Delta govt tasks Works Ministry on Ughelli-Asaba road completion

Delta State Government on Tuesday, said it had given an ultimatum to its Ministry of Works to ensure that Section C2 of Ughelli/Asaba Road dualisation project was completed in the life of the present administration.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, made this known while briefing journalists on some decisions reached at the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House, Asaba.

Aniagwu said that a lot of works had been done on the Section which ran from Koka flyover and interchange to Ogwashi-Uku junction, adding that the remaining part of the project would be completed by the incoming administration.

“The governor has also given marching order to the Ministry of Works to impress it upon the contractor handling Section C2 of the Ughelli-Asaba Road dualisation project. The Section has to do with the Koka interchange up to the Ogwashi-Uku Junction.

“The import of the order is to enable us have the privilege of inaugurating that particular corridor before we exit on the May 29.

“Our initial intension was that we would be able to complete work on that road before we leave. But the effect of the flood that took place in 2022 which did not only disrupt construction work but also undermined the work done.

“We are quite optimistic that we will be able to deliver Section C2. For the other sectors, we are committed to the work but because the rains are here, we will not because of speed, mortgage quality of work. We are not interested in delivering works that will not stand the test of time,” he added.

Aniagwu pointed out that the Exco gave approval for the construction of Alihagu Road, Umudein Street as well as Orewa Street all in Ika South Local Government Area of the state.

He stated that the cardinal goal of the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration was to connect all communities in the state with motorable roads.

According to him, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah has been mandated by Exco to liaise with the authorities of Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency (WUEDA) on ways to fast track the process of actualising the flood control projects in the area.

Aniagwu explained that the project was expedient owing to the fact that no roads could stand the test of time if the flood challenge in the area was not adequately addressed.

“At today’s Exco, we approved some roads for construction. We also gave instructions to supervising ministries to reach out to different contractors handling critical projects.

“The governor will in the course of the week and next week, continue to inspect projects. He has directed that the SSG should liaise with the authorities at the Warri/Uwvie and Environs Development Agencies (WUEDA), for the purpose of fast-tracking the control of flood in the Warri axis.

“Our commitment to control the flood in the Warri axis is with the view to allow government to proceed to construct roads in dire need of rehabilitation or construction.

“If we don’t address the flood challenge in that corridor before constructing the roads, we will only be doing the wrong thing because when the floods come, it will not only destroy the roads but also, ravage the homes around the roads.

“We have explained it before now that we need to address the flood issues in the Warri axis before constructing the roads. The contractors have been given notice to hasten up,” the commissioner said.

He said the Ayakoromo Bridge will be inspected by the governor to ascertain the level of work done so far and how soon the project would be completed.

“We are happy that a well known person in taking over, in the person of Sheriff Oborevwori. We are very confident in him because he understands all the projects that we have executed.

“He presided over the approval of the budgets that paved way for the execution of these projects. He also worked very closely with this administration as a key member. So it is a win-win for this administration.

“The governor has at today’s Exco, appreciated Deltans for finding the PDP worthy of continuing with the laudable projects that this administration has executed by voting massively for Sheriff Oboriwori,” Aniagwu said.

LG Administration, critical to nation’s democracy – Okowa

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday said local government administration remained an integral part of the nation’s democracy in view of its pivotal role in grassroots development.

Okowa stated this while inaugurating some projects, including Legislative Complex, at Oshimili South Local Government Council, Asaba, built by the Chairman of the Council, Dr Kelvin Ezenyili.

He said that laws made by the local government legislative arms were necessary for the growth and development of communities, adding that his administration had continued to collaborate with local government councils for the development of the state.

“The legislative arm is very important in any democracy. Unfortunately, our democracy is still growing as a nation.

“But, I believe that with this edifice that is here, the legislators will know that they have a role in the local government council. And, I hope that the by-laws that they would pass, coupled with other functions, would enable Oshimili South to grow beyond what we have at the moment.

“As the local government council that hosts the seat of power, the council has a way of collaborating with the state government, hence I had to hand over the Ogbeogonogo market to the council, even though it was built by the state.

“This is because markets are supposed to be managed by local government councils,” thegovernor said.

He congratulated the Council boss for executing the landmark projects and for engaging no fewer than 200 environmental marshals to ensure cleanliness of the environment in collaboration with the State Waste Management Board.

“I thank the council chairman for taking such a bold decision, especially now that many local government councils are not comfortable with their finances.

“When I listened to him talk about several other things he has engaged in, the only thing that crossed my mind is a council chairman working with the rest of the executive of the local governmen, legislative arm inclusive, that have tried to do their best in managing the scare resource available to them,” he added.

Okowa, who pointed out that Asaba as a capital territory was becoming the fastest growing in terms of developments across the nation, said “our efforts at peace-building have helped in the development of Asaba and our brothers from the South East are finding a lot of comfort here.

“We have continued to stay focused in bringing the needed development to Asaba. Just recently, beyond other developmental infrastructure, we have built the Mariam Babangida Leisure Park.

“I believe that the park is obviously bringing a lot of attraction to the city. The Film Village will soon take off as they are twin projects. For those who have not been there, they should find time to visit.

“We have also given a new look to the Dennis Osadebay University and when you find time to be there, you will appreciate better the works that are being done there.

“We thank His Royal Majesty, the Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Chike Edozien and all the chiefs in Asaba for the cooperation that they have given to us so far. This has helped in the growing rate of Asaba.

“There are still some people who believe that we have not done enough. I do not want to praise myself, but I know that I am leaving Asaba as the capital territory much better than we met it.

“I believe that what we did was the right thing. Are they things yet undone? Yes. But that is why government is a continuum. I believe that great emphasis will also be paid to Asaba, going forward.

“We should not hurriedly forget about the storm drainage which was used to tackle the flooding which used to be an issue in Asaba. I thank God that we have been able to make Asaba much more liveable.

“Government alone cannot do the development of the state capital. We need to invite our friends to invest here and add to the development of the capital territory.

“The warm environment and the friendly attitude of the indigines of Asaba, has helped attract alot of people to Asaba. So I commend them for that,” he stated.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Chairman of the Council, Kelvin Ezenyili had said that the legislative chamber was conceived and built by the council to provide a conducive working environment for councillors in the local government.

Ezenyili added that the legislative chamber was named after Dr. Maryam Babangida in recognition of the pioneering role she played in the empowerment of rural women in the country.

According to him, apart from the Leader of the Legislative Arm, none of the councillors had an office to perform their legislative assignment as they used to sit under the tree whenever they are around.

While appreciating the developmental strides of Okowa across the the state, he expressed hope that the Legislative Chamber would enhance the operational efficiency of councillors and their support staff in the discharge of their duties.

Okowa inaugurates 2 trucks for Delta Fire Service

Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, on Wednesday, inaugurated two new fire fighting trucks procured by the state government to strengthen the operational efficiency of the State’s Fire Service.

Each of the trucks has 7,000 litres of water, 250 foam concentrate to fight liquid fire, two suction host, wheel chair, two stretchers, breathing apparatus, six fire tunic and first aid box as well as the capacity to carry six fire men.

Inaugurating the two trucks, Okowa said the trucks were to complement the fleet of fire fighting trucks being used by the State Fire Service to combat incidents of fire outbreak in all parts of the state.

He commended the State Fire Service for their proactive efforts and prompt response time in attending to emergencies and pledged government sustained commitment towards providing basic operational tools that would stimulate their efficiency.

He said as more cities continued to emerge, there was need to prepare adequately for emergencies, even as he charged men of the State Fire Service to make good use of the fire fighting trucks.

“There is no doubt that Delta State has done very well in fighting fire outbreaks across the state and l know that we have several fire fighting stations now in the state increasing by the day for which l am very grateful to the management of the State Fire Service.

“We have had lots of interventions in the state and in some occasions, we have had to be called by sister states to intervene in their own state.

“I feel very very elated every time l speak about the Fire Service in Delta State. They have a wonderful management and their response time is something that is very encouraging.

“I have been a witness to it and several other persons have testified to this effect. I think it is something that we must continue to encourage.

“So, having two additional fire fighting trucks to join their fleet is something that we must truly be glad about. I hope that we will continue, as a state, to support them.

“It is also one very important thing that will be in our handover note to the next administration because as the city grows and as the state grows, you must prepare for emergencies such as the one that the Fire Fighting Service does engage itself in and we must find ways to encourage them.

“I am also glad that recently (just between yesterday and today), l have had to give approval to two memos that concerns the Fire Service workers both those in the lower category and those in the management and upper echelon where they are able to thrive to their best.

“I think that will add greater encouragement to what they do. I have always said in various occasions that l will find it very easy to approve any request coming from the Fire Service.

“This is because they have shown skill, they have shown commitment in their job and l just hope that every other person that works for the government works in that manner, things would have been made easy for everybody,” Okowa said.

In his remarks, the Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties, Mr. Johnbull Edema said the two brand new trucks were locally fabricated to meet international standard.

He thanked the governor for always providing resources for the procurement of operational equipment that had enabled the State Fire Service attend to emergencies in the state.

Also speaking at the ceremony, the State Director of Fire Service, Mr. Eugene Oziwele said the trucks have all that were needed to combat all kinds of fire incident.

Highlight of the event was a practical drill on how to use the fire fighting trucks to combat fire emergencies by men of the State Fire Service.

CSO gives INEC 20 working days to provide presidential election results for 774 LGs

GovIndex Leadership Empowerment and Development Foundation, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide the complete 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023 presidential election results for the 774 local government areas in the country within 20 working days.

The group in a letter to INEC dated March 30, 2023 and signed by its Lawyer, Barrister Udoka Oguekwe, made the request under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act pursuant to Section 1(I), (2011).

The letter reads in part: “I request a waiver of all fees for this request as this information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute to public understanding and confidence in the activities of the government in general and the commission in particular.

“If you deny this request, please cite each specific exemption under the law that justifies the refusal to release the information.

“I look forward to your reply within 20 work days.”

The request is coming less than one week after GovIndex Foundation dragged former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, Muslim Akinsanyo (M.C Oluomo), Bayo Onanuga, Reno Omokri and Sam Omatseye to the Department of State Service (DSS) over alleged hate speech capable of instigating violence against Igbos.
[14/04, 16:23] Elombah: For Immediate Release, April 14, 2023

*APC behind cloning of Obi’s identity, London airport detention — POSN*

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is behind the cloning of the identity of Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, in Britain, culminating in his recent detention by UK immigration officers at Heathrow Airport in London. This is according to the Peter Obi Support Network (POSN).

The group in a statement issued on Friday and signed by FCC Onwuasoanya Jones of its Directorate of Strategic communications, expressed shock at the extent the APC Government of President Muhammadu Buhari is determined to go in its bid to neutralise the influence of Obi, whom it sees as a nightmare and the main threat to its stolen presidential mandate.

“From spending billions of naira paying lobbyists and sponsoring propaganda teams to the USA and UK, the Buhari-led APC Government has now graduated to sponsoring a clone of Peter Obi in the UK in its desperation to demonise a man widely recognised as the conscience of the nation,” POSN said.

It noted that the passport with which the fake Peter Obi obtained UK Visa, must have been issued by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), adding: “It is instructive that the Nigerian Government has remained silent on Obi’s unwarranted Heathrow Airport ordeal, one full week after the regrettable incident”.

POSN said that though unfortunate, Obi’s underserved humiliation at Heathrow Airport has its positive sides. “It provided Nigerians at the airport an opportunity to rise in defence of their hero and they did so – for which we’ll eternally be grateful. It also has exposed the dirty anti-Obi schemings of the APC Government as the whole world now knows that whatever crime is committed by the fake Peter Obi has nothing to do with the one and only Peter Gregory Obi, who is universally known and respected for his unimpeachable integrity,” POSN said.

The group advised the Buhari-led APC Government to stop wasting scarce resources seeking Obi’s downfall, adding: “Rather than be discouraged, this can only make Obi more resolute in recovering his stolen mandate through the judicial process and in rededicating himself to the crucial task on helping to birth a new Nigeria, which, of course, is very much POssible.”

‘Publish your assets, encourage Osinbajo, others to do so’, SERAP tells Buhari

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his “leadership position and role as the African Union Anti-Corruption Champion to widely publish your asset declaration form as you conclude your term of office in May 2023 and to leave a legacy of transparency.”

SERAP also urged him to “encourage Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan; Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila and high-ranking officials of the next administration to also promptly publish their assets to date.”

According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets immediately after taking office; at the end of every four years; and at the end of his/her term of office

In the open letter dated 15 April 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging other public officials and officials of the next administration to do so would enable Nigerians to scrutinize the assets and worth of public officials before taking office and at the end of their term of office.”

SERAP said, “Those who voluntarily seek or occupy public offices and are catered for by the public have certain fiduciary duties to be open, transparent, and accountable to Nigerians regarding the details of their asset declaration forms.”

According to SERAP, “Because asset declaration forms are public documents, public officials cannot claim that publishing their assets would violate their privacy rights. There is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of information on the assets of public officers who clearly are trustees of Nigeria’s wealth and resources.”

The letter, read in part: “SERAP urges you to emulate the good example of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua who consistently published his asset declaration forms as president and governor of Katsina State.”

“He also planned legislative reform to make it mandatory for all public officers to declare their assets publicly. He believed that publishing his assets would put pressure on other public officers to do so.”

“Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging other public officials and the officials of the next administration to do so would also send a powerful message of your commitment to uphold the country’s constitutional guarantees and international obligations.”
“It would also show that you are ready to do what is needed to leave a legacy of transparency and accountability.”

“Apart from encouraging other officials and the officials of the next administration to publish their asset declaration forms, publishing your asset declaration form widely would also address allegations that many officials tend to make false declarations in order to cover up assets illegally acquired in corruption or abuse of office.”

“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; the Freedom of Information Act; the UN Convention against Corruption; African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to Nigeria is a state party.”

“According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets.”

“Paragraph 11(1)(a)(b) of the Fifth Schedule provides that every public officer shall immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his/her term of office, submit to the CCB a written declaration of all his/her properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his/her unmarried children under the age of eighteen years.”

“Section 15(1) of the CCB and Tribunal Act also requires all public officers to declare their assets.”

“Article 7(1) of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and Articles 7(4) and 8(5) of the UN Convention against Corruption also contain similar provisions and requirements for public officials to declare their assets before, during, and after serving in public office.”

“The Nigerian Constitution and the anticorruption and human rights treaties show the significant role that asset declaration by public officials plays in promoting transparency, accountability and preventing and combating corruption in the public service.”

“Section 109 of the Evidence Act defines a public document to include documents forming the acts or records of the acts of public officers. Asset declaration forms kept with the Code of Conduct Bureau therefore qualify as public documents under section 109.”

“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution makes provision for the fundamental right to information. Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also guarantee access to information.”

“We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your actions in taking steps to publish your asset declaration form and to encourage others to do so.”

Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
16/4/2023
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: +2348160537202