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Page 2Mixed Grill

Non-Performing Council Chairmen ‘Kicked’  By Tonye Harry And Magnus Abbe

By Paschal Agbada

Non-performance amongst Local Government Chairman appear to have taken prominence in the Rivers State political horizon of late.

While some commentators insist that the number one citizens at the third tier of governance are doing well others insist they are yet to rise to the challenge.

A saying that there is no smoke without fire aptly will apply to reinforce the fact that without the existence of non-performers there will definitely not be performers.

Or, without performing Chairmen amongst the local council chairmen one would not notice those who monthly pocket allocations without doing any work.

The issue of non-performance however rose to the brink and took a conscious prominence as the indefatigable Flag Ojukaye Amachree elected to spotlight his efforts in ushering in dividends of democracy through grassroots-oriented projects.

The location for this spotlight was the headquarters of the Asari-Toru Local Government Council Buguma, during the commissioning ceremony of several projects that were really going to touch lives.

On hand to lambast non-performing chairmen in the state during the ceremony were the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly-Tonye Harry and Secretary to the State Government Magnus Abbe both of whom took a serious swipe on the earlier mentioned inactivity of some chairmen who only sit on allocations, enjoying the moneys that accrue to the LGA every month while not delivering any dividend of democracy.

Both Government functionaries spoke vehemently in condemning situations where people wallow in abject poverty while moneys meant for their betterment line up selfish pockets.

They praised Flag for his numerous people-oriented projects and stated that the present administration in Rivers State led by Amaechi is in a hurry to change the face of governance in the state.

In that bid therefore, the administration is strictly looking towards making changes at all levels and will not condone the antics of those who know what they should do but elect to fail even when given all necessary incentives.

Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry in his contribution pored encomiums on the Asari-Toru Local Government Chairman Flag Ojukaye Amachree for the projects embarked upon and insisted that the other chairmen in the neighbouring Akuku-Toru and Degema Local Government councils should try and emulate the Asalga pacesetter.

He carries his people along. The peace between him and the legislature is wonderful and remarkable”, Tonye was saying.

He said: “This is not the first time I am saying this. ASALGA is above others in terms of relations with councilors and the people. They should take a cue from ASALGA.

From what we are seeing, the chairman has been able to ensure good utilization of the allocation coming to the council”.

In summary, he told him to remember that no matter how far a man has gone there is always room to go further so, he encouraged him not to rest on his oars.    

Hon. Abbe, on his own commended Hon. Ojukaye stating thus: “I am happy to be in a council that is doing something good and I want to commend the people for giving the chairman the required support which has enabled him to carry out these projects”.

Earlier, the Asari-Toru Chairman Hon. Flag Ojukaye Amachree noted that the commissioning of the projects among which were an ultra-modern poultry, a magnificent chairman's lodge, a new council secretariat, Asalga Hotel and Resort and a host of others were part of his promises while seeking the peoples' mandate and so was in line with what he had mapped out to do.

He said: “It is not in my character to make promises that cannot be fulfilled. At the time our bill boards lined street corners, people said they were elephant projects.

But today, I thank God for making us witnesses and most crucially, partners in realizing these tasks”.

He equally assured that in a few days hence, the new legislative chambers and the council secretariat would be commissioned.

Amachree stated as he elatedly was coasting home in his speech that while this year has been dedicated to projects, next year will strictly be for human capital development in the LGA.

Among dignitaries that graced the occasion included Chief of Staff Government House, Chief Nyesom Wike, Deputy Chairman-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Hon. Dagogo Legg Jack, Commissioner for Agriculture, Emma Chinda and his Local Government counterpart, Hon. Tammy Danagogo, and a host of others too numerous to mention.

Page 3 RSG News

In Washington, Amaechi Restates Commitment To Building A New Rivers State.

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has again expressed his commitment to making a fresh start anchored on development and enforcement of law and order in Rivers State. Amaechi spoke in far away Washington DC, United States of America during a marathon Town hall meeting with Rivers State indigenes residing in North America at the weekend.  Amaechi met for over seven hours with the Rivers State community in North America on Saturday, and on Sunday held a breakfast meeting with leaders of the various Rivers State ethnic associations in America.

Amaechi told his audience that when he took over as governor that the rot in the State was enormous and the developmental foundation laid by the first Governor of the old Rivers State, Alfred Diete Spiff  had been dangerously weakened because past governments paid little or no attention to building on the  developmental base laid by Spiff.

“When we came in, the State was in chaos. If you can still recall, people were then walking the streets of Port Harcourt with their hands raised. There was a dusk to dawn curfew. Businesses were fleeing the State. Social and night life were completely dead. Hotels were battling to stay afloat because there was no business. Our health, education and infrastructures had nothing, they were all gone. We had to start from the scratch”, Amaechi said.

“We had to start by re-laying and building a new foundation for the State. For instance, I had to declare a State of emergency on the education sector after a thorough and comprehensive look at what we had then. We had to start all over again by building new schools, 750 new primary schools in all, 25 new secondary schools, moving the old university to a new site…Shouldn't we be renovating or adding new ones? But because there was nothing to build on in the first place, we had to start all over.”

“It means we are laying a fresh foundation for our people and the State because the foundation laid by Diete Spiff is weak and gone, nobody built on it, and if you don't build on it, to consolidate and protect it, what will happen? It will collapse.”

“So we are rebuilding a new foundation for our people… Same thing in the Health sector and other sectors, a new foundation… Spiff had a wonderful policy but others came and were doing whatever they liked with our collective wealth, feeling funky being governor and emperor, and people were clapping…” 

Governor Amaechi who went to the meetings with his senior adviser on Media and Publicity, David Iyofor, for several hours took questions and told his audience what he is doing to reverse the rot he met and set Rivers State on the path of growth and development. He told his Rivers people that his key areas of focus are education, health, infrastructure and the enforcement of law and order.

“We are building new schools from primary to tertiary level. We will equip these schools to make sure that they are of international competitive standard and will train and continue to retrain our teachers. You are free to come home any time to see the ones that are completed.  We are building and fully equipping 150 new health centres all over the State, two new hospitals are ready and a third one inside the state university is nearing completion. We are building a Specialist Hospital in the new city… We are building new roads, expanding old roads and connecting communities separated by rivers. For instance, we are doing a unity road that will connect Opobo, Andoni and Ogoni communities.  This is the first time Opobo will be connected by road to the rest of the word.”

Governor Amaechi urged Rivers people in North America to partner with his administration and come together for the collective good of Rivers people and the State. He admonished them as brothers in diaspora to always look out for each other and be their brothers' keepers.

Speaking on behalf of Rivers people in North America, the chairman of the occasion, Dr, Rueben Jaja, hailed the tremendous efforts of Governor Amaechi geared towards rebuilding Rivers State. He agreed with Amaechi that the foundation that was laid by Diete Spiff was so weakened before Amaechi came in as governor. He thanked him for inviting some members of the Rivers community in America to join in the task of rebuilding the State and laying a fresh foundation. Those who were present at the meetings and served in various capacities in the Amaechi administration include Joe Poroma, Tex Wariboko, Ogu Emejuru, Goodlive Nmekini, Robert Ella, Nyema Weli and Chamberline Peterside.  Dr. Jaja pledged the continued support of Rivers people in North America in the daunting task of rebuilding the State.

Let's Restore Dignity Of The Child …Mrs Amaechi

Wife of the Rivers State Governor Dame Judith Amaechi says the domestication of the child rights act in the state will restore the privileges and dignity of the child.

Judith Amaechi stated this Friday in a statement signed by her media assistant Dike Bekwele.

She said the Child Rights bill currently committed to a committee stage in the state house of assembly will tackle all injustice against the child when it becomes a law.

Judith Amaechi's submission is coming against the backdrop that lack of proper legislation and enabling laws have frustrated the crusade against child labour among other social injustices against the child. “We have not been able to arrest all injustices against the children, while their rights are trampled upon and violated at will due to improper legislation and enabling laws in our society”.

The Rivers State First Lady is worried that twenty years after the universal child's right convention was ratified by the UN, the child has not been given a pride of place “it will be twenty years this November of the ratification of the universal Child's Right Acts Convention, but do we have any need to celebrates have we implemented these provisions? Let's give our children their pride of place”.

She explained that the current economic and social index shows that the future of the nation lies with the children and ignoring this position may smell a doom for the nation.

 “It will be in the interest of the nation to enhance the privilege of children with a view to empowering them to perform their responsibilities to the nation in future”.

Reflecting on the education of the children, she added that drastic measures must be put in place to realize the objective of the education for all (EFA) in 2015 “The quest for affordable and accessible education inspired the establishment of the ESI Nursery schools in Rivers State to cater for the needs of less privileged rural children whose parents cannot afford early and foundational education, we will complement the state government to achieve the MDGs and EFA in 2015”.

 The United Nations General Assembly in December 1954 recommended that countries institute a universal children’s day. November 20th marks the day which the Assembly adopted the rights of the child in 1959 and the convention on the rights of the child in 1989.

NGO To Establish Employment Bank

The Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) is set to establish an employment bank to assess qualified unemployed graduation source for available jobs within Rivers State .

 Founder of the NGO and wife of Rivers State governor Dame Judith Amaechi stated this in a statement signed by her media assistant Dike Bekwele.

She said the employment bank was necessary to collate data of qualified unemployed youths and match them with available opportunities in the companies operating in the state.

The Governor's wife said that this direction was necessitated by the outcry of some qualified youths who are denied gainful opportunities by some of these companies operating in the state.

In addition, Mrs. Amaechi has indicated readiness to outsource female drivers to organizations that require their services. This development is sequel to the success of the ESI lady cabbies and willingness of corporate organizations to engage female drivers in the state.

The Governor's wife expressed optimism that various empowerment programmes will be initiated with a view to reducing unemployment among the youths.

Page 5 Cover News

PDP Prepares Amaechi For Second Term …As Abuja Group Plans To Make Peace With Him

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The recent statement by the national body of the Peoples Democratic Party has indeed shown that the Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has performed very well to be allowed a second tenure in office.

You will recall that the party's national body recently visited the state to see things for itself.

The party which rated Governor Amaechi amongst the best performing PDP Governors in the country said the Governor has achieved much in less than two years saying that the party is proud of the Governor.

Speaking through its National Secretary during the governor's accountability forum, the party without fear or favour endorsed Governor Amaechi for a second term noting that it is expedient to do so in the light of the numerous projects he has started.

Describing the Governor as an example of what the party stands for going by his people-oriented projects, the national board of the party however called on Rivers people to thank God for a leader like Amaechi urging them to continually give the present administration in the state all the needed support.

So far so good, PDP loyalists in the state had expressed gratitude to God for giving their leader in the state the courage, wisdom and strength to provide dividends of democracy to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

Based on his developmental strides, the Rivers State House of Assembly recently passed a vote of confidence on the State Chief Executive while the party in the state hailed the governor for performing beyond their expectation.

In a related development, news reaching Beam Checks reveal that those Rivers politicians who for the past two years made the country's capital, Abuja their permanent abode and from where they had mounted ceaseless political salvos at the government at home will sooner than  later extend an olive branch to the State Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi for peace.

A popular figure in the state but residing in Abuja who declined giving his name but only divulged information on conditions of anonymity told our correspondent that shortly after the Supreme Court's latest decision on the matter brought before it by Sir Celestine Omehia and his Abuja group challenging Governor Amaechi this group of people as we gathered resolved to come back home and beg the governor for forgiveness.

While some said coming back home would not be in their own interest others the source hinted, have suggested that the Vice President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan be contacted in the peace process between them and the governor as they believe that the presence of the Vice President would compel the governor to shift grounds and pay attention to the move.

We also gathered that the Abuja group did send signals to their loyalists at home to engage themselves in the peace effort rather than do anything capable of truncating the whole plan.

At Ubima, the Governor's home town, this publication gathered that Omehia's group popularly called “K12” has since commenced the peace process by joining forces with the Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM) to better the lot of the group and to help them get a better grip on the government.

As a matter of fact, some of the IYM members who spoke to our correspondent in one of the villages in Ikwerre Local Government Area said they are ready to embrace the peace process since the Abuja group has realized their mistakes.

They described Governor Amaechi as one who is ever ready to forgive his enemies.

“If         God can forgive us who then is the governor that he cannot forgive”, the IYM members said.

They have therefore called on Omehia, Sekibo, Opara, and their followers in the state to see Rivers State as their home not Abuja and advised them to join hands with the Governor to move the oil-rich state forward.

It will interest the public to know that this so-called Abuja group since two years ago have not left any stone unturned in ensuring that the government of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi is upturned.

Recently the Supreme Court had struck out an Omehia sponsored legal appeal seeking to upturn its ruling pronouncing Amaechi as the Governor of the State.

In striking out the case, the court had awarded costs against Omehia to the tune of N500, 000 for bringing a 'frivolous' appeal to the most revered court in the land.

According to a Supreme Court report on the matter, Omehia's appeal was tantamount to rascality and which the Supreme Court in its respected stance will not condone.

With this, there is no doubt that all the rabble-rousers in the state who have been busy prodding the impenetrable wall of Gov. Amaechi's defence occasioned by both the peoples mandate and the Supreme Court stamp of authority should now come to roost.

It is time to see clearly now, the rain is gone, the mist evaporated, let all forces be joined to give the governor the support he deserves, Rivers State will be better.   

Page 7 Feature

When Gen Abbe Says No, Yar'adua Says Yes

From Emma Okah  (emmaokah@yahoo.com 08033211999)

Two persons are critical in the success of the amnesty programme of the federal government: President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua himself and his amnesty arrowhead, the Defence Minister, Gen. Godwin Abbe (rtd). The success of the amnesty itself is central to the resolution of the more serious issue  the Niger Delta crisis. All Nigerians have now agreed that the Niger Delta crisis lies at the root of resolving Nigeria's energy crisis, national security and the plan to join the world's best 20 economies before the year 2020. So, any matter that affects the sectors mentioned above must be of great significance in deed, and this is where the two characters above come in.

On his part, President Yar'Adua, though slowly, has proved to be on the right track, and has convinced many Niger Deltans that he means business. Those who have met and discussed with him have come home to communicate to the people in the troubled region that hope was real. 

When Mr President decided to move fast and tackle the crisis once and for all, he swapped his ministers and moved the Minister of Defence to Ministry of Interior and brought Gen. Abbe from Interior to Defence. He announced the amnesty programme and made Gen Abbe the arrowhead. When the General was coming, many felt Mr President must have resolved to launch a final military push in the region through the JTF, and that Gen Abbe was to bring his military prowess in this war.  

Many have since realized that while this theory may remain correct, President Yar'Adua was ready to confront the problem once and for all, having realized that without resolving the Niger Delta crisis, 6000mw in December would not be a reality, oil revenue would continue to crash, the budget would fumble, the economy would fail and national security would be endangered. He knew that he had either to win the militants over or wipe them out. Whatever style that would work, Gen Abbe was going to spearhead it, anyway.

The good thing is that he decided to apply the win-over tactics through amnesty, and it is working. The problem is that, it seems many persons including Gen Abbe are behaving as if they had not expected the (amnesty) to work. This may be why Gen Abbe seems to act in ways that disagree with the speed of peace while Mr President rather continues to wheel him back on track.  

The first of those actions for which Gen Abbe was held hostile in the region was his alienation of the governors and many other leaders of the region in seeking arms surrender. This was when it was clear that many of the governors such as Chief Timi Sylva, Chief Chibuike Amaechi and Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had done extensive mileages in their various states to get the militants to agree to peace. Sylva was first to launch his Triple E (now known as Bayelsa peace plan) which had got many of the militants to either accept peace and rehabilitation or fire. All it needed was federal backing especially as some aspects of the plan were beyond the concurrent list in the 1999 Constitution. Dr Uduaghan had gone far into  Delta State to reach an understanding with Government Ekpomupolo alias Tompolo and others in the MEND core to allow development a chance. It was when the JTF and Tompolo group had a quarrel that war broke out.

 It took an outcry by the South-South governors in Asaba for President Yar'Adua to realize that the governors were not taken along. He promptly corrected this and see how fast things have since moved and the huge number of ex-militants who laid  down their arms.   

Gen Abbe struck next when he spoke in the garden city and created doubt and fear in the entire process by denying the existence of any fund to run the amnesty. At that point, the programme was in full swing. Saying that he was not aware of the N50Bn fund believed by all that was set aside by the Presidency was a big blow. Many of those disarming were eying that fund, and saying it did not exist, even if that was true, was a great blow, a disincentive, even close to sabotage. Many militants held back and began making frantic calls to know their fate. Those who had surrendered began to look foolish and MEND capitalized on this to portray the amnesty and its initiator (Yar'Adua) as deceit to the people. Now, Mr President has come out to return confidence and has even mentioned initial N200Bn set aside for peace and now we hear of almost N352bn for enlarged peace projects and some other related projects, all in a bill in the National Assembly that would soon become law. Since Mr President is an exponent of Rule of Law, it goes that he will religiously implement this law. We pray he does.

 The next worrisome action is the Minister's official stance on the “Aaron Team” appointed by MEND to discuss with the FG on its behalf. The three-man Aaron Team includes no less than Prof Wole Soyinka and Delta State-born General Luke Aprezi (Rtd). The third person, Ann Ankio Briggs, was recently changed with another personality.

In as much as this piece is not out to defend the team, it is sad that Gen Abbe has been portraying the FG as not interested in negotiations or not regardful of Prof Soyinka and others. What Gen Abbe is pursuing wrongly is MEND's right to appoint a team to discuss with the FG. In doing this, the Minister is allowing the game to be played in MEND's favour because Nigerians will miss the real point and believe that Yar'Adua was being disrespectful of these prominent personalities, when indeed it is not the case.

First, suppose MEND was not really interested in dialogue but wanted to put the weight on the FG should the government reject the Soyinka team? Gen Abbe would have aided this process. It would have been better for Abbe and FG to praise the idea of dialogue touted by MEND (pretending MEND really wanted dialogue) and would have asked Soyinka and co to come over for chats. This alone would have won political point, if not anything else, to the FG side. This was at a time ASUU was accusing the FG of ignoring dialogue offers.

Now, Abbe should have known that MEND would be acting crudely but Soyinka and Gen Aprezi would have shown great understanding and would become important in communicating with MEND and forcing them to positions they would not have ordinarily accepted directly from the Government. Suppose MEND was trying to save face with the Aaron Team, it would have also worked perfectly for the FG by giving MEND a rope to peace. Many would say, if not Soyinka and Gen Aprezi, peace and MEND would not have come. Well, what is wrong if MEND saved face, Soyinka and co got the credit but FG got the peace process through to total success?

Gen Abbe may have forgotten that the professor and Gen Aprezi do not need credibility but the FG needs their aura of international credibility. Prof Soyinka is one of the brightest brains from Africa, in the mould of the youngest Mechanical Engineering PHD holder (at 37 years) in London from Africa, the late Prof Ayodele Awojobi of UNILAG. Better still is a respected voice in the world and is one of the few in the hall of Nobel Laureates fame. He commands overwhelming influence in Nigeria and among the militants and minorities in Nigeria.

Who is Gen Aprezi? He is a former Nigerian army officer and chief of operations of the Force, a former ECOMOG Commander and Force Commander for the African Union Force now UN Force in Darfur. He has confessed to being there in Darfur, even as recent as three month ago. He was also in Yugoslavia. The meaning of this is that he must be a kind of consultant to the UN. This is a Nigerian tactician also respected all over the world. He must be an asset and pride to Nigeria. He was part of those Nigerians who made Nigeria proud in international operations, for which Nigeria today is highly regarded in international politics despite our woeful image in other areas.

These are the kind of personalities that attract attention to a country even in times of crisis, but see how they are being snubbed at home, though Mr President may not have intended it. When Bill Clinton said when he was in power that for the kind of brains he saw out of Nigeria, that the country would somehow pull through, out of its problems, he must have in mind these personalities and others like them such Chinua Achebe, Bath Nnaji, Ngozi Iweala, and other award-winning and awe-inspiring Nigerians scattered all over the globe.

When these fellows meet their counterparts elsewhere, they are under pressure to explain why Nigeria still failed despite presence of such brains, and these brains may excuse themselves by saying those who control power at home despised of such brains. The FG may be giving vent to such excuses.

The issue is, whether the Aaron Team was legitimate or not should not be the issue. If the FG can put legitimacy aside and allow over 15,000 confessed  militants who should have been facing trial to become heroes, if the FG can discuss and embrace the likes of Henry Okah who is standing trial for treason, etc, it is surprising Gen Abbe would still be loathing the likes of Prof Soyinka and Gen Aprezi on grounds of legitimacy. If engaging the Aaron Team on small talks is illegitimate, then amnesty itself is illegitimate, talking with Boyloaf, Ateke Tom, Tompolo, Okah, etc is even more illegitimate. Gen Abbe's aircraft cruise with outlaws like Tompolo, Boyloaf, Soboma George, Ateke, etc is even more grievous, if MEND cannot ask Soyinka to help them speak better grammar with the FG.

From all indications so far, it is like what President Yar'Adua is saying breeds  more confidence to the exercise. Let Gen Abbe and Yar'Adua speak with one voice on the matter especially because of his being a son of the region.

Page 8 News

Gov. Amaechi Will Be Leaving “Oversized Shoes” ~Hon Ajaelu

By Joe Kalu

Following the demystification of governance by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as well as his developmental strides, the Vice Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Council, Hon. Innocent Ajaelu has stated that the Rivers State Chief Executive will be leaving an oversized shoes for his successor at the end of his tenure.

Ajaelu made the disclosure over the weekend in his office at Afam in a chat with newsmen.

According to him, “Governor Amaechi has set a pace that will create problems for successive administrations because even the populace will be ready to fight any leader that would want to reduce the standard set”.

The Vice Chairman also commended the Governor's public presentation of his stewardship in the last two years, pointing out that the accountability forum was a wonderful precedence which has kept his supporters and even the opposition parties wondering how he acquired so much leadership qualities.

“Anywhere you go in all the 23 LGAs of the state, one sees the presence of the Rivers State Government in terms of infrastructural development, a situation which endears the Governor the more to the people” he noted.

Hon. Ajaelu used the opportunity to commend the Governor for his courage and focused leadership praying that God should give his admirers the ability to emulate him in all ramification.

“Whatever political position we occupy, it is my wish and prayer that we should borrow a leaf from this man I have come to regard as my role model in politics”, Ajaelu stated.

On the continuous Governorship tussle in Rivers State, the Vice Chairman said it was an unfortunate development, adding that Rivers State was regrettably the only state that is still enmeshed in electoral litigation after two years.

He used the opportunity to advise those politicians he says that take refuge at Abuja to forment trouble for the state to have a rethink as according to him Governor Amaechi has already won the heart of the people with his developmental programmes and politics.

“They should rather join hands with others to contribute their own quota in the overall interest of our dear state, asserting that those who are still in court with regards to the past election are doing so for their selfish interest”.

On the Federal Government amnesty programme, Hon. Ajaelu said it was one of the wonderful policies taken by this administration as it has reduced tension in the region.

He used the opportunity to express his appreciation to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and further advised him to adhere to whatever agreement that was reached with the ex-militants while also appealing to the youths themselves to utilize this wonderful opportunity to rehabilitate themselves into the society in order to be able to contribute meaningfully to the society.

Politician Blames Fake Prophets For Misleading Omehia

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

A notable politician in Rivers State Hon. Lucky Ugochukwu Worluh has blamed fake prophets for misleading the former (illegal) governor of the state Sir Celestine Omehia.

He has also described Omehia as a 'mugu' in the hands of lawyers.

Reacting to the recent judgment by the Supreme Court over the matter brought before it  by Omehia challenging the authencity of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Governor of the state, Hon Worluh described the judgment as landmark pointing out that what the apex court has done was an indication that both the rule of law and due process had come to stay.

He maintained that the judgment was not only a landmark one but would also send signals to the enemies of this present administration who from time to time deceive the public that the Amaechi-led government would be upturned someday and said that the Supreme Court judges have stated it very clearly that those who want to get another judgment aside what it has said on the matter should either go to heaven or forget it.

Describing the Amaechi led-government as one that has come to stay, the Rundele-born politician said what the governor has done within two years in office was enough to convince anyone that if the governor had five thousand votes before, and venture into another contest he will have millions of vote as according to him, Amaechi has performed excellently and miraculously well in the administration of Rivers State.

According to him, it is difficult for any highly placed government official to do what Amaechi is doing. So many of them would have loved their pockets to be filled, saying this category of persons that are against the present government are the same persons that just within few hours before they left office signed out so much billions of naira, and Amaechi with his kind heart has allowed them to go without being probed not to talk of the shaddy contracts the same people embarked  upon while in office.

Worluh who has times without number described Rivers politicians as 'permanent mugus' in hands of lawyers said these monies they give to lawyers over non issues would have been used as part of their social responsibilities to develop communities, the same money he said can be used to provide one of these model prototype primary schools in their community  urging them to use the stolen monies in their possession to assist government develop the state and ensure that what happened in Ghana happens in Rivers State rather than taking all the monies to lawyers when they know they have no case.

Worluh who is also the board member I in the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board however used the opportunity to call on politicians to beware of fake pastors and prophets including the lawyers who are hell bent in assuring them of victory adding these lawyers and pastors work hand in hand and described the development as that and shameful especially the recent Supreme Court decision on the matter.

He told our correspondent in his office that Rivers people should henceforth begin to think of how to move the state forward.

Condemning statements credited to former lawmaker/ Commissioner in the state in some local tabloids, radio and television Lucky Worluh said, he was doing nothing but chasing a shadow and said until they come back to support the government posterity will not forgive them going by their attitudes while in office.

He therefore warned the former lawmaker to stop castigating the governor whom he described  as a full citizen of the  state and a very senior citizen of Ikwerre as according to him, a time will come when the people of Ikwerre will not take it any longer.

According to him, since they have gone to the supreme court to disgrace themselves and without any other court to take their case to, it would be better for Omehia and his group to take the case to the customary court in Emohua Lucky advised.

The Board member however lauded the governor's two years in office having touched every sector of the economy and described him as a detribalized leader who has always said that Rivers money would be used for Rivers people.

Recall that last week the apex court in Abuja disgraced Sir Celestine Omehia, his lawyers and their ilk for questioning the integrity of the court by declaring Amaechi the most qualified governor of Rivers State.

UMUAHIA: Ugochukwu Takes On Gov Orji, Again

In Nigeria, the Supreme Court is the highest temple of justice. And in all electoral matters except the presidential polls the Court of Appeal has the final word. Beyond these institutions, the next appeal by anyone who is not satisfied with the verdicts given may be to God Almighty!

But Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the April 2007 governorship election in Abia State, is again challenging the incumbent Governor of the state, Dr. Theodore Ahamefula Orji, after the Appeal Court declared him duly elected. He is not taking his lawyers to heaven yet but he wants a judicial panel to upturn the  Wednesday 11 February 2009 Appeal Court ruling against him. If he succeeds, Ugochukwu will be setting a precedent. In the 14 April 2007 election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Dr Orji, candidate of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, winner against Ugochukwu. Floods of controversy trailed the result. Challenging Orji' election, Ugochukwu headed for the governorship election petitions tribunal sitting in Umuahia, capital of Abia State. Among the grounds of the petition were: that Orji and his deputy, Chris Akomas, were civil servants but failed to resign their appointments 30 days to the election as Chief of Staff and commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning respectively in the past administration of Orji Uzor Kalu.

Ugochukwu also alleged that Orji was an active member of Okija cult, tendering video evidence exposing Orji, clad in pant, being initiated. Also, Ugochukwu claimed he won the majority of the total valid votes cast and thus prayed to be declared winner. After considering the facts on ground, the tribunal  nullified Orji's election and declared the petitioner, Ugochukwu, elected. But Orji went to the Appeal Tribunal, challenging the nullification of his election by the trial tribunal. The appeal tribunal, chaired by Justice Saka Ibiyeye, in its verdict quashed the nullification of Orji's election at the lower tribunal. As for the allegation that Orji was a cultist, the Ibiyeye-led appeal tribunal affirmed in its judgment that the allegation lacked adequate proof . Thus, Orji and Akomas were returned as governor and deputy respectively. Eight months after the appeal judgment, the embers were fanned again by Ugochukwu. On Friday 30 October, during the Abia Central Senatorial District rally of PDP held in the party's state secretariat at 32 Ojike Street, Umuahia, Ugochukwu told the large crowd of members and stakeholders that the battle to reclaim his mandate was not over. He assured them that within the first week of November, a five-man judicial panel would be inaugurated in Owerri, capital of Imo State, to review the verdict of the appeal tribunal, which he said was discovered to have contained inconsistencies in law. Copies of the verdict in the custody of the five-man tribunal, Ugochukwu said, were at variance with one another and the judgment read was a mutilated, handwritten copy, different in content and meaning from the originally typed judgment. The Ugochukwu camp also maintains the judgement was faulty because one of the members of the tribunal walked out during the reading of the verdict.

Page 12 News

Wuche Celebrates Baby Boy After Years Of Marriage

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

Like the biblical Hannah, Chief Sunday Wuche and his lovely wife Queen Uwadiegwu Wuche last Sunday, November 8, 2009 celebrated their new baby   Chisa David Wuche amidst pop and pageantry at their Rumukalagbo residence in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.

Wuche whose heart was full of joy told journalists present at the occasion that the birth of Master Chisa Wuche was nothing but God's miracle pointing out that they had visited so many places in the name of wanting to have a child of their own but all to no avail.

Thanking God for proving himself at last Chief Sunday Wuche said people during these periods of fruitless marriage advised him to divorce the wife and look for another woman that can bear children but according to him, rather than heed to peoples pressure he decided to look onto God believing that what is impossible for man to do can be possible for God.

He maintained that the situation became so unbearable that he was tempted to bring in other women who could bring forth children but regretted that in all that effort wise counsel prevailed he therefore thanked God for making his wife Queen, a mother of a child contrary to peoples belief.

He used the medium to advise couples to always trust God in everything while also advising couples married for sometime now without any child to look onto God with the assurance that the same God who did it for them can also do it for anyone.

Sir “P” as he is fondly called by friends and well-wishers also described his wife as hardworking, courageous and industrious adding that Queen was a ladder to his success and thanked God for his intervention in the marriage.

Wuche who described Master Chisa David Wuche as his late father however promised to train him to the highest level and prayed God to grant the little boy and the parent long life.

Chief Wuche and family had earlier on that day gone for a thanksgiving at A.C.C. Apostolic Church Rumuomasi.

Little Chisa is Chief Sunday Wuche's second son as the father already has a grown up son with another wife that he divorced long ago.

Meanwhile, Sir “P” has thanked all those who came to celebrate with him.

Every effort to speak with Mrs. Queen Wuche proved abortive as she was busy dancing with friends and well-wishers.

UPTH CMD Dr Etawo Bows Out … Its Sadness And Joy ~ Successor

By Joe Kalu

As Dr E.S Etawo bowed out gloriously yesterday November 9, 2009 in a colourful ceremony as the 6th Chief Medical Director, CMD of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) after successfully completing his two tenure of 8 years, his able successor Dr Aaron Chinonye  Ojule has described the occasion as one of  both ‘sadness and joy’.

Dr. Ojule made the disclosure in a send-off party organized by the management and staff of the institution in honour of the out-going  CMD.

In an emotion laden speech Dr Ojule stated “I feel very sad because we are going to loose the service of somebody who has been a pillar of strength, courage, wisdom and direction for this hospital”. Dr Ojule said his boss was a workaholic who provides protection to all and now, suddenly that umbrella is being removed.

At the same time, the new CMD said they are happy and proud to have associated with him especially considering his numerous achievements which has made him wonder whether he will fit into the large shoes he is leaving behind. 

Some of Dr Etawo's recorded achievements he noted include the movement of the hospital to its present permanent site at Choba, equipping it and accreditation of all its programmes which he ascribe to Dr. Etawo's personal attributes.

The CMD said the occasion was an opportunity for them to say thank you and to celebrate his handwork, honesty, courage and friendship, adding that the history of the hospital will not be complete without the name of Dr. Etawo.

He equally used the opportunity to appeal to his boss to always make his service available to them whenever they come calling.  

The Director of Administration, (DA) Mrs. Boma Amaomu Jumbo in her speech described Dr Etawo as a very patient man. “His greatness lies in his simplicity and humility”.

The new DA said she too has learnt a lot from Dr. Etawo that will help her in her new assignment. She said the celebration was a confirmation of what the Ex-CMD has been to each and everyone of them and wished him well in his future endeavours.

Prof. Odia who recalled how they had worked together at the College of Medicine also confirmed Dr. Etawo's harwork, simplicity and humility which he noted has helped in no small way in the achievements recorded and also wished he stays around as consultant to enable their department achieve some uncompleted set goals.

In his contribution Prof. Datubo-Brown said Etawo took the hospital as his personal property and was always crying to the authorities for its improvement. “The man was always ready to help others even in the theatre as a surgeon”.

Prof (Mrs) Eke described the out-going CMD as a simple and unassuming personality, an attribute she noted that was unusual in today's leaders, and wished he stayed around at least to ensure the fulfillment of some of  his promises.

Prof. Ihekwaba in his remarks said management decided to honour Dr Etawo which is a rare fit in the hospital's history because according to him “good thing begets good thing”. He used the opportunity to advise management and staff of the hospital to learn from the Etawo experience in the interest of peace, unity and hardworking relationship.

He prophesied that Dr. Etawo will soon become a professor. In their separate contributions former President of Association of Resident Doctors Dr. Brisibe and his successor, Dr Amadi Christian praised Etawo for his managerial ability especially on the handling of their differences as a union and maintaining their personal relationship.

They noted that UPTH has produced the greatest number of consultants during Etawo's tenure as CMD, and earnestly prayed that he returns to the theatre soon and join them as an expert. Joint Action Committee Trade Union President who is also the National Association of Nurses and Midwives (NANM) Chairman Mrs Orianwo said integrity, transparency and accountability are the attributes she cherishes in men and which she has found complete in Dr. Etawo.

“He works not just as a ruler but like a father to us all and he was a peace maker”. Mrs Orianwo who led the choruses thanked the out-going CMD for all he did for the workers especially regularity in salary even in hardship and appealed to him to remind him of the consolidated salary scale issue which remains an  unfinished matter for his successor.

The JAC President promised the new CMD of their cooperation as long as he emulates his predecessor in office.

In response, the out-going CMD Dr Etawo said he felt very much honoured and encouraged by the speeches and action of the management and staff of the hospital.

He disclosed further that another source of his happiness is the successful handing over of the baton to his successor in a peaceful atmosphere.

He said University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and that of Oyo's CMD's tenures experienced crises when tenures expired because of succession crises while  that of UPTH is a different ball game, adding  that it was a thing to thank God for.

Dr Etawo recalled how he assumed office as a reluctant candidate and how he was never given a chance in the first place. He expressed gratitude for the modest achievement made which he said was a collective effort and appealed for the same cooperation to his successor.

He however recalled two knotty issues during his administration which he said was the decentralization of O and G revolving funds and the fight with ARD over residency programme which eventually saw the hospital stronger and better for it.

He appealed to the staff and indeed the hospital community to work cooperatively to make the institution number one 5-star hospital in this part of the world.

Highlights of the occasion were the presentation of gifts by the different departments. Mrs C.N Nweke presented on behalf of management, followed by the chemical pathology dept, community medicine dept., public health nursing unit, haemathology blood transfusion dept. JAC dept. of nursing, phamaecetecal dept and nursing services dept which gave Etawo Friend of the Nurses (FON) Award. Not left out was the media and publicity dept also. 

Ex-Militants/Government Lull IYC Sues For Peace

By Joe Kalu

The Ikwerre Youth Congress IYC has sued for peace between the Federal Government and the ex-militant youths as a result of the seeming delay in the implementation of the FG's package.

Rising from its general meeting recently at Ogbunabali Port Harcourt the IYC National President, Ambassador, (Prince) Abdulazeez Charles Ejekwu disclosed in a chat with newsmen that it is only patience and perseverance the youths need at this point in time, adding that with patience and endurance they will get the fattest borne like a patient dog.

He assured the derailed youths that the Federal Government means well for them, urging them not to listen to side talks but should remain focused on the agreement reached between them and the government. Prince Ejekwu reiterated Government's honest intention to rehabilitate the youths of the Niger Delta region and indeed pay special attention to the area by way of addressing the long years of neglect.

The youth President assured the graduate of the Rehabilitation Centre at Okehi that Chief A.K. Horsfall means well for them and is making frantic efforts to settle each and every one of them.

He also appealed to the youths to exercise the same patience as arrangement are on top gear to send some of them abroad for skills acquisition by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC and used the opportunity to express the congress appreciation for the appointment of Chief Chibuzor Ugwuorah as the NDDC's Managing Director.

He equally used the opportunity to advise the youths of Rivers State and indeed the Niger Delta region not to engage in any vices that would turn the hand of the clock backwards while equally expressing their gratitude for the efforts of the police, Joint Military Task Force and the State Security Services (SSS) for the restoration of peace in the region.

Page 15 News

Ohakim's Chicanery For Amnesty

Written by Odimegwu Onwumere

Many families in Nigeria were made to weep recently as a bullion van that belonged to a commercial bank collided with a commuter bus along Owerri/Okigwe road in Imo State, sending over sixteen people to their unassuming end-of-life. According to reports, the bullion van was on a very high speed (as has always been the case with drivers of banks), when it collided with the ill-fated commuter bus.

I wept when I read that ugly story and thought what their Governor Ikedi Ohakim was doing to arrest any further situation like that. I wept for the state-of-the-roads in Imo State as many have become pits of hell. I wept that their governor now travels through Mbano/Mbaise road to Owerri, instead of the Okigwe/Owerri road close to his Umunnuma-Okohia home town, due to bad state of the latter's road. I am still weeping!

While many Nigerians of conscience are still mourning this ugly accident that stole lives away, it was perturbing to read a story on the pointblanknews.com by one Cosmos Erhabor that Ohakim went to see Yar'Adua and was asking for amnesty programme in Imo State. What for!

Precisely on the URL, http://www.pointblanknews.com/os2360.html and titled Shameful conduct of Ohakim and Iwuanyanwu, it reads: The PDP leaders from Imo State headed on a visit to President Umaru Yar ' Adua recently with a shopping list, items among which sounded ridiculous. Ohakim who led the visit with Imo PDP leader, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, had shamefully shortchanged PPA after securing the position of governor of Imo State; many now describe him and his Bauchi and Zamfara States counterparts as the “ unexpected thieves ” . President Umaru Yaradua who did not see anything wrong in Ohakim ' s return to PDP after ' kidnapping ' the PPA ' s victory and detaining it at the PDP, praised him for the action during the visit. The first ridiculous item in the shopping list which the so - called Imo PDP leaders carried to the President was that, since the first kidnapping of an expatriate in Nigeria took place in Imo, the State should also benefit from the Presidential Amnesty deal. I do not expect less about this demand because since they kidnapped PPA ' s victory, they assumed it is a status symbol to so belong. The second item was that since they have succeeded in returning Imo State back to PDP, a stumbling block called the Commerce and Industry Minister Achike Udenwa should be removed from their way. If it were to be a civilized country those in the entourage would have thenceforth be put under severe surveillance but thanks for having a President whose nomination as the PDP candidate never followed due process and his eventual victory at the polls seriously in doubt and was contested. As far as the world is concerned, Nigeria is being governed mostly by jesters and not-too-clean leaders; this portrays us wrongly.

Well, many people know that Ohakim has sugarmouth and I don't think he is using it in the right direction. What the Imo people, like every other state in Nigeria need is not amnesty programme now but projects that could enhance their lives. But not the project of party cross-carpeting, which Ohakim sees now that it has bettered his life and could sustain his political career. And if anybody needs amnesty in Imo State, then Ohakim should consider himself worthy of it since he has not passed the elementary texts that could give hope to a people on their leader.

Ohakim forgot that no matter how any party, like the PDP, could help any individual rig election in Nigeria, the will-power of the conscientious people can never be subdued. How could Ohakim be talking about amnesty in Imo State whereas he has succeeded in making many brothers and sisters become enemies than friends due to 'interest'. I will not like to emphasize much on the enmity he has created, but one can go inquire in Isi-Ama autonomous community of Ishi-ala Mbano what Ohakim did. Did he not dethrone HRH, Eze Oliver Ohanwe and handed the mantle to Gabriel Amaku? alleging that the former was supporting his political rival, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, whom today many of my Imo friends are regretting the disinformation they circulated against Araraume for the emergence of Ohakim because they wanted change. But they did not know that Ohakim would become an albatross to them.

Ohakim chicanery politics with the roads in the villages in Ishi-ala Mbano LGA and indeed in Imo State at large is uncalled for. He is paying attention to the villages he believed that supported his electioneering and is not paying attention to the ones he perceived supported Araraume? Ohakim should reconcile all aggrieved persons in Imo State, even in his new PDP before talking about amnesty. But amnesty for who? One thing remains sacrosanct; Ohakim may not achieve good governance if he does not stop the government of recluse he is running in Imo. For Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu? He does not need to be discussed here because Nigerians know who he is, hogwash.

Political Resurrection Imminent In Rivers State  Following Action Congress

NWC  Meeting - AC Rivers State Leader Prince Tonye Princewill Prepares To Recieve  Dr Abiye Sekibo, Chief Birabi And Seagent Awuse  Back Into The Fold

From Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

Publicity Secretary, Rivers State AC.

The National Working Committee of the Action Congress at its recently concluded meeting in Abuja deliberated on pertinent issues some of which may very well set the stage for greater collaboration within the party machinery in Rivers State. Rising from the occasion the Chairman of the event and also National Chairman of  the party Chief Bisi Akande, resolved that certain stakeholders in the Rivers State Chapter of the Party like Dr

Abiye  Sekibo, Sgt Awuse, Chief Birabi and others, be allowed to have a say and thereby participate effectively in party affairs.

Prince Tonye Princewill, AC leader Rivers State, elated at the outcome of the NWC meeting, expressed his delight over the development and applauded the resolve of these great sons of the state to embrace the party. Whilst expressing readiness to welcome them back into the fold by setting in motion a process that would ensure a heroic reception for them, he stated thus “I encourage these great sons of Rivers State and other Rivers State

indigenes to come forward and identify with the aspirations of the party ... I am optimistic that this decision signifies greater things ahead for the party...Rest assured, I will do everything politically expedient to welcome them back to our fold''.

As to their relevance in the party, Princewill spoke candidly on each gentleman thus “Dr Birabi has always been with us, in the case of Sgt. Awuse, he is coming back home to roost. The AC is a party he laboured hard to build and no doubt he must have experienced firsthand the futility of jumping ship. To this end we would accord him the necessary courtesies and in the case of Dr Sekibo, I am pleased that he has chosen at this point in

his career to join forces with the party of the future a party that would gladly welcome him and put behind the memories of a time he sought to destroy it, especially with his and that of his masters like Odili and Obasanjo roles in the frustration of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar out of the PDP and subsequently denying him a shot at the Presidency through PDP platform. This exposes the lack of principle, ideology and most importantly the short memory Nigerian politicians have and how forgiven our National Leader, Alh Atiku Abubakar is in accommodating politicians that hitherto were hell-bent to destroy him in the past. In addition, I will however advise Sekibo that considering his antecedents in politics that he does the right thing by formally registering at his ward instead of his futile romance with some elements in the National leadership of the party in Abuja. He must be guided with good intention in joining the party as if the plot is to use Rivers State AC to destabilize the Amaechi's Administration or take us back to the period of the Odili's legacy then he may have us to contend with. The Rivers State Chapter of AC would like use this opportunity to thank the National Leadership for acknowledging and commending the Rivers State AC Chapter of the party for been the only Chapter in Nigeria that has paid all her dues as well as having paid for their BOT and Members membership Forms courtesy of Prince Tonye Princewill the Rivers State AC Leader.

In the same vein, we will like to congratulate and commend Prince Tonye Princewill on his new position as a member of the AC's Board of Trustees (BOT) and the recognition accorded him by the National Leadership as a good party Leader in the light of his endless interventions in both Edo, Bayelsa, Ekiti and Adamawa State guber elections where he made some reasonable funds available to these Chapters and his constant interventions in the affairs and funding of the AC Structures in the  South-South region.

We are happy to note that plans have been concluded by the Rivers State AC Leader to intervene in the Anambra State February, 2010 gubernatorial elections in order to ensure an enduring leadership for the State through Dr. Chris Ngige, AC flag bearer in the State.

Meanwhile, Princewill has directed all Local Government Chairmen and Ward Chairmen of the party to liaise with Secretary of the party, Mr. Okis BobManuel to collect registration forms for onward distribution to old and intending members of the party  that want to rejoin  or join the party in the State. The Leader directed thus, “Every good son and daughter of Rivers State whether mighty or poor that wants to make a change in the

politics of Rivers State must ensure that he or she purchases the registration forms to truly validate their membership”.

We wish to thank all party faithful who have against all odds stood firmly behind Princewill as State Leader. We urge them not to relent as we stand poised to take the party to its destination and ignore every attempt of unnecessary distractions of unsubstantiated rumours of financial impropriety from political jobbers within the system.

LONG LIVE AC!

LONG LIVE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!

Page 16 News

Join Task Force To Sanitize Oyigbo Expressway Underway

By Joe Kalu

A joint committee of the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the Oyigbo Local Government Council to sanitize the Oyigbo area of the Port Harcourt/Aba expressway is underway.

According to the Hon. Commissioner for   Environment Barr. Kingsley Chindah, the committee which will include the 10 ward chairmen of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the area will have the responsibility of clearing the trailers and abandoned vehicles that litter the area off the roads.

The commissioner made the declaration over the weekend at Oyigbo in the course of monitoring this month's sanitation exercise.

Chindah who expressed disappointment at the low level of participation by the people in the exercises admitted that there was need to raise peoples' consciousness over the sanitation exercise especially those residing outside Port Harcourt metropolis, adding that even the police in this area will be involved too.

The commissioner did not leave out the refuse contractors operating in this zone as he threatened to sack them should they refuse to improve their services and used the opportunity to order the closure and relocation of the receptacle at the Oyigbo expressway roundabout.

The commissioner who was in company of the council chairman, Hon. (Sir) Precious Oforji and his team also expressed disappointment at the sanitary condition of the Eke Oyigbo market and ordered the market chairman, Elder Godson Egeolu to improve on the situation and also relocate the Old-Aba road street traders to the market free zone or risk sack.

He solicited for the peoples cooperation to the Rivers State Government programmes and policies towards a healthier and cleaner environment, warning that by next month, the monitoring team would repeat its visit and would not tolerate any form of loitering or idleness during the period as was the case this time around.

Thereafter, the team was led by the council boss on a guided tour to inspect the erosion control project at Kom-Kom village executed by the council and state government.

At the site, the commissioner expressed gratitude at the project completion and charged the villagers to avoid the temptation of throwing rubbish in the drainage especially during rainfall to prevent it from being blocked, as offenders will face the full wrath of the law.

He equally warned those in the habit of trespassing on government land to desist forthwith or face the music, adding that it is their responsibility to protect government property in their domain.

The president of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Oyigbo Chapter, Comrade Felix Nwogu also used the opportunity to thank the LG council and RSG for their unrelenting effort to improve the peoples welfare.

In an interactive session Hon. Chindah said those playing football and others loafing around during the sanitation exercise would soon change their attitude as the awareness increases.

On the vegetation control he disclosed that there is a park, Garden and Urban Beautification Committee to be set up very soon and which will metamorphose into a full fledged agency that will take charge of it especially the public overgrown grasses.

Hon. Chindah however, said that those within the residential areas or offices, their occupants will be served abetment notice and if they still could not comply, will be prosecuted.

In his contribution, the Oyigbo Council Chairman Hon. Oforji appealed for cooperation from his people for the area to be restored to its deserved status as the third metropolitan council in the state after Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor LG Councils.

The team had earlier visited Sangana Street in Mile One to observe the level of compliance to an earlier instruction.

The Commissioner explained that the completed Mile One Rumuwoji market will soon be allocated to traders and that it is only then, that the movement of the traders there will be enforced, and the area transformed with grasses and flowers.

The exercise also took the team to the D-line area of Port Harcourt where residents' apathy was much witnessed.  

N'Delta Safe For Investment  … NDCAV

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

A group known as the Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence has said that peace has finally returned to the region, calling on investors nationally and internationally to come back as the region is right now safe for investment.

Speaking to our correspondent in Port Harcourt over the weekend the NDCAV president Mr. Lekia Christian expressed happiness that a region hitherto regarded as a no-go-area has last settled down for peace.

He therefore called on those who left the region or abandoned their work as a result of militancy to come back and commence job in full swing assuring them that the boys have laid down their arms for peace.

He maintained that nine states of the region are ready to work with the Yar'Adua led-government to ensure  lasting peace and development of the area.

Lekia also appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that it does not renege in its earlier promise of developing not only the boys but the entire area of the region.

He lauded the bold step taken by the Federal Government by way of granting amnesty to the militants describing it as a right step in the right direction while thanking the boys (militants) for reciprocating the gesture.

He said that what the President has done would ever remain green in the minds of Nigerians and the Niger Delta people in particular and urged the two parties to live up to expectation.

He reminded government that the problem of the region is nothing but underdevelopment saying the moment lives are affected and the regions developed and employment created the people will never resort to violence but said  it is only when government has failed in its promise to carry the region along that what has been forgotten may be remembered.

The NDCAV leader also hailed the leadership quality of the country's Vice President Goodluck Jonathan who he described as a true son of the Niger Delta and assured him that the people will not disappoint him.

Meanwhile, the NDCAV president has appealed to the militants’ leaders to be patient with government as all the plans will not be accomplished in one day but watch out and see what government has in stock for the region this time around.

Enforce The Public Procurement Act  ~Don Tells EFCC

A University Don, Dr Jacob Meta has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissioner (EFCC)  to wake up from its slumber and punish public servants who flout the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 irrespective of their standing in society. According to him, “Nigeria cannot make any remarkable impact in the fight against corruption if  those perpetrating the act in the public service at all levels of government are not exposed and brought to book” The problem is not with the politicians alone but those public servants who see corruption as a way of life are worse than politicians, he said.

 Dr  Meta who made this call while addressing newsmen in Abuja said that there are so many leakages which drain scarce resources in the conduct of public affairs and wondered why the EFCC has not extended its drag net to the relevant ministries, departments and  government agencies to check abuses.

Commenting on the recent conviction of a PDP chieftain Olabode George, Dr Meta said that the conviction did not come to him as a surprise, pointing out that many top government officials in ministries and parastatals fail the due process tests and run  foul of the provisions of the Public procurement Act, 2007.

NDDC Chairman Charges Contractors On Speedy Completion of Projects

In line with the resolve of President Yaradua to implement the post amnesty programme of the government in which the urgent development of the Niger Delta region of the country is at the front burner, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chibuzo Ugwoha has charged contractors to rise up to the occasion by ensuring speedy completion of projects.

Mr. Ugwoha assured contractors that efforts are being geared towards ensuring that bottlenecks which in the past had caused inaccessibility to funds from the banks are being removed.

Speaking to newsmen in his office, the NDDC boss said it is regrettable that despite the provision of funds by the Commission through the banks, most contractors are made to face difficulties in accessing the funds as most of the banks usually apply stringent conditions thereby slowing down the pace of development.

He urged the banks to support the Federal Government in ensuring speedy development of the region by providing easy accessibility to the funds as the contractors have barely four months in a year to engage in construction works because of the rainy season.

Mr Ugwoha restated the sincerity of President Yar’ Adua in developing the Niger Delta region and urged the people of the area to be patient as the NDDC has been re-positioned for greater challenges.

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