FocalPoint Reports

Court to Hear Activist Suit Against Delta Community Leader, Oil Companies March 17   By Akpokona Omafuaire From Vanguard, Friday, February 28, 2020   WARRI- A Delta State High Court sitting in Warri, has adjourned till March 17,2020, hearing in the suit a Warri based activist, Bakkawei Mamamu filed against the Odidi community Chairman, Chief Johnny Arigbogha and nine oil companies operating in Odidi community, Warri South West Local Government  Area of Delta State.   Mamamu in the suit is asking the court to stop the payments of community funds into a private bank account.    The claimant is contending that the defendants' companies operating in Odidi community had been paying money meant for the community into the private bank account of the community head, who had refused to render account in the last eight years to the community.  Defendants in the suit are Chief Arigbogha, NestOil Company Limited, Fenog Nigeria Limited, Neconde Energy Limi...

Businessman petitions  Eselemo to IG for allegedly presenting a dud cheque of 250,000 naira in a transaction An Okwagbe based businessman, Mr David Ikpuru has petitioned Mr. Collins Eselemo ,the All Progressive Congress APC candidate for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the 2019 general elections through the Ughelli, Police Area Command to the Inspector General of Police for allegedly obtaining through pretence 500 bags of Dangote cement worth 250,000 naira with a dud cheque. This is contained in a petitioned letter signed by Mr Ikpuru and made available to newsmen saying , the Diamond bank now Access bank cheque which was issued by Mr Eselemo after the transaction on the 10/9/2014 bounced at the bank's counter added that ,ever then,the issuer has been evasive and went into thine air, it stated. The statement noted that after  that transaction, his business has suffered a lot of set backs as he could no longer meet up financially to the dictates of demands...

Businessman petitions Eselemo to IG for allegedly presenting a dud cheque of 250,000 naira in a transaction By Jessica Akete FPR  An Okwagbe based businessman, Mr David Ikpuru has petitioned Mr. Collins Eselemo, the All Progressive Congress APC candidate for the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency in the 2019 general elections through the Ughelli, Police Area Command to the Inspector General of Police for allegedly obtaining through pretence 500 bags of Dangote cement worth 250,000 naira with a dud cheque. This is contained in a petitioned letter signed by Mr Ikpuru and made available to newsmen saying, the Diamond bank now Access bank cheque which was issued by Mr Eselemo after the transaction on the 10/9/2014 bounced at the bank's counter added that ,ever then, the issuer has been evasive and went into thine air, it stated. The statement noted that after  that transaction, his business has suffered a lot of set backs as he could no longer meet up financially to th...

Activist commends Okowa's Aide Ezekiel Daniel as Delta governor donates Security Vehicles By Jessica Akete FPR Niger Delta right activist, Comrade Ozobo Austin, on Thursday in Asaba commended Comrade Ezekiel Daniel, SSA to the governor on Security for his commitment to security duties.    Ozobo Austin disclose that the zeal and commitment in which the SSA display his duties has resulted to the recent donation of security vehicles by his excellency Senator .Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to security agents in Delta state. Ozobo stressed that Ezekiel Daniel commitments for a better security network in the state cannot be overemphasized.  He further asserted that the great feats of achievements in the security sector in the state were part of the commitments of Comrade Ezekiel Daniel,SSA to the governor on Security, through his  media public enlightenments, numerous security meetings and reports. Ozobo said part of the demands made by security agents during Ezekiel ...

Police Arrest Man For Impersonating Oshiomhole, Edo Commissioner Of Police By  Naija News   The Edo State Police command has reportedly made an arrest of a middle-aged man who has been parading himself as an aide to the former state governor, now APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. According to Police Commissioner in Edo State, Jimeta Lawan who also was impersonated, one Monday Clement Shola, 30, has been nabbed after deceiving some well doing persons in the state by impersonation to enrich his account from money they send to him. Reacting to the arrest of the culprit, Jimeta noted that Shola had deceived his victims with claims that he is a former aide to Adams Oshiomhole while he was still the Edo state Governor. Confessing to the crime, Shola reveals that when reach out to his victims on phone, he also do introduce himself as Edo Commissioner of Police, and also act as another person by telling them to give attention the same (which is still himself). “Eventually the p...

FocalPoint Editioral   Heatwave in Nigeria:Residents complains  By Jessica Akete  Residents complains, as temperature hits higher level across Nigeria. The current state of heat according to experts, causes abnormal rise in body temperature, occassioning restless, sleepless nights and stress.  To stay healthy, take more water, avoid rigorous exercise, reduce exposure to heat, use fans, Air Conditioners and allow ventilation.

Feature  4th Edition of Sheriff Mulade's Quiz, Essay Competition Boost Quality Education, Strengths Ethnic Peace in Delta   By Jessica Akete FPR As a means of promoting peaceful coexistence between the three ethnic   groups, Ijaws Itsekiri's and Urhobo's in Warri Delta State, on Wednesday witnessed the participation of their secondary school students in the 4th edition of the Sheriff Mulade's Quiz, Essay Competition. The 2020 annual competition, referred to as the 4th edition of Sheriff Mulade Quiz, Essay took place at Hussey College Warri, Delta State, with 8 secondary schools on participation. The competition has served as a potent model to sustain and Strength Peace between Ijaws, Itsekiri and Urhobos in Delta State.  The competition also served as a means to bridge the gap between Riverine/Rural Schools and their urban counterparts. The 4th edition ended on a good keynote as Alema Secondary school, Warri North LGA, Delta State emerged...

Governor Okowa: Amotekun model won’t work in South-South Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has revealed that adopting the “Amotekun” model of the Western Region was not an option in the South-South region. Okowa confirmed this while donating 35 pick-up-vans to security agencies in the state as he was received by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Hafiz Inuwa, at the Government House, Asaba, on Monday. Okowa said governors in the South-South would soon meet to tackle the challenges of security, economy and the unity of the region. “Every state government is working hard to ensure improved security in the region. I don’t think I need an “Amotekun” for us to get things working in Delta State. “We already had a meeting with the local government council chairmen and the security outfits to improve on what we have. I am aware that most states have vigilance groups or what you call neighborhood watch and they are working hard to strengthen that and that is the direction the Inspector Gen...

‘Nigeria May Face Worse Security Problems’- Aisha Buhari Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, on Monday, warned that Nigeria may face worse security problems. She, therefore, called for synergy among all security agencies. Aisha urged them to re-strategize and re-examine the security structure with a view to stem the rising cases of terrorism in Nigeria. She made the call at an international conference on state and security held at the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna. Aisha Buhari urged government to look into the welfare of security personnel. “Security in Nigeria remains the biggest challenge, it is high time to explore new strategies and approaches. “If care is not taken, we will be expecting the worse of the security problems we are facing in Nigeria,” NAN quoted her as saying. The First Lady appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and provide relevant information to security agencies to avert any potential threat. “All criminals are members of our society and they live in ou...

Omo-AgegeThanksgiving in Delta: Ogboru Absence Raises Suspicion By DailyPost The 2019 Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Delta State, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, on Sunday, shunned the thanksgiving Service of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege which held at the Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area. Details as to why Ogboru was absent at the evenareis still unknown at the time of filing this report. However, it walearnednt that there has been a serious disagreement between Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege and Chief Great Ogboru who were once closed political associates. DAILY POST reports that Chief Ogboru was not only absent but did not send any representative to the event which shutdown Warri and Uvwie Communities. There have been serious accusations of alleged financial misappropriation of election money during the general elections.

Sokebolou , Yokiri Pollution: CEPEJ Boss Sheriff Mulade Mandates SPDC On Relief Materials for Affected Communities, Considers Further A ctions  A formost leading environmental advocacy NGO that stands for a cleaner, better and heathy environment, Center For Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, has called on President Mohammadu Buhari, the Hon Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Timiprye Silver, the Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeayi Okowa, and other relevant stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region as a matter of urgency to prevail on Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPCD) to stop Forthwith the further use of untreated hazardous chemicals in Sokebolou and Yokiri Waterways of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. The National Coordinator of CEPEJ Comrade Mulade Sheriff who stated this in Abuja said, our attention was drawn to the ugly menace and investigation carried out clearly showed that SPDC deposited some unnamed dangerous hazardous chemi...

National Security:  Governor’s Aide Ezekiel Daniel Calls for Religious Intervention  Ezekiel Daniel Joins Divine Anointed Ministry to Celebrate 8th year Anniversary in Delta By Jessica Akete (FPR)  Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Delta State Governor,  Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Security, Comrade Ezekiel Daniel has called on Churches in Nigeria to pray for the country and advocate for peaceful coexistence. The SSA made the call yesterday during church service of Anointed Eagles Ministry as part of activities to mark their 8th year Anniversary in Sapele Delta State. Divine Anointed Ministry Celebrate 8th year Anniversary, cuting cake Ezekiel Daniel during an interview session sion with news men disclosed that Nigeria needs Spiritual solution to end security challenges bedeviling the country, stating that "the spiritual control the physical".  The church service presided over by Apostle G. M. Itama Ebhodaghe tagged Overtake started 9am with a ...

Weekly News Summery of Stories that makes National Headlines for the Week   1. Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Adewale Akanbi, was on Friday suspended for the duration of six months by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers, following an alleged physical assault on a fellow monarch. The Agbuwo of Ogbaagba, Oba Dikhirulahi Akinropo accused the Iwo monarch of punching him severally and inflicted injury on him during a peace meeting at the instance of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 11, Osogbo, Bashir Makama. The Orangun of Ila made the announcement on Friday. 2. President Muhammadu Buhari, Friday, in Abuja said the issue of partial closure of Nigeria’s land border to goods from neighbouring countries will be determined by report of tripartite committee made up of Nigeria, Benin and Niger Republic. President Buhari, who received President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso at the Presidential Villa, said Nigeria’s decision to partially close the border was ...

Nigeria Borders Will Remain Closed – Buhari 4 minutes ago President  Muhammadu Buhari  on Friday said the decision to partially shut down Nigeria’s borders is purely to safeguard national security. He made this known when he received President Roch Marc Christian Kabore of Burkina Faso at the Presidential Villa. According to Buhari, the decision to open or keep the border closed will be determined by a report of the tripartite committee made up of Nigeria, Benin and Niger Republic. “Our major problem is security — the inflow of weapons, ammunition and drugs,”  he said. “We have witnessed a decline in banditry using such weapons since the partial closure of the border. “Also, our farmers are now able to sell their rice since we stopped the inflow of foreign rice, usually dumped in the country.” President Buhari who admitted understanding the concerns of neighbouring countries promised to find an early and enduring solution. FocalPoont reports that the President of Bu...

‘Omo-Agege using his office to trample on me’ – Delta Rep alleges On Thursday, a member of the House of Representatives, Nicholas Ossai accused the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo Agege of using his position to block his bill on establishment of a tertiary institution in his constituency. The lawmaker, who is also from Delta state as Omo-Agege, said that his bill was blocked because the Deputy Senate President is also sponsoring a bill on the same subject matter. Ossai disclosed this to pressmen after his futile attempt to oppose the bill by Omo-Agege. During the second reading of the bill by Omo-Agege, entitled “A Bill for an Act to Provide for Establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State; and for Related Matters (HB. 642) (Senate) (Leader).” Ossai raised a constitution point of Order, Citing Section 14 of the 1999 constitution. But his point of over was over-uled by the presiding officer, Idris Wase. Wase in his ruling faulted Ossai, “Don’t use language to confuse memb...

Edo state Ijaws Congratulate Prof. Kemebradikumo, Urge him to swing into Action, investigate Udo/ Ofunama Road A Niger Delta based sociocultural group under the aegis of  Ajakuramavoice A.K.A golden pen, congratulated the new managing Director of the NDDC interim management board  prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei  over his well deserved appointment,  calls on him and other relevant stakeholders in the board to urgently commence the expected forensic audit of Udo/Ofonama Egbema  road projects, The president of Ajakurama voice Comr. Mingo F. Saya on his press briefing  today thursday 20th Feb 2020, at Benin city , after the  media  team visites of  Udo Ofunama Egbema  abandoned roads project, signed a press  statement, applaud President Muhammad Buhari for adhere the Cry's of Ijaw Nation, by expanding NDDC  board,   The  apex social cultural group that advocates for the development of Ijaw kingdom's in Edo an...

James Ibori loses property as Obaseki revokes C of O The statutory right of occupancy granted to a former Governor of Delta, James Ibori, in respect of a property on plot 103A Aiguobasimwin Crescent, old GRA, Benin City has been revoked by Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo State Obaseki explained that he revoked the property in exercise of the power conferred on him by Sections (28) 1 and 38 of the Land Use Decree of 1978 Obaseki, who signed the revocation order, said the property contained an area approximately 1985.950 square meters. He, however did not state further reason for the revocation. However, When NAN contacted Ibori, the former governor said “I am aware. He told me three months ago.”

Protest as House of Reps pass Senator Omo-Agege’s bill to establish polytechnic in Delta 2 hours ago The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading, a bill seeking to establish a polytechnic in the Orogun area of Delta State. The reading was, however, marred with a protest by a member, Nicholas Ossai. Ossai had earlier in February protested the first reading of the bill to ‘Provide for Establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State,’ which was sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege, passed by the Senate and transmitted to the House for concurrence. Ossai had also said a bill seeking to establish a polytechnic in his constituency, which was passed by the House, had been stepped down by the Senate. The House had consequently stepped down the bill sponsored by Omo-Agege. The bill was, however, considered for a second reading on Thursday, which Ossai protested. The Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase, who presided over the plenary, ruled Ossai...

Tears in Bomadi as  Woman Poisons Self, Baby After Baby Daddy Denied The Baby A 22-year-old lady in Bomadi community, Delta state has allegedly killed herself and her child after her baby daddy denied paternity of her child. Naija News learnt that the lady, identified as Epigha Peace Koboye allegedly poisoned herself and the baby as their bodies were found at her residence last Sunday It was further gathered that their corpses have been evacuated and deposited at Bomadi General Hospital. In other news, some residents of an undisclosed area have nabbed a Hausa young boy selling toxic drinks to people.d A video which emerged online showing people who caught the boy, the toxic drink which the Hausa young man sells seems to be mixed with a chemical that could destroy the human body system. While forcing the boy to kneel down, one of the bottles of the toxic drink was opened and the liquid inside was tested on something that looks like plastic, and surprisingly, the poison melted the pl...

Waffi TV Takes off Live on Air, Create Platform for Entrepreneurship, Skill, Talent Exhibition, Reality TV By Ezekiel Kagbala FPR Niger Delta based fast growing Nigeria pidgin Television Station, known as Waffi Tv, yesterday rented the Nigeria Air waves on Star-Times and other television networks in the country. This came as the  managing Director of Waffi-Tv, Pastor Arex Akemotubo who celebrated the station's achievements in Warri, Delta State, unveiled a special project to create platform for the nurturing and exhibition of talent and equipping participants with the needed entrepreneurial skills and funds that will enable them run their business successfully. Akemotubo disclosed that, the  program includes; Fashion design, Graphics design, Singing, Hairstyling, Dancing, Shoe making and other innovative skills, tagged; STARDOM 2020 initiate. He also hinted that the showcase will be done in a  reality TV show as part of  programme designed to ...

Ijaw Group, IPDI Berates Political, Traditional Leaders Over Repeated Military Invasions  The Ijaw right group, Ijaw People's Development Initiative, IPDI yesterday berated Political and traditional rulers in the Niger Delta for being silent in the face of persistent attacks on Ijaw communities  by military personnel. The National Coordinator of IPDI, Comrade Austin Ozobo, in a statement on Wednesday lapooned political and traditional leaders in Ekeremor are solely to be blamed for staying silent over the recent invasion and burning of communities. This came as Ozobo reacts to the military invasion and razing of Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area. Lamenting that From July 2019 to February 2020, four different communities have been invaded and burnt by the Joint Task Force, JTF. He explained that leaders in the area were too scared to speak against the unguided activities of the military. “We are taken aback by another unsavory military invasion of Letugbene ...

Investors stake N458.2 billion for N140 billion FGN Bond The appetite of investors to take up Federal Government Bond has remained unabated, as they staked a total of N458.2 billion for the N140 billion bond put on offer by the Debt Management Office (DMO), yesterday. The auction exercise was also characterised by a reduction in the allotment rates at between 8. 7500% to 12.15 %, an indication that is was becoming cheaper for the federal government to raise funds at the capital market. According to the result of the February 2020 FGN Bond Auction by DMO was the maintenance of the consistent oversubscription outlook at the bond auction. The DMO offered N140.00 Billion across three (3) Instruments to investors at the Auction (5-Year tenor: N45.00 billion 10-Year tenor: N45.00 and 30-Year tenor: N50.00 billion). The Office said that subscriptions received through Competitive Bids for the three instruments were N398.20 billion, indicating a total subscription level of 284.43%. Non-Competit...

Mulade Sheriff To commence 4 edition of Rural/Riverine Quiz, Essay Competition  26th Feb, 2020 The 2020 Edition of Comrade Sheriff Mulade Peace and Unity Quiz and Essay Competitions for students is set to kicked off at Hussey College, Warri on the 26th Feb, 2020 In a press statement made available to FocalPoint Reports yesterday in Warri, the Niger Delta Leader and National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, Amb, Comrade Sheriff Mulade hints that all was set to boost qualitative education in Delta State. The 4 edition of the Rural/Riverine Quiz, Essay Competition will attract participants from school around Warri South Local Government area, Warri North and Warri South-west Local government respectively. Schools to represent; Warri South LGA 1 . Obodo Secondary School, Obodo 2. Erejuwa Secondary School, Ode Itshekiri, Big Warri. 3. Egbokodo Secondary School Egbokodo. Warri North LGA 1.Oloduwa Secondary School, Opuama 2. Omasheye Secondary School, A...

Electricity Problem: Shoprite in Effurun, Warri Shuts down By Jessica Akote (FPR) The Shoprite at Effurun, near Warri Delta state was today shut down leaving many customers disappointed. FocalPoint Reports today Tuesday, contacted authorities operating in the shopping mall but they tactfully declined comments. However, our investigations revealed that the power plant that powers the Shoprite store in the mall was faultily forcing them to close down temporally as they struggle to rectify it. It was also gathered that they opened durring the morning hours but could not continue with business so they have to shut down. A source also disclosed that this is not the first time they have to close down adding that monthly stock-taking also necessitates heir occasional closure.

How Gunmen Attack oil Vessel Killed four soldiers, Burning of houses in Lutegbene, Ekeremor LGA Bayelsa State Suspected pirates have reportedly attacked an oil barge along the waterways of Lutegbene, Ekeremor Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, South-south Nigeria. It was gathered that the attack which happened on Sunday night, resulted in the killing of four soldiers and two civilians. Many others who managed to escape by diving into the water and swimming to safety sustained gunshot wounds. The incident reportedly unsettled the community as troops were said to have mobilised to the area demanding residents to produce the perpetrators. Confirming the development, sources said soldiers started burning some houses in the area following failures by the residents to identify the suspects. A source from the council, who spoke in confidence, said the soldiers were escorting the barge from Port Harcourt in Rivers State to Warri in Delta State when it came under attack. He said:  “...

Police extend curfew in Bayelsa to February 23 The Bayelsa State Police Command on Monday extended the three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew earlier imposed on the state from February 17 to February 23. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Uche Anozia, announced this at a press briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital. He said: “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to commend the general public over their good conduct in observing the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the state as a result of the violent protest that accompanied the Supreme Court judgement, on Thursday, February 13, 2020. “On the other hand, in the light of credible intelligence available to the Command vis-a-vis the prevailing security situation in Bayelsa State, the Command has deemed it necessary to review and extend the curfew to Sunday, February 23,  with effect from today Monday 17, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. “Members of the public are advised to remain indoors as security agencies wi...

Police extend curfew in Bayelsa to February 23 The Bayelsa State Police Command on Monday extended the three-day dusk-to-dawn curfew earlier imposed on the state from February 17 to February 23. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Uche Anozia, announced this at a press briefing in Yenagoa, the state capital. He said: “The Bayelsa State Police Command wishes to commend the general public over their good conduct in observing the dusk to dawn curfew imposed on the state as a result of the violent protest that accompanied the Supreme Court judgement, on Thursday, February 13, 2020. “On the other hand, in the light of credible intelligence available to the Command vis-a-vis the prevailing security situation in Bayelsa State, the Command has deemed it necessary to review and extend the curfew to Sunday, February 23,  with effect from today Monday 17, from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. “Members of the public are advised to remain indoors as security agencies wi...

David Lyon’s sack: APC Demands Fresh Governorship Election  in Bayelsa Following the sack of former Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon, by the Supreme Court and the declaration of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Douye Diri as the State governor, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has demanded for a fresh election. The APC said that only a fresh governorship election conducted by INEC would be the solution to resolving the crisis rocking the State presently. The party’s position was made in public by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena when he addresses reporters in Abuja on Sunday. He said that the volte face commendation of the Supreme Court and INEC by the PDP over the judgement has exposed the main opposition as a fraudulent and two-faced party. Nabena asked the National Chairman of the PDP, Uche Secondus, whether democracy is no longer under threat as he had claimed earlier after the same Supreme C...

 Warri Chief Demands Urgent Reopening of Warri Port as Deputy Senate President Visits Olu Of Warri A prominent chief of the Warri Kingdom, Solomon Areyinka has urged the federal government to expedite action toward the reopen the Warri Port. Chief Solomon Areyinka made the call yesterday  Saturday, in Warri Delta state, during the courtesy visit of the Deputy Senate President Of Nigeria, Ovie Omo-Agege to Ogiame Ikenwoli, Olu of Warri. chief Solomon Areyinka   According to Areyinka, Omo-Agege's visit was part of his homecoming to show respect to the first-class monarch in the Niger Delta. Areyinka also noted the Delta State government needs to synergize with the federal government to achieve quick reopening of the famous Warri Port.

Focus on Unity, Infrastructural, Human Capital Development Sheriff Mulade Urges, Congratulates  Diri, Ewhrudjakpor  as Governor, Deputy  Bayelsa State The National Coordinator, Center for Peace and Environmental Justice,  CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Muladehas congratulated His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and his Deputy His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor for their successful Swearing in as Governor and Deputy of one of the Niger Delta finest oil and gas producing States.  The National Coordinator of the foremost Niger Delta based Non Governmental Organisation, the CEPEJ  Sheriff  Mulade ssued the statement in Abuja congratulated and charged them to focus on unity, infrastructural and human capital development of the state According  to him;  " It is worthy of note that Bayelsa is in dire need of development, therefore the new Governor should adopt a pragmatic approach to create a conducive environment for all residents and att...

Steer clear of Bayelsa State PDP Warns Oshiomhole,   Douye Diri set to be sworn in The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has warned Adams Oshiomhole, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to steer clear of Bayelsa state. PDP claimed that Oshiomhole was plotting to trigger violence in the state, over Thursday’s judgment of the Supreme Court that sacked the APC governor-elect, David Lyon. The judgment may pave the way for PDP’s candidate, Senator Douye Diri, to be sworn-in as governor on Friday, February 14. Oshiomhole, reacting to the judgement, insisted that Diri cannot be sworn in, alleging that PDP did not garner the stipulated votes during the election. However, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, “The people of Bayelsa state know as a fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under our laws cannot take instructions from any individual, let alone a factional national chairman of a dysfunctional political par...

Amotekun Personnel To Carry Licensed Firearms: South-West Attorney Generals 38 seconds ago According to reports, the operatives of Amotekun will be known as corps and will bear licensed firearms while working. This was made known by the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda, while speaking on the outcome of a meeting of the Attorney Generals from the South-West zone held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday. Fapohunda revealed that each of the Commissioners for Justice in the zone agreed to insert a clause which empowers the Amotekun Corps to carry only licensed firearms in the bill for an act backing up the initiative. He, however, said arms bearing by Amotekun personnel would be subject to the approval of the Inspector-General of Police, Adamu Mohammed.  

Rethinking the Ijaw Nation’s agenda:  Obasanjo made grave mistake to include Imo, Abia, Ondo in Niger Delta region – INDS Director, Etekpe The Director, Institute for Niger Delta Studies (INDS) of the Niger Delta University, Prof. Ambily Etekpe, has said former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, made grave mistake when he included Imo, Abia and Ondo States as member states when he created the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Prof. Etekpe explained further that it is an unarguable fact that Imo, Abia and Ondo States are crude oil producing states but that they do not fall into the geographic region referred to as Niger Delta, and therefore, should not be benefiting from funds specifically earmarked for the development of the region. Etekpe stated this while presenting a paper entitled “Towards good governance: rethinking the Ijaw Nation’s agenda in the past in Nigeria” during a one day Intra media workshop organized by the Oloibiri Youngstars Foundation in part...

President Buhari Appoints Daniel Amokachi President  Muhammadu Buhari  on Tuesday approved the appointment of former Super Eagles player, Daniel Amokachi. Naija News  reports that Amokachi was appointed as Nigeria’s Football Ambassador. A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, recalled that Amokachi, a member of the 1994 Super Eagles Team that won the African Nations Cup in Tunisia, was also in the Nigerian Olympic Football Team to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that won the Gold Medal. The statement also noted that in addition to his football exploits in Europe, particularly in England where he won the FA Cup with Everton in 1995, Amokachi after retirement has managed Nasarawa United and Enyimba Football Club of Aba. “As Nigeria’s Football Ambassador – a largely ceremonial role – Amokachi will assist the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to scout for talents, be part of processes to ...

Activists In Delta Drags Community Leader, Shell, Nestoil, seven Others to Court A human right activists in Warri Delta State,  Comrade Mamamu Bakkawei has dragged nine oil companies operating in  Odidi Community, Warri South West Local Government Area of the State and Odidi Community Chairman, Chief Johnny Arigbogha before the State High Court in Warri demanding accountability and order restraining the payment of community funds into private Bank account.  The activist in collaboration with the Committee for the Defence of Human Right, CDHR, on Thursday, alleged that the affected companies operating in Odidi Community has been paying money meant for the community into the private bank account of the community chairman, Chief Johnny Arigbogha, who has refused to render account for the past eight years to the community.   The activist who forwarded a copy of the suit No W/13/2020  filed at the High Court of Justice, Delta State of Nigeria in the ...

Group Demands Speedy Completion of Ayakoromo Bridge   A popular Ijaw right protection group in Delta State, Concerned Citizens For lzon-ebe Development (CCFID), has appealed to the State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to ensure speedy completion of the long abandoned Ayakoromor bridge in Burutu Local Government Area. This was contained in a statement issued on Monday in Warri Delta State by the leader of the group, Comrade Oyinbi Onduku who also appealed to the foremost ljaw born Niger Delta freedom fighter, High Chief. Government Oweizide Emkpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo to intervene on the slow pace of work at Ayakoromo bridge project. The group also commend Tompolo, The ljaw leader for instituting peace initiative to unite the fascinated IYC.  Oyinbi Onduku further disclosed that the Ayakoromo bridge is lacking government attention commitment to ensure speedy completion. Expressing disappoint over the abandoned bridge he said, "Ayakoromo bridge project ...

2023: S/West PDP Bigwigs on the Move to Remove Party's National Chairman Secondus Top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest have begun consultations and campaigns to convince other stakeholders in the party to remove Prince Uche Secondus as the party’s national chairman, our reporter has gathered. Secondus is under fresh pressure to leave office over alleged crises in the state chapters, gale of defections, House of Representatives crisis, constitutional breaches and failure of the National Working Committee (NWC) under his watch to get victory for the party in the 2019 presidential election. Secondus’ tenure of four years would elapse in 2021, when another national convention would be conducted for a new leadership to emerge but Daily Trust gathered that some PDP stalwarts are plotting his removal before then. A credible source from the Southwest revealed to Daily Trust that some founding fathers of the party, former national officers, former gov...

Buhari Approves Construction Of Two New Seaports In Warri, Bonny The Minister of Transportation, RotimiAmaechi, said President MuhammaduBuhari has approved the building of two new seaports in the country. While speaking on “Railway Infrastructure: Progress and Plan” at the 2020 national economic outlook in Lagos, Amaechi said the new seaports would be located in in Warri, Delta State and Bonny in Rivers State. He said Buhari hadalso assured that a railway would be constructed from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Maiduguri, Borno State. “We will provide railway from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, the President has assured me. We are discussing and announcement would be made on the project soon. “The president has also approved the construction of two new seaports; one in Bonny and another in Warri. The first deep seaport we will have in Nigeria is already being built in Lekki. There’s one being proposed by the AkwaIbom State Government. I think they call i...