Delta Community Celebrates Aganbi’s Leadership

 ....Calls Him Reliable, Trusted Leader

 

...Lauds His Role In Building The New Koko Of Prosperity For All

 

Prominent leaders of Koko community in Warri North Local Government Area on Monday described the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Canaan Land Golf Course and Country Club, Hon Felix Aganbi, as a dynamic thinker, a defender of the collective interest of the Itsekiri Nation and a rallying point for the Koko people.

“Hon Felix Aganbi is a shining example, a role model to all of us. His life is that of accomplishment and service to humanity.”

They also applauded the astute businessman, politician, philanthropist, humanist and mentor for conceiving a rigorous development agenda for Koko, which has so far dictated the steady growth of the Itsekiri community.

“April 25, 2026, is a day of jubilation for the peaceful and God-Fearing people of Koko. It is a great opportunity for us to celebrate Canaan Land Golf and Country Club, the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Group, Hon Felix Aganbi, his contributions to the development of Warri North and to say a big thank you to our great son.”

In a statement in Koko, the community leaders commended the Akogate chief executive officer for bringing Koko forward in terms of physical and human development.

“It’s our dream to see a prosperous Koko and we are near to achieving the objective.”

The community in a statement issued by Chris Ebrajolor, Alex Orogun, Wilson Omawumi Alatsha and Phillip Daibo extolled the charming qualities of the celebrated businessman.

“Hon Felix Aganbi is a man of integrity. He knows where the problems of the community lie and how to keep solving them.”

The community praised Aganbi for his numerous contributions to youth and community development.

The statement highlighted Aganbi's benevolence, leadership qualities, development initiatives, commitment to the well-being of the people of Koko and his role in building the new Koko of prosperity for all.

It also highlighted his honesty, reliability, uprightness, modesty and practical ability.

2027: Eze Describes Amaechi's Endorsement by South-South ADC Caucus as a Welcome Presage of Victory for Nigerians

 2027: Eze Describes Amaechi's Endorsement by South-South ADC Caucus as a Welcome Presage of Victory for Nigerians

... Urges Other Regions to Emulate South-South 

...Says Amaechi is an Ideal Opposition Candidate to Topple the Current Kleptocratic Regime.

 

".....Two time Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Team that saw the ouster of a sitting President and the PDP: a party that boasted to be the largest political party in Africa and capable of being in power for fifty years. If he could dismantle PDP from the Presidency, I am convinced that come 2027 that Tinubu and his APC will be dismantled accordingly no matter the odds...."

 

Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has commended the South South ADC for endorsing one of her best heads - former Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for the rescue mission of Nigeria.

 

In a statement made available to the media on Monday, Eze said not minding a few dissenting voices which is normal and essential in the practice of democracy,  the majority choice of Amaechi is the best step and strategy to salvage Nigeria from her present sorry and impoverished state occasioned by the very vicious, inhuman and visionless administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

He said Amaechi stands out as one of the most outstanding political leaders from South South zone and it is not out of place for majority stakeholders and leaders to endorse his presidential aspirations.

 

With the experience that Amaechi has garnered  since his entrance into public office, the former Governor is very qualified and competent to govern Nigeria if we are to consider merit as a yardstick for electing our next president.

 

His intimidating records of public service are in the public space.

 

1. Two time Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (8years)

 

2. Two time Governor of Rivers State (8years)

 

3. Two Time Chairman of Nigeria Speakers' Forum

 

4. Two time Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum when serious and key political players were in the forum including Peter Obi as the Governor of Anambra State with Kwankwaso as the Governor of Kano State and Saraki as Governor of Kwara State, so under what condition are some people playing down the capability and capacity of Amaechi to govern Nigeria while some of these key actors have at a time served under his leadership?

 

5. Two  time Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Team that saw the ouster of a sitting President and the PDP: a party that boasted to be the largest political party in Africa and capable of being in power for fifty years. If he could dismantle PDP from the Presidency, I am convinced that come 2027 that Tinubu and his APC will be dismantled accordingly no matter the odds.

 

6. Declared as the best decade Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

7. Came second during the 2023 APC Presidential primary that had several political leaders in contest including the then vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo

 

His governorship of Rivers State is still referred to as the best period in the history of the oil-rich state. Under his watch, insecurity was nibbed in the bud.

 

With these feats, Eze said he is not surprised that the South South ADC leadership saw in Amaechi the best material to send Tinubu back to his Lagos home.

 

Eze postulated that Chief Odigie-Oyegun the South South Political Leader who addressed newsmen, disclosed that a unanimous decision was taken to give Amaechi all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

 

“We are glad that our son, Rotimi Amaechi, took advantage of the meeting to brief us on his intention to run for the presidency of our great nation. We were very pleased to thank him for the respect he has for the leaders of the zone, for not letting loose his zone, and for setting up his own personal structure by ensuring, like any good son, that he tells his people what he has in mind before he embarks on it.

 

“We were pleased, and I can report a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition.

 

“We are going to meet regularly to interact to learn from each other’s experience so that the South-South zone will become an example to be emulated by other zones in the nation. I think that is basically our decision.

 

“We hope the government will approach the run-up to the election and allow peace and stability to reign and eschew violence in the run-up to the election in 2027. We as ADC are committed to doing all that it takes to win.”

 

Affirming the position of the South South Political Leader, the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the ADC explaining what transpired at the February 27 meeting, said the sequence began during internal leadership discussions in the zone when Amaechi formally declared his intention to contest the presidency in the 2027 general election and appealed for support from stakeholders in his geopolitical base.

 

He noted that a suggestion was later raised on the floor for a motion to uphold the request. A brief remark then followed to restate the appeal and underline the importance of getting the general opinion of the regional leader, former Edo State governor, John Odigie-Oyegun.

 

According to the statement, the regional leader subsequently called for a voice vote.

 

“At the call for response, there was a loud affirmative ‘AY’ while a contra call had no ‘NAY’ response,” Usani said.

 

He explained that the applause that followed was widely taken as a show of support for Amaechi’s aspiration.

 

“This applause was a pledge to support him, which can be interpreted as endorsement,” he added.

 

Amaechi was said to have told the leaders that he felt that it was only proper for him to start the race by informing the leaders of his South South zone and formally seek their support and endorsement before going to other zones and other parts of the country.

 

He spoke about why he’s the best man for the job and his ability to lead Nigeria with a proven track record of service to the people.

 

Usani Uguru Usani, former Minister of Niger Delta from Cross River State spoke on the need for unity in the zone behind Amaechi as it was a great privilege to have one of their own, who’s very accomplished and very qualified that is running for the office of President in the party.

 

Sen. Andrew Uchendu, Deputy National Chairman of the ADC in the same vein spoke in support of Amaechi’s move to run for the President. Other speakers include former Cross River State governor Liyel Imoke and Professor Pat Utomi.

 

Chairman of the meeting of Leader of the ADC in the South-South zone, (Odigie-Oyegun reportedly asked Uchendu to move a motion on whether the zone should support Amaechi’s presidential bid. Displeased with the way Uchendu framed the motion, Odigie-Oyegun was said to have asked the question directly and the meeting unanimously agreed to support Amaech’s Presidential run for the ADC presidential ticket.

 

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze an ally of Amaechi commended the South South ADC for endorsing one of her best heads - former Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, for the rescue mission of Nigeria.

 

Eze said not minding a few dissenting voices which is normal and essential in the practice of democracy,  the majority choice of Amaechi is the best step and strategy to salvage Nigeria from her present sorry and impoverished state occasioned by the very vicious, inhuman and visionless administration of President Bola Tinubu.

 

Finally, Eze commended Amaechi for his bold aspiration to lead Nigeria out of the dungeon and set her on the path of progress and assured that Nigerians will support Amaechi's candidacy judging by his track record and the  legacies he built while he served in different public offices.

Ends

 

Signed

 

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain, member of APC Legacy Projects Media Team & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

Students, Cultural Imperialism and School Owners in Nigeria

Dr Austin Orette

By Dr Austin Orette

 I am in receipt of a letter that asked parents to pay for an excursion to England. I was very perturbed because this goes beyond the mandate of the school. These kids barely know the geography of Nigeria, and you want to export them to another culture for indoctrination and cultural imperialism.

 

What is London for the Nigerian child? Are we still under colonialism? This program has nothing to improve the child except to give them a false sense of elitism which has destroyed Nigeria.

 

In these tough economic times, you are asking parents to cough out so much money for the vanity project of indulgent children and nouveaux rich parents who want vicarious existence through their children. I weep for my country.

 

Nigeria used to be a place where the children of the rich and poor went to the same school without anyone being subjected to any form of alienation. It is becoming very clear that the Nigerian educational system has been bastardized by actions like these.

 

We send our children to learn and have a better understanding of themselves and the world, but you are teaching them a sense of entitlement. As someone who has travelled around the world, there is nothing any of those kids will gain from this stupid enterprise than egotism that alienates them from their mates. Even if I can afford it, it does not make any economic sense. I will never participate in this hubris you mistake for education. It appears your school has substituted foreign cultures for education.

 

Teach the Nigerian child how to be Nigerian. Education is supposed to start from the home. It appears a large percentage of the parents are people who came into so much money without a modicum of common sense. This is the reason why they consider it a thing of dignity when their child is being culturally miseducated. This trend where everything foreign is romanticized must stop. We should never raise our children to feel inferior to anyone.

 

The moral decadence that has become prevalent in Nigeria is due to this wrong education of the Nigerian child and his parents. They employ maids for their children; drive them to school in expensive limousines. At the end, the child grows up entitled and does not have any sense of service or allegiance to his community, as he is trained from childhood that the world owes him a living.

 

We must teach our children how to serve. Service to others is the rent we pay for the space we occupy. If parents must take their children overseas, that should be done in their private time not under the pretext of education.

 

A good education will be an excursion to the numerous slums in Lagos and let the children produce an assignment about creating sustainable neighborhoods that are livable.

 

 If you don’t stop this practice, I will make a formal protest to the Ministry of Education and your school and other schools that are introducing this odious culture should be sanctioned.

 

The Nigerian child must be trained to think instead of making him a consumer of foreign cultures that have disdain for our way of life.

 

I used to complain of wayward parents who have destroyed Nigeria until I found out that the Nigerian schools are becoming incubating chambers for producing wayward and dysfunctional children who will perpetuate the vicious cycle in the Nigerian decay.

 

Dr Austin Orette Writes from Houston, Texas

Elected Officials Treat Constituents As Beggars, Nuisance - Austin Orette

· Says President Bola Tinubu Is the Best Person to Restructure Nigeria

 

· Promises to Empower the People, Untie the Ropes Of Ignorance And Bondage

 · Vows to Pay Attention to Education, Legal Reforms, Agriculture, Healthcare and Maternal Welfare

 

· Pledges to Set Up Digital Library, Get Equipment for Artisans, Encourage Vocational Education, Fight For New Constitution

 

Houston-based family physician, Dr Austin Orette, on Sunday declared himself as the best candidate for the Delta South Senate position in 2027.

 

“If not me, who? If not now, when? I am going to be the next Senator for Delta South Senatorial District. I have a lot of advantages that will propel me to serve my people as a senator. I am well educated, well-traveled and well-read than anyone aspiring for this position. With the risk of running counter to modesty, I can say I am the best candidate for this office. I will represent the people superlatively and will carve a new standard for leadership.”

 

He also described his senatorial ambition as a call to service.

 

“I have always believed in public service. Serving the people has always been the elixir of my life. I am running for the senate because I see it as an avenue of service.”

 

Many are called but few are chosen. This will be my third attempt. There is no reason to be afraid of anyone in the quest to serve my people. I have sincere hope that the people will shun mediocrity and elect me to be their voice in the next four years’’.

 

A statement he issued on Sunday in Houston Texas highlighted his commitment to uplifting lives, bringing development to the grassroots and providing quality representation.

 

“The idea of king makers in a democracy is anachronistic. The voice of the people should be equal instead of the echo of a selected few who have no interest in uplifting the welfare of the people. The role of traditional rulers is non-partisan. I will seek their blessing. The people are my backers. In a democracy, it is one man, one vote.”

 

A family physician with over 40 years of experience, Orette warned against the stealing of people’s mandate in 2027.

 

“Elections are expensive because the politicians spend money frivolously in buying votes instead of articulating a vision for the people. I will give my senatorial district a voice in national affairs. I will be the vehicle for the aspirations of my people.”

 

The major challenges in the Delta South senatorial district and Nigeria in general, according to Orette is that the people have lost faith in the system.

 

“Those they elected treat them as beggars and nuisance. When the people complain, they tell them to line up for palliatives. I see the people as the solution to our problems. I will fight to give them the knowledge and the know how to dig us out of the ditch of ignorance we find ourselves. The people are the solution. I will empower the people, and the people will untie the ropes of ignorance and bondage.”

 

He expressed optimism that Tinubu would win the 2027 presidential election.

 

“I am a supporter of President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu is seeking reelection. I sincerely believe he will be the best person to restructure Nigeria. Nigeria needs major restructuring before we can know any progress. The other candidates running for presidency seem to be in love with the unitary system that has brought us to this nadir. They seem to be in love with a unitary executive with dictatorial powers. We must restructure if we want to pull our nation from the abyss that an unruly military plunged the nation into.”

 

An advocate for legal reforms, fiscal restructuring and the restructuring of the Nigerian federation, Orette reminded the people of Delta South to make a credible choice in the interest of the senatorial district.

 

“I am running for the senate, and my energies will be concentrated in my race. The criticism of being not on ground is analog thinking. Change can be done from anywhere around the World. What did those who are on ground achieve with their presence? They could not even leave Abuja to address their constituency. I will leave the present occupant to tell the people about his achievements.”

 

He promised to make a difference in the lives of the people.

 

“My programs and legislative impetus will change the lives of the people. There will be a flowering of consciousness as we will emphasize good citizenship and leadership. We will pay serious attention to education, legal reforms and healthcare and maternal welfare. We will set up a digital library for the people. They will have access to any information around the world. We will get equipment for our artisans like welders, carpenters and mechanics who will be retrained and equipped with modern tools. We will emphasize agriculture with modern equipment and good extension services that will make us self-sufficient. Vocational education will be highly encouraged. All hands will be on deck. Our people are in a crisis. I have friends and institutions around the world that will assist me to articulate the solutions to the plight of my people as we prepare our people for positions of responsibility and leadership within Nigeria and beyond.”

 

He also stated his readiness to fight for a new constitution.

 

“As a senator, my primary role is legislative. I will fight for a new constitution that respects the rights of the people. Our present constitution treats the people as tenants. We need to have a constitution that recognizes us as the owners of this land called Nigeria. We have to fight to decentralize the power that is concentrated in Abuja. Abuja produces nothing but consumes everything. Once the power is decentralized, our people can use it for massive development of our zone."

 

 

Rivers State: ADC Disowns Fake Chairman, Warns Against Political Infiltration and Misuse of the Judiciary

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rivers State Chapter, wishes to categorically distance itself from a recent press statement credited to one Mr. Igwe Sunday Ohahuru, who falsely parades himself as the Chairman of the ADC in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

 

ADC in a statement signed by Chief Leader Sampson, State Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC) Rivers State Chapter said for the “avoidance of doubt, Mr. Igwe Sunday Ohahuru is not a member of the African Democratic Congress and does not hold any office or authority to speak for or on behalf of the party at any level.”

 

Excerpt of the statement read. “His actions and statements are viewed as part of a calculated attempt by political infiltrators and their agents to create confusion, mislead the public, and destabilize the duly constituted structures of the ADC in Ikwerre Local Government Area and Rivers State at large.

 

The ADC Rivers State Chapter hereby states unequivocally that the recognised and authentic Chairman of the African Democratic Congress in Ikwerre Local Government Area is Mr. Temple Chinedu Egwenike, whose leadership remains legitimate, constitutionally backed, and fully recognised by the party.

 

We view the circulation of false claims, unauthorized directives, and attempts to intimidate party members as acts of political sabotage designed to weaken the growing acceptance of the ADC as a credible alternative political platform in Rivers State.

 

While the ADC remains committed to peaceful democratic engagement, we will not fold our arms and allow impostors, political jobbers, or external agents to undermine the integrity and internal democracy of our party.

 

Furthermore, the ADC Rivers State Chapter wishes to place the Nigerian Judiciary on notice regarding credible information suggesting that Mr. Igwe Sunday Ohahuru and his alleged sponsors are boasting about plans to procure questionable court orders with the intention of causing political crisis and legitimizing illegality.

 

The judiciary, being the last hope of the common man, must not be manipulated or used as an instrument for political destabilization or partisan interference in the internal affairs of political parties.

 

We respectfully urge the judiciary to remain vigilant and ensure that justice is not only done but seen to be done in accordance with the law and democratic principles.

 

We also call on relevant security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security authorities, to closely monitor the activities of these impostors and their sponsors to prevent any breakdown of law and order.

 

The ADC Rivers State Chapter further encourages all its members, supporters, and the good people of Ikwerre Local Government Area to remain law-abiding, steadfast, and committed to the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, as this remains a critical democratic process that empowers citizens to shape the future of governance.

 

The African Democratic Congress remains focused on building strong, credible, and people-oriented political leadership across all 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State as we continue to position the party as a formidable platform for progressive governance.

 

Signed:

Chief Leader Sampson

State Chairman

African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Rivers State Chapter

The Citizen's Ordeal

If an individual can steal from the government willy-nilly and we find out many years later, and only after the fact, it means we have no checks and balances. Due to lack of checks and balances, the nation has become a prison where everyone is trying to escape.

Why was it easy for a former South-South governor to use state money for his campaign? What was the role of the members of the State House of Assembly? The primary responsibility of the members is to have oversight duties. They failed in this primary duty and the state is shortchanged.

This could have been prevented. Due to our military past, we have developed a culture of absolute power for the executive branch of government. The legislators see their roles as that of onlookers. They have a responsibility to devise checks and balances that will prevent executive lawlessness.

Finding out someone stole money only after they left office is a sign of timidity and lack of prerequisite for their positions. No one should have absolute power in a democracy. Executive arrogance, legislative incompetence and citizen apathy have become the standard practice in Nigeria.

It is difficult to prosecute such a person in a country with a rickety judicial system like Nigeria. The thieves have become the law and the nation is one big prison where all the inmates plan to escape.

The role of democracy is to develop checks and balances that will prevent such occurrences. Democracy demands preemptive and proactive measures to prevent such occurrences.

Nigeria is still practicing military dictatorship. Wherever power resides in Nigeria, it is always absolute. It is not placed under check and scrutiny.

From local associations in the village to the highest places in Nigeria, those who have power become absolute and behave recklessly.

Just look at what the police and soldiers do at checkpoints. They have absolute powers. Any person in uniform can order a person into an unmarked vehicle and that is the last we see of that person. This is a clear and present danger.

It is our duty to safeguard public safety by subjecting these actions to scrutiny and interrogations that are needed in a democracy.

Our failure here is due to years of military dictatorship and outright brigandage. That is the micro representation of Nigeria. Those complaining about the stealing now will not be different if they are given those positions. The reason is that the probability that they will get away with the abuse of office is one hundred percent.

A former governor in North-West made an allusion to this fact in his interaction with his most strident critic in Kaduna. After one abrasive criticism from this man, the ex-governor decided to invite him. He sent a cab driver to pick him up, asked the taxi driver to wait and take him back home. After the meeting, he gave the journalist about one hundred thousand (this figure may not be accurate) and fifty thousand for the taxi drive. The critic was told to give the driver 50,000. The Journalist was full of praise and ebullience. The journalist left. He gave the taxi driver N5, 000 and kept the rest of the money. After they exited the gate, the security stopped them to say the governor has one last discussion. When they arrived back, the governor asked the taxi driver how much was given to him by the journalist. The driver said he received only N5, 000.

This is our conundrum. The governor only wanted to make a point but people praised him for his wisdom.

I am not fooled. If the governor actually was interested in solving the problem, he would give the driver his money directly in the presence of the journalist. That would have been better news but he decided to entrap the journalist.

Wherever power resides in Nigeria, it is absolute. Nobody questions it. This behavior is antithetical to democratic norms. This is a carry-over from military dictatorship. We only knew late head of state stole money after he died. What about a former head of state from the North Central? How come no one talks about him? No one does because his power is absolute.

Democracy has to do with checks and balances at all level. Everyone in a democracy is a servant of the law. The opposite is true in Nigeria. Everyone is a servant of those who rule in Nigeria.

Those who hold power must be interrogated. The people in power in Nigeria are like kings and manors. Elected officials are not responsive to those who elected them. They behave as if they got to their present position through a coup. They are arrogant and distant from those who elected or rigged elections for them. They have no sense of justice and anything they say is considered the law by the oppressed. They bellow orders to Nigerians.

Where leaders of advanced democracies would tip toe around thorny issues, the Nigerian governor will come with a bulldozer and loudspeakers to intimidate the citizens. There is no intellectual application in finding solutions to problems because they consider themselves the law. The undeserving voters have surrendered and they just watch as those they elected violate and brutalize them.

If someone challenges these absolute monarchs, they pass an edict to make the illegal legal. They have supporters who they whip into emotional frenzy and use as an army of thugs to intimidate those who think otherwise.

No one personifies this arrogance than the governors in Nigeria. These people are dictators who have no understanding or respect for the rule of law.

Now let me settle on the whipping boy, the governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. This is not because he is the worst; it is because he has the enviable position of being the governor of Lagos State which is a microcosm of Nigeria. Any action in Lagos State is under the microscope. If not for the seriousness of what he does, this man gives me comedy relief.

Apart from his demolition crusade in Lagos, there are things he does that are so funny and outright absurd. He has been sitting on the Supreme Court Judgement that told the people of Magodo to vacate and leave the place for the real owners. This man actually told those who won the case on national television that he is looking for an alternative place so that they will leave the oppressors to enjoy their stolen land on Magodo. This is wrong. These people should vacate the place as ruled by the Supreme Court.

The governor refusing to surrender Magodo to those who won is a gross and severe violation of the law that he should be cited for contempt of the Supreme Court.

The time to negotiate with the original owner was before the court made a ruling. Any negotiation after the court ruling is a violation of the court order and continued abuse of his powers. You don't mediate after a ruling has been made by the Supreme Court. He must be called to order on this.

Sanwo- Olu never stops to tickle me. There was the case where he saw a soldier going the opposite way in a one-way street. This was a comedy of errors and was very hilarious to watch. Sanwo-Olu confronted the man, arrested him and put him in one of the convoy cars for violating the law. The soldier immediately protested and told Sanwo-Olu that he is a soldier and as such that one way rule does not apply to him. The governor told him he doesn't care, nobody is above the law. He is right with this statement.

Let us scrutinize what happened there. The soldier believes he has a right to violate traffic law. Sanwo-Olu believes he has a right to arrest and detain this man because the man violated the law. Both are wrong. Sanwo-Olu does not have the power to arrest any citizen. He is not the DA or the police. He, like any other citizen, can only make a complaint to the appropriate authorities. The soldier is wrong for violating the law. No one is exempted from the law.

In a democracy, that soldier can sue Sanwo- Olu for wrongful detention and imprisonment. If that car moves from that location with the soldier still inside, the governor will be arraigned for kidnapping.

This is the level of idiocy of those in power in Nigeria. Their horizon is very narrow and they have egos that are unchecked. They have no respect for the rule of law because they think the law doesn't apply to them and their followers agree.

Nigeria is a big theatre of the absurd. We need to restructure so that we can get away from this big tent of idiocy.

Any time I watch the robust debate of parliaments in other countries, I whip for Nigeria. In the midst of all the killings and centrifugal forces tearing the nation apart, why is the National Assembly so quiet?

Since the inception of this democratic order, there is no quotable quote from any of these Senators or representatives. There is no debate. The president is now the one that makes laws and no one is asking any questions.

Democracy requires vigilance and continuous interrogation of the status quo. Democracy dies when the citizens fall asleep. We must wake up to keep our democracy alive. Everyone has a role to play. Democracy is not a spectator’s sport. Everyone must be a participant. Any attempt to shirk this responsibility of citizenship is an invitation to tyranny.

Another election time is upon us and we are being inundated with an election by automatic ticket. There is no democracy if people are automatically selected. Democracy means the voters have to re-evaluate those they elected periodically. Any deviation from this is an assault on the will of the people. Any deviation from this is not a democracy but a bad omen that will truncate the rights of the people to choose.

 
Credit: Dr Austin Orette Writes from Houston, Texas

 

A Seasoned Media Practitioner Backs E-Transmission of Results to the INEC iRev

 By Nwaorgu Faustinus

A seasoned Media Practitioner and President of a nongovernmental organization - Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, Chief Christie Obiaruko Ndukwe, has thrown her weight behind the nationally talked about E- Transmission of election results to the INEC iRev.

Chief Obiaruko in a Facebook post stated that, "I am for E-Transmission of results to the INEC iRev as long as we can get 80% accuracy without forced manipulation of the figures as we saw at the Obingwa Local Government of Abia State."

According to her, “the real issue is not the transmission but what exactly is going to be transmitted - cooked or actual figures?  The BVAS is supposed to give accurate data on the accredited numbers and in turn, the actual votes. Not a situation where the accredited voters are more than the registered voters in a particular unit, ward or LGA."

Continuing she said, "There is no doubt that INEC has the code to switch off the network in real time to avoid uploading in real time. We saw it happen and unfortunately, the laws have no action or punishment for such. That to me should be the real reform!!!!

‎The laws have always been there but the challenge is with no implementation of the laws. And this to me is a deliberate sabotage!

‎Every technical system could be sabotaged."

She also noted sabotage by the insurgents and terrorists who have consistently brought down our national grid.

"In the event of such, what becomes the solution? There should be an alternative where there is a network issue either deliberate or systemic.

‎Hackers have also been on the prowl, trying multiple times to hack into the INEC Server” she said

To bridge these gaps, the media practitioner suggested that "the National Assembly should amend the Electoral Act to read: Electronic Transmission in real time/Transfer of Results or whatever INEC decides depending on the areas with irreversible challenges."

”Tomorrow, we hope to see a proper harmonization of the report from the two sections of the NASS. A voice vote or actual votes will make it more transparent", she finally declared.

Commenting on her post, Azubuike Peterside Oweguom said, "The word "Transfer" still gives political actors or INEC the same opportunity to do what they're known for.

"The ideal thing should be "outright cancellation wherever there's network glitches" and it should be scheduled for a rerun.

"We must not start giving room for a repetitive concern of the 2023 presidential election in Rivers state where the will of the people clearly short-change for ministerial position"

Uduaghan Warns Orodje Against Communal Crisis

.....Urges Him To Confine His Activities To 510 Acres Granted In The W.A.C.A Judgement

 

‎

‎.....Refutes Okpe's Claim Over Sapele

 

‎

‎..... Insists Sapele Not Exclusive Town of Okpe People

 

‎

‎

The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, on Saturday urged the Orodje of Okpe to restrict his authority and confine his activities to the said 510 acres granted in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A).

‎

 

‎"I sincerely hope that the said proposed foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace by the Orodje of Okpe is within the said 510 acres granted to the Okpes in the judgement of Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A), as anything outside this will be far reaching and would be an invitation to communal crisis by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and this will be resisted by every legal means possible."

 

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‎In response to the foundation laying ceremony of the sub-palace in Sapele Town by the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, Uduaghan said that the issue of the ownership of Sapele by the Itsekiri Nation has been corroborated by the Intelligence Report of the Colonial Authority as far back as 1930 on the Okpe Sobo Clan wherein they listed all Okpe villages, sub-clans and communities.

 

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‎"The Intelligence Report by L.E.A. Fellows listed the notable Okpe villages to be Amukpe, Elume, Orerokpe and Gbukurusu."

 

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‎Uduaghan who is the administrator of Ugbekoko, Utonyatsere, Ajimele, Aji Dore, Irakpa and other notable Itsekiri communities within Sapele under the over lordship of the Olu of Warri, Atuwatse 111 said the judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) that the Okpe often rely on to claim the ownership of Sapele does not confer ownership of Sapele on the Okpes.

 

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‎‘"The judgement in Chief Ayomanor V. Ginuwa 11 JELR81222 (W.A.C.A) did not grant the ownership of Sapele to the Okpes; rather it granted 510 acres of land to the Okpes. The area of land granted is well known."

 

‎"Sapele is not the exclusive town of the Okpe people. Sapele from the time immemorial belongs to the Itsekiri people" he added

 

Credit: Henry Ovie