FocalPoint Reports

THOSE BEHIND THE ECONOMIC RETROGRESSION AND HARDSHIP IN DELTA STATE, APC ATTACKS PDP   When a lie is continuously told without being challenged, it begins to wear the toga of truth. It is on this premise that the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, condemns in totality the abdication of PDP led government of Delta State responsibility of providing good leadership and economic prosperity for Deltans, rather than misleading them on what and who is responsible for their economic downturn and woes. What is the responsibility of a State Government if not to make a State viable for her people to benefit from?  We dare to state that when there are certain government policies, meant to correct some social and economic anomalies, those on the wrong side of the law will always cry to high heavens of the injustices of the government of the day. For instance, those who are the major beneficiaries of pipelines vandalism, importation of banned goods and services that could be...

Delta State Governor, Deputy, DTHA Speaker, Leaders set to grace Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace, Unity Cup, Finals  Tomorrow Nov 29 Ifeayi Okowa November 29, 2019 Governor Ifeayi Okowa will on Friday, November 29, 2019  present the first Prize of the most popular Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup also known as Comrade Mulade Sheriff Peace and Unity Cup tournament.  He lauded Governor Okowa and affirmed that the cup presentation is in line  with his slogan “Prosperity for all Deltans”   The Grand Finale will have Ogidigben FC clash with  Okerenkoko FC and in the third Place, Kunukunuma FC will lock horns with Ajudiabo FC at Township Stadium on the 29th of November, 2019. The final will be played at Benikrukru township field, Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA, Delta State. The Ijaw/Itsekiri Unity Cup competition is the brain child of the Founder and National Coordinator of the foremost NGO, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), ...

  Bayelsa   Governor, Seriake Dickson, has rekindled hope over the outcome of the state governorship election which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared All Progressivea Congress (APC) David Lyon, winner and governor-elect. Dickson advised the people not to lose hope on the outcome of the election in spite of the irregularities and violence that took place in some areas. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fidelis Soriwei, quoted him as having stated this during the November monthly praise night in Yenagoa The governor insisted that what transpired on November 16, 2019 during the election ran short of the global standard for what should be free, fair and credible election. He reaffirmed his position on the collusion between the security operatives, particularly, Army, and INEC to announce fake results in some local government areas. The governor, who described the election as charade, stressed that election did not hold in places like Nem...

Senate wants $1.2 billion Brass LNG project revived The Nigerian Senate has called for urgent revival of the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project in Brass, Bayelsa State, even as it lauded the conceptualisation, design and commencement of work since 2004. It also urged the executive arm of government to create enabling environment for reputable oil and gas companies to take over the 17 per cent shares each previously owned by ConocoPhilips and Total. The project, which gulped about $1.2 billion as at 2011 covering early site works and maintenance, has remained moribund the Senate noted. It therefore, directed the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Brass LNG to brief its committee on gas resources on the extent of the implementation of the project. The Senate resolutions was sequel to a motion on the need to ensure the revival of the Brass LNG by Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo (APC, Bayelsa) and 26 other lawmakers during plenary. While pre...

Thousands displaced as Bandits attack villagers By  AFP Thousands of villagers have been displaced following days of attacks by armed “bandits” on 10 remote communities in central Nigeria, emergency services said Tuesday. Gunmen on motorbikes stormed into a string of villages in the Shiroro district of Niger state from Friday to Monday, shooting and torching homes and forcing residents to flee. “We have so far documented 4,000 people displaced by the bandits,” Niger State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) spokesman Ibrahim Audu Hussein told AFP. “The IDPs (internally displaced persons) are sheltered in a camp in nearby Kuta district,” said Hussein, warning the number could increase as more people were arriving at the camp. Emergency workers were yet to deploy to the affected communities as the assailants were still in the villages, he said. “We don’t have casualty details because the area is still too dangerous for our men to...

Okowa's Supreme Court Victory Is An Affirmation Of Deltans Mandate At the Poll, Says Okowa SSA, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel The senior special assistant on secirity to the government, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel has described the victory of His Excellency senator Ifeanyi Okowa is well deserved, adding that It is was widely anticipated. He ssaid, "It was bad advice that pushed great Ogboru to this unpalatable end. I earlier advised that he should not go to supreme court and take the appeal verdict in a good faith but he refused to listen. No wonder the appeal judge called him a gold digger ,trying to reap where he did not sow". "I can see the all-round jubilation on the faces of Deltans which is a sign that Deltans are pleased with Okowa's victoy at the supreme Court. We are happy that attempts to rob Deltans have been resisted"  "Okowa's victory is good for all Deltans. I dedicate it to God almighty and Deltans. Besides, Ogboru must learn to accept defeat. He...

PIND Foundation Concludes Warri MSP Town Hall Meting, For Ijaw, Itsekiri Peace Project  By Orevaoghene Abikele, FRP Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta, PIND foundation, on Thursday,  concludes the Warri Multi Stake Holders Town Hall Meting, held in Warri to institutionalise platform for a peaceful coexistence between the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups. The  Network Coordinator of the  Warri Multi Stakeholder Platform, MSP, High Chief Africa Lawal, who described the meeting as peace project of PIND foundation in the three Warri local government areas of Delta State, during the final town hall meeting at the king George Hall, Warri South Secretariat, urged the ethnic groups to always remind themselves with the message of peace. FocalPoint Reports can authoritatively report that, the town Hall meeting afforded Ijaw and Itsekiri people an opportunity to make new friends, many eagerly yearns  for another opportunity as p...

Goodluck Jonathan was used by APC against PDP, Bayelsa Governor Dickson Alleged, Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has described Saturday’s governorship election in the state as a military coup. He claimed that the election was a charade and a carefully orchestrated plan to forcefully take over Bayelsa state towards entrenching a one-party system. Governor Dickson further alleged that former President Goodluck Jonathan was used by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election. He said the endorsement of governor-elect, David Lyon (APC) by Jonathan was regrettable and a part of the ploy by the APC to strategically take over the state. While addressing a world press conference in Yenagoa on Tuesday, Dickson stated that PDP would challenge the result of November 16 Bayelsa governorship election in court. According to him, the PDP did not lose the election as it was characterised by violence and widespread ...

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson has released video evidence on how the Nigerian Army helped the All Progressives Congress rigged out the People Democratic Party in just concluded Bayelsa Governorship election. Addressing a world press conference in Yenagoa Dickson described the election as a charade and a carefully orchestrated plan to forcefully take over the state towards entrenching a one-party system. He said: “This was not the first time that we are having elections. People were killed, some ripped open and thrown into the river and up till now no arrest. “As democrats, we believe in using democratic procedures in challenging what happened in Ogbia. “In Ogbia, there was no collation done. In most of the areas, at the conclusion of voting, the soldiers came and rounded up everybody and forcibly took them to Ogbia town and asked all PDP leaders to leave to enable them to replace pre-written results. “And so the results announced for Ogbia, like those f...

Delta to join APC soon as Group Celebrates Lyon Delta Ijaw Political Machineries pressure group led by Hon. Stanley Garry, hint that Delta State is next to join the All Progressive Congress as he sent a congratulatory Message to the Governor Elect  of Bayelsa State, His Exellency Chief David Lyon on the just Concluded  Bayelsa state Governorship Election. This was contained in a Press Statement made available to newsmen in Warri  on Monday and signed by a Chieftain of the Party in Burutu LGA in Dalta State. Hon. Garry,  said the victory of David Lyon during last Saturday polls is the consensus wish of Bayelsa people, stressing that Bayelsans will experience massive infrastructural development, as well as human capital empowerment in the coming APC led new administration in the State. According to him, " God has answered the cry of Bayelsans over bad leadership in the past 8 years. We had been in a captivity under People's Democratic Party, PDP Rulership...

Senate to monitor Ogoni cleanup Chairman of the Ecological Committee in the Senate, Hassan Muhammed Gusau, at the weekend said that the committee would soon go on an oversight visit to monitor the level of clean-up exercise and to ensure that the contractors handling the job are genuine and are really working. Gusau, who spoke with team of environmental rights group who paid him a courtesy visit to call for strict monitoring of the clean-up and push for the reading of a bill on the establishment of renewable energy council of Nigeria, which was put forward by the Environment Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), said the committee would ensure that money spent on the clean-up are used judiciously. He said: “The Senate has asked a lot of questions during the last budget defence regarding the clean-up in Ogoniland because a lot of contracts were awarded and we have not seen any efficiency in that regard. “We in the Senate are here to make sure the job is done. We are to ...

Delta State Government to Sustain Ijaws/Itsekiri Peace Unity Cup The Delta State government has premised a sustained support to ensure continuity of the  football tournament between Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Delta state.  The deputy governor of Delta State, Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, represented by the Delta state commissioner, of Oil and Gas Prince Emman Ambgaduba made this known during the Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup tournament, yesterday at Ugborodo community Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State. The deputy governor noted that the Governor of the State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is much interested In sport, peace and development of the coastal communities, promising that the state government will support the unity of Ijaws and Itsekiri's. The opening ceremony and the football competition between Tebujor versus Ugborodo witnessed the presence of Barr. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro, Deputy Governor of Delta State, w...

GBARAMATU MONARCH ENDORSES IJAW-ITSEKIRI PEACE-UNITY FOOTBALL CUP COMPETITION... .... Says Unity will Attract More Development The Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Oboro Gbaran the 2nd has endorsed the Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity football cup fiesta, saying it will attract more development to the area. The Gbaramatu Monarch made the call in his palace at Oporoza town in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State when the Local Organizing Committee led by Hon. Kenneth Nwamuocha paid him a courtesy call to inform and invite him as the Royal Father of the Day at the football tournament. The Pere commended the initiator and sponsor of the unity football game, Comrade Mulade Sheriff and called for more programmes that will help to cement the cordial relationship between Ijaw and Itsekiri, and appealed to Ijaw and Itsekiri in the coastal areas of the Niger Delta Region to work for peace, promote and sustain  peaceful co-existence in the area to attract more development. High...

  CEPEJ Ends 10th Conference, Malami Revels How FG Uses Recovered Looted Funds  By Ezekiel Kagbala (FPR) The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami on Wednesday, in Abuja revealed how the Nigerian Federal Government was using recovered loots to fund the 2020 budget, and also fight corruption and insecurity.  Malami who was represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Justice Reforms, Mrs. Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagu at CEPEJ 10th International Conference tagged, Insecurity and Corruption: Implications for Development in Africa, at the NAF Conference Center Abuja,   The National Coordinator of CEPE, Comrade Sheriff Mulade who welcomed participants, said owing to the nation's many challenges, Nigeria needs multilateral efforts more than ever before to conquer corruption and insecurity. He stressed the need for synergy of efforts among critical stakeholders towards proffering lasting solutions that can help facilitate innovativ...

NGO PIND Foundation, Champions Peace Meeting as Ijaw, Itsekiri Meet in Delta State A Nigerian Non governmental organisation, Partnership Initiative in the Niger  Delta, PIND Foundation, on Wednesday held a town hall meeting for Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups at Ogbe-Ijoh, the Local Government headquarters of Warri South-West, Delta State.  The  network coordinator, Partner For Peace in the Niger Delta, High, Chief Africas Lawal who spoke during the meeting, urged the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities under the Warri Multi Stake Holders Platform (MSP) to appreciate their common traits. The gathering was attended by Ijaw, Itsekiri Leaders, local government Chairman, traditional rulers and security agencies who presented salient points on the importance of peaceful coexistence. For the second time, leaders of the two ethnic groups are meeting and brainstorming under the Warri Multi Stakeholders Platform, MSP, for Peaceful coexistence, the first ...

Delta Economy in Bad Shape, CDHR Vice President Taiga, Tells Gov. Okowa  The National Vice President, Committee for the Defense of Human  Right, Dr. Kehinde Taiga on Tuesday alleged that the Economy of Delta state is in bad shape, adding that Deltans who are not part of the political cabals are wallowing in penury. The immediate Past State CDHR Chairman told  our reporter yesterday in Warri that the economy of Delta State runs in the hands of cabals working with the State Governor, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, no one cares to give account of internally generated revenue and the economy that is currently running in the hands of Delta State government cabals. He called on the governor to ensure proper resuscitation of the state economy with the aim of reducing the high rate of poverty experienced in the state. The right activists called for immediate implementation of section 16 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to avoid violating the right ...

Ijaw/Itsekiri football Peace Unity Cup 2019: Gospel Singer Commends Sheriff Mulade A gospel singer, Jennifer Imazobi of Christ Embassy Warri, on Tuesday commends Comrade Sheriff Mulade for his effort to unite the Ijaw and Itsekiri people of Delta state. The singer who spoke with our media representative stressed on the need for peace and unity in Delta State and Nigeria at large. She also said that she is moved by the passionate ideas of Mulade to create a platform to unite the two ethnic groups.  She further described the Sheriff Mulade upcoming peace and unity football competition as a welcome development in our nation and urges leaders at all level to emulate and give their full support to opportunities like this in order to enhance and stimulate effective growth that can move the nation forward.

Governors, Dangote off to U.S for talks with Bill Gates Foundation   Governors Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) Babangana Zulum (Borno), Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) and Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe) and President of Dangote Foundation, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Monday left Nigeria for Seattle in the United States (U.S.A). They will hold a roundtable discussion with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on healthcare interventions in Nigeria. A statement by Governor Mohammed’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media, Muktar Gidado, said his participation at the end of the year discussion in Seattle would strengthen Bauchi State’s primary health care delivery. The statement reads: “The provision of an effective health care service delivery is one of the important basic social services required by the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed to ensure meaningful and even development in the state. “Consequently, therefore, the 2019 end of the year discussion in Seattle...

Itsekiri Leader Desopadec Commissioner Make Case For Sheriff Mulade over Appointment. The member representing Itsekiri ethnic nationality in the board of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr. Griftson Omatsuli, during the weekend said, the Chief organizer of the Ijaw/ Itsekiri peace unity cup, Comrade Sheriff Mulade should be appointed to serve in a leadership position in Delta state government. The Itsekiri leader made the assertion at his country home in Warri when Mulade led his team to visit Omatsuli and officially invite him to the upcoming football tournament and also present a Jersey to him.  The commissioner stated categorically that Sheriff Mulade is a detribalised leader in the Niger Delta, There will be peace, development and unity if he is given an appointment to serve the State. FocalPoint Reports can authoritatively report that the executive governor of Delta State, Sen. Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has received several calls and  recom...

Appeal Court Declears Ochor winner, struck out APC petition  The Delta State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Christopher Ochor Ochor on Saturday November 9, 2019 was  declared the winner of the House of Assembly 2019 election.   In his filling, the Appeal Court sitting in Benin City, headed by Hon. Justice Haruna Tsammani struck out the petition filled by the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the ground that the party failed to nominate the appellant, Ochonogor at the time of the election, but Mr.  Eze Omolu. Stating that the appellant did not win primary within the time allowed to nominate candidate and that his party (APC) failed to nominate him as their candidate in line with the electoral guideline. Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Ochor has dedicated his victory at the appellate court to the people of his Ukwuani constituency. In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, the lawmaker stated that the appeal court decision was a vic...

You have done well for Deltan's Warri South LG Boss Michael Tidi Commends  Mulade....  The executive Chairman, Warri South Local Government Area, Hon. Michael Tidi on Friday commended Comrade Sheriff Mulade and his team for organising a football tournament to unite the Ijaws and Itsekiris. The LG boss Michael Tidi, O.D. Akambe; Head of personnel Management, warri south LGA, Hon. Eboh Okpako Elvis; supervisor for youth, sport and community development, warri south LGA and Jakpa Emmanuel, chairman warri economic summit Group, who received Comrade Sheriff  Mulade and his team for the Ijaw/Itsekiri unity cup 2019 in Warri noted that, this is not the first time Comrade sheriff Mulade is embarking on such noble venture to unite the two ethnic groups. He also added that the Ijaw/Itsekiri unity cup will cement peace in Delta by promoting peaceful coexistence. Comrade sheriff Mulade, the chief organizer of the football tournament noted that leaders from the...

Sheriff Mulade Ijaw, Itsekiri Peace, Unity Cup 2019:  Players, Participants Screened, Gets Fixture, Supports in Benikukuru   The participating Communities and their various football team yesterday, Thursday converged at Benikukuru, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State to get fixture for  the foremost grassroots football competition in the riverine region. The local organizing committee for the second edition of the Sheriff Mulade Ijaw, Itsekiri Peace, Unity Cup 2019, led by the chairman,  Honourable Ken Nwamuocha, received players, coaches, captains and supporters with its technical and Welfare committee at Benikurukuru community for participatory screening and qualifier for inter-ethnic football competition. The Chairman said "The tournament is planed to promote peace and unity as the end of the tournament will signal an achievement of peaceful coexistence between the two ethnic groups. We have gone inside and outside the state to make...

Sheriff Mulade Ijaw, Itsekiri Peace, Unity Cup 2019:  Players, Participants Screened, Gets Fixture, Supports at Benikurukuru The participating Communities and their various football team yesterday, Thursday converged at Benikurukuru, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State to get fixture for  the foremost grassroots football competition in the riverine region. The local organizing committee for the second edition of the Sheriff Mulade Ijaw, Itsekiri Peace, Unity Cup 2019, led by the chairman,  Honourable Ken Nwamuocha, received players, coaches, captains and supporters with its technical and Welfare committee at Benikurukuru community for participatory screening and qualifier for inter-ethnic football competition. The Chairman said "The tournament is planed to promote peace and unity as the end of the tournament will signal an achievement of peaceful coexistence between the two ethnic groups. We have gone inside and outside the state to make this tournam...

IJAW/ ITSEKIRI PEACE AND UNITY CUP DRAWS HOLDS TODAY @ UGBORODO THURSDAY The stage is now set for the second edition of the Ijaw/Itsekiri peace and unity cup football tournament as the preliminary playoff draws hold on Thursday the 7th of November, 2019. The draws scheduled to hold at the Ugborodo township stadium will have the 16 teams from the two ethnic groups participating and know their opponents for the first stage of the competition, while details of the fixtures will be made public later. Corroborating the draws, the LOC's head of media and publicity committee for the tournament, Mr Azuka Chiemeka said all is now set for the draws, adding that it will go with a press briefing to hint the mass media and the coastal communities about the football fiesta. Mr. Azuka added that  major stakeholders including representatives of the participating communities, the Delta State FA, football scouts and the press are expected at the all important game. He assured that the competitio...

NDDC APPOINTMENT: GROUP URGES FG TO ARREST YOUTHS THREATENING TO DISRUPT NIGER DELTA PEACE USING IYC By Joy Attuah FPR  NO FUNCTIONAL IYC PRESIDENT TO SPEAK FOR THE IJAWS, ERIC OMARE SHOULD BE MINDFUL.... Demebide President of Ijaw Social Human Right Group,  Demebide Jerome has Called on the Nigerian Federal government, Security agencies to arrest any individual or group of persons with clandestine intent of disrupting the relative Peace in the Niger Delta region, using the name of Ijaw Youth Council, IYC. Jerome Demebide in a statement made available to FocalPoint Reports on Wednesday, in Warri lampooned the Ijaw youth body for dragging supremacy contest into the current NDDC board appointments. Demebide condemned the use of Ijaw name for selfish interest especially those misguidedly calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Minister of Niger Delta Affair, Godswill Akpabio for his forthright disposition towards probing the aged long mismanaged NDDC.  He sai...

ABUJA 2019: NIGERIA GOVT, UN AGENCIES TO ATTEND CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 12,  ....TO TACKLE CORRUPTION, INSECURITY FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE A non governmental organization, Center for Peace and Environmental Justices, CEPEJ set to hold her 10th annual conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The National coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade on Tuesday disclosed in Abuja that, CEPEJ partners from the Nigerian government, International agencies, representatives of the United Nation's Office Drugs and Crimes, UNODC, the National Orientation Agency, NOA and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, will join the NGO for fruitful deliberations to address key domestic challenges bedeviling the country. FocalPoint Reports  can authoritatively reports that CEPEJ is collaborating with key agencies for the annual conference, to proffer solution to  insecurity and corruption bedeviling the black continent of Africa as  this year’s conference is focused on addressing  pertin...

NDDC AUDIT: Ijaws Group LED by Ogobri, Demebide Takes Side With Buhari, Backs FG inaugurated 3-Man Interim Committee   ......Congratulates Cairo Ojougboh, Gbene Joi Nunieh, Ibanga Bassey Etang. A group,  Ijaw Social Human Right Group (ISHRG) has express support for President Muhammad's Buhari appointed three-man Interim Management Committee to oversee the affairs of the Niger Delta Development Commission. The Ijaw group expressed readiness to support and work with President Buhari, Senator Godswill Akpabio and the three man interim management committee to oversee the affairs of the NDDC Board. They made this known on Saturday in Warri during a meeting held by members of Ijaw elites forum and leaders of the group.   They commended the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio who  inaugurate the three-man steering committee that is headed by Dr. Gbene Joi Nunieh as acting Managing Director, Cairo Ojougboh as acting Executive Director Projects and Chief ...

Delta State Govt approves Leisure Park, Film village for Oshimili North, Approves Building of Medical Diagnostic Center in Ika Delta State Government has approved the construction of a Film Village and Leisure Park in Ugbolu, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state. The Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, told journalists that the projects were among the approvals at the State Executive Council meeting held on Friday. He said that the council also approved the construction of an advanced mother and child diagnostic center in Ika North East Local Government Area to address issues of morbidity and death associated with childbirth in Delta. “We did not know that for a very long time our brothers in the entertainment industry have taken advantage of the peace in the state, particularly in Asaba, for shooting their films and they have created a huge industry. “The best we can do is to assist them to assist us in the creation of jobs by moping up t...