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ISOKO WOMEN INSIST ON AUSTIN ORETTE

ISOKO WOMEN INSIST ON AUSTIN ORETTE

ISOKO WOMEN INSIST ON AUSTIN ORETTE

 

Isoko women on Sunday discussed the process of realizing a better Delta South, with an exciting statement in support of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial hopeful, Dr. Austin Orette.

 

‘’We have a huge task ahead. The 2027 election in Delta South Senatorial District is another occasion to prove to ourselves that we can do it. We need to start planning for NDC electoral success’’.

 

They also rebuked those canvassing for power shift in strong language.

 

Rising from a meeting on Sunday, the women highlighted Orette’s devotion to moral purity, capacity for honesty and the critical need to work together in view of moving the senatorial district to the next level.

 

‘’Dr. Austin Orette is an exceptional leader and a protector of the pillars of justice, democracy and integrity. He will create and sustain the conditions for individual development”

 

The Chairperson of Isoko Women United Group (IWUG), Mrs. Elizabeth Oghenemaro disclosed to reporters shortly after the meeting in Oleh that they had gone far in their discussion with prominent politicians in Delta State on the need for Orette to replace a disappointing lawmaker in 2027.

 

‘’Dr. Austin Orette has political credibility and strong network across the world. He will promote trade, develop infrastructure and ensure security”

 

The women underscored Orette’s competence, commitment to the welfare of the people, principles of order and justice and the courage in pursuing issues of interest to the people of Delta South Senatorial District.

 

‘’The renowned physician is hardworking, honest, suave and accommodating. He is in the best position to serve the senatorial district’’

 

The women applauded Orette for promoting the interest of the oil rich district.

 

‘’What is happening in the district mirrors a situation of desperation of some individuals and groups to take advantage of falsehood to misguide the good people of the district as well as score cheap political goals’’

 

They urged Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko and Urhobo leaders not to devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspiration of a man who has been a perpetual bench warmer in the National Assembly.

 

‘’Four years of wasted opportunities are enough. The ego of the disappointing lawmaker will be deflated. He should await the people’s dirge in 2027’’ the women said.

 

The women emphasized legislative output, empowerment, grassroots development and efforts in attracting development projects and infrastructure to the district.

 

‘’Dr. Austin Orette will be active in the senate. He will contribute to lawmaking, debates and committee activities. He will also expand the prosperity of the good people of Delta South Senatorial District’’

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FAMOUS SPORTS PERSONALITIES INVESTORS OTHERS GATHER IN DELTA STATE AS CANAANLAND COUNTRY CLUB BEGINS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

INVESTORS, FAMOUS SPORTS PERSONALITIES, OTHERS GATHER IN DELTA STATE AS CANAANLAND COUNTRY CLUB BEGINS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

INVESTORS, FAMOUS SPORTS PERSONALITIES, OTHERS GATHER IN DELTA STATE AS CANAANLAND COUNTRY CLUB BEGINS SECOND ANNIVERSARY

The CanaanLand Golf Course and Country Club on Saturday announced a series of activities to mark its second anniversary celebration.

‘’A significant 18-hole golf tournament featuring professional and amateur players as well as international talent will begin on Friday, May 8 and end on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in Koko Town, Warri North Local Government Area’’.

The Chairman of CanaanLand Golf Course and Country Club, Honourable Felix Aganbi, in a statement in Benin highlighted investment opportunities in Delta State, the growth of golf in Nigeria, youth development, warm and inclusive culture and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

‘’The second anniversary of CanaanLand Golf & Country Club will bring together business leaders, corporate stakeholders, public office holders, community leaders, sportsmen and women from within and outside the country’’.

Tagged ‘’Inclusive and remarkable celebration’’ Aganbi emphasized how the club transformed golf from an exclusive sport in the Niger Delta into a more widely embraced recreation activity.

He highlighted two years of steady, significant growth, expansion of the club’s facilities, investment in junior and academy programmes, promotion of amateur and recreational golf and real estate development in Koko. .

The business mogul also announced side sports such as table tennis, badminton and darts, a give-back programme focusing on eye care and full health checkups at the Christiana Aganbi Sickbay, anniversary meeting, networking opportunities for local and foreign investors, boat cruise, refreshment and award presentation as major activities of the second anniversary of CanaanLand Golf Course and Country Club.

The statement stressed on improved infrastructure and rising participation of women and youth.

‘’An 18-Hole Golf Course, clubhouse and recreational areas, Khashoggi Restaurant (Lakeside Dining Experience), Gazebos for relaxation and social gatherings, smart hall for events and indoor activities, Chris Castle Apartments for Accommodation, Christiana Aganbi Sickbay, badminton court and table tennis are key facilities of the CanaanLand Golf Course and Country Club’’ the statement added.

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TINUBU INAUGURATES AFRICA’S LARGEST SCHOOLS COMPLEX IN LAGOS UNVEILS 19 FOOTBALL PITCHES IN AJEGUNLE

TINUBU INAUGURATES AFRICA’S LARGEST SCHOOLS COMPLEX IN LAGOS, UNVEILS 19 FOOTBALL PITCHES IN AJEGUNLE

 

•Sanwo-Olu delivers mega school projects, Agro food hub in President’s Day-2 visit

 

 

 

A comprehensive regeneration and upgrade of Tolu Schools Complex in Ajegunle, a densely populated Lagos suburb, by the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is reminiscent of a rebirth of education in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area.

 

The cluster of 36 public schools got its facilities rehabilitated in an infrastructure renewal programme supervised by the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS).

 

The modernised schools, sighted on 11.73 hectares, were part of the mega projects inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his second day visit to Lagos, his home state.

 

The school complex was commissioned along with Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches built side by side close to the complex.

 

Besides, the President virtually commissioned the Fresh Food Hub built by Sanwo-Olu in Abijo, Ajah area of Eti Osa.

 

The iconic projects were unveiled by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who represented President Tinubu at the event.

 

It was a moment of uncontrolled excitement for pupils of the 36 schools in the complex. They trooped out to welcome Sanwo-Olu and Akpabio, clad in their respective uniforms.

 

Also at the event were the Minister for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Josephine Piyo, and members of the National Assembly.

 

Tinubu said the scale of regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex by the Sanwo-Olu government, was “exceptional and remarkable”, stressing that the intervention reflected the vision, planning and commitment of the Governor to improve the lives of young citizens.

 

The accomplishment, the President said, demonstrated what could be achieved with bold and focused leadership, commending Sanwo-Olu and his team for delivering a project that would serve tens of thousands of students within a school environment.

 

He said: “The remarkable scale and significance of Tolu Schools Complex regeneration is truly exceptional. The successful upgrade of such a large and complex educational facility is highly commendable. This reflects the vision, planning and very clear commitment to improving the lives of our young citizens. Sanwo-Olu and his team deserve commendation for delivering a project of this magnitude and for demonstrating what is possible when leadership is bold and focused.

 

“We must continue to invest in education, not just as a social service but as driver of economic growth and national development. When we equip our children with knowledge and skills, we prepare them to contribute meaningfully to society and compete in a changing world. This is an investment in the strength and progress of not just our State but the country. No nation can rise above the quality of its human capital. When we give our young people access to quality education, the right skills and supportive environment, we are preparing them not just for today, but for the future we all desire.”

 

Through his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tinubu said he had designed programmes that would ensure every child had access to quality care learning and equipped with practical skills to compete and thrive in the emerging modern economy.

 

By strengthening human capital development, the President said a society would build a workforce capable of driving innovation, creating jobs and sustaining national growth. Tinubu said education policies must focus on boosting capacity and ensuring schools produce thinkers, problem solvers and innovators that will drive the nation’s economy forward.

 

“Projects like these show what is possible when leadership is focused and deliberate. This is how we turn opportunities to progress, potential into prosperity for all Nigerians. Lagos is leading in this direction,” the President said.

 

While unveiling the Mid-Level Fresh Food Hub in Abijo in virtual commissioning, the President said the food sustainability intervention delivered by Governor Sanwo-Olu was in alignment with his administration’s aggressive agricultural production programmes. He said the facility would simplify the complex logistical process that entails transporting of farm produce to the market for consumption.

 

Sanwo-Olu said the Tolu Schools complex commissioning represented a beacon of hope and a message of reassurance to children living in Ajegunle, pointing out that the mega school project showed the Government did not neglect them.

 

The Governor said the story of Tolu Schools Complex started in 1981 during the Mass Education Policy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande administration to provide accessible education in Ajegunle. He said the Government reclaimed land from the Lagos lagoon to build the complex, which started two pioneer schools — Unity and Olodi Apapa Secondary Schools.

 

The complex was expanded by the successive military administrations, after which a major milestone was recorded during the administration of the then Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who added Bola Ige Millennium Secondary School.

 

The complex’s condition deteriorated due to a growing pupil population. Classrooms originally designed for 35 students were crammed with over 100 pupils and the perimeter fencing was damaged by floodwater.

 

In response, Sanwo-Olu initiated a regeneration project for the complex. This involved giving all 36 schools in the cluster a complete infrastructural makeover.

 

The Governor said: “We took a clear and deliberate decision to regenerate this historic complex completely and courageously. What we are commissioning today is not a facelift or a cosmetic intervention. It is a full re-imagination of what public education should look like in a modern African city. We have transformed the Tolu Schools Complex into the largest integrated educational community in West Africa, providing a complete educational ladder from foundation to the threshold of higher learning.

 

“To tackle overcrowding and create a more conducive learning environment, we have delivered 12 new classroom blocks, each containing 18 classrooms. In addition, 24 existing school buildings have been comprehensively rehabilitated, restoring them into safe, habitable and inspiring spaces for teaching and learning. We also built a four-storey vocational and skills acquisition centre with dedicated workshops designed to bridge the gap between academic instruction and practical competence.”

 

The Tolu Schools Complex was also equipped with central science laboratories and ICT Complex that can accommodate 200 pupils at a time.

 

Sanwo-Olu renamed the Maracana Stadium, comprising 19 mini-football pitches, after President Tinubu for his consistent championing of youth and sports development.

 

The Governor said the 23,000sq metre Abijo Mid-Level Agro Food hub was designed to create a sustainable food distribution network along the Eti Osa corridor.

 

“This facility, with its modern storage infrastructure, trading floors, and logistics systems, will decentralise access to fresh produce beyond our traditional markets, bringing affordable, quality food closer to families across the Lekki-Ajah axis and beyond. It is a critical piece of our food security architecture,” Sanwo-Olu said.

 

Education Minister, Alausa, said massive regeneration of Tolu Schools Complex stood as a powerful testament to the vision of a committed leadership in Lagos, noting that the accomplishment reflected what could be possible when leadership was purposeful, intentional and people-centric. 

 

The achievement, he said, was in furtherance of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and his commitment to quality education through the Renewed Hope agenda.

 

“The commissioning of Tolu Schools Complex is a landmark achievement in our collective pursuit of educational excellence. This is an unveiling of a bold statement and declaration that Nigeria is investing decisively in the future of its children,” Alausa said.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY

09 APRIL 2026

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Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge is a bridge to opportunity – Tinubu

Ojota–Opebi Link Bridge is a bridge to opportunity – Tinubu

 

We’re deeply proud to deliver this historic project, says MD Julius Berger

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Wednesday formally inaugurated the long‑awaited Opebi–Mende–Ojota Link Road and Bridges in Lagos, marking a major milestone in the state’s urban transport architecture and traffic decongestion strategy.

 

The historic commissioning ceremony, held amidst elaborate pomp and pageantry, formed part of the President’s two‑day official visit to Lagos State, during which he unveiled several flagship projects executed by the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu.

 

According to the President who was represented by Senate President, Godswill Obot Akpabio at the event, the edifice is for the President of Nigeria; affirming that the projects undertaken by the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu are not just physical structures, but are symbols of purpose reflecting a government that understands that development must be seen, felt, and experienced by the people.

 

 

 

The Ojota–Opebi link Bridge is more than a road; it is a bridge to opportunity. In a city like Lagos, movement is everything. When traffic improves, productivity increases. When time is saved, businesses grow. When access is easier, lives improve, Tinubu said at another event held in Alausa, Lagos.

 

 

 

He added: this project sends a clear message: Lagos will not be overwhelmed by the challenges of growth. Instead, those challenges will be addressed and overcome.

 

 

 

For an elated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the project was not a straightforward building; the terrain was very swampy and prone to flooding, which meant that conventional methods would not suffice. What you see, therefore, is the result of careful planning and the application of advanced solutions.

 

 

 

He was full of praise to the contractor saying, we want to thank Julius Berger for keeping to time, for staying within budget, and for once again delivering high-quality road infrastructure. We have also been intentional about inclusivity and sustainability, providing walkways, bicycle lanes, solar-powered street lighting, and embedded service ducts. In essence, we have built not just for today’s needs, but with a clear vision for the ever-expanding demands of the future.

 

 

 

He added that, as part of the project, a comprehensive stormwater management system to address the long-standing challenge of flooding along the Udo-Yarlaro Corridor, thereby strengthening our environmental resilience was integrated.

 

 

 

The Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch described the project as a crucial milestone in alleviating traffic congestion and boosting the economy of Lagos state.

 

He said, this iconic project is fundamentally “your baby”, conceived some twenty years ago during your tenure as the Governor of Lagos State. We salute your brilliant vision and foresight. Furthermore, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for your outstanding national leadership. Your bold and decisive reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are paving the way for a stable, secure, and prosperous Nigeria, whether by tackling insecurity or driving economic realignment.

 

That this long-held vision is a reality today is due to the tireless dedication, determination, and resilience of the current Governor, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who nurtured this endeavour into a true legacy project despite global economic challenges.

 

Lubasch further said, we at Julius Berger are deeply proud to be the contractor that realized this historic project. For 60 years, we have been entrusted with building critical and priority infrastructure in Nigeria. With these six decades of experience in the country and our outstanding engineering expertise, we have consistently delivered with reliability, utmost integrity, and professionalism.

 

Looking towards the future, the managing Director said, Julius Berger would be profoundly honoured to be assigned further iconic and landmark projects, adding; we stand ready to bring our six decades of local experience, our unmatched expertise, and our specialized know-how; particularly in the realisation of highly complex bridge structures to bear on these future endeavours.

 

The Opebi–Mende Link Road, spanning approximately 5.04 kilometres, connects Opebi in Ikeja with Mende, Maryland and Ojota, providing a strategic alternative route to some of Lagos’ most congested corridors, including Allen Avenue, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way and Ikorodu Road.

 

Designed and constructed by the leading engineering construction company, the project comprises multiple bridges, dual carriageways, pedestrian walkways and upgraded drainage infrastructure aimed at improving mobility, safety and flood resilience across the axis.

 

The project posed enormous construction challenges due to extremely poor soil conditions, including soft peat layers extending up to 20 metres below ground level, necessitating extensive sand filling to create temporary working platforms.

 

To overcome these constraints, the Link Road and Bridges comprise multiple flyovers across swampy terrain, interspersed with access roads and connected to Ikorodu Road and Opebi Road.

 

Julius Berger deployed advanced engineering solutions, including 530‑metre and 110‑metre bridge spans, 50‑metre mechanically stabilised earth‑wall approaches, 30‑metre prestressed beams, geotextile‑reinforced ramps, and 1.5‑metre‑diameter bored piles driven up to 40 metres deep, using spiral duct systems as permanent casings.

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AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU UNVEILS INVESTMENT IN MODERN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS

AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU UNVEILS INVESTMENT IN MODERN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS

AT NATIONAL POLICE DAY: PRESIDENT TINUBU UNVEILS INVESTMENT IN MODERN LAW ENFORCEMENT SYSTEMS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed plans to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.

He said the Nigerian state owes a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies, as the nation’s peace is only as secure as the men and women who keep vigil over its citizens.

Speaking on Tuesday at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, maintained that no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.

Accordingly, he declared that the Federal Government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.

“We will continue to support these reforms through sustained investment in training and capacity development, modern equipment and technology, improved intelligence and investigative capabilities, and better welfare and working conditions for police personnel.

“We are determined to build a Police Force that is well equipped, well trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time,” the President stated

The Nigerian leader observed that while history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others which civilisation depend on to survive, “even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.”

He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such a sacrifice for granted because “every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.”

Underscoring the need to empower the force, President Tinubu said, “Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.”

He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers, adding that the administration remains resolute in strengthening the Police through concrete policy actions and sustained investment.

The President paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifice as part of the nation’s enduring moral inheritance.

His words: “Their sacrifice is written into the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.”

The Nigerian leader commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

He further charged officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law.

“The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty,” President Tinubu declared, even as he demanded stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies

Observing that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership, he said, “When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity.”

The President reaffirmed the administration’s vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said the police force, under his command, is deeply aware of expectations and concerns by the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu’s for the commemoration of the National Police Day is a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.

He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct and every action that tarnishes the image and reputation of the force.

IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, will stand firmly with every officer that follows the rules, serving with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable and professional police force, standing with the Nigerian people.

The IGP noted that the current management of the police force is building an institution that is not only intelligence led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications.

In seperate goodwill messages, the representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank, paid glowing tributes to the police force for its contributions to safety and security, pledging their support for the delivery of professional policing services across the country, through their platforms and services.

The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured march past, procession and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi States; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
7th April, 2026

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CELEBRITIES OTHERS GATHER IN KOKO POLITICAL BIGWIGS SPORTING HEROES

CELEBRITIES, SPORTING HEROES, POLITICAL BIGWIGS, OTHERS GATHER IN KOKO

CELEBRITIES, SPORTING HEROES, POLITICAL BIGWIGS, OTHERS GATHER IN KOKO

 

The crème de la crème of the Nigerian society will gather in Delta State on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

“Sporting heroes, prominent political leaders and business executives will step onto the Canaan land golf course on Saturday, May 9, 2026”

Chairman of Canaan land Golf Course and Country Club, Hon Felix Aganbi, in a statement on Monday said the club would host some of the world’s best and most celebrated golfers.

“The second anniversary of the Canaan land Golf and Country Club is a celebration of sport, style and distinction. It will provide a unique and unforgettable experience for participants”

He highlighted the club’s achievements.

“The Canaanland Golf Course and Country Club has set the benchmark for excellence in the world of golf. It has hosted some of the most prestigious golf tournaments in Nigeria’

He also emphasized the inclusivity of the second anniversary golf tournament, sportsmanship and commitment of the club to excellence.

“The second anniversary will test the skills of beginners, casual golfers, competitive amateurs and professionals”

The anniversary, according to Aganbi, will draw golfers from within and outside the country.

“The second anniversary will celebrate the CanaanLand spirit of friendship, service and fellowship through sports”

It will also allow political and corporate leaders to establish meaningful relations.

‘The second anniversary of the most iconic golf course will feature event networking, award ceremony and special lunch.

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ORETTE IS IN SENATORIAL RACE TO WIN - DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS

ORETTE IS IN SENATORIAL RACE TO WIN – DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS

ORETTE IS IN SENATORIAL RACE TO WIN – DELTA SOUTH YOUTHS

 

Youths of Delta South on Sunday identified a festering crisis going on in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a major factor that can swing the odds in favour of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2027.

 

“The Nigeria Democratic party (NDC) is a party to look up to. It is a party to go with. It will take us to the Promised Land come 2027”

 

They also listed charisma, administrative experience, political sagacity, diplomatic disposition, international exposure and motivational leadership as factors that endeared Dr. Austin Orette to the good people of Delta South Senatorial District.

 

“Dr. Austin Orette is not in the Delta South Senatorial race to lose but to win and by the grace of God, he will win”

 

Gathering under the umbrella of Dependable Movement (DM) of the Nigeria Democratic Congress in Emevor, the youths resolved to work with the elders and the women in the district to ensure that Orette emerges as the Delta South Senator in 2027.

 

In a statement delivered to journalists by the Coordinator of the NDC Dependable Movement, Oghenekaro Adigheji, the youths praised the Delta South frontline aspirant for inspiring confidence in the people.

 

They argued that Delta South Senatorial District at this stage of its development cannot afford to allow its best manpower stay in perpetuity abroad when his leadership acumen is being sorely missed in the district.

 

The youths backed Orette’s calls for the restructuring of the country, establishment of true federalism and devotion of power.

 

Particularly, the youths applauded the world class professional for addressing the concrete socio-economic challenges confronting the senatorial district.

 

“Now, more than ever before, Delta South needs quality and focused leadership. Delta South Senatorial District is in dire need of someone who understands that leadership is service’’

 

The youths urged Delta South leaders to support Orette in his senatorial bid.

 

They emphasized Orette’s pleasant personality, charm and positive leadership traits.

 

“Dr. Austin Orette has an excellent chance of winning the Delta South senatorial election in 2027”

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THE RAPE OF DEMOCRACY BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE

THE RAPE OF DEMOCRACY BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE

THE RAPE OF DEMOCRACY BY DR AUSTIN ORETTE

 

Of all kinds of governments, the most difficult kind of government is constitutional democracy. This is because it requires full participation of the citizens.

 

When practiced according to the norms, it is antithetical to a military dictatorship. Military dictatorship is a top down, and one size fits all approaches, and the whims of the leader rule the day. A democracy requires deliberation and a bottom-up approach, and the wishes of the people are carried through.

 

This is the reason why participation in a democracy requires deliberation and   mandates the periodic assent of the voters. This is a sine qua non.  It is a duty and a right in a democracy to have the opportunity to remake the country anew. Elected leaders must submit themselves for revaluation by the voters. This is mandatory and sacrosanct in a healthy democracy. To deprive citizens of this solemn responsibility is criminal.

 

A land where the people are afraid of their leaders is a hallmark of dictatorship, where power is maintained through fear, intimidation, violence and the suppression of basic liberties. A land where the leaders are afraid of the people is a democracy.

 

The popular sentiments often attributed to Tomas Jefferson show that a healthy democracy relies on mutual trust and accountability rather than sheer fear from either.

 

Ours is not a healthy democracy and is the reason some parties impose candidates on the people through automatic tickets. This should never be tolerated.

 

In a democracy, those elected must go back to the voters to renew their mandates. It is a dictatorship when top party officials impose candidates on the citizens. It is our right to have the opportunity to look into the records of those we elected and decide whether they were worthy of our initial trust.

 

This singular duty of the voter if not respected should be the end of that party. We are not in a military regime where governors and other officials are appointed. Our constitution clearly states that every four years we shall re-elect leaders.

 

Imposition of candidates without voting is unconstitutional. We can understand a candidate going unopposed. You can never be unopposed when the challengers are ham-stringed by criminal imposition of high fees of entry for challengers and primary elections are abrogated.

 

Why should those who aspire to serve be made to pay astronomical fees that cannot be explained by any income metrics in Nigeria? This is an exclusionary gimmick. This is what has turned our politics to a marketplace that has attracted only desperados instead of refined citizens with ideas. This is a violation of our constitutional order.

 

Any party that engages in this practice deserves to be voted out of power. No elected official should place himself above the voters and the constitution. Nigeria is no longer a military dictatorship where the government is the estate of military generals.

 

Any politician who cannot go back to the voters and renew his mandate should go and practice politics in North Korea. The President of North Korea was just re-elected by 99.9 percent. All his opponents campaigned from jail. The one percent that did not vote for him is being prosecuted for various crimes.

 

We are a constitutional democracy. No one has the right to impose candidates on the citizens.  This practice is vile and unjust, and it is nothing but the rape of democracy. No one has a right to automatic mandate in a democracy.

 

AUSTIN ORETTE IS A DELTA SOUTH SENATORIAL ASPIRANT. HE WRITES FROM OWHELOGBO IN ISOKO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

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DECRIES UNDEMOCRATIC PRACTICES IN APC ORETTE JOINS NDC

ORETTE JOINS NDC, DECRIES UNDEMOCRATIC PRACTICES IN APC

 

A Texas-based Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Orette, a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Delta South senatorial aspirant, told newsmen in Lagos Tuesday how the APC sidelined the founding members in Delta State.

‘’The All Progressives Congress (APC) wants the incumbent to hold the position without primary elections. In this wise, I can say I did not leave the ruling party. It was APC that left me’’

He said defectors made the environment unbearable to APC founding members in Delta State’’

‘’I love President Bola Tinubu. I wish him well’.

The senatorial hopeful described the 2027 election as a battle of ideas.

He urged Nigerians to put the best and brightest minds in the Senate.

‘’The Senate is the engine house of democracy. It is a place for the debate of ideas. In Nigeria, people who are not intellectually sound are allocated tickets in National Assembly elections’’

Orette narrated how shortage of medical personnel resulted in the death of a woman in his hometown.

He promised to change the narrative of leadership, create an enlightened citizenry and tackle unemployment through skill acquisition.

‘I believe I can serve my people. I have been in this journey for long. I will make the people rich. I will attract a lot of foreign investments to the area. I will train the citizens to be of service to others. I will retrain artisans with modern tools. I will open offices in all the towns and villages in Delta South. I will transform Ogbe-Ijoh Market’’

Orette pledged to focus on creating jobs by teaching youths to be entrepreneurs.

‘’I’ll address perennial problems in Delta South. I will address electricity, healthcare and agricultural challenges. I will provide modern equipment and support agricultural extension services’’

He criticized the ‘’no-go-areas’’ in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Orette advocated reforms to decentralize power from the federal government to local level.

‘’Uniformity does not build a country’’

He called for the reorganization of the society in view of keeping the dreams of young people alive’’

‘’We must build a community of love. There must be a standard of how we treat our neighbours’’

The medical expert reflected on Nigeria’s trajectory during and after major military regimes, attributing the country’s problems to the prolonged incursion of the military into politics and the obnoxious decrees.

He highlighted subversion of internal democracy, military mentality in civilians, impunity and abuse of power, centralization of power, political intolerance and blurring lines between public office and private interest

‘’The military brought Nigeria to this state. The military destroyed all our institutions. Today, the political actors exhibit behaviors akin to military rule. We need to demilitarize the brain of the political leaders.

He also canvassed reserve army and a six-month military training for youths in the country

‘’The country should have trained and ready youths to be mobilized during national emergencies, war or disaster. The NYSC should not be mandatory but voluntary. The individual should be given the right to choose a state for his primary assignment’’

He also highlighted a rise in authoritarian trends, a decline in democratic principles, executive arrogance, citizen’s apathy and legislative incompetence.

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