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DELTA LG POLL: DELTA APC DECLARES WAR OVER DSIEC CONSTITUTIONAL BREACHES

The All Progressives Congress in Delta State has given the Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) in the state a seven day ultimatum to address the gross violation of Section 32(1)-(3) in its 2017 law to avoid legal fireworks.

The party handed down the warning in a petition dated, Monday, May 6, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of the commission, Chief Agbaike.

The controversial Section stipulated that the commission shall issue the notice of election not earlier than 150 days before, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the term of the last holder of the office, which has been allegedly violated.

APC Acting Secretary in the state, Ogbueshi Anselm Onianwa, said the error calls into question the very legality and legitimacy of the whole electoral exercise ab-initio.

He maintained that the commission must take cognizance of this mandatory provisions of strict compliance that cannot be trifled with, insisting on a serious case of dereliction of duty.

He said the breaches are inimical to the very core of the commission as an independent body saddled with such enormous responsibility and it leaves little room to doubt that the whole exercise is a charade, designed and skewed in favour of a certain political party.

He said, “the commission has woefully failed to inspire confidence as an unbiased umpire capable of conducting free and fair elections that meet the barest minimum standards.

“Going by the notice of the dates, 6th to 26th May, 2024, fixed for political parties to conduct their primaries to nominate candidates clearly contravene the provisions of Section 97, which mandatorily requires political parties to give the commission a 21-day notice of the conduct of such primaries.”

He lamented that the failure had cut out political parties of time to issue the commission with the requisite notices.

He said consequently, any primary conducted in such a situation, remains a nullity, having ran foul of the commission’s Law 2017.

He urged commission to take urgent steps to address the constitutional breaches that may rob the process of any form of validity, sanctity and integrity.

“Consequently, we are by this vehement protest giving your commission 7-days notice within which to correct these legal aberrations, failure to do so shall result in an action in a court of law for redress”, the petition read.

CIVIL RIGHTS COUNCIL MEETS PENSION BOARD BUREAU **** Advocate For Prompt Payment Of Gratuity, Pension

Agboje Chuks

Civil Rights Council of Nigeria Asaba Unit has advocated for prompt payment of gratuity and pension of Delta State retired civil servants in the State

The council who made the advocacy during an interactive session with the Bureau for Pension Board in Asaba, after receiving several complaints especially from Mrs. Cecilia Okoh, who had retired as Headmistress of Odili Primary school, Agbor, Delta State of Nigeria, disclosed the it was necessary for the bureau to expedite prompt payments of gratuity and pension of retirees in the State

Speaking during the interactive session, the Council Asaba Unit coordinator, Comrade Joy Edigbine emphasized prompt payments of gratuity, and pension, revealing it was a veritable means of helping mitigate the economic downturn of the retirees

Comrade Joy Edigbine disclosed that it was necessary to get clarity from the board why there were obvious delays in payments of gratuities of those who had meritoriously served the state in different capacities.

She noted that the retirees were mainly old people who had served the State at different fronts, many of whom needed money to take care of their health.

The Delta born activist who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Jeep Film Academy, maintained that it was the rights of the retirees to get their gratuities since there was no other means of getting live sustenances and pay their bills

Her words,” we are here to get clarity from the board on several complaints from our retired civil servants that have served the state and have not been paid their gratuities.”

Reacting to the claims of the Civil Rights Council of Nigeria, the Bureau claimed that the delay in payments were as result of late documentation of some retirees, as well as limited fund disbursements by the Delta State government.

 

His words,” Many of the retirees, would not document early which would affect early payment. And another one is, the limited funds released by the State government. These are our challenges.”

 

The Bureau further claimed that retirees were going to meet some Staffers to lobby the system, disclosing that it was a major challenge mitigating payment and procedures of payments

Adding further, Comrade Joy Edigbine eulogized the board for finding time to listen to the council and clarified issues, just as she urged the Bureau to educate their Staffers to decease from any act that can further affect the effectiveness of their operations.

NAIRA DEPRECIATED BECAUSE I WENT ABROAD ~ Odumuje

The popular gospel entertainer, Prophet Odumeje has claimed that the depreciation of naira in the last days was a result of his absence from the country

Prophet Odumeje who made the claim at the international airport while he was returning from his London show, noted that the depreciation of naira to dollar was because of his absence from the country

The clergy maintained that he was back to use his powers to bring down dollar

The gospel entertainer while speaking with some personnel of the NDLEA insisted that no preacher had such power to bring down the dollars

” I am back to Nigeria to bring down the dollars. The dollars gained strength because I was away. Now I am back and will bring it down. No Pastor has done such type before. .” He added

TINUBU APPOINTS JIM OVIA AS CHAIRMAN EDUCATION FUND

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Jim Ovia, CFR, renowned banker and businessman, as the Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Mr. Ovia is the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks and a respected business leader, with a surfeit of efforts and benefaction towards nurturing and empowering young Nigerians.

He is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana.

The National Student Loan Programme is a pivotal intervention that seeks to guarantee sustainable higher education and functional skill development for all Nigerian students and youths.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the implementing institution of this innovation, demands excellence and Nigerians of the finest professional ilk to guide and manage.

The President who spoke through his special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Chief Ajuri Ngelale said the president believes Mr. Ovia will bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to this role to advance the all-important vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds and of ensuring that Nigerian youths, irrespective of who they are, have access to higher education and skills that will make them productive members of society and core contributors to the knowledge-based global economy of this century.

HOW MARILYN OKOWA -DARAMOLA IS BOOSTING IKA ECONOMY THROUGH YOUTH EMPOWERMENT 

Agboje Chuks

In recent times, there has been a notable surge in social and economic progress driven by the youth, who possess immense potential to contribute to societal advancement.

Young men and women, renowned for their energy and determination, are increasingly asserting themselves as advocates for inclusion while actively engaging in initiatives aimed at transforming society.

This is where Hon. Marilyn Okowa -Daramola, the first female youth representative of Ika North East Constituency stands out. She has been proactive in reshaping the landscape of her community by championing transformative legislation and empowerment programs tailored to the needs of her people, especially the people of Ika land

As a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Marilyn Okowa Daramola is dedicated to representing the interests of the youth, leveraging her position to spearhead employment opportunities and empowerment initiatives not only for her constituents but also for the broader Delta community.

Recognizing the pivotal role of employment and empowerment in driving economic progress, Marilyn Okowa -Daramola advocates for policies that foster job creation and equip the youth with the necessary resources and skills to thrive.

This she has been doing by investing in youth empowerment, because she understands the potential to cultivate human capital, thereby enhancing productivity and fostering innovation essential for economic growth.

Through her philanthropic endeavors and legislative agenda, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola demonstrates her commitment to uplifting her community, emphasizing the importance of quality education, vocational training, and skill development in empowering young individuals to break free from economic constraints and contribute meaningfully to the workforce.

As a forward-thinking female youth representative, Marilyn Okowa -Daramola believes in the transformative power of a well-educated and skilled youth population, recognizing them as catalysts for economic prosperity through their creativity, productivity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

This is because, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola not only understands that the economic benefits of youth empowerment is undeniable but serves as a catalyst for sustainable development, inclusive growth, and shared prosperity.

This is why we must support Hon. Marilyn Okowa – Daramola as she navigates the challenges of the 21st century through her youth empowerment programs knowing that empowering the youth remains a top priority for policymakers, businesses for building a brighter, and more prosperous future for all.

 

Let’s Unite To Develop Our State, Oborevwori Tells Deltans

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Sunday, said his desire was for Deltans to be united for the overall growth and development of the state.

Speaking at the 40th birth anniversary thanksgiving service of the Executive Director, Business Development, NEXIM Bank, Stella Okotete, OON, at Christ Missionaries Crusaders Church, Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori said the state would continue to enjoy peace and security as encapsulated in his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda.

While congratulating Okotete on thanking God for a life of great accomplishments at 40, the Governor said giving thanks to God was not only an appreciation, but also prayer for more, and commended the celebrant for coming home to celebrate with her people which was an indication that she remained a grassroot politician.

He said: “I am very happy to be here today and it shows that I am a Governor for all Deltans. Seeing all the faces I know here shows that we are all one family in Delta State.

“I am Governor for all Deltans and I do not segregate. I want all of us to be united with the interest of developing Delta State.

“Leadership is turn by turn. The most important thing is to do what you should be remembered for while in office.

“Delta State will continue to enjoy peace, just as I promised in my MORE Agenda that we will continue to enhance peace and security.

“I thank you all for coming, even as I continue to count on your support.”

In her vote of thanks, the celebrant, who is a former National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Stella Okotete, said she was grateful to God for blessing her life over the years.

Okotete who hailed from Ekrerhavwen-Agbarho in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, thanked Governor Oborevwori for attending the thanksgiving, inspite of their political differences.

Earlier in his sermon, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa urged Christians to cultivate the habit of praising God, adding that man would, in the course of life, encounter problems but would not be overwhelmed by them.

The cleric, who said that he dedicated the celebrant to God 40 years ago, thanked God for her exploits in life.

Lucky Monye Calls For Collective Fight Against Insecurity In Ika Land

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr Monye Ehiwuogwu Lucky has called for a collective fight against insecurity in Ika Land. Mr Monye made the call in a recent online video message to Ika people on the need for them to urgently address the increasing rate of kidnapping in the area whose causes have been linked to Fulani herdsmen.

Monye who is the Chairman, Monye Ehiwuogwu Lucky Foundation said that he feels pained any time he hears about the unending kidnap activities in Ika Land by Fulani herdsmen, noting that if the ugly menace is not checkmated now, the herdsmen may end up taking over the entire Ika Land.

His words, “I feel pained and sad over the increased rate of kidnapping in Ika Land by Fulani herdsmen. The herdsmen are now in our bushes carrying out their evil activities. Unfortunately, our farmers can no longer go to farm because of fears of being kidnapped or killed by these dare devil kidnappers. Our people now live in fears in their own land as a result of the presence and wicked activities of these kidnappers who have gone to the extent of collaborating with some of our people in carrying out their evil acts.We have seen cases like that of Plateau State where Fulani herdsmen settled and held sway in another man’s land. We should not wait to suffer the Plateau State experience before we swing into action. The time to act and put a stop to kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ika Land is now.”

He used the medium appeal to all the traditional rulers in Ika Land, including stakeholders, men, women and youths to collectively work out an action plan on how to effectively defeat the Fulani herdsmen who have been feeding fat through their illicit kidnapping business in Ika Land.

He expressed gratitude to all persons or agencies who have been doing their best to address the challenge of kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ika Land. He urged them not to relent until those disrupting peace and security of lives in Ika Land are arrested and prosecuted by government.

Alihame Community mourns Cairo Ojougboh

Ika Mirror

Alihame Community, Agbor, Delta State has mourned the demise of her illustrious son and a former House of Representatives member, Chief Dr Cairo Ojougboh.

Alihame Community in a tribute titled, “Tribute to late Dr CAIRO OJOUGBOH, the Akinuwa of Agbor Kingdom” and signed by Pa Jacob Nwadozie, Community Secretary and Hon Fidelis Aghagbon, the Assistant Secretary said,
“The entire Alihame Community received the news of the demise of our illustrious son with a rude shock.Nevertheless, we cannot question GOD on what He has done.It suites Him to call Dr CAIRO OJOUGBOH back to Himself where all mortals must surely go back to. Dr CAIRO OJOUGBOH was a philanthropist per excellence and goal getter. He was bold to a fault. He left behind arrays of legacies that he will be remembered for. His demise created a vacuum in Alihame Community that will be difficult to fill. The entire Alihame Community and entire Nigeria will always remember him for standing by what he believed .

“Those lives he touched will never forget him. Our elders, youths and all women are in tears because Dr CAIRO OJOUGBOH sudden demise has left a vacuum in our hearts. It is our prayer that Akinuwa rest in peace in the bossom of the Lord, Amen”.

Chief Hon Dr Cairo Ojougboh died on February 8, 2024 at the age of 64 years old. He was buried on April 19 at his residence in Alihame, Agbor, Delta State.

Don’t Worry About Inflation, We’ll Bring It Down, Tinubu Tells Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration would fix the country’s economic challenges, including bringing down the ballooning inflation level.

He said that even though he does not have a magic wand, Nigerians should not worry as he is determined to end inflation.

Following Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate on resumption of office in May 2023, Nigeria’s inflation rate has steadily increased, causing economic hardship to the people. 

The latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) noted that the county’s inflation rose to 31.70 percent in February 2024, up from 29.90 percent in the previous month.

Oborevwori visits Okuama, says residents ‘ll return soon

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, has visited Okuama with an assurance for the safe return of the indigenes who fled the community in the wake of the crisis over the killing of 17 officers and soldiers on March 14.

The Governor, who was accompanied by Commander 63 Brigade, Brig. Gen. Unachukwu Ugochukwu, and top government officials, on a journey that took over one hour and twenty minutes from Warri, reiterated that innocent citizens would not be made to suffer for what they know nothing about.

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