One Year Anniversary: Ukah commends Okowa for keeping faith with Deltans

Chairman of the Delta State Planning Committee on One Year In Office Anniversary of Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has commended the governor for successfully delivering on his electoral promises to Deltans.

Ukah stated this in Warri on Thursday during the ongoing inspection and commissioning of numerous roads and other mega projects in some parts the state, as part of activities to mark Governor Okowa's one year in office anniversary.

Mr. Ukah, Delta State Information commissioner

He said that despite the present economic challenges, Governor Okowa has promised to sustain the pace of development of the state, through effective youth entrepreneurial engagements, fostering agricultural economy, infrastructure development in the education and health sectors as well as improved capital base for the state.

"The desire of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to transform Delta State is already yielding good fruits. This is a man who believes that the people he leads should come first in his priority list. He has even vowed to ensure that the policy gains of the SMART agenda matra are fully achieved and Deltans have testified to this rare feat exhibited by the governor during the inspection and commissioning exercises," he declared.

The Information Commissioner said the landmark achievements recorded so far by the Okowa-led administration are very reassuring for Deltans that the dividends of true governance have just begun to set in, despite dwindling allocations that accrue to the state.

While commending Deltans for the warm receptions accorded the governor and his team as he transverses the state for the inspection and commissioning exercises, Ukah assured that there are budgetary provisions for more projects to be executed in all parts of the state.

“Okowa is a man who is totally detribalized and committed to growth of the entire state. I can assure you that the entire state is going to be linked up by roads for further economic development. Our plan is to basically touch on all local governments in Delta. If we can achieve these harvests of roads and other infrastructures in one year, what do you think about the remaining years?

"This government is focused and determined to deliver on its promises to the people, especially in terms of building on unity, peace and security."

He therefore appealed to Deltans to complement the state government's efforts by building confidence in government's determination to improve the lots of the people and imbibing a maintenance culture to help preserve the numerous projects that have been executed for the benefit of all.

Crown Prince Eheneden concludes funeral rites for Oba of Benin

Crown Prince and Heir apparent to Benin Kingdom, Eheneden Erediauwa on Wednesday concluded the burial rites of Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the burial rites, which lasted for 15 days as announced by the Iyase (Prime minister) of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe began on May 25, and was rounded up on Wednesday morning.

Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa 

The traditional groups, which included Iwebo, Ibiwe, Iwase,and Iwegua among others took their turns to pay obeisance to the Eheneden, who is the Edaiken of Uselu during the wake keep with incantations.

The wake keep which began on Tuesday 12 midnight, saw the crown prince wearing a traditional white attire and going round designated spots within the palace ground before he departed for his palace at Uselu on Wednesday morning.

NAN reports that a number of cultural group and musicians performed all through the night while guests were entertained with assorted drinks and foods.

Photojournalists were, however, not allowed to record the scene where the Crown prince performed the `Isuerhafua’’ ceremony as he recited incantations while moving round the designated spots within the palace ground
Meanwhile, a palace statement by Donald Odwmingie said the funeral rites in honour of Oba of Benin were concluded with the Isuerhanfue rites of passage.

It said the Heir apparent to the throne whose sole responsibility it was to perform all the rites of passage in consonance with laid down procedures, observed Isuerhanfue to bring to an end the 15 days royal funeral rites

``One notable feature of Isuerhanfue rite was a mystical ritual dance presentation by the Iweguae palace group to bid the departed Oba a smooth passage to the spirit realm.

``And the unhindered ascension of the Edaiken to the obaship throne of Benin Kingdom.’’

It described ``Isuerhanfue’’ as the last ceremony in the burial programme in accordance with tradition.

The event was then proceeded with Ikpowia an all night wake keep attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. (NAN)

Text of Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya's address to the Press on the One year anniversary of DTHA 6th assembly

Jun 8 at 7:25 PM

PRESS STATEMENT GIVEN TODAY, WEDNESDAY JUNE 8, 2016, BY THE SPEAKER, DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. MONDAY OVWIGHO IGBUYA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE SIXTH ASSEMBLY AT DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PRESS CENTRE.

Gentlemen of the Press,

On behalf of my colleagues and the good people of Delta State (whom we represent), I warmly welcome you to this press briefing on the activities of the Delta State House of Assembly over the past one year.

I must commend your efforts in bringing to the spotlight the activities, deliberations, and resolutions of the House. Functions of the press transcend entertainment, education and mere information dissemination. Indeed, the role of the press in democratic dispensation and otherwise is to bring about real political change through robust discourse.

Before I proceed with the business of the day, let me quickly thank my colleagues and the staff of this Assembly for their cooperation and contributions to the smooth running of the business of the House.

We thank the Almighty God for giving us good health and strength to carry on with our task of Lawmaking.

I must also use this medium to pay glowing tribute to the good men and women, who contributed to the efficient functioning of this House thus far.

We have been through thick and thin together and have pulled through it all as one big family. Our victory is perhaps assured because the general interest of the people has always been our paramount concern.

The primary assignment of members of the Sixth Assembly of Delta State is to project the will of the various constituencies and to make laws that will engender good governance.

With regard to the above, I can say with great humility that the Sixth Assembly has recorded modest achievements which are summarized below:

1.                   The House received a total of twenty-three bills (23), out of which, ten (10) have been passed into law;  

2.                 A total of fifty-three (53) motions were received and fifty two (52) approved;

3.                 Eighteen (18) reports have so far been received and adopted; and

4.                 A number of other issues are before different committees for consideration.

Bills Received by the House are:

1) Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Law (Amendment), 2015;

2) Delta State Contributory Health Commission Bill, 2015;

3) Delta State Bureau of Land Instrument Preparation Charges Bill, 2015;

(4) Appropriation (Amendment) Bill, 2015

(5) Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, 2015;

6) Delta State Community Service Bill, 2015; 6) Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment) Bill, 2015;

7) The Delta State Public Procurement Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2015;

8) Delta State Agency for Control of HIV and AIDS Bill, 2015;

9) Appropriation Bill, 2016;

10) Delta State Structure for Signage and Advertisement Agency Bill, 2016;

11) Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2016;

12) Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016;

13) Delta State Anti-kidnapping Bill, 2016;

14) Delta State Anti-Terrorism and Anti-Cultism Bill, 2016;

15) Delta State Investment Development Agency Bill, 2016;

16) Delta State Scholarship Board Bill, 2016;

17) Delta State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill, 2016;

18) Delta State Hotels and Restaurants Bill, 2016;

19) Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill, 2016;

20) Delta State Internal Revenue Consolidation (Amendment) Bill, 2016;

21) Delta State Public Procurement Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2015

(22) Delta State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The governor has so far assented to:

1) Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Law (Amendment), 2015;

2) Appropriation Law, 2016;

3) Delta State Contributory Health Commission Law 2015;

4) Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency Law, 2015; and

5) Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board Law, 2015

The under-listed have been forwarded to the state governor, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, for assent:

1) The Delta State Economic Planning Council (Amendment) Bill, 2015;

2) Delta State Anti-kidnapping Bill, 2016;

3) Delta State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy Bill, 2016; and

4) Delta State Security Trust Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2016

Gentlemen of the Press, the House of Assembly is conscious of the yearning of Deltans for quick delivery of the dividends of democracy. Although dwindling oil revenue has impacted negatively on our economy and has consequently limited the capacity of government to meet basic commitments, we remain committed to giving the best representation to our various constituencies and the state in general.

Permit me to use this medium to strongly commend His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, for his unwavering support for the Assembly. In my inaugural address, I told the good people of the state that the legislature would maintain cordial working relationship with the Executive. The Assembly has since then enjoyed a harmonious relationship with the Executive, having so far approved several requests of the governor. It screened and confirmed nominees for appointment as commissioners of the Government of Delta State and several other positions. 

We will continue to keep faith with our duties of Law making, Representation and Oversight functions of the Executive arm of government. We will continue to insist on probity, accountability and efficiency in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 2016 Budget.

We must also not forget the role of the Assembly in the sanitization of the Local Government system. In the light of great insecurity and evidence of financial fraud, occasioned by flagrant disregard for constituted authority, the House suspended the Executive Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area. It subsequently set up an adhoc committee to verify the authenticity of the various petitions levelled against him. On grounds of financial recklessness, fraud and diversion of funds, the House relieved the chairman of his duties as Executive Chairman and Accounting Officer of Uvwie LGA.

Sequel to the impeachment notice forwarded to the House by 12 of the 15 councilors of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, the committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of the House suspended the Executive Chairman of the council. This was necessary to give the House the opportunity to carry out a thorough investigation into the issues raised.

I am happy to inform you that Mrs. Nkechi Chukwura has been recalled.

Here at the Delta State House of Assembly, the will of the people is speedily carried out. 

We strongly believe that our legacies would not be defined by how long we stay in the House or by whatever position we occupy. It will be defined by what we did with this great opportunity given to us by our people.

In the second year of the Sixth Assembly, we will focus on issues that will move us closer to the dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers.

We will continue to offer the best representation to the people of Delta State. We will continue to support government’s effort at guaranteeing peace, security and welfare of all Deltans. We will strive to finish the work we have started. We will continue to put in longer hours in debating and making the laws that would move our state forward. We will welcome the battle of ideologies. We will encourage and engage in it, openly, honestly, and respectfully. 

 Gentlemen of the press, I cannot thank you enough for your friendship and service to the House and our beloved state.

Thank you.

Rt. Hon. (Chief) Monday Ovwigho Igbuya

Assembly lifts suspension order on Nkechi Chukwurah

The Delta state House of Assembly Tuesday, June 7, 2016 lifted the suspension it slammed on the Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government, Mrs. Nkechi Chukwurah.

Mr. Chukwurah, suspension lifted.

Moving a motion to this effect, Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere who said the motion had become necessary on compassionate ground, explained that to air is human and to forgive is divine. He said: “I move that the suspension order on the chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government be revoked.”

Seconded by Hon. Angela Nwaka, (Aniocha South), the question was put by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya and majority of the lawmakers voted in favour of the lifting of the suspension. The Speaker accordingly declared that “Hon. Nkechi Chukwurah is hereby recalled from suspension and to resume duty with immediate effect.”  

Assembly suspends Reuben Izeze for 3 months

In a bid to protect the dignity of the legislature and the legislator, the Delta State House of Assembly today June 7^th, 2016 suspended one of its members, Mr. Reuben Izeze representing Ughelli South for three months for alleged conduct unbecoming of a law maker.

Mr. Izeze, suspended by DTHA

Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere had stood up to inform the House of a matter which, he said, borders on the dignity of the legislature. Pointing out that the Assembly is greatly concerned about maintaining the dignity of the legislature and by implication that of the law maker, he said “A situation in which lawmakers are called Honourable members but we act in dishonourable manner leaves much to be desired.”

While not giving details of what constituted a dishonourable behaviour involving Mr. Izeze, Owhefere said: “An attempt to bring the dignity of this House to disrepute by Reuben Izeze, therefore, I move that this honourable house do now suspend Hon. Reuben Izeze, representing Ughelli South for three months.”

The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Okoh Festus, (Ika South), and when the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya put the question the ayes had it and the Speaker declared that Reuben Izeze is hereby suspended for three months with immediate effect.  

Delta Lawmakers pass vote of confidence on Okowa, Igbuya, others

Lawmakers of the Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, praised Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya and other principal officers of the House for strengthening the bond of unity, fostering the spirit of oneness, enhancing development and promoting good governance.
The lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya and other principal officers of the House.

Monday Igbuya, Delta Assembly Speaker

This followed a motion moved by the representative of Warri South 11 state constituency, Barrister Dennis Omovie, during the proceedings in the legislature.

Omovie is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member.

Omovie, who is the chairman, House Committee on DESOPADEC, commended Governor Okowa for his sterling performance and integrity.

“Whereas there is no gainsaying that Nigeria and by extension Delta State suffered dangerous drop in her revenue being a mono- driven economy. Whereas there is no correspondent drop in the very high expectations of the citizenry and by extension our various constituents”.

Specifically, he praised Governor Okowa for representing the interests and the desires of the people.

“We in Delta State can walk tall in the midst of this dangerous paucity of resources because we are blessed with a man who is a wonderful manager. Governor Okowa is managing Delta State as if there is surplus. He is giving to Delta State and Deltans what they expect”.

He also praised Okowa, Igbuya and others for strengthening the state’s economy, expanding job opportunities and reducing spending”

  “My colleagues, I therefore move that a vote of confidence be passed on this wonderful manager, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the leadership of this hallowed chambers for their strides and the wonderful leadership they have given Delta State thus far” he said.

A member of the PDP, Hon Ayiba Tonye Timi, who represents Patani state constituency, seconded the motion.

Later, the House unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the governor, speaker and the other principal officers.

Biafra agitation, our stand, by Delta State Government

·         Decries hint linking the State with agitation by IPOB, MASSOB

The Delta State Government has objected, refuted, and rejected insinuations by anybody or group linking the state with the agitation for, and being part of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

The State government in a statement entitled: “Biafra Agitation, Our Stand” and signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Festus Agas decried such insinuations stating: “The people of the present Delta state have always occupied a unique position in the Nigeria Federation and were NEVER part of the South East as is being suggested in some quarters. Therefore, we object in its totality, the inclusion of Delta State, without our consent in the proposed Biafra Republic. This clarification has become necessary to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta state in the renewed Biafran agitation,”

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.

The full text of the statement of the Delta State government reads: “In recent times, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have intensified their agitation for the realization of their wish for an indedpendent Biafra State out of the present-day Nigeria. This campaign has been in the form of rallies across various towns/cities in the south East, often extending to the South-South States, notably Rivers and Delta.

“Faced with this situation, it has become imperative for the Government of Delta State to make this clarification to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta State in the renewed Biafran agitation.

“While some communities in Delta State may have cultural affinity with the people of the South East, it is clearly a patent error for anybody or group to suggest or insinuate that Delta State, or more specifically, the Anioma people have been or are part of the South East that is supposed to make up the proposed Biafra Republic.

“The people of the present Delta State have always occupied a unique position in the Nigeria Federation and were NEVER part of the South East as is being suggested in some quarters. Therefore, we object in its totally, the inclusion of Delta State, without our consent in the proposed Biafra Republic. This clarification has become necessary to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of Delta State in the renewed Biafran agitation.

“Delta State Government wishes to once again reaffirm the unwavering belief in one and united Nigeria and advise residents of the State to remain law-abiding and go about their normal business without fear.

“God bless Delta state, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.