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Councils Financial Autonomy: Gov Oborevwori Excited, Commended Supreme Court – Bureau Chief

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Hill Nigeria
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…Says DSIEC conducted one of the freest, credible and transparent elections in Delta.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has said that the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, was visibly excited over the financial autonomy granted to local government councils, as reflected in the landmark judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

Oghenesivbe made the disclosure while speaking as a special guest of “The Parliament,” a high profile public affairs program on Bridge Radio 98.7 FM Asaba, saying that governor Oborevwori has been and will always be an unrepentant advocate of financial autonomy for the three tiers of government in Nigeria.

He quoted governor Oborevwori as saying that the financial autonomy for local government councils is a great relief for the state government as it enables the people to now hold council chairmen accountable at all times, while the state is freed from councils financial burden which hitherto depleted state resources in Billions of Naira.

Oghenesivbe stated that before now, the state government never interfered with local government council funds, rather it assisted councils in multifaceted ways in meeting their financial obligations, and that included payment of pension arrears and salaries running into billions of Naira.

He further asserted that with the financial autonomy granted to local government councils, the state government is now absolutely free from giving or granting financial assistance to them, which was why governor Oborevwori received the good news of financial autonomy with excitement and great relief.

On the just concluded Local Government Council Elections in Delta State, Dr Oghenesivbe said the State Orientation and Communications Bureau passed a vote of confidence on the Chairman and management of Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, for conducting the most transparent, credible, free and fair elections in the state.

He noted that DSIEC was able to manage information in a manner expected of a responsible and responsive independent electoral umpire, coupled with the fact that officials and ad-hoc staff of the commission arrived as early as 8:30am and immediately commenced accreditation and voting across the state.

Oghenesivbe, who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, commended the federal government for sending additional twenty trucks of rice to each state of the federation, assuring that Delta State Government through the Palliatives Distribution Committee Chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, will ensure that all items get to the poor and vulnerable citizens.

“His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, was visibly excited upon hearing the decision of the Supreme Court on financial autonomy for local government councils.

“The governor has been, and will always be an unrepentant advocate of financial autonomy for the three tiers of government. And in Delta, the state government or the governor does not concern itself or himself with local government funds.

“The Supreme Court verdict corroborated Delta State Government’s positive stand on financial autonomy for local government councils, the judiciary and the Legislature.

“It is therefore, a welcome development as expressed by His Excellency, governor Oborevwori during the swearing in ceremony of newly elected 25 local government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.

“On the just concluded Local Government Council Elections in Delta State, the electoral umpire, performed creditably well, and without blemish. As a Bureau, we passed a vote of confidence on DSIEC. Deltans were not disappointed.

“Delta State Government received the good news of additional 20 trucks of rice to each state of the federation. It is a welcome development, and upon arrival in the state, the items shall be distributed transparently by the State Committee on Palliatives Distribution, ably Chaired by our indefatigable SSG, Dr Kingsley Emu.

“The Bureau strongly recommend that the federal government should embark on policy reversal if it cannot boost the nation’s economy through the present economic policies which triggered inflation and enhanced poverty in Nigeria.

“Palliatives can’t be permanent solutions to the present negative economic realities, which is why President Bola Tinubu, must of a necessity work round the clock to solve the problems of insecurity, reduce pump price of fuel by insisting that the refineries must work, partner Dangote Refinery on Fuel production and distribution, and to also do the needful to increase the strength of the Naira.

“In Delta, governor Oborevwori is alleviating poverty through financial assistance to existing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, and also created thousands of jobs for our teeming youths, skilled and unskilled workers through ongoing construction of gigantic projects across the state, especially the three mega flyovers at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate.

“The governor is not resting on his oars, more meaning development shall continue to spread across the three senatorial districts till May 29, 2031,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Laments Over Successive FGs Unfairness to Delta South

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Hill Nigeria
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…As over 180 Constituents Receive Appointment Letters

The Distinguished Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has frowned at the manner in which successive federal governments have been unfair to Delta South Senatorial District in terms of infrastructural development, human capital development, and inclusiveness in governance.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo made this known on Monday at Emede, Isoko South LGA of Delta State, while delivering a keynote address during a Strategic Leadership Retreat organised for his legislative aides.

According to him, Delta South Senatorial District is one of the largest producers of crude oil and gas in the country, yet past federal administrations have shown little or no interest in the development of the area and the empowerment of the people.

“Whenever I think about what Delta South is contributing in terms of crude oil production and look at the deprivation that our people are subjected to, my heart bleeds. Delta South Senatorial District gives her all for this country, but successive governments have been largely unfair to us.

“There is hardly the presence of government in Delta South, and this is really alarming. The pollution we experience, the environmental degradation, the lack of infrastructural and human capital development, the little or no inclusivity in governance, etc., are all indicators showing how unfair governments have been to us for contributing so much,” he said.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo, however, expressed confidence in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the President can and will change the ugly narrative.

“However, I have strong confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that he shall do his best to salvage Delta South. I trust the President that he shall look at critical issues affecting our Senatorial District, such as environmental pollution and degradation, erosion and flooding, lack of development, poor inclusiveness in government, as well as empowerment of our people,” Joel-Onowakpo said.

While inaugurating over 180 Legislative Aides that he has appointed, the Senator said, “As you are aware, the office of a Senator is officially entitled to only five Aides. However, I have gone a step further to make over 180 appointments simply to accommodate all interests and to ensure that the people of Delta South get the best from my representation. This is a huge burden on me, but I have no option than to accommodate our people until government looks our way.”

He urged the legislative aides to make good use of the office to change their political fortune by working effectively to serve Delta South Constituents.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of appointment letters to all the Legislative Aides by the Distinguished Senator.

Speaking on behalf of the Aides, the Senior Legislative Aide, Raymos Guanah, appreciated Senator Joel-Onowakpo for giving them the opportunity to serve. He noted that the Senator has set an unbeatable record with the appointment, remarking, “This is the first time this is happening in our Senatorial District since our return to democracy in 1999. We shall not take this opportunity for granted.”

The Legislative Aides promised to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in them by the Senator. They also pledged to support the Senator in his efforts to attract development to Delta South Senatorial District.

The event was attended by prominent leaders and stakeholders from the Senatorial District, who came to show their support for the Senator and the newly appointed Legislative Aides.

LG AUTONOMY: Delta Not Perturbed By Supreme Court’s Judgement – Oborevwori

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Optimistic of PDP’s victory in LG polls
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has said that the state government had no issue with Supreme Court’s judgement on Local Government Autonomy.
He also affirmed faith in the transparency of the Local Government polls in the state, saying their transparency reflected his personal faith in democracy and due process.
Oborevwori said that the State Government had over the years supported financial autonomy for legislature and the judiciary.
Speaking to journalists shortly after voting at Unit 33, Osubi Ward 6 in Okpe Local Government Area of the state, Governor Oborevwori said the state believed in autonomy for the Local Government, hence he did not constitute Caretaker Committees for them at the end of the tenure of their immediate past chairmen.
“When I came in, I did not constitute transition committees here in Delta State because I am not in support of transition committees and the Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) were in charge for three months to enable us conduct elections and, today, by the grace of God, we are having our elections and early next week, those who won would be sworn in.
“The Supreme Court judgment has no effect here in Delta State because we don’t tamper with local government funds.
“As a former Speaker, we were in the forefront of the issue of autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary. So, that judgment does not affect us here in Delta State.
“In the past, the State Government cleared monies owed by Local Governments in the state. JAAC (the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee) is just a monitoring process to ensure transparency,” Oborevwori added.
On the local government polls, the governor expressed joy in the transparent process, adding that the elections remained free and fair.
Governor Oborevwori said: “When we did the grand finale of our rally in Asaba, I said that we want free and fair elections and that is what we are doing now.
“I came through that same process of free and fair elections and with all the opposition, I won by a very wide margin.
“I have been up since monitoring the process and now I am here to cast my vote and having cast my vote, I am sure that the PDP will be victorious by the grace of God.
“This election is a litmus test for 2027 elections which will show whether we are doing well in line with our MORE Agenda or not. For now, we are not borrowing to execute any project. We are doing our best for Deltans and we will continue to do more in the coming years.”
The governor urged the incoming local government chairmen to be focused and not be distracted, adding that they are the closest government to the people at the grassroot.

DOP Congratulates Hon Augustine Ogedegbe

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Director Of Protocol Government House Asaba Chief Onoriode Sunday has congratulated Chief Augustine Ogedegbe of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) elected Council Chairman as declared by the DSIEC returning officer Dr Mamuyovwi Odia at Isiokolo, Ethiope East.
Chief Oshivire of the APC came second after securing a total number of 3,000 plus votes while Chief Augustine Ogedegbe of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP secured 37,000 plus votes to merged as the winner of the election.
Chief Onos appreciated the good people of Ethiope East saying, this act is to consolidate the love and support for the MORE Agenda of His Excellency Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, Executive Governor of Delta State.

LG POLLS: Delta North Heart Beat Of PDP-Ned Nwoko

By
Hill Nigeria
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Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, has described Delta North as the heart beat of the People’s Democratic Party PDP in the state and epicentre of political mobilisation.
Senator Nwoko stated this at his Idumuje ugboko country home, in Aniocha North local government area, shortly after voting in the Saturday 13 July Delta local government elections.
The federal lawmaker who voted at exactly 11:47 am in his polling unit at Idumuje ugboko said the PDP would win as the preeminent party in Delta North, with matchless strength across the state.
Senator Nwoko said PDP victory was predictable for Delta North ,having consistently supported the Party since 1999.
He said he was enthused with the massive and peaceful voter turnout and commended the people of his constituency for embracing democratic principles.
“ The atmosphere here in my ward is impressive. The mood of my people is happy, expectant of positive outcome.
“We witnessed a calm and peaceful local government elections across Delta North. I am not surprised. Delta North is the stronghold of Delta PDP. My people have been voting PDP since 1999. Victory is certain.It is obvious that this would also play out in other parts of the state”
On his proposed bill for the creation of Anioma state, Senator Nwoko said it was on course, as a noble agitation.
He noted that Anioma state would be birthed in greatness as those who desire its creation are in the majority.
Senator Ned Nwoko said people should canvas whatever zone they believed the state would belong, and emphasised that the most paramount to him was the creation of Anioma.
The senator said the benefits of Anioma were enormous with a distinct political identity and autonomy, constituted by a governor, Deputy governor, three senators and full complement of other strategic offices as well as limitless opportunities for sustainable development.
He said his stewardship had been engaging and fulfilling with Ogwashi dam project, Okpai electricity project and Oko road facing unprecedented attention, in addition to sundry empowerment programmes he attracted for the betterment of the people.
Senator Nwoko assured that his vision at the National Assembly would always be inspired by people-centred service.

Oborevwori, Guwor, Dafinone, Others Pay Last Respect To Gbagi

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Senator Ede Dafinone, Friday, attended the funeral ceremony of former Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.

Gbagi, who was Delta State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general elections, died on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the age of 62 years.

Other dignitaries at the funeral include; Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Theresa Diai; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Senator James Manager; former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Alexander Ogomudia; Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung; Member representing Ughelli South State Constituency, Hon. Festus Utuama and Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze among others.

In his homily during the funeral service, the Very Revd. Fr. Ambrose Oghenejode Abaka, said the late Chief Kenneth Gbagi was a generous man who helped people within and outside the country in difficult times of their lives.

Revd. Fr. Abaka said the news of Chief Gbagi’s death came as a rude shock to many people, adding that he was an erudite scholar of immense repute.

He disclosed that the deceased was a servant leader in the authority of Christ, saying; “we are gathered here as a family in communion with God to seek God’s grace and mercy on his soul.”

The Catholic priest harped on the need for peace and unity among the people in the Niger Delta so as to advance sustainable socio-economic growth and development in the region.

“We need unity in the Niger Delta to advance sustainable development in the region. Before now, Burutu port was working but today, Burutu and Warri ports are no longer working.

“Crude oil are extracted from the Niger Delta but most oil companies have their offices in Lagos. We need unity to reposition the region,” he said, adding that without unity, no meaningful development could be achieved.

Joel-Onowakpo Thomas To Hold Leadership Retreat For Legislative Aides

By
Hill Nigeria
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In a bid to ensure that effective coordination and seamless discharge of the responsibilities before them, the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, is to hold strategic leadership retreat for his legislative aides.

The strategic leadership retreat scheduled would hold on Monday, July 15, 2024, at Emede Town Hall , Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, will kickoff by 8 am prompt.

This was contained in a statement issued by Senior Special Adviser (Media, Publicity/ Information & National Orientation) to the Senator,  Michael Emumena Paul and made available to newsmen.

It added that Senator Joel-Onowakpo has also made some appointments in line with his campaign promises to run an inclusive representation, adding that he will continue to carry his constituents along in the discharge of the responsibilities before him.

According to the statement, “As part of the fulfilment of his electoral promises to carry all interests along and in a bid to give a sense of belonging to constituents of Delta South Senatorial District who laboured tirelessly for the emergence of the current federal government, the Distinguished Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has graciously approved the appointment of the following constituents as Aides to assist his office to serve Delta South judiciously”.

The list of the appointees was published on pages 22 and 23 of Vanguard Newspaper of Thursday, July 11, 2024 edition.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo said the strategic leadership retreat is to bring the egg heads he has assembled to help deliver on his campaign promises and ensure that no part of his constituency was left out in his robust plan.

He seized the opportunity to thank the people of Delta South Senatorial District in particularly and Deltans in general for their support and encouragement since he into the 10th National Assembly, which according to him has contributed in no small measure to the successes he has recorded so far.

LG Elections: Senator Joel-Onowakpo Condemns Non-Release of Sensitive Materials by DSIEC

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Distinguished Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has strongly condemned the Delta State Independence Electoral Commission (DSIEC) for failing to release sensitive electoral materials, including result sheets and ballot papers, for the local government council elections.

Speaking in Emede, Isoko South, Delta State, Senator Joel-Onowakpo accused DSIEC of colluding with the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to deny citizens their fundamental right to vote, effectively rendering the election invalid.

The Senator alleged that the PDP, aware of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) readiness to take over local government affairs, conspired with DSIEC to manipulate the electoral process.

Senator Joel-Onowakpo lamented that the PDP-led government has once again undermined Delta State’s democratic heritage.

“Democracy worldwide is about the will of the people, but DSIEC and the PDP have conspired to deny citizens their right to elect local government leaders. This is undemocratic and unacceptable.”

He emphasized that the non-release of sensitive materials constitutes electoral fraud and compromises the election’s integrity.

The Senator advocated for local government autonomy and commended the Federal Government and Supreme Court for taking steps towards this goal.

He stressed the need for constitutional amendment to transfer the power to constitute state electoral commissions from state governors to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Until INEC takes over local government elections, we cannot guarantee the true autonomy of the third tier of government,” Senator Joel-Onowakpo concluded.

LG Polls: DTSG Charges Voters To Conduct Themselves Peacefully

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has approved that workers in the State Public Service are to close by 12 noon, Friday, July 12, 2024.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, this is to enable public servants in the State participate fully in the upcoming State Local Government elections coming up on Saturday, July 13, 2024, as part of their civic responsibilities.
However, workers in essential services such as the health sector, security, and media, who would need to render services should adopt a flexible schedule to enable them to exercise their franchise.
The statement further added that voters are to conduct themselves peacefully during the elections as security personnel have been put on alert to curtail any unwholesome act before, during, and after the elections.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori Is Delivering On The MORE Agenda – Osuoza

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Patrick Ochei

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori has been applauded for delivering on the MORE Agenda of his government.

This well articulated commendation is coming from the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza after evaluating the organic love shown to the Governor at the grand finale rally of the PDP to conclude the party’s campaigns for its Chairmanship candidates and Councillorship candidates ahead of the July 13 Local Government election in the State.

According to him, “Governor Oborevwori has kept his promise to Deltans by ensuring that as the days go by, his focused determination to embark on Meaningful Developmental initiatives and projects that have significance and purpose
for the people; Implement the desired and necessary Realistic and Impactful Reforms across all sectors; Provide an enabling environment to create the right atmosphere for social and economic life to thrive through Enhanced Peace and Security; as well as support and upscale platforms and schemes that will guarantee Opportunities For All to give Deltans a sense of belonging as stakeholders in our shared prosperity, are all yielding visible dividends and impacting positively and joyfully on lives, across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori is surely delivering on the MORE Agenda and advancing Delta steadily, and Deltans are seeing it”, he added.

It is believed by elders of the Media profession that the Honourable Commissioner has brought an innovation into proper information management and media relations that are working well for the government, while at the same time ensuring cordiality of purpose amongst practitioners.

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