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Tag: Charles Aniagwu

  • Okowa didn’t sign law on governors’ new pension benefits – Aniagwu

    Okowa didn’t sign law on governors’ new pension benefits – Aniagwu

    The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu says Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta did not sign any law to give governors new retirement benefits.

    Aniagwu, who was reacting to allegation from certain quarters, made the clarification at a news conference on Tuesday in Asaba.

    He said that the detractors and opposition political candidates also alleged that the Okowa led government sold the state Liaison Office in Lagos.

    He cautioned the detractors to stop pouring aspersion on the governor through their porous claims, adding that the incumbent would remain focused in delivering the promises made to the people until the last day in office.

    Aniagwu said, “they claimed the liaison office in Lagos has been sold, to who, for how much? You can’t sell the property of the state; no amount, no buyer.

    “We only engaged a developer to tap into the opportunities therein to build a 10 storey building as approved by Lagos Government, to make more money for the state and to house the liaison office on completion of the project, which is currently on rent.

    “Also, we did not sign any law to give governors new pension benefits. Those who say that we are going and that we have passed a new law to give governors a new benefit package, they know they are making lies.

    “We challenge them to tell us the date that the new law was passed, where it was passed and who signed the law?

    Aniagwu said elections had been concluded and had been won and lost, while advising the losers to pursue their cases in court and stop chasing shadows by maligning the governor who did not contest elections with them.

    Aniagwu thanked the people of Delta for their support to sustain the developmental trajectory of the Gov. Okowa led adminstration and for voting en masse for Chief Sheriff Oborevwori to deepen the development.

    “There was an election which was won and lost and we have extended an olive branch to our brothers who contested in that election because we recognised that it was their democratic right to contest.

    “On the account of our promises, we shall continue to deliver more projects to the people, and we are confident that we are handing over a viable state to competent governor -elect, Chief Oborevwori.

    “As governor-elect, Oborevwori will deepen the development in the state,” he said.

  • Why Okowa did not construct roads in Warri, environs – Aniagwu

    Why Okowa did not construct roads in Warri, environs – Aniagwu

    Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has alluded to reasons why the State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa did not construct roads in Warri and its environs.

    Mr Aniagwu made this known while briefing newsmen on some of the decisions reached during the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor in Asaba on Tuesday.

    The Commissioner disclosed Governor Okowa urged the contractor and Warri/Uvwie Development Agency to fast-track work on flood control projects in the area.

    Aniagwu said that the government approved a number of road projects amongst others in line with its promise to continue to work till the end of the administration.

    He said that the completion of the storm water drainage in the Warri area had become necessary to enable the construction and rehabilitation of roads that were in dire need of construction.

    “A number of persons did not understand why we have not constructed some of the roads in Warri and its environs and we have tried to explain this many times.

    “This is because flood will end up destroying the roads and possibly ravage all the homes along that channel.

    “That is why we are investing huge sum of money to enable us control the flood in Warri and its environs by constructing the storm water drainage channel.

    “We have explained this before now that because a number of these areas are heavily built and individuals over the years built on water ways,” he said.

    The commissioner said it had become necessary to address the incursion along the natural waterways and also those who had undermined the town planning structure of Warri.

    “So, the contractors have been given notice to take the project seriously to enable us address this flood challenge in parts of Warri,” he said.

    Aniagwu further said that government awarded new roads contract and also approved upward review of some due to the prevailing rise in prices in the economy.

    “Today, we have approved the construction of Alloy Agu Road; construction of Umudaie Road and Arewa St., from Ewulu Junction; all in Ika South Local Government Area of the state,” he said.

    He said that the council mandated the  Ministry of Works to ensure that the contractor handling construction of Sector C2 of the Ughelli/Asaba Express road which spanned through Ogwashi-Uku to Koka Junction in Asaba, complete the work for inauguration before May 29.

    Aniagwu noted that if not for the 2022 flood, the present administration would have completed the project from Asaba to Ughelli as planned initially.

    According to him, the 2022 flooding destroyed construction works and undermined the efforts of work that was put in before that time.

    “As such, we will continue with the entire project but we are optimistic that we will be able to deliver Sector C2 while Sector C1 and Sector A of the Ughelli/Asaba roads project may not proceed as fast because the rains are here,” he explained.

    The commissioner expressed confidence that a number of projects would be inaugurated before the exit of the incumbent.

    He, however, assured that the Governor-elect, Chief  Sheriff Oborevwori, who had been a critical factor in the incumbent government would complete the ongoing projects and do more for the state.

  • Delta State Govt approves new retirement age for teachers

    Delta State Govt approves new retirement age for teachers

    The Delta State Government on Monday approved a new retirement age for teachers in the public service of the State.

    The teachers will henceforth retire at the attainment of 40 years of service or 65 years of age. The same is applicable to non-academic staff of the state-owned Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

    The approvals were part of the resolutions reached at the State Executive Council meeting in Asaba.

    Briefing newsmen on the resolutions, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said that the executive council gave the approval to enable the teachers and the tertiary institutions workers to contribute more to nation-building.

    According to Aniagwu, with the approval, teachers in the public service of Delta can be in the office up to 65 years of age and 40 years of service.

    “We did this because we have seen that even at 65, many have garnered lots of experience to be able to teach more and have a clearer understanding of their fields of study.

    “And, they can continue to contribute in moulding minds. Forty years of service is not also a bad idea because we have seen most times that they retire without getting tired.

    “Also for the non-teaching staff of our Colleges of Education and Polytechnics, we have given them the advantage of remaining in service as non-teaching staff as much as 40 years.

    “They will also remain in service for as long as 65 years of age. So they now have extra five years added to their retirement age and service year,” he said.

    Aniagwu further said the the council approved some road projects for construction, including Osa and Sunny Ojubo Street and Ojeh Street in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

    “We also gave approval for the construction of Efeneteze and Akpoyowere streets, and Our Lady’s Street, with a discharge drain in Okpanam in Oshimili North.

    “We have given approval for the upward review of the contract of Ambassador Leo Okogwu Road to Ososuka Street in Zappa, here in Asaba.

    “We also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Ewulu road from Benin/Asaba Expressway in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

    “Today, the Exco also approved the rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Mariere Street in Boji Boji, Agbor. in Ika South LGA; Ajudua Street in Okpanam, Oshimili North, construction of Amai/Aragba road in Ukwuani Local Government Area.

    “Exco approved the construction of Monastery/Otu-Eke road, with a spur to the Monastery (Phase One) in Ilah.

    “These are jobs that are ongoing but we are extending them to accommodate communities within.

    We have the approval for the construction of Alison Ogedegbe Street, off Ring Road, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North LGA,” he announced.

    The commissioner added that approval was also given for the expansion of work on Mission Road and Ogboi Street in Akumazi-Umuocha, Ika North East LGA.

    He explained that the project “connects the Catholic Church and other streets within the community. Government has approved today that the drains on the road be widened because of the volume of water on that road.

    “For the nine Technical Colleges, you will recall that we had promised 19 but we are constructing 10 now; so nine out of the 10, we have upward reviews of their contracts with a view to accommodating ancillary works.”

    Aniagwu, who was flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, also said approval was given for the provision and installation of solar power grid to the six newly equipped central hospitals in the state.

    “The reason why we are doing this is that, we need our hospitals, especially the six zonal hospitals, to have power for the greater part of the day, so that they are able to function optimally,” he added.

  • We never denied Labour Party venue for rally – Delta Govt

    We never denied Labour Party venue for rally – Delta Govt

    The Delta State Government has denied, contrary to online reports, it never rejected the Labour Party venue for their presidential campaign rally in the State.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu in a statement on Sunday said the party never applied officially for any venue and was denied.

    He said a representative of the party only spoke to him via telephone call on Sunday (8/1/2023) morning and made demand to make use of the Arcade in Asaba.

    “The state government immediately within three minutes reached out to the Oshimili South Local Government Council and secured a waiver of all formalities and made the Arcade Asaba available for the Labour party to hold its presidential rally,” he said.

    Aniagwu further said to demonstrate the state’s democratic credentials and tolerance for the opposition, it graciously waived the amount payable for the venue.

    He urged the party to carry on its rally peacefully in line with laid down rules and regulations.

  • 13% derivation, part of Delta budget –Commissioner

    13% derivation, part of Delta budget –Commissioner

    Delta Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, says the state’s 13 per cent oil derivation fund remains an integral part of its budget.

    Aniagwu stated this while fielding questions at a news conference on Tuesday in Asaba.

    He said that it was not wrong for the Federal Government to ask for accountability but that particular states should not singled out on the account of 13 per cent derivation.

    According to Aniagwu, the state government is transparent in all its financial management as it deploys its funds into projects execution, salaries and human capital developments.

    “Today, everybody talk about 13 per cent derivation as if it is not backed up by law and as if other states are not given funds by way of federal allocation.

    “There is nothing wrong in asking for accountability, but the idea of singling out Niger Delta states as if they are the only states that funds are allocated to in this country is not acceptable.

    “We must ask the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Government to always explain what they use their resources to do.”

    He said that Nigerians had a right to demand accountability and probity from public officers.

    “In Delta, we have continued to explain what we have been doing with our resources.

    “The Koka Flyover and interchange is about to be completed,  Ughelli-Asaba Expressway is being constructed, the human capital development through different platforms that over 17,000 persons have benefited, all these are not voodoo economy.

    “In Delta, we do not owe workers salary for one day, it is not voodoo economy, but real money.

    “The 13 per cent is what we derive from our state, it is not a dash, it is part of our resources and not a windfall.

    “When we prepare our budget, we take cognisance of 13 per cent derivation and when presenting our budget, the derivation is represented as source of revenue, ” Aniagwu said.

    He added, “the 13 per cent derivation is given due to the peculiar nature of our region.

    “Some of you do know that to construct roads particularly in our coastal communities, one kilometer is costlier than as much as four kilometers in the upland.”

    He noted that the Niger Delta region  terrain was peculiar and difficult to develop in terms of roads, drainage and bridge construction when compared to other regions in the country.

    “So, enough of this blackmail about 13 per cent as if somebody has given us free money and that they want us to come and account for the free money.

    ”That money is budgeted for, it is a legitimate earnings  of the Niger Delta States and constitutionally guaranteed.

    “If anybody must seek accountability, let them  ask all the states what they do with their resources and not to single out 13 per cent,” Aniagwu said.

    Aniagwu who doubles as the Spokesman for Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, said his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has the blue print to lead the country to recovery if given the mandate in 2023.

    About, Chatham House, Aniagwu said, “we do not have any problems with people going to Chatham House.

    “Chatham House is a wonderful institution, we recognise that, they have played a great role in terms of the political development of our country.

    “If we are invited to Chatham House and we have the time, we will go to be able to also speak to the international community.

    “We are sure of the capacity of our candidates; Atiku or Ifeanyi  Okowa his running mate.”

    On the recently concluded 21st National Sports Festival (NSF) in Asaba, the commissioner conveyed the state government’s appreciation to  the journalists for articulate reportage while the event lasted.

  • Asaba 2022: Late Imo boxer died a patriot – Delta commissioner, Aniagwu

    Asaba 2022: Late Imo boxer died a patriot – Delta commissioner, Aniagwu

    The commissioner for information in Delta state, Charles Aniagwu, has said that the late  Imo boxer was very patriotic by insisting he would fight on even against his health.

    Aniagwu added that he died a patriot.

    The boxer representing Imo State, Chukwuemeka Igboanugo, died during his fight against  Anambra’s Prince Amagor at the ongoing Asaba 2022.

    According to Aniagwu, the boxer wanted to represent his state so dearly and had insisted he would fight on when the bout was proposed to be stopped by the referee.

    Addressing press officers at a briefing on Wednesday, Aniagwu said, “The day before he fought, he had come and been examined usually by the medical team and they found his blood pressure was not normal and so he was asked to leave and return for a second checkup.

    “He returned after a while, and his BP has returned to normal but he was asked before he returned to the game that he should return again for another check which unfortunately he did not do,” Aniagwu said. 

    Aniagwu continued the narration surrounding the boxer’s death

    He added “By the time the game started, after some time, it was discovered that he had a little bleeding on the nose, the medics wanted to stop but he was desirous of victory and his coach and team were also desirous of victory not knowing that some other development had occurred internally,” he said. 

    Aniagwu hailed the late athlete as he died a heroic death in the ring.

    “He died a hero’s death as he was patriotic to his state, and to his country,” he said.

  • Okowa has constructed over 1,932km roads project in Delta— Commissioner

    Okowa has constructed over 1,932km roads project in Delta— Commissioner

    Delta Government says it has constructed over 883 road projects, spanning 1,932km across the state in the past seven years.

    The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, stated this at a press briefing on Monday in Asaba.

    He said Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s led administration  constructed over 1,000 line drainages and storm drainages in  Asaba and Warri since inception.

    The commissioner was reacting to the allegation that the All Progressive Congress (APC), Presidential Candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu and the state Governorship Candidate, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, that Okowa administration could not account for monies received over the period.

    “Starting from the creeks, where Tinubu and Omo-Agege claimed nothing was being done and we won’t blame them because they are not aware of happenings in the state.

    “We have done internal roads in Burutu, Okerenkoko, Benikrukru, 20.4 Km Obotobo 1 and 2, Yokri, Sokebolou roads, Ogulaha – Youbebe Road, Isama, Kpakiama, Ogbebene, Oviri-Olomu-Egodor and Kombowei Road in Patani among others.

    “In the urban areas the Ughelli-Asaba road, Okpanam Bye-pass, Cable road, Okpanam Road, Mariam Babangida, Direct Labour Road (DLA) as well as Orogun township roads where Omo-Agege hails from.

    “Beyond Road construction we have embarked on the construction of 22 bridges with 7 completed among which is the Ovwor – Effurun-Otor Otor Bridge, Oha-Orerokpe Road Agbarho-Orherhe Road and Bridge.

    ”Others are Kwale-Beneku ongoing, Trans Warri Road and bridges, Koka Interchange and Flyover and the Ayakoromo bridge among others,” Aniagwu said.

    On job creation in the state, Aniagwu said the state government under its youth empowerment programmes had empowered 13,510 youths with 222,000 persons benefiting directly and over 1.3 million people benefiting indirectly.

    Aniagwu also listed other landmark projects of the Gov. Okowa led administration to include the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba;  Ozoro University Stadium, the ultra modern State Secretariat, Traditional Rulers Secretariat, Ogheye Floating Market, among others.

    On successes recorded in the health sector, Aniagwu, who doubles as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Spokesman, said over 1.1 million people and residents of Delta had been enrolled into the state’s Contributory Health Commission.

    He said that the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Advanced Diagnostic Centre and Mother and Child Hospital in Owa-Alero and Ekpan were some of the achievements of the state government under the health sector.

    He said that the  Okowa’s administration also recorded impressive  performances in the revamping of six existing technical Colleges and the construction of additional nine new technical colleges.

    The state government also established 45 new Secondary and  17 new primary schools across the state this culminated to the construction of 8,617 class room blocks and the establishment of the Teachers’ Professional Development Centre, Owa-Oyibu.

    He tasked the opposition party to stay on the issues and focus on what they want to offer the people instead.

  • 2023: Only God can stop Okowa from being Atiku’s running mate – Gov’s aide

    Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu has said only God can stop Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from being the running mate to Atiku Abubakar for the 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Aniagwu made this known on Monday during a press conference in Asaba, the State capital.

    After Atiku emerged as the presidential flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), conversations on who becomes his deputy has remained on the front burner.

    Aniagwu stressed that nobody could block Okowa’s chances of becoming the running mate to Atiku, adding he has contributed positively to the growth of the party, which he does not brag about, as a true party man.

    Reacting to speculations that former Governor James Ibori was secretly working against Okowa’s chances to be Atiku’s running mate, Aniagwu said the rumours were the handiwork of fifth columnists.

    Maintaining that Ibori would never work against the Governor’s interest, the Information Commissioner acknowledged that Ibori remained a political leader in the state.

    He added that there was no rife between Okowa and Ibori.

    “The governor has contributed to the growth of the PDP, he doesn’t boast about it because as a member of the party he has the responsibility to do that.

    “You also know how many times the party brought him in to assist in conducting primaries. I am not aware if there is anybody who is bringing any roadblock, if there is anybody who is going to block Okowa, I think it should be God.

    “And the last time I checked I don’t think he has offended God for God to take that decision against him.

    “So we are on course, I don’t think there is any problem between Okowa and Ibori, these are persons who have worked together very closely.

    “And Okowa has continued to respect our leader, Chief James Ibori. I have not heard Ibori speak evil of Okowa neither have I heard my boss speak badly of Ibori,” Aniagwu said.

  • Okowa to construct N5.1bn Conference Centre in Asaba before leaving office

    Okowa to construct N5.1bn Conference Centre in Asaba before leaving office

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will construct a N5.1 billion International Conference Centre in the State Capital of Asaba before leaving office.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Gov. Okowa on Thursday in Asaba.

    Aniagwu disclosed that the Delta State Government had already approved the sum of N5.1 billion for the construction of the International Conference Centre in Asaba.

    He said that the construction of the International Conference Centre had become necessary as the state capital was developing into a mega city.

    According to Aniagwu, the state government intends to complete the project within 12 months and has also approved 35 percent mobilisation fees to the contractor to ensure prompt delivery of the project.

    “Although we have an event centre, it does not serve the purpose of an international conference centre where different break-out rooms and committee meetings are usually held, hence the need to have something of a world class standard just like the one in Abuja,” he said.

    The commissioner said the government had also approved the construction of a cottage hospital at Ovwor-Olomu at N423 million.

    He said the council also approved several roads projects which include the construction of 2.49km internal roads in Kokori and 2km Eku internal roads in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

    ”Others are 1.17km Obi Palace Road Ubulu-Uno, Aniocha South; 2km Anioge Street Idumesah, Ika North East and that of 1.8km internal roads in Burutu and 1.2km rigid pavement of Dr Mike Loyibo Street in Tuomo, Bomadi Local Government Area.

    “Also, Ellu internal roads in Isoko North; 1.2km internal road, Iwezue Lane Boji-Boji Agbor, Ika South; 5.2km Emede Internal Road, Isoko South; 3.9km Utagba-Uno-Ndemili road in Ndokwa West, 4.7km Phase two Obiaruku-Umuebu road in Ukwuani LGA.

    “And the 6.6km Flood control measures along Madonna Collage Road and 3.6km road,” Aniagwu said.

    He said that the council approved work on the mini sports arena in Koko, Warri North, and sum of N543 million as compensation for verified property owners at the defunct Abraka market in Asaba.

    The commissioner said that due to rising cost of materials, 10 projects were brought to the council for review.

    On the issue of IPOB’s plans to enforce sit-at-home in Asaba and environs, Aniagwu said that security agencies were on top of the matter and urged the people to go about their lawful duties without fear of intimidation.

    “Let me assure you that security agencies have been put on red alert to ensure that our people go about their business legally and lawfully.

    “Nobody is happy about what is happening in the South East because it is affecting the economy of the South East.

    ”So, we are appealing to those asking people to stay at home to look for other means of agitating for the release of their leader Nnamdi Kanu.” he said.

  • Delta: Why we are seeking N150bn discounting facility – Commissioner

    Delta: Why we are seeking N150bn discounting facility – Commissioner

    Delta government says its request for N150 billion discounting facility will enable it pay for infrastructural projects and outstanding pension arrears.

    The state Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in Asaba on Wednesday.

    Tilije explained that Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration at inception in 2015, met a debt profile of about N151 billion owed contractors.

    According to him, there is another N69 billion due to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other bank related outstanding payments.

    “But this administration has been able to pay over N85 billion of the debt burden within the period,” the commissioner said.

    He said that the bridging financing facility of N150 billion being sought was presented to the state House of Assembly for approval on Tuesday.

    According to him, the amount is about 55 per cent of the N257 billion refunds expected from the Federal Government.

    ”The Federal Government has approved the payment of the sum of N257 billion being recovery from over deductions and double charges from the 13 per cent oil derivation funds refund to the Delta government since 2010 to date,” he said.

    Tilije said that since the money was huge, the Federal and oil producing state governments negotiated that the sum be paid in tranches to run over some years.

    He noted that as a state government, there was need to take discounting facility that would be tied to a fixed stream of income flow, to enable it execute ongoing and newly approved projects in the state.

    He further said that the state government was committed to leaving lasting legacies and that the next administration would have enough funds to lean on.

    “The amount that is expected from this recovery is N257 billion for Delta State in one tranche. There is another, which is about N130 billion.

    “We believe that what we are even discounting now is reasonable compared to other benefiting states who discounted 100 per cent of the expected amount from the Federal Government.

    “We have not taken the facility yet, but when we finally take it, we will tie it to receivables from Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, this is why we say it is discounting and not a loan,” he said.

    The commissioner said that this was because the finance facility was tied to a fixed flow of income that was verifiable, dependable and sustainable.

    “And because of the pragmatic leadership of the governor, government decides to take N150 billion, about 55 per cent flow of income of N257 billion to ensure that all the legacy projects being carried out in the state are completed and paid for.

    “This will ensure that when the next administration comes in, they will have reasonable reserve to lean on and the debt profile will be less,” he said.

    Tilije also said that the state’s pension debt was not as huge as N75 billion as alleged in some quarters, adding that it currently stood at about N30 billion.

    ”The current financial arrangement will bring the pension burden down to about N10 billion.

    “The bridging finance facility will also take care of outstanding pension commitments to state and local government pensioners in the Contributory Pension Scheme, amounting to N20 billion and N10 billion respectively.

    “The state’s ability to achieve the foregoing is however limited by the fact that the expected total refund will not be received into the state’s account in one lump sum.

    “Rather, it will be refunded over a period of five years on quarterly basis with effect from April 2022 to January 2027,” he said.

    According to him, the implication is that the state will need to secure a bridging facility in order to achieve the objectives and the facility shall be secured with the quarterly expected inflows.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said that given the massive nature of infrastructural projects in the state, it was apt to take the financing facility to hedge against inflation and debt pillage.

    He said that most projects were being reviewed in line with current realities in the country.

    “The value of money is fast depreciating such that it cost more to execute projects now than what is obtained in 2006.

    ”So, it is important that government takes this facility to hedge against inflation and to enable it deliver on the massive legacy projects across the state.

    “Who knows what the value of money will be in the next two years, so, we took thus decision in the best interest of our people,” Aniagwu added