His Royal Majesty Omon’Oba N’Edo Uku’Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Friday.

The reason for the meeting is unclear, but it is believed that the visit was to formally congratulate Tinubu on his inauguration as president and to discuss issues related to the Nigerian people, Channels TV reports.

Earlier, the Federal Government appointed the Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, as the Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria in May. During a courtesy visit by the management of the university to the Oba in Benin City, Edo State, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Peters, assured that the university’s fortunes would improve under the new Chancellor.

The Oba expressed gratitude to ex-president Muhammadu Buhari for appointing him as Chancellor and promised to use his experience to help the institution.

The Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS, Warri Song of the Year Season 4 annual Singing competition audition will hold Friday July 28 to Saturday July 29, 2023 at DBS Warri Edjeba Office by 8am as top winner will go home with 1 Million Naira.

While the second runner up will go with 500 thousand Naira and third runner up goes with 200 thousand Naira as well as selected top 10 contestants receiving fantastic consolation prizes respectively.

The event which is a talent discovery programme has been on for the past four years organised by the DBS media outfit in Warri.

According to statement signed by the Chairman DBS Song of the Year Season 4, Mrs Obes Isonguyo and Comrade John Glover noted that the music talent hunt programme is sponsored by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, is part of the cooperate social responsibility of Delta Broadcasting Service Warri and that it’s aimed at discovering and grooming talented singers to greatness.

Mrs. Isonguyo and Comrade Glover urged interested talents to go to the nearest designated centres to pick up the form which is sold for one thousand Naira at DBS Warri Edjeba Office from Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm, Lascurt Intercontinental Hotel NPA Expressway by Niger Cat Junction Ekpan and Party World Shop 58 Delta Mall Effurun.

The forms are also available at Lizzy Fast Food at No 5, Adeola Road Sapele, Solid Foundation Educational Centre Isoko Road Ughelli and Akaba Entertainment World Number one Jefia Close Enerhen Road.

Hon. Ndudi Elumelu of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who lost the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency of Delta State seat at the House of Representatives to Labour Party’s, LP, Hon. Ngozi Lawrence Okolie, is being alleged of inducing the Tribunal Judges that consists of Hon. Justice A.Z Musaa, Hon. Justice C.K Nwankwo and Chief Magistrate Khadijat .M. Ibrahim to upturn the massive victory recorded by Okolie.

It was gathered that the LP Candidate emerged victorious at the February 25th General Election to the surprise of Elumelu who was then the Minority Leader of the 9th National Assembly.

He has however influenced some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and petitioned the victory of Okolie at the Tribunal.

Due to his financial muscle, he has been alleged to have bought over some INEC officials and the Judiciary to favour him.

It would be recalled that Concerned constituents of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in Delta had earlier raised alarm over the plot by Elumelu to compromise the Judges through his supposed deep pockets.

The Concerned Aniocha/Oshimili Constituents also alleged that all those concerned in the Tribunal are allegedly targeted for this sinister plot regarding the Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency election which Ndudi Elumelu massively lost to Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party.

Months back, President of Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network, CRRAN, Olu Omotayo, had lamented that the Court of Appeal has since the signing into law of the Electoral Act 2022 abundantly established the issue of locus standi in matters relating to challenging the outcomes of the primary election of political parties.

Omotayo said both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had also before the passage of the Electoral Act 2022 equally frowned on what he termed the busybody attitude of some political actors, who challenge the primary elections of parties other than their own.

The lawyer and activist had said that although the lower courts appear to be divided on the subject, the Court of Appeal had through several recent verdicts shown that the nascent Electoral Act 2022 had not changed anything about who could challenge the processes leading up to as well as the conduct and outcome of primary elections of political parties.

He cited the January 5, 2023 decision of the Court of Appeal Port Harcourt Division in the case ABUEH & Others V. PDP & Others Suit No: CA/PH/557/2022, where the court held: “A political party is not allowed by extant Electoral Act, 2022 and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to sue another political party in a bid to challenge the nomination of the latter party’s candidates elected from primary election conducted by the latter political party and seeking to prevent the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from acting on the list of candidates submitted to it by the political party sued”.

He also cited a January 23, 2023 decision of the Makurdi Division of the Court of Appeal in PDP & Others V. INEC & Others, Appeal No. CA/MK/PE/15/2022 where the Court was called upon to interpret the cumulative effect of Sections 77(2) and (3), 82(1), (2) and (5); 84(1), (4)(a)-(c) and (13) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

Justice Biobele Georgewill, who read the appellate court’s judgement stated: “In the light of all I have stated above, it seems clear to me and I so firmly hold that by whatever canons of interpretation employed on the provisions and wordings of Section 285(14) (c) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended it can neither accommodate nor confer any locus standi on one political party to challenge the internal affairs or planning, preparations and holding of the primary election of another political party.

“Simply put, the Appellants/Cross – Respondents, being PDP and its candidates for the House of Representatives in the 2023 General Elections lack the locus standi to challenge by way of instituting their Suit before the lower Court to challenge the planning, preparations and holding or even non holding of primary elections by the 2nd Respondent, APC”.

Furthermore, Omotayo referenced another Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division’s judgement of November 29, 2022 in the case of PDP V. INEC & OTHERS, Appeal No.CA/PH/480/2022 where the court went further to add that only aspirants, who participated in a primary, not just any member of a particular political party, could challenge the process of a primary election.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Gabriel Kolawole stated: “The appellant is a member of PDP not APC, and even if he is a member of the APC, he would have no locus to challenge the nomination of the 1st Respondent as he is not one of the Aspirants who participated in the primary election. In my view he is a meddlesome interloper who having assumed the position of hired mourner is crying more than the bereaved”.

The activist added that the decisions were in tandem with the verdicts of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court before the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, citing the Supreme Court in the Case Alhasan & Ano V. Ishaku & Others in SC.907/2015, which was delivered on January 8, 2016.

The Supreme Court held: “Only an aspirant at the primary election is permitted by Section 87(9) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) to challenge the selection or nomination of a person for an elective office. Apart from an aspirant who took part in the primary election, no other person is authorized to file an action to challenge the selection or nomination of a candidate by a political party for an election.

“As I said earlier, the appellant is a member of the PDP, not APC and even if he is a member of the APC, he would have no locus to challenge the nomination of the 1st Respondent as he is not one of the aspirants who participated in the primary election.

“In my view, Appellant is a meddlesome interloper who, having assumed the role of a hired mourner, is crying more than the bereaved”.

Omotayo regretted a situation where the judiciary is bugged down by a plethora of litigations even on matters already abundantly decided and eloquently made clear by both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court, and called on the political parties and politicians to play by the rule to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

The Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Aniocha North Constituency, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi has congratulated the newly appointed Chairman of Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, affirming that the former lawmaker truly merits the office he was appointed into as a thoroughbred Accountant.

The lawmaker noted that Hon. Ighrakpata will reorganise the revenue sector of Delta State economy as well shore up revenue to boost development.

He said Ighrakpata is indeed a square peg in a square hole, positing that he is confident the new Chairman would deliver on mandate.

Nwaobi in the statement, also commended the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for meticulously choosing a diligent and well experienced public administrator in the person of Ighrakpata to organise the revenue sector of the State’s economy.

He further described the action of Mr. Governor as that of a man who already knew where he is going to in governance.

It could be recalled that Hon. Nwaobi as the Majority Leader of the State Assembly, vehemently moved a motion with excitement, calling on his colleagues to adopt the letter of the Governor conveying the appointment of Ighrakpata, for consideration.

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme (left) presenting a souvenir to Sir Dele Omenogo, when the Council of Knights, Anglican Communion paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, Wednesday, July 12 called on Christians to make themselves readily available for the work of God.

The Deputy Governor, made the call when the Council of Knights, Diocese of Ndokwa, Anglican Communion. paid him a congratulatory visit at Government House, Asaba.

He stated that job schedule should not be a barrier to carrying out the work of God.

“We should always contribute to the growth of Christianity; even when you are not there physically, contribute your quota to the work of God,” Sir Onyeme said.

He observed that there are a lot of benefits derivable from working for God and urged the Council of Knights not to relent in contributing to the growth of the church.

Speaking on behalf of the Knights, Dr. Dele Omenogor, said that the visit was to congratulate Sir Onyeme on his successful assumption of office as Deputy Governor and to intimate him as a Knight of St. Christopher, the activities of the Council of Knights, Diocese of Ndokwa, Anglican Communion.

The Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Sir Christopher Osakwe, Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr. Dan Ossai witnessed the courtesy call

Kano: A Gbaramatu-born peace and development advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff, convener of the Nigeria for Peace Project, has identified the lack of peace and unity as the bane of Nigerian development.

A Cross Section of CEPEJ officials, Gov. Kwankwoso,  Chief Mulade  & others

Comrade Mulade, who is the National Coordinator/CEO Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, stated this in Kano on Monday 10th of July, 2023 during his peace and unity advocacy visit to prominent Nigerians in Kano State.

The peace Ambassador visited a political stalwart, Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of NNPP and former Governor of Kano State. He stressed the urgent need for unity, peace and reconciliation in Nigeria, through the promotion of equity and justice irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.

According to Chief Mulade Sheriff, CEPEJ Kano office is coordinating the Peace Project, and said “I am here with my team and the co-convener of the project, Alhaji Ibrahim Waiya, to formally inform you about the Nigeria for Peace (N4P), an intervention initiative that was conceived and birthed by some like-minded civil society organizations and patriotic individuals from across the country with a strong focus on the nation’s unity.”

“It is imperative to state that the unity of Nigeria has continued to be threatened by bad elements who whip up religious, ethnic and regional sentiments during political campaigns. This situation runs counter to our collective resolve to be a united and peaceful nation,” he emphasized.

Comrade Mulade asserted that it was to achieve this objective that has made some non-state actors and patriotic Nigerians who had been working on national unity and peace, to come together and champion the project through concerted efforts to compliment other initiatives to restore and sustain national unity, cohesion, and peaceful coexistence, with sustainable national development as their goal.

In his response, the former Governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the NNPP during the 2023 general elections, commended the group for the initiative, noting that Nigeria is in dire need of peace and total restoration. He added that “as a peace loving person, I want to assure you that we will be part of the peace-building process in the country to achieve our long desired development.”

He thanked the delegation and encouraged the group to sustain the movement so as to fix Nigeria, despite our ethnic, cultural and religious diversities, so as to fast track the development of our dear Nation, Nigeria.

By: Celestine Ukah

The management of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, CMDM, has distanced the Ministry from the actions of Adewale Abayomi Ayeni and Ebipakebina Appeal, as it relates to their alleged link with consignments of illicit drugs and their reported arrest by Officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

In a disclaimer made available to Areanewsng.coml, today, Tuesday July 11, Christ Mercyland Ministry, acknowledged that though Adewale Abayomi Ayeni, has been working in its Call Center since 2019 and Ebipakebina Appeal, started working with its Driving Unit since 2018, the duo, purportedly exhibited conduct, contrary to the aims and objectives of the Ministry.

The disclaimer, which was credited to the management of the Ministry, asserted that Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, founded by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, remains poised to carrying out God’s work, in-line with Biblical injunction.

By: Celestine Ukah 

A renowned Gospel minister of God and Senior Pastor in charge of Avenue Baptist Church, ABC, Warri, of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Sylvester Ogheneakpobor has charged young people not to give up on their goals in life.

Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor gave the charge Sunday July 2 during the 2023 Royal Ambassador, R.A Sunday with the Theme “Taking Territories” Proverbs 22:29.

The Man of God in his sermon said
whatever anyone set as a goal should be pursued vigorously toward advancement of God kingdom.

He highlighted three things that indicate people are taking territories which include becoming a trail blazer, attempt something that has never happened before and setting goals for self.

According to Dr. Ogheneakpobor people that take territories are power brokers, adding that power brokers are influential personality who can provide solution to situation in different areas.

The Senior Pastor admonished young people to set goals for themselves in order to achieve quickly and become notable and take territories in their fields of endeavours.

Rev. Dr. Ogheneakpobor posited that taking territories is not just preaching it but to go out preach and evangelise to others to be in line with God pathway, he prayed for young people and other young adults for God protection, deliverance from peer delinquency and against engaging in negative societal vices

* Says Governor Will Not Fail Deltans

*Congratulates Him On Victory At Supreme Court

Former Chairmanship aspirant for Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe has commended the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his giant strides so far since he was sworn in May 29th, 2023, just as he felicitated with him on his legal victories.

Delta State Governor, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori recently ordered the demolition of all buildings erected along waterways in the State.

He had given the order during an inspection tour of Phases I and II of the Warri/Effurun Storm Water Control Projects in Warri South and Uvwie Local Government Areas of the State.

The Governor had said there was no place in the world where people were allowed to build on waterways and directed the Ministries of Housing, Works and Lands to identify and pull down all such buildings to allow free flow of water on natural water ways.

At Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli, Governor Oborevwori ordered relocation of Delta Appreciate Park and those trading along the road.

According to him; “we are planning something there but when you are planning you need to go and see the place and I saw a motor park at that junction and that’s not acceptable at all.

“Trading on the road is also not acceptable, you can see the risk involved in trading on the express road.

“We met with His Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli, the Council Chairman and the President General and we discussed all these and that market need to be relocated from that place because its causing a lot hardship to travellers.

“I have directed the Council Chairman to ensure that motor park is relocated from that place and those trading on the road need to move.

“There is somewhere we have prepared for them and we have issue of access road but I have also directed the Ministry of Works to come up with a proposal to enable us have access road to the new market.”

Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe a Press Statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Asaba said that he was impressed with the achievements recorded so far by the Governor, imploring Deltans to support his administration.

Specifically, he hailed Governor Oborevwori for the free flow of traffic now being experienced by motorists and other road users at the Otovwodo junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State, describing it as a welcome development that must be applauded by all and sundry.

The ex-chairmanship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also remarked that the PTI junction in Uvwie Local Government Area of the State has witnessed free flow of traffic since the Governor assumed office and urged motorists and other road users to obey the new traffic regulations at the Otovwodo and PTI junctions.

According to the statement; ” I must say that I am highly impressed with the giant strides recorded so far by our dynamic Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori since he assumed office. Am particularly elated about the free flow of traffic at the Otovwodo and PTI junctions in Ughelli North and Uvwie Local Government Areas respectively in the state”.

“Our Governor came prepared for governance in the state and I know that he is not going to disappoint Deltans. He is going to take our beloved state to greater heights because he is a grassroot politician who is going to attend to the needs of our people. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Deltans to give him the necessary support and encouragement because he needs our collective cooperation to succeed. He is going to do M.O.R.E for Deltans and we should give him the needed support”, he stated.

Meanwhile, Hon. Akpeti Lawrence Ebikefe, himself a former Delta State House of Assembly aspirant for Patani State Constituency has felicitated with the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on his legal victories last week.

The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba, had, on Thursday, dismissed the petition of Mr. Ken Pela, the governorship candidate of the Labour Party for abandoning his petition.

Similarly, the Supreme Court, on Friday dismissed an appeal brought before it by Chief Ikie Aghwarianovwe, seeking the disqualification of Governor Oborevwori for lack of merit.

According to the grassroot politician, the victories of the Governor in Asaba and Abuja never came to him as a surprise, saying that; “I want to warmly congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his legal victories at the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and Supreme Court. We thank God for everything. Deltans should continue to support the administration of the Governor in order for him to take our dear state to greater heights”.