RESTORATION CUP 2019; PRESIDENT JONATHAN’S COMMUNITY BOW OUT GALLANTLY FROM TOURNAMENT AS ACTION RESUMES IN FOUR OTHER LGAs

By Aferiokha Osigbemeh

The Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, otherwise know as the Restoration Cup, on Friday, resumed, at four local government areas; Ekeremor, Southern Ijaw, Kolokuma/Opokuma, and Ogbia.

The first game at the Otuasega centre, Community of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, Otuoke, kissed the Restoration Cup goodbye, after losing gallantly by 5-6 on penalties, to Otuedu Community, in a frenzied shootout, with the game ending two all at regulation time.

At the blast of the whistle at exactly 1:30pm, Otuedu Community took the game to the opponent, and it was not long before the deadlock was broken, as their attacker, Inaleginu Michael, scored from 20 yards as early as four minutes.

Otuoke Community’s striker, Igele Sianyazibe, leveled up in the 22nd minute from close range, with both teams struggling to play in rain soaked pitch.

The second half was almost the same, in terms of playing pattern, however, Otuoke took the lead via a spot kick, after a defender handled the ball, and big midfielder, Opanake Jabu, scored with 24 minutes left.

Pressure from Otuedu players saw them missing some chances, until a freekick was added in their favour due to infringement, and their captain, Samuel Ijuru, curled in beautiful volley from 20yards, to take the game to the shoot out, where they triumphed.

The second game at the same venue between Selected Stars of Ogbia Town, and Kolo Community, began at 3:40pm, ended goalless at regulation time and also had to settle their scores via penalties, where the Ogbia Town based team progressed to the next round, after winning 3-1 at the shoot out.

RESTORATION CUP 2019

Matchday 5 Results

OTUASEGA CENTRE:

Otuedu FC 2 vs 2 Otuoke FC

(Otuedu FC win 6-5 on penalties)

Selected Stars 0 vs 0 Kolo FC

(Selected Stars win 3-1 on penalties)

KOLO CENTRE:

Ibelebiri FC 1 vs 1 Otuegwe 2 FC

(Ibelebiri win 4-3 on penalties)

PERETORUGBENE CENTRE:

Bilabiri FC 0 vs 0 Ogbosuwari FC

(Bilabiri wins 5-3 on penalties)

Aleibiri FC vs Garden of Eden FC ,- PP

ODI CENTRE:

Kaiama FC 0 vs 1 Dynamic Soccer FC

Boutoru FC vs Ayakoro-ama FC – PP

OPOKUMA CENTRE:

Okosafa FC (Sagbama) vs Buffalos (Sabagreia)

AMASSOMA CENTRE:

Talented Stars 0 vs 2 Amassoma FC

NDU FC 2 vs 0 St Peter Church FC

Council Polls, Test Run for Bayelsa Guber Election

By Stanley Nkwazema

With the 774 local government areas in Nigeria gathering more popularity and powers than in the past, the people of Bayelsa State will today file out to elect their leaders at the local government level. With six months left for the incumbent Governor Seriake Dickson to hand over to a successor on the 20th of February 2020, it has never been easy sailing for the ‘countryman ‘Governor who has been in the saddle in the last seven years and on the last lap.

As the primaries for the November 16, 2019 gubernatorial election gathers momentum and now, the local government election today, it has been power play extraordinaire, blackmail, and supremacy battle in the state, even as the governor has been able to weather the storm by being resolute and interestingly, organizing a three day fasting and prayer elections for direction on who takes over from him next year.

Indeed, this is not the best of times for Dickson, who though walks with strong paces of authority, is indeed troubled by the number of candidates from his ruling party, the Peoples democratic Party (PDP) with 21 strong men of the state submitting their nomination forms and the paying over N441 million into the coffers of the party as the mandatory fees to get the party’s nod.

From the different senatorial zones, camps and all, it has been rumours, name dropping and all the shenanigans of who the incumbent will finally back or anoint. No single aspirant wants to take the back seat. Dickson has been combing the nooks and crannies of the state, to feel the pulse and even going to the extent of sounding out the PDP national leaders. In some cases, to avoid the maddening crowd in Yenagoa, Dickson has retreated to his village in Toru Orua, or flown to Abuja or Lagos to attend to matters of the state and the PDP Governors Forum which he is the Chairman. They have not left out the ‘Ebora Owu’ and Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the equation and have either visited or called him, and in some cases sent emissaries to beg him to convince Dickson to hand over the flag to them. They know that whichever way it goes, the outgoing governor will play a vital role in the process.

In other organized climes, it wouldn’t have been tough naming the successor and giving him a smooth passage, but Nigeria’s politics is laden with thorns, nets and rough hooks because we are always starting late and lack planning even when the outgoing governors made it clear that he wants a smooth transition.

It may no longer be news that even as the candidates battle for the primaries and final election, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, still has thousands of voters’ cards of the state to distribute. The candidates are only bothered about the ticket.

Interestingly, it is becoming clear that there is no trouble or misunderstanding between the former President of Nigeria and a former Governor of the state, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Dickson. Only last Tuesday, Jonathan said the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State lacks the political presence at the ward, local government and state levels to win the November 16, 2019, governorship election.

The former President who is now coming out to discuss the issues of the state’s election, having refused public comments earlier, stated during the PDP Elders Advisory Council meeting at Government House, Yenagoa, that the large number of aspirants on the platform of the party speaks volumes of the dominance of the party as the preferred platform for election, indicating  that the PDP has all it takes to record a landslide victory in the forthcoming election.

While commending Dickson, the state Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Moses Cleopas and all critical stakeholders including the 21 aspirants for working for the continued stability of the party, he explained that it had become expedient for the PDP to get its acts together so that it would not create room for opportunistic platforms to steal the party’s victory.

“I need to plead with all the aspirants and all political leaders that there should be no mudslinging. We must free the space and eschew rancour because finally one person will become the candidate of the party and for that one person to win the election, all aspirants must work for that person.

“It is only our unity that can give us victory and if we are not united, they (APC) can get away with it. For example, it took the unity of the people of Rivers State including women who were resolute against soldiers to get the PDP victory in the state. If that had not happened, they (opposition) would have taken it.

“For us to secure this state for PDP, we need maximum unity and that is why all the 21 aspirants are important to us; we must have that maximum unity and must not create any form of division or discrimination. At the end of the day, one person will emerge and all of us will work for whoever emerges as candidate of the party,” Jonathan told the gathering.

Besides the primaries, Dickson wants the members of the party to forge a united front to maintain its dominance and control of power in the state, starting with the local council elections which comes up today, while urging all faithful’s particularly the governorship aspirants to work hard for the victory of the chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

To Dickson, also, the large number of governorship aspirants only shows the democratic nature and style of leadership of the PDP while using the national leadership to complement the effort of the state in providing a level playing ground for all the aspirants.

On why he did not stop some aspirants from picking the nomination form, he did not hide the fact that reactions and the backlash of such an action would affect the peace and stability of the party.

 “When people say that 21 aspirants are too many, I disagree. In 2006 we had close to 11 aspirants and for a party that is strong, has strength and attraction and connection, that is the dominant political platform, it is expected.

“It’s not completely out of order as a ruling party, with all that we have done and with the way we have decapitated, decimated the other party because they virtually don’t exist in this state.

“So it is normal for any serious-minded person who wants to serve our people to think of doing so on our dominant platform which we have led and all of us has built and made stronger even in the face of very serious opposition. So, for me, there is nothing to lose sleep over.”

On who will eventually be anointed as the party’s flag bearer for the November elections, out of the 21 candidates, Dickson, a former Attorney General in the state and member of the House of Representatives explained that his successor should be principled, bold and courageous enough to protect the collective interests of the Ijaw nation at all times.

The Governor who has always championed the cause of the Ijaws, noted that in view of the challenges facing the state, Bayelsa cannot afford to have what he described as an establishment errand boy as governor, stressing that the next governor should have a clear agenda and God-fearing to serve the people with a sense of humility and compassion.

“The next governor of the Ijaw nation must be courageous; he must be ready to defend the Ijaw nation at all times. He must not be the errand boy of any ethnic group. I will be sad to see the governor of Bayelsa playing just politics, without being able to take a decisive position on issues.”

The Governor is insisting that he has raised the standard of governance and expectations, even as he promised to publish an audited account of his eight years stewardship in line with his administration’s policy of accountability and transparency.

“The shoes I am leaving behind are very big. Posterity will judge. Only very few of the people who come to talk to me have the interest of the state at heart. There is no free money to give anybody in Bayelsa. Don’t kill for anybody; none has the power to make you a billionaire.

“Our people are oppressed. We have a lot of stories to tell Nigerians. When it comes to speaking for the Ijaw nation, I have not been found wanting. I want that tradition to continue. I want my people to be safe. More than any other time, Bayelsa needs a governor with the requisite courage to lead the Ijaw nation. What is at stake is your destiny and survival. Our people are balkanised into small units from Ondo State to many other states.

“In the Niger delta, the Ijaw voice must be heard. I hope those buying the forms are aware of the enormity of the responsibilities of being the governor of Bayelsa State.”

On the peaceful atmosphere in state, despite the multiplicity of aspirants, he said the new political culture of tolerance and maturity that his administration had promoted over the last seven and half years was responsible, while commending the political class for the current peace in Bayelsa, and expressing hope that all political parties and candidates would abide by the rules for the greater good of the state.

 “In spite of the multiplicity of aspirants, we have a new political culture; there is no incidence of violence. I am happy that the state is growing politically. I want to see more engagement, I want to see people talk about their dreams and visions; I want to see more of the issues being addressed.

“The fact that we have 21 aspirants gives the clarity that PDP is the only party that can guarantee success; the platform that can connect with our people. It tells a lot about the capacity of the party and the leadership that I have provided to make it attractive.”

On the August 10th local council polls, which the opposition has decided to boycott, Dickson decried the desperation of some politicians who according to him, do not mean well for the state, stressing that the election will hold as planned by the State Independent Electoral Commission.

“What happened was unfortunate. It showed the desperation of some politicians in the state. I know people who are planning to forge identities of delegates. You can imagine how they can come within the party to frustrate local government election.” He is not in any way worried that it may affect the credibility of the poll.

GOVERNOR DICKSON CONGRATULATED FOR HIS HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS AGAINST CANCER…….Buhari, Obasanjo, Abubakar, Jonathan extol his efforts as FG promises to support Initiative

By Aferiokhai Osigbemeh

Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, former Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar have advocated concerted action against the spread of cancer in the country.

The nation’s leaders spoke on Thursday at the official launch of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation and ground breaking ceremony of the Goldcoast Dickson Cancer Centre at Toru Orua, Sagbama local government area of Bayelsa state.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei said, they all commended Governor Seriake Dickson for taking the initiative to fight cancer through emphasis on early detection and treatment and pledged to support the foundation.

Represented by Minister designate, Dr. Chris Ngige, President Buhari described the establishment of the centre as a step in the right direction designed to prevent avoidable deaths and promised to support it.

In his personal capacity, Dr. Ngige, saluted the efforts of the Governor in his resolve to fight the dreaded disease as a non-medical personnel.

He said the centre could be the nucleus of a major health institution to save millions of lives and urged Governor Dickson not to be deterred from his vision.

His words:”The President congratulates you on the step you have taken to set up the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation to operate the Goldcoast Dickson Cancer Centre, and he describes it as a step in the right direction.

“The President also says the Federal Government is doing a lot in the effort to prevent cancer, and wishes to inform you that the Federal Government will readily collaborate with centres like yours. 

“On a personal note, as a medical doctor, I want to thank you because it gives me joy when I see a non-medical person doing what you are doing now. This centre could be the nucleus of what Nigeria will use save many lives.”

The Chairman of the occasion, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd), described the effort as a wonderful philanthropic gesture that is worthy of support and appealed to all to donate generously to the cause.

He stressed that Nigeria was in an urgent need for a well coordinated action against the disease that is ravaging communities in the country.

Also former President of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, praised Governor Dickson for honouring his mother with the setting up of the cancer centre, which he noted would go a long way in checking the killer disease.

Obasanjo stated that only those who had come into close contacts with victims of cancer and the traumatic experience would know the magnitude of the pain, anguish and misery being inflicted on the society.

Chief Obasanjo said he was pleased with the other issues the Foundation seeks to address such as record keeping and preservation of the environment.

“When you see what cancer does, particularly the excruciating pain the sufferer goes through, you would want to do everything and anything to comfort those who are victims and that is exactly what you are doing.

“Cancer can be managed if it is diagnosed early. The second thing you say your foundation will be doing is what I call, institutional memory, one of the things we are very bad at in our country. Keep and maintain records and let it be accessible for those who want to do research or do information. 

“One of the most depressing sites is the national archives. When you go there, you would almost weep and we have to do something about that.”

On his part, former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who pledged the support of his foundation, agreed that cancer had become a big problem in society, stressing the need for collaborative efforts in curbing the disease.

He recalled painfully how the dreaded disease killed his Special Adviser on Strategy and Documentation, and renowned environmentalist, Barr. Oronto Douglas.

He said that in spite of the availability of resources and the desire to fight the disease, he painfully watched his aide die because the disease was diagnosed at an advanced stage.

National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus pointed out that when the centre is completed it would help in reducing capital flight on medical tourism.

According to Prince Secondus, leaders across the country should emulate Governor Dickson by investing in critical areas in the health sector.

“I want to join Governor Dickson in calling other leaders to take this good example and take the various areas in our health sector so that we may reduce the number of deaths.

In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson expressed gratitude to President Buhari and other leaders for joining him in honouring the first anniversary of the passage of his mother.

While sharing fond memories of his mother, the governor said the foundation would among other things, carry out research work aimed at early diagnosis and treatment.

Governor Dickson who noted that the foundation is part of his efforts to continually contribute to the wellbeing of humanity, urged all to donate time, skills and funds to ensure the success of the project.

“It’s a humble effort on my part to set up this cancer foundation because I thought I should have a vehicle through which I could do some public good for humanity.

“I therefore humbly call on public spirited individuals and those who have resources to support this worthy cause to stop cancer from ravaging our population.”

Dignitaries who graced the event include the Governor of Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa his Kebbi counterpart, Atiku Bagudu, Ebonyi state Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, Minoritu Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu and former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu.

Others are, the Country Chair of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Engr. Osagie Okunbor, Managing Director of FCMB, Mr Ladi Balogun, former PDP National Chairman, Dr. Kawu Baraje, former PDP Governorship candidate of Lagos state, Jimi Agbaje among others.

Highlight of the occasion was the ground-breaking of the Goldcoast Dickson Cancer Centre by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and commissioning of the Henry Seriake Dickson Foundation Office and Library by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

GOV. DICKSON SAYS BAYELSA LAND NOT FOR RUGA AS GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR, GOODLUCK JONATHAN LAUD GOV. DICKSON ON BAYELSA RATE OF DEVELOPMENT

Osigbemeh Aferiokhai

Former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, has expressed surprise at the fast rate of development of Bayelsa and its capital, Yenagoa, under the leadership of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.

A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, stated that Abdusalami, made the comment while speaking as the Chairman of the official launch of the 200 hectares New Yenagoa City project at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Yenagoa on Wednesday.

The former Head of State whose administration voluntarily handed over political power to civilians in 1999 also performed the ground breaking ceremony for the planned New Yenagoa City.

Describing Yenagoa as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, the former Head of State noted that when the project is completed, Yenagoa would be a choice destination for investors and tourists.

According to Gen. Abubakar, Governor Dickson’s vision of a new Yenagoa City is indeed a laudable one which he believes would come into fruition.

He said, “Let me start by thanking His Excellency for inviting me to this occasion. Indeed it is very delightful to come and see the work you have been doing for the last eight years. 

“I was talking to my friend when we were coming here that, I can’t believe that Bayelsa and Yenagoa in particular will grow to the level I’m seeing today.

“I will like to say without any contradiction that Yenagoa is one of the fastest growing cities in Nigeria today. And I want to congratulate you and all those who have made the ground work for this city possible. 

“Your vision for the New Yenagoa City is indeed a laudable one and may your vision come true. Let me on behalf of all the people who are here congratulate you and your team for your vision. 

“Let me also on behalf of the former Presidents thank you for the surprise gifts of parcels of land at the waterfront of the new city. With what we have seen in the video clips, Dubai will no longer be the destination when this comes to pass, it will be the New Yenagoa City.”

Speaking also, former President of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who said the dream of building a new Yenagoa City has been on the drawing board from the creation of the state, saluted the efforts of Governor Dickson for working towards the actualization of the project.

Dr. Jonathan also noted that, if leaders of the state remain united and contribute their quota to the development of the state, the New City would be completed in no distant future.

He emphasized the need for the incoming administration to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Dickson to ensure continuity and build confidence in investors.

“Dubai was a piece of desert but today it is the world market. Yenagoa also has a lot of potential to become another Dubai. 

“I have to thank you and your team for this and that is the way to go. I still believe as long as our leaders have dreams and visions it will not take us more than 25 years to get to where we want to be. 

“It depends on one government taking over from the other and building on certain good projects instead of abandoning them.”

In his remarks, Governor Seriake Dickson said Bayelsa’s land is strictly for development purposes and not for Rural Grazing Area, RUGA.

Governor Dickson who assured that the allocation of plots in the new city would not be discriminatory, urged all Nigerians of goodwill irrespective of tribe to invest in the project. 

According to the governor, his administration has already provided recreational facilities such as, a golf course, five star, hotel, a polo club, a choice Government Reserved Area and others in the new city.

“The area set aside for the New Yenagoa project is serene with an alluring water front, part of wich is reserved for former presidents whose activities have impacted positively on our people and state. 

“The city is available for every Bayelsan and Ijaws irrespective of party affiliations and all Nigerians of goodwill. Here in Bayelsa, we don’t have land for RUGA but for development.” He said

Governor Dickson used the opportunity to sign and present certificates of occupancy to Gen. Abubakar, Dr. Jonathan and his wife, Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff.

The Governor who also issued C of Os to the state Chief Judge, Speaker and to all service commanders for their official accommodation, explained that plots are also reserved for former governors of the state.

 King Alfred Diete Spiff, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Engr. Simbi Wabote, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Ijaw Professionals Association, Maj. Gen. Paul Alaowei Toun and an Israeli investor Mr. Ayal Raz were among those who lauded the project and its potentials in their respective goodwill messages.

BAYELSA LG ELECTION: Governor Dickson Warns Against Anti-party Activities, presents PDP Flag To Candidates

By Our Reporter

Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Seriake Dickson on Monday called on some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who are engaged in anti-party activities to retrace their steps for the continued peace and stability of the state.

Governor Dickson made the call during the presentation of the party’s flag to candidates of the local government council in Yenagoa.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei quoted the Governor as saying that the call has become imperative in view of the desperation and impunity with which such politicians are working against the interest of the party.

According to the Governor, such individuals worked for the opposition parties in the immediate past state and National Assembly elections.

Governor Dickson therefore advised the local council chairmanship and councillorship candidates not to be swayed by the antics of those politicians whom he described as tenants.

He reiterated that the council polls would take place this weekend and emphasized the need for the candidates to ensure victory for the PDP towards securing their tenure in office. 

His words: “There are some people, who call themselves members of the PDP and are working against the party. Most of them fought against our candidates, by working for opposition parties and are not ashamed of themselves.

“They are not ashamed of the bad politics they are playing and the division they are promoting in this state. The politics of destroying their own party without conscience. 

“Those were the people who were not happy that you, the eight of you are going to be Chairmen of local government areas. They are not happy and they insist that because they did not select the Chairmen and Vice Chairmen and all the councilors, this election should not hold.

“Let me sound a note of warning to you all, the genuine party members in this state, that the movements going on in this state, most of them are not calculated to your own interest. They just want to hijack party tickets and our state for themselves and their pockets and not for the interest of the people.

“The people that we have selected as our candidates (the eight chairmen and one hundred and five councilors) are all by the rules of our party, delegates in the forthcoming
governorship primaries and that is their fear.”

The governor urged all genuine members of the party to shun the activities of those who have betrayed the party by collaborating with the opposition in their bid to stop the conduct of the council polls in the state.

While congratulating the flagbearers, Governor Dickson said he would play a pivotal role in forthcoming governorship election as no candidate of the PDP would win without his support.

In his remarks, the state PDP Chairman, Mr. Moses Cleopas said contrary to the expectation of the opposition, the multiple governorship aspirants would not lead to the implosion of the PDP.

Describing the upcoming PDP congress as a family affair, Mr. Cleopas urged the aspirants to show the spirit of sportsmanship by collapsing their structures to support whoever emerges as the flagbearer.

“Let me remind every gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the PDP, that the PDP is a family. The party’s primaries is an election of a family. Out of the 21 of you, you all should know that it is one candidate that will emerge.

“In party primaries, every candidate can relate and consult but come 3rd September, 2019, a candidate that shall defeat every other candidate shall emerge after a credible primary.

“I expect that the 20 other aspirants who are also winners in their own right, should collapse their structures into the PDP flag-bearer’s structure and we will go into the gubernatorial election
united and emerging victorious at the end of the day.”

In his goodwill message, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tonye Isenah commended the doggedness of Governor Dickson in stabilising the polity of the state and assured him of the support of the 6^th Assembly.

Candidates for the 8 local government councils are, Victor Isaiah for Brass, Alalibo West – Nembe, Dengiye Ubarugu for Kolokuma/Opokuma and Alale Embelakpo, Sagbama.

Others are, Orubaye Nimizua, Yenagoa, Dr. Perekeme Bertola, Ekeremor and Chief Kia Ebidoughebofa-Nigeria for Southern Ijaw.

UNIPORT ALUMNI INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO BUILD ALUMNI CENTRE

…PLANS EASY COLLECTION OF TRANSCRIPT

By Aferiokha Osigbemeh

The University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association says it is determined to reduce the burden experienced by members in procuring academic transcripts for post graduate studies and other multiple purposes. 

To this end, the Association has set up a three man committee to interface with members, within and outside the country, with a view to mobilising funds for the construction of the Association’s Alumni Centre. The committee has the National Publicity Secretary, Mr Ono Akpe, as chairman. Other members are Engineers Wilson Aggrey and Sidi Mohammed. 

Inaugurating the committee in the course of the National Executive Council meeting of the Association in Port Harcourt, the National President of the Association, High Chief Chris Adokeme urged members to make the necessary sacrifices to ensure the success of their assignment. Adokeme, a lawyer, and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, described the Alumni Centre project as the most important singular project of the Association. 

He noted that as a body which has produced a former President of Nigeria, as well as governors and federal ministers, among others, “the task facing the committee is doable despite its daunting nature.” 

Expressing confidence in the ability of the committee to deliver, the National President called on its members to comb all the “nooks and crannies of the globe, in search of committed members who are able and willing to make their alma mater proud.” He told them not to shy away from organising fund raising events that could assist in achieving the target of the Association. He specifically mentioned the launch of a compendium of prominent alumni of the UniPort. 

The Alumni Centre will house the Exams and Records Department of the University, the permanent National Secretariat, an auditorium, as well as conference halls, and accommodation for visiting members and guests.

FLAG OFF OF NEW YENAGOA CITY ON AUGUST 7TH TO PROMOTE CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT… Bayelsa Govt

By Aferiakhai Osigbemeh

Bayelsa State Government has described the proposed launch of the New Yenagoa City project next week as a pragmatic step to ensuring controlled development of the state capital.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Daniel Iworiso-Markson stated this on Wednesday while briefing Government House Correspondents on the outcome of the 109th State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa.

Hon. Iworiso-Markson who addressed the press alongside his environment, trade and investment counterparts as well as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, announced August 7 as the date for the launch.

According to the Government spokesman, the event would not only attract people from all walks of life but also feature the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy by the Governor to those who have already been allocated plots of land in the new city.

He said government was doing everything within its reach to enable Bayelsans and friends of the state who acquire plots in the envisaged highbrow area develop their landed property with ease.

“One of the things we must bring to the fore regarding the launch of the New Yenagoa City is the fact that we are going to have controlled development. As much as possible, the City as being envisaged will be one that will compare favourably with any of its kind anywhere in the world, given the amenities that have been provided there already. 

“As you were told earlier, the 18-hole Golf Course is there. You have the Castle Hotel which is now rebranded and you also have the Polo Club which is at its final stage of completion.

“C of Os will also be issued for most of the plots on the day of the launch. We have over a thousand plots there. So, it is another way of generating revenue for our state. But more importantly, we have created a GRA that we all will be proud of.”

On security, he said Council totally condemned the killing of the two soldiers by some criminal elements at Azagbene Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area and the consequent sacking of the community by the military in a reprisal attack.

Hon. Iworiso-Markson, however, called on all leaders and the media to partner with government in sensitizing the youths on the need to shun criminal activities and their attendant consequences in the interest of peace and development.

“We all have our roles to play as religious leaders, community leaders, political or opinion leaders and even youth leaders by talking to our people. Because it is our people, the innocent ones, that suffer colossal loss whenever such senseless actions are taken by few criminal elements. The Odi incident is still very fresh in our memory.”

The Special Adviser on Security, Chief Boma Spero-Jack also condemned the Azagbene killing but noted that the military should have adopted a professional means of seeking justice in line with global best practices rather than sack the community.

He said the state government had already despatched a committee to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the level of destruction in Azagbene as well as provide some relief to the people of the community.

On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ebipade Apaingolo noted that Council extensively discussed the flood alert issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), which had flagged Bayelsa as one of coastal states that will likely be flooded this year.

Mr Apaingolo however urged the people not to panick over the alert as government is putting proactive measures in place to mitigate the impact of the flood as predicted by NIMET.

The Environment Commissioner, who called on those living in flood prone areas to make preparation for early evacuation, assured that government would soon embark on opening up drains and canals in the state capital and its environs to enhance the free flow of water.

Also briefing the press, the Special Adviser on Trade and Investment, Mrs Funkazi Koroye-Crooks stressed that all Bayelsans are eligible to apply for land in the new Yenagoa City as there is no partisan consideration in the allocation of the plots.

According to her, the large expanse of land is situated between the Epie Creek and the famous River Nun could also be  assessed through the new Onopa Bridge close to Government House which is billed for commissioning in September this year.

PDP GOVS FORUM EULOGIZES GOV. DARIUS ISHAKU ON THE OCCASION OF HIS 65^TH BIRTHDAY

By Aferiokhai Osigbemeh

Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has congratulated his Taraba State counterpart, Arc. Darius Ishaku as he turns 65 years on Tuesday, July 30.

Governor Dickson in a statement issued from the Abuja Secretariat of the forum on Tuesday, acknowledged Ishaku as a great leader as well as a peace-loving Governor whose devotion to the cause of Taraba State and the nation is legendary.

“Taraba State is so blessed to have someone who is full of knowledge like you. You are a beacon and pillar of strength to all Tarabans especially the young men out there; and your life experience has positively aided in leading and directing your people.

“You have been steadfast in defending the gains of a successful struggle to attain the best economy in Taraba State, thereby paving the way for the socio-economic and political development of the North East Region; even as we recognize and value your great contributions towards economically empowering your people through several Capacity and Empowerment Programmes.

“We equally appreciate your courage and ongoing efforts in making sure that Taraba State becomes one of the frontline developed states in Nigeria, and to continue to have global recognition in terms of the available resources in the state such as Agriculture, Tourism, etc.

As you celebrate your 65th anniversary, we the join the First Family and the people of Taraba State to wish you a Happy Birthday; and on the commemoration of this special occasion, we pray for you to grow stronger and healthier each day and with great joy and tranquillity. May the Almighty God grant you more wisdom, knowledge, focus and determination in leading your people to greater heights.

CORRUPTION IN NIRSAL – Police, EFCC, ICPC, Nigerians are waiting….

By Adeola Dosunmu

Convener: Nigerian Farmers Unite

The Nigeria Incentive Based Risk Sharing System for Agric Lending (NIRSAL), an economy diversification initiative championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria under the leadership of Godwin Emefiele and strengthened with huge resources has continued to be in the news for all the wrong reasons with allegations of misappropriation, cronyism, credit guarantees gone bad and the non-existence of Corporate Governance and proper procurement processes among others.

Not long ago, a scandal broke out on a training jamboree to South Africa undertaken by NIRSAL for over a hundred staff anchored by the same set of people who have been conducting local trainings for them in Nigeria and which the staff privately complained of lacking depth.

There was also the issue of the brother to the Managing Director who serves as his technical assistant usurping the finance and procurement functions at NIRSAL completely shutting out Nigerians from benefitting from the procurement opportunities except for a few friends and family members. See https://www.witnessngr.com/corruption-nirsal-boils-as-md-abdulhammed-allegedly-turns-agency-into-family-business/

This same brother has also been fingered in illegal cash movements involving low cadre staff (including drivers and assistants) culminating in the arrest of a NIRSAL driver in Gombe earlier in the year.

The report about the son to the Managing Director being the sole supplier of all computer related items is still out there and is yet to be countered as it is still in the public discourse and further exposes the nepotistic rot within the system.

It is no longer news that the Managing Directors’ brothers and in-laws are full staff of NIRSAL and enjoying privileges not entitled to their position but the joke taken too far is one of them who is an Assistant manager being a signatory to NIRSAL accounts.

Only recently, allegations of misappropriation was leveled against the Managing Director of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL), Mr. Aliyu Abbati Abdulhammed, over a princely sum of N342 million released to NIRSAL by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its Anchor Borrowers’ programme (ABP) for a Southwest Maize Farmers’ Cooperative, Hope Concept Investment Cooperatives and Credit Union…Continue reading at https://persecondnews.com/2019/04/24/nirsal-caught-up-in-another-n342m-misappropriation-scam/ | PER SECOND NEWS.

Reports of poorly packaged Credit Guarantees abound and monies fully withdrawn with huge losses including a recent N5.2 bn wheat farm project that achieved less than 20% of the target output

The Project Monitoring and Remediation Office (PMRO) of NIRSAL with supposed presence across the 36 states is also at the centre of a recruitment scandal and existence of ghost workers which has led to losses in millions of Naira.

This PMRO as has been revealed is the conduit through which billions are being siphoned in active connivance with the Chief Consultant, Dr Ogidan who incidentally is spearheading the new NIRSAL Micro Finance Bank.

It has become an issue of utmost national importance for the Police, EFCC, ICPC and even the office of the National Security Adviser to investigate NIRSAL and bring these economic saboteurs to justice.

PDP Governors Forum saddened by Death of Adamawa State Governor’s Father, Alhaji Umaru Badami

…..Condoles with Gov. Ahmedu Umaru Fintiri

By Aferiokha Osigbemeh

Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has condoled with the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon.

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, over the passing of his father, Alhaji Umaru Badami.

In a press statement issued from its Abuja Secretariat on Monday, the Forum said it was deeply saddened by the news and commiserates with the government and people of Adamawa State in general on the passage of the deceased which it described as “humble, hardworking, generous, disciplined  and a  God-fearing statesman” who dedicated his life to the service of God, stability and growth of the nation and the good of humanity at large, aside being a strong voice for his community.

The Forum prayed the Almighty God to accept the soul of the departed and comfort those left to mourn him.

Badami, 82, died on Sunday after a protracted illness, Mr Solomon Kumangar, Director-General, Media and Communications, to the governor, said in a press release in Yola.

He said that the octogenarian who passed away around 2.30 p.m. was on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Yola and was discharged Saturday only to later collapse.

The deceased, a retired soldier, is survived by a wife and six children, including Gov. Fintiri.

He has since been buried according to Islamic rites after funeral prayers at the Yola Central Mosque.