THE 'NOISED' VICTORY FROM PDP MEGA RALLY

The Delta Central Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) organised a mega rally at the Sapele Township Stadium on Friday, June 23.

Two political bigwigs, Chief Paulinus Akpeki and Hon. Evans Ivwurie, were among those who dumped their parties in favour of the PDP. 

In this piece, JOSHUA ERUBAMI comments on the much ado that have greeted the development. 

The last few days have been the one of countless social media notifications, a high fraction  of which are centered on the recently held Mega Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hosted by the Central Senatorial District of Delta State.

At the rally held in Sapele, scores of people (most of whom were party faithfuls) defied the rains to clearly reiterate their support for the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's administration.

Quite interestingly, some politicians decamped from their parties in favour of the ruling PDP.

Since the defection that took place yesterday (June 23), the social media has been awash with 'this one said this, that one said that' type of posts.

Observably, yesterday's decamping activity focused on two major players: Chief Paulinus Akpeki, a former Chief of Staff (COS) to the Delta State Government, and Hon. Evans Ivwurie, the law maker representing Ethiope East Constituency in the State House of Assembly (DTHA).

Read: ASABA TOWNSHIP STADIUM: OKOWA AND THE LURE OF SPIRITUALISM

Others were either mere followers or spectators at the defection segment of the event that offered nothing outside the box. This is why I am pained by the too much ado being accorded the event.

PDP stakeholders at the mega rally held in Sapele 

Firstly, the latter decampee, Hon. Evans Ivwurie, had since announced his intentions to dump the Labour Party for the PDP.

He actually renounced his membership in a letter that was addressed to the recently sacked Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya. The letter was well publicised in the mass and social media.

It was therefore a stale news (or dead story, as it is termed in journalistic parlance) for him to announce his defection again!

On the other side, Chief Paulinus Akpeki is one of the many politicians in Delta State who are renowned for defection and political cross carpeting.

Incontrovertibly, his consistent actions adumbrate a leader whose intent and purpose are more tilted towards the self factor than group interest. This is so because selfless politicians only decamp from their parties once the ideology of such political platform changes and becomes discordant with their line of thoughts.

So, if Akpeki actually dumped the PDP due to his perceived ideological incongruence, then his comeback is unjustifiable since the PDP is yet to effect any palpable ideological change.

In an effort to justify his defection then, Akpeki had said: "PDP as at today in Delta state is a party that has become a conglomerate of family and friends’ government. Looking at it the way it is set up now,... It is either you are a family member or you are a member of a family, who is a friend to a big shot in PDP without who there is nothing

for you."

But as the Delta State Chairman of the Accord Party, Comrade David Ashikodi once put it, and those who defect from parties without recourse to ideological differences do so in a pragmatic response to stomach infrastructure.  

Also read WHAT OGHARA IS PLOTTING AHEAD OF 2019

After Akpeki failed to get a 'due' recognition (perhaps through appointment) from the current administration that has shown its penchant for political appointments, Akpeki dumped the PDP for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Irked by such selfish move, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya (who coincidentally represents Akpeki in the DTHA) described the defection as "a good riddance to a bad rubbish".

But the unperturbed Akpeki vowed to bring the PDP to its knees by 2019. In a detailed interview published on Vanguard newspaper, the erstwhile COS boasted that the change mantra of the APC must sweep through each and every office at the 2019 polls.

Chief Paulinus Akpeki 

But as events turned out to be yesterday, Akpeki, just like a typical dog, returned to his vomit and licked the boots of the same party he once derided and wished dead.

As it has been projected, the Okowa administration may soon reward him with an appointment, just as it rewarded the fierce opposition stance of Barr. Fred Latimore who perennially took the current administration to the cleaners until his appointment letter was signed and handed over to him.

The reality is that if Akpeki doesn't get what he wants, he won't hesitate to tear his PDP membership card again.

The Okowa fold may celebrate the confidence vote it got at the event, but the Akpeki factor still stalks like a ghost in the night.

This is the reason I see the ongoing celebration as a concentrate of noise and victory. But who will separate both?

2019: OGHARA EYEING A FEDERAL SEAT, SAYS OFA

One of the foremost political leaders in Oghara Community, Chief Henry Ofa has disclosed that his kinsmen are currently gearing up to occupy one of the federal legislative positions in Nigeria. 

Ofa, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, said the decision is a proactive measure to correct the series of poor representation which the concerned constituents have received on the floor of the National Assembly. 

"I will not tell you the positions we are targeting now, but I can assure you that come 2019, Oghara will certainly contest for one of the federal legislative seats", the former DESOPADEC Commissioner told newsmen in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State. 

He added: “When you look around our constituency, you will find no viable project being executed by those representing us at the National Assembly; not even a functional constituency office that people can visit to address relevant issues. 

Chief Henry Ofa addressing newsmen 

“That is a deliberate act of misrepresentation that has to be stopped through the ballot and I am convinced that Oghara is eminently qualified to produce a leader that will bring out purposeful leadership to the masses".

He said the Ethiope West Local Government Area, particularly Oghara community, is notable for working hard to legitimately poll the winning votes during national assembly elections, regretting that some politicians have jettisoned their promises after enjoying the support of the masses to climb the seat of power.

“The situation is very clear; you cannot enjoy the support of the people only to dump them when you have achieved your aim.

"We need a more vibrant and viable representation on the floor of the National Assembly and I am sure that at all legitimate costs, Oghara is prepared to contest for and win one of the federal legislatives seats”, he stressed.

ASABA TOWNSHIP STADIUM: CAN OKOWA TRANSCEND SPIRITUALISM?

The Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa recently endorsed the completion of the abandoned Asaba Township Stadium. This is coming about 17 years after the foundation of the stadium, christened as “Stephen Keshi Stadium” was laid by former President Olusegu Obasanjo.

In this piece, JOSHUA ERUBAMI, looks at the prospect of Governor Okowa completing what his predecessors could not achieve in 16 years.


The Delta State Government recently approved the completion of all outstanding works in the abandoned Asaba Township Stadium. The approved areas of work, according to the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, will include the wholesome completion of the spectators’ stand/tartan track of the stadium that had become a good home for reptiles and wild animals.

The granting of the completion consent by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa was one of the several decisions reached at a meeting of the State Executive Council held in Asaba this week.
Obviously, this is one of the many abandoned star projects with which the Okowa administration can boost its achievement gallery only if it will be smart enough to expend a little cash in claiming their glories that have unceremoniously remained fallowed.

Like I once iterated, if the current administration is willing to consolidate on the gains of its predecessors, there are legion projects it could reactivate/revalidate their workings just to put finishing touches to them and make them come alive.

Some good examples of such projects are the N35.2 billion Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Oghara and the miserably failed multi-billion Naira Warri Industrial Park at Edjeba that were callously dumped by the Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

Asaba Township Stadium 

Sadly enough, other countless projects that could have made Delta as economically viable as Lagos State still lie untouched, with an unthinkable amount of billions and trillions of tax payers money drowned from the state’s coffers.

Although Okowa's spirited interest in the stadium is laudable, the development, once again, brings to fore the high profile rots that have rocked the Delta State Government since 1999, particularly in the area of projects execution.

Journey to Asaba Township Stadium

It was former Governor James Ibori who conceived and initiated the construction of the 18,000 seater multi-purpose Asaba Township Stadium in 1999. The 17 years old project was embarked upon alongside others, including Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi-Uku, Ughelli Township Stadium, Warri Township Stadium, Oghara Township Stadium, Oleh Township Stadium, and Sapele Township Stadium.

At present, virtually all of these stadia have turned into shadows of themselves and become natural habitat for wild animals as well as dens for hoodlums. They are only rehabilitated when there are important political functions like the recent mega rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held at the Sapele Township Stadium on Saturday (June 23, 2017).

The foundation of the edifice that once dominated the Asaba skyline was laid by erstwhile President Olusegu Obasanjo in 2001. It is on records that the contract sum of the project was virtually paid in full. Yet, a visit to the site today still reveals the relics of unpatriotism, crass incompetence, purposelessness and willful misappropriation of funds by the administrations predating the subsisting one.

Okowa, Ibori and Uduaghan 

While commenting on the stadium, a columnist, Okungbowa Aiwerie wrote that: “The stadium is a bleak hollow shell, discoloured by algae that have grown on the terraces and its wall", adding that "it cuts the picture of neglect and waste associated with successive administrations."

He noted further that “Adorning the entire stadium are scaffolding left behind by the delinquent contractor. The main bowl of the stadium is a tangled mass of tall grasses providing natural habitat to wild animals. The blue long span roofing has been blown off in many sections into the compound of houses whose owners have gratefully seized them to mend their leaking roofs.”

Obviously, what the writer forgot to add was that part of the stadium has been turned into a worship centre while the leftover parts have been hurriedly lent out to small scale entrepreneurs.

The Big Question

The recurrent question that has consistently been on the minds of Deltans is, “why is the Asaba Township Stadium yet to be completed?”

Asaba Township Stadium overtaken by grasses 

In his response, a former Commissioner for Information in the State, Mr. Chike Ogeah claimed that the facility lacked sufficient space to accommodate necessary expansion, hence the stalled development.

But Ogeah’s boss, Governor Uduaghan saw another challenge which, perhaps, was the main ‘koko’ of the matter. He believed that spiritual forces were fighting against the completion of the project.

The former governor’s claim may not be unconnected with the fact that the landmass where the stadium is situated was originally designated by the Asaba community as an evil forest where the undesirables of the community were buried. It was therefore inferred that some evil forces were fighting back to reclaim what was ‘rightfully’ theirs.

As part of its response to the situation, the Uduaghan administration terminated the contract of the stadium in February 2013 with a promise to complete the stadium in six months’ time. It was at that period he christened the stadium as “Stephen Keshi Stadium”.

To match his words with action, he invited Dr. Chris Kwakpovwe, founder of Our Daily Manna Devotional publication, to pray against spiritual inhibition stalling the progress of the project. Uduaghan enjoined Kwakpovwe to invoke the spirit of God on the stadium site to neutralise any negative spiritual inhibition.

During the marathon prayer session, Kwakpovwe grabbed a clump of earth from the Stephen Keshi’s Stadium and vigorously prayed against any negative force stalling the completion of the stadium.

Unfortunately, all the spiritual exertions could not redeem the Stephen Keshi Stadium from its current sorry state.

Okowa and the lure of the Uduaghan Model

About 17 years down the line, the baton of putting finishing touches to the stadium has been passed over to Okowa. Incidentally, he has expressed readiness to complete the project once and for all. The fear here is, will Okowa also adopt the Uduaghan’s model of offering vigorous prayers without a commensurate work?

Uduaghan and Okowa 

Prayer, as a Christian song goes, is the master key to anything. But it is worrisome that the meaning of such statement has been abused in our clime.

What more can one say of a Nigerian nurse who got fired by a UK hospital for resorting to pray for her dying patient rather than administer appropriate medications? Or what should one say of a student that prays all night without studying but believing that angels will provide answers to his examination questions? And still, what, in God’s name, should one say of a state government that budgets millions of naira for prayers against insurgency despite the acute dearth of funds to procure military wares?

As event have turned out to be, Okowa is one of the many governors who call for prayers at every given opportunity; but now that his predecessor have practically fought the suspected spiritual warfare, will the prosperity Governor ever climb down to the physical realm to handle the twin issues of public funds mismanagement and contractors’ sheer incompetence?

I think the answer to this question is finely buried in the womb of time, the true revealer of all things. But until then, I will join the league of hopeful Deltans to hope against hope that the current administration will go beyond the alter of mere prayer and give our dear state a state that is reminiscent of an oil-rich state capital.

NERC OPENS FORUM OFFICE IN DELTA TO RESOLVE ELECTRICITY CONFLICTS

Godbless Nikatene 

Left the Commissioner For Energy, Hon. Newworld Safuga, Middle Mr. Abu Ejoor, Executive Director Commercial, Right Mr. Moses Arigu, Commissioner, Consumers Affairs.

The National Electricity Regulatory Commission has opened a forum office in Asaba, the Delta State capital, to address unresolved issues between the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and its customers.

The Chairman, Senate committee on Solid Minerals, Senator James Manager who Unveiled the Asaba office said that the initiative would enhance NERC’s mandate of protecting the customers’ rights and obligations.

Manager who was represented by The Commissioner, State Ministry of Energy, Barr. Newworld Safugha, hinged the success of the ongoing reforms in the sector on the level of interaction among the stakeholders.

He canvassed support for the distribution companies to ensure that consumers rights were protected. These companies must ensure that Nigerians have adequate power supply he stated.

Commissioning By Hon. Newworld Safugha

Manager said that the forum would serve as a platform and a major talk point for the resolution of electricity issues from various communities, adding that the mandate to ensure that Deltans have adequate and reliable supply of power.

Stressing that the Federal Government efforts are quite glaring and it will not rest on its laurels until it has achieved the total desire to provide electricity to Nigerian.

Earlier,  the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa who was represented by the state Commissioner For Energy, Bar. Newworld Safugha said that the NERC forum office had been expected.

He Urged NERC to find a lasting solution to the issues of electricution cases in the state, stressing that outrageous bill is a major problem between the NERC and consumers and the need for them to find solution to avert such cases.

Delta State government saved over 10.6m......

I congratulate the newly inaugurated officers, he charged them to serve Deltans in good capacity, he stated.

NERC, Commissioner Consumer Affairs, Dr. Moses Arigu,  said that the forum office was set up specifically to bridge the gap between power consumers and the electricity distribution company in the state. The forum is a body charged by the commission to hear and resolve customers complaints, he said.

Arigu said, the opening of the Customers complaints Forum office could not have come at a better time than now that Customers within the Benin Electricity Distribution Network facing a myriad of challenges, worrisome safety records, violation of the commission directive on mass disconnection of communities, reported issues of high estimated billings, to mention a few, he said.

Adding that, Benin Electricity Distribution Company recorded over 18,028 unresolved electricity complaint from Customers in 2016 who were dissatisfied with services rendered. These are worrisome statistics and safety records, he said.

He urged electricity consumers to demonstrate understanding with the distribution company in the state, bearing in mind that the transformation in the power sector was a gradual process.

Speaking in the same vein the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the BEDC, Mrs. Funke Osibodu, who was represented by her Executive Director, Commercial, Mr Abu Ejoor, said that NERC various functions is established to safeguard appropriate consumer rights and obligation and the setting up of this office by NERC is to ensure that electricity disputes are resolved speedily, he stated.

Adding that, we expect this Asaba Forum office to serve as an avenue to bridge the communication gap in our processes, obtain feedback on our services and create the right environment for a collective resolve to serve our esteemed Customers better.

Meanwhile Watch how fake prophet who hires people to gives false testimonies

JEMOK COY COMMENDS OKOWA DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES

Godbless Nikatene 

Left Mr and Mrs Okeke Okwudili, CEO Jemima Nigeria Limited, Hon. Sunny Orishedere, DG Team Smart For Okowa 

Senator Dr. Okowa Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa administration has created conducive environment in urban and rural community in the state for businesses to strives and has attracted a lot of companies and establishments are listening closer to what their employees want. They’re creating wellness programs, better benefits and investing in talent development to Deltans. They’re showing commitment by growing their skill sets and setting them up for career growth.

Pro Consensus building groups, Team smart for Okowa has expressed confidence that the promised prosperity for all Deltans encapsulated in the Delta state medium team development plan will be wholly attained with the successful implementation of the governor Ifeanyi Okowa smart agenda.

The Delta State Government under the leadership of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will continue to support and collaborate with the public and private sectors towards the realization of the SMART Agenda in the State.

The Director General, Team SMART for Okowa, Hon. Sunny Orishedere spoke  when he led members of the State Executive Council of the Socio-Political Organization to honour the Chairman and Managing Director of Jemok Company Nigeria Limited, Mr. Okeke Okwudili Jerry, February 17, 2017 in modest ceremony at Fair Crown Hotel, Asaba, Delta State.

Hon. Orishedere said that the Public, Private Partnership, PPP, Program of the State Government has been yielding tremendous and positive results across the State, adding that the Asaba Commercial city which has been a Public Private Partnership initiative of the State Government would soon take off at the Asaba end of the Niger Bridge.

Hon. Sunny Orishedere DG Team Smart presenting Document to Mr Okeke Jerry

The DG further stated that the program would continue to bring about effective operation of the Asaba International Airport stabilization and improvement in the power supply in Asaba as well as the enhancement of security within the state.

Orishedere thanked the Chairman and Managing Director of Jemok Nigeira Limited Mr Okeke Okwudili for identifying with Team SMART for Okowa, stressing that his gesture in that direction was a clear attestation of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa’s uniqueness, personality and massive acceptance across board, even as he commended the Young entrepreneur for his doggedness towards the overall transformation of the Jemok Group through improved corporate identity and more importantly, the control of the market through improved brand, while confirming that the company has helped in no small measure in wealth creation aspect of the SMART agenda of the State Government.

The DG, Team SMART for Okowa, therefore restated his appeal to private Sector operators across the state to endeavor coming up with viable and working able ideals, areas of collaboration and partnership with the State Government towards the realization of the SMART agenda of the Delta State Government, while urging them to continue with their contribution to the laudable vision of the state and the Executive Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for a prosperous Delta State that everybody will be proud of.

Mr Okeke been decorated as Team Smart State patron by Team Smart DG

Mr. Okeke Okwudili was at the occasion invested as a State Patron of Team SMART for Okowa which was witnessed by his beautiful wife, Mrs. Blessing Ezeobi Okeke and some Management Staff of Jemok Nigeria Limited.

All about this Jemok Nigeria Group of Company.

The popular misconception is that privately held companies are small and of little interest. In fact, there are many big-name companies that are also privately held.

Jemok Nigeria Limited is mainly into Business Development Services, General Merchandise, Import & Export Merchants and offering General Corporate Services And Supplies, General Merchants, General Oriented Goods, Corporate Services. Jemok Nigeria provide a platform where customers and employees in Nigerian can find, and share great and honest experiences from their everyday encounters with different companies, either as a Customer or an Employee.

A lot of Companies in Nigeria has fades out or go dead after the original owners or founders have gone, but today Jemok is more improved and growing on a daily bases as a result of managerial skills and capacity.

The young but intelligent businessman, confirmed that the Senator Dr. Okowa’s administration in spite of all odds have continue to work towards making Delta State conducive for business to thrive, hence the need for those of them in the private sector to continue with their support, while promising that Jemok Group would continue to be on the top list of companies with good corporate responsibility in the state.

Jemok Nigeria Limited today has become a household name in Delta State, even across the state with over 250 employees names in payroll. It's  headquartered in Asaba, Nigeria

Team Smart State Excos

The Chairman and Managing Director of Jemok Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Mr. Okeke Okwudili Jerry applauded Team SMART for Okowa for the honour done him and his company by recognizing the part they are playing in the overall economic wellbeing of the state, adding that Jemok Group would continue to play their part as a responsible corporate entity towards the State Governors determined efforts in taking the State to an enviable level among the states in the South South and the South East. Our mission is to strives to be the most trusted and transparent to Nigerians, especially Deltans.

In this article I will Would like to give you a formula for success? It's quite simple, really: Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn't at all. You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it, so go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can because remember that's where you will find success.

Since creation and that was aeon, There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.

No one ever said it was easy being an entrepreneur. Whether you're in the early stages of your statrup, just secured funding for your startup or you are ready for product launch, there will always be those three components when you ask yourself if this whole entrepreneur thing is worth it. Instead of giving up and throwing in the proverbial white towel.

The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.

A politicians are his characters that is natural, while some of the qualities are as a result of external influences. Promising politicians qualities are often backed by skills, experiences, intelligence, integrity, with instincts -all combined together to achieve their goals. First and foremost, the best quality of a politician is honesty, God fearing and loving. A faithful and effective politician is trustworthy and reliable.

He must capture the essence of truth, display sincerity, candor and practices what he preaches. He makes decisions and accepts responsibility for his actions and his words. The same is true in his dealing with his people. He makes promises and keeps those promises. Somebody that people may be relied upon. Loving people with all his heart, might, mind, soul and striving to help them as a true mark of responsible politician.

Mr and Mrs Okeke with members of Team Smart For Okowa 

Hon. Sunny Orishedere described Governor Okowa as a leader with integrity and technical skills to handle those challenging assignments, fiscal matters, policies, plans, projects, ideas and initiative solutions to problems.

Okowa Integrity is consistency of actions, methods, measures, values, principles, expectations and outcomes. It is doing what is right, both legally and morally at all-time even when no one is looking.

Since politicians play very significant roles in the administrative processes, especially having hands in thousands of important laws and policies to their communities and country, thereby they should be well-educated, modest, with experience in social welfare, volunteering or should have done some good work for the society.

The whistle blowing of our smart governor Okowa continue, Orishedere stated.

FG FLAGS OFF CBN ANCHOR BORROWERS PROGRAMME IN DELTA

Months after rice farmers were trained in Delta State for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers' Programme, the Federal Government, Today, March 28, flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs to rice farmers in the state.

The inputs being supplied by the Federal Government are rice seedlings, fertilizers and other chemicals which the farmers are expected to repay upon harvesting.

In the first phase of the distribution held todday at Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the State, about 3.5 metric tonnes of rice seedlings was distributed among 24 farmers who are members of the Ike-Neli Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Society. 

Chairman of CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme Project Monitoring Team, Mr. Matthew Badaiki (Middle), the Off-taker of the programme, Barr. Raymos Guanah (2nd Left) and others inspecting seedlings for distribution to beneficiaries of the programme at Ugiliamai, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. 

The farmers are to cultivate about 26 hectares of land which is projected to yield about 91 metric tonnes of paddy rice within four months. 

While handing over the seedlings to the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the Project Monitoring Team (PMT), Mr. Matthew Badaiki explained that the programme is part of the Federal Government's deliberate efforts to encourage genuine farmers in the country, adding that its primary target is to ensure rice sufficiency and improve the economy of farmers. 

Badaiki urged the beneficiaries to embrace the programme with all seriousness, warning that the supplied input should not be seen as "a joke or political settlement".  

"By signing to collect these inputs, you have keyed into the programme. You are to repay the cost of the inputs in the next six months; those who repay will be incorporated in the next phase of the programme but anyone who fails to repay will face disciplinary actions", the PMT Chairman warned. 

Badaiki observed that unlike the conventional bank borrowing system, only paltry nine per cent will be paid as interest, inclusive of insurance cost, urging the beneficiaries to tap into agriculture which "is very lucrative". 

Briefing newsmen, the anchor off-taker of the programme, Barr. Raymos Guanah described the programme as "a dream and anticipation come through as it will avail paddy rice processors the needed products to process. 

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as the Federal and State Federal Governments for supporting agriculture, urging the beneficiaries to key into the project and explore it to its fullest.

WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE OF NIGERIA......?

Godbless Nikatene 

Abraham Lincoln said "We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"

Almost all Nigerian has an idea about how Nigeria can become a greater nation. That explains why there are divergent views on this issue. The needs to be done to ensure that things get better.’’

while proffering solutions to her myriads of challenges. The need to examined the nation’s competitive edge in the comity of nations, her resources and her people. The simple principle is to do the right thing and do it well. If you don’t do the right thing, you won’t get the right result.

One drawback to avoid is not leveraging on the strength. Nigeria’s strength is in her diversity and history. Nigeria is a potentially great country. We didn’t want a situation where only one percent are significantly wealthy. Our poverty rate is about 60 percent. It is how you spend what you earn that determines your welfare.

In many fora, it has been argued that Nigeria was wrongfully assembled at amalgamation; with many tribes still at war over the years.  Absolutely we have looked at Nigeria’s strengths and weaknesses. Nigeria is rich; every ethnic group brings something to the table. When we had just four regions we were doing very well, even better than our peers. But we grew from that to 36 states.

Meanwhile 82 percent of our expenditure goes to government. What about the governed? It is no surprise that our infrastructure is in decay, hospitals, electricity schools and we require these for progress. The human development capital is essential for economic growth. Little wonder why the present administration of Governor Okowa embarks on it, because of the numerous gains accruable to it.

Nigeria students read the true meaning..

Nigeria is not going anywhere. It can wobble, fumble, stumble but it cannot break. It won’t break. We just need to make a success of it. We may have skirmishes. Bribery, corruption, and lawlessness, these are universal indicators of social malady. Where Nigeria ranks in the global scale of these indicators is not news anymore; however, let me take the liberty of refreshing your memory.

According to independent watchdog group Transparency International, last year’s corruption index for Nigeria is 2.2. The significance of this number is that Nigeria is the 10th most corrupt nation in the world, way below many other African nations.

The evidence that these vices stubbornly threaten the very fabric of our nation abound. Yet, Nigerians are not outraged. In a show of blind patriotism, many of us dismiss these numbers as a conjecture of Western opinion. In fact, many Nigerians have been conditioned to believe that these statistics point to Western conspiracy and bias. I am not going to explore this aspect of the argument; it is a worry for another day.


I write this article in light of the recent fight against corruption, which the government claims to have stepped up a notch. On the surface, it seems that corruption in Nigeria has received the overdue attention it deserves. According to the mission statement of EFCC, the commission will “curb the menace of corruption…and imbue the spirit of hard work in the citizenry.” This is a lofty and commendable mission.

The commission intends to achieve this goal by holding public officers accountable for misappropriation of funds and money laundering. Way to go, EFCC.

Another arm of the government that has done remarkably well with the fight against corruption is the judiciary. To their credit, it is promising that the judiciary is going back to its days of glory, when judges were perceived as incorruptible. Or, at least to when the rule of law prevailed. To these two agencies I say, more grease to their elbows. Finally, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.


I do not intend to diminish the efforts of these agencies. But as a concerned citizen, I am worried that all these efforts may not be addressing the root of corruption in Nigeria. If you take a minute to think about it, these efforts are all reactionary, and are supportive of the notion that punishment is a deterrent to crime.

If this notion holds true, then what about the enduring argument against the death penalty? What about the fact that homicide rates are lowest in countries without the death penalty? How is it that Switzerland, a country without a standing army or stiff penalties, is the least corrupt nation in the world? The point I am trying to make is that a society cannot punish its way to accountability and prosperity by imposing only legal verdicts. Punishments by courts of law and commissions like the EFCC will be very effective if they are accompanied by some sort of social reprisals.

We collectively sabotage the impact of these punishments if those punished come out to heroic welcomes and loud ovations—where is the outrage?

The fact that we make heroes of those who enriched themselves by misappropriating public funds points to a severe moral void. In case we have forgotten, Nigeria started this downward spiral, not because of lack of punishment by courts of law, but because of a complete breakdown in moral values. By moral values, I do not mean the subversion of what we were taught in our catechism classes. Rather, by moral values, I mean a sense of right and wrong that compels us to evaluate the impact of our actions on others.

I also mean a sense of duty and compassion on the less privileged in Nigeria. It has often been said that the true spirit of any nation reflects on how they treat the poor and the less privileged.

If this is true, then achieving a better Nigeria is a moral problem. It can only be solved when Nigerians as individuals become compassionate. For instance, of all the money that our politicians cart away to foreign banks, I have yet to hear of active foundations and organizations which they start to help the less privileged people among us.

The absence of such altruistic ventures is a testimony to the wickedness of our politicians and also a testimony to what they do in office.

If I may return to the issue of legal punishments, understandably, it is indispensable as a corrective and restorative measure; however, it can only bring us halfway through the struggle. I say this because of the way it has been applied so far.

The focus has been on politicians. However, the task of achieving a better Nigeria is not exclusive. It is inclusive of doctors who knowingly misdiagnose their patience just to make more money; teachers and professors who seek monetary or sexual favors to give better grades to their students; business people who sell defective products that sometimes cause death and injuries. As these practices can be part of the trades of these professionals, so is politics the trade of a politician.

It is morally imperative that these people be held as accountable as politicians and should also be punished accordingly.

The point I am trying to make is that a society cannot punish its way to prosperity unless it is across the board. Even so, history has revealed that the prosperity of any nation pars with its moral values. The reason is because sound moral values makes a society see beyond the splotch of self-interest, and it is preventive, not corrective.

There is no need chasing people all round. When the cost of being honest is more than being dishonest, then corruption will always be here. We need to apply modern tools. Create the competitiveness that will bring employment opportunities and economic freedom. Perhaps the concern of many Nigerian writers is that Nigerians don’t read. as observed. We don’t pass laws to solve problems.

I will give you an example. In the petroleum industry, Nigeria is losing billions annually because there are no laws. And the elites are our problem. They go overseas; they watch CNN and they still fail to do the right thing. Nigerians need to be enlightened about our challenges.

I don’t think the problem of Nigeria is reading. The problem of Nigeria is we don’t learn lessons. When you finish a project, you must evaluate what happened to the project so that you carry lessons learnt to the next project, so that you don’t repeat the same mistakes.

However, with all these happening around us, we must not be tired of doing the right thing. We must not be tired of voting for people that will lead us. We will continue to vote and vote until we get the right set of leaders. We will make our mistakes, learn our lessons and avoid making them in the next election.

We get back what we give out. We reap what we sow; it is what we plant today in our home, work place, school and environment that we will harvest in the future. I learned this, at least from experience, that there is no greater joy than to help others succeed.

Remember, the clever begins by changing the world, the wise change themselves. Be Wise. Be Better. Change your thought and change your world. What we think of ourselves matters a lot. So change the way you see Nigeria. See a new Nigeria, see greatness and so it shall be.
Meanwhile....NANS accuses.........

REVEALED! SEE WHAT OKOWA DID WITH N550 MILLION PENSION FUNDS

The Delta State Government, Thursday (23/03/2017), disclosed that it is has disbursed a total of 550 million naira to offset the retirement benefits of 100 retires since the beginning of this year.

The Head of Service in the state, Mr. Reginald Bayoko, who made the disclosure in Asaba while presenting payment schedules to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for the settlement of 54 retirees, assured that the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will continue to sustain the monthly release of funds to the Retirement Savings Account (RSAs) irrespective of economic situations.

Bayoko observed that the steepest challenge facing the contribution pension scheme is the rising number of retirees on the waiting list of payment, adding that “their pains, anguish, disappointments and forlorn hope have become a strong challenge that must be surmounted if any meaningful gain is to be made out of the scheme in the long run”.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 

“The state government, in response to this challenge did promise and had consistently released funds for the settlement of retirement benefits since January 2017. So far, about 100 retirees’ benefits amounting to 550 million naira has been settled since the beginning of the year.

See THE SOLUTION TO PDP CRISIS

“This unwavering commitment is coupled with the fact that counterpart contributions for workers are being religiously remitted on a monthly basis into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), making Delta State one of the most up-to-date in the payment of pension entitlements”, he said.

The head of Service noted that the state government is aware of the increasing dominance of the pension industry as well as its potential of becoming a major catalyst for socio-economic growth, adding that “at the moment, its asset under management is in excess of N5 trillion, with only about 27 per cent of its potentials tapped”.

Delta State Head of Service, Mr. Reginald Bayoko (Middle), the State Chairman, Bureau of Pension, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Siakpere (Left) and the Secretary of Bureau, Mr. Chuks Aguonye during the presentation of payment schedules to Pension Fund Administrators in Asaba.  

“As a responsive government, we cannot take the back seat in efforts aimed at maximizing our socio-economic advantage while at the same time responding actively to the yearnings and aspirations of our workforce. While the cost of running the scheme may be high at these initial stages, we understand that it puts a cap to our future liabilities and it is obviously the way to go in ensuring a sustainable pension administration”, Bayoko said.

He appealed to all stakeholders and partners of the pension scheme to map out packages that takes current economic challenges into consideration, adding that the state government would leverage on all sincere efforts at deepening the tenets and operation of the scheme with the aim of protecting the interest and welfare of its workers.

See the LIST OF THOSE WHO BOTCHED NIGERIA'S DREAM

The State Chairman, Bureau of Pension, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Siakpere explained that funds are disbursed to beneficiaries of the scheme on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis, urging retirees to be patient while all processes are being perfected to ensure the prompt payment of their benefits.

Siakpere noted that the mass retirement of government workers in 2012 coupled with the economic downturn were the major causes of delay in the payment of benefits to retirees, assuring that with the current commitment of the state government, smiles will soon return to faces of the retired staff.

Meanwhile, an Asaba-based legal practitioner has disclosed the only condition that must be met for Nigeria to make meaningful progress.

OFA REVEALS PANACEA TO PDP CRISIS

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) continues to linger as the two parallel divides of the party separately led by Senator Ahmed Markafi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff insist on laying claims to the national control of the near 20 years old political family.

In this interview held in Asaba, Delta State, a stalwart of the PDP and former Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas on the board of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief (Dr) Henry Ofa explains that seeking political solution through genuine dialogue is the leeway out of the mustering political tragedy in the party.

Ofa also tells our correspondent, JOSHUA ERUBAMI, that unless urgent measures are taken to end the crisis, the PDP may soon gasp its last breath. Excerpts.

What are the main causes of the crisis rocking the national leadership of the PDP?

The Peoples Democratic Party has held sway as the most potent political platform in Nigeria since the country returned to democracy in 1999. Unfortunately, recent development shows that the continued and bourgeoning success of the party is being threatened. It all started from the time when some persons at the helm of the party’s affairs refused to relinquish power despite the expiration of their legitimate stay in office. Every position, particularly that of political offices, has a duration and when the end of your own your stray in office comes, it becomes very honourable to diplomatically and tactically step aside to ensure that your relevance is still sustained in whatever gathering you find yourself.

The main challenge of the PDP now is that of the feud between Senator Ahmed Markafi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff on who should control the nation soul of the party. You will recall that Sheriff got the mandate to act as the party’s chairman after the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur in the heat of the failed bid of former President Goodluck Jonathan to retain his presidency position during the 2015 general elections. Sheriff was supposed to act for few months after which a national convention of the party would be convened to conduct elections into the principal positions of the party. But at the expiration of his acting period, he sought to be the substantive chairman of the party which was widely rejected and that was the genesis of the whole issue.

Chief Henry Ofa 

He moved to stop the national convention of the party held last year but his move was not entirely successful as the Lagos court, in which he had sought legal restraints against the convention, only suspended the election of three principal officers of the party, including the position of the national chairman. As a law abiding party, the stakeholders held the national convention during which they dissolved the National Executive Council (NEC) but did not elect principal officers as ordered by the court. In order to strengthen the party ahead of the 2019 polls, leaders of the PDP set up a caretaker committee led by Markafi to oversee the affairs of the party for three months pending the final resolution of the differences. But the Sheriff faction opposed the move and that was how the supremacy battle began.

From your analysis, what have been the impacts of the crisis on the party?

They are too numerous to mention. The major one is that the continuum of the crisis is gradually pushing the party to a dead end. Some members of the party, including senators and other serving political officers elected under the flagship of the PDP are hiding under the crisis to defect to the APC (All Progressives Congress). The constitution allows the defection of serving political officers once it is established that there is crisis in the defecting politician’s party else, he or she could be recalled and ordered to vacate such position. More people are leaving the party and, except urgent measures are taken to mitigate this crisis, the party is heading towards comatose.

It is alleged that the PDP crisis is being sponsored by some APC loyalists... 

(Cuts in) That is a mere allegation. It has to be substantiated. Besides, no man can make you fight against your house if you truly believe in its unity and ideology. The crisis is internal.

Factional Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi. 

How do you see members of the PDP who have defected to the APC and other parties?

They are not true politicians. They don’t believe in political ideology. A good politician joins a political platform not because it is in power but because he or she believes in its ideology which is the fulcrum upon which any genuine party rests. The PDP has a progressive ideology that is geared towards human capital development, improved welfare and general development of the society; that ideology has not changed and will never change. So, if the ideology remains the same, then it is totally unjustifiable for any of its member to defect. Joining the ruling party at the national level does not give you the leverage of getting all you want.

See FEAR GRIPS DELTAN COMMUNITY OVER ALLEGED TOXIC WASTE

If the ideology of the PDP remains as it were in the 1990s, why then has the party churned out different agenda in all of the three administrations it has produced in Delta State for instance?

Yes, it is one ideology, but the routes to achieving such ideology are many. It is like God. There are many of God’s worshippers on earth today who explore various ways and means in getting to him, but God still remains a single being. With reference to Delta State, Chief James Ibori came up with his agenda in 1999, by 2007, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan floated a three-point agenda and by 2015, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa rolled out a five-point agenda ostensibly called the SMART Agenda. The words and arrangement may be different but a careful look at all the areas of focus shows that the three administrations are concentrated on human capital development, security, health, infrastructures, welfarism and similar areas. In essence, the paths may vary but the destination is same.

The PDP crisis still persists with series of litigations pending determination, what should be the way forward?

Political solution is the leeway out of the morass. I have said this over and again, court judgments will further polarize the party and leave lasting divisions in it. Markafi and Sheriff should forget about who is right and embrace dialogue. Dialogue is more beneficial than argument. No man can take it all. They should reach an acceptable compromise where both factions will chose some of the key positions and allow peace reign in the party. The two arrow heads should be made to have input in the party, just as the governors are considered vital for the success of the party.

Taking the matter up at the Supreme Court is not the best; that legal tussle will take about three months to determine yet elections in some states are drawing closer. We have lost too many elections already; we cannot afford to lose more. Nigerians are looking up to the PDP as the only hope out of the APC induced hardship, but if the crisis continues, then I am afraid that the party may be no more soon.

Factional Chairman of the PDP, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff. 

Ahead of the 2019 polls, there are signals that the PDP may merge with other political parties, how do you see that?

The PDP is still the strongest party in Nigeria. The issue of merger can only be considered if the current internal crisis is allowed to be settled through court rulings. If the party embraces dialogue and political solution to the current differences, then it will be easy for it to win the needed number of supporters that will ensure its victory by 2019. At present, we must preach the good gospel of dialogue because it pays.

Since acting President Yemi Osinbajo assumed office, there seems to be some improvement in the country’s economy particularly in the rising strength of the Naira to Dollar. What is your opinion on his leadership style?

Osinbajo is not a politician but a technocrat. His recent visits to the Niger Delta area have really brought about much peace in the troubled region of the country. This has resulted in increased daily oil production and more revenue to the country. It is quite gratifying that he is able to bring his technical knowledge to bear, but that is not to say that the APC is doing well. The acting President is just working hard to ameliorate part of the untold hardship the federal government has brought upon Nigerians. I will urge him to step up his efforts to give Nigerians benefits of the change they were promised. I will also call on Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari irrespective of political and ethnic divide. There is no denying the fact that he is the President of this country. If he is sick, then the country is invariably sick too.

It was recently reported that an India-packaged garri is being sold in Nigerian supermarkets; what does this portend to a country like ours that is endowed with rich agricultural soil?

That is sheer madness. It is totally ridiculous to all farmers in this country. It is agreed that Nigeria has regrettably remained an import dependent country for virtually all of its needs, but importing garri into "a country like Nigeria that is naturally blessed with a fertile agricultural soil is the height of insults that can be given to citizens who are making efforts to consolidate the economic diversification drive of the federal government. Such situation is capable of undermining the value chain of agriculture, particularly cassava cultivation in the country, all Nigerians must kick against it.  Importing garri into Nigeria is totally ridiculous and an expression of sheer madness by those involved. Whoever buys such product is invariably beclouded by a very poor sense of judgmen.

Who in his right senses will import garri in which production Nigeria has an economic advantage? Look around every corner of Nigerian towns and villages, you will find well processed and fresh garri made from Nigerian farms. Our soil is so richly blessed that it supports the growth of virtually all varieties and species of agricultural products; if we genuinely follow the path of agriculture, there is no doubt that we will do well like we did in the past when the agrarian sector provided bulk of our gross domestic earnings.

The diversification efforts of governments at the federal and state levels appear to be yielding some positive dividends. Anything that tends to undermine this progress must be stopped. Besides the ongoing investigation into the monumental aberration, the federal governments should strengthen its holds on our national borders because it is appalling that the product scaled through our national surveillance without a prompt detection.

How would you assess the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration?

I must thank God for giving Okowa to Deltans at this critical time of our history. Those of us who fought for his victory are being vindicated today because the governor is giving us more reasons to believe in his delivering capacity. With what he is doing in the state, the PDP will have less task of retaining his governorship at the 2019 gubernatorial poll because the ordinary citizens will be his strength. Take a look at his realistic approach to job creation for the teaming youths; network of good and durable roads; human capital development drive and other laudable infrastructural development; you will see that the man is really working.

See also WHY OKOWA DESERVES SECOND TERM

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State 

One of the best ways to know someone who knows what he is doing is how fast he springs into action. Okowa appointed members of his cabinet, sent several bills to the State House of Assembly and executed several projects within his first 100 days in office. Yet, even the federal government and some APC led state governments operated as sole administrators for several months into their governments. As regard 2019, the APC and other political parties should forget wrestling power from the PDP backed Okowa’s government because there is no vacancy at all.

How would you rate his managerial skills?

Excellent. Despite the sharp economic crunch, Governor Okowa is still working, paying staff salaries, funding projects and keeping the state afloat. It is astonishing as to how he does that. He has prudently managed the lean resources coming to the state and everyone has smiles running on their faces. It is obvious some persons have some reservations about him especially in matters of appointment, but please let us be patient with him. It will soon get to your turn.

BREAKING: NYSC RELEASES 2017 BATCH A MOBILIZATION TIME-TABLE

After several months of waiting for mobilization, prospective Corps members should start packing their luggage as authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have disclosed arrangements for the 2017 Batch A. 

According to a release obtained from one of its official websites, nysc.org.ng, the activities concerning the Batch A commences from April 4, 2017.

See arrangements below..  

Source: NYSC Portal

Photo credit: Umudide Peter 

NIGERIA AND THE BOTCHER'S

Godbless Nikatene

Nigeria as a nation has experienced many of the problems common to other new nations. There are associated with strong primary industry development, and a fully functioning administrative bureaucracy. Yet, its subsequent history is one of economic difficulty, political violence, and growing poverty amongst its peoples.

The naivety of planners was evident in the way in which the potential problems were handled in the lead-up to independence. Despite the early warnings of writers like Awolowo and experiences of other West African postcolonial countries, it was assumed that with the establishment of democracy, tribalism and ethnic difference would fade as people learned to identify themselves primarily with the nation rather than with their own ethnic communities.

Democracy is built on the equality of citizens; the freedom of these citizens to associate with one another for the realization of their ideals and the defense and promotion of their interests; and the freedom of these citizens to choose between the different political platforms of various political parties and candidates, and see to the actualization of the platforms they have voted for, if their choices win.

But in Nigeria, people have effectively been disenfranchised by their own circumstances on the one hand, and their leaders’ perfidy on the other. As a result, Nigeria is approaching a situation where democracy is being practiced without democrats and elections are being conducted with scant regard for the electorate. The ballot is not respected by the government and the price of protecting it is too high for the people to pay; but the bullet, once universally feared, is now generally out of fashion.

The biggest blunder of Nigeria’s ruling class has been its failure to build strong and stable social system to provide the kind of atmosphere that democracy needs to take root and flourish.

The concrete foundation of any country is based sorely on the unity, you cannot attain, unity without peace and justice. You cannot attain peace and justice without love and honesty.

To enable us understand this further, let us look at our national anthem that we all stand up everyday to honor. Those who composed our national anthem had this in mind when they wrote in the last verse of the first stanza thus " One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity"

Have we really considered the weight of this verse as we recite when the opportunity present itself? Have our leaders really tried to govern this county in an atmosphere of fundamental rights, as enshrined in the Untied Nation chparter on freedom? Has it not been a situation of the strong always oppression of the weak?

I wonder sometime if our leaders take time to read and digest the national anthem like the pupils in primary and secondary schools. The second stanza, verse five and six which speaks of  building a nation " In love and honesty to grow and living and true" Have we related to ourselves in love and honesty Where the Kaduna man is saying that the oil in Delta belong to Kaduna? Where is the Niger Delta people have been completely deprived of the control of their natural resources?

The petroleum industry bill, PIB. designed to take care of the interest of all had been kept in the cooler by the majority enthic groups in the national assembly for almost seventhy years now, where is the justice in that? The last verse of our national anthem says "To build a nation where peace and justice shall regin". It is indisputabel that, a country where peace and justice reigns, progress is guaranteed. The composers of our national anthem cited this fact and all of our past and present leadership have accepted it as such. It therefore follows that all the past leaders including the present leadership have failed to govern with justice, honesty, fairlness and equity. They are all therefore the botcher's or spoilers of our country nigeria.

They are the ones who have made it impossible for the nation to attain great developmental strides. Hence, all of the challenges we face today as a nation can we have leader who can govern with justice, fairness and equity? Until we have that, the country will continue to elude us, you can never stifle the free spirit of man, no matter how hard one tries.

If the only permanent solution is a foundation of peace, justice and equity then all of these are not in place for the past 56years after our independence, the people that we have placed in postions to lead us as messiahs both past and present, have not do well, they are the spoilers 'botcher's'

The spoilers 'botcher's' are those who have allowed this country to be sharply divided along enthic and religious lines all through the years. The botcher's are those who have sold our commonwealth to their friends and cronies. The botcher's are those who have refused to have true census figures thereby denying the nation the opportuntity of proper plannig which would have supported Boko Haram to develop into the monsters that is has become today. The botcher's are those who will approved projects but failed to followed it up to completion. The botcher's are those who laundry our Money to other country, to enriched themselves.

The 'botchers' are those who through their leadership have encouraged the fulani herdsmen to become agents of religious anf ethnic genecide. The botchers those who always represented the Niger deltans people for peace dilogue without know reasonable result. The botcher's are those who preach democracy yesterday when were in oppostion and now that they are office have endoresed the fascist approach of obtaining justice.

The botchers are those who openly canvassed the activities of Boko Haram and fulani herdsmen in the past but today are asking the press to suppress news of the activties of the selects. Botcher's are those who canvassed the rule of law yesterday and today bound judges who have not dispensed justice in their favour.

The botcher's are those who cried for credible and fair election in the past but today are openly subverting justice and the democratic process. The botcher's are those who refuse to acknowledge the rights and privileges of others to their God given resources and talents. Botcher's are those who want to change the facts of history, to suit their own whims. Botcher's are those who have chosen to fight Corruption with corruption, there should be no distortion or selective treatment. These are the botcher's of our nation and until these ones are removed or forced to cahnge their ways, they will continue to hinder our collective growth because they are in power.

We, as Nigerians must understand our differences and arrive at a general consensus on the need for us to summon courage and vote only those good Christians and good Muslims from amongst us who will save us from the hands of the present manipulators who have no respect for human feelings and aspirations. We must arrive at a consensus that only a collegiate leadership of knowledgeable, humble, patriotic and committed Nigerians is voted into office. We have had enough of this contraption.

2019: We'll Queue Behind Okowa, Says Sakpra

Godbless Nikatene 

Hon. Henry Sakpra, Commissioner For Special Duties Government House 

The Delta State Commissioner For Special Duties Government House, Hon Henry Sakpra has urged the people of Udu Local Government Area of the State to queue behind Senator Okowa and distanced themselves from opposition, he made the call during Inspection of Ovwian road ongoing construction.

Sakpra who disclosed this to newsmen during the weekend, he stated that Senetor Okowa's led
administration has spread to Udu Local Government Area.

The Man Hon. Ben Igbakpa, the political Oak Tree

He enjoyed all Udu indigins to stand with prosperity for all Deltans, he assured them that more projects is coming to the area, saying that, "comes 2019, we have no other candidate to support but Senator Okowa"

He lauded Okowa's achievements for one and a half year in office, he thanked the Smart governor Okowa for putting Smile on the faces of the people of Udu local government via good roads construction he urged the people of Udu kingdom to always embraced the existing Peace in the area, noting that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment, adding that, It's only through peaceful coexistence that can attacked development to the local government, he said.

He charged the people of Udu kingdom never to relented their support for the led Okowa administration, because the governor will also see udu as his second home, he urged them to keep faith in the Pipelines of prosperity for all Deltans. 

He emphatically thanked the state government for the on-going roads construction in the area adding that the good people of Udu Kingdom will continue to benefit immensely in terms of infrastructural development from the Okowa led government.

Meanwhile.........INEC Gives Dates for 2019 Election

INEC ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2019 GENERAL ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced dates for 2019 general elections.

In a statement posted on its website Thursday, the electoral commission said it was making the announcements well ahead “in order to ensure certainty in our dates for elections, and to allow for proper planning by the Commission, political parties, security agencies, candidates and all stakeholders”.

“To that extent, the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 16th February 2019, while the Governorship/State Assembly/Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections will hold on Saturday 2nd March 2019.”

LAWYER FAULTS NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION, CLAIMS IT INCAPACITATES GOVERNORS, LG CHAIRMEN

The commission also announced that 23 of its electoral officers being prosecuted for various electoral offences will be placed on half salary and will not report for duty pending the determination of their respective cases by the court.

Read the full statement:

Gentlemen of the Press,

You are all welcome to yet another briefing, which is in fulfillment of our pledge to regularly brief the public on the Commission’s activities.

1. Our democracy is maturing and the Commission believes that there should be certainty with regard to the timetable for elections. For instance, in the United States, general elections always hold on the second PRESS Tuesday of November in the election year. In Ghana, it’s the 7th of December of the election year, while in other places like Mexico, Norway, Sweden, Costa Rica and Switzerland, the dates are also known in advance.

In Nigeria, the constitution provides for elections to hold not earlier than 150 days and not later than 30 days to the end of the incumbent’s tenure. 

In order to ensure certainty in our dates for elections, and to allow for proper planning by the Commission, political parties, security agencies, candidates and all stakeholders, the Commission has decided to fix the date for the National Elections for the third Saturday in February of the election year, followed by State elections two weeks later. 

READ WHY IBORI PLEADED GUILTY

To that extent, the 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on Saturday, 16th February 2019, while the Governorship/State Assembly/Federal Capital Territory Area Council Elections will hold on Saturday 2nd March 2019.

2. The Commission has also received a Report from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of the Federation, informing us that 23 Electoral Officers indicted over the investigation into the 10th December Rivers Re-run elections have been charged to court. The Commission has repeatedly said that it will cooperate with security agencies for the prosecution of any of our staff found to have violated the integrity of the electoral process. Accordingly, at our meeting today, the Commission decided to apply the provisions of the INEC Terms and Conditions of Service to all those charged to court, since it constitutes gross misconduct. The penalty for this is interdiction. All the 23 Electoral Officers will be placed on half salary and will not report for duty pending the determination of their respective cases by the court.

3. Ladies and gentlemen, you will recall that last week, we informed you that a decision would be taken this week on the recommendation by the Disciplinary Committee on staff members indicted by the EFCC Report for misconduct during the 2015 General Elections. However, in view of the fact that some of the staff are also among those being prosecuted by the DPP, the Commission has decided to defer its decision on the EFCC Report to enable us reconcile the EFCC/DPP reports.

4. And as part of our routine consultations with our stakeholders, the Commission has decided to hold the next regular quarterly meetings with stakeholders as follows:

A. Tuesday 14th March –Meeting with Political Parties

B. Wednesday 15th March – Meeting with Civil Society Organizations

C. Friday 17th March – Meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

D. Monday March 21 – Meeting with Media organizations. Our invitations have been sent to the respective stakeholders

5. We wish to assure all Nigerians that the Commission will remain fully committed to the sanctity of the electoral process and will never protect any of its staff, no matter highly placed, found to have violated the provisions of the Electoral Act and our guidelines.

Meanwhile, an aide serving in the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's administration has disclosed why the Governor should be re-elected in 2019.