[dropcap]D[/dropcap]emocracy is about equity and justice. Equity connotes equality in the distribution of resources while fair deal is when the majority doesn’t dwarf the minority in the scheme of things.

That equity is done is justice itself to the man who seeks equity. Which is why the Isoko people have been clamouring for equity and justice in the distribution of ministerial positions from Delta State. The unjust situation is the reason agitations by various groups, social-cultural and political, have become inevitable in the last couple of months.

That in a heterogeneous state like Delta, one ethnic group continually enjoys the privilege of having a ministerial slot for good four consecutive times, other three and another two  and still angling for more whilst one gets none is democratically uneven, unjust, and worst still unacceptable for an ethnic nationality that contributes an average of 100,000bpd from oil fields that dots nooks and crannies of Isoko land.

For an ethnic nation known in history books as being the second place where oil was struck and produced in commercial quantity in 1958, some 61 years ago and till date remain the largest onshore producer of oil in the country with uninterrupted flow of oil resources to be so marginalized is worrisome, to say the least.

One therefore only wonders why despite the huge contributions in oil production,  successive governments have kept Isoko underdeveloped with no federal government presence throughout its length and breadth. One cannot fathom why it even took Isoko this long to wake up to this agitation. Isoko nation, with her peaceful people who have supported and contributed immensely to the nation’s buoyant oil wealth should get a ministerial slot this time around without much ado.

Isoko nation on its part must not also relent in the agitation to have their own appointed to serve as Managing Director and Chairman of the soon-to-be reconstituted board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). An Isoko man or woman is ripe for an exalted position of the MD or chairman of the interventionist agency.

The Isoko ethnic nation, which  parades the likes of General Alexandra Ogomudia, a retired Chief of Army Staff with capacity to muzzle the ‘democratic and military will’ to prevail on Mr President to do the needful, as well as respected Gen. Paul Omu (retd), among a host of other high profile personalities should have its fair share of ministerial position and other juicy federal appointments.

Statistics have shown like ones brandished by Isoko Equity Group, IEG, a group of APC stalwarts championing the agitation for an Isoko minister and have sent several passionate appeal letters and recent reminder to Mr President, that Isoko is the only ethnic nationality in Delta State that was yet to be considered for a ministerial appointment. This in spite of the fact that Isoko fortunately has a glut of men and women – chartered accountants, lawyers, seasoned journalists, doctors, engineers, university dons, architects, seasoned public servants etc who are eminently qualified to be appointed as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

IEG, in recent open letters to Mr President published in the Vanguard Newspaper of Friday 12, 2019, at page 30 and in The Nation of Tuesday April 16, 2019, page 32, had aligned with the apex social cultural organisation, Isoko Development Union (IDU) to passionately appeal to Your Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari with cogent and incontrovertible reasons why Isoko should be considered for appointment as Minister from Delta State.

“For reasons vide supra, Your Excellency, Isoko Equity Group, made up of mainly top APC leaders in Isoko nation, are persuaded, with all humility, that for the sake of equity, fairness and inclusiveness, which you have always preached, plead with you that the next Minister from Delta State should appointed from amongst Isoko people”, the letter read.

It is the Isoko people’s hope that Mr President can can do justice and end the 45 years drought of Ministers from the Isoko nation the way he courageously put right the injustice  of June  12, 1993.

Isoko parades high towering technocrats, scholars, and professional administrators amongst who are men of intellectual powers, fine bred and apostles of good governance and the ‘next level’ mantra of the Buhari’s administration that are eminently qualified to bring their wealth of experience to the next level APC-led cabinet.

Ogbodu, a media consultant and co-publisher of BIGPEN NIGERIA, writes from Asaba, Delta State.

[dropcap] T[/dropcap]he Presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders. The Federal Government is planning this in order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders, increased quality of feeding and access to animal care and private sector participation in commercial pasture production by way of investments.

Other gains are job creation, access to credit facilities, security for pastoral families and curtailment of cattle rustling.

Stripped of the politics and howling that has attended the recent comments, there is NO government plan to seize state land, colonize territory or impose Ruga on any part of the federation.

Government has made it clear time and again that the programme is voluntary.

So far, twelve states have applied to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, making lands available for the take-off of the scheme in their states. This number is sufficient for the pilot scheme.

Unfortunately, some state governments that have not signified interest in the scheme and, therefore, are not on the invitation list have been misleading people that the Federal Government is embarking on a scheme to take away their lands.

Mostly, these are state leaders that have no explanation to offer their people for continued non-payment of workers’ salaries. It is true that government at the centre has gazetted lands in all states of the federation but because the idea is not to force this programme on anyone, the government has limited the take-off to the dozen states with valid requests.

We urge states to join the Federal Government at the centre in encouraging all sides to these conflicts to make efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution.As we seek a permanent solution to these unwanted conflicts, efforts must be made to ensure that no innocent person faces any kind of deprivation or loss of right and freedom under our laws.

Ngidi Onyebuchi Maureen

[dropcap] S[/dropcap]enator Dr Ifeanyi  Okowa,Executive governor of  Delta State , today administered oath of office on five Special Advisers saying that their knowledge, wisdom and experience will improve the performance of his administration in its strive to deliver on its electoral promise of a Stronger Delta.

According to the governor who spoke shortly after the oath was delivered on the Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba, “Special Advisers play important roles in our modern democratic setting; they are carefully selected for their specific policy expertise and ability to skillfully navigate the layers of bureaucracy and partisan viewpoints to deliver on the administration’s goals and objectives. Modern statecraft places a demand on them to lessen the burden of the demanding and complex workload of the Chief Executive.”

Those who were sworn-in as Special Advisers at the well-attended ceremony were   Prof. Sylvester Monye  {Senior Policy Adviser}; Dr Kingsley Emu  {Chief Economic Adviser}; Senator Emmanuel Aguariavwodo (Housing and Human Development; Rt. Hon Emmanuel Okoro  (Rural and Community Development; and Hon. Efe Ofoburuku  (Legislative Matters}.

“It is true that our first tenure ended on a high and even now, we continue to receive plaudits for our phenomenal achievements in job creation, human capital development and infrastructural renewal, but, we cannot afford to rest on our oars because, the next four years promise to be as fulfilling as it would be challenging,” Governor Okowa said, stating, “we must think outside the box in order to proffer creative solutions to unexpected developments as we march forward; we are resolved in our quest for a diversified, inclusive and self-reliant economy that will withstand any external shocks.”

He continued, “as Special Advisers, being experts in your respective fields, I expect nothing but sound, practical advice that meets global best practices because, this administration expects from you bold ideas and initiatives that will engender Prosperity, Peace and Progress. “

The governor who observed that the expectations are high as his administration builds a Stronger Delta, asserted, “this administration is always ready and willing to work with Deltans at home and in diaspora and from all walks of life; we welcome advice and suggestions that will help us better the lot of our people and make our beloved Delta State the pride of all and I also expect all and sundry people to continue to pray for the continued success of this administration because when we succeed, the citizens are all the better for it.”

Responding on behalf of the Special Advisers who were sworn-in, Prof. Sylvester Monye thanked Governor Okowa for believing in their abilities to render advise and contribute to the success stories of his administration, assuring that they will do their best to contribute towards achieving a Stronger Delta State.

By : Emeji Noble

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]enator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa,the executie governor of Delta State has congratulated Diokpa Paul Chukwuka Dunkwu (Esq.) on the occasion of the celebration of his 90th birthday anniversary. Similarly, the Bishop of Issele Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Odogwu Elue, has described Diokpa Dunkwu as a man who has impacted positively on the lives several persons.

The Governor and the Bishop were among dignitaries who spoke during a birthday thanksgiving mass/reception held at St. John Mary Vianney Catholic Church, Asaba, on Saturday to commemorate the event.

Senator Okowa, represented by a Commissioner designate and immediate past Commissioner for Information, Chief Patrick Ukah, described the celebrant as an individual who has contributed to the development of his community, Okpanam, Delta State and Nigeria in general.

He advised the youths to emulate the virtues of Diokpa Dunkwu so as to live fulfilled lives and urged them to shun cultism, drug abuse, kidnapping and other criminal activities which are detrimental to their wellbeing.

In the same vein, Bishop Elue, represented by Very Rev. Fr. John Ikechukwu Aduba, wished the celebrant good health and more years ahead, adding that the Diocese appreciates his contributions to the growth of the church.

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke, noted that true to his name, Paul, the celebrant have been exhibiting strong impeccable character that have distinguished him from others he has come across, stressing that the world would have been incomplete without Diokpa Dunkwu.

The celebrant, who is the Diokpa of Umumale Village, Obodo Ogwugwu Quarters, Okpanam, was called to the Bar in 1963 and was a Legal Adviser to late Governor Ambrose Ali of defunct Bendel State.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ngry youths in Umuoke Obowo, Imo State have set the police station in the town ablaze, following alleged killing of a young man in the community by a policeman. The youths went on the rampage, following the killing of one Ikenna Ogbunigwe by a police officer in the town on Monday. They burnt down the police station.

Ogbunigwe, a native of Umuoke, Obowo in the Obowo Local Government Area of the state, was confirmed dead at the Mercy Hospital in Umuoke after he was rushed to the hospital by some youths.

Upon Ogbunigwe’s death, the youths descended on the police station, carting away firearms and other exhibits at the station and releasing detainees. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was taken to safety by his colleagues after the mob attempted to lynch him.

An eye-witness, who pleaded anonymity, revealed that Ogbunigwe’s corpse was taken to the police station in protest before the station was set ablaze.

The witness explained that trouble started when Ogbunigwe confronted the police officer over a minor argument at a restaurant in the town. He said that the police officer pulled his trigger on the deceased, shooting sporadically when other youths tried to apprehend him over the killing of the young man.

The Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mr Orlando Ikeokwu, said he was yet to be briefed on the development when he was contacted.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has adopted Al-Hassan Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tundun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, as Majority Leader of House of Representatives.
The National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole, said this on Monday when Deputy Governor of Kano State, Malam Nasiru Gawuna, led a delegation to pay him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
Oshiomhole, who described politics as a game of numbers, said that the ruling party adopted Doguwa as Majority Leader of the House because Kano State delivered the highest votes for the party during the last general elections.
“To whom much is given, much is expected, Kano has given us a lot as a party, has given a lot to our President and we must, therefore, reciprocate.
“This is a fact that nobody can wish away, it cannot be overemphasised by those numbers because politics is a game of numbers. It is those numbers that made us win the Presidency.
“Without that numbers, we won’t be in the office. Incidentally, I reflect between the President’s vote and the first runner up, Atiku. It is about 3.8 million. If you delete Kano votes from that, the votes will come down,” the party’s chairman said.
According to him, if parts of those votes swing to the other side, so, no one can downplay the value of the support this party enjoys from the good people of the state.
“As a National party, we do have obligations to try to reflect and ensure that the six geopolitical zones are well represented. In doing so, we recognise that if we are not in power, we will not be able to talk of representation.
“So, we cannot, even in doing that, downplay the role of numbers and so, it is based on this that we are having regards to sacrifices that other people have made,” he said.
According to him, the ruling party also appreciates the leadership that Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has provided.
“Not only in terms of governing the state but also his contribution to strengthen the APC. He has handled very sensitive national assignment for the party to help it conduct elections.
“His commitment to the party is not in doubt whatsoever. This is the sentiment that formed the idea of zoning the leadership of the house to Kano,” Oshiomhole said.
He commended members of the two chambers of the National Assembly for cooperating with the party to make adoption of their principal officers possible.
“I’ve been extremely excited by the level of cooperation that members of the two chambers had extended to us because it could have been impossible if they insist that they want to go and fight to finish.
“It is that mutual respect, loyalty to the party and indeed to our President that has made this very easy,” he said.
Earlier, Gawuna said that the visit was to thank Oshiomhole and National Working Committee of the party for adopting a candidate from North West particularly Kano State as majority leader of House.
“This is no other person than Ado Doguwa who is being elevated from Chief Whip of 8th House of Representatives to Majority Leader of 9th House of Representatives,” he said.

By : Emeji Noble

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]wo consortia, FIDMA/MA and AIMS emerged as favourites in the quest by the Delta state government to select appropriate concessionaires to manage and upgrade the Asaba Airport in line with best international standards.

The bid to concession the Asaba Airport was opened on May 22. 2019, by the transaction adviser to the state government, on the concession modalities for the airport, HALCROW Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, in a brief but interesting ceremony which saw representatives of the two consortia in attendance.

Speaking at the bidding ceremony, Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa stated that his desire is to have an airport that is of international standards, running effectively in Delta State.

According to the Governor, who was represented by the former Secretary to the Delta State Government, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, “We are happy with the interest of various consortia for the Asaba Airport concession and want to reassure you that the bids will be diligently analysed by the transaction advisers.

“As a government, we are committed to building an effective and efficient airport and to make the Asaba Airport a hub with support and cooperation of the private sector. I want to therefore assure you that Delta State is ready and open for business,” the governor said confidently.

FIDC/MA Consortium and AIMS Consortium led by Adanwimo Ezeife and Chief Onome Onokpasa respectively, commended the transparency and fairness of the bidding process, stating that they look forward to the announcement of the results of the technical evaluation.

Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor and former Presidential Adviser on Projects monitoring and evaluation, Prof. Sylvester Monye had, in his own comments, informed the gathering that the Delta State government has built a world-class airport and is interested in its effective operation.

While disclosing the modalities involved in the bidding process, Prof. Monye asserted, “building an airport is one thing running it effectively is another. What we have done is to come up with the idea to concession the airport and take it to the level we want it to be. We want it to be a win – win situation and have decided to do a fast track by considering a model that we are confident, will work with a master concessionary and sub concessionary”.

The Delta State delegation comprised the then Secretary to the Delta State Government, Rt Hon Ovie Agas, Special Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Prof Sylvester Monye, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Dr Kingsley Emu and the Director General, Delta State Capital Development Agency, Chief Clement Ofuani, amongst others.

With Governor Okowa’s reelection for a second term and the ongoing process to constitute an Executive Council to drive the second term agenda of his administration, a new face, Barr. Chiedu Ebie, who is now the Delta State SSG, will replace Rt. Hon. Ovie Agas, but he will still be in the company of two stalwarts; Prof. Sylvester Monte, who has retained his position as Special Policy Adviser to the Governor and Dr. Kingsley Emu, who has moved from Commissioner for Economic Planning, to the more exclusive position of Chief Economic Adviser to the State Government. The rest of the team will be unveiled, once the cabinet members of the Delta Exco have been appointed.

Culled  from Flash point news