The families of Pa Joseph Oritseretsolokumi Ayonmike and his wife, Dr. Shirley Chinyere Ayonmike, have issued a cash reward amid the search for a man suspected of killing the couple about two years ago.

The families of the two deceased are offering N2m reward for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the driver to the murdered couple.

He is said to be the prime suspect of the heinous crime and the two families have solicited public inputs in solving the “deliberate, intentional and brutal” murder of the Ayonmikes, saying that the gruesome incidence was a nightmare that would not go away easily.

Pa Joseph Ayonmike, 83-year-old man of culture and immense intellect and his wife, Dr. Chinyere Shirley Ayonmike, opera soloist, duetist, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) expert and senior lecturer at the Delta State University Abraka, were on Friday, June 25, 2021, gruesomely murdered in their residence, N0 28, Mabiaku Road (Nana College Road), GRA in Warri.

They were reported to have been shot, stabbed and cut with machetes.

Their driver, Chukwunonso Nwogu (Nonso) alias Drey, Kelly, Derek, was suspected to be the murderer and his whereabout since the incidence is still unknown.

He has been declared wanted by the Nigerian Police since 2021 in connection with the murder.

The prime suspect hails from Isi-Alangwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

The two families are appealing to anyone with credible information that could lead to his arrest to contact: 0807-154-8887 and 0803-830-0921 or the nearest Police station, and have now offered the sum N2m as a reward for his arrest.

Ex-agitators and former Youth Leaders of Isoko ethnic Nationality, under the auspices of Generals of Isoko Nation have passed a confidence vote on the Coalition of Eleven Isoko Youth Groups convened by, Mr. Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe and Mr. Karo Edor who have been at the fore of the national putsch for the recognition of Isoko Nation in the pipeline surveillance contract of the federal government.

The group, Generals of Isoko Nation, also called on the attention of the Presidency, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Management of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), to the attempts of some individuals who aim to hijack the Isoko pipeline surveillance contract and undermine the efforts of the Isoko Youths Coalition.

This was contained in a communiqué issued and signed by General Julius Mallam-Obi, General Lucky Palama, General Othuke Omoro, General Awo Umukoro, General Sam Uyeri, in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, after an emergency meeting.

“In 1998 when we shut down five flow stations in protest to the marginalization of Isoko Nation, our aim was to push for the development of our land, that aim has not changed. Instead, we have resorted to intellectual engagement, not because we are afraid of violence. But today, those who have fomented troubles leading to the economic woes of Nigeria are rewarded and respected while those of us who have embraced peace are relegated to the background. This cannot continue.

“We are perturbed by what we term ‘deliberate attempt by the Federal Government to undermine the autonomy of Isoko Nation’ in the award of pipeline surveillance contract to stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.

“Hence, we hereby commend the efforts of the Coalition of Eleven Isoko Youth Groups convened by our illustrious sons, Mr. Iteveh Nurudeen Ekpokpobe and Mr. Karo Edor who have been at the fore of the national putsch for the recognition of Isoko Nation.”

“We also commend the Nigerian Senate for its due diligence in listening to the plight and positions of the coalition and by extension adjudicating over the matter altogether. Nevertheless, we are concerned by several interests who are proving to be clogs in the wheel of progress of the struggle for Isoko Liberation.”

We believe that a successful pipeline surveillance contract will bring numerous benefits to the Isoko people, including job opportunities and economic development as this can only be achieved if the contract is awarded to the right company and the process is free from exploitation and corruption.

It is imperative that you are observant of those who are trying to exploit the opportunities provided by the contract with intentions that are not in line with the welfare of the Isoko people. Isoko nation is hereby distancing itself from the self-acclaimed Mayor Of Urhobo that Isoko and Urhobo are two different ethnic groups, so the so-called Mayor should keep Isoko out of his personal schemes.

“It has come to our attention that this individual has been using the name of the Isoko people to further his political agenda and personal interests without our consent or approval. This is a gross misrepresentation of our nation and we firmly reject it. We would like to emphasize that Isoko and Urhobo are two separate and distinct ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultural and historical heritage.

“The Isoko people have always maintained a cordial relationship with our neighboring ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, and we have always sought to promote unity and peaceful coexistence amongst all ethnic groups in the region.

“We would like to make it clear that the Isoko people have no involvement in the political struggles of the self-proclaimed Mayor of Urhobo and we do not support any actions or statements that may cause division or unrest in our communities.

“We implore the self-proclaimed Mayor of Urhobo to refrain from using the name of the Isoko people for his personal gain, and to respect our right to self-determination.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a hand of friendship and cooperation to all ethnic groups in the region, as we believe that our common interests and goals are best served through mutual respect.” The communiqué read.

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress(APC), has admonished all support groups in the All Progressives Congress(APC), to liaise with the Dr Nasiru Ladan led management of the Amalgamated APC Support Groups(AASG), as it is the only body approved by the NWC to collate, supervise and monitor the activities of various support groups nation-wide.

In a memo from the APC National Secretariat, head of mobilization and support groups Alhaji Salisu Yahaya Alfa, affirmed that “This reprimand has become imperative after discovering that, some persons are impersonating the AASG, by operating a parallel Whatsaap group, requesting members to present their recognition letters and certificates for screening”.

He further averred that only the Dr Ladan team led enjoys the NWC’s authorization to collate, supervise and monitor AASG’S activities in the 36 states and the FCT, adding “The party has not mandated any other person or group to discharge the above assigned responsibility.”

While urging all support groups registered with the party, to liaise with the Dr Nasiru Ladan led administration, he declared that any publication not emanating from Dr Nasiru Ladan’s team should be classified as a scam, and should be reported to the Director, Support groups at the national Secretariat.

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity has described the 2023 national budget of the Federal Government as anti-people.

It has therefore called for a review of the budget to reflect current realties to place emphasis on revamping the economy and give Nigerians hope.

A statement by the NAS Capoon, Mr Abiola Owoaje entitled : Troubling Trends in the 2023 Budget’ which expressed concerns over the N10.78 trillion budget deficit, warned that the huge budget deficit was capable of plunging Nigeria into acute borrowing that would further create economic distortions for the fragile economy.

Owoaje, while frowning at the huge budget allocations to fund the profligacy of government officials also reprimanded the National Assembly for indulging the Executive arm in financial recklessness.

According to him, rather than the National Assembly play“ its part as an institution that should be on the side of the people, playing oversight functions to checkmate the Executive, it has joined in the binge spending and reckless financial jamboree of the Executive branch,”
It has therefore urge the Federal Government to cut wastage, especially those allocated to fund the extravagance of political office holders and intensify war against oil theft to get more revenue to fund the budget.

The statement read in part, “In addition to this, the Senate should shake off its self-serving posture and work for Nigerians by ensuring all revenue generating Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDA) remit what is due to government coffers. We urge President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan to walk the talk over the threat to turn the heat on revenue-generating agencies for adequate revenue to fund the implementation of the 2023 budget. As a sign of seriousness we expect the lawmakers to revisit its report released in May 2021 which indicted over 60 MDAs for failing to remit revenue meant for the government. The various officials behind this defiance should be fished out and sanctions meted out appropriately to curb impunity, while the monies should be recovered. Government should pursue diversification of the economy with renewed vigour. If need be, the President should issue Executive Orders to encourage establishment of
Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promote export policy and job-creation.
“Nigeria’s economic turmoil cannot end without the Federal Government resolving the power supply issue in Nigeria. The absence of regular and adequate electricity has crippled productive activities and discouraged investment. This ugly drift should be redressed. It is incumbent on the Federal Government to speed up its investment and needed reforms in the power sector to improve power supply which is critical to industrialization and opening up of the economy for more investments.

“More importantly, the Federal Government must move beyond its current impulse to fight insecurity. The devastating effect of insecurity on farming, commence and other economic activities are overwhelming. Nigeria’s economic downturn cannot be reversed if terrorists, bandits and kidnappers continue their orgy of unrestrained violence across the country.
The ball is in the court of President Buhari as a sense of responsibility to save the Nigerian economy from imploding thereby saving Nigeria from an impending disaster.”

A top leader of the Ijaw ethnic group and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), High Chief Michael Johnny has said the Isoko ethnic group should be allowed to produce the next Senator representing Delta South Senatorial district.

Chief Johnny stated this weekend while addressing the people of Ogbinbiri, Ogbudugbudu, Tsekelewu, Opuama, Gbokoda, Ebrohimi and Eghoro in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State at the campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Delta South Senatorial District Joel-Onowakpo Thomas.

According to the Ijaw leader, the Isoko people have supported Ijaw for Deputy Governor for eight years and Senator for five terms of 20 years as well as supported Itsekiri for Governor for two terms of eight years, adding that it was only fair, just and equitable for other ethnic groups in Delta South to support Isoko for the Senatorial position in 2023.

Chief Johnny described Joel-Onowakpo as a sincere man who will work fervently for the development of Delta South. He urged Ijaw and Itsekiri nations to support him to boost development and reposition the zone for greatness.

“Isoko has always supported Ijaw and Itsekiri. Ijaw has been Deputy Governor for eight years and Senator for 20 years. Itsekiri also in Delta South has been Governor for 8 years. Only the Isoko has been marginalised. Now it is time for us to support Isoko for Senate.

“Hon Joel-Onowakpo Thomas is a good man. He shall bring development to Delta South when he is elected and will not take the back seat as a Senator. I appeal to all our people to vote for him for fairness, equity and his capacity to deliver,” Johnny stated.

He further assured the people that when elected, Hon Joel-Onowakpo shall visit the communities for victory thanksgiving.

While addressing the mammoth crowd, Joel-Onowakpo appealed to the people to elect him as the Senator representing the district. He assured them that he shall bring development and empowerment to Delta South.

“I am a man that has been tested at the local government, state and federal levels. My competence and capacity to turn things around for good is not in doubt. I will make Delta South proud when you elect me as your Senator,” Joel-Onowakpo stated.

Meanwhile, the people of Ogbinbiri, Ogbudugbudu, Tsekelewu, Opuama, Gbokoda, Ebrohimi and Eghoro came out in their numbers, chanting and singing songs of victory to welcome the incoming senator to their respective communities.

Some of the Ward Chairman and Community leaders who spoke, said Hon Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has earned their support, stressing that they shall all work assiduously for his victory come February 25.

Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (Rtd) and former gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State has endorsed the candidacy of Hon Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for Delta South senatorial seat.

Kpokpogri said Joel-Onowakpo’s time has come to take over the mantle from incumbent Senator James Manager at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly and as such deserves all the support he can get to clinch the senatorial seat.

In a consultative visit to the abode of retired naval officer in Warri to seek his fatherly support, the host stated that APC senatorial candidate for Delta South represents the Isoko’s project that is devoid of partisanship, adding that he will commit everything necessary to ensure the ‘Isoko First’ mantra comes to fruition.

While he addressed Joel-Onowakpo as the incoming senator representing Delta south senatorial district, the retired naval officer who hails from Ikpide-Irri and a chieftain of the PDP in Delta state stressed that the set time for ex-chairman, Delta Board of Internal Revenue (DBIR) has come.

According to him, the APC senatorial candidate possesses all that it takes to produce a brilliant senator, stressing that it will be a misnomer on his part to abandon his son, who is eminently qualified, to support another.

“This is an Isoko project, I will do all my best to make this dream a reality,” Kpokpogri assured. “It will be ethically wrong to abandon my most qualified son for another,” he added.

However, this development is coming a few days after the media became awash with the endorsement of the frontline candidate by the Delta state’s foremost leader and ex-governor of the state, Chief James Onanefe Ibori in his Oghara country home in Ethiope West local government area of Delta State.

Earlier, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo had told his host that he had come to soli it his fatherly blessing and support towards his ambition to represent the good people of Delta South Senatorial District. He pleaded with the elder statesman to use is impeccable disposition and wide contact to mobilize support for him.

Towards clinching towering successes at 2023 elections, the Iyaloja of the federation, Erelu Folashade Tinubu-Ojo has expressed desire to partner with the Amalgamated APC Support Groups(AASG) in the quest for overwhelming electoral victories at the forthcoming serial poll.

She revealed this while interacting with the Director-General/National Coordinator of the group, Dr Nasiru Ladan, during a courtesy visit to the organization’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Erelu Tinubu-Ojo submitted, “It is our desire to partner with this group, which can best be described as a silent potent driving force in the APC’s quest for a sweeping electoral triumph”.

In his response, Dr Ladan affirmed his explicit thirst for partnership, with such a nationwide group, as the market association, with an outstanding prolific mobilization amazon, in the mould of Erlelu Tinubu-Ojo at the helms.

He further declared, “I am enthused at the prospects, of a complementary synergy with the market union, a group which boasts national pervasive reach. Such a collaboration will undoubtedly, augur unprecedented victories at the 2023 elections”

By ABEL JOHNGOLD

It is commonly said that “heaven itself announces the passing of great icons”. So, it was with the final burial rites of Pa. Mieseigha Alale Nagberi, a retired diplomat from the Federal Ministry of External Affairs and now Foreign Affairs, the father of Richard Nagberi Esq., lawyer, humanist and Director of Legal, Delta State Contributing Health Commission, whose burial programme and reception party would remain a talk of the town for a very long time.

The funeral programme which began with a Service of songs last Tuesday, at No 4 Eze Obi Ujukwu street, opposite Marble Hill junction, off Okpanam road, Asaba, attracted dignitaries and people of means and substance.

The late sage remains Funeral Service was held in the morning of Friday, 13 January, 2023, at Saint Philemon’s Anglican Church, Preware Quarters, Abari. The church was filled to capacity with dignitaries from all walks of life.

Before the retired diplomat was buried at about 1pm after the church service at Saint Philemon’s Anglican Church, for a very good number of minutes, the ancient town of Abari stood still with the people holding and waving the Nigeria Flag and sign of honour and proudness of the great Abari Icon as the remains of Pa. Mieseigha Alale Nagberi, was being taken to his house for interment.

Taking his sermons and processing hymns from the Bible verses of John 11:25-26, Deut. 33:27, Rev. 7:16, Romans 14:8-9, St John 14:1, Job 19:25-27, Rev. 14:13, Matt. 5:4, Psalm 90 and Revelation 21:1-7, Ven. Isaiah Okegbe – Vicar, who prayed with confidence in God that He would raise him to perfection in the company of the saints, admonished brethren to emulate the good life Pa. Nagberi lived describing him as “epitome of peace” and lovers of quality education.

At the Church service, prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased, his family, the riverine Abari town, Patani, Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.

Among the clerics at the burial were Rev. Blessing Eghagha, Rev. Ben Osofa, Pastor Solomon Akeni, L/D Isaiah Ovie, L/D G. Imah, Ven. God’spower Jordan Angalapu, Rev. Righteous Ombu and Pastor Rev. James T. Tombiri among others.

In their tributes, the children of Pa. Mieseigha Alale Nagberi, disclosed that their father made them to understand that quality living meant fear of the Almighty, love and respect for humanity, self-dignity, integrity and hard-work.

While noting that they were also made to be contented with whatever was provided for them and never to envy others, the nine children of the 87yr old retired diplomat said ” Daddy, you procured the best possible education you could for us and told us the best legacy a parent could leave for children is education and that such education transcends the classroom.

“You believed in us and we also believe in ourselves. One great lesson was that of the “genuine grade”: how that the “honest C” was more honourable than the “stolen A”. 

“You were so full of humour and showered all of us with love. Your jokes and laughter will be fondly missed. The stories you told us, the advice you gave and your generosity towards humanity are other reasons your absence in the physical world has created a void”.

His burial was attended by top dignitaries across the country, large numbers of civil servants from the Delta State Civil Service, lawyers, humanitarian groups, religious leaders, politicians and community leaders from within and around Patani Local Government Area.