Delta Taskforce begins demolition of illegal fences at Numa street in Warri.

Delta Taskforce begins demolition of illegal fences at Numa street in Warri. 

Warri_____The Delta  state Government, today began demolition of illegal fences and other structures built on the road in warri and environs. 

The demolition exercise began with a fence of about 35 metres and a Generator's house built on the road

The operation which was led by the state Taskforce Chairman on Environment Honourable Sylvester Oromoni said that the Residents wrote petition to say that a job awarded by NDDC was about to be truncated due to unapproved fence blocking the major part of the road.

Oromoni who swiftly intervened said that demolition of illegal structures became imperative as defaulters and violators had failed to heed several notices issued them.

He said  that Delta State Government has commenced the demolition of illegal structures across the state to bring sanity to urban areas and restore government property to their original uses. The flagrant disregard of building codes and respect for extant laws guarding property development needed to be checked, hence the exercise.

“The process has commenced in earnest in different parts of the state (Agbor,  Asaba,  Sapele etc) and those with structures on unapproved sites or without necessary building plans are hereby put on notice. We warn all those who have built on roads, Right of Way (RoW), school property and on State governments’ land to remove the property immediately as demolition of such buildings statewide has commenced.”

He added that the notices served on the defaulters still subsists, noting that whoever is caught violating the law will face the dire consequences.

Oromoni said the state government had issued warnings on the defaulters severally and would not tolerate disruption of the exercise as enough leeway was allowed for the violators to do the needful by removing the illegal structures.

An Elder with Church of God mission confirmed that notices were actually served to them but never expected it was going to be this soon but concluded that since it's for development, this is what we all craved for. 

Oromoni was accompanied by the SSA  to the Governor on special duties sir Igho Akpojotor, Comr. Kingsley Iweka, Coordinator Delta Central and south amongst others.

Just-ln: Okonjo-Iweala Emerges World Trade Organization DG

Just-ln: Okonjo-Iweala Emerges World Trade Organization DG

Francis Tayor

Nigeria’s former Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonji-Iweala has emerged the new Director General of the World Trade Organisation.

It was reported that Okonjo-Iweala was chosen as the final candidate for the much-coveted role. She polled 104 votes from 164 member countries to defeat South Korea’s trade minister at the final stage of the race.

She has broken many records, including becoming the first African to occupy win that office at the WTO.

The official announcement is expected to be made by the WTO at 3pm Nigerian time today, the statement adds.

Burutu Port: Hon. Kofee Appreciates Gov. Okowa As Delta Govt Signs MoU With Akewa Colmer Terminal Ltd

Burutu Port Resuscitation: Kofee Appreciates Gov. Okowa As Delta Govt Signs MoU With Akewa Colmer Terminal Ltd

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor of Delta State on investment, Hon. Ebisine Kofee Amasuomo has expressed appreciation to his boss, His Excellency, Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on the occasion of the signing of MoU between Delta state government and Akewa Colmer Terminal Ltd, towards the resuscitation of Burutu Port.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Warri, Hon. Kofee said Burutu Port is one of the oldest Ports in Nigeria established in 1887, but had been moribund for over 130 years. He noted that the economic importance of Burutu Port is enormous that when resuscitated, will create jobs for thousands of unemployed youths, boost the economy of Delta state by increasing the GDP, attracts infrastructural development to the state, Burutu main town and its neighboring villages. 

The Burutu born Senior Special Assistant reiterated that Delta ljaw people will be forever grateful to Gov. Okowa for bringing back Burutu Port to functional after 130 years of abandonment. 

He extends his gratitude to Chief. Kenneth Donye, the CEO Akewa Colmer Terminal Ltd for his display of candor, capacity, courage and perseverance in pursuing such investment to this point.

Finally, he thanked and appreciated the management of Delta State Investment Development Agency (DIDA), especially the Chairman, Hon. Paul Nmah and the Director General of the agency, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru for their concerted efforts towards the development of Burutu Port, the statement adds.

However, it would be recalled that, the Delta State Government has on 22nd of October, 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private indigenous investor, Akewa Colmar Terminal Ltd for the development of the Burutu Ports in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The ceremony which took place in Asaba had the Chairman Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA), Hon. Paul Nmah and the Director-General of the Agency Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru signing on behalf of the State Government, while the Chairman, Akewa Colmar Ltd, Dr Keneth Donye signed for the company to officially commence the first step of actualizing the Burutu Ports Project.

The Chairman of the Delta State Investments Development Agency (DIDA) Hon. Paul Nmah speaking at the ceremony restated Government support for the project which is geared towards the development of the State.

According to him a project of this magnitude will ensure revenue and employment generations which are key concerns of His Excellency Dr IfeanyiOkowa and it will equally help to decongest the Lagos Ports.

“If you look at what is happening in Lagos State, the congestion of ports, you can see that having this project will take away much burden from Lagos State and also enhance the development of exports and import activities in Delta State with its attendant multiplier effects,” Nmah said.

He promised the investor of State government’s support towards the success of the project.

On his part The Director-General of the Agency, Olorogun Lucky Oghene-Omoru said that the agreement signifies the importance of the project and its impact on the economy of Delta State and Nigeria in general.

He stated further that DTSG has 5% equity in the project which according to him underlines the fact that the State Government is supporting the project and it will give the company the mileage in negotiation with the Federal Government and their foreign partners.

Oghene-Omoru enjoined the Management of the company to take advantage of the various windows opened regarding off-shore funding of the project which DIDA is putting together in concert with its foreign funding partners.

Speaking earlier the Chairman Akewa Colmar Terminal Ltd, Dr Keneth Donye said that the partnership with the Delta State Government will bring about a development that will engulf the whole of West Africa and beyond.

He said that the Burutu Port is very unique and strategic haven been recommended as the most suitable for dry-docking in Nigeria by a Holland Consulting firm (Imeco Naval Consultants).

According to him its natural depth of 18m makes it the deepest and only seaport in Nigeria with the capacity to accommodate all manner of vessels in the world, such as heavy liners like the Panamas.

Speaking further on the project, he said his company has the full support of the local community and that they have the capacity to see the project to a successful conclusion.

The Chairman Burutu Local Government Area, Mr Godknows Angele, HRM BosuDio, Ebenanakowei of Iduwini Kingdom, Burutu, HRH Pere Ekpama Smart, the Pere of Okun-AghoroEkeremor in Bayelsa State and HRH I.B. Ojukonsin, the Amananawei of Aghoro II Ekeremor LGA in Bayelsa in their remarks showed their enthusiasm about the success of the project and promised their full support to ensure that the project comes to fruition.

Also present at the ceremony were top DIDA and Akewa Colmar Ltd Managements.

Buhari Nominates Prof. Yakubu As INEC Chairman For Second Term ln Office

Buhari Nominates Prof. Yakubu As INEC Chairman For Second Term ln Office

Abuja____ President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for a second term in office.

In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said in accordance with the provision of Section 154 (1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate, the nomination of Professor Mahmood Yakubu for appointment as Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a second and final term.”

Prof Yakubu was first appointed by President Buhari in November 2015.

Femi Adesina

Special Adviser to the President

(Media and Publicity)

October 27, 2020

Omo-Agege’s aide, Guanah Donates Relief Materials To Flood Victims In Delta Community

Omo-Agege’s aide, Guanah Donates Relief Materials To Flood Victims In Delta Community

Warri_____ Mr Raymos Guanah, Special Assistant to the Deputy Senate President on Political Matters, has donated relief materials, including food items, to victims of flooding in Patani Local Government area of Delta state.

He said on Monday in Patani that the items were meant to assuage the sufferings of the people of the area as a result of the flood, which had ravaged some parts of the country, with the area badly affected.

Guanah, who was represented by Mr Joseph Ekiyor, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the council area, said that the presentation of the relief materials was a way of identifying with the people in their present condition.

He put the total losses in the council area at more than N500 million in farm lands, fishing nets, fishing traps and household property.

Guanah, a former Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Delta, called on the state government and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to open up the several culverts currently under construction on the Patani/Uzere road.

This, he said, would make flow of water easy, thus prevent flooding and save the area from further disaster.

“It is time for the federal and state government as well as the NDDC and the ecological funds office to take urgent steps to address the coastal erosion problem in Abari community.

”This is devastating and Abari community may be completely washed into the river, if no urgent action is taken,’’ he said.

The aide also stressed the need for the construction of foreshore walls and embankments in the communities by the river to forestall recurrent flooding.

Responding, the Chairman of Patani Local Government council, Mr Perez Omoun, commended Guanah’s gesture, saying that he had never relented in supporting the people anytime he was called upon.

He promised that the items would be equitably distributed to the affected persons and advised relevant government agencies to urgently address the coastal erosion issue in Abari.

Just-ln: Nigerian Youths Lists 12 Demand From President Buhari To #EndSars Protest

 

Just-ln: Nigerian Youths Lists 12 Demand From President Buhari To #EndSars Protest

1a. The President Should Come Out To Address The Youths Publicly, Not On Television

1b. Every State Must Get 10 Youth Delegates That Will Go To Abuja For The Deliberation Of Our Problems Which Will Come As Conference

2. The President Must Sign The Electoral Act Amendment Bill Into Law. This Must Be Done Within 30 Days.

3. The President Must Remove All Service Chiefs And Appoint New Ones Cutting Across The 6 Geopolitical Zones.

4. Remove The Inspector General Of Police And Honourable Minister Of Police Affairs Immediately.

5. The President Must Dissolve His Cabinet Immediately And New Ones Appointed.

6. The Senate President And Speaker House Of Representative Must Address The Country Promising To Do All These Within 48 Hours.

7a. Reduce The Salaries And Allowances Of Members Of NASS

7b. Pass A Bill To Adopt Recommendations Of 2014 CONFAB.

7c. Pass A Bill For Every State Government Agency To Publish Their Monthly Income And Expenditure.

7d. Pass A Bill For Each State To Generate Its Own Electricity.

8. The President To Announce Immediate Reduction Of Petrol Pump Price.

9. The President To Announce Immediate Reduction Of Electricity Tariff.

10. The President To Apologize To Nigerian Youths For Failed Government. 

11a. The Families Of The Victims Of Peaceful Protest Should Be Compensated With A Minimum Of One Hundred Million Naira (#100,000,000) Each.

11b. The Families Of Victims Of SARS And Police Brutality To Be Compensated As 11a Above And The Officers Tried Publicly.

12. If The President Cannot Do All These, Let Him Resign.

Signed: Concerned Nigerian Youths.

Please Make It Go Viral. Don't Keep Without Sharing Please. They Must Hear Our Voice.

Maritime University, Our Activism Was Not In Vain, Says Ezekiel, Ozobo

Maritime University Okerenkoko, Our Activism Was Not In Vain, Says Ezekiel, Ozobo

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The former spokesman of the foremost Niger Delta based human rights group known as ljaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI), Comrade Daniel Pere Ezekiel and the incumbent President of the group, Comrade Austin Ozobo has said the fully operation of academic activities at  the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko in Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, is a clear testament that their human rights activism over the years has yielded positive result, and that it was not in vain.

The duo, who are now Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and Special Assistant (SA) to the executive governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa on Security/Political Matters made the statement during the weekend at Kurutie, the temporary site of the institution stressed that, after the foremost Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief. Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo had influenced the University to the region in 2015, some jealous enemies of progress from Niger Delta in collaboration with Nigerian government tried to thwart the institution from existence, thereby caused unnecessary delay for academic activities to kick off.

They stated that due to the ill intentions of those unscrupulous elements trying to quenched the institution at then, the likes of IPDI join its voice with other human right groups in the Niger Delta region to consistently engaged President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government in what it called intellectual battle to a stand still, whereby the government have no other choice than to release funds for the smooth running of academic activities in the institution.

In his reaction, Comrade Ezekiel emphasized that he was arrested and detained at DSS custody, Abuja for two years due to his activism struggle against oppression, bad government, traitors and fighting for justice for GOC Tompolo when he was declared wanted by the Nigerian government.

" Today, l am happy to see that our hard labour in the past had yielded fruit. Here is the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko we fought for over the years is now fully established with over three thousands (3,000) staff gainfully employed. Our people unlike in the days of our fathers, now have access to quality education within our domain without travelling down to the far Western, Northern and Eastern part of Nigeria to study. This is the Lord's doing. When you fight for a just cause, God will fight for you, and justice must prevail at the end despite the tribulations along the way, Ezekiel stated."

In another reaction, Comrade Ozobo reiterated that more good things are coming to the Niger Delta region if only we as a people are united in the struggle.

" Our next level in the struggle is Resource Control, Restructure, True Federalism and a call for Referendum for Nigerians to decide which way to go. We cannot remain in this battered nation whereby a particular ethnic group will claimed ownership of the entire country when there are over two hundred and fifty (250) ethnic nationalities. Enough is enough, Ozobo concluded.

However, among the entourage of the two political appointees include; Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror News Online, Comrade Paul Akpowaide, National President Ijaw Political Watch Dog, Comrade Uluku Obed, Senior Correspondent Coastal Time News Media, Comrade. Olu Priye Oyeh,  SSA Security to Edo State governor, Comrade Bright Semienghan, SA to Edo state Governor, Comrade. Endurance Ogbise SA to Edo state Governor and Comrade Ogidigba Ebierin respectively.

Taskforce On Environment Clean Up Delta After #ENDSARS Protests

Taskforce On Environment Clean Up Delta After #ENDSARS Protests 

Delta State taskforce on environment in collaboration with Uvwie LGA Council, #CleanWarri group, Private Sector Participants PSP, Darlinz Interior & Clean Service other volunteers today cleared up debris and other plastic wastes littered on the streets of Warri and Effurun by the #ENDSARS protesters over the past two weeks. 

The exercise was conducted in line with the Delta State government keep Delta state clean mantra to give the aesthetics a befitting look. 

Speaking during the exercise, the State Taskforce Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Oromoni appreciated the state taskforce marshals and other partners who placed premium on our environment. 

Oromoni said that the #ENDSARS protesters have messed up the whole city of Warri and the state capital, Asaba with all kinds of polythene bags, can water wastes, broken bottles among other plastic wastes. 

"Yesterday, myself, SSG and Commissioner of Environment carried out the same clean up exercise in Asaba. 

"Today, we decided to come over to Warri because Warri was one of the flashpoints of the #ENDSARS protests and was greatly felt in the state." 

He therefore, charged the Nigerian youths, especially Deltans to exercise patience and be law abiding, stressing that Delta state government has already set up judicial panel of inquiry to look into their demands, he stated." 

The State Taskforce Chairman was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Environment, Chief. Peter Abugewa, Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Security Matters, Emmanuel Udoka, the Coordinator in charge of Delta South/Central, Comrade Kingsley Iweka, taskforce Supervisors from Uvwie and Warri among others.

Delta: Gbagi sympathises with Ughelli-South flood victims

PRESS STATEMENT 

Delta: Gbagi sympathises with Ughelli-South flood victims 

Former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has sympathised with flood victims displaced from their homes in several communities of Ughelli-South Local Government Area in Delta State. 

Gbagi in a statement issued to the media on Saturday, described as “devastating” and “tragic”, the recent flooding of communities which rendered many homeless. 

While seeking the intervention of the Delta State Government in addressing the problems caused by flooding in the area, the former Minister also urged the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to provide relief materials to all those affected. 

“I wish to sympathize with the victims of recent flooding in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. 

“While it is indeed tragic and devastating that residents of several communities within the local government have been rendered homeless as a result of the natural disaster, it however brings to fore the need to address the ecological challenges of the area. 

“I, therefore, appeal to the Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, to come to the aid of residents of Ughelli South by putting in more effort towards ensuring that the problem of flooding is addressed by the State Government. 

“I also urge the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to provide relief materials to all those displaced from their homes as a result of severe flooding in the area.

“I believe that doing so will to a great extent reduce their sufferings from the hardship presently faced as a result of their inability to attend to their basic needs and that of families at the moment,” Gbagi said. 

Signed:

Olorogun (Barr.) Kenneth Gbagi, FNIM

Saturday, 24th October, 2020

Hon. Felix Celebrates Chief. Izoukumor As He Clocks Plus One Today

Hon. Felix Celebrates Chief. Izoukumor As He Clocks Plus One Today

A former Councillorship aspirant in Ogbe-ljoh Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, Hon. Felix Yerinbowei Company, popularly known as Ycom has felicitated with his boss, Chief. Favour Ogbeyerine Izoukumor as he clocks plus one today.

In a congratulatory message to the former DESOPADEC Commissioner and the current PDP Chairman Warri South-West LGA of Delta State, Ycom noted that Chief Izoukumor humble beginning, commitment towards forging peace, grassroot development, detribalized, humanitarian service and nationalistic disposition are among qualities that have distinguished him as one of the great sons of Ogbe-ljoh Warri Kingdom and Warri South-West LGA at large. 

He expressed that many youths of Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom are empowered through the benevolence act of Izoukumor, stressing that they would be further inspired by his selfless and exemplary leadership style he established.

According to Felix, said: “ on behalf of the Ward 1 PDP Woman Leader, Chief. Rose Donokoromor, Wabu Ladies of Niger Delta, Ogbe Ebidou-Ogbo Women, lgentua-Ogbo Women, Ogbe-ljoh Traditional Women Council, Ogbe-ljoh Co-operative Women, Mama Queen and her beautiful women, I congratulate our boss, Chief. Favour Izoukumor as he clocks plus one today.

“I pray that God grants him long and fulfilling life as he continues to contribute towards the progress of Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State and Nigeria at large, the statement adds".

Stop Dragging Tompolo Name To Hit Up Tension, Egbesu Brotherhood Warns Enemies Of Progress

Stop Dragging Tompolo Name To Hit Up Tension, Egbesu Brotherhood Warns Enemies Of Progress

Francis Tayor

A Niger Delta Traditional Religious organization under the aegis of Egbesu Brotherhood has warned enemies of progress, especially rumor/war mongers to henceforth stop meddling the name of their reverend leader, High Chief. Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo into the already tensed situation in the country, stressing that Tompolo's recent trending thanksgiving service photos/videos online was to celebrate his freedom victory at Federal High Court, Lagos on July 15th, this year.

The group in a Press Statement released on Friday 23rd, October and signed by its National Deputy Coordinator, Comrade Ellington Bakumor stated that Tompolo's freedom victory thanksgiving service only coincided with the #ENDSARS Protest in the country, and that Tompolo does not plan to declare any war against Nigerian government as being alleged by rumor mongers and enemies of progress. 

"  He only pray for peace, progress, prosperity and development in ljawland, Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole, warning those war mongers to stay clear from Tompolo's personality, Bakumor stated."

According to the Press Statement, read: "It has come to our notice that there is a fake news or rather a propaganda flying around that our reverend leader, High Chief. Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo has been trending on twitter, and other social media platform for the past few days.  

These war mongers who were busy pushing for the country to burnt  down seemed to be in jubilant mode that a new video which surfaced of him dancing in a crowd of followers was a rehearsal to declare war on Nigeria. This is absolutely not True, as he was only celebrating his High Court victory and had nothing to do with war, that must have just been a coincidence.

They are suddenly looking for who will have the war chest to join a war they wanted without any plan. 

We are calling on the general public to note that Tompolo is not out for war, he was simply thanking the Deities of Ijaw land for his court victory and also praying for the peace of Ijaw nation, the Niger delta and Nigeria at large. Tompolo also doesn’t run a social media account, he’s neither on facebook, Twitter or Instagram, he doesn’t even have a personal email address.

Hence we urge those using his picture for any form of social media or protest to stop while we charged rumor and war mongers to embrace peace and dialogue and not use the face of our leader for their wicked agenda or propaganda, even as I call on genuine protesters to suspend protests for now as criminal elements have infiltrated the ranks to wreck havoc, which defeats the purpose of the protest. 

We should be able to conduct ourselves in a civilized manner. I also want to use this medium to advice delta state Youths to please Obey the curfew Order of his Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, while restrategizing on a more peaceful approach in addressing our concerns to the Government."

Comrade Ellington Bakumor ,

Deputy Cordinator Egbesu Brotherhood.....

Just-ln: Gov. Okowa Imposes 48hrs curfew on Deltan's

Just-ln: Gov. Okowa Imposes 48hrs curfew on Deltan's 

Delta state governor, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has imposed 48hrs Curfew in Delta State, starting from 6pm today. 

Okowa further Orders closure of public and private primary and secondary schools till Monday, 2nd November, 2020.

EndSars: Mulade Appeals To Nigerian Youths To Stop Offensive Protest, Urges Buhari To Call Security Agencies To Order

EndSars: Mulade Appeals To Nigerian Youths To Stop Offensive Protest, Urges Buhari To Call Security Agencies To Order

Francis Tayor

Yenagoa_____ A leading civil society organisation in Nigeria, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has called on the EndSARS protesters to remain peaceful, end the protest and embrace dialogue with relevant authorities, in order to save lives and property.

Speaking on behalf of the NGO, in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State Capital, its National Coordinator, Comrade Mulade Sheriff said it has become necessary to call on Nigerian youths, particularly the ENDSARS protesters to stop the protest since their peaceful protest has turned violent with bloodshed and wanton destruction of lives and property.

He appealed to them to listen to the voices of reasoning and end the protest now, as they had registered their demands through organized and peaceful protests in parts of the country.

Comrade Mulade stated that the youths taking to the streets symbolized a rebirth, a new dawn in the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria. He described the protest as an eye opener and a road map to good governance in the country. 

The CEPEJ Boss then appealed to the youths to stop the offensive so as not to attract similar reactions from security operatives. In his words; “there is definitely going to be a turn around and positive changes are likely going to occur; this is the best time to back out from the protest that has gained global recognition, especially when the ovation is loudest, and Government at all levels and religious leaders have heard their voices.“ 

Comrade Mulade also strongly appealed to all Nigerians to give peace a chance to enable President Muhammadu Buhari, State Governors and other authorities, address the concerns of the Nigerian youths.

He appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on security agencies to exercise caution so as not to shoot at armless and peaceful protesters legitimately requesting for good governance, justice, as well as an end to police brutality and corruption. 

He said CEPEJ, like all other civil society organisations, is closely watching and taking record of actions, inactions and reactions of the various stakeholders in the EndSARS protests, and urged government at all levels to demonstrate its political will by taking positive and decisive steps to address the genuine requests made by the Nigerian youths during the protests.

EndSars Protest: IGP Orders Deployment Of Anti-Riot Police Officers Over Attacks On Police Facilities Nationwide

#EndSars Protest: IGP Orders Deployment Of Anti-Riot Police Officers Over Attacks On Police Facilities Nationwide

......Charges Officers To Protect Lives And Defend Critical Infrastructure 

Abuja____The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered immediate nationwide deployment of anti-riot police unit - the Police Mobile Force (PMF) - to protect lives and property of all Nigerians and secure critical national infrastructure across the country. The IGP has also ordered massive deployment of Police operatives to strengthen security around Correctional facilities nationwide. The orders are coming on the heels of increasing attacks including acts of arson and malicious damage to public and private facilities as recorded in some States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Consequently, the Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six (36) States of the Federation and the FCT are to identify and isolate law-breakers from peaceful protesters; immediately arrest and diligently prosecute such perpetrators of violence in their respective Commands. The IGP notes that twelve (12) suspects have been arrested in connection with the attacks and arson on Police Stations in Benin, Edo State. Five (5) AK47 rifles earlier stolen from vandalized Police Stations have also been recovered.

The Inspector-General of Police calls on members of the public to avail the police with useful information that can lead to the re-arrest of the fleeing inmates, unlawfully released from Correctional facilities. Meanwhile, the IGP has advised parents/guardians to prevail on their children/wards to steer-clear of acts of violence and criminality as the Force will henceforth exercise the full powers of the law to prevent any further attempt on lives and property of citizens.

DCP FRANK MBA

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS

ABUJA.

Tompolo Bounce Back To Limelight After 6Years On The Run, Greets Ijaw Deities

Tompolo Bounce Back To Limelight After 6Years On The Run, Greets Ijaw Deities

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ Former Niger Delta agitator cum freedom fighter, High Chief. Government Epkemupolo alia Tompolo GOC, has surfaced on public function after six years on the run as he greeted the ljaw deities on his freedom at Oporoza Gbaramatu Kingdom Headquarters in Warri South-West LGA, Delta State.

It would be recalled that Tompolo alongside former NIMASA DG, Akpobolokaemi Ziakede, Engr. Kime Engozi among others were accused of financial fraud by the Nigeria Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), and Tompolo was declared wanted in 2015. But the said allegations were politically motivated and the charges leveled against Tompolo by EFCC was stroke out by Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on July 15th, 2020 this year which culminated to the freedom of the ex-Niger Delta war lord.

Tompolo who appeared on white wrapper tired on the waist with a comrade look like short sleeve top expressed appreciation to the gods of ljaw land for vindicating him as innocence before the Nigerian government.

He was however, accompanied for the traditional thanksgiving service at Oporoza with his close allies including; former NIMASA DG, Mr. Akpobolokaemi Ziakede, Chief. Dennis Otuaro, Engr. Kestin Pondi, Chief. Benjamin Ekeremor, Chief. Ebipade Kari, Roland Ekpemupolo, Chief. Vero Emmanuel, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel among other illustrious sons and daughters all over ljaw nation.

Exclusive: President Buhari's Plot To Capture Nigeria For Fulani/Hausa People Revealed

Exclusive: President Buhari's Plot To Capture Nigeria For Fulani/Hausa People Revealed

Last night the Federal Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed was on the National Television, the NTA, ostensibly to educate Nigerians on what the Buhari government has done to pacify the EndSars Nigerian Youths protesters.

Maybe due to the weight of the subject or the scare most the government people have received since the protests started, Mr. Lai Mohammed, looked pale and sickly.  He was beside himself without his usual gift of sophistry. And he, of course, laboured hard to do justice to the topic.

I was not convinced in the least. I do not know about you.

During the course of the programme, Alhaji Lai kept repeating the fact that the government had granted all the requests of the protesters and yet they have refused to leave the streets and allow for a free flow of human and vehicular traffic.

He even went as far using the unfortunate incident at Osun State involving Governor Gboyega Oyetola as a case study that the protests have been hijacked by what he called, " the enemies of the country". And he, like other highly placed Nigerians and the beneficiaries of the lopsided system Nigeria operates, is frantically looking for the the sponsors of the EndSars Movement.

In a note of resignation, Lai Mohammed who eventually occupied a major portion of today's Radio Nigerian news with his preachment on the futility of continuing with the protests, asked, "What do the protesters want?"

I will answer him right away.

Mr. Lai Mohammed, Nigerian Youths are tired of the system that has made Nigerians fugitives, refugees, and victims of government insensitivity, in their own country. And there are thousands of reasons for such a protest to go on and on.

While the problem did not start with the Buhari government but an objective analysis of his administration will reveal a sinister plot of the gradual *Northernization* of the Nigerian Federation.

Never in the history of this country has a President been this insensitive to the plight of Nigerians. Nor is there any comparison in our history of the kind of ethnic agenda the Buhari government is a champion of.

Follow me through the list:

1 Muhammadu Buhari, President and Minister of Petroleum *North*

2 Ahmed Lawan, Senate President  *North*

3 Tanko Mohammed, Chief Justice of the Federation  *North*

4 Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal  *North*

5 Ahmed Idris Wase, Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives  *North*

6 Babagana Monguno, National Security Adviser  *North* 

 

7 Boss Mustapha, Secretary to Government of the Federation  *North*

8 Lt. General Yusuf Buratai, Chief of Army Staff  *North*

9 Air Marshall Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff  *North*

10 Muhammed Adamu, Inspector General of Police  *North*

11 Hameed Ali, Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service  *North*

12 Ja'afaru Ahmed, Comptroller General, Nigerian Correctional Service  *North*

13 Mohammed Babandede, Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service  *North*

14 Abdullahi Gana Mohammed, Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps  *North*

15 Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, Chairman, DSS  *North*

16 AVM Muhammed Usman,  Chief of Defence Intelligence *North*

17 Muhammed Mustapha Abdallah, Chairman/CEO, NDLEA  *North*

18 Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, DG NYSC  *North*

19 Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, DG, National Intelligence Agency  *North*

20 Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance  *North*

21 Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy  *North*

22 Sabo Nanono, Minister of Agriculture    *North*

23 Suleiman Adamu, Minister of Water Resources, *North*

24 Mohammed Bello, FCT Minister  *North*

25 Ramatu Tijjani, FCT Minister of State  *North*

26 Abubakar Malami, Attorney General and Minister for Justice  *North*

27 Ahmed Idris, Accountant General  *North*

28 Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, NNPC  *North*

29 Garba Abari, DG National Orientation Agency  *North*

30 Mohammed Nami, Chairman FIRS  *North*

31 Bashir Jamoh, DG, NIMASA  *North*

32 Hadiza Bala Usman, Chairman Nigerian Ports Authority  *North*

33 Mansur Liman, DG, FRCN  *North*

34 Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, DG, NTA  *North*

35 Nasiru Ladan Argungu, DG, NDE  *North*

36 Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive Secretary, NUC  *North*

37 Prof. Umar Dambatta, Executive Secretary, NCC *North*

38 Kashim Ibrahim Imam, Executive Secretary, TETFUND  *North*

39 AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed, DG, NEMA  *North*

40 Lamido Yuguda, DG, Securities and Exchange Commission  *North*

41 Prof. Mohammed Sambo, Executive Secretary, NHIS  *North*

42 Prof. Armstrong Idachaba, DG, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission  *North*

43 Prof. Aliyu Jauro, DG, NESREA  *North*

44 Nurudeen Rafindadi, MD, FERMA  *North*

45 Musa Nuhu, DG, NCAA  *North*

46 Rabiu Yadudu, MD, FAAN  *North*

47 Garba Abubakar, Rigistrar General, CAC  *North*

48 Abdulkarim Obaje, National Co-ordinator, CSDP  *North*

49 Mrs Aisha Dahiru-Umar, acting DG, PENCOM  *North*

50 Abdullahi Kachifu, DG, NITDA  *North*

51 Abubakar Abba Bello, MD, NEXIM Bank  *North*

52 Aliyu Abdulhameed, MD, NIRSAL  *North*

53 Hassan Alwan, acting MD, Bank of Agriculture  *North*

54 Ahmed Dangiwa, MD, FMBN  *North*

56 Adamu Adaji, DG, National Boundary Commission  *North*

60 Ahmed Kadi Amshi, Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission  *North*

61 Hamid Bobboi, Executive Secretary, UBEC  *North*

62 Abdulaziz Aliyu, DG, National Identity Management Commission  *North*

63 Maimuna Yaya Abubakar, Chairman, NIPOST  *North*

64 Ahmed Kuru, MD, AMCON  *North*

65 Yusuf Asir Danbatta,  acting Secretary, National Assembly Service Commission  *North*

66 Gambo Aliyu, DG, NACA  *North*

67 Mamman Ahmadu, DG, BPP  *North*

68 Bukhari Bello, Chairman, FRSC  *North*

69 Mohammed Jibrin, DG, National Board for Technology Incubation  *North*

70 Prof. Abubakar Sharabutu, Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria  *North*

71 Ibrahim Goni, Conservator General, National Parks Service  *North*

72 Hassan Bello, Ex-Sec/CEO, Nigerian Shippers' Council  *North*

73 Prof. Isah Hayatu Ciroma, DG, Nigerian Law School  *North*

74 Muhammed Umar, acting EFCC Chairman  *North*

75 Faisal Shuaibu, ED/CEO, Nigerian Primary Healthcare  *North*

76 Umaru Ibrahim, MD, NDIC  *North*

77 Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, MD/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency  *North*

78 Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz, acting MD, Transmission Company of Nigeria *North*

79 Saliu Buntu, MD, Federal Housing Authority  *North*

80 Muhammed Umar, Director, DPP  *North*

81 Saidu Malama, Chairman, Solid Mineral Fund  *North*

82 Abdulkadir Saidu, Ex-Sec, PPPRA  *North*

83 Dasuki Arabi, DG, Bureau of Public Service Reforms  *North*

84 Prof. Adam Okene Ahmed, acting Provost, Nigerian Defence Academy  *North*

85 Baba Muhammadu Aliyu, Ex-Sec, Federal Commission for Colleges of Education  *North*

86 Prof. Ahmed Tijani Mora, Chairman, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria *North*

87  Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, Ex-Sec, Center for Crisis Communication  *North*

88 Muheeda Farida Dankaka, Chairman, Federal Character Commission  *North*

89  Fatima Shinkafi, Ex-Sec, Solid Mineral Fund  *North*

90 Sen. Basheer Mohammed, Chairman, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and IDPs  *North*

91 Prof. Muhammed Taofiq Ladan, DG, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS)  *North*

92 Bala Yabani Mohammed, acting Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly  *North*

93 Dauda Ibrahim El-ladan, acting Clerk of the Senate *North*

94 John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court  *North*

95 Major General Sarham Jamilu, Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy *North*

*Waooooooooh*

This is in conjunction with numerous Permanent Secretary and Director positions in the Civil Service. Not to talk of choice ambassadorial postings

Are you aware that both the Chairmen of the Senate and Reps committee on the Army and the Airforce are from the *North?*

We are not done yet. Look at that list again and you get the worst shock of your life.

I will help you out again.

If you look at the list once more, you will see that:

(A) Revenue Agencies

NNPC, NPA, Customs, FIRS, CAC, TCN, NCAA, FAAN, NIMASA, National Parks, Solid Mineral Fund and Immigration.

(B)ICT

NOA, NCC, FRCN, NITDA, NTA, NBC

(C) Security, Intelligence and Paramilitary

COAS, CAS, Customs, Immigration, IGP, DSS, NDLEA, NSCDC, NDA, NIA, NYSC, Correctional Service and Defence Intelligence.

(D)Education

NUC, Tetfund, Law School, NDA, NIALS, NILDS, Agric Research Council and Technology Incubation.

(E) All the Federal Govt Banks and other Financial Agency

NIRSAL, NDIC, NEXIM, AMCON, FMBN and BOA.

( F ) Interventionist Agencies

FERMA, SMEDAN, NDE, NEMA, PPPRA, NESREA, CSDP, EFCC, and REA

( H ) Judiciary

Supreme Court, Court of Apeal and Federal High Court

*are all headed by the people from the North*

Buhari has *captured* Nigeria for his people. 

What Othman Danfodio could not do with his sword. What Ahmadu Bello failed to achieve despite his aristocratic posturing. What IBB never contemplated even with his guile. What Abacha never thought of with his brashness and devil may care attitude.

*But Buhari has done it.*

And will someone inform Mr. Lai Mohammed that none of the federations that were structured the way Nigeria is now ever lived to tell their stories?

Nigerian Youths want besides a holistic *Police Reform*,

*Judicial Reform*

*A People's Constitution*

*Electoral Reform*

*Civil Service Reform*

*Access to opportunities*

*End to Quota System*

*Reduction in the Cost of Governance*

*Health Sector Reform*

*Education Sector Reform*

*End to the State of Origin Requirement*

*Transparency in Government business,*

among others.

If President Buhari cannot guarantee the fulfilment of these demands in record time, then let him resign and go home.

In the meantime, *Let the Protests go on. Nigeria belongs to the Youths!*

Asari Dokubo Advises Goodluck Not To Contest President 2023, Says He Would Be Disgraced By Northerners lf He Do

Asari Dokubo Advises Goodluck Not To Contest President 2023, Says He Would Be Disgraced By Northerners lf He Do

Francis Tayor

Ex-Niger Delta warlord, Alhaji Asari Dokubo has cautioned former President Goodluck Jonathan not to fall for calls by emissaries beckoning on him to run for the 2023 presidential election.

Alhaji Dokubo in a fiery 8:57minutes video on his Facebook page on Sunday, also addressed Niger Deltans participating in the nationwide #ENDSARS protest which he described as a waste of time.

He also lamented the poor funding of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC compared to the North East Development Commission, NEDC stating that regardless of the debt owed the NDDC by multi-national oil companies for the development of the region, the Federal Government has failed to do anything in ensuring that the debts are paid to the agency.

Despite being a strong supporter of Dr. Goodluck while in and out of office, Asari who expressed displeasure over his consistent visits to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, used unprintable words on the former president who he lampooned for consistently visiting the Presidential Villa.

He said: “Goodluck Jonathan is now fooling himself running around to Aso Rock thinking that they are going to give him the presidency come 2023.

“They are not going to give you (Jonathan) anything. They will disgrace you and take away that small respect that you have and throw you in the trash can. But we are watching, let them prove us wrong and let us see.”

On the ongoing nationwide protest, he said: “There is nothing to restructure or remodel about Nigeria. Instead of wasting our (Niger Deltans) time in cooporating with the Yorubas and Ibos in ENDSARS or restructuring protests, the only solution as Niger Delta people is to team together with the Ogonis and the Ibos and Efiks and reinvent Biafra because nobody can oppress the Ijaw man in Biafra.

“What we need to do is to seek ye first the political kingdom and every other thing will be added to you because you will control and hold your oil.

“Anything else is not going to work unless we stand up and fight for Biafra. Anybody talking about restructuring, Niger Delta republic or an Ibo Biafra is an enemy of our people because biafra must surely come whether you like it or not, Asari stated."

ENDSARS PROTEST AND THE URGENT NEED TO RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY#

#ENDSARS PROTEST AND THE URGENT NEED TO RESTRUCTURE NIGERIA POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY#

By Oyinbi Onduku

During the weekend, l had an encounter with the king of ljaw high life owigiri music, King. Pereama Freetown (JP), Chief. Julius Fuludu, Prince Samisco Okpe and Comrade Tomone Obed, where l engaged them on the urgent need to restructure Nigeria politically and economically if we really want to continue as one indivisible entity or we disengaged from the British Colonial Master's by force marriage we found ourselves over the past 100 years.

In our crucial interaction, l bring to their notice that, a foremost German Philosopher Karl Max, once said every system has a contradiction and that contradiction will bring the system to an end one day. Today, the interior motive of the Queen of England behind the ceding of 60% of the total Landmass of Nigeria to the Hausa/Fulani Northern Oligarchy to the detriment of the other regions in the country is gradually coming to an end if the ongoing protest of Nigerian youths against bad government is taken for granted.

The problem of Nigeria started in 1900_1914, when the British Colonial Master, the Queen of England divided the entire landmass of Nigeria into South and North, whereby they apportioned 60% of the total Landmass of Nigeria to the Northerners while the whole of South-South, South-West and South-East where given 40%.

That is where the problem of inequality and political imbalance started in Nigeria, whereby the North will always determine who becomes the President of the country at the centre. Whenever the North form an alliance with any region of the country, they will always determine and produce the President of the country.

 

For Nigeria to move forward, the issue of inequality must be first of all properly addressed, whereby one ethnic group will not feel cheated and oppressed by other ethnic group. The nation Nigeria as it is, we cannot move forward neither move backward due to the pre-lndependence political arrangement put in place by the British Colonial Masters. 

The indivisibility of Nigeria can only stand When there is political and economic restructure, whereby we decongest the power at the centre and fall back to regional system to enable each region control her resources and pay tax to the centre government. It is then, we can happily live as one indivisible Nigeria if not, there will be no peace, progress,and even development in the country. 

*Let the #ENDSARS/RESTRUCTURE#NIGERIANOW/BADGOVERNMENT PROTEST CONTINUE... until we go back to roundtable dialogue and put things in order*

Osibanjo Orders State Governors To Take Charge Of Police Tactical Units

Osibanjo Orders State Governors To Take Charge Of Police Tactical Units

                   

... Set up Judicial Panels of inquiry to investigate police brutality in all states, FCT within six months

..... NEC also directs Governors to provide special fund in all states to compensate victims of police brutality

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ Rising from its monthly meeting, the National Economic Council has directed the immediate establishment of State-based Judicial Panels of Inquiry across the country to receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings with a view to delivering justice for all victims of the dissolved SARS and other police units.

 

The Council specifically resolved that State Governors and the FCT Minister should take charge of interface and contact with the protesters in their respective domains.

 

At a meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and attended by State Governors, the Judicial Panels which would be set up in all the States would include representatives of Youths, Students, Civil Society Organizations and would be chaired by a respected retired State High Court Judge.

 

The Council also directed that State Governors should immediately establish a State-based Special Security and Human Rights Committee to be chaired by the Governors in their States, to supervise the newly formed police tactical units and all other security agencies located in the State.

The idea of the Special Security and Human Rights Committee in all States of the Federation and the FCT is to ensure that police formations and other security agencies in the State consistently protect the Human Rights of citizens.

 

Members of the Special Committee would also include Representatives of Youths and Civil Society. The head of Police tactical units in each of the States would also be a member of the Committee.

 

Regarding the Judicial Panel of Inquiry, each State Government is to set up the Panel, chaired by a retired High Court Judge, with other members selected by the State Governor as follows:

*Two representatives of Civil Society groups

*One Retired Police Officer of high repute

*One Youth Representative

*One Student Representative

*One Representative of the State Attorney-General and a representative from the National Human Rights Commission.

 

The terms of reference for the Judicial Panel is to -

*receive and investigate complaints of Police brutality or related extra-judicial killings;

*evaluate evidence presented/other surrounding circumstances, and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints; and

*recommend compensation and other remedial measures, where appropriate.

 

The Panel’s assignment should be concluded within a maximum of six (6) months, unless it shows convincing reasons why the State Governor should allow an extension.

There would also be Human Rights Public Complaints Team of between 2 to 3 persons to receive complaints on an ongoing basis. That team would be established by the Special Committee on Security and Human Rights.

 

It was resolved that each State Government shall also set up such a Complaints Office to which members of the public can relate by telephone or social media channels.

 

It shall be the duty of the officers of the Complaints Office to liaise with the leadership of security agencies, attempt resolution of complaints or otherwise guide the complainants.

 

Also, NEC directs all State Governors to immediately establish a Victims Fund to enable the payment of monetary compensation to deserving victims.

Okowa Urges Delta Youths To Be Positive Minded, lnaugurates Delta State Chapter Of Nigeria Youth Organization

Okowa Urges Delta Youths To Be Positive Minded, lnaugurates Delta State Chapter Of Nigeria Youth Organization

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The executive governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has called on the youths of the state to be positive minded and maintain peace and order, stressing that the youths should take advantage of the state government "SMART AGENDA" in order to make life meaningful for themselves in the society.

Gov. Okowa gave the charge on Saturday through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Security Matters, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel at Ughelli, during Delta Youth Summit organized by Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO) Delta State Chapter, under the Chairmanship of Comrade Gometi Crested.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant, Ezekiel commended Comrade. Crested Gometi for bringing Delta youths together for a life changing program.

He appreciated the youths who make themselves available for the epoc making summit,  noting that governor Okowa is a youth friendly leader who has put a lot of programs in his administration for Delta youths. 

He however, charged the youths to be positive minded and always tow the part of peace, stressing that Delta state government is preparing reliable youths for leadership position.

In his reaction, the first guest speaker at the summit, Dr. Oghounu Ajiroghene Eric, who speak on the Theme tagged: " Enhancing Security Through Youths Engagement," asserted that if youths are genuinely and meaningfully engaged by government and other private organizations, there will be peace and adequate security in our society. 

In her speech, the second speaker, Mrs. Uche Emeka urged government and private individuals to empower youths through vocational training, involve them in decision making, education, gift and talent development among other programs. She further charged youths to identify their talents and build on it without waiting on government. Youths can learn a trade, lCT, Agriculture, or attach themselves with business owners so as to learn the skills of business and make a living out of it, she added.

While in his goodwill message, the Special Assistant (SA) to governor Okowa on Political Matters, Comrade Austin Ozobo admonished Delta youths to be productive, develop their talents ahead of opportunity, noting that opportunity only comes to those who are fully prepared.

However, climax of the event was the successful inauguration of Delta State Chapter of Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO), and presentation of Award of Excellence to the Senior Special Assistant to governor Okowa on Security Matters, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel in recognition of his wonderful contributions to the SMART AGENDA administration.

World Food Day: Engr. Fuludu Calls On Agric Stakeholders To Strengthen Food Security, Charges Govt To Support Farmers

World Food Day: Engr. Fuludu Calls On Agric Stakeholders To Strengthen Food Security, Charges Govt To Support Farmers 

Francis Tayor 

Warri_____ As the world Celebrates World’s Food Day, a group under the aegis of Farm Development Volunteers Initiative (FADEVOIN) had called on stakeholders in the agricultural sector to scale up actions to strengthen food security in the country.

The Executive Director, FADEVOIN, Comrade ( Engr.) Raphael Fuludu, made this call in Warri during a press briefing to mark #WorldFoodDay2020.

He said every 16th October each year is an international day set aside in honour of the date for founding the United Nations (UN) Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1945.

He added that this year’s theme, “Grow, Nourish and Sustain, together” was timely and apt since it has shown how vulnerable we are when we don’t sustain our food growth.

Fuludu further noted that this year’s “World Food Day 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of FAO in an exceptional moment as the world at large is dealing with the widespread effects of the global pandemic.”

While noting that Covid-19 pandemic had provided the opportunity for reflection, Fuludu called on decision makers in government to look into the future in line with the theme of this year’s celebration.

He said, Government should as a matter of urgency accelerate and scale up actions to strengthen food security by supporting farmers and agro processors alike to do better even as we build back and improve our food systems.”

Comrade Fuludu, used the medium to celebrate all “Farm Heroes” who are working so hard to provide food for our nation’s growing population.

He also admonished all critical stake holders in the agricultural value chain, with emphasis on rice producers, to improve on their processing methods, stressing that “it is unsafe to eat rice mixed with sand or stones as we have been observing in some of our local products since the ban on importation of rice into the country by President Buhari government.”

PDP Kicks Against Buhari Over Nomination of Lauretta Onochie As INEC National Commissioner

PDP Kicks Against Buhari Over Nomination of Lauretta Onochie As INEC National Commissioner

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is not comfortable with the nomination of Miss Lauretta Onochie, the Special Assistant on Social Media to President Mohammadu Buhari, for the sensitive position of National Commissioner in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, saying that the nomination is ominous, violent assault on Nigerian Constitution and democracy.

PDP in a statement by Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, the party's national publicity secretary noted that Onochie is a card carrying and financial member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and therefore cannot be appointed as one of INEC's national Commissioners for the fact that by virtue of her absolute loyalty to her party, APC, she will certainly not be neutral in the discharge of her assigned responsibilities, as  enshrined the constitution and other subsidiary enactments.

PDP further asserted that neutrality,  impartiality, equity and transparency are the four pillars holding the structures of INEC and her functions, and by all standards the commission is expected at all times to be absolutely independent as the electoral umpire for the country.

It added that as a die-hard supporter of President Buhari and a card carrying member of APC, Onochie's nomination fractured the provisions of the  Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999, as amended, which specifically States that the commission and its staff including National Commissioners shall be apolitical and must be seen to be neutral so as to guarantee the overall independent of the commission.

It follows that the nomination of a core Buharist and diehard loyalist of APC, in the person of Miss Lauretta Onochie, will run fowl of the constitution and subsequently dash the fragile confidence Nigerians repose on INEC as unbiased electoral umpire and at the same time make a mockery of Mr President's recent promises wherein he assured Nigerians of his strong desire to ensure that INEC remained independent, transparent and reliable in the conduct of free, fair and credible elections in the country.

According to PDP, President Buhari must not now or in the future play on the collective intelligence of Nigerians by nominating or appointing members of his party or any other party for that matter, to serve in the commission, and to with immediate effect withdraw the nomination of Onochie as INEC National Commissioner and to replace her with another qualified, fit and acceptable Deltan who must be apolitical and not directly or indirectly affiliated to any political party in Nigeria.

"Indeed, from Mr. President’s public promises, one would have thought that he was desirous of leaving a legacy of credible elections, having failed in all ramifications of governance

"However, this nomination of his personal staff, Lauretta Onchie, as INEC national commissioner, supports the position of the PDP that his statements were mere glib talks on electoral sanctity and clearly demonstrates that he has no plans whatsoever to leave a legacy of credible polls.

"This ugly development is another shameful attempt to plant unscrupulous elements in INEC in order to corrupt and further desecrate the sanctity of the commission, undermine our electoral system and destabilize our democratic process ahead of the 2023 general elections.

"We had hoped that, as Mr. President had professed in the past, he is truly running his second and final term in office. If that were so, then Lauretta Onochie’s nomination as INEC national commissioner clearly points to a totally different direction," the statement added.

Opinion: Presidential Amnesty Office, Can Dikio Make A Difference?

Opinion: Presidential Amnesty Office, Can Dikio Make A Difference?

The lofty ideal behind the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) seems to have been overshadowed by allegations of financial improprieties against its past leaders. A new leadership just took over at the agency. What difference can it make? MIKE ODIEGWU reports

 

National Security Adviser (NSA) Babagana Monguno recently gave a damning verdict about the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). He said over N700bn had been wasted on the scheme, which was initiated by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to stop militancy in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

The NSA blamed the wastage on corruption and lack of transparency by persons saddled with the responsibility of managing the programme in the past. “N712billion was wasted, basically unaccounted for and this is due to so many issues, corruption being at the fore. This presidential amnesty programme is supposed to be a very serious programme for the federal government”, he said.

No sooner had the NSA ended his assessment of the programme than strident voices of various stakeholders wafted from the creeks of the Niger Delta to fault him. Most people, who criticized the NSA, only disagreed with his position that the presidency should discontinue the programme.

The Niger Delta leaders, who flayed Monguno for advising the President to terminate PAP did not fault the challenges bedevilling PAP as expressed by the NSA. They are aware of the monumental corruption that has characterized PAP since its inception. They were among those, who sent petitions to the NSA indicting some of the past managers of the scheme and calling for their replacement.

Allegations of corrupt practices against most past PAP coordinators came in torrents. Stakeholders from the region even held processions blocking major roads in protest against most of the PAP coordinators accusing them of various forms of misdeeds and called for their removal and prosecution. Most of the coordinators were indicted and fired by the Presidency.

Indeed, the revelations of Monguno lent credence to the earlier fears that President Muhammadu Buhari was contemplating scrapping PAP. Shortly after the last Coordinator of PAP, Prof. Charles Dokubo was suspended in February 2020 by Buhari, who appointed a caretaker committee to take charge of the programme, the fears grew into tension in the region. The move to proscribe the scheme was so strong that various interest groups, stakeholders and leaders from the region rose against it. Perhaps, following consultations, the presidency dropped the idea.

Indeed, many stakeholders believe that PAP has been mismanaged by persons, who superintended over the scheme. They think that if the kind of money Monguno sad could not be accounted for was judiciously deployed, the mandate of the scheme would have since been realized. Like other typical Niger Delta interventionist programmes, some of the managers of PAP became opportunists and saw the scheme as an avenue to amass wealth. They forgot the reasons behind the scheme.

The Presidential Amnesty Programme started on July 11, 2009, following an amnesty proclamation for Niger Delta militants, who engaged the government in arms struggle crippling oil production and wreaking monumental havoc on the economy. They wanted a fair share of the wealth from their region.

The scheme was launched with the mandates to stop the volatility in the region through Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR). Though the scheme has made appreciable progress in the areas of disarmament and demobilisation, stakeholders believe that its reintegration phase has been fraught with challenges bordering on corruption and lack of commitment by most of the past managers of the programme. They, however, want the scheme to continue since it has yet to accomplish its mandate.

Pressure groups like the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) Worldwide captured the position of the region when grapevines hummed with the move to terminate the scheme. The IYC President, Timothy Igbifa, vehemently opposed it insisting that PAP had yet to achieve its mandates.

He said: “At the inception of the programme, the Federal  Government pledged its commitment to carry out the disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and provision of reintegration assistance to the ex-militants. These, it said,

were major preconditions to address wider development challenges in the Niger Delta.

“Whereas we acknowledge that the disarmament phase was swiftly done by the government, other phases have remained largely unfulfilled. The federal government should fulfil all the promises it made to the repentant militants before thinking of discontinuing the programme. Otherwise, we will consider it as the highest level of insincerity and a deliberate ploy to play on the collective intelligence of the people of the region”.

The President listened to the concerns raised by Igbifa and other Niger Delta groups and opted to carry out some reforms in the scheme. He changed the nomenclature of the manager of the programme from Coordinator to Administrator and appointed Col. Dixion Dikio (retd) as the first Administrator of PAP.

But how far can Dikio go? Dikio came highly recommended as people described him as a principled and disciplined gentleman. With his rich background, it is believed that he can clear the Augean stable, reposition the programme to its original form and dislodge buccaneers and vultures snuffing life out of the scheme.

Dikio is expected to use his reputation, experience and antecedents to resist opportunists, who will mount pressure on him to drop his vision and continue with business as usual.

The new administrator has promised not to disappoint Buhari, who gave him the appointment and the Niger Delta people, who are hoping on him to transform PAP. He vowed to deliver quality service to the people of the region.

Dikio further promised to reposition PAP to run in harmony with the strategic objectives of the Federal Government saying he was determined to work assiduously to refocus the programme to deliver optimally on its mandate of achieving sustainable stability in the Niger Delta.

To achieve his vision, he vowed to always solicit the cooperation and support of all and focus on restoring the core mandate of transforming the ex-agitators from militancy to productive employment and ultimately as change agents, in line with the adopted model already approved and recognized even by the United Nations (UN).

He said he would ensure the full reintegration of all those captured in the programme; develop and execute a more robust entrepreneurial programme that would provide the right skill set in line with the new vision of taking the Amnesty Programme to the ex-agitators and evolve a new holistic training approach.

Indeed, most leaders from the region have called on all the stakeholders to hold Dikio by his promise. They appeal to petition writers and those, who have already launched a media trial against Dikio to sheathe their swords and give the PAP administrator a breathing space to pursue his vision for the region.

An Ijaw leader and founder, Network for the Defence of Democratic and Good Governance (NDDGG), High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, called on the Niger Delta to support Dikio. Jackrich, who is also the Leader of  Kengema Unity Forum (KUF), said since the expectations were high against the backdrop of mismanagement of PAP, it was only reasonable to allow Dikio to implement his vision.

He said: “Colonel Milland Dixon Dikio (Rtd) is from Mbiama-Engenni In Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State and a bonafide Ijaw son of the Engeni extraction.

“Milland Dikio grew up in the village, speaks Engenni fluently and was a pillar of support to the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Engenni chapter back in the day before joining the NDA and his boundless contributions while serving as a military officer speak for themselves as one who embodies the spirit and interest of the Ijaw nation. He is not only Ijaw,  spirit soul and body, he is from the Niger Delta too.

“At least this has corrected the insinuation that he is not an Ijaw son and therefore won’t be welcomed. I, therefore, use this medium to allay the fears of some Ijaws who are unsettled by this appointment to worry less and give our son all the needed support and solidarity to enable him to succeed in this job for in collective interest.

Prioritize On The Degree Scholarship Program For Ex-Agitators, Former President Jonathan Tells New Amnesty Boss Col. Dikio

Prioritize On The Degree Scholarship Program For Ex-Agitators, Former President Jonathan Tells New Amnesty Boss Col. Dikio

• Francis Tayor

Abuja_____ Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on Thursday 15th October 2020 hosted the new Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme in Abuja, Col. Milland Dixon Dikio (rtd). In his welcome address, Dr. Jonathan urged Col. Dikio (rtd) to give priority to the sustenance of human capital development in the region in line with the objectives of the programme. The Interim Administrator visited him to signal the commencement of consultative meetings with critical stakeholders in the Niger Delta, having met with the Commander-in-Chief of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari last week. 

He advised Col. Dikio (rtd) to ensure that the scholarships for degree programmes within and outside the country alongside payment of monthly stipends to beneficiaries of the Programme are given the deserved priority.

The former President urged the new leader of the Amnesty Programme to avoid the temptation of taking on responsibilities beyond the funding capacity of the Office. According to him, “One thing I should tell you also is that you should not bite more than you can chew as the saying goes. You should accommodate the projects which you think you can effectively carry out with your budget.” 

Dr. Jonathan added that the Niger Delta Development Commission and the Presidential Amnesty Office have been of concern to the stakeholders even though the Amnesty Programme has fared better in terms of pursuing the objectives that inspired its establishment. He admonished that if 70 percent of funds budgeted for the two agencies were utilized for the intended purposes, the Niger Delta region would have been better.

Earlier in his remark, the Interim Administrator, Col. Dikio (rtd) hailed Dr. Jonathan for his historic role as the first President from the Niger Delta and midwifing the entire Amnesty process as the then Vice President to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. He added that his visit to the former President is in furtherance to his consultation with critical stakeholders in the region on how best to approach and tackle the task of productively running the office to the benefit of the region and Nigeria.

Col. Dikio (rtd) said that his vision was to restore and actualize the objectives that inspired the establishment of the Amnesty Programme through effective collaborative efforts with relevant government agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to achieve enhanced security for economic prosperity in the country. He said “Consistent with the strategic objectives of the Federal Government, I am determined to work with all committed stakeholders to refocus the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) to its original mandate of development and security in the Niger Delta. 

Col. Dikio (rtd) highlighted priorities areas of his vision to include:

• “Restoration of the mandate of the Amnesty Programme to its original intent and taking service to the Niger Delta where the ex-agitators are domiciled”.

• “Train the ex-agitators to become entrepreneurs who will act as agents of change thus reversing the narrative of a people dependent on stipends to self-actualized employers of labor and net contributors to the economic prosperity of the Niger Delta region”. 

• “Coordinate and cooperate with relevant agencies set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to compliment the efforts of the Amnesty Programme to ensure the development and security of the Niger Delta making it the most secure place to live and do business in Nigeria” etc.

Penawou Commends Angele On Legacy Projects ln Burutu, Commissions HPM, TLG Official Residents

Penawou Commends Angele On Legacy Projects ln Burutu, Commissions HPM, TLG Official Residents

Francis Tayor

Warri______ The Special Adviser to the governor of Delta State on Local Government/Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Prince. Kelly Penawou has commended the executive Chairman of Burutu Local government Area, Rt Hon. Godknows Angele on the massive legacy projects executed in the council within three years in office.

Hon. Kelly gave the commendation on Thursday during the official commissioning of some completed projects executed by Angele administration in Burutu, stated that Angele has performed beyond the expectations of Burutu people, urging other council chairmen across the state to emulate Burutu council boss developmental strides.

Speaking during commissioning the Head of Personnel Management (HPM) and Treasurer to the Local Government (TLG) official residents, the Special Adviser emphasized that he was very imprest of the performance of Angele, noting that he deserves a second tenure based on the legacy projects he executed. He therefore, charged other LGA chairmen across the state to emulate Angele in terms of attracting sustainable development to the grassroots, he stated.

In his reaction, Hon. Agele thank God for His. Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the good people of Burutu for given him the opportunity to serve, stressing that he will do more when reelected for second term.

According to Angele, said: " My assumption in office in January 2018, l discovered that Burutu LGA lacks staff quarters, hence, l take the pain to execute and completed the Head of Personal Management (HPM) and TLG official residents which we are commissioning today. By November this year, we shall commission the five story legislative quarters buildings which are almost 90% completion. The legislative quarters when completed, will take care of the problem of accommodation for the serving twenty (20) Councillors representing the various wards in the LGA.

Other projects to be commissioned include; Burutu Area Command Divisional Headquarters building/Area Commander official resident, LGA Library, Vice Chairman official resident, Council Pavilion among others executed across the various wards in Burutu LGA. So far so good, my administration has meaningfully engaged over four hundred women as cleaners under ministry of environment. I will do more when reelected for second term, Angele asserted. "