WHY I PLEADED GUILTY- IBORI OPENS UP

Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori yesterday disclosed that he never for once doubted his prospect of returning to Nigeria and reuniting with his friends, political associates and kinsmen in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.

Ibori also dismissed insinuations that he was guilty of the offences to which he admitted in 2012, disclosing that at the point of his trial, his guilty plea was the only available escape route from the malevolent plot of his enemies. 

The former governor spoke in Oghara during a thanksgiving service organized by the leadership of the Community. The church service held at the First Baptist Church, Ogharefe and was widely attended by thousands of supporters, including Ibori's elder cousin and successor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Ibori's deputy, Chief Benjamin Elue, former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru, Managing Director of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Chief William Makinde, traditional rulers, serving and former commissioners, political stalwarts, captains of industries and artisans.

Chief James Ibori speaking during his thanksgiving service on Sunday.

Ibori who spoke in English and Urhobo languages revealed that the reality of his seven years absence from the country was not as painful as the suffering and pains which his people where subjected to within the period of his absence.

His words: "My entire life is a testimony; I have said it over and again that my life was fashioned by God, directed by God, sealed, acknowledged and blessed by God. I have always believed that since I was born and I am living in accordance with destiny.

SEE THE SPONSORS OF IBORI'S THANKSGIVING SERVICE

"When the whole commotion started, what was most painful to me was the pains and sufferings that my people were going through. It had nothing to do with me as a person because for some reasons, I drew my strength from God and, some how, I knew God will stand by me.

"I knew that one day, this day (of celebration) will come. I am indeed very pleased that I can now stand before you and look at your faces, especially the faces of those I have missed and those who suffered the pains of my absence.

"When I reflect (on the past), it gives me joy that all your prayers have been answered by God; all your support and solidarity with me all through this period are "ungbikuable" (untellable).

"The only testimony I have is the fact that I am alive, well and in your midst. I never had any doubt whatsoever in mind that I will get back home".

On his guilty plea about seven years ago, Ibori maintained that his analysis of the situation showed that his life was at stake and the enemies were bent on taking him from his people, hence he accepted his alleged offences as a "pragmatic decision" to thwart the plans of his foes.

He narrated how he had preinformed Uduaghan of his intention of going for the guilty plea which, he said, was "the shortest route back to my people", insisting that he was  not guilty as alleged.

Ibori who was in a very high ecstacy led the congregation in songs of victory just as special prayers where offered for him and his family members, Oghara Community, Ethiope West, Delta State and Nigeria.

Earlier in a homily titled "Knowing the Gift of God", the South-South Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Goddowell Awomakpa said Ibori served as a bridge that united the church with the government of the state, urging politicians to be more concerned with the welfare of the masses than their personal gratification.

From left. Chief Jame S Ibori; Senami; Hon. Erhiateake Ibori and Mrs Christania Ibori-Ebie

Awomakpa also enjoined political leaders to shun hatred for one another, charging them to embrace humility and respect for the electorate during and after their tenure in offices.

Meanwhile, prominent kinsmen of Ibori yesterday continued to eulogize the former governor, describing him as people oriented and generally acceptable to Nigerians.

Former Commissioner for power and energy and Chairman of the Ibori's thanksgiving central planning committee, Chief Emmanuel Ighomena expressed utmost gratitude to God for keeping Ibori alive despite the desire of persecutors to get him "dead or alive".

Read WHY SOME DELSU STUDENTS MAY SHED TEARS SOON

In an interaction with newsmen, Ighomena attributed the jubilations that greeted Ibori's return to his continuous struggle for the emancipation of the Niger Delta region, noting that Ibori never fought a personal cause but advanced the true yearnings of Nigerians.

On his part, a former Commissioner representing Ethiope West, Sapele and Okpe Local Government Areas on the board of DESOPADEC, Chief Henry Ofa urged everyone "to accord Chief Ibori the greatest respect that he deserves and tell others to do same", adding that "We must heed his fatherly advice and show him all the needed love".

"As we all rise in unity to reaffirm our undying loyalty to this great leader, we must understand that each of us has a stake in the issue at hand; we have a role to play and we have an all important task to perform.

"Now, more than ever, has the rolling ball been placed on our courts; it is either we score the goal and continue in our unabating joy or stand the risk of missing the reward forever. A fact worth knowing is that history beckons on you", Ofa stated in a goodwill message obtained by our correspondent.

On her part, a lecturer at the Delta State University, Abraka, Dr. (Mrs) Elizabeth Ogini observed that the time for a genuine reconciliation between Ibori and all aggrieved interests has come, noting that there is no gain in bickering.

Meanwhile, a false prophet who hires people to confess to miracles has been exposed.

BREAKING: SIX KILLED IN ABRAKA, OBIARUKU

No fewer than six people, believed to be peasant farmers, have been reportedly murdered at Abraka and Obiaruku in Ethiope East and Ukwani Local Government Areas of Delta State.

According to a lawyer who broke the news on the social media, the sad incidence that claimed four lives at Abraka and two at Obiaruku happened on Wednesday, January 4, 2017.

He alleged that the murder was perpetrated by suspected fulani herdsmen, adding that two of the deceased are members of his family.

Read FARMERS PROTEST HERDSMEN ATTACK IN ABRAKA

Read his post: "I just received a call now that 4 persons have been slaughtered in Abraka and 2 from Obiaruku by fulani herdsmen in their farm just today (Wednesday, January 4, 2017).

"And among the 4 persons killed in Abraka, 2 is my immediate family".

More details later.

Also read HOW CENTENARIAN, TEENGAGER, OTHERS ESCAPED DEATH BY AT OBIARUKU
Recall that the herdsmen menace is fast becoming a major challenge that requires the attention of all stakeholders. Although this issue was identified and consequently dealt with during the National Confab that was put together by erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan, the implementation of the Confab's recommendation has remained encysted in the oblivion.

Earlier in an interview, a former Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr. Alkali Baba Usman, noted that herdsmen challenge has become multidimensional such that diplomacy and appropriate approach is needed to wit the situation.

Usman said the main challenge lies in the absence of clear dichotomy in the paths of the farmers, who desire to grow crops, and the herdsmen, who cannot watch their stock staying without food.

Also commenting on the issue, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Anieke Efemini, suggested that the only lasting solution to the quagmire was the provision of grazing fields for cattle rearers.

BREAKING: NANS, UNIPORT IN ANOTHER SUPREMACY BATTLE

In what could qualify as a renewed battle for supremacy, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ordered the immediate termination of school fees payment and all forms of registration excercises at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

The apex student union body said until the university management recalls the 23 students, including 12 faculty presidents in the school, who were allegedly rusticated for political reasons, all students of the university should remain indifferent to activities of the school.

This was contained in a statement personally signed and made available to us by the South-South  and South-East (Zone B) Coordinator of NANS, Comrade Pedro C. Obi.

Read WHY NANS ACCUSED DELSU MANAGEMENT OF INSINCERITY

In the six paragraph statement entitled, "23 UNIPORT Expelled Students: NANS Charges all Students to Stop all Fee  Payment", the union categorically vowed to confront management of the university if its directive is not adhered to.



Comrade Pedro C. Obi, NANS (Zone B) Coordinator. 


Read full statement below

"23 UNIPORT EXPELLED STUDENTS: NANS CHARGES ALL STUDENTS TO STOP ALL FEE PAYMENT

"The National Association of Nigerian Students' (NANS) Zone B condemns in strong terms the calous and inhumane decision of a supposed intelligentsia conglomerate called Senate of University of PortHarcourt (UNIPORT) on the expulsion of 23 Nigerian students, 12 Faculty Presidents inclusive.

"It would be recalled that this issue of school fee payment has been on since April 2016, which led to the unfortunate killing of Comr. Peter Ofurum, a first class student of University of PortHarcourt and the former Faculty President of Management Sciences.





"This callous decision of the University of PortHarcourt Senate led by the heartless Vice Chancellor; Prof. Ndowa Lale has further brought to fore a man who is not ready to repent from his murderous way. This has further demonstrated that Mr. Lale Ndowa is not fit to lead a prestigious University as University of PortHarcourt.

Also read NANS ISSUES ULTIMATUM FOR REVERSAL OF SCHOOL FEES HIKE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

"How on this earth, 21st century Nigeria will a University expell students without fair hearing, no invitation to appear before any Students disciplinary panel. Expelling student leaders for profering solution has shown the world the  autocratic regime presided by Lale Ndowa.

"On this note, we hereby direct all University of PortHarcourt Students to forthwith stop all further payment of school fees and registration to University of PortHarcourt until all issue relating to the University fee system is resolved and the non negotiable reinstatement of all politically expelled students of the University with immediate effect.

"All students of the University are to by this press release remain at home as anything contrary will bring the University management into an open confrontation with the god of Aluta of the Nigeria Students Movement.

... Until man dies, the struggle continues!

#RSM

Signed:

Pedro C. Obi,
Coordinator, NANS Zone B.
+2348062467312

PROF ONYEKPE LISTS REASONS JONATHAN COULD HAVE ANNULLED 2015 ELECTION

A Professor of History and Strategic Studies, Mr. Nkem Onyekpe has advanced cogent reasons former President Goodluck Jonathan could have critically questioned and even annulled the historic presidential election held in 2015.


Onyekpe categorically argued that as a then sitting President of Nigeria, Jonathan had no fewer than five valid grounds upon which he could have predicated an objection to the processes and outcomes of the election which both local and international communities described as a major test to the country's fledgling democracy.


He, however, extolled Jonathan for taking an unprecedented action when he accepted the results of the election and also placed a telephone call across to congratulate his major rival, General Muhammadu Buhari.



Prof. Nkem Onyekpe delivering a lecture 


In a-47 page lecture entitled "The Anioma Nation and Democratic Consolidation in Delta State", the University of Lagos Professor predicated his first argument on the suspicious creation of more polling centres in the northern part of the country without a commensurate establishment of such additional centres in the southern divide of the country.


See OKOWA'S PLAN EXPOSED


He maintained that when it was clear that voter's cards were not available for many registered voters in the strongholds of Jonathan in the south-south and south-east geopolitical zones and "when the card reader severally rejected him, his wife and his mother", the ex-President could have taken actions that would have jeopardized the electoral process.


Onyekpe who spoke at Ejeme-Aniogor, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, during the fourth biennial public lecture/grand civic reception in honour of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, averred that Jonathan could have sounded the alarm  when it became "obvious that while the 'educationally backward' or 'less developed' states of the north did not have or had only few voided votes, the 'educationally highly developed' states of the south had many voided votes".


Lastly, Onyekpe insisted that Jonathan could have tolled the ignoble path of annuling the 2015 presidential polls "when his supporters cried foul at the management of the presidential election by the electoral body, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)" and other agencies involved in the contest.


Check AMAZING PHOTOS OF MAN WHO RACES WITH THE LONGEST WRAPPER


The Professor said Jonathan was not an opportunist and, therefore, refused to explore the advantage of his incumbency to the detriment of the entire country.

He said: "He did not tear his voter's card! Instead, he pleaded with the entire nation for understanding and cooperation with the INEC. He avoided the Machiavellian path. He chose, instead, the path of peace and honour.


"In good conscience, he listened to the inner voice of reason, wisdom, and courage, and conceded victory to his major rival, General Muhammadu Buhari, and congratulated him well before the conclusion of the election.


"From the point of view of his supporters and loyalists within the (then) ruling PDP and his government, and outside, that was most humiliating. But it was a sacrifice he had to make to ensure the survival of the Nigerian nation.


"He could not as a President afford to preside over the violent dismemberment of the Nigerian nation as 'dog and baboon' soak in blood. It must be emphasized that within the limit of our knowledge, this singular action of Goodluck Jonathan as President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the nation, was hitherto unprecedented in world modern history".


The scholar called on leaders in the country to "imbibe the exemplary transcendental pacificist spirit and attitude of Goodluck Jonathan", adding that Jonathan's action should serve as a timely lesson for all leaders.

SEE AMAZING PHOTOS OF AN URHOBO MAN WHO RACES WITH THE LONGEST WRAPPER

Amb. Adjarho David Obaro is a world renowned athlete whose skills tilt towards cultural advancement. With an unbeatable record of tying a 37 yard long and 4 inch weight wrapper, Obaro is professionally called the World Wrapperman. 


Among his stunning adventures was his running from Abuja to Lagos for over 22 days. 


He recently ran from the Coker junction in Asaba, the Delta State Capital city, to Ogwashi-Uku where he recently bagged a merit award.


See HOW THIS CIVIL SERVANT MESSED UP THE NATIONAL ANTHEM


The Urhobo man of Ughelli extraction disclosed that he is set to embark on another adventure of running from Lagos to Ughelli. 


See his amazing photographs. 

NO SECRECY! OKOWA'S PLAN FOR DELTA REVEALED

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has disclosed that his overarching vision for the state is to bridge critical infrastructure and create a conducive environment that encourages investments and the meaningful engagement of Deltans, especially the youths upon whom the future lies.


Okowa explained that such lofty vision which is lucidly encapsulated in the SMART Agenda is being vigorously pursued by his administration which, he said, has initiated an economic development approach aimed at integrating the entire land mass of the state through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The Governor stated this yesterday during the fourth biennial public lecture of the Enuani Democratic League (EDL) held at Ejeme-Aniogor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the State.

See WHY I OPTED FOR PROSPERITY MANTRA

Represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, Okowa said his administration is conscious of the challenges facing Nigeria, of which the State is not an exception, noting that his government is working assiduously to tackle the difficulties and deliver prosperity to all citizens.



Governor Ifeanyi Okowa 



His words: "Our vision is to achieve sustainable development by building necessary infrastructure and creating the conducive atmosphere that would encourage investments and the meaningful engagement of our people, especially the youths to whom the future really belongs.

"Our economic development approach aims at integrating the State through good network of roads that link communities and cities across the State. This will also include the building of a befitting State Capital. It is our goal to see that the completion of on-going projects across the length and breadth of the State is to give nerve and impetus to commerce".

He called on all Deltans to encourage investors and also contribute their quota in the task of developing the state, assuring that State Government will continue to encourage and assist genuine investors who are out to serve as agents of positive social and economic change in all communities of the State.

On the yuletide, Okowa called on Deltans to imbibe the spirit of good neighbourlines, love, understanding and peaceful coexistence, noting that there is no gain in violent exchanges.

The Governor also commended the EDL for holding tenaciously to the spirit and mission of the group which is geared towards deepening the root of democracy in the Anioma clime.

Also read TENSION AS OKOWA PERFECTS PLANS TO DEAL WITH OVER 2,000 DELTANS

In his welcome address, the President/Founder of the EDL, Hon. Collins Iwebunor observed that the festering woes of Nigeria is consequent upon a geometric growth in the number of graduates without a commensurate increase in the number of thinkers and a surge in the number of politians without a similar increase in numeric strength of actual leaders.

Iwebunor said "when the harvest was plenty, the labourers were few" adding that at present, "the wealth gave way to poverty and penury, debt and slavery". He said the sterling qualities of Okowa as typified in his commitment to leaving indelible marks in the annals of the state justify the biennial event which was held in his honour.

In a lecture entitled "The Anioma Nation and Democratic Consolidation in Delta State", a professor of History and Strategic Studies at the University of Lagos, Nkem Onyekpe urged political leaders to rise above the obnoxious divide and rule system of governance, noting that the principles of egalitarianism must be adhered to the distribution of resources and democratic dividends.

Onyekpe who admitted that the Anioma has overcomed the shackles of perceived marginalization with the emergence of Okowa, advised the Governor's kinsmen not expect the concentration of the State's resources in their domain alone, noting that the pan-Deltan initiatives of the Governor must be sustained at all times and in all circumstances.

In an interview with newsmen, the law maker representing Aniocha South constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Angela Nwaka urged Deltans to continuously support the current administration which, according to her, has achieved much despite palpable economic constraints

BREAKING: OKOWA'S KINSMEN STORM HIS AGBOR RESIDENCE

No fewer than 1,000 residents of Agbor community, Ika North Local Government Area of Delta State, laid seige to the Agbor abode of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa today.





The mammoth crowd which defiled security hindrances included youths and old women who stormed the Governor's residence to demand their share of the yuletide gift.

See WHY IKA YOUTH WANT MALEKE DEAD

Our correspondent who was coincidentally at the Governor's house reports that most of the youths are commercial motorcyclists (popularly called Okada) but they abandoned their daily hustling to beg the Governor for rice and other yuletide consumables.

Also read AGAIN, FAYOSE REELS OUT PROPHESIES ON 2017

Unfortunately, security personnel attached to the Governor locked them out. Nonetheless, their uproar could not allow the Governor to continue with his affairs of attending to some political stalwarts who were in serious engagements with him.

A fairly built man believed to be an aide to Okowa reportedly came out and handed an unascertained amount of money to them.

But, just like the unpopular typical Nigerian style, the disbursement of the money which was shared at N1,500 each degenerated into a heated argument.

FAYOSE REVEALS 22 THINGS THAT MUST HAPPEN IN 2017

Governor Ayodele Fayose has made 22 prophesies about Nigeria in 2017 saying that it will be the worst budget in the history of the country.

The governor of Ekiti who released prophesies for 2016 increased the 2017 prediction to 22.

Read 20 FAYOSE'S PROPHESIES THAT CAME TO PASS

In a statement released on Friday, December 23, Fayose noted that 90 per cent of his 2016 prophesies came to pass.



Fayose releases 22 prophesies for 

He said he was directed by the Holy Spirit to prophesy and said prayers are needed to avert calamities in the country.

“The Holy Spirit has once again led me to tell Nigerians what may happen in 2017.

“We therefore need prayer to avert further calamities in Nigeria. May God help our country.”

Below are his 2017 prophecies.

1. 2017 will be a defining year for Nigeria as there will be major revolution and uprising against the Federal Government because of economic hardship.

2. More judges perceived not to be doing the bidding of the Federal Government will be arrested and humiliated.

3. Efforts will be made to prevent Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen from being made the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

4. Dollar will go as high as N600 to $1.

5. APC-led Federal Government will still not have solution to the economic problems of the country as the economy will move from recession to depression.

6. About four ministers will be removed.

7. There will be more pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele.

8. Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) will absolve Senate President Bukola Saraki.

9. Crisis in the APC will deepen as former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will officially show intention to leave the party and declare his intention to vie for the office of the president in 2019.

10. A former Head of State/President may pass on.

Also read EX-POLICE BOSS BLASTS BUHARI

11. A new (major) party that will wrestle power from the APC will emerge.

11. More Shi’ite Muslims will be killed and Federal Government will not release the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

13. Disobedience to court order and abuse of human rights will continue. 14. Hardship will be more as poverty will continue to ravage the country.

15. The academic community will further lose confidence in the APC-led Federal Government approach to the country’s economic and political challenges.

16. Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano will be re-elected.

17. $29.9 Billion Loan: Federal Government will find it difficult to source the loan.

18. EFCC: Magu may face prosecution.

19. There will be boost in agriculture.

20. Haliburton gate may still be revisited.

21. There will be no solution to power problem as power generation will drop to all time low.

22. Performance of the Federal Government 2017 Budget will be the worst in the history of Nigeria.

HOW IBORI MOVED HIS KINSMEN TO TEARS

Hopes rose to its very peak and expectations got to its zenith on Friday, October 14, when the former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, expressed his undying eagerness to be reunited with his kinsmen in Oghara, the administrative headquarters of Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.


Elated Ibori, who is generally expected to return to his country home before the end of this year, said he cannot wait to set his foot on the soil of the oil-rich community
after several years of being away in the United Kingdom, following his extradition and subsequent conviction by a
London court.


The former Governor poured out his emotions and ecstasy in a goodwill message during the premiere summit of Oghara held in Asaba, the state capital, with a central focus on, “Oghara in Contemporary Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges”.


See HOW IBORI’S POLITICAL INFLUENCE BROKE THROUGH THE WALLS OF UK


Ibori’s message was read by the Chairman of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Hon. Moses Ogbe who, at a point in the delivery, could not hold the torrent of tears that freely flowed from his eyes.


“Please accept my gratitude for the concern over my plight and the out-pouring of goodwill and support I have received from you. You have shown me your love and concern and they comfort me through thick and thin.


Read also TRAPPED BETWEEN RECESSION AND MMM: MAN HANGS HIMSELF


“I can’t wait to set my foot on my Oghara soil again and be among my people; for Nigeria is the hub of my universe, and the Niger Delta is the hub of my Nigeria and
Oghara is the core of my beloved Niger Delta. East, West, North and South; Oghara is still the best”, said Ibori to his kinsmen who were submerged in the admixture of palpable melancholy and a true sense of heroism.


He urged indigenes of Oghara to be one another's keepers and actively join in the preservation of the town’s age-long cultural values, protection of lives and properties as well as take active part in the wholesome development of the town, adding that “the protection of every investment and government outfit in the town must be everybody’s business”.


Further, he charged the sons and daughters of Oghara to avoid denting the public image of the town which, he said, is reputable as a cordial and courteous host to government and private investments, praying that no damage is done to this public image which was bequeathed to the present generation by the founders of the town.

WHY IKA YOUTH WANT MALEKE DEAD

Nigerian comedian and musical artiste Moye Idowu, aka Maleke, narrowly escaped being lynched by thugs in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.


The attack was said to have occurred last Wednesday after the Comedian made some 'expensive' jokes on stage about Governor Ifeanyi Okowa during the 2016 Ika Carnival held at Agbor.




Moye Idowu, aka Maleke. 



"After thrilling the crowd first with some musical dance steps at the 2016 Ika Carnival, Maleke began to crack some very expensive and mocking jokes on the state governor using some harsh words on Okowa,” an eyewitness told SaharaReporters.


“After a time some thugs working with the governor, who is from Ika, made
several attempts to stop Maleke but he continued. At this stage, their tempers started to rise", the source reportedly added.


Also read YOU'RE IRRESPONSIBLE- OKOWA'S AID BLASTS MALEKE


Further, the witness, believed to be a Police Officer, said the thugs, after reinforcing by making calls to other members of their gangs, climbed up to the stage and gripped the comedian by the shirt.




Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. 



Apparently showing no fear, Maleke continued with his performance, and perhaps out of annoyance, shouted, “Okowa is an idiot! Okowa is an idiot!”


See OKOWA CONCLUDES PLANS TO DEAL WITH OVER 2,000


At that point, he said, his boss, CSP Akintude Oyeniran, the
Divisional Police Officer of the Agbor police station, along with some of his colleagues, rushed to the stage and whisked Maleke away.


In his words, "Maleke was so lucky. If not for the swift intervention of my boss and some of my colleagues, Maleke would have been beaten to a state of
coma".


When contacted, CSP Akintude Oyeniran confirmed the story saying that his swift intervention saved the life of the
comedian.


"Yes, I saved his life just as you heard the story", the Police Boss was quoted to have said.

Hmmm... Na wa o. 

YOU'RE IRRESPONSIBLE - OKOWA'S AID BLASTS MALEKE

The Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Events and Entertainment, Mr. Sebastian Okoh, has described the outburst of the popular comedian and musical artiste, Moye Idowu, aka Maleke, as personal and irresponsible.


Mr. Okoh disclosed that Maleke was invited to entertain the crowd through music and not to insult any leader, particularly Governor Okowa, who he described as the number one citizen of the state.




Mr. Sebastian Okoh. 



Recall that Maleke was invited for a performance during the 2016 Ika Carnival held at Agbor.

In what qualified as a twist of events, Maleke had reportedly tongue lashed Governor Okowa, publicly declaring that the Governor is an "idiot".


An angry mob had attempted to prey on him but men of the Nigerian police came to his rescue and saved him by whisker.


See also WHY IKA YOUTH WANT MALEKE DEAD


Mr.Okoh who spoke against the shocker event said it was aimed at tarnishing the good image of Governor Okowa who, according to him, is "hardworking and ebullient governor contrary to the views of Maleke".




Moye Idowu, aka Maleke. 



He said "as long as the carnival continues in the spirit of unity, peace and development, the organisers will not risk the likes of Maleke on the platform again based on his unguarded utterances".


Also read SAD END! IBORI’S KINSMAN DIES CELEBRATING THE EX-GOVERNOR'S FREEDOM


He expressed deeply regret for the actions, and called on the good people and friends of Ika to disregard "the unprofessional behaviour of Maleke on stage".


According to him, "In Unity, we stand, together we can make Ika move forward. Long live Ika Nation, long live Delta state, long live federal republic of Nigeria".

DELTA CONSIDERS REDUCTION OF LAND REGULARIZATION COST

With just 16 days to the expiration of the December 31 deadline issued by the State Government for the regularization of the portions of land located on the contentious Core Area two in Okpanam town, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State, there is the likelihood that the State Government will consider a further downward review of the exercise cost.


Following serial appeals made by affected landowners during a town hall meeting attended by officials of the ministry of Lands and Surveys and owners of lands in the contentious core area two, Chief Dan Okenyi, the subsisting Commissioner of the ministry, yesterday, said he will convey the appeals of the over 2,190 land owners to the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa who wields the authority to approve such reduction.


See GOVT FINDS MISSING DOCUMENTS ON CORE AREA 2


Okenyi told the landlords, many of which are civil servants, pensioners, traders and clerics, that it is not within his power to reduce the N750,000 amount slated for the regularization exercise, but pointed out that the December 31 deadline may be extended if the need arises.




Chief Frank Omare 


“You have made an appeal to government and I will tell you that your message will be adequately conveyed. I don’t have the power to reduce the price but as for the extension of the deadline, let us get to December 31 first; after December 31, we will think of what to do”, he told the land owners.


Nonetheless, he appealed to the affected landlords to immediately go for their land Regularization, adding that the fast track unit of the ministry is willing to offer an installment payment arrangement for those who may not be able to pay for the exercise at a go.


Also read OKOWA CONCLUDES PLANS TO DEAL WITH OVER 2,000 DELTANS


He disclosed that against professional advice, the State Government has no intention of demolishing structures in the core Area 2, particularly in light of the lingering economic crunch, adding that while the State Government will always show a human face in its dealings, it will also make reciprocal responses to the actions of the affected land owners.


On his part, the Director General of Special Programmes in the State, Chief Frank Omare cautioned against the tendency of personalising his official duties, noting that he had always acted in tandem with the letters of his engagement.


Check GOVT GOES TOUGH ON LAND ENCROACHMENT


Omare disclosed that he has held no fewer than 11 dialogue meetings with the affected land lords since the last three months, explaining that the serial meetings are pointers to the desire of the State Government to apply diplomacy in handling the issue.


Some of the landlords who spoke at the event appealed to Governor Okowa to approve a further reduction in the cost of the Regularization exercise and also called for more time for them to meet up with its financial demand.