FocalPoint Reports

Chief Sheriff Mulade Mourns Over Death of Rev. Dr. I. C Tolar...Encourage Family to Remain Strong The Ibe-soremowei of Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South West LGA of Delta State, Chief Comrade Sheriff Mulade has condoled with the Tolar's family and the peace loving people of Kokodiagbene Community over the death of Rev. Dr. I.C Tolar which occured on Sunday June 28, 2020.  Chief Mulade said he received the news of Dr. Tolar's death with great chock and surprise. He said Dr. Tolar was more than a father, describing him as a leader, mentor, and an inspirator to his achievements in life.  Chief Sheriff Mulade said Rev. Dr. I. C Tolar was a very resourceful and highly principled man with focus and detarmination, describing  his death as a big blow to Kokodiagbene Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom and Ijaw Nation. He said the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill due to his dynamic nature and ways of doing things. Quoting Acts 24:15, and John 5:28,29, C

Why I want all Southsouth states under PDP, by Wike RIVERS State Governor Nyesom Wike has expressed his desire for all Southsouth states to be under the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He spoke ahead of the September governorship election in Edo State where Governor Godwin Obaseki of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) got the PDP ticket. The Rivers State governor, who spoke on Arise TV, explained that as a loyal party man, he would want his party to win in Edo State. He said the PDP was happy to have resolved the disagreement that ensued in Edo State before last week’s governorship primary. “Sometimes there can be disagreements, but the ability to reconcile everybody is important. Particularly, as an opposition party, it is healthy to have division. There is no need to make people think that you don’t want them. I told Governor Obaseki so and anybody who knows me understands that I am not against anybody. “After the primaries, everybody is very happy

2023: Gov Wike speaks out on ‘presidential ambition’ Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike has dismissed rumours that he will be contesting for the presidency in 2023. The Rivers Governor said it is too early to start playing 2023 politics. Wike said this when he appeared on Arise Television on Sunday, recalling that in the build-up to the 2019 general election, there were also rumours that he wanted to be running mate to the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal. “In 2018 to 2019 when I was supporting my friend, it was speculated I was going to run with Tambuwal,” Wike said. Governor Wike said that by the time this rumour was flying about he had not finished his first term “and you are telling me to give away my second tenure to run for what I am not sure of.” “When you take a position on certain issues, people will continue to speculate. I am not going to run for the President of Nigeria for now.” The Governor said he was concentrating in developing his State, adding that he was n

Electricity Tariff  Hike Compulsory from July 1, No Going Back on Upward review– DISCOs, The Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, said yesterday that they have resolved to continue with the implementation of the upward review of the electricity tariff slated to take off   on July 1, 2020, despite unusual silence from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, over the issue. The DISCOs in a statement by their umbrella body, the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, ANED, signed by its Executive Director of Research and Advocacy, Barr. Sunday Oduntan, in Abuja, however expressed surprise over the action of the sector’s regulatory agency Oduntan said the companies decried the recent attempt by their regulatory body, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to distance itself from the July 1 commencement of a new service-based electricity tariff regime. He said:  “We are in a regulated sector. We cannot take a decision about a very critical

Ijaw need tested men in Senate, says Clark IJAW National Leader Chief Edwin Clark has endorsed the candidacy of former Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson for the Bayelsa West Senatorial District. He also urged Ijaw leaders across the country to support the ex-Governor for the position which became vacant as a result of the election of the holder Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo as deputy governor, in the collective interest of the Ijaw nation and the Niger Delta. Chief Clark was quoted by Dickson’s media adviser Fidelis Soriweri, as saying that Bayelsa and the Ijaw nation was seriously in need of men of demonstrable character, courage, capacity and knowledge like Dickson to be in the senate. He said the former governor possesses vast experience in leadership, the political network, and the requisite knowledge to effectively tackle the critical issues of interest to the Ijaw nation such as Resource Control, True Federalism, Restructuring, Power Devolution among others. The Elder Statesman said

Two dead in Bauchi tanker explosion Two people have reportedly lost their lives in Azare, headquarters of Katagum LGA in Bauchi State following a fire outbreak. Reports have it that the incident occurred at about 3 am on Friday when a petrol tanker exploded shortly after it had offloaded its contents at a filling station in the town. A source told our correspondent that the tanker was going out of the town when a live electricity wire fell on it causing it to explode, a development that caused confusion in the town forcing people to rush out of their homes for safety. The incident was said to have occurred at the First Bank roundabout along the General Hospital Road within the Azare town known to be a busy area of the town. It was in the process of scampering for safety that the two people, who were trapped in the tanker, believed to be the driver and his motor boy were burnt to death. Their bodies were later evacuated and deposited at the General Hospital morgue. When cont

How I nearly quit reelection battle — Obaseki   EDO State governor, Godwin Obaseki, revealed on Friday that he contemplated quitting the battle for his re-election bid but support from his family, friends and colleague governors gave him the courage to fight on. He also declared that he would be governor again for another four years by defeating on September 19, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Obaseki made these declarations in his acceptance speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin in the early hours of Friday, after emerging victorious in the indirect governorship primary election involving delegates from the 192 wards across the 18 local government areas of Edo State. The Edo State governor, who cast his vote at 9:06 pm on Thursday, rounded off his acceptance speech at 12:29 am yesterday, noting that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) provided him a shelter with its large umbrella when he was drenched by he

Ajimobi’s death: Fear God, nobody goes to grave with money – Bamgbose warns politicians Olusegun Bamgbose, Esq., National Coordinator Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, CAGG, has warned politicians to fear God. Bamgbose gave the warning in a reaction to the death of a former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, a development he described as “a very painful and a sad one.” The senior lawyer, who prior to the death of the All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, declared that it would take serious prayers for him to survive beyond July 7, 2020, said leaders must have it at the back of their minds that death is inevitable.  This morning, Bamgbose also described the former lawmaker as one of the brightest politicians from the South West, adding that, “The Yorubas have really lost a star, a gem, in fact Nigeria as a whole.” He added, “He died at a crucial time when his political inputs would have been most needed. It’s really unfortunate to have lost an illustr

Nigeria: No state is safe, secure anymore – Obasanjo Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said insecurity is one issue common to Nigerians, regardless of tribe, language, religion, location, gender, age or social position. He noted that without reforming the federating units, Nigeria would remain insecure, unstable, unprogressive, stagnated and, at worst, disintegrate. Obasanjo spoke on Friday at this year’s edition of the Sobo Sowemimo Annual Lecture organised by Abeokuta Club. The event was titled, “COVID-19 and the Nigeria security issues: The way forward.” He added, “Let me lay more emphasis on the issue of security, which in itself is serious enough to make restructuring imperative. The South-West governors cried out and devised Amotekun as a solution or part-solution.  We have yet to see how successfully that will be operated. Other zones are clamouring for a solution because in no state and in no geopolitical zone is life and property safe and secure. “Criminality is t

Delta Governor, wife goes on isolation as daughter test positive to COVID-19 Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state and his wife, Edith, have gone into self-isolation as one of his daughters has tested positive to the lethal coronavirus pandemic. The governor made the revelation on his Instagram and twitter account on Friday morning. He said: “Earlier today, Edith and I received the news that one of our daughters has tested positive for #COVID19. Hence, in-line with the laid out procedures, we are both going into isolation for the next 14-days. We will continue to keep you all updated.”

Breaking: PDP Primary: All clear for Obaseki as Imasuangbon steps down Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. Governor Godwin Obaseki is set to clinch the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship ticket as his fellow aspirant, Kenneth Imasuangbon stepped down a few hours to the delegate election. 2, 229 party delegates thronged the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City in the early hours of Thursday but their work has now been made easier with the choice made by the philanthropist cum politician. The duo of Engr. Gideon Ikhine and Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama had earlier let go of their aspirations in support of Obaseki. Voting would go on nonetheless on the basis of affirmation with Governor Obaseki now set to fly the PDP flag in the September 19 election. Details later… FocalPoint Reports  Contact us or send your story to 08038905146 Www.fpr.com.ng Www.focalpointreports.blogspot.com Other Contacts 08172469679, 08038905146 09050073871 Office Address  147 Warri

World Bank approves $750m loan for Nigeria …as IMF cuts GDP forecast The World Bank has approved a $750m International Development Association credit for Nigeria’s Power Sector Recovery Operation. This was contained in a statement issued by the bank on Wednesday. The statement quoted the bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, as saying the credit would help to improve the electricity supply in Nigeria. The bank expressed worry that about 47 per cent of Nigerians had no access to grid electricity and those who had access faced regular power cuts. It said the economic cost of power shortages in Nigeria was estimated at around $28bn, equivalent to two per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. The World Bank said, “Lack of reliable power has stifled economic activity and private investment and job creation. This is ultimately what is needed to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty. “The objective of this operation is to help turn around the power se

Ghana promises to rebuild demolished Embassy quarters The Government of Ghana has promised to rebuild the demolished building in the Nigeria High Commission. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, announced this. Onyeama expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by Ghana on the issue. He said they have taken responsibikity and agreed to restitute. The Minister however did not spare Nigeria officials in Ghana for not obtaining the necessary documents for the land despite making payment since 2000. He said the High Commission did not have the title deeds for the land neither did it obtain approval for the demolished building. FocalPoint Reports  Contact us or send your story to 08038905146 Www.fpr.com.ng Www.focalpointreports.blogspot.com Other Contacts 08172469679, 08038905146 09050073871 Office Address  147 Warri Sapele  Road Warri  Delta State  Let us share your Stories and ideas with the world.  Enjoy a wider spread of your stories across the  globe.

COVID-19 deaths: Nigeria overtakes Sudan  Nigeria has overtaken Sudan on COVID-19 death charts and currently occupies the 4th position on the continent. Africa has recorded over 8,700 deaths due to complications arising from COVID-19. According to the latest number released by the World Health Organization, WHO, regional office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, there are 8,733 deaths recorded on the continent. Africa has also recorded 332,820 COVID-19 cases and 157,000 recoveries in 54 countries. As of Thursday morning, Nigeria is now ahead of Sudan with 542 reported deaths, the fourth-highest on the continent. Sudan has 540 deaths, while Egypt has 2,365 reported deaths, the highest on the continent, followed by South Africa with 2,205 deaths, and Algeria with 869 deaths. Other countries are Cameroon (313 deaths), Morocco (214 deaths), DR Congo (141 deaths), Kenya (130 deaths), Mauritania (114 deaths), Mali (113 deaths), Ghana (95 deaths), Somalia (90 deaths), E

Buhari presides over virtual FEC meeting  President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presiding over a virtual meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the presidential villa, Abuja. The meeting, which started at 10 am, has in attendance, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and the National Security Adviser (NSA) Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd). Also present are nine ministers including those of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola; Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami; Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika; and Sports and Youths Development, Mr Sunday Dare. Other are those of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu; Petroleum Resources (State), Chief Timipre

Court remands company’s MD for alleged theft in Rivers A Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt has remanded the General Manager of a firm identified as Fedison Manpower Supply Limited, Mr. Odibo Efe, for alleged theft. The operatives of the State Investigation Bureau, SIB, had nabbed the suspect following reports of the victim, Chief Rowland Okpoko, on the attack on his home. The suspect was alleged to have broken into the home of Okpoko, and carted away over 14 television sets and other valuables from the home. The count one of the charges with suit number, PMC/763c/2020 read: “That you Odibo Ete Edirin ‘m’ and others now at large 16th of November, 2019 at Rumuola, Obio/AKpor Local Government Area of Rivers State within the Port Harcourt Magisterial District, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Burglary and Stealing and thereby Committed an offence punishment under Section 5l6A of the Criminal Code Cap. 37 Vol. II, Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria1999.” When the

Federal Government Opens case Against Former Minister,  Calls Goodluck Jonathan’s Ex-aide as witness The  Federal Government yesterday opened its case against former Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN), who is alleged to be involved in N715m fraud.  The Sun reports that the prosecution agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), commenced the trial by calling an ex-aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Tahir Umar Tahir, as its first witness. Turaki was arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on May 4, 2020, on a 16-count charge alongside his former Special Assistant, Sampson Okpetu and two firms allegedly owned by Okpetu – Samtee Essentials Limited and Pasco Investment Limited. In the said charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/61/2020, EFCC said Turaki used the two companies belonging to his aide, to illegally siphon public funds estimated at N714, 670, 014.87, an allegation he denied. Turaki served as the Minister for Special Duties and Inter-Governmenta

Wike pulls out of Edo PDP reconciliation Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, has described some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Demicratic Party (PDP) as tax collectors. Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, said the governor spoke in Port Harcourt while announcing his decision to pull out of the reconciliation efforts of the Edo State Chapter of the PDP. He insisted that such members of the PDP NWC were sycophants and tax collectors who would never tell the truth. He said instead of the NWC to carry everybody along in Edo state, they resorted to using the media to blackmail him. He said: “I told them that in Edo State, we must handle the issue carefully and carry everybody along. They must respect human beings and not behave like tax collectors. “They said because an order was obtained from a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, then I am responsible. “I have had sleepless nights to resolve the issue in Edo state. The Go

BREAKING: Court bars Giadom from APC A Rivers High Court has restrained former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Victor Giadom from parading himself as a member or officer of the party. Justice C. Nwogu gave the order in a suit filed by Okechukwu Chidor Ogbonna and Mac-Lords Peterson against APC Rivers chapter; Acting chairman of the chapter Igo Aguma; Victor Giadom and Golden Chioma in Port-Harcourt. The court stated having been suspended by the State Executive Committee (SEC) of APC, Giadom should not participate in the activities of the party pending determination of the substantive case. The judge ruled: “An order of interim order is hereby made restraining the third defendant from parading himself as an officer or member… or exercising any right or privilege accruable to members….” APC Rivers had forwarded Barrister Worgu Boms as replacement to National Working Committee (NWC), which swore him in on Monday. The Judge adjourned further hea

Edo Guber: Ize-Iyamu reveals when APC crisis will end  The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Edo State, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has said the crisis within the party will end after the governorship primary. Ize-Iyamu emerged the ruling partys flagbearer on Monday, after his main contender Dr. Pius Odubu stepped down hours before the exercise. The third aspirant, Osaro Obazee, had withdrawn from the race earlier. Despite Ize-Iyamu having a free run to the ticket, 3,776 delegates voted for Odubu and 2,724 for Obazee. Ize-Iyamu polled 27,838. Addressing newsmen after his victory, Ize-Iyamu called on all APC leaders in the 192 wards in Edo state, to come together and unite the party. “Sometimes ago, somebody asked me ‘when the problems of APC will end?” “I told him that every problem has an expiry date. In my humble opinion, I said the day we complete our primary election, that day, the problems would end. “So, I believe that by this process, which we have just c

Environmentalists Sheriff Mulade urges FG to expedite cleanup of Ogoni, tell Communities to Cooperate with FG The National Coordinator of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, Comrade Sheriff Mulade has called on the Federal Government to speed up the clean up, remediation and restoration of the degraded Ogoni land in Rivers State, caused by oil and gas exploration activities by multinational oil companies about forty years ago.  Comrade Sheriff Mulade, a traditional High Chief in the Ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State made the call in Abuja over the weekend, while speaking with newsmen on the highly devastated Ogoni land. He called for collaboration among the Federal, Rivers State Governments and Communities, federal and State environmental agencies, as well as CSOs and NGOs towards working out modalities to remediate and restore the degraded Ogoni environment for safe habitation.  Analysing the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP's scientif

No State In Nigeria Is Coronavirus Free – NCDC The  Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)  has noted that there is no state in the country that is  COVID-19  free. This was made known by NCDC’s Director-General, Chikwe Ihekweazu, while addressing the  Presidential Task Force (PTF)  on COVID-19 today. He said a state can only talk about being Coronavirus free, when it is testing adequately. “ No state in Nigeria is COVID-19 free. No country in the world is COVID-19 free. “We can only talk about a state being disease free when we have an effective tool to fight the disease. That will come when we have a vaccine.

Fear of COVID-19, Isolation in Delta: Doctors decries low Patients inflow in Warri Central Hospital * By Jessica Akete fpr * Some Doctors in Central Hospital Warri, Delta State on Monday, decried low patients inflow due to fear of being quarantined. A doctor in Warri Central Hospital (Name Withheld) noted that the presence of the Isolation centre for COVID -19 patients was scaring health care seekers, adding that scepticism and ignorance of covid-19 is much in the society. FocalPoint reports that the first entrance gate into the Central Hospital close to B-division police station was locked and put off access to the hospital for the sake of the isolation and treatment centre. Some doctors interviewed said that this was not time to be attending to many patients but to stay safe, adding that the time a doctor spends with a patient should be reduced as doctors are not immune to Covid-19. It was also gathered that some doctors attached to the COVID-19 response team have