Recently, former Aba North elected Chairman, Ikwechegh Alex, granted an interview titled ‘Orji has put Abia in national political grid!’. From all indications, Alex was merely trying to launder his image if he has any.

There is this Igbo analogy that goes this way. You pulled your gun at me, pulled the trigger and it did not shoot, because there was no bullet and I was not killed. Now you weep profusely, telling me that you are sorry. What if the gun exploded and blew the head off me? Crocodile ties!

The other scenario is that of a cowboy in a Western. Remember Westerns, sometime the most popular films of the forties fifties and all. This cowboy heard a gunshot. He fell off the horse and hid in-between two narrow walls, panting and shaky. He actually had a gun but didn’t return fire. When the heat was over, he cleaned his dusty jacket and emerged from his hiding, boasting how he returned fire. He thought that nobody saw him in his hiding place but somebody did and just touched the muzzle of his cold gun to prove his lies.

All the above fit Alex the smart Alec. Alex Ikwechegh got into council through the maneuver of his uncle and mentor, Orji Uzor Kalu. While Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, one of the richest Local Governments with high revenue profile, he was the greatest debtor. He refused upon all entreaties to pay Local Government workers. In Unconfirmed stories that loomed larger than life, he was known to elope to South Africa, spend his holidays in the company of Nolly Wood stars he drenched with money meant for sweating, LGA Staff while he drowned in Champagnes and the best of South African wines.

Families of malnourished workers under him in the council, went to bed hungry. Dependent relatives died in hospitals due to no care, children of some couldn’t go back to school because Alex did not pay, but in the interview, he employed the usual style of Nigerian politicians who think that they can always change history by mere telling new stories in glossy magazines, newspapers and badly written biographies. Alex is a beautiful piece of fakery.
He was the youngest of the chairmen and was expected to be closer to the people, especially the youths but he took to the ostrich strategy and was credited with the saying that ‘T.A. Orji shouldn’t bother him about salaries of workers but should mind his business. If he feels so aggrieved that he should use the state fund to pay. That after all, they derived their powers from one source.’

In the interview in Business Day newspaper of Friday, August, 1, 2014, Page 43, South-south /South-east news page, he reeled off so many funny and shameless niceties about the Governor and Abia State. Hear him, “The Governor is saving lives. Civil servants no longer embark on strike, as their salaries are paid and on time. I remember when the global economic recession hit us at Aba North, when we couldn’t even pay salaries. In fact, about 85 percent of local government areas could not pay salaries at that time. The governor used part of state funds to assist us. I don’t know how he did it, but he ended up clearing those salary arrears.

From such sweet talk and sensible nonsense, it is obvious that Alex is planning to come back to PDP. He claims to be a member of PDP, maybe in Abuja for I am sure that he is not in Igbere, his home place. Alex equally claims to have followers whom he will galvanize into action to work for PDP or campaign for T.A. Orji in the senatorial bid. Two questions are enough to unveil the feignings of Alex. Where has he been? How many years have passed since he lay low like the proverbial bedbug waiting for the heat to cool off? Hogwash! Lies and damn lies.

Alex has no followers except phantom objects and mannequins he bought in South Africa for his large wardrobe, aftermath of his reckless shoppings in his uncountable trips. He should first apologize to the workers, especially those who died waiting for Alex to pay.

We are waiting for Ikwechegh in Igbere. NULGE is watching with keen interest.

This is one insult we would repudiate as Abia labour would not be intimidated with his connections, or ignore his gargantuan misdeeds and his shameless displays of wealth that were squeezed from the Local Government workers he refused to pay.

There is no point asking if am angry. Yes I am not only angry, I am bitter and will show this any day I see Alex’s photos on posters. Alex should be told that the ballot box is back and votes count in Abia. No dirty rubber stamps and promotion of scoundrels into authority.

*Ikwuegbu wrote in Abia North LGA.

INVESTIGATING AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL VIDEO ALLEGATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE BY NIGERIAN MILITARY

Gentlemen of the Press,

Welcome to this press briefing which was compelled by the urgent need to clarify some developments arising from our counter-terrorism operations in the country.

The Nigerian military welcomes the interest being shown by international bodies and civil society groups on the observance of Human Rights in all aspects of ongoing counter terrorism campaign in Nigeria. Despite the highly challenging and peculiar nature of the variables in the operations, the importance of accountability for all actions has remained paramount. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is conscious of the nation’s obligation to observe all rules, regulations and commitments in all activities, and wishes to reassure the international community, bodies and citizens that it will not encourage or condone any form of violation.

It is expedient to particularly address the recent allegation of gross Human Rights abuses leveled against the military by the Amnesty International and those circulating video footage purportedly showing Nigerian military carrying out extra-judicial killing of suspected terrorists.

For the records, we must unequivocally state that the Nigerian military takes the issue of Human Rights seriously and will never condone any proven case of abuse by its personnel. Military authorities are deeply concerned about the set of video footage being circulated and which unfortunately has also become reference data for Amnesty International in its report. Much as the scenes depicted in these videos are alien to our operations and doctrines, it has to be investigated to ensure that such practices have not crept, surreptitiously into the system all to the detriment of expectations, in line with best practices to which the nation’s military has committed itself.

The Defence Headquarters considers these allegations too grievous to be associated with Nigerian troops, considering the doctrinal and operational contents of the training imparted to personnel on a continuous basis; emphasizing the importance of respect for Human Rights and dignity of human person as well as observance of humanitarian laws. Rather, the scenes in that video clip clearly depict a pattern consistent with the atrocious operations of the terrorists.

Notwithstanding the cases of impersonations that have pervaded the counter terrorism operations in Nigeria and many other related issues which cast doubts on the claims made in the video, the Defence Headquarters views those grave allegations very seriously, more so as it borders on the integrity of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation, which must be sustained in the interest of our national survival.

Consequently, the Defence Headquarters in addition to the already existing Joint Investigation Team (JIT) has constituted a team of senior officers and legal cum forensic experts to study the video footage and the resultant allegations of infractions in order to ascertain the veracity of the claims with a view to identifying those behind such acts. This will further determine and stimulate necessary legal action against any personnel or anyone found culpable in accordance with the provisions of the law.

You will recall that a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) was earlier constituted based on previous allegations of human rights abuse. The JIT is still in place and have regularly conducted visits to detention facilities. It is currently on tour of some of such facilities across the country. The JIT has also regularly forwarded names of those suspects who are culpable to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution. An additional list is currently being compiled to facilitate the decongestion of detention facilities.

These attempts at protecting the rights of detained terror suspects categorically point to the fact that as a professional institution with thorough-bred officers and men, the Nigerian military cannot be party to such degree of savagery, as portrayed in the video footage available to Amnesty International. The Nigerian military has over the years demonstrated a pedigree devoid of such acts in several operational theatres in and out of the country. There is no reason why this should change at this stage of our national life.

Without mincing words, the Nigerian Armed Forces cannot condone any action or inaction that tramples on the right to life of any Nigerian. The ultimate objective of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operation is the complete cessation of the heinous and barbaric activities of the terrorists and to stamp out every vestige of terrorism in our country with the application of international best practices in such operations. It will, therefore, be absurd for the Nigerian Armed Forces as an institution to perpetrate such unprofessional acts in the manner and level depicted in that video as alleged by Amnesty International. Respect for the sanctity of life is always boldly emphasized in our doctrinal trainings. Indeed, that level of barbarism and impunity has no place in the Nigerian military. It must thus be reiterated that the Nigerian military is a very well organized professional body of troops whose conducts in war and peace times are guided comprehensively by law.

We assure Nigerians and indeed the international community that the Nigerian Armed Forces recognizes the concern of Amnesty International as well as other similar bodies and therefore remains committed to the observance of the rules of engagement and human rights in its counter-terrorism operations.

Major General CHRIS OLUKOLADE
Director Defence Information
5 August 2014

As the Delta state government and security agencies intensify efforts to curtail the raging crisis in Ndokwa West council area of the state, Ugiliamai Community has brazed up in the heat of the crisis to clarify some grey issues.

A statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on Tuesday, August 05, 2014 and signed by the traditional leadership and community heads of the community reads:

“OUR POSITION ON THE IBABU/ISELEGU WAR: UGILIAMAI SHARES BOUNDARY WITH ISELEGU NOT IBABU

INTRODUCTION:

“Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God.” – Matthew 5

“War should belong to the tragic past, in history. It should find no place on humanity’s agenda for the future.” Pope John Paul II.

We thank all those who are interested in restoring peace to Iselegu and Ibabu communities. We are confident that your actions in the long-run will ensure a peaceful society, a society where neighbours will see themselves as one and work in the interest of one another.

Ugiliamai desires a clear boundary demarcation with Ibabu and not between Ibabu and Iselegu because, we believe that with clear boundary demarcation, good neighbourliness, love for one another will be entrenched between the two communities.

Origin of Ugiliamai/Ibabu

Ugiliamai and Ibabu are two communities in the present-day five villages (quarters) of Onicha-Ukwuani Clan in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Originally, Onicha-Ukwuani had four villages; Ike-Onicha, Eweshi, Ugiliamai and Amoji.

Our (Ugiliamai) ancestors descended in two processions from Amai in Ukwuani Local Government Area and Ashama in the present-day Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State and settled at Ugiliamai Uno (Obi Aka). As good farmers, we have common boundaries with Eweshi, Amoji, Ike-Onicha, Utagba-Uno, Ossissa, Obikwele, Iselegu and Afor clan.

The people of Ibabu migrated from Nsukwa in Aniocha South local government area and came to settle at Onicha-Ukwuani. The other three villages; Ike-Onicha, Eweshi and Amoji, despite the entreaties of Ibabu people to be given land, refused their entrance into Onicha Eno (Four quarters of Onicha-Ukwuani) then, and refused to give them accommodation.

But, Ugiliamai community went ahead to offer them accommodations with conditions that have long been flouted; that is,

(i) Going beyond the areas offered them by our forefathers,

(ii) Payment of royalty which they have stopped.

Ibabu people, as if they were angered by the fact they were accommodated, displayed uncanny aggression and encroached on land not earlier offered them. Our people did not find peace with them due to their incessant harassment, interception and assault on Ugiliamai people when returning from or going to their farms.

These provocative actions have continued to date which is one of the reasons we are seeking a clear demarcation of boundary between us.

Till date, Onicha-Ukwuani has one major market; Nkwo market, which has four entrances to it. The four roads to the market are from the four different communities that made up Onicha-Ukwuani then: Ike-Onicha, Eweshi, Ugiliamai and Amoji. Ibabu has no link road to this historical market where the people of Onicha-Ukwuani perform both cultural and social rites.

Also, because of the growth in population of the people which cannot be denied them because of procreation, they have continued to encroach on land belonging to Ugiliamai.

Ikilike, which is one of our Shrines, is situated by Ibabu Primary School and till date, Ugiliamai Community still perform the rituals as in the past. Also, Ebi Shrine which is situated at the outskirt of Ibabu is Ugiliamai’s revered god for the promotion of long life and annual rituals are still been performed there. Furthermore, in the practice of our age grade, the Okpala-Uku of Ogbe Owa installs the Onotu Uku (the head of the administrative council of Ugiliamai Community) every seven years in the presence of the god before other processes for age grading takes place. The practice still subsists to date.

IBABU/ISELEGU FEUD

It is a fact that Ibabu people are perpetual tenants to Ugiliamai community. They have no land of their own, as such, they cannot go to war with any community based on land issue, or lay sustainable ownership claim to any parcel of land.

When the issue of land dispute arose for the first time between Iselegu and Ibabu, our people intervened by inviting Ibabu people to state why they should be involved in land dispute with Iselegu. Precisely, this was on March 23, 1953. Ibabu Community was led to the meeting by late Ezhedi Jato. At the meeting, Ibabu people were advised never to have land dispute with Iselegu because if there were to be any land dispute, it has to be between Iselegu and Ugiliamai. This advice has been ignored by the people of Ibabu.

Ugbo-Ocha (Obi Ukpo) where Ibabu people are laying claim to which was the reason they are fighting with Iselegu belongs to Ugiliamai. In the early1950s, late Chief Patrick Ibobo Ozah, an indigene of Ugiliamai was the first person that resided in the village. At a time, some discharged lepers from Ossissa segregation camp joined Chief Ibobo Ozah in the hamlet. The land belongs to Ugiliamai and the boundary between Ugiliamai and Iselegu is well known and respected by the two communities (Ugiliamai and Iselegu).

Iselegu and Ugiliamai know their common boundary at Ugbo-Ocha (Obi Ukpo).

The need for clear demarcation of boundary between Ugiliamai and Ibabu

Today, Ibabu community is located in the middle of Ugiliamai. This is because, on one side of the village is Ugiliamai-Uno while on the other side is Ugiliamai town.

We are aware that their population has risen which has caused them to be desperately in need of more land. It is worthy to state here that gone is the era where might is law. Our patience should not be misconstrued to be cowardice. We have only been magnanimous and accommodating.

Since 1953 when our forefathers urged Ibabu people to stop engaging in actions against Iselegu people, they have turned against us; their landlord. On 12th February, 1957, their activities led to war between the two communities and, of recent, but, for maturity and restraint, war would have been going on between the two communities (Ugiliamai and Ibabu).

This is because on 17th March, 1989, Ibabu people killed an indigene of Ugiliamai, Chief Ossai Esume and in March 23rd, 1993 our sons were attacked by Ibabu people and they sustained different degrees of injuries. On 29th May, 2005 there was also, another attack which led to our children losing their valuables, while on 31st December, 2007, there was another attack on Ugiliamai people by indigenes of Ibabu. This almost resulted in war between the two communities as vehicles belonging to Ugiliamai people were destroyed. Also, on 14th January, 2008 there was another attack and motorbikes (Okada) belonging to indigenes of Ugiliamai were seized by Ibabu people. On October 11, 2009 there was also, another attack and apart from the valuable items been lost as a result of these attacks, our people have also, suffered bodily, psychological and emotional harm. All these are enough for retaliation from our children and such could have led to a shooting war.

It is wrong for them to believe that by their unreasoned aggression and virtual warfare, more land can be acquired by them. It is time for them to apply dialogue and peaceful moves.

Conclusion:

We have continued to see Ibabu as our tenants, who ironically, see us as landlords they can forcibly take their landed property from. This is wrong because, “war is the greatest plaque that can afflict humanity; it destroys religion, it destroys states, it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it,” says Martin Luther King. With a body such as the Boundary Committee and the fact that might is no longer law, we see no reason why we should not explore dialogue to ensure that there will be mutual respect for one another, in full recognition of the true ownership of the land in question.

Since the people of Ibabu have gone beyond where was originally given to them by our ancestors, we pray that to ensure lasting peace between the two communities the people of Ibabu should not exceed the Ebi shrine towards Ugiliamai town.

As it concerns Iselegu and Ibabu, it must be clearly stated that Ibabu has no boundary with Iselegu, as such, it cannot have boundary dispute with Iselegu, only Ugiliamai can have such dispute because Ugiliamai has common boundary with Iselegu.

We however, urge any interested individual, group or government who is intervening for peace to reign in the area to take a day off and visit the communities. If this is done, we believe that you will be in a good position to give good advice on the way forward and forestall looming break down of law and order. No sacrifice is too small to pursue the course of lasting peace.”

Signed:

HRH FREDRICK OPIA EGILIGA -OKPALA-UKU OF UGILIAMAI

CHIEF JOHNSON IGWE -ONOTU-UKU OF UGILIAMAI

OKWA PAUL OKENNE

OKWU-ONU UGILIAMAI

Nigeria’s Health Minister, Onyebuchi Chukwu has disclosed that a doctor in Lagos, among those who treated Late Liberian Ebola victim, Patrick Sawyer, had contracted the deadly Ebola virus.

Although the name of the infected doctors was not revealed, the Health Minister said the doctor has tested positive.

He said that in a bid to curtail the spread, measures have been heightened screen people who use the border as well as not allowing corpse of any victim of the Ebola disease into the country.

The World Health Organization record shows that the dreaded Ebola outbreak in West Africa has increased to 1,323 cases with over 729 deaths at the death rate of not less than 55%.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has called on people of the State to take the forthcoming collection of permanent voters’ card exercise serious with a charge on top government officials and party leaders to be in the vanguard of the sensitisation campaign.

This is comming on the heels of a stern warning issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Asaba over double registration, insisting that it is an electoral offence if any voter, who had changed his/her residential address after the 2011 exercise applied for fresh registration.

Governor Uduaghan has already commended sensitisation meeting with relevant stakeholders on senatorial district basis to ensure that voters collect their permanent cards when the distribution exercise kicks off on August 15.

In a meeting with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Stakeholders from Delta Central in Warri on Monday, August 5, 2014, Governor Uduaghan stressed that the collection of permanent voters’ card was as important as the registration exercise.

“The collection of permanent voters’ card is a very serious exercise because your wining any election whether local government, state or federal depends on your voters card. So it is for us to mobilise our people, our community people, our families, our party members to go and collect their permanent voters card.

“I expect that the party at the senatorial level will also meet with the local chairman, council chairmen and map out strategies on how to ensure that people go and collect their voters card,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan who explained that the meeting was also to rob minds on the forthcoming local government election in the state, commended the peaceful approach that the various aspirants and their supporters have adopted so far and urged them to continue to maintain the peace.

The Governor expressed the hope that the series of party activities being undertaken would produce credible candidates that would not only fly the PDP’s flag in the forthcoming polls but win both as chairmen and councillors.

He told the party leaders, aspirants and stakeholders that it was possible to have a consensus candidate where that was the opinion of the majority.

Dr. Uduaghan who observed that PDP was the only party currently mobilising for the forthcoming local government polls in the state reiterated that his party was working hard to ” win and we shall win freely and squarely.”

This his position, he explained was against the background of his being the leader of PDP in the state, adding “I do not owe any apology for saying PDP will win all the seats in the forthcoming election.”

He told the aspirants, “I want to advise that if you don’t get it (the ticket) there is no need trying to defect to another party because there is no other party that can carry you the way PDP is carrying you.”

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday, August 5, 2014 warned that change of residence of voters who partook in the 2011 voter registration would not guarantee fresh registration in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The commission emphasised that it would amount to double registration and an electoral offence if any voter, who had changed his/her residential address after the 2011 exercise applied for fresh registration.

Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Delta State, Dame Gesila Khan made this known at an enlarged stakeholders’ forum on the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the Continuous Voter Registration across the state.

The REC noted that the electoral body was aware that a lot of voters had changed residences from one state to another after the 2011 registration exercise, adding that what such voters needed to do was to apply for transfer of their voter cards.

According to her, although the commission had already taken delivery of the PVCs meant for voters in the state, the PVCs for the entire voters in Ika South Local Government Area, RA2 in Warri South-West Local Government Area and RA1 in Aniocha North Local Government Area were still being awaited. She said INEC headquarters had been informed about the omitted areas.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has frowned at the action of the new management of the Delta Steel Company (DSC), Ovwian-Aladja for arbitrarily sacking the heads of the DSC Hospital and the DSC Technical High School.

Governor Uduaghan who described the action as “wicked, insensitive and inhuman” has threatened to petition the management to President Goodluck Jonathan, the National Assembly, the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).

Dr. Uduaghan receiving the Senate Committee on Privitization said that staff of the two institutions were doing good jobs despite several months of unpaid salaries.

According to him, the state government felt concerned about the plight of the workers and decided to assist them with stipends equivalent of their salaries for which the new management of DSC suspended the heads.

“Before Aladja was sold the workers there were not being paid especially in the area of education and in the area of health. We had workers who were working in the hospital for years they were not being paid. Teachers who were teaching in the school were not being paid. But the school was still doing very well, it was one of the best schools.

“When I visited I found out that these workers were not being paid but they were doing very well . I said as a state since most of the people they teach and treat are our children we felt that we could assist them with some stipends which is equivalent to their salaries until a new management takes over and they start to pay them salary.

“But as soon as this new management took over they suspended the heads of the two institutions both the hospital and the school that they should not have gone into that kind of arrangement with the state government,” he said.

Dr. Uduaghan noted, “I just think that that is wicked for somebody who has not received salaries for years, I think that that was wicked, insensitive and inhuman for anybody to do.

“I’m doing an official letter first to Mr. President, to the Senate, to AMCON. That they must take a second look at that decision,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan commended President Goodluck Jonathan for the various initiatives he has undertaken to boost power supply in the country.

He observed that the recent action of President Jonathan in coordinating the activities of relevant ministries and agencies towards improving gas supply to the nation’s power pants, including the expansion of Otorogu Gas Plant in Delta State would lead to improve power supply.

The governor explained that the decision of the State Government to invest in the power plants at Ughelli , Sapele and the Benin Distribution Company was to enable it monitor their activities and also use accruing funds to subsidise cost of power for the rural communities in the event of increase in tariff.

Governor Uduaghan scored the management of Ughelli Power Plant and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company high in performance but lamented that Sapele Power Plant on the other hand was yet to live up to its production capacity.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privitization , Olugbenga Obadara who informed the governor that they were in the state on oversight functions commended Dr. Uduaghan for the keen interest he has shown towards power institutions in the state.

“As a governor of the state you are really working for your people, you are defending their interests and you are really defending the common wealth of Delta State,” he said.

Delta State Government has called on its residents to adopt precautionary measures to prevent the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) currently ravaging some West African countries from infiltrating the State.

In a statement released by the State Ministry of Health and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Saturday, August 2, 2014, the government hinted that the Ebola Virus infects humans through contact with some animals.

According to the statement, infected persons could transfer to other persons through physical contact with body fluids such as saliva, vomit, blood, faeces, sweat, and urine, adding it could also be transmitted from the dead bodies of those killed by the disease.

The statement described symptoms of the Ebola sickness as similar to malaria; listing them to include headache, fever, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness, diarrhoea characterised by vomiting and stooling with blood, coughing of blood and skin swellings that contain blood, warning that family members and health workers are mostly at risk of being infected.

The statement further warned that while there is no known cure to the Ebola disease, residents in the state should abstain from touching with bare hands persons infected with the sickness, their urine, excreta, sweat, vomit, blood or any liquid from their bodies.

It added that caring for victims or handling of the corpses of Ebola victims with bare hands should be avoided, stressing that health workers and relations of infected persons should endeavour to put on protective kits such as clothing, glasses, caps, gloves and boots.

It also warned that for the time being, residents should abstain from touching or eating bush meat, fruit bats, monkeys, chimpanzees or food and fruits eaten by animals saying however that if their meat must be eaten, they must be handled with care and cook very well to kill any germ.

The statement advised residents to wash their hands thoroughly with soap always and avoid travelling to places where the disease is still spreading fast.

It also enjoined residents to promptly report any suspected sign of Ebola Virus Disease to the nearest hospital or health centre or call the Delta State Epidemiologist on 08063927202 or 07037120510 or 08037438829.

Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare completed a Glasgow 2014 sprint double by winning the women’s 200m, finishing the race at 22.25 seconds to claim victory quite ahead of Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams, both English.

Okagbare, 25 had on Monday won the 100 meters finishing at 10.85 and setting a new Commonwealth record.

Meanwhile, a statement signed by Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq and made available to Blank NEWS Online says the African sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare has justified the support of oil wealthy Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The statement reads:

“Once again, African sprint queen, Blessing Okagbare, proved that the faith reposed in her by Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, was not misplaced as she became only the 11th person and the first African to win the sprint double in a single Commonwealth Games in either men and women events.

“With her victory in the 200 metres at the ongoing 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, Okagbare showed that the Nigerian spirit is limitless with adequate support which she got from Dr. Uduaghan through training grants over the years.

“The Delta State-born star athlete has emerged the most outstanding female athlete of the games with her sterling performance in a field of world class sprinters.

“Earlier, Okagbare had won the 100 metres event, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the process. She would have participated in the long jump, her main specialty, but for the timing that clashed with the 200 metres. Okagbare still has the opportunity to win a third gold medal when the sprint relays commence.

“From her humble beginning, Dr. Uduaghan had single handedly taken up her sponsorship which climaxed with the approval of a three-year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta-born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

“The governor was part of the over 80,000 spectators that witnessed the 100 metres final where Okagbare dusted a star-studded cast of sprinters. The support for Okagbare comes under the administration’s three-point agenda of which human capital development is a critical arm.

“Dr. Uduaghan will continue to support the sprint star who has already won the long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world athletics championships.”

The Nigerian military has initiated an enquiry into the recent shooting incident between its soldiers on routine patrol and members of the Shiite Islamic sect last Friday in Zaria, Kaduna State.

According to a statement from the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Abuja, “the higher level of military enquiry is with a view to unmasking the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to identify anyone found culpable.”

The statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade on Friday, 1 August 2014 and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

“The need to calm the situation in Zaria city after the recent encounter between soldiers on routine patrol and members of Shiite Islamic sect in Zaria last Friday informed the initial taciturn posture of the Defence Headquarters on the issue. While not underplaying the significance of such incident, it was also necessary to ensure that sufficient information was obtained beginning from the unit level and other reliable sources at the location.

“A preliminary investigation was therefore initiated to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident. An enquiry is subsequently ongoing at the Divisional level.

“Although the report of the preliminary investigation at the unit level has vehemently contradicted some of the issues raised by the leader of the group, in his statement, especially on the allegation of extra judicial killings, the higher Headquarters is conducting additional investigation on the incident to ascertain the claims in the preliminary reports from the unit level. In spite of the preliminary findings, the importance placed on the respect for Human Rights in all military operations, activities and interactions, has prompted the additional steps presently being taken to ascertain the true situation.

“Accordingly, the higher level of military enquiry is with a view to unmasking the remote and immediate causes of the incident and to identify anyone found culpable. Meanwhile, those apprehended during the incident are being interrogated.

“The Defence Headquarters deeply commiserates with the families of those that lost their lives in that unfortunate incident, especially the leader of the group who was reported to have lost his sons. Indeed, his present disposition is understandable as it is pathetic. No effort will be spared to ensure necessary justice on this matter.”

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the appointment of AIG Suleiman Abba as the new Inspector-General of Police to replace the outgoing IGP Mohammed Abubakar upon his statutory retirement after 35 years in service.

Abba’s appointment is with effect from Friday, August 1, 2014.

AIG Abba, currently the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7, comprising Abuja, Kaduna and Niger states is a lawyer and hails from Jigawa State and is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies.

Positions previously held by him in the Police include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department, FCT Command, Deputy Force Secretary and Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.

The dreaded Ebola disease scare has led to the closure of an unnamed hospital and its workers and patients quarantined, Anambra state Commissioner of Health, Dr Josephat Akabuike has announced.

Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a viral haemorrhagic fever and one of the most virulent viral diseases known to humankind.

Briefing Journalists in Awka, Akabuike said the measure followed information received by the government that a man whose body was brought back from Liberia at the weekend, might have died of the killer disease.

He said that information available to the government indicated that the body was brought back from Liberia through Lagos and deposited in the mortuary at Nkwelle-Ezenaka in Oyi Local Government of the state.

“Part of the briefing is to tell you what we are doing to make sure we don’t allow the deadly virus to come into the state.

“What actually called for this is that we have a report that a corpse was brought through Lagos and the deceased was said to have been taken from Liberia where, of course, you know there are cases of the disease.

“The corpse was said to have been brought to Nigeria and deposited somewhere in Nkwelle-Ezunaka and the ministry was alerted and that is why we are taking all these measures’’.

The commissioner said that Governor Willie Obiano had already directed the Police Command in the state to cordon off the place until the necessary tests were carried out.

He further said that Federal Government had also sent medical experts from the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, to Anambra to carry out the test at the hospital premises.

Meanwhile, Ebola has been blamed for 672 deaths in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, according to the World Health Organisation.

Sierra Leone has declared a state of emergency and called in troops to quarantine epicentres of Ebola, joining Liberia in imposing tough controls to curb the worst ever outbreak of the virus amid fears it could spread beyond West Africa.

Meanwhile, a Liberian man, Patrick Sawyer was confirmed to have died from the virus in Lagos last Friday.

In a measure of rising international concern, Britain on Wednesday held a government meeting on Ebola, which it said was a threat it needed to respond to.

The outbreak of the haemorrhagic fever, for which there is no known cure, began in the forests of remote eastern Guinea in February, but Sierra Leone now has the highest number of cases.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), through its Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Obua says it is maintaining strict screening of visitors at airports, seaports and border areas to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus into the country.

He said that the Service was collaborating with the Port Health Services and Plant Quarantine Services to screen visitors entering the country.

“All immigrants, including plants and animals, entering the country are screened for any form of disease that can cause harm to the health of Nigerian citizens.

“We, in collaboration with sister agencies, have always maintained tight security at the ports checking to ensure that anything or anyone entering the country is certified to do so’’, he said.

Obua said that Port Health Services officials were immediately alerted in cases where they encountered travelers with incomplete certificate of vaccination or obvious signs of ill-health.

He urged officers at the ports and border areas to take precautionary measures by wearing protective clothing to prevent contact with the virus.
He said that officers deployed to those areas always met with travelers; hence it was mandatory for them to wear face masks, hand gloves and other protective item.

Obua said the measure was to reduce the risk of contracting the virus as it was easily transmitted through physical contact and air.

“The Ministry of Health has alerted us not to have direct physical contact with any traveler, and to take precaution since we come in contact with people at the country’s entry and exit points.

“They have advised us to wear protective clothing like face masks and hand gloves”, he said.

Dear Chief Assam, We are in receipt of your letter dated July 22, 2014 on the above subject matter. We observed with utter dismay its inciting contents and the consequent wide publication of the letter in the press and in the Internet for apparent selfish political motives.

However, as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a man of over 68 years of age, and an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, one would have expected a certain level of civility and decorum in your conduct and communication – your antecedents not withstanding. One notes that, during the administration of Governor Victor Attah fourteen years ago, you used the occasion of your birthday to write a letter dripping with vitriol such as this to Obong Victor Attah.

We also noted that in a response personally signed by Obong Victor Attah on that occasion, he claimed that it was such unfortunate irascible nature of yours, which caused it to take so long, and such intense pressure from Government and others, for the relevant bodies to accord you recognition as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The reference here is not to disparage you but as you noted in your letter it is always good to consider the history of a matter in line with current developments.

Sir, you hid behind the guise of writing a Letter to the Secretary to the Government to disparage your former boss and benefactor, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who in his magnanimity appointed you first as Honorary Special Adviser, and later as Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He was also the one who recommended you for appointment as an Ambassador, despite all the efforts you made and petitions you wrote to stop his emergence as Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2007.

An analysis of your intention indicates that you perhaps have a persecution complex and sought to create a victim mentality in order to curry public sympathy. You, with all respect, regard and sincere apologies, sounded like a whining child who believes that by feigning tears, he could be given some toys or privileges. This, one must admit, is the only way to rationalize your responding to misrepresentations of what the Governor said in a few newspapers and stating with perplexing authority from Moscow, that it “was published in all the papers.” Haba, Ambassador!

But with respect to your office of Ambassador, you may wish to know that on the said occasion, Governor Godswill Akpabio used the story of Absalom in the Bible to illustrate that politicians should not seek to kill and destroy in order to attain to an office. He pointed out that Absalom sought to kill his father in order to attain the throne of kingship but he did not succeed. Of course, as a Christian, you should know that David did not kill Absalom, but what Absalom wished for David happened to Absalom himself – despite David’s attempts to protect Absalom and his sadness at Absalom’s death.

It was a timely admonition to all patriotic Akwa Ibom politicians and particularly, his political sons to seek their interests within the limits circumscribed by the constitution and decorum. They should not seek to destroy the Governor or his administration in order to get elected. They should not seek to use the back door (the back door in this context and in line with grammatical conventions, meaning underhand, crude and undemocratic tactics [like Absalom]) to achieve their ambitions. Furthermore, the reference was actually targeted at political sons of Governor Akpabio who are smearing his name in the guise of campaigning. Governor Akpabio, however, indicated his good faith by urging them to repent and turn from their evil ways so that they would be forgiven and would not suffer the fate of Absalom.

Sir, the constitution gives everyone the right to endorse whosoever he pleases for any office in the land. The idea behind the formation of parties in a democracy is for people of the same ideological leaning to cohere and collaborate for the good of the society. I am yet to declare for the office of Governor, though I must admit that the good people of Akwa Ibom State have come to me and declared that they find in me qualities, which make me a perfect fit for the Office of Governor. Having the endorsement of someone of the calibre of Governor Akpabio, given his uncommon transformation and visionary leadership of Akwa Ibom State, would be the dream of any aspirant in Akwa Ibom State and, if you were honest, you would admit that you crave it for yourself. That is why you euphemistically asked me to step out of what you called “Akpabio’s shadow” because you are afraid of Akpabio’s positive influence and mass support in Akwa Ibom State. His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State is one of the best leaders to come out of Africa, he is a God-fearing man and pride to our State. This much you variously acknowledged until Governor Akpabio, it is believed, scorned your efforts to secure his endorsement for your aspiration – it does appear that hell has no fury like an Assam Assam scorned.

Do note, Mr. Ambassador, that in the 2008 American Presidential elections, war hero Collin Powell of the Republican Party, who himself was tipped to run as a Presidential candidate, openly endorsed Barack Obama of the Democratic Party. So why should any true democrat with a good intention be afraid of endorsements?

It is worrisome that you as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria would smell a rose flower and start looking for the cemetery. The scenarios you painted are figments of your imagination. Having worked with Governor Akpabio for the long time you did, you know that he contested in 2007 without anybody being in the least slightly injured.You know that in 2011, even in the face of extreme provocation when PDP members were killed in Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, and President Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign office along with other houses owned by PDP members were burnt by the opposition ACN and over 500 carswere also burnt, he maintained the peace and did not exact revenge. It is therefore the height of mischief for you or any other political jobber to misquote Governor Akpabio and try to input that the life of anygubernatorial aspirant is under threat in Akwa Ibom State. It is sad that in your unrestrained political ambition you are willing to crucify the innocent. You fail to remember that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ did not stop God’s purpose in His life.

Perhaps the strangest claim in your delinquent treatise was the allusion to reaping where one did not sow and describing yourself as one of the owners of the house. Sir, I am aware that you have a practice in Calabar from where Governor Akpabio invited you to the State and appointed you Honorary Special Adviser, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and currently Nigerian Ambassador to Russia through the benevolence of our President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR. Sir, you have not lived in Akwa Ibom State in the last four decades. It is on record that throughout the time you served as Honorary Special Adviser and Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, you lived in various hotels in Uyo. In your more than 45 years of legal practice and up to the time His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON nominated you for appointment as Nigerian Ambassador, you failed, refused, and/or neglected to sow in Akwa Ibom State by even building a bungalow in your State capital. We know for a fact that it is not for lack of money but for lack of love and believe in your State. So with all humility, what have you really sown in Akwa Ibom State? Dubious petitions against innocent persons?False and malicious publications or slanderous propaganda you are well known for? However, Akwa Ibom State citizens acknowledge yourhuge investment in real estates in Calabar, Cross River State though none in Uyo, your State capital. So if anyone has ever reaped where he did not sow, I beg to point out, Sir, that that person is Chief Assam E. Assam, SAN.

Finally you claim to be waiting for me at the rear door. Sir, with all apologies, you may have a long wait because all my life I have always used the front door. It was this attribute, which led to my meteoric rise in Corporate Nigeria and my proven track record in Corporate Governance and financial services across West Africa and Europe. If you ever repent and want to use the right door, I will meet you at the front door.

Do accept the assurances of my highest esteem.

*Udom G. Emmanuel
Secretary to the Government

After single-handedly nurturing African track queen, Blessing Okagbare, to international through the provision of training grants, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, was part of the 80,000 ecstatic crowd that witnessed the setting of a new Commonwealth sprint record by the Delta-born star athlete.

In addition to yearly training grants for Okagbare even before she burst into the national scene, Dr. Uduaghan last year approved a three-year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

The 25 year-old track queen, who won long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world championships, got off to a quick start in the women’s 100m and maintained her form throughout to clock a games record of 10.85secs.

Reveling in the joy of the moment, the governor who was at the stadium to witness Okagbare’s record breaking performance in a strong field of star sprinters enthused: “It was a great feeling today being at the stadium in Glasgow and watching Blessing Okagbare winning the 100m in grand style in the presence of over 80 thousand people.”

And there is still more to come from Okagbare as she will participate in the 200 meters, her major specialty, and the long jump where she equally has bright chances of overhauling the opposition.

Dr. Uduaghan had single handedly taken up the responsibility of nurturing Okagbare from her humble beginnings to her present status as an international athlete.

Speaking on the governor’s gesture, Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information, said it is a product of Dr. Uduaghan’s passion for developing human capital, a critical pivot of his administration’s three-point agenda.

Track Queen, Blessing Okagbare has once again shown her dominance in the 100m event in this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The 25 year old track queen, who won long jump silver and 200m bronze at the 2013 world championships, got off to a quick start in the women’s 100m and maintained her form throughout to clock a games record of 10.85secs.

“Execution and patience was key, I knew my time would come” said Okagbare. “I still have the 200m and the long jump and I’m looking forward to both of those events now”

It will be recalled that Governor Uduaghan of Delta State had last year, announced a three year training grant of $360,000 to the Delta born Africa’s fastest woman amongst other incentives to enable her succeed.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has sympathized with the worshippers of the Young Peoples Christian Fellowship at 8, Eziukwu Road, Aba, who became unconscious as a result of the inhalation of carbon monoxide poison from a generator set packed inside the church.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji said since the sad news was broken to him that he had been praying fervently for their quick recovery.

Governor Orji who expressed happiness over the prompt treatment given to victims to save their lives by some good Samaritans including medical experts, implored Abians to continue to be their brother’s keeper.

He said what the affected worshippers need most is our prayers to enable them recuperate fast adding that God Almighty who they had gone to seek His face would give them divine healing.

The governor also frowned at the unprofessional way a local radio station reported that 39 worshippers were confirmed dead in the incident.

He implored journalists to verify the source of their news before going ahead to feed the general public with such news, regretting that the said report from the local radio station caused panic in the entire state.

Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals based outside the State have been enjoined to take a critical look at the banking industry so that they can assist in establishing state- owned financial institution.

Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals based outside the State have been enjoined to take a critical look at the banking industry so that they can assist in establishing state- owned financial institution.

Governor Godswill Akpabio who made the call Friday when Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals, Lagos led by Mr. Udeme Ufot paid a courtesy call to him at Government House, Uyo, hinted that the Cooperative Development Bank earlier owned by the State government was acquired as a result of the banking reforms.

Akpabio further called on the professionals to assist government in the industrialization of the State, pledging “Professionals would be given responsibility irrespective of their political affiliation”.

Other area he wants the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to venture into was the establishment of a newspaper where they can tell their stories and have a voice in the country, saying the best thing the State government has done in the last seven years was to move the State forward by providing infrastructural foundation.

The Governor, who described the visit of Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the State as a glorious return, said the avalanche of criticisms of government from the professionals some years ago have gingered the administration to complete numerous projects adjudged today as world class.

Earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Ufot, who commended Governor Akpabio for the quality of infrastructure provided in the State, explained that for the sustenance of the Uncommon Transformation of the State, some who has the required credentials should be the right successor to the Governor.

Mr. Ufot pledged the support of the Akwa Ibom Concerned Professionals to the Akpabio administration and appreciated the Governor for giving three of the Professionals opportunity to serve in the State.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Chief Godswill has flayed media reports in the press and online insinuating that he said he will kill Governorship aspirants.

Reacting to the reports which he described as another smear campaign by traducers, through his Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Anietie Ukpe, Chief Akpabio flayed comments made by the Nigeria Ambassador to Russia, Chief Assam Assam SAN, in a letter to the Secretary to Government, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

Governor Akpabio stated that as a Christian, Chief Assam should ordinarily know that his use of the rebellious son of king David, Absalom, was merely an illustration to caution his political sons who are manifesting rebellious spirit, observing that, this was a fatherly warning to his political sons, who are following the bad example of Absalom with no malice.

Chief Akpabio regretted that, Chief Assam would resort to a deliberate misrepresentation of his comments during the Ground Breaking ceremony for the Permanent PDP Secretariat, pointing out that, he did so out of mischief and to score cheap political points.

The Governor added that, every Bible student is well aware that King David neither ordered nor planned to kill Absalom even though he grieved over the rebellion of his son.

Governor Akpabio also opined that, Chief Assam who occupies the high office of Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is expected to, in his words, “… exercise restraint, decorum and high sense of responsibility in his conduct at all times.”

While reiterating his commitment to a peaceful transition, Governor Akpabio expressed confidence that, God will answer the collective prayers of the people o Akwa Ibom State for His will to be done again in 2015.

He subsequently advised politicians to engage in constructive ideas, which is what will build society and desist from destructive machinations, inciting the people to disaffection, fanning the embers of disunity and strife with a view to curry favour and advance selfish or narrow political objectives.

Chief Akpabio further charged those who feel they have what it takes to step forward and run in 2015.

He also pointed out that, smearing the name of the governor and attacking him on pages of newspaper and on the internet will do little or nothing to help any aspirant’s fortune.

Chief Akpabio who drummed support for President Goodluck Jonathan enjoined the people to be vigilant and watchful so as not to be deceived or hoodwinked by the antics of desperate politicians.

Wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor Ekaette Unoma Akpabio has said that most of Nigeria’s social problems are traceable to the loss of moral values at the family level.

The governor’s wife was speaking to executive members of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) when they paid a courtesy visit to her on Thursday, July 24, 2014 at Government House, Uyo.

“Some of the challenges we are facing as a country today is because we have lost our family values” she said. “We have neglected our children for too long, that is why they sometimes rebel. I believe that God is not happy with us as mothers because we indulge our children too much. Every problem should not be on the head of the president. We have to do our own part as mothers, wives and sisters at home. We must not forget that when the family is not stable, the society cannot be stable.”

She commended NAOWA for their interest in the welfare of their members who had lost their husbands to wars and the ongoing insurgency in the country and urged them to always protect the welfare of widows in their midst. She however identified with their noble charity service to widows and vulnerable children saying she is always passionate about issues concerning the vulnerable groups in the nation because of her experience with such.

She reminded members of the delegation that charity begins at home and urged each one of them to look within their families and communities for people in need whom they could assist at an individual level. Mrs. Akpabio also enjoined the group to always pray for our leaders, especially the President and the security forces who are sacrificing a lot to protect our lives and property. Mrs. Akpabio donated the sum of two million naira and 100 wrappers to the association in support of their efforts to rehabilitate widows of fallen heroes.

Speaking earlier, the wife of the Chief of Army Staff and National President of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA) Mrs. Felly Minimah, commended the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, on her exemplary commitment to widows and other vulnerable persons in the state.

Minimah said NAOWA was on a tour of military formations around the country to visit and empower widows and children of fallen heroes, adding that they had found it fit to extend a hand of partnership to the governor’s wife because of her proven commitment to empowering widows and vulnerable children, expressing the group’s hope that she would lend a helping hand to victims of insurgency in the country. She also commended the state governor for his unflinching support to the Nigerian army and thanked Mrs. Akpabio for her generous support to the Association.

Also present at the event were the wife of the Deputy Speaker, Lady Ime Udo Kerian, wife of the secretary to state government, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, wife of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Ann Enoidem, Wife of the Special Adviser, Bureau of Technical Matters Mrs. Nse Etido Inyang and Chairman Okobo LGA, Princess Felicia Bassey.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has condemned the recent bomb blasts in Kaduna which claimed the lives of over 100 people.

He also thanked God for saving the lives of the former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and a prominent scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who narrowly escaped being killed in the bomb blasts which occurred at Alkali Road and Kawo area of Kaduna metropolis.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji who said that he was devastated by the news of the twin blasts, described the act as devilish and barbaric.

The governor who condoled with his Kaduna State counterpart, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, families of the dead and the injured on the recent terror attacks in Kaduna masterminded by the insurgent group, Boko Haram, asked the Federal Government to stop at nothing in making sure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are brought to justice at the end of the day.

The Governor, who asked Nigerian not to live fear over the growing rate of insurgency, maintained that the security agencies in the country have the adequate manpower and equipment to contain insurgency and terrorism in the country.

Governor Orji, who called on Nigerians to be very conscious of their environment, implored them to report suspicious any movement within their domain to the Police and other law enforcement agencies for quick action to be taken before it’s too late.

He said that Nigeria would come out of the present security challenges more united more than ever before.

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described as exemplary the working relationship between Chevron Nigeria Limited, government and its host communities.

Speaking when the outgoing Chairman/Managing Director, of Chevron, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop paid him a farewell courtesy call at the Government House annex, Warri, Dr Uduaghan stated that the oil prospecting company had a good working relationship with government and its host communities.

He therefore recommended the Chevron’s template of memoranda of understanding with the government and host communities to other oil majors and corporate organizations.

Governor Uduaghan described the Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) project as a clear example of Delta State being safe for investment, noting that it succeeded largely because of good understanding between Chevron and government as well as between Chevron and its host communities.

“I have always recommended the good working relationship between Chevron and government and with its host communities as a yardstick for other companies to operate effortlessly,” the governor said, adding: “We achieved results with Escravos gas-to-liquids (EGTL) because of the approach of Chevron.”

He emphasised that the state was very safe for investment asserting: “Any investment you make here will succeed.”

The governor described Mr Fawthrop as a good administrator.

“For us, it is sad that you are living, but, you deserve the rest,” Dr Uduaghan said, adding, “on behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta State I say a big thank you for the relationship between Chevron and government and between Chevron and the host communities.”

Earlier, Mr. Fawthrop said he was retiring based on his age and thanked Governor Uduaghan for creating an enabling environment for business activities to thrive.

While saying that he enjoyed personal relationship with the governor, Mr. Fawthrop stated that the governor brought innovation to the act of governance.

Fawthrop, a 1973 graduate of Geology and Chemistry from the University of London with a Master’s degree in Marine Earth Science, joined Chevron Corporation in 1977 as a Geophysicist.

Fawthrop has put in over 36 years in Chevron’s Upstream and Commercial operations, and has held numerous technical and management positions of increasing responsibility around the world, is retiring as the Chairman/Managing Director of Chevron.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said athletes from the state would do Nigeria proud at the on-going Commonwealth Games at Glasgow, Scotland.

The Governor stated this at the Warri Township Stadium Warri, while speaking at the 6th Chief of the Naval Staff Swimming Championship organised by the Nigeria Aquatic Federation in conjunction with the Nigerian Navy and the Delta State government.

According to the Governor, the former Military Administrator of Bendel State, General Samuel Ogbemudia set the pace for Delta and Edo State to emerge victorious in sporting contests, disclosing that swimming is one competition that Deltans has won laurels for the country.

Governor Uduaghan who also, commissioned the Olympic Size Swimming Pool before the commencement of the championship said, “swimming for us is very important, we have been winning in all the swimming competitions.’

“We discover the swimmers at their different communities, take them to the swimming stretch at Obiaruku before we bring them to the swimming pools for more exposure,” the Governor said, adding, “we have one Olympic Size Swimming Pool at the Oghara Stadium and very soon, we will commission the one at Asaba so that, we can have three standard swimming pools in Delta State.”

Continuing, he said, “for us as a state, we take sports seriously, we invest in sports because it makes a lot of people to be positively engaged, General Ogbemudia is the god-father of sports in Delta and Edo States, what we are doing now is a continuation of the legacy of Ogbemudia and I am very confident that Deltans who are participating in the Commonwealth Games will do Nigerians proud.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Delta State Sports Commission, Mr Pinnick Amaju thanked Governor Uduaghan for his interest in sports development, noting that Delta State has remained the number one state of the federation due to the Governor’s commitment to sports development.

DELTA State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has described the death of Mr. Moses Solomon as one of the losses in human lives that the nation has witnessed as a result of the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Dr Uduaghan who was speaking when he paid a condolence visit on the Commissioner for Works in Delta State, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon, elder brother to the deceased in Warri, said it was important for the NMA to call off the strike action while the Federal Government look at the issues at stake.

Late Moses Solomon a civil servant in the Delta State Civil Service died at the age of 49 year.

According to the Governor, the death of Mr. Solomon was a sad reminder of the number of people who are dying as a result of the NMA strike action, stressing that some of the deaths were avoidable if the Doctors were to be on duty.

“The circumstance behind his death is part of the reasons we are appealing to my professional colleagues (you know I am a medical doctor) to suspend the strike. If Doctors were not on strike, it is possible he would have been alive, because we are losing lives unnecessarily as a result of the strike,” Dr Uduaghan said, adding: “We know there are challenges and a lot is been done to deal with them.”

Furthermore, he said, “a life that is lost cannot be recovered, so, I appeal to them (Doctors) to suspend this strike while government deals with the issues because to me, this is one loss as a result of the strike action.”

He commiserated with the families of Hon. Solomon saying, “on behalf of my family and the people of Delta State, we express our condolences on the death of your younger brother.”

“In life, we pray to live till old age but, it is only God that knows why your brother left at such age because, even your mother is still looking young, we cannot question God, it has happened,” he said, adding, “Mama is there, his children are there and we pray that God will give all of you the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Responding, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon thanked Governor Uduaghan for being in the vanguard for Doctors to call of strike noting that private hospitals do not have enough space for the sick.

He also, thanked the governor for identifying with the family in their period of grief and pledged to continue to work for the governor to finish strong in 2015.

Blank NEWS Online can report that the embattled President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),

has been impeached, through eight votes to five of the 13-man Executive Committee.

Maigari’s impeachment came shortly after members of the NFF reconvened to review Nigeria’s participation at the just concluded World Cup in Brazil.

Chief Mike Umeh ( 1st Vice President) has been asked to act as NFF President, pending a fresh election in August.

A communiqué issued by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Muazu Suleyman and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation met at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja on Thursday, 24th July, 2014 to review situation after the vacation of Court Injunction as well as the resultant lifting of suspension by FIFA, and resolved as follows:

1) The Committee expressed deep and very sincere appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR as a person, and the Federal Government as a body, for massive and continued support to the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams.

2) After thorough and exhaustive deliberations on the uncalled-for secrecy surrounding all financial dealings of the Federation and failure to call meeting of the Executive Committee for the past eight (8) months, during which so many weighty decisions on Nigeria football had been taken by a small cabal within the Board, the Executive Committee passed a vote of no confidence on the NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

3) In view of the above, the Committee approved the immediate dismissal of Alhaji Aminu Maigari, from the NFF Executive Committee on grounds of financial misappropriation, misapplication and maladministration.

4) The Committee resolved to mandate the 1st Vice President, Chief Mike Okeke Umeh as Acting President, to preside over the affairs of the Federation, pending the composition of the new NFF Executive Committee after the elections of Tuesday, 26th August, 2014.

5) The Executive Committee commended world football –governing body, FIFA and the Confederation of African Football for its keen interest in the development of Nigeria football and pledged that the country will continue to abide by the dictates of FIFA and CAF Statutes and the FIFA –approved NFF Statutes.

6) Executive Committee thanked Nigerians from far and near for their patience and understanding during the crisis period and reiterated that concerted efforts are geared towards the development of football in Nigeria.

IN ATTENDANCE: Alh. Aminu Maigari (President); Chief Mike Umeh (Vice President); Chief Emeka Inyama (Member); Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member); Alh. Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member); Chief Effiong Johnson (Member); Barr. Christopher Green (Member); Hon. Shehu Adamu (Member); Alh. Muazu Suleyman (Member); Mr. Ayodeji Tinubu (Member); Alh. Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member). Secretary, Musa Amadu, also in attendance.

Thomson Reuters, the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, has won a competitive process to provide currency benchmarks for three of Africa’s most vibrant and dynamic economies – Kenya, Ghana and Zambia.

Starting this week, Thomson Reuters Benchmark Services Ltd will operate currency benchmarks for the Kenyan shilling, Ghanaian cedi and Zambian kwacha, beginning a process which will see the benchmarks move from a manual telephone-based system to a state-of-the-art automated analysis, ensuring the integrity and transparency of the rates.

“These three global-standard benchmarks are integral to the development of three of Africa’s most exciting economies,” said Sneha Shah, head of Financial & Risk, Africa, Thomson Reuters. “Kenya is the major trading hub for east Africa, Ghana is growing in the west and Zambia is a country to watch in the south with exciting developments in its commodities and derivatives markets.

“Of the key benchmarks globally for which we are the official calculator, 22 are on the African continent. Now there are 25, contributing to the seamless and efficient flow of currencies among the African countries and their global trading partners.”

One hundred days of the abduction of students of Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the Boko Haram sect was marked by the Delta State Government with a solemn assembly where prayers were offered for their safe release.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan at whose instance the service was held at the Government House Annex, Warri on Tuesday, July22, 2014 used the occasion to call for prayers against drum beats of war in the country.

Dr Uduaghan cautioned against acts and utterances that have the potential to plunge the country into crisis and war, warning that war in Nigeria could throw the entire West Africa region into serious humanitarian crisis.

“What we should not do is to politicise what is happening in the country today because if there is crisis in Nigeria, a country of more than one hundred and fifty million people, it will affect the whole of West Africa. We must never pray for war, we must never encourage those who are at war against us,” Dr Uduaghan said.

He decried some reactions trailing activities of Boko Haram sect noting, “Nigeria is a place where almost everybody is an expert in every field. Please, we should manage our expertise in the best way to check Boko Haram.”

The Governor urged Nigerians to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan, stating, “You might not understand what it means to be in leadership position in the time of crisis until you are in such position.”

“We should always use Psalm 23 to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan and we should ask, Boko Haram, what do they want?” the Governor Uduaghan said.

Revd. Justin Okoroji in a sermon called for prayers for peace by Nigerians rather than criticism, adding that with humility of heart by the citizenry, God would hear their prayers and the abducted Chibok girls would be released.

“The government of Nigeria should do everything to check unguarded and inciting utterances,” Revd. Okoroji said, adding, “God is interested in the peace of this nation and today we call on God to liberate these girls, we call on God to liberate our nation.”

At the Solemn Assembly which was attended by the state’s Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN), Senators, members of the state House of Assembly, traditional rulers, politicians and the general public, prayers were offered for Nigeria, Delta State, President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and for the speedy release of the abducted girls.

Nigerians have been advised to persevere in prayer for the safety of the Chibok girls and for divine guidance for President Goodluck Jonathan and the armed forces as they work to secure their release.

The call was made by the wife of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio at a solemn assembly organised by the state government to mark 100 days after the abduction of more than 250 girls from a school in Chibok, Borno State by Boko Haram insurgents.

Addressing a group of girls who attended the prayer session from various schools across the state, the governor’s wife said: “Just thinking about them and their situation brings tears to our eyes. They are young people like you and I know as innocent children, God will hear your prayers and bring your friends back to their parents.

“It is a difficult time for our nation. We must persevere in prayer for the safety of those young girls. But we must not also stop praying for Mr. President and our security agencies, for God to give them the courage and wisdom they need to deal with this challenge. Only God can reward the wonderful, self-sacrificing work of our security forces. We must keep praying for them, because if we stop praying for them they will make mistakes.”

The governor’s wife also used the occasion to warn the school children to be on guard against child trafficking and baby factory syndicates who specialise in abducting or enticing young girls with gifts only to lure them into prostitution and baby factories where they are forced to have babies who are later sold.

She advised the children to take full advantage of the state’s free education programme and to watch out for predators whose aim is to truncate their education and ruin their future.

“I will give all of you my phone number after this event. Call me directly any time you feel you are in trouble or if anyone tries to take advantage of you” she told the children.

The event which featured prayer, benediction and praise sessions was attended by the state’s Deputy Governor Lady Valerie Ebe, the Secretary to the State Government, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, members of the state executive council and girls from some secondary schools in the state.

The wife of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, has appealed to parents and guardians to always accompany their children to school and church, as a way of creating a safe and secure environment for them.

Mrs Akpabio made the call on Sunday at the General Headquarters of Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, in Etim Ekpo local government area, as part of her senstization visit to churches in Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun, to campaign for the protection of the rights of the child.

Describing children as the greatest assets of any nation, she said when a child is protected, the future of a nation is also protected.

According to her, children cannot be expected to take full responsibility of their safety, hence, those looking after them, must keep a close watch on children, and those that come in contact with them, as some pepertrators of child abuse could either be family members or friends.

Mrs Akpabio reminded parents that just as it was important for them to make money, it was equally imperative to pay adequate attention to the welfare of their chidren, by spending quality time with their kids at home.

She expressed commitment to fight for the rights of children, in every nook and cranny of the State, as well as ensure that perpetrators of child abuse, including trafficking, labour and theft are made to face the full weight of the law.

As part of her contribution to the development of the church, the Governor’s wife donated two million naira to the Christ Faith Church.

The wife of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, who accompanied the first Lady, commended Governor Akpabio, for his holistic approach to the protection of children in Akwa Ibom State, by signing the Child Rights Law.

She called on parents to inculcate moral values in their children, so that they can become responsible citizens in their families and communities.

From the Christ Faith Church, Utu Ikot Nkor, Mrs Akpabio and her entourage went to Qua Iboe Church, Ikpe Attai also in Etim Ekpo, where she led the congregation in singing praises to God, after prayer were offered for the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the Governor and his wife, as well as for peace and stability in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

For the members of the Church, 20th of July, 2014, would remain evergreen in their memory, as the visit by the First Lady, was the first of its kind.

The Church Secretary, Elder Okon Udo, while describing Mrs Ekaete Unoma Akpabio as a caring mother, appreciated her, especially for supporting the church with five hundred thousand naira.

The last port of call for the Governor’s wife was the Area Headquarters of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Ikot Akpan Nkuk in Ukanafun local government, where she donated one million naira for the completion of the church building project.

Apart from the cash donations, Mrs Akpabio also presented financial support and wrappers to women and widows, in all the churches she visited.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet and her counterpart in the Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Dr. Glory Edet, were among government officials, who also accompanied the First Lady on the visit.

A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on a training mission, on Monday July 21, 2014 crashed due to technical fault at a location South of Bama, Borno state.

A statement from the Defence Headquarters, signed by the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade and made available to Blank NEWS Online had revealed.

The statement read:

“A Nigerian Air Force Mi-35 Helicopter on a training mission this afternoon, crashed due to technical fault at a location South of Bama. Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident.

“Meanwhile, it is established that the crash is not as a result of any enemy action. Further details on the crash will be made known as soon as the investigation is progresses.

“You are please requested to disseminate this information through your mass medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual cooperation.”