Home Blog Page 209

Govt. Levy Collectors kill Trailer Conductor in Delta

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Govt. Levy Collectors kill Trailer Conductor in Delta

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnment official of the department of produce, Ministry of Agriculture Delta State has reportedly killed a truck conductor over levy collections on heavy duty vehicles along Asaba/Benin express road. The  incident happened during an altercation between the official and the truck conductor. Sources said that the officials of the ministry had mounted roadblock on the highway with intent to inspect and collect levies from heavy duty vehicles conveying products to the state.

It was gathered that after flagging down the Mack trailer with Reg. T0093YB, blue in colour,  an argument broke out between the officials, the driver and conductor.

In the ensuing commotion and confrontation, the official, an ‘inspector’ in the ministry reportedly hit the conductor of the trailer with a baton and he immediately slumped and was rushed to a nearby healthcare center where he was later pronounced dead. Sensing danger, the said official fled the scene and have since gone under, our source added.

Confirming the incident on Friday in a statement, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Police Public Relations Officer, said a manhunt has been launched for the fleecing ‘inspector’ over the manslaughter case.

She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke has commiserated with the deceased family and reiterated that the Inspector General of Police ban on illegal road blocks on the Highways for the collection of levies is still in force.

The statement reads: “Today being 5/7/2019, men suspected to be from the department of produce, Ministry of Agriculture Delta State, while on inspection duty along the Asaba/Benin express road stopped a Mack trailer with Reg. T0093YB, blue in colour.

“During an altercation, one of the inspectors hit the conductor of the trailer on the head, who subsequently slumped.“The conductor was immediately rushed to Onicha-Olona General Hospital where he was confirmed dead by the Medical Doctor.

“Effort is being made to arrest the fleeing suspect. “The Inspector General of Police ban on illegal road blocks on the Highways for the collection of levies is still inforce

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke is using this medium to warn the general public to always conduct their affairs with civility at all times while commiserating with the family of the deceased”.

By : Emeji Noble

IGP Task force arrests 6 suspected oil thieves in Delta

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
IGP Task force arrests 6 suspected oil thieves in Delta

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] syndicate group which specializes in crude oil theft along Delta coastal area, have been busted and six members apprehended by men of the IGP Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism attached to Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Warri Refinery Depot.

The arrested suspects including a woman are; Jonathan Ofawinor (M), Akpos Oba (M), Hausa Kamienyefa (M), Arukpei Yerin (M), Samson Matthew (M) and Ebi Emiyekpemi (F), all currently being detained at the IGP Task Force base in Warri.

Also impounded were three (3) speed boats, two (2) large wooden boats with pumping machines and long hoses with valves, including drums containing about 10,000 litres of locally refined product suspected to be AGO, also known as diesel.

The arrest which was made along the coastal areas of Safi 1 and Safi 2, (a notorious illegal bunkering camps) close to Ogbe-Ijoh in Warri South West Council area, at the weekend, was in line with IGP Mohammed Adamu, zero tolerance on pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft.

Parading the suspects before newsmen, the Unit Commander, IGP Special Task Force, SP Mohammed EL-Yakubu, said the arrest was made possible based on intelligence gathering efforts of his men who have shown a high degree of commitment to the IGP’s directive.

He explained that the operation would not have been possible if not for the trust and cooperation extended to the unit by the Commander General, ACP Usman Kafani Jibrin, who gave a propmt approval to go ahead when he was briefed about the operation.

SP El Yakubu, also commended the Delta state Police Commissioner, CP Adeyinka Adeleke, for the words of encouragement not to relent in the ongoing war against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft within the unit coverage area, noting that such words had inspired his men to be more focused on the job.

According to him, “We want to assure all those who have reposed confidence in us like; IGP Mohammed Adamu, our Commander General in Abuja, ACP Usman Kafani Jibrin and Delta state Police Commissioner,  CP Adeyinka Adeleke, that would continue to do our best in tackling the menace of pipeline vandalism within our operational areas.

“While the six suspects would soon be charged to court to face the charges of economic sabotage, the impounded product would first be subjected to a laboratory test to confirm the content before being decounted by the DPR officials”.

He warned those behind the illicit oil trade still operating within the Warri waterways to desist, as the unit was not prepared to compromise the IGP’s zero tolerance position in the ongoing war against pipeline vandalism and crude oil  theft in this area.

Picture in this story show the six suspects standing behind the drums containing 10,000 litres of locally refined AGO, otherwise known as Diesel

By : Emeji Noble

Ex-militant leader, Akpodoro, makes statement on appointment of Boss Mustapha, Abba Kyari as SGF, CoS

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Ex-militant leader, Akpodoro, makes statement on appointment of Boss Mustapha, Abba Kyari as SGF, CoS

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n ex-militant leader, Eshanekpe Israel, a.k.a Akpodoro, has congratulated the duo of chief of staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari and the secretary to government of the federation, Boss Mustapha , on their re-appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari for his second term.

The congratulatory message that was contained in statement issued and signed by the former warrior, came at the heels of an elaborate meeting of the National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators, NCNDE-A in Abuja, over the weekend. Akpodoro, who is the national president of the NCNDE-A, stated that the re-appointment of Alhaji Kyari by the president was a testimony to his leadership role which he noted stemmed from his humility and loyalty to superior authority in solidarity to the Nigerian state.

The Urhobo -born ex-militant leader noted that with Alhaji Kyari retained in the administration of President Buhari, the Next Level agenda of the All Progressives Congress, APC -led government will be achieved noting that Kyari has been the engine room of the administration and has effectively played his roles in ensuring a stable administration through the president.

He called on the chief of staff to maintain his credibility and integrity which he noted have been thorns in the flesh of the agents of instability in the country, adding that the nation needs more Kyaris in “our national life.”

Akpodoro, who doubles as the national coordinator of Urhobo Youth Forum for Change, UYFC, called on those he described as career detractors to leave Kyari alone noting that efforts to ridicule “an epitome of service to humanity” will always end in futility.

He said commercial protesters in the nation’s capital should go get themselves engaged rather than allowing themselves to be used by disgruntled elements.

He commended the president for deeming it good to reappoint the CoS, adding that it was a good step in the right direction while he called on Nigerians to eschew bitterness and throw their weight behind the current administration for the betterment of the country.

He said that the electioneering activities have come and gone saying it was time to join hands to build on the progress of the first four years of the Buhari administration irrespective of political leanings.

Buhari lauds Oyetola On Supreme Court Victory

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Buhari lauds Oyetola On Supreme Court Victory

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari, whose election is being contested has congratulated Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun on the Friday Supreme Court ruling which affirmed his victory in the State Governorship election of Sept. 2018.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, in Abuja today, the president commended the government and people of Osun in allowing the rule of law to run its entire course.

President Buhari urged the people of the state as well as security agencies to sustain the peace in the state.

According to the president, the decision of the apex court has ended the tussle over the governorship of the state and removes all encumbrances on the path of the governor from fully delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

He called on Oyetola and the ruling All Progressives Congress party to be magnanimous in victory and make concrete moves towards inclusive governance as may be necessary.

The president also expressed the federal government’s continued willingness to partner the state government for the betterment of the people.

Supreme Court dismisses Adeleke’s appeal

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Supreme Court dismisses Adeleke’s appeal

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Supreme Court has affirmed Gboyega Oyetola winner of the Osun governorship election. The court dismissed the appeal by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

The Supreme Court, in a majority decision of five-to-two, read by Justice Olabode Rodes-Vivour, held that the failure of a member of the election tribunal, Justice Peter Obiora to sit on February 6, 2019 rendered the entire proceedings and the judgment given by the tribunal a nullity.

The court upheld the majority judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the victory Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Osun State.

 

By : Emeji Noble

BEDC : Ezenei Consumers bemoan BEDC Outrageous Bills and Poor power supply …as firm throws residents into darkness for years now

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
BEDC : Ezenei Consumers bemoan BEDC Outrageous Bills and Poor power supply …as firm throws residents into darkness for years now

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ollowing the failure of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to provide electricity to residents of Delta State, Asaba residents have described as “regrettable BEDC’s insensitivity to the suffering and extreme inconveniences it has caused millions of its customers across the state.” Aggrieved customers of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) IN Asaba have called on the Federal Government to revoke the operating licence of the firm. The customers who lamented the epileptic power supply in the four states under BEDC.

Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) may face a difficult time in Delta State soon as electricity consumers in Asaba, mostly Ezenei and its environs are facing the worse power supply for the past two years now. Investigation by Grassroots Publishers revealed that the action of the consumers is as a result of anger arising from exorbitant bills imposed on the consumers by the BEDC.The fact which emerged within the week is fuelled by high bills currently being distributed and have met stiff rejection. According to some of the aggrieved consumers who pleaded anonymity, the current bills being distributed is a confirmation of the orchestrated agenda of BEDC to impose hardship on Deltans for selfish gain since 2018.

“Their action is most regrettable as they have not considered their customers deserving of any apology for the extreme inconveniences, they have caused Delta people and residents.” Residents in Asaba cannot remember the year or months they slept with BEDC light (12 midnight to 6am), streets like Ezennei Avenue and its environs have never slept with BEDC light for the past two years now.

The aggrieved consumers noted that the hidden agenda of BEDC started last year, when the company imposed crazy bills on Deltans ranging from N12, 000 to 25,000 indiscriminately on occupants of two and three bedroom flats respectively.
They said the insensitivity of BEDC continued as the company ignored consumers’ protests and public outcry and distributed another high bills in April ranging from N9, 000 to N20, 000 and capped it with yet high bills in June when the company did not supply light in May.

Information also scooped within the week revealed that some consumers have concluded plans to drag BEDC to court to explain the high bills being imposed on Deltans. A dependable source at the company’s Ezenei district office in Asaba, told The Grassroots Publishers that some consumers had been coming for their monthly metre readings as part of information being gathered to slam law suits on BEDC.

The inside source blamed the high bills on the management of BEDC by choosing to use estimated bills instead of working on the metre readings presented for computation by the marketing staff.
Electricity consumers in Ezenei, Asaba and environs in Delta State, have accused officials and management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), of its outrageous and estimated bills being imposed on them, describing it as exploitative, fraudulent, wicked and intentional.

A customer, residing at Nwadu Okobi street off Ezenei in Asaba town of the State, who pleaded anonymity while speaking to Grassroots Publishers, accused the electricity company of outrageous and crazy bills even when there is no power supply.Another customer who also never wanted his name in print for fear of being singled out, disclosed that since he moved into his apartment in April last year, he has always been given outrageous bills even when there is no light. “How can you charge a two bedroom flat apartment #20,000.00 every month, what am using?”‘ he asked.

Displaying the recent bill given to him, he said the electricity company do not even come for monthly Metre Reading noting that when you look at the place of Metre Reading in the bill, it is written NA which he said he could only interpret to be ‘Not Available’ while in the place of date it is also written, ‘Not Available’ and the area of bill type, he said it is written MD Average.

Speaking further, the customer said, he has also drawn the attention of the BEDC Marketer Manager in Ezenei area office and complained to him about the outrageous bill, but he only told him that, he will see what he can do. He further stated that he is not satisfied with the response from the manager , he sent a mail to the head office and put a call across to the customer care line severally to complain, but no response was given.

The customer who was so bittered added that, this month bill, which is July bill, it is so amazing that even when they give light three hours daily for over six months now, he was still given an estimated bill of #20, 000,00.
He called on the Delta State government and other relevant authority to wade into the matter as it has become an avenue for BEDC official to defraud, steal and exploit their customers as some compounds of three blocks of flat pays #3,000.00 monthly while only one flat pays #20,000.00.

“The corruption of BEDC is on the highest level. They come to your house, even when you have a prepaid metre, they will come and leave a message like ‘if you people do not come to present the bills you use in buying units in the next two days, we are going to disconnect you’. These are people who have their own jobs to attend to, these are people who spend between N18,000 to N20,000 monthly on electricity bills.

“Even if they want to come to your house to do disconnection, are they don’t do it politely, give you a notice to that effect, and do so at a time convenient for the customers? Also, there is no light, but they bring bills for you and tell you it is estimated, whereas, the rule states that if you don’t have a metre, the electricity company should provide you with one and should not bill you pending when you get a metre, upon which reading they can only bill you.

By : Emeji Noble

Deltans condemns failure of BEDC … Demand the Sack of BEDC Head

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Deltans condemns failure of BEDC … Demand the Sack of BEDC Head

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]housands of electricity consumers in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State on Wednesday stormed major roads in the council including the ever-busy Effurun Roundabout and the Warri/Sapele road to protest the lingering power outage in the council running over two months.

The protesters comprising women, youths and the elderly were drawn from various communities of Effurun, Ekpan, Alegbo, Ugbromo, Uti, Ebrumede, Jakpa and other communities decried the poor power supply recorded under the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC)

Wednesday’s protest was the day three of electricity consumers’ protest against the activities of BEDC in the area; even as they vowed to continue the ongoing protest until power supply was restored to their communities.

At the Effurun Roundabout where the protest climaxed, the situation led to massive gridlocks for several hours as they demanded for the sack of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, BEDC, Mrs Funke Osibodu for her inability to provide power.

The protest was as a result of blackout by BEDC; BEDC shut some areas in the Ekpan and Effurun axis down, areas like Ugbromo, Okuatata, Ebrumede, Okoloba, Dumure, Alaka, Sokoh Estate Road, Akah Avenue, Okito Barracks, Alegbor, Uti, Ovie Palace Road. Generally, the people protesting are from areas from Refinery Junction to Airport Junction.

Some of the protesters at the popular Effurun Roundabout in Uvwie LGA

The protest also incited some level of violence in some of the areas touched by the protesters; some hoodlums and louts took advantage of the chaotic situation to carry out petty robberies and thefts, causing most of the shops and business ventures around the areas to shut down for the period of the protest.

The whole of Effurun/Sapele Road; which is between the Effurun Roundabout, the gateway into the Warri metropolis and the access route to the East-West Road, and Jakpa Junction, was on lockdown, leading to a huge vehicular gridlock that affected both those going into Warri and those passing through to other parts of the South-South states.

They lamented the situation that BEDC had been subjecting its customers, especially in the Warri, Uvwie and Udu council areas of the state, calling for a serious action against the company by the federal government.

Mr. Martin Okuse, a resident of Ekpan area said employees of BEDC had been making life difficult for their consumers, narrating instances in which the company collected money for services not rendered, advising the company to surrender its contract licenses and allow government engage a more efficient service provider.

“The corruption of BEDC is on the highest level. They come to your house, even when you have a prepaid metre, they will come and leave a message like ‘if you people do not come to present the bills you use in buying units in the next two days, we are going to disconnect you’. These are people who have their own jobs to attend to, these are people who spend between N18,000 to N20,000 monthly on electricity bills.

“Even if they want to come to your house to do disconnection, are they not to do it politely, give you a notice to that effect, and do so at a time convenient for the customers? Also, there is no light, but they bring bills for you and tell you it is estimated, whereas, the rule states that if you don’t have a metre, the electricity company should provide you with one and should not bill you pending when you get a metre, upon which reading they can only bill you.

“Now, they come with N3,000, N4,000 bills in the name of estimation, if you refuse to pay they resort to violence, BEDC now uses violence in Ekpan, Jakpa, Alaka, Dumure, Alegbor, Uti and other areas. They will beat you up, they now move about with thugs. That’s the latest now and the people are tired. This ongoing protest is overdue. Getting money in this country isn’t easy, so when you want to spend your mone, you spend it wisely and see what you are spending it on”, Okuse said.

Another protester who agreed to speak, Comade James Banky, noted that the protest was long overdue, stressing that people could not continue to be in darkness without any remedy in sight. He said it had become obvious that BEDC had shown incapacity and is unfit to continue holding its consumers to ransom.

“The federal government must relieve them of the job by giving the contract out for a more capable and reliable company” Banky said.

When contacted, a spokesperson of BEDC in Warri, Mrs. Helen Ogagarue, said she was out of town and had no idea of what was happening for her to comment.

Gov. Okowa swears-in Ukah and seven others as commissioners

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Gov. Okowa swears-in Ukah and seven others as commissioners

 

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator( Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, the executive Governor of Delta state, on Wednesday, 03/07/18, at the government house in Asaba, swore-in the first batch of eight commissioners as members of the state executive council.

The Commissioners-designate who took the oaths of office were; Mrs Flora Alatan, Chief James Augoye, Rt. Hon Basil Ganagana, Barr. Peter Mrakpor, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare, Chief Festus Ochonogor, Hon. Chika Ossai, Chief Patrick Ukah.

Governor Okowa, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, informed them that fairness, equity and justice were the trademarks of his administration which all political appointees must imbibe, emphasizing that his administration has zero tolerance for sectionalism and nepotism.

The governor who congratulated the Commissioners, observed that the expectations of Deltans are high and urged them and other political appointees, to see themselves as people, “who are representing the entire Delta people in the cabinet, and that you are there to serve their interests, because the task before us is huge. We have set the goal of building a Stronger Delta predicated on Prosperity, Peace and Progress,” he charged them.

Admonishing them further, the Governor said: “Yes, it is true that each of you was nominated from a Local Government Area, but the moment you become a Commissioner, the entire Delta becomes your constituency and as such, you must be fair to all and be responsive to the needs and aspirations of all and sundry,” he said.

He equally advised the new Commissioners to embrace the concept of team leadership and collective responsibility thus: “You cannot operate in isolation or be a one man riot squad. Employ and deploy the knowledge, skill and experience of the civil service personnel that work with you; you will need them to succeed.

“As Commissioners, you must lead by example; do not expect your staff to be punctual if you are in the habit of coming late to the office; do not expect them to be prudent with government resources if you are wasteful; do not expect them to go the extra mile to meet targets if you are not willing to do so yourself; people don’t do what you tell them; they do what they see you do because, as the saying goes, everything rises and falls on leadership; the buck stops at your table,” he stressed.

Governor Okowa then appealed to them to “be prayerful; put your trust in God; ask Him for wisdom, strength and direction; depend on Him every step of the way and He will see you through.”

Responding on behalf of all the Commissioners who were sworn-in at the occasion, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare thanked the Governor for choosing them to be members of his team to build a stronger Delta, assuring that they will discharge their duties with the fear of God and will be fair to all Deltans.

The colourful swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Delta First lady, Dame Edith Okowa, the state Deputy governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, as well as former Deputy Governors Benjamin Elue and Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), among top politicians and other prominent and respected dignitaries, from across the state.

 

By : Emeji Noble

Sickle Cell: ‘Why genotype tests give wrong results’

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Sickle Cell: ‘Why genotype tests give wrong results’

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]rofessor Sagir Ahmed, a consultant hematologist at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), has explained why many prospective couples who submitted themselves for genotype testing before marriage could end up with wrong results. Speaking to newsmen on Saturday during the celebration of the 2019 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donation Day at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Ahmed said there were two issues concerning the increase in birth of children with sickle cell disorder despite the intense sensitization on the problem.

Speaking to newsmen on Saturday during the celebration of the 2019 World Sickle Cell and Blood Donation Day at Bayero University Kano (BUK), Professor Ahmed said there were two issues concerning the increase in birth of children with sickle cell disorder despite the intense sensitization on the problem.

“As far as genotype testing is concerned, there are two issues: One, those who deliberately refuse to do the testing before marriage should know that they are responsible for whatever happen to their children after marriage.

“Two, There are those who submit themselves to hospital for the genotype testing but the test results were wrongly issued. Usually, this happen when the test is done using ordinary method,” he said.

“There are several methods by which genotype can be determined and the commonest method is called hemoglobin electrophoresis. On the other hand, the sophisticated method is called hemoglobin chromatography.

“I will advise individuals who are about to get married to to have their genotype determined by hemoglobin chromatography genotype test and this is available at AKTH and possibly, other hospitals in Kano,” he added.

Professor Ahmed said many couples end up getting wrong genotype test results because they opt for the electrophoresis method of test which he said is cheaper and prone to errors.

On the management of sickle cell disease, the expert, who also lectures at the BUK hematology department, identified the key factors that could cause, pain, known as “crisis” in patients.

On the management of sickle cell disease, the expert, who also lectures at the BUK hematology department, identified the key factors that could cause, pain, known as “crisis” in patients.

He said in addition to malaria and other infections, menstruation, pregnancy and psychological and mental issues could also trigger crisis.

Culled from Daily Trust.

Okowa Appoints Ex-lawmakers, Ex-PDP Chair, 4 Others Special Adviser

Grassroots Newspapers Publishers Network
-
0
Okowa Appoints Ex-lawmakers, Ex-PDP Chair, 4 Others Special Adviser

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]overnor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has approved the appointment of six additional Special Advisers, bring the number so far appointed to twelve.

Grassroots Publishers reports that the governor had earlier requested the state assembly to approve fifteen special advisers for him after his swearing in on May 29.

Besides the Senior Political Adviser, Solomon Funkekeme, whom the governor first appointed, he has also named five others recently as advisers.

In a terse message announcing the new appointment, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, Secretary to the State Government, said date for the swearing in of the underlisted appointees would be announced in due course.

The new Special Advisers are:

(i) Chief Edwin Uzor
(ii) Hon. Pascal Adigwe
(iii) Comrade Mike Okeme
(iv) Prince Kelly K. Penawou
(v) Chief Mary A. Iyesere
(vi) Hon.Johnson Erijo

1...208209210...344Page 209 of 344