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Tag: Ifeanyi Okowa

  • 2023: Group seeks Okowa as Atiku’s running mate

    2023: Group seeks Okowa as Atiku’s running mate

    Niger Delta Rights Assembly (NDRA) has called for nomination of Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, of Delta as running mate to the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    Atiku was elected the PDP Presidential standard bearer during the party’s primary election on Saturday.

    However, the issue of his running mate is yet to be resolved, but Okowa featured prominently on the list of candidates being considered for the position.

    Other politicians being considered are; former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Anyim Pius Anyim; Rivers State Governor and first runner-up to Atiku, Mr Nyesom Wike; and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

    The NDRA President, Chief Israel Bokromo, urged Atiku to pick Okowa, describing him as the best suited for the job among the lot.

    ”Among those being considered for the position of running mate to Atiku, we consider Gov. Okowa as the most qualified for the position of running mate and ultimately the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    ”We are pushing for Okowa not just because of his loyalty and commitment to the PDP, but because among all those being considered, he has the best comportment, temperament and electoral value to swing votes in favour of the PDP.

    ”Okowa has both private and public sector experience, starting out from private practice as a medical doctor, then to the public sector where he was involved as both secretary and chairman of his local government at different times.

    ”He later became Secretary to the State Government, Senator of the Federal Republic and now as Governor for seven years,” Bokromo said.

    He said that Okowa had also played critical roles for the PDP at different times, by delivering credible, rancor-free conventions.

    According to him, at this time that Nigeria earnestly desires a unifier and nationalist, Okowa comes in handy, as he has brought peace in Delta by actively engaging youths of the state.

    He said that the group was confident that given Okowa’s outstanding performance in Delta, he would add real value to governance at the Centre.

    Bokromo said that Okowa had connected with the people through infrastructure development, reliable healthcare delivery, quality education, restoration of the state’s sporting glory and youth empowerment programmes.

    ”We want to use this opportunity to caution all those scheming against and blackmailing Okowa to desist from their evil shenanigans, as this will not in any way diminish the rising profile of Okowa as a performing governor, a refined democrat and an icon of good governance,” he said.

  • 2023: Okowa’s kinsman, Okoh picks ZLP governorship ticket in Delta

    Mr Emmanuel Okoh, from Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s kindred of Ika North East Local Government Area, has emerged the governorship candidate of Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in Delta.

    The 37-year-old Okoh emerged the sole candidate of the party at the governorship primary election at the ZLP secretariat in Asaba on Wednesday.

    Mr Emeka Nkwoala, the state Party Chairman and Chairman, Electoral Committee for the governorship primary, said that 75 delegates, three each from the 25 local government areas of the state, were accredited for the election.

    He said that since Okoh was the sole aspirant for the position, the party, in line with the electoral guidelines and the constitution, adopted voice vote and the people affirmed his candidature.

    “By the power conferred on me, and having screened the aspirant and found worthy, Mr Emmanuel Okoh, having satisfied all the conditions, is hereby declared the governorship candidate of ZLP for the 2023 general election in Delta,’’ he said.

    On another Ika man of Delta North extraction planning to take over from his brother as governor, Nkwoala said politics was dynamic, adding that the trust was on capability and not about zoning.

    He said that the issue of zoning the governorship seat was that of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Nkwoala added that from available statistics, all the senatorial districts in the state had taken their turns as governor and as such, it would not be out of place for Delta North to kick-start the rotation.

    “ZLP is not interested in zoning, but anyone who would deliver dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

    “This young man has what it takes to turn the economy of this state around for the good of the people. This is why we are fielding him to take over from Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa, his brother, come 2023,” he said.

    Nkwoala called on people of the state to cast their votes for Okoh because he had the capacity to deliver, come 2023.

    On his part, Okoh said that as a successful young businessman, he would deliver the dividends of good governance and turn the state economy around, for the benefit of all.

    “I will come in my own capacity to do what God wants me do for my people.

    “Yes, I am from Ika North East. I will take over from my brother, Gov. Okowa, to deepen development in the state,” he said.

    The primary election was monitored by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agents and the media.

  • Pastor Adeboye inaugurates bank in Delta

    Pastor Adeboye inaugurates bank in Delta

    General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, on Monday, inaugurated a branch of Premium Trust Bank in Asaba, Delta.

    Adeboye, who was the Special Guest, was accompanied to the occasion by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa. The cleric was in the state for a two-day RCCG programme, tagged: “Light Up Delta.”

    The general overseer, who had earlier attended the seventh anniversary thanksgiving and praise day of the Okowa-led government, said that giving praises to God would attract more blessings.

    According to him, it is not a secret that God is doing great things in Delta through Okowa.

    The pastor, while praying for the state, the government and the people, quoted Psalm 147:1,saying: “when we  praise God, we are asking Him to do more.

    “I am in Delta tell the forces of darkness that there is no room in this state.”

    On his part, Okowa urged banks and other financial institutions to de-emphasise profit and partner more with people for improved socio-economic development in the country.

    He expressed gladness with the establishment of the bank in the state and commended the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Emmanuel Emefienem, for the great feat.

    “I am glad to see what I see here today. It is beautiful and I thank God for that. I want to congratulate you today on this great feat and the fourth branch of your bank.

    “I also congratulate you, the managing director, on the very wonderful name you have given to the bank.

    “I believe it was Holy Spirit-led. I know the kind of person you are and I believe that the bank will be of great service to the people and impact lives.

    “Banking services are unique. I believe too that as long as it is done in such a mutual relationship with the customers where everybody wins, it is definitely going to be of a great service to the people.

    “We need banks to truly partner with the people and not just to make gains from them. I hope that your service will be geared in that direction,” he said.

    The governor assured that the people and government of the state would partner with the bank.

    Earlier at the anniversary, Okowa thanked God for His faithfulness, saying that at the beginning of his administration, things were tough but two years later, God manifested Himself as prophesied.

    He thanked God for his predecessors, Chief James Ibori and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, for laying the foundation upon which his administration was built.

    Okowa said that the reason for the thanksgiving was that “God has done much for us as a state.”

    The governor, however, urged the people to remain united and continue to promote peace in the state.

    In his address of welcome, Emefienem stated that the bank was not just out to do business but also to impact and improve on the lives of the people.

    “As a son of the soil, the bank is not just here to do business but also to impact on the people. I know the people and the terrain,” he said.

  • Hon Francis Oborevwori: A new Sheriff is coming to town – By Hope Eghagha

    Hon Francis Oborevwori: A new Sheriff is coming to town – By Hope Eghagha

    If the winning streak of PDP in Delta State elections from 1999 till date is summoned to predict the forthcoming general elections, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is poised to succeed Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa as Governor of Delta State come May 2023. To those who know, for Sheriff Oborevwori, it has been a long, rough, busy, and tumultuous ride from the struggle for power as a union, ‘street’ boy to being a political heavy weight in the politics of Delta State. What else can we say about a man who became Speaker of the State House of Assembly with such a humble background?

    Oborevwori has God to thank for His great benevolence and the incumbent governor for having faith in him when perhaps nobody gave him a chance. Sherrif? some have asked? As his ardent field workers would say ’The state has been Sheriffied! Poignantly, the spirit of Sheriff, the new would-be Sheriff in town has caught on. The slogan ‘Have you been Sheriffied? caught on like wildfire in the PDP camp and spread in the State. Sheriff’s humility is legendary. Social media pictures of Sheriff bending on one knee to thank Governor Okowa drew criticism from some. But it was an acknowledgement of the mobilizing role of his benefactor. No one should begrudge him for this!

    For the Okpe people, easily the clan with the largest population in Urhoboland, the choice and emergence of Sheriff Oborevwori as PDP was the result of many years of asking that the Okpe be given their due in political reckoning. So, early in the race, after the DC 23 announcement of the final three contestants, His Royal Majesty (Major General Mujakperuo, Orhue the 1st), the traditional ruler of Okpe people where Oborevwori is a chief, rolled out the pomp and pageantry of Okpe royalty, openly blessed and endorsed Oborevwori as a worthy representative of the Okpe people for the coveted seat of Governor of Delta State. Sheriff for Governor became a project of the Okpe people, ‘our own Sheriff’ as senior chiefs (I quote Chief Robert Onome) of the kingdom captured it.

    But beyond this, Sheriff’s victory is victory for Urhobo, victory for consensus-building and victory to the State. This ought to be a model to the country- how to manage cultural and ethnic diversity, how to manage a polity with fairness, equity, and justice. Very early in the race to winning the governorship slot, there were contestations on the status of rotation; that is, was rotation of the governorship slot among the three senatorial districts a convention, a gentleman’s agreement; was it to be rotated among the ethnic group in the senatorial districts. Finally, reason prevailed and the received perception that it was the turn of the Urhobo to produce the governor won the day.

    A congratulatory message to Chief Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is in order. From the rough and tumble of street life, he has managed himself well. To be able to manage the House of Assembly for six years without any form of rebellion showed that he enjoyed the confidence of his honourable colleagues and the State governor. Early in the year, some twenty-two honourable members of House endorsed him for governor. It is only a man who is wise in the techniques of survival that can navigate the rough waters of politics at that level. Obviously, his choice is a popular one within the PDP in the State. With the number of votes which he garnered from delegates during the primaries, it is obvious that the party has made a popular choice. To be sure, money was spent on delegates. Indeed, all contestants splashed money on delegates to win them over. Naira and dollar rain fell on delegates in the days before the primaries. We have God to thank for the spirit of sportsmanship that permeated the exercise. The exercise was broadcast live on AIT for the entire world to see. True, some felt aggrieved asserting that the incumbent governor mobilized all the ground forces to support his favoured one. No one who is familiar with elections in Nigeria will fault the governor for sticking out his neck in support of his anointed one!

    Now that the primaries are over, it is time to plan for the general elections. PDP is well established in Delta State, with men and women of timber and caterpillar planted in the twenty-five LGs in the State. In every unit, every ward, and every Local government, PDP has men and women who have held some position in the twenty-three-year reign of the Party in the state. The election therefore will see these stakeholders go to the trenches in a titanic battle with APC candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the gubernatorial chair. It will not be a fight between Oborevwori and Omo-Agege. Oborevwori will be the symbol of the PDP. It will be a fight between all the PDP bigwigs and their passionate foot soldiers in the field. Party faithful know what it means for a change of occupant of Government House would be. So, all hands must be on deck to deliver Sheriff. For the Urhobo nation head or tail, they win. Two worthy Urhobo sons will slug it out come February 2023.

    This therefore is a congratulatory message to Ukodo Okpe, Right Honourable (Chief) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, the man who has electrified the state with ‘Sheriffied’ anecdotes. This is a tribute to a man who started in the streets but did not end there. He peered into the future and decided that formal higher education was the way to go. He therefore embraced education and took first and second degrees. He took a Bachelor of Science degree from Ambrose Alli University in 2004, and a Master of Science degree from Delta State University Abraka in 2010. As for the names issue in his certificates that came up before the primaries, he dismisses it with a wave of the hand. He affirms that he attended the schools which are indicated in the certificates and that there is no inconsistency in his records. The state certainly has not heard the last of this. As opponents are getting ready for the courts, his legal team is also prepared to puncture all the arguments of inconsistency in certification and identity.

    The real test of the self-acclaimed ‘Street Boy’ when he becomes governor will be in the art of governance. He plans to run an all-inclusive government which will put a crack team together on education, human capital, industrialization, and political engineering. On a personal note, I thank him openly for the role he played during my kidnap ordeal in 2012, a role which made then Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan re-appoint him Senior Security Adviser. Mandated by the State Governor and the fatherly and concerned Orodje Okpe to ensure my safe return from the den of kidnappers, Sheriff Oborevwori, working with retired Admiral Kpokpogri and other security officials, made my official residence in Asaba his home for two long weeks, counselling my wife, tracking the kidnappers till I was released after sixteen days! I remain grateful!

    Knowing that he is a product of political re-engineering as crafted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Oborevwori is likely to rise to the occasion and silence critics with the Big Dreams of an Urbane Street Boy from Osubi. Then, the people of Delta State would know that indeed there is a New Sheriff in Town! Once again, Ukodo Okpe my ‘omizu’, I say congratulations!

    Professor Hope O. Eghagha (BA, Jos; MA; PhD, Lagos) MNAL

    Department of English

    Faculty of Arts

    University of Lagos

    Akoka Lagos

    NIGERIA

  • Gov. Okowa congratulates PDP presidential candidate, Atiku

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, has felicitated former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar over his victory at Saturday’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Special National Convention held in Abuja.

    Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, expressed confidence in Abubakar’s capability to provide needed leadership that would lead the party to accomplish its “Rescue Nigeria” agenda beginning from 2023.

    He urged him to, as the face of the PDP in 2023 general elections, bring his political and socio-economic wherewithal to bear on the responsibility.

    The governor also charged all aspirants, who participated in all PDP”s primary elections across the country as well as the presidential, and leaders of the party, to close ranks and work for the victory of the party in the general elections.

    According to Okowa, if PDP is to win and rescue Nigerians from the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government, all hands must be on deck to achieve this mission.

    “I congratulate His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on his emergence as the presidential candidate of our great party at the #PDPPresidentialPrimaries.

    “Now, all former aspirants, leaders and all other stakeholders in our party must come together to liberate our citizens from the shackles of APC and give them a better life and country,” he said.

    Okowa, who was Chairman of Accreditation Committee of Convention, also congratulated National Chairman of the party, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu and other stakeholders of the party for conducting a peaceful and successful convention.

  • Okowa, Oborevwori storm govt house chapel for thanksgiving [VIDEO]

    Immediately after winning the gubernatorial ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2023 governorship election, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori went straight to the Government House Chapel in Asaba to thank God.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Oborevwori was joined by the Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa and PDP faithful at the Government House Chapel as they sang and danced to the glory of God.

    Watch video below:

     

    Delta 2023: Sheriff dedicate victory to God as Governor Okowa , Others celebrate God at Government House Chapel Government House Asaba

    Posted by Ossai Ovie Success on Wednesday, 25 May 2022

  • BREAKING: Gbagi accuses Gov Okowa of bribing delegates, withdraws from guber race

    BREAKING: Gbagi accuses Gov Okowa of bribing delegates, withdraws from guber race

    One of the frontline runners of the Delta State guber race, Kenneth Gbagi has withdrawn from the primaries, accusing the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa of threatening his life, bribing delegates and having a predetermined outcome for the primaries.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a petition written by Gbagi titled: ‘ Threat to Life Anti-democratic Conduct by His Excellency Ifeanyi Okowa Governor Delta at Government House Asaba’ addressed to the PDP national chairman, state chairman and copied all critical stakeholders.

    In his narrative, Gbagi said: “On arriving at the Government House, Asaba the venue of the meeting I was surprised to be accosted by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Ovie Agas who pleaded with me that contrary to the message sent out inviting all ad hoc delegates that he was requested by His Excellency to ensure that I and several other persons were not allowed into the venue.

    “I insisted that as a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as an ad hoc delegate I was entitled to be told the reason why I was persona non grata in a PDP event that some persons who are not quite two years old in the party are entitled to attend.

    “When pleas by the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Delta State did not move me out of the premises of Government House, I was accosted by a gun totting ADC to the Governor Mr. Frank Omokhoje Longe who told me he had orders to shoot me and nothing would happen if I did not immediately vacate the premises of Government House, Asaba. That I had been told that the Governor does not want me in PDP or any PDP meetings henceforth and I was still insisting on attending the meeting.

    “Whilst the altercations were going on the Chairman of my local government council identified me on the list of delegates as an ad hoc delegate and pointed out that my name was on the list. But all pleas fell on deaf ears.

    “It transpired that the reason Senator Dr. Okowa called the meeting was because all available information was that both within the party and in the larger Delta State people were making it clear that his preferred CANDIDATE in the forth coming primary gubernatorial primary election, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was unacceptable.

    “The Governor called the meeting to intimidate and witch hunt ad hoc delegates using the pomp and circumstances of his office and tax payers’ money to overawe the delegates. The governor issued threats against any person who he said would engage in anti-party activities by voting against his preferred candidate in the forthcoming primary elections of PDP.

    “He also openly offered inducement in the real of between N1 Million Naira and above if the delegates would vote for Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori. He said there would be more, if they toed his line. On the spot, each ad hoc delegate who was allowed into the venue was given N100,000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) with N1 million promised at the venue.

    “Senator Dr. Okowa is bent on sinking the fortunes of PDP in Delta State with an unmarketable candidate for reasons best known to him, but using threats to the life of members of PDP
    crosses the line. I could have been killed by a person whose salary is paid by the people of Delta State simply because I wanted to participate in the political life of my party; if I were a nobody the story might have been different.

    “I was a founding member of PDP 1998 and I have been a member of PDP since then till date. I served as Honorable Minister for Education and it is still on record that in 9 months we founded 13 universities all over the federation.

    “I will not continue to pretend that the party which we founded 23 years ago and brought to Delta State and by the grace of God has won every Governorship election since 1999 has not changed beyond all recognition by the above acts.

    “It is therefore my humble view that as a Foundation member of the Party from 1998 to date, a former Minister for Education, having validly obtained my expression of interest and nomination form, screened by the screening panel and issued a certificate to contest the Governorship election, my refusal today as a ad hoc delegate is a clear act of hostility, desperation and threat to life.

    “I hereby withdraw my participation in the primaries since Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, contrary to all his promises and pledges that there will be a free, fair and level playing ground is untrue since he has pre-determined the primary election”.

  • FLASH: Gov Okowa’s daughter, Marilyn wins PDP House of Assembly ticket

    FLASH: Gov Okowa’s daughter, Marilyn wins PDP House of Assembly ticket

    Barr Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, the daughter of Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has won the House of Assembly ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Marilyn won the House of Assembly ticket of the PDP to contest the Ika North East seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.

    The Governor’s daughter was returned unopposed in the primary election for the Ika North East seat.

     

    Details shortly…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • SAD: Okowa’s aide, Otokhine dies in ghastly motor accident

    SAD: Okowa’s aide, Otokhine dies in ghastly motor accident

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has lost his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Political Matters, Mr Tony Otokhine to the cold arms of death.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Otokhine died in a ghastly motor accident while returning to Asaba from Benin City after attending the traditional marriage ceremony of Olumide Akpata, President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

    Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Ossai Success, who made this known via a Facebook post, narrated how they were together at the marriage ceremony.

    Success wrote: “I am pained right now: Mr Tony Otokhine just died. He was a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Political Matters.

    “Just yesterday, we were together at President of Nigeria Bar Association NBA Olumide Akpata Traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City together with His Excellency Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other dignitaries.

    “I remembered Tony telling me, Ossai look at RMD there, go and meet him and comment on the new comedy skit he just released with Mr Paul the comedian.

    “We laughed and immediately the governor stood up and that was how we came back to Asaba leaving him at the marriage.

    “I was shocked today to hear the sad news of his demise. Heard he had an accident today on his way back to Asaba and that was it.

    “Just like that he is gone, this is so sad. This is painful. Everyone who knows him can testify to the fact that he was so humble and so nice to people. I will miss him. What a sad news today. Nothing in this life that we are all killing ourselves for”.

    TNG, meanwhile, reports neither the family of the deceased nor the Delta State Government is yet to release an official statement on the death of the Governor’e aide.