Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho of the High Court, Warri delivered judgment today in Suit No. W/348/2016: CHUKS CHRISTIAN OFILI V. THE A.G DELTA STATE & DELTA STATE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY.

The Claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun Esq explained that the Court entered judgment against the Defendants in the following terms:

1. A declaration that the provisions of sections 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013 violently conflicts with the provisions of section 6(2), 6(5)(a) and 272(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and therefore unconstitutional, null and void l.

2. A declaration that the Defendants, their agents, servahts and/or officials lack the power under the law to impose fine, penalties and/or sanctions on any person that violates any provision of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law.

3. A declaration that the Defendants lack the vires/power to remove/confiscate the numbered plates of vehicle registeed as BB 951 AKD belonging to the Claimant.

4. A declaration that the Defendants lack the vires/power to impose a penalty or fine of N30,000 or any sum at all on the Claimant without first bringing a charge against him and conviction by a competent court of law.

5. A declaration that the failure of the Defendants and/or their agents, servants or officials to charge the Claimant before a competent court of law for him to be heard before the seizure of his vehicle plate number and imposition of a fine of N30,000 amounts to a flagrant violation of the Claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under section 36(1) and 41(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended.

6. An order setting aside the purported “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the Claimant.

7. An order compelling the the Defendants to return forthwith the sum of N30,000 paid by the Claimant as a condition for the release of his plate number.

8. An order striking down the provisions of section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013 on the ground of inconsistency with the provisions of sections 6(2),6(5)(a) and 272(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.

9. The sum of N500, 000.00 as legal expenses incurred by the Claimant.

10. The sum of N300,000.00 as damages.

11. Interest of 10% on judgment sum per annum.

The Supreme Court has said its February 8 order barring the Federal Government and its agencies from enforcing the February 10 deadline for the use of old 200, 500 and 1000 naira notes still subsist.

The court made the clarification on Wednesday following complaint by lawyer to Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states, Abdulhakeem Mustapha (SAN) that the Fed Govt and its agencies have failed to comply with the order and have allegedly directed the rejection of the old notes.

Mustapha said the plaintiff filed a notice of none-compliance with the order of the court order made on February 8. And demanded that the court take action against the respondent to protect the dignity of the court.

He added: “That order has been flouted by the government. We are talking of executive lawlessness here. We have filed an affidavit to that effect…We want the court to renew the order for parties to be properly guided.”

Justice John Okoro, who presided over a seven-member panel of the court, asked Mustapha to filed a proper application to put forward his complaints and to enable the respondent respond appropriately.

Justice Okoro said there was no need for a renewal of the court’s order.

He noted that, since the order made by the court on February 8 was made pending the determination of the motion for injunctions filed by the plaintiff, the order still subsists since the motion was not yet heard.

The court had, in the February 8 ruling, said: “after a careful consideration of this ex-parte application, and the grounds in support of same, this court finds that there is real urgency for this court to intervene by the grant of this application.

“Accordingly, this application is hereby granted as prayed.

“That is to say, an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government of Nigeria, either by itself or acting through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and/or the commercial banks, its agents; agencies, corporations, ministries, parastatals, organizations or through any person or persons (natural and artificial) howsoever, from suspending or determining or ending on the 10th of February 2023 the timeframe within which the now older versions of the 200, 500 and 1000 denominations of the naira may no longer be legal tender, pending the hearing and determination of the plaintiffs/applicants’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.”

The Supreme Court has however fixed February 22 for hearing of the suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states challenging the propriety the naira swap policy of the Federal Government.

The court chose the date after joining the Attorneys General of Katsina Lagos, CR, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti and Sokoto states as co-plaintiffs in the earlier suit filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states.

The court also joined the Attorneys General of Edo and Bayelsa states as co-respondents. Both states elected to side with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) originally listed as the sole respondent.

The court ordered that the suits filed by separately by Nasarawa, Rivers and Kano states on the same issue be consolidated with the one filed by Kaduna, Kogi and Zamfara states.

The court ordered parties to file all necessary documents before the hearing set for next Wednesday.

Justice Okoro, before adjourning, told lawyer to the AGF, Kanu Agabi (SAN) to advise his client to ensure the availability of currency for the people.

“Tell your client to let people have money. If they go to the ATM and the plaintiffs will come and withdraw the case. Make money available to the poor masses.

“You should know that a hungry man is an angry man. I say no more,” he said.

Responding, Agabi said Nigerians were only blaming the government for their poverty.

“Many people don’t have money. They blame it on the Fed Govt and the AGF. I don’t have money too.

“Things have been bad for long. It is not today that the problems started,” Agabi said.

Governors Nasir El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello of Kaduna and Kogi states were in court to witness proceedings.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Bello said the states were not at war with the Fed Govt over its cashless policy, but are only concerned about its negative impact on the citizens, who are now denied access to their funds.

Members of the Local Government Contributory Retirees of Delta State have disassociated themselves from the recent endorsement of the All Progressives Congress APC Governorship Candidate and the Deputy Senate President, Ovie-Omo-Agege by the Primary School Teachers Retirees under the aegis of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR).

Mr Daniel Onosanimoni and Engr. Godwin Ekenini, Chairman and Secretary respectively of Local Government Contributory Retirees, in a press statement said that; “We the Local Government arm of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR) wish to outrightly dissociate our members from the meeting between Mrs. Helen Ejieh, Chairman Contributory Retirees (Local Education Authorities/Primary Schools Retirees), her supporters/group (among the LEA/Pry. Sch. Retirees) and the Gubernatorial Candidate of the APC in Delta State, DSP Ovie Omo-Agege.

They stated that the Local Government Contributory Retirees is composed of all categories of Local Government employees who retired from the Local Government Service of Delta State and are yet to draw their Pensions, adding that as a body they were not consulted nor was a part of the meeting at Ozoro “and therefore the Teachers group of ACR cannot speak for us nor serve as our mouth piece. Whatever resolution reached is for the Primary School Teachers and should not be misconstrued as the decision of all Local Government Retirees”.

According to them ; “We are a non-partisan body that is poised for the payment of the pensions and gratuities of our members using only known legal and constitutional channels to press home our demands and we have not resorted to party politics by endorsing any political party or any Governorship candidate for that matter.

“We completely disown the contents of the press release/publicity that followed the said meeting as we remain neutral and apolitical in our approach and agitations for the payment of our pension entitlement,” they wrote.

They added that “We do not begrudge any person or group of persons from associating or holding political opinions. But we object to the use of our umbrella Association and name in the promotion of the interests of a political party (the APC), among political parties on ground in Delta State. While we concede that no pensioner of Delta State ought to be owed pensions, having served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 years, we therefore use this medium to urge the State Government to expedite action with the Technical Committee put in place to clear the backlog of pension and gratuities owed the Local Government Retirees in the State”.

They commended the Delta State Government for a renewed commitment towards the payment of accrued rights of pensioners, especially, with the release of the 2 tranches of N2.5 billion each making a total of N5 billion lately for the payment of the accrued rights of Local Government and Primary School Teachers in the State.

“The information at our disposal from our engagement with the Bureau of Local Government Pension at various times indicate that there are not more than 8,000 retirees yet to be paid. Our figures are not near 10,000 not to talk of the 50,000 cited in the news. And that the number is decreasing on monthly basis due to the enhanced fund release by the Governor for the payment of accrued rights,” they added.

They also said that “We therefore condemn in its entirety the attempt by the Primary School Teachers Retirees arm to drag us into unwholesome politics and unnecessary heating up of the polity as we do not want to be caught in any guise, in the unfolding struggles and contests among political actors, since we are ordinary retirees supporting the government of the day to speedily pay our outstanding pensions”.

“Therefore, we once again deny and reject any attempt by Mrs. Helen Ejieh and her sympathizers to draw us into any political circus show”, they said.

By: Celestine Ukah 

Ambassador. Dr. Toyin Agbolayah JP has hailed the nomination of the wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Atuwatse III as member of High-level Advisory Committee HLAC on woman’s economic empowerments and gender in Nigeria.

Dr. Agbolayah who is one of the Aides to the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, CFR, said the nomination of the Olori by the Federal Ministry of Woman Affairs to become a member of the High-level Advisory Committee HLAC speaks volume of her passion and expertise to create inclusive and equitable society for women.

Amb. Dr. Agbolayah JP

The Warri monarch’s Aide who is also a  seasoned administrator noted that with the honour bestowed on the Olori Atuwatse iii, she Will be working alongside with fellow members in addressing the challenges that people are faced with and in advancing the opportunities for women in the society.

“The HLAC will be focusing on enhancing economic opportunities and as well promote gender equality in Nigeria’s critical initiative which is a brighter future for all Nigerian woman”.

Dr. Agbolayah congratulated the Olori for the feat and recognition by the Federal Ministry of Women Affaurs, he as well wished her more honours.

Foremost Governorship Candidate in Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has said that his experience of working closely with Executive arm of government as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly puts him in a vantage position to consolidate and improve on the ongoing reforms in the civil service.

In his remarks at a meeting with the Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries on Monday, February 6th, 2023 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the State PDP Governorship Candidate
noted that the House of Assembly that he is privileged to lead for about six years now, worked closely with the Executive arm of government led by Governor Okowa to implement the administration’s policies and programmes.

“This experience puts me in a vantage position to consolidate and improve on the ongoing reforms in the civil service. In addition, an Oborevwori administration in Delta State will prioritize the following:
Training and retraining of staff for leadership development across all strata of the civil service as well as capacity building for the workforce to enhance productivity and promote excellent service delivery. I have done it in the Legislature and I will replicate it in the entire public service”.

Others include, enhance the use of digital technology in the operations of government and ensure its full implementation across the service within a time frame for greater efficiency in service delivery, attract the best brains to the civil service by ensuring that merit and professionalism are the yardsticks for elevation into top management positions, recruitment of staff, especially in some professional areas where the workforce has depleted mostly due to retirement. A good example is the absence of forest guards/forestry officers which are required to check unnecessary felling of trees. Lest we forget, timber is a valuable resource with considerable revenue generating potentials. Our health care system is also in need of more healthcare professionals. As a matter of fact, emphasis will be placed on man power Planning in the Service, provision of low income housing estates for workers through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and continuous regular payment of pensions to retirees”, he said.

According to him, the Delta State Civil Service Commission Regulations (CSCR) 2019, which was an improvement of the 1978 law, is to equip civil servants with a working knowledge of the regulations governing their work, adding that Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, an architectural showpiece, has made administration of the State with respect to the implementation of the policies and programmes of the State much easier and faster. “With most agencies of government now under one roof to perform government business, it has enhanced the speed of service delivery and reduced the cost of governance”.

“The Independent Power Project (IPP) in the state, which currently supplies power to all government buildings has made the work of civil servants very exciting and fulfilling. Apart from facilitating the speed of document processing and other documentations, civil servants now enjoy a very conducive environment never experienced in the state to perform their duties”, Rt Hon Oborevwori said.

The Delta State Contributory Health Care Scheme, one of the legacy programmes of the Okowa administration, he said, has made quality health care service available to civil servants irrespective of their cadre and rank, pointing out that; “Civil servants can now work into any of the health care provider to receive health care services without having to pay at the point of service”.

Rt Hon Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria revealed that the Okowa’s administration has also brought some stability and direction to the civil service through the instrumentality of a rejuvenated Civil Service Commission, saying that; “Currently, routine promotion of workers come as at when due, thus eliminating the problems associated with promotion arrears. It goes without saying that this is a morale booster for our civil servants”.

He said that with the full implementation of the procurement process through the instrumentality of the Delta State Public Procurement Commission, civil servants now enjoy some measure of confidence in the procurement process of the State Government, saying emphasis is now on strict compliance with procurement guidelines and procedures in line with financial rules and regulations.

“Finally, upward review vehicle and housing loans to enable civil servants to buy cars and build their houses.The reward for hard work, they say, is more work. It is my hope and expectation that you will reciprocate Dr. Okowa’s good work in Delta State with your support in his bid to become the first Deltan to hold the office of Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With him as Vice-President, Delta State will reap immense benefits in terms of infrastructural development and federal appointments”, the Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate said.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Patrick Ukah said that;You are the engine room of the Government, you translate the policies of the government on how to make it work or not to work, by attaining the post of a Permanent Secretary you are already on the other divide with us…. You are so important because you understand our programmes and understand what we are doing.We are very grateful and this is the time we need your cooperation more; this is the time we need to work total with each other so that together we will see a very good transition that we all will be proud of . I am very sure we have done very well and look forward to working much more better as we begin to wind down.

On his part, the Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayako, commended the state Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the PDP , Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and PDP Governorship Candidate, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for putting the programme together, saying that; “As it were, this is our own rally”.

*Says He Will Not Disappoint Deltans

The Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has said that he has the capacity to pilot the affairs of the state if elected Governor in the forthcoming general elections, with a promise not to disappoint Deltans.

At Isiokolo, Headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of the State, where he was hosted by Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon Kingdom, the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate said that having served as the longest speaker in the history of Delta State, he has been well equipped for the position of the State Governor.

He said that; “I have been in the House for seven years now and speaker for six years running and with the experience that I have gathered, I can manage the state very well because I know the workings of the state. Am the longest serving speaker in the history of Delta State, from one Assembly to another, no stain and I know that I am capable of piloting the affairs of the state if elected Governor. The journey is not easy, but God will take control”.

According to the Speaker who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, the Atiku-Okowa ticket is the only ticket that can solve Nigeria’s problems and rebuild the nation again.

“Atiku-Okowa ticket is the only ticket that can solve Nigeria’s problems, that can rescue this nation, rebuild our country again. Seven and half years of APC policy has collapsed. APC has nothing to campaign with. The APC-led government has failed Nigerians and we must vote out the party now. We will suffer APC with our votes in the forthcoming general elections. Atiku-Okowa will cure the ills of the society. Vote massively for PDP”, Rt Hon Oborevwori said.

While commending Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon kingdom, for hosting him, the PDP Governorship Candidate said that;
“It is only God that gives power, not man and in politics, there is time and season. My brother, for bringing me to your community and hosting me today, you have done a great thing, you have established a relationship between me and the people of this place and Ethiope East people will not be left behind in my administration. I am here to jolly with you in order to show my appreciation. God will continue to bless you. This day will be a memorable day for Ethiope East, as you have honoured me, God will honour you”.

Earlier, Chief Broderick Arigbodi, the Oloku of Agbon kingdom said that; “We decided to host you here today to pledge our loyalty to you. We will vote for you and all PDP candidates in the 2023 general elections”.

The Ceremony was attended by the Majority Leader of the House of Assembly, Hon Ferguson Onwo, PDP Delta Central Senatorial District Candidate, Chief Ighoyota Amori, PDP House of Representatives Candidate for Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Hon Talib Tebite, Chairman of Ethiope East Local Government Area, Hon Victor Ofobrukweta and host of others.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday appointed Dr. Duke Okoro as the pioneer Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Orogun in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State.

The Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, was initiated by Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege, and passed into law by the National Assembly and subsequently assented by President Buhari, commander in chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The appointment of Okoro as the pioneer Rector of the institution was duly considered and approved by Mr. President, and this has paved the way for smooth kick-off of the Polytechnic, situated in Orogun, home town of Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege.

Okoro, was the Director of International Development, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Delta State.

Okoro bagged a PhD degree in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the prestigious University of Benin in 2004. A Fellow of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (FCSN); Fellow Nigerian Environmental Society (FNES); Fellow of Institute of Chatered Chemists of Nigeria (FICCON); Fellow Institute of Management Consultant (FIMC).

The newly appointed Rector, is also a Member, Institute of Public Analyst of Nigeria (MIPAN); Member of the Chemical Profession of Alberta, Canada (PChem); Member of Environmental Careers Organization, Canada (EP) amongst others.

He has published lots of articles in national and international indexed journals, and has concluded over 80 technical environmental studies in IOCs and marginal field operators in the oil and gas sector. He is married with children.

Meanwhile, Deltans have reacted positively over the kickoff of the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun and the appointment of Dr. Duke Okoro as Rector by President Buhari.

They also commended the Deputy President of Senate, His Excellency, Ovie Omo-Agege, for attracting the Federal Polytechnic to Delta State.

The death has been announced of Mrs. Grace Omatie Akpomiemie ( nee Okotie), whose sad event took place on September, 19, 2022. According to the funeral arrangement released by the family, the Late Mrs. Omatie Akpomiemie, will be buried in her home town Ikoro, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, on the 10th of February, 2023.

In her life time the Late Mrs Grace Omatie Akpomiemie was a beautiful, well crafted, blessed, and love personified mother who was loved and admired by all.

According to the son Barrister Richard Akpomiemie, ” mum was eighteen years old when he got married to my late Dad a very handsome man at the time and both of them travelled to England. Whilst late Dad was schooling and working, mum was working and holding the home front.

Despite her hard work mum still had family time and had four of her six children there in England.

Mum worked in various companies and establishment like the Military Hospital, Lewisham Hospital, Singers amongst others.

Her hard work earned her accolades, promotions and rise in wages.

When late Dad got a job at Nigerian Agip Oil Company, Nigeria, mum had to relocate with her late husband with the children back to Nigeria as a dutiful and respected wife. In Nigeria, mum had the other two children.

Mum whilst in Nigeria started her private business of exporting goods from England to Nigeria in a massive scale. She later set up Food businesses chains as well in Lagos state and Delta State.

This woman was not going to leave her husband to provide for her and the children alone, she supported her beloved late husband nevertheless in her own way regardless of her late husband having all it takes to take care of her and the children. What a woman!

Mum’s Social and Family life was examplanary, she looked after her own children, children from her maternal, paternal lineage and even relatives of her late husband. There are many people alive today that can testify to this.
She was well known in social circle always smiling and wanting to know the latest gists. Mum never discriminated against anyone or felt tied at any time. She loved equally all that came to live with her or asked for her support virtually for anything including sound advises. Mum was later known as “Area Mama or Mummy”

Mum and Dad were partners and an inseparable lovers and friends,
Mum loved all even in sickness and good health. Mum lived a fulfilled life worthy to thank God Almighty for.

Mum will remain in our hearts forever, ” he said in a tribute.

The Delta State PDP Governorship Candidate for the 2023 general elections and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has felicitated with the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olorogun Kingsley Esiso on his birthday.

Rt Hon Oborevwori who is also the National Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in a Press Statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Dennis Otu, while congratulating the state PDP Chairman on his birthday anniversary, described him as a charismatic leader.

“Today, I join others in felicitating with the Chairman of our great party, the PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso on his birthday. I must say that you have devoted a greater part of your robust energy on consolidating on the gains of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Delta State by taking the party to enviable heights with your uncommon wisdom and rare leadership qualities and we are proud of you”.

He added that; “As you celebrate this milestone today, my prayer is that Almighty God will continue to bless you with sound health and divine Wisdom. Wishing you a happy birthday and many happy returns my brother and wonderful friend. Congratulations”.