The All Progressive Congress (APC), in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State has passed a vote of no confidence on its LGA Chairman, Hon. Matthew Chinye leading to his indefinite suspension from the party.
The suspension of the embattled party Chairman was contained in a letter titled, ‘Notification of Indefinite Suspension’ dated 15th February, 2022, and signed by 20 members of the party’s executive in the LGA, which was addressed to the Delta State APC Chairman, Olorogun Omeni Sobotie.
According to the letter made available to Journalists in Asaba, by the LGA Party Publicity Secretary, Hon. Morrence Emefiene, “the suspension of Hon. Matthew Chinye which takes effect from Monday, February 14, 2022, became necessary for reasons related to Gross Misconduct, Anti-Party Activities and several Breaches of the provisions of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Constitution which had adversely affected the growth and development of the party in the Party in the Local Government Chapter.
“Sir, While a 7 (seven) man Committee has been set up to examine the various allegations leveled against Hon. Matthew Chinye in line with APC’s Constitution, the Executive Committee of the Party in Aniocha North LGA resolved in the said meeting, to place Hon. Matthew Chinye on an indefinite suspension pending the submission of the report of the 7 (seven) Man fact finding/disciplinary committee set up by the Party with respect to the said allegations leveled against him”.
The letter also disclosed that the Party’s Vice-Chairman in the LGA, Chief Mrs. Mary Ebeigbe, has been appointed as the acting Chairman pending the final resolution of the suspension of Hon. Chinye.
“We therefore wish to bring this development to your attention as well as solicit for the cooperation of your office in this effort to save the party in Aniocha North LGA from total destruction and collapse”. The letter added.
In a chat with an obviously disenchanted APC Executive member in the Local Government Area (name withheld), he expressed his disappointment with the suspended chairman saying; “Matthew Chinye sidelined critical EXCO Members and leaders of our party in the running of the affairs of our party in Aniocha North.
“He created another group for himself and runs the party as his personal entity. The situation displeased majority of APC members and leaders who felt that the chairman’s action and attitude is unreasonable and unfair to the generality of members.”
Sources also hinted that effort by an APC leader, and former State legal adviser of the party, Barrister Cyprian Ashibuogu who called a meeting where he tried to prevail against the resolution suspending the embattled chairman was rebuffed.
Many faulted Ashibuogu’s moves for being devoid of the statutory stipulations of the APC constitution, and insisted that the action suspending Mr. Matthew Chinye as LGA chairman was legal as it was in line with the stipulations of the party’s constitution.
The sources revealed that Party leaders in the area such as Dr. Ik Odikpo, Chief Jerry Nkeweshe, Chief Bazim Bioseh, Chief Mrs Mary Ebeigbe, Chief Bolum Okwuchi amongst others were not at the meeting called by Barrister Ashibuogu and said he do not have the locus and the mandate of the Leaders to discredit the suspension of the embattled Party Chairman in the area.
Efforts by our correspondent to reach the former Delta State APC Legal Adviser, Barr. Cyprian Ashibuogu, on his verified cell phone number, for his side of the story did not yield any result before publishing
I attended an inter House sports event sometime back at Main Grammar School, Ekiagbodo, in Delta State.
At a side event organised outside the school, some Ijaw boys were organising a drinking competition. “How many litres of real Ogogoro can you consume at a go?” One smallish guy took in almost 4 litres and was still beaming with smiles!
Not long after, another young man within the audience, who was not part of the drinking, got terribly drunk and had to be rushed away.
A friend tapped my shoulder and advised that we leave the environment. “They can transfer the drink into an innocent bystanders’ body” he cautioned. “How can that be possible?”, I queried.
That was over 30 years ago. Long before the manifestation of our present day Bluetooth technology. But our father’s technology has those capabilities. Come to think about it You can Xender your files from one phone to another by Bluetooth.
By definition, Matter is anything that occupy space and has mass. The files you are sending are ‘Matter’ because they occupy spaces in your phone and has mass!
Matter exists in three states; Solid liquid amd gas. These states can interchange. Hence water can change from solid, to liquid and evaporate into a gaseous state with the application of heat!
Also, some matters can change states with the application of hydrogen or other compounds.
Back to our father’s application of this Bluetooth technology. Imagine that our fore father’s have the technology, to transform the Ogogoro from its liquid state, to a gaseous state and then Bluetooth it to another body. Would that not be explainable by science? Yet, we call it Voodoo or Witchcraft!
This phenomenon has not been innovated hence you are likely to call it evil. But Imagine where a patient in the hospital has serious health challenges. The nurses or doctors have no way of tracking the veins to administer intravenous medication.
Imagine that you decided to take the medication and transfer it to the body of the patient.
Would that be an evil usage of our forefathers technology?
Me think that our fore fathers technology require innovation. When the Western world invented the telephone, it was not as convenient as it is today; It was not mobile.But later generations improved on it. So is the steam engine as a fore runner to the fossil fuel engine of today.
Therefore, the failure has been from our generation. Calling such technologies Voodoo or Witchcraft is just excuses for our laziness and failures to add value to our ancestral technologies; failure to innovate!
I think we ought to shelve the mentality of always condemning our indigenous solutions and embracing Western ways. Otherwise, we may never find true development. My humble take!
The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to a spurious publication on some dailies and online news channels by some Ijaw Youth Group, alleging that the NDDC has paid the sum of N20 billion naira to ghost contractors by their spokesperson one Ebilade Ekerefe in Yanagoa Bayelsa State.
NDDC
The NDDC, wants to state categorically that it did not pay any N20 billion naira to any ghost contractor or any one for that matter as demonically alleged by the group.
The said sponsored group who claim to be Ijaw Youth further call for the probe of monies that were never spent by the Commission is not only laughable but most unfortunate.
The pubic is hereby put on notice, that these spurious lies are being masterminded, fabricated and orchestrated by persons who are positioning their relatives and associates for ultimate appointment into the Board of the NDDC.
These individuals, who are hell bent on using all manners of gimmicks to arm twist the President into appointing their relatives, cronies or associates into the Commission’s board, feel that the only way they can achieve their selfish desire is by using false allegations and blackmail against the hardworking Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the Interim Administrator in order to get the attention of Mr. President.
NDDC
The Commission for the umpteenth time states without mincing words that it never paid N20 billion naira to any ghost contractor and therefore challenges the authors and fabricators of these malicious allegations to come out with proof or name the Companies of these “ghost contractor.”
The NDDC under the Interim Administration and the supervision of the Hon, Minister, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, will continue to be focused and prudent in the management of its resources for the benefit of the people of the region and will remain committed to the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Commission, therefore, urges all well-meaning Niger Deltans and Nigerians in general to disregard these self-seeking elements and the concocted figments of their blurred imagination.
Dr. Ibitoye Abosede
Director, Corporate Affairs
Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
Head of Strategic Communications for Team David Edevbie in the race for Delta 2023 Governorship, Mr Fred Edoreh, has disclosed that Olorogun David Edevbie is not interested in the mudslinging type campaigns resorted to by some other aspirants.
Edoreh said recent name-calling and deliberate misinformation calculated to tarnish Edevbie’s hard-earned reputation as an outstanding achiever and frontline aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party and the DC-23 is only an indication that the aspirants indulging in the practice are afraid of his high-quality candidature and spiralling acceptance.
David Edevbie
“We have noted the orchestrated media attacks sponsored by some aspirants who we have identified. We are, however, unperturbed by the attacks, nor would we join pigs in the sludge. That is not the style of Olorogun David Edevbie, who is reputed for being cultured and gentlemanly.
“David Edevbie is guided by the belief that in the determination of who succeeds His Excellency, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, as Governor of Delta State, the choice that Deltans have to make is about who is most qualified, most experienced, most competent, most prepared and has the best and convincing programmes for the development and growth of our dear State. These are what matter to us, and we are glad that the people recognise the fact that Edevbie’s sterling educational and professional background and his experience and track records of performance in both the private and public sectors dwarf all others. The people also recognise that having played strategic roles in the State over the years, he understands more the challenges and potentials for development across all districts of the State and is better equipped to pilot the affairs and provide solutions.
“For those who suggest that Chief Onanefe Ibori brought him into government merely based on friendship, we wish to remind them that Governor Ibori head hunted Edevbie from the Commonwealth Development Corporation when he was an investment officer for Asia and the Pacific Region, responsible for the development of investments in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Philippines and other Asian Tiger countries and that he sacrificed his corporate career to serve his home state and country, which he has done excellently.
David Edevbie
“As Commissioner of Finance under Governor Ibori, he grew the revenue and budget of the State by over 1000 per cent in just four years, from N6b in 1999 to over N60b by 2003. He led the Commissioners of Finance of the oil-producing States to pursue and actualise the payment of the 13% Derivation, which provided a special and extra revenue for the Niger Delta States. These are verifiable facts for all to see.
“These foundations laid by him account for Delta State’s growth in revenue capacity to fund various capital projects across the state and its relative financial stability and progress.
“Trying to associate him with the previous ordeals of Chief Ibori also fall flat, for the fact remains that Edevbie has not only served in Delta State but also in the Presidency, during which he has traversed our country and regularly travels in and out of Nigeria. He is not known to have been charged or convicted anywhere for any wrongdoing in his public and private service.
“It is, however, instructive that we have been told that Chief Ibori was sold to President Obasanjo by those who got angry with him over his support for Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan to succeed him in 2007. That is a matter for each person’s conscience and God.
Olorogun David Edevbie
“Suffice to state that Edevbie remains a proud member of Chief Ibori’s political family and a close friend, the same way that His Excellency, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, former Governor Uduaghan and indeed various other eminent Deltans who have held high offices at state and federal levels, from 1999 to the present have been.
“We also wish to make it clear that President Umaru Yar’adua did not appoint Edevbie his Principal Secretary merely by the nomination of Chief Ibori. For the records, Edevbie was identified by a former colleague Tanimu Yakubu who then introduced him to the then Governor of Katsina State, Umaru Yar’adua. President Yaradua recognised Edevbie’s excellent performance as the Director of Finance and Strategy of his Presidential campaign organisation. When the need arose, he invited him into the Presidency to replace his outgoing Chief of Staff.
“We are proud to note that while our Niger Delta youths survived the invasion of Odi and Choba and intensified militancy, while our elders are rightly still in the agitation for restructuring, Edevbie utilised the privilege of working at the Presidency and employed his professional skills to contribute towards the creation of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the establishment of the Presidential Amnesty Programme which, to a large extent, have not only accorded more resources to the Niger Delta, supported skills acquisition and employability of Niger Delta youths, but have also ensured relative peace in the region.
“We also note the attempt to incite malice against Edevbie because he participated in the 2014 primaries. Suffice to state that virtually all the senatorial districts, not only Delta Central, have presented aspirants in all of the PDP primaries since 1998, and it is recalled that in 2014, Elder Godsdey Orubebe, from Delta South, contested.
“But, notwithstanding the array of aspirants, it should be noted that the leaders and elders of our Party have always successfully managed the processes of Delta PDP primaries to ensure equity in power rotation and have achieved a first full circle across the districts with little rancour or malice.
“Indeed, after the primaries in 2014, Edevbie was one of the first aspirants to join forces with Dr Okowa to ensure his victory at the general elections.
“Governor Okowa himself testified at a rally in Akwukwu-Igbo after the primaries that Edevbie immediately moved to support him in several ways and urged members of the Party to thank him, pointing out that the primary was a family exercise.
“In the spirit of harmony and common purpose, Dr Okowa, having worked with Edevbie as Commissioners under Governor Ibori and in recognition of his skills, competence and the value he brings, appointed him his Commissioner of Finance and, later, Chief of Staff. These are positions of high trust which could not have been given if there was malice.
“Therefore, those who are wishing and fanning the embers of enmity between Edevbie and Governor Okowa are merely wasting their time, more so when Governor Okowa is well known to be above such primordial sentiments.
“Edevbie served Governor Okowa, loyally and conscientiously and supported his administration to achieve many of the landmark and legacy achievements that Governor Okowa will be remembered for, and he testified to that in his assessment of Edevbie as follows:
“My dear Olorogun David Edevbie, you have over the years continued to offer GENUINE LEADERSHIP AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF GOVERNANCE, and I urge you to remain unrelenting in your service to the state and country.
“By dint of HARD WORK and DISCIPLINE, you have continued to carve a niche for yourself by maintaining a CHARISMATIC and UNTAINTED LEADERSHIP style that has endeared you to many Deltans and Nigerians.
“Your COMMITMENT to DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY AS IT IS IN DEVELOPED CLIMES are some of the WORTHY AND COMMENDABLE TRAITS that have exemplified your service over the years.”
“As it is said, the taste of the pudding is in the eating. Okowa, the Governor of the State and the leader of the Party, knows Edevbie’s worth firsthand, and those are his judgments of him.
“We, therefore, urge Deltans not to be deceived by desperate aspirants and their mentors who merely want to substitute quality for counterfeits and rob Deltans of the promises of a great future with Edevbie.” The same desperadoes employed similar tactics in 2014, but the result of the primaries clearly indicated that the electorate was more concerned with the issues. We are confident that the same will repeat itself shortly.
The days when pastors/prophets words cut deep into hearts of the common man and those in power are no more.
What pastor or G. O has said “I need ten people to come out to give 1 million” and added “thou shalt not give stolen money to God. Let it be moneys made with holiness and obedience to the will of God”
I challenge you to provide a video with that addendum.
The truth is that prosperity preaching and “miracle money” and teachings like “a christian cannot be poor” and “my God is not a poor God” and embrace of the church of those whose money have no verifiable source, as well as embrace of thieving politicians and endorsing them on the pulpit is the reason for all this decay in our society.
In our society today, hearing a pastor preach against kickbacks and yahoo is now so strange, the preachers receive pushback. Pastors dare not preach against yahoo anymore because it is now a strange enterprise for them to.
The church is no longer the CONSCIENCE of the society. At least Sundays used to be a time the congregation was berated for their sins and cleansed.
Today, there are cells in the church that gather the rich and encourage them to make money and they call them “KINGDOM FINANCIERS”
Ask the pastor the source of wealth of these KINGDOM FINANCIERS and he will stammer.
If a civil servant gives 1 million naira, should not the church executive council call the civil servant and ask him where he got 1 million naira to give???
Have you ever heard any church do this???
Again, has any pastor called a civil servant and asked where they found the huge moneys they donate every sunday???
MIRACLE MONEY!!! God of Miracle.
From Zoe Ministry of that year, to even Kumuyi of Deeper Life turning to spokesman and CHIEF PR OFFICER of Delta State, finances and all, under Uduaghan administration, the G.O and pastors have valued MONEY/MAMMON over TRUTH AND CORRECTION.
Elijah used to berate Ahab. Nathan told David of God’s anger. The prophets used to flee because they would rather be hungry than be friends of thieving politicians. Even Jesus who ate with a tax collector, the tax collector RETURNED ALL HE TOOK FRAUDULENTLY FROM THE POOR.
Now the church cannot even return a house donated to it by a son that stole the documents from his father who is still alive.
The prophets flee no more. They say what we want to hear. The government is their best friend, no matter how corrupt, murderous or oppressive
The prophets flee to be fed by the ravens and drink from brooks no more.
They now fly in Private Jets and keep moneys in Cayman Island like druglords.
Except the Nigerian church heals itself, Nigeria will continue to be one of the worst places to love.
Soon the prayer at child dedication will include MAY THIS CHILD NOT USE YOU THE PARENTS TO DO MONEY RITUAL, and this is because the church has accepted questionable wealth and made these people KINGDOM FINANCIERS.
The Delta State Government has assured the people of Ogedegbe community in warri South Local Government that no efforts would be spared in providing immediate succour to pupils of Ogedegbe Primary School recently affected by rain storm disaster.
According to officials, the State Government has activated its emergency quick response system in ensuring that learning was uninterrupted in the affected school.
The Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Hon. Sunny Ogwu who visited the school on Friday, to have an on-the spot assessment of havoc wreaked on the school by the rain storm that destroyed the roof of six class rooms block, an office with five toilets, four class room block with an office , two class room block , block of thirteen unit toilets and an overhead tank, assured both pupils and teachers of the affected school that parliative measures had already been put in place to ensure that pupils resume immediately after the midterm break.
The SUBEB boss represented by a Member of the Board, Mr Paul Kurugbe, who led a team from the Board’s Headquarters Office, Asaba, confirmed that the massive destruction was a natural disaster and dispelled the rumour that it might be as a result of low standard job.
Hon. Sunny Ogwu while reiterating the state government’s commitment in protecting the right of the child to quality basic education, disclosed that government was on top of the situation.
The Executive Chairman who was conducted round the affected buildings by the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Ogbo Jabra, acknowledged the efforts of the state Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa in the education sub sector, and maintained that the educational future of pupils in the state would not be jeopardized.
Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Warri South Local Government Area, Mr Wilson Eyimefe, confirmed that parliative measures would be put in place to ensure uninterrupted school calander.
Blessing Okagbare tests positive for human growth hormone and EPO that forces her to pull out of the Tokyo Olympics
Nigeria’s 2008 Olympics long jump silver medalist Blessing Okagbare has been banned for 10 years for doping, the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) announced on Friday.
The 33-year-old, who is also a sprinter, was expelled from the Tokyo Olympics last year before the women’s 100m semi-finals after testing positive for human growth hormone at an out-of-competition test in Slovakia on July 19.
“The Disciplinary Tribunal has banned Nigerian sprinter Blessing Okagbare for a total of 10 years,” read an AIU statement.
“Five years for the presence and use of multiple prohibited substances and five years for her refusal to co-operate with the AIU’s investigation into her case.”
Okagbare — who also won long jump silver in the 2013 world outdoor championships where she added a 200m bronze — was not named but clearly identified in an indictment last month brought against her alleged supplier, Texas therapist Eric Lira.
US justice department officials in New York said Eric Lira, a 41-year-old “naturopathic” therapist based in El Paso, supplied drugs to two athletes for the “purpose of corrupting” the Tokyo Games.
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu has said that the needs of the people will continue to be the focal point of his representation at the National Assembly.
Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu
Elumelu spoke on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the official handing over ceremony of an Ecological Project, Ugbodu-Ohordua Road Flood and Erosion Control project, to the Contractor, held at Ugbodu in Aniocha North Local Government area of Delta State.
The occasion which was organized by the Ecological Project Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, in the Presidency, Abuja was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal.
Elumelu who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives said that his people and their need will continue to be dear to him more than any other thing and revealed that the Ugbodu-Ohoadua Road Flood and Erosion Control project which he facilitated, was among over nine Ecological Projects within the Federal Constituency that he proposed and submitted for the consideration and approval by the President through the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF).
“Today being Thursday, naturally I should be on the floor of the House being the leader of opposition in the House of Representatives, but I choose to be with my people (constituents) who sent me to Abuja, because without you people, I won’t be there. I am not the most dedicated, neither am I the most intelligent, neither am I the most endowed, but God used you people to choose me.
So, in everything I do as your representative, I think of you,” Elumelu stated.
The Minority leader explained that for limited funds, only one project out of the nine he proposed, was considered and approved by the Federal Government and said that the challenge became the one to be picked among the over nine ecological projects.
“I had submitted, like every other principal officer over nine projects and when they took the memo to Mr. President, he told the SGF that they have limited fund for the ecological projects, so they should go and do random picking and of course my Sister, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Habiba Lawal turned out to be the one that was divinely asked to do that and Ugbodu entered her hand. Otherwise, you can see from the projects I enumerated, we have over nine ecological projects in my Federal Constituency proposed, but Ugbodu was the one her hand torched. So it is a thing of joy for you in Ugbodu.
“So, it now means that as lucky as you are, to have been so divinely chosen for this laudable project, You must do everything possible to support the Ecological Project Office and the contractors as regards to this project, even if, it means some of us opening our houses for them to keep some of their equipment at no cost,” Elumelu said.
The Federal Lawmaker further revealed that their desire as representatives of the people was to open up various communities for economic viability and said that when the Ugbodu-Ohordua road comes on stream, Ugbodu, Ohordua, Onitcha-Uku, Issele-Uku and its environs will be better for it, for the fact it will bring about improvement in the economic activities within the various communities.
Elumelu appreciated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ecological Project Office, Dr. Habiba Lawal for their relentless effort in ensuring that the project was approved, even as he assured them of an undiluted support to see that the project is completed on time and in line with specification.
Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Habiba Lawal, represented by a Director in the Ecological Project Office, Dr. Joel Oruche, said the handing over ceremony was necessary and aimed at building bridges of understanding between Ecological Project Office (EPO), Contractors, Consultants and benefiting communities.
She said the bridge building was essentially to bring the contractors and the consultants to meet with members of the host communities with a view to resolving any issue that may now or in future hinder the progress of work.
“Each contract/project has an expected completion period and we in EPO would not
want any delay occasioned by controversies or disputes between contractors/consultants and host communities.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the essence of this gathering in a nutshell is to emphasize the need for peaceful and conducive atmosphere devoid of rancour and acrimony to enable contractors deliver timely, good and quality projects for the benefit of your community.
“I am aware that often some host communities make demands from contractors; some even tend to dictate the way the projects should be executed. This tends to throw up disputes that linger for long thereby slowing down the pace of work. Genuine and legitimate demands on contractors must be channeled through community heads, particularly traditional rulers who if need be, will in turn forward such complaints to EPO rather than resorting to violence that would stop the progress of work,” the Permanent Secretary said.
Dr. Lawal also drew attention to the fact that Government embarked on addressing critical ecological challenges across the country to forestall environmental degradation, loss of lives and properties’, pointing out that it is imperative that peace and tranquility are needed to achieve timely completion of the projects.
“This interventionist project in this community is yours. You must do everything possible to protect and sustain it so that the resources which the federal Government has committed for the project would be gainfully utilised and will not at the end be in vain.
“You are expected therefore to co-operate with the contractor and consultant and avoid harassing them. I need to state categorically that the process of selecting projects for execution in communities is thorough with stringent criteria.
“In addition to these stringent criteria, EPO henceforth will not execute projects in any community that is notorious for harassing contractors. Only those communities that are peaceful, accommodating and supportive of contractors will be considered for more projects,” Dr. Lawal said.
She then pleaded with local government leaders, royal fathers, community heads, youth and religious leaders to prevail on their people to support and co-operate with government to serve them better.
“You should shun violence, extortion and conspiracy against contractors and by extension, the Federal Government. Most importantly, avoid actions capable of delaying the smooth execution of the project in your domain,” Dr. Lawal counseled.
Dr. Lawal commended the Minority Leader, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for his proactive representation of his people and said that his love for his people is profound.
Highlight of the event was the signing of the document stating agreement for peace between the representatives of the community, the consultant and the contractor.
It was witnessed by dignitaries that included a Political Leader in the State and chairman, Delta State Civil Service commission, Chief Nkem Okwuofu, the member representing Aniocha North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, the Executive Chairman of Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Kevin Okwechime, Chief krees Njiokwuemeni, Chief Victor Egbune, Chief Emma Eboh, Dr. Michael Osuoza, Hon. Chuks Oseme, the Leader of the Legislative Arm of the Local Government, Hon Nwike Okonkwo who was there with members of the Legislative Arm, the Secretary to the Aniocha North Local Government, Hon. Uche Chiejina and Royal Fathers amongst others.
DEATH OF 19-MONTH OLD PUPIL: Pyrates Call For Postmortem Examination, Thorough Investigation
By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The National Association of Seadogs, also known as the Pyrates Confraternity (PC) have condemned and called for a postmortem examination and thorough investigation to ascertain the possibly action that actually caused the death of a 19-Month old pupil, Obinna Udeze, of Arise and Shine Nursery School, behind Ibori Gulf Course, in Asaba last weekend.
NAS Pyrates logo
The Pyrates condemnation was contained in a statement signed by the Cap’n of the Delta North Chapter of the Association, Engr. Emeka Okolo and made available to newsmen in Asaba on Wednesday.
It should be noted that the Delta State government, had since Sunday, shut the Arise and Shine Nursery and Primary School, Asaba, where the 19-Months-Old toddler was allegedly flogged leading to his death.
Reports have it that the teacher, Emeka Nwogbo, who is the son of the school proprietress had reportedly flogged the toddler, on Monday 7, February, 2022 leaving several marks of cane on his body, which later led to his death at the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba on Saturday, February 12, as a result of the flogging.
In the Press Statement, the Asaba Chapter’s Pyrates Cap’n asked “of what offence would a 19-month old toddler would commit to warrant his flogging to the point of going into coma and eventually dying”.
While calling on the Government to cause the Police to carry out a postmortem examination and thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of little Obinna Udeze, and to ensure that an autopsy is carried out to determine the actually cause of the death, Engr. Emeka Okoli commended the Delta State Government for the steps taken in shutting the school.
Engr. Okolo, who commiserated with the parents and relations of the deceased in the Pyrates statement he signed, stressed that the National Association of Seadogs are on the watch to ensure that anyone found culpable after due investigation is prosecuted.
While advising persons to whom children are entrusted to be diligent, show love and compassion towards them, the Pyrates leader prayed the Almighty God to grant the young and innocent soul of Obinna Udeze enternal rest and the fortitude for the parents and loved ones to bear the loss.
Pupils of Ugbolu Primary School 1, Ugbolu, have been advised to avoid distractions, shun wrong company and be focused in their studies.
This advise was given yesterday by Mr IGHO Ekakitie, founder of IgowithIGHO Foundation, in Ugbolu, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, during the Foundation’s books presentation to pupils.
According to Igho “you are in a transition class and it is a critical stage of your life, avoid bad company and do the right thing for you to be successful in life because any negative decision you take now can destroy you forever”.
Mr. Igho, who was represented by his sister and co-founder of the Foundation, Amb. Pamela Odibeli, shared some of the challenges her brother (Igho Ekakitie) experienced before leaving Nigeria. She disclosed that at a time he was out of school for a while but he never gave up on his dreams before he relocated to the United States of America, and began an educational consulting firm, to help international students cope with the educational system over there.
Amb. Odibeli also disclosed that her late mother (Mrs Phoebe Ekakitie), was a primary school teacher, who despite her meager salary paid examination fees for pupils, mostly for those whose parents could not afford to pay the fees, hence they were keeping her legacy.
The Igo-With-Igho Foundation made a cash donation to the Headmaster of the school for the registration of examination fee for 35 primary six (6) pupils. Free exercise books, school bags and other instructional materials were also distributed.
In his remarks, the Headmaster of the School, Mr Charles Oyiana, expressed gratitude to the Foundation. While saying he was overwhelmed by the gesture of ‘IgoWithIgho Foundation to his school, he said the visit was timely.
Also speaking, the Class Teacher of the primary six pupils, Mrs. Amaechi Nwose, stated that the counsel, the payment of registration fee and learning materials distributed would have a lasting impact on the pupils, stressing that they will always feel happy to be in school.
The School Head boy and girl, Master Emmanuel Igwe and Miss Ebere Chiamaka, on behalf of the pupils thanked the Foundation, and promised that to work hard following the Igo-With-Igho Foundation advice to achieve their dreams and also to always be obedient to ruling authorities.
