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The Role of Sound Christian Theology (1)

By Rev (Barr) Faraday Iwuchukwu

The challenges of the 21st century are multi-faceted and obviously startling as far as our Nation, Nigeria and indeed the world are concerned. Our beloved and only country, Nigeria is in dire need of rebranding socially, intellectually, spiritually and politically using sound Christian theology and Christian theologians as potent channels, and agents for a holistic transformation. This as a matter of fact demands relevance, currency and proper utilization of theology to enforce this highly needed Rebranding of Nigerian society in particular.  The role of sound Christian theology in Rebranding Nigerian society as a topic offers us four operative words namely: (1) Role (2) Sound Christian Theology (3) Rebranding (4) Nigerian Society. This fact leads us to consider Role as the usage, utility, activity or part performable for achieving a set goal.

Sound Christian theology compels us to distinguish sound Christian theology from any other reactionary theology.

Rebranding demands our asking question on whether there had been an existing brand that would give credence to Rebranding and in this context referring to Nigerian society's components such as morals, economy, politics, religious, intellectual, cultural, professional leaders and the needed mandate for good governance, applicable-workable, relevant laws and legal framework, institutional attitudes, infrastructures and structures, followership and leadership with the needed instrument of such Rebranding of our disturbed society. The very change and transformation we need must as a matter of crucial importance and urgency go deeper than just social renovation or reformation of Nigeria's citizens, institutions including the three arms of government such as the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Theology indeed is the only remaining but potent weapon for a change that is holistic. Let us try using sound Christian theology and sound Christian theologians as powerful vessels.

This candid submission of mine is necessary because at this Golden Age of Nigeria (50yrs after political independence) Nigeria so enormously blessed with mineral and human resources seems to have refused to grow, act, and live as an adult. As Nigerians, we seem to be aliens to or too young to become appropriately and positively progressive in most of our practices and attitudes. Can we become wiser and better after 50years of our political freedom from British colonialists?

What is indeed the life span of a Nation or country that can enable us to determine whether we have improved or not?

Is our relevance based on how old we are post-independence or how great and purposefully progressive we have been?

Are our dwindling economy and extreme hardships despite our surplus natural and human resources not disturbing enough to force us to engage and use sound Christian theology and sound Christian theologians for a positive change in our attitudinal ways of life in both public and private? Have wee not seen the negative effects of persistent short-cuts, praise singing for confused and corrupt political leaders whose access to politics is the only means of access to treasury looting? Few kinder politicians showcase and even publish severally what they had possibly done infrastructurally (as if we elected or selected them to be construction contractors) but they hardly would tell us and publish or showcase the billions and trillions of our collective wealth they had personally looted and kept far away from our scrutiny or knowledge. Our society is becoming more restive and uncomfortable with the present outrageous senseless jumbo salaries, allowances and embezzlement of public funds in the name of political leadership from tenures to tenures with some trappings of idolatric practices and syncretism or demonism. (Please refer to my articles on idols and idolaters as political leaders)

The inspired scriptures must be used by sound Christian theologians to engage in the positive actions using the sound homilectical and hermeutical approaches to put this needed Rebranding in its proper perspective in our modern Nigerian society to serve as legacies for our future

Theology and Theologians:

The word “Theology” is presently used both in broad and narrow senses. It is derived from two Greek words  “theos” and “logos.” The word “theos” is a reference to God and word “logos” refers to “discourse” and “doctrine”. In a narrow sense theology is defined as the “Doctrine of God” while in a broader sense the term now has the concept of all Christian doctrines not just only specific doctrines of God but all the doctrines that deal with or in reference to God and his sustaining of the universe. In Latin, God is translated “Deus”. Theology therefore is defined as the science that studies God and all that relates to God including religion and morals. At this point I must state that religion is not per se theology. Christian theology has many branches such as Ascetical (deals with training in virtues); Dogmatics which deals with the formation of doctrines and morals or man's behaviour in the light of his final destiny; mystical which deals with the contemplation of man's union with God as known by the light of human reason; Pastoral- which deals with the care of souls and Positive theology- which deals with the revealed truth and a particular form or system of religious teaching and practice Hence Christian theology is concerned with the facts and principles of the Bible and God. Can God be defined? Can theology be really defined? What exactly is meant by definition?

Cicero once stated “est definitio earum, rerum,   qua aunt ejua reu propriae quam definure volumus, brevis et circumscripta aquadam explicato” (Deoratore 1.42,189 edit Leipzeg 1850 P. 54). Translated, the above quotation means that “in this sense, God can't be defined. No creature much less man can know all that is proper to God and therefore no creature can give”. To my mind definition goes by stating its characteristics, genus and specific differences, analyzing the idea as it lies in our minds and by an explanation of the term or same thing. The moment we attempt to define God, what is meant is that we can also analyze  the ideas of God as they lie in our minds-or that we can state the class of beings to which he belongs and the attributes by which he is critically distinguished from all other things or beings. Our living God is a SPIRIT, ALIVE, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice goodness and truth. This indeed is the only true and complete attempt of defining God. Hence sound Christian theologians do use these terms more so in scholastic bearings.

Huge Parking Fines

Inspired Parking Watch App

Massive parking fines inspired one Australian man to create an iPhone app that lets users warn each other when parking officers are spotted lurking near their cars.

"The idea was pretty much born out of frustration," said Joseph Darling of "ParkPatrol," the app developed by his Sydney-based firm to help users avoid tickets that cost what he said was at least $82 Australian ($81) a shot -- and often more.

"I could show you a list of maybe 20 to 30 parking tickets that I had last year, in my town, just by being a normal driver. I must have spent thousands of dollars."

The final straw came when he was ticketed in his own neighborhood despite a parking permit that he pays hundreds of dollars for each year.

The app lets users "sign in" and report sightings of parking officers with a single push of a button. Cartoon faces wearing a police cap then appear plotted on a map of the area, along with a notice thanking them.

The app will also alert users if a parking officer is spotted in their area and how close. Notification options for 500 meters (1,640 ft), 200 meters and 100 meters are available.

The free app is available in English, German, Spanish, Portuguese and French. Roughly 80 percent of users are in Australia, but it is also used in England, Spain, France and Germany, Darling said.

"With an active community, it's pretty accurate. We reckon around 90 percent," he added.

Future versions, currently being finished, will include an alert function for when parking time has expired. The company is also finalizing an Android version.

Next on the drawing board? A similar app that allows women to report sightings of handsome men.

"Rubbish hotel" booked up for tourism fair

Celebrating a tourism fair staged this week to promote Spain's biggest industry is a new hotel in central Madrid whose maker freely admits is rubbish.

German sculptor H.A. Shult used 12 tonnes of recycled junk to build the hotel in central Madrid's Callao Square and draw attention to the amount of flotsam spoiling Europe's beaches.

"We must know and we must understand that the oceans are the biggest garbage dumps of the world," Schult told Reuters.

His Corona Extra Save the Beach Hotel opened its doors on January 19 and operators say its five double rooms have been fully booked for the four days in which it will be taking guests.

"The world is a hotel and so as a parable, I show the world as a hotel, and this world we only have rented and we have to realize that we in this time fill up the whole world with garbage," Shult said outside the hotel.

Schult has been getting support from some pretty famous patrons, including Danish model Helena Christensen -- who has spent a night in the hotel -- French explorer Alexandra Cousteau and jewelry designer Jade Jagger.

Court confiscates 3 tons of mammoth tusks

Russian authorities have confiscated three tonnes of mammoth tusks from a criminal gang which tried to smuggle them out of the country.

The court office of the northern city of St. Petersburg said on Thursday that it had confiscated some 64 full and 14 reconstructed tusks, but would not say when.

A small group of criminals has been involved in smuggling tusks and bones from the extinct beasts across Russia's borders since 2004, the court said in a press release.

The court said that the tusks come from a species of mammoth that once inhabited the Siberian Sakha Republic, also known as Yakutia. The tusks have survived thousands of years in the permafrost that covers vast part of the region.

In parliament, the ties have it

A left-wing member of German parliament disciplined for refusing to wear a neck-tie defended himself on Friday by saying most of his constituents don't wear ties either.

Andrej Hunko, an MP for the Left party, and Greens party MP Sven-Christian Kindler were relieved of their duties as recording secretaries after they ignored demands by parliament leaders to wear neckties while sitting on the president's dais.

"I'm a freely elected representative and don't represent the Bundestag," Hunko, who wears a blazer, told German radio. "It's an expression of hierarchy. I don't want to isolate myself from my voters. Most of them don't wear a neck-tie either."

MPs are not required to wear ties in parliament but they are obligated to wear them when they sit on the president's dais in front of parliament -- and can be seen on television.

The controversy came to a head on Thursday after another Left Party MP assigned to replace Hunko, Alexander Suessmair, strode to his post as a recording secretary without a tie.

Suessmair was quickly removed from the position next to parliament president Norbert Lammert. He was replaced by another Left party colleague Agnes Alpers. She wore a blazer and a red tie around her neck.

The sartorial debate started in December when secretaries' chairman Jens Koeppen of Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservative Christian Democrats sent a letter to deputies requiring men to wear a tie and jacket.

Braving the cold for taste of commando life

Over a thousand South Korean civilians braved sub-zero temperatures around the country to take part in boot camps run by a special commando unit, hoping to get into shape and improve their self-discipline.

The boot camps, which run for three days and have been held since 2003, are aimed at "educating" civilians about national security in a country that shares a heavily-armed border with North Korea, which in November shelled a South Korean island near their shared sea border, killing several civilians.

About 250 people, including some high school students, took part in the boot camp at Bucheon, just west of Seoul, one of six run around the country.

Instead of staying warm at home during their winter break, participants wearing camouflage dragged parachutes, underwent training in a tear-gas filled hut and took part in "flying fox" exercises from a wooden tower.

The cold was unforgiving, with temperatures hitting -10 C (14.00F) in Seoul and surrounding areas.

"It was very difficult from the beginning, my muscles ached and it hurt a lot," said 18-year-old Kim Myung-jin.

"But I trusted my trainers under the intense situations and sympathized with much of the soldiers' hard work."

South Korea has a mandatory conscription policy for men, who have to complete 24 months of military service between graduating from high school and turning 30.

The boot camps have been running since 2003 and 18,000 people have taken part. The oldest was a 49-year-old housewife, army officials said.

"The special commando's camp, which is an educational ground for national security for civilians, is a good motivation to feel the importance of the country," said Lieutenant Colonel Kim Jong-tak.

"After the training, we expect them to live life with hope and challenge themselves, rather than feeling abandoned and frustrated, while thinking about the camp slogan: 'Make the impossible possible.'"

Some participants said the training had in fact changed their outlook on life.

"Once I get out of here, I will be good to my mother. I will be good to my mother and father and willingly help them," said 15-year-old Woo Seung-yeon.

Dracula goes dry as new drink rules bite

Guests at the Istanbul premiere of a new vampire film were among the first victims of new curbs on alcohol that have raised secularist fears Islamic strictures may be encroaching on everyday life.

The rules, announced earlier this month by the tobacco and alcohol watchdog, tighten up license requirements for serving alcohol, impose restrictions on alcohol marketing and limits sales to designated areas in stores.

But the move has revived secularist accusations that Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's government is interfering in people's lifestyles and imposing Islamic values.

The Ankara Bar Association -- part of a judiciary that has become a last bastion of Turkey's secularist old guard -- said it had lodged a challenge to the new regulations in the country's top administrative court.

"The aim of these regulations is not the public good, but to impose a new lifestyle on society," the Ankara Bar said in a court petition, obtained by Reuters.

The restrictions appeared to take hold at a comedy horror film loosely based around the Dracula story, "Sacred Demijohn Dracoola," which held its premiere on Wednesday evening.

The film's producer Senol Cengiz told Reuters the cinema had asked them not to serve alcohol for fear that they would be fined, and saw such measures further polarizing Turkish society.

"The government has promised more freedom and democracy but their actions have been signaling a contrary attitude," Cengiz said.

"It would be okay if we could believe these measures are really taken to protect kids, but it seems these are efforts to restrict lifestyles," he said.

NEWS

Chieftaincy Tussle In Egbu: Monarch Sues For Peace, Warns Contestants

By Amadi Gilbert

A peace forum was convened by His Royal Highness, Eze Monday Amaechi and his council of chiefs of Ozuzu Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State on January 7, 2011 at State School II, Egbu-Etche. It was convened to hear a chieftaincy tussle between Mr. Japhet Okere and Mr. Jonathan

Nwachukwu both from Umuweze Egbu.

Addressing the public and the contestants, Eze Amaechi, the Onyeisi Agwuru I of Ozuzu Clan said the purpose of the forum was mainly for talks to bring about peace in the clan and to reconcile aggrieved persons, adding that without peace, there cannot be progress or development in any community and appealing to all

to remain calm.

The royal father disclosed to the public that the reason why all had gathered was the issue of chieftaincy which had to do with seniority between Umueleazu and Umuigwe Communities in Umuweze, and added that he would be the happiest person if the truth would be told.

Testifying, Elder Stephen Agogom, Onyeisi Ala Egbu

said that, Umueleazu and Umuigwe are of the same mother and father.

This was supported by elder Amadi Chikee while Elder Anthony Ikenna, on a different side narrated that, Umuweze got married to two wives who gave brith to six sons which make up the six communities in Egbu Umuweze namely Umueleazu, Umuigwe, Umuodikagbo, Umuohu, Umuwokoro and Umuwezirike, adding that, since Umueleazu now has the Ochimba II stool occupied by chief Celestine Ozoemene, Umuonu should produce the Mgbaragada instead of Umuigwe given that they are one.

In line with the views of elder Stephen was chief Dominic Ordu who agreed that Umuwueze gave birth to four sons and not six, and the same. Elder Paul Okere supported him on this.

these sons include: Umueleazu, Umuigwe, Umuahealino and Umuonu with different Offor holders and same way they share things, thus are not the same. Elder Paul Okere supported him on this.

On the contrary, Mr. Bekee Alexandar, Chief Celestine Ozoemene (Ochimba II) Elder Edmond Ordu and Mr. Jonathan Nwachukwu were of the views that, they are from different kindreds except Comr. Jonas Okere who stated that Umueleazu and Umuigwe are same meaning that, Umuohu should now produce Mgbaragada and not Umuigwe. A one time acting chief, Ernest Okoro supported this view.

However, Mr. Okechukwu Nwachukwu who also had a contrary view on the matter said that the bone of contention was “sharing” and not  Mr. Jonahan Nwachukwu was coronated then, the issue of who becomes next chief would not have arisen.

brotherhood saying that the issue was before autonomy, and that autonomy cannot set back tradition or rubbish it. He regretted that, if Mr. Jonahan Nwachukwu was coronated then, the issue of who becomes next chief would not have arisen.

Accordingly, Eze Amaechi with the support of his council of chiefs warned the two contestants not to parade as chiefs till the case is concluded. He adjourned the matter indefinitely. But information reaching our news desk has it that Mr. Japhet Okere (contender) recently wrote a letter to suspend the Ochimba II of Egbu, Chief Celestine Ozoemene as Ochimba since he is of the same kindred with Mr. Jonathan Nwachukwu who is also contesting, either shift it to Umuohu and probably, give Mr. Jonathan Nwachukwu the Mgbaragada title. ###

2011 Election: Clergymen Task Stakeholders 

By Amadi, Gilbert

In order to achieve free and fair elections come 2011, clergymen, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, the general overseer of the Royal House of Grace, Port Harcourt and Senior Pastor Maduabuchi Phil (Aka: Okunaerere) of Adoration Family Ministries, Port Harcourt have tasked stakeholders on proper voters registration and voting for people of their choices who would contribute to the upliftment of their lives and usher in dividends of democracy in the nation.

Addressing airport correspondent at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa recently, Apostle Zilly Aggrey lauded the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the just concluded primaries, describing it as decent, and organized. He said that improvement has been recorded unlike in past years, given which position there is hope for the nation.

He also stated that his interest in the primaries was not the victory of Dr. Jonathan, but the way and manner the election was followed and concluded, adding that, when the High Court restrained the National Chairman of the party, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, a motion was moved and adopted giving room for an acting chairman, meaning that PDP can now respect the court. “It is a clear indication that Nigerians are tired of rigging, manipulations and election malpractices” he said, appealing to all to register and vote wisely.

Similarly, Senior Pastor Maduabuchi also appealed to Nigerians to register, follow their votes and make sure that they are counted and true results announced.

He also opined that for an effective 2011 election to be and can only be easy through prayers, fasting and sensitization.

achieved, there was need for a spiritual control because such control overrides the physical control and can only be easy through prayers, fasting and sensitization.

He condemned indecency of all kinds, saying that, he believes in modesty and encourages such. But he said, on the contrary that ones dressing mode does not matter and cannot lead him or her to either hell or heaven, rather what the person has in mind judges, he stated.

On churches preaching prosperity before salvation, he said that when the church has prospered, the people in the church should also prosper because without prosperity, no paying of tithe and other offerings or services which will also lead to salvation, is guaranteed, appealing to members to work harder because “the idle brain is the devil's workshops”. ###

NBA To Set Up Prosecution Team

By Amadi, Gilbert

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN) has said that all arrangements have been concluded to set up a prosecution team that would help to sanitize the forthcoming April 2011 election throughout the country.

Dropping the hints with airport correspondents at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omegwa, Rivers State

recently he said that would be done in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) so as to curb the menace of electoral malpractices.

 He said although the NBA has not got any security agents, but that with the help of the nation's law enforcement agents and “good activities” there would be success. He also stated that in addition to the ates where all election matters would be treated accordingly.

prosecution team, complaints centres would be set up across the states where all election matters would be treated accordingly.

He used the medium to congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Goodluck  Jonathan on his victory at the just concluded Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries, urging voters in Nigeria to always vote wisely.

On the issue of high fees at the Law School, he advised parents and the public to see it as a challenge, putting into consideration peculiarities of the profession and salaries paid to lecturers.

On electoral cases lasting long before judgment, he said that, going by the just concluded primaries, no one should expect that to happen again as politicians should learn to accept defeat and possibly shake and congratulate winners and learn.

Rivers/Akwa-Ibom Oil Conflict: Court Fixes March 18 For Judgment

By Amadi Gilbert

The case between Rivers and Akwa Ibom States on the issue of oil well was heard on Tuesday 11th January 2011 at the High Court, Abuja.

Addressing airport correspondents at the Port Harcourt Airport Omeagwa recently, the former Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barr Ken Chikere said the case was heard as first instance, with the court exercising her original jurisdiction.

He said people who were peddling rumours that Rivers people had lost the case and Governor Rotimi Amaechi should sack him should also listen and do a follow up, adding that he did not attend the court as the commissioner

of justice or whatever but as a citizen a and lawyer who also is an indigene.

He said, the case has never, one day been struck out because, if it has been struck out, there would not be need to hear it, let alone fix March 18, 2011 for judgment. According to him, there is hope that Rivers people will win.

He also used the forum to inform the public that there was no controversy on his victory as rumoured by people, and that he beat his rival,  Hon. Igo Aguma by 103 votes to 93, while the third among them had only one vote. He also stated that his election was not impersonated because there was accreditation before voting and that the election was by open secret ballot.

He said those peddling such news are drowning men

who have no vision  and focus, adding that he is going to prosecute his victory under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the general election.###

Fake Corpers, PDP Members Recruited as Voter Registration Officers

Professor Atahiru Jega's promise to Nigerians that he would deliver free and fair election may not come to pass with the hitches that have characterized the current voters' registration exercise throughout the country.

The INEC chairman's headache for now, however may not only be the avoidable hitches, but the alleged discovery that fake corpers and PDP members were recruited as voters' registration officers in

Rivers State.

National Network had before receiving the report on fake registration officers, gathered that the voters, registration exercise which began Saturday 15 January, was marred by incompetent INEC registration officials, malfunctioning machines and late arrival of registration materials.

In some of the centres visited in Rivers State, people who came to register inundated National Network with complaints of staying long in the queue,

machines not working and inefficiency of the registration officers.

With the discovery of the alleged fake registration officials, especially in Rivers State, insinuations were rife that some of the hitches may have been deliberately orchestrated.

It was for this reasons that INEC is called upon to monitor the registration exercise very carefully if it does not want the forth coming general election to be messed up and the N87 billion earmarked for it went down the drain.###

Set Up Election Offences  Courts Now -  Okah

Former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and ACN House of Representatives candidate for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency Mr Emma Okah has called on the Federal government of Nigeria to speedily set up Election Offences Courts to try persons accused of election offences in Nigeria.

 Mr Okah said this yesterday shortly after addressing ACN supporters in Ward 4, in Emohua in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

 According to him, Nigeria is walking a tight rope in the journey to regain electoral glory and no effort should be spared to attain that goal. “There is need now for the federal Government of Nigeria to set up special election offences court. This court will be responsible for the trial of all the persons who will be involved one way or the other in the commission of election offences. That way, the message will be sent clean and clear to everybody involved, to every politician that it is no longer business as usual” he said, adding that those who disturb free and fair election processes should be brought to book no matter how highly placed.

 Mr Okah said the rampant incidents of snatching of electoral materials used for the ongoing registration of voters exercise is a disturbing signal which is eroding public confidence in the ability of INEC to conduct free and fair elections in April 2011. He urged Nigerians guard this last opportunity jealously and stand up for what is right as the time for impunity is over. “This is a time to say no to anything that will bring us back to where we were before 2011”, he said. ###

Sorrow, Tears In Ndele… As Man Kills Wife, Another

By Junior Prince Wiro

It was a sad week for the people of Egamene clan in Ndele Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State as a man fondly called Ebi a native of Bayelsa State that resides in Egamene clan in Ndele allegedly slaughtered a resident of Egamene three days  after he allegedly matcheted his Rumukpe wife to death.

Sources hinted  this publication  that the slaughtered  victim known as secret  (nick name) came out from his house in the weehours of the day to urinate, unfortunately the said Ebi started slaughtering him with matchet but fleed when natives heard secret screaming and rushed out of their house.

We learnt that the victim was rushed to the health centre in Ndele where he was reported dead on Wednesday 19th, January 2011

The suspected killer was reported to have allegedly killed his wife, a native of Rumukpe in cold blood on the 16th of January, 2011 for no concrete reason.

What would have warranted the Bayelsa native to allegedly murder his wife that had three children for him remains a mystery to native of Egamene clan in Ndele.

Speculations are that the wife was allegedly cheating on the husband and he had warned her on several occasions to desist from the illicit act of having an affair with other men but it all fell on deaf ears.

The source also alleged that, on that fateful day the husband trailed her to the house of her male lover and came back to wait for her in the house with a well sharpened matchet.

Immediately she entered the house, he swoop on her and allegedly matcheted her to death and ran into the bush.

Some natives of Egamene when contacted condemned the unholy act.

As at press time the natives of Egamene clan have started combing all the bush and forest in search of the Bayelsa native. ###

RSIEC Warns Against Arbitrary Movement Of DDC Machines

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has warned communities and eligible voters in Rivers State against the movement of the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines from one registration unit to another.

In a statement issued by the RSIEC Commission and Civic education, Hon Nimi Walson-Jack, noted that, from available reports, community leaders and some influential personalities were pressurizing registration officials to move the DDC machines from designated registration areas to others whose DDC machines were yet to arrive.

Hon Walson-Jack warned that the DDC machines are unit specific, meaning that names registered with a specific machine would only appear and be displayed at the designated registration (voting) units.

The commission appealed to residents of the state who have attained the registration age of 18 years and above to patiently await their turns to register, irrespective of any challenge of logistics.

The commission assured that it was liaising with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that all machines meant for the exercise were delivered to the various designated units. ###

Provost FCE(T), Omoku Salutes Nigerians

The Provost of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Sir Doctor N. S. Oguzor (JP) has again appealed to all Nigerians both at home and in Diaspora irrespective of their tribes, political affiliations, sex or religion to collectively join hands for the peace, unity, progress and rapid development of the country to enable the nation move more forward like other developing nations.

Doctor Oguzor who made the appeal in his 2011 New Year Message, also called on those Nigerians whose trade in stock is always to tarnish the good image of the country to change for good this year as unnecessary castigating Nigerian leaders and painting the country black both at home and abroad is not the best but an act of wickedness and stupidity.

The Provost whose New Year Message was contained in a Press Release signed by the Public Relations Officer of the College, Prince Charles Amadike-Otoboh JP passionately urged the entire nation of fervently pray for a peaceful and credible 2011 general elections as well as the peace, unity, progress and good health of all Nigerians.

Doctor Oguzor who wished the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Doctor Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the Governor of Rivers State, Right Honourable Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Oba Eze-Ogbaland of Ogbaland, His Eminence, Eze Chukumela Nnam Obi the second, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo of Ekpeye Kingdom, His Majesty, Eze Robinson O. Robinson, members of the Federal Executive Council, members of the National Assembly, Heads of Tertiary Insitutions, members of the Press, Staff and Students of FCE (T), Omoku and indeed all Nigerians a prosperous New Year thanked the Almighty God for His mercies and blessings on the country last year.

He used the opportunity to call on all staff and students of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku to ensure that they register during the forth coming voters registration exercise to enable them qualify to vote for candidates of their choice during the forth coming general elections and subsequent elections.

Meanwhile, the Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku re-opened on Tuesday 4th January, 2011 for Administrative and Academic work after the Christmas and New Year break.

It would be recalled that the Management of the College on Wednesday 22nd December, 2010 temporarily closed the Institution to enable staff and students join their families to celebrate the Christmas and the New Year festivities.###

Rivers State Primary Health Care Board Underway …As Assembly Drills Nominees

By: Ken Asinobi

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 commenced screening on the list of nominees into the State Primary Health Care Board, earlier submitted to it by the state chief executive, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Those drilled at the floor of the house by the honorable members were Dr. Uriel Steven Etawo, Dr. Mrs. Ibitoroko George and Comrade Mr. Beatrice, the state Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Should the nominees scale through the Assembly huddles, Dr. Etawo would serve as the Chairman of the board while George, a laboratory pathologist and Beatrice who hails from Abua in Abua/Odual local government area of the state would both serve as members among others yet to be screened.

A third nominee, Mina Long-John who was billed to appear before the Assembly was 'excused' and would return at the next sitting on Thursday, as she rushed home to fetch her voters registration card, a mandatory requirement championed by House Leader, Hon. Chidi Lloyd.

The voter's registration card was the first question thrown at Dr. Etawo by Hon. Lloyd, and as if waiting for it, the medical doctor flashed it almost immediately.  He was then asked to recite the National Anthem which he did satisfactorily, having sung the first two stanzas.

Hon. Lloyd thereafter commended Dr. Etawo and described him as “a man of integrity”.

Earlier, the house had received the reports of the various committees mandated to review the 2011 Appropriation Bill.

Hon. Nyeche Ihunwo (Port Harcourt Constituency 3) who headed the House Committee on Public Accounts amongst others suggested an upward review of the allocation from half a million Naira to one billion.

“Timariv for instance should be well funded to function more effectively.  Their operations should not be limited to Port Harcourt City alone, as the law which created it requires the agency to reach all the nooks and crannies of the state” he stated.

The Assembly reconvenes on Thursday, 27/1/11 due to the public holiday declared in Rivers State on Wednesday, 26th January, 2011. ###

PDP Lawmaker At Loggerheads With Opponent Over Failed Lobbying Fee 

By Junior Prince Wiro

If information at our news desk is anything to reckon with, it might be correct to say that all is not well with Rivers PDP lawmaker representing Ahoada East constituency I, Hon. Ename Robison Ewor with an ACN chieftain in Ahoada East local government area over an alleged N5Million that was given to the ACN chieftain to stop the emergence of Goodluck  Ideozu as the CAN flagbearer in the just concluded ACN House of Assembly primaries .

Sources inside ACN revealed to us that the lawmaker is presently insisting that the ACN Chieftain who happens to be ex-PDP member should return his money back to him, since he didn't keep his own side of the bargain

We learnt that the ACN Chieftain allegedly threatened to expose the lawmaker if he continue to demand for the money. As at Wednesday 19th of January it was alleged that the PDP lawmaker mandated the agent that  brokered the failed deal with the CAN chieftain to prevail on the CAN chieftain to return his money.

Information emanating from Ahoada East Local Government is that the PDP lawmaker, who is also the flagbearer of PDP in Ahoada East constituency I is allegedly not comfortable with emergence of Goodluck Ideozu as the ACN flagbearer possibly due to the backing the ACN flagbearer would enjoy from his brother HON. O. C. Ideozu who was a former House of Representatives member and former commissioner of finance under Governor Amaechi Administration.

The source also alleged that Hon. Ename who is from Ako promised to rule for only one term and allow the Ahoada people to produce the next lawmaker but they were surprised when he declined on his initial promise.

Reacting to the information the PDP lawmaker Hon. Ename Robison Ewor in a text message said he did not know what National Network is talking about. ####

Andrew Uchendu Does Not Deserve A Third Term – Okah

ACN candidate for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency Mr Emma Okah has said that Hon Andrew Uchendu of the PDP  does not deserve  a third term as a member of the House of representatives because he has failed the people by not doing anything to help them in the past eight years. “The prize for failure in any examination is a repeat and if the repeat proves the worst result, then  the student who has repeatedly failed will be withdrawn from school”, he said,  noting that the time has come for the people to withdraw Hon Uchendu from the National Assembly, Abuja by voting against him in the forth coming elections. 

Mr Okah made this assertion while addressing party members the previous day in Emohua Town in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers state. 

According to Mr Okah, Hon Uchendu's eight years of representation in the House of Representatives is a waste as neither the people of Ikwerre nor Emohua LGAs have any benefit to show for the opportunity given to him. While lamenting absence of any constituency project in the area, Mr Okah said the people have been neglected and abandoned as they have no means of reaching a man they put their hope on, noting that the wide gap between the people and their Representative as well the absence of any constituency office anywhere in the constituency is a sign of failure.

Mr Okah who was received into the community with the traditional heavy gun (cannon) salute, thanked the people for the warm reception accorded him and his entourage and paid glowing tribute to Late Eze EJA Oriji and Chief Sergeant Awuse for their various role in promoting socio-political advancement of an Ikwerre man.

Speaking earlier, an ACN stalwart in the state Chief Mman Iberi welcomed Mr Okah and assured him of the support of the people of Emohua Community because it is better to choose a caring friend than to follow a selfish brother who sees only himself and his family and does not care about you. He challenged Hon Uchendu to prove what he has done in Ikwerre or Emohua LGAs for the people in the last eight years of being in the House of Representatives.

In his Speech, Mr Dandison Ogbonna, State ACN Ex-Officio urged the people of the area to support the party and vote for Mr Emma Okah in the forth coming election because he is competent and caring. He described Hon Uchendu's eight years' stay in the House of Representatives as a total failure and embarrassment to Emohua people. He noted that it is the turn of the Ikwerre LGA to occupy the House of Reps seat as no person from Emohua LGA including Hon Uchendu  has any moral right to that office. 

Also speaking the Ward Chairman, Mr Olarundah as well as the Women Leader Mrs Abigail Nathan also urged the people of Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs to vote for Mr Okah and challenged him not to forget the women after winning the elections.

Mr Okah also visited members of the party in Ward 3, Emohua where he addressed teaming party supporters.###

RSSDA Sends 50 Songhai Agro Trainees

To Government Planned Farm

By Polycarp Nwaeke

Fifty (50) out of the one hundred and five (105) Rivers indigenes sent to Songhai by the Rivers State Government two years ago to train as young Agro entrepreneurs were on Thursday 20th January, sent to work at the Songhai Rivers Project, a vast farm land being specially planned by the Amaechi-led administration for the purpose of developing agriculture in the state.

The remaining 54 or thereabout , according to Mr. Noble  Pepple, Executive Director /CEO, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), were distributed to  other regional farms in the state.

 Addressing the lucky trainees at its head office before their departure to the farm, the Executive Director charged them to work towards developing agriculture stressing that they were the new face of agriculture in the state.

He said the intention of His Excellency Governor Chibuike  Rotimi Amaechi in sponsoring the  programme was to  grow a crop of agro entrepreneurs  in the state who would become model for their peers, adding that the reason they were trained in Songhai was that they would come back and work in the Songhai  -Rivers  project being planned for improvement of agriculture.

While further charging them to remain the model they had been and show exemplary behavior at work, Mr Pepple informed them that everything required to make their stay at the farm successful for the two years they would work there had been put in place.

The RSSDA CEO said their work had been spelt out adding that they should work to support the Songhai experts who were already on the site to supervise them.

 Speaking to National Network before their departure to the farm, John 1 John, a trainee from Andoni said the training lasted a year and six months and was taken on poultry, fish farming, snailry, Rice   mill and Agro forestry. He told our reporter that he acquired enough know ledge to be able to start work on his own on the various aspects of Agriculture he was taught. He commended Governor Amaechi for the vision.

Ndubuisi O. George said he was taken on two minors, Agro-Forestry and snail farming and one major, Grass cutter. He said in the course of training he was able to learn that over ripped paw-paw could be used to feed snail, while snail's shell could be utilized in feed mils, and waste from grass cutter is used in Agro-forestry.

He told National Network that the training was a great experience and commended RSSDA and Rivers State Government for sponsoring it. ###

Voter Registration Exercise

Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Wife Register at Gream-ama, Okrika

…As Okrikans turn out enmasse

By Ken Asinobi

Dr. Abiye Precious Sekibo's quest to occupy the Rivers State Brick House in the forth coming April general elections began on a promising note on Friday, January 22 as the governorship hopeful and his pretty wife, Alali appended their thumb prints and obtained voters cards in the ongoing registration exercise.

At the arrival of the ACN flag bearer and his wife to Okrika, they were received by hundreds of supporters and party faithfuls from where they proceeded to the Olologbolo boot no. 4 in Ward 4, venue of the registration exercise.

The former Transport Minister who obtained his voters card at precisely 11.45 a.m told the cheering crowd that the needed change can only be realized through active participation in the exercise.

“I must say that I am really impressed with your turn out today, but I would want the rest of you to come out and register as this is the only way we can chase out this inept government that has been imposed on you” he stated.

Dr. Sekibo used the occasion to appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send more of the digital capturing machines to Okrika and other rural areas of the state.

“It appears to me that INEC underestimated the number of voters resident in the rural areas.  I noticed particularly that the Andoni and Ogoni people are having the problem of insufficient number of the capturing machines.   I appeal to INEC to send more machines to these places”.

Asked what his message was to the youths as the elections approach, the soft spoken Dr. Sekibo advised that any youth recruited by politicians to ferment trouble should resist such offer.

His words: “If they hire you to fight their opponents, tell them to call their sons and daughters to come and join you to carry out the fight”.

The ACN governorship candidate reiterated his earlier call on the INEC to consider an extension of the voters registration exercise, as according to him, “the enthusiasm is building up and more people are now registering.  If a little more time is added, we might be heading for the best voters registration ever”. ###

Delayed Registration:  Group Drags INEC To Court

Worried by the delayed voters' registration exercise in Asari Toru Local Government Area, a group which calls itself The Asalga Project Initiative (TAPI) has threatened a legal action against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) if it fails to extend the exercise in the area.

This was contained in a petition entitled, “Frustration and non-registration of voters' in the on-going voters' registration exercise in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State:   A call for urgent intervention, sent to the Chairman of the Commission.

In the petition which was signed by the co-ordinator of the group, Barr Ibiene Cotton Amachree and secretary, Daye West, the association frowned at the manner in which INEC is conducting the exercise in the  area.

The group alleged that Asalgans mobilized themselves to their various registration units to register, but could not be registered for three days due to non-availability of registration materials such as the Direct Data Capturing Registration Machines.

The petition reads in parts: “Our people look helpless in the face of this challenge and frustration. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has failed in its call to duty. The registration machines are nowhere to be found in the LGA and even the few painstakingly gotten ones seem not to be working. Going by the on ground information available to us, the worst and most annoying part of it is that the LGA ordinarily should also have at least two hundred and fifty electric  power cords/wires  to power the machines, but surprisingly as at today, even the electric cords/wire are not available for use. What was later surprisingly provided was only twenty-five (25) cords/wire out of the expected two hundred and fifty sent to the LGA, meaning the Local Government (Asalga) is short of two hundred and twenty-five (225) as at the time of this petition”.

TAPI observed that the action of the INEC is a calculated attempt to disenfranchise the people of the LGA, “which will in the long run deny them future benefits from government”.

The group demanded for the extension of the registration exercise to ensure the provision of more Direct Data Capturing Machines.

The association also pleaded with the people of Asalga to go to their various communities enmass to participate in the registration exercise. ###

Voter Registration Exercise : Dr. Abiye Sekibo, Wife Register at Gream-ama, Okrika

Dr. Abiye Precious Sekibo's quest to occupy the Rivers State Brick House in the forth coming April general elections began on a promising note on Friday, January 22 as the governorship hopeful and his pretty wife, Alali appended their thumb prints and obtained voters cards in the ongoing registration exercise.

At the arrival of the ACN flag bearer and his wife to Okrika, they were received by hundreds of supporters and party faithfuls from where they proceeded to the Olologbolo boot no. 4 in Ward 4, venue of the registration exercise.

The former Transport Minister who obtained his voters card at precisely 11.45 a.m told the cheering crowd that the needed change can only be realized through active participation in the exercise.

“I must say that I am really impressed with your turn out today, but I would want the rest of you to come out and register as this is the only way we can chase out this inept government that has been imposed on you” he stated.

Dr. Sekibo used the occasion to appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to send more of the digital capturing machines to Okrika and other rural areas of the state.

“It appears to me that INEC underestimated the number of voters resident in the rural areas.  I noticed particularly that the Andoni and Ogoni people are having the problem of insufficient number of the capturing machines.   I appeal to INEC to send more machines to these places”.

Asked what his message was to the youths as the elections approach, the soft spoken Dr. Sekibo advised that any youth recruited by politicians to ferment trouble should resist such offer.

His words: “If they hire you to fight their opponents, tell them to call their sons and daughters to come and join you to carry out the fight”.

The ACN governorship candidate reiterated his earlier call on the INEC to consider an extension of the voters registration exercise, as according to him, “the enthusiasm is building up and more people are now registering.  If a little more time is added, we might be heading for the best voters registration ever”. ###

RIVPA Calls  For Extension of Voter Registration

The Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to extend the registration of voters beyond January 29, 2011 to enable all eligible voters fulfill their civic responsibility and get the voters card.

A statement signed by the association's public relation officer, Iheanyi Ezinwo stated that the call was one of the resolutions reached at the RIVPA's general congress on Thursday January 21, 2011 at her secretariat in Port Harcourt, where members lamented the long time it is taking an eligible voter to get registered, including other technical and logistic problems that made it difficult for many willing voters to be registered even after they have repeatedly visited the registration centres close to them.

The statement acknowledged the deliberate efforts being made by INEC to respond to the challenges as they arise nation wide, urging eligible voters who are 18 years and above not to be discouraged by the observed lapses but to see the exercise as their civic obligation which must be fulfilled to enable them freely vote for candidates of their choice in the forthcoming general elections.

To enable civil servants and other eligible voters whose jobs may not allow them to be in the queue for a long time, and sometimes for more than one day before they are registered, the statement also suggested that the State government should consider the option of declaring a public holiday, adding that the voter registration exercise was such a serious national assignment that no sacrifice will be too much for the objectives to be achieved.###

Controversy in Rivers Assembly … As Minorities Confront Speaker Over Offices

  Tony Amadi

The Rivers State House of Assembly, hitherto a single party house must now come to terms with the tug and tussle that characterize multi- party assemblies, no thanks to the ill-organized PDP primaries in the state and allegations of imposition and disfranchisement of candidates, given which some assembly members have decamped from the PDP to other parties.

The first face off for the assemblymen to grapple with is that over the offices of minority assemblymen such as the minority leader and his deputy, as well as the minority whip and his deputy.

With assemblymen, Charles Befii Nwile, Uche Nnam Obi and others defecting from the PDP to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and other parties, there arises the need to recognize the offices of the minority members in the remaining months of the current legislative assembly.

This would have ordinarily followed a natural trend, but given the apparent hesitation of the speaker of the house, Rt. Hon.  Tonye Harry and the assembly PDP caucus, a controversy has brewed up which could further deplete the house beyond what blow the primaries have dealt on it. Assembly sources hint that the new faces of minority are not in any mood to compromise their constitutional rights, and have laced up for a battle royal with the speaker and his PDP colleagues.

It was reported that the speaker initially feigned ignorance of the defection of the minority assemblymen but when the ACN in the state officially notified the assembly, the speaker argued that there were other members who defected to parties other than the ACN. He however sought to keep silent over the matter, rather advising the decampees to have a rethink. He also refused to mention other people so involved, but notified that the CPC and the Labour party had written the assembly on the issue.

But the defected assemblymen and the ACN insist that the constitutional rights of the minorities must be upheld. Given this position, the state might   witness a restive assembly within the last four months of the assembly life span unless the right thing is done.

Several political observers have argued in favour of the implementation of the constitutional rights of the minority  members. According to them, whether it is only the ACN that makes up the minority or other parties are inclusive neither of the positions stops the rights of the minorities from being recognized.

Head or tail, the Rivers State House of Assembly simply has to accommodate the positions and views of the minority members, these observers say, even while the decampees are leaving no stone unturned in their  search for a constitutional equilibrium in the house.###

Amaechi Vs Asuu:  Lecturers in week-long Fasting, Prayers

Tony Amadi

Is the Academic staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Rivers State university of Science and Technology (RSUST) the only chapter in both federal and private universities across the 36 states of the federation yet to benefit from the agreement between ASUU and the federal government?

The foregoing question arose when the ASUU chairman in the institution, Dr. Felix Wigwe informed National Network of the chapter's intention to go spiritual of that could be a way out if their peculiar predicament.

With almost every conceivable approach applied by both sides to the institution's impasse without success, the striking lecturers in the school have taken their case to God in a week-long fasting and prayer session in search of a difference.

We hear that the lecturers are wondering what luck on earth has made them a forsaken group given the stance of the Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi not to accede to their demands and implement the agreement between the federal authorities and ASUU in the country.

The prayer session,     which took   off on Monday, January 24, 2011 will end on Sunday, January 30, 2011.

The union in the institution said it has become imperative to seek the face of God and His intervention in the ongoing impasse between it and the state government which it said is the only state government in Nigeria that has refused to accept and implement the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement.

ASUU in the state university wondered why the state government still refuses to implement the agreement while states which initially rejected   the agreement based on alleged non                                             availability of funds have now accepted and given dates for implementation, given which position union members in those states have all called off their strike, leaving the RSUST behind.

Dr. Wigwe expressed dissatisfaction over the action of the state government, pointing out that its refusal to implement the agreement is not based on non-availability of funds. He also pointed out that the difference between Governor Amaechi's package and ASUU's demand is very wide, stressing that the institution's lecturers would not be stupid to ask for the implementation of the agreement if it does not guarantee better working condition than what the governor claims he is currently offering.

The academic disclosed that the NEC of the union would sit next month and having embarked on a three-day warning strike in sympathy with affected institutions across the country earlier, would now take a position on the Rivers State situation. He described. ###

Group Condemns Imposition of Candidates ...Gives Reasons Why Maeba Should Continue

By Polycarp Nwaeke

The President of Uedum Movies Production of Ogoni (UMPOSTAR), Gokraist Godo Harvest has condemned the imposition of candidates on Ogoni people and gave reasons why Lee Maeba, Senator representing South East Senatorial District should continue to represent them.

Harvest told National Network that such imposition was not in the interest of Ogoni land, especially as it relates to Rivers South-East Senatorial District, stressing that it would cause discontinuity and put a stop to the good works Senator Lee Maeba has been doing in the Senate.

The UMPOSTAR President said the Bori State creation which Maeba has been championing and which had reached a climax, might be jettisoned on an account of the imposition and requested to know if the imposed candidate would continue with the fight.

Besides, other good things Lee has attracted to the Ogoni people because of his effective representation, according to him, may not come to the people any longer, while begging that the Senator should not be dropped.

Despite all that, UMPOSTAR President said it was wrong for the aggrieved Ogoni youths to have stoned Governor Amaechi and Abe during the Ogoni day celebration, and pleaded with the Governor to forgive them as it was not in their character to stone those in authority.

He said Ogoni people appreciate the good work the Governor was doing and called on him to take them along in his strides to build a new Rivers State.

The Ogoni Movie Production Star appealed to Ogoni Indigenes to come out en-mass and register during the voters' registration exercise.

Contributing, Dr Lawrence Osaro, UMPOSTAR adviser congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Amaechi  for emerging presidential and governorship flagbearers of PDP, while calling on the Governor to create job opportunities for the youths in his 2nd term. ###

Horror In Odua, Abua… As Man Kills Younger Brother

By Junior Prince Wiro

Tragedy struck in Kubo clan in Emago Village Odua, Abua in Rivers State when a man, identified as Imusu allegedly slaughtered his immediate younger brother, Egba over a  minor misunderstanding on the 23rd of January, 2011.

National Network sources in Odua, Abua hinted that the said  Imusu engaged his younger brother in a battle over alleged sabotage of a company's pipeline he is securing in their domain.

We learnt that as they were confronting, themselves, unknown to the younger brother   Imusu had already prepared for him.

The source revealed that  Imusu allegedly used axe on him and left him unconscious which resulted to the death of the younger brother.

Village sources explained to us that efforts to revive the deceased couldn't yield result.

Police source from the Emago police station confirmed the story. The source added that efforts are being made to track down the alleged killer.

As at the time of filing this report, the suspect couldn't be reached for comment. ###

Rivers House of Assembly Hopeful  Harps On Need For Voters Registration

As the voter registration exercise progresses, electorates have been passionately called upon to perform their civic right by ensuring  that they register before the end of the exercise .     This latest call came from   Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) flagbearer for Ikwerre constituency for the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Francis Chilam Dimpka (JP) recently at Elele in Ikwerre Local Government  Area while addressing members of the widows and orphans fellowship of St. James Anglican Church.

Hon Dimpka noted that the electorate ought to be more sensitized on the current one-man-one vote campaign

He argued that gone were the days when politicians imposed themselves on the people without seeking their support.

The ACN Ikwerre constituency flagbearer explained that it was high time widows and other less privileged ones in the society got equal treatment with other people.

He told newsmen that his visit to Elele was among other things to give hope to the down trodden in his aspiration to the Rivers State House of Assembly under the ACN.

When asked about his chances of winning at the April polls, he said his popularity in  Ikwerre ethnic nationality  and  beyond was enough sign of victory.

According to him, his anticipated victory will cement the gap between the rich and the poor, promising to  create an atmosphere to enable all air their views on any issue.

On the   alleged shake- up in the party, he said it was a platform to know those who truly believe  in the battle for change in Rivers State, adding that it will rather bring about courage to members.

Meanwhile,   the president of Widows and Orphans Fellowship (WOF), Mrs Helen Uguzor, has  reassured Hon  Dimkpa of their support, promising to always remember him in prayers. ###

As RIMA  Begins Disbursement Of Loans: …Management Warns Against Truancy , …Enjoins Recipients To See Governor Amaechi's Offer As Social Service, Not Free Gift

Chris Konkwo

The Rivers State Microfinance Agency (RIMA), is now positioned to begin the disbursement of loans to the enterprising indigent Rivers people with viable but challenged business activities in all the 23  Local Government Areas of the State. To facilitate a smooth take-off of the loans, the management of RIMA has concluded arrangements with the microfinance banks (MFB's) operating in the State and availed of them with soft loans to enable them open up offices in rural areas to achieve set goal.

Innocent Iyalla Harry, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RIMA dropped this hint while briefing the press in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

But it is not going to be business as usual, as the agency has put all measures in place to checkmate truancy, Mr Iyalla Harry further disclosed.

To benefit from Governor Amaechi's social service, recipients are expected to organize themselves into community based co-operatives and groups, akin to the GRAMEN model.

For a start, the agency, is targeting about 5,000 beneficiaries cut across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state (about 250 recipients each), with an average loan size of N50,000.00 each. The agency, according to the Chief Executive Officer has also concluded arrangements to ensure that recipients are properly trained prior to disbursement in addition to building a network of robust and compliance officers distributed to all the 23 LGA's.

The agency also intends to undertake a tour of all the Local Government Areas in the State to meet with chairmen/ward member and educate them on RIMA's activities.

And to ensure the overall success of the four year old agency, the management is also considering a number of options to put both recipients and RIMA staff on their feet which include reviewing the enabling law, to ensure that the law is always in tune with the dynamics of the agency's operations and exploring the possibility of creating a specialized court and, or ensuring that some courts are dedicated for speedy handling of RIMA recovery related issues etc.

It would be recalled that RIMA was created in 2008 through the microfinance Act No. 6 basically to enable the majority of the enterprising poor of Rivers State origin with viable but challenged business activity in the State achieve financial and economic independence to drive social development across the State.

While carrying out this assignment, RIMA is as well expected to be self-reliant with time in its operations to ensure long term sustainability.

To this end, RIMA under the leadership of Mr Innocent Iyalla Harry has set out to interface with relevant and support agencies within and outside the shores of Nigeria to deliver which include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) etc.

Mr Iyalla Harry was however quick to remind recipients to reciprocate Governor Amaechi's kind gesture by being serious and prudent with the use of the loans and to honour the terms of agreement including payment of the minimal interest rate promptly, stressing that the loans are not mere gifts so that others will also benefit.

The capital fund for the agency is N2billion for about 40,000 people. ###

ASUU- RSUST Council Face-Off:   Prof Tasie Sues For Calm, Proffers Solution…Urges Council To Stay Action On Resolution

Tony Amadi

In order to avoid complex and disastrous consequences in the wake of the two-week ultimatum given to ASUU in the Rivers State University of Science and Technology by the governing council of the institution, a former chairman of the institution's governing board, Prof Godwin Tasie has, most passionately appealed to all sides involved in the impasse in the school to sheathe their swords and talk things over just one more time.

In an open letter to the Rivers State Government, the RSUST governing council, ASUU, NASU of the institution and selected stakeholders and elder statesmen of Rivers State, the former VC of the University of Jos, who is also the Amadi-Orluwongwe VI of Nkarahia, Isiokpo in the Ikwerre LGA said: “I very passionately appeal to and very humbly beg the governing council of RSUST to stay action on the execution of its resolution intended to take effect from 28th January, 2011.

“I also appeal to ASUU and NASU to avoid anything whatsoever that can further provoke the council, including putting a hold on any publications and pronouncements whatsoever”.

Earlier in the letter, he wrote, “The Rivers State Government should, on its part, this one more time fully allow the council to do its statutory duty, and the government should be very visibly seen to be prepared to provide for the council all it requires to achieve and  implement any meaningful solution that might be arrived at, and such provisions, when known to the government, to be made without any delay, excuses or hiccups”.

For the governing council, armed with its easily obvious legal powers as an employer to be persuaded to stay execution of the resolution and not be seen by the undiscerning, unpatriotic and shortsighted as weak, or even ridiculed as vacillating toothless bull dog, the renowned academic suggested that ASUU and NASU, if called upon this one more time to dialogue, should promptly respond, put away any anger and all easily available missiles of perceived strengths in bargaining power and eloquence, and be readily willing to discuss freely and openly with their employers.

The governing council, on their part, he said, if called upon to talk with its staff, not their unfortunate servants, should be gracious enough not to be too legalistic thinking the matter is all about master-servant relationship.

He, therefore posited that all former pro-chancellors of the institution and Rivers indigenes in that grade elsewhere should be requested to constitute a forum for that purpose. Others to be part of the negotiating team, he suggested, include all former VCs of Rivers State origin currently not in the employ of the RSUST and Profs T.T Isoun and Tam David-West, as well as the chairman and other members to represent the council of traditional rulers of the state.

All former registrars of Rivers State origin are also inclusive and two representatives of the RSUST national alumni.

Prof. Tasie appealed to the people suggested to act immediately as they have little or no time left, and called on Prof Emeritus, Tekena Tamuno to kindly, in the interest of Rivers State and humanity, accept to convene the suggested negotiating body, modifying the composition, if necessary.###

The Abonnema Wharf Fire Incident …How Hoodlums ‘Bracketed’ Journalists

By:  Ken Asinobi

The fire outbreak last week which engulfed an oil tanker along the Abonnema Wharf Road in Port Harcourt sent a clear message that the current harmatan blitz should not be taken for granted.

What with similar incidence just a day earlier at the densely populated Echue waterfront in Diobu, where some two hundred houses were allegedly consumed leaving properties worth millions of Naira destroyed.

But for six volunteers and two fire fighters who, reportedly suffered severe burns and are being treated in a nearby hospital along the Abonnema Wharf Road, no lives were lost in both incidents.  While the cause of the waterfront inferno could not be immediately ascertained, it was not the same for the Abonnema Wharf tanker conflagration as eye witness accounts indicated.

The first witness, a middle aged man who said he lived adjacent to the scene of the incident, saw the driver of the burnt tanker pull up outside the Sigmund Petroleum fuel farm, opened the door and alighted from the vehicle.

“The driver and his conductor later returned to the Sigmund farm and then I saw some boys (area boys) smoking Indian hemp and lurking around the tanker.  Then, all of a sudden, there was explosion and I saw fire all over the place” he narrated.

Addressing four reporters from the Silverbird Television, National Network newspaper, Business Day and The Daily Trust who were on ground to report the fire outbreak to the public, Mr. J. Tom-Manuel, PRO, Abonnema Wharf House Owners Association, corroborated the accounts of the first witness.

According to him, he left his shop at about 1.45 p.m. on the fateful day heading home for lunch.

“As I crossed the road, I saw two boys under a loaded petroleum  tanker, and they were on fire.  As I rushed towards them, one of them fell on top of me.  I struggled free and ran to my house.  There was commotion everywhere and I discovered that one of my kids was missing” he narrated.

Mr. Tom-George said he foresaw the dangers posed by what he called the “unwholesome activities” of the fuel tank operators and area hoodlums who engage in sharp practices by scooping fuel from the tankers.

“The operations of these tank farms and the area boys have been posing serious inconveniences to residents and motorists alike in this neighborhood

“I have petitioned the Police commissioner and the SSS to look into the activities of these tank farms and the nuisance they create in this community” he stated.

The interview with Mr. Tom-Manuel took place “under closed doors amidst tight security” as the hoodlums, on perceiving that the 'gentlemen' were journalists who have come to 'expose' their deeds, immediately bracketed the four reporters asking that they hand over their tapes and cameras.

Mr. Tom-Manuel, showing courage, scolded and threatened the thugs with police and army action.  The reporters were later hounded through the back exit towards the “down below”.  They were helped by neighbors to descend the sloppy path from where they escaped to the army checkpoints that is close to the Abonnema Wharf/UTC junction. ###

POLITICS

House of Reps Member Slams PDP For Anti-People Stance …Pitches Tent With CAN

The member representing Port Harcourt Federal Constituency II, Hon. Chinyere Igwe has finally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Hon Igwe who before now was a vocal and prominent member of the PDP said his cross-carpeting to the ACN was based on principle so as to carry on with the spirit of democracy.

According to him, the Peoples Democratic Party is no longer what it used to be and has completely deviated from the people based-interests.

With the emerging tendencies in the PDP, Hon Igwe believes Nigeria cannot develop because these tendencies are anti-people and have no respect for the people's mandate.

“The PDP as presently constituted believes in sycophancy, they do not believe in the mandate of the people. So Nigeria needs a change and being a change agent, I decided to pitch my tent with the ACN so as to contest the election and carry on the wish of my People”, the Diobu born lawmaker, and publisher stated.

More annoying and unacceptable to the foremost federal lawmaker is the use of intimidation on his constituents against their collective will.

Hon Chinyere Igwe noted with ignominy that a certain cabal in the PDP is using their influence, position and money to intimidate the people which according to him has made it more imperative for the Nkpolurugburodo Rebisi people to take their destiny in their own hand to actualize their hope which he said he represents.

On why the PDP hierarchy decided to turn blind eye to his invaluable contributions both to the party and his constituency and dropped him for the primaries, Hon Igwe simply said, God is the greatest answer, philosophizing that behind everything there is hope.

“However, as republicans, we must not deter and must take our destiny in our hands”, Hon Igwe noted.

Speaking on some of his achievements as a first time federal legislator, Hon Igwe said besides contributing to sound laws and legislations, he has always focused attention on the needs of the people particularly power which falls in the concurrent list.

Consequently, he has ensured that different parts of Port Harcourt constituency II have functional transformers for regular power generation.

Another area of major concern he said, is empowerment programmes through training in skills acquisition, educational support-erection of classroom blocks in some schools, GCE, WAEC and JAMB purchase forms for students besides scholarship schemes which over 1000 students have so far benefited from.

To therefore ensure continuity in good governance and democratic dividends, Hon Igwe has enjoined all his constituents across the nooks and crannies of Nkpolurugburodo Rebisi to come out enmass and register in the ongoing voter registration exercise, stating that the only way to fight intimidation and imposition is through  “your vote”. ###

Brick House 2011: Why Amaechi Might Not Win Ikwerre  Local Government Areas

Tony Amadi

The governorship contest in Rivers State seems a two-horse race but battle royal between the incumbent governor, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi of PDP and the Action Congress of Nigeria  (ACN) Candidate, Dr. Abiye Sekibo.

Political calculations  and  permutations of all sorts occupy the attentions of the different camps across the local  government  areas of the state, all pointing to the possibility  of the various  candidates making it  into the offices of their aspirations.

 Though unconstitutional and morally baseless, sentiments built on ethnicity and a band-wagon trend have almost taken it for granted that Governor Amaechi stands a good chance of sweeping the votes across the four Ikwerre Local   Government Areas of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Emohua and Ikwerre, since he is of this ethnic nationality.

 This, nevertheless is miles away from the assertion made by elite Ikwerre politicians of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) who graced the ward meeting of KELGA Ward Two at Alimini   Isiokpo on Sunday.

Made up of the campaign trains of its senatorial candidate for the Rivers East District, Hon. (Engr.) Lasbry Amadi, House of Representatives candidate for the Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, Barr Emma Okah, the House  of Assembly candidate for Ikwerre State Constituency, Sir Chilam Dimkpa and chairmanship aspirant for Ikwerre Local  Government Area, Engr. Chukwudi  Dimkpa, the elite movement used the forum to acquaint itself with the progress of the party in the ward.

One of several visits to wards of the LGA, the group enjoyed the grace and company of the party's executives in the LGA  and other stalwarts and youth activists.

Speaking at the forum , the senatorial campaign coordinator, Mr Clement Sampson stated that 60 percent of the people yearning for change  in Rivers State are Ikwerres, the change  they  yearn for inevitable in the 2011 electoral process.

He challenged Gov Amaechi to show Ikwerre people how best to vote against Dr Abiye Sekibo, an Okrikan with a track record of political successes and democratic competence.

Sampson recalled that Gov Amaechi and his cohorts whole-heartedly and without molestation from any quarters supported   Ex-Governor Rufus Ada George in 1993 against Chief Eric Asor, an Ikwerre son.   Again in 1999, he said, the incumbent governor whole- heartedly and without molestation from any quarters or anybody supported Ex-Governor Peter Odili against Chief Sergeant Awuse, another Ikwerre Son and trusted political leader.

Sampson declared that Amaechi's reasons for supporting these non-Ikwerres in those two elections against Ikwerre sons are the group's reasons now for supporting Dr Abiye Sekibo, a son of Okrika who is richly endowed to steer the state successfully to its political paradise against him (Amaechi).

He said, like ACN's Adams Oshiomhole, as a political dark horse, changed the landscape in PDP dominated Edo state in 2007 with his supporters, so would Dr Sekibo, richly blessed with political experience, and his supporters change the political landscape of Rivers State in the 2011 elections and join the league of ACN's sweeping changes in Lagos, Ekiti and Osun States. 

 The senatorial coordinator urged all members to readily make personal sacrifices to ensure the party wins by popular votes, starting with the on-going voters' registration.

He also noted that majority of ACN members were former members of the PDP who, after 12 years have nothing to show for their contributions and membership, urging the people  to use their votes to send home people like Chief Andrew Uchendu and  Barr. Chidi Lloyd whom he said should leave their various seats after occupying them for two terms without solving the people's problems but still nurse the ambition to continue in office even against the yearnings of the people for a positive change.

Crisis Looms in Ubima Over Gov’s Interference In Traditional Institution

By Junior Prince Wiro

Trouble is said to be hanging in the air over alleged interference of Gov. Amaechi in the installation of a new Royal Highness in Ubina.

Impeccable sources revealed to this Publication that Governor Amaechi on his visit to Ubima School 2, allegedly directed the Omeilka clan to produce people that Rotimi be appointed as the new Royal father in Ubima.

We learnt that, the decision didn't go down well with other clans such as Omordu clan, Omowor that believe that the chieftaincy stool is rotational and should be  zoned to them after the exit of the late royal highness that is from Omeilka clan.

The source said even within the Omeilka people, the Onubara family has vowed not to produce any candidate as they alleged that the stool belongs to them in particular, that they only allowed the Late Highness who is not from Onubara to rule because they had no eligible candidate at that point in time and as such will oppose anybody that wants to deny them of their stool.

Reacting to the alleged interference of Governor Amaechi in the Ubima, a prominent Chief of Ubima, as Chief Dike Mike Worha who hails from the clan with Gov Amaechi said Gov Amaechi is a small boy and has no right to dictate to elders and chiefs of Ubima who their Royal Highness would be.

In a telephone chat with National Network, Chief Dike Mike added that the matter is already in High Court 2 with suit No PHC/2242/2010. He condemned in strong terms the alleged interference of the Governor in a matter that is already pending in Court and meant for elders and chief.

He added that, the matter will be followed to it's logical conclusion and will never succumb to under interference and alleged intimidation. When contacted, the chief press secretary to the Governor dismissed the alleged interference.

The source stated that Governor Amaechi only advised the native of Ubima to avoid bitterness and violence in their bid to appoint a new highness.

The source added that, as the Chief Security Officer of the State it would be wrong for crisis to happen in  Ubima without him mediating, as charity they say begins at home.

As at press time, series of caucus meets are alleged to be taking place in each of the clan with a view to determine their stand in the position of things.###

ACN Stands Against Imposition, Will Win By Voting - Chilam Dimkpa… As Ikwerre Campaign Train Storms Isiokpo

Tony Amadi

“The anointing of God Almighty has come upon the ACN in Rivers State. The party will win by voting and whoever attempts to destroy a peaceful polling will have himself to blame”.

These were the revelations of an Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) House of Assembly candidate for the Ikwerre State Constituency, Sir Francis Chilam Dimkpa who, in the company of other stalwarts of the party campaign train for the Ikwerre Local Government Area stormed KELGA Ward Two, Isiokpo over the weekend to consolidate the party's hold on the area.

“The ACN stands against imposition and will take over power in the state and local government areas by God's anointing and the people's mandate”, he went on telling the ward members, and counseled them to disregard all threats from other parties but concentrate on comprehensive mobilization, especially at the grassroots.

The assembly hopeful described all reports of threat against the ACN in the forthcoming elections as empty threats that could be likened to the threat of Goliath before David, stressing that God has exposed the weaknesses of those issuing such threats just like he exposed Goliath's weakness to David.

Sir Dimkpa disclosed that the party's research and investigations show that Ikwerres no longer want politicians who cannot use power to advance the course of the masses but only recognize and empower their cronies. He charged party faithfuls to be proud of their membership and endeavour to enter their names in what he referred to as the book of work and make sacrifices for the success of the party at the polls.

He said the ACN preaches truth and only truth, and believes in justice because nothing good happens without justice, while stressing that only people without conscience cause harm in human societies. He assured the ward that the party was getting many people involved as its campaigns are harmonized across the wards of the state and the 36 states of the federation.

A member of the team and senatorial coordinator for Hon. Lasbry Amadi reminded members of the sweeping effect of the ACN across the country from Lagos and Edo to Ekiti, Osun and the latest development in Imo State, to mention but few, and charged them to ensure that vital change comes to Rivers State.

A chairmanship aspirant of the ACN in KELGA, Engr. Chukwudi Dimkpa Expressed faith in the uniformity of the ACN vision across the 36 states of the federation, and stressed the free education package promised by the party.

He recalled that the party's governorship candidate in the state, Dr Abiye Sekibo had practically returned all past governors of Rivers State and would, unfailingly return himself now.

Chairman of the ward, Mr. Charles Chimezunum Wichegbo urged members to look beyond threats from all quarters as the ACN in the state and LGA has capacity to ensure security and defence of the mandate of the people.

He added that the registration of voters exercise going on in the ward was successful and closely monitored, a view corroborated by Mr Joseph Amadiwochi, the chapter chairman for Alimini, host chapter of the day's meeting.###

Public Notice

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are:

1.    Temple Kpee                       2.      Neemene Biragbara

3.    Giobari Martins Opgha       4.      kilsi Gilbert

5.    Wilfred Naadubon               6.     Lebura Awanen

7.    Lekie Gimee                        8.   Barida Nte

Aims And Objectives

1.         To foster unity among Bera Community.

2.         Bringing Together like minds for the peace, unity and development of Bera Community and Gokana at large.

3.         To provide leadership training, interaction and better understanding in Bera and Gokana at large through conferences, seminars, symposia and workshops etc.

4.         To work in collaboration with other youth organizations in Nigeria for the purposes of promoting national unity and development.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded within 28 (Twenty Eight) days of this public notice to: The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565 Ndola Square, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Signed:

Faith C. Nwafor

Solicitor

PERSONALITY

Ogbonna Nwuke: A Publisher Heading To Shape House of Representatives

T was Geoffrey Faber who said that the publisher is a middleman, he calls the tune to which the whole rest of the trade dances and he does so because he pays the piper. As if Faber had Hon. Prince Ogbonna Nwuke at heart, Nwuke has brought dignity and honour to the publishing industry, not only in Rivers State, but in Nigeria at large, by paying his dues. The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of the Rivers State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDF) on January 6, 2011, elected Nwuke in the State's House of Representatives primaries, for the forthcoming general elections, to represent them.

As a professional journalist, Nwuke publishes the famous Port Harcourt Telegraph, with circulations in the Niger Delta region and in the States across the Niger. Because of the newspapers balancing reportages, it has become the everyday morning staple for the reading Rivers people and the general public. He has taught people through his hard work the sayings of Eddie Bell that in the publishing business you have to learn to greet failure with the same handshake as you would success.

Like Olivia Goldsmith would say that as difficult as it is for a writer to find a publisher - admittedly a daunting task - it is twice as difficult for a publisher to sort through the chaff, select the wheat, and profitably publish a worthy list, Nwuke didn't climb to his present stature on a platter of gold, regardless that he came from the ancient Nwuke’s royal dynasty.

Truman, the late American statesman and President seemed to have had Nwuke at heart when he said that all through history, it is the nations that have given the most to the generals and the least to the people that have been the first to fall. This statement by Truman was made during one of his confrontations with the arrogance of the military establishment, especially his encounter with General Macarthur Douglas, who attempted to question Truman's democratic authority.

Ogbonna was nearly sidelined during the eight years of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo's reigns as the president of Nigeria. Just as Truman said, Nigeria had a lot of generals in the Nigeria's democracy; although, many of the generals were not of the army, but civilians, who were power drunk. Rivers State, for example, was no-go-area during that period. That era was characterised by alleged political motivated killings and humiliations. But Ogbonna Nwuke was not scared, but trudged on feeding the public with the excesses of the government without fear or favour through his newspapers and open campaign. The government then exhibited acts that were clog in the wheel of his success and the touted nascent democracy. A lot of people who called themselves men shut their mouths and many packed and ran away from the state in the face of tyranny, but the man in Nwuke did not die. He fought assiduously to change the hand of the clock even though that he was not nearer the government that was then. He made sure that the government in Rivers State during the Obasanjo time was people-oriented, than a spree of democrats corruption.

As the government of Rivers State changed hand to Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, Ogbonna Nwuke was among the lot of Nigerians who were on the altar of praise, sang melodious tones to the judiciary for standing up to the occasion, and a lot more, thanked God for the person of  President Umar Yar' Adua  (now late) for believing in the rule of law on October 25th   2007.

This date was when Amaechi got open justice to reclaim his mandate as the governor of Rivers State. A lot of people questioned Nwuke's democratic authority  just as Truman was questioned  because he stood irrevocably for justice to come to Rivers State by the contest of the now Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, no matter all the odds, even as Amaechi ran out of the state, and as was said, hid in Ghana then.

Nwuke had a lot of write-ups, utterances and interviews on the air and on the pages of the national dailies, yet fighting for the stable prevalence of justice. There was no where that he sold Amaechi ever, with a kiss for injustice. He represented a rare spokesperson of Amaechi in these times of moral decadence of a country, when people have become their brother's kidnapper instead of their brother's keepers. Nwuke protected Amaechi and didn't want the situation to derail where somebody would come to cut the ears of any Jew, as an expression of obedience.

Ogbonna stood stoical all through the period of temptations and trials of Amaechi. His life, that of his children and family members were threatened; but today,  Nwuke has no face to hide, but a lot of people have hidden their faces in shame since the 25th October 2007, victory came Amaechi's way.

As the event of Amaechi's victory burgeoned, Nwuke didn't waver. He faced the many rented writers raining abuses on Amaechi and on him through their fictitious names and write-ups on the pages of the newspapers. Nwuke exhibited seldom mettle and deserved being killed a cow for his many acts as Amaechi travails lasted then. But quite unfortunate, politics were not a traditional fiesta.

The high level of penury in the country, did not  make Nwuke to sell himself. But a lot of known reverenced dignitaries in Rivers State sold their selves so cheap, something less than 30 pieces of silver. Their self-aggrandizement didn't perturb Nwuke but their pervasion of the truth and justice were his major concern. Nothing more! Nwuke didn't build his ark on mischief, even when a lot of Rivers people hid under the pretext of 'stateism' and patriotism and caused a lot of havoc on the person of Amaechi and tagged it for "Rivers Unity".

The umpteenth time, Nwuke didn't genuflect. Some of the contributing writers to his no-less newspaper, The Port Harcourt Telegraph, and the journalists with the newspapers, who stood on the track of justice, started to see him as a beacon of hope, justice, equality and all the goodies for humanity. Ogbonna clamoured for a 'true' democracy stand in Rivers State, which was nearly pummeled to the ground, if not for the good intervention of the court.

Ogbonna Nwuke dislikes lies and its agent, but loves the truth. Because of his belief in the later, people had many times casted vituperations on him, and in many occasions, threatened to kill him. However, Nwuke is not a man to be threatened with death on a course he believes in.

As a Commissioner for Information in the Governor Amaechi-led government of Rivers State, before he was re-appointed to head the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ogbonna Nwuke has become a role model to many youths, not only in the state, but in the Niger Delta region. He made sure he was in the forefront to avoid any hoodwinking information in the state. His imprints, when he was the commissioner for information, the Ministry was noticeable in the areas of dissemination of information, encouragement of people's empowerment, repealing of drug abuse among young people, warning against child trafficking, encouraging girl-child education, alleviating poverty and encouraging youths to desist from social vices.

Ogbonna Nwuke, without doubt, was able to transform positively, the live of  children and adults, and by extension, the importance of information in the state. As a journalist of international repute, Nwuke was constantly and effectively a frontier of the campaign against cult wars and criminality then raging in the Niger Delta, by personally flagging a house-to-house, village-to-village and town-to-town campaign the need to put a stop to violence in the Niger Delta region through the Rivers State Information Ministry.

Apart from the house-to-house, village-to-village and town-to-town campaign to send violence on errand in the Niger Delta, Nwuke mobilized people through jingles on Radio and Television to eradicate restiveness in the Niger Delta. He also sent people to the nooks and crannies, especially newsmen, to sensitize the locals the danger violence portends in the society, especially at the grassroots. Nwuke was able to procure and distribute vital information worthily, to adequate its driving force on the sustenance of democracy in the country

Nwuke's campaign against any form of violence in the state and in the Niger Delta  at large is evidence, in the peaceful co-existence in Rivers State today. He brought to zero the epidemic called ignorance in the people on the scheme of things on-goings in the Governor Amaechi-led administration, when he was the state's information Czar. It was based on this that criminals were detected, among the good agitators of the Niger Delta struggle. His activism has influenced more Rivers people and beyond to actively be involved in the integration of all the regions of Rivers State and the Niger Delta like the Siamese twins. He improved the quality of information in the State, and similarly, did all his best to seeing and making sure that there was a conducive circulation of information for the people's consummation.

By and large, because of Nwuke's informative crusade against the spread of criminality virus in Rivers State, he is today seen as the symbol and hero of the struggle to rid Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta of criminality and violence. He solicited with the general public in the state of their support to report to the nearest police station or to any security agencies of any uncivil happenings they perceived in their localities. Nwuke did everything humanly possible to make life meaningful for people with good intentions in the state.

While the people in Rivers State have always supported him, because without their support he would not have attained his present political stature, it will do the entire people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency good to massively support this selfless man whose other name might be humble in the general elections. His antecedents, just few have been stated, are not far to fetch.

Ogbonna Nwuke has gotten every pre-requisite to represent the Etche/Omumu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is experienced, formally groomed. He is amiable and affably and is not inconsiderate of other people's views and feelings.  Ogbonna Nwuke adheres to the rule of law and the freedom of all. Because of his amiable posturing, he could be in the mind of Mahatma Gandhi when he said that freedom is not worth having if it does not  connote freedom to err. It passes Gandhi's comprehension how human beings, be they ever so experienced and able, can delight in depriving other human beings of that precious right. Nwuke dislikes evil. The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency should always remember Nwuke when quoting Samuel Johnson, British Author, who lived in 1709-1784, that some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy.

The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, Ogbonna Nwuke is a desire that  is necessary in the Rivers State House of Assembly; support him to go there and meet your fancy in  a democracy. The people of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency have the reason to support Ogbonna Nwuke, who has not only brought government presence in the area, but did that in the absence of egocentrism. No wonder majority in the area are singing his praise day in, day out. He will do more than have been  wonder majority in the area are singing his praise day in, day out. He will do more than have been chronicled he has achieved for Rivers State, when he served as commissioner. If he becomes a member of the House of Representative. Hon. Prince Ogbonna Nwuke means a lot in the Niger Delta. He is a publisher with a difference.

DISCOURSE

Re: Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Seat:  ‘I Will Flog Emma Okah’

Dear Chief Andrew Uchendu,

We were surprised to read your interview in the National Network newspaper page 5,Vol. 8 No. 3 dated Jan. 19-25, 2011  wherein you were reported to have said concerning our Principal, Barrister Emma Okah, as follows:

“Chief Andrew Uchendu has vowed to “flog” Barr. Emma Okah at the polls”, saying “Barr Okah has neither ethnic nor political background”, and described him as “a man without focus or vision”

Barr. Emma Okah who hails from Elele Town in Ikwerre LGA is the ACN candidate in the April 2, 2011 House of Representatives election for Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency. Sir, you are from Emohua in Emohua LGA and now the member representing Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, a position you have held for 8 years and now seek a third term of 4 years to make 12 years in all.

Sir, in granting that interview and attacking a man who has not uttered a word against you in the media, you have exposed yourself as lacking maturity, and also desperate and jittery. Indeed, you have acknowledged that Barr Emma Okah has become a threat to your third term ambition of returning to the House of Representatives as if the seat which is meant for two LGAs is your private property.

After reading the report, Barr Okah described you as his elder and leader and would not abuse you.  He thought that you were misquoted. Since you have not retracted the said comments, it is believed that you meant to intimidate and insult him. While we understand your frustration, we wish to state that it is not in the character of our campaigns to glorify or join issues with anybody based on frivolities and inconsequential matters that do not help the people of Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs. This is because it will serve no useful purpose and more importantly, we do not want to confuse our people who have suffered during your eight years of poor and unproductive representation as we shall show here. It is for this reason that we see your unprovoked attack on Barr Emma Okah as diversionary, uncharitable and unacceptable. However, we shall redirect you back to the course so that you can address the issues of the moment, your stewardship.

To us, Barr Emma Okah needs no introduction in Nigeria and so the issue is not whether he has any ethnic or political backing as you have deluded yourself. It is also not whether he has focus/vision or not because his profile of consistent academic excellence, professional success and brilliant performance in office as Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Rivers State as well as the Commissioner for Information speaks volumes. Besides, his robust comments on serious national issues in newspaper columns show him as a role-model. Responses to his contributions to national issues are there to show how much reasonable Nigerians value his contributions to national development.

On the contrary, you, Hon. Sir Chief Andrew Igbonule Uchendu, now 60, are the one who has proved to be visionless and without focus, particularly in your last eight years of waste in the House of Representatives, for which you now seek 12 years of extreme selfishness, neglect of constituents, abuse and abandonment of constituency projects and doom for your people. These are the only reasons why ethnic and political support will elude you come April 2, 2011 when “one man, one vote” will work to speak the new language of change that will restore hope and bring prosperity for our people. On that day, the people of Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs will choose between you and Barr Emma Okah who to flog out of office with scorpion.

THE ISSUES ON GROUND

Sir, since Barr Emma Okah joined the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and indicated interest in contesting the House of Representatives election, he has been visiting the people across divides to appeal for support. From various interactions and meetings with the good people of Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs, it is very obvious that you have become politically leprous and indeed a liability that nobody wants to touch, based on the following points of anger.

1.    THIRD TERM TENURE

From 1999 when this republic began, Hon Appolous Amadi from Aluu in Ikwerre LGA represented Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency in the House of Reps. He served for only one term of four years and handed over to you from Emohua LGA. By that act, it became a tradition that power shall rotate between the two LGAs after each term of four years. Sir, today you are happy to be in breach of this tradition and want to remain in breach without apologies. From 2003 to 2007 when your first tenure ended, it was the turn of Ikwerre LGA to take over and occupy the position but, apparently out of greed, you went back to the House of Reps for a 2nd term despite your scandalous performance during your first term. It was expected that at the end of your second term in 2011, you will reciprocate the generosity of Ikwerre LGA by honourably leaving office but, again, you want to go back for a third term so that you will spend 12 solid years in the House of Representatives as if the position is for you and you alone.

QUESTIONS:

A) Sir, is your stay in office for 12 years instead of 4 years fair and just to the people of the constituency whom you are taking for granted?

B) If Hon Appolous Amadi had taken 12 years instead of 4, would you have had the opportunity to be in the House of Reps from 1999 to 2011?

C) Does your action create room for the younger ones to grow in politics?

D) Would you like it if somebody from Ikwerre or Emohua LGA stayed in that office for 12 years instead of 4 years?

E) Can you not see that your selfish ambition is an insult to the people of Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs who reluctantly tolerated you for a second term despite your poor performance in office?

F) How would you want history and posterity to judge you in the light of this development?

2.    CONSTITUENCY OFFICE 

Sir, one thing elected legislators must do to retain their posts is to effectively communicate with the people who voted for them. Legislators must provide facilities and spend some amount of time to interact with their people in the language and environment they understand to determine what the people in their constituencies are concerned about. The most popular legislators will vote on major issues based on the will of the people in their constituency. This is the tradition all over the world.

Sir, while your people are suffering at home, you live luxuriously and work in Abuja. You do not have any constituency office either in Emohua LGA where you come from or in Ikwerre LGA despite the fact that you receive millions of naira every month to service your constituency interests.

The dilapidated building where you used to fake as an office is now inhabited by reptiles. So Sir, please show us your Constituency office(s) if you had any.

QUESTIONS:

A) How would the poor people, indigent students, the sick, the needy, elders, the illiterate, widows, market women, physically impaired persons, children, etc be able to reach you for you to know their concerns and attend to them as their representative, since you do not have a Constituency Office in any of the two LGAs?

B)  Do you know your former driver called Alikor  Ofi Jeremiah from your Mgbuitanwo compound where you also come from in Emohua Town? If you do, can you explain what killed him? Are you not aware that Alikor died of typhoid attack because there was no money (N15,000) to take him to the hospital after you refused to pick your calls for assistance? Would a functional constituency office not have taken care of such emergency in your absence? Do you think God will not ask you questions regarding the demise of Alikor?

C)  If you had established an office with the money given to you for constituency considerations, will your constituents and those who cannot reach you in Abuja or break through your tight mobile police security when you visit Port Harcourt not have a place to register their concerns?

3. POOR QUALITY OF REPRESENTATION

Sir, for you to represent a people, it means you are their servant and not their boss; you must be their voice and defender, not their oppressor; you must take the bullet aimed at them and treat them the same way you would treat your own children, not to push them to danger. Check if this is true of your tenure. Given your age and experience, your performance in the National Assembly since 2003 has been scandalously poor. We cannot point to any concrete motion you have moved or any Bill that you have initiated and seen through in the House.

Regrettably, you have been a sleeping bench warmer, showing embarrassing timidity and lack of understanding of the responsibilities of a legislator. Sadly, you are not one of those found contributing to debates on national issues. That is why our people will want a young, articulate, vibrant and fearless Rep and not a concurring and tired deaf and dumb member.

Back home, you have also turned your back on your people; no constituency interaction, no meetings with the people to brief them about the happenings in the National Assembly, leaving them to rumour and guess work. You have no periodic publication or notice or letter to your people which will explain these happenings, probably because you do not want to spend money. Sir, we have no option but to conclude that you are simply selfish, greedy, arrogant and too rich to meet with the people.

  Also, instead of leading by example and promoting peace and reconciliation among communities and members of your constituency, you have become indifferent to violence against your people. How else can you explain the violence you visited on the people who accompanied Hon Chidi Lloyd to your house to attend a reconciliation meeting with you in the presence of Governor Chibuike Amaechi? You showed no regard for the office of the Governor. One of them, Mr Chidiebere Dike from Ogbakiri, was soaked in his own blood in your house and you neither condemned the attack nor visited him in hospital. In Ikwerreland, it is not a show of strength for a man to attack his guest but you believe otherwise. If you could not promote peace in your house, in the presence of the governor, how can anyone expect you to mediate in the crisis tearing some communities like Rumuekpe, Ogbakiri, Ibaa, etc in your constituency? 

Initially, you were riding on the back of Dr Peter Odili when he was governor and now Governor Chubuike Amaechi. These are rare privileges but your constituents expect that you would have used these sacred relationships to attract developments to them in your name, instead of lining your pocket and feeding fat to the detriment of the people you represent.

There is no government presence in your constituency which you can lay credit to. The communities in Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs have given up on you. However, for the records, we must mention that between 2003 and 2007, the only project you brought to your constituency is the Odoha borehole project. What would have looked like a similar project that came to Emohua LGA through Governor Chibuike Amaechi, then Speaker of RSHA when he visited Emohua is the Mgbuitanwo “location” road which you merely overlaid instead of reconstruct after receiving full contract value for reconstruction. The thin overlay has since given way, leaving the old weak and failed structure. There is no water in Ngbuitanwo village where you come from and the borehole in your house is restricted to your fenced house. The primary school which you attended is in ruin with no office for the principal and teachers, despite 350 primary schools project by your god father, the Governor. Ogbakiri community next door to your ward has no electricity or water. Odoha road and Elibrada road have been abandoned after monies were paid by the state government and our Rep sees no evil, hears no evil and feels no evil.

Sir, please follow us to set the records straight for the avoidance of doubts. According to Prof Itse Sagay, in 2009 alone, as a member of the House of Representatives, you received the sum of N203.8 million as salaries and constituency allowances while a Senator received N240 million. This means that for 4 years you got about N816million. This excludes all other earnings as a result of the privileges attached to the office. In other words, for 8 years (2003-2011) you are presumed to have received about N1.35 billion. We want to know how you spent this money to help your people.

QUESTIONS:

a) In all honesty, do you think you have represented our people well since 2003 when you became a legislator?

b) Let us assume you got less, what did you do with this money?

c) How many people did you give scholarships to?

d) How many sick people did you assist?

e) How many students did you pay exam fees for?

f) How many farmers or traders have you assisted?

g) How many people have you given jobs to or empowered?

4     Economy Of Ikwerre & Emohua Lgas

If you were in touch with the people you represent, you would have known that they desire the revitalization of Risonpalm Limited which, many believe, died in your hands as Managing Director. At its time, Risonpalm was the “oil well” of Ikwerre and Emohua LGA people. It employed hundreds of graduates and other staff, provided distribution outlets for its products, encouraged palm farming and allied industries, and so many other economic activities. With the death of Risonpalm under you, all other associated economic activities also died, throwing hundreds of people out of job till date. Being a close confidant of the governor and having managed the company and failed in the past, what did you do to collaborate with and persuade the state government to bring back the company for the good of your people and the state? Sir you did nothing and you still have no apologies.

The International Airport, Omagwa is in your constituency. Sir, how many of your people are employed in high positions in FCAA or NCAA or any relevant aviation agency in Nigeria? The few who work there are trolley pushers, security guards and cleaners. Sir, have you done enough to help the economy of your people? No, you have not.

NOW LET THE DEBATE BEGIN

While we have shown maturity and respected you in course of our campaigns, we shall appreciate that you reciprocate this gesture and refrain from intimidating us so that the substance of our campaigns do not get mixed up in trivialities. As we await your response to the foregoing issues, Barr Emma Okah is promising credible change and he commits to the enthronement of high quality and responsible representation that meets the needs and aspirations of our people, God Willing. The people are wiser now and you can no longer deceive them as you did in 2003 and 2007. 

We urge the people of Ikwerre and Emohua Federal Constituency whom you have disappointed to reject you at the polls and support Barr Emma Okah of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) for the House of Representatives seat.

Comrade Confidence Amadi

Director of Publicity

Emma Okah Campaign Organisation

08037445580

ACROSS THE NATION

Plateau

Jos Boils Again... 8 Killed In Midnight Raids Protesting Women Shot

No fewer than eight people were killed with many others sustaining varying degrees of injuries in three different attacks in Plateau State on Sunday by two different groups of people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

We learnt that the assailants, numbering about 50, armed with sophisticated weapons, swooped on a village called Farin-Lamba in Jos South Local Government Area of the state at about 11.00 p.m. and descended on the inhabitants who had all gone to bed.

It was gathered that before the people could recover for a possible counter attack, the invaders had overrun them and succeeded in killing four people, while many sustained serious injuries.

It was further learnt that at about the same hour, Haman village, in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of the state, was also under attack with four people killed in the midnight attack. Four others, who were injured in the process are now receiving treatment at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

Also, in Kopgai village in Mangu Local Government Area, three armed men stole 102 cattle and 12 sheep from one Hassan Abdulkarim after shooting sporadically into the air.

Disturbed by the fresh attack in Jos South Local Government, the women of the local government area, in their hundreds on Monday, trooped to the streets to protest the invasion and in the process burnt some of the tents of the Special Task Force (STF) within the vicinity.

The protesters, in black attire, shouted anti-STF slogans and denounced the task force, which they accused of being privy to the attack.

Some of the women, who spoke with  us said that those who carried out the attack on the village were in military uniform, adding that the assailants came into the village in a Hilux vehicle.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abdulrahaman Akano, who confirmed the attacks in a press statement signed by him, however, said four people were killed and five people were injured in the Farin-Lamba attack, with two killed in Hamman village.

He said the report he got indicated that those who carried out the attack were in military uniform, adding that he was yet to confirm that.

Speaking with the Press on the protest by women in Farin-Lamba, the commissioner of police said the peaceful protest took a frightening dimension, when the women burnt down some tents of the STF men in the area.

In the scuffle that ensued, six women were shot and were receiving treatment at Vom Christian Hospital.###

Bayelsa- One Feared Dead As Violence Erupts

One person was feared dead when violence broke out in Tungbo community, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, when strange faces attempted to participate in the on-going voters' registration exercise in the area.

Youths in Odi community had recently foiled an attempt by some strange faces to steal the Direct Data Capture (DDC) machine and register in their community.

Also the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organisation had raised alarm over the plot to thwart the voters' registration exercise in selected local governments areas by hoodlums who had been hired to disrupt the exercise in places where they were not allowed to register.

According to investigations, three coaster buses, allegedly owned by the Bayelsa State Government, had conveyed about 100 youths to the community from Delta and Rivers States to participate in the exercise.

But the community's youths, who had been on alert since the Odi incident confronted the strange faces and a verbal altercation ensued, which resulted in a major fracas between armed youths and security forces.

It was during the violence that one person, identified as an Itsekiri youth from Delta State, was shot dead and the three buses vandalised before the Police fired tear gas to disperse the youths.

In an interview the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, confirmed the incident but insisted that nobody died and that the Police was not in any way involved in the violence.

Musa said there were conflicting stories about the incident and people were trying to drag the name of the Police into it to tarnish its image.

“Nobody died in the incident. That report is false and the Police were not involved in what happened. There were conflicting stories that the people came from Port Harcourt and Delta. And when I heard, I said if they are indigenes of the community, residing outside and have decided to come home to register then they should be allowed to register. But if nobody in the community can identified them, then they should be told to leave the community. If there was any Electoral offence committed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officer there would have informed the police to take action. We tried to avoid a situation whereby people would raise alarm and the Police would pursue people only for politicians to now accuse us of sending their supporters away” he said.###

Oyo

New Year Blues For Ibadan Residents …As robbers unleash terror on Oyo capital

In the minds of many residents of Iwo Road, Eleyele, Apata and other parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the last Christmas and New Year holidays would remain indelible. A gang of armed robbers stormed the areas during the holidays, unleashing terror on homes, offices and fuel stations.

Several people were robbed of their property during the reign of the robbers. But the police eventually overpowered many of the armed men. Some were shot dead while others escaped with injuries.

Mrs. Olubunmi Richard, who had an encounter with the robbers in front of her house, was picked up in her car. She was later dumped along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

We learnt that Mrs. Richard had just returned from the office around 8.30pm. As she alighted from her vehicle to open the gate of her house, a gang of armed robbers suddenly materialized from nowhere, seized her and hurled her back in her car. She was later driven in the car to the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. There, her captors dumped her and took the car away.

But the robbers ran out of luck when one of the tyres of the Toyota Camry car suddenly got burst, forcing the bandits to abandon the vehicle.

“There was a total blackout in my area and that made it easy for the robbers to succeed in their operation,” she said.

She further said that she was dropped on the expressway around 10.30pm, adding that a good Samaritan later assisted her to Ibadan where she reported the incident at the Felele Police Station. She said her mobile phones and other valuables were also taken away by the robbers.

“It was the police at the Toll Gate that rescued the car and took it to their station,” she said.

Another gang of armed robbers raided over five petrol stations and robbed the attendants along Eleyele Road, Ologuneru area down to Gbekugba in Apata.

After they had been informed of the incident, men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in joint operation with men from the Apata Police station attacked and overpowered the five gang armed robbers. Two of them were shot dead and others took to their heels with bullets wounds.

It was gathered that over 10 people were injured in the incident. The victims were taken to private hospitals in Ibadan as well as the University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan.

A victim, Madam Olubunmi Ogunsola told our correspondent that she was surprised that the armed robbers could actually rob her in the afternoon when she was returning from church.

“I was coming from the church harvest and we stopped at Polo Club, Eleyele Road. I came down to buy a bag of pure water and suddenly, a young man brought out his gun and followed me to my car. The young man required for dollars and I co-operated with them. Suddenly they used the gun to hit me on the face and I had to hand over all my dollars and naira to them. They also hit my driver. “I cannot believe this mess. I only thank God that they didn't shoot me. We learnt that they were coming from an operation at Eleyele and I just fell a victim,” she explained.

Mrs. Ogunsola added that while they were going, the robbers sprayed her car with bullets and “I had to run to Eleyele. The operation lasted just like fifteen minutes,” she stated.

Inspector Usman Dimka of the Surveillance Sky-net informed the media that they heard a distressed call that armed robbers were raiding some places at Eleyele, according to him, his men quickly went and laid ambush for them with the joint operation with SARS and the officers from the Apata Police Station.

“We had an encounter with them and we shot two of them dead while some of them escaped with bullets wounds.”

Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolanta told newsmen that the armed robbers came with full force to rob the entire Ibadan during the festive period but that the police overpowered them and dealt them a blow.

“Two were killed at Gbekuba, Apata Area and some arms and ammunitions were recovered. We also recovered jewelries as well as two hundred and fifty seven thousand and four hundred and seventy five naira and two laptops. The cars that were snatched at Felele Road, Iwo Road at Holy Trinity were also recovered from them,” he said.

He further said that one woman was shot on top of okada, while two other persons were shot dead by the robbers. Five, he said, were injured and were taken to the UCH. 

“We appreciate the efforts of those who called us on phone and the vigilante who worked with the policemen to kill the armed robbers,” he said.###

ANALYSIS

Concerned Gospel Ministers' Association: The Christian Political Platform

By Dr. Lewis Akpogena

“Times had been when Christians thought and felt politics is dirty and Christians should not participate in politics. We are better informed now. If indeed politics is dirty, Christians should get in there and clean it up. And to get in; Christians must register in political parties as well as contest elections, to vote and to be voted for. The Bible likens us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Let Christians get in there and show the light” (Apostle G. D. Numbere, Chairman, South South Christian Association of Nigeria). The Church has been indifferent in the past to the challenges posed by political leadership. We have rather towed the line of praying to change things for better after they had gone out of hand. There is no doubt that we are all concerned about the situation of our nation in the forthcoming elections. Moreso, the Church is praying to enthrone the right candidates for 2011 elections. The right candidate is the one chosen by God and it will take a concerted effort to actualize this vision, hence Concerned Gospel Ministers' Association.

Mission Statement: “…To share the gospel and help our people find equality, justice and economic independence through self-help co-operative efforts and political involvement…” Concerned Gospel Ministers' Association started in 2006 by concerned Christian leaders, Ministers of the Gospel and Church workers drawn from Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and Christian Association of Nigeria and other independent Churches to enthrone righteous leadership, assist Christians in politics and to give direction to politicians and politics. The need to put in place a platform to advocate the Christian perspective in leadership and politics arose due to lack of transparency and accountability in the Church and the larger Society.

Our Concerns: The Association patterned after the defunct Rivers State Christian Elders Forum who in 1998/1999 was involved in mobilizing Christians to enthrone the Government of Sir. Dr. Peter Odili. We are concerned and involved because the Church has been indifferent in the past to the challenges posed by political leadership. We have rather towed the line of praying to change things for the better after they had gone out of hand. As God's Servants, Ministers of the Gospel and custodians of God's message to the Nation, we are concerned about the situation of our nation. Among many concerns is the quality of leaders who serve in different positions of governance. Our involvement in giving direction to our State and Nation in politics is based on the Biblical injunction that we, Christians are “light” and “salt” (Mt, 5:13-16) and that “when the righteous (those who have personal and intimate relationship with God) are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). How the righteous does comes into authority? Christians must be involved in electoral and political process. Hence we are involved.

First, we are called to be involved in government but not to depend upon it for solutions. When the Christians cares about their neighbours in practical ways, participation at the polls must be a part of that caring. Secondly, we are called to be involved not only by implication but by Christ directly. When he said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's” (Mtt.22:21). He was telling us to respond to governments' request of us. Our government requests participation of all citizens and special interest groups  and make no mistake about it, Christianity is a special interest group  for a specific reason. Our founding fathers envisioned a balance of power through healthy competition. They believed what would control each segment of society and advance society as a whole was the dynamic of the segment vying for dominance. If Christian does not participate with their perspective and

power, they rob the Nigeria system. They also rob the Nigeria people of exposure to and the influence of the Christian perspective. Nigerian politics are competitive and complicatedly but politics provides one of God's ways of maturing our thinking and testing our commitment.

Philosophy: Man is a social animal; he lives his life in society and finds fulfillment in the company of his fellows. Man's social life needs a structure to organize and regulate the complex relationship between him and his fellows. The science of this complex structure of social relationships is the science of politics. Dr. Tim LaHaye, President of a large politic evangelical umbrella group in America, the America Coalition for Traditional Values is quoted as saying: “At this crucial time in history, every Christian should do one or the other run for office or help someone else run”. But if Christians are to run for office, they need other qualifications than holiness. To better the Society, Christians need to be involved and a platform-a structure to run. We are to be the preserving “salt of the earth” as much as to be the evangelizing “light of the world” (Matt.5:13-16). Being God's people relocate in a community of need as reconciled to Him and to one another, we need to devise plan that will ensure a more equitable distribution of goods and services within our own fellowship and for community. By this process of redistribution, we must show the world that we are sharing the love of God not only in terms of a verbal testimony but also in a sharing of resources with our new family. In taking active part in politics, the Church is being faithful to her roots in biblical revelation. Politics is a vast arena of human relationships and contacts which unites all others into a complete whole: the economic, the social as well as the cultural. Nothing indeed is alien to politics. It is in this vast melting pot of human relationship, the matrix of everyday life, that God revealed himself to man.

community. By this process of redistribution, we must show the world that we are sharing the love of God not only in terms of a verbal testimony but also in a sharing of resources with our new family. In taking active part in politics, the Church is being faithful to her roots in biblical revelation. Politics is a vast arena of human relationships and contacts which unites all others into a complete whole: the economic, the social as well as the cultural. Nothing indeed is alien to politics. It is in this vast melting pot of human relationship, the matrix of everyday life, that God revealed himself to man.

Biblical Rationale: God used Joseph, Moses, Esther, Mordicai, Daniel, Meshach, Shedrach and Abednego as political instruments. They went through a political process to liberate their people from oppressive regimes and brought them to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:12). Samuel and David were priest, prophet and king that through the structures of society brought the fulfillment of God's purposes and plans in their generation. The early Christian as the church of Jesus pooled their resources together to advance the cause of Christ in civil society. The scriptures exhort us: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's” (Matt. 22:21). “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possession was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostle's feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” (Acts 4:32-35). Concerned Gospel Ministers' Association was established as non-governmental organization (NGO) for the express purpose of “sharing the gospel and help our people find equality, justice and economic independence through self-help co-operative efforts and political involvement”.

shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostle's feet and it was distributed to anyone as he had need” (Acts 4:32-35). Concerned Gospel Ministers' Association was established as non-governmental organization (NGO) for the express purpose of “sharing the gospel and help our people find equality, justice and economic independence through self-help co-operative efforts and political involvement”.

Mission Strategy: It is our earnest desire to contribute towards the translation of these dreams and vision into reality for our people through evangelism, social action, visible community development and political involvement in civil governance. The model is co-operative principles in a Christian Community and managed by professional Christians. Community wide responsibility was a basic characteristic of the Old Testament Jews, but it functioned in a community where the economic system, the political system, the religious organization  every aspect of life covered the same group of individuals. That way a co-operative effort to meet one particular need could be  strategy is economic growth, political liberation, relief and community development. co-operate principles of economics shows that poor people could pool their few resources and thereby develop enough capital to buy their own services. Evangelism creates the committed people and broad community base from which to launch social action. Social action, in turn, fleshes out the Lordship of Christ reaching people's spiritual needs through meeting their felt needs and developing an indigenous economic base for the work.

reinforced by the other structures of Jewish Society. Our strategy is economic growth, political liberation, relief and community development. co-operate principles of economics shows that poor people could pool their few resources and thereby develop enough capital to buy their own services. Evangelism creates the committed people and broad community base from which to launch social action. Social action, in turn, fleshes out the Lordship of Christ reaching people's spiritual needs through meeting their felt needs and developing an indigenous economic base for the work.

Human development without economic development is impossible. So we are developing a vision for a Christian investment bank and other economic vehicle to meet the challenge of the Christian Community. “Civil government is just one of the structures of the universe necessary for accumulating meaningful purpose. Christian in politics is our investment in maintaining the structures of civil government” (Dr. Lewis Akpogena). Christian using that structure of society to advance the causes of Christ to better the lot of society and develop a Christian Community that is self reliant is the minimal daily requirement for getting on with the real substance of life. We are going to mobilize all churches, pastors and Christians to register and vote God chosen candidates no matter their parties. ###

2011 Election And Politicking Void Of Violence

By Dr. Lewis Akpogena

This article first written and published in 2007 is here reproduced with minor alteration as the need of republication is obvious in light of increasing wave of political motivate violence in an election year. “The state of insecurity and violence nationwide is worsening. Armed robbery, assassinations, militia attacks and hostage-taking, vandalization of oil installations and large scale economic sabotage, all have become intensified since the beginning of the year”, was the editorial opinion of Punch Newspaper recently. This is true. In the past few weeks alone, scores of people were killed in Onitsha, Anambra State, in a protracted violence involving the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Nigeria Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), hoodlums and security operatives. Politically motivated attacks are also on the rise. Reports said 20 people might have died in Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State last week, when rival factions of the PDP clashed. In Plateau, notable political aspirants were said to have gone underground, following a spate of unresolved political killings and attempted assassinations in the state. Most recent victims who survived such attacks are Haruna Labaran, a gubernatorial aspirant and Deputy Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly; a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Omogbehin Bamido; and the People's Democratic Party, Ondo State Secretary, Mr. Bolu Kunlere, whose wife was fatally injured during an armed attack. The bombing in Port Harcourt of the homes of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Austin Opara and Barr. Okey Nzenwa, an in-law to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili. And the grand political motivated killing is the assassination of Lagos State gubernatorial aspirant, Engr. Funsho Williams.

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for”. Then the others crabbed Jesus and arrested him. One of the men with Jesus pulled out a sword and slashed off an ear of the high priest's servant “put away your sword” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will be killed by the sword. Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands' of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happened now?” (Mt. 26:47-54, NLB). Certainly, violence, to quote some early writers, is the practice of politics by other means, and even the author “Mao” virtually stressed the ethics of peace in politics. By and large, the end of violence varies from one society to another. Violence in political contest involves peaceful demonstrations, writing in the papers, writing in journals to criticize the government. The kind you witness where people burnt houses,

kill themselves, certainly are uncalled for because it will not augur well for the development of democracy in any society and for the image too. In my series on, “God is a Politician  Godly Politics and Politicians”, I stressed that God is politician, and that God kind of politics is void of bitterness, violence, thuggery, rigging of elections, and assassination or threatening the life of opponents in elections. Godly politicians are God-fearing politicians who in seeking for elective post in democracy do so in the fear of God without resorting to violence, thuggery, intimidation and killings. Godly politicians, believes that it is God who elevates and puts people into position (Ps. 75:6-7) hence they do not need to fight, kill, intimidate or use thugs to harass opponent to get into elective position. But Satan does. Satan seeks to usurp and enthrone by violence. Satan is a father of violence politicians and politics. He started it in heaven (Rev. 12:7-9). As it was in the case of Satan and his cohorts in heaven, all those who use violence and practice bitterness, thuggery, killing, intimidation, rigging of elections as a means of enthroning themselves in power suffers defeat.

As no throne or office is sustained by violence and bitterness. So also no one gets into office by violence and bitterness succeeds. Thrones or offices are sustained by righteousness. “A just king gives stability to his nation… only a stupid prince will oppress his people, but a king will have a long reign if he hates dishonesty and bribes... Those who plant seeds of injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will end” (Prov. 22:8, 28:16, 29:4, NLB). Godless politicians like Satan intimidates, issue threats on political and perceived opponents, use thugs and violence as against biblical injunction that says: “Do anyone of you want to live a life that is long and good? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from telling lies! Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with other. The eyes of the LORD watch over those who do right, his ears are open to their cries for help” (Ps. 34:12-15, NLB). Furthermore, the Bible exhorts that we should live in harmony. It is a life of peace that pleases God. And other people will approve of you, too, (Rom. 14: 17-20). Recently at national level, mayhem, violence, thuggery and politically inspired violence and killings has characterized our body polity. Some has encouraged and taken to violence in the name of religion. The truth that none of the religions encourages violence. God condemns violence and violent persons. The Bible speaks: “The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked. He hates everyone who loves violence” (Ps. 11:5, NLB). “A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit: let no man stay him”. (Prov. 28:17). ts have resolved to unleash a cycle of terror, which routinely breeds counter terror. Shinkafi and his collaborators wish to cow a hundred million people by the now explicit threat of their capacity to issue death warrants at will and summon the mindless, brain washed hordes to an endless orgy of blood and mutilations”.

The Scriptures acknowledged that the city is full of crime and violence, which leads to God's judgment and captivity (Ezek. 7: 23).Hence, God exhort “do violence to no man” (Luke 3:14). For “evil shall hunt the violent man to over throw him” (Ps. 140: 11). Condemning the siege and onslaught of violence in our body polity, Prof. Wole Soyinka writes: “Enough is enough! Mamuda Shinkafi and all who think like him must remember the saying that those who live by sword shall perish by the sword. These bigots have resolved to unleash a cycle of terror, which routinely breeds counter terror. Shinkafi and his collaborators wish to cow a hundred million people by the now explicit threat of their capacity to issue death warrants at will and summon the mindless, brain washed hordes to an endless orgy of blood and mutilations”.

He further exclaimed “upstart politicians and presumptuous cleric should not be allowed to use their positions as base for the undermining of the constitution that binds us together. The age of intolerance, of bigotry, of rule by terror is being inaugurated before our eyes and we pretend that all is normal within the nation. We have not thrown of the shackles of colonialism or dislodged the iron grip of military dictatorship to succumb now to theocratic insolence. Obasanjo must call a halt to this provocation before the nation is set on fire”. The media report that over 250 dead bodies were picked from the streets of Kaduna mayhem and violent riot that occurred few days ago. Has these violent killing helped our political aspirants? Has it brought democracy's dividends to the downtrodden? Look what it has done to our image as a people. Scheming, bitterness in any form and violence does not in any way help the cause of achieving our political aspirations nor solve our problems. Like Senator Abraham Adesanya once said, “it is a test of responsible leadership to ensure that differences do not blow out of proportions into becoming political hostilities. We, the leaders, have the responsibility to ensure that we understand these differences, that we explain these differences to our people and that we seek to explore all possible means to ensure that these differences do not tear us apart”. We must not allow our differences, sentiments, ethnic and religious agenda to endanger our unity  living together. In Rivers State, like Emma Okah advocated in his, “Removing Bitterness from Rivers Politics”, we must play politics void of offense, hate and violence. We must make room for one another's mistakes, weaknesses and shortcomings, and tolerate as advocated in the Bible (Eph. 4: 2-3, NLB). Because as Emma Okah rightly observed: “Those who watch Rivers politics wonder why they always destroy their sons whom they elect to lead them. The explanation lies in deep-seated ethnic sentiments and greed on the part of the elite who believe that any s, Odili more than any other before him has a broad view of governance. He is forward working and believes that the governance of people has become more embracing. He believes that it means not only materially providing for the people but reorienting them towards appreciating national contacts and their attendant goodwill benefits and political impacts in the long run”.

government not operating from their bedrooms must be harassed out office. In comparative terms, Odili more than any other before him has a broad view of governance. He is forward working and believes that the governance of people has become more embracing. He believes that it means not only materially providing for the people but reorienting them towards appreciating national contacts and their attendant goodwill benefits and political impacts in the long run”.

Because, “the task of nation building or even nurturing a state to greatness is not the responsibility of one man alone or  the government. The people acting together, the elite, professionals, market women, students, labour, private sector, interest groups, the known and unknown owe a duty to make the society move forward”. We, the politicians must practice politics without bitterness and violence. There is nothing Christian about politics, when supposed religious leaders in politics encourage violence and uses threats, intimidation and thugs in seeking political office like the heathen do. As the Lord Jesus Christ says in the quoted scripture above, “put away your sword… those who use the sword will be killed by the sword” God has the ability to protect and advance the cause of his servant. You don't use thugs, violence, mudsling, and bitterness and hate to seek political office. I exhort all politicians in the coming elections in 2011 should put away sword of violence, use of thugs, intimidation and such unwholesome practices in politics that undermines living in peace and harmony in our nation. I agreed with Declan Okpalaeke in his view on “the Victory of violence” that: “Some resistance must be shown by constituted authorities against people who apply force to bring government to its knees and get what they want therefrom”. Those who lost in their party primaries should not seek or encourage violence to seek redress rather follow due process in seeking redress. In a contest one must win. As yourself if it was you who won and the other contestant resort to violence to undermine your candidacy. What will you do? Hence  l appeal to Alhaji Atiku, those politicians in the north who feel PDP zone has been breached, should eschew any thing that will encourage violence and take the path of democracy. Because if we practice democracy as in western nations, no matter what internal arrangement in political parties, what is acceptable is an incumbent President is automatically adopted and no aspirant contest with a sitting President. Our nation is unique the situation that throw up the Presidency of Jonathan was not man made. Hence, reason should give way to tribal and religious sentiment and let us maintain the peace for there another day to become what God ordains to be in life. Have question, you may call: 08055059656 or write: akpogena@yahoo.com. Stay Blessed.

SPORTS

NSF 2011:   We Can’t Afford Another Postponement - Daobu Harry

Nothing stops the National Sports Festival (NSF) from taking place between June 27 and July 10, 2011.

According to the director of sports in Rivers State, Sir Daobu Harvest Harry, there is every assurance that the festival will not suffer another postponement.

He said: “This postponement was not at the instance of the Rivers State Government but the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) which considered the political events in the country and decided to shift the games.

“Rivers State is ready”, he added. “There is massive improvement at the new Adokie

Amiesimaka Stadium. In the university of Port Harcourt, when we visited, the VC agreed to do all he can to adjust academic programme to accommodate the festival in June. We cannot afford another postponement, especially bearing in mind that the All-African Games will come up between September and October”.

The sports director spoke to National Network Sports after the local organizing committee (LOC) met to review the position of the MOC and the pronouncements of the director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Patrick Ekeji, who also serves as the chairman of the MOC.

National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Patrick Ekeji, who also serves as the chairman of the MOC.

Sir Harry disclosed that in a communiqué issued at the end of the LOC meeting, the festival is specifically expected to take off on June 27 with the arrival of athletes and officials. Competition starts on June 29 and ends on July 9, 2011 with the official opening ceremony taking place on July 2, 2011 and participants departing Port Harcourt on July 10.

He noted that the

nation will have gone through its electoral schedules and most newly sworn-in governors could use the festival as their first official outing.

Though he stated that much efforts is being made on the new stadium, he pointed out that all events will not take place at the venue, and listed the Liberation Stadium in Elekahia, the University of Port Harcourt, the Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, the Port Harcourt Club and golf course as well as the No. 6 Field and Niger Street Sports facilities as other venues earmarked to host parts of the festival.

The existing t of the festival events are indoor games and cannot be affected by rains,  even while other events can be played in the rains. Nevertheless, he held the firm belief that the June/July rain would not be a serious one.

facilities, he said will undergo major upgrading before the festival date, while playing down fears that the rains might disrupt the games in the June/July period. The LOC  member noted that most of the festival events are indoor games and cannot be affected by rains,  even while other events can be played in the rains. Nevertheless, he held the firm belief that the June/July rain would not be a serious one.

National Network Sports also learnt that the University of Port Harcourt will serve as the games village during the two weeks sports fiesta.

As part of the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting in Port

Harcourt, the LOC commended the continued commitment of the Rivers State Government to host the 17th national sports festival. It also observed that substantial progress has been made in the provision of venues and facilities for the festival.

The LOC further ratified the zonal elimination results for team sports, but rejected the request of some sport federations and state sports councils for the inclusion of some sports in the festival, emphasizing that the number of sports for the festivals was approved by the national council on sports and therefore, gives no room for such inclusion. ###

Company Chief Counsels On Sports Revival

By:  Ken Asinobi

One poser that has generated so much discourse of late is the apparent disinterest in our local league.  Be it football, tennis or hockey, the story is the same and the million Naira question remains:  how can we get the fans back to the sporting arena?  How do we galvanize local interest in our own, to re-enact the enthusiasm and the spirit in the 60s, 70s and the 80s.

At the Hotel Presidential soccer pitch last weekend where top company executives gathered to cheer up their respective teams that were involved in the ongoing Garden City Six-A-Side competition, National Network Sports cornered the Executive Director (Operations) of the Japaul Group of Companies, Akin Oladipo.

In the ensuing chat, the sports loving gentleman bared his mind on the Nigerians' penchant

for the Premiership and the Euro league against the country's, 'comatose' national leagues.

“It is most unfortunate that sports lovers across the country have jettisoned the local league in preference to everything European.  But, come to think of it, you do not blame them because the world is advancing and every rationale mind wants to join the fray and go for the best. 

“The English Premiership, for instance, offers the best in terms of organization, entertainment, remunerations and what have you”, he stated.

Mr. Oladipo however posited that sports development was not magical but evolutionary.

In his words: “In the 70s and 80s, when it looked like the Stationary Stores FC of Lagos, IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan or the Rangers International of Enugu were more appealing to us than any other team in the Premiership, the reason was, the later had not evolved to the level they are today”.

evolved to the level they are today”.

As a recipe, Mr. Oladipo would want governments to completely distance themselves from football and every other sports administration and control in the country.

“Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and of late, Manchester City are doing well because these teams are exclusively bankrolled by billionaires.  Let Enyimba of Aba, Shooting Stars of Ibadan or Sharks of Port Harcourt be run by a consortium of billionaires and they would become Africa and world beaters. 

“When that is done, and extended to the other unpopular sports, the sky will be our limit and the sports arena will come alive again”, he asserted. ###

Rivers Cyclists Set Eyes On NSF Medals

By Isoboye Allison –Ekine

Despite the postponement of the National Sports Festival, Rivers State Cyclists are not deterred from preparing to meet their desired goal to win at the different categories in the cycling event at the 2011 festival.

            This was revealed to National Network Sport by the chairman of the association, Mr Alex Enebeli at a press briefing held at the Civic Centre Port Harcourt on Tuesday, saying Rivers cyclists are to win all the medals in cycling in the National Sports Festival. He said he has, therefore set out to organize the 6th edition of the Garden City Cycling Championship in

collaboration with the Life Style Cycling Association which supports Rivers cycling in diverse ways.

            The competition, which comes up on Sunday January, 30 has five events at different categories. These include the amateur categories for male and female, the veterans category for age-range of 30-40 and 40-50 or above for male and female, the mountain bike and the survival serials.

According to the chairman, there will be lots of consolation prizes, while N1million is the first prize to be won and over 35 trophies lined up for grabs.

            He noted that eight states , Rivers State.

will be participating in the championship, the states being Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo and the host, Rivers State.

            He expressed optimism that competing with these state would make the association soar high in the forth coming NSF.

            His words, Cycling is good for the health. That is why we train in season and out of season to keep fit to win the sports fiesta. I'm optimistic that Rivers cycling will surprise the nation by winning all the medals in the different categories.” ###

Ahead Of The Garden City Games 2011:

Camp Is Still Open, Rivers Head Coach Tells Footballers

Barely five months to the flagging-off of the long awaited National Sports Festival tagged 'Garden City Games' and slated to hold in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, preparations have continued to gather momentum.

 From the Rivers State Football Association, the Head Coach, Mr. Tony Chukwu says he is putting finishing touches to his team in his determination to excel at the meet.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium last weekend while guiding his wards, Mr. Chukwu disclosed that even though he has been able to raise what he estimated to be a good team, the showcase their talents.

“Our performance during the last Kada Games was not very encouraging and that's why we would not take chances this time around.  We have a good team but we could have a better team if more people are given the chance to show their skills”, Chukwu said.

On the team's preparations so far, he noted that aside from camping the players together more than four months now, the team had played 17 friendly matches, winning 16 and drawing only one.

The coach enthused that one of the team's victories was recorded against top league side, Dolphins F.C. of Port Harcourt, which they beat 3-1 in a 'training match' while the former were screening players for the current league season.

Responding to a question from National Network reporter on the team's greatest challenges, the soft talking coach said his utmost goal was to prepare the boys physically, mentally and psychologically for the task ahead. ###

2010 Harmony Cup Tourney Ends in Omerelu

By Womah Josiah Ugo

The final match of “Harmony Cup 2010” was played in Omerelu between Chelsea and Barcelona FC with the Blues lifting the trophy as they thrashed Barcelona 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out following their 90 minute stalemate play.

The Harmony Cup was donated by the commissioner for lands and survey, Rivers State, Chief Ezemonye Ezekiel Amadi in order to discover hidden talents within and around the community.

According to the chairman of the competition's organizing committee,

Mr Solomon Amadi, the competition was a way of putting things right in the community and discovering hidden talents in the area.

He said the competition was played by eight clubs, Real Madrids, Man U, Ambassadors, Dolphins, Chelsea, Barcelona, Liverpool and Man City.

Presenting the trophy to the winning team, the commissioner for lands and survey, Chief Amadi, who was represented by his special adviser, Hon Blessing Woke, said all participants would be rewarded in a  short time, advising both winners and losers to be good ambassadors of the community wherever they find themselves, adding that the event would be a yearly one. ###

New Exco for Rivers Football Referees

Tony Amadi & Isoboye Allison-Ekine

The Rivers State Football referees association has elected new executives that will run its  affairs for the next dispensation.

They are Dokubo Dabo-Ere, Chairman and Joseph Gighi, Deputy Chairman. The Vice Chairman 1 is B.S Akpe; VC 2 is Anozie Okorie; General Sec., Okiridu C. Obieze and Training Officer, Wokoma Solomon Innocent.

Others are financial secretary, Welcome George; Ast. Secretary, Otorunnipa Keyinde; Treasurer, Ellah Charles; Ast. Training Officer, Eluozo Felix C.; Publicity Sec, Okirie Konye and Welfare Officer, Justina Nwarie.

Earlier at the association's triennial delegate's conference, the state FA secretary, Mr. Benjamin  of early disbursement of funds to enable them attend to their duties promptly.

Akobo described the refereeing job as more of a hobby than a professional practice. He assured referees in the state of early disbursement of funds to enable them attend to their duties promptly.

He appealed to them not to end up satisfying few people and hurting the masses, while charging clubs to realize that referees have names to protect and not put them under induce pressure so that they can fairly officiate  matches. ###

“Special Sports” Coach Pleased With Abibatu's Speed

By:  Ken Asinobi

An athletics coach under the special sports programme, Shola Babalola has praised the trial runs and time postings of NUGA medalist, Abibatu Yusuf, describing her performance as 'impressive'.

The elated coach who guided the athlete during her workouts at the Port Harcourt Liberation Stadium tracks last Thursday morning, marveled at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology student's run of 120 meters in 14 seconds.

“Abibatu has consistently run 120 meters in 14 seconds as you can see this morning.  If she continues this way, nothing will stop her from

doing 100 meters in 11 seconds which is her target towards the forth coming NUGA and the National Sports Festival” Babalola told National Network Sports while a perspiring Abibatu grinned in appreciation.

The coach whose area of specialization in sport includes the blind, deaf, dumb, cripples and other physically challenged athletes, frowned at athletes who have shunned trainings due to the shift in the NUGA and the Garden City Games.

“Take a look at Abibatu.  Here she is, sweating it out.  That is what a serious athlete should

be doing.  I will not be surprised if she comes out in flying colours since her contemporaries have opted to go, sleep and rest.

“They look at June and think there is time.  I tell them June is around the corner and there is little or no time for preparations as it is.  They should be up and doing now to avoid a disastrous outing”, Babalola advised. ###

 VIEW

PROFESSOR G. O. M. TASIE, KSC, PH.D, FNAL, OFR

Amadi-Orluwongwe, VI

Nkarahia, Isiokpo. Email: tasieg@yahoo.com

24^th January, 2011.

Open Letter to the Rivers State Government, the RSUST Governing Council. ASUU. NASU of RSUST and Selected Stakeholders & Elder Statesmen of Rivers State.

I am not unaware of some, although certainly not all the details of the unfortunate and worrisome developments in and about our Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo. The developments are truly sad to me, and, I trust, also unpleasant to many others who truly love Rivers State and, particularly, its manpower development in which RSUST had played and should continue to play very critical roles - note its alumni who prominently adorn, if not dominate administrative and political positions as well as the industries eminently in Rivers State and elsewhere. They significantly populate the academia in the tertiary institutions in Rivers State, and possibly elsewhere. Their intimidating dominance of the Judiciary in Rivers State is, doubtless, amazing as well etc. I can go on and on, trying to illustrate the too obvious!

But, right now, there is a very disturbing face-off between some major/significant blocks of the staff of RSUST and its Governing Body and the Government of Rivers State as I understand the matter, resulting in the recent “resolution”/decision of the 10^th Governing Council of RSUST, directing every staff who is so far on strike and has temporarily withdrawn his/her services to return to duty not later than this week: precisely, not later than Thursday, 27^th January, 2011 (cf. Today's Top News, Wednesday, January 19^th -Tuesday January 25^th, 2011, p. 5)

I am not aware of the response, if any, of the striking staff (ASUU/NASU) to the ultimatum/directive of their primary employer; namely, the RSUST 10^th Governing Council.

However, having read the directive of the said Council, I am by this letter very very passionately and most humbly appealing to the Council to please, biko, pasisi, sheathe its sword and try, just once more, to talk/jaw; for danger and chaos are imminent. I say this not as an arm-chair alarmist, but as a clear-eyed Rivers man, with a very strong belief/concern as a significant stakeholder, if not in anything else, in the Education sector in Rivers State and with some significant experience in Education in Rivers State and beyond. Besides, I fear that the present impasse, if not very carefully handled can turn out to become a case of history teaching us again that history teaches us nothing - points worth mentioning only in so far as they help to illustrate that I am not ignorant of what I am alarmed and talking about. I am disturbed and wish to volunteer this absolutely unsolicited appeal; first, to the Governing Council whose members I respect highly, as well as all others concerned, and very particularly, the striking staff whom I very much feel for and love.

Let me venture and be courageous enough to say/advise that if the resolution of the Council is, indeed, enforced, the implications, consequences and realities of the matter (in its entirety and dimension) can be far more complex and disastrous than those of us who think we can sit back and watch as mere spectators can appreciate for now. The Ikwerre says about the monkey who sits back and watches a big tree falling as mere fun, to be reminded that it is the monkey's house/home that is falling.

But how would the Governing Council, armed with its easily obvious legal powers as an employer, be persuaded to stay execution and not be seen by the undiscerning, unpatriotic and shortsighted as weak, or even ridiculed as vacillating toothless bull dog? My well considered answer/solution to this is as follows:

1.                                       ASUU & NASU, if called upon this one more time to dialogue, should please promptly respond, put away any anger and all easily available missiles of perceived strengths in bargaining power and eloquence, and be readily willing to discuss freely this one more time with their employers (not opponents) with open mind and not overstress any obstructive matters or issues, if any; but negotiate meaningfully and fruitfully as a people with the same noble objective as the Council - namely, the well being of Rivers State and its teeming, promising youths.

2.         The Governing Council, if called upon to talk with its staff (who must not be seen as unfortunate servants) should please be gracious enough not to be too legalistic, thinking the matter is all about master-servant relationship;  in case there are also other unforeseen critical perspectives and realities that are not covered/addressed by the existing related laws. Let us learn from relevant history. I prefer to speak in tongues here; but will expatiate, if the opportunity occurs.

3.         The Rivers State Government, should on its part this one more time fully allow the Council to do its statutory duty, and the Government should be very visibly seen to be prepared to provide for the Council all it requires to achieve/implement any meaningful solution that might be arrived at - and such provisions when made known to the Government, to be made without any delay/excuses/hiccups.

But who is to facilitate and bring about the very critical dialogue forum that I propose? I humbly appeal to and respectfully suggest the following, adding that they have not got much time left, but must act immediately. The Negotiating Teem (not, not a visitation panel) is to comprise:

1.                                       All former Pro-Chancellors of RSUST, as well as Rivers State persons who had served or are currently serving as Pro-Chancellors elsewhere.

2.                                       All former Vice-Chancellors of Rivers State origin who are not currently in the employment of RSUST; also, Professor T. T. Isoun & Professor Tam David-West, if need be.

3.         The Chairman and one other member to represent the Council of Traditional Rulers of Rivers State.

4.       All former Registrars of Universities - RSUST and other Universities – who are indigenes of Rivers State.

5.         Two Representatives of the National RSUST Alumni.

In view of the above:

1.         I again very passionately appeal to and very humbly beg the Governing Council of RSUST to stay action on the execution of its resolution intended to take effect from 28^th January, 2011.

2.         I also appeal to ASSU and NASU to avoid anything whatsoever that can further provoke the Council, including putting a hold on any publications and pronouncements whatsoever.

3.         I passionately and humbly suggest and appeal to Professor Emeritus Tekena N. Tamuno to kindly, and in the interest of Rivers State, in particular, Nigeria and humanity in general accept to convene the Negotiating Body suggested above. He might in his wisdom and very vast impeccable experience modify the composition of the Negotiating Body, etc. as well as determining the Body's terms of reference that restore work in RSUST.

As for myself, I sincerely plead to be left out of the matter; I am much handicapped and cannot and will not be able to do anything more than what I have prayerfully reflected upon and suggested.

Long Live RSUST

Long Live Rivers State

Sir Professor G.O.M Tasie, FNAL, OFR

Amadi – Orluwongwe, VI

Nkarahia, Isiokpo

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