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Delta Assembly’s US-Trip Causes Ripples
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Delta State House of Assembly’s alleged N1.2 billion leadership training programme currently taking place at the Goldman School of Public Policy, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
The two-week training programme, it was learnt, ends today.
The 29 members of the House as well as Emma Okoro, the pioneer Speaker of the House, who is now Senior Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Legislative Matters, along with directors and aides to key officers of the House led by the current Speaker, Rt Hon Victor Ochei, are said to have left the shores of the country two weeks ago for what has been described by critics as a jamboree.
The size of the Speaker’s entourage, which our correspondent learnt, has about 40 persons, is already generating ripples among Deltans, who described the “training” as a waste of public funds that has no direct positive impact on Deltans, questioning the rationale behind elected officials funding such training from the public purse.
But the speaker, who spoke on phone from the United States, explained that the training of members of the 5th Assembly in California “is to prepare them further for the challenges ahead.
“The training programme is a must for all members of the House as capacity building is a priority to the leadership of the 5th Assembly.”
He explained that choice of the School of Public Policy, was informed by the institution’s track record in capacity building training, adding that certificates would be issued to participants at the end of the programme today.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, who spoke with our correspondent, condemned the training, describing it as a “kangaroo training” for the purpose of looting public funds.
“We learnt here that the training programme is focusing on the power of legislation in sustainable development of society, leadership and public management, social media and public policy, public and private partnership, innovation and sustainable development, Californian political system, education as well as the place of agriculture in human development. Our question is that this is not the first time they are embarking on such frivolous trips abroad; and what has been the gains and impact on the people?
“Has this stopped them from being contractors, has this stopped them from being corrupt and fraudulent? The answer is no,” he declared.
A House of Assembly staff, who spoke under condition of anonymity, described the act of the lawmakers as unfortunate, saying that the lawmakers are among the many problems facing the state right from the beginning, in terms of corruption and amassing wealth for themselves.
“Ask them what has been their contribution to the growth of the state and democracy, apart from their usual votes of confidence on the state governor so that ‘Ghana must go’ bags will keep on coming. Just look at the list of the persons that went, what has the training got to do with directors, Uduaghan’s aides, and aides of the speaker, if not to waste and loot public funds?”
One of the lawmakers participating in the training, who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned, confided in our correspondent that the whole exercise is nothing but fraud.
“Honestly speaking, this training is a waste of funds as far as I am concerned because it will not have any impact on our people. It will not change our way of life, rather it is just to siphon public funds all in the name of training abroad.
“I was telling a colleague of mine that rather than wasting taxpayers’ money, why not we hold this training even in Calabar or any other place in Nigeria, and the purpose will still be achieved. For over two weeks we arrived here, if I tell you how much taxpayers’ money that has gone, you will be shocked. “Are you talking about the bills for our accommodation alone at the Hotel Shattuck, Berkeley?” he queried.
“ What about the feeding, drinking, hanging out with all these Oyibo girls, what about the money for our instructors taking us the programme?”
But when asked to give the total figure expended so far in the programme, he declined but simply said “several millions of Naira my brother”.
Reacting to the development, a socio-political pressure group, Emede Political Focus Forum (EPFF), Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, described the lawmakers as “mere rubber stamp”, who are just amassing wealth at the detriment of the people.
In a press statement, the Founder/Secretary General of the group, Comrade Geoffrey Osiama, expressed sadness and disappointment, describing the trip as “a waste of resources” and a way of undermining such institutions as the Lagos Business School, Nigeria Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies in Jos, and the Centre for Development Studies within the country which can offer capacity building training on Governance and Leadership.
“The lawmakers should realise that with this recent accord with University of California, they have passed a vote of no confidence in their own universities, which some of them are currently attending and some graduated from as well as the numerous federal and private universities in this country.”
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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