Delta Cattle Rearing Control Bill Passes 2nd Reading


Yesterday at plenary, our Bill to REGULATE NOMADIC CATTLE REARING and other ancillary matters passed through the SECOND READING in the Delta State House of Assembly and was thereafter committed to the Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Attached below is a copy of the Bill and we hope our Constituents and indeed all DELTANS will make their inputs in the cause of the Public hearings.

God bless DELTA STATE and NIGERIA.

A BILL FOR A LAW TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF NOMADIC CATTLE REARING IN DELTA STATE, TO ESTABLISH THE DELTA STATE ADVISORY COUNCIL ON GRAZING, TO REPEAL THE CONTROL OF MOVEMENT OF ANIMALS LAW 2000, AND FOR OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO
Commencement


Interpretation
BE IT ENACTED by the Delta State House of Assembly as follows:
1. This Bill may be cited as Delta State Nomadic Cattle Rearing Control Bill, 2016, and it shall come into force on the ………………………day of ………….………………2016.
2. In this Law, unless the context otherwise requires:-
“Crops” means cultivated plants or Agricultural product;
“Cattle” includes bull, cows, oxen, heifers and calves;
“Commissioner” means commissioner charged with responsibility for agriculture and natural resources;
“Council” means the Delta State Advisory Council on Grazing established under this Bill;

“Farmland” means anywhere within the state where any form of farming is being carried out;
“Grazing Areas” means a designated portion where cattle are confined for feeding purposes;
“Local Government” means the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State;
“Nomadic Cattle” means any cattle moving from one place to another;
“Owner” means the actual owner, the rearers, keeper or herdsmen of the cattle;
“House” means the Delta State House of Assembly.
“Poundmaster” means a person duly authorized or appointed by the commissioner to exercise the power and perform the duty in relation to which the expression is used in this Bill;
“Three Senatorial Districts” means the three electoral senatorial Districts of Delta State of Nigeria;
“State” means Delta State of Nigeria.
​​​​PART I
Designation of grazing areas by the advisory council.
Registration of cattle with the Advisory Council.

Control of the Nomadic cattle by reares.


Offence for non designated areas
3. Notwithstanding any other Law for the time being in force in the State, there shall be no Grazing areas in the state, unless prescribed by the Advisory Council to be grazing areas.
4. Any nomadic cattle rearer, owner and herdsmen who move cattle, bull, oxen heifers and calves into the state, must register same with the council and such cattle, bull oxen, heifers and calves must be marked with the owner’s name for easy identification.
5. The nomadic cattle rearers, owners and herdsmen shall ensure that while within the grazing areas, the cattle are confined within the grazing areas as designated by the council and such place must be a fallow land that have no crops on it and when moving such cattle the herdsmen shall ensure that cattle are not moved into a place where crops are planted.
6. Any person who permits cattle to graze in an area not designated as Grazing Area in the state shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to two years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) or both.
Offence for non registration of cattle

Offence for destruction of farm and causing body harm




Appointment of poundmasters









Impounding of cattle found grazing in an areas not Designated Grazing Areas.

Release of impounded cattle
7. Any person who fails to register his cattle with the advisory council shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to Eighteen Months imprisonment or a fine of N 300,000 ( Three Hundred Thousand naira.)
8. (1) Any person who causes cattle to move in a place where crops are planted, or fail to control his cattle thereby resulting in the destruction of farm products shall be liable to pay for the farm.
(2) Any person who causes cattle to stray and attack any person or group of persons leading to crises between the host community and the owner shall be guilty of an offence and shall on conviction be liable to five years imprisonment or a fine of N1,000,000( One Million Naira) or both.
9.(a) As from the commencement of this bill, the commissioner shall appoint pound-masters in all the Local Government areas in the state whose functions shall include the impounding of cattle found grazing in areas outside the designated areas of grazing.
(b) A poundmaster shall be a civil servant within salary grade level 06- 08 in the civil servce.
(c) A poundmaster appointed under this law shall have power to dispose of any cattle found in ares outside the designated areas of grazing, on behalf of the local government council.
(d) A poundmaster shall take periodic statistics of strayed animals and shall submit same to the advisory council.
10. Cattle found grazing in an area not designated as a grazing area in the state shall be impounded by the poundmaster or any other person duly authorized by the commissioner in that behalf.
11.(1) The poundmaster or any person authorized shall release the cattle impounded under this law to the owner upon payment of fees and expense to be prescribed by the council.
Sale of the impounded cattle




Power to make regulations











Advisory council










(2) The fees and expenses shall be paid into the account of the State Government .
12. Any cattle impounded under this bill, which is not claimed within one week of the impounding –
(a) shall be sold in accordance with the auction law and
(b) the proceeds of the sale shall be deposited in the government revenue account.
13.(1) the commissioner may make regulations for all or any of the following areas-
(a) regulating the movement of cattle at certain hours of the day;
(b) for the reporting cases of cattle found grazing outside the grazing areas in the state;
(c) for the appointment of poundmasters to carry out the provisions of this law and conferring on them all necessary powers;
(d) prescribing the fees to be paid for any cattle impounded or for any license or other things issued or done under any regulation under this bill.
(2) Any regulation made under this section may apply to the whole of the state or any part thereof.
​​​​PART II
14.(1) there is hereby established for the state, a council to be known as the “ Advisory Council on Nomadic Grazing” which shall consist of:-
(a) A chairman who shall be a person of impeccable character and of considerable experience in community relations and agricultural matters to be appointed by the Governor upon confirmation by the House;
(b) Chairmen of all the local Government councils in the state;
(c) the secretary to the council, shall be a person not below the rank of Assistance Director from the Ministry of Agriculture;
(d) Divisional police officers in all the Local Government Areas of the state;
(e) the Head/ Leader of the herdsmen in the state.
(f) Traditional rulers of host communities where grazing activities are being carried out across the state.
(2) A member of the council appointed by the Government shall hold office for a period of four years in the first instance and may be re-appointed for another term of four years and no more.

Function of the council
(3) Any member, not being a member of the public service of the state, may at any time, resign his office by letter addressed to the council and as from the date of receipt of the letter by the Governor, he shall be deemed to have resigned.
(4) The Governor shall have power to remove the chairman and or any member from the council.
15. The functions of the council shall be to :-
(a) provide policy advice to the Governor with respect to grazing activities across the state;
(b) undertake periodic review and appraisal of grazing activities;
(c) serve as a liaison between the herdsmen and host communities.
(d) promote harmonious relationship between the herdsmen and host communities.
(e) Any other function as may be assigned by the commissioner in charge of Agriculture and Natural Resources, from time to time.
Proceedings





Special power regarding proceeding for offence.

Repeal
16. (a) The council shall sit as often as may be required to exercise its functions under this bill and shall sit at least once in every quarter of the years.
(b) The council shall have power to regulate its proceedings.
(c) There may be paid to the members of the council such remuneration and allowances as applicable to other councils in the state
17. Proceedings under this bill shall be instituted at the magistrate court having jurisdiction in the area where the act or omission occurred.
18.Control of movement of animals Law, 2000 is hereby repealed.

Izeze Extols Ohworode Of Olomu @ 100

MAJORITY Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly and member representing Ughelli South Constituency, Hon. Com. Reuben R.Y. Izeze has felicitated with His Royal Majesty, Royal Canon, Ovie Richard Layeguen Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro 1, the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, on his centenary birthday which comes up on Friday 20th January, 2017 and the 29th anniversary of his coronation to the ancient throne of his forefathers.

In a congratulatory letter personally signed by the lawmaker, Hon. Izeze extolled the leadership qualities of the Ohworode, saying in the last 29 years, the Olomu monarch led the kingdom with infallible grace, humility and dignity.

“His Royal Majesty’s 29years reign is not only eventful but beneficial to the kingdom and humanity. The peace, progress and prosperity in Olomu kingdom can be ascribed to his wise and freehearted leadership,” Izeze said.

The lawmaker commended His Royal Majesty for demonstrating exemplary leadership, worthy of emulation and for being a role model and source of inspiration for many within and outside the Olomu kingdom.

Izeze further extolled the Ohworode for upholding the highest ideals and virtues of traditional institutions in the country and for playing significant roles in the promotion of harmony, socio-cultural cooperation, communal living and peaceful co-existence among diverse peoples.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ughelli South Constituency, I count it a rare privilege and honour, as I write to express warm felicitations to Your Majesty on the occasion of your landmark centenary birthday and 29th anniversary on the throne of ancient Olomu kingdom.

“You have used your exalted throne to uphold the highest ideals of the traditional institution, steadfastly promoting peace, justice, harmony and positive development in Olomu kingdom, Urhobo nation and beyond.

“I pray that Almighty God continues to strengthen and prosper you even as He blesses you with many more years of fulfillment,” Hon. Izeze wrote.

HERDSMEN MENACE: Izeze Sponsors Bill For Control Of Grazing In Delta

WORRIED by incessant attacks on communities by alleged herdsmen, the member representing Ughelli South Constituency at the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Comrade Reuben Izeze has sponsored a Bill to Control Nomadic Cattle Rearing in the state.

Hon. Izeze said the bill has become necessary as many lives have been lost in the hands of purported cattle rearers who clashed with farmers in different communities of the state as a result of cattle destroying their crops.

He stated that the bill when passed by the Assembly, would provide for a law the Control of Nomadic Cattle Rearing in Delta State, and for the establishment of the Delta State Advisory Council on Grazing, to Repeal the Control of Movement of Animal Law 2009, and other matters connected thereto.

The Bill passed through first reading at today's (16/11/16) plenary at the Delta State House of Assembly on a motion moved by Hon Izeze and seconded by the member representing Ika-North East, Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri.

The motion for the Bill was adopted by the House and passed first reading and was adjourned to 14th December 2016 for second reading.

The sitting also witnessed a motion for the first reading of a Bill for a Law to establish the Delta State Environmental Management Agency which was moved by the member representing Ika-North East, Hon. Anthony Elekeokwuri and was seconded by Oshimili-South, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya and the motion as adopted by the House and passed first reading and was adjourned to 15th December 2016 for second reading.

The House was adjourned to Thursday 17th November, 2016 at 10.00 am following a motion moved by Majority Leader, Hon Tim Owhefere and seconded by the member representing Ethiope East, Hon. Evance Ivwurie.

Hon. Izeze in a chat with newsmen, said, "Nigeria's democracy is ripe for individuals' lives and rights to be protected. Nobody is against grazing, but, it will be criminally wrong for you to destroy other peoples economic crops, their source of livelihood because you are engaging in your economic activities."

"There must be mutual respect among Nigerians and it is a criminal offense before man and God to take people's lives at the slightest provocation, we have heard cases of killings, we have witnessed protests by our people as a result of killings by purported herdsmen and time is ripe for their activities to be regulated by law and it is our duty to protect the rights of every Deltan according to the constitution of the country," he said.

Delta Lawmaker, Izeze Rehabilitates Otu-Jeremi Hospital Labour Room

Delta Lawmaker, Izeze Rehabilitates Otu-Jeremi Hospital Labour Room

In line with Governor Okowa' SMART Agenda of ensuring relevant health and well being of the people of the state, the member representing Ughelli South Constituency and Majority Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly and his wife, Comrade and Mrs. Izeze R.Y. Reuben has rehabilitated, expanded and equipped the Otu-Jeremi General Hospital Labour Room with modern facilities that will help in giving safe women delivery in the hospital.

The general hospital labour room which was given a complete facelift has been equipped with state of the art facilities including; 3 Units of Imported Hospital Delivery Beds; 10 Episiotomy Scissors; 6 Sims Speculum; 6 Cuscos Virgina Speculum; 3 Oxygen Guage; 1 Fetal Dopper; 1 Surgeon Stool; 1 Drip Stand; 1 Ward Screen; 1 Large Instrument Tray; 5 Theater Scon, 5 Theater Boots, 3 Mackintosh, 1 Laerdal Silicon Ambubag, 1 1.5 HP LG Air Conditional Unit and Sphymomanometer (Aconson)

Commenting on the development, Comrade Izeze said, “I’m delighted to announce the extensive development that has taken place at the hospital's labour room. We have worked with the hospital to understand their needs, and to ensure that the facility is fully equipped to adequately and sustainably care for patients admitted to the labour room. The hospital serves a wide ranging area, but prior to this refurbishment, the labour room was not in good order and could not meet international standards and this obviously could have devastating consequences for many patients.

Speaking further, the lawmaker paid glowing tributes to his wife Mrs Ruona Izeze who conceptualized and supervised the completion of the project.

“Credit must be given to Mrs Izeze for her commitment in conceptualising, supervising the project from inception to conclusion.”

"Our commitment to the health of our people is unwavering, and we are very proud to have been elected by the good people of Ughelli South; we will continue to strive to advance healthcare infrastructure across the constituency.” he stated.


http://www.nelsonegware.com/2016/09/delta-lawmaker-izeze-rehabilitates-otu.html

Majority Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, and Member representing Ughelli South State Constituency, Hon. Comrade Reuben Rume Izeze has congratulated Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (Ekwueme) on the occasion of his 57th birthday anniversary.

In a statement personally signed by the lawmaker, Hon. Izeze acknowledged the sterling qualities and contributions of Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa to the development of his people as a former Local Government Chairman, Honorable Commissioner, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Senator representing Delta North Senatorial district and now Executive Governor of Delta State.

He described Senator Okowa as an impeccable leader and an astute manager of resources whose political sagacity and dexterity culminated in the numerous landmark projects commissioned and inspected recently in his one year in office as Governor of Delta State.

"On behalf of my family and the good people of Ughelli South Constituency, I congratulate an astute leader and a strong pillar of support, a consummate politician and manager of resources, Distinguished Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (Ekwueme) on the occasion of his 57th birthday anniversary.

"Here comes a man who is dauntless in courage, tender in spirit, mighty in wisdom yet humble and simple. A believer and reformer of those society may feel are of no good. A man who believes in dialogue and constructive engagement, a visionary leader and emancipator, a crusader of peace and mentor of no mean repute. A man who is passionate about serving and making life better for his people. A strong advocate and believer in the universality of mankind. I salute you today as you celebrate.

"As I congratulate you on your 57th birthday anniversary, it is my prayer that God will continue to grant you divine wisdom and knowledge to deliver prosperity for all Deltans."

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has felicitated with Enugu State Governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, as he turns 52 years on Sunday March 20, 2016.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu in Asaba on Friday, Governor Okowa said, Enugu State is blessed to have Ugwuanyi as their governor as his 4 point Agenda is already manifesting with democratic dividends spread across Enugu State.

"Your vision of an Enugu State where government services are deployed solely to create fair opportunities for every citizen to make a living and create wealth, educate our children and enjoy life, in a peaceful and secure environment has been the fulcrum of your administration's desire to ensure continuity, sustainable development diversify and reinvigorate the economy of Enugu State.

"Your contributions to nation building as a vibrant and astute lawmaker is epitomized in your robust contributions to the enactment of the Pension Act 2004 and the development of the Nigeria Maritime Sector.

"Your life symbolises the assured reward for single-minded commitment to the ideals of diligence, humility, perseverance, focus and dedicated service.

"On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I write to express warm felicitations to you on the glorious occasion of your 52nd birthday anniversary.

“As you deservedly celebrate this birthday anniversary, it is my prayer that Almighty God continues to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 52 years of a life of forthrightness, outstanding patriotism and service to humanity with which He has blessed you."

Ogor Calls For Wealth Redistribution
...As VitaTree Visits Irri Orphanage

AS the economic downturn in the country takes its toll on Nigerians, a Philanthropist and President of VitaTree Nutritionals International, Mr Rockson Ogor has called on well to do individuals in the society to assist the less privileged as a way of encouraging wealth redistribution.

Mr Ogor made the call at the weekend when he led top management of his organization to pay humanitarian visit to the Irri Orphanage Home ran by the Human Welfare for Empowerment and Development Initiative (HWEDI) under the Ascention of Grace Global Outreach.

VitaTree International which presented gift items of different categories - bags of rice, yam, plantain, noddles among others to the inmates of the Orphanage, Mr Rockson observed has been actively involved in the supply of food and vitamins supplement which has added a lot of values to human lives, disclosing that visiting orphanages was in accordance with the Biblical injunction of helping the poor and needy in the society especially with the harsh economic situation of the country. He disclosed that VitaTree had earlier visited 6 Orphanage homes in Lagos and their coming to Irri in Delta State is to ensure that they ain't left out.

"VitaTree International has made its mark in the food and vitamin supplements as can be attested to by the consumers of the products, but, we believe that this is time for everybody to be his or her brothers' keepers, let those who have give back to the society to reduce poverty and as you can see, we are not paying lip service to giving back to the society, we have done it quietly at several occasions," he said, emphasizing, "it is godly to help the poor and needy and encourage wealth redistribution to reduce poverty in the country."

Mr Ogor assured the children and management of the orphanage home that the company will endeavour to be visiting them on a monthly basis in a bid to ensure that their welfare is given top priority.

The VitaTree boss assured that the company will attract support for the orphanage from their international partners and stakeholders.

Those who spoke at the occasion, including the inmates of the orphanage numbering over 150 were full of joy and prayed for the management and staff of VitaTree company to succeed in their endeavors, observing that they gave with joy and "we are all happy and are thankful to God."

The President and founder of the Orphanage home, Rev. Great Abraham, particularly, expressed happiness with VitaTree for their show of love and support for the orphanage while appealing to well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to come to their aid as the children need help in various ways.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, has felicitated with former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he turns 79 years.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, Governor Okowa, prayed for the continued grace of good health and mind for Chief Obasanjo.

“Chief Obasanjo, undoubtedly, exudes an inspiration very much needed at this stage of Nigeria’s socio-political and economic development and it is not for nothing that God has kept him as one of Nigeria’s guides" Governor Okowa noted.

Okowa who observed that Chief Obasanjo does not beg issues said Nigeria needs such forthright leader, at all levels, if the country will see itself out of the woods of its myriad of challenges.

He recounted Chief Obasanjo’s bold developmental legacies that dotted the Nigerian landscape from his days as a military Head of State and as the civilian President between 1999 and 2007 and charged current leaders, both at the federal and state levels, to buy into the elder statesman’s philosophy.

"Dear Chief Obasanjo, the remarkable achievements of your first and second sojourns as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are indelible in the Oil & Gas, Steel, Banking as well as the Communication Sectors of the Nigeria Economy.

“In a life that has seen you become a Statesman amidst your achievements in public service and political endeavours, there is great cause for you, members of your family, your many associates, protégés and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His benevolence upon you".

“As you deservedly celebrate this landmark, it is my prayer that Almighty God continue to bless you with robust health and many more years of happiness.

“I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance, protection and provision for you in the past 79 years of a life of forthrightness and outstanding patriotism with which He has blessed you."

According to Aniagwu, the governor wished Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a very happy 79th birthday celebration and prayed that God Almighty grant him many more years of good health and strength to continue with his devotion to making Nigeria and Africa a better place for the people and all who live in it.

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated Governors Udom Emmanuel and Okezie Ikpeazu of Akwa-Ibom and Abia States on the affirmation of their electoral victories by the Supreme Court yesterday.

This was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, wherein the Governor described the Supreme Court victories as "well deserved” for Udom and Ikpeazu who are both members of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

Governor Okowa while commending the Supreme Court Justices for the landmark judgements said the Apex Court has indeed upheld the rule of law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The judgement of the apex court on the cases of Governors Udom and Ikpeazu is a victory for our democracy and a reaffirmation of the divine mandate freely given to the Governors by the people of both states and commended the Supreme court for ensuring the sanctity of the people's mandate.

The Governor also noted that the ruling of the Supreme Court on the Akwa-Ibom and Abia states Governorship Election appeal will go a long way in restoring the hope and confidence of the Nigerian people on the sanctity of the judiciary and lauded the apex court for standing firm in the defence of the law and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Governor Okowa further observed that the Supreme Court interpretation of the electoral procedures and laws has made it very imperative to amend the Electoral Act, if the country is to continue with the use of card readers in subsequent elections.

He commended the people of Akwa-Ibom and Abia States for their support for the PDP while assuring them that the Governors will not renege on the confidence reposed on them by the electorates.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate you on your hard earned victory at the Supreme Court. Your victory is well deserved because it is a confirmation of the fact that the people of your states gave you their mandate freely.

"The Supreme Court has once again proved that it is the bastion of hope for the oppressed and I commend their Lordships for their landmark judgements that upturned the decisions of the appellate court."

Okowa urged the opposition to accept the verdict of the Supreme Court in good fate and cooperate with the Governors to move their respective states forward.

By Theophilus Onojeghen and Offor Onukwuwe On 04/02/2016 05:15:46 AM Share Forget Delta, Gov Okowa warns Biafran separatists
For pro-Biafra agitators who want Delta State to be part of Biafra Republic, Gover­nor Ifeanyi Okowa has asked them to forget their ambition because no part of the state will be ceded to the proposed Republic.
The governor said although cer­tain parts of the state speak simi­lar language with leaders of the Bi­afra State promoters, “this does not mean that Delta has become part of the struggle or the South East region.”
Okowa disclosed this on Wednesday during his first interac­tive session with journalists at the Government House in Asaba, the state capital.
Fielding questions from report­ers, the governor said that “Delta State has never been, and is not part of the South East.”
He narrated how Delta was for­merly a part of the then Mid-West­ern Region, then the defunct Bendel State, before it was created alongside Edo State.
Okowa said: “Biafra agitation, we criticise it. Anioma land as it is said, was part of Bendel State; we were part of the Mid-West State, we have not been part of the South East. So obvi­ously, we cannot be said to be part of them (Biafra). We may speak a sim­ilar language, but we are not part of the South East. We were part of the Mid-West, now we are Deltans.”
The governor, who spoke on a range of issues, faulted the alleged Federal Government’s move to scrap some higher institutions, including the Maritime University located at Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu.
He argued that there is need for the Federal Government to set up more universities, instead scrapping the established ones, like the mari­time university which is one of a kind in the country. The governor revealed that leaders of Gbaramatu Kingdom have approached the state govern­ment for negotiations with the Fed­eral Government on the matter.
On the Supreme Court judg­ment of Tuesday, Governor Okowa said he won the April 11 governorship election overwhelmingly, even Del­ta Central where his two opponents: Chief Great Ogboru and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor hail from. He stat­ed that the legal battle among them has distracted governance in the state, and an insult on Deltans, who mas­sively voted for him.
Okowa said that although he had forgiven his opponents over the legal run, they should apologise to the peo­ple of the state.
His words: “As for me, I have forgiven them, because we all knew that we won the election. Ahead of the April 11 election, when we were busy campaigning everywhere, my two brothers (Ogboru and Emerhor) were struggling in one senatorial dis­trict over who will control the votes in that senatorial district, without really campaigning, and they want to gov­ern Delta State.

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Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has dispelled claims of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB to the effect that Anioma Nation in Delta State belongs to Biafra Republic.

Governor Okowa stated that the Anioma ethnic nationality was never a part of the South-East region and does not subscribe to the renewed agitation by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The Governor stated this during an interactive session with newsmen at the Government House Press Centre Asaba.

“Biafra agitation, we have criticized it. Anioma land as it is said, from here, was part of Bendel State, it was part of the Midwest Region.

“We were never part of the South East and obviously we cannot be said to be part of them. We may speak the same language but we were never part of the South East. We were part of the old Midwest, we were part of Bendel, we are now Delta State and we are Deltans." he said

LEO OGOR @57: AN ODE TO THE LEGISLATIVE GENERAL


By Nelson Egware


Since joining the House of Representatives in 2003, the man Rt. Hon. Leo Okuweh Ogor has never looked back from delivering democratic dividends to the people of Isoko Federal Constituency whom he represents at the green chambers.

He has since become a leading voice in the National Assembly amidst his achievements as a fantastic lawmaker and leader of the PDP Caucus in the House of Representatives.

His services to our country and contributions to our democracy are innumerable. He has combined the ingenuity of a legislator per excellence with humility and genuine feelings and thoughts for the less privileged and downtrodden in the society.

Hon Leo Ogor, popularly referred to as the "General" by his colleagues and followers because of his exploits in the green chambers has had a glittering 13 years political career in the House of Representatives, where against all odds, he was elected Deputy Majority Leader in the 7th Assembly and now as Minority Leader in the 8th Assembly.

As an apostle of the Leo Ogor political ideology, I can testify to his devotion to excellence, commitment, simplicity and integrity. These qualities will continue to be a source of inspiration to all of us whose lives he has touched in various important ways.

At 57, despite all his achievements in life, Hon Leo Ogor is not yet a fulfilled man as his dream of putting smiles on the faces of the people is yet to be fulfilled.

Hon. Leo Ogor has been Chairman of several Adhoc Committees of the House including the Pentascope Investigative Panel, Malabu Oil Block Sale, Single Windows System, BOFIA Amendment Act Committee, Adhoc Committee on the poor services of GSM service operators in the Country, Chairman Adhoc Committee on Rice Import Quota and Duty Payments and many others.

Between 2003-2015, Hon. Leo Ogor sponsored 10 Bills and over 50 motions and has made quality contributions to other motions at plenary and Committee sittings.

In August 2013, Rt Hon. Leo Ogor was honored as House of Reps Member of the Year by the Delta Role Model Awards and also in October of same year he was recognized by the Niger Delta Achievers Merit Awards as Legislator of the year. In May 2014, Hon Leo Ogor was again recognized for Excellence in Grassroots Empowerment as well as the African Child Prize for Legislation at an impressive ceremony held at the Ladi Kwali Hall Sheraton Hotels & Towers, Abuja. He was also chosen among Our Heroes of Democracy by Newswatch Communications Plc.

Oyibo Isoko as he is fondly called back home has several projects to his credit. The development of the Isoko Nation has remained the cardinal point of his representation and he has been religiously committed to the cause of development of the Isoko Nation and other parts of the State.

A patriotic Nigerian whose love for the nation is uncompromising, he has been a leading voice in the national discuss. In this era of political defections, Hon. Leo Ogor is die-hard, patriotic and loyal party man, an embodiment of party loyalty and an epitome of integrity. He has remained one of the rallying points for his party the People's Democratic Party PDP, providing credible opposition to the ruling All Progressive Congress APC at the Federal while also providing massive support for the PDP led government in his home state of Delta.

As a beneficiary of his benevolence, I am proud and privileged to be associated with him and will continue to be inspired by his numerous acts and deeds.

A devout family man, Hon Leo Ogor is happily married to his beloved wife Peace Oghenekaro Ogor and their union is blessed with beautiful children who are doing exploits in their various disciplines.

On behalf of my family, I join your numerous supporters and well wishers in celebrating a life of active service to humanity as you celebrate your glorious 57th birthday. It is my prayer that God will continue to grant you good health and peace of mind and above all favour to do more exploits as you continue in the service of our fatherland.


Nelson Egware, is Special Assistant, Media to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State

Why I opposed subsidy proposals in Buhari’s Supplementary Budget-Leo Ogor


By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru


Hon. Leo Ogor, alias the General, is the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. In this chat, he speaks on why he opposed the fuel subsidy proposals in President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2015 Supplementary Budget and the constitution of House committees.

Why did you kick against the Supplementary Budget that Mr President sent to the House?

They were not too comfortable with it, they knew what I was saying is nothing but the truth but they insisted that they will do everything in the books  to stop me. But I think, at the end of the day, I was able to pass the message to the Nigerian people and  I am sure  I did justice to the budget because you saw the issue of the subsidy itself.

Firstly, you are trying to pay a subsidy of about N413bn, that is the highest figure  you can ever think of. That subsidy came under the fourth quarter, and it was notwithstanding that the price of PMS has dropped drastically at  the international  market.  And  you know the budget was predicated on $48 per barrel. But outside that, you can look at how long that there has been  a  drop in the price of oil. So, what has led to this high increase  subsidy specifically when the APC government has continuously insisted that the subsidy is a fraud?  And I want to quote Lai Mohammed verbatim; he insisted from day one that the subsidy regime is all fraud, it is a fraudulent process and there is no way they were going to allow it.

When you compare it to that of Jonathan’s admin, it is totally unacceptable. And that is why I insisted that  there is no problem  passing the budget. But the Committee on Finance, which is a committee of the House and not a committee of a political party, should  do a proper research and ask why we should be paying subsidy at such a high rate when the price of crude oil is dropping.
The other question  is, who actually are the beneficiaries of this subsidy? Because, at the end of the day, the essence of  subsidy is to make sure that the common man is the beneficiary. If government is spending N413bn in less than  seven  months, who are actually the beneficiaries of this subsidy? Is it the common man or the rich ones that live in high brow areas?  I think these are the questions we need to answer. How many vehicles does the common man use? How much is fuel in Abuja compared to fuel probably in Maiduguri? How much is it   in Abuja compared to Kano, compared to Bornu, compared to Zamfara, compared  to Onitsha or even Enugu? Are those people actually being subsidized? These are  many questions that we need to find answers to. And if you ask me, the truth here is that there is no subsidy in  all these areas except  Lagos and Abuja.
I was very keen and interested in pointing out all these issues so that, at the end of the day, we should look at this budget from  national perspective, look at national interest and address the issues  and there  are so many errors in the whole budget process because, when you look at the fiscal regime presented by the executive, clearly you will see that instead of them  bringing or rather articulating the subsidy as N413bn, in their proposal, it was presented as  N100bn.
And there  are some extra budgetary expenditure because it was broken down into third quarter, fourth quarter and added the  third quarter and fourth quarter together.
Now, if you look at the issue of All African Games; they have already spent the money and they are now coming back to seek approval from the National Assembly; that is a clear violation of Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution as amended because there was no budgetary provision for it.
But the support fund  for insurgency victims that they have actually paid, we are not against that. But what we are   insisting on is that Mr President should follow due process;  let there be respect for the rule of law and our Constitution because we all swore to the oath of allegiance and that oath of allegiance stipulates clearly that we must defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without fear or favour. So if you are now spending funds without authority, that is a  very serious constitutional breach. You know that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If we don’t point out these things, tomorrow you will see them going beyond this breach.

I think when you look at the budget again, much as there were violations in respect of even  funds to the Nigerian military, there were already payments made but, because we have the interest of the Nigerian people at heart, vis a vis the insurgency crisis that we are facing, I stated, with all emphasis, that we would  do everything  to make sure that the Nigerian Armed Forces succeed in fighting the insurgency. But that does not mean that we must throw due process to the wind and I think it is more of a caution to the executive that there must be respect for the rule of law.

You can see that when the question was put, notwithstanding all those abnormalities, with all those errors, all those mistakes in the supplementary   budget, there was no single dissenting voice from the PDP because I had told them  that we must pass the budget but it is important that we point out those errors, those violations of the Constitution, those extra budgetary expenditure. And the beautiful thing is that we were able to show some high level of maturity, understanding of the business of governance in the whole process. And I sincerely want to thank my PDP colleagues for the maturity they displayed on the floor of the House.
 
Still on subsidy, the 7th assembly carried out investigation on the issue and nothing happened at the end of the day. The issue of subsidy continues to be on   the front burner. I think why the APC is quoted to have said it was a fraud was because some people were  alleged to have become wealthy without doing nothing. How come the investigation of the House at a time you were also one of the principal officers failed?

You are not right; something came out of it. I believe you are referring specifically to the Farouk Report. Recommendations went to the EFCC and people are still even being tried in the court today on account of the recommendations. I still remember that even the son of the Chairman of our party, the, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, was actually taken before a competent court of jurisdiction, many people were tried and a lot of discoveries were made.

But my pain  in respect of this N413billion subsidy money is an offensive amount of money. How come that the price of oil is dropping and the subsidy is increasing because the Jonathan administration never paid such a huge amount of money at once. We are shouting there is no money and we have the moral justification to go and borrow from the domestic market at that high interest rate 413billion  to pay some people who are probably involved in round tripping. The debt will continue to be there, are we not in the process of enriching some Nigerians when the price of crude keeps dropping on a daily basis? I have never seen such economic calculations where the price of crude is dropping, you expected probably by now that even there should be no subsidy and we should be reducing some level of money from the price of petrol we are getting because this subsidy is purely for PMS. But today we are paying even more than when the price of crude was almost 100 dollars. So how do you justify it?

And this budget is coming less than six weeks to the end of the financial year. So I ask, what is the purpose of this budget? Because the law clearly stipulates that in the next six weeks, whether Mr President likes it or not, he is bound by the Constitution, to present a budget to the National Assembly because the financial year ends in December.

And unfortunately also, the Medium Term Expenditure Frame work, which was supposed to be submitted to the National Assembly, four months before the end of a financial year, has not been submitted. So these are some of the challenges that we need to look at, see how we can amend the financial year to see that the interest of the Nigerian people are protected. If care is not taken and if we decide to go by the law, we may end up having a major challenge on the budget presentation because the way it stands now, there is no way the President can present the budget to the National Assembly by the end of this financial year and that will violate Section 11 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act which says:  Federal Government, after consultation with the states, shall not later than  six months from the commencement of this Act call to be prepared and lay before the National Assembly for their consideration a Medium Term Expenditure Frame work for the next three financial years”. This provision was clear in 2007 when the Act was enacted.

Now here we have less then six weeks to go and, up till now, there is no Medium Term Expenditure Frame work, so how do we pass the budget? The way out is  to either extend the financial year to about April and see how we can work out the modality and the methodology of having the Medium Term Expenditure Frame work accepted by the House and now have a budget to be treated. Because there is no way we can carry on with the way things are at the moment.
 
This is a critical question that I need to ask; it has come up since 2012. And I think what happened in May this year, when the marketers refused to bring in oil so that they can get their claims and held the country to ransom for N111bn. And between then and now, we have N413bn  claims.  Experts are saying this subsidy regime is not sustainable. What is your opinion on that?

First, we have been shouting over it. We told them categorically, from day one, that there is the need for us to have a subsidy debate to know the advantages and disadvantages of this subsidy. Can we sustain it? Can we continue to subsidize imported products? Can we continue to use resources that are from a primary product that we export and use the proceeds to buy a finished product, thus  funding the employment opportunities of other nations? These are fundamental questions.
Is there room for competition? Can we allow other people to step into the market so that they can create effective competition? Can we survive this subsidy regime? As a patriot I will tell you no, because I would not want to mortgage the future of generations unborn playing the role of “Father Christmas”.

But we have continued to play politics with it. My worry at this particular time is that the huge subsidy that we are paying; I cannot imagine us paying N413bn, that is far more than 10% of the national budget in less than seven months. And I know some subsidy has already been paid because we budgeted only N100billion. But today look at the figure, N413bn and who actually gave anybody the right or the authority to incur such an expenditure?

So we need to really come to terms with the reality. But I think as a people because we have continued to live like people that have the opportunity of getting free lunch on  continuous basis, the poor masses of this country have been deprived of the right to development.

And I have told you that even in my home state of Delta, fuel is not sold at the N87 official price. The price is about N130. Even in Abuja now, with these queues, you cannot get fuel at N87 because you have to buy from the “black market”.
But my annoyance is that, why should crude be sold at $48 and the subsidy is increasing? These are questions people don’t want to answer, this is the reality we must come to terms with. Let us open the market so that competition will come in and there is the tendency that the price will drop. But where the cartel is controlling the whole system, you can be rest assured that they can still slap us with another subsidy bill of probably N600billion again in the next six months.

Does good roads prevent accidents?

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DSC to Commence Full Operation in 14 Months — Okowa

 
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has said the multi-billion naira Delta Steel Company, Aladja would commence full operations in fourteen months’ time, even as his administration received overwhelming endorsement from the political leaders of Anioma nation.

The Governor dropped the hint today (02/11/15) while addressing leaders and elders of Delta North Senatorial District (Anioma nation) who paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Asaba.

According to him, when the steel company becomes fully operational, it would add value to his administration’s commitment to job creation for Deltans disclosing that he had a fruitful discussion with the new owners of the company on the revamping of the steel company during the recent India/Africa Business summit he attended with President Mohammadu Buhari in India.

“In our visit to India I met with one of the companies that recently, took over the Delta Steel complex, Aladja and I thank God because they are serious minded and committed to reviving the company and I believe that in another twelve to fourteen months the DSC will come alive again with many other companies in the state,” he said.

He stated further, "DSC is our pride and I believe that when that company comes alive, it will employ people from all parts of Delta State and beyond.”

The Governor also talked about the need for Deltans to be security conscious, especially, on the issue of Fulani herdsmen and host communities, noting “there are challenges with cattle rearers and I believe that there are ways of tackling these challenges, I want to plead that patience be exercised and the process must be engaged with intelligence, there are the cattle rearers who are peaceful and the cattle rustlers who have criminals among them that create problems for our communities and that is why you find out that those rustlers are armed and some are involved in the kidnappings that we hear about, so we must be careful and be diplomatic.”

He urged the people to be receptive of investors by making land and other incentives available to encourage investments in their areas while ensuring that they maintain peace and shun any action that is inimical to the growth of the society.

While thanking the people of Delta North for their support and show of solidarity to his administration, Governor Okowa reiterated, “I thank you my leaders, fathers and mothers here present for all the support given during and after the elections and throughout the period we were at the tribunal, it is my hope that the present challenges will be a thing of the past.”

The Governor urged the people of Anioma nation to remain united and cooperate with all ethnic nationalities to move the state forward, asserting that the leaders must show examples to their followers so as to engender peace in their areas.

Earlier Senator Peter Nwaoboshi who spoke on behalf of the Anioma Nation said it was a solidarity and support visit to Governor Okowa and congratulated him on his victory at the election petition tribunal, observing that Deltans overwhelmingly voted for the Governor.

Senator Nwaoboshi told the Governor that political leaders and their followers in anioma nation have resolved to support hus administration to realise the prosperity for all Deltans agenda.

High point of the occasion was the presentation of gifts to the Governor.

Delta Polls Credible — INEC Boss


By Lucky Oyibo


THE ACTING Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hajiya Amina Zakari, yesterday gave pass mark to the Commission in Delta State for the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections, saying all the election results upheld by the Delta State Elections Petitions Tribunals from the House of Assembly to the governorship were an affirmation of enhanced credibility to the commission.

Hajiyah Zakari stated this while commissioning the INEC Conference Hall constructed by the leadership of the state headquarters of the commission led by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elder Abasi Aniedi Ikoiwak, in Asaba.

The Acting INEC Chairman who was represented by the National Commissioner, Amb. Lawrence Nwuruku, said the leadership of the Commission will not leave any stone unturned to rid the Commission of electoral malpractices and election irregularities.

Zakari congratulated the State REC for stamping his name in the sands of time through the construction of the Conference Hall and the presentation of Awards to his staff for improved productivity.

She said the INEC Headquarters would address the challenges facing the Commission in Delta State, saying that INEC under the watch of Prof. Attahiru Jega had constantly promoted staff and enhanced the welfare of its workers.

According to her, the new INEC will consolidate on the gains made to ensure that challenges facing the staff at the state headquarters of the commission are adequately addressed.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elder Abasi Ikoiwak pledged to sustain and add value to the laudable feat which the commission has recorded in its resolve to provide electoral services necessary for entrenching democracy in the country.

He listed inadequate accommodation and staff career progression as some of the challenges affecting the staff of the commission in the state, appealing to the leadership of INEC at the Federal level to ameliorate the problem.

The Chairman, Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC), Mr Moses Ogbe, Delta State Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dame Elizabeth Agu and the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, described the state REC as a result-oriented electoral umpire who has in no small measure contributed to the progress of the commission in the country.

Ogbe specifically described him as an election guru, disclosing that all the elections which he had supervised have never been faulted by any tribunal in the country.

Late Olu was a Man of Peace - Okowa


DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has described HRM Ogiame Atuwase II as a man of peace who contributed immensely to the growth of the nation.

The Governor spoke yesterday when he paid a condolence visit to the Itsekiri people on the demise of the late Olu. According to the Governor, the late Olu as the Chairman of the Delta State Executive Council contributed immensely to the peaceful co-existence of Deltans.

While assuring that the state government will be actively involved in the burial programme, Senator Okowa said "Until the conclusion of his burial ceremony, he is still the chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council and beyond being the Olu of Warri, he worked for a peaceful state,"

"I felt I should come over to ask how we are faring for us to have a befitting, peaceful burial and the successful installation of the Olu designate." Governor Okowa said. He emphasized, "Know that as a state government, we are with you all the way, we want to let you know that we are going to be partners in progress, we share in your sorrow, we also share in your joy for taking a decision on the Olu's successor in a peaceful manner."

The Regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Eroro Emiko thanked Governor Okowa for his concern towards the progress of Itsekiri nation and Delta State in gerneral. He expressed satisfaction with the interest of Governor Okowa towards a successful burial ceremony of the late Olu and a peaceful installation of a new one.
http://nelsonegware..com/2015/10/late-olu-was-man-of-peace-okowa.html

Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the Alamieyeseigha family, the Government and people of Bayelsa State as well as the Ijaw Nation, at large, over the sudden demise of the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu described Alamieyeseigha’s exit as shocking and painful.
“The late Alamieyeseigha was loved by the ijaws who saw him as a rallying spot for the reawakening of the spirit of togetherness irrespective of the spread of the Ijaws in all riverine areas of the country. No wonder they nicknamed him ‘ Governor General of the Ijaw nation' ”, Okowa noted.

Governor Okowa extolled the humility of the late Alamieyeseigha which enabled him to mentor up-coming politicians culminating in his Deputy Governor, Goodluck Jonathan, rising to become a former Nigeria’s president.

While praying God to grant the late Alamieyeseigha eternal rest, Governor Okowa enjoined the family, government of Bayelsa state and the Ijaws in general to immortalize his memory by ensuring that the Ijaws remain united and speak with one voice, at all times.
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Pictures from the visit

DWINDLING OIL PRICE: Okowa Challenges NASS To Proffer Solution


AS Nigeria grapples with the effects of dwindling oil price, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged members of the National Assembly to proffer solution to the situation.

Governor Okowa gave the challenge yesterday (10/10/15) when a high-power delegation from the Senate led by Senator Kabiru Gaya paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

The Senators which included the minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, James Manager, Ighoyota Amori, Peter Nwaoboshi, Ishiaka Adeleke, Theodore Orji, among others were in Delta State to commiserate with the government, its people and condole the Itsekiri nation on the demise of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II.

According to Governor Okowa, the National Assembly has a lot of experienced Nigerians who can proffer solutions to the economic crisis facing the country.

“We are in very trying times and we believe that with the kind of men we have both in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, that you will help us think through to find ways of stabilizing both the resources and the governance of our nation in such a manner that will be in the best interest of our people,” he said.

He observed, “there is a lot of pain on ground nationally, it is not something that we believe there is a quick fix to, but, the exposure that most of the Senators and other members of the National Assembly have had made them to stand a good chance in being able to partner with the executive arm of government to proffer solutions to the current challenges that we face as a nation."

Governor Okowa further observed that "at this very trying times in the history of our nation when the oil prices have gone very low and things are quite difficult, we will always rely on the National Assembly to stand up to help create solutions.”

He thanked the Senate for commiserating with Delta State government, its people and the Itsekiri nation on the demise of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II stating that the deceased was “a very powerful Royal Father, a man of peace who made his contributions to the growth of our state and the nation but this visit has shown that Nigerians appreciate him more than we thought.”

Senator Gaya had told the Governor that they were in the state on behalf of the Senate to identify with the government and people of Delta State on the demise of the Olu of Warri, disclosing that the delegation would also, pay a condolence visit on the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.

He presented a condolence letter on behalf of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to Governor Okowa while a minute silence in honour of the deceased Olu was observed.

Onosode, gift to Delta, Nigeria – Okowa


Delta State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has described the late industrialist and boardroom guru, Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode as a gift to Delta State and Nigeria as a country.

He stated this on Friday when he paid a condolence visit to the Onosode’s family at their Surulere residence in Lagos. Okowa, who poured encomiums on the man popularly called Mr Integrity, admonished the widow, Mrs Susan Onosode and other members of the family not to weep for too long but to give thanks and praises to God for giving such a wonderful person to the family, Delta State and the country.

“The event of the passing of our beloved daddy, no doubt is painful, but I would advise that this is not the time to cry but rather a time to give praises and thanks to God for giving us somebody like him.

“His name will continue to resonate in the mind of all Nigerians as a man of integrity. The Corporate world will continue to remember him and he lived his life to the glory of God. He is a vessel of honour and we are all proud of him. So we thank God for his life and for giving him to us”.

Okowa, in a response to the family’s request for an enabling environment when the events for the funeral rites will begin later in October, assured that the state will not only provide adequate security but also be part of the funeral activities.

Earlier, Okowa had signed the condolence register where he wrote: “Our Daddy, an accomplished technocrat, man of integrity, and a gift to Delta and Nigeria. He was a vessel of honour to us all in Delta State. Adieu, our good father”.

The Governor was accompanied by the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Monday Igbuya; Delta State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Edwin Uzor; Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Barr. John Nani and the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Hon Hilary Ibegbulem.

Uduaghan felicitates with Solomon Ogba on conferment of Doctorate Degree


By Nelson Egware


Former Delta State Governor Dr Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan has felicitated with the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Chief Solomon Ogba on his conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree by the University of Port-Harcourt.

In a statement on his Facebook timeline, Dr Uduaghan thanked God for the enormous contributions of Chief Solomon Ogba to the development of sports in Delta State and Nigeria in General.

"Congratulations to Chief Solomon Ogba on your recognition today by the University of Portharcourt. Your contributions to the development of sports in Delta State, and Nigeria in general has been well acknowledged. I pray this will encourage you to do more." He noted.

It would be recalled that Chief Solomon Ogba served meritoriously as Delta State Commissioner for Sports during the administration of Chief James Onanefe Ibori during which Delta State performed excellently well in the National Sports Festival.

Chief Ogba was later elected President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Nigeria has been doing exploits since then with the discovery of Blessing Okagbare, Ese Brume, Divine Oduduru among others.

In recognition of these outstanding feat in sports management and administration in Delta State and Nigeria in general, the University of Port-Harcourt today honored Chief Solomon Ogba with a Doctor of Science degree Honorary Causa.

DTHA: IGBUYA, OSANEBI ELECTED SPEAKER DEPUTY AS OKOWA PROCLAIMS 6TH ASSEMBLY
***Says 6th Assembly won't be a rubber stamp to anyone
***As Izeze, Owhefere, Erijo, Esievo others take oath of office


By Nelson Egware


Delta State Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has proclaimed the 6th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly. Governor Okowa whose letter of proclamation was read by the Clerk of the House Barrister Mrs Lyna Ochulor, congratulated the members-elect on their victories at the polls.

According to Governor Okowa, "by the powers conferred on me in line with section 105 sub (3) of the 1999 Constitution, I hereby proclaim the 6th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly."

The member representing Sapele Constituency Rt. Hon. Monday Owhigho Igbuya was unanimously elected Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Ughelli North 1 Constituency Hon. Barrister Samuel Marierie and seconded by the member representing Isoko North Constituency Hon. Barrister Tim Kome Owhefere.

In a related development, the member representing Ndokwa East Constituency Rt. Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi has been unanimously elected as Deputy Speaker on a motion moved by member representing Oshimili South Constituency Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya and seconded by the member representing Warri South 1 Constituency Hon. Dennis Omovie.

In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Monday Owhigho Igbuya expressed appreciation to his colleagues and the party for finding him worthy to serve as Speaker of the House.

"I thank you very much my dear colleagues. It is a rare privilege to be your Speaker, and not as your boss or leader but as your servant. I will endeavor to provide great leadership devoid of party or ethnic affiliation.

"Neither I or the House will be a rubber stamp to anyone but will work harmoniously with the Executive to ensure prosperity for all Deltans." He said.

The Speaker thereafter administered oath of office and oath of allegiance to all the members. The members who took oath of office include, Hon. Comrade Reuben Izeze, Ughelli South, Hon. Barrister Samuel Marierie, Ughelli North 1, Hon. Prince Eric Oharisi, Ughelli North 2, Hon. Barr. Tim Kome Owhefere, Isoko North, Hon Prince Johnson Erijo, Isoko South 2, Hon. Barr. Orezi Esievo, Isoko South 1, Hon. Dr. Alphonsus Ojo, Ukwuani, Hon. Azuka Azaka, Ndokwa West, Hon. Tony Elekeokwuri, Ika North East, Hon. Festus Chukwuyem Okoh, Ika South, Hon. Osi Okocha, Aniocha North, Hon. Angela Nwaka, Aniocha South, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Oshimili South, Hon. Princess Pat Ajudua, Oshimili North, Hon. Dennis Omovie, Warri South 2, Hon. Godwin Abigor, Warri South 1, Hon. Daniel Mayuku, Warri South West, Hon. Michael Diden, Warri North, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori, Ethiope West, Hon. Prince Evans Ochuko Ivwurie, Ethiope East, Hon. Sheriff Oborovwori, Okpe, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor, Udu, Hon. Efe Ofobruku, Uvwie, Hon. Preyor Oboro, Bomadi, Hon. Daniel Yingi, Burutu 1, Hon. Kennedy Daubry, Burutu 2,

The House adjoined till Tuesday 23rd June, 2015 on a motion moved by Hon. Tim Kome Owhefere and seconded by Hon. Dennis Omovie.

The first session of the 6th Assembly was attended by State Chairman of PDP Chief Edwin Uzor, Secretary to the Delta State Government Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Senator Stella Omu, Prof Sam Oyovwaire, former Speakers of the House Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, Rt. Hon. Kent Omatsone, Rt. Hon. Engr. Victor Ochei, former Clerk of the House Sir Dan Okenyi, among other dignitaries.

Kudos De Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan. Many Deltans will be empowered through this factory.

Finishing Strong: Uduaghan Commissions Bridge linking River Ethiope to Edo State at Eku. To God be the glory.

Finishing Strong: Uduaghan Commissions Dualized Okumagba/Deco Road and Streetlights in Warri

God bless Uduaghan. Deltans will remember him for all the good things he did in Delta State.