

At the Igbogene orphanage home, it was a twist as the orphans sang and danced with euphoria like never before.

By: Celestine Ukah 

In order to curb further environmental pollution challenges that the Niger Delta are currently facing, The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP has moved a motion at the Floor of the House on the need to discourage the destruction of vessels laden with stolen crude oil.

Hon. Ereyitomi in a chat with the Deputy Speaker Rt .Hon. Benjamin Kalu (Right) during plenary

The three Warri Voice Reps at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ereyitomi as part of his motion urged the the federal government and security agents to stop further setting ablaze of stolen crude oil vessels and prayed the Green chamber to mandate the Committee on environment to ensure compliance.

Hon. Ereyitomi motion was taken Tuesday July 18, 2023 during plenary and it was supported by the Honourable Member Representing Ekiti Federal Constituency 1, AVM Rufus Adeniyi Ojuawo (Rtd) and other Reps members.

The Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu who presided over plenary after taking amendment of Hon. Ereyitomi motion put the motion into voice vote and it was adopted and he referred it to the House Committee on Environment and NIMASA when constituted.

*Want Commission to complete abandoned project, failed road, upgrade health facility 

Indigenes of the oil-rich Omadino Community in Warri South Local Government Area, Delta state, say the year 2012, was the last time Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC awarded projects in the community.

While lamenting the situation, they called on the Commission, to complete all abandoned projects, fix failed roads and construct functional portable drinking water as well as upgrade the health facility in Omadino community.

Hon. Nicholas Efele (middle) in-company of the Omadino Committee delegation

Chairman of Omadino Community, Mr. Tuoyo Mogbeyiteren, represented by the Vice Chairman, Godwin Shola Toritseju, expressed the frustration of Omadino people, Wednesday July 19, when they paid courtesy visit to the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, PRS of DESOPADEC, Hon. Nicholas Efele.

According to Mogbeyiteren, “as the highest oil and gas producing community in Delta State and host to International Oil and Gas Companies, IOCs”, Omadino community, remains grossly under-developed.

The Omadino leadership, demanded for more employment opportunities for the community indigenes in DESOPADEC and expressed dismay over the relocation of DESOPADEC Office from Omadino to Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) saying the Office should be brought back to Omadino.

Secretary to Omadino Community Management Committee, Benjamin Akoreh pointed out that Omadino Community is major Host to majority of the multi National Oil Companies like Chevron Nigeria limited, Makaraba and Utunana field, NPDC/ Neconde, Jones creek and Egwa 1 and Egwa 2 fields, Conoil, Obodo and Aghigho field, Heritage- t L.p lines & Manifold and Orapele Field, Seplat, Amokpe/ Excravos trunk line among other fields but have nothing to show for it due to gross neglect by those concern and government.

He as well appealed to the DESOPADEC Director for prompt support in assisting the community to gain government presence in the Omadino.

Public Relations Officer of Omadino Youth body, Joshua Ghereje, said the infant mortality rate in the community, was high, “because of the poor state of facilities at the health care centre in Omadino.”

Ghereje, noted that the health facility at Omadino, serves adjourning communities in Warri South and Okpe Local Government Areas.

He disclosed that the link road connecting Omadino and Obodo communities, has failed and appealed to DESOPADEC, to fix the road

In his remarks, the Executive Director Project, Research and Statistics, DESOPADEC, Hon. Nicholas Efele, assured people of Omadino that their demands would be addressed by the Commission, acknowledging that as the highest oil producing community in Delta State, Omadino deserves a better deal.

Hon. Efele, urged management of the community, to look inwards and find ways of moving the community forward.

He advised them to also follow up development projects awarded in the community, in order to avoid abandonment of projects.

The Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, DESOPADEC, hinted that the Commission, will soon call Omadino indigenes for a Town Hall meeting, where they will discuss more on the community’s areas of need, in terms of development.

PRO Omadino Community Management Committee; Humphrey Yomere, Treasurer; Hon Matthew Dada, Member of the Management Committee; Fredrick Asin, Woman Leader; Mrs. Grace Yomere, Abiodun, Youth President; Niro Omaro and Youth Treasurer; Jimmy Temienor, were among indigenes of Omadino Community, present during the courtesy visit.

The Convener, Integrity Group of Delta State, Amb. Oke Idawene has expressed the optimism that given the calibers of those nominated as commissioners, Governor Sherriff Oborevwori administration is set to bring dividends of democracy to Deltans.

Idawene who spoke to journalists in Asaba on the released of the list of commissioners described governor Oborevwori as a man who is focused, courageous and determined to deliver true dividends of democracy to the people.

While congratulating the nominees, Idawene pointed out that Integrity Group whose goal is to propagate the MORE agenda of Oborevwori’s administration, was happy with the people nominated to serve in the state executive council.

“Let me start by commending governor Oborevwori for deeming it fit to release the list of his commissioners within the 60 days stipulated by law for him to do so. I want to also commend the nominees for making the list. I am confident in their abilities and I know that Deltans will be happy that they elected, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori as their governor.”

According to him, “Integrity Group is a pressure group poised to propagate the MORE Agenda for Deltans as espoused by our state governor, Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori. We are MORE ambassadors. Our vision is to ensure ‘Quality Assurance Leadership’ at all levels of government. We are ready to partner with them to succeed in the discharge of their duties.”

The nominees are: Mr Aniagwu Charles, Hon Joan Onyemaechi Ada Anioma, Comr. Jerry Ehiwario, Odinigwe Idigie Daniel, Micheal ifeanyi Anoka, Hon. Barr Princess Pat A. Ajudua, Barrister funyei Manager, Angele Godknows, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Perez Omoun Esq., Uduaghan Orode, Isaac Tosan Wilkie, Oligida Samuel, Prof. Tonukari Johnbull, Jamani Tommy Ejiro.”

Others are: “Rose Ezenwu, Hon Onoriode Agofure, Olorogun Oyibode Vincent, Emamusi Obiodeh, Chief Tilije Fidelis Okenmor, Etagherure Ejiro Terry, Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi, Sonny Akpororkimo Ekedayen, Darlington Ijeh, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben.”