FG Plans Mass Release Of Prisoners, Writes State Governors

FG Plans Mass Release Of Prisoners, Writes State Governors

Abuja ____The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has written to the Nigerian Governors Forum to request a meeting to decongest jails across the country.

According to his Media Adviser, Sola Fasure, the letter was written by Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior.

Aregbesola announced that he would meet with state governors in exactly one month to agree on the mass release of at least 30% of inmates from penitentiary facilities across the country.

The minister stated that the interface was required because more than 90% of the inmates were being imprisoned for violating various state laws, stressing that more than 70% of the 75, 635 inmates were now awaiting trial.

He said that the number of federal offenders in the system was significantly less than 10%, and that the vast majority of individuals in detention had broken state laws.

According to Aregbesola, they were thus kept under the legal authority of their respective states.

The minister went on to say that decongesting the nation’s 253 detention facilities was required because some of the detainees had no justification to be in custody.

However, when asked about the minister’s actions, Fasure stated, “The minister has written to the Governors Forum, but he has not met with them since they will have to communicate with him and provide him a date.”

“He wrote to them with the request that he wants to meet with them, but he is yet to get a response. In other words, the meeting has not been held.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government reported on Tuesday that over 12,000 inmates were freed from various correctional facilities across the country in the last six years as part of the jail decongestion policy.

Abubakar Malami, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, addressed this to members of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters during the committee’s 2023 budget defense session.

Trump’s Daughter to Wed Her Nigerian-Born Fiance On 12th Nov, in US

Trump’s Daughter to Wed Her Nigerian-Born Fiance On 12th Nov, in US

The daughter of former US President Donald Trump, Tiffany Trump, and her Nigerian-born fiance, Michael Boulos, are reportedly planning a November 12 wedding.

A source close to the pair told Page Six that they planned to wed on November 12th.

The wedding will take place at Trump’s Florida palm beach and will accommodate more than 500 guests.

The source also said the ceremony would be a “huge and lavish” one.

“There has been a lot of planning and a lot of staging. This is Tiffany’s big moment, and it will be lavish. It is going to be a huge and beautiful affair,” the source said.

Tiffany and her fiance got engaged on January 19, 2021, at the White House rose garden — a few hours to the end of Trump’s tenure as US president, with Bolus popping the question to Tiffany with a 13-carat emerald-cut diamond from Dubai, said to be worth $1.2 million.

Boulos was raised in Lagos and he is of Lebanese and French descent. He was said to have moved to Nigeria at a young age – where his family’s business is based; he studied at the American International School of Lagos.

Trump’s Daughter, Tiffany Announces Engagement To Nigerian-bred Fiance (Opens in a new browser tab).

He is the son of Massad, the Chief Executive Officer of SCOA Nigeria, and his mother Sarah is the founder of the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria.

Page Six gathered that Bolus was studying project management at City University of London when he met Tiffany, a law student at Georgetown, while she was on vacation in Mykonos, Greece, with Lindsay Lohan in 2018.

The couple currently live in Miami, just a short drive from Mar-a-Lago

Olu of Warri Offers Royal Blessings, Endorses Ijaw/Itsekiri Unity Cup

Olu of Warri Offers Royal Blessings, Endorses Ijaw/Itsekiri Unity Cup

Warri _____ The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse the III says he would have loved to play in the 2022 Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity football competition scheduled to start on the 16th of Nov. 2022, to mark this year's International Day of Tolerance but his chiefs would not let him, adding that he loved playing football when he was much younger. 

The Warri Monarch stated this on Monday, Nov. 7th 2022, while playing host to Chief Mulade Sheriff and members of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace where he gave his endorsement and royal blessings to the peace and unity football event.  

The Olu applauded Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade for initiating such a laudable programme and treated the LOC members to a cheerful reception. He promised to liaise with Mr. Amaju Pinnick to bring his wealth of experience in football management to support the process. He then endorsed the football tournament with his royal blessings and prayed for a successful Ijaw/Itsekiri football competition.

Some traditional chiefs who joined the Olu to receive members of the team included Chief Mene Brown, Chief Patrick Yalaju, Chief Clement Maleghemi amongst other personalities. 

Earlier, the LOC officially presented the football event's branded T-shirt to the Olu, seeking his royal blessings and presence to inspire and deepen the unity between Ijaw and Itsekiri, as well as his strong support for the grassroots sports event that has been organized to promote sustainable coexistence and talent hunting in the area since 2017.

The chief sponsor and  organiser of the Ijaw/Itsekiri peace unity football tournament, Comrade Mulade congratulated the Olu for his recent national honour of CFR by President Muhammadu Buhari, saying it indicated his love for peace building. He said the tournament which started in 2017, was well embraced in the State.

According to Mulade, the previous matches have thrown up the need to restrategize so that the best Itsekiri team can meet the best Ijaw team at the finals of the event. He said the visit to the monarch was to intimate and inform him about the event and also seek his royal blessings. He used the opportunity to invite the Warri Monarch to the 3rd edition of the football tournament.

Chief Sheriff Mulade who is the Ibe-sorimawei of Gbaramatu kingdom said the tournament would be held at Benikrukru and Ugborodo communities in Warri South West LGA. While Benikrukru is an Ijaw community, Ugborodo is an Itsekiri community, all aimed at achieving the purpose of the football fiesta. Chief Mulade said the Olu's presence was needed at the opening and finals, especially to present the trophies. 

He noted that football is one thing that helps to unite a people, adding that the football game was aimed at deepening and promoting peaceful coexistence between Ijaw and Itsekiri people in the State.

The Local Organising Committee was led by Chief Sheriff Mulade, and the Chairman of Delta State Football Association, DFA, Mr. Kenneth Nwaomucha who doubles as SSA to the Governor on Sports. Others were the LOC spokesman, Matthew Itsekure; Dr. Jeffrey Wilikie; Hon. Friday Ugedi, SSA to the Governor on Community Matters, amongst others.

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.