Delta North Senatorial flag bearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Hon. Kenneth Hon. Kenneth Gbandi has assured youths in his constituency of 4000 direct and 10,000 indirect job opportunities.
Gbandi gave the assurance shortly after he won the ticket to run the Senatorial seat for the Party, during the primary election for Senate and House of Representatives seat, which took place in Akwukwu-Igbo, Oshimili North area of Delta State.
He said by the time the first legislative period in the red chamber is concluded youth in Delta North would have been engaged with job opportunities, adding that in the first four years in office as Senator, he would bring about change in his senatorial district.
Gbandi also promised them robust representation in the red chamber, adding that his impact would speak volume amongst other Senators in the Senate, given the opportunity to serve them in the coming election.
He admonished the people of Delta North to have their Permanent Voter’s Card, which he described as their power towards making his vision for them a reality.
The Party’s Presidential Aspirants, Mr Chukwuka Monye, said that in engaging millions of youths across the country, he would ensure that the economy of the country is transformed, and that Nigerians diversify from oil and gas to other sectors.
Monye said that in bringing relief to the yearnings of the youths, industries would be created, so that they would be proud to identify themselves as citizens of the country.
While frowning at the rate of insecurity, he said given a chance to led the country, he would see to it that the welfare of security personnel are attended to, thereby leading to their effectiveness to duty, adding that ADC is poised to right the wrongs in the country from the national to the local level.
Speaking, the winner of the Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency seat, in the House of Representatives seat under the Party, Nixon Odimbu who defeated Architect Chukwudumebi Ugboh after getting 15 votes, out of the 20 votes cast, commended the electoral process, describing it as peaceful and orderly, adding that he would carry everyone along and bring dividends of democracy to his constituency.
On her part, the Director General of Gbandi’s campaign organisation, Mrs Nkechi Rosemary Eke (JP), said the senatorial flag bearer would provide the change desired by the people of Delta North Senatorial District.
According to the state Chairman, Barr. Emma Dibia, it was a new dispensation as the Party would change the narrative of the country.
He urged all members of the Party to ensure that they obtain their PVC, so as to vote in the leaders that would correct all the anomaly taking place in the country.
The election which was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, had the ADC National Vice Chairman South South, Elder Festus Igbinoba, as the returning officer.
… Set To Kick Start ‘Operation Show me your PVC’
…Seeks More Propagation Of PDP Ahead Of General Election.
By Christy Aboghe
Following the alleged anti- party activities by five members of the Delta State Association of Non-Indigenes, have been suspended from the Association.
This was made known in a letter signed by the state Chairman, Sir Bernard Agazuma and issued to our reporter in Asaba, the state capital.
The suspension of the state Secretary of the Association, Mr Charles Iwuchukwu, Mr Gabriel Akoh, Mr Solomon Edem, Mrs Nneka Ewelu and Mr John Ezechi from the association which commenced with immediate effect was a disciplinary action to curtail their misdeeds, which the Chairman described as a sign of disloyalty, anti-union and ingratitude to the authorities that have given them so much hospitality in the state.
The Chairman also stated that a committee headed by Barr. Okpetu Sylvanus, Abdul Ahmed as secretary, with Chief Patrick Abulimhen, Mrs Sarah Atsuko and Bode Oduola, as members, had been set up to investigate the offences leading to the suspension.
In a related development, the Vice Chairman, (Hausa), Alhaji Lawal Imam during a meeting with executive members of the association, urged members to be more united and not to be distracted by the recent happenings.
Lawal charged the Vice Chairman (Igbo), Mr Festus Ukeje also known as June 12, to call Charles Iwuchukwu to order, as his actions could affect him politically in the future.
Speaking, Ukeje advised members, as ‘evangelist’ to canvass for all flag bearers of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the coming election.
He added that a time would come when the strength and performance of the executives in their various Local Government Areas across the state would be assessed.
While commending the state government for his appointment in the state’s Advisory and Peace Building and Council, the Chairman, assured members of his unalloying support towards PDP and urged them to work towards it’s success in the general election.
Agazuma said the Association would embark on ‘operation show your PVC’ across the 25 Local Government Areas in the state.
He also charged members who were yet to obtain their PVC to endeavour to get it, as in it lies their power.
Being proactive enough to prevent and forestall the unexpected is far better than any professional prescription to cure, rescue or ameliorate any unfortunate circumstances. These were the words and advice from the stable of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun gave the advise during a Peace Summit in Asaba the state capital.
Akinsaya said that the NSCDC, was widely known for its proactive nature both on security matters and National Interests.
In early warnings, the Commandant posited that powers belongs to God and he gives power to who ever he wishes irrespective of tribe, religion, social status or background. He advised politicians not to heat up the polity in order not to breach the security apparatus in the state.
The NSCDC Boss further warns and discourage money politics, adding that it is only empty vessel politicians that present or offers money in place of merit, competence and professionalism. He noted that those who have something to offer in order to rescue the country, do not offer money but offers ideas and solutions to the problems facing Nigeria.
Akinsanya who frowned bitterly on money politics, warned politicians that the command under his watch will not tolerate money politics nor vote buying which is inimical to the socio-political and economic well being of the country.
On the issue of thuggery, with respect to 2023 general elections, the NSCDC Commandant, said, that the Command through its Peace and Conflict Resolution Unit in collaboration with the state government, NGOs, Private bodies, the Traditional institutions and Religious Bodies have mapped out plans and programmes to sensitise the teeming youths on the dangers of thuggery or being used as thugs before, during and after the elections.
Akinsanya said that 2023 to all lovers of Nigeria should be an opportunity to vote for true leaders and not for politicians. He maintained that when true leaders rule, the people will rejoice, adding that the nation security challenges will be resolved and the country will bounce back again.
The State Commandant stressed the need for all eligible voters to rush down to the INEC office to register, revalidate and perfect every necessary steps of having a valid PVC in order not to be disenfranchised in the forthcoming general election and to vote in the new set of leaders that will transform our dear country Nigeria.
It is in the resolve of the NSCDC to protect life and properties in addition to assist in maintaining peace and order as enshrined in Section 3, sub-section 1a of the NSCDC Act of 2007 as amended, the Commandant said.
The Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria has called for a national health research summit of all medical practitioners to draw up solutions to the crisis rocking the healthcare delivery sector.
Suggested at the maiden annual scientific conference organized by the Delta State branch of MLSN, which held in Asaba, the proposed national summit would afford stakeholders to appraise the challenges plaguing the health sector.
Among other issues raised in its communique issued at the end of the conference, AMLSN observed that the emergence of COVID-19 had exposed the need for professionals in the health sector to work as a team to overcome the virus challenge and any other challenge which might be faced in the future.
Stakeholders also advocated that for future pandemic preparedness, there was the need for a broad view of Global Health Security that incorporated universal health coverage, NCDs, sustainable development and human rights, to address multiple societal aims.
‘’Conference agreed that there is need for an annual research summit for all stakeholders in the health sector to take stock of challenges in the sector with a view to proffering solutions to these challenges”, they stated.
While noting that preparedness and response to pandemic touch many ethical issues, they proposed a more stable funding commitment and financing mechanism for both efficient emergency response and long-term preparedness.
They commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State for the employment of medical laboratory scientists and other health workers into the state public service, and setting up PCR in the state’s tertiary health institutions.
In the same vein, they identified the need to develop a rapid and comprehensive research ecosystem and strengthened mechanisms for evidence-based policy-making that could handle uncertainty.
However, they lamented the non-creation of the Directorate of Medical Laboratory Service in the State Ministry of health, stating that such negatively affected medical laboratory practice in the state.
The Stand-Up For Women Society, Delta State Chapter, a group renowned for its promotion of societal advancement and public good especially for women, has made good its promise to assist INEC in sensitizing women and mobilising them from all walks of life to register to obtain the Permanent Voter Card from the ongoing Voter Registration exercise and thereby participate to vote in the forthcoming general elections.
In collaboration with INEC, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) was on Tuesday 31st May, 2022, flagged off during their Market Outreach/Sensitization at Ogbogonogo in Asaba, Delta State.
Sensitizing the Leaders and Coordinators of Market Women and Men Association, the Chairperson of Stand-Up For Women Society, Mrs. Stella Macaulay said it had become imperative and pertinent to bring the message of Voter Registration to the market in view of the criticality and prevailing need for all eligible persons to participate in changing the system of leadership in our country through voting with their PVCs during the general elections.
She affirmed that only the PVC could guarantee that opportunity, which was why the SWS had taken the initiative to come to the market women and men to raise their consciousness in the electioneering processes by making it easier for them to register to participate in taking the decision of how our leadership should look in the next dispensation and going forward.
Macaulay who immensely appreciated the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner and his management team for the opportunity given them to carry out the campaign, said, “Enough is enough with what is going on in our country. We can no longer continue to sit on the fence only to complain when the wrong people are already in positions of power and authority. We must not continue to complain and not do anything. We must do something but only when we have the power, and that can only come with our Permanent Voter Card.
“I am glad that the INEC leadership in the State is here, which makes it easy for you to interact with them and get first hand information to guide you through the registration process and beyond. I feel pleased because these are patriotic men and women who are interested in the project Nigeria, and I have no doubt in my mind what they are capable of doing to make this country better for all.
“Having ended the individual online registration, the E-Registration commences from 1st June to the end of June at various centres. You must take advantage of this window of opportunity to register. Our message here today is, that you are in the market does not mean you cannot create time for you to go register.
“This is the time for every eligible voter to register or correct whatever error or fault in their PVC. We are not here to tell you what political party to work for or individual to vote for in an election. We are all adult Nigerians who have been observing the leadership situation in our country. So, it is imperative that you get your PVC, then you can possess the power go out to vote your choice of leaders during the general elections in 2023.
“Please note that you don’t register and leave your PVC with INEC, otherwise it becomes their property. But when you register and go back to collect your PVC, it becomes your own property which gives you the power to effect the desired change we have all been yearning for. I will tell you for free that your PVC will provide employment for your unemployed graduate children, provide healthy and conducive environment in addition to ensuring that poverty is reduced to the barest minimum with a booming and vibrant economy, if only you can use your PVC well.
“My sisters and brothers, we must stop complaining of bad leadership and make effort to do the needful to change the narratives. Your effort can pay off this time if only you can make sacrifice with your time by going to register to have your PVC”, Macaulay appealed.
The INEC Commissioner, Rev. Monday Udoh Tom was pleased with the campaign exercise and strongly commended the Stand-Up For Women Society for taking the initiative to bring them to Ogbogonogo Market as the first pot of call in the ongoing INEC Flag Off of CVR Market Outreach/Sensitization in Delta State in Collaboration with the Stand-Up For Women Society.
In answering various questions and listening to the requests made during the interactive session with the market women and men, the REC promised to make the BVAS machine available for registration inside Ogbogonogo Market from Wednesday 8th June through to Friday 10th June, 2022.
He took time to explain to them all that they needed to know about the registration while discouraging double registration, except that they want to replace their cards, transfer their voting locations or update the information in their cards.
Rev. Tom however, urged the market women and men to also disseminate the registration message to their churches, families and other associations for the benefit of capturing more eligible voters in their database.
He noted that INEC commenced this window of Continuous Voter Registration on 28th June, 2021, which is due to elapse by the end of June 2022.
The REC therefore, admonished every Nigerian to register and possess the PVC to help them secure a better future for them and Nigeria at large.
It was a worthwhile venture as Leaders and Coordinators of various markets in Oshimili South LGA took turn to speak and make suggestions on the best approach to adopt in ensuring that majority of their members register and participate in the electioneering processes.
Some of the market leaders in attendance included the Secretary, Market Women and Men Association, Delta State Chapter, Pastor Cyril; Coordinator, Market Women and Men Association, Oshimili South and Leader Ogbogonogo Market, Mrs. Adigwe Lilian; Coordinator, Ogbogonogo Market, Mrs. Nelly Obi and others too numerous to mention.
Director General, Ned Nwoko Campaign Organisation, Hon Pascal Adigwe, has said that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was fully prepared to rescue Nigeria from the hands of wrong leaders.
Adigwe made this known while speaking with our reporter in Asaba, Delta State.
He said going by the way the Buhari- led administration was leading the country which could be compared to a sinking ship, there was no doubt that only the intervention of the PDP can bring about lasting solution towards rescuing the country from the sinking ship and redirecting the voyage.
According to him, the victory of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as the Party’s Presidential flag bearer, was a clear testament to the fact that Nigerians were indeed running for the best.
He said “PDP has what it takes to win the general election”, adding that, “other considerations, would have favoured other candidates especially those from the southern region but the situation at hand and the calamity we are in now seems to be bigger than just a zone or consideration for zonal interest
He urged other aspirants to work with the Party’s Presidential flag bearer in redeeming the country, adding that democracy was not going to die in the country
While congratulating Atiku on his victory, he urged him to immediately commence healing and reconciliation with all the people who have left the party in anger, as it lies on him to bring them back.
Following the leadership trails, Nigeria desire a better life and a prosperous society if only they have the right men and women in the political space and leadership positions that will drive the aspiration of the people.
Looking at the democratic space, the electorate has the political power that will be surrendered to those who will lead them by way of electioneering. These leaders are voted for to bring human and economic development to the people.
The various leaders in our society which includes Local, State and National must be up and doing to understand the feeling and aspiration of the people that they are leading.
The economic prosperity and future of the society is dependent on the type of leaders in such society. Strong leadership has been shaped by strict delegation and direction. They must create a conducive environment, provide job opportunities, infrastructural development and better life of its people.
The leader with strong political will must understand the feeling of the people and must be emphatic in the running of government. They must put electorate first before themselves.
A situation where the leader who supposed to defend the electorate loot the resources of the people to run investment outside their country to satisfy their selfish interest
Leaders must be sensitive and selfless. They must be void of corruption and must be seen as man or woman of interest
It is a fact that leadership is a responsibility and they must do their best to improve the life of its citizens.
The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Delta State has congratulated His Excellency, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on the 7th anniversary of his administration, as the Governor of the State.
In a press release made available to journalists in Asaba, IPAC state Chairman Comrade Emeka Umerah Bidokwu thanked God for the lives of the first families especially the governor himself in handling the state’s affairs in parts seven years.
Bidokwu also the State Chairman of Action Alliance (AA) political party commended Okowa’s leadership prowess in harnessing both human and materials resources in advancing developments across the state.
He pointed out that Governor Okowa who took over from former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as the fourth elected governor 2015 after creation of the state in 1991, extolled his political integrity, wisdom, hard-work and visionary leadership which he said has entrenched peace and developmental stride across the state and beyond.
“Okowa’s administration has witnessed peace, all round development, although the state might not have scored hundred percent yet, but the present scorecard is enviable” statement added.
He expressed optimism over his deep commitment and unshakable resolve to improving lives and ensuring prosperity for all Deltans especially through his numerous empowerments such as the YAGEP, STEP, PPSP, RYSA, the Micro-credit scheme for small and medium enterprises, and other Job and wealth creation programmes, as well as massive commissioning of life impacting projects, across the three senatorial zones of the state.
He also used the period to celebrate Her Excellency, Dame Edith Okowa for being very supportive to her husband’s administration.
“Special congratulations also goes to all Deltans on the 7th anniversary of Okowa for providing enabling atmosphere for the governor to operate in the years pasts, just as he encouraged all to continued to give the governor their undivided supports through love and prayers”, Bidokwu added.
Together with his Deputy, Dcn. Barrister Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, the most vibrant members of the State House of Assembly led by the Speaker and our Governorship Candidate, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as well as members of the State Executive Council at various times in the last seven years, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has lifted the bar.
“Indeed all Deltans who, despite the attendant challenges have shown enormous resilience and determination in standing firm with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and building a united, strong and prosperous Delta State, over the years, we celebrate” Bidokwu added.
While celebrating the governor’s achievements in the past seven years, the state IPAC Chairman as well as Action Alliance (AA) Party Comrade Bidokwu called on Governor Okowa to absorb more youths and opposition parties into the cabinet to finish very strong especially now that he is completing his eight years tenure.
“As you gradually wind down your last term tenure as governor of Delta State, we urged you to remain magnanimous, humble, accommodating and desirous to carry everybody along, including those in the opposition parties to build a peaceful and united State” Bidokwu added.“
As we join Deltans, both at home and diaspora, to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the administration of His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, the Executive Governor of Delta State, it is our prayer that Almighty God grant him continued good health, divine guidance, courageous authority and many more years of worthy contributions to the development of Delta State, statement concluded.”
As Nigerians prepare for 2023 general elections, the Accord Party has organized its primaries with the state party Chairman, Mr. Fred Obi emerging unopposed as the Delta North senatorial candidate.
Also, Hon. Stephen Chukwuka Odise defeated Hon. Nwabuokei Vivian to emerged the candidate for House of Representatives for Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency. He polled 108 votes out of the total accredited delegates of 124, while Vivian scored 7 votes and 9 vote voided.
Obi while addressing the delegates promised quality representation even as he advised the electorate to vote all Accord Party candidates at the general elections saying the party was in a better position to provide the dividends of democracy to the people.
Also speaking, Hon. Odise thanked the delegates for reposing confidence on him and promised never to betray the confidence of the people.
He then embraced his closed rival Hon. Vivian Nwabuokei and said; “the winning is for everyone not for me alone. Vivian is my sister and we will work together to achieve this for the party and to our people”.
Hon. Odise is a businessman and a politician from ward 6 Oshimili North, who have served his people in capacity of supervisory councilor.
Hon. Vivian on her part, said she is very happy because the election was conducted in the atmosphere of peace and it was transparent and credible that she is comfortable with the out come of the election.
She thanked the delegates and the people of Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency, and promised to work with Hon. Stephen Chukwuka Odise to defeat other candidates from other political parties come 2023.
The primary elections was witnessed by a representative of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the party leaders.
Chairman, Artisan Association, Delta State chapter, Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Abanum has congratulated the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu for emerging winner of the Aniocha / Oshimili Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Abanum, while speaking with our reporter in Asaba said the Minority Leader’s qvictory was as a result of his love and contribution towards the empowerment his people.
He however, said that the magnanimity cannot be overemphasized as had been the pillar of Artisans in the state, adding that his goodwill was the reason behind his victory.
While congratulating him on his victory, Abanum said the Craftsmen had no doubt that Elumelu would win.
The Chairman also assured him of their massive vote towards his final victory in the 2023 general election, adding that his victory would amaze the other political Party aspirants.
