Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has Congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the recognition and conferment of the national award; Commander Of The Order Of The Niger, CON on him, by President Mohammadu Buhari.

The felicitation was contained in a congratulatory message by the State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, which reads: “The entire Delta State PDP family, heartily Congratulates His Excellency, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on your recognition and conferment of the national award of Commander Of The Order Of The Niger, CON, by His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

“Your nomination and endorsement, as the recipient of this prestigious national honour and award, is ample testimony of the national acclaim you have attained, not only as the distinguished Governor of Delta State, but indeed in full cognizance of your sterling reputation and contributions, as a true national statesman, nation builder, peacemaker, detribalized unifier and an exemplary leader in our collective quest towards strengthening and deepening our democratic experience as a people and nation.

“We are very proud of your unparalleled achievements as the Governor of Delta State and the undisputed leader of our party at this auspicious time in our national history and we are fully confident that this prestigious award will serve as a catalyst to spur you to greater heights and glory at the national stage.

Once again, Congratulations Your Excellency.

By: Tega Ogbadu

*FIFA President Infantino reacts describes incident as historic shock to football world

At least 125 people have been killed and dozens more injured in a riot and a stampede at an Indonesian football stadium.

The tragedy on Saturday night in the eastern city of Malang was one of the world’s deadliest sporting stadium disasters.

Police in East Java province said thousands of fans of Arema FC stormed the pitch at Kanjuruhan Stadium after their team lost 3-2 to Persebaya Surabaya. Officers tried to control the “riots” by firing tear gas, triggering a stampede as panicked fans rushed to an exit gate.

Some suffocated in the chaos while others were trampled to death. At least 34 people, including two police officers, died at the stadium.

The death toll was revised down to 125, according to East Java Vice Governor Emil Dardak, who said that some names were recorded twice. Earlier officials had put the figure as high as 174

A hospital director told local television that one of the victims was five years old.

Video footage from local news channels showed fans streaming onto the pitch in the Kanjurujan Stadium in Malang after Arema FC lost to Persebaya Surabaya. Scuffles can be seen, with what appeared to be tear gas in the air. Images also showed people who appeared to have lost consciousness being carried away by other fans.

The stadium holds 42,000 people and authorities said it was a sell-out. Police said about 3,000 people had stormed the pitch. Vehicles outside the stadium were also torched, including at least five police cars and trucks..

Survivors described panicking spectators in a packed crowd as tear gas rained down on them.

“Officers fired tear gas, and automatically people were rushing to come out, pushing each other and it caused many victims,” a 43-year-old spectator told the AFP news agency. “Nothing was happening, there was no riot. I don’t know what the issue was, they suddenly fired tear gas. That’s what shocked me, didn’t they think about kids, women?”

League suspended
President Joko Widodo ordered an investigation into the tragedy, a safety review into all football matches and directed the country’s football association to suspend all matches until “security improvements” were completed.

“I deeply regret this tragedy and I hope this football tragedy will be the last in our country,” Widodo said.

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the the football world was “in a state of shock”.

All our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, those who have been injured, together with the people of the Republic of Indonesia,” he added.

Fan violence is an enduring problem in Indonesia, with a strong rivalry between clubs sometimes leading to violence among supporters. Arema FC and Persebaya Surabaya are longtime rivals and the latter’s fans were not allowed to buy tickets for Saturday’s game due to fears of violence.

Indonesia’s coordinating minister for political, legal and security affairs, Mahfud MD, said organisers had ignored authorities’ recommendation to hold the match in the afternoon instead of the evening. He also said the government had recommended only 38,000 tickets be printed, but there was instead a sell-out crowd of 42,000. “The government has made improvements to the implementation of football matches… and will continue to improve. But this sport, which is a favourite of the wider community, often provokes supporters to express emotions suddenly,” he said in an Instagram post.

World soccer’s governing body FIFA specifies in its safety regulations that no firearms or “crowd control gas” should be carried or used by stewards or police. East Java police did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether they were aware of such regulations.

Referring to the FIFA rules, Amnesty International criticised the use of tear gas in the stadium and urged authorities to “conduct a swift, thorough, and independent investigation” and “ensure that those who are found to have committed violations are tried in open court and do not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions”.

“This loss of life cannot go unanswered,” said Usman Hamid, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said it would send its own investigation team to Malang to establish the cause of the crush. It also banned Arema FC from hosting home games for the rest of the season.

By: Celestine Ukah

*Urges  all to sustain hope for Nation Building, Unity others

The Member Representing Warri Federal Constituency and the Deputy Chairman House of Reps Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Hon. Chief Thomas Ereyitomi JP has congratulated Nigerians and Warri federal constituency as the country mark this year’s independence of 62 years of existence as a united country.

Chief Ereyitomi in his goodwill message Saturday October 1, 2022, to his Warri federal constituents, assured of improved legislation on the welfare and development of the people of Warri federal constituency, he added that robust representation will be his utmost target as he has been able to display such fest in the last three years as the rep member.

while celebrating the 62nd anniversary of Nigeria, the Warri federal lawmaker urged residents as well as Nigerians to sustain their faith and hope for nation building, unity, development of the country and peaceful coexistence among various Nigerians in different parts of the country.

Dr. Ereyitomi enjoined citizens to remain calm and continue their peaceful disposition in Warri federal constituency, he commended them for their tremendous support given him, he as well appealed for it to be replicated again in the forthcoming 2023 general poll and the national House of reps election holding February 2023.

Hon. Chief Ereyitomi JP wished all Warri federal constituents a happy 62nd Nigeria independence day celebration.

As Nigeria celebrate its 62nd independence,Supporters of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi today they cannot to have another President Muhammadu Buhari as president again just as they shutdown the popular DSC roundabout as they caused serious vehicular traffick in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr. John Tuoyo, a supporter of Mr. Obi made the assertion on behalf of the Peter Obi Supporters during a chat with Our Correspondent at a sensitization rally held at DSC roundabout in Uvwie Local Government Area.

He noted that the Peter Obi Supporters needed a “strong”and “dedicated” man that knows the vision and can push the vision.

According to him”Yesterday, they signed a peace accord and APC presidential candidate was not around. We cannot have another Buhari.

Mr. Tuoyo who spoke on the rally said,””Today is our freedom day. Today marks from of Nigeria. Today is freedom from political thieves. Today is freedom from political thugs. Today is freedom from liars. We are tired of and we say No. Enough is enough to bad government. Yesterday, they signed a peace accord and APC presidential candidate was not around. We cannot have another Buhari. We need a strong and dedicated man that knows the vision and can push the vision.”

He also urged the citizens who have not obtained their Personal Voter Cards, PVC’s to do as well as make sure they vote for Mr. Peter Obi for during the forthcoming presidential election billed to hold in February 2023 as he assured them that their votes will count this time around in the Country.

Mr. Tuoyo said at 62years of existence, Nigeria have nothing to show for in terms of development.

“They said PDO is bad for 16years. This is just 7years down the line. We are now buying fuel for N180 from N98. What they wanted to do if fuel subsidy thing. This same presidential aspirant came out and matched on the streets of Lagos in 2014 that fuel subsidy is a scam. What are we seeing today? Things have trippled. The price of things. You go to market and buy something in the morning, in the afternoon another price, in the evening another price. We can’t take it anymore. We say we are tired. We need a visionary leader.”

The Coordinator Peter 4 President, Mr. Akpevwe Denedo who corroborated the positions of Mr. Tuoyo said called on the people of Warri and Asaba to come out enmass in saying,”Peter Obi is Our President. He has the mantra. He has the focus, he has the policy that will change Nigeria from a consumption to a production economy to create jobs for the youths to transform our security architecture and to make sure Nigeria is back on her feet again.”

While noting that the youths are feeling sufferings in the nation,Mr. Denedo said Mr. Peter Obi is going to be president in 2023 by God’s grace and Nigeria will be great again.

He said the past leadership in the history of Nigeria failed woefully. “16years of PDP reign coupled with another 8years of APC reign, there is nothing to show but with Peter Obi administration in presidency, we the youths are convinced that Nigeria youths we have hope for this nation.”

He also called on the people support the Labour Party Presidential Candidate,Mr. Peter Obi as well as vote massively for him the forthcoming elections.

Mr. Denedo also enjoined the citizens especially the youths to obtain their PVC’s and ensure they exercise their franchise during the elections.

According to him,”This is not the time to sit at home. This is not a time to relax. This is the time to come out and make sure that our votes count. We need to go out and collect our PVC’s following INEC timetable.”

Another supporter of the Peter Obi Movement, Obiri Matthew Chijioke said,”We want to turn around this country for good. Enough of bad leaders. Enough of suffering. Enough of marginalization. Enough of ASUU strikes, enough of noise in this country. Our leaders have looted us. All our resources are being looted away. We want all the bad leaders to move away. We want to transform this country for good and for wonders. That’s why we are converging here for this rally. We are Obedient Children.”

The supporters came under the auspices of Coalition of Peter Obi Support Groups. Some of the groups that made up the coalition includes, Peter Obi Movement, Voice of Patriots 4 Peter Obi and Obivitation Peter Obi group support.

Our Correspondent who monitored the exercise reports that a similar scene was painted at Inter-Bau roundabout in Asaba, the State Capital.

The Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have crackdown and arrested Ninety Five(95) suspected internet fraudsters in Warri, Delta State.

They were arrested on Thursday, September 29, 2022, in a sting operation, at Adesa Ughoton and Jeddo axis Okpe LGA, near Warri, Delta State for suspected fraudulent internet-related activities.

The suspects are: Idama Fejiro, Peace Wisdom Ede, Akpoyibo Daniel Akpevwe, Adam Yakubu Ayo, Sultan Akayinode Damilare, Ibrahim Sani, Karo Matthew Joseph, Idowu Abdul Malik, Bright Omokiniovo Chovwe, Thankgod Idama Kobiro, Okito Rukevwe Kelvin, Timothy Lucky, Akpojotor Godstime, Omagbemi Jeffery, Marvis Lucky, Agbodobiri Sunny, Segun Bakare, Umukoro Christopher, Abomodje Success Erorome, Irivwieri Scholar, Arisi Oghenero, Akoibe Ovie, Oriareghan Godsent, Onoja Victory, Emmanuel Anuko, Charles Blessing, Ogodo Mamuzo, Precious Tobukuma, Ogbeke Forgive and Wisdom Williams.

Others are :Omoru Scott, Omoru Daniel, Benson Michael, Fejiro Oke, Isreal Paul Afuoh, Stanley Pius Layefa, Jeffery Adapamor, Francis Anthony, Kenneth Douwere, Kester Godwin, Japhet Nwaobi, Innocent Ohwofaso, Barry Akpofure, Omosebi Ezekiel Timi, Richard Ikpomnwosa, Oremegue Success, Kennedy Akhabue, Obematen Michael Promise, Esivweneta Tejiri, Onorume Harvest, Emmanuel Akpene, Emmanuel Vouwero, Okudu Goddluck, Victor Godwin, Umukoro Paul, Boateng Sunday, Money Freedom, Sylvester Kingley, Esivweneta Frank, Bonny Oghenerume, Osanwoli Ojoeguari, Glory Ukpebitere, Tonfawey Fidelis Ebimene and Rex Mamus Brume.

The rest are: Osemudiamen Victor, Prince Ali Oghenero, Fedrick Ashebimoma, Iwhighuavwe Avewerosuo Joshua, Iwhighuavwe Friday, Stephen Victor, Asulewon Benjamin, Balogun Destiny, Uko Peter Adoga, Idris Ibrahim, Ikenna Igboke, Egugbo Andrew, Igbekele Victor Iseoluwa, Joshua Akinkuade, Amos Osega, Otilu Ifeanyi, Samuel Amiegbe, Kelvin Etonwei Doubrapade, Puri Precious, Awolu Ibrahim, Andrew Idigo Chukwudi, Efemena Philip Okoloko, Oyakhire Prosper, Bright Ighorolumuwe, Mienka Ogugu, Aghorunse Sola Prosper, Momah Shedrach, Dickson Itule, Omoduvie Augustine, Chioma Josphine Onumonu and Blessing Ojamami.

The EFCC Operatives in their also recovered from the suspects phones of different brands, laptops, and Fifteen assorted vehicles.

By: Tega Ogbadu 

As the 2023 Presidential campaigns officially kick off, the Deputy Senate President and Delta APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has called on the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to step down.

Senator Omo-Agege hinged his call on the need for equity, insisting that by contesting the polls when a northerner is about completing his eight years in office, the PDP presidential candidate has shown that he lacks the locus to preach equity, fairness, justice and integrity.

Omo-Agege who is also the Delta State Coordinator, Tinubu/Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, argued that Governor Okowa has by his action of becoming a Vice Presidential Candidate of PDP, betrayed the trust reposed on him by his colleagues and the entire South.

“During the week, at the Second Reading and Debate on General Principles on a bill seeking to legalise power rotation across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, I had urged my colleagues in PDP to persuade their Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to step down and rotate the presidential ticket to the South.

“The domino effect of that would also be the resignation of Atiku’s running mate and Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and ceding the vice presidential ticket to the North.

“Like I pointed out on the floor of the Senate during my contribution, if PDP senators were serious, they would have first pleaded with their presidential candidate to step down from the race for power to return to Southern Nigeria. By May next year, the North would have ruled for eight years of two terms and it is only fair that power comes back to the South,” he said.

According Ima Niboro,
Director, Communications and Media Strategy, Delta APC Gubernatorial Campaign Council in a released statement Friday September 30, 2022 pointed out that the Delta Central lawmaker noted that notable bodies like the Southern Governors Forum, their northern counterparts, social cultural organisations such as Afenifere; Middle Belt Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and Ohaneze Ndigbo have all harped on the need for Southern Presidency.

He recalled his meeting with elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark in July this year, when the Niger Delta leader faulted the PDP for not zoning its presidential ticket to the South.

“Irrespective of political differences, 17 Governors in the South met in Asaba, the capital of Delta State on May 11, 2021, and took far-reaching decisions, including that, based on the principles of fairness, equity and justice, the Presidency should rotate to the South, at the end of the statutory eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure.

“Governor Okowa was the host of that historic meeting. The Southern Governors later met in Lagos, on July 5, where they reaffirmed their decision, and again in Enugu, on September 16, to restate the call that the Presidency should rotate to the South in 2023.

“What Nigerians can deduce from PDP jettisoning zoning and giving its ticket to Atiku is that the campaign messages of the party should be taken with a pinch of salt. ‘Trust,’ they say, ‘is like an antique, once it’s broken, it can never be replaced’. The PDP Presidential candidate and his running mate have broken the trust of Nigerians. The honourable thing to do is for the duo to honourably resign and right the wrong.

“It, therefore, didn’t come to us as a surprise that five PDP governors boycotted the inauguration of PDP Presidential Campaign Council in Abuja to register their grievances over the injustice meted to the Southern States of Nigeria,” Omo-Agege stated.

NUJ Delta Celebrates Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu On His Birth Anniversary

Today is special for all of us in Delta State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). It is a day that our Chairman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu was born.

We are using this medium to glorify God for the birth and progressive life of our Chairman till date. It pleased God to bless the State NUJ with such a unique man, we are glad, and with joy return thanks to Him.

Comrade Michael Ikeogwu is a jolly good fellow and one who has continued to make his mark in the practice of journalism as well as the Union where he today holds sway as the State Chairman.

His natal birth reminds us of how gracious our God has been, having predestined him to be the leader that we all rally around today.

On this note, on behalf of the entire Journalists in Delta, comprising of the 16 chapels that make up the Council, we wish our awesome, amiable, radically dogged and bold Chairman a Happy Birthday celebration.

Chairman, may you live long in sound health and prosperity to fulfill the desires of your heart. May you walk and not stumble. May you find favour in the sight of God and man. May your lip praise the name of our God, because indeed, He has been merciful and gracious to you.

Happy birthday once again, and do enjoy the bliss and splendour of the season.

Congratulations.

Comrade Patrick Ochei,
NUJ Secretary,
Delta State Council.

It was a delightful moment for staff and pupils of Onidjor Primary School, Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State as Hon. Umukoro O. Innocent Support Group for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, APC Governorship Candidate for Delta State donated exercise books to the pupils.

The donation according to Hon. Umukoro Innocent, a staunch APC member, was part of the his initiative in supporting pupils in primary schools in Ughelli local government especially the indigent ones.

The children numbering over 200 from primary one to six, were gifted several exercise books of 40 leaves each.

Addressing the staff and pupils on his mission to the school, Hon. Umukoro said his desire to embark on donating the books to pupils is borne out of the fact that education is the bedrock of any nation and as such, he felt no child should be denied the opportunity of acquiring sound education just because of his or her parental background. He however urged the pupils to be good children who will better the society in future, noting that education is a light that can drive away ignorance, timidity and poverty.

Earlier in her welcome address, Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Helen Eshomi, expressed her gratitude to the donor, stating that since resumption of the new academic session, many pupils have not been able to resume school as result of inability of their parents to afford exercise books and other learning materials, but said with the kind gesture of Hon. Umukoro Innocent, many of the parents will now heave a sigh of relief as their children and wards will now have something to write on and learn with.

“I am very glad and excited today because Hon. Innocent Umukoro have done a wonderful thing. The parents of some of these pupils have not been able to afford their books. But now all of them that are present today in school have received several note books, not just one or two, and this will go along way for them”.

She commended the Honourable for also giving her large quantity of notebooks for students who are yet to resume school, adding that it is going to be the talk of the community all through as he has dine noble.

Head Girl of the School, Miss Franca Stephen thanked the donor and prayed God to bless him in all his endeavors and call on pupils who have not resume school to come so that they could as well benefit from the donation.

*As 2022 NUJ Press week committee members visit lawmaker

The member representing Ika North-East Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Emeka Anthony Elekeokwuri has tipped the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to emerge as the next Governor of Delta State, affirming he is qualified to step into Senator Ifeanyi Okowa’s shoes.

He made this assertion while playing host to members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council 2022 Press Week Committee who had visited to intimate him of their plans towards working with him to achieve a milestone in hosting a successful Press Week where credible and deserving Deltans would be honoured.

The Honourable Member had used the platform of the visit to give an indepth background on the workings of the Legislature in the State, vis-a-vis their working synergy with the Executive Arm of Government that had given the State the needed mileage in achieving enormous growth and development of the various sectors of the State economy.

Elekeokwuri who described Okowa as a great achiever and performer in virtually all the sectors of Delta society, insisted that anybody who must succeed him must have a grasp of the understanding of the complexity of the State as well as being adequately equipped to manage it to success.

Without mincing words, he tipped the Speaker of the State, Oborevwori as best qualified and possessing of the character and credentials to step into the shoes of Governor Okowa to govern the State after him.

He gave his reasons to the effect that apart from efficiently leading the 28 other lawmakers of the State who are representatives of their various Constituencies, Oborevwori had effectively succeeded in becoming the longest serving Speaker in the history of the State.

He averred that not even the most powerful of Speakers in the past could boast of three years as heads of the parliament in the State, but here is a man in Oborevwori’s stature succeeding almost six years as a sitting Speaker.

Elekeokwuri affirmed that such virtue could only be ascribed to an astute administrator and a focused leader with the best understanding of synergy and cordiality of purpose.

His words, “We make laws for peace, order and good governance; others are oversight functions. As the House Committee Chairman on Public Accounts, I can tell you authoritatively that I have done a lot in public accounts transparency. In my close observation, the State has done monumentally well in the development of the state. And that is because, again, there is synergy and cordiality between us and the Executive. We couldn’t have asked for more when we have a Governor who understands the dynamics of the workings of the Legislature.

“It is my desire to partner with the NUJ by bringing my capacity to bear in your Press Week. The State understands the constitutional role you are playing and that is why we commend the State Government for taking up the initiative to erect your Permanent Secretariat. That building is a legacy project for this administration, and I must tell you that we followed up from the budgetary processes; and we are glad it has come to fruition.

“In your Press Week you are going to be speaking about Delta State. That is why I personally want to support your effort, because you have done well in holding Government accountable and promoting its programmes and policies to the people of the State and beyond. However, there are some of you that haven’t done well in terms of proper investigation and information management. While we will hope to see you talking about the progress that Government has made during your Press Week programme, I will like to say that we have achieved a lot in terms of good governance, human capacity development, financial transparency and accountability.

“We have at the level of the Legislature reduced waste; because when that is done, corruption will be reduced and dividends of democracy will go to the people. We have done well in building over 21 bridges across Delta State. Check out all the roads built across the riverine areas, you can’t achieve that without building bridges. The Okowa we know couldn’t have boasted with those necessary projects because other governments are doing so. Don’t forget that Delta State is not a one city State but a multiplicity of cities, where well over six cities exist in it, and you must ensure to retain their city statuses.

“I wish that the next Governor of Delta State will be able to wear the big shoe that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will leave behind. The person definitely must be well informed about the deep nature and complexity of Delta State.

“Of course, that is why I am rooting for Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori having witnessed how he has successfully managed 28 members from across the State. He has all it takes to lead Delta progressively and better managed from the point Okowa is going to leave it. This is not the time to begin to play clannish politics, we should be interested in where Delta State is heading from here. Mr. Speaker has the capacity, the character and acumen to administer the State, the same way he has successfully been administering the 29 Constituencies of the State”, Elekeokwuri posited.

Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu had told Elekeokwuri that the Committee members were in his office to brief him about the forthcoming NUJ Press Week.

While hinting him that the union would use the platform to celebrate and honour credible Deltans for their contributions to societal development since the inception of Delta State, he assured him that the Legislature would be carried along when deciding who merits the honour.

Ikeogwu said the Legislature had performed creditably well in contributing to the peace and good governance Deltans are enjoying and, therefore deserves a mention and honour during the Press Week in November 2022.