Elumelu hails Delta Council Chairmen for successful 100 days in office

The Minority Leader of the House Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has felicitated with the Council Chairmen in Delta State as they mark 100 days in office. Elumelu in a statement on Tuesday commended the Chairmen for successfully steering the affairs of the people at the various council areas in the State for 100 days, noting that it was a period where solid foundation was laid for a glorious tenure. The Minority Leader also lauded them for ensuring peace, security and unity in their domains within the period under review in consonance with the directives of the State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, saying that testimonies of environmental cleanliness, assistance in the area of provision of seedlings, improved cassava stems, insecticide and fertilizers to local farmers by the Council bosses as well as infrastructure development, abounded in some of the Council areas within this period they have been in office. "We are impressed with your action so far with the limited resources available to you. You have followed the directives of His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, our indefatigable Governor and I must say that you have done well within your 100 days in Office," the Minority Leader stated.

N-POWER Batch C Stream 1: Humanitarian Ministry announces next stage of enrolment

The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has announced the next step for the Npower Batch C Stream One applicants. A statement signed by Nneka Ikem Anibeze, the Special Assistant on Media to the minister, the Permanent Secretary Bashir Nura Alkali, revealed that the ministry has commenced the next stage of enrollment with the verification of email addresses by applicants. Alkali therefore called on shortlisted applicants to check their respective email/ addresses for confirmation and further directives. He further directed applicants to log on to www.nasims.gov.ng to enrol their biometric data. Applicants are also advised to contact NPower helplines or email support at support.npower@nasims.gov.ng for other enquiries. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is charged with the responsibility of implementing National Social Investment Programmes.

Twitter ban: PDP chides APC for conspiracy to suppress Nigerians

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the National Caucus of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of conspiring against Nigerians to ban Twitter in the country in a devious move to suppress the people. The PDP in statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, recalled past efforts by the APC caucus to push bills for legislation to enforce draconian regulations and gag Nigerians from exposing their atrocities and human rights abuses. The party’s statement reads: June 6, 2021 Press Statement APC Behind Twitter Ban and Moves to Suppress Nigerians The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuses the National Caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being behind the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. The PDP says revelations available to it show how APC leaders at one of their party’s national caucus meeting recommended the regulation of social media in Nigeria and how they have been plotting to obliterate internet-based interaction platforms such as Twitter. The PDP recalls how the APC Caucus has been pushing bills in the National Assembly, particularly in November 2020, seeking to enforce a draconian regulation of social media so as to gag Nigerians from exposing its atrocities, including human right abuses, treasury looting, nepotism and sectional marginalization by the APC administration. Nigerians can also recall how the APC administration in carrying out the agenda of its party have been using the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, to suffocate the media space with humongous fines and threats of suspension of operating license on broadcast stations. The PDP wants the APC to know that their plot against Nigerians have been exposed and cannot stand. Our nation is known for her resilient citizenry and no leader or political party has been able to suppress the wishes of Nigerians. The APC, in spite of its machinations, cannot vanquish Nigerians in their determination for a free and democratic nation where sovereignty belongs to the people. Signed: Kola Ologbondiyan National Publicity Secretary

AMASS Congratulates Ukah on appointment as Delta’s SSG

Anioma Media Associates, a group of leading Journalists of Anioma extraction, has hailed the appointment of Ogbueshi Patrick Ukah as the Secretary to the Delta State Government. The group, in a Statement on Saturday, by the Deputy National Coordinator, Deacon Chukwudi Abiandu and Secretary General Deacon Williams Chijioke Ugbolue expressed happiness over the appointment and while saying it was well deserved, described Mr. Patrick Ukah as a man with considerable understanding of the Government and people of the state, having worked closely with the present administration in very notable positions where he distinguished himself creditably. AMASS noted that Chief Ukah’s wealth of experience in administration, garnered over the years, will serve as an added advantage to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State, affirming that the new Delta SSG, with his charisma, charm, discipline and humility, is an excellent choice for the office, now being the engine room of the Government. While appreciating the Governor of the State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for the appointment, AMASS called on Chief Ukah to see his new responsibility as another avenue to promote the unity, peace and progress of the State, adding that the appointment was to further consolidate the coordination of the administration in fulfilling the Stronger Delta Agenda to the benefit of all Deltans, as the tenure gradually winds down. “We are happy and fulfilled that you were found worthy to be appointed to the exalted position of the Secretary to the Delta State Government. It is, no doubt, a position of trust where you are expected to continue to display the impressive discipline and unflinching loyalty, synonymous with your excellent service to the state in previous portfolios, to the Governor who is the epitome of the Government of the State. “You have done it before and we trust, you will do it again and continue to make us proud. “We heartily Congratulate you and pray to God to guide and direct every of your moves as you perform your assignment in your new position, to the satisfaction of the people of Delta State,” AMASS declared in the Statement.

Ozekhome, aghast, flays FG on Twitter ban, calls for more prison spaces for violators

The Federal Government has been criticized for not properly weighing the implications of the decision to ban twitter in Nigeria. Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Mike Ozekhome handed down the criticism in his reaction to the banning of twitter by the government in a statement he released Sunday. Entitled “The twitter ban, prosecution, more prisons and the link with the JUSUN strike,” Chief Ozekhome obviously displeased with the development urged the government to be ready to accommodate the deluge of Nigerians in prisons across the country because they will defy the order. Pointing out that the ban outrightly denies citizens of their individual and collective right to freedom of speech and right to freedom of expression and the press ,contrary to section 39 of the Constitution, the legal luminary said: “This government does not appear to have weighed carefully the serious implications of its actions and the likely ricochetting effects. Many Nigerians run global businesses with links and business partners across the world. They carry on business using the social media of twitter. Secondly, many Nigerians, especially the jobless youth who have been rendered destitute by this thus anti-masses government. They rely heavily on legitimate income realised from the platform through advertisement of their products and services and act on behalf of their not so ICT-compliant clients who desire to reach out to the world Banning Twitter is akin to what this government did 8n a kneel-jerk action on coming to power whether thoughtlessly banned Nigerians from operating their domiciary foreign accounts .The naira has never recovered from this shock treatment. Perhaps, more important is that the ban outrightly denies citizens of their individual and collective right to freedom of speech and right to freedom of expression and the press ,contrary to section 39 of the Constitution. The cumulative effectof these negative act is a serious blight on Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad.” Full text of Chief Mike Ozekhome’s statement reads: The Twitter Ban, Prosecution, More Prisons and the Link With the JUSUN Strike BY CHIEF MIKE A.A. OZEKHOME, SAN, OFR, FCIArb, LL.M, Ph.D, LL.D. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, has just ordered the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation to immediately prosecute offenders contravening the Federal Government’s ban on twitter operations in Nigeria. Indeed he wants the DPP to liaise with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, the National Communications Commission (NCC) and other relevant Government agencies to ensure “speedy prosecution of offenders without further delay”. How I wish that Malami’s APC Government, has displayed such alacrity and sense of urgency on the grave insecurity challenges of the country; the parlous economy and the mounting corruption ravaging our land. Malami did this with Lai Mohammed apparently being aware that many knowledgeable Nigerians had started to use different Virtual Private Networks (VPN) to clearly bypass the blockage. This government must be ready to build thousands of prisons across all the nooks and cranies of Nigeria so as to accommodate the deluge of ‘erring’ Nigerians. THE DANGERS INHERENT IN GOVERNMENT’S ILLEGAL ACTION This government does not appear to have weighed carefully the serious implications of its actions and the likely ricochetting effects. Many Nigerians run global businesses with links and business partners across the world. They carry on business using the social media of twitter. Secondly, many Nigerians, especially the jobless youth who have been rendered destitute by this thus anti-masses government. They rely heavily on legitimate income realised from the platform through advertisement of their products and services and act on behalf of their not so ICT-compliant clients who desire to reach out to the world Banning Twitter is akin to what this government did 8n a kneel-jerk action on coming to power whether thoughtlessly banned Nigerians from operating their domiciary foreign accounts .The naira has never recovered from this shock treatment. Perhaps, more important is that the ban outrightly denies citizens of their individual and collective right to freedom of speech and right to freedom of expression and the press ,contrary to section 39 of the Constitution. The cumulative effectof these negative act is a serious blight on Nigeria’s image both at home and abroad. THE CURIOUS JUSUN STRIKE ANGLE From day one, I had whole-heartedly supported the JUSUN strike by Judicial workers. I had believed (and still believe) that Judicial autonomy must never be compromised. I dripped oceans of ink and made tons of television appearances (permit the hyperbole; it is to emphasise the frequency), arguing that the strike was well-intentioned because it was meant to save the Judiciary from itself, give it autonomy from the strangulating grip of State Governors; and allow it unfettered access to its constitutionally granted funds without genuflecting before “almighty” State Governors. Then twitter suspended Buhari’s account and pulled down his offensive threats against his own electors and citizens he governs. Then, Lai Mohammed reacted by saying the FG has banned twitter operations in Nigeria. And, now, Malami has directed the DPP to prosecute any Nigerian who flaunts this ban by using VPN to bypass it. NO ACCESS TO COURT In all these, the agitated citizens are eager to go to court (section 6 of the Constitution), to challenge these outrageous infractions of their rights. Then, they suddenly realize that the doors to the courts are firmly shut, and put under lock and key by JUSUN workers. So, they lick their oozing wounds. Meanwhile, the same courts being protected, are busy every day, delivering judgements (physical and virtual), on matters already pending before the JUSUN strike commenced. So, who are these workers that prepare the files, take them to Judges and create the enabling environment for such sittings, including fixing the zoom meetings? How and where do they gain access to the courts’ strong rooms, filing cabinets and court processes, to aid the Judges? Just how? I cannot understand. Or, can you? PLAUSIBLE CONSPIRACY THEORY Meanwhile, the Governors and the presidency appear not only comfortable with the existing impasse (which has literally suspended the third arm of Government, as during vile military juntas), they are quite happy with it. Their unyielding stance is encouraging the strike. These got me thinking. I therefore decided to give a second look at the unfolding scenario. It points to one fact: Nigeria appears to have been scammed by some smart elite alecs, working in collaboration and tandem with probably the unsuspecting JUSUN leadership. My response to this new development? JUSUN, CALL OFF THE ONGOING STRIKE IMMEDIATELY. MY NEW STANCE I have now changed my views and stance. My new stance is now occasioned by the frequency of series of curious events (some quite frightening), emanating from the government and its operatives in the last two weeks. First, the Attorney-General, Malami, condemned Southern Governors’ ban on open grazing by cattle. He curiously likened the murderous acts of non-tax paying nomadic cattle rearers to innocent shop-owning, spare-parts-selling Igbos who carry out their businesses legitimately and peacefully in their rented premises, paying their tax, tenement rate, water and wastage disposal bills. Freedom of movement by human beings in section 41 of the Constitution was now being mistaken for freedom of movement for cows, sheep and goats. The life of a cow was being elevated, valued and priced beyond that of slaughtered and raped human beings. Second, there sprang out an alleged secret memo attributed to the Attorney-General (but which he has firmly denied and denounced), in which he purportedly advised President Buhari to declare a state of emergency and suspend provisions of the 1999 Constitution that deal with the people’s fundamental rights. I believed his denial because that would have been unthinkable, having regard to his sacred position and duties as espoused in sections 150 and 174 of the Constitution. GOVERNMENT’S APPARENT GAME PLAN Let us not continue to be used by fifth columnists as pawns in a game of musical chairs. This government will very shortly likely crack down on the opposition, rights Activists, dissenters, plural voices and perceived enemies. There will be no courts to run to with a view to obtaining any remedy. They are all firmly locked. Many of the Justices and Judges that we are strenuously defending, denying lawyers (especially junior lawyers, the challenged and widows) food and money in their pockets, are enjoying, receiving their salaries and emoluments. We now appear to be crying more than the bereaved. The iron is rusting while the gold is shining. The JUSUN strike has therefore outlived its usefulness and purpose. JUSUN, CALL OFF THE STRIKE NOW AND SAVE THE JUDICIARY FROM ITSELF, FROM SELF-IMMOLATION AND SELF-DESTRUCT. IMMEDIATELY. AS URGENT AS YESTERDAY. THE LAW: NO NIGERIAN CAN BE PROSECUTED FOR A NON-EXISTENT OFFENCE The Court of Appeal was emphatic in ONWUGHALU v. FRN (2019) LPELR-47313(CA), that no citizen of Nigeria can be tried or punished for an alleged offence not created by law. It said: “Truly, our Constitution guarantees that no citizen of this country should be put through a criminal trial, convicted and punished over an alleged offence not created by any law and thus unknown to the laws of the land. See the causa celebre of AOKO V FAGBEMI (1961) 1 ALL NLR 400, which till date represents the locus classicus on this matter. In GEORGE v. FRN (2013) LPELR-21895(SC), the apex Court held thus: “Any conduct that must be sanctioned must be expressly stated in a written law to wit: an Act by the National Assembly. That is what Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution provides. Such conduct should not be left to conjecture. As well, it cannot be inferred by the Court”. Also, in SELE v. STATE (1993) LPELR-3030(SC), the apex court held: “It is a cardinal principle of our concept of criminality, and which is protected by our Constitution, that a person can only be charged with and convicted for an offence recognised by the law and in existence at the time the act alleged was committed – See S.33(8) of the Constitution 1979. This is the hallowed and sacred principle of legality. It is because of its importance and high public policy that the legislative jurisdiction of the legislature is also excluded from having retrospective effect in relation to any criminal offence whatsoever.” Per ADOLPHUS GODWIN KARIBI-WHYTE, JSC (Pp 18 – 18 Paras A – C. Similarly, the Supreme Court in TAFIDA v. FRN (2013) LPELR-21859(SC), made it clear that: “the interpretation of a penal legislation or any statute for that matter should not be left to the whims and caprices of the Judge called upon to interpret the legislation. Any conduct which carries a sanction of imprisonment must be expressly stated in a written law and not left to conjecture or inference by the Court.” Per KUMAI BAYANG AKA’AHS, JSC (Pp 15 – 16 Paras C – D). Finally, on the legal position, the Court of Appeal in OMATSEYE v. FRN (2017) LPELR-42719(CA), incisively held that: “It is trite and settled by the 1999 Constitution (as altered) particularly Section 36(8) which states thus: “No person shall be held to be guilty of a criminal offence on account of any act or omission that did not, at the time it took place, constitute such an offence, and no penalty shall be imposed for any criminal offence heavier than the penalty in force at the time the offence was committed.” There is no question therefore on the need to have a statutory provision clearly creating an offence before any person can be convicted for the said offence. The punishment too must be specifically named in a legislation. The apex Court emphatically stated that it is rudimentary and elementary for anybody or persons having something to do with dispensation of justice in this country to know that no citizen can be made to face any criminal trial for an act which is not qualified as an offence not defined or stated (codified) in any law and the punishment thereof prescribed. All Courts, so named, cannot claim ignorance of these facts. See the following cases: GEORGE V FRN (2014) ALL FWLR (PT.718) 879; ABIDOYE V FRN (2014) ALL FWLR (PT.722) 1646; ALIYU V FRN (2014) ALL FWLR (PT.720) 1272.” Per YARGATA BYENCHIT NIMPAR, JCA (Pp 7 – 8 Paras A – A). All the above judicial authorities are crystal clear that neither Malami, the DPP, nor this government, can prosecute any twitter user. Using twitter is not a known crime or written offence. The NASS has not enacted any law banning the use of the social media, including Twitter. Mere verbal pronouncement, declaration, directives or threats by the Attorney-General, do not amount to a Law validly passed by the NASS. SOME RESPITE: A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL All hope is not lost, even with the JUSUN strike. There is some respite here. Any Nigerian arrested or detained should immediately proceed to the sub-regional West African Court situate in Abuja. The African charter on Human and People’s Rights is there to protect the rights of citizens of Nigeria. The Court that operates it (the West African Court) is there right now, fully operational. The last time I checked, we are not in the Hobesian state of nature where life was solitary, nasty, short and brutish.operating a military Junta or Musolini and Hitler’s despotism and absolutism! Nigeria is not a banana Republic. Never in the past; not yesterday, not today; not tomorrow; not ever. We operate a Constitutional democracy where things are done according to the Rule of Law and within our Constitutional organogram. We do not operate rule of the thumb or rule of men.It is always better to build strong institutions rather than strong men. My one kobo piece of advice to this clueless Government that spreads pains, agony, pangs and blood like manure on plants.

Asaba Declaration: We owe no apologies on open grazing, restructuring, declares Okowa; says it's impossible for federal police to secure the country

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has berated critics of southern governors on the ban of opening grazing of cattle and the call for national dialogue to restructure Nigeria. These were part of the decisions taken when he hosted his 16 colleagues on 11 May, 2021 in Asaba where they also called for state police and devolution of powers from the Federal Government to the States. "We owe no apologies, because we spoke the truth and we thought that the truth we spoke was in the best interest of this nation. Okowa expressed surprise that some elements in the Presidency are still advocating for the retention of open grazing of cattle. "Can we truly at this moment be promoting open grazing? Thank God that the President was misrepresented, because I have seen news headlines that the President is not opposed to the ban on open grazing. We need to begin to look into what is best for us. Where we were 50 years ago should not be where we should be today and tomorrow." He acknowledged that it might not be a one-day affair. He said: "It may not be but the process has to start and there must be a programme that must become evident, a programme in which we will begin to see actions being taken." He warned that Nigeria's growing food insecurity may soon spiral to a tipping point on account of the threat posed by open grazing of cattle. "Today, a lot of money is being spent by the Central Bank of Nigeria to encourage farmers to ensure that we are food sufficient but a lot of these efforts are lost, because of insecurity. Farmers can't go to farm, their crops are destroyed, they are maimed and raped and some are even killed. We cannot continue like this, because if you have a programme you are spending billions on, we must secure it and we must ensure the food security of this country." Okowa called for wholesale adoption of ranching given that, apart from safety issues, it is more beneficial for both cattle owners and herders. "Ranching obviously is the only way out as is happening in other climes and it's not impossible in this place. In some parts of Taraba State, ranching has been on for so many years and we can actually create those ranches where the cattle will have more meat, more milk and then the children can actually afford to go to school", he said. "We may not go into the big ranches but we can start in some form by acquiring some lands for that purpose and it may not be owned by individuals. Government can own the ranches where individuals can come and populate and pay some form of token", the governor stated. The voices for restructuring have been very strong out there. Why will somebody even criticise on restructuring? The only thing you need to know is that restructuring is of various facets, you only have to bring forth your arguments", Okowa said as he spoke with selected journalists in Asaba. His stand came against the backdrop of the criticisms of the Asaba Declaration by Abubakar Malami, Federal Attorney and Minister of Justice including Mallam Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman. "I actually thought that the voices who tend to criticise the meeting failed to have an understanding. People should learn to approach things after a very deep thought rather than just looking at the surface ,picking one thing and speaking about it. "We actually came in as state governors to reaffirm our belief in the Nigerian state and secondly we do also realise that there are things going on very wrongly and there was a need to address them", the governor said He had earlier called for the writing of a new constitution, not an amendment, to accommodate emerging issues of good governance and greater interest of Nigerians when he received on a courtesy visit, the Senate sub-committee on review of the 1999 Constitution led by Senator James Manager in Asaba. He told the committee that a new Constitution for the country had become imperative in view of observed inadequacies in the 1999 Constitution and called for the insertion of a clause to allow for the re-writing of the present Constitution while it would continue to be in operation until a new one was ready. "I believe that the southern governors' meeting was in the best interest of this nation and not just the southern part of the country, because the voices of our people have continued to ring loud and ours was just to reflect their voice. "We first proclaimed as a people and as governors who run the various States in Southern Nigeria that we believe in the Federation and unity of this country, because there has been a lot of voices on secession here and there", Okowa stated. "There is nobody that has not talked about restructuring. Even the APC government constituted a restructuring committee headed by Nasir el-Rufai and they agreed that restructuring was inevitable. It has to be done. That is why we asked for the national dialogue so that we can sit down and look at the issues and agree together as a nation, as peoples of same nation on what and what will be needed and I think it is very important. "It is important and it will help to enhance the peace and recreate hope amongst our people that truly we are in a federation that is united in the best interest of the federating units. I don't see why people will need to criticise that" On state police, Okowa said the way the federal police is structured "is such that they won't be able to police this nation, it's impossible. We are not saying that they are incompetent. "But when the police hierarchy is already calling for vigilantes, they are calling for state police. So the state police can be organized in such a manner that it assists the federal police, because the level of insecurity in this country now is too high and we need to do something about it."

Delta Police in big haul of criminal suspects

Sequel to the earlier directive issued by the commissioner of police Delta state command, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, that DPOS and tactical commanders carry out continuous raid of black spots so that sanity can be restored and sustained in the state, the initiative has continued to yield results with the arrest of suspected gun runners, cultists, drug peddlers, rescue of kidnap victims among others. A statement by the Command’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, said that the Commander, Delta State Anti Cult Unit (SACU) detailed SACU Operatives to Jesse area of Delta state. The statement reads further: “After discreet intelligence gathering, on 20/5/2021 three suspected cultist namely, Onomua Victor ‘m’ age 29years, Saturday ‘m’ surname unknown, and Ibru Adegbor all from Jesse were arrested. On investigation and interrogation, they confessed to be members of Aro Bagger confraternity, and that the cult leader who is on the run is in possession of their arm which they call ‘tool’ popularly known as cut to size gun. On further interrogation, they confessed one Francis Ogono ‘m’ age 42years to be their gun supplier who is also from Jesse that allegedly sold the gun to their cult group. On 29/5/2021 SACU operatives went after the said gun runner he was arrested. exhibit recovered include on single barrel gun, and several tools used in the production of cut to size guns. Investigation is ongoing. “On 27/5/2021 at about 0845hrs, Dragon Patrol teams while on stop and search duty along Ughelli/Warri expressway by Ekrehavwe Community junction intercepted and rescued one Ibude Celestine ‘f’ of Okoukoko. The victim was kidnapped at about 0730hrs of 27/5/2021 in her Lexus Jeep after dropping her kids at School in Okoukoko. However, based on technical intelligence, Dragon patrol teams in conjunction with Agbarho divisional patrol team promptly swung into action and moved to Usiefurun Community Off Ughelli/Warri road.The vehicle was sighted by the combined teams. The hoodlums on sighting the police abandoned the victim’s Gold colored Lexus RX 350 Jeep Reg. No. LSD 366 CL, Chassis No. 2T2HK3U08C077223 and their operational vehicle A black colored Honda Pilot Jeep Reg. No Lagos KTU 911EJ, chassis No. 2HKYF18604H541056 and fled into the bush. Upon search of the abandoned Honda Pilot Jeep, one Pump Action Gun, Breech No. 870150457 and six (6) live cartridges were recovered. The victim and the exhibits have been handed over to Supol Agborho. Investigation is on to arrest the fleeing suspects. “Acting on credible intelligence that a cartel suspected to be dealing in cocaine are domiciled in Sapele, Police operatives attached to SACU went on a discreet operation to investigate and fish out these elements who supply criminals in Sapele with cocaine, Indian hemp and other illicit drugs, which they depend on before going for their criminal activities. On 29th may 2021, SACU Operatives stormed their hide out, where over 50 suspects were sighted, they immediately took to their heels, the police went after them, and arrested Eric Atijegbe, ‘m’ 35years, Adams Esubi ‘m’ age 46 years, Joshau Oda, ‘m’ 18 years and nine others all of Okpe Delta State, exhibit recovered includes cocaine, refnol, Indian hemp, cracks and other illicit drugs. Case is currently under investigation.”

Delta: EXCO dissolution in State’s best interest, says Solomon; calls for relevant laws to enforce Southern Governors’ resolutions

The dissolution of the Delta State Executive Council has been described as the best course of action to take in order to free those with political ambition to concentrate on their quest. It also had the added effect of bringing down the "rising temperature in the state." Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, until recently the Senior Political Adviser to the governor, stated this while speaking on a Delta Television, Asaba current affairs programme. The governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, had on May 18 dissolved the state executive council, sacking the commissioners, including the Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff as well as all senior advisers. "The governor's action was in the right direction. He needed to concentrate on his task of serving the people. Remember, he still has two years to the end of his administration and that is a long time to still make additional impact on the people. Okowa has impressed Deltans with his achievements and it is logical of them to expect him to do even more. "So he needs a compact team that will not be distracted by political permutations and jostling on 2023. As Senior Political Adviser to His Excellency, I had cause to issue warnings on two occasions over the ambitions of some people serving in the administration. Some of them started almost immediately after the second term began. Gov. Okowa is not vindictive neither is he looking to scuttle anybody's political ambition. But he still has a lot of job to do", Solomon said. Noting that the governor has already began assembling a new team with Monday's appointment of some advisers; Solomon called for continuous support for Okowa as he seeks to finish strong. "Those aspiring to be governor should play by the rule, be moderate in their approach and respect the supremacy of the party. The executive council needs unity of purpose to continue to implement Gov. Okowa's agenda. And nobody should forget the God factor. "The governor has made it clear that no individual, including himself, has the power to determine who becomes governor in 2023. God has unquestionable judgment in the affairs of men and only Him knows who will emerge in 2023", Solomon who was a deputy speaker in the Delta State House of Assembly and one time Commissioner for Works said. He said Okowa has been able to stabilise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State and appealed to party members to exercise caution. "PDP members should not be over zealous. We should not lose focus. Everyone should exercise caution so that there will be a seamless transition. Okowa has stabilised the party and the state". He said Deltans are satisfied with how PDP and Okowa have been running the state. On Okowa's achievements in the past six years, he said the governor has "upped the ante in governance" because he came prepared for the job. "He has been in government, has knowledge of governance, understands and knows the entire terrain in Delta and so hit the ground running. "From his SMART Agenda theme in 2015, he identified key areas that needed total revamping. Urban renewal, boost to technical education, huge road projects, equipping of over 100,000 youths to become entrepreneurs and employers of labour, creation of three new universities to enable every child in Delta achieve their aspirations in education are some of the areas where Gov. Okowa has made a massive impact in the wellbeing of our people", Solomon stated. He also commended Okowa for driving and hosting the unprecedented meeting of 17 governors of southern Nigeria. "The resolutions they made are right and germaine. Through this, the Presidency was unraveled in their uninformed reaction to the governors' declaration. “By questioning the power of the governors to decide how land is managed in their respective states, the Presidency displayed an embarrassing lack of knowledge on the content of the Land Use Act that vests on governors the authority to manage lands. "I salute the southern governors and appeal to them to ignore the Federal Government and proceed to enact relevant laws that will give effect to their declaration," Solomon said.

Dame Okowa: Worthy partner in Stronger Delta, says Ifeajika

The wife of the Governor of Delta, Dame Edith Okowa, has been described as a distinguished woman of substance and committed partner in the sustained drive by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's administration towards a Stronger Delta. Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in a statement to congratulate Dame Okowa on her 60th birth anniversary, said that she had contributed remarkably to the success of the Okowa administration, especially through her philanthropic programmes. He extolled the Governor’s wife for being a very supportive and reliable pillar to her husband and the entire family. According to Ifeajika, Dame Okowa is celebrating 60 years of great accomplishments and I urge her not to relent in her mission to give succour and hope to the less-privileged in the society. "The activities of the 05-Initiative have continued to attract positive narratives, particularly from well-meaning Deltans and Nigerians. "On behalf of the Governor's media team, I congratulate our loving mother and outstanding philanthropist, Dame Edith Okowa. “Your Excellency, your passion to provide care for the sick, Nigeria Correctional Services inmates, orphans and other less-privileged, stands you out as a great woman of compassion. "As an Evangelist and mother of inestimable value, you have impacted hugely on your family and the State. "It is our prayer that God will continue to grant you good health, wisdom and grace in your avowed commitment to the well-being of women and children. "We join your family, friends and associates in celebrating and praying for you, a worthy child of God, on this joyful day of your birth anniversary," he said. Ifeajika prayed that Almighty God should keep the Governor’s wife in good health to continue her noble deeds, especially with her 05-Initiative and to remain a great pillar of support in her family.