Hon. Igbuya mourns Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, congratulates Olu-elect

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya has described late Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II as a famous traditional ruler who constructed bridges of friendship among Nigerians.

“The late Olu of Warri was an experienced leader and a wise king” the speaker said.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, the speaker commiserated with members of the royal family and the Itsekiri people at home and abroad over the demise of Ogiame Atuwatse II.

“On behalf of my family and the Delta State House of Assembly, I convey my most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the royal family and the Itsekiri nation on the departure of the Olu of Warri” Igbuya stated.

He urged the late monarch’s family, friends, associates and subjects to be consoled by the knowledge that he lived a fulfilled life, and had left worthy legacies for his successor to build upon.

He said the State would deeply miss the royal father, who had contributed immensely to the development of the country, the State and indeed the Itsekiri nation. Igbuya said the traditional ruler would also be remembered for his worthy service and invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people.

“Mr. Speaker believes that the Olu of Warri will always be remembered and honoured by Itsekiri people and all Deltans for his immense knowledge and capability as a traditional ruler, as well as for using his exalted throne to build bridges of unity, friendship and harmony across the state.

“He prays that the Almighty God will receive the late Olu’s great soul”.

The speaker also congratulated Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Emiko for emerging as the Olu of Warri designate and urged him to carry on the good works and wise rule of the late Olu of Warri for the well-being and benefit of all Deltans, particularly the Itsekiri people”

Delta State: DSS urged to probe bribery allegation

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Wednesday urged the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to investigate the alleged attempt to bribe the Election Tribunal judges and identify those behind it.

In a statement issued in Asaba, Ebireri said “This is necessary in order to forestall denting of image which false reports could create in the minds of the public.”

Mr Ebireri who stressed the need for media professionals to be thorough and be armed with correct facts and figures in the area of investigative journalism, commended the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC) and urged the security agency to invite those behind the allegation to give useful information.

In a related development, two members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor, both of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, have dissociated themselves from an online report by Saharareporters alleging that members of the state legislature are contributing five million Naira each to bribe the Election Petition Tribunal Panel to decide cases before it in their favour.

Addressing newsmen in Asaba, Hon Ofobruku, Uvwie and Hon Abigor, Warri South One Constituency condemned the report in its entirety, describing it as wicked, malicious and attempt to bring the house into disrepute.

The lawmakers, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor stated that it was more worrisome to read that the Speaker directed all the 28 members to contribute the said amount to bribe the members of the Election Petition Tribunal panel sitting in Asaba, the state capital.

They drew attention to the fact that about six members of the sixth Assembly have no case in the election petition tribunal as regards the House of Assembly Elections in Delta State.

Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they were not aware of any contribution being made in any quarter as regards bribing the election petition tribunal, saying it was important to clear their names and that of their party from the said publication by Saharareporters.

The two lawmakers maintained that there are three election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba adjudicating over different electoral cases and wondered which one was the online news media was referring to.

Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they are in tribunal with PDP candidates over their victories at the polls and wondered how the Speaker who is PDP would ask non PDP members to contribute money to fight his party’s candidates.

They dissociated themselves from the publication and condemned the trend being adopted by some persons to tarnish the image of the house.

Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor also expressed sadness over attempt by Saharareporters to give credibility to the said report by alleging that some opposition members in the house, including the SDP and Labour Party, spoke to it correspondent on the issue.

They advised the news media to encourage the growth of democracy in Nigeria and stop being a tool for spreading lies in the society.

Hon. Igbuya mourns Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse II, congratulates Olu-elect