₦airaland Forum

Okowa hails Wike's victory, says power truly belongs to the people

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has congratulated his Rivers State counterpart, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on his re-election for a second term as Governor of Rivers State.

Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu in Asaba on Wednesday said indeed in a true democracy, power truly belongs to the people.

"Although the Rivers State Governorship Election took a long and tortuouse time, at the end the will of the people prevailed and I must thank the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for doing the right thing in ensuring that the true results that emanated from the units were duly collated".

He commended the people of Rivers State for their unflinching loyalty and support for the PDP assuring that Governor Wike will deliver more projects for the people in his second tenure.

"On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate my dear brother and colleague, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on his well deserved victory in the just concluded Rivers State Governorship Election. I also congratulate our great party the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Rivers State and all our teeming supporters nationwide for this well deserved victory.

"From the margin of victory it is safe to say that power indeed belongs to the people and they decide whom to freely give it to," he concluded

#Rivers Alert!

Reports just reaching us have it that the Minster of Transportation, Rotimi Chibuike Ameachi is presently gathering thugs from different Local Governments of Rivers State to disrupt the INEC stakeholders meeting slated to hold today, Saturday the 30th of March.

In addition to the thugs he has also released the sum of 15 million for the mobilisation of 50 persons from each of the LGAs to support the plot to disrupt the stakeholders meeting .

A certain Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations has been co-opted into the plan to ensure security personnel at the program give the APC thugs the leeway to achieve their plans.

Please share and raise the alarm, Rivers State can never become one man's estate.

PRESS STATEMENT

28th March, 2019

Delta PDP Cautions Utomi Over Unguarded Statements

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP
Delta State Chapter, has cautioned Professor Pat Utomi over his monotonous penchant for uttering unguarded and unsubstantiated comment concerning the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and advised him to instead concentrate his energies on extricating himself from the political quagmire which he and his co-travellers in the APC are endlessly embroiled.

This admonition was contained in a terse press statement issued by the Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, while reacting to comments credited to Prof. Utomi, who made several misleading, obviously ignorant and unsubstantiated observations on the efforts of the Delta State Government to reposition the basic and secondary education sector, following the recent incident involving Okotie Eboh Primary school, Sapele.

Dr. Osuoza averred that the content of Pat Utomi's publication portrayed him, not only as an absentee Deltan, who is completely out of touch with the realities on the ground in educational development of the State, but indeed as a paper tiger who would rather spew forth uncultured vituperations that belie the stereotyped intellect and status often associated with him.

Setting the records straight, the Delta PDP spokesman stated categorically that: "The contract for the first phase of the renovation of Okotie-Eboh Primary School 11, Sapele, had already been awarded by the State Government on November, 29, 2018 and work has since commenced and is ongoing; a fact which Prof. Utomi could have effortlessly confirmed if he had subjected his seeming high intellect to a little investigative enquiry before playing to the gallery with his mudslinging misinformation.

Dr. Osuoza then went further to dismiss Prof. Utomi's performance rant by listing some of the excellent and verifiable accomplishments of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the Education sector to include, but not limited to the following: "construction of 1,113 classrooms by the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, (MOBSE) and 862 by State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); renovation of 1,783 classrooms by MOBSE and 860 by SUBEB; provision of 97,816 students' furniture by MOBSE and 44,982 by SEBEB and provision of 15,394 teachers' furniture by MOBSE and 7,354 by SUBEB among others".

Furthermore, the statement noted that "the performance analysis in West African Examination Council examinations by students from Delta State has risen progressively from: 39.1% in 2014; 62.22% in 2015; 62.22% in 2016 and 64.57% in
2017, even as the analysis for 2018, which is expected to cross the 65% threshold is being awaited from the Chief Examiner's Report to further consolidate the steady increase in the performance indices of Delta State Education success".

According to the Delta PDP Publicity man, "with 1,125 Public Primary Schools and 465 Public Secondary Schools in the State, the Delta State government is presently constructing a Teachers' Professional Development Centre (TPDC) in the State, to enhance the retraining and development of teachers, in addition to the regular promotion of teachers as well as the introduction of the annual Teachers Award Incentive, where the sum of N7.5 million will be won by 12 teachers/school heads in four categories, every year".

The Delta PDP then cautioned Prof. Utomi thus: " We had expected the Professor turned serial gubernatorial aspirant, to exhibit a higher level of circumspection and introspection as befits his public persona and address the issues concerning developments in the State with established and accessible facts. Rather, he has allowed himself to be overwhelmed by the mind bending influences of the APC which has unfortunately corrupted and disturbingly reduced highly regarded public intellectuals into shameless megaphones and purveyors of warped propaganda and blatant falsehoods. What a pity!"

Finally, the PDP statement urged Prof. Pat Utomi, to refrain from continuously casting aspersions on the Development drive of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration, when he lacks necessary information on the subjects of his criticism and called on him to stop embarrassing his reputation by presenting himself as someone who lacks substance and depth in addressing the issues of governance not just in the State, but indeed as a touted governorship aspirant whose desire to govern Delta State has been so brutally exposed by his ignorance of happenings in the State.

"We call on Prof. Utomi to stop crying wolf where there is none and raising red herrings where there are none, even as we urge him to be a patriotic Deltan like he claims and join hands with our dynamic and indefatigable Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in the collective effort to build a stronger and better Delta and ensure more prosperity for all Deltans, as he embraces the fulfilment of his well deserved second term mandate ," Osuoza stated confidently.

Long live PDP
God Bless Delta State.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

PRESS STATEMENT

28th March, 2019

Delta PDP Cautions Utomi Over Unguarded Statements

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP
Delta State Chapter, has cautioned Professor Pat Utomi over his monotonous penchant for uttering unguarded and unsubstantiated comment concerning the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and advised him to instead concentrate his energies on extricating himself from the political quagmire which he and his co-travellers in the APC are endlessly embroiled.

This admonition was contained in a terse press statement issued by the Delta State PDP Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, while reacting to comments credited to Prof. Utomi, who made several misleading, obviously ignorant and unsubstantiated observations on the efforts of the Delta State Government to reposition the basic and secondary education sector, following the recent incident involving Okotie Eboh Primary school, Sapele.

Dr. Osuoza averred that the content of Pat Utomi's publication portrayed him, not only as an absentee Deltan, who is completely out of touch with the realities on the ground in educational development of the State, but indeed as a paper tiger who would rather spew forth uncultured vituperations that belie the stereotyped intellect and status often associated with him.

Setting the records straight, the Delta PDP spokesman stated categorically that: "The contract for the first phase of the renovation of Okotie-Eboh Primary School 11, Sapele, had already been awarded by the State Government on November, 29, 2018 and work has since commenced and is ongoing; a fact which Prof. Utomi could have effortlessly confirmed if he had subjected his seeming high intellect to a little investigative enquiry before playing to the gallery with his mudslinging misinformation.

Dr. Osuoza then went further to dismiss Prof. Utomi's performance rant by listing some of the excellent and verifiable accomplishments of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the Education sector to include, but not limited to the following: "construction of 1,113 classrooms by the State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, (MOBSE) and 862 by State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); renovation of 1,783 classrooms by MOBSE and 860 by SUBEB; provision of 97,816 students' furniture by MOBSE and 44,982 by SEBEB and provision of 15,394 teachers' furniture by MOBSE and 7,354 by SUBEB among others".

Furthermore, the statement noted that "the performance analysis in West African Examination Council examinations by students from Delta State has risen progressively from: 39.1% in 2014; 62.22% in 2015; 62.22% in 2016 and 64.57% in
2017, even as the analysis for 2018, which is expected to cross the 65% threshold is being awaited from the Chief Examiner's Report to further consolidate the steady increase in the performance indices of Delta State Education success".

According to the Delta PDP Publicity man, "with 1,125 Public Primary Schools and 465 Public Secondary Schools in the State, the Delta State government is presently constructing a Teachers' Professional Development Centre (TPDC) in the State, to enhance the retraining and development of teachers, in addition to the regular promotion of teachers as well as the introduction of the annual Teachers Award Incentive, where the sum of N7.5 million will be won by 12 teachers/school heads in four categories, every year".

The Delta PDP then cautioned Prof. Utomi thus: " We had expected the Professor turned serial gubernatorial aspirant, to exhibit a higher level of circumspection and introspection as befits his public persona and address the issues concerning developments in the State with established and accessible facts. Rather, he has allowed himself to be overwhelmed by the mind bending influences of the APC which has unfortunately corrupted and disturbingly reduced highly regarded public intellectuals into shameless megaphones and purveyors of warped propaganda and blatant falsehoods. What a pity!"

Finally, the PDP statement urged Prof. Pat Utomi, to refrain from continuously casting aspersions on the Development drive of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration, when he lacks necessary information on the subjects of his criticism and called on him to stop embarrassing his reputation by presenting himself as someone who lacks substance and depth in addressing the issues of governance not just in the State, but indeed as a touted governorship aspirant whose desire to govern Delta State has been so brutally exposed by his ignorance of happenings in the State.

"We call on Prof. Utomi to stop crying wolf where there is none and raising red herrings where there are none, even as we urge him to be a patriotic Deltan like he claims and join hands with our dynamic and indefatigable Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in the collective effort to build a stronger and better Delta and ensure more prosperity for all Deltans, as he embraces the fulfilment of his well deserved second term mandate ," Osuoza stated confidently.

Long live PDP
God Bless Delta State.

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

FULFILLING THE SMART AGENDA, WITH DELTA STATE CAPITAL TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IN FOCUS.

Patriot Dantes Odogwu.

The new face of the State Capital, in terms of road infrastructure, expansion of the Ogbe-ogonogo market among others is traceable to the visionary leadership of Chief Clement Ofuani, the pioneer DG of Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency.

The appointment of the DG which could best be described as placing a square peg in a square hole, is evident both in his developmental deliveries so far and plans for the transformation of the Capital City.

A chronicle of the agency's deft move towards remodelling Asaba Capital territory is presented hereunder for assessment.

1. Construction of Stadium & Capwire Roads, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed & Commissioned.

2. Construction of Ebenuwa Street, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed & Commissioned.

3. Construction of Access Road to Nigeria Immigration Service Headquarters, Asaba. Completed & Commissioned.

4. Construction of Mokolo Street, Off Obi Emenashi Street, Umuagu, Asaba.

Completed & Commissioned.

5. Construction of Ojife Street (By AGGS), Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed & Commissioned.

6. Construction of Governor Street, Asaba.

Completed & Commissioned.

7. Rehabilitation Of Isioma Onyeobi Way, Off Nnebisi Road and Reconstruction Of Link Road From The Sand Beach Through Ngozi Rapu Street, Across Isioma Onyeobi Way To Cable Point Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area

Completed & Commissioned.

8. Construction of Odiachi Street (By Skye Bank PLC), Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed & Commissioned.

9. Reconstruction of Nze Francis Street, Opposite MTN Office, Off Benin/Asaba Expressway, Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed & Commissioned.

10. Construction of Casloba Crescent, Off Nnebisi Road, Umuagu, Asaba.

Completed & Commissioned.

11. Reconstruction of (Fear God Street) Bonsaac Road and Construction of Pat Kanayo Okonta Street/Amaechi Uzuegbu Street/Nze Francis Streeet/Onwa Nwachinemelu Street, Phase I (From Boney Eguatuonwu Street to The End of The Road), Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed & Commissioned.

12. Construction of Kanayo Street, Off Dennis Osadebay Way with a spur to Eugene Oba Lane, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed & Commissioned.

13. Construction of Obodouku Street, Off Kanayo Street, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed & Commissioned.

14. Construction of Nduka Iloba Street, Off Obi Emenashi Street, Umuagu, Asaba.

Completed & Commissioned.

15. Maintenance of Some Roads (Phase I), Asaba in Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed

16. Feasibility Study for a comprehensive transport/monorail system for the Delta State Capital Territory (Consultancy).

Completed

17. Palliative Repair of Critical Failed Section of Asaba-Illah Road.

Completed.

18. Construction of Chukwuka Sylvester Monye Close, Behind NTA Asaba Station, Asaba.

Completed.

19. Rehabilitation of Kingsley Emu Street, Off DBS Road, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed.

20. Rehabilitation of Damaged Portion of Old Anwai Road in Front of House No. 12, Asaba.

Completed.

21. Construction of Storm-Water Discharge Pit of at Fine Home Estate, Asaba.

Completed.

22. Completion of The Clearing of Anwai River Basin (From Close to Honeywell Estate to Infant Jesus (Phase II) Settlement, Asaba.

Completed.

23. Construction of Osuzoka Street, Off DLA Road, Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed.

24. Maintenance of Tamuno Street (Off NTA Road) and NTA Road (Between Okpanam Dual Carriageway and NIMC Office, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed.

25. Construction of Okelue Street, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Completed.

26. Construction of Chukwudumebi Street, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Completed.

27. Rehabilitation and Overlay of Okwe Market Road, Off Benin/Asaba Expressway, Asaba.

Completed.

28. Construction of Ogbueshi Ojogwu Street/Barr. Anthony Orunkoya Crescent/Ugochukwu Chibuzor Crescent, Off Ambassador Raph Uwaechue Road, Asaba.

Completed.

29. Construction of Onochie Lane, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Completed.

30. Construction of Tom Halim Street Joe/Dansaba Street, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba.

Completed.

31. Maintenance of Ibusa Road (From Nnebisi Road to Benin/Asaba Expressway), Umuezei (From Nnebisi Road to Umuaji Street) and Ezenei Avenue (From Nnebisi Road to Benin/Asaba Expressway), Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed.

32. Construction of Okotomi Road/Obi Okonkwo Crescent/Pato Okonkwo Street/Chukwuemeka Lane/Part of Samuel Diateke Street/Diokpa Bishop Odu Street, Off Okpanam Road in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Completed

33. Construction of Joel Felix Drive Off Victor Anene Bossua Street, Asaba.

Completed.

34. Construction of Hon. Justice Roseline Bozimo Crescent /Eturhobore Crescent /Alaowei Broderick Bozimo Drive, Off Onwa Bruno Crescent , By Cenotaph, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed.

35. Construction Of The Extension of Admiralty Street, Off Ughelli/Asaba Expressway, Ibusa, Oshimili North L.G.A.

Completed.

36. Construction of Nkpayala Road, Off Umejei Road, Ibusa in Oshimili North Local Government Area.

Completed.

37. Asphalt Overlay of Ezenei Street (From Nnebisi Road to Umuaji Street), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

Completed.

38. Construction of Chief Clement Ofuani Lane, Behind Government House, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed.

39. Completion of New General Hospital Road With A Spur To Joy Ariguzor Street, Off Okpanam Road, Oshimili North Local Government Area of The State Capital Territory.

Completed.

40. Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of Infant Jesus Road, Off Asaba/Illah Road, Asaba.

Completed.

41. Construction of Okwe Secondary School/Magistrate Court Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

Completed.

42. Construction of Ada Biosah Street, Off Old Anwai Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

Completed.

43. Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of Ibusa Road (From Nnebisi Road to Benin/Asaba Expressway), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

Completed.

44. Flood Control Measures at Lydia Obiajuru Crescent, Off Monu Olanrewaju Street (Core Area, Phase I), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

Completed.

45. Flood Control Measure at Umuagwu Quarters, By Ibusa Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

Completed.

46. Construction of Ugo Chukwurah Street/Elue Anisha Street/Steve Eboka Street, Off Asaba/Ibusa Road, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed.

47. Rehabilitation of Lady Tonia Ojogwu Street, Off DBS Road, Asaba in Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed

48. Asphalt Overlay of Lydia Obiajuru Crescent, Off Monu Olanrewaju Street, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed.

49. Rehabilitation of Jarret Street 1 (Beatrice Edozien Street), off Dennis Osadebay Way, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

Completed.

50. Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of Obi Emenashi Road, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory.

On-going.

51. Rehabilitation and Asphalt Overlay of Jesus Saves Road (From Summit Road Junction to Onwuegbuzie Street Junction) and Onwuegbuzie Street (From Jesus Saves Road Junction to Nnebisi Road By Konwea Plaza), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area.

On-going.

52. Construction of Internal Roads of Liberty Estate, Off High Court Road, Core Area, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

On-going.

53. Construction of Edwin Uzor Street with a Spur to Chukwudi Dafe Close, Off Asaba/Okpanam Road, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A.

On-going.

54. Flood & Erosion Control Measure at Abraka Market, along Dennis Osadebay Way and Asaba/Onitsha Expressway, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A. On-going.

55. Construction of Access and Exit Roads to the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Off Sir Ogagifo Road, Asaba in Oshimili South L.G.A. On-going.

56. Construction of Access and Internal Roads of Pitason Estate, By Legislative Quarters, Okpanam Road, Asaba in Oshimili South L.G.A. On-going.

57. Reclamation of the Failed Section of the Road Behind Ogbeogonogo Market, Asaba on-going.

58. Construction of Patrick Okuna Street, Off Nta Road, By U.L.O. House, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A. On-Going.

59. Construction of Asagba Palace Road, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. On-going.

60. Construction of Bolatsi Dudu Lane and Rehabilitation of Part of Nkem Okwuofu Street with One-Side Discharge Drain along High Court, Behind Government House, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. On-going.

61. Rehabilitation of Part of Dennis Osadebay Way, Off Asaba/Onitsha Expressway, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area of the State Capital Territory. On-going.

62. Asphalt Overlay of the Upper Section and Construction of the Lower Section of Nwaezeapu Road, Off Nnebisi Road, Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. On-going.

63. Preparation of Master Plan for the Delta State Capital Territory (Consultancy) on-going.

64. Construction of Ambassador Leo Okogwu Road (From Onwuegbuzie Street Junction to Osuzoka Street in Zappa), Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area. Yet to mobilize.

65. Rehabilitation of Jarret Street 2 And Construction Of Part Of Kano Street/Okocha Street, Off Dennis Osadebay Way, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A. Yet To Mobilize.

66. Rehabilitation of Omordi George Ugboma Street, Off Nkem Okuofu Street, Asaba, Oshimili South L.G.A. Yet To Mobilize

67. Construction of Umuidi Road, Off Umejei Road, Ibusa, Oshimili North L.G.A. Yet to mobilize.

*EXTENSION OF THE NEW OGBE-OGONOGO MARKET.

VICTORY: Traditional Rulers Congratulate Okowa
... As The Governor Attributes Victory To Their Peaceful Kingdoms

TRADITIONAL rulers in Delta State has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his re-election victory with the Governor attributing the success story of his administration to peaceful kingdoms that provided the enabling environment for his administration to deliver democratic dividends.
Governor Okowa received the traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council who is, the Obi of Owa, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II at Government House, Asaba at the weekend.
The governor while thanking the traditional rulers who came from different parts of the state to congratulating him, attributed his victory at the polls to the traditional rulers who created the enabling environment in their kingdoms for his administration to execute projects that endeared him to the hearts of Deltans.
“I appreciate you, our traditional rulers for this visit, I thank you for your support for my administration; you have given us peace and the enabling environment which made us to work; your positive message to your people, our people over the years made victory at the elections easy and made the elections peaceful as the people came out with the sole purpose of voting for us,” the governor said.
He emphasised, “the support you have given us these past years was the push that made a lot of Deltans to come out and vote; I appreciate you, I appreciate our people, Deltans; it is a thing of joy that the state was peaceful before the elections and when the results were announced, they took to the streets to celebrate their victory, our victory; some are still organising thanksgiving and it gladdens my heart more that the state is very peaceful after the elections; I want to assure you and all Deltans that as a government, we will remain focused to deliver more dividends of democracy in the next four years starting from May 29.”
The governor also addressed some of the issues raised by the traditional rulers, stating, “nobody has the right to appoint himself as a traditional ruler; you cannot be a traditional ruler over a kingdom that does not exist; i will not support illegality, there is a process of creating kingdoms and emergence of traditional rulers.”
He called for the support of the traditional rulers as his administration moves to make the state stronger and exemplary within the next four years.
Obi Efeizomor II had told the governor that they were in Asaba to congratulate him on his victory at the polls and prayed for him to take Delta State to the desired height

Our Resolve To Provide Quality Education In Delta Remains Unshaken- Okowa’s CPS

In the last forty six months, the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has paid special attention to the improvement of education in Delta state, especially in the upgrade of infrastructure and retraining of Teachers and Instructors.

Since the last one week when the story of our dear little Success broke and went viral, we have watched and read divergent views on the subject matter.

While we appreciate those who have genuinely expressed concern on the issue and assure such persons of our determination to further strengthen our efforts in repositioning our school system in Delta, we make bold to say that we will not be distracted by those who wish to take advantage of the situation to advance their personal gains.

It is important to restate that Delta State Government runs free education at both primary and secondary school levels in all public schools in the state and therefore any staff of government who engage in acts that undermines the good intentions of government can not be spared of appropriate sanctions.

While we acknowledge that we are yet to fix all the schools, it is pertinent to state that the Okowa led administration since assumption of office has built and reconstructed over 4,000 classroom blocks and provided furniture, learning and instructional materials to public schools in the state with a view to making them conducive and competitive with the private schools.

The Government has equally trained and retrained teachers in the employ of the State Government with a view to making them adapt to modern teaching techniques hence the establishment of an ultra modern Teachers Training Institute at Owa-Oyibu Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State.

In order to fill vacancies created by retirements in recent times, the State Government has equally directed the Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) to advertise for the recruitment of qualified teachers in critical areas such as the sciences.

Aniagwu Charles

CPS To Gov Okowa

Okowa Calls For Reform Of Minds Of Prisoners


DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called for the reformation of the minds of prisoners to reduce crime in the country.

Governor Okowa who decried situation where prison inmates coordinate criminal activities like kidnapping from the prisons, stated that reforming the minds of the prisoners was very vital for a sustainable crime-free society.

The governor spoke today (18/03/19) when members of the Presidential Committee on Prison Reforms led by its Chairman, Justice I. U. Bello paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.

“We need to reform the mind of the prisoners; a programme to reform the mind of prisoners is very important because once you are able to reform their mind, they will become better citizens,” Governor Okowa said.

He added, “as a state government, we are extending our skill acquisition programmes to the prisons but, it will be such that the prisoners would be given starters’ packs as they are leaving the prisons to enable them start their businesses and be useful members of the society.”

Governor Okowa commended the setting up of committee for prison reforms stating that the committee has to work fast.

He observed that the rate of crime was on the increase in the country whereas the available prison infrastructures have been stretched beyond their limits.

The governor also, advocated abolition of death penalties and commute those who are already sentenced to death to life imprisonment as most state governments was unwilling to sign the death warrant.

Earlier, Justice Bello had told the governor that they were in Delta State to as part of their activities to reform the Nigerian Prison Service.

He listed some of his observations from more than 13 states the committee has visited.

… And Okowa Got Second Term

By FIDELIS EGUGBO


THE last general elections have shown that Nigerians are becoming more enlightened and determined to participate in the electoral process. In Delta State, it was a sweet victory for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who was re-elected as the governor of the state.

To enable him win in the elections, the governor bearing in mind that politicians are easy to boast that Delta State is PDP and PDP is Delta State, threw up a challenge to members of the PDP saying that members of the party should compete to deliver the highest number of votes from their units.

With such a challenge, it was no longer a question about whether the Governor will be re-elected but, the question was with what margin will Governor Okowa beat his closest rival?
Throwing up a challenge is one thing, the other is with what will those you are challenging going to justify their commitment to taking up the challenge? So, Governor Okowa first took the challenge of ensuring that as a Governor, he took developmental projects to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Again, there is no Unit or Ward that does not have people who have been empowered by the governor and if you have been so empowered either by contract, political appointment or training; it was obvious that the challenge was on you to beat others with the number of votes from your unit.

There was no doubt that there were many political leaders before the elections and the challenge of delivering highest number of votes by the politicians differentiated the portfolio political leaders who are based in different hotels in Asaba from the actual political leaders who can mobilize their people to vote.

As I write this piece, most of the politicians are still assessing themselves based on the number of votes they garnered from their different units.

So, that Governor Okowa won the election was not the news, the greatest news was, how did his closest rival, Chief Great Ogboru of the All Progressive Congress (APC) raise 215, 938 votes?

The question most times, is still being discussed in hushed tones bearing in mind the performance of Governor Okowa in the delivery of democratic dividends, the issue of zoning of political offices and the fact that Governor Okowa committedly campaigned in all the local government areas of the state, no matter the terrain.

Governor Okowa polled 925, 274 to emerge victorious but, the amazing thing about the election was that it was very very peaceful across the state. Most Deltans came out with joy to vote for Governor Okowa because, in four years his administration constructed series of roads, hospitals, schools, among numerous others.

The Governor is reputed to have initiated the Job Creation Office, the first and possibly, the only office that is interested in creating job opportunities and nurturing the young ones to be entrepreneurs in the country.

Such persons who have been trained and equipped went further to train others and the story of Governor Okowa as phenomenon became subject of discussion in every household in the country and in different parts of the world.

First, Governor Okowa emerged without opposition as the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP; most people thought that the elections would be a formality without contest based on the fact that Deltans believe in unity and equity.

All the major actors in the politics of Delta State scrambled to convince their people to vote for Governor Okowa in the bid to meet with the challenge of producing the highest number of votes from their units.

Governor Okowa shortly after he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) attended a thanksgiving service organized to celebrate the victory at the Government House Chapel, Asaba.

The Governor attended the ceremony with his wife, Dame Edith, wife of the Deputy Governor, Dr Ebieri Otuaro, former Governor James Ibori and a host of dignitaries and Deltans from different walks of life.

At that thanksgiving service, Governor Okowa said, “there is no loser, this is the time to join hands together and build a greater Delta State. Our opponents should join us as I seek the cooperation; the partnership of all Deltans because, we have done so much but, a lot more will be done in the next four years starting from May 29.

As I seek for your cooperation and partnership as Deltans, I also seek for your prayers, we must work hard to take Delta State to greater heights; we need to be peaceful because, with peace, we will achieve a lot.”

Such statement portrays Governor Okowa as a good sportsman who harbours no animosity against anybody.

To him, the elections are over; all that matters now is for all Deltans no matter political leaning should join him to build a stronger Delta State.

The gubernatorial candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) candidate in the March 9, 2019 Governorship elections, Dr. Oghenejodiakpo Obire have already expressed his willingness to work with Governor Okowa to build a united and stronger Delta State.
Dr Obire who was in Government House, Asaba to personally congratulate the governor, urged other candidates who contested in the governorship election to congratulate Governor Okowa and team up with him to develop the state, noting, “after elections, it is governance and peace is essential for development to take place.

I came here to congratulate the governor personally because, the election was a tedious process and it is only good that we congratulate him for emerging victorious. If you contest in an election, you either win or you lose, but, as it concerns the governorship elections, we are all winners.
We are ready to partner with the Governor in whichever way he believes we should assist him, I as an individual will gladly assist him and I urge other gubernatorial candidates of other political parties to come out and congratulate Governor Okowa for us to move on as a state because, no individual interest or political affiliation should be bigger than our collective interests as Deltans,” the Urhobo, Delta Central-born Dr Obire stated.
Governor Okowa did not fail to use the opportunity to talk about what he will do in the next four years as he with all candour, said, “I must publicly appreciate the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for being very firm and fair and doing what they ought to do as a commission. We must continue to grow and know that whatever we do, it should be in the best interest of the country.
I want to appreciate the security agencies for standing for fairness and I must thank our religious leaders for their prayers and mobilization; we are all victorious together; it is a victory for justice, equity, fairness and a victory that will bring better love in Delta State.
My desire is that as I leave office as Governor in 2023, we should be proud of the job we have done together in our state and give thanks to God. Please, trust in the Lord our God.”
As we leave behind the activities of the contest, we look forward to the gladiators who contested against the governor, to bring out their blue-print and compare notes with the governor because, if they are genuinely interested in the development of the state, it is no longer about who is on the driving seat but, the implementation of those programmes to the benefits of the people.
While we join other Deltans in congratulating Governor Okowa for his electoral victory, we look forward to a more peaceful Delta State, an enabling environment for Governor Okowa to make the state a pacesetter in terms of development without distractions.

(As published on page 10 of The Pointer Newspaper of Sunday, March 17, 2019)

OKOWA RECEIVES GOVERNORSHIPS CANDIDATE OF PPA DR OBIRE OGHENE JODIAKPO AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ASABA .

Delta State Governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa today received the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) Governorship Candidate, Dr. Obire Oghene Jodiakpo on a visit to Government House asaba to Felicitate with the Governor Over the 2019 Governorship Election Victory.

ELECTIONS: Okowa Gets Endorsement From HOSTCOM

ABOUT 48 hours to the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections, the re-election bid of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has received a boost as all the oil and gas producing communities in Delta State have pledged to cast all their votes for the Governor and the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Working on the platform of Oil and Gas Host Communities of Nigeria (HOSTCOM), in a well attended meeting held at Oleh today (07/03/19), the HOSTCOM observed that Governor Okowa has done a lot for Deltans through well executed projects and programmes to merit second term in office.

At the meeting which was attended by the representatives of oil producing communities in Ijaw, Ndokwa, Ika, Urhobo, Itsekiri and Isoko ethnic nationalities, the Delta State Chairman of HOSTCOM, Evangelist Gabriel Isibeluo stated that "all the oil and gas producing communities in Delta State hereby, adopts Governor Okowa as our sole candidate for the Governorship position in the elections coming up on Saturday."

"We will vote for someone who has track records of performance, we are aware that traditional rulers of different ethnic nationalities have adopted our Governor as their candidate too and bearing in mind that for you to be an active member of HOSTCOM that you must have your permanent voters cards, on Saturday, all the members of HOSTCOM will cast their votes for our Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa because, he deserves to be re-elected, " Evangelist Isibeluo said.

He asserted, "I assure you, our Governor, we will all enter Asaba for the victory dance, HOSTCOM will vote 100 per cent for you Sir, congratulations in advance."

Governor Okowa who was beaming with smile as the event lasted, thanked HOSTCOM and all Deltans for believing in equity and partnering with his administration to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
He reeled out his achievements and commended HOSTCOM for ensuring a peaceful environment for oil companies to operate, noting that with peace, his administration was able to achieve results.
While assuring that with the effective partnership the next four years will witness more development in the state.

"You (HOSTCOM) are giving me a clear mandate as Deltans; I want to thank you for recognising our achievements in the last four years and for endorsing us for continuity till 2023; in our second term, we will continue to have townhall meetings because, a Governor that is not connected to the people is not a Governor; I like to identify with my people, all Deltans without discrimination; we approved that host communities should monitor Delta State Oil Producing Area Developmental Commission (DESOPADEC) projects and report back to me because of our desire for jobs to be executed to specifications; we are aware that there is no state government in this country that has constructed the number of roads like we have done and in the next four years, we shall continue to move from town to town, village to village to execute projects, so, if it has not gotten to your place, be patient, we will get to you, your happiness as Deltans gladdens our heart as government," the governor emphasised amidst a chant of "Okowa Again" as he speaks.

He added, don't be afraid, go out on election day, vote for all the candidates of the PDP, stay behind, monitor the votes and ensure that the results are not altered.

Chairman of Isoko South local government Council, Hon. Constantine Ikpokpo had thanked HOSTCOM for recognising the achievements of Governor Okowa and for endorsing him for second term.

Okowa Commissions Multiple Road Projects In Sapele, Ethiope West LGAs

... As He, Ibori Call On Deltans To Vote For PDP

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa TODAY (06/03/19) commissioned multiple road projects in Sapele and Oghara, Sapele and Ethiope West local government areas of Delta State respectuvely.
Speaking at the ceremonies which were attended by former Governor James Ibori, traditional rulers and their subjects, Governor Okowa expressed joy that his administration was able to do so much within four years because Deltans of all walks of life are contributing to his success stories in diverse ways.
Some of the roads he commissioned includes, Edegbrode/Eleme,
and Amukpe/Sapele roads in Sapele local government area and the commissioning of Okwele/Ugbenu road in Oghara, Ethiope West local government area of Delta State.
"It is very important that our people are involved in governance, they offer advise and when necessary, criticize constructively," the governor said, adding, "as a government, we can largely attribute our success stories to Deltans for giving us peaceful environment to carry out construction works; during the townhall meetings we had in different local government Councils of our state, our people made specific requests on their needs, and most of these roads are as a result of those requests because, we have promised our people that we will execute projects that we have agreed to execute," he said.
He continued, "we will continue to connect with our people and I am confident that in the next four years, we will do more for our people. "
At the commissioning of the dualised Amukpe/Sapele road, Governor Okowa disclosed that the massive construction of roads in the area was his administration's bid to restore the lost glory of the commercial town.
While commending the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for constructing the Okwele/Ugbenu road, the governor urged the people to vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in this Saturday's governorship and state assembly elections.
Chief James Ibori at the venues of the commissioning exercise, observed that Governor Okowa has done very well to merit second term from all Deltans.
While listing the achievements of Governor Okowa's administration, Chief Ibori emphasised, "it is very important that we vote for Governor Okowa to enable him continue with his good governance till 2023.
Chairman of Sapele local government Council, Hon. Eugene Inoghan in an address, thanked Governor Okowa for his administration's giant strides in providing democratic dividends. "the completion of these road projects has made our communities to be easily accessible and contribute to the development of our towns; we appreciate you Your Excellency for coming to our rescue, come 9th March, 2019, we the people of Sapele local government area will give our votes to you."
Reacting to the Governor's achievements, Hon. Sunday Ebireri stated, "we are very happy with the good works of Governor Okowa in Sapele; I have listed one hundred reasons why Deltans must re-elect Governor Okowa but, we know that most Deltans have different reasons to re-elect our Governor and this Saturday, we shall reciprocate Governor Okowa's good governance with our votes for the Governor and all the candidates of the PDP."
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa also, yesterday, (06/03/19), attended the graduation ceremony of 220 women of Delta Central Senatorial District trained in skill acquisition at Oghara.
Governor Okowa at the occasion, urged the beneficiaries of the programmes to realise that they are role models whose success stories will spur DESOPADEC to continue with the programmes.
He urged the beneficiaries to be committed to their business to enable them become employers of labour in the next few years.
Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Olorogun Williams Makinde, disclosed that, "DESOPADEC Women Empowerment programme is an offshoot of the SMART Agenda of the state government driven by Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa."
In a related development, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa commissioned a clinic donated by Stsrlite Hopes Initiative (SHI), a non-governmental organisation at Ejeketa Community, Jesse, Ethiope West local government area where he restated his administration's commitment to free medical care for nursing mothers and children who are aged zero to five years as covered by the. Contributory Health Insurance Scheme initiated by his Administration.
Member representing Ethiope West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Erhiateke Ibori Suenu who is behind SHI stated that the establishment of the clinic was important to reduce travelling distance to health facilities for the sake of the mothers and their children.

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, DELTA STATE PDP CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION.

05th March, 2019

Protocols,

APC PLANNING TO USE EX-MILITANTS DRESSED IN MILITARY UNIFORMS TO CAUSE MAYHEM, DISRUPT MARCH 9, ELECTIONS

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has received impeccable Information that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in its hell bent, do-or-die efforts to capture Delta State at all costs, and enslave Deltans with a wicked and confused APC government, has set a dangerous plan in motion to mobilize a large number of ex- militants, move them into a concealed location, provide them with military uniforms, arm them with weapons and filter them into specific areas of Delta State during the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections

We have been informed that these ex-militants, when fully dressed as military personnel and armed with weapons, will now be deployed and filtered into PDP strongholds, particularly in the Riverine areas where they are familiar with the terrain and in places like Delta North which is easy to navigate, with strict instructions to perform the following dirty actions;

1. To psychologically disorganize the PDP members in the identified areas by arresting and/or placing key members of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's Cabinet and top PDP officials of the State, under forced house arrest in order to dissolve their resolve, quarantine them to prevent free movement to go and cast their votes and weaken the stronghold of the People's Democratic Party in those areas.

2. To frighten and intimidate innocent citizens who will come out to vote on March 9, harass and brutalize PDP leaders and supporters who eventually make it to the polling centres in order to stop them from voting en masse and deliberately cause mayhem at polling units and collation centres, with the obvious intention to disrupt the electoral process and eventually cause the cancellation of the elections where they know the APC will be defeated heavily.

3. To give law abiding citizens and non indigenes residing, especially in Delta Central, the "Lagos Treatment" by Identifying and violently stopping them from voting and destroying electoral materials where voting has actually taken place, just as they shamelessly did in Okota in Lagos state, during the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections

4. To ensure that they attack the electoral process to disrupt the activities of INEC officials with the deliberate intention to postpone the State's election to enable them perfect their rigging arrangements in favour of the APC candidates by deploying more security on the rescheduled date.

Even as we raise this alarm, we have it on good authority that these ex-militants have already been assembled and have been moved into a covert and concealed location where they will be properly debriefed and provided with their uniforms and arms with which to impersonate and then put on standby until the time when they will be driven or ferried to their designated election areas and unleashed on innocent Deltans who are going to perform their civic responsibility.

Our impeccable sources within the APC confirm with certainty that the master-minds behind this devious plan include the APC National Chairman, Ex-Comrade Adams Oshiomole, former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was recently trounced convincingly in the Delta South Senatorial election by the PDP and Chief Great Ogboru, serial loser to PDP, as well as top officials of APC in Abuja and other APC stakeholders in Delta State.

Intelligence reports have it that the execution of the plan is scheduled to commence a few days to March 9, 2019 election. The aim is to suppress the will of the people and prevent them from voting for PDP, thereby providing the opportunity for the APC to manipulate and increase the figures from a visibly low turn out, in favour of their candidates.

We have raised this alarm to alert Deltans and put the global community on notice that the All Progressives Congress, APC has declared war on ordinary civilians and Deltans because they want to "capture" Delta State and turn the people into slaves.

They have no remorse whatsoever about the bloody consequences and the actual and collateral damage of their dangerous plan so long as they "win" Delta State in the Governorship election.

We recall vividly that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ex-Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had boasted and vowed repeatedly and with audacity that his ultimate ambition is to unseat the PDP and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the Governor of Delta State and conquer Delta State as if Deltans are slaves, and he will unleash the full weight and power of the "Federal might" to achieve this objective.

And to fulfill this crazy obsession and insane desire, the APC Chairman ex-comrade Oshiomhole, has connived with ex-governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is still very bitter that he could not get an automatic ticket as the PDP Delta South Senatorial candidate and whose "bad belle" for PDP has been increased with his embarrassing defeat at the just concluded Senatorial election as well as Chief Great Ogboru, who is ready to do a deal even with the devil himself, in order to fulfill his vaunting ambition to govern Delta State, and they are hell bent on turning Delta State into a theatre of war and unleash a potential orgy of blood bath in the State, once these ex-militants are let loose on the innocent people of our dear State.

The PDP, as a responsible, law abiding political party, whose main objective is to give Deltans quality governance and ensure a State where the people will live freely as stakeholders and not slaves, will do everything within its powers to ensure that our members and supporters always remain on the right side of the law. That is why we are drawing the attention of Mr. President, the hierarchy and high command of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces to be aware of what is happening in Delta State and to appeal to them to be at the lookout for impostors wearing military and mobile police uniforms, to call their men to order to desist from aiding and abetting politicians in their nefarious acts to break the law, breach the security and disrupt the electoral process.

We are thus calling on the international community and the European Union, African Union and local observers to prevail on all the authorities involved with the March 9 elections, including the security agencies and INEC, to exhibit professional neutrality and maintain a level playing field during the elections, in order to avert an impending bloodbath on election day. We shudder to imagine the consequences of their actions if hired thugs are allowed to have a field day.

We must commend our leaders and supporters who have displayed herculean patience and maximum restraint and endurance in the face of these consistently disturbing and annoying provocations. We urge our members to continue to maintain this admirable and unshakeable perseverance and to turn out en masse again on March 9, just as they did on February 23, to deliver an even more emphatic and comprehensive victory for the PDP in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Let us sound it loud and clear that the PDP will not allow itself to be intimidated or harassed by anybody as we march towards another resounding and definitive victory. It has become even more critical now for the people to say NO to APC and we urge our members and supporters to be extremely vigilant and ensure that every attempt to disrupt the elections are vehemently resisted, every attempt at infraction of the electoral process is thwarted and every act of sabotage and violence is recorded and captured. We MUST Deny these agents of darkness freedom of action in our various units, wards, local governments and State.

We are fully aware that in addition to the plot to engage ex-militants as part of the grand design, thugs have also been contracted and have arrived Delta from neighbouring Edo State already, and have been instructed and assigned to carry out the hatchet job to disrupt the elections.

The global community will be watching Delta State and indeed the Niger Delta States keenly and we will expose the APC and their dirty tricks for the whole world to see, if they decide to actualize their plan to "capture" and annex the South South States by force and rigging.

We thus urge all the people of Delta State not to loose sight of what is important which is to remain committed to the ideologies of the Peoples Democratic Party and His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and ensure that no amount of pressure or victimisation will suppress their right to vote the candidate of their choice.

We wish to state here that the inherent peace in the State, which the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, with the solid support of Deltans, including our revered traditional rulers and our respected spiritual fathers, leaders, elders and great Delta youths, is of great importance and must be maintained and guarded jealously by every Deltan who has the interest and wellbeing of the State at heart.

Our appeal therefore is to caution against acts aimed at destabilising the peace enjoyed presently in the State in the name of politics and we hereby call on the appropriate international organisations, observers and monitors to take note of the desperate actions of the opposition party, APC to truncate our electoral process.

No power can be greater than the people's power. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Power belongs to the people and PDP is the party of the people.

PDP! Power to the People!!!

Long live PDP
God Bless Delta State.

Rt. Hon. (Chief) Funkekeme Solomon.
Director General,
Delta State PDP Campaign Organization.

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL, DELTA STATE PDP CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION.

05th March, 2019

Protocols,

APC PLANNING TO USE EX-MILITANTS DRESSED IN MILITARY UNIFORMS TO CAUSE MAYHEM, DISRUPT MARCH 9, ELECTIONS

The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has received impeccable Information that the All Progressives Congress, APC, in its hell bent, do-or-die efforts to capture Delta State at all costs, and enslave Deltans with a wicked and confused APC government, has set a dangerous plan in motion to mobilize a large number of ex- militants, move them into a concealed location, provide them with military uniforms, arm them with weapons and filter them into specific areas of Delta State during the March 9, 2019 Governorship and State House of Assembly elections

We have been informed that these ex-militants, when fully dressed as military personnel and armed with weapons, will now be deployed and filtered into PDP strongholds, particularly in the Riverine areas where they are familiar with the terrain and in places like Delta North which is easy to navigate, with strict instructions to perform the following dirty actions;

1. To psychologically disorganize the PDP members in the identified areas by arresting and/or placing key members of His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's Cabinet and top PDP officials of the State, under forced house arrest in order to dissolve their resolve, quarantine them to prevent free movement to go and cast their votes and weaken the stronghold of the People's Democratic Party in those areas.

2. To frighten and intimidate innocent citizens who will come out to vote on March 9, harass and brutalize PDP leaders and supporters who eventually make it to the polling centres in order to stop them from voting en masse and deliberately cause mayhem at polling units and collation centres, with the obvious intention to disrupt the electoral process and eventually cause the cancellation of the elections where they know the APC will be defeated heavily.

3. To give law abiding citizens and non indigenes residing, especially in Delta Central, the "Lagos Treatment" by Identifying and violently stopping them from voting and destroying electoral materials where voting has actually taken place, just as they shamelessly did in Okota in Lagos state, during the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly elections

4. To ensure that they attack the electoral process to disrupt the activities of INEC officials with the deliberate intention to postpone the State's election to enable them perfect their rigging arrangements in favour of the APC candidates by deploying more security on the rescheduled date.

Even as we raise this alarm, we have it on good authority that these ex-militants have already been assembled and have been moved into a covert and concealed location where they will be properly debriefed and provided with their uniforms and arms with which to impersonate and then put on standby until the time when they will be driven or ferried to their designated election areas and unleashed on innocent Deltans who are going to perform their civic responsibility.

Our impeccable sources within the APC confirm with certainty that the master-minds behind this devious plan include the APC National Chairman, Ex-Comrade Adams Oshiomole, former Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was recently trounced convincingly in the Delta South Senatorial election by the PDP and Chief Great Ogboru, serial loser to PDP, as well as top officials of APC in Abuja and other APC stakeholders in Delta State.

Intelligence reports have it that the execution of the plan is scheduled to commence a few days to March 9, 2019 election. The aim is to suppress the will of the people and prevent them from voting for PDP, thereby providing the opportunity for the APC to manipulate and increase the figures from a visibly low turn out, in favour of their candidates.

We have raised this alarm to alert Deltans and put the global community on notice that the All Progressives Congress, APC has declared war on ordinary civilians and Deltans because they want to "capture" Delta State and turn the people into slaves.

They have no remorse whatsoever about the bloody consequences and the actual and collateral damage of their dangerous plan so long as they "win" Delta State in the Governorship election.

We recall vividly that the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, ex-Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, had boasted and vowed repeatedly and with audacity that his ultimate ambition is to unseat the PDP and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as the Governor of Delta State and conquer Delta State as if Deltans are slaves, and he will unleash the full weight and power of the "Federal might" to achieve this objective.

And to fulfill this crazy obsession and insane desire, the APC Chairman ex-comrade Oshiomhole, has connived with ex-governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is still very bitter that he could not get an automatic ticket as the PDP Delta South Senatorial candidate and whose "bad belle" for PDP has been increased with his embarrassing defeat at the just concluded Senatorial election as well as Chief Great Ogboru, who is ready to do a deal even with the devil himself, in order to fulfill his vaunting ambition to govern Delta State, and they are hell bent on turning Delta State into a theatre of war and unleash a potential orgy of blood bath in the State, once these ex-militants are let loose on the innocent people of our dear State.

The PDP, as a responsible, law abiding political party, whose main objective is to give Deltans quality governance and ensure a State where the people will live freely as stakeholders and not slaves, will do everything within its powers to ensure that our members and supporters always remain on the right side of the law. That is why we are drawing the attention of Mr. President, the hierarchy and high command of the Nigerian Army and the Armed Forces to be aware of what is happening in Delta State and to appeal to them to be at the lookout for impostors wearing military and mobile police uniforms, to call their men to order to desist from aiding and abetting politicians in their nefarious acts to break the law, breach the security and disrupt the electoral process.

We are thus calling on the international community and the European Union, African Union and local observers to prevail on all the authorities involved with the March 9 elections, including the security agencies and INEC, to exhibit professional neutrality and maintain a level playing field during the elections, in order to avert an impending bloodbath on election day. We shudder to imagine the consequences of their actions if hired thugs are allowed to have a field day.

We must commend our leaders and supporters who have displayed herculean patience and maximum restraint and endurance in the face of these consistently disturbing and annoying provocations. We urge our members to continue to maintain this admirable and unshakeable perseverance and to turn out en masse again on March 9, just as they did on February 23, to deliver an even more emphatic and comprehensive victory for the PDP in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

Let us sound it loud and clear that the PDP will not allow itself to be intimidated or harassed by anybody as we march towards another resounding and definitive victory. It has become even more critical now for the people to say NO to APC and we urge our members and supporters to be extremely vigilant and ensure that every attempt to disrupt the elections are vehemently resisted, every attempt at infraction of the electoral process is thwarted and every act of sabotage and violence is recorded and captured. We MUST Deny these agents of darkness freedom of action in our various units, wards, local governments and State.

We are fully aware that in addition to the plot to engage ex-militants as part of the grand design, thugs have also been contracted and have arrived Delta from neighbouring Edo State already, and have been instructed and assigned to carry out the hatchet job to disrupt the elections.

The global community will be watching Delta State and indeed the Niger Delta States keenly and we will expose the APC and their dirty tricks for the whole world to see, if they decide to actualize their plan to "capture" and annex the South South States by force and rigging.

We thus urge all the people of Delta State not to loose sight of what is important which is to remain committed to the ideologies of the Peoples Democratic Party and His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and ensure that no amount of pressure or victimisation will suppress their right to vote the candidate of their choice.

We wish to state here that the inherent peace in the State, which the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, with the solid support of Deltans, including our revered traditional rulers and our respected spiritual fathers, leaders, elders and great Delta youths, is of great importance and must be maintained and guarded jealously by every Deltan who has the interest and wellbeing of the State at heart.

Our appeal therefore is to caution against acts aimed at destabilising the peace enjoyed presently in the State in the name of politics and we hereby call on the appropriate international organisations, observers and monitors to take note of the desperate actions of the opposition party, APC to truncate our electoral process.

No power can be greater than the people's power. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Power belongs to the people and PDP is the party of the people.

PDP! Power to the People!!!

Long live PDP
God Bless Delta State.

Rt. Hon. (Chief) Funkekeme Solomon.
Director General,
Delta State PDP Campaign Organization.

PRESS STATEMENT

26th February, 2019

PDP TO PARTY FAITHFUL: WE APPRECIATE AND THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GALLANT EFFORTS

The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wishes to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to our teeming party members, leaders, faithful and supporters, for standing by the party to ensure our resounding victory during the national elections in the State. We also congratulate all our candidates for the successes and victories achieved in the last elections.

We cannot thank all of you enough, our dutiful party stalwarts, members and supporters for remaining resolute and steadfast in supporting all the candidates of our great party at the elections to victory. This is especially against the backdrop of the daunting challenges and evil machinations of our opponents, particularly, the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose vile orchestrations of intimidation, assassinations, murderous attacks, and assaults, among other devilish tendencies on our members and supporters across the State, were intended to run the PDP faithful aground. But you stood firm and remained steadfast for the party and refused to be intimidated, to the point that PDP candidates emerged successful at the national elections.

As we continue to appreciate your doggedness and cherished beliefs in the ideals of our great party, we equally urge and request that you go with this might and courageous gallantry into the next and most critical round of elections. We charge you to remain ever committed to seeing that the PDP remains in power in Delta State as you continue to work hard for the re-election of our governorship candidate and the other candidates for the State House of Assembly elections, coming up on March 9, 2019.

As you already know and understand, it is not over until it is over. Therefore, we wish to further appeal that as PDP faithful, you don’t drop your guards yet as the March 9, 2019 Governorship and House of Assembly elections are also crucial and MUST be won for the PDP. We urge you to approach the coming elections of March 9, 2019 with the same resolve and impetus that culminated in PDP victories in the February 23 national elections.

We also call on you all, our victorious candidates in the national assembly elections, leaders, members and supporters across board, to once again, put on your solid armour for the electoral battle ahead, and as "generals", defend the cause of the party, fence off the antics of the opposition and achieve victory for His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa and all PDP candidates across the State in the March 9, 2019 elections.

Once again, thank you for believing in PDP in Delta State and for working for the victory of our party and its flag bearers at the elections.

PDP is Delta and Delta State is PDP.

Long live PDP!

God bless Delta State!!

Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

Okowa Has Silenced The Opposition With Avalanche Of Projects.

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor of Delta State on New Media, Patriot Dantes Odogwu has described the developmental projects of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's administration as novel as well as a model for political office holders, in siting of projects that would greatly make positive impact on the people.

Patriot Odogwu who spoke to newsmen shortly after visiting sites of some projects being executed by the Governor across Delta State, observed that the projects were people-oriented. He noted that the entire projects would impact directly on the lives of the people which according to him aptly describes the true essence of democracy

Surprisingly too, knowing the terrain, especially the riverine areas of Delta State, Governor Okowa is not deterred in distributing infrastructure across the nooks and crannies of the State. To be candid, some areas that were hitherto described as no-go areas for road construction are witnessing such for the first time.

From Oko which, despite its closeness to Asaba cannot boast of any tarred road because of the herculean and challenging nature of constructing roads in the area.

The tough creeks of Okerenkoko, Gbaramatu, Burutu and others, are now seeing practical dividends of democracy," Mr Dantes said.

He continued, "if the Governor has done so much in the creeks and in the difficult terrains, you can imagine what the upland is receiving in terms of development. There is no Local Government Area in the State that has not witnessed the construction of one road or the other in its domain."

Patriot Odogwu commended journalists, critics and event watchers for objective assessment of Governor Okowa's administration, stating that "the Governor has silenced the opposition with avalanche of projects to the extent that there are only pockets of the opposition that can now raise wild allegations to show that they exist and possibly to get patronage from the Government at the Centre. Otherwise, the situation in the State is that Deltans are happy with the Governor and are calling on him to contest in 2019."

He commended Governor Okowa's administration for living up to the electoral promises of ensuring prosperity for all Deltans, disclosing further that the wealth creation efforts of the State Governor have seen most Deltans who were jobless before 2015 becoming employers of labour as a result of benefitting from the different wealth creation programmes of Governor Okowa's administration.

"I am confident that if Governor Okowa can do all these within four years running despite the nation witnessing recession, there is no doubt that the State would become the investment destination of both foreign and private investors, he emphasised.

ONE PEOPLE, ONE PURPOSE, ONE REP

Ethiope Federal Constituency is going through a revival. A needed rebirth that is vibrating the consciousness of the people.

The sort of new consciousness that is liberating them from the appalling propaganda of profligacy.

The people of Ethiope know better not to waste their votes on elements of disharmony.

The personality of Hon. Ben Igbakpa is tantamount to unity, purpose, and progress.

He is constantly poised to keep on gaining the confidence of the people and committing everything in his possession to liberate them from the shackles of stagnation.

Everyone in Ethiope with a sense of progress, should by now imagine Hon. Igbakpa as the only candidate in sync with their common purpose.

You have one vote, Give it to Hon. Ben Igbakpa.

You want the best Rep. He is Hon. Ben Igbakpa.

Okowa’s Re-Election’ll Cement Bond Among Deltans

By FIDELIS EGUGBO

THE Dein of Agbor, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Benjamin Ikenchukwu and his Obior counterpart, HRM Kingsley Ofuokwu III yesterday, threw their weight behind the re-election bid of Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, saying that the governor had performed to the satisfaction of the people and his re-election would cement the bond of unity among Deltans.

Governor Okowa was in their kingdoms to commission series of road projects, including the reconstructed Igbodo/Obior road, Umunede/Emuhu road and the Dein Palace/Ozanogogo road projects
in Aniocha North and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state.

The Dein described Governor Okowa as a “Wonderful man who has done magic in delivering projects
across Delta State and because, one good turn deserves anDTSG Coverother, you (Governor Okowa) deserves second term.”
“Mr. President has a lot of respect for you (Governor Okowa) because, really, you are a governor of the people; Chief Great Ogboru is a personal friend of mine but, in this election, we need to tell ourselves the truth – Delta Central and Delta South did two terms respectively as governors of Delta State and it is the time that all Deltans should collectively, support Delta North to produce governor for two terms,” he stated.

The Dein, who thanked Governor Okowa for the series of road projects his administration has constructed across the state, observed that the governor was consistent in carrying out his activities and he is humble, too, in serving Deltans.

Obi Ofuokwu III had in an address he personally signed, stated, “Recognising that you (Governor Okowa) has done so much for us in less than four years of your administration, we are eager to see you continue as the governor of our dear state till 2023; we are all prepared with our Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to deliver an unprecedented number of votes for you and all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates
in this year’s elections.”

In his remarks, Governor Okowa thanked the traditional rulers and all Deltans for their support and for making the state peaceful, which has increased the fortunes of the state and provided the enabling environment for his administration to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

While disclosing that there are more demands for roads to be constructed, the governor assured the people that in the next four years, they should expect more projects beyond road construction as his administration was working to reposition the state to be on an irreversible course of progress.

Governor Okowa urged the people to go out and vote for all the candidates of PDP in all the elections, noting that the joy of the people for his administration should be felt by all the candidates of the party, to ensure smooth running of government in the next four years and beyond.

Chairmen of Ika South and Aniocha North Local Governments, Hon. Victor Okoh and Hon. Chuks Oseme,
respectively, thanked and commended Governor Okowa for having listening ears to Deltans which has led to the execution of people-oriented projects by his administration.

Former Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government Council, Chief Carlistus Nwawolo had in an interview, observed that “With all these projects, Deltans will give most of their votes to Governor Okowa

Dein Of Agbor, Obi Of Obior Endorse Okowa For Second Term

… As Okowa Commissions Series Of Roads In Aniocha North, Ika South LGAs

THE Dein of Agbor, HRM Benjamin Ikenchukwu and his Obior counterpart, HRM Kingsley Ofuokwu III today (20/02/19) threw their weights behind the re-election bid of Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa saying, the Governor has performed to the satisfaction of the people and his re-election would cement the bond of unity among Deltans.

Governor Okowa was in their kingdoms to commission series of road projects including the reconstructed Igbodo/Obior road, Umunede/Emuhu road and the Dein Palace/Ozanogogo road projects in Aniocha North and Ika South local government areas of the state.

The Dein described Governor Okowa as a “wonderful man who has done magic in delivering projects across Delta State and because, one good turn deserves another, you (Governor Okowa) deserves second term.”

“Mr President has a lot of respect for you (Governor Okowa) because, really, you are a Governor of the people; Chief Great Ogboru is a personal friend of mine but, in this election, we need to tell ourselves the truth – Delta Central and Delta South did two terms respectively as Governors of Delta State and it is the time that all Deltans should collectively, support Delta North to produce Governor for two terms,” he stated.

The Dein who thanked Governor Okowa for the series of road projects his administration has constructed across the state, observed that the governor was consistent in carrying out his activities and humble too in serving Deltans.

Obi Ofuokwu III had in an address he personally signed, stated, “recognizing that you (Governor Okowa) have done so much for us in less than four years of your administration, we are eager to see you continue as the Governor of our dear state till 2023; we are all prepared with our permanent voters cards to deliver an unprecedented number of votes for you and all Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in this year’s elections.”

Governor Okowa thanked the traditional rulers and all Deltans for their support and making the state peaceful which has increased the fortunes of the state and provided the enabling environment for his administration to meet with the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

While disclosing that there are more demands for roads to be constructed, the governor assured the people that in the next four years, they should expect more projects beyond road construction as his administration was working to reposition the state to be in irreversible course of progress.

Governor Okowa urged the people to go out and vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in all the elections, noting that the joy of the people for his administration should be felt by all the candidates of the party to ensure smooth running of government in the next four years and beyond.

Chairmen of Ika South and Aniocha North local government councils, Hon. Victor Okoh and Hon. Chuks Oseme respectively, commended Governor Okowa for having listening ears, which they say has led to the execution of people-oriented projects by his administration.

Former Chairman of Aniocha North local government council, Chief Carlistus Nwawolo had in an interview, observed that, “with all these projects, Deltans will give most of their votes to Governor Okowa; in Aniocha North for instance where we have former Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue and big names in Delta politics in the PDP, it is expected that Governor Okowa and all the candidates of the PDP will get unprecedented number of votes, the governor has visited most of the local government areas more times than any previous Governor of the state to commission projects and the people will reciprocate his good works with their votes for the candidates of the PDP on the days of the elections.”

We call him promise keeper, kudos Ekwueme the talk and do governor.

PRESS STATEMENT

19th February, 2019

DELTA APC HAS ALREADY ADMITTED DEFEAT WITH SHADOW CHASING ALLEGATIONS AND FABRICATIONS - DELTA PDP

The attention of the Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has been drawn to a verbose and utterly frivolous publication, signed by the factional Publicity Secretary of the Delta State APC, Barr. Ogheneluemu Sylvester Imonina, which as usual reeks of bumbling rantings and reckless braggadocio, but are actually a clear admission of already accepted defeat in the coming elections.

The publication titled: THE UNCOVERING OF DELTA PDP EVIL POLITICAL MACHINATIONS, and dated 18th February, 2019, was full of wild, rambling and rabble rousing allegations to the effect that the confused and fragmented APC had, even in its stupendous state of incoherence, managed to uncover what in its warped imagination translates as the "evil machinations of Delta State PDP", based on some spurious and self contrived information, that PVCs were being bought by PDP from unsuspecting members of the public at a popular (name withheld) Hotel at Illah Road/Core area of Asaba, Delta State, for the sum of between Eight to Ten Thousand Naira to the holders, with the promise of getting back to them (the PVCs' holders) in the near future.

Laughable and bland as this allegation may sound, the APC went on to spew further fabrications, drawing up all manner of mundane scenarios which their limited imagination could manage to conjure as proof, to buttress the feeble logic of PDPs subversion, ostensibly with the intent to load the public space with a slew of misinformation but without tangible substance, save for its nuisance value.

Of course, we know how the APC has struggled in vain to clear itself from the scandalous "TraderMoni" fraud, which was exposed to the world as a shrouded and devious ploy of shameless votes buying from unsuspecting market women and petty traders who meekly volunteered their PVCs to "Pastor" who came to them like a voracious wolf in sheep's clothing.

This watery attempt to now conjure up an unknown hotel on Illah Road and fabricate a PVC sales racket, is just an amateurish effort to divert attention from the traderMoni scandal, but sadly the blemish of that ill fated scheme to deceive innocent Nigerians and steal their PVCs has already become a major point for the rejection of APC by traders, market women and ordinary Nigerians, who are now wiser to wiles of a failed and confused political party.

We are indeed amused by the very fact that the intensity of APC complaints and bellyaching over what are merely their own nightmares and unfounded suspicions, is a clear indication that they have no focus, direction or clear cut campaign strategy with which to reach out to the various segments of our society and therefore, are constantly and embarrassingly several steps behind the PDP on the campaign circuit. It is this frustration that has manifested in their reckless and unfounded allegations of PVC buying against the PDP.

We also recall that the Delta PDP recently raised a loud alarm over the fact that the APC had surreptitiously smuggled names of it's loyalists and sympathisers to fill in the short fall of election officials recorded in the personnel quota of two major national tertiary institutions in the State. While we note that our timely alarm may have busted that dubious plan considerably to the point that the APC is now shamefully reversing the allegation, we are still eternally vigilant and very watchful and we urge all our members and loyalists not to rest on their oars or leave any stone unturned to ensure that the elections are not hijacked or sabotaged by the hoodlums and agents of APC, whose intent is to foist a confused, unpopular and unprepared leadership on Deltans and Nigerians and continue to punish Nigerians in the suffering, slavery and hardship that has made Nigeria the poverty Capital of the world in the last three years.

Let's us state categorically and unequivocally once again, that Delta PDP will not be swayed, diverted or intimidated by any plot hatched or concocted by the APC. We are too big, too strong and too grounded to be destabilized in Delta State and in the words of our popular local parlance, we want to tell APC that "We no dey shake".

PDP is Delta and Delta State is PDP.

Long live PDP!
God Bless Delta State!!

Dr. Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.

A CLARION CALL TO INEC FOR A PROPER AUDIT OF DELTA CENTRAL ELECTION MATERIALS BY ALL CONCERNED POLITICAL PARTIES.

.....The Ploy By APC To Rig Delta Central Election Revealed.
.....INEC Must Retrieve Missing Results Before The Election.

We have reliable information that plans are being made to manipulate and rig the forthcoming election which will hold next Saturday.
Towards attaining this nefarious agenda, some notable APC chieftain and INEC, has concluded plans to use unrecognized people who are good friends of the APC candidate (s) instead of constitutionally recognized civil servants from Federal Ministries and Agencies, to compromise the election in favour of APC candidates.

Therefore, we members of Like Minds For Good Governance, are calling on INEC to invite all concerned political parties in the election to come for proper audit of all the election materials and at the same time, know those that will come for the conduct of the election, for the sake of free, fair, transparent and credible election in Delta Central and Delta State at large.

The names of Returning Officers and the Federal Institutions must be known to all parties recognized for the election.
We reject any APC self recruited person to be Returning Officers with sole aim of sabotaging the whole electoral process in favour of APC candidates.

We are going to reject any template which compromised the election in Ondo State to be use in Delta Central or Delta State because, Deltans are 100% ready for free, fair, transparent and credible election.

We hereby warn Independent National Electoral Commission not to bring unscrupulous gang who are already known friends of APC candidates to come as electoral officers and conduct election in Delta Central.

We emphasise that those unrecognized electoral officers who are already known friends of APC candidates, should be directed to the exit door by INEC and bring in civil servants from Federal Institutions (Ministries and Agencies) because, they are not the only people in Nigeria and as such does not exclusively possess the skill to discharge that responsibility.

We again declare that INEC is free to recruit any other person to serve as the Chief Returning Officer to Delta Central as we will certainly and vehemently refuse to allow a friends of APC candidate to compromise our election.

We urge INEC to strive to maintain its integrity and not soil its reputation any further by using unrecognized people to all concerned parties or people of questionable characters to discharge sensitive roles in elections.

Conclusively, we say no to using anyone outside Federal School to play any role of Returning Officer in our election.

Signed by Comr. John Ochuko Jobes, National Coordinator of Likeminds For Good Governance.

ARRAY OF HONOURS FOR GOV.OKOWA- Testimony of Good Governance

By Patriot Dantes Odogwu.

With a barrage of honours, national and international, to H.E. Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, in appreciation of good governance, the Governor has succeeded in etching his name in the dossier of great leaders of our time.

A look at the list of awards shows clearly that his developmental strides have been closely monitored and appreciated.

1-Best Governor, Grassroots and People Development, by the African Leadership Good Governance Award.2018,USA.

2-Mandela Medals of human rights Award-2016

3-University of ibadan Alumni of the year award-2016

4-University of Nigeria Dignity of man award-2017

5-Silverbed man of the year award-2018

6-Daily independent man of the year award-2017

7-Vanguard governor of the year award-2018

8-Special honors award for promting track and field athletics in the African Continent-2018

9-Most performing Governor award by Hope alive Nigeria-2018

10-Daily independent man of the Year 2018

11-NUPENG’s Award for Peace in recognition of his contributions to peaceful oil and gas exploration in the Niger Delta region.2018

12-New Telegraph 2018 Governor of the Year Award (Human Capital Development and Infrastructure)

13-Niger Delta Lifetime Achievement Awards” by GbaramatuVoice Newspaper.

14-Nigerian Infrastructure Development Awards (NIDA).

15-Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Merit Award.

16-Dr S.W Martin Momorial Developmental Award

17-Nigerian Young Professionals tv Forum, NYPF wards for the year 2018.

18-The prestigious South-South Leadership Advancement Awards(SSLAA) and summit,2017

19-Governor Of The Year (JOB CREATION) award"by DAAR Communications Limited, owners of African Independent Television (AIT).

20-Delta is Ranked no1 out of the 36th States and FCT in Human Capital Development index by the National Competitive Council of Nigerian

21-World Bank endorsed Delta state job creation scheme for funding support

22-Delta is the best in Contributory Health Insurance in Nigeria

23-Three consecutive overall winner of the National Youth Games.

24-Recently won the National Sports Festival with a record of 163 Golds.

25-Diamond Award of Pastors Forum For Sustainable Development (PFSD)

GOV IFEANYI OKOWA : DECISIVELY AND SELFLESSLY DEDICATED TO HUMANITY.

OLOMU ONYIYE.

Not many other politicians may be considered as favoured as Governor Okowa. When therefore the Governor is found early in church, attentive, humble and dedicated to God's business, it is not the usually rehearsed and hypocritical piety of the average politician.

Of course, Gov Okowa has by word and deed shown that he understands the place of Divine mercy, intervention and favour in the fleeting life of a mere mortal like him.

Remarkably, even a casual or cursory observation of Gov Okowa's life and political odyssey will show that no matter the political storm that has ever confronted him, he always emerges a victor.

For a man to rise from the cradle of nothiness to the exalted seat of Governor by Divine Providence, the bad belle of traducers cannot now stop him.

For a man who waded through deadly hurdles in order to become a Senatorial and Gubernatorial aspirant, the current jealousy of envious and unfriendly friends -who have turned enemies overnight just to stab and stop him as usual-cannot summarily put a wedge on his destiny and career.

In all, one major attribute has stood Gov Okowa out. The Governor commendably comprehends that though it is God's sole prerogative to allocate opportunities and privileges in life, it is however a man's performance in any given position that serves either as promoter or inhibitor to his next level.

Alongside this understanding, Gov Okowa has gone further to grasp the immutable truth that no performance can ever outwit the quest of seeking to add value to other lives.

These twin truths have remained the Governor' s driving force and template for service.

Hence, long before ever having the knowledge that he's going to become Governor, Gov Okowa's penchant to impact others has been developed and entrenched in him.

Out there is a vast array of indigent but intelligent students who owe their education to the magnanimity of this man who bears the sobriquet of Ekwueme. Talk also about the widows; many cannot in a hurry forget how God has used Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as a bulwark against the perils of hunger and lack both in the past and at present.

So too,when the tireless and amiable Ekwueme deftly packages a SMART Agenda that has won him laurels locally and internationally particularly as an acclaimed ' Human Capital Development ' expert at the grassroots where most of the underprivileged and deprived are found, he is only being characteristically himself.

I am therefore among them who believe that the current stir in the political space of Delta State will not and cannot submerge the Governor and his political career.

Will Deltans suddenly give up all of Gov Okowa's potpourri of achievements in order to go for the empty promises of desperate opposition elements with no enviable and identifiable antecedents?

Will a people deny themselves a sure- footed and glorious future only to go for the quicksand on which some imaginary castles in the air as conceptualized by vengeful politicians are built?

Nay, even as God Himself has said in the Scriptures that He will never forget the labour of love of His children, almost all Deltans are themselves also united in the chorus that: one good term certainly deserves another.

ELECTIONS: Okowa Signs Pact With Urhobo Traditional Rulers

ABOUT 48 hours to the 2019 general elections, Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has entered into an agreement with the Urhobos for Delta Central Senatorial District to produce the next Governor in 2023 after his eight years tenure.

At a meeting of all the traditional rulers of Urhobo land held today(13/02/19) at the Palace of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro, Governor Okowa and former Governor James Ibori stated that the people of Delta North Senatorial District, otherwise known as Anioma should complete two terms of eight years after which, the Urhobos will produce the next Governor in 2023 in line with the rotation principle of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Governor Okowa is seeking re-election as Governor on the platform of the PDP.

"Our next Governor will come from Urhobo land after my tenure in the spirit of equity," Governor Okowa said, asserting, "by the grace of God, I will support the course of the Urhobo land producing the next Governor after me because, God has made it possible that our leader, Chief James Ibori had eight years in office and our brother, Dr Uduaghan also had eight years in office as our Governor and by divine providence, I am the Governor and because of the roles you are playing as respected traditional rulers, the trend should continue."

The Governor listed his achievements within the last four years and thanked the traditional rulers for contributing to the success story of his administration through advise and making of their kingdoms peaceful which has translated to a peaceful state, assuring that more projects would be executed in the next four years.

"I am glad that I have the cooperation of Your Royal Majesties; through you, I have the cooperation of your subjects and I want to say thank you; you have always believed in the peace of this state, you have always believed in equity which means you want us to succeed as a people; the level of cooperation has been very high and that has built the confidence of our people; for the unity of our state, we need the cooperation of all our Royal Fathers," the governor stated.

Chief Ibori had said, "I am accompanying my Governor to pay this courtesy call and thank you visit to the traditional rulers of Urhobo land for allowing us to campaign round Urhobo land; the Urhobos support for Governor Okowa's re-election should not be taken for granted, let us keep this commitment strongly; we have to support him strongly because, we will need the Anioma support for Urhobos to produce the Governor in the next four years, 2023."

"Let us support him (Governor Okowa) so that he can mobilise the Anioma people to support us in the next four years, this is important so that we can have a pact that will be actualized in the next four years," Chief Ibori stated, observing that Governor Okowa has done very well by spreading dividends of democracy across the state and having genuine respect for the traditional rulers.

The traditional rulers prayed for the Governor, asking God to grant his request for second term in office. They also, prayed for peaceful elections.

Okowa Commissions Six Road Projects In Ndokwa East

SIX different road projects were today (12/02/19) commissioned in Ndokwa East local government area of Delta State by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who repeatedly assured the people of his administration's commitment to construct more roads in the next four years.

The governor commissioned roads at Iselegu, Ushie and Beneku amidst thunderous ovation by the excited members of the communities who came out in their large numbers to appreciate him.

Governor Okowa observed that his administration was able to construct the roads because of the peaceful nature of the people, stating, "our business as a state government is to link communities by roads to boost the general economy of our people."

"Our priority is to continue with the road construction to link other communities; the people of Ndokwa East for several years have been very good host to oil companies; we are concerned as a government about issues that affects oil producing communities, you have been using the pontoon to cross the Ase Creek but, we are taking a bold step to construct a bridge across the Ase Creek, the contract has been awarded because the project is dear to my heart," the governor disclosed, adding, "we make promises for what we know we can do and I must appreciate you (the people of Ndokwa East) for ensuring that the activities of the oil companies are not interrupted because, with such, as a state, we get our own benefits of the oil companies working without interruption."

Governor Okowa who was joined in the commissioning exercise by former Governor James Ibori and the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso, urged the people to vote for all the candidates of the PDP in the Presidential and National Assembly elections which will take place this Saturday and also, vote for the candidates of the PDP in Governorship and state House of Assembly elections billed for March 2.

"We have to vote for candidates of the PDP all the way; In the first election which is coming up this Saturday, we have to make a mark with unprecedented number of votes for the PDP because, equity demands that Delta North will do its two terms of eight years; we should work hard and ensure that everybody comes out to cast their votes on the days of the elections," the governor stated while thanking Chief Godwill Obielum and other leaders of the party in the area for the supportive roles they are playing in his administration.

Comrade Uche Abuanekwu in an address on behalf of Iselegu people, said, "we thank the performing Governor for all he has done for the entire people of Ndokwa East and Iselegu in particular, especially the construction of Iselegu entrance road and the upgrading of our schools both primary and secondary are now wearing a new look; we want to assure you, our dear Governor that all our votes are for you and all the PDP candidates, come February 16 and March 2, 2019 elections."

At Ushie, the President-General of the community, Hon. Samson Nwose in an address thanked Governor Okowa for constructing the Ushie township roads assuring him of the continual support of the people of the community till 2023.

Chief Odalonu Otuya had on behalf on the people of Beneku, described Governor Okowa as a blessing to Deltans and assured him of the votes of the people for candidates of the PDP.

Chairman of the local government council, Hon. Juan Guvnor thanked Governor Okowa for his administration's commitment to the spreading of democratic dividends to the people.

Commissioner for Lands, Surveys and Urban Development, Hon. Chika Ossai stated that Deltans will reciprocate the good works of the governor by voting for all the candidates of the PDP in the general elections.

Governor Okowa also, attended the empowerment programme of the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Friday Osanebi at Beneku who used the event to drum up support for Governor Okowa and all the candidates of the PDP.

Governor lauds Okowa's infrastructure drive in Ndokwa East

By Jonathan Onwuka

The Executive Chairman of Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Hon. Juan Amechee Governor, has commended the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the many road projects and other infrastructure in the council area executed by the state government.

Hon. Governor gave the commendation shortly before the commissioning of the newly constructed Entrance Road to Iselegu.

According to the council chairman, "our people have not had it so good. The governor has done so much for Ndokwa East, particularly in the area of road construction, especially when we put into consideration the difficult terrain that makes road construction in the area very challenging and capital intensive."

He therefore, expressed the appreciation of the people of Ndokwa East to the governor, promising that, "our people have resolved that the only way to reciprocate the good gesture is to massively vote for the governor and all PDP candidates in the forthcoming elections."

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL: Okowa Doles Out N403 Million To Medalists
... Organises Reception For Them In Asaba

DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa rewarded excellence today (11/02/19) in a rare event by dolling out cash rewards worth more than N403 million to athletes who participated in the 19th edition of the National Sports Festival tagged, Abuja 2018.

In a colourful event attended by the athletes, sports officials, members of their families, wife of the governor, Dame Edith and sports lovers at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.

Also rewarded are medallists at the 2018 edition of National Youth Games which took place at Illorin, Kwara State in 2018.
It would be recalled that at the sports festival, Delta State won with 163 gold, 88 silver and 101 bronze totalling 352 medals to beat its closest rival, Rivers State which had 194 medals.

"Great Delta athletes, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today’s event is very special to me, because I have the privilege of being able to fulfill my promise to reward not only the medalists, but everyone who represented our dear State," the governor said, adding, "I therefore wish to reassure our young people, especially those with talents that the State government will continue to encourage sportsmen and women."
He continued, "sports has become a vital tool of empowerment and accomplishment both at the national and international levels and I urge all of you (sports men and women) not to relent; aim at attaining higher standards and glories both for the State and our country."

"Facilities have been made available and they will be continually upgraded to meet the demands of modern training," the governor who was beaming with smile throughout the event stated, asserting, "whatever the State government is offering you today, it is not necessarily payment or compensation for winning laurels for your State; rather, it is a token of appreciation for your commitment and patriotism while competing for your State."
The governor on the spot offered schorlaship to Miss Precious Okafor to the University levels as she competed and won medals at the National Youth Games despite losing her mother.
National Sports Festival, gold medalists got N1 million, silver medalists - N500, 000 and bronze medalists - N250, 000 while medalists at the National Youth Games got N100, 000 for gold medals, N75, 000 for silver medals and N50, 000 for bronze medals.

The team leader, Mr Ifekachukwu Paul thanked Governor Okowa for keeping to his promise of rewarding the athletes with cash gifts, observing that the governor has provided first class sporting facilities in the state and encouraged the athletes to bring out their best.

He assured the governor that the Team Delta will win more laurels in future sporting events.

Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Tonobok Okowa had in an opening speech, thanked Governor Okowa for inspiring Delta athletes to victory, noting that Team Delta spends more than two weeks in camps before any competition.

GOVERNOR OKOWA'S ACHIEVEMENTS; DILIGENT PROMISE-KEEPING GUARANTEES HIS HUGE WIN IN 2019 SAYS EBINUM

Patriot Dantes Odogwu

The Senior Special Assistant to Delta State Governor on Special Duties (Contributory Health Commission) and Director of Media and Publicity, Ukwuani Campaign Council, Solomon Ebinum maintained that the achievements and positive response to earlier promises made by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa while campaigning for his first tenure in office, is giving him a solid platform to resoundingly win re-election in March 2nd, 2019.

Ebinum said that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is a truly unique leader when considering leadership in the history of Delta State.

He was Secretary to the Local government, Chairman of Local Government, Commissioner, Secretary to the State government and a Senator before becoming a Governor. In fact, he is experienced, tested and trusted.

He further stated that experience is better than experiment. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is committed, credible and experienced
Delta State does not need a greenhorn because leadership at such capacity is too sophisticated for a novice.

Governor Okowa's successes in creating jobs, infrastructural development, healthcare, education, roads, and many more has allowed his fan base to grow in number and significance.

There’s no bigger campaign than his achievements and tireless promise-keeping. This has endeared him to Deltans because the masses appreciate a job Well done, he added.

GENERAL ELECTIONS: Isoko Nation Reaffirms support For Okowa
...As He Commissions More Road Projects

AS the count down to the 2019 general elections continues, the good people of Isoko Nation on Friday January 8, 2019 reaffirmed their support for the second term bid of the State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

They once again made their position known when Governor Okowa arrived the area to commission road projects executed by his administration in Isoko South and Isoko North local government areas of the state.

Governor Okowa while commissioning the projects, urged Deltans to vote for all the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), noting that their joy with what his administration has done within three years, would lead to tremendous development in the state in the next four years.

"I am excited that you are happy with our performance; we believe that as a government we will continue to connect our communities by roads and I am happy that we have achieved a lot in that area," he said, adding, "seeing the excitement on the faces of the people, we can only think of how to do more; working with the people within the next few months, more roads will be constructed across the state."

He continued, "use your permanent voters cards wisely, vote for all the candidates of the PDP because, as a government, as a party that listens to the people, we will execute any project or programme that will bring succour to our people, anything that will make the people live comfortable life, we will continue to do, if we can do so much in three years, we will do more in the next four years because, we have a more peaceful environment and our people, Deltans are wonderful partners in progress."

"We are grateful to Deltans for the cooperation you have given us as a government, the partnership has given us the enabling environment to perform; for every good project was started by the past administrations, it is our duty to complete them to the benefits of our people; we are working to speedily, complete the dualisation of the Ughelli/Asaba road project, the contractors have been mobilised and they are working very hard; come out on February 16 and March 2 to to vote for the PDP candidates," he asserted.

He thanked the Isoko people for their peaceful dispositions which has enabled his administration to deliver on its electoral promises.
Some of the roads that were commissioned at the separate occasions witnessed by traditional rulers in Isoko land, President-General of Isoko Development Union (IDU), Chief Iduh Amedhe and other notable politicians include, Aviara/Araya/Okpare/Okpawa road, Irri College/Uzere road and Owhelogbo/Abbi road.

President-General of Aviara Federal Union, Mr Counsellor Umulor in an address, said, "our dear Governor, we are grateful to God Almighty for using you to attend to some of our needs, particularly, the completion of this road project; the completion of this road is a blessing to us as it confirms your commitment to your road construction throughout the state; truly, you are the Road Master and we are very appreciative of your benevolence toward us; we know that as you return to office as Governor of Delta State come 29th May, 2019 for your second term, you will give us more projects."
At Irri community, the Chairman of the community, Hon. Godday Igorigo on behalf of the community, stated, "Irri people have always believed in you and that explains why we voted for you in the 2015 general elections and come March 2, 2019, we shall replicate same gesture by voting for you again to complete the eight years of Delta North Senatorial District; we thank you (Governor Okowa) for your quick response to our needs by constructing these roads."

During the commissioning of road projects at Owheologbo, the President-General of the community, Engr, James Ighoyota said, "this singular road is very strategic and of so much economic and social value to the Isoko nation as the link to our neighbours of Anioma and Urhobo nations."
Chairmen of Isoko South and Isoko North local government Councils, Hon. Constantine Ikpokpo and Hon. Emmanuel Egbabor in their separate speeches, commended Governor Okowa's administration for not restricting his development programmes to cities but, spreading projects across the nooks and crannies of the state