[dropcap]C[/dropcap]hief Omeni Sobotie, the APC state chairman Chief Omeni Sobotie, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) will dethrone the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State next year. He made the declaration on Wednesday in Asaba at the inauguration of APC executives.

Sobotie noted that the event was a milestone in the battle to “sack the PDP” from the Government House.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections in Delta State, the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has said the party would resist any attempt by the incumbent governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to impose anybody on Deltans.

The party said the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) should stop wasting their time in trying to produce a PDP person that would succeed Okowa.

The senator representing Delta north senatorial district in the National Assembly (NASS), Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, threatened to expose PDP, should the party play up its rigging tactics in 2023.

“Let me assure you that there is nothing they plan that we do not know. There is no rigging spot of PDP that we don’t know. They are sending rams and registering goats across the state now. On election day, I will see how these rams and goats will vote”, he asserted.

He denied the speculation that he is a spy in APC, saying that, “I have no intention of going back to PDP but I have the intention to defeat PDP in 2023 election.

Nwaoboshi, a former PDP Chairman in the state, who was battle ready said categorically that he would defeat the PDP in 2023, maintaining that the rumour that he would return to PDP can only remain a rumour. He said he can never go back to his vomit, stressing that he can never go back to the PDP.

His words,  “The battle for us now is to defeat PDP and chase them out of Delta State. I do not have intention of going back to PDP, but I have intention of defeating PDP in Delta State. The battle line has been drawn; we will not use arms but if need be, then we don’t have a choice.

“Let me tell you that this battle is for the next generation of politicians to benefit. I have played my part as a politician; I cannot be a Commissioner again, I cannot be an Adviser again, I cannot hold any political appointment or position again in Delta. However,  I can be proud to be known as a friend of the Governor.

“That is why I am supporting Senator Ovie Omo-Agege,  because he is the next Governor of Delta State. This is a man who has played a high wired politics as Secretary to Delta State Government and now the number five (5) citizen in the country. What else are we looking for in a Governor? He has it all and he knows it all.

“So my fellow party men, don’t let them deceive you, there is no secret of PDP we don’t know. There is no rigging plan in Delta State that I don’t know about or that Omo-Agege does not know. We are equal to them and this is just the end of the road for them. And that is why I congratulate my brother and friend, Chief Omeni Sobotie, a juggernaut of no mean repute, who has a task to guide us to victory in 2023”, Nwaoboshi affirmed.

The Deputy Senate President (DSP) Ovie Omo-Agege, also  disclosed that the 2023 election would mark the exit of Okowa and his party, reiterating that Okowa, should stop scheming to produce who takes over from him.

“The people of Delta state will determine who their next Governor will be. We have all the tricks of those in PDP. We are privy to it. Our goal is to defeat Okowa and anyone he attempts to impose on Delta.

“Okowa said he wants to go back to the Senate but God has withdrawn the seat of the Delta North from PDP to APC.

“We must heat the ground running. I know the battle you went through to get to this position, however, you must get ready to still fight to keep your victory by extending your hand of fellowship to others who didn’t support your emergence. We must put our differences aside to bring everybody on board, because the contest has come and gone, and this is new beginning.

“Our goal is to defeat Governor Okowa and whoever he is planning to impose on Delta State. Let me tell you that it is the people of Delta State that will determine who their next Governor must be.

“It is a battle this time, we must chase them out of Government House in 2023. There is no trick in the book they are privy to that we are not also privy to. I congratulate those who went to the PDP as a result of that kangaroo rally they did recently. Those are Achans as referred to in the bible and we are glad to get rid of them. However,  if they later repent and decide to come back, we will still forgive them and work with them”, Omo-Agege posited.

He tasked the party chairman to see those who contested with him as brothers and sisters who equally have the right to contest, calling on him to extend his olive branch to them just as he said those who decamped should be welcomed back when they “repents and returns to the party”.

On his part, the state chairman, Chief Omeni Sobotie stated that he would deploy all available political mechanism at his disposal to gain victory for APC in the state.

He urged party supporters to be committed and go back to their wards to campaign as APC would produce the next President of Nigeria, Governor in Delta State and fill up other elective positions in the state in 2023.

He assured party faithful that indeed peace has returned to APC in Delta State,  promising to leverage on the goodwill and mandate of his victory to reconcile every member for the task ahead.

By:Ike Philip Abiagom

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Senator representing the good people of Delta North Senatorial District and the Chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs , Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON), has continued to demonstrate his love and passion for the people, which to him is the basis for representative democracy at any level.

His belief and commitment to the people is exceptional, inspiring and assuring; bringing to bear the age-long definition of democracy as the government of the people for the people in the social contract he entered with his people.

Senator Nwaoboshi has given out 150 motorcycles, 200 sewing machine, 200 Hair dryers,2,000 bags of rice and cash to youths and women leaders of his constituency to help them engage in independent lucrative enterprises.

Speaking at the formal presentation of the items at, Asaba, Delta State, Nwaoboshi who represents Delta North Senatorial District at the red chambers said that the idea of the empowerment programme was to make them small business owners who will eventually help in creating jobs and reducing poverty in their immediate communities.

He noted that empowering the people was a critical element in his effort to improve on their standard of living as well as to fight against poverty, restiveness and associated criminal tendencies.

Senator Nwaoboshi recounted the following among his achievements in office:
*Bill for the establishment of Federal University in Aboh awaiting Presidential assent.*
*Waiting to lead concurrence at Senate of the Bill for establishment of Federal University of Technology, Asaba.*
*Roads construction across Delta North*

*Provision of social amenities*

*Job creation*

*Support for Delta Northerners in Government or seeking approval of Senate

“With all sense of responsibility, Senator Nwaoboshi is committed to empowering, developing and uplifting the living standard of our people through robust representation.  A total of 500 constituents drawn from various wards across the nine local government areas in Delta North Senatorial District benefited from the gesture.

While flagging-off the distribution,Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka,Delta North APC Senatorial Chairman hailed Nwaoboshi for his various interventions in the progress of his Constituency, Delta State and Nigeria at large and urged other elected representatives to borrow a leaf from the Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON).
“Looking at the so many things that are to be presented to the people, I believe can encourage our people in the Constituency to work harder for our party, the All Action Congress (APC) and can engender hope amongst our people and I believe that it is good for politics and advancement of politics not only in Delta North but across Delta State”.

Eluaka said empowering constituents was a good move towards eradicating poverty amongst the people and commended Senator Nwaoboshi for doing that for his Constituents.

The APC Oshimili North Chairman,Hon. Austin Nnabuife  described Senator Peter Nwaoboshi as a true son of Anioma Nation and lauded Nwaoboshi for showing exemplary leadership, entrenching good governance and fostering democratic dividends amongst Delta North People.

The Nnabuife urged other political leaders, public office holders, to emulate Nwaoboshi’s Empowerment gestures towards effective and efficient Representation in their various localities.
“As part of efforts to eradicate poverty, promote SDGs, ensure the spread of the dividends of democracy to all, promote inclusion, fairness, Justice and equity and reward for hardwork for both Youths and Women towards societal development, it has become very expedient to call on Politicians in our localities, Delta North not to imbibe the culture of recycling Empowerment”.

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Senator representing the good people of Delta North Senatorial District and the chairman Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON),on Saturday led his entourage to the palace of Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty,Obi(Prof)Chike Edozien to pay reverence to the throne as well as to seek royal prayers and blessings for himself and constituency.

Nwaoboshi, in the cause of presenting an account of his service to Anioma Royal fathers gathered at the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba on Saturday, said the Asagba of Asaba was not only an outstanding bridge builder and patriot, but played and continues to play an important role as a symbol of unity in Anioma and also described the recent effort to create a splinter group of Anioma Congress as ‘nothing short of political mischief’.
Nwaoboshi said that Anioma Traditional Rulers Forum has no double leadership, emphasizing that the only recognized leader of the Forum is the Asagba of Asaba Obi (Prof) Chike Edozien. “During his 30-year reign thus far, Asaba has changed dramatically, becoming the capital of the newly created Delta State in 1991, and has attracted people from far and near that have come to seek their fortunes here.

“His traditional leadership has ensured that the growth and increasing diversity of Asaba has proceeded without tension and antagonism among those who live here.

The Distinguished Senator said that he has refused to be clannish or to concentrate projects in his hometown, Igbuzo. but see himself as Senator for the entire Delta North and not Senator for Igbuzo’, he affirmed.

Most Distinguished Senator Nwaoboshi recounted his achievements as Senator representing the good people of Delta North since 2015 as stated below:

*Bill for the establishment of Federal University in Aboh awaiting Presidential assent.*
*Waiting to lead concurrence at Senate of the Bill for establishment of Federal University of Technology, Asaba.
Renovation of Schools in Anioma Communities
*Roads construction are cross the entire Anioma nation
*Provision of social amenities to Anioma Nation
*Jobs creation for Anioma Youths
*Support for Delta Northerners in Government or seeking approval of Senate.

Senator Nwaoboshi has called on Traditional Rulers from Anioma to work in unity to advance the development of the geo-political zone and Anioma kings should not be second class to anyone. Our kings must not be relegated by anyone. We should not see ourselves as second class citizens.”

In his response,the Asagba of Asaba stated that Senator Nwaoboshi’s visit was ‘unprecedented’, as it was the first time that an elected representative had presented a report of his/her achievements to the Anioma Royal fathers. He prayed for the Distinguished Senator to be blessed with Divine guidance as he continues to work for the greater glory of Delta North, Delta State and Nigeria.He described those behind the formation of Anioma Progressives Union to displace Anioma Congress as coup plotters.

By Ike Philip Abiagom

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a move to encourage students in  Ike-Onitcha, of Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, a Philanthropist, and an indigene of the Ike-Onitcha, Mr. Augustine Chukwuma,The Permanent Secretary, Delta State Post Primary Education Board (PPEB),a Peace Ambassador,has indicated that he has donated  exercise books,school bags, shoes and other educational materials to the pupils of Ado Primary School, the school he attended for his primary education.

Speaking to Grassroots Publishers, Mr Chukwuma said his decision was borne out of the desire to ensure that no child would have any reason to drop out of school.According to him, it had been part of his mission to give hope to the less-privileged students, noting that the writing and reading materials would help develop the pupils as well as assist indigent parents who may not be buoyant enough to purchase necessary books for their wards.

He said that his gesture to provide the educational materials was geared towards adding value to the lives of the children, adding that the support would encourage them to take their studies seriously and actualize their dreams in life.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Ogbuiji (Hon.) Aneke Ifemeni , who lauded the Okowa administration for prioritising the education sector in the state, appreciated the sponsor, Mr. Augustine Chukwuma for the donation of the educational materials.

Ogbuiji (Hon.) Ifemeni who is a former majority leader of the Delta State House of Assembly in the state admonished every individual to emulate the Permanent Secretary in order to enhance the educational wellbeing of the children in the area.

In his remarks, the Education Secretary, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Rtn Comr. Alexander Osamene said that the state government had constructed modern classroom blocks and had provided boreholes in the school, noting that chairs would be distributed to Ado Primary School in a couple of days from now.

Rtn Comr. Osademe advised parents to always guide their children through the positive part, saying that the school and the community should protect the facilities in the school from being vandalized.

Receiving the educational materials, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Augustine Oghoro, who was represented by the Director of Schools in the ministry, Mrs. Clementina Ojumah enjoined teachers in the state to always show love and be more committed to putting their best so as to impact more positively on the pupils academically.

Oghoro said that the education of children was the responsibility of every individual, stressing that all should contribute in one way or the other towards giving the pupils a better future.
One of the beneficiaries expressed delight, saying the kind gesture extended to them by Mr. Augustine Chukwuma was a major inspiration they needed to fulfill their dreams. Miss Ifeoma Okobi, a student of the school,said: “I am happy to be celebrated and given this educational materials today,and I pray that God will continue to bless him.

Mr. Augustine Chukwuma is a father,the man of the people, gift from God to all students in Ike-Onitcha. We will always remember him as our pillar of educational empowerment,a beneficiary said.

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ike also said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would not give its presidential ticket to any candidate who would serve only the interest of the wealthy few in Nigeria, adding that desperate politicians who will not serve the interest of many, rather the interest of few are already scheming to be candidate.

The governor made the assertion at a grand reception organised in his honour by the people of Kalabari ethnic nationality at the Abalama School field in Asari Toru Local Government Area on Saturday, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media Kelvin Ebiri.

The governor was conferred a traditional title of Se- Ibidokubo of Kalabari land (He who does good things for Kalabari people) and was performed by the Amayanabo of Abonnema, King Gboko Desreal Bob-manuel.

He reiterated that the stakeholders in Southern will soon make a declarative statement concerning 2023 presidential election.

Wike said: “The day the South will speak, Nigeria will shake. We believe in the unity of this country, but nobody can threaten us. Nobody should threaten us. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and unity of Nigeria must continue.”

The governor said no amount of gang up will make the PDP to compromise its stand on integrity.

He said: “His word: “No amount of gang up can make PDP to give somebody who will want to run election for the interest of some big men, and not for all Nigerians.

“Anybody who wants to be candidate of PDP must be candidate for the interest of Nigerians.”

He expressed concerns over the fact that some companies in the country continue to post annual financial profits regularly in a downing national economy to the detriment of the poor.

The governor lampooned Rivers politicians serving in the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for their gross inability to attract federal government projects to the State.

Concerning the next governorship of Rivers State, Governor Wike said everybody is entitled to aspire to be the next governor ,but such person must show capacity for that office and be well disposed to protect the interest of the State.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Rivers State Elders Forum, Chief Ferdinand Anabraba, said the grand reception is significant for two reasons; of its critical importance to them as a people and also because of the unity of purpose engendered among them under the Wike’s administration.

He said it is that kind of reception organised for prominent sons and friends who have impacted the Kalabari people.

Chief Anabraba noted that Governor Wike has systematically fulfilled all promises made to them including those of development projects and appointment of Kalabari people into his administration.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, has decried attempts by some persons he described as political jobbers bent on polarising the umbrella body of the Anioma nation – the Anioma Congress in Delta State.

In a statement signed by the Senator who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, including the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, corroborating the position of the Asagba of Asaba, Professor Chike Edozien, on the matter, Nwaoboshi said, nobody can whittle down the strength of the Pan Anioma socio-political group, the Anioma Congress.

He described Anioma Congress as the mouthpiece and the nucleus of the people of Anioma nation and denounced the workings of those he said are bent on retarding the growth of this established body.

The statement reads: “I read with great interest the statement credited to our revered Asagba of Asaba, Asagba (Prof) Chike Edozien, CFR condemning the attempt by some political jobbers to proliferate groups aimed at whittling down the relevance of highly Successful Anioma Congress which has for ages remained the mouthpiece of the entire nation.

“Under the umbrella of all traditional rulers of Delta North, the Anioma Congress under the leadership of Asagba of Asaba have remained apolitical whilst speaking truth to power and protecting the interest of Anioma people generally.

“This is to wholeheartedly endorse the position of the Asagba of Asaba condemning any attempt to weaken the mouthpiece of Anioma people by establishing another competing organ. As the Senator representing the Anioma nation, I am opposed to the Establishment of any other movement and warn that any attempt to proceed on that tangent for political reasons must be resisted by all well-meaning citizens of the Anioma Kingdom.

“I will in due course pay a courtesy call on the Anioma kingdom’s traditional rulers to commend them for standing strong in the face of political overtures detrimental to the well-being of the Anioma people.” The highly accomplished legislator stated, noting that nobody can toy with the progress of Anioma people anywhere in the world.