Speaking on This Morning on TVC, Aniagwu said that remaining in the PDP, given its current challenges, would not advance the development of Delta State or its people.

According to him, the decision to leave the party was carefully and primarily taken to avoid leading the state and its citizens into a bleak future, similar to the experience of Zamfara State.

“You will recall that since 1999, when the present Republic began, the PDP has held sway in Delta and made significant inroads in the state.

“In Delta, the PDP was actually strong before our decision to move. So, it’s not a question of the PDP being weak in Delta that led to this development.

“I am very sure we have followed the developments at the national level of the party. The last straw was when the party’s governors met in Ibadan and decided not to collaborate or merge with anyone. Instead, they invited others to join them. That decision did not come from a position of strength, especially given the issues affecting the party’s vital organs.

“You may also recall what happened to the APC in Zamfara in 2019, where all elected candidates were removed due to irregularities in the party’s nomination process.”

“With what is happening in the PDP, we believe the efforts to address these issues are not strong enough to prevent a similar situation in 2027.”

READ ALSO: Defection from PDP: Former Senate President, Saraki, reacts

Aniagwu further stated that the move to the APC was also driven by a desire to further strengthen the relationship and cooperation with the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu.

“The present administration has been fair in bringing development to Delta, because all politics is local.

“I am discussing the situation as it affects us in Delta, other states may have different views, but we have evidence that the Tinubu administration is bringing projects to our state.

“The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has visited Delta twice to show support for our people. These developments, along with issues in the PDP, led the party leaders in Delta to chart a new course.

“This was not just the governor’s decision, but a collective one. In a democracy, the majority view matters, and PDP leaders and stakeholders in Delta called on the political family to join the APC to advance the growth and development of our state.

“The people felt the PDP no longer offered a viable political future, and they did not want to fade into political irrelevance, hence the move.”

Responding to criticisms from PDP leaders, particularly Senator Bukola Saraki and Chief Olabode George, Aniagwu said some individuals should refrain from commenting, especially when their past actions contributed to the fragmentation of the PDP.

“You will recall that in 2023, some leaders openly opposed the party’s presidential candidate. Nonetheless, we ask them to be understanding because, ultimately, politics is local.

“This move is to ensure the continued progress and welfare of our people, which is why we are in politics in the first place.”

He appealed to party members to work together to ensure unity and electoral success both in the state and across the country.

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A credible sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that the vice presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections was arrested in Port Harcourt, when he reported at the Port Harcourt Directorate of the EFCC.

Okowa was arrested for allegedly diverting N1.3 trillion being proceeds of 13 per cent derivation fund that accrued to the state during his tenure.

He was alleged to have diverted the fund from the federation account between 2015 and 2023 when he held sway in the oil-rich state.

Officials of the commission, who did not want their names in print, said that Okowa had earlier been invited by a team of crack detectives of the agency handling his case.

READ ALSO: Oyo adopts ‘Alaragbo’ deity festival to enhance economic drive

One of the sources said that he was arrested and would have to provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed to him regarding financial impropriety under his watch.

The former governor was also alleged to have failed to render accounts of the funds as well as another N40 billion he allegedly claimed he used to acquire shares in UTM Floating Liquefied Natural Gas.

Specifically, Okowa allegedly bought shares valued at N40 billion in one of the major banks in the country representing eight per cent equity to float the offshore LNG.

When contacted, Dele Oyewale, the spokesman of the anti-graft agency, confirmed Okowa presence in the facility of the commission but declined further comments.

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Oborevwori gave the order on Monday, during an inspection tour of Phases I and II of the Warri/Effurun Storm Water Control Projects in Warri South and Uvwie local government areas of the state.

The governor said there was no place in the world where people were allowed to build on waterways and directed the ministries of Housing, Works and Lands to identify and pull down all such buildings to allow free flow of water on natural water ways.

Oborevwori said: “We started the inspection with Phase ll of the storm water drainage project being handled by CCECC. They have five catchment areas. We have looked at their work and realised that they have done a lot as they have gone very far.

“They have some obstacles and we also looked at what is causing the obstacles and got to know that there are some buildings on natural water ways, which is causing obstructions and slowing down the spate of work being done by the construction firm.

“We also assured the contractors that all the buildings on the water ways, both in phase l and phase ll, will be brought down by the state government to enable them finish their work seamlessly.

“They have assured us that they need 21 days for some of the areas they have opened, that are causing gridlock, to be properly fixed and the drainage crossing Airport Road by Fani Kayode was cast on Saturday and they need about 19 days for that area to be fixed also.

“On Phase l of the project, there are a lot of buildings on the water ways and l have called on the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Housing and Works to liaise with the Ministry of Lands to see how those buildings on water ways can be brought down to enable the construction firm have unfettered access to do their work,” the governor said.

On the Warri City Stadium, Governor Oborevwori said he was not satisfied with the work being done by the contractor, adding that he would study the contract to ensure prompt and quality delivery of the project.

“l came here to see what the contractor handling the project has done and l am not too satisfied with what the contractor has done.

“But the contractor said what they are doing is according to the scope of the contract awarded to them. So, we are going to look at the contract and see what can be done to ensure speedy and quality delivery of the project.

“Some of the areas that are not properly scoped will be rescoped. We want the best for Warri and this is the Warri City Stadium,” he said.

At Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli, Governor Oborevwori ordered relocation of Delta Appreciate Park and those trading along the road.

According to him, “we are planning something there but when you are planning you need to go and see the place and I saw a motor park at that junction and that’s not acceptable at all.

“Trading on the road is also not acceptable, you can see the risk involved in trading on the express road.

“Last week we met with His Majesty, the Ovie of Ughelli, the Council Chairman and the President General and we discussed all these and that market need to be relocated from that place because it’s causing a lot hardship to travellers.

“I have directed the Council Chairman to ensure that motor park is relocated from that place and those trading on the road need to move.

“There is somewhere we have prepared for them and we have issue of access road but I have also directed the Ministry of Works to come up with a proposal to enable us have access road to the new market.”

At Isheagu-Ewulu Road and bridge, in Aniocha South Local Government Area, the governor expressed satisfaction with work done by the contractor, assuring that the project would be ready for inauguration in September.

“I am satisfied with work done so far and the beauty of this road is that it connects two communities and coming from Isheagu to Ewulu you see the old bridge has collapsed; so this new bridge is a saving grace for these two communities.

“The contractor has assured that by end of August the entire bridge and 9.1km of road would be due for inauguration,” he stated.

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The state INEC Collation Officer, Prof. Onuwari Georgewill, the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, made the declaration on Monday in Asaba.

Georgewill said that Oborevwori polled a total of 360,234 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege of the All Progressive Party, APC, who scored 240,229 votes.

“Sheriff Oborevwori having satisfied the requirements of the law is hereby declared the winner of the governorship election and returned elected,” he said.

Georgewill said that Mr Kennedy Pela of the Labour Party came third with 48,027 votes, while Mr Great Ogboru of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, came fourth with 11,021 votes.

He said the number of registered voters was 3,221 687, while the total number of accredited voters was 710,829.

Georgewill added that the total number of rejected votes was 15,384 and the total votes cast was 687,121.

A breakdown of the results on local government basis, as announced by the local government Collation Officers, showed that Oborevwori won in 21 local government areas, while Omo-Agege won in four out of the 25 local government areas of the state.

Oborevwori won in Ika North East; Aniocha North; Ndokwa East; Ika South; Patani; Sapele; Aniocha South; Uvwie; Okpe; Bomadi; Ethiope East; Oshimili North; Warri South and Oshimili South.

He also won in Isoko North; Ethiope West; Isoko South; Ukwuani; Ndokwa West; Warri North; Burutu; and Warri South West.

Omo-Agege won in Udu, Uvwie, Ughelli South and Ughelli North.

Source: NAN

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He said that the market, like the state secretariat in Asaba,  also built by Okowa, were great wonders that had stood out in the country and beyond.

Ayu described the governor as “a brilliant and articulate statesman” who had continued to offer greater services to his people.

“Okowa is an articulate and brilliant statesman and the leaders of our party, the PDP, decided that Delta State has to be rewarded for its contribution to the growth and development of the party and Nigeria,” he said.

Ayu added that Okowa’s socio-economic development of Delta was outstanding, and said that it was that he would bring the “culture” to national stage when PDP would take over governance in the country.

Other projects inaugurated by the PDP chairman were Odokun Secondary School; 3-km pedestrian road linking Oboghoro to Ogheye-Dimigun and a pedestrian bridge crossing Jorojoro creek to Ogheye-Dimigun, all in Warri North Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the projects, including the floating market would contribute immensely to the growth of commerce in the coastal communities in the state.

The PDP Chairman called on the federal government to give more support to governments of Niger Delta states, saying that the people of the region deserved a better deal for their sacrifices and contributions to nation’s economic mainstay.

He remarked that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government had set the country backward for over 50 years, and urged Nigerians to support his party’s mission to rescue and rebuild the nation.

He said, “Thank you Deltans for the support you have given to us in our journey so far to recover and rebuild Nigeria.

“I am happy to come back to the state for the second time as National Chairman of our great party to inaugurate projects executed by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who by the grace of God will become our next Vice-President in a few months.

“I first took note of Okowa’s works as Governor when he built the best State Secretariat in the country and I remember telling him that the nation was taking note of his contributions to the development of his people.

“Some political parties will come to campaign to the people, make all manner of promises to deceive the people into voting for them but when they come into office they don’t fulfill their promises and that’s criminal.

“But the PDP which I was a founding member was formed to work for the people and we are particularly proud of our governors who are hoisting the party’s flag high.

“I am happy that there is continuity in governance here in Delta and the three governors so far, have not disappointed Deltans,” he said.

Ayu said Okowa’s outstanding works and contributions to the party earned him the Vice-Presidential ticket and described him as a brilliant and articulate man who had continued to offer greater services to the party and the country.

“Okowa is an articulate and brilliant statesman and we the leadership of the party decided that Delta State has to be rewarded for its contribution to the growth and development of the party.

“The poverty in the Niger Delta must be tackled and it must not be left for the state governments alone. Concerted efforts must be made by all stakeholders, including the Federal Government and oil companies, to the development of the region.

“You are the second son of the Niger Delta that would be fortunate enough to ascend to such a high office from the region and it is our hope that you pay special attention to the needs of the people of the Niger Delta when you become the Vice President of the country.

“I was here last year to inaugurate a road named after my friend, Ambassador Ralph Uwechue, and the multi-billion naira storm water drainage projects in Asaba.

“I also inspected the Model Technical College in Asaba that was built almost like a university which you replicated in other parts of the state and I believe the people of Delta will not forget you,” he told Okowa.

In his remarks, Governor Okowa paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who conceived and started the construction of the market which was later abandoned due to financial constraints and non-performance by the contractor.

“I was part of the initiative when I visited Warri North for the inauguration of projects at Oboghoro and Utonlila communities and I visited the market project and assured that we would take steps to re-award the contract.

“We got a local contractor, an indigene of the community to take up the job and we thank God that in two years, he was able to deliver and it is important to state that our people have the capacity to do great things,” he said.

Okowa urged the party hierarchy to support the development of the region, pointing out that “it costs so much to execute projects in the Niger Delta”.

“When we take over government of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, I am sure that we will get to understand that the people of the Niger Delta truly have a very difficult terrain.

“If it costs a billion to build a project in some other states, it could cost up to N5 billion to execute such projects here,” he said.

In his remarks, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, commended the governor for ensuring the completion of the age-long market, adding that its completion would improve the growth of commerce in the area.

He said that the area was known for abundance of oil and gas but regretted that the people had not benefited from the proceeds from the exploitation of the resources.

The Warri monarch further said that building the market was commendable as commerce remained the best way to reposition Delta beyond oil and gas.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Projects), Mr Solomon Golley, said that the Ogheye Floating Market was built at the mouth of the Benin River, by the Atlantic Ocean, on top of 6,000m2 reinforced concrete platform supported by over 160nos. of 450mm diameter piles .

He said the market comprised a landing jetty, 96 open shops, 80 lock-up shops, security tower, gate house, canteen, administrative building, banking hall, fish processing unit, warehouse building, toilet facilities and a protective fence on the platform.

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The kidnappers also left many other passengers injured.

The incident came about ten months after some terrorists attacked a Kaduna bound train from Abuja, leaving many people dead.

The Saturday incident was confirmed by the Edo Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, in a statement he issued.

He explained that the kidnappers who were armed with AK 47 invaded the train station, shot into the air sporadically and kidnapped some of the intending passengers.

According to the police spokesman, some of the intending passengers sustained bullet wounds.

He however said efforts had already commenced toward rescuing the victims.

The statement by the police spokesman reads: “This is to inform the gentlemen of the press that today, 7th of January, 2023 at about 1600hrs, unspecified number of herdsmen armed with AK 47 riffles attacked the train station at Igueben, Edo State and kidnapped unspecified number of passengers who were waiting to board the train to Warri.

“The kidnappers who shot sporadically into the air before kidnapping some passengers left some persons with bullet wounds. The Area Commander Irrua, DPO Igueben Division, and men have visited the scene of crime with members of the Edo State Security Network, local vigilantes, and hunters with a view to protecting the lives and property of the remaining passengers.

“Bush combing operations have commenced in order to rescue the victims and arrest the fleeing kidnappers. Further developments will be communicated.”

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The command’s spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, on Wednesday.

Edafe stated that the victim (name withheld) reported the incident to the police and narrated how he escaped from his assailants.

He stated: “At about 2130hrs on January 22, a kidnap victim reported that he was kidnapped on Esiso Street, Agbarho.

“He further explained that he escaped from his abductors, while they were transferring him into another vehicle.

“On January 23, the victim spotted one of the hoodlums and immediately alerted the Agbarho Divisional Officer (DPO), CSP Samuel Ogwa.

“The DPO swiftly mobilised and led operatives to the area, where one Godstime Rufus, 22, was arrested,” he said.

Edafe added that Rufus later led the operatives to their hideout, where two other suspects, including Stanley Efeme, 21, and Davidson Esiso, 35, were arrested.

He explained that the matter was currently being investigated and that the suspects would soon be arraigned.

Source: NAN

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The newly inaugurated executive members include Mrs. Adebayo Jane Ohore (chairperson); Adibeli O (Vice Chairman); Azemohor Shadrack (Secretary) and Mrs. Gilo E (Assistant Secretary).

Others are Mr. Chris Opone (Financial Secretary); Miss Emekpe E. (Welfare Officer); Mrs. Emethilue Ijeoma (Program Officer); Mrs. Julie Ireyefoju (Treasurer); Fred Ogeh (Auditor); Bar. Udolu Reuben (Legal Adviser) and Apostle Rexdom Uche Wisdom (Public Relations Officer).

Mustapha, while inaugurating the new executive members, charged them to always earn professional respect through quality social service delivery and should not demand for it.

He advised them to promote professionalism that would not only be defined by the quality of intellectual capacity and competence but also by the level of integrity bearing in mind that there was a global shift towards social work and should all be sensible to the blessing.

Mustapha urged the new executive to be diligent, fair and just in their new leadership positions as  servants of the people because the era of ‘I am, I am’ is over.

He said leadership would only be judged by the quality of our actions.

As social workers, he enjoined the executive to be problem solvers by developing their problems coping and problems solving capacities in order to move the association towards the direction of change and adaptation to reality.

He said, “As social workers, your roles are to solve problems of individuals, groups and communities through application of  casework principles; you are to provide psychosocial support for individuals, families and communities through your knowledge of science of human relations and skill in relationship.

“I want you to continue to participate in all activities such as our AGM, council meetings and all other  statutory activities. I also want you and all other members of NASoW in Delta State to shun all activities that may put our profession into disrespect and disrepute by always upholding the ethics of our profession because it is the only way to earn our desired respect.”

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The priest, identified as Rev. Fr. Harrison Prhinyovaw, was said to have been abducted at about 8:00 p.m. on Monday at a bad spot in Abraka, Ethiope East local government area of the state.

The victim was said to have been on transit from Warri to his station, Obinomba.

According to a community source, the cleric was meandering through the bad spot in his Highland SUV in Oria-Abraka when the incident happened.

“The kidnappers shot sporadically in the air to scare away passers-by at the scene of the operation. They abandoned the cleric’s car at the scene of the incident,” the source said.

Also, a member of the local vigilance group who spoke with journalists on condition of anonymity, said he and his colleagues heard the terrifying gun shots fired by the kidnappers.

He said that they could not have combated the criminals with their ‘shoot and run’ guns.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in the state, DSP Edafe Bright, confirmed the incident.

According to him, a crack team of the police was already on the trail of the suspects.

Source: NAN

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Secretary to the State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie, who announced this in a statement, said that the fresh curfew was from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily and would commence on January 29, 2021.

He called on residents of the state to comply with the restriction in the interest of public health, adding that security agencies had been directed to fully enforce the directives.

“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans and residents in the state, that as a result of the rising incidence of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic currently being experienced in the country, the Delta State Government will commence the enforcement of the nationwide COVID-19 curfew imposed by the federal government from 10 p.m to 4 a.m daily with effect from Friday, 29th January, 2021.

“In view of this, the State Government wishes to reiterate that the guidelines earlier issued on the closure of night clubs across the state still subsists and should be complied with.

“In the same vein, government wishes to restate the standard COVID-19 protocols for the guidance of all and these include:

“Wearing of face masks in public places; avoiding crowded places; physical distancing; regular hand washing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

“Deltans, residents and owners/operators of public places and establishments are strongly advised to comply with these directives as there shall be strict enforcement by security agencies in line with the Federal Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into effect by the President Muhammadu Buhari on 26th January, 2021.”

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