Vol 8 No 24  July 20 -26  2010

Page 2 Editorial

The Ordeal of The Abducted Journalists

On Saturday July 11, 2010, four journalists were abducted at Ukpabiri, a border town between Abia and Akwa Ibom States while they were returning to Lagos after a congress meeting in Akwa-Ibom State.

The journalists were released in the early hours of Sunday, July 18, 2010, after 8 days in captivity.

The released journalists were flown to Lagos aboard a chattered flight provided by the Rivers State Government.

It should equally be pointed out that the Abia State Government provided the Police the logistics necessary to maintain a sustained search of the abducted journalists.

However, there are certain posers the BEAM wishes to draw attention to. One is the statement credited to the kidnappers that they were not after money but to draw attention to below performance of the Abia State Government.

We want to ask how and when kidnappers or any Nigerian for that matter became interested in how his state is governed as to resort to kidnapping to draw attention to it.

Again, how come the kidnappers decided to choose journalists? How did they know that the journalists had a Congress Meeting in Akwa-Ibom State?

Above all that the freed journalists revealed that from their assessment, the kidnappers had high political connection.

So, we ask - who are the political enemies of the Abia State Governor who would want to rubbish his administration through abduction?

That is a clue for the security agencies.

Page 3 RSG News

3-years Jail Term For Extortionists In Rivers…as Amaechi signs 5-bills into law

To protect property developers, and those who do businesses in the state, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has formally signed the Rivers State Land Use Prohibition and Extortion Bill No. 5 of 2010 into Law.

The Law prescribes among other things three years imprisonment without an option of fine, for anyone found culpable of contravening the provisions of the Law, which according to the Governor is pro-business oriented.

Governor Amaechi who assented to the Law and four others in Port Harcourt said he would personally oversee the implementation of the Law to check the activities of those who disturb property owners, or sell a parcel of land to two or more persons.

According to him, “we need to send some people to prison to allow for operation of free business activities in the state, adding, “people are running away because of all these unnecessary things”, which bear all shades of names like “matching ground, bush entry, youth & community levy etc”.

The Governor disclosed that he would soon set up a Committee comprising of Lawyers from the Ministry of Justice, Police Officers and Military Officers, that would go round the state looking for people who are trying to stop those engaged in business activities, while the office of the Attorney General would harmonize all existing tax laws in the state to avoid double taxation.

On the Rivers State Statistics Law, which was a private member bill, Governor Amaechi said it would help to take care of the problems of lack of accurate date in our system, adding, no proper planning can take place without adequate statistics, emphasizing that “figures and data appears to be a problem in the country, and we were happy when we learnt that the Assembly had initiated such a bill”.

Governor Amaechi said he was excited over the Finance Control and Management Law, which he said would make for accountability, and challenged the State Assembly to pass the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, which was sent to them many months ago, which is geared to further check corruption in the state.

The Governor thanked the Speaker of the State Assembly and members of the House for their Commitment towards the passage of the Laws that had been signed, and expressed hope that it would help to promote development in the state.

The five bills signed into Law include Rivers State University of Education Amendment Law No. 2 of 2010, State Statistics Law No. 3 of 2010, Land use Prohibition and Extortion Law No. 5 of 2010, Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Law No. 6 of 2010, and Rivers State Finance Control and Management Law 2010.

...Wants Rotary To Partner With Government To Move Nigeria Forward

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on Rotary International to collaborate with government in service delivery in a bid to move the country forward.

Governor Amaechi stated this, Saturday, during the installation of Sir Gabriel George Toby as the Governor of Rotary International District 9140 for 2010  2011 at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt.

The governor lauded the organization for its services to humanity and urged the new District Governor to partner with the Rivers State Government in its effort to build a Mother and Child hospital in the state.

He explained that the collaboration would enable Rotary professionals and Ministry of Health officials exchange ideas on how best to run the hospital which the government may handover to the organization for effective management.

The State Chief Executive commended Rotary for its focus on eradication of polio in the country, noting that “Rivers State is polio free” but would expect support in fighting maternal mortality which is prevalent in the state.

Governor Amaechi, who described Sir Toby the immediate past Deputy Governor of Rivers State as a respectable gentleman, congratulated him on his installation as the new Governor of Rotary International 9140, and enjoined him to attract more rotary projects to the State during his tenure.

Speaking after his investiture as Governor of Rotary International District 9140, Sir Gabriel Toby said Rotary was not a charitable organization but its activities exemplify the charity and sacrifices that one should expect from people who believe that they have a moral responsibility to help others.

He thanked the organization for the confidence reposed in him, leading to his installation as their Governor for the next rotary year and promised not to disappoint them.

The new District Governor said the emphasis for the rotary year is the eradication of polio in Nigeria and disclosed that the President of Rotary International would be in the country in September to attend a summit on the eradication of polio.

He commended the State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his support and that of the State Executive Council for honouring him with their presence, stressing that his tenure would put Rotary 4 way Test bill boards in strategic places within the District.

Decorating Sir Gabriel Toby, the out gone District Governor Mr Uduak Inyang outlined some of his achievements within the one year tenure while extolling the qualities of his successor who had been in the organization for 35 years.

Mrs Amaechi Hails Journalists Release

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi has expressed appreciation to God and other individuals including organizations that have contributed to the release of four journalists kidnapped in Abia State.

Mrs Amaechi in a statement signed by her Media Assistant, Dike Bekwele said the release of the journalists is a welcome development and added that rejoining their families will heal all wounds.

According to her, “I received the news of the release of the four journalists with so much joy in my heart. Their release is a welcome development and will heal all wounds”, Mrs Amaech said.

She advised journalists to intensify efforts toward finding lasting solution to the rising cases of kidnapping and enjoined the perpetrators to repent from their unholy act or face the wrath of God.

Page 5 Cover News

Page 8 News

Abia Govt. Accuses Monarch Of Kidnapping

Following the kidnap of four journalists in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State, the Abia State Government has dethroned the traditional ruler of Amauba-Ime Oboro autonomous community, Eze Vincent Okezie Uche for his alleged role in the kidnap.

In a statement made available to newsmen the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa stated that the decision to dethrone Eze Okezie Uche followed security reports of his involvement in sponsoring series of kidnappings and armed robberies in the state.

His words: “In response to the kidnap saga of the journalists, the Abia State Government has dethroned Eze Vincent Okezie Uche.

He is presently under arrest and has been charged to court for sponsoring kidnappings and armed robbery”.

The government also wants to use this opportunity to inform the general public that the following traditional rulers, namely, Okechukwu Atulobi of Osusu Abala Autonomous community, Nwabiaraje Eneogwe of Abayi autonomous community and Eze S. Onwukwee of Abala Ibeme autonomous community, all of Obingwa LGA in the state have been suspended as traditional rulers of their communities”.

Last week, four journalists including the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Wahab Oba were kidnapped in Obingwa Local Government of Abia State.

Following the release of the journalists from the kidnappers den, Emereuwa stated that the government’s decision to suspend the three traditional rulers came as a result of security reports of their involvement in sponsoring crime for which they are currently under investigation.

He further warned that the government was not going to fail in dealing with anyone suspected to be involved in any form of crime.

“The state government wants to assure the entire citizens that it will not stop at anything to eradicate the shameful menace of robbery and kidnapping in the state as any person suspected to be behind this ugly vocation will be seriously dealt with,” he stated. 

Tompolo Wants Jonathan, Uduaghan In 2011

By Our Correspondent

Former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, has said that the only way the Federal Government would win the hearts of repentant former fighters, who are undergoing training at Obubra camp in Cross River State, and sustain the post-amnesty programme, was for it to provide jobs for skilled former militants, who had successfully completed the non-violence training.

Tompolo, who said that nobody should prevent President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State from contesting the 2011 presidential and governorship elections respectively, if they so desired, noted that in the case of President Jonathan, people should cease from distracting him from his programmes.

Tompolo, who was escorted by Mobile policemen, spoke at Ogulagha community, his maternal home in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, weekend, where he was treated to a reception by the people for his contributions to the liberation of the region.

He spoke through his Media Consultant, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo. He said, “non- violence training on itself cannot give confidence, what will give confidence is provision of jobs for the skilled among the graduands. This will spur others to go for the training without doubt in their minds.”

“I want everybody to support the President to develop the whole country. People should not distract him with calls that he cannot contest the 2011 election. He needs to be focused to deliver.

We want rapid development and he should treat every region the same way so that there will be no insinuations that he is focusing on his region alone. I don't want him to lose focus of the Niger Delta question and to remember too that he is from here.”

“We should know that it is the electorate through their votes that can stop the President from contesting the elections.

If they want him back, they will vote for him. It is not for some people to decide alone,” he added.

On Governor Uduaghan's second term bid, he said, “if he wants to run for a second term, the constitution grants it, he is free to run, no one has the right to stop him, he is a Nigerian.”

Awuse Rejoins PDP

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Chief Sergeant Chidi Awuse has so far given enough reasons why he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last Saturday at his ward in Emohua.

According to Chief Awuse, things have changed, and there is every indication that the gospel of one man one vote preached by the Jonathan-led government may definitely work out, pointing out that as a founding father of the party in Rivers State he felt it was ideal to return to the party.

He said he has retuned to the party to help his council Chairman Engineer  Emeka Woke conduct a free and fair election in the LGA as well as his brother (Governor) Amaechi at the state level and Goodluck Jonathan at the federal level to actualize the one man one vote election next year.  

On whether he will contest the governorship election in 2011, Chief Awuse declined comment as he never gave any reasonable answer to that effect.

It would interest the public to note that Chief Sergeant Awuse is a founding member of the PDP in the state and has contested the governorship seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and lastly the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), all without success.

Chief Awuse's return last Saturday to the largest political party in Africa was celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry by the people of Emohua, especially the political heavy weights in the area as majority of them, who were present during the cross-carpeting described Awuse's action as a landmark achievements in the political history of Emohua and the state at large.

The Bulldozer as he is popularly called is one politician in the state that has made enviable records going by his political qualities and doggedness as many have chosen to go by the names Awuse, Sergeant and the bull, when it comes to any serious fight.

You will recall that Chief Awuse left the PDP due to what many called unpardonable behaviours of the party stalwarts in the state who also made it extremely difficult for him to emerge victorious in all his endeavours.

While some have described his rejoining the PDP as a welcome development, some persons who spoke to our correspondent on the issue accused him of having yielded to the governor's plea as a way of working out modalities for the Governor's second tenure.

There is no denying the fact that the bulldozer may have decided to decamp to the PDP due to the Governor's wonderful performance within few years in office.

On whether Awuse will later contest the brick house comes 2011 remains a million dollar question begging for immediate answer. 

Page 9 News

Ciroma Says Zoning Will Ensure Stability

By Our Correspondent

A former Minister of Finance and foundation member of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Mallam Adamu Ciroma has shed light on why leaders of the Northern Political Leaders Forum, (NPLF) which he is a member are insisting on adherence to the party's zoning formula.

Ciroma in an interview with new-men  maintained that the zoning arrangement was to create political stability and not just for regional interests.

"Zoning and rotation mean that in the South there are three zones, in the North there are three zones. It is expected according to this arrangement that the presidency would rotate according to the zones in the North and in the South. It is not a selfish arrangement"

His remarks appear a strong indication that in spite of the recent summit of Northern leaders held in Kaduna where they declared support for President Goodluck Jonathan, a section of the North will not support the President's possible desire to contest the 2011 presidential poll.

He asked those against zoning to remember that when ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo attempted to circumvent zoning in 2006, he failed

"Well, the decision as regards zoning for the PDP is very clear. General Olusegun Obasanjo was made a presidential candidate of PDP on the basis of zoning and the zoning agreement or understanding was that presidential candidate from the South will do eight years and a presidential candidate from the North will do eight years.

"And this matter was reaffirmed during Obasanjo's presidency and everybody knows about it. Yar'Adua was nominated to become the presidential candidate on the basis of this zoning arrangement. And as you all know he died.

"What we are saying is that since there is this agreement, this agreement should be fulfilled and the agreement was made before Obasanjo became president. It was made before Yar'Adua became president. It was made before Jonathan became president. The purpose of zoning was to create political stability. It is not just for North-South."

He said it is not out of place that the nation's political landscape has been heated up because of moves to alter the zoning arrangement.

He said instead of altering the zoning by ambush method, it would be better it is revisited through discussion.

He said: "When ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo tried to circumvent it, the polity was heated and at the end he did not succeed. Now, there is an attempt to circumvent zoning, you should naturally expect the political system to be heated.

"But it is a matter in which the PDP as a party has got to formally discuss and reach an agreement. Presently there are people who want the zoning thing set aside. And we are saying that zoning arrangement should continue.

"It is very vital for the PDP to sit down and discuss which of the views will prevail. Which of the views will be used in 2011? It is not enough for people for people to say it has been breached. It is not enough to say that because of the breaches, therefore it doesn't exist. Or for some people to say that the decision was taken at some advisory meeting. All these are not enough.

He said it absolutely vital for the PDP to re-discuss the issue if they want it changed. He argued that there are people in PDP who want the zoning and rotation thing set aside. Such people, he insists, they must bring the issue to the fore for formal discussion in the party and a party position taken.

2011: Mrs Jonathan Tasks Govs Wives On More Representatives

Nigeria's First Lady Mrs Patience Goodluck Jonathan has charged wives of Governors of the 36 states to stem up actions towards the political empowerment of women in 2011 as well as join the crusade against kidnapping and hostage taking in the country.

Mrs. Jonathan stated this over the weekend during the flag off of women for change initiative in Abuja.

She said women are agent of change and possess the propensity to develop the economic well being of the people.

Mrs. Jonathan said the success of the women's quest for political emancipation and actualization of the 35 percent affirmative action on elective and appointive positions in various states depends on the ability of the governors wives to mobilize the support of their husbands towards these goals

According to her, “the success of this effort depends on the wives of the governors to ensure that more women get nominated and elected in 2011 election through the instrumentality of their husbands”.

Nigerian First Lady who condemned the high rate of kidnapping cases in the country charged the women to intensify efforts in stamping out the menace adding that the kidnappers are born of mothers.

Minister for women affairs and social development Mrs. Josephine Anenih said the women have opportunity now than ever to have more representative in governance.

In her contribution, wife of the Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi who went biblical said the women's effort will receive a boost through the support of God and stating that women agitation for 35 percent affirmative action which goes beyond religious inclination and tribe has brought unity among the Nigerian women.

She charged Nigerian women to explore the new found love and unity among them to take their pride of place in the national gender agenda.

She expressed the willingness of the governors wives to help in actualizing the 35 percent affirmative action.

Awuse Declares In Emolga Ward 4

By  Our Correspondent

The leader of Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Emohua Local Government Area and member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, National Assembly Abuja, Chief Hon. Andrew Uchendu has assured old members and new decampies to PDP of level play ground in 2011 general election.

Chief Uchendu who is one of the founding father of PDP in the state, stated this when the former DPP Governorship candidate in Rivers State, Chief Sergeant Awuse and his supporters formally declared for the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Ward 4, Emohua Local Government Area.

The law maker said the party is ready to embrace new members who are interested and ready to contribute to the development of the party and state government programmes.

He also said the party register is open to both old and new members of the party

In his declaration speech, the leader of DPP in the State Chief Sergeant Awuse thanked and pledged his loyalty to the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the LGA for their magnanimity in accepting him and his supporters to the ruling party.

Awuse further assured the party leader of his contributions to the growth and development of the party in the local government area and the state at large.

EFCC Probes N42Bn In Ogun State

By Our Correspondent

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has launched a fresh probe into alleged mismanagement of about N41.7billion by the Ogun State Government.

The latest investigation of officials in the administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel is the second in the last two months.

The commission had in June began investigation of alleged diversion and mismanagement of N30billion allocated to the 28 Local Government Areas in the state in 2009.

The new list of allegations however border on illegal debt servicing, diversion of loan, fraudulent procurement and abuse of contingency and miscellaneous votes.

According to findings, a six-man team has been raised by the Chairman of the EFCC, Mrs. Farida Waziri, to look into the allegations against the state.

The panel at its sitting on Thursday identified the allegations and compiled a list of top officials of the Ogun State government that might be interrogated.

Page 11 News

Kidnappings: IGP Freezes Police Promotions In South East

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

As hard times awaits kidnappers in all the states of the South East Nigeria, so also members of the Police Force in the zone have been told to forget any manner of promotion should kidnappers be allowed free hands to operate in the area.

The Inspector General of Police Mr. Ogbonnaya  Onovo issued this threat during a meeting he held with members of the Police Force, Governors of south east, traditional rulers and the stakeholders regarding the recent abduction of the four journalists who were returning from Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State Capital, shortly after their congress meeting.

Mr. Onovo also tasked the Chief Executives of the states and the traditional rulers to henceforth ensure that the act of kidnapping was checkmated pointing out that the abduction of the journalists has sent a wrong signal to the international communities that the country is not safe.

The I.G particularly described Abia and Imo as the two states where kidnapping is pronounced and called on them to track down the monster or else the Police maybe pushed to the wall.

Meanwhile, the Beam checks has revealed that the four abducted journalists have been released in the early hours of Sunday and have since rejoined members of their families.

The freed journalists have thanked all Nigerians for all their efforts throughout the period they were in the hands of their abductors stressing that the prayers offered by Nigerians no doubt, led to their freedom.   

However, one of the freed journalists Mr. Wahab Oba, Chairman Lagos Council, has told his colleagues their experiences in the hands of the kidnappers.

According to him they were taken from one forest to another and said that the kidnappers told them they were not after the journalists but government.

It will interest the public to note that the news about the release of the abducted journalists was greeted with joy by Journalists all over the country.

Journalists throughout Nigeria have expressed happiness to all Nigerians who stood by them during the period while thanking the President Goodluck Jonathan and the I.G. of Police Ogbonnaya Onovo whom they said worked tirelessly to enhance their timely release of the abducted journalists.

Be it, as it may, the Senate President, David Mark has appealed to journalists in the country not to be deterred in the good job they are doing and condemned the recent abduction of their colleagues describing it as unacceptable, barbaric and painful adding that the present administration will do everything possible to stem the trend.

Rivers Teachers Shun National Strike

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

For the first time in the history off teachers in Rivers State, every pressure, persuasion and inducement by the national body (NUT) to embark on strike in the state has proved abortive as the teachers have vowed not to engage in such action.

Speaking to newsmen in Port Harcourt recently the state Chairman of NUT Chief Moses Adiela (JP) said teachers in the state had no reason whatsoever to embark on strike since according to him, the present administration in the state had done a lot on the welfare of teachers visavis education sector.

He maintained that the Union in the state is proud and bold to tell the whole world that Governor Amaechi has been able to put smiles on the faces of teachers in Rivers State and appealed to all the teachers to remain dedicated to their duties assuring them that the Governor is determined to give them what they are due for.

Chief Adiela who also is a board member in the State Universal Basic Education Board further said that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector by Governor Amaechi has brought succor and pride to the teaching profession, saying right now young graduates in the state are presently looking for teaching opportunities unlike before where a lot of them saw the profession as a curse rather than blessing.

He maintained that the union would continue to collaborate with government in the state to give teachers all the needed attention stressing that they have no reason at all to go on strike.

The NUT boss used the medium to appeal to some states in the country where teachers are being neglected to turn a new leaf and copy from Governor Amaechi’s symbiotic relationship with teachers in Rivers State.

He particularly thanked the Governor for working so hard especially in the education sector and assured him of the teachers support at all times.

Akpabu Women Visit Mrs. Woke

Okechukwu Geoffrey

Akpabu women under the umbrella of Ikwerre Women Forum (IWF) recently paid a courtesy visit to the wife of the Emohua Local Government Chairman Mrs. Grace Chukwuemeka Woke.

Speaking during the visit, leader of the team, Mrs. Blessing Richard Amadi reiterated the women’s resolve to support the present administration in all ramifications pointing out that they were in the Emohua First Lady’s house to solicit her support and assistance.

The women leader who spoke through Mrs. Juliet Jaja Dimkpa noted with regret that the Akpabu wing of IWF have been neglected in some of the programmes of her Excellency (Dame Judith Amaechi) such as the ESI and IWF and appealed to Mrs. Woke to come to their aid by ensuring that they were given a sense of belonging.

She thanked Mrs. Woke for all her role in the empowerment of Emolga women and promised that the women of Akpabu would always work with her for the overall good of the people.

The Akpabu IWF also used the opportunity to commend the Emohua council boss for the good work he is doing in the LGA and assured him of their unalloyed support and prayed God to continually protect him and his entire family.

In a related development, the Ikwerre Women Forum-Akpabu branch have thanked the political leader of Emohua Chief Andrew Igbonule Uchendu for carrying Akpabu community along.

Describing Chef Uchendu as a man of the people, the women said the country would be a better place if people like Uchendu should be allowed to steer the ship of the nation and lauded the present administration in the state under the able leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for given                  people like Chief Uchendu the opportunity to serve his people at the federal level.

The women maintained that the Amaechi-led government has done a lot for Akpabu community adding that the people will continue to hold his administration in high esteem and enjoined the people of Rivers State to join hands with the Governor to move the state forward as they have also pledged their support to the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Doctors Strike Cause More Deaths in UPTH

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Before now, patients of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have complained of attitudes of doctors, nurses and cleaners working in the hospital through the pages of newspapers.

However, the ongoing strike of resident doctors all over the country appears to worsen their situation as some patients have died because of the conspicuous absence of doctors in the hospital.

While some are groaning in pains due to lack of attention, some of the patients who spoke to this medium through their relatives said since the strike began you hardly could find any doctor around the hospital while the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital have remained invisible.

They maintained that the nurses whose  attitudes was nothing to write home about before the strike, now use the opportunity  to maltreat patients especially locking the toilet and the bathroom not to talk of the  hospital wards that have remained unkept overtime.

The people who spoke under the conditions of anonymity however called on the Federal Government to wade into the matter and ensure that they give to the doctors their due entitlements pointing out that since the strike began, so many patients have died because of the strike.

They wondered how long the leaders would continue to treat issues relating to doctors with utmost levity knowing full well that the importance of doctors in every nation cannot be overemphasized.

They appealed to President Jonathan to give approval to some of these demands especially the ones that have to do with human lives.

“How can Jonathan contest next year’s election when certain things that require his urgent intervention are looked down upon, infact, he should convince Nigerians that he has come to make a difference, if not he has not done anything to deserve any commendations, ever since he assumed the mantle of leadership of this great nation the people averred.

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Timothy Nsirim-Changing The Face Of Obio/Akpor LG.

… Cautions  Youths On Militancy And Violence

It was a full hall, at the expansive council secretariat of the Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State when the Executive Chairman, Prince Timothy Nsirim, cautioned the youths against acts inimical to the people of the local government and the state in general. It was more or less, security meeting which saw the coming together of the youth leaders of the various communities that make up the second largest and one of the most vibrant local government areas of the country.

The Chairman in his opening speech, condemned ht spate of violence which has resulted to the cases of kidnap in the state. He said though the present administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi has drastically stemmed the activities of cultists and militants in the state, he said it was important for the youths in the area to support the efforts of the Governor, to help stamp out the vice which has denied the state of being the best in the country.

Prince Nsirim reeled out some of the causes of insecurity in the area, and called on the youths to strengthen their relationship with the Community Development Committees (CDC) and the traditional rulers.

He also emphasized on the need for enumeration of houses in the area.

In his own speech, the Chief Security Officer of Obio/Akpor LGA said security is important for a peaceful atmosphere for business in the state as the LGA occupies a major place in the geographical location of the state. He also called for the sensitization of the youths and called for closer ties amongst the people irrespective of their political affiliation.

The CSO condemned the attitude of those who bring mercenaries to attack political opponents, thereby causing mayhem in the area. On the issue of employment, he advised the companies operating in the area to meet with the traditional rulers and not the youths.

He also warned against the disruption of construction work at the sites as this leads to loss of jobs and employment which eventually results to criminality.

At the end of the security meeting, the Council Chairman read out what may be described as a riot act to the youths. Prince Nsirim charged the youths to form vigilante groups in their different communities with the help of the traditional leaders, opinion leaders and CDCs to checkmate criminal activities.

He said the era of division after election is gone and urged the youths to close ranks.

The council boss asked the youths to always consult the council before any youth election in the communities, while ensuring that all youth bodies are registered with the council.

He said a database will be established for easier communication.

Continuing, Prince Timothy Nsirim urged the youths to support all government projects in the communities, and not to allow vandals to cannibalize projects in the area. He regretted that over 300 boreholes installed by the former Chairman, Chief Nyesom Wike have all been vandalized, resulting to lack of potable water in the area.

He also warned the youths to desist from the issue of ‘matching ground’ as it is now prohibited. He said it was sad that youths demand land rates, building permits and all sorts of levies from contractors executing government projects meant for the development of the state.

The council boss said only authorized revenue agents are allowed to collect revenue which is to be paid into the council account while such agents receive their commission.  

He urged the youths to say No to extortion and short-changing of the council.

The ebullient Chairman further said that the Skills Acquisition centres have been provided for the engagement and employment of youths He said there is a solar powered energy at the centres to ensure that there is no power failure. The Chairman regretted the apathy on the part of the youths whom he charged to seize the opportunity of training in the areas of wiring, dyeing, computer, hair-dressing and sewing.

He declared that the council owns the biggest Fish farm in the state. Continuing, the Chairman also revealed that soon, competition of the Chairman’s cup in football would begin while he urged the youths to take active participation.

While also explaining the activities and achievements of his administration Prince Nsirim said that in the area of Education over fifty Law School students have received the sum of N200,000 each while he is still expecting the medical students on housemanship to come up for theirs. He said an indigene of the LGA who is studying piloting in South Africa is also under their sponsorship.

The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the building of an international market in the East of the Niger. He said the commissioning of the first phase of the market at Rupkokwu would be in December 2010.

The market consists of 3000 stores, while 400 lock-up shops and 400 open-lock-up stores will be commissioned first.

There are also plans to build the best mechanized abbattoir in the market.

The Chairman regretted that the pace of work was slowed down because of the time and the beaureacratic bottlenecks involved in acquiring 250 plots of land from the people, due to lack of space in the already congested LGA.

During the question and answer session, there were issues raised by some youths in the payment of bursary allowances to students from the area, unemployment issues as it affects indigenes of the area and lack of projects in Rumukwurushi community.

The Chairman said he stopped the payment of bursary due to fraud, as there is no genuine list of students. He reminded the youths that though bursary is not compulsory, but he decided to embark on it, as a way of assisting indigent students. The Chairman promised to revisit the issue. He also said employment can only be addressed in a peaceful atmosphere as some sell their chances in the companies to outsiders. He charged the youths to take advantage of the employment opportunities currently going on at the Federal Civil Service and the NYSC.

In his vote of thanks, the leader of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. Martin Amaewhule commended the past and present government on the construction of roads in the area, as well as housing program, provision of water and the presence of UBE schools in the area. The leader also told the youths that Obio/Akpor is the only LGA where the councilors have embarked on ward projects.

He urged the youths to give the Chairman the needed support as he has promised to support the employment of the youths who have applied for jobs with their letters of recommendation.   
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