Some members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have initiated moves to relieve the party’s National Organising Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, of his duties as the Director of Field Operations for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council.
The move, according to authoritative sources, is due to Bature’s arrogance and failure to carry his colleagues and other critical and more experienced stakeholders along in his operations.
This has caused some embarrassing lapses in the planning of some of the presidential campaign rallies in many states, they say.
Two NWC members told this newspaper that Bature, despite his incompetence, has remained disrectful and bullish to party executives who have offered to work with him, especially in planning campaign rallies in their states or zones.
Speaking to our reporter, one party chieftain said Bature’s demeanour in office is a far cry from that of his immediate predecessor, who despite coming from a military background, was more civil and respected all party organs.
The source alleged that the NOS’s double standard and divisive mien was responsible for many of the challenges the party is working to resolve in some state chapters like Ogun.
Bature could not be reached for comments on the allegations.
A top NWC member from the North, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a formal complaint has already been lodged with the party’s presidential candidate to ensure that a more experienced and amiable hand is employed to avoid further lapses in the campaign planning.
“We are not saying he can longer be the NOS but combining the office with field operation duties is getting him disoriented. So we have told Atiku, Bature must go,” one NWC said.
A Cross Section of the participants shortly after the training
By: Precious Collins
Over 150 constituents have benefitted from the empowerment training programme focused on the rudiments of fish production, processing and marketing facilitated by the Member Representing Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP.
The training which held Friday December 16, 2022 at the Federal Government College, Warri, Delta State attracted massive attendance of participants across the three Warri LGAs
Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi JP
The Nigeria Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research who were the organizers of the capacity enhancement programme thought participants on the rudiments of fish production, processing and marketing to prospective customers into large scale and international supplies.
At the end of the One Day Training Programme the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi charged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the skill impacted on them by the resource team.
Chief Ereyitomi who is also the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission , NDDC, urged beneficiaries to use the grant given them to explore more in improving their trade in the fish business industry.
Participants commended Hon. Ereyitomi for his robust and strategic representation qualities in improving the lives of Warri federal constituents with Bills and motions towards a better standard and upliftment of the people.
It would be recall that last week the Bill for An Act to Establish Federal Institute of Fisheries Research Ogidigben sponsored by Rep Ereyitomi passed through third reading by the House of Reps.
*As first driver to pass Second Niger Bridge commends President Buhari, FG
The bridge was open at exactly 9:50am on Thursday, December 15, 2022 despite assurances by the Federal Government that the bridge will be opened at 12am.
According to a government official who spoke to Channels Television, the delay was as a result of some little adjustments on the roads the roads linking the bridge.
The first driver to pass through the bridge, Sunday Emem, expressed his delight to Channels Television. “I feel so happy, at least it will reduce the hold-up. We’ve stayed over one hour at the other bridge,” he said.
Obinna Eze, the second driver to pass through the bridge, urged the present administration to complete it before May 2023.
“It is a reality, though it is not 100% complete, so far what we are seeing is impressive. We commend the present administration and we hope they complete it based on the time frame,” Eze said.
Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), last Thursday disclosed that the Second Niger Bridge would be open to traffic from December 15, 2022, to January 15, 2023 to ease the experience of travellers during Yuletide break.
The 1.6 kilometers long bridge links Anambra and Delta states.
The Second Niger Bridge was first proposed during the 1978/79 political campaign by then-candidate Shehu Shagari of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
*As community Leadership Fumes Over Neglect Of Road, Other Infrastructures
As the 2023 general elections draw close, the leadership of Kunukunuma Federated Community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has called on the Governor of the State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to complete the community’s abandoned road project if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) wants their votes.
This much was disclosed by the Chairman of the community, Chief Moses Bebenimibo (JP), during a media chat on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 on the state of development of the community and other issues arising.
Chief Moses, who is also the PDP Ward Secretary in Gbaramatu, noted that since the inception of the ruling party in the State, the people of Kunukunuma have always delivered block votes to the party, but with no tangible results to show for it.
He lamented the neglect of the community by the Okowa’s administration in terms of tangible infrastructures, particularly the only road project which he alleged has been abandoned despite the visit by engineers from the state government to carry out on-the-sight inspections of the project in the community as well as the commissioning of other projects in neighbouring communities.
According to Chief Moses “The only road project allocated to Kunukunuma Federated Community by the Governor Okowa administration has been abandoned. And after much complaint, the governor sent engineers to inspect the road project.
“After engineers visited our community to look at the project more than seven months ago, since then no presence of any contractor to continue the road project. From the look of things we assumed the project has been abandoned,” Chief Moses alleged.
The Secretary of the PDP Ward in Gbaramatu Kingdom appealed to the party’s leadership and the governor to expedite action towards the continuation of the road project as the patient of the people is growing thin each passing day.
“Since inception it’s PDP we know. But if the leadership of the party and governor Okowa doesn’t put the road project in order, then we will think of who we are going to give our block votes to, in order for our road to be completed,” Chief Moses cautioned.
A Bill for an Act to Establish The Federal Institute of Fisheries Research, Ogidigben, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, For Fishery Research, Education and Cooperative Training in Nigeria And to Make Comprehensive Provisions For Due Management And Administration And For Related Matters, 2021. HB sponsored by the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi passes third reading at the Federal House of Representatives.
Hon. Eteyitomi explained that Ogidigben is a coastal community in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State as well situated along the Escravos River with strategic proximity to other coastal communities within Warri Federal Constituency, neighbouring communities and states, adding that when established, the Fisheries Institute will be accessible, not only to the people of Warri Federal Constituency, but also to Nigerians at large.
It would be recalled that The Warri National Assembly Member,had Wednesday July 14, 2021 at plenary stressed that the coastal communities within the Warri Federal Constituency produce over 30 percent of Nigeria’s mainstay economy but have very little or nothing to show for it in the area of education, social amenities, development or even federal presence.
The Bill was passed by the House of Reps Tuesday December 13, 2022 to be transmitted to the President for assent after National Assembly legislative process.
Rep Ereyitomi said Fishery contributes about three to five percent to the agriculture share of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sadly, statistics revealed that importation of fish has served as a major supply of fish in Nigeria, providing more than half (56.0 percent) of fish supply.
According to the Warri Federal Parliamentarian, reports from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed that Nigeria spent 97 Billion Naira on fish importation in 2010, in the analysis of major food imports obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, fish was the second major food commodity with the highest import Bill between the period of 2006 -2010, with an annual average of N113.63 Billion, despite Nigeria’s endowed marine resources, rivers, lakes and creeks, he appealed to the Speaker of the House and his Honourable respected members to look inward in order to reduce the negative trend.
Hon. Ereyitomi revealed that Ogidigben as the proposed location of the Institute is ready to make available large acres of land for the construction and take-off of the institute as soon as the bill is assented to by the President.
He commended his colleagues in the Green Chamber for their cooperation towards the passage of the Bill.
The Community Empowerment For Development Initiative, CEDI a Non Governmental Organization, NGO, is advocating for ethical reorientation of Nigerians in public sector in order to help reduce corruption across all areas of the country.
Mrs. Onose, while briefing the press & others observe
This advocacy was made by the Executive Director, CEDI, Mrs. Martha Onose Friday December 9, 2022 during a press conference with select-Journalists at her office in Warri, Delta State, to mark this year 2022 World anti-corruption Day and to also celebrate 20th anniversary of the body which is tagged ‘@20 uniting the World Against Corruption’ she is calling on all concerned to shun corruption as it has destroyed development of Nigerian States and its people.
Mrs. Onose charged Nigerian people to be discouraged from engaging in wrong practices, noting that CEDI will sustain its advocacy on sensitizing Nigerians on the National Anti Corruption Strategy , NACS II being in existence without much attention to the document by the people.
According to the CEDI Executive Director, it is better to prevent corruption than to let it happen, they emphasized on the need for Nigerians to seek attention toward how to manage the recovered looted funds Act signed Into law and as well all should take advantage of the law.
A Cross Section of participants at the press conference
According to the content of the press briefing by CEDI read by the Executive Director, Mrs. Martha Onose, thus:
” It is with great honor and pleasure that I welcome you all to this Event to commemorate the Anti-Corruption Day on National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS II) and pending Anti-corruption bills under the SCALE project tagged Enhancing Anti-corruption and Social Inclusive Reform Initiatives in Nigeria as you are aware, corruption is a major challenge that is hindering the growth and development of Nigeria hence it is consistently ranked one of the most corrupt countries or territories in the world as evidenced by several Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) reports. The 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) released by Transparency International (TI) ranked Nigeria 154 out of 180 countries. The latest ranking was five places below the 2020 CPI ranking for the country. Nigeria also scored 24 out of 100 points falling back one point compared to the 2020 CPI, indicating high level of corruption as in the previous reports. Other reports including the Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends Second Survey on Corruption as experienced by the population, 2019, published by NBS and UNODC supports this position. A number of public institutions in Nigeria are not working effectively to deliver on their mandates to the citizens, this has amplified the corruption situation in the country.
“The overall effect of corruption in the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large is negative with serious implications for security, living standard of the people, economic growth, and development. This affects both men, women and the vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, even disproportionately. In terms of the Human Development Index score, Nigeria ranked 163rd in the United Nations (UN) Human Development Index (HDI) for the second consecutive year, a new report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as the figure remained unchanged with 0.535. Its life expectancy reached 52.7 years in 2021, the expected years of schooling was 10.1, this mean year of schooling was 7.2 and the country’s income per capita hit $4,790 in 2021.
“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on November 17, 2022, recently launched its most extensive national measure of multidimensional poverty. The report shows that 63% of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multidimensionally poor. The National MPI is 0.257, indicating that poor people in Nigeria experience just over one-quarter of all possible deprivations. Interestingly, some states in the Niger Delta where special intervention commissions like the NDDC and/or the oil and gas commissions operate still record high poverty level.Recall that in an effort to fulfill President Buhari’s campaign promises in 2015, the Federal Executive Council under his Administration approved the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2017-2021 on the 5th of July 2017. This was in compliance with the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) which Nigeria is a signatory to. Under Article 5, Chapter 2 of UNCAC, State Parties are required to develop and implement or maintain effective anti-corruption policies that encourage the participation of society, reflect the rule of law, and promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.
“The National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) and other anti-corruption laws like the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, provides the framework that outlines how issues of grand corruption in Nigeria can be tackled. There are also a few of the anti-corruption laws such as the Whistleblower Protection Bill and Witness Protection Bill amongst others that need the assent of President Buhari to encourage citizens report corruption cases if there is legal backing of the law that seeks to protect them.
“The Objective of this meeting is;To carry out press briefing with CSOs, the media and PWDs to raise public awareness and make a case for the NACS 11.Popularize the NACs11call for implementation of NACS II and passage of pending anti-corruption billsWHAT DOES THE NACS SEEKThe NACS seeks to develop and implement mechanisms to improve the governance of public institutions at the Federal, State and Local Government levels To remove corruption related factors inhibiting their accessibility and capacity to deliver quality services to Nigerians. At the level of the private sector and society, The strategy seeks to promote the establishment of ethical standards where they do not exist and enforcement of such standards where they exist.Given the negative effects of corruption in our society, CEDI and other CSOs present, therefore, are demanding that:CEDI welcomes the announcement of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (2022-2026), therefore, calls on the Federal Government to work closely with media and CSOs to popularise the implementation of the newly extended strategy and ensure that it provides mechanisms for creatively aligning different institutions and agencies in the Nigerian integrity framework, and supports private-public partnerships against corruption in a manner that ensures; effective collaboration, coordination, and synergy, as well as delineation of sectoral program priorities, within and outside the public service, whilst serving as the broad umbrella road map under which mass mobilization of citizens behind the crusade is pursued and achieved. Relevant agencies of government fast-track the process of operationalization of the adopted National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
“The NASS should move quickly to ensure quick passage and transmission of the pending anti corruption bills to the President for his assent.
“We also call on Nigerians to uphold values of honesty; integrity and transparency as well as resist, discourage and report against practices to the relevant agencies within their environment” . She stressed.
Deck Capoon Dr Michael Eyide, addressing critical stakeholders before the commencement of the Seadogs market cleaning exercise at Okurigwre, SLGA, Saturday December 10, 2022
As part of the activities marking the 70th anniversary of the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrates Confraternity) the association has commenced the official implementation of its programme : ” Weekend Service to Humanity” with the clearing and cleaning of Sapele Market of dirt’s and refuse to keep the environment clean, hygiene for the traders and visitors.
7am on Saturday 10, December 2022, members of the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity) had gathered at the Okurigwre Market in Sapele local government area of Delta State, with critical stakeholders to commence the humanitarian service which saw them cleaning the entire market environment and packing the refuse into a waiting refuse truck for proper evacuation.
Some Seadogs pose for the press before the commencement of the exercise
In his speech at the occasion, the Deck Capoon of the National Association of Seadogs in the area, Dr Michael Eyide, explained that the event was another vivid demonstration of the Confraternity’s abiding commitment to lend helping hands to mankind. He said they chose to do this in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of UN on SDG 3: Good Health/Well being.
He stated that since 1952, when the National Association of Seadogs ( Pyrate Confraternity) was founded by Wole Soyinka, Raph Opara, Nathaniel Oyelola, Pius Oleghe, Olumuyiwa Awe, Ikpehare Aig – Imoukhuede and Sylvanus Egbuche which they christened the “original 7”. The association has contributed immensely to national development through various advocacy and humanitarian projects, striving for the “attainment of a just society” which he said, has inspired hope in communities around the world.
In his remark, the Chairman of Okurigwre Community, Mr Akpoaisi Happy, thanked the members of the Confraternity for their wonderful commitment to humanitarian ideals and appealed to critical stakeholders to cooperate with them in their quest for Service to Humanity.
Former member, Delta State House of Assembly, Warri North State Constituency and Commissioner for Agriculture, Delta State, Hon Misan Ukubeyinje, Area Mate 7, of the Natoinal Association of Seadogs was on ground to join other Seadogs during the clean up exercise.
College of Commerce Old Students Association, COCOSA, has elected Kolawole Victor Enijuni as its National President, Mrs. Yemisi Adebisi emerged as Vice President, Journalist Celestine Ukah was elected as the National Public Relations Officer, PRO of the Association.
Others also elected include: Mrs. Violet Elum- Secretary General, Elohor Gloria Enibueta Assistant Secretary, Moses Kakoh- Welfare Officer 1, Rose Daramola – Welfare Officer 2, Engr. James Adjuga- Publicity- Secretary, Ngozi Nzeribe- Treasurer and Ekama Stephen Okoro- Provost.
The National Body Election of the Association was conducted at the residence of the immediate past President, Barr. Patrick Ederi whose set of 1981 and 82 hosted.
Colleges of Old Students Association National body election which was keenly contested saw the new President Kolawole Victor Enijuni winning massively with 66 votes of the old students members present which signified that he is generally accepted to lead the Association .
In his acceptance speech the new President, Mr. Kolawole Victor Enijuni commended all members of COCOSA for putting their trust in him and the new executive to serve them, assuring that he will treat all equally in discharge of his duties in COCOSA, he promised to unite all who feel aggrieved before the election and seek for seniors and elders counsel all the time for smooth tenure.
The immediate past President of COCOSA Barr. Patrick Ederi gave his stewardship to the body, according to home some of his leadership achievements include attracting government intervention to the school, support to the football team to emerge champions of the Delta State Principal Cup Football tournament winning it back to back with two new buses among others .
He urged the new executive to sustain the development strides recorded and work hard in growing the Association.
The three members Electoral Committee that conducted the election chaired by Mr. Golohor Victor, Chief Amadi Reginald and Chief Theresa Amobokpa, charged the new executive to be active and carry everyone along as well see their election as a call to serve COCOSA and improve on things concerning their alma mater.
Newly elected Public Relations Officer, PRO of COCOSA, Celestine Ukah hailed his colleagues for voting him and the entire 11 executive members unanimously, Ukah an award winning seasoned journalist assured of disseminating the activities of COCOSA globally and also assist in discovery and recruitment of new members.
While congratulating the new leadership of COCOSA, Chairman of Team Kolaful campaign council, Chief Isaac Ehwherume commended all old students for their support and understanding in making sure there is a successful transmission of power to another elected executive to pilot the affairs of Association.
Chief Ehwherume appealed to all members to support the new executive just as he urged the ecvo to be proactive and look inwards towards attracting corporate organization and individuals as well as government in improving development of the alma mater.
Other members of the campaign team included: Sir Benson Ohajiaka – DG, AKA Alegbe Baba, Mrs Faith Okiemute – Woman- Leader, Yalaju Dere – Director Mobilisation and Engr. Osajie Chukwuyem – Director Logistics.
The 11-member executive whose mandate is two years were sworn-in immediately by the former COCOSA President, Hon. Chief (Dr.) Dickson Onajemoh.
From left: Phil Idahor- Treasurer , Ann Ogele- Provost, Evang. Engr. Ñurudeen Oluoboh- VP & Phillip Adugboh,- Welfare Officer
Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association, USSU, Ugborikoko, Effurun Class 90 set has donated relief materials worth thousands of Naira to Little Saints Orphanage Ekpan, Uvwie LGA, Delta State as part of activities to mark their One year in office and to also assist the less privilege in the society.
While presenting the relief items to the orphanage home Saturday December 10, 2022, Vice President of the Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association Class 90 set, Evang. Engr. Nurudeen Oluoboh stated that when they were inaugurated December 11, 2021, they promised to give back to their alma mater and to the society, hence they are fulfilling their earlier promise when they came onboard to pilot the affairs of the association.
Areanewsng.com reports that Evang. Oluoboh stressed that Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association set 90 is highly committed towards improving on the their alma mater and to also assist their members that are not too doing well in order to encourage them, he added that the body has also established a cooperative as a means of welfare to support members with soft loan in order to improve on their businesses where necessary.
USSU Vice President noted that the Association also built and commissioned public convenience with well installed water systems for students and teachers of the school.
He commended all members for their support in making sure the programmes outlined are executed successfully, assuring that going forward things will be better just as he appealed to other members for more support and cooperation.
Items presented to the orphanage home include: 50kg Rice, Soft drinks, cartons of indomie noodles, litres of ground nut oil, bunch of plantain, Carton of Tin Tomatoes, packets of maggi, rolls of sachets of Milo, rolls of milk, some garri, Packets of sugar, paste and baskets of beans.
Other members of the Ugborikoko Secondary School Old Students Association Class 90 set that spoke shortly after the presentation include Phil Idahor, Treasure, Ann Ogele- Provost and Philip Adugbo- Welfare Officer.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo has consulted and received the Royal Blessing of Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu as she begins the critical stage of her leadership mandate, which is to advocate and fight for the rights of women in the society.
She began by eulogizing Omu Dunkwu as a renowned personality in Anioma Nation whose voice reverberates in honesty, transparency and credibility.
Comrade Sonia Unobunjo (left) HRM Omu Anioma Nneoha (Middle) & other NAWOJ Official
Unobunjo said she had come to receive wisdom, guidance, direction and above all, blessing to lead aright and bring goodwill to the NAWOJ in Delta State.
“I feel proud standing before you Your Majesty, to consult with you, not watching from afar; and then seeking your Royal blessing which I know is more than enough for me to carry on with in my administration.
“I have carefully studied your antecedents and everything about you speaks of strength, truth and honesty. You are a known voice in Anioma Nation and there is no doubt your voice will propel NAWOJ to go higher as a body of women in journalism and women fighting the course of other women.
“We have come to tap from the fountain of knowledge and we will be satisfied with the intellectual benefit of meeting you.
“More importantly ma, I need your Royal blessing and wisdom to enable me break doors to enter. I need to succeed in my quest to take NAWOJ to the next positive level. We need your direction as a strong voice for women and an advocate of quality leadership.
“NAWOJ is advocating the protection of the rights and privileges of women and girl children. We are looking at the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) law. It is a known fact that women and children are more vulnerable in issues of gender based violence, and so this is one aspect of activism the NAWOJ is taking up in this period of the 16 Days of Activism.
“We want to go to the remote places to sensitize our women on their rights as far as the VAPP law is concerned, and equally, sensitize other persons who are also victimised by women. We want to sensitize the women too to discourage their wards who are into yahoo runs and other dubious money making tendencies, to desist from such ventures”, Unobunjo posited.
Omu Dunkwu indeed in her response, granted Unobunjo’s request by pronouncing blessing on her.
According to Omu, “We need a proactive NAWOJ that can stand up for the truth in our society and at the same time fight for women. I can never advocate for equality of men and women, but I can advocate for women to be supported to achieve their purpose in creation.
“My dear Sonia, I can always support you to succeed because, this is our Constituency. I thank God that your election has come and gone. Let me use this medium to congratulate you on your well deserved victory.
“I see you as an intelligent, courageous and outspoken woman who is willing to dare beyond the ordinary. You fit into my usual description of a prototype woman of the 22nd century.
“Going forward my dear Sonia, you must lead a group that is united and ready to advance a collective course. I need you to succeed; in that case you must endeavour to build a strong institution that is looking forward to having its own Secretariat and supporting women in all ramifications. The sky is your limit and I know that the woman I am seeing is ready to take the bull by its horn. Just calm down, be focused, be the woman you are and refuse to be distracted, so you can get to your desired height in the leadership of NAWOJ and beyond”, Obi Dunkwu advised.
The NAWOJ Chairman was accompanied on the visit by a member and Secretary of DBS Asaba Chapel of NUJ, Comrade Caroline Ubini.
Some Seadogs pose for the press before the commencement of the exercise 
