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Ezoem Advocates For Strong Synergy Between The Media, Security Agencies

By Celestine Afokobah

The need for the media and security agencies in the country to cultivate a cordial relationship has once again be emphasized.

The call was made by the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Education Monitoring and the immediate past Provost of Federal College of Education -Technical (FCE-T), Asaba, Dr. Ignatius Ezoem, during a paper presentation at the 10th Anniversary of Association of Community Newspaper Publisher of Nigeria (ACNPN) on the Theme: “2023 General Election; the Role of Media and Security Agencies; Challenges and Prospects.

While maintaining that if not the mass media the society would have been in absolute darkness, the two-term former Provost of FCE-T, Asaba, who emphasized on the importance of the mass media said that the Nigeria media played a pivotal role in the fight for Independence in Nigeria. “Moreover, the present democracy we are enjoying today is attributed to their doggedness”. He added.

Advocating for a stronger synergy between one another, and noting that the media gives the information while the security agencies enforce the information, Dr. Ezoem stated that there was no way Nigeria would achieve free, fair and credible elections without the media and security agencies.

The Executive Assistant to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Education Monitoring also noted in his paper that the contemporary media in Nigeria suffers some challenges today in our society which promotes corruption, tribalism, nepotism and bad journalistic approach, giving birth to quackery and the inability of the Nigeria media to access the Freedom of Information Act signed since 2011.

Positing that lack of strong ethical values and standards affect the performance of journalists in our contemporary society, with regards to the security agencies whose primary responsibility is to protect lives and properties, and to maintain law and order in the society.

Dr. Ezoem noted that the security agencies are also faced with some challenges in keeping and maintaining sustainable peace in our society especially during elections. He enumerated some of their challenges to includes; inadequate personnel, inadequate facilities and equipment, logistics problem, corruption, tribalism and politics.

The Executive Assistant on Education Monitoring noted that “if the media shun the above mentioned challenges by adhering strictly to ethical standard and shun corruption through good welfare package, and if the security agencies are well equipped with sophisticated weapons, the 2023 general elections could be adjudged to be free, fair and most credible election in the history of Nigeria”.

He also posited that the community newspaper is as important as the community policing, and reiterated his call for a strong synergy between the media and the security agencies so as to achieve free, fair and credible elections come 2023.

Dr. Ezoem challenged the media to profile the candidates of each political party and publish to the electorates. He also called on the electorates to shun money politics and stomach infrastructure, separate tribalism and religiosity, and vote candidates of integrity based on their pedigree. With this, our collective dream for a greater Nigeria will be realized.

The highpoints of the 10th Anniversary of Association of Community Newspaper Publisher of Nigeria (ACNPN) was presentation of awards to some well-deserved Deltans who have contributed in one way or the other to the development of their communities.

South-South Agog As APC Women Rally In Calabar

Ayade Says Tinubu Most Experienced Presidential Candidate 

Women members of the governing All Progressives Congress on Saturday converged in Calabar, Cross River State, for the South-South rally of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Team. 

At the event, which was held at the U.J Esuene Sports Stadium, the First Lady and grand patron of the women’s team, Dr. Aisha Buhari expressed optimism that women and youths will deliver in the forthcoming general elections, noting that the party stands for peace and progress, and urged the women to be fully committed to the campaign. 

The First Lady was represented by Zahra Buhari Indimi, her daughter.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the APC presidential candidate and chairman of the women’s team, extolled the qualities of women from the South-South region and pledged her commitment and that of her co-chairman, Hajiya Nana Shettima, to ensuring that women’s issues are prioritized if their husbands are elected. She further called on the women in the region to support the APC in its quest to win the upcoming elections. 

Dr. Linda Ayade, wife of the Governor of Cross River State, urged women and youths to vote APC at the polls, especially as the current administration has performed well. 

Governor Ben Ayade, in his remarks, thanked the women for the choice of Cross River for the women’s campaign flagoff in the South-South region, and lauded the leadership qualities of the APC presidential candidate.

“Our support for Asiwaju Tinubu is not because he is perfect. Our support for Asiwaju is because of his proven excellent track record as a people person who can consolidate on the gains of the present, drive inclusive growth, and lead our country to become more prosperous. The Tinubu/Shettima ticket is the most experienced and the most progressive combination available on the ballot”, he said. 

The APC National Women Leader, Dr. Betta Edu, who also hails from Cross River, assured the women of her commitment to ensuring women’s interests are protected and urged women to come out en masse to deliver a record number of votes for the APC presidential candidate. 

On arrival in Calabar, the delegation paid a courtesy call on the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, who was represented by the Prime Minister. 

Ughelli North Constituency 1, Inaugurates Over 550 Ward Campaign Committee Members

Ahead of the 2023 general election, the Ughelli North constituency one of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has inaugurated campaign committee to ensure the delivery of a landsliding victory for the Party.

This was made known during the inauguration of the Ughelli North constituency 1 campaign committee in Agbara- Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Chief George Oyefia, a two time member of the Delta State House of Assembly charged  members of the committee to ensure that all the Party candidates emerges victorious.

While commending the well seasoned politicians that made up the committee, he said that there was no doubt that they would defeat the opposition parties at all level in the coming election.

The campaign Chairman, Ughelli North constituency 1, Hon. Chief George Oyefia who frowned at the way the opposition party tour the party billboards said nobody has a monopoly of violence, but enjoined the committee to be peaceful during the campaigns.

The House of Assembly candidate of Ughelli North Constituency 1, Hon. Elijah Michael Idiovwa commended the leadership of the party for the initiative of inaugurating the campaign committee on time.

Hon. Idiovwa charged members of the committee to go back to the grassroot to mobilize for the Party properly.

He urged them to go and ensure that they win their various units thereby leading the party to victory.

The Cordinator Ughelli North People’s Democratic Party (PDP) campaign Management Council, Hon. Chief Samuel Mariere said that with the directive of the governor and  Vice Presidential candidate of the Party, Sen Dr Ifeanyi Okowa it was expected that they go get the votes and not indulge in any electoral violence with the opposition Parties.

He enjoined members not to be deterred by the tearing of PDP billboards by the opposition parties as they had so much to  campaign with and not engage in violence.

He  said PDP had done well in the Local government, stating that the Party’s projects were visible in all the wards.

According to the Publicity Secretary,   Engr. Chief Mrs Christabel Obiuwevbi-Omonigho, the Committee members which comprises of carefully selected  persons across the wards in constituency one, ranging from women, youth, the Church, culture and tradition are to give a very conducive environment during the election which would lead to a marginal victory.

While inaugurating the campaign management committee, the Ughelli North, PDP Chairman, Hon. Kesiena  Numouja,  said members of the party should not bother by the rantings of the opposition party, noting that the major concern was to inaugurate a competent campaign committee to deliver the various units for the party, adding that with the caliber of persons on the campaign committee victory for the Party in the fourth coming election will be  5/5.

Other prominent leaders of the party who spoke at the event were the Director General, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Hon. Kelly Oghenekevwe; Orogun ward Co-ordinator and Board member, Chief David Ighovojah, Hon Chief Bestman Itive,  Chief Alfred Onavwa, Chief Austin Oghenesivwohwo, Hon Paul Okogu, Chief Mrs Alice Jegede-Ikpen, Chief Fidelis Adjogbe, Olorogun Fidelis Erhiurhore, chief David Ejukonemu amongst others.

Admiralty University Pioneer Graduands To Get Nigeria Navy Direct Employment

… As ADUN Graduates 24 First Class Students Amongst Others

Chancellor, Admiralty University,  (ADUN), and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo has promised all qualified maiden graduands of the institution direct employment by the Nigeria Navy as Naval officers or Civilian staf.

Gambo made the promise, Friday November 25, 2022, during the maiden convocation of the 2021/ 2022  graduands of the school at Ibusa/Ogwash-Uku express way in Delta State.

The Chancellor said it was to help reduce the number of unemployed graduates from the labour market, adding that the Nigeria Navy was committed to producing graduates who where in tune with problem solving attitude and the spirit of service to humanity.

He commended the immense contribution of the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa towards the school and the contributions of traditional rulers towards the growth of the school.

While commending the graduands, the Pro Chancellor Prof. Salihu Mustafa, said the wise choice they made four years ago, was what had brought them to the level they were.

Mustafa said the graduands have been trained to solve problems in the society.

Expressing joy, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Paul Omojo Omaji said it was an opportunity for the institution to celebrate their first fruits.

Omojo said their decision  four years ago has steered them to the path of enviable greatness.

The Vice Chancellor admonished the graduands not to forget their alma-mater and to ensure they give back to the institution that birthed them.

According to Omojo, 24 student out of the 153 graduands made 1st Class, adding that 76 others made Second Class (Upper Division), 52 had Lower Division of Second Class, while one of them made a Third Class.

Earlier the state Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),  Chief Patrick Ukah, said priority attention should be given to the educational sector, so as to achieve greatness in any society.

The governor said his administration established additional higher institutions in the state to cater for the high number of secondary school leavers from the state seeking university admission.

While congratulating the graduands for successfully completing their academic programme, he assured management of the school that his pledge of building a hostel in the campus was on course.

While speaking on the theme, Fostering Global Prosperity: Imperative Of Visionary Leadership, the guest lecturer, Mr. Tony Elumelu  maintained that passion and hardwork were key to success in businesses.

In his words, former Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral C. O. Ekeoba (Rtd), appreciated the support and roles played by the Delta North Senator, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, adding that he had donated his personal lands on pro-bono to the Nigeria Navy which is part of the land being occupied by the University.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of five prize awards  to  the best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session, Mr. Ape Terhemba Moses of Cyber Security Department, award presentation to Rear Admiral C. O. Ekeoba (Rtd) in recognition of his contribution towards ADUN.

Amongst those recognized were the Ogbuzo of Ibusa, HRM Prof. Luke Nwoboshi and Chief Okocha for their role towards the University and also presentation of honorary Degrees awards on some notable Nigerians.

Earlier the convocation ceremony which commenced a day earlier with the Founders Day ceremony also featured  graduands procession and followed by academic procession.

Delta Judiciary Procures Transcribing Equipment For Recording Proceedings

By Agbaragu Timothy

 Delta State Judiciary has taken a bold  and deliberate step to achieve speedy dispensation of justice as it acquires modern equipment for courts to take record of proceedings electronically .

The Chief Judge of Delta State, Honourable Justice Tessy Diai made this disclosure during the bar/bench forum held  at the Nigerian Bar Association House, Asaba. 

 The meeting was attended by various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association, state High Court and Customary Court of Appeal judges, revenue court judges, magistrates, Area and District Customary courts chairmen and stakeholders in the administration of justice. 

Justice Diai who expressed concern over the low turnout of lawyers to all the meetings held since her assumption of office,  stated that the recording and transcribing equipment have been installed at High Court 1 and 2 Asaba , and would be test run in the coming week.

The Chief Judge commended all for attending the last forum meeting for the year, saying that after a successful test run the process would be replicated in all judicial divisions of the High Court, adding it would save judges the labour of taking proceedings manually and thereby make expeditious recording of proceedings possible.

She particularly thanked Chike Onyemenam as the only SAN who has consistently attended the Asaba zone of the Bar/Bench Forum meeting.

Listing one of the advantages of the meeting that was held simultaneously in Asaba and Warri, the number one Judicial Officer of the state explained that the forum was a better place to discuss issues than writing petitions, reiterating that judges who are impartial arbiters and lawyers, deserved reciprocal respect.

During the interactive session, issues of dereliction of duties by court staff, security/vandalisation of court facilities, posting of call duty policemen to all the courts to protect lives and properties during and after court proceedings, and delay by magistrates to assign cases and getting records of proceedings of judgement by counsel were brought to the fore.

On the issue of bail by magistrates, the Chief Judge maintained that magistrate court cannot grant bail on the offences they were bereft of jurisdiction , pointing out that when the new Administration of Criminal Justice Law passed by the Delta State House of Assembly has been assented to by the Governor, the controversy surrounding bail would be put to rest.

On letter of administration for persons who died intestate, the President of the Customary Court of Appeal (PCCA), Honourable Justice Patience Elumeze, stated that the five percent of the deceased estate fee should only be paid to the state government treasury and get relevant receipt.  

The PCCA warned that on no account should clients or counsel, as the case may be, pay such fee into the personal account of any court staff.

Chairmen of the various branches of the Nigerian Bar Association and Chike Onyemenam, SAN, commended the Chief Judge for the furnishing and massive renovation work going on at all the courts, and unprecedented digitisation of the Judiciary. 

Delta NSCDC Deploys 504 Personnel For National Sports Festival At Stephen Keshi International Stadium Asaba

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has promised a hitch free exercise  of the sports festival set to commence at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium Asaba the State Capital.

The assurance was given today by the State Commandant of the NSCDC Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun represented by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC Delta State Command Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Stephen Keshi International Stadium to ascertain the level of preparedness in terms of security amongst others before, during and after the event.

Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime disclosed that the State Commandant Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun has approved the deployment of 504 officers of the corps to provide water tight security coverage  before, during and after the festival.

He said that plain clothe officers have been strategically deployed within and outside the perimeter of the venue to gather a first hand security and Intelligent information that could lead to the arrest of would be trouble makers or to foil any attempt to break law and order before, during and after the sports  festival.

On the issue of traffic, he advised road users to obey all traffic rules, road signs and obey all instructions from security officials and make good use of alternative routes provided for the free flow of traffic. He maintained that there won’t be any issues with  traffic if road users are obedient, patient and are ready to comply to traffic rules, road signs and instructions. Relevant security agencies have put em place, and are working tirelessly  in synergy to ensure a hitch free, traffic free, and successful event.

He advised the members of the public to cooperate with the  security agencies and assured the resident of the State of a water tight security before, during and after the event.

 

 

Nigerian Market Leaders Pledge Loyalty To Omu Anioma

By Patrick Ochei

 

The National Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria (NATMAL) has pledged unalloyed loyalty to the leadership of Omu Anioma and by extension, all other Omus in Anioma Nation, as custodians of the market.

 

The Market Leaders from various states of the Federation, who were led by their National President, Hon Chief Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju on a courtesy visit to the Palace of Omu Anioma in Okpanam community of Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, on Wednesday 23rd November, 2022, described the institution of Omu as not only unique but key in the affairs of the market within the Anioma extraction of Nigeria.

 

The National President of the Association, who was a former Oshimili South Local Government Chairman, House of Assembly member and Commissioner for Commerce, was brief but direct in her address before Omu Anioma, reeling out her 6-point agenda on how to reposition the Association of Traders and Market Leaders of Nigeria.

 

While presenting the certificate of incorporation of the Association with CAC and briefing on the subsequent registration with the European Union, Hon. Olarewaju posited that she has decided to upgrade the market into e-commerce by digitising trading in Nigeria to meet global standards of doing business.

 

Her words, “We can’t embark on all of these policy agenda without recognising the place of Omu Anioma in the system of market and as a juggernaut in the organised private sector. We know your capacity as a leader in the Chamber Movement in line with your impeccable achievements in corporate business and consultancy.

 

“As an Omu, we have come, being carefully mindful of your role in market leadership. Your place as far as market is concerned, is very unique and powerful. It is not like that in other places, and so, I have come with the Executive members of the council to appreciate this unique system of administering the market in Anioma.

 

“We want to engender leadership in our time. We want to make a difference. But we have to learn and follow laid down procedures in order to do it better. However, we cannot go into the market here without the permission of the Omu. That’s why we are here,  and I have no doubt in me that these galaxy of men and women will leave here today better informed and spurred to work harder. Thank you Your Majesty for this unique audience to listen to us and give us your blessing, we count it a privileged honour”, Hon. Olarewaju submitted.

 

In addition to the address of the Association’s President, a member  of the Board of Trustees of the Association of Traders and Market Leaders, Prince David Iweta eulogized Omu Dunkwu for being a woman of power and authority.

 

He said before Omu Dunkwu ascended the throne of Omu, she was a very dynamic mother with beauty and brain, adding that she turned the chamber movement around in her days as a leader.

 

In her usual signature smiles when responding to comments made about her, Obi Martha Dunkwu said she was indeed very proud of Hon. Olarewaju and Prince Iweta and can never take them for granted.

 

She specifically described Olarewaju as a woman of capacity, saying it was a great honour for the Association of Traders and Market Leaders to choose an Anioma daughter who is intellectually savvy and resilient to lead as National President.

 

Omu Dunkwu congratulated Olarewaju for the registration of the Association with the Corporate Affairs Commission, maintaining that the group has got credible identity to take with them wherever they go to.

 

She promised to give them all necessary support and assistance to enable them operate seamlessly in the market.

 

Moreover, she commended the National Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Idowu Alonge for the cordial synergy between him and the National President and of course, his dedication to the course of the Association, advising both to keep it at that in the interest of unity and progress of the Association at all levels.

 

Some of the Omus who were present during the visit were HRH Omu Lobe Nokwaba (Omu of Ukala), HRH Omu Barr. Queensly Uzoka (Omu of Obomkpa) and Ochendo Omu Edith Rafua (Omu of Ogwashi-Uku).

You Are Ignorant Of The NDDC Act – Imegwu Blasts Tilije

A foremost political strategist and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Olise Enebeli Imegwu has described as uninformed and unfortunate, Chief Okenmor Tilije’s comment, during a television programme in which he faulted Lauretta Onochie’s nomination as the prospective chairman of the governing board of the NDDC, based on the fallible premise of her not being an indigene of oil mineral producing community.

The former federal legislator, who is also a lawyer and speaker emeritus of the Delta State House of Assembly, observed that Tilije’s views can neither trivialise nor vitiate the extant procedure of nominating a chairman and members of the governing board of the NDDC.

“Chief Tilije simply gave his personal opinion which, at best symbolises crass ignorance of the NDDC Act especially, Section 2(1a) which states that the chairman of the board shall be from an oil mineral producing state”, he said.

He further emphasised that Chief Tilije was obviously incognizant of the fact that, the President has the constitutional prerogative and latitude, to appoint a chairman from any of the oil mineral producing states in consonance with the enabling Act.

“President Buhari is within the ambit of the Constitution and the enabling NDDC Act to so appoint. Every well meaning Deltan should applaud President Buhari for appointing an indigene of the state as chairman of the body, because Delta State has been clamouring for her citizen to occupy that position”, the former Speaker submitted.

MWMPCS 3rd AGM: Cooperative Society Records Excess #27m In Two Years

Media  workers multipurpose cooperative society  Limited (MWMPCS) has announced a net surplus of #27,616875,057 for the year’s 2020 and 2021.

Disclosing the figure during the third Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Asaba, the President of the Cooperative Society, Mr Festus  Uzor, said that  MWMPCS ended the year2020 with #13, 015,293.43 and #14,601,581.62 for the year 2021

Uzor also said that the society, despite the Covid 19 pabdemic, in the year under review earned an external reserve of #9,000,000 with the Delta State Public Service Workers Multipurpose Corporative Union Limited.

He however pointed that the outbreak of Covid 19 pandemic in the 2020 lead to some challenges which also affected other cooperative society.

On his part, the Treasurer of the society, Mr Ikechukwu Onyiah reiterated the  commitment of the society to the welfare of it’s members.

Some of the consideration by the management Committee on entrance fees, loan bonds, DPSMCSU thrift, share capital and diversification of investment were considered by members after much deliberations.

Highlight of the event was the passing of a vote of confidence on the executive members of the cooperative society and their return to office with Mr Festus Uzor as President, Mr Frances Halim as Vice President, Mr Vincent Maduka as Secretary, Mr Dominic Okonta as Assistant Secretary and Mr Ikechukwu Onyiah as Treasurer and entertainment of members of the corperative society

We Have Matched Our Words with Actions – NSCDC

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, says the agency has matched it words with action in the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism among other mandates of the organisation.

The State Commandant, Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, posited that before now, illegal dealing on petroleum product was an all comers affair, including illegal production and transportation of petroleum products to the detriment of the nation’s economy, environmental pollution, health implications, climatic factors and the dangers posed to human, Animal and Aquatic life.

The State Commandant disclosed this while receiving an award from the Contingent from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji , Senior Course 45 on Study Tour to the NSCDC State Commandant Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun in his office at the State Head Quarter in Asaba the Delta State Capital.

Presenting the award, Air Commodore BOC Ifeobu the Team leader stated that the NSCDC boss was awarded for his selfless commitment and significant role in the security achitecture of the state, with sterling qualities worthy of emulation, said the team leader.

Akinsanya further noted that the crime rate of crude oil theft, artisanal refineries and illegal dealings on petroleum products was on daily increase geometrically before now.

However, the narrative of the petroleum sector as at today has changed for good. It would be recalled that the NSCDC is the lead agency for the protection of all government critical national assets and infrastructure as enshrined in Section 2 and 3 of the NSCDC Act of 2003.

Dsc Emeka Peters Okwechime further opined that section 3 subsection 1, 2 and 3 of the NSCDC Act 2007 as amended empowers the corps with the prosecutory powers against crude oil theft thereby positioning the NSCDC as the only security agency with such jurisdiction to prosecute crude thieves as empowered by the law and enshrined in the NSCDC Act 2007 as amended.

Few months back, the NSCDC State Commandant Akinsanya Iskilu Abiodun, vowed to end crude oil theft on or before the end of December 2022, Which necessitated the inauguration of Special Forces in the State i.e the Commandant Tactical Squad CTS, the Commandant Monitoring Team CMT, and the Rejigged Anti-Vandal Squad RAS.

The statement added that the achievements recorded so far is not unconnected with the robust synergy, cooperation and collaborations with other sister security agencies as created, maintained and sustained by the Commandant Akinsanya led Administration.

Today, as we speak, all the creeks have been tactically fumigated, vandals smoked out, new discoveries were made, water bodies saturated, vandals arrested and prosecuted, trucks, SUVs, and articulated vehicles impounded, adulterated products destroyed, dump sites bursted, artisanal refineries crushed and decimated by the Special Forces.

The menace of crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism among others have been decimated closed to zero if not totally eradicated.

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