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Delta Governor Okowa Fires Communications Aide Latimore Oghenesivbe

okowa sacks Latimore Oghenesivbe

The governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has sacked Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe his Executive Assistant on Communications.

The governor made this known in a letter signed by his Secretary of State, Patrick Ukah, and dated the 29th of December. Okowa revealed his reason for firing Oghenesivbe to be “manifest recklessness and insubordination.”

“I write to convey to you the displeasure of his excellency, the governor of Delta state over your conduct with respect to the performance of your duties wherein there has been manifest, recklessness and insubordination. As this trend can never be tolerated, I regret to inform you that your service as Executive Assistance, Communication, is no longer required and your appointment is hereby terminated,” the official statement read in part.

Latimore Oghenesivbe’s sacking comes days after he criticized and castigated Okowa’s style of governance in an interview with a national radio station in Lagos State.

The former aide said that Okowa was letting himself be negatively influenced by “some greedy tribal bigots,” and as such, he (Oghenesivbe) was being denied certain benefits enjoyed by his colleagues just because he is not from the Ika region of the state, which he alleged the governor tends to favor more.

Latimore Oghenesivbe, in the interview, sang his own praises, saying that it is because of his efforts in executing his role as Communications aide to perfection that the governor has not received much criticism from opposition forces for the most part of his tenure which began in 2017. He further narrated how he had to turn down President Buhari’s job offer to him to serve as the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria just so he could instead work for Okowa’s administration.

Oghenesivbe bemoaned the governor’s unwillingness to make available to him the same benefits enjoyed by his colleagues despite his sacrifice of obliging him by ignoring the president’s job offer.

“As an active Eacgov and senior government official, I have no official car, no Secretary and no media assistants attached to my office, no driver. And no provision in my package to employ a personal assistant, and I have to do everything all by myself but my other colleagues enjoy all of these facilities,” Oghenesivbe lamented.

Read Also: Wike Sacks Health Commissioner Prof Princewill Chike

Latimore Oghenesivbe also complained of neglected road construction projects in his district Kokori while similar projects in other parts of the state have received funding and are already being executed.

He further criticized the governor saying “…What is good for the goose is also good for the gander. A good governor should necessarily be the governor for all Deltans in word and in action. I have no doubts in my mind that Governor Okowa will finish strong, but in finishing strong he would need to do adequate justice, and apply good conscience to all concerned.”

Despite his heavy criticism of Okowa’s administration, Oghenesivbe said he had no plans to resign from the government. However, it would seem as though the governor did not take likely his words hence his subsequent sack.

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EFCC to Arrest EezeeTee over Mercy Chinwo’s $340,000 Royalties

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reiterated that Ezekiel Thankgod, known as EezeeTee, must appear before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi to answer allegations concerning Mercy Chinwo’s royalties.
The EFCC accuses Thankgod of laundering and dishonestly converting $340,000 in royalties meant for the gospel artiste.

According to the EFCC’s statement, Justice A. O. Owoeye ruled on Monday, February 17, 2025, that the defendant must appear in court to take his plea, setting March 6, 2025, as the next hearing date.

“The defendant, Ezekiel Thankgod, has consistently evaded arraignment despite multiple attempts by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate to serve him. This prompted the issuance of a warrant for his arrest on January 16, 2025,” the commission’s statement read.

The EFCC detailed that the former manager of Mercy Chinwo and the CEO of Eezee Global Concepts Limited are facing a three-count charge involving money laundering and dishonest royalties conversion.

One of the charges states that in 2023, Thankgod retained $260,494 in an EEZEE Global Ministry account with Zenith Bank, an amount allegedly linked to unlawful activity.

The EFCC prosecutor, Bilikisu Buhari, noted that the agency had been unable to serve the charges directly to Thankgod, as he remained unreachable.

However, on January 24, 2025, his defense counsel, Dr Monday Ubani, SAN, accepted service on his behalf but filed a preliminary objection to challenge the charges.

Justice Owoeye had previously adjourned the case for arraignment, but Thankgod failed to appear, opting to be represented by his counsel.

With the bench warrant still active, the EFCC insists that the accused must personally appear in court on March 6 to defend himself.

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AfDB President Hints At Possible Run For Nigerian Presidency

The outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has hinted at the possibility of running for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027, stating he is “available to serve” once his tenure at the bank concludes.

In an interview with Arise Television’s news host, Rufai Oseni, Adesina, who also served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture under former President Goodluck Jonathan, affirmed his commitment to national service, saying he is open to serving “globally, in Africa, anywhere, including my own country, Nigeria.”

When asked directly about his political ambitions, Adesina reflected on his deep attachment to Nigeria, recalling a moment when he chose to retain his Nigerian citizenship despite the opportunity to obtain a U.S. passport.

“I remember telling a colleague that this passport is a Nigerian passport, a green passport. I cannot and will never trade it for anything,” he said. “God did not make a mistake in making me a Nigerian. He didn’t make a mistake in making me an African.”

Expressing his passion for public service, Adesina noted that his ultimate source of happiness is witnessing a transformative change in people’s lives.

Drawing a parallel with Nigerian pop artist Davido’s hit song, ‘Unavailable,’ Adesina playfully remarked, “I would ask Davido to change that song—‘I am available, they will see me.’”

Adesina was first elected as AfDB President in 2015 and secured re-election for a second term in 2020. His tenure at the continental financial institution has been marked by a focus on economic development, infrastructure financing, and poverty alleviation across Africa.

While he did not declare his candidacy for the 2027 presidential race, his remarks have fueled speculation about his political future.

His track record and reputation as an economic reformer have long positioned him as a potential contender for Nigeria’s highest office.

As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts towards the next general elections, Adesina’s latest remarks may signal a move towards a more defined political role.

Whether he formally declares his ambition remains to be seen, but his message was clear: he is ready to serve in any capacity that aligns with his vision for change

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga Passes On

Veteran Nollywood actor, Columbus Irosanga, popularly known for his role as a native doctor is dead.

His death was announced on Instagram on Thursday by fellow movie star, Hilda Dokubo.

Sharing the news, Dokubo wrote, “There can’t be a shortage of angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this na! This one is heavy on Uniport Rivers State Nollywood.”

Beyond acting, he was a senior lecturer at the Department of Theatre Arts, University of Port Harcourt.

His most notable film roles include Issakaba (2003) and 7 Kilometre (2015).

Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (AMAA), Best Actor in a Drama (City People Entertainment Awards), Most Promising Actor in Nigeria (AMVCA), and Best Actor in a Leading Role (Best of Nollywood Awards).

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