Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has advocated a national masterplan for the development of small and medium scale industries to stimulate economic growth and boost employment.

Governor Uduaghan who made the call on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Asaba while inspecting the Asaba Industrial Estate observed that SMEs can stimulate growth and development.

“There has to be a national master plan to encourage small and medium scale entrepreneurs to grow in the country especially with regards to funding and infrastructure as they will provide employment for women and youths and enhance economic growth,” the Governor said.

He explained that his administration was partnering with the Bank of Industry to provide funding for the development of Small and Medium scale enterprises in the state as part of the “Delta Beyond oil” initiative.

“There is a lot we can do outside oil and gas and we are trying to encourage small and medium enterprises so as to generate employment for our women and youths as you know government cannot provide employment for everybody,” he said.

The governor charged investors especially small and medium enterpreneurs to take advantage of the investors’ friendly environment of the state especially the Asaba Airport, the growing commercial activities in Asaba and the nearness of the state to the commercial city of Onitsha to invest in the state.

While commending one of the investors in the Asaba Industrial Estate, Hon. Paul Okpue, for his contributions towards the industrialisation of the state, the governor assured investors that his administration would provide the needed infrastructure to ensure the smooth function of the estate.

Hon. Okpue informed the governor that his factory specialises in the production of bamboo tiles and toothpicks and would soon start producing toothpicks for export.

He commended the state government and Bank of Industry for funding the development of his factory and encouraging small and large scale entrepreneurs in the state, adding that similar partnership should be extended by the Bank of Agriculture to farmers to enable them increase their yields and process their produce for the national and international markets.

Ambrose Ezeanwani, the 32 year old ex-University of Lagos student, an alleged students’ bursary scammer, who also blew the whistle over a purported racket in the students’ bursary scheme in Delta state, has been denied bail and subsequently remanded in Prison custody by a Delta State Magistrate Court

The accused had alleged that the Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha, was spearheading fraudulent actions in the release of bursary to deserving indigenous students.

Also in a bid to cover up his scams, Ambrose Ezeanwani, who is accused of having inserted several fake names with same bank account numbers on the bursary list, with an intent to earn several hundreds of naira at the expense of the students, whom he was also alleged to have collected N2,000:00 each from, led some students of University of Lagos to demonstrate in Asaba, accusing members of the Board of inserting the names.

Ambrose, who was arraigned at the Delta State Magistrate Court 1, Asaba, on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, was denied bail after pleading ‘Not Guilty’ to a two count charge brought against him by the state prosecution led by Inspector Bassey Eko, the counsel representing the Delta State Commissioner of Police.

The two count charge reads thus: “That you Ezenwani Ambrose ‘M’ on the 24th day of April, 2014, at the Bursary Board, Asaba, in the Asaba Magistrate Diststrict, did publish false defamatory matter against National Association Delta State Students (NADESSTU) over Bursary controversy, which publication you know to be false or does not exist and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 375 of the criminal code law Cap C21 Vol1 laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006

“Count II: That you Ezenwani Ambrose ‘M’ between the month of July 2012 and April 2014, in the aforementioned Magistrate District, did present yourself falsely with intent to defraud and obtained various sum of money in thousands of Naira from Members of NADESSTU, University of Lagos and Delsu in a pretext to facilitate their bursary allowances which representation you know to be false or does not believe it to exist and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 419 of the criminal code Law CAP. C21 Vol 1 law of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.”

Pat Adigwe, Counsel to Ambose Ezenwani had briefly pleaded with the Court to grant bail to her client but the presiding judge had rejected the bail request in a ruling that lasted less than five minutes.

According to the judge, the decision to refuse bail to the applicant was based on the present prevailing circumstances where high placed individuals were libeled and defamed by what he referred to as backyard and low quality gutter publications amongst others and by the powers conferred on him to express his discretion on the matter in consonance with the provisions of “section 375 of the criminal code law Cap C21 Vol1 laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006 and section 419 of the criminal code Law CAP. C21, Vol 1 law of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006, I hereby remand Ambrose Ezenwani in Prison Custody”.

The case was then adjourned till May 9, 2014.

Recall that Ambrose Ezenawni, an ex-student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), was on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 apprehended and detained at the Sabo Police Station in Lagos before he was later handed over to men from the Delta State Police Command for onward prosecution, after his transfer to Asaba, Delta State.

The Delta State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha was said to have briefed his legal counsel to explore the possibility of taking legal action against Ambrose Ezenwani in a bid to clear his name and address the allegations leveled against him and also set the records straight on the activities of the Delta State Bursary scheme.

The matter which came up on Wednesday April 30, 2014 at the Asaba Magistrate Court 1 is said to be a follow up to that legal consultation by Eghagha.

Meanwhile the National Association Delta State Students (NADESSTU), has issued a strongly worded statement explaining why it decided to affect the arrest of Ambrose Ezenwani, a 32 year old ex-student of the University of Lagos, over recent allegations and counter-allegations in the Delta State Bursary Scheme.

The statement, which was made available to Blank NEWS Online and signed by Obiri Ebilade, National President of NADESSTU reads thus:

As a result of the various misconceptions surrounding the arrest of Mr. Ambrose Ezenweani, I have decided to break my silence and set the following facts straight;

1. That Ambrose Ezenweani was arrested by NADESSTU because he collected money from several Students in the guise of registering them for bursary and never did, thereby causing so much unrest from the students who paid money to him but were not registered. The Students wrote petitions to us, indicating their matriculation number and the amount they paid to Ambrose, and it was only proper in such a circumstance that we took lawful means to bring him to book, hence the arrest.

2. That Ambrose Ezenweani has been using the name of NADESSTU to cause several problems. He is no more a Student of University of Lagos as he claimed in the kangaroo protest he staged in Lagos, reported by the media to have been attended by fewer than 10 persons, yet poses as Student to stage a protest because, the fraudulent names he registered with his bank account number was fished out and the Scholarship Board refused payment. I even visited the Dean of University of Lagos and he corroborated it that Anbrose is no more their Student since 2011. The problems of NADESSTU should be left alone for Students and I have not for once believed that Ambrose has any business with NADESSTU after his graduation and does not have the loco standi, to use the name of NADESSTU for any purpose as he was not conferred with the title of Life Member of NADESSTU, but because to him NADESSTU is a business and looking for a job to do after graduation is not even an option.

3. That Ambrose Ezenweani registered alot of fraudulent names in the bursary to divert money meant for students to his private pockets, which initially was not our business, but with the way he is negatively dragging the name of NADESSTU to it, we have no option than to take precautionary measures. He raised false alarm that there was fraud in the Scholarship Board perpetuated by the Honourable Commissioner Prof. Hope Eghagha and the Scholarship Board Chairman Mosignor Buchi Aninye and upon investigation by the EFCC, it was discovered that Ambrose was the actual fraud, hence he was detained by the EFCC for one week, but later released to report back to the EFCC, when he pleaded that he was an NYSC Candidate who needed to do his clearance. The EFCC thereafter arrested his surety when Ambrose jumped bail by refusing to report as ordered by the EFCC. The question is why did Ambrose refuse to report back to the EFCC, if his hands were truly clean?

4. Finally, I challenge Ambrose to sue me as a person for defamation of character, if any of the above facts presented by me here are lies deliberately fabricated to tarnish his image or sue NADESSTU as an entity if any of his rights have been breached for arresting him.

Aluta Continua!!! Victoria Acerta!!!

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said industrial disharmony can be curbed when the Federal Government involves the states in negotiations of wages and allowances with the organised labour.

Speaking on Monday, April 28, 2014 in Asaba when he received members of Senior Executive Course 36 of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Governor Uduaghan observed that oftentimes, most states do not have the financial capacity to pay allowances and wages agreed with the organised labour by the Federal Government.

According to him, industrial disharmony witnessed in the states could easily be linked with payment of agreed wages and allowances between the Federal Government and the organised labour, as the agreements are assumed to be binding on the states even when they lack the capacity to pay.

This industrial disharmony, he argued could be avoided if federalism was practiced to the letter and the states allowed to be part of the negotiations with labour and pay agreed wages and allowances in line with their capacity

“The Federal Government goes into negotiations with labour leaders in Abuja without involving the states and reach agreements which are expected to be binding on all. Most states do not have the financial capacity to implement these decisions and this has led to frequent strike actions and disharmony in the affected states”, he stated.

The Governor lauded the theme of the study which is ‘Industrial Relations, Labour Productivity and National Development’ and expressed hope that the course participants will proffer lasting solution to industrial disharmony in the country.

He used the occasion to state that the ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ initiative of his administration was to position the state to be less dependent on revenue from oil and gas, observing that despite the state being rich in oil and gas, his administration was diversifying the state economy for it to be more buoyant.

Uduaghan urged industrialists to take advantage of the friendly investment environment in Delta State disclosing that they will have quick returns on their investments.

He also advocated for short-term courses for political office holders and politicians, observing, “The way NIPSS courses are structured has made it difficult for politicians to benefit from it.”

“NIPSS should organise shorter courses that will be for one or two weeks because it will be difficult for political leaders to leave office to attend the one year course,” Governor Uduaghan said.

Leader of the study team which comprises sixteen Nigerians from different sectors of the economy, Ambassador Adamu Abbas informed the Governor and top government functionaries who witnessed the courtesy visit that they were on a study tour of the state.

He disclosed that the study was to proffer solutions to recurring strike actions by the organised labour that is affecting growth and productivity in the country.

“The Federal Government is worried with the frequency of strike in the country because when there is industrial harmony and good industrial relations, there will be improved productivity,” Ambassador Abbas stated.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan administration’s giant developmental strides have continued to receive recognition and commendation within and outside the shores of the country.

The United Nations and revered cleric, Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church in their separate remarks about the administration, drew uniform conclusion that the Delta State Government was setting the pace in good governance and development in the country.

UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Daouda Toure in his goodwill message at the preparatory workshop on Delta State Development Performance Assessment, observed with delight the decision of the State Government, the first in the country, to subject its performance in key sectors: health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation for assessment with regard to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the global body.

Toure, who was represented by FAO Country Representative in Nigeria, Ms Louise Sethswaelo, noted that monitoring performance and progress of development was one powerful tool which leads to positive transformation and evidence based planning in a state or nation.

“The UN System commends Your Excellency (Uduaghan), for signing up Delta State, for the objective performance assessment of key sectors of agriculture, water and sanitation, education and health, as well as the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

“This assessment is an indication of the state’s commitment to the broad ideals of good and accountable governance, democracy, peace and security among others,” he said.

According to him, the assessment would enable the UN and the State Government to determine “what progress has been made, the shortcomings encountered and where to strengthen efforts in the future.”

Pastor Kumuyi, during a courtesy call on the Governor at the weekend, also observed, “I thank the Lord for the great strides of development that I see in the state. As I pass through and came to your capital here, I wondered has it been that long since I came to Delta State because everything has virtually changed.

“As I see the members of your able team especially in education and other areas and I really thanked the Lord and say no wonder such a great thing is being done in this state.

“I believe that as we move on with selfless efforts to be a blessing to all our people in the state, I will not be surprised if this state becomes a model state for the states in the country.

“The Executive Governor, even though looks so simple and unassuming, is a great gift to this state and I thank God for the cooperation of the citizens with the governor.”

Governor Uduaghan speaking at the UN pre-assessment workshop explained, “We have taken the bold and the courageous step to invite the UN to assess us on how far we have done in our human development agenda.

“It is a bold and courageous step because in Nigeria people have different ways of assessing the leadership and people are always ready to condemn.”

Dr. Uduaghan noted that the assessment was not aimed at determining whether the state government passed or failed but to help it evaluate its performance on the key sectors with a view to ascertaining how it has fared and identify areas that needed improvement.

He told the visiting cleric, that his administration through the help of God has recorded modest achievements despite the challenges it had faced.

The governor emphasized that the State was passionate about education and was pursuing a compressive educational programme which is free at the primary and secondary levels, adding that tertiary students are paid bursaries and scholarships, with over 180 students benefitting from the government’s scholarship of N5 million per session for first class graduates to pursue their academic careers up to doctorate degree.

Governor Uduaghan had earlier, during the preparatory workshop for the United Nations assessment of key sectors of the Delta State economy, challenged leaders not to be afraid of allowing independent assessors to take critical look at their activities while in office, noting that such assessments will enable leaders to know their achievements, challenges and areas they can improve on.

According to him, “we have taken a bold and courageous step to invite the United Nations to come and assess us on how far we have gone in our policies and programmes in bringing development to the people.”

“There is the need to assess how far we have gone because this assessment will help us in moving forward in developmental indices,” Governor Uduaghan disclosed, adding: “It will also show us how to achieve desired goals, especially the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).”

He described the MDGs as “very key” to the administration’s policies and programmes noting that when achieved, the standard of living of the people would improve drastically.

The Governor used the occasion to state that his greatest legacy was not in the construction of an international airport and infrastructural development but in policies and programmes that impact directly on the people’s life such as the provision of free maternal and child care, free education and empowering the very poor in the society.

He added, “Bringing experts to assess what we have done since 2007 in critical areas of education, water and sanitation, health and agriculture will enable us see our achievements, challenges and prepare us for the post-MDGs years.”

In a welcome address, the Senior Adviser to the Governor on Foreign Relations, Mr. Oma Djebah said, “this workshop is to measure the achievements in the key sectors of the state economy and know the areas to improve on for the transformation of the state.”

Blank NEWS Online can report that the recent rampage by undergraduates of the Otefe Polytechnic at Oghara in Ethiope West local government area of Delta state over forcible payment of tuition by the institution’s authority has led to unwantom destruction of property worth millions of Naira and subsequent breakdown of law and order.

A statement issued by the Delta state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu revealed that the incident which took place on at about 14:20hrs on Friday, April 25, 2014 led to the arrest of 20 students who had engaged in unlawful activities while the protest lasted.

According to her statement, “the Divisional Police Headquarters, Oghara received a distress call that students of OTEFE POLYTHENE Oghara are on rampage. On reaching the scene, it was gathered that they are protesting against the school authority policy of “No School Fees No Examination”.

“After disrupting on going examination at Engineering Department of the institution, breaching the peace and breakdown of law and order, the student protesters went further to set burn fire at strategic positions and also destroyed property worth millions of naira.

“Twenty (20) students were arrested while discreet investigation is going on and those found wanting will face the full wrath of the law just as effort is on to arrest other fleeing perpetrators.

She however reiterated the Delta Police Command’s warning to parents and guardians to caution their wards in schools against involvement in cultism and criminal activities, insisting that the Command will not hesitate to bring to book any youth, despite their age, who commits heinous crime.

While condemning the barbaric act of cultist lawlessness in the institution and reassuring the public of its continuous war against all forms of criminalities, the Police image-maker called on good spirited students and staff with useful information concerning the perpetrators’s act to come forward and give to the Police to avoid persecution of innocent students.

In his persistent search for the increased good health and well-being of Abia citizens, the Governor of Abia state, Chief Theodore Orji has commissioned an ultra-modern eye centre to return Abians to their 20:20 eye vision.

While commissioning the new landmark project – the Abia State Eye Center, Governor Orji said he was confident that his administration has attained a comprehensive and robust Health Care System capable of handling all the health problems of the people.

In his address during the commissioning on Friday, April 25, 2014, the governor said:

“I am very pleased to be here today to commission this new landmark project – the Abia State Eye Center. This is yet another significant addition to our many health-care legacy projects spread across our State, which include 701 Primary Health Centers spread across our political wards, diagnostic centers at Umuahia and Aba, a Chest Clinic at Umuahia; the upgrading of Amachara General Hospital as a part of Abia State Specialist Hospital for training of our medical personnel etc.

In our persistent search for the increased good health and well-being of our citizens, I cannot stop repeating that I am proud to be a Governor of healthy citizens in Abia State, for it is truly only a healthy citizen that will enjoy the dividends of democracy. That is why we are today adding the Eye Center to serve our citizens.

In commissioning this significant project today, I make bold to say again that I will like to be remembered as a Governor that prevented blindness and removed the burden of avoidable blindness from the citizens of our State. My goal is to return Abians to their 20:20 eye vision, so that they can better appreciate the good work of our Government of Abia State as pursued through our legacy projects.

The burden of preventable blindness is not only in Abia, it is a national and global problem. World-wide, 39 million people are blind, and 246 million have severe or moderate visual impairment; while 90% of these people leave in the developing countries including Nigeria. It is recognized that cataracts is the leading cause of blindness, while glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness world-wide.

But the good news is that up to 80% of the World’s blindness is either treatable, or preventable – using known and cost effective means. Other causes of blindness are harmful eye medication, eye injuries, eye complication of hypertension and diabetes and uncorrected errors of refractions and childhood blindness.

These are where projects like our State Eye Center, would make a major impact through early intervention to prevent avoidable blindness.

Our State is one of the South-Eastern States that have unacceptable high prevalence of low vision and blindness of 4.63% of the total population, and this is too high when compared with the national prevalence rate of 0.7%. An estimated 68% of all those affected live in the rural areas and are elderly people already frail and having other health issues.

These situations left unattended, certainly have economic disadvantages that affect the productivity of our population. This is why we have now stepped up to address the situation in Abia State through the building of the Abia State Eye Center.

In establishing the Abia State Eye Center, we have invested in the best technology in the market, so that our citizens threatened with blindness will use the center to restore their 20:20 vision. This technology will also address the main causes of avoidable blindness and focus on impacting on many of our afflicted citizens to ensure that no one can needlessly go blind.

You have already heard from the Chief Medical Director of this Specialist Hospital about the origin of the Eye Center project and the diagnostic center which we have established here. My thoughts are always focused on improving Abia and bringing to our State those quality projects that improve life, no matter where I am or what I am engaged in.

That is why our Government has not shied away from investing in the cost of this Eye Center. The building that houses the Center was renovated to make it ICT complaint for the installation of the Equipment at a cost of N25 million, while the eye equipment itself cost us N87 million. Our Government is happy that we have made this pro-people investment here to improve the health of all Abians and beyond.

It is our goal to provide easy access to comprehensive eye care which will be integrated into our health system to serve all Abians. We would also work to ensure that those with unavoidable blindness are taken good care of to enable them achieve their full potentials within a rehabilitation service centers.

It is possible to achieve many of these goals through the Eye Center we commission today, which is fully equipped with the latest state of the art instruments for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of eye problems – made possible by the followings:
· Its state of the art infrastructure that is fully air conditioned for patients and staff comfort.
· It has an ultra modern digital vision assessment machines.
· It includes a Digital Intraocular pressure machines
· It has well-equipped examination rooms of international standards, with slit lamps, direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes and digital lensometers.
· It has a state of the art ultrasound machines, latest central visual field machine, optical coherence tomography and layer by layer machines for eye examination.
· The Center has a standard eye theatre with Phaco Machine and digital operating microscope
· It has a standard ophthalmic pharmacy and optical workshop.
· It is equipped with a dedicated internet service linking all the examinations and instruments for proper data collection and storage.

· And finally, we have collaboration with other Ophthalmic centers, local and international for standardization, evaluation, monitoring , training and retraining of ophthalmic manpower for the State Eye Center.

I have taken these efforts to enumerate the functioning of this quality Eye Center we have provided to assure all Abians that we have gone for the best and that we truly care about you and your health, especially your fight against eye problems and blindness. I therefore encourage all Abians to feel free to patronize the State Eye Center for all your eyes problems. You need not go elsewhere or even to India to search for your eye treatments

With this Eye Center we commission today, I am confident that our Government has attained a comprehensive and robust Health Care System capable of taking integrated care of the health and well-being of our citizens in all areas. We assure you we will continue to do more!

I am very pleased to have our dear brother, the Hon Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu – here to commission the Abia State Eye Center. Your contribution in sustaining and giving depth to Mr President’s transformation agenda in the Health Care Sector will remain commendable for all time. You have also shown enormous support to Abia State in all our activities and drive to upgrade the health care system in our State and we thank you.

I thank everyone that has been involved in the pursuit of this goal and project, especially the Chief Medical Director of our Specialist Hospital, our Ministry of Health and our Consultants. I believe you will all continue to persevere and never relent until we have attained the goal of a predictable health Care system in Abia State that our citizens can rely on at all times.

Thank you.”

Former Federal Commissioner for Information and South South Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has called for the suspension of all democratic institutions in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states to allow the military have full control of the states until peace and order return.

Clark on Thursday, April 24, 2014, urged President Goodluck Jonathan, in consonance with his constitutional powers, to declare a full scale state of emergency in frontline states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe similar to what had happened in Plateau and Ekiti states.

He added that the abduction of 270 female students would not have been possible “under a protective military regime in these states.”
Clark said: “This in effect means that all democratic institutions should be suspended to permit the military exercise full control until peace and order returns.

“Securing and safeguarding the lives of the citizens of Nigeria is a more sacred duty than political considerations.

“There is nothing like partial declaration of a state of emergency in the 1999 Constitution; what Section 305(c) of the 1999 Constitution contemplates is the recourse to ‘extraordinary measures to restore peace and security’ where there is ‘breakdown of public order and public safety’.

“The current situation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states no doubt epitomises complete breakdown of law and order, with dangerous incursions to the Federal Capital Territory.

“What happened in Plateau and Ekiti states where full declaration of state of emergency, that saw Gen. Olurin and Gen. Ali taking over the reins of state administration, were not of greater dimension and scale than the hundreds of innocent lives and property lost to the activities of insurgents in these frontline states.

“These conditions are still prevalent in the frontline states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in greater scale and ferocity. This makes it extremely mandatory for the President to address this scourge decisively.

“The time to act is now Mr. President. Declare an extension of the state of emergency in the frontline states on full scale in exercise of your constitutional powers.”

Chief Clark described the letter written by Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State to his fellow northern governors as nothing short of treasonable felony for inciting the northerners against the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government.

According to the Ijaw leader, statements by a democratically-elected governor and a retired military officer accusing the Federal Government of committing genocide against northerners under the guise of fighting terrorists was not only callous, bizarre, insensitive, impenitent, unimpressionable, but very irresponsible.

The controversial and widely condemned “memo of genocide” written by Adamawa State Governor, Murtala Nyako has been 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, including Nyako.

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.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the seven- hour meeting, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger, who was flanked by his colleagues from Abia, Borno and Ekiti states, said the meeting also cautioned all public office holders to be wary of statements that are capable of exacerbating the already precarious security situation in the country.

On Nyako’s controversial memo, Governor Aliyu said, “I am sure many of you will be curious about the memo written by one of us.

“We looked at it all. In fact, he was allowed to read the memo to all of us and we discussed and concluded that for all of us, we need to be very careful with the kind of statement we make and we need to be very careful that whatever we say must either be evidence-based or something that can be authenticated.

“There is no need to be giving terrorist the opportunity of thinking that they are succeeding.

“All the terrorist want is for him to find out that whatever he does is carried out in such a way that people will believe he is succeeding and is having some impact” he said.

Corroborating Aliyu, Abia State Governor Theodore Orji (Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum) also said: “There was a unanimous condemnation of the memo written by Nyako and all public officers were advised to be conscious of what they say.

“The meeting recognized the fact that security issue is not for the federal government alone, it should be a cooperate issue, handled corporately by the Federal Government, State and Local Government.

“When there is a synergy obviously progress will be made. The meeting also agreed that at the state level, governors who are chief security officers have to do a lot to help because that is where the security issue is, at the state level.

“In so doing the state governors should mobilize their radio houses in other to sensitize the people in the state so that they will be ware of this security situation.

“We also agreed that Boko Haram that is on now, is not a religious war, people should not misrepresent it to be, because both Muslims and Christians are being killed. It doesn’t discriminate against any person.

Also speaking, Minister of Defence General Aliyu Gusau, said the meeting “decided that the federal government will do everything within its power to bring the security situation in the country, whether it is terrorism, kidnapping, herdsmen clash with farmers under control.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, spoke on the abducted school girls, saying the meeting agreed that “everything must be done to free the abducted girls”.

He said further that the meeting “Stressed the importance of rising above partisanship when dealing with security issues. We stressed the importance of security agencies to be scrupulously professional and non partisan. The meeting commended the security agencies and urged them to share data amongst themselves.

“We also agreed that we need a holistic response to terrorism. Military action is sine qua non but there has to be an anti-poverty strategy. The meeting also stressed the need to address the capacity of media practitioners in order for them to be more patriotic in the reportage.

On the incessant crisis between Fulani herdsmen and farmers, the meeting agreed that the long term objective would be to “domesticate them, and create ranches in the short term, the grazing routes must be properly gazetted and enforced”.

On the issue of religion, the meeting agreed that there should be monitoring of what is being preached by some religious leaders and to make them understand the larger implication of what they preach on the nation at large.

Apart from the Governors, Ministers and Service Chiefs, Muslims and Christians were also represented by the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III and Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor respectively.

The Governors present were: Willie Obiano (Anambra)Theodore Ahmaefule Orji (Abia) Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) Henry Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Gabriel Suswam (Benue) Martin Elechi (Ebonyi) Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan (Delta), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Kashim Shettima (Borno) and Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto).

Other were Mukhtar Ramalan Yero (Kaduna), Garba Umar (Taraba) Dr Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) Umar Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa) Saidu Nasamu Dakingari (Kebbi) Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) Muazu Babangida Aliyu (Niger) Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) Liyel Imoke (Cross River) and Isa Yuguda (Bauchi).

The Deputy Governors present were those of Jigawa, Imo, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Ogun, Plateau, Edo and Yobe, while Lagos State was not repreented by any official.

Also, Ministers present were those of Interior, Abba Moro; Defence, Aliyu Gusau; Police Affairs, Abduljelil Adesiyan; Foreign Affairs, Aminu Wali; Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina (Agriculture) and Mohammed Bello Adoke (Justice).

The security chiefs in attendance were the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Dele Joseph Ezeoba; Chief of air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.

Also in attendance were the heads of Customs, Abdullahi Inde Dikko Immigration, David Paradang, FRSC, Osita Chidoka and NSCDC, Ade Abolurin.

Ahead of the 2015 general elections, all ward chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have unequivocally adopted the Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, as the consensus candidate for the Abia Central senatorial district seat come 2015 election.

The unanimous adoption of Governor Orji was made known in a statement signed by the group’s chairman, Chief Paul O. Meregini, Secretary, Godfrey Ogbonna, Coordinator, Ugochukwu Efem and Publicity Secretary, Chief Patrick Azurunwa.

The ward chairmen who arrived at the decision at the end of a special meeting of Abia Central Senatorial Zone PDP Ward Chairmen’s Forum, held on 12th April, 2014, also expressed their gratitude to Governor Orji for the great infrastructural development projects in the nook and crannies of the zone.

The chairmen congratulated the governor for his recent appointment as the Chairman of Governor’s Forum in the South-East Zone, and for the successful hosting of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and PDP National Executive Committee at Enugu on 11th April, 2014.

They further lauded the efforts of the Governor of Abia State for the numerous Youth employment programmes he initiated in the State.

Others at the meeting include: Chief Goodluck Kanu for Osisioma L.G.A., Chief amadi Nwosu for Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A., Godfrey Ogbonna for Isiala Ngwa North L.G.A., Obioma Onwukamike for Umuahia South L.G.A., Chief Anthony Ndubuka for Umuahia North L.G.A. and Chief Patrick Azurunwa for Ikwuano Local Government Areas respectively.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, has described the crowning of Port Harcourt as World Book Capital 2014 as yet another evidence of the visionary and focused leadership being provided by Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

According to Rivers APC, “This feat by Port Harcourt in becoming the very first African city south of the Sahara chosen as World Book Capital based on public voting, beating ten other great cities that include Oxford in England and Moscow in Russia, is commendable. For this to be achieved against all odds and challenges by the present administration in Rivers State simply demonstrates that Governor Amaechi is a visionary and focused leader who has received accolades in this regard by world leaders.”

The party in a statement issued by the State Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said that “Port Harcourt was chosen because UNESCO could see the great investment the APC-led Government in Rivers State has made in the education of our youths, and they could see the advancement we have recorded. Governor Amaechi’s feats in the area of education that assisted in making Port Harcourt the World Book Capital City is unequalled by any African leader, either in the past or present, churning out over 500 model Primary Schools and 24 Model Secondary Schools that are termed to be better than some universities in Africa, and employing about 13,000 teachers, offering free education with free books and computer-based schools within six years”. The Governor’s weapon in revolutionizing education in Rivers State, Barr Alice Lawrence-Nemi the Commissioner of Education is a
well-known fact. This unassuming Amazon and definition of workaholic is a proud to Rivers State and her people.

Continuing, Rivers APC said: “We are proud to be associated with such a visionary and focused leader of our time. Apart from all these, the administration of Governor Amaechi facilitated the launch of the Port Harcourt Literary Society headed by Dr. Chidi Amuta as an indication that Rivers State has a strong vision to promote and sustain activities that would make promotion of literary activities and literacy a staple in the State’s agenda.

“APC in Rivers State is ready to collaborate with the Governor and other stakeholders to ensure that Port Harcourt is adjudged the best World Book Capital ever in the history.

“APC in Rivers State also totally agrees with Engr. Tele Ikuru, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who captured the mood of the moment and some of the challenges when he stated that Governor Amaechi’s administration came in at a period when Port Harcourt was one of the most unsafe cities in the world and for him to rescue Port Harcourt from the hands of militants who were literally governing the State at that time, successfully bid and win for the entire nation the world capital city is the most remarkable feat of his administration.

“It is our prayer and expectation that Port Harcourt’s reign as World Book Capital 2014 heralds’ even greater days in stock for Rivers State under the watch of APC and for the entire Nigerian Nation which, by the grace of God, will come under APC’s leadership after the 2015 general elections.”

Port Harcourt’s reign as World Book Capital 2014 began amid fanfare with the handover by Bangkok at an impressive ceremony at Hotel Presidential in the Rivers State capital. Dignitaries at the event included Governor Amaechi; former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar; Nobel Laureate, Professor Wolf Soyinka; UNESCO Director General, Ms. Irina Bokova; former World Bank Vice President, Africa, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; wife of the Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi; Enger Tele Ikuru, Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. O.D Amaechree, Speaker of State House of Assembly, members of Rivers State Executive Council, Senators and members of Federal House of Representatives from the State, Dr Ikanya Ibiamu Davies, APC State Interim Chairman among others.

The ceremonies continue would be concluded on Saturday, April 26.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Labaran Maku,, has described Adamawa state governor, Murtala Nyako’s comment and accusation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration of carrying out genocide in the north eastern Nigeria as “irresponsible and unfortunate”.

The governor had in a memo sent to the Northern States Governors’ Forum, called on his colleagues to look into the allegation.

Maku lashed out at Adamawa governor Nyako, saying “This nation deserves security at this time even in the heat of it; you hear some irresponsible comments coming from highly placed people including a governor.

“Now this nation is in need of unity but the way we are playing to the gallery, we are making irresponsible statements. We are making statement that will divide the country, statements that are setting the citizen against security services and government.

“And when those statements come from people we believe should be leading the course of unity, appreciating the great job the security are doing. If only Nigerians understand that as we sit in this hall, our security people are out there in the bush sleeping in the bush day and night and getting killed in the cause of maintaining the security of this country.

“But what we see is that everybody who has little knowledge ‎on how security services are rendered will just open their mouth and make statements that create panic in the country and this is very unfortunate.

“To hear the kind of things being said by the governor of Adamawa State‎ at this period is very unfortunate. Each time the security people strike our target there is a lot of public uproar and propaganda which is weakening out national resolve to fight terror”

“Nyako is the former Chief of Naval Staff, is someone that has worn uniform before, to publicly incite the people against the security forces of this country is the height of irresponsibility.

“And I believe that for someone like that who is old enough to appreciate the kind of crisis this country is going through. We expected that they should be greater understanding, politics aside.

“When people reach a certain age they should watch their utterances and the kind of things they are supposed to say.

“Maybe young people like you and me we can say is lack of experience, but people that have known the difficulty this country is going through and the kind of effort that is being made by the federal government be coming out to make those statements that divide the country even at a point that we need national unity and national healing is grossly irresponsible,” Maku said.

Also, Senior Presidential aide on Public Affairs, Doyin Okupe, had in a swift reaction lambasted the governor, saying his comment was an ‘unmitigated leadership disaster’.

Oil exploration activities of the largest fossil fuel company in Nigeria, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) may be heading towards a gridlock over rift between it and one of it’s host communities in the Niger Delta region.

Indigenes of Letugbene community, an Iduwini clan in Ekeremore Local Government Area of Bayelsa state has today, Wednesday 23, 2014, issued SPDC a 14-day ultimatum within which to accord them ownership recognition of its Tunu flow-station operations or face the unpleasant consequences of further neglect.

Issuing the threat in a press statement signed by Mr. Jonah Toikiri and Mr. Job Azosibe, the Chairman and secretary of the community respectively, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Warri yesterday, the people expressed disaffection over the continued violation of court judgments which accorded them ownership status to the flow-station since 2012 by SPDC management.

While calling for total compliance to the judgments in the interest of peace, the people noted that failure to act on the ultimatum to reach out to them within the specified 14-day period (starting from today, Wednesday, April 23, 2014) the company should be prepared to either vacate their land or engage all its military might to commit genocide in the community, as they would not hesitate to fight with their last blood to defend their land.

According to the statement: “it would be recalled that on 30th of July 2012, the Bayelsa state High Court, sitting in Yenagoa and presided over by the Chief Judge of the state, Honourable Justice Kate Abiri, entered judgment in favour of the Letugbene community against SPDC and others in the suit No; YHC/31/1994, declaring Letugbene community as the owners of all the lands and areas bordering the Tunu Flow-Station location operated by SPDC after more than eighteen (18) years of trial”.

Continuing, “the appeal filed by SPDC at the court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, was however dismissed for want of prosecution on 11th June, 2013, sequel to the community motion filed by its counsel, Bar. Nnamdi Ugwuka with motion No; CA/PH/297m/2013, at the same Appeal court in Port Harcourt”.

“Since these landmark judgments were delivered, all efforts made by the community through letters and other correspondences to reach out to SPDC to accept the verdict of the courts and recognize Letugbene community as the host to the said Tunu Flow-station location and accord the community their due right and benefits as host community had proved abortive”, the statement read.

It further stated that, ”having exhausted all peaceful means to reach out to SPDC to accord them their due recognition and rights without success, the community has resolved to take their destiny in their hands to ensure the enforcement of these judgments of the two competent courts in the country and this we will do with everything we have including our blood”.

“The community is therefore giving SPDC fourteen (14) day ultimatum to reach-out to the community on this issue or SPDC should be prepared to either vacate our land or slaughter every man, woman, boy and girl of Letugbene community with their military might at the expiration of the ultimatum”, the community vowed.

Publisher’s Note:

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) is the largest fossil fuel company in Nigeria, which operates over 6,000 kilometres (3,700 mi) of pipelines and flowlines, 87 flowstations, 8 natural gas plants and more than 1,000 producing wells.

SPDC’s role in the Shell Nigeria family is typically confined to the physical production and extraction of petroleum. It is an operator of the joint venture, which composed of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (55%), Shell (30%), Total S.A. (10%) and Eni (5%). Until relatively recently. It operated largely onshore on dry land or in the mangrove swamp.

Shell started business in Nigeria in 1937 as Shell D’Arcy and was granted an exploration license. In 1956, Shell Nigeria discovered the first commercial oil field at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta and started oil exports in 1958.

Prior to the discovery of oil, Nigeria like many other African countries strongly relied on agricultural exports to other countries to supply their economy. Many Nigerians thought the developers were looking for palm oil.

Shell Nigeria is the common name for Royal Dutch Shell’s Nigerian operations carried out through four subsidiaries—primarily Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).

Royal Dutch Shell’s joint ventures account for more than 21% of Nigeria’s total petroleum production (629,000 barrels per day (100,000 m3/d) (bpd) in 2009) from more than eighty fields.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has revealed that his administration has contributed over N16 billion as counterpart funding to the New Pension Scheme since its inception in 2007.

He also disclosed on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, that the state spends over 800 million naira monthly for the payment of pension to retirees under the old and new pension scheme.

Uduaghan, inaugurating the Chairmen and Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Bureaus in Asaba said: “The state government was committed to the wellbeing of its pensioners” stressing that “it has cleared up the backlog of payment for retirees caught between the old and new pension schemes until till 2013”.

Mrs. Christiana Siakpere was sworn in as the chairman, Delta State Bureau of Pensions, Mrs. Patience Ikomi was made to head the Delta State Local Government Bureau of Pension and Mr. Chuks Aguonye and Mr. Patrick Okoh are to serve as their secretaries respectively.

The governor explained that a committee under the State Head of Service was looking into the difference in the amount paid to state and local government pensioners, assuring that it would be rectified soon.

He commended the state pensioners for their patience and understanding especially during the early period of the implementation of the new scheme, stressing that the state government was determined to clear the backlog of payments and other issues affecting the scheme.

Uduaghan said that Delta State, which is one of the few states to have implemented the new pension scheme initially was contributing 16 per cent to the fund as against the approved 7.5 per cent, adding that it has been reviewed downward to 10 per cent.

According to him, even with 10 per cent, the state government was still paying above what it is required to pay, hinting that he has directed the the state attorney general and the head of service to look at the enabling law with a view to determining the actual percentage.

The governor commended the Chairmen and Secretaries of the state and local government pensions Bureaus who were being sworn in for their second terms of office, for their excellence performance during their first terms.

He observed that while pension funds in the country have been characterized with fraud and emblements, the story has been different in Delta State.

He said that hard work, transparency, integrity and honesty have characterized the officials of the bureaus in their first terms in office, accounting for their reappointment for a second term.

Governor Uduaghan charged them to redouble their efforts and surpass the enviable performance and record they have set at the bureaus.

Chairman of the State Pensions Bureau, Mrs. Christana Siakpere, responding on the behalf of others thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them and promised that the Bureaus would move the state pension schemes forward.

She said the Bureaus would continue to introduce methods and procedures that would help them serve pensioners better in order to achieve the vision of the state government for the pensioners.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has insisted that no on-going project embarked upon by his administration would be left undone at the end of his tenure in office, explaining that he was determined to ensure that they were completed and handed over for sustainable utilization by the people.

The Governor, who stated this Monday, while on an unscheduled inspection tour of Umeh Road project in Isoko South local Government Area of the state, said that the government was exerting pressure on contractors handling government projects to complete them on schedule.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work on the about 7.5 kilometer road project, noting that substantial progress has been made in the project.

The Umeh Road, which is about 7.5 Kilometer was swampy, in terribly bad state and almost impassable to motorists and cyclists before the project began.

However it now wears a new look with asphalt already laid on most part of the road and the bridge in place. It took the Governor’s Convoy which could not access the community when it first visited, only about seven minutes to drive into the community

Uduaghan said that in spite of the funding challenges and the problems posed by the 2012 floods which washed off progress made earlier on the road project, the project will be completed soon.

Besides, the prospect of a boom in farm produce, the Governor was happy that the project has started impacting on the lives of youths of the community as a good number of them have learnt special skills in the process.

Addressing jubilant community Youths who were singing his praise, the governor commended them for cooperating with the contractor, noting that disruption of work has not been experienced so far.

He urged them to sustain the spirit to ensure unhindered execution of the project as well as urged youths in other communities across the State to emulate Umeh youths by ensuring that government projects meant to enhance the welfare of the people were not disrupted.

The originator of the Umeh Needs Road Facebook Appeal, Barrister Duncan Afahokor said their joy knows no bounds with the realization of the project.

Afahokor expressed confidence that the goals behind the project, which is principally to ease the movement of farm produce to the rest parts of the state would be realized, stressing that the Umeh road project was a promise fulfilled by Governor Uduaghan.

He urged the Isoko and Deltans in general to support the Uduaghan’s administration to finish well and strong come May, 2015.

The Technical Adivser of Warri Wolves, Paul Aigbogun has advised the League Management Company to pay more attention to officiating if they want football to grow in the country.

Aigbogun who is not used to complaints said he has to speak out in view of the level of officiating in the game between Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday which ended in favour of the Akure team.

According to Aigbogun, LMC said people should not condemn the league but with this type of officiating, one will be forced to speak out because Nigerian football will be worse for it.

The former Enyimba gaffer made reference to the red card given to Michael Egbeta who was only carrying out an instruction from the centre referee to wait for a change to be made before taken the corner kick, only for the referee to give him the marching order for time wasting.

Apart from that, the first assistant referee ignored the rules and was basically the 12th player, aiding and did everything possible to help the Akure outfit.

“Those who know me can attest to it that I don’t complain when my team loses but it has got to that stage when we need to cry out. If LMC says we should not talk, then, they have to do something because we cannot continue like this. How can players put in everything in a game and will have nothing to show for it. Our football will be worse for it because of what we are seeing now. This is pure rubbish and the Akure team knows that the referee assisted them to win. We played better, scored first and they equalised, scored the second goal and another which hit the inside net was ignored before he allowed two offside goals. All stakeholders should rise up and condemn this type of officiating,” said Aigbogun.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves will today, Wednesday, April 16, 2014, lock horns with Nembe city at Omoku in a re-rescheduled match and Aigbogun has urged his boys to work hard and put the defeat in Akure behind them.

Governments at all levels, multinational oil companies, security agencies and host communities have been urged to play more active roles in stopping the menace of crude oil theft.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and stakeholders in the oil and gas industry at the second Delta State Oil and Gas Industry Stakeholders’ Conference in Effurun on Tuesday observed that crude oil theft has dire consequences not only on the revenue of the nation but the environmental degradation occasioned by the act has far reaching future implications.

Governor Uduaghan, who is the chairman of the National Committee against Crude Oil theft,observed that the revenue of the nation has continued to dwindle due to the activities of illegal bunkerers.

But he noted with dismay that the sentiments and worry expressed about dwindling revenues were not extended to the devastation cause to the environment.

According to him,only communities bear the brunt of the environmental impact of oil exploration and theft with beneficiaries of oil revenue only interested in what gets to them at the end of the month, noting that were theft to be stopped now it would still take about 50 years to remediate the devastated environment.

He pleaded with host communities to have a sense of ownership of government projects and join the campaign against illegal bunkering while challenging the multinational oil companies to ensure that there was no complicity of their personnel or contractors in the crime.

Governor Uduaghan also tasked the relevant security agencies to redouble their efforts by properly manning and patrolling the exit points of Escravos, Forcados and Ogheye where the products are likely being transported to waiting vessels in the high sea.

Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sanmi Alade in his presentation urged the government, the judiciary, oil companies, communities and the security agencies to play active roles in the fight against oil theft.

He called on the government to strengthen legislations against illegal bunkering, increase funding to security agencies, facilitate development of host communities and intensify campaign against the trend.

A representative of Shell, the Manager, Ogoni Restoration Project, Augustne Igbuku among other measures called for increased campaigns and engagements, motivation of security agencies and effective prosecution of oil thieves.

Igbuku explained that Shell has embarked on concrete steps in combating the menace, ranging from sensitisation campaigns, burying pipelines deeper beneath the surface and covering them with concrete slabs.

Commandant of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin on his part while pleading with communities to desist from the act urged the regulators to be more responsive, the judiciary to ensure speedy trials and also called on the multinational oil companies to ensure best practices in their operations and relationship with their host communities.

Participants and resource persons at the conference in their separate remarks urged the government to demonstrate the political will by bringing the barons behind the illicit trade to book, adding that the security agencies and oil companies also needed to demonstrate honesty and integrity in the crusade.

The State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Mofe Pirah had explained that the conference with the theme, Security Oil and Gas Investment in Delta State: the Role of Stakeholders was aimed at proffering solution to the menace of oil theft

Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah Esq, has described as a threat of people’s freedom to free speech and association, the recent contemptuous statements attributed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, where the state governor was alleged to have claimed that the “People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is only one political party in Delta State.”

Ogeah, in a vexed reaction to the statement credited to one Ariyo Robinson, a Warri-based legal practitioner, described Ariyo as a member of a motley group of people rabidly sworn to insulting people in authority by telling bare-faced lies and initiating mischief.

A statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Information, CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq., and made available to Blank NEWS Online reads:

The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to a news story published in some newspapers and online journals where a certain Ariyo Robinson accused the Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON of threatening the freedom of expression and association of the people of the state.

Robinson’s sole basis for this allegation is the statement he attributed to the Governor where he asserted that the “People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is only one political party in Delta State” (sic). To Robinson who is whimsically described as a Warri-based “peace building consultant”, this statement amounts to threat of people’s freedom to free speech and association.

For somebody also described as a lawyer, Robinson’s weird understanding of the statement shows an amazing depth of ignorance, naivety and infantile mischief. First, Robinson isolated a sentence he left incomplete and tried vainly to give it a mischievous interpretation. At a time that the PDP had challenges of cohesion at some states in the country, Delta State stood out as one beacon where the party remained united and free of rancour.

And even when the All Progressive Congress (APC) emerged as an amalgamation of some parties without any base in Delta State, the emerging opposition party remained a distant entity to the people of the state.

This much was echoed by leaders of the PDP in Delta State, including the Governor at various fora. To give the full picture of what Robinson was unable to understand, PDP leaders in Delta State maintained that the party remains the only credible party with a pan-state agenda and outlook committed to uplifting the fortunes of the people of the state and give them the power to be what they can be as the administration of Dr. Uduaghan has succeeded in doing over the past seven years.

If the PDP joins the people of Delta State to celebrated the manifest achievements of Governor Uduaghan, how does that amount to threat of democracy. We do not need to remind Robinson that the APC had at various times spoken about its desire to capture the state. This is an aspiration they are perfectly entitled to. Would the self styled “peace building consultant” consider this a threat to freedom and democracy too?

We understand where Robinson is coming from. He is one of the motley group of people rabidly sworn to abusing Dr. Uduaghan. Having found that the weather beaten allegation of non-performance no longer connects with the people what with the unprecedented transformation of the state, he is now clutching at straws in a vain attempt to criticise the governor.

For a governor with a distinguished record in developing the human element in the state, revolutionized the health sector through the introduction of emergency ambulance services and mobile hospitals, instituted free maternal and child care and built hospitals with world class facilities in all parts of the state, Robinson must be be blinded by incurable pessimism and hate of the person of the Governor.

The good thing is that Deltans are no longer taken in by the bare-faced lies and mischief that had been pedaled in the past and are united in celebrating their governor who has transformed the entire landscape.

Signed:
CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq
Delta State Commissioner for Information

The Delta state Ministry of Higher Education has reacted to alleged statements published by an online portal, following the recent demonstration by some students of University of Lagos, which accused the state Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha of fraudulent actions in the release of bursary to deserving indigenous students.

In his right of reply, made available to Blank NEWS Online, the Commissioner, Prof. Eghagha denied the allegation, saying they were spurious and libellous, as he also made public how bursary in his kitty was effectively disbursed.

The statement reads:

My attention has been drawn to a publication by Saharareporters which reported an alleged demonstration by some students of University of Lagos, during which some libelous statements were credited to one Ambrose Ezenwani, a former student of the University of Lagos. Ordinarily, I would have ignored the report. But because my name and reputation which I have built over three decades are being impugned by Ezenwani, I have decided to issue a rebuttal. I have also briefed my counsel to initial action against the slanderer.

I have been in government, trying to practice what I preached as a critic, by ensuring judicious use of public funds. I have NEVER been involved in fraud and will never get into fraudulent actions. I have, working in concert with others, and with the approval of our prudent Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, saved Delta State Government millions of Naira by plugging leakages. What is being spearheaded by Ambrose and his cohorts is a backlash against us for being the driving force against years of bursary scam.

The first point to be made is that on assumption of office as Commissioner for Higher Education in 2009, I was confronted with one sad reality: some funds meant for students never got to them. A cabal within the institutions and others cornered funds meant for students. Along with members of the Scholarship Board headed by Monsignor Buchi Aninye, we took steps to sanitize the process. All staff were transferred and new persons posted to the board from the Civil Service. A new Executive Secretary was also appointed by the Governor. We introduced online registration so that potential beneficiaries could deal directly with the Scholarship Board. This yielded fruits. Twenty-three thousand fake names were discovered and expunged from the list.

I was surprised that two days after we announced to the world that fake names were found on the bursary list, some students, including Ambrose and his ilk, demonstrated in Asaba and accused members of the Board of inserting the names. They targeted the Executive Secretary who is the Chief Executive of the Board. At that time, my name was not mentioned. Suddenly, it is ‘Mr. Hope Eghagha’ that inserted fake names!

As for the purported demonstration by students, I call on the reporters to visit Unilag and ascertain those who took part in it. The reporter who first called for my response said that they were a handful. Indeed, they are not students of Unilag. The genuine leaders and members of National Association of Delta State Students were not aware of any protest and did not take part because they are satisfied with the scheme. I have always left firm instructions with the Executive Secretary to ensure that the students see the transparency of the process. We have run a system in which you don’t have to know anybody to get your entitlements.

The state Government has never released N2 billion at any one time for Bursary awards. The following is the breakdown of releases made since 2009. In 2009/2010, the approved sum was N514,706.035.75. Of this, N434,646,035.75 was expended while savings amounted to N80,060,000. In 2010/2011, the approved sum was N653,700,932.29; the sum of N481,145,432.29 was expended; savings amounted to N172,555,500. In 2011/2012, the approved sum was N610,134,868.46; amount expended was N 555,134,868.46. N55,000,000.00 was saved. In 2012/2013, the sum of N699,650,256.50 was approved for the bursary. Payment is on-going. Each year, whatever was saved as a result of plugged leakages were ploughed back into payment for the next year with the approval of the State Executive Council.

I was never detained by any security organization in the country or elsewhere as alleged by Ambrose, a scoundrel who revels in mudslinging and campaigns of calumny. We live in a country in which once an allegation is made against government officials, the onus is on the official to prove guiltlessness.

A detailed account of how payments were made is available at the Delta State Scholarship Board. For two years running, we have published names of beneficiaries in some national newspapers. The response has been encouraging.

I would like Saharareporters to interview Delta State Students in tertiary Institutions across the country about their assessment of the scheme before publishing reports by scammers. It is on record that Ambrose registered twice and collected money from some students to register them. These reports are with security agencies. Indeed, for double registration, Ambrose ought to face prosecution.

Finally, our people have a proverb: if the farm owner fails to pronounce an intruder on his farm a thief, the thief would call the owner a thief. Members of the Scholarship Board and my office are proud to affirm that since we started operating the different scholarship schemes of the State, there has been a remarkable improvement in service delivery. No acts of mudslinging will sway us from rendering service to the people of our State.

Signed:

Prof. Hope Eghagha
Commissioner for Higher Education
Delta State

DELTA POLICE PRESS RELEASES:

Murder of Delta lawyers: Police declare 5 suspected kidnappers wanted

DELTA State Police Command has declared five suspected kidnappers/armed robbers wanted over the alleged murder of two lawyers, Egwuono Dafiogho and Samuel Ekwughanju, on March 27, in Ozoro, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, gave the names of those declared wanted as Chucks, Obeji, Kelvin, Kaya Morgan and Shakara.

Aduba said they are members of “a dreadful and bloodletting gang, earlier led by Kelvin of Kokori, now on trial in Abuja and one Jonathan Ikoli, aka GSM, presently in our custody.”

According to him, the gang was responsible for the kidnap and killing of a former deputy governor of Anambra State and two others in Agbor, Delta State after collecting ransom in 2013; kidnap of the son of the Secretary to Delta State Government, SSG, in 2012 and others.

FAKE POLICE OFFICER IN POLICE NET FOR IMPERSONATION, FRAUD

On 7/4/2014 at about 1600hrs, Operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) Warri arrested one Lawal Abayomi Abiodun ‘m’ of Osubi town, who has been parading himself as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) attached to QRS Warri; and has in the process defrauded many people of various sums of money under the pretext of helping them to secure approval from the Commissioner of Police, Delta State to post both conventional and mobile policemen to guard their homes and business premises.

The suspect was arrested at Ugborikoko axis Warri when he showed up to collect the sum of four hundred thousand naira (N400, 000.00) from one of the operatives who posed as a company owner. He has confessed to the crime. He also claimed to have been dismissed from the police in 2001 at Port-Harcourt. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspect is always dressed in mobile police uniform and even deceived his wife and landlord to believe that he is a Superintendent of Police (SP).

Items recovered from him are one pair of black safety booth and the sum of fifty-nine thousand, five hundred naira (N59, 500.00).

Meanwhile, investigation is in progress while the suspect will be charged to court thereafter.

The Command wishes to advise members of the public to be wary of such fraudsters as the police do not go out soliciting for people who need police services.

DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND ARREST MAN WHO SPECIALIZES IN STEALING FROM PARKED VEHICLES

On 9/4/2014 at about 1100hrs, policemen on visibility patrol from ‘A’ Division Asaba, while on routine patrol of financial institutions in Asaba arrested one Chidi Elume ‘m’ of Uguta , Imo State while he was opening a Passat car parked along the road at Zenith Bank, by Traffic Light Asaba.

The suspect has confessed to the crime, and also disclosed that he is a member of syndicate that specializes in breaking and stealing money from vehicles parked in Bank premises in Asaba and Onitsha in Anambra state.

Items recovered from him include:

i. One locally fabricated master key

ii. Five inches nails tucked in rubber slippers

Preliminary investigation reveals that the nails are usually placed under vehicle tyres to get them punctured and prevent the vehicle owner from pursuing them after stealing.

Meanwhile, the suspect is helping the police in investigation, while concerted efforts are on to track down other members of the syndicate. The suspect will be arraigned in court at the end of investigation.

The command wishes to assure the public of its continuous war against all form of criminalities. Vehicle owners are equally advised to install security gadgets in their vehicles to prevent intruders from gaining access or tracking gadgets that can aid in recovering stolen vehicles.

ARMED HOODLUM GUNNED DOWN BY DELTA STATE POLICE

On 11th April 2014 at about 08030hrs the DPO in charge Isiokolo Division received information that some armed men believed to be Kelvin’s boys were shooting indiscriminately in Kokori town.

Consequently, patrol team was swiftly mobilized to the area. The hoodlums on sighting the policemen opened fire on them and in the ensuing gun duel one of the hoodlums was gunned down while others escaped.

Item recovered from the deceased bandit is one English made barrel gun.

Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing criminals.

Signed by DSP. CELESTINA KALU,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (PPRO),
DELTA STATE COMMAND.

A two-day stakeholders’ forum on securing investments in the oil and gas industry begins in Effurun, Delta State, on Tuesday, April 15, the state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, has said.

In a press statement issued in Warri, Ogeah said the forum is aimed to evolving more effective strategies for improving security of oil and gas installations with oil companies, host communities as well as community and youth groups participating at the event.

With the theme “Securing Oil and Gas Investments in Delta State: the role of stakeholders”, top industry operatives are expected to present papers. Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke, Minister of Petroleum, is the special guest of honour with Mr. Morrison Anthony Fiddi, group managing director of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), delivering the keynote address.

Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, Governor of Delta State, who is chief host, will lead the team of top government officials from the state to the Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun venue of the forum.

Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Nigeria’s South East geopolitical zone, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to re-contest for a second term in 2015 assuring him of their unanimous and unwavering support.

The backup for President Jonathan took effect at a Unity Rally of the PDP South East zone held at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Friday, April 11, 2014 when the party’s stakeholders, including the Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji and other South East governors called on President Jonathan to re-contest the presidential poll in 2015.

Addressing the rally, Governor Orji said that President Jonathan had performed very well to deserve a second term in office and should heed the call by the South East to seek re-election.

In response to the request made by the South East PDP chieftains, President Jonathan assured Nigerians and the Southeasterners in particular that he would never disappoint them, saying that he was yet to formerly declare whether to run or not.

He urged Igbo people to support the PDP, saying, “The PDP would not disappoint you.”

He said the PDP was the only democratic party that could take Nigeria to join the rest of the democratic world.

“It is the only party where the President would not impose a candidate. It is the only party where people like me from a non-privileged background can stand here and talk,” he said.

The President vowed that the PDP would capture Imo State in 2015 and complete the circle in the South-East.

“In the South-East, the PDP is total. Every state has a maximum of three senators and a minimum of three senators. It is now clear the South-East is a PDP zone.

“We will take over the governorship seat of the other state in the South-East come 2015. We have been very magnanimous but we are going to clear the seats totally,” the boasted.

Jonathan said the PDP is the only political platform in Nigeria where the voice of the people could count and decisions were taken based on the majority and popular vote.

“We are not like one party in this country where one man or a group of people determine how the party is run,” he said. “The national chairman of the PDP or any of its governors can’t cancel a ward congress of the party just like that and with impunity. I, as the President, don’t even have the powers to do so, but it is happening in a political party in this country.”

According to him, he does not see anything ‘progressive’ about some of the opposition political parties.

“One party tags itself as progressives but where are they progressing to. It is only in such progressive party that you find an ex-governor determining who gets what and how. Is that what you mean by progressives?”

Also in his speech, the Senate President, David Mark, urged the President to ignore criticisms of his government and remain focus in the transformation programme of his government, urging him not to be distracted by criticisms, as they would only make him better.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said it was better to bear the temporary pains associated with growth and development than to continuously live in deplorable condition.

Addressing traders at Slaughter Market, Refinery Road, Ekpan, the Governor observed that developmental projects, especially the ongoing removal of illegal structures will certainly cause some pains to people but noted that such pains was temporal.

According to him, palliative measures have been put in place for people affected by the removal of illegal structures to enable them relocate to authorized designated areas.

“We must clean up Warri, Effurun, Udu and environs, as we cannot continue to live in a dirty environment,” Dr Uduaghan said, stressing:”People should stop using Caravans to trade on the streets and turn the streets to markets.”

“We should be proud of good environment; we should keep our environment clean to make the environment beautiful and healthy for living.”

He reiterated that he was aware that people were complaining about the pains they are undergoing as a result of the ongoing development in the state and explained that it was part of the sacrifices for a better society.

It would be recalled that Governor Uduaghan in his administration’s commitment towards ensuring that Warri, Effurun and environs were clean, set up a taskforce headed by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama to keep the area clean.

Similarly, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State ordered stone dealers along Effurun expressly five days to remove their goods or face the wrath of the law.

The Governor accompanied by top government officials gave the warning while inspecting the level of progress made by the Taskforce set up to ensure that Warri and environs was clean.

He asked the traders to relocate to safer place where they will not constitute public nuisance with their trade, stating that the government was prepared to ensure that things were done the right way in the oil-rich state.

The Delta State Government on Wednesday took pre-emptive measures aimed at curtailing the menace of cattle rearers ravaging parts of the country by constituting a high-powered security committee to control the movement of cattle in the state.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan disclosed this to newsmen after an expanded Security Council meeting, comprising principal officers of he State House of Assembly, heads of security agencies in the state, traditional rulers, council chairmen and religious leaders that held at the Government House Annex in Warri.

Uduaghan , who raised alarm about the influx of strange persons into the state, stated that while the State Government welcome genuine strangers, it would not fold its hands and allow the state to be overran by people with criminal intentions.

According to the Governor, the State Commissioner of Police is to head the task force with two members of the state assembly, two commissioners, representatives of security agencies, traditional rulers, council chairmen and the Northern Community as members, while the Office of the Secretary to the State Government is to serve as secretariat.

Uduaghan explained that the taskforce would among other things control the movement of cattles into and within the state with a view to nipping in the bud any attempt by herdsmen to cause a breach of the peace.

He added that the taskforce would also move into suspected locations, identify persons inhabiting such places and where it is established that the people are illegal immigrants, the immigration chief in the state would ensure they were evacuated.

The Governor explained that the measure was not to completely stop cattle rearing in the state, noting, ” they can come but their movement has to be controlled by the task force.If they are coming to stay peacefully we will allow them to stay.”

Governor Uduaghan observed that the state has had peculiar security challenge between cattle rearers and farmers, but added that the situation in recent times had taken a new dimension with the influx of herdsmen carrying arms which they have been using in terrorising farmers, snowballing into killing and raping of women.

He noted that the problem of cattle rearers was a national issue and that he was ready to work with the Federal Government, other governors and respected traditional rulers from the North in finding a lasting solution to the menace, “It is a challenge we are ready to face squarely,” he stressed.

Uduaghan urged chairman of transition committee to hold monthly expanded security council meetings that would involve traditional rulers as part of measures to deal with the problem.

He also implored traditional rulers to join hands with government in its bid to arrest the situation while challenging them to work out local solutions in their respective domains to complement government’s effort.

The Delta state government has denied in strong terms the billowing allegation issued by a militant group, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), that Ebikeme, son of Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark had colluded with the Delta State Police Command and the Delta State Government to orchestrate his kidnap to swindle the state of N500 million.

The recent allegation by MEND, through its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, has unsettled the Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration which boasts of finishing strong through its 3-point cardinal policies of Human Capital Development, Infrastructure Development and Peace and Security as well as its drive towards diversifying from oil as mainstay of the economy via the “Delta Beyond Oil” initiative.

Also recall that Ebikeme Clark, shortly after regaining his freedom from the kidnappers’ den had insisted that “No ransom was paid for my release”.

A government statement signed by Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, Secretary to Delta State Government (SSG) and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Tuesday, April 08, 2014 therefore reads:

“The attention of the Delta State Government has been drawn to a release by a group called MEND, alleging that the Delta State Government parted with the sum of N500m as ransom for the release of Mr. Ebikeme Clark, son of Chief E.K.Clark who was kidnapped and released a few days ago.

“In the said statement, it was also alleged that the kidnap was stage managed by Ebikeme Clark and the police to swindle the State Government of such an amount.

“The Delta State Government wishes to State categorically that it did not part with any money as ransom for the release of Mr. Ebikeme Clark. It is the policy of the Government not to pay or encourage the payment of ransom by families as this encourages more kidnappings.

“The state government has had previous cases of high profile kidnappings that the victims have been kept much longer than that of Ebikeme. The government did not pay any ransom. What then is so special about Mr. Ebikeme Clark that will make the State Government pay ransom?.

“Secondly the volume of money being mentioned, N500m makes the allegation very foolish for anyone who knows how government runs and the logistics of that volume of fund movement, considering the fact that there were only two working days during the period.

“From the statement by the so called MEND, it is obvious that they are out not just to blackmail the State Government but also Chief E.K.Clark and the amnesty program of the Federal Government.

“The Delta State Government wishes to advise the people of the Niger Delta especially those still hiding under the umbrella of MEND, that the tactics of blackmail, falsehood, rumour mongering and intimidation in the region are gone. The region is in a phase of infrastructure and human capital development catch up which will ultimately ensure peace in the region. Let all hands be on deck.”

The new Substantive Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon Justice Nnenna Chioma Otti has been sworn in along side Justice Innocent Ahunanaya Nwabughuogu and Justice Eleazar Onyekachi Enwereji who were appointed as judges of the Courts of Abia State respectively.

During the swearing in ceremony which held on Monday, April 07, 2014 at the Michael Okpara auditorium, the state governor, Chiet Theodore Orji said the appointments followed due processes, adding that “the legal and constitutional hurdles have been surmounted.”

He told the newly sworn in judges to abide by the oaths of their office by providing impartial, equitable and speedy dispensation of justice to all citizens, without any inhibitions, adding that their service is critical, hence it is tagged as the last hope of the common man.

The governor’s speech:

“It is my pleasure to be here today to swear-in the new Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon Justice Nnenna Chioma Otti, and two other judges of the courts of Abia State. We are taking these measures now to solidify and strengthen our judicial system for efficient and speedy dispensation of justice and for the preservation of peace, harmony and security of Abia State.

“You will recall that since the retirement of Hon Justice S.N. Imo, the former Chief Judge of Abia State on the 19th day of December, 2010, no substantive Chief Judge has been appointed for the State.

“Since then, we have appointed several Judges on Acting capacities to hold forth in the position of the Chief Judge of the State, – including the person we swear-in today as the Substantive Chief Judge of the State.

“During this period, I received a number of calls from our citizens, urging me to appoint a substantive Chief Judge of the State, as well as more Judges to the bench to fill the existing gap, so as to quicken the dispensation of justice in our State. I always assured everyone that there is a due process that we must follow in doing their behest, and that our Government respects the rule of law, not a government of impunity and the whims and caprices of the Governor.

“Just recently, and in line with the laid down principles and Articles of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, section 271, sub-section (1), the Abia State Judicial Service Commission nominated Justice Nnenna Chioma Otti to fill the substantive position of Chief Judge of the State.

“The National Judicial Council then considered that nomination – decided and recommended to the Governor of Abia State that Hon Justice Nnenna Chioma Otti is eminently qualified and proper to be appointed as Chief Judge of the State.

“Further in line with the demands of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I submitted Hon Justice Nnenna Otti’s recommendations to the House of Assembly of Abia State for confirmation, and received their endorsement. These are the rules and we have followed them to the letters.

“Now that all the legal and constitutional hurdles in the appointment of the substantive Chief Judge of Abia State, and the appointments of other two judges of the Courts of Abia State – have been surmounted, I have the privilege to now swear-in:
1. The new Substantive Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon Justice Nnenna Chioma Otti.
2. Hon Justice Innocent Ahunanaya Nwabughuogu, and
3. Hon Justice Eleazar Onyekachi Enwereji.

“It is my expectations and that of our citizens, to see these Judges abiding by the oaths of their office and always seeking to provide impartial, equitable, dignified and speedy dispensation of justice to all citizens, without any inhibitions what-so-ever.

“Yours is a critical service tagged as the last hope of the common man. And you should not fail those that depend and trust so much on your integrity.

“I wish the Chief Judge of the State, and the two other Judges of the State we have sworn-in today, the very best as you serve. May God bless you and your families!”

DELTA State Police Command on Monday, April 07, 2014, paraded the suspected kidnappers of Chief E. K. Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme Clark at the state Police Headquarters in Asaba, the state capital, saying that a mouth-watering reward awaits any public-spirited person with useful information to nab fleeing suspects.

Delta Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, after the suspects were paraded, said Ebikeme was released on Saturday midnight after the captors had demanded for N50m ransom, which he insisted was not paid, corroborating Ebikeme’s claim that “No ransom was paid for my release”.

Clark Ebikeme, the kidnapped son of Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark , was kidnapped last week Wednesday, in his hometown Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State by masked gunmen operating through the local river in the community.

The Delta police boss has also expressed worry over the whereabouts of Timi, Abel, Ndamaw and Jacob, some members of the kidnap gang involved in the operation and now at large, saying their escape is “extremely dangerous” and poses security threat to the society.

“We want to re iterate that these gang members are extremely dangerous, ruthless schemers and blood tasty, hence we enjoin the good people of Delta State to as quickly as possible alert the police command through any of our distress call numbers: 08036684974, 08125273010 and 08075390753 or alert any of the security agencies in the state with any useful information that will lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects.

“Mouth watering rewards await any public-spirited individual that may come up with useful and genuine tips.

“We want to extend our gratitude to Ijaw youths and members of the family of the kidnapped victim.”

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who paraded the suspects on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (CP), said the mastermind of the kidnap was Joshua Ogofa, one of the suspects presently under police custody.

According to her, Joshua Ogofa, a native of Kalafigbene in Bomadi council, had provided the AK-47 rifle used for the operation while other held gang members, David Emevor, a native of Kiagbodo allegedly plotted the kidnapping scheme as an insider, Bosin Kevwe, a native of Aladja, allegedly provided the Audi 80 saloon car used for the operation, Sylvester Dio, a native of Isaba in Ogbe Ijaw, Warri South West council provided the speed boat, Pius Arhavwaren, a native of Olota in Ughelli South council, provided the motorcycles and aided by Prince Meslore, a native of Esama in Bomadi council.

Ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo is said to have facilitated the early release of Clark’s son, Ebikeme, by the kidnappers.

Speaking on his eventual release by his captors, Ebikeme confirmed that he regained his freedom through the direct intervention of Tompolo.

Ebikeme, who said he was in the custody of the kidnappers in the creeks of Bayelsa State, confirmed that no ransom was paid for his freedom. “As a matter of fact, Chief Tompolo ordered that I should be released unconditionally and they just complied. Tompolo ordered them (abductors) to release me in their own interest. He ordered them to free me and one Chief Boro Opudu. I was freed at about midnight or shortly after midnight.

“No ransom was paid for my release. I think they eventually freed us without asking for any money because they have people they listen to or they could be tracked down and eliminated. Perhaps, they were afraid of losing their lives but I thank Almighty God and everyone that ensured that I was freed.”

“All I know is that they have people in the community aiding them to keep people. You eat whatever you are given… And you don’t expect it to be good enough, especially under the circumstances. I was taken to a community somewhere around Bayelsa State.”

Blank NEWS Online can reveal that Aero Contractors, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, begins scheduled flights at Asaba Airport today, Monday, April 7, 2014 with Lagos and Abuja as the initial routes.

This brings to three the number of airlines operating flights from Asaba as Overland and Arik had been on the route since the airport opened for commercial services on July 13 2011.

According to the flight schedule issued by Aero, daily operations into Asaba begin from Abuja at 10.10 am and depart for Lagos at 11.45am. The return flight from Lagos departs for Asaba at 14.45 pm while the Abuja flight leaves at 16.20pm.

The entrance of Aero reinforces the status of Asaba Airport as one of the busiest and most viable in the country.

After commencing commercial flight operations on July 13, 2011, Asaba Airport has handled 6,331 flights and 192,651 passengers at the end of October 2013.

This is aside from the 18 flights and 63 passengers handled before commercial flights began, bringing total operational results to 6,349 flights and 192,714 passengers.

Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information, speaking on the entrance of Aero into Asaba, said the dream of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, governor of Delta State, of building a hub in Asaba is on track to coming to fruition.

“It is still early days in terms of the number of airlines and the destinations being services. More routes will be opened as more airlines join the Asaba operations. More importantly, this development underscores the state of navigational facilities at the airport as being world class. The equipment installed the airport underwent rigorous screening and evaluation from all the relevant safety agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, National Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies”, Ogeah stated.

He said equipment for night flights are being acquired ahead of the commencement of operations at the cargo section of the airport.

According to him, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Mr. Pius Mordi, direct flights to Europe and other parts of the world for the export of goods are expected to begin from Asaba in the near future.

The Ward Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, 5th April, 2014 in Rivers State has been rescheduled till Monday (April 7) in keeping with directives from the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ward Congress was put off till Monday to enable us adhere strictly to the congress programme sent by Abuja. Today is stakeholders day and for the collection of forms. Tomorrow is for the return of forms and screening of candidates. Monday is congress proper for the election of party officers at the ward level. This postponement is not restricted to Rivers State but is national,” Rivers State APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.

He said the clarification had become necessary in a bid to reassure party members and all Nigerians in view of the rumours being spread by mischievous politicians in Rivers PDP who are trying to create the impression that the congress could not hold because of some imaginary problems in the State APC.

“To the contrary, all is well with our great party and every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a successful Ward Congress,” Dr. Ikanya said.

He disclosed that the party leadership is looking into issues by some members of the Legacy group of APC Rivers regarding arrangements for the congress even though the Harmonised Team spent days to ensure that everyone was carried along in the efforts to ensure a free and fair congress.

“As a matter of fact, the State APC Leader, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is currently meeting with the Legacy members to address whatever their problems are once and for all. I wish to assure the good people of Rivers State that as the party that will form the next Government, we are doing everything humanly to ensure that only quality candidates are elected into the party’s Ward EXCO,” the State Interim Chairman stated.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former National Spokesman of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) , Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, escaped death by the whiskers when the tyre of his Jeep suddenly burst, causing the vehicle to somersault three times, ending up in the bush.

The accident happened on Saturday, April 05, 2014, along Ishiagu express road as Chief Eze, presently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was travelling from his base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to see his family in his village in Ebonyi State.

“I would have been dead if not for God’s mercy and protection,” Chief Eze told NF-Reports today. “The incident happened on the highway and by the time my driver and I knew what was happening, the Jeep was somersaulting in the bush – three times according to an eyewitness. How we came out unhurt is still a mystery,” he added.

The popular media consultant explained that he started feeling dizzy and pains in his neck later in the day, following which he was rushed to a nearby hospital at Enugu for medical attention.

“The doctor directed that I be X-rayed to know if I have fractured my neck but I am responding to treatment,” Chief Eze said, adding: “Please tell Nigerians to help me thank Baba God for demonstrating His powers once again in my life.”

It is important to note that the accident happened two days to a scheduled event in Port Harcourt at which Chief Eze is to be honoured by the Rivers State branch of the apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze.

Informing him of the decision to honour him, Chief (Barr.) Obinna Johnkennedy Chukwu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State, said in a message: “Chief Eze, at our executive meeting of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo held on Wednesday and yesterday we resolved to give you a Certificate of Commendation on Sunday 6/04/14, for being a worthy ambassador of Ndi Igbo in Rivers State and for your dogged effort at championing Igbo and Non-indigene’s cause. Congratulations!”

The honouree, who is yet to be discharged from the hospital, has nominated an ally to represent him and receive the award on his behalf.