The possibility of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and dissenting Governors who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) returning to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as requested by President Goodluck Jonathan is zero, the spokesman of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) has said.

Addressing a PDP Grand Rally in Owerri, Imo State, last Saturday, President Jonathan had given Atiku and Governors Chibuike Amaechi (Rivers); Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano); Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto); and Murtala Nyako (Adamawa) an ultimatum to return to PDP or lose their seniority in the party.

“With due respect, President Jonathan is simply playing to the gallery. For the avoidance of doubt, Atiku, Amaechi and the other patriots who left the sinking and undemocratic PDP have no intention of returning to the party, either now or in the future. They are happy in APC, so Mr. President can keep his seniority as Atiku and the rest do not need it. Only a mad fellow will run away from a sinking ship and run back to such a ship,” immediate erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of defunct nPDP, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, said in a statement issued today in Port Harcourt.

Continuing, the statement said: “If we may ask, what seniority is President Jonathan talking about after having ensured that Atiku, a former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was never invited to any BoT and NEC meeting of PDP? Which seniority is he to lose having since been denied all his rights as enshrined in the Constitution of PDP? What type of seniority would Amaechi, Kwankwaso, Nyako, Wamakko and others be seeking in a political party that did everything humanly possible to humiliate them, even taking the state PDP structures from them?”

According to Eze, “Having left PDP for good, Atiku, Amaechi and others are on a rescue mission to salvage our nation from the sorrowful state to which it has been subjected by the administration of President Jonathan. They should be allowed to concentrate on this divine mission and not be disturbed with calls that do not make any meaning.”

Lambasting the President over his Owerri visit, the statement said it is unfortunate that “despite the crisis in the country, President Jonathan is going about receiving expired politicians back into the PDP without commissioning any projects. It simply demonstrates that this administration is bereft of ideas and vision on how to save this country from its present comatose state.

AHEAD of 2015 general elections, the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has said, credible elections can be conducted with the active participation of Nigerians.

Governor Uduaghan who stated this on Monday, February 25, 2014 at a seminar organized by the Delta State Independent Electoral Commission (DSIEC) in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Asaba said political parties rather than apportion blames on the electoral umpires, they should be actively involved towards ensuring credible elections in the country.

He decried a situation where political parties prepare for violence and post-electoral litigations rather than mobilizing the electorate to win elections , asserting: “I see INEC as committed to carrying out a credible elections in Nigeria and I think we should support the electoral body.”

“We all have a role to play for us to have credible elections,” Governor Uduaghan said, adding, “there are people who from the day the dates of elections are announced, instead of selling themselves to the electorate to enable them be popular, they start writing petitions ahead of the elections and be preparing for violence.”

He reiterated: “Elections are grassroots based, we must all prepare for elections, we must not put the blames on electoral umpires, we must be good winners and good losers, we have to work towards credible elections so that the whole world will have trust in our electoral system.”

“We the people and the political parties must take responsibility for the outcome of any elections, we must prepare for elections and not blame INEC or DSIEC for our failings in elections”, he added

Dr Uduaghan observed that one of the greatest challenges of INEC was the use of ad-hoc staff who after one election may not be available in subsequent elections thereby the experience garnered is wasted.

“A credible election does not lie solely with the chairman and staff of INEC or chairman and staff of DSIEC because in Delta State, we have credible people in DSIEC which is legally authorized to announce the dates for local government elections,” the Governor said, emphasizing, “it is not my duty to announce the dates for local government elections, we as government too, cannot interfere with the work of DSIEC, I urge all aspirants to go into the field to campaign to the electorates and win their votes rather than prepare for violence during elections.”

The Governor added, “Nobody attains an office through violence, you can only attain an office through the people’s vote in a democracy.”

Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jegga in a keynote address said, voters must have confidence in the ballot box and participate actively in the electoral process, disclosing that the INEC will “continue to provide a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.”

The Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei called on electoral bodies to be seen as being above board in the conduct of elections while the chairman of the occasion, Justice James Omo-Agege (rtd.) called on government to give the states’ electoral commissions all the tools they need to perform their duties.

Earlier the chairman of DSIEC, Mr. Moses Ogbe said the seminar which had, ‘Building Confidence in the Electoral System: The Task before DSIEC’ as its theme was necessary in preparation for the conduct of local government elections that will restore the people’s confidence in the ballot box.

He disclosed that the Commission has established a Newsletter and a website to ensure free flow of information with the public.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Nigeria’s oil and gas wealthy Delta state has re-assured prospective investors that the state is very safe for investment to thrive.

The Governor who met with investment community in Lagos at the weekend stated that security challenges in the state have been reduced to the barest minimum, emphasising that enabling environment has been created for investors to do business.

Uduaghan disclosed that the state has two airports at Warri and Asabawhile the Federal Government is constructing an airstrip at Ogidigben, adding, that sea ports are located in Warri, Sapele, Burutu, Koko, and Escravos.

The governor stated that the port at Escravos was being used by an oil company and plans are on for another deep sea port to be constructed at Ogidigben.

While linking some of the security challenges that affected the state to environmental degradation that has affected the people’s sources of livelihood, Governor Uduaghan said that his administration has engaged in massive empowerment of the people which has curbed restiveness or violence, asserting, “you dare not carry out piracy in Delta Waterways because the youths in collaboration with JTF will arrest you.”

“There was problem of marginalisation by the Federal Government, state, local government and oil companies, we have tried to empower our people because crises are worsened when the people are hungry,” the Governor said, assuring potential investors of a peaceful environment devoid of violence ahead of the 2015 election.

According to him, “security issues are being well managed in Delta and I want to assure you that in 2015, Delta State will not have security challenges, everywhere will be peaceful,” emphasizing that his administration was working on a state beyond oil because, “an economy that is dependent on oil is not sustainable.”

“We have a One-Stop Shop to assist those who want to do business in Delta State,” the Governor said, noting that work has commenced at the Warri Industrial Park.

The Managing Director of Control Risk in charge of West Africa, Mr Tom Griffin said, “Delta State is a land of opportunities,” and observed that risks involved in doing business in the state are peculiar to what is happening in other parts of Africa.

Dr Salami who spoke at the occasion, noted that Delta State is the fourth highest economy in Nigeria, adding, “Delta has the foundation and is building on those foundation, there is a lot of virgin areas for people to invest on.”

The Managing Director of Chevron, Mr Andrew Fawthrop, attributed some of the negative stories from the Niger Delta to media sensationalism, adding that the area is safe for business.

Chairman of Delta State Economic Advisory Committee, Mr Bismack Rewane said Governor Uduaghan’s administration was pursuing a development programme that is not dependent on oil, stating, “we are here to sell investment opportunities, we want Delta State to be the most attractive investment destination for investors.”

Others who spoke at the occasion, including Dr David Ige of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation who disclosed that work has commenced at the gas project at Ogidigben stated that Delta is safe for industries to thrive.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan recently joined the people of Ibusa community in Oshimili North local government area of the state to honour one of their sons, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba [Rtd], the immediate past Chief Of Naval Staff, charging retired public officials to avail the country of their experience, expertise, knowledge and wisdom in handling developmental issues.

Governor Uduaghan gave the charge at the civic reception hosted by Ibusa community in honour of Vice Admiral Ezeoba [Rtd], stated that the country was passing through challenging times and would need to tap into the expertise, advice and experience of those who have been at the helm of affairs to seek for solutions.

Besides the governor enjoined politicians to play by the rules devoid of rankle, and violence.

According to him “we are in very challenging times that we need the experience and advice of the people who have been at the helm of affairs in this country….. Nigeria needs your expertise. “

“Delta State needs your wisdom and knowledge especially in the area of security. You know that one of our three point agenda is peace and security. I will soon be calling on you to avail us of your experience and expertise in tackling security issues”.

He advised politicians against overheating the polity stating that “power belongs to God and he gives it to whom he pleases, we should prevent resorting to violence and shedding of blood as no position is worthy human life”.

He emphasised that “Ibusa has produced great men and women who have excel in various fields, I want to appeal to Ibusa people especially these elites to cooperate and solve their problems without government intervention”.

He commended Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba [Rtd] for his meritorious service to the nation and Delta State stating that he left his marks in the sands of time as Chief of Naval Staff.

In his Remarks, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba [Rtd] commended Dr. Uduaghan for developmental vision for Delta State and urged deltans to support him to succeed in this regards.

While promising to continue to work for infrastructural projects in the town, Vice Admiral Ezeoba [Rtd] called for mutual cooperation and love among the people of Ibusa to ensure rapid developmental growth in Ibusa.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a writer from Nigeria. She has been called “the most prominent” of a “procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors that is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature”.

Chimamanda Adichie recently spoke out against the Nigerian Anti-Gay Laws which has gained applaud at home, despite it’s condemnation by the international community. Read her thoughts and position:

I will call him Sochukwuma. A thin, smiling boy who liked to play with us girls at the university primary school in Nsukka. We were young. We knew he was different, we said, ‘he’s not like the other boys.’ But his was a benign and unquestioned difference; it was simply what it was. We did not have a name for him. We did not know the word ‘gay.’ He was Sochukwuma and he was friendly and he played oga so well that his side always won.

In secondary school, some boys in his class tried to throw Sochukwuma off a second floor balcony. They were strapping teenagers who had learned to notice, and fear, difference. They had a name for him. Homo. They mocked him because his hips swayed when he walked and his hands fluttered when he spoke. He brushed away their taunts, silently, sometimes grinning an uncomfortable grin. He must have wished that he could be what they wanted him to be. I imagine now how helplessly lonely he must have felt. The boys often asked, “Why can’t he just be like everyone else?”

Possible answers to that question include ‘because he is abnormal,’ ‘because he is a sinner, ‘because he chose the lifestyle.’ But the truest answer is ‘We don’t know.’ There is humility and humanity in accepting that there are things we simply don’t know. At the age of 8, Sochukwuma was obviously different. It was not about sex, because it could not possibly have been – his hormones were of course not yet fully formed – but it was an awareness of himself, and other children’s awareness of him, as different. He could not have ‘chosen the lifestyle’ because he was too young to do so. And why would he – or anybody – choose to be homosexual in a world that makes life so difficult for homosexuals?

The new law that criminalizes homosexuality is popular among Nigerians. But it shows a failure of our democracy, because the mark of a true democracy is not in the rule of its majority but in the protection of its minority – otherwise mob justice would be considered democratic. The law is also unconstitutional, ambiguous, and a strange priority in a country with so many real problems. Above all else, however, it is unjust. Even if this was not a country of abysmal electricity supply where university graduates are barely literate and people die of easily-treatable causes and Boko Haram commits casual mass murders, this law would still be unjust. We cannot be a just society unless we are able to accommodate benign difference, accept benign difference, live and let live. We may not understand homosexuality, we may find it personally abhorrent but our response cannot be to criminalize it.

A crime is a crime for a reason. A crime has victims. A crime harms society. On what basis is homosexuality a crime? Adults do no harm to society in how they love and whom they love. This is a law that will not prevent crime, but will, instead, lead to crimes of violence: there are already, in different parts of Nigeria, attacks on people ‘suspected’ of being gay. Ours is a society where men are openly affectionate with one another. Men hold hands. Men hug each other. Shall we now arrest friends who share a hotel room, or who walk side by side? How do we determine the clunky expressions in the law – ‘mutually beneficial,’ ‘directly or indirectly?’

Many Nigerians support the law because they believe the Bible condemns homosexuality. The Bible can be a basis for how we choose to live our personal lives, but it cannot be a basis for the laws we pass, not only because the holy books of different religions do not have equal significance for all Nigerians but also because the holy books are read differently by different people. The Bible, for example, also condemns fornication and adultery and divorce, but they are not crimes.

For supporters of the law, there seems to be something about homosexuality that sets it apart. A sense that it is not ‘normal.’ If we are part of a majority group, we tend to think others in minority groups are abnormal, not because they have done anything wrong, but because we have defined normal to be what we are and since they are not like us, then they are abnormal. Supporters of the law want a certain semblance of human homogeneity. But we cannot legislate into existence a world that does not exist: the truth of our human condition is that we are a diverse, multi-faceted species. The measure of our humanity lies, in part, in how we think of those different from us. We cannot – should not – have empathy only for people who are like us.

As should be expected, Chimamanda Adichie herself has also become a serious issue for discussion back home in Nigeria, hence this open letter written by Chukwudi Ezea.

In this letter the author reasons about anti-gay law and Chimamanda’s judgments. Read the full text below:

Before I start I would like to ask you to ignore my grammatical errors. I’m not a writer so I have no reputation to protect in terms of grammatical errors. I write principally in response to your article on anti-gay law. I would really plead for your patience to calmly read my own view.

I have never read your article before now. I have heard of your reputation in writing and I had already rated you even when I had never read your articles. Unfortunately your sense of judgment is being questioned when I gave you the chance to create an impression because I’m not a type that takes a second chance to make a good impression.

I want you to understand that the Story of Sochukwuma is what you created just to spice up your writing and you didn’t tell us that Sochukwuma wanted to be gay. Nevertheless, I would like to share a similar story. When I was younger, there was a man called Amechi. He had the same nature with Sochukwuma but he has five children now. A friend of mine called Dera has the same nature and he is called ladies man because he has girlfriends and he intends to settle down soon. Obinna has two girlfriends and he’s also currently dating one of the Nollywood actresses.

You are an enlightened woman and you should not use your education to spread ignorance, you don’t really have to deceive people into accepting evil in the name of human right. As a woman, I expect you to write what you can defend before God.

You spoke like you are a puppet in the hands of western people, because they support gay, you have to do so but that doesn’t make it right. What is really democracy? Is it really all about protecting the minority as you said even when minority are hell bent in turning Nigeria into Sodom and Gomorah. Is that really democracy? Human right is a Greek gift from satan. What is human right when it is against the Creator? We abuse nature in the name of human right and even legalizing gay is abuse of human right. Should everybody do what they wish to do because human right backs them up? Is there any religion that support it or do your culture support it? Even nature abhors it.

Do you believe in morality? Should human right violate morality? You talked of gay people being different, normal and you still support what is not normal to be legalised. You write to fight against nature and God’s plan for creation.

When you said that passing anti-gay law was an indication of a failed democracy in Nigeria, I laughed because was it not a failed democracy when the western world threatened to withdraw their financial aid to any African country that signs anti-gay law. Does that mean Africa must accept what they impose on us, does that mean we don’t have the right to choose the way we wish to live. You should have supported the African minority rather than Western majority. I think you should show balance in your judgment.

It was laughable when you said homosexual is not a crime because it has no victim. You equally did not answer why prostitution, gambling, illicit use of drugs, suicide are crimes when they have no victim. You equally failed to answer why abortion is legalized even when it has a victim. Amanda, are you a virtuous woman? Would you want your daughter to marry another woman and your son to marry another man? Did you really write with conscience?

If gay is legalised then bestiality should also because there is no crime, because there is no victim. It will be also be undemocratic if bestiality don’t have their own right and if bestiality have their right, what do you want this world to turn into? And I don’t think you would wish your children to marry dogs.

This is anti-humanity. You said there were gay people in Nigeria before you were born, that’s because your existence was possible because your parents were not and same sex marriage was not legal. Just imagine a sharp rise in population of same sex marriage if it is legalised. Supporting same sex marriage is denying unborn ones the right to exist or don’t they deserve the privileged like you?

It could have been awesome if you had suggested how to heal them and make them normal rather than legalizing it as you claim they were not normal. If you really have good conscience you should have suggested how we can make them normal not encouraging them to remain abnormal.

If I ask your opinion on murder, you will say it is evil but which evil is more than murdering the souls of men. I would like to ask you, are you working for the devil? Are you bringing souls to God or to the devil? Are you working for a devilish innovation of the new world order?

Many ignorant people are giving you great ovation after reading your article but God will ask you the blood of the souls that will end up in hell because of what you sent to the public. You compare homosexual with fornication. Between two evils, one is better. Fornication is evil but it is not against nature because it involves two opposite sex, it can have good end product like marriage and child birth but what is the good end product in homosexuality? Anti-nature, anti-humanity, extinction of man kind? Is that your wish for the world? Why are we fighting for natural conservation if not for continuity?

You don’t have to write because you have the right and knowledge to do so but there should be sanctity in what you write. I know you know how to write but your pride should not make you think you know better than your Creator, Leviticus 18:22. If really your opinion about same sex marriage is from your honest heart then the similarity between you and human being is just coincidental. Someone needs morality, see the person in the mirror.

Following last Saturday’s 15th February 2014 tragic death of my beloved cousin, Mr. John Ndubuka, a section of the online media has been appropriated by mischief makers to prosecute a mindless hatchet job of casting aspersions on my humble self; with innuendos, jaundiced analysis and outright blackmail.
One would not have bothered to join issues with these faceless cowards at this period of emotional devastation, but it is pertinent at this juncture to put facts in proper perspective so that the unsuspecting public would not be hoodwinked.

On Friday 14th February 2014, I came back from a trip outside the State and while we are chatting at home, John informed me how the 9 clans in Ikwuano/Umuahia headed by Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, Chief Vin Ogbulafor, Chief Ukasanya, Senator Adighije, Col. Akobundu, Hon. Udo Ibeji Dr Mrs Uruakpa and host of others had prepared adequately to host Governor T.A Orji at a Grand Civic Reception in Umuahia the following day being Saturday 15th February 2015.

On the D-day, John was visible at the event tying up loose ends. The event was relayed live on AIT and monitored by different news agencies. At the end of the Governor’s speech at the reception, Late John helped me to locate my vehicle from the surging crowd while the driver waited to allow the Governor’s convoy to move before us. John later reached me to ascertain the next direction for proper coordination. He left me to join one of the Hilux trucks. A few minutes later, I heard gunshots to which the shells fell on my car. I shouted into the two-way radio to ascertain who was firing those shots. My driver noticed that John was probably pushed down and alerted me. We discovered that John was clinging to his chest, his white shirt heavily blood-soaked.
I screamed when I saw the blood and instantly asked them to head to Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. On my way, I called the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Aballi Chukwu and the Chief Medical Director of Abia State Specialist & Diagnostic Centre- Prof. A. U. Mbanaso who also is the Governor’s personal physician. In fairness to the doctors, they did their best in trying to stabilize him. They cut open his thorax to drain blood from his lungs. Specialist surgeons were placed on alert in the theatre for instant surgery. Shockingly, it was discovered that his pulse fell from 70 downwards. At this point, I was joined by the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and the Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu and Hon. P. C. Onyegbu respectively. Everything was done to save his life, including sourcing blood to resuscitate him. These efforts proved abortive, after one hour of tension-soaked efforts at the hospital. The Chief Medical Director, Dr. Aballi Chukwu later informed me of his death, and I was shaken to my bones to the extent that I needed support to my car as to get back to my house.

After the fruitless efforts to save John’s life, I then enquired of what happened. An eyewitness told me that the trigger was accidentally pulled as one of the policemen on duty at the venue held his gun with one hand and was clearing the surging crowd with the other hand. All these happened in broad daylight and witnessed by thousands of people, predominantly youths who attended the occasion.

I am taking this time and pains to make this explanation because I am a politically exposed person. In previous situations, I had been embarrassed, being a character in many fabricated stories in the media. In one of such situations, I was accused of challenging an Army captain in a supermarket in Umuahia, who rushed to the Army Barracks at Ohafia to mobilize soldiers who eventually mauled me to the point of death. A journey to Ohafia and back would take not less than two hours. Curiously, I waited for them to come back to brutalize me. Can you imagine that? I ignored these fallacies because they were insignificant ploys to set me back.

It is possible that due to my political exposure especially that of being the Governor’s son, that I have by omission or commission, made enemies of my own or may have inherited those of my father. But this situation seems to be orchestrated assiduously from one direction. For instance, scarcely had the shooting incident happened, when an Igbere Facebook T.V page that operates online screened a headline that I directed the execution of my cousin. There are also strong speculations that I was the target but Mr. John Ndubuka was killed. Another one was that those who wanted him out of the way killed him.
Amid these flying stories, a false picture of the incident was posted on the Internet. The picture supposedly John Ndubuka’s, was wearing a pair of jeans and canvass but everybody saw John at the occasion, dressed in the attire of Ikwuano/Umuahia people that day which was white shirt on top, black pair of trousers with a George Wrapper tied to his waist. The blood-soaked dresses are still in the custody of the FMC Umuahia.

It is therefore curious that such a picture was instantly simulated and placed on the Internet, a few minutes after the incident.

From the foregoing, a few questions readily come to mind:
1) How did the Igbere T.V, a Facebook page come to the conclusion that I ordered the killing of John Ndubuka, and how come that nobody in the crowd heard it?
2) If somebody actually wanted John dead, why would he engage a police officer on duty in a public function to commit such a crime?
3) If I was the target as alleged, why didn’t the assailant shoot me directly?

It is very unfortunate that this happened. So tragic that John is dead!
Let me advise the mockers and those faceless, merciless and heartless criminals that death is no respecter of persons and no living creature can escape death. What happened to John could be anybody’s lot but because of the person involved, people have thrown caution to the wind, capitalizing on a tragic incident to score cheap political points. The Holy Bible posits that whatever you sow, you will reap.

Whatever they do, whatever they write on the social media, they cannot dampen my spirit. They couldn’t do it before.

John took it upon himself to assist the Governor of Abia State, Governor T.A. Orji to achieve his vision for the youths and women of Abia State. As people from the same hamlet, I have worked closely with him for over 8 years, moving from the informal to the formal. We are related. In truth, this unfortunate death of my cousin will spur me more in that direction. I am not violent. I will never be! My position as the Governor’s son has never gotten into my head. Neither has it interfered in my personal relationship with people.

For any story to be the truth, it must have one version. In this case, there are more than 20 versions to it. In the process of trying to level all manner of things against me, they have inadvertently made mockery of themselves. They should leave me to mourn my brother in peace. Nothing, absolutely nothing, said on the social media, will dampen my spirit.

Let people be guided by their conscience, if they have any!

Note: It could be recalled that the government of Abia State had alleged that the aide to the State Governor’s son, John Ndubuka, was hit by the bullet, suspected to have been fired by the police, as he was about leaving the venue of a reception organised to honour Governor Orji by the Ikwuano-Umuahia people on the fateful day.

It was also reported that police had fired two shots into the air to disperse the crowd at the entrance to the venue of the reception, when according to an eye-witness, the deceased, who was part of the crowd at the site of the old Umuahia main market where the event took place, suddenly slumped and started bleeding.

“When he slumped, nobody knew what happened to him, until we saw blood gushing out from his chest,’’ the eyewitness had said.

The deceased was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where he died, just as the police in Abia State say they have already arrested three policemen in connection with the killing.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has been conferred with the “2013 Man of the Year Award” as he stated that the greatest asset of the state lies in its human resources.

Besides, he said that his administration’s policy of ‘Delta Beyond Oil’ was real, working and yielding results in the State.

Speaking at an impressive ceremony where the award was conferred on him by The Sun Newspapers in Lagos, Governor Uduaghan observed that human resources as the greatest asset of Delta State was evident in the fact that out of sixteen persons that bagged award at the ceremony, seven were Deltans.

Governor Uduaghan who was flanked by his wife and children was presented with the award by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Anyim, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr Godswill Akpabio; former Governor of Ogun State, Olesegun Osoba and Mr Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Thisday Newspapers.

According to him, “the greatest resources we have in Delta State is not oil but, human resources,” adding that, “our economic agenda of Delta Beyond Oil is a reality.”

“We are now talking about Nigeria Beyond Oil,” the Governor said, reiterating that it was important for Nigeria to use revenue from oil to develop an economy that will be sustainable without oil.

He commended management and staff of The Sun Newspapers for choosing him as the Man of the Year 2013, stating, “This award is not only for me and my family, but the entire people of Delta State.”

The Publisher of The Sun Newspapers, Dr Orji Uzo Kalu described the award as “the most valuable award in Nigeria,” while the managing director of the newspaper, Mr Femi Adeshina said the award ceremony which was the 11th edition was to celebrate distinguished Nigerians and “those who have rekindled our hope in Nigeria.”

Some of those who bagged awards at the ceremony includes, Mr Tony Elumelu (Investor Of The Year); Chief Edwin Clark (Lifetime Achievement); Mr Sam Amuka (Lifetime Achievement); Prof. Bruce Onobrakpeya (Lifetime Achievement)Achievement); Stephen Keshi (Sportsman Of The Year); Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso (Man Of The Year); Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio (Most Supportive First Lady); Mr Reginald Ihehiahi (Banker Of The Year); Chief Michael Ade Ojo (Lifetime Achievement); Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko (Public Service); Chief Chidi Anyaegbu (Business Person Of The Year); Alhaji Sayyu Dantata (Business Person Of The Year); among others.

Eminent Deltans including Delta State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Barr Peter Nwaoboshi; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei; members of the State House of Assembly; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ovuozourie Macaulay; members of the State executive council; traditional rulers; party elders attended the ceremony

The All Progressive Congress, Rivers State Chapter, says Governor Chibuike Amaechi has shamed his critics by presenting 16 completed world-class projects for commissioning by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during his two-day visit (17th to 18th February, 2014) to Rivers State, the State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said.

Projects commissioned by General Obasanjo during the visit according to a press statement made available to NF-Reports by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, include the G.U. Ake road at Eliozu; Okporo road connecting Artillery and the East-West road; Elekahia-Rumuomasi road; Ken Saro-Wiwa road; Ambassador Nne Kurubo Model Secondary School at Ebube, Eleme; a Health Centre at Akpajo; Songhai Farm, Bunu Tai off Afam Road; Tai Model Primary School; and Banana Plantation Project, Afam Power Station, 2×60 MV/132/33 KVA – Elelenwo Sub-Injection Station. Others include No. 1 Field (Mini Football Stadium); No. 2 Field (Basketball Indoor Hall and Athletes Hostel); No. 5 Field (Tennis Court/Volleyball Court and Spectators Stands); St. Andrew’s Primary School, Mile 1, Diobu; Prof. Kelsey Harrison Hospital, Emenike Street, Mile 1, Diobu; and Buguma Modern Fish Farm, Asari Toru LGA.

Hailing Governor Amaechi for his administration’s developmental strides, Chief Olusegun stated: “I came to see developments and I have seen developments and I will confess developments! What I have seen is worth declaring! The area of health, education, Agriculture, Sports and road infrastructure is worth declaring. When I see development I earmark, eye mark and mouthmark.”

The APC commended Obasanjo for summoning the courage to undertake the trip despite what it dubbed “concerted efforts” by Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, and some other mischievous members of his party, PDP, to discourage him from going ahead with the visit. “This act shows his love and care for Rivers State. General Obasanjo can see that contrary to Chief Nyesom Wike’s assertion that all the projects executed by Gov. Amaechi are sited in Port Harcourt to the detriment of other local government areas, 75% of the projects commissioned are in other LGAs of the State. We are grateful to former President Obasanjo for accepting the invitation to come and commission these high-class and people-oriented projects executed by the Chibuike Amaechi administration, just as we congratulate Governor Amaechi for putting his critics, who have been accusing him of under-performance and favouritism to shame,” the State APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya said.

He disclosed that the APC leadership in the State has consequently resolved to declare Governor Amaechi “Rivers State Emancipator and Development Pillar.”

Dr. Ikanya berated the PDP-led Federal Government over its refusal to approve the signing of the necessary documents that would have made Rivers State a manufacturer of syringes and thus grant the State extra resources while creating employment and empowerment opportunities for the teeming youths of the State. The State APC Interim Chairman also lambasted the Federal Government for refusing to approve for use the two security surveillance helicopters that cost the State about $30m, thus costing Rivers State a huge amount of money in demurrage monthly. Dr. Ikanya similarly condemned the refusal of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to sign the necessary documents that would have assisted the State to obtain an African Development Bank loan to provide pipe-borne water for the State and save people of the State from dying from diseases related water borne diseases. All these, he said, was in addition to ceding Rivers oil wells to neighbouring states and ensuring that no project is sited in Rivers State since President Jonathan came into power.

APC Rivers commended Governor Amaechi for soldiering on in spite of the odds and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of River. “We assure PDP and President Jonathan that they will pay dearly for this wickedness during the 2015 elections as we are mobilizing the people to ensure that PDP is thoroughly beaten in Rivers State in future elections,” Dr. Ikanya concluded.

JOHANNESBURG, South-Africa, February 18, 2014/ –– African energy leaders see global climate framework uncertainty, high energy prices, and commodity prices as the critical issues driving Africa’s energy agenda this year, according to the 2014 World Energy Issues Monitor, released by World Energy Council (WEC).

The African views are in contrast with the global view, where high energy price volatility has for the first time replaced climate framework as the top critical uncertainty.

According to Mohale, WEC Vice-Chair Africa, commenting at the report launch at the Africa Energy Indaba: “Our African survey finds that, in contrast with the global findings, climate framework has become an even more critical issue. Africa is dramatically vulnerable to climate change, and Africans are becoming more aware that climate change is an urgent and real issue rather than something that only countries with large emissions should worry about.”

In Africa, electricity supply remains a critical concern, with growing demand, lack of required investment, and increasing power shortages across the continent. Renewable energy remains a high-priority issue.

As a change from last year’s findings, African national governments and regional institutions are taking actions in energy efficiency and regional interconnection, while investment cooperation with China and India is viewed with increasing importance.

The report captures the views of over 800 energy leaders including ministers, chief executives and the heads of the WEC’s national members committees covering 84 countries.

In its global findings, climate framework uncertainty is now perceived by energy leaders to have less impact than in the previous three years of the study. Meanwhile, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) continues to be viewed as a technology having limited impact.

Energy leaders are also increasingly concerned about the sector’s ability to access the capital markets for funds towards energy infrastructure, when set against a continued recessionary backdrop.

Christoph Frei, WEC Secretary General, said: “The fact that both climate framework and CCUS are perceived to be issues of less impact is bad news not only in terms of emissions mitigation, but also for the development of robust and resilient energy infrastructure. Our energy systems are in a state of massive expansion and transition, and the signals we see today provide clear evidence of the urgent need for more robust, coherent, long-term frameworks for planning our future investment.”

About the World Energy Council:

The World Energy Council (WEC) (http://www.worldenergy.org) is the principal impartial network of leaders and practitioners promoting an affordable, stable and environmentally sensitive energy system for the greatest benefit of all.

Formed in 1923, WEC is the UN-accredited global energy body, representing the entire energy spectrum, with more than 3000 member organisations located in over 90 countries and drawn from governments, private and state corporations, academia, NGOs and energy-related stakeholders.

WEC informs global, regional and national energy strategies by hosting high-level events, publishing authoritative studies, and working through its extensive member network to facilitate the world’s energy policy dialogue.

*Courtesy: African Press Organization

The continued fight to eliminate polio gets an additional $36 million boost from Rotary in support of polio immunization activities and research to be carried out by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which aims to end the disabling viral disease worldwide by 2018.

The funding commitment comes at a critical time as the eradication initiative focuses on stopping polio in the three countries where the virus remains endemic: Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. Stopping polio in those countries is crucial in order to halt the recent spate of outbreaks in countries where the disease had previously been beaten and where mass immunizations of children via the oral polio vaccine must continue until global eradication is achieved.

The Rotary grants include $6.8 million for Afghanistan, $7.7 million for Nigeria and $926,000 for Pakistan. Grant amounts are based on requests from eradication initiative partners UNICEF and the World Health Organization, which work with the governments of polio-affected countries to plan and carry out immunization activities.

UNICEF will use a grant of $2.73 million to bolster vaccination activities throughout the Horn of Africa as part of an on-going response to an outbreak that began in 2013 and has now infected more than 200 children. The so-called “imported” cases are linked to the strain of polio endemic to Nigeria, underscoring the need to stop the virus in the endemic countries.

“Now it is of critical importance to get as many children as possible immunized through routine immunization, especially in areas within the Horn of Africa that are not doing so well in that regard,” says Joel Lehmann, a Rotary member from Nairobi, Kenya. “As Rotary, we want to find effective ways to eradicate polio worldwide and at the same time, to improve child health in general,” Lehmann adds.

The other countries where Rotary funds will be used to fight polio are Burkina Faso, $2.1 million; Cameroon, $3.4 million; Democratic Republic of Congo, $3.9 million; Niger, $2.3 million; Somalia, $1.3 million; South Sudan, $2.6 million; and Sudan, $1.2 million.

WHO also received $934,000 to study the impact of introducing injectable, inactivated polio vaccine into the immunization program as part of the initiative’s endgame plan, as the goal of global eradication nears.

Unrelated to this round of grants, Rotary released $500,000 in December 2013 as an emergency response to the polio outbreak in strife-torn Syria, which had not reported polio since 1999. Through Jan. 31, there were 23 confirmed cases in Syria since October 2013, all traceable to the polio strain circulating in Pakistan.

Rotary launched its polio immunization program PolioPlus with the WHO, UNICEF, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the initiative launched in 1988, the incidence of polio has plummeted by more than 99 percent, from about 350,000 cases a year to 369 confirmed so far for 2013.

Rotary’s main responsibilities within the initiative are fundraising, advocacy, and social mobilization. To date, Rotary has contributed more than $1.2 billion and countless volunteer hours to fight polio. Through 2018, every new dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will be matched two-to-one by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $35 million a year.

Courtesy: African Press Organization

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, says his administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for businessmen to invest in the state.

Governor Orji gave the assurance when he received the Chairman and members of Board of Directors of Hy-Lok Nigeria Ltd at the Government House, Umuahia.

The Governor stated that since it is no longer fashionable for government to be in business, his responsibility will be to protect businesses that are in the state, adding that the private sector has a responsibility to complement the effort of the state government in development.

He commended the company for establishing in the state and pointed out that its presence will bring greater development to the state as well as create employment opportunities for Abians.

Chief Orji assured the company that Abia is peaceful while Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia remains a veritable place for it to market its products.

According to the governor, Abia as an NDDC state will benefit from the company which is into oil servicing and promised to be present during the commissioning of the company.

Earlier, the chairman, Board of Directors of Hy-Lok Nigeria Ltd., Alhaji Garba Imam thanked the Governor for the opportunity given to the company to set up the state of the art factory at Obuaku City in Ukwa West LGA by granting them land for the project in addition to other support required to realize the project.

He disclosed that they have completed the first phase of the facility which is to be developed fully in four phases, disclosing that the first phase which includes a 720m2 warehouse/shop floor area, valve and fittings assembly line, equipment testing facility, training centre is currently being test run and has been audited by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board.

Alhaji Imam said the second and third phases of the project would be commenced in line with schedule and in the process contribute towards the enhancement of the Obuaku industrial layout as planned by the state government and informed the governor of the planned commissioning of the facility during the first or second quarter of this year.

Elder Godsday Peter Orubebe, the immediate past Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, has called on President Jonathan to run for a second term in office, saying that he had achieved a lot for the country and deserved to run again for presidency in 2015.

While lauding President Jonathan’s transformation agenda he said: “He (Jonathan) means well for this country. His dream is to see that Nigeria is placed in the right place.”

“I ask Nigerians to give Jonathan a chance to serve the country for another four years”, Orubebe said in Asaba, while also declaring his interest to contest for the Delta State governorship seat in 2015.

Orubebe, who was first appointed minister in 2007 as Minister of Special Duties and later Minister of State, Niger Delta before he was made the substantive minister for Niger Delta Affairs in 2010 made his intention known on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at a declaration ceremony, held at secretariat of Delta Peoples Forum in Asaba.

In an exclusive interviews with Blank NEWS Online in Asaba, Orubebe said:
“Today is a day that I am very happy to the Almighty Father who made it possible for me to serve this great country for over six years and while I was in government.

“I also had the opportunity of setting up a non-governmental organization (NGO) called Delta Peoples Forum with an aim to support and assist government to do what is good for our people and the slogan of that NGO is Deltans Working Together.

“So when resigned from government after this six years, they told me that I should come around, they want to receive me and to inaugurate the Directors and Coordinators that would be working with them. and I also thought that it was going to be a small event, I came and I saw this huge reception.

“So I have served this great country and I have learnt a lot of things by the grace of God through President Goodluck Jonathan, the governor and the people of this state for the support they gave me. So I’ve come home to deposit what I have learnt at the national level to support the governor and the people of this state to move this country forward.

“I have told the people we are bringing new concept of governance in Delta state. DPF has come to bring Deltans together to think, love and attain justice. God is telling me to listen to what the people of Delta are saying.

“God has spoken and those who have ears, let them hear. Before, l do come to Delta weekends; but now, l shall be fully here and l shall be going to Abuja weekends, except on special assignments from the President,’’ Orubebe said.

Que: Its obvious that you will be the man that the people want in this state. Why do you think you will be the right man for this job?

Ans: Yes I have worked with them over the period. Some of them knew me when I was a councillor, from councillor to local government chairman and then to state chairman of party. I worked as executive member of state primary education board and then adviser to Governor James Ibori on Urban and regional Planning and then after spending over six years they said I have the the experience and knowledge to lead as team that is ready to support government for the advancement of developmental activities in the state and that is why they have called me to head them and I am happy heading them and I believe that we will work with the governor and the people of this state to move this statefrom one level to the other.

Que: What is your message to Deltans?

Ans: Today, my message for Deltans is that God has a reason for bringing all of us together as people of Delta state. We should love one another. We should work together and look towards having people that will have Delta at heart to rule and govern this state so that collectively all of us will be happy and we will join hands to continue to build this state.

He also hailed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and said that he was in support of Uduaghan’s administration and would work with it to move the state forward.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has commended the State House of Assembly for passing the Rivers State Reserve Fund Law Amendment Bill 2014 to enable the State Government withdraw N30 billion from the N53 billion in the fund.

Commenting on the passage of the bill on Thursday by the lawmakers, Rivers APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt:

“We commend the patriotism of the legislators for amending the Rivers State Reserve Fund Law without further delay. This timely intervention by the lawmakers, who have once more proved to be true representatives of the people, will enable the Governor Chibuike Amaechi Administration to proceed with its programmes and projects unhindered by the economic war being waged against the state by the Peoples Democratic Party-controlled Federal Government.

“Blinded by its hatred for Governor Amaechi and the good people of Rivers State, the PDP Government at the centre has done everything within its power to economically strangulate the State, by ceding oil wells belonging to Rivers to neighbouring states, thus subjecting Rivers to monthly revenue loss of over N7 billion, thus making it impossible for the Amaechi Administration to meet its obligations to workers and contractors and to fund ongoing projects.”

Dr. Ikanya berated some blind critics particularly the Rivers State PDP for denouncing the action of the lawmakers. “We are, however, not surprised by the position of Rivers PDP as made known by its Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, through his media aide, Mr. Jerry Needam, as PDP has never wished the State any good,” he said.

“These misguided critics forgot that our patriotic Law makers adopted this step in order to save the lives of the teachers employed about five months ago without being paid including some government agencies and some contractors that have deserted their sites because of lack of fund from further hardship. Some of these blind critics forgot so soon that it was Gov. Amaechi that initiated this bill to serve as an intervention fund during an emergency situation in the State. One wonders therefore what either excuse that will suit these blind critics to see that we are in an emergency situation occasioned by the ceding of our oil wells by the PDP led Federal Government to other neighbouring States and that the Rivers State Government need to intervene as a sound and responsible government that cares for the welfare of her citizenry, the statement maintained..

The APC in Rivers State therefore commended and congratulated Gov. Amaechi for the bold step of signing the amendment bill into law thereby demonstrating in a very simple term his love and care for the people of Rivers State.

The Rivers APC Interim Chairman urged Rivers people to disregard the ranting of PDP leaders who are determined to prolong the suffering of innocent Rivers citizens for rejecting them, urging the people to continue to support Governor Amaechi as he means well for them.

Delta State Government has broken another medical feat as the State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara has been equipped with sophisticated equipment to take care of infants during the first month after birth.

A neonatal unit, according to medical experts, is intensive care unit designed with special equipment to care for premature or seriously ill newborn and the neonatal care machines in DELSUTH, believed to be among the best in the country, would enable experts at the hospital take care of infants within the first 28 days of life.

The State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who on Thursday launched equipment for the neonatal unit of the hospital, had also on Thursday given a boost to its Free Maternal and Child Care Programme with the commissioning of a new 100-bed centre Maternal and Child Care Centre at the Warri Central Hospital as well as the inauguration of the Delta State Ambulance Service.

Uduaghan, while launching the equipment and a special telephone network service that would enable the clinic to give expert advice on child care to other hospitals in the state, on Thursday described the machines as part of measures of his administration’s holistic health plan to reduce infant mortality, adding that more of such equipment would be procured to meet growing demands.

He disclosed that the State’s Ministry of Health has acquired 100 phones under the scheme which would facilitate exchange of expert information on new born babies between neonatologists at Oghara and doctors at other hospitals across the state before the cases get to the teaching hospital.

According to the governor, the innovation was aimed at enhancing the survival of babies within the first 28 days of life, which he described as the most critical stage in the life of an infant.

Uduaghan advised authorities of DELSUTH to commence training of the personnel to handle the phones and warned against using the phones for purposes other than what they are meant for.

The Consultant Neonatologists at the hospital, Dr. Onyeaso Udoka had explained that the neonatal machines would aid breathing of premature babies, regulate their oxygen intake and generally enhance the survival of infants.

On her part, Dr. Evidence Enifoniye said that one of the machines would help detect vision problems in infants and enable the expert to prevent blindness among babies.

Earlier in Warri, while commissioning a new 100-bed centre Maternal and Child Care Centre at the Warri Central Hospital and the Delta State Ambulance Service, Governor Uduaghan charged women to embark on family planning and promptly register for antenatal care whenever they are pregnant.

Uduaghan explained that the Government’s free maternal and child care schemes were borne out of the high premium it places on the health of women and children.

“Our unflinching resolve to protect the lives and health of our women and children led to the establishment of the Free Maternal Helathcare Programme in 2007 and Free Under-Five Healthcare in 2010.

“These programmes have helped to ensure that all pregnant women in Delta State can access free healthcare throughout the period of pregnancy, delivery and afterwards while our children, below the age of five years, are guaranteed free medical treatment in all public health facilities.

“With these two programmes, we have greatly reduced the risk of injury and death in women from pregnancy related causes and in children, from diseases. Our steadily declining maternal mortality and under-five mortality rates are attestation to these facts.

“These achievements further spurred us to improve on our successes given our belief that no woman has to die because she is pregnant nor should any child die owing to preventable and treatable diseases.

According to him, “This dream, fuelled and sustained by the passion to further protect lives of women and children, has led to the establishment of this ultra-modern edifice we now call the Maternal and Child Care Centre.

“This modern health facility is equipped with state of the art medical equipment and staffed with commensurate quality of manpower that can provide tertiary level maternal and child healthcare.

“With this new centre, we would be better positioned to achieve the MDGs as related to maternal and child care by the year 2015.”

Addressing pregnant women at the occasion, Governor Uduaghan advised women to embark on family planning and space their births to guarantee their health and those of their babies.

He also charged women to promptly register for their antenatal care whenever they are pregnant and go to hospital for their deliveries and stop patronising quack birth attendants.

Uduaghan also inaugurating the state’s ambulance service, explained, “the increasing carnage on our highways due to road traffic accidents is the driving force for the creation of this ambulance service…The Delta State Ambulance Service is therefore aimed at the reduction of overall morbidity and mortality in Delta State.”

As the journey to the oil and gas rich Delta state governorship hots up, bookmakers’ predictions have pointed out that the candidature and emergence of the Chairman, Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme as governor in the 2015 general election is certain.

Olejeme has frequently been applauded for her passionate and altruistic concern for the less fortunate members of society, which has placed her above others who have indicated interest in the governorship race.

Another pointer to her general acceptance, according to political analysts, is her control of the political structure in all the local government areas with enormous grassroots support which stands her out with a better chance of winning the 2015 governorship election.

They had further argued that if Olejeme takes charge of Delta State Government House, Asaba, she will maintain and sustain continuity in good governance, especially the three point agenda of incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, namely; human capital development, infrastructural development and security.

Notable among major observers and supporters of her sterling qualities, consistent leadership and pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation are former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief) Emmanuel Ighomena and Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Tom Amioku as well as the PDP Patriotic Movement for a United Nigeria (PPMUN), Urhobo National Youths Movement (UNYM) and the Director General of the U&I Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan among others, who have averred that she could lift the state above bounds if elected governor.

Recently, the former Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, underlined the importance of gender equality, commending the chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Dr. Ngozi Olejeme for her sheer commitment, honesty and managerial competence.

Bozimo described the NSITF boss as a consummate administrator and a visionary leader. He also assured the people of his support.

Similarly, the Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief) Emmanuel Ighomena in Oghara pondered on Olejeme’s services to humanity and the ways things are creeping in the right direction for women in different countries, describing Olejeme as a highly cerebral and urbane politician.

Commenting on her unique style and approaches, the former Commissioner of Power and Energy in the state said “Deltans need Dr. Ngozi Olejeme in 2015”

Meanwhile, Olejeme received the blessing of a Commissioner in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Tom Amioku on Saturday. The commissioner representing Delta State told friends of Olejeme consulting with party leaders and top government functionaries that Olejeme would be the first elected female governor in Nigeria.

Appraising Olejeme, particularly her ability to change circumstances, men and material resources to meet economic, political and social ends, Amioku described Olejeme as a creative, industrious and pro-people politician that can effectively manage Delta State in 2015.

In the same vein, Social political pressure groups in Delta state have intensified efforts to pressurize the Chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and Director of Finance, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Campaign Organization Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme to contest Delta State 2015 gubernatorial election.

The groups, PDP Patriotic Movement for a United Nigeria (PPMUN), Urhobo National Youths Movement (UNYM), have also vowed to work for the re-election of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and support the affirmative efforts of Mr. President in producing a female governor come 2015 in Delta State.

Earlier, the Director General of the U&I Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan had praised Dr. Ngozi Olejeme for her consistent leadership and pivotal role in the social and economic development of the nation, saying that, “Her leadership style gives us confidence that the poor will find protection and dignity.”

Uduaghan, at a lecture on “Leadership and the Future of Delta State” in Warri, had urged Deltans at home and abroad to assess Olejeme based on her antecedents and track record.

“Commending Olejeme for her accomplishments in the area of industrial relations, particularly her contributions to the labour administration process in the country, Uduaghan said Olejeme would uphold the values of communal harmony that make Delta State a unique model for us all.

“She will drive productivity and growth, raise the standard of living in the state and improve the lot of everyone. I am sure that with her impeccable credentials, she will lead the state to the next level.

He also praised the current governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for his honesty in the management of state funds as well as his inclusive strategy, which he said opened a path to the unity of the people despite the language and political differences, saying that, “There is state presence in all the communities. Uduaghan is a caring governor. He believes in merit and places top priority on the welfare of the people”

“When I look at the scorecard of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan , what readily comes to mind is how he has performed. The administration’s programmes are felt in the three senatorial districts. Delta is one of the few states where salaries are paid regularly. The traditional institution has received a boost and respect under the administration. Uduaghan has relentlessly pursued a vigorous policy for provision of social facilities and infrastructure. The administration has done a lot in the areas of roads development. On the education turf, Uduaghan has reminded people of the state that investment in that sector is the only way to control and stem the tide of youth restiveness. The government has given scholarship to thousands to enable them further their education in various schools within and outside the country. The government has arrested the drift in the education sector through provision of necessary learning aids, including books, laboratory equipment, computers and internet services. The government has renovated many schools in the rural and urban areas. Uduaghan has made modest development in terms of health sector delivery to the people. All the general hospitals have been rehabilitated. The out of stock syndrome, which had crippled hospitals efficiency in other states, has already been confined to the dustbins. Drugs are constantly purchased and distributed to hospitals and other health institutions in the state.

According to Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, a cousin to the governor of the state, “His Excellency will be in the senate in 2015 while Dr. Olejeme will be in charge of Delta State Government House, Asaba. She will maintain and sustain continuity in good governance. She will continue with the three point agenda namely; human capital development, infrastructural development and security.”

EXECUTIVE PROFILE OF DR. MRS NGOZI OLEJEME, FCIDA

Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, FCIDA, is a successful entrepreneur, an astute Politician and Administrator of repute. A boardroom guru, with a wealth of experience; she has a proven record of success in administrative governance and business management. She hails from Asaba in Delta State of Nigeria.‘Your Excellency’, as she is fondly called by her friends and admirers, on account of her gubernatorial primary election in Delta State. She is an embodiment of beauty and intelligence.From a humble beginning, Dr. Mrs. Olejeme has risen to become an outstanding grassroot Politician, Philanthropist, charismatic leader, peace ambassador, human rights activist, anti-corruption crusader and a Nationalist.Dr Mrs. Olejeme sits on the board of many Companies and Government establishments which includes;

Chairman Board of Directors, TrustFund Pensions PLC
Chairman Board of Directors, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF
Chairman/CEO, ABLE JES Nigeria Limited
Chairman/CEO, Fresh Energy Nigeria Limited
Executive Director, JULIND Nigeria Limited.
Member Board of Directors, Ajeokuta Steel Company Limited
Member, Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE- P)
Member, Board of Directors, Sheraton Hotels and Towers.

In 2006, she was made a director on the board of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited by President Olusegun Obasanjo, She was also appointed in 2009 by late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua as Chairman Board of Directors of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF. The First female to hold such position in the country.She saw to the successful enactment into law of the Employees’ Compensation Act in December 2010, and the setting up of necessary human and physical infrastructure for the implementation of the Act.She is currently in the lead to amend the provisions of NSITF Act, so as to position the fund to commence the implementation of Social Security benefits for the aged, unemployed, child care and physically challenged in the country.Since her appointment as the board chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), she has unrelentlessly led the campaign for the provision of adequate compensation to workers both in the private and public sector.She is the convener of the SURE-P sub- committee on Public Works and Road rehabilitation. The Subsidy Re-investment Empowerment is a policy, the Federal Government designed to cushion the impact of removal of fuel subsidy and to accelerate economic growth through investment and infrastructure development in the country.

Dr. Mrs. Olejeme is an alumnus of the following Ivy League institutions;
The Prestigious Harvard Business School, Boston, USA
Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
Saad Business School, Oxford University, United Kingdom
Pan African University (Lagos Business School), Nigeria
In recognition of her relentless advocacy for the down-trodden and good governance, she has been awarded the following honors;
Honorary Doctoral Degree by American Heritage University of Southern California (Doctor of Public Policy, Honoris Causa)
Prestigious Africa International Award, AIA Ghana
Fellow, Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration, FCIDA, (Nigeria)
Fellow, Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies
Member, Board of Patron, Harvard Business School
Champions of Workers Welfare Award by Labour Writers Associations of Nigeria.
Honorary Life Member/Commonwealth Ambassador of Royal Commonwealth Society, Nigeria
Remember Africa Award by Family Education Helpline and Royal Commonwealth Society, London.
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) 2010 Nigeria Female Entrepreneur Award
Member, Board of Patrons, Congress of Muslim and Christian Youths for Unity.
Member, The Association of Business Executives London
President, Igbo Women Forum of Nigeria.

As an astute Politician, her desire to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of her country in an atmosphere of accountability, led to her emergency as one of the gubernatorial aspirants for Delta State under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party in the 2007 primary elections.She strives to work for a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria, and her people, particularly youth and women for the promotion and sustenance of democracy.

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has praised the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Onyeabor Ihejirika (rtd), for his immense contributions and supports which he said led to the restoration of peace and security in the state.

Governor Orji who disclosed this during the pull out ceremony in honour of Lt. Gen Ihejirika, held at the Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, described the former Chief of Army Staff as a soldier with a difference in terms of discipline, professionalism and commitment to the Nigerian project.

The governor, who thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the appointment of Lt. Gen. Ihejirika as Chief of Army Staff in 2010, said Ihejirika’s three years and four months in office brought tremendous improvement to the Nigerian army.

According to him, the former Chief of Army Staff’s support to Abia State government helped in the improvement of infrastructure being witnessed today in God’s Own State. He noted that investors now freely come to Abia to do business because of the level of peace and security achieved in the state.

Earlier, in his valedictory address Lt Gen’. Azubuike Ihejirika pointed out that his appointment as Chief of Army staff came at a time the country was facing daunting security challenges ranging from kidnapping in Abia State to terrorism at the national level.

He enumerated some of his achievements to include training of the Army, establishment of military outposts in some areas of the country as well as curbing the menace of terrorism in Northern part of the country.

The former Chief of Army Staff also called on the Nigeria Army to remain cohesive and loyal to Nigeria constitution as well as President Goodluck Jonathan as doing so will aid in maintaining peace and order in the nation.

He thanked President Jonathan for giving him the opportunity to serve and appreciated Vice President Nemadi Sambo, Governor T. A. Orji, Senate President, Senator David Mark, Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, past leaders, men and officers of the army for their supports throughout his tenure.

The well-attended event featured inspection of Guard of honour by Lt. Gen. Ihejirika and parade match past by men and officers of the army.

Dignitaries that graced the pull out ceremony include Minister of Information and Supervising Minister of Defence, Mr. Labaran Maku, Chief of Army Staff , AM Gen KTJ Minimah, Chief of Air staff Air Vice Marshal, Adesola Amosu, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibril Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa among others.

President Goodluck Jonathan has today, Wednesday sacked four of his serving Ministers. Jonathan announced their sack at today’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

The Ministers that were relieved of their appointments include, Elder Godsday Orubebe (Niger Delta Affairs); Ms. Stella Oduah (Aviation); Caleb Olubolade (Police Affairs) and Yerima Ngama (State, Finance).

A Presidency source had told Blank NEWS Online that, “They were dropped, they did not resign”, just as the Information Minister, Labaran Maku, confirmed shortly after the FEC meeting, revealed that the president asked the minister to vacate their positions to allow them pursue their various political and private business interests.

Maku said pending the appointment of substantive ministers, the Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, has been asked to supervise the Ministry of Police Affairs; while the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Sam Ortom, has been asked to supervise the aviation ministry.

He added that the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Gayius Isiaku, would supervise the ministry; while the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala would have to combine her work with that of Yerima Ngama who was also dropped.

Wednesday [12-02-14]

In a bid for the people of Southern Nigeria to take a common position on the forthcoming National conference, the 4th General Conference of the Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly (SNPA) has held in Asaba, the Delta state capita, with a plea on all stakeholders in the nation’s polity to tow the line of unity and national interest.

In his remark, the Coordinating chairman and leader of the South South delegation, Chief Edwin Clark, urged the people and delegates to the National Conference to be poised to address issues of national interest without fear or favor as a result of equal fundamental rights, as enshrined in the constitution.

Clark said that convening the meeting of the people of Southern Nigeria was very important for the people of the region to speak with one voice, stating, “Nigeria belongs to all of us, we must show respect for all of us, we are part of this country, we have equal right in this country, fight for your right, protect your right.”

According to him, “As a people with peculiar concerns, our responsibility is to seize this rare opportunity at our disposal and harness our common endowments to chart a new course for our people and posterity”.

He also appealed to the 17 governors of Southern Nigeria to come together and collaborate without prejudice to party affiliations and political differences, to tie the knots of Nigeria’s historical, cultural and social identities for posterity.

“While I acknowledged the right to free association, the exercise of such freedom must place premium on national interest and ethos above narrow and self-propelled interest”, he stated.

In the same vein, the host traditional ruler HRM (Prof.) Chike Edozien, Asagba of Asaba and the Chairman of South South Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Edmund Daokoru, expressed concerns over the security challenges and political upheavals that has bedevilled the country but described the confab as an encouraging step of conceivable and logical discourse for national unity

Although they decried past military interventions where traditionally constituted authorities were undermined, the royal fathers also noted that despite some set-backs, the present democratic government should ensured that issues of traditional rulers’ relegation in the past is redressed, hence the traditional rulers are closer to their people.

On his part, former Vice President of Nigeria and leader of the South-East delegation, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, expressed hope for a better solidarity of Nigerians to achieve a national cohesion.

Also, the leader of South West delegation, Bishop Emmanuel Bolanle Gbonigi, in his speech clamoured for a total rejection of conditionalities introduced by the Federal Government’s 75 % majority clause and called for two-third majority representation, and urging the Federal Government to call for a referendum ahead of the confab.

He also condemned the activities of the Boko Haram and called on Northern leaders in the country to curtail the senseless and ugly trend occasioned by the acts of the insurgents.

While presenting his lecture titled, “The Imperative of Regional Integration on National Cohesion and Unity”, the former National Secretary of Ijaw National Congress, Chief F. J. Williams opined that a regional cooperation is necessary despite the fact that Nigeria is gliding recklessly towards the precipice as a result of near systemic failure in the Nigerian polity and ethnic nationalism which breeds alienation and eventual violence.

He further said that although the foundation of which Nigeria is laid may have been faulty, there was the need to address issues of stability at the forthcoming confab.

Chief Francis William also said: “President Jonathan has the right to contest for the Presidential position in 2015” and called for regional cooperation.

In his opening address, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state assured Nigerians that the country would not disintegrate in spite of the challenges and ravaging fire of ethnic nationalism in the country.

Governor Uduaghan who gave this assurance at the Opening ceremony of the Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly [SNPA] 4th General Conference in Asaba said that the national conference sanctioned by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has provide avenue for Nigerians to deliberate on issues that will move the nation forward.

He explained that though the Jonathan’s administration was beset by series of challenges, the President has handled these challenges with maturity and sincerity.

He observed that one of such challenges was the issue of Boko Haram, and emphasized that the activities of Boko Haram has been reduced and there are signs that the militant group will see reasons to embrace peaceful co-existence in the country.

He disclosed that: “The Jonathan’s administration has done a lot to improve the nation’s economy and engendered a lot of growth and foreign direct investments and interest”, stressing that the benefits to the masses will take some time to trickle down to them.

Dr Uduaghan commended the people of Southern Nigeria for ‘talking’ noting that those who are talking often do not engage in violence.

“President Jonathan is providing a platform for us to discuss with the national conference and we are free to say anything in this world except the disintegration of Nigeria and when we discuss, issues are resolved,” the Governor said, adding that the people of Southern Nigeria should be prepared to make their points known during the conference.

He emphasized, “let us be hopeful, let us be positive because, the future of Nigeria is bright, Nigeria will not disintegrate in the era of President Goodluck Jonathan,” adding, “no ravaging fire of ethnic nationalism can consume this country.”

The Governor hinted that the Governors of South South and South East geo-political zones were meeting regularly and plans were on for Governors of South West geo-political zone to join the forum for it to become The Southern Nigeria Governors Forum, noting that there was need for such forum because of common economic and other social issues affecting the region.

He observed that if Deltans can live in peace despite their ethnic differences, Nigerians can live in peace and work for the growth of the country.

DELTA State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has vowed to ensure effective and timely execution of projects across the state, saying he would be more in the field monitoring on-going projects as his tenure nears its end.

The governor of the oil and gas rich Delta state also urged political office holders to engage in effective project monitoring to ensure that projects awarded by the state government were executed to specifications and delivered on schedule.

According to him, “we are determined to finish strong; this year is not for people to sit in the office, but everybody must be in the field working, inspecting or commissioning projects.”

The Governor who made the call on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 while inspecting some projects in Asaba, stated that he would spend less time in the office in the remaining part of 2014 to ensure that Deltans get the very best in infrastructure development.

He inspected in on-going Asaba fly-over at Ekwumekwu round-about, drainage project, roads and construction of classrooms and staff quarters at Osadenis High School in Asaba, the state capital.

During the inspection, the governor disclosed that the handing over of schools to their owners including Missionaries has thrown up some challenges because most of the students who were in the schools that have been handed over were moved to government schools where fees are not paid.

Uduaghan observed that Osadenis High School has been upgraded to have sixty-four classrooms while staff quarters were also being constructed to accommodate teachers.

“We are building staff quarters because it is important that teachers are accommodated, it gives them a lot of motivation and makes them to monitor the activities of students,” the Governor said, reiterating that staff quarters would be built in different schools in the state as “fund and space allow.”

He however decried the felling of trees, especially in government schools, stating that his administration was championing green economy and as such, more trees should be planted in available space to provide shade and protect the environment while existing ones should be preserved.

As the Rivers state polity remains heated up, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Prince Tonye Princewill has alleged a threat to his life by Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesperson and Commissioner of Information, Ibim Semenetari.

While condemning in strong terms the vitriolic attack against him, Princewill claimed that the attack on him is not unconnected with his resolve to remain in PDP and not to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) in their unprovoked attack on President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on February, 08, 2014, Wabiye Idoniboye-Obu, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity to Princewill said, “In a recent interview on Rhythm 93.7 Viewpoint – a news, interview, phone-in and current affairs programme, Prince Tonye articulated his view on the Rivers crisis and tried to share with Rivers people the reason why the current attempts to paint the President black were not only disingenuous but not in the interest of Rivers people.

“He went further to highlight that his disagreement with the Governor was not personal but based on the principle of calling a spade a spade, and just as he had often commended him for the good works he had done, he would also chastise him whenever he did not. That applies to his recent position”.

Prince Tonye Princewill, a stalwart of the Peoples Democratic Party and one time Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate in the 2007 general poll in Rivers had declared that he won’t get involved in any political tussle against President Goodluck Jonathan, especially according to him, “If I think that fight is not good enough.”

The full text of the Press release reads:

“This has been his consistent theme in Rivers state. When the Governor said that all our militants were criminals, he disagreed; when he celebrated the building of schools and hospitals, the Prince suggested we wait first wait for full functionality; when the Governor decided to buy a new plane, he protested. He didn’t stop there. When the Governor decided to be the spokesperson for the opposition while in PDP, Tonye advised against it, and when he decided to sack the Obio Akpor council, again the Prince said it was wrong. In all cases he told him privately before saying it publicly – for the record.

“That is why the vitriolic attack by Ibim Semenitari on this Saturday’s viewpoint programme was most unfortunate and embarrassing to us as Rivers people. The Prince’s recent stand not to move to APC and not to fight the President should not warrant the kind of response it is getting from a whole government spokesperson, who really should be busy doing several other things. Nothing the Prince has said has directed personal attacks at anyone in Rivers state Government. What was she thinking?

“A prominent Niger Delta activist called the Prince recently to tell him that he had been threatened by someone very high up in Rivers state government for something he was supposed to have said and that he the Prince had been mentioned within the threat as well. Before now, we would have laughed it off as ridiculous but after today’s interview, we are not so sure. Such a vicious attack today on radio from a lady who we had previously viewed with high regard only suggests that this crisis has brought out the worst in our government leaders. Tolerance has been thrown out the window and criticism is no longer heard even if it is constructive. Just like our friend Tony Uranta, the Prince must now live in fear of his life.

“We have since tabled documents before Rhythm 93.7, and reacted for the records to demonstrate the truth in the Prince’s comments and the holes in hers. While we await her evidence to back her claims, the issue no doubt will be the subject of legal proceedings so that Rivers people can see for themselves who is really telling the truth. In addition to legal advice we have also taken other advice and written to the IG and the Director, SSS. We feel prompted to do so because people who are prepared to go to this length to smear your character don’t mean well for you. An angry man is a threat. An angry government has an ability to carry out that threat.

“Claiming that the Prince is angry because the Governor took contracts away from him trivializes the situation and is akin to clutching at straws. What a coincidence she comes out now on the same program barely a week after his public opposition to Rivers State Government’s anti Johnathan stance. Rather than the waste management contract or any other contract taken from him; it is clear from the documents below that it is the Commissioner of Information that has sought to misinform.

“This is just the beginning”, the statement concluded.

The Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) has reacted to claims by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State that there is no other party in the state, except the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a swift reaction to the “one party state” issue, Chairman of Delta state Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Chief Tony Ezeagwu said his party has viewed the claims made by Governor Uduaghan with great dismay.

Governor Uduaghan made the claims on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 when he led elders and leaders of the PDP in the State to pledge loyalty and support to the Party’s national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu’s executive and President Goodluck Jonathan.

The Governor who was accompanied to the PDP national secretariat in Abuja by a array of leaders and elders from the state including elder statesman and former Federal Commissioner, Chief Edwin K Clark, affirmed the unity and strength of PDP in the state.

According to him, all the issues and challenges confronting the state chapter of PDP have been resolved amicably, and that the state was prepared to deploy its strategy for the use of the national secretariat of the party to address the challenges facing it.

“There is no where PDP is more united in the country than Delta State. We are here Mr. Chairman to let you know that PDP is on ground in Delta state and there is no other party in the state”, he told the PDP national chairman, Alhaji Adamu Muazu.

“PDP in Delta state is prepared willing to give you total support. We also want to assure you that Delta state and PDP in the state Mr. President whom you know is our own”, he added.

Governor Uduaghan asserted that Delta state was performing in line with the PDP manifesto as has become evidenced in the numerous feats and awards received by the state.

In his remarks, Chief Clark confirmed the unity and strength of PDP in the state as well as their readiness to assist the national office to ensure that the new leadership succeeds.

On his part, Alhaji Muazu re-iterated that there would be no automatic ticket for aspirants in the party, urging every member interested in one elective position or the other to go to the units and wards and sell themselves to the people.

“Go and campaign, ensure that the party is strengthened and that the party is loved and liked by the people at the grassroots”, he stated.

The PDP national chairman commended the achievements of Governor Uduaghan in Delta state particularly the recent breakthroughs in the health, transport and education sectors as well as the poverty alleviation programme

But in a swift reaction to the one party State issue, Chairman of Delta state Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Chief Tony Ezeagwu said his party has viewed the claims made by Governor Uduaghan with great dismay.

A statement made available to Blank NEWS Online on Friday, February 07, 2014 by the party in Asaba reads:

“It is unfortunate that the Governor has forgotten so soon, the 2011 election in the state where an opposition party, the Democratic Peoples Party, led by Chief Great O. Ogboru, won 9 House of Assembly seats, one Senate seat and two Federal House of Representative seats.Can it be said that the state is a one party state?

The statement alleged that “It is very clear that the Governor has been inducing legislators from the opposition party to defect to his party, the Peoples Democratic Party.

“The Governor should know that the new National Chairman of his party, His Excellency, Adamu Mu’azu, is an experienced politician. No wonder he lambasted them when he was told that they were on ground and asked them to go back to grassroot and work harder.

“In no distant time 2015 shall be with us and with free and fair election promised by the INEC National Chairman, Professor Atahiru Jega, we shall prove the Governor wrong. All we ask is free and fair election so that ‘experts’ of election result writers will be disappointed”, the statement affirmed.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan yesterday called on the International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria to adopt the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) model of Chevron Nigeria Limited as part of measures to ensure peace in the oil bearing communities of the country.

Delivering a keynote address at the GMoU Fair and Best Practices Exhibition holding at Abuja, the Governor said that the Chevron initiative helps in accountability and transparency in the administration of community resources.

According to him, it has eliminated the allegations that some community leaders embezzle the fund which was supposed to be used for community development, thereby ensuring sustained development of oil bearing communities.

“The GMoU has helped to reduce disharmony and disunity among communities, which would have arisen due to alleged embezzlement of community funds since the communities are engaged in the day to day running of the programme”, he stated.

Besides, Governor Uduaghan said that the Chevron model has “contributed to the success of Government’s peace and security agenda as conflict in the region which hitherto led to needless destruction of some communities, is now a thing of the past”.

Tracing the history of the GMoU to eleven years ago, the Governor said that the mutual distrust amongst community people as well as anger over Chevron’s dictation of development projects for their host communities, have been erased.

In particular, Dr Uduaghan observed that being a product of the Niger Delta crisis, the GMoU has achieved more than the expectations of the people as it has made its Regional Development Committees breeding grounds for capacity building to the benefit of the people.

The Chairman and managing director of Chevron Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Fawthrop said apart from the progress made in the development of the communities, the GMoU has entrenched a culture of sustainable development.

Underlining Chevron’s desire to work together with the local people to achieve development goals, Fawthrop said the exhibition affords the eight Regional Development Committees of the NNPC-Chevron GMoU a chance to showcase their achievements so far.

GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State has on Monday January 23, 2014 sworn-in a new head for the State’s Civil Service (HOS), Mr. Paul Evuarherhe, with a charge on Civil Servants and Public Office holders to be dedicated to their duties and render selfless service.

“When civil servants do their work diligently, honestly and with the fear of God, they would be rewarded both by man and by God.”

He commending the new head of service on his deserved appointment, and also challenged him to help in ensuring that the State’s Civil Service was fully Information and Communication Technology (ICT) compliant.

“You are coming in at a time when the world is moving from analogue to digital and that is a challenge because the Delta State Government has moved into the world of ICT, especially in its financial management and we are happy, that you have the ability to deal with such challenges.

While observing that the civil servants were very important for government to function effectively, the Governor, emphasized that there is civil service culture and discipline which must be imbibed for the nation and Delta State in particular to grow.

The Governor further called on prominent Deltans and communities to be in the vanguard of his administration’s mentoring, particularly through awareness and sensitization campaign programme.

According to him, Delta State has been famous for producing high level human resources in various fields of human endeavour, but lamented that a dangerous trend where emphasis is placed on money above education was creeping fast among the younger ones.

He therefore charged opinion leaders and various communities to mentor such category of persons and inculcate the right moral values in them so that there would be no vacuum when the present crop of enlightened Deltans leave the scene.

“We are going to use our Education Marshals to ensure that all children of school age are back in school and the communities must make it a point of duty to ensure that their children go to school and acquire education.

“Government can only provide the school facilities; while the communities need to cooperate with government to ensure that their children attend classes and get the right education.”

In his remark, Sir Evuarherhe, who expressed his gratitude to God, thanked the Governor for the appointment, assuring that he will do his job without fear or favour in a bid to upgrade the Delta State Civil Service to meet the challenges of an emerging world economy and make it the engine room of governance in the state.

Recall that the former head of service, Sir Okey Ofili had lauded Governor Uduaghan for exhibiting high quality leadership that has made the civil service to be professional and apolitical which enabled the civil service to grow in the state professionally despite pressures from all quarters.

The activities of the Delta State Flood Relief Committee will be concluded in March this year, after it began issuing cheques to owners of commercial farms.

The committee, set up in October 2012 to superintend the utilization of the N500 million grant from the Federal Government to the state for the provision of relief to victims of the 2012 flood, made the first disbursement of N237 million to the committee in March 2013.

According to a statement signed by CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq., Commissioner for Information and made available to Blank NEWS Online on February 02, 2014, “The money was used to provide 54,217 bundles of hybrid cassava; 546,632 yam seedlings; 50,000 plantain suckers; 72,474 sachets and seeds of vegetable items (Okra, Green, Groundnut and Pumpkin) to the flood victims.

“The fund was also utilized as grant to 242 churches devastated by the flood in the 14 local government areas impacted, construction and rehabilitation of boreholes in the 14 councils, construction and distribution of chairs/desks to 150 schools in the affected areas, and procurement and distribution of drugs to health centres in all the affected areas.

“In December 2013, the state government released the balance of N262 million to the committee, which commenced work with it immediately. This is being utilized in the construction of 46 new boreholes in communities in the affected areas. More drugs have been ordered to increase the stock at the health centres in the areas while additional N10 million has been given as grant to the churches.

“On Thursday, January 22, 2014, the committee commenced the distribution of cheques to 170 owners of commercial farms destroyed by the flood in all the affected local government areas. On the first day, 32 farmers received cheques for amounts ranging from N500,000 to N1 million. The exercise was concluded on Friday, January 31.

“By the committee’s programme, full utilization of the funds, through all its activities, will be concluded before the end of March 2014”, the statement said.

The committee has Justice Francis Tabai (rtd) as chairman. Other members are Prof. Pat Utomi, Arch-Bishop God-Do-well Awomakpa, Mrs. Florence Ehinlaye, Paul Enebeli, Asanuvwie S. Oberhiri and Dr. Anthony Okwunze.
The rest are Engr. Owen Mordi, Olise Ifejika, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi and Onyeisi Nkenchor.

The activities of the Delta State Flood Relief Committee will be concluded in March this year, after it began issuing cheques to owners of commercial farms.

The committee, set up in October 2012 to superintend the utilization of the N500 million grant from the Federal Government to the state for the provision of relief to victims of the 2012 flood, made the first disbursement of N237 million to the committee in March 2013.

According to a statement signed by CHIKE C. OGEAH Esq., Commissioner for Information and made available to Blank NEWS Online on February 02, 2014, “The money was used to provide 54,217 bundles of hybrid cassava; 546,632 yam seedlings; 50,000 plantain suckers; 72,474 sachets and seeds of vegetable items (Okra, Green, Groundnut and Pumpkin) to the flood victims.

“The fund was also utilized as grant to 242 churches devastated by the flood in the 14 local government areas impacted, construction and rehabilitation of boreholes in the 14 councils, construction and distribution of chairs/desks to 150 schools in the affected areas, and procurement and distribution of drugs to health centres in all the affected areas.

“In December 2013, the state government released the balance of N262 million to the committee, which commenced work with it immediately. This is being utilized in the construction of 46 new boreholes in communities in the affected areas. More drugs have been ordered to increase the stock at the health centres in the areas while additional N10 million has been given as grant to the churches.

“On Thursday, January 22, 2014, the committee commenced the distribution of cheques to 170 owners of commercial farms destroyed by the flood in all the affected local government areas. On the first day, 32 farmers received cheques for amounts ranging from N500,000 to N1 million. The exercise was concluded on Friday, January 31.

“By the committee’s programme, full utilization of the funds, through all its activities, will be concluded before the end of March 2014”, the statement said.

The committee has Justice Francis Tabai (rtd) as chairman. Other members are Prof. Pat Utomi, Arch-Bishop God-Do-well Awomakpa, Mrs. Florence Ehinlaye, Paul Enebeli, Asanuvwie S. Oberhiri and Dr. Anthony Okwunze.
The rest are Engr. Owen Mordi, Olise Ifejika, Barr. Oghenejabor Ikimi and Onyeisi Nkenchor.

True to expectation, Nigeria’s former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has concluded plans to join forces with the All Progressives Congress (APC) against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Blank NEWS Online can reveal.

The move by Atiku, who is touted to be interested in the 2015 Presidential ticket, is coming on the heels of his recent nationwide consultation with key political stakeholders in the six geo-political zones of the country, namely South South, South East, South West, North Central, North West and North East.

Although he has not formally declared his resolve to jettison the PDP, his close associates have expressed optimism that Atiku is resolute on decamping to APC with his supporters due to his being allegedly sidelined by the ruling party in its activities, even as Board Of Trustees (BOT) and National Executive Council (NEC) member respectively.

Atiku’s new resolve to finally dump the PDP has also been hinged on President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged kick against healthy democratic competition, where all PDP governors had allegedly issued him with automatic return ticket, therefore undermining the political interest other members of the ruling party.

Atiku, a staunch member of the PDP, known for his uncompromising manner when things turn awry, and especially recalling his political embattlement when he was Vice President to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is said to be treading towards familiar grounds of the APC, which has enjoyed his underground support in its formation stages and eventual registration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Hi-tech security operatives of the Delta State Police Command, on Friday, January 30, 2013, swooped on a gang of car-jackers syndicate who ferry stolen vehicles into a workshop hideout in Asaba, the Delta state capital.

The vehicles are allegedly solen from their original owners at gun-points from across the country and subsequently refurbished and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

The workshop, located on a fallow piece of land, surrounded by several high rise buildings, on a cul-de-sac off the popular Ambassador Leo Okogwu Street, which is a link road between the popular Jesus Saves and DLA roads in Asaba, the state capital, was nondescript and littered with about 15 (fifteen) cars and vans of different makes and in different stages of visible make over, when the men of the Delta State Police Command swooped in on the unsuspecting suspects.

The complete refurbishment, including panel beating, spray painting and engraving of new numbers on the screens had already been carried out on five cars, all parked neatly and awaiting unsuspecting buyers, while about 10 others were undergoing the process of being refurbished.

Among those in the processing line for a complete make-over, were a Toyota Highlander Jeep, with registration number AKD 703 AE (LAGOS), which according to police sources, was snatched at gun point in Enugu State recently and also a Mitsubishi bus, with registration number EG 743 GGE (Lagos).

Others vehicles with Lagos plate numbers: DS 929 GGE, BB 526 AKD, EKY 403 AY, AAA 71 CH, EKY 497 BV, APP 18 AE, EKY 109 AV and JJT 403 AF, as well as those with Enugu registration numbers include ENU 408 DE, BB 514 ENU BT 887 ENU; Imo State with a Toyota Corolla with the registration number SW 402 RLU and a bus with Anambra State registration number XC 299 AT were all seen in the workshop, which was also littered with old and new plate numbers.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, supported by his new Police Public Relations Officer, Tina Kalu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, paraded the suspect at the scene of the crime and told newsmen that five of the suspects nabbed at the scene, had earlier snatched the Highlander Jeep at gunpoint in Enugu a few days ago, without knowing that it had a tracker.

Aduba said that operatives of the police command, acting on a confidential tip-off, quickly interfaced with the vigilantes and some public spirited individuals and stormed the workshop and discovered the Toyota Highlander, which he confirmed was snatched from one Uche Osigwe at Ozo-Odogwu, opposite Phase 6 Trans-Ekulu area in Enugu State, parked in the workshop compound.

According to Aduba, “We immediately arrested five suspects, including one Kelechukwu Okoye (prime suspect), Chidiebere Owuse, Ekemefuna Odenigbo, Nzube Eze and Chinedu Agulobe.

“One Felix Ndah, suspected to be the owner of the property, and another accomplice, who had earlier absconded, were equally apprehended through the assistance of Asaba Vigilate.”

Items recovered from the car smuggling scene, according to the CP, include the Highlander Jeep, the Mitsubishi vehicle and several plate numbers and instruments used for panel beating and painting of vehicles and the suspects.

The arrested suspects who are already in police custody were also said to be assisting the police in its investigation, adding that they would soon be charged to court.

The Presidency and the Nigerian Police High Command have come under attack over the brutal disruption of Tuesday’s rally in the federal capital, Abuja, organised by the Anti-Corruption Network to protest against the endless impunity being perpetrated in Rivers State by the controversial Police Commissioner, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu.

In a statement made available to Blank NEWS Online, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State Chapter, said it received the news of the police action with great shock.

“That the police could brazenly roll out its arsenal and viciously crush a peaceful protest by Nigerian citizens is not only regrettable but also condemnable as it cannot be defended under any circumstances,” Rivers State APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said in a statement issued in the state capital, Port Harcourt.

He said “it beats the imagination why the police in the federal capital ruthlessly attacked innocent protesters, including pregnant women and children, with large doses of teargas while also shooting sporadically and spraying hot water on the marchers in a desperate bid to crush the rally.”

Dr. Ikanya noted that “with this sad turn of events, it is now obvious to the entire world that the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are behind the instability and impunity going on in Rivers State.”

He commended the Anti-Corruption Network and its Executive Secretary, former member of the House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, for standing up to be counted on the part of democracy.

“With people like Melaye and his Anti-Corruption Network, there is still hope that Nigeria’s troubled democracy could still be salvaged from the hands of anti-democratic forces led by the Presidency and the PDP,” APC concluded.