TheNewsGuru

Tag: Isoko

  • Diri applauds INEC’s test run of BVAS in Delta election

    Diri applauds INEC’s test run of BVAS in Delta election

    Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa, on Sunday, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful introduction and deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    INEC introduced and tested the new voter accreditation device on Saturday in the Isoko South Constituency 1 bye-election into the Delta House of Assembly.

    Diri, in a statement on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, said the successful deployment of the device ensured the accreditation and voting process were fair and credible.

    The Bayelsa governor expressed optimism that deployment of the right technology alongside INEC’s sincerity portended good signals for future elections in the country.

    He noted that once INEC got the accreditation process right with proper use of technology to electronically transmit the results of elections, the outcome would reflect the true wishes of the electorate.

    Diri urged the electoral umpire to ensure that the forthcoming elections in Anambra, Osun and the 2023 general elections are free, fair and credible.

    Bayelsa governor said INEC’s honesty would instill confidence in the electoral process.

    “The successful introduction of the new voter accreditation system in Saturday’s bye-election in Delta State raises a lot of hope for future credible elections.

    “INEC’s sincerity with the electoral process would instill more confidence and bring credibility to elections in the country.

    “I, therefore, commend Prof. Yakubu and INEC for the bold steps to raise the bar of credible elections.

    “I urge the electoral umpire to ensure forthcoming elections in Anambra, Osun as well as the 2023 general election benefit from the introduction of technology to clean up our electoral process and make our elections more credible,” Diri said.

    Diri equally congratulated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Evivie Ovuokporie, who was declared winner of the bye-election by INEC.

    He said once the process was right, a winner that reflects the wishes of the people would always emerge.

    Diri also congratulated his Delta counterpart, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and the PDP family for the party’s victory at the poll.

  • Delta Assembly by-election: Evivie of PDP floors Ifowodo

    Delta Assembly by-election: Evivie of PDP floors Ifowodo

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won the Delta State House of Assembly by-election in the Isoko South Constituency I.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the by-election held on Saturday across five wards in the constituency, was meant to fill the vacant seat occasioned by the demise of the member representing the constituency in the state’s legislative arm, Mr. Kenneth Ogba.

    Announcing the election result, the Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Christopher Onosemuode, said the candidate of the PDP, Mr. Ovuakpoye Evivie, polled 6,907 votes.

    He said the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo polled 1,301 votes, while the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Mr. Emumena Micheal scored 1,291 votes.

  • One shot dead at Isoko, Delta, bye-election

    One shot dead at Isoko, Delta, bye-election

    Gunmen allegedly shot a local vigilante dead at Saturday’s Isoko South Local Government Area Constituency I bye-election for the Delta House of Assembly.

    Acting police spokesman in Delta, DSP Bright Edafe confirmed the development to newsmen in Warri.

    Edafe, who did not explain how the incident happened, said the dead must have been hit by stray bullet.

    An eyewitness said that the incident happened at about 3:15 p.m at Irri Ward 10, Unit 5, adding that the hoodlums were probably on a mission to snatch thumb printed ballot papers used for the election.

    “The hoodlums armed with sophisticated weapons shot sporadically into the air to scare away voters before one of them shot at the victim for a reason that could yet be ascertained,’’ he said.

    There was impressive turnout of voters at the bye-election.

    The distribution of election materials from the Registration Area Centres (RACs) to the various collation centres and polling units began in good time.

    Electors who included youths and elders flooded their respective polling units to exercise their franchise.

    The bye-election was to fill the seat occupied by late Mr Kenneth Ogba until June.

    NAN reports that there was impressive compliance to the restriction of movement order by the Commissioner of Police, Delta Command, Mr Ari Ali.

    There were few vehicles particularly those on essential duties on the roads while security personnel manned strategic locations, polling units and hot spots.

    Mr Monday Efe, an elector at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South said INEC began the movement of materials at about 3p.m. on Friday.

    The Presiding Officer at Unit 16, Mercy Akeredolu, said that the early arrival of materials informed the smooth exercise, adding that accreditation started at exactly 8.30 a.m. at her unit.

    Also, Mr Goddy Igorigo, an elector at Irri Unit 14, Ward 11, lauded INEC on the early distribution of voting materials.

    Mr Constantine Ikpokpo, a former Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council and Director-General, PDP Campaign Organisation in Isoko South Constituency One, described the performance of INEC as “impressive and exceptional’’.

    Ikpokpo who spoke shortly after casting his vote also commended INEC on the early arrival of materials.

    “INEC has tried two things differently; firstly, materials arrived two days before the election

    “The only hiccup I am getting right now from some units is that the machines are not working.

    “I am sure that the situation will be rectified as soon as possible,’’ Ikpokpo said.

    Mr Ross Uredi at Irri Unit 6, Ward 11 applauded the turnout of voters and the general conduct of the election.

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

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

    By Emman Ovuakporie

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

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

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

  • BREAKING: Again, Delta loses another Isoko representative in State House of Assembly

    BREAKING: Again, Delta loses another Isoko representative in State House of Assembly

    The Isoko nation of Delta State has again lost one of its illustrious sons, a representive of the good people of Isoko South 1 in the Delta State House of Assembly.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Isoko nation lost Hon. Kenneth Ogba to the cold hands of death after he slumped suddenly on Sunday.

    The death of Ogba is coming barely five months after the Isoko nation also lost the former member representing Isoko North Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Tim Owhefere.

    While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had since conducted a by-election to replace Owhefere with Jude Ogbimi, the death of Ogba comes as a rude shock to the Isoko people.

    TNG reports Ogba, a multi-millionaire contractor, was elected lawmaker representing Isoko South 1 in the Delta State House of Assembly under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    At the time of filing this report, TNG could not confirm the immediate cause of Ogba’s death. But sources said he simply slumped and died.

  • Isoko, Urhobo hold unity confab on ethnic nationalities

    Isoko, Urhobo hold unity confab on ethnic nationalities

    …tagged those things that bind us together

    …under the co-chairmanship of Gen Omu and Gen Oneya

    The two oldest ethnic nationalities in Delta State, Isoko and Urhobo have concluded plans to hold a one-day unity confab tagged: ‘Those Things That Bind Us Together’ scheduled for June 19 in Warri Delta State.

    Major General Paul Omu, Rtd and Brigadier Dominic Oneya, Rtd will chair the epoch-making unity conference at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Warri, Delta State.

    Special guests of honour, President General Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Dr Taiga and Prof Christopher Akpotu, President General Isoko Development Union, IDU.

    Speakers at the event include: Prof Emewvo Biakolo, Prof Rev Mano-Ben Okpevra, Bishop .O. Itehere and Rev Father Oghenejode Abaka.

    Royal fathers of the day are: His Royal Highness, Ovie R.L Ogbon Oghoro 1 , His Royal Highness, Okpuzo R Ejimememe Inana 1 of Owhe Kingdom.

  • Emede/Igbide Crisis: Six months after, Isoko/Urhobo monarchs resolve dispute

    Emede/Igbide Crisis: Six months after, Isoko/Urhobo monarchs resolve dispute

    Six months after, Isoko and Urhobo traditional rulers, Isoko Development Union, IDU resolve dispute/crisis between Igbide and Emede communities in Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

    The crisis which reportedly claimed many lives and property worth millions of naira destroyed was finally nipped in the bud.

    The meeting to restore final peace to the two warring communities convened by leaders of Isoko Development Union at the National Secretariat of Isoko Development Union Oleh, Isoko South local government area, was mediated by Isoko traditional rulers council with nine traditional members led by HRM Anthony Williams O. Ovrawah Omogha 1, the Odiologbo of Oleh kingdom, Chairman Isoko Traditional Rulers Council and HRM Isaac Udogri, the Ovie of Uzere, just as Igbide and Emede communities were represented by 15 members from each community.

    While fourteen Urhobo traditional rulers was led by HRM Ovie, Dr. Ogbon Ogoni–Oghoro 1 Royal Cannon OON, the Owhorode of Olomu and Chairman, Ukoko R’Ivie R’Urhobo and HRM F.A. Mujakperuo, Orodje of Okpe.

    In a brief on the efforts made by Isoko Development Union mediating team over Igbide and Emede land dispute, the Patron of Isoko Development Union, High Chief Iduh Amadhe explained that the crisis which started on 8th of December 2020, due to land dispute between the two communities was earlier resolved by Isoko Development Union in conjunction with Isoko South council, Isoko traditional rulers and the Delta State government

    He stated that the land boundary established for both communities in 1987 by Isoko and Urhobo traditional rulers at Ewhokpaso land, Oruzu land , Uziagolo land that were the source of controversy between Igbide and Emede communities were given new land mark demarcation with excavator.

    Amadhe maintained that a team that comprised leaders of I.D.U, and members of the two Communities were engaged to do professional boundary demarcation and a canal dug across the marked boundary to serve generations, adding that leaders of both communities were urged to arrest criminals that attempt to frustrate the peace process. Noting that all matters related to the dispute between Igbide and Emede in police and court be withdrawn.

    While condemning the recent land dispute crisis between Igbide and Emede communities, the traditional rulers urged representatives of both communities to embrace peace and demanded the enforcement of the oath taken in 1987 to ensure lasting peace in the area.

    The Isoko/Urhobo traditional rulers berated leaders of both communities for the crisis and warned that further hostility from any community will receive the wrath of the gods of the land.

    The traditional rulers emphasized that the enforcement of the oath signifies final peace among the people, adding that all land disputes and other issues that caused crisis between members of both communities stands resolved. The monarchs stressed that any conflict resolved by the Isoko/Urhobo traditional rulers remained final.

    The monarchs urged members of both communities to steer clear of the canals demarcating various land boundaries as the landmarks remained sacrosanct features that cannot be altered.

    The highlights of the peace meeting was the exchange of pleasantries by the monarchs of Emede, HRM Johnson Eweri 11, Ovie of Emede and the Regent of Igbide, HRM Michael Onodowho Ovadhe, just as the President General of Igbide and Emede, Dr. Patrick Oboghor and Dr. Okah Avah respectively exchanged pleasantries, signifying final peace to the communities.

    Meanwhile, the traditional rulers, leaders of Isoko Development Union, security agencies, representatives of Igbide and Emede communities Isoko South council representative, Prince Demons Ogbaudu, 1st vice president of Isoko Development Union that coordinated the peace meeting and Deacon Gabriel Abighe, S.A. to Governor Okowa on peace building and conflict resolution, visited both communities to reaffirm the final peace in the area.

  • Tim Owhefere for burial on Saturday

    Tim Owhefere for burial on Saturday

    The late majority leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Tim Owhefere will be laid to rest on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Owhefere died in January, throwing the State, especially the Isoko Nation and the State House of Assembly into mourning.

    The popular Isoko politician who represented Isoko North Constituency in the State House of Assembly was a fourth timer in the House.

    According to the burial arrangement released by the family, an outing service will hold at Uthatho Primary School Field, Akiewhe-Owhe, to be conducted by St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Akiewhe-Owhe.

    The outing service will hold on Saturday March 13th, 2021 at 9:00 am with reception to follow immediately at the same venue.

    On Sunday March 14th, 2021 at 9:00 am, a thanksgiving service will hold in honour of Owhefere at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Akiewhe-Owhe.

    TNG reports Owhefere was born on the 16th of June 1963 to the Owhefere family which hails from Akiewhe-Owhe in Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

    He attended the famous Government College Ughelli and thereafter proceeded to the Delta Polytechnic Ozoro where he studied Mass Communication.

    He had his HND in Publishing and Communication from the Yaba Polytechnic, Yaba, a Law degree from the University of Lagos and a BL from the Nigerian Law School, Abuja and thereafter was called to the Bar as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Nigerian Supreme Court.

    Fondly called TKO by his friends, followers and admirers, Owhefere was an entrepreneur, journalist, barrister, lawmaker and politician who many say brought genuine legislative governance to his people in Isoko North.

    Also he was a Knight of the Sacred Order of St. Christopher in the Anglican Diocese of Oleh under the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    Until his death, Owhefere was also the Chairman, House Committee on information of the Delta State House of Assembly.

    He passed on to the great beyond in the late hours of January 27, 2021 after a brief illness.

    He is survived by a wife, children, relatives and plethora of supporters.

  • Isoko ladies put smiles on faces of children of Pacelli School

    Isoko ladies put smiles on faces of children of Pacelli School

    A non for profit group made up of mostly women of the Isoko ethnic nationality has put smiles on the faces of the children of a school for the blind and partially sighted in Lagos State.

    The group visited the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children and donated food items and toiletries to the school.

    The group known as Oghogho Isoko Ladies Club said the gesture was in line with its philanthropic aims and objectives.

    Some of the items donated to the school alongside the food items and toiletries included packs of Indomie noodles, packs of cornflakes and packs biscuits.

    Others are packs of milk, packs of Milo, packs of minimie chinchin and packs of hollandia yoghurt.

    Present during the donation are a former president of the club, Mrs Beatrice Aghwadoma and the current President, Mrs O. K. Mohammed.

    Other members of the Oghogho Isoko Ladies Club were also present during the presentation of the items.

  • JUST IN: Seven feared killed as two communities in Isoko lock horns over boundary dispute

    JUST IN: Seven feared killed as two communities in Isoko lock horns over boundary dispute

    Seven indigenes of Ozoro and Oleh communities are reportedly feared dead as youths from both neighbouring communities in Isoko land clash over lingering boundary disputes

    Both Oleh and Ozoro communities are of Isoko South and North Local Government Areas of Delta State.

    It was reported that the communal crisis was as a result of age long boundary dispute between both communities.

    Oleh, a host the Law Campus of the Delta State University, is the administrative headquarters of Isoko South, while Ozoro, host to Delta State Polytechnic, is the headquarters of Isoko North.

    It was alleged that armed youths from one of the communities on Friday were said to have launched attack at the market area in Ozoro which is the centre of the land in dispute.

    Several residents were said to have sustained severe injuries in the ongoing crisis.

    The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the outbreak of the crisis, saying she cannot immediately ascertain the number of killings so far.