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Tag: okowa

  • Alleged fresh N40bn loan: Lend Delta govt more money at your own peril – Omo-Agege warns banks

    Alleged fresh N40bn loan: Lend Delta govt more money at your own peril – Omo-Agege warns banks

    Deputy President of Senate and Gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has warned that any bank, lending institution or credit union which lends or advances money to the government of Delta state, four months to the end of its tenure, does so at it’s own risk.

    This warning was contained in a statement he personally approved on behalf of the teeming supporters of APC and the generality of the people of Delta State.

    According to Senator Omo-Agege, it has come to the knowledge of the All Progressive Congress, APC, and the general public that the government of Delta state is yet again negotiating a loan facility for N40 billion (forty billion naira).

    “It is our understanding that the need for such a facility has not been made public, neither has the purpose for which the credit is being sought.

    “It is also to our knowledge that a bill seeking the approval for such a facility has not been presented before the House of Assembly and neither has approval been obtained.

    “Now therefore be it known to all banks, lending institutions, credit agencies etc that any facility, loan, credit, advancement or borrowing by any other name known, made or advanced to the government of Delta state in the course of the remaining tenure of the present administration will not be acceptable to the people of Delta state.

    “The next administration and the citizens of Delta state will not be further encumbered by the rascality and profligacy of the present government.

    “We state unequivocally that the state is over borrowed and the citizens will not accept the encumbrance and obligations of further borrowing.

    “Any bank, lending institution, credit institution etc which lends or advances money to the government of Delta state at this time, does so at its own risk. Please be warned,” the statement said.

  • 2023: Okowa hails Uduaghan for reconciling members of Delta PDP

    2023: Okowa hails Uduaghan for reconciling members of Delta PDP

    Vice-Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Governor of Delta State,

    Ifeanyi Okowa, has hailed his predecessor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for his contributions to the party’s campaigns.

    Speaking on Wednesday at PDP campaign rallies at Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South-West and Udu Local Government Areas of the State, Okowa stated that the PDP is happy with the way the former Governor is reconciling members of the party.

    “The work you (Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan) are doing in reconciling members of our party, we are happy with it and we can’t thank you enough,” Okowa told Uduaghan.

    At the rallies, the Governor deplored the abandonment of the Gas Revolution Industrial Park project in Ogidigben in the State by the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC’s) Federal Government.

    He also slammed the APC administration for the moribund Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja now Premium Steel Company.

    He said that as important as the gas revolution park was to the nation and the world, the Buhari administration had failed to ensure its realisation.

    He pointed out that the world was moving towards gas as an alternative energy source, but lamented that the Federal Government’s ineptitude had put the gas project in jeopardy.

    The PDP Vice-Presidential candidate, however, assured that the Atiku-Okowa ticket would make the project a top priority when elected.

    According to him, when optimally harnessed, the gas potential in Warri South-West Local Government Area and other oil-bearing communities would significantly boost the nation’s economy and the State as well as the Local Government Area.

    He said that the APC administration lacked creative ideas on how to diversify the economic base of the nation which would have put the nation on a pedestal of sustainable growth and development.

    “For over seven and half years, the APC-led administration has failed to bring the Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Ogidigben to reality because they don’t understand the economic potential of the project.

    “This is why we must have our own person in Abuja so that we can ensure the commencement of the project.

    “Let’s vote for the PDP to ensure the realisation of the project. It will be one of the major projects we will embark on once we take over.

    “The whole world is moving towards gas and we have it in abundance and I can assure you that we will focus on it because many countries are looking for gas and we have it in abundance.

    “If elected, the Federal Government, under the PDP would pay special attention to the enormous gas in Warri South-West Local Government which has been abandoned by the APC administration.

    “A PDP Federal Government, if elected, would harness the vast gas potential in the area and other oil-bearing communities in the country to strengthen the economic base of the nation which will also trickle down to the Local Government Areas that produce oil.

    “APC has finished Nigeria with their inept administration and we will not allow them to kill us before we act. So, let us vote them out with our PVCs,” the Governor stated.

    On Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja, Okowa assured that the PDP would join hands with the core investor, Premium Steel, to revive the moribund company.

    “We are already talking to Premium Steel; the State Government may invest in the company for the sake of our people that will be employed there,” he stated.

    Deputy Governor of the State, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, said he was grateful to Governor Okowa for the construction of the Aladja-Isaba road, Madagho Sport road, and interventions at the Maritime University, Okerenkoko.

    Otuaro said Warri South-West would not disappoint the party, and assured that they would vote for all candidates of the party as they had always done.

    Former Governor of the State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, lauded the people of Warri South-West for being very peaceful and commended Okowa and Otuaro for their contributions to peace and development of the area.

    At Udu, the former Governor decried the mismanagement of Delta Steel Company, Ovwian-Aladja, and urged the Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to work towards reviving the company, when elected.

    Governorship candidate of the party, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, commended Otuaro for his laudable contributions to the governance of the State, assuring that he would advance the State further with his M.O.R.E. Agenda.

    He said the party had never lost an election in Warri South-West and urged them to maintain the status.

    In his remarks, State Chairman of the party, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, said Deltans had resolved not to vote for people with questionable characters.

    He said that Deltans would vote for Sheriff Oborevwori as Governor because he would live with the people and transform the State with more development projects.

    Director of the State Campaign Council, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, commended the people for their consistent support for the party since 1999 and urged them to vote for all candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections.

    At Otor-Udu, a former APC chieftain and aide of the Deputy President of the Senate, Benjamin Sharta, along with hundreds of his supporters, dumped the APC for the PDP.

    He said that they left the APC because of the dictatorial leadership style of APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and the lack of progress in the party.

  • PDP presidential ticket: Okowa didn’t betray anyone – Aide

    PDP presidential ticket: Okowa didn’t betray anyone – Aide

    Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, on Monday said that Okowa, Vice-Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), did not betray anyone in the party’s presidential primary.

    Olisa stated this at a news conference in Asaba.

    He said that as a loyal partyman, Gov. Okowa heeded PDP’s directives and decisions in all matters concerning the presidential convention.

    He recalled that the Southern Governors’ Forum at a meeting in Asaba, resolved and later reiterated in subsequent meetings in Lagos and Enugu, to work towards the realisation of Southern Presidency.

    According to him, when members of the forum returned to their various parties, decisions varied as each political party had different plans to approach the process of electing a presidential candidate.

    “For us in PDP,  the party told the governors that it may not go with their position because we are in opposition and in order to get it right, the party set up a committee headed by Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom, to advise it appropriately on zoning of the ticket.

    “The Ortom committee, in its wisdom, recommended that zoning be jettisoned to allow all aspirants to participate in the primary to enable the best to emerge.

    “The committee presented its report to the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) where it was agreed to open the presidential ticket to enable for the best hands to emerge as recommended.

    “As far as we are aware, no member, including the governors or group, protested the party’s decision. They all acquiesced and accepted the party’s decision on zoning.

    “There was no treachery anywhere because no agreement was reached. The party’s position prevailed and delegates at the Presidential Primary voted as they wished,” he said.

    Ifeajika said that long after the primaries, some persons were still talking about betrayal, and wondered where the G-5 governors were when the Ortom Committee presented its report.

    “Why didn’t they raise their voices against the party’s decision not to zone the ticket to any part and rise against it?

    “They agreed to it, participated, only to start an agitation without foundation after a candidate had emerged.

    “I see the G-5 Governors agitation as a distraction and I appeal to them to sheath their sword and beat a retreat as quickly as possible to join the party’s rescue mission.

    “They remain very senior members of PDP and they remain an important factor because the next election is a low hanging fruit for the PDP to pick if we close ranks. We believe that Nigerians would vote for the party,” he added.

    On the G-5 governors agitation for the sack of Ayu, Okowa’s spokesman said it was a constitutional matter which ought to be addressed at the appropriate time.

    “In Rivers state where Wike holds sway as Governor, the Governorship candidate is from Rivers South and the Chairman of the party in the state is also from Rivers South.

    “We didn’t see Wike tell the party Chairman to step aside because a governorship candidate emerged from same senatorial district with him.

    “It becomes germane if Atiku emerges President and the party Chairman remains in office. There is no law that compels Ayu to resign because the North has produced the Presidential candidate, unless he decides to step aside on his own volition.

    “One would have thought that having pursued the agitation without yielding results, that they will beat a retreat but if they go ahead to endorse another candidate aside the PDP Presidential candidate, appropriate steps will be taken,” he stressed.

    On Obasanjo’s endorsement of Peter Obi, he said Obasanjo merely exercised his constitutional right, adding that Nigerians might not listen to him.

    “You will recall that sometime ago he tore his party card and said he wants to remain a statesman. What he has done is the exercise of his constitutional rights.

    “He was against Buhari in 2019 but he later won and that means that many Nigerians didn’t listen to him and that may also play out this time around,” he said.

  • 2023: Cast your votes for PDP, don’t waste it on LP, Okowa tells Obi’s supporters

    2023: Cast your votes for PDP, don’t waste it on LP, Okowa tells Obi’s supporters

    The vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ifeanyi Okowa has advised supporters of Peter Obi not to waste their votes for the Labour Party (LP) in next year’s presidential election.

    Okowa spoke in Aboh when he led the Delta State PDP campaign train to Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas of Delta State.

    “We all know that the candidate of APC is not good enough to be our president. Also, we know that Labour Party is not going anywhere and we need to sweet talk the party supporters not to waste their votes,” the Delta State governor said on Friday.

    The former lawmaker urged PDP supporters to prevail on members of the LP to return to the party so as not to make it easier for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain power next year.

    Governor Okowa also said only God can determine Nigeria’s next president despite the party’s rancour with the PDP G-5 led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State.

    “God has said that we the PDP will win this election. Many things may be happening now and people may be asking ‘What about the G-5 governors?’” he said.

    “These governors are our brothers; everybody is important. But what God has said will happen, nobody can change it. So even if some of them decide to support APC, some will still remain with us because there will be division among them.

    “The real truth is that I have strong political eyes and I have observed that no matter what they do, PDP will win the forthcoming election, by the grace of God.

    “It is only the power of God that can help us to win. So, no matter what the G-5 said that they would work with APC or any other party, we will win.”

  • 2023: Ex-APC guber candidate, several others defect to PDP

    2023: Ex-APC guber candidate, several others defect to PDP

     

    …as Okowa insists Delta does not need a proud person

    A former governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State, Osiobe Okotie has defected to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) along with over 500 others.

    The defectors were received at Ughelli during the ongoing local government campaign rally of the PDP ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Okotie said they have returned home to join other to build the PDP, saying: “like the prodigal son, I have returned to my original home, the PDP. I started politics in PDP so am back to my original home.”
    Addressing the mammoth crowd at both Ughelli and Isoko North, vice presidential candidate of the PDP and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians to join hands with the party to rescue and rebuild the country from the sufferings created by the APC-led Federal Government.

    Okowa maintained that only the PDP had the right experience to rebuild the nation’s economy and stop the pervasive insecurity across the country.
    He said that the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar had the requisite experience and political will to turn things around for the country as he did as Vice-President to President Olusegun Obasanjo when the PDP was first elected in 1999.
    Okowa said some members of the opposition in the state were not pleased with the empowerment of youths and women in the state with relevant skills.
    He urged the people to reject arrogant politicians who brought shame and disgrace to the state and vote for the party candidates who he described as level headed and man of the people.

    According to him, the youths and women of Delta are our great strength, and once l see them l know the matter is finished.

    “I thank all of you who are here present and my greatest thanks goes to the youths and women of Delta state.

    “I am happy with the crowd of people I see here today in Ughelli North. We have been seeing such crowds before but this one is exceptional.

    “I thank my Deputy Governor for his support. Like my Deputy has said, we will follow Sheriff to the church to do thanksgiving of victory come 2023.
    “We do not want a governorship candidate who will bring disgrace to Delta and Deltans and we do not want people who are angry that we are spending monies to empower our youths.

    “We do not want a governor that will be too proud to relate with the people and you know that our candidate Sheriff Oborevwori is a humble man who has immense respect for the people.

    “When Oborevwori becomes Governor he will unite Deltans because we don’t want a governor that will look down on other people,” he said.

    Okowa accused the APC of causing disunity among Nigerians, insecurity, hunger, poverty and economic hardship in the country.

    He called on the people to support the PDP to change the ugly situation caused by the maladministration of the APC.
    “The PDP will work with the people to settle all the problems caused by the APC and change the change to return Nigerians to greater glory.
    “We need to bring PDP back to the center and change the change that has brought untold hardship on the people.

  • 2023: Atiku will win at first ballot – PDP PCC

    2023: Atiku will win at first ballot – PDP PCC

    The Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation says the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will sweep the 2023 presidential election at the first ballot.

    The Spokesperson of the council, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, expressed confidence in a statement he issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Ologbondiyan said that with Abubakar’s overwhelming support by Nigerians across the board, the outcome of the presidential election, in which Abubakar would emerge victorious on Feb. 25, 2023, would shock pollsters.

    “He enjoys the solidarity and support of greater majority of Nigerians who were not captured in the indices relied upon by many of the pollsters in their projections on the 2023 Presidential election.

    “It Is incontrovertible that Abubakar will win the majority of lawful votes across the country and garner the constitutionally required 25 per cent of votes in more than 24 States of the federation.

    “It is evident that the massive traditional voters of the PDP across the polling units, wards, local governments, states and the six geo-political zones are not distracted in their steadfastness to rescue Nigeria from the misrule by voting enmasse for Abubakar.

    “Also, this army of traditional voters are unrelenting in mobilising the non-partisan voters as well as the undecided across the country to vote for the PDP presidential candidate,” he stated.

    Ologbondiyan added that it was clear that no candidate has the political muscle and national acceptability to stop Abubakar at the first ballot.

    ‘Our campaign is therefore unfazed knowing that majority of Nigerians across the nation are in consensus to elect Abubakar as the next President of our country.

    “This is particularly, given his proven capacity, competence, political will, and national acceptability to provide leadership at this critical time of our national history.”

    He urged Nigerians to remain united and focused in rallying with Abubakar in the collective mission to rescue and rebuild the nation.

  • Travel advisory: Delta govt announces major road diversion to ease yuletide traffic

    Travel advisory: Delta govt announces major road diversion to ease yuletide traffic

     

    The Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the temporary opening of the Flyover and access roads of the Koka Interchange from Sunday 18″, December, 2022 by 12 noon to alleviate traffic during the Christmas season.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a public announcement signed by Patrick Ukah Secretary to the State Government on Sunday.

    It was clearly stated in the release that: “The essence of this is to ensure that there is free flow of vehicular movement
    within the stretch of the Benin-Asaba-Onitsha Expressway during the yuletide
    season.

    “It should be noted that only small and light vehicles will be allowed to access the Flyover, while all heavy duty vehicles should maintain the use of the old route,
    this is to avoid the breakdown and towing of Heavy duty vehicle on the bridge which might cause more traffic gridlock.

    “The State Government enjoins road users, transporters and transport managers to adhere strictly to the measures put in place by relevant government agencies
    mandated to ensure compliance, so as to avoid traffic jams, accidents and loss of travel time.

  • Atiku-Okowa youth campaigner shot in Rivers

    Atiku-Okowa youth campaigner shot in Rivers

    A campaigner of the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar identified as Mr Rhino Owhorkire has been shot by gunmen suspected to be thugs.

    Owhorkire, the Director for Youths Mobilization, Atiku-Okowa campaign team in Rivers State was reportedly shot on his way home in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday night.

    According to The Nation, Owhorkire was once allegedly abducted by thugs in a viral video and forced to renounce his support for the PDP presidential candidate.

    In the latest incident, a source, who spoke in confidence said the hoodlums shot at Owhorkire’s vehicle tyres before firing him through the windscreen.

    The source said Owhorkire was in pains and receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.

    He said: “He is a native of Aluu. He was driving to his house yesterday night and was shot by some unknown persons.

    “They shot the tyres of his car, shot directly at his windscreen and that is how he received those injuries on his mouth. His mouth was scattered.

    “As I speak with you, he is in serious pains. His mouth is scattered. But he is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.”

    Another viral video showed Owhorkire with blood dripping heavily from his injured mouth.

    “I am dying. They shot me now. I am dying, they have shot me,” he said in the video.

    When contacted, Rivers police spokerperson, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing to arrest the culprits.

    He said: “Yes, it happened. I have spoken with the Divisional Police Officer in that area. We are working to get the details, but I can tell you that investigation has commenced.

    “We will get to the root of the matter and fish out those behind the attack and ensure they face justice”.

  • Okowa orders replacement of doctors who have ‘japa’ abroad

    Okowa orders replacement of doctors who have ‘japa’ abroad

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has given the approval to fill all the vacancies created by medical officers who resigned to seek greener pastures abroad.

    The governor, stated this while addressing the opening session of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting and Leadership Retreat on Wednesday in Asaba.

    Okowa, however, said that improvement in emolument and working environment would reverse the preponderance of brain-drain of medical personnel from the country.

    He expressed optimism that resolutions from the NEC meeting, with the theme “Doctors and Effective Leadership in the Health Sector” would also proffer more solutions to resolving the issue and others plaguing the medical profession and healthcare delivery.

    According to Okowa, it is painful that people are leaving the country due to poor conditions.

    “We cannot stop them, but the vacancies created by such exits should be filled.

    “I have given the approval that they should be replaced so that we don’t over-labour those left behind.

    “I have long given approval to the Commissioner for Health that all doctors and medical professionals who exited the services of the state should be replaced immediately.

    “No doubt, the economic fortunes of a nation are closely intertwined with the status of the health of its people.

    “But, to remain economically buoyant as a nation, we have to ensure that our health sector is not plagued with daunting challenges,” he said.

    He added, “although we have achieved some milestones in health as a nation, the healthcare system of our country is beset with the current problem of brain-drain.

    “It is worrisome that our medical doctors who are expected to provide care for those who are ill among us, are leaving the shores of our country in droves.

    “I feel this is a very key issue facing us as a nation and we should look into ways of stemming this ugly tide as we will continue to lose our medical professionals to other countries abroad if urgent measures are not adopted.

    “It is a national challenge, which demands the collective attention of all, and among other reasons, is especially the desire to earn more money.

    ”There are also some complaints about the working environment and inadequate equipment,” he said.

     

     

  • 2023: Okowa’s aide on security Promise Lawuru, resigns appointment

    2023: Okowa’s aide on security Promise Lawuru, resigns appointment

    A top aide of Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, Special Assistant (Security) Alaowei Promise Lawuru popularly known as Master Black has resigned his appointment.

    Lawuru, who hails from Ogbinbiri community in Egbema kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta state in his letter of resignation addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, said that his decision was purely personal to further his career.

    Addressing a large gathering at his country home in Egbema Kingdom, the Niger Delta ex-warlord while reading his letter said; “I write to resign my appointment as Special Assistant (Security) to the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.”

    “My decision is taken out of personal conviction to further my career. I thank His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa for the opportunity given to me to serve our Dear state as Special Assistant (Security). This opportunity in no doubt widens my horizon in the affairs of government.”

    “I also thank my political associates and friends for their support while on this special assignment. Yours Sincerely, Alaowei Promise Lawuru.”

    In addition lawuru has also given words of hope to his supporters in Delta and beyond not to see his resignation from Okowa’s administration as resignation from politics.that he is more ready and heavily prepared to play politics of conscience with the fear of God.

    It would be recalled that the Okowa led-administration in the state had in recent weeks received similar letters of resignation from some of the governor’s aides.

    Some of his supporters who spoke at the enlarged meeting in Egbema Kingdom, while thanking Alaowei Promise Lawuru for his kind gesture in taking care of them throughout the period under review, noted that whatever decision thier son and leader has taken, the entre Egbema Kingdom and Niger Delta will support him.

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