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AMAECHI'S STYLE OF RE-BRANDING GOVERNANCE IN RIVERS STATE

I like both the logo and the slogan of Prof. Dora Akunyili's mantra of the re-branding project. Good people, Good Nation! This forms the bedrock of the Minister's effort to give Nigeria a face-lift, from what she has been known for on the international scene as a country that has the penchant for corruption and fraud to a country of good people that make a great nation.

While I do not disagree with the Minister of Information who has decided to re-brand her war against fake drugs during her reign as the NAFDAC Chief Executive which may have contributed to earn her a place in the Federal Executive Council, I seriously think that the process of giving Nigeria a new image must start from the top. Where there are good leaders, there will ultimately be good followers. The nation at best needs good governance in order to restore its lost glory if ever there has been any. A new model of our country must be the primary responsibility of every public office holder before he or she can instill what he has into others. A checkered government should never expect anything less from the citizenry more so where unemployment, inflation, poor infrastructure like roads, housing, power and adequate healthcare have become the order of the day.

No one, not even those who consider themselves as constituting the opposition can deny the fact that there is a new face of governance in Rivers State just like what can be seen in some other states like Lagos Enugu and Ogun.

The once regarded garden city had degenerated to a slum full of shanties until the coming of Amaechi. The courage needed for the transformation of the state is not also lacking as most structures that hitherto constituted problems for the drains have also been pulled down to also pave way for the dualisation of most of the roads.

The image of the government now is different from what was obtainable in the past when the state was turned into a theatre of violence for cultists who were largely being sponsored by the powers that be. The state of emergency declared in the Education sector has received its attendant support as new model schools are being constructed while payment of Primary school teachers is now being handled by the state government instead of the local government councils as stipulated by law.

Several flyovers are also being constructed to further decongest the ever increasing traffic situation in Port Harcourt City. Things are getting better in the state and the security situation is much better than what it was as night life has returned with most of the night clubs and public places remaining in business.

This is not time for praise-singing or image laundering because there is a physical transformation of the state and that has attracted several Ambassadors, Diplomats and even the French Prime Minister to the state.

Most persons who have visited the state are shocked at the level of massive infrastructural development going on as well as the social life of the people contrary to media reports which have continued to paint the picture of a war-torn state. Not even the prevalent communal conflicts in the past have resurfaced.

Gov. Amaechi has changed the negative perception of bad leadership which has been the bane of the nation. He has consistently and gradually shown that governance is not all about muzzling perceived political opponents or amassing wealth by employing resources at his disposal to provide the much needed dividends of democracy.

Though the physical re-branding process is not without some tales of hardship as many have also lost their structures to the demolition exercise despite the payment of compensation to landlords where necessary; the people are generally happy with the level of work being done to improve the fortunes of the people of the state. The new Greater Port Harcourt City project has also prepared land owners as well as prospective ones for more economic activities.

Interestingly, Amaechi's attitude to work is beginning to have a multiplier effect as most of the Local Government Chairmen and other government officials are following suit though there are others that need to be reminded that it is no longer business as usual. Road users are becoming conscious of traffic laws while builders no longer erect structures indiscriminately. Slowly, these attitudes are becoming a way of life for the residents of the state.

Those who are already campaigning for a second tenure should borrow a leaf from the governor as elections in 2011 will be determined by performance and not by mere media hype. Opposition must be objective while criticism must be constructive and not for the sake of doing so. With the remaining two years and five months, Amaechi would have doubled his efforts in other sectors like unemployment, power, empowerment and their likes, the state would have succeeded in its re-branding exercise in the real sense of it.

 I will therefore join millions of other Nigerians including those in the diaspora to applaud the governor while also urging him to step up the pace in the re-branding process.

Refutal:

We hereby retract the statement credited to one of our reporters and published on June 17th -23rd 2008 edition of our newspaper and which read in part , “… who brought curse rather than blessing to the land”, as describing the former Honourable member of Ikwerre Local Government Legislative Council, Ward 9 of Ikwerre Local Government Area, Isiokpo in the period 2004  to 2007,  Hon Samuel Nwanosike.

We regret whatever embarrassment or harm which the said publication had caused the former honourable Councillor as it was unintended, nor could we have planned to  disparage or malign the personality of the former honourable member.

Editor

Cover News

Amaechi's New Cabinet ...Plus Details Of High Profile Lobbying

The Rivers State Governor in what looks like a mafia strategy had on Friday, June 5, 2009 dissolved the State Executive Council.

The announcement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Magnus Abe had shocked the commissioners who were said to be preparing for a continuation of the exco-meeting that morning. 

The Governor had on Wednesday after an unscheduled inspection of projects in the State with the commissioners, settled down for the exco-meeting which was said to have been adjourned till Friday. No one was expecting the dissolution of the Exco.  

Meanwhile, eight of the former exco members have been screened and cleared by the Rivers State House of Assembly. They include Dr. Sampson Parker, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, Mr. Ken Chikere, Mr. George Tolofari, Ms Alice Neni, Mrs. Emmanuel Izunwa, Mr. Osima Ginah, Mr. George Feyii.

It is not clear as at press time if more of the former members of the exco would still find their way back.

However, jubilation had greeted the bold action by the governor because many saw it as timely.

Reports reaching our news desk has it that intense lobbying started on Friday night as some of the former commissioners were said to have been visiting the homes of top and influential people in the state and beyond in order to secure their re-appointments.

Our sources say that one of the commissioners who was said to have performed below expectation was seen at the home of a chieftain of the PDP who hails from Ndoni.

The former commissioner was said to have urged the chieftain to plead with the governor to return him to office. But many say it is not likely that he would make the list as he did not perform as expected to the point that Gov. Amaechi always complained during exco meetings about his lackluster performance.

Stakeholders in the state have also urged the governor to ensure that only credible men and women who are ready to move in his pace and vision are appointed as many also condemned the attitude of some of the commissioners who can best be described as selfish and  do not act in conformity to the dictates of their coveted positions.

Further investigations by the Beam also revealed that some of the hopeful candidates are reaching out to some highly placed government officials who are said to be close friends of Gov. Amaechi for obvious reasons.

Some of those who spoke to our correspondent say they expect the governor to introduce new people with fresh ideas while also doubling his effort to ensure that his programmes and policies are given adequate publicity.      

Local Govt. Elections Case:  … Appeal Court Adjourns Till Sept For Hearing

The Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt has adjourned till September 15th 2009 on the appeal brought before it by the 23 Local Government Chairmen who served under the illegal administration of Sir Celestine Omehia challenging the earlier ruling of the lower court which gave the state Independent Electoral Commission the go-ahead order to conduct fresh elections shortly after the Amaechi led-government came on board.

However, when the matter came up on Monday, June 8, 2009, counsel to the 23 ousted Chairmen Justice E.C. Ukala (SAN) said his clients decided to take the matter to the Appeal Court in order that it would be given an accelerated hearing which of course the court consented.

It will be recalled that barely after Omehia was sworn in as governor and subsequently constituting a 5-member committee which metamorphosed into the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Chidi Lloyd, majority leader and member representing Emohua constituency went to court challenging the legality of the constituted RSIEC as emanating from the Omehia's 5-man committee.

Meanwhile, according to the Electoral Act, the committee that should form the RSIEC was stipulated to consist of a 6-man committee instead of 5 as constituted by Omehia's administration.

Also, recall that Prince Secondus, Board member Peoples Democratic Party had termed the RSIEC coming out from the Omehia's five-man committee illegal because almost all the members were card-carrying members of PDP which the Electoral Act stipulated against.

 So, consequent upon all these faulty stands on the side of Omehia, the court declared the constitution of the RSIEC then illegal and awarded the case to Chidi Lloyd.

It was therefore clear that that very RSIEC stood on a lame and faulty footing and with all that crooked and bent commission holding sway, Amaechi was sworn in to replace Omehia's administration. Eventually, he needed a clean bill and a clean breath. He chose to replace the 5-man faulty commission of Omehia with that of a six-man legitimate commission. Of course, he also made sure the new members owed no allegiance to any party as they were screened and found to be non-card-carrying members of any political party.     

Subsequently, all Chairmen who operated under Omehia and who were elected under that regime ceased to run the affairs of the Local Governments as Ameachi's administration had elected its own council chairmen. But based on this abrupt and sudden quashing of their tenure, the chairmen resorted to seek redress through the court challenging so to say the Supreme Court order that brought the Amaechi's administration and invariably the new chairmen into power.

So the Chairmen are asking the court to declare them the authentic LGA Chairmen. But can that be possible? Lets see what the 15th of September 2009 holds in stock for them.

News

By Chris Jonah

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has sworn-in members of Customary Court of Appeal at Government House, Port Harcourt, and urged them to always view their cases meticulously before delivering judgment to avoid making mistake.

Governor Amaechi explained that the advice became necessary because judges and magistrates as human begins are bound to make mistakes.

“I realize that as human begins, there could be mistakes, but this is one profession one need not afford making mistakes. Among three arms of government, the judiciary appears to be more responsible to the people, and have a duty close to God, since their duty could determine life and death”.

The State Chief Executive expressed optimism in realization of the importance of the position of judges, the respect and regard given to their profession, and said the President and members of the Customary Court of Appeal should not allow themselves to be influenced by the public.

“I realize the importance of your position and I am conscious of the fact that the choice of the judges and the magistrate of the state, are dependent on the quality of men and women with responsibility, respect and regard', he emphasized.

In a chat with journalists after the swearing-in ceremony, the President of the Rivers State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Peter Agumagu said their assignment would be to properly organize the customary courts and ensure fast and quality delivery of cases and respect for the rule of law.

Among those appointed include Mrs. Christiana Gabriel-Nwankwo, Mrs. Grace Tammy Lrikefe-Ojo, and Mr. Ihenacho Wilfred Obuzor.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has ordered those dredging sand at Okuru-Ama axis of Port Harcourt to desist or face the risk of arrest for illegal dredging activities.

Governor Amaechi in an unscheduled inspection of the proposed New Model Secondary School along Okujagu-Ama road, expressed disappointment over the attitude of some persons for encroaching on government land, saying his administration has resolved to recover all state government lands and property from public use. 

Mad People Infest Igwuruta Community

By Okechukwu Geoffrey 

There is no denying the fact that insane persons have discovered Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State a comfortable place for their settlement as they troop into the town unmolested.

When our reporter visited the area to investigate what was responsible for the increasing rate of mad people all over the street of Igwuruta, it was gathered that majority of them came from neighbouring communities while some of them came into the town from Port Harcourt.

Beam Checks also gathered that the number of mad men and women increased shortly after they were chased out of Port Harcourt by government.

However, an indigene of the area who spoke with our reporter on the issue said mad people are increasing by the day but could not particularly point out the cause of the influx and expressed anger that the community has done nothing about the ugly trend.

He recalled how sometime ago a madman attempted to rape a young girl but for the intervention of some persons who clamped down on him until he left the gal. They called on the chiefs, youths, elders and opinion leaders in the community to urgently wade into the situation or else Igwuruta will turn to a city of insane people.

While the people are sad concerning the influx of mad people to Igwuruta, another town said to have been dominated by mad people is Elele also in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, that of Elele has been attributed to the inability of the Catholic Church in the area to control the insane people in their custody.

It would interest our esteemed readers to note that one of the things that worried the Amaechi-led government when it came on board was the uncontrollable manner at which mad people including beggars littered the city of Port Harcourt, but the story is no longer the same as government has done a lot to move them out of Port Harcourt metropolis.

Okada Operators Mobilize Against Government

By By Joe Kalu

Commercial motor-cycle operators who were banned from operating in some parts of the Port Harcourt metropolis about five months ago are mobilizing against the Rivers State Government for what they termed unfulfilled promises by the administration.

According to their spokesman Mr. Belema Horsfall, the Government made a promise to re-engage the Okada operators of Rivers State origin into other ventures before the ban and wondered why the Governor has not deemed it necessary to redeem his promises thereby subjecting them to severe sufferings ever since.

“The government specifically at one occasion said he was going to engage us into the proposed Sky Bank Transit scheme and the Rivers State Taxi programmes but none of this promises is coming our way, months after the ban”, he noted.

They further disclosed that at a point the former Transport commissioner, Hon. George Tolofori gave out some forms to them and other documents believed to be for the purpose of engaging them in the taxi scheme, but decided to make himself unavailable when the exercise was completed, thereby dashing their  hopes.

The Okada operators have concluded plans to protest what they called unfair treatment on them and their families; “Do they want us to die? Are they not feeding fine with members of their families?” they queried”

Neither the commissioner nor the permanent secretary was available for comment when our reporter contacted them but the former chairman of the Rivers State Commercial Motorcycle Union (RUMCA) Chief Alfred Opara said the state government has actually deceived the Okada riders. “Even at the rural areas they asked us to operate, it is meaningless as the few operators there do not obey the union any longer as they too complain of low patronage”.

Meanwhile, most residents interviewed said they would prefer the okada back especially since there appears to be no alternative to it.

However, Beam Checks also interviewed another cross section of the society, those in the health industry and those involved in security matters. The response was that the 'Okada' business with its attendant uncertainties, health hazards, death sentences via accidents, aiding of armed robbery and kidnapping, retarding of proper orientation amongst youths for example, those that should go to school, those that should learn a trade and acquire some skills to improve themselves and the society at large, all turn to Okada business as they are led to believe it is an easy way of making money not knowing that an 'Okada' oriented economy represents a quasi, non skilled and  a  stagnated economy all over the world where Okada is used as means of transport.

MOSOP Moves Against Cultists In Ogoniland

By Joe Kalu

The new leadership of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP has concluded plans to combat crime in the zone.

In a statement issued by the MOSOP Medical Director, Emma Mpeba and made available to the press, the group has set up a committee headed by Rev. Philemon Ogumba Gbenenee who is also the National Vice President of MOSOP representing Nyo-Khana.

Speaking on the development, the MOSOP President, Hon. Goodluck Diigbo assured that there would be no cases of witch hunting in the exercise by raising a monitoring team for the committee.

Diigbo said that the monitors must remain conscious of the fact that as a people with a common origin and distinct culture, they should endeavour continually to co-exist in love, peace and understanding adding that the importation of crimes and cult related activities through outside influence to destabilize the kingdom will not be condoned.

The MOSOP President explained that the setting up of the body was to ensure that Ogoni people continue to, through all lawful and non-violent means fight for social justice and fairplay for themselves without distraction by cultists and criminals stressing that the idea of militarization of Ogoni land would become doubtful if the monitors succeed in their duties.

According to the president, “MOSOP will arrange for an orientation programme for the monitors” and other individuals and institutions relevant to the work of the monitors shall be invited during a formal inauguration of the committee members”.     

Page 8 News

Kidnappers Move To Kelga

By Okechukwu Geoffrey 

Communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State are now living in fear following the unwholesome activities of kidnappers in the area.

The kidnappers Beam checks gathered last week abducted the mother of the leader of Ikwerre Legislative Assembly from her Isiokpo home as information reaching this medium also has it that the same week the father of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2007 election in the state Chief Isaac Wonwu was kidnapped at his Elele country home.

Meanwhile some of the people from the area who spoke to our reporter on the development expressed fear that if something urgent was not done to checkmate the trend, peoples' freedom may be a thing of the past as nobody knows who becomes the next victim.

However, a source close to the Council Chairman Kerian Wobodo disclosed that serious meetings are on-going between the Chairman and security chiefs in the area on how to rescue the victims from their abductors and to beef up security in and around communities in the area.

We also gathered that the DPOs of Elele, Isiokpo and Igwuruta divisional headquarters are not resting on their oars in curbing the excesses of the kidnappers.

In the meantime some chiefs and politicians in the area have condemned in strong terms the rate at which the kidnappers are terrorizing the state.

Speaking under conditions of anonymity a lot of people hinted to our reporter that time has come for the police and JTF in Kelga to live above board as they are the only body that can track down these criminals who do not mean well for the state and the country at large while advising all those whose stock in trade is to kidnap innocent citizens of the LGA and the state to exercise restraint and join hands to make Rivers State a better place for all especially now that God has brought a governor who knows the masses’ problems. As the people of Kelga are happy with the Amaechi led government in the state, they are also calling on the state governor and other security agencies in the state to come to their aid so as to lay the issue of kidnapping to rest in Kelga.

However, no ransom is said to have been demanded by the abductors as at the time of this report while the victims are still in their custody.

Efforts by our reporter to get response from the affected families however proved abortive as the telephone lines of the leader and Chief Wonwu could not go through when contacted.  

Hotel Presidential: Rumours Don't Affect Our Commitment ~ General Manager

By Paschal Agbada

The much rumoured news about lack of commitment and short changing of the state Government by Coudea (Nig) Limited, managers of the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt was debunked last Sunday by the G4eneral Manager when our reporter bumped into him at the swimming pool lobby of the gigantic catering and hospitality  edifice.

According to the General Manager, Mr. Stafsen, the “Hotel Presidential as you see it today has blossomed as a result of our commitment and dedication since 1983 we took over. Remember”, he continued, “the hotel was down then only one wing was open, wing two. But gradually, we re-opened other wings and got them functional. Today, Hotel Presidential can beat its chest as one of the best in the land”.

Mr. Stafsen stated that based on their performances in the area of improving the hotel and their contractual agreement with the state government which they have been trying to meet up with, the state government gave them another 10 years contractual period to operate, run and pay government what is stipulated.

He noted that though government at one time had called for bids from all and sundry in the business to bring bids but from his understanding, Mr. Stefsen stated, it looked like nobody was able to come up with what the state government was asking for hence Coudea was lucky once again to attract government patronage as the last contract expired March this year. “For now, we are in a new deal” he enthused.

He stressed that a lot of rumours had been peddled concerning lack of dedication, mismanagement and even lack of returns to the state government but that a company that has invested up to 15 million dollars in the hotel including N500million that is being used to settle retirement benefits for staff cannot be said to be playing, “we are serious”, he stressed..

Again Mr. Stafsen stated, “with the new contract, Coudea (Nig) Ltd is intending to invest not less than between N2.5 billion to N3.0 billion in the hotel for the next five years”. He pointed out that in view of the renewed contract the management had taken a decision to refurbish all the rooms, the lobby, the swimming pool which will be renovated into an Olympic size swimming pool and other relevant areas that should be given a face lift, “we have been long in this business and we know what we are doing. In Lagos we have taken over the Eko Hotel and Suites, in Bonny Island we are in charge of the Beach Bar Hotel, in Bayelsa State, Coudea manages the Creek Hotels. We cannot stake our funds into ventures we cannot run profitably, Mr. Stefsen concluded.

Battle To Finish: N'Delta Militants Warn Multinational Oil Companies To Quit …JTF Calls Them Bluff

By Wilson Uchendu

A militant group in the Niger Delta, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has issued a resounding deadly warning to all multinational oil exploration and servicing companies operating in the region to send their staff out of the region or face the music which they (the militant) are about to beat for them in a short while.  

Termed operation “Hurricane Piper Alpha”, MEND in their newest threat disclosed through their spokesman Gbomo Jomo, boasted that this is the last warning to oil companies as they could neglect it to their own peril.

Gbomo Jomo said “This is a final warning from MEND to local and foreign workers in the oil services and exploration companies to  vacate the region due to an imminent attack”

Also included in the warning order are contractors to some oil companies who are involved in the repair and renovation of pipelines and other facilities allegedly destroyed by the same MEND and other militant groups.

Reacting to the warning issued by MEND, the spokesman of the Joint Military Taskforce, JTF, Col. Rabe Abubakar described it as a bark from a toothless bull dog and a loud fury signifying nothing.

The JTF spokesman therefore assured oil companies and the entire citizenry to disregard the warning by MEND or any other militant group as “nonsense and empty boast”

The JTF spokesman disclosed: “everybody should disregard the threat totally and go about their lawful duties. It is obvious that it is nonsense and empty boast. We (JTF) are fully prepared for them or any other militant group. MEND is only seeking relevance. It cannot do anything but we will checkmate them if they try anything untoward or unlawful”

However, MEND has remained adamant in its threat, saying that they have issued the ultimatum so that civilians would heed to it and run away as according to them, “Hurricane Piper Alpha” will not discriminate on tribe, nationality, or race when it sweeps across the region. A word is enough for the wise”.

A leader of thought and elder statesman in Niger Delta who spoke to Beam Checks under conditions of anonymity said that the JTF should not dismiss the 24 hour ultimatum issued by MEND as empty boast rather they (JTF) should put their houses in other to forestall any militant attack on oil installations that could cripple the socio-economic activities of the nation. Our source said; “MEND may be a militant group but they should be taken seriously by the JTF because they may not be making empty threat. People should be cautions these days” he said.

But the JTF spokesman Col. Abubakar hinted that his men have adequately secured all oil installations and “that lives and properties have been given maximum security”

“All security agencies are already on red alert to ward off any attack so there is no cause for panic. We are determined to protect lives and property” he said.

Page 9 News

World Environment Day: Corporate Organizations Shun Celebration

By Chris Jonah

The World Environment Day, celebrated last week (2nd to 5th, June), by the Rivers State Government was shunned by the corporate and private companies in  Rivers State.

In the four day event, the Ministry of Environment, Rivers State had invited the corporate bodies for “Real Green corporate Forum to have a full interaction over environmental crisis but none of the oil companies had their representatives in attendance.

Reacting to the action of the oil companies, the ex-commissioner for Environment, Hon. Kingsley Chinda expressed shock for the neglect, noting that the corporate bodies are responsible for greater part of environment pollution in the state.

“It is unfortunate that none of the oil companies are here. This is an interactive session the Ministry wants to have with them on areas of target in climate change. To unite to fight the climate change we are looking on how the government, corporate bodies and individuals will curb the effects of the ‘green’ gases their  we emit every day into the environment, to combat climate change”.

In his message at the commemoration of 2009 World Environment Day, Barr. Chinda frowned at activities in the slums and ghettos without adequate attention on the environment.

He noted that the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi has aggressively been pursuing efforts in waste management, conservation of nature, disposal of waste and sewage management town and country planning in order to keep the environment.

“Rivers State is a coastal State and stands to suffer more from the environmental impacts of climate change. The rise in sea levels from climate change will cause coastal communities to  submerge under water so lets' join hands to combat climate change by abating the continued emission of gases into the atmosphere.

Other ways we can reduce carbon emission into the ozone layer include planting more trees, stoppage in the use of second hand refrigerators, preferring the usage of energy electric bulbs to ordinary ones, reduction in bush burning and cutting down of trees, and stoppage of gas flaring is also imperative by oil companies. Our environment is our common heritage, we should learn and imbibe the culture of safe and sustainable development”, he noted.

The highlight of the event include tree planting in the 3 senatorial zones of the state as well as Port Harcourt. School children heavily embraced the programme. 

Yar'Adua Searches For New Head of Service

ByWilson Uchendu

The Presidency is seriously searching for a possible replacement for the Head of Service of the Federation, Ms Ama Inyingiala Pepple as she retires from the service two weeks from now.

Beam checks gathered that a lot of lobbying are currently going on by candidates who eye Ms Pepple’s coveted post but inside sources disclosed that the Presidency is under intense pressure to adhere to the dictates of the principle of Federal Character as well as a New Head of Service that would help propel the 7-point agenda of the present federal government.

Investigations by Beam checks revealed six senior Permanent Secretaries said to be highly favoured for the vacancy and they include; Dr. Goke Adegoroye of the Federal Ministry of Tourism who according to civil service records will retire in 2010, Numan Dambatta of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Kaigama Kuru of the Presidential Villa who is left with only 3 months in service, Prof. Alo Afolabi of the Cabinet Office, Rafa, Ogumbambi of the FCT, Dr. Akeem and Baba-Ahmed with the office of the secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF) who has more than 7 years left in service.

Appointment as sensitive as that of the Head of Service of the federation usually comes with a lot of intrigues and scheming by interested stakeholders and this appears to make President Yar'Adua  indecisive since it appears he wants to retain the HOS to the South in concession to the principles of federal character but the North seems to have more senior permanent secretaries.

Our source in the Presidency disclosed; 'There are now intense pressure on Mr. President for the new helmsman at the service and a lot of findings and investigations on the characters of those jostling for the post are being carried out by both the presidency and security agencies but the President considers integrity as one of his greatest criteria for appointing the new HOS apart from considerations that bother on federal character'.

Watchers of the appointment drama at the Federal Civil Service are keenly monitoring the actions of the President and the questions that keeps on recurring is whether the principle of the Federal character would be slaughtered on the alter of supposed integrity by the presidency in making this all important appointment.        

News

Gruesome Police Brutality Along Rumuola Rd ...Innocent Civilian Battered

By Paschal Agbada

Last week, along Rumuokwuta-Rumuola Road, slightly opposite Lulu Shopping Mall, the traffic was snailing as usual and both commuters and motorists were getting impatient. Cars had piled up on both sides of the one lane as created by the construction company (MCC) on along that road.

With this situation it was normal to see one or two 'psychiatric cases' as drivers would make a dash for any slight opening that could possibly take them out of the jam.

Unfortunately for Echedom, a tipper driver who plies that route but resides at Oyigbo and who was rushing to meet his 'Oga' having closed from work that day, the journey was not to end well. The time was about 4.30 pm.

Being one of those who feel they can do a 'James Bond' with the steering, as he (Echedom) tried to veer into one of the openings and hoping to find an escape route from there, he slightly nudged the side of a Volkswagen Golf car and the situation literally turned the already chaotic situation into a worse case.

Somewhere along that same road and from a distance at the opposite direction, two police pick-up vans one with inscription  Rummeprikom Police Station and the other JTF were blaring their sirens wanting to navigate out of the chaotic mess. Suddenly the policemen sighting the accident in their front which of course involved Echedom's tipper and the Golf car rushed to the scene. Momentary they appeared to arrest the situation as they asked some relevant questions. But not quite three minutes later and when it appeared as though Echedom could not sound convincing, they virtually bundled him inside one of their vans and everybody thought it was going to be a mere arrest and charge thing but suddenly Echedom gave out a yell that attracted everybody and as we all turned, we noticed blows from the policemen landing on Echedom like rain drops.

At the end of the assault and battering that lasted for over 5 to 10 minutes Echedom was bleeding like a Christmas goat just slaughtered at the slab while a big gash had opened up at his top left eye. Of course., his face wore the appearance of a man that had gone 10 rounds in the ring with the legendry iron Mike Tyson.

Fortunately for Echedom, the Rumaodalu Youth members were just coming out of a village meeting  very near the scene and had seen the battering by the police. On noticing the battered face of Echedom, the Youth President who had managed to hold back his youthful members from attacking the police insisted that the policemen must take Echedom to the hospital.

Realizing that they (the policemen) had taken the law beyond zeal by mercilessly battering Echedom, the inspector (names withheld) who surprisingly accepted their culpability obliged to take Echedom to the chemist and paid for his treatment.

The amount paid by the Inspector was not immediately ascertained. The Inspector tried to pacify the President, on-lookers and the battered Echedom. He specifically pleaded with the agonizing Echedom who hails from Awkuzu in Anambra State and who was seriously in pains, groaning with one eye nearly closed and bandaged heavily, not to make any case.

However as he (Echedom) picked himself up groggily from the treatment desk and the police out of sight and earshot  he begged this reporter who had identified himself “please do something. I don't have money to pursue this case but I know you (the reporter) can stand on the side of the truth”. The reporter gave him his words that he would do something.

There has been  other cases of police battering people on the slightest provocation. The question now is, should the citizens run away from wherever and whenever they sight the police? If the police is supposed to be the friend of the people should it be like this? What lingering impression would Echedom have of the police? Your guess is as good as mine.

Places like France, Britain and others, the police is trained and nurtured not to touch the citizenry. They are indoctrinated with a proficiency training that makes them cultivate the habit of respecting those they protect. How would a police officer handle the cases of assault and battering when he is the one battering and assaulting, as he (the police) remains the overlord like his colonial police that was trained to torture, maim and oppress. Maybe that colonial mentality is still beclouding their (police) psyche.

And this brings about the question of “what sort of training do our police go through? Particularly those who walk the streets, those on guard at several places because the top hierarchy do not behave this way. What does their curriculum or course content entail”?

A'Ibom Former Gov. Arch. Obong Victor Attah Under Suspension

By Paschal Agbada

If the news reaching Beam Checks is confirmed as it is likely to be, then the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arch. Obong Victor Altah may have been placed on suspension by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in his ward and local government respectively.

According to the report, the former governor had made a spirited effort to install his son-in-law, Dr. Udoma Bob Ekarika as the governor of the State but failed. Consequent upon that, he became recalcitrant. His insubordination to the top PDP hierarchy in his native ward, Asutan Ekpe Ward I had culminated in his doing things considered inimical to the smooth running of the Party in both the ward and the local government- Ibesikpo Local Government Area. And as if that was not enough, reports had it that Obong Victor in recent times was involved in some anti party programmes that appeared to place impediments to the flowing administrative objectives of the current incumbent governor of the state, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio. The former governor's ill-perceived activities as was received by Beam Checks had placed the PDP-led government of Akpabio at great ruling peril and was almost destabilizing the administration safe for the restrictions placed on him (Victor Attah) through the clamp down.

When the Ward PDP leader and the Local Government top hierarchy of the party forwarded their report on the former Governor's activities to the central body in Abuja the instructions were that he should be placed on indefinite suspension.

Part of the report read; “Based on the State Disciplinary Committee report dated 27th May 2009, Obong Attah has consistently been moving against the flowing tide in the PDP controlled state by initiating and executing programmes aimed at destabilizing the PDP-led government of Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio”.

According to the report, the suspension letter as initiated by the Ward and Local Government hierarchy was signed by Hon. Uwem Ita Etuk and Hon. Ibanga Akpabio being the State Chairman and secretary respectively. Obong Attah's offences included non-compliance to party rules and regulations, refusal to attend party function comprising ward, local and state organized meetings, derogatory and ridiculous statements and remarks at public functions and the media with the sole intention of either embarrassing the party or out rightly destroying the long existing image of the party, and, glaringly romanticizing with the number one opposition party in the State, the Action Congress (AC).

Jail Break In Enugu: Security Operatives Search For Escapees

ByWilson Uchendu

Over 200 inmates of Federal Prisons, Enugu who had a hair breadth escape in a jail break that took warders by surprise are being currently combed by the combined team of Police, SSS, Civil Defense etc, Beam Checks investigations at the weekend revealed.

The escapees are amongst 150 that were said to have been escaped while as many as 130 of them have been re-arrested by police.

When Beam Checks visited the premises of the prison, the officials accosted by our reporter refused to comment on the development but several groups of individuals seen were discussing in hush tones about the jail break.

The top management of the prison were said to be in apparent perplexity over the jail break which took place some few weeks after a group of inmates equally tried to escape from Federal Prisons, Owerri on May 24.

The Enugu State Police Public Relations officer, PPRO, Ebere Amaraizu while reacting to the incidence said the police and other security agencies in and around the state are worried over the development as it constitutes a grave menace to the peace and stability of the people.

However, when Beam Checks sought audience with the state controller of prisons, Mrs Victoria Onwe, she was said to be out of town on an official assignment but an officer who spoke under conditions of anonymity hinted that some of the escapee inmates were yet to be re-arrested.

In a related development, the Enugu State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezurike on Friday granted freedom to 31 prisoners of Enugu prisons during the yearly Jail Delivery Event where cases of certain categories of inmates who may have over stayed their sentences were considered.

The judge who came to the prison in company of other 12 judges while assuring the public that the event would be made a continuous exercise, referred about 18 prisoners suspected to be having mental cases to the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Enugu for medical treatment. 

Marathon Race Is To Promote Sports,  Tourism  Potentials

By By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Chief Executive Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said that the aim of organizing the marathon race tagged “peace race” was not only to revive the city but also to promote sports and tourism potentials in the state.

He stated this over the weekend while addressing the participantes at the International Marathon race on Saturday shortly after presenting the star prizes to the athletes at Sharks Stadium Port Harcourt.

Governor Amaechi commended all the participating athletes from far and near while assuring that there will be improvement on the prizes to be won in subsequent editions. “Honestly, the prize money to be won in the next editions to be organized in the state would be better than what we are having now”.

The long distance race of 21.098 km starting from Garrison, Aba Road saw Alemi Turbera, Firehighwon Dado and Radiya Adiloroba all from Ethiopia bracing the tape at Sharks Stadium to win the first, second and third positions in the female category, smiling home with $10,000 dollars, 7,000 dollars and 5,000 dollars respectively. On the other hand, Bazu Worku, Mohammed Abdah, both from Ethiopia and Festus Langat from Kenya also won the first second and third positions respectively, carting home 10,000 dollars, 7,000 dollars and 5,000 dollars respectively.

It would be recalled that not less than 30,000 athletes including athletes from Morocco, Kenya Senegal and Ethiopia were in Port Harcourt to participate with the locals in the long distance marathon race. 

Strange: Legislator Not Known In Her Constituency

By By Joe Kalu

The current inspection of constituency projects embarked upon by a Non-Governmental organization under the aegis of Niger Delta Coalition for Good Governance, NDCGG has made a startling revelation.

In some of the areas visited over the weekend in the course of inspection of the executed projects by Hon. (Mrs.) Irene M. Inimgba, member representing Port Harcourt constituency II in the Rivers State House of Assembly, especially at Ward 7, Minapo Polo Parama almost all the respondents confessed that they don't know who their representative was. On whether the eight classroom block-project the lawmaker cited in the area is a priority project, they answered in the negative, though said that education was still important.

According to Elder Boma D. Anga (JP) “Our priority here is water, good roads, electricity and security”

The worst is that we don't know the person and he/she has not bothered to visit or interact with us, if she has done she would have been able to know and consider our need,” he noted.

He however, thanked Mrs. Inimgba who is the Deputy whip of the House for the classroom project but advised for its maintaince and the training of those to teach in it to achieve its purpose.

Mrs. Tamunoemie Aboloma, a business woman confirmed also that the legislator is yet to visit the area and that the school is actually not their priority but nevertheless, education remains important.

Mr. Daso Okochi equally supported the views of the two respondents. “We don't know whoever it is that is representing us at the House and the project you are talking about many are of the view that it is a state government project, that is to tell you how blank we are here”.

When he was asked to suggest the priority project of the area he said until they meet the legislator in an interactive forum.

However, the story was different at Ward 5Bundu Ama community where a 102 market capacity stall was built for the people by the legislator.

They were full of praises for her coming to their rescue but appealed for her to assist them in providing conveniences in the market and indeed in the community. 

They also appealed that Mrs. Inimgba should provide them with pipe born water as well as tar their only road which has been in a state of disrepair for a long time.

Mr. Bade Popmene, Bundu Ama market Chairman said in an interview that Hon. (Mrs.) Inimgba has performed more than her predecessors in office. “This market was an eye-sore before now, we thank her for renovating it for us”.

He however, appealed that lock-up shops, conveniences and water should be provided them to alleviate their sufferings.    

Chief Christian Abibo, the Community Development Chairman, added his voice to the other respondent's request. “We have written to different quarters for the roads especially, without response.

We hope the state government or Local Government should come to our rescue”.

On the proposed demolition of the water fronts including that of Bundu-Ama by the state Government, Chief Abibo said, that will not be possible without providing the people alternative accommodation.

In her reaction, Mrs. Charity Ola Ogbewo, a foodstuff trader in the market thanked the woman legislator on behalf of her colleagues for her gesture and appealed that a soft loan be made available for them to enable them improve their stock and welfare.

At Ward 20, Amadi Ama the team inspected a 600 capacity auditorium multi-purpose hall which was nearing completion.

A non indigene of the community Mr. Okey Onuoha commended the legislator for what he called her resourcefulness and effective representation.

According to him; “I am an Ibo man living in the community and I have benefited from her health scheme. Mrs. Lydia Koko, an indigene from Hon. Mrs. Inigba's area said her effort was not enough considering the level of suffering in the land.

“She should come and interact with us in order to appreciate our problems and the priority projects of this area'.

At ward 20, Okuru Ama, an 8 classroom block was also nearing completion.

The project was on ground but sub-standard materials were used for the work, with no recreational facilities in place.

The school children seen in the compound pleaded with the legislator whom they chorused they 'don't know' to provide electricity and good roads for them and wished her God's blessings through out her tenure.

The National Coordinator of NDCGG Comrade Sokari Afiesimama in an interview explained that the aim and objective of the exercise was to project good governance in the Niger Delta region, by X-raying leadership quality of the state, Local Government and legislature after which identified good leaders will be given awards but that the appreciative people will be called out in celebration of good governance. “Funds provided for projects meant to improve the peoples welfare should be seen to have been spent on it”.

Comrade Afiesimama explained that the reason behind the exercise is to correct some erroneous allegation by other regions of the federation that our leaders do not actually utilize funds for what they are meant but, for selfish gains.

He further disclosed that though His Excellency Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has given his approval for the exercise to show that his government was an open one, the Governor refused on principles to fund any of the NGOs to make for an independent assessment. 

Proprietor begs Governor To Carry Private Schools Along

By Okechukwu Geoffrey 

The proprietor of Victory Comprehensive College Elelenwo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State Dr. Peter Harrison has called on the government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi to extend its hand of fellowship to private schools in the state.

Harrison who stated this in a chat with our senior correspondent in Port Harcourt lauded the Amaechi-led government for its developmental strides but advised government not to politicize the education sector if it must meet the expected end.

He maintained that government has not done much to assist private schools in the state considering their contributions towards the growth of education.

The state Vice Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) also called on government to co-opt NAPPS in some of their activities and programmes such as the Independence Day, Workers Day and Democracy Day among others pointing out that NAPPS plays a complementary role in government.

He therefore suggested that the Ministry of Education be headed by a professional like it is done in the Justice Ministry and others and decried a situation whereby every effort made by NAPPS to meet with the immediate past Commissioner for Education proved abortive.

Meanwhile, Dr Harrison has commended the Governor's tremendous achievements under one year in office and thanked him particularly for the prudent management  of the state's resources and again his public/private partnership (PPP) initiative which he said has given the poor ones the opportunity to participate in government and commended commissioners who have performed very well like the commissioners of works, transport, environment and local government/chieftaincy affairs.

On the relationship between private and public school in the state Dr Harrison described as cordial.

He has also joined other well meaning Rivers people to celebrate with the governor on his 44th birthday wishing the state Chief Executive many more years ahead.    

On the relationship between private and public school in the state Dr Harrison described it as cordial.

He has also joined other well meaning Rivers people to celebrate with the governor on his 44th birthday wishing the state Chief Executive many more years ahead.    

Couples Should Be Determined To Make Marriage Work ~Clergy

By Joe Kalu

Couples have been reminded once more that it is their responsibilities to make the marriage institution work in order to reap the benefits therein as it was ordained by God.

The Diobu provincial chairman of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim, His Eminence, Apostle General Dr Napo Emuchay KDA gave this advice over the weekend in Port Harcourt while delivering the sermon at the church wedding ceremony between Sister Oluchi Joy Madubuko and Pastor Rowland Gift Faah.

The chairman who was ably represented said that as a divine institution, it's made easy as has been laid out in the holy book and that if followed strictly by the practitioners it will be enjoyable.

According to him, “It is laid out that wives should submit and humble themselves to their husbands while the husbands on their part should love, cherish and maintain their wives”.

The man of God maintained that when both parties are alive to their responsibilities, marriage becomes heaven on earth, and admonished couples to be determined to make their marriages work.

At the reception ground which took place at the Apostle G. Tumini Diri Hall of the NULGE consulate, Port Harcourt, the chairman of the occasion Chief Hon. Gad Harry Ekpirikpo (JP) used the metaphor of two passengers traveling in a car to illustrate his advice to the couple.

He stated that for a marriage to work, they should work, play and stay together to achieve success.

The chairman also identified lack of communication as a serious problem in marriages. “Always communicate to evolve solution to your problems and always pay attention to each other as a way of building confidence in the marriage,” he stated.

Chief Ekpirikpo used the opportunity to commend the visionary leadership of senior Apostle Godwin Tumini Diri (JP), “I must say he is a wonderful man of vision by blending the economic with social life in the just completed NULGE building” he noted.

In proposing the toast, Comrade Onubo Dappa of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE said the couples were perfectly made in heaven to succeed.

Thereafter, the guests toasted to the success and blessings of the marriage.

M/s Data Peter Side of So Jerry Company designers of the cake took time off to explain the meaning of the cake and its colours to the excited audience.

She said “Cake” is love and stands for caring, acceptance, kindness and endurance.

The cake designer further disclosed that the white colour in it means holiness, Gold yellow colour means “holy ghost” while the green stands for “fruitfulness”.

The couple later performed their first assignments of cutting the cake, feeding each other and dancing together, to the delight of the appreciative audience.

In an interview later, the bridegroom said the essence of marriage is for couples to spend their lives together and that a successful marriage is one built on the principles of the fear of God, adding that there was nothing anybody could do without God.

The bride on her part said she felt very excited over the celebration as she explained that the essence of marriage is for companionship and procreation adding that she hoped for a successful marriage, and used the opportunity to thank every one that made their day.

The groom's father, senior Apostle Gabriel Faar on behalf of both parents said they are fulfilled seeing their children set up their own home and wished the couple marriage blessings.

Success Melody band of Diobu, Headquarters of the church, Salvation band, Mgbuoshimi and Testimony band, Echue branch jointly supplied the music.           

Police Smashes Car Snatching Syndicate

By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a car snatching syndicate that specializes in stealing flashy cars.

On the arrest of the suspects last week, the following vehicles were recovered from them.

Unregistered Toyota Camry Saloon car with chassis   No M2H5A52 DDT-376.

It was snatched from Enugu on 22nd April, 2009.

Unregistered Honda pilot Jeep, Ash colour with chassis No 2KHYFI8556H OS2426.

An unregistered Toyota Corolla Saloon car, black in colour was also snatched from Enugu, with chasis

No JTDBR 22EX03164695 and again, an unregistered Mercedes Benzes 32E, Navy blue with chassis No 039206.

Others were a Lexus Jeep, with registeration No RX 3OD white in colour with

chassis No JT6HFIDU XX DD7250D, an unregistered Honda city saloon car, ash  bus, green in colour, with chassis no 5TDZA23CX 5304236, and Ford Econovan bus formerly white but now painted Rivers State Taxi colour.

in colour, Toyota Sienna (space wagon bus, green in colour, with chassis no 5TDZA23CX 5304236, and Ford Econovan bus formerly white but now painted Rivers State Taxi colour.

Meanwhile, the command said efforts are on to apprehend their collaborators and possibly recover other of vehicles allegedly stolen.

It promised that once this was completed, all the suspects shall be charged to court accordingly.

The command in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations DSP, Rita Inoma-Abbey and made public promised to reposition the force in order to rid the state of all forms of criminalities and appealed for assistance from the public for prompt and accurate information to collectively make the state peaceful for  all and sundry. 

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