The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has congratulated Nigerians on the dawning of the New year, 2023, urging them to further unite, brace up and forge a formidable front in the determination to rescue Nigeria from oppressive forces.

In a statement Saturday December 31, 2022 by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, the Caucus said, Nigerians as a people, should step into the New Year with thanksgiving to God for the miracle of surviving the suffocating economic hardship, escalated insecurity and myriads of suppressive experiences occasioned by the misrule of the incompetent, insensitive and very corrupt All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The New year presents a fresh opportunity for us as Nigerians to rekindle our sense of patriotism, love, care and commitment to one another as we redirect our productive energies, collective ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness to reinvent our nation for the good of all.

“The year 2023 is therefore significant, being the year of the much-awaited general elections that will mark the end of eight years of asphyxiating regime of the APC, as Nigerians march to the polls to elect a new people-oriented leadership to commence the onerous task of rebuilding our nation.

“Our Caucus therefore urges Nigerians to set aside all parochial personal, group, sectional, ethnic and religious sentiments, focus on the larger national interest and firmly resist all selfish and anti-democratic forces that might attempt to distract or subvert their will in the elections.

“Against this backdrop, all democracy institutions and security agencies must deploy all necessary measures to guarantee a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and credible electoral process where Nigerians freely participate and in which all votes count at the end of the day.

“The Minority Caucus urges President Muhammadu Buhari to write his name in gold by ensuring that he leaves a lasting legacy of a leader that ensured free and fair election and hand over to whoever Nigerians genuinely elect in the forthcoming Presidential election irrespective of the party the individual belongs to.

“Furthermore, as the nation prepares for a new lease of life under a new Order, our Caucus demands in very strong terms that the APC administration should not continue to worsen the already perilous situation but use the turn of the year to end its unrestrained borrowing and reckless accumulation of debts with which it decimated our productive sectors and mortgaged the future of our nation.

“Nigerians earnestly desire a government that truly works in their interest and 2023 holds the promise,” the Caucus stated in the statement.

They greeted Nigerians on the occasion of the New year and wished the nation many fruitful years ahead under a purposeful and caring leadership.

The first phase of the Dinner fund raising took place at The Raddison Blu Victoria Island Nigeria on 22nd December, 2022.

The event was aimed at gathering resources and materials for the grassroots mobilisation and awareness in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria by the Support Groups.

Patriotic and philanthropic lovers of Nigeria were specially invited to be part of the good work aimed to rebirth a new Nigeria.

During the event, Dr Michael Chukwujekwu the Global Coordinator of Peter Obi and Datti-Baba Ahmed, PPGN, in his speech, said that the journey to new Nigeria begins with commitment and empowering wilful ‘Obidient’ Nigerians into grassroots mobilisation mission.

He said that this is surely with unprecedented presence and awareness in all geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Morse-so affirming the need for good governance that Nigeria needs at this time.

The first phase of this event he said, was aimed at triggering the dynamics of awareness with Synergy for the Presidential, Gubernatorial, National Assembly and state assembly candidates of the new Nigeria project for good.

Such synergy becomes the enabler for involvement, community ownership and participation towards the new Nigeria destiny.

He ends by saying that Nigeria is under Labour to birth a new Nigeria, come February 2023.

Amongst the Special guests present during the event includes Prof. Akin Osuntokun, the current Director General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council (DG LP PCC). In his peach, he emphasised on the need to encourage, motivate, empower and support the ObiDatti Support Groups with the needed materials and financial resources. This he said, is to assist them continue their good work and actualising the desired new Nigeria through HE Peter Obi and Senator Dr Yusuf Datti-Baba Ahmed using Labour Party to that Destination.

Onyeka Onwenu a globally recognised artist, in her passionate speech during the event emphasised that Nigeria is in a phase where candidates with antecedents and pedigree are needed to take the mantle of leadership and rescue Nigeria.
This she said, could only be possible when all Obidients and well meaning and lovers of Nigeria come out en-masse to support the ObiDatti presidential ticket and the Support Groups that are doing great job with unprecedented commitment for the goal of a new Nigeria.

The Distinguished guest of honour Captain Evarest Nnaji Odengene, a Gubernatorial Aspirant for Enugu state announced his support in financial and materials resources for the Support Groups through the Global Coordinator.

Other Special guests present during the event include: Sir Godwin Chijioke Nwobodo (Retired AIG) who chaired the event.
He stated that his commitment to ObiDatti movement and Support Groups will continue until a new Nigeria is birthed. He beckoned on all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, tongue or religious affiliation to support and come on board this train to New Nigeria.

Many other Guests who spoke during the event include Mrs Ebere Obiesie the Convener of Women for Peter Obi, Mr Peter Egbule and others.

Most of the Special Guests and guests present made firm commitments to support the Support Groups with financial and material resources.

The National Coordinator Dr Chinelo Onwusi expressed PPGN’s profound gratitude to all the attendees and the ones who could not make it for some emergency reasons.

The second phase of the Fund raising for ObiDatti Support Groups comes virtually at 9:00pm Nigeria time, on 15th January 2023. Zoom link: https://tinyurl.com/2s43hkxh22nd December, 2022

Peter Obi

One of the happiest moments of a man came on the horizon for the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of RichyGold Group of Companies, High Chief Richard Agbapuru on Wednesday when he gave his daughter, Nkiruka Yvonne Agbapuru; a foreign trained pharmacist to Francis Ikenna Aliakor as wife at a church wedding in Lagos.

The solemnisation which took place at the Catholic Church of the Visitation in FESTAC town was witnessed by family members, friends, business associates and other well wishers from different walks of life.

In his sermon, the officiating priest Rev. Fr. John Oke used the opportunity to remind all married men and women in Nigeria that every marriage has its own peculiar challenges. According to him, marriage should therefore not be seen as a temporary institution that has expiry date.

In his words, “marriage does not have expiry date. It is not for children but for mature people. With maturity, couples should be able to tolerate one another. Marriage is not a bed of roses as it comes with its challenges.”

Describing marriage as a mystery, the priest noted that even though it is an institution man and woman freely get into, it is a surprise that rather than the couple being seen as two, the institution from Christian perspective, mysteriously regards them as one, thereby defying the mathematical correctness of one plus one being equal to two.

Reverend Oke went ahead to charge Christians especially married ones to show good example to the younger generation by always doing the right. He expressed dismay that in contemporary times, many Christians relish in ungodly things and have come to see issues concerning God as being secondary in their lives. He gave example with those who would like to come late to Church service but would be punctual in their places of work or other social engagements. He called for a change of attitude as God comes first in every situation.

He urged couples to allow Christ to be the centre of their marriage, explaining that with Christ, they would always overcome their challenges.

The solemnisation of the marriage was climaxed with a big party that took place in the massive hall of ICAN event center located in Lake View Estate, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.

At the colourful reception, over 1000 guests from different walks of life were in attendance and were well entertained. They included businessmen, captains of industries, traditional title holders, academics, social club members, friends of groom and bride’s families, well wishers and other dignitaries.

The event which was anchored by a popular Lagos-based Master of Ceremony simply known as MC Kwekwe was made more lively with some comic relief that continuously stoked laughter from the audience. There was no dull moment as there was enough to eat and drink, even as the Disc Jockey known as DJ Steve selectively played trending musical tracks that literally electrified the ambience.

It was a joyous day for the bride’s family in particular as High Chief Agbapuru spent time moving from table to table with a view to ensuring that guests were well entertained by the various caterers engaged to provide different cuisines.

Members of his Ugomba Social Club were large in attendance and were up and doing in showing love to Agbapuru who was their pioneer President. They love him and practically showed it with their attendance and gyration on the floor each time the RichyGold boss was up to dance.

Speaking to newsmen on the sideline of the event at ICAN centre, the bride said she was very happy to have been joined in marriage with Francis Ikenna Aliakor; a businessman dealing in automobile, whom she described as “a very wonderful person.”

The pharmacist was full of appreciation to the teaming guests who graced the occasion in spite of other engagements.

The apex socio-cultural umbrella of the Isoko nation, Isoko Development Union (IDU), has endorsed the All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Delta South Senatorial District, , Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas as the candidate to vote for in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

President of IDU, Prof Christopher Akpotu led the endorsement ceremony on behalf of the Union’s Executive, Isoko Traditional Rulers Council, all Clan President Generals, Isoko Branches Council (IBC), Clergymen and all Isoko people at the Annual General Conference of IDU, held at Isoko House, Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof Akpotu said the Isoko people have resolved to support their own for equity and natural justice as they had before now supported their Itsekiri counterparts for two terms as Governor of Delta State and Ijaws for 20 years at the Senate as well as two terms as Deputy Governor.

He argued that it was only reasonable, just and fair for Isoko to be supported for senate by all Delta South’s ethnic groups, just as he observed that the Isoko Nation has been marginalised for so long.

The renowned Academia therefore charged all Isoko sons and daughters both at home and in the diaspora to take full ownership of the senatorial candidacy of Hon. Joel-Onowakpo of the APC as Isoko project irrespective of their political leaning.

While describing Hin. Joel-Onowakpo as a “noble, credible and humble Isoko son who is eminently qualified in all ramifications to represent the Delta South people at the Red Chamber,” Prof. Akpotu tasked the electorate to choose only credible leaders.

“A sure mix of your functional conscience and your thumb will do the magic of electing service oriented leaders and not ‘mafiosaic’ leaders who will not have anything to do with his electors after declaring them winners.

“Our peace must not be mortgaged for the desperate behaviour of any politician. In other words, no space should be left for political militants rather a ground for rationale, objective and civilized democratic behavior that solely lies on the thumb and not in fisticuffs,” Akpotu stated.

In his endorsement prayers for Joel-Onowakpo, the Chairman of the Isoko Traditional Rulers Council and Odio-Ologbo of Oleh Kingdom, HRM A.W.O Ovrawah declared that the entire Isoko nation has unanimously agreed to elect Joel-Onowakpo.

While appreciating the Isoko people for standing by him, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo assured that he shall serve Delta South with the fear of God. He urged the Isoko people to be firm, resolute and stay true to their resolve.

He stressed that supporting him is not just to correct the age-long marginalisation of the Isoko people, but to send the most qualified person on the ballot in terms of qualification, public service experience, competence, track record and business acumen to represent Delta South.

The APC candidate said jobs, empowerment and development will be massively created while ensuring that Delta South takes the center stage at the National Assembly.

By Oghenero Orovwuje

Primary healthcare items, donated by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), have been commissioned for distribution in Delta State.

The state governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, commissioned the equipment in the premises of the Ministry of Works in Asaba, the state capital.

Governor Okowa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, said primary healthcare strengthening was a government strategy to achieve Universal Health Coverage, adding that it was a tool to tackle health challenges in communities in the state.

He noted that the equipment would enhance healthcare delivery at the primary healthcare level.

The Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, said the donation was in line with  Governor Okowa’s vision of a good health delivery for the residents of the state.

He said the items provided would cover various needs of the primary healthcare centres, including pharmacies, laboratories, consulting room and wards, among others.

In an address, the Head of Health Department in DESOPADEC, Mr. Micheal Ekotogbo, commended the state government for its support in enhancing healthcare delivery, including furnishing and equipping cottage hospitals in communities in their mandate areas.

In their good will messages, local government councils, National Healthcare Development Agency, Abuja, and Primary Health Care Authorities, all commended DESOPADEC for the gesture.

The items donated were beds, medical instruments, administrative cupboards, clinical beds, special medical lights and wheel chairs, among others.

Written by: Justice Ogwah

The Sheriffication Movement (TSM) a group of young men and women who are committed to the actualization of the gubernatorial ambition of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori JP FICMC, has commiserated with her Grand Patron and immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan CON, on the passage of his father-in-law, Retired Brigadier General Sunny Esijolomi Tuoyo.

The group in a condolence letter addressed to the former Governor and signed by its Director General Comr. Palmer Ogheneyole Nathaniel, prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss, while also praying for the repose of the soul of the departed, whom they described as a gallant soldier, patriot and a father to all, who gave his all to the service to this country and it’s people.

“Your Excellency, we are deeply saddened by the news of the demise of your father-in-law, Retired Brigadier General Sunny Esijolomi Tuoyo, a gallant officer, renowned disciplinarian and soldier who gave the better part of his life to serving this country and it’s people.

“Our father, through hard work, dedication to duty as well as divine providence rose through the rank in the Nigerian Army to become the military administrator of the old Ondo State between 1978 and O1979) during the military regime of General Olusegun Obasanjo, a no mean feat by every standard”, the letter read in part.

Continuing; Our father during his life time saw his beloved daughter our lovely mother, Dcns Roli Uduaghan becoming the First Lady of the State for 8years. By every standard, papa lived a fulfilled life full of glory and honour, and this should remain our biggest consolation at a time like this.

” Your Excellency, please note that we are with you and our mummy in prayers and that we are certain that God Almighty will grant the entire family the fortitude to bear this irreparable lost even as he repose the soul of our departed patriarch”, the statement concluded.

PAST and Present Student Union Leaders, (PPSUL), Delta state have accused Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of diverting state resources to fund the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) presidential campaigns.

The group arising from their meeting yesterday, in a signed resolution noted that the action of the Governor was a slight on them and outright broad day robbery on the good people of the state.

The resolution was signed by Comrades Kennedy Tabuko, (Delta Central), Imalah Ugoachanum, (Delta North) and Sabastine Agbefe, (Delta South) respectively.

According to them, “This resolution bothers on our true position on the state of affairs of our dear state and the need to put things in the right perspective in the face of the obvious maladministration of the Okowa led regime as we approach yet another electioneering year.

“We frown at the image of the state presented before the entire nation by the state government on their inability to account for the payment received on the backlog of the 13 percent derivation remitted to the state government by the President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government”

While demanding from Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to offset the pension backlog incurred by his administration and his predecessors, they said a labourer is desirous of his wages, service of our civil servants should not be neglected and their service to the state of several decades should be rewarded accordingly with the right entitlements.

The Governor has equally been called upon to ensure he completes the Asaba-Ughelli dual carriageway that has been under construction amongst other stalling projects in the state.

“As Deltans embark on this mission to the promise land of a new Delta driven by the zest of a purposeful leadership, as comrades, we do not wish that our people remain captive and can’t gamble with the state’s fortune on a man who can not guarantee the needed development of our dear state.

“Hence, we have decided to chat a new course for our comrades and ensure we secure a better deal for our people in the next administrative dispensation by aligning ourselves fully with the EDGE to BAND Agenda of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta State.

“Governor Okowa and his cronies should redirect the state resources pegged for sponsoring and executing his Vice Presidential bid to the development of the state which the monies were statutorily meant for.

“Hence, we unequivocally demand the refund of all resources that has been redirected to execute their personal political interest to the development of the state, they posited.” The statement added.

Amid ongoing internal squabble rocking the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2023 general elections, the Chairman of the Ogun chapter of the party, Michael Ashade has come out to shed more light on the reason why he and other executives in the state chose to expel the party’s Campaign Director-General, Dr. Doyin Okupe.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE TV’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Saturday, Ashade alleged that apart from violating the party’s constitution by failing to pay his dues for six months, Dr. Okupe is being suspected of some financial inconsistencies, especially on the runup to the Labour Party’s campaign rally in Ibadan, Oyo State a fortnight ago.

According to Ashade, although the sum of N20 million was approved by the Campaign Council for the mobilization of members from Ogun State, Dr. Okupe only sent four million to that effect, claiming that he was personally funding the mobilization from his pockets.

He said; “Our grouse is not just the fact that he has been found wanting on his financial obligation as a member, we also highlighted certain deeds that occurred during the rally at Ibadan in which members in Ogun State were expected to be mobilized for that rally. And certain financial anomalies occurred which we highlighted there. And we have discovered that certain amounts of money were approved for the states by the campaign council and we are asking where are the funds.

Maybe he didn’t know it will get to this, but I have a chat he sent me saying that he is personally paying to mobilize members from Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun states for the Oyo state rally saying that no official amount was approved. But, 20 million Naira was approved specifically for Ogun State to mobilize members. We estimated 200 buses for the members and it was turned down. It was reduced to 100 buses and forwarded to him but he still rejected it saying no, that there are no funds that he was personally funding it. He came up with an estimation of 5,195,000, saying that was what he could personally afford. But it was less than that. About four million was what was gathered as what he gave.”