Warri/Uvwie Devt.: We will step on toes, Macaulay forewarns

By Elo Edromoda

Newly appointed director of the Warri/ Uvwie/ Environs Development Agency (WUEDA), Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay has said that "toes" will be stepped on to achieve the needed development in the oil city and environs.

Comrade Macaulay who is the pioneering head of the agency, spoke to newsmen penultimate weekend in Warri, describing the metropolis as one of the dirtiest in the country.

According to him, previous governments have tried to advance the city's look, as well as providibg other social amenities, but failed due to no base for "succeeding governments to build on.

"Before now, there was no strong base for Warri development. All approaches were ad-hoc. But in the wisdom of the state governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, there was need to establish something that is permanent and in his words, he wants ‘a holistic’ development. Not just about drainage or roads but cutting across social services including health, environment, education and everything about Warri to be handled by one agency."

He further explained that the state governor established the agency in an effort "to hold one organization responsible for what is happening (developmental strides)" in Warri.

The former SSG assured that the agency will take a holistic approach towards the development of Warri, bearing in mind the "sensitivity" of the people, just as he called on them to be ready to make the sacrifice for Warri to become beautiful.

"I responded to some questions during my swearing in reception which is still causing ripples and of course, that is the way it is going to go. We cannot put a new edifice on top a decaying one. If we wish to develop Warri and its environs, we need to clean it first and in the cause of doing that, there will be some displacements.

"For instance, a modern market has been built, but some people chose not to use the market, but to trade on the road side. Of course, we must tell them no, you have a market. Take a shop and sell your wares there. When I say we are going to step on toes, it does not mean we are going to deprive people of what is their right.

"We also know that there are a lot of illegal buildings cutting across natural water ways. Such buildings must go down. We cannot protect one man’s business and let the generality of the people suffer; the future of a whole generation of people. You cannot talk of building drainages when some people are building on water ways. So there are a lot of issues we will look at.

"Why should Warri be a city of caravans? That we must also address. People just get lands and the next thing is to erect caravans and start business. It is not perfect for the aesthetics of any city. We all say, Dubia is beautiful, London and New York and a retinue of other world renowned cities. Why can’t we make Warri beautiful by putting in effort?

"This is the only country where people run away from paying taxes but expect everything from government. Can it work? It’s not about saying government has not done it. What have you done in your own way to make things right? People should be ready for changes, and it cannot come by without some people making sacrifice," the WUEDA director stated.

However, he noted that the organization will be doing some paper work and sensitization on projects to be carried out for the next three months to enable it effectively take on the tasks ahead.

How we design, issue fake degree certificates for N2000 – Suspects

Some business centre operators in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, have confessed to issuing fake university degree certificate for as low as N2000.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on Tuesday paraded eight business (computer) centre operators for alleged forgery of academic documents.

The agency said it was investigating the suspects for alleged doctoring of admission letters, certificates, ID cards, tuition fee receipts, stamps and official seals of various tertiary institutions around the Northeast, including the University of Maiduguri.

The suspects, who were paraded together with some of the forged documents and stamps, were picked from a popular commercial centre known as Post Office.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Abdullahi Ibrahim, said: “it took his command nine months to investigate the unfortunate development.”

Mr Ibrahim blamed the “thriving” illegal business of academic certificates forgery on “the premium attached to paper qualifications by employers of labour.”

He said most of the forged certificates were issued to persons seeking certification for health-related courses or job opportunities.

He said many beneficiaries of the doctored certificates are working with international and local non-governmental organisations (INGOs).

He said the most disheartening aspect of the documents falsification racket is the “fake admission letters and ID cards issued to some of the students who have gone far in their academic pursuits undetected.”

The official said some cases of students committing suicide in their final year may not be unconnected with the fear of their institutions discovering they tendered fake certificates to gain admission.

He said the NSCDC discovered that some workers of tertiary institutions were also involved in the forgery racket.

Mr Ibrahim said the suspects also falsify bank tellers for payment of tuition fees which the students normally tender for clearance in their registration processes.

The NSDC boss in Borno State implored tertiary institutions, employers of labour and banks to “overhaul their internal control mechanism by periodically reviewing their personnel credentials.”

One of the suspects, Abubakar Abubakar, who claimed to be a staff of the University of Maiduguri, said he was introduced into the illicit business by his friend.

According to him, they usually collect as low as N1,000 for a cloned ID card.

Another suspect who would not mention his name said: “We use to issue a university degree certificate for N2000, while a bank teller for tuition fee goes for N1500 or N1000.”

The suspect said they have copies of most institutions admission letters and certificates which they easily clone.

The NSCDC said it is still investigating the matter with a view to bringing more suspects into its net.

Okowa urges political office to be service delivery-oriented

..... As Ndokwa Youths Honour Ezechi

Delta Governor,  Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has said rendering of selfless service should be the hallmark of every political office holder.

He spoke on Thursday (29/08/19) at Kwale at a reception organised by youths of Ndokwa nation in honour of the Executive Assistant to the government of Delta on youths development, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi. 

The governor was represented at the event by his Political Adviser,  Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon. 

According to him, with selfless service, a political office holder will make his mark in the lives of the people and leave footprints on the sands of time.

“When you serve well, your people will recognise you; they will always remember you because, service delivery is the primary aim of holding political office which is held in trust for the people.

Wherever you find yourself, know that the people are watching you, taking note of your actions.

We are working for a stronger Delta to be achieved and the political office holders should assess themselves based on their performance to the people of Delta; Ndokwa is one of the most peaceful ethic groups in Delta State,” Governor Okowa said. 

A foremost political leader in the area, Chief Godwill Obielum in a message congratulated Hon. Ezechi for his achievements in the political scene and urged him to remain prayerful, focused and respectful to elders.

“I am glad that our people in the Ndokwa nation has recognised you (Hon. Ezechi) with this great honour, take it as a challenge to always improve on whatever you do for the good of the society and to the youths of our great state, know that building a stronger Delta translates to a better future, remain supportive to the government and respectful to elders,” Chief Obielum said. 

Chairman of the occasion,  Chief Fidelis Tilije who is the Commissioner for Finance in Delta thanked the youths for recognising one of their own while the Commissioner for Youths Development in the state, Mr Ifeanyi Egwuyenga said, “as youths, we must build on capacity and competence; it pays to go through mentoring; it pays to persevere.”

Hon. Ezechi in his speech, asserted, “I was overwhelmed after listening to the youths of Ndokwa nation who came with an agenda of hosting me for my performance when I was a member of the Delta State Oil Producing Area Developmental Commission (DESOPADEC).

It is my desired goal to ensure that our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gets stronger in Ndokwa nation and Delta by working with the leaders and various stakeholders.

As youths, we must key in properly into the stronger Delta programme of Governor Okowa-led government having seen a lot of projects across Ndokwa nation and Delta State at large; we must shun hatred for us to move forward,” Hon. Ezechi said.

Earlier, Comrade Anslem Nzete who coordinated the youths for the event disclosed that as a youth, Hon. Ezechi did so much with his position at DESOPADEC,  noting that the youths are proud of his achievements and that the reception was to spur him to do more as an Executive Assistant to the governor. 

Some of those who graced the event include Hon. Chika Ossai,  Hon. Nicholas Ossai, Rt. Hon. Christopher Ochor, Hon. Ejaife Odebala, Mr. Moses Iduh, Hon. Festus  Ochonogor, Hon. Amechi Juan Governor,  Hon. Chris Osakwe , traditional rulers from various clans of Ndokwa nation, among others.

Banker arraigned over alleged theft of customers’ N11 million

A 34-year-old bank employee, Ramon Rilwon-Olayiwola, on Thursday appeared before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly stealing N11 million from bank customers’ accounts.

The defendant, a resident of No. 8, Sultan Bello St., Owutu Ikorodu, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Edet Okoi, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 22, at about 7.20 p.m. at Access Bank Head Office, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendant, an employee of the bank, while working at the bank’s Contact Centre Executive unit, used his position to fraudulently access customers’ details and withdrew money from their accounts.

Mr Okoi, an assistant superintendent of police, told the court that the defendant had allegedly withdrawn N11 million from numerous customers’ accounts.

“The defendant conspired with some other employees to change some customers’ details on the system and made unauthorised withdrawals from their accounts without the customers’ consent.

“During internal investigation which the bank carried out, the CCTV footage showed that it was only the defendant that used the system for accessing customers’ details on the said date,” he said.

He told the court that the offences contravened Sections 287 (7) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Section 287 (7) prescribes seven years imprisonment for stealing from one’s employer, Section 411 carries two years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Chief Magistrate, Tajudeen Elias, granted the defendant N5 million bail with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until September 29 for hearing.

Meet first-class engineering graduate who sells kerosene for a living

It’s no longer news that the scourge of unemployment in the land is largely the reason Nigeria is now infamously tagged the poverty capital of the world.

For a country embarrassingly endowed with material resources and a population that ought to provide a ready market to absorb the skills of her citizens; Nigerians over the years have had to learn to cope with hardship of the unusual variant due largely to maladministration dating back to decades of military dictatorship. Not even the return to democratic mode of governance in 1999 has succeeded in changing this sorry narrative.

Given the difficulties occasioned by the apparent lack of job opportunities in the land, many have resorted to seek greener pasture abroad, sometimes using illegal routes to their dream destinations.

But things weren’t this bad some years ago. Prominent Nigerians including literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe (of blessed memory) and Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai in their memoirs, “There Was a Country” and “The Accidental Public Servant,” respectively painted a glorious picture of the good old days when impressive grades upon graduation from a university was a passport to a waiting job (s).

In their widely read accounts, both men had at least three jobs offers awaiting them even before completing their courses of study in English Literature and Quantity Survey at the University College (now University of Ibadan) and the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria respectively. Those were the good old days when merit was principally the yardstick in the nation’s recruitment process.

In the midst of the despondency ruling the minds of many today, a young Nigerian has chosen to make the most of the situation by selling kerosene and engaging in private tutoring to eke out a living. Welcome to the world of Musa Ibrahim Musa, a first-class graduate of Chemical Engineering, University of Maiduguri.

Musa who shortly after his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, proceeded to the University of Lagos for his Masters says he is disappointed for not being able to get a well-paid job despite obtaining a first class in Chemical Engineering.

He tells Saturday Vanguard: “I wouldn’t say I am disappointed but truth is that Nigeria is quite below where we thought it ought to be, side by side other developing nations of the world. You take examples of what countries like South Africa, Singapore and Malaysia have been doing in education and job opportunities; we are far behind where we should be as a country. I am disappointed to some extent because I believe there are many bright minds out there who can help Nigeria. I am an engineering graduate and I feel that Science and Technology should be the driving force in our quest for nation building. However, this is not the case today.

“However, I also want to say that I appreciate the Nigerian government in one way or the other because as an undergraduate way back in Maiduguri, I was privileged to get the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Scholarship. Though the payment was slightly delayed and I would say the delay actually helped me a lot because the last tranche of payment of the scholarship scheme was what I used in starting the kerosene business. I started the business in 2013 and thank God, it is getting better but I think if we could have people come in to support what we are doing, we can even serve more customers than we are currently doing.”

Given the mileage the grant offered him to start off, Engineer Musa wants government and wealthy Nigerians to come to the aide of young Nigerian entrepreneurs by providing them with seed capital to address the growing unemployment in the land.

With the sum of two hundred thousand naira (N200, 000) being the actual sum he got from the PTDF, Musa started the business with the acquisition of a storage tank which he stationed at Jikwoyi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory. Today, Engineer Musa has purchased additional three storage tanks, bringing the total to four.

So, how was this journey from the get-go?

”The actual amount I was given was N200, 000 but I actually invested N300, 000 in the business and that was because some other incentives were added in my final year in school. I believe government and private individuals can come in to support young entrepreneurs because finance is key but I also believe that some people have lofty ideas that they have not been able to put into practice,” he says.

Before now, the young man who hails from Itsukwi in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State has had his fair share of the pervasive corruption pervading the nation’s recruitment process in his search for job. He shares his experience this way: “I applied for the Dangote refinery job vacancy which was advertised some years back and on two occasions precisely. I applied, wrote the aptitude test but I wasn’t selected. In 2018, I applied again and I scaled through the aptitude test. I was interviewed but since then, I have not been contacted. Thereafter, I applied to teach Engineering at the Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto and the Edo State University, Iyamho but met a brick wall too.”

In pursuit of his vision to inculcate sound education to young Nigerians, Musa a few years ago founded Harvard Tutors, a first-grade teaching clinic for all categories of learners. According to him, “being a first class graduate has given me an opportunity to do many things and I thought if the job was not forthcoming, why not test the waters? I actually wanted to work in the oil and gas industry and like I said earlier, I did some applications but I couldn’t get the job. I started Harvard Tutors four years ago as a youth corps member but at that point in time, I was just doing tutorials for students at A levels and I felt why not take it to another level. So, I registered it as a business in 2016 and since then, we’ve been running it. It has been challenging but the experience has been wonderful.

“Currently we have two tutoring sites, one in Karu site and another one at Apo both in Abuja. But my plan is to expand to other places in Abuja and to other states of the federation. I have been receiving calls from some of my lecturers in the University of Maiduguri and some other colleagues and they all want me to bring centres closer to them.”

Have these two ventures in a way assisted in taking anyone off the street by way of employment? A smiling Engineer Musa says beyond his imagination, the kerosene business and tutorial classes have been a blessing. “We have four attendants manning our storage tanks. We pay them a monthly salary. This is also true of our Harvard teachers numbering 10,” he says as he struggles to curtail his excitement.

In less than three years of knowledge dissemination, the young engineer says a lot of impact has been made in the sphere of English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, French, Computer Science and other subjects at both the ordinary and advanced levels of study.

Hear him: “We have had a lot of testimonies. I must say some of the students we have tutored over the years have come to say sir you really did so well for us in so many areas. The records are there for all to see. One of them is currently studying in a foreign university and a good number of them are in Nigerian universities as well. We bring innovations into what we do.”
Much as government and corporations are overwhelmed with the increasing demand for job placement; here is one Nigerian whose dream requires a fertile ground to germinate and grow into fruition.

Emede progress union elects new excos

.....as Dr Avae Okah becomes PG

By Kelvin Ohoror

The Emede Progress Unioin recently elect new executives to run the affairs of the union for the next 2 years.
The union election was held at the Emede community town hall, Isoko South local government area, Delta State.

Those elected are; Dr. Benson Avae Okah -President general, Mr. Believe Aso - 1st vice-president, Mr. Benjamin Ogwara 2nd vice-president, Engr.Richard Ebro -Secretary general, Deacon.Ibara Augustine assistant secretary, Mr. Benson Egbada-Treasurer, Mr. Matthew Igara-financial secretary, Mr. Endurance Okporokpo - assistant financial secretary, Mr. Ifoghale Ikopi - speaker 1, Mr. Shadrach Owofasa speaker 2, Mr. David Okpire - PRO 1, Mr. Ajiri Omozue -  PRO 2, Mr. Ugoro Daniel Ibru - Home branch chairman, Mr. Monday Ovoh  - vigilante-chairman,

Speaking to newsmen after his election, the newly elected president general Emede community Dr. Benson Avae Okah describe his election as historic due to the issue they were having before the election, saying that the will of God will always prevail no matter the situation.

He however assured that,the community will never regret electing him as their president general, noting that, he will work assiduously with the other executives to foster peace and development in the community.

The newly elected president general of Emede Progress Union also affirmed that,he will ensure there is synergy between Emede community, the Federal government ,State government and the local government council in order to attract meaningful development to the community.

He further said that, the community youths will be adequately train to acqure various skills that will be beneficial to make them to be self-reliance, positing that the Emede Art and Craft Centre will be fully utilise for the training of the teeming youths of the community.

"We  will liase with the State government on how to secure the facilities and how we can use it to train the youths of the community"

He also commended the effort of the fellow contestants, saying that they will all join hands and work together to ensure development and sustainable peace of the community.

Meanwhile the newly elected  2nd vice-president of the Union Mr. Benjamin Ogwara also stated that, "We are going to ensure there is maximum cooperation with the newly elected president general to ensure peace and sustainable development of the community.

He therefore called on the people of Emede community to remain united and peaceful, noting that unity and peaceful co-existence will attract meaningful  infrastructural and human capital development to the community.

Generator thief

This young man was caught for allegedly stealing a generator around Ayanwale area of Ikotun in Alimosho LGA of Lagos state, yesterday at about 7:30 am

Introducing the farmers for the future competition

This is to inform you that New Nigeria Foundation is implementing an Agriculture project tagged: Farmers for the Future (F4F) project for NYSC (immediate past and ongoing youth corp members)  and for final year students of Agriculture from tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

 The overall goal of the project is to encourage young people to take up agriculture as a career, among other objectives.

The Farmers for the Future Project is sponsored by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) under its Wealth Is Here Programme.

The Farmers for the Future project is an annual competition that requires young final year students and fresh graduates (NYSC) of Agriculture or young entrepreneurs seeking to grow their agribusinesses to respond to the application for the call for interest for the F4F competition. 



Interested candidates are to fill the application form on the "Wealth Is Here" website https://wealthishere.net  within the next two weeks.



Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a pitch to a panel of judges after which the winner will emerge.



For more information about the prizes and other details about the competition kindly refer to the attached flyer.



Warm regards,

Bunmi Olatunde (Mrs)

For: New Nigeria Foundation

ICPC frees 14 females locked in Abuja room

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission has  said it has  freed 14 females locked in a room during a raid on an Abuja  house allegedly owned by  the National Coordinator, Federal Civil Service Staff with Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alhaji Iliasu Abdul-Rauf.

In a statement,  spokeswoman  for the commission, Rasheedat Okoduwa, said  they raided Abdul-Rauf’s house as part of  the investigation into his alleged involvement in N1.7bn fraud.

She  said   the ICPC  had sought  a court order to remand the suspect in custody while investigation continued into his activities.

The statement said, “The ICPC has requested a Senior Magistrate’s  Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, to grant an order for the remand of the National Coordinator, Federal Civil Service Staff with Disabilities Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Alhaji Iliasu Abdul-Rauf, in prison over his alleged involvement in N1.7bn fraud.

“Abdul-Rauf is alleged to  have been involved in multiple corrupt acts including bribery, breach of trust, criminal misappropriation and other frauds running into hundreds of millions of naira.

 “After his arrest, a search on his house by the commission revealed 14 females between the ages of 11 and 33 years, locked in one of the rooms and were evacuated, after which they were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further investigation.”

 The commission claimed  Abdul-Rauf had a history of running from the law, having previously been on the run after they pressed multiple charges against him.

The anti-corruption body also claimed  said Abdul-Rauf used his position as the National Coordinator of the FCSSDMDS to trick contractors into donating billions of naira to a  project that did not exist.

Exclusive: Fear grips commuters, motorists as Delta flyover cracks

There are palpable fears amongst commuters, motorists and other stakeholders plying the busy NPA Expressway by Ekpan Flyover in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, following cracks noticed at the base of the flyover.

The flyover reportedly built more than 30 years ago, links Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, WRPC and its subsidiaries as well as other critical commercial areas in twin city of Warri and Effurun.

Some motorists and pedestrians, who spoke to Our Senior Correspondent, stated that no maintenance work had been carried out on the flyover since it was constructed. 



They called on the relevant government agency (ies) to evaluate the state of the flyover with a view to effecting immediate repairs on the fractured section.

Oscar residence beehives of activities

The Alasia area of Ijanikin in Lagos State was beehive of activities as visitors from all walks of life trooped into the residence of the medical director of Oscar Trado Medical Healing Centre, High Chief Dr Oscar Itimi as his wife Chief Mrs Oscar Itimi added one year on the 18 of August, 2019.
Chief Mrs Oscar Itimi, while acknowledging and appreciating the guests that graced her birthday ceremony, she give glory to God Almighty for the mercies upon her husband and her family.

She pray God to grant journey mercies to all the guests who had find time to grace the occasion back to their various destinations.
Her husband, High Chief Dr Oscar Itimi who stood by her throughout, used the medium to thank and appreciate all guests present at the occasion.

“I want to thank you all for the recognition you all have given to my family today inspite of the short notice”.

CSP Okunlola urges Ajegunle youths to stay out of crime

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ajeromi Police Station, CSP Busari F. Okunlola Psc has called on Ajegunle Youths to stay away from scenes of crimes as crime does no good to anyone.

He made this appeal while on interactive session with the Deputy Editor General of Isoko Mirror when the latter paid him a visit at his office.

While stressing the importance of peaceful co-existence among neighbours, he noted that there is need for parents and guardians to take the bull by the horn by advising their children and wards to steer clear from criminal activities, especially discouraging them from joining cults, arm robbery, gangsterism and other forms of criminal activities, stressing that this will help to grow a violence free society.

CSP Busari Okunlola while expressing his Division readiness to combat all kind of criminal activities, If put to test, he used the medium to call on all stakeholders to always co-operate with the Police and collectively put a stop to all criminal activities in the area and warned that the Police will not condone or tolerate any act of criminality in the area under his jurisdiction.

“I want to inform the people of Ajeromi that the Ajeromi Police Division under my supervision is ready at all times to combat all kind of criminal activities. I also urge all stakeholders to always co-operate with the police, collectively we all can reduce the crime rate to its barest minimum and I want to also use this medium to warn everybody in the area that the police will not condone any act of criminality in the area under my jurisdiction” he noted.

More vessels berth at Warri port as security improves

Stakeholders seek dredging of facility, 24-hour pilotage
No fewer than 200 vessels have berthed at the Warri facility of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) owing to the improved security in the area.

Making the disclosure yesterday at a stakeholders’ forum put together by the board chairman of the NPA, Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye, in the oil city, the management confirmed that piracy and other security breaches in axis had reduced drastically.

The event, aimed at exchanging ideas on how to revive the Delta ports, had also held at the Rivers, Onne and Calabar facilities.

Adesoye lauded the management for nurturing a cordial relationship with the host communities for the improved security and smooth activities at the port.

He pledged that the dock and other ports in Delta States would become a major hub in maritime business when their upgrading is completed.

In his remarks, the Delta Ports Manager, Simeon Okeke, said the development was on account of the remedial dredging of the Escravos channels that have enabled large vessels to access the Warri port, replacement of the critical buoys that were hitherto missing, rehabilitation of port facilities, illumination of the facility as well as the repossession and ejection of illegal occupants from the trailers’ park among others.

He enthused that towage services would be efficiently handled as the job had been outsourced with the contract already at the last lap, adding that documentation and payment processes had been revised through e-payment, e-SEN and Revenue Invoicing Management System (RIMS).

Also speaking, the stakeholders that include the host communities, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Customs Service, operators and workers, highlighted the challenges at the terminal.

A good number of players deplored the shallowness of the channels within the ports which had made them unable to host heavy vessels.
They, therefore, called for their dredging to at least nine metres draft.

The general manager of one of the terminals, Henry Ajor, said: “If we are to lessen the maritime traffic at the Lagos ports by using the Warri facility, the channel within the port must be dredged to handle bigger vessels.”

Also, the Shipping Trade Group sought a 24-hour pilotage at the dockyard as obtained elsewhere.

Politician, 2 others arrested over lady's corpse found under bed in Delta hotel

The police have arrested three suspects, a politician and two others, in Delta State, in connection with the decomposing corpse of a lady found under a bed in hotel room at Sapele, Delta State.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Onome Onovwakpoyeya, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), confirmed the arrest to journalists.

PPRO Onovwakpoyeya did not disclose the identity of the suspects, but a top security officer told a local online media, that a popular politician in the state has been arrested in connection with the crime.

“We got him through his phone number that took us to Abuja where we apprehended him and from there we brought him back to Delta.

“The politician is currently helping us with investigation towards unraveling the true cause of the incident.

“We are detaining him at the Sapele Area Command, and we shall transfer the case to Asaba (State Police Command) once we are done for prosecution,” Onovwakpoyeya was quoted as saying.

The alleged politician, who reportedly led the police operatives from Sapele Area Command to arrest two other suspects from Benin, was tracked and nabbed in Abuja.

The trio are now in the custody of Sapele Command while further diligent investigation is said to be on course.

Gunmen murder Delta CDHR Chairman’s elder brother

Gunmen on Tuesday evening shot dead one Mr. Johnson Taiga, elder brother to the Delta State Chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Comrade (Dr.) Prince Kehinde-Taiga.

The incident occurred at about 4 pm in Edjophe Community, the hometown of the Delta State Attorney-General, Mr. Peter Mrakpor Esq in Ughelli South Local Government Area,DAILY POST can report.

It was learnt that the gunmen, who were said to be about eight in numbers, stormed the area with two motorcycles, shot sporadically into the air.

The gunshots scared residents as they scampered for safety but the gunmen shot the deceased and visitor who sat with his friend in front of his compound in the area.

They, thereafter, macheted him and made sure he breathed his last before they fled the area.

DAILY POST gathered that the deceased earlier visited his younger brother, Prince Kehinde-Taiga, CDHR Chairman before going to check on his friend simply identified as Asatweh when the incident occurred.

The Delta State CDHR Chairman, Comrade (Dr.) Prince Kehinde-Taiga in a telephone chat with DAILY POST, confirmed the report saying, “They killed my elder brother , Johnson Taiga. His death is so painful and I cannot talk much now.”

Taiga, however, called on the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke to ensure that, “The perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted to give his brother justice.”

Taiga also urged the Commissioner of Police to redeploy to Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Anieteh Eyoh to the area.

He said, “We need CSP Anieteh Eyoh, an operational DPO in Ovwian/Aladja and CSP Doyen in Otu-Jeremi. We don’t want an administrative DPO here. Ovwian/Aladja and Otu-Jeremi is now the hideout of cultists and it is giving us serious concerns.”

The Delta State CDHR Secretary, Comrade Jonathan Giama also confirmed the report of the killings of the elder brother of the State Chairman.

Also, when contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Adeyinka Adeleke, confirmed the report.

CP Adeleke said, “I heard somebody was shot dead. The area is calm now. These cult boys, they didn’t take anything from the person. It is a cult-related matter.”

Sacked workers protest Okowa’s automatic job for 14 choristers

The automatic employment granted to 14 choristers by Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to mark the 28th anniversary of the state’s creation, has triggered crisis among some sacked workers.

Over 3,000 sacked workers, including the 650 Delta Line Transport Company staff, under the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees and the 3,000 members of the Association that was suspended in 2015 have cried foul.

The governor had, during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to mark the anniversary at the Government House, Asaba, announced the automatic employment to 14 distinguished choristers.

However, chairman of the suspended civil servants, Obus Regha, on Wednesday expressed shock over the automatic employment, saying that the state government had earlier advertised job vacancies in the agricultural sector and had ignored his campaign promises to reabsorb the sacked workers.

“He granted automatic employment to his church members and ignored our suffering.

“We renewed our agitation for reinstatement last week. Instead of His Excellency to consider us for re-absorption as he promised during his re-election campaign, he went ahead to announce automatic job slots for people who never applied for it.

“He deceived us. We will take our destiny in our hands on this matter because we are Deltans, and we were recruited on merit,” Regha said.

One of the sacked Delta Line cashiers, Mrs. Patricia Okonkwo, told our Correspondent that their full entitlements, including their three-month in lieu of notice and other total terminal benefits are yet to be paid.

“Those who served the state meritoriously and were forced out of service without reaching retirement age deserve respect,” Okonkwo said.

16 children develop 'werewolf syndrome' after taking contaminated medication on Spain's Costa del Sol

Sixteen children have developed 'werewolf syndrome' after taking contaminated medicine in Spain.

The infants have hypertrichosis - hair growth throughout their bodies - after taking a formula tainted with minoxidil, an alopecia remedy.

The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products ordered that several batches from Farma-Química Sur SL, a Malaga-based pharmaceuticals company, be taken out of circulation on July 11.

The babies were given tainted omeprazole, used to treat acid reflux and indigestion, as part of a formula.

Health sources told El Pais it was noted that when the children stopped taking the medicine their hair growth subsided.

Parents have been advised to seek medical help if their child has been given the formula and check with their pharmacy if they have purchased an affected lot.

The Spanish agency pulled a first batch off the market last month when 13 cases were reported.

Another three reports were made at the start of this month and another batch of Farma-Química Sur's medicine was pulled from pharmacy shelves.

Officials believe the contamination could have affected up to 30 Andalusian pharmacies and more than 50 batches of the drug.

Farma-Química Sur has had its licence suspended and cannot manufacture, import or distribute drugs.

The pharmaceuticals company has a supplier in India and it is reported by Granada Hoy, the contamination was made at source.

Spanish authorities say that the issue is isolated to the formulas for children and that adults taking omeprazole capsules should not worry about developing 'werewolf syndrome.'

According to Global News, once children stop taking the contaminated medicine, they should see a reversal of any hypertrichosis symptoms.

COZA rape: Abuja police detain Pastor Fatoyinbo

The embattled Senior Pastor and founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) Biodun Fatoyinbo, is currently being detained at the Nigerian Police Force Headquarters in Abuja after he surrendered himself for questioning over rape allegations levelled against him by Mrs. Busola Dakolo.

Mrs Dakolo, wife of Nigeria’s inspirational singer Timi Dakolo had accused Fatoyinbo of raping her 20 years ago in Ilorin, Kwara State when she was still 16 years old. Following protests that greeted the allegation, Fatoyinbo was forced to step aside but later returned to the pulpit.

Fatoyinbo is being interrogated at Force Criminal Investigation Division (FCID) headquarters in Abuja by a team of four officers led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Adaku Uche Anya. The police have confirmed the ongoing interrogation, which came after the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN), said the embattled Senior COZA Pastor refused to appear before its panel investigating the rape allegation against him. The PFN said because he refused to appear before the panel, the probe had been declared inconclusive.



According to PFN National Publicity Secretary, Bishop Emma Isong, who spoke with newsmen in Lagos on Thursday, Busola and her husband, Timi Dakolo appeared before the panel while Fatoyinbo did not.



Recall that the wife of sensational soul singer Timi Dakolo, made a shocking revelation in a detailed interview with Chude Jideonwo, a lawyer and journalist on YNaija channel of how the Abuja-based cleric raped her as a teenager.



The viral video report set social media and other online platforms on fire, evoking shock, backlash and criticism from Nigerians, especially the Christian community. However, in his reaction, the embattled preacher posted a statement on his Instagram page denying the allegation, adding that he had never rape a woman all his life.



In the statement addressed from the ‘Office of the Senior Pastor’, Fatoyinbo described the allegation as a false and baseless claim targeted at destroying his reputation and that of his church. “I have never in my life raped anybody even as an unbeliever and I am absolutely innocent of this.” the statement reads in part.



In 2013, the clergy popularly called “Gucci Pastor”, because of his flamboyant fashion style, was also entangled in an allegation of infidelity with one Ese Walter, a former member of the church.

Why I sold my baby for N500,000 a day after she was delivered

Men of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a woman, Chinasa Ukaonu, for selling her day-old baby for N500,000.

Also arrested were two nurses — Dorothy Esomonu and Catherine Eke, who allegedly assisted the woman to trade her child.

The police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, told our correspondent that the buyer, Chioma Amadi, had been nabbed.

He said the arrest of the suspects assisted the police in rescuing the child.

Ikeokwu, who described the act as absurd and irritating, disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, had instructed the investigating team to prosecute the suspects at the conclusion of the investigation.

Shocking! Grandmother goes into coma after being flogged by DPO in Edo

An old woman has reportedly gone into coma after she was flogged by a Divisional Police Officer.

It has been reported that a grandmother, identified as Mrs Bisi Ogedegbe, is currently lying unconscious in a hospital in Benin, Edo State, after being assaulted with a belt by a DPO in the State.

Giving an account of how it happened, her son said:

“My mom is critically unconscious in the hospital after the DPO of a police station in Benin flogged her with his belt.

“It all started when my younger sister was driving through the police station this morning and some policemen stopped her and asked for the documents of the car which she presented to them.

“After seeing the documents they told her they would seize it till her husband comes to the station because he is wanted. They took her to their station at Ugbor and detained her and her 1-year-old son.

“She immediately called my mom who went there to solicit for her. My mom demanded to know what she had done and the officers directed her to the DPO’s office.

“When she got there, she started to beg the man to let her go that she did nothing wrong. The DPO insisted that he won’t talk to her and she was still begging when he pulled his belt and floged her till she fell on the floor and started crying for help.

“Now she has been rushed to hospital by the same DPO who assaulted her. Two different hospital rejected her until the 3rd one, Samomen’s Medical Centre, admitted her and place her on drips.

“You can see the belt he used to flog her on the table. My younger sister was detained behind bars for even making the videos of my mom. This is the DPO who did all this. We are trying to get justice. She has now been transferred to the police clinic in Benin.

Sierra Leone president fires his aide after she gave testimony at TB Joshua's church

Julius Maada Bio, the president of Sierra Leone, has terminated the appointment of his chief of protocol (SCOP), Fatmata Kargbo, after she went to the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) owned by Nigerian clergyman, TB Joshua, to testify of how God has favoured her.

Kargbo was featured on Emmanuel TV owned by TB Joshua, testifying of how God favored her with her recent appointment as an aide to the president and how she has been able to complete her new house which she abandoned for many years.

Showing photos of the luxury mansion she recently completed, Kargbo told the congregation that her story is now different.

“I want to thank God for blessing me with this job as SCOP to the president of Sierra Leone, ambassador at large and the blessings that come with it. If you look closely at this picture you will see the luxurious house God has blessed me with. I was living in a single room apartment. But my story is now different,”

Her testimony which was intended to show how good God is, sparked an outrage in Sierra Leone. President Bio was forced to terminate her appointment and ordered the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to invetigate her finances to ascertain the source of the wealth with which she managed to put up the structure within such a short time.

A letter sent to Kargbo by the AAC says it will be looking through her previous asset declarations in line with Sierra Leone’s anti-graft law that requires public officials to declare their assets three months into office and three months after leaving.

“The Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an official investigation into the conduct of the official and her testimony. We will also look at her source of wealth in acquiring her house and other properties. If it contradicts the anti-corruption act or we find instances of unexplained wealth, she will be charged to court and will be asked to pay a fine.” the AAC letter to her read

Rt. Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta: Determined to change the face of water sector in Delta

By Emuji Magnus

Leadership in service delivery requires certain key innate attributes from every good leader, and one of such is that of sincere commitment to duty. In realising such commitment, it is expected that one must be pragmatic and proactive in his or her approach in service delivery to be able to effectively deliver on his or her mandate. These qualities are visibly manifesting in the person of RT. Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta, the new Delta State Commissioner for Water Resources Development.

Barely few minutes after His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State, assigned port-folio to him on the August 1, 2019 as the commissioner for Water Resources Development, Rt. Hon. Martins Okonta, decided to hit the ground running by officially assuming duty.
The early assumption of duty, no doubt, is an indication that as the right man for the job who would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor, Sir Okenmor Fidelis Tilije, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Okonta is not unaware of the task ahead.
In his determination to change the narratives in the water sector, in tandem with the expectations of Deltans, especially the Governor, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta, an astute administrator, vibrant law maker, one time Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and Special Adviser to the Governor as well as a pragmatic legal practitioner whose tenure as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly witnessed vibrant activities of legislations, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Martins Okonta’s appointment could be described as a round peg in a round hole as he harps on the burning desire to operate an open door policy and would embrace critical ideals that could move the ministry forward.
The Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okwa in a bid to ensure more sustainable development in the state for the overall well-being of Deltans, is vigorously pursuing his second term developmental policy anchored on building a stronger Delta.
Having handled a critical assignment as Special Adviser to the Governor in his first term administration, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta, a focused leader and seasoned law maker, is very much abreast with the policy direction of Governor Okowa’s led Administration.
On his assumption of duty as the State Commissioner for Water Resources Development on the 1st day of August, 2019, Tr. Hon. (Dr) Martins Okonta, was immediately presented with the handing over note/brief by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr(Mrs) Felicia Adun who had held sway, the  affairs of the ministry since the dissolution of  the ex-while State Executive Council which  also affected the former commissioner for Water Resources Development, Sir Fidelis Tilije who was reappointed by the Governor as the State Commissioner for Finance.
In his maiden /assumption of duty remarks, the Delta State Commissioner for Water Resources Development, Rt.Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta charged the staff of the ministry to to redouble their commitments for effective service delivery as well as cooperate with him towards realising the stronger Delta agenda of Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa administration in the water sector.
Continuing, Rt. Hon.(Dr) Okonta who gave the charge during the familiarisation visit to the ministry/assumption of duty said that he would build more synergy with the staff of the ministry in order to take the ministry to an enviable heights. The commissioner, a onetime Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly and whose tenure experienced stability in the legislative activities of the House, said that his doors were always open to all the staff of the ministry.
The Water Resources Commissioner who also in his political journey, served as a Special Adviser to the Governor added that no efforts would be spared in the quest to reposition the ministry for the overall good of all.
In her handing over speech, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr(Mrs) Felicia Adun assured the commissioner of the staff’s readiness to work and cooperate with him, just as she congratulated the commissioner on his well deserved appointment. Dr(Mrs) Adun said that the commissioner’s early assumption of duty was enough signal that he was a pragmatic administrator who would bring his wealth of experience to bear in the water sector.
Notwithstanding the fact that the handing over event was between the commissioner and the Permanent Secretary, arrangement have been concluded for the Water Resources Commissioner, Rt.Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta by the commissioner to meet with the entire management and staff of the ministry in a larger platform as soon as possible.
It is expected that during such platform, more robust relationship would be established with the staff of the ministry and get their pulse as well as ascertain their challenges as well as fashion out measures to unravel them.
Despite the unprecedented achievements of his predecessor, Sir Fidelis Tilije, such as the declaration of the state of emergency on WASH, the signing of the water law by the Governor, the ceaseless partnership with the international agencies/organisations such as the UNICEF, European Union and now the most recent intervention, USAID(United States Agency for International Development) whose collaboration had positively impacted on the water sector in Delta State, there may be some handful work to be done by the new commissioner so that the water sector in the state would be play a leading role to other states in Nigeria, to emulate.
One of such areas he needs to focus more attention is the reactivation of all moribund public water facilities in the state.
Very recently, precisely on the 2nd day of August, 2019, the new commissioner for Water Resources Development, Rt.Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta, fielded questions from newsmen in his office in Asaba.
Fielding questions from the press, Rt.Hon.(Dr) Martins Okonta assured Deltans that all abandoned public sources of water supply in the state would be reactivated in order to meet the yearnings of Deltans. He said it had become imperative for Deltans to access uninterrupted water supply in the state. The commissioner stated that he would ensure effective implementation of the water law for the overall benefit of the people in the state, adding that there was the need for water to be running in all strategic locations in the state.
Rt.Hon.(Dr) Okonta, who used the opportunity to express his strong determination to impact on the water sector, said that he would soon embark on familiarisation visit to the ministry’s parastatals and zonal offices across the state.
While disclosing that all moribund outstations of the ministry would be reactivated for optimum service delivery, the commissioner appealed to Deltans to always continue to sustain their support for the Okowa administration in its determination to leave enduring legacies of massive development in all parts of the state. He, again, called on the staff of the ministry to shun acts inimical to the progress of the ministry, saying that the staff of the ministry must brace up for effective service delivery just as he stated that he would embrace useful ideas that could contribute to his avowed commitment to give the ministry a face lift.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the new commissioner for Water Resources, based on his vast antecedents, he would add value to the ministry and the present administration. He has started steering the wheel of the leadership of the ministry on a very sound footing to the admiration of the staff of the ministry.
It could be reiterated here, that the Delta State Ministry of Water Resources Development is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the provision of sustainable, affordable and potable water supply, sanitation and hygiene for Deltans and residents in the state.
Considering the concerted efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the quest to provide sustainable, clean water to Deltans and the enthusiasm of the new commissioner in driving the water sector effectively in order to get more result, all hands must be on deck by the stakeholders so that at the end of the day, the efforts of all and sundry would be crowned with success, that could stand the test of time.

Lawyer docked over alleged N20.4m fraud

The Lagos Zonal office, of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, August 22, 2019, arraigned one Taofik Oladipo Elias, a lawyer, before Justice Hakeem Oshodi of the State High Court sitting in Lagos on a two-count charge bordering on alleged stealing to the tune of N20.4million.

The complainant, Gunther Uche Maduike, allegedly approached the defendant to sell a property in the Obalende area of Lagos for him.

The defendant, however, allegedly failed to remit the proceeds from the sale of the property to the family of the complainant.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Taofik Oladipo Elias, on or about 13th February, 2015 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with a dishonest intent, converted to your own use the sum of N10,000,000.00k property of Gunther Uche Maduike.”

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ismaili Suleiman, asked for a trial date and also prayed the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending the determination of the case.

Counsel to the defendant, Omolola Satar, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail since July 22, 2019 and had served same on the prosecution.

Satar, therefore, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

In his response, the prosecution counsel, Suleiman, told the court that “the issue of bail is solely at the discretion of the court.”

He, however, urged the court to impose stringent conditions that would ensure the attendance of the defendant in court for trial.

Justice Oshodi, after listening to both parties, granted the defendant bail on self-recognition.

The Judge ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and Call-to-Bar certificate with the court’s Registrar.

The defendant was also ordered to enter into a N5 million bond with the court’s Registrar and perfect the bail conditions within 14 days, so it would not be revoked.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to October 17, 2019 for commencement of trial.

Amaechi declares free transport services for workers under his ministry

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has declared free transportation services for staff and management of the ministry.

Amaechi said the decision was to help ameliorate the challenges faced by the staff in the discharge of their civic duties.

The Minister reportedly stated this at an interactive session with staff and management of the ministry, Monday, August 26.



Amaechi said, "knowing the background I come from, I felt that you people are spending more money having to transport yourselves to work and I'm surprised that they are collecting money from you for those buses."

Directing the Permanent Secretary to ensure the bus services are free of charge henceforth, he added, "We'll increase the number of of staff buses, fuel and maintain them ourselves."



Amaechi further assured that to improve on service delivery, training and retraining of staff personnel will be given top priority.

"We would devise a means of training and retraining our staff, be it locally or internationally; and it will be according to our resources," he said.



Amaechi also directed the ministry's Permanent Secretary to liaise with authorities of NYSC to post some doctors to the Ministry of Transportation in view of establishing a medical center for staff of the ministry.



"Let us get the NYSC to post to the ministry at least two doctors, so we can ascertain the cost of establishing a clinic for our staff. This will enable those who fall ill to get free treatment," he said.



The Minister also noted that henceforth, provision of laptops for Engineers will be included in the ministry's budget.



In her remarks, Minister for State, Transport, Sen. Gbemisola Saraki assured workers of smooth working relationship, stating that she would work together with Amaechi to improve on staff welfare.



"Whatever the Minister (Amaechi) had been doing I will follow suit, I will always be behind him and I will do my best to always ensure that we do what will promote staff welfare," she said.



Earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Sabiu Zakari said the essence of the interactive session was to have a better understanding with the Ministers.



He enjoined the staff to provide support to the Ministers to achieve the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.



According to him, "the purpose of this interactive session is to have a better understanding with the Ministers. It is an opportunity for us to air our views and understand what they (Ministers) want us to do in this second term of Mr. President. It is our hope that as we gave our support to the Hon. Minister of Transportation during the first tenure, we'll give even more this second term."

Ogun farmers protest seizure of pepper, tomatoes by customs

Farmers in Ogun state on Monday protested the seizure of 2, 000 baskets of tomatoes and peppers claimed to have been planted and harvested in Ijoun area of Yewa North Local Government Area of the state by the operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service.

The farmers under the umbrella of Fruits and Vegetable Growers and Marketers Association of Nigeria, stormed the NUJ secretariat, Iwe-Irohin House, Abeokuta, calling on federal government to release their farm produce.

The protesters were armed with placards bearing different inscriptions such as: “We are farmers and not smugglers,” “we didn’t vote to be tortured” and “customs wants to kill us,” among others.

It could be recalled that the office of the National Security Adviser, ordered the Nigerian Customs Service, the armed forces as well as the Immigration Service and other intelligence agencies to embark on a joint border security exercise, code -named, ‘EX-SWIFT RESPONSE’.

Speaking to newsmen, the Chairman of the association, Timothy Eweoba, explained that customs impounded eight vehicles carrying 250 baskets of tomatoes each, adding that a basket is sold for N2, 000 totally at N4 million.

His words: “The reason we are here is that, some of our women, our traders on their way to the market with their produce, the customs officials impounded their vehicles carrying their goods.

“They are now auctioning it at their head office. They said it is a federal government directive that the customs should impound tomatoes and peppers planted in Nigeria.

“Our goods are not imported at all. They were planted here in Nigeria. Our produce were impounded in Ijoun in Yewa North local Government. The cost of a basket is N2, 000 and eight vehicles, comprising 250 baskets were impounded.

“The goods were impounded on Sunday evening and they are auctioning it now. We have been to the customs office where it was confirmed to us that our produce were being auctioned at N200 per basket.

“We want the government to come to our aid. We are not smugglers; these goods are not smuggled rice, they are tomatoes and peppers planted here in Ogun state.”

When contacted, the National Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Customs Service, Abuja, John Attah said the farm produce were impounded at the border line, saying the farmers should prove the seized farm produce were locally grown.

He said the seizure was part of the federal government’s directive to close the nation’s land and maritime borders.

Emiaso family produces a clan of lawyers

The family of Miakpo Emiaso made history recently when it became the first family in Uzere and in Isoko as a whole with the largest number of lawyers making it the first family in Isoko to achieve this landmark feat.

An elated Miakpo Emiaso who himself has been a legal practitioner for thirty years having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 1989 took to his Facebook page in July glorifying God when his youngest son Barrister Uwomano Emiaso was called to the Nigerian Bar.
With Uwomano’s call to Bar, the family now has a total of four lawyers with both parents and two sons being legal practitioners and for which members of the family are grateful to God.
Rejoicing with the family in a comment, the presiding Bishop and head of mission of Gospel Church of Christ, Bishop Eric Emiaso said “I congratulate this household of barristers. No one can now mess us up as they will ensure we enjoy free and proper justice when oppressed” while a chief magistrate in Ekiti State, His Worship Mrs. Egbedina, in her congratulatory message said “You are gradually making this profession a generational one”.

In his own reaction, His Royal Majesty Henry Etuwede 111, the Ovie of Uzere, said he is happy that this feat is happening during his reign and congratulated Barrister Emiaso for producing a clan of lawyers from Uzere which is a thing of joy and pride to Uzere.
When Isoko Mirror contacted Barrister Miakpo Emiaso, he said “What can I say other than that I am grateful to the Almighty God who has made this to happen in my humble family?” he noted.

Delta at 28: Okowa salutes citizens, says better days are here

Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated Deltans on the 28th anniversary of the creation of the State.

In a message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, the governor thanked the people of the state for their resilience, patience, cooperation and support to all administrations that had governed the State in the last 28 years.

He assured that his administration would continue to build on the gains recorded by his predecessors in order to create a stronger Delta .

Felicitating with citizens of the State on the anniversary, the governor said "our beloved State has continued to blossom in spite of challenges confronting us as a people.

``My administration appreciates Deltans for their resilience and peaceful co-existence among us.

"In the last four years that we have been on the saddle, we have continued to build on the gains recorded by our predecessors and I assure you that better days are here for all Deltans as we work towards building a stronger Delta of our dream.

"Through Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, we have done a lot in the past four years, to make Asaba and environs a befitting state capital.

``We have initiated measures to resolve the nagging flooding in the capital territory through network of storm drainages, which are nearing completion, in addition to two new ones whose contracts were recently awarded.”

The governor restated his appreciation to the people for renewing their mandate to him through a resounding victory at the last general elections, engendered by their overwhelming votes.

``With the re-election and inauguration, we have been re-energised to vigorously deliver on our SMART Agenda drive. I assure Deltans that with their support, we will do more,” he said.

He added that to address critical infrastructural needs in Warri and Effurun axis, ``we have created Warri/Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, and we will continue to scale up development in rural and riverside communities in the state.

"The recent inauguration of road projects in Ijaw and Itsekiri coastal communities by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is a testimony of our resolve to build a Stronger Delta for our people.

"As Deltans, we have every reason to celebrate our 28 years anniversary as a State as we remain on the right trajectory to development.

``We will continue to operate within the principles of equity, fair play and friendship, which have largely created the atmosphere for peace and development in the State."

Delta and 11 other states, including Edo, were created on Aug. 27, 1991 by the military regime headed by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

Woman arrested for pouring hot water on defiled teenage housemaid

It was double trouble for 12-year-old Amaka (not real name), a housemaid in the Shasha area of Lagos State, who was reportedly defiled by a neighbour policeman and tortured with hot water by her boss for failing to open up.

The woman, Amarachi Archaur, has been arrested by the police.

City Round learnt that Amaka, who hails from Enugu State, had been living with Archaur since she was four.

A yet-to-be identified woman had reportedly taken the girl to Archaur’s mother in the village and the suspect brought her to Lagos.

The girl fled home on August 9 with the injuries and ran to Baale Market, which is some distance away.

A market woman alerted a human right group, Esther Child Rights Foundation, and the case was reported at the Shasha Police Station.

A worker at the organisation, Mr Joseph Ekpo, told City Round that Amara suffered burns in the back, legs and hands.

He said, “We went for awareness on Friday, August 9 when a call came in from Baale Market that a girl was in distress. I went to rescue the child at the market and followed her to the woman’s house.

“When we got there, the woman refused to open the door. I then took the girl to Shasha Police Station and handed her over to the police. Policemen went back to the place and arrested the woman. The girl said she had been with her since she was four years.”

The Director of the foundation, Mrs Esther Ogwu, said her team followed up on the case at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, but was told that another human rights group, Access to Justice, had taken over the matter.

The Director, Access to Justice, Queen Olusola, said the girl eventually opened up that she was defiled by her neighbour, a policeman, but she was afraid to tell her boss.

Olusola stated, “The woman denied pouring hot water on her. She said the water the girl boiled to bathe herself poured on the floor and that she slipped and fell on the hot water. But the girl said she was abused sexually when the woman sent her to buy something and that when she got home, the woman noticed bloodstains in her clothes and questioned her.

“The girl initially lied which angered the woman. She threatened to pour hot water on her if she did not tell the truth and made good her threat.

“When the girl got to our custody, we calmed her down and she opened up that it was a policeman that abused her. She said the policeman was around when the woman was threatening her and that she was afraid to speak up. She said the policeman raped her in a restaurant and his house. But when we invited the policeman, he denied.”

Olusola explained that the alleged defilement was a development on a case of assault earlier reported to the police, adding that the organisation would meet with the police on Monday for further investigation.

“The case is still ongoing. We requested to see the mother of the girl in the course of our investigation but we discovered that the girl did not have a background. The woman couldn’t give us the through picture of how she got the girl.

“She told us that a woman brought the girl to her mother. When we asked to speak with the girl’s mother, she said she did not have her mobile number any longer. She said the girl spoke to her mum last in December,” she added.

Ogwu enjoined parents to take full responsibility of their children rather than give them out to relations to prevent such a scenario.

“They should also make sure they give birth to children they can cater for. This way, sending children to relations can be reduced. People should be careful of how they treat children in their care because karma would catch up with them. The woman in question is pregnant, yet she maltreats someone’s child,” she added.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, had earlier confirmed the physical assault to our correspondent, adding that the suspect would be charged.

He said, “On August 14, around 4pm, a case of child abuse/assault occasioning harm was transferred from Shasha Police Station where one Josephine Ekpo attached to a human rights foundation reported that while they were on awareness, they rescued a child, 12, from the hand of her guardian, Mrs Amarachi Archaur, 36, who is fond of maltreating her.

“He complained further that the suspect maltreated the said Favour and poured hot water on her body and she sustained injuries all over her body. The case is still under investigation and the suspect will soon be charged.”

However, efforts to get his reaction to the defilement allegation on Friday proved abortive as calls to his line rang out. He had also yet to reply to a text message to his line as of press time.