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Tag: Ifeanyi Okowa

  • 2023: Okowa tells govt. appointees with political ambition to resign

    2023: Okowa tells govt. appointees with political ambition to resign

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has urged political appointees in his administration with ambition to contest in the 2023 elections to resign now.

    The governor spoke at the closing of a two-day retreat organised for top government functionaries on Thursday, in Asaba.

    He said that his administration was committed to leaving lasting legacies by embarking on projects with direct impact on the lives of the people of the state.

    The governor said he did not want to be distracted in the last days in office.

    He called on top government officials in charge of policy formulation and implementation to remain focused in the discharge of their duties.

    Okowa said that the politics of year 2023 would not derail his development efforts for the people.

    He urged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to offer suggestions that would keep the state in tandem with modern trend in terms of sustainable development.

    According to him, the call has become necessary, as it will go a long way in enabling his administration finish strong in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

    “Anybody in the cabinet with political ambition should resign so as not to derail the government from meeting its set developmental targets for people of Delta.

    “A lot of people are already being distracted because of politics, there is no doubt as to that. Some of us are resigning to go and run elections and l wish everybody well.

    “But for those of us who are not resigning, we must understand that we need to stay focused. They should stay with the tide of governance.

    “I want to advise us that we must understand that as long as we are in government, we should remain focused on achieving the goal to the end and try to ensure the success of the administration that we are working in; that must be our priority.

    “Politics is supposed to be secondary. So, we must be cautious of what we do.
    “I am not insisting that everybody must work along with me, but in the governance process, you must stay focused, otherwise, you also have the right to turn in your paper that you may not be able to go along with me, and l will gladly receive it,” he said.

    The governor lauded the wealth creation office for toeing the policy direction of his administration and promised to do more in skills development and empowerment.

    He charged the project monitoring office to sustain its efforts to enable the state government to finish all ongoing projects before embarking on new ones.

    In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, said the retreat was primarily organised to remind top government functionaries of their responsibilities.

    He said it was also to remind them on the need to assist in the finishing strong agenda of the Okowa-led administration.

    In his presentation during the retreat, former Minister of Information, Mr. Frank Nweke (Jnr.), said policies must be people-centred.

    He said that government should leverage the use of technology to positively impact on the socio-economic well-being of the people.

    In his paper titled, “Plan Development And Implementation In Nigeria,” Prof. Sylvester Monye, Senior Policy Adviser to Okowa, said the only way sustainable development could be achieved was through effective planning.

    He said that policy implementation was more important in the planning process.

    “For you to have a successful plan, the people you are planning for must be involved in the planning.

    “Nigeria has never embarked on a culture of performance management.

    “I find the idea of this retreat very important. Every thing that we have done in this administration is a product of effective planning,” he added.

    The Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs. Kate Onianwa, and her counterpart in Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lawrence Ejiofor, both participants, described the retreat as timely.

    They both promised to put in their best in the finishing strong agenda of the state government.

  • 2023: Get acquainted with new Electoral Act – Okowa tells PDP aspirants

    2023: Get acquainted with new Electoral Act – Okowa tells PDP aspirants

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has tasked members and aspirants of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to get acquainted with the new Electoral Act.

    The governor gave the charge while swearing-in the Senior Political Adviser and three Special Advisers on Monday in Asaba.

    The appointees are; Chief Funkekeme Solomon, Senior Political Adviser; Mr Austine Ayemidejor, Chief Emmanuel Onyeuku and Mr Darlington Ijeh as Special Advisers.

    Okowa said; “let me enjoin all members of our party, the PDP, especially the aspirants, to get thoroughly acquainted with the new Electoral Act.

    “Going forward, we are under obligation to ensure that our utterances, conduct and actions are always guided by the provisions of the law.

    “As a party, the PDP at both the national and state levels has never been stronger, more cohesive, and more united.

    “As individuals or groups, we must shun anything that will undermine the new spirit in the PDP.

    “If we do this, I can say without any fear of contradiction that the PDP is poised to reign supreme, come 2023”.

    Okowa said that the appointment of the SA’s would enable his administration attain the Stronger Delta mantra given the appointees wealth of experience.

    He charged them to discharge their responsibilities in accordance with section 196 (Sub-section 1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

    “This is crunch time, and a lot is expected from you in terms of sacrifice, dedication, and fidelity to the cause of a Stronger Delta standing on the tripod of Prosperity, Peace, and Progress.

    “I urge you to make fairness and equity your watchwords in the discharge of your duties.

    Indeed, it is my earnest expectation that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by this appointment,” he said.

    While congratulating the appointees, Okowa described their appointment as well deserved and necessary to bring in more experienced hands.

    “These men are adroit in their ability to marry policy and politics and are expected to help to bolster the administration’s efforts to finish strong in an electioneering year.

    “They have been part and parcel of our S.M.A.R.T, now Stronger Delta, vision, and have acquitted themselves as strategic thinkers, astute administrators, and capable leaders, essential qualities required for the office,” Okowa said.

    Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Senior Political Adviser, Solomon, thanked God for the appointment and appreciated the governor for considering them for the job.

    He pledged their collective resolve and commitment to deliver on their duties to ensure that the people of the state got full benefit of their service.

    The State Deputy Gov. Kingsley Otuaro, the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, were among other dignitaries that graced the event.

  • Okowa, Uduaghan, others for NUJ Press Week

    Okowa, Uduaghan, others for NUJ Press Week

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and his predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan are among the dignitaries expected at the grand finale of the 2022 Press Week of Warri Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ), Delta State Council.

    The Chairman of the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, Mr Okies Okpomor, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Warri.

    Okpomor said the event will hold from March 19 to March 23.

    Speaking on the programme, the chairman said that the chapel would visit orphanages on Saturday, March 19, follow by a novelty football match on Monday, March 21.

    He said that the event would climax on Wednesday, March 23 at the Casa de Pedro Hotel in Effurun near Warri, Delta.

    Okpomor said that the theme of the event is: “2023 General Elections and Security”.

    He added that the occasion would be chaired by Amb. Godknows Igali, former Nigeria Ambassador to Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

    “Governor Okowa will be the Special Guest of Honour while the duo of Dr Uduaghan and Mr Kenneth Gbagi, former Minister of State for Education will be the Guest Speakers.

    “Uduaghan will speak on the topic: “2023 Elections and Roles of the Media” while Gbagi will deliver lecture on “Security Challenges Ahead of 2023 Elections and way Forward,” he said.

    According to Okpomor, the royal fathers of the day include; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111, and Dr Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.

    Others are: Monday Whiskey, Udurhie 1, Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom and Mathew Egbi, Owahwa 11, Okobaro of Ughievwen kingdom.

  • We share in your sorrow – Gov Okowa tells Festus Keyamo on father’s demise

    We share in your sorrow – Gov Okowa tells Festus Keyamo on father’s demise

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has condoled with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Chief Festus Keyamo, (SAN) on the passing of his father, Pa Matthias Keyamo.

    According to family sources, late Pa Keyamo passed on peacefully at the age of 83 on Saturday, in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

    Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika on Monday in Asaba, joined the Keyamo family and the people of Effurun to mourn the departed patriarch.

    He said Pa Keyamo’s death was a great loss not only to his family and the people of Effurun but the Urhobo nation, given his invaluable contributions to the cause of humanity.

    He said that Pa Keyamo lived a life of impact and urged the family to be consoled by his legacies.

    He paid glowing tribute to the disease for being a good father to his children and others.

    The governor urged the family to take solace in the fact that the late patriarch lived to witness the enormous successes achieved by his children, including the emergence of one of his sons as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    ”We received the news of the demise of your beloved father with shock but we are consoled by the fact that he lived a life of dedicated service to humanity.

    ”We share in the honourable minister’s sorrow and pains at this period and we pray that God will grant him the courage to bear the loss, as we pray for the repose of the soul of the departed patriarch.

    ”On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I mourn with my brother, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, SAN, on the unfortunate demise of his beloved father, Pa Matthias Keyamo.

    ”It is my prayer that God will comfort the minister and the larger Keyamo family and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss,” Okowa said.

  • Encomium pours in as Obasanjo marks 85th birthday

    Encomium pours in as Obasanjo marks 85th birthday

    A host of Nigerians has poured encomium on former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he marked his 85th birthday.

    Among those who honoured Obasanjo on his 85th birthday are President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan and former Senate President David Mark.

    Other are former President Goodluck Jonathan, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu and former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

    Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bells University have congratulated the former President.

    Senate President congratulates former president Obasanjo at 85

    The President of the Senate, Dr Ahmad Lawan has felicitated with former president Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

    Lawan, in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by Mr Ola Awoniyi, his Special Adviser on Media, joined Obasanjo’s family members, friends, and well-wishers to rejoice with the elder statesman on this auspicious occasion.

    “I heartily congratulate former president Obasanjo as he continues his strong march in his remarkable journey of life.

    “President Obasanjo is a true Nigerian patriot, pan-Africanist and global figure who has made great contributions to the political development of Nigeria and the emancipation of Africa.

    “He is a consistent protagonist of the Nigerian project, even now as an elder statesman, he has continued to push for Nigeria to realise her huge potentials as a great nation.

    “This is to be expected, as his name is linked to some of the greatest events and developments in Nigerian history.

    “I therefore heartily join Nigerians across the country in celebrating this unique figure as he crosses the milestone of 85 years.

    “I also congratulate him on the divine blessing of attaining the milestone in good health of body and mind.

    “I wish him many more years of continued service to his beloved Nigeria and Africa, and to the cause of peace all over the world,” Lawan said.

    Obasanjo’s indomitable spirit inspiring, reassuring – David Mark

    Former Senate President David Mark has described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as a patriotic African leader.

    Obasanjo attained the age of 85 years on Saturday.

    In a congratulatory message on Sunday in Abuja, Mark said that Obsanjo had been passionate about peace, unity and development of the continent.

    He made the disclosure in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr Paul Mumeh.

    According to the former senate president, Obasanjo is an uncommon leader who believes in the unity of Nigeria and Africa at large.

    “Both as a military head of state and as civilian president, Obasanjo left no one in doubt of his political will to uphold the sanctity of our unity as one indivisible Nigeria.

    “His frontline role in the battle that ended the 30 months Nigeria/ Biafra war remains a reference point in the history and evolution of Nigeria,“he said.

    He praised Obasanjo for his untiring efforts in ensuring peace in Nigeria and Africa, saying, “his indomitable spirit is inspiring and reassuring.”

    Mark urged the new generation of leaders to emulate the virtues of Obasanjo.

    “His kind is what we need to make the nation peaceful, united and uphold our bond of brotherhood,” he said.

    He urged Obasanjo to continue to make his wealth of experience available to the younger generation to tap from.

    He prayed God to continue to grant Obasanjo good health, wisdom and courage.

    Jonathan congratulates Obasanjo at 85

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday.

    He described Obasanjo as a leader with a good reputation and a statesman.

    Jonathan in a goodwill message in Abuja on Saturday noted that Obasanjo’s legacies have continued to endure many years after he left office as President.

    “I join your family and friends to celebrate you as you mark your birthday this year.

    “ You are an accomplished leader, with a sterling reputation in statesmanship and a peacemaker in Nigeria and across Africa.

    “Your legacies in Nigeria and Africa have continued to endure many years after you left office as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “As you celebrate, on behalf of my family and the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, I wish you more strength, good health and peace in all spheres of life.”

    Okowa salutes Obasanjo at 85

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he clocked 85 years.

    Okowa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba.

    He said Nigeria benefited immensely from the former president’s leadership at various times as several tangible key infrastructure and, economic reforms, were hallmarks of his leadership.

    Okowa commended the former president for always lending his voice on national issues and for his patriotic and unrelenting service to the country and humanity.

    He described the octogenerian as an epitome of nationalism and statesmanship and lauded him for his sustained contributions to peace and unity in Nigeria.

    Okowa remarked that the former president had, through acknowledged efforts and effect, etched his name and Nigeria’s in global reckoning, adding that he was a well-respected personality in global affairs.

    “On the occasion of your 85th birth anniversary, I heartily rejoice with you and your family on behalf of the government and people of Delta.

    “As a country, we recall with nostalgia, the economic reforms in the banking, communication and health sectors, introduced during your administration which paved way for the revolution in the Nigerian economy.

    “At 85, you have continued to give yourself to the service of our nation in various ways, including your frequent fatherly admonitions to the nation at various levels.

    “I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life and to pray that He continues to bless you with robust health, guidance, protection and enduring provisions.

    “I wish you, our dear father, a well-deserved 85th birth anniversary celebration,” he said.

    Birthday: OBJ has made great contributions to Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

    Presidential hopeful, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu on Sunday, congratulated former president Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday, describing him as one who had made great contributions to Nigeria.

    Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the CBN and a 2023 presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC) said this in a statement in Lagos.

    “I congratulate H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Ph.D. GCFR, on his 85th birthday.

    “Baba”, as he is fondly called, has made great contributions to nation-building, national stability, the economy, and international relations of our country Nigeria.

    “Love him, hate him or be indifferent, no one can ignore his huge footprints in the sands of Nigerian and African time.’

    Moghalu said that Obasanjo’s address on “Africa Narrative with Nigeria Situation” to mark his birthday, was a classic, hoping that the media would publish it full.

    “The address was deep, thoughtful and laden with experience.

    “There are no perfect leaders. There are no leaders without fault or mistakes. But ex president Obasanjo is a thinking man who respects ideas, and has made powerful contributions to national, African and world history.

    “Happy birthday Baba! May God grant you many more years,” Moghalu added.

    Tinubu hails Obasanjo at 85

    A former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu, has felicitated former President Olusegun Obasanjo as he clocks 85.

    Tinubu, in a congratulatory message by his Media Aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Saturday in Lagos, praised Obasanjo for his patriotism and commitment to the unity of the country.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart said that the former president had remained strong, agile and committed to the greatness of our dear nation.

    He explained that although there had been instances where he had disagreed with Obasanjo on important substantive issues.

    Tinubu, however, noted that the former president had made numerous useful contributions to the country.

    “Our debates have been spirited yet always professional and without personal animus.

    “Through it all, I have come to respect his love for the country and legendary work ethics.

    “President Obasanjo has worked tirelessly for Nigeria, Africa and indeed the black race and has earned his stripes as an important statesman on the world stage.

    “Baba Obasanjo is bold and courageous and will continue to be so for that is the essence of his character,” he said.

    Tinubu prayed God Almighty keeps Obasanjo for many more years and that God grants him good health and ceaseless energy to continue to be of service to the country he loves so dearly.

    PDP salutes former President Obasanjo at 85

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of his 85th birthday anniversary.

    The party congratulated him in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja on Saturday.

    Ologunagba described Obasanjo as an exceptionally patriotic leader, courageous statesman, insightful administrator and global personality.

    He said that “Obasanjo had continued to play pivotal roles towards the security, unity, stability and development of our dear nation, Nigeria, Africa and indeed the world at large.

    “As a military leader, democratically elected President and now an elder statesman, Obasanjo remains a detribalised leader and firm believer in one and indivisible Nigeria established on the firm foundation of democracy, justice, equity, transparency and the Rule of Law.

    “The PDP recalls Obasanjo’s leading role as Military Head of State to effectively steer the ship of state and returned our nation to democratic rule in 1979.

    “As a democratically elected President, under the platform of our great Party, the PDP, Obasanjo ran an all-inclusive, transparent and development-oriented government, entrenched democratic practice, and revamped the productive sectors.

    “He set up anti-corruption institutions and steadied the nation on the path of economic prosperity in line with the vision and manifesto of the PDP,” Ologunagba said.

    He noted that under the Obasanjo-led PDP administration, Nigeria paid off its foreign debts, instilled good governance to effectively empower Nigerians and stimulate rapid growth in critical sectors and made nation a global investment destination.

    The sectors, according to him, include agriculture, manufacturing, education, power, oil and gas, healthcare, housing, banking and finance, and telecommunication, among others.

    He said that as an elder statesman, Obasanjo continued to make himself available for national service.

    Ologunagba said that the PDP family felicitated with Obasanjo on the auspicious occasion, praying that God will grant him many more years in good health for greater service to the nation and humanity at large.

    Bells University celebrates proprietor, former President Obasanjo at 85

    The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Prof. Jeremiah Ojediran, on Saturday congratulated its proprietor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on his 85th birthday.

    Ojediran described Obasanjo as a quintessential global leader. He noted that Obasanjo’s contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the world were exemplary, saying the former president is a living legend and a strong voice within and outside Nigeria.

    The vice-chancellor said that the former president is worth celebrating for his contributions to the development of Nigeria and of the African continent.

    “On behalf of Bells University’s management and my family, I deeply felicitate with Baba Obasanjo on his 85th anniversary.

    “I pray that the giver of life would continue to grant him long life and good health to reap the good fruits of his labour,’’ he said.

    Ojediran also described Obasanjo as someone who was always seeking solutions to pressing development problems confronting Africa and developing nations in general.

    At 85, Obasanjo harps on nation-building

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said on Saturday in Abeokuta that Nigeria needed to embrace and prioritise nation- building to attain greater heights.

    He spoke at a symposium with the theme: “African narrative with the Nigerian Situation’’ organised to mark his 85th birthday.

    Obasanjo listed the ideals of nation building to include equity, justice, common ideals, popular education, shared values, mutual respect and equality of opportunities.

    He explained that the fundamentals needed to be anchored and propelled by leaders who are persons of integrity, honour, morality, competence, great virtue and must be courageous to do what is right.

    He added that such leaders must be humble and be able to put a team together to work in selfless devotion and service with the fear of God.

    “From personal experience and clinical observation, there is no substitute for steady and uncompromised process of nation-building as we have had in some notable examples in the past that have stood us in good stead.

    “Fixing Nigeria must begin on the principles of nation-building; not necessarily on emotions, sentiments, euphoria, ignorance, incompetence, ethnicity, nepotism, bigotry, sectionalism, regionalism, religion or class.

    “The issues of security, stability, development, economy and our relationship within Africa and with the rest of the world can only be taken care of if we get the issue of nation-building right,’’ he said.

    Obasanjo advised that Nigeria must first seek to be a nation rather than a country, stressing that: “the cart should not be put before the horse, otherwise, Nigeria, in no time will not be a country, but countries.’’

    For the statesman, such task was beyond one person, political parties, professionals and commercial politicians.

    “It demands and requires all hands to be on deck. I mean Nigerians in all walks of life including, politicians, community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, diplomatic leaders, leaders in the academia, leaders in all aspects of government and leaders in other aspects of the civil society,’’ he said.

    Concerning the 2023 general elections, Obasanjo advised Nigerians to prioritise principles above personalities in their choice of leaders.

    “We need to be clear about what Nigeria needs today and why Nigeria needs it. Only then can we answer the question of how. The answer will inform us of the criteria and characteristics for determining who.

    “I believe in principles before personalities and taking personalities before principles is putting the cart before the horse,’’ the former Nigerian leader said.

    He added that what was uppermost for him was how to transit Nigeria from being a country to a nation.

    “When we have adequately taken care of nation-building measures, especially management of our unity and taken care of every anomalous situation, then we must zero on personalities.

    “In situation like the one we are in, I will not rush into naming names without necessary consultations and well-defined principles and criteria.

    “Each contender must be properly x-rayed and profiled from birth and Nigerians must be educated to be able to make a choice that will be in the national interest and propel Nigeria forward,’’ Obasanjo stressed.

  • 2023: Delta Central elders ask Gov Okowa to disregard DC-23 screening exercise in leaked confidential letter

    2023: Delta Central elders ask Gov Okowa to disregard DC-23 screening exercise in leaked confidential letter

    Some prominent elders from Delta Central Senatorial District under the aegis of Delta Central Political Elders and Leaders of Thought (DCPELT) have asked the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to disregard the outcome of the screening exercise carried out by the lobby group known as DC-23.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the elders asked Governor Okowa to disregard the outcome of the screening exercise carried out by a DC-23 committee in a leaked confidential letter DCPELT wrote to the Governor.

    Recall that DC-23 had picked Olorogun David Edevbie, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi and Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori as their preferred aspirants to bid for the 2023 governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    However, DCPELT in the leaked confidential letter signed by Dr. Adogbeji Ideh, Chief P. O. Akaighe and Chief Eddie Ono-Sorhue told Governor Okowa that the outcome of the screening exercise does not reflect the yearnings of Deltans.

    The elders in the letter accused the DC-23 screening committee of manipulating the screening exercise to deliberately exclude the “best of the lot” and foist persons of questionable character on the PDP in what they described as a political ambush to serve selfish interests.

    The elders asked Okowa to disregard the final shortlist by DC-23, especially on the basis that the screening committee members were financially induced heavily by the beneficiaries of the DC-23 screening.

    They strongly canvassed for further assessment of intending governorship aspirants, including Chief James Augoye, Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo and Omizu Ejaife Odebala on the basis of competence, experience, loyalty and vision of purpose, using recognised organs of the PDP.

    The leaked confidential letter reads: “We write to you under confidential cover as DELTA CENTRAL POLITICAL ELDERS AND LEADERS OF THOUGHT mutually desirous of a smooth transition that will usher in your successor of Urhobo extraction, in line with what is commonly referred to as the Zoning Formula of the Ruling PDP in Delta State.

    “We firmly believe that it is quite expedient that such a person should possess remarkable integrity, reasonable competence, requisite experience and general acceptance of the electorate that can consolidate on your laudable achievements of the SMART Agenda and unite the State.

    “We wish to therefore dissociate ourselves from the subject, which has expectedly generated needless controversy, capable of creating further disaffection within the Party due to the manipulative selection process eventually deployed by the Screening Committee of the lobby group DC-23, deliberately designed to exclude the “best of the lot” and foist persons of questionable character on the Party in a political ambush to serve selfish interests.

    “We have indeed received several reports of mouthwatering monetary inducements of the Screening Committee members by the beneficiaries of this charade and wish to crave your indulgence to carry out an independent investigation to substantiate the veracity of this weighty allegations, in order to properly guide your anticipated action on this issue.

    “We are strongly canvassing for further assessment of intending governorship aspirants on the basis of competence, experience, loyalty and vision of purpose, using recognised organs of the Party, which we also believe that the Final List would not ordinarily exclude the likes of Sen. Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, Chief James Augoye and OmizuEjaifeOdebala, going by their known antecedents, expressed intentions and ongoing consultation efforts.

    “We are therefore soliciting your kind cooperation to disregard the outcome of the exercise conducted by the DC-23 lobby group in the true spirit of fairness by deploying available instruments of your office as the State Party Leader, towards ensuring the emergence of a flagbearer that meets the yearnings and aspirations of most political stakeholders in the current dispensation, all in a bid to guarantee victory for the Party at the general elections next year.

    “We remain committed to your patriotic quest of finishing strong and bequeathing a lasting legacy to all Deltans”.

  • Power supply: Delta hotel laments N40 million charge by BEDC

    Power supply: Delta hotel laments N40 million charge by BEDC

    A hotel in Delta State known as Lascurt International Hotel has accused the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) of demanding a whopping sum of N40 million to connect to public power supply.

    Managing Director (MD) of Lascurt International Hotel, Mr. Austin Wareyai made this known in a statement on Wednesday while lamenting the exorbitant amount, revealing that the hotel had already spent over N11 million in efforts to get the facility connected to power supply.

    Mr. Wareyai narrated that prior to the opening of the hotel, the management had applied to BEDC to connect the facility to 33KVA, which he said was approved, and necessary payments running into over N8 million made.

    “But to my surprise we were given 11KVA transformer. We applied for 33KVA because that is the line that produced stable electricity and which other business outlets in this area are using.

    “They told us that since our facility is a mega one, we should go for a 500KVA transformer, telling us that is the only way it can work.

    “We applied for 500KVA, bought the transformer and also provided all the logistics. Instead of the 33/500KVA, they brought 11/500KVA. We told them that what we bargained for was 33/500KVA, and that we paid for it. They said this is what they approved for us.

    “In our own wisdom, we asked for the way forward and they said we have to increase the transformer and reapply for NEMSA approval. They brought another cost of about N18 million to buy One MVA transformer including construction and every other thing.

    “We applied for it since that is what will make us have stable electricity to do our business. Having secured NEMSA’s approval for them to install the One MVA transformer, they said we should pay a sum of about N8.9 million as an additional security deposit.

    “They said that we have to pay the money so that whenever we default on our monthly payment, they will use part of the money to offset the bill. Aside from that, they are also asking for about N4 million for an industrial meter. Where can we get all this money after all they have collected from us.

    “In summary, we have spent over N11 million so far on a transformer. Now they are asking us to pay an additional N18 million for another transformer including construction. This is aside from the N8.9 million for two months security deposit they are asking for,” Wareyai narrated.

    The MD revealed that, after spending so much, the hotel with an underground lounge bar and club house has been running on electricity generating plants since October 31, 2021 when it officially opened for business to the public.

    Wareyai appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the National Assembly (NASS) to intervene in the matter for the BEDC to install power in the hotel with over 100 staff in its employment list with more to be employed

    He lamented that the multi-billion Naira facility might be forced out of business by BEDC due to the electricity issue if nothing is done to sway the electricity distribution firm, stressing that the development is not good for investors.

    “Imagine in the last three months we have been running our facilities with an electricity generating plant. Imagine the cost implications of buying diesel. We are appealing to the state government to help us to sustain this business because we cannot run it without electricity,” the hotelier stated.

    When contacted, BEDC Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Effurun, Helen Ogagare, said she had informed management of the allegations.

  • ZONING: To be or not to be – By Hope Eghagha

    ZONING: To be or not to be – By Hope Eghagha

    By Hope O’Rukevbe Eghagha

    Every nation, nascent or established, develops a framework for political stability, social engineering, and economic development. While some practices are constitutional, there are also conventional, unwritten codes of mutual coexistence which have evolved over time. Any nation with a sense of history must work out its survival codes, rules, and laws to guarantee its continued existence. Nigeria as currently constituted though skewed in favour of the elite, is somewhat a product of negotiations and discussions especially in the years leading to political independence from Britain. Even the United States did not emerge from heaven, its constituent parts having agreed to be part of the union. It is against this background that we must understand the agitation of most southern Nigerian patriots for power rotation in the country through zoning of positions in the political parties. It is called affirmative action!

    In a federation like Nigeria made up of disparate, diverse, and different ethnic and religious groups, the need for equity in power sharing arrangements cannot be overemphasized. The first National Anthem recognized this diversity or plurality in these words: ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ/In brotherhood we stand’ and ‘Help us to build a nation/Where no man is oppressed’. It expressed the wish to create a nation that all peoples would have a sense of belonging within the corporate body. Politicians have always been in the forefront of negotiating the nature and manner of our mutual coexistence even though sometimes their extreme utterances and behaviour tend to emphasize divisive and destructive factors. Yet, they are the ones we must persuade into negotiating a better future for Nigeria.

    Strictly speaking Nigeria is not made up of north and south. No region is monolithic. The two blocs are mere referential in describing the country. The north-south divide reflects four levels of consciousness – political, religious, cultural, and economic. Yet this is not completely true. What you have in the north you also have in the south. But there is a dominant narrative couched in a contradictory if false narrative – Islamic north and Christian south. It is true that the north is predominantly Islamic in population, but not every northerner is a Muslim. The same applies to the south. Sadly, politicians have appropriated, misappropriated this paradigm as governance tool for Nigeria. As a result, a President of northern extraction is seen as largely a ‘northern President’. The same applies to a president who comes from the south. The reason is that Presidents tend to pay more attention to their geographical zone in terms of appointments, projects, and social affiliation. This is a tragedy. It is the main reason behind the clamour for power rotation.

    The Nigerian presidency is too powerful. Unfortunately, most Presidents have not been national in outlook and character. The ones who attempted to be national were perceived from the other region as ‘the other’, thereby stressing difference. If past and current presidents had all been national in orientation, the clamour for power rotation would not have arisen. The perception by some politicians and ethnic jingoists that the Presidency is indeed their heritage has not helped national cohesion. The ‘they’ and ‘us’ mentality has fostered a deep cleavage that widens by the day. This situation seems to have been aggravated by the skewed appointments into federal agencies by the current federal government.

    In a properly run government, the nation ought to search for the best hand from wherever to manage its affairs as president. In such a situation, it would not matter whether the president is from the south or the north. His constituency would be the entire country. Ironically, the military governments in Nigeria appeared to be more conscious of this dynamic than some civilian administrations. It is true that some saw themselves as senior partners in government on account of the region that they come from. Yet the ethnic tension currently wracking the nation is nerve-racking and frightening. Will something give seems to be the question on the lips of everyone. The deadly violence that has gripped the Southeast championed by the prescribed IPOB is a dimension that calls for tactful management of the polity. The animosity between groups had never been so palpable. What has helped the nation thus far is the non-involvement of state actors in the frenzied call for restructuring.

    I therefore call on the two major parties to be conscious of power rotation as a way of guaranteeing national harmony. Already, the APC seems to have considered zoning the presidency to the south. The PDP is yet to make its position known. Incumbent President Mohammadu Buhari will complete a two-term presidency in 2023. Owing to the perception that his government has mainly favoured persons from the northern part of the country (including appointments to sensitive federal positions in the security service) and the oil sector, there is clamour that the next President must be a southerner who will redress the years of clannish governance that has permeated the country in the last seven odd years.

    In the states there has been a power sharing arrangement to meet the interests of different groups. In Delta State, for example, a gentleman’s agreement was nurtured by then Governor Chief James Ibori on power rotation among the three senatorial districts. After his tenure in 2007 which saw the governorship resting in Delta Central, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan came from Delta South in 2007, followed by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa from Delta North in 2015. The governorship reverts now to Delta Central for the rotation to return to Point One. To be sure, discussions are ongoing on how to ensure harmony in the State because some forces are contesting the extant arrangement. It is my hope that the PDP leaders would resolve this issue to prevent a snowball into the unknown. Lagos and Anambra States also have working arrangements just as Ogun and Oyo do. This should not elude Nigeria.

    If Nigeria must remain one indivisible country, the state actors must promote acts of national unity and cohesion. Zoning power to strategic groups in a polity is a way of strengthening the federation. If President Buhari wants to be remembered for good, the Presidency should be zoned to the South.

     

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

    Department of English

    Faculty of Arts

    University of Lagos

    Akoka Lagos

    NIGERIA

  • 2023: We will not have an irresponsible person as governor – Okowa

    2023: We will not have an irresponsible person as governor – Okowa

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has said the State will not have an irresponsible person as governor come 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Okowa stated this on Thursday while addressing graduands of the Skills Training Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme (YAGEP).

    During the graduation ceremony held at the Event Centre, Asaba, the youths pleaded with Okowa to allow the programme outlive his administration, saying it has taken a lot of them out of the street.

    In his response, the Governor assured the youths of the continuation of the programme when he bows out as governor of the state come 2023.

    “The best governor is the governor that sits down to listen, a governor that is passion about the people and ready to listen and to give hope to his people.

    “I believe that this programme will continue. I must thanked the Delta State House of Assembly because the Delta State Wealth and Job Creation Bureau, has been legislated on.

    “And has been signed into law and I am confident in myself that it is only somebody who is irresponsible that will come and will not want to toe this path but by the special grace of God will not have an irresponsible person as governor,” Okowa said.

  • Dennis Osadebay University to start academic activities Feb. – Okowa

    Dennis Osadebay University to start academic activities Feb. – Okowa

    Delta Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday said Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, would commence full academic activities before the end of February, 2022.

    Okowa disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing projects in the new university as well as the offices and residential apartments of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff, under construction.

    He stated that all the courses of the university presented for the first year programme had been accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that no fewer than 500 students had already been offered admission to study various courses as accredited for the university.

    According to him, more students who meet the admission requirements for the accredited courses in the university would be offerred admission by the institution before the admissions come to an end.

    The Governor, who inspected the Administration Building, Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, Faculty of Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and the university’s gate house, expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far executed by the contractors.

    While saying that the administrative building and the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge would be completed in March, 2022, he stated that Faculty of Environmental Science which was nearing completion would be ready in February.

    On Faculty of Agriculture, Okowa described it as “the star project’’ and said that it would be completed in October, 2022 and that construction of the roads connecting various faculties in the university were on course.

    He also inspected the university’s gate under construction and affirmed that the Anwai/Ugbolu road would be expanded and beautified to link Ugbolu and give colour to the university and the Leisure Park and Film Village being built by his administration.

    He added that the Faculty of Agricultural Science would accommodate a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-sitting-capacity auditoriums, including the Faculty’s building.

    “I am quite satisfied with the level of works done in the various projects at the Dennis Osadebay University.

    “We started from the administration block which has gone very far and the contractor has promised to deliver the project in March. From the progress of work, obviously, it will be delivered in March.

    “Then, we went to the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge which just started three and half months ago and we have a finishimng date of March. Also this year, and l think that with the work done, that is quite fast and very achievable.

    “From there, we went to the Faculty of Environmental Sciences which is near completion. We were told that by the middle of February, they will be through with that project but l am giving them an extension up to the end February.

    “I must commend all the contractors for a job well done. We also saw the road project that is ongoing, that takes us very quickly into the Faculty of Environmental Sciences unlike the road we took the last time we went to inspect that project.

    “But the biggest is our star project, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; it is a huge project. The contractor has told us that he will deliver the project in December but we told him that he should try to find how he can deliver it by the end of September, this year.

    “I believe that it is doable. He has a lot of workers on site but l am sure that he can get workers who can even run shift duties.

    “That is really a very huge building with a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-seater auditoriums along with the main faculty building.

    “We believe that by the time they complete the project, there will be a lot of space. We call it Faculty of Agricultural Science but I am sure that it is quite a huge building that will take more than the agricultural sciences faculty.

    “So, for the Dennis Osadebay University, a lot has been done. We are happy with the progress of work recorded in the university and l do hope that at the beginning of April, there will be a change in that campus. For now it is no longer looking like a glorified primary school,” he added.

    At the new SSG and Chief of Staff official quarters and offices, the governor announced that the project would be completed in March, 2022, and pledged his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in line with contractual agreement.

    The Governor, in company with some commissioners, was conducted round the projects by the project consultant, Mr Kester Ifeadi.