Blank NEWS Online can disclose that Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman, has this morning in Austria, passed on at the age of 76.

Rilwanu Lukman was born in Zaria, Kaduna State on August 26, 1933.

Nigerian president late Umaru Yar’Adua appointed him a Minister on 18 December 2008 an left office on 17 March 2010 when Acting President Goodluck Jonathan dissolved his cabinet.

He served as Secretary General of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from January 01, 1995 to December 18, 2000 and has held several ministerial positions in the Nigerian Federal government.

He trained as a mining engineer at the College of Arts, Science, and Technology, Zaria (now Ahmadu Bello University), and then at Imperial College, London. He earned a higher degree in mining engineering from the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Leoben, Austria (1967–1968).

After returning to Nigeria, Lukman was appointed an Inspector of Mines, later Senior Inspector and then Acting Assistant Chief Inspector in the Federal Ministry of Mines & Power in Jos, Plateau State (1964–1970).

‎Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has asked newly elected executive of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to brace up to defend the country’s democracy and uphold the rule of law.

In a congratulatory statement issued in Lagos by Felix Ofou, his Press Secretary, the Governor noted that the election of the new NBA executive took place at a time when men of goodwill must be ready to ward off threats to Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

“There is no doubt that forces of evil in the form of terrorists and unpatriotic politicians are congregating against our democracy and seeking to destroy the nation. The election of the new NBA leadership was therefore coming at a time when good men must stand up to resist their ominous desire to decimate the country”, he said.

Uduaghan particularly congratulated the new NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN) for his overwhelming victory during the election, a feat, he says, demonstrates the wide acceptance of the executive across the country.

The governor therefore asked the new President to use his wide‎ acceptance to galvanise lawyers for the enthronement of the rule of law at all levels, warning that a lethargic or divided NBA was likely to pose great danger to the polity.

In this season of politicking as the nation gears up for the 2015 general elections politicians would characteristically employ every imaginable method to achieve their goals. There would be kite flying, innuendoes, intrigues, blackmails, false allegations and even blatant lies. To this category of persons, especially the most desperate of the desperadoes, the end justifies the means hence nothing is sacrosanct so long as it would feather their nests. This brand of politics is not only played in the field but also in the media. It suffused in a fictitious day dreaming article passed off as news story entitled ‘2015: Orji’s selection panel creates crisis in Abia PDP’ published in the Daily Newswatch edition of Thursday, July 17, 2014, page 9.

We, the united family of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State are utterly appalled and exasperated over this satanic piece of irresponsible journalism. Maxwell Oditta, who wrote the so called story threw every journalistic ethics to the wind and dwelt on fiction, concoction and blatant lies to achieve the goal of the sponsor of the ill-fated story. It was dead even before it was put to bed. That was why Oditta in his desperation to satisfy the whims of the person who used him to plant the fiction started by committing a grievous error of facts. He wrote in the very first paragraph that “barely 48 hours after the Abia State Commissioner for information died of gun shot wounds from unknown assassins; there is growing disquiet in the state not associated with Ken Nwosu’s death.” Oditta, the journalist could not grasp the facts of an unfortunate incident that left the people of Abia in mourning mood. For his information, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, is hale and hearty. It is his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Kenneth Nwosu that passed on following attack by evil doers. That suffices for a journalist who does not crosscheck his fact before rushing to the press.

To put the records straight, the Governor of Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji has not set up any committee for the purpose of choosing the next governor. He is a democrat and has never arrogated to himself the autocratic power of lording it over others. Our amiable Governor has said it publicly for the umpteenth time that he would not dictate to the state the person that would succeed him. For this reason, he has maintained that only God and the party would decide the governorship candidate of the PDP in Abia. He has not reneged on this solemn promise. Governor T.A. Orji neither prevaricates nor equivocates. He is a man of his words and we don’t have any reason to doubt him. The party leadership in Abia would in due course set in motion the process of choosing the person to carry the party flag in 2015 through the party primary. We don’t know of any selection committee. It does not exist in Abia. It only exists in the dubious imagination of Oditta and the person who used him to plant the story in Daily Newswatch.

The reporter’s desperation railroaded him to link notable Abia PDP elders to his non-existing selection committee. Obviously, he was hell bent on making his concoction palatable. But it didn’t jell. The fiction writer failed to recognize the democratic credentials of the people he disrespectfully mentioned their names in his fallacious story. He should have known that Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, whom he branded as the chairman of the selection committee, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, and Senator Ike Nwachukwu are not the run of the mill politicians. These respected Abians and other mentioned as members of the fictitious committee are men of integrity who will not lend themselves to be used as tools to achieve any sinister political objective.

Oditta regaled his readers with quotes from fictitious “sources” that supplied him with what happened at a meeting that never took place. The recourse to hide under fictitious sources is the trademark of mischievous journalists like Oditta. It’s all part of adding seasoning to his fallacious concoction. What a pity for a writer who strives hard to pass a work of fiction as a factual work. It doesn’t work out that way and it leaves the floundering in self-pity. It would do the nation a lot of good if journalists could separate facts from fiction. They need to be circumspect in accepting to do the bidding of desperate politicians, who are wont to use them to plant stories to damage their opponents.

Let it be known that Abia State PDP is strong, peaceful and united. The party owes its strength to the exemplary leadership of Governor T.A. Orji. It was our governor, who through his inclusive leadership style, humility, believe in equity and fairness brought together all the disparate tendencies in the party. We make bold to say that today Abia PDP is the most peaceful in the country. There is no “disquiet” in the party and our high flying Governor has done nothing to create such situation as purported by the pedestrian journalist that goes by the name of Maxwell Oditta. If only he knows the man in charge of God’s Own State he would have known that Chief T.A. Orji is not one to pull down the house he has built. Not even for any political expedient would he drag the party into crisis. If that is the wish of Oditta and his sponsor it would never come to pass. The PDP would remain strong and united as we march on to yet another resounding victory in Abia State come 2015.

We therefore assure all Abians that the Abia PDP as a party of democrats, led by the Icon of Democracy, Chief T.A. Orji would ensure that the success process is rancor free and conducted in accordance with democratic principles. We understand that as a party of Abia people the PDP is held in high esteem and there is equally high expectation from Abia people that the party would by popular choice give them a fitting successor to Governor Orji. Abians want a person who would continue the legacy of unprecedented development that the Ochendo era has brought to Abia. The PDP would not disappoint the people. Democratic principles would be our guiding principle in the choice of our gubernatorial candidate as well as candidates for other elective positions in Abia. There will be level playing field for every aspirant.

Long Live His Excellency, Sir T. A. Orji (Ochendo)
Long Live PDP
Long Live Abia State

Signed:
Hon. Chief Ogbuka Uchechi (JP)
State Publicity Secretary

The International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) has on Friday, 18 July 2014, lifted the suspension that was imposed on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on 9 July 2014 on account of interference.

FIFA has noted that the court proceedings and order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football that prompted the suspension have been withdrawn.

As statutory order has been reinstated at the NFF and the legitimate bodies reinstalled, FIFA has decided to lift the suspension as of today, Friday 18 July 2014.

The lifting of the suspension means that all rights of the NFF as a FIFA member as defined in article 12 of the FIFA Statutes are reinstated.

*Courtesy: African Press Organization (APO)

Delta State has been assured of support by stakeholders including United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) in its strive for investment components of its Delta Beyond Oil policy which seeks to exploit non oil resources for economic empowerment of the people.

They gave the assurance Thursday, when the Governor of the State Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan gave a detailed presentation of the State’s export potentials, to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council at the organization’s headquarters in Abuja.

Explaining efforts aimed at encouraging small and medium scale entrepreneurs to produce and export goods and services as well as attract funding to them, Uduaghan said a conducive atmosphere awaited prospective investors adding that the presentation tagged “Dialogue on Delta Beyond Oil was for Delta State to partner with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

The Governor said he has intensified efforts to expand industrialization in Delta State, taking advantage of support of local and international development organizations particularly the United Nations Industrial development organization, UNIDO and the World Bank.

Governor Uduaghan stated that Delta State had been exporting non – oil products to drive development and youth empowerment stressing that investors were needed to explore the development of exportable products including solid minerals.

The State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, who is also the Chairman of the Delta State Economic Planning Management Team, Chief Kenneth Okpara also made a detail presentation of the State’s economic growth and efforts to attract investors and promote export.

According to him, Delta State recorded an impressive eight point five (8.5% ) economic growth last year, a feat he noted was achieved through Governor Uduaghan’s astute management of resources.

He said government had encouraged industrialization through the support of the World Bank and the Bank of Industry as well as the recruitment of technocrats to achieve professionalism particularly in the management of human capital resources.

Chief Okpara appealed for support in developing solid mineral resources, technical expertise in products processing and standardization training and participation in export production village’s activities.

The UNIDO Country Representative, Nigeria, Dr. Patrick Kormawa noted Delta State’s commitment to their partnership which has promoted industrialization particularly in the growth of leather and shoe making enterprises.

He commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the Delta Beyond Oil Vision and pledged his support.

In her contribution the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, Mrs. Saratu Umar pledged the support of her organization in attracting foreign direct investment to Delta State.

The Director of Project Development, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Henry Otowo in a presentation on non-oil Export potentials and opportunities in Delta State advised Delta State to setup its committee on export promotion and identify the product it has comparative advantage as well as export production village for palm oil and its derivatives.

Mr. Otowo applauded governor Uduaghan for being the first governor in the country to look beyond oil for her economic development.

He advised that the Delta State Micro- Credit Programme operational scope be expanded to include functional export cooperative adding that the abundant entertainment on the tourism potentials of the State be developed for export.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council Mr. Olusegun Awolowo said Delta State’s development of non – oil resources and provision of infrastructure to attract investors was in consonance with his organization’s vision of promoting the development and export of non –oil resources,.

He urged Delta State to conduct supply based study of her exportable products.

Highlight of the occasion, was the presentation of some of the state’s exportable products including plantain flour, food spices and hand woven akwa –ocha clothes to the Nigeria Export Promotion Council and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, by the State Governor.

A frontline gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Godwill Obielum, has said his desire to be the next Governor is to render selfless service to Deltans.

Obielum made the declaration while addressing Leaders, Elders, Women, Youths and PDP Stakeholders at the Oshimili South PDP secretariat, Asaba.

“I intend to run for the governorship position as a true representative of the people, thereby taking Delta State to the next level,” he said, adding, “we believe that we will build on successes recorded by previous administrations, explore new areas of development in other to attain greater heights for Deltans.”

He noted that the grammar of politics is hollow without the people and as such, his desire to becoming the governor come 2015 is hinged on total cooperation and support of all Deltans.

“I will work for the interest of Deltans to enable us achieve our collective dream of building a greater, virile and better developed state to the benefit of all Deltans and to the glory of God.”

Speaking at the occasion, the PDP, Oshimili South local government Chairman, Evangelist Ebielim Maduemezia, commended the efforts of the governorship aspirant, describing him as a man who can be trusted, who listens to the aspirations and yearnings of the people, a true Deltan who does not discriminate and sees the whole of Delta as one big family.

He said, “evidence of Chief Obielum’s works through the Obielum Foundation are very visible, he is a honest and accessible person, and that is the reason for the support he is getting from all Deltans, God willing just as his name implies, he will be our next Governor in 2015.”

“The simple plea of Chief Obielum is that we support him to be our next Governor, you have heard from him, so let us support him,” he added.

The Chairman of the Elders and Leaders Council in the local government, Ogbueshi Adizue Eluaka and others who spoke at the occasion lauded Chief Obielum’s ability to govern Delta State.

According to Chief Eluaka, ” Chief Obielum is a household name in Delta state, he is a distinguished Deltan and we are happy that he is contesting, we will support him, and we are praying for him to win.”

In a related development, the people in different communities and groups Chief Obielum had visited were happy that Chief Obielum is in the race for the governorship seat citing his wealth of experience in security matters, a detribalised Deltan and his concern for youth and women empowerment, developmental initiatives, among others.

A PDP chieftain in Ethiope East local government area of Delta State, Chief Benard Edewor thanked Chief Obielum for his wide consultations, peaceful and matured way he is relating with the people, stating that it is a proof that he will make a good governor.

According to him, Chief Obielum’s visit to Ethiope East and other parts of Delta State has distinguished the gubernatorial aspirant as a grassroots politician who believes in the people.

He emphasised that Chief Obielum has an enviable track record and is in a position to take Delta State to lofty heights while another PDP leader in the state, Hon. Cairo Ojougboh described Chief Obielum as a very popular, and credible person to occupy Government House, Asaba in 2015.

Hon. Ojougboh who spoke when Chief Obielum visited Elders, Leaders, Women, Youths and stakeholders of the PDP in Ika South local government area of the state, urged Chief Obielum to continue with his consultation visits and not to relent in his quest to govern Delta State in 2015.

At all the places visited, Chief Obielum thanked the people for their support and assured them that their interest will be well represented when he emerges as governor.

The Rivers State Government in futherance of its open government policy and effective delivery of democracy dividends to its people, has has commenced its tour of all the wards in the 23 local government areas of the state.

According to a statement signed by Ibim Semenitari, Commissioner of Information and Communications and made available to Blank NEWS Online, the tour commenced on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 with wards in the Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State and is expected to last for two months.

“As we enter the last lap of our administration, it is imperative that we go round to see what governnace gaps remain in our quest to guarantee the life of present and future generations.

“We are determined to finish strong and so we must cross the T’s and dot the I’s. This is a non partisan, non political tour and we would want all parties, persons and interests to please join us in this critical interaction as we make our final push to complete our mandate and deliver on our promises to Rivers people”, Governor Amaechi said.

On the heels of the successful impeachment of the Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Hamman-Yero Nyako (retd) on 15th July, 2014 by the Adamawa State House of Assembly, the people of Rivers State have vowed to defend and protect the mandate given to Governor Chibuike Amaechi.

Among the hench supporters are Chief Tony Okocha, the Chief of Staff to Governor Chibuike Amaechi, who reiterated that the sad event that took place in Adamawa State will never be allowed to happen in Rivers State as the majority of the lawmakers in Rivers State are true progressives who are loyal to both the APC and Governor Amaechi and will never give in to such rascality as exhibited by the Adamawa lawmakers.

Chief Okocha maintained that efforts by the powers that be in Abuja to use the renegade Group of 6 Lawmakers to unconstitutionally unseat Governor Amaechi will come to nothing since the majority of Rivers State lawmakers have resolved to swim and sink with the mandate of the Rivers State people embodied in the person of Governor Amaechi.

“I wish to assure all APC faithful and the entire good people of Rivers State that they should continue with their normal business activities as no effort by some unscrupulous undemocratic elements will succeed in thwarting or tampering with the mandate they freely gave to Governor Amaechi as I am very convinced that we are capable and ready to defend the mandate no matter the odds.”

Chief Okocha said this while acknowledging the APC Youths League Rivers State Chapter and Igbo Professionals in Rivers State during a solidarity visit.

The Rivers State APC Youths League was led by Comrade Hart Lawson accompanied by Solomon Okocha, Chris Okah among other leaders of the group, the Igbo Group was led by a business mogul in Rivers State, High Chief Ubaka Williams, and was accompanied by the Secretary, Barr. Obinna JK Chukwu, Chief Uchenna Okokoba the leader of Non Indigenes in Rivers State, among other great Igbo leaders of thought.

Chief Okocha further assured the two groups that with the feats recorded by Governor Amaechi in the areas of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and good governance, APC is a sure bet to retain the Brick Wall (Government House) come 2015 not minding the resolve of PDP bigwigs to resort to rigging and intimidation as they are sure that the Rivers State people have abandoned them.

Comrade Hart Lawson and Chief Ubeka in their remarks said: “We are here on behalf of the good people of Rivers State to assure our performing Governor of our unflinching support and readiness at any time to defend and protect the mandate we freely gave to Governor Amaechi.”

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described as shocking and retrogressive, the impeachment of Governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Hamman-Yero Nyako (retd) on 15th July, 2014 by the Adamawa State House of Assembly, of the

“We never thought that Adamawa State lawmakers would allow external forces to cause them to impeach a Governor that was not only duly elected but also enjoyed the overwhelming support of the people of Adamawa State just to satisfy the selfish and evil plots of undemocratic elements operating from Abuja. To us, this is a retrogressive development aimed at rubbishing a man who has sacrificed so much for the unity and progress of Nigeria as a nation,” Rivers APC Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said.

Continuing, Ikanya said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt: “It is a pity that Nyako have to pay for the sin of spearheading the election of President Jonathan both at the 2011 PDP Presidential Primaries election and the general election proper of Mr. President in 2011.

“This is one of the reasons why also Rivers State is under siege for given Mr. President the highest number of votes during the 2011 Presidential election. We are not used to crying over spilled milk but we will like to assure Adamawa people that we are solidly behind them, not minding the efforts of some undemocratic forces to put our democracy in danger.

“Impeachment is a normal exercise in any democracy but any induced impeachment like that of Adamawa State is condemnable. It beats my imagination why the PDP-led Federal Government should be putting our democracy in danger by luring and forcing some disgruntled and misguided lawmakers to be making efforts to impeach Governors of only APC-controlled states. The cases of Edo and Nasarawa states readily come to mind. The world is watching and let us sees where all these rascality acts will lead us to as a nation”.

“We all should be on guard before these undemocratic elements collapses our democracy just because of their desperation to install President Jonathan for a third time as the President of Nigeria against the letters of our Constitution that says that nobody should act as a President for more than eight years. Should these elements succeed in their evil plot, they will be making President Jonathan to preside over this nation for over ten years and maybe thereafter make him a LIFE PRESIDENT!”

Embattled Governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako, has been impeached following approval of the report of the seven-man panel that investigated him and his deputy, Bala Ngilari.

The impeachment became successful after an endorsement of the panel report that indicted the governor and his deputy by 18 out of 25 members of the State House of Assembly.

Nyako’s trouble started after he wrote the controversial and widely condemned “memo of genocide” to his northern colleagues alleging that the President Jonathan-led Federal Government was carrying out genocide in the north eastern part of the country.

Consequently, following Nyako’s impeachment, the State Acting Chief Judge has been directed to swear in the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Umaru Fintiri, pending the conduct of fresh election.

Earlier in the day, the Deputy Governor, Bala Ngilari, had resigned from office, citing personal reasons.

Recall that Governor Nyako and and his Deputy, Ngilari, had been served impeachment notice by the lawmakers for gross misconduct and misappropriation of funds.

The State Acting Chief Judge had constituted a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations levelled against them but Governor Nyako and his Deputy, Ngilari, did not appear before the panel.

Chairman of the panel, Bala Kigama, submitted the four volumes report that indicted both Nyako and Ngilari on Monday.

Nyako, noteworthy for his stubbornness is touted to have been issuing inciting statements against the Presidency.

Nyako’s controversial Memo Of Genocide, according to political analyst may have pitched him against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government.

The widely condemned “memo of genocide” written by the Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako was derided by Nigerian governors who also cautioned the “dissident” Nyako to mind his utterances on national security issue.

The governors took a swipe at Nyako shortly after the widely publicized enlarged National Security Council meeting held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with 35 States in attendance.

Although the meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan focussed mainly on the unending security challenges confronting the country, Nyako’s memo formed part of the deliberations because of its security implications.

Nyako, had in the memo to his northern colleagues alleged that the President Jonathan-led Federal Government was carrying out genocide in the north eastern part of the country.

The 72 years old Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako, GCON, CFR: rcds, D.Agric. was elected Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Nigeria, taking office in May 2007.

The Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) of the Delta State Biometric Payroll System has uncovered 17 staff from the Women Development Committee (WDC) and Youth Development Committee scheme (YDC) who were collecting salaries from both agencies.

A statement signed by the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq. and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Monday, July 14, 2014 revealed that each of the 17 staff receives a monthly stipend of N50,000.

Invariably, over N850,000 was being fraudulently received by the workers. The scam was uncovered after the evaluation of the AFIS revealed the identical finger prints of the 17 workers in the two agencies.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on ICT and Coordinator of the Biometric Payroll Verification Committee, Mr. Harold Monu, said the salaries of the affected staff in the two agencies have been stopped and their details passed to the Accountant General’s Office for recovery of monies while the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service have been notified for disciplinary actions to be initiated.

Monu said: “Criminal charges may also be leveled against the 17 people as government is determined to impose maximum sanction to serve as deterrent to other people involved in fraudulent drawing of salaries from the government.

“The AFIS is an initiative of the government to check fraud in the wages and salaries of civil servants in the state. It is entirely based on the application of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) thereby removing the human element and shield the process from manipulation.

“Under the directive of Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, governor of the state, the exercise is a continuous one and is regularly reviewed to plug all loopholes.”

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has disclosed that the state government has approved the employment of environmental marshals to enforce proper waste disposal in the state.

Governor Uduaghan who stated this at the weekend when he inspected the level of work at the on-going Asaba Incinerator project said that the environmental marshals would carry out public enlightenment and enforcement of the state environmental laws.

According to him, “people have to engage refuse collectors to dispose their refuse properly, they should ensure that they pay the collectors regularly” adding that with the on-going incinerator project, the process of ensuring a cleaner Delta State has just begun.

While hinting that the construction of the Warri incinerator project which is designed to be twice the size of that of Asaba, would soon commence, Governor Uduaghan said that when operational, these incinerators would address the refuse challenges faced by the state.

Earlier, the Managing Director of the firm handling the Asaba incinerator project, Dr. Kelue Chukwuogor disclosed that the test running of the project would commence on Monday.

He said that the incinerator has a one thousand ton capacity and would handle wastes in an environmentally friendly way.

Reprieve came the way of the 148 Local Government Chairmen and councilors sacked in 2006 by the government of Abia State, then led by Orji Uzor Kalu, as the Supreme Court last Friday in a unanimous decision by a seven-man panel, faulted their sack describing it as official recklessness.

It would be recalled that Kalu’s administration had sacked the local government officials before the expiration of the statutory three-year tenure they were elected.

Kalu, who then reduced the tenure of the local government officials from three to two defended the action, having amended the law through the State House of Assembly.

This development forced the affected local government officials to seek redress in the law court.

The apex court of the land, declared in its ruling that no governor possesses the right to remove any democratically elected local government officials from office.

The government was ordered by the court to pay the affected officials their salaries and entitlement for the 23 months they were to stay in office. The court awarded N25,000 as cost against the appellant and dismissed the appeal.

Commenting on the development, Mazi Kalu Ogbonna, regretted the turn of event, stating that the action by the then administration was part of its disposition to recklessness and arbitrariness, adding that such culture of high-handedness is no more the trend in the current Abia State government.

The 11 July 2014 online publication by Sahara Reporters with the caption “Nigerian Army Generals Pocketed $43m Meant For Peacekeepers”, which it attributed to an anonymous petition it had received calls for some clarifications. It is quite unfortunate that in total disregard for fairness and balance reportage, Sahara Reporters has rushed to the press and proceeded to publish same without taking necessary steps to inquire or hear from the relevant military authorities. Again, the reference to an anonymous petition as being “powerful’ by the medium is not only an attempt to be prejudicial, but a clear indication of bias in favour of the authors of the spurious petition.

Perhaps if Sahara Reporters had gone a little further towards due diligence it would have found out that the Nigerian Army has never in any way denied that some troops who had concluded their tour of duty in some Peace Support Operations were yet to be fully remunerated. Nevertheless, there is no case of embezzlement as alleged in the report.

It is noteworthy that the long process of streamlining the procedure for securing funds for Peace Support Operations goes beyond the Nigerian military establishment. It involves the procedures and protocols of mission sponsoring agencies such as the United Nations, African Union and ECOWAS among others.

It is therefore curious that this misleading information is coming at a time when the major issues are being resolved and payment has actually commenced on the basis of the order of entry or exit of the various Nigerian Contingents (NIBATTS) into the Peace Support Operations. The motive of the petitioners and those propagating it therefore becomes more suspect as the article went further to disparage and libel the leadership and individual officers of the Nigerian Military. Granted that the so called “ powerful anonymous petition” on Sahara Reporters for whatever reason could be outrightly mischievous, one must reiterate the fact that the publishers of the petition would have done their readers and the nation a world of good by endeavouring to seek the facts on this issue before going ahead with the article which is apparently intended to scandalize the Nigerian military.

It is thus expedient to state that it is not in the character of the Nigerian Army to toe the path of embezzlement as the said anonymous petition or its publisher have attempted to ascribe to the leadership of the Nigerian Army or the military as an institution.

The Nigeria Army and indeed the Armed Forces has a functional system of check and balance that does not permit the kind of sharp practice insinuated in the Sahara Reporters story. The instrument of discipline provided to checkmate such practices cannot be compromised as it forms the very foundation upon which the military is established. Engaging in such practices irrespective of status will naturally trigger the system of check and balance and such nefarious act cannot go undetected.

Indeed, if the anonymous petitioners had been a little more patient, it would have dawned on them that the hitch in the payment of the said entitlements is not crafted by the military authorities for usurping any gain, but only a fall out of vital financial procedures. The authorities had actually utilized extra-ordinary approaches to mitigate the effect.

Unfortunately, hasty allegations such as the ones contained in the petition only serve to generate disaffection in the system. While all officers and soldiers are enjoined not to allow themselves to be swayed by this alarmist insinuations, the general public is advise to discountenance the material as a misleading remarks on actual situation in the military.

Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has said that the clamour for an upward review of the 13 percent revenue derivation fund and the attendant disagreements at the ongoing National Conference has not forestalled the gains of people of the oil and gas rich Niger Delta region.

He said that although the position of the people in the region is to gain full rights for the control of their god-given resources, there is also the need to understand the position of people from other regions who are also seeking to earn from their own resources.

The Governor, at a media briefing in Asaba on Friday, July 11, 2014 noted that the current negotiation between 18 and 25 percent over derivarion fund at the National Conference, had also necesitated some interraction among governors and members of the National Assembly from the region with a resolve to insist on the 25 percent peg.

He commended members of the National Conference for their maturity in handling the issue of the derivation fund, saying that despite the stalemates, it has not resulted to violence, adding that the differences would further ensure that the derivation principle on natural resources is meaningfully spelt out for the interest of the people.

“The committee from both sides are meeting and discussing and that is what it should be. Give and take. We come from separate positions and meet somewhere. We share our separate requests and we meet at a point that is convenient for us all, and I think that is where they are going to.

“We should allow the negotiation process to continue. It is good for us as a country, it is good for democracy. That is also a table in negotiating in the best interest of the people because at the end of the day we must also realise that we are in the same country and there must be some balancing.”

Speaking on the present spate of insecurity in Nigeria, Governor Uduaghan said the raging terrorists insurgency in the North Eastern part of the country has a major socio-political and economic effect on all Nigerians and urged Deltans to remain vigilant on suspicious security situation, in a bid to forestall any unforeseen attack by terrorists.

While acknowledging that there is an influx of internally displaced persons from the troubled North Eastern Nigeria into Delta state, the Governor warned that the state government would not hesitate to deal with persons who engages in acts of insecurity in the state, adding that the state government has intensified efforts to ensure that illegal immigrants are sent parking.

He also encouraged Deltans to evolve a neighbourhood policing strategy by devising a means of ascertaining the kind of people they live and associate with, just as he revealed that the state government has introduced the “Know Your Neighbour” campaign to deal with security threats.

Governor Uduaghan who said his administration would not relent in dealing with security challenges in all fronts also spoke on the recent communal clash between Ibabu and Iselegu Communities in Ndokwa West and Ndokwa East Local Government Areas of the state, disclosing that the state government had risen up to the challenge by ensuring a mop-up of illegal weapons in the areas.

He also said that a judicial commission of inquiry would soon be set up to ascertain the cause of the crisis to nip it in the bud and find a lasting solution to the communal feud.

On the abating crisis in Warri South West local government, location of the $ 16bn Gas City Project, Governor Uduaghan, who emphasised that the efforts of his administration has ensured that things are going on smoothly at the project site to ensure its completion on schedule, revealed that a committee headed by the his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN) has been set up to ensure truce between the warring factions made up of the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities.

Meanwhile, in his desire to complete most of the ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, Governor Uduaghan said that the state government has intensified efforts to ensure their completion, especially in the education sector, even as he said that a few set-backs occasioned by the early rains had slowed down the pace of work in the construction of some roads projects across the state.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) MD Abubakar, has appreciated the Delta State Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikechukwu Aduba, saying he has left indelible marks in the various Commands and formations where he served.

The IGP also lauded Aduba for the recent successful conduct in the special assignment as Commissioner of Police (Election Duties), Ekiti State and ensuring a peaceful and well ordered gubernatorial election in the State.

CP Aduba who was decorated by the Inspector General of Police with a Nigeria Police “Prestigious Gold Medal for Courage” is scheduled to retire from the Public Service on Wednesday 9th July, 2014, after 33years in the Nigeria Police Force.

A statement signed by the Delta state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu and made available to Blank NEWS Online on 5th July, 2014 reads:

“​The Commissioner of Police Delta State – CP Ikechukwu Aduba, NPM, psc(+), is scheduled to bow-out from the Public Service on Wednesday 9th July, 2014, after 33years of meritorious service to the fatherland and the Nigeria Police Force in particular.

“The events lined up to mark this auspicious occasion fixed for Tuesday 8th July, 2014, by 10:00am at the premises of Police Headquarters, Okpanam Road, Asaba, include a Prayer Session by renown men of God and Launching of two Books authored by the Commissioner of Police.

“​While congratulating the retiring Commissioner of Police as well as approving the low-keyed events as hereabove highlighted; the Inspector General of Police – IGP MD Abubakar CFR, NPM, mni; eloquently appreciated the CP whom he noted has served with his God given strength as could be seen from the indelible marks left in the various Commands and formations the CP had been privileged to serve.

“He noted further that the Commissioner of Police has been a dependably ally to his colleagues, both junior and senior, and that the Force deeply appreciates the CP’s numerous contributions and responses to critical calls of duty for which the CP diligently acquitted himself well.

“​Finally, for the numerous breakthroughs in the course of his duties as a law enforcement Chief; particularly in Plateau, Bauchi and Delta States, coupled with the successful conduct of the special assignment performed at the twilight of his public service as Commissioner of Police (Election Duties), Ekiti State; wherein the CP; being aware of the high expectations of political enthusiasts, electoral stake holders, residents of Ekiti State and the entire Nation, ensured a peaceful and well ordered gubernatorial election in Ekiti State; CP Ikechukwu Aduba was decorated by the Inspector General of Police with a Nigeria Police Prestigious Gold Medal for Courage.”

Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, a medical doctor of rare repute has served as a Commissioner for Health and helped in setting enviable standards in the health sector with laudable and yielding policies. In this interview, he speaks on the current industrial strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).

Read Excerpts By Blank NEWS Online:

GOVERNOR:

Well if you recall the doctors have given warning strike sometime in December, they were to go on another strike early January but we had to intervene at that point some agreements were reached with the Federal government. I understand that some of those agreements that were reached have not been fulfilled and that was one of the reasons they had to go on strike that started on the 1st of July. As soon as I heard it on that 1st of July I had to get to Abuja and put together a team of what I will call some of us who are elders in the profession. I called the chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Dr. Doyin Okupe who is a special adviser to the president on Public Communications; these are all medical doctors. Yesterday (Thursday) we first held a meeting with the Government team led by the Secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator Anyim Pius Ayim; Minister for Health, Minister of State for Health and of course Minister for Labor, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and we didn’t quite get the Head of Service. So we held a special meeting with them and discussed the major issues then we now brought out the officials of the Nigerian Medical Association. Extensive meetings were held till quite late yesterday. I think reasonably some of the issues have been resolved and hopefully the emergency services should start very soon by God’s grace in the next few days because they still need to meet with the delegates (I think they call it the emergency delegate meeting) in the next few days hopefully.

QUESTION:

Sir if you recall sometime last year or a year before when the medical professionals held their convention here in Asaba, this issue was trashed I mean it was really deliberated on and they agreed that going on strike would do no one any good either the patients and even the doctors and those in the medical profession. So we are all surprised even with all the warnings and promises they still went on to do that even after they reassured the public then that they wouldn’t do that in the nearest future, what is your take on that Sir?

GOVERNOR:

Some of us don’t believe in strike I personally do not believe in strike in achieving whatever I want to achieve. There is no doubt that there are challenges in the health sector especially with the doctors and sometimes some of the attitude of those of us in government and the way we operate can push workers to go on strike. This particular strike really when I heard about it I will say I was taken aback I was surprised because I didn’t know it had gotten to an extent where the officials will go on strike.

As much as possible the medical professionals should be one of the set of workers that should be very wary of strike because for every minute of strike, lives are lost and for lives that are lost you can never get the life back and that is why I had to work with the then NMA president to see how we could talk to ourselves on the issue of strike but then, we had the summit, promises were made but here we are with the strike but I do hope that in the very near future, that because what Mr. President has done as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is to put up a committee headed by the former head of service Ahmed Yayale. That Yayale committee is going to provide a platform for all the health practitioners to come together and sort the issues out once and for all.

The challenge we have in the health sector is that we have various stakeholders, various health professionals who seem to be pulling each other and tearing themselves apart but what has happened is that there has not been a platform for all the various arms of the profession to come together and discuss the issues. Now that we have that Yayale, platform I hope that everybody will go there and put on the table what the issues are and with give and take I’m sure they can arrive at amicable resolutions among the health professionals.

QUESTION:

Sir, some people are reading some political meanings into the strike; they believe that it is just one way of attacking the Mr. President to make him look not competent?

GOVERNOR:

Having met with both sides yesterday, I will not read political meaning into it. I didn’t pick up any political undertone to it I just think that they might be some challenges with the management of the issues at one point or the other.

QUESTION:

Is there any word for the people out there because several persons I won’t say lives are lost because we have not heard of any lives lost during these few days but several persons have been going through suffering because of these, so what final words for your people out there Sir?

GOVERNOR:

Well there is no doubt that lives have been lost, which must I say again is very unfortunate. People are suffering which again is very unfortunate. We have appealed with the officials yesterday that they should please call off the strike and hopefully they should be calling of the strike between now and the next few days. And for those who are out there especially the citizens that have been denied of these services I want to, I will say because I’m a medical doctor let me apologize on behalf of the medical profession for the kind of pain that have been caused to the people and to say that they should have hope that we are doing everything possible to make sure that the doctors and in fact the health workers go back to work.

QUESTION:

Your Excellency on what basis are you intervening, as a concerned citizen or as a medical doctor who is a Governor of a State?

GOVERNOR:

I’m intervening on many fronts, I’m intervening as a medical doctor because each time I hear of strike in the medical profession I get very embarrassed. Secondly, I think as a Governor of a State, at least one of the persons who has reach and that is why I used to tell people that, if you have the reach to be able to intervene on any issue just try and do it. So I am also intervening because with my position as a Governor of a State I have some reach to those that are concerned that can resolve the matter.

The Permanent Secretary Government House and Protocol Mr. Tony Obuh has stated that the computer literacy was necessary to function in today’s Information Technology world.

The Permanent Secretary who stated this yesterday [4-7-14] at the closing ceremony of a 5-day In-House Computer Appreciation Workshop for Executive Assistants and Clerical Officers working in he Directorate of Government House and Protocol, Asaba explained that computer knowledge was an important aspect of daily life which could be used for communication and other activities, stressing that “ it is important that we have access and knowledge of how to use the computer in our daily life as it is very useful to our work and living”

He stated that the seminar was organized as a means of educating and improving the computer skills of the staff of the directorate adding that it will help improve in their service delivery at their various departments.

Mr. Obuh emphasised that the training programme was part of the state government human capital agenda of training and etraining of staff for optimally efficiency and effectiveness.

The Permanent Secretary charged the participants to put to good use all they have acquired from the seminar for the benefit of themselves and their various departments emphasizing that “You must continue to practice after the training comes to an end in order to retain all that you have been taught”.

He commended the staff for their willingness and zeal to learn and assured them that more trainings and seminars will be deployed for the improvement of the staff of the directorate. Pastor Sylverster Ebinum, Representative of the staff on the Training programme commended Delta state governor, Dr, Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Obuh and the organisers for the quality of the training programme and promised that they would put the knowledge garnered to good use.

Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Chief Tony Okocha, has empowered over 65 women in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area as part of his efforts to put smiles on the faces of the womenfolk in the state. Okocha, who is the All Progressives Congress (APC) Leader in Obio/Akpor, sponsored two-week training for the women in various skills such as bead-making, sewing, catering, decoration and hair dressing.

At the graduation ceremony held at the council headquarters at Rumuodomanya, the beneficiaries, six from each of the 17 wards, including the non-indigenes group, were presented with certificates of participation and equipment with which to set up business.

In addition, Chief Okocha on behalf of APC also presented vehicles to party supporters in the 17 wards of the local government area, as well as to the APC non-indigenes group, so as to facilitate their movements.

Congratulating the beneficiaries, an elated Chief Okocha said the large crowd of party members that turned out for the event underscored the readiness of Obio/Akpor people to embrace change. He urged them to work towards a landslide victory for APC during the 2015 general elections.

The Chief of Staff charged the women to use their newly acquired skills to create small businesses and employment opportunities for others. According to him, “Our literacy strength is about 5%, while 95% are only interested in what to eat. That is why we have decided to empower our people in diverse entrepreneurship skills including hat-making, bead-making, cake-making among others, so that they can provide food for our people.”

Commenting on APC’s recent loss during the Ekiti governorship election, Chief Okocha said: “Let me assure you that the circumstances in Ekiti are different from that of Rivers State. Rivers State is for All Progressives Congress, APC. We must protect lives and property in Rivers State by providing basic security equipment for the security agents. Any government that is incapable of doing that will be voted out in the 2015 general elections.”

Also speaking, the National Deputy Secretary of APC and Chairman of ALGON in Rivers State, Hon. Orji Ngofa, described the empowerment by the APC in Obio/Akpor as a connection of governance to the people at the grassroots. “This,” he said, “is governance in action. Today, the APC in Obio/Akpor has shown that it has higher ideas to power in the area. Continue to support your party, APC. Don’t relent in the struggle; that is the only way truth can overcome those challenges.

“The only reason why PDP wants to take over power is to oppress us. You must not be intimated. Obio/Akpor is our collective wealth. Support APC in Obio/Akpor; it cares for the people and with a kind heart. I will take this message to the National Secretariat because APC is well represented in Obio/Akpor. The party will continue to empower you with skills. We are proud of what our leaders are doing in Obio/Akpor and we will eventually take this noble venture to all the 23 local government areas and we assure you, Rivers State will be better.”

On his part, the state APC Chairman, Dr. Davies Ikanya, commended Chief Okocha for making women and youths in Obio/Akpor become productive, adding that their votes must count in the 2015 general elections. The party chief urged the beneficiaries to spread the message that APC is the only party with the interest of Rivers people at heart and the only party that deserves the support of the people.

In his speech, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Obio/Akpor Council, Hon. Lawrence Chuku, assured that plans are underway to ensure that APC sweeps all the 17 wards in Obio/Akpor during next year’s elections. Hon. Chuku warned detractors to allow the Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of APC in Obio/Akpor LGA, Hon. Solomon Ikeguru, urged party supporters and beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity, and to ensure that dividends of democracy impact positively on the people of the area.

Highlights of the event include the inauguration of the Elders Advisory Committee and appreciation of the first one thousand women that arrived the Obio/Akpor Council Secretariat before the start of the event.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, Friday assured of early call off of the nation-wide strike action by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) which has crippled hospital services, hinting that the strike would be called off in the next few days.

The Governor who fielded questions from Journalists in Asaba, Delta State observed that lives have been lost as a result of the strike action disclosing that he has met with all the parties involved in the industrial face off and members of NMA have agreed that if they could not call off the strike action, skeletal services would be rendered for the sake of lives of Nigerians.

“If you recall, the Doctors gave a warning strike sometime in December, 2013, they were to go on another strike early January but, we had to intervene and some agreements were reached with the Federal Government,” the Governor said, adding, “I understand that some of those agreements that were reached have not been fulfilled and that is some of the reasons they had to go on strike that started on the 1st of July.”

He said he had to move to Abuja when the strike commenced and put together a team of some medical doctors in government including the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; Dr. Doyin Okupe Special Adviser to Mr. President on Public Communications, and held a meeting with the government team led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Ayim; Minister for Health; Minister of State for Health; Minister for Labour; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

“Thereafter we held a special meeting with them and discussed the major issues, we then brought in the officials of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and extensive meetings were held till quite late into the night.”

“I think reasonably some of the issues have been resolved and hopefully, emergency services should start very soon, by God’s grace in the next few days because, they still need to meet with the delegates (I think they call it the emergency delegate meeting) in the next few days hopefully,” the Governor stated.

He also, debunked insinuations that the strike action have political undertone, asserting: “Having met with both sides, I will not read political meaning into it, I didn’t pick up any political undertone to it and I think that they might be some challenges with the management of the issues at one point or the other but, both parties involved in the issue met and I cannot read political meaning to the strike action.”

“Some of us don’t believe in strike and I personally do not believe strike is the best means of achieving whatever I want to achieve, there is no doubt that there are challenges in the health sector especially, with the doctors and sometimes some of the attitude of those of us in government and the way we operate can push workers to go on strike,” he added.

He decried the situation where strike has to be embarked upon to resolve the issues at stake saying: “When I heard about this particular strike action, I will say I was taken aback, I was surprised because I didn’t know it had gotten to an extent where the officials will go on strike because, as much as possible the medical profession should be one of the set of workers that should be very wary of strike because, for every minute of strike, lives are lost and for lives that are lost you can never get the life back and that is why I had to work with the then NMA President to see how we could talk to ourselves on the issue of strike.”

On why he intervened to see to the end of the strike action, he said it was based on the fact that he is a medical doctor, a concerned citizen and as Governor of a state who was not comfortable with the strike action.

“I’m intervening on many fronts: I’m intervening as a Medical Doctor because each time I hear of strike in the medical profession I get very embarrassed, secondly, I think as a Governor of a state, at least one of the persons who has the reach within members of NMA and that is why I used to tell people that, if you have the reach to be able to intervene on any issue just try and do it, so, I am also intervening because with my position as a Governor of a state, I have some reach to those that are concerned that can resolve the matter,” Dr Uduaghan stated.

AS the date for local government elections draws near in Delta State, members of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) who are interested in contesting for positions have been urged to resign.

Chairman of the Union in the state, Comrade Ifeanyi Obi made the call while speaking with Journalists in Asaba.

According to him, NURTW is strictly a Union for drivers and road workers and members who want to contest for elective positions should resign.

“We are not politicians, we can vote in elections as citizens of Nigeria but, we are not members of political parties, anybody who wants to contest for elective position in the forthcoming election is free to resign, you cannot be a member of NURTW and be contesting for general elections,” Chief Obi said.

Comrade Obi also used the occasion to urge politicians to be peaceful during the electioneering period, stating that members of NURTW cannot be used for shady activities.

“We as members of NURTW are peaceful, we are not thugs and we cannot be used for election malpractice,” Comrade Obi said.

He emphasized, “any of our members who is involved in election malpractice of course, will be sanctioned because, we are peaceful and law abiding citizens.”

In a bid to curtail the excesses of political detractors who are head-bent on destroying the reputation of Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, ahead of the 2015 Delta governorship elections, a N20 Billion libel suit (A/151/2014) has been filed against one Mr. John Agbe as Defendant at the High Court, Asaba on the behalf of Senator Okowa (Claimant).

The said Agbe, had allegedly made spurious, malicious and unfounded allegations and publications against Senator Okowa to further “Pull him down” as he (Okowa) has continued to glide above the tense political tide in Delta state.

This is just as Okowa’s solicitors have cried out in an open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan of grandiose plots by certain political detractors to smear the reputation of the serving Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

They also approached the Presidency to direct the security agencies to further provide security for the distinguished senator as a result of threats to his life and investigate the framed up allegations against him and urgently prosecute the perpetrators of the spurious lies.

In the writ of summons dated 1st July 2014, Senator Okowa’s claim as issued by his legal counsel, Peter Mrakpor Esq include:

1. Damages for libel contained in the issue of Leadership Sunday Newspaper of 29th June 2014 on page 11, in the sum of N20, 000, 000, 000 (Twenty Billion Naira) only.

2. Retraction of said publication and public apology.

3. An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Defendant whether by himself and/or through his agents, proxies and privies from further writing, printing or circulating or causing to be written, printed or circulated or otherwise publishing of the Claimant the said or any other similar libel.

Also in exercising the “right of reply”, solicitors to Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, representing Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, have reacted in strong terms to certain incessant, spurious and malicious allegations levelled against the serving senator, who also has the intentions to contest in the 2015 governorship elections in Delta state.

The open letter to President Goodluck Jonathan was dated 1st July 2014 and titled “Malicious Campaign By Political Detractors Against The Person Of Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa.”

The open letter, a rejoinder by solicitors to Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, responding to a publication titled, “A Passionate appeal for justice and your urgent intervention to order full investigation of the gruesome murderers of Late Mr. Arthur Agbe, a youth from Delta state”, published in Leadership Newspaper of 29th June 2014, read in parts:

“Your Excellency, our client, Senator Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, ordinarily does not respond to spurious allegations by persons who over the years never shown that they do not fear the Almighty God, but have decided to respond now, not only to protect his hard earned reputation, the exalted office of a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but also because he is a Christian, a father and mentor to several people within and outside Nigeria.

“It is on record that since 2003, some persons particularly from the Ika axis in Delta state, have seen our client as a threat to their political future and consistently raised spurious allegations against his person to no avail.

“The attacks and malicious allegations against our client’s reputation stems from the fact that there is a Governorship election in a few months time and all must be done to stop him…….and the so called passionate appeal for justice by one Charles Chimezie Esq claiming to act as solicitor to the family of John Agbe of Agbor, Delta state in respect of the alleged murder of one Arthur Agbe in 2003 is yet another of such allegations.

“Your Excellency, the so called allegations of criminal activities against our client is as usual the handiwork of fading political opponents who have refused to mature to the reality that the Nigeria of today and the Nigeria of our future, is a Nigeria of honourable men and women of integrity who strive to make life better for our people.

“Sir, we have endeavoured to set out the facts with full knowledge that issues of libel and malicious slander are within the purview of the law courts and while our client take steps in that regard.

“Sir, we appeal that the security agencies be directed to take immediate and urgent action against all persons exposed by Mr. Sunday Okonye in his Press Conference of 29th June 2014, as well as protect our client and his family.”

Recall that recently a new twist emerged a hotelier, Mr. Sunny Okonye who was shot by suspected political hoodlums in Boji-Boji-Agbor, Ika South Local Council of Delta State over an alleged burning down of a campaign billboard said he was coerced to implicate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his aides, shortly after the incident.

Okonye had named some persons who planned to frame up the Senator Okowa in a bid to dent his political records ahead of the 2015 governorship elections in Delta state, in which he has indicated interest to contest.

Meanwhile, in a chat with Blank NEWS Online in Asaba on Thursday, June 03, 2014, Okowa’s solicitor, Peter Mrakpor Esq, disclosed that “there is a threat to his client’s (Okowa) life and we have gone to the police to protect us.

“It is completely politically motivated and unfortunately not the right way to play modern-day politics.

The series of events shows that somebody is acting a script. We do not know what next they would claim. Their intention is to destroy our client and we would not allow that to happen.”

The open letter Signed by Peter Mrakpor Esq. was addressed to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan was copied to the Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo; Senate President, David Mark; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar; Chairman Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih; National Chairman of PDP, Adamu Mu’azu; Governor of Delta state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Delta Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba as well as the Director of State Security (DSS).

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), Federal Medical Center (FMC), Asaba chapter has threatened to drag the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria and Nigeria Medical Association (MDCAN/NMA), to court over the irrational decision to embark on the on-going strike action in government hospitals.

The chairman of JOHESU, FMC, Asaba, Comrade Tony Asiodu, in a statement also called on Nigerians to condemn the strike action which he described as ego-bloating and prejudice, an Abuja Court had already restrained them in Suit no. NIC/ABJ/177/2014, from embarking on strike.

In the statement which was also signed by the Secretary Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, (AMLSN) FMC chapter, Comrade Benjamin Ajufo, they stated that “Nigerians must say no to MDCAN/NMA that has become anti people. The Nigerian Government should not allow herself to be blackmailed by MDCAN/NMA. She should first and foremost challenge MDCAN/NMA for acts of impunity against the state”.

They explained that the major demands of medical doctors in the on-going strike were anti-people, especially opposition to the appointment of medical personnel as consultants, approval of specialists allowance and support for illegal office of the DCMAC.

According to them, the statement made by MDCAN that in the Health Sector it is only medical doctors that are appointed Consultants, and that the term is an exclusive designation for doctors, is not correct, as in all parts of the world, adding that healthcare professionals who are not doctors are appointed Consultants in their chosen areas of specialization.

Moreover, they stated that restoring consultancy status to other healthcare professional was the right thing to do and the President through the agents of government acted in line with section 18(1) of the University Teaching Hospital (Reconstruction of Boards etc) ACT CAP U 15 ,VOL 15. LFN 2004, for the approval.

They also chided the medical doctors for faulting government decision to obey court order, stressing that no court has voided the judgement of the National Industrial Court (NIC) which the government is acting upon.

They called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency support the Natural Medicine Development Agency, to check incessant strikes by orthodox and to reposition our Traditional Medicine to be like what is seen in China, USA, U.K, India, Korea etc, saying that natural medicine should be integrated into the mainstream Healthcare System in Nigeria.

Following the declaration of an indefinite nationwide industrial strike action by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) today, Tuesday, June 01, 2014, the Delta state branch of the NMA has followed suit, as all public health institutions in Delta state have been partially shut down.

The Delta state chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Uyi Osarenkhoa said in Asaba, that the Delta state branch of NMA has joined in the nationwide strike action and subsequently directed all doctors in the state to down tools.

According to him, the various public health institutions in the state have been urged to comply with the directive. “We have stopped admitting patients and are gradually transferring those already on admission.”

The state NMA boss assured that the all in-patients at the hospital would be given prompt attention ahead of their relocation from government owned hospitals by their families.

He noted that the hospitals have also stopped handling emergency cases, adding that those already in the emergency wards in various hospitals would be made to leave.

A visit to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba and General Hospital, Okwe showed that the strike action have taken effect as various families were seen around the premises making arrangements to relocate their relatives from the hospitals.

A patient’s relative in one of the hospitals visited who preferred anonymity told Blank NEWS Online that they have no option than to relocate their sick relatives to private hospitals since government hospitals are on strike.

Recall that the NMA after an emergency meeting at the weekend said it is compelled to call its members out on strike following the alleged refusal of the Federal Government to meet their demands.

To halt the strike, the association insisted government must issue circular on their demands for restoration of sustainable sanity in patient care in Nigerian hospitals.

Also addressing a press conference on Monday in Abuja, NMA President, Dr. Kayode, said “The NMA is taking this painful route because our silence and gentle approach to these contending issues have been taken for granted.

“We have to take this action in order to save the health care delivery system from anarchy that is palpably imminent.

“We hereby appeal to all Nigerians for their understanding and to press on Government to meet with our demands to avoid the strike which is scheduled to start on the 1st July.”

GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has said the state is peaceful and secured for members of National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

Speaking on Monday, June 30, 2014 in Asaba when the new Director of NYSC in the state, Mrs Olive Etukudo paid him a courtesy visit, the Governor said that the state was peaceful and safe for everyone ready to do legitimate business.

He stated that a situation where parents and guardians now want to decide which State their wards would be deployed for the NYSC service year because of security challenges was regrettable.

He decried the insurgency in some parts of the country and the negative effects on the country stressing that the NYSC scheme was still good and beneficial for Nigerian youths.

According to Dr. Uduaghan, the NYSC scheme deserves the assistance of every Nigerian because of its unifying factor and the worthwhile experience for Nigerian youths.

“As a state, we will do the best we can in making sure that corps members are comfortable both at the camp and during their service year,” the Governor said, adding: “Every part of Delta State is safe and secured for NYSC members, I do hope that youth corps members will be sent to every part of the state because it is an experience that will be useful throughout their life time.”

Furthermore, he said: “We keep telling those people who are master-minding the crisis to have a rethink because the effects of the crisis are numerous. As a result of the security challenges, parents are not willing to allow their children to serve in certain parts of the country. This is not good for us as a nation”

Mrs Etukudo had in an address, said: “We at NYSC appreciate you for all you have been doing for the scheme particularly the renovation and construction works in the permanent orientation camp, the payment of state allowances to our corps members, the provision of state subvention amongst others speak volumes of your fatherly role to the scheme,” reiterating, “it is on NYSC record that you are one of the NYSC friendly governors, we are really grateful.”

A new twist to the alleged shooting of a hotelier by suspected political hoodlums in Boji-Boji-Agbor, Ika South Local Council of Delta State over an alleged burning down of a campaign billboard has emerged.

The victim, Mr. Sunny Okonye, has clarified his statements which have been awashed in the media, saying that he was coerced to implicate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and his aides, shortly after the incident in which he was shot at him several times with a pump action shot gun at close range by yet to be identified gunmen.

Okonye, still wearing bandages on his left arm, made the revelations on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at a press briefing in Asaba.

According to him, the caretaker committee chairman of Ika South, Engr. Andrew Obiazi, who took up the responsibility for his (Sunny Okonye) medical bills, including promises of funds, empowerment and other sundry gratification,
had approached him to falsify his oral and written statements at the police station.

He insisted that non of Okowa’s aides were present at the time of the incident but was forced to implicate Senator Ifeanyi Okowa in a bid to dent his political records ahead of the 2015 governorship elections in Delta state, in which he has indicated interest to contest.

He further explained that the council boss enjoined him to claim that his shooting was connected with an alleged burning down of Senator Okowa’s 2015 governorship campaign billboard at the College of Education junction in Agbor, adding that his earlier statements were made under coercion and promises of political and economic empowerment.

It could be recalled that friends of Senator Okowa had described the allegation as the handwork of mischief makers who have the penchant of maligning people, adding that it is an attempt to soil the name of the Senator because of the Senator’s gubernatorial ambition.

Delta State Governor DR. Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured Nigerians that the 2015 general elections would be free, fair and devoid of violence.

Governor Uduaghan who gave this assurance on Wednesday, June 25, 2014 in Asaba when he received the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle and his team said that “ the 2015 general elections will be devoid of violence as only popular candidates selected by the grassroots in a free and fair manner will run for the elections”

“ If a popular candidate acceptable to the people at the grassroots is chosen, there will be no violent as it happened at the recently concluded election in Ekiti State“, the governor emphasised.

While assuring that elections in the state will be free and fair and devoid of rancour, he reiterated his determination to ensure that in the forthcoming local government election there would be a level playing ground for all candidates

His words “ I have insist in the forth coming Local Government Election in the state that the grass root will elect the people they want, no candidate would be impose on the people so as to have a free and fair election devoid of any violence.”

Governor Uduaghan called the international communities to assist Nigeria in curbing oil theft and terrorism in some parts of the country through monitoring and intelligence gathering and sharing stating that “ terrorism is an international challenge and must be handled through international cooperation”

The governor explained that Delta State has a cordial relationship with the United States especially at sub national level in the areas of health, engineering and environment disclosing that some Delta State workers have just returned from Pensylvania after their training on Transport Engineering.

In a brief remark, The US Ambassador, James Entwistle said that they were in the state to explore new avenue of partnership and areas of development as part of the United States’ commitment to improving existing relationship with Nigeria.

While commending the peaceful conduct of elections in Ekiti State, Amb. Entwistle charged politicians to paly according to the rule and avoid violence in the countdown to the 2015 elections, promising the cooperation and support of the Unites States in this direction.

Ambassador Entwistle condemned the activities of Boko Haram in the country and said that the US was working closely with Nigeria to tackle the issue of Terrorism

The peoples General, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru has lauded the victory of the new governor-elect of Ekiti state, Ayodele Fayose as well as the incumbent, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for playing the game of politics according to desirable rules.

Ogboru, in a statement signed by him and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Sunday, June 22, 2014 said:

“Yesterday’s governorship election in Ekiti State has been widely acclaimed as free and fair. This is a huge positive development for our democracy.

“We must first salute the courage of President Goodluck Jonathan for providing the transparent leadership necessary for a credible election. Professor Attahiru Jega and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deserve commendation for meeting global benchmarks in this election. This is what Nigerians have always expected from INEC. Sham elections demean us as a people and create avoidable instabilities with unimaginable consequences.

“An election reflecting the will of the people of Ekiti State is a victory for all. His Excellency Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has etched his name in the sands of time as a civilised democrat by accepting the people’s verdict. Nigeria surely needs such a great man in our continuing quest for greatness.

“Finally, may I on behalf of our people, congratulate His Excellency Dr. Ayodele Fayose and the good people of Ekiti State for this victory. This victory tells of an unbroken bond with the Ekiti grassroots. May God grant the Governor-Elect the wisdom and grace to make a difference in Ekiti State.”

Signed:
Olorogun Great Ovedje Ogboru