Gbajabiamila’s extravagant leap to legislative void

Lawan and Gbajabiamila

By Idowu Akinlotan

During his end of year empowerment programme for his constituents in Surulere, Lagos, Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila appeared to speak tongue in cheek when he gave impetus to the popular impression that the 9th National Assembly had become a rubber stamp for the executive. Reports of the empowerment programme were not detailed enough to determine whether anyone had asked him what he thought of the allegation of ineffectiveness levelled against the 9th NASS, or whether he simply thought aloud, imagining that the allegation was widespread and worrisome enough to attract his view. So he probably spoke tongue in cheek; but to many critics it was either a gaffe or a Freudian slip.

“People, critics and members of other parties have said the 9th Assembly is a rubber stamp of the executive,” groaned Hon Gbajabiamila. “They may have told you that, too. You know what? It is better to be a rubber stamp and bring progress, than fight the executive without progress. When two elephants fight, the grass suffers. The fact is that the National Assembly is not a rubber stamp. This is a National Assembly that represents the interests of the people .The people of Surulere did not elect me to fight the executive, but to engage and collaborate with stakeholders to bring the dividends of democracy. This is a new dispensation. There will be checks and balances. There will be separation of powers. We will agree with the executive if we have to and we will disagree if we have to. Our watchword is to protect the interests of the Nigerian people. That is the oath that my colleagues and I swore to.”

The 9th NASS is about six months old. In that period, it has been dogged by accusations of ineffectiveness and deliberate subsumption and subordination to the executive. There is hardly any month that Senate President Ahmed Lawan himself has not responded to accusation of presiding over a rubber-stamp assembly. He has defended himself as robustly as he can manage, but it must be clear to even him that he has not been successful. And despite whatever feats the 9th NASS might accomplish in the future, it is doubtful whether they will not continue to be regarded as a rubber-stamp assembly. In fact his recent statements that whatever came from the president by way of bills would be deemed good and lawful, and that the $29.6bn loan desired by the executive would be approved even before debate, lend credence to the allegations of the 9th NASS being a weak and soulless assembly.

Obviously, Sen Lawan and Hon Gbajabiamila think critics are wrong to dismissively characterise the 9th NASS as soulless, and both legislators also unwisely equate robust oversight functions with conflict and obduracy. But Sen Lawan has made a poor job of defending the senate, not to talk of projecting the wrong ideas of what it means to cooperate with the executive, and incompetently defining what legislative independence means. Last Sunday, Hon Gabajabiamila added insult to injury when he, it seems, spoke tongue in cheek, and managed in the process to open a window into how his mind works on the controversy. By suggesting that if being a rubber stamp could nevertheless deliver progress and still be worth it, he gave alarming vent to a dangerous logic unworthy of both his profession and calling.

No, Mr Speaker, the end does not justify the means. Those who voted the 9th Assembly had no illusions about the poor democratic records of the executive; they, therefore, expect the parliament, which is the most powerful symbol of democracy, to help moderate and mitigate the inexorable excesses of the government. It is a great pity that neither Sen Lawan nor Hon Gbajabiamila understands the legislative nuances they have been called upon to inspire, and have in consequence both leapt imprudently into parliamentary nothingness and outsourced their responsibility to civil society groups and other eminent Nigerians like T.Y. Danjuma who recently tantalised Nigerians with tales of the political witchcraft enveloping the country.

Source: The Nation

Ochor Ochor Foundation begins first phase of empowerment with Delta Queens

Rt. Hon. Ochor Ochor making a presentation to a recipient.

Recipients of empowerment materials to engage in self employment have been told not to sell them but put them to good and profitable use.

This was the admonition of the Deputy Speaker of Delta state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ochor Christopher Ochor, (Ukwuani) and his colleague, Hon. Charles Emetulu (Ndokwa West) today, December 28, 2019, at Umutu, Ukwuani Local Government on the occasion of giving starter parks to members of Delta Queens to enable them become gainfully engaged in profitable businesses of their own.

Hon. Emetulu, chairman of the occasion speaks to a recipient.

The event organized by the Occhor Ochor Foundation and co-sponsored by Dr. Ossai Samuel, a commissioner representing Ndokwa ethnic nationality in the Board of the Delta State Oil Producing And Development Commission (DESOPADEC) had a total of 22 beneficiaries each of who received various items such as sewing machines, generating sets , hair dressing equipment among others.

Speaking in his capacity as the occasion’s chairman, Hon. Emetulu while appreciating the gesture of giving out the items to the beneficiaries in the spirit of the Christmas season, commended Ochor Ochor for remembering to come home to appreciate the Delta Queens for their support to Ochor Ochor.

Calling on the beneficiaries not to sell the items they are being given, Emetulu Said: “I want to beg Delta Queens not to sell them, but put them to use and be useful to themselves and society.” He also commended Dr. Ossai Samuel, co-sponsor of the event for being, and praised the spirit of unity and co-operation at work between Ochor Ochor and Dr. Ossai Samuel.

Mrs. Ochor Ochor makes cash presentation to a recipient.

Speaking at the very well attended event, Ochor thanked the people for the huge turnout event at a very short notice. He said: “I deliberately insisted that this event should start exclusively with the Ochor Foundation. This is the first phase of the empowerment programme, and we are saying that we are grateful. In the next three months, there shall be phase II, phase III and so it shall continue even up to phase 15.”

To Delta Queens, he said: “These things that you are given, if you don’t use them well the world will laugh at you. Reality youth and Ochor Ochor ladies, it shall come to your turn.”

Answering questions from journalists on why the emphasis is on the female groups, Delta Queens, Ochor Ladies, Ochor called attention to the Reality Group that is made up of men and women. He said: “Today is only for Delta Queens. We shall continue with the next three phases with the women, thereafter, we will kick off with the men.”

Some of the items for presentation.

Also fielding questions from journalists on why he is co-sponsoring the empowerment programme, Dr. Ossai Samuel spoke glowingly of Ochor, saying: “Ochor has been my leader, and I have learnt a lot from him. I just thought that I should be involved in whatsoever that he is doing. He is a true grassroots leader.”

A recipient, Miss Ossai  Ashiedu, who received a sewing machine among other items, commended Hon. Ochor for the gesture. With her excited mother by her side, she said:  “It is a good thing. Thanks to Hon. Ochor Ochor. God bless him. I trained as a seamstress at Obiaruku, but I never had money to by my work tools to start off. Now I have.”

PHOTO STORY: Okowa celebrates with Chike Ogeah at daughter's marriage in Asaba

Governor Okowa in a photograph with the bride's father, Chike Ogeah, his wife
Funke and his daughter, former Miss Uchenna Ogeah and her husband Mayowa.
their wedding reception in Asaba.

Senior Political Adviser to Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon
resenting a card to newly wedded Mr.&Mrs. Mayowa Awosemo.

Governor Okowa of Delta congratulating Mr.& Mrs. Mayowa Awosemeo at
their wedding reception at the Asaba home of Ogbueshi Chike Ogeah, the bride's
father. PHOTOS: BRIPIN ENARUSAI 

First Phase of Warri/Uvwie storm drainage projects commences in January, Okowa assures

Governor Okowa bein welcome to the thanksgiving service by Mrs. Gbubemi
Kpenosen-Ikolo.

To check perennial flooding in Warri, Uvwie and environ, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has said contracts worth more than N9 billion for the construction of storm drainage projects have been awarded.


The governor made the disclosure on Sunday while speaking at a thanksgiving service of Hon. (Mrs) Gbubemi Kpenosen-Ikolo, Commissioner for Technical Education at the Unity Baptist Church, Warri.


According to Governor Okowa, restoring the lost glory of Warri was important and the storm drainage projects were designed to ensure that the flooding of the oil-rich city was permanently tackled.


"Construction of the first phase of storm water drainage projects in Warri South and Uvwie will be starting in January; the contracts for the projects have been awarded at a cost of N9.5 Billion.


"Your Majesties, our desire is to restore the lost glory of Warri and Uvwie and we want the cooperation of everyone for us to have seamless execution of projects," the governor said.


He commended Mrs Ikolo for giving thanks to God, disclosing that the Commissioner did not lobby for the position and that, it only came through inspiration from God.


"The appointment did not come from me, it came from God; so, we will return the thanks to Him; the Lord will direct your paths for you to succeed because, the real thing is about the success story at the end and when God directs your steps, it will be a success story.


"You have been called to serve humanity, you have been called to serve the entire state, you are in a very important Ministry that is dear to my heart because technical education is very important to us; if our children can use their hand and brain, they will have a better future.


"Be a humble politician for you to succeed in the future; once you show pride, God will take the position away from you; there is no need for any politician to be proud because all that you have was made possible by God; it is the Lord that giveth all things, we should allow Him to reign in our lives; you are accountable to Him.


"A new technical college has been approved for Omadino; another in Uvwie and another one in Irri within a few months that you were made a Commissioner because, it is about the commitment we put in for the colleges to be impactful on our people," the governor said while thanking the traditional rulers and entire Deltans for their support which made his re-election as Governor to be a smooth sail.


Rev. Dr. Ayetin Nathaniel had in a sermon, said Christians should always give thanks to God because whatever He says will be, will come to pass.


"The goodness of God is flowing every day of our lives; He is worthy of our praises, He is worthy of our thanksgiving; whatever position you occupy today is as a result of God's favour; Christ's death brought that favour and we should celebrate that favour because, if God says this seat belongs to you, no one can change it; we need to praise Him; the more you give Him thanks, the more He blesses you and, it is good that we celebrate God who has made us what we are."

Fun time as Dame Okowa, Mama Delta, fetes children at 2019 Christmas party

Mrs. Okowa surrounded by children in a dance.

“Lo, children are the heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward.” – Psalm 127:3.

The forgoing expression of the Bible seemed to have been a major influence as Mama Delta, so fondly called by her admirers, and wife of the Governor of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa took time out again to bring children, the heritage of the Lord, together in Delta State to celebrate the 2019 Children Christmas party.

The very colourful event held today, December 18, 2019, in the sprawling comfort of the Government House, Asaba. And the children had fun, excitement; it was a joyous occasion with plenty to eat and drink.

Barrister (Mrs.) Kesiena Samson, speaking to the children who came from the 25 local governments of the state, she told them what the occasion of Christmas is all about.

Mrs. Okowa and children with the Christmas party cake.

“Christmas is about Jesus Christ our saviour. It is not about eating rice and drinking coke. It is not about clothes and shoes; it is not about father Christmas.

“All of you are wise and sons and daughters. You are to love Jesus and remain wise. Obey your parents and listen to your teachers,” Mrs. Samson said.

She called attention to Acts 2:17-21, in which verse 17 states: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God. I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.”

She prayed for the children with a call on them to serve Jesus and that God will pour His Spirit on them and they will become successful, live with the wisdom of God, become inventors, etc.

The children had a swell time as they treated the audience to impressive dance steps involving break dance, and other forms of body gyrations.

Apparently overwhelmed, one of the masters of Ceremony had to declare: “Delta children are good, SMART children.” There was also game of numbers played by the children depicting unity. The children also had Bible quiz.

Speaking to the children, Mrs. Okowa expressed gratitude to God for the protection He gave to everyone that is alive to celebrate the 2019 Christmas. “That in spite of the wickedness that prevailed, and from which God has saved many, we thank you Lord,” she prayed.

Pointing out that the year 2020 is one that everyone will enter into, and that it shall be better than 2019, Mrs. Okowa also in her prayer thanked God for giving the three arms of government in the state to work in synergy, and that despite the ethnic divides, the people are working together as one unity family in the state, and also prayed for the nation.

She then sang thanksgiving songs to God, one of which is “Thank you Lord, thank you Lord, all we have to say is thank you Lord.”

Highlight of the Christmas party was the cutting of the 2019 children Christmas party cake by Mrs. Okowa and the children. Mrs. Adode Praise from Ughelli North Local Government Area gave the vote of thanks.

One of the well entertained children, six years old Etaghene Obajere from Abraka told banneronlinenews.com: “The party is good. I like it. I wish to come here again.

Delta, private sector to build leisure park in Asaba

Mrs. Onyemaechi Joan Mrakpor, DG, DSCTDA.

For residents of Asaba that have had to travel outside the capital city in search of family fun, the 2020 yuletide season may usher in a new era for them if the plans of the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency (DSCTDA) mature according to schedule. 

A leisure park to provide entertainment for families and children will be developed in Asaba, capital of Delta State and could be up and running ahead of 2020 Christmas.

The park which will be funded by a private organisation is seen as the missing link in the emergence of the capital city into a cosmopolitan city. 

Director General of the DSCTDA, Mrs. Onyemaechi Joan Mrakpor, who revealed this said the absence of such a facility has been denying residents of Asaba the opportunity for leisure outing and family bonding.

Speaking on a Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Television current affairs programme weekend, Mrakpor said the DSCTDA is engaging a private organisation to execute the project. 

"Our target is that before the yuletide of 2020, a functional leisure park complete with entertainment facilities for children and families will be in place in Asaba. It is very important to have a decent leisure park in Asaba given the fact that it is now the gateway to every part of the country," she said.

Mrakpor said the state governor is desirous of giving Asaba an ambience that is not only welcoming to businesses and entrepreneurs but also those seeking relaxation and family outing. "We have to take advantage of the security in Asaba and provide a haven for entertainment to thrive," she said of the leisure park project. 

On the ongoing makeover of Asaba, she said the shopping lines under construction in strategic areas will accommodate the fruit vendors and street traders in the state capital. They are equipped with conveniences that will be maintained. 

According to her, adequate space for street traders have been provided at the market by Midwifery Road, along Okpanam Road while the new wing of Ogbeogonogo Market can accommodate over 200 street traders when completed.

The planned leisure park is coming as the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism is building a film village at Ugbolu, a suburb of Asaba. Mr. Lawrence Ejiofor, its commissioner, said the project will leverage on the emergence of the state capital as the home of Nollywood as the Nigerian motion pictures industry is known. 

Azman Airline’s Boeing 737 makes debut commercial flight to Asaba Airport

Asaba International Airport, front view.

Asaba International Airport today, Sunday, December 15, 2019, hosted the successful landing of an indigenous airline, Azman Air, a Boeing 737 aircraft, on its maiden commercial flight.

The aircraft, marked SN-AIS touched down the airports runway at exactly 4.25 p.m. operated by Captain Ibrahim Mamman who described the landing experience as “okay and very comfortable. So far, so good,” he said, adding that “This is airport is one of the best airports in the country.”

In the flight was the Managing Director of the Azman Air, Dr. faisal Abdulmunaf, accompanied and the Chief Policy Adviser to the Governor of Delta state, Prof. Sylvester Monye.

Abdilmunaf expressed delight at the commencement of operations in Delta, saying four flights a week to and from Asaba would be on Abuja route while two flights a week would be via the Lagos route.

According to him, the airline has aircraft that with capacity for 148, 124 and 110 passengers at a time. He was later conducted round the airport facilities, an experience he said he greatly appreciated.

Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, described the AZMAN flight, which heralds the commencement of official use of Asaba airport by the airline as one of the payoffs from the development efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

He said with the new airline coming on board and prospects for others to join increase the flight options to and from Asaba, the investment by the governor in upgrading facilities in the airport was well made.

Prof. Monye who said he appreciated the Managing Director of Azman Air, Dr. Abdulmunaf for the prompt way he went about getting the aircraft to commence its flight operations, saying: “We spoke about two weeks and he called me to say they were coming to Asaba.”