By Austin Ogwuda

Niger Delta ex-agitators have given the Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led management team of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) five days ultimatum to either vacate the commission or face an imminent wrath.

The former militants sternly warned that if Ogbuku and his team failed to leave office after the expiration of the ultimatum, they would occupy the commission and ground the activities of the NDDC completely.

Known as the Coalition of Ex-agitators of Niger Delta (CEND) they insisted that Ogbuku and his team were occupying their offices illegally.

A statement signed by its Chairman, Gen. Daboikiabo Alalibo said it was unimaginable that the team could be operating despite the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the statement, “our President (Bola Tinubu) gave an express order dissolving all parastatals and agencies of the federal government. The NDDC was affected because it wasn’t among those constitutionally exempted by the directive.

“But we understand that some persons close to the President spearheaded the conspiracy that allow Ogbuku and others to remain as a management team of the NDDC. It is illegal”.

“After studying the scenario and investigating the development, it was misnomer and unconstitutional to allow part of a dissolved board to remain in office.

“This is not the era of former President Muhammadu Buhari when presidential directives, which are supposed to be sacrosanct no matter, were treated with kid gloves and flouted with flagrant impunity.

“The order of our president”, the statement went on, “must stand because there is no sacred cow and no preferential treatment. NDDC should not always be a victim of lawlessness, a fate it suffered throughout the administration of Buhari”.

Alalibo further insisted that the Ogbuku team should immediately hand over the running of the Commission to the most senior director in NDDC adding that the current status was sabotaging the interests of all stakeholders and member states.

He advised that the current peace in the Niger Delta must be protected by the Federal Government by avoiding decisions that could send wrong signals in the Niger Delta.

He said: “The present management team of NDDC is illegal. The President has dissolved all parastatals and commissions including the present NDDC board. But some people conspired to allow Ogbuku lead a management team of the NDDC and he is still being addressed as the MD.

“We don’t want the region to run into another era of crisis and that is why ex-agitators are asking the federal government to appoint the most senior director to take over the running of the NDDC until another board is constituted.

“We are calling on President Tinubu to take immediate action. We give the Ogbuku-lead team five days to vacate the NDDC for peace to be maintained in the region. We are saying that after five days if the needful is not done we are going to shut down the NDDC and barricade it. It is going to be pressure for pressure and we will hold the government responsible for whatever happens.

“The president should avoid anything that will bring pressure from the Niger Delta especially now that we are having tension caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy. Everybody is angry now and if Mr. President fails to ensure that the NDDC board remains dissolved, anything that happens, he should take responsibility.

“It is unbelievable that Mr. President gave an order and some person close to him failed to heed the order. We cannot afford to see the NDDC being mismanaged again. This was what happened during the leadership of Effiong Akwa.

“He was an interim administrator for nearly one year and within this period they were using the place as a cash cow and the former Rivers State Governor Wike mentioned it recently”, he added.

By Austin Ogwuda

THE much-awaited composition of his cabinet by incumbent Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is out.

The Town Hall Media can authoritatively confirm that the list of the nominees has been forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and subsequent confirmation.

They are 26 nominees for appointment as Commissioners and members of the State Executive Council (EXCO)

They are:

Odinigwe Daniel, Hon Joan Onyemaechi (Ada Anioma), Jerry Ehiwario, Charles Aniagwu, Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu, Michael Anoka, Hon Pat Ajudua, Darlington Ijeh, Chief Fidelis Tilije, Barr Funyei Manager, Hon Godknows Angele.

Others are Dr Joseph Onojaeme, Emmanuel Obiodeh, Perez Omoun, ORODE Uduaghan, Isaac Wilkie,. Agbateyimuro Weyinmi, Samuel Oligida, Prof Tonukari Johnbull, Etagherure Terry, Mrs Rose Ezewu, Jamani Ejiro, Onoriode Agofure, Hon Reuben Izeze, Vincent Oyibode and Sonny Ekedayen.

By Austin Ogwuda

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State says that his administration would pay priority attention to the health and well-being of Deltans in line with his M.O.R.E Agenda

The governor gave this assurance while receiving the National Executive Council of Nigerian Optometric Association, led by the National President, Dr. Obinna Awiaka on courtesy visit at Government House Asaba.

His words, “as a State, we are very happy receiving visitors because our State is peaceful, especially Asaba, the State capital and lots of conferences have been held here.

“Delta is ready at all times to partner any sector that wants to partner with us and I believe that the conference you are holding in Delta will bring a lot of awareness to our people in the area of proper eye care.

“It will encourage a lot of people to come and check their eyes and in this M.O.R.E. Agenda, we are not going to play with the issue of health and also in my cabinet, we will have a medical doctor who will be in charge of the health sector.

“I know we have some optometrists working with the Asaba Specialist Hospital, but now that you have requested for more of them, we will check if there are vacancies and employ more.

“On the issue of internship, we don’t discriminate here; you must not be an indigene to come and do internship in Delta. So, I believe we will continue to do more in that regard.”

Earlier, Dr Awiaka said they were in Delta for the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Optometry Conference holding in Asaba.

He lauded the Governor for the development in the State and thanked him for approving Call Duty Allowance for their members and for supporting the National Conference.

He appealed to the Governor to provide employment for more eye doctors, more internship opportunities for young doctors and for eye care to be included in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.

By Austin Ogwuda

A notable female political figure in Delta State, Dame Nkem Okwuofu alias ‘Mother of Government’ (MoG) yesterday resigned her appointment as the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

She is a die-hard People’s Democratic Party (PDP) powerful leader and a grass root mobilizer.

Although no reason was offered for the resignation, tongues are already wagging as to what must have gone wrong this time around.

The Obamkpa-born political stalwart from Delta North senatorial district of the State also known as ‘Agunwanyi’ (lioness) had remained visible and actively involved in politics and governance of Delta State.

Right from the inception of the first civilian government of late Chief Felix Ibru in the state, Okwuofu occupied one position or the other from previous governments, including Commissionership position.

Adored by previous governments as she proudly claimed to be the “mother” of every governor that governed the State.

The Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu in a terse message signed by him said, “it is hereby announced for the information of the general public particularly Deltans, that the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F.0 Oborevwori has approved the voluntary resignation of appointment of the Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Dame Patience Okwuofu with immediate effect.

“His Excellency wishes to express his gratitude to Dame Patience Okwuofu for her contributions towards the growth of the civil service in the state which has brought about series of reforms that have positively transformed the state civil service.

“The Governor therefore uses this medium to thank her for her service to the state and to wish her well in her future endeavours”, the statement added.

By Austin Ogwuda

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has congratulated winner of Nigerian Idol Season 8, Victory Gbakara, describing him as a true son and proud ambassador of the State.

Victory Gbakara, son of the founder of God’s Will Mission, Archbishop Solomon Gbakara, emerged winner of the Country’s premier Reality TV singing competition after defeating fellow finalist, Precious Mac, from Bayelsa State, on Sunday.

He was declared the winner of the competition after results of votes across the Country were announced during the grand finale on Sunday night.

With Victory, who hails from Usiefrun town in Ughievwen Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State emerging winner of Season 8, Delta State has now won the competition back-to-back with another Deltan, Progress Chukwuyem from Ekwueze-Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area of the state winning Season 7.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Oborevwori said that the 26-year old lawyer, singer and songwriter was impeccable and electrifying throughout the competition.

He commended the organisers of the show and the panel of judges for the perfect season. He also thanked Deltans and Nigerians who voted for the emergence of Victory as the star prize winner.

Oborevwori said that Deltans were known for great exploits in reality shows, having won on several occasions in different platforms, adding that the State was gifted with abundant talents.

He said that his administration would continue to support youths with talents to realise their potentials, stressing that talent development remains an integral part of his M.O.R.E Agenda.

“As a State, we are very delighted that our son, Victory Gbakara has won the Nigerian Idol Season 8 just after another Deltan, Progress Chukwuyem, won the Season 7 edition.

“Our youths have continued to portray the Delta character of true patriotism and worthy ambassadors of the State, and my administration will continue to support them to achieve their God-given potentials.

“As a Government, we will continue to support talents in sports, creative entertainment and even in business and we are glad that Victory has added to the State’s long list of laurel hauls.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I thank Deltans and indeed, all Nigerians that supported our son, Victory, to emerge winner of Nigerian Idol Season 8.

“Indeed, beyond the prize money, Victory reached for greatness with his God-given talent and distinguished himself as a future star and role model and we are very happy to have him bring honour to our State once again”, the statement added.

By Austin Ogwuda

MEMBER Representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Ngozi Okolie has commiserated with the family of a two month old toddler killed during a raid by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) few days ago.

The Federal lawmaker in a press statement personally signed by him however called on sympathisers to respect the family privacy by not attracting too much publicity in the process.

The statement reads:

“I, on behalf of myself, family and the entire good people of the Constituency express heart-felt condolences to the family of Ivan Omorhiakogbe, a two-year-old boy killed during an operation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta Command.

“I am very saddened that the unfortunate and tragic incident took place within my Constituency. Very painful too, is the fact the victim was a toddler, just two years old was caught down at such a prime age.

“I commend the Delta State governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for promptly issuing a Press Statement condemning the killing and calling for a thorough investigation.

“Let us however remember that mourning should be carried out with reverence and solemnity that it deserves especially in African culture and tradition, not to talk of the death of a toddler.

“Remember that the family of Fidelis Omorhiakogbe is in deep pain especially the mother who bore him in the womb for nine months. She and the husband did not only lose their son, Ivan, but had his younger sibling, Eromonsele hospitalized.

“Yes, let us sympathize with bereaved people and empathize”, the statement went on, “but we can do that quietly with some comforting assistance, without too much publicity attached, so that the family’s privacy is respected.

“This is the line I am towing.

“Once again, I join others to condemn the unwarranted killing of the toddler and counsel that sympathisers are free to visit the bereaved family quietly please, please and please”, the statement added.

By Austin Ogwuda

Tragedy struck in Okpanam, Oshimili north local government of Delta State following the tragic killing of a two year old toddler during a raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command while chasing suspected drug peddlers.

The incident was said to have occurred near a popular hotel by the Midwifery junction while raiding a particular black spot identified as where hard drugs are openly sold along the road.

Confirming the incident, the Delta State Police command’s spokesman, DSP Edafe Bright said that “the Command is aware of the incident that occured on the 13th of July 2023.

“It is a sad one, it is a tragic incident and the Command is truly and indeed disturbed.

“Unfortunately, one of the kids who the stray bullet hit, gave up the ghost at the hospital. His age is 2 years and his name is Ivan Onosebarhe.

“It is a sad one, it is a tragic incident and the Command is truly and indeed disturbed.

“The CP has directed that the matter be transferred to the State CID. As I speak with you, the matter is already been investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Delta State Police Command.

“And all parties involved will appear before the CP on Monday”, stated the police image maker in a press statement.

On his part, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori in a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon said the tragic incident was regrettable and avoidable if the officers had operated based on their rules of engagement.

He called on the NDLEA authorities and the Delta Police Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the boy and injury to his brother, with a view to bringing the culprits to book and avoiding a future occurence.

The statement reads:

“On behalf of the Government and people of Delta, I commiserate with the family of Fidelis Omorhiakogbe on the tragic death of their two-year-old son, Ivan, and injury to his younger sibling, Eromonsele.

“This incident is tragic, painful, and grievous because of the loss of a child and injury to his younger sibling.

“I condemn this unfortunate incident because no matter the provocation, armed security men must operate within the ambits of standard procedure as enshrined in their rules of engagement.

“Any action taken outside these international best practices could be catastrophic as in this case.

“I therefore call on the NDLEA and Police authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident and bring all the culprits to book.

By Austin Ogwuda

The former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi has described the media guru, the owner of This day and Arise media outfits, Prince Nduka Obaigbena as an outstanding media entrepreneur and urged him to continue to inspire the new generation of journalists.

Gbagi, who was the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in the March 18th 2023 election in the State stated this in his birthday message to Obaigbena, the Duke of Owa kingdom who turned 64 years today.

A press statement signed by Gbagi’s Chief Press Secretary Kenneth Orusi reads, “the owner of Gbagi conglomerate, hails the THISDAY publisher for his visionary and adventurous leadership style of establishing trademark communication outfits that have remained exceptional in informing Nigerians about the world around them, and educating the world about Nigeria.

“I salute Obaigbena’s courage in assembling a team of brilliant journalists and administrators, who started THISDAY newspaper, and the groundbreaking strides they have made.

“I join others to celebrate your commitment to a free society and holding government accountable to the people, with your platforms.

“You have continued to blaze the trail in the profession despite several challenges, and your innovations have come to define some of the fine points of journalism today. We wish you many more years.

“I pray that you continue to inspire the new generation of journalists to serve our fatherland, deepen the culture of probity and create an enlightened society.

“I salute your achievements and pray that you enjoy many more years of good health and prosperity”, the statement added.

By Austin Ogwuda

HIS Royal Majesty, Simpson Sapele Obruche, Obruche II, the Odion R’ode of Uwheru kingdom, Ughelli North local government area of Delta State has raised alarm over herdsmen attacks resulting to abandonment of farmlands by farmers for fear of being killed.

The alarm was raised while receiving his staff of office from the State government yesterday.

Presenting an address on behalf of Uwheru Traditional Council, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee in respect of the presentation of the staff of office, Hon. Benjamin Esemeteye lamented that agriculture being their major occupation is seriously threatened due to the activities of herdsmen.

Apart from the herdsmen menace they also noted the problem of flooding that yearly ravaged Uwhuru community and appealed for government intervention.

The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Hon. Godwin Adode also lent his voice expressing worry over the constant attack by herdsmen within the area, noting that the situation had become unbearable and called for prompt intervention of the government to curb the situation.

Recall that sometime last year, staff and students of Ohoror Secondary School, Ohoror, Ughelli North local government area of the State fled their school over fear of being attacked by suspected herdsmen after an earlier attack in the school that left many wounded.

That incident prompted the then State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof Patrick Muoboghare to visit the school and likened the situation in the community to Russia and Ukraine war.

Said he, “the school is not in session because herdsmen have chased the teachers and students away after the horrible event that occurred sometimes last week when they came and abducted three students.

“The community rose and pursued them into the forest and were able to rescue the children while three of our boys were shot and the following day, the same thing like that happened again.

“And this is a school where the government just gave us a project to renovate one of those classrooms and get in some lab equipment but the contractor handling the project has abandoned it because of herdsmen menace.

“The contractor has run away, the students and staff all gone because no parent will their child to be here under the circumstances that three children have been abducted here and rescued by the community at a cost.

“This has been happening over the years and if you recall, in February 15, 2020, about eleven of our men that attempted to rescue our women that were harassed by herdsmen were shot dead and now we are it again.

“The way I looked at is that Uwheru is Ukraine while the Nigerian government is Russia that just send their guarded missiles to Uwheru to humiliate us for doing nothing just like Ukraine did nothing”, the then Education Commissioner added.

Deputy governor, Sir Monday Onyeme who presented the staff of office to the monarch on behalf of the State Governor Rt Hon.

Sheriff Oborevwori gave assurance assured that his administration will continue to hold traditional rulers in high esteem.

He however urged the traditional rulers to work closely with the law enforcement agencies and local government councils to ensure that peace prevails in their respective domains.

“The traditional institution”, he said “remains a priceless legacy in any African society for which there is yet no credible substitute, as a rallying point for the people.

“In everything you do and in every decision that you take, I appeal to you to place the interest of the majority of your people and the fear of God above all other considerations”, he added.

By Austin Ogwuda

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has emphasized the need for judges in the country to be guided by the doctrine of fair hearing, equity and good conscience in discharging their duties.

He stated this yesterday at the swearing-in of Justice Catherine Ojugbana-Orishedere as President Customary Court of Appeal, and other seven newly appointed judges in the State.

He therefore urged judges to guarantee justice for all by maintaining a high level of personal probity, devoid of greed and ensuring that the guilty are punished according to the provisions of the law.

The governor remarked that Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere’s elevation to the position of President Customary Court of Appeal (PCCA) after 23 years of service validates her credentials as an eminent jurist and faithful public servant.

Said he, “to the PCCA and the new Judges, I charge you to continue in the same spirit of hard work, sincerity, dedication, consistency, and excellence that earned you this elevation.

“I expect you to discharge the duties of your office without fear or favour. It is one thing for judgement to be passed; it is quite another thing for justice to be seen to be served.

“Justice is served when it is anchored on the timeless values of fair hearing, equity, good conscience, common sense, and the guilty are punished. Your offices require that you maintain a high level of personal probity, devoid of greed.

“Given your antecedents”, the governor went on, “I have no doubt that you will justify the confidence that has been reposed in you with this appointment.

“It is therefore incumbent on you to be good role models to your subordinates, peers, and professional colleagues.  You must endeavour to leave a legacy of courage, integrity, and righteousness,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the Judges, Justice Ojugbana-Orishedere, thanked the governor for finding them worthy to serve and pledged the commitment of the judges to the discharge of their duties as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Those sworn-in as Judges of the High Court were Aforkeya Obomejero, Okeleke Ifeanyi Samuel, Umuko Aboyowa Godwin, Ossai Ngozi Rita and Adolor Onorieukuhakpo Sunny while Gbakeji Emakpor Michael and Uraih Ifeanyi Tracy Patricia were sworn-in as Judges of the Customary.

By Onoriode Etatsemi

THE Minister in charge of the Living Faith Church, aka Winner’s Chapel Elume-Sapele, Branch, Dr. Ambrose Idowu Ogana and Founder of the Ogana Foundation has vowed he will forever celebrate his wife even though she has died

Pastor Ogana stated this while delivering a sermon at an open air memorial service in his compound in honour of his late wife, Mrs. Doris Enyiere Ogana, whom he described as a virtuous woman whose sterling qualities he couldn’t find elsewhere.

According to him, “I will forever respect and honour my late wife who stood by me when the storm of life visited me, she stood and contributed immensely to my success today.

“This event I put together is in honour of my late wife. I have vowed that at any children’s day celebration in the country which was the day my wife died, I will always celebrate her by inviting children from all the schools in the area.

The cleric also advised Nigerians not to get discouraged by what is happening in the country presently and ask them to rekindle their hope and confidence in Almighty God who created the nation.

He however advised all irrespective of religious denomination to retrace step by returning to God in righteous.

“Except Nigerians forsake their sins, cry and pray fervently for forgiveness, the nation can not know peace. We must shun sins and iniquities in this land, embrace righteousness which is the surest ways for God to forgive us our sins so that His blessings would come upon us once again

” Nigeria as a nation”, he went on, “is created by God, therefore no one should think he is greater than the country. Christians have a greater role to play in the journey and rebirth of a new Nigeria”, he added.

The occasion witnessed presentation of gift items to all the children present, Bible quizz and dancing competition.

By Austin Ogwuda

THE immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), retired General Lucky Irabor has vowed to commit the rest of his life in serving the country, Nigeria, irrespective of the fact that he had already sacrificed 40 years in serving his fatherland.

He promised to render positive contributions in whatever capacity towards the advancement of the nation in general as well as Delta State, his home State and the Ika nation where he hails from.

General Irabor who stated this while speaking at a civic reception organized in his honour at Agbor, Delta State yesterday, also said he was committed at ensuring that no youth of Ika land is found engaging in fraudulent activities like advance fee fraud popularly known as “419” or any form of criminality.

His words: “As I take a deserved rest, why is it a deserved rest because is described as such my life after service.

“I want to make a commitment to the Ika nation I will do everything possible to ensure that Ika is a better and prosperous place.

“I also make a commitment that Delta State remains a foremost State, a State that will be the cynosure of all eyes in Nigeria.

This is my commitment; whatever contributions that I would make that is required of me please be assured of that commitment.

“And of course for our nation there is no better nation than Nigeria. There is no nation that is better than Nigeria, East or West, home is the best.

“Nigeria remains a country that is rich enough its human capital is like no other across the globe.

“I believe that the government of the day is taking us to the eldorado that we will so cherish and I know that all Nigerians will join hands with him (President Bola Tinubu) to ensure that not only do we have Nigeria of our dreams that everyone will be proud of as Nigerian.

“As for me, I remain indeed committed having served the country for close to 40 years, four decades, what is left?

“So the rest of my life is left to serving Nigeria. Is a commitment that I am making.

After consultation with my wife, whatever it takes for us to give a beautiful country, whatever contribution that is required of me that I will make.

“And to the Ika nation”, he went on, “know that we (Irabor and spouse) remain your vanguard. We will protect you, we will ensure that our youths should no longer be interested in cultism.

“They will no longer be involved in any form of fraud, having to be involved in anything that has to do with 419. No!

There has to be a rethink and there will be renaissance such that Ika that made me and many of my ilks, indeed of course our forebears, Chief Jim Ovia, Nduka Obaghiagbon that is here, the immediate past governor (Okowa) and so many more Ika sons and daughters who are doing well across the globe started right from Ika land”.

Continuing, the former Chief of Defence Staff said “therefore there is no reason why any Ika indigene, any Ika youth should be involved in criminality.

“This we will work together to ensure that we change the narrative. Ika nation is made of good men and women.

“This is a commitment I am making to you and I know as I work with the State government and the government of Nigeria, there will be a significant transformation”, he added.

By Austin Ogwuda

Member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon Ngozi Okolie has described the immediate past governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as a great leader who succeeded in leaving enduring legacies behind for posterity.

A congratulatory message to him on his birth anniversary, the Federal lawmaker said, “though the mothers may be different, it is still the same father. A son remains a son, a father is always a father to all his children, not only when he needs them, but when they need him.

“He (Okowa) demonstrated that by the way he piloted the affairs of the State as Governor.

“On behalf of all the people of Aniocha/Oshimili, including visitors, residents and indigenes, I congratulate and wish him the very best today and always. I pray God to grant the former Governor many more healthy and happy years”, the statement added.

By Austin Ogwuda

DEPUTY Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Arthur Akpowowo has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the legislature and the media towards achieving robust legislations.

He stated this in Asaba while receiving the Assembly Correspondents in his office.

While acknowledging the vital role of agenda setting function by the media in the society, Akpowowo urged them to always live up to expectation as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

Said he, “recognition of the media as an indispensable entity cannot be over emphasized as no sane society or organization would underestimate importance of the media”.

He personally vowed never to never undermine the press.

“As lawmakers, if we are to succeed in our legislative duties, it is imperative that we continue to collaborate with the media, recognizing the significance it holds.

“Here in Delta, particularly in this 8th Assembly, I assure you that we will continue to work hand in hand with the press.

“We need you (press) not only to inform the public about our activities in the Chambers but also to hold us accountable for our responsibilities.

“The press cannot be undervalued, and together, we will strive for the necessary success that will make the people of Delta proud”, he added.

The Deputy Speaker also paid glowing tribute to the immediate past Speaker of the House, now the incumbent governor of the State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori. for his commendable accomplishments while he was the Speaker.

According to him, “we are not competing with him, but it is a known fact that he has established a remarkable structure, and it is only natural that we maintain the momentum and, indeed, achieve more”, said the Deputy Speaker.

By Austin Ogwuda

FORMER governorship aspirant of the ruling People’s Democratic Party PDP in Delta State, Chief Aghwarianovwe Novwe Ikie has maintained that he pursued the legal battle against Governor Sheriff Oborevwori up to the Supreme Court based on personal principles.

He put up this defence following the accusation from PDP Delta State chapter that he was a mole as they took his resignation from the party shortly after losing the case at the Supreme Court as good riddance to bad rubbish.

Delta State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza had in press statement on Friday said that Ikie’s resignation “is coming on the heels of his devastating loss at the Supreme Court in his case of certificate forgery against the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; a maliciously motivated, ill-advised litigation he has pursued since he lost out at the PDP Guber primaries”.

The statement further reads, “Delta State PDP is quite elated that the Supreme Court, the last judicial bastion of all litigations, has decisively vindicated our duly elected Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and finally brought a definitive, resounding closure to a matter which our detractors, especially the APC and its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, had hoped in vain to rely on, to steal a mandate they have not merited and do not deserve.

“We have it on good authority that Chief Ikie may have obtained his PDP Governorship form by default in Abuja, and despite his initial denials to the contrary, was a dangerous mole planted inside the PDP by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in cahoots with certain detractors and other mischievous elements, for the sole purpose of sabotaging our guber primary election and ultimately making a mountain out of a molehill with their forgery allegation, after their comprehensive defeat at the primaries and the general election.

“We give God all the Glory for this victory at the Supreme Court, which has not only authenticated our governorship primary election but has finally cleared all doubts by declaring the case as ‘moribund’ and laid to rest, the wicked allegations pedaled by our detractors over the excellent qualifications of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“While we heartily congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and savour this irreversible triumph at the Supreme Court”, the statement went on, “we equally urge Chief Ikie to, as a matter of immediate judicial compliance, promptly settle the N6 million fine which the Court has slammed on him. Otherwise, we shall be compelled by due process, to revisit his appeal and reconsider his “request to be left to live the rest of my life peacefully and quietly”.

But reacting, Chief Ikie stated that “it is not true that Distinguished Ovie Omo-Agege sponsored my case or that I was an APC mole within the PDP as now peddled by the PDP State Publicity Secretary.

“I am a PDP founding member. I would have won my said case if I had a financially powerful and influential backer such as Distinguished Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

“I fought my case based on personal principles. Had I not, I would have taken the various inducements and ran. After all, had I been sponsored, the Distinguished Senator would have had to pay me well above the sum of 1 Billion Naira, that I was offered, in order to remain loyal to him”, he further stated.

….. Governor Oborevwori celebrates

Elated Governor Oborevwori celebrated the Supreme Court judgment as well as the victory at the Election Petitions Tribunal challenging his victory by the Labour Party candidate, Mr. Ken Pela at a Thanksgiving service held at Government House Chapel, Asaba.

Said he: “today, we stand here victorious and we are grateful to God for guiding us through this challenging journey. God has taken over our battles, therefore, we are more than conquerors.

“These victories of yesterday and today are dedicated to God and they have come as early birthday gifts to His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

“I congratulate our leader, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the foundation that he has laid. I once told him that he has done things that he will be remembered for.

“I appeal to Deltans to know that the victories we have recorded are not from men, but from God and we give God all the praise”.