TheNewsGuru

Tag: Delta 2023

  • 2023: We will continue to support zoning in Delta – UPU

    2023: We will continue to support zoning in Delta – UPU

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) will continue to support zoning in Delta State, Olorogun Taiga, President General of the Union has said.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Olorogun Taiga stated this while also addressing issues bothering the Urhobo nation on Wednesday.

    “The UPU strongly supports the emergence of a Delta State Governor of Urhobo extraction in 2023. The Urhobo have been supportive of rotation on the basis of Senatorial Districts as a recipe for peace. Equity and justice in Delta State and we shall continue to do so,” Olorogun Taiga said.

    In his address at a world press conference held to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the UPU at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, Taiga revealed that a think tank had been at work drafting what will be the Urhobo agenda as Nigeria undergoes “a kind of tumult that will ultimately engender a new dawn”.

    In his words, the UPU PG stated: “The Urhobo are forward-looking people who are conscious of the imperative of change. It is not lost on us that Nigeria is undergoing a kind of tumult that will ultimately engender a new dawn. What then is Urhobo doing to negotiate a place for its future in the anticipated dawn? This is where I have envisioned and encapsulated an URHOBO AGENDA. A Think Tank has been at work drafting what will be the URHOBO AGENDA with which we will engage our people, Nigeria, and the world.

    “In crafting an URHOBO AGENDA we took a hard and dispassionate look at the Nigeria of yesterday, today, and what it would be like tomorrow. What we offer as the URHOBO AGENDA will begin by evaluating our present predicament in Nigeria and then come up with a blueprint of a new deal with Nigeria.

    “The URHOBO AGENDA seeks to build alliances with our neighbours and other ethnic nationalities in the South-South and beyond to work out a new destiny for Nigeria as she totters towards a new beginning. To this end, while the URHOBO AGENDA does not support secessionist agitation, it aligns with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, in line with the tenets of federalism.

    “We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta. We align with the position that election results should be electronically transmitted. We support the State’s collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police, and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great”.

    Read full address below:

    AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY OLOROGUN (DR.) MOSES OGHENERUME TAIGA, JP, PRESIDENT-GENERAL, URHOBO PROGRESS UNION (UPU), WORLDWIDE, AT THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNION, ON WEDNESDAY, 3RD OF NOVEMBER 2021, AT URHOBO CULTURAL CENTRE, UVWIAMUGE-AGBARHO.

    Gentlemen of the Press

    Introduction

    It is with great delight that I address this press conference this day 3rd November 2021. This day ninety years ago, our forebears took the critical step towards Urhobo nationalism to properly locate us in the Nigeria that will emerge after colonialism. Our foresighted forebears took a hard look at their past and also gazed into our future. What confronted their look and gaze was a maze of disunity, confusion, a vanishing past, and looming uncertainty. To overcome the multiple challenges inhering in their past and future, they took that critical step of founding the Urhobo Brotherly Society this day 3rd November 1931. Our great fathers namely: Chief Omorohwovo Okoro, Chief Mukoro Mowoe and Chief Thomas Erukeme, lit and bore the torch that pointed at the way the Urhobo people should go. Their avowed aim in founding the Society was to unite the Urhobo people for a common cause, consolidate an identity, and galvanize them on the path of progress. In the course of its evolution, the Urhobo Brotherly Society became the Urhobo Progressive Union in 1934 and later Urhobo Progress Union (UPU).

    As I speak, UPU is Nigeria’s oldest socio-cultural organization. It has had a chequered history. However, it survived all odds. When the Federal Military Government in January 1966 proscribed all political and cultural organizations in Nigeria, it left the UPU intact in recognition of its unsoiled non-partisan character. In later years, the UPU was to survive other schisms. It is to the credit of our founding fathers and all Urhobo people, dead and living, that the UPU has survived to be ninety. What is more? There are indications that the UPU will survive for as long as the human race endures.

    The Achievements of the UPU

    The Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) has achieved much more than what can be captured in one go. I think the most significant achievement of the Union is its longevity.

    That it has survived nine decades to be ninety years as Nigeria’s oldest socio-cultural organization is itself a great achievement. The UPU provided a rallying point that succeeded in uniting the Urhobo people, giving them a sense of identity, pride, direction, and more. This is not to say that we have not experienced low moments. We have had our hiccups, but we always picked up and moved on.

    In the decade after it was founded, the UPU sponsored two deserving Urhobo sons to study overseas so that they can return to run a proposed college that will cater to the academic aspirations of Urhobo youths. That UPU overseas scholarship awarded to Macneil Gabriel Ejaife and Ezekiel Norucho Igho ensured that they became the first and second Urhobo graduates. The UPU went on to found Urhobo College, Effurun in 1948 with Ejaife as principal and Igho as vice principal. Beside Chief Ejaife and Mr. Igho, the

    Urhobo Progress Union also gave scholarships to many others, including non-Urhobos. Some of the prominent non-Urhobo beneficiaries included Prof. Tekena Tamuno, who became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, (UI), and Mr. S. J. Okudu, a former Registrar of the same University of Ibadan, among others.

    These were landmark achievements by the UPU. The Urhobo College was to become the Launchpad for generations of the Urhobo elite. The UPU was also instrumental to the movement of the then Warri Middle School, which later became Government College from Warri to Ughelli in 1945. Both colleges set Urhobo on the fast lane of self-actualization.

    The UPU mobilized the Urhobo people to ensure that Chief Mukoro Mowoe won the first election for Warri Province (made up of Urhobo, Ijaw, Isoko, Ukwuani, Itsekiri) into the Western Region House of Assembly at Ibadan in 1947. Even after Mowoe died in 1948, the UPU ensured that Chief Jessa Ogboru succeeded Mowoe.

    The UPU did so much to reclaim Urhobo clans like Orogun, Abraka, Oghara, Jesse, which were grouped with Aboh and Benin Divisions during the colonial era. The UPU also gave fillip to the struggles to reclaim the Urhobo territories of Sapele, Ajagbodudu, Okere, and Agbassa. It has also, in very recent times, confronted the security challenges in parts of Urhoboland.

    The UPU can cast a proud look at the past and point at the monuments, Urhobo Cultural Centre at Okere Road in Warri, and the Urhobo House at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho, which we are renovating and completing, respectively.

    We must also add the Okugbe Microfinance Bank that is awaiting Central Bank approval. It is hoped that the bank will change the economic fortune of our women and youths.

    Although apolitical, the UPU did rally the Urhobo people at decisive moments when Urhobo interest was at stake. The UPU took a stand and spoke on national issues during the 2005 National Political Reforms Conference and the 2014 National Conference. The UPU has pitched its tent with the restructuring of Nigeria in tune with the principles of federalism.

    The continuing relevance of the UPU in the affairs of the Urhobo people manifests in the spread of its branches across the world. Besides the over thirty branches in Nigeria, the UPU has registered its presence in many African countries, America, Europe, and Asia. There is thus a strong and flourishing UPU presence in the Diaspora.

    The UPU has in ninety years achieved so much and I pay due homage to all those who made these possible. There is still much to be done as every human organization is a work in progress.

    The Contribution of the Urhobo to Nigeria

    The Urhobo people of over five million and Nigeria’s fifth largest ethnic nationality, with the treasure trove of oil and gas, rivers, and arable land, have contributed immensely to the making of Nigeria. There is hardly any sphere of national development that the Urhobo have not contributed to in Nigeria’s quest for nationhood. In politics, economy, military, media, medicine, education, corporate sector, sports, science and technology, the arts, and more, the Urhobo have and are still paying, their dues in the making of Nigeria. Crude oil and gas from Urhoboland continue to sustain the nation’s economy.

    The role the Urhobo people played in ensuring the unity and stability of Nigeria is significant. The Urhobo fought gallantly in the Civil War of 1967 to 1970. Thereafter, the Urhobo played stabilizing roles in post-Civil War Nigeria. From the June 12 crisis to the Creek Wars of militancy in the Niger Delta, the National Political Reforms Conference of 2005, the National Conference of 2014, the Urhobo have always been counted in support of one Nigeria, a nation that is strong, united, prosperous, and abiding by the creed of fairness and justice to all.

    The Urhobo Experience in Nigeria

    Despite our very tangible and laudable contributions to the making of Nigeria, we have not received a fair deal from past and present Nigerian governments. The Urhobo number among the geese that lay Nigeria’s golden eggs and yet getting suffocated. With a dynamic, creative, hardworking, and resourceful population, the Urhobo ethnic nationality could match any race in the world in terms of development aspirations. Our Ukane experience and the attendant economic revolution it initiated in Yorubaland is one of the many examples of the Urhobo genius at work.

    What is now known in Urhobo historiography as the Ukane phenomenon was started by the wave of economic migration by the Urhobo at the beginning of the last century. The migrants settled in the Ikale area of the present Ondo State and began an indigenous oil palm industry, a phenomenon that was then unknown in Nigeria. Deploying their enormous indigenous knowledge system, the oil palm industry became an instant economic success compared to the economic boom recorded by cocoa. The oil palm venture was to spread across the globe and make economic giants of nations that took a cue from Nigeria’s earlier, but truncated success in the sector. Known to be peaceful and hardworking, the Urhobo people were one of the first settlers that arrived in Jos, Plateau State to participate in the Tin Mining sector. They also contributed greatly to the economy, growth, and development of Jos Town through their investment in the hospitality business, schools ownership, and large-scale production and trade in the local gin (ogogoro). Many streets in Jos Town are named after the Urhobo people; a testimony to their unquantifiable contributions.

    Exploitation, Neglect, Poverty, and Insecurity

    Having contributed so much to the making of Nigeria, the Urhobo people have been subjected to years of exploitation, oppression, environmental degradation, poverty, insecurity, marginalization, and other negative manifestations of injustice that are not only reprehensible but provocative.

    The Urhobo people have been victims of neglect by successive Nigerian governments and oil multinationals. Our lot for good or bad does not reflect the contribution of our oil and gas resources to the Nigerian purse. Despite the unimaginable quantum of oil drilled from Urhoboland since around 1957, there is hardly anything in terms of material or infrastructural advantage to show. Our rivers, land, and air are polluted. We have lost means of livelihood and our people live in crushing poverty. The recklessness of the oil multinationals has also tossed tragedy at the Urhobo people. The Jesse pipeline fire disaster of 1998 during which over 1000 Urhobo people died is just one example.

    Urhoboland has no sustainable Federal Government or multinational oil companies’ presence. The Government and the oil multinationals take but return nothing. The Federal roads which run through Urhoboland have degenerated into craters. Urhobo despite being home to rivers with access to the Atlantic Ocean has no functional seaports. Urhoboland also has no airport matching its population and economic contributions to Nigeria.

    In recent years, some of our communities have been subjected to the menace of insecurity orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen. This is not only unacceptable but condemnable in very strong terms. The menace of insecurity is looming over Urhoboland.

    The Urhobo Agenda

    The Urhobo are forward-looking people who are conscious of the imperative of change. It is not lost on us that Nigeria is undergoing a kind of tumult that will ultimately engender a new dawn. What then is Urhobo doing to negotiate a place for its future in the anticipated dawn? This is where I have envisioned and encapsulated an URHOBO AGENDA. A Think Tank has been at work drafting what will be the URHOBO AGENDA with which we will engage our people, Nigeria, and the world.

    In crafting an URHOBO AGENDA we took a hard and dispassionate look at the Nigeria of yesterday, today, and what it would be like tomorrow. What we offer as the URHOBO AGENDA will begin by evaluating our present predicament in Nigeria and then come up with a blueprint of a new deal with Nigeria.

    The Urhobo Environment, Reparation and Remediation

    An URHOBO AGENDA must of necessity focus on our endangered environment which has been laid waste by years of crude oil exploitation and exploration. To begin with, the Urhobo people will be demanding reparation of One Trillion Naira from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the oil multinationals for the many years of resource plunder and environmental degradation. In line with this, we demand an environmental remediation programme for communities that were negatively impacted by oil exploration such as Erhoike, Erhobaro-Orogun, Imodje-Orogun, Afiesere, Evwreni, Erhuemukohwarien, and others.

    Urhobo Unity, Language, History, and Culture

    Our AGENDA will look inward to consolidate our unity and the true essence of Urhobo ovuovo. We are also taking measures to reclaim our language which is already threatened by extinction. We must salvage our history and culture. To this end, the UPU will continue to work with the Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) and the Urhobo Studies Association (USA).

    Agriculture, Industrialization and the Seaport

    An URHOBO AGENDA should redirect our interest to agriculture and the attendant empowerment and wealth creation advantages tied to it. This will culminate in the industrialization of Urhoboland. We are calling on both the State and Federal Governments to create an enabling environment by curbing insecurity and providing constant electricity for Urhoboland to be attractive to investors.

    Urhoboland can be an investors’ destination and production hub. The Okugbe Micro Finance Bank will drive a revolution in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Urhoboland. The Sapele Port has to be revived, the moribund Delta Steel Company must come alive, and the African Timber and Plywood in Sapele must be made to work. An URHOBO AGENDA will encourage Nigerian and foreign investors to revive the many other moribund industries across the length and breadth of Urhoboland.

    Insecurity

    Tackling the monster of insecurity is also cardinal to the URHOBO AGENDA. While calling on the Federal and State Governments to take the necessary steps at combating this ogre, the UPU is also deploying an internal mechanism to secure Urhoboland. We shall ensure that all of Urhoboland from Ugbenu to Uwheru is secured.

    The Warri Factor

    The Warri factor is also an item on the URHOBO AGENDA. The Urhobo presence and identity in Warri can never be undermined. While we will continue to live peacefully with our neighbours in Warri, we will not allow the erasure of what Warri is to the Urhobo and what the Urhobo are to Warri.

    2023 and a Delta Governor of Urhobo Extraction

    The UPU strongly supports the emergence of a Delta State Governor of Urhobo extraction in 2023. The Urhobo have been supportive of rotation on the basis of Senatorial Districts as a recipe for peace. Equity and justice in Delta State and we shall continue to do so.

    On National Issues

    The URHOBO AGENDA seeks to build alliances with our neighbours and other ethnic nationalities in the South-South and beyond to work out a new destiny for Nigeria as she totters towards a new beginning. To this end, while the URHOBO AGENDA does not support secessionist agitation, it aligns with the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, in line with the tenets of federalism.

    We support the call for the relocation of the headquarters of all oil companies to the Niger Delta. We align with the position that election results should be electronically transmitted. We support the State’s collection of the Value Added Tax (VAT), the enactment of Anti-Open Grazing Laws, the establishment of State Police, and other such progressive factors that will make Nigeria great.

    Conclusion

    The UPU has come a long way and we are rolling out the drums in celebration and reflections. From 29th November to December 5th, we call on all Urhobo people wherever they are to join us at Uvwiamuge-Agbarho. We have also sent out invitations to other ethnic nationalities as well as other people of goodwill from far and wide to join us as we commemorate 90 years of UPU’s existence.

    We thank the Government of Delta State under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for all the support to the UPU and the Urhobo Nation. We thank our ethnic neighbours and all Deltans.

    I thank all our people for having abiding faith in the UPU and standing up for the unity of Urhobo.

    I thank you gentlemen of the press.

    Long live Urhobo!

    Long live Delta State!!

    Long live Nigeria!!!

    I Thank you All.

    Olorogun (Dr.) Moses Oghenerume Taiga, JP,

    President-General,

    Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) Worldwide,

    18, Okere Road, Warri,

    Delta State.

  • Delta 2023: Augoye, the choice of Deltans – By Egagifo

    Delta 2023: Augoye, the choice of Deltans – By Egagifo

    By Comrade Obaro Egagifo

    Over the years, Delta State politics has grown into one of the most interesting in Nigeria, especially as the All Progressives Congress (APC) looks forward to wresting the State from the firm grip of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    This means battle, and the leaders of the PDP in the State know they cannot afford to miscalculate it’s political permutations, if not, the party stands the chance to lose the battle for the heart of Dennis Osadebay House, Asaba to the APC.

    With political fortune ever shining bright on the PDP family in Delta as a result of the “gentleman arrangement” of zoning the governorship seat across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, it becomes expedient that the PDP must get its permutations right for 2023.

    This is more so as Deltans have come to build their trust in the gentleman arrangement of the PDP in the State that they cannot trust the State in the hands of any other party.

    In getting it’s permutations right, the PDP must go into its drawing board devoid of sentiments and look into the array of aspirants before it, and make a good decision on the better person to fly the gubernatorial flag of the party come 2023 in order for the PDP to continue to retain the State.

    From the pulse of Deltans, the best choice before the PDP is no other but the gentle and humble Chief James Ojadovba Augoye. Chief Augoye is a man, who many Deltans have come to know very well during his time as two-time Commissioner for Works of Delta State.

    The reputation of Augoye across the State rubs off. He has been tested by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, and Deltans have come to build their trust in him. Those who have come close to the politician can attest to the gentle and humble nature of him.

    Having traversed the length and breadth of Delta State as Commissioner for Works, Augoye scored popularity among Deltans along the way. He, therefore, possesses the political wherewithal to win the State for the PDP as a result of his popularity.

    This is even more so as Augoye understands the leadership needs of Delta State, and most importantly, the developmental trajectory of the State and the needs of the people, having served as Commissioner for Works, and the only one to serve in that office for two terms since the creation of the State.

    Not just hinged on the political configuration of the PDP in Delta State nor his popularity to win the State for the party, the former Commissioner has what it takes to govern Delta State in real terms.

    Chief Augoye has a reputable public service record in politics.

    Until becoming Commissioner for Works, Augoye, popularly known as the Agadagba Okpe had served in various political and community capacities, gaining the necessary expertise needed for him to serve well as Governor.

    Born on May 16th, 1965 in the oil-rich community of Ugbokodo in Okpe local government area of the State, Augoye possesses this driving force to sustain the developmental trajectory of past and present leaders of the State.

    Augoye had a rapid and highly improbable rise to political limelight, so much that it is as though the spirits that position men for service are with him in his quest to become the next Governor of Delta State.

    Augoye may not be your typical politician. Reason for this is not far-fetched because he possesses a B.Sc. (Hons) in Political Science, and thus understands the fine prints of politics, and not the politics of bad blood we have come to be accustomed with in Nigeria.

    In addition to the style of politician he is, Augoye is more of an administrator, and having a Masters degree of Public Administration to his credit, he is an administrator par excellence. Augoye is no doubt the best hand to administer the resources of the State for best results.

    Recall that Augoye was appointed member of the Okpe Local Government transition committee, where he served as Chairman of the Internal Revenue Generating Committee in 2003. This no doubt places Augoye in a better position to generate much needed revenue for the running of the State.

    A governor should be able to properly manage the resources of his State for the greater good of every citizen of the State. Augoye as governor with his experience, will no doubt, ensure that the revenue generation capacity of Delta State is optimised.

    The fact that Augoye is a two term commissioner attests to his aptness in the utilization of resources. It is on record that he justified why he was appointed Commissioner for Works twice. This makes him appropriate for governor. He will deliver, and beat expectations.

    More also, Augoye understands Delta State is endowed with human resources, as well as understands very well the numerous natural resources the State is blessed with, and how to harness them for the greater good of Deltans.

    All these mean Augoye is the best option to consolidate on the infrastructural strides of Governor Okowa. Deltans are sure that Augoye will ensure continuity of government programmes, while building legacy projects his administration would be remembered for.

    Augoye has also served in the capacity of Councilor representing Ward 10 in the Okpe local Government Council Area between 2004 and 2007 and was appointed Okpe Local Government Council Chairman between 2012 and 2014.

    The Agadagba Okpe in 2015 served as the coordinator of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council for Okpe Local Government Area, a position he used to mobilize support of over 65 towns, communities and villages in Okpe for Governor Okowa’s election in 2015.

    Chief Augoye held the same position for Gov. Okowa’s reelection in 2019, making PDP win all elections in Okpe local government area. Augoye delivers.

    As a grassroots politician he is, no doubt, Augoye will bring his experience to bear in mobilization of voters to prosecute the Delta State 2023 governorship election for the PDP to win it.

    It is, therefore, pertinent that the PDP considers Chief Augoye as it’s guber flag bearer because he is the one who can pull votes massively for the party in the 2023 governorship election to hold in the State.

    Augoye is by far the best choice for Deltans in the 2023 governorship election, and the PDP must bank on this.

    Fortune tellers have said that since Chief James Onanefe Ibori started the prevailing gentleman arrangement of the PDP in the State, and that another James is about to restart the cycle, Deltans are in for good tidings.

    While it is only God who knows who can become the next Governor of Delta State come 2023, one thing that is certain, is that God is with Augoye.

    The PDP can rest assured that if Chief Augoye bears the flag of the party in the 2023 governorship election, the APC cannot stand any chance of putting up a fight to take the State.

     

    ~ Comrade Obaro Egagifo, former Media Aide to Chief James Augoye, writes from Warri, Delta State

  • Delta 2023: Why Okpe should produce next Governor – DGM

    Delta 2023: Why Okpe should produce next Governor – DGM

    …as group canvasses support for Augoye’s governorship ambition

    As the race for 2023 elections gradually gathers momentum, a political pressure group in Delta State known as Delta Great Movement (DGM) has asserted that the Okpe people of Delta Central Senatorial District should produce the next Governor of the State.

    The political pressure group made the assertion in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State on Tuesday during its inaugural meeting that was tagged: “Unveiling Project Augoye 2023: A Clarion Call to Service”.

    Speaking during the event, Dr Matthew Kwode, State Coordinator of DGM asserted that out of the three federal constituencies making up Delta Central Senatorial Districts, only the Okpe/Uvwie/Sapele/ federal constituency was yet to produce Governor.

    While appealing to stakeholders, traditional rulers, political and thought leaders across the State, Kwode stressed that owing to the zoning arrangements of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it was only fair, equitable and just for Okpe, being the largest in the constituency, to produce the next Governor of the State.

    “We have been going round the State to appeal to all the leaders across the State. That was a campaign we started on the 12th of August 2020 to appeal that the rotation should start again with Delta Central.

    “We are of the view that Delta Central has three federal constituencies, namely: Ughelli South/Ughelli North/Udu federal constituency; Ethiope West/Ethiope East federal constituency and of course, Okpe/Uvwie/Sapele/ federal constituency.

    “Out of these three federal constituencies, it is only Okpe/Uvwie/Sapele federal constituency that is yet to produce a Governor.

    “Therefore, in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, this group, Delta Great Movement, is appealing to all and sundry to allow Okpe to produce the next Governor of Delta State come 2023,” Kwode said.

    Meanwhile, the State Coordinator of DGM revealed that the group has endorsed the governorship aspiration of the State immediate past Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye.

    Reeling out the qualifications and achievements of Augoye, Kwode said the decision to endorse the immediate past Commissioner for Works for Governor was taken after due consideration.

    “There is a notion that the Okpe people, even though we have decided as a group to go round the State to appeal to all and sundry that the Okpe should produce the next Governor, but we have to also indicate interest because the governorship is not an appointment.

    “Therefore, the onus lies on the Okpe people to signify interest in contesting the gubernatorial election. On this note, we have gone into the drawing board, and we observed that one very notable son of the Okpe enclave, Chief James Augoye has indicated interest.

    “Augoye is accessible and acceptable to all Deltans, making him fit and proper to govern Delta State. Our focus is based on the affirmation, and other factors, that we have further decided to call on Chief James Augoye to contest the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

    “It was a very hard puzzle but we arrived at this quadratic puzzle using various exponential factors through hard combination, permutations, alignment and realignment to conclude on Chief James Augoye as the fit and proper person to build and consolidate on the democratic dividends of His Excellency, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa led administration.

    “Augoye will ensure continuity and strengthen the landmark achievements of the PDP in Delta State,” Kwode said.

  • Delta 2023: Ndokwa East Leaders insist zoning remains best option

    Delta 2023: Ndokwa East Leaders insist zoning remains best option

    Emman Ovuakporie
    Political leaders of Ndokwa East Local Government Area of Delta State have stated that zoning remains the best option as it will entrench peace in the polity of Delta State.
    The leaders made this disclosure when members of the DC-23 paid a consultation visit to the political leaders at the residence of Chief Godswill Obielum in Asaba, the state capital.
    Chief Godswill Obielum who spoke on behalf of Ndokwa stakeholders said zoning would bring about peace and unity if properly adhered to.
    He expressed happiness on the lobby of the DC-23 which, he said, was in the right direction, adding that “There is need to begin the zoning now. We the people of Delta North have already keyed into zoning, that is why no one is contesting for governorship from the North,” he reaffirmed.
    “It is all the handiwork of our leader, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, who is leading us in the right direction. It is the governor that will tell us where to go. When he says it is Delta Central, we have no objection.”
    “So, I urge leaders and members of the DC-23 to liase and talk with the governor to enable him do your biddings”, he added.
    Earlier, the National Chairman of DC-23, Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori, stated that the body was a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in the Delta Central Senatorial District to lobby support for the governorship seat for the district in 2023.
    He noted that the DC-23 was not different from the G-3 of the Delta South Senatorial District that was formed to drive the process of election of immediate the past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the Anioma Agenda that was formed in 2014 to propel the process of election of the current governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.
    According to him, “those who want to contest against the aspirants of Delta Central Senatorial District have their argument for the governorship seat, likewise us, but we can’t talk of zoning on ethnic lines because the state is made up of various ethnic groups like Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, Oshimili, Aniocha and few others; hence, the appeal from us to maintain the zoning arrangement on the basis of senatorial districts in the state.”
    “We want to establish a sustainable system where when it gets to the turn of your senatorial district, no one from other senatorial districts will contest against the benefitting district. So, the argument that Urhobo or other ethnic groups contested during the turn of other senatorial districts will no longer be there”, he added.
    He pointed out that the DC-23 was not lobbying or campaigning for any particular aspirant, but to ensure that the governorship seat moved to the Delta Central Senatorial District in 2023 on the platform of the existing zoning for the seat in the state.
    He appealed to the Ndokwa East political leaders to support the DC-23 push for zoning arrangement on senatorial districts to enhance the chances of the PDP continuing in the governance of the state beyond 2023.
    Those that received DC-23 leaders and members included Chief Godswill Obielum, Hon. Elder Ifeanyi Nwukamike, Chief Dr. Charles Olisa, Hon. Chukuma Justus, Prince Igwe Nzekwe, Prince Mike Oputa, Hon. (Dr.) Nkechi Chukura, Hon. Chika Ossai, Ugo Nwokolo, Rt. Hon. Onuah Prince, Chief Oputa Ifeanyi, Barr. Felix O. Ugulu, Philip Ozoemena Udeme, Hon. Domero Omohovie, Hon. Dickson Okonta, Dr. Oku Oguafor, Chief E. I Onyeuku, Nkem Odili, Ngozi Uchenebi, Jerry Ibiromah, Ikechukwu Akozor and Michael Ogeleka.
    Top among leaders and members of DC-23 that went for the visit included Chief Ighoyota Amori, Olorogun Solomon Ighrakpata, Deputy National Chairman, Hon. Reuben Izeze, 1st National Vice Chairman; Chief Suru Salami, 2nd National Vice Chairman; Dr. Chris Oharisi, National Secretary, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, National Financial Secretary, Olorogun Barr Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary; Chief Christian Onogba, Assistant National Organising Secretary; Hon (Chief) Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary; Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organising Secretary; Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary; Mr. Austin Opubor, National Welfare Officer, Mr. Matthew Tsekiri, Assistant National Secretary, Deacon Raymond Edijala, Assistant National Treasurer, Hon. Elohor Urhobe, Assistant National Women Leader.
    Others were Chief Ejaife Odebala, former member Delta State House of Assembly; Olorogun Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman of BoT; Chief Emmanuel Ighomena, Secretary, BoT; Chief Andy Osawota, Chief Eunice Okoh, Chief (Dr.) Isaac Akpoveta, Engr. Eric Osiobe, Hon. Onoriode Ishegbe, Mr. Godfrey Etabuko, Chief (Mrs.) Alice Ogba, Noreen Ughojor, Chief Victor Otuburu, Chief Collins Eboh, Prince Robinson Samuel, Mrs Iroro Mado, Emmanuel Oghomienor, Okor James, Chief Lucky Emojeya, Wilson Agbure, Chief Moses Orhokpor, Mr. David Ejukonemu, Francis Onogbo, Lucky Esokpor, Godwin Oke, Chief Israel Abido, representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, representatives of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, representatives of Olorogun David Edevbie, representatives of Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, representatives of Chief James Augoye, Representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and a host of others.
  • Delta 2023: We’ll patiently wait for Okowa’s directive, Oshimili South leaders tell Urhobo stakeholders

    Delta 2023: We’ll patiently wait for Okowa’s directive, Oshimili South leaders tell Urhobo stakeholders

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Just like Aniocha political leaders, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State political stakeholders are equally waiting patiently for their son, the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa to give a direction as to where the pendulum will swing to in 2023.
    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls barely two days ago that Aniocha political leaders had insisted that all they want is for Okowa to give a direction.
    The Oshimili leaders too are towing the same course like their Aniocha brothers and sisters.
    The leaders also lauded the Delta Central 2023 (DC-23) lobby group approach towards the forthcoming elections, just as they advised politicians in the state against heating up the polity.
    The leaders made this known when leaders and members of DC-23 paid consultation visit to the political leaders of Oshimili South Local Government Area at Asaba, Delta state.
    Speaking on behalf of the leaders, Chief Edwin Uzor, former State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, said they believed firmly in the directive of the state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
    “It is where he said we should go that we will go. But we want to advise against heating up the polity in the state because its not necessary. What you people are doing is very good because we have been following your activities.
    “The current politicking in the state is not new, It is expected and usual. It is the beauty of democracy but we will do our best at the appropriate time when we get directive from our governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa”, he added.
    Earlier, National Chairman of Delta Central 2023 (DC-23), Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori in his speech, stated that DC-23 is a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in Delta Central Senatorial District with aim to lobby for the governorship seat to rotate to the Central come 2023.
    He noted that the DC-23 is not different from G-3 of Delta South Senatorial District that was formed to drive the process of election of immediate past governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Anioma Agenda that was formed in 2014 to propel the process of election of the current governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.
    According to him, “those who want to contest against aspirants of Delta Central Senatorial District have their argument for the governorship seat likewise us but we can’t talk of zoning on ethnic lines because the state is made up of various ethnic groups like Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, Oshimili, Aniocha and few others, hence the appeal for us to maintain the zoning arrangement on senatorial districts line”.
    “We want to establish a sustainable system where when it gets to the turn of your senatorial district, no one from other senatorial districts will contest against the benefitting district. So the argument that Urhobo or other ethnic groups contested during the turn of other senatorial districts will no longer be there”, he added.
    He pointed out that the DC-23 is not lobbying or campaigning for any aspirant but to ensure that the governorship seat moves to Delta Central Senatorial District in 2023.
    He appealed to the political leaders of Oshimili South Local Government Area to support the DC-23 push for zoning arrangement on senatorial districts line to enable the PDP rule beyond 2023.
    Those that received DC-23 leaders and members include High Chief Edwin Uzor, Ogbueshi Douglas Okolotu, Hon. Shedrack Rapu, Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, Hon. Chief Mrs. Monu-Olaruwaju, Hon. Emeka Okonji, Evang. Ebielim Maduemezia, Elder Chukwuma Belonwu, Chief John Agunya, Mrs. Ify Ogbogu, Engr. Smart Mega, Olorogun Ngozi Okolie, Mrs. Ngozi Nwabuonwu, Alhaji Anwulu, Mr. Ngozi Okolotu, Hon. Eloke Anekwu, Hon. Olisa Onyeka, Hon. Chike Osadebey, Mr. Ifesiekwu Chike and Hon. Anthony Onyia
    Top among leaders and members of DC-23 that went for the visit include Chief Ighoyota Amori, Hon. Reuben Izeze, 1st National Vice Chairman, Chief Suru Salami, 2nd National Vice Chairman, Dr. Chris Oharisi, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, National Financial Secretary, National Secretary, Olorogun Barr Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Christian Onogba, Assistant National Organizing Secretary, Hon (Chief) Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Austin Opubor, National Welfare Officer and Hon. Elohor Urhobe, Assistant National Women Leader.
    Others are Chief Ejaife Odebala, Former House of Assembly member, Olorogun Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman of BoT, Chief Mrs. Philomena Oyearone, Chief Andy Osawota, Chief Eunice Okoh, Chief (Dr.) Isaac Akpoveta, Engr. Eric Osiobe, Hon. Onoriode Ishegbe, Mr. Godfrey Etabuko, Chief (Mrs.) Alice Ogba, Noreen Ughojor, Chief Victor Otuburu, Chief Collins Eboh, Prince Robinson Samuel, Chief Abraham Ojighoro, Chief Solomon Oturu, Mrs Iroro Mado, Emmanuel Oghomanor, Okor James, Chief Lucky Emojeya, Wilson Agbure, Chief Moses Orhokpor, Mr. David Ejukonemu, Francis Onogbo, Lucky Esokpor, Godwin Oke, Chief Israel Abido, Ese Omamogho, Omonena Opuoru, Okakuro Blessing Erhiawaren Representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Representatives of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Representatives of Olorogun David Edevbie, Representatives, Representatives of Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Representatives of Chief James Augoye and a host of others.
  • Delta 2023: Only Okowa can speak for us, Aniocha South tells Urhobo leaders

    Delta 2023: Only Okowa can speak for us, Aniocha South tells Urhobo leaders

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Aniocha South leaders of Delta State on Monday did not mince words as they declare that only the governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as the only person that can speak for them on their intention in 2023.

    This is just as the leader of DC-23, a political pressure group campaigning that the next governor of Delta State in 2023 to be of Delta Central extraction, Chief Ighoyota Amori, has confirmed that there is no agreement on a zoning formula in the state PDP.

    This confirms the earlier statement by the governor of the state, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa that only God knows who will emerge governor in 2023.

    Amori spoke at a consultative meeting on Monday with political leaders of Aniocha South Local Government Area in Ogwashi-Uku.
    Amori who spoke on behalf of DC-23, affirmed that since 1999, aspirants have always come from all three senatorial districts in Delta State.

    Amori who is also the chairman of the governing board of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, promised that there will be a meeting of the PDP leadership in the state to decide on a zoning arrangement and afterwards, anyone that goes outside the zoning arrangement will not win any election again. To this, everyone chorused “Amen”.

    “We know that there is no documented zoning arrangement in Delta State. In fact, since 1999, governorship aspirants have always come from all three senatorial districts in the state and there was never any documented agreement to support any zoning.

    “Some people contested just to have a title as former gubernatorial aspirants, and we cannot blame anyone for doing so,” said Amori.

    And in a show of solidarity with the Governor, the Aniocha South leaders told the DC-23 delegation that they stand in solidarity with Governor Okowa, stating that whatever decision he makes will be fully supported by them.

    Chief Chris Agbobu, a former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and head of the Aniocha South political leaders responded on behalf of the council.

    “We collectively elected Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as our leader and part of his portfolio is that he is the leader of our great party.

    “Whatever he decides, we will stand in solidarity with him. He is our leader and he will speak for us. Anything he says, we will do,” said the former Minister of Agriculture.

    Political leaders present at the meeting include Hon. Joan Onyemaechi, a former member of the House of Representatives and Director General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency; Chief Anderson Mekoma, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly; former council chairmen of Aniocha South, including Chief Zeliwe Ojeogwu, Dr. Tony Nwaka, Hon. Emmanuel Sorokwu, Chief Isaac Anwuzia and the incumbent chairman, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike.

    Also at the meeting were the PDP Chairman, Aniocha South Chapter, Hon. Prince Mike Okwufulueze, the LGA Woman Leader, Hon. Lillian Okolie, Arch. Kester Ifeadi and Mr. A.C Okocha.

  • Delta 2023: Don’t work against laid down system, Ijaw Traditional Rulers caution aspirants

    Delta 2023: Don’t work against laid down system, Ijaw Traditional Rulers caution aspirants

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Ijaw traditional rulers under the aegis of Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum has advised politicians of Ijaw extraction, especially those jostling for elective positions not to work against the system that has made Delta unique in Nigeria.
    The Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum gave this advise through its Chairman, HRM Elder Capt. Joseph Timiyan, Torububo I, Ebenana-Owei of Ogulagha Kingdom and HRM Pere Kalanama VIII, Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, 2nd Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Council when leaders and members of Delta Central 2023 lobby group paid consultation visit to the monarchs at the Palace of HRM Couple Oromoni Mobene III, Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh-Warri Kingdom, Ogbe-Ijoh community, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
    The monarchs who spoke in the same vein on behalf of all Ijaw traditional rulers in Delta state, declared that Delta State appears to be more comfortable than other states in the south south because a foundation has been laid.
    According to the traditional rulers, we also know that politicians at times, tend to go against the tide. It’s not peculiar to one ethnic group or senatorial district and when they do because there is something that is already entrenched, it ends in a favorable way.
    “We are royal fathers, our duty is to receive all aspirants and pressure groups. We will continue to pray night and day that campaign or lobby should be carried out without rancour but with high sense of decorum.
    “Even the Delta Ijaw that are going round, we usually advised them not to do it with rancour, only to preach the gospel that the ijaws want it too this time around.
    “And that when they get there and the system agrees that they can’t be, it means the system wants it that way. But they should not work against the system.
    “Often time when we listen to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, he usually says that at the right time the leadership of the party will seat together and come up with a position. We pray that God in His infinite wisdom will direct the leadership of the party and of course the governor in the right direction.
    “We are very very impressed with the way DC-23 is going about its lobby and conducted itself, it has equally encouraged others. I am sure that some other groups are watching what you are doing.
    “It is the best way to go, so that at the end of the day, it will still be one big family and umbrella that will house whoever that will become governor. Our prayer in both night and day is for a governor that will see the entire state as one constituency to emerge.
    “A governor that will be accessible to Deltans and intellectually sound to be able to carry all Deltans together because God knew that we are of different languages but he brought us together and we will continue to consolidate on it”, they added.
    The monarchs noted that despite not being politicians they know that Ijaws and the Urhobos are one in politics and otherwise.
    They urged members of the PDP in the state to work hard to ensure that the senatorial district arrangement stands.
    “We urged you (Chief Ighoyota Amori), Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator James Manager and other leaders to meet and come up with a unanimous decision to avoid unnecessary spending of money by aspirants.
    They said, “we know that before the election there will be understanding because we cannot afford to go into political crises in the state”,
    Earlier, National Chairman of Delta Central 2023 (DC-23), Senator (Chief) Ighoyota Amori in his speech, stated that DC-23 is a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in Delta Central Senatorial District with aim to lobby for the governorship seat to rotate to the Central come 2023.
    He noted that the DC-23 is not different from G-3 of Delta South Senatorial District that was formed to drive the process of election of immediate past governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and Anioma Agenda that was formed in 2014 to propel the process of election of the current governor of the state, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa.
    According to him, those who want to contest against aspirants of Delta Central Senatorial District have their argument for the governorship seat likewise us but we can’t talk of zoning on ethnic lines because the state is made up of various ethnic groups like Urhobo, Ijaw, Itsekiri, Isoko, Ika, Ndokwa, Oshimili, Aniocha and few others, hence the appeal for us to maintain the zoning arrangement on senatorial districts line”.
    “We want to establish a sustainable system where when it gets to the turn of your senatorial district, no one from other senatorial districts will contest against the benefitting district. So the argument that Urhobo or other ethnic groups contested during the turn of other senatorial districts will no longer be there”, he added.
    He appealed to the monarchs for support for DC-23 push for zoning arrangement on senatorial districts line to enable the PDP rule beyond 2023.
    He pointed out that the DC-23 is not lobbying or campaigning for any aspirant for now but their concern is to ensure that the governorship seat moves to Delta Central Senatorial District in 2023.
    Other Ijaw traditional rulers present were HRM Johnbul Polokowei-Onogolor I, Pere of Ogbolubiri-Mein Kingdom, HRM Jackson Foubiriowei Angalabiri Egbain II, Ebenana-Owei of Kumbowei Kingdom, HRM Bosu Ayamabolou I, the Ebenana-Owei of Iduwini Kingdom, and HRM Shadrack Erebulu Aduo III, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom.
    Top among leaders and members of DC-23 that went for the visit include Chief Ighoyota Amori, Dr. Chris Oharisi, National Secretary, Olorogun Barr Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary, Hon (Chief) Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Deacon Raymond Edijala, Assistant National Treasurer, Hon. Elohor Urhobe, Assistant National Women Leader, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, Assistant National Welfare Officer and Barr. Abraham Whiskey, National Provost.
    Others are Chief Ejaife Odebala, Former House of Assembly member, Olorogun Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman of BoT, Chief Mrs. Philomena Oyearone, Chief Andy Osawota, Chief Eunice Okoh, Mr. Benjamin Ogbimi, Engr. Eric Osiobe, Mr. Emmanuel Francis Ishaka, Hon. Onoriode Ishegbe, Rt. Hon. Kenneth Fovie, Mr. Anthony Omonigho, Chief Efeturi, Juweto, Mr. Godfrey Etabuko, Lucky Esokpor, Chief John Ugborhioba, Chief Gabriel Akpojemu, Chief Matthew Emegbo, Chief Pius Tuphe, Mr. David Ejukonemu, Chief Victor Otuburu, Chief Collins Eboh, Prince Robinson Samuel, Chief Lucky Emojeya, Chief Abraham Ojighoro, Kennedy Atevure, Chief Solomon Oturu, Hon. Ejiro Wilson-Eghrudje, Deacon Godwin Oke, Chief Alice Jegede, Thomas Edafevwiroro, Representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Representatives of Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, and a host of others.
  • Delta 2023: You’ve done well for demanding for what’s legitimately yours, Isoko critical stakeholders tell Urhobo leaders

    Delta 2023: You’ve done well for demanding for what’s legitimately yours, Isoko critical stakeholders tell Urhobo leaders

    By Emman Ovuakporie

    Critical stakeholders of Isoko ethnic nationality have stated that the Urhobo people are doing well by coming together as a force to demand for what they think is legitimately theirs.

    High Chief Eta Enahoro, Traditional Prime Minister of Oyede Kingdom and Prof. Christopher Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union who spoke in same vein during the Consultative visit of DC- 23 to Isoko nation, posited that its only those who invest in the incoming government that will become relevant.
    According to them, “we are impressed with your presentation of pleading with us for support. Our house is not presently in order but with the help of our traditional rulers, the good people of Isoko and clerics, we will see how we can bring our people together, especially the political class as quickly as possible.

    “It is after we are united that we can come to you to tell you our position. So we plead with you to give us sometime to make those who presently don’t reason in our direction to have cause to change their mind.

  • Delta 2023: It’s Urhobo turn to produce Governor – Orubebe

    Delta 2023: It’s Urhobo turn to produce Governor – Orubebe

    Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe, former Minister of Niger Delta has endorsed senatorial zoning in Delta state, just as he promised to work physically and with his finance to ensure that an Urhobo emerges Governor of the state in 2023.

    Orubebe who made this known when leaders and members of Delta Central 2023 lobby group paid him consultation visit, said one of the reasons why he couldn’t made it in 2015 as governor was because of senatorial zoning.

    He noted that it was the senatorial zoning arrangement that brought Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa to power as governor. “So, he is a product of that zoning, and we all supported him”.

    “I think that this time around, if we are reasonable, want to be fair and logicall of what we should be doing, Urhobo people should have it because when I came out in 2015 to run for governorship, Ijaw people said it was not yet our turn, that it was the turn of Delta North. And that was how it happened and Okowa emerged from Delta North.

    “I believe that it will only be fair this time for us to work together as a team for Delta Central Senatorial District to take it. Although, we have never had it very well in Delta state after Ibori. When Ibori was governor of Delta state, he was opened to even his enemies that fought him. That is why inspite of his shortcomings people still run around him.

    “Urhobo people should go home and look for who will be governor for everybody. We want a governor that will be governor for Delta South, Central and North. So go and look for a good governor, with open hand not a miser, human heart and feels the pains of the people.

    “Most of you that came, have played one role or the other for me and there is no way I can say I can’t work with you people. We can work together very well. I support the senatorial zoning system and will work with my pocket and hand to ensure it remain so.

    “When you go carry this message to the Urhobo people that a good number of the Ijaw people stand with them on the senatorial zoning arrangement. This time around we will stick together, plan together to enthrone an acceptable governor because after 2027 most of us present today will be less relevant and as such we can’t play with 2023 elections”, he added.

    Earlier, National Chairman of Delta Central 2023, Chief Senator Ighoyota Amori in his speech thanked Elder Godsday Orubebe for the warm reception and appealed to him and his supporters to stick to the zoning arrangement of the governorship seat along senatorial districts’ line.

    He said the DC-23 is a lobby group made up of card carrying members of the PDP in Delta Central Senatorial District with aim to lobby for the governorship seat to rotate to the Central come 2023.

    He noted that the political relationship between the Ijaws and Urhobos had been very cordial from time immemorial and as such the DC-23 will do everything possible to ensure the relationship is sustained.

    According to him, “the Ijaws have their argument for the governorship seat likewise the Urhobos but we can’t talk of zoning on ethnic lines because the state is made up of various ethnic groups, hence the appeal for us to maintain the zoning arrangement on senatorial districts order”.

    “We want to establish a sustainable system where when it gets to your turn no one from another senatorial district can contest with you. So the argument that Urhobo or other ethnic groups contested during the turn of other senatorial districts will no longer be there”, he added.

    He appealed to the former Minister to help prevail on his Ijaw brothers to see reason with Delta Central Senatorial District on the need to strengthen the zoning arrangement on senatorial order for peace and stability.

    Leaders and members of DC-23 that went for the visit include Chief Ighoyota Amori, National Chairman, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Chris Oharisi, National Secretary, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, National Financial Secretary, Olorogun Andrew Orugbo, National Legal Adviser, Olorogun Arthur Akpowowo, National Publicity Secretary, Chief Sunday Apah, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Festus Pemu, Assistant National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Godwin Atose, National Organizing Secretary, Mrs. Philomena Ededey, Assistant National Welfare Officer, Chief Christian Onogba, Assistant National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Chief Peter Uviejitobor, Assistant National Welfare Officer, Chief Anthony Akpomiemie, National Auditor, Dcn. Raymond Edijala, Assistant National Treasurer, Hon. Best Okoromadu, Assistant National Women Leader, Chief George Osikorobia, Assistant National Auditor

    Others are Barr. William Etubiebi, Chairman, BoT, Chief Bernard Edewor, Deputy Chairman, BoT, Chief (Mrs.) Margret Unukegwo, Chief Ejaife Odebala, Former House of Assembly member, Chief Mrs. Philomena Oyearone, Chief Hope Erute, Chief Duncan Eghwere, Chief Paul Okogun, Benjamin Otubu, Barr. Idris Oyibo, Chief Abraham Ojighoro, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ayomanor, Engr. Eric Osiobe, Amonigho Anthony, Hon. Maria Emamor, Onoriode Ishegbe, Karaba Ovie, Chief Moses, Bestman Itive, Francis Obire, Mr. Robinson, Representatives of Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Representatives of Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Representatives of Chief Fred Majemite and a host of others.

    Those that joined Elder Peter Godsday Orubebe to welcome leaders and members of DC-23 include Hon. Justice J. F. Daubry(Rtd), AIG Igbiriki M. A. (Rtd), Representative of Hon. Dr. Emibra Agbeotu, Chief Franklin Edonkumoh, Pastor B. Orubebe, Ozungbo A, William Oweimo, Rev. Moredollars J. Pastor Femi Agidi, Pastor Felix Orubebe, Rev. Dr. Jude Uzochukwu, Akpokeme Ebikeme, Chief Abel Eyube, Pastor Alex K., Mr. Henry Djoma, Joseph Ugbeta, Hon. Ken Orubebe, Hon. Ebochizi Benemone, Hon. Ebikoro Tebelaimi, Chief Akpoiki Ekperi, Barr. Torugbene Oloye, Chief Akpabi Oversear.

    Others are Bishop Okaba, Okojo Asiaseimor, Bingra Lugard, Arch. Agbegha Brigbene, Barr. Gold Pereagbe Robinson, Orueside Friday, Hon. Orone Oweipade, Amasinghen Toruke and many others.

  • Delta 2023: Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro speaks on interest in Governor Okowa’s job

    Delta 2023: Deputy Governor Kingsley Otuaro speaks on interest in Governor Okowa’s job

    By Emman Ovuakporie
    Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro has said if within the context of the law as a Deltan and a Nigerian he would aspire to be Governor of Delta State but for now he has nothing to say.
    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports the deputy Governor while reacting to a question on the dissolution of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s cabinet and his ambition of running for governorship position in 2023 on a monitored TV program.
    Hear him:
    “First it is within the powers of the governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to dissolve his cabinet and reappoint those he feels very strongly that can help us and deliver on our stronger Delta agenda because that truly is our agenda; to enthrone a stronger and more secured Delta state for our tomorrow.
    ” So that is in the exercise of his power and there is no problems about that and we are happy with this and I think the people are also happy with it.
    “As to the other question of if I am contesting or indicating interest in zoning and all of that, I don’t want to get myelf into all of that. The point is I am a Deltan, I am a Nigerian like any other person and so we all have the right to aspire to elective positions and all of that.
    “So I wouldn’t say anything, if I have the right to aspire within the context of the law then I can aspire. But it is not in my case to tell you if I want to.
    ‘And the other issue of zoning, I am not saying, the zoning of governorship seat to south, north and central senatorial districts, all those are matters of politics, matters for the system to look critically into and take a decision on it.
    I”I recall the governor did say in one of his interactive session with journalists and I think this question was posed on him and what he said was that it is God Almighty that enthrones leaders as far as he is concerned.
    “And beyond that, the leadership of the state, of the PDP especially will look into what is fair and what is just for our people. We will look into the records as they were, we are going to engage ourselves and of course come out with what is tenable, what is fair, what is just and that is of course what our people want and that is what I believe in.
    “And we hope very strongly that at the end of the day like I have said before now, we are an indivisible people and so we will remain strong.
    “So all of these are matters of politics and we are getting close into it and I know that in no distant time, we are going to resolve all of those rough edges and move ahead as people that we have over time been.