Edo guber poll: Why women voters prefer Obaseki – Edo Women League

 …lauds fight against human trafficking, appointment of over 100 female aides

…says a vote for Obaseki is a vote for women empowerment

As political parties participating in the September 19 gubernatorial election in Edo State intensify electioneering campaigns, a women empowerment-focused group, Edo Women League has unveiled plans to mobilise Edo women to vote for Governor Godwin Obaseki.

                    

Chairperson of the group, Mrs Uwaila Osa Airueghian, told journalists in Benin City, the Edo State capital that “a vote for Obaseki is a vote for women empowerment.”

Mrs. Airueghian lauded the various strategies deployed by the Obaseki-led government to restore the pride and dignity of Edo women.

“Worthy of note, are the efforts undertaken by our amiable governor to discourage illegal migration and human trafficking in our state. We have not forgotten the series of sensitisation campaigns by the governor, to churches, mosques and the palace of our Royal Father, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II.

“He didn’t stop there. He travelled to Italy and engaged leaders of that country and agencies of the United Nations, to galvanise international support towards solving the problem. Obaseki put in place a robust structure that catered to the needs of Libya returnees. All these efforts have been documented and hailed by several development agencies.”

On women empowerment, Mrs. Airueghian maintained that “under Governor Obaseki, over 100 women have been appointed into positions of responsibilities as commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and heads of agencies of government.”

She added: “Obaseki’s government has made several laws and policies that protect women and the girl child in Edo State and has mainstreamed our mothers in the markets in governance. What more can we ask for as women?

“Obaseki deserves our votes and we will go all out on September 19 to endorse him for another term in office.”

Open Letter to the Leadership of the National Assembly

Open Letter to the Leadership of the National Assembly

Leave the NDDC alone

The Ijaw Youth Council has keenly watched the recent happenings going on in the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC). Activities relating to a parastatal responsible for the development of our Ijaw communities is not just a topic of interest for us; monitoring its activities is also part of our responsibilities.

In recent months the various NDDC leaderships have been in series of conflicts with the National Assembly. This is coming at a time when the running of the NDDC has been visibly effective. This is coming at a time when the looting of years past is finally being exposed. The current head of the Interim Management Committee; Professor Keme Pondei is a respected Ijaw son and his safety and well-being is of importance to us. We will in no way tolerate the bullying of any Ijaw son.

We call on the leadership of the National Assembly and the few politicians bullying the NDDC and its supervising minister; to refrain from such.

We appreciate Mr. President for turning his torch light on the activities of the NDDC. With just a few months of this new leadership, the NDDC has been able to complete its headquarters; a project that was abandoned for over 15 years. We also want to thank the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, for his doggedness and resolve to clean up the NDDC.

The revelations coming out from the Forensic Audit, has exposed a lot of wrongdoings. We just hope the Minister has what it takes to fight to the end and expose the corruption that was in the NDDC.

On the accusations made by the former Chairman of the Interim Management Committee, Barr. Joy Nunieh against the Minister of the Niger Delta, we see no evidence of facts; as against the documents members of the IMC have provided, indicting the leadership and members of the National Assembly. We call on all Ijaw sons and daughters to protect agencies set up for our development.

Let us resist these enemies who use propaganda to weaken our institutions. It is now clear that the Forensic Audit of the NDDC is what is shaking the political atmosphere. We are watching.

Signed:

Comr. (Chief) Frank Akiefa,

Chairman IYC Western Zone and

Secretary IYC National Transition Implementation Committee

NDDC N40b Probe: No Kobo Is Missing, Misapplied by the IMC, says Ojougboh

….Alleges that Chairmen, NASS Committees on Niger Delta have bastardized the Budget

….Says IMC has not awarded any Project since it came on board

…..N281 billion released to NDDC from 2016 to May, says Accountant General of the Federation

THE Acting Executive Director, Projects, Interim Management Committee, IMC of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh has said that no single Kobo has been misapplied by the Committee since it came on board.

Speaking in Abuja Thursday when he appeared before the Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi ( APC, Ekiti North) led Ad-hoc Committee probing  into alleged financial recklessness to the tune of N40 billion by the IMC, Ojougboh said that since the interim management came on board, it has not awarded any contract, except the recent one of the Coronavirus, COVID-19  Pandemic where Palliatives were given to people.

Ojougboh  who is presently addressing the Committee has accused both the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi and his House of Representatives counterpart as the problem of the interventionist agency.

According to him, if they remain as chairmen of the Committees, Niger Delta region will never develop.

Meanwhile, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris has told the Ad- hoc Committee that a total of N281 billion has so far been released to the NDDC from 2016 to May this year.

Giving a breakdown, he said that in 2016, N41billion was released; in 2017, N64 billion was released; in 2018, a total of N71 billion was released; in 2019, N71 billion was released and from January to May this year, N34 billion was released.

Recall that the Senate is probing alleged financial recklessness to the tune of N40 billion by the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Against this backdrop, the Senate had set up six-man Ad-hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into all issues relating to but not limited to the alleged misapplication and misappropriation of the sum of N40billion by the commission.

The Committee, which had four weeks to report back at plenary, was asked to look into all procurement and financial transactions of the commission in this fiscal year (2020) and any other matter that is not in accordance with the provision of the NDDC Establishment Act, 2000 or any other extant law.

In a related development, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has assured the National Assembly of his utmost cooperation in the ongoing probe of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Recall once again that the Senate is probing alleged financial recklessness to the tune of N40 billion by the Interim Management Committee, IMC, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.

Against this backdrop, the Senate had set up a six-man Ad-hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into all issues relating to but not limited to the alleged misapplication and misappropriation of the sum of N40billion by the commission.

Appearing before the Senate ad-hoc Committee on Thursday,  the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Olusade Adesola who stood in for the Minister  regretted the absence of the Minister due to circumstances beyond his control. 

Mr Adesola assured the Committee that the Minister held the Panel in high repute and would appear on any other date that the Committee would extend an invitation to him.

Sokonte to Gov. Wike, ‘Reopen Markets in the State’

The Ag. Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC in Rivers State, Hon Sokonte Davies has called on the Government of Governor Nyesom Wike to reopen markets in the State.

Dr Davies said while receiving a delegation of market women in the State who paid him a visit at the Party Secretariat that the APC is acutely aware of the suffering that traders are going through to maintain their children and wards in these very hard times.

The continued lockdown of the markets, he said, has become an impediment to the expansion of commerce and trade, both of which have clear impacts on the health of the Rivers economy.

He acknowledged that there were smarter ways of addressing concerns arising from the threat posed by the spread of the Coronavirus and a growing need to ensure that people are able to earn a decent living without any hindrance.

He noted that inspite of the lockdown which was in force across the country, most states found creative ways of getting their people to maintain social distancing and encouraging them to have access to the marketplace.

The APC advised Governor Wike to heed the cries of the traders and the people, saying there was no need to continue the lockdown of markets at this time.

He told the traders that the APC had a complete understanding of the situation and assured them that a rejuvenated party which is currently engaged in efforts at reconciliation would defend the interests of Rivers people and those who reside in the State.

Earlier, the Leader of Market Women Association in the State, Mrs Nonju said that traders and other owners of other businesses were going through harrowing times, following the continued lockdown of their sources of income.

She said they were at the party Secretariat to appreciate the good effort that party leaders are making to rebuild the APC, saying that the absence of a credible opposition has jeopardized the interest and welfare of Rivers people.

She then appealed to the APC to persuade the Wike administration to reconsider the harsh stance against market women who were being forced to remain at home.

Fortune Oguru: The Celebration of unsung Oil Lubricant of the Brick House

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze

Stephen Covey with Mr. Oguru in mind stated and I quote, ”Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.”

Mr. Fortune Oguru the emeritus Permanent Secretary of Rivers State was the Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Government House during the eight years golden reign of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Governor of Rivers State whose inputs to the great feats of Amaechi’s adminstration need not be overemphasized.

Mr. Oguru created a father figure for himself within the Government House ensuring that the administration of Amaechi was ran processionally without any hitch not minding the truancy and evil machinations of some of the Actors operating from the Government House then. Though as a tenant of the Government at the expiration of my operation as the National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) he ensured my comfort and all other tenants of the Government House that included both the Governor, his household and Hon. Adejoro Adeogun.
This unsung icon is an enigma, a study in resoluteness, workaholic, benevolence, audacity, resourcefulness, a consummate administrator, a humanist, creativity who out of dent of hard work positioned himself then as the embodiment of peace and unity among those of us privileged to be accommodated in the Brick House.

Though a seasoned bureaucrat who gave human face to his style of leadership based on his faith in the person and personality of the Governor and was ready to give out his life to ensure the success of the political fortunes of his Principal. Though he is a witness of the wickedness of most politicians brought up by Amaechi he was never swayed by their acts of betrayal but stood firm to ensure that his Principal is not in any way disgraced.

While some of these dubious politicians will come to collect materials and tools for campaign but in their devious plot will stay back at some of the best hotels in Port Harcourt to ensure that the party fails but this man with Ambassador Oji Ngofa and few others will mobilise themselves to their Constituencies and ensured that we were able to confront Chief Nyesome Wike with his army of destruction and conquest.

It is on record that Mr. Oguru was one of the forces that ensured that all the elections held in Eleme his area of operation didn’t fall into the camp of the enemies no matter the odds. He mobilised, stood firm and matched Wike and his gang force for force, funds for funds and whatever you may think of. An army in the true sense of it.

One thing that distinguishes this great son of Rivers State and Head of Department in the School of Amaechi is that he wears humility and loyalty as a cloth though unsung has proved himself as one of the finest disciples of Rt. Hon. Dr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

Writing about this man of loyalty, the Eleme APC through Mr. Godspower Igwe stated and I quote, “We are privileged to have you as our own brother, son, father, mentor, inspiration, tactician, strategist, and Leader in the all-winning Eleme LGA APC Collegiate Leadership Team and Caucus.
You are indeed a Lubricant and an invaluable Facilitator in the collective machination for a Progressive Eleme Community and Rivers State in general.

Your quantum inputs in the Rotimi Amaechi Administration, as a Government, with its concomitant overt unprecedented achievements and manifestation are ready testimonials to the value you have added to Humanity, we can only pray Almighty God to be generous to you for these”

Conclusion

I will like to conclude this short treatise on a true friend, brother and extraordinary Administrator, distinguished Hon. Perm. Sec. Emeritus,
Fortune Oguru by stating that he bears the brunt of our collective resoluteness against forces of darkness in Rivers State immediately after our ouster from the Brick House as the then newly elected Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesome Wike did everything humanly possible to disgrace and humiliate him but as a great son of Eleme who can’t be humiliated so easily he stood his ground to formally handover the reins of government on behalf of Amaechi to Governor Wike after which he was forcefully retired from service.
Happy birthday my brother, friend and leader and may our great God not only bless your new age but grant you more fruitful years for better services to humanity.

*Chief Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and can be reached via ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com

Aguma's Call for the Closure of APC State Party Secretariat: A huge surprise - Nwuke

Mr.Ogbonna Nwuke

The acting State Publicity Secretary, of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress APC, Mr.Ogbonna Nwuke has expressed surprise over Hon. Igo Aguma’s call on Thursday, 2nd July 2020 demanding for the closure of the State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC, located along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway.

Nwuke in a statement with the caption “Igo Aguma's Call For The Closure Of The State Party Secretariat: A Case Of Two Women Who Appeared Before King Solomon” circulated to journalists todad stated that “the call by the suspended Caretaker Committee Chairman of the APC who has been in Court ostensibly to protect the interest of his party came as a huge surprise.”

According to him, “It may be that the former Honourable member of the House of Representatives cannot bear to see a return of enthusiasm among members of the APC who have turned the State Party Secretariat into a beehive of activity.”

The statement reads: “Daily, as events have proved, members of the party awakened by the clarion call for unity, peace and progress amongst us throng the authentic State Party Secretariat to reaffirm their belief in the party, and their solidarity with the peoples' Caretaker Committee, which is led by Hon. Sokonte Davies, a seasoned politician, party administrator and technocrat.

“We would want to imagine that Hon. Igo Aguma was misquoted by the press. But we are shocked that the former lawmaker has not denied ever making such a suggestion. In the circumstance  we are led to believe that jealousy, hate for progress, bitterness and desperation have beclouded rational thinking and affected his sense of sound reasoning.

“His outburst reminds us of the Biblical account of two women who appeared before the Israeli monarch, King Solomon.  Whereas the one whose child died at night demanded that the king slay the surviving child of another, the true mother urged the king to spare the life of the baby.

“It is instructive to note that the mother insisted that the King of Israel as he then was should spare the child, stressing that when the baby grows, it would eventually know who the true mother is.

“It is clear that the child of circumstance that Igo Aguma wants to slay, going by this Biblical account, is the APC. Can this be the attitude of a true party man? Can this be the behaviour of someone who truly believes in the advancement of the party that he wants to lead?

“We are certain that Aguma has revealed his true colours to the Rivers people as well as all Nigerians who are watching his dance steps at this point in time.

“He has proven beyond reasonable doubt, in our opinion, that he has no love whatsoever for the APC. Except for the benefit of his shadowy paymasters who have unleashed him on the APC, the former lawmaker has shown by his actions and comments that he may  indeed be an impostor on a mission to destroy.

“To say that we are shocked by his outburst is an understatement. We are glad that by his own utterances, he has let the rest of us who may believe that his intentions for the APC are genuine into the secret of his most secret mission. Igo Aguma is no better than that bitter woman in the Bible who wanted a poor and innocent child to die.

“The ability to determine the headquarters of any political party belongs to its National Secretariat.  The official records of the APC shows that its State Secretariat exists where Hon. Sokonte Davies and members of his team are operating from.

“Aguma has none to blame for his fate. He chose to serve those who thrust him upon the APC rather than obeying the spirit of the decision of the High Court which enjoined him to go and rebuild the party in the company of his colleagues.

|We repeat, for the avoidance of doubt, that 28 out of 38 statutory members voted Aguma out because  of the indiscretion he exhibited by acting as a sole administrator.

“We urge all reasonable minds to ignore the call by Igo Aguma. It is baseless, uncharitable and unbecoming of a Democrat and a Progressive.”