Delta Assembly Confirm appointment of Aghoghophia, Edoge as Clark And Deputy Clerk

Delta State House of Assembly, Tuesday October 8, 2024 confirmed the appointment of Mr Otto Aghoghophia as the substantive Clerk of the State Legislature.

The confirmation followed a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi, seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon Edafe Emakpor and adopted during plenary of the House, presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

Mr Aghoghophia, a Lawyer, was appointed Deputy Clerk in March 2017 and became the Acting Clerk of the House in June 2023, following the appointment of the former Clerk of the House, Mrs Lyna Ocholor as the Principal Secretary to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

In the same vein, the Lawmakers confirmed the appointment of Mr Smart Edoge as Deputy Clerk of the House.

Mr Edoge was until his appointment as Deputy Clerk the head of Legal Department in the State Legislature.

The Presiding Officer and Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor congratulated the duo for their appointments and charged them to bring to bear their wealth of experience in the office of the Clerk and Deputy Clerk of the House, respectively.

Meantime the confirmation of Otto Aghoghophia as the Clerk of the House was greeted with wild celebrations by both the political class and members of the Parliamentary Staffs Association of Nigeria, PASAN, Delta State Assembly Chapter.

Some of them who spoke in their comments said the appointment and subsequent confirmation were well deserved.

They described Mr Aghoghovia as upright and hardworking, stressing that even as Deputy Clerk of the House for the past seven years, he has shown so much commitment and capacity in the discharge of his responsibilities.

Stressing that the appointment was long overdue and merited, the respondents expressed optimism that the confirmation as substantive Clerk of the House would further strengthen his expertise in legislative business and push for staff welfare.

Delta: Arrested Viral Video Content  Creator Young  Man Regains Freedom

The Sapele viral video man, now identified as Uge Elo Kenneth, who was arrested on the alleged order of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has regained freedom.

The content creator, was arrested by police officers after he took his bath in murky waters at the middle of Shell Road at the weekend in Sapele, the administrative headquarter of Sapele local government area of Delta State.

He was subsequently detained at an undisclosed police facility for drawing the attention of the oil-rich State government to the dilapidated road in his area for no just course.

But for public outcry against the unlawful arrest, particularly media houses and social media influencers on various social media platforms, he would have been held till Jesus knows when.

However, after several concerns, the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore, disclosed that the content creator was released on sane day.

Oghenesivbe, gave the revelation on Tuesday October 8, 2024, in an interview with a national radio station in Lagos.

The Bureau DG said, regarding the recent controversy surrounding a Sapele content creator, Mr Uge Elo Kenneth, the young man was apprehended, questioned and released same day by law enforcement agents on their own accord, not on the order of Governor Oborevwori, pointing out that law enforcement agents have various reasons to question individuals in accordance with subsisting laws.

He assured that governor Oborevwori, a core democrat and strong advocate for freedom of expression, would never order the arrest of a citizen simply because he complained about the deplorable state of road in his area or constituency, noting that there is a strong connection between the governor and the people.

Hear him: “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is a core Democrat with sound knowledge of democratic principles, a Justice of the Peace, and a well grounded grassroots politician.

“He is well informed politically, and adheres strictly to rule of law, freedom of expression, and also recognizes the rights of the governed to demand good governance, equitable distribution of resources and dividends of democracy.

“The Sapele Content Creator was never arrested on the order of the governor of Delta State. Governor Oborevwori will never give such orders, because of his sound knowledge of fundamental rights of citizens. He is a passionate leader with a heart of gold.

“The young man was questioned and released by law enforcement agents on their own accord, and in the discharge of their constitutionally assigned responsibility, and in accordance with relevant sections of the Police Act, and other subsisting Laws.

“Governor Oborevwori was a lawmaker and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly for almost seven years. He is well grounded. Above all, he is father to all Deltans.

“People should desist from linking the content creator’s arrest to Delta State Governor and the state government. His MORE agenda is for all Deltans, including the content creator.

“The content creator exposed himself to health hazards by bathing in contaminated water, which is not the best way or strategy to attract government attention. There are better and responsible options.

“He must never again expose himself to infections and diseases in the course of doing his daily business of content creation. Gov Oborevwori cares about his health. Health, they say, is wealth.

“Delta State Governor welcomes constructive criticism that would enable government upscale infrastructure and socioeconomic development. It serves as feedback necessary for good governance,” Oghenesivbe said.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, was unsuccessful.

Although, Kenneth, also could not be reached immediately to ascertain the claims of the government, a source on Tuesday October 8, 2024, confirmed his release.

Apply for Nigerian Army recruitment, Delta Govt urges citizens

Delta State Government has called on eligible youths in the state to take advantage of the ongoing Nigerian Army recruitment to join the military.

Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, made the call while playing host to the team lead of the South-South Recruitment Sensitization Exercise, Brig. Gen. Wilto Nzidee and Commander 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Unachukwu Unachukwu on Monday in Asaba.

The SSG while commending the Army for the sensitisation exercise, said Delta had improved on its quota compared to last year and appealed to qualified Delta youths to fill up

“The first time you came here, the passion was bigger than the emotion and the message is very clear that our people must be gainfully employed and the military is one of the critical places where they must be.

“The last time you came we made some commitments and the picture looks a bit better. We moved on to about 137 out of the 140 that was assigned to us and that was a significant improvement from what it used to be.

“Thereafter we institutionalised it by setting up a Committee for sensitisation and the Chairman is the Commissioner for Youths. The Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) is also an integral part of the Committee including the representative of the traditional rulers Council.

“There is no going back on this sensitisation because our area is ravaged by a terrible orientation of breaking pipelines, cheap money, pea nuts from politics and very wrong adventures.

“You are not alone in your quest to do this we are determined as a state to sensitise our people in this regard.

“The job of the military is very professional and disciplined force and if it is possible for every Nigerian to have military training it would be good for our nation.

“We want to see the state improve at every recruitment session, that will show strength and confirm that we are doing our job. I have been informed that we are going to surpass our quota this time.

“We look forward to God’s favour to get more qualified Delta youths fill up our state’s quota.”

Earlier, Brig. Gen. Nzidee, said he was in the state to enlighten Deltans on the need to fill its quota in the Army.

He said Nigeria belongs to all of us and Deltans ought to take advantage of the quota system to take its slot in the Army.

He remarked that he was passionate about Deltans joining the Army because of the command’s philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well trained and equipped Army that is ready to accomplish it’s assigned task of securing the nation against internal and external aggression.

Tinubu Decries Violence In Rivers, Directs Police To Provide Security To Local Government Offices

President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.

According to Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser(Information & Strategy) to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes and the outcome of the LGA election should not be exception.

Man Mocks Oborevwori Over Deplorable State of Road in Delta’s popular City

**Oghenesivbe reacts Says Oborevwori paying adequate attention to rehabilitation, reconstruction of roads in Delta

A yet to be identified man has taken the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to the cleaners over the poor state of Shell Road in Sapele, the administrative headquarter of Sapele local government area of the State.

The man in a viral video, with a yellow underwear otherwise known as “boxer”, shared by one Morris_Monye, took an orange colour bucket to flooded Shell Road where he took his bath.

The man accused the incumbent Governor, his political godfather, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and the local government Chairman, Eugene over their inability to construct the road.

He lamented the dilapidated State of the road, noting that Oborevwori, Okowa and Eugene, gave them swimming pool rather than build road for them.

Hear him: “”ehe, you know say Sheriff and the local government chairman dem no gree do road for us.

“So, the swimming pool wen dem do for us so, I wan really appreciate dem for this swimming pool wen dem do for us.

“So, the swimming pool wey dem do so, we appreciate, I wan baff”, he then requested for soap and his bathing sponge, applied the soap and started bathing with dirty water.

Speaking further, he said: “dem no gree do road. So, the swimming pool wey dem do for us so, we appreciate them. Sheriff, Eugene, una try. Sheriff una try O, Eugene, God bless you.

“God bless all of una. Okowa, anywhere you dey, God bless you. Okowa, you try for building swimming pool. Okowa, you no gree do road, alright.

“Una no gree do roads, Sheriff, God bless you. Okowa, God be with you, Eugene, God bless you, una try. Okowa, God bless you for this swimming pool, Sheriff, una good, una thank you oooo”, before walking out of the ‘borrow pit” water on Shell Road, Sapele.

The three minutes, twenty-eight seconds viral video, shows the lack of government will power to provide for the people commensurable infrastructures that befits the federal allocations that comes to a State like Delta which receives the highest allocation from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC)..

But the Director General, Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, said that the state governor, Oborevwori is paying adequate attention to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads in Sapele, and in all local government areas of the state.

He said governor Oborevwori had in recent times approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 15 kilometers of internal roads in Sapele town and it’s environ, including the reconstruction of Orhorhor road and Mr Benjamin Aboneje road, formerly Hardock road, while efforts are being made to reconstruct Okirighwre-Benin road.

Other roads approved for reconstruction by governor Oborevwori in Sapele, according to Dr Oghenesivbe, include; Shell road expansion, Eseimoni street and environs, Major Brown road and Benin road by GKS, among others, assuring that other unmotorable roads within Sapele shall be attended to in phases, while also attending to bad roads in the remaining 24 local government areas in the state.

OFAAC Felicitates 14th Asagba of Asaba, Obi Azinge

**Welcomes Him To New Era of Cultural Renaissance In Anioma

By Patrick Ochei

The culture umbrella body of Anioma Nation, the Organization For the Advancement of Anioma Culture (OFAAC) has congratulated the eminent legal scholar in Nigerian history and culture connoisseur, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge as the 14th Asagba of Asaba.

OFAAC while expressing appreciation to God, welcomed Obi Azinge to join the rest of the Anioma kings to drive the development of Anioma culture and traditions.

In a statement endorsed by the President of the apex cultural organization, Arc. Kester Ifeadi amidst jubilation over the coronation of the new Asagba of Asaba, OFAAC maintained that a new era had been birthed in Anioma, where all traditional rulers in Anioma had buried their differences and are now working today in one accord. “We are profoundly grateful to God and our Ancestors who made this day possible.

“Today, among the array of very eminent and amiable royalties we have in Anioma, Obi Azinge has just joined the trail as a huge asset. As a trailblazer, we are proud of him and convinced he would be a cultural ambassador so delighted of by lovers of Anioma culture.

“On this special occasion and moment, we feel honoured to celebrate and congratulate him as the 14th Asagba of Asaba. He is eminently qualified”, the statement read.

Obi Epiphany Azinge, SAN, born 13th November, 1957, is a Nigerian lawyer and academic. He was the 5th Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies from 2009 to 2014.
He is a Judge at the Commonwealth Arbitral Tribunal sitting in London, where he represents Nigeria and Africa. “We pray that he will use his esteemed experience and influence, both nationally and internationally for the benefit and upliftment of Asaba and Anioma people in general”, Ifeadi noted on behalf of OFAAC.

Morocco 2025: Eguavoen picks Ekong, Lookman, Simon, 20 others to duel with Libya

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called Captain William Ekong, rave-of-the-moment Ademola Lookman, in-form winger Moses Simon and 20 other players for this month’s home-and-away 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying battle with the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.

Wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are included, as well as goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoya, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.

Reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen is excluded on grounds of injury, just as South Africa-based centre-back Olisa Ndah, but defender Bright Osayi-Samuel makes his way back after missing the duels with Benin Republic and Rwanda last month, and in-form playmaker Chidera Ejuke returns to the fold after many moons.

Veteran forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also listed, as well as midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and Frank Onyeka.

The Super Eagles will host the Mediterranean Knights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 11th October, before flying to Benghazi to take on the Knights at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium, 19 kilometres away from Benghazi on Tuesday, 15th October.

All the players are expected to report in Uyo on Monday, 7th October.

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Crawley Town, England)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England)

EFCC: Akwa Ibom Court Jails Internet Fraudster, Elemi sugarbiscuit

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of one Moses Emmanuel Elemi before Justice M.A. Oyetenu of the Federal High Court, Uyo.

Elemi was arraigned by the EFCC on Thursday, October 3, 2024 on a two-count charge, bordering on criminal impersonation and intent to defraud.

One of the charges against him reads: “That you Moses Emmanuel Elemi ‘M’ (a.k.a Marie, sissy_ sugarbiscuit), sometime in 2024 in Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to obtain property and gain advantage for yourself, fraudulently presented yourself as Araina Marie on social media platform (Instagram) and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 22 (2)(b) ) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Amendment Act 2024 and punishable under Section 22(b) (iv) of the same.”

He pleaded “guilty” to the charge, following which prosecution counsel Enobong Ubokudom presented the statement of the defendant, his iPhone 11 Pro and printouts of fraudulent documents from his iPhone as exhibits before the court, and prayed the court to convict and sentence him accordingly, while the defence counsel M. Ette Udo pleaded with the court for leniency on the ground that the defendant was a first time offender and has become remorseful.

Justice Onyetenu afterwards convicted, cautioned and discharged him.

Elemi was arrested on June 27, 2024 at Shelter Afrik area of Uyo following credible intelligence that linked him to fraudulent internet activities.

Fostering Hopes Foundation   to  Lift 3 Families Out of Poverty In this Southern State 

By Patrick Ochei

A Non Governmental Organization known as Fostering Hopes Foundation has undertaken to lift three families out of poverty in its pilot scheme as it takes off with humanitarian services in Nigeria.

This information was disclosed on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, during a strategic meeting with the Operations Team of the Foundation at the Top View Hotel in Asaba, Delta State.

The principal partner of the Foundation and a Deltan, Ms. Nkechi Ukome said she was happy returning home to drive her dream of many years of planning to go into humanitarian services to families living below the baseline of poverty.

She affirmed that her idea of helping the needy in the society is to give them comprehensive help that touches on all sides as a way of stabilizing the family for better impact with a view to lifting them above poverty.

According to her, “I feel proud now as a Deltan, as a Nigerian and as an African seeing this Foundation taking off in my home State. You know what they say, ‘charity begins at home’. So, I am pleased coming back home to launch this Foundation that is most eager to give struggling families a new lease of hope to face life from a happier, more comfortable and prosperous perspective.

“We are taking off with just three families that we are going to give a comprehensive survival package that will help them overcome intense struggle in the nearest future. Our target is to the women and children most particularly, but in the overall agenda, the impact definitely will affect the entire family members.

“I encourage you as team members to help drive this course with the fear of GOD and the desire to see suffering families ignite hope and have reasons to smile in life. I will be coming every now and then to monitor progress.

“This is a way to give back to our society. I want to believe that government cannot meet all of the needs of her citizens and so, it is pertinent and incumbent on all well meaning and well-to-do people of the country to contribute in lifting others up along the line.

“This is our modest way of supporting the progress, growth and development of our dear country and I hope it goes a long way in fostering hopes among the vulnerable, oppressed and marginalized in the society”, Ukome stressed.

Meanwhile, in partnership with the Welfare Department of the Heroes Family Church, Okpanam, three women – one a widow, another with a husband in prison and the other with a husband not capable to support his family were selected to be empowered to set up a proper petty trading business and expand where necessary.

The Foundation is to release fund to this effect and monitor the progress of the businesses in another six months before enlisting them to learn a skill that will launch them into another level of sustainability.

While the beneficiaries are being engaged in these businesses, the Foundation has also undertaken to put their children in a modest private school where it is going to take responsibility for their tuition fees and transportation cost.

The beneficiaries – Mrs. Cynthia Okoro has six children, five are to be enlisted into school, Mrs. Chinasa Ogbeyono has four children, three are to be enlisted into school and Mrs. Esther Obasi has five children, four are to be enlisted into school respectively.