As Group talk tough against Monitization Of APC Guber Ticket

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

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

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

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

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

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

The petition which had different sub-titles also reads:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Urges all  Not to Despair, But Keep Hope Alive

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Celestine Ukah 

*As Oteri charges Christians to be weary of Sin

The Senior Pastor and founder of Anchor of Hope Church Worldwide, Rev. Thomas Okwute has told Christians in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria and the entire world that to be a christian signifies life as Jesus Christ is the life and light of the world.

Rev. Okwute made this declaration Wednesday April 5, 2023, while ministering as a guest speaker at the Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS. Warri annual Resurrection Dinner for the year 2023, speaking on the topic: The Escape Grace with text from Gen. 6:8, 19:19.

While admonishing Christians to be steadfast to the things of God and be ready at all times to apply hope as Christ has given to believers, Rev. Okwute, urged Christians not to venture to leave the world without the grace of God as the grace of the Lord abounds for all that accept Christ.

Photo grid of guests at the event & PST. Oteri 

According to the Man of God, God grace never give up on anyone, when you find hope you find life, adding that the grace of God hovers and gives opportunities.

General Manager Delta Broadcasting Service, DBS , Warri, Pst. Malcolm Oteri in his opening/ brief exaltation, pointed out that this year’s Prayer Fellowship of Delta Broadcasting Service DBS Warri is celebrating the 20th edition of the event, he charged Christians to be weary of Sin in its entirety, noting that “how you treat God is “how you treat His words”.

He urged all to respect and take the things of God seriously in order to enjoy the Escape Grace.

PST. Oteri explained that the resurrection dinner is about the main meal of the day which can be taken anytime hence the dinner being celebrated is the dinner of life brought by Jesus Christ

According to him it is important to remember Christ because he represents life for Jesus is assurance of life.

“If you take the body of Jesus and Jesus lives in you you will overcome all evil when u eat the bread of life you shall not die. John 17, Heb 1:3”.

Founder and Arch Bishop presiding Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church Land of the Living Ugboroke Delta State Nigeria Worldwide, Arch Bishop Goddowell Avwomakpa commended DBS Warri GM and his team for the program, he prayed for the organizers saying, God is always against sickness, prayed against sickness and those that attended the program, declaring that Jehovah Elohim means the one who can manufacture things where there’s non, Arch. Bishop Avwomakpa pronounced blessing upon all that attended the event.

Pere of Seimbiri kingdom in Burutu LGA Delta State, HRM, Pere Charles Ayemibotu also expressed his commendation to the Chief Executive of DBS Warri PST Oteri and his team, King Ayemibotu described Nigeria as a blessed country without great leader yet.

DBS Sports Club, Dr. Dickson Amromawhe former State Coordinator Special Marshal FRSC Delta state, Avenue Baptist Church Choir Warri, Word of Life Bible Church Choir, Church of God Mission International choir attended the well organized event and ministered in songs with melodious voices at the DBS Warri, Resurrection Dinner.

The cerebral Queen Mother of Anioma Nation and Mother To All (NNEOHA), HRM Obi Martha Dunkwu has been described as a Quintessential Mother and Watchdog Leader, who has continued to play critical role that engenders peace and harmony amongst individuals and groups within Delta and beyond.

This statement was made by the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, when he led some members of his State Working Committee to visit with the Omu at her Palace in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Ikeogwu started his speech by eulogizing the sterling leadership qualities of the Omu, not just as a person who has continued to stand out in the traditional institution, but as a veteran that has left her footprints on the sand of time in the Media Constituency.

The NUJ Chairman said it has become imperative for him and some members of his Exco to come to brief her on recent happenings in NUJ and to apologise on behalf of all journalists in the State over the recent show of shame exhibited on the public space by some supposed members of the pen pushing profession.

His words, “We have decided to make this visit ahead of our Congress which holds a few hours from now. Let me start by saying that you mean so much to us, Our Queen Mother. You have always demonstrated that you are a True Mother To All and Mother Without Borders.

“We in NUJ are special children to you. Your love and care towards us are unquantifiable. You are not one of those who after making their marks in journalism and media consultancy, left and abandoned the media Constituency. You have continued to show interest in our affairs both at the National, Zonal and State levels, including other arms of the Union like NAWOJ.

“The recent happenings between the leadership of the NUJ and that of Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) was unfortunate. We were discredited unjustly. May be we would have reacted, but for your timely intervention, we decided to respect your motherly advice, the stool of Omu Anioma and professional experience to sheathe the sword.

“A lot has happened Your Majesty; but as the singular leadership of the Media Constituency in the State, we have come to apologise for all that happened. Wherever our actions and deeds had negatively affected your person and office, we say sorry Your Majesty. Pardon us, forgive us as your children and younger colleagues.

“Your throne is ordained, that is why we will continue to revere you. Our prayer is that you live long to continue to empower people with your undiluted intelligence, line of thoughts and blessings.

“We as the leadership of NUJ in the State have tried as much as possible to run a transparent administration. We will continue to do that, and even improve for the betterment of our Union.

“Once again Your Majesty, I tender unreserved apologies on behalf of the entire journalists in the State, for disrespecting your stand that the media must watch itself internally. Thank you ma”, Ikeogwu apologised.

In her response, Omu Dunkwu commended the NUJ Chairman and his team for visiting, adding that they shouldn’t have bothered, because NUJ as a body didn’t disrespect her.

She advised the Chairman to continue to unite the practitioners for the purpose of focusing on the constitutional mandates of the media and not to fight amongst themselves.

She averred that the fight was unnecessary as the aggrieved members could have sought for further negotiations and settlement using the internal mechanisms for resolving issues after disagreeing.

According to her, “This is my Constituency for well over 40 years now. It’s my duty to point out to my colleagues when I see things that are wrong. Besides, nobody told me of any issue, my attention was only drawn to the trending press release by DOPF. And as usual, I quickly intervened to stop further escalation of the issue; I even gave a promisory note to their chairman to sort out the differential in case the parent body does not adjust. The same way I spoke to him was the same way I spoke to you as NUJ Chairman.

“The reason I am doing all of these is because, the media already has a bad name in Nigeria; it is wrong of the practitioners to continue to escalate it with their own hands. This is why I wrote a piece decades ago that ‘The Watchdog Must Be Watched’.

“Your apology is accepted my Chairman. I have already told the DOPF group what to do. I am a pragmatist and if we must get it right in Journalism and Public Relations, we must always listen to the voice of reason.

“However, you must understand that you are the leader. As a leader, people will knock on your head. If you have not been knocked, then you are not a leader. I have seen things and I have continued to weather on, because I am a triple shock absorber. See yourself as having the capacity to manage crisis when they come to you as a leader.

“It is well with you. It is well with the NUJ as an entity, and it is well with every journalist in Delta and Nigeria”, Omu Dunkwu concluded with prayers.

By: Celestine Ukah

A former Nigerian Diplomat Sir Joe Keshi says the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in the country have lost control in what to do when it comes to investigations and intelligence gathering especially as the present situation in the country.

Amb. Keshi made the disclosure Tuesday April 4, on Arisetv in the programme Arise Morning Show , when asked about the arraignment of former USA President, Donald Trump, Amb. Keshi described the American security and judicial system as superb and free from any executive or arm of government control irrespective of who is involved.

The former Nigeria Diplomat pointed out that with the action of the DSS coming to media to make their finding show of like threat to some people, Nigerians want to see them carry out more under intelligence investigation especially on the recently conducted General Election in Nigeria to find out if BVAS were tempered with or not used in some polling units as well as not uploading results to the INEC portal as earlier assured by IINEC and according to the INEC rules.

Keshi, who had been ambassador to many countries, including Togo, Ethiopia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Namibia, Sierra Leone and the United States is also urging Nigerian security agencies to emulate the other civilised systems and grow to that level just as seen in the USA.

• The All Progressives Congress, APC has refuted an alleged expulsion of its governorship candidate in Delta state, Senator Ovie-Omo Agege from the party.

  The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, who spoke to Vanguard, said the APC national does not recognize the factional executive of the party, who announced the purported expulsion of Omo-Agege from the APC in Delta state.

  A national daily (not Vanguard) on Monday, had reported online, that the APC in Delta state has expelled the Deputy President of the Senate from being a member of the APC for alleged for anti-party activities and other unnamed offences.

  It claimed in the report that the Delta APC announced Omo-Agage’s expulsion in a letter dated March 31, 2023.

  According to the report, the expulsion letter signed by the Chairman, Ulebor Isaac, on behalf of the State Executive Committee of the Delta APC and Secretary, Inana Michael, and 23 others, unanimously resolved and adopted the expulsion of Omo-Agege as a member of the party by the executive committee of the Orogun ward and Ughelli North Local Government chapter.

  The letter reads, “The State Executive Committee of all Progressive Congress Delta State in a meeting held on the 31st March, 2023 at the State Secretariat, Asaba, after due deliberation of the Notice of Resolution of Expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as a member of the party by the executive committee of the Orogun ward and Ughelli North local government chapter dated 20th March, 2023.

  “And in accordance to the provision of Article 21.2 (1)(II)(VII) 21.3 and 21.5(g) of the constitution 2022 (as amended) we unanimously resolved and adopted the expulsion of Senator Ovie Omo Agege as a member of the party.

  The letter further reads, “Consequently Senator Ovie Omo-Agege hereby stands expelled as a member of the party with immediate effect for various offences committed and acts of anti-party activities and gross misconduct that has brought shame and ridicule to the image of the party in the state which affected the party in the just concluded elections.”

  Recall Omo-Agege lost to the Governor-elect a candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sheriff Oborevwori in the March 18th government election in Delta.

  Omo-Agege who scored 240,229 votes was 120,005 votes behind his contender and the returned Governor-elect of the PDP, Oborevwori who scored 360,234 votes.

   

NDLEA raises alarm over involvement of Housewives in Drug Peddling

The Katsina state command of the NDLEA has expressed concern over the involvement of housewives in drug peddling in new settlements in the katsina metropolitan.

The command also raised concerns over the influx of stolen vehicles from across the country into the state.

The state had witnessed a relative reduction in drug use and trafficking in recent times but the rate of involvement of housewives and youths is still a challenge the authorities must work on.

The command recently intercepted over 7 kg of Indian hemp traced to two housewives who help their spouses to sell to retailers.

The suspects now in the custody of the agency and will be handed over to the police for prosecution.

The command has also been able to secure several convictions of the culprits recently.

This is a success story that is gradually changing the narrative of drug abuse in katsina.

By: Celestine Ukah 

The member representing Warri Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi has urged his Warri federal constituents to make themselves available and be counted during the upcoming 2023 census.

Chief Ereyitomi who was also reelected at the February 25 General poll for second term to continue representing Warri federal constituency in the National Assembly, charged all resident in Warri South, Warri North and Warri South-West LGAs to take it as utmost responsibility to be captured along side with their family members during the census exercise expected to commence from May 3 to May 5, 2023.

The Warri Federal lawmaker noted that population census is a great measure used by government to carry out development data and needs of the people, adding that participating is advantageous for the people of the area as it will enable him use the outcome to press on for more government attention and projects to the federal constituency.

According to Chief Ereyitomi even though the National Population Commission, NPC, has assured of credible exercise, he’s also mobilizing his people across the three Warri LGAs to cooperate and support the exercise by participating during the capturing of household and families by the NPC team.

While charging Warri residents in the three LGAs to participate fully in the exercise, Chief Ereyitomi, added that the 2023 Census of Nigeria will be a detailed enumeration of the Nigerian population that will be the fifth National census in the country since independence, stressing that It will be the first National census to be held again since the 2006 census 17 years ago.

The Federal lawmaker stressed that Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts toward achieving sustainable development and that people will benefit the development process as well as the knowledge of the socioeconomic preparation required for adequate planning purposes.

Ibom Airlines has apologised to passengers for the delay they experienced, while the management tried to disembark a passenger who caused a scene.

The unidentified passenger was whisked off the plane after he publicly spoke against the inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on Friday.

The Group Manager, Marketing and Communication, Aniekan Essienette, in a press statement posted on their Twitter page on Saturday, addressed the incident.

He said, “We wish to inform the public about an incident on our 6 pm flight from Abuja to Lagos on Friday, 31 March 2023.

“A passenger stood up and began addressing other passengers in a manner considered inappropriate and unruly,as he was making other passengers nervous.

“Our crew deemed his continuous unruly behaviour unsafe and called on airport security to help with the situation. Upon his refusal to stop or disembark peacefully,the security operatives were left with no choice but to forcefully disembark the passenger as a last option.

“We are aware that several videos and reports of this incident are circulating on social media and wish to provide the right perspective.

“Ibom Air wishes to assure our passengers that we maintain very high safety and service standards and will never compromise the safety and security of our passengers.

“We apologise to the affected passengers for the time it took to disembark this passenger,which caused an otherwise on-time departure to be delayed by an hour.”

By:Celedtine Ukah

Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Egbema Clan, Chief David Seikiri Ugedi has congratulated the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly and Delta State Governor Elect, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his emergence at the poll as well as the Member Elect for Warri Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi and Hon. Fred Martins member representing Warri North state constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly.

According to Chief Ugedi the election is a reflection of the wishes of the people and shows how much faith the electorates have in the capacity of Rt. Hon. Oborevwori to improve the fortunes of the state with support of other PDP members elect to pilot affairs of the citizens

The Warri North PDP Chieftain, Chief Ugedi who also holds the title Bebetefewei of Egbema Kingdom, stressed that the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly has shown doggednes to emerge victorious in the keenly contested election, urging him to use his experience to improve the welfare of all in Delta State.

He hailed the reelection of Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomj member representing Warri federal constituency, describing his reelection as a reflection and testament of a good man with sure possibilities reassured and displayed by Warri federal constituents.

Chief David Sekiri Ugedi also congratulated the member reelect representing Warri North in the state Assembly, Hon. Martins as well as other PDP members returned to the state Assembly and at various seats , nothing that going forward 2023 governance in Delta will be sustenance of Okowa achievement and advancing Delta as assured by the Governor Elect Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.