News

NEWS

NULGE Leadership Tussle: Caretaker Committee Takes Case To Gov Amaechi

The Caretaker Committee of the National Union of Local Government Employees in Rivers State has cried out to the State Governor, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi over what it called usurpation of its functions and actions capable of causing breach of public peace by the ousted NULGE executives.

Addressing newsmen recently in Port Harcourt, Comrade Mrs Gladys Andy-Nweye, Chairman, CTC Rivers NULGE said no other leadership of the Local Government Employees is currently in place other than the one she leads.

According to her, following the aborted quadrennial national delegates conference in August last year sequel to court orders, a Caretaker Committee was put in place in line with the NULGE Constitution.

The seven man Caretaker Committee that has born out of the crisis is led by Comrade Bashiru Olarenwaju, she said. It was this Olarenwaju led National CTC that in turn put in place legitimately the Rivers Nulge CTC led by Comrade Mrs Andy-Nweye after another court injunction stopped the former State Chairman, Apostle Godwin Diri from going on with a scheduled election of new officers.

Notwithstanding, Mrs Andy-Nweye further explained, Apostle Diri in deference to court order went on to conduct an illegal State Delegates Conference on December 18, 2009, a public holiday in Rivers State during which Barrister Franklin Ajinwo was allegedly elected.

Describing that as an act of illegality, unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect, the State CTC Chairman of NULGE, Mrs Gladys Andy-Nweye is asking Gov Amaechi to call the alleged illegal officers to order.

Her other prayers are that Apostle Diri and Ajinwo should stop inviting illegal national officers led by former NULGE National President, Prince Kinsley Ogba to Rivers State to make inflammatory statements and issuing press releases that can cause breach of peace, and that Apostle Diri, Ajinwo and their cohorts should vacate the NULGE Consulate as to allow the legitimate CTC function effectively etc.

But most importantly, Mrs Andy-Nweye wants Gov Amaechi to instruct the Ministry of Local Government, the 23 Local Government Council Chairmen to approve and ensure the release of check off dues to the Caretaker Committee which according to her the only legitimate body administering NULGE today in Rivers State.###

2011: Degema Zones Political Positions

As the 2011 general elections draw close, some political leaders in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State have rolled out a political zoning formula and arrangement to assuage the feelings of political marginalization and neglect among some communities in the local government and make for equitable distributions of political offices, positions and patronages.

Rising from an emergency meeting recently in Port Harcourt, the leaders were unanimous that there was the need to properly rotate political offices among the various communities in the local government to address the perennial lopsidedness in the dispensation of political patronages and positions by a favoured and privileged group in the local government area.

Consequent upon this, it was resolved that for the 2011 general elections, the local government chairmanship position has been zoned to the Oceanic Area which comprises Bille, Ke and Old Bakana while the State House of Assembly slot went to Bakana.

In the same vein, the Federal House of  Representatives position was zoned to Tombia and Bukuma while the people of Obuama, Isuku and Atala consulate were to benefit from political appointments made by the State government in the 2011 political dispensation.

Speaking at the august gathering, the convener of the meeting, Chief Ipalibo Johnbull explained that election and appointments into various political offices in the local government in the past had been the exclusive preserve of a particular group that arrogates power to itself, stressing that “unless you belong to that group, you cannot occupy or  have the opportunity of being selected to represent the local government.”

According to him, membership of such a group had become the prerequisite for appointment and election of persons into political positions.

He further explained that very curious and articulate minds in the are had consistently queried the rationale behind such a political scenario, and wondered why a tiny percentage of the Degema population would continue to dictate the political pace in the area for others to follow, at the expense of majority of the people, stressing that the political trend had been an ill-wind that had done the collective interest of the people no good.

Chief Johnbull said the privileged group had unleashed itself on the people by arrogating power to itself since the death of elder Statesman, the late Chief Marshall Harry, insisting that the time to reverse the ugly political trend has come.

Also speaking, Mr Igbanibo Williams said the new zoning formula was borne out of genuine concern for the people of the local government to promote peace, fairness and equity in the distribution of political power as well as carry along both big and small, majority and minority communities in the local government.

According to him, an even-handed power rotation scheme would substantially douse the mounting tension associated with the forthcoming 2011 general elections in the area.

Mr Williams argued that the local government could not afford to suffer the stalemate it suffered during the 2007 chairmanship election.

It was, however, resolved that the zoning arrangement was open to slight alteration in the event of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political parties zoning the governorship or deputy governorship position to the local government.###

JTF Hunts Militants In Bayelsa, Delta

The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Restore Hope, is carrying out a cordon and search military operation in some communities in Bayelsa and Delta States after five suspected militants were killed in a bloody clash between troops of the task force and armed youths in Okolobiri Town in Bayelsa State.

Our correspondent gathered that at least 3 soldiers were killed and two others wounded last week, when the JTF stormed a suspected Egbesu (Ijaw god of war) shrine.

Sources told our correspondent that initial findings implicated some key Ijaw youths leaders in Warri Delta State, who are allegedly funding the youths. There was also concern that the activities of some youth leaders may lead to fresh crisis in the region, if it is not curbed.

It was gathered that the JTF troops moved into the community following reports that some persons, including a voodoo priest identified as Baba Blue who was killed during the fracas, were initiating some new members at the camp.

Sources said the troops were ambushed by the armed youths who were receiving traditional fortification at the shrine.

Initial reports indicated that there were plans by some disgruntled former militant leaders in Bayelsa and Delta States to reopen some new camps in preparation for possibility fresh attacks.

It was gathered that the report was supported by Findings from the shrine in Okolobri, where charms and expanded ammunition as well as locally made explosive devices were recovered by the JTF Operatives.###

NEWS BRIEF

We Are Not Aware That Yar'Adua Has Returned  - Lawmaker

By Amadi Gilbert

Amid the confusion surrounding the purported return of President Yar'Adua to Nigeria after his medical Trip to Saudi Arabia, Senator George Sekibo, representing Port Harcourt South Senatorial District has said that members of the National Assembly, are not aware that the President is back.

Senator Sekibo who spoke to airport correspondents at Port Harcourt International Airport Omagwa recently, said lawmakers are determined to move Nigeria forward which he described as a hallmark and the guiding principle of both Houses.

The lawmaker averred that Nigeria is too large for an ordinary Special Adviser (SA) to the president to tell the people that Jonathan should continue to act pending when the president would be fit, describing the statement as a slight to Nigerians.

Quoting section 145 of the constitution, the distinguished Senator said what Nigerians want to hear was that Yar'Adua is fit and not the SA's ranting, stressing that Goodluck Jonathan remains Acting President until the Federal Executive Council (FEC) announces to the Nation that President Yar'Adua is fit to continue in his capacity as president.

According to him, even if confirmed that he is fit, a team of medical doctors would have to ascertain his fitness and communicate to the National Assembly.###

Security is a Collective Responsibility – CP

Against the backdrop that protection of lives and property is the basic role of the police, members of the public have been enjoined to partner with the Nigeria Police in fighting crime.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police Barr Sulieman Abba gave this charge during the opening ceremony of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) year 2010.

Represented by Area Commander ACP Makama Dabup, he said that no government can achieve security single handedly, adding that the participation of other stakeholders in security business will go a long way in enhancing crime reduction.

Discussing on the PCRC's theme for the year “Building and Sustaining Partnerships for Community Safety”, he requested for feedback on how police have been performing as well as how far PCRC had gone in finding out the challenges of policing and how to address them, stressing that the theme has to do with security agents and members of the public coming together to form a formidable force in order to fight insecurity in the State.

Still speaking, he stressed the need for identified stakeholders to come together and enhance the protection of lives and property and called for emphasis on the role of “Vigilante” in our communities.

Earlier in his speech, the State Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Hon Austen Yong enumerated the roles PCRC has played in building bridge between the police and the community for the purpose of creating understanding, building trust, good working relationship and addressing causes of crimes and fears of the community.

He disclosed that apart from issues like poor funding and attitude of the average Nigerian citizen towards the police, the police is grossly under staffed which makes it imperative for a multi sectoral collaboration in achieving a proactive policing.###

Sports

Team Rivers Wins U-18 Oghara Championship

Stories By Isoboye Allison-Ekine

The 7th edition of Nkoyo Ibori U-18 athletics championship  tagged “Oghara 2010,” was organized by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) which lasted for three days from 4th - 6th March 2010 in Oghara Township Stadium, Delta State saw Rivers State top the medal table by 6 gold 5 silver, and 8 bronze with 26 States participated.

Speaking with National Network Mr George who led the Rivers team to Oghara said it was a good outing for the Rivers athletes who had taking the championship as a stepping stone to the National Sports Festival.

Hear him “I was surprise that Rivers State beat Delta, Ogun and Edo States because they've presented themselves unbeatable.

Today Rivers has top the medal table we thank God and we are sure of winning the 17th National Sports Festival, if the right thing is done, he stressed.”

The organizers, AFN revealed that the purpose of the competition was to discover young athletes within the age bracket of 17-14, to be groomed and prepared to represent the country for competitions of their categories. They also rated the youth athletic competition as the best so far, having discovered new talents.

Chatting with National Network on phone, Mr. Sunday Bada the Technical Director of AFN said selection has been made for those that will represent the country in the regional competition in Senegal, saying the participants will be called to camp.

His words “participants have been penciled down who will be camped, brushed and fine-tune to represent the country in Senegal but before the competition proper, other trials would be made in other to get the best athletes that will represent the country.”

The technical director revealed that about 150 contingents were screened out of the competition for over age, adding that a rigorous screening exercise was carried out and that subsequently medical screening will be done in all competition.

“The case of over age athletes has become rampant and is no a huge challenge in Nigerian sports,” while assuring that AFN will not take any over aged athletes to Senegal. ###

Medal Table Of 7th Edition Of “Oghara 2010”

1st        Rivers   6          5          8          19

2nd      Ogun     6          1          0          7

3rd       Delta     4          3          2          9

4th       Abia      3          6          3          12

5th       Edo       3          3          1          7

6th       Kaduna 2          0          1          3

7th       Ondo    1          3          1          5

8th       Anambra           1          3          0          4

9th       Benue   1          2          2          5

10th     Kebbi    1          0          2          3

11th     Lagos    1          0          2          3

12th     Oyo       1          0          1          2

13th     Plateau  1          0          0          1

14th     Akwa Ibom        0          2          2          4

15th     Ekiti      0          1          0          1

16th     Cross River        0          1          0          1

17th     Kogi      0          0          1          1

18th     Osun     0          0          1          1

No Automatic Shirt – Lagerback

The coach of Super Eagles has made is intension  known to the European players of the team that ,no automatic shirt would be giving to any player without regularly playing for their respective clubs.

Lagerback stated this when he met with the Super Eagles captain Kanu that he wants to see all his world cup bound players in club action before they could make a team.

The former National coach of Sweden said time waits for no man, for that he would have to tour Europe extensively to see Nigerian players in action for their respective clubs, adding that he had to be convinced that the players he would call to camp, are fit and able to cope with his world cup plans.

A member of the NFF technical committee had said that, Lagerback  urged Kanu to go back to Portsmouth and fight for a regular place in the team and that he has assured Lars that he would do just that to be fit for the mundial.

Sources also disclosed that Lagerback expects the Federation to make funds available for his assistants so as to travel to see players in action any where, adding that the man meant well for the country.

“We are expecting him to come with his assistants from Sweden today to begin real preparation for the World Cup alongside his Nigerian assistants who are on ground. We are optimistic that Lagerback would steer the Eagles to success in South Africa and we are ready to give him free hand to operate,” our source said.###

Match Fixtures On Wednesday

RandersBees Vs Tornadoes

Gombe UTD Vs Bayelsa UTD

Sharks Vs Gateway UTD

Kwara UTD Vs Dophin

3Sc Vs Enyimba

Ocean Boys Vs Wikki

Heartland Vs Wolves

Zafara UTD Vs Pillars

Lobi Stars Vs Sunshine

Rangers Vs Kaduna UTD

Always Read And

Advertise  In National

 Network

COLUMN

EMMA OKAH

What Many Do Not Know About Jonathan

Many busily rap or prattle about the good lucks of Dr Goodluck Jonathan, Acting President, who should indeed long be the authentic President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, but many do not have any idea of some dimensions of his so-called good luck. One particular aspect is that he overcomes more by not scheming or doing anything about deadly situations. The second is that those who strive to stop him from accessing these natural fortunes often do fall the hardest.

Those who make peaceful transition from Umaru Musa Yar'Adua to Ebele-Jonathan difficult are simply making his eventual triumph most possible, and their own eventual fall most certain. Anyone in doubt must scratch history a little and ask around in Bayelsa State. Today, all those sycophants who feigned 'loyalty' to DSP Alamieyeseigha to stop Jonathan from taking over quickly found their tails between their legs and had to look to emissaries to help them re-connect with the new boss.

This seems to be the kind of situation we are in at the moment, and many think God used Bayelsa as guinea pig or nursery to test-run the man for what is happening today. If that be the case, then, the present principal actors ought to also follow the footsteps of God back to Yenagoa (Bayelsa State) to also know how and where they fit into the spiritual picture.

Now, many are busy doing what they should not, all trying to stop the vice from becoming the acting; or stopping the acting president from becoming the real president. But while they do this, they keep widening the gap between the Yar'Adua family/camp and the new emerging camp. If this continues, it may deny the losing camp of any grace when the battle is lost.

This column had since advised when the crisis was simple and young easy way out for Yar'Adua. It was suggested that Yar'Adua should discuss with Jonathan and some top PDP lords. After this, he would nominate a vice president to Jonathan and resign. This way, Jonathan would run Nigeria while his vice will run the 2011 elections. Part of this deal would have been to give Jonathan the opportunity to nominate a vice-president and four ministers to particular positions as well as a good godfather role in the party. By this, many politicians in the South-South would flock to Jonathan for favours and he would easily be contented, knowing his antecedents.

The Yar'Adua camp ignored all this, and rather proved to Nigerians what this column had suspected, which was that the Yar'Adua we knew was probably not the one taking all these naïve and controversial decisions that pitched Nigeria close to a break-up. Had this line been towed, the matter would have been a quiet and simple matter to a few insiders, but the chance was blown on the alter of greed. Now, the whole nation is part of anything happening and firefighters are all over.

This is simply falling in line with what many do not know about Jonathan. They have been antagonizing him, thereby making his triumph and emergence a must. Antagonism and let-down seem to be the fertile conditions under which he thrives, and this seems to be the situation at the moment.

It is bizarre that the president is just transmitting the acting powers almost 100 days late. This should have been done a long time ago, such that by now, the final transfer (inauguration) would have taken place because the truth is that Yar'Adua is “permanently incapacitated” in the manner anticipated by sections 144  146 of the 1999 Constitution, except the president and his inner men/women want death to do them part before the relevant sections of the ultimate law of the land would be activated.

The First Lady has come under intense suspicion and attack in all this. This analyst cannot claim to know to what extent Turai and some ministers have been a clog in the democratic progress in Nigeria but fact is that Nigeria has been subjected to very grave threats and setbacks for a matter that would have been a mere footnote in serious democracies. That Yar'Adua was sick would be natural because he is human; therefore, handing over to Jonathan on acting capacity would not have been an issue, and should not have claimed such casualty by over heating the polity. By now, incapacitation would have warranted a resignation or a definite declaration by the federal executive council or the National Assembly to warrant Jonathan's inauguration. For not doing any of these, or leaving some of these very late, the nation had dithered and quaked, the military has stirred warranting ban on their movement, there has been disobedience, disregard, and disgrace, etc. There has been reason for Nigeria's international partners such as the UK and US to show great concern and had to send warnings. They are usually the first to know when the army of any country is about to strike. The economy has had to wait on standby while we quarreled, yet, by 2020, we want to be where reasonable nations would be. We chose to go through all this when more sensible options were there.

Now, many are asking Jonathan to accomplish one thing or the other. Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), South-South and South-East zones, want him to move fast and give “priority attention” to crisis in the Niger Delta region. Speaking through its chairman, Musa Saidu in Port Harcourt, the group noted that more work needed to be done in order to achieve lasting peace in the area, by for instance, releasing the huge debts owed the NDDC to begin a turn-around of the region.  Some others want him to reform the electoral process in such a hurry. Others want power that took decades without success to be fixed in few months. Some have even asked for implementation of Deregulation, a very controversial and threatening programme that threw Yar'Adua to the sickbed.

n asking for all this, many have failed to assess the N4Trn 2010 budget which has a deficit of about N1.5trn. By this, the entire projected revenue of N2.5Trn would not be enough to meet the recurrent (salaries and overhead) of federal civil servants let alone sparing funds to address the N1.3Trn capital side where the rest of us who do work for the FG would benefit through projects such as roads, water, industries, etc. This is the tragedy of the budget from where many want Jonathan to do magic in a hurry.

Those who fight Jonathan may be inadvertently working him into bigger fortunes than the ones they want to prevent.

It may be on a lighter mood to share a joke that is making rounds in the internet.

IN YOUR OWN INTEREST:

No matter the position you are offered in ANY organization

if your deputy is named "Goodluck" , please decline...

Even if it is UN SEC GEN OR HEAD OF THE AFRICAN UNION

in your own interest decline o.

In case you think am joking:

- Goodluck was assistant head boy in pry school, the head boy got expelled, he took over

- Goodluck was assistant senior prefect in secondary school, the senior prefect died, goodluck took over

- Goodluck was deputy local govt chairman, the chairman got implicated in corruption and got removed from office, goodluck took over

- Goodluck was deputy governor to Alameiseigha, we all know that story

- Goodluck was vice to Yar adua : PERICADIATIS!

You may say its coincidence, na you know …!!!

A friend of mine just called off his church wedding, why? his bestman was named goodluck.

He is insisting that all that will occur is traditional wedding...

I don talk my own……….!!!###

COLUMN

PATRICK

A Journey To Ireland

I have a particular interest in any news or story about the land and people of Ireland, whether the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. I always have a longing to undertake an expedition to the place. The former is located in the northwestern Europe, with its headquarters at Dublin, while the latter edges on the southern and western axles of the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom (UK) with its capital at Belfast. The two countries (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) are just one people and one country. That today they are separated from one another is a colonial creation and tragedy. I grew up to love the Irish people and its land based on a story my mother and maternal uncle told me about the circumstances of my birth in one far-off Ogoni village in the southernmost part of Nigeria. The story had it that it was Irish nurses of the Catholic Church who took care of me when I was born. They provided free medicine for my mother, bathed me regularly and even when I left the health centre, they were still visiting my mother in her home to ensure that I was fine. They said the Irish nurses (about 4 of them) did that for several months after my birth, a remarkable act of compassion and human kindness from my Irish sisters.

Anytime I tell my mother that I want to travel abroad, she would ask me whether I will travel to Ireland and see those nurses. She is also in love with Irish people and their country. When somebody does well to me either directly or indirectly I find it difficult to forget it. That is my story with Irish people. Sometimes last year, I got an email from Front Line, the Dublin-based Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, to attend the 5th Dublin platform for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs). I was extremely happy. I told my mother and she said I should extend her regards to the nurses who helped her. I laughed hysterically, and explained to her that Ireland is a country and not like a village like the one she lives and can not recognize everybody. Who knows whether the nurses are still alive.

I was in jubilant mood on that icy Tuesday afternoon, February 9, 2010 as I walked into Aer Lingus, that colourful Irish aircraft at Heathrow airport in London, the capital of the UK, to commence my voyage to the Irish country. After the ritual associated with air travels of checking in, the air craft zoomed off into the windy womb of the sky. We wondered there for about 50 minutes until we arrived at that admirable Dublin airport, the busiest airport in Ireland. The airport snakes in and out into the compact city of Dublin.

I was over the moon to be in Ireland, the “Island of saints and scholars” whose nurses helped my mother to sustain my life in the distant Ogoni village then. A country that produces the likes of Majella Mc Carron, the Catholic sister, scholar and activist whose solidarity promoted the Ogoni non-violent struggle globally. I met 70-year-old Sister Majella in Ireland recently whose people had also mobilized and organized great resistance, because of the violence meted out to the poor villagers of Rossport of the Eris peninsular in the northwest of Ireland by Royal Dutch Shell over a high pressure gas pipeline it wants to lay through Rossport. (See my piece, “The Silence of The Irish Farmers”, The Port Harcourt Telegraph, August 31, 2005). “The Rossport victims call themselves the Bogoni as they live on a bog and not on a delta”. Sister Majella who spent over 17 years in Nigeria and learnt about the Ogoni struggle and people, got inspired by it. She has been keeping the memory of Saro-Wiwa and the struggle alive in her Bogoni country.

Another extraordinary thing about Ireland is that, it is the home of literature and literary giants and critics. A country that produces amongst other great writers like Jonathan Swift (30, November, 1667  October 19, 1745), that celebrated poet, satirist, essayist who wrote that famous satire, Gulliver's Travels (1726). The book is about tales of the dwarfs and giants in a secluded part of the world. I visited the Saint Patrick Cathedral where swift was buried while in that fine-looking Irish country. Indeed, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the hanged Nigerian poet, satirist, writer - activist and essayist was greatly influenced by the swiftian satires. Ireland is also the home of William Butler Yeasts (June 13 1865  January 28, 1939), the great poet, Nobel Prize winner for literature and one of the leaders of the Irish renaissance. The Irish literary renaissance also called Celtic renaissance of the late 19th and 20th century re-awakened the folklore, legends and traditions of the Irish people through the work of literature in their agitation for self-government.

Saro-wiwa also received arousal from that renaissance. Chinua Achebe, the celebrated Nigerian novelist, essayist and author of that shaping novel, “Things Fall Apart” (1958), took the title of his book from Yeast's poem, The Second Coming. “- - -Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold; mere anarchy is loosed upon the world; the blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere- - -”. Ireland has produced four Nobel Prize Winners for literature. Apart from Yeasts, George Barnard Shaw (1856 - 1950), the journalist and playwright also won the coveted prize for literature for his works dealing with social problems of his time. His historical play, Arms and The Man (1894) satirizes the futility of war and those who promote it. It is based on the Serbo-Bulgarian war of 1885. Samuel Beckett (1906 - 1989) and Seamus Heaney (1939 - -?), These Irish playwrights, poets and journalists also won the Nobel Prize for literature at different times from the Swedish Academy. Apart from the above, Ireland has produced a great number of literary figures whose works have influenced scholarship, criticisms and renaissance globally.

According to Front Line, “A Human Rights defender (HRD) is any individual who works on behalf of their fellow citizens to uphold any or all of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the UN on 10th December 1948. The Dublin platform for Human Rights Defenders has previously been held in January 2002, September 2003, October 2005 and November 2007; each time bringing together over 100 human rights defenders at risks from over 70 countries” Front line is a great organization doing great work. Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) needs to be protected. Putting one's life on the line for others is one of the most dangerous things I will not recommend for any one precious to me. One could be killed, imprisoned, threatened and deprived of available opportunities because one stands up to speak or write bravely against unpopular, repressive and vicious regimes and their perfidious acts. On December 9, 2008, the international secretariat of the London-based human rights movement, Amnesty International (AI) voted me as a Human Rights Defender (HRD). Also Jose Luis Urbamo from the Latin America country of Venezuela, Somchai Hamlaor from the Thailand, Svetlana Gannushkina, a female professor of Mathematics from Russia and Ahmed Seif El-Islam, an Egyptian lawyer were also voted as defenders in that year by AI.

The Frontline forum brought together Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) from different countries and professions across Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Central Asia, Middle East and North Africa, to discuss the hazards, share experiences and strategies on how to protect these endangered people called HRDs. At the forum when my colleagues from other parts of the globe told the sorrowful tales of tragedies that has befallen them and other departed defenders, I was awash with empathy and my doggedness to fight on, in spite of the risks got re-ignited.

The world is becoming more dangerous for defenders like us than ever. But, if we don't stand up to do it, who will? “For even in death, there may be triumph, even in living there may be loss, and failure. Living in compromise is a disastrous life, particularly when what you are fighting for is fundamental”  These are the immortal words of Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (April 22, 1938  September 5, 2009), the notable Nigerian human rights defender, lawyer, writer and publisher.

Above is the main principle that underlines the assemblage of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) brought together by the Front Line, my dear Ireland! I shall come again!###              

INSIGHT

REV (BARR) IWUCHUKWU

Be Calm And Corrected (2) Blessed Are The Emotionally Stable

Who are they? They are those who by virtue of discipline have been able to develop a divine poise by holding their evil and negative impulses under control. Such people are capable of resisting mundane and satanic distraction and temptations, more so, such that can excite, stimulate and create rooms for selfish aggrandizement but rather such which can drain their economic, moral and physical resources.

Woe to leaders, rulers and followers who deliberately dance the dance of death and destruction. Those who fail to control their emotions will certainly release themselves to fall into a deeper confusion, discouragement, depression and tragic oblivion and traumas. Later such would desire to go back, but can't because they had walked away from it earlier when it was very difficult.

“Blessed Are the Meek  the emotionally stable. Hence they are those who have experienced their ups and downs but they refused to give up or permit their valley difficult experiences to distract them from their goals. Such would not give up at jamming at their first or subsequent obstacles.

They refused to throw in the towel in the ring of the worthy fights. The meek are those who are stable emotionally because they embraced the strength to resist temptation when it mattered most. Only those with this inner strength will finally succeed. Are you one of those many others who would quickly and easily be compelled by flashing or flushing stars, the sycophancy of false followers or Hero worshippers, the loudest music, the whistle calls to euphoric excitements?

Invariably people often are devoid of restraints as they get caught up in cultural, political, economic or religious fads, wasting their precious time chasing shadows or shooting stars? The meek is blessed because he/she is honest, hardworking and is keen in substance rather than style. The emotionally stable stick to the main focus or set objectives. At being faced with problems, the meek patiently endures difficult and hard times without yielding to the temptation of running way. You can reach your apex in your marriage, business enterprises, (stressful?) relationships, academic rigours with pressures from children, family members or other demands of life with patience as a veritable weapon for victory.

Luke 18:15 reported about a persisting patient widow who earnestly needed justice and protection from her enemies. Severally she implored and pleaded with the presiding Judge in that vicinity to look into her case and give her legal protection. The Judge who didn't fear God or man turned a deaf ear to her persistent pleas. Her patience and perseverance gave the Judge a great concern and she finally obtained justice and legal protection from her enemies. The meek people are patient and they will inherit the earth. The good test of your meekness is your ability to know where your success and strength come from. Beautiful young single girls still live in Hollywood.

There are those in the Home Video/Film industry  Nollywood who though are beautiful single girls still retain their old-fashioned values and Christian characters. It is a matter of choice. All the values Christ has placed before us are for our own blessings and benefits. Doing things outside such values will hurt us deeply. Politics can still be played with enduring rules and without bitterness because power is transient.

The Boy today can become the man tomorrow. The Deputy Governor today can become a governor tomorrow, and Acting President today is becoming full president with full executive powers in the days ahead, the illiterate today can become the educated tomorrow the servant today can become the master tomorrow. The enemy today can become a friend tomorrow the professor of science can become a Pastor tomorrow, a prostitute today can become a wife tomorrow, the sickly, the poor, weak today can become the healthy, rich and strong tomorrow. The marginalized, traumatized and cheated today can bounce back in grand-style tomorrow to enjoy the God-given natural resources and blessings tomorrow, the abandoned, neglected and forgotten will be remembered and recognized tomorrow. CHANGE is a permanent issue in life. Does God know your future? The student today can become the teacher of the teacher tomorrow. Don't take anyone or anything for granted else you will be embarrassed and remain unblessed.

Do not take present position, authority, acquisitions or placement for granted so far anything can happen to prove you wrong. The small can defeat the Big and mighty. The small pens can destroy the swords and guns. The weak can uproot the strong. God knows our future and he knows the reasons for setting down his values or rules which would confront you either on your way up or down. You cant escape because they are for your good and lasting happiness. God owns you and whoever you conspire with to undermine, shortchange or intimidate with your transient power or authority. Your strength can be revealed in your weakness as you put your trust in God whose benevolence would help you to achieve much in your tenure or enterprise.

“Passionate Persistence Without Impertinence Produces Progress”

When you accept an assignment and fulfill it, when you attempt an impossible and achieve it, when you apply one accomplishment to the other, your reputation will be like a laminated beam with DURABILITY, INTEGRITY and POWER. People around you or under you will believe you. Hence your word will become your bond. Blessed are the persistent and the patient for they will inherit the earth.###

EXTRA

Woman Accused Of Sending Daughter To Steal Purse

An Indianapolis woman faces a theft charge for allegedly coaxing her 5-year-old daughter into stealing a woman's purse at a restaurant. According to a probable cause affidavit, a 24-year-old woman admitted asking her daughter to steal the purse Feb. 14 at a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. The woman allegedly told officers she pointed out the purse she wanted her daughter to take and urged her to "Do it for Mommy" when the victim wasn't looking.

An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for the woman, who faces charges of theft and contributing to delinquency of a minor.

Her 27-year-old boyfriend faces theft and assisting a criminal charges. Police said the woman's daughter brought the boyfriend the purse after taking it from a booth.

Her Facebook Status Changed To "Single?" Ur Dumped

Digital dumping is on the rise, according to a survey, with growing numbers of people preferring to use email and social networking Web sites to break up with their partners.

Over one third of 2,000 people polled (34 percent) said they had ended a relationship by email, 13 percent had changed their status on Facebook without telling their partners and six percent had released the news unilaterally on Twitter.

By contrast, only two percent had broken up via a mobile phone text.

The rest had split up the old-fashioned way by face-to-face conversation (38 percent) and by telephone (eight percent).

"Digital Dumping will soon take over when it comes to ending a relationship," said Sean Wood, Marketing Manager for Date The Uk dating service for whom the survey was carried out.

"It's often easier, quicker and avoids any misunderstandings."

Tax Officials Caught Over Unpaid Fines

There were some embarrassed faces at Bulgaria's tax office on Thursday after an investigation found more than 400 tax inspectors had failed to pay their traffic fines.

The Balkan nation has launched a crackdown on civil servants who don't pay what they owe, as part of plans to stamp out rampant fraud and raise revenues during the recession, the national revenue agency said.

Those tax officials caught will have money deducted from their February salaries to pay the fines.

More than 50,000 civil servants also face being checked for unpaid taxes and fines in March, a sign of the pressure Sofia is under at home and abroad to demonstrate results in its fight against graft and crime.

In July the European Union is due assess the government's record and failure to show progress could threaten access to more EU aid after in 2008 Brussels froze millions in aid over fraud.

Some political analysts and EU diplomats say the center-right government, elected last July on promises to restore the rule of law, has so far spared powerful oligarchs and big tax evaders.

"It's good to see things happening in Bulgaria but so far it has only targeted small fry," one EU diplomat in Sofia said.

The cabinet led by tough-talking Prime Minister Boiko Borisov has also been checking musicians, owners of luxury Bentley cars and football clubs for possible tax evasion. No results have been reported so far.

Sofia has own praise for cutting spending and taking action to curb smuggling in a bid to boost revenues and avoid a big budget deficit. Bulgaria ended 2009 with a budget gap of 0.8 percent of GDP, the lowest in the EU.

The poorest EU nation has been hard hit by the global crisis, which ended 12 years of economic growth.

Tribes Show Best Camels At Beauty Pageant

Ten golden-colored camels adorned with sparkling ornaments line up for the finale of a beauty contest in one of the UAE's northern emirates, awaiting the selection of two proud winners.

Gulf Arabs from across the region gather in a large sandy plot in Ajman to sit in for a four-hour competition, which will see the selection of the best out of 150 camels every day.

The three-day spectacle should end with the top two finalists bagging luxury cars, while a remaining eight win cash.

In an effort to preserve the Gulf Arab country's cultural legacy, the government encourages camel rearing through funding and festivals where the desert animal is paraded for beauty, and sold in auctions.

The festival also serves as a meeting point for the country's tribes, residing in the rural parts of the United Arab Emirates. Tribesmen are paid by the government to rear camels and preserve a pure lineage of the country's breeds.

"The UAE's heritage is linked to camels and this festival emphasizes this. Traditions and customs lie in maintaining our history," said Saeed al-Aameri, who owns a large camel farm and is a participant in the pageant.

The camels are judged on different criteria, depending on the breed. The body is divided into five sections, with 20 points each, to mark beauty and elegance.

After the prettiest camels are selected, based on the length of neck, curve of the humps, structure of the body, height and general appearance, the camels' owners are sworn in to vouch for purity of lineage and proprietorship.

"I swear that this camel is local, not hybrid...a pure breed and is fully owned by me," said one of the finalists, standing beside his camel.

At the auction, after the pageant, Gulf Arabs gather to place their bids or sell for the highest price on offer.

Some camels could be sold for as much as 16 million dirhams ($4.36 million), said one participant.

The festival takes place three times a year in Ajman and Abu Dhabi, said the event's executive director, Shalal Rzooqi al-Shimri, adding the event was popular in countries including Oman, the UAE and Qatar.

"With the festival, we want to encourage cultural tourism and preserve our heritage," said Shimri.###

COLUMN

FOR FACE OF THE LAW

What A Mess!

How many months will it take Nigerians, including my learned self to talk on this Yar'Adua issue? The president of Egypt, Mubarak just had a successful surgical operation in Germany but before he went to Germany for the  operation he quietly handed over power to his Prime Minister as the constitution of Egypt demanded. No wonder Egypt is seen as the city of ancient civilization in Africa. This is where maturity and civilization come to play. It is thus evident that Egypt is far more civilized and politically organized, stable and more economically viable than Nigeria, the self-styled giant of Africa.

What has happened in Egypt without ado is what is causing both constitutional and political brouhaha in Nigeria now. True, we have a bunch of ethnocentric politicians and religious extremists that style  themselves leaders and this is the crescendo of the hulabalo and waterloo of our national confusion today. Let us call a spade a spade. Where is president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua? In the Aso Rock mortuary? Or in the Aso Rock Clinic? Or he is sleeping as was reported to have been said by his Busybody wife when Acting President, Jonathan demanded to see him? Nigeria for sure is a place where anything goes. If not what is Turai, Yar'Adua's wife doing in the politics of Nigeria? For ethno-religious gains the constitution for over three months become circumvented and trampled upon by illiterates and mediocres in the name of protecting regional agenda or power play.

Yar'Adua has now become the face of Northern politics. His death or sickness, health and hospitalization has been used as a meal ticket for political job seekers to gain cheap popularity in a country so endowed with credible human resources. Shame! What are we talking about?

That a particular person is ill and so the entire ship of the nation now saits aground? All the 7 Point Agenda of the P.D.P manifesto is now as sick as Yar'Adua. The 6000 mega watt electricity distribution promised to be achieved in December, 2009 is now hanging. The Electoral Reform programme of the Yar'Adua administration is also as sick as Yar'Adua. The Niger Delta Amnesty programme is now in a state of total comatose and jeopardy.

To be explicit, the entire economy is gradually heading to the Zuma Rock. The seat of the presidency is now a sick bay or now besieged with unprofessional nurses and unassuming mortuary attendants. Political busybodies and high profile sycophants have now taken over the seat of power. We now have both kitchen cabinet members and parlour cabinet members in the Executive Council. Those who believe that Yar'Adua should continue to rule “for better for worse” or in health or in pain, or in life or in death are the members of the kitchen cabinet. The aim of this group of sycophantic praise singers is to ensure that they continue to become relevant in the scheme of things and taking portfolios that have no direct accompanying duty. That is why they are now nurses to Yar'Dua in the Aso Rock Teaching Hospital where Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua is the Chief Medical Consultant or Medical Director. All these people now take directives from Turai, their Medical Consultant in the Aso Rock Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, some of these nurses have not even seen their august patient since he was admitted into the mega Hospital in Aso Rock since the 23rd  day of February, 2010 when he was handed down from an air ambulance to another land ambulance in a grand style as if he was a cargo at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe's International Airport. It was like a Nigerian home video acted by serious actors as Pete Edochi in a fierce looking atmosphere. The airport was like a beehive as these brigade of king Yesters  acted their Nollywood to the admiration of their boss, Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua, the new, madam, the mother of Aso Rock.

What a mess? On the 22nd of February 2010 the Federal Executive Council sent a delegation to Saudi Arabia Hospital in Jedda but the owners of Yar'Adua which has become like a chattel other than a human being transported him or transmitted him like a letter or parcel or like a goods to Nigeria. Now that thing or that stuff or that corpse or that body or that human being is now deposited in Aso Rock, a whispering distance from the venue of the Federal Executive Council meeting why has it become difficult for the FEC to see Yar'Adua that they spent so much money to see in Saudi Arabia? Are they waiting for the permission of Her Excellency the 2nd Acting President of Nigeria, Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua to see the ailing president of Nigeria? All that even Jonathan Goodluck knows about the health or ill-health  of his boss is all that his boss's wife tells him. So also are all others who are not in the toilet or kitchen cabinet.

So what is the difference between Jedda Hospital and Aso Rock Teaching Hospital. To my mind, I believe that since what was in Sokoto is now in Shokoto, it should not be a problem anymore for Jonathan and other cabinet members of Yar'Adua to see him, be they in his kitchen, toilet, parlour or hospital cabinet. I was thinking that by now even Governors or his friends, the ex-Governors should be able to see Yar'Adua. I was of the opinion that by now even Imams or Pastors including pagans who hitherto organized prayers and fasting for the good health of our president can now see him to ascertain the fertility or potency of their prayers to know whether or not to change gear in their prayers.

Far from it. The door of the hospital in Aso Rock is still closed, the same way it was in Saudi Arabia, a “Bashiga” (nogo area). How do you now want me to believe that the health of our president is improving if nobody can see him, he can not talk or greet even Jonathan to say good morning or say, “call me Jonathan etc. If he can not address Nigerians at least in the concocted style he was reported to have addressed us even when he was so down. I mean that Hausa man that day on that BBC.

I call on the FEC to invoke the provisions of Section 144 of the 1999 constitution and declare this man incapacitated and let the National Assembly Commence the impeachment of this man without delay. What a mess? I am getting sick of all this mess. Nobody is bigger than this country dead or alive.###

As Donald Duke Eyes Presidency Again

Written by Odimegwu Onwumere

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and his ambition formally made known to the public in London, March 5th 2010, to run for the presidential election next year (2011), is a welcome development. Somewhere in 2006, Donald Duke announced that he would run for president in the 2007 presidential election, but stepped aside in favour of the eventual winner, Umaru Yar'Adua. Such ambition of Duke for the presidential race come 2011 wouldn't shake any common Nigerian psych because of the unfulfilled promises Nigerians had gotten from their present and past leaders. And Duke might not make a difference.  For example, the gentle General Abdulsalami Abubakar came to power, though through dictatorship, and we thought that things would change for better, but it was still the old order. He is today widely remembered for handing over to politicians in a democracy who lack the democratic etiquette, but not remembered for quenching any of the millions from the treasury that were evaporating from Nigeria into mirage by the military.

After handing over to General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, a civilian now, Duke was confirmed Nigeria's leading debt negotiator but yet, the economy that got the military out of power, the civilians didn't salvage. I still remember Duke saying in Guardian (UK) June 15/1999 with a clear answer thus: “What got the military out of power was not democracy but the dreadful state of the economy. If we, the democratic government, cannot deliver food for the mass of people we can forget about democracy. If we want to keep the military out we have to make the economy work, and for that we need help on the debt. We have already paid more than Dollars 40bn [pounds 25bn] in servicing debt. Anything the creditors get today is a bonus. It's almost a punitive sanction”.

It was Britain that was spearheading international efforts to win debt relief for Nigeria on conditions reportedly that the chancellor wanted Lagos to adhere to a privatisation programme, market reforms and increased scrutiny by international financial institutions. “We must reward performance not promises, particularly on early institutional reform,” the economic secretary at the treasury, Patricia Hewitt, said at a conference.

Today, Duke wants to contest the presidential election come 2011, but was corruption, I mean pervasive corruption curbed and the economy of Cross Rivers State improved when he was governor? We know that during Obasanjo time, an administration in which Duke served in, graft skyrocketed inflation, industries were messed up by corruption and contributed to immeasurable widespread of unemployment. And I don't think that such pervasive corruption didn't affect the then Cross Rivers State under Duke.

What Duke should remember is that corruption we experienced in Nigeria between 1999-2007 he was also in power robbed Nigerians schools, hospitals and welfare services of funds, scared away foreign investors. They saw Nigerians as corrupted people due to the way the politicians were stashing the public money under their care abroad of which the allegation of corrupt public office holders then, was Duke exempted?

One Fredrick Osari on 11/7/2006 asked a question, “Governor Donald Duke: Saint or Sinner?” That was during the reign of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the EFCC czar. Ribadu presenting a report that indicted 31 governors of Nigeria to a National House, the BBC reported in September 2006 that Governor Duke was the only governor specifically mentioned as not being under investigation by the federal Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Four other governors were also reported as not under investigation but their names were not released). But Osari was irked of why Duke should be totally exonerated and presented his own report to the public parliament, which is on the URL: http://www.onlinenigeria.com/articles/ad.asp?blurb=387

It was a shame that between 1999-2007, Nigeria was among the leading exporters of doctors in the world because of bad leadership. Duke even confirmed that when he reportedly said, “It's difficult to appreciate it because of the heights corruption has been taken to. Most of our institutions are bastardised. When corruption debilitates your economy, you have a problem. But I don't think the world is asking for a corrupt-free environment. They know it's not possible. We are talking about a level of transparency and decency”.

IMF monitoring urged. Reportedly, Gordon Brown said it is essential that the Nigerians 'request' an International Monetary Fund monitoring mission in the central bank and finance ministry 'to maintain international confidence in reform efforts'. The demand has hit a nerve in strongly nationalist Nigeria. The then vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, immediately rejected it. 'I don't think we are so bad to warrant that,' he said. Duke asked: 'If you don't have anything to hide, what's the problem with IMF monitoring? You don't want the IMF telling you who should be governor of the central bank. But if you're building a bridge for Dollars 500m, the IMF is entitled to know where the Dollars 500m is going.'

When Obasanjo was showing no great enthusiasm to delve too deeply into probing the contracts awarded by the military  'of whom the most notable is General Ibrahim Babangida, a former military ruler who has yet to explain what happened to a pounds 8bn windfall that came Nigeria's way when oil prices surged during the Gulf war', Mr Duke reportedly argued that western banks and governments were partners in crime with the army and so should accept responsibility. They would like to hold us responsible for what the military did. Western banks knew what the military were like when they lent the money, so why should our democratic government be more responsible than them?' So, can Donald Duke make a difference come 2011?

Born 30th September 1961 in Calabar, Donald was the Governor of Cross River State, from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. He received LLB degree in 1982 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the B.L in 1983 from the Nigerian Law School, Lagos and the L.L.M. in Business Law and Admiralty in 1984 from University of Pennsylvania.

During his reign as governor of his state (1999-2007), he spearheaded the incumbent debt of Nigeria, pushed for democracy and against military control. Remember he stated; "What got the military out of power was not democracy but the dreadful state of the economy. If we, the democratic government, cannot deliver food for the mass of people we can forget about democracy."

Duke was being praised for his contributions to the fields of agriculture, urban development, government, environment, information and communication, investment drive, and tourism. Through his work Calabar is seen today as the "cleanest city in Nigeria." He created the idea of the Obudu Ranch International Mountain Race and the race grew to become one of the most lucrative mounting running competitions in the world under his stewardship. His coming back in 2011, can he improve than he was perceived to have done?###

ACROSS THE NATION

Media Revolutionary, Stanley Macebuh Is Dead

Media administrator, revolutionary and academic, Dr. Stanley Macebuh, has passed on at the age of 67.

In a statement by his younger brother, Prof. Kingsley Macebuh, the former veteran journalist died by 4.15am on Sunday, March 7, at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a brief illness. He was rushed to the hospital on Saturday afternoon.

The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, said his death had shrunk the club of great icons. He said that the NGE had received the news of Macebuh's death with grief.

According to Adefaye, "Macebuh, a man of style and panache was remarkable not just for his pioneering roles in the establishment of a good newspaper like The Guardian and others like the defunct Post Express which first hit the Internet in Nigeria and the Sentinel in Kaduna, he was noted for talent head hunt for quality journalism in Nigeria."

He said that years after he had left the business of journalism for a think-tank job for government, his imprint on quality press remained indelible, noting that his cult-like following for journalism of essence continued to influence professional thoughts and processes in Nigeria.

He said, "His death has further shrunk the club of leaders with carriage and dignity- in our environment. May his soul rest in peace."

Born on December 28, 1942, Macebuh attended Government Primary School, Port Harcourt, Ngwa High School Aba, on scholarship, and had his Higher School Certificate at Kings College, Lagos, where he taught for a while immediately after graduation at KC.

He studied English at the University of Ibadan (from 1963-66), left Nigeria in 1967 to the University of Sussex, England, where he acquired his DPhil, (Doctor of Philosophy degree) at the age of 26. When the University of California, Berkeley, California, United States began a search for an in-house African philosopher, during the civil rights years in the US, his doctoral supervisor recommended the young Macebuh and he joined the Berkeley Faculty.

After two years at Berkeley, Columbia University (New York) and City College of New York, US, both pitched to have him on their faculties, but had to settle to sharing his services as he began to lecture in both universities at the same time - but taught fulltime at City College and parttime at the Institute of African Studies at the Columbia University.###

JTF Soldiers Arrested For Shooting Youth Leader

Two soldiers attached to 1 the Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, Operation Restore Hope, were on Friday arrested for the shooting of a youth leader in Osubi Community, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Onos Oborevwori.

The suspects were being detained at 3 Battalion, Effurun, Delta State, as at press-time on Sunday, amid tension in the Urhobo community due to the fate of the youth leader.

The victim was on danger list at a private clinic in Warri on Sunday.

Oborevwori was allegedly shot while trying to resolve a squabble between the soldiers and an unidentified member of the public.

The soldiers, originally attached to 232 Battalion, were deployed in the premises of a private company, Presyln Resources Limited, before the incident.

Findings by our correspondent showed that the soldiers, who reportedly abandoned their duty posts, were allegedly in a heated argument with an unidentified person, away from Presyln premises, when Oborevwori arrived at the scene to resolve the impasse.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that one of the soldiers pulled the trigger and a bullet hit Oborevwori on the leg.

The youths of Osubi community and other sympathisers, including commercial motorcyclists, instantly went on the rampage.

It was gathered that the quick intervention of the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Land Security, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, saved the soldiers from being harmed and the premises of Presyln from being burnt.

Oborevwori, who also hails from Osubi community, ensured that the soldiers were brought to 33 Battalion unharmed and prevailed on the aggrieved community youths not attack Presyln's premises located in the area.

It was gathered that the governor's aide thereafter met with the authorities of 3 and 232 Battalions, where terms for a truce were worked out.

Investigation by our correspondent showed that Oborevwori volunteered to pick the medical bills of the victim while the Commanding Officer, 232 Battalion, Col. Ibrahim, assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the suspects prosecuted.

Ibrahim later dispatched a medical team led by Major Cyril Ofurumazi to the private clinic to ascertain the wellbeing of the victim.

The special adviser later told our correspondent that the matter was quickly resolved.###

 Post-UME: Sanction Varsities Charging More Than N1,000, NCE Tells NUC

The National Council on Education has urged the National Universities Commission to place sanctions on universities charging more than Nl,000 for the Post Universities Matriculation Examination screening fees.

In a communiqué after its meeting in Abuja, the NCE urged the NUC to punish institutions that delayed the release of the post-UME screening results.

A copy of the communiqué was made available to our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday.

The NUC had earlier admitted that universities concluded the post-UME screening because of corruption in the education system.

But the NUC's Executive Secretary, Prof. Julius Okogie, said the institutions had no right to charge beyond Nl,000.

He noted that there were institutions that complied with government directives, saying, however, that others had continued to charge exorbitant rates in defiance of government policy.

The NCE had backed the introduction of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board scheduled for next month and described the development it as an innovation designed to change the history of tertiary education for good in Nigeria.

It also endorsed the introduction of chip embedded electronic certificates by tertiary institutions in Nigeria to ensure speedy release as well as curbing the incidence of forgery.

On secondary school education, the NCE recommended that sanctions should be applied to principals and teachers of secondary schools where 50 per cent of the candidates failed to obtain five credits, including Mathematics and English, in WAEC and NECO examinations.

It assured that detailed guidelines for implementation of the sanctions would be worked out by a relevant committee.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Sam Egwu, had during the ministerial session of the council meeting on Thursday, lamented the sorry state of secondary education in Nigeria, saying that it had contributed to the poor quality of students for tertiary institutions.

He also blamed principals for lack of commitment to ensuring the improvement of standards in the schools.

The council urged states and the FCT to pay 30 per cent of basic salary as special allowance to qualified Special Education Teachers and Desk Officers as approved by the council.

According to the council, the Office of Head of Service of the Federation, will issue a circular for the removal of disparity existing between graduate teachers in primary schools and their counterparts in secondary schools.

On basic education, states were urged to increase the pace of accessing the USE intervention funds, both matching and non-conditional, to ensure the speedy growth of basic education in the country.###

Jonathan Must Work On Reform Now – CNPP

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties has asked Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to act fast on electoral reform.

The group said its position was in tandem with the view expressed by notable Nigerians and groups in the past few weeks.

According to CNPP, some of the people, organisations and countries include Lt-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council; Save Nigeria Group, Eminent Persons Group; European Union; United States and United Kingdom.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Osita Okechukwu on Sunday, the CNPP said without a genuine reform, there would be no genuine democracy.

It said since the Peoples Democratic Party had said that the Acting President would not be allowed to contest the 2011 presidential election, this was the best time for him to rise above party politics by writing his name in gold.

The group said Jonathan could only do this if he paid attention to the yearnings of Nigerians on the much-needed electoral reform

The statement reads in part, "The CNPP in league with the General Theophilus Danjuma and other patriots challenge the Acting President, Goodluck Jonathan, to as a matter of urgent national importance to embark on genuine electoral reform, which is a critical Infrastructure of democracy and a major foundation for free, fair and transparent elections in 2011 and beyond.

"It is our considered view that genuine electoral reform as a critical infrastructure of democracy is the best legacy the Acting President with the political will, can bequeath to generations of our dear country for we cannot sincerely claim to practice democracy when our votes do not count.

"Our candid advice is for His Excellency to harvest the national consensus for genuine electoral reform, the international support and most importantly mobilise the over 800 out 990, 250 out 360 and 80 out 109 who are members of his political party - the PDP in the Houses of Assembly nationwide, House of Representatives and the Senate.

"CNPP challenges the Acting President to enlist his name in the hall of fame, engrave his name in marble and not to miss this golden opportunity especially when his party - the PDP - has decreed him out of 2011 elections, hence he, will be the Chief Superintendent of the transition to true democracy. To achieve this he has the Uwais Electoral Reform Report as an article of faith.

"With barely 14 months left, we propose that the Acting President should dust up the three Electoral Reform Bills in the Justice Uwais Electoral Reform Report and present same immediately to the National Assembly as Executive Bills."###

ECHOES FROM IMO

Workers Give Imo State Govt 14 Day Ultimatum-Stories by Ifeoma Opara, Owerri 

As the face off between Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State and civil servants  over the need to improve on their welfare lingers, the workers have given the State government a 14 day ultimatum to address the issues or face civil disobedience.

The State Joint Public Service Negotiating Council gave the directive in a letter addressed to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Cosmos Iwu (immediate younger brother of Prof. Maurice Iwu) dated 16/02/2010 endorsed by Mr. I.C. Nubia, the council's secretary and made available to National Network.

The council vehemently decried what she described as the abuse of rules and regulations in the administration of the State Board of Internal Revenue by politicians appointed by the State government to manage the affairs of the board instead of legitimate workers of the board.

The council further alleged that  the State Commissioner of Finance  Engr. George Irechukwu had single handedly reversed the decision of the council by using the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) as the sole bank through which other banks are funded for salary payments of workers.

The council noted that the new system of payment has resulted in unnecessary delay of payment of workers salary, thereby making life difficult for the workers.

The council also alleged that the state government has refused to subvert the parastatals in the state to enable them pay salaries of workers as and when due.

The council wondered why the state government has fragrantly continued to dissolve tenured statutory boards of establishments without genuine reason(s) only to reconstitute them, describing such act as a waste of human and capital resources.

They further recalled that the SSG had invited the leadership of the council to a meeting for a discussion on 4/2/2010 but later called off the meeting after members of the council had waited for him for about two hours on the grounds of being tired and had bluntly refused to reschedule the meeting.

The council stated that they are not begging to hold meeting or further discussions with Secretary to the State Government (SSG) but rather she is demanding that the state government should urgently address issues bordering on workers welfare so as to avert imminent industrial crisis in the state.

The council observed that the previous state governments are always committed in addressing issues that borders on workers welfare and wondered why Ohakim's administration is averse in discussing issues concerning improved labour relationship in the State.

In a similar development, Barr. Uche Durueke, a legal luminary and human rights activist has on behalf of his clients, Nigeria Civil Service Union and Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Imo State Chapter has given a one month ultimatum to Imo state government to dissolve the Interim Management Committee of the State Board of internal Revenue or face a law suit.

Durueke passionately appealed to the state government to observe and respect the extant laws regulating the composition and operations of the internal Revenue Board.###                         

… As  Okorocha Carpets Gov Ohakim

Ahead of 2011 general elections there are strong indications that the recent frosty relationship between Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State is deepening by the  day as the frontline politician now accuses the governor of lack of visionary governance and purposeful leadership and vowed to torpedo the governor's second tenure ambition.

Okorocha who is highly respected in the state and national politics stated this over the weekend in Owerri while addressing members and leaders of his political structure  Agenda 2011 at the Okigwe Road Rochas Foundation National Secretariat in which also the leadership and members of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) as well as National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) were in attendance.

The Political juggernaut with intimidating financial muscle insisted that the government of Chief Ohakim has failed Imo people and that agenda as a political pressure group can no longer fold its hands as it has a fundamental mission of giving succour to the less privileged and democratically wrestle power from  any bad government in the State. 

He further disclosed that he has advanced plans to relocate fully to Imo state and pursue his agenda of wrestling power from governor Ohakim alleging that his administration has brought pains and sufferings in the lives of the populace.

According him “I am not happy why local government elections have not been held in Imo state for over 3 years now and resources accrued to the councils are fragrantly being misappropriated by the state government. I am immediately calling for elections in the 27 council areas of the State. A good government must be people oriented with accountability and transparency as her watch word. In 2011, the right candidates with compassion for humanity and patriotism must rule the state and the nation. The days of primitive accumulation of peoples wealth is gone” he insisted.

Earlier, comrade kingsley Ezekwesili, the National President of NANS with members of his executive said that they were at Rochas Foundation to sign a two year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Youth Wing of Agenda organization and to partner with Chief Okorocha in all his efforts to empower Nigerian children and youths.

Ezekwesili commended Chief Okorocha for his philanthropic gestures, patriotic zeal,  passionate identification with the down trodden and firm believe in rule of law while re-assuring the commitment of Nigerian Students in collaborating with the politician in all his positive  political revolutionary endeavours.

In the similar manner Comrade Nwaorienta Okechukwu, the President of National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) who also came with his executive members pledged their unflinching support to the political icon while decorating him as the national life patron of the association and commended him for all his humanitarian gestures to mankind. ###

Uba's Arrest Not Politically Motivated  - Police

Imo State Police Command has denied the allegation that the recent arrest and detention of a frontline human rights activist and seasoned journalist Mr. Maximus Uba was politically motivated.

ASP Linus Nwaiwu, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) told National Network in an interview that his command sometime last year invited the suspect for questioning because of his alleged involvement in the case of inciting public disturbance and conduct most likely to cause breach of peace.

That after interrogation he was released on bail on the condition for him to report back to the station on a later date but he allegedly went into hiding from where he was said to have been writing several articles anchored on falsehood and allegedly tended to incite social unrest  and  disturbances in the state

The PPRO pointed out that all efforts by his command to produce the suspect before the court proved abortive, alleging that he jumped bail that prompted a warrant of arrest  issued  by the court to arrest him.

He insisted that his command has just obeyed the court warrant of arrest order and the suspect will soon appear before the court as soon as his command concludes investigation in his matter.

The police spokesperson further alleged that the suspect since his arrest acting through some disgruntled elements has been sending text massages to some prominent sons and daughters of the state in which he allegedly created the impression that his arrest was politically motivated.

Nwaiwu further informed that the command could have chosen to ignore him alleging that it is one of the ways he adopts to incite disturbance in the state but due to some pertinent issues the text messages raised which tends to suggest that the state police command is acting on the instruction from some quarters.

It would be recalled that citizen Uba was arrested last Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Wuse in Abuja by 8.00 pm and flown into Owerri the next morning where he is being detained at the police State headquarters.

Since the inception of Governor Ohakim administration, Mr. Uba has been critical of the government by publishing articles in the print media and internet accusing the administration of gross financial recklessness and of human rights.

The State House of Assembly invited him alongside with Chief Orji Uzor kalu, the former Governor of Abia State to appear before her with documented evidences to substantiate their allegations but they refused, alleging security threat through their lawyers.

This also prompted the lawmakers to compel the Inspectors General of Police to issue them warrants of arrest.

Within the state government circle, they believed that Mr. Uba is seriously on the pay roll of some of the state opposition political camps that based in Abuja.###

Amajirionwu Kickstarts Campaign For PDP Zonal Chairman  

In anticipation of the forthcoming congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State and despite ongoing court cases, internal wrangings and skirmishes that have recently engulfed the party in the State, Hon. Blyden Amajirionwu, a veteran politician and bridge builder has kickstarted his campaign to vie for the Owerri Senatorial zone chairman of the party whenever the congress holds.

Amajirionwu disclosed his intention last weekend during a well attended but successful fund raising luncheon organized on behalf of his aspiration at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Imo State Secretariat along Port-Harcourt Road Owerri, Christened  the Ngor  Okpala Project.

The politician insisted that his ambition to vie for the position was born out of his patriotic desire to enthrone purposeful and visionary leadership that would guarantee peace, stability and unity of purpose in the party leadership, membership and fellowership. 

He advanced the need for integrity, transparency, accountability and good governance while assuring of positive changes and inclusive governance if elected.

Earlier, in the address of welcome presented by Ngor-Okpala people and endorsed by Hon. Charles Abara, the Project Committee Chairman noted that the position of the zonal chairman of PDP is a post that is long over due to the council area noting that equity, natural justice and fairness demand that in the next political dispensation a deserving son or daughter of the council area should be allowed to occupy the exalted position.

They pleaded for their unflinching support to Governor Ikedi Ohakim  administration as well as his second tenure ambition while urging all members of the four political blocks that constitute the senatorial zone to give them maximum backing in actualizing their stated political ambition

The occasion was graced by political Chieftains from the zone who agreed to contribute immensely in the realization of the project as over N1m was realized.###

NEWS

Chief  Onukem  Vs  RSG:Ruling On Bail Application Fixed For April 12

 …As Applicant Denies Charges

Eze Isa Onukem, Eze Ochia Aliri I of Oro Esara Kingdom, has denied charges of robbery, murder, felony, damage to property and conspiracy preferred against him by the Rivers State Government.

When the case he instituted against the State government came up last week Tuesday, March 2, at the Federal High Court 10 Port Harcourt, the Court clerk, after reading out the charges had asked Onukem whether he was guilty or not, and he stated that he was not guilty.

Taking a cue from him, the applicant's lead counsel, Barr Adedipe (SAN), argued that the charges could not hold water as there were no sufficient evidence to prove them.

Trying to explain the genesis of the problem, the counsel said there was a dispute over a parcel of land, which Eze Onukem laid claims to. Deriving from this claim, he went on, a lorry-load of armed policemen had arrested the accused on the allegation that a building, property of the Rivers State Government on the land was damaged.

Barr Adedipe whose team included Barr Ken Atsuwete a human rights lawyer disclosed that it was reported that a group of armed youths invaded the site and dispossessed workers of their valuables.

He, however, stated that no one witness has come forward to say that he saw Onukem led the group that destroyed the property.

Onukem's counsel averred that anybody could be accused, arguing that the most important thing, was to produce enough evidence to substantiate the accusation.

“People's opinion should not be allowed to influence court decision,” the learned counsel posited.

On the allegation of armed robbery and murder preferred against the accused, the counsel said they were slapped on his client after he took the State government to court. That notwithstanding, he had urged the court to examine the allegation thoroughly to establish the facts of the matter.

The defence counsel asserted that the evidence produced to support the charges were so weak and therefore urged the court to grant his client bail.

However, government counsel, Mrs I. Okoye opposed the bail application, arguing that there were substantial evidence to link Onukem with the charges.

She told the court that Eze Isa alleged that what was planted on the land in dispute were economic trees and not Rivers State government built health centre.

She said there was obvious evidence that the accused has constantly threatened bloodshed, adding that he was already prone to violence. She argued that the applicant being desperate, if granted bail, would continue to resort to violence and might influence his loyal subjects to act unruly.

The prosecution counsel who said, there was evidence to show that the workers on the disputed land were robbed on the day of the incident, urged the court not to grant the bail.

Justice Boma Diepri the presiding judge, having listened attentively to the arguments of both counsel, adjourned ruling on the application till 12th April.

Eze Onukem, it was learnt, was arrested last September by a team of armed policemen and since then he has been in detention without trial. His first appearance in court since then was on March 2, 2010, almost six months after.

His counsel, Adedipe feels the detention without trial was not proper, especially when the charges against him have not been proved in a court of law.

That was the import of his argument when he pleaded with the court to release his client on bail.###

Amaechi Tasks Ogoni On Illegal Bunkering

The Rivers State Government has threatened to withdraw its support to the United Nations Environmental programme (UNEP) remediation efforts in Ogoniland if the people fail to fight against illegal bunkering activities that have become a source of concern in the area.

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, stated this during a meeting between the presidential implementation committee on the clean up of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland, the leadership of UNEP and the Rivers State Government in Government House, Port Harcourt.

The governor said reports of increased illegal bunkering activities in the area at this time when the UNEP officials are engaged in the clean up of oil spill sites in the area, calls for serious concern.

He therefore, directed the Secretary to the State government, Magnus Abe, to convene a meeting of Ogoni Stakeholders to urgently address the issue, noting that Ogoni elite and leaders must reassure the Federal and State government as well as the UNEP officials of their collective resolve to fight illegal bunkering in the area.

The State chief executive stated that the stakeholders' meeting has become imperative to avoid waste of money, time and energy in the clean up of impacted spill sites when the youths are engaged in causing more damage to the environment through their illegal bunkering activities.

Governor Amaechi said he would prefer that UNEP partnered with the State government to provide potable water to all communities of Ogoniland rather than engage in providing social amenities that do not meet the greater needs  of the people.###

NURSS Gives Kudos To Gov Amaechi

The leadership of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS), has commended the Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on his developmental projects and policy thrust geared towards improving the lives of all Rivers people.

In a press release issued by the National President, Comr Godspower Chioma Egbule, and the P.R.O, Amadi ThankGod, the union stated that the governor is indeed fulfilling his promises, especially in the areas of healthcare delivery, education and roads.

The union also enjoined the Governor to make more efforts towards human capacity building and the rehabilitation of tertiary institutions in the State besides providing internet facilities to create a conducive learning environment.

It will be recalled that the union's election took place on January 19, 2010 which put in place the new national officers that were inaugurated February 13, 2010.

The leadership also used the opportunity to advise all Rivers State students to take their academics seriously.

On the national scene, the NURSS leadership condemned the pogrom that has overrun Jos, Plateau State capital and called for a halt to the senseless killings.

It also appealed to Gov Amaechi for a greater attention to the welfare of Rivers Students.###

Editor Loses Wife, Christy, Burial  Soon

The Ogwutum royal family of Rumuezeolu Community, Rumuomasi, Oropotoma, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of River State, has announced with rude shock, the sudden and most painful demise of their wife, Mrs. Christiana Obiageli Chimaobi.

Mrs. Christiana Chimaobi, who was the wife of the former Editor-in-Chief of Surveillance Newspaper, passed-on on Friday, 1st January 2010, at the tender age of 46years.

Since the unfortunate death of Mrs. Christy, described by many as a big blow, considering her importance and role in the family, mourners from far and near have been calling on the family to commiserate with them.

A statement from the husband, Mr. Chim states that arrangements have been concluded by the family to give his late wife a befitting burial.

The statement further adds that the deceased will begin her final home journey on Thursday, 11th March 2010, with a service of songs in her husband's residence, No 6 Bende Street, Rumuomasi, and the following day, Friday 12th March, by 8:am her body leaves the mortuary for Ogwutum family, Rumuezeolu Community, Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor LGA, for a brief stop-over where it would be received by the head of the family, HRH Eze (Apostle) John Ogwutum, Eze-Ezeolu III of Oropotoma. Later, body departs for her husband's residence for lying in state. Interment follows immediately after a commendation service by MercyLand Living Bible Ministries.

Lamenting the unexpected death of his dear and most loving wife, Chim described the death as too unfortunate, sad, painful and mentally devastating, especially at this period when the presence and services of the woman are most needed, noting that his late wife was a precious gift, great helper and strong pillar, who meant everything to the family, adding that by her demise, a big vacuum has been created. He wished her a peaceful and perfect rest in the bosom of the lord.

Also mourning the death of the late Christiana was the head of Ogwutum family and paramount ruler, HRH Eze (Apostle) John Ogwutum, Eze-Ezeolu III of Oropotoma, who bemoaned the great loss.

Eze Ogwutum described her as very industrious and helpful to the family, noting that the late Christy was a noble lady with pleasant character and prayed God for the repose of her gentle soul.

The late Mrs. Christiana Obiageli Chimaobi was survived by her husband Mr. Chim and five children - Ikenna, Ogechi, Chinedu, Chinwendu and Chinaza, and relations too numerous to mention.###

NEWS:N.5b  Scam

Tonye Princewill Arrested in PH

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

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

He was detained at the State CID in Port Harcourt.

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

The credit facility is put at over N530 million.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He has however been granted bail.

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

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

NEWS

Chief  Aguma's  Burial: New Restoration Family Lauds Large Turn-Out Of Members

For turning out in their numbers in honour of their departed member, and statesman, Late Chief Emmanuel Aguma, the New Restoration Team in Rivers State says the team spirit that made the former Restoration family thick is back to their fold.

Given boost by the physical presence of two former executive governors of the State, Sir Dr Peter Odili and Sir Celestine Omehia, former deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Sir Austin Opara, Dr Abiye Sekibo, former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and former Minister of Transport, the numerous members of the New Restoration Team shook hands and hugged one another, signaling a new beginning for the like minds.

Most of the members of the re-united family expressed overwhelming joy that  the entire State will soon experience a new and meaningful life which had eluded them sequel to the voice of dissent that set the members against one another in the recent past.

Speaking at the occasion, the chairman of the New Restoration Team, Lolo Ibieneye ironically referring to the presence and willingness of those that still remain faithful to the founding fathers of the family of which late Aguma was one, said “what is not lost must be where it was kept”.

While expressing the joy and appreciation of all the members of the New Restoration Team to the former State Chief executives for not forgetting the uncommon contributions of late Chief Aguma, the New Restoration Team leaders enjoined all other members to borrow a leaf from that gesture.

In the same vein, he thanked all the other members for laying a new foundation Restoration Family and living by example.

The New Restoration Team was also full of praises for their late member and prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the painful and irreparable loss and also petitioned for the peaceful repose of the deceased' soul.###

Rivers People Urged To Support Amaechi's Developmental Efforts

Rivers State Citizens have been enjoined to encourage Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi-led government in its developmental strides by prompt and regular payment of taxes.

The Director of Collection and Monitoring of the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue (RSBIR), Chief Jonathan Ngbor made the appeal recently during a tax sensitization tour of Elekahia and Oroworukwo Communities in Port Harcourt.

Chief Ngbor said it was through payment of tax that the citizenry could hold the government accountable, adding that the monthly allocation from the federal government to the State was not enough to take care of all the needs of the State.

While commending Governor Amaechi administration for its giant strides in the area of education, health and social infrastructure within the last two years, Chief Ngbor urged the State government to sustain the tempo' of the development.

Reacting to the issue of electricity failure in the State, the BIR director stated that it was a federal and general disease. He, however, promised on behalf of the State government that the problem would be rectified in the next two years.

He also addressed the problem of multiple taxation in the State, saying the State government has appointed a committee to address the issue. "That is why we enjoin every income-earning citizen in the State who is above 18 years to pay to the bank," he said.

In her own remark, the Executive Director of the Skye Bank, Mrs. Ibiye Ekong said the essence of the sensitization tour was to intimate the citizens of the responsibilities of both the government and the citizenry.

She said that the "Skye Bank is a partner with the Rivers State government in the area of social infrastructural development", and therefore urged the Rivers people to be part of the developmental projects in the State.

Responding on behalf of the communities, Chief Alex Akaboms of Elekahia Community challenged the State government to be more pro-active in terms of provision of social amenities for the Rivers people.

He urged the State government to give micro-soft loan to the indigenes, as well as create more employment for the citizenry, especially in the civil service so that they would be able to pay tax.###

Salvation: Great Escape Route From  Wicked Rulership - Rev Needam

The publisher of National Network Group of Newspapers, Reverend Jerry Needam says only those made free by God are actually free indeed.

Needam who is also the Synod Media Communicator of the Christ Army Church of Nigeria stated this at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, during an Inter-denominational Service organized by his Christian friends all over the country to mark his birthday anniversary.

He said that Salvation is the great escape route from the wicked rulership of the devil, stressing that when you are saved, you are raised up from the devil's territory. “You are no longer under the wicked rulership,” Reverend Needam said.

New birth, the publisher remarked, translates you from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God.

The National Network Newspaper proprietor said his birthday anniversary has further translated him from wicked rulership and darkness to freedom, salvation and light.

He assured his Christian friends that he would remain focused and committed to the work of God.

While thanking them for putting together what he called a surprised package, he urged them to continue to pray for him in the face of challenges in his business of newspaper publishing.

Christian friends, church leaders, captains of industry and newspaper owners within and outside the State attended the thanksgiving.###

MOSOP Hails Appointment Of Her Int’l Advocacy Officer

The apex organization of the Ogoni people, MOSOP (Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People) has hailed the appointment of its International Advocacy Officer, Mr.Legborsi Saro Pyagbara as the new Indigenous Peoples Focal Point representing Indigenous Peoples of Africa on the Coordinating Committee of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-NGO Council. The International Advocacy Officer, Mr.Legborsi Saro Pyagbara replaces the outgone representative, Ms.Lucy mulenkei of the Kenyan-based Indigenous Information Network. He will serve his first term in that capacity until 2012.

Mr. Pyagbara was appointed in recognition of his resolute dedication to indigenous peoples' issues in Africa and the world over including his long standing commitment and strong advocacy for the protection of the environment and by extension humanity. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr.Pyagbara thanked Indigenous peoples of Africa for reposing confidence in him and providing him with the opportunity to serve GEF and Africa in that capacity especially this crucial period in world history when we are faced by the challenges of climate change and the energy crisis all of which are having serious impacts on the environment and amongst indigenous peoples.

“We see the appointment of our International Advocacy Officer as recognition of his consistency and enormous contributions to the struggle for a better environment and for the basic rights and fundamental freedoms of Indigenous peoples and other oppressed groups in the world. We wish him a successful term in office, Mr.Ledum Mitee, the President of MOSOP said in Port Harcourt.”

Mr. Pyagbara is currently serving on  several other organizations locally and internationally some of which include, board member, International Network on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights(ESCR-NET),member, Steering Committee, Corporate Accountability Working Group, Deputy Representative, International Indigenous Peoples of Africa Coordinating Committee(IPACC),member, Coordinating Committee, African Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change Network, West African Coordinator, International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity, National Coordinator, Niger Delta UPR Coalition, member, Steering Committee, Global Coalition on Indigenous Peoples and Extractive Industries

Established in 1991, the GEF is today the largest funder of projects to improve the global environment. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is an independent financial organization, the GEF provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. The GEF give grants for projects addressing the six recognized complex global environmental issues in the world including Biodiversity, Climate Change, International Waters, Land Degradation, The Ozone Layer and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).These projects benefit the global environment, linking local, national, and global environmental challenges and promoting sustainable  livelihoods.###

NEWS

Re: Defamatory Statement Published Against Prince Tonye Princewill ‘Our Position’

Perhaps, one reason why many a person including the author of this piece are yet to be convinced that journalism is a profession is the lack and, or absence of stringent rules as to what and who is qualified to be called a journalist, the entry and exit points into and out of the ink and pen fraternity, the standards that must be obtained and retained while still in the practice.

There also seems to be no clearly defined line of demarcation between a perceived journalist and just a gifted and talented writer just like in Engineering, Law and Medicine. Afterall, there are mechanics with better understanding of auto mechanics as well as patent medicine dealers with greater insight than some qualified doctors yet they cannot claim to be either of these professionals.

In journalism, any person with a fairly writing skill to show for his being to school can claim to know the A to Z of Journalism Profession. It is just unfortunate.

If that were not the case, the embarrassing and unfortunate letter that supposedly came from Obaye-Ekine Chambers and addressed to National Network would not have been necessary.

Entitled “Defamatory Statement Published Against Prince Tonye Princewill”, the solicitors who filed in the query alleged unprofessionalism, wickedness, outright falsehood, malice, mischief and unnecessary sensationalism with a view to selling and making undue profit against National Network sequel to a news report about their client, Engr Tonye Princewill supposedly leader of the opposition in Rivers State.

In the query, the lawyers acting on the instruction of their benefactor are demanding a refuttal of that news report with an attendant unreserved apology to the Prince for denting his esteemed image and pulling down his political and business empire as a result of that alleged damaging report.

The report simply had to do with the arrest of the Prince by the State Police Command over a petition bordering on bank loan said to have obtained under circumstances of uncertainty and which is yet to be repaid even though belated.

The story was reported with the best of intentions, without malice and which would have been suicidal if it had escaped the prying eyes of our roving reporter. We caught the jist and broke the news but the Prince was unimpressed.

Ordinarily, we would not have bordered about the provocation and the concomitant query but for our responsibility to educate not only to inform. It has therefore become imperative to let Prince Tonye Princewill and indeed, his image maker, Chief Eze C. Eze to understand and appreciate the challenges, the reason, motivations and indeed, the difference in the writings. No harm was meant to say the least.

The functions of the press, if we must say this for the umpteenth time go beyond information, education and entertainment. Those are rather rudimentary and elementary.

A responsible newspaper that is worth its salt must of necessity take the issues of socialization, advocacy, mobilization, integration and nation building seriously and must not be crucified for just doing that. The journalist is not respected as an encyclopedia of knowledge for nothing even though we must admit that there are journalists and there are Journalists. But the difference is always clear.

In the muck-raking and rattling news report, a frantic effort was prominently made to reach the spokesman of the aggrieved, Prince Tonye Princewill in the person of Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze on telephone. He replied as usual. In his reply, he did not deny that his master was involuntarily at the police station but went ahead to explain the circumstance that took him there which was his explanation of our report which was only different by a slant.

He also gave us the true amount of money involved against what we originally got. With all this, we were now well equipped to reach out to the public. At no time, did he suggest that we should hold on to the Prince. He spoke on his behalf. He still does.

Therefore the query and the seeming reservations and, or denial by the Action Congress leader in Rivers State, we regard as a mere hocus-pocus.

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, satisfied with our enquiry  and confirmation of the news report expressly permitted us to publish the story.

As for the nitty-gritty of the news report we make bold to say that all that we needed to do before going public was done and the story is in order before the court of public opinion and will be so before the court of law.

One, the prince was at the SIIB, Port Harcourt involuntarily. Two, there was a petition against him bordering on unpaid loan, Three, United Bank for Africa was involved. Four, the case or allegation on face value is a fraud. Five, as an ongoing case, the prince was left to go by the police on certain conditions, Six, the case is not ended as all the parties whether right or wrong will be invited again before it is finally disposed off etc.

In as much as we are not playing God and will not, or claiming infallibility, we are convinced that the news report must be critically appraised by whoever and holistically too. It is only when the necessary facts are found to be lacking that a case of malice or mischief could be alleged and refuttal and apology demanded. This is just the simply procedure and road map as any other route tantamounts to short-cut.

While we are sorry for any embarrassment the news report may have caused Prince Tonye Princewill and supposedly, leader of the vocal opposition in the State, we want to say that we are yet to see where we erred in that story and still stand by that cracker and the explanation given to National Network by Chief Eze C. Eze, Prince Tonye Princewill's Media Consultant, until we are proved otherwise.###

Signed

Management

National Network

Group of Newspapers

DISCOURSE:  Journalism Practice In The Niger Delta: Agenda For The New Era (1)

By Jossy Nkwocha, FNIPR

I consider it a privilege and an honour to be invited to deliver this paper at this ethics workshop being organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State chapter on the theme “Journalism Practice and Ethical Issues”. This workshop, to my mind, is very important because journalists should at all times be reminded of their codes of ethics and professional conduct. It is only when a journalist adheres to these codes that he or she can earn the respect and true support of the society. It appears to me that there are many people who are practising journalism but have not taken the pain to learn, understand and apply the legal and ethical imperatives of our noble profession.

I was asked to speak on the topic: “Journalism Practice in the Niger Delta”. In all my 18 years of active journalism practice, I would not claim to have practiced in the Niger Delta. But as an editor, I knew most of the issues and challenges that shaped journalism in the region. To make my paper more topical and contextual, I ask for your permission to amend the topic to read: “Journalism Practice in the Niger Delta: Agenda for the New Era.”

Definition Or Explanation Of Concepts And Terms

I do not intend to bore you with basic definitions, but to help us to do justice to this topic, it is important to refresh our minds of the meanings of what we want to discuss. These include Journalism, Journalism practice, the Niger Delta, and the New Era.

Journalism: It has been defined as the collecting, writing, editing, and presenting of news or news articles in newspapers and magazines, and in radio and television broadcasts. Journalism is the noble profession whose practitioners are trained in the art of gathering information, processing it and disseminating same to the public through the mass media, which now includes the internet. Information disseminated comes in the form of news, features, opinion articles, documentaries, photographs, cartoons, etc. Journalism practice in any particular country or environment is supposed to conform to the laws, regulations and ethics that operates therein.

There are six main types (genre) of journalism practiced in various parts of the world. They include:

* Straight news journalism

* Investigative journalism

* Developmental journalism

* Advocacy journalism

* Adversary journalism

*  Celebrity or Junk journalism

 The Niger Delta: This is an area of “about 70,000 sq kilometers lying in the southernmost part of Nigeria with the Atlantic Coast forming the general boundary; the whole area traversed by large number of rivers, streams, rivulets and creeks all emptying into the Atlantic ocean; and consists of a number of ecological zones, sandy coastal ridge barrier, saline mangroves freshwater, swamp forests and lowland rain forests. These areas are mainly occupied by Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states”.

The New Era: We mean the post-militancy era, the Amnesty era, which came into effect on 4th October, 2009 when militants in the Niger Delta area accepted amnesty offered by the Federal government and laid down their arms for peace to reign and for development to take place.

A Review Of Journalism Practice In Nigeria

Journalism practice in Nigeria is very robust, and regarded as the freest in Africa. It is perhaps the only profession in the country that is given a constitutional responsibility. Chapter 2, Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that the Mass Media “shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives…and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.”

The Media indeed have awesome powers and responsibilities. This, perhaps, explains why the Mass Media are described or called:

* The watchdog of society

* The fourth estate of the realm

* The Court of public opinion

* The agenda setter

* The gate keeper

* The conscience of society.

Functions, duties and social responsibilities of journalists include:

1. Promotion of democratic values, good governance, patriotism, national interest, human rights, justice, equity, liberty, literacy, social harmony, technological advancement, economic transformation, etc.

2. Scanning of the environment to spot out danger and relay warning signals to members of society.

3. Interviewing experts and other important members of society on crucial issues and events and publish such views to provide informed analysis and comments that usually guide public and private actions and decisions.

4. Keeping the society informed on political and governmental matters to enable them make rational decisions.

5. Chronicle the history of the society, highlighting its success and failures, as well as its values and norms.

6. Reporting the activities of corporate organizations, highlighting their activities, problems, products, services, projects, etc.

7. Exposing fraud, scandals and other hidden criminal activities or important personalities, thereby helping to sanitize society.

8. Providing cultural guidelines and help to teach the citizens (especially the youth) of a society how to live, how to behave, and what is expected of them through various programmes that are put before the public.

9. Raising conflict to the level of discussion; and presenting the Mass media as a market place of ideas.

My Headache With ABSU Alumni - Prof Mkpa

P rof. Mkpa Aku Mkpa is a Professor in Educational Curriculum and the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU) Uturu. This intellectual icon and administrative czar is a living legend in institutional transformation agenda, despite his busy schedule he recently spoke extensively with National Network Correspondent, Ifeoma Opara on critical issues that border on administration of tertiary education in Nigeria.

How do you assess Nigeria tertiary education system?

Nigerian educational system is advancing tremendously with more tertiary institutions, improved educational curriculum, more quality lecturers, improved infrastructural development, more students' enrollment but the funding is not adequate especially universities and other tertiary institutions owned by state governments

There is still room for improvement especially with the on going reforms in the educational sector.

You have been on the leadership saddle of Abia State University, Uturu for over four years now, what has been the journey so far?

The journey has been a challenging one with hiccups here and there, but to God be the glory we have been able to surmount all difficulties to the benefit of all the stakeholders.

In terms of infrastructural developments our achievement is considered a revolution hence Governor T. A. Orji of Abia State equivocally said “I state without equivocation that the administrators of this institution  Abia State University have surpassed our expectations of them and we are indeed proud of their achievements”

We have built and furnished edifices for the new Faculty of law, new Faculty of Environmental Studies (ETF), Six-Rooms Guest House at the University Staff Quarters, constructed ultra-modern wood workshop for Works Department, constructed a Medical Diagnostic laboratory, construction of the Computers Training Centre with full installation of computers   among others,

While the administration has constructed and  tarred six of the University major internal roads network as well as construction of beautiful and ultra modern pedestrian walk ways round the university campus with car parks in all the major faculties and schools.

We have also succeeded in reconstruction, re-roofing, renovation and painting of most buildings in the university as well as PVC ceiling of various faculties building and lecture halls.

Our developmental strides also benefited the University Campus at Umuahia the International Secondary School, Uturu, ABSU Staff Schools in Umuahia and Aba.

The administration received kudos in boosting water and electricity supply within the university community and it's environ.

As a strategic measure to ensure improved revenue generation for the University, the administration bought and planted 5,000 suckers of plantain and banana suckers respectively and 3,500 pineapple suckers and constructed a commercially visible fish pond at Uturu campus.

Landscaping of the entire University campuses at Uturu and Umuahia, installation of barricades round the campuses to prevent abuse of the lawns, regrassing of the University ground both Umuahia and Uturu campuses and restoration of sanity in the University environment by use of walk  ways so as to avoid abuse of lawns and littering of the University environment

What do you consider as your greatest challenges and achievement?

My greatest challenge is poor funding, the monthly statutory allocation to the University by Abia State Government is N100,000,000. = while the University    wage bill is over N160,000,000.00 The implication is that on monthly basis, the University has to look for extra N60,000,000.00 to meet up her salary and wages  obligation.  It is even more worrisome now that the new improved salary structure for University workers as recently approved by NUC. If the new salary structure as approved by NUC is implemented by the university, the university will be paying over N250,000,000.00 monthly as salaries, it behooves that with the state monthly grant of N100,000,000.00 The University administrators will now source for over N150,000,000.00 monthly to argument its monthly statutory obligations to the workers.

My greatest area of achievement is in term of improved academic development in which within the period 23 programme of the university received NUC full accreditation status, 32 eminent lecturers were made professors, an ultra modern E-Library with about 400 internet complaint desktops and laptops was established, Institute for Arts and Science was established in the University academic programs and introduction Metropolitan Community College program Canada.

Others include introduction of MCQ examination for students that led to more comprehensive coverage of course content, objectivity and reliability of examinations interms of speed and accuracy in grading scripts, prompt release of results, early participation of students in NYSC scheme and protection of students from exploitation and abuse among others.

Despite these your giants stride achievements, the leadership of the university alumni association accused you of gross corruption and recklessness in financial appropriation, what prompted this and why do you think there allegations are false?

All over the world there are fundamental essences of Alumini associations.  It is in all time responsibility of any responsible Alumini to “give back” to his or her Alma mater.  This onerous responsibility could be expressed in any of the following areas.  Endowments, donations, attracting local and foreign linkage programmes, construction of hostel blocks, supply of journals and other learning aids, presentation of public lectures and outright financing.

Alumini should remain worthy ambassadors of their Alma mater wherever they find themselves and whatever their circumstances.

Regrettably, some misguided members of the Abia State University Alumini Association with morbid craze for leadership position have failed to appreciate the sacred role and responsibilities entrusted on Alumni Associations as veritable agent in the growth and development of their institution.

Simply, because I stopped them recently from further collection of N1,000 levy per a graduate which for years they have been collecting and without ploughing back same to the University they claimed they are the Alumni leaders.

Besides, the interim leadership has a constitutional lifespan of 6 months but has since over stayed for more than 3 years which have instigated inter chapter disagreements, power tussle, court cases and alleged gross abuse of office.

Available records indicate that the present leadership of the Association has collected N9,122,378.35 as dues paid by graduating students but has done practically nothing with the money.

Therefore, the suspension of further remittances by the university to the Association is the major grouse.

The allegations against my administration are false, the state government has investigated and found the entire allegations as false, the university external auditors have equally given the administration clean bill as the most financially prudent state government owned establishment.

To further justify that the accusations are baseless efforts to coerce the University administration into being agent of selfish exploitation, the university has received series of local, national and international awards.

The university has been adjudged as the Best State University in West Africa by the West African Students Union (WASU) with headquarters in Ghana based on her students friendly disposition, prudent management of resources, infrastructural development, conducive environment for learning and research, academic excellence, environmental transformation and industrial peace and harmony.

Furthermore, the university has equally being voted in as the Best Managed State University in Nigeria by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) among other credible and prestigious awards.

By next weekend the University will conduct her 20th convocation ceremony and two eminent personalities  IG Okechukwu Ogbonna Onovo and President Yoweri  Museveni of Uganda have been selected for the University Honorary Doctorate Degrees, what have these personalities contributed in educational endeavour that prompted given them the University PHD?

These individuals are world class personalities in all endeavors and they have paid their dues in terms of sustainable peace and stability as well as human capacity building.

Finally who is Prof. Mkpa Aku Mkpa and how would you love to be remembered?

Prof. Mkpa Aku Mkpa is a 1977 educational curriculum graduate of University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), one time Head of Department, one time Dean of Faculty, former Commissioner for Education-Abia State, a humble man of intellectual prowess who hails from Abiriba in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.  A disciplinary with good Christian family upbringing.  A sociable soul with meek of human kindness.

I wish to be remember for my meagre contribution in reforming the world through infrastructural developments and human capacity building moreso my positive in puts in ABSU since I assumed office as the 5th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University on 1/12/2005 as I have less than 9 months to vacate the enviable but challenging position. My mission and vision in ABSU are to leave positive foot prints for history and posterity to vindicate.

My role model in life is Governor T. A. Orji of Abia State; the man has a large heart with transformational people oriented agenda. ###

Gokana Boils Over Alleged N10m Shell Largesse

The sum of Ten Million Naira (N10m) allegedly provided by SHELL to Khana, Tai, Eleme and Gokana Local Governments after a stakeholders’ meeting with Governor Amaechi at Government House, Port Harcourt has ignited trouble in Gokana.

Gokana representatives at the meeting called to discuss the way forward for the cleaning of the environmentally polluted Ogoniland by UNEP are alleging that they have been shortchanged in the sharing of the largesse.

One of them who spoke to National Network on condition of anonymity, said the 30 people that represented the area in the meeting were given only a paltry twenty thousand naira (N20,000) each, and wondered what the rest of the money was used for.

He had reckoned that the money would be shared equally among the four local governments, but he was taken aback when each of them was given N20,000 out of the whole money.

They are now alleging that Ogoni people in government have cornered the N10 million to their detriment.

They however, warned that they would not take it kindly with those holding on to it, insisting that it should be released for equitable distribution to the four local government councils.

They told National Network that they were determined to bring the matter to the attention of the governor, who they said will not like the development.###

Fed Govt Approves N19b For Post-Amnesty Projects…Reassures On Implementation

The Federal Government has concluded arrangements to spend about N19 billion on land reclamation and shore line projects in the Niger Delta. Acting President Goodluck Jonathan directed that the projects should not have any political undertone. Bearing any unforeseen delay, it was gathered Jonathan wants the contracts executed in four weeks time.

The decision was reached at the steering council meeting on Niger Delta amnesty last week at the Presidential villa.

The meeting, which was presided over by the Acting President was attended by the governors of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Delta and the Deputy Governor of Ondo States. Others include the ministers of finance, Niger Delta Affairs, and Environment.

According to the Senior Special Assistance to the Acting President on media and publicity, Mr Ima Niboro, who spoke to reporters said the fund will be coming from the special fund set aside for the dredging of lower River Niger.

The government, he noted, decided to channel the fund to land reclamation and shoreline projects after meeting with governors, who were mandated last week to seek the opinion of the communities on what is their immediate requirement.

The presidential aide said the decision to use the fund for land reclamation and shoreline protection was a consenus.

He also revealed that it is after these areas have been well protected and land adequately reclaimed that the issue of dredging of the lower Niger Delta area would come up.

In a related development, the Federal Government has reiterated its determination to implement the amnesty to a logical conclusion.

The Acting President represented by Mr Alaowei Ekiye,said this at the Ijaw National Day Celebration in Yenegoa, the Bayelsa State Capital.

Jonathan said the Federal Government will key into the amnesty and come up with a structural programme.

He also hinted that the deral government is determined to develop all rural areas of the region.###

Police Arrest Health Commissioner In Rivers … “I Was Not Arrested”

The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Samson Parker has allegedly been arrested in Port Harcourt.

His arrest is said to be as a result of the shoddy job being done at the site of the Rivers State Mega Hospital Project awarded to Clinotech Group, Canada.

It is alleged that despite the huge amount of money paid so far, amount said to have fallen far below the work done, the foundation of the hospital has not been laid.

Over 100 expatriate engineers were said to have arrived the site, but some of them have reportedly started going back to their countries following the inability of the contractor to pay them.

The Mega Hospital, which site is opposite Airport Junction and close to the proposed new UST site, sources said should have taken off fully, unfortunately, it is yet to take off from the ground.

Governor Amaechi was said to have been shocked when he visited the site and saw what was on ground, considering the amount paid to the contractor.

National Network gathered that the Health Commissioner may have been reprimanded by the governor over the shoddy job.

Unconfirmed report said the commissioner was arrested by the police over the matter and questioned.

However, in a telephone interview, the commissioner of Health, Dr Samson Parker denied ever being arrested by the police.

This is what he told National Network in a telephone conversation: “I was not arrested. When I heard that I was arrested I called the commissioner of police and said old boy, I wouldn't come to your office again. People are calling me to say I was arrested, just because I came to your office.”

Meanwhile, the MD of the contracting firm handling the projects was arrested.###

Book Launch: Journalist Commended

The Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Kingsley Chinda has commended Mr Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor of PH Spectator Newspaper for complementing the effort of the ministry on its crusade to ensure clean environment in the State and entire nation.

Barrister Chinda made the commendation while speaking during the public presentation of a book entitled “Tips for clean, Health Environment for schools and Homes”. Written by Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor at Ernest Ikoli press centre Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

Barrister Chinda who lauded the author for his brilliant performance stressed the need for clean environment in the society.

According to him, while the State Government is doing its best to ensure clean, healthy environment in the State some members of the public were busy dumping refuse indiscriminately along the streets and warned against such act.

Barrister Chinda who was represented by Barrister Macus Leton, the Special Assistant to the Commissioner urged the members of the public to always imbibe the culture of cleanliness as to prevent disease in the society and advised that the book should be circulated to all parts of the States and the nation.

Earlier in his speech, Mr Isaac Ikoro a part time lecturer in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology who chaired the occasion expressed his profound gratitude for the author initiative for writing the book especially at a time when the State and nation were in need of clean environment noting that the author has made an indelible land mark not only for the academicians but for the entire nation and enjoined every one to patronize the author by buying the book as to enable him produce more copies.

Reviewing the book, Mr Isaac Ikoro who acted on a dual capacity disclosed that the book is all about good health, the need for proper care of our environment and commended the author for doing a marvelous job.

He further explained that the green colour signifies flying colour and that the book is divided into two parts, the first part containing seven chapters while the second part is made up of eleven chapters making a total of one hundred and sixteen pages.

In his speech, Mr Opaka Dokubo, chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State chapter commended Mr Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor for making the NUJ Rivers State chapter proud and advised him not to relent in his good work rather should write more books.

Unveiling the book, Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu the Trade Union Congress Chairman (TUC) Rivers State chapter who is the Chief launcher of the occasion commended the author for writing the book.

Comrade Onuegbu who was represented by comrade Mbata noted that the day was the beginning of success of the author and commended the author for writing the book.

In his responce, Mr Emeka Jilly Ejiowhor the author of the book thanked God for making the day a success despite challenges that confronted him during the publication of the book.

He further disclosed that the book advocates for clean environment in the society adding that it is his contribution to the nation towards clean environment.

He commended Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi the Governor of Rivers State for his developmental stride in all parts of the 23 local government areas of Rivers State.

He also lauded Barrister Kingsley Chinda, the Rivers State Commissioner for Environment and Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro, the chairman, Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority (ESEA) for ensuring clean environment in the State and thanked all who graced the occasion.###

State  of  the  Nation: Northern Agenda on Course  --Apostle Eugene Ogu

By Womah Josiah Ugo

The former chairman of Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and Founder/General Overseer of Abundant Life Evangelical Mission (ALEM) International, Apostle Eugene Ogu has condemned the manner in which some selfish politicians and business merchants are turning the destiny of the country into their personal interest, especially the northerners who believe that the fate of this blessed country must be determined by them.

Apostle Ogu made this declaration recently when some journalists visited his office to speak on the state of the nation. He said, the truth must be told by Nigerians and to Nigerians as it is the basis for good relationship with God Almighty.

Hear Apostle Ogu. “Time has come when all the South-South should rise up and speak in one voice and take over from the northerners, because they believe that they are the only section of the country that must be in Aso Rock. No hand or hands has the authority to change the writing of God on the South-South. Those who think that without them no Nigeria, shall one day be put to shame.”

Speaking further, the man of God said, there was no reason why PDP-led government would not allow her fellow PDP member to rule the country, commending the National Assembly for her bold step in making Goodluck Jonathan the Acting President but solicited for the impeachment of Yar'Adua in order to give Acting President Goodluck Jonathan the power to take over as the president of the country.

The ex-chairman of PFN regretted that the man we call our president should be smuggled into the country like thief in the night. He asked the rational behind the refusal of the vice taking over the presidency just because he is not a northerner.

On the issue of Rivers State, the man of God said in most of the States in the nation there are visible changes, because no man can change the hands of God, Gov Amaechi has done well and no can interrupt God's blessings.###

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