Delta APC to Okowa: Don’t assent to pension reform bill for acting governor

Governor Okowa.

The Delta state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to withdraw his assent to the bill on pension reforms to accommodate an acting governor.

The party in a statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Barr. Sylvester Imonina described the bill as panacea for economic woe. “The Delta State chapter of the APC wishes to state categorically that in line with plethora of judicial pronouncements/authorities, anyone who occupies any position in acting capacity in the governance of the State, is not recognized by the law as a substantive holder of the office. It is on that premise that the Appellate Court threw out several cases, wherein the legality/competence of former President Goodluck Jonathan were challenged by some Nigerians,” barr Imonina stated.

Full text of the Delta APC statement reads:

[11:06, 12/13/2019] Sylvester Imonima, APC: DELTA APC KICKS AGAINST PENSION REFORMS TO ACCOMMODATE ACTING GOVERNOR

SAYS IT IS A PANACEA FOR ECONOMIC WOE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State alerts Deltans on the anti-peoples' Executive Bill that is currently before the State House of Assembly, which is at the verge of being assented to by the Governor. The Bill is to enable the former Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sam Obi, who acted as a Governor for less than three months in 2011, becomes a beneficiary of the said law.

Deltans will recall that after the nullification of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan's election in 2011, in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, Hon. Sam Obi was sworn in to take charge of governance of Delta State, pending the conduct of another election. It is worthy to note that the brief stay of Hon. Sam Obi was shrouded in controversies of alleged shady deals!

The Delta State chapter of the APC wishes to state categorically that in line with plethora of judicial pronouncements/authorities, anyone who occupies any position in acting capacity in the governance of the State, is not recognized by the law as a substantive holder of the office. It is on that premise that the Appellate Court threw out several cases, wherein the legality/competence of former President Goodluck Jonathan were challenged by some Nigerians.

Aside the above position of the law, the present PDP led Government of Delta State complains of lack of funds for the execution of projects! This same Government, because of her penchant for profligacy now wants to make their partner in maladministration of the State, "super rich" at the expense of majority of Deltans!

Despite the uproar and condemnation of the amendment sought by the Governor of Delta State, the State House of Assembly, today, the 11th of December, 2019, cowardly and shamelessly granted the request of the Governor by amending the said law because of the interest of only one person. This is heartlessness.

The APC, and the downtrodden Deltans call on Mr. Governor to have a rethink and withdraw his assent to that law amended/passed today by the House of Assembly. Deltans are watching to see if the Governor had not conquered shame. If he had conquered shame, then, let him sign that amended Bill into law. Posterity will judge him.

Meanwhile, if the Governor does the unthinkable by signing that Bill into law,  PDP Government should be ready to have barrage of litigations in respect of same. Deltans and civil societies are watching.

Signed:

Barr.  Ogheneluemu Sylvester Imonina,

Publicity Secretary, APC,  Delta State.

11th December, 2019.

Give back to communities, Dame Okowa urges wealthy persons, corporate bodies

The need for corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to give back to their communities through humanitarian services has been stressed.

Wife of Delta Governor, Dame Edith Okowa gave the charge Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the General Hospital, Owa-Oyibu in Ika North East Local Government Area at the flag-off of Free Medical Outreach organized by Fidelity Bank's 'Helping Hands Programme' in partnership with O5 Initiative.

She commended the Management of Fidelity Bank for the huge medicare as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to Deltans, urging all political office holders to embark on personal CSRs to people within their immediate environments. "The greatest way to impact on somebody is by helping just as our O5 motto states, changing our world, one person at a time".

Excited Mrs. Okowa attending to a beneficiary of the Fidelity Bank Medical
Outreach in collaboration with 05 Initiative.

She implored all to show love to one another in this Christmas season and frowned at those celebrating for the wrong reasons enjoining them to give their lives to Jesus Christ who gives perfect peace and who is also the reason for the season.

While challenging other Banks and corporate institutions in the state to emulate the gesture of Fidelity Bank, Okowa thanked organizations that have been giving back to the various communities in Delta.

She called on indigenes of Ika North East and South Local Government Areas to turn up in their numbers for the free medical exercise noting that Fidelity Bank was fully prepared for the outreach.

Earlier, the MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the Free Medical Outreach at Owa-Oyibu is in fulfillment of the objectives of the bank's CSR philosophy, which focuses on the environment, education, health and social welfare, adding that as a bank, they believe that being socially responsible is the most effective way to bring about change in any society. "Taking responsibility is indeed the only way that lives can be touched and enriched in Nigeria today," Okonkwo said.

Represented by the Regional Head, Mid-West 2, Mrs Augusta Anyanwu, the MD commended the Delta First Lady for deeply impacting lives under her foundation, O5 Initiative, saying, "Dame Edith Okowa stands out as one of the very few who does matchless humanitarian works across the States of the Federation. We chose to collaborate with her for this reason in our all-inclusive bottom-up CSR, the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP)".

Also speaking, Mr Chris Nnakwe, Head, CSR Fidelity Bank said that the act of Corporate Social Responsibility is institutionalized in the bank, announcing that the bank has concluded plans to undertake the treatment of a girl who lost to her sight two years ago.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor Okowa, Dr Patrick Onwachei, commended Fidelity Bank for collaborating with the Delta First Lady's O5 Initiative to advance healthcare. He also called on Deltans to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the Bank.

One of the beneficiaries, Mama Maria Etunim who hails from Idumuesah community expressed happiness for the free medical outreach and commended Fidelity Bank.

The 75 years old who underwent eye surgery, disclosed that her eyes had gone blind for the past seven years. "I have been to so many places but no way. I have gone to so many hospitals and churches but no positive result. I am happy for this Fidelity programme".

Highpoints of the flag-off ceremony was the symbolic presentation of medicated eye glasses to patients, breast and cervical cancer screening and tour of the surgery ward where four eye surgeries had been successfully completed. 

Okowa, Ibori mourn Tony Obuh; gov pays condolence visit to family

Late Tony Obuh.

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed deep sadness on the passing of Chairman, Delta State Bureau of Pensions, Sir Anthony Obuh.

Obuh, a retired Permanent Secretary and politician, hails from Oki community, Agbor Kingdom, Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, after a protracted illness. He was aged 62.

The deceased was Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocols between 2007 and 2014 when he retired voluntarily to contest for the office of Governor of Delta on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Although he lost the primaries, he remained a committed and loyal party man. Former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan later appointed him as Commissioner for Special Duties, a position he occupied until the end of the administration in May, 2015.

Under Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, he was appointed Chairman, Delta State Bureau of Pensions in June, 2018, a position he held until he died.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Thursday in Asaba, Okowa commiserated with the people of Ika South, Oki community in particular, Agbor Kingdom and the entire Delta Public Service community over the passing of the renowned civil servant and technocrat.

He said that Obuh was a respected civil servant, politician and administrator, who excelled in all his endeavours.

The governor described him as "thoroughbred technocrat" whose contributions to the civil service would be indelible, adding that he felt a ``personal loss’’ with the demise of the great son of Ikaland.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I mourn the passing of a gentleman and thoroughbred professional, Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh, who reportedly died early Thursday at the UNTH, Enugu.

“The news of his death came to me as a shock and I send my heartfelt condolences to the family, the people of Ika South and the entire bureaucracy in Delta on the passing of the renowned politician and top-notch civil servant.

"He was a gentleman-politician, and distinguished himself in the service of his state as a retired Permanent Secretary, Commissioner and current Chairman of the Pension Board.

"Until his death, he was an active member of Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta and a leader in Ika South Local Government Area. He will be sorely missed by those whose lives he touched in many ways," he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Okowa has since paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Chairman, Delta State Bureau of Pensions, Sir Anthony Obuh, who passed on in the early hours of todaq..

The governor, who was accompanied by his wife, Edith, top government functionaries, including Head of Service, Mr Reginald Bayoko and permanent secretaries arrived at the Obuh’s home in Asaba at 3.10 p.m.

He condoled with the deceased’s wife, Ogor Obuh, and son, Tony Obuh Jnr, family members, other relatives and well wishers who had thronged the residence to mourn the late technocrat, a retired permanent secretary.

Prayers were said by the governor and members of his entourage for the family for God to grant the deceased’s soul eternal rest.

Okowa prayed God to accept the deceased’s soul and grant fortitude to the family and friends he left to bear the loss.

Similarly, former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori has commiserated with Delta state’s Gov Ifeanyi Okowa, on the death of Mr. Tony Chuks Obuh, Chairman, Delta State Bureau of Pensions.

In a statement signed by Ibori’s Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, Chief Ibori said that Obuh will always be remembered for his variegated roles as an excellent Civil Servant, astute administrator and committed politician.

Ibori said: “Mr Obuh served as a Civil Servant for 32 years, starting from the old Bendel state as an Administrative Officer II in 1982. He was already recognised as a shining star there and was given challenging assignments; Director, Investment and Loans, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, as well as Acting Chairman, Bendel Insurance Company Ltd.

So, he was already a seasoned Civil Servant when our dear Delta state was carved out from Bendel State, and he was one of those who helped the young Delta state not only to settle down but to build the stout foundation on which it rests and which has helped it to enjoy quick development.

I remember that it was during my administration that Tony Obuh became a Permanent Secretary in 2007. He honoured that post with his passionate, relentless and selfless service. On retirement, Mr. Obuh joined the Peoples Democratic Party and contested the 2015 governorship election.

Tony Obuh was dependable both as a Civil Servant and in his private life.

He will surely be remembered as a pillar of every community he has lived in, especially his Oki, Ika South LGA community, and a devout member of the Catholic Church for he really lived a life of service. 

May God give the entire member of the family, the Oki village and the Ika South LGA people the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

May his gentle soul will rest in perfect peace”. 

Day of gaiety as Assembly Commission staffs rejoice with Ezinne Ada Kachikwu @ 70

Ezinne Ada Kachikwu.

The Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission management and staff were in celebration mood and full of eulogies for their Chairman, Ezinne (Barr) Chief Mrs. Ada Kachikwu who turns 70 soon.

At a well attended get-together organized by the staff of the commission, with prayers, speeches, lots of food and drinks, the Master of ceremony for the event, Comrade Emmanuel Osubor told the congregation that included a handful of journalists that the event was to celebrate life, strength, longevity, beauty, a unique personalit, a mother, Ezinne Ochilegwe 1 of Onicha-Ugbo, a nurse, and a barrister-at-law.  

Pastor Ambrose taking his bearing from Psalm 133:1 commended the management and staff of the Commission for the unity of purpose they have displayed in their relationships, said it is this unity of purpose that opens up the blessings of the Lord.

“We are here to rejoice with our heart and with our mummy, so that the blessing as commanded by the word of God will flow from top to bottom,” the pastor said, and prayed for the restoration of the dominion authority lost by the commission.

The Secretary of the Commission, Mrs. Isioma Nwabuokwu said of Ezinne kachikwu: “We are celebrating 70 years, not 70 days. A mother, a nurse, who went through the rigours of law school; She’s also a grassroots woman by reason of which she rejected every entreaty to come to live in Asaba,” Mrs. Nwabuokwu said.

She continued: “With her glamorous life, she is a farmer as well. When I visited her farm, I saw everything in the farm well laid out. A woman of discipline with the heart of a mother; she’s a complete woman.”

For Mr. Sunday Ebireiri, a commissioner in the commission, there is no regret knowing and working with Ezinne Kachikwu. “If I have the opportunity again to work with her, I will do. I learnt from her how to work without bias,” he said.

Time to talk to the staff, Ezinne Kachikwu, a sight for sore eyes even at 70 showed style and elegance. She reminded the staff and the audience of what the work of the commission is.

She said: “Our work in this commission is not money making but to provide service to the legislators. And for allowing us to do our work peacefully, I say thank you.  I have no room for pretences, and that is why when I am angry, I show it. Why do I show it? It is so that you don’t repeat the mistake you have made.

‘I am a mother that cares. I have too many things to thank God for at 70. I am hale, hearty, and energetic. I don’t sleep with anger; my anger does not last more than five minutes.”

She told the story of her ordeal in the kidnappers’ den, saying that she does not believe that any man born of woman an kill her.

Ezinne Kachikwu prayed for the return of good times for Nigeria saying: “It is we (the people) that will revive Nigeria. If we the elders have failed, you the younger ones, will you fail yourselves? Will you fail your children?   

COMTOA only authentic motorcycle, tricycle body in Delta; impostors warned to stay clear

Governor Okowa.

The Delta State Government has condemned the illegal activities of some unauthorized Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle who sells all forms of illegal tickets to riders across the State and diverting such proceeds into their pockets at the detriment of the State.

A statement signed by the State Director of Information, Mr Dona Obuseh indicated that for the avoidance of doubt, the State Government recognises only the Commercial Motorcycle and Tricycle Association (COMTOA), Delta State as the association charged with the responsibilities of coordinating and organizing Motorcycle and Tricycle operations in the state.

The statement further indicated that COMTOA were also charged with the responsibility of collecting revenue amongst Motorcycle and Tricycle riders/operators on behalf of the state government.

It warned individuals or groups parading and indulging themselves in the sales of illegal tickets to desist from such acts or would be treated as dissidents, arrested and made to face the full weight of the law.

The statement advised the general public to report individuals or groups involved in such act to the State Directorate of Transport for necessary action.

Ban on fireworks still in forced, Delta CP warns

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, Mr. Adeleke Adeyinka

 has announced that the ban on the use of fireworks is still in force and that the State Police Command will enforce all the extant laws prohibiting the use of fireworks such as “knock-out,” “banger” etc.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onovwakpyeya, a Deputy Superintendent of Police said the CP noted that the ban is necessary to safe-guard public safety and avoid distractions to security operatives, especially during the yuletide season.

“Parents/guardians are advised to guide their children and wards appropriately as anyone arrested will be prosecuted according to the law,” the statement said.

Onovwakpyeya said the CP also assured Deltans of their safety at all times and called on them to continue to support the police and other security agencies in their untiring efforts at providing a peaceful and secure environment for the people.

No tribe owns Nigeria more than another, says Oyedepo at Shiloh

Bishop David Oyedepo, president Living Faith Church worldwide.

Ethnic nationalities that think that they own Nigeria are living under illusion and wishful thinking as their thought shall remain a mirage. Their thought and manipulations will never happen.

President of the Living Faith Church (LFC), aka Winners Chapel International Worldwide, Dr. David Oyedepo made the declaration  today, Friday, December 06, 2019, while speaking under prophetic unction at the Day Four of the ongoing Shiloh, yearly prophetic gathering of Winners worldwide.

Speaking on the topic “How Much Power Resides in Your tongue,” he said no body owns Nigeria more than any other Nigerian. “Any tribe that thinks it owns Nigeria is a joker of the millennium,” Bishop Oyedepo declared.

He urged Nigerians to be assured that there will be no war and that the country will not disintegrate. He prophesied however, that those perpetrating the acts of wickedness and who take delight in shedding innocent blood and attacking the church will meet their waterloo and God will not spare them.

He said Christians ought to understand that they have power in what they declare with their mouth. Taking his bearing from Romans 10: 6-10, Bishop oyedepo said if you believe in your heart and confess (declare) that you commit god’s hand to perform by bringing to pass what you have declared. “Knowing how much power resides in your tongue determines what you see. Every seed that proceeds from your mouth is a seed into your future,” he said.

He continued: “What you say is creative; what you say with your mouth is what creates your world. Every word we say is prophetic; you said it because you believe it.”

He cautioned that Christians must beware of their mouth, saying “You can’t tell how much trouble it has created; your mouth is enrobed with power. Proverbs 18: 21 says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Besides, Bishop Oyedepo pointed out that one’s word is a spiritual harmer to destroy whatever you have spoken against. “Angels run with your word to bring what you have said, whether negative or positive, but you should say what God says at all times.”

Also, the servant of God hinted that power is in the tongue of the Christian to silence the enemy. “The room you give the devil is the room he will occupy. Your mouth is a weapon for silencing the enemy,” he declared, adding: “In your mouth lies your victory or your defeat. Your tongue puts you in command of signs and wonders. No sound, no sign. The sound you make is what puts you in command of the supernatural. A closed mouth is a closed destiny.”

Bishop oyedepo thought also that it is what the Christian declares that God confirms because whatever God send for you to say in His word and you say it, He will defend.

“God has stood on to defend Nigeria; Every siege of the wicked is over in Nigeria,” he prophesied.