Uduaghan Vs Clark: Delta Ag. Governor faces loyalty battle: • As ousted Governor’s loyalists regroup: • Political gladiators express divergent views o

Newly sworn-in Delta State Ag. Governor, Hon. Sam Obi is presently facing the toughest loyalty battle of his life, feelers reaching Fresh Angle suggests.

While reports claim that the State Ag. Governor and former Speaker, Hon. Sam Obi retained all commissioners, aides, board members as well as heads of government parastatals and agencies appointed by ex Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Fresh Angle gathered from an impeccable source that Ijaw National Leader and arrow head of aggrieved PDP members in the state, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark is making far reaching consultations to woo the Acting Governor whose brief reign as Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly was short-lived by the Appeal Court ruling in Benin sacking Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

As anxiety continues to grow among Deltans over how President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will handle this seeming battle of supremacy between two men pledging loyalty to his leadership and 2011 Presidential bid, staunch loyalists of ousted Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan are currently strategizing to confront the obvious challenge. Fresh Angle can report that the recent Pro Ibori and Uduaghan rallies held in Warri are the beginning of several strategies by the Pro Uduaghan believers to stake their perceived superiority. Indications of what to expect emerged few days after the Appeal Court judgement when a federal lawmaker in the state (name withheld) sent bulk text message to ardent supporters of ex Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. The message reads thus, “My political leaders and associates, fraternal greetings, re-appeal court decision of Tuesday, I call on u all to see it as a call to action. We shld be happy that the ruling s devoid of ambiguities, but clear ad definitive ad thus do not need further judicial interpretations. Thus, we hv to organize to confront dis immediate challenge ad not agonize. Consultations is n top gear for us to meet soonest ad synergize our actions. Pl draw up what u consider as required necessary actions ad strategies dat should be taken by our collectivity as our action, plan for d re-run ad we discuss such whn we meet. H.E.EE UDUAGHAN will certainly return! I salute u”.

One thing that is sure as the impending rerun draws nearer in Delta State is that indigenes and residents of the state should be poised for the biggest political challenge as supporters of the DPP candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru who seemed to have gone under before the Appeal Court judgement in Benin City are equally regrouping and making strong statements regarding the rerun.

Meanwhile, the Tuesday November 9, 2010 judgement by the Appeal Court sitting in Benin City, Edo state which sacked Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan as third civilian Governor of Delta State took the political landscape of Delta State by storm, Fresh Angle can authoritatively report.

Fresh Angle reliably gathered that Chieftains of the Ibori/Uduaghan Political family as well as majority of aspirants outside its frame took time to come to reality with the Appeal Court judgement which came in an unconventional time of 7pm after sitting commenced 3pm for reasons not immediately clear as at press time.

While reactions from most parts of Delta State, particularly in Warri, Effurun, Otu-Jeremi, the country home of ousted Deputy Governor, Professor Amos Agbe Utuama indicated a feeling of happiness, Fresh Angle gathered from impeccable sources that key members of the Uduaghan cabinet as well as staunch loyalists of the embattled former Governor never saw it coming, due to their perceived firm grip of the state. Though the Appeal Court judgement is sequel to a suit filed by the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, feelers reaching Fresh Angle reveals that the Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark’s led faction of the PDP orchestrated the seeming political coup after efforts to ensure that INEC dissolve the Barr. Peter Nwaoboshi led state executive of the party is being confronted with legal fireworks.

Impeccable sources confirmed to Fresh Angle that part of the grand design is to make sure operatives of the EFCC and ICPC press corruption charges against Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan so as to automatically disqualify him from contesting and pave way for a dark horse aspirant within Delta South Senatorial district to fly the PDP flag.

The Delta South PDP Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Efejuku in a telephone chat with Fresh Angle a day after the Appeal Court Judgement, declared that the party has accepted the ruling in good fate. “We have accepted it in good fate, we are putting our house in order, waiting for INEC to give us a new date. No shaking”, he enthused.

A Chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and popular Itsekiri activist, Mr. Amaechi Ogbonna in a telephone chat responded thus, “it is victory for democracy. The judiciary has taken a bold step, the attitude of INEC in Delta State has been exposed”. He revealed, “the main aim is to destroy the Ibori dynasty which used Utuama’s chamber to siphon Delta money. It is now we will know if EFCC is working, because Uduaghan has a police case”.

The National Co-ordinator of Southern Mandate, Mr. Alex Oyoro in his reaction, opined that the Rule of law has taken place, describing the judgement as a victory for all Deltans. According to him, if Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan had done a good job people would have sympathized with him. “There was oil windfall, yet he couldn’t do anything even in his own place”, Oyoro posited.

Uduaghan was a total let down to Deltans – DPP Chieftain

Prince Owhelogba John is the Chairman of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Warri South local government. In this telephone chat with our Senior Correspondent, Omonigho Matthew, the DPP Chieftain bare his mind on the recent shocking judgement sacking Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan by the Appeal Court sitting in Benin.

Excerpt:

The Court of Appeal in Benin recently nullified the election of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, what is your immediate reaction to this development?

It is law in action.

Don’t you think the judgement came too late?

No. Because, Nigerians believe in the rule of law.

With the nullification, do you sincerely think the Governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party stand better chance of winning the re-run election?

Yes.

Do you have any word for the Judiciary as regards the recent judgement?

It is a step forward.

How would you access the performance of Uduaghan for the 3 and half years he was in the saddle?

It was a mess and total let down to all Deltans (sic) and he mismanaged our funds.

Based on what you have just said, are you envisaging a possible arrest of the former Governor?

Yes.

Before the judgement, it was obvious many of DPP members lost fate in the legal battle and subsequently left the party, is there still room for them to return to the fold?

Yes, because DPP also stands for Delta Peoples Party. Thank God it’s justice to Deltans and Nigeria in general, not only Great Ogboru, Nigeria will be better if we stop our corrupt attitude.

What is your advice to members of Democratic Peoples Party towards protecting their votes in the impending re-run election slated for early next year?

They should register when it is time for registration and come out enmasse to vote as well as protect their vote for Great Ovedje Ogboru. I want to use this medium to felicitate with our Great leader of Hope, Great Ogboru for Great Deltans.

We have it on good authority that Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru recently decamped to ACN, how is the DPP handling the situation based on the recent Appeal Court judgement?

He has not decamped to ACN, I can assure you that DPP is one united party in Delta State.

Thanks for your time

You are welcome.

Presidency never influenced the Appeal Court judgement – Ogboru’s aide

Prince Felix Edidju is a personal aide to Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, Governorship candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party, DPP. He spoke with our Senior Correspondent, Omonigho Matthew recently at the marriage ceremony of his younger brother held at Okumagba layout in Warri. He declared that the impending re-run election in Delta State is a test-run for Professor Attahiru Jega.


Excerpt:

The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin recently nullified the election of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, what is your take on the shocking judgement?

It is a welcome development and a landmark judgement for all. I mean a landmark judgement to Delta State.

Don’t you think the judgement came too late?

In the hand of God, nothing is too late, the judgement came at the right time.

With the nullification, do you think Great Ovedje Ogboru stands any chance of winning the re-run election?

Yes, there is no other candidate that can stand Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru in any election as far as Delta State is concerned. You saw that on the day of the annulment, as soon as the news came you could see the jubilation in spite of the fact that the judgement was passed around eight minutes past eight in the night.

How prepared is Great Ogboru for the impending guber battle, considering the strength of Uduaghan structure?

By his stand, he is battle ready and we the teeming supporters are solidly behind him in any circumstances. You need to see the way okada riders, market women threw into jubilation a day after the judgement was passed.

Is there any truth in the allegation that the Presidency influenced the Appeal Court Judgement?

Never, Never! It is a landmark judgement.

Do you have any word for the Judiciary?

It is a plus for the Judiciary as we are beginning to have confidence in them.

How would you describe Uduaghan’s three and half years’ tenure?

It was an illegal government, all he did was to make everything illegal.

So what should be done to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan since you are alleging that his administration was illegal?

I am not a lawyer, the argument we have gotten is clearly understood. We are only trying to advise INEC, this kind of judgement happened in Ekiti State, now it is Delta. There should be a kind of electoral punishment for electoral offenders, we are also praying that the National Assembly should make laws capable of bringing electoral offenders to book.

We have it on good authority that Great Ovedje Ogboru has decamped to the ACN, how true is this?

You are talking of merger. A merger must come in accordance with so many things, which is the way it should be. We tried to merge, but it didn’t work, so some members who felt they were not ok with the system left the party for the ACN. But Great Ovedje Ogboru is still a DPP member.

How is the DPP going to manage those who ran to other political parties?

They are welcome back.

What do you have to tell those who lost fate in the party’s legal battle and left?

They might have lost fate for one reason or the other, this is the time we are to go back to the drawing board and dialogue. We will call them and let them know, we have been preaching this, it was just impatience that made them lost hope. So they are free to come back to the party.

Any message to members of the Democratic Peoples Party and Deltans in general?

First, we are trying to make sure that INEC registration comes before the election. Because INEC has said that the old voters’ register is full of fraud. Categorically, the conditions have made it open to Nigerians, hence INEC should go and look for fund to conduct fresh registration.

On this ground, we will sensitize our people to go and register in the forth coming registration. We will make sure INEC conduct a free and fair election, since registration is the major key to elections.

In order to ensure free and fair election as you put it, what is your word to INEC in particular?

This is the question I was even expecting. I want Professor Attahiru Jega to know that Delta State election is a test-run for him, it is now we will know whether he is ready with what he is saying. We will know if one man one vote will really count, this is where we will know if elections will be free and fair. On this ground, I will advise that in Delta State election, each local government should be monitored and controlled by a resident electoral commissioner from each state. We have 36 states in this country and 25 local governments in Delta State. Jega should post a resident electoral commissioner of a state to each of the 25 local government areas in Delta State to be an electoral officer of a local government in Delta State.

Editorial : Is Uduaghan Really Out?

Editor-In-Chief

Even the greatest Political Scientist and most brilliant Senior Advocate of Nigeria will find it very hard to interpret the political dynamics and complexities in Delta State, the Finger of God as it is now called. Just when the opposition and the ordinary Deltan on the street who feel left out in the present scheme of things as far as governance is concerned was beginning to jubilate over the Appeal Court sacking of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as Governor of Delta State three and half years after running affairs, the political structure as it stand creates more cloud in the minds of every stakeholder in the state.

Unlike states such as Rivers, Ekiti, Edo, Ondo and Anambra where the entire cabinet and Governor’s aides were changed after landmark decisions by the courts, the situation in Delta State is quite remarkable as all the commissioners and aides to ex Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan are still piloting affairs in their various Ministries, agencies and parastatals! It is easy for one to argue that except for Rivers State, the other three states mentioned above have new Governors from other political parties unlike Delta where the present Acting Governor, Sam Obi is a loyal PDP man!

The statement credited to a federal lawmaker in one of our National Dailies that Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is on sabbatical tends to give credence to insinuations that the former Commissioner for Health as well as SSG may after all still be calling the shot at Delta Government House!

Hey! All the lawmakers in the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, influential gospel ministers in the state, Political heads of parastatals and agencies, majority of aspirants jostling to represent various constituencies in the 2011 polls, everyone who controls the economy of Delta State today, the 25 local government Chairmen, Councillors, the state owned media and reasonable number of others are in support of Uduaghan political machinery! Confusing as it may seem, statement credited to an aide of President Goodluck Jonathan in a recent Vanguard Newspaper publication that the President may have settled for Uduaghan as PDP candidate in the rerun, the open declaration of support for Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan in the impending rerun by PDP National Chairman, Dr. Okwesileze Nwodo as well as the manner the current party leadership in the state which Chief E.K. Clark is vehemently against swiftly declared its readiness for a rerun attest to Uduaghan’s stronghold in Delta State amid obvious challenges. Deltans are anxiously waiting and watching the unfolding events, which is strongly deepening our democracy.

How police rescued my 16-year old daughter from ritualist – Teacher

By: Tonebsky Nesta

What would have been a major tragedy to a single parent with two girls was Thursday November 11 averted when policemen at a check point in Abraka accosted a suspected ritualist disguising as a cyclist following a tip off.

Mother of the 16 year old girl, Ms Linna Emenike who is a teacher with Christian Day Schools, Ugbori-Warri, told Fresh Angle that her daughter closed from work at exactly 3pm on the fateful day and rushed home to refresh before going to church in preparation for the church’s thanksgiving slated for Sunday November 14. According to Linna Emenike, on getting to the church premises at New World City in Ugbuwangue, Warri, few minutes after 4, her pretty 16-year old daughter who works with a lady having a fruit juice processing firm at Shell Compound, Ogunu met the Church choir rehearsing for the thanksgiving service but those she was billed to see had already rounded off their programme and left. She immediately boarded a bike and paid the cyclist N40 to take her to their No. 25 London Opi Street, that was the last she could remember. Her mother further disclosed to Fresh Angle that when she called Jennifer at about 4.30pm to know if she should prepare food for her, she told her mum not to bother that she has eaten. To her surprise, the mum who lost the two girls’ father some years ago and has been taking full responsibility of their upbringing as well as education decided to dial the daughter’s phone at about 6pm after much apprehension, only for her to discover that the 16year old girl’s mobile phone has been switched off. The mother, Linna Emenike, immediately alerted her Pastor, Chucks Nwokofor who we gathered prayed over it and assured her that Jennifer will be found. According to her, just when she was preparing to go to the police station the following day to lodge a formal complain at about 9am a power bike brought her daughter home. All she was able to scoop from her 16year old daughter was that policemen at a check point in Abraka stopped the bike man carrying her at about 8pm after someone in a car driving behind them alerted the policemen on phone that the cyclist kidnapped the presumed passenger. The police immediately released other vehicles and motorbikes held and started interrogating the suspected ritualist who made startling revelations. The cyclist reportedly told the policemen that a mirror which was found on him was giving to him by an unnamed Alhaji to enable him identify girls who are virgins for the purpose of being used for rituals.

Fresh Angle also gathered that the suspected ritualist told the policemen that it was through the mirror that he was able to communicate with the Alhaji that allegedly sent him to bring 7 virgins latest December 5, 2010 or face death. It was after a certain man who the daughter could not identify used anointing oil and salt on her at a hotel in Abraka where she was lodged by rescuers that she gained her senses the following morning. The suspected ritualist reportedly confessed that he has a trailer arranged for the girls to be kept for the intended journey to where the ritual sacrifice is billed to be carried out. Ms. Linna Emenike who disclosed to Fresh Angle that her Pastor, Chucks Nwokofor saw it in a vision that the 16year old Jennifer is on her way coming in a bike, lamented that her greatest regret was not having the opportunity to speak with the bike rider that brought her first daughter as well as her rescuers. Neither Ms Linna Emenike nor her daughter, Jennifer could explain how the person in the vehicle behind them knew the intention of the suspected ritualist subsequently alerted the police

N20million micro finance loan is just the beginning, Edema declares

Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema says the recent twenty million naira loan given to 190 women cutting across the 19 wards that make up the local government is just the beginning of empowerment programmes outlined by his administration.

The Warri South local government Chairman made the revelation Monday November 1 during a ceremony organized at the council secretariat to dole out cheques for the first batch of beneficiaries. Hon. Edema popularly addressed as Man of God by his admirers told the gathering which includes PDP bigwigs in the state that the money is not “dash” but to assist the beneficiaries in their business. He explained that payment for the loans will commence after 6months in peace meal, with each beneficiary parting with a minimum of two thousand and maximum of 3 thousand for a period of 3years.

According to Hon. Edema, his administration will in the months of December 2010, February, March and April 2011 give out more soft loans to 190 women monthly. He quipped that the local government did not acquire loan from any bank to execute the programme, which according to him is to compliment the state government’s micro credit programmes.

Executive Assistant to Delta State government, Dr. Antonia Ashiedu who delivered a keynote address at the elaborate but brief ceremony, expressed delight at the programme. While noting that programmes of this nature will make the country better if embraced by all, Dr. Ashiedu enjoined the beneficiaries to repay the loan “when the time comes”. She described the loan as “good-bye to money lender” and advised the beneficiaries not to use the loans for social engagements but to boost their businesses.

Warri South PDP Chairman, Mr. Amah Agbajoh who also spoke at the ceremony commended the Edema administration for initiating the programme and urged the women to invest the money into viable businesses.

Fresh Angle can report that the micro finance scheme which is solely financed by the Edema administration is facilitated by Amju Unique Micro Finance bank with each of the 19 wards producing 10 beneficiaries.

Madam Becky Oloro, one of the beneficiaries from Okumagba ward II who responded on behalf of other beneficiaries, thanked Hon. Mofe Edema and urged him to do more, even as she endorsed him for a second term.

Delta South PDP Chairman, Hon. Kenneth Efejuku, Delta State Assistant PDP Organizing Secretary, Stanley Agbosa, Hon. Omimi Esquire of Delta State Waste Management Board, Warri South PDP Secretary, Mr. Davis Akhigbe, Vice Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Charlie Etsaghara, Secretary to Warri South local government, Dr. Austin Uroye as well as the Warri South Council Director of Personnel Management, Sir Christopher Aghara were among dignitaries that graced the flag-off.

SPDC Contract Staff explains reason behind protest: • Vows to repeat Ogoni disaster

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Warri


Contract and Contractor Staff to Shell Petroleum Development Company West, at a protest in Warri recently said they down tool due to poor remuneration and other welfare packages, even as they demand the outright sack of one Mr. Samson Usiayo and some staff of SPDC-West for allegedly being the brain behind their predicament.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr. Gbenga Emmanuel accused authorities of SPDC-West of treating contract/contractor staff very badly. He said they have written severally to the management of SPDC but all to no avail. According to him, contract staff gave authorities of SPDC a two week warning strike but they refused to comply.

He pointed out that they are not violent as they are on a peaceful protest to stop the contract and contractor staff from going to work.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as “pay us as staff not as slaves”, “stop the trick, pay us well”, we need good condition of service”, “stop the discrimination against humanity”, “we want to be staff too”, Usiayo must go”, what happened in Ogoni will soon happen in SPDC-West, no joy in SPDC”, “apartheid in SPDC must stop”, “we are human beings like you”, “we need good living wages, not take home pay”, and “Mandela cannot go back to jail”.

Mr. Gbenga Emmanuel who led the protesters claims that 95% of work in SPDC is done by contract/contractor staff, leaving the remaining 5% for employees of the company.

According to him, all efforts put in by contract staff are not recognized by the management of SPDC. He vowed that they will not resume work until the management of SPDC addresses their grievances.

He noted that a staff taking care of Dogs receives about two hundred and fifty thousand naira monthly, whereas the least salary earner amongst contract staff goes home with a paltry thirty thousand naira.

He further disclosed that where staff of SPDC has free access to medical facilities, contract and contractor staff are denied such access.

Mr. Gbenga Emmanuel accused Mr. Samson Usiayo, Mr. Bart Omotola, Mr. Akpedeye and Mr. Maligbe, all staff of SPDC-West of being their real problems.

DTHA 2011: Bomadi Council boss in EFCC radar, as Patani counterpart clears self

By: Jolomi Okotie

As the battle over who represent Bomadi Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly come 2011 gets more intense, the Chairman of Bomadi local government, Hon. Kalanama Prince Penawou who is the major contender to the incumbent member representing the constituency, Hon. Reginald Mono Donbraye is currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Fresh Angle checks reveal.

The anti-graft body recently picked the Bomadi council boss over allegations of corruption, but was later released, even as investigations continue. Informed sources hinted Fresh Angle that Hon. Kalanama Penawou’s travail is not unconnected with his 2011 House of Assembly aspiration, which majority of the local government councillors allegedly acting on the script of his major contender, a serving lawmaker, is against hence the EFCC petition. It was further gathered that the reason behind the move is to ensure that the council boss is indicted in the on-going investigation thus making him ineligible to contest the Bomadi House of Assembly constituency seat which the incumbent lawmaker is keenly interested in.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Patani local government, Mrs. Josephine Abeki who recently submitted herself to ICPC for investigation has brokered peace with the council’s legislative arm. Fresh Angle reliably gathered from an impeccable source that the local government boss shortly after her return from ICPC received operatives of the EFCC at the council secretariat and it’s believed a compromised has been reached after she brokered peace with the councilors who allegedly petitioned the anti-graft bodies.

Itsekiri moves against inclusion in proposed Ijaw State

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The proposed Torobe State being canvassed by Ijaws of Delta State is facing stiff opposition from their Itsekiri neighbours, Fresh Angle can authoritatively report.

The proposed state which will annexe some coastal Ijaw and Itsekiri communities in the 3 Warri local governments and some others from Ijaw dominated local governments in both Delta, Ondo and Edo States is speculated to be enjoying the nod of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Feelers reaching Fresh Angle reveals that the grouse of their Itsekiri neighbours is the inclusion of some of their communities, including those purportedly seized by the Ijaw during the protracted Warri crisis.

The Itsekiris are said to be even more apprehensive due to non consultation before drawing up the proposal.

The position of the Itsekiri people which Fresh Angle reliably gathered is being articulated by its apex body, Itsekiri Leaders of Thought, ILF, was allegedly brought to the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan during a recent consultation visit to Pan Yoruba Socio-cultural body, Afenifere, to drum up support for his Presidential bid come 2011. The President who we gathered faced similar challenge from the Benin monarch reportedly promised to address the issue.

Ifie-Kporo Leadership Tussle: Omadeli, Nikoro commend Warri monarch for endorsing their exco

By: Jolomi Okotie

Members of the Charles Omadeli led Executive Trust of Ifie-Kporo Community in Warri South local government have commended the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II for giving royal blessing and authority to their leadership.

Speaking exclusively to Fresh Angle in Warri, Prince Charles Omadeli and Mr. Gbesimi Nikoro, Chairman and Secretary respectively, averred that the letter of authority signed on behalf of the Olu by Secretary to the Palace, Mr. J.E. Ajiyen has further given credence to their leadership which “has the backing of majority of indigenes”.

They advised corporate bodies, government agencies and parastatals as well as individuals doing business in the community or intending to do so to disregard earlier publications by a group of persons claiming to enjoy the support of indigenes of the community, even as they warned members of the public not to have any land dealings with anyone who is not a member of the 9-man Executive Trust.

The letter which is dated October 29, 2010 copied key security, community, government agencies as well as corporate bodies in the area.

Other members of the 9-man Executive Trust are: Victor Edori, Vice Chairman, Monday Agbeyi, Secretary, Clement Ebosa, Assistant Secretary, Clifton Edema, Treasurer, Jemirieyigbe Ukudano, Financial Secretary, Bright Eyinsan, Assistant PRO and Agnes Akpoyi, Woman Leader.

Why Man City can’t win Silverware under Roberto ManciniWhy Man City can’t win Silverware under Roberto Mancini

If ever there was any doubt that effervescent Portuguese football tactician, Jose Mourinho is the best the game has to offer presently in terms of management, then such doubts would have been laid to rest as a result of his enviable pedigree. When Mourinho left FC Porto for Chelsea immediately Russian Billionaire, Roman Abramovich bought over the club, not a few argued that the success Mourinho recorded was due to the availability of mega bucks at his disposal, without taking into cognizance the fact that the Portuguese guided a bunch of young talents at FC Porto to win the coveted UEFA Champions League. The question that Mourinho die hard critics should ask themselves is why Manchester City with all the mega buys made by Italian tactician, Roberto Mancini with Arab billions is not making the desired instant success the Portuguese made in Chelsea, Inter Milan and now Real Madrid? Learned football followers will acknowledge that Roberto Mancini bought a bunch of players with great industry, strength, average technical ability and zero creativity. This largely accounts for the low number of goals and near zero entertainment Manchester City is currently offering. Take it or leave it, the only natural finisher in Manchester City is Roque Santa Cruz, who has almost been permanently confined to the bench! Maverick Argentine striker, Carlos Tevez and Togolese pride, Emmanuel Adebayor are more of support strikers than finishers, yet Mancini would rather play either of them as a lone striker with a bunch of midfielders who are richly possessed with strength and industry without creativity as back up. How can Roberto Mancini play Gareth Barry, Yaya Toure, James Milner, Nigel De Young or Patrick Viera and David Silva, who plays directly behind Tevez in a 4-4-1-1 formation and expect to get goals?

While this formation worked against Chelsea because of its overwhelming strength against John Obi Mikel, Ramires and Michael Essien, without Frank Lampard who does a bit of creative link up for Chelsea, Mancini’s formation will always fail against a very creative and technical side. It remains to be seen why Italian tactician prefers to bench England’s new sensation, Adam Johnson, a player who is very skilful and technically sound or even Shaun Wright Philips with his pace and determination for an over rated James Milner.

The disquiet emanating from the City of Manchester among sections of Mancini’s players, particularly in the area of indiscipline makes one to think if the Italian has the ability to manage the temperament of players like Mario Balloteli, Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Nigel De Young. Until Roberto Mancini injects creativity in his midfield and perfectly manage the bunch of temperamental high profile players he has procured, the billions of Manchester City can not guarantee any laurel at both the domestic front and Europe.

Warri South Council loses 2 staff in 6 days : • Councillors consider motion to avert re-occurrence

The Political class as well as Civil servants working with Warri South local government council was recently thrown into mourning over the death of two of their staff within six days.

Just when the entire council community was grappling with the reality of losing a-48 -year old Admin Staff, Mrs. Jessie Ovwodere in a ghastly motor accident along Oghara, Delta State as a result of brake failure on their return from a funeral ceremony in Edo State, the Council’s Head of Community development department, Mrs. Roseline Mafiejor reportedly died at the University of Benin Teaching hospital after a surprise brief illness. These shocking deaths came on the heels of a recent fatal motorbike accident which inflicted severe fracture on another staff of the council.

Moved by the grave incidents, the council’s legislative arm is seriously considering a resolution that will prevail on the council chairman, Hon. Mofe Edema who himself is a devout Christian to invite a prominent preacher in the area for a special prayer session. The initiative Fresh Angle understands is being canvassed by one of the council’s seasoned legislator, Hon. David Eyitemi Oki.

Secret Cult in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions: An Appraisal

By: Dennis A Soeze
08133905313

Cultism has remained a problem for tertiary institutions in Nigeria and the Larger Nigerian society since the first decade of the existence of university education in Nigeria. It has been worrisome to have children on campuses and several measures had been adopted to curb cultism some of such measures were the expulsion of the cultists caught and out right ban of cultism on campuses. The problem here is not the killings in our campuses but why the measures employed to curb cultism have failed. This paper employs the analysis approach as its research method in explaining why previous measures failed and suggested the involvement of parents in the bid to curb cultism on our campuses in Nigeria among other measures.

Secret cult activities which started in tertiary institutions in Nigeria within the first decade of the existence of university education in Nigeria, has taken different dimensions and have different and dangerous faces: Secret cults and their activities started in Nigeria universities through the activities of a small group of "rascals" at the University of Ibadan. The first of such group was the Pirates. As "Pirates", they sailed to high seas to 'prosecute' evil doers, injustice, corruption and oppression which characterized the few universities at that time (Aluede, 2000 & Oroka, 1998). It should be noted that the purpose for the formation of the groups such as the Pirates, Buccaneers and the Dragons was to fight injustice and even project the ideals of nationalism. Thus, the pioneer secret cultists saw themselves as front-runners in the fight to liberate fellow students from the oppressive forces of some of their lecturers and government machinery.
The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1979, section 35(4) defined a secret society as "... a society or association, not being solely cultural or religious body, that uses secret signs, oats, rites or symbols.

The number of secret cults on campuses is on the increase. According to Kosemani (1997), we, now know that, there are currently thirty two (32) secret societies/confraternities in our educational institutions nation-wide. Their names are as frightening as their operations. It should be noted that conflict within a group could lead to a break up. This perhaps accounts for why the number is always on the increase. The following are some of the popular ones on campuses.
Despite the fact that we have listed a number of secret cults on campuses, secret cults and their activities are not restricted to campuses. In fact, secret cults in Nigeria today cut across all classes, and different shades and pockets of them can be found almost everywhere. In the words of Oroka (1998), we can say that what we see on campuses is a microcosm of the Nigerian society, because our society harbours an interminable number of secret cults. The point being made here is that children are aware that their parents belong to traditional shrine worships such as Sango, Ogun, Obatala, Igwekala, Amadioha, Owegbe and Ogboni. In fact, children know that their parents are members of very powerful clubs and / or cults. They realize that most of their parents' income could not afford their flashy cars, the holidays abroad, the fantastic building and their ostentatious life style.

Moreover, they are aware that their Buccaneer fathers and Amazon mothers are protected against all the Laws of the land (Kosemani, 1997). He further argued that children see and hear high and powerful people discuss crime, commit crime at times get apprehended but nothing follows because every thing is settled. He was of the view that since children have seen their parents in their cult regalia, they tend to believe that their powerful and wealthy parents will protect them even when caught unleashing havoc on others. This perhaps explains why most secret cults work hard to enlist children of the rich ones. The above reason is given by Olukoya (1997) as responsible for the difficulty in the management of the menace. Seriously speaking, in Nigeria, cases abound where parents protect their children from the hands of the law.

Apart from the above, in Enugu State University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Delta State University, Abraka, inter cult clashes have resulted in the death of members. In 1992, six students were killed admits violence of secret cult fracas at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

A cross-section of the Nigerian mass media reported these developments (Olukoya, 1994; Olukoya, 1997 and Oroka, 1998). A lot more are happening on campuses and University communities today. That the Vice Chancellors or the University management (as used in some quarters) are often fast to disown the students is not to say that they are not happening or that our students are not involved. Many measures have been put in place to eliminate or at least reduce cultism on our campuses. They appear not to have produced reasonable results. Neither has the denial of the students or the cultists by the Vice Chancellors of the Universities they attend proven to be the solution to the problems associated with cultism. The problem therefore is: why have the measures taken so far to curb cultism on our campuses not been successful?
The authors have employed the analytical approach as their research method. This method of analysis is considered most appropriate to employ here because it will enable the researchers to actually analyse and raise vital questions on the measures that university had taken so far to curb cultism in Nigerian universities and why they appeared to have failed.

The authors would also analyse new approaches to curbing cultism in Nigeria. Since this analytical research approach lays emphasis on clarity, it will allow the reader understand how the researchers arrived at their conclusions. It could also help the reader to draw their conclusions that are different from those of the researcher based on the reader's understanding of the analysis that have been given here.
Cultism has generated a lot of fear, tension, insecurity and closure of schools. Neither the school authorities, parents, the general public nor the government have developed an acceptable framework on how to ameliorate the menace of secret cults which have continued to create insecurity to life and property in campuses.

One of the major steps school authorities have used as a measure of curbing cultism on our campuses is the expulsion of caught secret cult members. This measure has not proved to have been a viable solution to the problem, particularly as the expelled cultists easily gain admission into other universities to continue more organized secret cult activities. This has been possible because we do not have an organized admission system. Secondly, data collection and recording has not been perfected. We do not have social security numbers. Expelled students in one University can easily gain admission into another. Another reason why we cannot consider expulsion as a solution is that those who are not able to re-enroll in the universities have often taken to armed robbery. Thus, becoming a bigger problem to the society, while on their part, the various secret cults do enlist new members to replace expelled ones.

Part from expulsion of cultists from schools, cultism has often been declared banned by school authorities and various governments in Nigeria. Again, this has not proved to be a solution since secret cults are still in existence in our campuses. This measure has failed because Secret Cult organizations carry out their activities on campuses in secret. They operate at night. They do not make public their time, date, and place of meetings. To curb such organizations by use of Force has proved difficult over the years, since it has not been easy to know whom to arrest. From the above, it is therefore important for parents to know that children need to be treated as humans. They need some degree of freedom to socialize with peers at home. When parents handle their children well at home, they will give fewer problems to school authorities.

Apart from parents, school authorities equally have roles to play in curbing secret cult activities in the universities in Nigeria. School authorities should not create enabling environment for secret cult activities. Schools should provide comfortable accommodation for students. It is also necessary for schools to carry out well organized orientation programmes for new students so that cult members will no longer take advantage of the ignorance of new students to make them join secret cults. There should be a well organised student support services. All institutions should as a matter of need, establish functional counseling units to help students in need. This will help some of the students who join secret cults as a result of frustration and ignorance.

Apart from the above, through counseling services, school authorities could use the few cult members that have been identified at getting at others. When schools take the position of helping the young students out of their problems rather than expelling them, the cultists will give up. The fear of loosing their studentship if caught could be one of the reasons why schools have not been able to eliminate cultism on our campuses.
Further more, school authorities, parents and the Federal Government should come together to organize national seminars, orientation programmes and symposia to enable students know the dangers of belonging to secret cults. The Federal Government should use the press to popularize the noble activities of other organizations such as Man O' War on campuses. Doing this will be a way of drawing students (cultists), attention to alternative organisation they could belong.

Aba based institution honours Soeze

The Aba Business School (ABS) in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria recently honoured Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, Chief Officer (Administration), in the Human Resources Development Department (HRDD) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Effurun in Delta State, Nigeria with a prestigious honourary executive master of business administration in management (EMBA).

Presenting the award to him, Pastor (Prince) John Ebulu, Director of Training/Chief Executive Officer of the ABS stated that they observed with satisfaction Soeze’s leadership skills, managerial competence, public communication qualities and executive performance in his place of assignment that is, the PTI and resolved to confer on him the ABS most valuable and prestigious honourary EMBA, which can be inserted after his name.

Speaking shortly after the ceremony, Soeze thanked the ABS management for the recognition and promised to continue with the same spirit of dedication and resourcefulness for the good of all Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.
Soeze, a public affairs analyst and commentator on national and international issues is a mass communication scholar and about to defend his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in mass communication with specialization in public relations and advertising (PRAD).

He had written several articles published in newspapers, magazines, and academic journals nationally and internationally on oil and gas, politics, public relations/advertising, print/broadcast journalism, environment, issues/conflicts/crises management, government/public service, issues/matters of urgent importance including development of the Niger Delta Region, among others.
Soeze is a member of several professional organizations including bodies like Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR); Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM); African Council for Communication Education (ACCE); Federation of African Public Relations Association (FAPRA) for fifty-two African Countries; Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ); Trans African Council for Communication Education (TRACCE); Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (IPAN).

The mass communication scholar and public relations guru had earlier been honoured by several professional and corporate bodies for excellent services.

GCCA celebrates harvest

By: Charles Ikedikwa Soeze,

The God’s Covenant Christian Assembly (GCCA), Asheshe Street off Jakpa Road, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria recently celebrated her 2010 harvest tagged *Harvest of Abundant Dispensation*.
Addressing the congregation, the General Overseer and Founder of GCCA, Rev. Fred Konavwose Arutere reminded Christians that harvest is worth doing and that the only way to become rich and successful in life is by giving out.
Rev. Arutere stated emphatically that whatever you give to God must be multiplied by God Himself. He added that many people could not progress beyond the positions they are because they deliberately refused to give out.
The General Overseer disclosed that if a pastor eats your money unnecessarily, he will account for it but the giver will be blessed stating that America is the most popular country in the World today because America gives out and that made the country to be blessed abundantly by God.
The Man of God made it clear that whatever you sow is not for the harvest, but the seed itself creates the harvest. Consequently, he called on Christians to note that they must give in order to get by quoting various chapters of the Holy Bible off hand to the admiration of guests to support his statement.
Earlier in an address, the Vice Chairman of the ceremony, Pastor Kayode Obuhoro on behalf of the Chairman, Elder (Barrister) Solomon Ogbeya appealed to guests to contribute financially and morally to enable the Ministry lay its foundation gallery.
His words “This Ministry cannot remain at this particular stage after the harvest because the foundation gallery shall be laid”. As a result, he passionately appealed to guests to contribute meaningfully, immensely, and tangibly to enable the church accomplish the project at hand.
Concluding, the Vice Chairman assured guests that as they contribute towards the development of the Ministry, they will make tremendous progress in life and God will replenish them in million folds.
Various groups in the church, students at all levels, workers and businessmen danced to the altar with different gift items, The exhibition of professionalism and excellence of the Ministry’s choir added glamour and colour to the activities.
Personalities that graced the occasion among others include Hon. Justice Akpofure Andrew Onojovwo, Judge of the High Court Oleh, Delta State, His Worship, Pastor Aghogho Atumah of the Effurun Magistrate Division, Mr. Steve Ejitagha, Pastor and Mrs. Kess Esin. Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, a mass communication scholar and Chief Officer (Administration) at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun.

Importance of Planning in Public Relations

From the professional angle, public relations (PR) can be defined as a communication and problem-solving business for the good of an organization or government at any tier and its relevant publics. In other words, it could be to disabuse the minds of the consumers or any other person from false impression on the government or they are holding about a particular brand of a company’s products or combating a major disaster in an organization. Planning in P.R. can also be used to project and protect the activities of government in the federal, state, and local governments. Needless to say that the enormity doesn’t matter, what is necessary is the strategies a professional PR practitioner is able to address the problem.
Consequently, planning is a logical and systematic approach, which PR practitioner needs to adopt in dousing tensions and misunderstanding as well as seeking lasting solutions to both existing and expected problems in any arm of the government and within any organization.
One wrong impression is that many people believed that planning in PR is all about problem solving. This, I think and believe is absolutely wrong because problem-solving enjoys a larger proportion of PR planning skill, that is to say, it is not the only focal point. It is necessary for a Public Relations Executive (PRE) to map out plans and relevant ways either on short-term or long-term basis towards the realization of some necessary objectives.
In PR, planning helps to educate the consumers on the use of a particular product, in other words, promoting the relationship existing between the employers and the employees. This could be adequately achieved by organizing press conferences to keep the press and entire public informed of developments in the organization or making moves to avert any crisis or disaster that might spell doom on the corporate existence of an organization. This could also be applied successfully in the three tiers of government including our numerous churches.

It is abundantly clear that planning in PR is absolutely necessary, If there is no adequate planning, no PR activity can be successful and such organization or government is not only bound to fail but failed woefully, if I may borrow from former President Olusegun Obasanjo while assessing NEPA now PHCN in his first tenure. Professional public relations executives are no fire brigade, and they believed being proactive and not reactive. It is most appropriate to say that they must always be given the opportunity to appreciate a situation before selecting tools to combat whatever problem that might be looming in the organization or government. Only a mad person will allow his house to be completely burnt by fire before calling on his neighbours or fire brigade for assistance.

Planning is absolutely necessary in public relations practice. Lack of strategic thinking and planning can lead to programmes that reinforce controversy rather than solve them and or add confusion instead of clarification to misunderstanding. Planning is all about making tomorrow’s decisions today. Planning in PR involves deciding what must be done.

For the professional PR to do this, he must determine the nature and scope of the work to be performed. He should see priorities, and then prioritize priorities. Determine key resource areas and decide where to invest, time, energy and talent. He should also be able to identify and specify indicators of effectiveness. Set objectives, decide results to be achieved and establish a sequence of action to be followed. Importantly, he should establish timetable for actions to be taken as well as set budget required to reach objectives. There is need also for him to decide who will see to the accomplishment of objectives, that is, accountability. There is also the need for him to test and revise tentative plan and establish rules, regulations that is policy-making. He needs to also establish procedures, determine systematic methods of handling the work. There is a saying that “if you plan well you will be successful”.

Importantly, a good PR programme should cover a full fiscal year. In some big organizations, three to four years planning is necessary. This will make the PR department and entire management a clearer insight into the nature of activities to be executed at a given period.

Finally, the major task of PR in planning especially a programme is to change people. It is not to change them from bad to worse or by feeding them with spurious information with a view to winning them over but rather through education and enlightenment in order to create knowledge and understanding. This task of changing people’s brain of thought and general impression is an uphill task to PR practitioners as it often clashes with self-interest which is more often than not placed first by every individual.

Charles Ikedikwa Soeze, fhnr, fcida, fcai, cpae, son, emba is a Mass
Communication Scholar and Chief Officer (Administration) at the
Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.
(08036724193) charlessoeze@yahoo.ca

Looking Beyond Yesterday

Life they say is an interesting journey with mountains, pits and valleys not knowing where it might lead to. There are several things man may not be able to wish away: death, epidemic, famine, sickness and disaster.

I am beginning to think that “our” single prayer should be for God to give us the sincerity to cope with the things we cannot change, the courage to change what we can change and the wisdom to know the difference. Life is an amazing trip, not so much of its destination but the journey itself.

In a world of ever changing events, how long are we going to live our lives being victims of circumstances? There is no doubt that the economy is at it’s worst, but we must look beyond, knowing that we are living in the “good old days”, taking charge of life and destiny not giving to thought of propaganda with the “nothing I can do” slogan. Ben Franklin said, “Heaven help those who help themselves”.

We must live in the “good old days”, as we strife to reach into our innermost self for the abundance of power, zeal, talent and potential that has been bestowed in us for the benefit of mankind.

We have been supernaturally designed to succeed, so we must take a stand against adversity, it is a crime against humanity to fail. In us lies the power of the entire universe, to do as we please for the upliftment of our species.

At this point in time when history is rewritten, we can’t afford to sit in comfort of chains of mental slavery of “I can’t”, “I am not worthy”, “or who I am”, the question is “why not you?”. You have been blessed immeasurable with talent beyond your wildest imagination. Playing with the mentality of self pity over past failures has to stop! If and only if we are going to achieve our dreams.

There is no better you, you are the best that will ever come, no matter how many copycats there is, they will never be you, no matter what people do, there will never be another you. They can search but they can never find, they can try to rewind time, but there is only one you. You are one of a kind, never before in history was there anyone like you. We have been given a life long and short enough to make a difference to change the course of history and generations after generations.

Let’s think for a minute, where you are now is as a result of the yesterday’s you, for we make a choice to either partner with God or the devil by our actions. We cannot wish problems away, remember problem comes to both the just and unjust, so stop the “why me” self pity and move on.

There is no doubt that getting out of Egypt is a long scary exodus journey, with long nights of walking in the desert of uncertainty, mountain and hills of discouragement, loneliness and pain without hope, but if you can only keep a little faith, just a little faith, then you will see a ray of hope of the promise land. Without the exodus journey, the promise land is a mirage, life throws its best challenges at us not to stop us, but to equip and sharpen our survival tentacles to be able to live in glorious future here on earth. So it doesn’t matter, you just keep holding on, keep on believing, for there is always a ray of hope in the midst of the trouble when we look beyond yesterday.

As we look beyond yesterday in our journey of greatness to the paradise of fulfillment, it’s also surrounded with the red sea of doubt and the rushing force of the Egyptian Chariots of fear. We can say I like Apostle Paul, I have finished my course, I have fought a good fight and I believe together as a team we will achieve our dreams.

Martins Luther king once said “Even longevity has its place”.

This write up is dedicated to two courageous and loving people who impacted their world with kind words. They came, saw, conquered and finished their course.

We know why God wanted you both with him, you were angles on earth.

You both knew that longevity is not how long we live, but the memories we leave behind.

As we look beyond yesterday, we miss you both, but in our hearts you both life forever.

To Mrs. Rose Mafiejor & Mrs. Jesse Evwodere

Wise Quotes

The past never sees the future - Jesse Duplantis

Imagination will make reality better – Emibiojookoka

In adversity comes our true strength of survival – Emibiojookoka

Contact:
Phone: 08052550501, 07067178027
Email: Emibiojookoka@yahoo.com
Facebook: Emibiojo Okoka

Delta Internal Revenue Board vows to deal with tax evaders

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Warri

Delta State Board of Internal Revenue has reiterated its preparedness to deal decisively with any act of non-compliance with the provisions of extant tax laws and regulations guiding its operations with the full weight of the law.

In a speech delivered at the Tax awareness golf tournament for oil companies in Delta State, Chairman of the board, Mr. Joel Onowakpor noted that there are some leakages in tax payment system in respect of some oil companies. He declared that there is a problem getting expatriates working offshore into the tax bracket.

Mr. Joel Onowakpor added that there is need to get expatriates working in oil rigs/platforms into the tax net as well as getting all employers operate PAYEE (pay as you earn) pointing out that oil workers in Shell and Chevron pay their taxes outside Delta State.

The Board of Internal Revenue helmsman posited that it is important for oil companies to monitor closely the activities of their contractors to ensure that appropriate deductions and remittances are made as transparency on the part of their contractors will facilitate effective investigation and audit from the tax authority. The event according to him, is a continuation of massive tax awareness campaign embarked upon by the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue.

Speaking in the same vein, Captain of the Shell Golf Club, Ogunu, Engr. Asa Pokima spoke of the need to protect Nigeria through the payment of our taxes. He used the opportunity to call on oil firms as well as stakeholders who are not meeting up on their tax responsibility to cultivate the habit of paying their taxes as a way of moving the state and Nigeria forward.

Engr. Asa Pokima said the idea behind the tax awareness golf tournament for workers of oil companies in the state is to relate with the Golfers who are mainly captains of industries as a way of appreciating those who have been responding positively to paying their tax.

Golfers who participated in the tournament include those from Ibori Golf Club, Shell Golf Club, Ogunu and Sapele Golf Club.

The event which lasted several hours had in attendance Mr. Shola Mese, CEO, FBI Security, High Chief Frank Uteri, the Eni of Isoko land, Chief Francis Ighoraye, Ebiri Cyril, Mr. Joseph Aloede, Barr. Isaac Ifedi, Secretary, Board of Internal Revenue, Engr. Gbesimi Akperi and a host of others.

High point of the event was the presentation of prizes to winners in the game.

Group petitions UNIPORT over controversial 5 year programme

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Udu


The Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence, FJHD, has called on the Vice Chancellor of University of PortHarcourt to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the 2005/2006 as well as 2006/2007 sets of student of the institution’s sandwich programme running at the College of Education, Warri over alleged illegality.

In a press statement made available to Fresh Angle recently at the Justice House in Udu local government area, the National Co-ordinator of FJHD, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi alleged that the 2006/2007 sandwich students of the University of PortHarcourt, College of Education, Warri study centre graduated September, 2009 and September 2010 respectively for a supposed four year programme.

According to him, the 2005/2006 students have written their final examinations and have submitted their project work awaiting the release of their result, while the 2006/2007 set have written their final examinations and are presently putting finishing touches to their project works.

Barr. Ikimi further alleged that the school fees of the students were paid for the programme into an Oceanic bank current account number: 0391301005366 in the name of College of Education, Warri.

The FJHD Co-ordinator explained that after the 2005/2006 set of students completed the programme, the Co-ordinator of the programme, one Mr. Okurume and the Head of Psychology of Education Department, College of Education, Warri, Miss Ajuah recalled the students to attend weekend lectures on Fridays and Saturdays with effect from last week of September 2010 under the pretext that the said programme is now to run for five years.

Fresh Angle reliably gathered that the directive is with a caveat that a school fee of N52,000.00 be paid before they are allowed to write another final examination slated for November 8, 2010. A condition which he alleged is outside the students’ admission letters for either the 2005/2006 set or those of 2006/2007.

Murder of Two Brothers: Court orders police to exhume corpse

By: Omonigho Matthew
From: Udu


The High Court sitting in Effurun, Uvwie local government area of Delta State, has ordered the police in Ekpan in Suit No. EHC/194/2010, to exhume the corpse of late Collins Ese Onaodowan, a Corper deployed to Gombe State and his brother,Owen Onaodowan.

Fresh Angle can report that the purpose is for identification by their parents and a joint post mortem examination by pathologist hired by the deceased family.

The family also wants the corpse of the late brothers for proper burial, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The presiding Judge, Justice P.O. Onajite Kuejubola (Mrs.) gave the ruling Monday October 25, 2010 via an application on notice filed on behalf of Mr. Augustine Onaodowan (father of the two brothers) and two others by the forum for Justice and Human Rights Defense, FJHD, vs Andrew Enogieru, a.k.a Dogo and three others.

The ruling reads thus, “Accordingly the application succeeded, I hereby order and direct the Defendant/Respondent in this suit to exhume the corpse of late Messrs Collins Ese Onaodowan and Owen Onaodowan for the purpose of identification to be made by the claimants/applicants and their pathologist pending the determination of the substantive suit. The defendants /respondents are hereby directed to produce the exhumed corpse of late Messrs Collins Ese Onaodowan and Owen Onaodowan, for a joint post mortem examination with the Claimants/Applicants. An order of this Honourable Court is hereby made directing the Defendant/Respondents to hand over the said corpse of late Messrs Collins Ese Onaodowan and Owen Onaodowan to Claimant/Applicants for the purpose of burial after the conduct of the said joint post mortem examination pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit”.

It would be recalled that the two brothers were arrested by a team of policemen from the Nigerian Police Force, Ekpan division led by one Dogo over alleged armed robbery on the 16th of August, 2010.

The duo later died in custody of the police and was buried same day in an area yet to be disclosed.
The Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defense, FJHD, immediately took over the case and filed a suit on behalf of the Onaodowan family of Alaka quarters in Effurun.

The National Co-ordinator of the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defense, FJHD, hinted Fresh Angle that the Defendant/Respondent (police) have since been served with a writ of summons, statement of claim, written statements and oath of witness. According to him, they have one month from the date of service to file their statement of defence as well as written statements on oath of witnesses.

ICPC boss identifies challenges frustrating anti-corruption war

By: Omonigho Matthew & Arinze Okeke
From: Udu

The Benin Zonal Head of Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Barr. Lucky Erewa has identified delay in Justice, lack of political will and non-committal attitude of Nigerians as some of the challenges the anti-graft agency is facing in its quest at tackling corruption.

The ICPC boss who spoke at a one day sensitization forum with the theme “the corrupt practices and other related offences commission. The journey thus far” organized by the Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence held recently at the Peabody Hotel in Udu local government area of Delta State, highlighted the roles of public officers in tackling corruption to include reporting/whistle blowing, non-destruction of evidence, testifying in court, educating members of the public, ensuring transparency as well as respecting existing laws.

Barr. Erewa also noted that “petitions, legal opinions, investigation, charge and information report” has caused a lot of delays in the ICPC in their bid to curb corruption.

Barr. Erewa said as part of the effects of corruption, public officers and institutions lose their legitimacy when misused for private advantage as well as the depletion of National wealth via the channeling of scarce public resources to uneconomic projects.

Barr. Erewa said the ICPC has been able to investigate and prosecute some cases as well as educate members of the public through public enlightenment campaigns.

Table water producers task NAFDAC on decentralization of its function

By: Omonigho Mathew
From: Udu


The Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) Delta State Chapter has called on the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to decentralize some of its functions with a view to alleviating the sufferings of its operators and units in various zones.

Speaking on behalf of the Delta State Chapter of the Association at the 6th Annual National Conference held recently at Beeland Hotel, Ovwian in Udu local government area, its President, Captain F.B. Saduwa (Rtd.) said the result of NAFDAC’s recruitment exercise conducted sometime last year has not been felt in the table water industry in Delta State.

Captain F.B. Saduwa said the staff strength of NAFDAC vis-à-vis the number of table water producers in the state is a clear indication that the supervising body is growing in arithmetic progression, adding that the dangers of such slow growth are evident.
Captain F.B. Saduwa also noted that the problem became more compounded when NAFDAC got involved in the regulation of other related industry.

He used the medium to ask NAFDAC to reconsider the duration of approved license for sachet water from the present two years to four years on the ground that the turn around for the renewal is too short. According to him, NAFDAC is grossly understaffed and cannot handle the renewal given the two years period, coupled with the increasing number of operators.

He posited that NAFDAC should review some of the requirements and conditions. A major problem he said, is the qualification of a production manager, which is a Higher National Diploma (HND) noting that the ability of the industry to afford the salary of such personnel are restrictive, given the price inelasticity of table water in Nigeria compared with other products like soft drinks and food seasonings among others.

He also drew attention of the agency to developments that are likely to inhibit the integrity of the body and make the table water industry exposed to quacks.

Captain Saduwa expressed worries over the stability and effectiveness of ATWAP Headquarters, as members neither pay their dues or attend delegate conferences. This he said, calls for a rethink and change in attitude.

The Director General of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr. Paul .B. Orhii ably represented by the Delta State Unit Head, Mrs. Esther Aborimeh, called on the Association of Table Water Producers, ATWAP, to ensure that all operators are registered with the association as well as establish a self regulation mechanism among its members in order to ensure continuous adherence to ethical standards that will contribute towards the achievement of the water target of the millennium development goals.

The NAFDAC DG also solicited continuous support from ATWAP in its fight against counterfeit and substandard as well as unwholesome food and water.

He opined that the quality of packaged water if improved upon can serve as alternative water provision that could allow contributions from local initiatives in the drive towards achieving the water target of the millennium development goals. He pointed out that this form of drinking water is easy to get due to affordability.

Speaking in the same vein, the National President of ATWAP, Mr. Ubi .I. Ubi, said the association needs the enabling environment to thrive in addition to regular and steady power supply. He declared that the worst hit of all industries in Nigeria are the small scale businesses, with particular reference to water production firms.

According to him, there is need for pipe borne water in the various communities. He pointed out that in most parts of the country, the minimum amount one can spend to sink a domestic bore-hole is not less than N1.5million as most of the roads are in very bad shape.

The theme for this year’s National Conference is “Bridging the Gap in Water and Improving Health Delivery through the provision of portable water” with sub-themes on legal implications, quality control and assurance”.

In a lecture titled, “the legal incidence of fake, adulterated, expired, banned and substandard products in Nigeria and the Right of the consumer to seek redress”. Barr. Tony .O. Ezebuiro revealed that section 243 of CC makes it a criminal offence for any person who sells food or drink or has such in his possession with the intent of selling such food or drink which is rendered unfit for consumption is guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year. According to him, any person who adulterates any article, food or drink, having knowledge of same being sold will be guilty of a misdemeanor and is liable to imprisonment for one year.

Okere CDC donates over 3,000 notebooks to 7 primary schools

By: Tonebsky Nesta

At least 3,250 notebooks valued at hundreds of thousands were recently presented to 7 primary schools by Okere CDC, Ugbuwangue in Warri South local government.

In a brief address shortly before the presentation which held at the CDC Secretariat in Ugbuwangue, the Chairperson of Okere CDC, Mrs. Afesoma Ogharandukun-Sharta, explained that the gesture was conceived as a result of the importance members of the CDC places on education. While acknowledging the role government has to play in order to enhance the growth of education, Mrs. Afesoma Ogharandukun-Sharta promised to reach out to other schools which do not fall within its catchments area in subsequent exercise.

She commended the Director General, Community Development Department, Governor’s Office for his assistance and co-operation towards ensuring the smooth running of the CDC.

The Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema in a brief remark, commended members of Okere CDC for the gesture and tasked them to do more particularly in the area of renovation of dilapidated structures and furniture in some of the schools.

The Director General of Community Development Department, Governor’s office, Mr. Ovie Akpor, encouraged other CDCs to emulate the gesture of Okere CDC. Mr. Ovie Akpor who was represented by Mrs. Ohwobero-Omonigho Aghogho admonished pupils of the benefiting schools to make judicious use of the notebooks.

Responding on behalf of the 7 benefiting schools, the Head Teacher of Nana Primary School “B”, Mrs. Airuoyo Evelyn Roli, thanked members of Okere CDC for the gesture and averred that it will alleviate the burden of parents of the beneficiaries.

Two of the beneficiaries, Master Clinton Scott, a primary 6 pupil of Ogiame Primary School and Ezekiel Mugege, a primary 6 pupil of Ogedegbe Primary School “A” in a chat with Newsmen, thanked Okere CDC for the gesture and appealed for more assistance next year.

Highpoint of the brief ceremony was the presentation of sacks containing the notebooks by the Warri South Chairman, Hon. Mofe Edema, Chairman of Okere CDC, Mrs. Afesoma Ogharandukun-Sharta, representative of the DG of Community Development, Governor’s Office, Mrs. Ohwobero-Omonigho Aghogho and members of Okere CDC to Head Teachers of the benefiting schools.

The 7 Primary Schools that benefited are: Ogiame, Ikengbuwa, Ogedegbe (School “A”) Nana, Agbeje, Egharangbemi and Alder-Stand.

Isibovbe, Nana Model College win Warri South Inter School Quiz Competition

Out of forty primary and eighteen secondary schools that participated in the just concluded Warri South government council sponsored Inter primary/Junior Secondary Schools competition, Isibovbe Primary School emerged winner in the primary school category while Nana Model College II came out tops in the Junior Secondary category.

Our Correspondent reports that while the primary school pupils were tested in Mathematics, English Language, Elementary Science and General Paper, the Junior Secondary students battled it out in Mathematics, English/Literary Studies, Agricultural Science and General Papers.

The final contest which involved Isibovbe Primary School and Mowoe Primary School “B” saw Isibovbe primary school defeating Mowoe Primary school with a total of 75 marks as against Mowoe primary school’s 55 points. In the Junior Secondary category, Nana Model College II defeated Hussey Boys Model College with 10 points, scoring 65 points against Hussey Boys Model Colleges’ 55 points.

In the whole, Nana Model College II and Isibovbe Primary School emerged winners for both the primary and junior secondary categories. Hussey Boys Model College II and Mowoe Primary School “B” emerged first runner up respectively, while Essi College and Nana Primary School took third position in the Primary and Junior secondary school categories.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. (Mrs.) Omawumi Udoh who was represented by Mrs. Veenello Piserchia in a message earlier, thanked the Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema for sponsoring the programme. She commended the efforts of the co-ordinator of the programme who is also the Warri South Council Supervisor for Education, Mrs. Esther Abrakata Ogwudu for initiating the programme. The lawmaker noted that education in Nigeria is faced with problems such as paucity of fund and in-adequate teachers.

She also pointed out that the essence of putting up the programme is to make the children more committed to their education and become useful in life. Hon. Udoh advised the students to always heed to the advice of their parents and take advantage of educational opportunities which according to her is a core determinant to their destinies.

Also speaking, the Warri South Supervisor for Education, Mrs. Esther Abrakata Ogwudu said children should be exposed to programmes that will boost their educational career, stressing that a nation without a sound educational system is bound to fail. She explained that the idea behind the organization of the quiz competition is to help build up a good reading habit in the children.

According to her, the children could be further encouraged by creating time for them to listen to news, read novels, read newspapers, encouraging educational associations like Jet Clubs, Young Farmers Club, Literary/Debating Societies as well as Press Clubs.

She added that teaching of phonetics or speech transformation should also be encouraged in the various schools since students have problems in English Language and poor background in Mathematics. She posited that a child who can read and spell very well is bound to excel academically.

The Warri South Supervisor for Education who is also a teacher by training, used the medium to thank the Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema for “being the brain behind the programme”.

While presenting the second prize to Mowoe Primary School “B”, Secretary to Warri South local government, Dr. Austin Uroye said the Hon. Edema administration decided to key into the human development programme of the state government via educational programmes like the recent quiz competition. He stated that the administration of Hon. Mofe Edema is doing everything possible to incorporate the youths even though “the adults have had fair share of it”.

Hon. Emmanuel Agbaduba and Mr. Skin Gbugbemi presented prizes to participants of Mowoe Primary School “B” and Essi Junior College as part of high points of the programme.

Mrs. Mofe Ojeke who represented the Warri South Chief Inspector of Education and M.C. Bioseh also presented prizes to Hussey Boys Model College.

Nana Model College II got her prize from Chief (Mrs.) Grace Dugbo who said the competition should not rest only in the local government but should be taken beyond to higher level.

Nana Model College II, Isibovbe Primary School, Hussey Boys Model College II, Mowoe Primary School all went home with a complete set of computer and a printer each, while each of the students, including their counterparts from Essi College as well as Nana Primary school went home with consolation prizes.

A student of Basic school Ugbuwangue, Godwin Toritseju Edon who spoke on behalf of the students thanked the Warri South Chairman for giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents. This he said has helped to justify the fact that the teachers are really doing their jobs, while Pastor Napoleon Avworhodje, a teacher with Nana College thanked the organizers of the competition.

Why we embarked on study tour – Cmdr G.E. Okoh, NDC leader

By: Tonebsky Nesta

The team leader, Course 19 of National Defence College, NDC, Commodore Gabriel Okoh says they decided to visit Warri South Council secretariat as part of their tour of selected states and local councils to ascertain how authorities of the local government are tackling environmental degradation.

Commodore Gabriel Okoh gave this explanation Wednesday October 20 when he led other 13 members of Course 19 of the NDC to the Warri South Council secretariat. According to him, a total of 9 states were selected this year for the study tour with the theme “environmental protection and physical challenges of Delta State”.

The Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Mofe Edema stated that the council authority is doing everything within its limit to protect its environment. The Warri South Council boss whose message was delivered by Secretary to the local government, Dr. Austin Uroye, identified flood as the major environmental challenge the council is facing in the area and appealed to all relevant agencies to assist the council in tackling it headlong. He disclosed that the council authorities have discussed with companies operating in the area on the challenge of environmental degradation, just as he noted that the Council has done its bit by planting flowers within its premises and ensuring that all blocked drain as well as refuse are evacuated, especially on environmental sanitation days.

The Warri South Head of Works department, Engr. Jonathan Anamali who corroborated the statements of Secretary to the local government, Dr. Austin Uroye, averred that global warming has further increased the challenge of flood in the area and identified fund as a major constrained in the council’s resolve to tackle environmental degradation.

The Vice Chairman of Warri South local government, Hon. Charlie Etsaghara, Secretary to Warri South local government, Dr. Austin Uroye and some Supervisors in the council later conducted members of the course 19 team to some projects executed by the Hon. Mofe Edema administration within the council two secretariats before members of the team left to inspect the Trans Warri Ode-Itsekiri bridges and access roads enroute to the Olu of Warri’s Palace for a courtesy visit.

NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 16 EDITION

Miss Fresh

“I like a man with height, intellect, ambition, dark in complexion, focused, serious minded, fluent in speech, neat and having outstanding dress sense”, says our Miss Fresh for this month, Miss Blessing Chizoba Ofoegbu. This indigene of Mbiatoli local government area of Imo state is a 300 level Bio/Chemistry student of Anambra State University, Uli. Like most female folks, our Miss Fresh will quickly tell you that her favourite colour is pink, while she loves Okro soup and Garri (Eba) or Semovita, even though she can’t really say she has any top choice meal. With an alluring smile and laughter, Miss Blessing Ofoegbu disclosed that she is single and searching! Looking to thrill her? Then play any song from Dbanj, Timaya, Lil Wayne or Wyclef. This 62kg charm who says she is 23 years, likes people that are free minded and can not put up with those who are dishonest as well as tell lies. Being yelled at makes her easily pissed off, while she spends her leisure in reflective mood.

You can reach her on sexyqueen911@yahoo.com