The Chief Press Secretary to the Delta state Governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu has expressed suprise over the pervading tension that enveloped the state, shortly before the Tribunal judges confirmed Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as the genuinely elected governor of the state.
Speaking on a radio program at the studios of Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS), Asaba FM 97.9, monitored by Blank NEWS Online, Aniagwu wondered why a political party that has no visible presence in most of the local government and wards in the state would expect to win a free and fair election.
He said the numerical difference in the number of votes ganered by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in comparism to that of the Al Progresive Congress (APC) and Labour Party (LP) was a clear demonstration of the love Deltans have for Okowa.
The Chief Press Secretary further advised the Petitioners to heed the call made by Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, calling on the APC and LP candidates to join hands with him to build a better Delta state.
He however advised them against the idea of an appeal, although stating it was their fundamental right to do so.
Aniagwu said the S.M.A.R.T agenda as introduced by Governor Okowa was a clear testimony of the vision and direction the state is heading.
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Nigeria, October 28, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Site of the ill-fated Leisure Park Project
DELTA State Government has set up a 7-man committee to review the execution of the multi-billion naira Leisure Park, Oleri in Udu local government area being executed by Sarner Ltd UK which has been touted as lacking the capacity to deliver on its promises.
The project, earlier seen as revenue spinner for the state suffered the same ill fate with tthe envisioned Wildlife Park at Ogwashi-Uku during the last administration of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy dropped the hint at a state executive council briefing he did with the Commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, Commissioner for Transport, Mr Vincent Uduaghan and the Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh on Tuesday.
The state executive council meeting which took place at the Government House, Asaba was presided by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro.
According to Barr. Ogwezzy, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa frowned at the fact that the state government has completed all its obligations in respect of the Memorandum of Understanding to develop the multi-billion naira project whereas, the contractor was yet to execute commensurate job.
Barr. Ogwezzy reiterated Governor Okowa’s commitment towards developing the tourism sector to be a high revenue earner in the face of dwindling revenue from oil resources disclosing that plans were also on to revive ailing cultural heritage of the state through cultural week and other activities.
At the briefing, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Uduaghan said efforts of Governor Okowa towards curbing the menace of trailers on the highways in the state have started paying off, stating that trailers that were parked illegally were been impounded.
Mr Uduaghan also said that Governor Okowa’s administration was against the trend of loosening plate numbers of vehicles parked wrongly in the state, especially, the state capital, Asaba saying, “it is illegal to remove plate numbers of vehicles as a means of punishment, it is also a wrong way of revenue generation because, the laws stipulated that only the state has the right over mechanical objects and I can tell you that no state government official is removing plate number of vehicles.”
While the Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr Patrick Ukah buttressed the fact that it was important for civil servants to avail themselves of the opportunities to own houses at the housing estate at Ugbolu, he noted that about seventy housing units were almost available for occupation.
The Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eboh lauded the job creation initiative of Governor Okowa’s administration, asserting that it was on record that only the Delta State government has initiated such job creation mechanism in the country.
According to him, the six thousand jobs in six months for Deltans was feasible as there was a well-thought out plan to execute such, assuring that measures have been put in place to make the state the food basket of the nation***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Nigeria, October 28, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
Nigeria’s apex court, the Supreme Court, on Tuesday, October 28, 2015 dismissed the appeal of the Rivers state governor, Nyesome Wike.
The appellant had objected that the court lacked merit to relocate the case to Abuja. But in its ruling, the supreme court upheld the right of the court to relocate the case to a tribunal sitting in Abuja following the absence of a chief judge at that time.
The court said the case was relocated by the president of the law court to Abuja basically due to security issues prevailing in Rivers state.
This the court said was to safeguard the lives of the chairman of the INEC and others involved in the case.
It said therefore that the tribunal was rightly constituted. It also added that the president of the court of appeal had a duty to ensure the safety of the court of tribunal by directing them to sit in Abuja to enable the tribunal to discharge its duty.
All five judges of the supreme court agreed with the judgement.
A tribunal in Abuja had on Saturday, October 2 ruled that the election in Rivers state that saw Wike elected as the state’s governor be cancelled and re-run.
Following the tribunal ruling Wike stated that he remained in charge of Rivers state, and he also vowed to appeal the court’s ruling.
The petition challenging the election of Wike as the Rivers state governor was filed by Dakuku Peterside, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC alongside its gubernatorial candidate, had been contesting the declaration of Governor Wike by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the Rivers state governorship poll in the April 11 gubernatorial election.
* * APC Hails Apex Court
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has lauded the Nigerian Supreme Court on its decision to throw out the bid by Wike to declare the sitting of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja as being against the law.
The apex court ruled that the President of the Court of Appeal acted in line with the law in transferring the sitting of the tribunal to Abuja for security reasons. The court also affirmed the judgement of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier okayed the decision of the Tribunal to assume jurisdiction.
“As a party, the APC is grateful that all seven eminent jurists of the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that there was sufficient violence before; during and after the elections to justify the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja and that the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja was to safeguard the lives of the tribunal chairman, members and witnesses. The apex court likened the violence in Rivers to that of a theatre of war such as is prevailing in the North-East”, the party said in a statement sgned by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone in Port Harcourt.
The APC noted with delight that Justice Okoro from Akwa Ibom State not only concurred but went further to say that Rivers State was a theatre of war and as such protection of life and limbs of members of the panel and interested parties was paramount and thus relocation of the Panel imperative.
The APC also commended the eminent Supreme Court Justices for once again re-affirming that they always dispense justice without fear or favour despite the frequent boasts by Nyesom Wike that he has all the Justices of the Supreme Court in his pocket, whatever that means.
The significance of all seven eminent Justices of the Supreme Court speaking in one voice in today’s judgment according to the APC, is that the faith, hope and confidence of the ordinary Nigerian to get justice is assured in the Nigerian judicial system. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Nigeria, October 27, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right) during his victory thanksgiving service
JUBILIATIONS across Delta State and beyond greeted the affirmation of the election of Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa as duly elected Governor of Delta State by the election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba with Governor Okowa calling on opponents to join hands with his administration to work for the people.
Deltans took to the streets, dancing and singing glory to God while the Government House gate, the Anwai road was blocked for hours as jubilant Deltans who were eager to attend a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel, Asaba blocked the road.
Speaking at the victory thanksgiving service, Governor Okowa gave thanks to God and urged the opponents as Deltans who have the people’s interests at heart to join his administration in moving the state forward.
According to the Governor, “today’s affirmation of my victory by the tribunal was an invitation to all and sundry to join hands with this administration to move the state forward,” adding, “in particular, I extend my hand of fellowship to Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor of the All Progressive Congress, both of whom I am sure are desirous to see Delta become a centre of excellence in all spheres of human endeavour.These men are my brothers, not my enemies and I look forward to welcome whatever idea and suggestions they have for the developmental aspirations of our beloved Delta State.”
Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (2nd right); his wife, Edith (right); Deputy Governor, Barr, Kingsley Otuaro; his wife, Engr Ebiere; the State PDP Chairman, Chief Edwin Uzor (2nd left) and Senator James during a thanksgiving service, shortly after the Governor’s victory at the tribunal in Asaba. Pix: Bripin Enarusai
“Delta State can ill afford another round of litigations, it will be no use continuing these needless litigations, we burn our money, we burn our time to the detriments of Deltans, it is time to think Deltans, it is not about political parties but about Delta State,” the Governor said amidst thunderous amen by the mammoth crowd that attended the thanksgiving service.
The Governor urged Deltans to be united and cooperate with his administration to enable it deliver on its electoral promise of prosperity for all Deltans,
While using the occasion to thank Deltans and his supporters in different parts of the world for encouraging him, the Governor assured Deltans of his administration’s commitment to diversify the economy and make the state the food basket of the country.
The Chaplain of the Government House Chapel, Revd. Osemene said it was important to give thanks to God no matter the situation noting that Governor Okowa has started doing good works in the state. Crowd @ Government House >>>Delta Speaker hails Tribunal Judgement
The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ovwigho Igbuya on Monday congratulated Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his victory at the Tribunal. He also praised the judiciary for remaining the protector of the oppressed.
In a statement issued in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Henry Ebireri, the speaker described the April 11 governorship election as the fairest and freest in the history of the state.
“Your victory at the Tribunal shows that the people of Delta State clearly authorized your candidature. “It also shows that the judiciary is the last hope of the common man’’ he said.
He commended Okowa for running a transparent and accountable government and also placing the state on the world map for good, growth and development.
Igbuya who also praised the governor for the pragmatic steps taken to address the problems in the various sectors, the development of democratic culture and stable polity, the creation of jobs for the people and the elevation of politics beyond the mundane levels of wrangling, greed and selfishness, said the governor in the last six months focused on administering the State, with the fear of God and for the good of the people.
““Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a caring governor. He believes in merit and places top priority on the welfare of the people. He has relentlessly pursued a vigorous policy for provision of social facilities and infrastructure” he said.
Emphasizing that God threw up Governor Okowa to develop the state, the speaker urged the governor to keep up the good works.
He enjoined Chief Great Ogboru and Olorogun O’tega Emerhor to support Governor Okowa in transforming the state. “There is no victor, no vanquished” he said DELTA STATE GOVERNORSHIP TRIBUNAL: Governor Okowa of Delta State supporters jubilate over the tribunal verdict sitting in Asaba for upholding its election yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini
>>>Prominent Deltans Reacts To Okowa’s Victory
THE Senior Political Adviser to the Government of Delta State, Chief Festus Ochonogor, the first Majority Leader of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Aneke Ifemeni, the Executive Assistant to Governor Okowa on Political Matters, Hon. Jery Eruvbedede, other Deltans has reacted to the victory of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at the tribunal.
Chief Ochonogor described the tribunal judgement as “a consolidatory victory for Governor Okowa and Deltans” while Hon. Ifemeni stated that the tribunal judgement did not come as a surprise as “Governor Okowa emerged from the grassroots from the primaries to the general elections, he is a true democrat who knows almost all Deltans by name, we are happy with the victory.”
To Hon. Eruvbedede, “we thank God, we prayed and worked for his electoral victory, Deltans are happy with the tribunal judgement.”
The Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Chief Ifeanyi Obi described the verdict of the tribunal as “victory for democracy, it was a popular judgement that Deltans are happy with and we hope that it will unite Deltans because we want everybody to work for the growth of the state.”
Chairman, Utagba-Uno Progress Forum (UPF), Okwa Stephen Ebinum said, “we are happy with this judgement, we have supported the Governor from beginning and we will continue to support his administration, we hope that the opponents will no longer see themselves as opponents but partners in progress.”
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THE Delta State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Asaba, has dismissed the petition filed by Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru.
Justice Nasir Gunmi, who heads the three-man Tribunal during the ruling today, dismissed the petition for lack of merit, amid tight security in around the Court premises.
The Tribunal also awarded N50,000 cost each against the Petitioners ( Ogboru and Labour Party)
Ogboru is challenging the declaration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as the winner of the 2015 governorship poll in the state, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
But Chairman of the Labour Party in the state, Chief Tony Ezeagwu expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, insisting to head to the Appeal Court. He advised party members to be calm.
Meanwhile, the ruling on a suit EPT/DT/GOV/32/2015 and EPT/DT/GOV/23/2015, filed by Olorogun O’tegha Emerhor and APC who approached the tribunal to nullify Okowa’s election on the ground of non-compliance with relevant sections of the Electoral Act was still ongoing at the time of filing this report.
Nigeria, October 24, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Wike
The Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja on Saturday, October 24, 2015 nullified the election of Governor Nyesom Wike, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election.
The Tribunal in its ruling ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has consequently to conduct a fresh governorship elections in the state.
Delivering the judgment, chairman of the Tribunal, Justice Suleiman Ambrosa, in his ruling said, “We hereby order INEC to conduct fresh elections”.
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dakuku Peterside, had filed a petition on May 3, urging the Tribunal to nullify the April 28 governorship election in all the 23 Local Government Areas of the state and to order fresh election.
Rivers Governor Nyesom Wike, through his counsels, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) and Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN), had also asked the Tribunal to dismiss the petition on the ground that it lacks merit.
The defendants further argued that the burden of proof rests on the petitioner who failed to discharge same before the tribunal.
On his part, counsel to the petitioner, Akin Olujimi (SAN), prayed the tribunal to grant the reliefs sought in their petition having successfully proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
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Nigeria, October 21, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Albert OGRAKA Uzum
The Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Delta state Governor on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD), Barr. Eugene Azuka Uzum has assured Deltans of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s determination to foster unity, peace, grassrooot empowerment and even development across the state.
Uzum stated this on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 when the executive committee members of Force Movement, Hash Harris International and other allied groups paid a courtesy vvisit to his office in Asaba.
The Orientation guru who corrected the inclination of a section of Deltans on falsehood urged the people to appraise the Governor Okowa’s administration based on effective performances and concern for the good people of Delta state.
While reeling out the various people oriented programmes of the state government, he assured that his office is determined to issue adequate enlightenment and orientation to Deltans on the workings of government, adding that the policy initiatives of the present administration, especially in the area of entrepreneurial opportunities for youths, among other empowerment programmes is aimed at bringing prosperity to all, irrespective of the multifarious ethnic nationalities in the state.
Corroborating Barr. Uzum’s position, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu disclosed that the S.M.A.R.T agenda of the present administration is hinged on fastracking the spate of development in the state, asuring that government has put resources in place to ensure compliance in projects execution.
He enjoined Deltans to renege from engaging themselves with series of non-issue based criticisms but to join hands wih the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration in its determination to build a progressive Delta State.
Earlier in his speech, leader of the delegation, Mr. Kingsley Odiaka Iweka (MNIM) thanked Barr. Uzum for initiating series of sensitization and enlightenment programmes to help build the peoples confidence in governance, all geared towards ensuring growth and development of the state.
Iweka who hailed Uzum for creating an effective feedback mechanism to bridge existing communication gaps between the people and government, however appealed to the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Delta state Governor on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD) to sustain the sensitization programme and ensure its spread throughout the state.
Also, Prince Godwin Ogboren of the Hash Harris International expressed satisfaction with the activities of the office of the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) to the Delta state Governor on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD), saying that the recent One-Day Symposium/Seminar tagged “Policies of Prosperity in Support of the S.M.A.R.T Agenda” held at Government House Annex, Warri was a clear indication of good tidings for Deltans.
The occasion was further glossed with a brief presentation by Mr. Alex Chukwuka Uboh, President of Coalition of Ndokwa Peace Ambassadors (CONPA) on providing total support for the success of the programmes and objectives of the office of the Senior Special Assistant (Special Duties) on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD).
Highpoint of the visit, attended by Mr. Sese Omu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations and Peace Building as well as his counterpart on Youth Development, was the presentation of an award of honour to Barr. Eugene Uzum for his forthrightness and selfless services to the people and government of Delta state.
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DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged Polytechnic lecturers to pay emphasis on multi-disciplinary research and practical life skills to ensure that Polytechnic graduates can be seif employed.
The Governor who spoke on Monday (19/10/15) while inaugurating the Governing Council of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ozoro observed that the current educational system where graduates come out looking to the government or the few available private enterprises for gainful employment was wrong.
Rt. Hon. Funkekeme Solomon is the Chairman of the Governing Council while Hon. Joe Adigwe, Hon. Gabriel Alebe and Chief Mrs Oti Agoba are members of the Council.
“We are deeply convinced that the solution to the massive youth unemployment that we are facing in the country, and especially in our state, lies not with certificate acquisition, but with skills building through technical cum vocational education,” the Governor stated.
“Students must be thought and equipped with entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving abilities, principles of personal effectiveness, leadership development, business and crisis management, as well as current trends in business and ethics,” okowa challenged the polytechnic community.
Governor Okowa reiterated, “these should be complemented with regular skills building and training programmes to upgrade and update their knowledge base.”
“The development of technical education is at the very core of our S.M.A.R.T agenda because we believe that until we get our youths to acquire the requisite technical and vocational skills, we are not building a future for them,” the Governor noted.
“No meaningful national development can be achieved without sound, qualitative technical education and in Delta State, three of our technical colleges are currently being rehabilitated and refocused to equip students with the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for business, trade and commerce.” The governor observed.
He challenged the Governing Council and management of the Polytechnic to pay attention to improved curriculum and quality of teaching so as to equip their products with the requisite mind-set and knowledge to excel in today’s rapidly changing world.
Responding on behalf of members of the Council, Hon. Solomon thanked Governor Okowa for deeming them fit to serve the government and people of Delta State as Chairman and members of the Polytechnic Governing Council.
He assured that they will carry out their functions diligently.
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Nigeria, October 19, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
CHIEF Ifeanyi Obi, Chairman of the Delta State Council of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) believes that a peaceful, united labour union is very vital to the progress of the society. As a labour leader, he has always tried to run an open-door policy, applying democratic norms to problem-solving.
He was recently endorsed by majority of the union members to run for a second term unopposed as Chairman of the drivers’ union in Delta State, but he has his fears. To him, with the expiration of his tenure, the National Executive Council of the union had said, there must be elections in Delta State.
Chief Obi in a recent chat, said some members of the union backed by powerful forces outside the union have formed the habit of causing disaffection and they have also sponsored several visits to their national headquarters in Abuja all in a bid to cause crisis in the union but, maturity has prevailed.
Though, more than thirty-five branches of the union in the state have signed a confidence vote on Chief Obi’s led executive, calling for continuity, Chief Obi said that having an election would not only give room for people to express their desires to contest in the elections, but would ensure democratic and transparent process of emergence of leaders for the union.
Those who endorsed the confidence votes were Chairmen and Secretaries of Ika North-East, Oshimili South A, Isoko South Taxi, Ughelli South, Ethiope East, Comrades Anthony Igwebuike, Micah Chimekweli, Dumebi Kanayo, Remy Idanwekhai, Pius Obewor, Azino Saviour, Charles Kwode, Joseph Oghofaruedon, Charles Erbor, among others.
They said, “Comrade Obi runs an open door policy and carries members of the state executive council, state administrative council and all the members of the NURTW in Delta State along in the administration of the union in Delta State.
“We have implicit confidence in his leadership style which has advanced and brought tremendous benefits to our beloved union since he became state chairman, we hereby pass a vote of confidence on Comrade (Chief) Ifeanyi Obi, the able chairman of the Delta State Council of NURTW. Comrade Obi’s relationship with the government, Nigeria Labour Congress, security agencies, the media and other relevant agencies is very robust and cordial and we have approached and convinced him to seek a second term in office.”
While praying for God to continue guiding Comrade Obi in steering the activities of the drivers’ union in the state, they assured him of their continual support for a peaceful and progressive union.
The NURTW is a critical union to the stability of the economy of Delta State . The role they play which is majorly movement of goods and people from one place to another, facilitates commerce and boost other business venture.
To Chief Obi, “since I came on board as the Chairman of the NURTW, we have never gone on strike because we know that we must be partner to any government in power. Though, I was not the Chairman of the union when a great Deltan, Chief James Ibori was in government, I was a member of that executive council and we all supported Chief (Comrade) Emmanuel Akponekwe to succeed and we worked very well with Chief Ibori who is our leader. He gave the union some busses. During the time of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, we also worked peacefully with him. Though, we had problems in Agbor as two of our members, Comrades Dennis Araro and Amaechi Igumbor were fighting for supremacy. For peace to reign, we had several meetings with them and at the end, the branch was divided.”
“Agbor was the only challenging area in our union until Dennis and Amaechi were removed. But, we accommodated them at the state executive council because they are part of us, unfortunately, the last crisis that rocked Agbor was linked to them. What happened at Uvwie was challenging as their former Chairman, Comrade Ariyo during the tenure of Governor Uduaghan was having issues with his members and despite efforts for the state council to intervene he resorted to using outside help. It was sad that when our brother, our friend, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa became Governor that the crisis in Uvwie erupted but as I am talking with you, the place is peaceful and the union in every part of the state is peaceful, we are one family.”
On the relationship with Governor Okowa’s administration, Chief Obi said, “I have my personal relationship with Governor Okowa, even before Chief Ibori became Governor, we thank God that today, he is our Governor. As a Union, we will always partner with government in place and Governor Okowa can go to sleep because his people, committed Deltans who believe in peace are in the national union, we know that he means well for Deltans, he is experienced and once the rains are over, we will feel his impact more because those things he is doing now is to remove hunger from the land and make the people wealthier.”
Chief Obi’s tenure as Chairman of NURTW can be described as a tenure when most of the members of the union became prosperous and peaceful. Generally, his tenure can be scored very high.
One cannot confirm if Chief Obi will have opposition during the elections bearing in mind that majority of the chairmen and secretaries of the drivers’ union wants him to complete his second term in office but, nobody toys with elections especially, with allegations of outside influence. In all, Deltans will want a peaceful elections because crisis of any kind will do nobody any good.
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Nigeria, October 19, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Nnamdi Kanu
The reported arrest of the Director of Radio Biafra, Biafra Television and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Lagos, on Saturday, October 17, 2015 has elicited outcry from members of the sessesionist group to world leaders.
The group championing the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, Indigenous People of Biafra Worldwide, on Sunday, wrote an open letter to world leaders over the plight of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is alegedly presently being detained by the DSS.
The Deputy Director of Radio Biafra, Uche Mefor, alongside other members of the group, in a marathon broadcast on the pirate radio, alleged that Kanu was arrested in Lagos by the security operatives, as he flew into Nigeria from his base in the UK.
The DSS authorities are yet to publicly make any statement about the arrest.
Meanwhile, the group championing the secession of Biafra from Nigeria, Indigenous People of Biafra Worldwide, which owns Radio Biafra on Sunday, wrote an open letter to world leaders over the plight of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The letter written by Mr. Ifeanyi Chijioke on behalf of the group reads:
“The world leaders must stand up to its integrity, pride, and in defense of the law they made,” the group said adding that the UN chatter on the rights of indigenous people had become endangered with the arrest of this “leader of indigenous people of Biafra.
“It’s in record that Nnamdi kanu is a law abiding leader who has disciplined indigenous people of Biafra to strictly abide by local and international law.
“The gut for his arrest is nothing but slap on the face of United Nations.
“Meanwhile, this is a gross provocation of indigenous people of Biafra and, as endangered people, would only wait shortly for due process and immediate release of her leader.
“The world should know that arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the making of monster in indigenous people of Biafra and to prevent and save lives must world leaders stand up to their responsibility.
“Biafrans, as endangered species of terror, genocide, murder and unlawful detentions, must be sorted or laws will be taken into their hands.
“Biafrans call on world leaders to prevail on Buhari to with immediate effect release the leader of the people as he is charged with no crime.”
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Nigeria, September 17, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom state and incumbent Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has explained why he was interrogated for several hours on Friday by operatives of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Shortly after being grilled at the EFCC headquarters late on Friday night, Akpabio admitted that he was summoned by the anti-graft body to respond to several allegations of corruption against him, adding that he was not arrested, but honoured the commission’s invitation voluntarily.
According to him: “A young lawyer from my state has been petitioning the EFCC accusing me of corruption. So shortly before I got involved in an accident in August, the EFCC summoned me to come and respond to the allegations.
“But following the accident, I wasn’t well enough to honour the EFCC summon. And I let them know.
“So today, since I’m now well, and the Senate did not sit, I decided to honour the EFCC so as to answer questions concerning the allegations against me.
“I wasn’t arrested. I walked in there myself and now I’m back at home. The EFCC operatives were professional. They asked questions, and I answered.”
Akpabio insisted the allegations against him were false, saying “those making the allegations do not understand how government works”.
The former governor, who is now Senate Minority Leader, said the lawyer who dragged him to the EFCC submitted at least four different petitions, and that it would take a while for him to respond to each of the allegations.
“So I will return to the EFCC again as necessary,” he said.
Mr. Akpabio added, “I am a law-abiding citizen, and whenever I’m summoned to answer questions about how I served my people, I will always respond.
“I urge everyone who has served in public office not to be afraid to explain what they did and how they served.”
The arrest of Akpabio by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday went viral as was taken in for allegedly misappropriating N101.8billion while he was governor of Akwa-Ibom State and plunging the state into huge indebtedness.
Akpabio was taken into custody for interrogation by EFCC operatives at about 5.20 pm. He was accompanied by a few of his aides and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ricky Tarfa.
The EFCC however temporarily left him off the hook at about 9.pm on Friday after responding to questions by the anti-graft agency’s top officials.
Recall that the action of the EFCC followed a petition forwarded to the commission by an Abuja-based lawyer and activist, Leo Ekpenyong.
Mr. Ekpenyong had on June 8 petitioned President Muhammadu Buhari and the EFCC, calling for Mr. Akpabio’s probe and accusing him of looting Akwa Ibom state treasury.
The petitioner, Mr. Ekpenyong had earlier been summoned by the EFCC on Wednesday, June 17, to adopt his petition and provide more details to some of the allegations he made against Akpabio.
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Nigeria, September 17, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – by Fejiro Oliver
Gov. Okowa “Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last. To pluck the mask from the face of the Pharisee, is not to lift an impious hand to the Crown of Thorns.
These things and deeds are diametrically opposed: they are as distinct as is vice from virtue. Men too often confound them: they should not be confounded: appearance should not be mistaken for truth; narrow human doctrines, that only tend to elate and magnify a few, should not be substituted for the world-redeeming creed of Christ. There is – I repeat it – a difference; and it is a good, and not a bad action to mark broadly and clearly the line of separation between them.”
Charlotte Brontë
The best opposition is that which offers alternative to the current government, telling the masses what they would have done if they were in power; and not the one that have a secret altar where they go to pray every morning to their gods or even God for the ruling party to fail so they can say “I told you”.
I do not belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or the All Progressive Congress (APC), even though it’s a global knowledge that I helped in my own little way to campaign for the PDP in Delta State and the APC in Federal. My conscience is not for sale even though I cannot also deny being partisan in some issue, especially when it comes to Delta State. A man or a party who seek a mandate to govern people must be bold to say his mind by himself without fear or favor.
This is the litmus test that the APC in Delta State failed, when they choose to go through a pseudo group called Delta Solidarity Group to place advertorial in a national daily titled ‘An Indiscriminate Cocktail Of Political Appointments In Delta State, Payments To Failed Contractors And Other Allied Matters Leading To Increased Poverty, Apathy And Disillusionment’. Their inability to use their party name to sell the lies automatically give the world a good knowledge that they sat down in their office, drank ogogoro and every man went to dream what they would have done to Delta if elected and they decided to ascribe it to Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa (SIAO) government. Deltans should hold a thanksgiving for not letting their dreams come true when they rejected them on April 11th 2015.
When SIAO announced the debt he met in office; he never did it to undermine his predecessor, knowing that one day he will also leave the office for another. His action was based on the need for Deltans to know the challenge of limited fund available to him to run the government, which even the APC governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode also did. On the issue of DESOPADEC, nothing would have been better than it’s restructuring to be after NDDC. It was long overdue for such, with the power given it by law retained. What the political mourners were expecting was for SIAO to include his Ika LGA among the oil producing areas, and even when pressured by his people to do so; he stood on the side of fairness and morality and refused to buy into such callous idea. This sin that would have made the political mourner crucified him but he rejected is still haunting them, as no one can fault him. By the way, we cannot remember him going to the Delta State House of Assembly who passed the modification into law with AK47 to force them. All members of the house including the opposition unanimously agreed and commendation should be given to them for taking aside party differences to give Deltans a befitting commission.
Agreed that some persons should not have been given appointment by SIAO, just like men who used state fund to build personal website for N87 million and others who squandered billions on less than 1 kilometer mono rail, or even the one who was screen by Olusola Saraki to be a Minister in 1973 to be screened as a Minister in 2015 by his son, Senator Bukola Saraki should not have been appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari. But this is a matter of choice and whom you can work with to deliver. This is a matter of morality for the appointees to be reduced to Special Advisers or Ministers and no one can begrudge them on that. That we do not like their appointment does not make it wrong or illegal. If this stone of Change must be thrown at anybody when it comes to appointment, then 19 of Buhari’s would be ministers should not be allowed to govern in Nigeria.
What most people do not know is that with the wave of appointments in Delta State, SIAO has stripped most of the Commissioners who used to have five to ten Special Assistants in the past to now have two, which has saved cost for the State. The APC in their marijuana smoking brains do not know that ninety percent of these appointees will not be entitled to twenty eight days which used to be millions of Naira in the past for just one person. This again has saved the state from unnecessary spending. The opposition in a hurry to paint the government bad are not aware that majority of these S.As will not be given free cars like what obtained in the past. Yes, like the common Deltans, they will trek their feet out and buy their own car with their salaries. It’s a call to service for them not to come and chop.
As soon as I was sent the write up for publication, I knew that one of those that will be hit is the Governor’s Principal Secretary, but because they are in a hurry to pass judgment, they could not ask for his full name but merely wrote Hillary. I won’t help them out; after all, they all woke up from dream when they decided to pen down their evil thoughts. Whoever wants to talk on Okowa quickly call Hillary this, Hillary that, as if he administer the State. The post of the Principal Secretary exist in the next door neighbour’s government House, Edo State and even at the Federal level, which the current Commissioner for Finance, David Edevbie once held while President Musa Yaradua was in power. So why the hue and cry on it if Delta State decides to have one? The Principal Secretary is like the governor’s secretary; forget the word ‘principal’ added to it. He rings a bell and Hillary runs there doing all the errand of a Secretary, while the SSG rings his own bell and his own secretary runs to him.
As usual, the song will be that Fejiro is rising to the defense of his friend and paymaster and while I will not join issue on what they say on it, I dare to say with a clear conscience that the current Delta State Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Festus Agas has the biggest political power in Delta State apart from the governor, deputy and the elected members of NASS and State lawmakers. The anger of the APC is that Agas is not a super looter who will steal the state treasury to build hotels and mansions like the SSGs they mentioned. They expected SIAO to have the type of SSG who will look mean and pursue people from his office when they are visiting, but because his door is always open for Deltans just like the governor’s own are open; they cry blue murder. The era where government and its officials are mystified and made to look like God has been swept away hence they see the SSG position as being weak.
The last time I remember, Hillary occupies one cubicle in government house, which is not even fit for a Principal Secretary and not a palatial office. Only two persons can occupy his office space for discussion, without the grandiose of a top official displayed. Even in that cubicle, visitors come and are not driven out. He has done his work diligently to his direct boss who is the governor and not interfered with the SSG’s work. Agas has always come to the government house with the pomp and pageantry attached to his office to see the governor at will. Agas is not crazy for wealth acquisition; for if he was, he would have mansion all over the country during his days in the State House of Assembly as Deputy Speaker. He does not derive joy in moving with retinue of escorts as obtained in his past, to prove the power he wield, rather he’s keen towards helping SIAO to deliver on the SMART prosperity agenda. In all of this, Hillary is still very loyal to him as the SSG.
The Delta State Speaker, Monday Igbuya is having a swell time in office, presiding over the legislative house without interference from the governor. They wanted Change and the governor has done so by demystifying government as having a human face. They yearned for a new method of governance and SIAO has decided to channel money into developing the state and not give it to contractors who will pocket the money and abandon the project. They demanded for another style of government, and SIAO decided to renovate technical schools in the three Senatorial Districts so that our youths will have the technical skills to be self employed, and when we punctured the lies that the contract was not awarded to Lawrence Oshiegbu who’s the governor’s friend; they come up with stories that it’s shady. So much cry from the certified political mourners.
“Dr Okowa is scaring potential investors from Delta state as investors are unable to see an investment friendly climate. For instance, Sarner Limited’s private sector driven tourism projects at Oleri and Ogwashi-Uku have been practically abandoned by Dr Okowa”, they write. But the question is; “Were these tourist projects ever in place in Delta State”. The answer is NO. I do not wish to bring up documents on what happened with the project during the last administration where SIAO was in the Senate and oblivious of what transpired, for reasons best known to me. That SIAO will make the project a reality is not in doubt but to force an abandoned project which he knows nothing of on him and his government is a moral crime which only God can judge.
SIAO is not perfect; neither is he the messiah we seek, especially not with the dwindling economy. But like I once wrote “We can only show him love by supporting every of his move. And yes; these moves are positive. We can show him our gratitude by lending a helping voice to kill negative criticisms against him. This burden in him is also in me because as a man who hates corruption; I ‘ve seen a man who is not moved by the gains of office, a man not influenced by the glamour of power but one who will give his own little money for the benefit of Deltans.
I know this because I have followed his intents and acts; his past and present. And while the burden to put Deltan on the map of Nigeria most developed State raged in his mind; he’s not deterred neither weighed down by it.
He will certainly perform and out class the current set of governors. In the Senate; he was the knight in shining armour among them despite being a first time Senator. The governorship class of 2015 can’t be different. He’s not in a hurry to impress Deltans by declaring operation no pot holes when he knows that the rain will soon wash it away and the potholes will be back. He wants to do an excellent job as he always does.
He does not want an early applause for a later curse but a patient people that will look back at where they came from and when he’s gone from the surface of the earth, the entire state will gather and agree that we have a yearly remembrance called the ‘EKWUEME DAY’.
If Rome was built in a day, Delta will be too but it was built with patience and encouragement of her citizenry and Deltans can and will have it to give to Okowa”.
These little things matter…
Fejiro Oliver, an Investigative Journalist, Media Consultant and Human Rights Activist is also the Co-Convener of Coalition of Human Rights Defender (CHORD)
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Nigeria, October 16, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
Written by Ajalakpo Oweh (Courtesy: National Review Magazine) www.nationalreview.ng Gov. Okowa The electorates in Nigeria’s South-Southern state of Delta are becoming apprehensive that the promises of prosperity that moved them to cast their votes for Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa may turn out to be empty.;
Against the predictions of political bookmakers and soothsayers, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa won the PDP governorship primaries. Despite the political realities of forces against him and the fact that the former governor of the state, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan was supporting Tony Obuh, a former permanent secretary, Okowa getting the governorship ticket and eventually winning the race was perhaps divinely ordained.
He campaigned vigorously on the need for power shift to Delta North senatorial district as the former two governors; Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and Chief James Ibori were from Delta South and Delta Central respectively. Okowa, a former senator, secretary to the state government and a former commissioner also campaigned on prosperity agenda. He promised the people of Delta State to build on the legacies of Uduaghan and that prosperity would be brought to the doorstep of every Deltan.
This was how Okowa explained his vision to the electorate in Delta: “My vision is to take Delta State to the status of the pacesetter in the Nigerian federation by building an enduring legacy of wealth and prosperity. At the end of my tenure as a governor, Delta State will be one in which there are gainful employment opportunities, a flourishing agriculture and agric business sector, effective health and educational systems, and renewed urban infrastructure and security that would enhance continued growth and prosperity for all Deltans”. Thus the prosperity agenda of the governor caught the imagination and attention of all Deltans as prominent Deltans made testimonies of the ability and capacity of Okowa to take the state to a different level of development and progress.
A prominent Isoko man and a former Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief APJ Okpakpor said Delta State was in good hands as Okowa captains the ship of the state and that all Deltans should be ready to drink from the spring of development. Okpakpor spoke glowingly of the Okowa vision: “Senator Okowa is the best fit to rule Delta State. The man who is fit is good to all people, no matter where he comes. There can be no better candidate than Okowa. As an Isoko man, I urge all Isoko people, home and elsewhere in the state, all Urhobo people, my fellow southern Deltans, and all Delta people to support Senator Okowa for governor of Delta State, come 2015”.
This was also the theme worked on by a former Minister of Information and Culture, Prof Sam Oyovbaire on the need for Deltans to support Okowa. Listen to his plea: ‘I am very confident that Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as governor would lead our people well. He is the only governorship aspirant in Delta State that I know of that is completely at home with the people across ethnic divide, always making himself available to them. Dr Okowa`s knowledge and experience complement the governance asset of Nigeria`s political class at the regional and federal levels. He is our Man of the Moment.
Indeed the man of the moment and the candidate that promised to bring prosperity to all Deltans instead gave the electorate a shocker after his inauguration on May, 29, 2015. In a major policy decision, the governor sent thousands of workers packing. According to the governor, the sack of the workers employed by the previous government from December 2013 to May 2015 became necessary because it did not pass the due process and the employment was done in favour of some sections of the state. This, according to the governor, negates the spirit of fairness and against the Pan Delta agenda of his administration.
The sacked workers were not amused and same with labour unions in the state. Even the May salaries of workers were paid almost three weeks into June and some people began to wonder what stripe of prosperity for Deltans that would deny workers of their just entitlements. Furthermore, a source close to the state NLC disclosed that the union dues of workers and the deductions from co-operatives societies of workers were also owed by the state government.
As if these were not enough, the governor appearing before the state House of Assembly disclosed that the debt profile of the government was running into several billions of Naira. He told Deltans that the government of Uduaghan left a debt of N637.22 billion, adding that it would be pretty difficult to meet the economic and social obligations to the people. This is the financial profile of the state as painted by Okowa: “It is obvious from available statistics that the state will run a monthly deficit of about N2billion and would need to borrow to pay salaries of its workers, and finance the running cost of government. Prior to my assumption of office, the state government has been hard put to pay workers salaries. Ministries, departments and agencies of government have been running at half steam due to the inability of the state to provide money for their operations. The staffs of most local governments in the state have been on strike due to non-payment of salaries. This is the dilemma that we face as we strive to deliver on our campaign promise of prosperity for all”.
Thus the dilemma of putting concrete reality to the prosperity agenda is further compounded by the fact that the state government borrowed the sum of N10 billion to meet some financial obligations and what is common on the lips of Deltans is where would the government get money to finance the wealth creation project. Today the micro credit programme, the star project of the Uduaghan administration that won many awards and world acclaim is in limbo. The account of the agency has been frozen and same is the leather work factory at Issele-Uku. It has also been reported that there is a frosty relationship between Dr Antonia Ashiedu, the woman behind the success of micro-credit programme and the state governor. All these are pointers to the fact that the prosperity agenda may have hit the rocks already.
The APC, the main opposition in the state reacted that the prosperity agenda of the government would come to nothing and that it was a political gimmick to win votes. On the disclosure of the state of finance inherited by Okowa, the media adviser to APC, Mr Martins Mukoro maintained that Okowa was playing to the gallery. He argued thus: “The governor is merely setting the stage by crying wolf to divert attention and in order to lay the foundation for him to go and borrow more money, thereby plunging the state into deeper financial disaster. Okowa represents no change but more of the same PDP 16 years of misrule. Okowa was not an onlooker but a key participant in the state and he is in no position to rescue Delta from the mess created by the past administration. If indeed Okowa insists he has been onlooker and truly expects Deltans to believe he was not party to the financial rot, let him immediately and urgently institute a panel to probe the huge debt in order to unearth how it was accumulated and who were the beneficiaries of the massive plundering of our commonwealth”.
But speaking in Warri, Mr Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, a business man and a scion of the famous Festus Okotie-Eboh, the first Finance Minister of Nigeria, said that those who have doubts about the implementation of the prosperity agenda of Okowa were making a serious error of judgement. Okotie-Eboh maintained that going by the track record of Okowa as a former senator and a commissioner, he has no doubt in his mind that the debt profile will not pose as obstacle to the laudable agenda. Okotie-Eboh explained further on the possibility of the agenda that “The realization of prosperity for all Deltans is very possible. With proper management of the resources available, prudence, proper coordination, he will realize it. All he needs do is to diversify the economy of the state by investing in agriculture, solid minerals and other areas that we have not looked into before now. I know he has plans before indicating interest to run but I will still advise that he blocks all the loopholes where tax payers’ money is going to individuals pockets. He should not look at oil at all. Let oil be secondary in his agenda. Doing so will make him take other areas serious. Another thing he needs to do is to see how our internal revenue could be improved”. Okotie-Eboh argued that all the prophets of doom would be proved wrong when the prosperity agenda begins to manifest in the lives of Deltans and residents in the state.
The opposing sentiments of the prosperity agenda notwithstanding, the state governor is in a dilemma as he confessed before the State House of Assembly because of the dwindling economic fortunes of the state as result of the crash of crude oil prices. The choice is that of the governor, to disarm the critics of the project by creative and strategic economic policies that would bring more revenue to the state. He could start doing that by first of all meeting the monthly obligations to workers and paying the pensioners in the state. The prosperity agenda would be meaningless if pensioners cannot get their just entitlements. Okowa sits on the horns of dilemma and in a delicate economic balancing art to bring to fruition his electoral promise of brining prosperity to all Deltans.
**Courtesy: National Review Magazine (Ajalakpo Oweh, is a seasoned journalist who writes in from Delta state. He covers the southern sub-region of Nigeria for the National Review magazine.)
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Nigeria, October 15, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Amaechi
Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress [APC], has refuted alegations of a court order restraining the Senate from Screening former state governor, Rotimi Amaechi as a ministerial nominee.
The Senate had today, Thursday October 15, 2015 deferred the screening of two ministerial nominees, who are the former Governor of Rivers state, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and a former Commissioner in Oyo state, Mr. Adebayo Shittu, to Tuesday, October 20.
Already, 18 nominees were confirmed as ministers having been screened in batches of 10 and eight on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Also, the 16 nominees on the second batch list would be screened on Tuesday next week.
Recall that the petition against Mr. Amaechi bordering on corruption had been dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges because the case is still in court.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress [APC], says its attention has been drawn to a statement being circulated in the media that Mr. Livingstone Wechie has obtained a court order restraining the Senate from Screening Rt. Rotimi AMAECHI as a ministerial nominee.
The APC said following the announcement, it made frantic search at the Federal High Court across the Country and did not find any such proceedings pending or ORDER before any Court in the Country, the Federal High Court being the only Court that has jurisdiction to determine any matter in which the Senate is made a party and its duties and functions are the subject matter, in view of Section 251 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Continuing the party said, “again, because we are aware of the desperation of the PDP and Mr. Livingstone Wechie on this matter, we have nonetheless carried out a search at the High Court Registry in Rivers State, and no indication that such Order exists at the High Court of Rivers State, except if such order is given to Mr. Livingstone WECHIE in the sitting room of a Judge, which we know that no right thinking judicial officer will do so, especially at this time that the National Judicial Council is desirous of sanitizing the Judiciary.”
“Clearly, the State High Court has no powers or jurisdiction under the Constitution to determine a matter in which the subject matter relates to the duties or functions of the Senate. The distinguished and Honourable Judges of the Rivers State High Court are fully aware of this Constitutional provision. We strongly believe that none of them would be drawn into such level of judicial rascality or abuse of office, no matter the inducement or incentive” the APC said in a statement signed and made available to Blank NEWS Online by its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone.
The APC urged all good people of Rivers State to remain calm and await the Senate Report and action as has been announced by the Most Distinguished Senate President.
“We hereby give notice to the Directorate of State Security Services and the Nigerian Police to investigate this level of misinformation that is capable of breaching the peace. We urge them to be vigilant and watch for any attempt to forge and criminally alter documentation at the Rivers State High Court Registry”, the statement concluded.
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Nigeria, October 15, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
The ministerial nominee of Niger state, Alhaji Musa Ibeto has had his nomination withdrawn by President Muhammadu Buhari. Ibeto has been replaced with Abubakar Bwari Bawa. The presidency is yet to give any reasons for the witwithdrawal.
Meanshile, Senate President, Bukola Saraki has confirmed the withdrawal of Ibeto as he read out a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari informing the Senate of Ibeto’s withdrawal.
Buhari’s letter read: “I write to withdraw the nomination of Hon. Ahmad Musa Ibeto earlier submitted for confirmation as minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Pls accept the assurance of my esteemed consideration.”
Ibeto’s withdrawal was predicted by political analysts after Bawa’s name was submitted in the second batch of the president’s list, because he was also from Niger state.
Ibeto, 56, who is the immediate past deputy governor of Niger state, was listed in the first batch of ministerial nominee sent to the Nigerian senate by the president.
Information from the National Assembly reveals that the former deputy governor was supposed to be screened at the senate today by members of the upper chamber.
Recall that Ibeto defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) few days before the general elections earlier this year. Before then, he was having a running battle with his boss, former governor, Babangida Aliyu.
Bawa popularly called ABB by his admirers was born on 4th November 1963 in Tafa local government area of Niger state. He was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Suleja/Gurara/Tafa Federal Constituency in 1998 and subsequently became Chief Whip of the House where he served from 1999-2007.
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Nigeria, October 14, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
Blank NEWS Online can disclose that the Onitsha International Electronics Market, Anambra State has been razed down by fire without casualty reports.
Some security men reportedly sustained injures during the inferno which started at about 3:00 am. The incident which destroyed goods with hundreds of million naira comes few days after another fire razed Onitsha Car Paints market.
An eyewitness account claims that the fire may have started from one of the lock-up shops, but thàt men of the fire service were quickly alerted
President General of the market, Mr. Izuchukwu Okoye expressed shock, saying the fire service equipment in the market and brazen fire fighters helpet to put out the inferno would have spread to the entire market.
The Onitsha Police Area Commander, Mr. Philip Ezekiel, was also said to have romptly sent his men to the scene, led by the Okpoko Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
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Nigeria, October 14, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
The lid on petty fraud in Delta state public schols has finally been blown open, folowing the demotion of a school head over collection of illegal levies from pupils, despite the state government’s insistence that primary and secondaryeducation is free in Delta state.
Owing to myriad of complaint by parents, the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has allegedly demoted the Head Mistress of Ahabam primary school, Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government Area of the state, Mrs. Esoyanya S .C for alleged extortion of parents.
The former Head Mistress was allegedly in the habit of collecting the sum of N4000 and above from parents for registration of their children before they could be admitted.
Mrs. Esoyanya was said to have also demanded money from ‘Batch C’ corps members who were posted to the school for signing their final clearance form.
The SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sunny Ogwu, Secretary, Byron Unini. Director of Quality Assurance Mrs.Ewvarherhe and other senior members of the Board were on a special monitoring to confirm the allegation of extortion leveled against the former Head Mistress.
Board Chairman demoted her (HM) and directed the most senior teacher in the school, Mrs. Mgbako Benedethe to take over as the new Head Mistress immediately after the confirmation of the alleged extortion from parents who came to register their children.
Hon. Ogwu however, said that the action would serve as a deterrent to other teachers and head mistresses/masters who are corrupt.
According to him, “it is my responsibility to ensure that education in the state is in the right direction. Education is free in the state especially primary and secondary schools, unfortunatly, the head of this school is doing something contrary. Based on that, she has stepped down and next to her has taken over the office”.
The Chairman disclosed that the former HM is going to face a disciplinary action and the out come would determine her fate saying that ” it is going to serve as deterrent to others”.
The SUBEB boss urged teachers and Head teachers to desist from their sharp practices and improve the quality of education in the state saying that “we cannot play with the future of our children”.
He however, directed the new Head Mistress to only admit children based on the availability of space in the classroon in order not to congest the classrooms.
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Nigeria, October 13, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
It was black Sunday for the people of Ibughubu Village as no less than 13 persons including two masquerades were on Sunday evening crushed to death at Ibughubu Village in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State by a truck carrying log of woods.
The incident it was learnt occurred at about 5:30 PM that black Sunday, October 11, 2015 from a Mercedes Benz 911 lorry with registration number Enugu LG 66-BBG.
It was also learnt that the truck had a brake failure which made the driver lose control and rammed into a crowd of people from the town celebrating this year’s new yam festival of their community with masquerades killing 13 of them.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, Mr. Ali Okechukwu however said only 11 people died with 21 injured. The dead bodies he said had been deposited in a hospital morgue in the area, while the injured are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Even the survival of those who were rushed to the hospital during the incident which occurred when indigenes trooped to the market square to watch masquerades after their annual new yam festival held the previous day, could not be guaranteed
It was also reported that some masquerades were involved in the incident as many properties were destroyed including market structures and vehicles parked within the market.
I was learnt that the driver of the trailer loaded with logs of wood who lost control after the trailer’s brake failed as the vehicle was descending a slope on the expressway by the market, survived the incident with his assistant and were apprehended by some irate youths in the community who wanted to mob them.
Some community leaders however, rescued them and handed them over to the police at Umuchu division.
The community has since been thrown into mourning as about three ambulances and police vehicles quickly conveyed the corpses to the mortuary and ferried the injured to Visitation hospital, Umuchu.
Meanwhile, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, was almost in tears when he visited the community. He promised to take care of the hospital bills of all the injured and to also cater for the immediate families of the victims.
Governor Obiano commiserated with the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Goddy Ezechukwu, and the people for losing lives while celebrating an annual festival. He promised to start palliative work on Umuchu-Umunze road to make it more motorable.
The governor directed the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to make sure that no motorist exceeds the speed limit and also to be on the lookout for reckless drivers.
He called on the FRSC to henceforth confiscate any vehicle that is not road worthy and to stop them from plying any of the roads in Anambra State.
The victims mostly the indigenes had gathered at the market square to watch masquerades after the their annual new yam festival held the previous day when the incident happened. Photos of Gov. Obiano’s visit to the scene
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Nigeria, October 13, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Nwaorgu FaustinusAmaechi
The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has congratulated the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public petitions for clearing our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, CON as one of the Ministerial nominees whose names were sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari for screening and confirmation.
The APC believed that attempts by detractors to tarnish the impeccable reputation of our amiable leader for the purpose of blackmailing the Senate and the Presidency not to appoint him a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would fail. And it has failed.
The APC in pressstatement said it has taken notice of the rulings by the Justice Pindiga-led Election Petition Tribunal for Rivers East which gave victory to our opponents today. We have accepted the rulings but will appeal them immediately.
The statement reads: “As a law-abiding political party, the APC harbours deep-seated respect for the judiciary as the last hope of the common man. We have no iota of doubt that the APC will have all the rulings upturned in favour of the APC at the appellate court level. It is clear that the 21-day notice cited by the panel had earlier been ruled upon as a pre-election matter which should not be brought before the election petition tribunals. That position has been reaffirmed by the appeal court more than once.
“The latest of such cases is that of Dr. Dawari George in which the appeal court held that the Tribunal erred on its ruling because the issue of 21days is a pre-election matter and as such does not include issues meant to be decided by the Tribunal; the Appellate court subsequently upheld the appeal and ordered the Tribunal to resume the trial of the Petition brought by Dawari George and the APC.
“Therefore, the APC would like to appeal to our numerous supporters to remain calm and prayerful as it will all end in praise.”
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Nigeria, October 12, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Late DSP-Alamieyeseigha
Delta State Governor, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa, has commiserated with the Alamieyeseigha family, Government and people of Bayelsa State as well as the Ijaw Nation, at large, over the sudden death of the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
Governor Okowa in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu described Alamieyeseigha’s exit as shocking and painful.
“The late Alamieyeseigha was loved by the ijaws who saw him as a rallying spot for the reawakening of the spirit of togetherness irrespective of the spread of the Ijaws in all riverine areas of the country. No wonder they nicknamed him ‘ Governor General of the Ijaw nation’ ”, Okowa noted.
Governor Okowa extolled the humility of the late Alamieyeseigha which enabled him to mentor up-coming politicians culminating in his Deputy Governor, Goodluck Jonathan, rising to become a former Nigeria’s president.
While praying God to grant the late Alamieyeseigha eternal rest, Governor Okowa enjoined the family, government of Bayelsa state and the Ijaws in general to immortalize his memory by ensuring that the Ijaws remain united and speak with one voice, at all times.
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Former Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has launched the first of the five hospitals he earlier promised to offer to the country as part of his charity activities.
Situated in the Attecoube district of the country’s commercial city Abidjan, the $1 million health complex will mainly cater for less privileged women and children, according to officials.
Built on a plot of 800 square meters, the hospital has many facilities including an ultrasound room, a maternal and child protection unit, an x-ray block, an ultra modern laboratory, a pharmacy and hospitalisation and isolation wards.
About 50,000 patients are expected to get treatment at the facility every year, according to Guy Roland Tanoh, secretary of Didier Drogba Foundation, which is handling the project.
The remaining four hospitals are under construction in the Ivorian cities of Yamoussoukro, San Pedro, Man and Korhogo and will be inaugurated in the coming months.
Drogba’s foundation will hold a gala event in London on April 18 to raise funds.
The Chelsea striker and the Elephants all-time top scorer remains an icon in his homeland despite retiring from the national team, which won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea in February.
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Nigeria, October 11, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and the Leader of the Senate Delegation, Senator Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, during a Condolence visit on the Governor, by the Senate, over the demise of the Olu of Warri. Ogiame, Atuwase II, in Asaba
AS Nigeria grapples with the effects of dwindling oil price, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has challenged members of the National Assembly to proffer solution to the situation.
Governor Okowa gave the challeng when a high-power delegation from the Senate led by Senator Kabiru Gaya paid him a courtesy visit in Asabaonn Saturday.
The Senators which included the minority leader, Godswill Akpabio, James Manager, Ighoyota Amori, Peter Nwaoboshi, Ishiaka Adeleke, Theodore Orji, among others were in Delta State to commiserate with the government, its people and condole the Itsekiri nation on the demise of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II.
According to Governor Okowa, the National Assembly has a lot of experienced Nigerians who can proffer solutions to the economic crisis facing the country.
“We are in very trying times and we believe that with the kind of men we have both in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, that you will help us think through to find ways of stabilizing both the resources and the governance of our nation in such a manner that will be in the best interest of our people,” he said.
He observed, “there is a lot of pain on ground nationally, it is not something that we believe there is a quick fix to, but, the exposure that most of the Senators and other members of the National Assembly have had made them to stand a good chance in being able to partner with the executive arm of government to proffer solutions to the current challenges that we face as a nation.”
Governor Okowa further observed that “at this very trying times in the history of our nation when the oil prices have gone very low and things are quite difficult, we will always rely on the National Assembly to stand up to help create solutions.”
He thanked the Senate for commiserating with Delta State government, its people and the Itsekiri nation on the demise of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwase II stating that the deceased was “a very powerful Royal Father, a man of peace who made his contributions to the growth of our state and the nation but this visit has shown that Nigerians appreciate him more than we thought.”
Senator Gaya had told the Governor that they were in the state on behalf of the Senate to identify with the government and people of Delta State on the demise of the Olu of Warri, disclosing that the delegation would also, pay a condolence visit on the Itsekiri ethnic nationality.
He presented a condolence letter on behalf of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki to Governor Okowa while a minute silence in honour of the deceased Olu was observed.
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Nigeria, October 11, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Late DSP-Alamieyeseigha
The first Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha is dead.
He was said to have died at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State.
Alamieyeseigha was arrested at London Heathrow Airport in September 2005, on suspicion of money laundering.
He however jumped bail in mysterious circumstance as he surfaced in his village in Bayelsa state barely three months after his arrest.
During the week, facts emerged that the British Government is seeking Alamieyeseigha’s extradition to London to face money laundering trial he abandoned 10 years ago.
Mr. Itse Sagay (SAN), chairman of Anti-corruption committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari, also confirmed the extradition request, saying Britain was right to do so since the offence was committed in London.
Aged 62, Alamieyeseigha was granted presidential pardon by his erstwhile deputy, former President Goodluck, over his conviction for corrupt practices as governor of Bayelsa.
A family source reportedly alleged that recent request for his extradition by the UK may have triggered blood pressure believed to be the cause of death.
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Nigeria, October 10, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Our Crime Reporter breaking news
ONE person was reportedly killed and several others injured in a clash between youths of Asaba and Ibusa in Delta state, following claims of ownership of Umuodafe Isiuzo farm land, near the office of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
It was disclosed that while the clash lasted, one Mr. Christopher, a pale loader operator allegedly was killed on the spot. A source in Ibusa said the body has been deposited in the General Hospital mortuary at Ibusa.
Efforts to reach the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Celestina Kalu proved abortive but anonymous Police source claimed that the Police Command would issue a statement on the incident but could not explain further.
While awaiting reactions from youth leaders in Asaba who promised to get detailed information before responding, the National President of Ibusa Youth Council (IYC), Comrade Alfred Isoh blamed the state government and security agencies for relenting to act despite series of complaint over the ensuing land dispute.
Addressing the press today, Saturday, September 10, 2015 at Asaba, Comrade Isoh said but for his intervention, there would have been full blown war. “Since yesterday, I have been going round to calm our people, believing that government will intervene but, it seems that government is handicapped as the Police have not responded,” he said.
Comrade Isoh however alleged that, “the people of Asaba have been making move to take over the area, we wrote petitions to the Police, we relied on the Police but, you see that the Police cannot protect us, we are watching, tension is high but, for how long? This is where some persons earn their living and we cannot continue to keep silent in the face of attack.”
According to him, “it was on Friday when heavily armed youths from Asaba invaded our beach at Umuodafe Isiuzo, behind the Immigration office, shooting sporadically, because, our people were taken unaware, the people were just carrying out their daily chores to eke out a living when the attackers came, of course, the workers took to their heels but the pale loader operator, Christopher was not so lucky as he was killed on the spot.”
>>>>>Watch Out for more details.
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Nigeria, October 09, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Albert OGRAKA Chuks Oseme, Aniocha North LG Boss
The executive chairman of Aniocha North local government area of Delta state, Mr. Chuks Oseme has said despite recent dwindling resources accruing to the Council, his administration is focused in executing people oriented projects to ensure the development of the area.
Oseme made the assertion when he visited members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Thursday, October 08, 2015.
The Council boss said despite his recent achievement by providing electricity to Aniocha North local government area after several years of being without power supply, he is determined to tap into various sectors of economic development to sustain the Council through useful engagement of the people and unveiling of its untapped natural resources to boost its revenue base.
Oseme mentioned that the local government presently has coal, oil and Ugboba water falls, which his administration intends to explore to boost internally generated revenue and tourism development in the area, adding that measures are already in place to make the Council stand out in keying into the development and prosperity agenda of the state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.
While saying that Aniocha North is blessed with outstanding human resources, Oseme commended the traditional rulers, leaders, youths and women of thought who have contributed immensely towards the growth of the area, saying that his administration will not relent in consulting them in his development strategies.
On the need to promote community service and re-orientation of the youths in the area, the Council Chairman disclosed that 120 youths and over 50 widows have been engaged in several areas of human endeavours, adding that the erosion menace in Issele-Uku, the local government headquarters would soon be over as a result of effective clearng of drainages and sanitation exercises.
He however enjoined media practitioners in the state to help in promoting good governance and appealed to members of the ASABA Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ to partner with Aniocha local government Council.
In his response, Chairman of Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Paul Osuyi, who urged other local government councils in the state to emulate the Aniocha North Council boss for his global initiative, promised to collaborate with the Council in building public confidence during his administration.
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Nigeria, October 07, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah (middle); Commissioner for Higher Education, Engr. Jude Sinabe (right) and Secretary, Scholarship Board, Comrade Eligbe Elijah, during a Press briefing, after an in House Executive Meeting, in Asaba.
The Delta State Government has approved 400 million naira for the state Students Assistance Scheme [Bursary] for about 32, 000 verified students for the 2013/2014 academic year just as it promised to clean up the scheme of all shady and fraudulent practices
Briefing the press after the Executive Council Meeting [EXCO] which took place at Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, October 06, 2015, the Commissioners for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah; that of Higher Education, Engr. Jude Sinebe and the Executive Secretary, Scholarship Board, Mr. Elijah Ologe said EXCO approved the revalidation of the approval of 400 million naira for the payment of 2013/2014 bursary award to 31,859 verified students of the state origin in higher institutions after a verification of the list by the Scholarship Board stating that the verification and biometric exercise was ongoing and subsequent payments would be based on the verified and realistic figure of students obtained by the Scholarship Board.
They explained that the verification exercise has brought down the number of beneficiaries to 31,859 from over 40,000 asserting that the verification and biometric exercise was ongoing.
The Commissioners also disclosed that the state government would blacklist students and institutions involved in sharp practices and shady deals in the Student Special Assistance Scheme [Bursary] and urged the National Association of Delta State Students [NADESSTU] to cooperate with government in the verification exercise to rid the scheme of sharp practices..
The Commissioners stated that EXCO has approved the setting up of Internal Displaced Persons [IDPs] camps across the state to cater for those relocating from the flood impacted communities and announced that the state has witnessed its first casualty from the flood in Okpai community.
They informed the journalists that the state flood committee was working assiduously to ensure that those areas already impacted were relocated to higher grounds and IDP camps to avoid further casualties stating that the first verified casualty occurred in Okpai on Monday [5-10-15] where an 11 years old boy got drowned.
Commissioner for Information, Mr, Patrick Ukah specifically explained that presently Ndokwa East, Oshimili South, Ughelli South, Patani and Bomadi Local Government Areas have been impacted by the flood and appealed to the people of these areas to relocate immediately to the IDP Camps already opened, while other areas were being watched.
“Certain areas of the state have submerged by the flood, and Internal Displaced Persons camps have been opened in Ashaka and Utagba-Ogbe [Kwale] for people from Ndokwa East; Asaba Stadium for people from Oshimili South especially Oko communities and Infant Jesus areas, camps have also been opened in Ughelli and Bomadi, we need to continue to sensitise our people on the need to relocate early from flood prone areas to avoid disaster. I want to assure that everything needed at the camps have been provided and security agencies and other non-governmental organisations are on hand to handle issues at the camps, also more camps will be opened in areas impacted as the need arises”, Mr. Ukah said.
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Nigeria, October 07, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
FLOOD has wrecked havoc in some communities in Delta State claiming a life, sacked a traditional ruler from palace with threat to others.
It was tale of woes on Tuesday as the Commissioner in charge of Bureau of Special Duties, Hon. Chika Ossai accompanied by his Special Duties counterpart, Dr Henry Sakpra took members of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Red Cross, among others to Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area to set up camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Commissioners were also at Otu-Jeremi, Ughelli South local government area, home of the immediate past Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) where the King, HRM Mathew Egbi, the Okobaro has been sacked by the ravaging flood from his Palace.
At Kwale, the Commissioners were told that the flood has claimed life of a lady at Okpai while other communities like Abala-Oshimili, Adiawai, Adiobika, and, Utchi have been submerged.
It was reported that residents of the flooded communities have resolved not to leave their communities claiming that they were illy treated at IDP camps during the 2012 flood.
Hon. Ossai said the river level was steadily rising as a result of the flood and that the camps were important to cater for those who have abandoned their homes while boats were on standby to attend to any emergency situation.
The Commissioner who decried the loss of life commiserated with the victims, disclosing that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa warned that those in flood prone areas should relocate to safe areas to avoid such a loss.
Chairman of Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Osakwe said it was an emergency situation assuring that everybody in the area have been sensitized while the Council was partnering with other governmental agencies to bring succour to the victims of the flood,
At Otu-Jeremi, the dejected Okobaro thanked the state government for its prompt response to his distress call, stating that there was oil spillage while there was no water to drink.
“This your visit has given hope to the common man,” the. Okobaro said, noting that the drains were still been cleared.
The Commissioners also inspected the clearing of drains and the river which overflowed its bank at Otu-Jeremi.
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Nigeria, October 07, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Amaechi
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted with joy to the news of the nomination of the immediate past governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as a Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari, describing it as a fitting independence anniversary gift by the Nigerian leader to Rivers State and her people. A statement signed by the State Party Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, and issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt said:
“With the listing, today, of Rt. Hon. Amaechi as a ministerial nominee despite all the manipulations. By this singular act, President Muhammadu Buhari has not only given us the best 55th independence anniversary gift but has also liberated Rivers State from the shackles of a despotic and demonic clique that thought that by propaganda that they could rewrite the history of Rivers State and run down a man whose love for the development and emancipation of Rivers State and Nigeria is infectious. President Buhari has proven that he is not only a man of honour, integrity and principle but also a man who cherishes and promotes friendship and patriotism.”
Rivers APC assured President Buhari that Amaechi will not only bring honour to his administration but will also work very hard to make his administration one of the best ever in the annals of Nigeria’s history. “As we congratulate Amaechi, we urge him to be steadfast in his drive for a better Nigeria by giving out his best as the failure of the Buhari administration will be blamed on him in view of the risks and sacrifices he made in bringing the APC government to birth.
We thank General Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola Tinubu, General TY Danjuma and all the great minds that ensured that the plots of evil men never prevailed in the appointment of Amaechi as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as his non-appointment would have discouraged most Nigerians from working hard to unseat non-performing government headed by their kinsman,” Rivers APC said.
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Senate President Bukola Saraki on Tuesday revealed the names on the ministerial list sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The much anticipated sitting commenced almost 11 a.m after which Saraki listed the names as:
1.Chris Ngige – Anambra
2. Kayode Fayemi- Ekiti
3. Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers
4. Babatunde Fashola -Lagos
5. Abdulrahman Danbazau
6. Aisha Alhassan – Taraba
7. Ogbonaya Onu- Ebonyi
8.Kemi Adeosun -Ogun
9. Abubakar Malami (SAN) -Kebbi
10. Sen Hadi Sirika -Katsina
11. Barr. Adebayo Shittu -Oyo
12. Suleiman Adam -Jigawa
13. Solomon Dalong -Plateau
14. Ibe Kachikwu-Delta
15. Osagie Ehanire -Edo
17. Audu Ogbeh – Benue
18. Lai Mohammed -Kwara
19. Ahmed Isa Ibeto – Niger
20. Amina Mohammed – Kaduna
21. Udoma Udo Udoma-Akwa Ibom
However, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Akpabio, raised a Point of Order on the need for the list of Ministerial Nominees to cover all States of the Federation.
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Nigeria, October 06, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
By Alex O. Atawa-Akpodiete*
Last week, the most populous nation Africa celebrated its 55th independence from the British colonial masters. While there were many reasons to celebrate (such as unity), arguably there are also countable reasons not to have celebrated. One of the gloomy reasons for some Nigerians not to celebrate independence is the state of our economy. Salaries have not been paid in many states and the exchange rate of the Nigerian Naira to the United States dollar is at an all-time high. One dollar can now purchase two hundred and twenty-five Naira (225).
When the Northern and Southern protectorates were amalgamated to produce the new bright baby christened Nigeria, I am sure the founding fathers had a different idea. Also, those that fought for the independence of the country had greater expectations. I am sure the Late Pa Anthony Enahoro that moved the motion for the Country’s independence will be saddened at the current state of affairs.
Wealth and poverty are sides of the same coin. In a civilized society, the wealth of the country is expected to trickle down to its citizens. Nigeria, the largest country in Africa with a population of over 160 million, will be at the brink of bankruptcy, if it was a privately run company. With all the talk about empty treasuries, both at the federal and state levels, it becomes imperative whether the largest country in Africa is rich and whether the plight of its citizens is commensurate with the economic state of the nation.
To get an insight into the wealth of Nigeria, it is important to look at its annual budget and statutory allocations, poverty level, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita GDP.
In April 2015, the International Monetary Fund published figures for its 187 member nations for the year 2014. Also, the World Bank provided similar statistics for the 193 members of the United Nations. China was ranked number one in both figures with almost $18 trillion GDP, while United States was ranked number two in both figures with approximately $17.4 trillion. Nigeria, with a little over $1 trillion GDP was 21st in the IMF figures and 20th in the World Bank figures. We surpassed Ghana and South Africa that were ranked 79th and 29th respectively. However, these are two fellow African countries that people are rushing to invest in because of better infrastructures and standards of living.
Essentially, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is a measure of national income / national output and national expenditure produced in a particular country. See www.economicshlp.org. So, GDP is everything that a country’s economy produces in a year.
A related term is per capita GDP. Investpedia educates us that ‘Per Capita GDP is a measure of the total output of a country that takes the gross domestic product (GDP) and divides it by the number of people in the country. The per capita GDP is especially useful when comparing one country to another because it shows the relative performance of the countries.” About.com sheds more light by stating that “GDP per capita is a measurement of how prosperous a country feels to each of its citizens. GDP per capita takes a country’s production, as measured by GDP, and divides it by the country’s total population. Hence, it is the output of a country’s economy per person. GDP per capita allows you to compare the prosperity of countries with different population sizes. For example, U.S. GDP was $17.46 trillion in 2014. However, one reason for America’s prosperity is because it’s the third most populous country (after China and India). The United States must spread its wealth among 319 million people. As a result, its GDP per capita is only $54,800, making it the 19th most prosperous country per person.”
Nigeria’s per capita GDP (in US dollars), using a population of 170 million, is 3,187.5 with the rebasing (510 billion GDP), while it is 6,375 before rebasing (1 trillion GDP). According to the World Bank, the 2013 per capita GDP for South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia are 6,617.91, 3,314.46 and 505.05 respectively.
Nigeria’s annual budget has been hovering above four trillion Naira in the past five years. For example, the total budget for the 2014 fiscal year was N4.962 trillion, while 2012 was N4.749 Trillion, 2011 was N4.2 trillion, and 2010 was N4.4 trillion. See my article titled Comparative Analysis of 2012 Federal Budget. I will defer to the Economists and Accountants, but I am presenting figures to buttress my point that Nigeria is a rich country.
In fact, in his pre-election Speech at Chatam House London, our President had this to say, “After the rebasing exercise in April 2014, Nigeria overtook South Africa as Africa’s largest economy. Our GDP is now valued at $510 billion and our economy rated 26th in the world. Also on the bright side, inflation has been kept at single digit for a while and our economy has grown at an average of 7% for about a decade.”
On the monthly allocations between the three tiers of government (Federal, State, Local Government), there is no doubt that over N3 trillion has been shared by The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) since the beginning of this year, and we are now in the fourth quarter. For example, data available reveals that FG, States, LGs, shared N409bn for May 2015. It was distributed as follows in June: FG got N151.805bn (52.68 percent), while states and local governments received N76.998bn and N59.362bn respectively, representing 26.72 percent and 20.60 percent. Comparatively, N581.498bn was shared in January 2014, N715.8bn for July 2013, and N1.014 Trillion for June 2013. The largest amount shared to date will be N1.3tn for June 2011. Of course, the price of oil has fallen, but we are still rich and sharing a lot of money because N518.5bn was shared in June 2015.
The figures are astronomically boring, but insightful. Many nations are not blessed like Nigeria. As I travel to various parts of the world, I am even more convinced that Nigeria is a very rich country. Without mincing words, we are a rich nation, but unfortunately, the average Nigerian is poor and does not enjoy the wealth of the country. That is the sad story. This is 101 years post-amalgamation and 55 years post-independence. We can all agree that our development does not reflect that of a man who is 55 years old, and definitely not that of a 101yr old man.
Given all this wealth, it is inexplicable that we have so much poverty in the country. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report, as of 2010, the poverty level of the country was 69% and 71% for 2011 by extrapolation. Using a conservative population estimate of 160 million Nigerians, it means that 113.6 million Nigerians are extremely poor. No one will argue that the primary population still survives on less than $2 USD per day.
Everyone must be tired of the saying that leadership is the problem, not followership. Yes, oil may have been the bane of our development as a nation, but what else are we not doing right. We even had a leader that boasted that Nigeria’s problem was not money, but what to do with it. He was under the misguided illusion that oil will last forever. When you implement a mono-product economy, you are doomed to failure when anything adverse happens to that commodity.
A country’s leadership must make sure that the wealth of the nation trickles down to the citizenry. If it does not, that the leadership has failed and by implication, the Nation State becomes a failed Nation.
What will we be celebrating at 56 years of Independence. The father of the Preacher said, “So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). Tick! Tick!! And time continues to go by.
*Atawa-Akpodiete, a public Affairs Analyst, wrote from United States. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Nigeria, October 05, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Albert OGRAKA Mr. Patrick Ukah
Delta state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah has assured members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta state Council of continued support and co-operation in achieving the policy objectives of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.
Ukah, who said the media plays a vital role in building public confidence on the activities of government, urged media practitioners to sustain their objectivity and regular cross checking of facts before publications are made. From Left>Mr. Paul Osahor (Director of Information; Comrade Paul Osuyi (Chairman Correspondents Chapel); Mr. Patrick Ukah(Information Commissioner) & Mr. Aguoye (Permanent Secretary) during the visit.
The Commissioner further promised to partner with registered media practitioners in the state for the greater good of all through effective and fruitful collaboration.
He lauded the efforts of the media, especially the Asaba Correspondents Chapel for their understanding of the workings of government, adding that the Okowa administration is set to deliver on its S.M.A.R.T Agenda initiative which has already kick-started.
The Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Paul Osuyi assured the Commissioner of objective reporting of government activities by members of the Chapel.
The Commission was accompanied on the visit by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Aguoye, the Director of Information, Mr. Paul Osahor among others.
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Hon. Chika Ossai
THE Commissioner, Bureau for Special Duties in Delta State, Hon. Chika Ossai has warned those living in riverine communities to relocate to safer places to avoid the wrath of the impending flood.
Hon. Ossai who spoke on Sunday, September 04, 2015 at a thanksgiving service held at the Great Gospel Ministries (TGGM), Asaba presided by Pastor Daniel Ohanugo stated that the fact that some communities are already flooded in some parts of the north were strong indications that the flood was real.
According to him, “the flood alert is not a joke, our Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa has shown serious commitment to safeguard the lives and property of Deltans, he has set up committee on flood which has the Deputy Governor, Barrister Kingsley Otuaro as Chairman, but, it will be better if people move to safer places, they can go and temporary live with their families, the ordeal may not be more than a month but we should not wait for it to happen before we relocate.”
“Those who were affected in the 2012 flood, people in Oshimili South, Ndokwa West, Ndokwa East, Isoko South and Isoko North, Patani, Ughelli South, Bomadi, Burutu, among others should as a matter of urgency, relocate, we don’t want a loss of life, there should be minimal damage to property because, certainly, they cannot move with their houses but, they can remove their valuables,” he said, reiterating, “the flood can get to your community, your houses at any time, in the night; afternoon or morning, just move to safe areas.”
On the essence of the thanksgiving, Hon. Ossai stated, “though, times are tough, we need to thank God for His blessing, thank God for the opportunity to serve Deltans in the prosperity train of Governor Okowa and use the opportunity to pray that the flood will not take life, will not destroy properties of our people and to tell Pastors, Imams and other religious leaders to be involved in the enlightenment campaign, sensitize our people in riverine communities to relocate.”
On the preemptive measures been taken by government, Hon. Ossai said, “the best measure is for people in the riverine communities to move out and live with their relations till the flood is over, we cannot stop the flood, the rain is much this year, we can only do our best, the committee on flood is already working and at the appropriate time, they will brief the press on their activities.”
Earlier in a sermon, Pastor Ohanugo said it was important for people to give thanks to God, stating that before man was born, he was already known by God and all that he does in life has been pre-destined by God.
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Nigeria, October 04, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Albert OGRAKA Deziani Alison-Madueke
Blank NEWS Online can report that detectives from the British National Crime Agency (NCA) have teamed up with Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to ensure a successful probe of embattled former Nigerian petroleum czar, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke.
The ex-minister and current President of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was arrested on Friday by the NCA’s recently formed International Corruption Unit, along with four other persons.
She was arrested in London as part of an investigation into suspected bribery and money laundering offences. Alison-Madueke was, however, granted bail but her passport was withheld by the British authorities, pending further investigations, both in the UK and other countries.
The NCA has therefore dispatched a team of detectives to Nigeria who are now working with the operatives of the EFCC to probe Diezani Alison-Madueke alleged excesses, during the administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.
The team of investigators from the UK Police, drawn from the Seizures Organised Crimes Agency (SOCA) had been involved in a discreet investigation of Alison-Madueke, alongside a team of EFCC operatives from the Subsidy Unit with a directive to probe all NNPC accounts which were operated under the supervision of the former minister as well as investigate the activities of Alison-Madueke.
Meanwhile the EFCC team that raided Alison-Madueke’s Asokoro residence in Abuja, following her arrest on Friday were said to have recovered several files from the ex-minister’s residence for further analysis by the combined team of investigators from the EFCC and the SOCA.
According to the British National Crime Agency (NCA): “The investigation commenced in 2013 under the Proceeds of Corruption Unit, and transferred to the NCA earlier this year (2015). The International Corruption Unit investigates bribery of foreign public officials by individuals or companies from the UK and money laundering by corrupt foreign officials and their associates.”
The UK crime agency added that the ICU would also trace and recover the proceeds of Alison-Madueke’s alleged corruption and support Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies with international anti-corruption investigations.
As a result of the unfortunate development, analysts have therefore called on the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to replace Alison-Madueke as its president. Following the clamour, OPEC resorted to display its alternate president, Dr. Mohammed Bin Saleh Al Sada in its website.
Indications are rife that the former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Allison-Madueke, arrested and released in the United Kingdom, on Friday, on money laundering allegations, may be charged to court soon with more suspects that would be arraigned.
The trial is expected to be conducted in London and is likely to draw thousands of Nigerians resident in the United Kingdom (UK) but no date was specified, last night, when Sunday Vanguard made contacts with the National Crime Agency (NCA), which arrested and released Diezani and the four others on Friday.
The agency said that the suspects were merely granted what it called “conditional police bail” pending further investigation to be conducted in the UK and overseas.
In a similar development, a former Group Managing Director of Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has allegedly been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
A top source revealed that the official from North West was grilled and quizzed over fund management within the corporation, expenditure running into several millions of dollars and failure to declare his assets.
He was alleged to have spent huge sum of money on renovation of a golf course in Kaduna as well as owning several multi million dollar properties not reflected in his assets declarations.
It was learnt that four other top ex-NNPC officials have been picked up with many of them due to be arraigned in court soon.
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Nigeria, October 03, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Deziani Alison-Madueke
Nigeria’s former minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke has reportedly been arrested in London, her family has said.
She is believed to be one of five people the UK National Crime Agency said it had arrested, but did not name, as part of an investigation into suspected bribery and money laundering.
Ms Alison-Madueke who was appointed oil minister between 2010 and 2015 has been fingered in an alleged disappearance of $20bn of oil money when she was in office.
That accusation was made by former Nigeria’s central bank governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi in February 2014 before his sack over financial recklessness.
The National Crime Agency said on its website only that it’s “recently formed International Corruption Unit has arrested five people across London as part of an investigation into suspected bribery and money laundering offences”.
The identities and nationalities of these people were not disclosed, but family members of Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke confirmed that she had been arrested in London.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to trace and recover what he called the “mindboggling” sums that have been stolen from the oil sector and promised to prosecute those responsible.
Meanwhile the Asokoro, Abuja residence of the immediate-past Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, on Friday, was stormed by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in what has been described as part of a multinational investigation of the former minister.
The operations it was gathered were being coordinated with several international agencies because of the “sensitive” nature of the investigation.
EFCC made “significant recovery” of documents at the Abuja residence of the former minister, a senior security source said.
“The raid on her Asokoro residence yielded vital information that will help in the prosecution of the case,” sources said.
The allegations against Alison Madueke:
Mrs. Alison-Madueke has stayed away from Nigeria since President Buhari was sworn-in. She was first appointed into the federal cabinet in 2007. A former director at Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, she was appointed Minister of Transport by late President Umaru Yar’adua. In December 2008, she was redeployed to the Mines and Steel Development ministry.
After former Vice President Goodluck Jonathan became acting president, Alison-Madueke was appointed Nigeria’s first female petroleum minister in February 2010, a position she held till May 29, 2015 when Mr. Jonathan left office. Alison-Madueke’s tenure as petroleum minister turned out one of Nigeria’s most controversial, amid unending allegations of corruption.
Under her watch, dubious oil marketers stole trillions of naira of oil subsidy money. She retained her position after the House of Representatives investigated the scandal and indicted the minister. Probes by independent audit firms, including the KPMG and Pricewaterahousecoopers, confirmed billions of dollars of oil money were missing, the most notable being $20 billion in 2014.
Other corruption allegations:
Long before her stint in the oil and gas sector, Alison-Madueke was investigated by the Nigerian Senate on allegation she paid N30.9 billion to contractors while she held office as transport minister. In 2009, the Senate also indicted Mrs. Alison-Madueke and recommended her for prosecution for allegedly transferring N1.2 billion into a private account of a toll company without due process. The former minister consistently denied any wrongdoing.
In June, after leaving office, she rejected all allegations of embezzlement, saying she never stole from Nigeria. In March 2014, the House of Representatives mandated its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the alleged squandering of N10 billion over a two-year period on the arbitrary charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use by Alison-Madueke.
Such act was said to contravene the “Fiscal Responsibility Act and all other laws on fiscal discipline” Acting on what it termed reliable evidence, the House said it learnt that Alison-Madueke had allegedly sunk at least N3.120 billion into the maintenance of a private jet dedicated to the service of herself and her family.
A breakdown of the money, showed that the sum of 500,000 Euros (N130 million) was spent every month on the maintenance of the airplane, which amounted to N3.120 billion for the two years in question.
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Nigeria, October 03, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
As Nigerians and global observers express concern over Thursday’s multiple explosions which rocked Bulumkutu area of Maiduguri, Borno State capital and killing scores of people, another bomb explosion has reportedly occurred on Friday night in Kuje Area Council and Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, also killing scores and injuring several others.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the explosions in a statement by its Press officer, Manzo Ezekiel.
NEMA however assured that emergency services have been deployed to the scenes to attend to victims of the explosions
“Following the unfortunate explosions that occurred this night in Nyanya and Kuje, which are two satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed its rescue teams in the evacuation of the victims to various hospitals in Abuja.
“The explosions which occurred almost simultaneously have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries but the rescue operations coordinated by NEMA are still ongoing,” NEMA Press officer stated.
According to eyewitness, the bomb was detonated around Kuje market, close to a police station.
It was gathered that vehicular traffic has been diverted while the areas have been cordoned off.
It is believed that suspected Boko Haram members may have been responsible for the two bomb explosions.
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Nigeria, September 30, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Barr. E. A. Uzum (SSA-OSD)
The One Day Symposium/Seminar tagged “Policies of Prosperity in Support of the S.M.A.R.T Agenda” has held at Government House Annex, Warri with the Delta state government pledging to ensure the sustainability of the communication mechanism propounded by Barr. Eugene Uzum, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Orientation and Social Development to bridge the gap between the people and government.
The Seminar which was to X-Ray Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration’s policies and the gains of its implementation to Deltans attracted a large turnout of Deltans, cut across ethnic nationalities, political support groups, women, youths and students who were engaged in an interactive session with policy makers.
The state Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Senator Tam Brisibe who lauded the proactive efforts of Barr. Uzum for keeping Deltans abreast with the people oriented policy agenda of the state government, adding that the SMART agenda is not for government but for Deltans.Cross section section of participants
While reflecting on the seeming doubts earlier expressed by a section of Deltans during the electioneering campaigns, he stressed that the people have become witnesses of the ongoing entrepreneural and infrastructure development across the state, especially in areas of vocatonal and technical education, as well as various empowerment schemes.
He further assured that Government has plans to review the micro credit scheme for better deals for women and youths in the state, just as he appealed to Deltans to have a better understanding of government policies, programmes and objectives.
Also, the Senior Political Adviser to the Governor, Chief Festus Ochonogor, said the programme is in line with the government principle of prosperity for all Deltans, saying that the state government has initiated plans to sustain the communication mechanism to bridge all communication gaps between the people and government
In a lecture delivered by Mr. Sunny Onuesoke, who was represented by Ms. Igho Pearl Patience, he described education as imperative for sustainable national development, hence the need for the speedy implementation of policies on education by governments.
He therefore commended the Senator Ifeanyi Okowa administration fro putting measures in place to reform the education sector for the benefit of all Deltans.
On his part, Dr. Friday Awhor, Senior Lecturer a the Delta State University (DELSU) and former Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) while speaking on the objectives of wealth creation explained that the Delta state government’s ongoing exercise to train more than 48,000 job creators would further boost the state economy and reduce total dependence on government white-collar jobs.
Earlier in his welcome address and lecture, Barr. Eugene Uzum, Senior Special Assistant on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD) who reeled out the various programmes of the state government, assured that his office is determined to issue adequate enlightenment and orientation to Deltans on the workings of government.
The well attended seminar was organized by Force Movement, Hash Harris International, in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Orientation and Social Development (SSA-OSD) and other allied groups in Delta state witnessed a road walk and interactive session between participants and representatives of government.
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Nigeria, September 30, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Ambassador. Sam Monaisa, during a courtesy call on the Governor by the Consul General of South Africa Commission, in Asaba
Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has disclosed that his administration would provide the enabling environment for investments to thrive in the state so as to reinvigorate the economy.
Speaking when the South African Consul-General, Ambassador Sam Momaisa led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, Governor Okowa said that his administration was desirous of partnering with investors especially from Africa with a view to grow the economy and provide job for the people of the state.
According to him, “It is clear that as a nation our over-dependence on oil is not the way to go, we need to diversify our economy, we are glad to have investments come to our country and our state, we desire to develop our people, and provide the enabling environment for investment to flow as only through this, can we provide employment for our people”.
“we truly want to engage in a relationship with South Africa, as working together in partnership with you and other African countries, we can grow our continent”. He said.
Senator Okowa disclosed that his administration would develop three industrial parks in the three senatorial districts of the state to boost investment and diversify the state economy, explaining that two of them would be agro-related while the one in Warri would be oil sector related and would be in partnership with the private sector to take advantage of the oil industry in the area.
While restating his administration desire to empower the youths through the STEP/YAGEP programmes, Governor Okowa asserted that the state government would restructure the state educational system and the school curricula to enable the students acquire technical skills which would make them useful to themselves and the society as entrepreneurs.
Earlier, the South African Consul –General, Amb. Mumaisa said they were in the state to seek avenues for partnership and investments disclosing that a lot of South African businesses were interested in investing in the state especially in the tourism and hospitality sector.
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Nigeria, September 27, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – Delta Speaker, Igbuya
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri on Wednesday stressed the need for media professionals to be thorough and be armed with correct facts and figures in the area of investigative journalism.
In a statement issued in Asaba, Ebireri said “This is necessary in order to forestall denting of image which false reports could create in the minds of the public”.
He also urged the Directorate of State Service (DSS) to investigate the alleged attempt to bribe the Election Tribunal judges and identify those behind it.
The CPS commended the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC).
He also urged the security agency to invite those behind the allegation to give useful information.
Meanwhile, two members of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor, both of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, have dissociated themselves from an online report by Saharareporters alleging that members of the state legislature are contributing five million Naira each to bribe the Election Petition Tribunal Panel to decide cases before it in their favour.
Addressing newsmen in Asaba, Hon Ofobruku, Uvwie and Hon Abigor, Warri South One Constituency condemned the report in its entirety, describing it as wicked, malicious and attempt to bring the house into disrepute.
The lawmakers, Hon Efe Ofobruku and Godwin Abigor stated that it was more worrisome to read that the Speaker directed all the 28 members to contribute the said amount to bribe the members of the Election Petition Tribunal panel sitting in Asaba, the state capital.
They drew attention to the fact that about six members of the sixth Assembly have no case in the election petition tribunal as regards the House of Assembly Elections in Delta State.
Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they were not aware of any contribution being made in any quarter as regards bribing the election petition tribunal, saying it was important to clear their names and that of their party from the said publication by Saharareporters.
The two lawmakers maintained that there are three election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba adjudicating over different electoral cases and wondered which one was the online news media was referring to.
Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor said they are in tribunal with PDP candidates over their victories at the polls and wondered how the Speaker who is PDP would ask non PDP members to contribute money to fight his party’s candidates.
They dissociated themselves from the publication and condemned the trend being adopted by some persons to tarnish the image of the house.
Hon Ofobruku and Hon Abigor also expressed sadness over attempt by Saharareporters to give credibility to the said report by alleging that some opposition members in the house, including the SDP and Labour Party, spoke to it correspondent on the issue.
They advised the news media to encourage the growth of democracy in Nigeria and stop being a tool for spreading lies in the society. ***Read Blank NEWS Online for regular news updates…Also like us on Facebook & follow us on Twitter @blanknewsonlin1
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Nigeria, September 25, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) – By Albert OGRAKA Information Commissioner, Mr Patrick Ukah (second left) the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr Jude Aguonye (left) the Director of Publication, Mr Dona Obuse (second right) and the Director Government Printing Press, Mr Lucky Omokri when the Commissioner assumed duty on Wednesday, September 23, 2015. Photo: Goddy Umukoro
The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah has enjoined staff of the Ministry to acquaint themselves with the SMART agenda of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa led administration to enable them educate Deltans on the policy trust and direction of government.
The Commissioner, who gave the advice in Asaba shortly after assuming office, urged the staff to work assiduously towards ensuring the success of the prosperity agenda of the administration.
Mr. Ukah, who acknowledged that there is so much job to be done to reposition the Ministry for effective and efficient service delivery, said that staff should jettison the old ways of doing things and embrace the new dawn, stressing that it was mandatory for staff to be at their duty posts at 8am.
While urging the staff to work hard to justify their pay, the Information Commissioner charged the Directors and Management Staff to lead by example.
The Commissioner was conducted round the Ministry by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Jude Aguonye in company of the Directors of the Ministry.
Recall that recently, the Ugo-Ani of Okpanam, H. R. M. Michael Mbanefo Ogbolu and the Onwa of Ibusa, Chief Barrister Fred Ajudua felicitated with Mr Patrick Ukah on his appointment as a commissioner in Delta state.
H. R. M. Ogbolu lauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for finding their son worthy to serve the state and usher in progressive development for the well being of Deltans, while Chief Fred Ajudua described Mr Ukah as a man whose wealth of experience will be needed for the delivery of the PROSPERITY AGENDA for all Deltans. Ukah Profile of Patrick Ukah (fnimn)
Mr. Patrick Ukah hails from Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA. He was ex-hockey international and immediate past President of Nigeria Hockey Federation, NHF, as well as MD/CEO at Ventolite Marketing Int’l Ltd).
Patrick Ukah is a physical and Health Education graduate of the University of Ife, Ile-Ife. He holds a Masters’ Degree in Business Administration (MBA) with specialization in marketing, from the same University.
Ukah is an Alumnus of Lagos Business School and a Fellow of the National Institute of Marketing Nigeria. He is an ex-Hockey International, President Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Board Member and Chairman, NOC Marketing Commission.
He was the AGM Competition, 8th All Africa Games Abuja 2003, and the current Chairman, Sports Marketers’ Guild of Nigeria (SMG). Ukah is an astute Golfer and had served as Competition Secretary, Ikoyi Club 1938 Golf Section for several years.
Patrick Ukah is presently the group MD/CEO of ventolite Marketing International Limited, Gazelle Consults Limited, Ventolite Sports Management Consultants, Pearl Studios & Entertainment and Afy Naza Rentals.
In his quest for excellence in sports Management and Administration in Nigeria and beyond, Ukah had served in various capacities including;
*Member Ministerial Advisory/ Coordinating Committee for Nigeria participation in the London 2012 Olympics.
*Chairman, Delta State Hockey Association 1996 – 2000, 2006-Date
*Chairman/Member, Marketing Nigerian Hockey Federation 1997 – 2000
*Chairman, Youth Sports Federation, Delta State 1998 – 1999
*Member, African Hockey Federation Finance & Marketing Committee 2000
*Member, Nigerian Association of Physical & Health Education & Recreation (NAPHER)
*Secretary, Nigerian Association of Sports Professional (NASP)
*Marketing Consultant, Abuja 2014 Commonwealth Games Bid
*Ukah had won several Gold, Silver and Bronze for Bendel, Oyo, Lagos and Delta states. *He had equally represented Nigeria in several International Championship notably Junior World Cup Hockey Elimination Harare, Zimbabwe 1983 (Bronze)
Mr. Ukah is a member of the People’s Democratic Party, a devoted Catholic, and married with children.
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Nigeria, September 21, 2015, (Blank NEWS Online) –
Founder of 05 Initiative and wife of Delta state Governor, Dame Mrs. Edith Okowa has brougt respite to sufferers of sickle cell anaemia by flagging off the Sickle Cell Clinic at the Central Hospital, Agbor.From left: Hon. Amaechi Mrakpor, Engr. Ebere Otuaro, Founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa (2nd right) and Mrs. Lizzy Umukoro
While commssioning the children sickle cell unit at the Central Hospital, Agbor today, Monday, September 21, 2015, Dame Okowa expressed delight that the equipment would bring succour to anaemic patients in Delta state.
She said that the project is part of the areas she had mapped out from the prosperity agenda of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration, saying that it is a self-driven project and promised to replicate the project in all the Central Hospitals in Delta state.
She described the 05 Initiative as a humanitarian programme which draws its objectives from the Biblical book of Matthew 25: 35-36 with an obligation of “Changing our world, one person at a time.”
Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, Director General of the 05 Initiative thanked the Governor’s wife for promising to replicate the project in all Central Hospitals in the state, adding that the 05 Initiative is desirous to sustain its sensitization and advocacy programmes to help in enlightening the people, especially carriers.
The governor’s wife who was accompanied by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ebere Otuaro, inspected modern facilities provided by the 05 Initiative at the clinic, located at the Pediatric center, while the demonstration of laboratory procedures in management crisis was conducted by Mr. Isibor Clement.Mr Adu displays the Hemoglobin electro phorensis
Mr. Matthew Adu, who also demonstrated how to conduct test on patients with sickle cell anaemia disclosed that a new research which shows that there is about 2.5 percent of AC carriers in Ika ethnic nationality.
He lauded Dame Okowa for providing the equipment which include, Hematology auto analyzer, Haemoglobin electro phoresis and Hematocrit centrifuge.
Further presentations were cariied out by Dr.S. E.Elozino, Consultant Paediatrician and Dr. Gozi Maduka, a gynecologist at the Central Hospital, Agbor while the children and members of the Sickle Cell Club of Delta State had a “Success and Survival” drama presentation and testimonies from patients to bring hope to the African Child.
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