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  • Saraki visits Okowa in Delta, holds closed-door meeting [Photos]

    Senate President Bukola Saraki visited Ifeanyi Okowa, governor of Delta state, on Saturday.

    The purpose of the visit was not clear but Saraki who dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has declared interest in the presidency and been consulting stakeholders across the country.

    This is the first time Saraki will be visiting Okowa, his former colleague at the Government House since his defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    Saraki, who arrived unannounced was received by the governor and the state chairman of the PDP, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso.

    The Senate President had since his defection to the PDP consulted prominent leaders in the country including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a former military President, Ibrahim Babangida.

  • Abductors of wife of Okowa’s aide demand N100m ransom

    Abductors of wife of Governor Okowa’s aide are now asking for N100m ransom.

    The victim, Mrs, Stella Okeme, wife of the Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, on labour and SERVICOM,was abducted by eight men suspected to be kidnappers around Ogbeke Square, Asaba at nightfall on Tuesday and zoomed into an unknown location.

    A resident, Joy Nwani who spoke with newsmen said, ” The woman was forced into a car at gunpoint by the kidnappers with heavy guns, they drove away to an unknown destination.”

    But the state commissioner of police, Mr ,Mustafa Muhammad who confirmed the incident, said efforts were ongoing to rescue the woman unhurt, adding, ” All has been done to rescue her, our anti-kidnapping outfit is out on the trial of the suspects.”

    The husband of the victim, Mr Mike Okeme who spoke with journalists said, “Somebody called in the early hours asking for N100m, it is laughable, we are praying hard, the police are trailing them. God will fish them out. My wife will be released unhurt. I serve a living God.”

    Unconfirmed sources said the victim was allegedly hoodwinked into the bush by the kidnappers who unsuspectingly were eating in a nearby restaurant by a close friend who during the bubble burst was screaming for help in the disguised.

  • Buhari’s government not sincere with looters’ list – Okowa

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has urged the federal government to include names of present and previous political office-holders, irrespective of political parties, who looted public funds, in the looters’ list.

    Okowa made the call at the inauguration of Episcopal House, Chapel of Resurrection Conference Hall and other residential blocks of the Anglican Communion, on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that the list of looters should not be limited to some people and should be done with honesty.

    “In whatever the government is doing, they should ensure that list of every person who has looted in governance is released. It should not be limited to any particular party.

    “It should not be held in such a manner that Nigerians will begin to think and have doubts, and I believe that in everything we do, we must be honest,’’ he said.

    Mr Okowa said that insecurity in terms of Boko Haram and herdsmen-farmers’ clashes had impacted negatively on the economy of the nation.

    He, however, called on Nigerians to work closely with security operatives so as to achieve positive result in securing the communities and the people.

    According to him, I believe that a lot has been done by the government at the states and local government levels in terms of security.

    “Until we begin to engage more of our youth to ease the level of unemployment, it may become very difficult for us to tackle the issues of insecurity in the country.

    “For the herdsmen-farmers clashes, a committee has just been inaugurated and there is a lot for us to talk about.

    “We must have a policy direction that will bring hope to the farmers and to also ensure some level of partnership in future.

    “There is no direct policy as it stands now and it is definitely going to be very problematic because we are calling on Nigerians to embrace agriculture.

    “If the farmers are not able to defend their produce, then obviously, there will be a major problem. I hope that very soon we will find a light of hope for going forward.’’

     

  • Governor Okowa sacks two commissioners

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday carried out a minor cabinet reshuffle leading to the exit of two Commissioners and redeployment of others.

    In a statement by Festus Ovie Agas, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Nicholas Azinge and Chief Dan Okenyi were dropped from the State Executive Council.

    The statement reads: “Deltans are hereby informed that the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency,

    Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has effected a minor re-shufflement of the membership of the State Executive Council which takes effect from today 8th February, 2018.

    “In this regard, Dr. Nicholas Azinge and Chief Dan Okenyi are no longer members of the Executive Council.

    “Furthermore, some of the members of the Council have been redeployed as

    follows:
    1. Hon Asupa Forteta – Ministry of Urban Renewal
    2. Chief Karo Ilolo – Directorate of Youth Development
    3. Hon. Bright Edejewhro – Ministry of Science and Technology

    4. Hon. Joyce Overah – Directorate of Local Government Affairs

    On behalf of the Government and good people of Delta State, I wish to express our gratitude to the two Commissioners that have left the cabinet for their loyalty, commitment and sense of duty which marked their stewardship.

    In line with public service standards, they are to kindly handover all government properties in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries of their former Ministries as we wish them success in their future endeavours”.

  • Okowa lauds DSIEC over smooth organization of LG election

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has lauded the State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for the smooth conduct of the local government elections in the state.

    Okowa made the commendation on Saturday shortly after casting his vote at Unit 3, Ward 3, Owa-Alero, Ika North-East Local Government Area.

    ” I am satisfied with the process because of the smooth conduct of the election and DSIEC has given assurance that the election will be credible, free and fair.

    “So far, you can see that people have come out to cast their votes in a peaceful atmosphere and I must commend the electoral body.”

    The governor also lauded the electoral process adopted by DSIEC which entailed simultaneous accreditation and voting, which reduced the crowding of polling booths.

    “The voting pattern adopted by DSIEC is such that once you are accredited, you cast your vote and you go for your business.

    “This is unlike in the past when accreditation commenced at 8 a.m. and ended at 12 noon before voting.

    He noted that the process helped to make accreditation and voting easier, saying that it had also helped to compel the electorate to leave the voting centre immediately after casting their votes.

    On reports across the state, Okowa disclosed that soldiers stopped some electoral officials in Ndokwa East Local Government Area from moving materials, but the situation was resolved amicably.

    The governor also disclosed that some persons allegedly working for an opposition party attacked the DSIEC office in Ughelli, but the quick intervention of security agents restored normalcy.

    “It is unfortunate that some persons were not ready for the elections and they resorted to violence, but thank God the situation was however put under control.

    “I can assure you that generally, from information available to me, the state is calm and voting is in progress in the state,” Okowa said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some voters who spoke at some of the polling centres visited, expressed confidence in the electoral process.

    At about 11.45 a.m., voters were seen exercising their rights at Ward 9, Akumazi; some of them said materials arrived early and there was no crisis as the election was peaceful.

    However, security agents arrested two hoodlums suspected to be political thugs eith guns at Igbodo, Ika North-East Local Government Area.

    A federal lawmaker, Rep. Victor Nwaokolo, said the trouble makers were caught with the guns while attempting to disrupt the election.

    He said that security agents acted on a tip off and arrested them, adding that voting eventually took place in a very peaceful atmosphere after the incident.

    In Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area, a resident, Dr. Nelson Ejakpovi, said voting however started at about 12 noon.

    He added that the people came out enmasss to cast their votes in a peaceful atmoshere

    In Ndokwa East, a Chieftain of the PDP, Chief Godswill Obielum, who lauded the electoral process, told reporters that voting started early at Ward 20, Ushie, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

    “I score DSIEC very high in this election, they were prepared and it gave our people confidence. They came out in the morning and were able to vote in a peaceful atmosphere without any fear of intimidation,” he said.

    Howver, the State Commissioner for Lands, Chief Chika Ossai said that due to the terrain of the state which required material passing through different local government areas from Aboh to iselegu, voting items arrived late.

    He said materials arrived at about 11 a. m., adding that he cast his vote at about 12.30 p.m. at DSIEC Ward 3, Unit 5, Iselegu.

     

  • Buhari, Dogara, Ekweremadu, Okowa, others celebrate Saraki at 55

    President Muhammadu Buhari has joined other Nigerians to celebrate Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who turned 55 on Tuesday.

    In a statement signed by his special adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, President Buhari described Mr. Saraki as a distinguished Nigerian who has made his mark on the political scene.

    “President Buhari joins all members of the National Assembly, friends and family in celebrating the life of a distinguished Nigerian who has made his mark on the political scene.

    “The President believes that at 55, and having served as a two-term governor, senator and Senate President, Dr Saraki has demonstrated commitment in the pursuit of a prosperous, united and peaceful Nigeria.”

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, also described the celebrant as a totally committed patriot.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media & Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, the speaker, commended the Senate President for exhibiting great courage and patriotism in the conduct of the affairs of the Senate.

    “Since your emergence as the President of the Senate, you have consistently demonstrated exceptional capacity, unwavering patriotism and abiding faith in the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria both in words and in action.

    “The Senate under your distinguished leadership has been one that inspires hope for the citizens owing to your people oriented disposition.

    “Your sterling leadership mien is not unexpected, given your pedigree and antecedents as a former Governor and Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum. I am happy you brought those worthy qualities to bear in the discharge of your functions as the President of the Senate.”

    Similarly, Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, lauded the remarkable contributions of the Senate President to the development of Nigeria and the legislature.

    Mr. Okowa In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, eulogised Mr. Saraki’s tremendous contributions and outstanding accomplishments in the service of his country over the years.

    The statement reads in part, “As Chairman of the 8th National Assembly, it is on record that the Senate passed 138 bills in 30 months including the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB).

    “Mr President, the Senate under your leadership remains people friendly as evident in the 112 petitions treated from members of the public in 30 months.”

    Meanwhile, other senators at the plenary on Tuesday felicitated with Mr. Saraki on the occasion of his birthday.

    Raising a point of order, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, showered praises on his colleague.

  • 2019: PDP will die if we allow manipulation at today’s convention – Okowa

    Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP National Convention Committee and Executive Governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has said the party will die if stakeholders allow manipulative tendencies.

    Okowa spoke in a live interview session on AIT on the eve of the PDP convention holding on Saturday (today) at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

    Already 87 persons have expressed interest to contest for the 21 available offices.

    Excerpts from the interview below:

    How do you react to claims that the governors are trying to foist a list of candidates on the party?

    Okowa: No. If we allow manipulation it will lead to the death of the PDP. The party is not bullying anybody to step down, and that is why you find a lot of people coming up to contest the election. So, we are confident that the process will go on smoothly, though challenging. Challenging, because of the time and because of the energy that has to be put in to deliver several elections all at a time. It is not like the presidential convention when you are dealing with one particular election, but this one you have to deal with 21 different elections and therefore, it is going to be time-consuming. But we are confident that it is going to be well.

     

    It is alleged that PDP governors are backing a particular candidate. Are you aware or are you part of this?

    Okowa: For the PDP governors, they are all delegates to the convention and therefore have the right to vote. Can I now particularly say that because Gabriel Suswam is a former governor and another former governor is in the race and that therefore Suswam is going to back a former colleague who is in the race? Things don’t just work that way. People may have different views, but for H.E. Suswam, he knows that even if he were to be a delegate, it would not be possible for him to cast his vote. As a governor, I am a delegate, but because I have accepted to act in this position, I cannot cast my vote. I cannot. And that is why we asked in the electoral committee, that every delegate who is in that committee had to step down. It was with a lot of thought that we took that decision that it would not be fair for a delegate who is going to cast his vote to be part of that committee. By the grace of God, we would try to deliver an election that is credible. The governors alone can’t even decide for the entire nation; we have only 11 PDP governors; that means that you have other 25 states that do not have PDP governors, and those 25 states have leaders. Leaders in such places may be former governors, may be former ministers and may be some of our natural leaders that have been there from the beginning. So, these other people have a lot of influence. So, it is not just a question of governors because if it were governors, it would be 11 governors against 25 other persons. So, things don’t work like that. It is not mathematics when it comes to the politics of Saturday because a governor may hold a view and some leaders in that particular state may not have that view and some other local governments where former governors hold sway, some other leaders in that state may not agree with them. In some states former ministers, former senators are in charge of the structure, but there are still people who will not listen to a command from any one of them.

     

    How is this convention going to be funded?

    Okowa: We had a convention in August, and we want to thank our party members; they came to that convention on their own and went back on their own. It is no longer a time when people believe that they must be funded to do things and that is the same situation going on at the moment. The thing is that there are critical areas in which the party has to spend – printing, publicity. People have made contributions, leaders have made contributions, and some of the governors have also made contributions.

     

    Will those people not tie such contributions to demands on the convention floor?

    Okowa: Obviously no. I don’t think anybody has made such a large donation to think of that.

     

    There is the speculation that a particular governor is underwriting the cost of the convention and that his list of candidates should be adopted, is that true?

    Okowa: Would you expect that to happen? That would be an insult to the rest of the governors and an insult to the rest of the leadership of the party. The party did raise quite some funds from the sale of forms, and as at yesterday, 87 persons who collected forms have returned same, and some others who collected have not returned. So, a lot of money has been raised through that process, and you are aware that chairmanship candidates paid as much as N3 million per form. So, obviously, the party has raised a reasonable amount of money from that process. Persons have made donations though we don’t have any huge donation from anybody, but we can manage.

     

    There is a national reconciliation committee?

    Okowa: Yes, these are processes put in place, and I must be thankful to our leaders who are contesting for the chairmanship position because they have all accepted to enter into a memorandum of understanding that they will accept the outcome of the polls. They have shown a lot of leadership, and for anybody aspiring to lead the PDP as chairman, I think that is what is expected of them to do. So, to that extent, we are happy with our leaders who are contesting for the chairmanship position, and we hope that every other person contesting for other positions would key into the process of accepting the polls; because the polls definitely would be credible.

     

    Is there anything you envisage that would be a challenge before Saturday?

     

    Okowa: We are working hard, and we must thank the security agencies since they are cooperating very well with us.

     

    What of court orders?

    Okowa: We will obey all court orders. You will hear that today, that former governors and former deputy governors are not going to be part of the convention and that is because of a court decision that the process of amendment that brought them in as statutory delegates in 2012 was not properly done. So, unfortunately, they will not be part of this convention, but we are hoping that, that amendment will be properly done this time so that as leaders of the party they would also be statutory delegates. My emergence as governor, my emergence as senator, went through very difficult elections, but they were credible, and to that extent, I will not be part of any process that will create incredibility.

  • 10 years after spending billions…Delta, contractors ruin hope of Asaba Airport completion [PHOTOS]

    For the past ten years since its inception [2008 -1017], the billions invested so far by Delta State Government in the building of Asaba International Airport has raised worries among ‘Deltans’ so much that it could make one weep on a daily basis at the sight of the outcome of this supposed mega project.

    The foundation laying stone of the Asaba International Airport was done by former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Vincent Ogbulafor on May 7, 2008.The contract was awarded to ULO Consultants, an indigenous firm owned by Uche Luke Okpuno, an indigene of Asaba.

    TheNewsGuru.com gathered that airport was built at an estimate of over N26 billion, the project commenced under ex-Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, suffered a major setback when the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) downgraded it in 2015 as the state government failed to fix key infrastructure, – repairs of the uneven runways, perimeter fencing, drainage as well as lack of adequately trained technical personnel.

     

    Empty promises

    Earlier in 2017, specifically on the 4th of February, Uduaghan’s successor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa brought smiles to the face of his people in Delta State after he assured them of a speedy uplift of the Asaba airport project, stressing that the airport will soon be rated among the best in the country.

    The governor made the declaration at an unscheduled inspection visit to the airport at the said time.

    His words, “getting it right is very important, airport is not about the structure but about the runway and we believe that when completed, the airport will be among the best in the country based on standard.”

    Nine months after the lofty Okowa’s promises, the Asaba International Airports is still at its ugly state, a gigantic embarrassing edifice situated at the centre of Delta state.

    Contractors, Delta government trade words

    Apparently confused and embarrassed by the many failure to near or provide a completion stage, the Delta State government and the contracting firm handling the construction works at the Asaba Airport [ULO Consultants Limited] are today currently still trading blames over the alleged shoddy execution of runway project at the Asaba Airport.

    The contracting firm, when summoned by the State House of Assembly blamed the government for an alleged unnecessary and over bearing interference on the poor execution and delay in the project.

    The Chief Executive of the construction firm, Chief Uche Okpunor, told the House of Assembly Committee on Works that the government and the state ministry of works allegedly were responsible for the delay in completion of the project as a result of unnecessary bureaucracy.

    He added that inconsistent designs, atmosphere conditions, and terrain among other issues formed the bulk of the reason behind the delay, and eventual failure of the runway.

    Delta Commissioner for Works, Mr. James Augoye dismissed the allegation. He said that one of the problems violating air space safety code was the presence of sea of illegal structures (residential apartments) constructed a few meters from the airport’s runway, a disturbing observable fact he alleged ULO could not addressed.

    He said the Ministry of Works has received a letter of disengagement from ULO Consultants Ltd.He said the letter has been passed to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to examine its financial, legal and contractual implications.

    But the contractor, Mr. Uche Ukponor refused to disclose what informed his decision to disengage from the contract after presentation of the project status to the House Committee on Works but assured that he will do so in due time.

    Okpunor alleged that the government and the State Ministry of Works were partly responsible for the delay in completing the project due to deliberate bureaucracy.He further alleged inconsistent designs, atmospheric conditions and terrain among other issues as cause for the failure of the runway.

    Delta State Assembly wades in revives hope…

     

    The Chairman of the Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Works, Hon. (Chief) Evance Ochuko Ivwurie, after an inspection of the project in November said the committee was disappointed with the Contractor handling the Asaba International Airport, saying,”The contractor is obstinately recalcitrant and the conduct has caused State Government untold embarrassment, setbacks and public opprobrium.”

    Hon. Ivwurie said, it is most unfortunate that the Chairman and Managing Director of ULO Consultant Limited, Chief Uche Ukpunor decided to disregard the Committee by sending a representative, Engr. Jerome Adeyemi (Project Manager) and Alli Bugawe, (Assistant Project Manager) of ULO Consultant Limited both of whom could not answer questions put to them by the Committee during the inspection because of their alleged incompetence and lack of knowledge about the performance so far.

  • 2019: Atiku free to move from one political party to another – IBB

    …Says PDP will have best convention ever

    A former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, has expressed confidence that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led convention organising committee of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, will conduct a rancour free and acceptable convention.

    Mr. Babangida spoke on Wednesday when Mr. Okowa, accompanied by the chairman of the caretaker committee of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, and top officials of the party met him at his (IBB’s) country home at Minna, Niger State.

    “I have here, the chairman of the caretaker committee, former chairman of Kaduna State, the Chairman of convention planning committee, the Governor of Delta State with the officials for the convention, I am glad they are working hard and I have seen that they want to make sure that the convention of the PDP is rancour free, transparent and everybody will be given a level playing ground,” he said.

    The former Head of State who was in his elements, throwing banters with the PDP leaders and journalists who witnessed the event, emphatically said, “PDP will see one of the best convention like never before.”

    He also talked about the return of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar return to the PDP, saying “he is a Nigerian, he is allowed to go to any party and our constitution allows it, so, it is not new and there is nothing wrong for politician to move from one party to another.”

    Mr. Makarfi disclosed that the visit was in line with the tradition of the PDP where elders and leaders of the party are consulted for the right decisions to be taken.

    “In the PDP, we respect leaders, General Babangida has always been with us and it is the tradition of the party to be consulting with our leaders that is why we are here today to brief him (IBB) on the arrangement we have made and take whatever advice he gives for conducting a credible and transparent convention. The success story so far is a confirmation of series of interaction with leaders and founding members of the party,” Mr. Makarfi said.

    Mr. Okowa assured the convention will be successful, stating, “A lot has been put on ground for a successful Convention to be held. We thank the Caretaker Committee of our party because they have done a lot ahead of the inauguration on Monday and since then, we have held several meetings.”

    “As at today, we are confident that we are on course; in terms of trying to provide all that has to be done on Saturday, we are going to have exciting convention, there is no doubt about that, everything concerning the electoral process have been put in place, the accreditation team by today (yesterday, 06/12/17) will get the last list of the statutory delegates from Osun and Anambra States,” he said.

    The governor continued, “We obviously will not allow everybody to come into the venue, it is going to be restrictive convention because, it is an elective convention and I think our party will accept that, it is in the interest of the party and in terms of fairness, we are right on course.”

     

  • Gov. Okowa heads PDP convention committee again

    The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday inaugurated the National Planning Committee to conduct its Dec. 9 national convention.
    The committee headed by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta was inaugurated by the Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the party, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, in Abuja.

    At the ceremony, Makarfi announced that the committee would take full charge of the convention and ensure that the process was free, fair and not hijacked by any individual or group.

    Makarfi called for support for the committee, and urged members of the party to cooperate with the members to build a stronger PDP.

    He noted that political big-wigs were defecting to PDP and assured of free and fair platform for all.

    Speaking on behalf of PDP Governors, the Governor of Taraba, Dairus Ishaku, said that the party had done a lot for the country and that it was time to work hard and return it to power for further development.

    Ahead of the convention, Ishaku reminded party members that only one person would occupy an office at a time.

    He urged aspirants who would come victorious at the convention, to work with other contestants to keep the party united.

    In his remarks, Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Sen. Walid Jibril, said that the board did not have any favourites.

    He said that the BOT was ready to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a hitch-free convention.

    Responding, Chairman of the convention committee, Okowa, appreciated the party for the confidence vested in the committee.

    He said that the convention was only four days away and that there were lots to be done.

    Okowa expressed confidence in the capacity of the committee members, assuring party members of a free and fair convention.

    NAN