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.
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‎‘’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."
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‎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.
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‎‘’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.
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‎‘’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.
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‎‘’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

 

Chief Oby Lauds Those Championing the Creation of ‎Anioma State

An investigative Journalist, Publisher and President of a nongovernmental organization - Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, Chief Oby Christie Ndukwe, has lauded the moves for the creation of Anioma State, adding that "is the beginning of a non kinetic approach to the Igbo struggle for reparation, political integration."

 

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‎According to her, "the cause has been on since the 8th Senate but will become a reality under the 10th Senate led by His Excellency, Godswill Akpabio and championed by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko."

 

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‎Chief Ndukwe in a Facebook post recalled that at the APC South South Congress held yesterday in Delta State, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio had this to say:  “Only one new state will be created in Nigeria and it will be Anioma State. Asaba will serve as the capital of Anioma State, while Warri will become the new capital of Delta State Anioma will be zoned to the South-East, making it the 6th state in the region."

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Continuing she wrote,  "this is a strategic move by the President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to challenge the status of quo of imbalance in state creation which has kept the South East dominated by the Igbos with the least number of states, thereby reducing their representation at the National Assembly amongst other issues affecting political representation. "

 

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‎"It may not sound interesting to those who have long pushed for secession, but it is the beginning of a new thing for the marginalized Igbos of the South East" she noted

 

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‎"The benefits are huge and space won't permit me to state what this means. Apart from the additional state to upgrade the South East to Six, which other zones enjoy aside the North West, Delta State would now have their long dream of a capital in Warri. Recall that when General Ibrahim Babangida created the state with a capital in Asaba, it raised a lot of dust! But that was actually a starting point for the Igbos of Delta State. "

 

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‎"I do not see any reason why anyone would oppose this idea except for selfish and ignorant reasons, even though it is not expected that everyone would applaud the National Assembly and the President for this timely decision. What remains is when the new state would come on board to enable those who would occupy political offices to participate in the elections. Who knows? "

 

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‎"For now, I say kudos to all those who have been part of this quest, including yours truly!", she finally commended