Gov. Diri makes case for Federal Marine Safety Corps to Tackle Sea Pirates

Gov. Diri makes case for Federal Marine Safety Corps to Tackle Sea Pirates

 

Amgbare Ekaunkumo

Yenagoa _____ The Bayelsa State Government has again called on the Federal Government to expedite action over the establishment of a marine safety corps to effectively address security challenges on the waterways in the country.

The State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, made the call on Tuesday when a delegation from the Nigeria Police Trust Fund paid him courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo pointed out that establishing the marine equivalent of the existing Federal Road Safety Corps would help in the fight against sea piracy, kidnapping and other crimes in the Niger Delta.

He pointed out that policing the creeks of Bayelsa demanded a lot of logistics, noting that the state needs more support in terms of gunboats to enable the marine division of the state Police Command to effectively secure the creeks.

While expressing the state government’s preparedness to collaborate with the Federal Government on security, he added that the Marine Safety Corps would support other security agencies to safeguard critical national assets such as oil facilities in the state.

According to him, until the Federal Government and the 36 states work closely together to fight against insecurity, Nigeria would not be able to achieve sustainable peace and tranquility.

Expressing delight over the infrastructure projects earmarked by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for Bayelsa, Senator Ewhrudjakpo said the projects would go a long way to complement the efforts of the state government in the security sector.

The Deputy Governor, who passed a vote of confidence on the Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Nebolisa Okolo and his team, expressed hope that the visit of the NPTF would facilitate the take-off of the Marine Police Training Institute at Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area.

His words, “Our security challenges are more in the riverine areas and if we are able to properly police those areas, we would have done a lot to boost our security architecture.

“So, we need more gunboats to help police our rivers and rivulets and help cover where we believe are to be their (criminals) escape routes. This will also help improve our oil production.

“That is why we have been calling on the Federal Government to establish a marine safety corps just as we have the Road Safety Corps to effectively police our waterways

“We are ready to collaborate with you on the provision of a Police Headquarters as the present headquarters is not befitting. We believe you can do your own contribution in your 2022 budget so that we can come and assist you to get a befitting Police Headquarters,” he said.

Earlier in her remarks, the leader of the team, Mrs. Gladys Odegbaro, explained that the Nigeria Police Trust Fund officials were on an inspection visit to police formations under Zone 16, which has its headquarters in Bayelsa.

Mrs. Odegbaro, who is a board member of the NPTF, said the fact-finding visit would enable them to know the basic needs of the various police divisions in the state.

She said the NPTF in its current budget had earmarked to rehabilitate the  Sagbama and Ekeki police stations as well as provide some infrastructure at the Marine Police Training Institute, Toru-Orua, police driving school and staff quarters.

While requesting the state government’s support in the building of a more befitting headquarters of Police in the state, Mrs Odegbaro, promised to convey the requests for gunboats to the appropriate quarters for action.

Delta South: Nesiama Urges Christians to Elect God-Fearing Leaders to Represent them

Delta South: Nesiama Urges Christians to Elect God-Fearing Leaders to Represent them 

Warri _____ The NNPP Senatorial Candidate for Delta South Senatorial District in the forthcoming 2023 General Elections, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd), has called on religious leaders and their followers across the country to vote God-Fearing Servant leaders into political offices so as to effectively represent their interest in government.

Omatseye, popularly known as the Commodore of Hope made the call during the annual harvest banquet at St Peters Anglican Church, Deco Road, Warri stated that only God-Fearing servant leaders can genuinely provide the dividends of Democracy to the people at the grassroot when elected. 

He particularly appreciated the priests and members of the church for the special invitation extended on him, stressing that he sees it as a rare privilege given to a politician. 

He further thanked the church for their political consciousness and encouraged them not to relent as the acts of commission or omission of a government has positive or negative bearing on the church in one form or the other. Thus, the need to find God-fearing men and women with good interpersonal skills to elect into political offices, the statement added. 

The occasion which was chaired by the Provost of the College of Education, Warri, Chief Dickson Oyovwi had some prominent sons and daughters of the state in attendance.

Comrade Emmanuel Aye, the Chairman of the Planning Committee in his Vote of Thanks, appreciated the Commodore of Hope and all other invited guests for honouring the invitation even at a very short notice and their willingness to support the mission. 

Rev Canon Amadi, while saying the closing prayer, prayed for the Commodore of Hope, Omatseye Nesiama to succeed in his Senatorial ambition.

Delta 2023: Oborevwori Wins Big At FHC Abuja, Two Cases Strike Out

Delta 2023: Oborevwori Wins Big At FHC Abuja, Two Cases Strike Out

Fred Latimore 

Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, got two more judgments in his favour at the Federal High Court Abuja, on Tuesday 5th July, 2022.

The frivolous cases which were statute barred and devoid of locus standi are; Ogbe v. Sheriff, and Ejoh v. PDP, making a total of eight judgments in Oborevwori's favour in recent times and counting.

The applicants brought the fragile suits challenging the governorship primaries but were disappointed as they lost out in all ramifications.

The remaining two cases against Oborevwori and PDP are fixed for judgment tomorrow, Wednesday 6th July, at the Federal High Court Abuja.

Meanwhile, there is jubilation across the state, obviously reaffirming Deltans total  and unrepentant support for the Sheriffied crooner, a unifier and candidate of the PDP, Rt Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, JP, the Ukodo of Okpe Kingdom.

ORDER AND SOLUTIONS NEEDED TO ADDRESS RECKLESS REGARDS FOR OTHERS IN BURUTU POLITICS

ORDER AND SOLUTIONS NEEDED TO ADDRESS RECKLESS REGARDS FOR OTHERS IN BURUTU POLITICS

By,

Kitua Dauyebo Anthony

My Burutu LGA people, I always feel disappointed reading comments and write-ups by some of us on the social media attacking other politicians. Such verbal attacks came up after the Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Primary Elections because of issues of disagreement arising from those elections. Some of us have even personalized those issues resorting to insulting others. Some of such insults, names aren't mentioned though, we know those being referred to. However, those aspirants that contested in the PDP Primaries never even thought of such recklessness.

Rep. Julius G. Pondi and Chief (Hon.) Dan Yingi got my moral support in their respective elections. That doesn't mean I have the right to insult Rt. Hon. (Chief) Franc Enokorogha or Chief Arede Edeinmene and Hon. Asupa Forteta or Hon. Timi Akuna, if there were disagreements. I usually discourage those very close to me to attack Burutu leaders and others because we're too close to attack one another. And that insults won't change the destinies of some of those leaders because they have arrived except, if they behaved like Pharaoh who challenged God Almighty in the Bible.

Of course, disagreements and litigations are constant in the history of politics or decision making process. Election itself is a decision making process where participants would want to outsmart others which often leads to disagreements. It was such type of disagreements that God Almighty and one of his sons, Lucifer, had which caused a big riot in heaven because of how certain decisions would be made. However, God, at last, demonstrated His power against Lucifer and his followers, and they fled from Elysium.

The game of politics is getting tougher and more thorough on daily basis owing to the roles of electronic technology and the increasing number of enlightened people in the society. Therefore, as it's now, if we have a relative or a friend having the ambition for any political office, it's advisable to subject that person objectively to a rehearsal of screening exercise and found qualified before coming out for such position.

I'm dismayed to see and hear some enlightened persons calling politicians funny names for going to the law court to seek redress. I think taking legal actions is a civilized way of doing things. Maybe they prefer violence as a means of doing the right thing. Doubtlessly, what we should do is to discuss the validity of the arguments in the law court not the persons involved. Such discussions could provide enlightenment, education and humour in the opposite camps. That should be the limit of supporters.

Attacking a leader of other camp is usually counterproductive. An intelligent loyalist who loves his leader should be aware that if he calls a leader of other camp dishonourable names, he has made his own leader vulnerable to mockery. If this nonsense isn't checked on time, it might escalate. Attention of good leaders is hereby sought to intervene by cautioning their supporters to be mindful of their choice of words.

There's another way to contain the excesses of any supporter who refuses to take good advice. Simple, as we did in Ayakoromo Ward 7, profile that person and post it on any platform for analyses and delibrations. This would go a long way to bring sanity to the political system in Burutu LGA.

With the aid of microscope, one would be bewildered to discover that some of those venomous writers and commentators that specialize in attacking political leaders were beneficiaries of the magnanimity of those same leaders. It's time we behaved as politicians of honour.

- Kitua Dauyebo Anthony

  3rd July, 2022

Mulade Frowns at Okowa over regular Loans, Condemns use of ljaw, ltsekiri as Collateral

Mulade Frowns at Okowa over regular Loans, Condemns use of ljaw, ltsekiri as Collateral 

……. Says no project worth 10 billion naira in sight despite huge contributions under Gov Okowa

Asaba____ A Delta-born advocate and environmental right activist, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade has condemned the use of Delta State oil facilities in Ijaw and Itsekiri areas as collateral on the N150 billion loan by the Delta State Government. This was after chief Mulade congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on his emergence as the Vice Presidential running mate to Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.  Chief Mulade further admonished Governor Okowa to judiciously use the billions of naira borrowed to execute people-oriented development projects for the benefit of Deltans devoid of politics.

Speaking further, Chief Mulade said Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa obtained a N150b loan, part of which he (Okowa) said was meant for the construction of an international conference centre in Asaba, as well as other development infrastructure in the State, using the State's assets, especially the State's oil facilities, as collateral. 

Chief Mulade who is also the Ibe-sorimowei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, made the assertion on Friday, 1st July, 2022, in a statement issued at Asaba, saying that the information was part of the findings of an independent investigation carried out on the alleged contract agreement used to acquire the said loan. 

He noted, as alleged that oil facilities in Delta State were used as collateral for the N150b loan, if this is correct, the move will be subjecting the entire Delta Ijaw and Itsekiri nations to perpetual indebtedness and financial bondage, despite the established fact that both ethnic nationalities have not derived any significant benefit from the administration of Okowa in his over seven years of governance. 

According to the statement, the facilities allegedly used as collateral include those operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, NPDC, Shell, Exxol Mobile Agip, Pan Ocean, Seplat, Neconde, etc, covering Escravos oil facilities, Forcados oil facilities, and others located mainly in Ijaw and Itsekiri areas of the State. 

Comrade Sheriff Mulade recalled that the Delta State House of Assembly, in May 2022, approved a request from Governor Okowa to borrow the sum of N150 billion in favour of the State Government, with Dr. Okowa claiming that the loan was principally meant to settle the arrears of unpaid job certificates earned by contractors with respect to the completion of some ongoing legacy projects awarded by past and present administrations, and that part of the loan would be used to take care of outstanding pension commitments to the State and Local Government pensions in the contributory pension scheme. 

Chief Mulade also recalled that earlier in February 2022, the Delta State House of Assembly approved Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s request for N12 billion bridging finance facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the State, to cushion the effects of the repayment of Federal Govt’s intervention facilities, on the expiration of the forbearance period. 

The statement added that in December 2021, the Delta State House of Assembly approved another request by Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa for a N20 billion loan facility from Fidelity Bank Plc to finance the State Government’s five per cent equity in the UTM Offshore Limited Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) Project.

Chief Mulade alleged that the loans above, borrowed by the State Governor, and other funds accruing to the State from the 13% derivation fund, as well as the State IGR, were recklessly mismanaged by the state government while Deltans are wallowing in abject poverty and suffering, with no meaningful infrastructural and civil benefits to the people, especially in the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities areas of the State.  

Lamenting further, the development advocate said despite the contributions of the Itsekiri and Ijaw communities to the State revenue, no project worth of 5billion naira was executed in the area to give credence to the Okowa legacy project, rather the roads master administrator will gladly for political reasons refer to concrete walkways in the riverine communities as ROADS that are not linked to any community. To me, it worrisome and a big shame on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and his roads master administration.

Commenting further on the poor state of infrastructural, social and economic development of the riverine areas of the State, Chief Mulade said there are no access roads and bridges connecting the various communities in the riverine areas, as construction works in the areas were deliberately abandoned by Governor Okowa, including the most famous Escravors road known as the Amadino-Okerenkoko-Pepe-Ama and Kokodiagbene road project, Burutu and Ayakoromor bridge projects which have great economic values and should have contributed to the regions development; there are no health centres, schools and clean portable water, while the level of human capital development is low, as the people are still wallowing in abject poverty.   

Chief Mulade, therefore, called on Governor Okowa to focus on the development of the State, and use the borrowed funds to develop the State, especially the riverine areas whose over 80% of its assets are being used as collateral for the N150b and the recent 25billion loan, now that he has emerged the PDP Vice Presidential candidate, to win the heart, trust and confident of Deltans before Nigerians in general.

Marital Bliss: Warri Stand Still As John May Marries Emily ln Grand style

Marital Bliss: Warri Stand Still As John May Marries Emily ln Grand style

....... As Best May catapults invited guests to the moon with best of ljaw Owigiri highlife music at the reception 

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ There was a traffic jam on Saturday at the popular Apala road Warri, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, as Mr. John May get married to his heartbeat, Emily Lyon amidst funfare over the weekend. 

The two days amazing marriage ceremony started on Friday 1st July, 2022 in a grand style according to ljaw culture payment of dowry (Bride Price) and other necessary requirements by the Groom in present of both family members at the resident of the bride parents, Mr/Mrs. Chief. Ebipade Lyon along Apala road, Warri. 

Thereafter successful payment of dowry and other traditional rites, the Blessed Marriage (White Wedding) ceremony took place on Saturday 2nd July, at the Biblical Deliverance Ministry Int'l Church, located at 15 Apala road, Warri where the founder/General Overseer (G.O.) of the ministry, Apostle John Akpofinine spiritually joined the latest couples together as one in Holy Matrimony. 

Immediately after the Holy Matrimonial service, cutting of wedding cake and signing of the marriage certificate by the couple amidst both parents as well as other witnesses in the church, the couple proceeded straight to the grand wedding reception arena at Yins Hotel, Apala for the climax of the occasion. 

At the reception ground, there was a lot of fun and side attractions, bumper entertainment, couple dance section, appreciation and presentation of gift items to the wonderful young couples by families, friends, unions, associations, business partners, politicians and other well wishers. 

However, the most capitivating moment at the reception was when the guest artist, Best May popularly known as JFred May and his Giant Star Band of Africa musically flights the over excited invited guests to the moon for complete non stop entertainment and dance to the melodies of best soundtracks of ljaw Owigiri highlife music to the amazement of the Nigeria Police Force men on duty as well as other foreign guests present at the occasion.

Meanwhile, it will interest the general public to note that the both parents of the couple hailed from Ayakoromo and Ogbe-ljoh Community's in Burutu and Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

2023: Dr/Mrs. Sule, Eruvwu Queen Throw Weight behind Oborevwori for Governor Delta State

Delta 2023: Dr/Mrs. Mercy Sule, Eruvwu Queen Throw Weight behind Oborevwori for Governor Delta State

Francis Tayor

A Delta born lreland, Europe based grassroot politician, the CEO Bemy's Foundation and the Chairperson of the foremost political pressure group in Delta State and Europe known as 'Sheriff Pride of Deltans', Chief (Dr) Mrs. Mercy Sule and her Deputy, Ovieya of Agbarha Otor kingdom A.K.A. Auntie Oyibo Eruvwu Queen, has thrown their weight behind to support the Governorship Flagbearer of the People's Democratic Party, PDP Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for Governor Delta 2023 general elections. 

The duo in a statement released on Thursday in London during a Press Conference with The Times Print Media, stated that their endorsement and support for Oborevwori was based on the premises of the positive mission, sterling leadership track records and antecedents of the current Speaker of Delta State House Assembly to move Delta State to the next level of greatness after Gov. Okowa's tenure next year. 

Dr. Mercy Sule stressed that her family, friends and other patriotic Deltans in Europe and Nigeria formed the group Sheriff Pride of Deltans (SPD) in order to render strategic mobilization and campaign assistance towards the positive mission of Delta PDP Governorship candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori to win the forthcoming Delta 2023 governorship election. 

Dr. Sule further stated that she has seen the rescue missions among Sheriff potentials as a man who have developed his life, family, different people from his primary Constituency and the entire Constituency which citizens can attest to. 

That means, he can develop the entire Delta State at large in infrastructural and human capital development wise when elected as governor. What he needs most now is our consistent prayers, massive support, canvas and vote him the next governor of the state come 2023, Dr/Mrs. Mercy Sule asserted. 

In her reaction, the Vice Chairperson of Sheriff Pride of Deltans, Ovieya of Agbarha Otor kingdom, Eruvwu Queen noted that who the Delta governorship cap fit has been verified and also specified for All Deltans to be Sheriffied. 

She however, assured the governorship candidate of PDP, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori of massive support from Deltans, adding that he is the next incoming Governor of Delta State without mixing of words.