It is a political truism that the sudden entry of Sir Tony Chuks Obuh, a retired permanent secretary in the Delta State Civil Service is causing political panic among other aspirants and their supporters because of the momentum that he has gathered within a short period of time of indicating his interest to govern the state from May 29, next year if elected. His political popularity has been attributed to several factors. Some political actors believe that Sir Obuh is being sponsored by incumbent Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Iweta Uduaghan while others believe that his ambition is tied to certain political power blocs in Delta State who are known in the past to have played key roles for the electioneering victories of Governor James Ibori and the incumbent governor.

The Obuh controversy has many dimensions even as other aspirations and their supporters are of the opinion that he has no political experience and therefore will not be able to effectively balance power equation in the state to the satisfaction of Deltans and party faithful in the the three senatorial districts. Others say Sir Obuh is not a known face in the robust Delta politics and therefore needed to queue behind others for a reasonable period of time so as to be fully integrated into PDP and state politics before gunning for the party’s gubernatorial ticket. The argument so far advanced by his political detractors is endless and the social media is loaded with series of abusive posts rejecting the Obuh candidacy.

It is quite unfortunate that it is only in this part of the world that people raise issues that have no constitutional backing. Constructive criticisms are essentially based on issues of law, constitution and to some extent morality. The Obuh’s political controversy is baseless on constitutional, legal and moral grounds. First, he is a Nigeria, a registered member of the PDP and a registered voter. He served as Permanent Secretary in the State civil service and a substantial part of his last years in office was devoted to ensure that the political machinery of state was running smoothly as Permanent Secretary Government House Protocol. This sensitive position places Obuh at an advantageous position in the political system because he actually handled the government protocol matters including political action plans and ensuring that senior party faithful are properly attended to during state functions and other political activities in the state. Simply put, he has been a big time silent political operator in the state.

It is also true that all PDP party stalwarts, elders and leaders had close contact and relationship with Obuh by virtue of his position as the super administrator of government house protocol. Big names like Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Chief (Mrs) Ngozi Olujeme, Rot. Hon. Victor Uche, Chief Ovie Omo-Agege and the other governorship aspirants have in one way or the other worked closely with Obuh on issues relating to PDP and state affairs. No key player in Delta State politics today that do not know the man – Tony Chuks Obuh. He has been actively involved in high level political activities in Delta State from the days of Chief James Ibori’s tenure till he retired recently. He is well known to major stakeholders in PDP and Delta politics despite the fact that he did not feature in political podiums to canvass votes for other aspirants in the past. But he has been a key silent player in the internal politics of Delta State and for this reason his candidacy is constitutionally, legally and morally valid.

Constitutionally, nothing stops Obuh like any other Deltan from indicating his interest to serve the good people of Delta State at whatever level. He is academically qualified haven bagged University degree and master degree from premier and top class Universities in Nigeria. Obuh headed several state agencies and parastatals in defunct Bendel State and in Delta State. He has been a key government policy formulator for the state government and played active roles in the blueprint document of DELTA BEYOND OIL. He has held several key positions in different ministries before his elevation to the office of Permanent Secretary, Government House protocol. Thus, he is well grounded in both political activities and mobilization. He has been well groomed by his political masters and bosses in the system and as such has the political skills to effectively manage men and materials for the development of Delta State.

Legally, he has no criminal records to stop him from aspiration to the office of Governor of Delta State. He is a personality without complicated background. Easy going, intelligent and well focused. Obuh’s pedigree has been testified to by key PDP chieftains in Delta State. The State party Chairman, Chief (Barrister) Peter Nwaoboshi described him as an intelligent gentleman who served Delta State without blemish. Chief Ighoyota Amori said Obuh was a super permanent secretary whose pedigree cannot be faulted by the devil. Chief Ayiri Emami (the Convener of Delta United for Tony Obuh) said he had to compel Obuh to join the gubernatorial race because of his unque personality, foresight and visionary potentials.

The secretary to Delta State government, Comrade Ovuzorie Macaulay recently described him as a perfect gentleman who served the state diligently. Chief (Mrs) Faith Majemite, a founding member of PDP once told newsmen during Obuh’s LGA consultation tour that the gubernatorial aspirant is highly detribalized and have worked closely with party leaders and elders for several years without blemish and such he is qualified to govern Delta State now that power is shifting to Delta North Senatorial district. It is clear that Obuh has clean service record and therefore ably qualified to aspire for any political office in the state.

Morally, Obuh is well known to be a reserved person whose character and pedigree speaks volume. He is not a waster of financial resources. Obuh is a simple man, not flamboyant and never arrogant. His humility has attracted thousands of stakeholders, followers and several political pressure groups to his political camp since he indicated interest to govern the state if elected in 2015. The Obuh that I know is a man who is always smiling and ever willing to do those things within his capacity to bring about positive results for the good of all. It is therefore absolutely uncalled for, for some people and groups to waste their financial resources to buy pages of newspapers to blackmail this patriotic Deltan who has put in 32 years of his life on earth serving the good people of Delta State. It is politically a miscalculation for anybody to think that he will be talked-down by paid political propagandists at this time when he has completed a robust consultation visits to the twenty five PDP LGA executives.

What is essentially necessary now is for those who are blackmailing Sir Obuh to focus their energies and their money in projecting their own candidates because PDP party primaries comes up in November this year. He is ready to face other candidates at the political battle field where the party delegates will choose their gubernatorial candidate on November 29. Whoever takes the ticket goes to the general poll to slug it out with other parties’ gubernatorial candidate and of course the winner becomes the fourth democratically elected governor of Delta State and shall of a necessity take over the mantle of leadership from incumbent Governor Uduaghan on May 29, 2015. This is the way to go and not to intimidate a man who will never yield to any form of intimidation. Obuh will run for the party’s ticket just like any other aspirant and November 29 will be the D-day at the party level. Till then, all aspirants are to remain in the political battle field to test their acceptance and political pedigree.

*Written by Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe. Member: Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA); Political Communication and Human Rights Committee of American Political Science Association (APSA).

The Technical sub-committee of the Delta State Inter-Ministerial Ebola Preparedness and Response Committee said it has successfully carried out three suspected contact tracing of persons coming from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) prone areas in West Africa.

The functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Michael Omatsola, gave the revelation in Asaba at a training of trainers (TOT) workshop on Ebola Virus Disease, organized by the sub-committee for health workers in the medical zones in Delta North Senatorial district.

Dr Omatsola said that the State Rapid Response Team (SRRT) got wind of two Deltan and one Sierra Leonean coming to Delta State from Liberia and Sierra Leone and quickly monitored them from the Lagos border before placing them on surveillance for signs and symptoms of the EVD.

According to him, the Ebola suspected persons had since been allowed to go about their normal businesses after failing to exhibit any signs and symptoms of the Ebola Virus Disease following their observance for the stipulated 21 days.

He also revealed that so far, seven persons suspected to be having the EVD have had their blood samples screened by the sub-committee at the Virology laboratories in Lagos and Port-Harcourt, disclosing that they all proved negative.

Dr Omatsola said the State Rapid Response Team responded swiftly to every call of suspected Ebola cases to nip in the bud any likely confirmed case from spreading to other persons in the State.

He urged health personnel to desist from turning away persons that present with symptoms similar to the EVD but rather should endeavour to observe every universal safety precautions, warning that patients could easily die of diarrhea if left unattended, stressing that most cases of vomiting and stooling of blood were not necessarily Ebola.

The permanent secretary called on the workshop participants to take the training seriously rather than be complacent because the disease had been contained in the country, explaining that they needed to be prepared at all times since the disease was still spread fast in neighbouring West African countries.

The training workshop benefited participants drawn from among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, disease surveillance officers and scientific officers. Similar trainings were held recently in Warri and Ughelli for health personnel in Delta South and Central Senatorial districts.

*Story by Churchill Oyowe (PRO), Ministry of Health, Asaba, Delta State

AS Nigerians celebrate 54 years of independence, the Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has granted total pardon to three prisoners sentenced to death and commuted the death sentence of nine others to various terms of imprisonment.

Speaking on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 at a colourful celebration to mark the Independence Day in Asaba, the state capital, Governor Uduaghan said the pardon of the prisoners was based on recommendations from the State Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

According to him, “as part of the independence Day celebration, through the power conferred on me under section 212 of the Nigerian Constitution and based on the recommendation from the State Advisory Council of the Prerogative of Mercy, I have granted total pardon to three prisoners sentenced to death and granted amnesty to nine other prisoners on death row whose sentences have now been commuted to various terms of imprisonment.”

Governor Uduaghan disclosed that a case of a 24 years old boy, who when he was 16 years was accused of stealing a phone and was sentenced to death, was being looked into by him, explaining that but for an appeal already filed by the family he would have granted him pardon.

He therefore pleaded with the family to withdraw the appeal from the court to enable him exercise the relevant powers and grant the accused pardon, adding that any action taken would be subjudice.

Decrying the activities of the terrorists group, he said: “I want to call on sponsors of Boko Haram that enough is enough, they should have a rethink, they have killed, maimed, kidnapped and today, we are saying, enough is enough,” calling on the sponsors of Boko Haram to use the occasion of the nation’s 54th Independence Anniversary “to reflect on their actions, enough is enough.”

Uduaghan urged Nigerians to always support President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and pray for those who were staking their lives for Nigeria to remain an indivisible entity, emphasizing that prayers should also be offered for the families of those who lost their lives while protecting the interest of the country.

He used the occasion to warn governorship aspirants in Delta State to desist from heating up the polity by their actions and utterances in their campaign for the 2015 general elections, disclosing that some governorship aspirants were engaging in rumour mongering, deliberate falsehood and falsification of documents and facts in order to cause disaffection in the state.

“This is my last Independence Day celebration, the person who will take over from me must realize that in getting to this position, no life must be lost, no evil created, no rumour must be used, no gang up must be used,” he said, adding, “when you want to use evil, rumour or gang up, it will not take you anywhere.

“Let me assure the person that Delta State has gone beyond being pulled down, I cannot be pulled down, you may try but you will never succeed, whatever you are planning, the state must jump over your evil plans, we are the finger of God.”

“If you want to be governor, come out and tell the people your programme. I don’t know who will be governor but I know those who will not take over from me as I have told God that no rumour mongers, evil planner will become governor.”

He thanked the security agencies, royal fathers, spiritual leaders and all Deltans for the different roles they are playing in moving the state and the country forward.

His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, has addressed his fellow Nigerians to honour the 54th anniversary of Nigerian independence as a sovereign nation.

Blank NEWS Online presents the speech.

Fellow Nigerians:

1. Today marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign nation. This is also the tenth month of our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in January this year.

2. The first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and burdens, opportunities and challenges. We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and prosperous nation. We also overcame the forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war. We have also renewed our faith in one another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient nation.

3. In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.

4. On an occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They will not succeed!

5. In their mission, they have maimed and raped. They have killed men, women and children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.

6. They have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear countrymen and women, we will not allow them.

7. Night after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the civil war.

8. Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

9. This Administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace.

10. To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.

11. While we continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.

12. This is why, to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the injured, the displaced and the bereaved.

13. In partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region.

14. The Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up.

15. Our overall objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.

16. It should now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an insight into their abnormal mind-set.

17. I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil.

18. We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation.

19. Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.

20. We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

21. I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.

22. One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.

23. To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain.

24. Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.

25. We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

26. Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent.

27. We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

28. I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.

29. My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.

30. Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

31. Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.

32. There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country. There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

33. Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.

34. Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation.

35. The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

36. In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

37. We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b). This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Board which I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

38. In demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity.

39. We have recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.

40. This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer. We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

41. A benefit of these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from 1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35 billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.

42. Modern hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment figure

43. In order to further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.

44. On infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian hinterland to maritime activity.

45. The Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa in the past year.

46. The result of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth.

47. An unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with emphasis on maintaining global standards.

48. Fellow Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our country; we must build it for our common posterity.

49. As we move into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a regular occurrence. Our political leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate to the destruction of the polity.

50. The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

51. We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

52. I cannot end this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be: swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens.

53. It must be pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region. I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of our country.

54. I appreciate and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. I thank all Nigerians for working together to prevent what could have become a major epidemic. I particularly thank the medical personnel, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.

55. This is the spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one common national interest.

56. As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny.

57. Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.

58. We are one people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one family. We are Nigerians.

59. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Monday in Sokoto stressed the need for Nigerians to work towards ensuring political stability of the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111, Governor Uduaghan said that the current security challenges called for deliberate efforts on the part of everyone despite their ethno-religious and political persuasions to work for the unity of the country.

According to him, political stability which is essential to the greatness and growth of the nation rested on unity of the country.

Dr. Uduaghan reiterated the need for all Nigerians to stand behind President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts at restoring peace and stability in the country, particularly to the North East.

He commended the efforts of the Sultan of Sokoto at promoting inter-religious harmony and stability of the country.

”I want to commend the Sultan for what he is doing for Nigeria … particularly with the present security challenges and his efforts to see that Nigeria remained united.”

Also, he thanked the Sultan for the protection and hospitality shown towards Deltans residing in Sokoto.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto said that the Sokoto Caliphate has enjoyed a cordial relationship with the people of Delta State and the Governor in particular.

That he pointed out was a clear indication that “we can live peacefully together with one another despite ethnic and religious differences.”

The Sultan who spoke on the recurring clashes between farmers and herdsmen, stressed the need for dialogue and consensus and what he termed a ‘balancing act’ to forestall further clashes.

“The laws must be applied and those who commit atrocities and offences against the land must be punished”, he stated, noting that the inability to punish offenders was responsible for the growing culture of impunity in the country.

Similarly, the Sultan, at the dedication of the Holy Family Mother and Child Clinic built by the Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, said that lack of knowledge, understanding and love were responsible for the destruction of lives and property perpetrated in the name of religion.

“We need to preach peace always, we need the people to get understanding and love for one another… 2015 is coming, do not allow yourselves to be used by politicians”, he admonished, while promising to continue to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah described the Sultan as an epitome of what leadership in Nigeria ought to be, adding that the he has made Islam to be acceptable to all.

The Advisory Council of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) consisting of the nine Niger Delta state governors has met with a resolve to urgently address some of the challenges facing the Commission.

The governor of Ondo state, Olusegun Mimiko, who briefed the press on behalf of other governors, shortly after the meeting which lasted into the early hours of Sunday, September 28, 2014 at the New Government House in Asaba, said that the meeting has given room for the NDDC to give an insight on their programmes and budgetary update.

According to him, emphasis was also placed on the burning challenges facing the Commission.

He noted that the Advisory Council is looking at the updates to leverage on some of the outstanding problems among other challenges, including that of defaulting oil majors who have reneged in meeting up with their obligations to the Commission.

“We are ready to see how we can assist in resolving some of these challenges and how we can leverage on some of the outstanding ones”, Mimiko stated.

Mimiko added that the Advisory body has also encouraged the NDDC Board to place emphasis on major issues and essentially on projections that will create jobs for the people of the Niger Delta region and looking beyond oil since it is a known fact that oil is a wasting asset.

He further explained that the Advisory Council has seized the opportunity to ensure that the NDDC actually put on ground projects that would ensure sustainable economy for the region.

The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dan Bassey Abia in an interview said that the meeting has provided an opportunity to resolve the problems facing the commission stressing that “we have started a new NDDC, things are getting better”

Besides Mimiko, others in attendance are Theodore Orji of Abia, Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa, Liyel Imoke of Cross Rivers, the host Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan and the Secretary to the Imo State Government who represented the Governor, Owele Rochas Okorocha.

Also in attendance are members of the Board and management of the NDDC.

Members of the Advisory Council of the NDDC are drawn from the nine states of the Niger Delta region which include Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Ondo, Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Edo and Imo while the Executive Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan is Chairman of the Advisory Council of NDDC.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, at the United Nations General Assembly, has called for international collaboration to end terrorism, vowing that the country will not relent in its fight against the menace.

“Let me underline today, that we shall not waver until we end this mindless war on the innocent, and bring all the perpetrators to justice. We will triumph over terrorism.

“In Nigeria, the threat of terrorism in a few states in the North-Eastern part of our country has proven to be a challenge to national stability.

“We will spare no effort in addressing the menace. We are, therefore, confronting it with every resource at our disposal with due regard for the fundamental human rights and the rule of law.”

While calling for urgent review of United Nations peacekeeping operations across the world, President Jonathan said, “The failure of unanimity of action by the Security Council over pressing challenges to global peace and security, in Syria, Iraq, the conflict in Ukraine, and the renewed aggression between Israel and Palestine, have strengthened the case for the reform of the Security Council.

“Today’s challenges can only be resolved by a Security Council whose working methods engender transparency, inclusivity, and common ownership through equitable representation of all regions in the decision making process of the Council.

“We call for a fast-tracked process, in line with the initiative of His Excellency John Ashe, President of the 68th General Assembly, for establishing a working Group on reform. Indeed, the Security Council requires the collective resolve of all member states to ensure that 2015 brings decisive progress.

“Today’s terrorism is vicious and aimless. Its consequences are extremely agonizing, marked by a tendency to annihilate victims, and completely destroy infrastructure and properties. The involvement of foreign fighters has remained a common feature of terrorist groups – whether Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, Al Shaabab in Somalia, Boko Haram in Nigeria, or the newly emerging Islamic State (I.S).

“We have been, and will remain a reliable and active partner, especially as we collectively work to resolve the new and emerging threats to global peace and security,” President Jonathan told the annual gathering of global leaders.

The persistence of crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region where over 400,000 barrels per day are stolen may threaten world peace and democracy if concerted action is not taken to curb it, Dr.
Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, has warned.

Speaking at an African Business Roundtable-organized workshop on combating emerging threats held on the sidelines of the on-going United Nations General Assembly in New York, Uduaghan said with 90 percent of the stolen oil exported, the cash return was enough to empower individuals and organizations engaged in the theft to destabilize democracies in the West African sub-region.

The Delta State governor who is also the chairman of the Committee on Crude Oil Theft set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria said the growing insurgency by extremist Islamist groups and violence on the civil population may not be unconnected with the huge cash outlay that cannot be traced due to crude oil theft.

He called on the international community to create a platform where stolen crude oil can be tracked and disbursement of proceeds adequately monitored as such funds usually fuel the acquisition of small arms.

He said the balance 10 percent of 400,000 barrels stolen daily is processed locally at the modular refineries spread across the Niger Delta region, noting that the pockets of persons arrested from those locations have only token-effect in combating the scourge.

Extant laws and legislations for prosecuting suspects, Uduaghan said, were grossly inadequate, noting that a strong legal framework needed to be created so that kingpins and promoters of crude oil theft can be prosecuted.

He said his committee has embarked on the sensitization of security agencies on the need for them to be alive to their responsibilities while also encouraging international oil companies (IOCs) to carry out corporate social responsibilities in their areas of operation.

The governor said IOCs must improve on the technology deployed in the laying of pipelines as the prevailing style of laying them on the surface is no longer acceptable.

As part of his government’s strategy to curb oil theft in Delta State, Uduaghan said communities were being empowered through the programmes put in place by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

The governor was accompanied on the trip by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike C. Ogeah and his Finance counterpart, Mr. Ken Okpara.

Other officials on Uduaghan’s entourage are the commissioners for Health, Dr. Joseph Otumara; Water Resources, Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen; Higher Education, Professor Hope Eghagha and Environment, Chief Frank Omare. Others are the commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Misan Ukubeyinje; commissioner for MDGs, Queen Mother Victoria Ikenchuku; commissioner for Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr. Timi Tonye; the governor’s senior special adviser on Foreign Relations who coordinated the UN assessment project, Mr. Oma Djeba; chairman of DESPADEC, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho and the members of the Nigerian Business community.

After over a year’s on-the-spot-assessment of implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations has commended the Delta State government for meeting international standards in the thematic areas of education, health, agriculture, provision of portable water and sanitation through the micro-credit scheme.

The commendation came in New York as the report of UN assessors who had been in Delta State for over 12 months evaluating the status of core thematic areas in the global body’s MDGs target was unveiled before an international audience.

According to press statement issued in New York by Chike C. Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information, the free medical care programme for children under five years and seniors over 65 as well as the free maternal care up to delivery for pregnant women was highlighted as a crucial project that has reduced infant mortality in Delta State.

On education, the report noted that the introduction of Edu-Marshals, a scheme whereby officials are deployed to all towns in the state to ensure that children of school age are in institutions, alongside the free and compulsory education of children up to secondary education was recommended by the UN report for adoption by other governments in meeting the goals of universal education.

The report which was made public at the on-going UN General Assembly in New York, the United States, was read by Ambassador Shola Omoregie, a former UN Secretary General’s envoy to Africa who led the team of seasoned UN experts to Delta State. The report noted that the implementation of the MDGs remains an unfinished business and highlighted the challenges and bottlenecks that need to be addressed by the state government.

Speaking on the report, a visibly elated Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of the state, thanked the UN saying his peers had thought he had taken too much of a risk by opening himself and the state to such scrutiny by the global body. In his view, it was not a pass or fail affair, as “what I wanted to know are the areas we were doing well, what areas we needed to do more and what areas we needed to alter our strategy”.

Uduaghan said his decision to seek the unbiased assessment of the UN was in the best interest of not just the present generation of Deltans but those growing up and promised to institutionalise the report for Deltans by taking a Bill to the House of Assembly for the findings to become a working document for succeeding administrations.

The governor stated that he will also present the report to President Goodluck Jonathan and urged his colleagues to tow this path as their states could only be better enriched in terms of good governance and transparency by similar assessment.

Apart from Ogeah, other officials on Uduaghan’s entourage are the commissioners for health, Dr. Joseph Otumara; water resources, Dr. Chris Oghenechovwen; higher education, Professor Hope Eghagha and environment, Chief Frank Omare. Others are the commissioner for agriculture, Mr. Misan Ukubeyinje; commissioner for Delta State Oil Producing Areas Developmemt Commission (DESOPADEC), Mr. Timi Tonye; the governor’s senior special adviser on foreign relations who coordinated the UN assessment project, Mr. Oma Djeba; chairman of DESPADEC, Mr. Oritsuwa Kpogho and the members of the Nigerian Business community.

Topmost Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in the 2015 general elections in Delta state, Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh has made a few notches in his gubernatorial intention by saying he is sufficiently exposed in what Delta requires to build on the solid foundation laid by the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.

Overwhelmed with the tremendous turn-out for his retirement thanksgiving service at Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state on Sunday, September 21, 2014, Obuh enthused that “I want to tell you that I believe in myself and that I am sufficiently exposed in what Delta requires to build on the very solid foundation that has been laid by the present administration.”

While noting that the state has made remarkable strides on the platform of “Delta Beyond Oil” by growing industries, building human capital and developing infrastructure, Obuh opined that “It is necessary that we continue to build on this foundation”, urging Deltans to desist from anything could frustrate the ongoing development in the state.

Obuh who pledged his unalloyed loyalty and support to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said, “We cannot achieve what we want if we do not have a great and vibrant political party. That is why I would continue to support, respect and maintain what PDP have built, not only in Delta state but across Nigeria, to make it the strongest political party in Africa.

“I believe that with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), we can move Delta forward. We can build on our present state of development and our children will celebrate us tomorrow. I want to share in that glory.”

He emphasised that the ongoing consultation with members of the political class, traditional rulers, chiefs, members of the state executive, legislature as well as members of the public service is to seek their blessing, ask what they think about him and telling them what he can offer.

“Our consultation covers all spectrum; the young, elderly, women, particularly the youths because we want to represent every segment of this society”, Obuh said.

He however appealed to all Deltans to give him the opportunity to serve them in a greater capacity and assuring them of effective service and delivery of democracy dividends.

“I think with my experience, I stand on a good stead to take on from where this administration will end. And that is if I have the support of the good people of Delta state.

“Give me that opportunity and I will not fail you. I will continue to reach each and everyone of you to ask your support, counsel, direction before we make a formal declaration. But we have a mission to serve you better, to serve you more in a higher capacity. We thank God for what he has made out of us. We will not fail you. God bless all of you. I believe in you, I believe in Delta state”, he concluded.

The thanksgiving service held at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor was a gathering of crème da la crème across Delta State.

Some of the personalities included the wife of the State Governor, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, Speaker; Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Secretary to State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, wife of Head of Service Delta State Mrs. Evuarherhe, Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Festus Okubor, members of the State House of Assembly, civil commissioners, retired Heads of Service, permanent secretaries and various chieftains of the PDP including traditional rulers and chiefs from across the state.

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AS the race for elective positions hots up ahead of primary elections that will throw up candidates for the 2015 general elections, Hon. Uche Uraih has urged aspirants to engage in actions that will not negate democratic norms.

Uriah who spoke today, Tuesday, September 23, 2014 in Asaba, Delta State while playing host to an aspirant for House of Representatives, Hon. Paul Adingupu emphasized that aspirants for elective positions should take their aspirations as political games.

“I know Hon. Adingupu, his desire is to represent us at the a Federal House of Representatives, the collateral value of his representing us is enormous, we pray that he gets the position,” Hon. Uraih said, adding, “no aspirant should use because of his aspiration to endanger our democracy.”

“We should show brotherly love in the contest and engage in actions that will make our democracy the best in the world,” he emphasized.

Hon. Adingupu, disclosed that his visit to Hon. Uraih was to intimate him of his plans to represent the Aniocha/Oshimili constituency in the House of Representatives.

According to him, “I am here to see a brother, in 1997, we won elections into the Delta State House of Assembly, today, I am seeking for his support as I am contesting to represent our people, the people of Oshimili and Aniocha in the Federal House of Representatives.”

The aspirant emphasized that his decision to contest for the elective position was not about him but, about the people, asserting, “I am going to represent you, give you a voice and serve your interest at the national level.”

Hon. Victor Okotcha at the occasion, said, “this is the right place to be, Hon. Uraih is a leader in Aniocha/Oshimili constituency and commands respect in the state, it is where he asks us to go that we will go, who he asks us to support, we shall support.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has announced the dates for its primary elections ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The party fixed Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 for its Governorship and Presidential Primaries respectively.

The announcement was made by Mr Olisa Metuh, the party`s National Publicity Secretary, in Abuja.

According to him, the primaries for the National Assembly would hold on Nov. 22, adding that the dates were proposed by the party`s National Working Committee (NWC).

According to him, the dates were proposals that were subject to the approval of the party`s National Executive Committee (NEC) scheduled to meet on Sept. 18.

“We expect all public servants, government appointees and elected party officials who are interested in contesting any position to resign their appointments seven days before the commencement of the ward congress election,’’ he said.

The sales of nomination and expression of interest forms for various elective offices would be between Oct. 27 and 28 to enable public office holders interested in elective offices to resign their appointments before Oct. 20, he said.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has expressed confidence in the ability of security operatives to tackle security challenges rather than civilians who were not trained in the act of providing security.

Speaking when the newly posted Commissioner of Police to Delta State, Mr Alkali Baba Usman paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Asaba, Dr. Uduaghan also decried the use of civilians in the management of security issues.

“We have refused to encourage civilian security outfits like Bakassi Boys and others because we believe the Police and other security agencies are capable of handling security challenges,” Dr Uduaghan told the CP who was accompanied by some heads of other security agencies in the state on the visit.

He reiterated that conventional security operatives have the ability to tackle any security challenge and added that secret cult activities have been banned in the state.

Buttressing why more than 40 identified secret cult groups were banned, Dr Uduaghan observed that it was sad that the cult groups have infiltrated secondary schools and communities, asserting that the activities of the secret cult groups poses security threat.

The Governor also used the opportunity to state that ahead of the 2015 general elections, it was good that politicians in the state were conducting their businesses peacefully and lawfully as well as accommodating to people with divergent views, but, appealed to the Commissioner of Police and Security agencies not to fail in their duty if any politician was caught engaging in acts capable of breaching the peace.

“We are determined to enthrone peaceful elections in Delta State … If we fall out of line, do not hesitate to whip us back to line”, he stated and advised the new CP to collaborate with other security agencies within and outside Delta State to enable him achieve the desired results.

While noting that criminals, especially, kidnappers have no boundary in their scope of operations, Governor Uduaghan assured CP Usman and other security agencies working in the state of regular assistance from his administration to enable them carry out their functions effectively.

Earlier, Mr Usman told the Governor and members of the state executive council that he was posted to Delta State to consolidate on the existing peace, asserting that with what the Dr Uduaghan’s administration has provided for the effective Policing of the state, success was inevitable.

“I have come to Delta State to serve the government and the people, I have served in more than eleven states of the country and I have not seen this type of structure that has been put in place in Delta State, in any of those states. So, we have no reason to fail in the area of providing security in this state,” the Commissioner stated, adding, “I am ready to take all advice, all criticism to enable the people of Delta State sleep with their two eyes closed.”

In the same vein, Governor Uduaghan has commended the security operatives in the state for being proactive and making the state one of the safest in the country, noting that kidnapping and armed robbery which resulted from the activities of militants, have greatly reduced.

Uduaghan spoke at an enlarged security and health meeting involving leaders of different security agencies, traditional rulers, chairmen of local government councils and religious leaders in the state. The meeting was held at Government House, Asaba.

“On the issue of security, we had our Niger Delta crisis which with working with the Federal Government, was solved but, with that, we had an increase in other crimes like, armed robbery, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism,” the Governor disclosed, asserting, “there is a lot of improvement now and we are still working to exterminate kidnapping totally from our state.”

He used the occasion to assert that the state will only be safe for peaceful people who have genuine reasons to be in the state, stressing: “If you come to Delta, you must live peacefully with those you meet, it is not acceptable for you to come and be causing trouble or forcefully take over peoples’ properties.”

“Such properties that are occupied by people who are not supposed to occupy them are not acceptable, except a landlord gives you permission to take over that property. Please know that might is not right in Delta State.”

He used the occasion to thank security operatives for bringing to a halt the crisis between Iselegu and Ibabu Communities in Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas of the state respectively.

He assured that a Commission of Inquiry would be set up to provide lasting solution to the communities which have been at war for more than a decade.

Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said in accordance with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health, schools in Delta State will resume on September 22.

Uduaghan, noting that the Ministry took into considerations many factors as it concerns the safety of school children befo

re agreeing on the resumption date, however warned that Nigerians are not yet safe from the effects of the disease.

He commended the Federal Government for its efforts towards tackling the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

According to Governor Uduaghan, who is a Medical Doctor by training, the fact that the EVD was still ravaging some parts of West Africa called for more vigilance among Nigerians and any suspected case should be reported to health officials immediately.

While assuring that there is no case of Ebola in Delta State as suspected cases were investigated and confirmed to be negative, the Governor disclosed that with movement among West Africans, there was need for increased vigilance so that, the EVD could be curtailed in the manner Poliomyelitis was checked especially, in Delta State.

Dr Uduaghan spoke yesterday at an enlarged security and health meeting involving leaders of different security agencies, traditional rulers, chairmen of local government councils and religious leaders in the state. The meeting was held at Government House, Asaba.

He emphasised that with determination, cooperation and vigilance, there has not been any case of Polio in Delta State for more than five years and Nigeria was heading towards been declared polio-free and advised that while President Goodluck Jonathan has done a lot to curtail the spread and effects of Ebola, there was the need for Nigerians and Deltans in particular to be more vigilant.

He noted that the burial practice of family members insisting on conveying dead bodies to their different places of origin for burials and harmful traditions involving widows of the dead have been identified as means of spreading the EVD.

The Governor also, said in accordance with the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health, schools in Delta State will resume on September 22, noting that the Ministry took into considerations many factors as it concerns the safety of school children before agreeing on the resumption date.

In continuation of its strategy of international expansion and growth, QNB, “One of the World’s Strongest Banks” has announced the acquisition of an additional holding of 11.0%1 (2,047,877,260 ordinary shares) in Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank), making QNB Group’s total stake in Ecobank 23.5%1.

Blank NEWS Online sources declared that “The cost of this additional holding was equivalent to USD283m. The acquisition was funded through existing resources and QNB will account for Ecobank as an Associate in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.”

QNB Capital and Morgan Stanley are acting as financial advisors to QNB in relation to this transaction which enables QNB Group to become the largest shareholder whilst strengthening the partnership with Ecobank, a leading pan-African bank and is a fundamental step towards QNB’s strategy of being a MEA Icon by 2017.

Recall that Ecobank was set up in 1985 in Lomé, Togo, where it is headquartered. It is the leading pan-African bank with a presence in 36 countries across the African continent and in 4 other countries across the globe and one of the top three banks (by assets) in 14 of the countries in which Ecobank is present.

As at June 2014, Ecobank had USD23.4b of assets and had generated USD255m of profit before tax (for the 6 months to 30 June 2014) and operates across its unique network of 1,241 branches, 2,500 ATMs and 16,245 POS terminals servicing over 10.8 million customers. With 20,114 employees, Ecobank is the largest employer in the financial sector industry in Middle Africa.

The QNB Group stated ambition of being a MEA Icon by 2017 is brought closer to realisation through the potential opportunities and commercial benefits resulting from this partnership. This move further consolidates the growth strategy pursued by The QNB Group over recent years.

QNB Group, through its subsidiaries and associates (including Ecobank), operates in 61 countries and 3 Continents around the world.

QNB was recently recognized as “The Best Bank in The Middle East” by Euromoney Magazine and was voted “One of the Top 50 Safest Banks in the World” by Global Finance Magazine in 2013.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan declared at the weekend that the people of the Niger Delta would remain undaunted in their quest for increased derivation from the Federation Account.

Governor Uduaghan observed that the people of the region despite the stalemate on increased derivation at the just concluded National Conference would continue to push for more funds.

Governor Uduaghan made the remarks at the weekend while receiving the Minister for Niger Delta, Dr. Steve Oru who came on a thank you visit to the Governor. He was accompanied by political leaders of Urhobo extraction, including the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, (SAN).

Dr. Uduaghan explained that the agitation of the Niger Delta region was not borne out of insensitivity and greed but because of the huge fund required to remedy the devastation and pollution to the environment occasioned by the activities of oil exploitation and exploration.

The governor appealed for understanding from all Nigerians to these developmental challenges of the Niger Delta region which the current 13 per cent derivation could not adequately address.

“Let me appeal to our brothers outside the Niger Delta that what we have presently is not near enough what is required to address the challenges of development we have in the region,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan noted that although the 50 per cent the delegates to the conference was demanding was not achieved because of the stalemate but stressed, “we shall not give up asking for more for this region.”

He appealed to politicians as well as political office holders in the state to eschew the attitude of grumbling but seek the interest of the state above personal interest.

“There are a lot of us who are always grumbling, sometimes we need to draw a line and first of all think of the system, what is in the interest of the state before our personal interest.

“There are people who will say if I don’t get it, then I must destroy it.
We are even seeing them on the field again for 2015, lots of them are in
the race now for 2015. So if God say’s it is not you, don’t destroy it, try
to see how you can help to build,” the governor advised.

The state governor who commended the delegation for coming to appreciate him for his contribution and support towards the appointment of the Minister, said, “Yes I played my part, but I believe that this appointment was given to Dr. Oru by God and God should take the credit.

“God used the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to listen to the cry of the Urhobo people, to listen to the cry of Delta people and to listen to the cry of those who believe in loyalty,steadfastness and those who believe in remaining where they should be even if it has not happened. And that is why we were able to get this appointment”.

The State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN, who led the delegation on behalf of Dr. Steve Oru and the Urhobo nation thanked the governor for his numerous contribution and support for the Urhobo people, noting that his detribalized disposition has enable him to pilot the affairs of the state in the right direction.

Steve Oru while showing his appreciation to the state governor, assured that he will contribute his quota to the development of the region and the benefit of the Niger Delta.

President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed for cooperation from Nigerians in the fight against insurgency and acts of terrorism in the country.

President Jonathan in a goodwill message to the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in Effurun, Delta State, affirmed that his administration was committed to end all forms of insurgency in the country.

Jonathan who was represented by Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, explained that the government has intensified the fight against terrorism in the Northern part of the country but that it required the continued cooperation and prayers of all Nigerians .

“I need the cooperation of the entire country in the fight against Boko Haram. In doing this Nigerians should also pray for the defeat of the Boko Haram,” he said.

President Jonathan also assured Nigerians of his administrations commitment towards conducting free and fair polls in 2015.

Uduaghan speaking for himself said that government through the support of religious bodies like the Catholic Church to raise the bar of development in the state.

Governor Uduaghan acknowledged the constructive criticisms of the Catholic Church on issues of development and also promoting moral values in schools it received back from government.

He informed the Catholic Bishops of efforts his administration was embarking on to improve the lives of the people of the state, ranging from the Delta Beyond Oil vision aimed at diversifying the economy of the state.

“We have expanded the process of development in Delta State. This we have done through the Delta Beyond Oil Economic Development Model.”

Governor Uduaghan while expressing concern about the activities of insurgents which had resulted in displacement of people, pleaded for continued prayers an end to the crisis.

“I thank the Catholic Church for its prayers. If prayers could resolve crisis in the Niger Delta, prayers can end Boko Haram insurgency. So Nigerians should pray for an end to insurgency.

” I also appeal for prayers for our developmental programmes particularly the Delta beyond Oil programme so that the next administration would continue with it.”

The Papal Nuncio (Pope’s Ambassador) to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja who delivered a goodwill message on behalf of Pope Francis, charged Christians to work together to defeat terrorism.

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor in his goodwill message also charged Christians to set the stage for a united Nigeria that would usher in peace and development.

President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama who declared the conference open on his part called on Christians and Muslims in the country to take pragmatic steps towards promoting unity among their adherents.

The first son of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Chinedu Orji , an Engineer, has sued the Sun Newspapers owned by the former Governor of the State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, claiming N5 billion for calling him “a terrorist.”

Briefing journalists in Umuahia, a member of the legal team for Orji’s son, Chief Chukwunyere Nwabuko, said the libelous publication was contained “on page 21 of the March 10, 2014 edition of The Sun Newspapers which read that ‘it is not a secret affair as his terrorist activities in the state are fully documented’ “.

The Counsel said the former Governor had been using his media outfit to publish malicious and libelous articles against Orji and his son who does not even hold any position in government.

He gave the suit number of the case filled at Abia State High Court holding at Ohafia as HOH/5/2014, adding that Livy Uzorukwu (SAN) is the lead counsel of Orji’s legal team.

Nwabuko further said that the Presiding Judge, Justice Anthony Chioma, had already granted an order for the defendant to be served out of jurisdiction, adding that the matter is coming up for hearing next week, September, 22.

The three point claims by the claimant include: “The sum of N5,000,000,000 as damages for libel; An unreserved apology to be published in at least three editions of the Daily Sun Newspapers; and An Order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, their agents, privies, servants and associates from further writing , printing , and publishing of the said libelous matter or a similar one against the claimant.

A prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Delta state, Sir Anthony Chuks Obuh has unveiled part of his mandate to contest in the 2015 governorship elections.

Obuh, who recently retired as Permanent Secretary, after 32 years in the civil service reaffirmed that he is willing to further serve as a servant to the people of Delta state.

The governorship aspirant, at a well attended media luncheon in Asaba on Friday, September 12, 2014, said “I want to serve further as a public servant. A servant to the people of Delta state that I have always served.”

During the interactive session, he promised to make a formal declaration at the end of his ongoing wide consultation across the state.

“If in the course of consultation, it becomes obvious that majority of our people want me to serve in that capacity, I think the choice I’ll have is to say, “To God be the Glory and Amen!”

Excerpts of the interactive session by Blank NEWS Online:

Introduction:

I am Mr. Anthony Obuh from Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state. I just concluded my civil service career with a voluntary retirement as Permanent Secretary in August 2014 after 32 years of meritorious service. I am a pensioner but I am still looking for employment somewhere.

I find it necessary because of my service career to meet with some of you and it’s nice for us to share lunch together.

Question: Congratulations on your successful retirement. Why have you chosen to meet with us today? Are you celebrating?

Answer: I’ve known all of you and putting together the experiances we’ve had together and the fact that I’m looking for employment is not wrong. There is the need to chat together and to exploit the possibilities that exist in our environment.

Question: As an Anioma son, What is your opinion about the creation of Anioma state and what position have you applied for in the course of your search for a new job?

Answer: Creation of new states have become a national issue and in fact, the National Conference has already accepted to give the people Anioma state if it is possible to create one. I don’t think that I will stand on the road against the wishes of the people of Anioma.

Secondly, whether I have applied for an employment. Like I said, I’m somebody who believes and lives by popular opinion. Much being that people are saying so many things and circulating my credentials in the media while some have even filed application for me. So, which ever become possible, I will be available.

Question: What necessitated your recent visit to Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark?

Answer: It is true that I was in Kiagbodo to see the Elder statesman, a distinguished Nigerian who has made his mark and has remained topmost in contributing to the development of Nigeria and Delta state in particular.

I am somebody who has been in the public service for 32 years until my retirement. So like i said, I’m looking for further employment. The nature and type of employment, when it would come, is something that would make me consult wide from top to bottom across the spectrum of Delta state.

I went to Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark to also let him know that I’m in the labour market.

Question: Deltans have been inundated with posters bearing your names as a governorship aspirant, come 2015. What is your impression about these posters or is it part of the job process you are looking for?

Answer: I see the posters as messages of goodwill, an indication for further service and expression of the people’s desire. It is possible that in the course of my consultation and discussion with my family, elders, my record in service and on retirement may be a little prompt to what they are asking for, what I’m looking for and what God will make available for me.

So, to me, all you have been seeing are all messages of goodwill. I like them.

Question: It is a known fact that majority of Deltans, including the Anioma people of Delta North Senatorial District have insisted that you would do very well in governance. Will you choose to disappoint them or concede to their calling?

Answer: I think I have been unequivocal about the fact that I need further employment as a servant. If in the course of consultation, it becomes obvious that majority of our people want me to serve in that capacity, I think the choice I’ll have is to say, “To God be the Glory and Amen!”

Question: Apart from the call by Deltans from different ethnic groups, urging you to contest in the forthcoming governorship election in the state, have you personally made up your mind to contest? And why would you want to contest?

Answer: I am looking for employment. I want to serve further as a public servant. A servant to all of you. A servant to the people of Delta state that I have always served. By the time I finish with my consultations, I will make a public statement and formal declaration and tell you what I have in mind, what I can do and what I expect from all of you. I will seek your indulgence to give me time to continue on that part of consultation.

Have it in mind that I am willing to further serve as a servant to the people of Delta state.

Recall that during one of his recent consultative visits, where he told Elder Statesman, Chief E. k Clark at Kiagbado, Burutu Local Government Area of his intention to succeed Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan as the Governor of Delta state, Obuh affirmed that, “My governorship project is not propelled by any individual but a product of a well-thought out consideration.”

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Hundreds of retired public servants under the aegis of Association of
Contributory Retirees, yesterday disrupted economic activities in some
parts of Asaba- the Delta State capital following protest over
non-payment of their pensions.

The ex-workers, many ailing, chanted solidarity songs along the ever
busy Okpanam road, complaining bitterly of government failure to pay
their pensions.

They denounced the non-payment of their pensions, warning of mass
rallies and an impending strike action except the Delta State
government issues an irrevocable standing payment order (ISPO) to the
Accountant-General of the Federation by 30th October.

It said ‘it shall not hesitate to mobilize to carry out massive
rallies in Asaba , Agbor ,Warri, Kwale ,Ughelli and also sensitize the
Delta State public workers ,the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Joint
Negotiating Council to commence Industrial action against the State
government to compel them to honour and obey the Pension Reform Law
2008 signed by Governor Uduaghan’.

The ex-workers marched with placards with inscriptions such as
‘Uduaghan pay us our pensions’, ‘Pay us our N16.9 billion’, ‘Retirees
are dying’,’Gov. Uduaghan stop this Fraud’, ‘Save our souls’,’
Pensioners are dying due to non-payment of pension along the ever-busy
Okpanam Road to the State’s Legislature.

Speaker Peter Onwusanya represented aides urged the protesters to
remain peaceful, assuring the house leadership will convey their
protest to the State government.

Chairman of the group, Ovwiroro Ajueyitsi Eric, said Ovwiroro said the
State government contravened Pension Reform Law 2008, section 16,
subsection 1-6.

Ovwiroro said the Delta State government defaulted in payment of 5% of
the monthly wage-bill of its employees into the Retirement Benefits
Bond Redemption Fund (RBBRF) account with the CBN which had
accumulated to over N16.9 billion as at December 2013.

He accused government of ‘irregular payment by the State government of
its 10% counterpart contribution into the retirement savings account
of contributory retirees.

He blamed government for delays in the payment of retiree benefits up
to two-three years.

Ovwiroro also blamed the Pension Fund Administrators (PFA) for
delaying payment into retiree’s savings account for up to six months.
According to Ovwiroro, it viewed with discontent and regards the
various implausible reason proffered by relevant Delta State
Government officials as mischievous and a ploy to delay indefinitely
the payment and deny contributory retirees of their benefits.

The Judiciary in Delta State has been granted financial autonomy by the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, thereby ensuring the complete independence of the third arm of government.

Governor Uduaghan‎ whose administration had ensured the Judiciary in the state run its capital budget independently on Wednesday gave legal backing to the practice by signing the Delta State Judiciary Financial Autonomy Bill into law.

Another bill on Delta State Model Primary Schools Bill 2014 was also assented to by the governor after they were presented to him by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya.

The new bills are for speedy disposition of justice, sustenance for continuity in the educational sector and for the guidance of local government elections.

Uduaghan, speaking on the relevance of the bills at the ceremony which was attended by principal officers of the Delta State House of Assembly, members of the Judicial arm of government and the State Executive Council, stated that his administration was giving legal backing to its programmes to ensure their sustenance.

He explained that the Judiciary financial autonomy bill besides guaranteeing the financially independence of the Judiciary would reduce industrial actions in that arm of government.

The Governor disclosed that funds to the Judiciary under the law are to be released quarterly based on revenue that actually accrued to the state.

He stated that the Model Primary Schools law was very important as sound education was very necessary for the youths of the state, adding , “government is about laws and what we are doing as a state is to ensure that those programmes that we have put in place are not jettisoned when we leave office.

“As much as possible, we are giving legal backing to our programmes,” Governor Uduaghan stated, noting that the law on Model Primary Schools was very important as the schools were designed to match the best in the world.

“We need to protect these schools to ensure that the standards were maintained, we need to provide quality education, use Montessori method of teaching at that level and promote the culture of discipline and hard work in our schools.”

Uduaghan disclosed that the model schools would not be supervised by the Ministry of Education but would be directly under the Governor’s office to ensure that the desired standards were maintained.

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya while presenting the Bills, informed the Governor that they passed through a rigorous process in the legislature and lauded the good working relationship between the three arms of government in the state.

Throwing more light on the new laws, the state Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Charles Ajuyah (SAN), in a press briefing in Asaba stated that the Delta Judiciary Financial Autonomy law was to make the Judiciary Arm of Government to be truly autonomous in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

According to the Attorney General with the law coming to main stream, the judiciary has been put on first line charge, thereby making it truly independent and will speed up dispensation of justice in the State.

The AG who allayed the fears of misgivings to the effect that there is tendency of misappropriation of fund by the judiciary, posited that whatever is allocated to the judiciary will be subject to the availability of fund, and the respective judicial officers in charge will ensure probity, accountability and prudent management of such resources.

On the Delta State Model primary Schools law, Hon Ajuyah said that the law was enacted to create a culture in the State so that when the standard is met, by the seven model schools, others will follow, adding that as time goes on, others will be added to the schedule even as he stated that no pupil will be admitted midstream.

Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq., said that the purpose of the briefing is to highlight the importance of the laws to the press, charging journalists to educate and enlighten the public on the them and the inherent rights of citizens.

The acting Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, has named and deployed new officers to 21 states as Commissioners of Police in the States.

In the new appointment, Usman A. Baba becomes the new Commissioner of Police for Delta State, following the retirement of former Delta Police boss, Ikechukwu Aduba from service.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Emmanuel Ojukwu, the Force Public Relations Officer, saying “the appointment followed the recommendation of the Commissioners to the Police Service Commission and its subsequent approval.”

The commissioners are:

USMAN YAKUBU- CP NASARAWA STATE

ISAAC GABRIEL ACHONG- CP AKWA-IBOM STATE

PAUL E. OKAFOR – CP KOGI STATE

HYACINTH M. DAGALA – CP BENUE STATE

IDRIS FARUK UMAR- CP JIGAWA STATE

SALIHU GARBA- CP KWARA STATE

A. K SHODIPO- CP OYO STATE

ABUBAKAR MARAFA- CP OSUN STATE

CLEMENT O. ADODA- CP BORNO STATE

USMAN A. BABA- CP DELTA STATE

DAN BATURE – CP RIVERS STATE

KARMA HOSEA HASSAN- CP ANAMBRA STATE

TITILAYO M. BUSARI- CP CROSS-RIVER STATE

VALESTINE U. NTOMCHUKWU- CP BAYELSA STATE

FREDERICK T. LAKANU- CP EKITI STATE

ADEMOLA OMOLE- CP TARABA STATE

OLUSOLA EMMANUEL AMORE- CP NIGER STATE

ADEJOH GABRIEL ADAJI- CP ADAMAWA STATE

ISHAKU BARAU- CP KEBBI STATE

WILSON A. INALEGWU- Acting CP, FCT

Nigerian Military authorities in Abuja have vowed to defend the nation’s territorial intergrity and people at all cost, just as the Boko Haram terrorist group have allegedly taken over five towns in Borno and Adamawa states.

The Defence headquarters twitter handle which came against a backdrop of more recent attacks by the insurgents read:

“All Security operations aimed at containing the terrorists menace and activities will not stop until they give up or are completely wiped out. We will assert and defend our nation’s territorial integrity and people at all costs”.

In the last five days, the insurgents have allegedly taken over five towns in Borno and Adamawa states. The towns are Bama, the second largest town in Borno; Bara and Banki as well as Gulak and Madagali in Adamawa State.

Madagali, Gulak, Michika, all adjourning communities in Adamawa state are not far from Gwoza community which is a border town in Borno state that was attacked last week by the insurgents.

While the attacks and counter attacks last, President Goodluck Jonathan, has urged Nigerians to pray for the security forces as they battle the insurgency.

“Yes, we have our security challenges, but none of these things should discourage us, we are working very hard to address the insecurity in some parts of the nation. Our security forces are facing enemies of progress, who do not want our nation to prosper; those who maim and destroy.

“We must all arise and pray for our security forces, we must be encouraged everyday and indeed when the enemy shall arise, the Lord will lift a mighty standard against him. We understand the importance of faith-based organisations in building a strong, peaceful, resilient and prosperous nation; your work in this regard is highly commendable,” he said.

The people of Adamawa Borno States have continued to live in fear, following reports that Boko Haram insurgents were closing in on more towns and villages for eventual annexation from the Nigerian Federal Government.

Residents are said to have fled to neighbouring settlements despite Military efforts to curtail the insurgents’ further moves at seizing of these towns and villages in the troubled North Eastern Nigeria.

Despite military claims of raiding some of the terrorists’ hideout, killing scores of them and the recovery of anti-aircraft guns, armoured tank, artillery gun among others, agency reports say that the insurgents were also close to Vimtim, the home town of the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Alex Badeh, where armoured tanks have allegedly been deployed to halt advancing insurgents.

The insurgents, it was learnt, moved from Uba to Michika, which is the hometown of a former Lagos State military administrator, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.)

Kirchinga, the hometown of Adamawa governor Umaru Fintiri, was seized on Saturday, September 6, and the insurgents razed Fintiri’s residence in the town.

It was gathered that the Adamawa State Acting Governor, Alhaji Adamu Fintiri, on learning that many of the residents of the troubled communities were fleeing, dispatched six luxury buses to move them to Yola.

Tanko Wazumtu, an aide to Adamawa State Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Umaru Fintiri, also confirmed the attack, saying his own father was among those killed.

Earlier on Saturday, the Adamawa State government in a statement disclosed that Gulak town, another community close to Michika was under the control of the insurgents.

Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Professor Abdullahi L. Tukur in a statement said: “It has come to the attention of the Adamawa State Government that insurgents were in Gulak, the Headquarters of Madagali Local Government Area and had killed and displaced scores of people.

“The state government deeply sympathises with the people of Gulak in Madagali Local Government and other surrounding villages and towns whose areas have been overran by insurgents.

“The concomitant effects of the insurgency like displacement of whole villages and towns create multitudes of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) whose management and welfare the Government is left to bear. The Adamawa State Government will as much as possible, try to soften the sense of anguish and deprivation the IDPs are going through by providing some basic necessities of life.

“The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA), is conjunction with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), is directed to hasten to the assistance of those affected by the insurgency.

Government is also ready and willing to provide all logistical support to the Military in order to uproot the insurgency from our State. While the curfew imposed in the area is continually reviewed, citizens are advised to be calm and law abiding”, the SSG said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Amb. Baba Jidda, has lamented that most parts of the state were now being occupied by Boko Haram.

Jidda, at a news conference in Abuja on Sunday, added that normal government, economic, social and political activities in the state had been dislocated.

He also said that a huge number of displaced persons was now living in refugee camps in Maiduguri and neighbouring states as well as Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

The Borno SSG said, “At this very moment, most parts of Borno State are being occupied by Boko Haram insurgents. Government presence and administration are minimal or non-existent across many parts of the state, with economic, commercial and social services totally subdued. Schools and clinics remain closed.

“Most settlements in the affected areas in the state have either been deserted or access to them practically impossible, thus majority of the political stakeholders cannot, in real fact reach their constituencies.

‘’So, the threat of insecurity affects everybody irrespective of political differences. The enabling environment for politics and electioneering campaign is simply not obtainable at present in Borno State.’’

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan on Sunday called for support and collaboration with President Goodluck Jonathan to enable him tackle the challenges of Boko Haram.

Dr Uduaghan who made the call during a church service at the Avenue Baptist Church, Warri, Delta State, said that the support was necessary because of the peculiar security challenges facing the country.

According to the Governor, “there is no President that faced the type of challenges our President is facing today, let us rally round him and continue to pray for President Jonathan and our brothers and sisters in the North because they are facing a lot of challenges.”

“As a nation, we have the challenge of Boko Haram, we should pray that those who do not want others to live will not also live,” Dr Uduaghan said.

He scored his administration high in the area of security, noting that the peace and security agenda of his administration has ensured that gunshots which were familiar occurrence in Warri before his election were no longer heard.

He assured Deltans that even with few months to the end of his tenure, security operatives have taken proactive measures to ensure that the peace the people were enjoying would be sustained and improved on in the days ahead.

Besides, the Governor assured Deltans of massive rehabilitation of dilapidated roads across the state in the coming months particularly those damaged by the rains.

“Most governors have their lowest rating during the rainy season because, construction work would be at its lowest ebb”, he stated asserting: “Rain disturbs construction work, but, we will start the construction and renovation of roads once the rain stops in the next two months.”

The Governor also challenged Deltans to keep the drains free of debris to allow free flow of water and control flooding, stating, “we should try and keep our drains tidy and for those of us who have money, do not build on the waterways because when there is flood, it affects everybody.”

“We should have a change of attitude towards environment, we should keep it neat for our own comfort and safety,” he emphasized.

In a sermon, Rev. Dr. Gilbert Oghifo observed that God loves the world so much that He gave his son Jesus Christ to save humanity and urged the people to imbibe the spirit of giving, be obedient to the word of God as well as show love and understanding to one another.

“Giving is a grace, it is not just an act, God has given us the grace of giving,” he said and urged Christians to give freely to those in need and also “give themselves fully to the Lord.”

“Giving is also, rendering unto God, praises for everything that we have experienced-the graces of God, we should give liberally, freely and willingly without any compunction,” Rev. Oghifo said.

Prayers were offered at the occasion for the country, Delta State and Governor Uduaghan and members of his family.

Delta state government has insisted there is no case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) anywhere in the state and encouraged residents not to panic but remain vigilant, just as it described rumour bearers as uninformed people.

Statements signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

“The Delta State Government hereby assures all residents that there is no Ebola patient in the state. All stories about an EVD patient or death in any hospital in Delta State should be disregarded as mere rumours from uninformed people.

“We hereby declare emphatically that there is no Ebola outbreak in Delta State. All residents should go about their normal duties without any fear. However, we urge everybody to remain vigilant.”

It recalled that “On Thursday, September 4, 2014, a woman who arrived from Lagos checked into the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba seeking medical attention.

“While waiting to be attended to by the medical personnel, the subject showed the level of discomfiture that elicited suspicions of a probable Ebola disease.

“The subject was isolated while samples of her blood were taken to test for Ebola. On Friday, September 05, 2014, the result turned out negative to Ebola Virus Disease. The patient has since been admitted into FMC Asaba and is receiving treatment for the other ailments that were diagnosed.

“Earlier, a similar rumour over the death of another lady at Eku Specialist Hospital, Eku had also proved negative. The woman, a diabetic patient, had checked into the hospital on returning from a visit to Port Harcourt but died on Thursday, September 4, 2014, a development that aroused suspicions of Ebola disease. It eventually emerged that the woman’s health was exacerbated by her high intake of salt when people were falsely led to believe that drinking salt solutions would stave off Ebola Virus Disease.

“Deltans and all residents of Delta State are hereby assured that the state remains Ebola-free while the Inter-Ministerial Ebola Virus Outbreak Preparedness and Response Committee is working round the clock to monitor and evaluate every suspected case.

“While we encourage every resident to remain vigilant, care must be taken not to engage in wild speculations that trigger panic among the people.

Rather engage in uninformed speculations, anybody concerned about his or her observations should contact the committee on the dedicated lines.
The lines are: 08037857479, 08063927202, 07037120510 and 08037438829 while the SMS Centre is 32581.”

Medical personnel particularly those involved in emergency cases have been called upon to adopt all precautionary measures in the prevention, containment and management of the Ebola Virus Disease.

The Delta State commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Otumara, made the call at a training held for ambulance service personnel in the State on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Asaba.

Dr Otumara represented by the functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Michael Omatsola, said that there was no need for panic over the issue of the, Ebola Virus Disease but that all hand must be on ground to combat it.

He said that the training was packaged to equip participants with relevant information on the causes, treatment and how to avoid spreading the disease, as well as respond to suspected cases of the EVD.

Describing the trainees as strategic personnel in the conveyance of confirmed and suspected cases, the Commissioner urged them to be proactive at all times and consider their life saving role as imperative in overcoming EVD challenge.

A resource person and Director in the Ministry of Health, Dr Gloria Patrick-Ferife, who spoke on Decontamination, enjoined the participants and other healthcare givers to observe strictly every standard measure in handling their gloves, gown, apron, masks, respirator, goggles, face shield and other medical equipment used in conveying patients in an ambulance.

In explaining the measurements for preparing disinfectants, she emphasized that they should be used before and after the evacuation of any confirmed or suspected case of the EVD.

In a lecture on the overview of the Ebola Virus Disease, Dr Ojodume Okuguni, said that even though there was no known cure for the disease, emergency personnel should be professional in the handling of cases rather than exhibit panic and apprehension.

Another resource person and State Chief Epidemiologist, Dr Charles Ofili educated the participants on the protocols for wearing and removing personal protective equipments (PPE), emphasizing that wrong applications of the PPE could expose one to the Ebola Virus when handling a confirmed case.

The workshop featured practical demonstration on the gowning of personal protective equipment (PPE), decontamination exercises of personnel, equipment and the environment by participants, as well as questions and answers sessions.

Delta state government has frowned at myriad of claims by certain traditional medicine practitioners and spiritual healers in the state who say they can cure persons infected with the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

The state government, in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Thursday, September 4, 2014 vowed to arrest anybody that makes such claims.

The statement reads:

“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to claims by some individuals, especially traditional medicine practitioners and spiritual healers bordering on their purported ability to cure the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

“These claims are completely false, untenable, dangerous and represent a threat to public health. It is hereby restated that there is no known cure yet for the Ebola Virus Disease. The media, especially television and radio broadcast houses should refrain from promoting any claim of cure for EVD by any unorthodox medical practitioner. Any jingle and promotional programme claiming to have the cure for EVD should no longer be broadcast.

“Traditional medical practitioners and spiritual healers are hereby warned to desist from making any claim of cure for EVD. Anybody that makes such claims again will be considered a threat to public health and arrested by the relevant security agencies.

“The World Health Organisation (WHO) and health agencies in Nigeria have made it clear that observance of strict hygiene and health rules to stave off contact with the disease remain the best option. Experts have also advised that regular washing of hands with soap, avoiding contact with infected persons and avoiding eating bush meat not sufficiently cooked will protect everybody from being infected with the disease.

“The governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Ebola Virus Outbreak Preparedness and Response Committee to superintendent efforts at preventing an outbreak of EVD in Delta State.

“We hereby assure all residents of Delta State there is no outbreak of EVD in the state. However, everybody should remain vigilant and observe basic rules of cleanliness.

Anybody with information on probable outbreak of the disease should contact the Committee on the following numbers:
08037857479, 08063927202, 07037120510 and 08037438829. SMS Centre: 32581.”

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has assured that all non-indigenes disengaged from the Abia civil service will be recalled.

He gave the assurance in Umuahia when he met with the Association of All States Resident in Umuahia who paid him a courtesy visit led by Chief Joseph Akwobi.

The Governor said the process has started with the reinstatement of more than 2000 of the disengaged non-indigene workers and told those not yet recalled in the teaching and other categories that they have not been forgotten.

According to him, the re-absorption of the disengaged workers is being done in phases to ensure that those taken back are paid their salaries, saying that he is conscious of the effect of the policy on the affected persons.

The Governor said he expected reciprocation from other South-east governors who disengaged Abia indigenes from their workforce.

He assured the non-indigenes resident in the state of the safety of their lives and property and recalled that Abians have lived cordially with them over the years.

According to him, his administration has greatly empowered non-indigenes resident in the state both in appointments and giving contracts to them and never discriminated against them.

He however thanked them for their contributions towards the growth of the state’s economy as well as their support to his administration.

Earlier, the president, Association of All States Resident in Umuahia, Chief Innocent Egbughara, explained that they changed the name of the association from Association of Umuahia Urban Dwellers Development Union to include non-indigenes outside the urban areas and thanked the Governor for reengaging some sacked indigenes back into service and appealed to him to recall the rest.

He commended the Governor for the management of security in the state and for extending appointments and his empowerment programme to them as well as the maiden Abia Revenue Summit organized by the government to checkmate double taxation by revenue agents.

In the spate of the national security challenges, an appeal has gone to the Presidency and Nigerian Security Council to urgently recall the over 10,000 Nigerian trained Soldiers recruited into the Nigerian Army since 1979 till date who were allegedly dismissed by the Military.

Blank NEWS Online findings reveal that the disciplinary processes which led to the alleged dismissal of majority of the Nigerian soldiers had procedural lapses as sundry issues raised against them were not properly investigated.

The ex-soldiers have therefore appealed to the Presidency and Nigerian Security Council to help review their cases to either be re-absolved into the Nigerian Army or discharged accordingly.

It could be recalled that a process initiated by the former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), ACM Paul Dike (rtd) and Lt. Gen. Danbazo respectively, to review and subsequently re-absolve the dismissed soldiers into the Nigerian Army, has been suspended.

Blank NEWS Online gathered that those already recalled have been made to attend Refreshing Courses at the School of Infantry, Jaji and posted to their respective units, while others who who are yet to benefit beg that the process should be sustained for national interest.

A security analyst told Blank NEWS Online that “Our government has deliberately abandoned over 10,000 of our well trained Soldiers who were unjustly dismissed and we are crying wolf over insurgency by some unknown elements. These military best hands should be re-absolved to help contain the spread of insurgency.

“We appeal to the Federal Government to continue with the recall exercise started by ACM Paul Dike because they discovered that too much of their men were outside. Government should urgently recall these Soldiers who have families to take care of before they are hired by the wrong people”, the analyst appealed.

Also, a dependable security source revealed to Blank NEWS Online that some of the best Artillery handlers are among the yet to be re-absolved Soldiers who were recruited in 1979.

“It is very unfortunate and regrettable that these men have had their recall delayed because, even if sophisticated guns are purchased by the Federal Government, we still need these men to teach others how to operate the weapons. They were among the best handlers of our Artillery”, the source disclosed.

A letter of appeal, signed by some of the Redress Soldiers with email (onyeayanavokafor@gmail.com) reads:

“The undersigned soldiers have undergone Nigerian Military training in NIgerian Army drill School, Zaria and Corps training respectively and one way or the other, they were dismissed from the service.

“Please sir, we are appealing to the Nigerian Security Council to look into our affairs as a matter of urgency and temper justice with mercy and recall us back to the service or discharge us accordingly, as we have nothing doing to help our family.

“Some of us have undergone several training in the Nigerian School of Artillery, Kachia, Kaduna state and acquired unquantifiable knowledge during these trainings.”

The appeal letter was signed by BDR Onyeayana Okafor (79NA/9257), CPL Raphael Iyama (79NA/3370), L/BDR Michael Olisakaomam (79NA/18909), L/CPL Emovre Eugene, L/CPL Sani Musa (79NA/8537), L/CPL Thomas Odu (79NA/9619), PTE Bright Akpoghenta (79NA/30858), PTE Olusola Ogundipe (95NA/39/2347), L/CPL Zakarya (79NA/72792) and PTE David Rojowa Bernard (79NA/19358) among others.

Meamwhile, a particular case in question is that of one Bombardier (Bdr) Okafor Onyeayana (79NA/9257) who served at the 302 Artillary Regiment, Onitsha and was attached to the 341 Field Artillery Regiment (FAR) for the purpose of Operation Harmony 4 in the Bakassi Peninsula.

The ex- military officer was summarily dismissed for allegedly reporting circumstances in the gun position to 302 (GS) Artillery Regiment Commander at rear.

However, during his trial, no officer from his unit was made a member of the panel that tried him and the key witnesses to the case were not invited to the sitting by the Board of Inquiry (BOI).

Despite a letter from his then Unit Commander, Col. Bajen, calling for a re-trial and the need for the Army Legal Service (ASA) to carry out a judicial review in the interest of fairplay and justice, the case is neither re-visited nor the dismissed officer recalled.

The letter dated November 07, 2002 with Reference No. 302AR(GS)/03/2/A reads:

“The above named Ex-Soldier had a protracted disciplinary case while serving in “S” Bty in Bakassi Operation Harmony early part of 1998. He was subsequently given a 3 Count charge and the verdict of dismissed Regiment was awarded by the CO, The Battery was affiliated to (Lt. Col. B. Iganus).

“Not satisfied with the judgement, the soldier filed a petition to the ASA and a Board of Inquiry (BOI) was subsequently ordered to investigate the matter in details. Unfortunately the report of BOI proceedings from where the former commander drew his decisions did not do a thorough job, perhaps due to the revelation that most of the key witnesses to the case were not present during BOI sitting. However from the evidence of the few witnesses that appeared before the BOI, one could see that the Board omitted some vital facts and arguments in expressing its opinions and recommendations. Besides the recommendations of the Board were contradictory.

“The substantive offences committed by the ex-soldier that led to his dismissal were disobedience to particular order, insurbodination and impersonation. These offences from my own opinion were not properly investigated. There were procedural lapses that would require some legal interpretation. There is therefore the need for the ASA to carry out a judicial review of the case in the interest of fair play and justice. In doing this, the BOI document would be a useful Reference material.

“It will indeed be appreciated if the ASA re-visit the case and consider it on its own merit”, the letter from his then Unit Commander, Col. Bajen read.

Nigeria’s Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new railway line between Lagos and Calabar.

President Goodluck Jonathan who made the pronouncement on Tuesday, during the groundbreaking of the second cement line being constructed by the United Cement Company of Nigeria Limited in Mfamosing, Akamkpa Local Government Council of Cross River State, revealed that the railway line will run from Lagos to Calabar and also extend to the Obudu Cattle Ranch.

Jonathan, who was represented by Vice- President Namadi Sambo, said, “On the railway line, I am also glad to inform you that the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of a new railway line from Lagos to Calabar has been signed, and we hope that any moment from now, work will commence.”

Speaking on the plan by UniCem to construct additional 2.5-million-metric-tonne per annum line, he said, “In 2002, the Federal Government formulated the backward integration policy for the cement industry to facilitate Nigeria’s drive in self-sufficiency for cement production. It should be noted that within a decade, there had been a phenomenal growth from two million metric tonnes per annum to 39.5 million metric tonnes per annum of installed capacity.

“We are impressed that just five years after the first line in UniCem, we are gathered here again today for the second line, which will add 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum to the company’s capacity. This is ample growth of operational efficiency and the resilience of the management of UniCem.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Board of UniCem, Mr. John Coumantaros, said the additional 2.5-million-metric-tonne per annum line would be constructed at the cost of N84bn, adding that the project, which is expected to be completed in 2016, would bring the production capacity of the company to five million metric tonnes per annum.

Faced with the leadership question and the crisis rocking the Nigerian Football Federation, Football Stakeholders in Delta State have thrown their weight behind the candidacy of Pinnick Amaju and urged all those who love the round leather game to vote for him in the election billed for Thursday.

Speaking with Journalists in Warri, Davidson Owumi, known as Okada in his hey days with the Super Eagles said Amaju has what it takes to manage Nigerian Football especially now that we are finding it difficult to get it right.
Owumi posited that he will support Amaju 100% and want Nigerians to give him a chance.

Also speaking, Chief Victor Shishe, a community leader who has been highly disturbed with what is happening in Abuja declared that Amaju is the right person to occupy the Glass House judging from what he has achieved managing Football and Sports generally in Delta State.

According to Shishe, Amaju without a kobo from the Government built the first State Football House nearing completion.

He said the Football House which is about 99% now if completed will rank among the best in the World and apart from that, he has succeeded in getting sponsorship for the State FA Cup for the past years.

Shishe who is known for his frank view disclosed that with Amaju, Government can as well forget about the sponsorship of the National team and without their funds, there is no way they can interfere with what is going on in the football arena.

“I want everybody to be sincere and give Amaju the ticket and I am sure once he enters, he will source for funds like the way it is in Delta. With no Government fund, nobody can interfere the way they are doing now. He has what it takes to manage Nigerian Football and I am happy that he has agreed to move on to that level.

“He is not a hungry man, he has a good position here in Delta State but he is a detribalized man. He has the connection with the private sector and will turn the National team into a brand. He is well travelled and that is the type of man we need. The young man will take us to the next level and that is why I want us to give him the chance,” said Shishe.

A coalition of forces under the aegis of Delta Progressive Movement (DPM) has urged Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and leaders of major political parties to base their choice of the next governor of the state on the core attributes of competence, integrity, courage, initiative and focus.

In a meeting held on Sunday being the 31 of August 2014 in Owa-Oyibu, the headquarters of Ika North East Local Government Area to discuss the political future of the state, the zoning arrangement and to assess the physical, social and institutional infrastructural provisions in the state, the group vowed to put stop to square pegs in round holes in leadership positions in the state.

The group also called for gender change at the governorship level.

It extolled the uncommon virtues of Olejeme, describing her as pragmatic and winsome.

“Olejeme is suitable for the governorship job. She has devoted her life to humanitarian and philanthropic services. She has provided employment opportunities for the people, especially the youths. She has been one of the most supportive and committed leaders of the PDP in the state”.

Spokesperson of the movement, Mrs. Josephine Nkenchor said Olejeme would address the near absence of infrastructures in some parts of the state, galvanize the people to self-development, energize the economy and also raise the standard of living of the people through adequate inter-village communication such as good road network, electricity, pipe-borne water, recreational facilities, etc.

“Olejeme will increase the material wealth of the people, establish capacity-building institutions, increase rural output, create employment opportunities and root out cases of poverty, diseases and ignorance”.

The groups also said Olejeme would stimulate rural industries and show the necessary leadership by matching words with action through evolving workable development approaches, proper co-ordination and funding.

“Olejeme has strategies to banish unemployment and insecurity. Her government will bring about sustainable development and progress” the group said.

Over 2,000 members across the 25 local government councils stormed the venue in representative capacity

The member representing Ndokwa East constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi has called on Deltans to shelve aside ethnic and sectional divide and support the gubernatorial aspirations of Chief Godwill Obielum.

In a Press Statement signed by the lawmaker who is also the Deputy Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly,

Hon. Osanebi said his call had become ne

ccesary because the state deserves a God-fearing man who is focused and development oriented to take over from governor Uduaghan in 2015.

According to him, Chief Obielum enjoys the support of all Deltans adding ”Chief Obielum is God’s will for our dear State in 2015”.

He urged all Deltans to rally round him to ensure that our collective dream of having a God-fearing, humble,peace loving and experienced person emerges as ourngovernor in Delta State.

He further described Chief Obielum as a detribilised Deltan with a track record of excellence in security,human and material resource management which has endeared him to Deltans.

Hon. Osanebi further lauded Chief Obielum’s social and political records which has created a niche for him and appealed to other aspirants to lay aside their personal interest and support Chief Godwill Obieum.

The law maker assured that Chief Obielum will consolidate on the achievements recorded by Gov. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan’s administration and take Delta State to the next level, because Chief Obielum is a man who takes the entire state as his primary constituency.

He also thanked all the different groups and communities including traditional rulers who has endorsed Chief Godwill Obielum to contest for the 2015 Delta guber race.

“Chief Obielum is the Will of God for Delta State in 2015,” Osanebi said.

Australian negotiator Dr Stephen Davis continues making shocking claims now alleging that Boko Haram pass a large amount of their finances through the Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN).

This comes days after the expert, who had spent 4 months in Nigeria’s North-East negotiating for the release of Chibok girls abducted by insurgents on April 14, said some politicians from the opposit

ion sponsored Boko Haram.

In an exclusive phone interview with the Nigerian TheCable, Davis insisted that Boko Haram commanders told him that a top CBN official (name not provided by TheCable for legal reasons) was involved in funding the insurgency in the country.

When asked by the journalist about where Boko Haram get the financial support from, the 63-year-old experienced negotiator said the source could not be traced because “it is done through a legal channel, through the gatekeeper, the CBN, and that makes it very easy to cover up”.

According to Davis, one of the biggest suppliers of arms and military uniforms to Boko Haram lives in Egypt and receives money sent by political sponsors from Nigeria. However the legal transaction of the funds is carried out with the help of the CBN, Davis added.

He also revealed that the involved official is a relative of Abuja bombings suspects.

“Meanwhile, the CBN official who handles the funding is an uncle to three of those arrested in connection with the Nyanya bombings. The three boys lived with him. They were arrested by the SSS (Department of State Security) after the bombings but they do not seem to have been interrogated about their uncle in CBN. Or if they have given up information about their uncle then the SSS has not moved against him… Also, a senior official of CBN, who recently left the bank, was very close to Sodiq Aminu Ogwuche, the mastermind of the Nyanya bombings who also schooled in Sudan. Boko haram commanders said Ogwuche’s wife used to visit this top official in his office at the headquarters of the bank in Abuja before the Nyanya bombings.

Explaining why he decided to finally make the revelation, Davis said it was because the Nigerian authorities were slow in handling the security issues, specifically the kidnap of Chibok girls. Davis, the father of 3 daughters, said it was “heart-breaking” for him to think of what the Nigerian school girls might be experiencing in Boko Haram captivity.

Davis, who was PhD in political geography, narrated that he first though that politicians might be involved in the insurgency, when his efforts to negotiate on girls release were sabotaged:

“The political sponsors are very powerful because they supply the finances and the arms. Until they are cut off from the group, those girls will not be released. We are talking about 200 Chibok schoolgirls, but there are over 300 other girls that have been kidnapped. There are many young men that they also kidnapped and turned them against their families. They asked them to go and slaughter their family members and they are doing it. Nobody is talking about those ones. They are the new child soldiers.”

The expert several times repeated that the first thing to do to enable children’s release was “to stop the bagman who supplies weapons and military uniforms. We know his name, location and associates. If the man is stopped, the slaughterers, the ritual arm of the group, would be demobilised. The girls can be released afterwards. This man controls these ritualists.”

It would be recalled that more than 200 girls abducted in Chibok on April 14 by Boko Haram insurgents are still held in captivity. Foreign analysts from all over the world provide their expert opinion on who might be responsible for supporting insurgency in the country. In one of the recent editorial a Russian expert spoke about how and why the Nigerian opposition might benefit from terrorism.

*Story published by Blank NEWS Online with agency reports