The respite and indignation that greeted the recent report of President Goodluck Jonathan’s grant of amnesty to the unrepentant Islamist sect, Boko Haram, has taken a new dimension as the President and Commander In Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces denies ever issuing such Democracy Day gift.

Instead, the Presidency has blamed Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna for making the statement that the presidency is ready to grant amnesty to the insurgents, who recently invaded Chibok and abducted over 200 school girls in their search for “heavenly virgins”.

Recall that the Minister had on Thursday stated that the President has granted amnesty to the sect members who are willing to embrace peace by dropping their arms and ammunitions.

But Preident Jonathan, speaking through his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, on Saturday, dismissed Haruna’s claim.

Fielding questions from State House correspondents, Abati, insisted the President never used the word ‘amnesty’ in his speeches either in the Democracy Day broadcast or at the International Conference Centre where the Minister spoke.

When asked about the amnesty offer, Abati said he wouldn’t want to say anything about that, preferring to align himself only with the President’s broadcast.

He said, “Let me refer you to the speech by the President. If you read the speech line by line, you will see that it contains the very message that the President wanted to put across and in that speech if you look at it I don’t think the President used amnesty.

“Instead, he spoke about those who are willing to renounce terrorism, those who are willing to embrace peace, opportunities have been created for them through the fact-finding committee, through the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolutions of Conflict in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.”

It could be also recalled that President Jonathan in his May 29 broadcast said: “For our citizens who have joined hands with Al Qaeda and international terrorists in the misguided belief that violence can possibly solve their problems, our doors remain open to them for dialogue and reconciliation, if they renounce terrorism and embrace peace.”

Without sounding immodest Abia State has become reference point for good governance since the advent of the present democratic dispensation in Nigeria. For the people of Abia State there is every reason to feel good for getting the benefits of the government of the people by the people and for the people. It is evidently clear that Democracy is working in Abia under the leadership of the well-focused administration of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji. The dictates of the present mood of the nation do not permit us to roll out the drums as in previous years to celebrate Democracy Day but we still have to count our blessings as the Ochendo administration enters its last lap.

During the last edition of Democracy Day, Governor Orji pledged to continue with the implementation of his legacy projects aimed at laying a solid foundation for the economic growth of Abia. He has not deviated from the straight course of development which he has been following. Indeed, he has kept his words. In the last 12 months since he made that solemn promise, the wheel of development has increased in speed leading to the completion of landmark infrastructural projects in the state.

The relocation of Umuahia Main Market is now a reality after 78 years of prevarications by past governments including the colonial administration. In place of the old market, the Umuahia Modern Market at Ubani Ibeku, is now a beehive of business activities. The market with over 7, 000 shops is purpose built with facilities such as motor parks, banks, fire service, adequate water supply, good network of internal roads, among others. Even before the completion of Umuahia Modern Market, the new Industrial Market had taken off at Ahiaeke Ndume in place of the old Timber Market, which was contributing to congest the capital city. These two modern markets have become reference points in expansion of commerce and job creation.
In the last one year Ochendo has added more health facilities to the ones he had already built. Dialysis Centre and Eye centre have been added to the ultra modern Specialist Hospital thereby creating a full medical complex where citizens can receive quality medical service of intentional standard. It has always been the dream of Ochendo to make available in Abia State the same medical facilities that Nigerians seek in foreign lands in what has become a phenomenon of medical tourism. As he built the well equipped tertiary health facilities, Governor Orji is equally focused on transforming both the secondary and primary health care system to make quality health care services available to the people at the grassroots. The primary Health Centres have continued to increase in number as quality health care services is being taken to the doorsteps of Abia residents. At the last count the Primary health Centres have reached over 300 and still counting. Some of the 100-bed hospitals located in the three senatorial districts of the state have been completed and fully equipped while others are nearing completion.

It was this evidential transformation of the health sector that prompted the Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) to recognize Governor Orji and honour him with the award of Prime Ambassador of Health at the 37thAGM/Scientific Conference of NOA last July. This group of specialized health practitioners was so much impressed with Ochendo’s achievements in the health sector hence they conferred the award on him to fully capture his “contribution in providing phenomenal leadership for the advancement of health care.”

Over the last one year of democracy Day celebration Abians must also count their blessings for what their governor, who presides over a knowledge-driven administration, has done in the education sector. The primary and secondary school system have witnessed massive transformation with the hitherto dilapidated classroom blocks giving way to modern facilities conducive for teaching and learning. The model schools springing up across the state are designed to lay a solid foundation for the education of Abia children. It is the belief of Ochendo that if we get it right at the first two level of education the problem of falling standard of education would be taken care of.

As part of his pace setting accomplishments Governor Orji has given Abia State a befitting secretariat complex. The two blocks of four storey edifices are now standing majestically in their beautiful splendor at Ogurube Layout. It is noteworthy that the secretariat complex is coming 22 years after the creation of Abia as past governors both military and civilian never saw the need to give Abia a much needed secretariat. That was why state ministries were accommodated in makeshift structures at different locations in the state capital. But today most of the ministries have moved into the ultra modern secretariat tastefully furnished to inspire high level productivity. The organized labour profusely commended Ochendo during the 2014 May Day celebration for providing conducive environment for workers. This infrastructural development has also robbed off on the state broadcasting media as a modern 48 office complex is now occupied by the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA).

Road infrastructure has continued to receive adequate attention in the development agenda of the Ochendo administration. Hence several road projects have been completed since the last Democracy Day. These roads, both urban and rural, contribute to the growth of commerce and boosting of agricultural activities in the state. The emphasis on rural roads is predicated on the need to boost the ongoing transformation of the agriculture sector as farm produce must be evacuated from the rural areas to markets in urban areas. Abia is now a major producer of cocoa and cassava due to the numerous incentives that Governor Orji has been providing to Abia farmers having keyed into the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) of the federal government.

There is no way one can enumerate the achievements of Governor T.A. Orji without making a reference to the prevailing peace and security in Abia State. Abians now take peace and security for granted after their governor fought very hard to overcome the security challenges that faced the state few years back. Abia was the butt of critics when the state was confronted with huge security challenges of armed robbery and kidnapping that culminated in the abduction of 15 school children on their way to school.

The Abia governor had confronted the challenge headlong and deployed every available resources to checkmate the evil doers. He not only ended the bazaar of the criminals but also took appropriate measures to tackle the root cause of the problem by implementing an unprecedented massive youth empowerment programme for Abia youths. Thousands of youths have been empowered and taken off the streets and crime. The Ochendo formula is now a reference point on how a chief executive of a state can fight crime and provide a peaceful and secure environment for citizens to live and carry out their daily activities without fear. Though he has won the war against insecurity Governor Orji has neither relaxed nor given criminals a breathing space. He has continued to sustain the peace dividends by providing the security agencies with the logistics and other incentives to make Abia residents sleep soundly with their two eyes closed. The youth empowerment programme is equally being sustained. The governor in his magnanimity has just reinstated into the Abia State civil service 2,700 non-indigenes who were among the workers back loaded to their home states in 2011.

The peace dividend in Abia is also reflected in the politics of God’s Own State as acrimonious politics of the past have gone for good. With his humility and good-natured love for peace Governor Orji was able to make peace among the political elites, who had been fighting themselves to the detriment of the state. There is no more dichotomy between the so-called Abuja politicians and home-based politicians as was the case before the present administration came on board. Abia politicians now speak with one voice and see the development of the state a common agenda that must be executed.

What has continued to confound Abians and observers of the development stride of the present administration is the pace Governor Orji has been tackling the infrastructure deficit he inherited. He actually hit the ground running immediately he liberated the state from the vicious grip of a godfather, who had turned Abia into a private property of his political dynasty. Since then things have been turning around for the good of Abia. And by the time the man fondly called Ochendo Global would leave office at the next Democracy Day Abia State would have climbed to the development pedestal the founding fathers and indeed the people of Abia have envisaged when the state was created. After all, the governor who has a mission to leave a legacy has assured that his primary concern now is to complete his legacy projects. That he has said would make him a fulfilled person and Abians would be happier for the Ochendo phenomenon.

*Ajunwa is Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor

President Goodluck Jonathan surprised Nigerians and members of the International Community who are avowed to moves to crush the Boko Haram Islamist terrorist sect by granting them amnesty on Thursday, May 29, 2014 as part of his Democracy Day largesse.

President Jonathan, who made the declaration at a special event organised to mark the 2014 Democracy Day at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, noted that terrorists couldn’t have succeeded without the support of the local people, adding that the fight against terrorism is a collective one.

While enjoining those who are respected by the leadership of the Boko Haram to talk to them to embrace peace in the interest of the nation.

“Terror succeeds with local support. It will be difficult for terror to thrive where people reject it. It is a major challenge to all of us.

“Military alone cannot stop terror or any radicalism. Terrorists have people they respect, they have community, traditional and opinion leaders they respect. All of us can de-radicalise them.

“We will through persuasive activities encourage people to shun violence,” Jonathan said.

The President who acknowledged the power of the youths, saying they constitute about 60 percent of the electorates, assured the youths that his administration would continue to support them to realise their dreams as well as play important roles in government.

The Minister of Youth Development, Boni Haruna, had earlier announced the gift at a special event which was attended by the First Lady, Patience, Vice President Namadi Sambo, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, former Head of the Interim Government, Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and Gen. Oladipo Diya among others.

The event which led to the granting of amnesty to the faceless insurgents who have killed and maimed several thousands of innocent Nigerians, especially Christians was tagged ‘A Day With Young Leaders of Nigeria’.

The Youth Minister who urged the sect members to key into the amnesty programme, assured the insurgents that several programmes would be lined up to fully reintegrate the members into the society, just as he eplained that similar gesture to the Niger Delta militants has been largely successful with over 30, 000 beneficiaries so far.

He therefore, urged them to embrace peace and surrender their arms and ammunition, declaring that “President Goodluck Jonathan has also declared amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect.

“Series of integration programmes have been lined up for the members of the sect who would surrender their arms and embrace peace.

“Let me use this opportunity on behalf of the Federal Government, to call on the members of the Boko Haram sect to embrace the government’s gesture and key to amnesty programme,” the Minister said.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has cautioned leaders in the country to stop the “blame game” but take full responsibility and play active roles in the battle against terrorism.

Governor Uduaghan spoke on Thursday at the 2014 Democracy Day celebration which was marked with solemn inter-denominational church service in Asaba, where prayers were offered for the peace, unity of the country, and release of the abducted female students of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State.

Dr Uduaghan who took a swipe at those who claimed that sponsors and members of the dreaded terrorists group, Boko Haram was faceless, said it was “impossible for someone not to know who knew someone who knew members of the Boko Haram sect.”

The Governor whose speech was laced with his personal efforts towards ensuring that aggrieved militants sheath their swords in Delta State asserted, “we all have to be involved to solve the problem of Boko Haram, leaders have to take responsibility at the national and state levels rather than pass the buck.”

“Leadership comes with responsibility, decision making and engagement with the people. There are leaders in those areas (northern part of Nigeria), yet, we hear people say, we do not know them (Boko Haram) or we cannot engage them.

“I want to appeal to every Nigerian, especially our brothers and sisters who are from the northern part of the country to take responsibility, we cannot say we don’t know somebody who knew somebody who knew them (members of Boko Haram), and these people are not faceless” the Governor said.

He urged every leader in the country especially those in the northern part of the country to be personally involved in seeking lasting solution to the Boko Haram menace, observing: “We cannot stay in the country and allow some people to overrun the country and we are aloof.”

While assuring that his administration will continue to be proactive towards ensuring the peace and security of the people, the

Governor urged all political aspirants not to overheat the polity as they prepare for the 2015 general elections, stating that his administration was determined to midwife a violent-free transition to another administration.

Uduaghan reiterated that power belonged to God and that he had no influence over who would succeed him or win the governorship election, warning, “do not take a life because you want to attain political position.”

“Eight years is not as long as we imagine, so, if you must destroy because you cannot wait for eight years, you are not only destroying yourself but you are destroying the whole system,” he said, and called for prayers and cooperation of Deltans as his administration winds down on its activities.

Delivering a sermon with the theme, “What the Lord started through you must be completed,” Revd. Fr. Mario Dibie said in life, one was confronted by eight oppositions, which included: spiritual, ancestral, marital, financial, social, psychological, academic and physical but all could be surmounted when he/she returned to God, exercise faith in Him and allow the Spirit of God to envelop him.

Prayers were offered for President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Nigeria, Delta State, the South South region and for the release of the abducted Chibok girls.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged political parties to partner with government to ensure accelerated development in the country.

Governor Uduaghan, who stated this in Asaba Wednesday night, when he hosted leaders of political parties in the state to a dinner party as part of the Democracy Day celebration, said that opposition parties should partners with government in identifying developmental needs of the people and meeting those needs.

“Political parties are the symbol of democracy, they are meant to draw the attention of government to what is needed by the masses, what needs to be done and what is involved. In Delta State, we encourage the political parties to partner with us to develop the state.

“The state belong to all of us regardless of party affiliation, let us treat the state as one body and ensure its development”, Governor Uduaghan noted.

While commending political parties in the state for their cooperation and unity, the governor appealed to those who believe in pulling down government in the name of being in opposition parties to have a rethink as they were only destroying the hard won democracy in the country.

“If the opposition embark on destroying government in the name of politics, they need to have a rethink as they are only destroying democracy, remember that there cannot be political parties without democracy.”

He also urged all Deltans to support the government’s policies, programmes and activities that affect the mass of the people directly.

“Those little things that we take for granted like water, health, education are the basic needs of the ordinary masses, we need to pay attention to these needs, to meet these basic social needs, so that they can take care of themselves and become less problem to the society.

“I want to call on all to treat everything that affects the poor with all their heart. If you are involved in free health, free maternal care, free education, free transport schemes, put in your best to ensure that they succeed”.

Governor Uduaghan however called for prayers for peace, unity and security in the country especially for the release of the abducted girls of the Government Secondary School, Chibok, observing that the president and his security team were tackling the present security challenges facing the country.

Earlier in his remarks, Pastor David Ashikodi, Chairman, Accord Party, Delta State and Representative of the political parties, called for responsible opposition that would partner government to develop the country, noting that the opposition parties should act in the interest of the masses and ensure that infrastructural projects that would benefit the masses were implemented.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-party Relations, Mr. Taju Sumonu Isichei, had explained that the dinner party was put together to felicitate with leaders of the political parties in the state as part of the Democracy Day celebration. He called on the parties to always play by the rules of the game.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged the people of Niger Delta to be vigilant against pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves as such persons portend danger to their environment.

Besides, he said that the state Government was in support of those calling for the establishment of modular refineries across the Niger Delta region in place of the illegal ones being destroyed as part of the measures to get the youths gainfully employed among other benefits.

Speaking when the new Commander in charge of the Joint Task Force code-named Operation Polo Shield, Major-General Emmanuel Atewe paid him a courtesy visit, Wednesday (28/05/14) in Asaba, Dr Uduaghan said it was important for the people of Niger Delta to guard against pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft because such dangerous activities destroy the environment.

According to him, it was also important for them not to engage in such nefarious activities observing that oil spillage degrades the environment for a long period of time.

“Crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism are not just economic loss, they are also, environmental challenges because if the oil finishes tomorrow, the damage to the environment continues and it will take years to clean,” the Governor said.

He added: “Our people, the people of Niger Delta should understand the damage involved in pipeline vandalism on the environment; we appeal to them not to get involved in crude oil theft as it affects our own people and the environment, we should all be involved in protecting the environment.”

Governor Uduaghan disclosed that his administration is partnering the United Nations to carry out initial assessment on the level of damage to the environment by oil exploration activities, adding that it was important to ascertain the level of damage to enable the state seek assistance both nationally and internationally to clean the environment.

On what his administration was doing to encourage the people not to go into crude oil theft, Dr Uduaghan said through the Delta Beyond Oil initiative, Deltans are being encouraged to be involved non-oil economic activities like agriculture, tourism, among others, stating that the Government has approved plans for the state to have Modular Refineries.

He disclosed that the Delta State Oil Producing Communities Development Committee (DESOPADEC) has identified communities where the Modular Refineries are to be sited.

While congratulating Major-General Atewe on his appointment as the Commander, JTF, the Governor lauded President Goodluck Jonathan’s commitment towards checking crude oil theft.

He assured the JTF of necessary assistance from the state and national committee on crude oil theft to enable them carry out their mandate.

Earlier, Major-General Atewe thanked the Governor for his interest and commitment towards providing assistance for the JTF to carry out its functions disclosing that from March, this year, more than twenty vessels have been arrested for engaging in crude oil theft with some of them charged to court.

“We have zero tolerance on oil theft, the President is determined that the battle must be won” the Commander said, but observed that the Nigeria legal system was very weak in terms of prosecuting oil thieves.

The Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, has cancelled all activities lined up for celebration of the 2014 Democracy Day in sympathy with the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State abducted by Boko Haram

A Government Special Announcement made available to Blank NEWS Online and signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Charles Ajunwa says the that the present mood of the nation calls for a sober reflection and not fanfare.

The statement dated Tuesday, May 27, 2014 reads:

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, has cancelled all activities lined up for celebration of the 2014 Democracy Day in sympathy with the over 200 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State abducted by Boko Haram.

“The Governor directs that all citizens and others resident in Abia should devote this year’s May 29, to prayers and fasting for the safe release of the Chibok school girls.

“The Governor says that the present mood of the nation calls for a sober moment and reflection to enable Nigerians find solutions to the many problems facing the country. ”

Meanwhile, in another development, Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has said that South East Nigeria Economic Commission (SENEC) is open to full participation of all Igbos even as he promised to use his powers to move SENEC forward.

Governor Orji who stated this when he received the chairman steering board of SENEC, Engr. Chris Okoye, in his office at Government House Umuahia, promised to invite Okoye to formally explain the importance of SENEC to his brother governors.

The Governor who is presently the Interim Chairman, based on his disposition as the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, said the gains of SENEC are enormous if taken to the limits noting that the only way to exercise their ownership is by subscribing to its shares when the time comes.

Earlier, Okoye had pledged to collaborate with the governors of the South East to move the zone forward economically.

But he requested for the formalization of His Excellency’s appointment of a Special Adviser and notarizing same to the executive council and the Abia House of Assembly so that other Governors will follow suite.

According to him, out of the five states four have signed the MOU and only two: Abia and Anambra have passed the SENEC bill in their state Assemblies.
The active involvement of the governors according to Okoye, will ensure the success and sustainability of SENEC.

He urged that the other states should pass the bill presently on the floors of their houses of Assembly in the interest of developing a sound economic foundation in Igbo land.

The SENEC chairman also requested His Excellency to urge his fellow governors to appoint their various representatives at the interim board, especially re-nominating some members whose tenures have elapsed due to change in government like Anambra State.

While he acknowledged that a temporary office is of utmost need, he was quick to add that the allocation of a strategically located land for a permanent complex in Enugu is necessary for a smooth take off.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the incessant attacks by the Boko Haram terrorists’ sect but continue to stand behind President Goodluck Jonathan and the various security agencies in their determination to defeat the insurgents.

Governor Uduaghan observed that despite the havoc the group was causing, it was not winning the war and cautioned against actions and utterances that tend to give encouragement and impetus to the terrorists.

Uduaghan spoke in Asaba on Tuesday at the 2014 Children’s Day Celebration, which was marked in Delta State with prayers for the peace of the nation and release of the students of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State. The theme of the celebration was “Unite for Peace in Nigeria; Unite for Children.”

According to the Governor, Nigerians should not have the impression that Boko Haram was recording victory, stating: “The terrorist group may be destroying things but they are not winning the war. President Goodluck Jonathan is doing everything possible to get those girls released unconditionally and unharmed and also to see to the end of Boko Haram activities in the country.

“I can assure you that the President is on top of the situation and with the help of God, these security challenges will come to an end.”

Explaining why the Children’s Day celebration was marked with fasting and prayers for the release of the Chibok Girls, Dr Uduaghan said, “Nigeria requires prayers, with prayers nothing is impossible before God.”

He noted that failure of parents to properly train and groom their children partly accounted for anti-social behaviour among the young ones and urged them to take upbringing of their children and wads with all seriousness.

The governor particularly pleaded with fathers to play more active roles in their children’s development and stop the trend of leaving the responsibility solely to mothers, adding that the former should take interest in visiting the schools their children attend and go through their school notebooks.

Governor Uduaghan who had an interactive session with the children advised them to desist from any temptation to join cult groups and other anti-social activities that could jeopardize their chances as future leaders of the country.

The children in their separate answers to the question of the Governor on what Boko Haram meant had described the group as ‘child kidnappers’, ‘terrorists trying to destroy Nigeria’, ‘bad people who are throwing bombs.’’

In the exhortation delivered by one of the school children, Ayeh Jennifer, she observed that the rapid growth and development of Nigeria in all spheres of life lay in the citizenry living in unity and peace among themselves.

Ayeh also admonished parents to imbibe strong morals and discipline in their children to make them better citizens of the country.

The children who piloted the affairs of the day offered prayers for the release of the Chibok school girls, peace in Nigeria, peace in Delta State, an end to anti-social behaviour among students as well as prayers for the leadership of the state and the nation.

Following the ruling of the Supreme Court on May 26, 2014, which threw out the case brought by Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru against incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Delta State Commissioner for Information, Barr, Chike Ogeah in his reaction says “the judgement has averted violence on our jurisprudence”.

A statement signed by Chike Ogeah Esq. and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Monday, May 26, 2014 reads:

“In its judgment today, May 26, 2014, on the suit brought by Chief Great Ogboru asking the Supreme Court to reverse itself on the already settled issue of the 2011 governorship election in Delta State, the learned justices threw out the case and ruled the suit amounted to gross abuse of court process. More remarkably, the learned justices awarded a cost of N2 million to each of the respondents to be paid for by the counsel to Chief Ogboru.

“By the judgment, the learned jurists of the apex court have once again affirmed its status as the custodian and protector of the rule of law and jurisprudence. Every legal practitioner and, indeed, diligent follower of the electoral process had known that the counsel to Chief Ogboru had embarked on a vain process which intention neither served the interest of the litigant nor the judiciary.

“The suit was intended to inflict violence on our jurisprudence and inflict great damage on the doctrine of “stare decisis”. The fact that the learned justices ruled that the counsel to Chief Ogboru should directly bear the cost of N2 million awarded to each of the respondents underscores the need for counsels to exercise caution in advising their clients.

“Even in the desire to maximize returns from clients that have entrusted their bid for justice to them, upholding the integrity of the judicial institution and protecting the interest of the clients must remain paramount.

“We commend the learned Justices of the Supreme Court for the enduring lessons passed to all legal practitioners by this landmark ruling that will to a great extent ensure responsible litigation and representation in all levels of Nigeria’s courts.”

Also speaking on behalf of the governor in Asaba on Monday, the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, said the case of the governor was like “God’s Case” over which there can be no appeal.

Macaulay said the case and other challenges posed to Uduaghan by his political opponents belonged to God ‎, who he said would deal with them accordingly.

He said Monday’s Supreme Court ruling was a vindication that no man can fight God. He said he hoped that Ogboru and Uduaghan’s perpetual opponents would have learnt a lesson from it and would allow the state to move forward.

“Our case has always been in the hands of God. And like we said, God’s Case has no appeal. That’s what the Supreme Court has affirmed today and we hope Ogboru and his people would have learnt a lesson and realised that it is time to allow the state to move forward‎,” he stated.

Recall that the Supreme Court had on Monday, May 26, 2014 struck out an appeal filed by Great Ogboru, the DPP candidate in the 2011 Delta State governorship election, challenging the victory of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

The 7-man panel of the apex court, led by Justice Walter Onoghene ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to decide on the validity of sections of the Constitution on which it based its judgment, saying that such an appeal should go to the High Court and not the apex court.

Represented by Professor Dickson Osula, Ogboru argued that section 258 of the constitution which enabled the court strike out his suit was not validly enacted.

The panel led by Justice Walter Onoghene, said that the suit amounts to a gross abuse of court processes and an affront to the entire judicial system and ruled that the aim of the suit was to cause judicial anarchy by persistently bringing a resolved matter before the court.

The court therefore awarded a cost of N2million to be paid to each of the respondents in the lawsuit, just as it also awarded N8miliion as cost against Dickson Osuala, counsel to Ogboru for what it termed an abuse of the process of the apex court.

These press statements made available to Blank NEWS Online were signed by the Delta state Commissioner of Police, IKECHUKWU ADUBA NPM, PSC (+) and the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP. CELESTINA KALU of the Delta state Police Command respectively.

Delta Police Declares NZEFILI NWADUKWE Wanted Over CORONATION OF ILLEGAL KING IN ABALA–OBODO COMMUNITY IN NDOKWA EAST L.G.A:  

Delta State Police Command took exception to the incident of 5th April, 2014, where one Nzefili Nwadukwe was illegally coronated as King against the existence of a Government recognised King. This illegal coronation is done in flagrant contravention of an existing law banning the creation of parallel monarchies in a community.

Nzefili Nwadukwe is by this publication declared wanted and will be hunted down to face the full wrath of the law.

Furthermore, this is to sound a note of warning to persons or group of persons intending to usurp a Government recognised monarchy in contravention of the law to have a change of mind and follow the due process of the law in pursuit of their ambitions. This is moreso, as the Command will not fold its arms to watch any person or group of persons attempting to truncate the relative peace we have so far achieved in the State as we will not hesitate to visit the full wrath of the law on such culprits, please.

ARREST OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS:

On 17/5/2014 at about 1100hrs, operatives of Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) Asaba had an encounter with suspected kidnappers operating in a Toyota Camry car with Reg. No. AA123BT between Utulu-junction and Ubulu Okiti along Benin/Asaba express way. In the process, the Camry tyres were punctured; it veered off the road and stuck in the bush while the hoodlums fled into the bush with bullet wounds. Natives and vigilante men in the area were contacted to watch out for the wounded hoodlums.

In furtherance of the search for the hoodlums, on 20/5/2014 a combined team of policemen and vigilante recovered one FNC rifle with two Magazines and thirty-nine (39) rounds of live ammunition apparently abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers in the bush at Ubulu-Okiti.

The Camry car used by the culprits with blood stains has been recovered. The gang is said to have previously attacked one Apostle Moses Gradure ‘m’ and it is believed that the gang was also responsible for the kidnap of a Cuban national, one Ernesto Mendez in March, 2014. The victim is yet to be seen.

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

RECOVERY OF SNATCHED VEHICLE:

Also on 12/5/2014 at about 01:00hrs, Special Anti-Robbery Squard (SARS) patrol team Asaba, acting on information from the control room, state Headquarters Asaba pursued a gang of armed robbers who snatched a Toyota Corolla car, with Reg. No. ASB373AE, ash in colour, belonging to one Augustine Eke ‘m’, to a point near Asaba Airport where the hoodlums were forced to abandon the vehicle after exchange of fire and escaped into the bush.

The snatched Toyota Corolla car was recovered while efforts are on to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

ARREST OF ROBBERY SUSPECT/RECOVERY OF FIREARM:

In another development, on 18/5/2014 at about 1240hrs, one Joel Oghali ‘m’ of Oroma quarters Ekuku-Agbor, the director of Micon Might filling station, Ogbagidi quarters Ekuku-Agbor  reported at the police station Agbor, that on the same date at about 0930hrs one Marvin Aliemeke ‘m’ of No. 102 Amos Victor street by Deeper Life road Boji-Boji Owa, Wilson ‘m’ surname and address yet unknown and one other young man who can be identified if seen, invaded his filling station with an unregistered Lifan CG 125 motorcycle, attacked his daughter, Nneka Oghali ‘f’ aged 18yrs on gun point and robbed her of N100,000.00 cash and six handsets belonging to various persons.

Based on the report, patrol team in synergy with vigilante men moved to the scene and arrested Mavin Aliemeke while others escaped.

Items recovered include two locally made single barrel guns. Meanwhile, case is under investigation while efforts are on to track down the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile investigation is on at conclusion suspect(s) will be charged to court while effort is still at top gear to arrest the rest of the fleeing hoodlums.

The warring factions of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Warri Depot yesterday resolved to work together in the interest of peace in Warri axis and progress of the association.

Rising from a peace parley convened in Asaba by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the factions disclosed that they have agreed to put their differences aside for peace to reign in the association.

Fielding questions at the end of the closed door meeting, the Vice Chairman of IPMAN Warri Depot, Comrade Benjamin Emoefe stated that all efforts towards consolidating on the peace within the association would be pursued with vigour by all members

“There is now peace in Warri Depot of IPMAN. We have resolved all issues amicably and we have promised to work together for the progress of the association”, Emoefe, leader of one of the factions stated.

On his part, the Chairman of IPMAN, Warri Depot Comrade Akpo Edafevwoture, leader of the second faction, said that the Governor has prevailed on them to “maintain peace and go back to work together in harmonious relationship”.

“The Governor wants to see us work together as we have been doing before the crisis”, Edafevwoture stated, adding: “issues of elections will be resolved in six months time”.

He said that members of the IPMAN have agreed to hold their elections on November 20, 2014 .

They commended Governor Uduaghan for intervening in the crisis and promised that they would give peace a chance and work together as a united association.

The State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Chike Ogeah who also fielded questions from journalists after the meeting, said members of the marketers association have agreed to sheath their swords and resolve their differences amicably.

According to Ogeah, the differences between the various factions of IPMAN in Warri Depot have been resolved and that members of the association have agreed to work amicably for the progress of members and in the interest of peace in the state and the country.

He cautioned that IPMAN members should desist from further actions that would cause a breach of peace in the state.

That every part of Nigeria can blossom and achieve a full employment economy is a vision that has been clear to me for a long time. The path to it has been, for me, the idea of zones of development which first took concrete form in my efforts 17 years ago to fashion a development unit out of the parts now generally in the South East and South- South Geopolitical zones of Nigeria. When recently I was invited to give a keynote address at a summit of South South- South East professionals I could not but recall my journey to a template for developing that economic area.

But I owed the development of my ideas on parts of the big picture to nuggets of wisdom in the work of other people. Principal in this area has been the idea of breaking Nigeria into zones of development for purposes of development planning, and the concept of economic development areas for the purpose of competitive exploitation of factor endowments of local economic units in global value chains.

I first encountered the concept of zones of development in Nigeria in the writing of a University of Lagos Economics teacher Anusionwu more than 20 years ago, before he left to work for the African Development Bank. The idea resonated with me immediately because it seemed a good way to get people to see the endowment of the nation and realize that every part of Nigeria was endowed enough to develop rapidly at the regional or sub national level.

The local development areas and value chain support concepts came to me from the Monitor Company who were leaders in competitiveness execution and had developed the concepts of growth drivers mapping of local economic units. This company that came out of the work of Harvard School Professors years ago had tried to enter Nigeria not long ago but has since gone through metamorphosis.

In 1996 after attending the Aspen Institute, France, Europe, – Africa summit, which had theme: Africa must produce or die, I began to look for structures that would support rapid production platforms for development.

Why, I asked, did we see the demise of the competition between the regions, in the 1950s and 60s,a phenomenon Howard Wolpe and Robert Melson at Michigan state described as Competitive Communalism ethnic nationality groupings competing to bring the most progress to its peoples. Three good examples of this competition come from the dawn of television broadcasting, the race for education, and the quest for industrialization.

With the west leading off in launching the first television station in Africa with the bragging pay ff: WNTV- first in Africa, Eastern Nigeria quickly followed with its own audacious call tune: ENBS.TV second to none. Free education in the west set the Eastern region racing in same direction but with wore limited cash. The answer would be a great formula that brought the state, the community and missionaries into a synergy partnership known as Ibuanyidanda. This enabled the East leapfrog a lag relative to the West. In the same way, on industrialization, the East reacted to the Ikeja Industrial estate with Aba and Port Harcourt and the Sarduana with the Kakuri, Kaduna, Textile hub, and Bompai in Kano.

This reinforced for me the idea of bottom up development in a Federal state in which the development thrust is significantly domiciled nearest to the people at the sub national government level.

I shared my thoughts on how to apply planning for rapid growth at the sub national level at a meeting of an Igbo Think Tank group, Aka Ikenga. I argued that just as the Province of Penang led the way in Malaysia’s ascendency, a region like the South East and South South could become the Rhine Valley of Africa. As I was Chairman of the Economic and finance committee of the group I was mandated to produce a blue print for the region. The product was called the Niger Basin Project. It constructed linkages between production hubs linked by rail and 12 lane turnpikes highways with connector grids. Hydrocarbon hubs in Port Harcourt, driven by crude oil, and around Warri, driven by Gas, were modeled. The western side, using Gas to power initiatives would supply most of the power, supplemented by clean burning coal from the extensive coal belt running through Enugu but Gas would drive both fertilizer production and Heavy industries’ parks dependent on cheap gas which would be made extremely cheap to trade off on taxes from power dependent industries to be located there; Nnewi would be an Industrial Centre for consumer goods and automobile parts just as Aba would be a hub for light manufacturing and fashion goods. Agriculture cities would be located in the North of Edo state, Ebonyi and CrossRiver.

With new bridges across the Niger making Asaba- Onitsha twin cities like Minneapolis-St Paul or Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas. It would be easy for Onitsha to grow in status as the retail hub for west and central Africa, expected at the time to be serviced by the Airport planned for Oba, a role now played by Asaba.

The Agriculture hubs of Edo, and Ebonyi and the palm oil and rubber belts running across the region and feeding industrial parks in Edo and Ebonyi with standard gauge rail links between the parks and supply routes were to provide form for infrastructure development and some areas in which global leadership would be sort by investing in human capital and competitiveness drivers.

I took this plan to the 1998 World Igbo Congress in London. That year, unfortunately was the year General Abdusalam Abubakar flagged off return to civil rule. Politician of all hues from the South East descended on the summit and aborted the core issue of development.

Ironically, many years after, the Governors of the South South decided to collaborate on regional economic development. In their wisdom they asked that I serve as chairman of the South South Economic Summit. It was a chance to revive the Niger Basin project. Once again, the triumph of politics has slowed down reaching the possibilities.

I continue to be persuaded that a regional development strategy based on value chains and competitiveness derived from becoming globally dominant around some factor endowment; supported by reforms on issues of values and national character will be what propels Nigeria into a global power house status.

* Patrick Okedinachi Utomi, a Nigerian professor of political economy and management expert, writes from Lagos, Nigeria

As Nigeria grapples with the challenge of winning the war against terror, the governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, has urged political leaders to always use their positions to unite the nation and join hands with the relevant authorities in defeating the enemies of the country.

Noting that the fact the international community is aiding the country to combat terror, especially that posed by the extremist Islamist group, Boko Haram, Uduaghan said leaders irrespective of political leaning should be statesman-like in their utterances and support the Federal Government in the war.

Uduaghan spoke through Chike Ogeah, Delta State Commissioner for Information in Lagos when the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) conferred on him the award of a “Positive Thinker” based on the transformational policies and programmes of his administration which have brought massive economic turnaround in the state.

He expressed dismay at the utterances of some political leaders on the country’s security challenges which bothered on playing politics with a serious national issue.

The governor commended the role of women in nation building noting that in all spheres of endeavour, they hold the hope for Nigeria’s resurgence as a major international player.

He particularly frowned at a situation where some persons are perceived as less important and some others arrogate to themselves the monopoly of wisdom, but called for synergy of effort for the common good of the nation.

He said his administration has taken deliberate measures, especially through the Delta Micro Credit Programme (DMCP) where over 111,000 people have been empowered to start up and nurture their business, for self reliance in the state in line with the Delta Beyond Oil initiative.

He noted that the programme which is being managed by Dr. Anthonia Ashiedu has won for the state numerous awards, especially that instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reward states’ initiative in aiding the growth of small businesses.

He pledged the readiness of Delta State to share its rewarding experience in promoting micro-credit with other states.

Speaking at the ceremony, the national president of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mohammed Garba, described Dr. Uduaghan as one of the governors whose policies and programmes have brought about manifest transformation in their states, saying that he deserved the award as well as the numerous others he has received. He described Governor Uduaghan as very focused and committed to the development of the state.

Present at the ceremony held at the weekend were Mr. Misan Ukubeyenji, Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture; Dr. Anthonia Ashiedu, Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Mrs. Orezi Esievo, Commissioner for Special Infrastructure.

This is the latest in the series of recognitions and awards for Dr. Uduaghan, especially from media practitioners and publishing houses in all parts of the country and beyond. Similar awards commending his efforts to develop the non-oil sector of Delta State’s economy had come from the Sun Group of newspapers, Leadership, Vanguard, Nigerian Pilot and Metro Eireann, Republic of Ireland’s leading and only multicultural newspaper.

The Nigeria -Turkey relations may soon be broken as facts made available to Blank NEWS Online indicate that Turkish Airlines and the Turkish intelligence service MIT may have been aiding islamist terrorists with massive supply of arms to wage war against Nigeria’s Federal Government and it’s Christian people.

This findings form part of the newest targets of tapes, leaked on the internet, with an audio recording allegedly showing a senior Turkish Airlines (THY) official asking about weapons deliveries to Nigeria during a telephone conversation.

A new recording has been leaked by the Başçalan Haramzadeler Youtube account, allegedly of a conversation between Mustafa Varank, the chief advisor to Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, and Turkish Airlines (THY) Executive Assistant Mehmet Karakaş on the issue of weapons deliveries to Nigeria using THY planes to transport the goods to the west African nation.

With Karakaş asking bluntly whether the weapons are “going to kill Muslims or Christians…,” and references made to Turkish intelligence service MİT chief Hakan Bey, this latest leak has caused outrage across the Turkish nation and could very well open the door to serious consequences should these allegations be proved true.

The translated conversation:

MK: Mustafa, salamu alaykum.
MV: Alaykum salam, brother.
MK: Mustafa, I brought up an issue with you, if you remember? About the question of transport…
MV: About that, we couldn’t meet with Mr Hakan, that’s why I didn’t get back to you.

MK: Come on, Mustafa.
MV: This is very urgent.
MK: We are transporting a lot of equipment, its going to Nigeria right now, OK? Is this going to kill Muslims or Christians…

MV: I’ve got it, brother.
MK: We are committing a sin, so you know.
MV: Alright. I will let you know in one or two days.
MK: God bless. And give them the contact number, too. Let them talk to him. OK?
MV: Alright. See you.

The Heads of State of Benin, Cameroon, Chad, France, Niger and Nigeria, as well as representatives of the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, participated on 17 May 2014 in a Summit in Paris dedicated to security in Nigeria. This Summit has helped intensify regional and international mobilization to combat the terrorism of the Boko Haram group.

The Summit concluded with several decisions that will strengthen cooperation between regional States, both to enable the liberation of the abducted school girls and more generally to combat Boko Haram. The partners present (the European Union, France, the United States and the United Kingdom) are committed to supporting this regional cooperation and strengthening the international means to combat Boko Haram and protect victims. All these States reaffirm their commitment to human rights and particularly the protection of girls who are victims of violence and forced marriage or threatened with slavery.

– Regional Cooperation

Nigeria and its neighbours will build analysis and response capabilities that will contribute to enhancing the security of all populations and the rule of law in the areas affected by Boko Haram’s terrorist acts.

To combat the Boko Haram threat, which has recently manifested itself through several murderous attacks and the abduction of more than 270 school girls, Nigeria and its neighbours have decided to immediately:

1. On a bilateral basis

– Implement coordinated patrols with the aim of combating Boko Haram and locating the missing school girls

– Establish a system to pool intelligence in order to support this operation

– Establish mechanisms for information exchange on trafficking of weapons and bolster measures to secure weapons stockpiles

– Establish mechanisms for border surveillance;

2. On a multilateral basis

– Establish an intelligence pooling unit

– Create a dedicated team to identify means of implementation and draw up, during a second phase, a regional counter-terrorism strategy in the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

This approach is consistent with the 2012 Summit of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. The United States, the United Kingdom, France and the European Union will coordinate their support for this regional cooperation through technical expertise, training programmes and support for border-area management programmes.

– Efforts at international level:

The participants commit to accelerating the implementation of international sanctions against Boko Haram, Ansaru and their main leaders, within the United Nations framework as a priority.

– Mobilization to support marginalized areas and their fragile populations, and particularly women exposed to violence

The P3 and the EU pledge to mobilize donors in support of programmes fostering the socio-economic development of the regions concerned, with particular emphasis on gender equality, the rights of women and girls and in particular their right to education, increasing women’s participation in all decision-making processes, and supporting victims of sexual violence, including through legal assistance, medical care and psychosocial support. The EU will dedicate a certain number of its programmes to these aspects and will strengthen its efforts to combat radicalization.

The participants agreed that the United Kingdom would host a follow-up meeting next month at Ministerial level to review progress on this action plan.

Courtesy: Blank NEWS Online/APO (African Press Organization). SOURCE: Présidence de la République française

It was a solemn atmosphere at Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, as scores of people, prayer intercessors and clergies from different denomination in Abia State gathered to seek God’s divine intervention for the release of the still missing Chibok abducted school children in Borno State and end to Boko Haram activities in the North Eastern part of the country.

The quiet and heart rendering gathering organized by the office of the wife of the governor in conjunction with the state branch of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), saw the many of the congregation clad in black attire to reflect their pensive mood wept bitterly as they prayed on the security challenges in the country and the possible fate of the abducted school girls.

They offered intercessory prayers to God seeking his intervention on the matter particularly the abducted school girls and other Boko Haram abductees, for peace and unity of the country particularly end to insurgency and blood spilling in the country, wisdom for the leaders and development of the Abia State.

Preaching a sermon, Deliverance from Captivity, the Abia State Chairman of CAN, Bishop Goddy Okafor, said that devil is behind those working against the unity this country.

Bishop Okafor who cited various bible passages to buttress the topic stated that the aim of the enemy was to hold the people captive so that they would not offer the sacrifice of praises unto God and put the people in condition of confinement so that they will not be able to allow light to shine.

The man of God stated that they gathered in Umuahia to seek the face of God through prayer for the release of the abducted girls by the Boko Haram sect. .

Pastors Emeka Awa, Silas Ike, Mrs Charity Ogbonna and Mrs Oluchi Abraham, expressed the hope that the prayers offered would draw down the powers of God in the country and ensured the release of the Chibok school girls and an end to activities of the Boko Haram.

They further commended the wife of the governor, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji for organizing the solemn assembly for residents of the state to seek the face of God over the security challenges in the country. They expressed the hope that just like the similar solemn assembly led by Mrs Orji in 2009 which led to the release of kidnapped school children in Aba and an end to kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state, the gathering would lead to freedom to the school girls and peace in the country.

The wife of the deputy governor, Lady Nene Ananaba had earlier read the Bible passage taken from Acts 12:1-11 during the prayer service.

In an attempt to create a free flow of information from the grassroots to the state government and an effective feedback system, Delta state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has commissioned complaints/information desks in the state local governments.

The desks, according to the Governor’s Special Adviser on Political Matters (Delta North), Omordi George Ugbomah, would aid his boss feel the pulse of the people about the impact of his administration and in a bid to finish strong next year, just as plans are underway to replicate the initiative in the three senatorial districts of the state.

Ugbomah said with the introduction of the two-way information process, the hitherto impression of the people at the grassroots level about government would change from viewing governance in the bad light to accepting to offer suggestions and information on how to attract water, roads, schools, hospitals, housing projects and other basic amenities to their communities.

Meanwhile, the Delta state Commissioner for Information, Chike Ogeah, who flagged-off the system in Asaba on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 on behalf of the state governor, said the desk would serve as a feedback mechanism, hence information is key to the growth and development of any state or nation but lack of it destroys the society.

He noted that aside the synergy it would provide between the people and government, “it will enhance democratic practice.”

“We need information as this point of our political life. It will enable us to know the areas where we need to work harder, to those to lead us and those who have no capacity to deliver. The responses you will get from thise initiative will make you to know that the government of His Excellency, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, is ready to work with you.”

Ogeah lauded the initiator to the project, describing it as not only apt but instructive for those who would not die for lack of knowledge.

In a goodwill message, the Governor’s Communication Manager, Paul Odili, was categorical that the initiative would not only reduce rumour mongering and criminal activities in the state, but will serve as another means of inter/intra ethnic dispute resolution.

While receiving the desks, the local government council bosses said they would put the facilities to good use and further enlighten the people at the grassroots on how to make their inputs in governance and to the well being of all Deltans.

President Goodluck Jonathan’s letter of request to the National Assembly, seeking an approval to extend the proclamation of the state of emergency for another 6 months in the three terrorist infested north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe may have suffered a setback as Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State and a pocket of Northern Senators insist on frustrating his appeal for extension.

Jonathan had in the letter to the Senate and House of Representatives respectively on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, expressed the need for the extension due to the incessant terrorists’ insurgency in the affected states, which has caused deliberate security uncertainty.

Relying on relevant Section of the Nigerian Constitution as amended, the President in the letter dated May 2, 2014 said, “By virtue of the provisions of Section 305 (6) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the proclamation aforementioned would have elapsed after six months from the date of approval of the National Assembly.

“However, while substantial progress had been made to contain the situation and restore normalcy in the affected states, the security situation that necessitated the proclamation of a state of emergency was yet to abate.

“The security situation in the three states remains daunting, albeit to varying degrees, in the face of persistent attacks by members of the Boko Haram sect on civilian and military targets with alarming casualty rates.

“In view of the forgoing, I most respectfully request distinguished Senators to consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the proclamation of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the current term.

“The security situation in the three states remains daunting, albeit to varying degrees, in the face of persistent attacks by members of the Boko Haram sects on civilian and military targets with alarming casualty rates.

“In view of the foregoing, I most respectfully request the House to consider and approve by resolution, the extension of the Proclamation of the State of Emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States by a further term of six months from the date of expiration of the current term.”

The President’s letter to the Senate was read by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu who presided over the plenary, while that of the House of Representatives was read by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal who directed the committee on rules and business to bring the matter to the floor for today, Wednesday, May 14, 2014 for deliberations.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State opposed the move by President Goodluck Jonathan to further extend the state of emergency currently in force in his state and two others in the North-East.

Reactions:

Reacting to the request, Governor Nyako, who spoke through his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Ahmed Sajoh said: “We still hold our position that there was no need to declare a state of emergency in Adamawa in the first place, because the level of attacks in the state has even increased with the imposition of emergency rule.

“As far as we are concerned, the state of emergency has not changed anything and we advise the government to adopt a new approach in tackling the insurgency rather than the business as usual tactics that do not add up.”

Senator Mohammed Ndume (APC, Borno South) said: “We are not in support of extending it because it has not served the purpose for which it was declared one year ago.

“The President asked for powers to enable him tackle the security challenges in the three states, but unfortunately instead of improving in the first six months, things got bad.

“After the second extension, which the President specially said he needed to finish up the war against the insurgents, again things got worse.

“More people were killed and displaced and the insurgents grew stronger.

“So we begin to wonder if they are asking for the extension so that the things will get worse. I think it is time to re-evaluate the whole thing and come up with a better alternative approach.

“We must emphasise on deployment of more troops in the implementation of provisions of Section 14(2b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of the citizen shall be the primary purpose of government instead of Section 305. Deployment of troops does not necessarily require state of emergency.”

Senator Ahmed Zanna (PDP, Borno Central) said: “I vehemently oppose the extension. There is no need for it because even without an emergency they can deploy troops and operate. We have given them one good year and two chances and they refused to do anything.

“There is no emergency in the troubled areas in the last one year. Except if there’s a political undertone, it should not be extended.”

Senator Ahmed Lawan representing Yobe North said: “The state of emergency had been operated for 12 months now and will end on the May 19. I think that should be the end. That is not to say that the military operation in the North-East should cease.

“Instead, Federal Government should deploy more military personnel and modern equipment to the affected states.

“What is crucial, essential and imperative, is not the state of emergency but the enablement of the military, especially those in the battle front, to have state-of-the-art technology and weapons.

“They should be motivated so that we can have results. The government does not need to declare another state of emergency before they continue. They are already there.

“The obsolete arms and ammunition should be withdrawn from them and be replaced with modern ones.

“The National Assembly has always expressed willingness to support further funding for the military operation.

“The Senate President, David Mark, who spoke on our behalf last week, told President Goodluck Jonathan that the senate was prepared to approve supplementary budget to further equip the military and boost the morale of the soldiers.

“Therefore, I am completely opposed to the extension of the state of emergency in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, but I support further funding for the military operation in the area.”

The Committee on Political Restructuring and Forms of Government at the ongoing National Conference, has adopted a rotational principle for presidency and governorship positions in Nigeria.

The committee, through a majority vote, on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 agreed that the rotational principle should be operative among the existing geo-political zones and senatorial districts respectively and should be enshrined in the Electoral Act and in the constitution of political parties in the country.

While backing rotational principle, Senator Femi Okurounmu, a delegate from the South-West who also chaired the Presidential Advisory Committee on the conference said that the system would give every zone the opportunity to produce president, adding that the new principle should be embedded in the Electoral Act and in the constitutions of the various political parties.

Another member of the committee representing Federal Government, Senator Nimi Amange, said: “If we want zoning, we should zone the presidency to all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria so that all of them will enjoy the presidency.”

Dr. Philips Salawu, former deputy governor of Kogi State proposed that the system should be practiced at the centre, states and local government levels. “The presidency should alternate between North and South among the six geo political zones. It should also be included in the constitution. If you can entrench it in the constitution, the quest for state creation would not be necessary.”

Speaking also, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu (South-East) said that “it should be based on geo-political zones since it has been used to determine our sharing formula.”

As for General Jonathan Temlong (Federal Government), “It has to be institutionalized. We also ask the parties to include zoning in their constitutions as it affects all levels of government. It should be given legal backing and entrenched in the electoral law.”

Senator Ladan (North-West) said that rotation should be left to the parties and should not be a constitutional issue because “it will create a very serious problem if included in the constitution. A leader must be elected on the basis of acceptability.”

For Mr. Yinka Odumakin (South-West), “there is no part of the country that cannot have a qualified person. The office should rotate among the zones in the country.”

Also, Professor Anya O. Anya (Federal Government delegate) said that it was proper to locate the matter in the Electoral Law and the constitution of political parties, asserting that “You cannot divorce the rotational principle from the structure.”

As a result of the recent controversy and bickering which trailed the naming of a road in Asaba, Delta state capital, after the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the state government has put the records straight in a bid to halt further misunderstanding and misinformation.

A statement signed by Chike Ogeah Esq., the state Commissioner for Information and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 reads:

“Recently, the chairman of the Transition Committee of Oshimili South Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Olarenwaju, named what used to be variously called Summit Road, Anwai Road or Illah Road after His Excellency, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, Governor of Delta State.

However, this gesture from the Council seems to have been misunderstood by some people. It has, therefore, become imperative for the issue to be explained.

1. In naming the road Emmanuel Uduaghan Way, Monu-Olarenwaju was exercising the powers of a local council which has the statutory responsibility of naming and managing streets and roads in urban areas.

2. The road had no official name prior to the action by the management of Oshimili South Local Government Area (OSLGA) hence it was variously called Summit Road, Anwai Road or Illah Road.

3. The name, Emmanuel Uduaghan Way, is therefore, the first official name for the road.

4. In taking its decision, the OSLGA acted independently based on their conviction that the Governor fully merited the honour as they are witnesses to the huge transformation Asaba, the state capital, experienced under his watch.

5. It is generally acknowledged that when honour is to be bestowed on anybody, the project or monument to be named after him or her is not necessarily one executed or built by the person to be honoured. In the case of Emmanuel Uduaghan Way, it was entirely down to the decision of the management of OSLGA on which road to name after the governor.

6. The decision of OSLGA management team to name the road after Dr. Uduaghan has been widely applauded by the people of the local government and, indeed, the entire Deltans who feel highly indebted to the governor for uplifting the status of Asaba.”

Signed

CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq
Honourable Commissioner for Information

Warri Wolves Football Club received a boost during the week when attacking midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu returned from a long span injury he sustained in Bizerte, Tunisia in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup and will be available for selection against Lobi Stars on today, Wednesday in Katsina Ala.

Ibenegbu popularly known as “mosquito” will thus feature for the first time for the Warri based team in the domestic league and this will help the team in no small way as they look forward to consolidate their position in the league.

Speaking before the team travelled to Katsina Ala on Monday, Ibenegbu who is a member of the national beach soccer team expressed his joy that he is back to action to help his team.

The former Heartland midfielder who switched to Warri Wolves at the beginning of the season said he is also happy because Warri Wolves will play host to Heartland on Sunday at the Warri City Stadium.

“I am happy to be back to play in the league. Football is what I know and to be on the side line nursing injury is something one cannot stand but I thank God that I am back to help my team. I am also aware that we are playing Heartland on Sunday and for me, it is going to be an interesting match. I spent quite some time with that team and to play against them will be fantastic. ”

Ibenegbu also commended his team mates for doing a good work, presently, occupying the fourth place in the Globacom league with 17 points and believed the team can do more.

” I am happy that they were able to get where they are in the league. They have done well and I know we can still do more. If the Coach picks me, I will do my best to lift the team”, said Ibenegbu.

In recognition of his development strides in providing critical infrastructure, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, CON, governor of Delta State, has been honoured as Governor of the Year 2013 by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

A statement signed by Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu, chairman and Uchechukwu Akinobi, secretary, of NAWOJ, Lagos State chapter, said the award is for Uduaghan’s outstanding accomplishment in tackling the multi-faceted problems of development in Delta State as well as his commitment to alleviating the plight of the ordinary people.

“After a painstaking and critical appraisal of all the state governors and the impact of their programmes on the citizenry, we are happy to inform the general public that Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has been selected as NAWOJ Governor of the Year.

The association praised Governor Uduaghan for the infrastructural development in the state and the diversification of the state’s economy through the Delta Beyond Oil initiative.

It also identified the health system, transportation, scholarship scheme for students, micro- credit scheme that has affected the lives of people in the state, youth empowerment scheme and public viewing centres as areas that set Governor Uduaghan apart as a leader of vision.

“His accomplishments since he came to power have given succour to the ordinary people and hope to millions”, the statement said.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja ahead of NAWOJ’s delegates’ conference that begins the following day, a press release signed by CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq., Delta state Commissioner for Information revealed.

This is the latest in the series of recognitions and awards for Dr. Uduaghan, especially from media practitioners and publishing houses in all parts of the country and beyond.

Similar awards commending his efforts to develop the non-oil sector of Delta State’s economy had come from the Sun Group of newspapers, Leadership, Vanguard, Nigerian Pilot and Metro Eireann, Republic of Ireland’s leading and only multicultural newspaper.

President Goodluck Jonathan made history on Saturday when he performed the ground breaking ceremony for the first maritime university in Africa, the Nigeria Maritime University at Okorenkoko, Warri Soith West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan on his part has solicited the support of the Niger Delta and the rest of the country for President Jonathan in 2015 and beyond.

President Jonathan who flagged off activities at the university’s temporary site, Kurutie also performed similar functions for the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency’s (MIMASA) shipyard and dockyard projects at Okenrenkoko.

The President commended the a Ministry of Transport and NIMASA for the initiative of the university, which he noted would help create and build capacity for the maritime sector and further help in the economic transformation of the country.

Nigeria, he observed once had a vibrant maritime sector but lamented that it latter experienced stagnation that even today some Nigeria bound goods were being diverted to Benin Republic?

According to him, his administration has taken concrete steps towards revamping the sector, adding that the maritime university would go a long way in addressing the problem of dearth of skilled manpower that had been the bane of the industry.

President Jonathan reiterated the commitment of his administration towards developing comprehensive transport infrastructure in the country, explaining, that informed the decision to construct a costal rail system.

“We are working very hard not just coastal road but a costal railway system . Roads alone don’t solve our problems. For you to provide mass transit to move people easily especially heavy materials and human beings you need railways. Until you get railways you cannot talk about effective mass transit system.

“Our roads fail so easily because of the load they carry and that is why we are emphasing on the coastal railway. I had that discussion with the Premier of China and they are totally committed.

“It is a project that is going to cost between 12 to 15 billion dollars that will link Lagos through the South West, South South, South East up to the North. If we achieve that it will really improve communication and improve on our GDP as a nation,” he said.

Governor Uduaghan, also speaking at the occasion urged the Niger Delta and the rest of the country to continue to give their support to the president in 2015 and beyond.

“I must say that we must all together give the maximum support to the president. Yes Mr. President is from the Niger Delta and we thank the other parts of Nigeria for supporting him to become the President in 2011.

“We thank them for their support so far, we plead with them that they should continue to support him now and beyond 2015. I did say that we of the Niger Delta have no reason to oppose Mr. President, some people challenged me. I still stand on that statement. You do not know what you have until you don’t have it.

“We have a president that has been brought to power by every part of Nigeria, for us from the Niger Delta we must continue to be in the forefront to be in the support. We must continue to extend our hands of fellowship to other parts of Nigeria to continue to support him not just in 2015 but beyond 2015,” Governor Uduaghan said.

Dr. Uduaghan commended the president for the landmark projects of a maritime university, dock and shipyard among others in Warri South West Local Government.

“We want to thank you Mr. President because today you are starting a movement in Warri South West that will make it the most educated, the most industrialised and the most empowered local government in Nigeria,” he said

Western media ever obsessed with bad news from Africa have been feasting on Boko Haram -The shameful terror of the extremists, accentuated by mystery abduction of Nigerian school girls.

Here in London the BBC, aided by her global sisters across the world CNN, VOA, Channel 4 and ultra radical Al Jazeera have assailed the senses with haunting distraught mothers wailing the loss of their children juxtaposed with blood chilling footages of Boko Haram barbarians ,draped in heavy guns and all manners of war architecture.

The traditional mainstream press-the newspapers and their stereotyped columnists are all painting Nigeria red! President Goodluck Jonathan is the whipping boy. Poor Jonathan

Melanie McDonagh of EVENING STANDARD calls the “Nigerian president the unhappily named Goodluck Jonathan…(who straddles a country where)…frontline soldiers are under-equipped, yet Nigeria’s annual Defence budget is £3.5 billion”.

In a piece that reads more like the writings of my childhood fantasy, James Hardly Chase, Nicholas Kristof of INTERNATIONAL NEWYORK TIMES penned that: “dozens of heavily armed terrorists rolled into the sleepy little town one night in a convoy of trucks, buses and vans …and vanished … 276 girls are still missing-and the Nigerian government has done next to nothing to recover them”.

He tied up the tale with hideous sarcasm; “Northern Nigeria is a deeply conservative area and if the school girls are recovered, it may be difficult for them to marry because of suspicions that they are no longer virgins”

British newspaper of the year, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH concluded that the Nigerian government has exhibited “impotent response to the kidnapping ..”

The foreign press has one damning predictable verdict: -Jonathan lacks action to find the girls.

Where are NTA, NAN, CHANNELS, AIT…and the flagship of the Nigerian press- THE GUARDIAN to tell the world that Jonathan and indeed all well meaning Nigerians have been having sleepless night fighting Boko Haram?

When will Nigerian-driven CNN come? Where is INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK TIMES- (Made in Nigeria)?

Resources and technology are the punishers of African media. African journalism has the power but no purse. I like journalism in the west no doubt. The twinkling immediacy, vivid colour and ostentation make the news so charming.

The CNN and BBC are all time greats. I am particularly in love with THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH AND THE IRISH TIMES for their history and pioneering journalism. But the leading mascot of journalism in the Western Hemisphere- THE WASHINGTON POST is not my best newspaper in the world.

The dignified elevated language of the Nigerian GUARDIAN and the sweet prose of the defunct DAILY TIMES can make Pulitzer Prize patrons dance in awe. Lagos friend, Maukpe Ogun and her sharp gang on CHANNELS TV tackle complex social and political issues extempore with effortless ease on camera every day.

Each word, syllable and even full stop on CNN by Christie Amanpour and countless on -Air personalities up west, are on the Teleprompter. African journalists have the swagger but no style.

Colonialism or better still neo colonialism is the black man’s burden. Remember Walter Rodney, the assassinated Guyanese radical intellectual. Read How EUROPE UNDERDEVELOPED AFRICA.

Lest I forget, what a cheeky chat I saw on the headline of race sensitive UK newspaper THE VOICE. A British painter, named Maggie Hambling was quoted to have said after watching Oscar winning film, 12 YEARS A SLAVE starring Nigerian international actor Chiwetel Ejiofor that she would love to “own slaves”.

Anger was my palpable emotion when I watched the horrifying film, speechless for almost two hours aboard Heathrow bound Virgin Atlantic.

Who needs slavish property? How can anyone denigrate humanity with so vile a perception, even in this new age? However, tribes or regions are not evil, individuals are. I agree with author, Fredrick Forsythe in the ODESSA FILE.

The ONE WORLD MEDIA AWARDS, the object of my mission in UK, initiated by ONEWORLD Group rekindles a hopeful feeling of oneness and common humanity.

My profound gratitude to the ONE WORLD MEDIA for the sponsorship.

***Norbert Chiazor is the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.

Abia State government has accused Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha of being insensitive to the plight of his citizens especially Imo workers disengaged from Abia State civil service.

Reacting to a statement credited to Governor Okorocha on May Day in which he was said to be apologizing on behalf of Imo workers sacked by Abia State government and yet to be re-engaged, the Chief Press Secretary to Abia State governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa said the Abia State Government has so far re-engaged a total number of 2,133 disengaged workers back into its civil service, majority of whom are from Imo State.

Addressing newsmen on the matter at the Government House, Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary said the statement by Governor Okorocha is unfair on Governor Orji and Abia State government, adding that it was wrong for the Imo State governor to use the occasion of May Day to castigate his Abia state counterpart.

According to him, such a statement from Governor Okorocha is devilish and satanic, pointing out that the Imo Governor’s apology to workers is senseless and unfair.

He said the Abia State government does not delight in telling lies to the public or playing to the gallery, maintaining that the Abia State government has a human face while the state Governor has shown love and compassion to his citizens.

The Chief Press Secretary explained that although Abia indigenes were the first to be disengaged by neighbouring states, the Abia State government was able to quickly re-absorb them without fuss and added that Governor Orji wrote to his colleagues in the South East before the decision to disengage non Abia workers in her employ wherein he explained the reason for his action.

Mr. Ajunwa stated that with an increase in its Internally Generated Revenue profile, the Abia State government rescinded its earlier decision and is striving to reabsorb all those affected by that decision.

As Nigeria continue to tread on the threshold of insecurity, wife of Delta state governor, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan has advised Nigerians to turn away from sin and wholeheartedly embrace God, who is the author and finisher of all things.

Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan gave this advise on Thursday, May 08, 2014 at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba at a Special Prayer Summit for solution to issues of national concern.

The prayer session organised by wife of Delta state governor, is however not unconnected with the continued siege laid by the Boko Haram Islamist terrorists on the nation’s north, especially with the recent abduction of over 200 school children in Borno state, which has received global condemnation.

In her welcome address, the wife of Delta state governor, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, said the prayer summit became necessary as a result of the worrisome security situation in the country, which has defiled all human efforts but needed only God’s divine intervention.

She called for atonement from sin by all Nigerians, and prayers of genuine repentance, saying that “In the history of this country, no blood has been spilled as much as we are now seeing. God wants us to return to him because we have all gone astray from the ways of the Lord”.

She emphasised that the present security travails may have been a design by God to teach Nigerians a lesson and make them turn away from their sinful ways, adding that the Church which is made up of the people of God must embark on genuine spiritual prayers to survive the wrath of God.

In his exhortation, Rev. Gideon Oyibo, Delta state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) revealed that the country is presently under siege, as a result of the many security challenges necessitated by Islamist insurgents in the Northern part of Nigeria.

According to him, “It is only the power of the Almighty God that can help overcome the challenges and restore the nation back to its place of pride.”

Reading from the Bible’s 2nd Chronicles, Chapter 20, Rev. Oyibo emphasised that the only weapon needed to surmount the challenges are God’s own Christian people and through consistent prayers, adding that “the battle is the Lord’s but the people are God’s weapons to fight the battle and bring insurgency to a halt through fervent prayers.”

He advised against casting aspersions and blames on anybody or group, which according to him, will further infringe on the unity of the country, saying that “we have a common battle at hand because Nigeria is one. Our coming together in praying is because physil battle has not yielded any results.”

The Special Prayer Summit was attended by various men, women dignitaries and lowly, drawn from all parts of Delta state, including former Presidential hopeful, Mrs. Sarah Jubril; Mrs. Edith Okowa; wives of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly, Mrs. Onwunsanya and Mrs. Ganagana respectively among others including the Senior Special Adviser to the governor of Delta state (Religious Affairs), Godspower Agbuduta.

7th May, 2014:
DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND MAKES REMARKABLE BREAKTHROUGH INTO THE GRUESOME MURDER OF 2 VIGILANTE CHIEFS FROM THE WARRI AXIS OF THE STATE

​Following the gruesome murder of Hon Prosper Erhinyojare – Chairman of Udu Central Vigilante Group on 17th April, 2014 and one Godwin Migaga (aka Kpuff Man) – leader of Red Bar Security on 22nd April, 2014, respectively; investigation was immediately stepped up and our dragnet so far, has successfully caught the underlisted suspected hoodlums positively identified to have taken part in the Conspiracy, acts and omissions that led to the death of the 2 Vigilante Chiefs, viz;

1) Eric Umokoro ‘m’ aged 30yrs
2) Akpojotor Christian Obele ‘m’
3) Joshua Ogheneovo ‘m’ (aka Abala)
4) Caleb Oghenetega (aka K-leg)
5) Solomon Olo ‘m’
6) Oke Onorede ‘f’

Other members of the gang still at large and have been declared wanted include;

1) David SNU,
2) Rege SNU,
3) Festus and
4) Ojekom

Items recovered from the arrested suspects include;

a) 2 Ak 47 Rifles
b) 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition and
c) 2 locally made cut to size single barrelled short-guns

The arrested suspects, some of who had made confessional statements highlighting their functions and degree of involvement in the dastardly act, at the completion of investigation, will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Investigation has further revealed that the demonic intention of the hoodlums are purely geared at instilling fears on the populace by brutally snuffing the lives out of the 2 vigilante chiefs who had done so much to aid Security Agencies in their duties of law enforcement. The Command and its personnel will not rest on its oars until all the culprits indentified in this act are brought to book.

We however, implore you the good people of Delta State not to be deterred as the Police Force cannot do without your continuous support, particularly in this perilous time. With your collective input, we have the capacity to contain the criminal elements in our midst most of whom, from evidence at our disposal drift into Delta State from the sister states.

As could be seen from the displayed exhibits made up of arms and ammunition of different shades and sizes, recovered from hoodlums within the state in the past one month; there is an obvious arm build-up for which we have mapped out strategies to have them mopped-up.

It is already an over-flogged adage that we cannot achieve any meaningful development in an atmosphere devoid of peace, hence we welcome useful advice; suggestions and genuine information that will aid us in our duties of law enforcement, please.
6th May, 2014:
DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND TRACKED AN ARMED ROBBERYSUSPECT MORE THAN A YEAR AFTER COMMITTING THE CRIME

On 16/3/2013 a Toyota Highlander Jeep with Reg. No. NEN 48 AA belonging to one Jonah Okechukwu ‘m’ of No. 65 Water Works road Onitsha Anambra State was snatched from him on gun point by unknown hoodlums at Neni town Anambra State.

Sequel to the report, detectives from ‘A’ Division Asaba Delta State traced the vehicle to a compound at Umuagu quarters Asaba. The suspects sighted the detectives and escaped, abandoning the vehicle which was recovered to the police station. When the vehicle was searched a bank passbook and other items, properteries of one of the suspects one Basil Okafor ‘m’ of Casloba Crescent Umuagu Asaba were recovered. The said bank account was flagged since March 2013.

However, on 5/5/2014 the said Basil Okafor, aged 28yrs was arrested by detectives from ‘A’ Division Asaba while trying to make transaction with the flagged bank account. The suspect is undergoing investigation while efforts are on to track down fleeing members of his gang.

5th May, 2014:
OGWASHI-UKU CUT CLASH, ARMS AND AMMUNITION RECOVERED

​On 2nd May 2014 at about 1230hrs, the police at Ogwashi-Uku Division received information that two rival cult groups were engaged in gun battle at Agidieshe quarters Ogwashi-Uku, resulting in the death of two suspected cultists, one Tony Njortie ‘m’, aged 25yrs and Umemezie Chukwuka Emmanuel ‘m’ aged 25yrs.

​Consequently, Anti-Robbery Patrol team was immediately dispatched to the scene where the hoodlums on sighting the team took to their heels. The two corpses were removed and deposited at General Hospital Morgue Ogwashi-Uku for autopsy.

​Items recovered from the scene include:
i. One locally made pistol short gun
ii. Three expended and one unexpended cartridges
iii. One battle axe
iv. Different handsets

Meanwhile, investigation is in progress while efforts are on to track down the fleeing cultists and bring them to justice.

​The Command wish to once more advise youths in the state to shun cultism and related vices, but channel their youthful energies toward productive and profitable pastime that can add value to their lives and society.

DSP. CELESTINA KALU,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND.

Blank NEWS Online can reveal that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Wednesday, May 07, 2014 swooped on the Director General of Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Mr. Emmanuel Edafe Igbini, in Asaba.

The anti-graft team who were said to have stormed the office in Asaba in the early hours of Wednesday, had also on Tuesday been led by Igbini to Agbarho to ascertain whether his claims of purchase of earth moving and road construction equipment were true or not.

Recall that the embattled DG of the Delta state owned construction intervention outfit, Direct Labour Agency (DLA), Mr. Igbini has been grappling with alleged multiple and gross financial misappropriation.

Igbini, who has been grilled by officials of the anti-graft agency in Port-Harcourt was reportedly swooped upon by EFCC officials on Tuesday and Wednesday, after he failed to defend sundry claims of stealing government money worth over N3.7 Billion for intervention on 157 state roads.

It could be recalled that the EFCC had in their letter dated September 27, 2013 requested for the income and expenditure registers of DLA, proposed and approved budget since 2011 till date, all approvals directed for payment made by the agency (DLA) from 2011 till date, in a tabular form -list of all the contractors, contracts, Direct Labour jobs and equipment procured since inception of his (Igbini) administration till date, all LPOs approved since your assumption of office, mode of payment, amount paid, payment vouchers, copies of cheques if any, and Auditor’s report.

Blank NEWS Online has also learnt that the EFCC had earlier sucessfully obtained vital financial documents from the Delta state Accountant General‘s office in Asaba and some quoted banks in regard to Igbini’s sundry fraudulent acts.

Meanwhile, the state and chapter leadership of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical And Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) who had picketed the offices of the Direct Labour Agency (DLA) in Asaba had also accused the Director General, Mr. Emmanuel Edafe Igbini of fraud and appealed to the state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan to urgently sack him.

*Watch Out For More Details

Delta State has taken the lead in the generation of renewable energy as Canada invests five billion United States dollars in Nigeria to produce 3,000 megawatts of electricity.

The initiative of the State Government to key into the green economy programme of the global community paid off as the Federal Government Tuesday evening, signed the Foreign Investments Protection Agreement (FIPA) with Canada to remove existing bottlenecks to smoothen the take-off of Canadian investments in Nigeria.

Similarly, Delta State Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Canadian investor, Skypower Energy to build and generate solar-powered electricity in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Nigerian minister of Industry, Trade and Foreign Investments, Mr. Olusegun Aganga said that the Canadian investor, Skypower Energy, was investing five billion United States dollars in renewable energy in the country.

According to him, the firm would be producing 3,000 megawatts of solar-based electricity for the national grid with the facility being deployed first in Delta State having taken the initiative for the renewable energy plant.

“Skypower will deploy first in Delta State which has taken the lead because of the enormous work the State has put in to ensure the realization of the renewable energy programme”, the Nigerian minister stated.

He disclosed that the Federal Government will facilitate the provision of license to generate the solar-based electricity for the national grid with about 1,000 megawatts being generated form plants located in Delta State.

The Canadian minister of International Investments, Mr. Christian Paradis hinted that with the FIPA between Nigeria and Canada, more investors would be encouraged to invest in Nigeria.

In his remarks, Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan expressed delight at the FIPA and the keen interest shown by the Federal Government noting that it was an endorsement of the initiative taken by Delta.

“This is very historic and emotional for me. For us in Delta State, we have keyed into the green economy programme of the global community. The green economy is not just in enhancing the environment but also meant to empower the people”, he stated.

The Governor assured that Deltans would benefit from the 1,000 megawatts that would be generated from the state as some of it will be dedicated to the state.

Besides, he said that the FIPA was a big benefit from the World Economic Forum, Africa (WEFA) currently going on in Abuja.

President of the United States of America, Barack Obama has called for urgent international response to the Boko Haram insurgency in Northern Nigeria and describing the kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by the Islamists sect as “heartbreaking” and “outrageous”.

“It’s a heartbreaking situation, outrageous situation, this may be the event that helps to mobilize the entire international community to finally do something against this horrendous organization that’s perpetrated such a terrible crime,” Obama said in an interview with US broadcaster ABC on Tuesday.

Obama confirmed that Nigeria had accepted a US offer to send a team of experts to help find the missing girls, saying “we’ve already sent in a team to Nigeria,” consisting of “military, law enforcement, and other agencies.”

This team will work to “identify where in fact these girls might be and provide them help,” the US president said, denouncing Boko Haram as “one of the worst regional or local terrorist organizations.”

Recall that his week, Boko Haram chief Abubakar Shekau claimed responsibility, saying his extreme Islamist group was holding the schoolgirls as “slaves” and threatening to “sell them in the market”, in a video obtained by AFP.

The girls were taken three weeks ago, sparking global outrage, and the mass kidnapping may constitute a crime against humanity, according to the UN.

*Courtesy AFP