Paged 2 Editorial

Anambra Guber Polls: Democracy's First Steps. - view in PDF

On Saturday, 6 February, 2010, the attention of the whole of Nigeria and the international community was riveted to Anambra State. The reason was the gubernatorial election in that state. Every Nigerian and the international community wanted to know how the election would unfold because it was believed that whatever happened in Anambra would be a sign of what to expect in 2011 General Elections.

The profile of the gladiators were so intimidating that everyone wished for the worst but prayed for the best.

An incumbent Governor, Peter Obi contested with an ex-Governor Chris Ngige as well as Andy Uba who won the gubers elections in 2007 but was thrown out by the courts.

A former Governor of the Central Bank, Chukwuma Soludo was also there.

However, the police rose to the occasion. There were over 20 000 policemen drafted from several parts of the country. Prior to the election, the Inspector General of Police Mr. Ogbonnaya Onovo accepted the request of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Philemon Leha to post 50 Anti Riot Police Units to the state.

The plan was to have at least five police officers and men in each of 4, 653 polling booths.

The result was that the figures released by INECs Resident Electoral Commissioner Josiah Uwazuronye appeared very realistic.

Peter Obi scored 97, 843 votes to beat Ngige's 60, 240 votes. Soludo scored 59,355 votes.

The Beam sees this as a sharp contrast to the 'Carry Go' syndrome Nigerians are used to. In such cases, figures are announced in millions, even when every one knows that Nigerian's hardly come out to vote.

Another encouraging trend was that there was no “order from above” to deliver a particular candidate.

The signal is that our Democracy is at last beginning to walk. We commend the Police for not succumbing to orders from above. Let other states borrow a leaf from the Anambra example. 

Paged 3 RSG News

Governor Amaechi Tasks Ogbakiri, Rumuekpe People On Peaceful Co-Existence

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has again warned that communities in the state that foment trouble will be denied developmental projects.

Governor Amaechi handed down the warning on Monday while rendering an account of his stewardship to the people of Emohua Local Government Area, during his Town Hall meeting at Emohua, Headquarters of the Local Government Area.

The Governor particularly tasked the people of Ogbakiri that was once ravaged by intra-communal crisis, to turn in their remaining guns in exchange for basic amenities such as roads to come to their area, assuring however that he would provide the community with electricity in keeping with his earlier promise.

Concerning Rumuekpe Community, the State Chief Executive blamed them for their crisis and promised to hold a meeting with the community in conjunction with the Ogbakor Ikwerre Convention to chat a way forward.

 “Rumuekpe people caused their problem themselves, you chose to burn down your houses and kill your people in the name of chieftaincy and oil money” the governor emphasized.

Governor Amaechi who pointed out that Emohua Local Government has the highest number of model primary schools being built by the state government across the state, further disclosed that Emohua has also benefitted from road projects, Health centres and various categories of government's local and foreign scholarships.

Worried by the delay in the execution of some on-going projects in the area, the governor directed all contractors who have not completed their projects to return to site or face unpleasant consequences.

He stated that the days when contractors collected money and abandon projects were over, and directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure regular monitoring of the primary school projects.

Responding to questions during an interactive session, Governor Amaechi advised people of the state especially women to avail themselves of the model health centres, so that diseases such as cervical cancer can be detected at the centres, and promised to provide potable water for the  Ubimini Community to safe the lives of residents.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff, Government House, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike said the essence of the Town Hall meeting was to create opportunity for the people to interact with the Governor, and for the Governor to brief the people on the projects executed in their area.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Council, Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, said the people of the area had suffered unprecedented infrastructural decay, youth restiveness and communal crisis in the past, and thanked Governor Amaechi for the developmental projects embarked upon in the areas.

Mr Woke explained that his Council has within the limits of available resources complemented the state government by striving to bring dividends of democracy to the people through the initiation of projects that have direct bearing on the people.

 The Governor and members of his entourage had earlier paid a courtesy visit on the Emohua Council of Chiefs.

RSG To Construct Ahoada, Omoku, Egbema Road As Birthday Gift To Chief Ake

Rivers State Government says it would construct the Ahoada-Omoku-Egbema road up to the boundary with Imo State and present to Chief Godpower Ake as his birthday gift.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gave this indication on Sunday at a reception marking the 70th birthday of the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Ake at Erema in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The governor said there would be no better birthday present to Chief Ake than to construct the road which he personally requested for, noting that the state government would approach the federal government for permission to embark on it as the road belongs to the federal government.

He appealed to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to construct the Erema Road and urged the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Council Chairman to name the road after Chief Ake in recognition of his contributions to the development of the area.

The State Chief Executive said he would remain grateful to Chief Ake for the role he played in his life, including supporting his governorship ambition, particularly urging him to have faith in God.

Governor Amaechi, who described the PDP Chairman as an honest man, noted that despite the discipline inculcated in him by his parents, part of the things he gained from Chief Ake as a young man was honesty in all his dealings.

Governor Amaechi used the occasion to announce the recognition of the Eze Egi stool as a second class status, pointing out that the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice has been directed to commence processing necessary documentations to enable the incumbent on the stool occupy his rightful place in the State Traditional Rulers Council.

In his speech, the National Chairman of the PDP, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor, described Chief Godpower Ake as a worthy officer of the party who has stamped his feet on the sands of time.

Chief Ogbulafor who was the Chairman of the occasion, said all that the celebrant needed as a man of 70 was to register his achievements so that he would be remembered when he is no more, and prayed God to grant him more years to continue to provide the leadership that others would emulate.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee of Friends, the PDP National Organizing Secretary, Prince Uche Secondus highlighted three areas from which Chief Ake derived his strength which are truth, humility and service to the people.

Responding, the celebrant, Chief Godpower Ake said one thing that endeared him to Governor Amaechi was his sense of objectivity.

He explained that “when some persons complained that Governor Amaechi is too erratic and proud, I tell them that they do not understand the type of person he is, because he is a man who does not know how to hide his feelings”.

Chief Ake who noted that he started life from a humble beginning as a bricklayer said he never knew that God was using such challenge to prepare him as a human builder, and thanked Governor Amaechi and all those who graced the occasion for the honour done him.

Earlier, during the open air thanksgiving service, Reverend Umezurike Dimkpa said it was God that appoints people into positions of trust, and urged leaders to work towards fulfilling God's purpose for their positions.

Highlights of the event include the conferment of a Chieftaincy tile of Okpara of Orashi, meaning the first son of the Orashi region on Chief Godpower Ake, cutting of the birthday cake, cultural display from various Local Government Areas across Rivers State.   

Paged 5 Cover News

80 Days Without  A President:  Ohaneze Ndigbo Rallies Behind Jonathan

By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe

Weary of the unending political impasse in the country, the apex Igbo socio-political organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo has boldly stepped forward to call on ailing President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to immediately transmit his long absence to the National Assembly so as to enable the Vice President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to “assume the full responsibility as Acting President.

In a 5 point communiqué titled the position of Ndigbo on the state of the nation, issued after a special session of the body on Saturday, 30th January 2010 at her head office along Park Avenue  

GRA, Enugu, Ohaneze Ndigbo resolved on behalf of Ndigbo to continue to pray for the good health of Mr. President Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and wished him “quick recovery and early return to his duties”.

The communiqué which was endorsed by the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Ambassador Ralph Uwechue commended Vice President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on his deep sense of responsibility and patriotism with which he has continued to keep Nigeria at peace in spite of the long absence of the president and the obvious turbulence the absence has continued to create.

Ohaneze Ndigbo equally commended the action of the Senate in asking the President to transmit a medical vacation letter to the Senate. They urged the Senate to pursue the action to its logical conclusion.

They urged the National Assembly to take up their responsibility and set in motion the process for bestowing on the Vice President the status of acting President without further delay until the President returns to his duties.

Ohaneze Ndigbo, however, expressed total dissatisfaction with the Vice President not bestowed with the status of Acting President despite the President being seriously ill and receiving treatment abroad for over two months.

The apex Igbo body also considered the actions of President Yar'Adua as “inappropriate and unhelpful” for not transmitting his long absence to the National Assembly and making provision for the Vice President to assume full responsibility as Acting President.

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Re: Going Our Separate Ways In Peace READERS' VIEWS

By Emma Okah

Dear Barrister Okah. In the last one year or so, I have been following your column with avid interest and one thing which impresses me about your write ups is that you are bold and dispassionate on issues. However,  I think that you did not look at all perspectives on the recent political crisis in the country in your last piece. As a Nigerian from the north, it is important to mention some issues which you omitted in your article.

The question of President Yar'Adua not transmitting any letter to the National Assembly before travelling for medicals and his continued refusal to do so is not a problem created by the North alone. As a matter of fact, some prominent Nigerians from the North have criticized the President's behaviour and are still calling for compliance with the constitution. There are few Nigerians who are profiteering from this crisis and they come from all the geo-political zones of Nigeria. They are politicians in and out of government. They are in the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, PDP etc. They all looking for free money! Money and money! Are you not surprised that the South East Governors said the President did not breach the constitution. Are they Northerners? Even Arewa Consultative Forum, has accused Northern politicians of creating problems for the country. And former Heads of State and Chief Justices most of who are from the North have also called on Yar'Adua to obey the constitution. How many South-South Governors are speaking or working for Jonathan to be acting President? Did the South South House of Reps Caucus not support Yar'Adua against their own Jonathan? The only common trend in the whole scenario is that the average Nigerian is a coward and greedy. He is too afraid to insist on his rights. Any nation populated by docile people and cowards will surely suffer ingloriously. The attitude of the politicians is that “Nothing will Happen” and true to it, and mark it Mr Okah, nothing will happen. In countries where night follows the day, those who hold public trust listen to the voice of the people and are unwilling to offend the laws. In normal countries, leaders are afraid of the people but in Nigeria, the people are afraid of the leaders.

The time to blame one section of the country for our national problems is over. The average Northerner like his southern counterpart wants good government, education, healthcare, petrol, transportation, good roads, security, food, infrastructures, happy living etc but all these have eluded him. Come to the North and see the level of poverty there and yet we have our men and women in power at all times. There are persons who travelled all over the place to campaign for the President but today majority of them have not seen a cup of water to drink. The entire wealth is circulating around only a few persons and members of their families. Is there any sign that a Northerner is in power? NO. Our prayer is that let these events not lead us to unpleasant consequences, certainly not a division or war.

Secondly, the Jos killings are also tied to politics. There are many states in the  North where the Christians and the Muslims live like brothers and sisters without quarrels. Religion is not the problem. After all, poverty knows no religion or boundary and so are illiteracy, bad governance, ignorance and disease. How can there be one Nigeria if some persons are the targets of religious killings? The truth is that the government at all levels is too weak to punish those who kill others without just cause. We have scanty regard for the sanctity of human lives. For all I know, there will be more killings in the North because leaders politically instigate them and want them so except we get a properly elected leader at the top and who will give Nigerians the governance of their dream. ….Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed

REV FATHER MBAKA SAID IT ALL:

Dear Emma, I am one of your fans. I like what you wrote on 31st January, 2010 “Going our separate ways in peace” I will like you people to go and ask Rev Father Mbaka about one of the talks he gave in the last quarter of 2009 so that this our wicked leaders will know that there is no need for us to be talking about one Nigeria. They should let us go our separate ways in peace. All that Father Mbaka said are happening today. Thanks . . .08037796511

WAR IS SENSELESS:

Time has come when the so called king makers from the Northern part of the country must think twice and give peace a chance with their belief sold to them by our colonial masters that they should hold on to power because it is obvious the Whiteman gave the deadly advise out of jealousy and frustrated hear. They felt the Northerners were loyal to them while the Southerners were harsh and fighting for independence hence the best way to punish the south especially ZIK and Enahoro was to give such ill advice to the North. But now that every part of the country has seen what the Easterners saw about 40 years ago, I believe there is nowhere to hide now. Every soul knows pretty well that pure peace and unity is one million times better than war because it is senseless. I call on all Nigerians to reason together and do the right things and move ahead as a nation.  … Romanus Ndehigwo, Idioroko

EVIL MEN ARE FEEDING FAT: Why is it that you don't see beyond your nose? The man is not in the position to do anything. If it were not so, he would have handed over to Jonathan. These champions in evil are those feeding fat and confusing Nigerians that all is not well.. .. .08046447501

PEACE HAS NO PRICE: Please try and analyse paragraph 15 for the North to understand that they have become travelers unlike before. Please Mr Okah, how many Agric Ministers do come from the south? Please continue to tell Nigerians where they are heading to before it is too late. Peace has no price…. 08038744500

DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION: That the resource base is partially located in the southeast should not be a yardstick to unleash tension that has put Nigeria at a cross road. China has no oil, so also Botswana and many other emerging nations, so let the North stop jeopardizing the constitution. Nigerians must defend the constitution…. 08068962090

MEANINGFUL ARTICLE: Emma, your write up in the Sun January 31, 2010 is very meaningful. But the likes of Awo that stopped the Ibos to separate in the 60s are still many in the south.. . . 08089003794

A VINDICATION: Sir, I read your article of Sunday the 31st January, 2010 in the Sunday sun and I felt vindicated by my belief that Nigeria is a terrorist state. I hope the unbelievers will read your write up to believe. . . . Steve, Jos

YOU ARE RIGHT: I personally think you know what you are talking about. You are right. Please keep it up. Chief Gilbert.

A WEAK NIGERIA: Good day Emma. Please you need to remember that the Nigerian independence was subverted by Britain and eventually handed over to those who would rather remain under their control- the Northern elite. A weak Nigeria, federated exclusively to perfect Lord Luggard's infamous indirect rule in order for Britain to always get the abundant raw materials at a pittance. Where else would an ailing president have to use the imperial BBC aided by Germany to convey his New Year message to us in Hausa! Why then do we wonder about the culture of impunity of the Northern elite? To them goes the credit for Nigeria's honourable mention on the terrorist country listing. Your recommendation is against England's imperial policy. Watch out. …. Ade Osanyinbi

ZAMFARA IS PEACEFUL: “North killing the South” What a very bad comment. How many Christians were killed in my state Zamfara? Or is it not a Northern state? We are living in peace and harmony with our fellow southerners! So be sincere in your writings. However, I have to commend you because you are a good writer. Have a nice day. . . . Musty Gusau

YOU SPOKE MY MIND: Hello Mr Emma. Just to thank you and express my total agreement on all the points and emphasis you made in your article (Going our separate ways in peace). This should be the best option and solution but our elites are most selfish and uncivilized. Let's wait and see. God bless. . . Hyman

UNFAIR ARTICLE: Your way of thinking in your article on “Going our separate ways in peace” is to my mind not fair. Who are the kidnappers, cocaine pushers, 419 masters and cybercafé cheats in the country? Please answer the question honestly. As for Farouk, the two Nigerians arrested in Malaysia, are they Northerners?..... 08036228859

AM TOUCHED: Dear Hon. Emma. I have been so touched by any newspaper column piece than “Going our separate ways in Peace”. As a matter of fact, I am gathering your column to release the revolutionary ideas that will force those in masks (enemies of the Niger Delta and our nation) to come out and surrender to the wind of change and revolution that your column has brought. You are the Ken Saro-Wiwa of our time. Three “kposah” for you. . . .08065905222

WONDERFUL PIECE: Your piece on going our separate ways was wonderful. Some people in the North are holding this country to ransome. If we can't continue as one nation, then lets part peacefully. .. Maduko Chibuike

LAW AND ORDER MUST PREVAIL: Only fire can produce ashes. Only war can produce peace. There is no such thing as going our separate ways in peace. America can boast of peace now after five civil wars. Nigeria cannot pray or wish a violent separation away save we learn to obey our own laws. A land that needs blood cannot be appeased by all the palm oil in the world. Obedience is better than sacrifice, the Bible says. It will be better to settle this issue of North and South once and for all so that we can give each other mutual respect. Nigeria cannot earn her greatness via the back door or prayer. It must be by law and order. Nigeria is a failed state although with all her wasted wealth. . . . 08033552187

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Oginigba CDC Boss Pleads For Amenities

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Community Development Committee Chairman of Oginigba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State Mr. Chukwunenye Echeonwu has drawn the attention of both the local and state governments to lack of access road, ineffective drainage and absence of potable water in the community.

Speaking with newsmen recently in his office, he pleaded with those in power to remember that there is a community like Oginigba which according to him, harbours more than 85 percent of the companies and industries in the state who do business without intimidation and harassment from any person.

He called on government to ensure that the good people of Oginigba partake in the dividends of democracy pervading all nooks and crannies of the state ranging from model schools, health centres and skill acquisition among others.

The Oginigba CDC boss also described the community as most peaceful and habitable for potential investors and commended the State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for having done well in the last two years pointing out that in two years the Governor has carried out visible and laudable projects.

He however assured government that the community would continue to collaborate with the administration in the maintenance of its policies and programmes especially on the areas of peace and security stressing that no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence and insecurity.  

Echeonwu also used the opportunity to commend the Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) and schlum for their contributions to the growth and development of the community especially the upgrading and renovation of the Community School as well as donation of transformer to boost electricity supply in the area.

He charged other companies/industries operating in the area to borrow a leaf while commending the Nye-nwe-ali Oginigba HRH (Dr) Ambassador G.B. Odum for his purposeful leadership.

East-West Road  Dualization Pitches Tai Chief  With  Inter-Claims Agencies

By Joe Kalu

An indigenous company, “Interclaims Agencies Ltd” has said they are the real company with the powers of Attorney regarding the payment of compensation to some affected communities from Akwa-Ibom and Rivers States as a result of the East-West road dualization project.

Briefing the press over the weekend in Port Harcourt, the Managing Director of the company, Hon. (Dr) Joseph O. Inyang disputed a recent press briefing by one Chief Vincent Kamanu of Tai LGA who made the public to believe that he has such powers.

The MD, described Chief Kamanu as a mischief maker who wants to reap where he did not sow, urging the public to disregard him and his cohorts. 

The MD who came with some of his officials and some of the claimants reeled out evidences to substantiate his claims.

The company also traced the origin of the project which led to the compensation now being paid and appealed for the people to give the Government Valuers time to work out omitted and under valuation claims.

Interclaims Agencies Ltd further prayed that “the general public should discountenance what he called the unbridled attitude of Chief Kamanu and his cohorts who wants to make ends meet in an unwarranted manner”.

The company also appealed for calm and law abiding, adding that the FG was working hard to ensure that all genuine compensation were paid in the shortest possible time.

They equally used the opportunity to appeal for cooperation and support to the FG for the quick completion of the East West road projects.

Those present at the briefing included Barrister Ekene Ekweozor, Legal Adviser to the Company; Comrade Joseph Nsuah, former NULGE Chairman in Tai LGA; Comrade Letambari T. Sunday Ex-CLO for Be-nwoiga community and Chief Jacob Nkirika Weke.

Others were Chief Kagbara Ability of Nonwa; Chief Akoni Cletus Boten of Tai; Chief Cornelius Nnaa-Kakin and Chief Nuka A. Gbenekuapie.

Govt. To Punish Traders  Selling Contaminated Fish

By  Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Government has warned Cold-Room operators in the state on the dangers of selling rotten fish to the unsuspecting members of the public.

Special Adviser to the Executive Governor on Aquaculture and Deep Sea Fishing, Hon. Kuro Tamunoye Briggs (JP) gave this warning last week in a chat with newsmen shortly after inspecting fish stalls at major markets in Port Harcourt metropolis.

He stated that it was criminal for the operators to sell contaminated food stuffs to the public, warning that government would not hesitate to impose deterring sanctions on any fish mongers involved in this unpatriotic and dangerous activity.

The SA disclosed that the good health and general wellbeing of the people was of paramount interest to the government and later ordered the arrest and detention of a cold room operator at the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt suspected to be stockpiling rotten fish.

In another development, the state government's trawl fish scheme which recently launched a trawler on its maiden voyage has berthed successfully after a two-week stay at sea.

Confirming this development to newsmen, Hon. Akuro Briggs used the opportunity to thank Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for all his support for the scheme, saying that with the successful conclusion of the maiden voyage, other vessels in the fleet will now embark on regular fishing expeditions.

He assured Rivers people of availability of high quality fish in the markets at affordable prices and called on fish mongers to take advantage of the scheme and boost their business activities.

In yet another development in the government agency, fishermen co-operatives in the state have been called upon to take advantage of the prevailing calm along the waterways to intensify their fishing activities.

The Special Adviser made the call while granting audience to the executive members of the Rivers Alfaan Investment Co-operative Union Ltd in his office.

He disclosed to them that the Nigerian Agricultural, co-operative and Rural Development Bank Ltd as well as the Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA) have packaged micro credit schemes for the funding of agro allied activities.

Hon. Briggs however, appealed to them to be good corporate citizens by ensuring the prompt repayment of granted loans to enable many others benefit from the schemes.

He equally used the opportunity to appeal to them to attract the youths to this age-long prestigious profession of the people which he noted will eventually reduce youth restiveness, criminality and unemployment.

Earlier, the President, Rivers Alfaan Investment Co-operative Union Ltd, Rev. R.S.C. Brown (JP) said that the aim of their visit was to solicit state government assistance for what he described as “real and serious” farmers and fishermen cooperative societies in the state.

UBE Boss Threatens To Punish Extortionists

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board Sir Alli Oruitemeke has threatened to deal with any staff of the Board caught extorting money from the unsuspecting public in the name of employment in the Board.

The Chairman who gave the warning during his first meeting with staff of the Board last Tuesday said the Board members received with rude shock rumours making the rounds that some staff of the Board were secretly collecting money from the public promising to give them job at the Board saying that should such fraudsters be discovered they would be made to face the full weight of the law.

He wondered why such persons should go all out to collect money when there was no employment going on in the Board pointing out that the present Board was hinged on transparency and accountability and warned the public not to give attention to anybody who comes to demand for money to give them job.

He reiterated that the Board would not hesitate to inform the public if embargo on employment was lifted.

Of recent a lot of persons have come to the Board to find out if anything employment was going on.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Board's press unit has debunked stories in some local tabloids that the board members were involved in the shady deals pointing out that the Oruitemeke-led UBE Board was made up of men and women of integrity whose mission was to reposition the Board.

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Wagbara Lauds Wike, Okeah For Good Representation

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

An indigene of Rumuolumeni community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, High Chief Ozurumba Anele Wagbara has attributed grassroot development to good representation of the people by both elected and appointed persons at all tiers of government.

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the conferment of chieftaincy titles last Saturday by the Rumuolumeni community on Barrister Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, Chief of Staff, Government House Rivers State and Hon. Anthony Okeah, member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II in the State House of Assembly, Chief  Wagbara said the honour came at the appropriate time.

Describing the honourees as worthy representatives of their people the Peace Ambassador (Chief Wagbara) noted that there cannot be meaningful development if those in positions of authority do not have the welfare of the people at heart.

According to him, when those who do well are recognized and honoured by their people, it encourages them to do more and challenges others to think about attracting development to their people rather than diverting development projects for selfish gains”.

While commending the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his vision and people oriented leadership, Chief Wagbara reiterated that peaceful co-existence remains a veritable factor in community development.

He therefore commended Rumuolumeni community for the honour on the two illustrious sons of Akpor Kingdom, pointing out that the recognition was well deserved, and congratulated the honourees for adding more feathers to their caps while also urging them to remain committed and focused in repositioning the state.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion Chief Oragbule Adiele and Chairman of the Community Development Committee, Engr. Okachukwu Herbert noted that it was the first time the community was conferring chieftaincy titles on people, and said it was to appreciate the illustrious sons of the LGA for being good ambassadors and imparting positively on the lives of the people thanking them for the unprecedented development and transformation the area  has witnessed in recent times.

In his remarks the state Commissioner for Justice, Ken Chikere said the honourees were recognized because of their worthy services to their father land and urged those in positions of authority to offer selfless service to the people they represented.

In their responses, Chief Nyesom Wike who was conferred with the title of Chiri Jide I of Rumuolumeni cautioned the people not to allow the area to be used for kidnapping, as Chief Anthony Okeah who bagged the title of Igwugwu Mba I of Rumuolumeni expressed happiness for the honour done them by the people.

The duo promised not to disappoint the Rumuolumeni community assuring them of government's continuous presence in the area.  

Lloyd's Chieftaincy Kicks Up Storm In Omudioga

By Joe Kalu

If information reaching our news desk is anything to go by, a proposed chieftaincy installation on Hon. Chidi Lloyd, member representing Emohua Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly by the Omudioga community in Emohua LGA may tear the communities apart.

According to our source, tension is already brewing as the youths have risen against their elders who appeared ready to betray the community's earlier stance.

At the root of the protest we gathered was the feeling of disenchantment by members of the community who claim Hon. Lloyd had used his position to divert government projects meant for them to his own “smaller Akpabu community to the detriment of Omudioga from which he now hell-bent on getting a chieftaincy title to feather his political nest.

The matter is so intense that some concerned citizens of the community consisting of youths, elders and opinion leaders have consulted the services of lawyers to stop the illegal installation.

Consequent upon this, a letter from Kenka Gbasam & Associates chambers signed by one Kenneth O. Eke Esq. to the Nye nweli (paramount ruler of the community Eze (Dr) G.C. Onyeka and copied to others including the Ogbakor Omudioga/CDC Chairman Mr. Akpelu Vincent said they were against the installation.

Interestingly when contacted the CDC Chairman and the paramount ruler denied knowledge of the planned chieftaincy installation.

But a source in the community further informed that Eze Onyeka might have been nursing the idea of honouring the lawmaker for selfish interest but that the opposition to the plans is overwhelming and is capable of tearing the community apart when the matter is represented in whatever guise.

In reaction however the lawmaker said he was not aware of any opposition nor the proposed chieftaincy installation pointing out that as a representative of the people in the RVHA he enjoys widespread support due to his achievements.

RSIEC Gives Date For Onelga/Abolga Elections

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

Following the dissolution of the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area by the Rivers State House of Assembly and the death of the councilor for ward 6, in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission has fixed Saturday, 6th of March 2010 for chairmanship/councillorship elections for Onelga and that of Abolga ward 6 respectively.

According to a press release signed by the Commissioner in charge of Public Affairs and Education Hon. Nimi Walson-Jack, political parties wishing to contest the elections for the chairmanship and councillorship positions are required to forward an expression of interest letter to the commission on or before 4pm on Monday, 8th February, 2010 adding that such political parties must indicate the venues for their primaries in the local government area headquarters for chairmanship and the councillorship positions and said that all primaries must commence before eleven in the morning on Saturday, 13th February 2010.

He therefore reminded all the political parties to ensure that eligible candidates were presented for the elections as the Commission will only recognize candidates selected or nominated by their parties in line with their respective party constitutions assuring that the Commission will monitor and supervise the elections.

Ubima Youths Demand Removal Of Risonpalm Estate Manager

By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe

Some sections of Ubima Youths in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have called for the immediate removal of Mr. Erasmus Chukwundah as Estate Manager of Risonpalm nucleus Estate Ubima.

The spokespersons of the group Messrs Innocent Anwuka and Kingsley Wali told our reporter that the continuous stay of Chukwundah would rather paralyze the near moribund company as his attitude does not portend anything good for the company and the host communities.

The youths alleged that Mr. Chukwundah has sold all the economic trees around the company premises including the cutting down of flowers thereby negating the company of its aesthetic beauty.

The youths who stated this shortly after their monthly meeting at Ozuaha however regretted that all the beautiful flowers planted by Vandabeth and Chief Andrew Uchendu are no where to be found and recalled how former General Manager of the company Prof. Bernard Onuegbu suspended the estate manager because of his attitude and expressed sadness over his recall by the current General Manager of the company Hon. Ejims Michael Enwukwe demanding for the removal of the Estate Manager if the company must move forward.

They maintained that the management quarters of the company which hitherto was a cynosure of some sort are nothing to write home about due to the fact that the flowers have been destroyed.

It would interest the public to note that Risonpalm Company for the past twenty years has not received any attention from the state government as anyone who goes to the company will simply jump into conclusion by declaring the once revered company moribund. 

Well, thank goodness that the present government under able leadership of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is working round the clock to revive the company despite the delay.

Meanwhile, efforts made by our reporter to contact the estate manager on phone proved abortive due to poor network.

Paged 10 News

Assembly Passes 2010 Budget Of N429bn …Eulogizes G.U. Ake

By Joe Kalu

The 2010 Appropriation Bill of N429 billion was last week Tuesday passed into law by the Rivers State House of Assembly as presented to it by the Executive.

Almost all the House Committees had during their reports' presentation requested for increase in the allocations of the various ministries.

This was however not granted as the Speaker Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry in defense of his stance informed the legislators that it was impossible to grant such a request without a corresponding revenue to accommodate it, expressing fears on the realization of the budget.

The House Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd in support of his boss's line of thought cited the ceding of over 70 oil wells belonging to Rivers State to other neigbouring states by the FG as a sign that the 2010 revenue projection might dwindle. 

He however supported the Executive proposal for funds to be made available for the completion of on-going projects.

Hon. Lloyd further disclosed that if the revenue profile of the state improves since the state government has challenged the matter in court (ceding of oil wells) the supplementary budget can take care of exigencies.

In his contribution Hon. Henry Ogiri representing Abua/Odual constituency allayed fears that the 2010 budget may not be realized.

He was optimistic that as long as the projection in the budget was based on $60 per barrel of crude oil and the price constantly above $70 per barrel in the international market there is no way it can't be realized.

After extensive debate by other members of the House, it was eventually passed into law with a simply majority vote court.

The breakdown of the budget shows that N339 billions was for capital expenditure while N90 billion was for recurrent expenditure.

 The Speaker thanked the legislators for their efforts towards the prompt passage of the Appropriation Bill.

The following day Wednesday February 3, 2010 the legislators took the budget to the Governor who wasted no time in assenting to it, thanking his former colleagues for a job well done.

The State Chief Executive promised to appropriate the budget according to stipulation especially the quick completion of on-going projects in the state. 

In another development, the Rivers State House of Assembly has eulogized one of its own Rt. Hon. Godspower Umejuru Ake. Chief Ake, the Peoples Democratic Party Chairman in the state recently clocked 70 years and his colleagues used the opportunity not only to celebrate with him and his family members at the hollowed chambers but also to dine and wine with their old colleagues even those who are now under Bayelsa State.

Starting from the former Deputy Speaker and Deputy Governor Chief (Dr) Dominic Anucha, Rt. Hon. Stephen Ezekwem to the present parliamentarians it was testimonial galore for Chief Ake's wonderful achievements.

The contributions were unanimous on the celebrant's wisdom, calm disposition and ability to flow along with any government. The Speaker Rt. Hon. Tonye Harry disclosed that it was not only burial of a deceased colleague that should bring them together, that henceforth there was going to be a data of their colleagues contact for a better and improved relationship while alive.

He also promised to look into a proposal for some sort of stipends for former colleagues and not only the speakers and their deputies as it is the case elsewhere in the federation.

Responding Chief G.U. Ake who delivered what the speaker observed was Ake's longest speech ever, thanked his former colleagues for deeming it fit to eulogize him while alive.

He disclosed that loyalty, humility, patience, hard work and the belief in God was the major factor that has propelled him thus far and prayed for the same blessing to go round all of them.

Thereafter the legislators (past and present) with their guests moved to the red carpet hall of the legislative chamber for the extension of those aspects of the celebration that cannot be accommodated at the hallowed chambers of the house.

The main celebration was organized by the State Governor at Erema community, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA country home of the celebrant.

Meanwhile lobbying and overtures have intensified towards the forth-coming election of the Assembly Press Corps.

Already a 3-man election committee led by Sunny Okpa has commenced work.

They were given up to the end of February 2010 to produce the next executives.

Emohua Welcomes Governor Amaechi

By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe

The people of Emohua LGA played host to Governor Chibuike Amaechi yesterday as part of Governor Amaechi's “Town Hall Meeting” with the people of Rivers State.

In a welcome address, the Chairman of Emohua LGA, Chief (Hon) Chukwuemeka Woke declared that his administration has witnessed “sweeping positive changes” since he assumed office. Top on his achievements was to restore peace and tranquility to the  area which before then suffered “unprecedented infrastructural decay, youth restiveness and violence”.

The Woke administration constructed an ultra modern market and a bus terminal.

The market has 240 lockup shops, 200 open shades, fire station, modern abattoir, cold room and sick bay.

On health care delivery, the Ogbakiri health centre was rehabilitated and equipped while a comprehensive health centre was built at Rumuji in partnership with NLNG.

Each of the wards in the LGA has two high quality boreholes while a solar powered one was located at Rumuelenwo.

To ensure security, the Woke administration is constructing a police station at Ogbakiri Junction and has also donated two patrol vehicles to the police to enable it check the East-West Road properly.

In his speech, the leader of the legislative council, Hon. Bryce Igwe commended the Chairman, Chief (Hon) Woke whose cooperation has yielded mature deliberations during sittings despite the fact that “all but one of the fourteen councilors are first timers”.

Hon. Igwe disclosed that the House had passed five byelaws which include establishment of museums and preservation of anitiquities and monuments and the establishment of EMOLGA Environmental Task Force.

Others are the ownership of primary health care service businesses in Emolga and the appropriation bills for 2008 and 2009.

He commended Governor Amaechi's people oriented programmes and the efforts and support of the political leader Chief (Hon) Andrew Uchendu for his invaluable advice.

Sanitation Authority Nabs 75 Defaulters

By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe

The Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority nabbed 75 defaulters during the February 2010 sanitation exercise. This was disclosed by the magistrate in charge of the mobile sanitation court, Mr. Obi Amadi-Nna, shortly after the exercise.

Mr. Amadi-Nna said 69 of those charged were convicted because they did not have good reasons to be loitering around during the sanitation.

Among those convicted was a Bayelsa State based legal practitioners who was among the passengers in a bus load that was impounded in the Mgbuoba area. The legal practitioner told the Beam that he had an afternoon court session in Yenagoa on Friday and that his bus took off from Yenagoa by 5am with the intention of reaching Port Harcourt before the sanitation began.

The Ogoni born lawyer, who gave his chambers address as 21 Azikoro Road in Yenagoa was very bitter that the magistrate could not show him leniency despite the fact that they belonged to the NBA.

He was equally angry that a senior police officer who was there in the bus was not even arraigned. He said he had to pay the mandatory N2, 000 (two thousand naira) before he was released.

The Beam accompanied a part of the Environmental Sanitation Task Team to the D-line and GRA areas of Port Harcourt.

In the D-line area, a resident, Mrs. Fubara who resides within the Tasty Chums complained that most of the tenants never participated in the exercise despite numerous appeals.

Also in the Rumuadolu area off Rumuola Road, several tenants were arrested close to the Celia school.

The team had received several calls that the tenants were reluctant to participate in the exercise.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the exercise, the Chairman of the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Agency, Hon. (Chief) Nnamdi Wokekoro disclosed that refuse contractors in the state were not owed. He said the contractors had been given a month's grace to acquire a minimum of three compactors.

Hon. Wokekoro, who spoke through his Media Assistant, Olalekan Ige disclosed that more enlightenment would be done especially on women.

Funds Threaten Soberekon's Court Case

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

If the information reaching our news desk is anything to go by then the Accord Party governorship candidate in the 2007 election in Rivers State Chief Bekinbo Soberekon may go a borrowing in the name of pursuing a case against the incumbent Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Peoples Democratic Party at the Appeal Court.

A reliable source told our reporter under conditions of anonymity that the matter at the Appeal Court was giving Chief Soberekon sleepless nights as there seems to be no fund anymore to meet up certain demands by the Court.  Soberekon the Beam Checks revealed recently called for a secret meeting consisting of his core followers and some PDP members in the state seeking financial assistance to enable him handle certain things requested by his lawyer before his lawyer will abandon him like Femi Falana did.

According to one of those present at the meeting, Soberekon almost went down on his kneels begging for money as he was no longer ready to pretend that all is well with him financially and lambasted some of his followers whom he described as traitors and betrayers warning that anyone who is not interested in the course should rather drop and stop disclosing his secrets to the public.

The source further disclosed that some of the PDP members present at the meeting did not hesitate to inform the gathering that they were no longer ready to continue on the matter as they pointed out that the case at the appeal court was not going to yield any positive result.

Some of the Accord Party members who have since defected secretly to the Peoples Democratic Party told out reporter that they decided to abandon Soberekon when they observed that nothing good was coming out of the struggle saying that some of them even sold their properties in the name of removing Amaechi and all to no avail.

At the end of the meeting the source said some people prevailed on Soberekon to shun the case pointing out that should the 2007 polls be annulled by the court the implication remains that Soberekon will not win rather Amaechi's tenure will be elongated which they opined may be annoying to them.