BFF's Afro Candy and Anita Joseph shopping in the USA(Photos)

Afrocandy once said she wanted Anita Joseph to act in one of her movies..Her dream may have come true as they appear to be best friends now.Anita who has been in Atlanta shooting a movie,went to see Afrocandy in New Jersey and they went shopping ..


 

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Omotola has more depth in acting than Genevieve Nnaji -Charles Novia

Yesterday, some Nollywood stars including Omotola were honoured by the Federal Government.Charles Novia took to his Facebook page to congratulate them and also air his thoughts on Genevieve as an actress

"Congratulations to the Nollywood recipients of the Nigerian National Awards which took place today in Abuja. Kenneth Nnebue, Joke Silva and Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde were each given National Honours by President Jonathan today.

Kenneth Nnebue is generally acknowledged as the founder of the home video industry in Nigeria which later snowballed into Nollywood. His epoch - making movie 'Living in Bondage' which he Executive Produced in 1992 generated the unleashing of creative spirits in Nigeria who followed his footsteps and used the affordable home video technology to exhibit their gifts.

Perhaps without Nnebue's foray into that sector, the likes of me and thousands of others would never have found the creative leeway we used to show our talents. His award is belated though. But better late than never.

Joke Silva is an actor's actor. A formidable screen personality and one of the most articulate thespians Nigeria has produced. She is an inspiration to millions and her award is just about a crowning glory she could ever receive from her nation. A priceless gem.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is known to many. Her acting prowess is arguably in a class by itself and her being nominated as one of the world's 100 most influential persons by TIME magazine a couple of years back must have paved the way for her present national recognition by the Federal Government. Frankly speaking, I personally think she has more depth in acting than her 'rival' Genevieve Nnaji. I have worked with both of them in the past and also studied their acting styles. Omotola has the gift of role immersion. She gives everything into her characters. There is an organic style of interpretation she is gifted with. Very few actors have that. She Is not a Method Actor, mind you but she has delivered roles which many method actors would give her a standing ovation for.

Genevieve, on the other hand, is a fantastic actress and a trend - setting one too. But she lacks the intrinsic ability to evolve artistically beyond her present heights in her career. That is my opinion. There is an underlying stereotype in her interpretation of her roles in many of her movies; a linear aloofness and veiled disdain at the thought of being pushed further down the exploratory lane. Of course she has an uncanny screen presence which generally veils her artistic shortcomings when it comes to acting and between her and her rivals, she comes tops on the fan base list. However, with an attitude which seems to say she has nothing more to prove, even the fans would become restless if new artistic exploits are not offered from her to which they can beat their chests.

And for fans of both actresses, this is a professional review of their acting abilities and not an attempt to rekindle old rivalries. Somehow, this post on the National Honours dove tailed into their artistry. All well and good.

Congrats to the Recipients once again.

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Nicki Minaj Bounces Her Curves With Hot Dancer (PHOTOS)

On September 19 Nicki Minaj rocked the scene in Las Vegas during The 2014 iHeart Radio Music Festival. She had two gorgeous performances – with Ariana Grande and one extra seductive solo of “Anaconda”. There she got too close to one of her male dancers on the scene.

Nicki Minaj can bounce her booty performing Anaconda as many times as she wants. We won’t complain on this. Rap star performed her ultra-hit at the 2014 iHeart Radio Music Festival. And of course the presentation was amazing.

Nicki was dressed in skin-tight pants and a studded top. She rocked the audience and amazed them when she danced with one of her hot male dancers on the stage.

She also performed “Bang Bang” with another star – Ariana Grande. The duo did a perfect show and even rubbed their booties. Nicki told the audience: “Make some noise for the beautiful Ariana Grande.” And Ariana called Nicki Minaj “queen” in front of the all viewers.

You can see the pictures of this extremely cool performance below:



  

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THE UNITY AND PEACE OF DELTA STATE SHOULD ALWAYS BE OUR FOCUS –SENATOR OKOWA-ika weekly

As political activities heighten leading to the 2015 general elections the need for all Deltans to focus on unity and peace has been reiterated by a frontline governorship aspirant in the state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Senator Okowa made the call during the week during his scheduled visits to the various local government areas of Delta State to formerly intimate executive members and leaders of the People's Democratic Party, PDP, at the LGA level of his intention to vie for the governorship position.

He said for Delta State to experience the much desired sustainable growth and development, "we must first see ourselves as one united family and promote our relationship along that line rather than on the basis of ethnicity or place of origin which unfortunately, some persons are using as political tool to push their selfish agenda."

He says he sees himself as a Deltan much more than being from a particular part of the state."I am as much as Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Anioma, Isoko as anyone else. I am a true Deltan not limited to the boundaries of ethnicity. Every part of the state is my place. There is no part of Delta State that I do not have a root. I believe in Delta State. I love to identify with our people both at low and high times. We must therefore, join hands in building a united and prosperous state where equity, justice and development will be the watch word. I have not come to preach Anioma but about the people of Delta State and a better future for our people."

Senator Okowa while emphasizing his commitment to the people of Delta State, maintained that he is not strange to any community in the state, having worked closely and harmoniously with people from all parts of the state in the course of serving the state and the nation.

He promised that when given the mandate by Deltans to be their governor come 2015, he would partner with the people to run an all inclusive government that will benefit every Deltan, assuring that, "we will initiate and pursue policies that would impact positively on our people."

Senator Okowa, who is currently in the Senate as Chairman of the very important Health Committee, said his administration would vigorously pursue an all embracing health insurance policy in partnership with the federal government in its Universal Health Insurance coverage, to boost the overall health status of Deltans.

He also promised to tackle unemployment through the establishment of agro-based industrial parks in each of the three senatorial districts in the state, building on what Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has stated with the Warri
Industrial Park.

Another area he said he would pay adequate attention to is agriculture, as in his words, "it is an area, if properly harnessed would generate meaningful employment for our people especially the youths, who he observed are most affected with the incidence of unemployment.

On education, he promised to consolidate on the huge success being recorded by the Uduaghan administration with the massive renovation of schools across the state, even as he added that, "efforts would be geared towards restructuring our school curriculum and also in training and retraining our teachers as a way of ensuring that our children can stand on their own and make positive contributions when they leave school."

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SENATOR A.I. OKOWA; AN EMBLEM OF HOPE-----Amamosa Bruno Jude

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. .... Knute Rockne. The quote above by a Norwegian knute rockne portrays a salient attribute of a visionary leader who becomes more trenchant and focused, working harder to surmount confrontational challenges in difficult times on his way to fulfilling destiny, because he is being wise enough to push further; rather than pulling out.

Every focused leader certainly have to pass through the rainy and dry season of his time; but his ability to overcome, based on his capacity, determines whether he will be a winner or a failure. Winning leaders are hopeful leaders, they keep their minds on the price rather than the distractions and troubles, envisaging possibilities in every impossibility.
No price is awarded to a man when there is no test of ability, likewise leaders, as nobody emerges leader when he can not absolve shock that stands to sway him off his target.
Leaders keep fighting good fight of faith for them to be winners as they are dealers in hope. These are the very true attributes of Senator Okowa who sees no obstacle as hindrance to any mapped-out goal he wishes to actualise because of his high goal oriented capacity and remaining persistent in his strive to attaining his dream for the people.

Okowa as an ordained leader full of hope, believes that obstacles are propelling forces that can project him to a higher level of his political life, building in him the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose which inspires confidence in the followers.

Despite the enormity of rumours that took over the social media in the last weeks about the purported "anointing" of a governorship aspirant in Delta State, the man, Senator Okowa, an embodiment of hope, remains un-deterred and more focused than ever believing that power comes from God who uses the people to perfect it. Today, he believes that over 98.5% of Deltans that forms bulk of the electorate are already more informed than before and wiser now. What a hope!

Recall that it takes a man of hope to lead a people who have lost absolute confidence in leadership haven passed through series of failures. For this reason, he has decided to offer himself to the service of the people and the State.

At this crucial period of Delta state political history, all that is needed by Deltans is a leader that will resuscitate and rekindle the already dwindling hope of the people because leadership is a dynamic process that involves all segments of the populace who assume they have no quota due to the fact that they were placed on political relegation by their leaders.

Okowa is here to prove to Deltans that no matter where we are now, there is hope in abundance for us through him.

More so, recall that a purposeful leader is a hopeful leader; and thus, Senator Okowa been an optimistic leader truly relies on God that will grant him victory through the people, being well convinced of the fact that God almighty through the people will not fail him.

More so, as a carrier of hope, he is not afraid of facing opponents in any political and professional competition because he is so confident of the fact that he'll always surmount.

As a man that desirous of the growth of others, he feels so satisfied seeing people aspiring to compete with him without holding them down. He is never afraid of followers succeeding and this is the reason why he keeps doing everything possible within his power to empower them because he is hopeful that when the people are empowered, society thrives better devoid of crimes.

Deltans certainly are out to vote for hope; and Senator Okowa is the hope Deltans and Delta State needs now.
GOD BLESS DELTA STATE
GOD BLESS SENATOR OKOWA
GOD BLESS DELTANS DIASPORA

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Delta 2015: Ogboru’s Brother Backs Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa

CHIEF Julius Ogboru, younger brother of Democratic People’s Party, DPP, candidate in the 2011 governorship election in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, has said that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa was the best gubernatorial candidate in the state to take over from Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2015.

Senator Okowa is among the leading gubernatorial aspirants from the North Senatorial district of the state and was the first runner-up to the incumbent, Dr. Uduaghan, in the 2006 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries.

There was to be a run-off between him and Uduaghan, but Okowa conceded and was later appointed Secretary to the State Government in 2007. Currently, he is the Senator, representing Delta North Senatorial District in the Senate.

Speaking during the inauguration of D-Peace, a political pressure group, championing equity and fairness in the state, at Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government of the state, Chief Ogboru identified Senator Okowa as the most capable aspirant to pilot the affairs of the state among those eying the governorship seat in 2015.

Pointing out that Okowa has the pedigree and experience to govern the state, he said that having assessed those being touted as interested in governing the state, “I found Okowa to be most eligible in terms of experience, past record of good performance, reach and grassroots connection.”

Source: Vanguard

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DELTA 2015: NWAOBOSHI'S AMBITION STALLS OBUH MANDATE

As against the general belief that all is settled within the PDP to have Governor Uduaghan's appointee, Dr Tony Chucks Obuh to succeed him in 2015 on the much talked about power shift agenda of the Delta North zone, reports reaching AV-News, Asaba has it that there is still a lot of tees and dots to cross by the party chieftains.

Reeling from the information from Abuja that President Jonathan has expressed confidence on the abilities of both Gov Uduaghan and Barr Nwaoboshi for PDP to retain the oil rich Delta state, our source informs that Barr Peter Nwaoboshi who is the state party chairman and also an interested candidate for the Senate is yet to agree with the Uduaghan 's proposition. The. reason being that he is yet convinced on how the party can make Senator Okowa to drop his ambition and also to forget about a return to the senate which might hinder his own ambition.

It was revealed that the party chieftains were locked in a closed door meeting till very late in the night of the 27th and the principal topic is the Nwaoboshi's interest..

Meanwhile, it is believed that the group has already received the blessings of the newly sworn in South South Chairman, Hon Cairo Ojougboh. There is also a reported cases of some political parties waiting to see what happens at the primaries of the PDP expected to take place between October and December this year before they can approach Senator Okowa to take their ticket, a situation an aide of Senator Okowa dismissed by insisting that Okowa is a true and loyal party man and can not leave the PDP for any other party.

Source. AV

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“THERE'S NO ANOINTED SUCCESSOR TO UDUAGHAN'' – Pa E. K. Clark

Few days after the state PDP Chairman, Barr Peter Nwaoboshi declared publicly that there is no anointed successor to Uduaghan. in a statement, political watchers claimed was full of diplomacy, his associate and close friend, the foremost Niger Delta leader and a strong supporter of the power shift agenda of the Delta North senatorial zone, Chief Edwin Clark has equally followed suit by declaring that no candidate has been anointed to succeed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

The National Leader of the Ijaw nation made this known while playing host to one of the governorship aspirants in the state, Obaisi Ovie Omo-Agege, in his Kiagbodo country home. He said “We all have a stake in the state; Chief Clark alone cannot make it. Let me tell you, I cannot endorse you, but I can give you my blessing, the governor alone cannot do it.

“Recently, I sat down with Dr. Uduaghan and I told him that he alone, me alone can make the governor of Delta State and I told him that those who are using our names should stop same. This state is not meant for rascals or people who never went to school and want to be governor, it will not be allowed.

In what political analysts deduced to be a sarcastical reference to the claims by loyalists of one of the aspirants who is from same ethnic zone with Mr President and Chief Clark that Mr President has endorsed him, Pa Clark thundered “I have said that I do not want to make any statement about the governorship position until Mr. President declares his intention to contest for a second term. So, if anybody comes to tell you that I Chief Clark had held his hand to meet Mr. President, that is a lie.

“We all have a stake, when you come to me like this, I’m an old man, I will give you my blessings and tell you go and fight, meaning go and fight in the primaries. “I have said it, when you are 70 years and above, you are at you departure lodge waiting for your boarding pass. That was what I told them at the national conference when they said Clark you are too old; I stood up and I told them I’m 87 years.

“I waited but God refused to give me my boarding pass, and they said, ‘why,’ I said because God told me, ‘you are one of those that caused the problems in Nigeria and see that they are resolved before you come to me for your boarding pass”, Clark further noted.

Source: AV

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RE: BAN ON MOTORCYCLE USAGE (OKADA) IN THE ENTIRE IKA NORTH EAST LGA.

Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa
The Senate
National Assembley Complex
Abuja - Nigeria

Dear Distinguished Senator,

Our attention has been drawn to the recent Delta State Government ban placed on motor-cycle usage in all towns, villages and communities in Ika North East Local Govt Area.

Much as it is not our place to dictate policy for the state government, it is our considered opinion that the blanket ban on the entire Ika North East Local Government will portend adverse consequences for the economic life of the people of the local government. As our representative in the National Assembly, we have therefore deemed it necessary to draw your attention to this development and to urge you to use your good offices to prevail on Delta State Government to reverse the order.

For the avoidance of doubt, itemized below are the general complaints of our people in Ika North East Local Government:

1. Motorcycle is the cheapest and most viable means of doing businesses in the LGA
2. The economic main stay of the people of Ika
North East Local Government is mainly farming and petty trading. Thus they rely heavily on the motorcycle to convey their wares.
3. Interior communities and farm lands are accessible only by Motorcycles.
4. Most households in the local government rely mainly on motorcycles
5. The blanket ban on motorcycles usage in the entire LGA is novel to us as it has never been applied elsewhere in the state. As far as we can tell, the current ban on Motorcycle usage in the state is limited to cities and urban centers. We are therefore at a loss to understand the reason for this blanket ban on the whole local government
6. If this ban is allowed to stay, it will stifle and strangulate the economic activities of the people of the LGA and impoverish them further, as majority of the users of Motorcyles in the LGA cannot afford the cost of tricycle popularly called Keke as demanded by the State Government
7. Farm lands and bush paths which the people of the local government hitherto used Motorcycles to ply for their daily bread cannot be accessed by tricycle.

In view of the above, we demand to know:
1. What measures is the state government putting in place to cushion the effects of the ban on the economic life of the people of the area.
2. Considering the poor rural road network in the area and the narrow farm roads and bush paths, which are inaccessible by tricycle, is it reasonably wise to place the ban on Motorcyles (including ladies Motorcycles) in the entire LGA without considering the peculiarities of the entire area?
3. Would it not have been most appropriate to restrict the ban to urban centers as is applicable in other parts of the state?
4. What is the real motive behind this ban? Where you, as the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial Zone, consulted before this ban was placed? If so, what was your advice to the State Government?

We believe that as the elected representative of our people and a key player in the PDP in the state, you are in a better position to advice the state government about the likely consequences of this ban. Hence we have taken time to bring this to your attention. We expect that you would take immediate steps to remedy the situation as this is your immediate constituency. We urge you in the strongest terms to intervene in this matter in the interest of peace in the area.

Signed:
Comrade Akamesike Emmanuel Okonne
Convener/BOT Chairman Anioma Voice Worldwide Comrade El Chiz Geoffrey
National Secretary Anioma Voice Worldwide

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KUDOS TO SENATOR OKOWA FOR HIS POLITICAL NETWORKING AND CONSULTATION TOUR FOR DELTA STATE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS- Elder

(Dr.) Chukwuma O. Nwaonicha
IKA WEEKLY

The ongoing Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa's political networking and consultation tour in which he has visited twenty two local governments of the State was highly welcomed by Deltans and kudos to the Senator. Deltans were impressed by the Senator's speech and what he stands for, and they promised to do their best to support him in his Governorship ambition. Many narrated the help the Senator rendered to them while in Delta State Government. They rated the Senator very high, the best among other aspirants.

Majority of Deltans thank the Ijaw Leader Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, Obis, Kings and Chiefs across Delta State for their efforts in hosting Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa during his political networking and consultation tour. The Senator and his entourage thank the Ijaw Leader Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark for his exotic hosting and brief summary of the way forward for PDP in Delta State, stating that there will be no room for imposition of candidate on Deltans during the gubernatorial primary. The Senator also thanksthe Obis, kings and other chiefs for their patriotic concerns about Delta State leadership position.

During his political networking and consultation tour, Senator Okowa has charged politicians in the State to embrace politics of intellectualism, development and poverty alleviation, rather than politics of brigandage, character assassination and name-calling. All the Local Governments (PDP Secretariats) he visited were interested in his leadership style because the Senator doesn't believe in smear campaigns andparochial leadership. The Senator believes that individuals in position of authority and leadership should be ready to develop Delta State and help it to grow. The Senator noted that going along the line there are challenges of poverty reduction, creating employment for the youths and infrastructuraldevelopment, which he said are some of his top priorities.
The Senator also called on the people of the State to continue to live in harmony and support the present Delta State administration in its transformation policies. He praised Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan and his leadership for the Warri industrial Park and other facilities of industrial development that creates employment.

The Senator promised to create two more industrial Parks in the other two Senatorial Districts (Delta Central and Delta North) and to do more to promote the development of the State thereby creating employment for the masses. He stressed the need for the people to continue to live in unity and peace, noting that without peace, it would be difficult to achieve meaningful development in the State. The Senator called on the people of the State to accommodate one another, irrespective of political or ethnic differences. We are simply Deltans, the Senator said.

As noted, the Senator is a man of principle, a dedicated individual whose desire is topromote a better welfare for Deltans including healthcare and agriculture especially promoting aquaculture, other types of farming, agricultural credit line and agricultural incentives among others. I do believe that God is on his side. While canvassing godliness among the people, the Senator pointed out that it was the duty of the godly and the virtuous people in the society to always preach to the bad ones so that the problems of political violence and other vices in the State could be reduced.

The Senator told the PDP members that they should support the President because he (the Senator) whole heartedly is supporting Mr. President second term in office. The Senator told Deltans to vote en masse for Mr. President come 2015 election so that Mr. President could get the over two million registered votes in Delta State.In addition, the Senator advised Deltans to remain solidly behind the Federal Government in its Transformation Agenda. What a devoted and loyal Senator, bravo!

Deltans has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of the Senator to become the next governor of the State come 2015. Pledging their support for the Senator, Deltans noted the outstanding leadership qualities and intimidating profile of the Senator and extolled his transparency and life of selfless service. Deltans described him as the man with the kind of personality, character and experience the governor of the State in 2015 must possess. In all local Government the Senator visited there were tears of joy by Deltans for his past and present good work for individuals and for the State.

Deltans were highly impressed by the testimonies of all the good things said about the Senator and the many great things the Senator have silently done, the lives he have touched and his selfless sacrifices and contributions to uplift humanity. I was particularly touched by the testimony of his contributions and promotion to the building of healthcare centers and schools among others during his service as a Commissioner and as SSG to the State. I believe that the political networking and consultation tour was also intended to offer Deltans and Delta Elders the opportunity to ask him questions on the various issues that have been raised in the media and rumors mills about his personality among others issues. The tour afforded him the opportunity to properly inform Deltans and Delta Elders about the true position of things and the need to be properly coordinated in the march towards the future.

According to Deltans and Delta Elders, Delta State Governorship requires a person that has the needed capacity and relationship at the State level, National level and economic communities. It requires a leader with human management skills. It requires a leader that is devoid of ethnic sentiments, a leader that will unite rather than divide the state, a leader that has respect for the elders, widows, youths and constituted authorities. It requires a political leader that will be transparent, responsible, prudent, ingenious, honest and accountable to the people in his dealings and not a yes-man, a civil servant or non-politician that do not know what he or she is doing. I do believe that this yes-man, self-anointed civil servant or non-politician is already in a political hole so he has to stop digging. As the saying goes, if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. He/she is only wasting his/her time and efforts. Deltans, especially PDP members and
stakeholders were proud the Senator got all the good qualities and that he is on board.

my opinion and that of majority of Deltans, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa is the best technocrat contesting for the Governorship of Delta State come 2015. Besides being the best technocrat contesting for the Governorship race, I do believe he is ready to appoint technocrats in his administration.The Senator believes a form of government or administration where decision-makers are chosen for a governing office based on their technical expertise and background.

In another note, in my observations, as we approach the 2015 general elections,we must as an obligation to the State protect our votes and make them count. For change to take its effect we must be ready to make sacrifice and forget the cancerous worms that are dividing us along ethnic sentiment and uphold unity. We should get focus and work in unity of purpose.Disunity can only weaken the good intentions of our collective leadership from achieving positive and progressive results. Playing politics with our collective destiny is dangerous. United we stand, divided we fall. Again, Deltans have another opportunity to ensure, that their votes count while insisting on supporting only those who are able to give good or positive account of their stewardship.

The way forward for PDP in Delta State is to pick a winning Governorship candidate at the primary and the basic challenge we must do away with is this mentality that our votes will not count due to manipulation. We should 'fight' to make our votes count and make democracy work because it is a known fact that those in privileged positions never give them up without a 'fight'. We must also down play ethnicity, undermine the gifts and party affiliations and be simply Deltans to put the right people in the right place. That way, we can force our politicians to behave responsibly in terms of credibility, reliability,
professionalism, integrity, management, leadership and empowerment among others.

Deltans should vote for politicians who are qualified, competent and responsible (from Local Government to the House of Assembly to the Federal House of Representatives and to the Governorship race) to handle the affairs of Delta State's leadership and vote out those that drag us back. This time around, it is grassroots voting and support that will bring about the desired results. As the saying goes, the punishment which the wise suffer who refuses to take part in the government is to live under the government of worse men. That means we have to vote to avoid the imposition of a candidate on Deltans. Also, there is this saying that bad leaders are as a result of those who do not come out to vote. Deltans should note that it's not only registration but come out to vote at least for the Governorship election.

Deltans should vote for a credible candidate for the Governor of Delta State comes 2015 to build and promote a stronger and united Delta State predicated on justice, equity and fair play. As a Delta State indigene, a Patriotic Leader and a PDP Stalwart from Ika South Local Government, my position for Delta State Leadership (from Local Government to the House of Assembly to the Federal House of Representatives and to the Governorship race) election 2015 is to produce: a leadership that is responsive to the yelling and suffering of all Deltans, a leadership that empowers women and youths, a leadership that is visionary, creative and has ideas, a leadership that listens to the masses and has an open door policy, not a leadership that is interested in using the masses to achieve his/her own personal goal and interest or hidden agenda, a leadership that is humble and ready to work with all Deltans, a leadership that will remedy the lack of economic and social developments in Delta State and take the State to a higher level, and a leadership that will embrace radical implementation of Delta State Public Works Program (DSPWP) that will create employment for millions of Delta State indigenes that is without work.

As noted, at the executive level, majority of Deltans(Delta South, Delta Central and Delta North) have identified Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa as possessing the above qualities and as a viable candidate for Delta State Governor come 2015.For those who want to join the entire good people of Delta State in this effort to see the Senator succeed in his political endeavor, I am calling on you to do so today through your patriotic supports and be counted. There may be some, who may question our motives for the choice of the Senator and reach conclusions without lifting a finger to make a difference. Our effort is simply an attempt to seek a change for the betterment of our State. The core of our togetherness shall be: to work and promote the interest of all Deltans for the benefit of all Deltans.

I am fundamentally an optimist and I strongly believe we will change our State management system to promotefaster development of the State in terms of job creation and infrastructural development. I challenge every Deltan specially PDP apparatchiks to join hands with Senator Okowa to achieve this noble objective for the good of our State.

Let me remind you all that one of the main problems we have in Delta State is our continued search for a reason for being a Deltan. Given the ethnic divide, our leaders should be able to nurture a feeling of belonging and statehood in all of us. Our ethnic differences should be a source of strength but instead some of our leaders have used our differences as tools for division and distraction while breeding misadministration.
I understand that one of the goals and priorities of the Senator is equal opportunities for all Deltans. The goal and priority is not only appropriate but also very timely, especially as democracy has remained on the front burner of Delta State government. Democracy, no doubt is a train that every indigene of the State must endeavor to embrace since it requires the involvement of all individuals.

The goal and priority of the Senator is not only limited to equal opportunities for all Deltans but also includes: fairness in leadership, eradication of ethnic conflicts and tribal sentiments in Delta State among others. Above all, Deltans should believe in the rule of law and peaceful co-existence with their neighbors.

The task ahead of us in State building is enormous but are not insurmountable, and can be achieved through hard work, trust, discipline, caring, commitment, patriotism and God-fearing among others. Therefore, to effectively develop Delta State a responsible leadership is needed. Leadership which makes its mark in history is that which devotes itself entirely to the pursuit of the sensibilities of its disparate people. When we are principled, our policies and goals must not fail. This is the Senator.

At this point, I'm calling on all Daltans to support and stand behind Senator Okowa because he will try his best to carry along the poor, the widows and the jobless youths in the State, as I'm sure the Senator would do his best for them if elected Governor.

As noted, one of the Senator's objectives for Deltans is to have a better State where our orientation for love, peace, unity, safety, job opportunities and economic prosperity reigns supreme. It is my conviction that in Delta today, good governance will play a catalytic role in the design and implementation of a viable strategy for economic, industrial and technological development, and for addressing the challenges to ethnicity, peace, security and stability in the state. These challenges can only come to play if the Senator is elected as the next Governor of Delta State. The Senator noted the above factors during his excellent speeches at the political networking and consultation tour to the twenty two local governments visited so farin the State and Delta State PDP members agreed with the Senator.

As we approach 2015, we should note that those we allow into leadership positions can make development faster, better or worse. As I noted, economic and social development is slow in our State due to the 'cash and carry' politicians that is why Deltans should support the Senator as the next Governor come 2015 to address these issues. On the other hand, sustainable development is continues process and continues improvement, and will among other things create jobs; reduce poverty and crime in the State, hence the Senator believes in policy continuity.

At this juncture, I will like to briefly address what is at stake in Delta State leadership. It is not in doubt that Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, wants to be in the Senate in 2015 representing Delta South Senatorial District after his eight-year sojourn at the Government House.It is also not in doubt that Governor Uduaghan wants a credible successor who will continue with his three-point agenda transformation to succeed him. I suggest that the Governor should be concern about the character and quality of the person that would succeed him in 2015. I do believe that the Governor wants somebody who will complete the projects he had started and take the three-point agenda to higher heights.In my sincere and humble opinion, no other Governorship candidate in PDP should be so assiduous, humble and loyal to Governor Uduaghanthan Senator Okowa to work with this agenda as one of his economic and social development priorities.The PDP elders and stakeholders should insist that there should be free, fair and open PDP primaries for all aspirants. I strongly believe that the Senator shall be the choice of the delegates at the primary.

As noted the quality of a good politician is often backed by leadership skills, experiences, intelligence and integrity - all combined to achieve certain goals and priorities for the advancement and empowerment of the masses. Therefore, the best quality of a politician is honesty, God fearing, trustworthy and reliability. As stated in the past, I challenged Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the PDP Chairman in Delta State, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi and other Delta State PDP Stakeholders on the choice of the next Delta State Governor that will make Deltans proud. There is no other Governorship candidate than the Senator.

The PDP Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, other PDP stakeholders and loyalists that are pushing very hard for Delta State to remain PDP State; should note that it will be materialized if the right thing is done. That is, picking a good and marketable individual as the PDP candidates at the primary and not through imposition of any candidate on Deltans (from Local Government to the House of Assembleto the Federal House of Representatives and to the Governorship race). Therefore, the way forward for PDP stakeholders in Delta State is to pick a marketable and winning candidate at the primary. That should be the major concern, top priority and responsibility of Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, the stakeholders and host of other PDP loyalists that are pushing for Delta State to remain PDP State.

As noted, majority of Deltans have found the Governor they truly can trust,that is; Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
Any leader whose impact extends beyond his immediate surroundings is a success. Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan will triumph in his political career if Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa who is loved by Deltans for his competence, management skills and non-parochial leadership style succeeds him. However, Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan's greatest achievement would be finding the best man to succeed him and carry on his blueprint. As noted by majority of Deltans, that man is not far-fetched; he is the Senator.

On the other hand, PDP Chairman in Delta State, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi will go a long way in his political endeavor if PDP maintains its sustainability in leadership in Delta State. I know for sure that PDP cannot afford to lose Delta State to another political party by picking a wrong and non-marketableGovernorship candidate at the primary. I believe that any party member that wanted to contest election must be ready to test his/her popularity, performance and good works as there would be no room for imposition of candidate or candidates. As noted by Deltans and Delta political class, the Delta State Governorship race is for quality politicians and not for civil servants or non-politicians. These civil servants or non-politicians have no political structure in Delta State even in their Local Governments; politically they are dead on arrival. It is unheard of to use civil servants and non-politicians for the duty of quality politicians in Governorship race.

Governor (Dr.) Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan's should resist the attempt to pick a yes-man, civil servant or non-politician, and go for a politician withcompetence, excellent management and leadership skills. Any attempt to pick a yes-man, civil servant or non-politician is an insult and a slap on the face of Deltans and Delta State politicians. Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa is currently the finest administrators among the candidates indicating interest in Delta State Governorship come 2015, irrespective of their political affiliations. He has excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills. The Senator has the charm, brilliance, competence, compassion, loyalty and patriotism every Governor must have to succeed.

He is accepted as a friend at home and abroad. His network of accomplices cut across the strata of Delta State and beyond. Deltans without a doubt shall benefit from Senator Okowa's administration as the Governor of the State. As the saying goes, few were called, many came but one is chosen, that is the Senator.
In conclusion, the Senator traced the history of PDP formation of which he is one of the founding members while submitting that the founding fathers formed the PDP as a party for the people by the people and for the people.

He warned of the dangers of imposing people against the interest of consistent and loyal members of the party who have suffered for the party for the sake of being the flag-bearers of PDP on executive or legislative elections. Also, Senator Okowa warned that acts of imposition of candidates on PDP was absolutely adverse and negative to democratic principles and ideology, adding that democracy must be seen as an avenue through which people choose and decide who will govern or rule them in elections that are free and fair. Delta State PDP members agreed with the Senator's honest belief. Vote wiselyand vote your conscience at the primary, the Senator said.
The Senator urged the delegates to always use their votes wisely as their votes were not for sale and any act to make their votes a mercantile affair will be inimical to internal democracy of our political party and political dispensation. The Senator thanks Deltans and wishes them well.

Finally, in my view, I believe that Delta State PDP members are against what I called growing anti-democratic behavior by few of our Stakeholders in the State trying to impose Governorship candidate (a yes-man, a self-anointed civil servant or a non-politician) on Deltans, noting that if this is not checked, it could undermine the entire democratic structure.

I know this yes-man, self-anointed civil servant or a non-politician would be a nightmare to Deltans from Jump Street. I, therefore, advised all lovers of democracy in Delta State PDP to immediately 'fight' for their democratic right, as they are not likely to enjoy any democratic tenet under these Stakeholders I described as despotic leaders who are not disposed to divergent thinking. I Salute You.
As always, Remain Blessed, Elder (Dr.) Chukwuma O. Nwaonicha (Big Daddy)..

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2015: OBUH IS NOT A THREAT TO OKOWA –Amufa

Senator Okowa and Dr. Tony Obuh

IKA WEEKLY

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain in Ika North East Lcoal Government of Delta State, Hon John Amufa has said that Mr. Tony Obuh is not in any way a threat to Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa in the 2015 Delta State governorship election.

Hon Amufa who is also the chairman, United Ika Landlords/ Landladies Association stated this in an interview he granted newsmen during the week at Boji-Boji, Owa.

According to him, “we are hearing rumours that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is going to choose Mr. Tony Obuh, a retired permanent secretary, Government House as his successor. If the rumour is true, I am saying here without mincing words that Tony Obuh is not a match for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Obuh is never a threat to Okowa. If truly Uduaghan is supporting Obuh, it means both of them have skeleton in their cupboard. If not, why should Governor Uduaghan decides to settle for a civil servant who is not a true party man.

Obuh has never held any political office and he knows nothing about governance. Obuh has never paid party dues and he hardly attends party meetings. Uduaghan is settling for Obuh because he needs someone who will cover his misdeeds in office. If I were to be Obuh I would have settled for a councillorship position instead of the governorship which he knows he will never get.

Hon Amufa who is known for his outspokenness on political issues described Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the most qualified and credible person to take over from Governor Uduaghan come 2015.

He said Okowa is not only a man of the people he is also a true party man, a charismatic political leader, a loyal PDP member, a detribalized Deltan and a grassroot leader. If given the opportunity, Senator Okowa will transform Delta State positively. Okowa is a tested and trusted politician having served as council chairman, commissioner, secretary to the state government in the past and now a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He therefore called on Deltans to settle for the best by supporting the governorship ambition of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

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Again, Obasanjo goes back to school

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is set to go back to school for a higher degree in Christian Theology.

Mr. Obasanjo will on Tuesday formally enrol as a graduate student at the headquarters of the National Open University of Nigeria in Lagos.

Having obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in 2009, Mr. Obasanjo will now be working towards a doctorate degree, beginning first with a Masters degree, an associate of the former president told PREMIUM TIMES.

When contacted Monday night, Mr. Obasanjo confirmed he was returning to school.

He said it was important for him to make some commitments towards achieving his aspirations in life.

“I’m going back to school because I have to have something to aspire to in every endeavour of life,” Mr. Obasanjo told PREMIUM TIMES. “I always aspire to something new in my farm. I do that in my international activities. I do it in my writing. I do it in the improvement of my academic work which helps to sharpen my brain and strengthen my faith.”

When asked how he was going to cope combining his studies with his tight international engagements, Mr. Obasanjo said he would take advantage of the flexibility of the National Open University’s system.

“Fortunately, the Open University is flexible enough and I will definitely be able to cope. I was able to cope when I did the Post Graduate. I was also busy during the period,” he said.

The National Open University was initially established in 1983 but was suspended by the then military government in 1984. Mr. Obasanjo resuscitated it in 2001.

In November 2006, a few months to the end of his eight-year tenure, the then president enrolled for a post graduate diploma in Christian Theology at the university.

He graduated in January 2009.

At the graduation ceremony, the then Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Olagbemiro Jegede, described Mr. Obasanjo as a hardworking student.

”As a student, Obasanjo vigorously pursued his studies on full time basis…He is a shinning example of how seriously a student should take his learning. Like everybody, he sat for all the examinations using anonymous matriculation numbers, and by our internal quality control and security-proof control measures, his papers were marked by different tutors located in some of our study centres including Damaturu, Minna and Yenagoa,” Mr. Jegede said.

Born on March 5, 1937, Mr. Obasanjo attended Abeokuta Baptist High School; Mons Officers’ Cadet School, Aldershot, England; Royal College of Military Engineering, Chatham, England and School of Survey, Newbury, England.

He also attended the British Royal Engineers’ Young Officers School, Shrivenham, England; Indian Defence Staff College; Indian Army School of Engineering and Royal College of Defence Studies, London.

He enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 1958.

He was Nigeria’s Head of State between 1976 and 1979 when he voluntarily handed over to a civilian administration led by Shehu Shagari. In 1999, he was elected president. His tenure expired in 2007.

(Premium Times)

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