ONELGA Celebrates two years of successful governance - By Okechukwu Geoffrey

A public forum to mark the successful end of the second tenure of the Executive Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah-Alias Go-Round took place on Sunday July 30, 2006 at the Council Secretariat, Omoku. Addressing people from the six geo-political zones of the area, Bro.   Felix Amaechi Obuah said it was indeed proper to intimate the good people of the great local government on the extent to which they have fared these two eventful years. Having successfully served the local government for two years he said, it was absolutely proper to give God the glory and to say thank you to the good people of ONELGA for the opportunity, co-operation, encouragement and assistance given to him and his executives for these period of service delivery. Bro. Obuah said they have as a matter of policy introduced the philosophy of Go-Round in the citing of projects in all the zones of the local government area, saying that all projects started by his administration in all the towns and villages in ONELGA must be completed before the expiration of his tenure next year. He also condemned the act of stealing and shedding of innocent blood which he said, is on the increase in the area and called on the youths who are mainly victims to engage in meaningful ventures rather than allowing themselves to be used by those who use violence to seek power, knowing full well that power comes from God.

The Chairman whose achievements was celebrated amidst pop and pageantry also called on parents to guard against the untoward attitudes of their children and wards. He also granted amnesty to those on exile as a result of their misdeeds to return home within seven days as lasting peace has been restored. According to him, a committee to look into all the crisis and conflict ridden areas in the LGA would be inaugurated soon and called on both stakeholders, Traditional Rulers, Opinion Leaders and Youths to join hands in making the local government a conducive place for all. On security the Council boss said, machineries are in motion to guarantee safety of lives and property and said that arrangements are in top gear towards ensuring that all youths in the area are empowered. He further disclosed that he was going to introduce an audit panel that will audit the council funds as to know how much is received and expended for purposes of transparency and accountability in the LGA. Responding, members of the six geo-political zones comprising Ndoni, Egbema, Omoku, Usomini, Igburu and Egi who spoke through their representatives commended the Council Chairman, Bro. Felix Amaechi Obuah on his developmental strides as some equally endorsed him for a second term.

Speaking, the wife of the National Vice Chairman of PDP South-South, Chief (Mrs.) Christiana Ake expressed joy over what she called the leadership style of the Chairman that has brought unprecedented development to ONELGA and thanked Justice Mary Odili for the NIGAN project which has impacted positively on the lives of the people. In their contributions, the Traditional Rulers through HRM Eze Kingdom Elenwa, otherwise known as an Ambassador of Peace lauded the Chairman on his people orientated programmes pledging their unalloyed support to his administration. In a related development, a representative of non-indigenes in the area, Eze Basil Onwubiko thanked the Chairman for handling them like their own saying that non-indigenes in the area will continue to support him even beyond local government level. Meanwhile, Hon. Elemchukwu Ogbowu, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry has warned that henceforth anybody found perpetrating evil would be dealt with, no matter how highly placed and called on both parents and youths to tow the line of peace. Hon. Ogbowu also called on the people to fast and pray for their son, Dr. Peter Odili to clinch the Presidency in 2007. Highlights of the ceremony was a prayer for the governor and an award of Excellence on pragmatic leadership to the Chairman by the ONELGA students in higher institutions. The ceremony was attended by stakeholders, traditional rulers, elders, opinion leaders, and youths in the area.

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NUJ honours Odili, four others - By Chris Jonah Snr.

Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, last week Friday (12/7/2006) at Atlantic Hall, Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt admitted into the Union’s Hall of Fame, the Golden Governor of Nigeria, Sir (Dr.) Peter Odili and honoured four other illustrious sons of Rivers State for their achievements in delivery of dividends of democracy to the grassroot in the state and four the growth of journalism. Among those honoured are the Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Chief Austin Opara, Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Senator Ibapuye Martyns-Yellowe, and Barrister Celestine Omehia, the Executive Adviser to Governor Odili on Religious Matters. Addressing a large crowd that came to witness the ceremony, the Chairman of NUJ, Rivers Council Mr. Benneth Kalio said the award was in recognition of their contributions in sharing the dividends of democracy to all and sundry and sustenance of democracy in the country. Mr. Kalio praised Governor Odili  for his contributions to the growth of journalism in the country stressing that the Union is indebted to him for his unequalled assistance at the state and national levels. He also commended the governor for his assistance which led to the emergence of a Rivers man, Mr. Ndagene Akwu as National President of the Union, a position which before now was considered the exclusive preserve of a section of the country.

He noted that the honour was to encourage the recipients do more in their future endeavours. He announced plans to establish a Public Gallery for the Hall of Fame and solicited the support of the government to up lift and expand the Union Secretariat. The NUJ Chairman pointed to the edifice of the Court of Appeal and the new State House of Assembly and said that the standard of the Councils’ building does not fit the high level of journalism in the state. According to him, it would take about N30 million to construct a befitting Council secretariat. Oba (Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Sir (Dr.) Chukwumela  Nnam Obi II, the Grand Patron of NUJ and Chairman of the occasion, remarked that what the NUJ did had raised the governor higher above the people of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general stressing that the honour was well deserved and called on journalists in the State to project the governor’s vision. Mr. Odien Ajumogobia (SAN), Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice who stood in for Governor Odili commended NUJ for choice of Hall of Fame honour and the characteristics of the distinguished men honoured. He promised to notify the governor of the need for new edifice as NUJ secretariat. All the recipients expressed joy for the honour done them.

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Accept due process as a way of Life, Toby charges ICAN

Rivers State Deputy Governor, Sir Gabriel Toby says except Nigerians accept due process as a  way of life, it will be  difficult to fight corruption to a logical conclusion. Sir Toby made the assertion at the 1ST  Eastern Zonal Accountants Conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria at the International Airport Hotel, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt. The Deputy Governor who stood in for Governor Peter Odili noted that although the problem could not be solved in a day, there was the need for Nigerians to be accountable and transparent in all their dealings, no matter their status in the society. According to Sir Toby,’’ due process should not just be harmonization, it has to be real and real’’, urging members of ICAN to come up with decisions. advice  and guide- lines that would assist government and its accounting departments to improve the system so that resources available were utilized to solve problems for the benefit of man. He described the theme of the conference as appropriate, noting that as professionals  in their own rights, accountants should ensure that the nation’s resources were prudently utilized to bring about good governance. The Deputy  Governor said it had been the policy of the Odili – led administration since its inception May 1999 to make Rivers State home for all and called on Nigerians to galvanize’’ all we have in order to make the society a better place’’. In a keynote address, the president of the body, Dr. Catherine Okparaeke announced ICAN’s plan to market its Students Special project to all state governments and philanthropic organizations as a way of bringing the study of accountancy closer to the people in parts of the country perceived to be disadvantaged.

She explained that the new project was aimed at partnering with state governments, well – meaning individuals and organizations to bring needed infrastructural facilities to generate interest and facilitate the learning of accountancy where such facilities were lacking, a proposal she noted the Rivers State Government had already endorsed to make it a reality. The ICAN boss commended Governor Peter Odili for his people – oriented programmers since assumption of office in 1999 and thanked him for the support given to the body in ensuring the success of the Conferences saying that by his programmers, his name would be written in gold not only in Rivers State but also in the history of Nigeria. In his welcome address the Chairman, Eastern Zone of ICAN, Chief Ngozi Amaliri stated that the same’’ Accountant and  the issues of Corporate Responsibility ‘’ was carefully chosen to underscore the position of chartered in corporate governance.

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Vision of South-South President now a reality  - By Festus Ugwuorah Editor

An upright and highly respected Royal Father in Rivers State, Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre land, Eze Oha Evo II of Evo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Prof) Frank Eke has said that the vision of South-South President has come to a reality as anything short of this, amounts to an injustice against the people of the zone. Eze Gbakagbaka bared his mind while speaking with members of the Rivers Independent Council of Newspaper Editors (RICNE), who paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Woji, Port Harcourt. Eze (Prof) Eke explained that since the amalgamation of the country in 1914, the people of South-South had supported other zones tremendously and so, the 2007, should be the turn of the South-South to occupy the number one seat if Nigerians want to be fair to them. In his words, “if Nigerians want to be fair to the South-South zone, they should allow them hold the number one position”. “This is the most competent and appropriate time to allow them rule the country if others love the nation’. The Royal Father who was the second republic deputy governor of old Rivers State also appealed to Nigerians not to play double standard but, be fair to the South-South zone which is the economic back bone of the nation. As the Eze Gbakagbaka called for truth, social justice and fair play in the country, he also said that the post of President should go to the Golden Governor of Nigeria, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili whom he  described as an achiever and developer as well as a God fearing man. “If Odili’s attributes were not enough to occupy the number one position, what attributes would we be looking for”, he queried. He further said, “I have been an administrator and now a Royal Father, I have not said any thing to mislead any person”. Commenting on President Olusegun Obasanjo’s performance, the Royal Father said that OBJ is God chosen and a God sent leader who has healed the wounds of the country, adding that he is detribalized, recalling how prudently he handled the issue of sharia in 2000 which almostly tore the country apart.

The Evo monarch frowned at sensational journalism and advised all journalists to embrace objectivity in their reporting of events and be painstaking in their chosen profession. Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of RICNE, Mr. Chim Sampson had described Eze Gbakagbaka as a peace maker per excellence and a good  Christian. Mr. Sampson observed the numerous contributions of the Royal father in many spheres of life within and outside Rivers State which according to him attracted many awards to the Eze. He then prayed God to give Eze Gbakagbaka good health to continue to serve God and humanity. In another development, Eze Gbakagbaka, His Royal Majesty, Eze (Dr.) Frank Eke has received a prestigious award of ‘An African Avancular Leadership Diamond” by Bell Media Works Lagos. According to Mr. Adekola Benjamin who brought the instruments of the award to the Eze’s palace in Woji, Port Harcourt on July 25, 2006, the award was officially held in Lagos on July 7, 2006 to recognize Nigerians that had done so much to maintain and sustain African culture. Mr. Adekola later presented a certificate and the paper delivered on the award day to Eze (Dr.) Frank Eke. Responding to the award, the Royal Father apologized for his inability to be in Lagos for the award because of other engagements he had in Abuja. He expressed his happiness over the award and gave his fervent thanks to God for everything. The Eze promised that for recognizing his contributions for human development in Africa and our country Nigeria, he would continue to serve God and humanity.

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Cult clash in Rumuakunde Community claims six - By Our Reporter

A clash between two rival cult groups, Degbam and Dewell has claimed six lives at Rumuakunde community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. A source who called in from Emohua on Saturday said that Degbam members had stormed the community on Friday night and shot dead four people allegedly suspected to be members of the Dewell cult group. He said that the attack was a revenge mission by the Degbam over the death of their member who was said to have been killed sometime last week by the Dewell. Though details of the clash was still sketchy as at the time of going to press, The Beam gathered that when the members of the dreaded Degbam stormed the community in search of the leader of the Dewell group, they shot and killed four persons including two brothers of the Dewell cult leader. The two brothers were said to be Engineering and Medical Students of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. The shooting which took place on Friday night was said to have lasted for about 3 hours.

In a reprisal attack the rival Dewell stormed the village square on Saturday where the villagers were meeting to fine tune strategies on how to curb the menace. While shooting sporadically, they gunned two persons – one, a younger brother to the leader of the Degbam and another youth leader. It took the intervention of men of the police force under the SOS to stop the raging cult war. Meanwhile, initial efforts to get the police to intervene suffered a set back, as the men of the S.O.S. were said have been drafted to Bodo community in Ogoni land, where another cult war had sent villagers packing. The fight which tool place on Thursday was said to have been between two cult groups who were fighting for supremacy.      

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Elele police hack down four armed robbers

A four-man armed robbery gang terrorizing motorists along the Port Harcourt – Owerri road, was on Saturday (29/7/06) shot dead by members of the Nigeria Police Force of the Elele Police divisional headquarters in an attempt to escape from police van. The Beam gathered that the gang’s transport manager was arrested with a motorcycle  and on interrogation, he opened up to the crimes they had committed. His information led to the arrest of four others at Umuapu, Imo State, their hide out.  It was told This Weekly that after every operation, the criminals would go to the village (Umuapu) in Imo State and stay for one or two weeks before their next operation. The gang was said to be responsible for the killing of a trailer driver recently along the same route. The dare devil robbers confessed to have robbed several guests during the burial ceremony of Sir Celestine Omehia’s father, as they mounted road blocks for the visitors.  A Police source at Elele informed The Beam, that the long arm of the law caught up with them when operatives led by ASP Innocent Osan by mid – night stormed their hide out and arrested four of them. But the robbers met their waterloo when the police officers were moving with them to arrest their gang leader, Otoga. The criminals jumped out from the vehicle in an attempt to escape and they where shot dead. Those shot dead include Manaka Amadi, Amajuoyo Nwenwe, Okechukwu Igwe and Hope Igwe all from Omerelu, in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 The attempt to reach the DPO, Mr. Ikoro Oji was abortive as he was not on seat. But a police source confirmed the killings and warned criminals to keep clear from the area, since there will be no room to accommodate them. ASP Innocent also shed more light on how the robbers usually operate. He said that they normally use bags of maize belonging to women traders to block the roads especially at the Ubima junction of the road. The brave police cop said that the robbers do not rob the natives; as such the natives in turn give them protection from the police. He said that if the public is willing to inform the police on the activities of these robbers, it would be easier for the men of the police force to track down on them. He commended those whose phone calls helped the police to fish out the robbers.

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I am most qualified to rule Imo - Stories from Emeka Iwuala, Owerri

The incumbent deputy governor of Imo State, Chief Ebere Udeagu has stressed his determination and readiness to take over from his boss, Governor Achike Udenwa in 2007. Chief Udeagu who was speaking to journalists recently in Owerri said as the second headmaster in the Udenwa Redemption College, coupled with his wealth of experience in administration and Engineering, he is qualified to take over the job. The deputy governor said he has learnt the ropes for seven years and it would be a waste if Imo People do not vote him into power come 2007 and appealed for the support of all Imo People. He pledged to continue the good work of his boss adding that government is a continuous process but added that Governor Achike Udenwa does not embark on projects he would not complete. Engr. Udeagu said he would tackle the issue of youth restiveness effectively if elected into office.

According to him, this issue can be put to rest if the youths are effectively empowered. On the clamour by the Owerri zone for the number one seat come 2007, Chief Udeagu argued that the zone had gotten their slot. He pointed out that sons and daughters of Owerri zone are and had been ministers leaving Okigwe zone out of the picture. According to him, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Evans Enwerem and Dr. Kema Chikwe are members PDP Board of Trustees and all hail from Owerri zone. He stressed that equity and justice demands that Okigwe zone should be allowed to produce the next governor of the state come 2007. Chief Ebere Udeagu, however gave kudos to Achike Udenwa’s administration which according to him, has within the past seven years, re-drawn the economic, infrastructural, social and political map of Imo State in a manner unprecedented in the history of the state.

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Policeman shot dead over N2m bribe

A Policeman, Corporal Eze Iruanya attached to the Eagle Squad of the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command was recently shot dead by his colleague over an alleged N2m bribe. Impeccable sources close to the Command revealed that Iruanya with his colleagues was instructed by O/C Eagle Squad to execute six armed robbers which were found operating along Owerri-Port Harcourt Road. The source further revealed that the instruction of the O/C Eagle Squad was aborted along the way following an offer by a relative of one of the armed robbers who offered a bribe of N2m for the release of the said armed robber. According to the source, the N2m bribe was refused by Corporal Iruanya who insisted that all the six armed robbers should be executed. This resulted to a misunderstanding between Corporal and his colleagues which made the slain cop to shoot the particular armed robber and was immediately shot dead by one of his colleagues. His colleagues however alleged that he was killed by armed robbers. However, the body of late Coporal Eze Iruanya has since been deposited at the Aladimma morgue, Owerri, Imo State. Efforts to reach both the Commissioner of Police, Imo state Command and the Police Public Relations Officer proved abortive as they were said not to be in the office when this report went to bed.

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Bumper allocation as parting gifts for Council Chairmen in Imo State

It was all smiles on the faces of Local Government Chairmen in Imo state penultimate Saturday a the monthly Joint Allocation Committee Meeting (JAC) at the All-Seasons Hotel, Owerri. Sources say this was as during  result of the fat June Federal allocation for the Local Government Councils in the state. From the report of the Federal Allocation Committee, each of the Local Government Chairmen in the State smiled home with as much as N80m or more. Speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, Chief Bon Nwabiani said the fat allocation resulted from excess crude account. He revealed that the total allocation for the Local Government Councils in the state is N3.2b, Value Added Tax (VAT) - N1.9m, excess crude accounts-N1.5b and state generated revenue is N13m. Chief Nwabiani stated that the sum of N2.5m was deducted from the allocation of each of the Local government areas as statutory deductions. However, Owerri North received the highest allocation with N113.5m while Nkwerre L.G.A received the lowest with N69.5m. Chief Nwabiani advised Local Government Council Chairmen in the state to make the best use of the allocation for the benefit of all.

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COE commends Odili for investing in Education - Stories By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Management, Academic Board, Staff and students of the Rivers State College of Education Port Harcourt have commended the State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Sir (Dr) Peter Odili for its renewed efforts in repositioning the tertiary institutions in the state. Addressing the staff and students on the occasion of the 2005/2006 Matriculation ceremony of the college on Wednesday July 19, 2006 at the Rumuolumeni Campus, the Provost, Professor Mark Addison Wokocha (JP) lauded the state government for the recently commissioned two-storey building at the Rumuolumeni campus. They also appreciated the efforts of the state government in ensuring that the two units of one and two storey building housing lecture halls and staff offices, currently under construction in the college are completed. He maintained that the college would always remain indebted to the state government for the prompt release of funds to address the infrastructural deficiencies identified by the National Universities Commission and National Commission for Colleges of Education in their various accreditation visits to the college. Promising that the college administration will work assiduously to complement Government’s efforts towards the development and growth of the institution.

Meanwhile, the fresh students have been advised on the need for hard work. According to the provost, what they require to succeed are resilience, determination, diligence, good behaviour, hardwork and proper management of their time urging them to shun examination malpractices and secret cult activity since the state government and the college administration have put various measures and infrastructural facilities in place to assist them face their academic work with little or no distractions and hardship. Such measures he said, included banning of the buying and selling of hand-outs, harassment or intimidation of any kind by staff or students, extortion or compulsory sale of books at exorbitant prices, saying that the state government has greatly improved our facilities and infrastructures on campuses in recent times and stressed the need for them to make proper use of those facilities to their own advantage, and not to while away their time on unproductive and useless ventures that may finally plunge them into trouble and cause regrets to them and heart break for their parents. The college has thanked the Golden Governor of Nigeria for his numerous achievements especially in the education sector and concluded that the country needs pragmatic, dynamic and visionary leaders like Dr. Peter Odili who have the capacity and relevant experience to pursue programmes and policies that will revolutionize the country for overall benefit of its citizenry. A total of 2, 818 students matriculated.

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Ahoada East NULGE elects new officers 

The National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) Ahoada East Chapter on Thursday July 20, 2006 at the Council headquarters elected new executives to run its affairs. Those elected include, Comrades John Goodnews as Chairman, Adamma Chinyere-Vice Chairman, Emmanuel Ishirima-General Secretary, Richard Nyoma Nwoboso-Asst. Secretary. Others are Ozoegbu Promise .A. -Treasurer, Augustine Ukweregbuchi-Auditor and James Albert Ikerechi as trustee. Addressing the elected officers, the Returning Officer charged them to see their victory as God’s doing and reminded them of the need to serve the people well rather than engage in shady deals. He described the election as most peaceful in Rivers State in recent times and thanked the people for their co-operation in ensuring a free and fair election, advising them to work in harmony with new executives to achieve set goals. In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Comrade John Goodnews thanked God for the honour bestowed on him and expressed satisfaction on the excellent manner the election was conducted promising to carry everybody along in his new assignment.

Comrade Goodnews who is serving his second term in office as NULGE Chairman charged all hands to be on deck to move the union forward. He assured them that he would do all within his capacity to accomplish all the promises he made during his first term in office saying that before the end of his second tenure, he would build an office for the Union. He also said that he would create a loan scheme to improve the lives of workers when ever they are in need stressing that the new body must ensure that the rights of workers are given its due recognition in the scheme of things. He, however, lauded NULGE Ahoada East Chapter for their assistance and the Executive Chairman of the Local Government, Chief Stephen Ihua-Maduenyi for the confidence reposed in him to serve the union for the second term and promised not to disappoint them

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Party Chieftains to wade into crisis in Omagwa

The leadership of the popular Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM) in the state has been called upon to wade into the crisis affecting the body in Omagwa- a host community to the Port Harcourt International airport. The youths who spoke to our reporter in group said they were dismembered from the group because they belonged to a youth body in the community that is only fighting for community development wandering why the Councillor representing the area in the Ikwerre legislative arms Hon. Samuel Wanosike would tag them anti-PDP, when members of the Omagwa youths are staunch members of PDP. They have concluded that if nothing is done to regain their original membership of the body the scheduled IYM rally, coming up soon in Omagwa clan may be truncated since according to them, they would not fold their arms to see their rights denied them in a broad day light. The youths also told This Weekly that Hon. Wanosike rather than unite the body as is done in other sister Ikwerre communities chose to create factions in the community.

According to the youths, how could they be removed from the party because they are members of Omagwa youths? Commenting on the ugly development, the President General of the Youths Empowerment and Progressive Movement of Omagwa (YEPMOP),  Morris Tenor said it   would be out of place for one to be denied his party membership because he or she belonged to the community youth and vice versa. The poet cum activist is however calling on the party Chieftains in the state to intervene in the interest of peace and tranquility. He re-iterated the need for PVM members in Omagwa to remain steadfast in their support for the ruling party and IYM in particular as no individual has the right to dislodge them. The youth leader has commended Dr. Peter Odili, the Executive Governor of Rivers State and their son, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi for a job well down and called on the duo to also put smiles on the faces of Omagwa sons and daughters who have suffered some level of marginalization upon donating such a magnitude of land for the airport since 1970.

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“Gov Kalu, Best Presidential Candidate in the South East” - From Abba Collins, Lagos

The Presidential bid of Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State has received a boost recently when the President of Igbo Justice Forum and a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Chris Ekwilo said that the governor is the most credible Igbo man to contest for the Presidency. According to Ekwilo, “Kalu is one of the most credible persons from Igbo land going by his track records and antecedents. He is genuine in his fight for the Igbo cause”. Continuing, Chief Ekwilo described Gov. Kalu as one candidate from thet East who is acceptable in the Northern part of the country, as well as in the West, where his relationship with Gov. Bola Tinubu of Lagos State is second to none”. While commending Kalu, he urged the Ohaneze to ensure that Kalu is adopted as a consensus candidate. He further warned the Governor to resist any attempts to adopt him as a running mate to any other Presidential candidate, as he said, “we are tired of the No.2 position. Chief Ekwilo expressed his displeasure on the issue of rotational Presidency. He said it is not a game of bread and butter, as such no zone should expect to sit in its house and expect the Presidency to be given to it on a platter of gold. Ekwilo said that it requires hard work and negotiation as well as producing an acceptable candidate that would determine who gets what. He condemned the call by some zones over the issue and said that the 1999 constitution does not make provisions for rotational Presidency amongst the ethnic groups in Nigeria.

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