Page 2 Mixed Grill

Oil Wells Palaver: Yar'Adua Steps Into Rift Between C-River And A'Ibom

By Paschal Agbada

Following the ceding of 76 oil wells by the Cross Rivers State Government to Akwa Ibom State for which the Cross Rivers State has been crying foul following unsettled boundering adjustment issues between the two States President Yar'Adua, after the altercation had seen the best of one year decided to wade into the matter.

Information reaching Beam Checks revealed that the President has instructed that the matter be resolved immediately.

This directive followed a visit by the Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke who was at the head of an influential delegation including the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi to Aso Rock.

After the visit to Mr. President, Gov. Imoke stated: “The matter is before the President and I believe that Mr. President has directed on the resolution of the matter.

This is one of the issues he assured our royal fathers about”, he emphasized.

The Governor decried the effect of the ceding of the oil wells on the state revenue accruals saying “the challenges are significant because we have to review our budget and our projections considerably but we are hopeful of the resolution and restoration in the very near feature”.

The Governor who was highly elated at the outcome of the meeting between the members of his entourage and the President stated further… “We came to have audience with Mr. President to express our appreciation with the work he is doing and to pledge our loyalty to the administration with regards to the amnesty situation in the Niger Delta and even the post-amnesty situation in Cross River State”.

Liyel Imoke was very appreciative of the President's efforts at situating Cross River State properly especially after losing the 76 oil wells.

According to Imoke… “I thank the President for capturing Cross River State in the budget extensively” as he said further, “the road contracts have been awarded even though the contractors have not fully mobilized and the dredging of the Calabar channel which is captured in the budget and is in the process of being awarded”.

Brass LGA: Bayelsa Lawmakers Freeze Account …Sack Care-taker Chairman

The account of Brass Local Government Council of Bayelsa State has been frozen by the State House of Assembly. 

Reports reaching Beam Checks had it that the lawmakers took that decisive action because of an alleged administrative lapses, diversion of N27 million capital project finances leveled against the care-taker Committee Chairman, Mrs. Helen Bob.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Hon. Werinipre Seibarugu while signining the resolution of the House cited “the deliberate decision by the (Care-taker Committee) to withhold council workers' salaries, while the care-taker committee allocated jumbo allowances to its chairman and members who are neither owed nor are their payments delayed” as part of the reason while Assembly took that action.

When she appeared before the House of Assembly to defend herself of all the allegations leveled against her, the Brass Care-taker Chairman, Mrs. Bob disclosed to the bemused members of the Assembly that since coming into power in October 2008 till the time of her sack, only the sum of N703 million was given to the council by the federation account and the state government.

She maintained that every of that kobo received has been judiciously utilized and wondered why she is being singled out for such a probe.

She also cited political reasons as the only factor behind her present travails since according to her all her actions had long  supervised and monitored by the State Ministry of Local Government Affairs.

Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly has asked the Care-taker Chairman to hand over all the LGA's belongings at her disposal to the Head of Personal Management (HPM) of the council.

The 'sins' of the Chairman according to a letter from the House addressed to Gov. Timipre Sylva include the following; non-justification of a bank draft totaling N17 million, diverting N18 million internally generated revenue gotten from Agip Oil Company, using over N88 million to construct one local road out of a total project fund of over N115 million received from the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, amongst other litany of 'sins'. 

Page 3 News

Pursue Post Amnesty With Speed

The Yoruba Community in Rivers State has called on the federal government to pursue the post amnesty programme with speed to realize the gains offered by the exercise.

President of Yoruba Community Council in Rivers State Chief Adewale Solagbade gave the advice when executive members of the body paid the State Governor a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Chief Solagbade, who commended the federal government for the success recorded so far in the amnesty deal in the Niger Delta, also lauded the ex-militants for embracing the amnesty and urged them to be tolerant by giving peace a chance.

He said development cannot be achieved without a peaceful environment anchored on law and order, noting that while government has a big role to play, the community and individuals equally need to play their legitimate part to guarantee success.

The leader of the Yoruba Community used the opportunity to thank the government and the people of Rivers State for making them feel at home as they have never experienced any form of discrimination in any part of the state.

Chief Solagbade also commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi for pursuing policies that are beneficial to the generality of people in the state, adding that his quick action approach to governance which has resulted in rapid infrastructural development in the state has earned him an award by the Yoruba Community.

He explained that the visit, which coincided with their weeklong activity, would be used to present the award in addition to other events and formally invited him to attend.

Responding, the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi thanked the Yoruba Community in the state for remaining peaceful and law abiding, especially for remaining during the period of the security challenges in the state.

Governor Amaechi said his government is working hard to make everyone that resides in the state feel proud and a sense of belonging like the Lagosians do about their city.

The State Governor assured them of the willingness of the state government to partner with the members of the Yoruba Community and to assist them achieve their set objectives while urging them to continue to live peacefully with their neighbours as government would ensure the safety of lives and property. 

RSG Signs Agreement With TSI On Monorail Project

The Rivers State Government has signed an agreement with TSI Property and Investment Holdings Limited for the construction of a Monorail transport system in Port Harcourt.

The agreement covers execution, share holding counterpart and management of the project which is expected to be completed within two years.

Speaking during the signing ceremony at Government House, Port Harcourt, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said the deal was part of government's public-private-sector partnership with the organized private sector in the provision and maintenance of public utilities.

Governor Amaechi, who restated government's resolve to continue to partner with the private sector urged TSI to commence the project immediately as there is the need to assuage the difficulties and challenges facing the people in the transport sector.

He assured TSI that government would always release its counterpart funding for the project whenever it is needed to ensure timely completion.

The governor pointed out that since TSI is to provide 80% counterpart funds for the project the responsibility of managing the facility after completion is that of the company because managing government projects has always proved difficult.

According to the State Chief Executive, the Monorail project which is to gulp the sum of $318 million was the brainchild of the former governor of the state, Major General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd), who represented TSI Property and Investment Holdings Limited, at the signing ceremony.

Earlier, the representative of TSI, General Anthony Ukpo described the signing of the agreement as a landmark occasion because the Monorail project when completed would put Rivers State on the map of history as it would be the first in the African Continent.

General Ukpo, who lauded Governor Amaechi for his unwavering commitment towards transforming the state expressed the hope that when completed, the Monorail project would provide relieve in the transportation problem facing the state.

He thanked the governor for giving TSI the opportunity to be part of the laudable project and promised that they would look forward to its timely completion.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi signed on behalf of the Rivers State Government while Major General Anthony Ukpo (Rtd) initialed for TSI Property and Investment Holdings Limited.

Mrs Amaechi Wants Rural Advocacy On Maternal Health

Wife of Rivers State Governor Dame Judith Amaechi has called on the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF) and other development partners to pay attention to the high rate of infant and maternal mortality in rural communities.

Judith Amaechi stated this during the launch of the campaign on accelerated reduction on maternal mortality in Africa and global child survival initiative Nigeria Chapter by the nation's first lady Hajia Turai Yar'Adua in Abuja

Judith Amaechi stated that the implementation of the objectives of carmma will be achievable if the relevant health agency and UNFPA collaborate with local, non-governmental organizations and civil societies groups in the effort to accelerate actions and achieve millennium development goals 4, 5, and 6.

The Rivers Governor's wife stated that illiteracy has contributed to the rate of maternal and child mortality in the country, especially in the rural area.

The campaign on accelerated reduction on maternal mortality in Africa and global child survival initiative was launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the 7th of May, 2009 during the 9th edition of the African Union Conference of Ministers of health.

The Minister of Health Professor Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin in his speech said the federal government has initiated an integrated maternal newborn and child health strategy to be rolled out to the 36 states of the federation, adding that the Health Ministry has established the midwives service scheme to address human resource crisis at the primary health care level.

Prof. Osotimehin also stated that the federal government has also redoubled its commitment to providing and establishing community based health insurance scheme in 6 states to cater for women and children as well as procurement of basic equipment of obstetric case.

Page 5 Cover News

RSHA Comes With A Bang ... Promulgates New Traffic laws

By Paschal Agbada

Following a series of ugly incidences between the Nigeria Police and drivers in Port Harcourt (both commercial and private) regarding parking lots, designated u-turn junctions and illegal license plates, some of which led to serious battering, maiming and at times outright killing of drivers by the law enforcement agents thus portraying the Police Force as inhuman, and also not forgetting the reckless manhandling of drivers in the not too distant past by members of the MOT for which the organization temporarily got the hammer from the State Government and since then has remained in obscurity, the Rivers State Government thought it wise to sanitize the State Traffic Section of the Transport Ministry.

This it did by promulgating and proposing a wide range of bills under the Rivers State Transport Management Agency Bill (STMAB).

Not only did the House of Assembly pass the bill in its last sitting, the state and the ministry did a holistic thing by also organizing a Transport Summit in Port Harcourt with the theme “Transport Sector Reform”.

In the reform, both land and sea transportations were touched and will subsequently be boosted. MOT was thought as an agency that needed review and is getting that.

According to the Governor, a monorail system is as well in the offing in the state.

However, while the state did its best to lay a proper foundation for an integrated transportation scheme in the state, the House in its passage of the Transport Management Agency Bill into law streamlined the following laws.

One, a law prohibiting driving with a fake number plate. This law, if violated attracts a fine of N100, 000.

The second law that attracted the attention of the legislators is the law prohibiting any form of resistance to traffic officers or prevention of the same from doing their job which attracts a fine of  N20, 000.

In the same vein, any under-aged driver caught driving would have his or her guardian or parents coughing out N10, 000 for both his freedom and that of the car.

Illegal u-turns, driving without permit would each attract a fine of N5, 000.

Alongside these promulgations, the House member representing Ogu Bolo Constituency, Maureen Tamuno proposed that road signs for different road situations like slow down, one way, no entry, speed limits, pedestrians/zebra crossing should adorn the roads in the state capital.

Maureen Tamuno pressed the Transport Ministry to make sure that the signs were put on the roads immediately.

“Unless the Ministry of Transport does its job by putting proper road signs, nobody should be arrested”, she stressed.  

Beam Checks on getting the information patterning the newly signed bills decided to go to town.

One of the people interviewed on the new bills and who is a car owner though private but resident in Port Harcourt Mr. C.J. Ndukwe-a banker strictly echoed what the House member representing Ogu Bolo Ms. Maureen Tamuno said, by stating thus: “It is not enough enacting these laws but let the House members or the Transport Ministry put enough road signs, traffic sign posts detailing on where one should stop, park, do u-turn and so on.

“And not tomorrow, as these bills have been signed into law, awareness will not created and the next thing law enforcement agents who usually would mask their presence at designated spots would emerge from no where to begin to arrest and impound cars.

“They had better do a thorough job”, he stated.

A driver, who plies the Rumuokwuta to Rumuola route Mr. Monday Woke stated: “for us, we would like something like pamphlets if it is possible so that every driver can have his own copy and not claim ignorance of the new laws.

“Because”, he continued, “by the time everybody has these laws in his hands, nobody will say I don't know.

“The State Ministry might even make a little money printing these laws and making sure we all (drivers) have it”, he suggested.

With this development, one is certain the notoriety that has attended vehicular movement in Port Harcourt may ebb as the new laws would go a long way in keeping both drivers and enforcement agents in check of their excesses and recklessness. 

Page 7 Feature

Governor Amaechi & The Challenge Of Development

Written by Odimegwu Onwumere

Many problems cut across all facets of Nigerian society, but most especially in the government society. Many Nigerians have the creative mind but Nigerian government has made them lack the capacity to exhibit their talent. And Nigeria's population is witnessing a tremendous growth. Many agencies to work together with to develop Nigeria and Nigerians are mostly concerned about the healthiness of their pocket. The nation's lawmakers are bent on making laws the masses have not really come to feel the impact. They tend not to understand the nitty-gritty of what it takes to be a lawmaker in a democracy? They have many times turned pugilists in much avoidable uproars. "Nigeria should tap into her professionals in Diaspora to help in the nation building", the former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Walter Carrington said in a speech this year. As a result, to develop Nigeria may be hard.

Like the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Victor Attah who is well endowed with the etymology of town planning even that he didn't much in the execution of works in the many towns he planned in that state before his tenure expired, one man who is following closely in town planning is the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. The difference is that Amaechi is bent on planning and execution of the many towns he has planned.

As a city-planner who majored in English and Literature, Amaechi has been involved in environmental development, sustainable development, livable communities, smart growth initiatives, redevelopment of slums. But before Amaechi came to power, nothing seems to have changed in the architectural development of the state. And he will be doing many Rivers people disservice if he did not change the way houses is built in Rivers State: where fences are joined together causing obstruction to the waterways in the neighbourhoods. A city is much more than beautiful houses without plan. A city must have a total concept.

One observer said that the current trend around the world is to build structures that make economic and environmental sense. In Europe and North America, architects, driven by the rising cost of energy, global warming and better quality of life for the world's population are working tirelessly on new frontiers in structural designs. In the United States of America, the Department of Energy collaborates with builders to ensure that new residential and commercial properties include prescribed energy efficiency standards. Some homes have already cut their energy needs from the national grids by as much as 40-60%. A few have achieved 100%. In some American states, you get tax rebates if you build with certain material such as solar panels. The same thing is going on in Europe.

However, the governor is doing his best. Amaechi in April 28 this year said that the foreign investors should be involved in the Nation's economy as it is secret for the country's faculty to try-to-win favourably in the inclusive market. Amaechi made the inclusion during a talent stopover to Eleme Petrochemicals Company, operated by a foreign investor, Indorama Area.

It is not early that on that visit the governor observed that the way Nigerian industries are going oblivion was becoming a source of thought. Amaechi saw and congratulated the management of Indorama for enlivening the once in-poor-health Eleme Petrochemical Company.

For his gusto to developing Rivers state, it was on record that Amaechi said that he was in readiness to do business with the company in whatever form. His interest was that the creation or building of more of such company would create job opportunities for the people.

While the governor is not bent on disappointing the Rivers people and their 'visitors', the office of the Commerce and Industry Ministry-headed by Prince Ogbonna Nwuke has a lot of work to do in this area. The ministry must live up to its manifesto of formulating policies and facilitating the establishment of cottage industries in the state, promoting and encouraging investments in the state as a means of opening up employment opportunities as well as provision of goods and services, develop cooperative societies that could bring about the Transformation of the Rural Areas, register all business premises and maintain a data base on them, liaise with the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other related agencies on Small and Medium Scale Industries and to formulate and implement policies on Industrial and Commercial activities in the State. Without doubt, Nwuke will not disappoint.

Another area the fast development sort for in Rivers State can be attained is when the Ministry of Culture and Tourism also lives to its promise of identifying and promoting the culture of Rivers State to the West end, (as this will attract investors to the state), identifying and developing tourism in the state and packaging cultural attributes and recreational facilities for the promotion of tourism. But how many people have the Ministry of Employment Generation and Empowerment gainfully employed, empowered with skills to enable them secure employment, make companies operating in the State conform to the relevant law of the Federal Government on Employment? That is the problem.

The Ministry of Urban Development has lived to the expectation with the Hon. Commissioner Osima Ginah exhibiting Development Control Review and preparation of physical development plan, Urban Renewal and transportation plan, urban reorientation and enforcement, Regional & Rural planning (this is not effective in the rural areas), issuance of land development plans, approval of building plans and preparation of development master plan. (Bravo!).

While many of the Ministries under Amaechi are doing marvelously well, the Unity Government run in the state has not really disappointed the people. With Prince Tonye Princewill heading the Action Congress (AC) in the state and the head of BoT the Forum of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP), a newly emerged over 43 parties in the state that is in support of the Amaechi-led government.

FOOPP's mission is to foster unity and progress amongst member political parties in order to work diligently with all partners in Rivers State, irrespective of their political divide, restore the glory and integrity of the State and its people, by encouraging true participatory democracy which guarantees equal opportunities for all Rivers people, abhorring the “winner takes all” syndrome, provide virile and constructive criticism when necessary and commend giant strides of government, to support democratic principles and encourage electoral bodies to organize true and proper elections that will reflect the true wishes of the electorate, to protect member political parties before, during and after elections, to support government to encourage active participation of Rivers State indigenes in strategic sectors of the State economy.

Princewill is one such Rivers indigene who has been in the development pace of the state, like his friend, Governor Amaechi. Princewill is among the 28 men powered with the responsibility of finding solution out to better the economic policy of the State. Prof Nimi Briggs headed that committee.

On behalf of the state government, Princewill has brought the Silver Bird Group, a private entertainment outfit in Nigeria to partner with the Rivers State Government that resulted in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the construction of a Multi-Purpose Entertainment Park in Port Harcourt worth about N20 billion on 4th December, 2007. Reportedly, this project was expected to transform the area around the Isaac Boro Park and the Cultural Centre to a world class Multi-Purpose Entertainment Park and the State to a true modern Garden city. More grease to his elbow, Amaechi is providing bread on the tables of many Rivers State through his developmental strides.

Page 8 News

RSG Assures Integrated Transportation

By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Chief Executive Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has assured of his commitment to instituting solid foundation for integrated transportation scheme in the state. 

The Governor stated this last week while declaring open the second Rivers State Transport summit in Port Harcourt organized by the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

He said that apart from improving land transportation with the introduction of mono rail system, that water transportation will equally be given a boost.

Governor Amaechi announced that air conditioned boats have been acquired awaiting distribution for use in the riverine parts of the state stressing that the present administration will encourage private participation in this sector.

He insisted that there was need for adequate regulation in the transport sector especially in compliance with traffic laws.

Governor Amaechi said the State Transport Management Agency Bill passed by the State Assembly which has been signed into law will effectively check traffic offenders.

The wife of the state Governor Dame Judith Amaechi in a paper titled “The emerging role of women in commercial transportation, prospects and challengers” said the Empowerment Support Initiative ESI, Lady Cabby Scheme are aimed at providing regular income for the women in the state.

She said the scheme has broken the barrier in the transport sector which was classified as a male-dominated profession.

In his speech, the state Commissioner for Transport Hon. George Tolofari said the second Rivers State Transportation summit was aimed at creating a platform for the ministry to evaluate its reform programme and chart the way forward.

Hon. Tolofari further disclosed that the Ministry's public private partnership with Skyebank Plc has facilitated the construction of 56 Bus Shelters and lay byes on major roads in the city and the provision of over 106 buses plying the PH-Aba express road, Ikwerre and Trans-Amadi roads.

He said Rivers State Government and Skyebank partnership has also introduced 200 taxis into the sector to ease transportation in the city.

Governor Amaechi later inspected an exhibition stand mounted by the Ministry of transport.

The event also featured presentation of papers on the conceptualization and PDP strategy during the transport sector reform.

Amnesty Aftermath:Nigeria Records Rising Oil Output

By Wilson Uchendu

The amnesty deal offered to militants of the Niger Delta region is reportedly paying off impressive dividends.

Because of halted attacks on oil installations, the nation's oil output according to figures released by the International Energy Agency (IEA) has increased to 1.87 million barrels per day (bpd) in September from the 1.74 million bpd recorded in August.

With this positive development, the nation's crude oil production is being projected to hit 2 million bpd for the first time since July 2008 when militant attacks on oil facilities reached an all time high.

The amnesty offer which expired October 4 appeared successful as more than 15,000 trigger-happy militants laid down their arms to embrace the deal.

But watchers of the unfolding amnesty drama have posited that the successes recorded so far might only for a while if the federal government fails to conclusively rehabilitate the ex-militants.

Head, Africa Programme at the leading think-tank Chatham House, Mr. Vines Alex said that “stakeholders should be continuously optimistic”

He continued further: “This is an opportunity for Nigeria's oil industry that shouldn't be missed.

It is the most positive sign we have seen for some time; but we will have to see how the Nigerian government reacts if spoilers step in”.

This positive trend notwithstanding, Nigeria is yet to reach its maximum potential of about 3 million bpd.

Also more than 700,000 bpd is presently being lost to militant activities according to industry reports.

Scholarship: RSSDA Favours Science Students

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has said that the overseas undergraduate scholarship currently embarked upon by the Agency was targeted at science students as a way of meeting the needs of the  state.

Speaking during the press briefing at the Agency's Head Office in Port Harcourt last week, the Executive Director of the Agency  Mr. Bolaji Ogunseye without mincing words said the Agency “discriminated” in favour of science and technology graduates taking cognizance of the current man power development in the country.

Describing Governor Chibuike Amaechi's developmental strides in the last two years as laudable the RSSDA boss said the scholarship is a form of accelerated intervention by the state Chief Executive to help bridge the yawning gap in high/middle level special man power in the state.

He disclosed that this year over thirty thousand applications were received from across the state out of which five thousand were submitted online as those who met the verifiable criteria came to about nineteen thousand and were invited to an aptitude test which accounted  for eighty percent of the overall score line.

He further stated that the agency short listed nineteen thousand five hundred and sixty eight applicants out of which fifteen candidates with physical challenges of all kinds were considered for the scholarship too.

On the overall which accounted for twenty percent interviews, Mr. Ogunseye said, the agency had in her midst distinguished panels made up of two university professors, Canadian based education consultant in Nigeria and a non British observer from the British Council who monitored the exercise, all those he said, were aimed at ensuring that there was no sentiment, future accusation of favouritism in the selection, which he said, followed due process.

He maintained that all the successful candidates  in the oral/aptitude/written examinations were selected on absolute merit and challenged the media to bring to his office any report of irregularities regarding the exercise as the Agency would not hesitate to tackle it headlong and said the Agency encourages absolute merit.

Some of the areas the agency considered necessary in the selection he said, included their communication capacity: how ready the applicants were for the opportunity, how serious they were in their chosen fields, comportment and character among others. 

According to Mr. Ogunseye, the Governor is concerned that more and more Rivers indigenes should qualify to be employed very easily by major players in the private sector, industries across the states in Nigeria and even internationally as well as concerned that the  state should have effective, efficient, knowledgeable and certified Rivers people who would thrive in the high level man power development. He pointed out that the essence of favouring science and technology in the award of scholarship was to also ensure that the state leads all others states in Nigeria to meet the objectives of the vision 2020 which is aimed at making Nigeria the first twenty most developed nation in ten years from now.

In the local government, the RSSDA Director said, after they had chosen ten on absolute merit, the Agency went ahead to award scholarship to eight candidates each from the 23 Local Government Areas.

The eight people selected  he said, were the next best candidates after the ten and used the medium to inform Rivers people that the agency is working closely with the embassies to avoid any embarrassment as it was the case initially.

However, Mr. Ogunseye has described staff of the Agency as dogged, serious minded, transparent and hardworking and maintained that not even a kobo was demanded from any of the candidates in the course of the exercise and challenged anyone with a contrary statement.

Meanwhile, the scholarship only favoured the following fields of study, medicine, technology, engineering, agriculture among other science courses.

Group Commends ONELGA Chairman

By Paschal Agbada

A Socio-Cultural Organization known as Omoku Ogbo Age Grade, based in Usomini/Oborhia Quarters of Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, has called on the Acting Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Ikechukwu Awari Nwabrije, to maintain the level of steadfastness which had seen him offer purposeful leadership during the short period he has been on the saddle as the Acting Chairman of Council.

The group attributed the resounding success Hon. Nwabrije has recorded so far to his sterling leadership qualities which has been manifested in his level of wisdom, love for peace and security, religious tolerance as well as his numerous contributions to the political and socio-economic development of the Local Government Area.

The group which made these commendations during a courtesy call on the Chairman, presented a statement jointly signed by its President, Mr. Sunday Otiali as well as its Secretary, Mr. G.A Isiodu in which it joined other well meaning sons and daughters of ONELGA in thanking God for allowing the mantle of leadership of the Local Government Area fall on the amiable Acting Chairman at this time.

The Omoku Ogbo Age Grade also used the opportunity to commiserate with the Acting Chairman over the loss of his uncle, Late Elder Nwalinso Nwabrije, praying God to console and protect the entire Nwabrije family.

In his response, the Acting Chairman, Hon. Ikechukwu Awari Nwabrije, thanked the Age Grade for finding time to visit him. He assured them that he will not relent in ensuring that the people of the Local Government Area enjoy maximum benefits of good governance through service delivery.

He used the opportunity to call on the political class, opinion leaders, the intelligentsia, traditional rulers and chiefs, women and youths of the area to eschew rancour and acrimony and to join hands with Council in embarking on programmes that will enhance human and infrastructural development of the Local Government.

Page 9 News

Mgbuoba  Begs For Govt's Attention

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Investigation carried out about by our correspondent has shown that Mgbuoba Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State is probably the least in terms of development in this present administration in the state.

While the Amaechi-led government is doing everything humanly possible to transform various communities, towns, villages and hamlets in the state  Mgbuoba  is yet to have that good taste  of  dividends of democracy.

As it stands now, Mgbuoba does not have a standard school be it primary or secondary not to talk of a hospital where sick ones can be taken to for medical attention.

Our findings also revealed that as central as the area is, the people cannot boast of where to “cool off” at the end of the day's activity.

Infact, the most pathetic of it all  is that, the place has been disconnected from other parts of the city due to bad road as no business is said to be moving as a result of poor road network and lack of power supply in the area.

Now the question is, how long will the people continue to suffer untold hardship when the people in other parts of Port Harcourt are said to be enjoying electricity supply, good roads, and normal buying and selling among others.

Again, has government forgotten that there are some government's establishments in the area.

Will it not sound as a surprise a to our esteemed readers that while government is carrying out some remedial works on the roads and power sector in some parts of Port Harcourt  Mgbuoba is yet to receive or witness any, apart  from the road that has been turned upside down by a quasi construction company.

The people are therefore calling on the action governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi to help them out while appealing to him to also address the problem of power supply that is facing Mgbuoba area of the city for the past years.

Embark On People-Oriented Programmes ~Chairman Advised  

By Joe Kalu

Local Government Councils in Rivers State have been called upon to endeavour to embark on policies and programmes that will enhance the peoples' welfare.

The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists Rivers State Chapter Mr. Opaka Dokubo gave the advice last week when Executive members of the NUJ visited Gokana Local Government Area to inspect projects carried out by the chairman of the council since its inception.

Inspecting the projects, Mr. Dokubo said he is satisfied with the pace of development in the area and called on other local government chairmen to toe the foot steps of the council boss.

He said as watchdog of the society the union was ready and willing to work with any LG Chairmen that was determined to put smiles on the faces of their people and would not hesitate to expose those who would only satisfy their personal interest.

Conducting journalists round, the Gokana Council boss Chief Victor Gideon said that the vision of his administration is to transform the rural economy with the provision of basic infrastructure in the area.

Projects inspected included the construction of ultra modern market of about 209 stalls, roads under construction, and youths undergoing training in various trades.

Jubilation In KELGA Over Ikanya's Re-Appointment

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Supporters of the Commissioner for Special Duties in Rivers State Hon. Davis Ibiamu Ikanya over the weekend in one of the communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area celebrated the reappointment of Hon. Ikanya describing it as an act of God.

Speaking to our correspondent at Igwuruta, leader of the team Mr. Innocent Anwuka Amadi described Hon. Ikanya as focused, determined and hardworking which he said, were responsible for his reappointment and thanked the state Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for deeming Hon. Davis Ibiamu Ikanya worthy for a second tenure.

Innocent Amadi, former Press Secretary to Ikwerre Local Government Area however maintained that members of RPM in Kelga would continue to hold the Special Duties Commissioner in high esteem describing him, as the “peoples in-law”.

According to him, “the reappointment of Hon. Ikanya did not come to us by surprise considering the fact that the same God who made it possible for his colleagues to return to office would still make a way for him going by his works during his first tenure in office”.

He therefore charged him to regard his second coming as another call to service knowing full well that only God can make a way when there seem to be no way while calling on the staff of the Ministry to give the Commissioner all the needed support as to give people of Rivers State the best.

He maintained that RPM members would continue to pray for the success of the commissioner in his task of serving the state.

Amadi who is also a journalist with the Surveillance Newspaper however appealed to Rivers people to join hands with the Amaechi-led government to move the state to the next level and called on the aggrieved ones to burry their hatchet and rally round the governor whom he described as God sent.

He however, used the medium to congratulate the Governor for his two years in office coming up soon.

Rivers Son Presents US Purple Heart Award To Amaechi

An illustrious son of Rivers State and United States Marine Sergeant (Dr) Ledum Dennis Ndaanee, last week formally presented his Purple Heart award to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The award was handed to him in November, 2007 by former United State President, George H.W. Bush.

Making the presentation, Marine Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who descried the award as an honour to the people of Nigeria and Rivers State in particular, said he was overwhelmed representing the country in the US Marine Corps.

“I decided to come home and present this award to my State Governor. It's really an honour serving in the US Marine Corps and I feel overwhelmed representing my country, Nigeria and the people of Rivers State in particular”, he declared.

Ndaanee, a machine gunner who survived an explosion during the Iraq encounter with the US, noted that Nigeria had brave and best brains in the United States, saying “I am proud of my country, especially Rivers State”.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, his Deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, commended the recipient, Ledum Ndaanee for bringing honour to the people of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general.

“I congratulate you for making us proud in the United States where many think that we cannot excel in anything”, Ikuru said, adding, “that a son of Rivers State as a hero in the US is great”.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the ceremony, Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who hails from Luekue Town in Khana Local Government of the State said he joined the US Marine Corps in September, 2004.

According to him, the award was presented to the dead and the wounded, pointing out that he was the only living and the first African to be so honoured by the US Government.

“I consider myself lucky and I thank God for being alive to receive the Purple Heart, the highest US military award to war heroes”.

He advised Nigerian youths to have faith in God as there are windows of opportunities awaiting them, saying “I never knew I would be where I am today”.

Page 11 Column

Emma Okah (emmaokah@yahoo.com 08033211999)

The greatest burden, in my opinion, the Niger Delta people bear today is that of upturning the negative and fixated hostile ideas in the minds of our brother Nigerians about the region and her people. At various forums and occasions, we have found it difficult to get many Nigerians appreciate this glaring issue of neglect and injustice that have made Nigeria a laughing stock in the eyes of the international community. Many Nigerians still prefer to turn blind eyes, wish the people of the region away and call them unprintable names. The new trend is to see the poorly funded Niger Delta ministry and NDDC as adequate federal attention and therefore those who are still calling for more presence are greedy and on their own. That is sheer arrogance. I am from the Niger Delta. I feel the pains and see the agony of my people daily in a free country that should oppress no one. Those of us in the media will not let the question of Niger Delta die without victory for the people no matter the intimidation or the reckless utterances of unpatriotic Nigerians. I know that nobody including Dimeji Bankole can permanently shut the doors against us. We must live a decent life in our land and enjoy the resources that God has blessed us with. Nigeria must discuss with us irrespective of what any temporary god thinks.

At the risk of repetition, the region called Niger Delta of Nigeria indeed has many enemies. Many of them masquerade as friends but a lover is known when interests clash, when understanding is needed, and when justice needed to be dispensed. Today, the people of the troubled Niger Delta region must take a second look at the man, Dimeji Bankole, Speaker of the Federal House of Parliament.

First, who are the Niger Delta people of Nigeria? It is the region that was known as the Oil Rivers, bordering the coastal boundaries of today's Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Edo States. It is today politically known as South-South geo-political zone, and some upland states in Imo and Abia states. It houses about 40m Nigerians in over 7000 communities, producing over 80% of Nigeria's income with over 90% of the country's foreign exchange.  

What Bankole and other enemies of the region hate to realize is that the Niger Delta people had begun agitation far before Nigeria was born in 1914. The Akassa Raid and the Opobo crisis are raw in our memories. The fear of cheating in the Republic did not start in Bankole's era, if he can study the Sir Henry Willink's Commission's Report of 1957/8. The people of the region had never depended on the rest of Nigeria for survival and had feared any union as one country.  

They agitated the coming together in 1960 and expressed these fears. There, it was clearly admitted that the region had peculiar environmental challenges and that if the country would stay together in peace through justice, a separate development fund be established to carry out special projects while the region would still benefit from the rest development efforts of the Federal Republic as well as regional government. The Report did not entrust the development of the Niger Delta on the regional government or on lack of corruption on state governors.

What the Niger Delta has got over the decades since the 1958 Report is debates and prevarications by the enemies of the region and rulers of the nation from Lagos and Abuja, on whether or not to implement that Report. When they agree to do so, it is with half hearts. Often, they give with one hand and take with the other.  

What the region wanted and what the British had in mind in the Willinks Report was a situation where such projects that would conquer the environment would be handled by a huge commission. The commission would have handled, with dedicated funds from the first schedule, such projects as canals, reclamation, coastal railways, massive fish ponds, good roads to link the region, etc. When God supported the Willinks Report 10 years later with the discovery of crude oil in the region, it was expected that the source of wealth in the region being agriculture and aqua-culture would have been developed and modernized so as to introduce alternative income as oil and gas exploration. 

This is what has been left undone over the decades and this has caused environmental degradation, pollution, destruction of aquatic life and displacement of the living style of the people. Political injustice over the years ensured that ameliorative policies were never taken and that political power stayed away from those who made wealth for the nation. The result is anger and collective resistance that later produced heroes such as Adaka Boro and Ken Saro Wiwa, and later those who took up arms like Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom, Boyloaf, Osama bin Laden, General Africa, Soboma George, Tompolo, etc.  

The FG over the years had made half-hearted admittance of past errors, the present administration has come up with Amnesty to cause a ceasefire and go back to the drawing board. Well-meaning Nigerians are supporting this strategy and I believe that Mr President means well, but while the people of the region cannot really remember what Bankole has said in support of this effort, the speaker has spoken twice to show who really he is  an insensitive and biased leader, speaking without facts.

Before we point him out, let us remind ourselves that the lower chamber of the legislature developed from the Tribune system of the Roman Empire. Before then, the commoners were regarded as not qualified to have an opinion or a stake in the polity. At a time, the nobles alone could win the war that confronted the Empire and the commoners helped to win victory. Upon return from the war, the commoners demanded for some form of recognition and to have some voice. This was conceded and they were to nominate some Tribunes who formed a lower chamber. This developed over the years from Rome to Germany and Britain and when it came to the US some 500 years ago, it assumed a more serious dimension.  

In the American Congress, the lower house is stronger than the senate because they respect the commoners a lot and they expect the lower house to carry the fire of democracy and the bag of liberty. They expect the lower house to feel what the people feel and to pass it on, and to stand more fiercely on the side of the commoners. That is why today Democrats' Nancy Pelusi (Speaker) is more feared, trusted and remembered by the American masses than the senate president.  

What do we get in Nigeria? Bankole emerged after the woman who really loved Nigeria (Mrs Patricia Eteh?) was removed in an orchestrated scandal Nigerians mistook. Now, Bankole's true colour soon emerged when, under his nose and watchful eyes, a bigger rip-off in Billions of Naira for purchase of official cars occurred.  Since Bankole claims innocence, why has he not come out to righteously tell Nigerians what happened in the car scandal in the same way he prefers to deride the Niger Delta people and their leaders. Since he has become judgmental, why has he not come out to assist Lagos State to have some local governments? Is it right for the Ibos to have the least number of states and LGA in Nigeria and yet Bankole says nothing?

 The people of the region began to suspect him when he spoke at the First South-South Economic Summit in Tinapa, Calabar, in April 2009. He smiled, made faces, and decided to speak tongue-in-cheek. The people thought it was wisdom on display, not knowing it was hatred on mask. He made the point that the region was carting away a huge percentage of the nation's resources through the NDDC, Ministry of Niger Delta, 13%, etc, and wondered what was left for the rest of the country.  The people have continued to chew Bankole's strange calculus on a day when the region had more serious matters on hand.  

Now, safe in Kaduna cocoons, he came out smoking, joining the few northern elites who hate the face of the Niger Delta to argue that the region had enough allocation and only that the governors of the region were stealing it. This is the position of Babagana Kingibe who was the head of administration of this government as SFG before he was removed, this is the position of certain ministers from northern Nigeria, this is the position of a cabal round President Obasanjo and now, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, and this is why resolving the Niger Delta question has been questionable.  

Bankole and his ilk will never care to calculate what is made from the region, but what is given to them. If every region were to contribute half of what the Niger Delta contributes, would there be poverty in the land? If some other regions were to contribute what the Niger Delta is contributing, they would have since seceded or enthroned resource control policy in the constitution. These we know. Bankole must be some of those who ensured that the Petroleum Bill that came to the House with 25% to the oil region was miraculously changed to zero, until one of the governors raised eyebrows.  

Bankole is the number four person in Nigeria and must know the true situation of our accounts. He ought to know that the volume of tasks in the Niger Delta cannot be matched with these little allocations. God gave huge challenges to the region, but also gave huge resources to solve them. It is just that the resources have been hijacked by a ruling elite including Bankole to ensure that God's intention is subverted.  

The FG set up the NDDC years ago to fight the environment and create a new economy for the people, but when N436bn accrued to the NDDC, the FG then under Bankole's brother, kept back N326Bn and released a mere N110Bn. Now, answer us Bankole, would the released amount be enough to make any impression? Did the House react?  

The 13% now being released, is it not being used to fight security problems created by the same FG?  The FG sends soldiers and police but the states fund them, yet Bankole watches when states take over federal responsibility. The FG is already panting for trying to spend a mere N50Bn on Amnesty, just one single event, but this is what the states have been doing every day, spending on security, spending on what the FG ought to do, etc. Was it not Obasanjo who admitted that the cabling system to send power to the creeks had been on the minds of the FG but that possibility and huge cots had scared the FG away? Odili attempted it. Has the Bonny Road project not been on the drawing board since 1965, has the coastal rail system not been on the proposal board for 30 years? There are several projects that could have changed the fate of the riverine people but they have been on the drawing board for decades while new towns such as Abuja and huge irrigation projects and dams to give rivers where none existed have been executed in the north to make them food zone. Our people know all this!  

Now, almost all the governors in the Niger Delta are executing federal projects just as Dr Odili did in Rivers State. Now, N50Bn FG projects are currently being handled by the present administration, and Bankole, the supposed voice of the people, is not using the House to press the FG to begin refund in every budget. See the international airport in Akwa Ibom, power projects in Uyo, PH, Yenagoa, airports coming in Yenagoa and Asaba, etc. yet, Bankole sees nothing done by these governors. Most of the airports Bankole flies in the Niger Delta are being repaired by states such as the PH International airport, new ones coming up are state projects, most of the roads, etc he is traveling on are federal roads built with state funds. The hospitals, universities, etc are federal but being kept alive with state funds.  

I do not support corruption in any form. Yes, some lapses and embezzlement of funds may be going on, just as it is in other states and indeed at the federal level and at the House of Reps, but for Bankole and some of his collegiate cabals to reduce the entire Niger Delta question to a mere misapplication of allocation by governors is a tragedy of logic and reasoning. This show how removed our leaders are from the real issues on ground. Are the rights of the Niger Delta people dependent on how their governors fared in office?

If all the states are corrupt-free except the six in the Niger Delta, then Nigeria is a heaven. Instead, we know that corruption is more monumental in the FG than in the states. See the revelation of the power projects with $16Bn gone, see the Electricity Regulation Commission Report, and other huge losses everywhere. See what Bankole lost in just one massive car deal, yet everyone who cried out is being hunted down. His tenure will come and go yet the only bill for the masses, the Freedom of Information Bill that represents the soul of any democracy will remain in the cooler. His tenure will come and go and Nigerians will remember how he tried to secure permanent immunity from prosecution and litigation for members of the House of Reps. against the wishes of Nigerians.  His tenure will come and go but no single law will be made to give resources and power to the people of the Niger Delta, or to people of any region. This is how to know the real friends of the people. Bankole is too arrogant to be a friend of ordinary Nigerians. 

Bankole, you may see no wrong and see nothing wrong about the injustice in the Niger Delta but going to Kaduna to celebrate the injury of a people, to mock the people in their pain is wrong and morally unjustifiable. It is ungodly.

Page 12 News

Committee Still At Work

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

A call has gone to residents of Port Harcourt not to engage in any act capable of blocking the drains as the committee in charge of de-flooding the city is still very much at work.

Speaking, to our correspondent recently, the Committee Chairman Hon. Gosdstime Orlukwu restated the committee's earlier decision to arrest anyone found dumping any refuse inside the drains.

While the people are expecting the dry season to set in any moment Hon. Orlukwu warned that people should not use any dry period as an opportunity to litter the drains as according to him, the committee has positioned some persons to monitor  closely the drains in all parts of Port Harcourt with an instruction to arrest any defaulter.

He expressed dismay that some persons were still hell bent in littering the drains warning those responsible for such acts to make a restraint.

In a related development, the Ministry Environment has been told to ensure that dirts heaped along the major roads of Port Harcourt are evacuated without delay as they do not speak well of the Governor's intention to return Port Harcourt to its former garden city status.

A resident of the city who spoke to this publication under cover said that efforts by the present administration to beautify the city would not be a complete success if heaps of rubbish continue to litter the streets. He appealed to contractors in charge of refuse to help government in that direction.

Yoruba Community Advises FG On Post Amnesty

By Joe Kalu

The Yoruba Community in Rivers State has called on the Federal government to hasten up on its post amnesty programme to enhance early realization of the gains offered by the exercise.

President, Yoruba Community Council in Rivers State, Chief Adewale Solagbade made the call during a courtesy visit by the community on the state governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Chief Solagbade who commended the FG for the success recorded so far in the amnesty deal lauded the repentant militants for embracing the initiatives, and urged them to give peace a chance.

He praised Governor Amaechi for pursuing rapid infrastructural development in the state which according to him has earned him an award by the Yoruba community in the state for remaining peaceful and law abiding especially during the period the state experienced security challenges.

The state Chief Executive said his administration was working hard to make people residing in the state feel proud and have a sense of belonging.

He assured them of government's willingness to partner with them towards achieving set goals and stressed the need for peaceful con-existence with their neighbours.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of an Award of Excellence to the Governor.

Youths Advised To Partner With Government

By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Government has advised youths to partner with government to lay a solid foundation for them to build on.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Empowerment Mr. Felix Uche Nweke gave this advice while addressing the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State chapter Executives who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

According to the Commissioner “youths should be law abiding to attract government's attention”.

Mr. Nweke reminded the youths that the National Youth Council is the only parastal under the Ministry and promised that they will be provided with the necessary support to enable them attain greater heights.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Dan Ibubele said the Ministry has carried out laudable programmes such as the International Youth Day celebration and other youth summits within the short period.

Responding, the Chairman of the National Youth Council Rivers State chapter Mr. Bethel Oko Jaja felicitated with the Commissioner on his reappointment and pledged the council's support to Governor Amaechi’s administration.   

AKULGA Boss Signs N180m Supplementary Bill

By Joe Kalu

The Akuku-Toru Local Government Council Chairman Hon. Paul Awoyesuku has signed into law a Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N180m (one hundred and Eighty million Naira only).

Barr.Awoyesuku while signing the document expressed optimism that it will go a long way to accelerate development in the area.

The Chairman commended the councillors for the early passage of the bill which he said will ensure the smooth running of the council.

He called on the people of Akuku-Toru to rally round his administration in its quest to transform the area.

Barr. Awoyesuku emphasized that the money will also be used to improve electricity supply in the local government.

Hear him: “we have resolved to work for the betterment of our people and we have resolved as government to forge ahead.

I want to use this opportunity to thank specially the leader and every member of Akuku-Toru Legislative Assembly for the due attention given to this supplementary bill which is put in place to enable us serve our people diligently”.

On his part, the leader of Akuku-Toru Legislative Assembly Hon. Aboiya-a Bob Fubara said the bill was passed to facilitate the infrastructural development of the area.

You would recall that the process of initiating this bill earlier in the year, sparked off controversy between the executive and the legislative arm of the council which led to accusations and counter-accusations that eventually nosedived into the suspension and impeachment of some house officers.

Stakeholders as well as the state House of Assembly intervened and brought the situation under control eventually in the interest of the area.

Meanwhile, a 12-man committee has been appointed to organize the forth coming Akuku-Toru festival with the Vice Chairman of the Council Mrs. Ekenta Alalibo as Chairman.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Council, Mr. Ategoba Jack, Mr. Ibifa-a Jack and nine others are to serve as members. 

Integrated Transport:RSG  Lays Foundation

Rivers State Government says it is desirous of laying a proper foundation for an integrated transportation scheme in the state.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gave this indication while declaring open the second State Transport Summit in Port Harcourt, with the theme “Transport Sector Reform” organized by the State Ministry of Transport.

Governor Amaechi said apart from improving land transportation with the introduction of monorail system, water transportation would equally be given a boost as new water taxi boats equipped with air conditioners have been acquired for the purpose.

He explained that government would not invest in buying taxis and buses for commercial transportation as the scheme could be hijacked, but promised to encourage private Rivers indigenes to avail themselves of the opportunity to empower themselves.

The Governor, who insisted that after providing the conducive atmosphere for smooth transportation system, said there was need for adequate regulation of transportation, and called for a review of the MOT traffic agency with a new leadership, who must be a graduate.

Governor Amaechi remarked that the State Transport Management Agency Bill passed by the Rivers Assembly would soon be signed into Law, so as to empower the agency to check traffic offenders, noting that one of the major problems of traffic congestion in Port Harcourt is a result of indiscipline on the part of drivers.

He said the former MOT traffic officials began well, but soon started collecting bribes from traffic offenders, advising that the new body to be reconstituted should be polite to people while insisting on the punishment of offenders.

The wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, who delivered a paper titled “The Emerging Role of Women in Commercial Transportation Prospect and Challenges”, said the ESI Lady Cabbies Scheme is aimed at creating participation of female taxi drivers and generating regular income for the women.

She said the initiative of the lady cabbies scheme by her NGO, has broken the barriers of male dominated profession of commercial transportation in the state.

The Commissioner for Transport, Mr George Tolofari, said the second Rivers State Transport Summit is aimed at creating a platform for the Ministry to evaluate the reform in the transport sector and chart the way forward.

Mr Tolofari said the Ministry adopted the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and entered into joint venture with Skye Bank Plc in the building of new and modern bus shelters with lay-byes, noting that 56 bus shelters with lay-byes have been completed, and over 106 buses are plying on Port Harcourt roads, adding that Rivers State Government and Skye Bank has also introduced 200 taxis into the sector to ease transportation in the city.

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