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Tag: Delta State

  • Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance condemns Omo-Agege’s unlawful groundbreaking of Kwale Medical Varsity

    Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance condemns Omo-Agege’s unlawful groundbreaking of Kwale Medical Varsity

    The Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance has strongly condemned the recent actions of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege at the supposed groundbreaking ceremony of Kwale Medical University.

    In a statement signed by Dr. Peter Odili (Chairman) and Amb. Olise Ozegbe (Secretary), the group categorically states that the so called groundbreaking is an unlawful act orchestrated to manipulate public perception and falsely portray Senator Omo-Agege as a champion of development in Ndokwa land.

    The movement asserts that no official representation from the Federal Government was present, nor was any authorization given for such an event.

    The group describes the event as a gathering of illegality, emphasizing that Senator Omo-Agege’s actions were purely an attempt to score cheap political points and deceive the good people of Ndokwa Nation and Delta State at large.

    It has been proven beyond doubt that he had no official mandate or legal authority to conduct such an activity, making the entire event a sham.

    The Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance urges the people of Ndokwa to disregard the deceptive political stunt staged by Senator Omo-Agege.

    The group maintains that true and legitimate development must come with full recognition and endorsement by the Federal Government.

    The group remains committed to ensuring that Ndokwa land is not subjected to manipulative politics and calls on all well meaning Deltans and Ndokwa indigenes to reject this act of political desperation.

    The Ndokwa Nation will not be swayed by cheap publicity stunts but will stand firm in demanding genuine and legally recognized development.

    Signed:
    Dr. Peter Odili
    Chairman, Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance

    Amb. Olise Ozegbe
    Secretary, Ndokwa Political Movement for Good Governance

  • Alleged Okuama killings: Court permits ex-Bayelsa LG chair to testify

    Alleged Okuama killings: Court permits ex-Bayelsa LG chair to testify

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has permitted Mr Lucky Okodeh, a former Caretaker Chairman, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa, to give oral evidence in his N2 billion suit against the Nigerian Army.

    Justice Binta Nyako gave the order on Wednesday after the applicant’s lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, disagreed with the argument of the counsel to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Mike Enahoro-Ebah, that the army did not, at any time, declared Okodeh wanted.

    Falana submitted that there was conflict of facts in the affidavits filed by parties before the judge, hence, the need for his client to clear the air on the matter through oral evidence.

    He insisted that the Nigerian Army allegedly published the claimant’s photograph among those wanted in connection to the killing of 17 soldiers in Okuama in Delta.

    He, therefore, prayed the court to allow Okodeh to come to court in the next adjourned date to give his evidence.

    Enahoro-Ebah, however, opposed Falana’s application.

    The lawyer argued that the COAS and the Nigerian Army did not declare Okodeh wanted at any time.

    He said the applicant was unknown to the COAS and by extension, the Nigerian Army.

    He said Okodeh was not a person of interest, hence, the suit was unnecessary.

    He urged the court not to grant Falana’s plea.

    Justice Nyako, in a ruling, granted Falana’s application and adjourned the matter until April 28 for Okodeh to give his oral evidence.

    Okodeh had filed the fundamental rights enforcement suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/590/24 against the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and COAS of the Nigerian Army as 1st and 2nd respondents.

    Okodeh, in the suit dated and filed on May 3, 2024, by Mr Falana, accused the defendants of allegedly publishing his photograph among those wanted in connection to the killing of 17 soldiers reportedly in Okuama, Delta State.

    He, therefore, prayed the court to award N2 billion in damages against the respondents for the alleged violation of his rights to personal liberty and dignity.

    The applicant also prayed the court to set aside his declaration and award the fine as compensation for damages suffered over the action of the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    In the affidavit in support of the suit, Okodeh averred that the action of the defendants had affected his political career and made him to go into hiding.

    On March 14, 2024; 17 officers of the Nigerian Army were murdered by unknown persons in Okuama in Delta, causing the Defence Headquarters Abuja to declare eight persons wanted.

    Though Okodeh’s name was not published among the wanted list, his photograph was allegedly posted on a name which was not his, which he also said no member of his family or extended family bears.

    Okodeh, who was the chairmanship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the April 11, 2024, LG elections in the state, was forced to drop his name and substitute it with another candidate following the publication of his photograph in the wanted list.

    Other prayers sought in the suit include an order of perpetual injunction restraining the CDS and COAS from arresting him as he is a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria who had never had any criminal record right from childhood.

    He equally prayed the court to order the respondents to tender an apology which should be published on both print and electronic media, so that he could have his freedom to live his normal life.

    The COAS, in a counter affidavit filed on Nov. 28, 2024 by Enahoro-Ebah, prayed the court to dismiss the suit for being purely speculative and hypothetical.

    “On March 14, 2024, 17 officers and soldiers who were deployed on a peacekeeping mission in Okuama Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, were gruesomely killed.

    “The 17 officers and soldiers killed, comprises a Lieutenant Colonel, Two Majors, One Captain, and 13 Soldiers,” he said.

    He said that the COAS was aware of eight individuals who were persons of interest in the ongoing investigation connected to the killing.

    The lawyer said though the names and photographs of the eight individuals were published by the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, he said Okodeh was not a person of interest.

  • Delta Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman lauds Oborevwori for good governance

    Delta Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman lauds Oborevwori for good governance

    The Chairman Delta State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Auwalu Tukur has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his good works in the governance of the state.

    Alhaji Tukur gave the commendation in a press statement in Asaba, the Delta State Capital, saying that the Governor by his political sagacity has turned the entire state into a huge construction site.

    The Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Chairman observed in particular that since Governor Oborevwori assumed office, Delta State has enjoyed peace and security that ensured that indigenes and non-indigenes live in peace and pursue individual business interests with ease.

    He praised the efforts of the Governor in keeping the operations of Operation Delta Sweep, the state security outfit and the vigilante groups with his government’s support and backing.

    He noted that the operations of the security outfits had kept hoodlums and their nefarious activities in check, making Delta State a no-go area for crime and criminality.

    “Also deserving of mention is the Governor’s disposition to ensure the people of different faiths enjoy the freedom to practice their religion without hindrance, culminating in religious freedom that is second to none in the country.

    “However, it is important to point out that it’s only in Delta State that there exists no abandoned project because of the uncommon disposition of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that projects inherited from previous administrations in the state are diligently completed, even as he continues to deliver on his campaign promises to the people of Delta State.

    “I am therefore not surprised with the avalanche of recognition in awards that he has been conferred with just within less than two years of his administration.

    “Warri, the oil and commercial city of Delta State is currently wearing a transformation look as Julius Berger continues to ensure that work on the flyover bridges is being done relentlessly.

    “This is why I call Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as Mr. Infrastructure and Good Governance. After all, what else order than peace, security, infrastructure and good governance that people want from their government? And this is what Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has committed himself to providing and the people are seeing it and are better for it.”

    I therefore congratulate Mr Infrastructure and Good Governance for the work done so far, and just as he has repeatedly said, I encourage him not to relent in doing more for the good people of Delta State.

    “I also call on indigenes and non-indigenes, especially members of the Muslim community to continue to support the Governor and his team for the good work they are doing.”

  • Auditor-General inspects projects in Warri South-West, lauds Oromoni’s devt strides

    Auditor-General inspects projects in Warri South-West, lauds Oromoni’s devt strides

    The Auditor General for Local Government Service Delivery in Delta State, Mr. Okpaka Ikenna, visited Warri South West Local Government Area on February 19, 2025, to assess and verify ongoing projects spearheaded by the visionary Executive Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni.

    During the inspection, the team audited various departments of the council and toured key projects initiated under Hon. Oromoni’s administration. These projects include the police station and officers’ quarters at Ogbe-Ijoh, the ongoing construction of an ultra-modern jetty at Ogbe-Ijoh, and the ongoing construction of a canteen at the local government secretariat, which is nearing completion.

    Speaking with journalists, Mr. Okpaka commended Hon. Sylvester Oromoni for his people-centered leadership, emphasizing his commitment to transparency, accountability, and infrastructural development. He expressed satisfaction with the quality of work at the project sites and urged the council to ensure their timely completion for public use.

    Representing the chairman, the Vice Chairperson, Hon. Christy Omamofe, assured the Auditor General that the projects would be completed as planned. She reaffirmed Hon. Oromoni’s dedication to delivering quality infrastructure in alignment with the M.O.R.E. Agenda of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the Executive Governor of Delta State.

    Also present during the inspection were:
    • Christopher Tonwe, Secretary of Council
    • Regina Igangan, Supervisory Councillor for Environment
    • Blessing Oriade Buhari, Supervisory Councillor for Education
    • Hon. Anino Ajemigbogho, Supervisory Councillor for Health
    • Ogiriase Odebala, Head of Personnel Management (HPM)
    • Okocha Nduka, Treasurer to the Local Government (TLG)
    Under the leadership of Hon. Sylvester Oromoni, Warri South West is experiencing a transformation, with projects executed based on the needs of the people. His strategic approach to governance continues to position the local government as a model of progress and development.

  • Oborevwori assures of fair, peaceful resolution of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis(PHOTOS)

    Oborevwori assures of fair, peaceful resolution of Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis(PHOTOS)

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, assured the people of Ogbe-Ijaw in Warri South West and Aladja in Udu Local Government Areas of the state of unbiased and peaceful resolution of their crisis.

    Governor Oborevwori gave the assurance during a ‘thank you’ visit to Ijaw traditional rulers and political leaders who gathered at the Ugborikoko residence of the Pere of Ogulagha Kingdom and Chairman of Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers’ Forum, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen.

    He applauded the people for not resorting to violence, adding that he was quite impressed that the two communities ceased hostilities after listening to his counsel.

    The Governor urged them to remain peaceful while reiterating his assurance to the two communities that he would not be sentimental in resolving the crisis.

    He lauded the traditional rulers and political leaders of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the state for their overwhelming support which, he said, led to his electoral victory in the 2023 gubernatorial election in the state.

    The Governor, who noted that the Ijaw nation comprised peaceful, loving and kind people, said he was very grateful to them for their support to him and his administration.

    “The Ijaws are very peaceful people; they are very loving and kind to me and my administration and I am grateful to God for all the support that they have been giving to me and my administration.

    “I was here during the election and you people gathered and prayed for me. I was supposed to return last year after my Supreme Court case, but I wanted to do some things; I was waiting to make sure I was able to award contracts across the Ijaw Nation, and that is what I have done in the last State Executive Council where a lot of projects were approved for the Ijaw Nation.

    “Ijaw people were very patient with me as there was no pressure from them. Everywhere I go, they support me and there is nothing that I would say that the Ijaw people in my government would not support.

    “I am enjoying the support of the ljaw nation; I will listen to you and I will do more in Delta State. And I want to thank all of you for that support. I did not fail in the Ijaw Nation as you all supported me overwhelmingly during the election.

    “I am here to, also, commiserate with the Ijaw Nation over the demise of our leader, Pa Edwin Clark. I was there in Kiagbodo two days ago for a condolence visit”, the Governor said.

    The Governor, who was responding to the requests made by the traditional rulers during the visit, said the Ayakoromo bridge project was receiving attention from the state government, stressing that the project was on Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO).

    According to him, a model school was being established in Gbaramatu by the state government, assuring that his administration would look into other issues raised by them with a view to addressing some of them.

    Receiving the Governor and his entourage, the Chairman of Delta Ijaw Traditional Rulers Forum and Pere of Ogulaha Kingdom, Captain (Elder) Joseph Timiyen, who expressed appreciation to the governor for the visit, assured him of sustained support of the people of Ijaw nation in the state.

    He appealed for the posting of more teachers to primary and secondary schools in the riverine communities of the state with a view to promoting effective teaching and learning in the areas.

    Other traditional rulers who spoke during the visit, appealed for the establishment of tertiary educational institutions in Ijaw nation, the construction of more roads, the speedy completion of the Ayakoromo Bridge, the restoration of electricity supply to Isaba Kingdom and the peaceful and fair resolution of the Ogbe-Ijoh/Aladja crisis, among other requests.

  • Delta highly solvent because of Oborevwori’s financial mgt abilities – Aniagwu

    Delta highly solvent because of Oborevwori’s financial mgt abilities – Aniagwu

    Delta State Government, has said that the state was very solvent and able to meet up its financial obligations as they fall due because of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s financial management abilities anchored on fiscal discipline, prudence and accountability.

    The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and public information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu stated this in an interview on live television programme monitored in Asaba.

    Aniagwu disclosed that Governor Oborevwori’s greatest asset was being underrated by naysayers adding that by his governance philosophy, the Governor had continued to confound his critics with tangible proofs and accolades across the state and country.

    According to him, Governor Oborevwori is likened to that book that almost everybody judged by its cover and by the time they attempted to open the book they discovered that it’s not written in french language but in pure English.

    “All the facts that you need to know about certain things that you thought are not possibly available in that book are all put together in that book.

    “One of Oborevwori’s greatest assets is the fact that he is underrated, his financial management abilities is almost second to none

    “Let me inform you that even as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly for six years at the end of his tenure he returned N500 million unspent funds to the state coffers so when you look at the story of people who are usually there as politicians in different levels you will understand what that means.

    “When we thought that was a flash in the pan that maybe it was just one of those things but we didn’t know that that is his pure characteristics and leadership style.

    “When we say that Delta today is solvent we are not solvent because we contracted a native doctor to help us preserve our funds.

    “We are solvent because Oborevwori is demonstrating a whole lot of accountability and prudence in the management of our resources.

    “Two weeks ago when we had our first EXCO meeting for the year 2025 we approved projects worth over N275 billion naira. Not only that we approved those projects, the governor was also magnanimous for us to proceed to mobilize each of the contractors wit 40 percent of the contract sum.

    “We have been doing that since he came in and that is why you can see that a number of these projects are moving with speed

    “Beyond the issue of giving out this 40%, there are a number of projects that are on Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO), where in which case every month, certain amount of funds kicks in.

    “The moment you present your certificate in terms of milestones, the state pays.”

    Mr Aniagwu remarked that Governor Oborevwori was not just funding projects, the state government had not borrowed a dime but had paid loans obtained by previous administrations to the tune of N240billion.

    “First of all not only that Delta is not borrowing under the Oborevwori administration, he has paid over N240 billion in the last 20 months to service or defray existing contractual obligations as well as some other funds that came in form of loan in the past.

    “So for you to know that he is not only just funding infrastructure today I’m not too sure you have heard of anybody going to the streets to protest that they have not been paid pension.

    “Oborevwori’s prudence is such that he works hard to properly preserve government funds for the good people of the state, by cutting off a whole lot of things that could have led to wastages.

    “For instance there was another novel approach he brought to prudence and financial management where he proposed a reduction in the profit margin for some contracts upon 40 percent mobilisation.

    “He argued that since the state usually provide contractors 40% mobilization, we are first of all saving them the agony of raising cost of funds should they have proceeded to go to any financial institution to ask for such funds.

    “When we looked at these parameters from just about five different memos, we were able to save N4.5 billion, yet the contractors were still very much interested in carrying out such projects.”

    Commissioner Aniagwu further said Oborevwori was carrying out the projects across the three senatorial districts without sentiments.

    “There are so many things that he has done in terms of taking on big projects, in terms of carrying the three senatorial districts, irrespective of ethnic differences along.

    “Of course, Delta is a multi-ethnic state. Irrespective of even political affiliation, he’s carrying everybody along.

    “That is why you see that even when the few pockets of opposition speak to certain issues that are at variance with reality, Oborevwori doesn’t waste time responding to those issues.

    “He only concentrates more on the projects as a means of response to those criticisms and today, all we ask people is, tell us your local government and then we will tell you what Oborevwori is doing there.”

    He said Governor Oborevwori introduced a novel approach to budget that was equitable, fair and just, adding” the Governor was able to come up with a novel idea in our budgeting approach and good enough, my ministry was saddled with that responsibility of implementing certain funds across the 25 local government areas.

    “In 2024, we provided one billion for roads alone and that is a specific intervention, because that is not the only amount we provided, but for specific intervention so that even if you don’t have a big man or you don’t have anybody speaking for your local government, that fund is there and must be spent in your local government.

    “Having seen the magic in terms of the level of infrastructure we are able to implement using that model, in the 2025 budget, Governor Oborevwori directed that over N2.1 billion should be be provided for the purpose of short intervention across the local government areas.

    “It might interest you to note that even the EXCO we had less than two weeks ago, we approved projects across more than 80% of the local governments in Delta, in one EXCO.

    “So anybody who wakes up and says they have no idea of what we are doing, we don’t even need to say what are you talking about.

    “We say please, can you tell us your local government so let us even know whether you are among those who doesn’t visit home.”

    On alleged depletion of PDP members to All Progressives Congress APC, Aniagwu likened the situation to the football transfer window for those who may have performed poorly and were afraid they will not get their party’s return ticket for another term.

    “For us in Delta, we are not disturbed and like I said, our concentration at the moment is governance and that is what we are doing.

    “Those who are playing politics may be Idol enough to play but we are busy delivering democratic dividends to our people.”me

  • Oborevwori reiterates partnership with FG for Delta devt

    Oborevwori reiterates partnership with FG for Delta devt

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reiterated the state government’s willingness to partner with the Federal Government for the overall socio-economic development of the state.

    Governor Oborevwori disclosed this in his remarks at the inauguration of the reconstructed 9.6km Abraka – Oben Road and flag-off of reconstruction of failed portions of Abraka – Agbor Road (Phase 1) in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.

    Represented by the State Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, Governor Oborevwori said his administration remained irrevocably committed in its partnership with the President Bola Tinubu led federal government for the transformation of the state.

    He said the Oborevwori governance philosophy believes that if the Federal Government succeeds it would dovetail in the success of the subnational governments.

    He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC for the initiative to reconstruct the all important access road from Abraka to Oben and called for the completion of the road to Benin.

    “I thank the board of the NDDC for the vision and for acknowledging the challenges and for giving the policy guideline for the execution of this laudable project.

    “I am glad that the NDDC is giving special attention to reconstruction of failed portions on roads across the region.

    “The Government of Delta State believes very strongly and firmly that we are partners in progress with the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu.

    “We believe in the success of the Federal Government because of the nature of our Constitution and its operations, the success of the Federal Government will naturally translate to the success of the states as well.

    “Governor Oborevwori therefore wishes to commend President Bola Tinubu for his support for the board of the NDDC thus far and urging him to continue to do more for the people of the Niger Delta,” he added.

    On comments by former Speaker of the State House of Assembly and member representing Delta State on the NDDC Board, Governor Oborevwori said the Delta State Government had shown verifiable commitment in its interventions on federal roads across the state, recalling the state of the Benin – Warri Road before the state government intervened.

    “I recall vividly that Mr Speaker as he then was approved funds for the rehabilitation of the Benin – Sapele road by the Delta State Government.

    “While he was Speaker, the Delta State Government saw the need to intervene on the Benin – Warri highway particularly from Amukpe to Effurun.

    “It was important we intervened at that time because vehicles were spending days to commute from Benin to Warri.

    “The Government as at that time rehabilitated that road under his watch as Mr Speaker, therefore to give the impression that Delta State Government was leaving everything for NDDC is a fallacious misrepresentation which I needed to correct here and now.

    “Let me inform you that the bridges coming up in the Warri area is a Federal trunk A road and the state government is intervening there to reduce travel time.

    “The Ughelli-Asaba dualisation project is about 180km, I urge you to take a drive from Ughelli-Asaba and see the wonderful intervention of the Delta State Government on a federal highway.

    “This road you have come here to flag-off I can tell you that we have intervened severally on this road.

    “Governor Oborevwori’s good works have been acknowledged by THISDAY/ARISE News and now New Telegraph Newspaper as Governor of the year (Infrastructure).

    “I don’t know if the NDDC mobilises contractors but today in Delta State we mobilize our contractors up to 40 percent so that they will not suffer from the vagaries of inflation.

    “I thank Mr President for picking very good people in managing different ministries departments and agencies for the good of Nigerians.”

    Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, thanked the NDDC for heeding to President Tinubu’s directive to reconstruct section one of the road from Abraka – Oben.

    While commending Governor Oborevwori for his interventions on federal roads in the state, the Minister urged Governors across the country to see interventionist agencies as partners in progress and not as competitors.

    Chairman NDDC Governing board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, commended the executive management for giving vent to the board’s directives, adding “we are glad that work has started along the Abraka – Agbor Road and the Uromi junction at Agbor.

    Managing Director of NDDC, Chief Sam Ogbuku said NDDC was working well under the full guidance of President Bola Tinubu to improve on infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

    “Before reconstruction of this road, we intervened in some areas of the East West Road to ensure the people do not suffer unnecessarily.”

    He commended state governments for their contributions to the development of the Niger Delta, adding that the NDDC was just an interventionist agency aimed at complementing the state governments.

  • Isoko youths hammer NDLEF over malicious attack on Otuaro, Maro-Kana Company

    Isoko youths hammer NDLEF over malicious attack on Otuaro, Maro-Kana Company

    The Isoko National Youth Assembly (INYA) has taken a swipe at the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF) and their sponsors on the ill-fated attempt to blackmail Presidential Amnesty Boss, Dr. Dennis Otuaro and Maro-Kana Construction company.

    President of INYA, Comrade Eniwake Orogun in a statement on Saturday, said the faceless group behind the sham protest were being sponsored by a well known blackmailer whose stock in trade was to malign people for personal gains.

    The statement reads: On Protest organized by a group of charlatans seeking to malign Maro-Kana Construction Company!

    “We read on the media about a protest embarked upon by a faceless group called Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF) wherein several baseless allegations were made against Maro-Kana Construction Company Limited, a company indigenous to the Isoko people, Delta state and Nigeria at large.

    “On a different occasion, we would have ignored that assemblage of hungry hustlers called protesters but because their baseless allegations are against a company owned by a noble and worthy son of Isoko extraction, Engr. Ashakah Orobosa, we are compelled to respond as the foremost Isoko Youth body with a core mandate of defending the Isoko pride.

    “Firstly, from the information we gathered, Maro-Kana Construction Company is a duly registered Limited liability company with the Corporate Affairs Commission and has been operational since its formation. Furthermore, although Michael Ifeanyi Anoka was initially a member of the Board of Trustees, he has since vacated that seat and all associated functions as a Board member.

    “The company has diverse interests which are well captured in the objectives of the company as stated in the Memorandum and Article of Association to include Construction and general contracting services.

    “There is no where in its legal framework which prohibits it from engaging in consultancy services. Therefore, if the company is engaging in consultancy services to any individual, organization or in public interest, it is only fulfilling one of its core objectives.”

    He said it was noteworthy that Maro-Kana had bidded for, won and effectively executed several jobs for both individual, private, and government organizations – both at the state or federal level.

    “The company has also made tax and other remittances to the government on different occasions. How then, is such a company “inactive”?

    “We are familiar with the maliciousness behind this charade called protest as it is consistent with the character of the person behind it. We know him.

    “We are, however, at loss while an Isoko son, in the company of external and hungry collaborators, adding that will deliberately twist the narrative to malign a company owned by another Isoko son, Engr. Ashakah, by leaning on the Amnesty Boss, Chief Dennis Otuaro to shoot his negative arrows. He has only brought in the Amnesty Administrator to hide his real intentions which is to pull down another Isoko son.”

    Orogun further said, “rather than commending Ashakah and Maro-Kana Company for the various job opportunities created for numerous Isoko and Delta youths, the enemies of progress were planning evil against a true Isoko son and patriot.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, this is the first time we are even hearing of an Isoko son or company getting a contract from the PAP office.

    “Again, for the first time, 89 Isoko students between the ages of 17 and 19 years were admitted into different tertiary institutions of study under the undergraduate scholarship programme of the PAP while eight and three others are under the Masters and PhD programmes. Although that is not enough, it is a good start and beams hopeful signals of better participation in the future.

    “The inspiration to tarnish the image of Maro-Kana and its Managing Director by another Isoko son could only have come from a satanic mind, garnished with chronic wickedness and greed.

    “It may interest the public to note that this same character organized the same warped protest when the pipeline surveillance contract was initially awarded to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. Once he was settled with few slots, he became an ambassador of the same company and has in many fora, joined many of us to commend the efforts of Tantita in reducing oil theft in the Niger Delta – efforts which he was initially blinded to because of his greed.

    “Maro-Kana has always made efforts to carry along, other community stakeholders besides those engaged in its operations and this same character has been on the monthly payroll of the company he is trying so hard to malign as one of those fortunate to be considered to be in such a category.”

    He said only recently, “he tried unsuccessfully to negotiate a rise in pay, a request which was blatantly rejected by the management of Maro-Kana, as he was told that focus is on the field workers who toil daily to protect oil pipelines across its mandate area in Isoko and not to those who do nothing but want to receive so much to the detriment of those who really deserve it.

    “Our background check on this character and the unknown group he claims to represent, revealed that this is purely his stock in trade, blackmail.

    “He did the same to Tantita; he also made fallacious accusations against other people and by now, everyone is well acquainted with his gimmick and can see beyond this veil called protest that he is simply begging for patronage. We urge Maro Kana not to give in to this blackmail as it will only embolden his criminal hustle.”

    The Isoko youth leader, urged President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to ignore the call for the sack of Chief Otuaro by roadside hustlers.

    “Conclusively, Maro-Kana has gainfully employed and improved the living standards of hundreds of youths across Isoko nation, we therefore, wish to sternly warn self serving characters like the one behind the veil of this sham protest that both themselves and their evil machinations shall be fiercely consumed in the wrath of Isoko youths should they refuse to refrain from such trade of cheap blackmail.”

  • Action Gov, Oborevwori emerges New Telegraph Governor (Infrastructure) of the year(Photos)

    Action Gov, Oborevwori emerges New Telegraph Governor (Infrastructure) of the year(Photos)

    Action packed Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday night, emerged New Telegraph Newspaper “Governor of The Year, 2024” for his efforts in the infrastructural development of the state.

    The award which is coming on the heels of a similar honour by THISDAY/ARISE MEDIA Group for fiscal discipline and infrastructural development of the state, was presented at a well attended ceremony held at Oriental Hotels in Lagos.

    Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, said the award meant a lot for the Governor and Deltans as it would deepen the partnership with the people of Delta State in delivering democratic dividends.

    He said the Oborevwori administration had done well in improving infrastructure across the state by completing inherited and newly initiated projects without borrowing a dime.

    According to him, “this award means a lot to us because what it means is that it’s making us to have that confidence that what we are doing as a government is what our people actually want us to do, and the whole world is seeing it.

    “So, we are very happy and we thank the management of the New Telegraph Newspaper for recognizing what we are doing for our people in Delta State.

    “This government made promises when we were coming on board. We told the people that this government is going to be government for the people, that we are going to do more, more in the area of infrastructure, which has just been stamped today.

    “We have so many infrastructure projects in Delta State. All the ones we have inherited, we have either completed, or near completion. No one was abandoned.

    “We have initiated new ones, which are also either completed or ongoing. So, we are doing what we were elected to do, to make life more meaningful for Deltans, that is why we are very happy with this award.

    “To shock the whole world, all we have done to date, we have not borrowed a dime, that is to show the financial capability of our able governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

    “All the areas that the government set out to work on, we are working on all. If you look at the field of education, I think we are the only state that has four public universities running very well.

    “All these universities have been strengthened, day in, day out. A lot of projects going on. We have recruited teachers to ensure that our children get the best of education.

    “When you go to the area of health, in the health sector, we are also strengthening all the health facilities that we have in the state and even building new ones.

    “Right now, I can tell you that there’s a giant ongoing project for the College of Health Technology in Ovrode, in Delta State.

    “In every field that we make Delta great, in the field of agriculture, we are there, in the area of human capital development, we are raising new entrepreneurs through the D-CARES programme and people are happy with us,” Onyeme added.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olabode George, said the award celebrates those who have contributed to the unity, growth and development of the country.

    While calling on the coming generation to have a contrite spirit and to live their lives by contributing to the growth and advancement of the nation.

    Publisher of the newspaper, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, congratulated the awardees on their well deserved honour, adding that the newspaper had done well since inception.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Managing Director and Editor-in-chief of New Telegraph Newspaper, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, said the award was put in place to assess and reward hardworking Nigerians in governance, industry and other spheres of life.

    He said the newspaper believes that such honours would spur the awardees to achieve greater accomplishments in national development.

    At the ceremony, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, SAN, was awarded Minister of the year, while Chairman of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo was honoured for securing Nigeria’s oil assets with integrity and patriotism.

  • Clark, a patriotic Nigerian with robust integrity – Oborevwori (Photos)

    Clark, a patriotic Nigerian with robust integrity – Oborevwori (Photos)

    Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Friday, commiserated with the Clark family over the demise of their patriarch, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian with robust integrity.

    Governor Oborevwori, who paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family at the Kiagbodo country home of the late elder statesman, said the deceased nonagenarian was a household name in the country, adding that he lived a fulfilled life.

    According to him, Pa E.K. Clark, as he was popularly known, was very committed to the development of the Niger Delta and the country at large, adding that he had left indelible mark in the history of the country.

    The Governor, who was accompanied by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other top government functionaries, disclosed that the foremost Elder statesman was always very bold, courageous, focused and articulate.

    “Looking at the faces of the people here today, you see that they are celebrating our father who passed on recently.

    “It is with profound sorrow that l extend my deepest condolences to the family of Pa E.K. Clark, the people of Kiagbodo, the Ijaw nation and the people of the Niger Delta, over his demise.

    “Papa was somebody that is a household name in this country; he has lived a very fulfilled life. He was a man with robust integrity and was very committed to the development of the Niger Delta and the country at large.

    “He has left indelible an mark in the history of this country. If you look round the Niger Delta today, you can hardly see anyone that is vocal like him.

    “If you read his book, ‘Brutally Frank,’ you will know that he is a man with sharp memories. He was somebody who while alive, when you call your name in this Niger Delta, he will tell you the lineage of your family. So, he was somebody that was very bold and courageous.

    “When we spoke last, Papa said to me that l am doing very well as Governor and that if l was not doing well, he would tell me as well.

    “He don’t mince his words. He was very very focused and articulate at all times. His memory was very sharp and l know that throughout this period, we are going to be the host state,” he said.

    While assuring members of the family that the state government would stand behind them and the Ijaw nation throughout the mourning period, the Governor, also, commiserated with the entire Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government and Ijaw nation over Pa Clark’s demise.

    Responding on behalf of the family, the eldest child of the deceased nonagenarian, Mrs. Rebecca Okorodudu, who was joined by her uncle, Prof. Collins Clark and other family members, expressed appreciation to the Governor for the condolence visit, even as she assured him that they would continue to support the policies and programmes of his administration.