News

Ojims College P.H Emerges First In Competition

By Polycarp Nwaeke

Ojims College Port Harcourt has emerged victorious in the recent Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF), sponsored competition, which took place at Rumueme Girls Secondary School, Port Harcourt.

Disclosing this to National Network in his office, the principal of the school, Iyowuna Samuel Brown said the competition was in three categories, Essay, Debate and Quiz, saying Ojims College settled for debate which topic was: “Is Petroleum A Curse or  Blessing?”

Although, the information for the participation in the competition was communicated late to the school, the principal said the students were conversant with the topic, so they only gathered their materials, sat down and arranged the topic with the guidance of their teachers.

Despite the late information, the three students, Godwin A. Peter, Blessing Sunday and Abigail Alasia who represented Ojims College scaled through the kock-out stage among the 22 schools that participated and had their names among the 14 schools short listed.

According to the principal, the number was reduced to six and it was from these six that Ojims College emerged first in the competition.

Having won in the State, the principal disclosed that the school would now represent the State at the zonal level which will be competed among the six States of the South-South and if it wins, goes for the national competition.

Brown was confident that Ojims college Port Harcourt would win at both levels. His assertion was collaborated by Sam Jonathan John and James Awajiowa, two teachers of the college, who at a very short notice, prepared the three students that represented the school at the competition.

The competition was organized by the Rivers State Ministry of Education and sponsored by the Petroleum Development Trust Fund (PDTF).###

Ogoni People Blame Leaders In Govt For Underdevelopment

Amid the charge by Governor Amaechi that factionalization was threatening the peace of Ogoniland, the people of the area have traced the problem of Ogoni to their leaders in government who they accused of  being more interested in building political empires than looking for means to bring the people together for peace and development.

This observation was made on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in Govt House during stakeholders meeting.

The people who are baffled that despite the array of leaders they have in government yet Ogoniland has remained battered and underdeveloped, said these high flying political office holders care not about what the masses suffer as they are more concerned with acquisition of money and property and flaunting of their ego to the detriment of the larger ogoni society.

“Those of them in government, what progress have they brought to Ogoniland, except their involvement in political squabbles, contract chasing, wealth accumulation and the desire to dominate others,” lamented Beri, a native of the area.

According to the people, their overwhelming ambition for power and acquisition of wealth are the root causes of the Ogoni problem and have given way to the factionalization Governor Amaechi has been talking about.

“Imagine what progress would be made in Ogoni if this array of political bigwigs pull their resources together,” Ibani, an Ogoni student volunteered while condemning the  inordinate ambition of Goodluck Diigbo, who he accused of factionalizing MOSOP in a bid to make money.

The people have therefore advised the leaders to retrace their step and look for ways of stopping the drift of Ogoniland towards anarchy and chaos.###

Kono Town To Elect Paramount Ruler

The Rivers State Government has directed the Mene Bua Bom, HRH Mene C.B.S. Nwikina  Emah III, to initiate process that will lead to the election or oppointment of a Paramount Ruler for Kono Town, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The directive was given by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr Harry in a meeting held on Wednesday February 24, 2010.

The meeting which was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Kono Town, also resolved that a meeting of all sons and daughters of Kono people be held on May 1, 2010 at the Kono Town square at 10am, to select, appoint and, or elect a substantive Paramount Ruler for the ancient Kono Town.

Meanwhile, all sons and daughters of Kono Town have been enjoined to come home on Saturday May 1, 2010 to participate in the process of getting a new Paramount Ruler.###

As Pastor Jerry Needam Celebrates His Birthday Anniversary …Dr Odili, Omehia, Opara, Sekibo, Rivers People Say He Is a Worthy Son

The publisher of National Network Group of Newspapers, Pastor Jerry Needam, JP has continued to receive goodwill and congratulatory messages as he marked his birthday anniversary, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Pastor Jerry Needam, a frontline journalist and publisher in Rivers State who said though the celebration is low keyed, is however grateful to God for adding yet another year to his eventful life and seeing him through the travails of capturing and reporting the events that have in no small measure helped to shape the society.

He therefore dedicates the occasion to the numerous readers, patrons and admirers of National Network who have consistently kept faith with this irresistible muck-raking twice weekly.

In his goodwill message, the Editor-in-chief and General Manager of National Network Group of Newspapers, Chris Konkwo said all the glory should be given to God for his grace and all the works he has used Pastor Jerry Needam to do both in his vineyard and the field of journalism. He described the National Network Publisher as a pragmatic information manager with a corresponding knack for news dissemination.

He wished Pastor Needam a happy birthday and prayed God to grant him the strength and many more years ahead.

Also congratulating Pastor Jerry Needam, the Archbishop of Christ Army Church of Nigeria, His Lordship Rt. Rev Abel Vurasi on behalf of the Synod and Bishop E.A. Richard, Bishop of Ogoni Diocese on behalf of Christ Army Church of Nigeria, Ogoni Diocese said the entire congregation of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria will ever remain grateful to Pastor Jerry Needam for his magnanimity and willingness to support the church of God. They prayed God to continue to bless the renowned journalist who is also the Synod Media Communicator of Christ Army Church of Nigeria and his family.

In the same vein, Comrade Marvin Yobana, the National Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria said celebrating birthday anniversaries is worthwhile especially when a man of great feats like Pastor Jerry Needam is involved.

The youth leader congratulated him and wished him well on behalf of the youths of the South-South region of Nigeria.

The Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) is also not left out in the galaxy of well-wishers. In his goodwill message on behalf of RIVPA, the chairman, Isikima Harry noted with joy the contributions of Pastor Jerry Needam who is also the image maker of the group to the information management in the State.

Felicitating with their colleague and publisher of National Network, Isikima Harry said the entire RIVPA members are indeed delighted to identify with Pastor Jerry Needam on the occasion of his birthday anniversary. He prayed God to grant him many more years and successes in his service and chosen career which Pastor Jerry Needam has doubtlessly proved to be a champion.

In his own compliments on behalf of the New Restoration Team, Hon Lolo Ibieneye, chairman, New Restoration Team, a political Group that is determined to salvage Rivers State and right the wrongs, observed with admiration the political instincts in Pastor Needam which according to him compete favourably with the journalistic fire in him and which have continued to manifest in a comprehensive and articulate filing of political events in the State. By so doing, Pastor Jerry Needam has kept alive the hope of a great many while the political intrigues in the State last, Hon Ibieneye noted. He, on behalf of the entire members of the New Restoration Team wished Pastor Jerry Needam who is also the Publicity Secretary of the Group, a wonderful birthday celebration.

Prominent sons and daughters of Rivers State including two former Governors, Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia have also sent their messages of congratulations to Pastor Jerry Needam on his Birthday.

They described Pastor Jerry Needam as a worthy Rivers son, who treads on the path of honour.

The former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara, former Minister of Transport and Secretary to Rivers State Government, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Senator Lee Maeba, Senator Representing Rivers South East Senatorial District, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah representing Khana/Gokana in the House of Representatives, Hon Linda Steward, Hon Tamunosisi Gogo-Jaja, Professor Godwin Tasie, the State chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Opaka Dokubo, the Media Consultant to Prince Tonye Princewill, the AC leader in Rivers State, Chief Eze C. Eze Eddie Williams, Publisher, The Envoy were among those who have sent their messages of congratulations to Pastor Jerry Needam.###

Gov's Town Hall Meeting: Nwidam Booed Over False Claims

Gregory Nwidam's attempt to whitewash himself and his administration by listing the projects he allegedly executed was greeted with jeers by the people  last week during Governor Amaechi's Town Hall meeting with Khana people.

The Khana Council chairman who was basking in the euphoria of the new-found love Amaechi has developed for him, after chastising him last year for non-performance, had mounted the podium to read his address, an address which was believed to have been crafted to please the governor.

Nwidam whose alleged mismanagement of the council's fund has reached the ears of everybody in Rivers State, tried to deceive the people by reading out from the address projects he purportedly executed as part of dividends of democracy.

But he did not reckon with the politically wise people of Khana who booed him repeatedly, each time he mentioned projects that did  provision of not tally with what they know.

For instance, when Nwidam boasted in the address that he has brought peace in Khana by investing heavily in security, the people responded with jeers, asking him whether Khana people had been at war.

Hear one of them who spoke to National Network “Every time this man talks about security and restoring peace to Khana. Is there anytime Khana people had been at war? His talking about investing in security makes me feel sick. Is that where all the money accruing to the council is sunk? He should be ashamed of talking about security as the only tangible achievement he can flaunt, when some other local government chairmen have a good number of physical projects like modern markets, good portable drinking water etc to show for the money allocated to them. The chairman must be called to account.”

It could be recalled that a good number of Khana people, including the past chairmen of the council had taken a swipe at Nwidam for non-performance and for claiming credit for projects he did not execute.

It is also recalled that Governor Amaechi in an interactive forum in the council last year berated Gregory Nwidam, listing him as one of the least performed local government chairmen in Rivers State.

The people are however surprised that just four months after he disparaged him, Governor Amaechi has made u-turn when he said the chairman has improved.

“So what has he put in place since then that warranted the governor's change of heart toward him?” asked one Khana man.###

Need To Empower Communities To Handle Sanitation Stressed

By Polycarp Nwaeke

In order to obtain better results, the traditional ruler of Rumuchorlu, Rumuokwurusi, Chief Engr B.A. Worgu has stressed the need to empower communities to handle sanitation in their respective environments.

This, he said, would equally help in checking the present situation whereby rubbish heaps litter the roads and streets of Port Harcourt, in an unhealthy and unfriendly manner.

Chief Worgu said if communities are involved fully, better methods could be fashioned out to do the job through sorting out the refuse into Bio-degradable, glan, metal or non-degradable with their containers specially marked or coloured to pick up the refuse from every household, instead of giving such refuse to children at nights to dump at designated points, waiting for contractors to pick them.

Eze Chorlu who was charged between 1985 and 1989 with the responsibility of ensuring that the then Port Harcourt City Local Government Council and Rumuokwurusi Town council partnered in the disposal of refuse said the present method of refuse disposal (carrying the thing in open containers and sometimes wheel barrows by mainly children at nights) discourages sanitation habits, stressing that plastic containers which could be coloured for different types of refuse e.g bio-degradable, non-biodegradable, metal, glan and others should be used.

According to him, dumping the refuse in the open encourages obnoxious gas emission when rain water and heat from sun react together, whereas putting them in household containers or bags prevents this ugly development, stressing that the present disposal method is hazardous to man and animals who go there to scavenge for food.

Chief Worgu blamed contractors who handle refuse disposal in a haphazard manner, saying they do not protect their workers properly by giving them protective boots and handgloves. He said most of the workers have lost their sense of smell as a result of working in an environment full of bacteria and obnoxious gases.

The Rumuchorlu traditional ruler, who was the pioneer chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, disclosed that good waste management ethics has given birth to Waste to Wealth Creation describing the gain therefrom as Dividends of Environmental Friendliness.

Eze Chorlu has therefore asked the Rivers State Government who he says, recognizes the benefits of a healthy/clean environment to take his suggestion seriously, especially now it has planted trees and flowers at certain places, saying those places, should be handed over to the communities who inhabit them to take care of.###

PDP National Youth Vanguards  Inaugurated in Rivers State

Youths have been identified as the most endowed and exposed to create stability or instability in the nation's politics. Against this backdrop, the PDP National Youth Vanguards was recently inaugurated to campaign against electoral violence in Rivers State.

Inaugurating the Organisation, the PDP National Youth Vanguard Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Bala authorized the executives to arrange and further facilitate the inauguration of the remaining chapters of the organization, stating that they have become in-charge of the activities of the youths in the State.

In his keynote address, the PDP National Director of Youths, Chanc. Uche Igwe Uche described them as enthusiasts who are willing to put in their best in the campaign against electoral violence.

He disclosed that youths are full fledged members of the party entitled to contest elections at various levels, opining that Nigeria

belongs to the youths.

Calling for the need of youths who intend to play politics to be academically endowed as well as the need to fish out talents and encourage them among the youths, he enjoined youths to participate in active politics of the State and nation.

Chanc. Uche Igwe who warned the youths against electoral violence noted that the role of the youths in avoiding electoral violence would not start at the polls but by giving support to credible men and women.

He further advised them not to support people based on sentiments, what they have been given by such people or market candidates through undue influences as violence according to them is as a result of inferiority complex.

Earlier in his address, the Rivers State Co-ordinator of PDP National Youth Vanguard, Israel Ngbuelo said that as members of PDP in Rivers State, they would be joining forces in championing the defence of the party's causes, hinting that efforts would be geared towards ensuring that the youth forum of the party does not only mobilize but also ensures that it becomes a rallying point for youths in the State to actualize their political aspiration through an organized party structure.

He promised that the PDP youths in the State will always align themselves with the constitution of the PDP National Youth Vanguard, stressing that they would confine themselves with the task of re-enforcing, defending, upholding sustaining the ideology and promoting the policies of the party at the local, State and national levels.

He expressed belief that the flag-off of campaign against electoral violence would begin the process of the series of efforts as lined up by the PDP youth forum to enlighten Rivers youths on the dangers involved in violence whether, during or after elections and other activities.###

Intrigues,  Puzzle: As Odili, Omehia, Opara, Sekibo, Amaechi Jam In PH

It was unavoidable and may have taken the two camps time and wits to fashion a way out of the doldrums.

The easiest path would have been outright refusal to meet but the cost of this alternative would tantamount to political suicide on both sides. They decided to dare it, perhaps hoping on providence to sort it out. And it worked or so it seemed.

The occasion was the burial ceremony of one of the greatest political leaders ever produced by Rivers State, an Ikwerre, statesman, teacher, Knight of St. Christopher of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and traditional title holder, Sir, Chief Emmanuel Wonukwuru Aguma.

The venue was St Paul's Cathedral Diobu, Port Harcourt.

As one of the founding fathers of the Restoration Family that facilitated the emergence of Sir Dr Peter Odili as the Executive Governor of Rivers (1999  2007) on whose back the incumbent Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi rode to prominence, there was no way both illustrious and politically estranged Chief Executives could not attend the epoch-making burial ceremony of Chief Emmanuel Aguma, the Onu Mbam Rebisi, Saturday, February 27, 2010.

Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital had earlier come alive at the news of Sir Dr Peter Odili and his team storming the city to pay their last respect to the Octogenarian politician. Port Harcourt residents had never had it so good since the exit of Sir Dr Peter Odili, a governor with extraordinary aura and oratory power.

Three years after the State governor, Rt. Hon Amaechi parted ways with his mentor and political godfather it is not certain they have met. You can imagine the fears, expectations, suspicions, puzzle, scheme, stratagem, string-pulling etc.

In the company of Odili include former Governor Sir Celestine Omehia, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Austin Opara, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo with their wives, Mary Odili, Mrs Opara etc.

Other political juggernauts present at the burial ceremony are Chief Andrew Uchendu, Member representing Ikwerre/Emuoha Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Chief G. U. Ake, PDP State Chairman, Uche Secondus, Iche Ndu, Chief Judge of the State, Chief of Staff, Government House, Nyesom Wike, Justice Agumagu, traditional rulers among whom are the Eze (Oba) of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Sir Dr Chukumela Nnam Obi II, Eze Apara Rebisi, Eze Sunday Woluchem etc.

Sir Dr Peter Odili and his team were already seated before the arrival of His Excellency, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, thus heightening the puzzle, wire-pulling and curiosity.

In the middle of the service officiated by His Grace, the Most Rev Ignatius Kattey, JP, the Archbishop, Niger Delta Province/Bishop, Diocese of Niger Delta North, Amaechi and his team arrived.

At this point, the dilemma intensified, the water got hotter and the hole, wider etc.

At long last, the camel's back was broken when Amaechi against all odds, swallowed his pride,  stood up and with the velocity of a thunderbolt went to his estranged political father, Odili and wife, shook hands and embraced his former boss particularly with dry smiles from both Chief Executives.

Also for the first time, Amaechi and his cousin, former Governor Omehia were meeting face to face and having a handshake though not as warm as that of Odili.

Amaechi had earlier committed what political observers described as 'blunder' when in the list of protocols, he failed to officially recognize the presence of Sir Celestine Omehia as a former governor not even as a Senior Citizen of the State.

Commentators also say the move by Gov Amaechi was a litmus test of the mind-set and temperament of the dreaded Abuja Camp which cold notion of the Amaechi administration has in no small measure affected the political life of the entire State that has continued to forge on bereft of the aura and cheering atmosphere that characterized the Odili era.

However, the early departure of Gov Amaechi from the church service saved Amaechi the impending more embarrassing situation as mouths had started wagging as to what was to come after the church service when all dignitaries were expected to go personal and exchange pleasantries in a less formal manner.

Having failed to find a way out as providence could do nothing about this, Gov Amaechi wisely thought perhaps, that leaving a' priori  is the best and that, he exactly did.

This however brightened the chances for the Rivers people and those who attended the burial ceremony to once more feel the joy and aura that goes with the presence of the people's Governor which Sir Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia appropriately represented.###

Nurses in Rivers Cry Out ... Allege Frustrations, Manipulations... Accuse Hospital Board, Civil Service Commission Of Denying Them Promotion etc

Nurses and Midwives serving in various Rivers State Government health institutions are have cried aloud over alleged frustrations and manipulations being meted out to them by the authorities of two State government owned establishments.

The nurses and midwives numbering hundreds of thousands, constituting majority of the health workers in the State, are accusing the Rivers State Hospital Management Board (RSHMB) and the State Civil Service Commission (RSCSC) of systematically frustrating and denying them their due promotion and upgrading.

Nurses, medical doctors and other health workers in the State, who are currently under-going promotion and upgrading interviews at the state civil service commission, are also alleging glaring humiliation and intimidation by the interview panelists.

In response to the call by the board and the commission for those with extra qualification apart from nursing, to also produce them, presented varying degree certificates in such courses as personnel management, sociology, psychology, Public Administration, Management Sciences, and Nursing Administration.

Apparently overwhelmed by the avalanche of first and second degrees presented by the nurses and midwives, the commission and board members turned around to demand from them their letters of approval for such university programmes from their establishment.

The aggrieved health workers wondered why and when it has become a policy to obtain an approval letter before venturing into part time university programmes and cited a number of their directors that got their degrees even as full time students without any such approval letter.

They see the new move as a clever way of denying them their rightful promotion and up grading and appealed to Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to urgently step in and save the health institutions from collapse.

According to the nurses and midwives, while the board and the commission could be favourably disposed to promoting and up-grading the few of them that havr degrees in Nursing Administration, those of them with other related degrees will not be favoured.

In their words: this is totally at variance with the policy of the present administration of sending civil servants to institutions and ministries where such qualifications would be most required.

They wondered why so much wrongs are being perpetuated at the Hospital Management Board that is being run as a private enterprise of certain board and management personnel.

Apart from unauthorized employment mostly based on ethnic sentiments by some former and present board chairmen and directors, none existent directorates were also created to accommodate their wives and relations.

For instance, one of the former Chief Medical Directors at the board created a nonexistent directorate and made his wife director while a serving director employed his wife, a fresh graduate and started her on salary grade level 10 instead of 08 in accordance with the civil service rule just as promotions and conversions are given to their relatives without due process.

They complained of glaring cases of manipulations, undue favouritsm, blackmail and injustice in the management of the Hospital Management Board and called for proper investigation into the activities of the directors to ensure sanity and success of Amaechi's health policy.###

OBJ Calls For Partnership Between  NDDC And NDYM

By Amadi Gilbert

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has called for partnership between the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), saying since the two have the interest of the Niger Delta at health, such partnership would help in the developing the region.

Chief Obasanjo who made this known in an interactive session with the National Officers of NDYM at his country home in Abeokuta, Ogun State, advised youth leaders in the region to continue to sensitize ex-militants in the area on the benefits of the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, stressing that conflict and violence would lead to nowhere.

Commenting on the political situation in the country, Obasanjo said he was happy with the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as Acting President, adding that with the sickness and absence of Yar'Adua, a vacuum has been created, a vacuum which he said could spell doom for the country.

The Former president who expressed appreciation for the visit of NDYM urged the Niger Delta youths to work under the body for progress in the region.

In his address, the president caring for the Niger Delta, Prince Ajulisan Akunagba lauded Obasanjo for caring for the Niger Delta and prayed God to continue to protect him. He equally commended the former president for his contribution in seeing to the establishment of NDDC, which he said is doing a lot for the development of the region.

Later the executives of the NDYM were introduced to OBJ, while its president used the occasion to ask that they be introduced to the authorities such as the Acting President.###

Workshop On Journalism Ethics And The Niger Delta

The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), through its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee is organizing a one day workshop on Journalism Ethics with the theme: Journalism Practice and Ethical Issues. The workshop examines challenges faced in the field by the practitioners, especially in the Niger Delta.

The main objective of this workshop is to install ethical awareness as a core value for practising journalists covering the Niger Delta zone so as to project the real issues in the oil region and put this in proper perspective to the benefit of the larger Nigerian community. It is also to enable Journalists in the region apply greater care in handling sensitive economic and security situations confront them on daily basis in the field.

One of Nigeria 's foremost journalists, Mr Dan Agbese, Co-founder and Editor-in-chief, Newswatch Newsmagazine, will tackle the main topic: problems of Ethics and Journalism practice in Nigeria. Mr Jossy Nkwocha, an award-winning journalist, media guru, and consultant, will make a look at Journalism Practice in the Niger Delta.

A sub-topic, 'Journalism Ethics and the Law' will be examined by a notable lawyer and  human rights activist, Barr Anyakwee Nsirimovu, Discussants will be Ms Mediline Tador, GM, Radio Rivers and Mr Augustine Wikinaka, Director, Government Printing Press, Rivers State.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari is Special Guest of Honour. Chief OCJ Okocha, former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, is chairman, while the Rivers State NUJ chairman, Mr Opaka Dokubo, is chief host.

Participants are expected to examine critical ethical issues in the practice in the Niger Delta such as, Reporting in war situations, insurgence and militancy, (the boundary between Public's right to information and the concept of public Good), quack Journalism: (Passing premature Judgment), poor funding and the need to get all sides to a story, Difficulties posed by Deadline: (how much can follow up help to heal the wounds?), Classification of Information and High level of Speculation: Cultural hindrance to openness and free flow of information, Headlines vs content: the need to justify headlines, Dealing with outright corruption in the practice, the journalist's right to Independence vs Commercialism, Retainership, and other matters.

The Ethics and Disciplinary Committee implores all practising Journalists in the State to endeavour to attend and participate actively as this promises to offer exciting moments.

Date is Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Main Auditorium, Ministry of Justice, State Secretariat, Port Harcourt.###

Casualization Tops List In Dockworkers’  NEC Meeting

By Amadi Gilbert

Casualization of staff in the maritime industry will top the agenda in the NEC meeting of Dock Workers Union of Nigeria scheduled to take place in April.

Disclosing this why chatting with airport correspondent at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa recently, the president Tony Nted Emmanuel said the meeting would also discuss certain challenges facing the union.

He also frowned at the inability of the Federal Government in funding the ports appropriately, saying lack of adequate funding has hampered Ports activities.

Emmanuel who was the first Rivers man to be made president of the union, promised a level playing ground for all dock workers, adding that this position would regularize their appointment.###

NUJ National President Loses Mother

The mother of Muhammad Garba, the NUJ National president, Hajiya Amina Garba is dead. She was aged 75.

Hajiya Amina Garba died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 2, 2010 and has been buried in Kano according to Islamic injunctions.

She is survived by three children including the NUJ National president, Muhammad Garba.

A statement issued by the National Secretary of the NUJ Shuabu Usman Leman said the entire members of the NUJ in the country are shocked at the news of the mother of their national president and prayed Almighty Allah to grant the deceased aljanna firdausi as well as the fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.###

COLUMN

FOR FACE OF LAW

That Cargo Offloaded From That Air Ambulance!

I Want To See My President Please

The whala surrounding the death or life of president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua since he nursed the intention to become the president of this most populous black nation is now beyond “be careful”. The problem some people say is Obsanjo but I venture to say that the current brouhaha is not Obasanjo but greed and penchant.

For those who felt that by making Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan the acting president the surge would be over they would have been disappointed by now. Right now the problem has become multifaceted taking ethnic, family, religious and regional dimensions since the purported return of Mr President on 23rd of February, 2010 in a melodramatic euphoria.

Granted I will say that the Yar'Adua that contested the 2007 general elections and who was subsequently sworn-in as the president of Nigeria is either dead or is totally incapacitated. My reasons are replete. One, the Yar'Adua President I know is that man who has great sense of patriotism, concern and responsibility for Nigeria. A Yar'Adua that would be so sincere to the extent that he boldly admitted that the election that brought him to Aso Rock was faulty. The Yar'Adua that set up an Electoral Reform Panel with men of integrity to review or re-appraise the electoral system, a Yar'Adua that approached the most ignored Niger Delta question with great sense of responsibility, the Yar'Adua that anchored his administration on the principal of the Rule of Law and Due Process and not the Yar'Adua that will take Nigerians for a ride as it is now.

This was the Yar'Adua that I knew before the 23rd November, 2009 when he was smuggled away by his power intoxicated spouse and selfish friends without due process. On several occasions his allies and aides fed Nigerians with retinue or plethora of lies each time the president left the shores of this country to treat himself.

Since 23rd November, 2009 no body beside these power drunks have had access to see our president. Reports have it that his wife, Turai does not allow anyone to see her husband who is incidentally the leader of over 140million Nigerians. All men of good will including Yar'Adua's newest son-in-law, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State's sympathy visit also hit the rock as Turai did not allow her own son-in-law to see his father-in-law who is currently in agony.

The  most disheartening event occurred on the 23rd of February 2010 when a six man delegation of the Federal Executive Council arrived Saudi Arabia to see their boss. Members of the delegation led by S.G.F, Yayale Ahmed were chief Ojo Maduekwe, Minster of Foreign Affairs, Babatunde Osotimehin, Minister of Health, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, A.G.F and Minister of Justice, Rilwan Lukman, Minister of Petroleum Resources and Abba Sayyadi Ruma, Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources.

Reports have it that as these men were arriving, the wife of Yar'Adua, Turai was bundling her husband through the other door out of Jedda, Suadi Arabia back to Nigeria. So the leaders sent to see our president could not see him “at about 1;45 am on Wednesday, February, 2010 a Ford intensive care Unit ambulance parked much earlier in a bush by the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja roared into life and moved closer to an air ambulance that had just landed from Saudi Arabia but still taxiing on the runway, very far from the tarmac of the presidential wing of the airport.”

Airport workers and newshounds who had kept vigil on account of a rumoured return of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua were taken aback by the curious drama unfolding before them. For one hour and 25 minutes, a battery of men struggled to bring out a cargo from the plane in the dark as if they were thieves. But they were not. At the end of the tortuous drama, they bundled the Arabian consignment into the ambulance and sped off from the prying eyes of journalists. This was the account of Newswatch, of 8th  March, 2010.

Now the question is what kind of country is this that anything can happen? Was Turai also elected as president with her ailing husband? Why is she acting solo in a country so banqueted with human resources as if we are all sick in the head? Why is Turai allowed to play us April fool while every body including the National Assembly watch her helplessly 'mugu'?

It is quite unimaginable that Turai will just be playing on the intelligence of Nigerians like that. She knew of the delegation to see her husband and therefore staged a home video at the international airport. Caused a power blackout at the airport and brought in to this country a consignment that only God knows what could it be that it was a whole president that was offloaded like that in that reported darkness? Our president, Yar'Adua? Or a dead goat? You mean human being still breathing? And what is so special or secret about death of life? If that man is dead Turai should not stage a drama. If our president is dead we  have right to cry for him, bury him and mourn him and keep on moving the nation. Afterall, Chief Stella Obasanjo died in that manner and we mourned her and gave her a national or state burial. Abacha died like that and those who felt it necessary to mourn him did so. What is more. Death is the end of all mortals. It is not a mistake to die neither is it a sin to die. It is no crime to die but it is good to end well, or die well, the one people living will mourn. Is Turai turning Aso Rock to a mortuary or clinic? We read also that General Danbazau deployed troops to the airport and major streets in Abuja to secure the arrival of the President without the consent or knowledge of Goodluck Jonathan, the acting commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This is rubbish balderdash.

Dr Jonathan should better be careful else this group of ethnic and religious extremists over throw this government. What better sign does he need to show him that there is fire on the mountain? Does he think that Dambazau will admit that something strange can happen? They brought the president,his boss without his knowledge and yet he is not also allowed to see the president brought or packaged into Aso Rock. Does he really know those things that were brought and offloaded in the darkness of an airport and taken to Aso Rock? What was that consignment reported? Human being? Or arms, or weapons of mass destruction, or charms or terrorists or what? And yet no one could see. If it was the president, was that the way to bring in a president? In the midnight and without notice, without press coverage, without anything? I am afraid if you are not. It is laughable and ridiculous. And infact shameful to smuggle out and smuggle in the president of this great nation as if he is a bundle of rubbish.

Conversely, if it was Yar'Adua that was brought in that night or that morning in that air ambulance and offloaded in that manner into another ambulance then shame to those who gathered at the FEC then to mislead Nigerians that Yar'Adua was not incapacitated but fit to rule.

With due respect to Yar'Adua, whether in the mortuary or clinic, somebody brought in an air ambulance, offloaded in darkness and taken home in another ambulance is at the peak of incapacitation. It is even charitable to say he is incapacitated. Harsh people will even say something worse. It even worsens the case of those who wanted to hid him from public scene.

But I think it is even good to lay that consignment at the Eagle square where he was sworn-in in 2007 so that Nigerians will file round to see whether Yar'Adua was the one brought in that night and whether he is dead or alive and fit to rule Nigeria.###

Tackling Rural Poverty In Niger Delta

By Saaronee Nwiku

Poverty has been seen as a multi-dimensional phenomenon which has defied all measures put in place to counter it. This is because economic policies which resolve around the nature and level of material deprivation afflict the poor and distinguish them from the wealthy world-wide. Deprivation for instance, signals lack of basic physical necessities of life, the lack of assets, and objective handicaps.

Poverty, no doubt, manifests in low status, social inferiority, insecurity, lack of dignity and self-esteem, vulnerability and marginalization. Politically, poverty is associated with powerless, exclusion from the decision making process, dehumanization and denial of basic natural and political rights.

Poverty is in many ways like a stigmatized disease. Every body dreads it and prays to avoid it. Many want to pretend or ignore its existence.

Few others want to discuss it seriously while still a smaller fraction want to commit themselves to very concrete actions that can address it beyond expressions of pity or token philanthropic gestures.

It is in view of this that Guevera once said, “those who give food and alms to the poor are worshipped as philanthropists and saints; those who ask why the poor have no food, in the first place are branded as communists”, and subversives.

This accounts for why government at all levels pay lip service to issues of rural development. In Nigeria for instance, the rate of rural poverty is high due to absence of concrete development. There is starvation, sickness and even death in the land occasioned by poverty.

That Nigeria was in 1991 adjudged 13th poorest country in the world meant nothing to people elected to steer even development in the society. Again, that the nation has been branded as the most corrupt country on earth by transparency international calls for critical reasoning. In recent times, the country has been classified as a terrorist nation by the United States of America. Rather than finding lasting solution to resolving and ending negative trade-marks, leaders are still encouraging corruption, sectarian violence intended to impoverish the people.

Recognizing the excruciating pain scourge of poverty has caused, the people and government at all levels should rise up to the challenge posed by rural development. Rural development as a springboard for poverty alleviation in Nigeria must be taken in cognizance with the need to supplying basic amenities like electricity, water, good roads and communication network.

Apart from this, there is the need to encourage grassroots agriculture. This is to be encouraged through the application of fertilizer, mechanized farming equipment for the production of enough foods for consumption. This perhaps informs the determination of the present administration in the State to boost agriculture in the areas of deep sea fishing, catfish, snail and grasscutter farming as well as poultry among others. The programme which is supervised by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) has made tremendous impact in the society since 2008 when it was formed.

The desire of government to institutionalize the New Partnership For Africa Development (NEPAD) in the State with the appointment of a State coordinator by Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is another eloquent testimony that government means well to tackle poverty in the State.

That is why Government and relevant agencies must take into account certain factors breeding poverty in the land.

One of such problems is the invasion of Nipa Palm in our seas and rivers. In the 70s and early 80s when oil spillages and other environmental hazards arising from oil exploration and exploitative activities of multi-national oil companies were not too noticed, there were Mangrove Vegetations. Mangrove vegetation no doubt provided protection for coastal communities from cyclone wind and storm. It also provided conducive environment for sea foods, sea animals and fishes.

Ironically, oil pollution has killed mangrove trees and vegetations. Thus giving way to Nipa Palm which has little or no economic value to both sea foods, sea animals and fishes. Indeed, the expansionary tendency of this Indian Palm trees with creeping trunk and large feathery leaves has not only threatened economic well-being of the people but is bringing fishing occupation to a halt.

The economic importance of Nipa Palm expressed in terms of making alcoholic drink from its sap is yet to be harnessed by the people. The singular reason that its poles and leaves are used by villagers in weaving mat for thatch houses and huts should not be an excuse to allow for further expansion.

Sometime last year, the Rivers State government via the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) collated statistical data from all communities in the State with a view to rolling out blueprint for a 50 year development plan. This blueprint should with all intent and purposes incorporate the short and long time effects of Nipa Palm expansionary invasion of our fishing rights. The fifty year development plan should vigorously and seriously consider policies and programmes that would eradicate poverty from rural areas.###

INSIGHT

REV (BARR) IWUCHUKWU

Be Calm And Corrected (1)

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth,” Matthew 5:5).

Does not this scripture text quoted above sound ridiculous to the ears of the computer age, jet age modern man? We could easily understand the concept better if stated thus “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the kingdom of Heaven.” But it may sound ridiculous to state that the “meek shall inherit the Earth.” This no doubt could sound unbelievable to our modern ears that are finely attuned to popular theories of success. What does Christ mean by stating that the “Meek are Blessed to the point of inheriting the earth? Does this teaching of Christ prevent us from speaking up righteously and defending ourselves? Is there no room for self-defence or self-preservation? We are aware that injustices are very rampant in our human societies. We inhabit a world that encourages prejudices and discriminations. Does Jesus' teaching in that verse above encourage us to become foot mats or door mats for all and sundry?

Does it encourage us to let other people to trample over us? Should we quietly accept and swallow insults, injustice with limitless forbearance? About 420 years ago, the word “Meek” was not really a good translation as per modern usage. The word originally translated in Greek as “Meek” during the reign of king James in old England, when the translation was made is different from what it is today. A misconception can arise from this scripture verse.

A better translation in modern concept could be “Blessed are the mighty, the emotionally stable, the educable, the kindhearted for they shall inherit the Earth.” This refers to the individual who will be successful and “inherit the Earth. The word Meek means or rather its meaning and answer lies in the word itself:

M  Standing for mighty, E  Standing for Emotionally stable, E  Standing for Educable, K  Standing for Kindness.

Let us examine these words in seriatum:

“Blessed are the mighty”.

The likely protest from any keen reader is “How on earth can you replace “meek” with mighty? Is the author not going too far or overstretching the verse or word? What is real strength? Reflect on this! What is real might? Who is better preferred. A person or a young person who though strong succumbs to his rage or emotional outbursts and becomes physically or verbally abusive and destructive or the young person who though strong remains calm, being assured of this inner strength thereby becoming constructive?

Who are the Mighty? Who are the Nigerian cabals in the corridors of power? Who are the mafians from Kaduna or else where? The powerful are mighty especially when they seem to have learnt the means and ways to restrain their powers. They know that real might lies in self-control and personal discipline so that they will not uproot out tender plants along with the weeds and invariably tear off the tender shoots of National, tribal, political human kindness and gentleness. The mighty are the people or leaders or rulers who maintain gentleness while they build strength, they are those who are merciful while they are mighty. Such are blessed because they shall not only or merely win a war of wits, or weapons but they shall win the hearts of a Nation and its peoples.

The weak and marginalized are also mighty when they turn their perennial problems to projects, their sorrows into servants, their difficulties, deprivations, manipulations, sufferings into dividends, their obstacles and aggressive militancy into great opportunities, their traumas and tragedies into triumphs, their worries into worship, their incumbrances into stepping stones. They would consider certain deceits, craftiness of inferior mortals and democratic interruption as an interesting National interludes. Such people are capable of harvesting positive fruits from terrible frustrations. They are capable of converting their real and imaginary political, religious, ethnic, geographic, economic or sociological enemies into viable friends. Such people look at adversities as powerful adventures.

Have we forgotten that a cripple can complete a marathon race on crutches if determined and adjusted in mind? It may sound like an unintelligent goal for a disabled person to dream of engaging in a marathon race (26.2 miles) or earn a master's or Doctorate in a field of study.

I have seen and talked with a disabled person who refused to beg but got into serious studies that made him a master's degree holder. His reaction was that he wanted to test his brain and see if he could actually achieve such. Again he admitted that part of his challenge was that he was unemployed. Hence he resolved to make a positive statement that could help both the disabled and abled to accept that they could achieve a goal in their life's time which they had feared and considered as impossible. You can come out of your present depression by dreaming a new dream. Nigeria and Nigerians need to dream a new dream else we are close to a halt or a precipice by virtue of the present daily happenings in the political engineering of our dear and only Nation. The deaf are getting worse and the blind are getting more terrible, the corrupt and selfish are now at a cross road and our leaders or rulers are direly in need of confession and forgiveness for their abominable secrets and open actions that have crippled almost every segment of our National life. The reckless oligarchies and mafians with their mafiaso are alluding or insinuating, calling for undemocratic usurpation of power.

They are at it again but one thing remains a fact, they will not escape this time around. Selfish interests will soon be crucified at the altar of New National consciousness. Let the wise and Godly remain calm and corrected because the promised land is in sight if we faint not. We will no doubt find the secrets of happiness. Our lawmakers are busy with half measures with self-centred underpinnings and our power-game brokers and players are busy with “hide and seek,” approbating and reprobating antics at the same time. Let Nigerians, Africans and the world at large attempt the impossible in our current situation and perhaps we can through this inspire others to be happy and successful equally. BE HAPPY ATTITUDES means being able to harness our handicaps and use such to pull others out of their retrogression, dawning self and environmental inflicted depression. Let leaders learn to tell the led the truth which is the only cure for the wounded conscience.

“Blessed are those who are strong enough to turn their tragedies into triumphs,” disappointment to appointment grass to grace.###

EXTRA

80-Year-Old Burglar Gets

3 Years In Calif. Prison

An 80-year-old woman with a criminal record stretching back to 1955 has been sentenced to three years in state prison for ransacking and stealing cash from a Southern California medical office. Doris Thompson thanked a judge Wednesday for not sending her to Los Angeles County jail, which she doesn't like, and said she deserved a longer sentence. She also told the judge, "God bless you."

State records show Thompson, who has used 27 aliases, has repeatedly been arrested during the past 55 years, mainly for petty theft and burglary. She's gone to jail several times.

Thompson slipped into the medical office on Dec. 19 and stole money from drawers. She pleaded guilty to burglary and was ordered to pay about $1,400 in restitution. She will be eligible for parole in about 18 months.

Woman Pleads Guilty In Hammer Attack On Husband

A 37-year-old Salt Lake City woman acknowledged hitting her husband in the head with a hammer three years ago after blindfolding him and promising a surprise. Amy Teresa Ricks pleaded guilty to second-degree felony aggravated assault on Tuesday. Prosecutors have agreed to reduce the conviction to a third-degree felony after Ricks completes probation.

Prosecutors also agreed to let Ricks seek expungement of the crime after seven years.

Sentencing is set for April 19.

Ricks' husband suffered minor injuries in the May 2007 attack. Ricks' defense attorney says the two are still married but are separated.

Drunk Mom Allegedly Runs Through School With Sword

Police said the mother of an elementary school student drank a 40 ounce bottle of malt liquor before brandishing a sword in her child's school. The woman, 32, apparently intended to confront the parents of another child who had been in a spitting match with her child the previous day.

According to court records, an employee at Riverview Elementary School in Memphis reported a drunk woman armed with a sword was running through the halls of the school and had threatened to cut her.

Officers who arrived on the scene retrieved a black cane that concealed the blade.

The woman charged with aggravated assault and having a weapon on school property.

Police: Woman shoots at hubby over tax return cash

A suburban St. Louis woman has been arrested after police said she shot at her husband when he refused to give her some of their tax return money. Pine Lawn police said the unidentified woman was being held on a $75,000 cash-only bond on suspicion of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. It was not immediately known whether she had an attorney.

Police said she followed her husband to work Saturday morning at a barber shop and fired when he refused to turn over any money. The bullets missed the husband.

Investigators said the woman then went to St. Louis and threw the gun in a sewer. She turned herself in after police contacted her.

Pine Lawn Assistant Police Chief Daniel O'Conner said the woman felt "more than justified" about the shooting.

'Zombies' have free speech rights too, US court rules

They're said to utter little more than an occasional groan, but zombies -- the blood-drenched monsters of Hollywood "B" movies -- still have a right to free speech, a US court ruled this week.

An appeals court in the northern US city of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Wednesday allowed a group of zombies -- or rather, several protesters costumed as such -- to press ahead with their lawsuit against police who arrested them for disorderly conduct.

The appeals court overturned a lower court in finding that the group of seven "zombies" had been wrongfully detained during a 2006 shopping mall protest against consumerism.

The three-judge panel, by a two-to-one vote, ruled that Minneapolis police lacked probable cause to arrest the demonstrators for disorderly conduct.

At the time of the protest, the plaintiffs were wearing makeup that gave them a "living dead" look: white face powder, fake blood and black circles around their eyes.

They lurched stiff-legged through the halls of the mall urging shoppers to "get your brains here" and "brain cleanup in aisle five."

In various bags, the protesters carried audio equipment including loudspeakers and wireless phone handsets, which police had described as "simulated weapons of mass destruction."

The judicial panel upheld the lower court in dismissing the plaintiffs' claims of "false imprisonment" and "First Amendment retaliation" by Minneapolis police after being put in jail for two nights.

But the appeals court sided with the protesters in ruling that police had no reason to imprison them simply for "dressing as zombies, and walking erratically in downtown Minneapolis," the court decision said.

"An objectively reasonable person would not think probable cause exists under the Minnesota disorderly conduct statue to arrest a group of peaceful people for engaging in an artistic protest by playing music, broadcasting statements (and) dressing as zombies," the appeals court ruled.

The decision allows the protesters to revive their lawsuit against Minneapolis and its police, which according to the Star Tribune newspaper seeks damages of at least 50,000 dollars per person arrested.###

DISCOURSE

MY VISION OF A GREAT NEW RIVERS STATE  A PAPER PRESENTED BY PRINCE TONYE PRINCEWILL AT THE STRATEGIC  RETREAT FOR RIVERS STATE AC LEADERSHIP HELD IN LAGOS ON 12TH  14TH FEBRUARY, 2010  A.   MY VISION

 I must state that it is a great opportunity for me to present what I feel is the way forward for our only dear State  Rivers State. In doing this, I will not like to be misunderstood  Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi the incumbent Governor of Rivers State has done tremendously well that any of us who gets the opportunity to govern the State is only to build on what he has done. It is in this regard that I feel like highlighting what Rivers State holds under the administration of an AC Government.

To me, I picture a state with enormous opportunities that presents a veritable platform for anybody to become what he wants to. A state where every budding talent shall be given the opportunity to excel and aspire to greater heights, irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed to which he may belong. A state where the numerous creeks, rivulets, swamp, forests shall throw forth their potentials and untapped reserves to be harnessed for the benefit of our people.  The Rivers state of my dream promises to be a place where basic infrastructures, such as electricity, health care delivery, improved transportation system (land and sea), housing, water, good road networks will be available to our people. I dream of a state where the burden of poverty and lack shall be lifted off the peoples' back and reduced to the barest minimum. A state where the people would have a stake in their God-given resources.

I see a state where rural/urban drift shall be tackled with the right political will and where our Royal fathers shall be integrated and buoyed by relevant legislation to re-enact those values that have been lost to the desecration of our hallowed traditional value system.

I see a state where men and women of proven integrity are pulled together to manage the business of government for the benefit of our people. A government that will make transparency, accountability, frugality, responsiveness and due process in public expenditure the hallmark of governance.

I see a state where government takes responsibility for the bad just as well as the good, where failures at the federal level are managed by the state and the state takes full responsibility for delivery to grassroots. A state where there is peace, security and stability in spite of some constitutional limitations confronting her.

Finally I dream of a state where government shall truly prove its stewardship to the people, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political and social bias.

MY MISSION 

 “Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”  Thomas Jefferson.

Having this at the back of our minds, the fundamental objective of any government is to work for the improvement of the well being of the people. Since its creation in 1967, Rivers state has had different administrations whose attempts at achieving this basic goal have been met, arguably with varying degrees of success.

When the present administration took over the reins of office on October 26, 2007 after eight years of mis-rule, looting and squandering of public funds, it was very obvious that at its inception, it had no well defined plans to guide its administration of the state. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the governor has good intentions for the people and a fair knowledge of governance and development, hence the need for us to work together in a bipartisan manner which has never been witnessed in the country, geared towards bringing development to the state.

Buoyed with a shared vision, it becomes imperative that I step forward to take up the challenge to translate into reality my Vision and Mission for the new Rivers state that my friend and brother, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the incumbent Governor of Rivers state had started. I have therefore in all humility set out for us a comprehensive agenda for achieving this vision of a better state we can be proud of.

In pursuance of the above, which will form the core action and programs that will be carried out by my administration, here under are a broad policy objectives and strategies required in achieving our vision of a Rivers state on our minds.

(1)  THE ECONOMY

 The thrust of government's economic policies must include the following.

 Restoration of fiscal discipline in the state by ensuring prudence in the management of the resources allocated to the state.

  Undertake programmes to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life of our people, with a strong drive towards efficiency, productivity and self-reliance through private entrepreneurship.

Increase internal revenue generation.  Undertake programmes to stimulate wealth creation, employment generation and the reduction of poverty in the state.

Create a secure atmosphere to engender and facilitate massive investment by government as well as the organized private sector, which will ultimately result in the empowerment of Rivers people in every aspect of commerce and industry.

Develop a strong Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP) in the state for the overall benefit of the people of the state. Furthermore this concept of PPP should be backed up by enabling legislation that clearly defines the legal frame work and the levels of involvement of parties.

(2)    EDUCATION

        Education is a cardinal social investment and veritable tool for development in any society. What then are our objectives to develop this sector?

 Improvement on the literacy level in the state.  Sustenance of the complete overhaul of the state's educational system

Improvement of the quality of education in all institutions of learning in the state

Ensuring that the state educational system serves the need of the society by making the products of the system job creator and less of job seekers

Make education affordable and attractive with an ample opportunity for more Rivers people to acquire science/ technology education.

Reward and retain teachers by promoting new and innovative ways to increase teachers pay that are developed with teachers, not imposed on them. 

(3) HEALTH

 Health is wealth, so goes a popular saying. Moreover, since the wealth of the state is a reflection of the health status of the citizenry, as such, there should be a concerted effort to improve the health of the people, physically and mentally to enable them contribute to the productive needs of the state.

Government policy on health should therefore be driven by

The need to prevent diseases, promote longevity, promote mental and physical well-being, personal hygiene and public sanitation.

Focus on making healthcare easily available, accessible and affordable.

 A complete overhaul of the primary healthcare system in the state.

Improving the skills of medical personnel through training and re-training to acquire modern skills and technology. 

(4)     AGRICULTURE

 The foundation of any meaningful economic development hinges on the strength and success of our agriculture programmes. The availability and affordability of food furthers the existence of a healthy and productive population which indirectly promotes peace, development and security. The policy thrust of any responsible government therefore should be to: Make agriculture very attractive and profitable.

 Assist and encourage farmers/fishermen to engage in food processing of cassava, maize, yam, plantain, snail, fishery product, e.t.c, for export.

Strive to attain self -sufficiency in food production.

 Create employment opportunities through massive investment in agriculture.

 Pursue the promotion of agriculture as a major source of raw materials and a significant foreign exchange earner.

 Re- introduce and modernize the farm settlement system to increase agricultural productivity, check rural-urban migration.

Assist farmers have information and access to new techniques and technologies available to the agricultural industry.

Provide agricultural support service to farmers, through the procurement of equipment and other farming tools and implements.

(5)   HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

 Given the current reality of increasing pressure on the housing needs of the state, arising from the rural - urban drift, coupled with the increase in commercial activities in Port Harcourt, the only city in the state, the provision of affordable housing for our people should be accorded top priority by government. Where as the government had embarked on some housing projects through the public private partnership scheme, a lot more still needs to be done.

Strategies to achieving Rivers people's desire for housing include: 

Adequate funding of the State Housing and Property Development Authority.

Encouraging and partnering with the private sector to develop housing estates for sale to the public at affordable prices like the Rainbow Housing Estate (Scheme in which the State Government went into  a PPP relationship with a first-generation Nigerian commercial bank).

Encouragement of companies operating in the state to build and operate staff housing schemes.

Computerization of the state land registry. Assist indigenes of the state to process and secure mortgage financing loans from the Federal Mortgage Bank.

Government support for research activities aimed at the development of quality and affordable local building materials which will in turn reduce the cost of construction of housing estates. 

(6)  TRANSPORTATION

The opening of the hinter lands of the state is very vital for sustainable economic growth and development. The objective of government should therefore be:

The provision of comfortable, safe, affordable and efficient inter and intra city mass transport system in the state.

The construction of good roads network linking the state capital and the various communities of the state.

Purchase of ferry boats and construction of jetties to improve marine transportation.

Encourage more private investors to play active roles in the transport sector. 

Provision of more transit buses and construction of motor parks of international standards to improve land transportation.

Encourage/collaborate with more financial institutions operating in the state to provide support to Rivers people wishing to engage in the transportation business.

Revival of intra city rail transportation system as a way of easing the transportation stress currently being experienced in the state.

(7)   THE ENVIRONMENT

 With the threat the environment face globally, government, corporate organizations and individuals in the state owe the society a duty to protect the environment. Therefore our policy as stakeholders on the issue of the environment should be to achieve a clean, safe and pollution-free society. This we can do by supporting the urban renewal, planning and development initiatives of the state government, as well as maintaining a clean, safe and healthy environment through effective waste management disposal and treatment. The government should also ensure that environmental regulations are strictly enforced.

(8) PUBLIC UTILITIES, WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

 Public utilities/infrastructure is very vital to every society. Fellow Rivers people, I don't know if the poor state of public utilities and infrastructures in the state borders you? As for me, it does.

I would therefore like to see the government increase work on improving the network of roads in the state especially in the state capital. The aim, it is my belief, should be to open up the state capital and reduce the traffic congestions currently being experienced on our roads.

Government should also reactivate and make functional the Port Harcourt city integrated water scheme in addition to constructing mini water works to serve contiguous communities. The recent cholera out break in Bille community could have been prevented if only there was a mini water works in the area.

The electrification of every community in the state in my opinion should be a priority in the government agenda of development. Government should assist the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) for the sake of the people of the state  

(9)      RIVERS STATE - Her destiny in our hands   

The wind of change that has been blowing across the world and most recently, in far away United States of America (USA), where President Barack Hussein Obama, a black man, has successfully surmounted all man-made barriers to win the American presidency, and in neighbouring Ghana where skeptics were proved wrong with the election of an opposition candidate, Prof. Atta Mills as president.

We have deliberately shut our eyes to these cataclysmic happenings around us; we have refused to seize the moment even when undeniable opportunities presented themselves. Yet, daily in our markets, buses, taxis, parks, airplanes and all imaginable places, the discourse has centred largely around the rhetorical question of:  

(10). WHICH WAY RIVERS STATE?  

To aptly capture the current mood of the state, it is unquestionable that Rivers people have the STATE ON THEIR MINDS.

We have simply resigned our fate to divine intervention and it is not as if divine intervention is impossible. In fact, it is the unseen Hand in every success. However, the point at issue is that a complacent people would hardly recognize a divine design when it presents itself. That divine sign is here and NOW.

The truth is that we have waited for far too long and wasted precious time and can't afford to wait any longer. We therefore believe that the time for the much needed change in our polity is NOW, neither tomorrow nor next.

 We are concerned Riverians who believe that the fate of our state lies squarely on our initiative to bring about the much needed change to our current retrogressive situation. But we realise that we can not do it alone; in fact, it can not be achieved alone. It is for this reason that we are inviting all sons and daughters of the state, home and abroad, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, age, status and vocation to come together under the banner of NEW RIVERS STATE to push this new agenda of change in our state.

Our past has been replete with failed promises and unrealised dreams, but must we continue to dwell on the past rather than hope for a brighter future? The answer is NO. We have therefore resolved to march ahead in optimism and the belief that we are a people joined by a common destiny. In our complacent position the lesson of history is lost on us, for there is no state, either developing or developed, that has ever moved beyond her dreams if the people remained complacent and did nothing.

 Every people in the world today have their defining moments but none has had these moments delivered on a platter of gold - they are fought for. Therefore we must be insistent on redefining our present circumstance through affirmative action. 

Today, what we ask of you is to jettison the artificial barriers that tend to separate us and together we would relive the dreams of our forefathers. We must blame ourselves if we fail to heed this call and act NOW for the hour is at hand. Acting NOW would ultimately guarantee our future and that of our future generations. At this point in time, our generation must stand for something else we risk being labelled lame ducks. 

History is replete with examples of how few people braved the odds to chart a new course of history. These change agents defied established conventions and took bold decisions that ultimately altered the destiny of their societies forever. In this hour as we make this call, we ask that you join us to lead this cause that would definitely redefine our state's destiny forever. We have no financial muscle to engage in this patriotic cause but are fired by a great sense of responsibility, firm conviction and unflinching faith and the love for our state to begin this journey of selfless sacrifice for rebirth. 

 Let it be known that this effort is brought about by an unwavering passion for a New Rivers state. Our state risk recession, the ominous signs are there and the challenge before us is to stem this slide. We must rouse from our wavering and come together as change agents for the sake of our children.

Remember we are Rivers people with an undying and adventurous spirit. Today, let us all pledge to give utterance to the soul of our state which has long been suppressed. Let us strive to end, permanently, an era of poverty, ignorance and inequality of opportunities in our land. 

Because we believe all men are equal in the eyes of the Lord, we desire to build a commonwealth of Riverians united by the inequities that separate us. We had high hopes upon creation but we have watched as our successive leaders departed from these noble ideals of justice, freedom and equity to the path of infamy. But we can not heap the blame on them alone; we are also to blame. We are accomplice and guilty of the same offences for which we accuse our leaders. We are architects of our misfortune because of our complacency. We refused to speak out and allowed our state to slide almost irredeemably.  

 The creation of neither Rivers state nor her people is not a mistake. It was a divine design which purpose has remained largely unfulfilled. And so we ask for nothing extraordinary from you but your committed and devoted support to swell the fold so that, together, we redefine our common destiny. 

We should resolve that never again would we allow any individual or group to usurp our fundamental rights by imposing a candidate of his choice against our popular will during any future elections from the councils' up to the governorship. 

As we begin this march to freedom, justice and equity today, let us resolve to stand together, indivisible and firm and rise above sentiments and parochial interests that had been our bane and undermined our collective progress in the past. Together we would win this battle if we don't delay in heeding this call and riding the current that has presented itself in this New Day. 

 This is neither a call to arms for an insurrection or a revolution nor bows and arrows for war. On the contrary, it is call for peaceful and ingenuous political and economic activism where the human spirit has repeatedly proven that it can flourish. All we require of you is to heed this call and join the movement that aspires to change Rivers state forever. We are convinced today that the march to make our state great has just begun and we are assured that together and with God on our side, it is truly a New Day. 

Once again thanks for being part of this new vision to take our only State to the next level. As we conclude this retreat, I am convinced that the leadership of AC in Rivers State will be reengineered and galvanized into becoming a tool to achieve these lofty ideas for our people.

Thanks and may God Almighty Bless our beloved State and country. ###

Prince Tonye Princewill

Leader, Rivers State AC

COLUMN

EMMA OKAH

Re: Going Our Separate Ways In Peace

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

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

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

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

Rev Father Mbaka Said It All:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You Are Right: I personally think you know what you are talking about. You are right. Please keep it up. Chief Gilbert.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SPORTS

Emulate Cycling Association, Iyaye Told Other Sports Bodies

The Rivers State Commissioner of Sports Hon Boma Iyaye had  commended the State cycling association for their good works which he said should be emulated by other association in the State.

Boma stated this while speaking at the 5th edition of Garden City Cycling Championship organized by the Rivers State Cycling Association, on Sunday February 2010, saying that the cycling association had been consistent in their yearly activities for five years,  adding that it is good that other association emulate them.

He thanked the vice chairman of the association, Engr Massari who had consistently supported the association for sponsorship.

His word “I thank Engr Massari for he had been consistently sponsored cycling for five years, if we have two men like him I'm sure sports development in Rivers State would have gone high,” he said.

This year's event featured five categories: mountain Bike, amateur, recreational, veteran and young Bike. The event also witnessed three commissioners including sports commissioner who partook in the recreational category and was able to finish his first six kilometers.

The defending champion, Mr Bassey Nelson who chatted with National Network, said he is ready for 2010. “I competed for Rivers State because I was born and brought up here. Last year I won this same competition and at KADA 2009, I came back with a gold and silver medal I am ready for 2010 National Sports Festival, he said.###

            Godfrey Odozie

            Kufre Okon

2nd      Bassey Nelson

Godfry Odozie

Jimmy Obafemi

3rd       Bassey Nelson

Godfrey Odozie

Kalizebe Caleb

4th       Bassey Nelson

Godfrey Odozie

Kalizebe Caleb

5th       Bassey Nelson

                        Godfrey Odozie

            Lalizebe caleb

6th       Bassey Nelson

            Tekena Osika

            Azuike Samuel

Male Amateur

Bassey Nelson    1.49.16.53

Tekena Osika    1.58.48.53

Aribiba Okumba            1.59.41.62

Female Amateur

GiftNsirim          1.11.29.08

PRIME

Rita Oveh          1.11.34.19

Boma Princewill  1.16.20.02

Mountain Bike

Jackson Okemadu

Kennedy Okorie

Youngest Boy

Innocent Emmanuel

Youngest Girls

Tombaripa Grikps

Male Veteran

Lateff Oloko -    1st

Iboroma Akpana- 2nd

Kingsley Paul  - 3rd

Da Fresh Gymnasium Discovers New King

Da Fresh Gymnasium opened free for all category of body building competition in Port Harcourt recently to discover true kings at the Gym in four categories.

The competition which attracted over 200 spectators had 16 contestants to claim the kingship position in the categories, the organizer of the competition. Elder West Biokpo Joshua disclosed this to National Network that, four categories were set to be competed for the position of the king of the Gymnasium, super heavy weight, heavy weight, middle weight and light weight. The winners of the categories are Kenneth, Owen Kingsley, Endurance Kaladokubo named a proud winner in the light weight category.

Speaking to our correspondent shortly after the competition, the organizer disclosed that special recognition would be given to some people who had promoted sports like Verite, sports correspondent Allanso Jonathan Allanso as one who has encouraged and promoted grassroots sports, as such the Da Fresh Gymnasium has considered him worthy to receive a certificate of encouragement from the body.

He also revealed that all those who proved themselves winners in the competition would be presented a certificate by the Da Fresh Gymnasium.

He hinted that the Gymnasium had programmes lined up for the public to partake within the year, such as muscle talk, Body building dance, Body Building heart talk and many more to be hosted by the Gymnasium later in the year.

According to  him, it does not matter whether you are a boxer or wrestler you could partake in body building.

Body building is a very nice sports that welcomes every individual in the society pointing out that there is money in body building as a sport and called on youths to think towards making it their sport in life, giving the reasons that the sport makes one healthy.

Meanwhile, Elder Joshua has called on the government to include body building as a sport in the school curriculum in both secondary and tertiary institutions, stressing that many youths would be blessed from the sport that some corporate organization could employ seasoned trained body building to contest for them, saying, if government could sponsor body building sports competition annually in a way of creating employment opportunity for the youths.

However, Elder Joshua expressed joy by thanking the associates, especially, Mr Akuro Johnson aka (Da Fresh Gymnasium)  the Verite and Rhythm 93.7 for all the support given to the Da Fresh Gymnasium “kings of the Gym competition.###

Okagbare Claims Four Gold At USA Meet

The Nigerian athletes Blessing Okagbare was in her best form at the two-day USA Conference at the weekend, in the indoor championships in Houston Texas where she won four gold medals to lead the university of Texas in Elpaso (UTEP) in the women track and field team in the history of the school.

The Olympics bronze medalist was named the female meet performer of the meet as well as the High point performer of the meet.

Blessing swept the competition by taking gold medal in all her events in the meet. After taking the long jump title on Friday with 6.65m, her first and only jump in the event, she proceeded to claim gold medal in the triple jump with an automatic distance of 13.55m.

On the track, Okagbare finished first in the 60 meter clash, 7.22 after running a new time of 7.18 personal best in the heats a day earlier.

The performance also moved her to sixth in the IAAF top list for the on-going season. In the 200 meters she ran 23.62 to complete a memorable weekend for her and UTEP.

The Nigerian duo of Endurance Abinuwa and Coach Tony Osheku's boy, Suji Adeniyan won a silver (54.66) in the individual 400m before anchoring the 1600 relay team to another silver in 3.46.83.

Adeniyan was fourth in the men's 200m running21.98 after qualifying for the finals with 21.97. He was however eight in the 400m with the time of 49.91 after running 49.38 in the preliminaries.###

Culture And Tourism:  Oba Omega Makes Case For Artistes

The Buguma born artist,  Emmanuel Amachree popularly called “Oba Omega” has called on the Rivers State government to partner with the entertainment industry in the State to promote culture and tourism.

Oba Omega made this known while chatting with newsmen at the Boomerang Nite club,  128 Old Aba Road, Rumuogba Port Harcourt on Monday, March 1, 2010.

The manager said entertainment is a collective responsibility; therefore, government should not be left out as they are part of the business of promoting culture and tourism which would also boost the economy of the State if carefully planned. Citing  Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal as examples where the government are fully involved by sponsoring and promoting their culture through entertainment, he Stressed that Rivers State could be part of it.

He noted that Nigerian artistes are now the eye of entertainment worldwide, adding that most of the Francophone countries and some parts of U.S.A love Nigerian music and movies.

According to him, he was the first reggaemofy player in Ivory Coast before relocating to Ghana because of war and released an album in that country titled 'Joliefille” (pretty girl). His reason for coming down to Rivers State is to promote talent hunts and showcase his talent, he further noted.

 He also disclosed that his album titled identity which had hit the market was culled from Oliver De Coque to suit Nigerian music, saying his mentor was his mother who was also a musician and Rex Lawson.###

ACROSS THE NATION

More On Yar'Adua Drama...As Daughters Fight Over Vp’s Slot

THE coast is now clear for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to take charge fully as Acting President, with the pro-Yar'Adua cabal and his family capitulating. We can authoritatively reveal that high-wired network of eminent Nigerians comprising former presidents, leadership of the National Assembly and a strong representation from the North have firmed up arrangements to kick-start the process that will see Jonathan become substantive President in the coming weeks.

Dakingari or Yuguda?

The ongoing political crisis which has polarized ailing President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's family and loyalists took a turn for the worse at the weekend. Latest information available to the press says that Hajia Turai's daughters, who this paper reported last week had been angry with their mother over her handling of their father's ill-health, have now turned on each other. The issue at stake is who between the Kebbi State governor Usman Dakingari and his Bauchi State counterpart Isa Yuguda (both of them sons-in-law to the Yar'Aduas) becomes Vice President to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan when Yar'Adua eventually bows to pressure and resigns.

Turai's older daughter, Zainab, is married to Dankingari while Nafisat is married to Yuguda. We  learned that Turai and Yar'Adua's loyalist met last week and resolved that the president needed to quit office to prevent further heating up the polity. The meeting, which sources said took place in a presidential guest house in Asokoro District, Abuja, was attended by First Lady Hajia Turai, economic Adviser to the President Tanimu Yakubu, Agriculture Minister Abba Sayyadi Ruma, Dakingari, Yaguda and Turai's two daughters Zainab and Nafisat.

The parties at the meeting also said a strategy will be worked out to give the president a soft landing while Jonathan would be told to let the group choose who deputises for him in the event of Yar'Adua's voluntary exit from the presidency.  According to our sources, Turai explained that the Governors' Forum and some influential northern elders are agreed that the name of one of the serving governors from the north be forwarded to Jonathan for approval as his deputy. The nominee, it was concluded, could come from any geo-political zone in the North but he must be a Muslim to avoid religious tension.

Daughters at war

Hajia Turai, our sources said, after inviting Tanimu and Ruma to speak, then announced Bauchi State governor Isa Yuguda as her choice to be nominated for the position of Vice President, which everyone present at the meeting felt at ease with except Zainab, wife of Dakingari.  Zainab voiced her displeasure about the fact that her mother would prefer her younger sister's husband, Yuguda. If anything, the fact that her husband hails from the same geo-political zone (North-West) as that of their dad and her being older than Nafisat, were enough reasons to vote in her husband's favour. Moreso, Dakingari, she added is humble, incorruptible and hardworking.

Turai and her guests, sources said, were shocked by Zainab's outburst. When she got over her shock and regained her composure, she was said to have pleaded with her daughter to calm down and accept the wish of her father's loyalists and the Governor's Forum. But Zainab would not have any of that, accusing her mother of favouritism.

Again Turai, according to sources, was jolted by the accusation but still tried to convince Zainab that Yuguda happened to be more educated, not to mention more experienced, than her husband. And not only these: Yuguda, she added, has a wider political network than her husband Dakingari, who she said is little known across the country, did. We also learned that as Zainab continued to voice her disagreement on the matter; the hitherto calm Nafisat was said to have lost her calm and lashed out at her sister for being envious of her. The two allegedly faced each other and the verbal assaults began; both ignored appeals from their mother and the other guests present to avoid escalating the tense atmosphere. Our sources said the two sisters were not persuaded as they almost went physical.

“The meeting ended without a concrete agreement on the issue of who becomes the new Vice President. Zainab said she will never accept her husband to be relegated to the background for whatever reason. At a point Nafisat became angry too and hell was let loose as they abused themselves,” an inside source said adding that “The guests at the meeting were disappointed by the development and were seen scolding the two sisters. Turai was almost in tears and kept muttering inaudibly to herself.”

Suspicion persists

However, sources said that Turai was somehow happy that the meeting to discuss the issue of the new VP was deadlocked because of her own veiled ambition and other political permutations. “Turai wanted to become the new Vice President. She had been scheming for that office for some time now, hoping that Yar'Adua's loyalists would succeed in convincing Jonathan to accept her as a pre-condition for Yar'Adua's resignation from office. When she realized that the acting president would not be sold on that plot, she started working for a candidate she believed was loyal to the Yar'Adua family,” sources said.  We  also gathered that a section of the North is not comfortable with allowing Jonathan to become substantive President, a situation they fear will give him full powers to solely appoint a Vice President of his choosing. “Some members of the power cabal are still scared that Jonathan may hold on to power after 2011. He could succumb to pressures from his loyalists not to relinquish power to a Northerner and use his immense powers as incumbent President to neutralize his Deputy,” our source said, adding that, “some members of Yar'Adua's kitchen cabinet are still skeptical about asking him to surrender presidency to Jonathan.”

Meanwhile, Turai continues to shield her husband from renowned Nigerians even as she is working round the clock to find a way to resolve the controversy over Yar'Adua's true medical condition.

Yar'Adua was flown back to the country last week in a Royal air ambulance said to belong to the Saudi Arabian government. The president, eye witnesses said, was quickly bundled into a waiting ambulance stationed on the tarmac at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

There was sudden power outage in the entire Airport between the time of Yar'Adua's arrival and the departure of the ambulance vehicle. Yar'Adua was driven to the presidential villa that early morning but there have been conflicting reports about his real domicile and physical state. There was a report alleging that the President is actually confined to the ambulance and that he is still on life support facilities.

A competent source told us that Yar'Adua is still gravely ill. He is unable to recognize faces, can't walk unaccompanied and when he tries to talk, he does so in a whisper. There is an unconfirmed report that he now weighs in the region of 40kg.

Face to face with Turai

Competent sources revealed that after days of vacillating, Turai and Jonathan finally met in Aso Rock to discuss issues related to the current political predicament. Jonathan wanted to meet with Turai soon after Yar'Adua's return from Saudi Arabia but couldn't because of a communication lapse. Sources said that Turai apologized for the delay in making herself available for the meeting, saying that she was exhausted and needed some rest. Turai, our sources added, told Jonathan that Yar'Adua's team recognizes him as the acting president and so there was no cause for doubt.

Jonathan was said to have expressed gratitude to God for Yar'Adua's improving condition and the first family's safe journey back to the country. He assured Turai that he would not do anything to victimize the Yar'Adua family but will always act in the national interest. Inside sources said that Jonathan requested to see Yar'Adua but was politely informed that the president was asleep.

Jonathan was also said to be livid that presidential guards were deployed to Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport and Aso Rock when Yar'Adua returned without his knowledge as the acting president and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. He was said to have threatened to sack the chief of Army Staff, General Abduraman Dambazzau, for assuming the powers of the commander-in-chief. But sources said Danbazzau, on hearing the allegation against him, visited Jonathan and pledged his loyalty while denying that he gave orders on the redeployment of presidential guards. He claimed the illegal order was given by the commander of Presidential guards. Dambazzau also denied ever saying that his loyalty is to Umaru Yar'Adua.

Heads to roll

Jonathan, according to sources, has concluded plans to rejig his administration by carrying out an elaborate cabinet reshuffle. It is almost likely that ministers like former Justice Minister, Michael Aoandoakaa, Agriculture Minister Sayyadi Ruma and Economic Adviser to the President, Tanimu Yakubu may lose their jobs.

However, Turai is said to have capitalized on this development to smear the Jonathan administration through all forms of propaganda. The beleaguered first lady sent emissaries to influential Northern leaders alleging that Jonathan was working against the interest of the North. He plans to sack top Northern appointees from his government, including the Chief of Army Staff. She claimed that Jonathan wanted to replace the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Yayale Ahmed with a serving Minister.

Sources said that Jonathan's loyalists, disturbed by Turai's propaganda, have moved swiftly to counter her allegations. One of those also thought to be anti-Jonathan is House of Representatives speaker Honourable Dimeji Bankole, but presidency sources confided in us  that he has since changed his stance and has now joined forces with other pro-Jonathan forces.

Meanwhile, the United States and the European Union (EU) are unhappy with Yar'Adua's sudden return to the country after more than 9o days in the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The US and EU may ban some prominent members of the Yar'Adua group from being issued entry visa to enable them travel.###

HEALTH

Stroke Study Finds Neck Stents Safe, Effective

People at risk of a stroke because of narrowed neck arteries can be safely treated with a less drastic option than the surgery done now, the largest study ever done on these treatments concludes.

If Medicare agrees to cover it, hundreds of thousands of Americans a year might be able to have an artery-opening procedure and a stent instead of surgery to remove built-up plaque, doctors say. A stent is a wire-mesh tube that props the blood vessel open.

Stents have long been used to fix heart arteries but are approved for use in the neck only for people too sick for surgery. The new study, in people with less severe disease, suggests stents may find much wider use.

"The sea of people is gigantic" who could benefit, said Dr. Walter Koroshetz, deputy director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the study's main sponsor.

"We now have two safe and effective methods" to treat neck vessels, said Dr. Thomas Brott of the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla. He led the study and gave results Friday at an American Stroke Association conference.

However, the treatments have different complications, and not all doctors are convinced stents are as safe. Three previous studies found they were not, including one published online Thursday by the British journal The Lancet.

The reason: Even though stents prevent strokes in the long run, the procedure itself can trigger a stroke if a bit of plaque travels to the brain.

The new study revealed a tradeoff: Strokes were a more frequent complication with stents, while heart attacks were more common after surgery.

Doctors say which option a patient chooses may depend on their general health, what risks they are willing to accept and how badly they want to avoid surgery.

Surveys show that people worry more about stroke than a heart attack, said Dr. Lee Schwamm, a top neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.

"They're terrified of surviving a stroke with major disability ... ending their years in a nursing home," he said.

In the study, "stroke was by far the more disabling complication," said Dr. Wesley Moore, a University of California at Los Angeles doctor who oversaw the surgery part of the study.

About 795,000 Americans each year suffer a stroke. Many are caused by a clot that forms in a narrowed neck artery and travels to the brain. Doctors can check for narrowed arteries by using a stethoscope to listen for abnormal sounds in neck arteries, and a painless ultrasound test can show blockages.

The top treatment has been surgery: with the patient under general anesthesia, the artery is cut open, the plaque removed, and the vessel sewn back together. Stents won approval as an alternative for certain patients in 2004; half a dozen companies make the devices now, although Abbott Laboratories stands to benefit most because its stents were in the study.

To place them, doctors put a tube in a blood vessel in the groin and push it to the narrowed artery. A parachute-like filter is placed to trap bits of plaque that dislodge and keep them from traveling to the brain. A balloon is inflated to flatten the clog, the stent is placed to hold the artery open, and the filter is removed. The patient is awake but sedated.

The study involved 2,502 patients in the United States and Canada. Half had recent symptoms such as a ministroke. The rest had no symptoms but significantly narrowed neck arteries. They were given either surgery or a stent made by Abbott Vascular, a division of North Chicago, Ill.-based Abbott Labs, which helped sponsor the trial.

A month later, about 4 percent of the stent group had suffered strokes versus 2 percent of those who had surgery. About 2 percent of the surgery group had heart attacks compared to 1 percent of those given stents.

There were nine deaths in the stent group versus four in the surgery group, but the difference in a study this size was so small that it could have occurred by chance alone, Brott said.

Age mattered.

"If you were younger than 70, you were slightly better off with a stent," while older patients fared better with surgery, Brott said.

There is no age limit for the surgery, said UCLA's Moore. "I've operated on people who are centenarians. If somebody lives to be 100 years old, they've got something going for them."

The study did not include a group of patients treated only with medicines to control stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Without such a comparison group, it's impossible to know just how many strokes either treatment prevented.

Dr. Charles Simonton, chief medical officer of Abbott Vascular, said the results "are particularly impressive" because the study started a decade ago, when neck stents were still a new technology.

About 30,000 neck stents were used last year compared to 100,000 surgeries, but more people might be treated if a non-surgical option becomes available, Brott said.

Medicare pays $7,500 to $11,000 for surgery; stents cost around $12,000 because of the price of the devices, which range from $3,500 to nearly $5,000, said Dr. Charles Ross, vascular surgery chief at the University of Louisville.

If stents do win wider approval, patients should go to a place that offers both "so they can be given an unbiased opinion of how they would do with either procedure" or medicines alone, he said.

A patient in Jacksonville, Fla., Christoph Dormann, said: "I was perfectly at ease and at peace leaving that decision to the doctors I trusted."

He received a stent as part of the study and has been well enough to travel to Africa and work in his family's business at age 73.

"There may be advantages and disadvantages in different types of cases" for stents or surgery, said Dr. Barry Katzen, medical director at Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute in Miami, who had patients in the study. "Like many areas of medicine, patients will have a choice." ###

Striking Number Of Obesity Risks Hit Minority Kids

The odds of obesity appear stacked against black and Hispanic children starting even before birth, provocative new research suggests.

The findings help explain disproportionately high obesity rates in minority children. Family income is often a factor, but so are cultural customs and beliefs, the study authors said.

They examined more than a dozen circumstances that can increase chances of obesity, and almost every one was more common in black and Hispanic children than in whites. Factors included eating and sleeping habits in infancy and early childhood and mothers smoking during pregnancy

In a separate, equally troubling study, researchers found signs of inflammation in obese children as young as 3 years old. High levels were more common in blacks and Hispanics.

These inflammatory markers have been linked with obesity in adults and are thought to increase chances for developing heart disease. Their significance in early childhood is uncertain, but the study's lead author says she never thought they'd be found in children so young.

"We think that fat cells in the body cause inflammation and that inflammation causes vessel damage," said University of North Carolina researcher Asheley Cockrell Skinner, the lead author.

The results suggest that 3-year-olds with inflammation might already have artery changes that could make then prone to later heart problems, although that needs to be examined in future research, she said.

Both studies were released Monday in the journal Pediatrics.

Dr. Reginald Washington, a Denver pediatric heart specialist who has worked with the American Academy of Pediatrics on obesity issues, called both studies important.

He said they underscore the merit of first lady Michelle Obama's campaign against childhood obesity.

"You still have to get the public to say we believe this is a problem," Washington said. "Everybody's going to have to play a role here."

Twenty percent of black and Hispanic children ages 2 to 19 are obese, versus 15 percent of whites, recent government data show.

In the racial disparities study, risk factors examined included: mothers smoking during pregnancy; unusually rapid weight gain in young infants; starting solid food before 4 months; mothers' routinely pressuring young kids to eat more; children sleeping less than 12 hours daily between 6 months and 2 years; and allowing very young kids to have sugary drinks, fast-food, and/or TVs in their rooms.

Minorities were at higher risk than whites for nearly every one.

"It's striking," said lead author Dr. Elsie Taveras of Harvard Medical School.

The researchers questioned 1,826 Boston-area mothers, but Taveras said the study results apply to youngsters nationwide.

Many circumstances studied are more common in low-income, less educated families, including whites. Taveras said the researchers accounted for that and still found race was frequently a factor regardless of income.

The results may reflect cultural beliefs or influence from grandparents on feeding practices, but the good news, she said, is that almost every risk factor studied can be changed.

The separate, inflammation study involved data on more than 16,000 children aged 1 to 17 who had blood tests during 1999-2006 national health surveys.

Inflammation markers including a substance called C-reactive protein or CRP were measured. CRP levels of at least 1 milligram per deciliter of blood have been linked with heart disease risks in adults.

Starting at age 3, very obese children were more likely than less heavy kids to have levels at least that high. Even higher levels were most common in black and Hispanic kids.

BPA May Raise Risk of Asthma in Kids

Mouse pups whose mothers were exposed to a common but controversial chemical developed allergic asthma, new research has found.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical commonly found in polycarbonate plastic bottles and the aluminum lining of food and beverage cans. Production of the chemical started about 40 years ago, a timing that scientists note coincides with increasing asthma rates.

Various U.S. health agencies recently pledged $30 million toward short- and long-term research aimed at clarifying the health effects of BPA. It has caused problems in lab animals and in people who have had occupational exposure. On Thursday, Maryland became the third state to tackle the issue, when the state legislature passed a ban on BPA in cups and bottles used by children younger than age 4. Minnesota and Connecticut passed similar laws last year.

Although the newest study looked only at mice, several experts believed that the findings could be worrisome for humans.

"They're using what are probably going to be reasonable estimates of human neonatal exposure, and that seems to have an effect on the developing immune system or sensitivity to asthma," said Dr. Steve Georas, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine and director of the Mary Parkes Center for Asthma, Allergy and Pulmonary Care at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. "If you take it together with some epidemiologic studies, I would consider it cause for concern."

Dr. Erick Forno, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine added that "the mice they used are very well-accepted models for asthma and allergies so it should be a very good model of what we would expect to happen in humans, although that is not always the case."###

6 Malaria Cases Reported For US Soldiers In Haiti

Haiti  A U.S. military spokesman in Haiti says six American soldiers involved in the aid mission have come down with malaria.

U.S. Army Col. Billy J. Buckner says one of the soldiers was evacuated for treatement. Buckner says, "At last update, the soldier was improving."

The spokesman says the other five soldiers are recovering and all are scheduled to return to their duties.###

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