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Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
DTHA: Udoh unveils stewardship, submits to party mandate on return bid
The incumbent member representing Warri South Constituency 1 at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Mrs.) Omawumi Beatrice Udoh has unveiled her 4 years stewardship, just as she disclosed her intention to re-contest the position come 2011 provided her party gives the nod.
The lawmaker often referred to as the jewel of the Niger Delta by her admirers made the disclosure when she led a retinue of her supporters to leaders of the PDP in Warri South local government Saturday September 4.
Hon. Udoh told the PDP gathering which includes the Delta South Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Efejuku, Hon. Omimi Esquire, the Warri South PDP Chairman, Mr. Amah Agbajoh, former NDDC Commissioner, Barr. Ada Val Arenyeka, Hon. Griftson Omatsuli, brother to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr. Vincent Uduaghan and Secretary to Warri South local government, Dr. Austine Uroye (JP) that the purpose of her visit is to brief the party leaders on her stewardship and to declare her intention to re-contest the Warri South Constituency 1 Seat come 2011.
Hon. Udoh who has kept her position as Chairman House Committee on Environment in the Delta State House of Assembly mentioned her stewardship to include provision of transformer at Okere, Pessu and Ubeji as well as construction of several public toilets in her constituency. According to her, the former squash court now media centre at the Warri City Stadium, provision of medical equipment at the Warri Central hospital, construction of Pessu market Abattoir, provision of medical equipment to various health centres, installation of solar powered street lights at Ajamimogha, Bowen Avenue and other areas as well as constructed concrete jetty at Ugbuwangue are some of the projects she has influenced or financed during the period under review.
The lawmaker revealed that apart from her educational foundation which has offered scholarships to hundreds at both secondary schools to tertiary level, she has facilitated the employment of various persons in her constituency to both within government and outside and equally launched a personal campaign against malaria by procuring mosquito nets. Hon. Udoh while noting that she prefers initiating bills to sponsoring motion revealed that she has so far sponsored 7 bills in the State House of Assembly. Prominent among the bills are: Waste Management bill, Ecology bill, Delta State Sickle Cell bill, Delta State Micro Finance bill and Estate Regulatory Authority bill.
Responding, Hon. Omimi Esquire who spoke in the same vein with other party leaders in the area, advised Hon. Udoh “to go and do her homework”.
At the Warri home of Chief Francis Omatseye 3 days later, Hon. Omawumi Udoh explained that she decided to always carry Pessu community along in her constituency projects even though the community is not within her constituency because of the socio-cultural affinity. She thanked Chief Francis Omatseye for his moral support and disclosed that the on-going construction of pedestrian bridge at Ugbuwangue as well as the rehabilitation of the failed Ajamimogha link road bridge also include the infrastructural projects she has influenced to her constituency.
Chief Francis Omatseye while responding to Hon. Udoh’s presentation stated that “her stewardship has not been seen before”, adding “you have set the standard” for others to follow. He noted that Hon. Udoh’s stewardship which is documented cannot be challenged, describing her as a performer. One Mr. Daniel Okotie who joined Chief Francis Omatseye in receiving the lawmaker and her entourage commended her giant stride and described himself as a living witness to Hon. Udoh’s stewardship, even as he pledged support for her return bid.
The Deputy leader of Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Richard Pessu, the member representing GRA ward in Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Isaac Edah Hesse, former Secretary to Warri South local government, Pastor Mike Abrakata, Mrs. Helen Tsitse Ajueyitsi, Warri South NCWS President, Mrs. Esther Okotie Eboh, some renowned Okere youths, Hon. Udoh’s aide as well as the Warri South Council Supervisor for Education, Mrs. Esther Abrakata Ogwudu were among those that accompanied Hon. Udoh to the two constituency visits.
Guber 2011: Warri Ijaws endorse Uduaghan for rerun • Count us out, Egbema youths declare
By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Warri
At a Town Hall meeting organized by the Ijaws of Warri at the Warri Club recently, the Ijaws of Warri and its environs have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaws, the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Frank Omare said Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has done well for the Warri Ijaws in the area of infrastructural and human capital development as well as peace and security. This according to him is reflected in the projects executed in Ogbe-Ijoh through the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission when Chief Wellington Okrika was in the saddle.
He said he had no reservation for canvassing the re-election of Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.
High Chief Jimmy Taylor also spoke in the same vein.
Convener of the meeting, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Chairman of Warri South West, said Governor Uduaghan has done so much for his local government hence the support of the entire Warri Ijaws. He described the governor as humble, humane and hard working, hence his decision to back him for the governorship position come 2011.
Others who spoke to Fresh Angle are Hon. Boro Pudu and Chief Labius Tebu. In their submission, they said Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has affected the lives of Warri Ijaws positively.
They added that they are ready to deliver him by going to the grassroots to mobilize support. They also thanked the Governor for giving the Ijaws of Warri appointments and good roads, urging him to do more.
Dignitaries present at the meeting include Chief J.E. Nadifa (JP), members of Egbema Women in Politics, Chief (Mrs.) Vero Selemo, Chief Oteke Morna and Chief (Mrs.) Vero Tambowei.
Meanwhile a section of Warri Ijaw youths say they never endorsed Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan for 2011 gubernatorial election.
Prince Binikro from Egbema in Warri North, Barr. M.S. Egin, President General of Egbema Youth Council and Comrade Oluwa Mulade representative of all Nigerian Youths for Change in Politics bare their minds in exclusive chat with Fresh Angle shortly after the Town Hall meeting. They said the meeting was convened to discuss issues affecting Warri Ijaws, but they faced a situation where some few politicians “who are greedy in nature” came to coerce them into endorsing “a system that has never favoured the Ijaws of Warri”.
They said the plethora of candidate imposition by commissioners and other political appointees in the area should stop.
They noted that they have the right to vote for candidates who will protect their interest and not imposition of any governorship aspirant.
The youths also said they are ready to ensure “one man, one vote”, stating that anything short of that will be unacceptable.
From: Warri
At a Town Hall meeting organized by the Ijaws of Warri at the Warri Club recently, the Ijaws of Warri and its environs have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Speaking on behalf of the Ijaws, the Delta State Commissioner for Housing, Mr. Frank Omare said Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has done well for the Warri Ijaws in the area of infrastructural and human capital development as well as peace and security. This according to him is reflected in the projects executed in Ogbe-Ijoh through the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission when Chief Wellington Okrika was in the saddle.
He said he had no reservation for canvassing the re-election of Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan.
High Chief Jimmy Taylor also spoke in the same vein.
Convener of the meeting, Hon. George Ekpemupolo, Chairman of Warri South West, said Governor Uduaghan has done so much for his local government hence the support of the entire Warri Ijaws. He described the governor as humble, humane and hard working, hence his decision to back him for the governorship position come 2011.
Others who spoke to Fresh Angle are Hon. Boro Pudu and Chief Labius Tebu. In their submission, they said Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has affected the lives of Warri Ijaws positively.
They added that they are ready to deliver him by going to the grassroots to mobilize support. They also thanked the Governor for giving the Ijaws of Warri appointments and good roads, urging him to do more.
Dignitaries present at the meeting include Chief J.E. Nadifa (JP), members of Egbema Women in Politics, Chief (Mrs.) Vero Selemo, Chief Oteke Morna and Chief (Mrs.) Vero Tambowei.
Meanwhile a section of Warri Ijaw youths say they never endorsed Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan for 2011 gubernatorial election.
Prince Binikro from Egbema in Warri North, Barr. M.S. Egin, President General of Egbema Youth Council and Comrade Oluwa Mulade representative of all Nigerian Youths for Change in Politics bare their minds in exclusive chat with Fresh Angle shortly after the Town Hall meeting. They said the meeting was convened to discuss issues affecting Warri Ijaws, but they faced a situation where some few politicians “who are greedy in nature” came to coerce them into endorsing “a system that has never favoured the Ijaws of Warri”.
They said the plethora of candidate imposition by commissioners and other political appointees in the area should stop.
They noted that they have the right to vote for candidates who will protect their interest and not imposition of any governorship aspirant.
The youths also said they are ready to ensure “one man, one vote”, stating that anything short of that will be unacceptable.
You are not supporting President Jonathan, Omo-Agege tells Uduaghan
A governorship aspirant in Delta State, Barr. Ovie Omo-Agege says Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan of Delta State is not supporting President Goodluck Jonathan’s presidential ambition for 2011.
The governorship hopeful made the declaration when he addressed a mammoth crowd at a factional Peoples Democratic Party rally held at the J.F.K play ground opposite the Nigerian Naval Base in Effurun, Delta State to drum up support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2011 Presidential bid.
Barr. Ovie Omo-Agege observed that for over fifty years, the South have been short changed in the scheme of things in the country, hence the need to support the president in his return bid in the 2011 general elections.
Mr. Mohammed Ali who spoke in the same vein said the few positive changes noticed in the country for the few months President Goodluck Jonathan has been in office is enough to vote him back come 2011. He also appealed to all Deltans to see the need why they must support the President irrespective of political affinity.
Another governorship aspirant, Dr. Braduce Amakazi Angozi who also spoke at the rally noted that much as we need a change at the federal level, we also need a change in Delta State. He therefore solicited the support of all Deltans to ensure that President Goodluck Jonathan is returned come 2011.
Senator James Manager also vowed to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and to ensure that he comes back 2011, even as he dissociated himself from the zoning agenda of the party. He was however quick to add that anybody is free to zone, but that justice is preferable.
The lawmaker described President Goodluck Jonathan as one who belongs to the civilized nations, where people choose their leaders. He also opined that President Jonathan should not be challenged by his own people because he is from the South-South.
Senator Adegor Eferakeya who supported the views of Senator James Manager, said President Jonathan’s detractors are wolves in sheep clothing.
Speaking earlier, former Governor of old Anambra State, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife used the medium to call for unity from the entire people of the Niger Delta. In his words, “we must unite ourselves behind President Goodluck Jonathan”.
Chief Convener of the rally, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark thanked the mammoth crowd for resolving to support President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Governorship aspirants present at the occasion are Prof. Saliba Mukoro (Rtd) and Rear-Admiral Onoriode John Kpokpogri (Rtd). Former Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. (Barr.) Akpo-Pius Ewherido and the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Elder Godsday Orubebe also attended the grand rally.
Meanwhile efforts to confirm reports that organizers of the rally were denied usage of Warri City Stadium were unsuccessful.
The Warri Press Secretary to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr. Linus Chima denied knowledge of such report and advised journalists not to write reports that tend to create gulf between the state government and the presidency. The governor’s aide who spoke to Fresh Angle in an exclusive 5 minutes telephone chat declared that there is no specific venue for rallies and subsequently referred Fresh Angle to the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr. Melvin Amaju Pinnick. Efforts to reach the State Sports Commission Chairman on the issue were futile as he appeared too busy to pick calls on his mobile phone, just as all short message sent to his mobile line failed.
Fresh Angle can authoritatively report that the Chairmen of Uvwie and Warri South local governments as well as other top Delta State government officials, including members of the Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi led PDP executive did not get invitation for the rally.
DTHA 2011: Hon. Udoh remains unassailable – Hesse
The member representing Government Reservation Area ward in Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Isaac Edah Hesse has taunted all those aspiring to represent Warri South Constituency I in Delta State House of Assembly come 2011 to have a rethink because the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Omawumi Beatrice Udoh “maintains a pole position” in the impending primaries excerpt she decline re-contesting.
The lawmaker made the declaration in a Press Statement made available exclusively to Fresh Angle. According to him, apart from the bills and resolutions Hon. Udoh has initiated and sponsored in the floor of the State House of Assembly, the charming lawmaker has consistently attracted visible projects such as the ultra modern abattoir at Pessu, tarring of Aritetsoma Street, health centres and a host of other people oriented projects to Warri South Constituency I. He challenged critics of the lawmaker to carry out proper investigation to find out the “various educational and human capital development initiatives”, Hon. Udoh has spent her resources on to uplift people of her constituency. While acknowledging that all those aspiring to represent Warri South Constituency I in 2011 have the constitutional right to do so, Hon. Hesse posited that the business of lawmaking requires experience and consistency, rather than political upstart who may take a long time to key into Dr. Uduaghan’s programme in his second term.
According to him, the manner with which Hon. Omawumi Udoh has maintained a calm posture as well as galvanizing massive support for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s return bid through her Uduaghan Ladies Vanguard which cuts across the entire state speaks of one with political savvy and experience. He enjoined Hon. Udoh not to be dissuaded by the few opposition but to declare her intention to rerun in 2011 “because the constituency is behind her”, he enthused .
The lawmaker made the declaration in a Press Statement made available exclusively to Fresh Angle. According to him, apart from the bills and resolutions Hon. Udoh has initiated and sponsored in the floor of the State House of Assembly, the charming lawmaker has consistently attracted visible projects such as the ultra modern abattoir at Pessu, tarring of Aritetsoma Street, health centres and a host of other people oriented projects to Warri South Constituency I. He challenged critics of the lawmaker to carry out proper investigation to find out the “various educational and human capital development initiatives”, Hon. Udoh has spent her resources on to uplift people of her constituency. While acknowledging that all those aspiring to represent Warri South Constituency I in 2011 have the constitutional right to do so, Hon. Hesse posited that the business of lawmaking requires experience and consistency, rather than political upstart who may take a long time to key into Dr. Uduaghan’s programme in his second term.
According to him, the manner with which Hon. Omawumi Udoh has maintained a calm posture as well as galvanizing massive support for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s return bid through her Uduaghan Ladies Vanguard which cuts across the entire state speaks of one with political savvy and experience. He enjoined Hon. Udoh not to be dissuaded by the few opposition but to declare her intention to rerun in 2011 “because the constituency is behind her”, he enthused .
2011: Deliver on your promises before seeking our mandate, Ijaw group dares Uduaghan
By: Jolomi Okotie
A political pressure group, Coalition of Ijaw Youth Leader, COIL, says Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan must deliver on the electoral promises he made to the Ijaw nation in 2007 before seeking their mandate in the 2011 gubernatorial poll in Delta State.
In a statement made available exclusively to Fresh Angle, the Ijaw group listed the abandoned Gbaigolor/Esama bridge project, the non operational Burutu School of Marine Technology, the abandoned Gbaigolor-Ogriagbene road as well as the yet to commence Bomadi Polytechnic as some of the areas where the Governor has failed the Ijaw nation. The group which challenged the governor to watch the video clips of his promises when he came to campaign in Bomadi also noted that there is nobody from Bomadi local government among the “over 30 commissioners in the state”.
The statement which was signed by Dr. Agagha C.R, Comrade Michael B. Orusede and Hon. Fred Afoegba, Chairman, Secretary General and Co-ordinator respectively, advised all Ijaw youths in the State to go about their political activities legitimately “until the various political parties will conclude their primaries and the burning issue of 3rd and 4th term of Ijaw political representatives will be effectively addressed. While calling for a synergy of all pro Goodluck Jonathan Presidency campaign groups to enable it form a formidable force, the group called on all gubernatorial aspirant to take their electioneering campaign to at least 80% of “our Ijaw communities so that our people can have one on one interaction with the person who want to govern them”.
They vowed that they are not bothered about the zoning controversy because it is an internal arrangement of political parties, but stressed that their mandate will be given to whoever has lofty manifesto for Ijaw communities.
A political pressure group, Coalition of Ijaw Youth Leader, COIL, says Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan must deliver on the electoral promises he made to the Ijaw nation in 2007 before seeking their mandate in the 2011 gubernatorial poll in Delta State.
In a statement made available exclusively to Fresh Angle, the Ijaw group listed the abandoned Gbaigolor/Esama bridge project, the non operational Burutu School of Marine Technology, the abandoned Gbaigolor-Ogriagbene road as well as the yet to commence Bomadi Polytechnic as some of the areas where the Governor has failed the Ijaw nation. The group which challenged the governor to watch the video clips of his promises when he came to campaign in Bomadi also noted that there is nobody from Bomadi local government among the “over 30 commissioners in the state”.
The statement which was signed by Dr. Agagha C.R, Comrade Michael B. Orusede and Hon. Fred Afoegba, Chairman, Secretary General and Co-ordinator respectively, advised all Ijaw youths in the State to go about their political activities legitimately “until the various political parties will conclude their primaries and the burning issue of 3rd and 4th term of Ijaw political representatives will be effectively addressed. While calling for a synergy of all pro Goodluck Jonathan Presidency campaign groups to enable it form a formidable force, the group called on all gubernatorial aspirant to take their electioneering campaign to at least 80% of “our Ijaw communities so that our people can have one on one interaction with the person who want to govern them”.
They vowed that they are not bothered about the zoning controversy because it is an internal arrangement of political parties, but stressed that their mandate will be given to whoever has lofty manifesto for Ijaw communities.
Why I’m running for Warri South Constituency II Seat – Umuko
By: Tonebsky Nesta
Seasoned Warri born grassroots politician and alumnus of Nigeria’s Premier University, University of Nigeria NSUKKA, Mr. Umuko-Ejoh Oyemi says his determination to contest the 2011 Delta State House of Assembly Constituency II Seat is fired by the prevailing circumstances of the lack of basic necessities of life in the constituency.
Mr. Umuko-Ejoh Oyemi who is paternally Itsekiri from the Prince Ejoh-Ofeyekunor royal family of Ode-Itsekiri and Okere in Warri South local government and maternally from the Okodu family of Ekpan in Uvwie local government council as well as the great great grand son of Akpotabo, the eldest daughter of Ighogbadu of Okere Urhobo, said he intends to build on the foundation laid by the incumbent member representing the constituency “to a greater happiness for the greater majority” of his constituent.
The House of Assembly hopeful who has gained political and professional experience spanning more than 11 years promised “to encourage harmony amongst the diverse ethnic communities in Warri and work assiduously for the relative peace now achieved to continue to reign”. The M.SC holder of International Relations and member of several professional bodies listed some of his objectives to include: ensuring even development based on the specific needs of each community as requested by them, embarking on poverty eradication programmes, improving educational facilities, producing the necessary environment for healthy citizenry by building, equipping and staffing health facilities as well as encourage sporting events, especially football and athletics.
Fresh Angle can report that Mr. Umuko’s aspiration in the impending battle of who represent Warri South Constituency II Seat in 2011 appears to be gathering momentum following his football playing days in the oil city which endeared him to most Warri youths as well as his parentage which cuts across Itsekiri and Urhobos.
DESOPADEC: Nobody can threaten government – Uduaghan Says Delta Oil production capacity has dropped to 19%
By: Tonebsky Nesta
Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan has declared that nobody can threaten the State government in its on-going reform to make the state oil producing areas development commission more effective and accountable.
The Governor, who made this declaration during a special inter-dominational thanksgiving service held at the Christ Missionaries Crusaders’ Church in Warri to mark the 19th anniversary of the creation of Delta State, stated that “I will do what is right because I pray before doing anything”. Dr. Uduaghan who expressed optimism as far his chances in the 2011 gubernatorial poll in the state is concerned, vowed that when the time come for appointment he will appoint only credible people to pilot the affairs of DESOPADEC.
While acknowledging the challenges of road construction in spite of over 350 billion naira contracts awarded in that regard from Ibori administration to his, the former Delta State Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government averred that due to the May 13th incident Delta State now produce 19% of oil as against 25% last year. He blamed the damage on the activities of some contractors and youths. Dr. Uduaghan noted that the local content bill recently signed by President Goodluck Jonathan has great potential for grassroots development and disclosed plan by his administration to “set up a committee within a week to liaise with the federal government” on its implementation. According to the Governor, the biggest challenges of his administration are ethnic harmony and insecurity “which has been managed through prayers” with the support of religious and traditional rulers.
Earlier in a sermon, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejaor admonished all Deltans to look at a state where the emphasis will be on building for “our children”. The widely traveled preacher who was preaching on the topic “The Power of Blessing” with text taken from Genesis 25vs 5 and 6 observed that there was suspicion among the tribes when Delta State was created, noting however that “there has been a great improvement”. Pastor Ayo who stressed the difference between ‘the blessing’ and ‘blessings’ advised people of the state not to “set tribes against tribe, people against people for our selfish goal’.
Fresh Angle can authoritatively report that while the wife of the state government, Mrs. Roli Shiela Uduaghan, immediate past Secretary to Delta State government, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, two past military administrators of Delta State, Brigadier General Bassey Asuquo, Navy Captain Walter Feghabor and some members of the state House of Assembly as well as some civil commissioners graced the ceremony, the Delta State Deputy governor, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN) and the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Sam Obi were conspicuously absent at the service. There was a large turn out of traditional rulers, political women groups and religious ministers from different parts of the state.
Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan has declared that nobody can threaten the State government in its on-going reform to make the state oil producing areas development commission more effective and accountable.
The Governor, who made this declaration during a special inter-dominational thanksgiving service held at the Christ Missionaries Crusaders’ Church in Warri to mark the 19th anniversary of the creation of Delta State, stated that “I will do what is right because I pray before doing anything”. Dr. Uduaghan who expressed optimism as far his chances in the 2011 gubernatorial poll in the state is concerned, vowed that when the time come for appointment he will appoint only credible people to pilot the affairs of DESOPADEC.
While acknowledging the challenges of road construction in spite of over 350 billion naira contracts awarded in that regard from Ibori administration to his, the former Delta State Commissioner for Health and Secretary to the State Government averred that due to the May 13th incident Delta State now produce 19% of oil as against 25% last year. He blamed the damage on the activities of some contractors and youths. Dr. Uduaghan noted that the local content bill recently signed by President Goodluck Jonathan has great potential for grassroots development and disclosed plan by his administration to “set up a committee within a week to liaise with the federal government” on its implementation. According to the Governor, the biggest challenges of his administration are ethnic harmony and insecurity “which has been managed through prayers” with the support of religious and traditional rulers.
Earlier in a sermon, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejaor admonished all Deltans to look at a state where the emphasis will be on building for “our children”. The widely traveled preacher who was preaching on the topic “The Power of Blessing” with text taken from Genesis 25vs 5 and 6 observed that there was suspicion among the tribes when Delta State was created, noting however that “there has been a great improvement”. Pastor Ayo who stressed the difference between ‘the blessing’ and ‘blessings’ advised people of the state not to “set tribes against tribe, people against people for our selfish goal’.
Fresh Angle can authoritatively report that while the wife of the state government, Mrs. Roli Shiela Uduaghan, immediate past Secretary to Delta State government, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, two past military administrators of Delta State, Brigadier General Bassey Asuquo, Navy Captain Walter Feghabor and some members of the state House of Assembly as well as some civil commissioners graced the ceremony, the Delta State Deputy governor, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama (SAN) and the new Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Prince) Sam Obi were conspicuously absent at the service. There was a large turn out of traditional rulers, political women groups and religious ministers from different parts of the state.
Why Deltans must support Uduaghan’s return bid – Dolor
By: Tonebsky Nesta
The member representing Olodi/Okpeki ward in Warri South legislative Arm, Hon. Stephen Dolor says the manner with which Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has consolidated the peace initiative of ex Governor James Ibori in the state, particularly in the Warri area as well as his effective management of the dwindling monthly revenue allocation occasioned by the global recession in executing people oriented projects across the state are enough reasons why Deltans should support the Governor’s return bid come 2011.
Hon. Stephen Dolor who was the immediate past Supervisory Councilor for Education in Warri South local government noted that the recent disbursement of fund to all those affected by the 2007 electoral violence that occurred in Okere Urhobo community in Warri South local government during the gubernatorial poll will go a long way in assuaging the pains of indigenes of the community as well as underscores the Governor’s detribalized posture. According to the lawmaker, Dr. Uduaghan is a stabilizing factor in Delta politics and should be given another mandate to improve on his laudable health, agricultural, educational, power generation and distribution as well as infrastructural programmes. He posited that all those still canvassing politics of bigotry and blackmail should put away issues that tend to threaten our collective goal as a state and support Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to enable him meet the yearnings of Deltans. The lawmaker while commending the Warri South Council boss, Hon. Mofe Edema for his development strides, also joined the increasing call by President Goodluck Jonathan to vie for the 2011 presidency.
Ethiope West Council boss assures Pan Ocean of conducive business atmosphere
By: Jolomi Okotie
The Chairman of Ethiope West local government, Hon. Wilson Odafe Omene has assured the management of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation and other corporate bodies doing business in the council of continuous peaceful atmosphere provided the companies live up to their social responsibility.
The Ethiope West Council boss gave the assurance Wednesday August 25 at the council secretariat during the presentation of a well equipped ambulance procured by Pan Ocean Oil Corporation for Ovade Clinic in Oghara.
He commended Pan Ocean for their support and assistance towards the effective running of the clinic and noted that the donation of the ambulance is a fulfillment of a two year promise. Dr. Omene who was represented by the Ethiope West Council Supervisor for Health, Mr. Excellence Ekiruo, described Pan Ocean as an outstanding organization, even as he solicited for more people oriented projects from the company.
Earlier in his remark, the Co-ordinator, External Relations of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, Mr. Babajide Sangowawa, noted that the donation of the ambulance is his company’s way of showing “appreciation to Ovade Community for being good host”. While noting that Ovade is one of its major host communities, Mr. Sangowawa disclosed that his company is in the process of concluding the recruitment of a driver to man the ambulance. He promised regular maintenance of the ambulance by his company and appealed to the people of Ovade to put the ambulance in good use.
It will be recalled that Pan Ocean Oil Corporation in collaboration with its Joint Venture partner, NNPC, recently handed over 174 Open Market Stalls as well as a rehabilitated science laboratory to some Delta and Edo communities.
The Chairman of Ethiope West local government, Hon. Wilson Odafe Omene has assured the management of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation and other corporate bodies doing business in the council of continuous peaceful atmosphere provided the companies live up to their social responsibility.
The Ethiope West Council boss gave the assurance Wednesday August 25 at the council secretariat during the presentation of a well equipped ambulance procured by Pan Ocean Oil Corporation for Ovade Clinic in Oghara.
He commended Pan Ocean for their support and assistance towards the effective running of the clinic and noted that the donation of the ambulance is a fulfillment of a two year promise. Dr. Omene who was represented by the Ethiope West Council Supervisor for Health, Mr. Excellence Ekiruo, described Pan Ocean as an outstanding organization, even as he solicited for more people oriented projects from the company.
Earlier in his remark, the Co-ordinator, External Relations of Pan Ocean Oil Corporation, Mr. Babajide Sangowawa, noted that the donation of the ambulance is his company’s way of showing “appreciation to Ovade Community for being good host”. While noting that Ovade is one of its major host communities, Mr. Sangowawa disclosed that his company is in the process of concluding the recruitment of a driver to man the ambulance. He promised regular maintenance of the ambulance by his company and appealed to the people of Ovade to put the ambulance in good use.
It will be recalled that Pan Ocean Oil Corporation in collaboration with its Joint Venture partner, NNPC, recently handed over 174 Open Market Stalls as well as a rehabilitated science laboratory to some Delta and Edo communities.
Edema, Abugewa, 18 others get media award for community development
By: Tonebsky Nesta
The Executive Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema is among 20 Nigerians that was recently bestowed with award of excellence for community development by a popular Niger Delta based monthly tabloid, Isoko Times Extra.
The Editor-in-Chief of the tabloid, Godspower Abiegbe who spoke to Fresh Angle shortly after presenting the award plaque to the Warri South Council boss at his office in Warri, explained that the award which was done after careful investigation is to encourage the awardees to do more in the area of community development. According to him, the award which is the third in the history of the newspaper is meant to be an annual event.
A former chairman of Isoko North local government, Hon. John Atabeh who accompanied Mr. Godspower Abiegbe to the Warri South council secretariat, disclosed that apart from Hon. Mofe Edema, the Uvwie Council boss, Hon. Peter Abugewa is the other local government chairman to receive the award this year. He noted that the Managing Director of S.G. Jones, Dr. S.P. Umolu, Prince Miakpobi Okaraeme who chaired the recent award ceremony at the NNPC Junior Staff Club and Comrade Oji from River State were among Niger Deltans that received this year’s award.
Edema deserves a second term – Afere
Hon. Kingsley Tenumah a.k.a. Afere, councilor representing Ekurede Itsekiri/Ugbori ward in Warri South legislative Arm is a media delight any day.
The lawmaker who is presently one of the most vocal representatives in Warri South legislative Arm is enjoying his first term after several unsuccessful attempts to represent his constituency.
Hon. Tenumah a.k.a Afere who is known for his candid views on any national, state, local government or community issues spoke to our Editor-in-Chief, Ebule Anthony at the Warri South Council Secretariat in Delta State.
Excerpts:
How would you describe your over 2 years’ representation in Warri South legislative Arm?
It’s not been easy, but by the grace of God we’ll always get by. Coming to the local government legislative Arm, I was in the struggle for many years and like I always tell people, I did not just come out to vie for a position because I want to, I had the calling and I believe in it, that is why I stay within the calling. Presently, if you watch most aspirants coming out today, as a journalist I enjoin you to go to town and asked them what is motivating them to come?
Psychologically you will find out that it is the flamboyant life that a legislator or government representative is living that is motivating them, but mine is not the same, I had the calling.
When I started in 1998/1999, I did not just come out because I saw my respected representative from my ward, Hon. Hamilton driving a flashy car or living a flamboyant life, I did not see Hamilton like that nor did I see Hon. Ekonte Ewowo in 2003 living in a mansion or living a flamboyant life. Neither did I see my predecessor, Hon. Gbemi living in a very big house or living a flamboyant lifestyle, I just had the calling, that is why I look at politics like a career which I will not want to dent at all and I still believe in it because of my background.
There’s been hue and cry that Ekurede Itsekiri/Ugbori ward has never witnessed government’s presence, for the past two years you’ve been representing the ward, would you say there’s been any change?
You can see for yourself if you go round Ekurede Itsekiri and Ugbori communities. Do your findings, but I can tell you that we’ve experienced a great change. We’ve experienced the presence of governance there, apart from when Dr. Otumara left with a very good work from the representative then, Hon. Kwashi Hamilton. He left an indelible mark, with the help of Dr. Joseph Otumara we had few projects like water, but after that everything collapsed.
I want to believe that it was because we didn’t have a real representative that had the calling, these are some of the things I saw that propelled me to obey the calling when it came. You can see now that today things have changed. I’m always in touch with my people, I was born and brought up in Ekurede/Ugbori ward. I understand my people and their pains. If you look at the pedestrian bridge that connects both Ekurede and Ugbori, it was there destroying lives. We are all witness to it, a week after my swearing in as a councilor, the people came to me and appealed that I should please forward their request to the chairman. They initially asked for a temporary structure, an iron bridge that will just be passable, but we sat down and I told them of the need to have a permanent concrete pedestrian footbridge there. They bought the idea and I insisted that it is achievable, let me go and lobby the council chairman based on the cordial relationship I have with him, I then discussed with him. After a bit of hesitation due to lack of fund, the council chairman later facilitated it as soon as fund was available, the security gate at the entry and exit of both communities readily comes to mind. Prior to its construction, we were witnessing series of robbery, but I can confidently tell you today that robbery has stopped in both communities. After the gates were installed, I received lot of calls commending my efforts. This now motivated me to do more, I must note however that I still got a few calls criticizing me, querying what benefit the gates will serve and I told them to tell me their priority. They said street light, I told them not to worry, that I have other ways of doing things. The state government later installed street lights, which would have amounted to duplication of projects had the local government installed the kind it did at Ugbuwangue, Pessu, Avenue and other areas of Warri. These were some of the things I foresaw that made me assured them not to worry having sent representation to DESOPADEC, State House of Assembly and even copied Government House, stressing the need for my constituency to have street light. Aside that, you will observe that right now as you are entering into the ward, from the Olu palace gate you will see a developmental work to beautify the place. That fence have been very bushy and it is not too good owing to the fact that Governor Uduaghan is making a great effort to beautify Warri and clean it, hence it won’t be good for the eyes, particularly since it is the palace of the Olu of Warri. We convened a meeting with leaders and people of the ward, sat down and agreed that it will be good if we appeal to the local government to beautify the place. If you go there right now you’ll see that we are interlocking the entire fence from the front to the back, these are some of the dividends of democracy people of my ward are witnessing now through me courtesy of Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan. So one can not say that the dividends of democracy have not been taking to that ward, but it’s only natural that we’ll continue to ask for more from the local to the state government.
We have it on good authority that some of these projects were financed by the state government, while the Warri South local government financed the others, who’s responsible for the beautification of the Olu Palace fence?
Thank you very much! Let me just make this record very clear, the Olu of Warri fence is being financed by Warri South local government council through my effort.
You’ve always believed firmly on the Dr. Uduaghan gubernatorial project come 2011, following recent developments, are you still resolute in your stance?
I’m still very sure, I can tell you that come 2011 Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan will be returned as the Executive Governor of Delta State and I still want to believe that as the going get tougher, Governor Uduaghan will scale through. There’s no cause for alarm, I told you before that when the chips are down we will all put our heads together and I will still assure you that what you are witnessing between Governor Uduaghan and Chief E.K. Clark is a father and son fracas which will be settled amicably without two ears coming in.
Only recently some persons that called themselves Delta Elders protested to the PDP National Secretariat at Abuja calling for the dissolution of the Barr. Peter Nwaboashi led Delta State PDP executive, what is you take on that?
Well (laughter), when you say Delta Elders, I saw them on Channels TV, are those people elders of Delta State? If you are conversant with Abuja, before you get to the PDP National Secretariat, there’s a stand where they sell recharge card and make calls, just opposite the Wadata Plaza, there are two boys that are always there selling recharge card, I saw them with placards, you would see that these are hired thugs! Hired boys! Hired crowd! I saw them too with placards calling for the dissolution of Delta State PDP exco, would you say that those guys are among elders in PDP Delta State? I’m asking you, are those ones elders? Okay, they are calling for dissolution, where were they all these years? You recall what led to the state chairman coming in, where were these so called leaders when Barr. Peter Nwaboashi was inaugurated PDP Chairman in 2007? Where were they? Were there any court injunction stopping the exco from operating? Why now today? When we are almost at election hour, I want to believe the national chairman is sensible enough to understand these things. I know it will not work because the Nwodo led national executive is sensible enough to understand that you don’t just listen to outcry from minority to dissolve the exco, unless you want to kill the party in the state! There will be nothing like dissolution! I understand there’s a list going on of their own exco, they have already compiled a list of their own executive from the ward to the state. There’s a rumour that they have even dissolved the exco, these are just mere rumours. Look at what happened in Ogun State, the NEC had to reverse their decision, so let us not kill ourselves over nothing, these are just minor issues and it has nothing to do with Uduaghan returning as Governor of Delta State.
While you are quick to declare that those who carried out the protest are rented crowd, the opposition are equally saying that all those who attended the pro Uduaghan rallies so far held in the sate are rented, how would you react to that?
(Laughter) But you were there, you were there.
You will see for yourself, at every rally we have organized, did you witness a fight? Did you witness a quarrel?
Are you not aware of what happened in the recent Abuja show of shame where one young boy was beaten because the amount they promised him was reduced and he was beaten! If you are talking of a rented crowd, there will always be fight because money will always bring quarrel and fight, did you witness anything like that in our rally? No! So that will point to the fact that these are committed people who believe in the 3 point agenda of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
Why is it that those calling for the abolition of zoning at the Presidency are not canvassing same in Delta State, particularly as it affects the gentlemanly agreement in the 3 Warri local governments?
I’m not an advocate for the abolition of zoning, zoning has always been there from time immemorial and it’s just like one saying 12 and dozen. 12 and a dozen are the same, federal character and zoning are the same, it’s just the language. If you remember the interview I had sometime ago with your paper, I said that President Goodluck Jonathan should thread softly and think well before taking his decision. I still believe in zoning, if not for zoning today, a South South President will not emerge in Nigeria, a South South Vice President would not have emerged and if not for zoning, an Itsekiri man will not emerge as Governor in Delta State, owing to the fact that we are minority. So I still believe in zoning and will still want to advise President Goodluck Jonathan to weigh the options very well, it will always come to our turn where we will have our eight years completely. You know one thing with us politicians, it is lack of sincerity. If President Jonathan refuse to contest in 2011 and allow the North complete their tenure in 2015 when he may decide to run, these same people calling on him to run 2011 will call on anybody that emerge from the North to take a second term. They will tell you that the constitution did not bar you from going second term, all they shout is just eye service because the man is the President today. If President Yar’Adua had not died, will they have been calling on President Jonathan to contest? I tell you they will not, so what I’m advising President Jonathan to note these praise singers, it is those that will say Mr. President this is not right that are your friends.
Let’s come down to the constituency you represent, you just said you believe in zoning and information available to us suggests that there is a gentleman agreement between Ekurede Itsekiri and Ugbori communities on who produces the councilor per tenure. How will you now marry your believe in zoning and your intention to rerun against the agreement which automatically would have seen Ugbori producing the next councilor since you are from Ekurede Itsekiri?
Thank you, I know this question will come up. I was expecting it, let me just put the records straight here, I still believe in zoning and there’s zoning in that ward to some extend, but there are some indexes one has to look before calling for zoning in that place. Fine! Zoning has always been there right from Hon. Kwashi Hamilton to Ekonte Ewowo to Gbemi before me. If you understand very well, there was a great confusion and fighting over my PDP candidature in 2008. What led to that protest? The Ekurede Itsekiri people denied me that I’m not from Ekurede, that I’m an indigene of Ugbori by birth. They insisted that the slot be given to them (i.e. Ekurede Itsekiri community) in support of zoning. I want to put a record straight here, like I told people and I keep on saying it, I’m not a councilor for Ekurede Itsekiri alone, neither am I a councilor for Ugbori community alone nor for Ugburoba alone. I’m a councilor representing Ekurede/Ugbori ward and I have all the people in my heart, not only the Itsekiris living there, I’m representing the Igharas, Isokos, Yorubas, Igbos and every other person living in the ward. That is why the entire project I initiated is not focused in one area alone, I am a representative of the people. Coming to the issue of zoning, what people do not understand is if Hon. Tenumah is coming back for a rerun the zoning still remains.
That will not stop me from having a second term provided I’m still coming back, but if I’m not coming back it is very obvious that it will be going to the Ugbori axis.
Though I have not taken a concrete decision whether to rerun or not, but if I decide to rerun zoning still remains. There’s zoning in the three senatorial districts in Delta State and you understand that in Delta South there’s zoning for the senatorial seat, but James Manager is there for his second term, if he had not come back another Ijaw man wouldn’t have taken it, it would have gone to either Itsekiri or Isoko. But because of the spirit of zoning, James Manager was given a second term. You will agree with me that zoning will not give you the best representation, assuming I had it in mind that Hon. Afere will serve one tenure and go, I will damn every consequence. You will not see any project in my constituency, because I would have said after all I’m not coming back again so let me just go there and enrich myself, but for the fact that I know my calling, I will not want to dent my image as well as that of my family. It is your performance that will make any leader or the people say go back and contest.
Let’s get it clear, will you be seeking a return come 2011?
That is not my priority for now.
So what is your priority for now?
My priority for now is to propagate, mobilize and make sure the people of my ward and local government come out, get their voters card as well as cast and defend their vote for our Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan come 2011. Then when we get to the bridge will surely cross it.
What then is the bridge?
Seeing Uduaghan in Government House Asaba come 2011 is the only thing on my head right now
Will you canvass for a state to be created out of Delta as the Aniomas are clamouring for or you’ll opt for Delta to remain as it is?
Personally, I will canvass for a proper Itsekiri State. Like the Itsekiri man will always say “agidi ole agi mafun eji tabi don, ukpawum gbabo” meaning you don’t deprive a child from growing a big tooth provided he or she has a lip to cover it. So I want to believe that the 3 Warris have enough resources to become a state because they have the needed resources to take care of themselves. If I have the opportunity I will canvass for a proper Warri State, you can even divide Delta by 3, let everybody find his way. But for the fact that one spirit, one love, I will still want to advise that let us still remain together.
One of the key issues in the recently amended 1999 constitution is the approval of Independent Candidacy. Bearing in mind that in spite of the existing 62 registered political parties, only one appears to be running the show, do you think Nigeria’s democracy is ripe enough for Independent Candidacy?
Right from time I have always been an advocate of Independent candidacy, which is why I have always stressed that the numbers of political parties in Nigeria are just too much. If they can prune it down to 3 and allow for Independent candidates it will serve us better. Look at the Babangida 2 political party system, it worked for us and I don’t see any reason why we should not be thinking of going back to that era. But people will say it is anti democracy, let me note that democracy is defined according to one’s culture, don’t come to Nigeria and defined the American democracy because they practice theirs according to their culture.
Though with the present 2010 electoral law just signed by the President, INEC has the power to deregister political parties, these parties are just there to collect subventions and nothing more.
Before now councilors used to graduate to higher political officers, but what happens these days is that councilors are virtually becoming what I will like to call Permanent Secretaries without striving to climb higher politically. As a councilor, what will you ascribe to this?
Honestly speaking, these are some of the things affecting our electoral system today. Not giving the room for a councilor to graduate to State House of Assembly and other higher political offices, it’s not really that they are not given that opportunity but I want to think that the councilors have not mustered the needed courage to vie for higher positions. They see it as unattainable, but it is possible, I believe experience is the best teacher, if a councilor decides to vie today for State House of Assembly and he gets there you will see that he’s coming from a very tough background with great experience. Look at the American system today, hardly will you see a Presidential candidate who is not a Senator, Obama was a Senator, the man that contested with him was a Senator, so also is Hilary Clinton, these are the experiences they must first gather and it helps governance.
Lastly what is your relationship with your council chairman and other councilors?
Thank you very much! I have a very cordial relationship with the local government chairman, Hon. Mofe Edema. In as much as sometimes we differ in opinion but that does not affect our relationship in anyway. I want to tell you something, today I want to say that Hon. Mofe Edema is a blessing to Warri South local government. The man has done tremendously well, the harvest of projects in my ward today is the handiwork of the cooperation he has been giving me. If I have singular privilege of casting my vote and returning him as chairman, I will sincerely give it to him without looking back, he is a great administrator of fund. I call him a stingy administrator, today you can see the presence of governance in Warri South local government courtesy of Hon. Matthew Mofe Edema. Warri South local government is not the richest, but what we are witnessing is as a result of Hon. Edema being a great administrator of fund, the council has never borrowed a dime from any bank. With all the projects Edema is embarking on, salaries are being paid as and when due. To my fellow councilors, our relationship is cordial. When I first came in 2008 I had to learn. I have learnt a lot from some of my old colleagues like Hon. David Oki, Bawo Nana and Marvis. These are councilors that I have legislative respect for, I learnt a lot of things from them and I must honestly tell you I doff my cap for these people. My elder brother, Hon. Ete Keke who always give me advice deserve the respect I give to him. My colleague who I see as a brother and friend, Hon. Romeo Ogedegbe also deserve mention, we knew ourselves in the House but it seems as if we’ve known ourselves for a long time. In sort I respect all my colleagues and enjoy a cordial relationship with them.
Maritime workers chide government on poor handling of maritime affairs
By: Frank David
From: Warri
Chairman of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Goodlife Okoro has expressed disappointment over government’s poor handling of maritime workers’ affairs in the state, just as he added that government has not redeemed the pledge of 57 boats promised the union by the immediate past commissioner for transport.
Comrade Okoro expressed his displeasure when members of the state chapter of MWUN, paid the Commissioner for Transport, Chief Lawrence Oshiegbu, a courtesy visit in Asaba
While expressing regret that the Union enjoys profound recognition and co-operation of government in states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, Comrade Okoro wondered why the state chapter of the union does not enjoy the recognition and cooperation of the Delta State government on maritime matters.
He therefore demanded the State government to recognize the vital role of MWUN in the state as being done in other states and work in cooperation with the Union in all Maritime activities, adding that the union played a significant role during the Warri crisis as it was there faring most trapped people in the riverine areas to safety environment with the few boats available to them.
He warned that the law will soon catch up with both local and foreign marine transporters and related agencies who are evading maritime/labour laws, emphasizing that MWUN may be forced to embark on industrial action against both government and private operators not willing to conform to international standards.
Comrade Okoro challenged private craft operators still working against unionization in the establishment to desist forthwith and allow their workers to form unions, saying that MWUN will not relent in its determination to reposition Maritime transportation to meet with the standard operational in other areas.
In his response, the Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Chief Lawrence Oshiegbu, promised members of the union that the Delta State government is going to assist them for strategic and enhanced operations in the state, even as he assured them that the State government has declared her resolve to capitalize on the existing peace in the waterways to boost water transportation in the state.
Chief Oshiegbu said that the State government has plans to take advantage of the relative peace in the waterways to improve on this all important but neglected sector and impact on the lives of Deltans, adding that importance of marine transportation cannot be over emphasized.
He revealed that it was in line with government determination to improve on the sector that gave birth to the establishment of the School of Marine Technology in Burutu for the training of seafarers.
On the issue of loan raised by the leadership of MWUN, he promised to introduce them to Office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor in-charge of micro credit and assured them that all the issues raised would be keenly addressed.
From: Warri
Chairman of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Goodlife Okoro has expressed disappointment over government’s poor handling of maritime workers’ affairs in the state, just as he added that government has not redeemed the pledge of 57 boats promised the union by the immediate past commissioner for transport.
Comrade Okoro expressed his displeasure when members of the state chapter of MWUN, paid the Commissioner for Transport, Chief Lawrence Oshiegbu, a courtesy visit in Asaba
While expressing regret that the Union enjoys profound recognition and co-operation of government in states like Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Cross River and Akwa Ibom, Comrade Okoro wondered why the state chapter of the union does not enjoy the recognition and cooperation of the Delta State government on maritime matters.
He therefore demanded the State government to recognize the vital role of MWUN in the state as being done in other states and work in cooperation with the Union in all Maritime activities, adding that the union played a significant role during the Warri crisis as it was there faring most trapped people in the riverine areas to safety environment with the few boats available to them.
He warned that the law will soon catch up with both local and foreign marine transporters and related agencies who are evading maritime/labour laws, emphasizing that MWUN may be forced to embark on industrial action against both government and private operators not willing to conform to international standards.
Comrade Okoro challenged private craft operators still working against unionization in the establishment to desist forthwith and allow their workers to form unions, saying that MWUN will not relent in its determination to reposition Maritime transportation to meet with the standard operational in other areas.
In his response, the Delta State Commissioner for Transport, Chief Lawrence Oshiegbu, promised members of the union that the Delta State government is going to assist them for strategic and enhanced operations in the state, even as he assured them that the State government has declared her resolve to capitalize on the existing peace in the waterways to boost water transportation in the state.
Chief Oshiegbu said that the State government has plans to take advantage of the relative peace in the waterways to improve on this all important but neglected sector and impact on the lives of Deltans, adding that importance of marine transportation cannot be over emphasized.
He revealed that it was in line with government determination to improve on the sector that gave birth to the establishment of the School of Marine Technology in Burutu for the training of seafarers.
On the issue of loan raised by the leadership of MWUN, he promised to introduce them to Office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor in-charge of micro credit and assured them that all the issues raised would be keenly addressed.
Editorial Delta State: Bureaucracy or Paucity of fund?
Editor-in-Chief
No doubt the global recession has had its toll on the economies of most countries particularly the under developed ones like Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that governments the world over has injected funds into ailing businesses and multinationals to stimulate growth and check any further economic woes. In Nigeria, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has esqually done its bit to redress the worrying trend. While the Niger Delta Crisis negatively affected Nigeria’s crude oil earnings, there has been appreciable increase in our crude oil earnings following the seeming success of the amnesty programme which currently sees ex-militants undergoing skill and technical training across the country.
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during an inter-denominational service held in Warri to mark the 19th anniversary of the creation of Delta State declared that the State’s share of revenue allocation derived from oil has dropped from 25% to 19% as a result of the May 13th vandalism of oil pipelines. While all rational Deltans share in the challenges the Governor and his team are facing to completely eradicate all forms of oil stealing, majority of Deltans, particularly those in the middle and lower classes are at loss as to why so much money was spent to host wife of the President, Dame Goodluck Jonathan, especially on entertainment by a Warri based eatery when most of the state government parastatals are yet to receive subventions for 2 months and most of the newly recruited teachers that have been on the state government’s payroll for six months have not been paid their salaries. Information from competent sources indicates that the few who have received salaries have only been paid two months.
It has become imperative for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to tackle these challenges and deal with those responsible otherwise the increasing speculation that he has deliberately withheld funds for political reasons can only get worse and possibly dent his political career. Since most of these recruited teachers are yet to get their pay six months after employment, one is now left to wonder what will happen to those about to get job in the state civil service. While there are obvious financial challenges, the right and humane thing to do is to ensure that every labourer earns his/her pay at the end of the month no matter the global economic recession. Contractors who have duly completed their jobs should also be paid.
No doubt the global recession has had its toll on the economies of most countries particularly the under developed ones like Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that governments the world over has injected funds into ailing businesses and multinationals to stimulate growth and check any further economic woes. In Nigeria, the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan has esqually done its bit to redress the worrying trend. While the Niger Delta Crisis negatively affected Nigeria’s crude oil earnings, there has been appreciable increase in our crude oil earnings following the seeming success of the amnesty programme which currently sees ex-militants undergoing skill and technical training across the country.
The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, during an inter-denominational service held in Warri to mark the 19th anniversary of the creation of Delta State declared that the State’s share of revenue allocation derived from oil has dropped from 25% to 19% as a result of the May 13th vandalism of oil pipelines. While all rational Deltans share in the challenges the Governor and his team are facing to completely eradicate all forms of oil stealing, majority of Deltans, particularly those in the middle and lower classes are at loss as to why so much money was spent to host wife of the President, Dame Goodluck Jonathan, especially on entertainment by a Warri based eatery when most of the state government parastatals are yet to receive subventions for 2 months and most of the newly recruited teachers that have been on the state government’s payroll for six months have not been paid their salaries. Information from competent sources indicates that the few who have received salaries have only been paid two months.
It has become imperative for Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to tackle these challenges and deal with those responsible otherwise the increasing speculation that he has deliberately withheld funds for political reasons can only get worse and possibly dent his political career. Since most of these recruited teachers are yet to get their pay six months after employment, one is now left to wonder what will happen to those about to get job in the state civil service. While there are obvious financial challenges, the right and humane thing to do is to ensure that every labourer earns his/her pay at the end of the month no matter the global economic recession. Contractors who have duly completed their jobs should also be paid.
Midnight fire claims family of four in Warri • lawmaker donates relief materials to affected families
By: Omonigho Matthew & By: Tonebsky Nesta
From: Warri
Fire has raised a building, leaving a family of four dead at Ajamimogha, Warri.
Our Correspondent who visited the scene few hours later, reports that the cause of the inferno was traced to a powered generator set close to a galloon of fuel.
Elder brother of the deceased family, identified simply as Mr. Gabriel who spoke exclusively to our Correspondent, said he was called at about 2am that fire has gutted the residence of his younger brother, Mr. Nuhu Egbunu, only for him to arrive at about 2:30am to meet the roasted body of his younger brother, his wife, a baby of about 5months and another child of about 3years old.
A neighbour of the deceased family, Miss Funmi Louis told Fresh Angle that she was alerted at about 1:30am that fire has overtaken the building of her neighbour. But in a bid to join other sympathizers, rescuers and the Shell Petroleum Development Company Fire Service to put off the fire, she discovered that the fire was almost spreading to her own apartment hence she hurriedly evacuated all her belongings.
She also said that the roasted bodies of her neighbours were later found after the fire service team from SPDC had gone.
As at the time our Correspondent arrived the scene, the remains of the family was said to have been taken to the Area Command “A” Division by the Nigeria Police Force.
Efforts to speak with authorities of the police proved abortive as they all declined comments.
Fresh Angle also gathered that it was the second time the building has been gutted by fire. According to a source, when it was razed by inferno many years ago, it took the courage of a family member of the property to rebuild it after many years before the recent fatal incident occurred.
Meanwhile the lawmaker representing Warri South Constituency I in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Omawumi Udoh has donated food items and building materials to families affected by the inferno.
Making the presentation hours after visiting the community to assess the extent of damage, Hon. Omawumi Udoh regretted the unfortunate incident and advised relatives of the family of four as well as others who were affected to see the donation as her token of love and affection.
An elder of Ajamimogha Community, Pa. Doggy Awani while receiving the items thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and appealed to her to draw the attention of the state government to the plight of those affected.
The Youth Chairman of Ajamimogha Community, Otiri Shandorf who spoke in the same vein expressed delight at the quick response of the lawmaker to those affected and promised that the items will be evenly distributed.
The items which was formally presented by a delegation of Hon. Udoh which includes Hon. Edah Hesse, Mrs. Esther Abrakata Ogwudu and the lawmaker’s aide are: 3 bundles of roofing sheets, 5 bags of rice, 2 bags of garri, gallons of vegetable and palm oil as well as a carton full of provision.
From: Warri
Fire has raised a building, leaving a family of four dead at Ajamimogha, Warri.
Our Correspondent who visited the scene few hours later, reports that the cause of the inferno was traced to a powered generator set close to a galloon of fuel.
Elder brother of the deceased family, identified simply as Mr. Gabriel who spoke exclusively to our Correspondent, said he was called at about 2am that fire has gutted the residence of his younger brother, Mr. Nuhu Egbunu, only for him to arrive at about 2:30am to meet the roasted body of his younger brother, his wife, a baby of about 5months and another child of about 3years old.
A neighbour of the deceased family, Miss Funmi Louis told Fresh Angle that she was alerted at about 1:30am that fire has overtaken the building of her neighbour. But in a bid to join other sympathizers, rescuers and the Shell Petroleum Development Company Fire Service to put off the fire, she discovered that the fire was almost spreading to her own apartment hence she hurriedly evacuated all her belongings.
She also said that the roasted bodies of her neighbours were later found after the fire service team from SPDC had gone.
As at the time our Correspondent arrived the scene, the remains of the family was said to have been taken to the Area Command “A” Division by the Nigeria Police Force.
Efforts to speak with authorities of the police proved abortive as they all declined comments.
Fresh Angle also gathered that it was the second time the building has been gutted by fire. According to a source, when it was razed by inferno many years ago, it took the courage of a family member of the property to rebuild it after many years before the recent fatal incident occurred.
Meanwhile the lawmaker representing Warri South Constituency I in Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Omawumi Udoh has donated food items and building materials to families affected by the inferno.
Making the presentation hours after visiting the community to assess the extent of damage, Hon. Omawumi Udoh regretted the unfortunate incident and advised relatives of the family of four as well as others who were affected to see the donation as her token of love and affection.
An elder of Ajamimogha Community, Pa. Doggy Awani while receiving the items thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and appealed to her to draw the attention of the state government to the plight of those affected.
The Youth Chairman of Ajamimogha Community, Otiri Shandorf who spoke in the same vein expressed delight at the quick response of the lawmaker to those affected and promised that the items will be evenly distributed.
The items which was formally presented by a delegation of Hon. Udoh which includes Hon. Edah Hesse, Mrs. Esther Abrakata Ogwudu and the lawmaker’s aide are: 3 bundles of roofing sheets, 5 bags of rice, 2 bags of garri, gallons of vegetable and palm oil as well as a carton full of provision.
Delta vigilante groups advised against being used by politicians
By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Udu
Delta State vigilante groups have been advised to ensure that their members are carefully selected and trained before they are admitted so as to avoid being used as tools by politicians against perceived oppositions.
The advice was given at a recent seminar organized by the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence (FJHD) held at Ovwian in Udu local government area of Delta State by a Delta State University lecturer, Barr. Rufus Olarewaju and Hon. Sam Okoro.
In their separate lectures titled, “The local vigilante, the Police and Human Rights” and “Local Vigilante: A Veritable Community Policing Tool for Checking the Incidence of Multiple Violent Crimes in Nigeria: A Critical Look”, both Barr. Rufus Olarewaju and Hon. Sam Okoro opined that the failure of the police led to the emergence of vigilante, even as they acknowledged that the police have done their bit. They accused some members of the vigilante groups of being used to perpetuate evil in their communities.
They advised the vigilante groups not to kill people in the discharge of their duties, thus frustrating the true essence of their service.
The speakers also advocated better funding of both the police and vigilante groups in Delta State as well as provision of communication gadgets and transportation means for them.
For his part, the Udu Area Commander ably represented by Mr. Sunday Ekpedem said the vigilante groups are really helping the police in no small measure but noted that they are under the supervision of the police hence the issue of the police not doing their job is not true.
He used the medium to also appeal for proper funding and training for the advancement of local vigilantes and members of the Nigeria police in other to aid them in the discharge of their assignment.
The Commander of the Ughelli vigilante, Mr. Monday Ohwesiri, blamed the government for the increase in crime. According to him, “if we catch any criminal, the next you hear is a phone call asking you to release the person in your custody”, the calls he said are mainly from top government officials. Such behaviour he explained has landed some members of the vigilante group in Nigeria prisons, Warri.
He said what the vigilante lack at the moment is mobility and fund. He also used the medium to appreciate the Ughelli South Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Ibru for donating seven Hilux buses for the vigilante and three Hilux buses for the Nigeria police in the local government. In his words, “this is the only chairman that is encouraging the vigilante”.
The National Coordinator for the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi in his contribution said the idea behind the seminar is to teach the vigilante groups in Delta State certain Human Rights principles.
He pointed out that the programme is not sponsored by government or any politician as alleged by some members of the public, adding that one of the aims of the seminar is to disabuse the minds of the vigilante members from being used by politicians for stealing ballot boxes in the 2011 general elections.
Dying to live
The thought of death passes a wave of uncertainty and shock from our throat down our spine, as mortals’ death is inevitable. I guess that is why Budda said “even death is to be feared by those who live wisely”. In this topic, the writer is not speaking about the final fate of mortal but our personality.
In the world of ever changing events where people walk without even saying “hello”, we are all consumed in our world of fear and anxiety. Living seems to be something of scare for many.
“Expect the unexpected” is now a popular mind slogan. Like the saying goes, “blood is thicker than water and money is thicker than blood”. More and more people seem to be suffering from depression these days. To be able to enjoy life to its fullest, we must learn to live our lives from the normal confines of every day living, learning to give a pleasant smile, do something nice or just saying hello when it seems inconvenient. Let me add by saying peace is not freedom from trouble but it is peace without pain.
In this world where we take nothing with us when we transit to the new world, it is very important to consider the Ottoman’s feelings in everything we do, because in the memory of others we actually live forever. No man can live successfully until he/she learn to die to self in every aspect of life. When we die to self, we take life more literally and realistically rather than desperately. In our quest to be successful, we sometimes put people’s live out of consideration, one thing we must know is that success in life is not all about making money, but the total functionality of how we relate with ourselves, others and our environment.
The earth today is loosing its beauty to environmental degradation and just a handful of people care about its state or survival for future generation. Life is about leaving a legacy. If you are to die today, can you actually say I came, saw, conquered and left a legacy?
In a world where we are all struggling to survive, it is very important to learn to be considerate to others by the words we say and things we do. Hope is that thing that makes us carry on in life. Whenever we hope for a better day, we are said to be dying to live.
We may not be able to change a situation, but we can change the way we react and view the situation.
Remember THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE. Live life by dying to live.
Quotations
Love is better to believe – Mother Theresa
In giving, we actually receive – Mother Theresa
Peace is not freedom from trouble; it is peace without pain – Jesse Daplantis
The greatest sickness is loneliness – Emibiojo Okoka
True freedom comes not from governmental independence, but mental independence of the individual through mental discipline – Emibiojo Okoka
Contact:
Phone: 08052550501, 07067178027
Facebook: Emibiojo Okoka
In the world of ever changing events where people walk without even saying “hello”, we are all consumed in our world of fear and anxiety. Living seems to be something of scare for many.
“Expect the unexpected” is now a popular mind slogan. Like the saying goes, “blood is thicker than water and money is thicker than blood”. More and more people seem to be suffering from depression these days. To be able to enjoy life to its fullest, we must learn to live our lives from the normal confines of every day living, learning to give a pleasant smile, do something nice or just saying hello when it seems inconvenient. Let me add by saying peace is not freedom from trouble but it is peace without pain.
In this world where we take nothing with us when we transit to the new world, it is very important to consider the Ottoman’s feelings in everything we do, because in the memory of others we actually live forever. No man can live successfully until he/she learn to die to self in every aspect of life. When we die to self, we take life more literally and realistically rather than desperately. In our quest to be successful, we sometimes put people’s live out of consideration, one thing we must know is that success in life is not all about making money, but the total functionality of how we relate with ourselves, others and our environment.
The earth today is loosing its beauty to environmental degradation and just a handful of people care about its state or survival for future generation. Life is about leaving a legacy. If you are to die today, can you actually say I came, saw, conquered and left a legacy?
In a world where we are all struggling to survive, it is very important to learn to be considerate to others by the words we say and things we do. Hope is that thing that makes us carry on in life. Whenever we hope for a better day, we are said to be dying to live.
We may not be able to change a situation, but we can change the way we react and view the situation.
Remember THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE. Live life by dying to live.
Quotations
Love is better to believe – Mother Theresa
In giving, we actually receive – Mother Theresa
Peace is not freedom from trouble; it is peace without pain – Jesse Daplantis
The greatest sickness is loneliness – Emibiojo Okoka
True freedom comes not from governmental independence, but mental independence of the individual through mental discipline – Emibiojo Okoka
Contact:
Phone: 08052550501, 07067178027
Facebook: Emibiojo Okoka
Kudos to CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed
In beginning this kudos on the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Mu’Azu Mohammed, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Divisional Headquarters, Ekpan near Warri in Delta State, I wish to quote the first president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and founder of the first indigenous university in Nigeria, that is, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe the Owelle of Onitsha (of blessed memory) who said and I quote “Whatever you are, aspire to be the best. If you choose to be the grass, try to be the best grass by the valley bed. In whatever profession you find yourself, create an impact recognizable by the society you belong”.
In addition, a music lecturer added to this when he advised “The essence of music education is to acquire musical skill, knowledge, understanding, attitude and initiative, and use them to serve God and humanity”. He went further to say that little minds discuss people; average minds discuss events, while great minds discuss ideology. The great minds think of how to manipulate and improve the environment for the betterment of the society. It is therefore appropriate to say that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a man of great mind for responding to distress call from me at 1 a.m. recently on robbers at the PTI road, Effurun in Delta State and sent his officers immediately to the place.
Furthermore, he monitored his men and me with his mobile handset to know the situation of things. While his men arrived at the scene of the robbery within a twinkle of an eye, they also used their own handset to call me because CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed gave them my number. The big question that came to me was, Is this Nigerian Police? I think and believe that the Nigerian Police is currently being re-branded in some police stations. It is therefore true to say that re-branding must begin from the top in any organization or at the family level. Thanks to the Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili and her re-branding project.
From all indications, CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a leader and leadership is a business for serious minds. We do not want leaders who are erratic, whimsical, and vindictive, because they lack the maturity required for leadership as we can see in some of our leaders. Everyone knows that virtues like hard work, self-discipline, acute sense of duty and selfless service are so rare among Nigerians of this generation. When these virtues are preached to the workers, especially in the public service sector, they tend to become cynical, stressing that “government work demands no self sacrifice”.
Based on the way the DPO acted with speed and alacrity, I can boldly and proudly say that he is a man of many talents like Blaise Pascal (1623-62) who made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, mathematics, physics, and theology. It is therefore abundantly clear that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed has made significant contributions to the security of people in his area of command. To this end, I say kudos to him and his officers and appeal them to keep the flag flying.
He demonstrated that he was not only a responsible citizen of this great country, but also committed to the restoration of the vision of the Jonathan-led administration. Consequently, it is most appropriate to say that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a distinguished breed, illustrious and indefatigable police chief that is worth emulating. I salute a great man of history and destiny.
In conclusion, let me quote Harry S. Truman (33rd) American President (1945-1953) Democrat who said “Do your duty and history will do you justice”. In line with Chinese proverb, “Leadership is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere”. I pray Almighty God and or Allah to grant CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed strength and good health in his duty to humanity.
Ofele Nwabunor is a Social Critic and Commentator based in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
In addition, a music lecturer added to this when he advised “The essence of music education is to acquire musical skill, knowledge, understanding, attitude and initiative, and use them to serve God and humanity”. He went further to say that little minds discuss people; average minds discuss events, while great minds discuss ideology. The great minds think of how to manipulate and improve the environment for the betterment of the society. It is therefore appropriate to say that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a man of great mind for responding to distress call from me at 1 a.m. recently on robbers at the PTI road, Effurun in Delta State and sent his officers immediately to the place.
Furthermore, he monitored his men and me with his mobile handset to know the situation of things. While his men arrived at the scene of the robbery within a twinkle of an eye, they also used their own handset to call me because CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed gave them my number. The big question that came to me was, Is this Nigerian Police? I think and believe that the Nigerian Police is currently being re-branded in some police stations. It is therefore true to say that re-branding must begin from the top in any organization or at the family level. Thanks to the Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili and her re-branding project.
From all indications, CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a leader and leadership is a business for serious minds. We do not want leaders who are erratic, whimsical, and vindictive, because they lack the maturity required for leadership as we can see in some of our leaders. Everyone knows that virtues like hard work, self-discipline, acute sense of duty and selfless service are so rare among Nigerians of this generation. When these virtues are preached to the workers, especially in the public service sector, they tend to become cynical, stressing that “government work demands no self sacrifice”.
Based on the way the DPO acted with speed and alacrity, I can boldly and proudly say that he is a man of many talents like Blaise Pascal (1623-62) who made significant contributions to the fields of philosophy, mathematics, physics, and theology. It is therefore abundantly clear that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed has made significant contributions to the security of people in his area of command. To this end, I say kudos to him and his officers and appeal them to keep the flag flying.
He demonstrated that he was not only a responsible citizen of this great country, but also committed to the restoration of the vision of the Jonathan-led administration. Consequently, it is most appropriate to say that CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed is a distinguished breed, illustrious and indefatigable police chief that is worth emulating. I salute a great man of history and destiny.
In conclusion, let me quote Harry S. Truman (33rd) American President (1945-1953) Democrat who said “Do your duty and history will do you justice”. In line with Chinese proverb, “Leadership is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere”. I pray Almighty God and or Allah to grant CSP Mu’Azu Mohammed strength and good health in his duty to humanity.
Ofele Nwabunor is a Social Critic and Commentator based in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
2011: Igbos as political Lilliputians
Bobson Gbinije
Bogep Oils LTD
Warri.
Bobson.gbinije@yahoo.com
Dialectical logicians, political archeologists and theosophical purists are cantankerously at variance on many subjects, but in a form of Antinomy, they tend to agree that good things come to those who wait and that mammoth largess is the portion of those who labour and strive hard. These two perspectives about the approach to success are correct, but they draw their discipleship based on the principles of the collectivity or the individual. Where stands the Igbo nation in the light of the 2011 presidential election after many years of political servitude? Is it political pragmatism or "waiting on the lord" that will give them the presidency?
Demographic statistical data in Nigeria shows that the Igbo people constitute one of the largest ethic groups in Nigeria. They are economic, social and educational giants in their own right. Their spirit of mercantilism and commercial dexterity has made them universally ubiquitous. The Ibos in the Diaspora spread to parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. But at home in Nigeria the Igbo people are political midgets and administrative homunculus. The demoniacal political fire and vibrancy in them is stoked by economic demonolatry.
But for how long will this playing of political second fiddle continue? When will the Igbo nation and the lbo-man be able to take his political destiny in his/their own hands? When will the Igbo people wake up from their politically slumberous stupor? Do they feel the impact of erosion and topographical menace in their land? So they cannot see the hands of neglect and marginalization in their lives. They cannot decipher the glaring prevalence of political cronyism and administrative ethnic cleansing in their so-called fatherland, which implies that an Ibo man is not competent to be the Nigerian President. When will their chains of commercialism wear away?
The English playwright William Shakespeare posited that, " ….. the fault is not in our stars, but in us that we are underlyings” The fault is with the Igbo people themselves. Do they know that Alhaji Tafawa Balewa ruled Nigeria for 6 years, General Yakubu Gowon 9 years, General Murtala Mohammend 6 months, Alhaji Shehu Shagari 4 years, Abiola's Election Disallowed, Earnest Shonekan 3 months, General Sanni Abacha 5 years, General Abdusalam Abubakar 1 year and General/president Olusegun Kikelola Aremu Obasanjo in both military/civilian computation has ruled Nigeria for over 11 years. Where is the South-East or the Ibo man in this political algebra or are they counting the figureheads of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, General Aguiyi lronsi and or Alex Ekwueme as political leaders? What a shame!
Since the institutionalization of the Lugardian albatross of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, the commencement of the Direct and Indirect Rule System in 1916 and the inception of the political engineering process through constitution making which manifested in the 1922 Sir Clifford's constitution, the 1945 Richard's constitution, the 1946 Milverton constitution, 1951 Alan burns constitution, the 1952 McPherson's constitution, 1954 Littleton's constitution, 1960 Independence constitution, 1963 republican constitution, the military-manipulated 1989 and the 1999 constitution, the 2010 amended constitution etc. the Igbo people have never been at the centre stage of the political process in Nigeria. The 1957 constitutional conference offered Nigerian Nationalist implicit opportunity to proffer a date for Nigeria's independence and not regional autonomy. But whilst other ethnic groups were calling for a fragmented Nigeria the Ibos stood firmly for a united strong and virile Nigeria.
In the Federal elections of 1959 which was meant to usher in the political independence of Nigeria, the Northern people's congress (NPC) won one hundred and forty-eight seats, the National Council of Nigeria and Cameron (NCNC) and the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) won eighty-nine seats, the Action Group (AG) and the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) won seventy-five seats. No party won majority vote. This led to grotesque coalition, political manipulations and weird alliances that culminated in Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Premier of Eastern Nigeria being sworn in as the first indigenous president of Nigeria under a Parliamentary system of government, which made him a non-Executive figurehead President.
The long sought after independence finally came, but it turned out to be a "Barmecide dish" as our leadership was steeple chasing in the tenebrous abyss of self destruct because of their nepotistic and narcissistic propensities. The Nigerian nation (1960-1966) was wallowing in the labyrinths and crypts of unthinkable corruption, indecent opulence, ludicrous antics, ethno-
bigotry, Political farrago and social gallimaufry. The international community, Nigeria and nay the military institution was disturbed by the dubious machinations, the fundamental errors of judgment and the culpable omission of our leadership and our politicians. One thing led to the
Other giving rise to the putsch of Jan 15th, 1966 (OPERATION DAMISSA). In the resultant coup de tat the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Prime Minister of Nigeria Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Akintola, Chief Okotie-Eboh (Omimi Ejoh) etc were assassinated.
Many political analysts saw the spate of killings to be skewed in favour of the East (Igbo) and called it an "Eastern coup". It will be recalled that politicians of Igbo extraction like Dr. Nmamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, and Dr K.O. Mbadiwe etc were not killed or assassinated in the coup and an lbo, major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi took over as Head of State. These selective killings sent the wrong signals to the Northerners. This political scenario prepared the grounds for the July 2ih 1966 counter coup that led to the death of Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi and many soldiers and civilians of Igbo extraction in the North. The genocidal decimation of Easterners led to the call for all Easterners to come back home, setting the plinth for the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war (1967-1970). The Igbo nation and people were killed like flies and reduced to smithereens in the war.
When the war ended, the Nigerian government under General Yakubu Gowon initiated the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Programme (3R's). But till today the reconstruction, rehabilitation and complete integration of the Igbo people is yet to be fully implemented in Nigeria. Why did the Igbo people decided to fight a war? If they fought a war to break the tentacles of oppression why are they now politically docile, unassertive and acquiescent in the face of palpable neglect? Why are they selling their political birth right for a mess of porridge? Why are they not uniting to fight for the presidential seat they call their own, why are they not fighting to build trust amongst their own rank and file? For how long will they continue to stab themselves in the back? Why are they their own worst enemy?
But we assert in unequivocal terms that any nation will continue to fail and flounder until it ends a system that fails to respect and encourage the various constituent nations in it to aspire the to greater political heights.
The Igbo nation needs to re-invent itself, it needs holistic reorientation and strategic repositioning. The Igbo people need political pragmatism to enable them takes their authentic political position in 2011, which is the producing of the Executive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Specifically, it is their turn to produce the next president in Nigeria. It is a great disservice to the Igbo course and it is tantamount to pusillanimous tergiversation, political skullduggery, cowardice and judgmental fallacy for Igbo leaders to call and support the then third term agenda of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Indeed, it is a hideous and horrendous pity for some Igbo Governors and Legislators to have supported the third term agenda. It simply means that the Igbos fought the civil war in vain. The Igbo stakeholders could not reach a consensus during the presentation of proposals to the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on constitutional review that sat in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Feb 22nd/23rd, 2006. The pan-Igbo socio-cultural and political organization the Ohaneze Ndigbo, their Governors, Legislators and all Igbo leaders are consummately indictable.
In the Ahiara Declaration (The principles of the Biafran Revolution) the General of the peoples Army, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu said, "our disagreement with the Nigerian Government arose in part from a conflict between two diametrically opposed conception of the end and purpose of the modern African state. It was, and still is, our firm conviction that a modern Negro African government worth the trust placed in it by the people, must build a progressive state that ensures the reign of social and economic justice and of the rule of law. But the Nigerians, under the leadership of the Hausa-Fulani, but now the Political Feudal aristocracy (Italics mine) preferred anarchy and injustice" what a shame that the Igbo people cannot take their political destiny in their own hands. Ojukwu further posited "Our revolution is a historic opportunity given to us to establish a just society; to revive the dignity of our people at home and dignity of the black-man in the world". But where lies the Ibo-man's political dignity?
The Igbo self-induced political quandary and dilemma could be likened to that of the comrades of Ulysses in the cave of the Cyclops in the Greek mythology, Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey. They loved their slavish conditions and servitude like the Ibos love their political servitude in Nigeria. The Igbo people will continue to stew in the oubliette of political slavery in Nigeria because they cannot take the bull by the horn and drive it out of their political china shop. What a shame! They should however note that if they fail to produce the next president in 2011, the South-south will naturally produce the next president after 2011 or 2015, pure and simple. It was the same Igbo people that stabbed their own Alex Ekueme on the back during the PDP CONVENTION THAT LED TO Obasanjo's victory. The people are politically wonderful. Their political idiosyncrasies defy classification and surgeonizotion.
In a letter to forestall the Maradonic political manipulations of the then Head of State, General Babangida, Obasanjo said, "I beg you in the name of Allah not to mistake the silence of our people for acquiescence or weakness and the sycophancy of the greedy and opportunistic people who parade the corridors of power as representative of the true feelings of our people. Nigeria needs peace and stability. It is too fragile to face another commotion. In God's name drag it not into one. This is the time for you to have some memorable exit. May God help you and help our country" In this very apt letter Obasanjo further admonished IBB thus, "But as one has come to know you a little bit more now that you are in power, you could toy with anything believing that Nigerians will shout only for a while and you either silence them with choking largess, intimidation, hack letters or that time will silence them. You have acted and voiced this tendency in the past. But Mr. President every word, work and act of yours goes into history. Nobody is immune from the verdict of history" Yes, Babangida, Obasanjo and the prevaricating Igbo leadership cannot be immune from the verdict of history.
This is an unsolicited, thankless and gratuitous advice to the Igbo people. I am reluctantly compelled to say this not because the Igbo people do not know what is politically wrong with them, but because they lack the political will and matadorial elan to effect a holistic strategic repositioning of themselves within the political ambit of Nigeria. I further dare suggest that the Igbo nation should call for on Igbo National Confab to address the issue of an Ibo President come 2011. We are aware of the existence of many Igbo corybantic political black legs, lily-livered conscience mortgaging stooges and nihilistic revisionist, but the Igbo people must move forward notwithstanding who ox is gored. We are not calling for a reenactment of the Biafran struggle or war, but we are identifying the basic truth that the Igbo people are making rubbish of the glorious revolution by not standing up for their right. It is clear that all the problems that led to the Nigeria/Biafra civil war still exist in Nigeria till today.
It was the Statesman; Barry Goldwater in accepting the presidential nomination, in July 16th, 1964 said "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue". This was corroborated by John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) he said, "those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable" and further substantiated by Chairman Mao Tse Tung (1893-1976)" A revolution is not the same as inviting people to dinner, or writing an essay, or painting a picture. It is an insurrection and act of violence by which one class overthrows another". But the revolution must start with the Igbos themselves. They must do a complete radical implosive surgeonisation on themselves so that they can see the political light in the dark tunnel. They have to evolve a new strategy for self entrenchment into the polity based on political pragmatism. They will continue to be shackled in deprogressivism unless they do a 21st century Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of their political structures and their attitude problem. This is the devil's alternative for the Igbo people. All their vaunting in wealth and material abundance will come to naught if they have no political power to back it up.
Finally, as we march with uncertainty towards 2011 let the Igbo nation come to the realization that it is their place, destiny and time to present an Executive President for Nigeria. No other agenda is worthy of pursuit. They should get together and present only one Ibo candidate for the presidential election in 2011 and let every Ibo man stand by that candidate and I know and believe many other Nigerians will stand with the Igbo candidate. The English Playwright William Shakespeare posits that "there is tide in the affairs of man, which when taken at the floods leads on to fortune, omitted all the voyage in their lives is bound in tempestuous waves". A Chinese sage said. "It is the friends and relatives of the madman that are ashamed of him. He is never ashamed of himself'. But I am shamed of the Igbo man's political attitude. I pray they make me proud in the year 2007. Let them not allow the bait of the creation of more states in the South ¬East overwhelm their political position. In 2011 the political battle line is between the Northerners, Jonathan and the Igbos. The Igbos have a great chance.
GBO KWENUI KWEZIENU
Bogep Oils LTD
Warri.
Bobson.gbinije@yahoo.com
Dialectical logicians, political archeologists and theosophical purists are cantankerously at variance on many subjects, but in a form of Antinomy, they tend to agree that good things come to those who wait and that mammoth largess is the portion of those who labour and strive hard. These two perspectives about the approach to success are correct, but they draw their discipleship based on the principles of the collectivity or the individual. Where stands the Igbo nation in the light of the 2011 presidential election after many years of political servitude? Is it political pragmatism or "waiting on the lord" that will give them the presidency?
Demographic statistical data in Nigeria shows that the Igbo people constitute one of the largest ethic groups in Nigeria. They are economic, social and educational giants in their own right. Their spirit of mercantilism and commercial dexterity has made them universally ubiquitous. The Ibos in the Diaspora spread to parts of Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. But at home in Nigeria the Igbo people are political midgets and administrative homunculus. The demoniacal political fire and vibrancy in them is stoked by economic demonolatry.
But for how long will this playing of political second fiddle continue? When will the Igbo nation and the lbo-man be able to take his political destiny in his/their own hands? When will the Igbo people wake up from their politically slumberous stupor? Do they feel the impact of erosion and topographical menace in their land? So they cannot see the hands of neglect and marginalization in their lives. They cannot decipher the glaring prevalence of political cronyism and administrative ethnic cleansing in their so-called fatherland, which implies that an Ibo man is not competent to be the Nigerian President. When will their chains of commercialism wear away?
The English playwright William Shakespeare posited that, " ….. the fault is not in our stars, but in us that we are underlyings” The fault is with the Igbo people themselves. Do they know that Alhaji Tafawa Balewa ruled Nigeria for 6 years, General Yakubu Gowon 9 years, General Murtala Mohammend 6 months, Alhaji Shehu Shagari 4 years, Abiola's Election Disallowed, Earnest Shonekan 3 months, General Sanni Abacha 5 years, General Abdusalam Abubakar 1 year and General/president Olusegun Kikelola Aremu Obasanjo in both military/civilian computation has ruled Nigeria for over 11 years. Where is the South-East or the Ibo man in this political algebra or are they counting the figureheads of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, General Aguiyi lronsi and or Alex Ekwueme as political leaders? What a shame!
Since the institutionalization of the Lugardian albatross of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914, the commencement of the Direct and Indirect Rule System in 1916 and the inception of the political engineering process through constitution making which manifested in the 1922 Sir Clifford's constitution, the 1945 Richard's constitution, the 1946 Milverton constitution, 1951 Alan burns constitution, the 1952 McPherson's constitution, 1954 Littleton's constitution, 1960 Independence constitution, 1963 republican constitution, the military-manipulated 1989 and the 1999 constitution, the 2010 amended constitution etc. the Igbo people have never been at the centre stage of the political process in Nigeria. The 1957 constitutional conference offered Nigerian Nationalist implicit opportunity to proffer a date for Nigeria's independence and not regional autonomy. But whilst other ethnic groups were calling for a fragmented Nigeria the Ibos stood firmly for a united strong and virile Nigeria.
In the Federal elections of 1959 which was meant to usher in the political independence of Nigeria, the Northern people's congress (NPC) won one hundred and forty-eight seats, the National Council of Nigeria and Cameron (NCNC) and the Northern Element Progressive Union (NEPU) won eighty-nine seats, the Action Group (AG) and the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) won seventy-five seats. No party won majority vote. This led to grotesque coalition, political manipulations and weird alliances that culminated in Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, former Premier of Eastern Nigeria being sworn in as the first indigenous president of Nigeria under a Parliamentary system of government, which made him a non-Executive figurehead President.
The long sought after independence finally came, but it turned out to be a "Barmecide dish" as our leadership was steeple chasing in the tenebrous abyss of self destruct because of their nepotistic and narcissistic propensities. The Nigerian nation (1960-1966) was wallowing in the labyrinths and crypts of unthinkable corruption, indecent opulence, ludicrous antics, ethno-
bigotry, Political farrago and social gallimaufry. The international community, Nigeria and nay the military institution was disturbed by the dubious machinations, the fundamental errors of judgment and the culpable omission of our leadership and our politicians. One thing led to the
Other giving rise to the putsch of Jan 15th, 1966 (OPERATION DAMISSA). In the resultant coup de tat the Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Prime Minister of Nigeria Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Akintola, Chief Okotie-Eboh (Omimi Ejoh) etc were assassinated.
Many political analysts saw the spate of killings to be skewed in favour of the East (Igbo) and called it an "Eastern coup". It will be recalled that politicians of Igbo extraction like Dr. Nmamdi Azikiwe, Akanu Ibiam, and Dr K.O. Mbadiwe etc were not killed or assassinated in the coup and an lbo, major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi took over as Head of State. These selective killings sent the wrong signals to the Northerners. This political scenario prepared the grounds for the July 2ih 1966 counter coup that led to the death of Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi and many soldiers and civilians of Igbo extraction in the North. The genocidal decimation of Easterners led to the call for all Easterners to come back home, setting the plinth for the Nigeria/Biafra Civil war (1967-1970). The Igbo nation and people were killed like flies and reduced to smithereens in the war.
When the war ended, the Nigerian government under General Yakubu Gowon initiated the Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation Programme (3R's). But till today the reconstruction, rehabilitation and complete integration of the Igbo people is yet to be fully implemented in Nigeria. Why did the Igbo people decided to fight a war? If they fought a war to break the tentacles of oppression why are they now politically docile, unassertive and acquiescent in the face of palpable neglect? Why are they selling their political birth right for a mess of porridge? Why are they not uniting to fight for the presidential seat they call their own, why are they not fighting to build trust amongst their own rank and file? For how long will they continue to stab themselves in the back? Why are they their own worst enemy?
But we assert in unequivocal terms that any nation will continue to fail and flounder until it ends a system that fails to respect and encourage the various constituent nations in it to aspire the to greater political heights.
The Igbo nation needs to re-invent itself, it needs holistic reorientation and strategic repositioning. The Igbo people need political pragmatism to enable them takes their authentic political position in 2011, which is the producing of the Executive president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Specifically, it is their turn to produce the next president in Nigeria. It is a great disservice to the Igbo course and it is tantamount to pusillanimous tergiversation, political skullduggery, cowardice and judgmental fallacy for Igbo leaders to call and support the then third term agenda of President Olusegun Obasanjo. Indeed, it is a hideous and horrendous pity for some Igbo Governors and Legislators to have supported the third term agenda. It simply means that the Igbos fought the civil war in vain. The Igbo stakeholders could not reach a consensus during the presentation of proposals to the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on constitutional review that sat in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State on Feb 22nd/23rd, 2006. The pan-Igbo socio-cultural and political organization the Ohaneze Ndigbo, their Governors, Legislators and all Igbo leaders are consummately indictable.
In the Ahiara Declaration (The principles of the Biafran Revolution) the General of the peoples Army, Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu said, "our disagreement with the Nigerian Government arose in part from a conflict between two diametrically opposed conception of the end and purpose of the modern African state. It was, and still is, our firm conviction that a modern Negro African government worth the trust placed in it by the people, must build a progressive state that ensures the reign of social and economic justice and of the rule of law. But the Nigerians, under the leadership of the Hausa-Fulani, but now the Political Feudal aristocracy (Italics mine) preferred anarchy and injustice" what a shame that the Igbo people cannot take their political destiny in their own hands. Ojukwu further posited "Our revolution is a historic opportunity given to us to establish a just society; to revive the dignity of our people at home and dignity of the black-man in the world". But where lies the Ibo-man's political dignity?
The Igbo self-induced political quandary and dilemma could be likened to that of the comrades of Ulysses in the cave of the Cyclops in the Greek mythology, Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey. They loved their slavish conditions and servitude like the Ibos love their political servitude in Nigeria. The Igbo people will continue to stew in the oubliette of political slavery in Nigeria because they cannot take the bull by the horn and drive it out of their political china shop. What a shame! They should however note that if they fail to produce the next president in 2011, the South-south will naturally produce the next president after 2011 or 2015, pure and simple. It was the same Igbo people that stabbed their own Alex Ekueme on the back during the PDP CONVENTION THAT LED TO Obasanjo's victory. The people are politically wonderful. Their political idiosyncrasies defy classification and surgeonizotion.
In a letter to forestall the Maradonic political manipulations of the then Head of State, General Babangida, Obasanjo said, "I beg you in the name of Allah not to mistake the silence of our people for acquiescence or weakness and the sycophancy of the greedy and opportunistic people who parade the corridors of power as representative of the true feelings of our people. Nigeria needs peace and stability. It is too fragile to face another commotion. In God's name drag it not into one. This is the time for you to have some memorable exit. May God help you and help our country" In this very apt letter Obasanjo further admonished IBB thus, "But as one has come to know you a little bit more now that you are in power, you could toy with anything believing that Nigerians will shout only for a while and you either silence them with choking largess, intimidation, hack letters or that time will silence them. You have acted and voiced this tendency in the past. But Mr. President every word, work and act of yours goes into history. Nobody is immune from the verdict of history" Yes, Babangida, Obasanjo and the prevaricating Igbo leadership cannot be immune from the verdict of history.
This is an unsolicited, thankless and gratuitous advice to the Igbo people. I am reluctantly compelled to say this not because the Igbo people do not know what is politically wrong with them, but because they lack the political will and matadorial elan to effect a holistic strategic repositioning of themselves within the political ambit of Nigeria. I further dare suggest that the Igbo nation should call for on Igbo National Confab to address the issue of an Ibo President come 2011. We are aware of the existence of many Igbo corybantic political black legs, lily-livered conscience mortgaging stooges and nihilistic revisionist, but the Igbo people must move forward notwithstanding who ox is gored. We are not calling for a reenactment of the Biafran struggle or war, but we are identifying the basic truth that the Igbo people are making rubbish of the glorious revolution by not standing up for their right. It is clear that all the problems that led to the Nigeria/Biafra civil war still exist in Nigeria till today.
It was the Statesman; Barry Goldwater in accepting the presidential nomination, in July 16th, 1964 said "Extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue". This was corroborated by John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) he said, "those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable" and further substantiated by Chairman Mao Tse Tung (1893-1976)" A revolution is not the same as inviting people to dinner, or writing an essay, or painting a picture. It is an insurrection and act of violence by which one class overthrows another". But the revolution must start with the Igbos themselves. They must do a complete radical implosive surgeonisation on themselves so that they can see the political light in the dark tunnel. They have to evolve a new strategy for self entrenchment into the polity based on political pragmatism. They will continue to be shackled in deprogressivism unless they do a 21st century Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) of their political structures and their attitude problem. This is the devil's alternative for the Igbo people. All their vaunting in wealth and material abundance will come to naught if they have no political power to back it up.
Finally, as we march with uncertainty towards 2011 let the Igbo nation come to the realization that it is their place, destiny and time to present an Executive President for Nigeria. No other agenda is worthy of pursuit. They should get together and present only one Ibo candidate for the presidential election in 2011 and let every Ibo man stand by that candidate and I know and believe many other Nigerians will stand with the Igbo candidate. The English Playwright William Shakespeare posits that "there is tide in the affairs of man, which when taken at the floods leads on to fortune, omitted all the voyage in their lives is bound in tempestuous waves". A Chinese sage said. "It is the friends and relatives of the madman that are ashamed of him. He is never ashamed of himself'. But I am shamed of the Igbo man's political attitude. I pray they make me proud in the year 2007. Let them not allow the bait of the creation of more states in the South ¬East overwhelm their political position. In 2011 the political battle line is between the Northerners, Jonathan and the Igbos. The Igbos have a great chance.
GBO KWENUI KWEZIENU
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