DTHA want AG /Justice Commissioner to commence prosecution of land grabbers in Okpanam

Syndicated report

Delta State House of Assembly has asked the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state to commence prosecution of an alleged notorious land grabber, Mr Friday Okonkwor and his cohorts in Okpanam Community, Oshimili North local government area of the state.

The call was part of a four point resolution of the House following adoption of recommendations of its Public Petition Committee that investigated an alleged forceful takeover of landed properties belonging to Civil Service Commission Staff Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society situated at Amachai community, Okpanam.

The Lawmakers at Wednesday’s session presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor, received a 15 paged detailed and well researched report on the matter from the Chairman of the Public Petition Committee, Hon Mathew Omanade, who represents Ughelli North Constituency in the House.

The House in a unanimous voice vote called “on the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State to ensure Mr Friday Okonkwor, Mr Felix Okeleke, Mr Austin Okolie and other youths operating under the Okpanam Land Recovery Committee involved in the use of force and threat of violence in taking over 38 plots of land belonging to the petitioner and its members, are prosecuted in accordance with the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018 to serve as a deterrent to other members of the public to desist from such obnoxious acts and actions”.

The Lawmakers condemned in a very strong term the unjust use of force and threat of violence by Mr Friday Okonkwor, Felix Okeleke, Austin Okolie and other youths operating under the Okpanam Land Recovery Committee in taking over the 38 plots of 50 feet by 100 feet out of the 80 plots belonging to the petitioner and it members.

The Assembly also directed that Mr Friday Okonkwor, Felix Okeleke, Austin Okolie and other youths operating under the Okpanam Land Recovery Committee, their agents, servants or privies, should desist from entering or further interfering with the peaceful possession and enjoyment of the petitioner and its members on any part of the 38 plots of 50 by 100 feet, belonging to the petitioner and it members.

The Legislators directed the Committee on Information and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the relevant government agencies for the sensitization of Deltans and persons residing in Delta State on the existence of the Delta State Public and Private properties Protection Law, 2018 and its content.

The Chairman, Public Petitions Committee, Hon Mathew Omonade, had disclosed that during investigative hearing, the Petitioner provided all available evidences to prove the legality of the acquisition of the said property but the respondents failed to appear before the committee after several notices were made to them.

Hon Omonade further asserted that after thorough investigation of the petition, the committee came up with several findings, one of which is the fact that the Civil Service Commission Staff Multi-purpose Co-operative Society having allotted the property to members in 2012 without any harassment from anyone, became threatened by Mr Friday Okonkwor who was part of the transaction as then Youth Leader of the Community and now leads the supposed Land Recovery Committee.

During debates on the recommendations of the Committee, Lawmakers who spoke, decried the activities of land grabbers in the state, particularly in Okpanam and called for full implementation of the Delta State Public and Private Properties Protection Law.

They condemned the actions of the the respondents to the alleged forceful takeover of landed properties belonging to Civil Service Commission Staff Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society situated at Amachai community, Okpanam and stressed the need for their prosecution to serve as strong warning to others in the business of land grabbing.

Sequel to the adoption of the recommendations, Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, directed the Acting Clerk of the house, Mr Otto Aghoghophia to communicate the resolution to the relevant authorities.

He also urged the house committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance to the resolution.

Ignore Destructive Elements, April 22 Communique Ilegal – SWAN urges Bayelsa Sports Journalists, Others

The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has declared purported Monday April 22, 2024 communique by some destructive elements in its Bayelsa state Chapter, as illegal and non-existent.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a press statement through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Thursday enjoined Sports Writers to remain focused and forge ahead with the Bayelsa SWAN Congress decision on April 17, 2024.

President Benjamin reckoned that since few persons who lack the prerequisite to operate as professional sports writers, have compounded their issues, by plotting against SWAN Bayelsa chapter, in connivance with some rejected external elements outside the state, no effort should be spared to resist any attempt to infiltrate the Chapter.

Giving account of how the National Secretariat of SWAN deployed a top National official, Mr. China Acheru, to supervise the earlier scheduled election, the number one sports writer in Nigeria said, “The National Ex-Officio who was officially deployed for the SWAN election in Bayelsa arrived Yenogoa fully ready but most of the SWAN members including contestants frowned at some abnormalities.

“After due consultations the congress members on the elective congress day, the National Officer who also briefed the National Secretariat in Abuja decided to listen to the majority of SWAN members’ plea to postpone the election in order to address the issues raised and ensure everyone is carried along in the process.

“The record of all that transpired is well documented. I could vividly recall how one of the Chairmanship aspirants, Mr. George Ameli, immediately called and commended the national SWAN leadership for allowing the wish of the majority in the Congress to prevail by postponing the election.

“So, anyone who allows himself or herself to be now used to cause confusion in the system is doing so at his own peril. As a leadership, we urge every sports writer in Bayelsa to remain calm and that within the shortest period which the interim caretaker committee led by Mr. Loveday Herbert has, election will take place and usher in substantive SWAN leaders in Bayelsa State.

“Just like other states in Nigeria have stood their ground, I urge Bayelsa Chapter not to loose focus or be swayed by those who don’t mean well for the growth and overall development of the Association.

“It’s your SWAN, own it, don’t leave it for miscreants. Together, we will continue to chart a positive way forward.”

The SWAN President also expressed delight with the robust sports development drive in Bayelsa State, anchored by Governor Duoye Diri who has reappointed the workaholic, fit and energetic man, Mr. Daniel Igali, to once again lead the state’s Sports sector, adding, “it’s a thoughtful and commendable decision, which will continuously set the State on high human development pedestal.”

Akugbene-Mein Kingdom:
Delta Monarch kicks against attempt to create kingdom out of Domain

**Says Court has affirmed the power of creation of Clans in Delta State to vests exclusively in DTHA 

Pere of Akugbene-Mein kingdom in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Stanley Luke, has warned individuals seeking to create a breakaway Kerebiri-Mein clan to desist.

Luke, in a statement, said the power of creation of clans in Delta State was vested exclusively in the Delta State House of Assembly.

According to him, the unity of Akugbene-Mein kingdom cannot be sacrificed for anyone’s personal ambition.

The statement reads: “For some time now, some disgruntled elements within the peace-loving Akugbene-Mein Kingdom of Delta State have sought to unlawfully create for themselves a breakaway Kerebiri-Mein clan from the Kingdom.

“While the matter, including the criminal trial of the ringleader of the elements is pending in various Courts, they sought to drag the revered Ijaw National Congress into their illegality by applying for the recognition of a non-existent Kerebiri-Mein as a clan under the ljaw National Congress, INC.

“However, the Delta State High Court sitting in Bomadi has delivered a landmark judgment in Suit No: HCB/3/2023 between HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, S.P LUKE, KALANAMA VIII (The Pere of Akugbene-Mein) v. THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE IJAW NATIONAL CONGRESS and PROF BENJAMIN OKABA (For himself and on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the Ijaw National Congress)

“In the judgment delivered on March 21, 2024, the Court after affirming that the power of creation of Clans in Delta State vests exclusively in the Delta State House of Assembly, went on to hold that the Defendants being ljaw National Congress, INC, and Prof Benjamin Okaba lack the power to create any clan in Delta State or recognise any clan not recognized by the Laws of Delta State of Nigeria and perpetually restrained them, their agents, officers and any other person however described from creating or recognizing Kerebiri- Mein as a cian in Delta State of Nigeria.

“By this judgment, the High Court of Delta State has affirmed the unity of the Akugbene-Mein Kingdon and such unity cannot be sacrificed at the altar of anyone’s inordinate ambition or an act of illegality.

“I therefore call on all sons and daughters of the great Akugbene Mein Kingdom to continue to be law-abiding, peaceful and join hands with me in moving the Kingdom to its ordained enviable heights.”

Omu Soars Higher As Family Finalises HRM Obi Dunkwu’s Burial Ceremonies For April 24 -27

The Family of Dunkwu in Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA of Delta State is pleased to announce that the burial ceremonies for Her Royal Majesty, Obi Martha Dunkwu will commence Wednesday 24th April, 2024, with the Traditional Rites at the Dunkwu Family compound, Obodogba, Okpanam community.

According to a press statement released by the Chief Mourner, Afamefuna Dunkwu-Okafor, noted that the traditional Rites will continue on Thursday 25th April, while the Night of Tributes will hold on Friday 26th at 4pm and the Memorial Farewell on Saturday 27th April, 2024, at 10am.

“It is pertinent to inform all who are coming to ensure they are beautifully dressed in our native Akwa Ocha attire or any other white cloth that matches the atmosphere of the moment.

“By this press statement, we are calling on all and sundry to join us celebrate our Mother To All and Mother Without Borders, and not mourn, because the beautiful and courageous Omu Anioma has soared higher to eternal glory.

Meanwhile, for the Night of Tributes which will be chaired by the erudite Desert Warrior, Chief Newton Jibunoh, interested persons who would want to share their experiences with Omu Dunkwu should contact any member of the Burial Committee for documentation.

Mrs. Theresa Enisuoh, Mother of Tantita’s Executive Director to be laid to rest Saturday April 27, in Bayelsa

All is now set for the burial of Mrs. Theresa Virginia Enisuoh, the mother of the Executive Director, Operations and Technical Services of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, in Agbere, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, on Saturday, April 27th, 2024.

The matriarch of the popular Enisuoh family in Bayelsa State, died on Thursday, March 21st, at ripe age of 80 years.

The death of Mama Enisuoh, loved by all and sundry,who came through her path during her eventful sojourn on earth, has sent shock waves into people in Agbere and other neighbouring communities in Bayelsa state.

Known for her benevolence and kind-heartedness, especially towards the needy and those on the lower rung of the society, Mama Enisuoh lived a life of service to God and humanity.

Notable individuals and her kinsmen in Bayelsa state believed that she would be sorely missed because of her exemplary lifestyles and commitment to selfless service in aid of humanity.

To this end, the Chief Mourner, Warredi Enisuoh in conjunction with his siblings, is sparing no efforts to accord their beloved Mother, a befitting departure.

Findings revealed that adequate logistic arrangements have been made by the Enisuoh family to ensure a “talk of the town” burial rites for their late matriarch, which climaxed in her remains being laid to rest on Saturday, April 27th, 2024.

Already, notable citizens, especially top government officials at all levels and captains of industry are participating actively in the burial plans in honour of Warredi Enisuoh, who is regarded as the brain box of TSSNL, which has recorded widely acknowledged giant strides in the war against crude oil theft.

The cream-de-la-cream of the society have also indicated their readiness to be present at Agbere on Saturday, apparently to give support and succour to the grieving Warredi Enisuoh and his siblings.

The funeral arrangements signed by Captain Warredi Enisuoh, indicated that on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, her body would arrive at her father’s Compound, Zibomoni family for lying in state.

Thereafter,the remains would be taken to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Agbere, for the funeral mass.

Continuing, Warredi Enisuoh in the statement, revealed that interment would come up thereafter at her brother’s compound, in the Bayelsa community.

A colourful reception has been packaged to acquit the invited guests with the hospitable lifestyles of the Bayelsans at Agbere Town Football Field.

Meanwhile, eminent citizens, especially top government officials and key players in the corporate world, have sent condolence messages to encourage and light up the spirits of Warredi Enisuoh and his siblings at this trying period.

Tributes have also been pouring in torrents to eulogise Mama Enisuoh, for her exemplary and disciplined spartan life.

Top on the roll call of those who have sent words of encouragement to Warredi Enisuoh include the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District in the Senate, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman of TSSNL, Chief (Dr.) Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, celebrated football administrator and former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Samson Siasia, Managing Director of TSSNL, Chief Keston Pondi and Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) in the Niger Delta, Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, the management of Inter-Atlas Synergy, among many others.

They all prayed for the repose of the souls of the Enisuoh matriarch and the fortitude, comfort and grace for Warredi Enisuoh and his siblings to bear her loss.

They urged members of the family to remain strong and resilient during this difficult time and take solace in the obvious fact that their mother lived fulfilled and worthy life.

Warri stands agog as SLA to Chief Ereyitom, Gbiwen celebrates their son, Oritsetemi Gbiwen’s dedication

By: Celedtine Ukah

It was a wonderful day in the Oil city of Warri, Delta State as the Senior Legislative Aide, SLA, to Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi, the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency, Barr. Alex Gbiwen celebrated the dedication of their Son, Baby Oritsetemi Peniel Gbiwen in grand style at the Word of Life Bible Church, International Gospel Centre, Warri.

From left: Hon. Chief Ereyitomi, Barr. & Mrs. Gbiwen at the reception

The dedication which held Sunday April 21, 2024 was immediately with a flamboyant reception hosted by Barr. Alex & Mrs. Gbiwen at the home of his uncle, Chief Solomon Arenyeka at Ubeji, Warri.

The reception was also attended by several dignitaries Such as the Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency at the House of Reps, Hon. Chief Dr. Thomas Ereyitomi, Chief Ekpoto, Esq., Chief Solomon Arenyeka, Chief Eugene Ikomi, Mr. Agbateyiniro, Mr. Seth and Family, Journalist Celestine Ukah and Family as well as lawyers and other church members and well wishers.

From left: Mr. Oneyor, Hon. Chief Ereyitomi, Barr. & Mrs. Gbiwen, Hon. Aduge Okorodudu &  Akoma

The Celebrant Barr. & Mrs. Gbiwen who were very excited expressed their joy to God for blessing them with a bouncing baby, Oritsetemi Peniel Gbiwen, promising to raise the child according to God’s Word and God’s ways.

Barr. Gbiwen whose birthday was celebrated too made the day double celebration as him and his Lovely pretty wife danced with a lot of joy, expressing gratitude to Almighty God, vowing to continue to thank God, believing God will do more for their family.

A Cross Section of dignitaries present at the baby dedication reception

They appreciated family members, professional colleagues, friends and close associates for their prayers and show of love.