Teachers rewards begins on earth too as Kebbi State people elect a former President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Dr. Nasiru Idris in the rescheduled Kebbi State Governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the APC candidate winner after polling 409, 225 votes to beat his closest rival Gen. Aminu Bande of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to INEC’s Collation/Returning Officer, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu of the Usman Danfodio University, SOkoto, the PDP standard bearer secured 360,940.
The Nation reports that , The returning officer explained that the total votes cast stood at 800,560, out of which valid votes were 781,478, while 19,082 votes were rejected.
“I, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu, the Returning Officer of the governorship election held on April 15, 2023, declare that Nasiru Idris of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is hereby returned elected as Governor of Kebbi.”
A Prominent Itsekiri indigene and renowned politician, Chief Ayirimi Emami, says his original beads and sword, authenticating him as the ‘Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom’, are still intact, despite the dramatic presentation of a bead and sword to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III at the Olu Palace, Warri, Sunday April 16, in the presence of expectant crowd of Itsekiri sons and daughters.
Chief Emami, staged a walkout from the Olu Palace, alongside many Ologbotsere descendants, after declining the Olu of Warri’s offer for him to take his late father’s title ‘Eyeku’.
He told a gathering of Ologbotsere descendants and pressmen at the Ologbotsere Hall in his Palatial Home at Egbokodo, Warri, that the incident at the Olu Palace, was joy to him for many reasons, including a biblical reference Papa Ayo Oritsejafor illustrated Friday April 14, during the peace meeting at the Palace, “when he said if the Devil knew that Jesus Christ would be celebrated, they wouldn’t have killed him.”
The original Ologbotsere sword
Chief Emami, who spoke in Itsekiri language, stated: “Those that asked me to honour invitation of the Ogiame, knew they wanted to kill me, but if I had not honoured the invitation, they would have said I do not want the blessings of Itsekiri.”
He continued: “You guys should not worry yourselves, what wants blood, if you give it palm oil, it will not take it. Today is a day of joy for so many reasons. When they said the king sent for me, many said I should not go, some said I should go. He that is in me is greater. People that said I should honour the invitation, are more than those that said I shouldn’t honour it. Those that advised me to go the Palace, said if I go, there will be peace in Itsekiri land and I hold issues concerning Itsekiri in high esteem.
“When he (the king) called me, he told me of the dream he had about Ikenwoli (the transited Olu of Warri) and what Ikenwoli did. Anytime the President-Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, meets me, he always advised me to go and see the Olu of Warri. He told me to forget about ancestors and go to the King, that was exactly what I did. Even Oba of Benin spoke about the issue.
“The wife of Ologbotsere, is the eyes of Ologbotsere. My wife called me and advised that I should not carry my original beads and sword to the Palace today. These three beads; bead of Atuwaste II, my late father and that of Ikenwoli, are my inheritance, I did not buy them. Have you seen me with one bead before?”.
Spokesman of Ologbotsere Descendants, Comrade Alex Eyengho, who addressed newsmen at Chief Emami’s house, averred: “What happened in the palace today, was part of a script that has been written. We got premonition of the event that would play out, hence the bead and sword presented at the Palace, are fake. It has been an ongoing script. Ologbotsere family is not stupid. The original beads and sword are intact. Once you give a title to someone, it is till death. You don’t take it back. For Ologbotsere title to be given, it must come from the family of Ologbotsere, on request from the king. Chief Ayirimi Emami remains the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.”
In his pronouncement at the Palace, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, declared in parts: “Today is a very unusual day. But we will do something unusual. I won’t do this publicly again, but there is a reason why today is public. Opportunity for us to come together and reconcile. The outcome is for the good and betterment of Itsekiri, irrespective of anybody’s reaction. God does not have an opposite. Ogiame does not have an enemy. In this kingdom, there is no rival. The beads on the neck of our Chiefs, are personal property of the Ogiame. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. True reconciliation, will not be forced on Ogiame. The terms will be determined by Ogiame. We have divine reason to do this publicly, it is not an easy thing for me to do this, I had to humble myself. Itsekiris want Ogiame to be proud at all times, because we are proud people. As directed and determined by God, pride is actually not one of the ways of God.
“I had been battling for almost two years on how I could come down to address this Ologbotsere issue. I was covering Ayiri Emami even when I was in Idaneken. I authored apology for him to read, as it happened, the apology didn’t surface. God wants this matter to be resolved, I understand the fears some of you might have. Every human being deserves a second chance. Monarchy is a reflection of how God operates.
“Ikenwoli told me: What I did privately with Ayiri, do it publicly for all to see” this was after O.N. Rewane, Chief Mayuku and Chief Akonu Emami appeared to me in a dream. None of you here, is better than this man (Chief Ayiri) I am tired of fighting. I will not humiliate the Ologbotsere family. The Ologbotsere title, remains the most senior title. Ikenwoli like Atuwatse II, knew what they saw in this man (Chief Ayirimi Emami). Let everyone, stand up and celebrate this man (referring to Chief Emami).
“I do not want Itsekiri to fight, I have given him a chance for redemption, to work for the interest of Itsekiri. He has conceded he will not accept his father’s title.”
Former Militant leader, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo (AKA) Tompolo Saturday April 15 went spiritual with a call on Nigerians especially Politicians, traditional rulers and clergy to do what is right at all times as well as speak and stand by the truth.
Tompolo gave the charge while chatting with newsmen during the grand finale of the Amaseikumor annual festival 2023 held at Oporoza Community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him, “My message to everybody and Nigerians. Everybody should do the right thing. Be you politicians, traditional rulers ,pastors everybody should by the truth.”
Tompolo who joined his kinsmen in celebration of the Amaseikumor annual festival 2023 said the festival brings peace and development to Ijaw nation at large.
Chief Government was spotted acknowledging dignitaries as the masquerades made entry into the venue with cultural dance steps.
Tompolo greeted the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom,HRM. Oboro Gbaraun who was flanked by other kings from the Niger Delta region before he decorated the masquerades with naira notes.
As the annual Amaseikumor festival 2023 comes to an end,the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom,HRM. Oboro Gbaraun II conferred on a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Michael Johnny with the “Agadiwei” title.
The revered monarch also conferred various titles on eight other persons in the Kingdom.
The colourful event held at the monarch’s palace in Oporoza Community headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Michael Johnny who spoke on behalf of the new Chiefs promised that they will use their titles to attract more development to the people of Gbaramatu Kingdom.
Earlier, the Fiowei of the great Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama said the titles are not that of the Pentecostal Church. He advised the male chiefs not to use the titles to cease and force women into marriages without their consent.
He warned that they shall be stripped of their titles if they do otherwise.
“You don’t use our traditional title to woe women. It’s an abomination if you do that. Don’t come and flaunt your riches here. Don’t use your title in the market places. If you do, the King will deal decisively with you.
“No title is hereditary. According to the rules and regulations of the Kingdom so that you’re not dealt with” he admonished”.
Meanwhile, Esaba Community defeated Oporoza Community 1-0 in a football match as part of activities marking the Amaseikumor festival. They were presented with a trophy at the event.
Highpoint of the event was a traditional wrestling competition.
Group Chairman of Jeddapel Construction and Engineering Limited, Augustus B. El-Bethel, has congratulated the Delta State Governor-Elect, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on his landslide victory at the just concluded Governorship Election in in the State and drummed support from all Deltans for him.
He enjoined Deltans in a Press Statement he personally signed to give the Governor-elect, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, the needed support, saying that he has the interests of Deltans at heart.
According to him, having served as the longest Speaker in the history of the Delta State House of Assembly since the creation of the State, he was convinced beyond every reasonable doubts that Rt Hon Oborevwori would make a good Governor.
While saying that the Governor-elect would address the needs of Deltans, he said that roads, bridges, highways, building projects, drainage systems, Water projects, storm and Waste management, irrigation projects, Costal protection, flood and erosion control and environmental pollution management and others known for by Jeddapel Construction and Engineering Limited would do the needful by offering professional advice to the incoming administration under Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
He said that ; ” We at Jeddapel Construction and Engineering Limited wish to Felicitate with the Governor-elect of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori on his landslide victory at the March 18th, 2023 governorship Election. We are very sure that our Governor-Elect will not disappoint Deltans who voted for him massively”.
“We are ready as a construction and engineering company to be of great help to the incoming administration because we know that our Governor-Elect, Rt Hon Oborevwori is going to turn the state into a construction site and we are imploring Deltans to rally around him to succeed and so once again, we congratulate him on his victory at the polls”, he said
He also said that; “As an Okpe man from Aghalokpe, I want to appreciate Gov Okowa, PDP and indeed all Deltans for helping us realize the dream of having an Okpe man as governor in Delta State. That has been our prayers and our heart desires. That it happened in our time is my greatest joy”.
The Iyatsere of Warri, Chief Johnson Atseruleghe, the Uwangue of Warri, Chief Gabriel Awala, other prominent Chiefs of Warri Kingdom as well as the immediate past Governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan, former President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN/ Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Papa Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor and ex – member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Daniel Reyenieju, were among prominent Itsekiri indigenes present when Chief Ayirimi Emami, honoured the invite of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III this evening, Friday April 14.
Fresh Angle International, understands that the closed door peace – building meeting which was at the behest of the revered First Class Monarch, held at the world – class Olu Palace, Warri, between 4pm and 8:20pm, with crowds waiting for the possible positive outcome.
The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III had invited Chief Emami to a meeting about two weeks ago after performing a traditional rite at Ogbowuru hall in Ode – Itsekiri, the ancestral home of Itsekiri people, but Chief Emami, who was outside Warri Kingdom in preparation for a foreign trip, could not immediately honour the respected King’s invite.
This Newspaper, gathered that Chief Emami, on arrival in Warri today, Friday April 14, dashed to palace of the Olu of Warri in company of the Akulagba of Warri Kingdom, Chief Omamuli for the over four hours meeting, which seemingly concretized the peace building processes between the Warri Monarch and Chief Ayirimi Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom.
Chief Emami, who thanked the large gathering of his supporters waiting for him at the palace gate at the end of the meeting, disclosed that The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has invited members of the respected Ologbotsere family to a meeting at the Olu Palace this Sunday, April 16 for the necessary traditional jaw – jaw.
It is expected that the process of consolidating the unity of Itsekiri Nation which came to the fore today, in the aftermath of the succession crisis, would lead to an end in the court cases that followed.
*As General Ochei’s Wife Empowers 89 Traders with millions of Naira
The cerebral NNEOHA and Omu Anioma, HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu has unveiled the reconstructed Onicha-Olona Market in Aniocha North LGA, which was rebuilt and donated by the wife of Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei to the community through Aniocha North Council.
The Omu who was given a royal welcome into Onicha-Olona as Special Guest of Honour, was ushered into the market where she performed necessary rites and prayers before unveiling the plaque, signalling the traditional commencement of market activities by traders and buyers.
Omu Dunkwu in her speech, commended the beautiful wife of Maj. Gen. Raymond Ochei, whose NGO – Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation took over the reconstruction of the market, completed it for the use of Onicha-Olona community and handed it over to the Local Government.
Omu Anioma posited that it is difficult to find the type of Mrs. Ochei in this contemporary environment and era, who after rebuilding and handing over a market free of charge back to the Council, also empowered 89 market women who are currently trading in the market with #50,000 each in order to enhance their trading activities.
While making a presentation of the Traditional Akwa Ocha to her as a mark of encouragement and appreciation, the Queen Mother admonished Anioma daughters at home and abroad with the wherewithal, to emulate the virtues and generosity of Mrs. Ochei.
The Omu equally commended General Raymond Ochei, husband of the market builder for his philanthropy, maintaining that his rare and uncommon generosity to the people of Onicha-Olona in particular, and Anioma people in general is worthy of mention.
As the Mother General of Anioma Nation, Obi Martha Dunkwu went further to thank and pray for the Nigerian Armed Forces for the good work they are doing with regards to protecting the nation’s territorial integrity, thereby urging them to continue in that patriotic assignment of keeping the nation safe, secure and peaceful.
As a mark of respect to her person and the remarkable impacts she has made to nation-building, Maj. Gen. Ochei presented varying gifts to Omu Dunkwu and her entourage.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Okwechime, who was represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Kennedy Okoh had commended the exemplary patriotism of Dr. (Mrs.) Doris Amaka Ochei and her Foundation, especially on the market project.
According to the chairman, “It is in this regard that we salute the vision and commitment of the Dr. (Mrs) Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation with the rehabilitation/expansion of this modern market which by design would inspire a wide range of income generating and livelihood enhancing activities.
“Permit me therefore to assert here with every sense of responsibility, that with your resounding successful execution of this project, you have demonstrated your love for our people and created another window for improved economic activities towards wealth creation and poverty reduction. And may God reward your modest effort to impact on humanity”, the Chairman stated before going ahead to commission the project.
Meanwhile, the prayers and eulogies of Omu Anioma while unveiling the plaque, encouraged the benefactor and founder of the Doris Amaka Ochei Foundation to further empower the 89 women already trading in the market with #50,000 each, to enable them move into the market properly and commence daily trading.
In support of the Dr. Amaka Ochei’s gesture, another illustrious son of Onicha-Olona, paid the mandatory #1000 processing fee to Aniocha North Council for each of the 89 traders, to enable them officially formalise their legitimacy in the market.
It was a grand ceremony as high profile personalities, including the Traditional Ruler of Onicha-Olona, HRM Obi Diji, the Olikeze of Onicha-Olona and former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Victor Ochei, the President General of Onicha-Olona Development Union, Mr. Patrick Ejido, the Ozoma of Onicha-Olona, Chief Austine Elumelu were among a host of others that graced the event.
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.
