Buhari working himself to the bones for Nigeria, says Tunde Bakare

By Danielle Ogbeche 

The founder of The Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has stated that President Muhammadu Buhari indeed inherited ‘rot’ from the past administration and is working himself to the bones in order to put things in order.

He implored Nigerians to be patient with the President as the desired change cannot be achieved in one day.

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Recall that Buhari had recently said memories of the past administration led by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will never be overlooked, stressing that he will continue to keep the “mistakes” in view, to guard against repeating them, as according to him, the sufferings presently experienced in the country are the outcome of those mistakes.

Speaking with the Punch, the convener of the Save Nigeria Group backed the President, saying, “The human memory is fickle and we forget things easily. In the past administration, in Borno State, how many local governments were seized by Boko Haram? They were many. But today, not a single one is being controlled by the sect.

“President Buhari inherited rot from the past administration and we forget so quickly because our expectations are so high. The Change mantra was so real to us that we thought those who were tenants would become landlords overnight and those who were riding ‘okada’ would just own Mercedes Benz cars.

“Things don’t happen that way. If it took God seven days to fix the chaos in the earth, please give us a break because a day with God is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day. Is this government working or they are just sleeping?

“I love what former President Olusegun Obasanjo said recently. He told us how he inherited a low foreign reserve and then went ahead to get the best and the brightest people to build it. That’s what is needed here.

“A good leader must have wisdom and courage to take those actions that need to be taken. What I’ll implore President Buhari to do is to let Nigerians know concerning the things that will start happening in October. He should let them know that, ‘See, this is where we are and this is where I want to go and to go between here and there, there’s a gulf and we need to blow the bridge. These are the materials we’re using to build the bridge.

“These are the men I want to use and I’m giving them so-so timeline to deliver. This will encourage the people to know their president is talking to them and we pray that the communication should continue, but as far as working is concerned, the man is working himself to bones. I also think the APC should put its house in order and stop fighting because when a chicken starts to eat its intestine, the end is near,” Bakare added.

Speaking further on the President’s focus on fighting corruption and how it is believed to be affecting other areas of governance like the economy, he stated, “In fact, I don’t think President Buhari is the one fighting corruption. I only said it’s his vision. He’s not the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, he’s not the Attorney General of the Federation, he’s not the Inspector-General of Police.

“What needs to happen is to have a formidable team with clearly stated responsibilities. The President is one man and can’t do all the things I’ve enumerated on his own. When you have a team that is working together, things will improve because you cannot say this is what I will do and leave the other areas to suffer. It’s not going to augur well for the country. There seems to be a disconnect somewhere.

“However, in the month of October, I’m sure we will begin to smile. We may not laugh but I’m sure we will begin to see certain changes in certain directions,” the cleric said.

·         Source: Daily Post

Okowa urges religious leaders to dwell more on gospel than prosperity

Delta State Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okows has challenged religious leaders to preach more of the gospel of God than laying emphasis on prosperity.

Governor Okowa welcoming Pastor Kumuyi to Government
 House, Asaba, with them is Mrs. Kumuyi

Governor Okowa made the call at the weekend when he played host to the general overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Williams Kumuyi in Asaba.
According to Governor Okowa, it was becoming worrisome that some religious leaders were paying more emphasis on prosperity than impacting the gospel of The Lord on the people, asserting, "with the knowledge of God and love of humanity, every other thing follows."
He emphasized that the word of God will rekindle family values and reduce societal vices in the country.

Pastor Kumuyi and entourage in Government House, Asaba.

Governor Okowa used the occasion to call for prayers for Nigeria and the state, disclosing that it was a thing of joy that peace was returning to different troubled areas of the country.
"Peace has started to come and we appeal to you to  put us in prayers for the peace to be sustained," the governor said, disclosing that a lot of lessons have been learnt from the current economic challenges facing the country.
Earlier, Pastor Kumuyi had told the governor that he was in Asaba for a special revival, crusade cum church service to commemorate Nigeria's independence anniversary.
He urged Governor Okowa not to relent in his empowerment and other people-oriented programmes.

Be proud of your country, Okowa urges Nigerians at independence anniversary

As Nigerians celebrate 56 years of being together as a nation, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has admonished Nigerians to be proud of their country. 

Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro
welcoming Governor Okowa to the anniversary celebration.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony in Asaba Saturday (01/10/16) to mark Nigeria's annual independence celebration, the governor stated, "we should be proud to be Nigerians."
"God in His infinite wisdom did not make a mistake in His decision to plant us in Nigeria as Nigerians," Senator Okowa said, asserting, "today is a day to celebrate the free spirit of Nigeria; we should be gratified to be part of such a glorious state and great nation; let us pay tribute to our countrymen and women who sacrificed so that we can celebrate this day; we should never forget their sacrifices."
While conceding that the journey has not been easy for the country witnessing economic and political setbacks; bloodletting occasioned  by misguided religious extremists, Governor Okowa asserted, "it is important we remain strong, exercise patience and be of good faith at this critical period of economic challenges."

Governor Okowa felicitating with Leo Ogoe and Nicholas Mutu
at the independence anniversary celebration.

HRM Pere Luke Kalanama, of Akugbene-mein Kingdom
and the Oruhe 1 of Okpe Kingdom

He emphasized, "Fellow Deltans, militancy and vandalism are not the solution to our developmental problems, I urge our youths to lay down their arms as all hands should be on deck to bring our country out of the current economic doldrums; we should all abide by the tenets of our religion and pray for God's grace on our nation because, all religions preach peace, love, charity and holiness."
Governor Okowa used the occasion to thank Deltans for their support and cooperation for his administration and urged them to pray for the state, the nation and as "law-abiding and hardworking citizens, to go back to the land for agriculture."
"We cannot continue to depend on oil; agriculture has proved to be a very sustainable venture that we can engage to revive the economy," he reiterated.
The celebration featured match past by military, para-military organizations including, students of secondary schools and other civil organizations.
Prayers were also, offered for the state and the nation while a beautifully, designed cake was cut to mark the climax of the celebration.

Nigeria at 56: Okowa congratulates, Deltans, Nigerians, urges peaceful co-existence

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Deltans and indeed all Nigerians as they celebrate Nigeria’s 56th Independence anniversary.

Governor Okowa

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, on Friday, extended best wishes of fifty-six years of self-rule and control, praying that the desires of our forgone heroes and the promises of independence be fulfilled in the lives of Nigerians especially at this time of economic recession.

‎He assured all Deltans, at home and abroad, of accelerated development in every area of the state as well as apparent improvement in the economic life of the people.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Nigerians, Deltans on the occasion of our 56th Independence Anniversary Celebrations.

“As we celebrate Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary and usher in the period of festivity, I urge all Deltans and indeed Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion to live in peace as Nigeria can only achieve the aspirations of her founding fathers if we live together in peace.

"I also use this medium to call on the Niger Delta Avengers and all militant groups in the Niger Delta to give peace a chance and halt all forms of attacks on oil pipelines and installations to enable relevant stakeholders address issues as it relates to their agitations.

"It is no longer news that our economy is currently in recession and our people are feeling the hardship but with our efforts towards realizatuon of the S.M.A.R.T. Agenda, our people should celebrate and entertain no fear, ‎as we are about to experience prosperity for all Deltans, progress in the state as well as genuine improvement in the lives of Deltans”, he stressed.

Obaseki's electoral victory: Birth of a new dawn, says Ochei

 A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and erstwhile Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Ochei says that the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) victory at the just concluded governorship elections in Edo State is the confirmation of the electorate resolve to usher a new dawn in the nation's quest for credible and progressive governance.

Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei, APC chieftain

 Ochei, who made this submission during a post-election interactive session with journalists in Benin, observed that the collective resolve of the electorate to vote the All Progressives Congress candidate, Godwin Obaseki as governor, underscores the overwhelming acceptability which the ruling party (APC) enjoys at the federal and state levels, owing to it's people-oriented policy of security, anti-corruption and accountability in all spheres of national endeavour.

He further posited that this development is an attestation to the fact that Governor Oshiomole's tenure has made remarkable positive impact on the state and as such, "it is only logical and natural that a man of Obaseki's pedigree has been voted to continue with the task of elevating Edo state to higher pedestal in the comity of progressive states in Nigeria"

The former law maker revealed that the result of the election harbours a silver lining on Nigeria's political horizon, adding that such electoral statement has erased the hitherto prevalent regime of  impunity from Nigeria's political sphere.

He also called on Nigerian populace to embrace the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government as it would be to the over all interest of Nigerians in the not too distant future.

Online bursary registration of students begins in Delta

Delta State Bursary and Scholarship Board has commenced online Bursary Registration of students for the State Government’s 2015/2016 Students Special Assistance Scheme (SSAS).

Official statement from the Ministry of Information indicates that applicants must be of Delta State origin, who are above 18 years of age and have registered with National Identification Management Commission (MIMC) while indigenes below age 18 years should apply with Jamb Registration Number

The statement added that the bursary scheme is strictly for students in 200 level or above in the Universities ND II and HND I in Polytechnics / Monotechnics and 200level in Collages of Education with a CGPA of 2.20 and above in the previous academic year’s examination.

According to the statement, prospective beneficiaries are requested to log on towww.disbcb.dl.gov.ng , click on ‘apply here’ to enable them submit their bursary application forms and download acknowledgement card which they are expected to keep for record purpose.

Online application which has commenced from Wednesday, September 28 will close on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 11,59pm, while all enquires should be channelled to help lines 056290617, 08032780074.

Ukwuani youths denounce call for militancy in Ndokwa, pass vote of confidence on Okowa, others

The youths of Ukwuani under the auspices of the Ukwuani Community Youths Leaders, have denounced a call for militant activities by Ndokwa youths.

The youths were reacting to an earlier statement credited to Mr. Dave Ochonogor, a Chieftain and Chairman of All Progressive Congress, APC, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, and published in the Vanguard newspaper of 12 September, 2016, which was calling the government of Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to act in developing Ndokwa nation in his policies, or face militant activities by the youths.

The youths who spoke through the Chairman, Mr Chika Uwabuofu, and Vice, Mr Fidelis Azaka in a meeting hosted by Hon Ochor Chris Ochor, the Executive Director, Social Services Development, Delta State oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, on behalf of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, September, 28 2016 to discuss what they called an inciting publication.

According to the youth leadership, there was no time the youths of Ndokwa sat to hold a meeting and agreed to such statement, calling for militant activities to attract development to Ndokwa nation. They stated that such call is

“Evil and unpatriotic”.

According to the youths, it will not be good to keep quite when such statement is heard or made, because when they refuse to react, they will be labeled accomplishes of the evil plan, especially when youths of the area decides to take advantage of such statement.

“If such statement is made, and there is no reply from the Ukwuani Youths, it means we are involved”. They said.

The youths agreed that the call for militancy by Ndokwa youths, is wrong, and it could be likened to a war cry, which is bad and needed to be condemned by all. They called on the authorities at state and federal level to disregard such call, as it is not from the youths of Ukwuani, or Ndokwa.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engr. Patrick Kaine, the convener of the meeting, had said the party leadership in Ukwuani had decided to call for a meeting with youths of Ukwuani, to find out why such call from the youths leadership.

He said the party became worried, knowing that Ndokwa in terms of political appointments, has benefitted largely from the Okowa’s administration, and with more focus on infrastructural development more than ever before, and for such call to be coming from Ukwuani local government, it was more worrisome.

The youths while also disassociating themselves from the call for militancy, used the occasion of the meeting to pass vote of confidence on the government of Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, and all the appointees from Ukwuani LGA.

They said the governor’s policies on development has truly shown that Ndokwa will be more developed before the tenure of this government elapses.

Also speaking, Hon Ochor called on youths to be law abiding, and continue their support for the government of Dr Okowa, stating that no community or nation develops with militancy.

Those who were present in the meeting were, the Senior Special Adviser to the governor on Health Insurance, Mr. Solomon Ebinum, and youth leaders of the ten communities of Ukwuani.