2023: Why Delta ljaw People Will Not Support Okowa, Sheriff _DIPM

2023:  Why Delta ljaw People Will Not Support Okowa, Sheriff _DIPM

Francis Tayor 

Warri _______ An ljaw interest group under the aegis of Delta Ijaw Peoples Mandate, DIPM has made their position known to the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who is also the Vice Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the forthcoming 2023 general elections that the Delta ljaw people will not support him and his governorship candidate in Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori. 

In a Press Statement released and jointly signed by the National President and the Secretary General of the group, High Chief. Yusuf Eregbene and Comr. Oyinbi Onduku over the weekend at Ogbe-ljoh, the headquarters of Warri South-West Local Government Area, stated that Gov. Okowa's deliberate neglect of the Delta ljaw people in terms of infrastructural development coupled with the termination of Ayakoromo bridge, Odorobu, Odophori, Bulu Angiama, Toru-Angiama, Bulu Apelebiri Link road to Patani main Town, Torugbene to Ojobo road, as well as his refusal to upgrade any of the few schools in ljaw land, such as the School of Marine Technology Burutu, Esenabe Teacher Training College Bomadi and the newly established Technical College Akugbene in Bomadi LGA to a University standard.

The group further noted that the 2023 Delta State PDP Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was a good candidate for the masses but his boss, Gov. Okowa's maltreatment against the ljaw people in the state as well as other critical party stalwarts is the only challenge he have to contend with.

The group added that they can consider Gov. Okowa if only he can convince the ljaws by completing the Ayakoromo bridge project, Odorobu Patani Link road, Torugbene Ojobo road, upgrade any of the few schools in ljaw land to university standard as well as provision of other basic social amenities such as primary health care facilities, portable drinkable water, electricity and gainfully employment of graduates from the ljaw riverine communities in the state Civil Service  and other ministries that is available in the state.

According to the Press Statement, read below:

DELTA IJAW PEOPLES MANDATE (DIPM)

PRESS STATEMENT 

6th NOVEMBER, 2022

WHY DELTA IJAW PEOPLE WILL NOT SUPPORT OKOWA AND HIS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE COME 2023

" We the Delta ljaw Peoples Mandate (DIPM) whose members cut across the six ljaw Local Government Areas of the State, especially Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South, Warri South-West and Warri North has unanimously agreed not to support Gov. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa's Vice Presidential ambition and his Delta PDP Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

" Since 1999 till date, it is the ljaw people that has been promoting the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State in particular and Nigeria at large.

" The believe ijaw people have in PDP, if any of her sons and daughters join opposition or another political party in Delta state and beyond, the ljaw nation will label such person as an outcast and enemy of ljaw progress.

" Ijaw means truth, and because of that, we believe in the senatorial rotational arrangement in the party, and as a result of that, we rendered financial, moral, physical and spiritual support to the Anioma people in 2015 despite our ljaw illustrious sons were equally vying for the same Governorship position in 2015.

" Unfortunately, despite the massive support given to the current governor, His. Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, who is the sole beneficiary of the Anioma Peoples Agenda, there is no concrete legacy infrastructural development project in ljaw land.

" Educationally in the state, the Delta ljaw people are lacking behind in terms of higher institution. And Gov. Okowa recently upgraded over three higher institutions across the state, but no single one was upgraded in ljaw land. 

" Where'as there are few schools in ljaw land that is begging for upgrade but no attention was given by the Okowa led government. 

" The most painful part was that, since Okowa assume office in 2015 to date for over the past seven years, there is no single project the Okowa led government has executed or commissioned in Bomadi Local Government Area of the state.

" The only legacy project in ljaw land the Okowa led administration is executing for the past seven years was the Ayakoromo bridge. But unfortunately, he has terminated the project in the guise of re-awarding it to another company without matching his words with action.

" As we speak today, there is no sign of the Okowa led administration readiness to complete the all important Ayakoromo bridge in Burutu LGA that will connect all the riverine communities to urban city in the state.

" Then in Patani LGA, the very important road linking Bomadi, Odorobu, Odophori, Bulu Angiama, Toru-Angiama, Bulu Apelebiri and Toru-Apelebiri down to Patani main Town was also abandoned by Gov. Okowa led administration for no genuine reason.

" Though, to say the truth, the 2023 Delta State PDP Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori was a good candidate for the masses but his boss, Gov. Okowa's maltreatment to the ljaw people as well as other critical party stalwarts is the only challenge he have to contend with.

" The above highlighted projects is a clear fact on ground that we the ljaws in Delta state have decided not to support Gov. Okowa Vice Presidential ambition, and his governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections", Yusuf Eregbene asserted.

However, the Delta ljaw Peoples Mandate Youth Wing shall embark on Ten thousand (10, 000) youth march at Bomadi main Town on the 12th of December, 2022 in order to publicly declare our position before the world, the statement added.

Signed:

High Chief. Yusuf Eregbene, National President (DIPM)

09020002830

Comrade Oyinbi Onduku, Secretary General (DIPM).

07066879446

Settle Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Crisis before you leave office, IGL tell Okowa

Settle Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Crisis before you leave office, IGL tell Okowa

Francis Tayor

Warri _____ The lndependent Grassroot Liberators, IGL of Delta State, has called on the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa to as a matter of urgency put to an end the aged long lingering communal land dispute between Ogbe-ljoh and Aladja Communities in Warri South-West and Udu LGAs of the state that have claimed many lives as well as destruction of houses and properties worths millions of naira over the years.

This was coming following the renewed attack by Aladja Community on Saturday afternoon against Ogbe-ljoh Community having severally signed  Peace Accord by both Communities before the Delta State Government and security agencies.

The group noted that if Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa led Delta State Government cannot amicably settle the crisis between Ogbe-ljoh and Aladja Communities before the shortest possible time, he should not expect the votes of Delta ljaws, especially the over one thousand bloc votes from the lndependent Grassroot Liberators across the twenty five (25) LGAs of the state.

According to the Press Statement, read below the full details:

Press Statement 

6th November, 2022 

SETTLE OGBE-IJOH / ALADJA COMMUNAL CRISIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE OFFICE, INDEPENDENT GRASSROOT LIBERATORS (IGL) 

TELL GOV. IFEANYI ARTHUR OKOWA OF DELTA STATE.

The Independent Grassroots Liberators (IGL),Warri South-West LGA, a Political oriented pressure group has tell the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Sen.Dr. Ifeanyi Authur Okowa, to as a matter of urgency settle the aged long communal crisis between Ogbe-ljoh/Aladja Communities before he leaves office come 2023.

The National Coordinator of the group ,Hon Felix Yerinbowei Company lamented that, if Sen. Okowa as a sitting governor of Delta State cannot solve this age-long communal  conflict of Ogbe-ijoh/Aladja but expecting the votes from this areas that shall not work.

Hon.Felix Company is the current Councillor representing Ijansa/Ijelejele Ward 13 in Warri South-West LGA, and the National Coordinator of this renowned group IGL which have over one thousand PVC holders asserted that, if His Excellency, Okowa really wants to succeed in his Vice Presidential ambition as well as to install the governor of Delta State come 2023, he should be wise and urgently enough to settle this crisis now or else he will be disappointed at the polls in the general elections next year.

In his reaction, the former IYC Chairman Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom and Delta State Communities Peace Ambassador as well as the National Secretary General of IGL, Apst (Engr) Amb. Okosu Smart, said the Chairman Warri South West, Hon. Taiye Duke Tuoyo should be very much careful with his friend and counterpart, the Executive Chairman of Udu L.G.A, Hon. Chief Jite Brown who is the major sponsor and logically wants to overrun the Warri South West Secretariat with his  Aladja pay militants.

Apst. Okosu advise that Mr Chairman WSW, Hon.Taiye should as a  matter of urgency station Army check point at the Ogbe-ljoh Council Secretariat so as to avoid the Evil plans of Mr Jite Brown and his Aladja community to burn down our productive Secretariat.

Also speaking, the National President of IGL and the Niger Delta Youth Council, Comrade Amb. Mamamu Bene Youkore advise both Communities to shun violence and lay down their sword for Government to give final decision.

He further use this medium to call on every prominent sons of Delta State and Nigeria at large to profer a lasting solution for peace and imploy the both LGA Chairmen to work inline with the directives of His Excellency, Dr. Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Signed:

Hon. Felix Yerinbowei Company, National Coordinator, IGL

Amb. Comr. Mamamu Bene Youkere, President General Niger Delta Youth Council

Apstl. Amb. Smart Okosu, Secretary General IGL.

2023: Independent Grassroot Liberators Holds 1, 000 Youth March in Delta

2023: Independent Grassroot Liberators Holds 1, 000 Youth March in Delta

...... Open to grassroots people oriented candidates to work with

Francis Tayor 

Warri _____ Ahead of 2023 general elections, a political pressure group under the aegis of the lndependent Grassroot Liberators, IGL has embarked on one thousand (1, 000) Youth March in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, in order to enlightened the masses at the grassroot on the need to be wise and know the type of candidates to trust their votes with in the 2023 general elections.

The solidarity movement was held in the early hours of Thursday 3rd November, 2022 at Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom, the headquarters of Warri South-West LGA, attracted youth leaders, groups and associations from the various communities and wards in the Local Government Area to assemble in a solidarity movement to discuss their future as well as to take their destiny in their hands by taken a drastic decision on the type of candidates to work and vote for in the coming general elections.

The aim of the solidarity movement was to educate the masses to vote their conscience by identifying with a credible grassroot peoples oriented candidates with a workable manifesto that will protect their interest and not political party.

Speaking to the press during the one thousand youths solidarity March at Ogbe-ljoh, the National Coordinator of the group, Hon. Company Yerinbowei stated that the group as the name implies is the coming together of an lndependent Grassroot Liberators, (youth leaders) cut across the various communities and wards in Warri South-West LGA. He stressed that the masses are fed up with fake political promises in the past in the name of party politics, saying 2023 would not be as usual because we are voting for the best candidate and not party.

He noted that their mandate is open to discussion with any viable candidate that is aspiring for a political office in the forthcoming general elections across the country, especially Delta State in particular, adding that the body is devoid of political party.

Hon. Company reiterated that lndependent Grassroot Liberators, IGL is well prepared with over one thousand eligible youths with permanent voters cards (PVCs) to work and deliver any candidate that have the pains of the masses at heart.

According to him, said:

" As a political player, if you come down to identify with us at the grassroot level, will shall take you to the top.

" If you do what we want at the grassroot, we shall reciprocate by doing what you want us to do for you", he stated.

In his reaction, the National President of the Niger Delta Youths and a son of the soil, Amb. Ben Mamamu thanked and appreciated the various community and ward youth leaders for sacrificing their time to partook in the all important one thousand youth march, stressing that their effort shall not be in vain.

He noted that the youths are wise now and they cannot be used as usual as political thugs in the forthcoming general elections.

" Ogbe-ljoh Warri kingdom is not progressing compared to other kingdoms in the state. Therefore, we are creating this awareness today across to all the youths in Nigeria, especially Delta State to be wise and vote for the candidates that have the grassroot peoples interest at heart.

" Our kingdom is in darkness, we need light, drinkable water, health care facilities, conducive learning environment and just name it. We the youths at the grassroot level are saying enough of bad leadership over the years. Therefore, 2023 we want to change the narrative by voting a credible grassroot peoples oriented candidates devoid of whatever political party he or she is coming from".

Meanwhile, in their various reactions, youth leaders from Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, Warri South and Warri North Local Government Areas of the state speaks in one voice that 2023 shall take a new dimension as they are fully prepared to work, vote and deliver a grassroot peoples oriented candidates in the forthcoming general elections, the statement added.

Delta 2023 Appropriation Bill Scales Second Reading In The Assembly

Delta 2023 Appropriation Bill Scales Second Reading In The Assembly 

Asaba______ The 2023 Appropriation Bill has scaled through second reading at the floor of the State House of Assembly.

The House also at plenary screened and confirmed five nominees sent to the House by the State governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Defending the Appropriation Bill, the Majority Leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo said the bill christened " Budget of Seamless and Stable Transition" is geared towards consolidating and expanding on the achievements of the  past seven and half years of Governor Okowa aimed at realizing long term growth.

He said the budget will provide for sustained investments in new and ongoing projects, creation of employment and business opportunities, resources of Deltans with relevant skills, creation of a vibrant social service sector, creation of a more peaceful and secure climate which would create friendly environment for investors. 

On his part,  the Deputy Speaker, Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor, said the Bill seeks to improve capital development in regards to job and wealth creation, enhance infrastructural development which  dwells on public infrastructure such as roads, bridges and drainages as well as urban renewal.

In her contribution, the Chief Whip, Hon. Pat Ajudua said the Bill would give priority attention to trade and investment as well as Education.

Other lawmakers who spoke on the merits of the Appropriation Bill said the Bill would promote agricultural productivity and enable this administration finish strong.

      

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori who presided over Wednesday’s plenary, then  referred the Bill to the House Committee on Finance and appropriation to submit to the House in the next two weeks, after scaling through the second reading. 

The House also screened and confirmed Mr Patrick Itor as member of the Delta State Sports commission moved by the Majority Leader  and seconded by the member representing Warri North, Hon Fred Martins 

The House also confirmed the re- appointment  of Mr Benjamin lgo and Dr Onyemeni Frank Atube as Chairman and Secretary Bureau of Local Government pension. 

Moved by the Majority leader seconded by the member representing Ughelli South constituency Hon Reuben Izeze.

Mr. Obe Fred Edefe was also screened and confirmed  for appointment as member of the State Executive Council moved by the majority leader, Hon Ferguson Onwo and seconded by the Deputy Speaker Hon Ochor Christopher Ochor.

The House also screened and confirmed Mr Lawson Efenudu for appointment as secretary Bureau for State Pensions.

New Redesign CBN 200, 500 & 1000 Naira Notes to be Use in December 15

New Redesign CBN 200, 500 & 1000 Naira Notes to be Use in December 15

Abuja_____ The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has redesigned some new naira notes.

Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, said this at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja.

Emefiele said the new design and issues will be effective from December 2022.

He advised Nigerians to take old notes to banks for the new notes.

According to Emefiele, the new notes include N200, N500 and N1000.

Mulade Unveils Trophy's, Jerseys to Mark late Mother's one year Ahead ljaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup

Mulade Unveils Trophy's, Jerseys to Mark late Mother's one year Ahead ljaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup

......Tasks stakeholders on peaceful coexistence

Warri _____ The National Coordinator of Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Chief Sheriff Mulade has unveiled the jerseys, trophies and medals for the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity football tournament. 

The ceremony took place at the Africa 4 Peace Centre, headquarters of CEPEJ, Ugolo-Osubi near Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday, 26 October 2022, to mark the first anniversary of his late mother, Madam Ebikeseiye Timiyan Mulade.

The Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity football tournament is a biannual competition sponsored by Comrade Mulade Sheriff to promote peaceful coexistence between the Ijaw and the Itsekiri ethnic groups in Warri LGAs and their environs in Delta State, as well as to attract development to the area.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by the local organising committee members led by the Chairman of Delta State Football Association, DFA, Hon. Kenneth Nwaomucha, SSA to the Governor on Sports Development; ex-international footballers, Samuel Sodje and Christian Obodo, as well as community representatives from the 16 participating communities (eight each from Ijaw and Itsekiri) who all received free jerseys and footballs to prepare for the tournament which kicks off November 16, and climaxes December 3, 2022.

Speaking after the unveiling, Chief Mulade Sheriff who is also the Ibe-Sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom noted that the event was unique as it took place on the last Wednesday of October, exactly one year when he lost his beloved mother. He said that he decided to do it to mark her anniversary in order to promote peace as she encouraged him and his siblings to leave in and promote peace.

He said there was no other better day to mark her one year anniversary than 26th October, 2022, as the programme was to promote peaceful coexistence and build on the existing peace being enjoyed by the two ethnic nationalities in Delta State.

Chief Mulade added that the football event was also aimed at discovering talents among the youths for national and international sports competitions. He said first edition of the event was successful, the second was great, and, therefore, strongly believed that the third edition would be much better. 

He further noted that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities are critical stakeholders in Warri and Delta State at large, as the economic livewire of the state. He asserted that for the city of Warri to regain its lost glory and spring up with the needed development, all stakeholders must invest in promoting peace by participating in the football competition.

He urged stakeholders who wish to assist in any way, not to hesitate to do so. He told stakeholders who want to support and promote peace and peaceful coexistence to participate in the event by helping to convey participants to the venues and encourage others to do same.

The third edition of the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity football tournament will kick-off on the 16th of November, 2022 at Benikrukru Town in Gbaramatu Kingdom (Ijaw) and end on the 3rd of December, 2022 at Ugborodo Town near Chevron Terminal Escravos (Itsekiri). The first prize is N1 million, second prize, N700,000k, and third place prize is N500,000k, plus many consolatory prizes.

The highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the draws coordinated by the Secretary of Delta State Football Association (DFA) Mr. Ogbosi Azuka, to place the participating Ijaw and Itsekiri communities into groups for the tournament. The Itsekiri football teams are from Ogidigben, Ugborodo, Ebrohimi, Ubeji, Ode-Itsekiri, Oboghoro, Kolokolo, and Tebujakpa (Uwangue), while the Ijaw football teams are from Debiri, Okerenkoko, Oporoza, Ogbe-Ijoh, Benikrukru, Opuama/Polobubor, Kurutie and Ijaw community in NPA, Warri.

Breaking: Isoko Youth Assembly President, Omagufi Removed, Olomu Takeover

Breaking: Isoko Youth Assembly President, Omagufi Removed, Olomu Takeover 

Francis Tayor 

Warri _____ The Board of Trustee, Isoko Youth Assembly, has removed its President, Comrade Onoriode Omagufi over what it described as abuse of office, high handedness and disrespect for the Board of Trustee.

His removal was pronounced on Monday 24th October, 2022 following a resolution reached after emergency meeting held by members of the Board of Trustee (BOT) Isoko Youth Assembly.

He was asked to immediately handover any property of the organization under his possession to the Secretary General within 48hours of the receipt of this resolution.

In a Press Statement released on Wednesday and jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustee Isoko Youth Assembly, Comrade Paul Agbama and Stella Enaboje respectively, stated that his Deputy, Comrade Matthew Olomu has been appointed to takeover with immediate effect.

According to the BOT said the removal of Comrade Onoriode Omaguifi was prompted as a result of his attitude of disrespect to constituted authority's as well as high handedness style of leadership.

The statement added that the general public is hereby advice to stop any dealing with Omaguifi, stressing that Matthew Olomu is now the new President General of lsoko Youth Assembly (IYA) Worldwide.

Read below full details of the statement:

“At the general meeting held on the 24th day of October, 2022 the following resolution was reached:

“That Mr. Omagufi Onoriode is hereby removed from office as the President of the Organization by her Board of Trustee.

“That with this resolution Mr. Omagufi Onoriode should handover any property of the organization in his possession to the Secretary within 48hours of the receipt of the resolution.”

However, Comrade Agbama has advice the general public to desist from dealing with Comrade Onoriode Omagufi as President of Isoko Youth Assembly, IYA.

He also said that, “the Board of Trustees of Isoko Youth Assembly, has appointed Comrade Matthew Olomu as President of Isoko Youth Assembly by the Organisation Board of Trustees.

“That this appointment takes immediate effect and that the general public should take cognizance of this resolution.”

He advised the general public to take cognizance of the resolution reached and should deal with Comrade Matthew Olomu as the President of the Organization henceforth, the statement added.