EX- NANS PRESIDENT EMERGES PDP FLAG BEARER FOR EDO BYE ELECTION

NIGERIA STUDENT MOVEMENT ON THE FRONT BURNER!!!

Our leader, former NANS President, Immediate Past SSA to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Student Matters; Comr. Imagwe Jude MON, yesterday unanimously emerged the Standard Flagbearer of PDP in the forthcoming House of Representatives bye election for Etsako Federal Constituency.

Our leader has overtime been at the forefront of  youth inclusiveness in the political firmament of Nigeria.

Sir, for you have served diligently the entire youth and Student constituency of Nigeria in time past, therefore your entry into the Green Chamber of the National Assembly to represent not just the good People of ETSAKO but the entire Nigerian Youth has been signed and sealed by the Most High God.

On behalf of the entire Nigerian Students in South South and South East Nigeria, I call on the entire Youths and Students of ETSAKO extraction to relocate and move en mass, queue behind our leader to ensure his election.
The January 28th, 2017 election is not just for Comr Jude Imagwe but for the entire Nigerian Youths and Students.

We appreciate the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for finding one of our very own worthy to fly her flag.
Irrespective of political affiliation, all must queue behind our leader as our first and foremost political party remains the Nigeria Student Movement (NSM).

I reiterate 28th January, 2017 Contest is between NANS and the other, please make the Right choice as NANS is gradually taking over National Assembly.

Currently we have #Hembe, #Tony Nwoye etc... In a matter of Days,  #Imagwe will be joining them.

Congratulations in advance and Congratulations to Nigerian Youths and Students Constituency.

#RSM

Pedro Chibuzo Obi,
Coordinator, NANS Zone B.
15/01/2017

REVEALED: Chibok Girls Were Kept In A Politician's House After Abduction – Chibok Pastor

A Clergy, Pastor Bulus Baba of Kaya community in Chibok local Government Area of Borno state, has said that the story they received from the released Chibok girls during their visit to celebrate Christmas with their parents and relations in Chibok revealed that some top politicians who are sponsors of the Boko Haram insurgents were allegedly involved in their abduction, probably to frustrate the past administration under President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking with DAILY POST in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital Wednesday, the man of God said, his discussion with some of the released Chibok girls shows that, they were not taken immediately to Sambisa Forest as we were made to believe in many reports, rather, they were taken to Maiduguri, the state capital and kept at a location in GRA, where they spent about two months before they were relocated to Gwoza local government, which later became Boko Haram Caliphate.

According to him, ” The girls said, they spent over 8 months in Gwoza local government area along with other abducted women. They said they were kept at a resident of one of the top politicians in that local government area until at a point when a fighter jet dropped bomb that touch part of the house killing some of the girls.”
He said, after that incident, the girls said they were then moved to the Sambisa Forest where they were divided into groups with some of them forced to marry the militants, while some of them were sexually abused by the militants.

“It was a sad story, we believe that those behind this evil will never go unpunished. For us in Chibok, we will keep praying that, those of them who are still being held by their captors shall gain freedom and be reunited with their families like these ones that came home.” He added.

According to him, before the Christmas arrangement that brought the released girls, many parents and relatives did not believe that some of the girls have been released. He said, some of the parent died within the period due to blood pressure and other related ailments.

DELTA ASSEMBLY GRANTS OKOWA’S REQUEST FOR FERTILISER INTERVENTION PROGRAMME

BY ITEVEH EKPOKPOBE

THE Delta State House of Assembly yesterday in an emergency plenary granted request from the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to enable Delta State participate in the Federal Government fertiliser intervention programme.
The request was contained in a message from the governor to the House and read by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya.
According to the letter, Governor Okowa said that at the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held on January 6, 2017, the council considered a memorandum on the participation of the state government in the Federal Government Fertiliser Intervention Programme.
He said the participation would enable the state to procure 8,000 metric tons of NPK 20:10:10 at an agreed farm price of N500 per 50 kilogrammes.
The governor noted that the memorandum Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) will be issued by the state Ministry of Finance.
He said the state government had to secure the resolution of the State House of Assembly authorising the state’ participation in the Federal Government Fertiliser Intervention Programme.
Governor Okowa said the purpose of the letter was to obtain the resolution of the House, authorizing the state government participation in the programme.
Thereafter, the Majority Leader, Hon. Tim Owhefere, who opened debate on the message from the governor, argued that the Federal Government Fertiliser Intervention Programme would enable farmers buy fertiliser at a subsidised rate.
He said the programme would enhance agriculture, food production and security, stressing that it would further enhance the state government’s agricultural programmes.
Owhefere urged members to support the request as it would turn around the fortunes of the state in the agricultural sector and moved for the House to authorise the request.
The motion was seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Pat Ajudua, and was unanimously adopted by the House when put to a voice vote by the Speaker.
The House adjourned plenary to January 24, 2017.

WELCOME SPEECH BY RT. HONOURABLE YAKUBU DOGARA, SPEAKER HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF RESUMPTION OF THE HOUSE FROM CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR RECESS, 10TH JANUARY, 2017

PROTOCOLS:

It is my pleasure to welcome us all back from the Christmas and New Year 2017 recess. I hope we used the period, as always, to brief our constituents, interact with them and recharge our legislative batteries for 2017. Permit me to seize this opportunity to offer thanks to the Almighty God for his grace, protection, guidance and for seeing us through the year 2016 and also for bringing us back safely.

2.  The year 2016 presented us with its peculiar challenges especially in the area of security and the economy. It was the year in which our dear country eventually slipped into recession resulting in grievous social stress for the citizenry; it was also the year in which terrorism in the North East, militancy in the South South, the despicable phenomenon of kidnapping as well as the flash of agitations bared their murderous fangs - visiting death, pain and anguish on the populace. In all these, it is gratifying to note that the fundamentals of nationhood remain strong, robust and promising. We commend the gallantry, ingenuity and professionalism of our armed forces and security agencies, the political will of the Buhari led government and the unbending resilience of the Nigerian people.

3.  Many developments in the polity require legislative and executive responses. It was during this break that our citizens woke up to a heartwarming and cheering news when the military authorities declared they had captured the most strategic major stronghold held by Boko Haram terrorists. While we applaud them for their sacrifices and commitment that resulted in this military triumph, we must hasten to add that the war against terrorism is still on, our citizens must remain vigilant against targeting of soft targets by fleeing terrorists as they attempt to terrorize the populace.

There has also been outbreak of violence resulting in wanton killings and destruction of properties in Southern Kaduna, Birnin Gwani, parts of Zamfara State. Same was the order in Benue, Plateau and some other states. Before we went on break, this House by Resolution mandated the Leadership to meet with Mr President on the challenges posed by these senseless killings. Having met with Mr President, I am happy to report that I am satisfied with the response of the President on these matters. I share the view that finding solutions to these crises must not be left to Kaduna State Government alone or Mr President. An enduring solution can only be attained if all of us -  all Nigerians regardless of ethnic groupings - northerners, southerners, christians, muslims, politicians, the apolitical, traditional rulers and religious leaders accept the fact that we are responsible and rise to confront and rid our communities of these evils. On the part of Government, I’m more than hopeful that the effect of the presidential intervention, particularly in the Southern Kaduna crisis will soon be felt.

4.   We must make it abundantly clear that no matter the level of grievance, no individual or group of individuals have the right to kill innocent citizens or to take up arms against the nation state. Nigeria’s worst enemies are these hate mongers and merchants of death who seek to turn this nation into the primitive state which in the words of British born Philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, in his famous work, Leviathan, is a state of, "continual fear and danger of violent death: and the life of man; solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short".  For our nation to make true progress, these enemies of the state, just like Boko haram members, must be crushed.

5. As the year 2017 rolls by, we should expect great challenges once again but with renewed determination and faith that things shall surely get better with God on our side. In this regard, I wish to remind us that perhaps the most critical and urgent task before us is the pending 2017 Appropriation Bill.

My Honourable colleagues, the economy must be our central focus in 2017.

Measures to exit Nigeria out of recession must be the critical aspect of our legislative activities.

The 2017 Budget remains the major tool to rejig our economy. This is in addition to other fiscal and monetary policies. The recent fiscal measures including import prohibition of certain items and the increase or decrease of tariff on some items should receive appropriate legislative scrutiny to ensure that the economy and the interests of our people are protected. We must ensure that we take no prisoners in accomplishing this task.

6.  We must brace up and work assiduously and conscientiously to give Nigerians a budget that will not only lift us out of recession but kick start the needed expeditious journey into Nigeria's prosperity.  We pledge to reform the budget process. To this end therefore, we would ensure that the procedure and process of consideration and passage of the 2017 Budget is transparent, inclusive and professionally handled. The details of the Budget should be debated and passed in Plenary to avoid those needless pitfalls that normally characterize the budget process.

7.   2017 is perhaps the year to pass critical bills before active politicking starts. Critical bills designed to stimulate and streamline our economy such as the Public Procurement Act amendment, Federal Competition Bill, Petroleum Industry bill, etc will receive expeditious consideration. Important Bills on Constitution alteration and Amendment to the Electoral Act also deserve expeditious consideration and passage.

8.   The recent spate of impeachment of Speakers of Houses of Assembly of States gives cause for grave concern. While we recognize the constitutional right of the legislature to conduct its internal affairs including the right to hire and fire it's leadership, it presents a different scenario where such leadership hiring and firing is rife with accusations and insinuations of external influence and also devoid of extant procedure. Leaders everywhere can only function efficiently where there is certainty that commendation is the reward for good leadership and sanction the consequence of inept leadership.

The Nigerian legislature needs to be afforded an opportunity to blossom if our democracy is to ever mature into adulthood.

9.  On the external front, particularly within the ECOWAS subregion, recent events call for both joy and concern. There have been peaceful elections and transition of power in Ghana to the delight and pride of all Africans. However, in Gambia, even though peaceful elections took place, the outgoing President Yahya Jammeh, has recanted his pledge to hand over power peacefully after losing the elections. The situation in Gambia constitutes a serious dent on the rising profile of the development of democracy on the African continent.

10.  We wish to commend the President of Nigeria and indeed the leadership of ECOWAS for their principled stance on the matter. The recent official position that ECOWAS will ensure peaceful transition in The Gambia is most reassuring. We understand this to imply peaceful transition simplicita but also the enforcement of peaceful transition should the need arise.  As a foremost democratic institution, the legislature will stand firmly behind the government of Nigeria as well as ECOWAS in ensuring that no individual leader on the African continent engages in conduct prejudicial to the growth of Africa's democracy.

11. Honourable Colleagues, I urge once again that we rededicate ourselves to the task of pulling our country out of recession and restoring total peace as a prerequisite for attaining the greatness which our nation is destined for.

12.  God bless you all and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

WIKE TO BUHARI: PREPARE FOR WAR IN 2019

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

Governor Nyesom Wike, in this interview, speaks on the December 10 rerun elections in Rivers State.

According to him, the Federal Government invaded the state with all  its might to rig the exercise , leaving    in its    trail blood of innocent Nigerians allegedly murdered by security agencies.

The governor says Nigerians should be thankful to former President Goodluck Jonathan for giving the nation  free and fair elections in 2015, adding that with the way the legislative rerun elections went in Rivers, Nigerians  should expect that the Federal Government will declare war on opposition parties in 2019.

After the rerun elections in Rivers State, you expressed doubt if the nation can have  credible general polls in 2019. Throw more light on this.

Why I said so is very clear. If you have that kind of invasion for ordinary legislative rerun elections in Rivers State on December 10, then I have my fear for 2019.    You saw the    kind of invasion we    witnessed on December 10 by security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. It is clear that with what we saw in Rivers, if the President declares he wants to run in 2019, then we should expect a tsunami, anybody that does not want it should go away.

Nyesom Wike
There will be fighter jets. The only thing that was not deployed to the state on December 10 was fighter jet. We may see that, in  2019, if the President says    he wants to contest the presidential election.

With the kind of invasion we had in the state for the rerun, if they are having gubernatorial and presidential    elections and, by the grace of God, Mr President presents himself for the election,    I wonder    how it will be. This    is why I said anybody thinking of election in 2019 is wasting his time.

It will be like war. ‘If you don’t agree, we bomb you’. If you can bring 28,000 policemen, three helicopters, 20 gunboats and then train special military all for legislative rerun elections in Rivers, then I have my fear for 2019.

You cannot believe it that that Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, were all transferred on the eve of the December 10 elections.

They brought a Special Anti-Robbery Squad from outside the state. So, you can    see what a presidential election will be like. If a fighter jet does not come out, then something is wrong. They must bomb everybody that says    no to the presidential aspiration; if you don’t die before the election, you must die on the day of the election. This will be the fate of anybody that does not agree.

I saw it, the kind of conspiracy. Anybody that sees former President Goodluck Jonathan should say ‘thank you’  for saving this country. We are busy congratulating other countries, yet we cannot    have free and fair election in one state where you deployed  big weapons.    Let    nobody deceive us that INEC is independent.

A recorded audio where you allegedly threatened INEC staff over matters of the rerun is trending on line.

Did I speak to    any electoral officer in that recorded audio? When you look at certain things, you laugh. Did they say I spoke to an electoral officer or they said I spoke to a third party, so I know what to answer? Who can show me where I spoke to any electoral officer?  Tell me. What did I say , what did I threaten? I never said anything, I never spoke to any electoral officer. It is unfortunate that this is a cover-up for the atrocities they committed.

Assuming though not conceding that I threatened an electoral officer, that if you don’t do the right thing, this and that will happen, does that give you room to go and do the kind of things you did? This is what we call total nonsense. I did not  speak    to anybody, no electoral officer can say I spoke to him or her. I never spoke to anybody. I know a particular online medium when I was Chief of Staff here. What lies have they not said about me?

The major thing is that did INEC, police, army compromise during the elections?  Let us all    face    the realities and not  shadows. The various agencies compromised their roles during the elections.    I can set up an equipment now    and you see what will be done with voice. What can’t this government do?

I don’t have a Chief Security Officer, CSO. They have now detained all the policemen that followed me to stop criminals who wanted to hijack results. Even the police officer that was caught on video, they have told him to go. What kind of country is this? The one (police officer ) caught on camera doing funny things during the rerun elections, what have they done with him?

You led a protest march calling for the transfer of two police officers, you wrote to the Inspector General of Police over the issue.

It was the entire Rivers people that went on the protest to the police headquarters. The man (alleged compromised police officer) has done what they sent him to do. Having fulfilled that, he should leave us and then the police should    send us those that can protect lives and property if that is the role of the police. He (alleged compromised police officer) has delivered for them; so he should leave us. He has delivered, taken lives and delivered. Very shameful thing. What we will continue to do is to allow the public know what is happening.

Now, nobody is saying we (PDP) are causing trouble. Tell them (INEC) to show you the server of  the uploaded results    on the election, show the voting and see if APC got up to ten percent. What kind of system are we operating?

Where have you seen where they move a CSO without him (a governor ) knowing?  My security is God. Look at what they did, look at the armory they brought into the state. How can you go into election without campaigning and expect to win?

They gave to each APC leader ten, fifteen security operatives. My Secretary to Government had no security.

You threatened not to fund the police, will it not worsen insecurity in the state?

It will not. Is it my duty to fund them?

It is the duty of the Federal Government. Let me use the money and put projects in the state. Do you fund your enemies? What is the police protecting now in the state? They did not support the amnesty program    by the state government in the state. It was only the army    that supported the program.

What politician are you if you  cannot win assembly seat in  your  area? When I campaigned, I told the people the projects I did and they saw them. What did you ( APC candidates ) tell them?  You told them you will clean up Ogoni, which day? You took lives to get one seat. It pains me. It means they just came to take    lives because of one senatorial seat and five House of Assembly seats. Those    of them who caused the death of the innocent people,      God will judge them.

I have never seen the    kind of elections we had    before.    350    security  vehicles were sent to the state.    All to come and do their bidding. Now, INEC is not talking about  the deaths because they know what happened. They are dumb. If it was the other way round, you would have    heard them shouting that the state is too violent.

No matter how you go and concoct story, those things are medicine after death. The more you come out with might to rig elections, the more the  people will resist and it will turn violent.

They wanted to change results in Port Harcourt city local government. They did it in Ikwerre, chased out agents.    Where    have you seen where they collate results without party agent ?

The rerun elections were a case of David killed Goliath . I David and the Federal Government was Goliath.

Where do you get money to do what you do?

Projects    were highly inflated in the past. Look at the Sakponwa Road, the bill of quantity they did for laterite was N14 billion but we are using sharp sand for N9 billion. Assuming they were to use sharp sand, what  would it have been? People just think government is a place to siphon money. What would it have been like if they had brought Julius Berger to do that road?

My greatest joy is that I am delivering on my campaign promises.

Within the four years of my administration, my concern is to turn around the economy of the state. In four years time, you will see the difference in the state.

Have you been to our Pleasure Park to see what we are doing there? It is the best in Africa. Go and see the Akpajo/Elelenwo Road. Look at the way they are fighting us because they see we are doing well.

While we were doing elections, we were still working.

Via: Vanguardngr

ATTENTION: FIRE SERVICE RELEASES EMERGENCY NUMBER

Delta State Fire Service Release Fire Emergency Number.

As part of effort to reach out to the good people of Delta with good services, the Delta State Fire Service has release  emergency fire service number .
08030882755 control room number,

Its important to give this number in other to avoid the destruction of properties .

Please note that you are expected to notify the fire service before even attempting to put off fire as it might be too late when you notice the fire is out of hand before contacting the Delta State fire service.

ATTENTION: N-POWER APPLICANTS OF DELTA ORIGIN

PRESS RELEASE

FURTHER SCREENING OF N POWER CANDIDATES.

DELTA STATE ORGANISING CORDINATING UNIT (SOCU) OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMME.

Wish to inform the general public and in particular candidates shortlisted for the N-POWER PROGRAMME that a further screening exercise (of shortlisted candidates not previously screened) would be conducted by the office of the National Orientation Agency as follows:
Date:Tuesday, 10th - Friday, 13th January,2017

Venue: Office of the State Coordinator, National Orientation Agency, Federal Secretariat Complex, Okpanam Road, Asaba.

Please note that this will be the last opportunity for screening of shortlisted candidates and further complaints would not be entertained afterwards.

Signed: Dr. Kingsley Emu, Chairman (SOCU).

Gov Okowa’s Developmental Strides At A Glance

By Jonathan Onwuka/Nelson Egware.

AS soon as he alighted from the convoy, residents in the Cable Point area of Asaba Metropolis, especially women and children, erupted in spontaneous jubilation, singing the praise of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Their joy and excitement over the dualization of Cable Point road was palpable. It was a typical security’ officer’s nightmare as the crowd surged forward to express their joy and gratitude to the man many of them consider a political deliverer.

The same feelings of elation were aroused each time the governor embarked on project inspections. Whether it is the sleepy community of Oteri in Ughelli North Local Government Area or Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area, the story has been the same. Governor Okowa has been embraced by jubilant crowds thrilled by the massive infrastructural work going on in their communities.

Also Read:OKOWA'S SMART AGENDA ON COURSE, JUST AS COMMISSIONER FOR WORKS COMMENDS LEVEL OF WORK ON UTE-OKPU ROAD

The 250-stall ultra-modern market in Orerokpe, which is nearing completion, is one of such projects. Many people in the community are excited that when completed, the market will contribute significantly to boosting agricultural and commercial activities, especially, for farmers plying their trade in the many farm settlements within the axis of the market.

Related: Gov. Okowa Names State Secretariat After Ibru, First Civilian Governor of Delta State

According to the Executive Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Godwin Ejinyere, “the construction of this ultra-modern market by our amiable Governor is a very good development. Our people are very happy with what is going on with regards to the market. Their joy is further increased by the location of the market, which is close to a major farm settlement that houses people into poultry, fishery and animal husbandry.

“I am very optimistic that when this market is finally completed and becomes functional that it is going to attract people from far and near, thereby boosting the economic and revenue base of the local government area. I really want to commend our dear governor for fulfilling a promise he made to the people of Okpe, when he visited the Orodje of Okpe kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, during his electioneering campaign. Our people are, indeed, very grateful. We will continue to reciprocate this wonderful gesture by remaining supportive of this administration.”

The market project, according to Mr. Milverton Enejeror, Chairman of Orerokpe Community Development Association, is a big plus to the prosperity agenda of the current administration. “It is indeed a well thought out initiative on the part of the governor whom we know to be a leader with great and innovative ideas,” he asserted. “So, I give him kudos for this and the many other people-oriented projects his administration is executing across the state.
”
Another resident of Orerokpe, Mr. John Okpoko, lavished encomiums on the governor. “In the past, it was like our area was neglected by government, but now, we feel a strong sense of belonging in the current administration in the state. We thank Governor Okowa, a God-fearing, prudent and honest man that God is using to lead our dear state in this trying economic period.”

For the people of Delta South, it has been a harvest of people-centred projects that have drastically increased the tempo of the socio-economic lives of residents of the area. Many of those who were interviewed expressed satisfaction over the rehabilitation of the Ofagbe Technical College, in Ofagbe, Isoko North Local Government Area and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Kefas road in Isoko South Local Government Area.

According to the pioneer Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Okoro, the focus on technical and vocational education by the governor is something that should be applauded by all and sundry.”Nigeria today is technically and vocationally backward due to the complete neglect of that sector by successive administrations, both at the state and federal levels,” he argued. “That is why the Delta State Government should be supported and encouraged in this direction, as this noble initiative would contribute to the drastic reduction in unemployment in the state.

“Like the governor, I strongly believe the acquisition of necessary skills is the best way out of our current unemployment quagmire. I must, therefore, thank God for giving Governor Okowa the wisdom to go in the direction his administration is going. I must reiterate here and now that Senator Okowa is a visionary leader who thinks about the people more than he thinks of himself. We truly appreciate his efforts at moving Delta State forward.”

The Principal of Ofagbe Technical College, Mr. Isaiah Aluchi, whose face was radiating with joy as a result of the facelift the school has received had this to say: “The impact of the rehabilitation of the school cannot be over emphasised, but suffice it to say that this massive investment in technical education by the state government would surely give impetus to the SMART Agenda of the governor, as it will help to create jobs, which in turn, would bring prosperity to Deltans. I must thank the governor for his vision and unrelenting drive to boost infrastructure and education.”.

Mr. Samuel Ekrebe, who teaches Automobile Technology and Information Communication Technology at the school, disclosed that his work as a teacher has become more interesting and enjoyable since the college was brought back to life. He pointed out that the establishment of the Delta State Technical and Vocational Education Board is a major boost to technical education in the state, adding that the board is impacting positively on the activities of technical colleges in the state.

Another project that is generating buzz among the people in Delta South is the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Kefas Road and Old Oleh Emede Road with a spur to Uzere Junction which many say have brought succour to the communities in the area. The roads were described as death traps before the intervention of the state government.

According to Chief Duncan Afaloko, a social media consultant, “the construction of these very important roads is a cherished gift to our people because the bad state gave them very horrendous experiences for many years. The construction of these roads has helped to decongest traffic from the major road, reduce accidents and make driving enjoyable.

“It got to a point when the Kefas Road, in particular, became a source of embarrassment to the people of Isoko nation because of its strategic importance as it housed a part of Delta State University. But now, life has returned to the area, and the people are happy. We commend His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for this gesture. We urge him to do more.”.

Since work commenced on the Cable Point Road in Asaba in late 2015, the community has witnessed some form of social and economic rejuvenation.

Expressing their joy over the project, some traders and residents of the area said it was a huge relief to them when they noticed heavy construction equipment being moved to site by the contractor handling the project. Their excitement was primarily due to the pains and losses the bad state of the road caused them in the past.

According to Mr. Eruemuolor Ulebor, who deals on electrical materials, “it was like hell for us especially during the rainy season. Our business suffered greatly as customers were wary of plying the road to patronise us. It was that bad. That was why there was spontaneous celebration immediately we noticed heavy duty equipment being moved to the area.

“We are indeed very happy and grateful to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. I am very optimistic that socio-economic activities will improve tremendously as customers would now be more than willing to come to the area to patronise us. God will grant the governor the strength, grace and resources to do more.”

Mr. Jude Ikechukwu, who also has a roadside store stated that “the construction of this once dilapidated road is the best thing that happened to us, either residing or doing business on this axis. You may not appreciate our excitement unless you had cause to visit this area before now. The road was more of a death trap. It was very terrible. Movement of humans, goods and services was very difficult. We thank God for using Governor Okowa to come to our aid. To me, this is a great achievement by the current administration.”.

Mrs. Augustina Onyemekwe, a business woman said: “This project is a pointer to the fact that the governor is a wonderful leader with a good heart. We really appreciate his good works since coming into office less than a year ago. I can say without fear of contradiction that this government is doing well. Look at the number of projects going on across the state, even in the face of serious financial challenges. We are praying for him. I am confident he would transform the state. All he needs is our prayer and support.”

According to Elder Jones Obiora, a dealer in building materials, “the construction of Cable Road, in my opinion, is the best thing I have experienced from the Delta State Government since I came to Asaba. You may not appreciate my sentiment unless you had plied this road before construction began on it last year. The bad road deprived us of so many things as socio-economic life was almost at zero level. But with what is going on, economic activities will be accelerated. That is why we will continue to praise Governor Okowa and pray that God would protect him for us. He is doing a great job for Deltans.”
Mr. Michael Apeh said the accolades being poured on the Governor are justified. “Both Government that awarded the contract and the contractor have done well,” he asserted. “I am scoring them high because of the quality work being done on the road. We are really happy as business and other social activities have picked up. Okowa is God sent. And we will remain grateful to him for remembering us. For me, I would wish he remains in office as long as it is possible. He is a good man with a kind heart and listening ears.”

Residents of the various communities serviced by the Oza-Nogogo-Alisimie Road (Ika South Local Government) which has experienced monumental transformation are also thanking God for Governor Okowa for coming to their rescue. Pa Julius Irabor, Ogisi of Oza-Nogogo declared that their decades of suffering had finally come to an end with the construction of the road.

He disclosed that they had made several representations to previous administrations, as far back as the defunct Mid-Western region. “I am an old man who has been part of decades of struggle for government to pay attention to this road, all to no avail. But I am glad that I am alive to witness this great thing happening to our community. For Okowa to stand by the promise he made to my people during his campaign visit to this community proves he is a good man and a leader that should be trusted. The governor has opened up our community to the outside world. We are indeed grateful to him and the state government.”

DESOPADEC WORKERS PROTEST NAKED IN DELTA STATE

In a determined bid to protest the alleged non-payment of their bonuses, some aggrieved workers of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) went completely n*ked on Monday.

According to Punch Metro, the workers accused the state government and management of the board of maltreating workers through its refusal to pay workers including the controversial 13-month bonus (End of Year Bonus).

They also said the management refused to promote and pay retirement entitlements to pensioners of the commission as well as leave bonuses to workers of the commission since 2015 when the present board assumed office.

Speaking to a correspondent, a staff who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “What we are protesting is statutory in our engagement later.

"In 2013 the commission complained that there is no money and appealed that we should allow our salaries to be slashed by 30 per cent and promised that once things improved it shall be restated but up till now it has not."

The aggrieved workers promised to continue with their protest until the state government listened to their demands and ensure that staff welfare was prioritised.

They warned that if by next week their demands were not met, they would occupy government house and the State House Assembly.

OKOWA'S SMART AGENDA ON COURSE, JUST AS COMMISSIONER FOR WORKS COMMENDS LEVEL OF WORK ON UTE-OKPU ROAD

The Delta State Commissioner for works, Chief James Augoye, on Wednesday January 4, 2017, at the site of the ongoing reconstruction of Owa-Alero/ Ute-Okpu road, during an official inspection of the project, commended the quality and level of work done on the road by the contractor.

The commissioner specifically appreciated the speed at which the contractor is handling the job with the specified quality to job specification.

He was of the view that the contractor of the road reconstruction project which starts from the Railway flyover bridge at Owa-Alero to the Ute-Okpu round about, in Ika North East Local Government area.

    The commitment of the contractor since he resumed work at the site on November 17, 2016, and the constant supervision by officials of the Ministry of Works, through the zonal Chief Engineer in Agbor and the superintending Engineer at Owa- Oyibu, has greatly contributed to the success of the Owa-Alero/ Ute-Okpu road reconstruction project which was awarded by the Delta state government as part of her urban renewal programme.

Most roads in Agbor and environs are usually constructed during the raining season which invariably affects the quality and the life span of such projects.

Hence, it is advisable for contractors to be at their construction site during the dry season which we are currently experiencing to do a quality job. “For a stitch in time saves Nine”

Via: IKA WEEKLY