Agip Pipeline Blast: Reps' Team Visits Bayelsa

The House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on Niger Delta and Joint Task Military Force (JTF), has visited Bayelsa State to investigate the cause of last year’s Agip pipeline explosion at Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
It would be recalled that the incident had claimed 14 lives.
The committee led by Nasiru Sule Garo, which paid a courtesy visit on the state Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John- Jonah (rtd) in Yenagoa, the state capital, before proceeding to look at the scene of the blast in the deep mangrove swamp of Azuzuama, is also mandated to look at the integrity of Agip facilities, following claims of neglect by some stakeholders.
Other members of the committee, saddled with the task of overseeing the function of the JTF with regard to curbing the activities of illegal refinery operators in the Niger Delta, include Douye Diri, Adekunle Akinlade, Abubakar Amere, Shuaibu Abdulrahman, Ntufam Mbora, Solomon Manre, Nkiruka Onyejiocha and Miss Ifeoma Abara.
Garo, who briefed the state deputy governor on their mission to the state, promised to do justice to the contentious issues raised in the wake of the explosion.
The committee is to, among other things, determine whether the explosion was a case of sabotage or equipment failure.
He said that the committee was set up by the Speaker of the House following the motion moved by the member representing Yenagoa Federal Constituency, Douye Diri.
The House, he said was deeply concerned about the event as well as the spate of despoliation taking place in the Niger Delta and its attendant consequences on the livelihood of the locals.
He assured that the House would organise a public hearing to enable stakeholders come up with suggestions on how best to avert a repeat of such an explosion.
“The House also mandated this committee to look into the integrity of Agip facilities because there are lots of allegations that some of their facilities are obsolete and that they are not taking care of them,” he said.
He assured the government of the readiness of the committee to carry out its assignment diligently and see to the JTF handling of seized crude oil and equipment from illegal refinery operators due to the delicate nature of the environment.
Receiving the team, John-Jonah thanked the Speaker for setting up the committee, and called for more federal assistance for effective policing of the delta due to its peculiar terrain.

'EPZ Project Can Stop Militancy, Reunite Ijaw, Itsekiri'

A member of the $16-billion private-driven Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, Wednesday, said that the project will employ about 150,000 men and women at the construction stage, and over 5,000 workers when completed.
According to Bebenimibo also said that the same project was capable of stopping militancy in the Niger Delta region.
Bebenimibo, representing Ijaw interest in the Gbaramatu Deep Sea Port part of the project with the Gas City component in an Itsekiri enclave, said that, “I wish to add my voice to the call to President Muhammadu Buhari to put machinery in place to continue this project as part of the stimulus to the economy to address the current economic recession in the country.
“There is no doubt also that this project will address the issue of militancy in the Niger Delta region as unemployment and lack of developmental projects in the region are likely factors fuelling resurgence in the region.
“Clearly, this project will significantly address the issue of unemployment in the country, as over 150,000 men and women will be engaged in the construction stage alone, and over 5,000,000 work-force when the project is completed.
“With the present economic situation in Nigeria, this project is very crucial to add value to the economic life of the masses.
“It will also unite the two major benefiting tribes of Ijaw and Itsekiri as the need for peaceful co-existence on their part will equally guarantee hitch-free crude oil exploration activities by the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he added.

Navy Threatens Massive Crackdown On Illegal Groups, Impersonators

The Nigerian Navy has threatened to deal decisively with any person(s) or group(s) impersonating the Navy or using the name of its personnel to undermine innocent citizens.
A statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Christian Odogwu Ezekobe, Wednesday, said that “the attention of the Nigerian Navy Headquarters has been drawn to the reoccurring incidences of impersonation of service personnel by criminal elements and illegal groups, particularly in the coastal states.
“While the service has taken measures to checkmate the activities of the imposters, their continuous activities have greatly tainted the good image of the Nigerian Navy.
“Pseudo organisations that go by the names; Nigerian Merchant Navy, Merchant Naval Force and Nigerian Sea Scout, among others, have sprung up, deceived and recruited unsuspecting civilians, dressed up in Nigerian Navy uniforms and parading themselves as personnel,” the Navy said.
It added that, “In this year alone, about 16 persons have been arrested, with the most recent being the case of one Mr Sunday Livinus Anaefo, who was arrested while on illegal escort duties along Ibafon-Victoria Island axis in Lagos.
“Also, one Mr Ukaegbu Lucky was arrested at Agbara general area of Ogun State for posing as a Nigerian Navy personnel,” Ezekobe emphasised.
He further said that, “Additionally, in a recent raid conducted by operatives of the Nigerian Navy in Badagry area, the camp of one illegal group that goes by the name, Merchant Naval Force, was discovered and dismantled.
“The action was sequel to reports of criminal extortion, intimidation and harassment of unsuspecting members of the public, including agents of government by ‘supposed’ naval personnel in the area,” the statement noted.
It added that, “In view of the current security challenges in the country associated with militancy, cult-related activities, banditry, piracy, sea robbery, kidnapping and other unwholesome activities, the Nigerian Navy will henceforth massively crackdown on any group that poses as a security risk to the maritime domain and its own operations.
“These observations on the criminal activities of imposters bring to fore the urgent need to advice parents and guardians to warn their children and wards not to fall into the temptation of impersonating personnel of the Nigerian Navy or enlisting as members of these illegal organisations by which ever name they are called, as the service will henceforth use the required lawful means to crackdown on them wherever there are found,” Ezekobe added.

Soyinka Declines Negotiator's Role For Militants, Demands Restructuring

Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has disavowed a role as a negotiator on behalf of the Niger Delta Avengers, a militant group that has claimed responsibility for numerous bombing attacks on oil installations in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
In a press statement, made available to newsmen, Soyinka declared that he never agreed to play a role as a representative of the interests of the Avengers in any negotiations with the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
It would be recalled that about a week ago, the Avengers had issued a statement warning the Buhari administration against negotiating with any delegation from the Niger Delta led by a traditional ruler, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, and other personalities from the geopolitical zone.
They said that only Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark team has the mandate of the group in interfacing with the government.
They also declared Diette-Spiff and the other would-be negotiators as “vultures.”
The militant group further asserted that it would only recognize a negotiating team led by the Soyinka and Anthony Ani.
However, the Nobel laureate, Thursday, denied that he ever agreed to play a role as a negotiator.
“I have just seen the release by the Avengers that I shall be leading NDA's negotiating team,” he said, adding, “I wish to make it abundantly clear that I have never, at any time, agreed to any such mission.
“My role in this affair has been restricted to advising this movement on realistic approaches to a rational resolution. I have no intention of extending that role.”
In the statement, the literary icon prescribed the restructuring of Nigeria as the most enduring way to address the crisis in the Niger Delta.
He stated: “I have also insisted on a holistic approach to the recurrent unrest in the Niger Delta, such as addressing such discontent within the context of national restructuring.”
In his statement, Soyinka took exception to the NDA’s description of Diette-Spiff and other potential negotiators as ‘vultures’.
He voiced “disapproval of negative labelling of other initiators of dialogue, such as designating them vultures. Such language is disturbingly reminiscent of the tragic consequences of a demonizing phase of the earlier struggle by the Ogoni.”
Source::SaharaReporters

Again, Militants Attack NPDC's Crude Oil Pipeline

For the third time in a month, the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), a militant group opposed to dialogue with the Federal Government, in the early hours of Thursday, attacked another crude oil delivery pipeline in Delta State, destroying the facility as a fulfilment of its earlier threat to the government.
A statement, signed by the group’s spokesperson, Aldo Agbalaja, said, “As a mark of our commitment to a just course, and to prove to the wicked and ungrateful multinational oil companies and their Nigerian military allies, who have been forcefully taking our natural endowment, without any visible returns, that we own our lands, the Opudo Strike Team of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, at about 0100hour today, 29th September, 2016, bombed the Unenurhie-Evwreni delivery line in Ughelli South/North, respectively, operated by Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC),” a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
The group, said, “We want to assure the oil multinational companies that we are determined to end their operations in our lands, and this, we shall, if they fail to show the will to change their relationship with our people and their operational attitude in our lands.”
According to the statement, “For the avoidance of doubts, we want to say categorically, that no amount of military protection/presence can stop this whirlpool, no amount of shoddily arranged military operation can quell the will of our gallant army. The same way their ‘Operation Crocodile Smile’ was sunken by our ‘Operation Crocodile Tears,’ is how all their schemes against our land and people will continue to be defeated.”
It further stressed that, “Like we have said, this will only stop when you turn a new leaf, adopt a sincere attitude, give back to our people what naturally should be theirs, advise the government rightly, stop thinking there's an army to protect you from justice, do these and all that you know are good.
“If you do these, be assured to have a good relationship with our people, and real protection for your personnel and assets across our lands,” the NDGJM added.

Communities Celebrate Shell For Upgrading Schools

The people of Ewupe, Isorosi and Ijaliye communities in Ota, Ogun State, rolled out the drums in a fanfare, Tuesday, at the opening of multimillion naira new school facilities donated by Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) the downstream subsidiary of Shell in Nigeria.
The projects, executed in co-located Ebenezer African Church Primary School and African Church Community Secondary School in Ewupe within SNG’s operational area included new and upgraded blocks of classrooms, football field, toilets and water facilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of SNG, Mr. Toyin Adenuga, described the investment in the two public schools as part of the broad social investment programme of the company.
“We recognise education as the topmost need of the people of our neighbouring communities and what we have done is a progression of our longstanding support to these schools and to the communities,” Adenuga said.
He noted that SNG was committed to supporting initiatives aimed at closing the opportunity gap between students in rural public schools and their counterparts in private schools.
 In her speech, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Modupe Mujota, commended SNG’s investment in the schools and charged the students to take full advantage of the ultramodern school infrastructure to “upscale their academic performance and competitive exploits”.
 Represented by the Director of Secondary Education in the State, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye, the Commissioner noted that the cost of education was capital-intensive and that public-private partnership in education was a viable option to overcome the funding challenge.
“This administration has never pretended to be benevolently buoyant enough to singlehandedly underwrite the cost. This is why we have always beckoned on corporate concerns, public spirited individuals, and non-governmental organisations to team up with us in lifting the education sector to great heights,” Ogunleye added.
 An elated Principal of African Church Community Secondary School, Mr. Gbolahan Adekunjo, described SNG’s support to the school as ‘a spectacular, historic and positive one that has transformed the life of the schools.’
He added, “The company has put smile on the faces of not only the students, staff and parents but the entire Ewupe and Ota community as a whole.”
The event was witnessed by senior government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and leadership of the community development committees in Ogun State.

L-R: Director of Quality Assurance, Ogun State Ministry of Education, Mr. Olamilekan Ashiru; Director of Secondary School Services, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye; Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Gas, Mr. Toyin Adenuga; External Relations Communications Manager of Shell Nigeria, Mrs. Sola Abulu; and traditional ruler of Ewupe, Chief Sulaimon Obalanlege, at the handover of new and upgraded facilities of the Ebenezer African Church Primary School and African Church Community Secondary School, Ewupe-Ota, Ogun State to the government... on Tuesday

Group picture of representatives of Ogun State Government, Shell Nigeria Gas and the Ewupe community at the handover of new and upgraded facilities of the Ebenezer African Church Primary School and African Church Community Secondary School, Ewupe-Ota, Ogun State to the government... on Tuesday

Group picture of representatives of Ogun State Government, Shell Nigeria Gas and the Ewupe community at the handover of new and upgraded facilities of the Ebenezer African Church Primary School and African Church Community Secondary School, Ewupe-Ota, Ogun State to the government... on Tuesday

INEC Declares Obaseki Edo Governor-Elect

The candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has been declared winner of the Edo State governorship election held, Wednesday.
The declaration was made Thursday, in Benin City, the state capital, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Obaseki won 319,483 votes, beating his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a wide margin. Ize-Iyamu scored 253,173 votes.
The collation process was not without controversy, with some of the parties calling for either a recount of the votes in some areas or outright cancellation of the ballot due to irregularities.
PDP, in particular, is alleging that its victory in several areas had been overturned between midnight and this morning mainly through the voiding of valid votes and inflation of the votes of the ruling party.
Chieftains and representatives of KOWA Party and Action Alliance, while reacting to figures announced at the collation centre in Benin City, the state capital, also called for the cancellation of the election, alleging that it was marred by inducement and over-voting, among other malpractices.
However, hundreds of PDP supporters held a protest at the INEC office in Benin where the exercise was taking place.
The protesters alleged that results from their areas were manipulated and that there results were cancelled in areas that were PDP strongholds. They called on INEC to suspend collation of result from the areas, including Esan North-East LGA.
The protesters were, however, dispersed by the police with tear gas as the protest became more heated.
Some agents, including that of KOWA Party, called for the cancellation of the result, with others, including the APC candidate urging them to go to court.
Also, PDP’s agent, Chris Agbonwanegbe, refused to sign the result sheet, saying it was “rehearsed and produced”.
See Officially Announced LGA-by-LGA Results Below:
Owan West
APC: 12,862
PDP: 10,132
Egor
APC: 26,177
PDP: 19,514
Esan North East
APC: 9,130
PDP: 16,220
Igueben
APC: 7,802
PDP: 7,560
Uhunmwode
APC: 10,911
PDP: 8,667
6 Esan South East
APC: 9,554
PDP: 11,466
Oredo
APC: 37,612
PDP: 30,492
Orhionmwon
APC: 15,262
PDP: 16,446
Esan West
APC 13,114
PDP 16,311
Owan East
APC: 21, 233
PDP: 12,889
Ovia North East
APC: 17,561
PDP: 13,141
Esan Central
APC: 9,781
PDP: 10,180
Etsako East
APC: 18,078
PDP: 12,552
Etsako Central
APC: 10,373
PDP: 8,827
Etsako West
APC: 29,199
PDP: 10,843
Ikpoba-Okha
APC: 33,469
PDP: 26,096
Akoko-Edo
APC: 24,545
PDP: 13,027
Ovia South-West
APC: 12,820
PDP: 8,810
Total:
 APC: 319,483
PDP: 253,173

Obaseki Celebrates Victory, Promises To Work For Edo People

The Governor-elect of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has accepted his victory in the governorship election and promised to work tirelessly to transform the state.
Obaseki spoke, Thursday, in Benin City, Edo State capital, after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) returned him as winner of the election.
“With great humility, I accept this announcement of my victory as the governor-elect of Edo State,” said Obaseki, who secured 319,483 votes in the election, as against the 253,173 votes polled by Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party.
He said his victory underscored the preference of Edo people “for continuity and consolidation of our progress.”
He added, “More importantly, by your votes you have clearly affirmed your faith in my ability to lead our state forward into a new era. This is a responsibility Philip Shuaibu, my running mate, and myself do not take lightly.”
Noting that he and his party made many promises during the election, Obaseki pledged that his administration would strive to deliver on all the promises and “build a state which will be anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower our citizens to the best level.”
“I promise to work tirelessly for the good of all Edo people irrespective of gender, social status, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation,” he said.
He thanked the people for their courage in coming out to vote “in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence who wanted to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election.”
“You are the heroes of this election; you saw through their propaganda and lies and you made the right decision,” he said.
The Edo State governor-elect, who also praised INEC and security agencies for their role in maintaining law and order, also thanked his wife and family, President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
He said Buhari’s presence at the APC grand rally in Benin was deeply appreciated; while also acknowledging the support received from the APC governors as well as the leadership of our great party.
“I reserve special appreciation for my brother and friend, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for his vision and single-minded focus on the progress and development of our state.
“When everyone thought it was impossible, you proved to Edo people that government indeed can work for them. I want you to know that the legacy you have built would last forever,” he said.
Obaseki called on his opponents in the election, who he said put up a gallant fight, to work with him to move the state forward.
He said, “The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatched and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective.”

Edo PDP Explains Why Poll Results Were Rejected

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are fake, and that the figures contradict the ones announced at various units and collated at various wards across the state.
The PDP, in a press statement, in Benin City, the state capital, said that it rejected the election because ‘the details of the results released by INEC are all fake’.
The press statement, signed by the state party Chairman, Mr Dan Orbih, Thursday, reads thus: “The PDP in Edo State, after carefully reviewing the events of Wednesday, September 28th, 2016, totally rejects the purported outcome of the voting exercise and the results announced by INEC.
“Firstly, we are in total amazement at the details of the results released by INEC because all of them are fake and not the figures announced at various units and as collated at various wards across the state.
“The fake results announced by INEC are entirely a fabrication, which do not reflect the true picture of what transpired during the election.
“However, we are not totally surprised because long before now, we had anticipated this and had also warned INEC, security agencies and alerted Edo people at various press conferences and statements, on this situation. ‎
“Secondly, based on the results emanating from across the state, PDP won the election fair and square, and with a very comfortable margin.
“So, it is with disgust that we have been receiving fake results which were never recorded in either the units or the ward collation centres.
“Our rejection of the results released by INEC so far is based on, but not limited to, the following: We know that a fair turnout of voters was recorded state-wide because the weather was very clement and voters were enthusiastic.
“However, unknown to unsuspecting Edo electorate, INEC had long provided the serial numbers of all result sheets to Adams Oshiomole and his APC government, to print fresh result sheets.
“This is not a mere allegation. From the benefit of hindsight, the 18-day period of postponement of the election was to provide enough time for the governor and his government to print these result sheets and perfect the writing of fake results at the units and at all levels of collation.
“This scenario is further buttressed by the fact that on Monday, September 26th, 2016, when election materials arrived from the CBN at INEC state office for inspection, agents of the political parties, including the APC and PDP were given pre-typed copies of the serial numbers of all result sheets and the ballot papers.
“This was a clear security breach, and an infringement on the credibility of the process, as these are sensitive materials, which should not have been sighted even by INEC officers.
“Everything that has transpired had been carefully designed by the Adams Oshiomole-led Edo State government and their cohorts in INEC.
“They perfected a scheme to void thousands of ballot papers, to enable them perpetrate their devices.
“It is widely recorded that over 88 per cent of the voided ballots were PDP votes.
“Postings of commissioners of police and removal of officers from their units, even during the voting exercise, was a clear plot to destabilize the security apparatus in various LGAs and senatorial districts.
“The same goes for the DSS personnel across the state. Choice of collation from places they chose as well as the choice of the state returning officer, in the person of a close friend and associate of former governors Kayode Fayemi and Niyi Adebayo of Ekiti State, who are top APC chieftains.
“They also prevented our agents in many cases from entering collation centres.
“There are numerous accounts and records of Police harassment all over the state, designed to strike fear in the hearts of PDP members, using men of the CID (Criminal Investigation Department), SARS, MOPOL 60 Command, DSS and other security agencies.
“Of particular concern is the atrocious gangsterism demonstrated in Etsako West, the home of the incumbent APC Governor and the deputy governor nominee, where many of our members and agents were assaulted, almost mortally, and some still being detained as we speak.
“Those still detained include Michael Etu, Gabriel Etu and Mohammed Sani.
“Also, a Honda Accord vehicle, with registration number FST 868 BC, belonging to one of our stalwarts was destroyed, and is still lying at the voting centre.
“There is also the widely reported and recorded case of collation centre disruption in Oredo local government, by the notorious Osakpamwan Eriyo, who invaded the venue and released shots in the air, chasing away supporters and people, before making away with the results.
“This happened in the full glare of the Police, DSS, INEC and other security personnel. Interestingly, neither INEC nor the Police showed any concern or any resistance, even as we speak.
“It is on record that the level of open financial inducements was unprecedented and indigent voters were being offered between N2,000 and N5,000 to cast their votes, and also forced to display their ballot prints.
“Numerous videos were posted on social media showing APC members handing out monies to voters, in the full glare of INEC and security officers.
“Deliberate connivance with INEC staff to steal materials and results in various wards.
“We particularly take note of materials stolen at Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha, Nikorogha, Ovia South West, Urhonigbe in Orhionmwon, Udaba in Etsako Central, Opoji in Esan Central and many others.
“To put it mildly, Edo 2016 has turned out to be a travesty of our democracy, and it is calamitous that in spite of all the atrocities committed by APC, nothing happened to thugs like Osakpamwan Eriyo who went to George Idah Primary school in Oredo Local government area, to snatch results in the full glare of the Police, SSS and INEC officials.
“Shooting, chasing and scaring away voters, and even international observers, is nothing short of a bastardisation of our hard earned democracy.
“A few days ago, we mentioned in a press statement, that Adams Oshiomole boasted openly, how he had prepared results already for the election, which will be announced, and PDP can go to court.
“It has been executed today, but the will of Edo people will never be subverted by Adams Oshiomole and his cohorts. We will do everything within the law to claim our mandate.
“In the words of Plato, the penalty we pay for refusing to participate in politics, and to exercise our right, is that we end up being governed and oppressed by evil men. This impunity must end in Edo State!”, the PDP said.

Edo Guber: 'Buhari’s Fulfilled Promise For Free, Fair Polls'

The Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, says outcome of Edo State governorship poll is a fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari`s promise of ensuring free, fair and credible elections in the country.
He stated this at the Rivers South-East Senatorial District rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Thursday, at Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
Represented by the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, the minister said that after the March 19 rerun elections in Rivers State, he reminded Buhari of his promise to conduct free and fair elections in the country.
“I went to the president because there were more guns in hands of criminals than Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in hands of peaceful people during the March 19 legislative rerun elections.
“The president assured me that to signpost the fact that never again will electorate be held hostage by gunmen, watch out for Edo governorship election.
“If we have free, fair and credible election in Edo State, then you take it that same will happen in Rivers State, Buhari assured me,” he said.
Amaechi, therefore, said that with the peaceful conduct of the Edo election, Buhari had fulfilled his promise and Rivers people would reap from that pledge.
“In a peaceful atmosphere during elections, no South-South state will vote for opposition party.
So, Rivers people will vote to be in the mainstream in the pending rerun elections.
“I want to assure Rivers people that there will be free and fair election and APC will come out victorious,” he said.
According to Amaechi, APC has the best candidates to represent Rivers effectively in the National and State assemblies.
“With APC members in the state assembly, the legislature will have its colour; Rivers people will have full representation”, he said.

Legislator Praises Edo People For Keeping Faith With APC

A member of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon Adjoto Kabiru (APC-Akoko Edo) has congratulated Mr Godwin Obaseki on his victory in the just-concluded governorship election.
Kabiru told reporters Thursday, in Benin City, the state capital, that the victory would give the people the opportunity to continue to enjoy ongoing developments in the state.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, Thursday, in Benin, declared Obaseki as winner of the gubernatorial election.
Obaseki polled 319,483 votes to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 253,173 votes.
He said “I want to thank Edo people for not changing the change. The change will remain in the state and in the country.
“It takes time to get the dividends of democracy, but with time, things will get better. The 200,000 jobs Obaseki promised will be realised.
“And there will be more red roofs, hospitals and road construction across the 18 local government areas of the state.”
Obaseki further said that he and his Deputy Governor-elect, Philip Shaibu, would build on the foundation laid by Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Aregbesola Lauds Edo Electorate For Not Changing The Change

The Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, Thursday, in Abuja, thanked Edo electorate for voting Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying “thank you for not changing the change’’.
Aregbesola said this when he broke the news of Obaseki’s victory as Edo governor-elect to newsmen at the “National Day of Solidarity with Cuba’’.
The event is a roundtable discussion on strengthening International Struggle against all forms of Blockade and Isolation against Cuba.
“I am happy that my party has won in Edo. I thank the Edo people for not changing the change. This change is here to stay,’’ he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to continue to bear with the administration in the face of economy recession.
“Please, bear with us, it will soon be over and the nation will come out in victory,’’ he said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, earlier in the day in Benin City, declared Obaseki winner of the governorship election in the state.
Obaseki polled 319,483 votes to defeat his closest rival, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 253,173 votes.
It will be recalled that the slogan for the PDP campaigns in the state was “change the change’’.

NUT Celebrates With APC, Restates 100% Support To Obaseki

The Edo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) says it is happy with the All Progressives Congress for Godwin Obaseki’s victory at the Wednesday governorship election.
The Chairman of the union, Mr Mike Uhumwangho, said this in an interview with newsmen in Benin City, Thursday.
Uhumwangho said the election was free and fair “and I believe that the better candidate won”.
“We are 100 per cent happy that the candidate who the Edo NUT endorsed won the governorship race.
“I believe that he will continue the good work that Governor Adams Oshiomhole has started and will do better,” he said.
He, however, called on the governor- elect not to renege on his electoral promises to revamp the education sector in the state.
INEC had declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the APC as winner of the election, after he had garnered 319,483 votes to defeat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.

'Agent's Refusal To Sign Result Sheet Doesn't Invalidate Poll'

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said that the refusal of some political party agents to sign the Edo State governorship election result sheet did not invalidate the poll.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Publicity, Prince Solomon Soyebi, stated this in an interview with newsmen, Thursday, in Benin City, the state capital.
Soyebi said that the validity of an election was stipulated in the Electoral Act and Election Guidelines.
He said that the concluded Edo election was in line with the Electoral Act.
“The refusal of any party agents to sign the result sheet does not in any way invalidate the declared result of the election,” Soyebi said.
The agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Young Democratic Party had refused to sign the result sheet of the Edo governorship election.
He commended the people of Edo for their peaceful conduct that allowed the election to be peaceful and concluded in one ballot.
“This is one of the few elections that we have conducted with minimum violence,” he said.
Soyebi said that the people of Edo had set the pace for peaceful election and mass turnout of voters in the country.
He expressed hope that such standard would be sustained as well as impact on future elections.
The INEC commissioner said high number of counselled votes and the inability to use the card readers remained one of the major changes in the election.
He, however, said that INEC would build on the success recorded in Edo as well as invest more in voter education to ensure the success of Ondo election scheduled for November 28.
INEC had declared Mr Godwin Obaseki of the APC as winner of the election, having polled 319,483 votes to defeat Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who scored 253,173 votes.

Edo APC Links Victory To Electorate's Goodwill

The Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State, Mr Anselm Ojezua, Thursday, attributed the party’s victory in the Edo governorship election on Wednesday, on the goodwill of the people.
Ojezua, who was reacting to the APC victory in Benin City, said Governor Adams Oshiomhole, had served the state well and the people rewarded him by voting the party in again.
He told newsmen that the victory did not come to him as a surprise because it was earned through hard work.
The chairman said that the party would continue to build on the goodwill, adding “to God be the glory; this victory brings to the fore the need for hard work.”
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the party in Edo South Senatorial District, Mr Gentleman Amegor, said the party won because it had worked hard since it assumed office.
“In life, the key to success is hard work. When you work hard, success will never be far from you. That is exactly what has happened.
“Oshiomhole has laid the foundation and we pray and are hopeful that Godwin Obaseki will do better”.
Similarly, the Edo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, described the victory as ordained by God.
“The victory is sweet but the battle was tough. It is a victory for development. Edo people should get ready for a high level development now,” he said.
It would be recalled that the APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, won the election by polling 319, 483 votes to beat his closest rival, Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP, who garnered 253, 173 votes.
Oshiomhole’s second term in office ends on November 12.

RSG Plays Defensive Over Unpaid Six Months' Pension Arrears

Governor Nyesom Wike

The Rivers State Government has appealed to pensioners in the state to exercise patience while efforts are on to pay them their allowances.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Fred Kpakol, told newsmen in an interview in Port Harcourt, last Friday, that the delay in paying pensioners was as a result of ongoing biometrics exercise.
Kpakol explained that the ICT department in charge of the biometrics exercise was still attending to pensioners who were not captured before the end of the exercise on September 16th.
The state finance commissioner explained that Governor Nyesom Wike holds pensioners in Rivers State in high esteem as senior citizens, and will not want to deny them their allowances.
Kpakol was reacting to complaints by the pensioners in Rivers State, who had alleged the non-payment of their six months’ pension allowances by the state government.
The state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Festus Abibo, in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, had alleged that pensioners were yet to be paid their pension allowances even after completing their biometric exercise.
Abibo said that Governor Nyesom Wike, during a recent meeting with the pensioners, had promised to pay allowances of the pensioners after the biometric exercise.
He also claimed that pensioners in the state were dying from medical and hunger-related problems as a result of non-payment of their six months’ pension allowances.

Ex-Rivers Lawmaker Seeks Security Protection, Says Family, Life In Danger

Hon Chidi Lloyd

The former majority leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Dr Chidi Lloyd, has called on security agencies for help to protect him and family members.
He said they are all in grave danger following several threats to his life and that of his family members.
It would be recalled that the Rivers Police Command had confirmed arsonists’ attack on Lloyd’s  house in his Akpabu village, Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Lloyd told newsmen in Port Harcourt, Sunday, that they were endangered because of his political beliefs and association.
He said that the unprovoked attack on his residence had consumed his personal belonging such as library and other valuables.
“I have tried to imagine what might have been the cause of this unwarranted attack but cannot readily think of any.
“The only thing is, since the 2013 crises that engulfed the Assembly, in which I participated, I have been living in great fear,” he said.
Lloyd said that he was arrested, detained and charged to court for attempted murder but the trial was discontinued by the then Attorney General (AG) of Rivers State, Worgu Boms.
“When the former attorney general, in exercise of his constitutional powers, took over the prosecution, he discontinued the trial because the police authorities then made it impracticable for trial to continue.
“This was because the complainant approached the Port Harcourt Division of the Federal High Court, seeking for an order to stop the police from releasing the case file,” he alleged.
According to Lloyd, the current Rivers State Attorney General, Mr Emmanuel Chinwenwo Aguma, in May, 2016, filed a criminal information in the Rivers State High Court, before Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, seeking to review the nolle prosequi entered by his predecessor.
“The trial is currently going on with an interlocutory order to the police to produce me to take plea even when no process was served on me.
“Despite the pendency of the matter at the Court of Appeal, Justice Iyayi-Lamikanra, has refused to stay proceedings in the matter,” he alleged.
Lloyd alleged that on September 21, at about 10am, Aguma was boasting in open court that they would produce me in court without the police.
“Since the police, a non-party in the matter had refused to produce me, they, the prosecution will ensure my appearance in court to take plea their own way.
“Just six hours later, my house was razed down. I have painstakingly drawn this analogy so it will be clear to the world who my tormentors are,” he alleged.
Lloyd said that despite the efforts to frustrate him from exercising his constitutional right, he had appealed the order for police to produce him in court, and also written a petition to the chief justice of the federation.

Edo Declares Two-Day Public Holidays Over Guber Poll

Governor Adams Oshiomhole

The Edo State Government, at the weekend, declared Tuesday, September 27, and Wednesday, September 28, as public holidays to enable electorate participate in the September 28 governorship election.
The state Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole announced the holiday at a grand reception organised by the organised labour union for him.
He said the holidays would enable workers travel to their places of registration and participate in the voting exercise on Wednesday.
On the support given to him by labour, the governor expressed delight in the constructive criticisms offered by the union in the last eight years, adding that they helped in shaping his policies.
“In spite of their contestation sometimes, both parties have always found a meeting point to bridge their differences,’’ he said.
He urged members of the union to extend same support to the APC Governorship Candidate by voting enmasse for him on September 28.
According to him, the APC governorship candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has undergone tutelage in governance under the outgoing administration, and therefore, fit to rule.
He said there was the need to reciprocate the union gesture, adding that to do this, the union should ensure that Obaseki was returned as governor.
He also said the state civil service had been upgraded, adding that the migration to pension services was now smooth.
“Retirees can now begin to access their pensions immediately they retired and there is no need for tranches again,’’ he said.
The governor, however, advised the APC governorship candidate not to abandon the workers if elected.

Clark Condemns Avengers' Attack On Bonny Crude Oil Export Pipeline

Chief Edwin Clark

The leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Coastal States Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum (PNDCSSCF) and former federal commissioner for information, Chief Edwin Clark, has condemned, in very strong terms, the bombing of the Bonny Export 48-inch pipeline last Friday by members of the Niger Delta Avengers.
In a statement he signed and made available to newsmen, Clark, who noted that there was no justification for the renewed bombing against the backdrop that the 60-day cessation of hostilities as articulated by Pan-Niger Delta Coastal States Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, had not elapsed.
Clark said, ”It has come to the attention of the Niger Delta royal fathers, elders and leaders of thought that the Niger Delta Avengers have claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Bonny Export 48-inch pipeline on Friday, 23rd September, 2016.
”We condemn in totality this ill-motivated and Ill-advised rampaging in the bombing by the Niger Delta Avengers. Even though the Federal Government has not constituted its negotiating team as articulated by the Pan-Niger Delta Coastal States Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum, the 60-day cessation of hostilities has not elapsed. Therefore, there was no justification for further bombing, such as the one that took place last Friday.
“We repeat our appeal which was contained in our collective response to the summit on the Niger Delta convened by the office of the Vice President published at page 8 of Leadership Newspaper of Saturday, September 24, 2016, and at page 9 of Saturday Vanguard of September 24, 2016, that, ‘all the armed agitators to continue with the cessation of hostilities and remain calm and peaceful, even in the face of obvious provocation’. We shall maintain this position.”

$31.4m: 'Patience Jonathan Not Above The Law'

The Acting National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has asked Nigeria’s former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, to go clear her name before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rather than resorting to under-hand tactics to arm-twist the anti-graft agency into doing her bidding.
Frank, in a statement issued, yesterday in Abuja, said the immediate-past first lady was not above the law, describing as shameful, threats by a Niger Delta militant group and the protest at the Port Harcourt zonal office of the EFCC in support of Mrs Jonathan, over the freezing of her dollar account containing about $31.4 million.
“My candid advice to Mrs Patience Jonathan is to apologize to Nigerians for the current economic hardship which Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s regime could have easily averted, instead of sponsoring shameless protests against the government; anyway, Nigerians are still waiting for the apology”, he said.
The statement warned the youth to desist from such shameless act of defending politicians for a pot of porridge, adding that the present APC administration was fighting corruption so as to secure the future for them.
Frank, a native of Bayelsa State, said it was surprising that Mrs Jonathan had such an amount of money in her custody while people from her region were dying from water-borne diseases, saying, it took President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for example, to recently commission a water project even in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, the hometown of the former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The show of shame called protest at the Port Harcourt office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to demand the unfreezing of Mrs Jonathan’s dollar accounts was uncalled for, and there is nothing wrong if the former first lady explains the source of $31.4 million to the anti-corruption agency.
“The country is at present going through recession as a result of the mismanagement of the economy left behind by Patience Jonathan’s husband-led administration which APC is working hard to correct as soon as possible.
“It should be made clear that there is nothing wrong for EFCC to invite Mrs Patience Jonathan for questioning, if the organization suspects a foul play in accumulation of such big amount of money.
“Again, the era of being above the law is over. This is a change government of accountability where the rule of law is paramount. The number four citizen of this country today, Senate President Bukola Saraki, whose office is prominently recognized by the Constitution, is facing trial not to talk of one former first lady which the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize.
“Again, we should also remind those who have forgotten that a national leader of APC, who was once the vice president of this nation, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, was once investigated. So, why must Mrs Jonathan’s case be different?
“We call on the leadership of the EFCC not to feel threatened in carrying out its official duty, and ensure that whoever is caught in the web is properly brought to book”, he concluded.

$15m Accounts: SERAP Urges FG To Prosecute Ex-First Lady

Ex-First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Federal Government to the Federal High Court in Lagos asking the court for “leave to apply for Judicial Relief and to seek an order of Mandamus directing and or compelling the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against former first lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, over $15million unexplained wealth frozen in four companies’ accounts.”
The organization is also asking the court “for such order or other orders as the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.”
The suit with number FHC/L/CS/1318/2016 dated 23th September, 2016, was filed on behalf of SERAP by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni.
SERAP’s suit is coming against the background of the request last week by Mrs Jonathan for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to defreeze her accounts and offer her a public apology within 14-days.
SERAP’s suit brought under Order 34, Rules 1 (1) (a); 2, Rule 3 (1) and (2) (a), (b) and (c) of the Federal High Court Rules, 2009 and Inherent Jurisdiction of the Court reads in part: “The Attorney General of the Federation has a duty to prosecute intentional illicit enrichment, that is, a significant increase in the assets of a public official that he or she cannot reasonably explain in relation to his or her lawful income.
“By virtue of Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) the Attorney General of the Federation is constitutionally empowered to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person in Nigeria in respect of any offence created by or under any Act of the National assembly in superior courts in Nigeria.
“The Attorney General of the Federation has failed, neglected and or refused to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan over $15million unexplained wealth frozen in her accounts.
“Obedience to the rule of law by all citizens but more particularly those who publicly took oath of office to protect and preserve the constitution is a desideratum to good governance and respect for the rule of law.
“In a democratic society, this is meant to be a norm; it is an apostasy for government to ignore the provisions of the law and the necessary rules made to regulate matters.
“Mrs. Jonathan is a politically exposed person under anti-corruption standards. She is also covered under the definition of ‘public officials’ contained in the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Under article 2 of the convention, public officials include Mrs. Jonathan or any other family members of the former President Goodluck Jonathan who exercised official duties while he was president.
“This matter is presently generating a lot of public concern and discourse and is presently in the front burner of national discourse thus germane to Nigerians and that the alleged crime is in our society at the moment regarded so serious as to be a bother on daily life. By the nature of the case, it ought to be heard urgently. It is in the interest of justice to grant this application.”
SERAP is asking for: A Declaration that the failure of the Respondent to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan over $15million unexplained wealth frozen in four companies’ accounts is unconstitutional and unlawful as it contradicts and in conflict with the duties and obligations of the Respondent under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended); and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 An Order Of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to urgently institute and undertake criminal proceedings against Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan over $15million unexplained wealth frozen in four companies’ accounts.
“Nigerian laws allow for criminal penalties and forfeiture if in the course of an investigation there are reasonable grounds to believe that a corruption offence has been committed, that is, the failure to explain the origin of the $15million given present or past emoluments, and other relevant circumstances.
“By a letter dated 13 September, 2016, requested the Attorney General of the Federation to urgently institute and undertake criminal proceedings against one Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan over $15million unexplained wealth frozen in four companies’ accounts. But since the receipt of the letter, and up till the filing of this suit, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has so far failed, refused and/ or neglected to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against Mrs. Dame Patience Jonathan.
“Mrs. Jonathan has admitted that the four accounts belong to her and that she is the sole signatory to these accounts. The four companies and their directors have since pleaded guilty to the commission of the offence. The fact that the $15million found in the four accounts belong to Mrs. Jonathan raises serious suspicion or at the very least, a prima-facie case of unexplained wealth/illicit enrichment, and imposes a duty on Mrs. Jonathan to explain and justify the source(s) of the $15million.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Tompolo Father's Burial: Four Drown In Boat Mishap In Warri

Four people were feared dead in Warri River, Friday, in a boat mishap involving the funeral party to the burial of late Thomas Ekpemupolo, father of Government Ekpemupolo (alias Tompolo).
A community leader in Gbaramatu Kingdom, who craved anonymity, told newsmen, Saturday in Warri, that the victims included a man and three women.
He said that two of the female victims were from Kurutie and Ogulaha communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom.
It was learnt that the victims boarded the ill-fated speed boat at the Miller Waterside in Warri to attend the weeklong funeral, which commenced, Friday.
“We were already at the funeral celebrating Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo when we got news of the accident.
“Initially, we were told only two persons died, later we heard that the victims were four.
”The male victim, who was apparently from the northern part of the country, was on a mission to sell some wares at the funeral ground,” he said.
It would be recalled that the late Ekpemupolo died on September 7 at Lily Clinic, Warri.
The Delta State Police spokesperson, SP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said the number of casualties were yet to be ascertained.
”I was regretfully informed that AW-19 boat mounted with 115-horsepower Yamaha engine capsized at Warri river.
”My patrol team rescued 11 persons; searching and investigation is ongoing.
”For your information, there is no manifest to show the number of passengers in the boat.
”So, the number of deaths is not certain yet, the bodies will float by tomorrow (Saturday),” said the Delta police spokesperson.
Meanwhile, the Ekpemupolo family of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, began the burial ceremony of late High Chief Thomas Osen Ekpemupolo, High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo’s father, Friday, September 23, in Warri.
The late High Chief Thomas Osen Ekpemupolo will be buried at Kurutie community, the paternal home of the deceased.
According to reports, the burial began with the gates of Veenell Hospital shut as movement of persons were restricted into the premises due to the suspicion that the death of late High Chief Ekpemupolo may trigger tension within the area.
The bearing of the corpse of late High Chief Thomas Osen Ekpemupolo caused serious vehicular traffic in the town as some Itsekiri traditional dance groups entertained guests with songs and dance along the busy Okumagba Avenue Road in Warri.
High Chief Oweizide Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo as at the time of filing this report was absent at the scene, but his younger brother, George Ekpemupolo, who is the chairman of Warri South-West Local Government Council was on ground.
Chief Alfred Bubor, the immediate past Regent of Gbaramatu Traditional Council, High Chief Wellington Bobo, Chief Jonathan Deregbanran, Elder Samson Teide, and others were on ground.
The corpse would be conveyed to Kurutie community, the paternal home of the deceased for burial.
The burial ceremony will continue at Oporoza community from Saturday, September 24, through Sunday, Sunday 25.
It would be recalled that there were claims that the 84-year-old who passed on Wednesday, September 7, died as a result of wounds he sustained during the military invasion of Kurutie and other Gbaramatu Communities by the military.
Until his death, late Ekpemupolo was survived by four widows, 31 children, 45 grand children, 11 great grand children.
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'Irresponsible Journalism, Escalating N'Delta Crisis'

The Niger Delta rights activist, Ann Kio Briggs, has criticised journalists for misleading and misinforming Nigerians and the world on the real issues agitating the minds of Niger Deltans in the Nigerian project.
Briggs said that rather than discuss the issues of injustice, and crude theft of the wealth of the nation by the Federal Government through lop-sided distribution of resources, especially revenue generated from the region, the media was busy calling the people of the region, who dared to speak up, names, and aligning them to militants.
She said that rather than seriously ventilating the issues raised in her recent presentation at an event, journalists have buried the issues, were only promoting the desire of government to locate the agitators in the region, and linking her as one of those who know where the militants are.
According to the Kalabari jewel, “While l respect the great profession of journalism, the headline, “ANNKIO BRIGGS KNOWS WHERE AVENGERS ARE” is cheap, infantile, tasteless, and a disgrace to the noble profession of journalism.
“I am calling on the real journalists in Nigeria, to please, clean their house and restore the dignity and respect due their profession, and not allow a few unprofessional ones amongst them to pull down the profession and drag it through the mud.”
Briggs explained that, “I said in my presentation at the programme, the injustice we have endured in the Niger Delta in over 50 years, the injustice of Kano State taking 44 LGA allocation of what Bayelsa State produces, while Bayelsa State, which produces the wealth takes only 8 LGA allocation is an injustice that will continue to produce people who yesterday called themselves MEND, today NDA, and many more.”
She said that she had suggested that, “Instead of looking for Avengers, end the injustice in the Niger Delta, as long as there is injustice, there you will find Avengers.”
Briggs further argued that, “If Lagos State ends up with 13 per cent derivation, and their land and livelihoods are destroyed like in the Niger Delta; Lagos State, their own Avengers will arise.”

Edo Poll: INEC REC Threatens To Resign

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Mr. Sam Olumekun, has threatened to resign if there was any proof that he compromised Wednesday’s governorship election.
Olumekun insisted that the electoral body postponed the election because there was no security cover for electoral officials.
He spoke at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City, Saturday.
The Edo REC denied allegations that the electoral body was out to do the bidding of a particular party, and urged political parties to go out and convince people to vote for them.
He opined that the election should not made politicians turned the state into a war zone.
Olumekun informed the political parties that the commission would on Monday, September 26, begin distribution of sensitive materials for the conduct of the Edo election.
He urged political parties to send their agents to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Benin City to monitor the distribution of the materials.
Olumekun noted that the presence of party agents at the distribution venue was to make sure that the ballot papers were not tampered with.
The Edo REC warned that those authorized to be at CBN were security operatives, party agents and collation officers.
His words, “For those politicians saying we postpone election, will you allow me to send your children to conduct election without security?
“Go and convince the people to vote for your party. INEC will not do anybody’s bidding. We are interested on who Edo people will choose as their leader.”
The new Police Commissioner in Edo State, Haliru Abubakar Gwandu, debunked PDP allegations that he was in the state to do the biddings of a political party.
Gwandu promised to provide a level playing field for all political parties, and appealed to political parties to eschew violence and intimidation of electoral officials and ad-hoc staff.

'Past Leaders Are To Blame For Militancy, Economic Lull'

C'River Demands Special Place In NDDC Projects

The Cross River State Government has demanded for a special consideration in the allocation and execution of projects by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The state Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, made the demand in Calabar, Cross River State, when the Senate Committee on the Niger Delta and the NDDC directors led by the Acting Managing Director, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, paid him a courtesy visit.
He appealed to the NDDC to faithfully execute all the projects it allocated to the state in the 2016 budget.
Ayade, who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, explained that the state deserved sympathy because it was disadvantaged among the Niger Delta states.
According to him, “Cross River State is the most disadvantaged state in the Niger Delta because we do not receive a kobo from 13 per cent oil derivation. We, therefore, expect a lot of sympathy from your committee. When you are considering the budget, please, ensure that those projects that have been provided for in the budget are executed to the letter because that is the only way we are going to benefit.
“You know that our projects will be so few because the projects are distributed based on the quantity of oil produced by the states. So, for the few projects that have been allocated to us, we expect that they should be properly done and not abandoned.”
Ayade stated that the state was counting on the continued goodwill of the NDDC which flourished during the leadership of Mrs. Semenitari.
“We wish the NDDC’s acting MD, who we have adopted as our daughter, will be the one to oversee these projects she started because we have implicit confidence in her ability. The last time she came here, we all gave her a standing ovation for all she has achieved within a short period of time.”
The governor told the Senate committee that ex-militants in Cross River State were not integrated in the rehabilitation scheme of the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme.
He regretted that the situation had resulted in the continued agitation of a militant group known as the Bakassi Strike Force.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, said that they were in the state for a holistic investigation of NDDC projects.
“We are here to assess the performance of NDDC. The Senate directed we should find out the impact of the NDDC on the lives of the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.
Nwaoboshi explained that his committee oversights NDDC, the Amnesty Programme and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and noted that the visit to Cross River State to inspect NDDC projects was part of its oversight function.
He stated: “We have a record of abandoned projects in this state. We also have a record of those that have been completed and those that are on-going. We may not be able to visit all the projects, but we have randomly selected some and we are going to visit about ten. By the time we are through with the inspections, we will be in a good position to brief the Senate.
“We recognise the fact that the NDDC is an interventionist agency and because of that, we take its activities very seriously, especially as they relate to the development of the Niger Delta. We have just passed a budget of N241 billion for the commission this year. I am aware that there are some projects for Cross River State and we still intend to capture more.”
Nwaoboshi charged the Cross River State Government to join in the important task of monitoring and supervising NDDC projects in the state.
“I am aware that the acting MD of the commission has been liaising with the state government to capture the interest of the state in the budget.”
On the amnesty programme, Nwaoboshi, assured that his committee would investigate the affairs of the Amnesty Programme.
He added: “We are going to have a public hearing on the 6th and 7th of October, and we have called for memoranda from all interested parties. A lot of funds have been invested in the amnesty programme, and it is only appropriate that we investigate how these funds have been applied,” he added.

IPOB Protest Shuts Down Markets In Rivers

In compliance with the call for a world-wide ‘Sit-at-home’ protest organised by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), several markets and businesses were shut down on Friday for hours.
Investigations reveal that all markets in Oyigbo, including Timber, Okro, Main Market, among others were completely shut down.
Some oil tools dealers at Mile 3 Market were also nowhere to be found.
Motor parts dealers and businessmen at Ikoku Market, were nowhere near their places of business forcing the market to be completely shut down.
Also shut down were Okija Electrical Parts Market, Ojoto Belgium Electrical/Electronic Market as well as Illoabuchi Electrical/Electronic Market in Diobu, were all locked down.
Similarly, the Steel Village, a market for ironware at Eleme, Rivers State, was reported deserted, while hundreds of shops at Mile 1 and Mile 3 markets in Port Harcourt, were locked up.
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CLO Dismisses Anti-EFCC Protest In Rivers, Says It's Members Not Involved

The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has debunked claims that its members took part in a protest march in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Friday, against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigation of wife of former president, Dame Patience Jonathan for allegedly starching millions of dollars in several proxy bank accounts in Nigeria.
The denial was contained in a statement signed by the President, CLO, Uche Wisdom Durueke.
According to Durueke, “The attention of the leadership of the CIVIL LIBERTIES ORGANIZATION (CLO) has been drawn to a recent protest where certain individuals, in order to cause mischief, carried placards bearing CIVIL LIBERTIES ORGANIZATIONS. I hereby state that those individuals are not members of the CIVIL LIBERTIES ORGANIZATION.
“I hereby assure the bona-fide members of the organization and the public that CLO will not condescend so low to embark on such an infantile protest.
“The CLO hereby disassociates itself from the protest. However, the organization will take steps to unravel those behind the embarrassment and impersonation,” Durueke added.
Similarly, the CLO in the South-South zone also denied that its members were part of the protest.
A press release signed the Zonal Chairman, Karl Chinedu Uchegbu, and the Zonal Director, Steven Obodoekwe, reads:
“Our attention has been drawn to a protest march organised in Port Harcourt, Friday, September 23, against EFCC over the hunting of Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan by the EFCC. The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), was not only enlisted as part of the CSOs involved in the protest, but a protest banner bearing CLO was said to have been used for the said protest. On the protest banner is boldly written, ‘EFCC, Leave Mrs Patience Jonathan Alone’.”
The statement noted that, “It has always been the position of the South-South zone of the CLO that EFCC has been reduced to an attack dog and weapon of vengeance by the Federal Government headed by General Muhammadu Buhari. It has always been our position that EFCC has been too selective in carrying out its duties, and this selectivity has continued to impose a big question mark on the sincerity and genuineness of the EFCC in its so-called war on corruption.
“Concentrating on perceived enemies of the Federal Government and its party has given out the commission as a tool of witch-hunting. It has also been our position that EFCC should stop shielding corrupt elements in Buhari’s cabinet, and until this is done, we can never be deceived by the antics of the commission and those using it to hunt their enemies.
“It has also always been our position that fighting corruption or criminality with illegality is not only a bigger form of corruption, but an injustice. It is unacceptable. Ignoring court orders, confiscating peoples’ assets without due process, finding victims guilty through media trials, and so on, as always adopted by the EFCC, are condemnable.
“We condemn the ordeals of Dame Patience Jonathan, more so, as we consider it as part of the diversionary tactics of the Presidency to divert peoples’ attention from their gross incompetence, ineptitude and their plots to share Nigeria’s assets like NLNG and NNPC,” it stated.
The statement added that, “We wish to state that the South-South CLO as well as the Rivers State branch are surprised over the use of the name of the organisation for this kind of protest.
“We think the protest is not necessary, more so, as Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan has already gone to court to recover her wealth arbitrarily hijacked by Buhari using EFCC as an attack dog. CLO was not consulted nor its consent obtained before using the name of CLO for the protest.
“We hereby dissociated Civil Liberties Organisation, from the said protest,” the group submitted.
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