►Vol.
6 No. 45 May 6 - 12
, 2008
News:
ONELGA PDP Chairman Goes Tough ...Condemns Indiscipline,
Anti-Party Activities ...Sets Up Investigative Committee
- by Our Reporter
 The
Chairman of the PDP, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Chapter,
Hon. (Deacon) Felix O. Ejechi has condemned in strong terms the
rate of indiscipline prevailing among some aspirants who failed in
the recent party primaries in the Local Government Area.
Honourable Ejechi spoke with Newsmen in his office at Omoku on the
defeated councillorship aspirants of the party who have followed
the footsteps of some defeated chairmanship aspirants by taking
the party to the court without due process. He noted that this was
strictly against the party’s constitutional process. He said that
a situation where people could not adopt the spirit of
sportsmanship in political contests, knowing that it is impossible
for every aspirants vying for any elective position to emerge as a
flag bearer is an illusion and negates the values of the
democratic set up. Deacon Ejechi stated that, “good leadership is
the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency,
and the essence of leadership is being able to manage a chance,”
pointing out that, “if one wants to be a good leader he must be a
good follower”. The chairman stressed the need for people who are
undertaking anything to try and eschew vendetta and follow due
process, which is the watch word of the humble president of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
For the PDP in
ONELGA to be on sound footing in its political programmes, Hon.
Ejechi formed a fourman (4) man Investigative Committee to look
into the information that came to his office, that some defeated
aspirants during the PDP primaries in ONELGA took the party to
court. The committee which is headed by the Secretary of the party
in ONELGA Hon. Elder Emenike Onyige, has seven days to complete
its assignment. He said that if anybody was found guilty after the
investigations, sections of the party constitution would be
invoked on him/her no matter how highly placed. The PDP Chairman
finally urged all the members who are sitting on the fence to join
hands with the present administration in ONELGA to ensure that PDP
manifestoes and programmes are delivered to the letter, otherwise
he stated the party big stick would be used on members found in
anti-party activities.
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…Salutes ONELGA
Chairman, Councillors
 The
Chairman of PDP, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Chapter,
Honourable (Deacon) Felix Okoro Ejechii has congratulated the
newly sworn-in chairman of the Local Government Council,
Honourable Chris Okey Ochije, his vice, Honourable Ikechukwu Awari
and the councilors for their successful elections and subsequent
swearing-in. Elder Ejechi stated that for grassroots
administration to thrive, they should raise and explore
fundamental issues regarding existing institutional arrangements
for the developments, management and integration of the rural
sector of the national economy. He reminded them of the challenges
ahead, adding that they should spare no efforts in ensuring that
they keep to their electioneering promises to deliver the
dividends of democracy to the people with the fear of God. The
chairman urged public office holders to improve the lot of the
electorate by ensuring an enduring social and physical development
of the citizenry and be committed to encourage positive oriented
aspirations of government and non-governmental organization.
Deacon Ejechi
used the occasion to call on the members of PDP in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni
Local Government Area to bury the hatchet and join hands with the
present administration to collectively move the local government
area forward. He said that this could be done by closing ranks as
a family and fight a common goal that could bequeath a lasting
legacy for prosperity. The PDP chairman however urged the people
of the area to contribute their quota at various levels and
maintain peace, since according to him, peace is a catalyst to
development.
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ADVERTORIAL
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Election
Petition: Atiku, Buhari Move To Supreme Court -
From
Uchechukwu, Abuja
Hearing on the
appeals brought by Muhamadu Buhari and former Vice president Atiku
Abubakar challenging president Umar Yar’adua’s election in 2007
was Tuesday adjourned indefinitely. Chief Justice of Nigeria ( CJN
) justice Idris Legbo Kutigi who presided over the matter has
however directed President Yar’adua to reply the appeals within
the next eight weeks. Buhari, presidential candidate of All
Nigerian Peoples Party ( ANPP) and his Action Congress ( AC)
counter part appealed on the grounds that they were not satisfied
with the verdict of the court of appeal, Abuja which endorsed
Yar’adua’s election on February 26 2008. On mentioning the
appeals, the supreme court expressed desire to hear the cases
before the vacation in June even as it directed parties’ counsel
to decide on the best ways forward. But Buhari’s lawyer, Mike
Ahamba ( SAN) and Emeka Ngige expressed fears that the appeals
might drag if they were not heard before the vacation. As a
result of this, both lawyers opted for an order of accelerated
hearing. On the other hand, president Yara’adua’s counsel, Wole
Olanipekun ( SAN) and Kanu Agabi ( SAN) representing Independent
National Electoral Commission ( INEC) prayed the apex court to
ensure that the rules of the court would be followed. Both lawyers
argued that they were entitled to an eight weeks period to reply
stressing that justice should not be sacrificed at the altar of
speed. Hence, the apex court asked respondents to reply within
eight weeks. The court explained that counsel would be
communicated on the hearing date once the reply was filed.
Speaking to
newsmen shortly after the session, Ahamba hinted that he would
file application to demand that the appeal be heard expeditiously.
He said that that if the court rules were followed strictly, the
appeal may suffer delays till next year. Buahri and Atiku have
been kicking against the result of the April 21 2007 election that
brought Yar’adua to power. The court of appeal in its judgment
delivered by Justice John Fabiyi in February proved them wrong and
allowed the election. Apparently not happy by the decision, both
Atiku and Buhari approached the apex court seeking to set aside
the judgment. They maintained that the court of appeal panel was
wrong when it held that they could not prove their claims even as
they urged supreme court to void the election adding that it was
frought with irregularities and was not conducted in substantial
compliance with the electoral laws.
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APGA Condemns Robbery Attack On Champion’s Office …says it is a
wake up call for police
 The
All Progressives Grand Alliance [APGA] has condemned the Thursday
attack of the Operational Headquarters of Champions Newspapers by
hoodlums saying that it is a wake up call for officers and men of
the Nigerian Police. In a statement signed by the Pioneer Chairman
of APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie and made available to Champion in
Abuja Friday, the party noted that it was very unfortunate that
the robbers operated in the area and carted away valuables without
any interruption by the men of the police force. According to the
release, ‘We received with shock and sadness the news of the
vandalisation of the offices of Champion Newspapers Limited in
Lagos last night. The recent targeting of media houses for
vandalisation and robbery is worrisome and very disturbing.
Champion newspaper is one of the few credible and authoritative
news media that contribute immensely in educating and entertaining
as well as disseminating of news to readers across the Country. ‘A
vital and essential organisation as the Champion Newspapers
Limited does not deserve what happened to it last night. The
information that the hoodlums who carried out this dastardly act
had a field day at the premises of the publishing house where they
settled down to operate for several hours without any form of
challenge by the Nigeria Police is very disturbing and scary.
The statement
recalled that recently the premises of NTA Centre at Awka, Anambra
State also came under the jackboot of the men of the underworld
where an innocent staffer of NTA was killed by the hoodlums while
a 100 KVA generator which only a heavy duty truck could carry was
successfully carted away without trace up till now. ‘In the sad
event that took place at the premises of the Champion Newspapers
Ltd no office equipment was spared from destruction. We urge the
Nigeria Police and other security agencies to speedily bring the
perpetrators of this mayhem to book. The number of unsolved crimes
in Nigeria has risen to the point of national embarrassment. We
urge the Police further not to treat this incident with the usual
levity that has characterized the response of the Police to
criminal activities in the country. We sincerely sympathize with
the management and staff of the Champion Newspapers Ltd over this
devastating and unfortunate incident. They should not be deterred
from continuing with their noble role in the dissemination of
information and promotion of national stability and democracy, the
statement noted.
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Horror:
Poor Farmer Murdered In Ubima -
By Okechukwu
Geoffrey
One John Amadi
of Omilodu village in Ubima town in Ikwerre Local Government Area
of Rivers State has been murdered in cold blood in his plantain
plantation in Ubima. A reliable source told this publication that
he was gruesomely murdered on Tuesday April 29, 2008 but his dead
body was allegedly discovered two days later in the house of one
of Omehia’s aides in Ubima with his eyes tied with wrapper. This
weekly gathered that Amadi’s murder was not unconnected with land
dispute that has lingered for years now, as we learnt that his
late father left a vast land for him. And as the only son of his
father he was not sharing any boundary with anybody but for
enemies of progress who last Tuesday succeeded to send him to his
early grave. Meanwhile, Ubima town is now in disarray following
the murder of late John Amadi as it was the first time this
dastardly act had taken place in the area. The people are
therefore calling on government and the military to urgently wade
into the matter as to restore peace while the police carry on
their investigations. Late John Amadi who has been deposited at
the nearby mortuary was married with a wife and five children.
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Amaechi Prescribes Antidote To Niger Delta Crisis
 Rivers
State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called for
urgent and drastic measures towards solving problems of the Niger
Delta region in view of the negative effects on global economy.
Governor Amaechi made the call in a public lecture he delivered at
the International Conference, on “Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea”
organized by the Joint Standing, Committee of the Nigerian
Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in
collaboration with the Nigerian Navy last Monday in Abuja.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, the Governor said the
Niger Delta problems were -.not just national issues but global
problems deserving serious attention because of their impacts on
world economy. He said the world had long seen Nigeria as “a
non-stable economy and a sinkhole that could swallow their
investments”, noting that the incidences of kidnapping-and all
forms” of criminality in the Niger Delta were not doing he
nation’s image any good. “The recent phenomenon of hostage taking
sent a shock wave in the global oil market and the price of oil
sky rocketed”, he lamented, stressing that any further delay in
resolving the problem of hostage taking would exacerbate the
situation and disrupt oil exploration and distribution. The
governor who spoke on the theme “Maritime Security Challenges in
the Niger Delta Region, Implications for the Nigerian Economy”
said political instability arising from the issues was equally
injurious to the economy since it induces capital flight and
called for urgent and consistent measures towards resolving them..
Tracing the
history of maritime insecurity in the Niger Delta, Governor
Amaechi identified the long neglect of the region and its unique
terrestrial challenges as the root cause, saying “time has come to
properly equip the marine police to carry out its statutory
functions. “The Nigerian Navy is the most equipped Navy in West
Africa yet in 2005, the former Chief of Nigeria Navy stated that
the Navy in its present state cannot protect the nation’s
territorial waters because it is ill-equipped and under - funded”,
he recalled. The governor, therefore, called for partnerships for
capacity building in law enforcement and legislation as way out so
that the nation could contend with the enormous challenges in the
Niger Delta region. “The way forward should be build awareness of
the issues at stake, build capacity and use a holistic, operative
approach as well as seek permanent areas of strength in our
society which can be harnessed to increase security awareness in
the region territorial waters”, he declared.
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Thanksgiving Means Of Attracting God’s Favour
 Rivers
State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru has described thanksgiving
as a veritable means of attracting greater favour from God.
Speaking shortly after a thanksgiving service in honour of Major
General Dung Chong at the COCIN Regional Church Council at Turu-
Vomin Jos, Plateau State, Engr. Ikuru said God rewards
thanksgiving because it is a humble way of showing appreciation.
While acknowledging the experience of Major General Chong who was
recently uplifted to the status of Director, Military Intelligence
(DMI), the deputy governor urged him to continue to reflect God in
his service to mankind and the nation. Engr. Ikuru who represented
Governor Chibuike Amaechi at the occasion charged the Military
Intelligence Director to ensure that “your experience comes handy
in the discharge of your duties for the nation, remembering of
course, that appointment comes from God and must be guided by that
principle to succeed”. The people of Rivers State, he assured,
will continue to cherish the presence of God in the life of Major
General Chong, adding “the governor and people of our state are
committed to ensuring your success”.Also speaking, the Deputy
Governor of Plateau State, Mrs. Pauline Tallen thanked President
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for placing such responsibility at the
disposal of the people of the State and expressed optimism that
the Director would live up to expectation.
Earlier, the
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Luka Yusuf had commended the
unique way Major General Chong discharged his duties to the nation
and enjoined him to maintain the tempo. Represented by the General
Officer Commanding 3 Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army Jos,
Major General Oluwaseun Akinyemi, the Chief of Army Staff pledged
the support of top military officers to enable the Director
succeed in his new assignment. The Deputy Governor of Rivers
State, Engr. Tele Ikuru and the Secretary to the State Government,
Hon. Magnus Abe later represented the State at the opening of a
Seminar on “National Crisis and Disaster Management” in Abuja
where Vice President Goodluck Jonathan described disaster as a
threat to national security which must be accorded full attention
in planning. “I want to assure you that government will do its
utmost best to implement whatever recommendations that come out of
this seminar”, the Vice President declared. He observed that if
disaster management response is to be truly effective in meeting
the needs of everyone affected, leaders of communities, industries
and commerce have to contribute meaningfully.
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Why Etche
Council Headquarters Is Abandoned -
By Joe Kalu
 The
Etche Local Government Council Chairman, Chief (Hon) Ephraim Nwuzi
has given reasons, why the council headquarters looks like an
abandoned property with old dilapidated buildings with scraps
littered around the over grown fields. According to him, in a chat
with the newsmen shortly after the swearing in of his Vice
Chairman Hon. Emmanuel Nwanwa alongside the nineteen councillors,
“in my first tenure it was a deliberate attempt to concentrate
effort on projects that would have direct bearing to our people”.
Though he has promised to shift base to the council in this his
second missionary journey his lamentation of the old chorus of
inadequate council allocation, overbearing salary wage bills and
zero level Internally Generated Revenue does not give anybody any
hope either. However, Hon. Nwuzi promised to put smiles on the
faces of the people this time around in reciprocation of their
votes for him. Speaking early during the Oath taking ceremony
administered by the Chief Magistrate of the area, Mrs. Ibiere John
in a stuffy room which the Chairman confessed he was ashamed of
Nwuzi charged his councillors to avoid pitfalls of some of their
predecessors whom he described as seven (7) wise men whom he
disclosed are still visitors to the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission EFCC for their inability to substantiate the petition
against them. He advised them top rather concentrate effort on how
to make good laws that will impact on the lives of the people. The
council boss informed them that times have changed “it is no,
longer business as usual”. He further pledged that this his second
coming will promote peace in the land, which he noted was the
bedrock of every development, confessing that his first outing was
very rough and would avoid anything that will return the
nightmare.
Hon. Nwuzi
used the opportunity to announce the appointment of Hon. Sylver
Amadi one time CTC Chairman as the council Secretary and Hon
Nnamdi Okere also a one time council Chairman of the area as his
Special Asst. In a chat later, the LG party Chairman, Comrade
Nwiyi Uzoma Magnus congratulated the councillors and advised them
against any acrimony with the executive members. He equally
advised the council Chairman to concentrate effort on youth
empowerment and to ensure that everybody is carried along in the
scheme of things. On his part, the party Chairman said he has
planned a visitation of all the wards in Etche to get acquainted
with their problems with a view to taking them to the appropriate
quarters for attention. The Etche Legislative Assembly was later
inaugurated by the Chairman after which election of officers took
place. Hon Johnson Nweme, councillor representing Umuoye ward 16
was elected the leader while Hon Stephen Anucha was his deputy.
They promised to collaborate effort to give their people and
council headquarters a new lease of life.
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OBALGA Chairman Spits Fire …May Ban Pure Water Usage…Has Plan To
Use JTF As Taskforce Stories By Joe Kalu
If you are one of those who
underrates the capability of the new Obio/Akpor Local Council
Chairman, Hon. Timothy Nsirim you better have a rethink. This is
because he has promised to employ his youthful energy and work
with military alacrity to achieve set objectives. Nsirim who made
the pledge during the week at the swearing-in ceremony of his
Vice, Solomon Eke and the seventeen (17) councillors at the
council headquarters Rumuodomaya, said he would not mind to employ
the services of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) members to whip
the incorrigible traders and transporters whom he accused as worse
offenders into line. He also disclosed his administration’s
intention to consider banning the drinking of sachet water in the
area due to the environmental hazards the wastes constitute. He
made it known that he would not be an arm chair chairman as he
would occasionally be seen on shorts and jeans for field work with
his officers. Hon. Nsirim however assured the constitution of a
peoples parliament to interact with them to ensure that priority
is given to people oriented projects which are embarked upon in
his determined effort to execute his 6 points agenda of Education,
Health care, youth empowerment and improvement on existing
facilities, housing and Agric. Speaking immediately after the
swearing-in ceremony chief Magistrate B.M.F. Jamabo, the chairman
said it marked the beginning of another dispensation in the Local
Government. He said they are fully prepared to deliver the
dividends of democracy and appealed for support and cooperation.
He particularly appealed to the
councillors and indeed the people to shun rumour mongering and
character assassination but be focused on ways of making by laws
that would facilitate their job. Hon Nsirim used the opportunity
to thank the people and residents of the area for a very peaceful
electioneering campaign. “To God be the glory that no person
sustained injury throughout our electioneering campaigns he said.
The Council boss was also grateful for the state chief Executive,
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the chief of Staff,
Government House Port Harcourt, Hon Nyesom Wike for creating the
enabling environment for them all. Reacting on the Chairman’s
remarks in a chat with this medium, comrade Ricky Godwin, Ihunwo,
an Executive of the Rivers Commercial Motor Cycle Union
Association (RUMCA) said what the people expect from the council
leaders is good governance to improve their living standard and
not suppression especially in democratic setting. In his words
“the use of JTF members is not good for real democracy though his
experience and the zeal to succeed might be responsible for the
pronouncement”. On the threat to ban the drinking and selling of
sachet water, he noted it will also have adverse effect on the
administration and advised him to consider other options of
improving the sanitary situation of the council area. Comrade
Ihunwo used the opportunity to appeal to the council boss to
concentrate efforts on how to improve the deteriorating road
network in the area especially the one linking Ozuoba to Ogbogoro
and pledged the support and cooperation of his association to the
council administration expressing optimism in his performance
capacity.
Dignitaries
that graced the occasion were COS, Bar. E.N. Wike, Honourable
Commissioner for Environment Bar. Kingsely Chinda, member
Representing Obio/Akpor Const. II in the RSHA, Hon Tony Okeah,
immediate past CTC chairman Hon Tony Okocha, other past Chairman
of the council, the NUJ Atuzie, Royal Fathers in the area,
political leaders as well as captains of industry.
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Youth Body Lauds Company
 A
youth body under the aegies of Ikwerre Youth Council IYC, has
commended the Bulletine Construction Company, (BCC) for not only
providing jobs for teeming unemployed Rivers Youths but also its
love for a fast and satisfactory job delivery. Addressing newsmen
over the weekend in Port Harcourt, the IYC National President,
Prince Charless Abdulazeez Ejekwu said the N/Delta youths support
B.C.C and would wish that the state government not only continue
to deal with them but that other multi-national companies would
emulate the B.C.C example. The president also used the opportunity
to advise the newly appointed commissioners especially those whose
duties have to do with the employment and empowerment of youths to
enhance their relationship with the various youth leaders in their
renewed vision to stamp out criminal tendencies in the society. “I
would wish they collaborate efforts with us to achieve set goals,
we are ready and willing to partner with government he stated.
Prince Ejekwu made it known that meaningful development can only
take place in a peaceful atmosphere and appealed to all concerned
to embrace the peace effort going around and halt further
destruction of lives and property. He equally advised the chiefs
and elders who he said preferred crumbs to the real meal to have a
rethink and face reality in their own interest. According to him
“when the youths are gainfully employed, crime will not only
disappear but they would effectively be equipped to take over from
the elders. Similarly, the Niger Delta Non Violent Movement, NDNVM
has announced with pleasure that the state government is
responding positively to its peace effort.
Briefing the
press during the week, its comrade Onengiya Erekosima said the
group’s visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Mr.
Ogbonna Nwuke was very fruitful. “The government not only agrees
to our proposal but Commissioner declared his intention to be a
member of the peace body”. He also announced the intention of the
state chairman of the Environmental Sanitation Authority, Chief
Nnamdi Wokekoro to join the group. Erekosima said the hurricane
wind of peace is blowing across and appealed on those still
sitting on the fence to join the band wagon. He reiterated his
appeal to the state chief Executive Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi
Amaechi to temper justice with mercy and grant their brothers and
sisters in the creeks whom he said are willing to turn a new leaf
general amnesty in order to put a halt to what he called the
destruction of his generation. Recall that in a world press
briefing penultimate week in Port Harcourt, NDNVM announced that
it has been juncating the nooks and crannies of the state with its
peace campaign but accused some government officials of threading
their effort for their personal interest. He disclosed that his
group is in touch with all the fighting leaders who have equally
shown sufficient interest in what they are doing. Erekosima
however warned that the boys’ acceptance of his peace offer was
not an act of cowardice neither has the criminal neglect that
triggered off the agitation been addressed but that his group
feels that it is time for a truce having made their point while
the government both at the federal and state levels are given the
chance to find a lasting solution to the situation which has
attracted worldwide condemnation. However, political analysts say
the coast is not yet clear whether the two government officials
are speaking for themselves or for the state government as
Governor Amaechi reminded his audience penultimate week during the
swearing-in of the council chairman at the government house that
the two notorious cult leaders Ateke Tom and Soboma George remain
in the police wanted list. It would be recalled that the one
million match organized by Mr. Daniel Kanu in support of the
transmutation of late Gen. Sani Abacha in 1997 opened the eyes of
the Niger Delta Youths on how their God given resource are being
squandered and armed by the politicians for the 2003 general
election rigging and violence the youths turned against their
common enemy
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Commissioner Changes Gear On War Against Filth
The Honourable
Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Kingsley Chinda have announced
the need for the sanitation fight to be conscientised in the minds
of the people for more effort. According to him due to the
implication of bad dirty habit there is need to carry the campaign
to the schools, churches and other social organizations. The
Honourable commissioner who monitored the monthly clean up
exercises in company of his counterpart in the Ministry of
Agriculture, Hon Marshall Uwom, the permanent secretary in the
ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpogunum Okwulehie and the Obio/Akpor LGA
Council boss, Hon. Timothy Nsirim said he was not satisfied with
what he saw. “The whole place is dirty and the people displayed
non challant attitude towards the exercise”. The Commissioner
noted however that he discovered that the populace was not
sufficiently conscientised towards the exercise Hon. Chinda also
used the opportunity to flag-off a sanitation vanguard set up by
the Obio/Akpor council to complement the effort of the Ministry of
Environment. The Vanguard led by the council chairman and his vice
Solomon Eke later had a demonstration exercise at the bushy
Rumuokoro roundabout. Also speaking at the occasion, Prince Nsirim
reiterated his determination to ban the usage of sachet water. He
appealed to the commissioner to initiate a bill to the Staff House
of Assembly not only to back his intention but one that will
impact on the people on sanitation habit generally. The Obio/Akpor
council boss also warned the traders at Rumuokwurusi market where
the entourage surprisingly met them doing their business as usual
despite the sanitation exercises on his way to pay courtsey call
to Chief Felix Oto, representation of the kindred head of
Rumuodunwere Community in Elelenwon, the commissioner was
surprised at a century old dump site in the middle of the compound
and ordered its immediate evacuation by the council. At the
commissioners Rumuodani Community, the entourage was led on a
guided tour of the gully erosion at Okworo road by C.R.K in
Rumuodikirike village where the erosion control engineer in the
state was ordered to do something over the deplorable condition.
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Couples
Urged To Be Faithful To Marital Vows
Married
couples have been urged to always remain faithful to their marital
vows and to be steadfast in whatever condition they find
themselves in the course of their living together in obedience to
God’s injunction. The parish priest of St. Paul’s Catholic Church,
Oyigbo Rev. Father Celestine Agwu gave this charge over the
weekend when he led other priests to officiate over the marriages
between Mr. Menthus Ajoku and Miss Florence Iromanya; Mr. Leonard
Ihejieto and miss Judith Obi; Mr. Austine Okorafor and Miss Gift
Ndubueze; Engr Emeka Onwuka and Miss Encharia Nwigwe. The priest
further advised them to guide against internal and external
‘asunder’ in their marriages and be determined to resolve whatever
problem that would militate against the union. Most importantly
the priest noted that prayer was the master key to everything and
urged them to trust God to be in charge of their affairs. He
finally asked the choristers to pray for the newly wedded couples
through their songs, wishing them peaceful homes. In a chat
shortly after exchanging marital vows, Mr. Ajoku described
marriage as a union of opposite sex instituted by God for
companionship and procreation, and thanked God for realizing his
ambition.
He used the
opportunity to advise Bachelors and spinsters who have attained
the age and have the resources to obey God’s injunction to marry,
adding that its advantages outweighs the disadvantages, describing
his wife as a wonderful gift from God. The bride Miss Iromanya
thanked God for hearing her prayer and used the forum to advise
other spinsters who are still searching to be fervent in prayers,
that God will surely discover their own bone for them. She
promised to raise children who will imbibe the fear of God for the
good of the society. Later at the reception ground the chairman of
the occasion and a business mogul Chief Jude Ajoku in his remark
described the day as that of the couples fulfillment and expressed
gratitude for those who came from far and near to witness what he
called their life-long ambition.
Guests were
entertained with a sumptuous meal and music provided by the
Winners Band of Oyigbo.
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EMOLGA
Boss Promises To Carry Councilors Along -
By Okechukwu
Geoffrey
 The
incumbent Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State
Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke has promised to walk hand in glove with the
newly elected councillors in the area to give every community in
Emohua LGA a sense of belonging in the Amaechi led new Rivers
State. Woke who stated this while swearing in the fourteen
councillors from the fourteen wards that make up the LGA said a
lot was expected from them as business of the councillors was not
for selfish interest but to ensure that dividends of democracy get
to all the nooks and crannies of the LGA. He tasked the
councillors to also enact bye-laws that would help bring about
rapid development in the area assuring the community legislators
of total support at all times. The council Chairman also thanked
the people of Emohua for finding him worthy to serve for a second
term and assured them that his administration would leave no stone
unturned in bringing dividends of democracy to their doorsteps
pointing out that the executive arm of the council would work in
synergy with the legislative arm to ensure that every community in
the area benefit in this new dispensation.
He said that
any community found in the act of kidnapping, militancy,
vandalization and other anti-social activities would be made to
face the full weight of the law and enjoined communities in the
area to be law abiding and specifically thanked the Bridget
Ewhuwwhu-led legislature during his first tenure as chairman of
the council fur their cooperation. The Chairman also told the
cream of people who came for the swearing-in ceremony that he
would make peace one of his cardinal objectives in this
dispensation saying that militancy, vanadalization and violence
will be a thing of the past in the area.
Other areas he
said that, would be given much attention include, education,
primary healthcare and capacity building among others. Meanwhile,
Hon. Bright Igwe has been dully nominated and elected leader of
the Emohua Legislative Arm with Hon. Emma Woke and Ndubusis Wori
as deputy leader and Chief Whip respectively. In his acceptance
speech, the leader of the house on-behalf of other appointees
thanked his colleagues for the honour given to them and promised
not to disappoint them and the entire people of the LGA. The
ceremony which took place last Wednesday April 30, 2008 at the
council headquarters Emohua had some of the political bigwigs in
the area in attendance among them Hons. Emma Chindah
(Commissioner), Chidi Lloyd and Engr. Sam Agwor among others.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Emohau Local Government Area Engr.
Chukwuemeka. Woke has dissolved all the functional committees and
the revenue agents in the LGA. . Oath of office was immediately
administered on the councillors by the Chief Magistrate in charge
of Emohua magisterial district.
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Robbers In
Uniforms Terrorise Diobu Residents -
By Joe Kalu
 No
day passes nowadays without the news of armed robbers terrorizing
the residents of Diobu area of the state in spite of the concerted
efforts of the security agents against criminal activities. The
worst of it is that the robbers either adorn military fatigue or
police uniforms creating more confusion in the minds of the
residents. At No 222 Ikwerre Road opposite the State Environmental
Sanitation Authority where the Obi’s families lives, the residents
were woken by the violent kick on their doors and the barking of
orders. The Obi family in their narration later said they were
taken aback by the presence of two mobile policemen who demanded
for their cash and valuables at gun point. “We were happy
that they collected their loots without harming or raping any of
us”. Mrs. Bridget Obi narrated.She disclosed the loss of over
N50,000 given to her for keeps by her family meeting as well as
other valuables.Other members of the yard also lost one property
or the other.They were at a loss how the gang knew the rooms and
areas where money was kept.
This was of
interest to them. A week after the same group ransacked the area
without any challenge a week later there was this strong rumour
which has not been denied or confirmed by the police authority
that some officers at the Nkpolu Oroworukwo police station, U.S.T
junction were allegedly involved in one of the recent robberies in
the area. Also at Nneka Street between the hours of 8pm and 11pm
the residents of a yard were surprised when three ‘military’
officers bumped into the yard purportedly searching for a fleeing
criminal. All of a sudden the astonished members of the yard saw
the robbers turning the nuzzle of their guns on them demanding for
‘raw cash or their life. The frightened residents as we gathered
had to scamper for their safety while the trapped ones gave out
whatever they could afford in exchange for their lives. Also there
was a report that a couple at Rumuolumeni who could not meet the
demand of their “visitors” was given the beatings of their lives
in spite of their security personnel whom we gathered was tied to
his chair, blind folded and beaten up before the commencement of
the operation.
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Mile 3
Market Politics:Ex-Chairman
Succumbs To Pressure ...As Exco Is Inaugurated
The politics
of the Mile 3 Ultra Modern Market has taken a new dimension as the
authorities have backed the desire of the vast majority of the
traders for a change of leadership. Our source disclosed that
despite the intimidation and harassment of the Joe Mgbanuka group
against the entire traders the State Security Services, S.S.S. has
given its approval for the new elected executives to take off in
the interest of the public. Subsequently, the elected executives
have finally been inaugurated. Those inaugurated were as follows
Mr. Vincent Uchendu Nnokam, Chairman; Mrs. Irene Tom Ogbuji, First
Vice Chairman; Prince Alphonsus Onyebuagu, Second Vice President.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chairman charged them to ensure that
they collaborate efforts to give the traders a new lease of life
by providing a conducive environment for business. He used the
opportunity to renew his vision to ensure that his administration
leaves a legacy to be emulated. In a chat with newsmen the
secretary Mr. Emerenini recalled how the ex-chairman tried hard to
cause confusion by announcing to his supporters that the election
which was transparent was inconclusive, a situation which he said
sent Mgbanuka’s supporters into jubilation. He however added that
all that are now history by the quick intervention of the
authority to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
The secretary
disclosed that to show their wide acceptability there has been
solidarity calls on them by various groups in the market. He
however said that their hands are open to accept their opponent in
order for them to contribute their ideas for the emancipation of
the traders. Mr. Emerenini said his Exco has long swung into
action by visiting the various zones in the market for a thank you
tour as well as getting first hand information of their problems.
He are the Environmental Sanitation Authority has started removing
the debris of the demolished stores. “We have negotiating with
government to replace the broken down fence for security and they
have promised to procure two more transformers for us to enhance
the distribution of power in the market”. He said that the traders
have been assured that there will no longer be anything like
illegal levies which he noted has earned for them more support
even from their opponents camp.
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Royal Father
Makes Case For The Youths -
By Joe Kalu
A Royal
Father, Chief Michael M. Paul of Miri Nwanyi Asa Community in
Oyigbo LGA of the state has solicited that youths should be
meaningfully engaged to discourage them from criminal tendency.
The traditional ruler made the call at Afam Headquarters of the
council over the weekend. He particularly condemned the prevailing
situation in his area where companies like Daewoo Nig. Ltd and
Alcon Nig. Ltd operating there allegedly employed all types of
tricks to discourage willing unemployed youths from working there.
According to the Chief, this is in spite of the M.O.U agreement
signed by the company with the communities if they don’t say the
vacancies they have is for professionals they would lie that the
company is operating below capacity and has no vacancy,
foreigners/outsiders are seen being engaged periodically. Chief
Paul pointed out that if Government does not do anything about the
provocation situation, it might explode with a big crises, as
according to him” an idle hand is the devil’s workshop”. The
traditional ruler used the opportunity to congratulate the Council
Chairman, Hon. (Sir) Precious Oforji for successfully swearing in
and inaugurat his legislative arms. He advised that both the
Executive and the Legislative arms should work cooperatively,
avoid the mistakes of their predecessors in order for them to give
the people of Oyigbo what he called purposeful leadership. He
further advised that they should try to be transparent in all
their dealings in the council and strive to leave a legacy with
which they will be remembered.
Chief Paul
however noted that Prince Oforji’s experience will be an added
advantage for the new administration and urged him to allow it
bear on the council area. Similarly, the former CTC Chairman of
the council, Hon. Brigit Jacob in a chat commended Governor
Chibuike Amaechi for setting a good precedence on due process and
strict compliance to Rule of Law and advised that it would be to
the advantage of the Oforji led administration to emulate the good
example of the state Government. He further advised them to always
consult with the council of Chiefs which he said are ever ready to
lend their support in order that the council area regain its lost
glory. To carry everybody along in their scheme of things by
improving on infrastructural facilities that would rub off on the
people since it might not be possible for everybody to get
political appointments. Hon. Jacob noted that election was a
contest which was bound to witness disagreement and eventual
emergence of victors and losers, but that what was important was
for everybody to unite and come back into the fold to move the
council forward. He made it known that the principle of Due
Process is to guide the leaders as the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission, EFCC has been sharpened more than ever. before
to do their job and warned that it was no longer business as
usual. In a related development, a Royal Father in Imo State has advised the people to
be patient and supportive to the Ohakim administration in order to
reap the dividends of democracy.
HRH. Eze -
elect Cyril O. Ihemegwo Isi I of Isiala Autonomous Community
Amaifeke, Orlu LGA of Imo State made this call while chatting with
newsmen in Port Harcourt. He made it known that the relationship
of the state Government and the Traditional rulers. was cordial
and will continue to be so, as according to him they are partners
in progress. Eze Ihemegwo described Gov. Ikedi Ohakim as a divine
gift to the state, calling on his political opponents especially
the defeated Senator Ifeanyi Ararrume whom he noted has been
unrelented to sheath his sword and accept the Governor’s hands of
fellowship. He further defended the state Chief Executive and his
policy so far “ I commend his green and clean sanitation program
which has restored the sanitary condition of our state capital”.
He explained that the sachet water war which he said was blown out
of proportion was actually aimed at the proper disposal of the
wastes by the users and producers. On the allegation of money
laundering against Gov. Ohakim, the traditional ruler said the
state commissioner for finance Chief Ralph Nwosu has debunked the
allegation and that the people has no reason to doubt the veracity
of the case, attributing it to the handwork of political enemies.
He noted that already through the policy thrust of the present
administration, investors are being attracted in their numbers
into the state that would in turn provide employment and
development to the people. He reiterated the determination of the
Royal Fathers to partner with the Government especially in areas
of security of lives and property in the hinterlands. Eze Ihemegwo
also used the opportunity appeal to the populace to be calm and
shun rumour mongering, which he noted was capable of derailing the
Governor’s good intention. He congratulated Governor Ohakim for
successfully recording on ~year in office and wished him more
years ahead.He equally used the opportunity to appeal to the
Government for the speedy recognition of their staff of office to
enable them swing into action properly while renewing their
support and cooperation in the administration.
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Operations of the
Spiritual Gifts
God is love and every spiritual
gift given by Him through the Holy Spirit should be exercised in
love (1 Corinthians 13: 1- 3; 16: 14) which -is the hallmark of a
Christian disciple. If love is not the underlying motivation for
the operation of these gifts, do not hesitate to query their
source. You might then ask, “What is love?” Love is the discipline
of God manifested in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross at Calvary, to transform us from sinners into saints. Love is not just romantic or
sentimental feelings but the discipline that made Jesus Christ
willingly bear the weight of the cross and the sin of the world in
order that we, who once delighted in unrighteous living, would
begin to walk according to God’s standard of righteousness. Love
is a commitment to holiness, righteousness, honesty and integrity
that is personified in the Son of God. When we love, then we are
willing to bear pain because of others.
Without exercising these gifts in
love, others will not benefit and be blessed nor will the name of
God be glorified. When each believer operates these spiritual
gifts in love, the body of Christ begins to fulfill God’s mandate
to flow in love. Not only are the believers working for their
Lord, they are also walking with Him as vessels yielded to the
high discipline of spiritual service (Romans 12: 1-9) and the
words of the Master in John 13:35 bear fruit. It has already been
established that several the spiritual gifts are open to misuse,
therefore in order to appreciate their operation you” need to
consider the value of the fruit of t Holy Spirit alluded to
earlier. Clean water cannot come from an unclean source neither
can spiritual fruit be manifested in the life of person who is not
controlled and led by’ the Holy Spirit. This is the real acid
test, not the multiple gifts he possesses. The counterfeit
manifestations can be better assessed where you look beyond them
to identify whether the person is bearing spiritual fruit. The
word of God is very specific and you should not be led astray. “if
there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he
gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder comes to
pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘let us go after gods’…you
shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of
dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you
love the Lord your god with all your heart and with all your soul…
But that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to
death…so you shall put away the evil from your midst.”
(Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
“Beware of false prophets, who come
to you in sleep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
You will know them by their fruits…A good tree cannot bear bad
fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does
not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire... “
(Matthew 7:15-20). Many of us err here. “Those things he told me
all came to pass. Everything he said is working. If he was really
a false prophet, how come things have been moving so smoothly for
me?! “ The issue is not whether the so-called prophecy or dreams
came to pass but the nature of the source of this information.
Recall that even though the Egyptian magicians sought to mimic the
miracles performed by God’s ambassadors, no positive outcome
eventually came from their efforts. They could not reverse their
deeds, whereas Moses was able to entreat God to end the calamities
and bring relief to the people. We must pay attention to the end
results, the fruit of these spiritual manifestations. When you
test the spiritual gifts, you will know them by their fruits. To
operate the spiritual gifts to the glory of God, you must bear the
fruit of the Holy Spirit and this will erase any doubt about the
source of the gift. The Bible states in (1 Corinthians 12:7), but
the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the
profit of all (emphasis added). Each child of God is expected to
manifest the power of the Holy Spirit through His gifts and His
fruit. You should expect to operate in the spiritual, not for
self-aggrandizement but for the benefit of the people of God. As
you do so, remember that grace has been released to you according
to the measure of Christ’s gift you possess (Ephesians 4:7). This
means you are to constantly acknowledge e role of God’s grace in
your life, as the apostle Paul did. He was an exceptionally gifted
person yet he flowed in a spirit of humility that enabled him to
testify, but by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace
toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they
all, yet not L but the grace of God which was with me. (1
Corinthians 15: 10). When you realize that God has given
these gifts to you and it was not because of any merit of yours,
there will be no justification for pride. God’s grace has made you
what you are; it has enabled you to help in building up the body
of Christ. An understanding of this will motivate you to serve God
with greater singularity of heart and appreciation of the a
privilege you have been given.
HOW MANY GIFTS
CAN A BELIEVER HAVE?
Every believer has at least two
spiritual gifts (faith and evangelism) in some measure. You have
received a measure of faith, not just to believe for salvation but
to work out this salvation and sustain your Christian walk
(Ephesians 2:8; Colossians 2:6). You may not have the level of
faith of Jonathan Edwards, D.L. Moody or George Muller, or the
courage of faith as Pastor Kumuyi or Bishop Ajayi Crowther; your
faith may not open prison gates or bring about miraculous healing,
but know with certainty that you have a measure of faith. By the
“mission mandate” of Mathew 28: 18-20, you have received grace to
evangelise. You do not have to be another Billy Graham, Benny Hinn
or Byang Kato but you do have to do- the work of an evangelist at
all things. To deliberately disobey the command of your Saviour
and Lord is a serious issue. In addition to these two, all
believers have a combination of other gifts to be used in God’s
kingdom work. Some of these gifts may be dormant because you have
not yet begun to stir them up and use them. The actual number of
gifts depends entirely on the way the Holy Spirit chooses to endow
each believer. It would appear that the more yielded you are to
the Spirit of God, the more gifts He will entrust to you for
service to God’s people. There are believers who operate in as
many as twelve spiritual gifts, so do not limit yourself by
thinking that such manifestations were solely for the Bible times.
If we examine the Bible, two remarkable examples of spiritually
gifted men were the apostles Paul and Peter. The apostle Paul had
the clearly discernible gifts of healings, tongues, knowledge,
wisdom, miracles, administration, apostleship, evangelism,
prophecy, teaching, encouragement, discernment and faith. The
apostle Peter operated the gifts of knowledge, teaching, healings,
apostleship, evangelism, wisdom, miracles, prophecy, exhortation
and discernment. In contemporary times, God has raised up equally
gifted men and women to serve His people. I want you to
understand, though, that the real issue is not how many gifts you
have but how fully you are yielded to the Spirit of God. Know also
that although you may not necessarily flow in all your gifts
simultaneously, you should not be ignorant of what they are. To
claim ignorance of your spiritual gifts is like saying you cannot
distinguish your head from your neck. It is simply not possible to
belong to the body of Christ without also coming to a realisation
of what the Almighty God saved you to do within His body. Now you
have identified two of these gifts; your next responsibility is to
prayerfully seek the rest as you become actively involved in
service to God and mature spiritually. You -may not know, for
example, that you have the gift of liberality because your scope
of service has not yet reached the level where it will manifest.
Perhaps, your gift of discernment may not yet be apparent but this
does not indicate that it is non-existent. Do not be in a hurry.
Keep walking by faith, assured that in time each of the gifts you
have received will become known to you. We are all stewards of
God’s grace and will give an account to Him of our stewardship.
Just as you have been given these gifts, you have received
enablement to operate them for the benefit of Christ’s body and
honour God with your ministry (1 Corinthians 4:2). I pray you will
not disappoint the Giver of these gifts.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
You are part of the living, growing
body of Christ, which means you should grow in these spiritual
gifts. Every gift can be developed, or grown, as you walk in
faithfulness and diligence. Recall the charge given to the young
Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6) to ensure that his gifts were not
neglected but fully exercised. This is extremely important because
constant neglect can render the gifts so inactive that you not
only grieve the Holy Spirit but inadvertently declare yourself an
unworthy’ vessel that should be replaced. When God gives you both
responsibility and enablement, expecting a certain level of
productivity from you, it is most sinful to remain redundant. God
will raise more honourable vessels to take your place because it
is only the sanctified vessels that the Master can use (2 Timothy
2: 19-26). Every believer in this position is already growing his
gifts. 2 Peter 1:2-11 confirms that spiritual growth does not
occur automatically; it does, though, require serious personal
input from you. Verse .5 speaks of” ...giving all diligence... “In
other words, you must put in devotion, hardwork, virtue, zeal and
singular commitment if you desire to grow in these gifts. Often,
Christians unwisely sit back and wait for the Holy Spirit to do
everything for them. God will certainly not do for you what He has
enabled you to do and this means you ought to keep practising
whatever you have been gifted to do. Again, let it be clear that
the “gifting” is not supernatural talent but the complement of
spiritual gifts each believer has received. As you grow
spiritually, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the
knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (verse 8). This is how the
church should function. None of us lives to himself, therefore the
entire body suffers when one member is failing in his commitment.
However, when each believer operates the spiritual gifts as he
should, the entire body is both edified and enriched.
THE BODY OF
CHRIST AND THE GIFTS
The spiritual gifts bear witness to
the presence of God in the assembly of the saints. Without the
manifest presence of God, that place is spiritually dead. What you
call a “dead church” is not determined by the signboards in front
of it. Spiritual life is not a function of name but of the degree
to which the word of God manifests through the Holy Spirit. You
might enter a place of worship and judge it to be anything but the
sanctuary of the Most High God, whereas God is much more evident
there than in the place you claim is His “throne room.” If the
spiritual gifts are not in operation and are not being exercised
in love in that place, you will know that you are not in the
congregation of God’s people. Revelation 3: 1 declares of the
church in Sardis, “ ... you have a name that you are alive, but
you are dead.”
When people
enter the sanctuary in search of God, they should be able to have
a real encounter with Him there. If, at the end of a service you
have not been touched by God, can you honestly say that spiritual
life was flowing from there? Was not a vital element missing? The
body of Christ needs the spiritual gifts to be manifest not only
for the edification of the saints but for those not yet saved to
realize that they cannot hide from a God who sees and knows all
things. This is what being a living church is all about. Read what
the apostle Paul told the Corinthian believers about the operation
of the gift of prophecy: But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or
an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is
convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed;
and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report
that God is truly among you. (1 Corinthians14:24-25).
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