PDP Lists Gov. Okowa, Udom of Akwa-lbom As Vice Presidential Candidate

PDP Lists Gov. Okowa, Udom of Akwa-lbom As Vice Presidential Candidate

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for next year’s election, Atiku Abubakar, is considering choosing one of two South-South governors – Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State – as his running mate.

Party sources said Atiku began consultation with the leadership of the party shortly after he won the primary of the party held in Abuja Saturday night.

Atiku, in his previous outing as the candidate of the party at the 2019 election, picked former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as his running mate.

At the time, Mr Obi’s choice annoyed many party leaders, especially those from the South-East, who complained that he was a new entrant to the party and was neither familiar with leaders of the party in the region nor enjoyed their trust.

Mr Obi served two terms as governor on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). He retrieved his first electoral victory in court from the PDP, whose candidate, Chris Ngige, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the winner of the 2003 governorship election in Anambra.

 

To avoid ruffling feathers again with his vice presidential pick, party sources said Mr Abubakar is working closely with Iyorchia Ayu, a long-time ally, and other top leaders of the party on the nomination of his running mate.

According to our sources, the discussions so far have focused on Mr Okowa and Mr Emmanuel, but the Delta governor is said to be the favourite.

Delta State delegates to the PDP National Convention on Saturday voted for Atiku, ignoring the two aspirants from their region, Rivers State Governor Wike and Mr Emmanuel.

This choice was despite Mr Okowa hosting a meeting of southern governors in May 2021 in Asaba at which they demanded in a 12-point resolution that the two major parties pick their presidential aspirants from the south of Nigeria.

Although other key PDP leaders like former governor James Ibori were also believed to have determined the voting pattern of Delta State delegates, the party is giving the credit for the delegates backing Atiku to the governor who they said has been strategic in his management of the party in the state.

Another factor said to favour Mr Okowa in the consideration is his close linguistic and cultural affinity with the South-East, as the Igbo language is spoken in the governor’s senatorial district in Delta State.

Atiku courted Igbo affection in the last election but will be overlooking the area in his choice of running mate this time due to a number of reasons, party sources said.

The immediate reason is that the two governors of the party from the zone – Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu – led their delegates to vote for Mr Wike at the convention. Atiku was however able to pick votes from Imo and Anambra delegates. Ebonyi State’s delegates voted for former Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim.

Party leaders are also said to be concerned about the threat of the socio-political association, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to disown any governor or politician who accepts nomination as a running mate for next year’s presidential poll.

Mr Emmanuel, who was a candidate in the PDP presidential primary like Atiku and won the votes of the 31 delegates from his state and those of seven others from Benue, is said to be in contention for the nomination because the candidate and party leaders see him and Mr Okowa as possessing the characters of their ideal vice president. Although Mr Udom’s refusal to step down for a more viable candidate even when he knew that he had less than 50 delegates in his bag may count against him.

However, party leaders believe the two governors would be loyal to their principal, while also having the capacity to perform the constitutional and other roles that may be assigned to them.

Atiku has a few more days to consider his options before he and other parties submit lists of their candidates to INEC from June 9.

“But these are current permutations and we cannot say for sure who will make it into the ticket until the candidate make up his mind and we forward his name to INEC,” a party leader said.

The man Ifeanyi Okowa

Mr Okowa, 62, is a medical doctor born in Owa-Alero in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State. He was the chairman of the local government council from1991–1993 and joined the PDP upon its formation in 1998.

He served as a commissioner in many ministries under the government of Mr Ibori between 1999 and 2007 when he resigned to contest for the PDP governorship ticket in 2007 but lost. In June 2007, Mr Okowa was appointed Secretary to the Delta State Government, a position he held until his election as senator for Delta North district in 2011.

He was elected governor in 2015 and reelected in 2019.

Udom Emmanuel

Mr Emmanuel, 55, is a chartered accountant and former bank executive, was born in Awa Iman in Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He was an executive director in Zenith Bank before he joined politics.

He was appointed by then Governor Godswill Akpabio as the Secretary to the State Government in 2013 and was elected governor of the state in 2015.

Mr Emmanuel was reelected four years later in 2019 and will complete his second term next year.

Onduku Condoles with Kofee Over Fther's Death, says late Amasuomo was a patriotic community leader

Onduku Condoles with Kofee Over Fther's Death, says late Amasuomo was a patriotic community leader

Warri_____ Following the news of the sudden demise of his father, the CEO/Publisher Niger Delta Mirror Ndm News Online, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku has joined other sympathizers to condole with the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on Trade/Investment, Hon. Ebisinne Kofee Amasuomo, over the passing of his father, late. Monday Amasuomo, saying his death was quite a surprise to him.

Onduku, in a statement personally signed and issued on Sunday night at Ayakoromo during a condolence visit, said the deceased was a patriotic and passionate elder statesman, who built bridges for unity, peace, progress and development of Ayakoromo Community in particular, and ljaw nation at large.

Commiserating with Kofee and his family members, Onduku urged them to take solace in the fact that the deceased lived a fulfilled exemplary life and impacted society especially, his immediate surrounding positively.

He explained that as a loving father, the late Monday Amasuomo never related with the young ones in the community as sons but as friends despite his well-advanced age, adding that he was a good man.

He however, prayed God to grant Kofee and his family the strength and fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, the statement adds.

Breaking: Commodore Nesiama Wins Delta South Senatorial NNPP Primary Election

Breaking: Commodore Nesiama Wins Delta South Senatorial NNPP Primary Election 

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), popularly known as the Commodore of Hope has won the Delta South New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) primary election. 

Commodore Omatseye who pulled 218 votes out of 244 delegates against his opponent who scored 20 votes to emerged the Flagbearer of the NNPP, ahead of the forthcoming 2023 Delta South Senatorial District elections. 

There is victory celebration currently ongoing among his teeming supporters and the Commodore of Hope Movement following his declaration by the NNPP Returning Officer as the winner of the party's Delta South Senatorial District primaries held at Oleh Town Hall, the headquarters of Isoko South LGA of the state today. 

More details shortly.....

Just-ln: PDP guber candidate, Sheriff dragged to court over certificates

Just-ln:Delta PDP guber candidate, Sheriff dragged to court over certificates

Monday Osayande

Asaba____ Newly elected Delta State Peoples Democracy Party candidate for the 2023 governorship race, Mr. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been dragged to court over alleged discrepancies in his certificates.

This is as the appeal panels of the party in Benin, yesterday, commenced sittings to address grievances arising from primary elections to select candidates to fly the party’s flag at the forthcoming State House Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial elections in Edo State.

The Delta suit before a Federal High Court in Asaba is numbered FHC/ASB/CS/78/2022. It has Mr. Ojei Victor Obianuju, Maize and Associates Farmers as plaintiff, while Sheriff Oborevwori Francis, PDP, and INEC are the defendants.

The affidavit in support of the originating summons was made available to The Guardian, yesterday.

In the affidavit, the plaintiff alleged that the 1st defendant, Oborevwori, wrote his primary 6 examination in 1977 with the name Oborevwori O. Francis, while he wrote his West African Senior School Certificate Examination in June 1999 with the name Oborevwori O. Francis.

They also alleged “that the 1st defendant obtained his first degree from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State on July, 14, 2004 with the name Oborevwori Sheriff Francis.

“That the 1st defendant obtained his certificate of exemption from National Youth Service Corps on March 10, 2005 with the name, Oborevwori Sheriff F.

“Also in 2009, obtained a Master’s degree in Political Science from Delta State University, Abraka with the name Oborevwori Francis Sheriff Orehwedor on September 24, 2010.”

Miss Doubra Goes to Church On Sunday 29 May, As Promise lnvites Well Wishers

Miss Doubra Goes to Church On Sunday 29 May, As Promise lnvites Well Wishers

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ The families of Mr/Mrs. Promise Richard Esegha, has invited loved ones, friends, well wishers and the general public to the dedication of their adorable daughter, Miss Doubra Richard to God on Sunday 29th May, 2022.

In a statement released on Friday in Udu and signed by Promise Richard himself, noted that the child dedication will start by 9am prompt,  at Living Faith Church,  along NBTC road, behind God's Grace Ministry Ovwian in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

The statement further adds that there shall be a warm reception immediately after the church service at Madam Banger Rice junction, along NBTC road, Ovwian in Udu LGA of the State.

Music to be supplied by Best May aka JFred and his Giant Star Band of Africa.

However, by this notice, Mr/Mrs. Promise Richard is using this medium to invite family, friends and well wishers to join them thank God and celebrate as they take Miss Doubra Richard to Church.

APC Primary Victory: Mulade Salutes Omo-Agege, describes him as the hope for Delta Development

APC Primary Victory: Mulade Salutes Omo-Agege, describes him as the hope for Delta Development

Asaba____  A Delta born renowned Peace and Environmental Justice advocate, Comrade, (Chief), Mulade Sheriff, the Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West, LGA, has congratulated DSP Ovie Omo-Agege on his victory in the just concluded APC Governorship primaries, held on Thursday, May 26th, 2022, at the Federal College of Education in Asaba, the state capital.

Chief Mulade, while congratulating Ovie Omo-Agege who won the primary election with a total of 1,190 votes said, he possesses the requisite capacity, competency and developmental initiative to develop Delta State, judging from his experience in politics at the state and the Federal level.

DSP Omo Agege has coined a niche for himself, history will remain kind to him for his tremendous impact in the lives of Deltans. His invaluable role in the pursuit of purposeful based agendas on national development is remarkable in his role as the current Deputy Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Under his current position, he has within few years influenced and attracted some laudable projects to the State, prominent among which is the Federal Polytechnic In Delta State. 

It is worthy of note that Deltans are expecting issues based campaign that will highlight the various developmental blueprint such as the basic needs of the State, industrialisation, good roads, security, schools, electricity, health centers, clean water, and economic empowerment to the poor and vulnerable individuals living in the rural communities when he becomes the Governor of Delta State.

The human rights advocate and development expert equally congratulated Amb Anthony Alapala for winning the Burutu North House of Assembly Ticket.

PDP Primary Victory: Mulade Congratulates Sheriff, calls him the people’s choice

PDP Primary Victory: Mulade Congratulates Sheriff, calls him the people’s choice

 

Comrade, Chief Sheriff Mulade, the Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West, LGA, has congratulated Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on his victory in the just concluded PDP Governorship primaries which was held on Wednesday May 25th, 2022 in Asaba the state capital.

Chief Mulade, while congratulating Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori who won the primary election with a total of 597 votes said Oborevwori has the capacity and developmental interest of Deltans based on his experience in politics and as the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.  

While announcing the result Mr. Ndubusi Nwobu, chairman of the Electoral Panel, said David Edevbie scored 113, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi, 1 votes, Chief Fred Majemite, 6 votes, Senator James Manager, 83 votes, Barr Peter Mrakpor, 9 votes, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, 9 votes, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, 597 votes, Mr. Abel Esievo, 2 votes and Chief Ejaife Odebala, 2 votes.

Judging from the result margin of the PDP primaries, Chief Mulade said Oborevwori is the people’s choice and a strong contender.  

Chief Mulade charged Oborovwori to work for the development of the state by providing the basic needed amenities such has good road, schools, electricity, health centre’s, clean water, and economic empowerment to the poor and vulnerable individual living in the rural communities when he becomes Governor of Delta State.

2023 Delta South: Nesiama Visits Olu of Warri, Receives Royal Blessings

2023 Delta South: Nesiama Visits Olu of Warri, Receives Royal Blessings

....... Presents 10-Point Agenda, Promise to work with traditional institutions, other critical stakeholders to change the narrative for good

 

Warri_____ ln his burning desire to serve his people at the National Assembly, the NNPP Senate hopeful for Delta South Senatorial District, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), has received royal blessings from HRM. Ogiame Atuwatse lll, the Olu of Warri as he promised to work with traditional institutions in order to strengthen the bond of unity between the Ijaws, lsokos, Urhobos and Itsekiri people in the Senatorial District if elected.

The generally accepted Aspirant of the NNPP made the statement on Wednesday during a consultative visit to His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse Ill at his Palace in Warri to officially inform him of his ambition to represent the great people of Delta South Senatorial District in the National Assembly come 2023.

Nesiama, popularly known as the Commodore of Hope stormed the Olu Palace with a mammoth crowd in a carnival like display with his Restoration of Hope Movement (HRM) team comprising traditional leaders, women leaders and youths from ljaw, lsoko, ltsekiri, Urhobo and host of his teeming supporters of the New Nigeria People's Party, NNPP family members.

Addressing His Royal Majesty, the Commodore of Hope said it is possible to enable fresh possibilities and restore the people's hope through accountable representaion, and to emplace a structured process of legislating to attract viable projects to communities in the Senatorial District for the benefits of the people.

He noted that for Delta South to make greater progress, there is urgent need for the people to make up their minds to change the narrative for good, saying it is possible for the people to change a bad or unfavorable system if only they believe and choose persons with antecedents that encapsulates credibility and integrity.

Commodore Nesiama reiterated that he is coming to the Senate to promote legislations that would attract viable programmes and projects for the development of the good people of Delta South, adding that the Constituency funds would be effectively and efficiently utilized to enhance human capacity development amongst the various ethnic groups

The Commodore of Hope equally assured the ljaws, lsokos, ltsekiris, and Urhobos in Delta South Senatorial District that he is coming with his Hope Restoration Movement (HRM) in order to restore the people's lost glory in the past, he added.

In his response, the very powerful and influential Warri Monarch with his Council of Chiefs who cheerfully received their illustrious son, said "I have known Commodore Nesiama for a long time and have interacted more closely with him in recent times. I know he is aptly qualified and capable to represent our people". Olu expressed confidence in Nesiama's personality, stressing that he is a man with proven integrity. He further reiterated that the Itsekiri Nation needs the best brains at this trying times in order to compete favourably with others in the National Assembly.

Our people's desire is for good leadership that can protect their interest. We all hope for good governance. There is hope for this Country Nigeria. As a minority ethnic group, what we need most is to use our best brains to represent us. And you have those qualities to serve us. l am very enthusiastic and happy to see this mammoth crowd that came with you. As a fairly new party in this State, the NNPP has chosen a good candidate to represent them. The Olu concluded by offering prayers to bless the Senatorial Aspirant and his entourage which had other candidates of the party contesting for various other positions in Delta State. In his prayers, the Olu said "I bless you today to go and succeed so long as you will focus on measures to restore the hope of the people. I pray anything that will not enable you to achieve your dream will be removed from your way. Favour will locate you. God will supply all the resources you need  for this movement. No obstacle will come near you, Godbless you and all your supporters, the Olu prayed".

However, read below the full details of the 10-Point Agenda of Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd).

BRIEF BY THE COMMODORE OF HOPE 

(Powered by the Hope Restoration Movement)

*COURTESY CALL ON HIS MAJESTY, OGIAME ATUWATSE III, THE OLU OF WARRI*

*Ogiame!!!*

*PREAMBLE*

Firstly, I give glory to God Almighty for the opportunity to present myself before you in company of other sons and daughters of Delta South Senatorial District as the candidate for Delta South Senatorial District of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to be elected by the Grace of God, come 2023.

I am humbled and thankful to you, our father, for this privilege to come into the Aghofen on this day and for this purpose. The Aghofen is a highly adorable place with historical time immemorial significance. This has been brought to the fore even in the course of recent events. Therefore, I do not take this opportunity for granted. *Ogiame! Baba Ale-Iwere! Ogbowuru! Enedokpe Baba!!!*

Over time, we have been made to believe,albeit wrongly, that many things are not possible. 

We have been constantly made to believe that only the negatives are possible.

We have been made to believe and accept that we have inadequacies and so we don’t need to bother ourselves to address them, and even if we try, there is no probability that we would succeed.

We have been made to embrace the ‘no-hope’ mentality. Believing that we are already ‘fully down and need fear no fall’. The implication is that we are beginning to get used to hopelessness. God forbid that this mindset befalls us in the Delta South Senatorial District and by extension, the entire State and indeed Nigeria.

Baba! May I be permitted to state it here with all due respect and sense of responsibility that we sure need a reawakening... we need to wake up from our slumber... we need to rediscover ourselves and rekindle our hope. This is the mission of “The Hope Restoration Movement” which my candidature symbolizes and represents. 

*I am trained, equipped and ready to serve.*

We need to know that we have the ability to save ourselves and indeed our near collapsed system if we can sum up the courage as a people guided by God’s wisdom and authority to fight oppression and the near servitude mentality that has befallen many of us now feeling browbeaten.

We must now develop the deliberate act of believing in our own persons with antecedents that encapsulates credibility and integrity, and have faith that.... It is possible.

*Yes, it is possible for the people to change a bad or unfavourable system.

*It is possible to... hope in the dynamic future of this Senatorial District, State and Nation.

*It is possible to... touch lives (rebuilding, advancing, improving our collective destinies as a people and communities).

*It is possible to... fall back in love with politics that is humane, fruitful, productive and progressive.

*It is possible to...emplace a structured process of legislating to attract viable projects to communities in the Senatorial District for the benefits of the people.

*It is possible to...attract and influence international/local NGOs to address areas of needs within the Senatorial District (security, education, health, agriculture, aquaculture, entrepreneurship etc).

*It is possible to...enable fresh possibilities and restore the peoples’ hope through accountable representation.

These possibilities and more begin with a belief. If we don't believe that it is possible, nothing will change.  

Today and going forward, the decision to choose right stares us starkly in the face. Therefore, today I kneel before God Almighty and this exalted throne and pray that these I‘ve said would prick the consciousness of our people now to make up their minds to change the narrative for good ... Yes, it is possible. AMEN!

Your Majesty, 

May I quickly acquaint you with my main agenda as Senator, by the grace of God.

*MAIN AGENDA*

1. Promotion of legislations that would attract viable programmes/projects for the development of the good people of Delta South Senatorial District.

2. Effective and efficient utilization of constituency project funds for Human Capital development.

3. Through accountable representation and functional constituency engagements and feedback; follow up to ensure the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is implemented strictly for the betterment of our people.  We must get it right with decommissioning and abandonment fund, environmental remediation fund, and other aspects of the PIA.

 

4. Influencing legislation, re-legislation, and engagements around the PIA framework to ensure corporate governance, administration, fiscal and host community provisions. 

5. Establishment and encouragement of Non-Governmental Organisations with focus on entrepreneurship, community, youth and women development in a bid to eliminate the current 'hopelessness' emanating from poverty and hunger.

6. Putting constant pressure through consistent lobbying of the Federal and State Governments, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), like NDDC, DESOPADEC, NIRSAL CBN, BOI, BOA, FEMA etc) to buy-in to our strategic plans of community, youth and women development.

7. Lobbying, promoting and encouraging tourism and tourist activities laced with entertainment to showcase our inherent ethnic, cultural and religious heritage and prowess. (We can look towards finer littoral beach cities).

8. Promotion and encouragement of sports development and mass participation events for improved health, youths’ engagement and other attendant benefits.

9. Lobbying for and encouraging firms engaged in business and profiting from the locality to commit to Human Capital Development-related Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). (Security training and certification to equip the youths for community-policing responsibilities).

10. Influencing and supporting legislation that would bring about better glory, dignity and reverence to the traditional institution.

Your Majesty,

I will continue to seek additional inputs from our people and other key stakeholders in order to enrich our blueprint for legislation in the interest of our people. 

For me, the work has started and I will not relent until we get to the promised land of Unending Hope.

*Ogiame! Afomasin! Afoshe! Ogbowuru!*

I present myself for your God endorsed blessings of safety, security, provisions, and progress as the Hope Restoration Movement sets sail.

OGIAME! SUO!!!

Signed

OMATSEYE ORITSEWEYINMI NESIAMA (Commodore Rtd) 

#TheCommodoreofHope

National Leader, The Hope Restoration Movement (HRM).

More about the Hope Restoration Movement (HRM):

Facebook: Omatseye Nesiama Campaign Organisation (commodoreofhope)

Instagram: thecommodoreofhope

Twitter: commodoreofhope

Email: omatseyenesiamacampaign@gmail.com

Phone Number: +23490766635758.

Just-ln: Nnamdi Kanu Demands lmmediate Stop Killings in Southeast

Just-ln: Nnamdi Kanu Demands lmmediate Stop Killings in Southeast

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ Detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has demanded immediate stoppage of the senseless killings going on in the South East.

The IPOB Leader who spoke from the Department of State Services, DSS, detention in Abuja where he is currently detained expressed rage over the spate of bloodletting and insecurity in the South East.

Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu who spoke with Vanguard Monday evening, after visiting the IPOB Leader in detention said he was saddened by the reports of Killings across South East.

He said that his brother “does not believe in bloodshed” and felt too bad that blood suckers had been on the prowl in the South East almost unchallenged.

Kanu was quoted as saying that all those behind the current killings in South East must be held accountable for their atrocities, saying that Ndigbo are not known for cannibalism.

 

The IPOB Leader also demanded the immediate release of Mrs Ukamaka Ejezie popularly known as ‘ Mama Biafra’.

According to him the septuagenarian was arrested during Kanu’s last court appearance in Abuja on May 18.

Kanu said that the woman had been acting as his mother since his parents died in 2020.

He said that the old woman commited no crime for coming to Abuja to solidarise with him at the court when she was arrested.

” I saw her at the DSS detention cell after her clothes were washed and spread on the wall.. I demand that she be released because she commited no crime.

” She is an old woman and since my mother died I have taken her as my mother. The DSS should release her”, Kanu was quoted as saying

The IPOB Leader also cleared the air over whether he was the one that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Abambra State met when he visited the DSS headquarters last week.

He said that there was no basiis for people to doubt whether he was the person that Soludo met, explaining that the Barcelona club attire he wore when the Governor visited was his night wear.

Kanu urged all to ensure there is peace in South East which is known for peace, adding that those behind the insecurity in the zone do not mean well for the people.

2023: Delta PDP Ward Chairmen Forum Set to dump party, Says PDP is a Scam

2023: Delta PDP Ward Chairmen Forum Set to dump party, Says PDP is a Scam

Francis Tayor

Warri______ ln respect to the shortchanged of their constitutional rights to vote in the ongoing People's Democratic Party, PDP primaries in Delta State, the Forum of Ward Chairmen of PDP across Delta State as well as the five men Working Committee has concluded plans to dump the party as a result of the deliberate disenfranchising them to partook in the selection process of candidates to represent the party in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

In a communique issued in Warri today after emmergency meeting by the Forum and signed by the 25 local government Chairmen of the party, stated that some desperate influential powerful politicians and outgoing governor's of the party has bought the conscience of the National Working Committee (NWC) members thereby compelling them to take wrong decision that will jorpardise the party in Nigeria.

The Forum alleged the same PDP used the elected party executives and the Ad-hoc delegates to conduct and vote in Ekiti and Osun states gubernatorial elections under this new Electorial Act, why is it that the National Working Committee is given a new interpretation to the Act without judicial interpretation.

The Forum argued that the Electoral Act 2022 under section 84 (8) required elected delegates to vote in party primaries, all the elected officials of the PDP are elected for the purpose of electing Council Chairmanship, House of Assembly, House of Representative, House of Senate, Governor, President amongst others.

The Forum further alleged that Article 25 (2)(C) of the PDP Constitution empowered the Ward Executives (Chairmen, Vice  Chairmen, Secretaries, Women and Youth Leader), Ad-hoc delegates amongst others to vote for Governorship candidate of the party, stressing that Subsection 5, 6 and 7 of Article 25 of the PDP Constitution also empowered the Ward Executives mentioned above to vote for House of Assembly and National Candidates respectively.

They however noted that, since the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party has chosen to dance to the tune of those powerful individuals without considering the future of the party, said PDP have lost all sense of decency and sympathy from Nigerians, adding that the entire Ward Executives of the party in Delta State have resolved to dump the party for those power mongers in order to join a party that considers grassroot participation which they believe that some opposition parties including the APC are standing a better chance to win Delta State in the 2023 general elections.

According to them, said:

" The unconstitutional decision of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to exclude the elected officials of the Party from participating in the ongoing primary elections across the Country did not only offend the provisions of the PDP Constitution 2017 (as amended) but also the Electoral Act, 2022.

Granted that the Electoral Act 2022 under section 84(8) required elected delegates to vote in party primaries, all the elected officials of the PDP are elected for the purpose of electing council chairmanship, House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governor, President amongst others. 

Article 25(2) (c) of the PDP Constitution empowered the Ward Executives (chairmen, deputy chairmen, secretaries, women and youth leaders), ad hoc delegates amongst others to vote for Governorship candidate of the Party. Subsections 5, 6 and 7 of Article 25 of the PDP Constitution also empowered the Ward Executives mentioned above to vote for house of assembly and national assembly candidates respectively.

The Ward Executives of the Party were elected by the PDP Ward Congress in accordance with Article 15 of the Party Constitution. The same section also produced the ad hoc delegates through Ward Congress. If PDP wants to use elected delegates to vote at the Party's primaries as provided by the Electoral Act, it ought to be the elected Party executives and the ad hoc delegates.

We discovered that some powerful persons in the Party, especially some of the outgoing governors who in their desperate bid to impose unpopular candidates on the people have spent billions of naira to buy the conscience of the National Executives Committee (NWC) members thereby compelling them to take decision that will bury the Party in Nigeria.

The PDP just recently used the elected Party executives and the ad hoc delegates to conduct its primaries at Ekiti and Osun States gubernatorial elections under this new Electoral Act. Why then the NWC is given a new interpretation to the Act without judicial interpretation? 

In critical analysis of the ongoing quagmires within the PDP, especially the desperation of some powerful persons to hijack the structures of the Party by all means, we the grassroot structures of the PDP in Delta State view that the party has no hope for the common man. PDP is no longer power to the people but power to the well to do.

Since the NWC has chosen to dance to the tune of these powerful individuals without considering the future of the Party, we believe that PDP has lost all sense of decency and sympathy from Nigerians. Consequently, we the Ward Executives of the Party in Delta State have resolved to dump the Party for these powermongers. We will rather join a Party that considers grassroot participation which we believe some opposition parties including the APC are standing a better chance.

Delta 2023: Mulade Appeals to PDP, APC Delegates to Vote ljaw Candidate

Delta 2023: Mulade Appeals to PDP, APC Delegates to Vote ljaw Candidate

....... Signs Undertaking on behalf of Delta ljaws

Asaba____ The originator and initiator of the Delta ijaw for Governor 2023, Chief (Comrade) Sheriff Mulade has again strongly appealed to all delegates across the State to kindly consider Ijaw aspirants and vote for an ijaw man to become candidate and flag bearer of "our great parties, particularly in the PDP and APC".

Chief Mulade, a prominent Ijaw illustrious son who is the Ibe-Sorimowei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of the State, made the call in Asaba, the State capital.

According to Chief Mulade, the appeal became necessary, in the light of the various political parties preparing and conducting their primaries, it is worthy of note that there is no other better time than now for Delta Ijaw to produce the next Governor of the State for unity, equity, fairness and justice

The Ibe-Sorimowei said that Ijaws have paid the price by sacrificing their communities, environment, properties and lives to military onslaught, especially the youth who were tagged as "militants, pipeline vandals, criminals etcetera for the genuineness of their agitation and demand for the overall development of Niger Delta but were condemned and hated by other ethnic groups and leaders of the region."

Chief Mulade, as a show of the determination from Ijaw contestants under PDP and APC to transform the State, undertook the signing of an undertaking as a social contract on behalf of Delta Ijaw Governorship candidates towards guaranteeing the dividends of democracy to all Deltans.

"My dear friends and delegates of Delta State, I humbly undertake the task, in the signing of this social contract with Deltans for and on behalf of the Delta ijaw Governorship candidates with the assurance of all inclusive government, massive development, youth and women's empowerment, industrialization, revamping of Delta State's economy by opening up Warri, Burutu, Koko and Sapele sea ports etc."

The governorship primaries of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) is billed for Wednesday, 25 May and Thursday, 26th May 2022, respectively.

Why Court Jails Ex-NDDC MD’s Aide, George Turnah for 4 years

Why Court Jails Ex-NDDC MD’s Aide, George Turnah for 4 years

Justice A. T. Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced George Turnah to four years imprisonment.

Turnah was former Special Assistant to Dan Abia, a former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

He was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), between 2017 and 2022, for obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and abuse of office.

 

The ex-aide was jailed for failure to make full disclosure of his assets to the EFCC.

The offence violated Section 27 (1) & (3)(a) of the EFCC Establishment Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (3)(c).

Turnah was arraigned, together with his wife, Jennifer Timipre Turnah, on four-count amended charges.

 

Justice Mohammed found him guilty for non-disclosure of assets, but discharged Jennifer on the grounds that the amended charge was not served on her.

Turnah was sentenced to two years each on counts 1 & 3. They were first arraigned on May 16, 2018 and re-arraigned on June 18, 2019 on four charges.

 

Prosecution counsel, I. Agwu called several witnesses and presented several documents in court.

Justice Mohammed said the prosecution established that the convict did not fully disclose his assets and sent Turnah to prison.

Our source reported that the court found that he was one of the Directors and majority shareholder of Ashford Consult and Events Nig. Ltd.

Alaowei Owotorufa Salutes Pa Clark @ 95, Describes him as a Living Legend

Alaowei Owotorufa Salutes Pa Clark @ 95, Describes him as a Living Legend

Yenagoa___ A foremost ljaw philanthropist cum legal luminary and security expert, Alaowei Fredrick Owotorufa and his family has join other well wishers all over the globe to celebrate with ljaw National Leader, High Chief. Sen. Pa. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, as he clocks 95 years today.

Barr. Owotorufa in a congratulatory message released on Wednesday 25th May, 2022 and signed by himself at Yenagoa, described Papa Clark as a living legend. He further stressed that Papa Clark steadfast love and resolute contributions to the upliftment of the ljaws globally, and the oppressed and marginalized people of the country makes him stand out amongst his contemporaries as the epitome of equity, fairness and justice.

According to him, said :" Happy Birthday, our foremost, iconic and National Leader on this momentous occasion of your 95th birthday. We celebrate you as always, and remain grateful to God for His uncommon grace upon your life. As a special gift to the Ijaw nation, you have remained an indescribable trans-generational phenomenon, to Nigeria and the World. 

Your steadfast love and resolute contributions to the upliftment of the Ijaws globally, and the oppressed and marginalized people of the country stand you out as the epitome of equity, fairness and justice. Your engaging and sometimes unsparing style is legendary. May God engrace you with many, many more years of untiring service to the World, imbued with renewed strength, wisdom and sound mind.

Happy, Happy Birthday Sir. Congratulations Papa !!!!!!! Fred Owotorufa & Family", the statement adds.

Mulade Faults Okowa on N5.1Billion ICC Project, Tells him to Embark on People-Oriented Projects

Mulade Faults Okowa on N5.1Billion ICC Project, Tells him to Embark on People-Oriented Projects

A Delta born Peace and Environmental Justice advocate, Comrade Chief Mulade Sheriff has charged the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to embark on people-oriented projects that will benefit Deltans instead of constructing an international conference centre in Asaba, the State Capital. 

Comrade Mulade gave the charge on Thursday 20th May, 2022, shortly after an announcement by the State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu that the State Governor had approved the construction of an International Conference Centre in Asaba at the cost of N5.1 billion. 

Briefing journalists after the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Charles Aniagwu announced that EXCO had approved the construction of an International Conference Centre for the development of the State Capital, Asaba, into a mega city. According to Aniagwu, the State Government intends to complete the project within 12 months and had also approved 35 percent mobilization fees to the contractor to ensure prompt delivery of the project.

Chief Mulade who is also the Ibe-soromowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, said such funds should be used for the constructions of link roads, bridges, health centres and many other socio-economic projects for the development of rural areas of the State. He said an International Conference Centre is an elephant project which will have no positive impact on the economy of the State, especially because Asaba already has similar projects such as the Event Centre and File House, that have contributed nothing to the State’s IGR.  

While condemning the project approved by the State EXCO Chief Sheriff Mulade strongly appealed to the State Governor to channel the funds to more productive and impactful projects that will open up and connect the hinterland, fight against insecurity, rather than constructing an international conference centre which is merely for political gains. He urged the Governor to revamp the State's economy especially by developing Warri City, the commercial nerve centre of Delta State.

I want to strongly appeal to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to used the remaining days of his administration to industrialized the State to create employment, reduce insecurity and crime.

Just-ln: Ned, Amori, Ejele Emerges Delta PDP Senatorial Flagbearers At Primaries

Just-ln: Ned, Amori, Ejele Emerges Delta PDP Senatorial Flagbearers At Primaries

The Senatorial tickets for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP of Delta South North, and Central Senatorial Districts have been won by Michael Diden alias Ejele, Ned Nwoko, and Ighoyota Amori at the party’s senatorial primaries held in the state on Monday.

The Delta South Senatorial seat was reportedly contested by five aspirants, but Ejele came out victorious after he beat others with a landmark victory of 176 votes, while others shared the remaining 90 votes.

It was learnt that Ejele was the immediate past chairman of Delta State Oil producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC.

In same vein, Ned Nwoko also edged his opponent with an unimaginable margin of 240 votes. His opponent, Paul Osaji scored 66 votes.

In another news, Chief Ighoyota Amori won the Delta Central Senatorial ticket with 143 votes, and his closest rival, John Nani garnered 123.

They are now the PDP senatorial flagbearers of Delta North, South, and Central to contest with other parties’ candidates in the 2023 general elections.

Delta South Senate: NNPP Screens Nesiama, others ahead primaries

Delta South Senate: NNPP Screens Omatseye Nesiama, others ahead primaries

Francis Tayor

Asaba____ The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) on Wednesday 18th May, 2022 has began the screening of its aspirants vying for various positions for the 2023 general elections in Delta State.

The screening exercise was done by Party Representatives from the National Headquarters, Abuja under the watchful eyes of Chief. Efe Tobor, the State Chairman NNPP, at the state Secretariat along Benin Asaba Express Way, Asaba.

The state Chairman, Chief. Tobor said the party had so far screened a total of thirty two (32) State House Assembly aspirants, Eighteen (18) House of Representative aspirants, Three (3) Senatorial aspirants and one Governorship aspirant respectively.

Among the various aspirants screened successfully include Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), for the position of Senate Delta South Senatorial District. 

Addressing the Press shortly after the screening, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama expressed satisfaction and commended Chief. Efetobo led committee for transparent process, while given thanks to God for a successful screening. He appealed to the ad-hoc delegates to vote him as the candidate of the party, stressing that he is the peoples choice and a great asset to NNPP in winning the Senatorial seat in Delta South come 2023 general election.

He assured the ljaws, lsokos, ltsekiris, and Urhobos in Delta South Senatorial District that he is coming with his Hope Restoration Movement (HRM) in order to restore the peoples hope through Accountable Representation, Community, Youths and Women Development, sponsor peoples orientated bills that will better the lives of the constituents, influence Constituency projects to the grassroot through NDDC and Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Functional Constituency Engagement/Feedback and many more, adding that he will not disappoint them when voted into office, the statement added.

2023: PDP May Loose Delta as Ward Chairmen Sue Okowa, Party over Ad-hoc delegates

2023: PDP May Loose Delta as Ward Chairmen Sue Okowa, Party over Ad-hoc delegates

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ Trouble looms in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State as aggrieved ward Chairmen and members of the five Working Committee are already collating signatures in order to institute legal action against leadership of the party (National Working Committee), the governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, over alleged plot to shortchange their constitutional rights to vote in the forthcoming party primaries, stressing that it is the five men working Committee of the party at the ward level and 3 elected Ad-hoc delegates that have the constitutional right to vote in the PDP party primaries as stipulated in the party constitution.

In a statement released on Saturday morning in Asaba and signed by Prince Kelvin Perekeme, Chairman PDP Ward 7 Ayakoromo in Burutu local government area on behalf of the party Working Committee across the state, boldly stated that there is a looming earthquake to hit PDP that will result for the party to loose Delta State to the opposition if the right thing is not done immediately by the party leadership.

Prince Kelvin stated that the National Working Committee and Governor Okowa does not have the power and legal backing to decide on who to vote in the party primaries, adding that only the constitution of the country and that of PDP have the moral justification to do that. 

In backing his statement with the constitution, Prince Kelvin said:

 "Section 84(8) of the Electoral Act 2022 provides that: "A political party that adopts the system of indirect primaries for the choice of its candidate shall clearly outline in its constitution and rule the procedure for the democratic election of delegates to vote at the convention, congress or meeting.

By the provisions of the Electoral Act as quoted above, it means that only the elected party executive members that will vote at the party primaries. The elected delegates in the PDP are: National Working Committee members, Zonal Party Executive members, State Working Committee members, LGA Party Executive members, five Ward Party Executive members (Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Secretary, Women and Youth Leaders as well as the three ad hoc delegates from each Ward.

Some people want to give blanket interpretation to Electoral Act in order to exclude all other delegates aside the ad hoc delegates. Any attempt to unlawfully exclude any of the qualified delegates will spell doom for the party. Those who want to use only ad hoc delegates to vote at the party primaries should be ready to go court as the delegates will sue the PDP to nullify the elections."

Speaking further, he said: " Already, delegates are collating signatures in Delta State in preparation for any eventuality. The Electoral Act is very clear on who is qualified to vote. Some persons are planning to take advantage of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 to unlawfully disenfranchised many delegates who they feel will not do their bidding. If these selfish party stalwarts temper with the clear provisions of the Act then PDP will loose Delta State to the opposition in 2023. We hope that these political players know the dangerous implications of their evil plan to impose candidate on the people."

Therefore, as a matter of urgency and for the general interest of the umbrella party, he urged the National Working Committee and Governor Okowa of Delta State to make a U-turn immediately in their purported plan to use only A-dhoc delegates to vote or risk losing Delta to the opposition party in coming 2023 general elections, the statement added.

How NDLEA Arrests Delta’s born wanted drug baroness Oghenekevwe in Otukutu

How NDLEA Arrests Delta’s born wanted drug baroness Oghenekevwe in Otukutu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Bridget Oghenekevwe Emeka, a wanted suspected drug baroness, at her house where she allegedly oversaw the manufacture and trafficking of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illegal narcotics.

On Sunday, nine of her employees and allies were detained in Warri, Delta State, during coordinated simultaneous operations at her sprawling property and drug bunks, where she houses drug addicts and sells illicit narcotics.

A pump-action gun, 15 cartridges, documents, two cars, mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia such as sodium bicarbonate and polythene wrappings were also recovered for further investigation from her home and drug bunks, in addition to various quantities of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, molly, and loud.

During the raids, five of Emeka’s employees who cooked, chopped, packaged, and distributed the narcotics were apprehended in her home on Favour Street in Otukutu, Effurun Warri, while four of her colleagues were apprehended in her drug bunks in different parts of town.

After being identified as a significant distributor of illicit drugs in Delta State, the drug baroness has been under surveillance for weeks.

Just-ln: Former Kano Governor Shekarau dumps APC for NNPP

Just-ln: Former Kano Governor Shekarau dumps APC for NNPP

 

A former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau has officially join the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former DG of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s Support Group AbdulMumin Jibrin, who recently joined the NNPP made the disclosure via a tweet on his official Twitter page.

 

The tweet reads, “BREAKING- Sen Ibrahim Shekarau joins NNPP. Details later.”

This comes just two days after NNPP National Leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stormed the Kano residence of Shekarau to finalise the agreement of Shekarau’s defection to the new but fast growing NNPP.

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje had visited Shekarau Friday night to forestall the defection after which both of them were summoned to Abuja, but Shekarau shunned the meeting after he reportedly gathered that it was not the presidency that called the peace parley.

But on Sunday, Kwankwaso, also a former governor of the state, arrived at the Mudunbawa Kano home of Shekarau, alongside other bigwigs of NNPP to conclude on the defection plan said to be scheduled for official announcement on Monday.

Sources in Shekarau’s camp told Daily Trust that the defection is almost a done deal as all the associates of the former governor in all the 44 local government have agreed to move to the NNPP. (Vanguard/Daily Trust)

EFCC Nabs Former NDDC MD Nsima Ekere Over Alleged 47Billion Fraud

EFCC Nabs Former NDDC MD Nsima Ekere Over Alleged 47Billion Fraud

The former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDCC), Nsima Ekere, has been apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N47 billion fraud.

It was gathered that the said sum were monies he allegedly inflated for contracts for which he was placed on the watchlist.

His arrest is coming a few days after the Accountant General of the country, Ahmed Idris was apprehended over N80 billion fraud allegation.

Following his arrest, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, has placed him on suspension while he cool off in the custody of the anti-graft agency.

The Spokesperson in EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, confirmed Ekere’s arrest.

He is currently being grilled by operatives of the anti graft commission.

King Pereama latest Album 'GESIKEME' Hits Records Market, grab your copy

King Pereama latest Album 'GESIKEME' Hits Records Market, grab your copy

Oyinbi Onduku

Yenagoa____ The most anticipated latest music album titled: 'GESIKEME' of King Pereama Freetown JP, the Numoupere ll of lzon-Ibe Owigiri highlife music has landed record market (stores) across the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, especially Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Edo, Ondo, Cross Rivers and Lagos State, for the listening pleasure of lovers of good music with electrifying sound tracks.

In a statement released by the multi-facet talented ljaw owigiri highlife music King Pereama Freetown in Yenagoa over the weekend, stated that the hit track 'GESIKEME' is an ljaw word meaning man of integrity, honest man, truthful and upright person in the society.

In the beautifully composed song blend with highlife and scintillating makosa beats, king Pereama Freetown described 'GESIKEME' (Honest Person) as a truth teller, somebody who hates lies, somebody who forgive those offended him, somebody who love his neighbours as he loves himself, somebody who renders help to the needy in the society, somebody who does not envy or mislead others and somebody who does not pervert judgement against someone in terms of favouritism, nepotism and otherwise.

He went further to say that 'GESIKEME' does not show in your physical appearance or written in your forehead as a human being neither by your spoken words, but rather, it is identified by your character, behavior and attitude by others in the society.

He said GESIKEME is somebody whose 'Yes is Yes' and 'No is No'. He does not compromise his integrity, honesty and conscience for money or immediate favour. That is honest man, according to King Pereama Freetown JP.

However, the Numoupere ll identified some notable illustrious sons and daughters of ljaw nation in Bayelsa State as honest men (GESIKEME) in our society, amongst them are Chief. David Lyon of Olugbobiri, Leader Tonyekiri Biewari of Olugbobiri, Chief. Seibarogu Weri, Chief. Jeremiah Biewari, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi, Chief. Godspower Okpoi, Hon. Dallas Ebibi, Bernard Obiri alias Chief Egariga 1, Chief/Mrs. Timiebi David, Chief/Mrs. Oderekumor Toyekiri Biewari, Africa Lagos, Joseph Micaver, Gen. Joshua Micaver, Barr. Perepigha Biewari, Hon. Angalagbala Enemotimi, R.J. Idolor, Ondutimi Komonibo, Kelvin Samuel, Salvation Teusday, Victor Ebilamene Alajitala and the popular bearer of the name, Mr. Gesikeme Akparakata of lsampou Community respectively.

In the concluding part, King Pereama Freetown urged the rich and human being in general in the society not to call somebody poor or mock and discriminate the poor, rather they should extend and show love to them for a better society.

Meanwhile, King Pereama Freetown JP, has used this medium to called on lovers of Pereama music and his fans worldwide to hurry up and grab a copy of the latest music album at any nearby record store in Yenagoa, Portharcourt, Warri, Benin, Arogbo, Lagos, Akwa-lbom, Calabar etc for their listening pleasure as well as to grab the moral lessons (message) imbedded in the two songs latest album, the statement added.

'l Withdrew my Presidential Bid to Support Buhari', says Sylva

' l Withdrew my Presidential Bid to Support President Buhari ', says Sylva

 

Abuja____ Chief Timipre Sylva, Minister of State for Petroleum, has withdrawn from the presidential race in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has returned to work.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who monitored development at the ministry in Abuja on Monday reports that Sylva withdrew having considered the enormous work at hand at the ministry.

NAN reports that the Northern Solidarity Group had on May 9, presented the APC’s Expression of Interest and Nomination form to the minister to enable him to contest the party’s 2023 presidential primaries.

An official at the ministry who chose to remain anonymous said Sylva withdrew from the race to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to achieve a robust oil sector.

“He promised to consult the leader of the country and his political leaders the day he was presented with the form.

“He believes that concentrating on his work will attract more investments for the oil and gas sector.

“He has consulted and he believes that the challenges at the ministry and oil and gas sector are enough issues for him to begin to deal with now than going to pursue presidential ambition at the expense of the nation.

“The oil and gas sector is the mainstay of the economy and it is not like any other ministry somebody can just come in and take over.

“It requires some measures of time for the person to understand what is happening in the system.

“For the interest of the industry and the nation, he has decided to wave that personal ambition to see what he can contribute in the remaining part of President Buhari’s administration.

 

“The implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021 is very critical and he wants to continue to make his own contribution to the day-to-day running of the country and support Mr President for robust achievements,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Mr Horatius Egua, Senior Adviser, Media and Communications to the minister, when contacted, confirmed to NAN that the minister was back to work.

Why EFCC Arrests Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris

Why EFCC Arrests Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris

Abuja____ The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested Nigeria’s Accountant General of the Federation. Mr Ahmed Idris over alleged N80 billion fraud.

The anti-graft body disclosed this on its Twitter page displaying a picture of the AGF.

It tweeted, “Operatives of the EFCC on Monday, May 16, 2022, arrested serving Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Ahmed Idris, in connection with diversion of funds and money laundering activities to the tune of N80billion (Eighty Billion Naira) only.

“The Commission’s verified intelligence showed that the AGF raked off the funds through bogus consultancies and other illegal activities using proxies, family members and close associates.

“The funds were laundered through real estate investments in Kano and Abuja.”

The EFCC said Mr. Idris was arrested after failing to honour invitations by the EFCC to respond to issues connected to the fraudulent acts.

What you should know

President Muhammed Buhari appointed Mr Idris as Accountant-General of the Federation on June 25, 2015.

Mr Idris was reappointed by President Buhari for a second four-year term in June 2019, amid criticisms from labour groups who said the accountant-general should retire after turning 60.

Mr Idris, a native of Kano State, North-west Nigeria, was born on November 25, 1960, and was until his appointment in 2015 the Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

Idris is a chartered accountant with over two decades of work experience. A Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and Fellow, Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria.

He is a member of other professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, the Certified Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria, and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Featured Article: The 'Political Lucifers'_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Featured Article: The 'Political Lucifers'_By Ekanpou Enewaridideke

Strategically placed from the North to the South and from the East to the West of the universe and vice-versa are political haulers by whom adamantine followers and defenders of political leaders/political office holders are hauled willy-nilly into pitiable dungeon-like living conditions established as the centres for the production and supply of the survival and sustenance ration for political office holders who are the originators of the politics of economic attrition as the sworn political 'Lucifers' of this manipulated generation of dedicated followers and inveterate political Lucifers though there are political leaders and political office holders who are exceptions to this by their acts of commitment to the politics of development and empowerment irrigation.Deep as the stinging sensation from this deliberate reduction is, the unyielding followers feel currently opiated by the sure eventual visitation of corresponding karma upon the political Lucifers at the appointed time.Could the waiting karma therefore be the opium of followership-servility in this manipulated generation?

The politics of economic attrition is the theatricalised obsessional dance of some designated political actors. Those are the heartless murderers of the transformational ideals of politics. To these ideologised promoters of economic attrition, the economic retrogression of their followers is the ritualised medication for their psychological, economic and political stability and advancement in their calibrated political careers. Sadly, the ideologised promoters of economic attrition do not even care to know that this disgusting thing called economic attrition has become such an archaism in this digital age that selfishly holding unto it for eternity could only produce devastating karmic results in seasonal electoral communications. 

Carrying no burden like the burden of a pachydermatous skin found in pangolin, for victims of economic attrition their hope lies in the seasonal electoral communication because it is the ideal time to release the sound bite that the advocates of economic attrition have become such excrement nobody is willing to transact political business with. Yet the virus of political attrition shamelessly traverses the world without the knowledge that its karmic season of great harvest is May 2022 and May 2023.

Lest I forget, the directional echoes are still everywhere – the directional echoes of that great philosopher called Timiebi Maika who contends that when political actors are intimidated and disgusted by the economic and political advancement of their ‘mumu’ followers and engineer the framework and mechanism to end the advancement and reduce the mumu followers to puppets subject to be drawn theatrically to attain the targeted political objective of the political actors in every electoral cycle, using the systematic pauperisation of their created puppets as the raw material for their own unimpeded growth, it is called the birth of the politics of economic attrition. 

Politics anywhere on earth – Greece, Brazil, America, Singapore, Akparemogbene, Sokebulou, Akugbene, Egodor, Agbodobiri, Okerenkoko, Obotebe etc – has a propelling force. Politics droops like ‘Baafun’ leaves in the heat of the sun and dies without this propelling force. Developmental transformation is the propelling force of politics; it is this charm of transformation resident in politics that accounts for the gravitation towards politics. Over the years developmental transformation of individuals, communities, infrastructure and even the superstructure had long been firmly established as the opium of politics. Yet some very old politicians have institutionalised a politics of calibrated pauperisation targeted at the people they rely on every electoral season for electoral victories. This is sadly the paradox of politics when juxtaposed with the primary purpose of politics which is basically developmental transformation.

Dedicated practitioners who practise the politics of economic attrition like diligent legal practitioners are traceable in every political space in a democratic environment.For the political actors who are the dedicated practitioners of the politics of deliberate progressive impoverishment, they have a covert mechanism perfected over twenty years ago though unknown to their core believers/supporters. They had either a governorship or presidential ambition nursed twenty years ago. Towards the actual birth of this so-called ambition, they had to swear to an oath in the privacy of their shrine that none of their supporters would be given an opportunity to grow politically and economically above their political bosses. This dangerous resolve of the political actors is an emanation from the proverb that the Okra plant can never grow above the owner or the planter who planted it – a proverb that is at odds with the realities of existence on earth. 

Towards creating a semblance of sensitivity to the plight of the supporters of the so-called insensitive political actors, the devoted supporters are deservedly rewarded with low political appointments; for others they are grouped and given a single contract – a contract they are too financially incapacitated to execute and so they end up selling it to a full-time contractor to buy. After the sale of the so-called contract, each goes home with one million naira or less. Even with the one million naira each has been entitled to, they have to contribute money and give to their OGA Political head who made it possible for the contract to come as a reciprocal appreciation from the believers. Beaming with smiles of reciprocal recognition from his systematically pauperised mumu followers, the so-called Oga political head would claim it without a prick of conscience – but rather disgustingly full of self-congratulations on his seasonal systematic contractual magnanimity!

Few months after the contractual largesse or even in the freshness of the low political appointments their political boss has been radiantly magnanimous to create for them with a visible high proportion of self-exhibitionism, they are seen running to the boss for financial boost and assistance because what they have is not enough for them to attain reasonable amount of economic independence. The political bosses are silently excited in their hearts that they have economically turned their own undying supporters into puppets they can draw from time to time for theatrical entertainment in politics. The support base for the political boss is always full and strong as long as the believers are systematically kept hungry and economically rootless. 

The politics of economic and political rootlessness of the supporters has to be sustained until the election season arrives. In the full flush of the election season the political boss becomes the only aspirant for his desired elective office office because there is nobody to challenge the boss however the dismal performance history in the past years. Even if it is the office of the governor or president that is desired, the road carries no barricade or encumbrances because the anticipated obstacles had long been futurologically cleared through the politics of calibrated pauperization, progressive impoverishment, economic rootlessness and political rootlessness. 

With a Buddhist enlightenment or knowledge full as the full moon seated in the sky, for the apostles and advocates of this retrogressive political philosophy of followership-management, they are quick to plug or clog any opportunity where their supporters are likely to be given either a juicy contract or juicy political appointment carrying the probabilities of rapid economic transformation of the individuals. Such political bosses are the political Lucifers of our time. Again, for the advocates of this retrogressive politics, they are so professionally pretentious in their public persona that you can hardly identify them as the political Lucifers of our time.

A danger hangs perpetually on the necks of the political Lucifers who prioritise the economic and political rootlessness of their supporters. For these political Lucifers none of their core supporter or family member can give them one million naira as a supportive donation for their senatorial, governorship or presidential drive/ambition. Because none of their supporters or family members had been radiantly empowered long before the election, the boss aspirant will have to rely on his pocket alone for sponsorship of his electoral ambition, and the campaign ship of the boss becomes becalmed and runs the risk of political shipwreck where the purse of the boss gets depleted midway. For advocates of the economic and political impoverishment of their supporters, let it be known that they equally run the risk of electoral failure and political oblivion the moment they lose the power to fuel their political boat from their individual pockets because their deliberately impoverished supporters and family members are too poor to rescue them. 

Actually, the political Lucifers whose world revolves around the sustainability of the politics of progressive impoverishment of their supporters in both economic and political terms are electorally awaited by a death-knell karmically built. The operational duration of the satanic politics of economic and political rootlessness often covers decades without detection but bound to be discovered someday. The day the deliberate economic and political rootlessness covertly created by the political bosses is known, he or she becomes excrement to the hitherto undying supporters. Before the supporters the once inspiring cant of the boss loses its charm. This becomes the road to political oblivion and ‘DEKOOR’ because the believers have turned owls on  tree branches in the forest, now ominously hooting at their once respected political bosses for the economic and political deprivation covertly let loose on them over the years while they followed their political bosses slavishly. To the hitherto mumu followers whose benevolent mumu has attained the enough-status in their moment of wakefulness, the boss becomes the leader of the coven who should be hooted at publicly and isolated. 

Everything on this earth is timed. There is a time to economically and politically pauperise people so that elective political spaces will  always be accessible like umbrella unfurled for you to monopolise as many times as you want because the people with the potential to give the needed correctional caution are too economically and politically disadvantaged and weak to challenge you. There is time for this retrogressive politics to rule without detection. There is also a time for the political Lucifers to be discovered and told a karmic tale in reciprocal language. 

Unto the energising embrace of native chalk my heart dances now because the politics of economic and political attrition conceived and pursued sustainably against the ordinary people who wholeheartedly support their political leaders has been detected. Detected through intelligence-gathering and intelligence-analysis, the resolve of the ordinary supporters whose growth destinies were deliberately incarcerated by their trusted political leaders for decades is to see that the efforts of those political leaders are electorally thwarted as governors, presidents, senators, House of Representative members and members of State Houses of Assembly. So for aspirants in 2023 who have been discovered as advocates of economic and political rootlessness and systematic impoverishment of their supporters, they shall be electorally wounded and taught a karmic lesson in corresponding dimension viewed as a co-ordinate degree of responsiveness to the viral rampage of the politics of economic attrition in the political space. 

Even without a conscious meditation channelled by Rosicrucians, Hindus and Buddhists to God  for His specially solicited intervention, in 2023 there shall be no space for political Lucifers because the ordinary people are now totally disenchanted with the viral rampage of the politics of economic attrition – a retrogressive sustainability political strategy cunningly deployed over the decades by the political Lucifers of our time.This is incidentally the plane from which His Excellency Otuaro, the loyal and humble Deputy Governor of Delta State, will eagle into Dennis Osadebe House in 2023 as the stainless white eagle because he is an antagonist of the politics of economic attrition since the protagonists of the politics of economic attrition are the only electorally endangered species in the politics of any country.

BY EKANPOU ENEWARIDIDEKE

Writes from Akparemogbene, Delta State