SMART Agenda: Okowa Commends His Deputy Over Progress Recorded

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifyeanyi Okowa, has commended his Deputy, Barr. (Deacon) Kingsley Burutu Otuaro for his immense contributions toward the actualization of the administration's prosperity programmes via the "SMART" Agenda.

Okowa who spoke in Warri on a new year day visit to his Deputy, however expressed optimism that the impact of the SMART Agenda will be more visible in 2016.

On hand at the residence of the deputy governor to welcome Governor Okowa, were Otuaro's wife, Engr. (Mrs.) Ebierin Otuaro, Senator James Manager, Commissioners, Political Appointees from Delta South and Central senatorial districts as well as Chief Sheriff Oboroweri.

Senator Okowa said the foundation of his administration's master plan has been laid in the last 6 months through the concerted efforts of his deputy and other members of the prosperity team and expressed hope that the state will witness unprecedented transformation in 2016.

He stressed that the dwindling oil price in the international market will not derail his set target for the state.

He reiterated that the restructuring of the Delta state Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, was a deliberate effort to allow the commission bring development to the areas where oil exploration and exploitation were being carried out.

As part of effort to enhance security and  restructure the education sub-sector in the state, Senator Okowa said a summit  of stakeholders will hold soon.

Otuaro in his speech said that the Okowa administration will fulfill all electioneering promises because it is sitting on the divine hands of God.

Barr. Otuaro said the  bills sent to the State House of Assembly by the Governor after few days in office, the youth entrepreneurial programmes, and other steps taken  to address the socio-economic and infrastructural deficit were clear indications that the state was on course.

Otuaro also assured Okowa of the support of Delta South Senatorial District for the administration while promising Deltans that their basic needs will continue to receive prompt attention from the government.

Delta Govt Guard Dies In Police Custody In Asaba As Deceased Family Demand Justice

Ogodobiri holding his new born baby

A security guard attached to the Ministry of Oil and Gas in Delta state simply identified as Ogodobiri Ebifemene has died in a  mysterious circumstances at the police "A" Division in Asaba, the state capital.

The victim's family who alleged the deceased was killed and are seeking for justice over the death however accused two police officers for the alleged murder over the victim's failure to offer a bribe of N100,000 demanded as his bail bond.

Bigpenreports learnt that the deceased was allegedly arrested on the order of the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mofe Pirah over a missing laptop at his office but was said to have died in a questionable circumstances allegedly after undergoing severe torture by policemen.

Family sources alleged the deceased may have been allegedly strangle to death by the policemen following his purported failure to meet up with N100,000 bail money demanded from him by two police officers at "A" Division in Asaba.

In a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase on behalf of the deceased family signed by Cletus Kwalekeme and made available to  Bigpenreports on Tuesday, the family said that the deceased was allegedly killed over allegations of theft levelled against him at the state Ministry of Oil and Gas of which he was arrested few weeks ago.

The petitioners who gave a graphic account of the incident alleged that the District Crime Officer ( DCO1) simply identified as DSP, Arvhi Atairo and one Police Inspector, identified as Onwuegbuzie Simon in "A" Division Asaba station, capital of Delta state had strangulated Mr. Ogodobiri Ebifemene who was arrested over a missing laptop in his working place.

Ogodobiri's wife and kids

‘‘We wish to formally report the killing of (Mr Ogodobiri Ebifemene) a watch man married with 4-kids, attached to the Ministry of Oil and Gas, Delta state that was arrested on Tuesday 17th November, 2015 around 10: am by the Police (A-Division Asaba) Delta State with other suspects in respect of a missing laptop in the office of SA to the Hon. Commissioner.

"He was made to remain in police custody for four days while others were released immediately.

‘‘We approached the Investigating Police Officer (Inspector Onwuegbuzie Simon) from the first day of the arrest to secure his release but to no avail rather he requested for one hundred thousand naira (N100,000).

"Thereafter, the IPO referred us to the DCO-1 for necessary approval for the bail but still to no avail.

"To our greatest surprise the DCO-1 also maintained in requesting for the same one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) the IPO had earlier requested.

"The DCO-1 added that the negative experience he had when he was DPO Burutu was instrumental to his insistence to collect the N100,000 as way of revenging to Burutu people.

" We pleaded with him to accept the sum of ten thousand naira (N10,000) to enable us bail him but he refused all plea and asked that we provide the said one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000.00) without which he would be charge him to Court.

The petitioners said that all effort by them to make a further entreaties to the DPO were thwarted by the DCO-1 who claimed that seeing the DPO would aggravate the case, while claiming that the DPO had handover the case to him before his purported transferred.

‘‘In order not to allow my nephew to continually suffer in the unlawful detention, we sought the fund and went to the Police Station on 20th Nov 2015 at 7: 34am to perfect the bail but we could not find him and nobody was ready to disclose his where about to us.

"Sensing that something was amiss and when they saw that we were not comfortable, a Police Officer told one of us that my nephew was sick in the night and was rushed to the Hospital for Medical attention and died in the process.

"But I know the sudden death was a connivance between the Ministry of Oil & Gas and Police to conceal the unlawful killing of the said young man.

‘‘I want to sincerely aver that my nephew Mr. Ogodobiri Ebifemene was strangled to death by the DCO-1 and the IPO.

The bereaved family member however appealed to the police authorities to investigate the issue with a view of bringing the perpetrators to book.

"Therefore, we are calling on the Police Authority to investigate the issue with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book to avert the looming crisis that may arise due to the unlawful killing of the young man and to also checkmate the essences of police officers in the state.

But state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Celestine Kalu, who spoke to Bigpenreports in a telephone conversation denied the allegations of alleged extra-judicial murder by the police saying that the victim among others were arrested over alleged breaking and entry at the State's Oil and Gas Ministry but fell sick while in police custody and was rushed to the police clinic where he was certified to have died.

She said further investigation have commenced in the case, adding that only an autopsy would confirmed the true cause of death.

Meanwhile, aggrieved Ijaws youths had on Monday stormed the office of the Commissioner incharge of Oil and Gas to express their readiness to revenge the alleged extra-judicial murder by the police.

BREAKING NEWS: Kogi APC Guber Candidate Abubakar Audu Feared Dead

Abubakar Audu

There are fears that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Saturday’s Kogi State governorship election, Abubakar Audu, is dead.

Audu, according to a report on Sahara Reporters, died shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday declared the election inconclusive.

Though the credible online news medium said it could not determine the cause of death as at press time, sources told it Audu died shortly after INEC said a date for fresh election in areas with nullified votes would soon be fixed.

Channels Television is also reporting the death of Audu.

However, his aides did not respond to calls by The Eagle Online, fuelling the suspicion that the report could be true.

At the conclusion of collation of results from the 21 local government areas of the state, Audu polled 240,867 votes, while the incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Captain Idris Wada, came second with 199,514 votes.

The Returning Officer for the election. Prof Emmanuel Kucha, said 49,953 votes were cancelled and this was more than the margin between the votes of Audu and Wada.

INEC, Kucha said, will fix a date for the supplementary election in areas that had their votes canceled.

Otuaro Underscores State's Technical Education Policy, Receive FUPRE Shell Eco-Marathon Award

Delta state Deputy Governor, Barr. Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, has said that the state government will continue to partner and assist institutions that can advance its policy thrust of technical education for job creation in the state.

Otuaro who spoke while receiving the award-winning Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE) Shell Eco-Marathon Team which won two of the six awards in South Africa, underscores the state government technical education policy saying that the overriding desire for job creation through technical education informed the establishment of the State's Technical and Vocational Education Board by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa's led administration.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Okowa while playing host to the FUPRE team, Otuaro who expressed delight over the honour done the state and nation by the institution said that the newly established Technical Board has so far renovated 3 of the 6 Technical Colleges situated at Agbor, Ofagbe and Sapele representing the three Senatorial Districts in the state.

While saying that the state government would continue to pursue and guarantee peace necessary for actualization of its programmes, Otuaro said; "What has happened today as we celebrate the FUPRE Shell Eco-Marathon team is a square peg in a square hole as it fits squarely into our SMART Agenda. We want to thank and appreciate you all".

He however reiterated that the need to rejig the educational sector in the state was informed by the realization that "we cannot continue to rely solely on our mono economy driven by oil for creation of jobs for our teeming unemployed youths".

Speaking earlier, the FUPRE team led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Akii Ibhadode commended the Delta State Government for the enabling peace for academic growth following its intervention that resolved the University's crisis with Ugbomro, it's host community.

Prof. Ibhadode, while presenting the awards to the state government, said the two awards won by FUPRE, were the best gasoline prototype vehicle with the highest efficiency of 55.9Km/litre as well as the best innovative vehicle design.

The Vice Chancellor however appealed to the Delta State Government to assist it establish an Industrial Research and Vocational Enterprise Centre to provide urgently needed skills by youths for the oil industry.

He also requested for funding of FUPRE Team's activities preparatory for its next competition.

I Was Guided By Divine Revelation To Choose Otuaro As Deputy—Okowa.

Delta State Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Monday said his choice of Barr. Kingsley Otuaro as deputy was revealed to him by God who couldn’t have made a mistake.

Okowa made the declaration during a courtesy visit to him by the Elders and Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Delta South Senatorial District at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba.

The state governor said he severally tried to wave off the revelation with his own belief that the deputy must come from somewhere else. But the divine revelation kept hitting him that His Deputy comes from Christ Embassy Church.

“So when Barr. Kingsley Otuaro’s name came on, I had to confirm to find he was truly of Christ Embassy Church. God didn’t make a mistake. So we’ll continue to work as brothers in this government”, Okowa said.

Okowa’s clarification came as the leader of the Delta South delegation, Senator James Manager pointed out that the visit was to among other things thank him (Okowa) for choosing Barr. Otuaro from the area.

Stating the reason-in-chief for the visit, Senator Manager hinted that Delta South was not pleased that his appointments so far does not justify the huge and largest votes from the area. Other reasons for the visit, according to Senator Manager, included need for prayers for Okowa, solidarity with Okowa for what he was passing through (a veiled reference to the financial status of the state) and to congratulate him on his victory at the Elections Petition Tribunal.

Senator Manager, whose speech was punctuated by ovations, stressed the uniqueness of Delta State South Senatorial District made up of Itsekiri, Isoko, Ijaw and Urhobo. He said the area, besides being the economic base of the state, gave Okowa about 338,000 votes of the over 700,000 votes (45% votes) that gave him victory. At the primaries, Manager said Delta South gave him 65% of the votes that made Okowa clinch the PDP ticket.

Senator Manager emphasized that while Delta South was willing to give Okowa support beyond 2019, it was important for Okowa to take care of a region that has given him so much votes in the last polls. Delta South, he said, deserved more from Okowa’s administration.

In his response, Governor Okowa acknowledged the massive support of Delta South at the primaries and at the polls and said “it is good to put us in reminder”. Okowa, however, said he was grateful to all Deltans for the victory, explaining that his victory even in Delta Central where his two main opponents hail from spoke volumes.

The governor appealed to his opponents at the polls to sheathe their swords, noting that although there was no cause for alarm, Tribunal was really a distraction. He said they should rather join hands with him in developing the state.

Okowa promised that there is a lot more of appointments to Boards and Governing Councils coming before the close of the year where he will be guided by the words of the delegation leader, Senator Manager. He appealed to the leaders to ensure peace and foster togetherness in their areas to enable government just deliver the projects and attract investors to help grow jobs which government alone cannot provide.

Otuaro, who gave the vote of thanks and stood between the delegation and government, thanked Okowa for what he has done and is expected to do in future and assured the people that no stone will be left unturned in government’s resolve to deliver prosperity to Deltans.

Itsekiris Formally Announced Demise of Monarch, Named New Olu-Designate Amidst Controversy

The Itsekiri Traditional Council has named a new Olu designate after its formally announced the demise of HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II who died inside a Lagos hospital on September 4, 2015.

The new Olu-designate is Prince Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko, younger brother of Ogiame Atuwatse II.

The unveiling of new Olu of Warri Kingdom in Delta state came amid controversy over the succession process.

The Itsekiri National Council at a ceremony in Ode-Itsekiri, Saturday performed by the oldest member of the Olu Advisory Council, Chief Tesigiweno Yahya Pessu named Prince Godfrey Ikenwoli Emiko against the earlier expectations that the son of the late Olu, Prince Tsola Emiko would succeed his father.

Prince Tsola Emiko, son of late monarch was reportedly disqualified on the ground of his maternal lineage as his mother is not from the two tribes that can be the mother of Olu. Only princes born of Itsekiri or Edo mothers are qualified, according to Itsekiri's traditional.

The new Olu of Warri designate, Prince Ikenwoli Emiko, born March 19, 1965 was said to be the original choice of his father, the late Erejuwa II to succeed him when the late Ogiame Atuwatse II was controversially crowned 28 years ago.

Dependable sources said that the Itsekiri Traditional Ancestry had insisted on Prince Ikenwoli Emiko to ascend the throne of the Olu of Warri in order for the Kingdom to experience the much needed peace, unity and development.

Although, source said that the son of the late Olu, Prince Tsola Emiko have been under intense pressure to challenge the decision of the Itsekiri kingmakers, the Itsekiri source said that the naming of the late Olu's younger sibling was the right thing to do 28 years ago.

This is the first time a brother was taking over from a brother in a monarchy that's purely hereditary.

The new Olu, is a graduate of University of Benin. He studied Business Administration. He's in his early sixties (60s) and married with several children.

Notwithstanding the controversial issues surrounding the naming of the new Olu of Warri, the unveiling ceremony sparked wild jubilation at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri) in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Sources said that prominent Traditional Chiefs of Warri Kingdom, including Chief Yaya Pessu and Chief Isaac Jemide were part of the team that consulted with the ancestors in the choice of the new monarch designate.

Pessu also performed the traditional breaking of the calabash, a symbolic age-long tradition confirming the death of their king.

Chief Pessu, who is the Chief Priest and most senior chief in Itsekiri nation, pronounced the dead of the monarch at exactly 11:50 with firing of canons in the presence of palace chiefs and notable Itsekiri indigenes.

A total of 17 canons were shot into the air to traditionally announced the death of Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II.

At about 12:16, the Olu designate, also refers to Om' Oba, was presented to the Itsekiri Nation by  the Chief Priest. The announcement was greeted with great jubilation from the people.

The Olu-designate would be crowned at a formal ceremony to be held at a later date.

Meanwhile, a 90-day mourning period from Saturday September 19 has been declared in Itsekiri land, signifying the formal announcement of the demise of former monarch.

Within the period, there shall be no burial or marriage ceremonies, while all men and women of Itsekiri extraction are expected to tie their rapper upside down to pay last respect to the late Ogiame Atuwatse II.

Assembly Election Tribunal: N115Million Bribe Allegations Rocks Delta Assembly

***Allegations baseless, reckless- Speaker

The Delta state House of Assembly is currently enmeshed in fresh bribe allegations running into about N115 million naira, Bigpenreports has learnt.

Dependable sources alleged that the House is currently engrossed with allegations to bribe members of the House of Assembly Election Tribunal sitting in Asaba, the state capital.

The source revealed that 23 PDP members in the Delta State House of Assembly are fingered in the bribe allegation which was first blown up by an opposition members of the House as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain who said petition have been sent to Department of State Services, (DSS), to investigate the matter.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain who preferred anonymity claimed that 23 PDP members in the Delta State House of Assembly whose election is currently been challenged at the tribunal had contributed N5million each with which they tend to compromise the members of tribunal particularly panel 2 and 3 to get favorable judgment.

The source alleged that the bribe money is allegedly rooted through a member of the House representing Oshimili North Constituency, Pat Ajudua who is alleged to be a close ally of one of the tribunal judges.

Two sources who are of the SDP and LP party alleged that a principle officer of the House had convinced Ajudua after they got the nod of the House Speaker, Monday Igbuya to compromise the tribunal judges in a desperare bid to dismiss the cases against them.

“The principle officer, the woman also has a very bad case, and so does many PDP members in the House of Assembly, and for it not to appear as if is one man thing, they convinced other members to buy into the idea of using female lawmaker contact to get the judges to mortgage justice.”

“As part of their strategies, cases affecting the PDP principle officers will not be determined until the 180days period allowed by the electoral act elapses, and one of those to benefit from this move is the House Speaker.”

The source however said that petitions would be sent to Department of State Services, (DSS), to investigate the allegation, as well as National Judicial Commission (NJC) and other relevant agency to take note and act accordingly.

Meanwhile, a PDP lawmaker who confirmed the allegations however denied been involved, but confirm that a PDP member in the House actually approached him to buy into the scam in order for him to get victory at the tribunal.

The lawmaker however added that since he was very confident that he won his election fair and square, he doesn’t need to compromise justice.

In a swift reaction however, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, in a statement described as wicked, baseless and reckless the allegation that 23 PDP members in House contributed a sum of N5million each with which to compromise the panel of judges and receive a favorable judgment against opposition petitioners.

Ebireri also described the allegation that the speaker approached a lawmaker to bring N5million to settle the panel of judges at the House of Assembly tribunal to get justice as political fabrication aimed at undermining the speaker’s integrity.

“The Delta State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Monday Igbuya, is an honest and highly effective speaker. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years,” he added.

Okowa Inaugurate Another Batch Of Youths In Skill Acquisition Programme, Reaffirm Commitment To Five-Point Agenda

Delta state Governor Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has inaugurated another batch of youths who were shortlisted for the state's Skills Training and Enterpreneurship Programme (STEP) as well as Youth Agricultural and Enterprenuers Programme (YAGEP) programmes.

The governor who performed the induction of the batch 1, group 1 of youths in the scheme on Wednesday at Songhai-Delta, Amukpe in Sapele council area of the state, through his deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, however reiterated the commitment of his administration to pursue the programmes to the latter.

Addressing the trainees, Otuaro, said that the state government was passionate about its five-point agenda which he said would bring prosperity to the state.

"The Okowa administration was voted into power on the mantra of prosperity for all. Most of you here being more than 18years came out strong and voted for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because you believed in us just like we believed in your future. I want to say thank you", he said.

The Deputy Governor said STEP and YAGEP programmes were aimed at prosperity for Deltans adding; "it represents a shift from Nigeria's reliance on oil in our mono economy that has suffered doldrums, to fallen prices, to Agriculture in a way that will stand out Delta State as a shining example to other states.

The focus of the empowerment programmes, he said, was to create a future for Deltans who are not only self-employed but are employers of labour.

Otuaro, while reaffirming the assurances of Prof. Eric Eboh, the Chief Job Creation Officer of the State on the programmes, said the state government will monitor, "bumper to bumper", development of participants of the training programmes so that they can be truly skilled for the support of the state government.

Earlier, the Executive Consultant of Songhai Delta, Dr. Theophilus Okpidi, said it was commendable that in an atmosphere where it was "no longer fashionable for politicians to fulfill their promises", Governor Okowa was courageously moving ahead with implementation of his laudable prosperity agenda.

At the ceremony, inductees of the programmes, sang to Okowa's praise even as drama pieces were performed to demonstrate the benefits of the STEP and YAGEP initiative.

$16Billion EPZ: Ijaw Leader Oboko, Says Deep SeaPort Land Is Acquired

Niger Delta activist and President of Federated Niger Delta Ijaw Communities (FNDIC), Dr. Bello Oboko, on Friday dismissed the alleged claims by Itsekiri leader, Pa J.O.S Ayomike that land for the Deep Seaport project was yet to be acquired.

Oboko said that land for Deep Seaport project, a component of the multibillion dollars EPZ project has been acquired by the administration of immediate past governor of the state.

He asserted that by land acquisition document duly signed by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, on November 11, 2013, “not less than 335,554 hectares of Kpokpo/Okpeleama land” was acquired for the purpose of the Deep Sea Port of the EPZ project in Warri South-West LGA of the State.

According to Oboko, former governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is in a better position to share absolute truths on land acquisitions for the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project located in Warri South-West Local Government Area of the State.

The Niger Delta activist however said that Pa Ayomike and other respected Itsekiri leaders may not be aware that apart from land acquisitions in the Ugborodo area, there were other land acquisitions such as the acquisition of Kpokpo/Okpeleama land specifically for the proposed Deep Sea Port.

He therefore appealed to the Delta State Government to kindly ensure that dwellers of Okpeleama like dwellers of other lands acquired for the EPZ project, are made to enjoy proceeds of the EPZ project in keeping with the biblical injunction in Psalm 37:3, namely “dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed”.

It could be recalled that respected Itsekiri opinion leader Pa J. O. S Ayomike, was in recent newspaper report (Vanguard, Monday, 17 August, 2015 and Nation of 21 August 2015,) quoted to have said; “land is yet to be acquired” for the Deep Sea Port of the $16billion EPZ project.

Delta: Youths Shut Down NPDC's Jones Creek Flowstations

Hundreds of protesters drawn from Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta state on Thursday shut down Jones Creek Oil Field flowstation owned by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, (NPDC).

NPDC's Jones Creek Flow Station produces a total of 250,000 barrels of crude oil per day, thus the shut down will reduce the nation’s aggregate oil production output.

Bigpenreports learnt that the shut down followed alleged breach of agreement by Nest Oil Plc, a major contractor to NPDC and Neconde Energy with the host communities in the area.

Hundreds of youths, women and the elderly drawn from Jones Creek flow station host communities included Kokodiagbene, Okerenkoko, Akpatagbegbe, Akpataegbemu and Omadino communities, all situated in Warri South West had in the wee hours of Thursday, seized the facility, forcing the workers to vacate the premises.

It was gathered that the communities had reached an agreement that Nest Oil Plc would only embark on construction work, which includes laying of pipes but would not hook up to the well heads until the approval of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with over five communities which are host to the flow station.

But Nest Oil Plc, an indigenous oil firm had allegedly reneged on that undertaking not to connect dug pipelines to the well head ‘’and  secretly embarked on the hook up which the communities uncovered’’.

"We have decided to shutdown oil activities due to the fraudulent activities of NPDC. There was no MoU with the communities before operations.

"Besides, the companies continue to lie to the communities that they will engage them. Till now, the communities have remained in the dark. The communities do not know their fates’’, the source added.

Confirning the development, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, an environmental activist and spokesperson of the host communities, faulted the oil firms for abandoning their Corporate Social Responsibilities to the host communities while warning Nest Oil Plc to pull out of the area to avoid further crisis.

"Our position is that Nest Oil Plc has not lived up to expectations. The company dumped the earlier agreement reached between the communities in the presence of security agents.

‘’They are hiding under the cover of security agencies to enter the area and operate. So, we are appealing to the federal government to call NPDC/ Neconde to order, to avoid the escalation of the crisis. What they are doing is because of the security presence otherwise they would not have violated the agreement.

‘’We are calling on NPDC and  Neconde managements as a matter of urgency to call for a meeting to discuss their Freedom to Operates (FTOs) in the area, otherwise they should pack out of our communities. These two indigenous firms have fragrantly and fraudulently entered Jones Creek without permission from the communities", Mulade added.

He however urged the federal government to dig into the activities of NPDC, Neconde Energy and its major contractor, Nest Oil Plc,  alleging that the award of contracts have not been following  due process  and the local content policy of government.

They however commended the Army personnel of 3 Battalion for their role in sustaining peace.

Several efforts to reach NPDC management for comment proved abortive.

Okowa To FG: Full Implementation of Universal Health Care System, Key To Health, Socio-Economic Wellbeing Of Citizens

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa on Wednesday called on the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the Universal Health Care system in the country because  according to him it will progressively saves lives, increases economic growth as well as  ensures prosperity for all citizens.

The Governor who spoke while delivering a keynote address at the 10th Annual All Fellows Congress and Scientific Conference of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in Abuja, said that the country currently needs a national strategy that defines the comprehensive vision of a healthcare system that creates value for both the patient and the healthcare provider.

He said that the federal government must ensure; “a strategic healthcare service reorientation” in the nation’s health sector in order to “achieve the goal of Universal Health Care in Nigeria as encapsulated in the provisions of the National Health Act 2014.”

According to him; “What I feel we need now is a clear national strategy that defines the comprehensive vision of a healthcare system that creates value for both the patient and the healthcare provider and the processes required to achieve it. The central focus of a healthcare delivery process should be centered on continuously increasing value for the patient with value defined as “Health Outcomes Achieved per Naira Spent, he added.

Dr Okowa asserted that; “an important step in this reorientation process will be a robust Health Insurance Scheme that gives access to affordable and quality health services backed by an effective legislation.”

Speaking on the topic entitled: "National Health Act: Translating the Law into Quality and Accessible Healthcare", the Governor called for the full implementation of the Universal Health Care system in the country because “it progressively saves lives, increases economic growth and ensures prosperity for all citizens.”

According to him, the Universal Health Care, which is health coverage for all citizens of a nation, provides healthcare and financial protection for all citizens by removing the incidence of paying for health services from out-of-pocket at point of service. It could be Government funded (tax paid) national systems or health insurance systems (funded by governments, citizens, or some mixture), he added.

While declaring that “the right to health” supersedes all other rights, Okowa, a medical Doctor by profession, stressed that “providing affordable quality and accessible healthcare should be a foremost cardinal policy and programme of any government because nation building efforts or national developmental aspirations cannot succeed or be sustained unless adequate attention is paid to the population’s health status.”

He posited that the National Health Act remains Nigeria’s best option at achieving quality and accessible health care for its citizens adding; “translating and implementing the provisions of the Act to achieve quality and accessible healthcare for all citizens of Nigeria will require the various segments of the health delivery system working in synergy.

“The National Health Act 2014 provides, for the first time, an all-encompassing legal framework for delivery of affordable and quality healthcare in Nigeria. In synergy with an efficient Health Financing System, the ensured quality health service becomes affordable and accessible with the citizens of the nation becoming the ultimate beneficiaries, he said.

Dr Okowa however challenged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to play an active role in the implementation of the provisions of the National Health Act.

Besides, he advised the College to utilise the opportune moment of a new government to re-assert itself in health policy development in Nigeria adding that the first step is for the College to encourage all its members to make themselves very conversant with the Act and all its provisions for strategic engagement.

Nevertheless, Governor Okowa disclosed that his administration has made the attainment of the Universal Health Care and provision of quality and accessible healthcare service in the state a cardinal programme as encapsulated in the government’s S.M.A.R.T agenda.

He disclosed that an Executive Bill on Delta State Contributory Health Commission has been forwarded to the Delta State House of Assembly with effort to get it passed into law in the course of the year.

According to him, when passed into law, the bill will significantly increase the demand for health services in the state and therefore solicited the partnership of the College in the attainment of the goal adding; "a healthy and prosperous Delta State is what we desire and I earnestly look forward to partnering with the College and other stakeholders to translate this vision to reality”.

Delta Gov: A’Court Dismisses Okowa’s Bid To Stop Emerhor- PUNCH

The Court of Appeal in Benin, Edo State, has struck out two connected appeals filed separately by the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and the Peoples Democratic Party, challenging the earlier ruling of the Delta State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, Asaba, in their case against the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, and the APC.

The governor and the PDP had appealed against the tribunal’s ruling on June 30, which held that all preliminary objections to quash Emerhor’s petition be heard alongside the substantive petition.

Okowa headed for the Appeal Court to challenge the ruling of the tribunal.

But Justice I. M. Saulawa, in his judgement on Wednesday in Okowa’s appeal, marked CA/B/EPT/179/2015, adopted the issues for determination cited by the appellant, which included whether the Chairman of the tribunal, sitting with other members of the panel in delivering the said ruling, did not contravene Paragraph 27 (1) of the 1st Schedule of the Electoral Act, which provides that only the chairman, sitting alone, should entertain interlocutory matters.

The court upheld that the 1st and 2nd respondents’/petitioners’ contention that the paragraph does not confer jurisdiction on the tribunal and that the 1st Schedule to the Electoral Act were mere rules of procedure and a breach of it did not raise jurisdictional issue.

It further held that jurisdiction was conferred by the constitution, which provides for the quorum of the tribunal to be the chairman and two other members, as paragraph 27 (1) was incompatible with the provision of Section 285 (4) of the 1999 Constitution.

The tribunal therefore voided the prayer and resolved the issue against the appellants‎.

Section 258 (4) states that “The quorum of an election tribunal established under this section shall be the Chairman and two other members.”

On the issue of preliminary objections, the Appeal Court upheld the petitioners’ submission that paragraph 12 (5) is clear that objections, forwarded to dismiss the petition, should be held with the hearing of the substantive petition.

It noted that that it was a necessary provision to meet the constitutional requirement of 180 days within which the tribunal is to hear and deliver judgment in an election petition.

Justice Saulawa dismissed the appeal as lacking in merit, with the cost of N50,000 awarded against Okowa.

The court also struck out the appeal of the PDP, marked CA/B/EPT/180/2015, stating that the issues raised were similar to the sister appeal.

The judge added that it (the appeal) had become mere academic and accordingly struck it out.

Right Group Fault Splitting Of SARS, Urges IGP To Adopt Inquisitorial System Of Policing

OGHENEJABOR IKIMI

The Centre for the Venerable and Underprivileged, (Centrep) have faulted the splitting of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) nationwide by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase saying that the splitting of the department was not the solution to cases of human right abuses by the police.

Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of investigation, Mr. Dan'azumi Doma while on a visit to the Lagos Police Command last week, had ordered the splitting of SARS into two units -the operational unit and the investigation unit in a bid to reducing human rights abuses traceable to men of the Nigerian police.

But reacting to the development, Executive Director of the Warri-based human right group, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi in a statement on Wednesday said that accusatory method of policing adopted by the Nigeria Police Force since independence was the root cause of cases of human right abuses traceable to the Nigerian Police Force.

"We differ root, stem and branches with the move of the Inspector General of Police, as splitting the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) would escalate human rights abuses traceable to the police nationwide owing to the accusatory method of policing adopted by the Nigeria Police Force since independence as oppose to the inquisitorial method of policing", Ikimi said.

He explained that by the accusatory method of policing, a suspect can be arrested and detained by the police upon reasonable suspicion of the commission of an offence before actual police investigation begins in earnest as opposed to the inquisitorial method of policing where actual investigation is began by the police upon the reasonable suspicion of the commission of a crime and at the end of which culprits are arrested and promptly arraigned in court.

According to him; "In Nigeria, our policing system is such that the police arrests and detains suspects first before actual investigation begins in earnest, such that suspects could easily be detained for days and months pending the conclusion of police investigation before they are either charged to court or are released on monetary bail conditions depending on their culpability.                                                        
He said that in the Nigerian context, the accusatory system of policing will not only encourages monetary bail conditions but same will encourages human rights abuses ranging from unlawful arrest and detention, to police intimidation and harassment etc.

Ikimi maintained that the splitting the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Inspector General Police, would escalate the already worsening human rights abuses already traceable to the Nigerian Police.

Quoting the police boss, he said that the operational unit of SARS would be charged with the task of arresting suspects that are suspected to have committed offences such as Murder, Kidnapping, Armed Robbery and other violent crimes nationwide.

Continuing, he said the police boss had explained that after such arrests are effected, suspects are handed over to the investigation unit which will begin investigation while suspects remain in custody for days and even months before they are either released on monetary bail conditions or are charged to court on holden charges in the Nigerian context depending on their level of culpability.

Ikimi however wondered how the splitting of SARS would stem down the tide of human rights abuses traceable to men of the Nigerian Police Force adding; "we are advocating for an inquisitorial system of policing for the Nigerian Police as same would be the right prescription to stemming down the present tide of monetary bail conditions to suspects and other human rights violations traceable to the Nigerian Police nationwide".

IYC Task Boroh On Deplorable Condition of Amnesty Programme's Beneficiaries In Foreign Institutions

Foremost Ijaw Youth Organization, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) have called on the newly appointed Coordinator of the Presidential amnesty programme for Ex-Niger Delta Agitators, General Paul Boroh (rtd) to take drastic action in addressing the deplorable condition of foreign students who are beneficiaries of the Federal Government amnesty programme.

IYC said that its leadership, parents and other leaders in the Niger Delta region are still under intense pressure from the foreign students under the amnesty programme to intervene over their deplorable plight.

In a statement by its spokesman, Barr. Eric Omare, IYC expressed displeasure over the inability of Boroh to address the plight of the students two weeks after he assumed leadership of Amnesty Programme.

The group however urged Boroh to expedite actions in the ongoing verification exercise at the Amnesty office just as they urged him to immediately reach out to the institutions where these students are studying to assure them of the federal government’s commitment to pay the outstanding tuition fees of the students.

The statement said: "The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) frowned at the slow response of the newly appointed Coordinator of the Presidential amnesty programme for Ex-Niger Delta Agitators, General Paul Boroh to the deplorable condition of beneficiaries of the amnesty programme in foreign institutions two weeks after assumption of office.

"The IYC had expected that upon assumption of office, General Boroh would take urgent and drastic steps to address the condition of students in foreign institutions who are subjected to untold hardship and harassment from the institutions and countries where they are studying.

"However, we are amazed to note that two weeks after resumption of office, nothing has been done to address the situation of foreign students.

"The IYC leadership, parents and other leaders in the Niger Delta region are still under intense pressure from the foreign students under the amnesty programme.

"We strongly believe that irrespective of the verification exercise going on in the amnesty office, something urgent ought to have been done to address the plight of the foreign students. In our view, the foreign students are much easier to verify through the respective institutions where they are studying.

"While the IYC note some of the steps taken so far by the amnesty office, we call on General Boroh to quickly settle down to work and sort out the case of foreign beneficiaries who are facing untold hardship especially their tuition fees and allowances.

"We also call on him to immediately reach out to the institutions where these students are studying to assure them of the federal government’s commitment to pay the outstanding tuition fees of the students".

REVEALED: How Delta Assembly Speaker 'Force' Commissioners Nominees To Part With Money Before Screening

Integrity have been thrown to the dogs at the Delta state House of Assembly as the House is now enmeshed in a scandal of cash-for-confirmation as commissioner nominees are allegedly coerced to part with some certain amount of money before they could be screened by members of the Assembly.

Bigpenreports was reliably told that the last twelve commissioners cleared by the Hon Monday Igbuya's led Assembly were allegedly made to part with about N2.4million which was collectively offered the members on the order of the Speaker who said the money was to settle some logistics problems in the Assembly prior to the screening exercise.

The development which had polarized the House as some of lawmakers kicked against the way and manners the Speaker conducted the last screening exercise of commissioners is coming as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is set to send the list of second batch of commissioners to the House for screening and clearance.

Dependable source revealed that each commissioner nominees were arm twisted to 'drop' N200,000 reportedly on the grounds that there was no funds for the Assembly to carry out its functions on the said date, an excuse which was allegedly given by the Speaker for the act.

Bigpenreports gathered that following the alleged 'compromise' by the House members, the screening exercise of the  commissioners was shoddily conducted by the Speaker who merely asked the nominees to 'take a bow' and leave the chambers without allowing members to throw questions at them.

The development, according to credible sources at the state Assembly is already causing crisis in the Assembly as lawmakers await the new list of commissioners which is expected to be forwarded soon by the Governor.

A top management staff of the Assembly who pleaded anonymity while confirming the development said; "My friend who happened to be one of the commissioner nominees told me that the Speaker and other members of the House demanded from them (Nominees) the sum of N200, 000 each before they were screened and cleared.

Continuing, the source said; "If you were around during their screening on the floor of the House, you would have noticed that all the nominees were only told to take a bow a go following the payment of N200, 000 each. This is not how screening is usually done in the House, moreso it is a new administration, some of the nominees are new faces..

"Though, we were later made to understand that that few members of the House were not carried along by the Speaker in the bribery scandal because they were opposed to the idea. On receiving the list of the would- be-commissioners sent by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker and few other members agreed to collect the sum of N200, 000.00 per commissioner which the nominees joyously pay before they asked to "take a bow and go".

An aide to one of screened commissioners however said that the nominees were appealed to and not force to pay the sum because of paucity of funds in the state saying; "You know there is no money anywhere in the state and the lawmakers are seriously broke. What actually transpired was that, the Speaker and few other members of the House tasked the twelve commissioner nominees to pay N200, 000 each....They were not force anyway but they were urged to do the needful because their budget approvals will surely come from the House so they had no option than to accept but I think the Speaker later asked the nominees to pay N100,000 but some members were angry about it.

When contacted over the issue, one of the lawmakers who was opposed to the idea but declined to be named because he was not authorized to speak on the matter told Bigpenreports that it was unfortunate that the Speaker had cheapened the screening exercise of commissioners to the extent of openly demanding for money to screen nominees.

"These are same people we are supposed to carry out oversight function on. So, how would they respect the House, how would they respect us when we have so cheapened ourselves before them? We are a House of 29 members, so, how much would each member get from that peanuts paid by the 12 commissioner nominees. Is this not funny that the House can bring itself so low all in the name of being 'broke'?

Several calls to the Assembly Speaker's mobile line, were rebuffed but a close source to the Speaker who wouldn't want his name mentioned said the news of the allegation have been in the public domain but swiftly exonerated the Speaker from the wrangling which it has generated.

Delta: Lawyers Demand N500million From First Bank As Compensation For Victim Of Warri Bullion Van Accident

Respite may come the way of Mrs. Onome Akporode, the woman who was badly crushed from the waist last month by a bullion van conveying cash belonging to First Bank of Nigeria, Udu branch, as lawyers are demanding the sum of N500m from the bank as treatment and compensation for the victim.

The victim, Bigpenreports could recalled was grievously wounded while on her way out of First bank Udu branch after depositing money, while the bullion van was driving into the bank against traffic.

In a document obtained by Bigpenreports in Warri, Delta State, on Monday, the lawyers, Oghenejabor Ikimi and Co., are asking the bank to give respite to the woman in seven days or face a court action.

Mrs. Akporode, who is currently battling for her life at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, had one of her legs amputated while doctors are considering removing the second leg as it was also badly crushed.

The bank however, is insisting that the vehicle used in carrying the cash was hired, arguing that it was not liable, since the van did not belong to the company.

‘’It is our brief that on the 13th day of July, 2015, our client’s wife, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator), a 31-year old and mother of four was at the First Bank of Nigeria Plc., Udu Road Branch, to make some payments into an account with your said Bank.

‘’It is also our brief that after the above transaction, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator) left the said Bank and crossed to the block pavement on the major road in front of your Bank.

‘’While waiting to safely cross to the other side of the road, suddenly a Ford E.350 Bullion Van with Registration No: AGL 435 BD and a Mitsubishi Escort Van with Registration No: LAGOS KJA 541 XJ conveying cash belonging to your said Bank drove carelessly and menacingly against traffic’’, the lawyer alleged.

In the document addressed to the bank, titled, ‘’Demand for the sum of five hundred million naira for the compensation and treatment of the grievous bodily injuries caused to the person of mrs. onome akporode’’, Ikimi, who doubled as a human rights activist, noted that his client is presently incapacitated and in severe pain, hardship and psychological trauma.

‘’Her jobless husband has borrowed and spent a colossal sum of money for her medical treatment, a week after her admission in the above Hospital.

‘’It is in the light of the above that we make the modest demand of N500,000,000.00 (Five hundred million naira) in order to redress the plight of our client’s wife, Mrs. Onome Akporode (Nee Kator) whom your Bank had abandoned to her fate.

‘’Should you refuse, neglect and/or fail to heed our demand within Seven (7) days upon the receipt of this letter, we shall be compelled to seek lawful redress against your Bank and claim damages at large against you and your Bank’’, the rights activists noted.

NNPC GMD: I Need Yours Prayers, Not Paid Congratulatory Messages

 The newly appointed Group Managing Director (GMD) of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu has told friends and well wishers that he need their prayers and not paid advertisements in the media congratulating him over his appointment.

In a Friday statement by Mr. Ohi Alegbe, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC in Abuja, the GMD was quoted as saying that the appointment was “a serious national assignment that does not require the frivolity of congratulatory adverts and the celebration people want to associate with it.

“The GMD will prefer that friends and well-wishers support him with their prayers for divine guidance to carry out the onerous task ahead,” the statement said.

Delta Electoral Tribunal: Again Emerhor’s Motion to Call More Witnesses Suffers Setback

… Substantive trial to commence next week  

…INEC, PDP to present 145 witnesses

The suit filed by the All Progressive Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate Olorogun O’tega Emerhor  , challenging the victory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the April 14th   governorship election in Delta State,   suffered yet another major setback as the state Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, on Wednesday, quashed its motion seeking to call additional seven witnesses to support its petition.

The tribunal which also ended its pre-hearing conference on Wednesday, said it has concluded arrangements    to admit no less than 145 witnesses  from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the course of the substantive trial

Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Nasiru Gunmi,   in a ruling that lasted about an hour on the motion brought by Emerhor, through his counsel, Mr. Thompson Okpokor (SAN), held that the motion lacks merit.

Emerhor’s counsel had sought the leave of the tribunal to invite seven additional witness even when the time allowed for such action has elapsed.  

Justice Gunmi posited, “We are strongly of the view that the applicant have not adduced sufficient reason before us to persuade us to deviate from the mandatory provision of section 45 of the Electoral Act, 2010, which enables us to exercise our discretion in their favour . We are of the view that the issues as conversed   are hereby resolved against the petitioner applicant, this motion is therefore unmeritorious and same is not only refused but consequently dismissed”.

Counsel to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the, Dr. Alex Iziyon (SAN) had in his opposition to the motion informed the tribunal that , by the  provisions of    section 45 of the first schedule  of the electoral act 2010, the word shall  is mandatory  for the petitioner to front load his petition to the respondent ,  adding that the petitioner , after reviewing their cases decided to come with the application to call 7 more witnesses which he described as after though .

He averred that for the petitioner to get the reliefs sought, they must show exceptional circumstance as stated in section 41(a) of the Electoral Act 2010.

He went ahead to urge the tribunal not to grant the reliefs   sought. In his words  ‘”if such relief should be granted, there should also be a consequential order,  as contained  in section 45 of the Electoral Act, 2010,  which stipulates  that front loading of evidence should accompany the petition, adding that anything to the contrary  will be unfair to the respondents as the right to respond would have been breached.

Collaborating  the  views  of  Iziyon, Counsel to PDP,  A .T  Kehinde (SAN)  in his submission vehemently opposed the motion,   arguing that  section 14 of the Electoral Act , stated that any amendment  in which ever form  in an election petition  where the petitioner seeks  to introduce additional particulars  in the same petition is an amendment which the law does not allow.

He  submitted that section 255 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended , and  section 4(5) of the electoral act 2010 as amended forecloses any amendment after 21 days, adding  that the tribunal lacks the power to grant same, averring  that bringing application at this stage to file additional witness  by the petitioner   is nothing short of amendment as those documents were not front loaded with the petition, saying if the application is granted , that it will bring great injustice to the respondents who will not have the opportunity to file  response

Justice Gunmi  further ruled that a review of the petition of the applicant presupposes that they were trying to  upgrade the same petition from which the respondents have all filed replies and the applicant have also responded to the replies of the respondents and pleading has subsequently closed.

He said there is no averment in the affidavit in support of their application that  can suggest that those additional witnesses they intend to call in their application were unavailable immediately after the election.  we do not think that the realization to call additional witness is sufficient enough to amount to exceptional circumstance, adding that an election petition matter which is sui-jeneris are determined under a particular and specific period of time.

He held that the petitioner had no sufficient reasons  in the instance case, hence  granting the relief would amount to an unnecessary elongation of time,

He posited further that by the provision of section 45 of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended,  it specifies the content of election petition, which he said must accompany  by a list of witnesses that a petitioner  intends to call in proof of his petition , written statement  on oath of the witnesses , and copies of writs of every document to be replied on the hearing of the petition.

Counsel to  Emerhor ,  Mr. Thomson okpokor (SAN) had  averred that the application was not meant to mean the amend the petition through the back door, neither has the petitioner introduced any new facts into the matter which is outside their pleading.

However, Justice Gunmi who concluded the pre-hearing conference in the petition, said the report of the pre-trial hearing will be ready on the next adjourned date, on 7th August 2015, to enable the counsels in the tribunal commence hearing on the substantive suit.

Counsels to the  respondents, particularly, INEC and PDP informed the court that a total of 145 witnesses,  respectively  have been assembled  to proof  its  cases, APC and O’tega  said it shall call only nine witnesses  while Ogboru  and Labour Party  said its  shopping for 36 witnesses at the commencement of trial.

We Bomb Gas Pipeline To Force NPDC To Award Us Pipeline Surveillance Contract-Suspect

Two suspects arrested allegedly for attacking gas pipeline in Ighwrenene community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, have confessed to have carried out the attack in other to secure a pipeline surveillance contract job from Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, (NPDC).

Addressing newsmen at the 222 Battalion headquarters, Agbarha-Otor, JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Isa Ado explained that the suspects having confessed to the crime admitted that they were sent by one Mr. Moris Idiovwa of Orogun community who is currently at large to carry out the explosion of the pipeline in other to secure a pipeline surveillance contract job from NPDC.

Giving a graphic details of the confessional statements of the suspects, Lt. Col Ado,  gave the names of the suspects as Dennis Oneya and Emmanuel Joseph (aka Ajegunle) of Uduere and Afiesere communities respectively.

Ado further noted that the suspects also hinted that the explosion was the outcome of a meeting held with Mr. Idiovwa at an undisclosed hotel in Ughelli were it was agreed that they should embark on the act to hasten the approval of the said contract by NPDC.

“The suspects having concluded their plans, located a 16inches pipeline on the night of 22nd July, dug it out and cut through it before setting it ablaze", Ado added.

He also identified one Evans as perpetrator of similar explosions at Ekrekedor and Ekuigbo communities in the area between March and April saying that efforts is still on to arrest Evans who is currently on the run.

He noted that while efforts are on to arrest fleeing members of the gang, a Toyota Hilux vehicle and one pump action gun with 77 live cartridges belonging to Mr. Evans were recovered from the suspects.

Meanwhile, one Monday Owhesiri, Special Assistant on Youth and Community Development to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who was earlier arrested in connection with the pipeline explosion have been released by the Task Force.

Although the Task Force were silent about the release of the governor's aide, reliable sources revealed that Owhesiri was released after the purported intervention of the governor as preliminary investigation of the Task Force indicates that he was not an accomplice in the crime but was set up by some elements in the area.

Okowa Aide Urge Ijaw Host Communities To Shelve Plans To Shut Down Oil Facility

***Says Don't Misconstrue Governor's Good Intention

Special Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Youths and Community Development, Barrister Eric Omare has called on youths in Ijaw oil producing communities in the state not to misconstrued the governor's intention to amend laws establishing Delta state Oil Producing Development Commission (DESOPADEC) currently before the State House of Assembly.

A section of youths under the auspices of Flow station/Well Head Host Ijaw Communities Forum had last week given the state government ultimatum to rescind itself on the proposed bill, failure to which they threatened to shut down oil installations in Ijawland.

But speaking during the Cultural Day celebration of National Union of Izon Student (NUIS), Delta state University, Abraka chapter held over the weekend, Omare stated that the Executive Bill presented to the State House of Assembly by the Governor was tailored to reposition and strengthen the commission and not to take what belong to oil bearing community away from them.

Addressing the students, Omare who admonished them to be good ambassadors of Ijaw nation and the entire state, used the occasion to shed light on the amendment Bill stating that the intention of the Governor was not to scrap the commission but to make it more productive to better the lots of oil bearing communities and the entire state.

“Let me say these, I'm sure you are aware that some of our youths in the creeks have threatened to shut down oil facilities but I can assure you that the amendment bill of DESOPADEC is for the overall interest of the oil producing communities.

"What the state government is trying to do is to model DESOPADEC after NDDC. The governor want to use the tamplete of NDDC to introduce a management team where there will be a Managing Director and Executive Director with the sole aim of effectively maximizing the allocation accruing to the Commission and to bring about optimal benefits to the oil bearing communities.

"Therefore, I urged you to enlighten our brothers and sisters in the creek not to entertain any fear, the state government is not going to take what belong to you away rather the government wants to reposition the commission to effectively deliver of it's mandate.

"I want to particularly appeal to our youths who had threatened to shut down oil installations to give government a chance to plan and deliver its SMART agenda which includes repositioning and restrengthening of the oil commission.

"This government mean well for the people and her youths. The state government have already designed about five different scheme acquisition programmes that would engaged our youths but all you need to do is key into these programmes and don't misconstrued government good intentions to take irrational actions.

Speaking further, Omare said; "When former governor, Chief James Ibori set up the commission, he did so to develop the oil producing communities, now this administration thought it wise that the dummy needed to be rebranded for optimal delivery and the best template to use was that of NDDC which would make the commission more productive, he added.

While expressing displeasure over the mode of dressing of some of the students who wore English wears to the cultural day celebration, Omare urged the leadership of NUIS to always uphold the Ijaw rich cultural heritage and ensure that members are properly dressed on campus.

Besides, Omare used the occasion to call on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure prompt payment of tuition fee and other allowances of students under the amnesty programme studying within and outside the country.