[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Delta State Government has adjusted the dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in the 25 local government areas of the state to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The curfew which was earlier between the hours of 7:00pm to 6:00am will now be observed from 10:00pm to 5:30am daily.
A statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, also announced the resumption of normal trading activities in all markets across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State.It, however, said Cinemas, Bars in Hotels and Beer Parlours will remain closed while restaurants and eateries are to continue to serve their customers on take away basis till further notice.
The statement warned that government would not hesitate to shut down any facility observed to be breaching the COVID-19 safety guidelines.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans and residents in the State that Delta State Government has adjusted the curfew earlier imposed in the State due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the earlier period of 7:00pm to 6:00am to a new period of 10:00pm to 5:30am.
“Furthermore, Government has approved the resumption of normal trading activities in all markets across the 25 Local Government Areas of the State. However, Cinemas, Bars in Hotels and Beer Parlours remain closed while restaurants and eateries are to continue to serve their customers on take away basis, even as government would not hesitate to shut them down if they are observed to be in breach of the COVID-19 safety guidelines.
“The State Government urges Deltans and residents to continue to adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 Protocols and Guidelines which include wearing of facemask, maintaining physical and social distancing as well as regular washing of hands in order to curtail the spread of the Virus”, Ebie, was quoted.
[dropcap]F[/dropcap]inally Minister for Niger Delta Senator Godswill Akpabio may be on the way out of the Buhari’s administration if the recent meeting and discussion among the President key associates are anything to go by. The removal of Godswill from the names of Ministerial list is set to be announced within the next few weeks as the President fine-tune the list of Akpabio and some few other Ministers that would kiss the dust over lack of performance and Corruption related issues.
Grassroots Publishers ears in the Villa confirmed that though the Niger Delta Minister is said to be serious drawing on his goodwill among several close associates of the President like Sabiu Segun and remnant members of the Cabal to whom he is said to be on good terms with right from the time of the Late Abba Kyari but the forces against him and the issue of his interference in the NDDC mess which he had totally converted to the his personal farm yard seemed to be seriously working against him as the President is said to be seriously miffed over the way and manner Akpabio has made it look like everything about the Niger Delta Ministry is just the NDDC because of greed.
Grassroots Publishers ears in the Villa confirmed that it would take a miracle for Akpabio to escape the sack from the President’s Cabinet as the re-shufflement that is about coming is simply as a result of the corruption issues of Akpabio which has necessitated the President decision to instead of dropping just Akpabio alone but carry out some minor changes in his Cabinet as Well.
Grassroots Publishers ears confirmed that while the minister is said to be mounting world class pressure to keep him in the cabinet by pulling strings using some traditional rulers in the North and some Senators said to have the ears of the President as well as members of the Late Kyari let Cabal still domiciled in the Aso Rock villa the decision against him has already be sealed for good and all his efforts seemed to be hitting one great brick wall
Grassroots Publishers ears also confirmed that apart from Akpabio, about four other Ministers may also kiss the dust with about four others also have their portfolio changed just as another Minister from Delta State who recently had some battle with the National assembly over the 774 three months job issue may be drafted to take over the Niger Delta Ministry that’s if the President within the next few weeks still insisted on not merging or taking the NDDC under the office of the Presidency has been pushed by several of the associates of the President who wants the NDDC t be localized under the Presidents not necessary for the good of the Commission but to make it more accusable to them control wise and simply also financial loot it dry just as the present case of the North East Commission and the Presidential initiative of the North East that was milked dry.
Grassroots Publishers ears also confirmed that one of the ministers with a load of corruption also hanging all over her head as regards School feeding program me during close schools and Palliatives to Nigerians during Lockdown may also kiss the dust and made to face serious Presidential investigations together with Godswill Akpabio just the same way Ibrahim Magu is presently facing.
Grassroots Publishers Ears Confirmed that excerpt for some divine miracle the next few Weeks would see drastic decisions on the part of the President as regards the wave of corruption revelations that has turned the Present administration into one big laughing stock not just all over Nigeria but the world at large.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has approved ten private schools in the state as centres for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO).
This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner in the ministry, Mr. Patrick Ukah and made available to Grassroots Publishers in Asaba
According to the statement, the examination is for only JS 3 students in private schools who registered for the national BECE and they are expected to resume school from Monday 10th August, 2020.
Mr. Ukah disclosed that the schools are Master Care Secondary School, Asaba, Heaven Point High School, Asaba, Deeper Life High School, Opete, Udu, DSC Tech High School, Udu, Top Grade College, Umunede, Wingate Schools, Warri, James Hope College, Agbor, Graceville College, Asaba, Graceville High School, Okpanam and Day Spring Christian College, Opete.
The students are to revise for two weeks before the examination scheduled to start on August 24, 2020.
The statement revealed that the committee set up to monitor compliance with approved COVID-19 protocols will go round the schools and any of them found wanting will be shut down,adding that other schools whose names were not mentioned but are writing the examination must seek for clearance from the ministry.
According to the statement, JS 3 students in public schools who registered for the state BECE are expected to resume on September 8, 2020 to start revision for their examination billed to begin on September 21, 2020.
Mr. Ukah appealed to stakeholders to be patient as the decision to stagger the resumption of schools in the state is to ensure that the health of teachers, students and pupils are not jeopardized.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll Progressive Congress (APC) Delta state chapter has said that reduction of civil servants salary at time workers needed money more than any thing with the COVID-19 pandemic is morally unjustifiable, describing it cruel and irresponsible.
Spokesman of All Progressive Congress (APC) Delta state Sylvester Imonina, Esq., said, “The welfare and well-being of the citizenry is the primary goal of every responsible government and this is clearly stipulated in Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, notwithstanding that it is non justiciable. In other words, Democratic Government is supposed to be a “Government of the people, for the people and by the people”.
“It is on the above premise that the All Progressives Congress (APC), Delta State, condemns in totality the pharaonic leadership style of Governor Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa. It is very unfortunate that despite the hue and cry of Civil Servants and members of the public, Delta State Government has gone ahead to wickedly reduce the salaries of Civil Servants in the State to the previous minimum wage of #18,500.00 (Eighteen Thousand, Five Hundred Naira).
“Without any air of equivocation, we state that the said reduction was/is uncalled for! It is not only unlawful but morally wrong/unjustifiable. It is illegal because the new minimum wage of #30,000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) is a product of a valid and subsisting Act of the National Assembly and binding on Delta State Government; same having been adopted by the State as the template for the payment of Civil Servants.
“Aside the above, there is a subsisting revised 2020 Budget of the State, validly passed by the State House of Assembly immediately the Covid-19 restriction was relaxed in the State. In the said Budget, the areas that have to do with capital projects were reviewed/reduced. Meanwhile, the areas concerning personnel cost were not touched. The implication is that the State Government knew abnitio that the State was financially buoyant to the extent of taking care of salaries of Civil Servants, hence no changes were made thereon. So why the unholy reduction now!”
According to him, “The law is very clear on issues of infractions of laws validly passed by the House of Assembly. When a Governor contravenes same, it could be a good ground for legal/Constitutional sanctions. Therefore, the State Governor should stop standing on the wrong side of the law. He should not allow posterity to judge him poorly.
“It is the position of Delta APC that the reduction of workers’ salaries is morally wrong and unjustifiable. From available information and evidence, it is our belief that the State can continue to pay workers’ salaries without qualms. Our position is lend credence to and fortified by the actions of the State Government in the governance of the State. For instance, it is a known fact that Delta State is not short of Churches and/ or place(s) of practice of religious obligations. It is therefore preposterous to budget the sum of #400Million for the take off of the building of an Ecumenical Centre in Asaba. How does such undertaking add economic value to the standard of living in the State, considering the fact that this is the period that infrastructural developments/investments are needed most in the State!” He lashed the governor.
We concede to the fact that Deltans are very religious people but considering the fact that times are not too friendly, it is unfair to initiate such project at this point in time.
Continuing “Also, there is no evidence of reduction of the State Governor’s security votes, synonymous with what Deltans call, “oshofree monies”, because of the fact that same is not accounted for. Is it only the Civil Servants and the commoners that are worthy and/ or in a position to make sacrifices?
“A Kobo matters a lot to the life of every Civil Servant. Hence, in 1997, when the Military Governor of Delta State reduced/deducted the sum of #100.00 (One Hundred Naira) from each workers’ salaries, the then seasoned Labour Union leaders kicked against it. The Military Governor with all his enormous powers bowed to the demands of Labour. In a democracy like ours, an elected Governor should as a matter of honour waste no time in listening to the voice of his workforce and his people.
“Presently, prices of goods and services are above the reach of an average Civil Servant and commoners. The reduction in salaries of Civil Servants have now subjected them into eating bread of sorrow! A labourer surely deserves his wage.
“Delta APC therefore calls on the State Governor to change his pharaonic leadership style and apply good conscience to his actions. Civil Servants are hungry. There is a popular saying that “a hungry man is an angry man”. Our people must not die of starvation and other things connected to it such as curable illnesses.” The Statement added.
Augustine Ogom Nwaoboshi CEO, Gomboshi International
[dropcap]G[/dropcap]reatness is a property for which no man can receive credit too soon; it must be possessed long before it is acknowledged.”When one of the world’s greatest thinkers, Ralph Waldo Emerson handed down the above words of wisdom, those he had in mind were certainly the likes of Augustine Ogom Nwaoboshi (Gomboshi)! .
For the trail-blazing Business mogul from Ibusa, Delta State, it is certainly impossible to gloss over his attributes for greatness.He is the embodiment of cerebral articulation, the essence of unparalleled philanthropy,the epitome of intellection and breathtaking simplicity, the personification of undiluted humanness, the perfect example of business leadership symbolism, the paragon of idealism, the soul of humanity, the heart of warrior, a perfect gentleman.
Augustine ogom Nwaoboshi is one of those very few good men;a true philanthropist, an accomplished businessman,An Iconic Figure, An International Businessman, A leader, A promoter of Peace in whom I am well pleased ,a man of valour, the bringer of rain.In the gallery of great leaders and great men, he is without doubt, a rare masterpiece. Anyone who encounters him would love to associate with him for his candour, courage and forthrightness. As a human being, his humility and modesty is second to none. As an Businessman, he is sound and engaging.
Augustine ogom Nwaoboshi,he means different things to different people; to his wife and children, he is a loving husband and a kind daddy, while to us his admirers he is known as the Digital Business Strategist but his detractors always erroneously see him as an Obstacle because of his rising profile in business and acceptance by the grassroots.
Augustine Ogom Nwaoboshi is not only the Pride of Nwaoboshi’s but also the Pride of the People of Ibusa for whom he had waged countless business wars for and won virtually all, just like the Greek mythological Odyssey who fought and won difficult battles in History. Indeed the birthday celebration of this digital Businessman of our time had been useful and Resourceful for his service to humanity.Therefore today let me on behalf of the Grassroots Publishers and Newsbreeze Magazine join the rest of my beloved Ibusa kingdom in Oshimili North Local government Area of Deltans and Nigerians at large to Celebrate our Business iconoclastic Gomboshi International, to thank Almighty God for adding another year to his life and to pray that he continues to bless him with robust health ,protection, and enduring provision.Your business reign shall bring prosperity and peace to Ibusa and your family.
Happy birthday to the regent, GOMBOSHI INTERNATIONAL, a great lover of our tradition.
Chief Patrick Ukah The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] total of 29,525 SS 3 students in Delta State have resumed school on Tueday 4th August, 2020 for academic activities preparatory to their West African School Certificate Examination coming up later this month.
The State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah, gave this figure during a media parley in Asaba On Monday 3rd August, 2020 where he talked about the arrangements made for a successful reopening of schools and efforts made at ensuring that the COVID-19 pandemic does not spread among the teachers and students.
Chief Ukah stated that apart from providing all the necessary protocol materials in schools in the state, the usual morning assembly and prayers will no longer be holding, instead, prayers will now hold in each class that is to be occupied by 20 students only to ensure physical distancing, just as temperature tests will be carried out on the teachers and students daily.
The Basic and Secondary Education Commissioner revealed that a teacher and a student will be Minders in each class to enforce strict compliance with the protocols that have been outlined by the National Centre for Diseases Control (NCDC).
He said that school hostels have also been arranged in such a way that appropriate physical distancing is maintained by boarding students, adding that students are expected to be in the school premises only when necessary.
Chief Ukah disclosed that everything necessary to curtail the spread of the pandemic on resumption of schools have been put in place by the ministry, in conjunction with the Ministries of Health and Environment.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for his support and cooperation in the provision of all the needed items.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian banks that once offered financial security has been negatively affected by systemic decay that bedevilled the country, following an adjustment of the number of customers to be attended to at a time, as a measure to curtail the spread of Covid-19.
One of the banks that was involved in maltreatment of customers recently, was United Bank For Africa, Ibusa Junction branch In Asaba ,Delta State.
The bank seems overwhelmed with customers who obviously overstretched the staff in the bank, thereby creating an unnecessary delay in transaction services to customers.
This situation also created unnecessary crowd outside the premises of their banks, exposing people to danger and risk.
Some customers who spent the whole day at United Bank For Africa, Ibusa Junction branch In Asaba trying to access services groan over such delay.
No Social Distance .
The security personnel at the gate of the bank who could not manage the situation received tips to allow selected persons into the banking hall. The situation further deteriorated to the point that a police officer threatens to shoot a customer who was agitating for his turn.
More worrisome is the fact that online transaction has become so unsafe and a threat to financial security as many Nigerian are losing their money to scammers.
ATM debiting customers without dispensing, unnecessary bank charges amidst unsatisfactory services
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Publisher of Newsbreeze Magazine has congratulated the Special Assistant on legislative Matters to the Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly,Chief Austin Ndinwa (Okemili), on his birthday.
The Publisher of Newsbreeze Magazine , Philip Ike Abiagom in a Press Statement made available to our correspondent in Asaba, Delta State on behalf of the entire Management of Newsbreeze described Okemili as incredible leader, charismatic and endearing icon and wished many fruitful years ahead.
According to the statement; “Indeed, the Anioma nation is very proud to have such a selfless and courageous leader as you. You have not only written your name in the history books, but your indelible footprints are in the hearts of the people”.
“The entire Oshimili North are delighted to mark this auspicious day with you as you have been a role model and a source of inspiration to Youths”, he said.
Ibusa people keep saying and loudly too that your type is rare. A warrior that frontally confronts his enemies and each time comes out victorious.You are a man loves by everybody, even those who hates you often cannot decipher why they so do. You are a man of uncommon philanthropy and gifted by God of Ibusa.
Okemili has seen the valley and been to the mountain in the course of life. We must always be ready to brace up for the valley, much as we are enthusiastic about ascending the mountain. We must always ask God to put us at the centre of His will whichever way life’s vicissitude takes us.
For Chief Austin Ndinwa, I extend to you my hearty congratulations on your birthday and urge You to keep up with the well defined life of FAITH that you live and the charity that you so generously exude.
We wish you long life and prosperity. Once again, Congratulations.”
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hile some people were born great, some achieve greatness on their own. The like of Ifeanyi Odita, retired Air force officer aka “Air force man” is being celebrated everyday, not because he was born with a silver spoon, but because of consistency in determination to succeed, and today, he is not only a successful man, but a successful man that is helping people to achieve success.
Today, as we speak, Air force man is adding value to leaders who are multiplying value to others. He is a grassroots leader that is developing leaders, and a leader that has inspired hope in Oshimili North Local Government people. Today, Ifeanyi Odita aka Air force man* is a man of many parts; a foremost philanthropist, farmer, servant of God, a quintessential politician, entrepreneur, CEO of several companies etc.
Words are not enough to describe or celebrate this humble great man, He deserves all the ovation we could offer him. Indeed, we are all proud of this great Icon for his enviable and legendary achievements in Military, business, politics etc despite all odds.
Air force man is someone who looks up for direction even as he continues to soar higher by the special grace of God.
A compassionate leader who has consistently for years continues to make people happy. He is Humble, jovial, loving, generous, easy going, accommodating etc. Not temperamental because of his military back ground, he is a man that allows people to express their views on any given issue before coming up with his decision even as a boss or leader.
Truly, Ifeanyi Odita aka “Air force man” is a man of the people and a man of many parts.
Excerpts:
Can we meet you Sir?
I am ifeanyi Odita,a retired military officer from Akwukwu- Igbo, the Headquarter of Oshimili North Local Government Area.I just left the service and I came back to my town and join Politics because I want to serve my people and am equally a stake holder in the (PDP) Politics of Oshimili North local Government Area of Delta State.
Sir, How are you coping with the local Political class in your LGA as a retired Military officer with different orientation?
The Political class in my local government area are my brothers and friends that am familiar with before now. When I joined the local politics of my town, the first thing I did was to understudy the ranking of my party members. I learned from them and I discovered that the cardinal responsibilities of any politician is total loyalty, which is part of me as a trained military officer, because in the military we believe in discipline.
What are your plans and prospects in the next Local government Election, Are you Vying for any position?
No, am not running for election.
Sir, few candidates have declared interest to be the next Chairman of your local Government, who are you supporting and why?
For now, I have not seen any serious candidate , I only know one serious person that is contesting for the seat and he is Hon. Ambrose Elofu- Dike and I think he is the most qualified person for the job because of certain qualities. He is a visionary leader that exhibits and epitomizes consistency, competence, capacity, connection, and character with strong leadership ability. The success story of this great man is a great lesson to the youths to take their fate in their hands if they hope to control the destiny of Nigeria before too long.
According to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe” There is plenty of room at the top because very few people travel beyond the average route. ” And so, most of us seem satisfied to remain within the confines of mediocrity”. The Ibusa Born Political Juggernaut Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike needs no much introduction. Just as the People will always say that “A good Market sells its self and it is never kept out of sight”, so is Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike who has kept indelible Marks in the heart of The good People of Oshimili North Local Government Area and Beyond.
Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike is not only a charismatic leader, he is a compassionate person. The people of Oshimili North in Delta State are not only happy and grateful to have him as their next grassroots chairman, but thankful that such a quintessential person is willing and prepared to serve us.
He has been fighting for children, for the poor and destitute, sometimes against establishments and elites. But as a leader, he is greatly admired across the political spectrum. Even those who disagree with his politics can draw inspiration from his life. Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike is a patriotic Nigerian who could be classified as a ROLE MODEL whose footstep could be followed by the growing generations as a result of the successes recorded by his personality by dint of hard work and enviable conducts.
Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike is the most experienced candidate for the job, we all can recall that in 2019 election, our party(PDP) elders and stake holders in Oshimili North appointed him to be the Campaign Director- General (Triple DG) for three of our candidates namely, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi for Senate, Princess Pat Ajudua for Delta State House of Assembly seat and Hon. Louis Ndukwefor our local government chairmanship seat, and these candidates won their respective elections. So for a man who was entrusted with such role is the best and most experienced person to take over as our next local government chairman.
Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike is a very loyal party man who has alot of regards and respect for his party, for the past ten years, he had wanted to contest for various position but as a loyalist our leaders always appeal to him to step down and support their preferred candidate of our party and he will always comply and support the candidate nominated by our great party leaders in our local government with his money and everything to make sure our party wins the election, so I believe it is now his turn to serve the people of Oshimili North local Government.
I can remember vividly during the tenure of Barrister Ben Okonkwo, the Oshimili North LGA awarded the contract of Ibusa market to Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike and he executed the contract with his own fund and it is the biggest market in our local today, I am very sure that our Local Government Council is still owing him till date. Why can’t we give such a man the authority to pilot the affairs of our council. it is true that no one is entitled to a top political position, everyone has to earn it through his or her deeds, and each is only as good as his or her command of the issues, but Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike is destined for this “Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike has endeared himself to his people.
Sir, You are so sure that Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike will take your LGA to the next level, Why?
Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike believes in public service as a honorable profession and in government as a vehicle for helping all citizens get their chance for high quality of life. His accomplishments speak for themselves. This is not about Dike or his ego. He is known for humility, graciousness, and gentility in the party; he does not engaged in partisan contests to win for the sake of winning. The goals are so important that he is willing to work with political opponents to reach agreement on measures that serve the people. Negotiating by calling on higher principles made him effective with principled members of the other party.
Dike believes that the work as a grassroots chairman is more important than title or position. Business leaders should heed that lesson, above all: Performance, mission, and endurance are possible because the people we support and care about also support us. Only God Makes a King, when God uplifts a Man, who is he to stand and say no? Nobody…
Sir, what advice do you have for the Oshimili North PDP Elders?
I want our party leaders to give Ambrose Elofu Elue-Dike the ticket of our great party to enable him contest for the Chairmanship position in the next coming local government election, because he is the most experienced, tested and trusted party member. For now based on the names we are hearing that are interested in the seat, I think he is one of the best among them in every ramification he is there and he will be there for us.
We all should support to enable him take our local government to the next level.
Sir, As a grassroots politician like you said, how can you access the present Local Government Chairman of your LGA?
I can say that our present local government chairman Hon. Louis Ndukwe has done his best, we all know how the system affects their performance , with the little resources available to him ,I will score him high.
As a grassroots Politician in Oshimili North LGA, how can you access your representative at the Delta State House of Assembly ,Princess(Mrs) Pat Ajudua?
Jesus! She is a wonderful woman and a mother, she is doing marvelously well, why I said she is a wonderful woman is because she carries everybody along and she is the light of the local government. she has empowered alot of people as I know in my local government mostly youths and women. I know that she cannot empower everybody, I believe she emulate that gesture from her husband Chief Fred Ajudua who is a foremost philanthropist , so the spirit of giving and touching lives is a trend in the family.
Sir, You have a serving senator from your local government area, what can you say about him?
Senator Peter Nwaoboshi is our overall leader, a true patriot, the author of ‘Doctrine Of Necessity’, a stabilizing voice in our democracy, my mentor, my boss, the longest-serving active Politician in Delta State . His sterling leadership qualities have provided an essential stabilizing force in the Red Chamber.
His transformation has a parallel with the transformation of Saul to Paul in the Holy Bible. His conversion to democracy has been total. “As a Senator that leads and organized his colleagues; as an unprecedented two-term Senator he has not only stabilized the Senate and therefore the polity especially at a critical time he has also given the Senate character. My Senator has become one of the most outstanding figures of our democracy and its symbol of forthrightness and courage.
He is a perpetual lesson in service and we are proud to learn at his feet. My Senator just marked his Sixty-Three birthday and we thank God for his life; a life of many stories; a life of service to man and to God; a life of fulfillment. We can only pray that the Almighty whom we have so faithfully served grants him many more years in good health so that he can continue in his service to the Nation and humanity. Like wine, he is only getting better with age.
Deltans are now referring to Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa as Road master, do you believe he has done well on roads?
Gov. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa is the best governor ever produced in Delta. If you compare him with the previous governors that have ruled Delta State, if you look at what he has put on ground, our governor has not stayed 8years, but he has made a very good landmark and a very good impact. Infact, he is the Roads Master based on his performance . He has linked almost all the roads in Delta State, I have been privileged to travel round Delta State . He is a wonderful governor, I think if there is anyway for him to come back for third tenure, I will be part of those people who will vote him again.
Finally,what will you like people to remember you for?
I want to be remembered as a man who served his country in the military diligently and retired. A man who joined politics to serve the common man and touch the lives of his people, I will also like to be known with truthfulness, honesty and tranquility. .
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ames Obori, former Governor of Delta State, has countered allegations by Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta, linking him to contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
Ibori said contrary to Akpabio’s allegation he did not receive any contract from NDDC.
Akpabio had named Ibori as one of those who benefitted from the contract racketeering in NDDC.
However, the former governor urged Akpabio to “calm down” and focus on carrying out his duties.
A statement by Ibori’s Media Assistant, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, said: “On hearing the news of the alleged Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) contract awarded to him this morning, from the former Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as published in a newspaper and other online publications, he did not want to join in the ‘dancing in the market square’ going on in the NDDC right now.
“He has decided to make this clarification for the records because friends and associates inundated him with phone calls this morning. So, he is stating categorically that he never solicited for, or was awarded, or indeed executed, any contract with NDDC or any government agency, at any time, for that matter.
“And in all, he has been through in and out of public office, he has never been accused of being a government contractor, let alone a failed one hence he did not want to dignify the allegation with a response because it is ridiculous. So, Ibori is advising Akpabio, his brother, friend and member of the former Governors Forum, to please calm down and focus on the task at hand.”
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[dropcap]F[/dropcap]inally Minister for Niger Delta Senator Godswill Akpabio may be on the way out of the Buhari’s administration if the recent meeting and discussion among the President key associates are anything to go by. The removal of Godswill from the names of Ministerial list is set to be announced within the next few weeks as the President fine-tune the list of Akpabio and some few other Ministers that would kiss the dust over lack of performance and Corruption related issues.
[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has approved ten private schools in the state as centres for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) organised by the National Examination Council (NECO).
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ll Progressive Congress (APC) Delta state chapter has said that reduction of civil servants salary at time workers needed money more than any thing with the COVID-19 pandemic is morally unjustifiable, describing it cruel and irresponsible.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igerian banks that once offered financial security has been negatively affected by systemic decay that bedevilled the country, following an adjustment of the number of customers to be attended to at a time, as a measure to curtail the spread of Covid-19.
