AljaziralPress

By Sunday Apah, Ughelli

A prominent politician in Warri North Local Government Area and Chairman of Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation, Ambassador Jude Ebitimi Ukori has chided the commissioner of Communication and Orientation, Edo state, Paul Ohonbamu over his comments that Egbema people are strangers to the Benin people.

It would be recalled that the Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Paul Ohonbamu had last week stated in one of the National Dailies that there was a Supreme Court Judgment that gave the entire Egbema land to the Oba of Benin, saying it was because they heard that there will be development of Seaport in Gelegele, that prompted the Egbema people to say they want their own king.

Ambassador Ukori in a telephone chat said it was disappointing for such statements to come from a high ranking public officer of the commissioner for Communication and Orientation of Edo state that the Egbema people are strangers in their own land.

“The statement is inciting and capable of igniting crises in the area. The Egbema people are the aborigines of the land they are occupying and there is no court case that ceded any part of Egbema land to Bini people. We have our own king duly recognized by the then government of Mid-Western Region, the then Bendel state until it was split into Edo and Delta states. Delta State Government on her part duly recognized our present monarch HRM King Gold Oro Tiemo, Bini Pere III, the Agadagba of Egbema Kingdom, while Edo State Government failed to recognize him.

Ukori said: “I was surprised that the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Edo state cited a case between the Benin people and a family in Gelegele community which is not part of Egbema kingdom while making refence to the proposed seaport in Gelegele. Although we remain critical stakeholders of the proposed seaport about because it can never come to life without the co-operation of the Egbema people.

“It baffles me that the commissioner does not know the history and geographical placement of the people that make up Edo state. We are talking about Egbema kingdom and he was referring to Gelegele an Olodiama Kingdom community. He should know that there are five Ijaw kingdoms in Edo state with their distinct traditional institutions and they include: Egbema, Olodiama, Okomu, Furupagha and Gbaraun kingdoms.

According to Ukori, the Edo state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation could have dealt with the issues in question instead of condemnation and unprintable statements made against the Egbema people of Edo State.

A group, Delta Central Truth Movement has called on the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and INEC Director of Legal Services to call to order some corrupt officials of the commission over their alleged sinister move to back-date the date of submission of Delta APC National Assembly candidates from 18th October, 2018.

It would be recalled that a Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, the Delta State Capital on October 17th, 2018 restrained the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from submission of list of party candidates from Delta State for the just concluded 2019 elections to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is 1st respondent in the suit, National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole was joined as second respondent, while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Prophet Jones Erue as the 3rd and 4th respondents respectively.

In the ruling by Justice Toyin Adegoke, all parties to the suit were ordered to maintain status quo and desist from submission of list of candidates to INEC till the substantive suit was heard.

But on 18th October, 2018, the National Working Committee of the APC in disobedience of the court order, submitted the names of candidates for National Assembly election in Delta state, which include Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive and others on 18th of October, 2019 and two weeks later they submitted gubernatorial and State House of Assembly candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja.

Chairman of the group, Comrade Martins Oderowho, in a signed statement, said some corrupt INEC officials in Abuja and Asaba are already working in one accord to give the Election Tribunal sitting in Delta state false information about the date of submission of APC National Assembly, Governorship and State House of Assembly candidates’ names to INEC in order to give credence to their candidacy. “Whereas Form 48 was duly served on the Independent National Electoral Commission and the All Progressives Congress for going against the court order”, he noted.

“We want to let the world know that the Certified True Copies, photographs and videos of their form submission ceremony and dates are everywhere in Nigeria and they will soon be committed to prison for disobedience of court orders and deliberate attempt to temper with documented evidence. That’s why the court of Appeal sitting in Benin on Friday 29th March, 2019 struck out the application for joinder filed by Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and Rev. Francis Waive for lack of merit. Also on Monday 15th April, the same Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State struck a joinder appeal filed by Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, challenging the Federal High Court judgment of March 18, 2019”, he added.

The group reiterated in the statement that all political parties’ candidates forms were displayed in all INEC offices across the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta state and photocopies are everywhere because some persons took pictures of the displayed copies and even detached some of the copies home. “So almost every politician and members of the public in Delta state are in possession of the submitted forms bearing dates of submission and INEC stamps”, said Oderowho.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State Council has raised the alarm over the return of roadblocks mounted in Delta State by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Mohammad Abubakar Adamu, to explain if Delta State is exempted from the ban on roadblocks on Nigerian highways.

The union in condemning the trend as ugly wondered if the ban on roadblocks by the Inspector Geneŕal of Police (IGP) exempted Delta State, stressing that the situation showcases the state as unsafe to visitors and would be investors.

According to a statement issued by the council, it described the roadblocks as instrument of extortion and harassment, adding that the practice had subjected Deltans and motorists plying roads in Delta State to untold hardship, intimidation and unwarranted delays, sometimes arrest.

The council, in the statement endorsed by its Chiarman, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Secretary, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, accused the policè personnel on patrol of operating under the guise of staging nipping points for routine checks to mount road block.

” We are at a crossroad as to whether Delta State is exempted from the ban on road blocks. We cannot see why the police personnel under Delta Command will flagrantly flout the order of the IGP pretending to be staging nipping points for routine checks whereas what we see on ground are full blown roadblocks for distorting smooth flow of traffic, intimidation, extortion and unwarranted arrests” the statement said.

Continuing, the statement adds: “A journey from Warri to Agbor alone has over 10 road block. From Koko Junction to Effurun Roundabout we have over eight roadblocks. What are they all checking? It is uncalled for, they should fashion out better ways to track down criminals rather than subject innocent people to untold hardship continuously.”

“It is worrisome to say that police in Delta State now carry lower denominations of our currency to make change handy at checkpoints to facilitate the illegal acts and any attempt by motorists to disobey parting with stipulated amount, usually attracts intimidation, harassment, undue delay and possible arrest. This act also takes place in the capital city of Asaba where the Police Headquarters is situated.”

The council called on the State Commissioner of Police to put his officers on patrol in check before the trend snowballs into a crisis situation.

END

Instead of allowing DNA test on the Nigeria president Buhari we rather break up this country. Mamman Daura threatened those suggesting Buhari should conduct DNA test to end this JUBRIL saga with Nigeria break up”

ASABA – Delta State Commissioner for justice and Attorney General , Barr. Peter Mrakpor has congratulated Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr . Kingsley Burutu Utuaro on his 51st birthday. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Mr. Otiti Akpovoke on Monday, the Delta State Attorney General described Utuaro as a Deacon and statesman whose fear of God and his unique experience of leading Deltans at different times, as acting Governor and Deputy governor has earned him a special place in history. The statement read:“I wish to most sincerely congratulate you on your 51st birthday. My family and I are pleased to join your numerous well wishers to felicitate with you as you mark this day. “Your Excellency, you are a man of destiny whose place in history as Delta leader, at different epochs in our State development journey, is guaranteed.“I pray that God Almighty that has kept you alive and healthy will continue to protect and strengthen you as you lend your efforts to the bid to realize our collective dreams for a greater and more prosperous Delta “Congratulations!”

A police inspector and two rank and files attached to the Delta State Police Command, State Headquarters, Asaba, were on Saturday night, attacked by suspected bandits in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

Two rifles were also reportedly carted away by the bandits during the attack on the policemen, who were said to be on a stop – and – search duty in Asaba.

The victims were reportedly said to be manning the NIPPI Point at Inter-bau roundabout by ASCON Oil fuel station in Asaba, where they were machetes by the bandits.

Sources disclosed that the victims at the time of the attack were said to have sustained deep machete cuts from the hoodlums who allegedly disarmed two of the police officers.

Our impeccable source from the area who rushed to the scene after the incident and overheard the discussions on how the attack happened, further disclosed that the bandits attacked the cops after about 15 minutes that the Police Patrol Van left with the driver and one of the officers leaving only three officers behind at the NIPPI Point.

The source stated that the first victim just finished directing a driver making phone call in a parked vehicle to leave the vicinity to another area when about four of the suspected bandits attacked him with machete and made away with his riffle. And as he was being attacked, another group were also attacking Inspector Francis whose gun was also snatched.

The only lucky one of them was the police corporal who was said to escaped with his own riffle but also suffered machete cuts in his hand

Further investigation revealed that the Team was actually comprised of seven man Team but only five reported for duty that very day. And that while the five officers were Manning the Inter-Bua Nippi Point, one Sergeant Azuka called the Team Leader known as Inspector Francis to send the vehicle to State Headquarters to convey someone to Area Command’s Quarter which made the Patrol Van driver and one officer to leave their duty post.

Sources revealed that the two other officers that failed to turn up at duty post were on an illegal duty at one Emirate Hotels, where the Station Officer (SO) is benefiting free accommodation. Hence only five reported for duty before two were called off to remain three.

In shocking reaction to the ugly incident, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke denied that the incident ever happened.

CP Adeleke said”It is not true.
How come you’re confirming to me?”

Editor : aljaziral reporters

Chief Mrs Ejovi Arobaga , top Pdp Chieftain , set politics and business aside to shower encomium on the Delta State Deputy Governor , Barr Kingsley Burutu Otuaro on the occasion of his birthday.

Chief Ejovi described Delta Deputy Governor as a role model in a birthday congratulatory message he sent to the celebrant.

Barr Kingsley Burutu Otuaro will be a years older on Tuesday April 16, 2019

Otuaro’s emergence as Deputy Governor had called for a change to a new generation of young political leaders in the country. in 2019 ostensibly asking Deltans to support not young to rule.

In the congratulatory message she personally signed, Ejovi described Deputy Governor as “an excellent role model to many young aspiring politicians and even to the not so young, because of the way and manner you have managed to sustain the survival of our state as an acting Governor is an indivisible one state albeit in the face of many daunting diversions.

“It is heartwarming that at your birthday in spite of the numerous onerous challenges of leadership, you have managed to remain focused and have shown tremendous energy and vibrancy in running the affairs of the state with your acknowledged patriotism and commitment to serve our Delta State diligently with honesty and sincerity of purpose,” Ejovi said.

Referring to herself and those who have been working hard to see delta state a great state and to keep the country together, the top Pdp Chieftain and business mogul said: “As we all celebrates your birthday , we can say with all sense of modesty that we should celebrate every birthday anniversary with prayers in order for us to thank God for all the blessings and the bounties He showered upon us.

“It is only fair that we pause and reflect in our own different ways on all the life’s challenges we face day by day and the positive strides we have been blessed to attain.”

Ejovi said in the letter: “I wish to congratulate you for all the achievements you have recorded in your lifetime and particularly for your humility, deep sense of honesty and faith in God. He is also a Good fearing leader not only as politician but in his capacity as a deacon in Christ Embassy and he has shown in the various aspects of governance, politics and democracy as our deputy Governor.”

Editor: aljaziral reporters

ASABA- In a dramatic ironic issues of Child trafficking, sexually abuse and illegal migrants marks vivid scenes of family separation and heart- wrenching pleas from Child abuse parents, Barr. Peter Mrakpor, Delta State Commissioner for Justice , Attorney General who also Chairman the Delta State Task Force on Anti- Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, stood smiling before a packed pressroom on the 3rd of April , 2019 to release the 2019 press briefing at the conference center , Ministry of information , Asaba giving Trafficking Reports.

Mrakpor, Dr. Mordi, Ukah and host of others lavish display stood in stark contrast to the team harsh policies targeting the vulnerable . Barr. Mrakpor took time to explain the danger ahead if no measures are put in place to cure Delta State of the virus of Human trafficking and illegal migrants.

According to Mrakpor , the action plan of the task force is to fight head on this hydra headed scourge that has become a virus in our society today, especially our girl child , women and vulnerable youths . Barr Mrakpor made it clear that the fight against Human traffickers is not for only the task force team but the entire individuals especially the Press.

This dissonance is not new, although recent events have been particularly egregious. Since Mrakpor and his team inauguration, by Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa has espoused strikingly different – and dramatically inconsistent – approaches to immigration and human trafficking. In the context of immigration, he has labeled entire immigrant communities as “criminals, “rapists,” and “traffickers,” while inaugurating and mobilizing the Delta state Task force on Anti – Human trafficking and illegal migration enforcement efforts to root them out and deport them with no concern for due process.

On the other hand, the Okowa administration has repeatedly insisted that ending human trafficking is a major policy priority. Indeed, in April 3 2019, Mrakpor set off much debate by saying that trafficking is probably worse today than at any time in our history” – a fact unsupported by existing anti -trafficking data. In a further flourish that now appears, at best, profoundly cynical, he told trafficking survivors, “you are not alone.”

And yet, sexually abuse survivors in Delta States have never felt so alone. Despite the administration’s occasional rhetoric about protecting survivors of trafficking, the brutal fact is that indiscriminate targeting of undocumented Child trafficking cases including trafficking survivors, has sown chaos and fear in immigrant communities. This makes survivors much less likely to cooperate with law enforcement, and more likely to be targeted.
.

Add to this the impact of the “zero tolerance of Anti Human trafficking policy and family separation in Delta state , these developments do not inspire Sexually abuse girl child survivors or their legal advocates to see police stations as beacons of hope.

I am appealing to Mrakpor and his team to state clearly the guarantee of protection for sexually abuse children and trafficking survivors. Many have chosen to stay hidden and silent. Worse still, such policies only prime the pump for more victimization.

There was mild drama early on Tuesday at the Automated Teller Machine, ATM, points of one of the new generation banks beside Radio Nigeria, Dugbe, Ibadan where a young man was caught collecting money from the machine without using a card.

The young man, Azeez Morufu said the incident was not the first time he would be carrying out the nefarious act.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria, Morufu said he has a code he always input on the ATM to dispense without a card.

Morufu Azeez met his waterloo when a passer-by saw him with a huge amount of money at the machine.

The witness explained that she became suspicious when he noticed the young man in dirty clothes withdrawing huge amount from the ATM.

The suspect has however been handed over the police.

More details later…

The All Grand Alliance Party (AGAP) and its House of Assembly Candidate for Okpe Constituency Hon. Henry Efe Okotoghaide has approached the Governorship and Legislative House Election Tribunal sitting at Asaba to nullify the State House of Assembly for the Okpe Constituency held on 9th of March 2019
The petition filed on behalf of Hon. Henry Okotoghaide and AGAP by their lawyer Ochuko Ohimor Esq. has Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborovwori the present Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),the Resident Electoral Commissioner INEC Delta State,the Electoral Officer INEC Okpe Local Government Area and the Returning Officer Okpe Constituency as Respondents.
The grounds upon which the petition was brought before the Tribunal are that the election for the Okpe Constituency, Delta State House of Assembly conducted by INEC on the 9th of March 2019 is invalid by reasons of corrupt practices, fraud, violence, outright rigging and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 and that the PDP Candidate Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborovwori who was declared winner was not duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast on the 9th of March 2019 election.
The Petitioners, therefore pray the Honourable Tribunal to nullify the election conducted by INEC for the Delta State House of Assembly Okpe Constituency.
The petition which was received by the Secretary of the Tribunal S.A Gusau Esq. has been served on the Respondents.