News From Nigeria
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has approved the assignment of portfolios to newly sworn-in Commissioners in the state.
The approval for the assignment of portfolios was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu on Tuesday evening.
The statement listed the Commissioners and their portfolios as follows:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu on Monday charged the 45 newly inaugurated Ministers of the Federal Republic to prioritize the interests and welfare of the entire nation and its diverse population, above any regional or state-specific considerations.
Speaking at the inauguration of new members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House Conference Centre, the President underscored the immense responsibility the ministers now bear in shaping policies that will significantly influence the lives of hundreds of millions of Nigerians.
“You are not a minister of a particular state, colony, region, or ethnic nationality. You are a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” President Tinubu declared, setting the tone for his directive to the new ministers.
“This is all about the cohesion and work of a great team, and I believe we now have it. It is an honour to be chosen to serve as a minister in the Federal Executive Council, and such a high honour comes with tremendous responsibility. In this moment of abundant promise and peril in equal measure, all of you that have been sworn in have been called to distinguish yourselves. Nigerians are highly expectant of excellence in service delivery, accountability, and transparency,” he said.
The President also reminded the new ministers that they can not disappoint Nigerians, who expect them to serve with integrity, dignity and competence to actualize the Renewed Hope manifesto of the administration—failing which he will not hesitate to take necessary remedial measures.
“As your country honours you today, you must each work to make yourselves worthy in the eyes of God and our entire nation’s people. Your highest obligation is to restore public faith in government so that our people can once again believe that government can be a positive force for transformation and a vehicle for collective progress of all citizens of this great country,” President Tinubu said, while congratulating each of the ministers and welcoming them to “the Administration of Renewed Hope.”
He further affirmed that the newly appointed ministers were selected based on their track records of excellence in both the public and private sectors, noting their effective representation of the rich diversity present within Nigeria.
Expressing his wishes for the success of the cabinet members in the discharge of their duties, the President invoked a metaphor of a journey, in which he is the driver of a vehicle, along with all Nigerians as passengers.
“In this new assignment, we are in this boat together, even if it is a vehicle, I am the driver. The entire nation sits watchful, as you and I navigate this vehicle. We must hold each other responsible. We have to do the job to meet the expectations of all Nigerians. God be with you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of Engr. Abubakar Momoh from the Federal Ministry of Youth to the Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
The Federal Ministry of Youth is to be re-assigned to a Minister-Designate soon.
The Ministers-Designate allocated to the Federal Ministries of Transportation, Interior, and Marine & Blue Economy have been reshuffled as follows:
(A) H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy
(B) Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Interior
(C) Hon. Sa’idu Alkali is redeployed as the Honourable Minister of Transportation
Furthermore, both Ministers of State in the Oil & Gas sector are now domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the following designations:
(i) Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri is the Hon. Minister of State (Oil), Petroleum Resources
(ii) Hon. Ekperipe Ekpo is the Hon. Minister of State (Gas), Petroleum Resources
The President approves the renaming of the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management as the Federal Ministry of Environment.
All aforementioned changes take immediate effect by these directives of the President.
Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 20, 2023
Gbajabiamila pledges FG’s commitment to South East development
The Chief of Staff (CoS) to President Bola Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has urged stakeholders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State to embrace peace and unity to entrench the party in the state and the southeast in general.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu in Abuja.
Gbajabiamila spoke on Saturday, when he received Abia APC stakeholders in his house on a thank-you visit on the election of Hon. Benjamin Kalu as the deputy speaker of the 10th House of Representatives and other Abia indigenes which included Hon. Nkiruka Onyejiocha, the incoming minister of State for Labour and Employment and Hon. Sam Onuigbo who was appointed a member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) by President Tinubu.
According to Gbajabiamila, unity was a sine qua non to achieving the lofty ideals of the party in the south East as he assured that the doors of the federal government under President Tinubu were open to them at all times.
He however enjoined the stakeholders to work assiduously to make APC the number one party in the south east, assuring that it will boost the fortunes of the region in no small measures.
Earlier in their separate remarks, the stakeholders through their leaders, Senator Adighije, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, the former minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Nwogu and a member of APC National Caucus, Chief Sam Nkire expressed gratitude to Gbajabiamila for facilitating Kalu’s election, the appointment of Onyejiocha and Onuigbo amongst others.
While applauding Gbajabiamila for mentoring Kalu, the leaders recalled with nostalgia that the mentorship started in the early days of 9th House of Representatives when the Chief of Staff as the then speaker gave Kalu the opportunity to move the first motion on during the plenary session.
They said it was no surprise that Gbajabiamila later appointed Kalu the spokesman of the House, a position, they said prepared him for his current office.
The leaders also appealed to the chief of staff to use his good office to attract more appointments for both the state and the region, pledging their loyalty to the Tinubu led government.
Sunday, 20th August, 2023
Press Release
ISESE DAY 2023 – Elegushi praises government’s recognition
The traditional ruler of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has praised the Lagos State Government and other state governors who accorded recognition to the traditional festival celebration, Isese Day, saying that such recognition will promote inclusion and equality.
Oba Elegushi, who was speaking at the celebration of the day in his palace, said the recognition was long due, as traditional worshipers, are part of the society, they belong to the same community as other faiths and it is only appropriate they get their own holiday as a mark of respect to their beliefs as it is with Christianity and Islam.
Special Assistant on Public Affairs to the traditonal ruler, Temitope Oyefeso, quoted the king as saying he his happy that after years of making the calls to the government, the date is now on the calendar and recognized by the Lagos state government and some other governors in the south west.
The king also appealed to the federal government to ensure that the date becomes a national holiday, adding that believers who are not of the two known faith, also contribute to the peace and progress of the country.
Isese day, a day set aside to recognize and celebrate traditional religion worhisp is celebrated annually on the 20th of August.
Signed:
Temitope Oyefeso,
Special Assistant, Public Affairs to HRM
—
‘Tope Oyefeso (Mr.)
Special Assistant, Public Affairs
Office of The Elegushi of Ikateland
08023839100
ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST?
We, concerned Lagosians, have watched in the past few days with keen interest the unfortunate attempts by some groups of individuals, Muslim clerics and organizations to discredit the list of Cabinet nominees of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
The aforementioned interests have criticized the proposed cabinet composition, alleging marginalization of Muslims. The clerics have resorted to various rough tactics to malign the image of the Governor by dangerously using the media with indiscretion to paint him in the colour of what Mr Governor is not.
It is of note that in the true spirit of a true leader and a genuine “omoluabi”, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has displayed remarkable calmness and confidence in the face of all this provocation, knowing well that the peace, progress and prosperity of Lagos are his primary focus.
We view all the actions so far, including a protest march on the House of Assembly, as uncharacteristic of the progressive people of Lagos, whose major preoccupation is peaceful cohabitation, growth and development.
For the records, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is a completely detribalised individual and a man with an open heart whose religion is humanity. He has run Lagos for over four years now without any form of discrimination whatsoever.
Specifically, the claim by these groups of persons and interests about the number of Muslims in the proposed cabinet is not correct. It has no backing in facts; nor in logic. It is all sentiments and emotions that are unworthy of all we stand for as Lagosians. We will never be proud of such potentially destructive and divisive tendencies.
The claim, obviously out of ignorance, in many media reports is that there are only 8 Muslims among the 39 nominees. This is FALSE. There are 16 Muslims on that list, which is out there for anyone to check.
For the records, of the 7 Special Advisers (non-Cabinet) recently appointed, four are Muslims and 3 are Christians.
The newly composed Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board has seven members; six of them are Muslims and one a Christian. There are three Distinguished Senators from Lagos State, all of whom are Muslims. Of our House of Representatives members, the majority are Muslims, same with the House of Assembly and the Local Government Chairmen.
The truth is that to achieve the excellence that Lagos is famous for, the government, in our view, looks out for competence. The task of running a mega city like Lagos State deserves more from the driver’s seat than religion and other divisive and destructive tendencies.
If such retrogressive seeds are sown and allowed to grow and blossom in our dear state, we will lose our vision and leadership in the comity of states.
Imagine traditional worshippers with all their special groups, such as Ifa, Ogun and Obatala adherents, also protesting that they are excluded!
We would like to appeal to all Lagosians, especially some sections of the Muslim community, who are pushing the discrimination narrative, to allow the State to continue to enjoy the peaceful coexistence of all religious groups and not sow any seed of discord among residents who only crave for service, not minding the religious affiliation of whoever renders such service.
To those who feel genuinely aggrieved (without checking the facts), we implore them to show deep understanding; that is what these times require.
We are making history everyday. Those who want to plunge our peaceful and cosmopolitan state into a religious crisis should retrace their steps. It is uncivilized and dangerous. Lagos and Lagosians will not join such an empty campaign.
SIGNED:
Campaign for Dignity in Governance;
Humanity Services Project;
Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence;
Women Integrity Forum.
Women Grassroots Network;
Centre for promotion of Work ethics and Values;
Islamic Unity Network;
NATIONAL Engagements and Interactive Network
KOGI STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE (KGSCC)
The National Working Committee (NWC) of our Great Party, the PDP, after extensive consultations with the Kogi State Stakeholders, has approved the appointment of the following as the *KOGI STATE CARETAKER COMMITTEE* to run the affairs of our party in the state following the expiration of the tenure of the then-elected State Working Committee.
The composition of the KGSCC is:
MRS. MARIA ADEYEMI – ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY
The Committee shall be inaugurated as follows:
Date: Monday, August 21, 2023
Venue: National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall, Wadata Plaza, Abuja FCT
Time: 10AM
Hon. Umar M. Bature
National Organizing Secretary
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to “publicly instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers in your administration to stop collecting life pensions, exotic cars and other allowances from their states while they serve as ministers.”
SERAP urged him to “instruct the former governors to immediately return any pension and allowances that they may have collected since leaving office to the public treasury.”
The following former governors are now ministers in the Tinubu administration: Badaru Abubakar; Nyesom Wike; Bello Matawalle; Adegboyega Oyetola; and David Umahi. Others are: Simon Lalong; Atiku Bagudu; and Ibrahim Geidam.
In the letter dated 19 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The appointment of former governors who collect life pensions while serving as ministers is implicitly forbidden by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international legal obligations.”
SERAP said, “You would be acting in the public interest by stopping former governors now serving as ministers in your government from collecting life pensions, especially given the current grave economic realities in the country.”
The letter, read in part: “If the ministers that the president appoints are those who collect life pensions rather than serve the public interest, then that may show little about the conduct and integrity of the ministers, but speak volumes about the exercise of presidential power of appointment.”
“Nigerians will judge you in part by the conduct, integrity and honesty of the ministers that you appoint to work in your government. Ultimately, the success of your government would depend on the conduct of the ministers that you appoint.”
“While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The exercise of your power of appointment ought to reflect ethical and constitutional safeguards and requirements, and the fundamental principles of integrity and honesty.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting double emoluments would be entirely consistent with the proper exercise of your constitutional power to appoint ministers.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting life pensions would ensure that the country’s wealth and resources are used for the common good and benefit of the socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians rather than to satisfy the opulent lifestyle of a few politicians.”
“Instructing the former governors now serving as ministers in your government to stop collecting life pensions from their states would also improve public confidence in the integrity and honesty of your government.”
“Constitutional oath of office requires public officials to abstain from all improper acts, including collecting life pensions, that are inconsistent with the public trust and the overall objectives of the Constitution. A false oath lacks truth and justice. The oath statements require the oath takers to commit to uphold and defend the Constitution.”
“According to our information, the following former governors are now ministers in your administration: Badaru Abubakar (former governor of Jigawa State and Minister of Defence); and Nyesom Wike (former governor of River State and FCT Minister).”
“Others include: Bello Matawalle (former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence); Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (former governor of Osun State and Minister of Transportation); and David Umahi (Minister of Works).”
“Others are Simon Bako Lalong (former governor of Plateau State and Minister of Labour and Employment); Atiku Bagudu (former governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning); Ibrahim Geidam (former governor of Yole State and Minister of Police of Affairs.”
“The states currently implementing life pensions for former governors reportedly include Jigawa, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Rivers. Many of these states owe workers’ salaries and remain the poorest in the country.”
“Several of the pension laws in these states include provisions for six cars every three years, a house in Lagos worth N750 million, and another in Abuja worth N1 billion, unrestricted access to medical attention, and pensionable cooks, stewards, and gardeners.”
“Other provisions 100 per cent annual salaries of the incumbent governor, security operatives and police officers permanently assigned to former governors.”
“SERAP notes that in your inaugural speech as president you promised that your administration will be guided by ‘the principle of the rule of law, a shared sense of fairness and equity’, and that ‘Nigeria will be impartially governed according to the constitution.’”
“These commitments are consistent with your constitutional duties under sections 5, 130 and 147, and oath of office, under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
“By the combined reading of these provisions, your government has a legal obligation to appoint as ministers former governors whose conduct is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional and international legal requirements.”
“These constitutional provisions also require you to instruct the former governors to stop collecting life pensions and to return any pensions collected to the public treasury.”
“The country’s international legal obligations especially under the UN Convention against Corruption also impose a legal commitment on public officials to discharge a public duty truthfully and faithfully.”
“Life pensions for former governors serving as ministers are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.”
“The convention specifically in paragraph 1 of article 8 requires you and your government to promote integrity, honesty and responsibility in the management of public resources.”
“Furthermore, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo in a judgment dated 26 November, 2019 also indicated that double emoluments for former governors are unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal. Indeed, former governors collecting life pensions while serving as ministers would clearly amount to taking advantage of entrusted public positions.”
“‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The alleged collection of life pensions by former governors now serving as ministers amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
20/8/2023
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
MEDIAGATE MANAGEMENT: INFORMATION ADVOCATES
CALL:
08036977194
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has been honoured with an award of ‘Best Construction Firm (Roads & Bridges) Award 2023’ in the nation’s capital Abuja.
At the well-attended National Waves Newspaper & Magazine 15th Anniversary and Honours Ceremony which held recently at Merit House, Maitama Abuja, the very credible and highly respected news platform, commendably cited Julius Berger as unarguably Nigeria’s “leading construction company offering holistic services covering the planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings, infrastructure and industry projects in Nigeria.”
Going further, the publishers and organisers of the event also said that “Since its pioneer project in 1965, Julius Berger has played a pivotal role in the development of Nigeria’s industrial and civil infrastructure”, adding that “the company specialises in executing complex works requiring the highest level of technical expertise and Nigeria-specific knowhow.”
Speaking of Julius Berger’s qualitative operational processes, the organisers of the event elucidated and said: “State-of-the-art methods and technologies ensure that quality and innovation are prioritised for the benefit of clients. Subsidiaries and additional facilities make it possible to realise multifaceted projects at the highest level of performance. This structure allows Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to effectively manage and fulfil construction projects, starting from the initial idea, through to planning, design, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance.”
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the National Waves newspaper and magazine, Jimmy Enyen, who apparently did his research on all recipients of the awards to guarantee merit, noted Julius Berger’s subsidiaries, namely, Julius Berger Services Nigeria Ltd, a multipurpose terminal operator at the Warri Port; Julius Berger Medical Services Ltd, a medical services provider to the Julius Berger Group; Julius Berger Free Zone Enterprise, which facilitates opportunities to participate in projects within the Free Trade Zones across Nigeria; Abumet Nigeria Ltd, the country’s leading aluminium and glass windows and doors manufacturer, which strengthens the Group’s ability to provide turnkey building solutions; PrimeTech Design and Engineering Nigeria Ltd, a provider of integrated design and engineering resources in Nigeria; and Julius Berger International GmbH, in Germany, a key provider of planning, design and engineering, in addition to logistical support for businesses in Nigeria. The Publisher described the Julius Berger subsidiaries and its effectual head office coordination as the harmoniously integrated engine room which strongly, seamlessly fuels the matchless efficiency and effectiveness of the operational deliveries of the company.
Every Keynote speaker at the event including the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Christopher Ikechukwu Isiguzo, MFR, who is also the President of the Congress of African Journalists, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, Esq., OON, and the Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, also acknowledged Julius Berger as a key development partner of Nigeria.
The head of the Julius Berger Group’s Media Relations Office, Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr, led the company’s delegation to receive the award at the event.
According to Prince Duku, the Julius Berger Group is guided by a value system that defines and differentiates it. Adherence to internationally specified standards and a focus on efficient and value-driven delivery of services further solidifies the company’s operational and competitive edge. Duku added that with unwavering reliability, unmatched quality, leading governance and a true focus on sustainability, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and its subsidiaries continue to set a benchmark for progressive success.
It would be recalled that Julius Berger also recently received an award of a golden trophy from the FCT Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists for what the media practitioners described as ‘the engineering construction leader’s transparent and healthy relations with the Media’.
Okumagba apologizes after comments on Uduaghan, Warri land
A member of the Okumagba Royal Family in Delta State, Prince Louis Okumagba, on Monday apologized to the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, for his comments on Warri land.
‘’I sincerely apologise for dragging the name of the Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, in the mud’’ Louis Okumagba said in a statement entitled ‘’Okumagba: Warri Land Scandal’’.
Louis Okumagba said he was sorry for his comments.
‘’Everything I earlier mentioned is false and untrue. I regret any embarrassment I might have caused him. I hereby undertake never to bring his name to disrepute’’ the statement said.
Last year, key families in Okere-Urhobo took steps to foil the divisive and land grabbing plan of Louis Okumagba.
They also urged the good people of Delta State and the general public to completely discountenance the false publication by Louis Okumagba.
Heads and members of the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Okere-Urhobo of Warri South spoke on prejudices of some local and foreign publishers on the land opposite Don Domingo College, Warri.
Chief Gideon Okumagba, a representative of the three families, read the statement of the royal families aloud to newsmen.
The families accused Louis Okumagba of distortion and inciting fear in Delta State.
‘’The families of Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu collectively owned landed properties in Warri’’
The Okere-Urhobo leaders said the land was acquired by the defunct Bendel State Government.
‘’The families are represented by Heads of the Kindred family and are the original owners of the land until it was acquired by the then Bendel State Government. The families currently have their administrative office at No 60 Okumagba Avenue Warri where they meet frequently to deal with issues on family lands and other related family matters’’
They offered an itemized and caustic indictment of Louis Okumagba’s behavior in Warri South.
‘’As one of the elders in the family, specifically as related to the false claims by Louis Okumagba, I am well abreast of the issues raised in that publication. The good people of Warri are not in any war or in a battle over the landed property opposite Don Domingo College, Warri, and it is very shameful that the said Louis is trying to incite tribal/ethnic battle in that publication’’.
They promised to file a libel suit against individuals and organizations publishing Louis Okumagba’s false narrative.
‘’It is not true that the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, used officials of the Delta State Government to intimidate and arrest Louis Okumagba. To be candid, it was Chief Gideon Okumagba that reported his criminal extortion of money from developers to the Police Area Commander Office in Warri’’.
The statement emphasized how the matter was dragged to the office of the Inspector General of Police Abuja.
Particularly, the families accused Louis Okumagba of trying to sow discord amongst Deltans through falsehood.
‘’Louis Okumagba claimed that he has been in the forefront of the land in dispute is false and misrepresentation of facts. The land was acquired by the then Bendel state for public purposes. The Delta State government has since done the needful by releasing/returning parts of the land to the Olodi, Oki and lghogbadu families who are the rightful owners. 4.6 hectares of land was released to the family on the 26 day of June 1988 and another part of the unused land was released to the Olodi, Oki and 1ghogbadu families on the 14 of January 2000. Also, the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families have an agreement with the Government of Delta State over the remaining parts of the land’’
The families told news men there was zero evidence for Louis Okumagba claims of land grabbing.
‘To be more specific, the remaining portion of the land was released to Seriviri Nigeria Limited wherein Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan is one of the directors of that company and the said company also have an agreement with the families and half of the land was released to the families. Indeed, the three families benefited from the land including Louis Okumagba ’’.
They scolded Louis Okumagba for rendering a real disservice.
‘’There was never any consultation by Louis Okumagba with the well-known families of Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu before that Publication was made by him. It’s a futile attempt to incite the Urhobo and Itsekiri into a needless bickering. There is no dispute as far as the land in this narrative is concerned. The said Louis should avail himself to enable the police conclude their investigation in the crime levied against him. The land in question belongs to the Olodi, Oki and lghogbadu families of Okere-Urhobo and he should stop spreading false claims and division among the families and tribes in Delta State. If there are disputes in any land owned by these families, it is the heads and members of the family who will collectively decide to institute an action in court’’,
The notable families also condemned the role of Chief Louis Okumagba in the 30 plots released to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State.
They described it as a negative development and a minus for peace and development in Delta State.
In a letter titled: ‘’Attempt / efforts to cause communal war, fanning embers of communal dispute, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and criminal defamation of characters of our clients; Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State, all committed by Mr. Louis Okumagba – a call to investigate the allegation herein, the families urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate allegations against Louis Okumagba, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiri and the Urhobo of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.
’’God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom’’
Counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, L O. Egboyi & CO said in the 1974/76, the then government acquired a part or portion of our client’s land for public purpose.
‘’In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So, it entered into agreement with our client family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients’’
The Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri are made up of the popular Okumagba family of Warri, Okere- Urhobo kingdom.
‘’Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri. Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thugs and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Headquarters’, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Rights action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. The action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police’’.
The families said the suit of the suspect against the Police was dismissed by the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba).
‘’While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo’’.
This incitement, according to the families, created several apprehensions in the minds of locals, which has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
‘’Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our clients namely, Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had a one-on-one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him’’.
The legal practitioners described Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu as bunch of responsible families
‘’Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families are known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society. Our clients therefore take the allegation of hiring assassins by its members very seriously, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country’’.
The families also deplored the actions of Louis Okumagba and urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good offices to investigate the allegations and anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
Former Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has been described as a rare gem, prime nationalist and redeemer of the masses.
‘’Chief James Onanefe Ibori is a leader of great stature, a symbol of unity and the well-being of individuals within and outside the country ‘’ the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, said on Monday.
Uduaghan in a statement in Abigborodo acknowledged Ibori’s ability, will, humility and dogged commitment to the Nigerian project.
He praised the heroic deeds of the former Delta State governor in the struggles leading up to the abrogation of the onshore/offshore dichotomy.
‘’Delta State is blessed to have a personality of great honour and a man of the people in person of Chief James Onanefe Ibori’’.
Popularly called ‘’Mr. Resource Control’’, Uduaghan described Ibori as a brave man, bridge builder and totally detribalized Nigerian.
He commended Ibori for giving a new dimension to Nigerian politics, promoting harmony, diversity, and inclusivity.
‘’Chief James Ibori is a practical, rational person by temperament. He is also a fine example of how to contribute while not holding a legal post’’ the business mogul said.
The statement underscored strength, encouragement, purposeful direction, Nigeria’s unity, peace and stability.
The statement also emphasized problem solving capacity, Ibori’s policy of accommodation, foresight in economic development, his magnificent achievements in the country and Uduaghan’s deepest respect for the former governor of Delta State.
Particularly, the man of high title applauded Ibori for providing important political guidance on the development of Nigeria, upholding Christian values, strengthening the traditional institution of family, putting feelings first and responding to the needs of the people with understanding regardless of their appearance, reputation or mood.
‘’Thank you for the great job you do for the family, Delta State and for our country’’ Uduaghan, a brilliant, very generous and tolerant man, said.
Ending the statement, the Warri High Chief and Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies said “I wish His Excellency robust health, much joy, unlimited strength and energy, as well as productive activities to the benefit of the Nigerian people
Media Consultant, Henry Ebireri, has urged Delta State governor-elect, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to embark only on programmes that are genuine, attainable, purposeful, durable and people-oriented.
He also urged him to make significant impact at improving the lots of the masses.
In a statement in Sapele, the media consultant described the March 18 governorship election in Delta State as ‘’’a turning point, a landmark in the history of the oil rich state’’.
He appealed to Oborevwori to steer Delta State in the needed direction.
‘’There is a very high expectation from the governor-elect by the people. He must direct his energy towards inculcating the spirit of self-reliance among the citizenry through economic and empowerment programmes’’
The media professional listed security, youth and women empowerment, agriculture, health, education, infrastructural development, industrial revolution, cultural and tourism rebirth, communication and sports development as key areas to be addressed by the governor-elect.
The statement underscored the future of Delta youths infrastructure and security challenges.
He urged Oborevwori to be fair to all.
He also urged him to recruit only qualified, competent and meritorious hands to help him develop the oil-rich state.
‘’They should be people of integrity, honesty and trust. The team should comprise only tested, dedicated, loyal, courageous, selfless, focused and visionary men and women’’
Ebireri further commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his immense contribution to the political development of Delta State.