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Oyigbo Community Revives New Yam Festival … As It Inaugurates CDC, Youth Body

By Joe Kalu

In his determined effort to put the Oyigbo Council Area in its proper perspective, the Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Sir (Hon) Precious Oforji (JP) has declared that he will ensure the revival of the ‘New Yam Festival’ celebration in the area and indeed the restoration of all other cultural festivals long abandoned by the past leaders of the council.

The council boss made the declaration over the weekend at Oyigbo during this year's celebration of its new yam festival. He made it known that Oyigbo is a very important community in the map of Nigeria as the second place oil was discovered in large quantity after Oloibiri in the present Bayelsa State but has nothing to show for it.

Prince Oforji disclosed further that due to the quiet and peaceful disposition of the Oyigbo people, many never realized that they have a rich culture, dialect of their own and indigenes.

“We, as a people have a cultural heritage, tradition and dialect only peculiar to us which we are proud of” he noted.

The council boss however warned that nobody should take them for granted because of their peaceful disposition.

He used the opportunity to commend the President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua for the amnesty granted the militants and the follow up rehabilitation programme of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, which he noted has tremendously reduced tension in Niger Delta region.

Prince Oforji also used the opportunity to commend the Oyigbo Youths for not succumbing to the militancy of youths in the region inspite of peer group pressure and promised to do all within his power to empower the youths of Oyigbo whom he described ad leaders of tomorrow and who must be properly guided and prepared for the future.

The Council Chairman thereafter congratulated the newly sworn-in Oyigbo Community Development Committee (OCDC) Exco and Oyigbo Youth Association (OYA) Exco members, charging them to collaborate efforts with the LG Council to ensure fast transformation of the council in the interest of the people.

He equally urged them to assist in the consolidation of the peace effort of the state and Federal Government's in the region.

Earlier in  his welcome address, the Chairman Amala Oyigbo, Mr. Louis Nwachukwu thanked God that history was being re-created in Oyigbo once again. He expressed gratitude to Hon. Oforji's Administration in the council for its support and encouragement towards the restoration of their cultural heritage and indeed other programmes geared towards improving their welfare.

Nwachukwu also used the opportunity to thank the youth body for conducting what he called the most peaceful youth election in recent times in the area and especially the conduct of the contestants.

Though the Chairman appreciated the fact that his youths were not part of the regions militant activities, he all the same  urged the repentant militants to make themselves available for full rehabilitation and integration into the society while efforts are being intensified at finding a lasting solution in the cause of  the violent agitation in the first place.

The “Amala Oyigbo” Chairman thereafter inaugurated the CDC and youth body to the admiration of all especially the “Ogbako Ndieme” Oyigbo (women group) who were full of praises for the elders for deeming it fit to revive their revered but long abandoned culture.

The CDC Exco members inaugurated include Hon. Acho Elechi, Chairman, Chief Joseph Ubani, Vice Chairman, Mr. Gerald Oforji, Secretary, Comrade Joseph Okpulo, Asst Sec. Mr. Sunny Nwoko, Fin Sec and Mrs. Uchechi Oforji, Treasurer. Others were: Mr. Iheanyi Victor Nwachukwu, PRO, Mr. Peter Oforji, Provost, Hon John Nwafor, Mrs. Catherine Ejiogu, Mrs. Stella Nwafor and Mr. Chima Okorie as Ex-Officio members.

The OYA members inaugurated include Victor Chiemela Oforji, President, Kelechi Nwakanma, Vice President, Onyegorom, Godson Chukwudi, Sec and miss Nwachukwu Bliss Patience, women leader. Others were, Ubani Evans Chiubah, Fin Sec, Odi Christian Nwachukwu, Treasurer, Okorie Nnamdi Daniel, PRO, Nnodimele Mark Ebere, Provost I and Chigbu Christain Udochi, Provost II some others elected were Nwoke Uche Kingsley, Azuh Chibuike, Ejiogu Gideon and Anosike Odinakachi as Ex-Officio members.

The CDC Chairman, Hon Acho Elechi, who is also the Council Chief of Staff and the Youth President, Victor Oforji on behalf of their members thanked the people for the opportunity given them to serve and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in them.

In their separate speeches they appealed for the support and cooperation of all towards the realization of set objectives promising to collaborate effort with the council chairman to improve the people welfare.

Highlights of the occasion was the swearing-in ceremony of the committee members and the formal declaration of the eating of the new yam by the ofor holder (oji ofor) Hon Sydney Ifeanyi Nwafor, which was preceded by a lecture on the subjects matter by “Ezeji Oyigbo”, Chief Alozie Nwakanma. Thereafter prominent members of the community file out to cut a piece of the roasted yam rolled it on the oil source and eat dancing away merrily under the rhythm of a cultural drumming at the background.

In a random sampling of stakeholders opinion they were unanimous in thanking God for the revival of their customs and traditions, describing the development as a welcome relief.

They were quick to blame the abandonment of their cultural heritage and other identified decay in the community to politicization of the system of both the elders and traditional rulers and prayed for the sustenance of the venture.

Mr. Samuel Chigbu, Secretary Amala Oyigbo said he is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel that will usher in peace and unity in their community and prayed God to sustain the new spirit.

The first lady of the council, Lady Blessing Oforji thanked God  for using his husband whom she described as a mover to restore their past glory and appealed for everybody's cooperation for him to do more for his people.

Chief Igwe Gabriel Ubani Traditional Prime Minister expressed gratitude in their determined effort to revive and imbibe their culture into the youths for posterity.

“The reason for the short break of the celebration is because those enthrusted for this tradition, politicized our cultural heritage.

Mrs. Justina Onyegorom and Mrs. Dorathy Nwachukwu of “Ogbako Ndieme” Oyigbo (women group) described the day as a great one and thanked all those who made the revival of the culture and reconstituting of their political structure possible, adding that they should not relent.

Also speaking, Chief Paul Ejiogu said he was happy for the new dawn and prayed for its sustenance.

RSG  News

Lufthansa Resumes Operation In PH

Lufthansa Airline, which suspended operations in Port Harcourt in the wake of security threats in the Niger Delta region, is to resume operations soon.

A statement from the Office of the Acting Chief Press Secretary to the Rivers State Governor Mr. Blessing Wikina said the resumption of Lufthansa Airline operations in the state marks the return of normalcy to the Niger Delta area.

Mr. Wikina said the airline would formally resume its operations at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, on October 26, 2009.

He noted that the recommencement of flight operations by the organization would provide a variety of options for investors and travelers using the Port Harcourt airport.

The Acting Chief Press Secretary described the decision of the airline as a worthy second anniversary gift to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, since the move would act as a confidence building effort to the state.

It would be recalled that the airline shut down its operations in the state following the challenges posed by criminal activities in the Niger Delta region such as kidnapping and militancy.

RSG Signs MOU With Russian Firm Gazprom On Soil Remediation

The Rivers State Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a Russian firm for the manufacturing of absorbents used in soil remediation.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi thanked the Russian firm for the initiative that would produce improvement on the environment, describing it as a welcome development.

Governor Amaechi said his government was happy to go into the partnership as it would enhance the environmental situation of the state particularly in areas where oil spills have taken place in the past and in the creation of business research and manufacture of bioactive materials.

He said the manufacture of absorbents and bioactive materials will assist in addressing the adverse effect of oil pollution on the environment as well as to train the Rivgreen Marshalls for the Ministry of Environment.

The Governor assured them that the State Government and the Gokana Local Government where the company would be located would play their roles, and would also be glad to undertake any other function that would facilitate the smooth take off of the project.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation and Russian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Alexander Polyakov, said the signing of MOU was the beginning of a promising relationship involving the Russian company Gazprom, Gokana Local Government Council and the state government.

Mr. Polyakov said the project would train beneficiaries in environmental monitoring and develop infrastructure based technology, noting that absorbents would assist the rehabilitation of polluted soils of the Niger Delta environment damaged by oil spills.

The Russian Ambassador said their mission in the Niger Delta was to help the people improve on available technology and to apply the Russian based knowledge to the Nigerian situation and enrich the soil again while thanking the Rivers State Government for its collaboration.

Football Should Be Left For Private Investors

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has called on the organized private sector to take the lead in sports development in Nigeria by taking over the funding and sponsorship of football, and all sports.

Governor Amaechi, who was speaking as Guest of Honour at the Maiden Edition of the MTN/AIT Football Award Night in Abuja said, Nigerians can only get the full value for the support and enthusiasm for sports if private investors are involved in the running of sports.

The governor who graced the occasion with his wife, Judith, said the passion and management of private investors are needed to rekindle the country's efforts in sports, especially football, while government contributes by way of assistance.

“Government should be allowed to concern itself with other development needs such as provision of good roads, water, healthcare programmes, education and other necessities”, he stressed while urging the organizers not to give up on their dream.

Governor Amaechi told Nigerians to cheer the Eagles to victory as they play Kenya in Nairobi, noting that the award ceremony has afforded Nigerians the opportunity to celebrate their football legends and gave kudos to Coach Samson Siasia for his good works.

According to him, the ceremony has also been used to celebrate football administrators and players, as well as motivate them, while urging football administrators to return the country's football to the days of its greatness.

In her opening remarks, Aisha Falade, explained that all over the world a night is set aside to celebrate players, as a way of motivating them, and institute an award which they can look forward to.

The Award ceremony featured various categories with Osaze Odemwingie emerging as footballer of the year, while Ebere Orji of Rivers Angels emerged both as women footballer of the year, national and young player of the year, female.

Strike: RSG, NUT Hold Successful Talks

As part of measures to salvage the educational system in the state, the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Rivers State Government and the leadership of the NLC have held fruitful deliberations aimed at ending the protracted strike action.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after hours of closed door meeting with the state government at Government House, Port Harcourt, the State Chairman of NUT Comrade Moses Adiela, said the meeting was successful.

Comrade Adiela said the State Working Committee of the Union would meet to review the issues that led to the strike and make their decision known to everybody, noting that the meeting will be convened as soon as possible.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Chris Oruge said the national body of NUT ordered the teachers' strike for states that have not implemented the Teachers Salary Scale (TSS).

The NLC Chairman said as a teacher he encouraged the meeting to harmonise issues, pointing out that the meeting was successful as both parties shifted grounds to arrive at the resolution.

Amaechi Swears In Journalist, 5 Others

A seasoned female journalist, Mrs Ibim Seminetari, was among six new Commissioners sworn-in by Governor Rotimi Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Out of the six, two were new Commissioners including Ibim Seminetari, who until her new appointment was the Publisher of the Weekly Magazine, Business Eye, and Dr. Dawari George a former Youth Leader while four of the Commissioners were in the last dissolved cabinet.

Swearing-in the new Commissioners, the State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi charged them to render selfless services and be transparent in their dealings with the people.

“The only reason why you were appointed is for service, and it must not conflict with any other interest”, Governor Amaechi said, and explained that government office is not a place where people come to share money but to deliver services.

“Use public money for public purposes not for private use”, he declared.

According to him, the state lacks basic infrastructure, therefore we all require concerted efforts to develop it.

“It is not time for funfair, but time to serve, and make the people of Rivers State happy”, the Governor said.

“The State Chief Executive said the state has the potentials to be a model in the country and urged the new Commissioners to discharge their duties creditably.

He warned that he would not hesitate to remove any one found wanting in the discharge of his duties, emphasizing that they should not give him the opportunity to dissolve the cabinet another time.

Governor Amaechi cautioned the Commissioners to make open the processes of contract awards to the public, and maintain an open door policy to enable the people have access to their offices.

One of the Commissioners, Mrs Ibim Seminetari, who spoke with newsmen after the swearing-in, said her vision is in line with the commitment of the State Governor to ensure the development and progress of the state.

This brings the number of Commissioners in the state to 26.

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By Our Reporter

The men of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) “Operation Flush Out” Sector 3 Ahoada in the Ahaoda East Local Government Area of Rivers State have arrested (nine) 9 out of ten armed robbers at Ihuama and Obumeze communities of the Local Government Area.

The robbery suspects have gone to the residence of Sir Ngozi Abu, the State Accountant General at his country home but were not lucky.

Their arrest followed at tip off by a reliable and close source to the JTF authorities in the area.

Sources also disclosed that the tenth robber fled during the attack on them by the security agents.

The officer in-charge of the Joint Military Taskforce at Ahoada, Captain Bello while parading the culprits, hinted that the suspects will undergo a thorough investigation to ascertain their level of involvement in the incident.

Reacting to the incident, the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, High Chief (Hon.) Cassidy .O.W. Ikegbidi frowned at the heinous acts  of the suspects stressing that the government will not sit on the fence to see a degeneration to mafiaso activities in the area.

High Chief Cassidy Ikegbidi commended the men of the Joint Task Force for their efforts in arresting the culprits.

Also speaking, the State Accountant General, Sir Ngozi Abu thanked God for exposing the hoodlums.

Abu also thanked the security agents on their effort at foiling the intention of the robbers.

He advised the people, especially youths in the area to refrain from evil deeds and seek God's intervention to enable them work hard to ensure their livelihood rather than engaging in anti-social activities that do no good to anybody.

Captain Bello said this “I and my men  are prepared to give miscreants and the likes of these ones  arrested a run for their nefarious activities. Ahoada East must be made safe for citizens”.

Captain Bello advised residents to go about their normal business without fear of being attacked.

Rivers Civil Servants To Get New Pay Package

By Paschal Agbada & Wilson Uchendu

The newly appointed Commissioner for Information in the State Mrs. Ibim Semenitari stated over the weekend in Port Harcourt while speaking with newsmen that a review of workers salaries and emoluments was imminent.

It is not unexpected that considering the harsh economic conditions in the country occasioned by the recent economic meltdown that a government in the mold of that of Rivers State that prides itself as a humane one should see it as a matter of urgency to review salaries and conditions of service for the teeming workers in the state.

In view of this a committee charged with the responsibility of appraising the current pay package or scale of workers had been put in place.

This committee Beam Checks learnt, is to be headed by the number one civil servant in the state, Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Anucha.

The Government spokeswoman Mrs. Semenitari, who was until her appointment the publisher of BusinessEye disclosed that the review became mandatory based on what the present governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has set out to do in terms of bettering the lots of civil servants in the state when he said that workers are entitled to “a living wage”.

A director in the state ministry of Education told this publication that this is the first time a state government in the Federation has resolved to pay the same salary structure with that of the Federal civil service.

The commissioner reiterating the governor's stance noted that with the coming review the state government would make sure that no state in the federation pays a higher or juicier salary package than that of Rivers.

Expressing his view about the development, a civil servant in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Wokoma Emmanuel stated that the state government appears ready to drive home the much touted dividends of democracy in the state.

Mr. Wokoma said: “If this comes to be true, then I will have no problem training all my children to the tertiary level”.

Another staff of the ministry of lands enthused that with such a mouth watering scale, “there will be no more talk of incessant strikes”. 

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Eze Gbakagbaka Throws Weight Behind 1st N'Delta Tourism Fair

By Joe Kalu

A foremost Traditional Ruler in Rivers State and former Deputy Governor of Old Rivers State HRM, Amb. King (Prof) Dr. Frank A. Eke (JP, KSC, CON) Eze Gbakagbaka of Ikwerre kingdom has thrown his weight behind the forthcoming maiden Niger Delta Tourism Cultural Fair & Exhibition next month in Port Harcourt.

The monarch gave his total support, last week in his palace when the central planning committee of the event led by the Project Coordinator, Dr. Kenneth Kalu paid him a courtesy visit.

He expressed gratitude for what the organizers are doing and commended their decision to visit as a wise one indeed, adding that he has accepted them as his children.

His Majesty commended the team for embarking on such a gigantic project, stressing that if this generation of Nigerians “cannot prepare, produce and showcase what we are as a people, we are doomed”.

He made it known that the peoples culture and tradition are interwoven and deep rooted.

The monarch disclosed that he considers the 1st Niger Delta Tourism Fair and Exhibition as not only a unifying platform for the region but an economic one that was capable of providing opportunities in the tourism and cultural sector.

He also used the opportunity to express his gratitude towards the success of the Presidential amnesty granted the militants of  the Niger Delta region, saying that he has been a vanguard for the surrender of arms and consequent dialogue for a peaceful solution to the crisis.

Earlier in his speech, the Project Coordinator Dr. Kalu said the committee was there to thank the monarch for all his fatherly support especially during the flagging-off ceremony of the event recently and also to give him an update report on the programme.

The committee equally used the opportunity to appeal for more support from the monarch for the mobilization of the traditional institution, Rivers State Government and beyond towards the success of the event.

Dr. Kalu disclosed further that the visit was in continuation of the committee's courtesy visits to first class traditional rulers in the Niger Delta who  honoured their invitation to attend the flag-off ceremony as one of the venue for the Fair and promised the state government's support in hosting two of the segments of the programme namely, food festival, modeling & fashion show.

This the project co-ordinator said was a way to add spice to the tourism industry in the state.

Mr. Kalu reported that but for paucity of hotel accommodation in Akwa-Ibom State, the Governor would have hosted the entire event.

In their separate speeches the first class traditional rulers visited by he team expressed happiness that a group has thought of the revival of the region's culture and tradition pledging their support and cooperation towards the success of the programme.

HRM Etim Atakpo, the Ahta Oro of Oron nation; HRM Okuku Pius Eside, the Itai Affe Anang and HRM Ntisong Ibibio, Edidem Essien Ekidem all gave their blessings to the committee members and vowed to always be readily available to support the project in the interest of the region in particular and the nation at large.

The traditional rulers, he said had used the opportunity to advise the organizers of the project to shun all forms of tribalism, envy and indeed any act capable of thwarting the good intention of the group.

They thereafter prayed for the success of the programme while at the same time stressing the need for transparency of the group in all their financial transactions.

In attendance as part of the delegation were Chief Bimbo Roberts Folayan, Project Director, Sunny Irabor, Head of Media of the organization Nsikan Udofia, Director of International Affairs, Pastor Emma Ahamefula, Secretary and Chibuzor Madubuko Protocol Officer.       

Supreme Court Shortlists 48 Lawyers For SAN

By Wilson Uchendu

The nation's apex court, the Supreme Court has short-listed 48 lawyers for consideration as Senior Advocates of Nigeria, (SAN)

in a statement released by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary, Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (LPPC), Musale Usman, the successful candidates who were asked by the public to comment on their intergrity until Friday this week include; Mike Ozhekhome, Dorothy Udeme Ufot, Rotimi Orji Nwafor Orizu, Chukwuma Ekomaru, Joe Ojo, Olusima Sofola, O.O. Ojutalayo, Offiong Bassey Offiong, Adekunle Ogunba, Akinlaja Moses, A.J Owonikoko, Fredson Chijioke, Okoli, Toyin Pinheiro, Patrick Ochejela Okoro, and others.

Last year about 126 lawyers, 117 advocates and 19 academics applied for the position.

After the screening 3 academics and 61 advocates were certified to have met the requirements for the award but at the end 26 were confirmed.

The position of SAN is an equivalent of Queen's counsel in United Kingdom and South Australia.

In Nigeria a SAN is said to have been admitted into the Inner Bar” distinctive from the junior advocates who sit at the 'Outer' chamber.

With this appointment, the number of Senior Advocates in Nigeria has been upped to 300.

It is conferred on lawyers who have at least ten years experience at the bar and who have excelled in their duties.

SAN was first conferred on the late doyen of the bar, Rotimi Williams in April 3 1975.    

N1m. Tears Elibrada Political Forum Apart.

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

One million naira given to some members of the Elibrada Political Forum by Emeh Glory Emeh is causing ripples in Elibrada community as those who did not benefit from the largesse have threatened to unleash mayhem on the beneficiaries and the entire community.

Beam Checks gathered that Emeh Glory Emeh former Chief of Staff to Sir Celestine Omehia recently invited some members of the Elibrada political forum for a meeting in his house in Port Harcourt whereby some strategies were mapped out should there be fresh election in the state.

This publication reliably gathered that at the end of the meeting Emeh Glory Emeh allegedly gave the people the sum of one million naira to share whereby the eleven of them who attended the meeting received fifty five thousand naira each.

However, the people of Elibrada are right now said to be living in fear as some of the youths there have threatened fire and brimstone should their leader one Mr. Oti fails to give them their own share of the pay.

The boys are particularly angry with Mr. Oti for not informing them about the meeting and his failure to disclose the amount given to the group by Emeh.

Emeh the Beam checks gathered, during the meeting brain-washed the boys tasking them to get prepared at all cost to edge out the present administration peradventure the Appeal Court rules that fresh election be conducted in the state.

But what the former Chief of Staff and his team seen to have forgotten in a hurry was that the incumbent Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has come to stay having been declared as the rightful candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

However, some Rivers people who reacted on the development however appealed to the state government to quickly mobilize men of the Police Force to the community so as to avoid any crisis regarding the money and called on Emeh Glory Emeh to desist from any act capable of plunging Elibrada community into trouble. 

You will recall that Emeh Glory Emeh was the immediate past Chief of Staff to the five month old illegal government of Sir Celestine Omehia that was disgraced out of office on the 25th of October 2007 by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

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Board Member Tasks Youths To Engage In Meaningful Projects

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

A member of the newly constituted Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (UBE) Hon. Lucky Ugochukwu Worluh has tasked youths in the state to engage themselves in meaningful projects and shun cultism and other acts capable of distracting the good intention of the present administration in the state.

Worluh who gave the advise when youths of the Redeemed Church of God Resurrection Parish, Area Zonal Headquarters, Rivers Province II paid him a courtesy visit in his office commended them for embarking on youths acquisition programme especially now that the country is doing everything possible to put an end to youths restiveness and other cult related activities.

He challenged them to go back home and engage in programmes and activities aimed at improving the country and Rivers State in particular.

Describing the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi as a youth who is also pro-active in his dealings, he said what was expected of the people at this point in time was to key into the prospects and vision of the Governor even at the local government levels where a lot of developmental projects are on-going.

Worluh who occupies the position of Board Member I in the state UBE board however called on the youths to visit schools and sensitize them on the need to live a meaningful life and described education as the bedrock of any society.

The educationist on-behalf of the board also appealed to youths in the country to play politics devoid of violence as according to him, no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony.

He opined that the on going re-branding programme enunciated by Prof. Dora Akuyili, Minister of Information, should take into consideration the re-branding of the country and the people if it must achieve its desired goals while thanking the youths for the visit.

Earlier in their address read by the President Bro. Samuel Chinnah the youths told the BMI that they were in his office to thank God for the honor done him as the bible also stated very clearly that those in authority should be respected.

He described October as the month in which youths of the church visit their members whom God has blessed as a way of sharing their joy and feeling with them.

He said that Hon. Lucky Worluh has touched lives morally, educationally and spiritually which is why God has made him high to shine and prayed God to continue to bless him.

They used the medium to inform the Board Member I of the skill acquisition programme set up by the youths as a way of assisting the less privileged in the society.

The ceremony featured a formal handing over of a letter informing Hon. Worluh of the skill acquisition programme. 

Ejected Land Owner Cries Out ... As Imminent Death Stares Him and Family

By Joe Kalu

If information at our disposal is anything to go by the Eresu family in Beakogoro Beeri Community, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State are at the verge of being wiped out from the surface of the earth owing allegedly to the actions of the number four person in the Rivers State Government, member representing Khana Constituency II and his cohorts.

Narrating his sad story to the Beam Office amidst sob and occasionally referring to a dirty file and diary he was clutching, the head of the family Rev.  Joseph Eresu said he was directed to the press as a last resort to seek help from public spirited individuals and indeed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi whom he said has a listening ear for the down-throdden and the oppressed in the society.

Rev. Eresu looking haggard and hungry disclosed that close to one year now since he and his family were chased out from their comfortable home and their property destroyed by thugs allegedly belonging a prominent figure in government and one popular lawyer from Beeri who are interested in his vast plots of landed property situated at Wiiberago/kpong Road in Khana LGA, they have been surviving in exile through public spirited individuals.

The victim disclosed further that it is only by the grace of God that he has not lost any of his fifteen (15) children to hunger, sickness or criminals at the uncompleted building they are squatting.

Rev. Eresu prayed that the authorities should not only cause the prominent politician who is second in command in the legislative arm of government to allow his family return home safely but their property retrieved from them.

He narrated that sometime in the 90's some persons in their area out of envy and jealousy allegedly started contesting the piece of land bequeathed to him by his late father.

At a point, a committee of traditional Chiefs headed by Chief Serekara Nubor of Wiiyaakra town was mandated to investigate and find out the rightful owner of the disputed land through the oracle and “I eventually won” He disclosed further that at some other time, this group and others connived and took the matter to the Bori High Court which he allegedly won too.

During this period Rev Eresu said he has been facing many death threats from them and other faceless group who described him as “a stubborn man”.

He narrated further how a member of the Nunieh family contacted his brother Tonsi Nunie alias Bob Satan who was alleged to be the head of a dreaded Militant group in the area to burn down his house in 2002 all in an effort to dampen his spirit but that he resisted them.

“In their second invasion in 2008”, he continued, “the mission was to exterminate all member of my family,  but God in his mercy leaked their plans to us and we escaped while the killers vented their anger on my property destroying looting and burning down everything”.

He also recalled how Bob Satan” was allegedly killed shortly after wards in a shoot out with men of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF) and that Joy Nunieh and her group allegedly accused him of master minding the death of his innocent brother. He was then arrested and thrown into detention for months without bail. Rev Eresu said he was miraculously released when the militant group came on a revenge mission at the Bori Police Station which vindicated his stand. He also narrated how the State Security Services, SSS and other agents have waded into the matter and investigated and confirmed the authenticity of his story and recommended the return of his property which he said Joy Nunieh and her group may either have sold or leased to three companies namely;

JOY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, ZENATH & CYRUS, CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND R.C.C.

 However, all efforts made to contact the accused or the companies concerned proved abortive as their aides and security officers appears to be on instruction not to welcome any guest especially those with this  story.

Ikanya Thanks God For Mercy

By Joe Kalu

The Kings Faith Assembly Church, Rumuomoi Port Harcourt was a beehive of activities Sunday, October 11, 2009 when the newly reappointed Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya literally dragged his friends, well-wishers, family members and political associates for a thanksgiving in appreciation of God's favour on him and his family.

Preaching the sermon the host pastor, Rev. Imo Umanah noted that nothing moves God like praises and gratitude.

Taking his text from Psalm 69:29-30, he charged mankind to always develop the attitude of thanking God for every little favour he bestowed on them.

“The purpose of God is first to lift you up”, Rev. Umunah emphasize this with the story of the ten lepers in the Bible God healed and one of them came back to say “thank you”.

The Commissioner's wife, Mrs. Ruth Ikanya used the opportunity to thank God and indeed all those who assisted them in prayers during their short break, adding that with God all things are possible especially for those who believed in Him.

The Commissioner said it is important to trust and hope in God because he considers His own things as it pleases Him, for the fulfillment of his works.

The Commissioner for Urban Development, Osima Gina who said they were twins by virtue of their background as opposition candidates said he was lonely in the cabinet without Ikanya but thanked His Excellency for the reappointment of the commissioner, adding that together they will complete what they have started in the interest of the people.

On his contribution Hon. (Engr.) Tonye Princewill the A.C. leader in the state said he was also grateful for their reappointment even though he had no hands in the arrangement.

He used the opportunity to emphasized once more that the challenge to improve the living standard of his people forced him into politics, adding that constructive criticism which they are providing is an integral part of the government and thank God that Governor Amaechi has a listening ear to accept advise that will improve the peoples welfare.

Guests were later entertained at the couples GRA home.

Many political supporters and associates who spoke to our publication expressed gratitude for the second opportunity and advised the Commissioners to ensure that they are carried along in the scheme of things especially with the approaching election year in sight.

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“Oha” Charles Amaechi Fetes Friends …As He Clocks 53

By Joe Kalu

The “Believers” Avenue, Port Harcourt home of “Oha” (Sir) Charles Amaechi was a beehive of activities over the weekend as he feted friends and well-wishers during the celebration of his 53rd birthday party.

In his remarks shortly after cutting the gigantic castle-like birthday cake baked by his beautiful wife the celebrant noted with pleasure that God Almighty has been gracious to his family and that nothing would make them deviate from the solid Christian foundation their parents laid for them.

The Rivers State Governor's elder brother disclosed further that though the challenges have been undaunting they were eternally grateful to God who has been seeing them through the vicissitudes of life and prayed God not to pass them by, as He goes about touching people's lives, a statement Oha Amaechi depicted in his favourite song.

The celebrant used the opportunity to reiterate the family's unshaken belief in the Catholic faith and prayed God to always be with his brother the Governor and give him the enablement to deliver the dividends of democracy as ordained by God himself, adding that with his brother's strong character he was sure the younger Amaechi will not betray the confidence reposed in him by the people.

“Dede” as he is fondly called by his admirers equally used the opportunity to assure the governor of the family's support and indeed that of Ubima community.

Guests were treated with sumptuous meals while “Makossa” girls, Alaowerri cultural dance, Joyful Brothers and Junior Michael Jackson of Africa” provided entertainment through their acrobatic dance steps.

All those who spoke to this publication Lady Lilian Amaechi (wife), Mr. Oliver Orlu Orlu, friend, Eze Amadi, Daniel Saew neighbour, Chief Asonye, Lucky Amadi (cousin), Hon. Okey Opurum and Chief C. Jokafor, a freight forwarder all paid glowing tributes to the celebrant “Oha Charles Amaechi for what they considered his friendly disposition and philanthropic mien, advising him not to relent in this regard.

They also advised him to continue solidifying the home front for the governor his brother.

Prior to the visit, he disclosed that the CPC had visited three other first class traditional rulers in Akwa-Ibom State and of course, His Excellency, Governor Godswill Akpabio of the state.

In his remark, the state Chief Executive appreciated the CPC for considering Akwa-Ibom State.

2011 LGA Polls: RSIEC Organizes Workshop For Staff

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has commenced preparations for the 2011 Local Government Elections in Rivers State with a capacity building workshop on information and communication technology for its staff.

The workshop which began on Monday October 12, 2009 according to Sam Woka, the commission's Director of Public Affairs would be declared open by the RSIEC Commissioner in-charge of Administration and Training. Mrs. Florence Amiesiemaka.

According to the Public Affairs Director the Commission is poised to improve on the conduct of 2011 election with acquisition and updating of its equipment and the training and retraining of its core staff.

He maintained that the ICT workshop would be handled by DEL and BEN Nigeria Limited, a licensed NIIT at No 1 Kaduna Street, D/Line in Port Harcourt. He added that the workshop will kick off at Nine in the morning beginning from Monday through Friday and will last for three weeks and enjoined those affected to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the commission.

AC Chieftain Hails Amaechi's Strides

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

Chieftain of the Action Congress in the state, Mr. Suage Bade has hailed the developmental strides of the State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.

Bade who scored the Governor high last Saturday when he featured alongside others in the Rhythm FM Programme “View Point” said Governor Amaechi has done well in the education and health sectors including road even though the projects are yet to be all completed.

The state Chairman of the party also said that a lot needs to be done to bring the governor's dreams to fruition stating that all hands must be on deck to make Rivers State a nice place to be.

He particularly lauded the efforts of the Commissioners of Health and Works for the feats so far achieved and encouraged them to do more while describing the Governor's two years in office as full of achievements.

On his part, the Governor's Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. David Iyorfo described the present administration in the state as people-oriented, pointing out that the next two years of this Government will focus on completion of projects in all the nooks and crannies of the state and called on the people to always support the Amaechi-led government.

Others who spoke during the programme commended the Governor for doing a good job.

Meanwhile, an expert during the programme also condemned in it's entirely the passage of the public procurement bill which he said, was not given the required attention by the State House of Assembly.

Incredible!!!  Pandemonium In Diobu …As Banker Collapses, Dies In Brothel

By Joe Kalu

There was pandemonium yesterday Sunday October 11, 2009 at about 6pm when the news spread like wild fire that a middle aged man has collapsed and died while making love with one of the prostitutes at a popular hotel, at Azikiwe Street Diobu, Port Harcourt.

The man who was later identified as a banker from one of the old generation banks, we gathered was a regular visitor at the hotel.

He had came as usual, parked his latest model car neatly and was heralded by hangers-on who obviously benefit from the man’s largesse.

The crawler settled down and ordered his favourite cold beer and of course free 'booze' for urchins, while also ordering a change for his favourite music from the DJ.

After a while the late banker excused himself and went for his favourite call girl for a quikie before continuing with the merriment.

Suddenly, the prostitute rushed out sweating and panting alarmed. “Make una come o”, I no no wetin de do this man o”, she cried.

Sympathizers rushed back with her into the room and met the man shaking and foaming from his mouth.

Every first aid effort applied to revive the dying man proved abortive and he eventually died.

The unfortunate lady amidst sob narrated how they had just settled down for “business” after the foreplay before her lover started shaking and she raised alarm.

Many people who rushed to the scene on hearing the news however did not believe her story.

Not a few people especially those who are experts in the business believed that it is either the man had not eaten and was exhausted after the first round or he was poisoned out rightly by his enemies.

In no time the police who had been called by phone arrived the scene of the incidence.

The crowd obviously scared of the police mass arrest dispersed immediately.

After asking the hotel manager and the suspect few questions, the body was taken to a nearby clinic at Ojoto by Ihediohama Street, Diobu where he was confirmed dead.

The police and the medical team drove through the milling crowd to the Mile 3 Police Station, where the corpse and his car was deposited before transferring it to the mortuary.

When the beautiful wife of the man was called upon through her husband's GSM, she was full of curses for her man for bringing so much disgrace to the family.

“What is it that you derive here that we don't have or the style these idiots give you that I don't provide for you or even the type of pleasure their own body provide for you that mine don't have” she cried.

Madam cursed the day she accepted to marry his late husband.

Meanwhile, when our reporter visited the hotel shortly after the incidence, the hotel manager refused to speak with him but referred him to the prostitute in question or the police for any enquiry.

The hotel and even those around it were in disarray and business came to an abrupt close.

There was however a funny aspect of the development, those clients who were yet to complete their love making business before the pandomonium demanded to have their money back but the angry call girls threatened to deal with them if they hear any more of that “Unna de maad, you no de fear face? They no tell you say na non refundable deposit?”. They charged.

Page 13 Opinion

Sack Minister Of Aviation

By Emma Okah (emmaokah@yahoo.com; 08033211999)

I have seen the Minister of Aviation Hon. Babatunde Omotoba on television and in newspapers and he appears to be a decent person who cherishes some hygiene. I also believe that this gentleman has travelled to many parts of the world by air and in the process, has seen several airports and their facilities. If that is so, it means that he knows what is good and bad. How does Mr Omotoba feel when he walks into the arrival and departure halls of Nigerian airports and finds that ordinary air conditioners are not walking even when there is power? The toilets of our airports stink and are in permanent state of disrepair and poor hygiene. I was recently in Dubai and landed at the new Emirate Airport. How do I describe it? It was magic. It was like one designed and built in heaven and dropped by God for UAE. I became more ashamed when I returned to Nigeria than when I left. What is really wrong with Nigeria and Nigerians with all the wealth here? Even if we cannot do big things, we could start with small ones, doing them well and growing from there. Granted that President Yar'Adua takes responsibility for failings of his government, should we also blame him for non-functional air conditioners and smelling toilets at the airports? I do not know the pedigree of Hon Omotoba but I am ashamed to call him a decent Minister of Aviation. If he cannot fix working air conditioners and renovate mere toilets in the major airports in Nigeria, if he cannot change simple tiles and sanitary wares to begin to give passengers a sense of good travelling, then he should be sacked as a minister. Painfully, ordinary hygiene is alien to him and the parastatals under his ministry.

Re: Amnesty: What Next, Really? Readers Views: Nigeria Hates The Niger Delta

Dear Mr Emma Okah, I want to thank you for your usual patriotic views on the amnesty issue and many other national issues. When we hear from people like you, we begin to renew our hopes for a better Nigeria. The nation has paid dearly for her deliberate neglect, negligence and lack of vision. Looking back today on the costly errors of leadership in all spheres of our national life, especially the Niger Delta question, it is only best to describe our national behavior as “penny wise pound foolish”. The national attitude has been that of hatred against the people of the region by successive governments for many years running. Whether the nation likes to discuss and resolve the Niger Delta problems is up to President Umaru Yar'Adua. He has tasted both deep crises and temporary peace in the region and the nation now knows better where the foot hurts. Let nobody be deceived to believe that the surrender of arms under the amnesty regime is the solution to the problem. Instead, it is the beginning of what can qualify as recipe for enduring peace in the Niger Delta.

Indeed, Nigeria's Niger Delta is not the worst human terrain on planet earth. The Netherlands sits on reclaimed ground and they constantly sleep with one eye open to watch their dykes. In spite of these difficulties, Holland is a nation with bright credentials and is rightly reckoned with as one of the tops in floral exports. In Nigeria, the people of the region and their land are regarded as only good to feed the nation while they singularly bear the consequential damage to their environment compounded by a hostile and difficult terrain and wicked leadership. If Nigeria had taken early steps beginning from the alarms raised by the Willinks Minorities Commission of 1957-58, the embarrassment and inconvenience which the neglect of the region has occasioned together with the unimaginable loss of revenue to the nation would have been averted.

Mr Okah, I sincerely commend the President for initiating the amnesty issue and carrying it to an encouraging height. More importantly, I congratulate the militants who came out in their numbers to surrender their arms and embrace the amnesty. The efforts of the various Niger Delta governors who supported and engineered the process are quite patriotic. Some say the governors in some states paid for the surrendered arms and ammunition secretly while some others say the surrender is political. Whichever is the case, Nigeria should celebrate the return of these arms. It is a crucial stage in the resolution of the perennial problem. What it clearly shows is that the people of the Niger Delta region are reasonable, peace-loving and are ready to join forces with other Nigerians to build a formidable and just nation where no one is oppressed. Those who chose to hate them for selfish interest therefore miss the point. Anybody in the shoes of the cheated people of the Niger Delta people who does not react in the same way as we have witnessed in the past or even more violently is not fit to live.

What then after the amnesty? Let me suggest as follows:

a) The President must remain focused and show sincerity and unwavering commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region in the same way he did to the amnesty issue. This is of the essence because the nation could witness a more horrendous repeat of the violence if the nation gambles with the people of the Niger Delta. It is not difficult to know whether sincerity is lacking in any process. Let there be no excuses. None truly exists now. The temporary peace in the region is now measured in the context of the increased oil revenue but the tendency to be carried away as usual and forget the noble path of justice is in the character of Nigerians. If the President shows an uncanny determination to develop the region, he will find every home and institution in the region willing tools working with him to weather the storm and assist him etch his name in gold. Many leaders in the past had similar opportunities but threw them away. May God help Yar' Adua to erect a new direction.

b) There should be a sustainable youth empowerment and human development scheme to carry the weight shed by these militants who have repented and other youth who, even though they did not carry arms, share the sad fate, pains and agonies of their peers in the region. While many of them may not touch the guns again, it is difficult to redirect the minds of unemployed energetic youth with no hope of livelihood. Some are well educated but cannot find decent jobs to do. They cannot live independent lives and cater for their families. If God does not intervene, these guys will surely go back to the old game of brute force whether or not you tag them criminals or militants.

c) There should be credible electoral reforms to guarantee free and fair elections so that in Nigeria, the losers can proudly turn to a winner and say, CONGRATULATIONS. IT WAS A FAIR GAME. The signals and violent indications from Ekiti re run elections and recently Bayelsa State before Mr President reconciled Mr Timipre Silva and Mr Timi Alaibe at the instance of Mr Nduka Obaigbena is a clear pointer that violence is not far from our clime and that the guns can be called back to duty at short notice.

d) Accountability of office holders to the people of the region cannot be compromised. The Niger Delta people are used to mega bucks from public office, kidnapping and illegal oil bunkering and those who are to hold public funds in trust for the development of the region or part of it must be thoroughly checked and monitored because corruption is in our character and such funds can be more readily abused with impunity. I am not suggesting a new set of laws for the region but these are truths that we should hold sacred if this current effort must make a new way for the people. Anti corruption laws must be seen to be working and biting and not just there in the law books. Failure to punish obvious and glaring cases of corruption only emboldens more people to courageously walk the same way of sin and with more perfect impunity. It will be advisable to use international observers drawn from reputable organizations in the renewed effort to develop the region.

e) Finally, there should be more money available for development purposes than security operations. I see the tendency on the part of the FG to permanently cripple the capabilities of the militants to threaten Nigeria's interest as opposed to building roads and hospitals. Basically, there should be a deliberately aggressive and comprehensive development of infrastructure in the region. There is enough money from a peaceful oil export regime that can handle this. The entire Nigerian people must come to terms with this reality that the region has sacrificed too much to keep Nigeria prosperous and deserve a better deal. Therefore the best things (goods or services) that money can buy should be in the Niger Delta soil. The best roads, hospitals, schools, housing schemes, electricity supply, industries, etc should be located in the region. Nothing less will be acceptable by the people.

While we pray for the sustainability of the current peace in the region, we pray God to guide Mr President and the enemies of the Niger Delta people to give justice a chance.

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