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Tag: okowa

  • 2023: Ohaneze attacks PDP over Okowa, says Igbos will not vote for them

    Igbo apex socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has criticized the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over it’s choice of Okowa as the vice presidential candidate.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that PDP has announced Delta state Governor as the running mate to presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

    However, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro the Secretary-General, of Ohaneze has described Okowa as a minus to Atiku.

    This was contained in a statement that he signed and released on Thursday, shortly after Okowa’s emergence, adding that it means the Igbos would not vote for Atiku in the forthcoming general election.

    Isiguzoro described  Okowa’s choice as Atiku’s running mate as a chaotic selection for “a party not ready to win the 2023 elections.”

    His statement reads in part: Okowa is the “reward for a serial betrayal whose inescapable actions will never add national integrity and value to the progress of PDP in 2023, Ifeanyi Okowa is a minus for Atiku, as his choice will decline PDP’s fortunes in Delta and Southern Nigeria.

    “A man who misled the Southern Governors agenda will never be trusted for the votes of Ndigbo; Igbos will never vote Atiku and Okowa”

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo is an Igbo socio-cultural organization in Nigeria. The group aims to represent the interests of all Igbo communities within and outside Nigeria.

  • Why Okowa qualified as Atiku’s running mate – Screening Committee

    Why Okowa qualified as Atiku’s running mate – Screening Committee

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Presidential Candidate Screening Committee has disclosed its decision to select Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as running mate to the party’s 2023 Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar.

    TheNewsGuru.com reports that Chief Tom Ikimi, the Chairman of the Committee on Thursday in Abuja revealed the reason for Okowa’s selection.

    Ikimi said that the job of the committee was to screen the nominees for a running mate to ensure that the party did not run into any problem.

    “Okowa has served in many capacities in the public service of Delta State as well as local governments council of that state.

    “He also served as an honourable commissioner at one time in that state and in fact, he served as the senator representing one of the senatorial districts of the state.

    “The business of this committee was to ensure that he has the right qualifications because we are not interested in going to court after the election as people will be challenging those who are qualified or those not qualified.

    “The committee found out that he is fully qualified. He is healthy, cool-headed, and willing to embrace all others who got tested over this position with him so that we have peace and stability in the party,” Ikimi said.

    Members of the committee as constituted by the party included Akilu Indabawa, who served as Secretary, and Mr. Sunday Omobo as Administrative Secretary.

    Other members of the committee were Capt. Idris Wada, Chief Osita Chidoka, Binta Bello, Chief Mutiat Adedoja, Austin Opara, Prof. Aisha Madawaki, Mrs. Ayotunde George-Ologun, Chief Chidiebelu Mofus, and Fidelis Tapgun.

  • PDP running mate: Untold story of how Atiku used Ayu to shove Wike aside

    … despite emerging PDP cttee’s favourite

    …it was simply Atiku’s script Ayu played

     

    From day one, the winner of the PDP presidential primaries, Atiku Abubakar never wanted Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike as his running mate, this was a clear directive that he gave his former campaign manager, Iyorchia Ayu.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports multiple sources confirmed that despite the outcome of the party’s committee report that endorsed Wike, Ayu had to arm-twist members to ensure Wike was shoved aside using his position as the party chairman.

    A source privy to this development told TNG that “the outcome of what you have seen today is purely the handiwork of Atiku and Ayu because the plan was hatched to reflect the emergence of Okowa.

    “Hours before this announcement, the committee members met and another round of voting took place, Wike still defeated other contestants by a wide margin.

    “Five members abstained and Wike still won 10-6 but Ayu insisted that the others must cast their votes and they bluntly refused, this development led to anxiety but at the end of the day Ayu properly played the script of Atiku.

    Another source also confirmed to TNG that”why it took the party this long to announce Okowa was because Wike had won all through but he was not Atiku’s anointed candidate for running mate.

    “Ayu on the other hand had to play the script of Atiku to cover him as if he had no hand in this whole charade but he was simply the arrowhead of it all.

    “Atiku never wanted Rivers Governor because it’s believed that he is uncontrollable but the truth is that Okowa can’t fill the void for PDP as Wike is not his match in any form.

    “Okowa may not even deliver Delta State next year as he has successfully balkanised the state to shreds that he needs a miracle to even win the guber polls.

    “We are all watching how things will unfold but with this development, PDP just shot itself in the heart.

  • BREAKING: Atiku picks Delta Gov, Okowa as running mate

    The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has announced Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa as his running mate ahead of the 2023 elections.

    Atiku made the announcement at a meeting attended by PDP executives at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this development has altered original calculations that the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike will be picked after the committee set up by the party reportedly picked him.

     

  • Warri NUJ boycotts Delta govt activities

    Warri NUJ boycotts Delta govt activities

    The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Warri, Delta State, on Monday, announced a total boycott of all Delta State government’s activities.

    This is contained in a communique issued after its monthly Congress held on Monday, May 16, 2022, at the Warri Correspondents Chapel Press Centre, Warri, Delta State.

    The Congress, in a unanimous decision, barred its members from using press releases from the government and to boycott all Government activities in the state since the state government decided to be evasive with their policies, programmes and actions.

    The Congress berated the state government over its failure to give proper account of its activities to the people, especially in Delta South and Delta Central senatorial districts of the state which falls within the jurisdiction of the chapel.

    The communique jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of the chapel, Comrades Victor Okpomor and Dele Fasan, as well as the Communique Drafting Committee, Comrade Joe Ogbodu, Sylvester Idowu and Ebenezer Adurokiya, members expressed frustrations in meeting up with expectations of their headquarters.

    The Congress, decried a situation whereby Journalists from the chapel are kept in the dark as to government functions and activities within these senatorial districts.

    The Delta State government appeared far from the people in Warri, the Congress lamented, saying “that there were a lot of issues that needed government’s attention that were left unattended to.

    “What the Delta Government is good at is to keep churning out press releases upon press releases about issues and programmes bordering on governance in the state with journalists not given an ample opportunity to ask first-hand questions.

    “The Congress has been inundated with series of calls and accusations alleging compromise on the part of journalists covering this part of the state over failure to acquaint the government with the plight of the people especially in the area of some abandoned and neglected projects.

    “Since we’re not accessible to government’s policies, challenges and programmes except what is contained in its press releases, we’ve been finding it difficult to meet the expectations of the people.

    “Information managers of the state government, who are supposed to acquaint the people with updates of its activities, appear evasive making the job cumbersome for members of the fourth estate of the realm,” the Congress further noted.

  • N150bn loan: Group drags Okowa’s govt to EFCC

    N150bn loan: Group drags Okowa’s govt to EFCC

    … demanding transparent mgt of loan not for elephant projects

    …to checkmate an attempt to massively squander the loan

    A group under the aegis of Concerned Nigerians for-Human Rights, Social Justice, Anti-Corruption has dragged the Delta State Government to the Anti-graft commission, EFCC demanding a judicious use of the N150billion loan granted the government barely two weeks ago.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports this was contained in a petition sent to EFCC issued and signed by the convener, Barrister Deji Adeyanju.

    The group alleged that “a time when the nation is engrossed with the commencement of electioneering process leading to the 2023 election, it is alarming to note that the Delta State Government has initiated and secured
    the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly to obtain a humongous loan of N150,000,000,000.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) reports that the petition Furth stated that:”Curiously, this loan has been approved just few weeks to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is rumoured tohave a vice presidential ambition. We are, therefore, constrained
    to ask: What is the purpose of this loan.

    “In recent times, it has become a practice for State Governments to obtain huge loans under the guise of public interest but subsequently divert same into private pockets. We recall that just few months ago, the Kogi State government obtained a similar loan with a view to paying workers’ pension/salary but subsequently diverted same into a private account.

    “It took the intervention of your Commission before the money could be returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria. It is on the basis of the foregoing that we believe that the N150,000,000,000 Naira loan sought to be obtained by the Delta State government is an attempt at last minute looting.

    “Sadly, the Delta State House of Assembly who should ordinarily investigate this loan and protect the citizens, is in bed with the Executive Arm
    and has turned a blind eye.

    “We, therefore, call on you to investigate this loan, trace the money and ensure that same is not channelled towards any purpose other than people’s-oriented projects.

    See full letter below:

    CONCERNED NIGERIANS
    Human Rights, Social Justice, Anti-Corruption.
    6th May, 2022
    The Executive Chairman
    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
    EFCC Headquarters
    Jabi Airport Road
    Abuja,

    Dear sir,
    PETITION TO INVESTIGATE THE IMMINENT ATTEMPT BY THE DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT TO SOUANDER N150.000,000.000 LOAN.
    We write this petition to you in our capacity as a pro human rights and anti corruption group, seeking the urgent investigation of the Delta State Government, over its attempt to loot the One Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira loan (N150,000,000,000) loan recently approved by the Delta State House of Assembly.

    At a time when the nation is engrossed with the commencement of electioneering process leading to the 2023 election, it is alarming to note that the Delta State Government has initiated and secured the approval of the Delta State House of Assembly to obtain a humongous loan of N150,000,000,000. Curiously, this loan has been approved just few weeks to the primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party where Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is rumoured to have a vice presidential ambition. We are, therefore, constrained to ask:

    What is the purpose of this loan?
    08065128755
    0703717746
    O 10. Kolda Link Road.
    off Ademola Crescent,
    concernednigeriansgroupinfo@gmail.comm
    concernednigerians.or9
    wuse 2,.

    In recent times, it has become a practice for State Governments to obtain huge loans under the guise of public interest but subsequently divert same into private pockets. We recall that just few months ago, the Kogi State government obtained a similar loan with a view to paying workers’ pension/salary but subsequently diverted same into a private account. It took the intervention of your Commission before the money could be returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria.
    It is on the basis of the foregoing that we believe that the N150,000,000,000 Naira loan sought to be obtained by the Delta State government is an attempt at last minute looting. Sadly, the Delta State House of Assembly who should ordinarily investigate this loan and protect the citizens, is in bed with the Executive Arm and has turned a blind eye.
    We, therefore, call on you to investigate this loan, trace the money and ensure that same is not channelled towards any purpose other than people’s-oriented projects.

    Yours faithfully,
    Dramming
    Comrade Deji Adeyanju LLB (Hons)
    Convener

  • 2023: ‘I am calculative’, yet to endorse any aspirant – Okowa

    2023: ‘I am calculative’, yet to endorse any aspirant – Okowa

    Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has said he has not endorsed any aspirant for the governorship or any other position for the 2023 general election.

    The governor who disclosed this on Thursday during the quarterly media interactions in Asaba, said though, politicians were using his name to campaign but the fact remains that he had not endorsed anyone.

    According to him, a level playing ground will be provided for all aspirants to contest without hitches.

    He said that with the three delegates per ward and other statutory delegates, it would be difficult for anyone including himself to hijack the process.

    On his presidential ambition, Okowa, said that he has not been led to run.

    “As a politician, “I am calculative, besides, as a member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the windows for nomination has closed.”

    He noted that the state government was committed to completing all current and ongoing projects.

    Okowa said that efforts were on to secure funds to address all the projects to hedge against inflation and continuous review of contracts due to rising costs.

    He disclosed that the government recently applied for a bridging fund of N150 billion through the state House of Assembly to address issues of funding projects.

    Okowa said that all projects to be executed and paid for with the funds were clearly itemised, adding that it would address issues of inflation and contract review due to rising cost of materials in the country.

    According to him, the bridging fund is not a loan, it is a part of the N170 billion owed the state government by the Federal Government due from over deductions for the 13 per cent oil revenue derivations.

    He said that the Federal Government had agreed to pay the funds in tranches on quarterly remittal starting from this April for a period of five years.

    “Like other eight states that benefited from the funds, we decided to take a bridging finance to hedge against inflation.

    “It is only a smart economic sense to get the finance and finish ongoing projects, it is called bridging finance because the money already is owed to us by the Federal Government.

    “I do not have apologies to people who do not understand and talk ignorantly because we are not taking a fresh loan, we are transparent about it as proceed will be used for settlement of listed ongoing projects and part of pension arrears.

    “If we do not attend to the projects now, there will be an upward review due to escalation of prices, this is what I really want to avoid,” he said.

    Okowa, reacting to a statement credited to Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, on his administration spending of over N2 billion on political thugs, he cautioned politicians to always speak the truth.

    He said that the total amount paid to all his aide was nowhere near one billion Naira adding that politicians must not hide under politics to tell the people what is not true.

    The governor said that such high ranking politician and others should rather collaborate with government to seek the good of people of the state.

    “Is Asaba and Okpanam no longer part of Delta North with the massive development done in the area that they alleged there is nothing to show?

    “People should truly speak the truth and not to obviously lie because of politics,” Okowa said.

    He said that his administration would not be distracted, adding that it is committed to delivering developmental projects till the last day in office.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, noted that journalists in the state had been very supportive in propagating the policies and programmes of the state government.

    Aniagwu urged them to sustain the partnership.

    Also, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu, expressed appreciation to Okowa for his media friendly disposition.

    He said that journalists in the state were very happy that the state government had done well in the secretariat of the union in the state.

  • Ayu’s veiled message: A signal Delta PDP may lose 2023 guber election

    Ayu’s veiled message: A signal Delta PDP may lose 2023 guber election

    National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP is not a diplomat but his message on Friday clearly points to one direction which is, critical stakeholders in Delta should put their house in order.

    PDP political gladiators do not need a soothsayer to tell them that zoning if not properly handled, APC with its artificial glamour in the state may overturn its 24years of political dominance in Delta State.

    The State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa has made the face of politics to look so colourless that it’s difficult to read his body language as to where the pendulum will rest.

    While in Delta, Ayu, who did not state clear the issue he was referring to, spoke at the inauguration of Ralph Uwechue Road and Storm Drainage projects executed by the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration but a clear message was delivered.

    Ayu’s comment might not be unconnected with the lingering crisis between Governor Okowa and former Governor James Ibori over the choice of who fly the flag of the PDP to succeed Okowa in the forthcoming general elections.

    While Okowa is alleged to be rooting for the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, to succeed him in 2023, Ibori is championing the campaign for Olorogun David Edevbie, a former Principal Secretary to late President Musa Yar’Adua as the next governor of Delta.

    But addressing mammoth crowd of PDP supporters at the commissioning of the project, Ayu called for unity among critical stakeholders of the party in the state.

    He counseled against disagreements that could jeopardise the fortunes of the party in the elections, saying “since we returned to democratic governance in 1999, Delta has remained a PDP state and I congratulate all our party members in Delta for the unity that has ensured that we remain a PDP state.

    “Let me counsel that it is normal to have family disagreements within a political party, but whatever the disagreements we may have, let us ensure that it remains a family disagreement. Nothing whatsoever should be done to damage the unity of purpose which has brought about this great development and our winning streak.

    “It is said that divided we fall and united we stand. The PDP family in Delta must remain united and I have no doubt in mind that come next year, the Governor of this state and all members of the state and National Assembly will all come from the PDP.

    “We don’t lose elections in Delta and we are not going to, particularly with the performance of Governor Okowa.”

    Inaugurating the projects, Senator Ayu, commended Okowa for his commitment to the welfare of Deltans, describing him as a dedicated democrat.

    Ayu, who was accompanied by members of the National Working Committee and Board of Trustees of the party, said only a committed democrat of the PDP family could be as concerned and dedicated to providing welfare for his people as Governor Okowa.

    He said “let me thank my brother, the governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for the great work he is doing for our party and for the people of Delta state. I had planned to visit Delta for a long time; I was salivating because many of these projects I saw them on television.

    “I am particularly happy that I am inaugurating this road named after my good friend the late Amb. Ralph Uwechue, was a great intellectual, a diplomat, and journalist and he deserves the honour that Delta has extended to him.

    “You have done well for honouring citizens that have done well in contributing to the development of Delta and Nigeria. Delta indigenes have put Nigeria on the map in different ways, including soccer.”

    Ayu commended Deltans for their massive support for the PDP since 1999 and urged them to remain steadfast in support to party in the forthcoming general elections.

    “Aside road construction, he has done well in the health and education sectors but even if you do wonderful infrastructural projects and there is no human capital development, then you are not laying a solid foundation.

    “Luckily for us, we have a celebral governor who understands that you need an educated and healthy population and you have to protect that population with solid infrastructure.”

    “Delta is moving forward and Delta will continue to move forward and Delta will,always take its pride in of place in Nigeria as one of the shining states of the PDP family,” Ayu added.

    He remarked that while PDP governors were busy inaugurating projects, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had nothing to offer the people other than insecurity and battered economy.

    “Only in PDP you have the National Chairman going from state to state to inaugurate projects; the other parties have no projects to inaugurate.

    “All they do is to give us bandits and terrorists that harass our lives and make life unbearable for our people.

    “It is because of this that the PDP is determined to take control of power at every level in Nigeria in the forthcoming elections,” he stated.

    On his part, Governor Okowa said that the project was dear to his heart because it had provided a permanent solution to the hitherto perennial flooding in the state capital.

    He said that his administration had to undertake the project in spite of huge financial challenges when he came into office.

    “This particular project is very dear to my heart, not because of the road but because of the storm drainage projects which you are inaugurating today.

  • Gov. Okowa highlights ways to reduce road crashes

    Gov. Okowa highlights ways to reduce road crashes

    The Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has called for a national emergency on road transport to address incessant road crashes and prevent commuters from avoidable deaths in the country.

    Okowa said this on Wednesday at the 2021 Road Marshal Assistant Drivers Basic Course Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Marshal Inspectorate Training School, Owa-Alero, Delta.

    He said his administration was proud to have made contributions to road safety and called for a national emergency to reduce road crashes in the country.

    Okowa said that latest figures from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed a decline in the number of road accidents in the second quarter of 2021.

    He, however, said that the number of road crashes on our roads was still a matter of serious concern.

    “According to the NBS, road accidents fell marginally from 3,301 in the first quarter of 2021 to 3,185 in the second quarter, representing a decrease of 3.51 percent.

    “The report also indicated that commercial vehicles accounted for 64.92 per cent of the total vehicles involved.

    “From all indications, speed violation, wrongful overtaking, and dangerous overtaking are some of the major causes of road accidents in the country.

    “It is my considered view that the issue of road safety should be treated as a national emergency. There are just too many people dying from avoidable road accidents.

    “I believe that as a first step to drastically reduce the number of accidents on our roads, public enlightenment is crucial.

    “I dare say that most drivers on our roads, commercial and private, are not conversant with road signs and safe driving habits.

    “It is going to take more than sanctions to curb the indiscipline and recklessness on our roads and our approach should be proactive,” he said.

    Okowa said using handphones while driving, failure to observe road signs/streetlights, poorly maintained vehicles, speeding, and driving while intoxicated were some of the bad habits among drivers that causes road crashes.

    “The FRSC must, as a matter of exigency, educate Nigerians continually and continuously on the meaning of road signs, the importance of observing them, and the need for them to regularly service and maintain their vehicles.

    “For it to be effective, the enlightenment campaign should not be done on ad-hoc basis; it should be part and parcel of the daily activities of the agency.

    “This is the only way to ensure that our people imbibe the culture of safe driving and nobody who has not been properly taught, tested, and found worthy of driving should be entrusted with a Driving Licence.

    “The process for obtaining one must be strict and rigorous, and enforced without fear or favour,” Okowa said.

    He congratulated the first set of Corps Marshals trained in the facility.

    “Exactly 11 months today, this Marshal Inspectorate training school was commissioned by the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

    “It is a thing of joy for me that in less than a year, we are already reaping the fruits of this investment by the state government in partnership with the FRSC,” Okowa added.

    Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, applauded Gov. Okowa for providing the training school and other support services.

    According to him, the school has helped the FRSC in the training of its professionals.

    “The school has produced 600 drivers that would be deployed across the country to assist in stimulating operational efficiency.

    “Drivers were given six months regimental training which will go a long way in reducing carnage on the nation’s highways,” Oyeyemi said.

    He added that the training would enable the drivers become instructors.

  • Gov. Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri at 38

    Gov. Okowa congratulates Olu of Warri at 38

    Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, on his 38th birth anniversary.

    The governor’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba on Saturday.

    The governor described the monarch as “one of the foremost respected traditional rulers and man of peace with discerning leadership qualities”.

    He said that the revered monarch was a leading light, a role model and eminent custodian of the culture and traditions of the Iwere people.

    Okowa lauded Atuwatse III for his contribution to peace and growth of Warri Kingdom and the state since he assumed the ancient throne of his forebears.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, Your Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri Kingdom, on the occasion of your 38th birth anniversary.

    “As a government, we have enjoyed your invaluable support in many aspects and it is my belief that you will continue to make your domain a model of peace and unity.

    “In spite of initial hitches, Warri Kingdom has, under your royal watch, witnessed phenomenal transformation in terms of peace and development.

    “As a revered traditional ruler in our state and country, you have remained a peace builder, a beacon of light and a symbol of humility and excellence in leadership.

    “The government appreciates your royal carriage and approach to issues and I thank you immensely for your contributions towards the attainment of the Stronger Delta vision of our administration,” Okowa said.

    He prayed to God to bless the monarch with longer life and wisdom to enable him to continue with his service to the kingdom, state and humanity.