Page 2 Mixed Grill

Angulama: A Creek On The Rise -  By Paschal Agbada

I love the creeks. They remind me of mother nature, where serenity and aquatic life submerge to give a tranquil ambience. The aquatic birds chirping away while sea waves compliment an esoteric but lively entrail.

The jetty at Buguma was lonely though intending guests for the occasion had smartened up, looking regale in their Nigeria wax attire of yellow and greenish hue, but they all appeared uncertain. The reason for the uncertainty in their faces and eyes was simply because the boat drivers' were no where to be found at this moment. Meanwhile, the occasion was to start by 11.30am and the time was already 10.45am. Everything about this time in the jetty and for the trip appeared bleak.

However, this reporter’s appearance with a coterie of other press men suddenly awakened the neighbourhood. The boat drivers emerged from God knows where and the leader of the press crew was busy bellowing orders as they were immediately obeyed.

The men and women attired in yellowish-green Nigerian wax assembled at an end on the jetty and were seen entering their own boat, so also were the press crew. Destination, Angulama.

Angulama is a little hamlet amongst others forming islets off the coast of Buguma in the Asari Toru Local Government Area in Rivers State. It is the home of the current commissioner for Urban Development in the State-Osimah Ginah. And the event was the grand reception given by the Angulama people for their illustrious son Osimah Ginah who according to the welcome address presented by the Angulama community on the occasion is the first commissioner to be appointed outside Buguma by any regime since the creation of Asari Toru Local Government Area-20 years ago.

Angulama is a piece of land begging for attention, and urgently too. For instance quoting the welcome address, which at this point totally evoked tears and sighs from guests, the people said: “Angulama typifies the true Niger Delta, with tales of neglect in the midst of plenty. Our community has been at the mercy of the tide for more than 30 years, living only a half-life, because of the activities of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) who in 1981, excavated our waterfront and laid their Soku-Alakiri eighteen inches (18”) oil pipeline which has now silted up and blocked our canal, the access into the community. All appeals to the company to remedy the damage have been rebuffed. Our Chiefs and elders have prevailed on the youths hoping to get an opportunity to express our grievance”. The opportunity they said was this grand reception occasioned by the appointment of Osimah Ginah as the commissioner for Urban Development which in turn brought the day to be and will hopefully open the leeway for greater things to the people.

In my estimation, the community were a little mild in stating some of their problems. I say this because there is every reason for them to appreciate the State Governor in appointing their own as his commissioner for urban development. It is really good to be grateful. Otherwise, a place where oil pipelines cris-cross do not need to beg for infrastructure. Howevers, this very administration cannot be blamed for whatever backwardness and neglect Angulama and other riverine enclaves may have suffered in the hands of past regimes and administrations. In fact, to put it straight, the government of Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has come strictly to right the wrongs done to the masses by past regimes.

As the secretary to State Government (SSG) Magnus Abe put it in his address to the community on that very occasion, he said… “The present administration will develop Angulama, not because the commissioner for urban development comes from here, no. We will not develop Angulama because Osimah Ginah is in government or is by any stroke of chance a friend of the present administration, not at all. Government will pay strict attention to Angulama because it is the policy of the present administration of Gov. Rotimi Amaechi to uplift the living standards of our people most especially those living in the creeks, they are the most neglected”.

With the foregoing, it goes without saying that the plight of Angulama people has been well noted even before that day by the present administration.

Proof of this was the fact that this reporter and other journalists who went to cover the event saw tractors and bulldozers at different areas where portions of land were being reclaimed for various purposes. And no one would doubt the fact that in due course whatever projects government has earmarked for the community would be carried out before too long. Definitely also, infrastructure, in the area of water, light and even the construction of link roads to other parts of the local government as government deems fit and necessary would be carried out.

The Commissioner for Urban Development Barr. Osimah Ginah is reputed to be a proactive administrator. This is evidenced in his reappointment as according to a citation read on his behalf on the day, Governor Amaechi was quoted as having said about him…”Hon. Barr. Osimah, the commissioner for Urban Development stands today as one of my most tested and trusted commissioners in this cabinet. No task before him is assidous and problematic which he has no solution to. I go to sleep on any issue involving Ginah knowing that he will perform”, the Governor had said. 

Being the commissioner for Urban Development simply means that a greater part of the burden of the Urban Renewal Policy of the current administration is etched on his shoulders. Would he then look aside and not spare a thought for his people and community. Would he only be concerned about giving Port Harcourt a new face and forget the home that suckled him?

Barr. Osimah Ginah does not come across to me as someone detached from his people. Frankly, the way he caressed and embraced all and sundry on that day of his grand reception gave him away as a man of the people, a man loved and cherished, a man of modest means, a man whose humility can melt the stiffest of hearts. For this reporter, the turning point in the whole day and what gave the commissioner away as a man of limited scruples was when a security agent tried to prevent a  dressed man from shaking the commissioner's land, the commissioner had recognized him and he was inching his way toward him, he simply told the security agent to let the man be as he extended his hands and shook the man.

Even though the present administration is signposted on the rule of law and, the commissioner who already has a reputation of being a no-nonsense man as he is known as Mr. Bulldozer, probably would not want to jeopardize his long-established honour, yet, 'nothing spoil' if he makes sure that more government presence is felt in the area. It is said that a person whose brother is in heaven cannot go to hell. The people of Angulama are typically proud of the present administration of Gov. Amaechi and what he is doing. But they are even overtly happy with him for appointing their own as one of his cabinet members as they effusively demonstrated that with the way they hosted all that came and joined them in receiving their illustrious son and these included Prince Tonye Princewill, Magnus Abe, Commissioner Sampson Parker and a host of other government representatives and not forgetting Barr. Ginah's wife who also had other wives of commissioners in attendance.

No doubt about it, that grand reception brought two things to the fore. One, the creeks which before now were only known as hide outs and hibernating areas for militants would soon wear new looks. From Magnus Abe's speech, a grand policy to redesign the creeks and make them more relevant is in the offing and as a matter of fact ongoing as evidenced by the presence of the tractors and other earthmoving machines. In the same vein, Angulama as it were reflects exactly what the present administration is thinking of riverine communities.

Secondly, to see Barr. Osimah Ginah embrace, hug and almost 'cavort' with old friends, peers and relations shows that men involved in the Amaechi administration are all down-to-earth men, a demystification of governance as the Governor puts it.  

Page 3 RSG News

Sponsorship Of Ion Film Festival To Diversify Economy ~Amaechi

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State says the ION International Film Festival held in the state was part of government's effort to diversify the state economy from its oil base to that of tourism and film making.

Governor Amaechi, who was speaking at the award night and closing ceremony of the ION Film Festival in Port Harcourt, said the event has turned out to be an image laundering activity which shows that Rivers State is not as violent as the international media portray it.

The governor said the festival provided a platform for local actors and actresses to interact and network with the internationally recognized celebrities to foster partnership.

He observed that the film festival was a huge success, noting that the move was intended to encourage tourism and expressed the hope that the state and its budding talents would take part in the next edition of the event scheduled for Tokyo, Japan.

The governor explained that the film industry is a money spinning sector that can grow on its own, under a conducive atmosphere provided by government through the existence of basic infrastructure such as power, good roads security amongst others, and urged sponsors from the private sector to latch unto the opportunities created in the industry.

Governor Amaechi, thanked the foreign journalists, actors and actresses that participated in the festival for coming to Port Harcourt and sharing the moments with the good people of the state and urged them to tell the world about the positive things happening in the area

Patronize Nigerian Goods, Enhance Economy ~Amaechi

Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi says patronage of made in Nigeria goods will enhance the chances of the nation to attain greatness. Governor Amaechi, who made the assertion yesterday  when the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa paid him a courtesy visit at Government House Port Harcourt, explained that if Nigerians are not encouraged to buy Nigerian made goods the industrial base of the nation would suffer.

The governor said apart from strengthening the manufacturing sector, such patronage would also help the country to save the much needed foreign exchange which can be used for other areas of growth and equally create more jobs for the people. According to him “now is the right time to patronize Nigerian made goods but those companies whose standards are below public expectation should be punished to encourage others”.

Governor Amaechi thanked the Minister for the choice of Port Harcourt by the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry for the South-South zonal campaign for the patronage of made in Nigeria goods and assured him of the state government's support towards the success of the campaign.

Earlier, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa said he was in Port Harcourt to access the level of industries in the state and to launch the zonal campaign for the patronage of made in Nigeria goods. Chief Udenwa, who emphasized the need for Nigerians to patronize Nigerian goods to encourage local producers, hinted that government on its part was addressing some of the problems facing the industries such as availability of constant power.

The Minister lauded the developmental strides of governor Amaechi, noting that much development had taken place in the state since he assumed office without so much noise and urged him not to rest on his oars.

RSG Poised To Develop All Parts Of The State

The Rivers State Government says it will ensure that development gets to all parts of the state.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gave the assurance yesterday at a reception ceremony organized by the people of Omerelu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state in honour of their son, Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi on his appointment as Commissioner for Lands and Survey.

The Governor, who stated that every community in the state deserved government presence, said Omerelu has benefitted from government's rural development programmes.

He said apart from the Model Primary School and Health Centre, sited in the Community, government has also awarded contract for the construction of Omerelu/Egbeda road amongst others.

The State Chief Executive urged the youths of the community to embrace education and shun violence to create the enabling environment for the speedy development of the area and the state in general.

He thanked the people of Omerelu for their support and congratulated Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi on his chieftaincy installation.

Earlier in an address read on behalf of the community, Mr Solomon Amadi thanked Governor Chibuike Amaechi for appointing their son, Ezemonye Ezekiel-Amadi, as member of the State Executive Council, which has opened the doors of development to the community.

He said the Omerelu Community has benefitted from the people-oriented projects of the present administration such as the construction of the Model Primary School, Primary Health Centre amongst others.

Rivers Stakeholders Endorse Social Services Bill

Stakeholders in the development of Rivers State have unanimously endorsed the social services levy bill as a strategic way in which residents and indigenes of the state would contribute to the funding of social services.

The bill, which is to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for consideration, is aimed at providing a legal framework for the social services levy proposed by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for the funding of social services in the Education and Health sectors among others.

Moving a motion endorsing the levy bill today Sir Goddy Onuekwa, supported by Dr. Walter Ollor described the levy bill as a necessary step towards sustaining needed growth in the social sector.

The motion was the outcome of Friday's Stakeholders meeting which adjourned proceedings for 24 hours to allow for proper circulation of the report to enable participants make relevant inputs.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi thanked the committee members for a job well done in producing the working document and directed the committee to reflect relevant contributions of stakeholders that would strengthen the draft bill within one week before presentation to the State Assembly.

The governor said when the bill is finally passed by the law makers, he would seek the approval of the stakeholders to appoint transparent and credible persons to serve in the Board of Trustees.

Responding to questions raised by participants, a member of the committee Dr. Theophilus Osanakpo (SAN), who stood in for the Chairman Justice Adolphus-Karibi-Whyte, commended the State Governor for his vision to provide services for the people and particularly for encouraging participatory democracy.

Dr. Osanakpo said what the committee did was to provide a framework that would generate further inputs before presenting the draft bill to the State Assembly and advised those that wish to make further inputs into the bill to attend the public hearings that would be organized by the law makers in the course of their legislative function.

He lauded those that made contributions to the report, adding that the committee was mindful of the existence of other laws and to avoid double taxation in the process.

Caption

Wife of Rivers State Governor Judith Amaechi, Minster of Commerce Achike Udenwa and Commissioner of Commerce Prince Ogbonna Nwuke during the Minister's visit to Rivers State Ministry of Women Affair Rivlux Paint Factory in Port Harcourt.

Wife of Rivers State Governor Judith Amaechi listen to Minister of Commerce Chief Achike Udenwa during his Visit to Rivers State Ministry of Women Affair RIvlux Paint Factory in Port Harcourt.

Page 5 Cover News

Cross Ethnic Interaction Good For Youths ~RSG

The Rivers State Government says its policy of building model secondary schools in each of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will encourage cross ethnic interaction among the youths.

Commissioner of Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari stated this today while conducting a team of foreign journalists, who are in the state for the on-going ION International Film Festival, round some parts of the state.

Mrs Semenitari, who explained that the government's free education package covers tuition, books, accommodation, uniform among others, said the present administration was doing a lot to revive the infrastructural base of the state which had been neglected for many years.

According to her, Rivers State is about the only state in Nigeria that spends almost 80 per cent of its budget on capital projects.

Taking the foreign journalists along the water fronts, the Information boss told them that government had decided to demolish the shanties and convert the area into a habitable environment.

On the entertainment industry, she said government believes that the industry should be private sector driven adding that it was the reason government went into partnership with Silverbird group to develop entertainment centres in the state capital.

Speaking at the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Road, the Director Civil in the Ministry of Works, Engr. Power Maeba said 13km out of the 43km road has been completed up to Asarama in Andoni Local Government Area while 5 out of the 10 bridges on the whole has been built.

In an interview with newsmen, one of the journalists Mr Babatunde Epega said they were happy with the warm hospitality extended to them by Rivers people.

Mr Epega who, is also the International Public Relations Agent for the ION International Film Festival in Port Harcourt, said they have come to see the diverse culture of Rivers people, “what Port Harcourt is at the moment” and to learn more about the film industry in Nigeria.

He stated that within the short time they have been around, they have realized the regeneration going on in the state, especially with what governor Amaechi was doing with his team.

Also speaking to newsmen two of the foreign journalists, Poole Fnotea and Dr Gianluca Cerasola said this was their first time they were visiting Nigeria, describing the country as a wonderful place.

\They chanted slogans about freedom and justice, but riot police stopped them about 100m up the road firing tear gas, our correspondent says.

The opposition Ummah party told the AFP news agency that one of its senior members had been arrested - though there was no confirmation of their claim.

Last week similar protests in Khartoum and Omdurman were suppressed by the authorities, who said the demonstrators had not gained the proper permits.

Several senior SPLM officials were briefly detained by police during that rally, raising concerns about its participation in the power-sharing government.

Analysts say the build-up to next April's national election appears to have galvanised opposition to Mr Bashir's rule.

The protests have been organised by southern politicians, but the northern opposition has been increasingly involved.

Yar`a dua Suffers Mutism….. & why his kitchen cabinet is after Goodluck Jonathan

Information made available to huhuonline.com reveals that there is no end in sight to President Umaru Yar`adua`s hiatus.  However, sources within King Faisal hospital, says that he now suffers from mutisim, (the condition of being unable to speak) and has been unable to communicate. It is uncertain if this condition is acute or chronic as at press time. Nevertheless, his continued absence has created a power vacuum and Nigeria is now a rudderless ship, sailing against the tide of constitutionalism into the Stone Age.

Confusion and trepidation are two words that permeate the political environment, as politicians are unsure of what is next. Having polarized the presidency, and made public ridicule of the political machinery that brought him to power, many in Yar`adua`s camp now sleep with one eye open. His son-in-law, Isah Yuguda, who flaunts himself as the heir apparent of the Yar`adua presidency is at logger head with the SGF, Ahmed Yayale. It is certain, the falcon cannot hear the falconer, yet they seek a solution, not knowing when it will come.  The thought of the return of the military, huhuonline.com learnt makes their blood pressure rise, nevertheless the military is broke.

Even the security operatives have joined this bandwagon, as unauthorized wiretaps and bugging of telecommunication systems, with the intent to capture dissenting views have now become their modus operandi. Yar`adua`s family wants power and they are willing to allow Umaru Yar`adua to continue in power, even as a vegetable. “They want to return him to Aso rock as soon as possible” said a source. However, they console themselves in the fact that the National Assembly will go on recess soon, thus the assembly will not be able to institute impeachment proceedings against President Yar`adua.

For a man who professes to operate a government, where “rule of law” is carved in stone, this attitude of jetting off for health reasons, with out following due process is unbecoming of Mr. Yar`adua. His friends in the media have attempted to insult the sensibilities of one hundred and fifty million Nigerians, by offering lame explanations for this lewd and wanton behavior, saying “He did write a letter to the national assembly, but his aide did not deliver the letter due to politics”. What a lame excuse, please try something else.

Questioned about the day to day running of government, Yayale said "every other aspect of government is being conducted well, and the Vice President as usual is in charge, on issues that require Mr. President's express approval, contacts are being made and such approvals do come." 

However, the Nigerian constitution says, "The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution."

Recall that during  the 8 day unconstitutional incarceration of Emmanuel Asiwe, by the state security service(SSS) in 2008, the refusal of President Yar`a dua to hand over to Goodluck Jonathan during his maiden health hiatus was a major bone of contention. Mr. Asiwe had written and published an article on huhuonline.com, in which he condemned this conduct, and demanded that Goodluck Jonathan should come to blows to right the wrong done him. Consequently, his captors (SSS), asked him to provide proof that President Yar`adua did not hand over before departing to Saudi Arabia. He felt this was a stupid question, and asked his interrogators, four in number, to show him proof that he handed over power.

However, in order to move the Q&A session forward, he quoted section 145 of the Nigerian constitution, which states;

 "Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives a written declaration that he is proceeding on vacation or that he is otherwise unable to discharge the functions of his office, until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such functions shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President." 

This Yar`adua did not do then, and still has not done now, for the simple reason that his kitchen cabinet does not want Goodluck Jonathan as President. They suddenly have shifted alliances and are now in cahoots with the evil genius, General Babangida. Specifically Sayyid Abba Ruma and Isah Yuguda at different times have visited IBB in Los Angeles, California in the past month.

Gang of four !

Recently some politicians returned from Saudi Arabia and informed Nigerians that they spoke to the president. The question now is which president did they speak to, It was certainly not President Yar`adua as Huhuonline.com can authoritatively report that none of them were able to see the president.

However, upon returning from their futile journey, the gang of four, namely Aliko Dangote, Bukola Saraki, James Ibori and Isah Yuguda made overtures to the national assembly to covertly lure the Vice president to sign the budget, this they did by acting as though they were against President Yar`adua`s constitutional breach.   They thus encouraged Goodluck Jonathan to sign the 2010 budget, however thus far, he has refused. Their calculation was to lure the VP, to sign the budget, which constitutionally, he is not allowed to, and then initiate impeachment proceedings against him. 

Why they don't want Goodluck Jonathan

Huhuonline.com gathered that for the past two years, this gang of four has treated the office of Vice president with contempt. In their estimation, Goodluck Jonathan should only be seen and not heard, they see him as an outsider, as Obasanjo`s man. Ironically the Yar`adua/Goodluck ascension to the presidency was the handiwork of Obasanjo. Recall that Yar`adua had planned to return to polytechnic, when Obasanjo enlisted him into the presidency and handed him over to James Ibori.

The gang huhuonline.com learnt have seized every opportunity to reiterate to President Yar`adua that Goodluck Jonathan must never be trusted. They have also cunningly created bad blood between Turai Yar`dua and Patience Goodluck, hence the continued refusal of President Yar`adua to hand over on two different occasions.

Since Yar`adua assumed office, James Ibori using the Governor's forum, led by his friend and business partner Bukola Saraki has fought vehemently to wrestle the control of  PDP from  former President Obasanjo. 

Although according to a PDP insider, none of these men can even deliver their own ward in a free and fair election”. For fear of retribution, this gang of four has continued to encourage President Yar`adua to continuously undermine the Nigerian constitution.

 Bukola Saraki, huhuonline.com learnt seized the last cabinet reshuffle exercise to demonstrate to Goodluck Jonathan that he had President's ears, as he masterminded the removal of Mrs. Alison Madueke from the ministry  of transport and installed his own candidate, who has since forged a business alliance with the  monopolist Aliko Dangote.  Recall that for twenty four years Aliko Dangote aspired to get on Forbes List of billionaires, and was only able to accomplish this life long ambition through the help of President Obasanjo. Little wonder, that the same Aliko who benefited enormously from Obasanjo, and even financed Obasanjo's third term bid, will now turn around to champion the “anti Goodluck for acting President” Campaign, simply because Obasanjo catalyzed his political ascension. This goes to show in politics the guiding principle is interest as there are no permanent friends or foes.

Page 8 News

Former Vice President of Nigeria and the presidential candidate of the Action Congress in 2007 election Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has described Alhaji Musa Yar'Adua as a failure since he could not reposition the country in six months of his administration.

According to him the Peoples Democratic Party has no excuse for not being able to place the nation on a fast lane for development as is so wished.

He therefore called on Nigerians to support the opposition parties in the country to edge the PDP out in the 2011 election while appealing to the electorates not to allow themselves to be used by these greedy politicians who do not mean well for the country.

Atiku also called on the national assembly to do everything within their power to ensure that the electoral reform is not treated with kid gloves.

Meanwhile, some PDP stalwarts who reacted to Atiku's recent statement which described the PDP as a failure, said the former Vice President has no bearing in the politics of the country knowing full well that the Obasanjo/Atiku administration has plunged the country into the mess it has found itself.

They advised Atiku Abubakar to hide his head in shame and stop deceiving the people as Nigerians are not ready to bring him back to Aso Rock.

Atiku, the people maintained ought to be begging Nigerians for all the pains, sufferings and untold hardship his administration has inflicted on the people rather than making noise in the name of opposition parties.

Assembly Aides Cry Out … As They Face Bleak X-Mas

By Joe  Kalu

Despite all the glamour of Rivers State lawmakers, realities on ground revealed that their aides have been dying in silence.

Disclosing their plight to selected Assembly press corps albeit on condition of anonymity the aides comprising Personal Assistants, Pas, Special Assistants, SAs, Secretaries  and drivers cried out over the weekend for their delayed salaries and allowances for upwards of 10 months, a situation, they say has  threatened their families.

According to their spokesman “we were given appointment letters which makes us bonafide staff and our salaries imbedded in the budget of the committee.

Even when it eventually came in the past, our bosses would also corner it and those privileged few that are allowed to collect are not allowed to see the exact amount they are receiving,” they stated.

The aides further stated that they had approached the commission chairman Hon. Elechi Dike who on several occasions assured them that they have prepared the salary schedule awaiting approval from the leadership training of the Assembly adding that they are running out of patience especially with the pressure from their families and in the face of ostentatious living styles of their  bosses.

When Hon Dike was contacted he confirmed the non-payment of salaries and attributed it to the due process.

According to the aides they had earlier written to the House Committee on public complaints but were yet to receive any feedback describing the situation as unfair.

“We work for them and most of us have requisite qualifications and responsibilities but we are treated with disclaim” said one of the aides.

Monarch Hails Amaechi's Developmantal Strides

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

High Chief Stanley .C. Ikenga Nyechi Ali Omunwe Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has hailed the developmental strides of the action governor of the state Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi under two years in office.

In a chat with our correspondent recently Chief Ikenga said the governor has done marvelously well in virtually every sector of the economy and appealed to those whose stock in trade is to distract the present administration from delivering the didvidends of democracy to the people to desist forthwith but join hands in transforming the state.

Describing the government of Governor Amaechi as God's sent he advised those who are yet to believe that the governor has come to stay to toe the line of peace rather than formenting unnecessary trouble.

He lauded the Supreme Court of the land for not only declaring but authenticating Amaechi as the rightful governor of the state while calling on Sir Celestine Omehia and his allies to seek reconciliation and shun any act capable of diverting the attention of Rivers people.

The traditional ruler who sued for peace in the state and Igwuruta in particular however thanked all those who made his coronation a success including the security chiefs in Kelga and the D.P.O in charge of Igwuruta station.

Nyechi Ali Omunwe Igwuruta used the opportunity to call on the state government to address the Igwuruta/Etche road which he said has plunged the people into serious hardship.

He therefore assured the people of Omunwe that he would do everything within his powers to justify the confidence reposed in him and called for support.

Nigerian Police batters a Journalist On duty

The Nigerian Police on Friday 11th December around 11 am once again showed their act of beastly and brutality on one Nigerian Journalist. The Journalist Mr. Desmond Utomwen is a Senior Correspondent with The News Magazine.

According to the Victim, Desmond Utomwen while narrating his ordeal with the Police, said that on that fateful day, while he was driving towards the premises of Guaranty Trust Bank situated at Plot 1072, J.S. Tarka/Faskari Street, Area 3 Garki Abuja, that he observed a kind of peaceful protest by a woman and some other person and he decided to stop in order to carry his statutory function as a journalist.. On getting there he approached the woman who narrated a story of an alleged fraud by Guaranty Trust Bank. According to Mr. Utomwen he said that from the woman 's narration, that the woman said that in her account she maintained with GTB, that a total of N490,000.00 almost half a million naira was fraudulently withdrawn from the GTB Automated Teller Machine(ATM), in one single night. According to the woman, she said that is a known fact that the laws of the GTB bank that an individual maintaining an account with them cannot withdraw more than N60, 000.00 with an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in a day as stipulated by the bank. And that she was surprised how such colossal, amount of almost half a million could be withdrawn from an ATM, when the GTB Bank law does not accept that. In her narration she said she suspected a foul play by the bank as she alleged that such fraudulent withdrawal couldn't have been successful without the knowledge of an insider that is a bank staff of that branch. The woman said that to her uttermost dismay, when she went to the Bank to lodge her complains, they refused to give her a listening ear as they told her that she should go and sought her self out saying that they are not liable for that and they don't have time to entertain her.

After the narration of the story to Mr. Utomwen, he said that in order to balance his story, which the ethics and practice of journalism ensures he then made his way into the bank, seeking to speak to the bank manager or any one who is in that capacity to talk to him, but they refused to talk to him and wouldn't want him to see the branch manager. He then left and was making way to where his car was parked, in company of some other journalists. Just as he was going with other journalists, he saw policemen in company of the GTB bank security men that now stopped him, and demanded that he should do not his Digital Camera he was holding, and he asked them why he should bring, before he know it one of the policemen by name Onaji Abah who is with the Garki Village police station and the GTB security, elbowed him with his hand, bruised his lips and brushed him down and started beating him. In the process he lost his camera, digital recorder and some money in his pocket. Not done with that they dragged him into their car and took him to their station. However, after investigation the police man in question was reprimanded by the DPO of the Garki Village police station for his action which was beastly and barbaric.

REFUTAL

We refer to our publication of October 13-19, 2009 vol.7 No42 with the Headline…

“Ejected Land Owner Cries Out …as imminent death stares him and family,” which tended to embarrass the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Dumnamene Deekor, Representing Khana Constituency I, in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

We regret the embarrassment our honest assistance has caused the Honourable member as it was not our intention to do so.

The public should disregard the story as we have since discovered the true version.

Every inconvenience is hereby regretted.

Signed

Editor

Page 9 News

Obrikom: Chairman Peace Reconciliation Committee Explains Security Situation

 By Our Reporter

The Chairman Peace and Reconciliation Committee in Obrikom recently bared his mind to the security situation in Obrikom giving details of developments, efforts of his committee and the journey so far.

His words: “Life is a journey and heaven is the destination. I feel privileged to intimate respected men of the fourth estate of the realm like you, on the state of affairs in Obrikom Community, the base of oil and gas that is propelling the nation's economy in the recent past and now.

Obrikom community was polarized by cult terror and killings by armed cultists. Many media houses, print and electronic houses had been publishing events in Obrikom which portrayed awesome readings and listening by the general public.

Sometime last year, the councilor representing Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government ward five (5) Honourable Lucky Ahiakwo (Alias Abacha) a native of Obrikom was brutally murdered by armed assassins here in Obrikom. This ugly incident triggered off reactionary forces from a cult group who alleged that it was their rival cult group and their sponsors that killed the late councilor Lucky Ahiakwo. They went on rampage and killed a graduate from Obrikom who was doing his youth corps service in one of the states in the country and roasted him in his room. They did not stop there, rather they went and burnt many houses within the community. This incident forced people to flee the community for safety as a result and they began to squat with their relations and friends in various towns in the area as refugees. On December 18th and 25th there was serious sporadic shootings that led to the death of Mrs. Abali China. Consequent upon that, on the 27th December, 2008 the Obrikom community leadership constituted a peace and reconciliation committee to bring about peace in Obrikom.

A day came when a burial ceremony was going on in the community, the cult group in their continued retaliation shot and killed two young men and an old woman. In short, they feasted in shootings and killings of innocent people within this period. The suspended Chairman of the Council, Hon. Chris Ochijie proscribed youth activities in Obrikom, to check the excesses of the killings in the community.

This unbearable situation spurred the Obrikom council of Chiefs to form a peace and reconciliation committee which they made me the chairman. I spent my hard earned money to go extra miles to get at the cultists to appeal to them to rescind their inhuman acts. At a time when the expenses were weighing on me, the community had to commission me, the councilor representing ward five (5) Hon. Messiah Eluozo who replaced the slain Lucky Ahiakwo and the secretary of the council of chiefs, Hon. Innocent Ajadi to make collection of what was due Obrikom community from the multi national companies around Obrikom community to run the errands the peace and reconciliation committee designed to bring about peace in Obrikom and other assignments to uplift the community. This was to give me some relief over the expenses I was running with my personal money.

It was a Herculean task for my committee to come to agreement with the cult groups to denounce their membership through traditional juju oath-taking since they said that the oath they took was a traditional oath to ensure that none of the groups turned back to attack the other. Gentlemen of the press; we sacrificed our precious lives at the alter of seeking for a lasting peace in Obrikom community. Members of my committee include, Catechist Christopher A. Onyije, Chief Amanah Eke and Chief Benneth Osere.

As one of those who feed in crisis saw this Agenda of ours, permit me for a matter of clarity, a chief in the community who is not the traditional ruler of Obrikom or even a member of Obrikom council of Chiefs, Chief A.N. Osoh who was appointed by the Oba of Ogbaland, Sir Dr. Chukwumela Nnam, Obi II, as Eze Usomini cashed in to campaign for his son to aspire as a member of the Rives State House of Assembly come 2011, his second son to be the youth president of Obrikom and for his younger brother to be the CDC Chairman and was calling for the lifting of the ban on youth activities in Obrikom. In the course of this unwarranted calls while the peace process has not been concluded the second son of the same Osoh, who he is rooting to be the youth president told some people who in turn told me that he would attack me and destroy my family. When the acting Chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government, Hon. Ikechukwu Awari Nwabirije invited Obrikom community for a meeting, which was attended by prominent citizens of Obrikom  including Professor Nsirima, Engineer Chris Ahiakwo, Pharmacist Chief I.N. Ohia, Dr. Dollar, Chief S.I.A. Ajoku, Chief Christopher Adube, one time CTC Chairman of ONELGA, the Regent of Obrikom Community, Chief Ikenyiri, the DPO, Omoku, the SSS Boss ONELGA, the JTF Commander and a host of others, I reported the threat Osoh's son, Ikechukwu Osoh, made on me, but the Acting Chairman Hon. Ikechukwu Awari dismissed it with a wave of the hand, by telling me to forget about the threat. Since he was fraternizing with Chief Osoh, his emotional intention to please this self-centered and greedy Chief after paying deaf ear to the advise the prominent men of Obrikom gave to him was to give the peace and reconciliation committee till the end of October 2009 to wind up their assignment so that the youth election and the CDC could take place. He however stated that before the elections that the most important thing was for the repentant cultists who form the bulk of the youths surrender their arms. He specifically stated that they should do so before the expiration of the deadline given to the Niger Delta militants to surrender their arms. This has not been done; he called for the elections of the CDC and the youths and formed an electoral committee to conduct the elections. When he saw that the community was to vote against the candidates they wanted to impose on the community, he suspended both the CDC and the youth elections indefinitely. While these were going on that son of Osoh, Ikechukwu, in a group of other youths attacked the committee for constitution drafting and other dignitaries of Obrikom and threw chairs on them in a community meeting. This was reported to the acting Chairman but he did not do anything on this. He later wrote me a letter stating that the Obrikom peace and reconciliation committee has been dissolved. The Acting Chairman did not appreciate that we did his work to restore peace in Obrikom and flagrantly made a rash decision on my committee, without any reason. He also forgot that he did not constitute the committee; neither was he financing it as to say he has powers to dissolve it.

Why I am letting the world know what is happening is that his action could bring a breakdown of law and order in the community and truncate the peace we suffered to achieve. More so, the State Government during the day it proscribed the Omoku Youth Association, as well as the Omoku Youth Federation made it clear that the government will not bring development to any community that is ridden in crisis.

I hereby call on the federal and state governments and the amnesty and disarmament committees and the State House of Assembly to wade into this situation before things go wrong again in Obrikom. 

Tension, Anguish In Abia State …As Women Are Forced To Pay Tax

By Joe  Kalu

There is palpable tension in Abia State as the issue of Aba Women Riot of the 1929 led by late Madam Margaret Ekpo of blessed memory is rearing its ugly head again.

However, the former battle was won by the women group which earned them accolades all over the world but the women of the present Abia State are not only losing the battle but bloodier it has turned.

The present administration of Chief Theodore A. Orji has been fighting the women to a stand-still just to have his way in the imposition that each woman trader in the market irrespective of whatever the trader is selling or the volume of her trade must pay a development levy of N3,000 (Three thousand naira only).

This is despite the fact that there are various types of levies imposed on the people in the face of decaying infrastructure in the state.

The traders organized themselves last week and protested to the Government House, Umuahia as usual.

Though they were received by a government official who promised to pass their grievances to the appropriate quarters but no sooner had they returned to base at Aba than their leader was traced and kidnapped and has never been seen till the time of going to the press.

That goes to show the type of suffocating atmosphere the citizens of God's own state are as they ‘suffer’ the dividends of democracy.

The traders have been coerced into accepting to pay the tax albeit reluctantly.

According to one of them who spoke to our reporter under cover “we don't have any alternative than to pay the levy but we know that one day, that same God that led the Israelites out of Egypt will deliver Abians from the hands of the few clicks who are suppressing us and make the state truly God's own state where the people's desire and aspiration will be respected”, she lamented.

She further disclosed that despite what the outsiders are made to believe Abians who have alternative views to that of the click are dispatched daily and kidnapping has become the order of the day in the state.  

Rivers PHCN Needs Overhauling

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

People of Rivers State have said that the only way Governor Amaechi will achieve his target in the power sector is to overhaul the state branch of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria otherwise his effort in that regard will prove abortive.

Residents of Port Harcourt who spoke to our correspondent recently said the PHCN in the state is like the police force where bribery and corruption have eaten deep into the fabric of the force saying that the governor's latest plans to transfer the corrupt rank and file in the force should also be done in Rivers PHCN if the government must succeed.

According to them, NEPA officers in the state are responsible for the problem of electricity in the state adding that the people have become neck deep in collecting illegal levies from the residents. 

Residents of Mgbuoba who were seen complaining bitterly on the attitude of PHCN to the area wondered why PHCN has decided  to keep the area in total darkness when other surrounding places like Rumuokuta, Rumuigbo, Ada George Road and Rumuola have constant power supply.

The people who said PHCN officers are deeply involved in corruption maintained that the best way to revive PHCN in the state is to send the senior staff on transfer.

At NTA and Treasure FM, the Beam Checks revealed that the staff of the organizations are not happy at all as PHCN has equally extended their 'generosity' of not giving power to them despite several pleas.

While residents of Mgbuoba are commending the governor for the attention he has given to their road they are also begging that the power sector should not be left out as nothing is happening in the area due to lack of power supply.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known, called  and addressed as TARIYE  MAKURAI,  now wish to be known, called and addressed as BENJAMIN CHIMENEM AMADI, The general public should be take note:- BENJAMIN CHIMENEM AMADI,

Page 12 Feature

'MY PIKIN' AND OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM

By Emma Okah

Two weeks ago, the world watched as two Chinese citizens zhang Yujun and Geng Jinping walked to the gallows on their way to hell. They were found guilty of being brains behind the adulterated milk scandal which consumed just six children around the world. In the same vein the Chinese government sentenced another batch of six criminals for exporting fake anti-malaria drugs. The case for this column is not just a matter for China but a test for the duty of a nation to citizens.

  The milk was tainted in China but was consumed all over the world. The offence was local but the injury was global. It therefore required local action for global pacification. It tested the soul of China's industrial remediation sense of justice, calling up its fasted wing of the criminal justice administration (CJA). The theory of retributive justice and the law deterrence demand that some form of pain be inflicted on whoever caused pain for others, and that the state should avenge for a citizen who suffered criminal harm in the hands of others.  

In this era of internationalism, the same theory still subsists; and this makes the State anywhere that subscribes to the international charter to punish any of its citizens who caused criminal harm to a citizen of any country, if such harm is brought under the purview of the law. This is a major plank of modern civilization that countries who aspire to be among the best twenty strive to achieve.  

About two years ago, the world woke up to the rude shock and realization that babies were getting strangely ill and some were actually dying. A little observation revealed that a brand of milk was behind the serial deaths around the world, and that this milk was coming from China. 

The mention of China instantly evoked revulsion, especially in the West. Industrial civilization began in modern times in Great Britain and moved to Germany, France, Italy Portugal, etc. Later the US took over and has remained up there as a leader. Now, Japan staged resurgence and their products initially began as inferior but have become leaders. Taiwan also showed glimpses.

 China has launched an industrial and global leadership influence that the world can no longer ignore. Still running at least a partially closed political system that allows it to determine its path and pace of development and total control of its people, China's industrial revolution is hinged on a cultural revolution that makes the country distinct, for good or for bad.  

It has achieved self sufficiency and has taken the world by storm, posting huge surpluses and lending even to developed economies. It competes favourably with biggest economies in the world and has made itself a threat in all spheres, sometimes taking over where the defunct Soviet Union (USSR) stopped.

  With a wide range of usables and other personal products, China has affected homes around the world, using a price regime that forces attention to Chinese products. It is also marching forward and matching the West with advanced technology in space prowess, satellite systems, cars, etc. This, in fact, is irking the West.  

The sore is more to the West because of the Africa market which China seems determined to wrest from them. China has set aside huge funds to bring development to countries in Africa. This is expected to complement a robust trade bid whereby African countries that open up to China get the aids. The West applied this method in their entry and partitioning of Africa and now they seem to worry that they are being outdone by China. They now warn Africa that China was no friend. They also warned that Chinese technology was roguish and that its industry was a fraud. This was the state when milk incident happened.  

Before this case, NAFDAC and other control agencies always said they had running battles with Chinese pharmaceutical manufactures because of faking and adulteration. In Nigeria, the image of China was soiled further by the failed satellite system built and launched for us by China. Of course, China has struggled to remedy the situation and repair its image around Africa.

 As soon as the scandal emerged, China knew that its industrial image was on fire. Enemies in the West were waiting to pounce. So, the country launched an investigation, traced the factory, found the culprits, tried them, and convicted them. While same bagged death sentences, others bagged various jail terms ranging from terms of years to life. The other day, the television cameras were focused on the first two persons that were to die for the offence.  

This has sent strong signals to countries like Nigeria and is a demonstration of the seriousness with which a country ought to treat important legal matters. Were it to be in Nigeria, China as a state would have foot-dragged and all silly arguments ranging from ethnic sentiments to political affiliation etc would fill the airwaves in the face of this crisis. Some will even argue that the State had a lot of things to gain from: taxes paid by the offending company, encouraging local production, seven points agenda, GDP by its contribution, job creation, export revenue, etc, but the country chose its image and the cause of justice over these.  

If it were to be in Nigeria, lobbyists of all classifications would have taken over to avert justice and to protect the offenders. They would have found the right traditional monarch, religious leaders, Army Generals, party lords, etc, to stop the government from carrying on to the last. This would have stalled investigation, arrests and trial.

The best lawyers that ought to illuminate the course of justice would have been brought in to, not win the case but to stall it with technicalities that would keep the world waiting for decades.  

There have been many international fraud scandals where other nations moved swiftly and tried their citizens involved, thereby exonerating the innocent and punishing the guilty. Their Nigerian members have remained free to this day, causing huge image damage that the crap called re-branding will never repair.  

In Nigeria, the agencies that should have helped to dig out the offenders would have rather worked on the side of evil to stifle the investigations. This is why NAFDAC is rather seen and treated like an enemy by most other agencies of government especially Customs. At the ports, these agencies establish tables for collecting bribes openly and allow all manner of fake products to pass. In doing so, they hold counsel against NAFDAC or anyone that would want a clean-up of the system because it must be 'business as usual'. The Customs are either unskilled or too corrupt to look well and dictate dangerous products coming into Nigeria. They also do not like NAFDAC that tries to see well.  

Today, the man who openly threatened to kill Prof Dora Akunyili then at NAFDAC and actually went ahead to shoot her is still at large. The case against that mafia lord is still dragging, several years after the failed assassination bid. The nation and the authorities keep a face as the police plays yoyo with the matter. If Aso Rock under Baba had said, look, get this man and prove him guilty, all in one year, things would have moved. If a famous woman who has fought for humanity and is a global citizen can suffer such humiliation in the criminal justice circle in Nigeria, this then can show the fate of ordinary Nigerians. This is why any hooligan can openly boast that “look, I will shoot you and nothing will happen'. Often, they kill and nothing happens. The recent Human Rights Watch report which indicted the police for serial extra judicial killings clearly shows that the police resort to killing some proven and very dangerous criminals stem from their frustration with the justice system that makes a ridicule of their honest efforts at crime control and prevention 

Truth is, Nigerians die by installments on a daily basis by the alarming amount of adulterated foods, drugs and other consumables that stroll into the country from China, India Indonesia, etc without hindrance; from failure of the criminal justice system; from arrest of a suspect through trial in courts and jail term in prisons. The system is rotten and the odour disturbs the world. The FG must take a cue from China which has a harsh image but moves fast to repair it when occasion warrants. The circles through which foreign police units suffer through when they have warrants for Nigerian big men is terrible. The position of the chief law officer of the nation seems combatant on the side of the accused and this rubbishes whatever Akunyili talks about our battered image as a nation. Many months after the “My Pickin” Case that killed eighty four children in Nigeria, our justice system has not moved beyond elementary and scandalous arguments. Nobody has been punished for murdering others. 

China has used the case of the failed milk to show what stuff their criminal justice system is made of, and to prove to the world that the citizens may be crooks but the State was not and that the corporations in China can be rotten that Corporate China was not. 'My Pikin may die but our nation must live through a viable and effective criminal justice system.  

This is the tip from China.

Page 13 News

6,000 Megawatts Not Feasible ...House Committee On Power

By Paschal Agbadah

Not minding the assurances from government that by December 2009, the nation would enjoy power stemming from a generation of 6,000 megawatts of electricity, the senate committee on power in a press briefing last month expressed fears that the promise and target may not be met.

Even though the minister of power Dr. Lanre Babalola  was optimistic when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power last Tuesday to defend the Ministry's budget, he knew deep down that the December target was unrealistic. 

From feelers coming into Beam Checks it has been talk, talk, talk and no bite as it has been revealed that the Nigerian factor has again played its joker.

During Obasanjo's regime, the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) was established to give bite to the effort by injecting 4,800 megawatts to the national grid if completed.

This would ultimately raise the power generated to 10,000 megawatts.

Somehow, when the current government came on string, the project was temporarily halted.

Two years after, the project has taken off again but things are no longer as they were then. For instance, all the budgets then were planned and calculated based on the existing price regime in the international market. Painfully, such prices do not stay stable. Again, some of the components required to fix parts of the power generation plant are most of the time bought through orders and not usually kept or mass produced for any buyer. And since there is no lack in orders being placed, manufactures will only look in the area of those who are serious. Furthermore, to commence talks on new orders would require valuable time which has been lost, negotiation and fresh budgets, but unfortunately the state of the nation now with the president uncertain when to come back, everything points to December 31st not being able to click as the time the nation would begin to enjoy enhanced power generation.   

The House Committee on their deliberation after being briefed by the Power Minister were not amazed in spite of his grandstanding on the issue as a lot of the minister's postures seemed empty and not convincing.

At the end, the House Committee appeared to have resigned to fate over the issue as they kept mute towards the end of the interactive briefing.

Women Group To The Rescue

By Joe  Kalu

A group of Christian Women leaders under the aegis of “Women of Influence, WOI” says it is determined to intercede on some identified challenges militating against women families and churches which often has hindered them from attaining their potentials.

The president of the group and wife of JABEZ House of prayers General Overseer, Pastor Deborah Jones Erue made this declaration Sunday December 13, 2009 at JABEZ House of prayers, Rumuolumeni Port Harcourt during the group's end-of year dinner organized for couples.

Pastor Debby Jones disclosed that the group was born out of a desire by women of God who are talented but are not opportuned to give expression to it.

“We decided to come together to reach out to other oppressed women at the grassroots in the form of evangelism and intercession.

Pastor (Mrs.) Joy Obasi in her address at the occasion lamented that women are treated as second-class citizens all over the world and often times violated.

She disclosed that her group, WOI has also discovered painfully that divorce is on the increase especially among the families of the so-called men of God.

Again, that they have also discovered the need to go against the demons driven out from the cities that have found their ways and are tormenting children of God at the hinterlands.

She said that all these factors prompted the group through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to form the organization for the betterment of the society.

In her preaching, a Liberian woman of God, Pastor Matilda Tarr admonished women to be up and doing in their God-given duties to not only keep their homes but to encourage their husbands to greater heights.

She also advised the men folk to respect and appreciate their spouses, adding that God expects us to work out our marriages. “Keep your husband's company, support and encourage them by cleaning the house and yourselves, for his attraction”.

Mrs. Tarr made it known that “Love and Sex” are two important inseparable factors in marriage. 

In his own contribution the host, Prophet Jones said women should be satisfied with their complementary roles in the society and church.

“No matter how powerful a woman's anointing is she is subject to the man's”.

He made it known that women have special gifts to make the man attain his full potentials and should not be neglected.

He however, regretted that when women make their plans it will go on undisturbed but in the case of the men, they will always want to be in control of affairs.

Highlights of the occasion was the special dance session and competition by  couples.

Guests were later entertained by a comedian known as Bozide and served with sumptious dinner.

Change Of Attitude Is The Answer To Nigeria's Problem ~Hon. Amadi

By Joe  Kalu

Attitude change on the part of Nigerian leaders and indeed the entire citizenry has been identified as the solution to the country's problems and not the tinkering of the constitution or creation of more states and local governments.

According to Hon. (Chief) Appolos Amadi, a one time House of Rep member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in Rivers State in a chat with newsmen at the Hotel Presidential, venue of the South/South Senate Committee on the Constitutional review, “the Nigerian citizenry have to change their attitude towards everything for the better.

There should be justice and equity in whatever anybody does”.

Hon. Amadi who is also the chairman of Host Communities (oil & gas) representing Rivers State made it known that though states and local government councils creation brings development nearer to the people, but infrastructure, true federation remains the best option where the people will control their resources to develop themselves the way they want.

Chief Amadi who was the Rivers state gubernatorial candidate of the National Democratic Party, NDP in the last general election lamented that there is no electoral law in the country as at now and hoped that after three abortive attempts,  the leaders should get it right this time around.

“There should be electoral laws that will punish offenders of electoral malpractices to deter others”.  

He recalled that it was only in 1999 general election that there was a resemblance of election, the subsequent ones of 2003 and 2007 were no elections.

He further stated that the younger generation of Nigerians should not be made to believe that rigging is the way of election, that rigging is part of our tradition.

“It does not matter whoever wins, but the right and acceptable candidate should be allowed to win an election through the choice of the people”.

He however, conceded that those at the grassroots are the ones who cause the confusion the more as they would do anything to ensure that their candidate win, sometimes without the knowledge of their master.

On those who are still challenging the present administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, like Chief Bekinbo Soberekon, Hon. Amadi said it was natural that the Accord Party guber candidate fights on to a logical conclusion.

“Chief Soberekon could either fight to a logical conclusion in court or surrenders if he wants” Chief Amadi used the opportunity to give the State Chief Executive Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi a pass mark in his performance these past two years especially in areas of infrastructure development.  

Ubima People Restate Support For Amaechi

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The people of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have restated thier earlier support for their son and the incumbent governor of the state Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Speaking to our correspondent at Ubima, the people said the governor has done marvelously well by transforming the state pointing out  that the governor has made the people of Ubima and the Ikwerre ethnic nationality proud.

According to them, what the State Chief Executive has been able to put in place within the shortest possible time are enough to convince the doubting Thomases and his detractors that he is being led by God and expressed confidence that the governor has a lot to do for the state.

On the call by the Accord Party governorship candidate in the 2007 election (Bekinbo Sobrekon) to nullify the election that brought Chibuike Amaechi to power the people said Sobrekon may not be doing his party and the state any good as his continuous plea through the court is tantamount to adding more years to the incumbent's tenure.

The people therefore reminded the Accord Party boss in the state that only God can do the contrary but not to the leaders he has chosen by himself noting that Amaechi was chosen by God to stir the ship of the state at this point in time and called on Sobrekon to stop being used by the so called  Abuja (Rivers) based politicians who have refused to return home to join hands in the development of the state.

The people also appealed to their son Sir Celestine Omehia to come back home and support his cousin take the state to greater height.

Describing those calling for the nullification of the election as noise makers, the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of Kelga Hon. Simeon Asiobi alias 'Contro' said the only alternative left for them is to forget the past and support the governor.