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Page 2 Editorial
Page 2 Editorial
WHAT IS MTN UPTO?
For several weeks running, subscribers to MTN have been inundated
with tempting offers of trip to the Republic of South Africa or a
winning jackpot of Two million Naira.
One of the promos runs as fellows.
Surprise Text Go to 2010 now and u could win #2million cash tonight
and #20million this month with MTN #100/sms.
Another promo says: Unclaimed #2million cash is waiting! Be fast and
put your name in tonight's draw.! Only a few hours left! Simply text
Go to 2010 now! Costs #100/sms.
The rippling effect has been a massive texting by millions of
gullible Nigerians, sapped by poverty and spurred by a brazen chase
for sudden wealth which has become the craze in Nigeria.
But tempting people with rewards of #2million and #20million Naria
is quite uncharitable. MTN has caused millions of impoverished men
women and children to fritter their last reserves in a vain attempt
to win an elusive jackpot.
If MTN wishes to help Nigerians, they could revert back to their
promo of 2006 when a lucky dip can produce a number and the owner
becomes a winner.
Let the MTN discontinue their GO promo. It sounds dubious to us and
we urge the Government to investigate MTN.
Page 3 RSG News
Amaechi Emerges 'Governor Of The Year' … At Leadership
Newspaper Awards
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has emerged
Leadership Newspaper's Governor of the year 2009, for his all round
outstanding achievements since assumption of office in 2007.
This is the 3rd Governor of the Year Award Governor Amaechi is
receiving since 2007, having won The Sun Newspaper Man of the Year
Award in 2007, and The Compass Newspaper Award for Security in 2008.
The Governor of the year 2009 Award was presented to Governor
Amaechi at the 'Leadership Award for Excellence 2009' chaired by
former Head of State of Nigeria, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd)
in Abuja over the weekend.
Other awards presented at the impressive ceremony include:
Government Agency of the year won by Federal Inland Revenue Service
(FIRS) Regulator of the year Central Bank of Nigeria; most improved
Government Agency of the year Nigerian Custom Service; Entrepreneur
of the year Mallam Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Group Company of
the year Arik Air and CEO of the year Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, DG,
NTDC.
Receiving the Governor of the year Award, presented to him by
General Abubakar (Rtd) on behalf of the organizers, Governor Amaechi
said the Award was purely on merit as he did not pay for it, and
thanked the Leadership Newspaper for it, while assuring that he and
the other awardees would strive to defend it.
His words: “I met the Chairman of Leadership Newspaper for the first
time in life only three days ago …we have not even sat down discuss,
so I assume that I merited the award, and that I did not pay for the
award.”
He continued: “If I did not pay for the award, then it means that
nobody here paid for the Award, because as Governors, we are the
people that easily would be expected to pay for any award, so let
me, on behalf of my colleagues awardees thank you Leadership for
this Award that we merit.”
“We would try as much as possible to defend it, and not betray the
trust that you've resposed on us”, he added.
Amaechi extolled the greatness of Nigeria as a country, and wondered
why she should still be importing fuel when she has crude oil,
adding that from the way things were going on in the country, future
generation of Nigerians would still witness the importation of fuel
into the country if something drastic was not done urgently to
address the situation.
“Should we continue to import fuel? …should we be experiencing power
outages at this age of our development? Should we? Shouldn't we ask
ourselves this question?” he quipped, just as power outage disrupted
the ceremony twice.
Gov. Amaechi proceeded to give a recipe to the country's power
problem, saying that it lies squarely at the door steps of the
country's leaders to turn things around in the power sector through
wise political decisions which should be followed up with concrete
actions.
Said he: “These are some things we believe that does not require
rugged science to tackle, all it requires is making political
decisions because no Governor or President or Head of State would go
to the site and start installing power; all he needs to do is to sit
in his office and make political decisions that 'I want power' and
ask the experts' what does it requires to give us power?'.
Governor Amaechi also advised Federal Agencies involved in
anti-corruption crusade not to allow themselves to be used for any
political agenda, adding that the Rule of Law remains the best
foundation for governance in our democracy.
In a citation read by the organizers of the event before the
presentation of the award, the leadership Newspaper extolled the
sterling qualities, administrative acumen and great achievements of
Governor Amaechi, stressing that the award was being presented to
him,” for showing selflessness, in leadership, for delivering
infrastructure renovation in Rivers State and accountability in
governance”
According to them, the award was being given to Governor Amaechi “in
recognition of the fact that at a time the other governors in
Nigeria are being accused of tampering with Local Government funds
which is an impeachable offence, Governor Amaechi is probably the
only governor in Nigeria who has taken over the funding of primary
education and Primary Healthcare services which has been the
responsibility of the Local Government”.
NBA Honours Governor Amaechi …24hrs After Gov. Of The Year Award
Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been
honoured by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja Branch for his
unassailable leadership qualities and positive contributions to the
growth of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
The award is coming less than 24hours after the Governor was
honoured with The Leadership Award as the Best performing Governor
in Nigeria, by the Abuja based Leadership Newspaper.
Presenting the award to the governor, the Chairman of the Nigerian
Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Branch, Mr. Dave Ajetomobi, said all the
awardees for 2010, including Governor Amaechi have been able to
acquit themselves creditably in their chosen vocations.
The NBA Chairman singled out Governor Amaechi for his ability to
impact positively on the people of Rivers state within two years on
the saddle, describing his effort at reinforcing security, urban
renewal, etc, as deserving commendation.
“We identify with genuine efforts at development”, he said,
stressing that it was for this reason that the NBA also agreed to
honour Governor Bukola Saraki of Kwara State and three other members
of the NBA, Ikeja branch.
In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Donald Duke
commended the NBA, Ikeja branch for promoting superlative leadership
for the Bar in the country.
Mr. Duke, who is the immediate past Governor of Cross River State,
said Governor Amaechi is one recipient who deserves the honour done
him by NBA.
“Rotimi Amaechi is quite a remarkable person, a true child of
destiny, being a product of providence, yet still striving to
justify that his providence was not to be trifled with”, he said.
He urged lawyers not to leave politics for those who take it as a
vocation, but to join the fray, adding that “Rotimi Amaechi is not
following others, but belongs to a unique club of politicians of his
dispensation” that are performing.
Responding, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi said that although he
does not believe in awards while in office, he decided to accept the
NBA award because of the credibility of those behind it.
He thanked them for the award and called on the NBA to grow the
various institutions in the country so that democracy can be firmly
rooted in the society.
The Governor, who described credible institutions as the solution to
the failures of the system, noted that the courts are the last hope
of the common man and if they fail to rise in defend of the
institutions, society would be worse for it.
Also honoured at the event were the Lagos State Attorney General and
Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Supo Sasore (SAN), as well as Mr. Lai
Babatunde (SAN) and Dr. Moyeez Bamire.
Governor Amaechi Advocates Punishment For Electoral Offenders
Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has advocated
appropriate punishment for anyone involved in electoral offence.
Governor Amaechi stated this yesterday at an Electoral Reform
Campaign Rally to promote one-man, one-woman vote organized by the
Edo State Government at the Samuel Ogbemudi a Stadium in Benin City.
The Governor explained that unless people who commit electoral
offences are punished there would be no free and fair elections in
the country, noting that “When we begin to punish those who carry
out electoral mal-practices, including their sponsors, then
one-man-one vote would become possible”.
The State Chief Executive said that it is only when credible men and
women are elected into positions of trust, that poverty would be
reduced among the people, attributing some of the electoral
mal-practices to poverty.
He enjoined the people to participate in the constitutional change,
if the electoral reform would be possible, emphasizing that the
electorates would be important in democracy only when their votes
begin to count.
Governor Amaechi noted that since 1960 the people have been shouting
one-man-one-vote and it has not happened, and urged the Nigerians to
make it happens this time around.
Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the Governor
of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, said the Federal Government
was committed to delivering on its promise of good governance
through a process that is free, fair and acceptable.
He said the liberty and fundamental freedom of the people cannot be
achieved when citizens right were breached and called on the people
to denounce electoral fraud otherwise called rigging.
On his part, the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said
the event is non partisan but a forum of Nigerians who appreciate
that the future of the country lies in deepening and defending
democracy.
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, his Delta
State counterpart Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, as well as human rights
activists delivered special messages at the event which was attended
by dignitaries from all walks of life.
Rivers Ready To Receive Acting President On Thursday
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State says preparations
are in top gear to receive Nigerian's Acting President Dr. Goodluck
Jonathan who is expected in the state on Thursday for a three day
official working visit.
Governor Amaechi made the disclosure today in an interview with
newsmen in course of an unscheduled inspection of the Model
Secondary School project at Eleme undertaken by the state
government.
The Governor explained that although the school project has reached
advanced stages of completion, the Acting President would be
expected to inspect it, to see how the state's new 24 secondary
schools would look like on completion.
According to him, “we would want him to see the Model Secondary
School at Eleme and to note how our secondary schools would look
like on completion”.
He noted that during the visit, the Acting President is expected to
commission the new 100 megawatts gas turbine facility at Trans Amadi,
Commission the Eleme Junction Flyover project, the Rumuola
Rumuokwuta Road, Oginigba-Rumuobiakani Road, and one of the Model
Primary Schools.
Other engagements of the Acting President include the foundation
laying ceremony of the New Adokiye Amesimaka Stadium and the Games
Village project at the Greater Port Harcourt site, lay the
foundation stone for the Port Harcourt Mono-rail project by Station
Bus stop in Port Harcourt, while the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road,
and the Port Harcourt-Omerelu-Owerri Road would be inspected as
well.
On what request the state would be making during the visit, Governor
Amaechi said the importance of the Bonny road project would top the
list, and called on the people of the state to give the Acting
President a rousing reception.
It would be recalled that Dr. Goodluck Jonathan would be visiting
the state for the first time since he assumed the position of the
Acting President of Nigeria, and will be in Port Harcourt from
Thursday May 6 up till Sunday May 9, after attending the Convocation
Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt.
Page 5 Cover News
Oforji Recounts His Ordeal
By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe
The Executive Chairman of Oyigbo Council, Hon Chief Precious Oforji
was abducted by armed gunmen close to his house off Chigbu Street in
Oyigbo and released three days later.
The Chairman's residence became another pilgrims centre as scores of
people trooped to pay their solidarity on the release of the Council
boss.
The Beam team was equally there and got first hand information from
the astute politician. According to Oforji, he was Kidnapped as he
was returning to his house around 8pm by armed men who came in a
Toyota Camry.
He was blindfolded and taken to Abala in Obioma Ngwa Abia State and
kept under a wild palm tree for three days. During those three days
he only subsisted on water. He rejected all water in plastic bottles
for fear of poisoning. He only drank sachet water because he could
easily detect signs of tampering in a sachet.
Chief Oforji said his assailants kept him blindfolded for the three
days he was in their custody. They used the shirt he was wearing at
the time of his abduction to blindfold him.
Thus for the three days they kept him in the forest, Chief Oforji
was at the mercy of the elements. The mosquitoes made a feast of his
body and left their marks all over his body.
Also, the cold penetrated his body, giving him advanced pneumonia.
He told The Beam that after three days of wearing the same pants,
the itching became unbearable. His assailants displayed varying
stages of temperament. On arrival, his assailants decided to
“soften” him up and smashed a block on his head and he fainted.
Thereafter, they used heavy objects to hit him on the thighs and
legs whenever negotiations seemed unfavorable. When negotiations
were favorable, the boys exchanged pleasantries with him, even
apologizing for their brutality.
Chief Oforji was full of grudging admiration for the abductors For
instance, they never called themselves by name all through the three
days he spent with them.
Again, the abductors intelligence network amazed Chief Oforji.
They knew when Council workers received their salaries. They knew
when ALGON visited Oforji's residence. They also knew when the
vehicle that came to bring Chief Oforji back left for the agreed
spot, they were even able to track the movement of the vehicle all
the way.
The abductors equally revealed to Chief Oforji how they were at his
trail for several days. They gave him a graphic account of his
movement in the days preceding their strike and on one occasion they
even greeted Chief Oforji's son while he stood outside the gate
making a call.
Chief Oforji said on one of the rare occasions they removed his
blindfold, he was able to pick a rare breed of the palm fruit used
for detoxification. With it, he was able to send for local gin with
which he revived his spirits.
He revealed that the three days blindfold completely disoriented him
that he had no idea where he was all through and even when he was
released he didn't know where he was until when he got to his house
by 9pm, It was only the next day after some medication that his eyes
became accustomed to light.
He would wish to take some days off as soon as Governor Amaechi can
give the permission.
Despite the harrowing experience Chief Oforji was still in good
spirits. His aides opened a bottle of Star Beer for him. He checked
the cover and exclaimed “I have won a million Naira”.
NGO Canvasses Support For The Aged
By Our Correspondent
A Niger Delta based non governmental organization, the Dorcas Team
has urged the support for the home aged caring centre and the
creation of a ministry for the less privileged in the society.
The President of the team, Miss. Dorcas Kanebari Famaa who made the
call in an interview with newsmen in Port Harcourt, also urged for a
special economic empowerment programme for rural dwellers in the
Niger Delta.
Famaa described as unacceptable the level of poverty in the rural
Niger Delta communities and urged for governments in the region “to
wake up from their slumber and address the problem”.
She also deplored the condition of the less privileged particularly
the elderly in the society and disclosed plans by the organization
to set up a home for the elderly in Port Harcourt and other parts of
Rivers State (Niger Delta States).
Famaa appealed to the Rivers State Government and the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC), Ministry of the Niger Delta Affair to
assist the body to carryout its activities in the society.
The group President hinted that the team has carried out a number of
humanitarian activities in some communities in the four Ogoni Local
Government Areas of Rivers State, while efforts are on to extend its
activities to other areas of the state.
Page 10 News
‘Kidnappers Are From Neighbouring States’ Says Anucha ~Omulga Boss
By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe
The Chairman of Omuma LGA, Hon. (Chief) John Nnamdi Anucha has
blamed the increasing incidents of abductions and kidnapping in
Rivers State to criminal elements from neighbouring states.
Hon. Anucha spoke with the BEAM when he paid solidarity visit to the
residence of the Chairman of Oyigbo LGA, Chief Precious Oforji after
his release from kidnappers last Saturday.
The Omulga council Boss said Oyigbo being a border town with Abia
State is easily infiltrated by criminal elements from Abia .
These criminal elements usually strike with the active connivance of
insiders, the chairman declared.
Similarly, he said his LGA, Omuma, also shares common border with
Asa and Ngwa peoples of Abia State.
These criminal elements strike from these town, “with the active
collaboration of some of our bad boys”.
He expressed joy and gratitude to God for rescuing Chief Oforji from
the hands of the kidnappers.
“Chief Oforji is my friend and colleague. I came with my family to
pay my solidarity on his release from the hands of kidnappers”, he
volunteered.
Chief Anucha equally narrated his own experience “My mother was
kidnapped last year. It was a harrowing experience which no family
should experience in life”.
Despite the ugly incidents of the kidnappers, Chief Anucha was full
of commendation to Governor Amaechi for restoring peace to Rivers
State and for bringing night life back to Port Harcourt.
On the solution to the problem, he urged the Police to rise to their
responsibilities. He also called on neighbouring Abia State to
cooperate with Rivers State. Above all, he expects the Federal
Government to wake-up and face the new trend which is getting out of
hand in the eastern states.
Anucha denied the reason of poverty as the cause of the kidnapping
asking how many poor people could afford the AK47 Assault riles used
by the criminals.
Instead, he reasoned that the new trend is another area which the
419 kingpins of a few years ago had veered in.
He described the operators as those who “wine and dine” with their
victims.
No one knows whom to trust.
He said there is no distinction between assassins and kidnappers
because the victim can be killed in the process of kidnapping.
On the recent plans to withdraw Police orderlies from council
chairmen, he said it would have been “suicidal” to do so and
expressed happiness that wise counsel eventually prevailed.
He concluded with word of advice to politicians to allow the will of
God to prevail.
...Makes Case For Security Agencies.
By Joe Kalu
The Omuma Local Government Council Chairman, Hon John Nnamdi Anucha
has appealed to the Federal Government not only to properly equip
the security agencies but to highly motivate its Staff to
effectively combat crime in the country. The council boss made the
appeal over the weekened at Oyigbo when he led his family to pay a
Solidarity visit to his Oyigbo LG counterpart Hon Preciuos Oforji
who was recently released by his abductors,
He expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police for allowing wise
councel to prevail in rescinding its decision to withdraw Police
Orderies from Politicians and public Office holders “Otherwise we
would have been a kind of roasted chickens”..
Hon Anucha wondered why any body will want to harm his friend and
Colleague whom he said associates freely with everybody. Anucha
himself whose mother was Kidnapped last year thanked God almighty
for protecting Hon Oforji's life and prayed that no person or family
should experience the trauma associated with Kidnapping. He also
prayed God to deal with the perpetrators and Sponsors of this
dastardly act.
Hon Anucha used the opportunity to Commend the Rivers State Chief
Executive Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his effort towards the
restoration of peace and tranquility in the State which has
eventually returned night life in the city.
He lamented that if the government of the neighboring Abia State has
confronted the crime headlong as in Rivers State the situation would
have been different since it has been established that most of these
criminals either hail from there or have their base in the State.
The Omuma Council boss equally called on the Federal Government to
Compliment the effort of the State Governments in combating the
crime which he Stated in most cases has political undertone.
Health Ministry Raids 40 Shops For Counterfeit Drugs
By Our Correspondent
In a bid to protect and prevent its citizens from consuming drugs
that are inimical to health the Rivers State Government raided over
forty (40) illegal chemists shops that dealt with fake drugs at
Sangana Street Mile 1 Market in Port Harcourt last weekend.
Dr. Sampson Parker the Rivers State Commissioner for Health who led
the task force against fake and counterfeit drugs which comprises
NAFDAC, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Rivers State Ministry
of Health representatives among others while in a chat with
Journalists shortly after the exercise frowned at the manner in
which fake and counterfeit drugs were sold in the state on daily
basis.
According to him over 10% of fake and counterfeit drugs are sold in
Rivers State stressing that these drugs are inimical to health and
vowed to ensure that there is zero tolerance on fake and counterfeit
drugs in the state.
Dr. Parker who maintained that it is illegal to sell fake and
counterfeit drugs advised dealers to desist from such act and
register in the appropriate quarters as to save humans lives adding
that the raiding exercise will be extended to other parts of the
state.
Two persons were arrested during the exercise while others abandoned
their shops and ran away when they sighted the taskforce.
A NAFDAC and NDLEA representatives who spoke with journalists
shortly after the exercise vowed to ensure that there will be no
more fake and counterfeit drugs in Rivers State adding that there
will be no hidden place for the dealers.
It would be recalled that the Rivers State Ministry of Health had
set up taskforce against fake and counterfeit drugs which comprises
Rivers State Ministry of Health NAFDAC, NDLEA among others with Dr.
Sampson Parker the state commissioner for Health as its chairman.
The aim of the taskforce was to rid off fake and counterfeit drugs
in Rivers State.
Stephen And Monica Receive Marriage Blessing
By Okechukw Uwaekweikpe
The maxim better late than never, came true last Saturday when a
middle aged couple received marriage blessing at the St Peters
Catholic Church Oyigbo West.
The couple Stephen Boma Tasie and Monica Ogonnaya Tasie have been
married for years and are blessed with five Children, 2 males and 3
females.
The reception was later held at the State Primary School field,
Oyigbo West and attracted several dignitaries.
The Chairman of the Catholic Men Organization of St Peter's Catholic
Church Chief D.C Omeike led the men delegation to the reception.
He enjoined the couple to cultivate the culture of patience.
The CWO were equally in full force led by their president Lolo
Nneoma Eunice Okafor. She said both the CMO and CWO graced the
occasion because the couple were registered members.
The wedding cake was designed by Lady Regina Oyegbe who explained
that the cake had 3 pieces representing the Holy Trinity, of God the
Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Zion Gospel Band Obigbo led by Zion Odu entertained the guests
while Danbaba Bisallah was the MC of the day.
Page 11 News
Woman Leader Hails Amaechi’s Leadership Qualities
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
A woman leader and wife of a traditional ruler of Amobu, Elele in
Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State Lady Margret Alikor
has joined other well meaning Rivers people to commend he leadership
qualities of the Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Speaking to newshounds at Elele, Mrs. Alikor said that the state and
indeed Ikwerre people are impressed with the dynamic leadership
powers of the Governor adding that the Governor has made the people
of Ikwerre proud through his people oriented programmes and
policies, visavis infrastructural and human capacity development
projects.
She affirmed that Amaechi has indeed shown Rivers people what good
governance actually entails as he has also shown the Ikwerres that
he is a true son of the soil and prayed that God who lifted him up
would not let him down.
The woman leader maintained that since the assumption of office of
the Governor the rate of armed robbery, militancy, kidnapping, child
abuse and other societal vices have reduced to the barest minimum.
She further commended the Governor for the construction of internal
roads and the regular power supply experienced in the area, adding
that the state Chief Executive has brought development to the
doorsteps of the rural dwellers.
Mrs. Alikor also congratulated the Governor on his victory at the
appeal court recently urging him to remain focused and never
“Everybody Prayed For Our Chairman's Release”, ~Says Council
Secretary
By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe
The abduction of the council Chairman of Oyigbo LGA Chief Precious
Oforji turned everybody in Oyigbo into a prayer warrior begging God
to soften the hearts of the hoodlums to release their Chairman.
The Secretary of Oyigbo Council, Chief Solomon Nwambu disclosed this
to the BEAM inside the council Chairman's residence last Saturday,
few hours after the release of Chief Oforji.
“We are all happy” he begins, adding “what happened surprised all of
us.
Chief Nwambu disclosed that market women, community leaders, Chiefs
and youth bodies all came to the Chief's residence to pray for his
release and as if in answer to these multiple prayer groups, God
softened the hearts of the hoodlums and they released Chief Oforji.
He described Chief Oforji as a very accessible Chairman who has much
sympathy for the masses.
For instance, the council workers were paid their salaries while the
chairman was away because he had already signed all necessary papers
before the incident.
The council scribe said the council officials decided to pay the
salaries because they knew that Chief Oforji wouldn't have liked his
workers to remain without salaries even in his absence.
Ashley,
Soberekon Propose Visit To Amaechi
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
If the information reaching used is anything to go by then the
Labour Party governorship candidate Chief Ashley Emenike and his
Accord Party counterpart Bekinbo Soberekon in the 2007 governorship
election in Rivers State maybe meeting with Amaechi to resolve their
political differences.
Loyalists of the duo who spoke to our correspondent over the weekend
under the conditions of anonymity said both Soberekon and the Labor
Party candidate may not want their discussions disclosed since
according to them, the two people are only demanding to meet with
the Governor to pledge their loyalty and to ask him to forget the
past and co-opt them in his government.
According to them, duo wouldn't have gone the extent they did but
for political jobbers who wanted the present administration to be
ousted at all cost.
The Beam checks revealed that the labour party candidate has
concluded plans to ask his lawyer to withdraw his case from the
court.
Meanwhile, the people of Ibaa have asked Emenike to withdraw his
case against Amaechi from the court or face severe sanction.
According to them, if Soberekon could not go anywhere with his case
against Amaechi how then will Emenike succeed, the people asked?
However, an undisclosed source has revealed that Emenike is
consulting with his lawyer to withdraw.
A politician from Ibaa had informed our reporter that Emenike is
only seeking appointment from the administration in the state
pointing out that Ashley Emenike knows he is not anywhere with the
case and appealed to him to withdraw the case since according to
him, the lawyers only want to use him to make money.
We also gathered that Emenike's wife has told her husband to put an
end to the case rather than waste his hard earned money and the
husband has accepted to do just that when next the case comes up in
court.
Private Schools Deny Promoting Exam Malpractices In Rivers
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
It would interest the public to know that private schools in the
state have described as untrue the purported allegation that they
are highly responsible for examination malpractices in the state.
They have also said it would be wrong to promote or rather encourage
exam malpractices which they are totally against.
In an interview with our reporter in his office in Port Harcourt
recently the Chairman of the National Association of proprietors of
Private Schools Dr. Peter Harrison described allegation as not only
false, but fabricated and totally out of place.
He said the State Ministry of Education has co-opted the leadership
of NAPPS in the monitoring teams that is overseeing the conduct of
this year's WAEC/NECO exams pointing out that exam malpractices have
completely reduced adding that the on-going monitoring teams is cut
across the 23 local government areas of the state which NAPPS is
ably represented is doing well as exam ethics are being applied.
On the marginalization of private schools in the rural areas, the
NAPPS boss said the body is charged with the responsibility of
carrying all registered private schools in the state along and
dismissed the issue of marginalization in its dictionary.
He used the opportunity to congratulate the Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi
Chibuike Amaechi on his victory at the appeal court describing it as
a landslide victory as well as a victory for Rivers people, victory
for democracy and victory for the judiciary stressing that NAPPS as
a body celebrates the victory with the state Chief Executive and
said that NAPPS was also happy with the judiciary for taking the
bull by the horn by dispensing judgment fairly.
Dr. Harrison also called on Rivers people to support the Amaechi-led
government which he said was ordained by God, appealing to all
doubting Thomas to forget the past and join hands with the Governor
to move the state forward.
He said the Governor's achievements in the education and health
sector including road constructions in virtually all the nooks and
crannies of the states are clear indications that he is doing
marvelously well urging him to continue.
With human capacity building Harrison said the state can get every
other thing, and implored the Governor to do more in the education
sector and commended the commissioner for education Hon. Allice
Lawrence Nemi for doing well while calling on the people of Rivers
State especially the teachers and the students to always remain law
abiding only that way he said the state can move forward and
appealed to the ministry of education and the ministry of youths
development to officially invite NAPPS to nominate members schools
to participate in children/Impendence day which happens every year,
by so doing he said private schools in the state can now feel among
al corners.
Page 13 News
NDDC To Build Capacities Of Teachers In Niger Delta
In a bid to improve the quality of teachers, who are regarded as
vital to the realization of school goals and objectives in the Niger
Delta Region, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is
organizing a capacity building workshop for core-subject teachers of
English Language, mathematics, and the sciences in the region.
NDDC Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha, who spoke in Port
Harcourt on the essence of the programme, said it has become
imperative since teachers play significant roles in the attainment
of the objectives of any educational system. He pointed out that the
quality of education in any society is dependent on the quality of
training teachers received, as they can only teach what they know.
“The services of teachers are indispensable to a nation”, he said,
since they influence the lives of pupils. It is a fact that poorly
trained teachers will produce poor professionals, hence the desired
need for this capacity building workshop organized by the NDDC”.
The programme, which will be a yearly even,t is aimed at reaching
out to all the teachers in the region, in order to build their
capacities.
The workshop which kicks-off in Calabar, Cross River State from
Monday, April 26 will run till May 25, with each of the nine states
that make up the region taking two days in turns.
Driven by the NDDC Directorate of Education, Health and Social
Services, the programme is in line with the education component of
the Regional Development Master Plan, and is aimed at improving and
motivating teachers in the region to deliver on their areas of
specialization with the intent to adequately prepare secondary
school leavers for university admission.
The theme of the workshop, which is “Knowledge Enhancement and
Pedagogical Training” is hinged on quality of good teaching and
basic teaching skills, effective methods of teaching languages,
pedagogical approaches to learning quantitative subjects,
measurement and evaluation of learning outcome, morality and
professional ethics, child/teacher monitoring and accountability.
While the programme is aimed at motivating and encouraging these
core-subject teachers, and also developing their effective teaching
skills, it is hoped that the capacities so developed will be
ploughed-back into teaching methods that will rekindle students'
interest and improve their performance in those subject areas.
It is hoped that at the end of the workshop, teachers will go back
better equipped and motivated to handle their tasks of teaching and
imparting knowledge in a more practical application and
functionality.
According to the guidelines for selection of teachers, nominated
teachers should possess a degree in any of the core-subject areas,
and a post-graduate diploma or degree in education. The nomination
which should be representative of all the senatorial districts in
each state of the region, should not be fewer than three
participants per school, in no fewer than 10 schools per senatorial
district, with preference to oil producing communities.
UBE Chairman Urges Contractors To Apply Diligence In Project
Execution
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
The Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education
Board Sir Alli Oruitemeka has called on contractors to ensure that
they mobilize to site as soon as fund is released to them urging
them to also apply diligence in the execution of projects pointing
out that their performance will determine their hope in future
contract and appealed to those who may not be fortunate at the end
of the exercise not to loose hope.
He made the appeal during the bid opening exercise for 2007, 2008
and 2009 FGN/UBE intervention fund projects construction of twenty
three 14 classroom blocks.
The Chairman who described the exercise as open and transparent said
the choice of the Board's open field as venue for the exercise was
in line with the anti-corruption campaign of the present
administration in the state and assured those that would emerge
successful at the end of the exercise that the board would ensure
early release of fund to any contractor whose job has been inspected
and certified and warned against use of substandard materials for
the job.
Speaking, Board member I Hon. Lucky Ugochukwu Worluh lauded all
those who took part in the bid exercise for their courage and
determination stressing that the present administration under Sir
Ali Oruitemeka is hinged on transparency, accountability and due
process which he said were in landed with the mission of the
Governor Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi while calling on the contractors to
ensure that they do a good job.
Responding Steve Agwor and Ijenta Ita on behalf of other bidders
thanked the board for carrying out a well organized bid opening
exercise describing it as open and transparent.
According to the board's acting Press Secretary Mr. Okechukwu
Geoffrey over two hundred contractors took part in the exercise.
Diobu Rebranding Project Kicks Off Soon
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
Be it, as it may, the plans to rebrand a once dreaded area called
Diobu in Port Harcourt has reached an advanced stage by a group
known as Diobu Rebranding Project Initiative.
Speaking to newsmen recently president of the group Mr. Joseph
Wokoma described Diobu as most peaceful and calm unlike before and
said by the special grace of God the coming into power of the
present administration under the able leadership of Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi peace has finally returned to Dibobu hither
to regarded as a dreaded area in Port Harcourt.
He said what the group plans to do is to sustain the peace in Diobu
pointing out that if Diobu is peaceful, virtually Port Harcourt and
the entire Rivers State will be peaceful as well.
According to him, the group came together to see how it could make
the youths of Diobu engage positively through football and to also
re-enact the old football rivalries they have in Diobu.
He said every human being is endowed with well over ten creative
abilities saying it takes the grace of God for one to discover what
God has given to him/her and maintained that in Diobu they have a
lot of talents that can give them money adding that for the time
being the group has decided to take up football first and expressed
happiness to the young and vibrant people that have come out
voluntarily to support them.
Mr. Wokoma has also thanked the UN POLAC representative in the State
Comrade Emmauel Nkweke for chosen to support the group.
Also speaking, secretary of Diobu rebranding project initiative Mr.
John Nnamdi Davidson described the coming of Amaechi as Governor of
the state as a welcome development as his coming has brought lasting
peace to Diobu pointing out that so many had died in Diobu as a
result of cultism, militancy armed robbery and other vices before
now.
Describing Diobu as the safest place in the world, Davidson said the
area is wearing a new face due to the fact that a lot of them have
learnt their lesson and would not want to go back to their old
lives.
He said the only way to help such people was to engage them
meaningfully stressing that the ideas of starting with football by
the group cannot be overemphasized as according to him football is
the spring board, through football he said, you can bring different
and diverse people together and described football as a unifying
force.
He maintained that the group wants to help the Governor return the
city to its former garden city status and commended the State Chief
Executive for his efforts in returning peace to Port Harcourt while
describing the Governor as the founder of peace in the state.
In an interview with newshound the UN POLAC representative in the
state Comrade Emmanuel Nkweke lauded the group for coming together
to rebranding a once dreaded area called Diobu and assured them of
POLAC support.
He said that with the return of peace to Diobu and environs the
Governor ought to be commended for doing a lot for the people and
described the Diobu rebranding project initiative as another talent
hunt which he said his organization (UN POLAC) would give the
fullest support.
Describing their project as noble Nkweke said in as much as their
aim is to engage the youths meaningfully UN POLAC would do
everything possible to assist the rebranding project.
Meanwhile, the group has also called on the present administration
for support as the rebranding project would go a long way to promote
the existing peace in the state and lauded the commissioner for
sports in the state Hon. Boma Iyayi for all his numerous
contributions toward sports development.
UN POLAC in short form means the United Nations Peace Hunters.
Others members of the Diobu rebranding project initiative includes
Binatari Kokoriko John Alaka, Azeruwa Worlu Zeph Ejeagwu, Thankedgod
Okoro and Thankgod Nsirima.
RSIEC Commences ICT
Training For Staff
By Okechukwu Geoffrey
The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has
commenced a six weeks Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
training for her staff, to enhance accuracy and eliminate fraud in
the forthcoming Local Government Area Election.
Declaring the programme open at the NIIT centre Port Harcourt the
commissioner in charge of administration and training Mrs. Florence
Amiesimaka advised staff to take seriously the training and apply it
before, during and after the election.
The commissioner who was represented by the Administrative Officer
of the Commission, Mr. Steve Orubienimigha said the Commission was
prepared to go along with the current trend of the nation in
reforming the electoral system.
The administrative officer further said that the success of the
Local Government polls would be pointer to the possibility of the
success of the 2011 general elections.
The ICT training which commenced on the 26th of April 2010 will end
on the 4th of June 2010.
Recall that the first ICT training organized by the commission was
attended by senior management staff, while the second batch, made up
of 33 staff, which includes electoral officers and other operational
staff, will last for six weeks.
A release signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Civic Education
Sam Woka revealed that the training is in earnest.
Page 15 News
Celebrations Galore As Oyigbo Council Boss Escapes Assassination
By Joe Kalu
The forces against the Oyigbo Local Government Council Chairman,
Hon. (Sir) Precious E. Oforji (JP) went the whole hug last week when
they went after his life, thereby escalating the building up towards
the next year's election in the area.
The council boss actually escaped death by the hair's breathe last
week Tuesday, April 27, 2010 in a desperate attempt by the allied
forces to kidnap him in order to break his courage.
And for the three awful days Chief Oforji stayed in the gallows, he
refused to cave in despite the torture.
Since his release late Friday night April 30, 2010 the country home
of the astute politician has been a Mecca of sorts for his party
supporters and well-wishers to commiserate with the family.
Some of the youths and widows, overwhelmed with joy at a point broke
into the street singing the Oforji praises and dancing around town
as they cursed the opposition forces for another failed attempt.
Free booze and food were declared by some happy members of the
jubilant crowd.
It was indeed celebration galore in around the council area to
herald the release of the amiable council boss.
In an interview the Hon. Oforji he described the development as a
horror experience he wouldn't wish even his enemy, but resigns his
fate to God for vengeance.
On what he was eating the Chairman said it was only water he
accepted from his abductors.
He also used the opportunity to express his gratitude to all and
sundry who empathized with the family during the period of their
grief and indeed those who contributed in one way or the other
towards his quick release.
For the three mournful days, our investigation revealed that the
palatial compound of 'Ejiezuo Aku Onu I of Oyigbo was turned into a
crusade ground for interdenominational prayers for the release of
their benefactor.
The most interesting aspect of the episode was the visit of the most
suspected conspirators who hardly masked their feeling of
accomplishment as they glanced around for any probing eyes.
And they all were in haste to ensure that they registered their
presence at the venue to erase any suspicious.
Even the renegade councilors of the council were quick to exonerate
themselves from the mess.
A call placed across to their leader Hon. Ernest Nwogu exposed this.
According to him “it is unfortunate what happened but we are not
involved in it as we had long settled our rift” he announced.
In a chat with this publication, Hon. Oforji's driver, Mr. Remy
Ezefule narrated the whole incidence to our reporter. He recalled
how they were returning from the Peoples Democratic Party meeting of
the council around 8.00pm when the kidnappers struck.
“We used the Prado Jeep and we were the only occupants of the
vehicle.
As we came in through the old Aba road into the nearby Chigbu Street
to negotiate into Ubani Street home of the Oforji's I noticed a
“Toyota Camry car that was almost blocking the junction”.
He recalled that as he made to meander through, the car shifted to
block them and sensing danger, he had to speed straight along the
Chigbu Street, an action which provoked the kidnappers to give them
a hot chase as they opened fire and aiming direct at the stubborn
occupants of the jeep.
Remy narrated that at a point he headed toward the swampy areas of
the area guessing that it would be hard for the kidnapper's car to
pass through there.
Unfortunately, there was a car that was coming out of the lane which
caused obstruction and in an attempt to avoid a headlong collision
had to hit an electric pole which demobilized the jeep and the
shooting kidnappers caught up with them.
While they were concentrating on their target the driver escaped
into the nearby gutter.
it was also worthy to note that the conspiracy was so strong that a
rain maker was allegedly consulted to ensure a heavy down pour to
coincide with the action to ensure that nobody dares to come out for
the distress cry.
Perhaps if the council boss had gone out with his personal security
aid popularly known as “Abacha' the story would have been different,
as he would have naturally resisted the criminals or attempted to
put a call across.
Our investigation further revealed that the kidnappers wasted no
time in blindfolding their victim and drove past his gate toward the
old Aba road and straight to their base at a thick forest located at
Abala Nkomini in Obioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State.
Though Mr. Solomon Nwangbu the Oyigbo council secretary admitted
that the council secretariat was thrown into mourning mood, the
development did not disturb the official duties.
He also admitted that it is an old belief that a thing like this
must have an in-house informant and described his boss as a
naturally free man who does not move around with security men
neither is he security conscious because he abhors harming anyone
and wondered why anybody would want to harm him.
The first lady of the council Lay Blessing Oforji was seen profusely
thanking God for returning her husband alive.
Another personal driver Chimex Nwobo a.k.a. “Lamba Lamba” and Osondu
the gateman to Oforji's house confessed that the 3 days without
their master around was like hell and also thanked God for his
deliverance and expressed excitement for his release.
The Oyigbo LG council had during the turbulent period released a
signed document to the press appealing to the abductors of their
boss to please release him unharmed while calling for calm on the
part of the people of Oyigbo while assuring that the situation was
under control.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SUPOL Rita Inoma-Abbe confirmed
the incidence, adding that the victim was released without any
ransom.
She however used the opportunity to appeal to the populace to always
help the police with useful information in their duty to combat
crime, noting that security is the responsibility of every body.
Rivers ANPP Hails Amaechi’s Court Victory
By Joe Kalu
Though the All Nigeria Peoples Party ANPP is in disarray for now, it
has congratulated the Rivers State Chief Executive, Rt. Hon.
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over his electoral victories at the
Appellant Court as well as the leadership Newspaper Award bestowed
on him describing it as victory of the Rivers people.
According to Hon. Sunny Dikeh, former ANPP gubernatorial candidate
in the state 'even if there was fresh election the Governor's
performance was enough to guarantee him victory any day, any time.
Hon. Dikeh who is a member of the State Economic Advisory Council,
EAC barred his mind in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt pointing
out that he was not sure he would have performed better as governor.
On Chief Bekinbo Soberekon the appellant Dikeh said though it was
good he exhausted himself as Amaechi believes in the rule of law,
but that he was not sure Soberekon went the whole hug because he
hates Amaechi, stressing that some people were pushing him.
Hon. Dikeh used the opportunity to eulogize Governor Amaechi
“Amaechi is an intelligent young man every Rivers person is supposed
to be proud of, not because he is an Ikwerre man; pointing out that
it is the desire of every old man like himself for the younger ones
to outgrow him.
He declared that Amaechi will continue to have more victories
provided he continues on the part he is threading.
On the activities of the EAC the ANPP stalwart disclosed that the
council is working hard to ensure that Rivers State shifts her
dependence solely on oil as an economic base and expressed happiness
that Governor Amaechi listens to advice.
On whether he too is considering cross-carpeting into the ruling
party, PDP, Hon. Dikeh made it clear that he does not intend to do
so even though he is under pressure to defect.
“My pre-occupation is to re-organize and revive my party the ANPP
for next year's general election adding it is dangerous for
democracy for everyone to join one party”.
He noted that though the opposition party provides the democratic
tonic of checks and balances to the ruling party, there was not much
to criticize in Rivers State as the Government is doing marvelously
well.
He lamented however that the opposition parties in Nigeria are not
encouraged by the system because according to him money is needed to
oppose the government especially providing constructive criticism
through the media.
The astute politician stated that until the opposition is encouraged
the country will not make any progress.
Hon. Dikeh used the opportunity to assure the Governor of the
support and encouragement of the opposition parties in the state but
advised him to put more effort in the provision of jobs for the
teeming unemployed youths.
He regretted that the Federal Government has failed in its amnesty
programme and called on the Acting President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan
to diligently implement all the post amnesty programmes.
He also condemned a situation where the Federal Government will
bring the ex-militants to Rivers State and abandon them in the name
of rehabilitation, pointing out that the concept of disarming and
rehabilitating the ex-militant youths was that of Governor Amaechi
which he completed successfully.
“When you forced out the youth from the creeks, condemning what they
were doing it is only pertinent they are provided with alternative
arrangement to keep lives going”.
“Teach them how to fish and not providing them with fish and they
will always come back again or be tempted to return to status quo”,
he noted.
On electoral reform in the country, the ANPP chieftain said that in
as much as it is good especially at the national level in our quest
for free and fair election the Rivers State Governor has vowed to
stamp out rigging in its entire ramification and to ensure that
everyone's vote counts a development which he said they believe.
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