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Tag: Kenneth Gbagi

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    One of the frontline runners of the Delta State guber race, Kenneth Gbagi has withdrawn from the primaries, accusing the Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa of threatening his life, bribing delegates and having a predetermined outcome for the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

  • Aquariavwodo, Gbagi, Augoye Sweat As DC23 Prunes Guber Aspirants to Three

    Aquariavwodo, Gbagi, Augoye Sweat As DC23 Prunes Guber Aspirants to Three

    There is palpable tension in the political camps of governorship aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Delta Central, as the pan Urhobo political group, DC23 prunes the number of Delta Central aspirants to three.

    DC23 had earlier waded through the huge numbers of aspirants from the zone pruning them to five, while promising to further reduce them to three before eventually settling for the zone’s choice candidate.

    Chaired by Chief Ighoyota Amori, DC23 had last Saturday, invited and screened the groups five approved aspirants: Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, former Chief of Staff to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, David Edevbie; former NDDC Managing Director, Senator Emmanuel Aquariavwodo; former Minister of State, Education, Kenneth Gbagi; and immediate past Delta State Commissioner for Works, Okakuro James Augoye.

    Information filtering in from the DC23 camp indicates that the group is having a hard time in deciding on the three contenders to present. According to unconfirmed information, David Edevbie and Sheriff Oborevwori appear to be in the front while Augoye,, Aquariavwodo and Gbagi positions could not be determined easily.

    Their task, of selecting the three aspirants to present, is made particularly more difficult by the fact that the interest of Governor Okowa, who currently controls more than 60 percent of the grassroots in the state, and whose body language has shown clearly he will not support certain aspirants, while keeping to himself his preferred candidate, has to be taken into consideration.

    But for this and the recent entrance of Sheriff Oborevwori and Emmanuel Aquariavwodo into the race, which has scattered all permutations, David Edevbie, said to be the candidate of the acclaimed leader of PDP in the state, Chief James Ibori and James Augoye, once rumoured to be the favoured candidate of Governor Okowa and Prof Oyovbaire, were neck to neck at the top of the race. But not anymore.

    Intense lobbying and political brickbats are on going and the credibility and acceptability of the groups decision will either cement a united front for the Urhobos or throw the race open to all comers again.

    The Speaker, said to enjoy support of at least 80 percent of the members of the Delta State House of Assembly, by current estimation, has bulldozed his way into the top three position and is gathering massive followers. His campaign appears to be well funded too.

    Former Senator Emmanuel Aquariavwodo’s fortunes recently shot through the roof when political calculations and permutations for an acceptable compromise candidate seem to favour him. A known friend of Governor Okowa, who seemingly enjoy his graces, he has ramped up his campaign and is making a bold move for one of the top three positions.

    Serial aspirant, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, also counting on support of Governor Okowa, has shown a level of seriousness, especially in the social media, which was absent in his previous efforts to be governor of the state.

    By the political calculations, and the unwritten code among the three senatorial zones in the state, Delta Central, home to the majority ethnic group in the state, Urhobos, will produce the governorship candidate of the party in the 2023 elections.

  • Gbagi is not above the law, I will definitely arrest him – Delta CP vows

    Gbagi is not above the law, I will definitely arrest him – Delta CP vows

    The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Hafiz Inuwa has vowed to arrest the former Minister of State for Education and governorship hopeful, Kenneth Gbagi.

    The Delta CP on Monday said the former minister was not above the law and that there are several cases against him enough to put him behind bars.

    He revealed that Gbagi was up till now yet to report to the police to answer questions about his involvement in the case of alleged stripping of four workers at his Signatious Hotel in Effurun, Delta State.

    Inuwa said Gbagi kept lying to him to evade arrest but that he would definitely catch up with him.

    “Gbagi pleaded to be allowed to bury his elder sister that died that weekend and then to report on the following Monday, but rather than report, he sneaked to Abuja to obtain an order restraining the police from arresting him.

    “He kept on lying that he was close to my office that day until later in the night when it dawned on me I had been lied to. Gbagi does not fear God.

    “Gbagi is not above the law, not even with me. He must have obtained an interim injunction to evade arrest but there are several cases against him warranting his arrest. I will not talk to him again, but I will definitely arrest him if I see him.”

    The police declared the former minister wanted in September.

  • JUST IN: Gbagi has case to answer, Ministry of Justice insists

    JUST IN: Gbagi has case to answer, Ministry of Justice insists

    The Ministry of Justice has said a governorship hopeful in Delta State, Kenneth Gbagi, who is the Chairman and owner of Signatious Hotels and Suites, and his son, Egba Gbagi have a case to answer with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Ministry of Justice directed the Police to arrest Gbagi and obtain statement from him under caution in response to allegations levelled against him in a case involving armed robbery, kidnapping, deprivation of liberty, torture and cyber stalking.

    According to a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, The Nigeria Police, State Headquarters, Asaba by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Delta State, B. E. Tambou, Esq, Gbagi featured prominently in the case involving Gloria Oguzie, Roselyn Okiemute, Achibong Precious and Ephraim Victor, and therefore, should be arrested.

    “The Police should arrest Chief Kenneth Gbagi and obtain statement from him under caution in response to the allegations against him in the case file. The facts from the case file show that the name of Chief Kenneth Gbagi featured prominently in the matter. He was allegedly the mastermind behind the acts perpetrated on pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8 Achibong Precious (f) and A9- Ephraim Victor (m).

    “The statements of the witnesses identified him as participating personally in their ordeal. In addition, the statements of the two arrested suspects placed Chief Kenneth Gbagi as being present during the course of this matter and an active participant thereof. It is therefore imperative that Chief Kenneth Gbagi respond to the allegations against him,” the letter read in part.

    Also, the Ministry of Justice directed the Police should also arrest Egba Gbagi, son of Gbagi, who allegedly took pictures and made a video recording of pages of the witnesses, Mr Success, the account officer at Signatious Hotels and Suites, who allegedly on the instructions of Chief Kenneth Gbagi, transferred the sums of money belonging to the witnesses.

    “All the police details attached to Chief Kenneth Gbagi on the 17th and 18th September 2020 who are alleged to have aided, abetted and took part in the events of 17th and 18th September 2020 involving pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8- Precious (f) and Page A9- Ephraim Victor (m). Their statements should be forwarded to this office to enable us ascertain their culpability,” the letter reads.

    Read details of the case below:

    Our Ref No: DTMJ.3/6/109279/8

    The Deputy Commissioner of Police,
    The Nigeria Police,
    State Headquarters,
    Asaba.

    RE: LEGAL ADVICE

    STATION: SCIID

    OFFENCE: ARMED ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING, DEPRIVATION OF LIBERTY, TORTURE, AND CYBER STALKING

    CASE FILE NO: CR.203/2020

    CHARGE NO: CMA/382c/2020

    IPO: ASP THERESA OKPOR & TEAM

    SUSPECTS: VICTORIA OGIDIAGBA (F), IKECHUKWU KINGSLEY NDUKWU (M)

    The above subject matter refers wish to inform you that this office is in receipt of the Certified True Copy of the Police case file in this matter from the Senior Registrar, Chief Magistrate Court, Asaba for Legal Advice. This office has undertaken a painstaking review of the case file inclusive of statements obtained from the witnesses namely Pages A6- Gloria Oguzie, A7- Roselyn Okiemute, A8- Achibong Precious and A9 Ephraim Victor. We also reviewed the cautionary statements of the arrested suspects Page B1-Victoria Ogidiagba (f) and Page B2-Ikechukwu Kingsley Ndukwu (m). The following facts are elicited from the case file:

    i. Chief Kenneth Gbagi, the Chairman and owner of Signatious Hotels and Suites situated at P.T.I Expressway Warri accused all the victims Pages A6 Gloria Oguzie (f) A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8- Achibong Precious (f) and A9- Ephraim Victor (m) of stealing the money of Signatious Hotels and Suites where all the Defendants work.

    ii. In consequence of the above on the 17 September 2020, Chief Kenneth Gbagi forcefully with the aid of his armed police details attached to him took page A9- Ephraim Victor hostage to his village (Oginibo) where he was held overnight against his will and stripped naked to his under pants

    iii. On the 18 September 2020, Chief Kenneth Gbagi returned to his Signatious Hotel and Suites with page A9 Ephraim Victor whom he conveyed in the boot of his range rover jeep and further confined him in the said car boot from about 10am till about 1pm.

    iv. On the same 18th September 2020, Chief Kenneth Gbagi acting in concert with his armed Police details forcefully apprehended pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), and A8- Achibong Precious (f) and compelled them to carry out all of Chief Kenneth Gbagi directives at gun point.

    v. Chief Kenneth Gbagi ordered page A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), and A8- Achibong Precious (f) to strip naked except for their pants at gunpoint.

    vi. Chief Kenneth Gbagi with the aid of page B1 Victoria Ogidiagba (f) collected the ATM cards of all the victims A6- Gloria Oguzie, A7- Roselyn Okiemute, A8- Achibong Precious and A9- Ephraim Victor and made them to disclose their respectively ATM pin numbers at gunpoint.

    vii. Chief Kenneth Gbagi then directed his account officer (one Mr. Success) and page B1 Victoria Ogidiagba (f) to withdraw all the monies in the victims various accounts. The amounts withdrawn were N176,500, N111,000 and N5,000 respectively.

    viii. Chief Kenneth Gbagi further compelled the victims to write their statements in his office at gunpoint.

    ix. Chief Kenneth Gbagi then proceeded to parade the victims publicly on the grounds of the hotel naked except for their pants before members of staff of the hotel and the hotel customers.

    x. He ordered page B1 Victoria Ogidiagba (f) to lock the victims up in the hotel warehouse and to keep watch over them which instruction she carried out. The victims were kept locked in the warehouse for a while before they were subsequently moved to Chief Kenneth Gbagi office where they were also held against their will. They were then subjected to physical and verbal abuse by Chief Kenneth Gbagi and his armed police details

    xi. In the course of the interrogation Chief Kenneth Gbagi personally flogged page A8 Achibong Precious (f), a married woman, with a whip.

    xii. Chief Kenneth Gbagi ordered his police details to beat up page A9 Ephraim Victor which they did.

    xiii. Chief Kenneth Gbagi personally took pictures of the victims with his mobile phone in their nude state. He thereafter directed page B1-Victoria Ogidiagba (f) and his son Egba Gbagi to also take pictures and make video recordings of the victims in their nude state. The pictures and video recordings were eventually posted on several social media platforms.

    xiv. Chief Kenneth Gbagi instructed Page B2-Ikechukwu Kingsley Ndukwu (m) to print the nude pictures of the victims from the phone of his son Egba Gbagi. Page B2 thereafter transferred the pictures from the phone to the hotel’s desktop computer and printed the nude photographs of the victims.

    3. From the facts in the case file summarized above, the elements of the following offences are established:

    i. Conspiracy to commit to a felony to wit armed robbery, punishable under S. 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms Act 2004 (as amended).
    ii. The substantive offence of armed robbery punishable under S.1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms Act 2004 (as amended).

    iii. Conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit: Kidnapping, contrary to Section 3(1)(d) and punishable under Section 4(1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping Law 2016.

    iv. Kidnapping, punishable under Section 4(1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping Law 2016.

    v. Conspiracy to commit to a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking, punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    vi. Aiding and abetting the commission of the offence Cyber Stalking, punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    4. The two arrested suspects, pages B1-Victoria Ogidiagba (f) and B2 Ikechukwu Kingsley Ndukwu (m) were identified by the witnesses in their various statements in the case file. In addition in their various cautionary statements, each of the two suspects admitted to the roles played by them in this matter. These pieces of evidence taken together meet the threshold of establishing a prime facie case, which is required at this stage of the matter against pages Bl-Victoria Ogidingba (f) and B2 Ikechukwu Kingsley Ndukwu (m). In the circumstances, page BI-Victoria Agidigba (f) has a prime facie case of the following offences to answer to

    i. Conspiracy to commit to a felony to wit: armed robbery, punishable under S. 1(2)a) of the Robbery and Firearms Act 2004 (as amended).

    ii. The substantive offence of armed robbery, punishable under S. 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms Act 2004 (15 amended).

    iii. Conspiracy to commit a felony, to wit: Kidnapping, contrary to Section 3(1)(d) and punishable under Section 4(1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping Law 2016.

    iv. Kidnapping, punishable under Section 4(1) of the Delta State Anti-kidnapping Law 2016.

    v. Conspiracy to commit to a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking, punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    vi. Aiding and abetting the commission of the offence Cyber Stalking punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    Page B2-Ikechukwu Kingsley Ndukwu (m) on his part has a prime facie case of the following offences to answer to:

    i. Conspiracy to commit to a felony to wit: Cyber Stalking, punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention etc) Act, 2015.

    ii. Aiding and abetting the commission of the offence Cyber Stalking, punishable under S. 24(a) of the cybercrime (prohibition prevention ete) Act, 2015.

    The information disclosing the offences will be filed immediately at the High Court of Justice Delta to commence their prosecution. I am to request that you forward the original case file and exhibits in the matter to enable us effectively prosecute the matter.

    5. The facts from the case file show that the name of Chief Kenneth Gbagi featured prominently in the matter. He was allegedly the mastermind behind the acts perpetrated on pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8 Achibong Precious (f) and A9- Ephraim Victor (m). The statements of the witnesses identified him as participating personally in their ordeal. In addition, the statements of the two arrested suspects placed Chief Kenneth Gbagi as being present during the course of this matter and an active participant thereof. It is therefore imperative that Chief Kenneth Gbagi respond to the allegations against him. We note from the case file that he was invited by the State Police Command but failed to honour the invitation. The Police should arrest Chief Kenneth Gbagi and obtain statement from him under caution in response to the allegations against him in the case file. The statement of Chief Kenneth Gbagi should thereafter be sent to this office for further action.

    6. The Police should also arrest the following under listed persons and obtain statements from them under caution:

    i. Egba Gbagi (m), son of Chief Kenneth Gbagi, who allegedly took pictures and made a video recording of pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8- Achibong Precious (f) and A9. Ephraim Victor (m).

    i. Mr. Success, the account officer at Signatious Hotels and Suites, who allegedly on the instructions of Chief Kenneth Gbagi, transferred the sums of money belonging to pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f) A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f) A8- Achibong Precious (f) and A9- Ephraim Victor (m) from the victims accounts to the hotel’s account.

    iii. All the police details attached to Chief Kenneth Gbagi on the 17th and 18th September 2020 who are alleged to have aided, abetted and took part in the events of 17th and 18th September 2020 involving pages A6- Gloria Oguzie (f), A7- Roselyn Okiemute (f), A8- Precious (f) and Page A9- Ephraim Victor (m).

    Their statements should be forwarded to this office to enable us ascertain their culpability.

  • JUST IN: Embattled ex-minister, Kenneth Gbagi runs to Abuja court, to restrain Police from arresting him

    JUST IN: Embattled ex-minister, Kenneth Gbagi runs to Abuja court, to restrain Police from arresting him

    Information reaching TheNewsGuru.com, TNG, has it that embattled former Minister of Education (State), Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has approached Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to seek protection against police investigation over alleged molestation of his hotel staff in Warri, Delta State.

    TNG reports that this is sequel to the Inspector General of Police’s order to arrest him (Gbagi) and the subsequent decision by the Delta State Police Command to declare him wanted on Tuesday for consecutively failing to honour the invitation despite making commitments to do so.

    The ex-minister came under heavy attacks few days ago when video clips and photos of naked ladies and a young man believed to be staffers of his Signatious Hotel went viral. The outrage on social media made the IGP to order the immediate arrest of the former minister who is also a 2023 guber aspirant in Delta State.

    In the court papers sighted by TNG on Wednesday, Justice Taiwo Taiwo placed an interim order restraining the IGP and operatives of the Delta State Police Command from arresting him (Gbagi).

    See court papers below:

     

  • BREAKING: Police declare ex-minister, Kenneth Gbagi wanted

    BREAKING: Police declare ex-minister, Kenneth Gbagi wanted

    The Delta State Police Command has declared former Minister of Education (State), Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi wanted.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu had earlier ordered the immediate arrest of Gbagi over alleged molestation of his hotel staff in Warri, Delta State.

    The ex-minister came under heavy attacks few days ago when video clips and photos of naked ladies and a young man believed to be staffers of his Signatious Hotel went viral. The outrage on social media made the IGP to order the immediate arrest of the former minister who is also a 2023 guber aspirant in Delta State.

    Meanwhile, the politician, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of the hotel, noted that there was no warrant for his arrest from the Inspector-General of Police to him concerning the incident.

    “There’s no invitation to me from the Police. I will honour the Police invitation if am invited. The Police had invited people who are higher than me, even presidents. Who am I? I will honour the Police invitation,” Gbagi said at a press conference on Saturday.

    However, in another twist on Tuesday, the Delta State Police Command in a press release issued and signed by its spokesman, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya said Gbagi had called on Friday (September 25) requesting that he be allowed to respond to the invitation on Monday (September 28) due to urgent family matters requesting his attention. Meanwhile, the embattled politician was yet to honour the invitation as at Wednesday (September 30) hence the decision by the police command to declare him wanted.
    Read full release below:
    THE DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND DECLARE OLOROGUN KENNETH GBAGI WANTED.

    Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi was invited by the Commissioner of Police through the Area Commander Warri and DPO Ebrumede Division on September 25th, 2020 for questioning concerning the alleged dehumanizing manner in which he ordered some of his staffs to be stripped naked and physically assaulted because of an alleged case of stealing which took place at Signatious Hotel belonging to him. Kenneth Gbagi personally and severally called and gave the excuse that he has a burial ceremony of his elder sister on Friday 25/9/2020 in which he is a key player, and asked for time to finish with the ceremony on Sunday, thereafter will report at the State Headquarters on Monday September 28, 2020. These requests were granted on humanitarian ground.

    On Monday September, 28th 2020, Kenneth Gbagi called the Commissioner of Police to say that he has a court case to attend to, promising to report at the Police Headquarters in Asaba by 3:00pm; again he was equally obliged. On the same date, the Commissioner of Police had to call him at about 5:00pm before the same Kenneth Gbagi said he was on his way to the State HQ Asaba. Sadly and unfortunately Kenneth Gbagi still failed to report instead he went into the public space to disparage, blackmail and maligned the person of the Commissioner of Police and the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command for insisting on investigating him.

    Having failed to honour his promises, DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND is left with no option than to DECLARE OLOROGUN KENNETH GBAGI WANTED.

    Therefore members of the public with useful information as to his whereabouts are advised to go to the nearest Police Station to report for his immediate arrest and handing him over to the Command for thorough investigation/prosecution.

    DSP ONOME ONOVWAKPOYEYA

    POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

    DELTA STATE COMMAND

    ASABA

  • Ex-Minister expresses shock, flays diabolism over death of Okowa’s Commissioner

    Ex-Minister expresses shock, flays diabolism over death of Okowa’s Commissioner

    Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has expressed shock and despair over the death of Hon. Joyce Overah, a Commissioner on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

    Overah, a key stakeholder of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State passed away in Sapele on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, after a brief illness.

    He represented the Urhobo ethnic nationality of Sapele, Ethiope West and Okpe Local Government Areas, on the board of DESOPADEC.

    Gbagi, in a statement on Wednesday, said Delta State has lost a quintessential, trustworthy and dignified member of the PDP.

    He lamented that the Party had since 1999 lost staunch members under questionable circumstances, which he attributed to diabolical ways.

    The former Minister advised politicians in the State to seek God’s guidance and protection ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    “I am shocked by the news of the death of one of the most gentle, honest and dignified member of the PDP in Delta State, Joyce Overah.

    “Since 1999, we have lost great sons and daughters who were die-hard supporters of the PDP to sudden and questionable death.

    “I commiserate with the Delta State Governor, the State Government, the Peoples Democratic Party and the Overah family.

    “My prayers are with the Overah family for God to comfort them. May the gentle soul of Joyce Overah rest in the blossom of our Lord,” former Minister said.

    Gbagi bemoaned the resort to diabolical killings in Delta State politics, calling for an end to such killings.

    He said, “Life as it is belongs to God, and whoever attempts to take the life of another will have his life cut short by God. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword.

    “The diabolicalness in Delta State politics is laughable and shameful. I had an experience in connection with a serving Commissioner who attempted to use ‘otishe’ (diabolical power that causes one to fall and die) to hit me at a meeting we held with the party Chairman in Ughelli South local government last year.

    “As we draw close to electioneering year, people must get closer to God and look up to him for protection. We must liberate Delta State by ensuring that the system provides gainful employment for the youth.”

  • Osinbajo’s visit to Niger Delta is meaningless, says ex-Minister, Kenneth Gbagi

    A former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, has said the visit by the Vice President to Niger Delta on Monday to understudy the challenges battling the region fails to address the core issues that can ensure lasting solutions to that troubled part of Nigeria.

    Gbagi said Osinbajo’s visit doesn’t come with any policy statement from the government addressing the issues at hand.

    He added that oil well in the Niger Delta will not dry up in the next 100 years.

    He made the remark in response to Osinbajo’s call for diversification of the nation’s economy because the value of oil would drop in the next 20 to 30 years.

    Addressing reporters in Abuja, Gbagi frowned at Osinbajo’s visit to Olu of Warrior, His Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli and not going to Urhobo land.

    He claimed that the federal government took the people of Urhobo for granted for not visiting the area which was the hob of gas production.

    Gbagi alleged that the refusal of the Vice President to visit Ughelli in Urhobo land, was a replay of what happened in 1971 when the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon scheduled a visit to the land but the secretary, an Itsekiri did not allow the visit to materialise.

    According to Gbagi, “While we are looking for peace, the sensibility of Urhobo people should not be taken for granted, the Urhobo people have been taken for granted for too long in the scheme of things.

    “A similar situation happened in 1971 when Gowon was to visit Midwest which is now Delta, the Secretary then was an Iteskiri man and they crafted a similar visit to exclude the Urhobo nation, it is on record that Urhobos hold the bedrock of gas company, that is the major source of electricity in Nigeria today, not to talk of all the oil wells, pipelines across the entire Urhobo nation. Urhobos being the 4th largest nationality in Nigeria have been for sometimes now neglected and relegated to the background because of their peaceful nature.

    “While it appears that trouble makers get greater reward in Nigeria, the school of violence, agitations does not belong to any ethnic group. I see the visit of the Vice President as irresponsibly put together as it is not in the interest of the much desired peace; I congratulate the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and all those who walked out from that gathering of shame.

    “I was reliably informed that the Programme which originally was to see the Vice President’s visit to Gbaramatu, the Olu of Warri and the visit to Ughelli where the oldest traditional ruler, the Owhorode of Olomu who is 100 years resides, to host all the traditional rulers in conjunction with a meeting with the Vice President, was truncated by the governor of the State and the deputy.

    “We should root for genuine peace to support the good initiative of Mr. president and stop playing lip service or waste the economic base of Nigeria.

    “Quoting the Vice President, at least 97% of the economy today is rested on oil and gasj his claim that oil will soon finish or dry up is a political statement without foundation, the gas situated on Otolobo at least will last for another 100 years, tax payers’ money earners like the Vice President and persons in government must seek information where they don’t have them and stop heating the polity.

    “I will grant a statement on the second year of the administration in Delta as I have done in all previous governments. Urhobos will make our position known to the government at the Centre.

    “The visit of the Vice President is meaningless, made no statement; it is akin to a personal visit to the Olu of Warri as there is no policy statement from the government addressing the issues at hand.”