Orette Blows Hot, Chides Nuhu Usman over Mene Ogidi

 ...... Lectures PSC Chairman, IGP on Recruitment 

 

Delta South Senatorial Candidate, Dr. Austin Orette, on Thursday appealed to the Police Service Commission (PSC) to make sure sadists and senseless people are not recruited to the Nigeria Police Force.

 

"It is an invitation to barbarism when those charged with the duty to enforce laws become the chief violators."

 

He also described ASP Nuhu Usman, the police officer involved in the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Delta State, as a person of depraved mind.

 

"I just watched the execution of a citizen by a policeman whose job is to serve and protect the citizens. This glaring abnormality must never be looked at in isolation. For this policeman to execute a citizen who is handcuffed in the glare of the public shows he is a person of depraved mind."

 

Orette in a statement urged the authorities to investigate the past activities of Nuhu Usman.

 

"He must have done a lot of killings that are not just in the purview of the public. His career must be investigated. He must be punished to the full extent of the law."

 

He urged Nigerians to raise money and litigate the case against the Nigeria Police Force.

 

"When those who are entrusted to enforce the laws become the violators of the law, society must issue punishment that deters any person of this ick."

 

He also emphasized the need for compensation to support the family of Mene Ogidi.

 

"The family and the loved ones of the victim must be fully compensated from the police pension and any earned income of this killer who has been fronting as a policeman."

 

The Delta South senatorial hopeful urged the police to prove to Nigerians that they are not hired killers.

 

"As we deepen our democratic practices, police must as a matter of urgency embrace democratic ethos. They must get rid of the anti-democratic culture they inherited from military dictators that wasted Nigeria’s best years."

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

Orette Will Make a Big Difference in the Senate– Urhobo Leaders

The Urhobo political leaders on Wednesday announced Dr. Austin Orette as the people's choice in the 2027 Delta South Senatorial election.

"Dr. Austin Orette is a true leader and emancipator of the masses. He is also an epitome of truthfulness, consistency and firmness."

The Urhobo communities in Delta South are backing Orette in the 2027 senatorial election and the reason is based on four major planks – his capability, credibility, clout and loyalty.

"We want the person who can transform Delta South as well as save it from drift after 2027. We want som eone that understands the problems of the different areas of the district. We want someone that will give rural electrification, roads, agriculture, education, healthcare, employment and women empowerment attention."

In a prepared text read on behalf of Okere and Agbarha indigenes by spokesman of Urhobo Progressives, Dr. Okpako Oki, the notable Urhobo politicians stressed that Orette’s ambition was an answer to the clarion call by well-meaning individuals in the senatorial district.

"’Dr. Austin Orette is the people’s candidate come 2027. He remains the best for Delta South. His vision, credibility and upright nature are attributes that appear most to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District."

Titled: ‘’ Politics of ideas, issues and principles’’, the leaders emphasized the realistic and detailed plans of Orette to tackle the myriad problems stifling the progress of Delta South Senatorial District.

"’Delta South needs someone with vision. Dr. Austin Orette will chart the right course and provide a clear focus for where the people and the district want to be and how to get there.’’

They urged Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri leaders to reject individuals that have contributed to the district’s adversity.

‘"Dr. Austin Orette symbolizes the very best and will provide for the well-being of our people as well as deepen the mechanics of governance and service delivery in the district."

The Warri South stakeholders urged Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri leaders to unite, set aside their political differences and support Orette.

‘"Let us arise and ensure that this humble leader and a world-class medical doctor becomes our senator in 2027."

NPA Onne Honours Retirees, Gives Kudos to Dr Dantsoho

Written By Bon Peters

The Management of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA Onne Port complex Rivers state have honoured their retirees even as the Managing Director, Dr Abubakr Dantsoho has been given kudos for taking care of them.

The event which took place Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Onne Port Complex , the Rivers State Capital, was an event full of conviviality, renewal of camaraderie and more importantly a demonstration of love, affection and commitment as shown to the retirees by the management.

Speaking to Journalists on the sidelines of the event, the Port Manager, Onne Port complex, Mr Abdulrahmon Hussain stated that the essence of the event was to appreciate the retirees who have shown commitment, laid foundation and also mentored most of the workforce at Onne.

His Words: " What the Nigerian Ports Authority Onne Port complex management is doing today is to appreciate our retirees."

Speaking further, he posited " we believe that the foundation we are standing on today was laid by them."

"While in service, they have mentored our junior staff and contributed immensely to the growth and development of the Port."

"Simply put, you know here is referred to as a "family Port" and we want to sincerely show them that they are still members of the family though retired."

Speaking on the appearance of the retirees, the Port Manager added "they are looking very agile, strong, happy and healthy, I give all the thanks to the Almighty God for keeping them healthy and this goes a long way to equally underscore the importance that our Managing Director, Dr Abubakr Dantsoho and his management team attached to the welfare of our staff even as retirees."

"I enjoined them to continue to do whatever they are doing to always keep fit and healthy" the NPA Onne boss said

Continuing he hinted "Today's event is the first of its kind at our Port but we promise to make it more memorable going forward."

"Apart from the multivitamins and other drugs we provided for them, I feel the most important thing is the demonstration of love and care which the management has shown them today, and I promise that the management will do more next year" he emphasized.

Also speaking, the Chief Medical officer, (CMO) Onne Port complex Dr. Bashir Kangiwa has applauded the Port Manager for the initiative describing it as the first of its kind.

He noted that when he was assigned to carry out the project from the medical Department, he embraced the responsibility with all arms and was happy it was successful.

He hinted that the Nigerian Ports Authority has a policy that even as a retiree, you and your spouse still have an unhindered access to the NPA medical facilities and you could also be referred to another hospital if the ailment is beyond the Authority's control.

Responding, some of the retirees thanked the management of Onne Port complex for remembering them.

To the former Chairman NPA Senior staff association, Comrade Ndudim Amos Nwaji, what the Nigerian Ports Authority management has done was a demonstration of goodwill extended to their retirees which according to him have put in 35 years in the service of their father land.

He advised those in the leadership position of this country to borrow a leaf from the NPA management

insisting that the senior citizens of this country should be taken care of. He also lauded the cordial relationship existing between the management and the retirees.

Also speaking, the former acting chief Electrical Engineer, Engr. Okeke Uzoechi (retired) expressed his satisfaction for the event, describing it as a monumental history.

He added that the Onne Port Manager, Mr Abdulrahmon Hussain has shown that Onne Port is truly a family Port insisting that the management should continue with the program and even make it more effective going forward.

He advised "that retirement is not condemnation but an avenue for the retiree to look inwards and explore other areas of human endeavour so as to remain relevant."

Late Queen Princewill Made A Huge Impact On Peoples' Lives - Children

 Children of the late Queen Florence T.J.T Princewill, wife of the late Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State, King Prof. T.J.T Princewill, have described her as a great mother who made a huge impact in the lives of many people, including those she didn't know.

 

According to a press statement signed and circulated to news platforms by Prince Tonye Princewill on behalf of the late Queen’s children, noted that the week-long activities lined up in honour of the late Queen, who bore the titled; Se-Ingibo, meaning "Mother of Kalabari Kingdom", came to a close on Sunday with an outing/thanksgiving service at Saint Alban's Anglican Church, Obuama in Degema Local Government Area of the state.

 

The outing/thanksgiving service was preceded by a night of culture and musical display, which was held in honour of the late Queen on Saturday night at the Obuama Town Square.

 

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the service on Sunday, son of the deceased, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill said the impact of her legacies was evident in the outpouring of love and support during her burial activities.

 

Princewill, who is also the head of Queen Elebabene / Da Ogo Group of Houses in Buguma, stated that

the late Queen’s first quality was in the joy she brought to the life of his late father, King Princewill.

 

"Mummysco as I call her is a woman whose life was about making an impact. She made a huge impact anywhere she went to and she touched so many peoples' lives. 

 

"My biological mother passed away in 2000 but my father remarried two years after that. I was one of her first advocates in the family because I just saw the kind of joy she gave to him and the kind of peace that came from it. 

 

"Anyone who knows my father knows that anything that is important to him is important to me. But, I also got to love her in my own way independent of my father because of the impact she had in my life. We talked a lot at length, we discussed everything and I became very close to her and she got close to me and my family. 

 

"So, I am not surprised when I saw that outpouring of love. People didn't know that she is not my biological mother because that is the way we related.

 

"The outpouring of love and support is legendary. People did things here for nothing, people did things for next to nothing, people contributed time, effort, all that. It was nothing short of mind-blowing. 

 

"So, I am not shocked by that outpouring of love. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible. We didn't get a lot of support from outsiders and we didn’t ask. We just decided to put our heads down and dig deep. We lost a huge icon in our family and there is no replacement.

 

"On the future of her legacy and if there will be a foundation in her name, we shall see. But one thing we must all have noticed in this burial is that we have not done things without thought. Our mother has barely been in the ground. So shortly, the family will sit down to discuss what lasting legacies we want to sustain. 

 

"She has done more than enough to leave a legacy. So much so that even if we don't do anything beyond now, her legacies will remain," he said.

 

Also speaking to journalists, her second son and head of the Da Beal Group of Houses, Obuama, Alabo

Daso John Beal Odibo Tom-Big Harry, said the late Queen was a gift to the community as she trained even those who were not her children.

 

Describing their late mother as the first female Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman in the history of the community, Tom-Big Harry, said she used her position to attract a lot of projects to Obuama community.

 

"As I have been saying everywhere I go for anybody that cares to listen. Our mother was a mother to all. Naturally, she was a mother to everybody and God now ordained it for her to become the wife of the King of Kalabari Kingdom, which automatically made her to become the Se-Ingibo. Se-Ingibo means 'mother of the Kalabari nation'. 

 

"From the beginning, it was not easy for her when she was growing up. When going to school was difficult for some people, she struggled on her own, went to Teachers' Training College. From there she went to University of Hull, where she got her first degree. 

 

"She came back to Nigeria, got her masters on her own while she was also training my younger ones. She was also training people from the community, even people that she did not know. 

 

"So, when she became the wife of the Amanyanabo, it became a different thing entirely. For the legacies she left behind, they are very many. In this community for instance, she was first female CDC chairman. 

 

"She was the first person that brought on meaningful projects to this community. When Dr. Peter Odili

was governor, she brought in a big generator for electricity in the community. The road network you see in this community today were masterminded by her when she was the CDC chairman," he said.

 

On his part, the first son of the late Queen, Opakriba Ezekiel Tom-Big Harry reiterated many of the things his younger brothers had said, but also added that their late mother had no favourite child as she loved all her children.

 

He said: "First, I don't know where to start from. The main message that I have is that she was a mother to all. She loved all of us her children. She had no favourite child that she loved the most." We all felt loved and that in itself was a skill considering how many we were. 

 

"While we are all here today to give thanks to God for a successful burial, we want to give thanks to all who contributed to make this a success. Our mother would be so happy. This was a display of Kalabari Unity. The coming together of several into one just to celebrate their Queen" Prince Tonye finally declared.

 

Orette Is the Best Hope For Delta South – Itsekiri Youths

 

A youth group, The Itsekiri Front, on Sunday applauded the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Senatorial Candidate in Delta South, Dr. Austin Orette for inspiring the people with fresh hopes and vigour.

 

“Dr. Austin Orette represents the vision of the New Delta South Senatorial District. He will serve the good people of the district to the best of his power.”

 

The group also described the NDC candidate as a man of stainless character, a great humanist and champion of liberty.

 

“The firmness and energy of Dr. Austin Orette have been admirable.”

 

In a statement in Warri, the group said the Delta South Senatorial race should be the exclusive preserve of serious minds.

 

“Dr. Austin Orette is the best hope for the development of the district.”

 

The group gave a detailed insight into the vision and mission as well as blueprint for the development of Delta South senatorial district.

 

“Dr. Austin Orette is an outstanding voice in the country. He is zealous in our cause. We trust him. He will promote the interests of the Itsekiri Nation, build a better life for the people, boost economic growth and create employment. He will also act as is best for the safety and dignity of all.”

 

The statement issued by the spokesman of Itsekiri Front, Engineer Temisanren Fregene, expressed thanks to Isoko women and Ijaw leaders for unanimously supporting Orette’s senatorial bid.

 

The statement highlighted Orette’s ideology, charisma, faith for the progress of humanity and liberation of the oppressed people.

 

“We have been influenced by Dr. Austin Orette’s agenda and his dream of building a fair Delta South with an equitable distribution of national wealth.”

 

The statement also emphasized his personality, political action and ethical teaching.

 

“’Dr. Austin Orette’s  learning, reputation, and exposure make us think him well qualified for the task he wishes to undertake – that of representing Delta South in the National Assembly.”

 

 

Credit: Henry Ovie

 

Isoko Women Insist on Austin Orette

 

Isoko women on Sunday discussed the process of realizing a better Delta South, with an exciting statement in support of Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC) senatorial hopeful, Dr. Austin Orette.
‎
‎‘’We have a huge task ahead. The 2027 election in Delta South Senatorial District is another occasion to prove to ourselves that we can do it. We need to start planning for NDC electoral success.’’
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‎They also rebuked those canvassing for power shift in strong language.
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‎Rising from a meeting on Sunday, the women highlighted Orette’s devotion to moral purity, capacity for honesty and the critical need to work together in view of moving the senatorial district to the next level.
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‎‘’Dr. Austin Orette is an exceptional leader and a protector of the pillars of justice, democracy and integrity. He will create and sustain the conditions for individual development."
‎
‎The Chairperson of Isoko Women United Group (IWUG), Mrs. Elizabeth Oghenemaro disclosed to reporters shortly after the meeting in Oleh that they had gone far in their discussion with prominent politicians in Delta State on the need for Orette to replace a disappointing lawmaker in 2027.
‎
‎‘’Dr. Austin Orette has political credibility and strong network across the world. He will promote trade, develop infrastructure and ensure security."
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‎The women underscored Orette’s competence, commitment to the welfare of the people, principles of order and justice and the courage in pursuing issues of interest to the people of Delta South Senatorial District.
‎
‎‘’The renowned physician is hardworking, honest, suave and accommodating. He is in the best position to serve the senatorial district.’’
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‎The women applauded Orette for promoting the interest of the oil rich district.
‎
‎‘’What is happening in the district mirrors a situation of desperation of some individuals and groups to take advantage of falsehood to misguide the good people of the district as well as score cheap political goals.’’
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‎They urged Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko and Urhobo leaders not to devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspiration of a man who has been a perpetual bench warmer in the National Assembly.
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‎‘’Four years of wasted opportunities are enough. The ego of the disappointing lawmaker will be deflated. He should await the people’s dirge in 2027’’ the women said.
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‎The women emphasized legislative output, empowerment, grassroots development and efforts in attracting development projects and infrastructure to the district.
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‎‘’Dr. Austin Orette will be active in the senate. He will contribute to lawmaking, debates and committee activities. He will also expand the prosperity of the good people of Delta South Senatorial District’’  Mrs. Elizabeth Oghenemaro declared.

 

The Rape of Democracy

 By Dr Austin Orette

Of all kinds of governments, the most difficult kind of government is constitutional democracy. This is because it requires full participation of the citizens.

 

 When practiced according to the norms, it is antithetical to a military dictatorship. Military dictatorship is a top down, and one size fits all approaches, and the whims of the leader rule the day. A democracy requires deliberation and a bottom-up approach, and the wishes of the people are carried through.

 

 This is the reason why participation in a democracy requires deliberation and   mandates the periodic assent of the voters. This is a sine qua non.  It is a duty and a right in a democracy to have the opportunity to remake the country anew. Elected leaders must submit themselves for revaluation by the voters. This is mandatory and sacrosanct in a healthy democracy. To deprive citizens of this solemn responsibility is criminal.

 

 A land where the people are afraid of their leaders is a hallmark of dictatorship, where power is maintained through fear, intimidation, violence and the suppression of basic liberties. A land where the leaders are afraid of the people is a democracy.

 

 The popular sentiments often attributed to Tomas Jefferson show that a healthy democracy relies on mutual trust and accountability rather than sheer fear from either. 

 

 Ours is not a healthy democracy and is the reason some parties impose candidates on the people through automatic tickets. This should never be tolerated.

 

 In a democracy, those elected must go back to the voters to renew their mandates. It is a dictatorship when top party officials impose candidates on the citizens. It is our right to have the opportunity to look into the records of those we elected and decide whether they were worthy of our initial trust.

 

 This singular duty of the voter if not respected should be the end of that party. We are not in a military regime where governors and other officials are appointed. Our constitution clearly states that every four years we shall re-elect leaders.

 

 Imposition of candidates without voting is unconstitutional. We can understand a candidate going unopposed. You can never be unopposed when the challengers are ham-stringed by criminal imposition of high fees of entry for challengers and primary elections are abrogated.

 

 Why should those who aspire to serve be made to pay astronomical fees that cannot be explained by any income metrics in Nigeria? This is an exclusionary gimmick. This is what has turned our politics to a marketplace that has attracted only desperados instead of refined citizens with ideas. This is a violation of our constitutional order.

 

 Any party that engages in this practice deserves to be voted out of power. No elected official should place himself above the voters and the constitution. Nigeria is no longer a military dictatorship where the government is the estate of military generals. 

 

 Any politician who cannot go back to the voters and renew his mandate should go and practice politics in North Korea. The President of North Korea was just re-elected by 99.9 percent. The one percent that did not vote for him is being prosecuted for various crimes.

 

 We are a constitutional democracy. No one has the right to impose candidates on the citizens.  This practice is vile and unjust, and it is nothing but the rape of democracy. No one has a right to automatic mandate in a democracy.

 

Dr. Austin Orette,  a Delta South Senatorial Aspirant, Writes from Owhelogbo In Isoko North Local Government Area

 

 

Orette Joins NDC, Decries Undemocratic Practices in APC

A Texas-based Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

 

Orette, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Delta South senatorial aspirant, told newsmen in Lagos Tuesday how the APC sidelined the founding members in Delta State.

 

“The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the incumbent to hold the position without primary elections. In this wise, I can say I did not leave the ruling party. It was APC that left me.”

 

He said defectors made the environment unbearable to APC founding members in Delta State’’

 

“I love President Bola Tinubu. I wish him well.”

 

The senatorial hopeful described the 2027 election as a battle of ideas.

 

He urged Nigerians to put the best and brightest minds in the Senate.

 

“The Senate is the engine house of democracy. It is a place for the debate of ideas. In Nigeria, people who are not intellectually sound are allocated tickets in National Assembly elections.” 

 

Orette narrated how shortage of medical personnel resulted in the death of a woman in his hometown.

 

He promised to change the narrative of leadership, create an enlightened citizenry and tackle unemployment through skill acquisition.

 

“I believe I can serve my people. I have been in this journey for long. I will make the people rich. I will attract a lot of foreign investments to the area. I will train the citizens to be of service to others. I will retrain artisans with modern tools. I will open offices in all the towns and villages in Delta South. I will transform Ogbe-Ijoh Market.”

 

Orette pledged to focus on creating jobs by teaching youths to be entrepreneurs.

 

“I’ll address perennial problems in Delta South. I will address electricity, healthcare and agricultural challenges. I will provide modern equipment and support agricultural extension services.”

 

He criticized the ‘’no-go-areas’’ in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.  

 

Orette advocated reforms to decentralize power from the federal government to local level.

 

“Uniformity does not build a country.”

 

He called for the reorganization of the society in view of keeping the dreams of young people alive.

 

“We must build a community of love. There must be a standard of how we treat our neighbours.”

 

The medical expert reflected on Nigeria’s trajectory during and after major military regimes, attributing the country’s problems to the prolonged incursion of the military into politics and the obnoxious decrees.

 

He highlighted subversion of internal democracy, military mentality in civilians, impunity and abuse of power, centralization of power, political intolerance and blurring lines between public office and private interest

 

“The military brought Nigeria to this state. The military destroyed all our institutions. Today, the political actors exhibit behaviors akin to military rule. We need to demilitarize the brain of the political leaders.”

 

He also canvassed reserve army and a six month military training for youths in the country

 

“The country should have trained and ready youths to be mobilized during national emergencies, war or disaster. The NYSC should not be mandatory but voluntary. The individual should be given the right to choose a state for his primary assignment.”

 

He also highlighted a rise in authoritarian trends, a decline in democratic principles, executive arrogance, citizen’s apathy and legislative incompetence.

 

Credit: Henry Ovie