Okowa congratulates Tompolo at 50, plus PHOTOS from the Birthday Show

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated Niger Delta activist and ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo as he clocks 50 years.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, on Monday in Asaba, said that Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo, was an illustrious son of Niger Delta, who had contributed immensely to the peace and development of the region.

He said that Ekpemupolo’s crave for the development of Niger Delta compelled him to embrace the Presidential Amnesty offered by the Federal Government to armed agitators in the region in 2009, thereby ending the near-intractable militancy in the area.

He remarked that ‘’Tompolo’’ contributed hugely to the restoration and sustenance of peace in Delta, recalling that his swift intervention in one of those “tough times’’ helped to nip in the bud, a dangerously brewing crisis in the state and the region.

The governor urged him to continue to do good, as it was fulfilling and rewarding to be benevolent, “especially now that you have attained the golden age’’.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I felicitate with an illustrious son of the Niger Delta, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo on the occasion of his 50th birth anniversary.

“Tompolo, as he is fondly called, is an embodiment of peace and has contributed greatly to the peace and development of the oil rich Niger Delta, and has continued to partner governments in the maintenance of peace in the region. We are grateful to him for his support.

“As he celebrates his golden jubilee, it is my prayer and that of the people of Delta that God will continue to bless him with good health and wisdom to continue in his services to humanity,” he stated.

Photos from Tompolo’s 50th birthday celebration:

Ibori Loot: We’ve Written A Formal Letter Of Protest To Buhari – Okowa

The Delta State Government has asked the Federal Government to return the £4.2 million James Ibori loot being repatriated to Nigeria by the United Kingdom to the state.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa believes that since the money was stolen from the state, it would only be just to return the funds back to the state.

“I have spoken with the attorney-general of the federation. My attorney-general went to have a meeting with him. I think that we are working and we are likely to come on the same page. We have written a formal letter of protest to Mr President,” the Governor said on Wednesday during an appearance on Politics Today.

The protest by the state is in reaction to the decision of the Federal Government to spend the funds on federal projects.

Nigeria and the UK had signed a memorandum of understanding on March 9 for the repatriation of the funds stolen by Ibori, a former Delta State.

But the development became mired in controversy shortly after the MoU was signed when the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, revealed the money will be spent by the Federal Government.

The projects it will be spent on, he said, were the construction of the second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano road, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Two Options

Governor Okowa, however, expects the Federal Government to take a similar route as the UK Government by returning the money to the source it was pilfered from.

“In the same manner of the relationship created between the UK and Nigeria, we also expect that the Nigerian Government will do the same thing by being magnanimous to return the money back to the source, which is Delta State,” he said.

To guarantee that Deltans benefit from the repatriated loot, the governor said it had provided options to the Federal Government and made a compelling case for the state.

“We have made two suggestions; return the money directly to us or apply it directly to projects that we feel are of importance and are in Delta State so that Deltans can directly benefit from the repatriated funds and I don’t think anybody can fault that line (of thinking)”, he said.

The governor is not alone in his position.

A day after the news of the planned return of the loot broke, the House of Representatives passed a resolution calling on the Federal Government to ensure that it was returned to Delta State.

Lawmakers passed the resolution after their colleagues from the state moved a motion of urgent public importance.

As far as they were concerned, the funds were stolen from the state and should be returned to it.

Ibori, who was Delta State Governor from 1999 to 2007, was convicted by a UK court in 2012 and was sentenced to 13 years in jail with several of his assets forfeited to the UK Government. He was released in 2016.

Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana also backed the calls for the return of the funds to the state.

He commended the Federal Government for negotiating and pursuing the return of the loot to Nigeria but insisted that it be returned to the source.

“Since the money left the coffers of the Delta State Government, it has to be returned once it is recovered,” Falana said during an appearance on Politics Today.

The attorney-general of the federation, however, has a different argument.

“The major consideration relating to who is entitled to a fraction or perhaps the money in its entirety is a function of law and international diplomacy,” Mr. Malami told Channels TV of the Federal Government’s decision.

“All the processes associated with the recovery were consummated by the federal government and the federal government is, indeed, the victim of crime and not sub-national.”

Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, says the Ibori loot will be spent on, the construction of the second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano road, and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Ultimately, Governor Okowa believes President Muhammad Buhari will grant the state’s request as that is the right thing to do.

“I do believe that with the approach that we have undertaken it is unlikely that they will refuse the request. It is a strong appeal,” he said.

The governor rubbished claims that if the money is returned to Delta State “it will develop wings”.

“I don’t see how the money will develop wings anyway,” he said. “That is why we have directly put down projects – three projects where this money can be applied directly to such a manner that it is something you can investigate.

Channels TV

Jubilation as Obaseki commissions Ovwor — Effurun-Otor Bridge in Delta State

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, Tuesday, commissioned the multi-million naira Ovwor-Effurun-Otor Bridge, Ughelli South Local Government Area, built by the Delta State government.

Indigenes of both communities who were excited by the completion of the project were on the ground to entertain Obaseki, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

Commissioning the bridge, Obaseki who had earlier inaugurated the rehabilitated 34 kilometres Otu-Jeremi-Okwagbe Road, the interlocking of Ughelli South Secretariat and access road to the council’s staff quarters, expressed satisfaction with the quality of work done on the project.

Describing Okowa as an unusual politician who was not known to make promises he had no intention of fulfilling, he said “He is not only building physical bridges, he is building community, social and economic bridges.

“With the kind of leadership he is providing, we are very encouraged in Edo State. See the number of projects he has been embarking on in the last six years.

“Those who are criticizing Niger Delta governors on what they are doing with 13 per cent derivation should come to Delta State, should come to Ughelli South.”

Congratulating Governor Okowa, the Ovwor and Effurun-Otor communities on the completion of the project, he said “that the contractor “Is an indigene of this place is very impressive. It shows that we have the people and capacity to do quality jobs”.

In his remarks, Governor Okowa expressed delight that “what we started a few years ago has brought joy to our people”, assuring that his administration had no intention of abandoning any project it has embarked on.

While promising that his administration would deliver on the Ovwor hospital by next year, he reiterated the commitment of his administration to continue to execute projects that would impact positively the social and economic lives of the people.

On his part, the Orovworere of Effurun Otor kingdom, HRM Johnson Duku Il, thanked Okowa for resolving “the age-long infrastructural deficit” the communities, noting that “Executing people-oriented projects has become a way of life of Governor Okowa”.

Earlier, Chairman of Ughelli South, Dr Richard Kofi, described the project as a legacy project that has connected the two communities and other communities in the council area.

Chatting with newsmen on the sidelines of the Commissioning, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Obakpor J U Construction Company, Olorogun J U Oguma thanked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for giving them the opportunity to express their technical know-how in the building of roads, bridges and other infrastructures in the State.

Oguma said the completion and Commissioning of the bridge have opened up Ovwor-Olomu and Effurun-Otor, adding that it was a boost to the socio-economic lives of the people.

COVID-19: DELTA PDP EMPATHIZES WITH OKOWA, FAMILY

The Delta State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has empathized with the Delta State Governor, Senator, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his wife Dame Edith, following the news released by the Governor himself, that they had tested positive for Covid-19.

In a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, the party expressed its solid support for the Delta State Governor, his dear wife, and family, at this trying time, urging him to be firm in faith and strong in the conviction that this is a situation that will soon pass away.

“Your Excellency, the Delta PDP family wish you, your dear wife, and members of your family presently inconvenienced by this unwanted situation, a speedy recovery.

“Covid-19, like you have told Deltans, is not in any way a death sentence and your inspirational leadership and proactive management of this pandemic has further strengthened our belief that you and your family will all come out stronger, and healthier in no distant time

“We commended your Excellency for the sincerity, honesty, and transparency you have continually exhibited, especially as it concerns you and your family since the outbreak of this pandemic and we join our prayers with those of your well wishers all over the world that the God Lord will touch you and your family with His Divine healing at this time.

“We also strongly call on Deltans to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 preventive measures put in place by the NCDC, the State government, as well as Federal and State Ministries of Health, amid rising positive cases of the pandemic in the State. It is now obvious to one and all that Covid-19 is real.

“Get well soon Your Excellency and our dear First Lady. God Bless and keep you and your family. Amen!

Governor Okowa Promises To Complete Kwale-Beneku Bridge,Two Pedestrian Bridges along Asaba Benin Expressway

Sola Charles, Asaba

Delta State Governnent has reiterated its resolve to deliver the Kwale-Beneku bridge, section C1, C2 of the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, and two pedestrian bridges on the Asaba-Benin Expressway on schedule.

The state Commissioner of Works, Chief James Augoye, who spoke on Thursday in Asaba, after projects tour,said the pedestrian bridges located at the Summit Road and Abraka Market junction, will be ready in July, Beneku Bridge and Ughelli-Asaba section C by June 2021 and end of 2021 respectively..

Chief Augoye, while briefing journalists, on efforts of the state government to deliver ongoing project, despite the financial strain occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, disclosed that Governor Ifeamyi Okowa is desirous of delivering road projects as promised.

According to him, “The Govenor has directed that as we continue to maintain social distancing, washing our hands and sanitizing same, we must not allow the COVID-19 pandemic as a barrier to governance in Delta State. That is why we make it a point of duty for everyone involved in our projects to respect the order in managing Coronoavirus disease.

“We have visited so many projects today, starting with the pedestrian bridge at Summit Junction before proceeding to the second one at Abraka Market End. I must commend the contractor, Fimu Ventures limited, for delivering a high quality job so far.

“I had useful discussions with him, and expressed my reservation on delay of the job that was contracted to him since July 25, 2018, with last year as inaugural date he has, however, assured that the jobs would be ready by July,”, he added.

At the Kwale-Beneku bridge linking the people of Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East local government , areas, the Commissioner said, “Work is in progress, and I must also commend for the quality of work I have seen today (Thursday)”.

The Commissioner said, he was particularly happy with the project, “Because the last time we went to commission the Beneku road with Governor Ifeamyi Okowa, one of our Commissioners fell into the river as he tried to embark on pontoon that ferried us across the Ase Creek. But that when the project is completed by next year, the people would be saved the perennial challenges

“The is very necessary and strategic for the people of both local government areas who have have been suffering for a long time crossing with pontoon, and the state in particular. This Bridge is going to be very crucial for both economic and social activities. It will also help encourage investors into the state” noted Augoye.

He was also impressed with the contractors handling the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway sections C1 and C2, China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, saying, “The quality of jobs done is nimpressive , especially with the reassurance by their site engineer, Engr. Wang. Wenlong,, of delivering on schedule by end of 2021.”

“The Obo bridge is undergoing a very scientific assessment, as the original contractors, ULO, did some pilling already, so the contractors are trying to ascertain it with a 5,000 kilograms sand bags, if the job done would be able to sustain the bridge. After the pile testing they take it to the lab for final tests for work to continue there,”, he added.

The project manager of DNL Engineering Limited construing the kwale-Beneku bridge, Engr. Mamuda Ladan, while assuring on the 1.5km road project said the main bridge measuring 360 meters and the smaller 20 meter bridge is almost ready, with structural work about 80 percent ready, especially as they do not have challenges of youth activities that could derail their progressive March towards delivering on schedule by June 2020.

Some locals who also spoke with journalists, shared visible optimism about what impact the road project will have on them.

BREAKING! South-south governors finalise plans to establish regional security outfit

Sola Charles, Asaba

Following the rise of insecurity in the country, South South governors have agreed to float a regional security outfit to mitigate the ugly trend.

This was part of decisions reached at the South South Governors Forum meeting held at Government House Asaba on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

Briefing the press after the meeting, the Chairman South South Governors Forum and Governor of Delta State Senator Ifeanyi Okowa said the issue of security and development was dear to the governors hence the need to come out with a formidable regional security outfit to guarantee peaceful coexistence.

He said Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Delta (BRACED Commission) would work out modalities on the operations of the proposed regional security.

Governor Okowa said the forum has resolved that all Commissioners of Health from States in the region will meet immediately to work out modalities on how to curtail the laser fever epidemic and the dreaded Corona virus disease that is currently posing global health challenge.

He said there was no known case of corona virus in South South region but there was need to take proactive measures.

The forum according to the chairman also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to constitute the governing board of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to enable it perform its constitutional mandate effectively.

He said the forum resolved that the thirteen percent derivation must be taken out of the fund from oil proceed before the rest of the money is shared by Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC.

The forum resolved to provide logistics to revive the BRACED Commission because of its input in regional economic growth and collective development of the region.

The meeting had in attendance five Governors including that of Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Delta while the governor of Cross Rivers was absent but represented by his deputy.

Governor Okowa Celebrates Hon. Elumelu at 50

#DELTA

Sola Charles, Asaba

Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta State Governor felicitated with Minority Leader of House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, On his 55 years birthday.

He said that the contributions of Elumelu in the legislature, especially in the power sector probe of some years ago, had remained remarkable.

Okowa said “as a lawmaker, you have remained outstanding, and as a politician, you are a leading light and a role model for upcoming politicians.

“As a government, we appreciate your sublime contributions to the growth and development of our country, particularly your role in the development of the power and health sectors when you headed the committees of the House in those sectors from 2007 to 2010 and 2011 to 2015.

“We remain proud of your leadership role in the National Assembly and we will continue to make supplications to God to grant you good health and greater years ahead.

“I can attest to your devotion to excellence, commitment, simplicity and integrity and these qualities will continue to be a source of inspiration to all whose lives you have affected in many ways.’’

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I join your constituents, admirers and colleagues across the country to congratulate you, my dear brother and friend, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, on the occasion of your 55th birth anniversary.

“It is our prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health and many more years of great accomplishments,” he added.

Elumelu, who represents Aniocha/Oshimili Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, was first elected into the House in 2007 and served until 2015 when he joined governorship race in the state, but was unsuccessful.

He was elected back to the House in the 2019 general polls.