Delta to probe ex-director for alleged encroachment on forest reserve

Mourns second republic senator, Nosike Ikpo
Delta State Government has ordered the Head of Service to investigate a retired director in the Ministry of Environment for allegedly encroaching on and selling part of Okpe-Urhobo forest reserve.

Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, said the State Executive Council gave the directive after considering the report of the Judicial Panel of Enquiry into the forest reserve crisis, which indicted the former director.

Speaking in Asaba at the weekend, Aniagwu said the state government had scrapped the taskforce that had been harassing land developers under the guise of public property protection.

He also stated that the council approved the expansion and rehabilitation of the 2.1km Orhunwhorun Road in Udu Council of the state at N398.2m, adding that the project would commence from Orhunwhorun to the Delta Steel Company (DSC) in Ovwian, Alaja.

MEANWHILE Governor Okowa, yesterday, commiserated with the family of second republic senator, Nosike Ikpo, who died on Saturday at the age of 88.

Governor Okowa said he received the news of the octogenarian politician and former Chairman, Delta North Leaders Forum’s death with sadness.

He extended his condolences to the Ibusa Community adding that Ikpo was a vocal voice in the Senate between 1979 and 1983 and contributed immensely to the creation of Delta State.

He said the late Ikpo served the country and humanity with his strength and talents, noting that the deceased was a worthy leader of the Anioma nation.

“We have lost a great man, whose contributions to the growth and development of Delta and Nigeria can best be described as inspirational and worthy of emulation.

“The late Ikpo will be remembered for redefining service and patriotism in Nigeria’s development. He will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he touched in several ways.

“I, therefore, urge all to take solace in the fact that the late Ikpo lived a life of integrity and great accomplishments,” the statement reads.