₦airaland Forum

His Excellency, Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan Celebrates Birthday with Flood Victims in the Ughelli South centralized camp @ Oginibo Town. You can see the smile on the face of the CHILDREN and WOMEN during the cutting of the CAKE.

Hon. Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen on behalf of Delta State Government receiving relief materials form Olorogun Senator Felix Ovudoroye Ibru the First democratic Governor of Delta State @ Oginibo Town (Ughelli South L.G.A Centralized flood Camp)

Hon. Commissioner for Water Resoures, Dr Chris Oghenechoven, Prof. G.G Darah and Comrade Rueben Rume Izeze Inspecting the centralized camp so as to make the camp better for the flood affected persons in Ughelli South LGA @ Oginibo town.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Is good I share dis good project with my good people of Delta State. This is not a 5star Hotel but is Cavegine Primary School, Warri. Thumbs Up for Governor Uduaghan

Is good I share dis good project with my good people of Delta State. This is not a 5star Hotel but is Cavegine Primary School, Warri. Thumbs Up for Governor Uduaghan

Take good look and d convince dat he (Uduaghan) is working.

More to come.

Monkeyleg and co, Why is it that some of us don't want to appreciate people when they are doing good, we only see the bad side of people. Why? We should know that the governor can't do everything for us. We should also know that the man can't spon-feed and bath us. These are some of his achievement, take it or liv it.
He returned the schools to missionaries, he is upgrading our schools to international standard, he gave scholarship to students to study abroad and home, he increased the bursary by 100%(N20,000) instead of N10,000' he empowered women through the ministry of women affair, he gave and still giving micro credit to Deltans, he built and still building structures in the oil producing communities for satisfactory purpose through DESOPADEC, he made employment possible in the state civil service, he made the transport sector more ineffective and affordable for Deltans e.t.c. Let's join hands with the governor so as to achieve more in the state. Stop the baseless criticisms.

Uduaghan: To Whom Honour Is Due

When deeds are honourable, heralds will sound on their own —Chinese Proverb.

Make no mistake about it: He was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His rise to stardom and prominence can only be attributed to the twin factors of providence and diligence.
[color=#000099][/color]
Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan spent years in private medical practiceafter a stint with Delta Steel Company(DSC) which he joined upon graduation. Although those were years spent in seeming obscurity, he never relented until providence threw him up as a civil commissioner in charge of health. This was when Chief James Onanefe Ibori held sway as the Executive Governor of Delta State, precisely during the first tenure of the erstwhile governor. Dr. Uduaghan was later appointed as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the second and final lap of the Ibori’s administration.

Having been roundly equipped and thoroughly groomed in the nitty-gritty of government and governance, Dr. Uduaghan, in 2006, voted to throw his political cap in the ring for the exalted office of the governor of Delta State. It was not surprising that Deltans, in their quest to elect an experienced hand who could take the state to the next level of rapid development, voted overwhelming for the medical doctor-turned– politician.

With the benefit of hindsight, Dr. Uduaghan had, during his electioneering campaign, compartmentalized the challenges of the state into peace and security; human capital development and infrastructural development. This three-point agenda has not only remained the cardinal focus of his administration (during his first and now in his second tenures) but has been vigorously pursued.

No sooner had he assumed office in 2007 than he inaugurated the Waterways Security Committee which, in no small way, helped to restore peace and security in the creeks and waterways in the state which were hitherto volatile and unsafe. What is more, the police and other security outfits in the state have enjoyed increased support and partnership of the state government which, interestingly, has resulted in the palpable peace and tranquility across the state.

The Uduaghan-led administration’s commitment to delivering on the human capital element of the three-prong agenda has led to the birth of such laudable programmes as the Delta State Micro-Credit Programme (DMCP) which aims at empowering the urban poor and economically weak persons and creating wealth, particularly at the grassroots; scholarship schemes for students, at all levels; free maternal healthcare and free treatment for children between age zero to five; massive employment of teachers and so on.

Infrastructural, the state has never had it so good. In what could pass for an infrastructural revolution, very economically strategic roads in the state have either been constructed or dualized, including the Ode-Itsekiri, Ughelli/Asaba, Old Lagos/Asaba/Agbor roads. Besides, such mega projects as the new Government House and the Asaba International Airport have also been embarked on by the Uduaghan administration.

Needless mentioning that 10 model schools are being built simultaneously across the state; 60 undergoing massive renovations, aside the numerous primary and secondary schools that have been renovated and built across the three senatorial districts.

But that is not all. Dr. Uduaghan’s administration’s determination to wean the state of its dependence on oil and, therefore, diversify its economy has given birth to the novel concept of “Delta Without Oil.” In line with this vision, the state has been relentless in channeling the proceeds from oil and gas in such sectors as agriculture, tourism and other wealth creating and revenue generating projects.

The administration has also shot itself into international reckoning with its climate change campaign and crusade for green economy. Remarkably, too, such laudable projects as the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Koko were I'm from mantanaly; ICT Park in Asaba; Delta Leisure Resort in Oleri and the ilks, have put the state on a global map and repositioned it for greater tomorrow.

Any surprise, therefore, that the arrow-head behind these innovations and the quiet revolution going on in virtually all sectors of the state’s economy has been severally honoured for his visionary leadership? In 2009 and 2010, respectively, the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), back to back, conferred the honour of Best Supporting Governor for Micro Financing, Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on the governor of uncommon insight.

Even from the religious community, the Enugu Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, recently zeroed on the Govenor for an award for his efforts at developing Delta State and empowering its people and, by extension, humanity.

Today, in what many have described as an icing on the cake, the Federal Government of Nigeria has voted to honour this detribalized and distinguished governor with the conferment of the prestigious award of the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) on him. Would it be any surprise if the next recognition comes from such international organization as United Nations Organization? As a matter of fact, no award or honour will be too much for the Warri ‘Boy’ who has selflessly served, and still serving, humanity for posterity sake.

Congratulations, Your Excellency on your well-deserved initiation into the league of Commanders of the Order of the Niger

He is a man of peace and he deserve d national Honour. no more pipeline vandals

How International conspiracy robbed Nigeria of Bakassi

BUT for fears by Europe that the United States of America might establish a military base in Bakassi Peninsula to the strategic and socio-political disadvantage of Europe, Nigeria would not have lost Bakassi to Cameroon.

The fear, according to a new book; “Fraud at the Haguei: Why Nigeria’s Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon,” was worsened by the then closeness of Nigeria’s President Olusegun Obasanjo to his USA counterpart, President George Bush. Thus “keeping Nigeria out of Bakassi is securing the area against the American military base under the AFRICOM initiative.”

Author of the 138-page book, Mr Adebayo Adeolu, told Vanguard that the October 10, 2002 judgment of the International Court of Justice (World Court), The Hague, ceding Bakassi to Cameroon was pre-determined and fraudulent.

Insisting that geographically, historically, linguistically and politically, Bakassi had always been part of Nigeria, he described the ICJ decision as imperialism at its worst.

Ownership of Bakassi
Ordinarily, he argued that there should not be any doubt concerning Nigeria’s ownership of Bakassi because “Nigeria had been in physical control throughout the many centuries as the place is home to the Efik people. Nigeria administered the region.

There were hospitals, police stations, post offices – everything you can see in a modern state was provided by Nigeria. Cameroon never had possession…The 1884 Anglo-Efik Treaty (which supersedes other treaties) is a binding agreement between Britain on one hand and the Obong, chiefs and people of Calabar on the other.

Accordingly, anything done by either party in breach of the terms of that treaty violates not only Article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties but also the fundamental customary international law principle of pacta sunt servanda.

“During the case concerning Bakassi and Cameroon, in the advisory opinion in relation to Western Sahara case, the International Court of Justice pointed out that in the period of 1884, before, during and after the advent of the colonialists from Europe, neither the Bakassi Peninsula nor any other part of Efik territory was virgin land that belonged to anybody or state.

The Bakassi Peninsula and other parts of Efik territory had long been under effective occupation, and this granted ownership to the Efik people who for centuries had formed social and political organizations that were controlled by the leadership of the Obong.”

In spite of the flaws that might have arisen from the legal team representing Nigeria at The Hague, and non-consultation of Bakassi indigenes and security agencies in the prosecution of the legal battle with Cameroon, Adeolu argued that the facts before the court showed that Bakassi Peninsula belonged to Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government to utilize the remaining 33 days out of the 10 years window allowed for an appeal to appeal the judgment. The time allowed for appeal will expire on October 10.

According to the book, the ICJ was presented with a number of treaties, points and arguments, which led to the final decision of the French Judge, Gilbert Guillaume.

It should be noted that France colonized Cameroon and both countries are still bonded socio-economically and politically. It was the French government that prompted Cameroon into taking the matter to the Hague, where British, French and German judges decided. the case.

The treaties and points of arguments include:
* The 1884 Anglo-Efik Treaty;
* The 1885 Anglo-German Treaty;
* The 1913 Anglo-German Treaty
* The 1975 Maroua Declaration between Nigeria and Cameroon
* The law of treaties
* The Vienna Convention, 1969 (Article 26).

The book read in part: “The European superpowers have known for over a century the strategic importance of Bakassi, as a region.

The region is a danger to the nations of the world if any superpower controlled the region with military bases. The region was forbidden for military bases and garrisons because it could be used for intrigue.

It could cause a blockade for commerce and shipping of any kind and could also be used as military outpost for striking other nations around and far away. “The British, French, Belgian and German governments are well aware of this fact. The European continent as a whole has this information.

“It was because of the Germans and their expansionist and militaristic stance and approach to its neighbours and other nations that it was barred after the First World War from the region. This was the decision reached by the League of Nations. African military bases would not be tolerated by members of the League of Nations, as it would pose a danger for all Europe and Asia and the world at large.

“The military posture of President George W. Bush in his fight against terrorism, which he promoted globally after the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2011, and his unilateral decision to invade the sovereign state of Iraq without the full approval and support of the United Nations brought about the international conspiracy.

International conspiracy
“The European Union had to keep him out of Africa, especially Nigeria, which the Europeans saw and still see as their ‘colony.’ Britain did not want America meddling with its former colonies, especially Nigeria where a wonderful relationship had existed for years and was being rekindled.

“The president of Nigeria at the time was very close to George Bush. In fact, he was like Bush’s ‘African cousin’ since former President Obasanjo of Nigeria was a regular guest in the United States.

“The Europeans felt that if he gave the nod for a military base to be established, Bakassi could be used. This prompted the judgment against Nigeria from all evidence that was presented and further discussed… President Obasanjo had consented to prejudgment conditions in a closed-door meeting convened by the French President, Jacques Chirac and this did not imply the collective will of the people of Nigeria.”

Government Assures Olota Community of Safe Drinking Water

Delta State Government has promised to address the problem of potable water scarcity facing the people of Olota Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commissioner for Water Resources Development Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen, gave this assurance in Asaba during a visit by delegates of the community who came to inform him about the situation.

Responding to the delegates, Oghenechovwen said he was he was already aware of the problem following a report to that effect from the Ughelli North and South Zonal Manager of the State Urban Water Board to the Director of Technical Services at the board’s headquarters in Asaba.

He disclosed that the ministry was finalising arrangements to dispatch a team of experts to be headed by the Director of Technical Services to assess the situation, adding that the ministry is bent on providing a lasting solution to the problem.
The commissioner assured the people that the state government, through his ministry, is working hard to provide safe and potable drinking water in all nooks and crannies of the state, noting that the ministry has decentralised operations of the urban water board to ensure efficient service delivery.

He disclosed that a water laboratory was being built at the water board’s headquarters in Asaba, “where water would be subjected to laboratory analysis to ensure that it is safe for drinking.”
“They will bring water samples from the communities for laboratory analysis to enable us ascertain the state of water in the area, after which we will move in as quickly as possible” he added.

In his speech, Mr. Emmanuel Oshareogaga, the head of the delegates, informed the told the commissioner that five persons in the community were rushed to a hospital in the area, adding that they were confirmed to have been suffering from cholera disease.
He, therefore, appealed to the commissioner to use his office to urgently address the problem of lack of safe drinking water in the community.

All we need is the money cos the belong to the State not the federal government.

Give Ibori’s $15m to Delta State
If true the money came from Ibori. Y is federal govt still with the money?

Give Ibori’s $15m to Delta State

AN unnecessary controversy has been making the rounds between the Delta State Government and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the rightful owners of the $15 million (N2.4 million) which the commission alleged former Governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, gave as a bribe to it in 2007.

The dispute arose when a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on July 25, 2012 ordered the amount forfeited to the Federal Government. The Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah, promptly applied to the Court to direct that the fund be restored to the Delta State Government, its original and rightful owners.

The state’s argument was that since Chief Ibori was the Governor of Delta State at the time the bribe was allegedly offered in 2007, the money belongs to Delta State taxpayers and should be returned to the state’s coffers.

However, the EFCC has indicated its decision to contest the Delta State claim when the motion on notice comes up in court on September 17, 2012. We find the EFCC decision inexplicable and unwarranted because it has not proffered any cogent reason to enter into this tussle.

Is the commission implying that after blowing a whistle that Chief Ibori bribed it with that sum it is now determined to keep the bribe to itself rather than return it to the coffers of the state government from where it was taken in the first place? What then is the value of its whistle-blowing?

Nigeria should borrow a leaf from precedents set in more functional legal jurisdictions. For instance, in April this year, the Southwark Crown Court in London, the United Kingdom, convicted Ibori of fraud and stealing of amounts totalling $77 million or about N12.17 billion and promptly ordered that the money be returned to the Delta State Government, the original owners.

It was the same UK court that was able to convict Chief Ibori, which the EFCC was unable to successfully prosecute in a Nigerian court. Nigeria and the UK share the same legal tradition and the UK case should act as a natural precedent.

Delta is one of the states in the Niger Delta still reeling from the post-militancy syndrome in the creeks, where a lot of crimes, especially armed robbery and kidnapping, are being battled daily by the state government and the citizens. It requires all the funds it can lay hands on to hasten development, increase youth capacity, accelerate job creation and reduce crime.

The EFCC should kindly direct its attention to exhaustive investigation and diligent prosecution of cases it is pursuing, rather than busy itself chasing after money that does not belong to it.

The money belongs to Delta State. What do the federal government wants to do with the money? FG most return the to Delta State.