PDP takes APC to task over statement on Okowa’s security initiatives

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has taken the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC in the State to task over its latest comments on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's Peace and Security initiatives, describing the APC's criticism as a pointless rigmarole and the Press Statement itself as a poorly crafted and hugely disappointing exercise both in text and context.
A response by the Delta PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, dismissed the APC Press Statement, signed by Barr. Ogheneluemu Sylvester Imonina, who, according to the PDP, is still moonlighting as the Publicity Secretary, APC, Delta State.
Full text of the PDP statement reads:
Press Statement
14th April, 2019
DELTA PDP KNOCKS, EXPOSES APC OVER IGNORANCE OF GOV. OKOWA'S PEACE AND SECURITY ACHIEVEMENTS
"Our attention has once again been drawn to a Press Statement titled: DELTANS ARE ENTITLED TO RIGHT TO LIFE, AND PROTECTION BY GOVERNMENT and signed by Barr. Ogheneluemu Sylvester Imonina, who is still sadly moonlighting as the Publicity Secretary, APC, Delta State, and it is rather unfortunate and temporarily diversionary, that we have to take time out of our busy Pre-inauguration schedule, to once again educate the APC on the excellent achievements of the Governor Okowa administration in entrenching and sustaining Peace and Security in Delta State.
'"For starters, it is imperative to inform the APC that the fundamentals of security and peace building have been well defined and articulated in the brilliantly packaged SMART Agenda and we refer them to the specific component that outlines the vision, which, if they had just taken a little time to peruse, would have saved them the embarrassment and ignorance reeking all over their wishy washy press statement.
"It is on record that the agenda of Governor Okowa's administration from the onset, had centred not only on the critical need to sustain the peace of inter-community relations in every area of the State, but also to address the recurring challenges of violent crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery, as well as curb the emerging and horrible incursions of suspected herdsmen, which threatened the livelihood of our people in recent times.
"The Governor Okowa administration had, in its first tenure, not only improved on the existing strategies to address these threats to peace and security, but had introduced appropriate new measures to tackle the sources which bred and encouraged insecurity, breach of peace and threats to the safety and protection of lives and properties of Deltans, with considerable and commendable success.
"These measures have included; Verifiable effective support to all Security Agencies viz: the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and sister agencies, not only for combating the sources of insecurity and conflicts, but also for intelligence gathering to quickly nip in the bud or initiate quick proactive responses to planned and reported criminal activities.
"In addition to these, Governor Okowa's administration has also ensured that auxiliary security operatives, including Vigilantes, have received adequate attention, support and assistance to enable such community directed services keep the peace and provide security in the form of vigilante networks operated in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, as determined by the statutes that established the existence and operations of Vigilante groups, by the late President Umaru Musa Yar'adua administration, in October 2004.
"Again, Governor Okowa's administration equally placed great faith, trust and confidence in the role of traditional institutions, particularly the Traditional Rulers of all the communities, to effectively cooperate with the government to ensure crises free homelands, by strengthening the capacity of Community leaders to further equip them in identifying and flushing out miscreants, trouble makers and notable elements of conflicts and insecurity, operating within the communities. The establishment of the Delta State Stakeholders forum for regular discourse on peace and security has been a huge and successful initiative in this regard.
"To therefore insinuate or suggest, as the APC Press Statement has inferred, from whatever warped and erroneous information, garnered apparently, from its half baked, ignorant and misinformed sources at its disposal, that Governor Okowa had turned a blind eye to the legal/moral responsibility placed on him by the law and that members of Delta State Vigilante survive on the crumbs from good spirited members of the public, while the government of Delta State care less about their welfare, is not only misleading, but a big fat lie, which can only be manufactured in the laboratory of falsehood, operated at full capacity by the fractured and fictionalized Delta APC, whose fantastic pedigree to fabricate lies, has even now destroyed the entire structure and fabric of their existence before the world.
"The Delta State Government has not only ensured that all security agencies and related groups, including vigilante groups, have been fully accommodated, assisted and supported, through the necessary channels and relevant agencies, to avoid operational and constitutional conflicts, it has also entrenched a harmonious and cooperative relationship amongst the various agencies, in the collective effort and partnerships to address the existing security challenges and enhance peace building initiatives.
"We need to add further, that the sustainable peace achieved in the creeks and riverine communities of Delta State, by the bold, brave and visionary strategies put in place by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa himself, has been overwhelmingly responsible for the substantial increase in oil revenues, which is the singular, most dominant contributor to the national treasury and major source of income that helped the inept APC administration at the Federal level, escape the stranglehold of self imposed national recession, as a result of its clueless economic policies.
"We are even more amazed and saddened by the foolishness of the APC Delta press statement, which claims to be concerned about the protection of Delta lives, when in fact, their own government at the centre has continued to turn a blind eye and pay lip service to the unprovoked attacks, maiming and perennial killings of helpless Nigerians, including Deltans, at the hands of these marauding, suspected cattle breeders and herdsmen across the country, even as they appear to seemingly be in complicity and offering full encouragement and support to these dastardly acts of premeditated killings in Delta and other Southern States in the country.
"It is a real shame that the Delta APC surreptitiously quoted Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, without even realising, in its foolishness to sound intelligent, that this section is a greater and more damning indictment of the APC led Federal Government, under which national insecurity, an orgy of brazen and brutal killings, wanton loss of lives and horrendous destruction of properties across Nigeria, have become some of the ugly and unfortunate legacies of the President Muhammadu Buhari regime.
"The Delta PDP is even becoming progressively worried and more concerned and disturbed by the growing activities of unprovoked attacks, maiming and perennial killings of helpless Deltans and the wanton taking of lives and destruction of properties, particularly in the Abraka axis of the State where the strongman and so called " peoples general" is lord and master and holds sway with unchallenged autocracy, over his fiefdom. We recall with great pride, how one of our members in the State House of Assembly, bravely and fearlessly routed these unscrupulous elements in a celebrated fight back against the siege on his constituency and yet we are left wondering how and why these suspected herdsmen have found a comfortable home and killing field in an area where the presence alone of a supposed "peoples general", should have been an assurance that the lives and properties of his people ought to be fully secured and protected, rather than pillaged and destroyed. Can it be possible that the "peoples general" is actually supporting, aiding and abetting those who are killing, maiming and destroying his people, especially given the favourable position and policies of his party towards accommodating and encouraging herdsmen to settle in our midst? This is the fundamental question Deltans must ask about what is happening in the Abraka axis.
"There is no doubt whatsoever that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration has not only performed exceedingly well in the area of security and peace building in his first tenure and is now poised to do more in that area in his second term. Our hope and appeal is that those who truly love Delta State and their own people, should support the government and make greater individual effort in protecting the lives and properties of their own brothers and sisters, instead of churning out spurious and diversionary press statements to cover up, what can only be described as the sabotage of government efforts in an obvious strategy of cutting their nose to spite their face, for selfish political gains.
"We are therefore advising the Delta APC to first of all look inwards and remove the huge log in its eyes, so that it can see and appreciate the tremendous achievements of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the area of security and the protection of the lives of Deltans. If a so called "peoples general" can live so comfortably in a small environment like Abraka, while the unprovoked attack, maiming and perennial killings of helpless Deltans, the wanton taking of lives and destruction of properties is carried unchallenged and with deadly ease, by some marauding suspected cattle breeders and herdsmen, then we wonder what would have happened to the whole of Delta State if such a person is allowed to be in control of the governance of our dear State.
"We want to once again appreciate our traditional rulers and leaders, youths and women, our spiritual fathers and indeed the people of Delta State for voting for the continuation of peace and unity in our State with the overwhelming vote of trust and confidence in the reelection of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa (Ekwueme) for a well deserved second term.
"Our pledge is to consolidate on our efforts, as we commence our second tenure, to make Delta State better and stronger and ensure more prosperity and the good dividends of democracy for all Deltans.
"Delta is PDP and PDP is Delta State.
"PDP! Power to the People."
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary
PDP, Delta State.

Delta APC expresses concern over security of life, property

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta state chapter, is worried by the security challenges in the state.
It expressed the concern in a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Sylvester Imonina, condemning in totality the what it described as “the unprovoked attack, maiming and perennial killings of helpless Deltans in the hands of some marauding suspected cattles breeders in the State, as well as “the wanton taking of lives and destruction of properties in Abraka and Uwheru Communities and other places in Delta State.”
For the APC, the situation has left it with no option but to “if the Government of Delta State is not guilty of dereliction of her duties to all Deltans!”
The full text of the statement reads:  
11th of April, 2019.
PRESS STATEMENT.
DELTANS ARE ENTITLED TO RIGHT TO LIFE, AND PROTECTION BY GOVERNMENT.
The All Progressives Congress, Delta State, condemns in totality the unprovoked attack, maiming and perennial killings of helpless Deltans in the hands of some marauding suspected cattles breeders in the State. On the other hand, the wanton taking of lives and destruction of properties in Abraka and Uwheru Communities and other places in Delta State leaves one to wonder if the Government of Delta State is not guilty of dereliction of her duties to all Deltans!
By virtue of Section 14 (2) (b)  of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. In Delta State, it is on record that the Governor of Delta State receives/pockets Billions of Naira as security vote! What is the Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa doing with the huge sums of monies earmarked for security in the State?
Few years ago, a law was validly enacted by the Delta State House of Assembly, which gave legal backing to setting up of Vigilante in the State. By the law, amongst the functions of the Vigilante are:
1) Gathering of information about the happenings in their area.
2) Apprehending criminals and handing them over to security agencies.
3) Foiling criminal activities in their area of operation. Etc.
The questions that come to mind are:
1) Are the vigilante being funded by the state government?
2) Are the Vigilante being trained and re-trained periodically?
From available information, members of Delta State Vigilante survive on the crumbs from good spirited members of the public, while the government of Delta State care less about their welfare, despite the fact that the law setting up the Vigilante in Delta State places major part of the funding/expenses on government! The Governor turn a blind eye to this legal/moral responsibility placed on him by the law.
APC condemns the starving of Vigilante in Delta State, of funds they are legally entitled. We state unequivocally that members of the Vigilante must and should be given them their due.
Meanwhile, we call on all security agencies in Delta State to up their game in tackling insecurity within the State. On the other hand, we state that monies accruing to Delta State belong to Delta State, not individual or group of individuals. The government of Delta State should support security agencies with tangible sum of monies and weapons for fighting violent crimes in Delta State.
APC calls on all Deltans to put the government of Delta State on her toes. Deltans deserve better than what the government of Delta State is doing presently if any, in the area of security and good governance. Deltans should remember that nothing good comes easy! Therefore, Deltans should demand for their right.
As for some of our Traditional Rulers, we charge you to do the needful, by providing good leadership for your subjects. Traditional Rulers should stop singing praises of failed government and their officials, and draw the attention of their sons and daughters to the happenings in government to the happenings in their area.
On behalf of APC, Delta State, we condoles with the families of those who lost their lives to heinous crimes and wanton killings in Delta State. Be assured that APC, Delta State would continue to work and projects the needs of all Deltans at all times.
DELTANS DESERVE RIGHT TO LIFE, AND PDP LED GOVERNMENT IN DELTA STATE MUST NOT SHELVE HERSELF OF THAT RESPONSIBILITY.
APC, Change!
APC, Progress!!
APC, A New Delta!!!
Signed:
Barr. Ogheneluemu Sylvester Imonina,

Ogboru’s a product of illegal guber primary, says Judge, upholds Ochei’s reliefs to quash 2018 primaries results, aligns with judgment in Cyril Ogodo case

A Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State this afternoon declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidature of Chief Great Ogboru is null, void and of no effect because he emerged through an illegal primary process.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, who delivered judgment in a suit brought by the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei against the conduct of the APC governorship primaries of September 30, 2018, who approached the court to invalidate the results of the APC primaries, and that the list of delegates used at the primaries was not what was envisaged by the consent judgment.

Ochei also argued that the aspirants did not get any advanced list of delegates before the party primaries.

Justice Dimgba in his ruling, ordered the cancellation of the APC governorship primaries that produced Chief Great Ogboru.

According to the judge, four of the five reliefs sought by the plaintiff succeeds while relief four was not granted because it has been overtaken by time.

He said:"All the reliefs sought in this suit are similar with those for which Justice Adegoke pronounced judgment on, so grant reliefs 1,2,3,5. But relief 4 is refused because the governorship election is over and the relief is spent."

In arriving at the judgment Justice Dimgba explained that the Federal High Court has one jurisdiction and as such cannot be seen giving discordant judgments.

"Having considered the decisions reached by the Federal High Court in the case of Cyril Ogodo which has similar reliefs and the fact that some of the defendants in this suit are the same, the court has decided to follow the decisions arrived at in the Ogodo case," the judge declared.

Our needs at Issele-Mkpitime, by Chief Ugbolue; felicitates with Okowa, Nwaobi for re-election victories

Our needs at Issele-Mkpitime, by Chief Ugbolue; felicitates with Okowa, Nwaobi for re-election victories

By Chukwudi Abiandu and Patrick Ochei

The foremost needs of the people of the sleepy but agrarian town of Issele-Mkpitime, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta state are water supply and internal roads, according to a notable leader of the community, Chief Henry Ugbolue, the Ekwueme of Issele-Mkpitime.

Chief Ugbolue made this know when he visited the member representing Aniocha North in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, an engineer at the latter’s official residence in Asaba.

Felicitating with Nwaobi for his well deserved victory and return for the second term, Chief Ugbolue described the lawmaker as a lion who dared the unchallengeable and conquered the seemingly unconquerable thereby changing the erstwhile political template of Aniocha north in a manner that has brought equitable progress to the local government in so short a time. “Congrats, you are a warrior,” Ugbolue told Nwaobi.

Besides coming to congratulate Nwaobi on his re-election for the second term, Chief Ugbolue said: “As a community leader, I am interested in what Issele-Mkpitime would benefit from. My politics is basically local. Don’t forget Issele-Mkpitime . We don’t have water; we depend on rainfall to survive. Our community is agrarian, our people need irrigation, and our land is fertile.

We can create multi-millionaires in Issele-Mkpitime using agriculture.”

Praising and commending Hon. Nwaobi for the great influence he brought in making the Issele-Uku-Issele-Mkpitime deplorable road now very well done and motorable, Chief Ugbolue, a journalist and communication expert and the Ekwueme of Issele-Mkpitime said: “You have helped us to get a good road, but we need water and internal roads.

He declared: "I have come to congratulate you my brother, on your victory. I have also come to tell you not to forget Issele-Mkpitime in your agenda for the next dispensation. We are very proud of you in Issele-Mkpitime for understanding our pain and giving us a major road that is so dear to us.

“However, we are appealing for internal roads and water specifically. Do it for us and your path with Issele-Mkpitime will become like that of the river that never runs dry.

“Honourable, you are a man of your words; we trust you and believe in what you can do. You are a good man who was brought up decently. You are also a lion in fights; that is why God led you through all the journeys against the indecent people with larger number in Aniocha North.

“One thing I must advise you my brother, you have begun on a very good and remarkable note, you must keep it up. Please continue to do that with paramount interest for the people and God will always be there for you."

Chief Ugbolue explained that as a lion and great fighter, he would have come with a sword to present to Hon. Nwaobi as a mark of respect, but pointed out that the world has evolved and that the pen has become mightier than the sword. Thus he had to travel all the way to America to buy special and symbolic pens for both Honorable Nwaobi and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Accordingly, brought out a well packaged pen and presented to Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, asking him to always use it when he wants to write Issele-Mkpitime, so as not to forget Issele-Mkpitime in his programmes and projects.

He also presented another pen, asking Hon. Nwaobi to help transmit it to His Excellency Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State; also as a mark of honour for making Deltans proud with his landslide victory.

Basking in the joy of Chief Henry Ugbolue's visit, Hon. Nwaobi introduced his parents to the man whom he called a true brother.

Nwaobi recalled the enormous support that Chief Ugbolue accorded him, told his visiting parents from America that he had never seen a man like this. He narrated how he (Ugbolue) supported him financially in the first election, while also mobilizing his people of Issele-Mkpitime for him during that election.

  

He said Ugbolue did not stop there as he always made monetary contributions to any of his empowerment programmes.

  

"In this very 2019 election too, he not only gave me money, he also was around for the election and helped to supervise my election in Ward 5 Issele-Mkpitime. In fact, he ensured that those who came to snatch ballot boxes never succeeded.

  

“I am proud of him. He has shown me love and above all, making our relationship go beyond friendship; we are now brothers. And in all of this, he is not asking for anything personal. I see him as a progressive constituent to work with, in our resolve to move Aniocha North to the next positive level", Nwaobi affirmed.

On the request made by Chief Ugbolue, Nwaobi assured him that he would immediately send water experts to Issele-Mkpitime to do a general survey on how water project can be sited in the town.

Moreover, the elated father of the Honourable Member, who previously celebrated his 86 birthday anniversary, prayed for Chief Ugbolue and blessed the friendship that has matured into brotherhood between him and his son.

Delta lawmakers ask Okowa to probe Ekpan, Ifiekporo naval killings

Lawmakers at the Delta state House of Assembly, Asaba this morning at plenary called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to urgently set up a public inquiry to investigate the killing of two youths at the reifinery jetty in Ekpan and Ifiekporo communities in Warri South 1 constituency.

Governor Okowa

The call was sequel to a motion of urgent public importance brought to the Assembly chambers by Honourable Efe Ofobruku, representing Uvwie constituency.

A a unanimous vote vote, after the question was put, the lawmakers passed the motion calling on Governor Okowa to urgently set up an inquiry to investigate the judicial killing of the harmless and unarmed youths by a trigger happy naval rating.

Raising the matter when called to debate, Ofobruku said: “It is with a broken heart that I rise to speak on the ordeal face by the people of my constituency in the killing of Chris Gbogidi and one other at the refinery jetty in Ekpan and Ifiekporo in Warri South 1.”

He said the people of the community had mandated the youths to make a case with the contractor to in a meeting for the purpose of employing some of the youths in executing the project. “At the end of the meeting, a trigger happy naval rating came out of the naval boat and opened fire on the harmless youths, felling two of them who died, and critically injuring several who are now in critical conditions battling for survival.

“Our security personnel are paid by the people through government. There is no security agent employed to kill Nigerians. I condemn this act; it is wicked and callous. Shall we keep quiet and allow security personnel to continue to kill our people?” Ofobruku declared.

Hon. Johnson Erijo, who made an amendment to the motion in his contribution said: “It is sad. We have read on the pages of newspaper of the terrible event that happened. There is no responsible government that will sit down while its citizens are being killed, and in this case unjustly, because of its extra judicial nature. The Governor should set up a judicial panel to investigate the extra judicial killing.”

Hon. Daniel Mayuku said in his contribution: “I rise to lend my voice in support of this motion. This matter is very urgent. The state government should do something to appease these people. The persons killed are not riffraffs, they are well educated youths with masters degrees.”

Hon. Izeze urged the House to send a strong message to the Armed Forces telling them that the right to life is sacrosanct. “The naval rating involved is a meddlesome interloper . He had no business in the matter that took him there, and so, his action is not justified,” Izeze said.

Princes (Mrs) Pat Ajudua (Oshimili North) said: “Mr. Speaker, I lend my voice against the wicked act of the naval rating. I speak as a mother , who have giving breast to suckling children and therefore understands the pain of losing to young handsome men with the potentials of becoming presidents, now being cut short in their primes.”

The Deputy Majority leader, lamenting the situation said: “You don’t just go and destroy life, because you cannot create life. Life is sacred before the state.  It is therefore wrong for a trigger happy naval rating to take laws into his hands,” he said, adding: “I support this motion and urge my colleagues to support it so that justice will be done.”

A lawmaker from Ughelli constituency said: :”The naval rating’s action was callous. We are not in a banana republic where security agent will take another person’s life.  They should be made to pay compensation to the families of those unjustly killed and pay compensation in addition to off=setting the hospital bills of those injured. 

INMC journalists urge DTSG to create legal frame work to guide road construction, maintenance

Journalists of the Indigenous Newspaper/Magazine Chapel (INMC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba this morning called on the Delta state Government to create a legal frame work to guide road construction and maintenance in the state.

Chairman of the INMC, Comrade Bartholomew Ozah made the call when he led members of the chapel on a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Works, Chief James Augoye.

Ozah who acknowledged and commended the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration for the impressive efforts engaged so far that has led to the completion of more than 50 roads across the State within two years of the administration providing a legal frame work to guide construction and maintenance of roads, said such a legal frame work should be judiciously followed by the Ministry of Works and road construction firms in the state.

He observing that well constructed roads add to the aesthetic value of the environment, Comrade Ozah said: “The construction companies should be compelled to use approved international standard of bitumen and asphalt to construct roads so as to avoid unwanted and unwarranted pot holes on our roads.

“The telecommunication companies cutting the roads to lay their cables should be directed to use durable materials to cover the spot defaced. Often times, they are interested in cutting the roads into two without proper covering of the spot open. In turn, that gradually leads to heavy pot holes that threaten the movement of cars on our roads.”

Besides, Ozah also argued that if Delta State must have durable and beautiful roads, those in the project monitoring department of the Ministry should not compromise standards on road construction. “In fact, Delta deserves good roads no matter the geographical location. Often times, it has been said that it is difficult and expensive to construct roads in the Delta region thereby inflating contracts of construction of roads. But the truth is that real specifications are not followed. There are areas that have worst terrains than Delta State in Nigeria, yet have the best roads,” Comrade Ozah said.

In his response, the Works Commissioner, Chief James Augoye, with whom was the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Fred Edafavour,  expressed gratitude to the grassroots journalists for the visit, pointing out especially that as a government, the importance of community media cannot be over-emphasised because they are the media that are closed to the people.

He commended the INMC chairman for the mention given to some of the road works done by the Okowa administration, saying: “For you to have accurately enumerated some of these projects shows how well informed you are.

Augoye acknowledged the importance of a legal framework to guide road construction and maintenance in Delta State, but pointed out that indeed, there is need for legislation, which is what the state government is working on currently. “The legal frame work is very key. Outside agreement there is no other legal instrument to use to enforce compliance,” the commissioner said.

Augoye also explained that in the absence legislation that the government has put in place measures it currently uses to enforce compliance by contractors road construction and maintenance standards, and bring an end to failed road projects in the state.

Some of the measures are that all contractors must work according to specifications, and that the Ministry officials engage in periodic inspection of the roads under construction or maintenance. “I also visit sites,” he said.

Second, contractor are directed that before laterite is laid, lab test must be conducted on the type of soil being used at the University of Benin. “The contractor for the Ukwunzu road project actually went to UNIBEN to do the test. We decided that laterite should be mixed with sharp sand, and this has been working,” Augoye said.

Third, he said: “For defaults on any road project, we sanction our staff supervising the project and the contractor when we notice cracks on the first layer of laterite. The measures are helping us.”

Besides, Augoye also said revealed that even Governor Okowa has decided that he would not pay a contractor unless he has done satisfactory work.

For telecommunication companies cutting the roads he said measures are being taken against them, but pleaded with the journalists to help disseminate information to call attention to places where telecommunication companies are cutting through roads and distorting them.  

Okowa not disturbed by 2017, says Aniagwu

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mr. Charles Aniagwu says his boss is currently engrossed with the duty of fulfilling his campaign promises of prosperity for all Deltans and so, will not be disturbed by the talks about 2019.

Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu

Aniagwu who visited the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa Conference Hall of the Indigenous Newspaper/Magazine Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba on Monday, 3/4/2017, where he fielded questions from journalists said: “What we are concerned about is how to address the delivery of the Governor’s 5-point agenda. We have been able to provide jobs; the kind of job that does not require an applicant to write applications for employment.

“No! It is providing opportunity for people to be empowered to become entrepreneurs, and become employers of labour, and this is being done,” he said, pointing out that many persons are getting gainfully employed thereby.

He announced also that the Okowa government has been able to see to in collaboration with the Federal government brought about cessation of hostilities in the state by militants in the oil producing areas.

Aniagwu also called attention to the fact that relevant reforms in the educational institution is being carried out both in the tertiary, basic and secondary education sectors, and that everything is being done to upgrade the cottage hospitals and increase the medical staffs including doctors.

On Okpanam Road Asaba he said: “Okpanam Road is getting some improvement, although we are not yet where we should be, but we are no longer we were in terms of the terrible nature of that road.

“You can see that with the recent rain , the flood vanished within minutes after the rain. The governor is committed to the passion of making the state batter than he met it.”