When elected, I will make law to legalized local refineries - Uduaghan

WARRI - DELTA State All Progressives Congress, APC, leader and Delta South Senatorial candidate, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that when elected he will pursue law to legalized local refineries.

The former Governor revealed this yesterday in his social media (Facebook) post.

According to him, "About 6,000 illegal refineries, operational in the country, were reportedly destroyed by the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) in 2015. 

"Some of these ‘refineries’ were actually rickety ‘science projects’ being over-glorified by calling them ‘oil refineries’ 

"Be that as it may, among existing thousands of illegal refineries, there is likelihood that there will be a good number of well set up refineries among them. 

"The illegal refinery industry has been around, for years now, and has grown a little. So can a country that is trying hard to manage its four legal refineries afford to destroy ‘illegal refineries’? 

"The poorly set up makeshifts contraptions are dangerous and should be done away with, but those youths should be engaged in better set up refineries. If there are good “petroleum product factories” out there, then why should they be destroyed? 

"This is the origin of the call for the upgrade of the so-called ‘illegal refineries’, and if possible, they should be licensed. 

"The illegal refineries that are being destroyed offer a lot of employment for the youths, which relieves government of the burden of providing jobs for them. 

"Is the government not simply shortchanging the country with the sustained posturing and grandstanding of describing the local refineries in the Niger Delta as illegal and criminalizing their operations? 

"There has to be a rethink towards the “illegal refineries”. By and large, the illegal refineries are a testimony to the ingenuity of Nigerian youths and their ability to creatively innovate despite the challenges of their existence. 

"The ingenuity that has been exhibited by the operators of the so called “illegal refineries” should constitute the foundation of technological breakthrough.

"As a former Governor and APC Senatorial Candidate, I fully appreciate this reality and on arrival in the Senate as Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District of Nigeria, my mandate include pushing for legislative backing to recognize and reform nonconventional refineries in the country instead of the present practice of destroying them." He said.

Uduaghan stressed that if the local refineries are legalized, it will help in creating employment for more youths in Delta South Senatorial District of Nigeria and Niger Delta .

That it will also reduce the level of crime and criminality in Delta South Senatorial District of Nigeria and Niger Delta.

He added that the legalized refineries will provide a platform to promote local technological innovation in oil refining in Delta South Senatorial District of Nigeria and other Niger Delta states.

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Over 40 aspirants formed coalition in Delta State to wrestle power from incumbents

 By Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI - IN their bid to wrestle powers from the incumbents, over 40 Progressive Minded Aspirants in Delta State weekend formed a coalition under the banner of “THIRD FORCE" with intent to run under one political umbrella.

This was revealed at the end of a meeting held by the coalition on Saturday 25 August, 2018 at Casa De Pedro Hotel, Effurun.

According to a communique signed by the aspirants, "Having realized the need for a united credible alternative, the underlisted aspirants for the 2019 elections under the following parties in Delta state (AAC, ADC, ADP, Labour, PPA, SDP, YPP etc.) have resolved to work together as a platform under a united *THIRD FORCE* for Delta State.

"We commit to present to the Delta State electorates 44 credible consensus candidates - 1 Governorship & Deputy Governorship Candidates, 3 Senatorial Candidates, 10 House of Fed House of Representatives Candidates, 29 Delta State House of Assembly Candidates.

"We frown at, condemn and reject the exorbitant fees being charged for Expression of Interest and Nomination forms by some political parties as it is retrogressive and an unnecessary financial burden on aspirants and negates the principle of Youth inclusion in the democratic process.

"The *THIRD FORCE* is ready and willing to adopt a political party that shall waive the aforementioned fees and present a vibrant, patriotic and credible Nigerian, as its Presidential Candidate.

"We assure the good people of Delta State that the *THIRD FORCE* shall present credible candidates that will provide purposeful leadership when elected in 2019."

 

The meeting was attended by the following Aspirants; Efeturi Cyprian Emeriewen – Governor (YPP), Frank Ufuoma Esanubi – Governor (ADP) Regina E. Oke – Senate, Delta South, Jerry O. Udomah – Fed House of Rep Ndokwa/Ukwani (SDP), Prince Igho Sadjere – Fed House of Rep Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie (ADP), Akpokona Omafuaire – Fed House of Rep Ughelli/Udu (ADC).

Others are; Gloria Oghenerioborue Umukotete – Fed House of Rep Ughelli/Udu (PPA), Edafe Unuezi Oduh – Fed House of Rep Isoko (ADP), Austine Oghogho Okakor – Fed House of Rep Isoko (SDP), Yerindideke Mulade – Fed House of Rep Bomadi/Patani (SDP), Kennedy Markson Sanene – Fed House of Rep Bomadi/Patani (ADP), Chuks Okpunor – DTHA Aniocha South (ADP), Anthony E. Okubo – DTHA Bomadi (ADP).

Tam Oburumu – DTHA Bomadi (YPP), Moses Yerins Fiemotonghan – DTHA Burutu 1 (ADP), Binebai Beecroft – DTHA Burutu 1 (YPP), Dike Amen Millah  – DTHA Burutu (ADC), Maxwell Ogor – DTHA Isoko South 1 (ADP), Godfrey Ovie – DTHA Isoko 1 (Labour), Orevaoghene McDonald Olodia – DTHA Isoko South 2 (PPA), Ikemefuna Anyasi – DTHA Oshimili North (ADP), Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin – DTHA Sapele (ADP), Destiny Onojaine – DTHA Sapele (YPP), Andrew Ukpebitere – DTHA Ughelli North 1 (Labour), Igho Ruona Ugbegu – DTHA Ughelli North 1 (SDP) were also present.

Paul Okparohwo Omuophu – DTHA Ughelli South (ADP), Blessing Owhe – DTHA Ughelli South (PPA), David Enawore – DTHA Uvwie (AAC), Omayeli Okotie Omayeli – DTHA Warri North (YPP), Barry Eboma – DTHA Warri South 1 (YPP), Armstrong Yomere (Rep) – DTHA Warri South 1 (ADC) and Amorighoye Otah (Rep) - DTHA Warri South 2 (SDP) also attended.

The coalition vows to deploy drones, apps and modern technology to combat election rigging in order to secure victory for its members.

The movement promised to use modern campaign strategies to combat the known electoral methods being used by the opponents.

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Uduaghan prays for Okowa on birthday

WARRI - THE immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has prayed for wisdom, patience and spirit of discernment for Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to pilot the affairs of the state and that of his party at this critical period as his birthday wishes.

Uduaghan, a dedicated Baptist offered the prayers yesterday in his social media Facebook message to Okowa.

The birthday which had many follow up birthday wishes read,  "Happy birthday to my brother, friend and Governor,  HE Sen.(Dr) Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State.

"You are celebrating your birthday this year at a very critical period  in the history of our dear country,  Nigeria. A period in which multiple security challenges have become a source of concern. 

"A period in which religious harmony has become a challenge. A period of build up in political activities that will eventually lead to elections. 

"As the Governor of Delta State, and a leading member of the main opposition party, the PDP, you are going to be involved in critical decisions and activities that will stabilise this nation. 

"It is my sincere prayers that the Grace and Mercy of God will give you the wisdom, critical mind, knowledge, patience & the spirit of discernment to be a major contributor in seeing the nation through. 

"May God also equip you with a lot of wisdom to lead Delta State through this period. Happy celebration."

Uduaghan adjudged as the most polished politician in Delta State, had earlier on Saturday wished his senatorial rival Sen. James Manager, great birthday wishes.

Despite the alleged ill treatments Uduaghan has been accorded by his party leadership, he still exudes love and patience, an act that draw people to him daily.

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Use social media for development as Isoko is doing, Uduaghan charges Delta ethnic groups

WARRI - THE immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday narrated how Isoko people have put Facebook to judicious use and as instrument of development, urging others to learn from it.

The former Governor made the explanation while paying tribute to the Advocacy Group on his Facebook account.

It could be recalled that Uduaghan as a Governor gave Umeh, an agrarian Isoko community a 7km road and school projects through a Facebook advocacy group, Umeh Needs Road.

According to him, "I had opened my Facebook sometime back. I was not really active on it. As Governor, I used to go in once in a while, but hardly posted anything serious and hardly contributed to debates. My friends where quite few. 

"Some time in August 2011, I remember accepting a friend request from One “Duncan”. I thought it was the same Duncan that gave me headache in my 1st election ( that Duncan is my friend now). It turned out to be Barr Afahokor Akpovienehe Duncan, whom l did not even know then. 

"While looking through his posts, I saw a message "If the 7km road to Umeh is tarred, the agricultural produce from Umeh can feed Nigeria" (May not be the exact words he used). That message attracted my attention and I started exchanging messages with him. 

"By the next day, when I came back to my Facebook page, he had opened a Facebook group called "Umeh Needs Road" (UNR). I immediately joined and the debate on the road started. I was up until about 3am from about 11pm. Some of the participants doubted if I was the one personally handling the page.

"Anyway, by 3am I had made up my mind to personally go and check the road by morning. I put a call through to my SSG that night and by about 9am that morning, we were on the Umeh road. 

"However, we couldn't go far because the road was virtually not passable. That was the beginning of the process that led to the construction of the road/bridge, that involved virtually everyone in the group. 

"The day to day info on the construction was always in the group. Some other issues outside the road were also raised, which I or my officials had to respond to. The Umeh people were deeply involved and they were enthusiastic. They also got a brand new school.

"Fast track to early this year, there was the  1% only budget provision for Isoko. I understand that the Isoko Monitoring Group, had alerted UNR officials on this. Immediately UNR started the ADVOCACY and every Isoko son and daughter got involved. 

"The result? Again the Delta State Governor -Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, was forced to come down to Isoko. Today, the gain is the on-going construction of Erowa and Irri Grammar School roads, and of course resumption of work on the Asaba-Ughelli dualisation.

"As I sat at the commissioning of Isoko House at Oleh on Saturday, it occurred to me that UNR had again brought the Governor, closer to the Isoko people, as the early completion of the Isoko House was also one of the gains of that advocacy. 

“Social media ADVOCACY through UNR brought two Governors to Isoko. UNR has been involved in other areas of advocacy especially on health issues.

"In UNR, there are well laid down rules and regulations. No insults, no hate posts, no abusive words, no blackmail, no rumour mongering. 

"There are lessons for all of us to learn from the success of UNR in advocacy. Either as individuals or groups, let our social media advocacy yield positive results because around the world, it is constructive engagement that brings about government or international agencies’ attention.”

DELTA 2019: My aspirations is not ethnic based - UDUAGHAN

WARRI - IMMEDIATE past governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday, said his aspiration to represent the people of Delta South senatorial district is not ethnic based but anchored on his capacity.

The former governor also proffered solution to the Niger Delta agitation stressing that laws should be made by the national assembly to ensure the protection of host communities in the region.

Speaking during a media parley with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, NUJ, Warri correspondent chapel, Uduaghan hinted with the political equation of the three ethnic groups in the district, “It is the turn of the Itsekiri nation to produce the next senator representing the district come 2019.”

He said: “I have decided to run but I have not declared yet. The reason I have decided to run for senate is because I have the capacity, knowledge, experience and contacts to do the needful in the senate.

“This is not anchored on the fact that am an Itsekiri, as I would be representing not just the Itsekiri nation but the Ijaw and Isoko nation. Having contested election in 25 local government areas, I believe contesting elections in 8 local councils would not be stressful.”

Suggesting ideas for lasting peace in the Niger Delta, the former governor hinted that the need to enact laws that would protect the host communities in the region, saying, “Without these laws, it would be difficult to achieve peace in the region.”

He said: “Though not everyone would be happy with these laws, in the long run, everyone in the country would benefit because there would be peace in the Niger Delta leading to an increase in oil production.”

Omafuaire gets kinsmen blessings for his aspiration

House of Representatives Aspirant for Ughelli /Udu federal constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire yesterday, 8th April, 2018 at his home town, Akperhe-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State officially gets his community blessings and support for his ambition.

Speaking before the several hundred brethren of his kinsmen made up of elderly men and  women as well as youths, the seasoned journalist stated that he was in the race to effectively represent the people.

He maintained that he was in the race to liberate the people from the grip of poor leadership, inept representation that have held the people captive for a long time.

The quintessential Omafuaire stated that with their support,mobilization and prayers, he is assured of victory.

While praying for him on behalf of the community, Pa Isaac Efekunu prayed that God almighty would bless and guide him, protect and secure victory for him.

Earlier Pastor Solomon Diemukaye assisted by Pastor ThankGod Oyibu held a powerful prayer section declaring Omafuaire victory ahead.

The large and overwhelming turnout and participation in the meeting is a clear indication that his ambition is highly supported by his people.
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Reps hopeful charges youths to probe political leaders on stewardship

By Ibebe Rufus Akpobome

UGHELLI - PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP,  House of Representatives hopeful for Udu/Ughelli Federal Constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire has urged youths to task their representatives to give account of their stewardship. 

Omafuaire made the call Friday in Ughelli, Delta State, during a meeting with youths from the constituency.

He noted that the poor representation being witnessed in the constituency was due to lack of accountability by those in public offices. 

The youth, the aspiring Rep Member noted, owe a duty to X-ray their representatives' performance against the achievements of their counterparts in other constituencies.

"Ask them how much they have received over the years and how much is the worth of projects they have executed. You will be ashamed as to the stark realities. You must raise pertinent questions if we will move forward.

"Check the worth and quality of the projects they have executed, look at their various budgets because we are determined for positive change." Omafuaire added. 

He charged the youths against collecting meal tickets from desperate politicians who have failed woefully and are doing everything in last minute rush to induce support.

The fiery Journalist tasked the youths and indeed all constituents to question the last minute projects being executed in their domain to ascertain their worth and quality.

Omafuaire revealed that the wind of change about to blow must be youth driven. "Stop defending their failures, and instead ask them to give account of their stewardship." he stressed. 

He promised to give effective and efficient representation if given the mandate to represent the constituency. 

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NUJ Delta throws weight behind Omafuaire

ASABA - THE Delta State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists yesterday in Asaba, the State Capital threw its weight behind the candidature of one of its members contesting the House of Representatives seat for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire.

The Union at its congress in Asaba welcomed the idea of one of its members taking a shot at the exalted green chambers,  saying that it would make formal declaration on Omafuaire's ambition.

Comrade Michael Ikeogwu during the Congress called on all journalists in the State to see Omafuaire election as a duty for all. He added that if others are qualified to run for such office, a journalist is even more qualified to be supported.

He noted that Omafuaire who is also a Senior Journalist cum  lawyer stand the chances of making it as the former National President of the NUJ,  Senator Smart Adeyemi who led the union and did creditably well at the red chambers.

Ikeogwu urged all journalists in the state to give Omafuaire campaign a wide coverage as the project will enhance the growth of the Union.

Other members who spoke extol the rare qualities of Omafuaire and stated that they are optimistic that Omafuaire is the real deal,  calling on all political leaders in the State to support Omafuaire.

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Armed bandits attacked Gas Station owner in Irri

OLEH - THERE was tension yesterday early morning as armed robbers numbering about five stormed the sleepy Irri Community to attacked an owner of petrol and gas stations.

The attack which took almost two hours was unchallenged by vigilante and security personnel covering the area. 

According to our source who witnessed the robbery incident, he said that the bandits struck immediately power was cut off from the area at about 2.53am.

"The incident came as shock because power supply was cut off barely two minutes when the shooting started. 

"We initially thought it was vigilante but the sporadic shooting was like a war going on.  They went to the Chief's house and were shooting indiscrimately and giving orders that they should open the gate. 

"The Chief escaped through the fence before they broke through his tenant abode to gain access. 

"The tenant, a lawyer was hit on the head with a gun,  collected his phones,  money and wife's jewellery box before making for the next compound.

"After robbing the next compound they went round the whole area shooting indiscrimately without any opposition till almost 5am before they left. " our source stated. 

We gathered that the Chief sustained serious injuries in his escape and was alone when the incident occurred. 

It was gathered that after about 7am, vigilante members then came and we're shooting into the air many hours after the robbery incident when they found about 16 bullets that the bandits left behind. 

Calls to the Council Chairman on the incident was not returned same with mobile text messages sent to him. 

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2019: Why Okowa will win with ease - Omafuaire

WARRI - THE People's Democratic Party,  PDP,  House of Representatives hopeful for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire has said that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa will win the coming 2019 election with ease. 

Omafuaire made the assertion yesterday in Warri while dismissing insinuations that the opposition, All Progressive Party, APC is bracing up for a serious challenge. 

The aspirant pointed to the performance of the Governor and the formidable structures of PDP in the State as the key factors that will work for him. 

According to him,  "Hate him or like him,  Okowa has done well, if you check his work in relation to the prevailing economic situation. Again, Okowa has brought sanity into government and civil service with digitalization which has eliminated the ghost workers menace. 

"Going through the 25 local government,  you will see his imprints unlike some Governors who will use state money in erecting foreigners statutes and creating laughable ministries. 

"PDP is the dominant party with concrete structures in the 25 local government councils. The opposition is on a dress rehearsal, debilitated in strategy, insipid in their approach, and leaving in pretence. 

"The many factions existing in the opposition is enough indication of what the outcome would be. Taking photographs in party has not healed their translucent differences.  Let's all join hands and support Okowa."  he stated. 

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Corruption and insecirity: Ohworode calls for repentance

WARRI - THE Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Dr. R. L. Ogbon,  OON, Monday called on President Muhammad Buhari and Governors to allow God dictate their decisions as the issue of insecurity has reached an unbearable level. 

The Ohworode made the call during his 30th coronation anniversary celebration and said that the problems of Nigeria was caused by privileged leaders ruling without the fear of God. 

The oldest monarch in the world stressed that all hands must be on deck to clean the country and call for change of heart.

The Royal Canon further called on Nigerians to pray sincerely and repent so that God can forgive our iniquities. 

The Ohworode of Olomu commend the Delta State Governor,  Dr.  Ifeanyi Okowa for his tremendous impact and call for further support to enable continue the good work. 

The revered King calls on all Olomu people to unite having won the pending litigation at the court of Appeal in Benin-City on 17th January.

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Towards the 2019 elections

Towards good representation


Our dear good people of Ughelli North,  Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency, if what some people are brandishing is what they call good representation,  then you have to open your eyes.


The 2019 election is an opportunity to cast away dead leaves, poor leadership, insipid representation and right the mistakes of the past


Lawmaking is a serious business that requires a serious minded and grounded fellow.


We surely need transparency and accountability in constituency projects allocation.


We need to be part of the laws that should be made for our good,  not just any law but the one that impact us positively.


We need a voice as a representative and not an absentee, banal, meh, and shopworn person who will use our mandate to cover up for illicit businesses.


We need active, lively,  vibrant,  articulate, resourceful, quintessential, accountable, intelligent and responsible representative.


We offer you a lawyer,  journalist, union leader, community leader, a grassroot mobiliser and a humble dogged messenger with the fear of God.


He is Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire,  a graduate of the University of Benin, NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel Chairman. An Olomu Prince, bred and fortified in Urhobo culture.


A good product sell itself and need no branding.


Vote Omafuaire Hope 2019


Together we can!

Omafuaire congratulates Ibori, charges him to support young people

By Ibebe Akpobome Rufus

UGHELLI - THE House of representatives hopeful for Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency, Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire yesterday congratulated Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State for bagging the Tiemowei of Kabowei Kingdom chieftaincy title from HRM Shedrack Erebulu, Pere of Kabowei Kingdom.

Omafuaire in a congratulatory message in Ughelli calls on the former Governor to use the new title given by a young King as an avenue to supporting young, vibrant and dedicated people. 

The vibrant Journalist stressed that Ibori deserves the honour bestowed on him by the Kabowei king as his sterling qualities are rare to find.

"Ibori as one of our Alumni of the University of Benin has made many leaders and has a large heart. As a Governor, he stood tall where others quaked. 

"He is irrepressible and a great leader. A master strategist, and a light that cannot be quenched. I  call on him to be wary of sychophants who are trying to porn on his goodwill for selfish interest and not for public gain. 

"Ibori made many people who ought to do well and continue to build on his legacy but some became poor representatives and failed ambassadors. 

"In the coming election,  We call on him to ensure that those who had failed the party in their representation thereby giving the party a bad name are booted out and capable people are supported to build on his legacy." he stated.

Omafuaire thanked the Kabowei Monarch for giving honour to who honour is due, insisting that lawyers are special bred and the king has shown so with his great strides. 

The NUJ Warri Correspondents Chapel Chairman use the opportunity to call on the good people of Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency to ensure that they chose a true representative and not an absentee, incapable and docile person in 2019.

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House of Representatives hopeful congratulates Ohworode, Ubrurhen

                   

WARRI - THE 2019 Ughelli and Udu Federal Constituency hopeful,  Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire has congratulated HRM, Dr. R. L. Ogbon, JP,  the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom on his 30th anniversary on the throne. 

Omafuaire also congratulated the newly sworn in Secretary to Ughelli South Local Government Council,  Hon. Joseph Ubrurhen,  describing him as a round peg in a round hole. 

The aspirant gave the commendation yesterday in Ughelli during a strategic meeting with critical stakeholders.

Omafuaire described the royal father as a role model and inspirational to every human being. He enjoined all monarchs to imbibe his sterling qualities and dedication to God.

He prayed for many more years of peaceful reign of the Ohworode.

In the same vein, the House of Representatives hopeful stated that the choice of Ubrurhen as secretary to the local government was an act of God and a demonstrated charisma to excellence. 

"Ubrurhen is one of the finest bred with eye for accountability, leadership  coupled with finicking ability."

Omafuaire noted that with Ubrurhen in the council, that the Council Chairman is already a success,  insisting that "the soup that will satisfy is known with the eye."

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Buhari failure : Blame National Assembly - Omafuaire

WARRI - HOUSE of Representatives 2019 Hopeful for Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency , Comrade Akpokona Omafuaire has accused the National Assembly for any alleged failure of the President Muhammad Buhari administration for not doing its duty of checking and balancing. 

Omafuaire stated this yesterday in Warri in response to the question of how an effective National Assembly can bring about good governance in the country. 

The aspirant noted regrets that with the effective use of the constitutional powers vested upon the National Assembly to check and balance the executive arm,  the alleged failure of the President would not have been possible.

Omafuaire stated that only an effective connivance of the National Assembly with the Executive arm for selfish reasons that could make it possible for the Executive arm to undermine the powers they weild. 

He stressed that under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, that the National Assembly function is to make laws for peace, order and good governance including many other powers.

That if in the country today,  there is no peace,  security of lives and no order, culpability should be that of the National Assembly. 

Omafuaire wonders that the only reasonable explanation why the executive arm can with uncouth impunity, breach the constitutional duty of federal character in the appointment of security Chiefs amongst other which is leading to gross insecurity concerns today is because the legislative arm allowed it. 

He also took a swipe at the legislature for looking away as security issues which are solely in the exclusive legislative list are today being taken over by state because of the same failure as the states are now resorting to self help. 

Omafuaire charged the legislature to wake up from slumber to its role and close mark the excesses deaf executive arm to restore a little sense of decency in the governance of the country. 

He tasked the legislature to borrow a leaf from their peers in the developed world and know that their task vested upon them is enormous and not that of "I concur" to every act of the executive.

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