Eddie Murphy expects 10th child

The Beverly Hills Cop actor, 57, Eddie Murphy, is expecting his 10th child as his partner, Paige Butcher, debuted her baby bump while in Los Angeles this month.

“Eddie Murphy and longtime girlfriend, Paige Butcher, are pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child in December,” a representative for Murphy said in a statement.

Butcher, 39, was photographed wearing a floral maxi dress that accentuated her growing belly.

The Australian actress looked comfortable as she kept her hair down and wore flip-flops while enjoying a Starbucks drink.

The couple, who have been together since 2012, already share 2-year-old daughter, Izzy Oona.

Delta Government hands-over Ogbe-Ijoh market to Warri South

The Okowa led Delta State Government has handed over Ogbe-Ijoh Market, Warri to Warri South Local Government Council, Imirror has gathered. Warri South Local Government Chairman, Dr. Michael Tidi on assumption of office January 2018,

prioritized takeover of the Modern Market, Ugbuwangue and Ogbe-Ijoh Market as part of efforts to shore-up the internally generated revenue profile of Warri South Council and ultimately provide the much needed socio-economic as well as infrastructural development to people of the grassroots. Your Soaring Tabloid learnt that a letter confirming handover of the market to Warri South Council has been delivered and subsequently received for necessary action. In place of your soaring tabloid put imirror.

Okowa challenges LG chairmen on sanitation, security

The Governor gave the charge yesterday (30/08/18) at Asaba while declaring open a 2-day orientation workshop for chairmen and vice chairmen of the twenty-five local government councils in Delta State.

“I wish to use this medium to advise that you (chairmen and vice chairmen of local government councils) take sanitation seriously; you should endeavour to be timely in the evacuation of refuse,” the governor said, adding, “as we move towards the election season, you should take issues of security seriously; so liaise and collaborate with security agencies for effective coverage.”

He continued, “as you are no doubt aware, the local government council is the third tier of government in Nigeria, it is very strategic in our political structure, because it is the closest administrative unit to our people at the grassroots.”

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right); Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Joyce Overah (left) and Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. Ikpokpo Itiako, during a 2day Orientation Programme for Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, in Government House Asaba.

“Since you are closest to the people, it is expected that you should know the most basic needs of the people and be in a position to promote their development and welfare, because, the expectations of the people are high in view of the development needs of our various communities;   you should therefore be committed at all times to see that the dividend of democracy is delivered to them within the limit of available resources,” Governor Okowa said.

While noting that the workshop which had as its theme: Strengthening Grassroots Administration to Achieve the SMART Agenda would strengthen the chairmen and their vices to focus on effective management of contemporary local government administration, Governor Okowa emphasised, “the watchword is prudent allocation of limited resources among competing alternatives and I must remind you that a call to public office of this magnitude is a call to service; it is a golden opportunity that you cannot afford to misuse; you should endeavour to prove to your people that they have not made a wrong choice for electing you.”

Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (right) and Chief Paulinus Akpeki, during a 2day Orientation Programme for Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, in Government House Asaba.

“The lessons, values and knowledge gained in this workshop should be deployed into practice, because,  

training and re-training of officers is a capacity building mechanism to equip you for efficient service delivery.  Such training will lead to excellent performance in the discharge of your duties in the respective local government councils in the State,” he stated.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Sir Okey Ofili had said local government councils working in synergy with the state government were expected to bring governance closer to the people.

Chairman, Oshilimi South Local Government Area, Hon. Uche Osadebe (right) and Chairman, Udu Local Government Area, Onojite Brown, during a 2day Orientation Programme for Local Government Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, in Government House Asaba.

He disclosed that the workshop was important as it will enlighten the chairmen and the vice chairmen about what is expected of them and how to achieve desired results.

Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state, Hon. Joyce Overah thanked Governor Okowa for approving the workshop and called for partnership between the local government councils and the state government for a virile state that will be the pride of all to be achieved.

Uduaghan's defection to APC not a surprise, long overdue - Fred Oghenesivbe

Executive Assistant to Governor Okowa on Communications, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe has said that he has been vindicated over the recent defection of former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Iweta Uduaghan, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The EA Communications in a statement made available to newsmen noted that Uduaghan technically defected to APC in 2014, immediately it became obvious that his governorship aspirant, Sir Tony Chuks Obuh was rejected by Chief James Ibori and other major stakeholders in the state.

Oghenesivbe recalled that after the party leaders settled for Gov Okowa before the gubernatorial primaries in 2014, Uduaghan went ahead to pick is first eleven advance team headed by Chief Ayiri Emami, to go prepare the stage for his later arrival in APC.

"Ayiri, it was who went round the state on the instruction of Uduaghan to recruit more people into the APC, and that effort brought about the earlier defection of Chief Paulinus Akpeki, Former Commissioner Kubenje, Barrister Jaro Egbo, Hon Stella Okotete, Chief Aginighan and a host of others into the APC after the 2015 general elections," Oghenesivbe disclosed.

According to Oghensivbe, Uduaghan has been involved in anti party activities as one of the major financiers of the APC while still in PDP and worked extensively with Olorogun Otega Emerhor and his team during the 2015 general elections but could not match the political sagacity of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa and the Ibori Political structure hence Emerhor lost woefully in the gubernatorial race.

The EA Communications to Okowa disclosed that Uduaghan ordered APC State leadership in 2015, to break the backbone of the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) through an APC sponsored faction headed by Chief Tuesday Onoge, to also fight Chief Great Ogboru for giving him (Uduaghan) series of electoral litigation while in office, a development which prompted a re-run election.

He asserted that Uduaghan hates Okowa with perfect hatred for undisclosed reasons which is why he (Uduaggan) decided to join forces with Adams Oshiomole who also hates Okowa; so that both haters of Okowa can give him a dirty fight in the forthcoming governorship elections in Delta State. 

"Deltans should remain focused and continue to support Governor Okowa who has denied himself of luxury and material things so as to judiciously use the lean resources of the state for infrastructure and socioeconomic development of the three Senatorial districts. 

"Uduaghan defected for two major reasons; to protect himself against serial corruption charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and to join forces with Adams Oshiomole to remove Okowa from office, a dream that would further crash Uduaghan's political career in 2019," Oghenesivbe assured.

Dreams actualize programme

Politics battle: Lagos state APC women leader, was left with bruises, almost killed after predecessor thugs descended on her

APC ladies pioneer's P.A assaulted by hooligans driven by her antecedent .
The P.A of Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the Lagos State APC Women Leader, was left with wounds everywhere on her body, on Monday, following the intrusion of the state secretariat by hooligans.
As per Theelitesng, the hooligans were driven by one Kemi Nelson, who is the ex State leader and now the South West Women Leader of APC and furthermore an Executive Director of National Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). 
It was revealed that some executive members of the party in the state, were having a meeting in the office of the state Chairman of the party, Hon. Tunde Balogun, when Kemi Nelson stormed the secretariat with about six thugs.

It was further disclosed that the thugs went straight to Okoya-Thomas and warned her to behave herself, while trying to provoke her to a fight, but she kept her cool.

It was however gathered that Nelson and her hoodlums were still not satisfied and engaged her P.A, Alhaja Abiodun, in a serious fight that caused her serious body injury and she was later rushed to a nearby hospital.

“Only God knows what Nelson wants after she has been elevated from the State Women Leader to the position of South West Women Leader, apart from being an appointee of President Buhari as a board member of NSITF,” said a source.

Theelitesng revealed that the crisis between Okoya-Thomas and Nelson started shortly after the former was sworn-in as the state Women Leader. It was gathered that Nelson refused to hand over to her. 

Police officer stabs man to death for dating his wife

A Police sergeant has stabbed a man to death for allegedly dating his estranged wife after his efforts to stop the deceased from seeing her failed. The incident, which happened last Sunday at Oteri community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, led to the arrest of the suspect simply identified as Ijeoma, who is attached to the Patani Police Division.
The victim, David Ogbodo, was said to have been rushed to the Ughelli Central Hospital, where he was confirmed dead from excessive bleeding, as a result of injuries sustained during the attack on him.

Though the marital status of the policeman and his wife, simply identified as Jennifer, could not be ascertained, sources at the community hinted that the marriage between the couple had already collapsed.

Confirming the incident to Newsmen yesterday, a source at the community disclosed that the policeman had stormed the community in company of a team of other policemen drafted from the Ughelli ‘A’ Division to intervene in the matter by inviting the victim for questioning.

The source, a female resident of the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that the suspect, in his complaint, failed to inform the Police that a case of divorce between him and his wife was in court.

According to the source,

Quote

“when all efforts by the policeman to stop the victim from seeing his wife failed, he reported the matter to the Police, which, in trying to resolve the issue amicably, drafted some policemen with him to invite the victim for questioning. “On getting to the deceased’s residence, the policemen met him and the suspect’s wife together.

He broke a bottle and used it to stab David multiple times, leading to his death.”

Confession time!!! sacked DSS DG, Lawal Daura opens up

… Reveal those behind the NASS Siege… he also mentioned IGP Idris Ibrahim

In new details which emerged on Wednesday, Daura was quoted as making three declarations: (i) That he took all actions in national interest through a collective responsibility, including involvement of principal officers of sister agencies; (ii) that he acted on a higher authority which he relied on to deploy agents at the National Assembly; (iii) that the report submitted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Idris Ibrahim was totally incorrect.

In his interim investigation report submitted to the then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, the IGP noted that Daura confessed that he deployed hooded operatives to the National Assembly complex based on intelligence report that unauthorized persons were planning to smuggle in dangerous weapons and incriminating items.

The sacked Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Lawal Daura, has finally spoken on his ordeal.

“The former Director-General, Department of State Services, DSS, Lawal Daura, acted unilaterally, without informing the Presidency. He did not share or intimate other Security Agencies on the unlawful operations”, Idris wrote in the report.

Osinbajo, who was in acting capacity while President Muhammadu Buhari was in London, fired Daura earlier in August.

The sack followed the seige which sparked outrage across the country and abroad.

Relaying Daura’s side of the story, one of his confidants told PRNigeria, that the sacked official lamented that neither was he given query over any issue nor indicted on his handling of affairs of the service until his sack.

The source said: “While the former DSS boss has not officially handed over up till now, his house both in Asokoro and Gwarinpa were thoroughly searched in the night and nothing incriminating were found, and all items found including necklace, praying mat, CDs, ATM card, women bags, documents and receipts have been duly returned to him accordingly.”

The source also stated that when Daura was invited by Osinbajo for the security briefing, he quickly rushed out and left some of his personal belonging including phones in the office.

The Daura-born ex-security chief disclosed that when he was whisked away and eventually sacked, he did not know his offence.

“Daura has been completely demoralised by the wide spread insinuations of working for the opposition when he took daring moves to protect the Presidency and the ruling party against the antics of the powerful opposition elements. The allegation of being a mole is utter balderdash!

“Spymasters all over the world can be sacrificed but not to the extent of rubbishing their integrity and reputation on the altar of political considerations, especially a spymaster created by the same system, considering the delicate and sensitive nature of intelligent services.”

According to the source, more revelations about the NASS saga and the surrounding events will unfold in the weeks ahead.

Alert: seven states to experience flooding

The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) says there is a likelihood of flooding by the banks of River Niger.

Clement Eze, director, engineering hydrology at NIHSA, said Kainji and Jebba dams are already spilling water downstream while the level of water in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, has exceeded the corresponding value in 2012.

According to the statement, the flood is likely to affect some states located on the banks of River Niger in the north-central, south-south, and south-eastern parts of the country.

Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Delta and Bayelsa are the states that will be affected, the agency said.

“The middle Niger portion of the Niger Basin (Niger Republic) experienced high flows last week. The flood has advanced into the lower Niger (Nigeria),” the statement read.

“Accordingly, both Kainji and Jebba Dams are already spilling water downstream.

“The level of water in Lokoja as at today, 29th August, 2018 (downstream the confluence) is 8.69 meters, thus, exceeding the uncorresponding value of 8.57 meters that occurred on 29th August 2012,” the report said.

“Meanwhile, the flooding that occurred in Kaduna on 23rd and 24th August 2018, has started arriving Shiroro dam built on River Kaduna. In the event that Shiroro dam equally starts spilling water, that will portend more danger downstream.

“The following states should be on watch out; Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, Anambra, Delta and Bayelsa.

“Inflow contribution from River Benue is equally advancing. Meanwhile, the Lagdo dam in Cameroon is still impounding water, so no spilling yet into River Benue.”

Top 8 prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University

Many young Nigerians have the misconception that they can only attain success by attending a tertiary institution. They believe that their certificates is the only spring board to success in their profession, business, Nigerian politics and other sectors.
It is very glaring that many people have succeeded even without registering as a university student. Many Nigerian billionaires are secondary school leavers.

In politics Nigeria, some Governors, house of representative members and even senators don’t have the university degree.
In order to erase the myth that one can not taste success without attending a higher institution, we decide to put up this write up highlighting the top 8 prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University.

Mercy Johnson

Top Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University.
Mercy Johnson is unarguably one of the most popular and highest paid actresses in Nigeria. She made it known that has never attended a university and that she ventured into the movie industry due to the fact that she failed her JAMB exam. Mercy Johnson will definitely rank tops as one of the prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
Cosmos Maduka is a billionaire. He is the sole distributor of BMW and ford cars in Africa. He is one of the Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.He dropped out of school when he was seven after the demise of his Father. Today, he is very successful and rich. He owns the Coscharis motors.

Cosmos Maduka

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
His name may not ring a bell but his business name will surely do so. Vincent obianobo is the owner of “the young shall grow motors”, a very popular transportation company. He has no tertiary education. Today, he is one of the Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University

According to Forbes, Folorunsho is the richest Woman in Africa. She recently revealed that she has never attended a university. She is clearly one of the most prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.Her net worth is estimated as $2.5 billion. She is indeed an inspiration to many young Nigerian women.

Folorunsho Alakija

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
He is the Head of the richest Family in Nigeria and the founder of the Ibru Organization. Michael Ibru can only boast of a secondary school certificate,

Olorogun Michael Ibru

but this has not hinder him from standing tall as one of the most successful business men in the country. He ranks as one of the prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
Razaq Okoya is the owner of Eleganza group of companies. The company has massive coverage in Nigeria and in West Africa. He can only boast of a primary school leaving certificate which he got from Ansar-Un-Deen primary school,

Razaq Akanni Okoya

Lagos. He is an inspiration to others. He has risen to become one of the richest Business men in Nigeria. He will always rank as one of the prominent Nigerians who succeeded without attending a university.

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
Orji Uzor Kalu is a former Governor of Abia state and the owner of SLOK holding, the Daily sun newspaper and the new telegraph newspapers. He was rusticated from university of Maiduguri for participating in student’s protest. Nigerian politics. Orji Kalu’s failure to have a university degree has not debated him from succeeding in his business or in politics Nigeria. Infact, he is one of the most influential politicians in Abia state and will always rank on lists such as this.

Orji Uzor Kalu

He decided not to continue in another university and went into business and later

Nigerians who succeeded without attending a University
Michael Collins popularly known as Don Jazzy dropped out of Ambrose Ali University in his first year. That did not stop him from being successful.

Michael Collins Ajere (Don Jazzy)

He is a prolific music producer and CEO of mavin records.

Delta 2019: Ogboru considers quitting guber race, as party leadership zero in on Delta north Candidacy

*Ogboru, Omo-Agege resort to plan B, direct aides to run state assembly seats

Barely any change in plan, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, an All Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirant in Delta State, have concluded plans to quit the 2019 governorship election race following decision by the party leadership and presidency to zone the party governorship ticket to Delta North, in what is termed; “balance of power.”  

 According to a prominent member of the Ogboru/Omo-Agege faction of the party in the state who confined in our reporter, said; Ogboru, the serial governorship candidate since 2003 is no longer kin in running because of the body language of the party leadership and the Presidency who believe that the party stands a better chance of dislodging PDP in 2019 with a Delta North candidate.

He noted that the party would not want to take chances hence it zoned it tickets to Delta North and with this development the party Governorship ticket is now a three horse race between Prof Pat Utomi, Hon Victor Ochei and Dr Cairo Ojougboh.

 Our source further stated that Ogboru has resorted to plan B by directing his trusted aides and close relations to join Delta State House of Assembly race o the platform of the party in order to position himself ahead of 2023 should the party wins in 2019 election, he would have planted his foot soldiers in government.

 According to another source who is a member Senator Omo-Agege political family who spoke to us anonymously said "the 2019 Governorship race is not favourable to the aspiration of our leader, Chief Great Ogboru, he has pushed different political strategies to garner support of the party leadership at the national and the presidency, but they are more interested in Delta North Candidacy.

 The source added that Ogboru has opted for plan B, hence the likes of Prince Efe Duku, Tony Omolu, Enajite Rex Ogboru (Chief Ogboru's nephew vying for Ethiope East constituency seat), Jekins Wisike who is slogging it out with Agege's Personal Assistant, Moses Anaughe and others have been given matching order to declare for the Delta State House of Assembly seats in their respective State Constituencies.

Following Ogboru’s directive, there is a political tension within the Ogboru camp since this development as some of his followers see this move as a self-centered and are boiling the challenge it at the party primary.

 Critically hit by this directive is the cold war brewing between Prince Efe Duku and one John Ighoruemu Oyibokwifi both of whom are gunning for the Ughelli South State Constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly.

 A reliable Source within Ogboru/Omo-Agege APC faction noted that Prophet Jones Erue state executive has been to deliver the Senior Legislative Aide to the Delta Central Senator; Prince Efe Duku at all cost and also work to ensure that their anointed candidates to emerge as the party flag bearer come 2019, with many supporters describing the decision as "selfish and undemocratic" move.

 However, the decision by the APC National leadership to support Delta North and crisis of confidence rocking the Ogboru/Omo-Agege camp following the decision of Chief Ogboru to impose his family members and close aides as the party’s candidates across the State, have forced a lot of key their supporters to begin negotiation with the mainstream of the party for alignment in order to safeguard their political relevancies.

 A cogent source also disclosed that all efforts by Senator Omo-Agege to salvage the situation proved abortive as everybody want to be in a camp that may likely produce the party's governorship candidate.

Sad! Uduak Akrah dead: Nollywood actress dies after falling in the bathroom

— Nollywood loses another actor
— Actress Uduak Akrah dies of complications after slipping in bathroom

Nollywood actress, Uduak Akrah, has died as a result of injuries sustained after a fall in the bathroom.

According to report, Akrah, a graduate of creative art from the University of Lagos, died on Saturday, at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Her colleagues confirmed this on the social media, saying she died on Saturday, following injuries sustained from a fatal fall in the bathroom two years ago.

“I just heard from someone close to her and her family in Abuja. She suffered complications in the past few months from a nasty fall in the bathroom,” said filmmaker Charles Novia.

The actress who is based in Abuja was said to have been ill from the accident for some time, and while arrangements were being made to take her to take her to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), she gave up the ghost.

Described by colleagues as a versatile entertainer both on screen and on stage, Uduak, a graduate of Creative Art from the University of Lagos, was also an event planner and singer.

“Fantastic actress on stage and screen… An Akokite, calm and gentle, may her soul rest perfectly in peace,” said Iyen Agbonifo.

She is known for films like ‘Emotional Crack’ and ‘Bafana Bafana’.

Orphanage Home proprietress where 4 year old Elo Ogidi was discovered arrested

The police in Edo state have arrested the Proprietress of God’s Orphanage Home, in Benin, Edo State, Kehinde Blessing Imarhiagbe, for complicity in the alleged theft of four-year-old-Elo Ogidi. 

Elo was abducted from church in Lagos state on July 8th and was found in the orphanage run by Imarhiagbe last Friday,

Speaking to journalisits while parading Mrs. Imarhiagbe, the State Police Commissioner, Babatunde Kokumo, described the activity of the suspect as unwholesome, adding that the stolen girl was “found at the orphanage under questionable circumstances.”

Speaking in her defense, Imarhiagbe, said Elo was brought to her Orphanage home by a man who gave his name as Emeka, who allegedly claimed to be the father of the child, adding that he had lost the mother. Imarhiagbe said since she did not suspect any foul play, she did not bother to probe the true identity of the baby, especially when Emeka was visiting her orphanage home every week.

She, however, said she was surprised to have received a phone call while she was attending a church programme in Sapele, Delta State, that the police were looking for her in connection with a child allegedly stolen in Lagos.

She said on arriving Benin, she surrendered herself to the police and that since her arrest all efforts to reach Emeka had not been unsuccessful as Emeka has since switched off his phone.

Bayelsa student abandoned in Malaysia graduates with dinstinction in mechatronics engineering

Mr. Abasi Aikien, a Bayelsa state student on scholarship at the University College Sedaya International, Kuala Lumpur, in Malaysia, who was allegedly abandoned by the state government has graduated with distinction.

Aikien, who was offered scholarship in 2008 by the state scholarship board due to his sterling academic performance and coming up tops at different national competitions where he represented Bayelsa state including the National Institute of Physics competition in Kaduna State between 15th – 18th September in 2004 and Science Teachers Association of Nigeria competition in 2006 was said to have been left to his fate since 2014 through the state government’s inability to settle his school fees and maintenance expenses.

It was further learnt that due to the development, his parents – Mr. Roosevelt Abasi and Mrs. Jonah-Abasi Bemeyi, both teachers in Bayelsa state, took over the payment of the student’s school fees until they could no longer pay.

Aikien’s father, Roosevelt Abasi, had in 2016, cried out for help, saying that his family could no longer cope with the high school fees and upkeep allowances.

He said there was virtually nothing left for them to sell anymore to continue to cater for Aikien’s fees and maintenance expenses.

Abasi said at a point, they resorted to taking loans to see the student through, but sadly noted that the family could not service the loans any longer.

The situation was made worse as Aikien faced detention and possible deportation at that time for failure to pay his tuition fee which would have amounted to violation of his visa conditions.

Abasi said the family had expended over ₦8m for his (Aikien’s) tuition and upkeep in Malaysia since 2014. He lamented, “We have sold all that we have to bear the burden the Bayelsa State Government has placed on us.

A non-governmental organisation, Patriotism Advancement and Community Orientation of Network through a press statement on 20th December, 2016 had drawn the attention of the state government to Aikien’s plight.

The group which was interfacing between the government and the parents, had raised the alarm that Aikien faces detention and expulsion from school if he failed to pay up his fees on or before January 4, 2017.

Heeding to the call, the government released the sum of ₦1,064.699 later in the month of December, 2016 to the school with the promise of defraying the deficit with time.

Not satisfied with government’s response, the group took it upon itself to seek funds on every available social media platform to raise the needed funds and even created a GoFundMe account for Aikien.

Investigations revealed that PACON’s efforts were successful as notable figures within and outside the state came to the financial aide of Aikien by donating and assisting him through his family.

An elated Aikien who was present at the school’s convocation ceremony on the 19th of August, 2018 expressed joy, describing it as the best day of his life. “After 5 years of painstaking study, devotion, hard work and perseverance, finally I’m now officially an Engineer. I didn’t just graduate, but I’ve graduated with distinction.

“I wish to thank all those who have contributed in one way or another towards my success today. Thanks very much and God bless you.” He stated.

The Arch-Convener, PACON, Mr. Aluzu Augustine, in a statement on Friday in yenagoa thanked all those who made sure Aikien remained in Malaysia to complete his studies.

He thanked Aikien for keeping his head high despite his sordid experience in the hands of Bayelsa state scholarship board to make his family and state proud by graduating with distinction.

Aluzu also stated that Mr. Abasi (Aikien’s father) is still being owed over ₦15m by Bayelsa state government as amount spent for seminar, accommodation, industrial training, return ticket, graduation fee, stipends and other miscellaneous and urged the state government to defray the deficit owed the school and Aikien’s parents. “We have since sent a petition to the Committee on Education in the state House of Assembly over the shambolic way Bayelsans are being treated under the current leadership of the scholarship board.

“As an organisation, we are happy with the news of his graduation. Nobody deserves to be treated the way Aikien was treated by the state government.

“Aikien as a beneficiary of state scholarship should ordinarily be entitled to his tuition and stipends as well. We urge the government to do the needful and clear its deficit.” He said.

Two special assistants to governor join APC

As Onowakpor Declares for Reps

By Henry Adagbra

Two Special Assistants of Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, have led 5,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This formed part of the highlights at Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of the state, during the formal declaration of the former Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, for the House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency, in the forthcoming 2019 elections.

From Left-Right: Hon. Benjamin Okiemute Essien, Former Member, DTHA, Joel - Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino, House of Representatives aspirant, Isoko Federal Constituency, Prophet Jones Erue, Delta State APC Chairman and Chief Goodnews Agb during the official declaration of Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas to contest for the House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency at Isoko Central School, Oleh, Delta State

At the event, which held on Saturday, the Special Assistant to Governor Okowa on Youth and Community Development, who doubles as Chairman, Emede Community Union, Lucky Arumare, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Mobilisation, Uyoyou Edhekpo, led more than 5,000 PDP members to defect to the APC.

Speaking at the event, Jones Erue, the state APC chairman said: "Governor Okowa will be shown the way out of the Government House by Deltans, because the people have concluded on enthroning an APC government come 2019 in Delta State.

From Left-Right: Pastor Silas Buowe, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute Essien, Former Member, DTHA, Joel - Onowakpo Thomas Ewomazino, House of Representatives aspirant, Isoko Federal Constituency and Hon. Lucky Okperi, APC leader during the official declaration of Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas to contest for the House of Representatives, Isoko Federal Constituency at Isoko Central School, Oleh, Delta State

“PDP has nothing to offer Deltans anymore. Deltans are tired and have rejected the PDP-led Government of Ifeanyi Okowa. With the crowd I see here today, it’s a walk-over for APC in Isoko and the Government House come 2019. Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas has come to liberate the good people of Isoko Federal Constituency from 16 years of slavery in the hands of PDP in the Federal House of Representatives. We must all give our full support to Joel-Onowakpo.”

In his message, an APC chieftain in Isoko, Williams Omoviro, referring to the current member representing Isoko Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leo Ogor, said: "I am an Ozoro man like Hon. Leo Ogor. I can tell you authoritatively that we are tired of Leo. He has nothing to offer for the 16 years. Let's all give our support to Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas for total liberation”.

Prophet Jones Erue, Delta State APC Chairman formerly handing over the APC symbol (broom) to Isoko House of Representatives aspirant, Isoko Federal Constituency, Hon. Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, while Chief Lucky Esije, Leader of APC in Isoko looks on during his (Joel-Onowakpo Thomas)  official declaration at Oleh Central School, Delta State

In his declaration speech, Joel-Onowakpo stated that his political interest was to "contribute his quota of national development".

He said: “I joined the PDP where I played active roles in building the party to enviable heights, culminating in my appointment as Chairman of the Board of Interval Revenue, Delta State, before I finally decided to call it quits with PDP, when all my entreaties against the misrule of the state and my beloved Isoko nation fell on deaf ears.

"I have, after due consultation, decided to formally declare to the Isoko people this day, August 25, 2018, here and now, that I am running for the nomination as a candidate, to fly the flag of the APC in the 2019 general election as member representing Isoko nation at the Federal House of Representatives, and put to an end to the current drift towards the enthronement of a political dynasty, which is alien to the Isoko people.”

Nigeria underperforming because of poor leadership – Donald Duke

Former Governor of Cross River State and presidential aspirant, Mr. Donald Duke, has blamed the different socio-economic and political problems in Nigeria on bad leadership.

Bad leadership, according to him, had made the country to be under-performing and under-achieving.

Duke made the remarks on an online interview show, The Couch Nigeria, anchored by popular artiste, Folarin Falana (Falz) and Laila Johnson-Salami.

He however said given the opportunity, he would turn the fortune of the nation around and make it a better place.

Stating that he had passion for life, Duke disclosed that he loved seeing improvement and people achieve their potentials.

“My passion really is actualising our true potential as a nation,” he said.

He however did not disclose under which political party, he plans to contest for the presidential ticket.

He said that would be announced later.

Donald Duke declared that if given the opportunity to serve, he would try and get a few things right in the first 100 days.

According to him, that would include stopping the killings in the North East of the country, the crisis between herdsmen and farmers and economic problems among other things.

He complained about the nation’s policy on education, saying that he would do something to change it.

“The curriculum has to be revamped to keep up with the digital age.  We would ensure the teachers are trained and motivated to deal with that curriculum and then tie the teachers’ career to the students’ passage.

“Teaching requires a lot of interface; the teacher should know all the students by their names. At the end of senior secondary you should be able to leave with a requisite skill.  So, regardless of whether or not you go to the university you should be able to fend for yourself.”

On insecurity, he said security officers had to be retrained as part of efforts to improve security of lives and property.

He also said the remuneration of the security agents had to be good enough.

“His take home pay should actually take him home,” he said.

“There needs to be a system of policing where the federal, state and local government gets involved at every level. The local and state do more of the information gathering while the enforcement is left to the federal,” Duke added.

The former governor stated how he planned to achieve regular power supply in the country and spoke about the need to reduce the huge remunerations of members of the National Assembly.

He Donald Duke vowed that no corrupt person would be part of his administration.

His words:  “My corrupt acquaintances won’t form a part of my government.”

He also said that he would not criminalise homosexualism.

“I won’t criminalize it (homosexualism) because I don’t understand their emotions. They however can’t exhibit their sexuality in public; that doesn’t conform to our societal norms. We are not there yet, when you are in Rome, you behave like the Romans,” he explained.

SSG, commissioner escape being lyched as youth empowerment event turns bloody in Delta

Delta State Commissioner for Youth, Oghenekaro Ilolo and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Festus Agas, on Saturday escaped death when youths, trained under the state’s Special Youth Intervention Training and Empowerment Programme (SYITEP), engaged the officials of the initiative in fisticuffs over alleged ill-treatment at their passing out ceremony.

Over 200 youths trained under the programme held officials of the Youths Ministry hostage at the warehouse premises of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the venue of the disbursement of their starter-packs.

Hon. Festus Agas, who represented the Governor, narrowly escaped being lyched by them after presenting starter-packs which were considered inadequate to a lady that had undergone tailoring training.

An aide to the commissioner, whose identity is yet unclear, was, however, unlucky as the youths pounced on him for trying to force the gate of the warehouse open for his boss to escape.

He was beaten to coma and rushed to an undisclosed hospital within Asaba for treatment.

New Telegraph reports that troubled erupted when the youths alleged that the committee saddled with the responsibility of distributing the packs had sabotaged the governor’s gesture by allegedly enriching themselves with the proceeds.

The youths later protested to SSG’s office, accusing the committee, headed by the Commissioner, of failing to pay the trainees their N30,000 three months stipends, and alleged shortchanging each of them their N5,000 transportation fees and for providing them with inadequate starter-packs.

But the SSG earnestly appealed to the youths to give peace a chance and ordered immediate investigation into their complaints.

A trainee in Electrical/ Electronics, Elohor Clever, who spoke on behalf of others lamented that N5,000 was provided as take-off grants as against their counterparts under three cycles of the Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) and Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurship Programme (YAGEP) since 2015.

The Public Relations Officer of the state’s Job Creation Office, Mrs.K. Gertrude, who claimed ignorance, disassociated the Governor’s Office from the crisis.