The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Police Force through the Federal Government of Nigeria to fast-track the investigation of the gruesome murder of Oluwa-Bamise Ayanmola.
Ndudi Elumelu, calls on police to fast-track investigation
The corpse of the 22 years lady was found on Carter Bridge at ogogoro Community in lagos Island nine days after being declared missing by her family with some vital parts missing.
The Reps decision was the outcome of a passionate motion moved by the Minority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu on Wednesday plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase.
In his motion titled, “RAMPANT CASES OF VIOLENCE, INCESSANT RAPE AND RITUAL KILLING OF OUR WOMEN FOLKS: A CALL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION”, seconded by Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Elumelu expressed serious concerns on the rising cases of violence, incessant rape and ritual killing of female Nigerians by criminally minded persons in various parts of the country, saying that it remains alarming and worrisome, hence the need for urgent intervention.
Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House, further noted that these incessant attacks are hindering national productivity as it is occurring amongst people in the productive age group who are having to deal with the negative physical and psychological consequences of the vice.
While lamenting how many of such cases are underreported due to the stigma attached to victims of gender-based violence, Elumelu expressed further concern that if the requisite sensitization is not taken, young ladies will continue to fall victim to such monstrous attacks.
He advocated for the continuous reviews of the existing policies and laws on gender based violence that accommodates the best practices and strategies and said that it would help in no small measure in nipping the scourge in the bud and reduce future occurrences.
He therefore, called on the Federal government, through the Nigerian police to fast-track the investigation to ensure the deceased and her family gets justice and prayed that the relevant Committees of the House should ensure compliance to serve as a deterrent to other would-be assailants of innocent ladies, even as he called for a minute silence in honour of late Miss Oluwabamise Ayanwola.
The Motion was unanimously voted on and adopted as a working document.
Olorogun David Edevbie has expressed his felicitations with the Obi of Owa and immediate past Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Dr) Emmanual Efeizomor II, as the revered monarch marks his 84th birthday anniversary.
In a statement by Fred Edoreh, Head of Strategic Communications of the David Edevbie Campaign Organisation, the frontline Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for the Governorship of Delta State extolled the Obi for his fatherly guide over not just his Owa people but also for his commitment and contributions to the unity, peace and development of Delta State.
“I felicitate with our revered monarch, Obi (Dr) Emmanuel Efeizomor II, the Obi of Owa, and entire sons and daughters of Owa Kingdom on this occasion of his 84th birthday,” the statement read.
“Obi Efeizomor has not only continued to lead his people in peace and progress but have also demonstrated unreserved and exemplary commitment to the unity and development of the entire state, before, during and even after his tenure as the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers.
“On behalf of myself and my entire family, I sincerely wish Your Majesty continued good health, renewed strength and sustained peace and prosperity in Owa Kingdom.”
I have been reading and enjoying legal arguments concerning the decision of an Abuja Federal High Court that sacked the Governor of Ebonyi State and his Deputy. I always enjoy reading such legal fireworks on social mediaa anytimelandmark judgements are delivered.
The ones that are often more disputed are what can be termed “the political judgements” and like everything political, most of these legal arguments, even from a layman point of view, can be seen to be emotitive, but quite a good number are very cerebral and makes for interesting reading.
You will not often find lawyers file out in large numbers to offer pro-bono legal arguments – for or against – when the courts decide on crucial fundamental human rights issues that affect the common man, except where such cases have underlying political undertones. That is a matter for another day and perhaps why one should study law.
Back to my love for the law. Apart from my natural inclination towards everything fair and equitable, my interest in law was triggered by my study of Jurisprudence or the Philosophy of Law – that “branch of philosophy that examines the nature of law and law’s relationship to other systems of norms, especially ethics and political philosophy” – as a full session core course during my undergraduate days as a student of philosophy. It was additional delight to find the law intristicly interwoven with logic, another favourite core course. From Socrates to Jeremy Bentham to Lord Dennings and to Justice Oputa of blessed memory, the law tasks and stimulates the intellect.
Logic as a tool of inquiry thrills me. Deductive reasoning is wao. It is for this reason that I enjoy reading legal arguments. I especially love the way Jugdes meticulously distill arguments presented by parties in a case to arrive at their judgements. The way and manner legal opinions are researched and logically derived, thrills me.
The judge is not just an interpreter of the law but he is also a logician, moralist, lawmaker and philosopher combined. What about lawyers that regale you with wit and intellect?
The law is in indeed ERUDITE!
Now what was it that set me on the path of day dreaming law? It is the legal opinion ofJibril Sam Okutepa SAN in the present matter – particularly the following excerpts: “Clearly from the reading of the entire Nigerian Constitution, it is submitted with respect, that while one must celebrate the jurisprudential logic and reasoning in the judgement under review, which is thought provoking and accords with moral demands to see that our democracy is well nurtured and follow best international practices and standards, such logic and reasoning cannot be situated within any known cannons of interpretation.”
Alas! The law is an ass but it is a sweet ass to ride.
Austin EMADUKU
Austin EMADUKU wrote from Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.
The House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously resolved to investigate the alleged monumental fraud and illegalities going on at the Federal Road Maintenance Agency of Nigeria, FERMA.
The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by the Minority Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Idris Wase.
Ndudi Elumelu
Moving the motion which was seconded by Rt. Hon. Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Elumelu noted that FERMA was established in 2002 with the mandate to efficiently and effectively monitor as well as the maintenance of all federal roads in Nigeria with an objective of keeping all the roads in good and safe condition at all time, under the supervision of the ministry of works.
He however expressed dismay that despite billions of naira being voted to FERMA yearly for purposes of road maintenance, federal roads across the country are nothing to write home about as most of them have become death traps, killing hundreds of Nigerians yearly as a result of poor conditions of the roads.
Ndudi Elumelu
While stressing the critical role of FERMA to the wellbeing of the people in the area of ameliorate the sufferings of road users in the Country, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu drew the attention of the House to the alleged serious corrupt practices by the management of the Federal Agency.
“Disturbed that the corrupt practices includes high handedness by the leadership of the agency, over inflation of contracts, award of non- existent contracts, massive splitting of jobs and flagrant disregard for procurement laws in the award of contracts and in most cases refusal to implement the budget in full thereby doing selective implementation of the budget.
Ndudi Elumelu
“Further disturbed that there are allegations of intentional delays in awarding contracts for road repairs and construction several months after bidding had been completed and successful bidders have emerged thereby compounding problems for Nigeria road users and sabotaging the effort of the government.
“Worried that most of these contracts are alleged to have been cornered by the management for themselves and their cronies who abandon the site after collecting a reasonable percentage of advance payment of contract sum.
Ndudi Elumelu
“Further worried that if these spate of unbridled pilfrey by top government officials is allowed to fester and unchecked it will not only drain the national purse but discredit the perceived fight against corruption by this government in the eyes of the international community, hence the need for this motion,” Elumelu stated in the motion.
Consequent upon the resolution, the House constituted an adhoc committee to investigate the activities of FERMA from 2019 till date and report back to the house within a period of 6 weeks.
The Movement for Stronger Delta, (MSD) believes it has become obligatory to urge politicians, their supporters, and the good people of Delta State to ignore the use of ungraceful language and shenanigans by some governorship aspirants in the State.
Delta State
This is especially so, when such improper expressions and crude displays of high spirit are clearly shown as not conforming with decency and accepted attitudes of behaviour expected of anyone who seeks to lead a 21st Century Delta State, the Big Heart.
It is also important to observe that some of these aspirants, rather than make their consultations virtuously as expected of persons with the desired pan-Deltan modesty and accommodation, are dangerously and disappointingly throwing caution to the wind by bandying ethnic trump cards, laced unfortunately with acerbic, provocative threats at the places they visit and the people they pretend to have gone to seek their support.
MSD
MSD has stated consistently, times previously, and also wants to reiterate here that nobody can impose anybody on Deltans, not even ethnic-based political pressure groups, traditional rulers’ groups, godfathers, or senatorial-based traditional institutions. Certainly, also, not even governorship aspirants who throw deliberately unguarded jibes, laced with distasteful ethnic threats, during their consultations.
We call on all governorship aspirants to be mindful that the State they aspire to lead is a State of multi-ethnic people, who have leveraged on their diversities to make a success of living together harmoniously as a people with one Big Heart.
This impressive bonding of heartfelt brotherhood has continued to propel us to live as one big family, aspire to greater heights, and achieve outstanding laurels in all fields of human endeavour that have identified us as “proud Deltans” and distinguished Delta State among the comity of States in Nigeria and led to the now nationally acclaimed and universally accepted catchphrase: “Delta no dey carry last”.
It is against this background, therefore, that MSD is appalled by the resort to ethnic threats and innuendos by some aspirants in their ongoing consultations, instead of telling the people about their plans and purposes for seeking to be supported in their ambitions to govern the State.
Is it possible that these aspirants are telling Deltans, ab initio, of what to expect from their administration? Are they already saying that they will be more of governors whose government and governance will be influenced strictly by tribal considerations and loyalty to the detriment of other tribes and peoples?
This is the emerging picture being portrayed with the unguarded comments emanating from the so-called consultations that some governorship aspirants want Deltans to believe they are making. After all, the Bible has stated it clearly, that “From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks”.
Without doubt, Deltans are observing each governorship aspirant as they move about making their consultations and we in MSD are quite pleased and impressed with some aspirants who have exhibited decency in their public outings, deployed commendable articulation in staying with and promoting the issues of their manifesto, and maintained a seemingly objective level of camaraderie and inclusiveness in their interactions with all sectors in the State.
It is also important to reiterate that our dear Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Ekwueme of the universe, has stated clearly, unequivocally, and categorically, that the PDP, under his watch as the leader of the party, will provide a free and fair level playing field for all aspirants during the primaries, so it is absolutely uncharitable for some aspirants to be going about making reckless threats when the party has not even released a guideline for the conduct, processes, and participation for the primaries.
Governorship aspirants, in particular, ought to display maturity and decorum in their consultations, instead of making divisive and derisive comments with a capacity to heat up the political space in Delta.
The people of Delta State, therefore, demand of all governorship aspirants to be more guided, circumspect, and responsible with their utterances.
MSD also believes strongly that our highly articulate and very proactive politicians are keeping tabs and records of the actions, utterances, and idiosyncrasies of each of these governorship aspirants, so as to do their plus and minus in a way that will eventually influence and determine their choice of the best candidate that will be presented to Deltans from the party primary elections.
Delta State does not need and will not require the services of anyone who will engage in political genocide to be causing disagreements, promoting friction, and encouraging conflict and hostility to peoples of other diverse tribes and ethnic nationalities as Governor.
The person that the people of Delta State desire is one with a pan-Delta mindset and mentality; one that will carry every Deltan along in his or her inclusive administration and not an intemperate tribal bigot or jingoist with disdainful, pugnacious, querulous, overbearing, and pettish character.
If you know you are a serious Governorship aspirant and this description fits you, then we advise you to either change your ways from now on, or step down graciously from the race before Deltans disgrace you eventually. A word is enough for the wise. Those who have ears, let them hear.
This, indeed, is the simple agenda for building a #Stronger Delta, for all Deltans.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State Command has said that the fight against Vandalism and Illegal dealings in petroleum products will continue relentlessly until the State is totally rid of such economic sabotage.
This was made known in a statement signed and made available to the newsmen by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSC Olufemi Ayodele during the visit of the Commandants of Nigerian Navy College Onne to NSCDC Rivers State Command Headquarters.
Commandants Solomon Anabraba and Abubakar Abubakar Umar were both received by the Assistant Commandant General in charge of Zone L, ACG James Bassey psc+ who appreciated the Nigerian Navy for sustaining the already existing Synergy by handling over arrested suspected Vandals to the NSCDC for prosecution from time to time.
While stating the purpose of their visit the Navy Commanders lauded the NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni for prioritizing training and re-training of personell of the Corps stressing that the efficiency in service delivery of any Military or Paramilitary formation is centered on adequate Security Trainings.
“We as an organization have enjoyed good working relationship with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps overtime and as we assumed Office as Commandants of the Nigeria Navy College Onne, Rivers State; it is central and germane that we pay courtesy call to the Zonal Commander and the State Commandants of NSCDC in Rivers State”
In the height of the event the Zonal Commander appreciated the renewed vigor of the Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. who in his magnanimity gave three utility vehicles to the Command. While commissioning the vehicles alongside Commandant Abu Tambuwal the ACG appreciated the officers and men of Rivers State Command for giving unalloyed support to the State Commandant.
Commandant Tambuwal further affirmed that the Rivers State Command would continue to wage war against economic saboteurs in the State. ” Our operations is in tandem with the Commandant General’s vision to eradicate the manace of Vandalism of oil pipelines and illegal dealings in petroleum products across the nation. Therefore, anyone involved either directly or indirectly in such unscrupulous business should either stop and find lawful means of livelihood or risk being arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Rivers State Command; Abu Abdu Tambuwal has expressed much delight in the welfare programs of the Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. who with a renewed vigour has turned around the fortunes of the NSCDC within the space of one year in office.
While addressing the officers and men during muster Parade at the Rivers State Command Headquarters, Commandant Tambuwal said it is paramount for Officers and men of the Corps to ensure discipline and regimentation, avoid egocentricsm and unprofessional conducts because the Audi led administration will not condole any action that is inimical to the image of the Corps.
The Command Helmsman reiterated on the magnanimity of the Commandant General who gave Six (6) award of excellence and commendation letters to deserving Officers of the Rivers State Command.
In his words” We must appreciate and applaud our amiable Commandant General Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni for rewarding the hardwork and diligence of the Rivers State Command; having commended Six of our personnel for their diligence to duty, the CG also gave the Command two Operational vehicles and one official Car to ease the movement of the State Commandant.
Tambuwal reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that the mandate of the Corps is vehemently pursued with resilience, dedication and unwavering vigour in Safeguarding all Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Training, Monitoring, Supervision and Licensing of the Private Guard Companies, Disaster management amongst others. He stressed that the fight against Vandalism of Oil pipelines is non-negotiable as the Command is determined to continue waging war against Vandalism and illegal dealings in petroleum products.
SIGNED:
DSC OLUFEMI AYODELE.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER.
NSCDC RIVERS STATE COMMAND.
PDP faithfuls across Delta North have expressed satisfaction over David Edevbie’s plans for the development of the district when elected as Governor of Delta State.
Widely accepted as the most competent to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Olorogun David Edevbie unfolded his agenda for the development of Delta North during his consultation visits to the nine local government areas.
Analysing the bouquet of projects and programmes many of the party members said their successful execution will facilitate industrialisation, jobs and wealth creation for the greater prosperity of their people.
Towards the industrialisation of the area, Edevbie revealed that he will immediately breath life into the Asaba and Kwale Industrial Parks, create a new industrial hub in Ebedei, taking advantage of the 100 hectares of land donated by the people and use his local and international relationships in the private sector to attract industries into Ika area.
“My aim is to spark of a beehive of industrial activities in the four points of Delta North, that is Ndokwa, Ukwani, Ika and Aniocha/Oshimili. I am very conversant with the terrain and what is required to improve economic life in the area. Luckily, Delta North is peaceful and with the airport in Asaba, the plan is a quick win,” he said.
“I intend to take advantage of the huge natural gas deposits to establish a 500MW power plant to provide 24 hours electricity supply to support the industries, investors and local enterprises. This will lead to greater generation of employment opportunities and wealth creation for the people.”
The several times Commissioner of Finance, former Principal Secretary to President Umaru Yar’adua and lately Chief of Staff to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa indicated his intention to provide an inner rail system in Asaba to connect Okpanam and the adjoining communities in Aniocha North and South for integrated transportation and development while also harping on the need for urban renewal in most of the towns.
His plans also include constructing a coastal road network from Oko to Patani to connect the riverine communities so as to create greater economic and commercial activities for the people along the River Niger, Ase Creek, Bomadi and Forcados rivers.
Recognising the scourge of erosion due to the terrain in parts of Delta North, Edevbie assured that he would deploy the Ecological Funds for erosion control in Ika and Aniocha areas, especially in Agbor, Nsukwa, Ugboba, Obomkpa and other erosion prone communities.
On education, Edevbie who commended Governor Okowa for establishing the University of Delta, Agbor, promised to grow it by working with local and international institutions to make the university highly functional for all Deltans and Nigeria.
He also promised to establish an institution of higher learning in Ndokwa/Ukwani axis and create a synergy between the educational institutions and related industries to ensure the prompt employment of the graduates.
Still as part of the plan, he said he will revive and upgrade the Skills Acquisition Centre at Obiaruku to provide robust technical education as well as complete the Obiaruku Township Stadium within one year in office.
Showing a deep understanding of development issues across Delta North, Edevbie said he would swing to action to complete all ongoing and abandoned road projects as well as construct new ones to open up and connect many other communities.
He particularly assured on the completion of the Phase 2 Umuebu road, Eziokpor-Umuachi road and bridge, Umusume Bridge and the Ogbe-Asaba road in Ukwani.
In the Ika axis, Edevbie listed the activation and upgrade of the Umunede/Emuhu Rest Park initiated by Governor Okowa as well the construction of pedestrian bridge on the Old Lagos-Asaba Road for easier traffic management and safety of residents and road users.
Others include the completion of Obi Road from the Dein’s Palace to Uromi Junction, the reconstruction of College Road and roads linking Issele-Uku and environ to Issele-Azagba.
To ensure security of lives property and investments Edevbie promised to fine-tune the state security architecture to create an enabling environment for businesses. He said he will speedily provide needed infrastructure for the 181 Battalion of the Nigerian Army at Agbor to beef up security in the area and beyond.
Edevbie assured that he is committed to building on achievements and consolidating on the programmes of Okowa’s administration while at same time refocusing development trajectory on the modernisation of the state and its institutions. The development agenda, he said, will be informed and driven by the needs of the generality of the people, youth, women, senior citizens, taxpayers, consumers, workers and investors.
Over the time, the APC in Sokoto has been a one man show, everyone is been denied the opportunity to fair play. Though I’m no longer a member of the party, being me it founding member who works voluntarily and assiduously for it gives me an edge to be privy to how the party is being run in Sokoto.
I’m shocked coming across a press statement signed by Aliyu Wamakko faction alleging that the highly revered topnotch APC leader in the person of Abubakar Malami SAN is being working for the opposition PDP. The allegation sounds ridiculous especially to people who knows Malami since time immemorial.
This is a man who has been with the opposition and with President Buhari through the thick and thin without ever contemplating working for the then ruling PDP. And I ask, if Malami did NOT work for the ruling PDP when PDP was indeed PDP, of what interest will he work for it now that he’s in the helm of affairs and looks for virtually nothing from the party?
Sometimes, politicians love playing victim and villain in one movie. Else, how can Wamakko of all the people accused Malami of sabotage. Has Wamakko forgotten so soon how he betrayed Buhari and ANPP in 2007? Has he forgotten how he worked hard to give Jonathan t he required 25% in 2011? In all of these, Malami was right behind Buhari in APP, ANPP, CPC, and later APC.
Malami labored the APC from infant stage only for Wamakkos to come and enjoy it when Bamanga Tukur led-PDP dismissed them from the party. Has Wamakko forgotten so soon how they connived with PDP to install Saraki and Ike Ikweremadu in the Senate as against the APC in 2015? Has he forgotten soon how he was right behind Saraki as against Buhari and Presidency?
Abubakar Malami
In all of these, and at the very time Wamakko was seeing escorting Saraki and holding Saraki’s bag when Presidency was hunting him in the CCT, AGF Malami and co were right behind the party and President Buhari without ever contemplating sabotaging the president or compromising the APC’s stand. So how can Wamakko accusing AGF of sabotaging the party holds any water?
The fact of the matter remains that Wamakko has been pocketing the APC in Sokoto to the extent that some of us that were for Buhari (when we were in the party) were considered persona non grata. Everyone in Sokoto knows this slogan of Wamakko being song by Wamakko and boys of “Alu Peoples Party” and “Alu mu kai ba jam’iyya ba” which can be translated as we know only Alu not any party.
So how can a man who uses the ladder🪜 of the party, in this case the APC, to advance his political territory accuses someone of Malami’s caliber of sabotaging the party? It sounds ridiculous and conning. Malami, with his record, cannot be said to be the man that’s sabotaging the APC he labored, at the very time Wamakkos were enjoying the PDP.
What’s happening in Sokoto APC is that some members of the party under the leadership of the member representing Gwadabawa/Illela Federal Constituency and the Speaker Sokoto State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame, and Rt. Hon. Aminu Mohammed Achida, and of course a former senator of Sokoto East, Sen. Abubakar Gada felt Wamakko isn’t being just to them.
The three APC leaders at the forefront mobilized some legislators and other present and former party leaders against Wamakko’s one man show and unjust handling of party affairs in the state. Because they felt Wamakko was not going to allow them pursue their interest in the forthcoming election, they mobilized and held parallel congresses. The issue is now in the court.
Back to Wamakko’s one man show. Everyone following the affairs of Sokoto APC knows that the APC gubernatorial candidate in 2019 was not the favourite of 90% of APC members in the state. In the contrary, the now Ambassador of Nigeria to Jordan 🇯🇴, Faruku Malami Yabo MFR was the favorite.
Unfortunately, because Wamakko did NOT like him, he singlehandedly installed his favorite, thereby sabotaging the APC’s chances of winning Sokoto. So I wonder how a person with this record of party sabotage and betrayal of President Buhari will accuse Malami of all the people —who has been so loyal to Buhari and APC— of sabotage.
He should absolve Abubakar Malami SAN of his state internal crisis and channel his grievances to his former loyalists, Hon. Salame, Speaker, and co. Malami addressed Mainasara Abubakar Sani chairman of Sokoto APC simply because he was duly elected and a high court affirmed his election. Unless another court gives a new verdict, you can’t accuse of Malami. He knows the law.
The earlier Wamakko knows that the crisis rocking his party in Sokoto is solely a result of greed, the better!
As Deltans look forward to 2023 general elections for a change in Government machinery, the quest for a (Progressive Change) is the big question that comes to mind of every Deltans.
David Edevbie
In terms of governance, competence and exposure Olorogun David Edevbie stands apex to take Delta state to the paradise on Earth which Deltans have long waited for. Edevbie wealth of experience kept him so long in Delta politics where he held strategic offices.
In the midst of critics, it’s an obvious fact that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa remain the BEST of his predecessors in delivering of infrastructure developments and political appointments to Deltans. The skills acquisition programs is evenly distributed to the crooks and cronies across the state.
David Edevbie
The Best of Gov. Okowa may necessary not be good enough for a state that’s as rich as Delta. Hence, the need for Olorogun David Edevbie to takeover comes 2023 for a better continuity.
David Edevbie slogan of #Modernizing Delta is ready to rebrand, add more colors and establishing institutions of modernization across state.
