Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state
Yesterday morning, I got a call from a journalist friend to confirm a story that the Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa slumped in his office and was taken out.
I was shocked at the news and told him to disregard it. I went to the government house quickly to confirm for myself and asked about the governor. I got the answer.
As an investigative wandering soul, I decided to make more enquiries if truly the governor was sick and taken out for treatment. One thing was however certain, Okowa can’t be sick and his Principal Secretary, Hilary Ibegbulem won’t be with him wherever he was taken to.
On Sunday, from 6:30pm to 11:48pm, I was with Hilary from where we went to sit out till we drove to his house where we discussed the USA debate that was to take place by 2am til I left him to my hotel room. Okowa cannot be sick and Hilary will be sitting comfortably in his house.
I was in government house the next day and it was busy as usual. I asked about the governor but he was not on sit. I was surprised when someone sent me a text to confirm if Okowa slumped and I replied in the negative. This morning, Deltans especially the opposition are already spreading the evil news.
Here is the true story, not told me by Hilary but from my own private investigation.
Last week, one of the tiles in the office fell on his leg while he was in the bathroom which injured him a little. Okowa is known to hate drawing sympathy to himself and instead of coming to office on Monday or going to functions with injury, where the loving people of Deltans will be saying “sorry your Excellency”, he decided to treat himself in the house. When did such become an illness or slump?
Okowa is currently in government house Hale and hearty. He cannot go to the office now as the bathroom is under renovation. He’s in governor’s lodge which is less than five minutes walk to his office and treating files.
Why are we this wicked as a people that exaggerate things that are not true? Do we now wish the governor evil when we should be praying for him? Okowa will not and never hide his illness from the people he governs if he was ill. Okowa will not play secrecy with his health.
I will be going to the government house in few hours time and will take pictures of him to show those doubting Thomases.
Recall that Sahara Reporters had alleged that the Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, reportedly slumped over last Wednesday at the government house in Asaba, claiming that the Governor who was billed to attend the World Teachers Day celebration at the cenotaph last Wednesday, slumped over at his office preventing his attendance.
The State Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to governor, Charles Aniagwu had since debunked the story claiming it was not true.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Dr. (Mrs) Agnes Olojoba
THE Delta State School of Health Technology (DESCOHTECH) , Ofuoma, ranks among the best colleges of Health Technology in the country, but the Provost of the institution, Mrs. Dr. (Mrs) Agnes Olojoba has plunged the revered school into a business cartel with support of key personalities in Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led government.
According to undeniable proof, the Provost of the institution, Dr. (Mrs) Agnes Olojoba has virtually ran the school aground having been indicted ofmisappropriating over a hundreds million naira accruing to the institution, a recent Delta state audit report has proven.
There are also clear indications that she is determined, with the help of her cronies in government, to initiate the exit of the Governing Council, School of Health Technology, Ofuoma (DESCOHTECH), headed by Dr. (Pharm.) Nelson Ejakpovi, who is presently said to be out of the country. Some members of the Governing Council, include Dr Chris Oharisi and Hon, Sunny Tatauzugu, among others.
A source at the institution disclosed that “the Governing Council of the institution which was constituted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, seems to be on a close check of her activities and she does not want anything like that, having been solely in charge. She is making frantic efforts to ensure the dissolution of the Governing Council.”
Pharm. Ejakpovi, who was Secretary to the Medical Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the governorship campaigns in Delta State, is on his third coming as Chairman, Governing Council of this institution.
Delta State School of Health Technology (Delsotech) came into being, following the creation of Delta state on 27th August 1991, also allowing the State Government to commence the execution of its own health care delivery services to the benefit of the citizens of the state.
Provost of the institution, Dr. (Mrs) Agnes Olojoba who had previously congratulated Governor Okowa for the constitution of the Governing Council, had made a u-turn, having realised that the huge sums accruing to her personally is no longer enough.
The lid on her nefarious activities in the running of the institution, was however blown open when the school under her watch was audited and it was discovered that she has illegally embezzled over N100 million in clear terms.
Dr. (Mrs) Agnes Olojoba has deliberately avoided media contacts, despite efforts made by our investigative reporter.
The school trains Middle Health Care Manpower under the Primary Health Care Sector of the economy.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro (right) & NUT boss, Comrade Jemirieyigbe Jonathan
Delta state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has approved the release of funds for the immediate payment of backlog of salaries owed teachers in both primary and secondary schools in the state.
Governor Okowa, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, at the celebration of World Teachers Day on Wednesday, in Asaba, said the state government has given approval and the release money for the immediate payment of salary of teachers, 2015/16 promotion of both primary and secondary school teachers, reinstatement of the deleted names of those on payroll and others.
While saying that the union has displayed remarkable statesmanship in this very trying period, the governor assured that his administration will continue to strive to improve the welfare of teachers in the state and also create more conducive learning climate in the educational institution.
He however, promised that things will pick up when the financial crisis confronting Nigeria’s economy improves, just as he thanked the teachers, as well as the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) executives for shelving the planned strike for last month, noting that it was a good indication of their willingness and readiness to partner with the state government to deliver good and quality education by ensuring that school calendar is not disrupted.
Teachers in Delta state, had earlier through the state wing chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Jemirieyigbe Jonathan, requested Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to respond swiftly to it and the immediate payment of their May and July 2016 salaries before it culminate into an industrial dispute.
They threatened that their union has prepared to fight the “principalities” frustrating the educational system in the state and Nigeria at large, urging the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), to furnish the state government with the information of indebtedness to primary school teachers.
Although, they lauded the favourable disposition of the state government to some issues, they wondered why Governor Ifeanyi Okowa failed to pay the N89 million teachers’ salary since May warning that his members in the state deserve a sense of value and an improved status.
The aggrieved teachers further decried the stance of Governor Okowa towards the upward review of graduate teachers’ promotion to grade level 15 and above, and called a probe of the ongoing screening of workers in the state by Hercabella that led to the deletion of some teachers’ names from the payroll.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Hon. Chijioke Nwanze–
The recent publication in The Pointer Newspaper of Tuesday, September 20, 2016 on Pages 18 and 19 captioned “Chief Nwacheli Installed Okpala-Ukwu Of Abala kingdom” has drawn the anger of the people of the kingdom. As an indigene, former councilor and an enlightened personality, one would have ignored the story as portrayed, but for the fact that the newspaper is a government mouth piece and the public may be swayed by the complete misrepresentation of facts by the publishers.
The position of Okpala-Ukwu is common among the Anioma people of Delta State and it is traditionally occupied by the oldest man in a community. The oldest man is chosen by God and not man. The said Chief Nwacheli is neither the oldest nor second-in-command in the kingdom. In addition, regency is foreign to Abala kingdom as the people have no monarchial rulership but the king is selected from among the three ruling houses in Dukwenze Quarters of Abala-Uno. At the demise of a king, the eldest man presides over community traditional meetings.
A little revelation suffices at this juncture. Presently the oldest Okpala of Abala-Uno is Chief Daniel Uzolie Nwaefulu of Diakpulu Quarters, followed by Chief Odozie Ugulu, the Okpala of Umu Iyasele-Oje, followed by Chief Jacob Ezeobi, the Okpala of Umuoshele Quarters before the said Omordi Nwacheli Ikeopia Nwadishi as Okpala of Umu Nkini. He is fourth in command. He is not the Okpala-Uku of Abala, and not a regent as portrayed in the report.
In recent years, some mischievous individuals have arrogated to themselves, powers to distort the history and tradition of the people. Such actions have reflected in the fractionalization of the traditional institution and the leadership of the town’s union.
This development has cast a clog in the development of Abala kingdom as individuals with strong desire to either invest or execute developmental projects were forced into their shells.
The recent kangaqroo and purported installation of one Chief Nwacheli as Okpala-Uku of Abala kingdom is one of the gimmicks of these individuals to further cause disaffection in Abala kingdom.
Abala kingdom is made up of three communities namely: Abala-Uno, Abala-Oshimili and Abala-Obodo (not Abala-Ugada as falsified in the publication). Ugada is just a Quarter in Abala-Obodo.
Abala Oshimili and Abala-Obodo migrated from Abala-Uno.
Abala-Uno is made up of four major quarters namely: Dukwenze, Diakpulu, Ishubom and Umuoshele/Ugada quarters. It is a fallacy to state that all four quarters are sons of one parent – Abalam Ala and his wife Akuba. It is only Dukwenze descendants that are addressed as Umu-Akuba. Diakpulu descendants are addressed as Umu-Ekwe, Ishubom as Umu-Oma, while Umu-Oshele and Ugada are addressed as Agidi and Obo Amilekwe respectively. There are proofs that the different quarters in Abala have no common feast, all feasts are specifically owned by different quarters.
It is a lie that Diakpulu is the second son of Abalam-Ala, Ishubom third and Umu-Oshele/Ugada fourth. If they were all children of one parent, why are only Dukwenze descendants crowned as kings of Abala.
It is also not true to say that Abalam-Ala and the wife, Akuba arrived in the town called Abala today. Abalam-Ala and his wife Akuba never saw Abala land before their death. That is the reason why the gods of Abala land is exclusively served by Umu-Iyasele Ojeh royal family. So also the gods of the only river of Abala (Ezute) which encouraged all citizens to settle in Abala is exclusively served by same Umu-Iyasele Ojeh royal family of Dukwenze. What is the meaning of having such exclusive right – it is an ownership right.
The origin of this distorted history was from late Odua S.O. Egbunkonye and aided by late E.F. Ogbukaa when the entire Abala were virtually asleep.
Dukwenze Quarter is made up of three royal families namely: Umu-Odume family, Umu-Iyalsele Ojeh and Umu-Nkini. The traditional ruler of Abala exclusively comes from Dukwenze and the three families are equally eligible to be enthroned as Igwe of Abala, if unanimously selected by the three family heads.
The issue of regent is foreign to the tradition of kingship in Abala kingdom. The Traditional Rulers and Chiefs’ Edict Of 1979 section 16 (1) and (2) states the appointment of a regent.
16. (1)”Where a traditional title which is hereditary by primogeniture is vacant and the hair-apparent to the title is a minor or does not ascend the throne immediately after the title becomes vacant, the executive council may approve the appointment of a person or persons as request….
2. Any appointment made and approved under section (1) of this section shall cease to be effective on the date on which the hair-apparent to the traditional ruler title attains the age of eighteen years. This is the position of regent.
Abala kingship is not hereditary and therefore cannot have a regent and that has never happened in the history of Abala. If a king dies in Abala, nobody can predict who comes next because it is by selection not hereditary.
ORIGIN OF OKPALA-UKWU OF UMU NKINI
The three royal families in Dukwenze are headed by three eldest surviving men called Okpala. But a time came, out of greed, the Nkini family alone split into seven Okpalas representing family lineages and each busied himself crowning their children as kings indiscriminately, until a powerful king, Eze Egbunkonye of Umu-Nkini was crowned and he decreed to families that all deities being served by all the seven Okpalas should be handed over to the eldest Okpala of the family. He further directed that the eldest should be addressed as the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini. This is evidenced in a letter addressed to the Director of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mid-Western Nigeria dated July 14, 1964 and signed by Ngwei Nwoji as Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini, Adigwe Ngechi also signed as second Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini. None signed as a regent.
It is important to point out that the position of Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini is now contrived to be imposed on Abala people. Every right thinking indigene should resist this imposition
Many Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini existed when no kings were reigning, yet none was installed as regents. Okpala-Uku Agbedi of Umu-Nkini was alive for years before Igwe Ezefili came onboard as a king. He was not a regent. Igwe Ezefili died in 1994 and Chief Ochia became the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini and was never installed by the “wise” Umu-Nkini sons and daughters as regent. Okpala-Uku Omeyi of Umu-Nkini lived also when there was no king in Abala and also was not installed as Regent.
Things in Abala started to change when a few power-drunk from Umu Nkini family sponsored Okpala-Uku Richard Nwanachi of Umu-Nkini into assuming the post of a regent but was shocked after he was rejected by the Ndokwa East Local Government Area Traditional Council Committee, citing section 16 of the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs’ Edict Of 1979. The said Okpala died recently, less than two months after the embarrassment.
As if the death of the last Okpala (Nwanachi) was not enough lessons, the same persons deceived the next Okpala-Uku of Umu Nkini – (Nwacheli Ikeopia Nwadishi) and purportedly installed him as regent. They addressed him in a language he never understood that was why in his address, he thanked Abala citizens present for “Choosing Him”. He realized he was addressed in borrowed robes. Ironically, Okpala-Uku is not chosen by man but God.
Presently the Okpala-Uku of Abala-Uno is Chief Daniel Uzolie Nwaefulu of Diakpulu Quarters, Abala-Uno, followed by Chief Odozie Ugulu of Umu Iyasele Oje, followed by Chief Jacob Ezeobi, of Umuoshele Quarters before Omordi Nwacheli Ikeopia, who is the Okpala-Ukwu of Umu Nkini, presiding over the other family Okpalas. He is fourth in command in Abala kingdom. He is not the Okpala-Ukwu of Abala kingdom and not a regent.
In the event that a reigning king dies, the entire community shifts all meetings to the eldest man in the community (Okpala-Uku). Examples were Okpala-Uku, Uzor Uku of Umu-Oshele/Ugada Quarters, Oshele Anukwu of Umushele/Ugada, Udawai of Umu Iyasele Ojeh, Nwaebichi of Umu-Nkini, Ebili of Umu-Odume, Nwabueze of Umu-Odume and Ezeatu of Umu-Odume, among others.
These people were Okpala Uku of Abala when no kings were on the throne and the entire community assembled in their compounds, peacefully, for meetings.
None of this Okpala-Ukus was addressed as His Royal Highness (HRH).
To show the level of power drunkenness of these persons, the Iyase Onowu (Traditional Prime Minister) of Abala kingdom, Chief Uche E. Nwadialor, was recently written that he is subject to the Okpala of Umu-Nkini. When will this misinformation and misrepresentation of facts end.
Finally, it is not true to say that the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini installed all past kings and Ofor Nze always returned to the Okpala of Umu-Nkini after an Igwe’s death. The Okpala-Uku of Umu-Odume installed Eze Onyeamali, the OKpala-Uku of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh installed Eze Adimone, the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh installed Eze Uzorka, the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh installed Eze F.C. Iyasele. The Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini installed Eze Ezefili also the Okpala-Uku of Umu-Nkini installed Eze Ogbukaa. Who gave Eze Adimone of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh the Ofor Nze with which he ruled? Who gave Eze Onyeamali of Umu-Odume the Ofor Nze with which he ruled? Who gave Eze Uzorka of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh the Ofor Nze with which he ruled? Who gave Eze Iyasele of Umu-Iyasele Ojeh the Ofor Nze with which he ruled? Who in Umu-Iyasele Ojeh or Umu Odume returned Ofor-Nze to any Okpala of Umu Nkini?
These facts are verifiable and the people of Abala can attest to these facts.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The National Coordinator of African Peace Ambassadors Network (APAN) Inc., Rev. Chukwudi Eke, has enjoined all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious and ethnic differences, to maintain and sustain the peace that our founding fathers fought to realize before and after the independence of our dear nation.
He made the remarks during the peace rally, summit and press conference that APAN held in celebration of this year’s World Peace Day in Asaba.
Rev. Eke, who is the immediate past Commissioner representing Ndokwa people on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), recalled that in 2001, the United Nations’ General Assembly adopted a new resolution 55/282 declaring 21 September of each year as the international day of peace.
He explained that “the intention of the resolution is to have the entire world observe a day of peace and non-violence. It’s a day that armed violence is to be stilled; a day for combatants to cease fire, commit to non-violence and peaceful resolution of conflicts and disputes. It is a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.”
The national Coordinator of APAN explained that “though this year’s global theme is ‘The Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace,’ we are localizing the theme to be ‘Peace building begins with Me.’”
He, therefore, called on all aggrieved people and groups, including the Niger-Delta militants and pro-Biafra group, to seek dialogue and cease from violence and destruction of lives and properties. He stated that “though the groups are struggling for genuine causes, there’s need to pursue right causes through peaceful dialogue.
We, also, urge the government to positively consider the reasons for which our peace, unity and progress are threatened; and proactively do something more positive and inclusive to sustain the peace.”
Rev. Eke succinctly remarked that, “Together we can make our neighbourhoods and nation more peaceful. And the process of peacebuilding for sustainable development begins with each one of us. Yes, peace process begins with me and you as stakeholders.”
The organization, APAN, mobilized people and many NGOS from different walks of life to join them in celebrating this year’s World Peace Day, by rallying round the city of Asaba, trekking for peace; sensitizing the people, organizing lectures and symposium in schools, creating more awareness that will lead to more peace and unity in our families, communities and in the state and nation as a whole.
Some of the civil society organizations that collaborated with APAN included International Centre for Women Empowerment & Child Development (CWECD), Core Delta Youths (CDY) Initiative, Integrity for Leadership Inc., Foundation for Conservation of the Earth (FOCONE), Delta Patriots Inc., and Coalition of Ndokwa Peace Ambassadors (CONPA) among many others.
First and foremost, I want to commend my friend Baile S. Golly Debi for choosing this theme: “HOW TO GROW YOUR MONEY.” Nearly everyone wants to grow his or her money, but few people actually know what they need to do in order to achieve it. Growing your money takes a combination of four i’s: (1) INDEPENDENCE (2) INCREASE your net worth (3) INCOME should be spent wisely and (4) INVEST earlier than later.
(1) INDEPENDENCE: If you want to grow your money, first become independent financially. For example, someone working as a salesboy or a salesgirl has a fixed salary at the end of every month, regardless of his or her commitment to the business of his or her employer. If they should start a business of their own, their income will no longer be static or come at the end of the month. James 4:3 says that people ask but do not receive, because they ask amiss. Any financially dependent person that is praying to God for a higher income is obviously asking amiss, because when God answers his prayer it is his employer that will actually smile to the bank.
Instead of praying to God for a higher income that you may not benefit from, you should start saving your present income until you have a reasonable amount of money. Then you can start up your own business and start praying to God for a higher income. A higher income is only for the financial independent, who dare to step out on their own. When you have started your own business, put in your very best and it will grow with time. As it grows, your money will also grow. The simple truth is that no one can love you like yourself, and no one can pay you like yourself.
(2) INCREASE YOUR NET WORTH: If you want to grow your money, increase your net worth. Your net worth is the value of everything you own minus the value of everything you owe. If you subtract your total liabilities from your total assets, you will arrive at your net worth. You need to study your net worth regularly. The idea is to increase your assets and reduce your liabilities.
(3) INCOME SHOULD BE SPENT WISELY: Nearly everyone gets money, but not everyone gets rich. For example, two employees working in a company get paid the same salary at the end of the month. What makes the difference in their lives in the years to come is how each of them will spend his income. One may spend his income carelessly on liabilities, while the other may invest his own in business and start making profit. Your income is meant to be used to increase your net worth, by increasing your assets and reducing your liabilities.
(4) INVEST EARLIER THAN LATER: Time is a very important factor when it comes to growing your money. For example, someone that invested in business five years ago cannot be on the same financial level with another person that starts investing today. The financial disparity is obviously caused by time.
It is not having a well-paid job that matters, but your ability to plan for the future which is uncertain. No one prays to lose his job, yet people lose their jobs every day. In a situation of retirement, what would you fall back on if you had not saved for the rainy day? Someone can have a well-paid job, but have a zero net worth. To be fired or retired with a zero net worth is to live a life of financial frustration and regret.
CONCLUSION
If you can handle the money you earn wisely no matter how meagre it is, by investing it, by saving it and by reducing your living expenses, you will definitely grow your money.
*ISAIAH OGHENEVWEGBA OGEDEGBE writes from Warri, Delta state. CONTACT: 08134836494
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Gov. Okowa
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has called on the Niger Delta Avengers and all militant groups in the Niger Delta to give peace a chance and halt all forms of attacks on oil pipelines and installations to enable relevant stakeholders address issues as it relates to their agitations.
This is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Friday, September 30, 2016.
While congratulating Deltans and Nigerians as they celebrate Nigeria’s 56th Independence anniversary, Governor Okowa extended best wishes of fifty-six years of self-rule and control, praying that the desires of our forgone heroes and the promises of independence be fulfilled in the lives of Nigerians especially at this time of economic recession.
He assured all Deltans, at home and abroad, of accelerated development in every area of the state as well as apparent improvement in the economic life of the people.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate Nigerians, Deltans on the occasion of our 56th Independence Anniversary Celebrations.
“As we celebrate Nigeria’s 56th independence anniversary and usher in the period of festivity, I urge all Deltans and indeed Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion to live in peace as Nigeria can only achieve the aspirations of her founding fathers if we live together in peace.
“I also use this medium to call on the Niger Delta Avengers and all militant groups in the Niger Delta to give peace a chance and halt all forms of attacks on oil pipelines and installations to enable relevant stakeholders address issues as it relates to their agitations.
“It is no longer news that our economy is currently in recession and our people are feeling the hardship but with our efforts towards realizatuon of the S.M.A.R.T. Agenda, our people should celebrate and entertain no fear, as we are about to experience prosperity for all Deltans, progress in the state as well as genuine improvement in the lives of Deltans”, he stressed.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
The All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has won the Edo State governorship election based on the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday.
Obaseki was declared winner of the election after polling 319, 483 votes, while his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, garnered 253, 173.
He edged out Ize-Iyamu with 66, 310 votes in the election held across Edo State on Wednesday.
A total of 1, 900, 223 voters registered for the election, while 622,039 were accredited.
The APC won in 13 out of the 18 local government areas of the state and the PDP triumphed in five.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Computer Crime
Prospective traders seeking space in the 920-store capacity Aba Mega Hall, Abia State, may lose their investment in the edifice as the contractors who executed the jobs, estimated at more than N2 Billion, have threatened court action to forestall moves to rent the shops.
They warned traders to steer clear of the structure until alleged fraudulent payments that trailed the projects are addressed and their contract sum is paid to them in full.
The mega mall was executed as a Private Public Partnership (PPP) project between the Abia State Government, Greenfield Assets Limited and First City Monument Bank (FCMB) on a tripartite arrangement with the Abia State Government providing the land at Osissioma Park, Aba, while the Greenfield Assets Limited is the developer and the FCMB the financier.
Spokesman of the contractors, Mr. Willie E. Ureki, told Journalists that the contractors resolved for a court action as recent development indicated that the developer had a game plan to defraud them of more than 80 percent of their investment in the project.
According to him, the 10 contractors that executed 92 shops each at the sum of N128.4 million, have received just a paltry sums, adding that the Group Managing Director of Greenfield Assets Limited, Mr. Paul Obanua, was allegedly informing the public that the company was not owing the contractors.
He explained that the Abia State Government has initiated moves to give out the shops on the strength of the information from Greenfield Assets Limited and warned that the contractors would frustrate plans to sell the shops.
Mr. Ureki, giving an insight into the entire deal, recalled that the fear of the contractors was heightened by the use of soldiers to chase some of them out of the site when they were being owed millions of naira.
The spokesman revealed that at the onset of the contract work, payment milestone for cash disbursement in advance was agreed upon with the contractors, stressing that sooner than construction works started at the site than Greenfield unilaterally altered the terms of payment from the first initial cash payment of N24.1million to mere N7million.
“Not too long, the contractors began to smell a rat when invoices were submitted and no payment was forthcoming”, he stated, adding that the contractors were also reduced to mere labourers as Greenfield Management allegedly stopped them from bringing materials to site as all materials were to be supplied by them.
He said it has been proved that management of FCMB has recently released the entire funds to Thomclem Limited’s Account from where it was transferred to Greenfield Assets Limited, alleging that top management of FCMB was part of the fraud as they kept mute and fail to respond to the complaints of the contractors who had alerted them of the fraudulent intentions.
Mr. Ureki used the medium to appeal to Abia State Government, who is asking traders to take up the shops, to investigate the alleged fraud and step in and ensure that the contractors are paid to avoid litigation that would mar efforts to occupy the mall.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd left); his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro (left) Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh (middle); Commissioner for Economic Planing, Dr. Kingsley Emu (2nd right) and Secretary to State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas, during the Inauguration of the 2016 Cycle, Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), at Songhai Delta, Amukpe.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has described entrepreneurship as the best way out of the current unemployment challenges facing Nigeria.
According to the governor, getting jobs in government organizations are becoming very difficult based on the high number of graduates chasing the few opportunities available, observing that the way out was for people to acquire skills, empowered to be self sufficient and become employers of labour.
The governor who stated this during the inauguration ceremony of the 2016 cycle of his administration’s job creation scheme on Wednesday, September 18, 2016 at the Songhai-Delta training centre Amukpe, emphasized that “we are training you to become job creators that we need in Delta State, you are here to improve on your lives and be in a position to be employers of labour.”
“I believe that you are going to step into a greater future. I want to see you as better Deltans, Deltans who will say, I have been able to create jobs for my self and jobs for others,” he said, disclosing, “I have visited some farms and I have seen the enthusiasm from those who graduated from these programmes; if you want to succeed, you must be passionate about what you are doing.”
Governor Okowa who assured Deltans the programme would be continuous, further advised the participant, “you have to be committed to that which you have learnt because, I have a passion to turn many youths of Delta State into persons who will create jobs for others; you should rely on God and you will succeed in whatever you do and do not sell your starter packs.”
He also, urged graduates of the programme to ensure that they give thanks to God stating, “you are going to reap more if you are dedicated to God.” Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right) and His Royal Majesty, Efeziuomor the II, Obi of Owa Kingdom
The Chairman of the Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Emmanuel Efeizomor II, Obi of Owa who spoke on behalf of traditional rulers who attended the ceremony, expressed satisfaction with the success stories of the empowerment programmes, asserting, “this is a revolution that put food on the table, revolution that will extricate you from the shackles of poverty.” Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right) and Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh
The Chief Job Creation Officer in the state, Prof. Eric Eboh in a speech, said, participants in the programme were for Skill Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP), and Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP).
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Oyegun
Support for the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun mounted on Tuesday as prominent leaders of the party lauded his leadership qualities, describing him as “a man of honour, integrity and dignity”.
In a statement in Abuja by the Chairman of APC United Front, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, the leaders described as laughable the calls on Oyegun to resign as chairman of the APC by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his co-travellers, saying the world has seen a more progressive party under his dynamic leadership
“Chief Odigie Oyegun is not under the influence of a powerful and sinister arm of government. He will never thwart the will of the people” the leaders said.
They praised the national chairman for his strategic roles in internal party governance and in the development and promulgation of party policy.
Listing intellectual depth, credible track record, futuristic vision and personal integrity as key requirements for a progressive leader, the leaders eulogized Oyegun for giving equal rights and opportunities to members of the APC regardless of status, class and affiliation.
“Leadership goes with creativity, sensitivity, compassion, innovation, courage, vision, character, competence, focus, passion, responsibility, self-discipline, service delivery and a very high dosage of patriotism. Oyegun is an embodiment of transparency and accountability” the statement said.
The leaders commended Oyegun for bringing about a more dynamic way of administering the affairs of the party, sacrificing his comfort to work tirelessly for the party and for allowing the wheel of democracy to run constitutionally.
“As a man with impeccable record in governance and party politics, Chief Odigie Oyegun will never derail from the path of honour”
The leaders, who also thanked Nigerians at home and abroad for the confidence reposed on Oyegun, applauded him for the pragmatic steps taken to address the problems emanating from the party’s primaries in Ondo State.
“Oyegun is an honest and highly effective leader. He has built a reputation anchored on integrity over the years. He is a fountain of quality advice, inspiration, encouragement and hope. He deserves the biggest thanks for being a team player and using his undivided and thorough leadership style in growing the party” the leaders said.
Identifying his commitment to principle in the practice of politics, the rule of law and the best democratic tradition of fairness as some of the attributes that brought him into collusion with Tinubu and others, the leaders commended him for enriching the development journey of the party and the country.
The leaders described the decision of the Appeal Panel as selfish.
“Oyegun is honest, dedicated, committed, and God fearing. He is a consummate politician, proven administrator and a bridge builder. He is a man of honour, integrity and dignity” the statement said.
The leaders while describing Oyegun as a true democrat, a hard-working, progressive person and leader with credibility, character and calm advised him to continue with his good work.
They also advised Tinubu not to destroy the party with his selfish and anti-democratic agenda.
The leaders, who also recalled the sterling performance of Oyegun during his days as governor of Edo State, said the current national chairman of APC performed excellently in all the sectors.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister
The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, on Tuesday in Abuja said N510.2 billion was shared among the federal, states and local governments as revenue realised in August.
Adeosun made the disclosure while addressing a news conference on the outcome of the Federation Account Allocation Committee.
The amount is higher than the N493.6 billion shared in July by N16.6 billion.
The minister said during the month, N315 billion was generated as statutory distributable revenue, adding that this was higher than the N287.8 billion received in the previous month by N27.22 billion.
She added: “The sum of N6.3 billion was refunded to the Federation Account by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.
“There is a proposed distribution of N35 billion Excess Petroleum Profit Tax.
“Also, there was the exchange gain of N84.2 billion proposed for distribution.”
Adeosun also said Value Added Tax was N75.9 billion as against N66.9 billion generated in July, indicating an increase of N8.9 billion.
She added that mineral revenue for the month was N158.7 billion, while that of July was N119.4 billion, non-mineral revenue for August was N156.3 billion and that of July was N168.4 billion.
Giving the breakdown of revenue among the three tiers, Adeosun said the Federal Government received N187.3 billion, representing 52.68 per cent, while states got N95.0 billion, representing 26.72 per cent.
Local governments, she said, received N73.2 billion, amounting to 20.60 per cent of the amount distributed, while N18.4 billion, representing 13 per cent derivation revenue, was shared among oil producing states.
According to her, crude oil export volume increased by 2.2 million barrels in May in spite of the brief Force Majeure declared at Qua Iboe and Bonny Terminals.
She also said that there was $109 million revenue increase in federation export sales as a result of the increase in average price of crude oil from $42.2 in April to $46 per barrel in May.
She said there was a rise in dutiable imports, which contributed significantly to the increase recorded by import duty and VAT.
Adeosun said the balance of the excess crude account stood at $2.91 billion.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah in a group photograph with founder of Academy for Governance, Prof. Austine Nwandulu and participants at the train the trainer programme on the Fundamentals of Leadership
Nigeria as a nation is still where it is today because the private sector has refused to take part in the emergence of leaders at all levels.
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, stated this on Sunday at the opening session of train the trainer programme on the Fundamentals of Leadership currently being hosted by the Academy for Governance in Ibusa Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State .
Mr. Ukah said the full take off of the academy in the state will help to inculcate fundamental leadership traits into participants and challenged youths and Deltans in general to maximize the opportunity.
The commissioner expressed worry over the way youths were involved in unwholesome acts like armed robbery, drug trafficking and consumption, adding that mentoring them now would bring a paradigm shift in their lifestyle.
He assured the founder and management of the school of government’s partnership, emphasizing that apart from being a knowledge center, it will create jobs for the host community and the state at large.
He told stakeholders of the school that their vision was in line with the SMART agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa whom, he said, has given erudite scholars opportunity to use their knowledge to train and empower youths to become employers of labour in different fields.
Mr. Ukah said the entrepreneurial programmes of Governor Okowa has raised over one thousand five hundred small, medium and large scale businessmen in different fields, stressing that a new batch of participants will commence training this week.
He further added that the Asaba airport was being expanded and upgraded to meet the required standard that can take all kinds of planes.
According to him, the four sea ports and massive construction of roads and other potentials of the state were being harnessed to turn it into an economic hub for South South and South East geopolitical zones of the country.
On his part, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Barrister Chiedu Ebie, represented by his Special Assistant, Technical, Mr. Ernest Ossai, said capacity building was a sure way to making progress in all spheres of life and lauded the institute for the bold step.
He advocated that any nation that has no leadership training programme for its citizens was doomed and challenged government at all levels and the private sector not to spare any effort in routine training of its people for efficiency and performance.
The founder of the school and a reknowned world class scholar, Prof. Austine Nwandulu, said the vision of the academy was to bridge the widening gap in leadership and management in both public and private sectors.
Prof. Nwandulu, a Deltan, said he decided to bring the pan Nigeria and Africa school home as a way of raising leaders for today and tomorrow in all areas, pointing out that before 2025, the state and the region would have produced enough manpower that are seasoned in leadership.
The Coordinator General of the school, Dr. Olusegun Sogbesan, said the training is open to participants in secondary schools and others from all cadres in administration.
He said Delta being the host will be given preference in admission and urged Deltans to maximize the opportunity.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Mr. Patrick Ukah! Delta Information boss
Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has reaffirmed government’s resolve to partner with media organizations in the effective and accurate dissemination of its policies and programmes.
Mr. Ukah disclosed this on Friday (16/09/2016) when the management of the Nigeria Television Authority, NTA, Channel eleven, Asaba, led by the acting General Manager, Ms Ann Ekpo, paid him a courtesy visit in Asaba.
The Information Commissioner said the present administration was doing a lot in making life meaningful for all Deltans, and called for continued cooperation from the management of NTA, Asaba, in bringing the programmes to the knowledge of Deltans.
He said NTA Asaba had exhibited a high level of professionalism in relating with the state government despite the change of government at the federal level, pointing out that the present administration would continue to fulfill its obligations to the station,.
Mr. Ukah explained that the state owned broadcast outfits were already on the Star Times platforms which had given them an edge over their counterparts in other states of the country.
The Information Commissioner disclosed that the state would play host to the National Council on Information next month and sued for effective coverage of the programme.
The acting General Manager, NTA, Asaba, Miss Ekpo, expressed appreciation to the state government for the overwhelming support and encouragement it has given to the station since taking over the reins of governance last year.
She said the Information Commissioner had done everything within his power to make the station excel and pledged the continued partnership with government in the dissemination of its policies and programmes.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online)-
Players of the Warri Wolves Football Club are in for more trouble, as dare devil robbers has allegedly carted away nearly N3.5 million, meant for the settlement of unpaid winning allowances and up keep of the players.
The suspected armed robbers reportedly attacked officials of the Warri Wolves Football Club on Friday, seizing the N3.5 million out of the bonus meant for the players.
The robbery incident which occurred within Enerhen road area in the heart of the city, saw a three man robbery gang accosting the officials of the team who had gone to withdraw the money at gunpoint on their way to the office after making the withdrawal from one of the new generation banks operating in that area.
According to sources: “After making the withdrawal and making their way to the office, a three-man armed robbery gang, closed in on the vehicle the officials were driving in and collect part of the total sum withdrawn at gun point.
“The robbers who were were said to be dressed in military uniform attacked the vehicle conveying both the team Manager, identified as Gordon, and the teams media officer, Azuka Chiamaka, around Enerhen Motel, along Enerhen Road, Uvwie council area of Delta state and immediately demanded the money from them with a threat for them to comply with their directive if they value their lives.
“The officials had left the bank opposite Urhobo College, and were so close to Peabody Hotels, in Uvwie local government area, when they were attacked. The players lodged in the hotel.”
The General Manager of the club, Moses Etu and the Club Spokesman, Mr. Azuka Chiamaka have however refused to speak on the ugly incident.
A close source to the club disclosed that, “The incident happened last week Friday, but they have been trying to prevent the information from spreading.
Meanwhile, the Delta state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Celestina Kalu (SP), has confirmed the incident and said the police have commenced investigations.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA- Prof. Eboh issuing rules of engagement to trainers
The Delta state Chief Job Creation Officer, Professor Eric Eboh, has charged prospective trainers under the state government’s job creation programmes which includes the Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP), Youth Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme (YAGEP) and Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP) not to bring the name of the state government to disrepute.
Prof. Eboh, who stated this during a meeting with the trainers in Asaba on Wednesday, September 14, 2016 also issued the rules of engagement to the prospective trainers, ahead of the second phase of the employment and entrepreneural programmes, in line with the policy objectives of the Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa.
At the meeting, which was largely interactive, the Chief Job Creation Officer, advised trainers to hencefoth desist from colluding with trainees to play truancy in the programme and frowned at such tendencies, which he said could lead to the delisting of culpable trainers and suspension of defaulting trainees from the programme.Interactive session
Prof. EBOH, while insisting that the selection of the trainers followed a tactical process with a view to establish trainees and see them through their success, a benchmark of the Job Creation Office, listed the criteria for the selection to include functionality, accessibility, capacity and availability.
He however disclosed that a new yardstick for admitting trainees into the programmes is the signing of a bond agreement with the state government by the trainees, to shut out hoodlums with intents to truncate the programme, which he said has gulped a lot of funds from the Governor Okowa led government.
He said the exercise was the sole vision of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to ensure delivery of first rate job creation programme for producing entrepreneurs, managers and leaders from the population of unemployed youths in Delta state. Cross section of trainers
According to Prof. Eboh, “The successful trainees and beneficiaries from these programmes will help drive the economic diversification of Delta state.”
He therefore said the job creation scheme is underpinned by core values of integrity, transparency, inclusiveness, credibility, partnership and quality service delivery, as contained in the state governor’s charge to the Job Creation Office.
On their part, the trainers lauded the efforts of the Chief Job Creation Officer who is living out the goals and aspirations of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who they said, is truly committed to the agenda of ‘Prosperity for all Deltans’, tagging it “An Unprecedented Achievement”.
Also members of the Independent Monitoring and Evaluation Groups for STEP and YAGEP, who were selected on the basis of their personal integrity, gave their own assessment.
In their opinion, the programme has been a huge success as the trainers opened their doors wide for the trainees to gain full knowledge of their chosen enterprises.
YAGEP involves the training and development of youth entrepreneurs in agriculture and agribusiness and equipping participants to establish their own enterprises. This scheme is an integral part of the administration’s agenda to curb youth unemployment and develop the agricultural economy of the state for wealth creation. Alumni of the programme will be branded and promoted as YAGEPreneurs.
Participants are supported to establish and run their own enterprises through the provision of starter packs which, in the case of livestock enterprises, include livestock houses, operating facilities, amenities and inputs. In addition, participants receive buffer stipends during the enterprise gestation period and some working capital to purchase inputs and/or working materials.
Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP)
STEP encompasses the training of youths in different skills/trade and helping them to establish their own enterprises for self-employment and to become employers of labour. Alumni of the programme will be branded and promoted as STEPreneurs.
Under STEP, unemployed youths will undergo a 3-phase training plan comprising life skills and orientation course, vocational skills training and business/entrepreneurship training.
Graduate Employment Enhancement Programme (GEEP)
GEEP encompasses training in Engineering, Information Communication Technology (ICT), Agro-processing and Environmental discipline.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Sam Ijeh — Gov. Okowa delivering a lecture titled “PUBLIC POLICY & GOVERNANCE IN DELTA STATE: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES”
The global economic recession is seriously affecting positive developments, not just in all tiers of governments, but in individual families world wide.
For Nigeria, the end of the economic slide might not just be in sight as a result of the continuous tumbling of the value of the Naira.
However, as far as the populace is concerned, what is uppermost in their minds is for the government in power to make basic infrastructure available to them to enable them live better lifes irrespective of the prevailing economic realities.
Revenue accruing to states and local governments are now nothing to write home about as it can not even be enough to pay the salaries of civil servants not to talk of paying pensions to retirees.
This has also affected the development of basic infrastructure in various sectors of the economy as solid financial base is very key in embarking on such ventures.
In Delta State, the effect of the prevailing economic downturn has made the government under the able watch of the governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, to begin to look for alternative ways of making the state an investors haven.
A large chunk of the monthly revenue from the Federal Government is used to pay debts accumulated before the coming into power of the present administration.
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has equally dropped to an all time low as many corporate bodies have left the state as a result of the activities of militants who have made their operational bases unhabitable for them.
Despite all these, the government of Senator Okowa have been able to construct and commission several roads spread across the three senatorial districts of the state within one year of his being in office.
With some of his wishes for the state still unaccomplished, Senator Okowa has boldly decided to look for alternative ways of wooing investors to boost the economy of the state.
As part of activities to mark the 25 years anniversary of the state, the government packaged a two-day Economic and Investment Summit at the Event Centre in Asaba, the state capital.
At the end of the brain-storming sessions that featured the economic egg heads of the nation, lots of investment possibilities that abound in the state were made known to investor within and outside the country.
Exactly two weeks after this, precisely on Saturday, September 10, 2016, the governor delivered a lecture titled “PUBLIC POLICY & GOVERNANCE IN DELTA STATE: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES” at the ‘Dialogue with Public Policy Makers’ programme organized by the Lagos Business School and Nigerian Economic Summit Group held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.
Senator Okowa, at the event, assured local and international investors of high return on investment when they tap into the rich business opportunities that abound in the state.
The Governor, accompanied by top government functionaries, said “with what we are doing in partnership with the Federal Government and Community leaders, peace is gradually returning to the troubled Niger Delta region and I can assure our prospective investors that we are going to have a lasting and sustainable peace in the region and that a conducive atmosphere awaits prospective investors. There are a lot of business opportunities for investors”
He noted that the private sector has a lot to offer and is pivotal to the state’s investment drive which seeks to significantly develop the non-oil sectors of the economy such that they will overtake oil and gas as growth drivers.
Governor Okowa disclosed that his administration’s vision is to make Delta State the pacesetter in the country by building an enduring legacy of wealth and prosperity for all through public policy imperatives geared at maximising comparative advantages of the State, developing the non-oil sectors of the economy, creating jobs, and accelerating infrastructural development.
“Delta State has an economy size of $24.6b based on GDP rebase of 2013, making us the fourth largest economy in the country with multiple urban centres, numbering as many as twelve,” he said, adding, “Average poverty rate based on head count is 56%, lower than the national average of 62%; the per capita income is calculated at about N302 or less than USD2.00 per day while unemployment/underemployment rate stood at 27.2 per cent in 2014 according to the National Bureau of Statistics.”, Senator Okowa said.
“In a bid to address the challenges posed by the drop in statutory allocation, the state government developed the Delta State Medium Term Development Plan (DSMTDP) (2016-2019), a policy document that provides the road map to: Drive rapid infrastructural development; ensure and sustain inclusive economic growth and sustainable development; reduce the worrisome high level of youth unemployment, pervasive poverty; and woo the private sector to explore and exploit the economic and business opportunities in Delta State., he said, adding with glee that the state’s PPP model is already yielding results with agreements already signed for the Delta Commercial City Project, Umunede Rest Park, Asaba Integrated Power Project, Warri-Effurun Water Scheme, Agro-Industrial Parks and Housing Projects in the state.
Earlier in a welcome remarks, Dr Chris Ogbechie , who represented the Dean, Lagos Business School, said the school in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group has a proven track record of engagement with Public Sector Policy Makers in proffering solutions to developmental challenges in a growing economy like Nigeria.
Mrs. Sola David-Borha, Vice Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), gave the closing remarks and vote of thanks at the occasion anchored by Prof Wale Ajai.
A day before this event, Governor Okowa also attended a Business Dinner in Lagos hosted by renowned economist and eminent Deltan, Prof Pat Utomi, where he said that his administration would support investments in the agricultural and solid minerals sectors in the state.
The governor said as the state moves to reduce its dependence on crude oil, his administration would strengthen the enabling environment for investments to thrive in the agriculture and other sectors.
While commending the international community for their support in attracting investments to the state, he assured that the Asaba Airport upgrade would be ready in December to accommodate bigger aircrafts and also attract more airlines into the state.
In his remark, Prof Pat Utomi said there were lots of untapped potentials in Delta State describing the state as the next business destination and urged the international community to consider the numerous business opportunities in the state.
The business dinner was attended by German Consul General, Mr Ingo Herbert, British Deputy High Commissioner, Ahmed Bashir, South African Consul-General in Lagos, Darkey Ephraim Africa, United States Consular for Commercial Services, UBA Plc Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Managing Director of UBA Plc, Mr Kennedy Uzoka, MD of RainOil, Mr Gabriel Ogbechie, Mr Henry Okolo and some members of the Delta State Executive Council.
These efforts by the state governor are meant to share business ideas for stronger economic base and launch the state into rapid economic development.
With all these in place, the state government can now focus on its targets to grow the state economy by at least 5% annually, create 50,000 jobs annually up to 2019, increase house hold incomes by 5% annually, reduce unemployment by 5% annually and reduce overall poverty by 5% annually.
The state also aims to reduce the population of Deltans living below the poverty line by 5% annually, ensure that at least 30% of Deltans have access to health insurance scheme by 2017, achieve a more significant level of debt sustainability by 2019, establish a strong safety net for the vulnerable by 2019 and significantly raise public confidence level in governance in Delta State in 2019.
*Sam Ijehis the Media Assistant to the Delta State Commissioner for Information.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
After several years of being without potable water, a Delta agrarian community, Issele-Mkpitime has finally completed the rehabilitation work, at the abandoned Federal Government backed Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Water Project.
The abandoned project was taken up by the Issele-Mkpitime Federal Union, (IMFU) through the help of Pastor Bolum Chukwudi, a well-meaning Son of Issele-Mkpitime, in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.
RM. Obi Nwaolise Okwuka l, the Obi of Issele-Mkpitime, officially performed the commissioning of the rehabilitated water project on Wednesday 24th of August, 2016 at the Enuofu Primary School, Issele-Mkpitime.
The eventful, but brief ceremony was witnessed by members of the Obi-in-council of Issele-Mkpitime with the active participation of the Leadership of Issele-Mkpitime Federal Union, IMFU.
Speaking at the occasion, HRM. Obi Nwaolise Okwuka l, expressed his joy over the free flow of pipe born water in Issele-Mkpitime, after a very long time and commended the leadership of IMFU for the timely, efficient and effective utilization of the fund donated by a distinguished Son of the Community, Pastor Bolum Chukwudi, for the purpose it was meant for, stressing that their effort was a classic example of devotion.
The Traditional Ruler therefore, on behalf of the eObi-in-Council of Issele-Mkpitme, appreciated the donor of the fund for his kind gesture and prayed that God would continue to enrich and bless him.
HRM. Obi Okwuka l, also used the opportunity of the occasion, on behalf of the entire People of Issele-Mkpitime, applauded the determined and much cherished efforts of other distinguished and eminent Sons and Daughters of the community who he noted have gone out of their way in ensuring the Human and Infrastructural progress of the town, adding that they should not in any way relent in their services and contributions to the improvement of the People of Issele-Mkpitime.
The Monarch also called on every son and daughter of the Town to come home for the 2016 New Yam Festival and other festivities that are billed to commerce on Wednesday 14th of September, 2016, stressing that it will give him much joy seeing his People joining him as he perform his first traditional New Yam festivities after his official presentation of Staff of Office by the Delta State Government.
In his remark at the occasion, the Secretary General of Issele-Mkpitime Federal Union, IMFU, Mr. Achomuba Chukwudi thanked God for the successful completion of the abandoned water project, while revealing that the IMFU has taken the responsibility of fueling of the newly serviced Power Generating Plant meant for the pumping of the water, for a period of three months.
The Secretary General, therefore, on behalf of the Leadership of the IMFU appealed to Sons and daughters of the Community to donate generously towards the provision of Gas for the continuous pumping of water for the benefit of the People.
Mr. Chukwudi further noted that donation will also be needed form well-meaning individuals from the community for the reticulations of the water supply from the Enuofu Primary School location to other parts of Issele-Mkpitime, adding that such donation should be paid into the Issele-Mkpitime Federal Union’s account or direct contact to the Leadership.
Highpoint of the event was the official opening of the taps to signify the free flow of Pipe born water and the drinking of the water by HRM. Obi Nwaolise Okwuka l, with other members of the Obi-in-Council of Issele-Mkpitime taking their turn to drink from the free flow of clean water from the various taps.
Libreville (Blank NEWS Online) –By KOKO BENSON (Gabon Correspondent)– Mr Jean Ping and Mr Ali Bongo Ondimba
August 27TH 2016 presidential Election Day in Gabon raised a lot of tension. The incumbent president Ali Bongo Ondimba contested against some tough challengers who have tried every technicality to make his re-election almost impossible.
Having validated his candidacy against all odds by the electoral commission, Ali Bongo Ondimba began the presidential race with 13 other candidates among whom is Mr Jean Ping, the former president of African Union Commission. After one week of rigorous campaign by candidates and political parties involve in the race, other political heavyweight in Gabon who are also aspirants in the presidential race got rallied to Mr Jean Ping to form a formidable front against the incumbent president. They include Mr Casimir Oye Mba a former prime minister of Gabon and Mr Guy Nzouba Ndama, a former speaker of Gabon National Assembly. Few days before the election two other aspirants namely Leon Paul Ngoulakia and Roland Desire Aba A’ Minko also rallied the group of Mr Jean Ping.
The animosity and xenophobic utterances in the pre-election campaigns of candidates of opposition parties gave lots of suspense to the nation social circle especially among foreigners living in the country. To this end, many foreigners fled the country to avoid degeneration of chaos because they have always been victims of political pandemonium in Gabon. Many Gabonese also fled the cities to the hinterland because of fear.
Ali Bongo Ondimba pledged for peace in the country, and also assured the population of transparency in the election. About 1300 local and international election observers were accredited to monitor the election. They include observers from European Union, African Union and other organizations. At the end, the election was adjudged free and fair with very few irregularities observed.
Few hours after the franchise, suspense hit the nation when a private television station ‘Radio Television Nazareth’ started to roll out election results. With this development Mr Jean Ping made a live broadcast on the television the next day to claim victory of the election based on the available results despite the fact that some results were still pending. The pending results include that of Haut Ogooue which is the stronghold and natal province of the incumbent president.
In reaction to this development, the camp of Ali Bongo Ondimba through the Minister of Communication also made a contradictory press conference to refute the claim of Mr Jean Ping. According to the minister, Ali Bongo Ondimba was leading by figures in the available comparing facts but he charged that only the minister of interior of Gabon was capable to pronounce election results. The reactions from the two camps put the population in anxiety and worry.
Finally, on Tuesday 30th August 2016 at exactly 3.30 pm, the result of the presidential election was announced in a live broadcast in the National Television Station by the minister of interior giving victory to the incumbent president Ali Bongo Ondimba with a score of 49.80( over Mr Jean Ping who polled 48.23(. In other words, Mr Jean Ping was claiming victory of an inconclusive election.
The announcement of the election result provoked some opprobrium in every city of Gabon. Protesters trooped to the streets in their hundreds to vandalize public edifices and looted stores alleged to belong to foreign nationals. The National Assembly Complex among others was set ablaze. The country social and economic activities were paralyzed for days as inhabitants remained indoors because of fear of victimization. About three people were reported dead by the Gabonese authority during the violence with several others seriously wounded. Many were pronounced to have been arrested by the police.
France, the U.S and other international organizations have called to appease the situation in Gabon because Gabon is a peaceful country known in the sub region. War is alien to Gabon. The situation is left for Gabon justice to decide now that the duos have taken their grievances to court to seek redress.
*Koko Benson is Blank NEWS Online Correspondent In Gabon.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Residents of Sambang Dagi in Jaba Local Government of Kaduna State witnessed another earth tremor in the early hours of Monday, September 12, 2016, barely 24-hours after the first tremor was reported at Nok village about 20km away from Sambang, on Sunday, September 11, 2016.
The first incident, which occurred at about 1p.m on Sunday, shook the community and created some panic among the people while the second vibration occurred around 4a.m Monday, leaving shocked residents scampering for safety.
No casualty figure has been reported, just as the Kaduna state government said it had notified the geological and emergency agencies of the incident.
On Sunday, September 11, 2016, a series of earth tremors and loud sounds were reported in Kwoi, headquarters of Jaba local government area in the Southern Kaduna region in Kaduna State, northwestern Nigeria.
A source, Joshua Byang, said the the earth in the area shook six times starting at 10:32 a.m. on Sunday.
There have been anxiety in the town, which is close to Nok village which houses several artifacts associated with the famous Nok civilization.
Recall that a similar earth tremor had hit Kaduna in July, this year. It woke sleeping residents at about 10:43pm.
The recent tremors have provided a rude awakening of sorts. One of those whose houses were affected by the quake who simply identified himself as Sani described the incident as traumatic. He said the heavy sound that accompanied the quake was heard in all the neighbouring settlements.
“Actually, I have never witnessed something like that. When the quake started, my entire house was shaking. I thought that the world had come to an end. It is indeed something that one has to keep reflecting on because it is only Allah that is capable of shaking the earth like that,” Sani said.
Sani added: “Another thing that made many of us to vacate our houses was that the quake reoccurred after about seven days. On the two occasions, the quake occurred in the night.”
Sarkin Ikara, Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, confirmed that state government officials had visited the site.
On associating the quake to sins committed in Ikara, he agreed that Allah uses such incidents to serve as warning. A crack on the rock, caused by the tremor
Earthquake in Kaduna This Year July –
Having manifested largely on a massive rock and affecting nearby houses, some witnesses described it as having been a thunderous noise which sounded like a bomb blast. It woke sleeping residents at about 10:43pm.
The tremor caused cracks on three different spots on the large rock, located at Hayin Magina of the area. Aside that, many houses were affected, with visible cracks on their walls and other areas.
It was observed that some houses in the area were deserted, as the occupants were said to have left out of fear. The remaining inhabitants, also, are visibly shaken and are still trembling from the experience.
Malam Mustapha Musa is a resident of Hayin Magina, whose carpentry workshop was closed in wake of the quake. … It’s nothing but a warning from Allah, the most high. …
Mustapha added: “Allah is tired with what is happening in Ikara. Apart from the rape of innocent boys, there are many criminal activities taking place here. Most of the perpetrators are known, but it is like they are above the law.”A road affected b the quake
Governor El-Rufai sympathizes with affected residents
Earlier, on Sunday, September 11, 2016, the Kaduna State government had in a press statement, urged residents of the affected communities to remain calm.
The government said in a statement signed by Samuel Aruwan, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, that it had made a formal report to the appropriate authorities to investigate the development.
The statement said Mr. El-Rufai, had notified the geological and emergency agencies of the incident.
“The governor sympathises with the people in the Kwoi area over the reported earth tremor,” the statement said.
“He has directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise to the area and comfort the citizens.
“The National Geological Agency has also been notified, and has been invited to investigate the tremor in the Kwoi area and provide appropriate guidance.
“The Kaduna State Government is receiving updates from the area and relevant government agencies have been directed to take steps to comfort the residents and to assuage their unease as they come to terms with an unusual event.
“The Kaduna State Government wishes to appeal for calm, and urges everyone not to spread unverified information, or create panic,” the statement said.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA– Ahead of the October 1 implementation date for compulsory use of speed limit devices on vehicles plying the Nigerian roads, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has flagged off its sensitization on speed limiter and safe use of tyres in Delta state.
FRSC Corps Marshal, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, who was represented by the Zonal Commanding Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Mr. Kayode Fanola during the well attended event at Benfiko Park in Asaba on Thursday, September 08, 2016 said the commission was poised to reduce the rate of lives and property usually claimed by road crashes as a result of speeding.
While insisting that the October 1 deadline for the enforcement of the speed limiting device on vehicles across the country remained, he explained that the sale of the device was not open to all marketers so that FRSC, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Nigerian Customs and other agencies could regulate and monitor the process properly.
ACM Fanola appealed to stakeholders and and fleet operators to adhere to the new directive, as that enforcement of the policy would start with commercial vehicles and fleet operators because they carried more passengers, as well as articulated trucks and lorries.
Speaking on the safe use of tyres, he urged motorists to always check the manufacturing date to avoid buying expired tyres. “The expiration date is usually indicated on the sidewalls of the tyre. It comes in four digits; the first two digits shows the week the tyre was manufactured while the last two represent the year of manufacture”, he said.
Also, ACM Shehu Zaki who disclosed that the FRSC has been on ground to meet its statutory responsibilities through effective public enlightenment before enforcement, said the installation of the speed limiter on vehicles would help reduce road accidents.
He said that the Federal Government and FRSC are determined to ensure road crash control, hence speed is responsible for an estimated 53 percent of total accidents in Nigeria, resulting in about 1.2 million recorded deaths annually.
In his enlightenment speech on the importance of the speed limit device, Engr. Efosa Osawe of the FRSC who attributed over speeding to major fatalities on Nigerian roads, explained that the device which regulates vehicular speed and helps FRSC officials to check in case of accidents also reduces fuel consumption and pollution of environment.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Delta state Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Rindom Kumven, said the FRSC, since its establishment, has properly propagated programmes aimed at enlightening members of the public on road safety measures.
He commended the Chairman of Benvico Park, Chief Morris Agbogidi and other stakeholders, including representatives from the Delta State Traffic Management Agency (DESTMA), Ministry of Transport, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), among others, for collaborating with the FRSC on the implementation of the speed limit device.
During the interactive session, participants who commended the FRSC for the enlightenment campaign, promised to inform their members on the importance of the speed limiting device, but called on the federal government to improve on the current condition of Nigerian road which is also responsible for vehicular road crashes across the country From left>>Delta Sector Commander, Rindom Kumven; Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), Mr. Kayode Fanola; ACM Shehu Zaki and Engr. Efosa Osawe during the sensitization program.
Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has finally bowed to pressure from key stakeholders’ call for urgent shift of the governorship polls in Edo state, as it announced late Thursday that the date of the Edo governorship election has been rescheduled to hold on September, 28, 2016, due to security reasons.
After a series of consultation and initial show of defiance, the Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC finally buckled.
But the main opposition party, PDP has described the postponement as illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of the peoples’ trust in the Commission and the security agencies.
The electoral body made the announcement at exactly 8:00pm, during a press conference at the commission’s office in Benin City, Edo State. The decision to postpone the election was reached at a security meeting also held in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Solomon Soyebi, INEC national Commissioner in-charge of voter education and publicity, who made the disclosure said the election would now hold on September 28.
The national commissioner revealed that the Chairman of the commission, Prof. Mahmoud Yakubuand other national officials of the commission had agreed on the poll shift and attributed the postponement to alleged security threat as reported by security agencies.
Also, Nick Dazang, spokesman for the commission, confirmed that, “We have now decided to shift the election forward for another two weeks.”
The electoral commission had earlier on Thursday rejected the call for postponement by the Nigeria Police Force ( NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS). The commission had said it would not be “teleguided”, and argued that suspending the polls would be costly after reaching at least 97 per cent readiness level.
Shortly after making that announcement, the commission backtracked and said it agreed to postpone the elections based on the security concerns cited by the police and the SSS.
Recall that the Nigeria Police Force ( NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS), had appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission to postpone the Edo governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2016, citing security threat.
The Force Spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Don Awunah, who made the joint call on behalf of the Police and the DSS in Abuja, had claimed that credible intelligence available to the agencies indicated plans by insurgent and extremist elements to attack vulnerable communities and soft targets during the election.
Awunah said that Edo was among the states being earmarked for the planned attacks by the extremists between Sept. 12 and 13respectively, adding tthat”while election was important, security agencies cannot allow the peace of the country to be disrupted. ”
Godwin Obaseki, the APC candidate, is slugging it out with Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP in the race to replace incumbent Adams Oshiomhole whose two-term tenure expires this November.
Meanwhile, incumbent Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomole told newsmakers that “it is very painful that the election was postponed because it also meant the postponement of the final burial ceremony of PDP in Edo State, which according to him, will not exceed the new date.
The main opposition party, PDP, and its leaders have also condemned the postponement and described it as “a coup against the people of Edo State,” explaining that changing the date “was a less than ingenious attempt to ‘buy time’ for the governing All Progressives Congress, APC”.
“It is shameful and indeed a major constitutional breach for the security agencies to act in concert with the APC to truncate an Election that had been planned for months,” the party said in a statement signed by Dayo Adeyeye, its interim spokesperson.
“Nigerians were not deceived by the obvious concoctions of the security agencies whose performances during elections have been less than average since the advent of the Buhari Administration.
“The postponement of the Election by INEC is illegal, unconstitutional and a breach of the peoples’ trust in the Commission and the security agencies.
“It is a coup against the people of Edo State in particular and Nigerians in general. Since APC assumed power, virtually all elections conducted by INEC have either been inconclusive or truncated.”
In his reaction, the Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose described the postponement as “beginning of the end for democracy in Nigeria.”
“It is obvious that the All Progressives Congress (APC) feared that it can’t win the election and is ready to employ whatever crude means to subvert the wish of the people,” he said.
“How can you postpone an election less than 48 hours to the scheduled date? What manner of security concern could prevent an election in just one state when elections were held in Northeast States that are confronted by Boko Haram insurgents?” the Ekiti governor said.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –By Albert OGRAKA: Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman
Nigeria’s Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), is poised to go ahead with the Edo governorship election scheduled to hold on Saturday, September 10, 2016 despite calls and agitations by major stakeholders for its suspension.
The electoral body had on Thursday dispelled rumours of postponement of the governorship election in Edo state, which has hitherto heated the nation’s political landscape due to the divergent positions held by the contending political parties and their candidates, All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osagie Ize-Iyamu respectively.
Recall that the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police Force had called for the postponement of the governorship election in Edo State, citing security issues.
Mr Solomon Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner in-charge of Voter Education and Publicity, said during a press conference held at INEC’s office in Benin posited that “the governorship election will go ahead on Saturday, Sept. 10 as scheduled.’’
Soyebi, who said INEC as the body statutorily set up to conduct elections in the country, would not take orders from any institution with regard to the performance of its constitutional duties.
“We have therefore weighed all the consequences of a postponement in the election and have resolved to go ahead with the conduct of the election on Saturday as scheduled,’’ he said.
In a similar development, the Independent National Electoral Commission has said that it will not postpone Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination scheduled to hold on the same day.
The National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this during an earlier stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin, the state capital, on Wednesday.
A total of 1,742 candidates are expected to sit Mathematics 1 and 2 papers on September 10, the same date of the governorship poll.
This development led to a protest by some of the affected candidates and parents on Monday.
There had also been calls for the postponement of the poll in order to allow the candidates exercise their right to vote.
But the national chairman, who spoke through the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sam Olumekun, said that the electoral umpire had given adequate notification of the election date, prior to the date fixed for the examination by WAEC.
He explained, “On the issue of the WAEC examination, as my chairman would say, ‘INEC is the weeping boy’. Even when you see people that are doing things that are wrong, you would revert to INEC.
“It is important to draw your attention to the fact that INEC gave notice of this election on March 2, 2016. There was no registration for the WAEC examination by candidates as of that time. I stand to be corrected.”
The INEC boss noted that the commission had held a discussion with the examination body and security agencies on the issue, where it was agreed that the examination should be moved to Ondo and Delta states, as holding it simultaneously with the poll may create security challenges.
Yakubu said, “The issue is, basically, security. So, the security agencies advised WAEC accordingly that giving room for people to move around may pose some challenges because criminals could cash in on the situation.
“Permit me to remind you also that there are about 1.9 million registered voters in Edo State, whose interest also should be taken care of. At the end of that meeting, we agreed that the exam be shifted outside Edo State to places that are nearby.
“Indeed, WAEC had even concluded arrangements to do this. It suggested Ore, Agbor and, I think, one other place. Yes, there could be some inconvenience for the candidates to travel outside Edo State. But, of course, it is not too much pain to bear, if you have the interest of your state at heart.
“I do not think we need to suspend an election because WAEC is going to conduct the General Certificate Examinations. It is not SSCE but GCE for those who did not do well in the past exams,” the INEC chairman added.”
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Patrick Ukah
The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah, has advocated the need for all individuals, especially stakeholders, to contribute their quota in preserving their rich cultural heritages describing it as a critical identity of a people in the society.
Mr. Ukah, who stated this in Okpanam during the ‘nwambele’ festival as part of activities to mark this year’s new yam festival, said that it was imperative for the people to always observe their culture, adding that the festival was unique in all ramifications.
The Information Commissioner, however, lauded the people of Okpanam for their peaceful disposition at all times, particularly during and after the new yam festival, saying that it had been a period to display the harmonious co-existence among the people and residents of the area.
For his part, the Asagba of Okpanam, Obi Adimabua Ozili from Umumale in Obodogwu quarters where ‘nwambele’ festival originated from, said that the festival was being celebrated annually during the new yam festival.
The Asagba advised youths in the community to shun acts that were antithetical to the peace and hospitality that Okpanam community had been known for several decades.
In their separate remarks, a cross session of Okpanam indigenes, including, Mr. Fred Okolie, Mr. Okonkwo Chinedu Charles, Comrade Lanka Patrick Okolie, Ogbueshi Augustine Nwadozie, an elder stateman in Ogbodogba quarters, Mr. Patrick Okonkwo AKA Pato, Mr. Azuka Nwamuya AKA Ideli, Augustine Igbekea AKA Maraja, Mesike Olise and Comrade Tony Ukah AKA Kalala, among others, said that the festival had come to stay, adding that the festival had continued to engender happiness and peaceful co-existence among the people of Okpanam.
While pledging to remain committed to showcasing their culture when the need arose, the people said that the new yam festival was always a time to show appreciation to God for the bumper harvest.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Chief James Onanefe Ibori
Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, has described as false and shocking the claim by the British government that it was unaware of alleged funding of his investigation and conviction by the Department for International Development (DfID).
It will be recalled that while on an official trip to Nigeria last week, UK’s Minister for International Development, Mr. James Wharton, had told the media that his country was not aware of what the Nigerian media had written about DfID’s role in Ibori’s trial.
However, Ibori’s media aide, Mr. Tony Eluemunor, in a statement released in Abuja, expressed shock and indignation over the minister’s claim of ignorance over the role played by DfID in the former governor’s ordeal.
Eluemunor said the minister could not have been ignorant of such details since his attention had been drawn to the allegations several times, the last being as recent as August 21, 2016.
The Media aide said one of such information was contained in documents already at the disposal of the minister and the DfID. According to the media aide to the former governor, some of the documents are contained in separate letters written by Bert de Boer against conviction in the V Mobile Case.
He said: “Mr. Lambertus de Boer wrote in the e-mail ‘Dear Mr. Wharton, Re: 1. Department for International Development’s Role in UK Prosecution of Ibori Cases and V-Mobile Case : James Ibori, Bhadresh Gohil, Lambertus de Boer & Daniel McCann (& others) and Police Corruption/Prosecutorial Misconduct (collectively known as: ‘DfIDgate’) “The world has long known that the bedrock of the British judicial system has always been its openness, transparency and that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. It is excellent for all those concerned that the British government, via a senior minister in the Department for International Development, has chosen to make it clear to the world that corruption in an investigative and prosecution team will not be tolerated.
“What surprises the world is that it has taken the British government so long to make this statement.’’ Eluemunor quoted Bert de Boer as writing to Mr. Wharton, saying: “I write to apprise you as an elected official and/or as someone responsible for the proper functioning and/or oversight of (a) the UK’s humanitarian aid agency – The Department for International Development (DfID) and/or b) the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in relation to the ongoing developments relating to the controversial DfID funding and pioneering MPS’s UK prosecution of James Ibori, the former Governor of Delta State, Nigeria and various linked case(s), including mine, known as the V Mobile case.”
“It is important for you to note that while I do not oppose the fight on corruption, in emerging markets or anywhere for that matter, the issue with my case and the linked Ibori cases is that: The MPS Proceeds of Corruption Unit (‘POCU’) investigations were flawed— proper disclosure was not provided as expected by every defendant in the British legal system.”
“DfID was and remains completely conflicted, holding roles on steering committees, paymasters/investors with Ibori through CDC etc.— DfID’s wide ranging role as funder of the Ibori cases and V Mobile case was withheld~ DfID’s and their subsidiary, CDC Group plc’s investments with James Ibori were withheld/hidden and never investigated~ MPS POCU corruption now confirmed by the CPS to the Appeal Court~ and serious prosecutorial misconduct misleading both the Crown and Appeal Courts.” The letter continued: “Over the past six months, much about the police corruption and prosecution misconduct has emerged, particularly through the recently aborted Bhadresh Gohil Perversion of Justice (“PoJ”) prosecution in January 2016.
°Courtesy: Vanguard
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Kemi Adeosun, Finance Minister
Nigeria’s Debt Management Office has disclosed that the Federal Government is planning to borrow N120bn ($387m) in local-currency denominated bonds at an auction on September 14.
The DMO said on Tuesday it would raise N40bn each from debt maturing in 2021, 2026 and 2036, using the Dutch auction system.
All the bonds are re-openings of previously issued debt.
The Federal Government has estimated it will borrow around N900bn from the local debt market this year to fund a budget deficit projected at N2.2tn.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has said it is planning to borrow N1.77bn via Treasury Bills in the last three months of the year.
In its fourth quarter Treasury bill issue programme released on Monday, the CBN said it would raise about N815.37bn, comprising 91 days, 182 days and 364 days debt instruments.
In addition to the above, the central bank was also planning to raise about N952.05bn as rollover in the three categories of the instruments.
The nation’s overnight naira interbank lending rate eased to 16 per cent on Friday, down from 20 per cent recorded the previous Friday.
This followed improved naira cash liquidity after the disbursal of July budgetary allocations to Federal Government agencies.
The Federal Government distributes revenues from crude exports and taxes among the three tiers of government every month.
About N250bn ($751m) belonging to states and local government from July budget hit the banking system last week, and provided liquidity.
Total bank surplus cash with the CBN stood at N118bn on Friday, better than the N62bn recorded last Friday.
At the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee meeting in July, the central bank raised its benchmark interest rate (Monetary Policy Rate) to 14 per cent in a bid to tighten liquidity.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
Two major security agencies have asked that the Edo State governorship election set for Saturday, September 10, 2016 be postponed.
The Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service gave this advice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), though it remains unclear if INEC will heed the advice of the security agencies.
The election is expected to be strongly fought between the candidate of the incumbent governing All Progressives Congress (APC), Godwin Obaseki and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party said it has filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Benin seeking to disqualify the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Godwin Obaseki, from contesting the September 10 governorship election.
The party is asking the court for a declaration that Obaseki’s statement that he graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical Studies in 1976, made under oath in the Independent National Election Commission form CF001, Part B, Paragraph C and dated July 11, 2016, was false.
The defendants in the suit with reference number FHC/B/CO/120/16, dated September 1, 2016, are Obaseki and INEC.
The Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, who disclosed this on Tuesday, explained that the party’s assessment of the affidavit showed that the APC candidate allegedly lied on oath by providing false information.
Orbih argued that Obaseki’s claim that he graduated from the University of Ibadan in 1976, as deposed in a sworn affidavit in June, 2016, was false because he did not have the requisite number of passes to study Classical Studies.
No date has been fixed for hearing on the suit.
However, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo APC, Godwin Erhahon, said that while the PDP had the right to contest the eligibility of its (APC’s) candidate, the opposition party could not be the judge in the matter.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has finally responded to the published letter from US Congressman, Tom Marino, to the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, which called for security sanctions against the country, and alleging that the former military ruler has jettisoned democratic order for military styled dictatorship.
The Federal Government through the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, while describing the letter which went virile on the social media as a propagandist tool and sadly out of tune with reality, said the US Congressman, Tom Marino only acted on the strength of some imaginary infraction by the Buhari administration.
A statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by Segun Adeyemi, special adviser to the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Congressman Marino was poorly informed about the issues he commented on, wondering why he did not take the pains to get first hand information from the US Embassy in Nigeria or any other credible source before engaging in what is nothing but a ‘propaganda of his own imagination’.
The statement aid by asking the US to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to Nigeria based on a faulty premise, the Congressman has demonstrated a poor understanding of global security issues.
“Insecurity anywhere is insecurity everywhere. Had Congressman Marino understood this, he would not have made the kind of call he made concerning the US security assistance to Nigeria. The Boko Haram insurgency that Nigeria has decisively dealt with under President Muhammadu Buhari is not just a Nigerian problem but a regional and international crisis.”
Mohammed said Marino definitely did not have Nigeria in mind when he wrote that the US should withhold security assistance to Nigeria until President Muhammadu Buhari “demonstrates a commitment to inclusive government and the most basic tenets of democracy: freedom to assemble and freedom of speech”.
“An Administration that operates purely on the basis of respect for the rule of law and a strict adherence to constitutional order is not one to deny the citizens of their constitutionally-guaranteed rights. This Administration therefore does not need the goading of Congressman Marino or anyone for that matter to do what is right.
“Concerning running an inclusive government, had Congressman Marino done his home work before dispatching his letter, he would have realized that no part of the country is left out in the distribution of political appointments, for example, or in the appointment of Ministers, which was done in accordance with the Constitution that mandates that the President must appoint at least one minister from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Had the Congressman sought information from credible sources before engaging in a flight of fancy, he would have been presented with a comprehensive information on the appointment of CEOs for Federal Government’s parastatals, agencies and commissions that shows that the appointments were almost evenly matched along the line of the six geo-political zones in the country: With the North West having 51, North Central 46, North East 45, South East 41, South West 45 and South South 45,’’ he said. ‘’The Congressman may wish to note that each geo-political zone comprises 6 states, with the exception of North West (7) and South East (5).”
The Minister described Marino’s description of the Administration’s anti-corruption efforts as “selective” as a tired argument that clearly shows that the US lawmaker must have appended his signature to someone’s concocted line.
“That line was invented by those seeking to cause an unnecessary distraction from the Administration’s anti-corruption efforts, and it has been roundly rejected. Congressman Marino’s decision to exhume the dead postulation without an iota of proof is a reflection of whose side he has taken in the ongoing efforts to rid Nigeria of corrupt elements. Needless to say that the anti-corruption battle will continue unhindered, irrespective of whose ox is gored. And in this fight, only the guilty needs be afraid.”
Mohammed said Nigeria is delighted that Kerry, to whom the Congressman addressed his letter, is more knowledgeable, better briefed and definitely more hands on concerning Nigerian issues.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Tom Marino
A member of the United States Congress, Tom Marino, has condemned the draconian and dictatorship style of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressive Congress (APC) led government.
Tom Marino, a Republican from Pennsylvania who assumed office on January 3, 2011, is a member of the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs, and the Chairman, Sub-committee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law.
Marino, in a two-page letter dated September 1, 2016 to Secretary of State, John Kerry, is seeking US government sanctions against Nigeria on some sensitive security deals, including proper democratization and an all inclusive governance, among others.
In a two-page, six-paragraph letter dated September 1, 2016 and addressed to Kerry, Marino, a Republican from Pennsylvania who assumed office on January 3, 2011, said there were a number of warning signs emerging in the Buhari administration that signal “the man who once led Nigeria as a military dictator might be sliding towards former autocratic tendencies”.
Tom Marino’s letter to John Kerry reads:
“Dear Secretary Kerry, I am encouraged by the personal interest you have taken in aiding Nigeria and its administration as it takes on endemic corruption, multiple insurgent movements, and a faltering economy. However, I believe there are a number of warning signs emerging in the Buhari administration that signal “the man who once led Nigeria as a military dictator might be sliding towards former autocratic tendencies.”
“I would urge the U.S. to withhold its security assistance to the nation until President Buhari demonstrates a commitment to inclusive government and the most basic tenets of democracy: freedom to assemble and freedom of speech. A logical start towards this commitment is for the Nigerian government to hold accountable those members of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Military complicit in extra-judicial killings and war crimes”.
“Human rights groups like Amnesty International have widely documented torture, inhumane treatment, and extra-judicial killings of defenseless Nigerians since President Buhari took office.”
“in the last six months, Nigeria’s military has unlawfully killed at least 350 people and allowed more than 168 people, including babies and children, to die in military detention.”
“The Secretary to the Government of Kaduna State even admitted to burying 347 of those killed in a mass grave. And while President Buhari promised swift condemnation, his words rang empty. Instead of swift reforms, Buhari chose to reinstate Major General Ahmadu Mohammed, who Amnesty International revealed was in charge of the Nigerian military unit that executed more than 640 unarmed, former detainees.
“Also, in separate incidents concerning the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Nigerian Army has killed at least 36 – the real number is likely higher – people since December 2015 in an attempt to silence opposition and quell attempts by the group to gather publicly.”
“Of President Buhari’s 122 appointees, 77 are from the north and control many of the key ministries and positions of power. Distrust is already high in Nigeria and favouring Northerners for key appointments has only antagonized the issue. These appointments are also primarily Muslim in the north and Christian in the south, adding a religious aspect to long-held regional biases.
“Of additional concern is President Buhari’s selective anti-corruption drive, which has focused almost exclusively on members of the opposition party, over-looking corruption amongst some of Buhari’s closest advisors. Politicizing his anti-corruption efforts has only reinforced hostility among southerners.
“This is a logical first step in making a demonstrable, sustained commitment to inclusive democracy, with distributed power in Nigeria. Until President Buhari establishes a track record of working towards inclusion, we ask the State Department to refrain from selling warplanes and other military equipment to the country.
“The State Department should urge President Buhari to form a government that represents the diversity of its citizens and allows dissenting voices to be heard. Democracy can thrive only if people are free to assemble, to express their beliefs, and voice their concerns.”
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Late Maxwell Chinedu Etoromi
The husband of Stella Oduah, Lieutenant Colonel (Chief) Satchie Ayomike Etoromi says he suspect foul play in the death of his son, Mr Maxwell Chinedu Toritseju Etoromi.
He said that controversies surrounding his death will be investigated.
Another son of Chief Etoromi from Stella, Mr Tuoyo Etoromi Oduah, had released a damning statement to his father.
He had in the statement, denounced his father saying that he will rather be a bastard than be called his son.
He had accused his father of being an attention seeker in the course of his brother’s death.
But the retired Army officer fired back,imploring his son to retrace his steps and not allow himself to be used by his mother.
Chief Etoromi in his statement to his son wrote thus; “Eyituoyo my son, they have misled you. When Omabuwa came home last year, Stella, your mother told me to call you to come home.
She gave me your phone number. She said you were in the United States of America and don’t answer calls. All calls to that your phone were not answered. I believe Omabuwa was killed, that is why Stella refused to tell me.”
“The stories about how Stella took you away need not be told now. The grief that my son, Omabuwa who was contacted by your junior sister, Valentina Omawumi Etoromi and who came home is dead is too much a pain for me now. Stella should bring our kids home. I want to bury Omabuwa who is now late, and you my lovely son, Eyituoyo should come home. I married Stella traditionally and under Ibo marriage law, every child she has before my dowry is returned belongs to me.
It is Stella and not yourself who should tell me that my son, Omabuwa, your senior brother is dead”, he said.
Chief Etoromi also wrote that;”You said you offered flight tickets and accommodation to attend the burial and funeral of my son. Burial where? Do you have flight infrastructures at Akili Ozizor now? Is it Ibo culture for a woman whose dowry was paid to take her children’s corpse to her home town? That is abomination. The controversies surrounding Omabuwa’s death will be investigated”.
“My son, do not allow yourself to be dragged into what you do not have knowledge. Could it be that Omabuwa was killed because he came home? This is not the time to talk. May the Almighty God grant us His Mercies, show us light that will make us know the truth. Amen”.
He pointed out that;”Eyituoyo, I am not Mr Satchie Etoromi. I was commissioned into the Nigerian Army and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before Stella came into my life. I was also conferred with a Chieftaincy title when she was with me. It is a pity that you were not told my status in life. You will know I am not a nonentity as you were made to believe”
He added that;”My marriage with Stella was not short. She moved out of our home 19 years ago and so her telling you she divorced me 30 years ago is another big lie. How old are you? So why did she tell you all these lies? I am an incorruptible and disciplined officer and gentleman and you shall be proud that my blood flows in your veins when the truth becomes knowledge. I was a polygamous man before Stella married me. I married many wives and it is a custom of our people. His Royal Highness, Igwe Oduah 1 of blessed memory had many wives too, so what did I do wrong? When Stella took you and everything away, in humility I prayed for the Almighty God’s mercy. Must she not do the needful and bring you to me? The Almighty God shall judge. I am your father. Bring Omabuwa home and come with him. I am not threatening you nor your mother. . May the Almighty God bless you my son. All will be well.
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“It is very painful in a situation where the armed robber is now the one sympathising with the victim.” –Lai Mohammed. Lai Mohammed
Nigeria’s boisterous Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has taken a rude swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for daring to call for the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari over the nation’s failing economy.
The one time All Progressive Congreess (APC) propagandist described the statement made by the PDP as “preposterous”.
Speaking at a forum on Friday in Abuja, Mohammed said: “It is very painful in a situation where the armed robber is now the one sympathising with the victim.
“I read in the dailies that the PDP said that the President must resign because of the economy.
“While we are not going to indulge in blame game, I think we should also be honest enough to admit that we will not have been where we are today if they had done what they ought to do.
“For the party to ask the President to resign is just a big joke.”
The minister noted: “Agreed that Nigeria is not the only country hit by the recession and crash in price of crude, but other countries made savings.
“Saudi Arabia today has about $600 billion in reserve and this is by planning and saving for the future, which the past administration failed to do during surplus.
“This is not about blaming other administration, but we believe that one should be honest when criticising.”
Mohammed then assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would do everything possible to bring the country out of the economic situation.
Recall that the PDP new Media Director, Deji Adeyanju, had in a statement in Abuja called for the resignation of President Buhari, who was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, “for destroying” the economy.
Adeyanju was reacting to the data released by the National Bureau of Statistics issued on Wednesday, which stated that Nigeria was in recession.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – This eclipse currently in progress as sighted and pictured by Blank NEWS Online
The annular solar eclipse has been sighted throughout Nigeria. The eclipse will also be visible from Madagascar and locations in Central Africa. The Moon’s shadow will also cross parts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
For most viewers in Africa, the eclipse appeared as a partial solar eclipse.
The eclipse which began at 06:13 UTC on September 1, 2016. The maximum point took place at 09:01 UTC, and the annularity lasted for hours. Day and Night Map shows where eclipse is currently visible.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Impeached President Dilma Rousseff
Long time embattled Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff has finally been impeached for allegedly manipulating the country’s budget, despite her denial of the charges levelled against her.
The Senate voted to remove President Dilma Rousseff, putting an end to 13 years in power of her left-wing Workers’ Party.
Sixty-one senators voted in favour of her impeachment and 20 against, meeting the two-thirds majority needed to remove her from the presidency.
Acting President Michel Temer will serve out Rousseff’s term, which ends on January 1, 2019.
Temer, from the centre-right PMDB party, is expected to be officially sworn in later on Wednesday.
Rousseff had been suspended in May after the Senate voted to go ahead with the impeachment process.
She was accused of moving funds between government budgets, which is illegal under Brazilian law.
Her critics said she was trying to plug deficit holes in popular social programmes to boost her chances of being re-elected for a second term in October 2014.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Late Maxwell Chinedu Etoromi Stella
Ex-husband of Senator Stella Oduah, Lt. Col. Satchie Emmanuel Etoromi (Rtd.), has urged the ex-aviation minister to return his late son to him now in Warri, Delta State for burial.
Chief Etoromi speaking to newsmen in Warri shortly after sending a powerful delegation to his royal majesty, Igwe D. O. Oduah, the Igwe of Akili Ozizor, Ogbaru in Anambra State, expressed sadness over the death of his son and how he was treated by the Senator.
In his letter to the royal father titled, “Appeal To Intercede To Ensure Senator Stella Adaeze Oduah Brings My Son, Maxwell Chinedu Obiechina Wereyesigha Toritseju Etoromi To Me In Warri For Burial,” the bereaved father said he read about the death of their 28 years old son in the newspapers without being informed by his ex-wife.
The letter reads, “His Royal Highness Igwe Oduah 1, betrothed Stella Oduah to me on 18th November 1984 in Akili Ozizor. We married on the 16th of December 1984 in His Highness`s Palace in Akili Ozizor. After the payment of dowry and exchange of gifts, we were taken to Nde-Mili where we performed the final rites.
“I am surprised to see in the internet stories that my son MAXWELL OMABUWA TEMISAREN OBIECHINA WEREYESIGHA TORITSEJU CHINEDU ETOROMI who Stella delivered for us on 14th March 1988 at 05.00 hour in St Mary`s Hospital Ugboroke Warri is dead.
“Up till now Stella has not told me my son died in her custody. There is rumour that my son will be buried in Akili Ozizor.
THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AT ALL. My son must be brought to me in Warri for internment.
The letter which was copied to Most Reverend Valerian Okeke, The Arch-Bishop of Onitsha, and the Parish Priest, Father, Donald Uzoh of Sacred Heart Parish, added that “Stella should also bring back EYITUOYO FELIX KENNETH ORITSETIMEYIN IKECHUKWU ETOROMI who was delivered on 1st August 1989 at 0 5.30 hour in St Mary`s Hospital Ugboroke Warri whom she took away from our home over twenty years ago.”
Chief Etoromi explained to the monarch that the stories needed not be told now, but his grief at Omabuwa`s transition was too much to bear, hence he is is reacting this way.
It would be recalled that Akili Ozizor, the quiet country home of Nigeria’s former Aviation minister and presently the Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial Zone, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah, on Monday witnessed an unusual heavy vehicular and human movement when sympathisers, friends and dignitaries from across Anambra state rallied for vigil mass for the peaceful repose of the soul of late master Maxwell Chinedu, son of Senator Oduah who died last Friday at the age of 28.
The Archbishop of Onitsha and Metropolitan of Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev Valerian Okeke presided over the mass with other four priests concelebrating.
The Archbishop condoled with the entire family and described the death of Chinedu as a big trial moment for the family and urged them not to mourn as people without faith.
According to the Archbishop,it is not the age one lived that matters but what one achieved in his life time.
In his homily,the Episcopal Vicar of Dunukofia Region,Onitsha Archdiocese, Very Rev Fr Theophilus Odukwe likened the death of Chinedu to that of the Biblical John the Baptist whose life was cut short at a young age,a situation which he said faith had ordained.
Fr Odukwe pointed out that in many cases and particularly in history,many achievers in history concluded their earthly journeys early in life adding that God in his infinite wisdom called the late Chinedu home after concluding his earthly assignment.
He drew analogy on the vanity of life when he pointed out that neither wealth,power or money can give life but that God almighty gives life and takes as he wishes.
One of those who arrived early for the mass are the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Anambra State PDP chairman, Chief Ken Emeakayi, former Onitsha South Local government Chairman, Chief Ejidike, the Chief of Staff, Princess Stella Oduah Foundation, Princess Nwaka Ononuju, Director of Stella Oduah Campaign Organisation, Chief Pandola Okwuosa and many others.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Sheriff vs Makarfi
Attempts by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) to put the party on a steady platform has again met a brick wall, as the Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff faction has rejected the party’s BOT recommendations on its next national convention and resolution of its leadership crisis.
The outright rejection by the Sheriff group is contained in a statement signed by the faction’s Ag. Deputy National Chairman, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The BoT had in a communiqué after its meeting on Monday in Abuja advised the National Caretaker Committee of the party to hold the next national convention in Abuja, with a new convention planning committee.
According to it, to ensure a credible, transparent, free and fair convention, a new convention planning committee should be constituted by the National Caretaker Committee and approved by National Executive Committee (NEC).
It also said that the BoT would facilitate the raising of adequate funds for the party’s activities, including the convention.
The trustee passed a vote of confidence on the caretaker committee, and charged it to, as soon as possible, convene a meeting of the NEC of the party.
But, Sheriff’s group said that the outcome of the BoT Monday’s meeting fell short of its earlier decision with party’s reconciliation committee.
“Having deliberated on the reported outcome of the BoT meeting of Aug. 29, we have resolved that the resolutions fel short of the decision reached with the Dickson/Mantu reconciliation committee.
“The agreement we had is that Sheriff should chair a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where Makarfi will attend as a member of the BoT.
“At the meeting, a chairman of convention committee will be agreed upon, a new convention committee setup, including all other sub-committees, zoning, finance, accreditation, etc.
“The venue of the convention will be in Abuja, where a new leadership of the party will emerge, internal democracy will be respected and confidence will return to the party,’’ the group said.
It said that it had hoped that opportunity would be given for everybody to return to the one umbrella “and shake hands and will see the PDP re-emerge for the challenges ahead.
The group added that it “completely rejects the vote of confidence passed on the `illegal caretaker committee’ because a committee that has failed twice to successfully organize a convention on two occasion is a failure’’.
“Consequently, we can now confidently inform the general public that well-meaning Nigerians have been urging Sen. Makarfi to resign to save democracy.
“We, therefore, call on his friends and associates and family to advice him to do the needful and resign now to save multi-party democracy in Nigeria and stop impunity that has been the bane of internal democracy,’’ the group stated.
It alleged that the BoT Chairman, Sen. Walid Jubrin, brought crisis to the party.
“In any case, his tenure has expired as he has spent more than 10 years as secretary and chairman of BoT, which runs contrary to the Constitution.
“A party where we have eminently qualified persons like Sen. David Mark, Babangida Aliyu and others, cannot be led by individuals controlled by the love for money.
“The source of irritation in the party is the still-born illegal caretaker committee and the Board of Trustees should have advised that the illegality be addressed,’’ it said.
The faction commended PDP supporters nationwide for their understanding and patience, adding that “we make bold to state that until we get it right and check impunity, the Nigerian opposition party won’t perform as required.
“As we move towards reconciliation, PDP should prevent any person or group from hijacking the party.
“Be rest assured that the PDP will emerge stronger as we note that impunity marred the party’s success in 2015 general elections,’’ it added.
Contacted, BoT Chairman, Jubrin, declined comment, saying that he was in a meeting. (NAN)
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
After several botched party conventions and in a bid to manage the internal leadership crisis that has bedevilled Nigeria’s only opposition party, the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has resolved to hold its national convention in Abuja.
The party has been enmeshed in series of internal squabbles, especially the leadership issues between Ali Modu Sheriff and Ahmed Makarfi and the attendant litigations, laced with claims and counter-claims which has caused a lot of disenchantment among the party members.
The BOT however, passed a vote of confidence on the Ahmed Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee, even as it approved the dissolution of the National Convention Planning Committee and the constitution of new one.
The meeting presided over by the BoT Chairman, Senator Walid Jibrin with other members of Board, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, former National Chairmen, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, OFR amongst others in attendance.
The meeting arrived at the following resolutions:
>Passed a solid Vote of Confidence on the National Caretaker Committee led by H. E. Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, CON and urged the Committee to continue its good work of repositioning the Party;
>That the forthcoming National Convention of the PDP be held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT);
>That to ensure a credible, transparent, free and fair National Convention, the BoT resolved that a new National Convention Planning Committee be constituted by the National Caretaker Committee and approve by the National Executive Committee (NEC);
>That the BoT will facilitate the raising of adequate funds for the Party;
>The BoT mandated its Reconciliation Committee to continue with all good efforts of reconciling all aggrieved Party members;
>The Meeting urged all PDP Governors to continue pursuing positive programmes of good governance so as to clearly project the people oriented manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP);
>Finally, BoT advised the National Caretaker Committee to as soon as possible convene the Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in order to approve proposals on the way forward for Party. Members of the PDP BoT at the meeting
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Fayose “The House has passed the bill and I have to assent it, it becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary you will be punished by the law. Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism."
Contentious Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, has finally nailed the herdsman’s coffin, as he signs the anti-grazing bill, recently passed by the state House of Assembly, into law.
The governor’s assent indicates that any herdsman caught grazing with arms or any weapon in Ekiti state would now be charged with terrorism and be made to face the law accordingly.
While signing the bill into law, Governor Fayose said his government would always interface with the traditional chiefs on security issues, development of the state and anti-grazing law among others to give valuable information on activities of those who plunder state resources such as trees, farmlands and others.
Speaking about the anti-grazing law, he said: “My government took the bill to the House after what happened in Oke-Ako some months ago. The House has passed the bill and I have to assent it, it becomes a law from today that if you do anything to the contrary you will be punished by the law. Any herdsman caught with firearms or any weapon while grazing in Ekiti now will be charged with terrorism.”
Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Oluwawole had read the contents of the anti-grazing bill to a congregation of traditional chiefs and rulers in Ekiti state who were invited by the governor for the meeting at the Osuntokun hall of the government house in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.
According to Oluwawole, the state government is already working with local government officials to apportion portions of land for grazing to all local government authorities in the state.
“Grazing activities must be from 7am to 6pm on daily basis. The government shall allot certain portion of land to each local governments for grazing. Anyone caught grazing on portions of land or any farmland not allotted by government shall be apprehended and made to face the law.
Any herdsman caught with firearms and any weapons whatsoever during grazing shall be charged with terrorism. Any cattle confiscated shall be taken to government cattle ranch at Erifun in Iworoko community. Any farm products destroyed by the activities of any caught herdsman shall be estimated by agricultural officer and the expenses of the estimate shall be borne by the culprit. Any herdsman who violates any of these rules shall be imprisoned for six months without option of fine.”
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
DELTA State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, has said that with the celebration of the silver jubilee of the state’s creation, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has placed the state in an irreversible path of progress as the state is now opened to the world.
Mr Ukah made the disclosure during an inter-denominational thanksgiving service to conclude programmes for the silver jubilee celebration of the state. The thanksgiving service took place at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba.
According to Mr Ukah, the 25 years anniversary celebration has opened the state to the world, revealing that from the economic summit alone, the state got commitments towards economic progress and the fact that the development programmes will spread through out the state will make it a business haven for all.
From the children’s day party organized by the First Lady, Dame Edith Okowa, which did not only put the children in the mood of celebration but their parents, the cultural carnival was an eye-opener that the state has a money-spinning machine in the tourism sector that have not tapped in any way, and of course, the economic summit was the success story of Delta succeeding without revenue from oil, he said.
According to Mr Ukah, some states are begging to have one sea port, but Delta State is blessed with four and with an international airport, people can come in from any part of the world not only for business but for tourism.”
He specifically thanked Governor Okowa for attracting such personalities like the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, and financial egg-heads of the nation, adding that the financial situation of the country did not deter the state from celebrating its oneness 25 years after, rather, the economic situation opened our eyes to the fact that we have not fully harnessed our potentials as a state.
The Information Commissioner reiterated the fact that the state did not spend a kobo in the one week celebration that was beamed to the world, stressing that this was only possible because, there are still corporate organizations that believes that they can tap into the state and make it a pride of Africa where return-on-investment is very high because of its numerous blessings.
He stated that God has blessed the state with rich soil, a lot of notable rivers, including the coast of Atlantic Ocean, beautiful sand beaches that have not been tapped, a lot of natural resources and above all, with mineral resources.
Mr. Ukah said that it is because of this that the state capped the celebration with a thanksgiving to God for His blessings emphasizing that when you appreciate God for His goodness, He will do more for you. From left: Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajor; Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, during the Economic Summit to mark the 25th Anniversary in Asaba. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
You are welcome to this interview, great man of God. I can see you are making a mark in the deliverance ministry and so this morning we will be discussing deliverance in ministry. What do you understand by the word deliverance?
Deliverance is setting people free from satanic bondage by the saving power of Jesus Christ. We have two spirits controlling human lives and they are the Spirit of God and that of Satan. We also have two worlds and they are the spiritual world and the physical world, but I will deliberate on the spiritual world. In the spiritual world, we have four hierarchies of demons influencing human lives as it says in Ephesians 6:12.
How do the demons influence human lives?
Demons influence human lives by living inside people and causing problems in their lives like joblessness, barrenness, marital failure, business collapse, financial hardship, frustration and disappointment. No problem is an ordinary one. There are many powers behind the scenes. There is a particular demon assigned to every unpleasant situation that people find themselves in life.
How do demons get people?
It is by the sins that people commit. Their sins give the demons access to them to operate in them. There are those who were sold to idols through ancestral covenants and the demons behind those idols may continue to dwell in them unless they are delivered. The duty of the demons is to distract them from serving the living God and from having a knowledge of the truth.
Why do people fall during deliverance?
They fall during deliverance because the demons in them cannot withstand the power of God. When the greater power shows up the lesser power bows and when light comes darkness goes. There are stubborn demons that need violence for them to go out. When the demons want to challenge the power of God, they are exorcized by fire and by force. That is why you see people falling during deliverance. That is divine falling. It is, therefore, not surprising to me that they do not feel any pain or sustain any injury because of the fall.
Apart from falling, why are there other manifestations like screaming, scattering of the hair, turning around and rolling on the floor?
The reason is that the demons are reacting to the power of God. When they are reacting, you see strange physical manifestations such as these things you have mentioned. It tells you the kind of evil spirit that is living in them. For instance, if you see someone barking like a dog during deliverance, you do not need a prophet to tell you that the person has a dog spirit.
Why do the demons come back after demon-possessed people have been delivered?
It is because many of them return to their former ways after they have been set free. Like I said, their sins give the demons access to them. The evil spirits that left them during deliverance use their sins as an opportunity to come back and the last state of such people is worse than the first state as it says in Matthew 12:43-45.
What must people do to be permanently free from demon possession?
Thank you for that question. First of all, they must give their lives to Christ fully and go for deliverance. The demon-possessed people must be willing to be delivered before deliverance can happen. Otherwise, the deliverance minister is just wasting his time. It takes a longer time and more effort for deliverance to happen if the demon-possessed people are not willing to be delivered. Secondly, they must maintain a holy life after being delivered and be committed to the things of God so that the demons will not have access to them again.
Is it every minister that should conduct deliverance?
A minister who does not have the power of deliverance in him should not conduct deliverance at all. If he tries it without having the power, he may endanger himself especially if he is living in sin. If he cannot deliver them, he may become demonized himself. So when a minister who is not called into the deliverance ministry imitates others and conducts deliverance, he is only subjecting himself to a lot of spiritual attacks and inviting problems to his life.
How do we know when people fall under the anointing or under the power of deliverance?
People who fall under the anointing will manifest the gifts of the Holy Ghost like speaking in tongues, while others who fall under the power of deliverance will also manifest but with strange physical behaviours like you mentioned earlier.
What is your advice to Christians and the general public?
Deliverance is a spiritual necessity for everyone and so go for it. Thank you very much.
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Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, during a Day2 Economic Summit to mark its 25th Anniversary in Asaba.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his Sokoto State counterpart, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal have said dialogue rather than violent agitations would bring about speedy development of the country.
The two governors made the submission on Saturday, August 27, 2016 in Asaba during the second day of the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit.
According to the governors during the summit which was organised as part of activities to celebrate the silver jubilee of the state’s creation, the security challenges in the Niger Delta region in particular could not have degenerated to the situation where the country was losing huge revenue as a result of destruction of pipelines if the people involved had applied dialogue, noting that the region has great potentials for growth when the resources of the region is harnessed which can only be done in a peaceful environment.
“I bring you felicitations from the Nigeria Governors Forum on your state’s silver jubilee celebration, Delta State is known for peace, and a lot can be achieved when dialogue is applied; I want to call on the youths of the Niger Delta Region to embrace dialogue and peace in their agitations, let us have dialogue on the various issues affecting the region; we need peace and tranquillity in the country so that we can harness all our resources for development; I urge the youths of the Niger Delta to engage the Federal Government through dialogue so that solutions can be found,” Hon. Tambuwal said.
Governor Okowa on his part, said “we seek peaceful environment from our people, so that a lot of development can take place; we need to cooperate with ourselves so that we can right the wrongs of the past.”
“A lot of the investment community are ready to partner with us to develop the state, but, we need to ensure that we sustain the peace and security in our communities so that investors can come in; it is not wrong to agitate but we can do that through dialogue, we will get better result when we agitate through dialogue,” the governor emphasised.
He assured the people of the state especially the participants of the summit that government would take all necessary measures to implement its resolutions asserting, “the presentation at the summit gives us hope for the future, this summit would not end up as a mere talk show, I have instructed my executive council that all the suggestions and resolutions at this summit should be brought up at a special Executive Council Meeting within the next two weeks so that we can begin to implement them”
While commending all the participants especially the former administrators and governors of the state for charting the way forward for the state, the governor called for the cooperation of all to provide an enabling environment for investment to thrive. Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal (right); Air Commander. Ibrahim Kefas (2nd left) and Captain. Walter Feghabo, during a Day2 Economic Summit to mark its 25th Anniversary in Asaba. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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