Julius Berger Launches major Beams, counts down to project completion at Opebi-Ojota-Mende link Bridges, Roads
…. Lagos State Govt commends engineering construction leader for progress and good quality of works done so far
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc yesterday took a major step towards the early completion of the ongoing Opebi-Ojota-Mende link bridges and roads when it launched the first few beams on the bridges to signify the completion of critical aspects of the project. This was just as officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure congratulated the company for the pace and quality of work being done at the project site.
According to the Project Manager, Engr Dmytriy Denysenko, with the launching of the beams on the unveiled pillars, the project is now headed for completion as scheduled. “After the piling we did earlier in July 2022, this is the next and most important stage of the project.“ Continuing the Project Manager said, “…it is one of the major stages of the project. When the beams are placed, we proceed with the decks, and slabs casting. After that, just a little more work will be required to complete the work planned for May this year.
In all, he said no fewer than 228 pre-stressed beams will be launched on the bridge to move the project forward.
Assistant Director in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Soyombo Adesanya in his comments congratulated Julius Berger ‘‘for the progress and good quality of works done so far,“ adding that the government plans to visit the project site more often in the coming weeks to follow up on the progress being made.
Last January 26, 2022, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the Ojota-Opebi link bridges and approach roads tasking Julius Berger to complete the project earlier than the scheduled time.
Apart from Engr Denysenko, Engr. Frank Rutten and Engr Rasheedat Anifowoshe were on the Julius Berger team at the event.
Press Statement
SANWO OLU, TINUBU OR ANY OF THE CAPITALIST CANDIDATES DOES NOT DESERVE WORKERS’ SUPPORT
NLC AND TUC SHOULD BUILD A MASS WORKING PEOPLE PARTY
Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) strongly condemns the Lagos State leadership of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over their endorsement of Governor Sanwo Olu and Bola Tinubu who is running for President, both on the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). As far as we are concerned, this action is a betrayal of the class interest of the working class in Lagos state and a violation of key resolutions of the national organs of the NLC and TUC wherein the labour movement decided that Nigerian workers will not lend support to any anti-worker candidates in the 2023 general elections.
Not only are Governor Sanwo Olu and Bola Ahmed Tinubu anti-worker and anti-people elements who have used political offices to impose neo-liberal and anti-poor policies that enriched them and a few cronies while impoverishing the working people, but there can also be no doubt that the reign of their party, the APC, over the past eight years has brought the nation to a new level of despair, disharmony and desolation so much that a huge number of our young people are now seeking any opportunity to flee the country in a wave of mass emigration never seen since the civil war. Therefore, in our view, there is no justification for drumming or mobilizing support for these known anti-people-capitalist politicians.
At the Declaration rally, the Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi and the TUC Chairman Gbenga Ekundayo gave the impression that Gov. Sanwo Olu and the Lagos State government have done so much for workers but a check on all indices clearly shows otherwise. In the area of public education, the Lagos State ruling elite have underfunded and largely neglected education since 1999 and this has led to overcrowding in most public schools, together with inadequate teaching and learning facilities. This is the major reason many Lagosians including many workers have to resort to private education with its negative impact on income The Lagos State University (LASU) and other public tertiary institutions only manage to survive due to TETFund due to the abysmally low funding. At the moment, fees at LASU are beginning to rise astronomically beyond what ordinary workers and civil servants in the state can afford.
In the area of healthcare, public hospitals are grossly inadequate and to add insult to injury the services are increasingly being commercialized. There used to be public water in some parts of Lagos but this present crop of politicians in Lagos in the last 24 years has not done anything to make pipe-borne water accessible to Lagosians. As a matter of fact, the Lagos state government has resolved to privatize the water sector through Public Private Partnership and other for-profit means. Currently, there is a housing deficit of about 15 million units in Lagos and the very few housing units built by the government are priced far beyond the reach of workers.
It was the Lagos State government under the influence of Bola Tinubu that began the payment of fraudulent and jumbo pensions to past governors in Nigeria. Through this means, billions of Naira have been frittered away while many workers and ordinary people, who are made to pay various exploitative taxes, live in poverty.
The N30,000 minimum wage has been largely eroded by inflation and the rising cost of living. The only response from the Sanwo Olu-led government is to unilaterally announce an unspecified increment without any engagement or negotiation with labour. A wage increment is not a gift that a politician should award, workers deserve a living wage as the current wage is not a full compensation for work done. Workers are only paid a fraction and in some cases, a very small fraction. Side by side the poverty wage workers earn, unwarranted jumbo salaries and allowances are paid to top bourgeois politicians who also loot public funds. For more than 3 years now, the wage structure ought to have been reviewed upwards but the failure of the NLC and TUC leadership to lead a sustained struggle for the increase in wages despite the overwhelming justification for it.
Lagos state has been so mortgaged by these self-serving capitalist ruling elite that it will take many years to pay off about N800 billion indebtedness. Alongside this huge debt are the generated funds of more than 16 trillion Naira in the last 24 years and yet Lagos is so chaotic that it is currently said to be the worst city to live in only after war-torn Damascus in Syria by the Economist Intelligence Unit – an Economist magazine. Life for workers and the poor masses in Lagos just like other parts of the country is a living hell.
If we take into critical account the key living index, workers and the poor masses fared worse in the last 24 years, no thanks to the rabid neo-liberal and anti-people policies implemented by the self-serving capitalist ruling elite in Lagos State.
The reality is that labour leaders have done very little or nothing to defend the living and working conditions of workers. Rather workers have been left vulnerable to exploitation and attacks. In some cases, these right-wing labour leaders connive with the ruling elite and management staff to accelerate the exploitation of workers. It is not surprising that many labour leaders are members of the ruling capitalist parties (APC,PDP, APGA etc). It is simply because they fundamentally lack an alternative to capitalist exploitation. How would one explain the fact that the NLC and TUC formed the Labour Party and the party became just any anti-people capitalist political party? It is bizarre that the central NLC and TUC called on workers to vote for the Labour Party candidates some months back but most of the leaders at the chapters and affiliate unions are supporting other bourgeois candidates and parties. This is to show how the trade union leadership is in disarray, politically. However, the call for support for the current Labour Party with its anti-worker candidates is as wrong and opportunistic as that for the APC and PDP as all goes against the overall interest of workers and the poor masses because of the anti-poor neo-liberal policies of the parties.
The historical responsibility and the primary role of the trade union movement are to defend the working class against every capitalist attack and lead a struggle to defeat capitalism and its attendant slavery. Hence, we call on workers and trade union activists to campaign and agitate for a fighting and democratic trade union movement to lead working people and youth to build a mass political movement that will fight every capitalist oppression and exploitation. Such a movement armed with a socialist programme will help the working class and the poor challenge and defeat the self-serving capitalist elite, their corrupt parties and governments and ultimately end their iniquitous capitalist system.
SIGNED:
Comrade Rufus Olusesan Comrade Chinedu Bosah
National Chairperson National Publicity Secretary
January 18, 2023
Press Statement
Oyo Rally Confirms PDP’s Unity, Sweeping Victory in Feb/March Elections, Says Atiku/Okowa Campaign
The unprecedented turnout of Nigerians in solidarity with the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, at the Party’s Presidential Rally in Ibadan, Oyo State, the political capital of the South West, today, confirms reconciliations and unity in the PDP in readiness for a sweeping victory in Oyo, the South West and across other five geo-political zones of our nation.
Atiku/Okowa Campaign notes, appreciates and commends the unanimity, oneness of purpose and consensus among the ranks of leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party with Governor Seyi Makinde, in their collective drive towards ensuring victory for our Party at all levels of the coming February and March 2023 general elections.
The unity and single-mindedness witnessed at the Oyo Rally, just like in other States of the federation, further confirms that the PDP remains one big, indissoluble and indivisible family driven by the patriotic mission to rescue and rebuild our nation with Atiku Abubakar on the saddle as President.
The people of Oyo State, and, of course the South West, are independent-minded, insightful, egalitarian and politically astute with unparalleled nationalistic outlook that cannot be swayed by parochial and narrow-minded sentiments.
The action of solidarity by our teeming members and supporters in Oyo State, like in other States, have sent very strong signal to the weak and scavenging political parties that the PDP remains firmly united in the South West and other parts of the country.
Our campaign, once again, commends the people of Oyo State; professional groups, community leaders, faith-based groups, traditional institutions, youths and women groups, student bodies, transporters, artisans, traders and all other very important segments of the State for their unwavering support and resolve to vote Atiku Abubakar as the next President of Nigeria.
Our Campaign urges the people of Oyo State and Nigerians across board to remain united and resolute as they come out enmasse to vote and take a firm stand, within the ambit of the law and democracy, by protecting their votes to the very end and elect Atiku Abubakar in the overall interest of our nation.
Signed:
Kola Ologbondiyan
Spokesperson,
Atiku/ Okowa Campaign Organization
PRESS RELEASE
PVC Collection: Akeredolu Declares Tuesday 24th January, Work- Free Day
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON has approved Tuesday, 24th January, 2023 a Work-Free Day.
This is to enable all eligible voters in the State collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) designated centers in their respective Local Government Areas.
Governor Akeredolu urged Civil Servants, Private Workers, Artisans, and other well-meaning residents of the State who are eligible voters to seize the opportunity and collect their PVCs.
The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde called on the people to place premium on the collection of PVCs to enable them exercise their franchise in the forthcoming elections.
“The importance of the forthcoming elections can not be overemphasised . There is an urgent need for us to address the low rate of PVCs collection in the Southwest. Beyond partisan lines, it is imperative that our people understand that the PVC is their license to enthrone desired political leadership.
“We are constrained to take this decision to enable our people take this advantage and collect their PVCs. It’s important that we all exercise our civic responsibilities.
“All political appointees and other government functionaries are also directed to return to their local governments and wards to encourage our people to collect their PVCs.” the statement added.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES MINISTER OF STATE, LABOUR, FESTUS KEYAMO ON 53RD BIRTHDAY
President Muhammadu Buhari joins leaders and members of All Progressives Congress (APC) in congratulating Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on his 53rd birthday, January 21, 2023.
President Buhari felicitates with the former Minister of State, Niger Delta, and renowned human rights activist, who has thrown his wealth of knowledge and experience in championing the governing party, and also graciously accepted the role of Director of Strategic Communications for the Presidential Campaign Council.
The President acknowledges the sacrifices of the party stalwart and his dedication to duty, especially in pursuing the welfare of the people through laudable initiatives like providing a framework for long-term social security.
President Buhari notes the courage, confidence, and brilliance that the legal luminary brings to the table in shaping policies and his commitment to creating an understanding of the position of government in serving Nigerians.
The President prays that the Almighty God will keep Keyamo and his family on the path of good health and wisdom, as he continues serving the nation.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 20, 2023
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS NIGERIA’S FIRST PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, THEOPHILUS OLADIPO OGUNLESI
President Muhammadu Buhari shares the pain of loss with Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), family members and friends of Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi, 99, who made history in 1965 as Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine.
President Buhari sends condolences to the academia, and professional colleagues of the medical doctor and scholar, who started on the path of a medical doctor at Yaba College of Medicine in 1947, and advanced his career at the University of London, 1953, where he qualified as a registered Medical Officer in England.
President Buhari affirms that Prof. Ogunlesi brought pride and honour to Nigeria in scholarship and practice, training many students that have become Ministers of Health, Vice Chancellors of universities, and medical practitioners in different specializations, serving in various parts of the world.
The President urges approximation of the legacies of the medical doctor, who scored many firsts, including Nigeria’s first Head of Department of Medicine University College Hospital, Ibadan, inaugural Director of the Ibarapa Community Health Programme, and first President of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
President Buhari prays for the repose of the soul of the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and God’s comfort for the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 20, 2023
Our bioenergy project can create 10,000 jobs – NABDA DG
The Director General (DG) of National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has said that the Bioenergy Development Programme of the agency designed to adapt Anaerobic Digestion Technology for biogas production, could create 10,000 jobs along the value chains.
Prof. Mustapha stated this in a special presentation on NABDA Day at the just concluded Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Expo 2023, organised by the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation in Abuja, with the theme: “Actualising Effective Diversification of Nigerian Economy Through STI”.
In the presentation captioned: “Actualizing Effective Diversification of the Nigerian Economy through the Science of Modern Biotechnology Practice”, Prof. Mustapha emphasized the significant role the application of modern biotechnology can play in the diversification of the country’s economy.
He said: “The Agency has developed prototype digesters and enhanced bioenergy biochemical procedure for improved biogas generation from biodegradable organic feedstock.
“The digesters, which are in 250 Liters, 500Liters and 1000 Liters and the optimization formula, are designed to serve households, small and medium enterprises and to assist in valorization of biodegradable feedstock. NABDA has patented the technology and MoA was signed with the Rural Electrification Agency for deployment of the technology to rural communities. It is capable of creating 10,000 jobs for unemployed youth and women and improving environmental hygiene.”
Identifying the usefulness of biotechnology in the areas of health/medicine, agriculture, industry and environment, he noted that “Biotechnology makes use of biological systems and organisms to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet, and plays a key role in protecting our planet’s resources, driving a strong economy, and enhancing people’s lives.”
“It is predicted that by the year 2050 the world’s population will be 9.7 billion people, nearly 2 billion more than we currently have on our planet.
“These people will depend on biotechnological innovation to create viable ways to produce the food we grow, the materials we use, and the fuel that helps transport us.
“Biotechnology gives us solutions derived from nature that drive food and farm innovation, Biobased manufacturing, and the utilization of cleaner energy,” he added.
Prof. Mustapha highlighted the agency’s research efforts towards enhancing crop yields for quality and improved food production through genetic modification in agricultural biotechnology. On the Maruca resistant leguminous crops (like the Maruca Resistant Cowpea officially launched and released for commercialization in 2021), he said: “More than 7.4 million tons of dried cowpea was produced worldwide with Africa producing nearly 7.1 million tons (IITA, 2017). Nigeria as major producer and consumer accounted for 48% of production in Africa and 46% worldwide. The Grains cultivated on 7 million hectares of land with an Average yield of 350 Kg/ha.
“Therefore, the need to control pest cannot be overemphasized as: (there is) up to 90% yield loss for Grains to Maruca (one of the most devastating insect pests of cowpea in Africa); Estimated Revenue loss at 400kg/ha – 35.52 billion naira; A threat to Food and nutritional security.
“Socio-economic Benefit: A 20% yield increase per hectare translates to forty-eight billion naira (N48, 000, 000,000) annually at N120, 000 per tonne which also contribute to addressing the national cowpea demand deficit of about 500,000 tons and also improve the national productivity average of 350kg/hectare; Job and wealth creation; export of cowpea to other countries and increase in GDP.”
The NABDA helmsman disclosed that NABDA is about to release Tela Maize, a drought tolerant and insect resistant variety to increase food production and promote economic diversification.
According to him, Tela Maize (which experts had said will save farmers about N268bn spent annually on insecticide), has high productivity. He said it will help farmers to produce more reliable harvests and enhanced grain quality due to decreased insect damage and drought tolerance.
The Professor of Chemistry touched on several other research products of NABDA exhibited during the STI EXPO 2023, while appealing to investors to come and collaborate with the agency for them to work together to create wealth and boost Nigeria’s economy via the application of modern biotechnology.
He said: “I implore you all to become advocates of Science, Technology and Innovation in your respective organisations in order to trigger the development of ST&I to fast track the nation’s socio-economic growth and sustainable national development thereby improving the quality of life of the citizens. Encourage the private sector to invest in NABDA RESEARCH.”
Noting that Africa as a continent still has a long way to go in biotechnological advancement, the NABDA DG lamented that no African country featured on the list of top 25 global biotechnology companies in the private sector, rated based on their stock market value, or market cap, as determined by BioSpace.
In their separate goodwill messages, guests at the special presentation applauded NABDA for its remarkable research endeavours in the area of biotechnology that are greatly adding value to the economy.
Okowa celebrates Owhorode of Olomu at 106
Delta Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, Richard Layieguen, Ovie Ogoni-Oghoro I, on his 106th birth anniversary.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, Okowa lauded the renowned monarch for his contributions to the prevalence of peace in the state.
He remarked that since ascending the ancient throne of his forebears, the reign of the monarch, who is also the Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers, had been very beneficial to his kingdom in particular and Urhobo people.
According to the governor, the Olomu monarch has in the past 35 years on the throne contributed immensely to the growth and development of his kingdom and the Urhobo people, and deserves to be celebrated on this special occasion of his birth anniversary.
He joined the royal family, the people of Olomu Kingdom at home and in the diaspora and the entire Urhobo nation in celebrating the centenarian monarch, describing him as a bridge-builder, quintessential elder statesman and royal cannon who had attained a great landmark age in his journey of life.
Okowa prayed that God would continue to bless the notable traditional ruler with greater wisdom, good health and strength to continue leading the people of his kingdom.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I warmly felicitate with His Royal Majesty, Richard Layieguen, Ovie Ogoni-Oghoro I, OON, the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, on his 106th birth anniversary.
“We pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with more wisdom and good health as you continue to ensure that your domain is peaceful for the growth and development of your people, the Urhobos and their neighbours,” the governor stated.
SERAP sues Buhari over failure to ‘reverse unlawful electricity tariff hike’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over “the failure to reverse the unlawful, unjust, and unreasonable increase in electricity tariff, and to probe the spending of public funds as ‘investments and bailouts’ to DisCos and GenCos since 2005.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading PLC.
Following reported approval by the NERC, electricity tariffs were increased across DisCos in the country in December 2022. Several prepaid customers have reportedly confirmed the increase. The Minister of Power and NERC have refused to confirm or deny the increase.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/99/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to “compel President Buhari to direct the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to reverse the unlawful, unjust and unreasonable increase in electricity tariff.”
SERAP is also asking the court to “compel President Buhari to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, and appropriate anti-corruption agencies to promptly investigate the spending of public funds as investments and bailouts to DisCos and GenCos since 2005.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that, “Regular and uninterrupted access to electricity is a fundamental human right. Electricity is an essential public service but millions of Nigerians continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector–staying in darkness.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “the increase in electricity tariff failed to follow due process of law. It is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], the Electric Power Sector Reform Act and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “the increase is unjustified, especially given the unreliable, inefficient and poor quality of electricity in the country. Millions of Nigerians continue to live in darkness despite the spending by governments of trillions of naira as investments and bailouts to electricity companies.”
According to SERAP, “The Federal Government has a legal responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in how the investments and bailouts to electricity companies are spent, to reduce vulnerability to corruption and mismanagement.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The government has legal obligations to effectively and progressively provide affordable, regular and uninterrupted access to electricity as a matter of human rights.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “The increase in electricity tariff would exacerbate the extreme poverty across the country, and undermine the ability of millions of Nigerians to satisfy basic human needs.”
“The consequences of corruption in the electricity sector are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to pay additional costs and crazy electricity bills. Electricity supply remains inadequate and irregular.”
“Investigating the allegations of corruption in the spending on the investments and bailouts to electricity companies, and recovering any stolen public funds would serve the public interest.”
“The government has a sacred duty to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of the country’s resources, including the spending of public funds as investments and bailouts to electricity companies.”
“The latest increase in electricity tariff is coming on the heels of the NBC report which shows that over half of the population of Nigeria are multidimensionally poor and cook with dung, wood or charcoal, rather than cleaner energy.”
“High deprivations are also apparent nationally in sanitation, time to healthcare, food insecurity, and housing. Access to regular electricity supply would improve the quality of life of the population.”
“Access to affordable electricity services is a prerequisite for improving the condition of people living in poverty. It is a means to generate other important services that mitigate poverty, bearing in mind that access to electricity facilitates the eradication of poverty.”
“The hike in tariff would increase financial burdens for socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians and further marginalize and disproportionately affect them, and exacerbate their vulnerability to discrimination.”
“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent widespread and systematic corruption in the electricity sector and to bring suspected perpetrators to justice is the primary cause of the exploitation of electricity consumers.”
“Investigating the spending of investments and bailouts by successive governments in DISCOS and prosecuting anyone suspected of corruption and mismanagement of public funds, and recovering any proceeds of crime would end a culture of impunity in the power sector, and improve access to and affordability of electricity in Nigeria.”
“Successive governments have failed to increase power generation and provide Nigerians with regular and uninterrupted electricity supply, with many electricity contracts shrouded in secrecy, and trillions of Naira going down the drain.”
“SERAP is also asking the court to “compel President Buhari to ensure the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for misappropriation of investments and bailouts in the power sector, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing public funds should be traced and fully recovered.”
“SERAP is also asking the court to “compel and direct the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to reverse the unlawful, unjust and unreasonable increase in electricity tariff, which reportedly occurred in December 2022.”
“Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’”
“Nigeria has also ratified the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which recognize legally enforceable economic and social rights, such as the rights to education, health, safe food and clean water, security, and shelter.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on the government to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has adjudged the failure of the States to provide basic services such as electricity as violating the right to health.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
22/1/2023
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
19TH JANUARY, 2023
Basil Okoh: A Sounding Cymbal That Signifies Nothing
The attention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Council in Delta State has been called to the failed attempt by an off-price specialist, one Basil Okoh who tried to undermine the rich pedigree of the high flying Governorship candidate of the PDP and Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Delta PDP’s Publicity Secretary, and Deputy Director, Media/Publicity of the Campaign Council, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, while describing Okoh as a political jobber and hack writer said the political never do well had in his usual fit of bad temper tried disastrously to compare the Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the toast of Deltans with his (Okoh’s) paymaster, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, who is currently assailed by a barrage of integrity questions.
The PDP spokesman said Okoh in a mediocre and unimaginative write-up: “OVIE VERSUS SHERRIFF: CHARACTER AND COMPETENCE SHOULD RULE DELTA STATE” exposed himself as a horse for hire because his article when viewed critically was actually a fitting critique of the person of Ovie Omo-Agege. The article which aims to excoriate Sheriff Oborevwori indeed threw up arguments that points to the fact that this political jobber has never been engaged in real-life experiences to put him up as one that should be taken seriously. For instance, Basil Okoh wrote: “It is in the sense of that profound presence of the past that Sheriff comes short as his yesterday does not recommend him for responsibility or political acceptance. If the past offers a guide to the present, then Delta State voters should be running scared of Sherriff’s past life before his foray into politics.
“The contrast with Omo-Agege is so stark and distinctive that it would appear that the two men came from two different worlds and two conflicting epochs. While Sherriff cannot make any claims to admirable progeny or breeding that could have prepared him for office or leadership responsibility compared to Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege…”
With this clear understanding of the intellectual and real-life experience limitations of Basil Okoh, it has become crucial to expose this simpleton by referring him to write-ups in the public domain about the steady upbringing of Sheriff Oborevwori. In an article with the headline: “Delta 2023 and the case for Oborevwori,” Dr. Festus Okubor wrote: “All through the ages, great leaders who impacted their generations and times rose from among the people and suffered as they emerged from nothingness to become something. The examples of Winston Churchill of Great Britain, Abraham Lincoln of America, Nnamdi Azikiwe of Nigeria, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria, just to mention a few reminds us that life for great leaders was never a walk in a beautiful park. A more recent and contemporary example has been Barack Obama. These leaders have certain things in common. One of which is found in their humble background and beginning.”
It was as if Dr. Okubor knew that hack writers like Basil Okoh would one day come up with such infantile and shallow reasoning just to excoriate Oborevwori, so he came out with the above article with which he completely exposed Basil Okoh’s display of little intellectual value. Okubor also said: “Sheriff as Oborevwori is widely and fondly called, came from a humble background and worked hard at odd and menial jobs to make ends meet. He never allowed his background to become a deterrent in his sojourn in life. He started from the very beginning with no helper except God. Like every child of his time and place, Sheriff went to Primary and Secondary Schools and earned a pride of place among his peers. He knew the streets, became street wise, and enjoyed massive street credibility. He soon became the champion of boys and a symbol of their defence.
“Despite his underprivileged condition and becoming the champion of the downtrodden, Sheriff was never in defiance of the status quo. What he did was to get education and join politics and begin his advocacy for a better life for the common people who populate the streets. This stance earned him post after post in the executive arm of Government and the ordinary people on the street who constitute the bulk of humanity saw his genuineness and acclaimed him as truly one of their own. They saw him as the advocate for the youths and the masses. These same people came together in 2014 with a message that Sheriff should run for the Okpe House of Assembly seat and have a chance to truly and fully represent them in the legislative arm. He listened to their call and his victory at the polls in 2015 was overwhelming and unprecedented. That was the beginning of the mystique or icon called Sheriff that has today become an idea known as Sheriffication,” Dr. Festus Okubor testified.
But how do members of the observing public perceive Ovie Omo-Agege, who Basil Okoh for lack of intellect is trying to whitewash? At this stage it’s important to also call attention to the write-up by one Ejiro Idama sometime ago on Omo-Agege. In the article published widely with the headline, “Ovie Omo-Agege, in case you have forgotten,” Idama said: “The lackey Deputy Senate President of the rubber stamp and most docile Senate ever in Nigeria, Senator Augustine Ovie Omo-Agege is in the news again as always for the wrong reason. A good example of political prostitution, Augustine Omo-Agege, he must be frightened of the name Augustine now, has suffered from an illusion of becoming Governor of Delta State for seventeen years.
“Omo-Agege who lived an obscure life in the United States of America (USA) after having been severely indicted for unethical practices, fled to Nigeria and not capable of court appearances joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hoping to climb on the back of his Chief Judge father. Without a naira to his name, Ovie Omo-Agege survived at the mercy of friends. He failed woefully when he tried to run for the House of Representatives seat. The kindhearted Governor of Delta State at that time, Chief James Ibori took pity on him and appointed him as a Personal Assistant. With deceit, blackmail and eye-service and some say juju, Omo-Agege worked his way to become a Commissioner and fixed himself into the State Tenders Board where he committed havocs tampering with projects whose amounts ran into billions of naira and which could have turned Delta State into an Eldorado. Agege got so power drunk when he became Secretary to State Government (SSG) that he thought of himself as the most powerful person in the State.
“In his intoxication by power, he stepped out to contest for the Governorship of the State and failed woefully. He then became a serial election loser. Apart from the 2006 primaries that he lost, he failed in two Governorship elections in 2011. He failed in his attempt to become Senator in 2013. He failed in his attempt to become Governor in the 2014 primaries. He failed trying to be a Senator in 2015 until the court smuggled him into the Red Chambers. Agege has also been caught up in serial political prostitution. He was in PDP, then AC, he was in RPN, joined ACN, returned to PDP, ran to Labour Party, and later jumped into APC. His record of political prostitution is second to none in Nigeria.”
Idama further said about Omo-Agege: “Agege is showing off as a political force, but this is absolutely untrue. He is just a political straw man pretending to be a champion. He has always ridden to power and influence on the back of benefactors like Chief James Ibori and Chief Great Ogboru, good and selfless leaders that he later betrayed and brutally stabbed in the back. Agege is also a slimy opportunist who will do anything including groveling and crying to get power. The story of the mace theft and the resultant reward for him as Deputy Senate President and how he knelt down in slavish gratitude to President Buhari continued to hunt the Urhobo people for whom it is a taboo for a Chief which he is to kneel.
“Agege’s public service record is burdened by criminality. How he looted funds and turned his house into a CBN from where his cooks and housekeepers made away with bags of money is well known to Deltans. He also extorted contractors handling different projects across the State. He collected money for forty-eight projects in his Orogun clan which he didn’t execute. Let him tell Deltans how much he was worth between 2003 and 2005 and then how much he was worth in 2007.
“But for the fact that we live in a society of forgive and forget, Agege’s record of betrayal is unmatched. He betrayed the Urhobo people when he snatched ballot boxes to undermine the Urhobo choice of Governorship candidate in the 2007 election. He was chased into the swamp where he took cover all night. He betrayed his foremost benefactor, Chief James Ibori. He betrayed Chief Otega Emerhor and Chief Great Ogboru. He has betrayed everybody that he was or is associated with.
“Agege has also betrayed the Delta State ideal of rotational Governorship which was adopted to promote fairness, equity, peace, and stability. His uncontrolled aggression and inordinate ambition made him to disown the rotational principle in Delta State politics. He contested when it was the turn of Delta South. He also contested when it was the turn of Delta North. He is a betrayal of public trust and accord. He also manipulated the APC Governorship primaries in 2019 to the extent that results were declared when contestants were still looking for the venue of the election. Is this man who is the symbol of lack of moral probity the one pretending to rescue Delta State?
There are also the many lies he has told Nigerians and Deltans. He lied that he saved President Buhari from impeachment when in truth there was no attempt to impeach the President. He lied about being in support of power shift when in truth he was the Chief Campaigner for Senator Ahmed Lawan for President hoping he would be his running mate. He lied about midwifing the electoral bill, but the truth was that he voted against electronic voting. He has also failed to complete the constitution amendment assignment. Is this the man that wants to be Governor?”
Need we say more?
It is hoped that from the public perception observatory by those who know Omo-Agege that Basil Okoh, the quintessential hack writer, and his quest for stomach infrastructure would have learned some lessons about his oga.
Yet for us in the Delta PDP and the Campaign Council, Basil Okoh’s tirade is uncharitable and a non-event. That is why it is dismissed for what it is, “a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal” that signifies nothing.
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Deputy Director,
Media/Publicity Committee,
Delta PDP Campaign Council and
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.
20TH JANUARY, 2023
MASS DEFECTION FROM APC TO PDP IN NDOKWA EAST EXPOSES OSANEBI AS A PREMATURE POLITICIAN
The Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has celebrated the mass exodus of prominent Chieftains and top members of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, into the PDP family, and welcomed the well-known political figures with open arms, back to the secure and comfortable sojourn under the big Umbrella.
A statement by Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, Deputy Director, Media/Publicity Committee, Delta State PDP Campaign Council and State Publicity Secretary, Delta PDP, which disclosed the news of the defections, equally took a swipe at Hon. Friday Osanebi, Deputy Governorship Candidate of Delta APC, noting that this exodus in his own LGA, has exposed him as a premature politician and a LEARNER.
The statement reads: “The Delta State PDP happily announces that a political tsunami and mass exodus of defections by prominent Chieftains, key stakeholders with thousands of their vast supporters and loyalists, from APC to PDP, has recently taken place in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, NELGA.
The defections and mass exodus of APC stalwarts and thousands of their party members to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ndokwa East LGA, which took place today, Friday, 20th January, 2023, is ample evidence of the irreversible collapse of the APC in Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
These renowned Deltans and sons and daughters of Ndokwaland, who led the multitude of other APC Members, have declared by their bold and irrevocable action, that they have had enough of the darkness, unending glaring deceits and one-man-show of the APC in the State and Ndokwa East LGA.
They include:
- BARRISTER AUSTIN OGBOLU – Party LGA. Chairman.
- HON. EBIFA IJOMAH – Former Commissioner for Youth and Economic Planning.
- COMRADE JUDE EZIMADU – Party LGA. Secretary.
- COMRADE OBAH EMMANUEL – Party LGA. Youth Leader.
- MADAM ELIZABETH OLISA – Party LGA. Woman Leader.
- MR AUSTIN CHIKODI – State EXCO Member. and;
- MR LUCKY DIKEADI – Legislative Aide To Deputy Senate President.
This is in addition to the defection of Chief Tony Amechi, a major financier of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa nation as a whole, who recently dumped the APC with over 3000 of his supporters and was received with rousing reception in Aboh, by our capacity Chairman, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso, our highly distinguished and respected Deputy Governorship Candidate, Sir Monday Onyeme and our dynamic party scribe, Engr. Dan Ossai, amongst others.
As we celebrate the auspicious emptying of the APC political structure into the PDP in Ndokwa East, we also note with great strategic satisfaction, that the Delta Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC, Hon. Friday Osanebi is from Ndokwa East LGA, his supposed political stronghold, where he hitherto held sway, as a long-serving PDP Deputy Speaker in the Delta Legislature, before embarking on his infantile and ill-advised journey into anti-party politics, by biting the solid fingers that fed his political ego and ambition generously and successfully.
These monumental defections from the APC and the crumbling of the foundation of the party’s political structure in Ndokwa East, are not only a bold and clear negation of Osanebi’s selection as Deputy Governorship Candidate of the APC by the people of Ndokwa nation, it equally exposes the widely held notion in the area that Hon. Osanebi is a LEARNER and a premature politician, who is obviously not in control of his electoral Constituency.
Most importantly, however, is the fact that the exodus of APC Chieftains and stalwarts in NELGA, serves as a categorical validation, acceptance, and endorsement of the distinguished Sir Monday Onyeme, in the same position of Deputy Governorship Candidate of the PDP, as the incontrovertible choice and trusted torch bearer of the people of Ndokwa East and Ndokwa nation, in whom they have reposed their full confidence and trust, to bring the much desired additional dividends of democracy to the area, in the next political dispensation in Delta State.
We most heartily welcome our new members in Ndokwa East LGA. into the PDP family and assure them that there is enough room and space for everyone under the big, comfortable, and secure Umbrella.
Nuà ni o! Nuà ni o!!
PDP is Delta and Delta State is PDP.
PDP! Five Over Five!
PDP ALL-THE-WAY!!
Dr. Ifeanyi M. Osuoza,
Deputy Director,
Media/Publicity Committee,
Delta PDP Campaign Council and
State Publicity Secretary,
PDP, Delta State.