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FOR IWUCHUKWU

“I Will Bounce Back Tough Hurting Now”

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn, for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4).

Why do bad things happen to good people? Many men and women have severally asked me this question for many years. My candid response is that, part of the major problems is that human beings often ask the wrong questions. Wrong questions hardly receive right answers. This is a wrong question because God hardly answers such questions. God in his dignified character does not want to be drawn into an explanation let alone into an argument.

If you are in doubt, do a review of the Old Testament Prophets'lamentations in their periods of crisis or National calamities or humiliations. Again try and confirm what answer God gave to his only begotten son's question viz” my God, “my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

Let us rather reframe the question thus “what happens to good people when bad things happen to them?” Our Lord Jesus Christ answered this question in his sermon on the Mount or father “Be Happy Attitudes. Jesus in his characteristic manner attacked the reality of tough and terrible situations radically in the scripture text quoted above in his view, good people are blessed and comforted when bad things happen to them. Does the Christian religion look like a Pollyanna religion? Not at all.

 Our Christian faith does not promise us that bad things can't happen to us in our depraved world. Both the Old and New Testaments never gave a promise that if someone lives a good life, such a person would not experience illhealth or some kind of tragedy, national or personal uncertainty. Your comfort is in Isaiah 43:1-3 “fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by NAME,…you are MINE. When you go through the waters… they shall not overwhelm you, when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God.”

Has God kept his promise? Has he comforted hurting good people when bad things happen to them? Has God not comforted Nigerians after almost 80 days of constitutional crisis or leadership vacuum at the apex, caused by the unfortunate illhealth of our humble president Umaru Yar'Adua. Has God in his infinite wisdom and most opportune moment not provided an answer by the emergence of His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan the Acting President in a manner that surprised all of us.

Nigerians? In my previous prophetic article titled “A Name And Its Power (2)” National Network March 9-15 2009, I stated the obvious and significance of the Name, Dr Goodluck Jonathan describing him as a man of destiny whose name(s) has deep seated favour, faithfulness and quiet but powerful breakthroughs in life. Favours have always located Dr Goodluck Jonathan and the process is still ongoing. Who knows the next move of God and destiny for this illustrious son of Niger Delta with disarming humility but internal strength and courteous courage.

My prayer for him is that he should succeed where others failed just to prove that “something good (best) can come out of Nazareth” (South South East and Niger Delta of Nigeria). All the doubting Thomases will be proved wrong soonest more so when God is given the centre stage in this administration.

I have seen, felt, walked and wept my way through some human sorrows during and after the Nigerian civil war (1966-+). My conclusion is that “No-Two-Sorrows Can Be The Same!” This I mean numerous and varieties of emotional human experiences that come under one umbrella “Sorrow”. Each sorrow or grief has been painful but different. The fact remains that God has always comforted good people when bad things happen to them. Hence it is possible to be happy in this world, country, Nigeria (Jos ethnic-religious- political violence, militancy and other social vices or economic hardships notwithstanding).

You can still be happy in this world where pains and sorrows cast their lengthy gray shadows.

It is not healthy for problems or sorrows to meet you again where they have met and left you. Sorrow today is capable of changing your tomorrow as God normally inspires us to transform to become BETTER and NOT BITTER people. Your  minus can turn to plus and your negative can turn to positive. This indeed is the meaning of the cross. It is possible with God to turn your sorrow or grief into relief and morning into a promising morning. The task you must execute is to recognize whatever you can do for yourself and that which God can do for you. What is a cross to you except your MINUS turned into a plus  1 +

Let us learn to admit our NEEDS. It may not be very easy or convenient but it is crucially ESSENTIAL. There is the basic principle that reminds us that happiness always comes when we admit where we are LACKING and where we have a NEED. What if you feel that you do not have a need? The fact remains that if you think or feel that you don't have a NEED, it means then that is your NEED. There must be an area in your life where you are poor or deficient and the solution is not to feel lazy or reluctant to admit such. Psychologically, it is a common feature in man to consciously develop a measure of defence mechanism against any unveiling or unmasking that could make people to hate or reject us just because of the public reproach or  embarrassment especially such areas that we can be apparently vulnerable.

This is indeed a fundamental deficiency in our lack of self esteem, lack of dignity or humiliation. The solution is that you should not be afraid of rejection , slight or embarrassment.

The major thing I would want to fear is the “result that would emerge from your hide-spirit or lack of need or your poverty.” You can learn to begin again or start afresh. You can recite or encourage yourself with a positive thinker's creed as per Tony Orlando. “When faced with a mountain, I will keep on striving, until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath. Or simply stay and turn, the mountain into a gold mine with God's help”.

People quit or give up their battles especially if Christ is not the Lord of their lives and occupying the centrality of their beings. Just say you are deeply sorry to the Lord Jesus when you know you have offended him. “Go and sin no more!”

You must keep striving until you discover a pass through tunnel underneath or you ordinarily stay and turn your mountain into a gold mine. You must learn the power of two basic powerful confessions. “I NEED HELP and  I AM SORRY. Admitting that you need help God would simply want you to declare thus. “I have a problem  can you help me?

Though I may not always agree with you Lord but can we meet somewhere in the middle? I am really confused, can you kindly direct me? I am almost ready to give up and quit, what do you have as an advice for me? I am exhausted and at my wits end, could you kindly tell me what you consider that I should do or steps to take?

I don't understand, can you enlighten and educate me? These and more declarations are indeed the starting points of a New beginning. A change will result from a chain. You will be happy if you know and you open up. Success will spring up to a man or woman who is able to seek for help. This may not support your Ego but it will usher in a drastic change irrespective of your social status in life.

If you ARE TOO ARROGANT OR FEARFUL TO ADMIT YOUR HURT OR SORROW, YOU SHOULD NOT COMPLAIN, IF NO ONE APPEARS TO SHOW CONCERN OR CARE.

It is a fact that people will consider you a person of sound emotional, intellectual and political integrity. Hence a person to TRUST AND move along with and this wil end up providing for you a powerful SELF-ESTEEM.

You must stop playing games or putting on a mask or clothing yourself with pretence as these will not get you the help you need. There is always somebody who is ready to help anybody unless God is not involved. Drug addicts, alcoholics, immorals, criminals, hired killers, political jobbers, corrupt leaders, miscreants, manipulators, gamblers, seducers, fraudsters, yahoo-guys, impersonators, pollutants, marginalizers, abortionists, crooks, self and Hero worshippers, intimidators with public offices or natural talents, husbands and wife snatchers, kidnappers child or office abusers and exploiters etc must be honest and speak the truth to their consciences that they need help. The mess in your life can turn into a message. Just admit you lack and God will usher you into a better life and solidly promising future with joy.

At this point integrity-trip will replace ego-trip. Bu a simply contrast ego-trip is a steady threat or destroyer and it is finally disastrous to genuine self-Esteem and self-respect. Integrity trip liberates men and women from slavery of perfectionism.

King David wrote in Psalms 51:17 “A broken and a contrite heart, Oh God, thou wilt not despise”. Who are the broken and contrite heart in the Bible? The repentant thief on the cross, the prodigal son, King David the Adulterer, Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor and a murderer of Christians and true believers in Christ, Mary Magdalene, the professional notorious prostitute etc. These people received the best  honours/awards in God's heaven. They got to a point of sinful hopelessness, shame, nothingness and they cried out from their consciences “O God be merciful to me, a sinner”. In case your life is in a mess, then the stress can usher you into a genuine success. Why? The reason is that REAL success can and is being admitted into God's kingdom of Heaven.

I don't deny the existence or possibility of “Holy Arrogance” self-esteem or self-respect that represents pride in ourselves as the beloved of God by virtue of the redemption of God's creation. However arrogance, and vanity are the bye products of UNHOLY PRIDE which always say “I will do it myself and I need no help from anyone. Including God.” This is typical of a stubborn little child that rejects parental love care and help.

IT TAKES GUTS TO GIVE UP THE RUTS. Watch out for the logical progression to the sermon on the mount of Beatitudes (Be Happy Attitudes). They are all interdependent on each other. Hence each is a prerequisite for the next. Are you willing to be helped? Do you really desire to be happy? Are there some lacks in your life that need some help? I conclude by Voltaire's, a Frenchman's advise 'If you see a Banker, jump out of the window and follow him, because there is bound to be profit in it.” “Gold is gold because it comes out glittering after dangerous furnace”. Every problem that comes to you is an opportunity to prove your ingenuinety. The best way to rob a Bank is to own it,” William Craftford.###

EXTRA

Police Capture Escaped Zebra in Downtown Atlanta

An Atlanta highway turned into a circus Thursday afternoon when an escaped zebra galloped along a busy section of interstate with police in hot pursuit.

The 12-year-old animal, named Lima, was exercising outside a downtown arena in preparation for an evening show when something spooked him, said Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus spokeswoman Crystal Drake. The zebra broke away from his trainers and bumped up against a fence, then wriggled through an opening.

"We're not sure what it was that startled him, but we're looking into that," she said.

He was spotted by people in downtown Atlanta around 4:30 p.m., said Georgia Department of Transportation spokeswoman Monica Luck.

Daniel Nance said he saw the zebra near the downtown MARTA transit station.

"All of a sudden a freaking zebra comes running down the street like a car," Nance told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "Five or six police cars were in hot pursuit. And a bunch of officers on foot. But then I got scared, thinking ... what else is loose?"

Lima led his trainers and police on a 40-minute chase through downtown to the interstate highway that cuts through the center of the city, covering well over a mile along the way. Police cruisers blocked off all southbound lanes of Interstate 75 and were able to herd the zebra over to the right shoulder and off an entrance ramp, where his trainer was on hand to capture and soothe him, Drake said.

"He obviously was excited, but he was in good shape," Drake said. "His handler calmed him down."

The animal suffered cuts on his hooves from his long run, Drake said. The show's vet was examining him, but Drake said he would likely perform as scheduled.

"It was just an unavoidable accident today and we're just glad to have him home," she said, adding that animal escapes are extremely rare.

Lima's flight snarled Atlanta's already notorious rush hour traffic.

"It wasn't on the highway very long," Luck said. "But it was an inconvenient time for this to happen because the downtown connector southbound usually gets backed up on its own, that time of day."

The circus is in town this week and also had a group of elephants corralled Thursday in a downtown Atlanta parking lot.

It's not the first time a zebra has been spotted along a metro Atlanta highway. In April 2008, a 2- to 3-month old zebra was found injured along Interstate 75. Authorities said at the time they thought the young zebra had likely fallen from a truck passing through Georgia and was then hit by a car.

Police who worked that incident kept referring to the animal as "Evidence," and that became his name.

Evidence was rushed to the veterinary school at Auburn University in Alabama, where he underwent several operations. He was then taken to the Noah's Ark animal rescue center in Locust Grove, Ga., where he still lives.

Grandma Targets Pit Bulls After Grandson Buys Dogs

A southwest North Dakota woman is trying to ban pit bulls from her small community after finding out her adult grandson purchased three of the dogs. Patty Robbins circulated a petition to ban pit bulls and Rottweilers, gathering 43 signatures in the town of 200 and she turned it into Regent city officials Tuesday.###

ACROSS THE NATION

Plot To Stop Jonathan Aondoakaa Gets $1.5m From Gov Sylva

Former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa was allegedly paid $1.5 Million about N250 Million by Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State as part of his contribution to the ' stop Goodluck Jonathan' project from taking over from sick President Umaru Yar'Adua.

Aondoakaa is alleged to have also collected unspecified monies from Hajia Turai Yar'Adua and also masterminded the renewal of the crude oil lifting contracts for some cronies of Yar'Adua in December 2009.

Governor Sylva is a sworn political enemy of the Acting President and both are of the same People's Democratic Party, PDP.

The Governor, a source told Pointblanknews.com believes Jonathan as Acting President, would be detrimental to his ambition of running for a second term as Governor of Bayelsa State in the 2011 elections. Jonathan is from Bayelsa State.

The Source told Pointblanknews.com that the embattled former Attorney General had requested for the funds from the Governor and others considered anti-Jonathan to boost the propaganda and other machinery aimed at thwarting the emergence of Jonathan as Acting President in the absence of the ailing President Yar'Adua.

The source who would not want to be named disclosed that Aondoakaa allegedly collected the $1.5 Million from Governor Sylva few weeks before he was unceremoniously demoted to Minister for Special Duties in a minor cabinet change.

The embattled Governor of Bayelsa state is said to have been declared wanted by the London Metropolitan Police, over allegation of money laundering. An impeccable source close to the governor, who gave the hint, also disclosed that the governor has been barred from entry into London.

Aondoakaa is said to have collected whooping sums running into millions from other sources for the prosecution of the project of keeping the status quo and protecting the interest of the few members of the Yar'Adua kitchen cabinet.

Shortly after all plans seem to be crumbling and he was demoted, Aondoakaa left Nigeria for Senegal from where he was said to have jetted out to Saudi Arabia to meet with Turai Yar'Adua to get briefing on the next line of action.

The former Minister of Justice is not new to kick backs and demands for payments for shady deals. In November 2008, Aondoakaa allegedly collected about $400,000.00 in bribe from Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu to enable him pen a memo “advising” Yar'Adua on the sale of Delta Steel to Global Steel Holdings Limited (GSH) during the Obasanjo administration. BUA paid Aondoakaa to ensure they were favored in the sale.

Also, Global Steel Holdings was at Aondoakaa's jugular to refund the $6 million bribe he collected from the company at the Park lane, London Hilton Hotel, mid 2008, to “help convince” Yar'Adua to reverse the revocation of the sale of the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASC) to Global Steel by the Obasanjo administration.

Sources hinted that shortly after Jonathan became Acting President and Aondoakaa was demoted, the Bayelsa Governor moved to get his money back. In the last few days Silva had been making moves to reconcile with the Acting President.

Sylva had visited former President Obasanjo allegedly seeking the intervention of the former President in brokering peace between him and the Acting President.

The Source told Pointblanknews.com that the embattled former Attorney General had requested for the funds from the Governor and others considered anti-Jonathan to boost the propaganda and other machinery aimed at thwarting the emergence of Jonathan as Acting President in the absence of the ailing President Yar'Adua.

The source who would not want to be named disclosed that Aondoakaa allegedly collected the $1.5 Million from Governor Sylva few weeks before he was unceremoniously demoted to Minister for Special Duties in a minor cabinet change.

The embattled Governor of Bayelsa state is said to have been declared wanted by the London Metropolitan Police, over allegation of money laundering. An impeccable source close to the governor, who gave the hint, also disclosed that the governor has been barred from entry into London.

Aondoakaa is said to have collected whooping sums running into millions from other sources for the prosecution of the project of keeping the status quo and protecting the interest of the few members of the Yar'Adua kitchen cabinet.

Shortly after all plans seem to be crumbling and he was demoted, Aondoakaa left Nigeria for Senegal from where he was said to have jetted out to Saudi Arabia to meet with Turai Yar'Adua to get briefing on the next line of action.

The former Minister of Justice is not new to kick backs and demands for payments for shady deals. In November 2008, Aondoakaa allegedly collected about $400,000.00 in bribe from Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu to enable him pen a memo “advising” Yar'Adua on the sale of Delta Steel to Global Steel Holdings Limited (GSH) during the Obasanjo administration. BUA paid Aondoakaa to ensure they were favored in the sale

Also, Global Steel Holdings was at Aondoakaa's jugular to refund the $6 million bribe he collected from the company at the Park lane, London Hilton Hotel, mid 2008, to “help convince” Yar'Adua to reverse the revocation of the sale of the Ajaokuta Steel Company (ASC) to Global Steel by the Obasanjo administration.

Sources hinted that shortly after Jonathan became Acting President and Aondoakaa was demoted, the Bayelsa Governor moved to get his money back. In the last few days Silva had been making moves to reconcile with the Acting President.

Sylva had visited former President Obasanjo allegedly seeking the intervention of the former President in brokering peace between him and the Acting President.###

Other Characters Behind The Plot …Dangote, Yuguda, Ibori, Saraki, Babalola, Obaigbena named as Arrowheads

he plot to sabotage the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan may have taken a more desperate and deadly twists as the principal actors have now put together a whooping N6Billion for the 'stop Goodluck' project.

On Tuesday the Presidential spokesman, Ima Niboro in a statement said there were grand designs by those he tagged 'ungodly and wicked' to pull down the administration of Jonathan. On Thursday a national daily  carried a front page smear campaign flavored with sundry baseless accusations, innuendoes and allegations all in an apparent attempt to undermine the integrity of the Acting President.

The plot, sources hinted Pointblanknews.com, is to ensure a return to the status quo( Yar'Adua), protect their positions, avert possible prosecutions, and avoid any look in skeleton laden closets. Pointblanknews.com learnt that between December 2009 and January 2010, billion naira contracts have been awarded or renewed by some ministers and head of agencies without recourse to Jonathan while he was Vice President. 

Specifically, a multi-Billion Dollar oil lifting contract was said to have been renewed without any presidential approval by the cabal loyal to ailing President Yar'Adua

The mindset was, Yar'Adua will be back, even if he has to be brought back wired up and in a wheel chair. This also informed the desperation by some ministers, Governors, and National Assembly members to stall the emergence of Jonathan. 

Top security sources said on Thursday night that this intensely sinister cabal has already incorporated the Power and Steel minister, Lanre Babalola. His role is to ensure a well coordinated sabotage of the oil and gas sectors.

Babalola is expected to ensure the current fuel scarcity and blowing up of pipeline does not abate.

Pointblanknews.com gathered that the membership of this desperate flank include ex Delta Governor, James Ibori, Kwara state Governor, Bukola Saraki, business mogul, Aliko Dangote, Turai Yar'Adua, Economic Adviser, Tanimu Yakubu, Media mogul, Nduka Obaigbena;  Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda and Agriculture minister, Abba Ruma.

The N6 Billion war chest is meant among others, to sponsor damaging stories, opinions, and feature articles in several media, mobilize 5 th columnist in the armed forces, and compromise some errant militant groups in the Niger Delta region. 

Pointblanknews.com had reported exclusively moves by some politicians to encourage a military putsch.. The Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), had in a statement said some of the allied groups have been approached by members of this group. The move, they claim is to ensure consistent sabotage of gas pipelines in the delta region, and consequently question the ability of Jonathan to act effectively as Commander-In -Chief. 

According to newsmen sources, Ibori leads the committee that will disburse funds to the militant groups; Obaigbena is expected to handle the media angle. He has already contacted groups like JRC which rebuffed his move.  Also on this committee is Yar'Adua's son-in-law, Yuguda. 

Dangote, Saraki, and Turai, security source disclosed, are in charge of general coordination and administration. However, Turai who has coordinated the activities of this cabal from Saudi Arabia calls the shots.

There are also those tagged foot soldiers by our sources. This group will do the running around, and serve as a link with the fifth columnists. ###

NEWS

Rivers Guber Tussle Case Adjourned For Judgment Amid Drama

By Polycarp Nwaeke

Lateef Fagbemi's attempt to raise preliminary objection in the case between Chief Bekinbo Soberekon of the Accord Party (AP) and governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, which resumed on Monday 22nd February after several postponements at the Appeal Court, Port Harcourt, was effectively countered by Soberekon's counsel, Chief A Awomolo, who argued that the case had gone too far for such objection.

The presiding judge, Justice Abubakar Jega equally frowned at it, and directed the counsels to adopt their briefs first.

Noticing Fagbemi's penchant for adopting strategies that tend to delay justice, Jega made it clear that he and his four member jury had no time again for such, and warned that he had dealt with lawyers of Fagbemi's caliber who had adopted those methods in arguing their cases.

Having however, adopted their briefs and the arguments arising therefrom, Justice Jega announced that the case had been adjourned for judgment, saying judgment date would be communicated to the counsels.

However, that day's sitting appeared to have been deliberately programmed to fail.

First of all, the ceiling fans in a section of the court room were not working. People sweated profusely and felt very uncomfortable. Microphones were not good, making it difficult for judicial correspondents to hear/understand the various arguments being raised. It was as if the lawyers were communicating with only the justices.

Thirdly, when Soberekon's lead counsel, Awomolo was raising points of law, points of law that tended to make a mess of the alleged sophistries of Amaechi's counsel, Fagbemi, the large army of security operatives in the court room cast a menacing look around. The look was interpreted by the people as a danger signal, and it was at that moment that the adjournment was announced. As the announcement was made, Nyesom Wike, who all along sat conspicuously at the front row left accompanied by Obio/Akpor LGA Chairmn, Timoty Nsirim. Lawyers followed suit amid what looked like confusion.

Reporters had sought to interview Soberekon's counsel, Awomolo but no one knew how and when he left the courtroom.

However, observers believe that the effective arguments of Awomolo which defeated Fagbemi's alleged delay tactics was a partial victory for Chief Soberekon, the Accord Party Governorship candidate in the April 2007 election who has been fighting via the courts to remove Amaechi, whose election as governor of Rivers State, he said, was fraudulent, based on the flawed processes of INEC which conducted it.###

The Making Of A Great King

By Polycarp Nwaeke

The 80th birthday celebration of His Majesty, King Prof T.J.T. Princewill Amachree XI, Amayanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, was simply grandiose.

Right from the build up to the elaborate arrangement, the glamour, the caliber of people that attended and the lavish display of tradition and culture, all speak of a birthday celebration that befits a great king.

And anybody that occupies the throne of the Kalabari Kingdom, a kingdom that is comparable to the sultanate or the Sokoto Caliphate, the Yoruba Obaship, which have become institutions, is actually a great king. Some of the important personalities who graced the royal birthday testified to the greatness, cool headedness and kind nature of the Amayanabo.

Hon Chibuike Rotimi, governor of Rivers State who was among the dignitaries, recognizes these qualities and he spoke glowingly about them at the ceremony. It must be one of the reasons made him appoint His Majesty, Chairman Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. That could also account for the beautiful birthday gift of a brand new Jeep he presented to him on that day.

Alabo Graham Douglas, a prominent son of Kalabari Kingdom, and chairman of the birthday celebration, lauded the king's contribution to the growth of Kalabari, saying it was because of the love he has for him that necessitated his shelving his appointment in Awka, Anambra State to be presented at the occasion.

In his goodwill message, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Tonye Harry another prominent Kalabari son, described King T.J.T Princwill as a rare gift the Almighty God has blessed the Kalabari kingdom with. Harry equally praised the king's academic excellence, saying he had been a lecturer and External Examiner to various universities in Nigeria. The Speaker wished him more years of greater accomplishments and meritorious service to humanity.

Dame Queen Florence T.J.T Princewill, the Amayanabo's wife had these to say about her husband. “King Prof T.J.T Princewill, JP, Amachree XI, Amanyanbo of Kalabari Kingdom is simply eminently humble, delightfully honest and beautifully majestic….”

Tonye Princewill, the Amachree's son, who leads the Action Congress in Rivers State, said in his goodwill message that he was happy to the Almighty God for the privilege of having such a man as his father, while recalling instances he had given him fatherly advice and support, even when he was in the United Kingdom (UK).

Tonye Princewill, who exuded happiness and joy, and was seen conducting the eminent guests around, however, disclosed that despite the cordial relationship between them, they have had cause to differ on some issues.

One of he areas, he had had cause to differ with His Majesty, according to him, was when he wanted to venture into politics. His father had vehemently opposed it, saying politics in Nigeria is riddled with extra-judicial killings. He however, gave him his consent when he understood that his decision was borne out of the need to change the status quo.

Barr Osima Ginah, Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development, said in his goodwill message that King T.J.T Princewill has been an inspiration to him, recalling some instances in his career even as commissioner when the Amayanabo had given him courage and support to continue with his chosen course despite odds. Ginah on behalf of himself, family and the staff of his ministry wished the monarch more wisdom, courage, determination and long life to pilot the affairs of the Kalabari Kingdom in particular and Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

There were a host of other beautiful goodwill messages extolling the Amayanabo's qualities which space will not permit me to include here.

King T.J.T Princewill, Amachree XI savoured these outpouring of eulogies, and this could be why in his address contained in the programme of events, he described his 80 years, on earth, as eighty lovely, remarkable and fantastic years, though replete with dots of tortuous moments. He expressed appreciation to Governor Amaechi for appointing him Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, describing it as birthday gift. He however, made some other demands for the development of Kalabari Kingdom from His Excellency.

The birthday celebration which took place at King Amachree Square, Buguma City witnessed the unveiling of the statue of King J.T. Princwill the late father of King T.J.T. Princewill, who once occupied the Kalabari throne before he joined his ancestors.

Some prominent personalities who graced the birthday celebration included, Ibn Chambers, Chairman, ECOWAS, Adolplus Wabara, formerS enate President, Alabo Graham Douglas, four time Federal minister and Justice Karibe Whyte, former Justice of Nigeria, who gave the vote of thanks at the occasion.###

NEWS

Sabotage: Ubima Youths Blame Their Misfortune On Cabal… They Framed Me Up For Speaking Out  - Amaechi

By Chris Konkwo

All is not well in Ubima community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, the home town of Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and a simmering crisis seems to be lurking in the air.

Ubima, before recently had been a quiet community with an appreciable serene environment.

It had been so before the famous Risonpalm host community got itself entangled in a political quagmire and has continually remained polarized ever since. Operating under the canopies of the Ikwerre Youth Movement and the K12, the Ubima youths mainly have covertly and overtly shown their preferences for either Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the incumbent Chief Executive Governor of Rivers State or former Governor Celestine Omehia, both of them blood cousins.

Regrettably, this has been one overwhelming feature of a community that may have entered the Guinness Book of Records for beating the Nigerian and indeed, Rivers political history by producing two executive governors consecutively.

But having been so favoured by providence, one is wont to ask, 'what has the community benefited from this?'

This appears to be the bone of contention between the Ubima youths under the leadership of Comrade Michael Amaechi and yet another group perceived and described by the former as a cabal who claims to be working to actualize Gov Amaechi's dream for his people but are rather sabotaging his efforts.

According to the angry Ubima youth leader, Mike Amaechi, Gov Amaechi is really trying his best for his people but these efforts are continuously dwarfed by the people through whom he is reaching out to the people.

These he said, include Rev Peter Wobisike, a Permanent Secretary, Bureau for Special Projects in the State. Bureau for Special Projects Department has no commissioner or any other political master, Hon Simeon Asonobi, the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman for Ikwerrre Local Government Council. His other names are “Total Chair and Control” perhaps derived from his power and the influence he wields in Gov Amaechi administration, Hon Joetex Kpako, Special Adviser on Petroleum and Energy, Rev Fr. (Monsignor) John Nwangbu, Chairman, Rivers State Pilgrims Board, Austin Orlu-Orlu, former Manager, Rivers State Cultural Centre and Personal Assistant to Rev Fr. Nwangbu at the Pilgrims Board. He is also the CDC Chairman of Ubima and contractor overseeing the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) project in Ubima etc.

With this litany of empowered personalities among others, the Ubima youths believe that there is no reason why they should continue to swim in abject poverty and hunger.

But rather than use their positions and the attendant wealth to assist the community, they allegedly prefer to divide their people into personal factions and setting up structures to silence any seeming opposition and thereby portraying Gov Chibuike Amaechi in bad light.

Having succeeded in factionizing the Ubima youths or so it seems, the aforementioned persons who allegedly boast as Gov Amaechi's arrowheads are further accused of hijacking all the major projects going on in Ubima which include Road constructions, renovation of schools and building of health centres.

Worse still, the cabal only appoints their loyal youths to work at the sites with the like of Simeon Woja, the PDP youth leader in Ubima and Bestman Amadi, a Supervisory Councilor in Ikwerre Local Governemnt fronting for Hon Asonobi (the Total Chair). These people are also accused of spying for these political juggernauts in Ubima and are responsible for all the lies and propaganda that have set the cabal against the other members of the community. Their reason according to the aggrieved youths is simple. To remain relevant as long as the status-quo lasts. They are also accused of shortchanging the youth labourers, paying them N800.00 per day for  a job of N1,500.00.

As though these were not enough injuries on the Ubima Community, a community that has been so favoured by God to produce two Governors, the people whose main economic mainstay is farming still suffer from lack of an outlet to market their agricultural produce to the outside world.

The market which contract Shell Oil Company awarded to the community can readily be called a market by any standard.

Mr Austin Orlu-Orlu allegedly prosecuting the multi-million naira contract has refused to give any explanation to the community  neither has any youth benefitted from the oil company's benevolence which is enough to set up skills acquisition centres to  the youths in different trades etc.

In the face of all these injustices, the Ubima youths sometime in August 2009, rose up to the challenge and staged a protest against the perceived wrong doings, unemployment and suffering in the midst of plenty. Their leader was Michael Amaechi. Unfortunately, this humble protest aimed at ushering in decorum, accountability and development to their community was misconstrued by the powers that be.

Consequently on August 29, the police (SOS) were brought in and in one fell swoop, the youth leader and four others were arrested and detained allegedly on the orders of the SOS Commander in the State, Oni for constituting a breach of public peace and engaging in cultism.

Expectedly, such a serious allegation ought to be deeply investigated and both the accused and the accusers thoroughly interviewed by the police befoew prosecution but all this was not done.

And as a premeditated action, the helpless youths were inhumanly bundled to court from detention and subsequently were remanded in prison custody on the orders of the magistrate for lack of jurisdiction as charged.

It only took a Port Harcourt High Court to grant Michael Amaechi bail on December 16, 2009 after suffering for four months in prison custody. He was granted bail on ground that he is an acknowledged youth leader.

The remaining four Ubima youths detained with him namely: Kingsley Amadi, Solomon Omehia, Richard Wagbara and Oyibo Nzokwe are still languishing in prison custody without trial.

To secure their release and restore their fundamental human rights, the Youth Council of Ubima Community has written to the Committee for Defence of Human Rights, Port Harcourt but to no avail.

They have also written to His Royal Majesty, Eze Blessing Wagor, JP Nye-Nwe Eli Isiokpo Ancient kingdom who has graciously invited all the concerned persons in Ubima to his palace to discuss the matter.

Unfortunately, they failed to turn up and the problem continues to linger on.

Besides the release of these innocent Ubima youths who are dying in prison custody, the youth leader, Michael Amaechi is demanding adequate compensation for the violation of their fundamental human  rights, portraying them in bad light as cultists and denying them their natural freedom etc.

He wants N750 million for all the inhuman treatment.###

News

Gov Amaechi Acted On Wrong Information - Eze Francis Amadi

The Paramount Ruler of Iriebe Community, Oro-Esara, Evo Kingdom, Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State, Eze Dr Francis Amadi, the Eze Ebe III of Iriebe has said he did not blame the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, for the recent negative comments he made about him at a public function, stressing that the governor, whom he said is a human being and not a spirit, only acted on the wrong information given him about the Iriebe Monarch.

Eze Dr Francis Amadi made these remarks recently in an interview with journalists while reacting to the publication in the Weekly Watch newspaper saying that he (Eze Francis Amadi) had been declared wanted by the Governor of Rivers State.

Excerpts:

Reacting to the story in the Weekly watch

The story they carried about me is wrong because in the first place, nobody has declared me a wanted person. Rather, recently at a public function, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi said that complaints have reached him that I go about taking peoples' land by force and that if I don't desist from such acts he will arrest me, which was exactly what the Governor said. The governor did not declare me a wanted person.

Is it true that you are collecting peoples' land by force?

How can I collect people's land? Am I a trouble maker in my community? The truth is that many people from neigbouring communities are fond of encroaching into Iriebe's land and as I talk to you now, they are still doing it. Apart from encroaching, they have been selling our land over the years; nobody could challenge them because in Iriebe community, we are very little in nature but as God may want it, I am of age and I know the beginning and the end of Iriebe land mass. For example, Iriebe has a River called Mini Ocha Iriebe at Rumuokwurusi. The River is still flowing there but when the government decided to site a toll gate, the toll gate became the boundary between Rumuokwurusi, Elelenwo and Iriebe. Despite the colossal loss of 1and to our neigbouring communities as a result of the toll gate demarcation, many of our neighbouring communities have sold all the landed properties up to the toll gate and as if that was not enough, they have also sold the landed property belonging to Iriebe after the toll gate up to my palace, in fact a pole to my palace. The land housing Joesco Filling station which is a pole to my palace was sold by a native of Elelenwo to the owner of that filling station. The other land remaining there, from the toll gate to my palace, was sold by Elelenwo people.

In addition, the Oyigbo people too have sold all Iriebe landed property from Imo River.

From the original map of Obio/Akpor, Imo River is the last boundary between Abia and Rivers States, that was even before Oyigbo was established, but as I talk to you now, due to the small size of Iriebe community and our fore fathers were fearful in those days, Oyigbo people cashed in on this, chased our people and started selling our land from where it used to be to Timber market even beyond Timber market now. It was last year that the L.G.A. Chairman, Hon. Precious Oforji, as a result of self pity asked the Timber people to pay N3m to Iriebe community, saying that the area belongs to Iriebe and because of his intervention, we did not pursue the matter further; even the matter went to court. Justice Omeriji presided over that matter. After paying the sum of N3m to us confirming our ownership of the place, we withdrew the case.

What are the economic contributions of Iriebe to the State and national growth?

Iriebe community is the only community in Obio/Akpor that has over 50 oil wells but because of the small size of Iriebe, Umuebulu people suppressed us and took a larger part of our land. In our attempt to reclaim part of our land taken by Omuebulu, there was a fracas, they destroyed a lot of our properties and injured a lot of our people; we even lost one of our brothers in the process and even up till now, they are still encroaching. They have reduced our oil well to 14, so these are the challenges we are facing. On the other part of it, the people of Akpajo are also dragging our land. So in the heat of this nonsense, I stood up with the help of my people and said enough is enough, so what we are doing is stopping people from encroaching and selling our landed properties. It is not as if I went to Rumuomasi and Igwuruta to drag their land from them or I went to Rumuokwurusi to drag land. It is boundary disputes. You see, the Governor is not aware of these developments and he has not called me to hear my own part of the story before embarrassing me at the public function. Well, it is unfortunate. The truth my brother is that I don't drag people's land.

There is the issue of people coming to sell other people's land to you?

Yes! Many people come to me to sell their land and we investigate before we go into such matters. I am into buying and selling of landed properties. Before I buy I investigate, I don't buy any land that is in dispute, the ones I have bought and sold are genuine landed properties. The one I bought from Rumuomasi, you can go and find out. I bought it from Chekwa. When I investigated that the landed property was given to his people, I even went to the Paramount Ruler of Rumuomasi and when I was told that he owns, it, I paid for it; that is what I have been doing.

From what you are saying, how do you see the Governor's comment about you at that public function?

I am not too happy about it but I won't blame the governor. The Governor is not a spirit, he is a human being. He only acted on the information given to him but as a father he ought to have done enough investigation before making that public conclusion because it touched on my integrity and reputation. He is the father of all; when such complaints come to him, he should endeavour to reach the other person to find out the truth because it is not everybody that has access to him, more especially the Commissioner for Environment who has taken part of our landed property and he is building a magnificent factory, so for him he is a kitchen member of the governor, his people from Elelenwo go to him to lie against us and he in turn will relate it to the Governor. He is a father to everybody, when such complaint comes, he should invite everybody and not listen only to those who have the opportunity to reach him. Through the LGA Chairman, the governor can reach us so that we can share our own views with him there and then he can see our plight and help us also. He is our father. He should not be taking action without doing proper investigation.

Okay, what after seeing this publication and the government decides to investigate this matter and finds out that you lied, what should the government do to you?

The government should prosecute me or arrest me for false information. You see, my brother, I am only defending Iriebe property. Iriebe is the first son of Esara. Iriebe is not in the same clan with Elelenwo. Elelenwo is of Oropotoma while Iriebe is of Oro-Esara. I want the governor to investigate this and if he finds that I have lied, he should punish me for false information

What about the compensation owed Iriebe by the State government?

While people and communities are encroaching and selling our landed properties, the ones we have given to the government of Rivers State, as I talk to you, they have not paid us our compensation. We gave almost 2,000 plots of land to the State government for Trailer park. We also gave the State government another 500 hectares of land for the Iriebe Housing Estate formerly known as School to Land. All these, as I talk to you, the State government has not paid us the compensation. We really want to use this opportunity to beg Governor Amaechi to invite us and hear our own side of the story so as to remove whatever wrong impression he may be having about me and my people.###

COLUMN

EMMA OKAH

Truth In The Anambra Election

The triumph of Peter Obi in Anambra State has enthroned new socio-political scenarios that political scientists must be busy trying to unravel. This however presents an opportunity for Nigerians to understand that there is a difference between fact and truth, fact and figures. We are definitely not talking about the numerous voters that were said to have been disenfranchised, not being able to vote. We are still not talking about the so-called 16,685 votes that were declared invalid, meaning that such number of persons do not know how to thump-print on a ballot paper.

This, on its own, has two possible “facts” to consider; either that the alleged falling literacy level (most young males leave in droves as business acolytes/apprentices) from early primary school age or that the crowding of ballot papers in Nigeria as a result of too many candidates from almost 100 political parties has taken its toll. In Anambra, some 25 candidates vied for the Government House in Awka, thereby elongating the ballot paper with symbols that are almost alike. So, it is either that mass adult illiteracy was at work or that voters are being confused by too many political parties.

For, if recognizing names and symbols of parties has become so very difficult in our electoral system, then understanding what each party stands for in terms of ideology and democratic appeal (if any) may have been even more daunting. If our fathers had recorded less number of invalid votes in 1960 and 1979 when literacy level and democratic awareness were less, is it not a tragedy of progressive depreciation for us to fare far worse than our fathers on the scale of electoral advancement? Probably, our fathers had few symbols to contend with.

Now, if modernity and advancement can only move us backward, then we would prefer 1960 electoral bus-stop. This must be why most analysts are calling for preliminary voting (or straw voting or option A4) to eliminate unserious candidates and produce about four that would now slug it out one month later in the real election, just as is done in sports. Imagine how it would have been if every country were to head to South Africa for the World Cup if there had been no preliminaries or qualifiers.

Anambra State has continued to make history since the dawn of the Fourth Republic, at least. It is no longer news that the state once produced two African legends (Zik of Africa that led in freeing the continent from colonial clutches and Ojukwu who led a rebellion to free his Igbo kinsmen), a vice president, one of Africa's legendary novelists (Chinua Achebe), a CBN Governor, the biggest commercial city in West Africa, etc. What is more is not just that the state produced enough nightmares since the dawn of the present republic to rubbish our brand of democracy, but that it has helped Nigeria to produce historic judicial wonders such as Peter Obi at the Supreme Court and a new definition of what a tenure means. Also, Anambra has shown us wholesale or containerization of an election through Chris Uba. The nation also learnt that for every wholesale dealer, there is a wholesale buyer as in Chris Ngige.

Now, Peter Obi has made another history; that a party without a lawmaker in the House can survive a tenure and win a genuine re-election. It is one of the wonders of presidential democracy because if it were in Britain, Obi would not be governor because he would need to be a parliamentarian first and then leader of the majority party in parliament.

Although Obi looked downcast like other candidates at the onset on the election day when he could not even get the chance to vote, he has joined some others to hail the election as the freest and fairest so far in Nigeria in recent times. By the testimony of many opposition groups and the civil society community, the victory of Obi is genuine. At last the testimony of the Anambra Election Monitoring Board, Ikeazor Akariwe, can stand for the “neutral” world. Akariwe, accompanied by other members of the board including Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Anselm Okolo, Olufemi Aduwo and Festus Okoye, etc, had declared that despite the challenges evident on Saturday, (voting did not take place in as many of 520 units according to Ngige, the election represented a watershed in Nigeria. He has even expressed the confidence that INEC would improve on its performance, despite the fact that Ngige informed INEC about the 520 units many days earlier and they promised to resolve it but did nothing. So, we can all now use these figures as reliable standards of analysis, however.

Here are the top figures, for those who have not had the time to study them. Obi- 97, 843; Chris Nwabueze Ngige- 60, 240; Chukwuma Soludo- 59, 355; Andy Uba - 26, 106; Nicholas Ukachukwu 20, 777; Uche Ekwunife - 9, 555. INEC said that 284, 547 votes were valid, 16, 685 invalid; Total cast - 301, 232.

It therefore goes that each of the 301,232 that voted represents 16 votes because Anambra has an estimated population of 5million (4,055,048 in 2006, and 2,767,903 in 1991). It is a fact that 186,704 voters (or 3.3m citizens) do not want Obi to govern them. This is a big statement to the 97.843 (1.7m) citizens that want him badly as their governor.

Those who lost have been saying those disenfranchised votes would have been theirs, but that is neither here nor there. Hard evidence is that 97,843 want Obi, but 186,704 do not want him. The figure is that 97,843 is about 50 per cent higher than his closest rival, Ngige; the fact is that Obi won the election legally but the truth is that about two-third of his people do not want him as governor.

Lessons: While he goes unchallenged to govern, Obi must think about the majority that do not have confidence in him. In a proper democracy, it is how to address the needs of majority that matters to any political leader, not just to occupy office. Obi is intelligent and capable of knowing this. He should be encouraged to begin to build bridges and tackle those problems that have held Anambra down: violent robbery, kidnapping, and general intolerance. As for the political gladiators that do not take leave from fomenting trouble, he should simply leave them in the hands of God.

Another lesson is the reaction of Chukwuman Soludo, who addressed the press and accepted the result, saying it was not a contest between him and Obi but a contest for the future of Anambra State. That is how it is done in civilized societies, to reduce tension. He has led by example, for one day, he may win and others must do so unto him. He is the first contestant from a big party in any election in Nigeria to come out immediately and accept a result, even if he had to point out errors. Andy Uba has also followed this path of honour. Probably, it is a sign that if elections are fairly organized, the outcome would be accepted. It is a lesson to INEC too, to choose between derision and respect.

Another lesson for Soludo is purely personal to him. In less than one year, a man who was the toast of the international and national financial community, a hero in financial wizardry, lost a contest to be governor; first to govern the CBN again, and next to govern his own state. By these, the FG had said 'to hell' with his wizardry and chose to install another regime that is healing us by killing us. His own people have also rejected his Dubai Concept and have asked him to keep his prosperity idea or at best take it elsewhere. It is left for Soludo to peddle his solutions elsewhere from when he came, or does he not know that a prophet is not regarded in his home. He can also insist on helping Nigeria and probably suffer more. A publication once said as he lost out in the CBN, so would he lose out in Awka, and it has come to pass.

Another important lesson is that the best candidates do not always win. The people have reasons for what they decided. But the truth is that the three top candidates, Obi, Ngige and Soludo are very good. Each is proven and capable. Whoever has won is a gift to the Anambra people.

The PDP has a big lesson to learn too. The party has remained its own problem everywhere they contested an election. A political party performs the task of aggregating the interests of those who think alike. The PDP and most of the others hardly aggregate any interests. Every member wants to be king, to have all or lose all. Soludo, Andy Uba, Uche Ekwenife and Nicholas Ukadike are all PDP men who vied on various platforms and scored a total of 175,188 against Obi's 97,843. Is this not a clear indication where the PDP votes went to, and why they always won in the Anambra House of Assembly but lost to APGA. Will the leaders and those who claim to be the lords of the manor see this as an emerging ugly trend and carry out re-engineering schemes to re-position the party in a winning form at every election as they did in 1998? This is what party leadership is all about. The party must connect with the people and allow the best to emerge in their primaries. This is where the ruling party loses steam and begins to do magic to survive.

Finally, there is a lesson for the polity. The Anambra election may not be free and fair but it has been accepted by all, despite the outbursts of the AC and some others. The flaws are real and genuine but peace is reigning because it is not in favour of the PDP. We must tell ourselves that, look, some of the outbursts are orchestrated by the splinter of opposition who belong both to the civil society groups, press, and at the same time to the political class, and we know it. If the PDP had been declared winner even with the most glaring evidence, the whole opposition group would see nothing but gloom and blood ahead. The fact that 520 polling units were not used out of over 4,623 shows that at least 130,000 voters including Obi himself were disenfranchised. (a unit has a maximum of 500 voters but we are using half of that figure as estimated number of those disenfranchised) This cannot be an ideal thing, and if Obi had lost, the world would have known the import of his not voting and its judicial impact.

Ojukwu has had his last wish granted, though it may not be clear how this was done because if 97,834 heeded his appeal, 186,000 did not. Whatever, Obi can now go back to work. He remains a hero or even a legend, for facing the mega mafia in 2003 and winning even if it was in court, for squaring up with the lords of the PDP in 2007 stopping their victory, for collecting the government back at the Supreme Court after being edged out by Andy Uba, for fighting back against opposition lawmakers, and finally for re-capturing the state from those who could have clearly won the February 10 election.

The figures are there, the facts are there, but the truth is also there. We join in congratulating Peter Obi. ###

Odili's Influence, Amaechi's Fear

By Rubby Obinna

This article was born out of the recent outcry by the loquacious Rivers State chapter of the Action Congress (AC) led by the most political prostitute called Prince Tonye Princewill, a quashed prince of an invalidated Amayanabo of Kalabari dynasty. Princewill and Mr. Chibuike Amaechi (court-made-governor-of Rivers-State) are the most confusionists in a democracy like ours with their much tongue-in-the-cheek Unity Government. But we know where they are heading to: political oblivion. Because, Dr. Peter Odili, the indomitable ex-Governor of Rivers State wields a lot of influence in and outside of the Rivers State, and this has been Mr. Chibuike Amaechi's goose pimple. Let Amaechi form as many opposition alliances as he wants with the deceiving tactics of Princewill bringing about 43 opposition parties under the masqueraded Forum Of Organized Opposition Political Parties (FOOPP) , he can't achieve much as a politician if he doesn't recognize the fact that Odili is a bigger masquerade in the state and with federal influence. In short, many Rivers people see Amaechi as a boy challenging a grandfather like Odili in the state's political field. Amaechi has no political clout. After saving much money in his sworn-enemy, Odili's administration, was when Amaechi understood that the money of the state he now controls are for the Rivers people. The Rivers people who are now impoverished in his government while his alloyed aides are over-fed?

Amaechi may be hiding under the guise of Rule of Law to hoodwink the masses, but keen observers knew that if there is any government that is corrupt in the history of the world, it is his. He was a Speaker, Odili made, and had his masters degree overseas. But to reward Odili who made him was to mar him through his Kangaroo Kayode Eso-led reconciliatory panel who on March 10, 2009, submitted its 571-page report to the shenanigan Amaechi-led administration. The panel identified the problems of governance, cultism, chieftaincy and some others as the root causes of the crises in the state? Was it not quite troubling that the next idea after trying to rubbish Odili, was for Eso to say that N250, 000 would be given to militants in exchange for each old gun? But how brainsless the idea was, did the militants not simply used the money to acquire more sophisticated weapons? And were the 15 communities that panel was said to have reconciled? All it achieved was to indict the Odili-led administration for hobnobbing with gang leaders, of which Amaechi was a strong participant.

But this does not surprise many Nigerians because Amaechi represents an English woman, Tracy Davies (40), who on October 2008 remembered that she wanted a baby but pregnancy eluded her. She grew upset, gave her partner, Mark Coghill, what turned out to be a painful kiss, midway into the celebration, when the man was actually celebrating his 45th birthday at Newcastle. Seeing her mood, Coghill reportedly went to comfort her. She asked for a kiss. He obliged. But within a few seconds, she planted her teeth on her man's tongue. As a prosecutor told a Newcastle Crown Court. The man's major regret is that he would never enjoy a curry nor distinguish between cheese and toast again.###

SPORTS

Loc Signs Mou For The 17th   National   Sports   Festival

Stories By Isoboye Allison-Ekine

The Rivers   State     Local Organizing Committee has signed   memorandum of understanding with three banks, they are Diamond Bank Plc, Equatorial Trust Bank and Access Bank in partnership to the hosting of the 17th National Sports Festival billed for November 2010, at the LOC office in Port Harcourt.

Speaking after the signing of the MOU the Equatorial Trust Bank {etb}Mr.Emmanuel Ekpenisi  the Zonal  Business  Director said it is a major mile stone to partner with  the State Government for the hosting of the NSF. “I can assure you that, you are about to witness on e of best game in the history of the festival, you can count on us,” he added.

In the part of the Diamond and Access Bank also assured the state government that full support will be giving to the success of the fiesta, adding that they can always count on them.

Also speaking the commissioner of sports Hon. Boma Iyaye who represented the LOC chairman Engr. Tele Ikuru who is also the vice chairman of the LOC commended banks for their support towards the sports fiesta and assured them that, their effort and investment will go down the drain and this will also form part of their tax, he said.###                                                  

Former Dolphins Player Urges Incoming  NPL  Board To Give

Club Sponsorship To Corporate Body

Most football experts in Nigeria have frown at the massive exodus of the Nation's footballers seeking for greener pasture abroad in major football leagues in abroad.

One of such is former Dolphins FC player Dumbor Awanee who says the incoming board of Nigeria premier league, must fashion out ways that will ensure corporate organization and major multi-national companies resident in Nigeria to partner with Nigeria football clubs officially. In the premier league Dumbor Awanee who also played for Calabar Rovers and Bendel insurance said the incoming board must create an enabling environment and solid structure that will enable corporate bodies to take over club sponsorship in Nigeria.

He said the time has come for Nigeria premier league clubs to stop over relying on the government funds for survival, adding that if corporate organization can come in and bankroll the teams with adequate funding, it will stem the exodus of Nigeria players looking for greener pastures in abroad.

Awanee a former player of a Canadian professional club said Nigeria should borrow a leaf from England where most of the clubs are owned by private individuals and corporate organization, saying that this can as well be practice in Nigeria if the football authorities give the companies the right atmosphere to come in to club ownership and sponsorship.###

Include Siasia, Amokachi In Eagles World Cup Squad - Sports Enthusiast Tells NFF

As the Nigeria football federation set to appoint a new substantive coach for the Super Eagles, a Port Harcourt based football enthusiast Chief Christopher Okonkwo has enjoined the soccer house to take their time and appoint a quality and credible tactician that could lead the senior national team to glory at the forthcoming world cup in South Africa.

Chief Okonkwo, who stated this while fielding questions from newsmen in Port Harcourt urged members of the NFF to employ a coach that will be resident in Nigeria and also monitor the domestic league in search of players worthy of a place in the Super Eagles.

According to the former captain of the tennis section of Port Harcourt Club, “Nigeria should not be in haste to appoint any sort of coach for the Super Eagles” I want them to take their time and give the job to a coach who really knows his onions.

Suggested the manager director of Ogamco group of companies while speaking on the inability of Nigeria to get a quality creative midfielder since the retirement and departure of Austin Okocha from the Super Eagles, the sports philanthropist suggested that every player in the team should be tried in the attacking midfield position, adding that the experiment may pay off for the discovery of another play maker in the mould of the former Bolton Wanderers Star. (Austin Okocha).

He further stressed the need for the Nigeria football federation to draft Beijing Olympic Silver Medal winning coach Sampson Siasia and Daniel Amokachi into the team to assist the would be coach of he Eagles pointing out that the presence of the duo in the team will help the country to present a solid and formidable team for the world cup.###

Whyte Sues For Peace Over Sharks, Dolphins Rift

The need for Rivers State commissioner for sports, Hon Boma Iyaye and the permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Chief Mike Elechi to wade into the lingering rift between two sister clubs Sharks and Dolphins of Port Harcourt over an alleged illegal acquisition of a player has been stressed.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with out reporter, a well known vocal football buff in the State, Hon Alphine Whyte said it is not a pleasant news to see two sister clubs being sponsored by a parent body (RSG) at a daggers drawn irrespective of whatever might have gone wrong.

“Left for me, rift between the two teams should be seen as something that could be resolved internally rather than making it to be a press war on pages of newspaper

“Regrettably, both teams are not comfortably okay on the premier league table and it won't be to their advantage fighting over on cross carpeting of one player at this point in rime the league has entered into a crucial stage.

“Infact what is expected of the two teams now is for them to understand that they badly placed on the league table and so should look for a way to help each other to better their precarious position.”

He therefore called on the sports commissioner, Hon Boma Iyaye and permanent secretary in the ministry, Chief Mike Elechi to rise up to the occasion as a matter of fact to ensure that the impasse between the two teams is nipped into the bud so that it will not escalate more than this not minding which of the team that has erred.

Commenting on the conduct of Nigeria referees handling the league matches, the well traveled soccor Oficionado is of the view that there are some noticeable improvement even though there are still some bad eggs among the men on whistle.###

NEWS

Free For All Fighting In NDDC Board Meeting

By Chris Konkwo

When the idea of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) was conceived and realized some few years back, many thought the myriad of problems bedeviling the region may have at long last gotten a solution. But little did they know that the much taunted and lauded dream come true was only to create more problems for the land, polarize the region the more and put the collective struggle in the hands of few whose new dream is to amass as much as they can while the bazaar lasts. Consequently, the Niger Delta has been plunged into a deeper mess than it was. What a bewitched region seemingly destined for balkanization and invasion, first by rampaging colonialists using the oil companies as their instrument to the all massacring North using the army and through the silencing booms of the guns to position their brother politicians and now their apologists and surrogates who claim to be rightful owners and stakeholders. Birds of the same feather.

These were the observations of commentators over the recent rowdy session of the board members of the NDDC that allegedly ended in a free for all fighting with the directors using any available object to ward off opposition and consolidate their positions.

The bone of contention was the need to restructure the internal machinery of the commission in line with the vision of the new Managing Director, Engr Chibuzor Ugwoha which made new appointments, redeployments and possible reassignments necessary.

Suspicious and afraid of losing their juicy positions to their colleagues perceived to be better favoured by the new MD, some of the directors allegedly took exception to the reshufflement. As the hot debate went on, one thing we learnt, led to the other, leading to the sudden end of the session that was programmed to last same day. It had to continue the next day, February 4, 2010

While the fighting spree lasted, some of the directors who engaged themselves in the power test settled with scars and broken heads. Others who seemingly went without bodily harm, paid for their luck with smashed windscreens of their cars.

Overtaken by the senseless commotion, the fear-stricken Managing Director was reported as inviting the police whose timely intervention helped to quell the crisis.

Suspicious that the show of shame may have filtered out to the press, the press conference meant to brief journalists on the new appointments etc was merely reduced to a 5 minute address by the MD, Engr Ugwoha. No questions were entertained as he delivered his speech in a military-like fashion after which he left the boardroom alongside the few directors that accompanied him.

That was after keeping the newsmen for five hours waiting. The briefing was scheduled for 11.30a.m. but could not take off until about 4p.m., all in an effort to bring the situation under control, leaving the media department at the mercy of the provoked pressmen who were pleaded with to bear with them. Even the approvals given to facilitate the transport for the journalists could not be followed up in the bank according to the media department.

They promised to reach out to the newsmen in two days time but up till press time they are yet to redeem that pledge.

The thinking is that the transport fare as usual may have entered into voice mail.

The briefing took place on Thursday, February 4, 2010.###

IHRHL Laments Illegal Markets In Port Harcourt Metropolis

The Economic and Social Rights unit of the Institute of Human Rights and humanitarian Law (IHRHL) says it has observed with utter shock and dismay the propagation of gross illegality, disturbance of public peace and Environmental degradation amongst others at a most unusual level through the carrying out of an illegal market at the intersection between Okrika and Bonny streets in the town axis of Port Harcourt.

The illegal market it said, has been set up and is attracting a vast patronage from members of the public on a daily basis. The market is located right in the middle of the road and the human traffic is in vast proportions, thereby rendering the flow of vehicular traffic impossible.

The IHRHL has also noted the activities of illegal revenue workers that collect large sums of money from the traders for the purpose of allocating spaces in this market to them. The above stated market, popularly known, as 'ABA line according to the lawyers has constituted of a lot of nuisance to residents in that area, through noise pollution, improper disposal of refuse, and radical alteration of the purpose of that residential area which is contrary to the relevant environmental sanitation on authority laws.

“In a society like ours where the average citizen is bogged down with pressures of work, family responsibilities and attendant socio-economic problems, a house is seen as more than the four walls of a building. It is an epitome of a person's need for privacy, security and refuge from the pressures of security. Thus, when a person's residence, is invaded by commercial merchants, vociferously touting their wares and calling for patronage from members of the public, it goes against the importance and need for having a roof over one's head. In addition, the activities carried out by these people, goes against the laws of the land, and the State government campaign of restoring the garden city to its lost glory,” it remarked.

The IHRHL has therefore condemned these illegal activities and called on the relevant authorities especially, the Environmental Sanitation Authority to perform its functions and arrest this situation.###

NEWS BRIEF

Group Writes Amaechi, On NDDC Contract Awards

We write to voice our displeasure with the recent award of contracts by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Rivers State.

Specifically, we wish to condemn in very strong terms, the award of the Bonny Ring Road & Bridges Project in Rivers State to a company that has nothing to do with engineering and construction, Jafac Motors/Jafac Invetsments Ltd for the whopping sum of Eleven billion, two hundred and four million, one hundred and sixty eight thousand, twenty naira and ten kobo (N 11, 204, 168, 023.00).

This award, coming on the heels of the appointment of a Rivers man, Chibuzor Ugwoha as Managing Director of the NDDC is a slap on the face of the people of Rivers State and an insult on the efforts our forebears who fought so long to bring development to their land.

The questions are? How did a car dealer suddenly become a high profile construction company? Why was a contract of that magnitude not awarded to tested and proven companies like Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) or Setraco as Julius Berger has chosen to leave the Niger Delta? Who authorized such a contract?

What contracts of such a whopping magnitude has Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd ever done in the Niger Delta? Who is fronting for Jafac Motors/Investments Ltd? Why make Rivers State a test or playing group for dubious, up-front paying contractors?

Our dear Governor, on the behalf of the youths of Rivers State, we reject the manner of award of these contracts and declare the process as fraudulent and deceit-ridden.

For almost a decade, we have watched with despair as almost 95% of the roads built by NDDC have suddenly collapsed. In fact, roads constructed less than two years ago by the Niger Delta Development Commission have nearly all collapsed. How long will we allow a people to shortchange and abuse our heritage?

What has happened to all the multi-billion naira contracts awarded by NDDC in Rivers State in the recent years? How far has the Kula Shore Protection project gone? Is the contractor not complaining that he has shared up all the money with NDDC top shots?

Is there no one to cry for us?

We call on your Excellency therefore to please intervene and impress on our brother, the Managing Director of the Commission, Mr. Chibuzor Ugwoha and the Rivers State Representative on the Board, Mr. Emmanuel Georgewill to revoke these contracts immediately and re-award it to a more competent company.

If this is not done, the people of Bonny, Rivers State and the Niger Delta would not forgive him when the poor quality road that will be built begins to fail.

We wonder why Rivers State should be used a test ground for “wannabee” construction companies. We also wonder how a contract of this value can be given to a company without any engineering knowledge or competence. Do we not have people who can plead our case?

Your Excellency, Please intervene.”

Sincerely Yours in the service of Rivers State###

NEWS

Miss Niger Delta Not For Fun-  Okiaba -          By Isoboye Ekine & -          Womah Ugo Josiah

Miss Niger Delta Organisation is not all about fun fair or to crown the most beautiful girl in the region but  is aimed at identifying the most talented young girl in the region who aspires to work towards peace and development in the Niger Delta.”

“The central objective of the organization is to foster peace, unity, tourism, empowerment and development in the region.” These are the words of Prince Sodim Okiaba, the President of Miss Niger Delta Beauty Pageant Organisation.

He stated this while speaking to newsmen on the visit of Miss Niger Delta to the Home of the Elderly on Friday 19th February 2010.

According to him the organization has various pet programmes and one of it is the visitation of the elderly, to show them love and to create awareness.

Hear Okiba: what you make for others, others will make it happen for you and what you so desire and celebrate, you attract.

He further said that, it was worrisome that some youths who had sources of livelihood could not care for their parents living in same town with them, stressing that it is not a welcome development.  He said, there was need to inform the public that they have a responsibility in taking care of the elderly.

Speaking, the Special Adviser to the Commissioner of Information, Mrs. Gina Daka-Osika representing the Commissioner of Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari commended the Miss Niger Delta for their good work saying the position was not for beauty alone but to serve humanity and she advised that whatever donation received should be judiciously used in taking care of the elderly and not to be diverted.

A member of the board of trustees who chatted with National Network Mrs. Eme Maria Etim said, God would bless Miss Niger Delta for visiting the Home of the Elderly, she appealed to the public to donate clothes to the elderly and patronize the home.

The Matron, Rev. Sis. Maureen Okeke commended Miss Niger Delta for the love and care she showed on the elderly, saying by touching and dancing with them will make them live for more years. The challenge they have is generator, at least 50KVA that will serve the administrative block and the residential, they also need refrigerator.###

Massive Fraud: Oyigbo Council Boss, Councilors On Collision Course

By Kunle Makinde

A massive allegation of fraud, embezzlement and total mal-administration is presently rocking the reqime of Hon Precious Oforji, chairman Oyigbo Local Government council.

Hon Oforji, the embattled chairman who is at the centre of this pent up crisis, is already being secretly lamphoned by the council workers and jeered at by the entire legislative arm of the council.

Already eight of the ten councilors in the council have pitched tent against the chairman.

The group of eight progressive councilors led by Hon Ibe Owulo, representing ward 7, and Hon Gift Okere representing ward 4 of the Local Government Area accused the chairman of non-payment of their statutory entitlements from 2008 till date. Hon Owulo and his group claimed that despite the huge monthly allocation to the LGA, the money from excess crude account, and the Internally Generated Revenue (IGI), the chairman has consistently refused to pay the councilors what is due to them constitutionally.

Hon Owulo said: “The councilors have only received N760,000 each of furniture and wardrope allowances since 2008. We have also gone for series of seminars in Abuja and Owerri to boost our input at the floor of the legislative assembly, Hon Oforji has bluntly refused to pay us all our statutory allowances for those seminars.”

According to Hon Owulo, the chairman has also performed far below expectation in his tenure so far.

“Since 2008 when he assumed office till now only two projects - the Oyigbo cottage hospital and the uncompleted administrative block in the council secretariat could be fingered as Hon Oforji's achievement in the LGA despite huge resources that flow to the council on monthly basis. And those two projects were awarded to his son, leaving all those who campaigned for him out.”

Hon Owulo took time to show reporters the web of road networks he single handedly constructed, electrification of Ogboso community and the water scheme project, all in his ward 7. “If I could do all these for my people with my personal resources as a councilor within two years, much more is expected of someone who says he is the chairman of the council.”

According to him “in 2008 we passed a budget of N1 billion which the chairman later came later in the year with supplementary budget which we equally passed with a promise that he will settle the councilors. No councilor received anything, but over N1 billion was spent that year.”

“In 2009 we passed a budget of N1.2 billion in which the house vote was increased from N2 million to N4 million. Up till now, Hon Oforji, has not given the house a single kobo. No money to sponsor our bills. A statutory car loan of N3,040 million was approved for each councilor, but the chairman chose to buy the cars by himself. The car documents were not handed over to us as to ascertain the cost of each car and to know if the cars belong to us.”

These complaints among other serious allegations made the councilors to protest to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretariat in the LGA. This necessitated the party to set up a seven man reconciliation committee chaired by Hon (AP) Santos Agomuo on 26th of December 2009. The committee mandated Hon. Oforji to among other things, pay a balance of N2.5 million to each councilor as passed by the 2009 budget as constituency project allowance. The committee also requested the chairman to pay the balance of the councilors furniture/ward rope allowances as enshrined in gazette on or before 31st January 2010.

All these recommendations, according to one of Hon Precious Oforji's aides, “have been thrown into the dustbin by the chairman.”

When National Network contacted the chairman for his views on these allegations, he unilaterally went wide. He ordered this reporter out of his premises, and at a point yelled  out to one of his bodyguards named Abacha to bundle this reporter out of his sight, raining abusive words on the councilors and this reporter at the top of his voice. “I'm not owing them let them and you go to blazes, stupid people.###

Fresh Trouble  For  Khana Chairman…As Youths Plan Mass Demonstration

Khana  youths who are fed up with the maladministration of Gregory  Nwidam, chairman, khana local council are making plans to carry out mass protest to the Rivers State  Government House and the House of Assembly against  his administration.

Disclosing this  to National Network, comrade  Bekanwah Sunny, a youth    leader asserted that the youths, market women and other categories of people are aware that Nwidam instead  of using  revenue accruing to the council for the development of Khana, is busy fighting imaginary political enemies and making careless statements, unbefitting of a person in his position.

Sunny who told National Network that the youths are totally disappointed with the chairman's performance, alleged that Nwidam has severally boasted that Governor Amaechi sent him to Khana and so nobody has the right to question how he has utilized the money allocated for development.

The youth however, said they are determined to make him account for the huge money that has accrued from the federation as well as internally generated revenue.

To this end, they have called on the  lawmakers  and Khana councilors to  remove him from office even as they have mapped out plans to storm Government  House and Rivers State House of Assembly in protest against the chairman's alleged misdemeanors.

The youth who stated that the impeachment of the chairman was overdue, frowned at his use of JTF in Bori to terrorize  and intimidate Khana citizens who complain about his alleged misrule.

While requesting Nwidam to come out boldly and tell the people what he has done with the money, the youth leader  said the youths of the area could no longer tolerate his mal-administration and restated their call for his removal.###

Cleric Harps On Way To Overcome Problems

Rev Uma Okpai has called on every one to surrender and accept Christ as their personal saviour, saying that was the only solution to the problems confronting the country.

The man of God who stated this in a chat with journalists at Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa said acceptance of Jesus Christ connotes promotion, stressing that whoever God promotes, no one could demote him. Besides, he added that when one is in Christ his progress is assured  while calling on Nigerians to shun cowardice that deprives them of their vision.

Commenting on the Jos crisis that led to the death of many innocent souls, Rev Okpai said except people abide by the rule of law such senseless killings must continue.

Also speaking on the Jos crisis, the General Overseer of Royal House of Grace, Apostle Zilly Aggrey called on international agencies such as African Union (AU), European Union (EU) United Nations (UN) ECOWAS and others to quickly intervene as local efforts to get to the root of the problem have not worked.

Aggrey who is the President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rivers State chapter, disclosed that his organization was planning to draw a new blue-print that would make for proper evaluation of their members for easy assistance.

The PFN chairman used the opportunity to advise Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan to immediately start implementation of the 7 point agenda of their administration.###

NEWS

Khana Council Stinks * Chairman's Dirty Deals

* Orders For Thugs To Manhandle UBE Board Member * Division of Khana Ahead Of Governor's Visit

Ahead of governor Rotimi Amaechi's visit to Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State this week, in continuation of his town hall meeting with the people of the State, the chairman, Mr Bariledum Nwidam is busy fine-tuning some old projects, claiming to be the ones he has executed. The Area Commander's office in Bori, the Council Secretariat, NEPA/Drug store, physically challenged building and several other projects are being painted as at press time, when our Bori correspondent visited the buildings.

We gathered on good authority that Mr Nwidam is also laying claims to the slaughter in Bori, renovation of the Suanu Finimale Nwika Conference Hall as part of his projects.

Past Chairmen of council, Hon Letam G.A. Korsi, Hon Kingsley Lee, Hon Verysaro Tornwe and Hon Friday Nkee-ee were those who executed these projects that Mr Nwidam is now claiming.

In the approved budget for 2009, over N2b was approved. See 2009 approved budget on pages 6 & 7.

However, in his usual fraudulent method, he adopted creative ways of emptying the treasury. The most common is Nwidam's security vote. We hear that he collects whatever amount he deems necessary as monthly security vote.

Our investigation revealed that although provisions were made and approval received, and in most cases money released for some projects, no projects could be verified as done in some areas visited.

For example construction of government craft centre with 6 classrooms, was allocated N30,000,000.00. We could not see such project either completed or ongoing when we visited the craft centre. We also gathered that N30,000,000.00 has been approved and released.

The record at the council did not specifically mention the contractor's name that executed the construction of government craft centre with 6 classroom blocks and at which location in Ogoni. N20m has since been collected according to a staff at the accounts department for the purchase of a sewage truck. Our correspondent could  not see any sewage truck owned by Khana local government council when he visited twice last week.

A staff at the accounts department (name withheld) said the council does not have a sewage truck.

In 2008, money was provided for the renovation of Kono Police post. In 2009, an additional N15,000,000 was provided for the renovation of same Kono Police post, Kono.

As at press time, weeds had taken over the entire Kono police post. Our team could not actually verify where funds that were provided and released for the renovation of Kono Police post went to.

When we confronted the officer in charge of accounts of the council he referred us to the chairman.

According to him “our duty is to pay, when the chairman has approved”.

At Sii Town, Babbe District, where provision was made and money released for Box culvert, no such project also existed in Sii Town.

The sum of N35 million was also set aside for the provision of neighbourhood water at the council secretariat.

Our fact finding team was amazed to note that no such project existed at the council.

Our correspondent noted that 85% of projects earmarked for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years were never done. In most cases money had already been released without any evidence of job done.

It was also noted that due process was not followed on few projects that the chairman has executed.

The chairman either awards such projects directly to himself or his family members. It was also noted that only five percent of party members are benefiting from his administration.

Meanwhile, the chairman of Khana local government council, Mr Bariledam Nwidam on Wednesday February 12, 2010, at the council secretariat behaved like an area boy.

The chairman was said to have ordered his retinue of thugs to manhandle a prominent Ogoni son and a member of the UBE Board, Hon Dominic Pianee.

Mr Nwidam had summoned a meeting of few Khana people to discuss the visit of the governor.

He has also directed his aide not to invite those he labeled his “enemies” to the meeting. It was gathered that immediately Mr Nwidam came into the meeting hall at the council secretariat and spotted Dominic Pianee, he ordered his thugs to drag him out of the council hall, not minding the presence of some highly placed Ogoni chiefs.###

N.5b Scam Tonye Princewill Arrested in PH

No sooner had the Amanyanabo of Kalabari, Prof T.J.T. Princewill concluded his crowd pulling 80th Birthday Saturday, February 20, 2010 than the ugly news of the arrest of his son, the Prince of Niger Delta, Tonye Princewill filtered in.

The Action Congress leader and its Gubernatorial Candidate in the April 14, 2007 governorship election was apprehended by the police Monday, February 22, 2010.

He was detained at the State CID in Port Harcourt.

Information has it that the arrest may not be unconnected with a loan facility he allegedly fraudulently obtained from the United Bank For Africa about two years ago which he is yet to redeem.

The credit facility is put at over N530 million.

According to a source, Tonye Princewill had approached the UBA branch along Hospital Road in Port Harcourt with fake contract documents to deceive the bank manager, one Mrs Sotonye Nwabuokwu into granting him the loan.

The contract was said to have been awarded him by the Rivers State government but was found out to be false.

The company with which he used to apply for the loan was also discovered to be non-existent.

As the Prince of the Niger Delta failed to keep to his promise leading to the marveling discoveries upon proper investigation, the bank consequently sacked the branch manager that facilitated the loan without thorough scrutiny.

Since then, both the bank and the dismissed manager have been on manhunt for Tonye Princewill to no avail.

He finally met his waterloo on Monday while cooling off in a hotel in Port Harcourt.

Acting on a tip-off, Tonye Princewill's victim, Mrs Nwabuokwu wasted no time in alerting the police who swung into action immediately and got him arrested in his hide-out.

A source also told National Network that the suspicion is that the loan may have been used to prosecute his election campaign.

When he was  first accosted by the bank manager we learnt, the Action Congress leader was quoted as saying that he was yet to be paid by the State government until after two years when it dawned on her that he (Princewill) was merely playing pranks.

Meanwhile, the police is said to have ordered that Tonye Princewill's accounts be frozen for now and his traveling documents seized until investigation into the case is over.

He has however been granted bail.

In his reaction, the Media Consultant to Prince Tonye Princewill, Chief Eze C. Eze said “Prince Tonye Princewill was never arrested and there was never any petition by UBA against the Prince alleging that he was given a whopping sum of N530m to boast his business and was diverted to politics and other uses.

What actually happened was that one Mrs Sotonye Nwabuokwu who was a manager of the Hospital Road Branch of UBA abused her office and public trust reposed in her to use customer's deposits kept under her custody to trade and divert to other projects and by the time these customers started to demand for the money, she used  the fact that she is related to Tonye Princewill and the Princewill being a known figure used his name to keep at bay most of these people not knowing that this woman has written a petition to the police as cover to make her unsuspecting creditors think that Tonye Princewill is involved  in their predicament. “The police only invited Tonye Princewill to make clarifications on some of the issues Mrs Nwabuokwu raised in her petition and the Prince being a law abiding citizen complied and honoured the police invitation and gave his own side of the story and left the State CID in Port Harcourt in less than 30 minutes, so how does that amount to being arrested and detained as being speculated by political opponents”, Chief Eze said. For the records, Tonye Princewill is a clean politician, who understands the cost of playing opposition politics and cannot be involved in any deal that will mar or malign his esteemed name both as a reputable Prince of the Kalabari and the leader of the opposition in Rivers State, but most importantly, the trust reposed in him by the masses of Rivers State, he has submitted all his accounts to the police for scrutiny as he has no skeleton in his cupboard, he concluded”.###

Amaechi Berates Kalabari Leaders

By Polycarp Nwaeke

Amid the glamour and grandeur that characterized the 80th birthday celebration of king T.J.T Princewill, Amanayabo of Kalabari Kingdom, governor Amaechi still found time to berate Kalabari leaders, accusing them of not using their positions why in government to fight for the cause of Kalabari people.

Amaechi who spoke in response to the address of Alabo Graham Douglas, an address which mainly lamented the fate of Kalabari kingdom despite the political wars it fought and its contribution to the politics of Rivers State, averred that Kalabari leaders contributed to the backwardness of the kingdom by not utilizing their position why in authority to benefit their people. Hear Amaechi: “How have the Kalabari leaders utilized the positions they held to benefit the people?”

While agreeing that government may not have done enough, the governor implied through his speech that charity should have begun at home, stressing that the leaders of the area should now come together to help move the kingdom forward.

Another area that bothered Amaechi was the apparent lack of interest in education by the youths. The governor lamented that in the 7os Kalabari used to have the highest number of lawyers and doctors in the State, but expressed regret that today their youths no longer go to school, but prefer to indulge in oil bunkering and arms acquisition.

The governor who asked the Kalabari children to return the arms warned that the days they used to shoot and kill policemen and get away with it were over.

He also appealed to Kalabari indigenes given contracts to execute in their area to do the contracts, instead of collecting mobilization fees and abandoning the contracts, stressing that those imposing levies like marching ground and others would be in trouble if the bill he sent to the Rivers State House of Assembly on that issue is signed into law.###

Kidnapped Uniport  Lecturer Re-gains Freedom ….N1million Ramsom Paid

By Womah Josiah Ugo

A Uniport lecturer in the faculty of Education, Ambrose Amadioha who was kidnapped on Tuesday, February 19th, 2010  at about 8.30 pm in his country home Omerelu has re-gained freedom  after some days in the hand of his abductors.

Dr. Amadioha who was kidnapped in his house and was taken away in a vanagon bus said those who are behind his kidnap shall never go unpunished.

Speaking to National Network after his release, Dr. Ambrose said, due to the struggle he had with his abductors he sustained serious injuries on his both legs.

He said through out his stay in the hands of his abductors, he never saw the sky as his eyes   were tied with clothes, adding that he was not given any food except slice of bread and a satchet of water given to him on the third day.

On whether he was released after paying money as ransom, Dr. Ambrose said, his release was on a negotiation made on phone call through his brother.

He however said that the sum of one million naira was paid, which he said his brother borrowed from people.

According to Dr. Ambrose, he suspected those that had  land dispute with him. Meanwhile some of the suspects who were arrested from Omerelu and Omuolioga have been released by the police.###

NEWS

RSUST Concludes Part Time Entrance Exams Amid Cheers

The Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt has finally concluded her entrance examinations for applicants seeking admission into the different part time programmes of the university.

Apparently affected by the general unrest that had bedeviled the Nigerian Universities in the last two years, the entrance exams meant for the 2008/2009 academic session finally took place last week Thursday through Friday.

One point of note however, despite the understandable delay was that the exams took place under a very calm atmosphere and to the admiration of the entrants thanks to the ICT system that facilitated the exams.

National Network checks also revealed that almost all those who enrolled for the 30 minute aptitude test were satisfied with the conduct, praising the Vice-Chancellor, Prof B. B. Fakae for his innovations to move the university forward.

Even those who were hitherto, apprehensive of the use of computer for the exams were full of smiles after the test, attesting to the transparency of the system.

According to them, it was like magic that no sooner have you finished the exams than you would automatically discover how well or bad you have fared on the internet without necessarily waiting for hours, days or weeks to know your result which has the tendency of creating room for manipulation.

Not minding how badly they performed all the entrants were convinced of the reliability of the system and prayed that the system be sustained.

They also appealed to Prof Fakae and the management of the State owned University to sustain the tempo, stressing that the current wind of change in the University represents the prayers of majority of Rivers people come true.

It would be recalled that when the ICT system was newly introduced by the Fakae administration, not many appreciated the efficacy until recently when it had come to be.

Through the ICT system, the destructive evil of sorting, admission racketeering, indiscipline and sexual harassment of female students among others has drastically reduced and gradually, sanity is returning to the University.###

Int'l Institute of Journalism PH Centre Matriculates Students

The 3rd Matriculation ceremony of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Port Harcourt centre holds on Saturday, March 13, 2010.

Preceding the matrix is a maiden edition of the annual lecture series of the Institute and the NUJ Rivers Council for Journalists and Journalism Students.

The lecture series is tagged: Journalism and Public Interest: Challenges and Prospects.

The date for the lecture series is Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Ernest Ikoli Press centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt at 10.30am prompt.

Special guests of honour include Mrs Ibim Semenitari, Ogbonna Nwuke and Mrs Alice Nemi, Commissioners of Information, Commerce and Industry and Education in the State respectively.

Also billed for the lectures include G. B. Okon, head, department of Mass Communication, UST, Port Harcourt and K. A. Omenugha, head, department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa Anambra State.###

Eze Otto Bags Verite Pace Setting Leadership Award

A prominent son of Ikwerre ethnic nationality and business magnate, Chief (Leader) Vincent Nnamdi Otto, penultimate Monday bagged the prestigious Verite pace-setting leadership award.

The occasion which took place at the palace of Eze Otto at Elelenwo Town in Ikwerre Local Government Council was indeed, a tremendous spectacle.

In her welcome address, the Publisher of the Verite Newspaper, Mrs Florence Jose Pere, commended Chief Otto for his sterling leadership qualities, stressing that Otto's immeasurable contributions in the society, especially the less privileged earned him the pace-setting leadership award.

She reiterated that the Verite pace-setting leadership award is not for sale, pointing out that it is exclusively given to those who have distinguished themselves in the society.

Describing Chief Otto as an egalitarian bounteous leader, the publisher noted that Otto has carved a niche for himself and therefore distinguished himself through his people-oriented programmes and services.

She disclosed that the business mogul single-handedly brought over 15 companies to his community and facilitated employment of Ikwerre sons and daughters, a development. She said, had endeared him to many.

It is also on record that Otto had given scholarship to over thirty (30) people, trained pipeline welders, electrical technicians and has sponsored young men and women in the music industry. His enviable track record led to his chieftaincy installation as Eze Chimerum I of Evo kingdom, even as he has received over fifty (50) awards within and outside the country.

Receiving the award, Eze Otto commended management of the Verite for the honour done him and promised not to relent in his effort to continue to put smiles on the faces of the people, especially the less privileged.

Meanwhile, the ceremony was attended by people from different walks of life among whom are Pastor and Mrs Ernest Alozie, Senior Elder Alphaeus A. O. Chinda and wife, Pastor William Onucha, Mrs Catherine Odochi and Edokish Pat.### 

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