Ijaw Bishop Egbebo Fortifies Labo Spiritually Ahead Bomadi LG Polls

Ijaw Bishop Egbebo Fortifies Labo Spiritually Ahead Bomadi LG Polls

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Bomadi, most Rev. Dr. Hyacinth Oroko Egbebo has wholeheartedly given his fatherly blessings to foremost Bomadi LGA council chairmanship aspirant, Hon.( Barr) Labo Fun-akpo Clifford at the Bishop's quarters, Bomadi.

Speaking exclusively to the Press after pouring genuine Eucharistic blessings and prayers to the ever determined, competent and humble Clifford, the ever dogged, upright and inspiring religious leader emphasizes on the ingenuity and divinely purposed aspiration of Barr. Clifford Labo for Bomadi LGA. He takes time to historically trace the leadership metamorphosis of Clifford Labo from when he knew him as a child, university student, teacher and now a politician.

The bishop elaborates the educational, social and sound political antecedents of the young and vibrant Clifford labo amongst his contemporaries. Without mincing words , the Bishop expresses his wish of seeing Clifford as the next chairman of Bomadi LGA . He sees him as the most competent aspirant with clear vision for the people of Bomadi LGA.

When asked for Bishop Egbebo's opinion about all the aspirants coming to him for prayers and who he truly wants to triumph.

The open minded Bishop didn't hesitate to name Hon.Barr. Labo Clifford as the new sheriff of Bomadi LGA. According to his personal disposition, the honest bishop bares his mind in the most transparent manner in recent times. In his word: " I am a religious father for all. I am not into partisan politics but will continue to exercise my religious obligations to all aspirant. To be candid with you , I have known Clifford Labo since when he was a child. I know him as a very passionate person in dispensing his endeavors and sociopolitical responsibilities. As a teacher, he was very dedicated in his duties , taught English Language excellently . He replicated the same ego in the legal profession and political appointment as the Secretary to Bomadi LGA Council for just three years .

I strongly believe he is the most outstanding aspirant even as I acknowledge the qualities of other aspirants . I am making this statement based on my personal knowledge about him. God willing, I will expect him to look at the deteriorating educational standard in Bomadi, the health sector, electricity and drinkable water amidst other important amenities as captured in his robust manifesto if he became the council chairman of Bomadi LGA. In response, Clifford thanks the Bishop and promises to prioritize the welfare of Bomadi people over selfish political interests . He appreciates the bishop's sacred blessings , vowing to promote Godly activities in Bomadi LGA. In Clifford's words ; " Thank you my dear bishop for your Godly prayers and blessings. I will take into cognizance your open advice and expectations seriously. You are the religious father of all Ijaws of which I am greatly honoured to kneel before God through your intercession.

I know many aspirants have come to you for blessings and I appreciate your reception to everyone of us. That's shows how neutral you are despite bravely saying what you know about me to Bomadi LGA people even though in a personal capacity. Once again, I thank you, the Catholic church and the Christian Faith in general for your fervent prayers to making our LGA greater. God bless you all as I anticipate victory ."

Sunny Celebrates his Boss Hon. Godknows Angele on his Birthday

Sunny Celebrates his Boss Hon. Godknows Angele on his Birthday 

The widely accepted Chairmanship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming Burutu Local Government Council elections, Hon. Prince Sunny Perekeme has rejoiced and wished his former boss now the honourable Commissioner for Housing Delta State, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, popularly known as the Ability General and Talk Na Do Chairman as he clocks plus one today.

In a birthday congratulatory message released on Sunday at Warri, the immediate past Secretary Burutu Local Government Council described his boss as a leader with passion for societal development, progress and human capital empowerment.

He stressed that Hon. Godknows Angele is a servant leader with positive mindset who believes in the principle of fairness, equity and justice by fairly distributing the dividends of democracy to the masses as a top priority for good governance. 

He said Angele legacy projects in Burutu as former two times Council Chairman will continue to speak positive for him of yesterday, today and tomorrow.

He wished him a prosperous happy birthday with sound health, God's divine protection, wisdom and longlife to continue to serve Deltans better as the honourable Commissioner for Housing Delta State.

" Once again, congratulations to my super boss with impeccable character", the statement added..

Oil Thieves Behind call to Review Tompolo Contract_IPDI tells FG

Oil Thieves Behind call to Review Tompolo Contract_IPDI tells FG

The Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI has strongly condemned calls by Oodua Peoples Congress (Reformed) and Civil Society Coalition For Mandate Protection for calling to review Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance Contract, awarded to the Niger Delta Ex-agitator, High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo.

IPDI, in a statement by its national president Comrade Ozobo Austin said it was shameful that responsible Oodua Peoples Congress (Reformed) could allow itself to be used by merchants of confusion and blackmailers to demand for review of Tompolo's Surveillance Contract in Niger Delta barely a short while of reviewing the contract.

"We are aware that selfish and failed stakeholders who were also biding for the contract were behind verbal attacks against Tompolo and Tantita Security company. It's only enemies of Niger Delta could at this time barely a few months of the renew of Tompolo's Surveillance Contract, calling again for review of such a contract.

The Oodua Congress and others, in case they forget, should know that the Niger Delta Pipeline Surveillance Contract was initiated by High Chief (Dr) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, it was part of the terms agreed upon during the signing of the presidential Amnesty Programme. Despite the pipeline security contract being initiated by Tompolo, it was awarded to the Yorubas, Calabars, and Benins from 2009 till 2022, when the Buhari led administration awarded part of the contract to Tompolo having observed that the activities of oil theft get increasing despite being superintendent by the Navy, NSCDC, Army and non-indigenous contractors.

"In case the Oodua Congress and others are poor students of history, they should know that the federal government revoked the pipeline surveillance from non-indigenous contractors and military because it loses confidence in them. It took the Buhari administration to sort for capable hands for a reasonable period of time before Tompolo was recommended from the security angle. Despite this recommendation, it was still part of the contract that was awarded to Tompolo. The bigger part which has to do with the offshore is still in the hands of the Itsekiri monarch. I feel disgusted when people of Yoruba, Itsekiri and Ilaje decide to remain mute over the large portion of the Surveillance Contract their brother is handling and continues to point fingers at Tompolo. This is very unfair and mischievous. 

"Let me state unequivocally that the Nigeria crude daily production was far below a 1000 barrel per day at the time Tompolo came on board, but today the narrative is no longer the same, we now approximately produce 1.7m barrels per day. This was the reason the federal government decided to renew the Tompolo Surveillance Contract. Tompolo has shown capacity, resilience, competence, intelligence and resourcefulness in the fight against oil theft. This is a fact why the federal government will allow Tompolo to continue being in charge of the Surveillance Contract for now. The Itsekiri monarch contract is cutting across Ijaw in scope, but no Ijaw has agitated that the contract should be revoked from the Itsekiri monarch. I am very disappointed at some unpopular stakeholders using all mediums to incite discord against Tompolo in order to get the contract awarded to them. This is shameful and desperation taken too far.

"Again, it should be stated clearly that the government is not interested about who gets what but deeply interested about who can end oil theft in the country. Till this moment, the federal government is aware that in the whole of Niger Delta there is no one who can do the surveillance job better than Tompolo,, hence all these cheap calls for contract review will end up in a deft ears of the government for now.

*We are aware that these unfounded calls have been sponsored by oil thieves and greedy contractors. Their reason is not far fetched, they want the surveillance contract to be given to the military or inexperienced and incompetent contractor to create a room for them to continue their oil theft business. The government is aware of the sinister intention of those calling on president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review or revoke the Tompolo pipeline surveillance contract.

"The whole gamut of the call to review Tompolo's Surveillance Contract is being manipulated by corrupt and greedy fellows. To think of it, despite the contract being awarded to Tompolo's Surveillance Company, it is still being handled by boys, men and women in such areas or tribes where such operations are carried out. No foreigner is employed to do the job. All the subcontractors are indigenes of the oil and gas communities in Niger Delta. 

It is a known fact the contract can't accommodate everybody in the whole community, maybe that is what some referred to as marginalisation, I don't know. 

But what I know is that no community under Tompolo's Surveillance coverage is marginalised and sidelined. 

"Therefore, I advised mischief makers and enemies of progress in Niger Delta to repent from their stock in trade and engage themselves in productive activities, rather than blackmailing and betraying a fellow brother for bread and meat. It is part of my appeal to the federal government to ignore and disregard sinister calls of perceived oil thieves to pave the way to continue their business".

LG Polls: Barr. Labo Hails Gov. Sheriff for DESIEC Release of Timetable

LG Polls: Barr. Labo Hails Gov. Sheriff for DESIEC Release of Timetable 

Warri _____ The People's Democratic Party, PDP Bomadi LGA Council Chairmanship hopeful, Hon.(Barr) Labo Fun-akpo Clifford, has commended the governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for being a man of his words on the promise of allowing the conduct of LGA polls in the state.

In a statement released on Wednesday at Bomadi, Barr. Labo emphasized that the action of Governor Sheriff shows he is a true democrat and man of the people.

Labo also praises the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission ( DESIEC) for the prompt release of the LGA elections timetable, saying it is a development that will further strengthen the democratic foundations of grassroot politicking in the state. 

Labo eulogies the Delta governor as a rare gem amongst his contemporaries when it comes to principled leadership and policy implementation. 

According to him, said:

 " The prompt release of the LGA council timetable by DESIEC has once again exemplified our amiable governor's promise to conduct the LGA council elections as soon as possible. It shows our great governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori is a man of his words in the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

The governor has played his part as a democrat, now it's left for DESIEC, political parties and stakeholders to be upright in implementing the timetable without unnecessary excuses or hitches. I thank the listening governor in this effort amongst many others. I have never seen such political will and passionate leadership displayed by our governor in recent times. He is infact a true preacher of democracy and grassroot politics. "

Meanwhile, the release of the timetable has brighten up various aspirants in their consultations toward the primaries.

Amb. Jude Ukori Appreciates Well Wishers during late wife's Burial

Amb. Jude Ukori Appreciates Well Wishers during late wife's Burial 

Warri ____ The bereaved husband, Amb. Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP) has expressed gratitude to the Deltans, Ijaw nation, Gbaramatu and Egbema kingdoms for sympathising with him and his family over the sad death of his beloved wife, late Pastor Mrs Jane Ukori nee Orubebe.

He further appreciated those who supported the family in kind and words of encouragement before and during the funeral of his late wife.

This is according to a statement he personally signed and issued to newsmen in Warri, Delta State on Sunday.

The statement reads,

"It is difficult to find the words to express our gratitude for the many kindnesses you have shown us during this sad time. I am touched by the support and care extended by everyone during the time of my dearly beloved wife's funeral. 

"Your presence, the prayers, phone calls, messages, comforting words and visits meant a great deal to us. Your acts of kindness have helped my family through this challenging time and profoundly demonstrated the spirit of love beyond measure. 

"We are unable to write your individual thank you to each one of you, considering the outpouring of support, please know that your generosity and thoughtfulness have touched us deeply knowing that we were not alone, help us bear our grief and sadness. 

"Please accept this as my humble attempt to express my deepest appreciation to each of you. I will forever cherish the love and support we have received.

Thank you once again, and may God bless you all abundantly".

Ogbobagbene thrown into mourning as remains of Mrs.Ukori laid to rest on Saturday

Ogbobagbene thrown into mourning as remains of Mrs.Ukori laid to rest on Saturday

Warri _____ There was sight and sounds of general grief and mourning among the faces of sympathizers, especially the Orubebe family in Ogbobagbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State as the remains of their lovely daughter, the wife of Amb Jude Ukori, Mrs. Jemima Kenawerekumor, Nee Orubebe was committed to mother earth on Saturday 27th April, 2024 at her country home Ogbobagbene.

The body of the departed clergy arrived at her father's compound for a brief stop over in a motorcade from Venneel Hospital Warri, at about 12:30PM, and was thereafter taken to the Glory Sanctuary Ministry Hall for a Christian funeral service. Before the procession to her compound where she was interred at about 4:50PM, highly reputable religious leaders including Arch Bishop Ogbuji Igwe, Bishop David Adomi, Rev. Mrs Ngozi Ogbuji, Rev. Irivbodje Timothy, and pastor Amos Igwe, and a host of others, poured out their heartfelt tributes alongside the children and family members.

Recall that Ogbobagbene is the country home of the Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe, witnessed an inflow of bereaved sympathizers, friends, and family members from far and near during the burial ceremony after she passed away on the 2nd of April 2024 after a brief illness.

Mrs. Ukori who was born on the 7th of April, 1969, attended Ugborikoko Primary School, Effurun-Warri Delta State, after which she proceeded to Delta State University, Abraka where she bagged a Bachelor's degree in sociology in 1998. Before her demise, Jemima Ukori was a philanthropist, who was happily married to Amb. (Comrade) Jude Ebitimi Ukori (JP) and was blessed with sets of triplets, and two sets of twins, four boys and three girls.

During the church service, a professor of law, Bello Orubebe who read the biography said, "The news of Pastor (Mrs) Jane Jemima Kenawerekumor Ukori's demise came as a shock to the families and public circles. She will be forever remembered for her impactful life". The officiating minister, Arch Bishop Ogbuji Igwe in his sermon said, "Only Christians will make heaven".

At the reception, immediately the body of the 55-year-old JJ Ukori was lowered into the grave, the Spokesperson of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Chief Godspower Gbenekama said the incident was too painful to make comments, It was a sober moment, he said.

The Heartfelt tributes from the husband, Amb Jude Ukori JP to his departed wife revealed that the sad situation was devastating. His statement in the tribute reads in part; "My lovely wife, whom l fondly called "my sweetheart", you had at all times and purpose being my immediate source of inspiration. I could have stopped without a word further but l am indebted to my Sweetheart, my Angel, My prophetess, my Sister, mother, and wife".

The president of Ijaw Publishers Forum, IPF Comrade Ozobo Austin who spoke at the ceremony, urged Jude Ukori, the children, and family members to remain strong and look up to God to fill the vacuum that had been created by the irreparable loss.

PAP: Otuaro's appointment was done on merit, not to suit any interest_IPDI

PAP: Otuaro's appointment was done on merit, not to suit any interest_IPDI

Following a call by an alleged coalition of Niger Delta Civil Society groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser to appoint a replacement of the current amnesty administrator, Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI has urged the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore such inimical, mischievous and divisive calls by sponsored groups who were hell bent to distract the new amnesty coordinator of his smart policies and programmes.

This was contained in a statement signed by its National president Comrade Ozobo Austin with a copy of it sent to newsmen in Warri,  Delta State on Saturday.

The IPDI's president said there's no existing coalition of such nature, adding that no responsible coalition would call for replacement of the new amnesty administrator barely a month of appointment.

The IPDI maintained that it was enemies of Niger Delta that were behind the call, stressing that they should promote peace and development in the region and not to promote rancor in the region.

According to IPDI, the appointment of Dr Otuaro as PAP administrator is a square peg in a square hole,  insisting that the appointment was not meant to suit any interest but was done at its merit. 

The Ijaw rights group said Dr Dennis Otuaro is very much accessible and the right man for the job, adding that his desire to reposition the amnesty programme to benefit the delegates of PAP should be embraced by all well-meaning stakeholders of the region.

He narrated that the purported coalition led by one Dennis Church Nako Francis spokesman, Elder Harrison Omini and others were hungry youth sponsored by enemies to distract the new amnesty boss from implementing his good programmes and policies.

Ozobo urged sponsors of attacks against the Amnesty boss to spend their money to feed the hungry youth they were inciting against their brother, instead of wasting it to look for cheap and unpopular recognition.

He emphasised that no well-meaning Niger Delta youth would call for a replacement of the just inaugurated administration of the presidential Amnesty board, stressing that they were a huge disappointment to the region if truly they are members of Niger Delta.

IPDI further asserted that suspected failed stakeholders who were equally looking for the appointment of PAP administrator were behind attacks against Dr Dennis Otuaro. 

Ozobo advised such individuals to repent and join hands with Dr Dennis Otuaro to reposition the amnesty programme, rather than sponsoring attacks against him.

IPDI called on the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu and NSA to ignore the activities of the faceless coalition seeking cheap recognition.

Ozobo urged PAP administrator, Dr Dennis Burutu Otuaro, not to be distracted by enemies of the region, sponsoring mischief against him, appealing that he should go ahead in a good spirits to reposition and implement his good policies and programmes for the amnesty programme.