News Page 2 Editorial

AMAECHI'S ANTI CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN

In recent weeks, Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has been embarking on a Meet The People tour of the state.

Most people had earlier classified such tours as a smokescreen towards perfecting campaign strategies for his 2011 re-election.

However, the carriage of Governor Amaechi so far has shown that he intended the tour to achieve the singular objective of passing down the dividends of democracy to the people at the grassroots.

When he went to Isiokpo, Headquarters of Ikwerre LGA, Governor Amaechi was un-equivocal in telling the Council Chairman Kerian Wobodo that his performance still has much to be desired.

Before then Governor Amaechi had charged nearly the entire 23 Council Chairmen in the state of disappointing performances.

Just a few days ago, on Saturday 20 February 2010 during the 80th birthday of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, King T.J.T. Princewill, Governor Amaechi had pointedly blamed the Kalabari elites of frustrating the Trans Kalabari Highway.

The Road when completed would assist in developing the local economy of the Kalabari communities.

Governor Amaechi had declared his intention to re-award the contract and pointed out that the road was abandoned by contractors most of whom are indigenes of Kalabari.

He wondered why contractors from the area would collect money for projects meant to improve the living standard of their people and abandon the work.

We say Kudos to Governor Amaechi. His efforts has started to halt the culture of impunity. Soon, that culture will be in retreat. More grease to your elbow, Your Excellency.

News Page 3 RSG News

Amaechi Wants Royal Fathers' Proactive Approach To Community Leadership

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on traditional rulers to be proactive and responsive to the issues of ensuring peaceful coexistence in their domain.

Governor Amaechi made this assertion when the new Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Prof. Theophilus Princewill paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor explained that the new Chairman was appointed based on his pedigree and respect among members of the council, believing that he has the capacity to lead the traditional rulers properly.

He noted that his appointment came at a most challenging period when the youths are struggling with poverty and unemployment with pockets of crime still going on in the state, even though there was an improvement on security, and urged the royal fathers to collaborate with the state government to achieve set objectives.

The governor used the visit to congratulate the Kalabari Monarch on his 80th birthday, and assured him of the state government's readiness to assist him achieve set targets in the council.

Earlier, the Chairman of the state council of Traditional Rulers and Amanyanabo of Kalabari, HRM Prof. Theophilus Princewill said he was in Government House for the first time since his appointment as Chairman of Council to discuss some issues concerning the traditional rulers in the state.

Prof. Princewill commended the governor for his appointment which, he described as a gift to the Kalabari Kingdom because it was the first time a Kalabari Monarch was being given the opportunity to head the Council of Traditional Rulers in the state.

The Royal father also noted that the appointment represents a birthday gift as it was conferred on him as he turns 80, as well as a New Year gift, emphasizing that the appointment has humbled him.

He thanked the governor for the honour, assuring that he would do his best to steer the affairs of the traditional rulers to a new level. 

Why We Are Re-awarding Trans-kalabari Road

Rivers State Government says it would soon re-award contract for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari Highway because the road when completed would assist to grow the local economy of the Kalabari communities.

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi gave this indication while speaking at a reception marking the 80th birthday celebration of King Prof. Theophilus Princewill, Amanyanabo of Kalabari and Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, at King Amachree Square, Buguma City.

Governor Amaechi said the road project, which would boost the economy of the people was abandoned by earlier contractors, 80 per cent of whom are indigenes of Kalabari land, and wondered why contractors from the Kalabari axis should collect money for projects meant to improve the living standard of their people and abandon the work.

He blamed the attitude of past Kalabari leaders that held positions of responsibility for not doing much to develop their Communities, but assured of the preparedness of his administration to work with them to bring the needed development to the area.

The State Chief Executive debunked insinuations in some quarters that other ethnic groups in Rivers State hated the Kalabari people, pointing out that “it appears to him that there is a mistake somewhere by the Kalabaris”, and advised them to unite to correct the perception.

Governor Amaechi urged the Kalabaris to caution their young men to surrender their arms, emphasizing that they should not hide under the guise of Niger Delta struggle to kill innocent citizens, majority who are Kalabaris.

According to him, “we should not in the guise of Niger Delta struggle kill our people, all of us must agree that our children must return their guns, if they want to develop the area, Kalabari people should caution their children”.

He cited a situation where a government contractor building one of the new Model Primary Schools in the area had been harassed constantly with threats, monetary demands, and finally chased away from site by these youths, and questioned why they should stop a development project meant for their benefit.

The governor noted that the Kalabari people are gradually losing their respect which they commanded in the past in all fields of human endeavour in the state, as their youths are now engaged in bunkering activities rather than legitimate means of livelihood.

He remarked that the state government is still looking for more lands in the area to embark on the building of the 10 model primary schools and five health centres in each local government in the area, and appealed to the people to support the present administration's drive to improve the lives of the people.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Alabo T. O. Graham-Douglas gave a brief historical antecedent of the Kalabari kingdom, noting that despite series of migrations by family groupings caused by warfare for control of the sea routes and trade, the Kalabaris still maintained a solid homogenous front as a kingdom.

Alabo Graham-Douglas, who had been appointed a Minister in Nigeria at four different times in the past, told King Theophilus Princewill that the biggest legacy he could bequeath his people as their Amanyanabo was to focus on the age long unity of the Kalabari kingdom and congratulated him on the 80th birthday celebration.

In his address of welcome, the celebrant, King Theophilus Princewill, remarked that his eightieth birthday, though remarkable, was being celebrated but not without dots of tortuous moments, and expressed gratitude to the governor and all those who graced the occasion.

Highlights of the occasion which attracted the ECOWAS President, Dr. Ibn Chambers, the Ghanaian Ambassador to Nigeria, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, top Politicians, Traditional Rulers among dignitaries from various walks of life, include the unveiling of the statue of King Amachree VII, and presentation of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Jeep, as birthday gift from the governor.

RSG Sets Up 5-man Technical Committee On Proposed FG Marine Transportation

The Rivers State Government has set up a 5-member technical committee to advise it on how to achieve maximum benefit from the planned federal government marine transport for its coastal communities.

The committee has Professor Dagogo Fubara as Chairman and Prof. S. C. Teme, Dr. T. K. Abam and Dr. George Otoko as members while the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Kingsley Chinda, also a member, is to serve as secretary.

In a charge to members of the committee during the stakeholders meeting held at Government House, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, said the constitution of the technical committee was informed by the need to get expert advice on the matter.

The governor said that although the Federal Government has set out areas in which it intends to intervene in marine transportation in the Niger Delta, governors of the affected states have been mandated to find out and advise the Federal Government on the peculiar needs of each state in the zone.

“In our state, we advised the Federal Government to concentrate more on land reclamation and provision of potable drinking water to our coastal communities”, the governor said while advising the committee to ensure a synergy between that position and that of the stakeholders at today's meeting.

Explaining that the marine transport proposal was part of the Federal Government's Amnesty plan for the area, the governor charged members of the committee to see their duty to the state as a sacred one that must be devoid of sentiments.

He thanked stakeholders for their enormous contribution at the meeting, assuring that apart from the efforts being made by the state Government to link the coastal areas by road, there was also the need to attend to the peculiar challenges of the coastal population of the state.

He announced that some roads were under construction in the state, while more would be constructed to decongest existing roads, especially the Port Harcourt/Aba Express way and called for patience and understanding to enable the State Government achieve its plans for the people.

Mrs Amaechi Urges Youths To Create Employment

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi has charged Nigerian Youths to initiate ideas capable of creating gainful employment, sustainable empowerment and wealth generation.

Judith Amaechi stated this when she received Youth Parliamentarians on courtesy visit to Government House, Port Harcourt.

She said the panacea to unemployment in the country lies in the ability of the youths to initiate ideas that have the propensity to tackle unemployment.

According to her, “the solution of unemployment among the youths will be tackled by the youths themselves, the youth must rise up to the challenge of initiating ideas that can create wealth and add value to themselves”.

Mrs Amaechi who is the founder of a Non-Governmental Organization, the Empowerment Support Initiative (ESI) averred that the cry for unemployment for the youths has been an age long outcry, adding that the youths have the only solution to the problem.

According to her, “some of our youths are educated but not employable and this has posed a serious problem for the employability of the youths and I believe the youth themselves hold the key to solving the problem”.

The governor's wife charged the youths to develop business idea and plan capable of attracting sponsorship and partnership from government and other organizations.

According to her, it will be well though out ideas for the youth to articulate ideas with a view to giving it investment value.

She added that lack of adequate education of the youths may affect their productivity level if not properly corrected early in life.

Mrs Amaechi charged the Nigerian Youth Parliament to make laws and resolution that can create practical solution to the perennial unemployment in the country.  “It is absolutely well that the youths must live up to their expectation, get involved in sustainable venture capable of making independent and to meet with international standard”.

She assured the youths of her support and urged them to take their rightful place in the scheme of thing.

Earlier, the Speaker of the delegation, Abigo Ibifuro said the Nigerian Youth Parliament proclaimed by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has a mandate to make laws that have direct bearing on the youths and well being of Nigerians.

She said that the Rivers State chapter of the parliament was yet to take-off due to paucity of funds and expressed willingness of the youth parliament to partner with the governor's wife in a bid to provide gainful employment and sustainable empowerment for the youths.

News Page 5 Cover News

Sir Dr Peter Odili; His Plans For 2011

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

If the information reaching our news desk is anything to go by then the 2011 governorship poll in Rivers State may come and go without the former governor Sir Dr. Peter Odili participating.

 Source close to the former governor of the former governor of the oil rich state has it that Dr. Peter Odili may not have all the time to stake in the state politics come 2011. After all the former Governor by now is supposed to be talking of national and international issues if not for the disappointment he got from former president Olusegun Obasanjo who frustrated his presidential ambition.

On whether Odili was staging a come back, the source said it would be laughable for Odili to begin to make unnecessary noise concerning who becomes the governor in 2011 when already he has no doubt in his mind that his political son who is the present governor would rule the state for eight solid years. He said whoever was linking the former governor with anything that has to do with 2011 election in the state was probably doing that out of personal imagination.

He said for the past two years the former governor has not sat with anybody not to talk of strategizing on how to unseat the incumbent Rt.Hon.Chibuike Amaechi pointing out that in 2007 Odili had nobody in mind apart from Amaechi to succeed him but due to his innate desire to become president of the country considering his political status at that time he had no option than to yield to Obasanjo's most uncomfortable request who said he never wanted Amaechi as the governor.

Be that, as it may, the game became extremely difficult for the former governor as the former president gave him two options either to replace Amaechi and have his president ticket or retain Amaechi and lose the presidency which resulted to Odili bringing the five months old governor Sir Celestine Omehia.

The source said that Odili went for Omehia as a way of ensuring that the position does not go away from Amaechi and Ikwerre people as he earlier promised but he never took cognizance of what the law stands in this regard even though his darling wife is a lawyer of repute.

But Odili the source said, lost out with Amaechi after having pleaded with Amaechi to not go to court on the matter since his cousin was also the governor, but when Amaechi paid deaf ears to the instruction Odili got offended and decided to tackle Amaechi at all cost considering his attitude as capable of disrupting his presidential ambition.

Of course, if Odili had known that Obasanjo would play on his intelligence he wouldn't have made such a huge mistake that almost jettisoned his cordial relationship with his political son.

In as much as Odili is not backing anybody to slug it out with the incumbent come 2011 the source disclosed that the former governor has no business with anybody who is interested in the Brick House next year.

He said that Odili does not have confidence in anyone as it stands now concerning the seat as he has also lost confidence in Omehia whom he advised not to go back to the Supreme Court in the name of reversing its earlier decision on Amaechi. Right now, the former governor has kept every body at arms length as far as Rivers politics was concerned, the source further revealed.

Whether the public will believe it or not Odili still sees Amaechi as his son and vice versa, the source maintained.

Medical Doctor Calls For Probe On PHCN Tragedy

A medical expert, Dr. Namene Loolo has called on Rivers State Government and other intervention agencies to set up an investigative panel to ascertain the remote and the immediate cause of the recent high tension cable tragedy in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Namene Loolo who is the Medical Director of Pearl Clinic and Maternity made this call in Port Harcourt. He wants government to assist the families of the victims to bury their loved ones as a way to show love and sympathy and deal with some sociological and physical effects that would confront those families.

Dr. Namene Loolo described the incident as painful, particularly as it involved human lives. The medical expert said he shared the grief with families of the affected victims while urging government to look for better ways to address such ugly trend.

On the recent deployment of medical personnel to rural areas, Dr. Namene Loolo appealed to the people to patronize the centres for medical attention.

Dr. Namene Loolo said if government wants to redeploy doctors to the rural communities, they should also increase the budgetary provision for doctors to enable them to acquaint themselves with unforeseen challenges.

He however, commended Governor Chibuike Amaechi's giant stride on health sector, stressing that the redeployment and recruitment of 250 doctors by Rivers State Government would boost medical attention in the rural communities. He advised the Governor to be taking his projects one after the other, stressing that if he continues to take them at the same time it will give him some difficulties.

Dr. Namene Loolo wants Government to provide job opportunities to student doctors reading medicine in the tertiary institutions when they must have graduated.

It could be recalled that following the tragic incidence Rivers State Government has ordered the ministry of urban and rural development to demolish all structures built under high tension cables in the state.

News Page 8

N5.2bn REA Contract Scam: …Elumelu, Others Granted Bail  Case  Adjourned To March 24

From Kenneth Mebrim, ABUJA

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja last Friday granted bail to the Chairman Senate Committee on Power and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Senator Nicholas Ugbane and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who are standing trial over alleged N5.2 billion Rural Electrification Agency (REA) contract scam.

Also released on bail are the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Dr. Abdulahi Aliyu and the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency, Samuel Ibi Gekpe, Simon Nanle, Lawrence Orekoya, Abdulsamad Jahun, Kayode Oyedeji, Jibo Mohammed who are equally facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the same issue.

The court freed them on bail in the sum of N50 million each and one surety each in like sum. The court specified that the surety must be a civil servant in the rank of a Director.

It also adjourned the matter to March 24 and 25, 2010 for hearing.

Uptill Thursday, the accused were remanded in EFCC custody following a 135 amended count charge of meddling with procurement procedures in the award of N5.2 billion contract in REA of which they pleaded innocent.

On the Same Thursday, they had argued their formal bail application via their lawyers including, Bernard Afu for the 1st accused, Samuel Ibi Gekpe, Samson Ameh SAN, for the 7th accused, Sen. Nicholas Ugbene, and Omolade Makanjuola for Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and Abubakar Usman for Hon. Jibo Mohammed.

Urging the judge, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar to admit his client to bail, Bernard Afu had told the court that his application was brought pursuant to section 6 of the constitution and sections 340, 341 and 342 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

He also urged the court to release his client on bail having not been faced with any criminal trial before and that he is currently the Managing Director of REA and as such cannot jump bail if granted.

He had also recalled that the accused were already standing trial at the Federal Capital Territory high court and are already enjoying bail after depositing their passport and titles of landed property in the court as surety.

The other defense lawyers, who argued in like manner, prayed the court to grant their clients to bail having not defaulted since June 23rd when the matter was mentioned and would continue to stand their trial as responsible citizens.

In addition, they told the court to release the accused persons on bail since the prosecution counsel; Godwin Obla did not oppose the bail and did not file a counter affidavit to challenge the bail application.

Meanwhile the prosecution counsel, Godwin Obla told the court that it is true that he did not file a counter affidavit and that it is also true that the accused were standing trial at the FCT high court, he maintained that the interest of justice would best be served if the court exercises its discretion in the application.

He said that the essence of bail is to secure the attendance of an accused person to court and not to punish him pointing out  it would be left to the discretion of the court.

After hearing all the parties, the court noted that it needed to study the application for bail just as it ordered that the accused persons be remanded in EFCC custody till the next day (Friday 19, February  2010).

Some of the 135 count charges read, “While being public servants/officers and in such capacity involved in the processing of public procurement on the rural electrification Agency (REA) agreed among yourselves to do unlawful acts, not conducting procurement, fraud by means of fraudulent and corrupt acts, unlawful influence and undue interest in the awards of Grid extension and solar electrification projects unlawfully awarded from the 2008 amended budget of rural electrification agency and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 58 (4) (b) and punishable under section 58 (i) and (5) (a) and (b) of the public procurement Act 2007.

“While being public servants and in such capacity involved in the process, public procurement in the REA failed to advertise the intention to bid for 1 (N0) solar electrification project awarded to Aviva Global Concept for the sum of N32, 814, 631. 28 unlawfully drawn from the 2008 amended budget of REA and thereby committed an offense contrary to section 25 (2) (i) and punishable under section 58 (1) (5) (a) and (b) of the public procurement Act 2007

RPF Debunks Allegations Against Nyesom Wike

By Okechukwu Uwaekweikpe

The Rivers Pragmatic Forum RPF, has risen in stout recent media reports accusing the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike of frustrating Rivers citizens from gains access to Government House.

In an exclusive chat with the Beam the President of RFP Comrade Ordinance Emeji said the gates of the Government House are open to everybody as long as you are from Rivers State.

He said the administration of Governor Chibuike Amaechi is founded on a large heart which is open to accommodate everybody both in Government or opposition.

Ordinance Emeji said the publication in a local tabloid accused the Chief of Staff, Chief Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike of not only frustrating callers to the Government House but also shutting them off contract awards.

Then he asked, how can the Chief of Staff shut Rivers citizens from the government house and how can he deny them contracts?

Is the Chief of Staff a contractor? The RPF President appealed to the government not to be distracted in their efforts at giving dividends of democracy to Rivers people and commended the loyalty and supports of Chief Nyesom Wike to Governor Amaechi's developmental strides.  

Youth Leader Decries Attitudes Of Omagwa Chiefs

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Omagwa youth leader, Poet Morris Tenor Joe has decried the rate at which chiefs in Omagwa had resorted to seeking political gains at the detriment of the people and their culture.

According to him, when the chiefs of a particular community whose role is to maintain peace and punish any evil doers resort to dinning and winning with politicians, whether you like it or not such community is bound to fail and fail woefully.   

He said that some chiefs in Omagwa in a bid to become rich over night have put the community into confusion thereby making development of any kind difficult in the area.

He recalled how those chiefs apart from Chief Ama .A.N. last year came back home to tell lies against the “Onwa Omagwa” Chief Ebenezer Worlu Wobo (JP) simply because the “Onwa” queried the absence of the youth leader in the team and other insults meted out to the stool given to him by the people.

Rather than tell the true story of all that happened during their visit to Onwa's home in Rumuigbo and apologize for their misdeeds they came back home to carry out the purported launching of the Omagwa civil centre saying that Chief Wobo said he would not attend the launching because the people did not take permission from him before installing their royal highness, a statement the youth leader described as an orchested lies by the Chiefs against his mentor.

He wondered how a community like Omagwa should be talking of development when the chiefs have resorted to telling lies and dinning with those regarded as enemies of progress in the land and wondered the kind of orientation they are giving to the young ones.

As he put it, the Chiefs I'm talking about know themselves but then one thing is paramount, that is to say that Omagwa must be a better place in the near future as no one person is bigger than the clan stating that those who do not mean well for the community have achieved nothing good for the community due to greed and sheer wickedness.

The youth leader also re-echoed the earlier threat to his life by some persons in the community and called on the security agencies at both the state and local government not to dismiss the threat by the wave of hand. 

He however maintained that he would continue to struggle for the unity, peace and development of the land enjoining all hands to be on deck.

News Page 9

Buhari, Atiku, Others Endorse Jonathan -From Eze Chukwuemeka

A Former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar on Thursday threw their weight behind the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President.

Though they said the process that led to his emergence was not flawless, they, however, said that that was the best in the circumstances that characterised the absence of President Umaru Yar'Adua from the country.

This was part of the resolution of the meeting of the National Democratic Movement, which was held in Abuja.

Apart from Buhari and Atiku, others that attended the meeting included the former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Chief Olu Falae; Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa; Chief Dapo Sarumi; Chief Tom Ikimi; Senator Ben Obi; Alhaji Yahaya Kwande; Chief Mike Ahmba(SAN); Chief Tonye Princewill; and Alhaji Lawan Kaita.

The meeting, which was attended by the Steering Committee of the NDM, charged Jonathan to focus on electoral reform, which they said remained paramount among several challenges facing the country.

They said, “The Steering Committee notes the recent developments in the country, especially the emergence of an Acting President, even as the process is still contestable.

'”It is our hope that with an Acting President, the country will now recover from the encumbrances and face the numerous challenges waiting to be addressed.

“We wish to urge this leadership to focus on the most critical of these challenges which is electoral reform.”

On the conduct of the February 6 governorship election in Anambra State, the group accused the Independent National Electoral Commission of always being in the habit of bungling the voter register.

It said that this manifested in the conduct of the election which it said led to the inability of several voters not being able to cast their votes.

It said, “The Anambra election where 83 per cent of registered voters were disenfranchised and where a governor is said to be elected by only five per cent registered voters underscores the urgency for these reforms.

“We hardly need to add the fact that electoral reform is the key to the future of democracy, indeed the country itself.

“NDM calls for the immediate commencement of fresh voter registration, so that at least we can have a credible voter register.

“Given the fact that the next general elections are months away, the Steering Committee strongly calls on the government to fast-track and conclude the process of electoral reform.”

Though the statement was silent on the formation of the mega party, our correspondent gathered that there were still disagreements among its proponents.

While it was learnt that Buhari and Atiku favoured the formation of a new political party, the Action Congress was disposed to an alliance during election.

This, it was further learnt, made the committee to shift the decision on the new party till Thursday and give those concerned time to consult with their members.

Tinubu refused to speak on the matter after he emerged at the end of the five-hour meeting, saying that a communique would be issued.

Even after the communique was issued, Bafarawa also said that he would not speak on the topic until next week.

When newsmen insisted that he must say something, he merely said that since political parties were not a religion, every individual was at liberty to determine whether to leave or not to leave his present political party.

Commuters Want Increased  PHCBS Fleet

Users of the Rivers State Government Transport programme known as Port Harcourt City Bus Services (PHCBS) has expressed satisfaction over the effect of the programme on their daily activities, and accordingly, asked government to provide more vehicles into the system to cope with public demand.

Some commuters who spoke with the operators of the schemes in Port Harcour said the introduction of PHCBS has become one of the successful people oriented programmes by the present administration in the state.

A resident who gave his name as Mr. Ogbodo Munachris called on the state government to support the PHCBS with more Special Higher Vehicles (SHV) similar to what the Lady Cabbies have in case of women empowerment.

He added that there are strong indications that users of the transport scheme have fou8nd it both comfortable and economical but needed more effort to meet the expectation of both its management and patronizers.

Mr. Munachris noted that many vehicles owners could rest theirs at home and patronize the PHCBS when going to their offices should government bring in more vehicles.

He also observes that the trend has the feature to reduce traffic congestion on the ever busy roads in Port Harcourt and it's environ.

Like Mr. Munachris, it was also the opinion of many other commuters that the management of the scheme could enter into partnership with some relevant institutions such as the UNITECH, UNIPORT, Rivers State University of Education and even NGOs to expand its services should it acquire more comfortable vehicles.

Those that spoke to our reporter on the issue, however, emphasized on the need for retraining of both drivers, marshals and others involved in its direct service to the public to ensure good morals in the system.

Another commuter, Mrs. Kiniya Harry asked PHCBS authorities to warn against over-loading and illegal packing, even as commuters further claimed that the management had began moves to sack some indigenes of Rivers State and brought in outsiders to operate the scheme.

Ex- Militant leader, Egberipapa Cautions Government Over Amnesty Programme

By Joe Kalu

The Federal Government of Nigeria has been commended over its amnesty policy to the ex-militants in the Niger Delta region. However, the authorities have been cautioned over the haphazard handling of the post amnesty programme as it was capable of breeding bad blood.

An ex-militant leader Soboma Jackreece alias Egberipapa gave the advice in a chat with newsmen at Buguma in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State during the birthday celebration of their Monarch.

He was particularly grateful at the ascension of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the acting President of Nigeria and congratulated him for the feat. He used the opportunity to advise the President to see the post amnesty programme as his major focus because it was dear to his boss, the ailing Musa Yar'Adua. Egberipapa then prayed for the quick recovery of the President.

The ex-militant also used the opportunity to congratulate their Monarch, King (Prof.) T J T Princewill for the attainment of 80 years of age inspite of what he has passed through in life.

He particularly recalled the incidence of December 28, 2008 when the security agents arrested him in the sacred palace of the Monarch despite his intervention, a situation Soboma noted was capable of a bigger crisis. The visibly angry Soboma now querying to no one in particular whether such an affront would have happened to an Emir of Kano or an Oba of Benin.

Egberipapa disclosed that they were happy that their revered Monarch was able to survive all these which he noted was capable of raising his blood pressure.

He was grateful that all that was over now advising his youths to give peace a chance as according to him peace is the panacea to development. Mr. Soboma Jackreece lamented what he called the systematic marginalization of the Riverine area of the State in the scheme of things. He equally warned of the imminent danger of the clustering FG projects awarded to the coastal communities into a particular area because of the influence of government official.

“Government knows the spread of communities and those that have benefited from earlier projects and so the concentration of these projects in one area because of someone's influence, it will cause another round of crisis which dimension. I may not know” he warned.

He maintained that even distributions of amenities are the beauty of democracy. He also expressed dissatisfaction at the stoppage of work on the trans Kalabari high way even when there was no longer security problem and used the opportunity to advise the Federal and State Governments to consider partnering with the Youths on the execution of its projects in the larger interest of the public.

News Page 11

NDCAV Calls For Passage Of 2010 Budget

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence (NDCAV) has called on the National Assembly to step up efforts for the accelerated passage of the 2010 budget.

In a release signed by the Group's President Christian Lekia noted that passage of the 2010 budget was imperative because of what it holds for the peace process in the Niger Delta region and the economic wellbeing of every Nigerian pointing out that the Federal Government's promises to the people of the Niger Delta region especially the post-amnesty is encapsulated in the 2010 budget.

Lekia who made the call in Port Harcourt also commended the lawmakers for the ingenuity in the resolution of the heated debate on the medical trip of President Umaru Yar'Adua saying that with the empowerment of Dr. Jonathan Goodluck as acting President the lawmakers should commit more of their time in seeing to the speedy passage of the appropriation bill adding that what the lawmakers has done offered temporary relief to the country because it has reduced political tension surrounding the long absence of Mr. President.

He maintained that the delay in the implementation of these programmes and policies might have been due to the long absence of Mr. President on grounds of ill-health and now that an acting President is in place he said government should act with dispatch.

The NDCAV President whose NGO played a key role in wooing militants in the Niger Delta to accept amnesty further advised the Federal Government to consider the implementation of the Ledum Metee report on the Niger Delta crisis for enduring peace in the region.

On the threats by some groups to resume arms struggle in the Niger Delta region, the NDCAV boss noted that violence has never been a solution to an agitation since the creation of human race and advised those threatening to return to the creeks to better give up such idea describing violence as a two edged sword that does no party any good.

He said that non violence approach to the pursuit of Justice remains the only solution to the Niger Delta problem which is what NDCAV stands for.

Lekia who advised Nigerians to be more patriotic on their out burst on national issues called for support to Jonathan in the interim and continuous prayers for the quick recovery of Mr. President whom he described as a symbol of Peace of the Niger Delta people.

Lekia also called on the acting President to pursue policies and programmes that would promote peace and harmony of all Nigerians irrespective of creed and tribe of origin.  

Abians Clamour For “Ochendo's Second Coming”

By Joe Kalu

OPM is synomous with the famous Omega Power Ministry Church, Eliogbolo Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

But recently supporters of the Abia State Chief Executive, Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji aka “Ochendo” under the aegis of Ochendo Prosperity Movement (OPM) stormed Port Harcourt in a subtle campaign for the Governor's second tenure to enable him, they say, consolidate on his achievements.

The entourage which was led by he state coordinator of OPM, Hon. Iyke Apugo on arrival paid a courtesy call on His Majesty, Eze Adiele Maduagwu, Eze Ndi Igbo, Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The Traditional Ruler gave his royal blessing to the group and also pledged the support of Abians living in Rivers and Bayelsa States to their cause.

At the Peoples Club Hall in the Rumuola area of Port Harcourt venue of the reception, the state leader of OPM reeled out the developmental strides of Governor Orji within the period he has been on the throne despite the incessant electoral litigations by Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, his PDP opponent, which he said tended to affect the Governor's focus.

Hon. Apugo promised logistical support to the Rivers and Bayelsa Chapters of the group to enable them deliver their mandate.

He also appealed to them to return home en-masse for the voter's registration exercise as well as the election proper to enable them achieve their aim of enthroning Governor Orji for the second term in office, adding that North, South, East and West home remains the best.

The Rivers State chapter coordinator of the group Rev. Leo. Uwakwe said they were ready and willing to deliver “Ochendo” for his second tenure bid in order for him to consolidate on his modest achievements in the state so far.

He translated the English slogan of the group into Igbo language which was adopted by the authorities, thus “Ochendo, “Uzodinma Agaya ugbo abuo” instead “Ochendo”, one good turn deserves another.

In a chat with newsmen shortly after the occasion, Hon. Apugo defended the reason why the group considered it necessary to call for the Governor to run for the second term.

According to him, Governor T.A. Orji has performed so wonderful in the areas of road reconstruction, education and health sector and especially the security sector”, inspite of low federal allocation and internally generated revenue, IGR”.

He disclosed further that despite that the FG is yet to refund the state claims of N12 billion spent on its roads that are in the stat e, the Governor went ahead to incur more N6 billion on the dualization of Umungazi and Port Harcourt roads, all Federal roads in Aba metropolis.

Some other roads he noted which are under reconstruction are Faulks Roads, Ama Ogbonna area as well as the scooping of the blocked drainages to facilitate free flow of water.

Other roads under reconstruction, he continued, are Isiukwuato and Bende roads, including the diversionary road from Abam to Arochukwu.

Apugo also scored the administration high in the area of electricity and water both in Umuahia, the state capital and Aba.

On the allegation that women were forced to pay tax, the OPM leader debunked it as a spurious one.

According to him due to the low IGR in addition to the Global Economic Melt Down, the State Government introduced a levy in consultation with the stakeholders to shore up its revenue base, and that shop owners whether male or female were to pay a token of N3, 000 which they happily paid because they have seen that it was for the development of the areas too.

On security, he said the situation has improved since the kin pins of the kidnap group were identified and shot recently.

He also used the opportunity to correct the impression that all the crime committed at the boundary communities between Abia and Rivers were Abia indigenes.

“Most of the criminals are from other areas of the country and target the expressway for their evil business while some others are political killings whose killers trailed their victims from Rivers State.

According to the OPM, the Governor's major support come from the civil service because he is the only Governor in the federation who considered promoting them to their next level with its heavy financial implication to the Government purse.

On his message to Abians both at home and in Diaspora, Chief Apugo appealed to them to give him their second mandate for him to consolidate on his achievements.

The group plans to travel to Bayelsa State in the near future for the same wake up call before the inauguration of the group subsequently.

Among those in the entourage were Princess Grace Agbara and Kenneth Ezeigbo, all Special Assistants to the Governor.

Ubima Community Condemns Assassination Attempt On Ex -Chairman

By  Okechukwu Geoffrey

The people of Ubima in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have condemned in strong terms the recent assassination attempt on the former chairman of Kelga Hon. Simeon Asobi alias Control by unknown gunmen at his Rukpokwu residence on the 12th of February 2010.

The gunmen who tried in vain to gain entry into the Chairman's bedroom, the beam checks revealed were chased away by the Chairman's brother who was also present when the dare devil men struck.

Confirming the incident, the former Press Secretary to Ikwerre Local Government Area Mr. Innocent Anwuka Amadi described the act as barbaric, inhuman and capable of giving Ubima community a bad name especially now that Rivers State is beginning to witness unprecedented transformation more than ever before under the able leadership of their son Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

He therefore, appealed to those involved in the act to have a change of heart warning them against the calamity awaiting those whose business is to shed blood.

The former press secretary to Hon.; Asobi particularly advised all politicians in Ubima and Ikwerre as a whole to henceforth shun the habit of killing their fellow brothers as the simplest means of settling any dispute as such act would not be in the interest of the Ikwerre ethnic nationality.

Describing his boss as a politician who knows his onions, Mr. Anwuka called on the people of Ubima to always ensure that only the right thing was done pointing out that the former council chairman has not done anything to deserve death.

According to him, as the political leadership in the community Hon. Asobi has ensured that unity, peace and development thrived in the area adding that during his tenure as Chairman of council he did his best to carry everybody along irrespective of the duration.

Anwuka who joined the Oha In Council, Youths and Chiefs of Ubima to condemn the act however appealed to the people and security agencies in the state to do everything within their powers to fish out the people involved in the act.

You will recall that Hon. Simeon Asobi served as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Kelga which lasted for three months while Innocent Anwuka Amadi was his Press Secretary.

News Page 12

Gov. Amaechi Lashes Kalabari Leaders ...as King T.J.T.Princewill Clocks 80

By Joe Kalu

The Rivers State Chief Executive, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has condemned the attitude of past Kalabari leaders who held positions of trust but could not do much to develop their communities. The Governor made this assertion over the weekend at Buguma City in Asari-Toru L.G.A Of Rivers State during the 80th Birthday celebration of His Majesty King [Prof] T.J.T. Princewill [JP] Amachree XI, Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom.

On the insinuations that Kalabaris were hated and marginalized by other ethnic groups in the state, Amaechi said it was not true because people enjoy fair share of opportunities available to the state. He however urged the Kalabari Leaders to caution their young ones to surrender their arms, emphasing that they should not use the guise of Niger Delta struggle to kill the innocent ones.

The Governor used the opportunity to rearward the contract for the construction of the Trans-Kalabari high way which he noted was abandoned by contractors who were mostly of Kalabari extraction due to his love for the people and its economic importance of the Kalabaris.

He congratulated the celebrant who is also the state chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council and wished he will bring his wealth of experience on the exalted position and as well leave a worthy legacy. The Governor on behalf of his himself, family and the good people of the State presented a pradojeep car to the celebrant and wished him many more years.

The chairman of the occasion Alabo T.O. Graham-Douglas OFR, JP recalled the historical antecedents of the Kalabari Kingdom, noting that despite series of migrations by family groupings caused by warfare for control of the sea route to trade, the Kalabaris still maintain a solid homogenous front and Kingdom.

He lamented that successive governments in the state have only paid lip service to the area and expressed hopelessness on the situation.

Hear him “besides few endeavors' that our children in government establishments were able to achieve infrastructuraly, successive governments of the state have paid lip service to the development of the Kalabari area and I personally feel it will continue to remain a far cry and great expectations on the part of any Kalabari to expect magical metamorphosis.”

The “Orubibiye VI” of Abonnema also lamented what he described as calculated plans to excise from the Kalabari Kingdom some oil producing communities like Kula, Abbissa, Idama, Soku, Elem and Sangana and urged His Majesty to make a formal protestation of the development to the highest authorities of the country, warning of the inherent danger ahead.

Alabo Graham Douglas therefore told the Amanyanabo that the biggest legacy he could bequate his people is to focus on the peace and unity of the Kalabari Kingdom and congratulated him on his 80th birthday celebration.

In an address of welcome earlier the celebrant, King Theophilus Princewill said it was remarkable that his birthday was being celebrated with dots of tortuous moments.

Of all the gifts and goodwill messages received King Princewill noted that his appointment as the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, first of its kind on any Kalabari King and the recognition of the Amanyanabo stool of Kula was the highest and most cherished by the people.

King Princewill who was also celebrating his 8th years on the throne used the opportunity to remind the Governor their recurring problems that need urgent attention.

He said the FG should give muscle to the amnesty policy in order to consolidate on its gains reawarding of the Trans-Kalabari high ways hooking up their Kingdom to the national grid, completing of the Buguma drainage and consideration of a Ring road for Buguma which he said has been on the drawing board of successive governments.

Highlights of the occasion which attracted the ECOWAS president the Ghanaian Ambossad or to Nigeria, wife of the state Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, former Senate President, Adolf Wabara, top politicians, traditional rulers were among dignitaries from various walks of life highlights include the unveiling of the statue of His Majesty King Jacob Tom Princewill Amachree VII and Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom (1884  1960) the car gift by the Governor as well as the cutting of the birthday cake by the celebrant and ably assisted by members of the high table.

There were also cultural display that entertained the guests.

Niger Delta Youth Group Drums Support for Jonathan

By Joe Kalu

South-South Alliance for Yar'Adua and Jonathan, SSAYJ has appealed for support and encouragement to the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan to enable him tackle the onerous task of nation building.

According to the national youth leader of the group Mr. Oru Nwobueze in a chat with newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt “due to the circumstance that brought the acting president into the position he finds himself, it is necessary we give him our maximum support in order for him to be focused on the task of keeping the country in fast unity the return of his boss Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'Adua whose style of leadership was exemplary”.

Oru who is also the state coordinator of the Supreme Niger Delta Youth Council Worldwide stated further that the ailing president would be remembered for the amnesty programme on the ex-militants and urged the acting president to ensure that the post amnesty programme are pursued to its logical conclusion, while also appealing to the ex-militants on the other hand to be patient with the authorities as they grapple with the programme with a view  to finding a lasting solution to the perennial problem of the zone.

Comrade Oru Nwobueze who is also known as “Italian boss” by his admirers also used the opportunity to condemn some youth bodies which he said has no locus standi to speak on behalf of the zone but who jump at every opportunity to make unguided and inflammatory statement.

He said this was the only opportunity; the South-South zone has to occupy the exalted seat of the nation and must be supported to achieve for the region.

The youth leader disclosed further that with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan wealth of experience and composure his capability to steer the ship of the nation is not in doubt.

He also urged his fellow youth to give all the intervention agencies of the FG to the Niger Delta region a chance to proffer solution to them, adding that it could be by way of empowerment, employment, contracts, skill acquisition and education.

Comrade Nwobueze appealed to the authorities to less the talk shops and planning and swing into action to reduce tension in the land especially among the ex-militants who he noted are largely idle.

He also used the opportunity to commend the Obio/Akpor Council Chairman for what he considers his modest achievements within the period.

He however appealed to him and in fact the state Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to come to the aide of the people of Ogbogoro Community by enduring the urgent repairs of the two entry points to their community, Ozuoba and Rumuolameni which he said are death traps.

...Blames Kalabari Contractors For Delaying Trans Kalabari Road

By Okechukwu Geoffrey

The Governor of Rivers State Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has expressed disappointment over the abandonment of work at the Trans Kalabari highway by the contractors, 80 percent of whom are from Kalabari.

Speaking during the eightieth birthday of the Amayanabo of Kalabari HRM King Theophilus Princewill at Buguma recently, Governor Amaechi wondered why the contractors after been paid by government have refused to do anything reasonable on the project.

The Governor who threatened to re-award the contracts to serious minded persons expressed shock that the project which ought to have been facilitated by the indigenous contractors has been abandoned without any reason.

He blamed sons and daughters of Kalabari land who have been in positions of trust as responsible for the under development of the area and wondered why such contractors should abandon projects aimed at developing Kalabari land.

He therefore called on the contractors involved to return to site or else the contract will be re-awarded.

However, some Kalabari persons who bared their minds on the attitudes of the contractors described them, especially the ones from Kalabari as selfish, greedy and anti-Kalabari as their bahaviours towards the Trans Kalabari highway project speak volume of what they represent in Kalabari land.

The people who spoke to our correspondent under conditions of anonymity called on the Governor not to waste much time in re-awarding the job to other contractors irrespective of where they come from while commending the Governor for his people oriented government.

The contract cost runs into billions of naira.

Meanwhile, Governor Amaechi has also cautioned youths in the Kalabari area against harassing contractors as their attitudes were also responsible for the delay adding that anyone caught in the act would be made to serve three years jail term by the time the bill is signed into law by the State Assembly.

He appealed to them to surrender their arms and embrace the post amnesty programmes.