₦airaland Forum

Amukpe youths on Sunday described Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Ovwigho Igbuya as an attentive and steadfast leader.
They also commended him for his contributions to the development of the state, particularly Sapele Local Government.
The youths led by Mr. Richard Erhurhu stressed that the Okpe people were proud of Igbuya.
“Mr. Speaker is an outstanding man” they said
The youths, who paid a courtesy call on the speaker in Sapele, described the speaker as a gem, a curative balm and a uniting factor.
“If there is anybody to be credited with the growing stability and unity of the state, it is the speaker. He is a man of wisdom and dedication. He is a passionate advocate for his constituents, a voice for the underdog, a respected politician and a sincere confidant to those closest to him’ the youths said.
They also heaped praises on the speaker for promoting democracy, rule of law and raising his voice for the down- trodden segments of the society.
“Mr. Speaker is a study in consummate humanism, stoicism, integrity, generosity and selflessness. He stands for justice and peace. He is a great democrat, a committed federalist and a genuine political worker. He is respected in the state for his leadership and honesty.” they said.
The youths also commended other Deltans for supporting the speaker.
“Mr. Speaker has been listening to the grassroots. He brought prestige to the Okpe nation and developed a close affinity with political leaders within and outside the state”
“We are satisfied with Igbuya” the youths added.

Okpe leaders on Saturday gave the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya a pat on the back for doing the right thing.
The leaders also commended him for giving purposeful leadership to the House and using the power of the office of the speaker to promote the interests of the state.
The leaders who paid a courtesy visit to the speaker in Sapele not only fired shot at the speaker’s critics but described allegation of bribery as an irresponsible campaign.
“Igbuya is humble and friendly to the core. He is
also honest, kind and has strong moral principles. ” they said.
Finding a common voice on the need to move the state forward, the leaders called on Deltans to join hands with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya to develop the state.

“God has made today’s meeting with our illustrious son, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly possible. We are here today to rejoice with you on your well-deserved re-election and your emergence as Speaker of the 6th Assembly. God will give you the wisdom to pilot the affairs of the Delta State House of Assembly to a glorious height” the president of Adeje community, Mr. Moses Opuoru said.
Similarly, officials of the Urhobo Youth Council on Saturday paid courtesy call on the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya, commending him for his contributions to the growth of democracy and good governance in the state.
The youth council led by its president, Mr. Terry Obieh also lauded the speaker for his integrity and empowerment of the youths in the state.
Those present include Chief Patrick Temile, Mr. Moses Opuoro, Mr. Joseph Omamojasa, Akar Sergeant, Dickson Aghoghore, Samson Oghoro, Dickson Okagbare, Blessing Okeri, Wilson Erarho, Aboloje Ogbe, Samuel Erasere, David Agbaminor, Lucky Ofominyor and Lucky Temile.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, on Thursday rebutted allegation that 23 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the Delta State House of Assembly contributed a sum of N5million each with which to compromise the panel of judges and receive a favorable judgment against opposition petitioners, describing it as wicked, baseless and reckless.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Ebireri also described the allegation that the speaker approached Labour Party lawmaker to bring N5million to settle the panel of judges at the House of Assembly tribunal to get justice as political fabrication aimed at undermining the speaker’s integrity,

““The Delta State House of Assembly Speaker is an honest and highly effective speaker. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years.
Stressing that the speaker will not mortgage the country’s democracy, the CPS accused some members of the opposition of putting personal interest above those of the people and the state.
Ebireri who also called the allegations nonsense, appealed to office and money seeking politicians to temper ambition and greed with concern for public good and genuine welfare of the people.
He also appealed to journalists and politicians to protect Igbuya from undue harassment by self-seeking elements whose stock in trade is to hide under the banner of the media to bring down their imaginary or perceived opponents.
HENRY OVIE EBIRERI
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE SPEAKER
DELTA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
henryebi@yahoo.com
08036977194


Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya has respect for women- CPS
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Thursday urged women to think of ways of claiming more space and opportunities in the country, particularly Delta State.
In a statement issued in Asaba, the Chief Press Secretary thanked the civil society organizations for championing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
‘We need to work towards increasing the number of women in decision making positions, parliament and other governmental positions. We need to create more awareness and support women seeking elective positions’’ the statement said.
Ebireri dismissed allegation that Mr. Speaker hated women.
“Mr. Speaker is a promoter of women’s participation in politics, governance and all walks of specializations. He respects women. He knows their importance and will continue to protect women’s rights” the statement said.
Ebireri who also identified the prevailing exclusion or limited participation of women in politics and governance, the norms, customs and traditions of our society as challenges facing women in the country, appealed to women rights group to put forward proposals on women can be fully supported, in order to flourish and function without sense of exclusion.

. “Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya is providing a visionary, dedicated and people-oriented leadership in the House” the statement added.

HENRY OVIE EBIRERI
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Thursday urged women to think of ways of claiming more space and opportunities in the country, particularly Delta State.
In a statement issued in Asaba, the Chief Press Secretary thanked the civil society organizations for championing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
‘We need to work towards increasing the number of women in decision making positions, parliament and other governmental positions. We need to create more awareness and support women seeking elective positions’’ the statement said.
Ebireri dismissed allegation that Mr. Speaker hated women.
“Mr. Speaker is a promoter of women’s participation in politics, governance and all walks of specializations. He respects women. He knows their importance and will continue to protect women’s rights” the statement said.
Ebireri who also identified the prevailing exclusion or limited participation of women in politics and governance, the norms, customs and traditions of our society as challenges facing women in the country, appealed to women rights group to put forward proposals on women can be fully supported, in order to flourish and function without sense of exclusion.

. “Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya is providing a visionary, dedicated and people-oriented leadership in the House” the statement added.

HENRY OVIE EBIRERI
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com


DSS urged to probe bribery allegation
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Wednesday stressed the need for media professionals to be thorough and be armed with correct facts and figures in the area of investigative journalism.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Ebireri said “This is necessary in order to forestall denting of image which false reports could create in the minds of the public”.
He also urged the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to investigate the alleged attempt to bribe the Election Tribunal judges and identify those behind it.
The CPS commended the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC).
He also urged the security agency to invite those behind the allegation to give useful information.

Henry Ovie Ebireri
henryebi@yahoo.com
08036977194
SDP lawmakers praise Delta Speaker, dismiss allegation
Two members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor, both of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, have dissociated themselves from an online report by Saharareporters alleging that members of the state legislature are contributing five million Naira each to bribe the Election Petition Tribunal Panel to decide cases before it in their favour.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba, Hon Ofobruku, Uvwie and Hon Abigor, Warri South One Constituency condemned the report in its entirety, describing it as wicked, malicious and attempt to bring the house into disrepute.
The lawmakers, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor stated that it was more worrisome to read that the Speaker directed all the 28 members to contribute the said amount to bribe the members of the Election Petition Tribunal panel sitting in Asaba, the state capital.

They drew attention to the fact that about six members of the sixth Assembly have no case in the election petition tribunal as regards the House of Assembly Elections in Delta State.
Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they were not aware of any contribution being made in any quarter as regards bribing the election petition tribunal, saying it was important to clear their names and that of their party from the said publication by Saharareporters.

The two lawmakers maintained that there are three election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba adjudicating over different electoral cases and wondered which one was the online news media was referring to.

Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they are in tribunal with PDP candidates over their victories at the polls and wondered how the Speaker who is PDP would ask non PDP members to contribute money to fight his party’s candidates.
They dissociated themselves from the publication and condemned the trend being adopted by some persons to tarnish the image of the house.
Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor also expressed sadness over attempt by Saharareporters to give credibility to the said report by alleging that some opposition members in the house, including the SDP and Labour Party, spoke to it correspondent on the issue.
They advised the news media to encourage the growth of democracy in Nigeria and stop being a tool for spreading lies in the society.


Delta Speaker mourns Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, congratulates Olu-elect
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya has described late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II as a famous traditional ruler who constructed bridges of friendship among Nigerians.
” The late Olu of Warri was an experienced leader and a wise king” the speaker said.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, the speaker commiserated with members of the royal family and the Itsekiri people at home and abroad over the demise of Ogiame Atuwatse II.
“On behalf of my family and the Delta State House of Assembly, I convey my most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the royal family and the Itsekiri nation on the departure of the Olu of Warri” Igbuya stated.
He urged the late monarch’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a fulfilled life, and had left worthy legacies for his successor to build upon.
He said the State would deeply miss the royal father, who had contributed immensely to the development of the country, the State and indeed the Itsekiri nation.
Igbuya said the traditional ruler would also be remembered for his worthy service and invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.
“Mr. Speaker believes that the Olu of Warri will always be remembered and honoured by Itsekiri people and all Deltans for his immense knowledge and capability as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the state.
“He prays that the Almighty God will receive the late Olu’s great soul”.
The speaker also congratulated Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Emiko for emerging as the Olu of Warri designate.
He urged the Olu-elect to carry on the good works and wise rule of the late Olu of Warri for the well-being and benefit of all Deltans, particularly the Itsekiri people”.


EBIRERI HENRY OVIE
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com

• Urges people to support government
Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya on Thursday advised politicians to jettison selfish interest and think more of what they could do for the country.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Igbuya urged elected and appointed officials to see the occasion of the country’s 55th independence as reminder of their obligation to develop the people.
“Don’t neglect the people” he said.
Signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, the speaker urged politicians to conduct themselves in ways that would inspire confidence in the durability of the country’s democracy.
“All hands must be on deck towards moving the country forward”
He described Delta as a state with great potentials, assuring that the present administration would stick to its policy of transparency and accountability.
“A good government must provide amenities for the people. A good government must be responsible, transparent and accountable. It must be able to manage resources and ensure efficient and effective functioning of all political and socio-economic structures. We are building a Delta of new opportunities” he said.

The statement urged the people to support the current administration in achieving development.


Delta Speaker Mourns Onosode
The death of foremost technocrat and boardroom Czar, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, has deprived Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State of the services of one of the most consistent administrators of this age, says Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya.
“Onosode was a family man that radiated the best of family values” he said.
Igbuya who also described the death of the former chairman of Dunlop Nigeria Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Zain Nigeria as sad and painful, noted that the boardroom guru proved to Nigerians and the international community that there was everything to gain from being principled.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri urged the younger generation of Nigerians to take a cue from the ideals that Onosode lived for- building a better Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, Onosode stood out. He was a rare gem and a visionary leader with the knack for identifying talents. As the head of then NAL merchant bank of Nigeria, he brought together bright young men and women, some of whom are today in top banking position in the country and abroad. As a presidential adviser to President Shagari and a former president of the Nigerian Institute of Management, he demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess.
He urged Onosode’s immediate family and the Urhobo people at home and abroad to take solace in the belief that God’s will is unquestionable and must always prevail,”
“We will certainly miss he former chairman of the Niger Delta Environmental Survey, Global Missions Board of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. We will certainly miss this quiet and unassuming man on so many fronts” the statement added.



Delta Speaker can’t be blackmailed
The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Tuesday accused some politicians of engaging in a fruitless campaign against Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya.

“Some mischievous elements have been blackmailing the speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly over the suspension of a local government chairman by the House” he said.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Ebireri said because Mr. Speaker would not agree to dance to their tune, they would want the people to believe that the speaker was doing something strange.
The Chief Press Secretary emphasized that false allegation is the pre-occupation of those who are either not sure of themselves or by their nature mischievous.
He explained that those arrogant and reckless politicians pursuing their selfish agenda would not be allowed to have their way, saying that Mr. Speaker was voted to serve the interest of the people of Delta State.

“There are all sorts of funny stupid stories from some journalists and politicians with concocted mind. Such elements should not be tolerated in a decent society” Ebireri said.
Ebireri while warning politicians against provocative statements, advised journalists to move from sensational journalism to responsible and objective one.

He also stressed the need for media practitioners to be thorough and be armed with correct facts in the area of investigative journalism.




Delta Speaker tasks Seplat on employment, roads, others
The management of seplat has been urged to work towards the development of communities in Sapele Local Government.
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Monday Igbuya, who gave the advice in Asaba observed that the attitude of some companies had posed a cog in the wheel of progress of the local government.
Mr. Speaker was addressing a delegation of Seplat to the Delta State House of Assembly.
The speaker told the management to have a change of attitude in dealing with matters relating to roads, employment of Okpe indigenes and job security.
Igbuya who is not happy about the level of unemployment of youths in the local government, said he was baffled and felt sad at the news of the dismissal of Okpe people and employment of foreigners by the organization.
Apparently showing his annoyance, Igbuya urged local and foreign organizations to join government in the rural modernization package by repairing bad roads in areas where they operate.
“Let the people feel the impact of modern facilities. Let the people enjoy basic amenities such as good roads. Let local roads be rehabilitated and new ones constructed”
He appealed to the management to stay away from politics and think more of their businesses and those things that could develop the host communities.
“Sapele is a peaceful local government. Be fair to the communities. Employ our people directly” he said.
Earlier, the delegation had appealed to Mr. Speaker and the good people of Sapele for their cooperation.
“We have built strong relationships with our local stakeholders. We have created a stable operating environment and positive social and economic outcomes for our host communities” leader of the delegation and base manager, Sapele, Mr. Chukwuma Igeleyan said.
HENRY EBIRERI
08036977194
henryebi@yahoo.com