BREAKING: Wife of CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele kidnapped

According to recent reports, unknown gunmen have reportedly kidnapped wife of Central Bank governor, Godwin Emefiele.

According to Sahara Reporters, Mrs. Emefiele was kidnapped along the Benin-Agbor Road.

A source also disclosed that the kidnappers have made contact with their victim’s husband, adding that they were demanding a huge sum in ransom.

Mrs. Emefiele’s kidnap represents one of the most high-profile kidnap cases in 2016.

Efforts to reach the CBN governor were unsuccessful.

(SaharaReporters)

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APPRECIATION AND THANK YOU MESSAGE BY REP. O. K. CHINDA

My good people of Obio/Akpor,

I bring you warm greetings and profound expression of my love and appreciation to you all.

Recall that I ran the re-run National Assembly elections held on 19th March, 2016 and the result as declared by INEC afforded me the opportunity to return once again as the Honourable Member to represent Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

Your support and show of trust, confidence and goodwill prior to and at the election proper in ensuring that I emerged victorious again at the said polls was immense and very invaluable and I remain always honoured and grateful to God, and to all of you.

As you may also be aware, after the said re-run elections, my brother and friend, Chief Anthony Chinedu Okocha (KSC) who contested on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) again filed a petition at the Elections Petition Tribunal. The three (3) Man Tribunal after listening to preliminary objection(s) and arguments by my legal team, in a well-considered unanimous ruling delivered by the Hon. Justice Yusuf Mohammed, dismissed the said petition on Friday, 15th July, 2016.

While the euphoria of that victory was yet to (even) begin, Chief Anthony Okocha in the exercise of his constitutional right again appealed to the Court of Appeal (sitting at Abuja) against the Tribunal’s decision. To the glory of God, the Court of Appeal on Saturday 10th September, 2016, affirmed the decision of the Tribunal and entered judgement in OUR favour; and thereby put an end to a tortuous, expensive but unnecessary legal battle that begun in April, 2015 (a year and half). My sincere thanks and warmest appreciation goes first, to God Almighty and then to the good people of Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency (indigenes and indigenes-without-boarders alike), for this victory. I am greatly humbled by your encouragement, solidarity, brotherhood and massive support demonstrated before, during and after the March 19, 2016 re-run polls. I am not ungrateful to you for your commitment, selflessness, perseverance and prayers while the legal ‘battle’ lasted.

To my brother, Chief Anthony Okocha, who exercised his legal rights as far as allowed by the laws of Nigeria, again, I commend your doggedness in making the contest very competitive and colourful, though avoidably expensive and wasteful. Whilst I admire your fighting spirit, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that the court cases were clearly very serious distractions to us, particularly, at this austere time of economic recession, and when other Federal Constituencies were enjoying the dividends of democracy.

Furthermore, I hereby again, very sincerely extend my warm hands of fellowship to you (and indeed all your supporters) and pray that we collectively move our people forward. I look forward to your advice, criticisms and positive contributions geared towards promoting the development and well-being of our dear Obio/Akpor people and Rivers State in general.

To the good people of Obio/Akpor Federal constituency, I re-assure  you  of  my  electioneering  campaign promises and commitment as encapsulated in my ‘Social Contract’  with  you: they are sacrosanct. I  promise  to  work  for  the promotion  of  democracy  in  Nigeria  as  well  as  for  the overall  good of  our  people,  Rivers State and society  at large.
May I also add that the victory having been achieved, much work lies ahead. So, “Let’s keep working”. I urge you all to  continue  to  join  hands  with  me  and  the Peoples’  Democratic  Party  (PDP) in Rivers State, led by His Excellency, Chief (Barr.) E. N. Wike (CON) to  ensure  our  overall success in the task and vision of building a “NEW” Rivers State.

Because ‘I won, you also won’. Whilst I strive to make you all enjoy the fruit of your hard work and this victory, I promise an effective, all inclusive and people oriented representation. Whilst the litigation was on, we nonetheless continued to drive the following amongst others:
Payment of scholarship scheme for One Hundred and Sixty Eight (168) Students across the Constituency;
2. Adult education scheme with centres at Elelenwo, Okporo and Ozuoba;
4.Commencement of skills training in commercial chalk manufacturing and snail farming;
5.Continuation of construction of Model Primary School in  Rumuokwurusi;
6.Procurement of employment opportunities in Federal Civil Service, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy; Nigerian Police; National Population Commission; Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS); Galaxy Backbone; NAFDAC; Federal Judicial Service Commission and the  private sector, amongst several other places.

7. Maintenance of the Obio/Akpor Embassy House at 60 Pomona Street, Suncity Estate, Abuja;
8.Maintenance of Federal Constituency office at N0. 9 Ebara Road, off Ikwerre Road, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State;
9.Revolving loan scheme for petty traders;

Several Motions, Bills and petitions were sponsored and presented within the period.

With the litigation out of the way, we shall double our efforts to make you feel the impact of the seat of your Member of House of Representatives. We shall continue to serve you with the fear of God and love for mankind. Once more, thank you for your massive support and solidarity and God bless you all.

Long live Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency;
Long live Rivers State of Nigeria;
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

REP. O.K. CHINDA.

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We never expected 876 votes - APGA rejects Edo results

The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), one of the political parties that took part in Edo State governorship election on Wednesday, has condemned the outcome of the election.

The National Chairman of APGA, Dr. Victor Oye, condemned the outcome of the election, describing the way his party was treated as contemptuous, callous and malicious.

He expressed surprise that the 876 votes allotted to his party was deliberately done to humiliate and intimidate its members because of the massive attractions the party had among the people of Edo during preparations for the election.

Dr. Oye wondered how the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) came to 876 votes when the support for the party cut across the three political zones of the state.

Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress was declared winner of the election that had 19 political parties vying for the governorship seat.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet crashes in Barcelona

Cristiano Ronaldo’s private jet reportedly crash landed at Barcelona airport on Monday night after the plane’s landing gear broke on impact with the runway.

Neither Ronaldo nor any of his family were on board when the Real Madrid star’s Gulfstream G200 aircraft was reported to have suffered a landing gear problem as it touched down at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.

The incident – in which no one was hurt -resulted in one of the airport’s runways being closed as emergency services dealt with the jet, which Ronaldo is believed to have bought for about £16million one year ago.

Ronaldo was with his Real Madrid teammates in Germany at the time of the crash ahead of Los Blancos’ Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

 Zinedine Zidane’s men were forced to accept a 2-2 draw in the Group F game after former Chelsea winger Andre Schurrle scored the equalising goal with three minutes of the match to play.

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Naira heads towards N500/$1

Nigeria’s foreign exchange market was tension-soaked yesterday, as the Naira raced towards N500/USD1. 

It closed at N490/ USD1 in the parallel market, with dealers expecting further rise today to hit the dreaded N500 mark. Surprisingly, the Naira appreciated significantly to N305/ USD at the official interbank market same day, although dealers said foreign exchange was not available to most of the bids.

Meanwhile, the global investment bank, Morgan Stanley of United States of America, has warned that its MSCI Nigeria Indexes would be reclassified as Stand-alone next year, if currency restriction was instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Also the World Bank said, yesterday, that Nigeria and South Africa would drag down Africa’s growth rate by 1.6 per cent in 2016, as strings of negative economic indicators continued. Naira exchange rate had been on speedy downwards against major international currencies in the past few days, dropping from N425/USD a week ago to the current level which showed about 15.3 per cent depreciation week-on-week, the fastest so far since the June 2016 official devaluation.

Why the latest crash?

Dealers blamed the development on scarcity of foreign exchange, occasioned by CBN’s inability to intervene with significant quantity of foreign exchange. However, a new environment of speculation appears to have taken hold of the market as most dealers are now hoarding whatever they have, while hiking the rate against a speculated depreciation.

One of the dealers in a commercial bank stated: “The trend since this week has been driven by speculations that Nigeria was running out of reserves as real demand continues to grow faster than supply.

“Dollar is very scarce in the market right now because many people do not know how low it will fall in the near term, so people are holding on to their hard currencies in order to watch the direction of the market.” There is also report that traders in Nigeria and from neigbouring countries are swelling the crowd of speculative purchase of US Dollar in Nigerian markets.

President of Association of Bureau de Changes in Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, told Reuters: “Traders from neighbouring countries and some importers had also been moving in recently, mopping up dollars and putting pressure on the Naira in a possible speculative bid.”

So what's the way out?

Speaking to newsmen on the renewed pressure on exchange rate, Chief Economist and Head of Research at FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, said: “The major driver is the plunging oil receipt on account of low oil price and production.

“Recall that oil exports had dominated our foreign exchange earnings in the last few years accounting for more than 70% of our export proceeds. ‘’The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has also dropped drastically because of no clear policy direction on the part of the government.

 ‘’The International Oil Companies (OICs) have stopped investments because of no clarity in respect of Petroleum Industry Bills (PIB). The Foreign Portfolio (FPIs) have also dropped drastically because of foreign exchange instability and weakness in the economic fundamentals of the country.”

On the way out of the forex crises, he stated: “The monetary authority should ensure that it does not bow to the current pressure to reduce the interest rate. ‘’If the yields on the fixed income securities are above the inflation rate, foreign portfolio investors, FPIs, may soon be bringing investments to Nigeria and thus increase the supply of forex. “Also the fiscal authority should communicate clear policies to drive the economy so that private investments (both local and foreign) can come in.

“Government should also ensure that the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is passed so that the IOCs can have a clearer direction of what to expect. “This will stimulate investments in that sector and ensure that foreign exchange flows in. Government can also consider selling the proposed 5% stake in the NLNG through a transparent process.

“The CBN has been managing the exchange rate at the interbank market so that it does not move so much beyond a particular range. This gap may continue until there is adequate supply at the inter-bank market. “The implication of all these is continued increase in local prices worsening economic performance.”

Earlier this week CBN appeared to have renewed its restriction measures on access and usage of independent foreign exchange resources following which commercial banks sent out e-mails to their customers reflecting the guidelines.

“All customers of financial institutions are expected to only use their accounts for their direct personal/company related transactions.

“No customer of any financial institution is permitted to engage in any activity that could be perceived as international money remittance service (IMTO) or bureau de change (BDC) activities without the express approval of the CBN,” the e-mail said.

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The Nigerian Government has declared Monday, October 3 as public holiday to mark the country’s 56th Independence Day anniversary.

The holiday was announced on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd).

General Dambazau congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the commemoration of the 2016 independence anniversary.

He assured them that the government was working assiduously to put in place, various palliative measures to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.

The Minister urged the citizens to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed determination to build a strong, virile and united Nigeria in line with the dream of the country’s founding fathers.

He wished all Nigerians a happy anniversary celebration.

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AMAECHI, RIVERS IS NOT EDO. YOU'RE MISSING THE POINT AGAINBy Oraye St. Franklyn

The embattled Minister for Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, in a desperate effort to redeem his blighted ego and waned national standing in the APC, which were severely crushed by the overwhelming rejection he suffered at both the General and Rerun elections in Rivers State, as the leader of the APC in Rivers State, has again missed the point in declaring that the rejected Party will win the remaining rescheduled elections in the State that were deliberately postponed in a bid to undermine the stake of Rivers people both at the National Assembly and within the Nigerian federation.

Amaechi’s confidence springs from the recent controversial victory of the APC in Edo State as he said at a recent poorly attended rally in Rivers State. But he misses the point, yet again, as he did when for his personal political survival and vain glory he misled innocent sons and daughters of the State to support a Political party that has turned out to be the worst in the history of democracy in Nigeria.

The points Amaechi should note are that first, he has suffered an established defeat in Rivers State. At the last March 19 court ordered rerun elections in Rivers State in which Amaechi by himself led the hordes of hell and the charge against Rivers people, his political fortune was brutally crushed and his incapacity was effectively exposed to the whole world to see.

What didn't Amaechi not do at that Election? The military was summoned and went beyond themselves to undermine the will of Rivers people. Supporters of the PDP were attacked and killed in the guise of mopping up arms that no one has to this day seen. Even the State was strategically demarketed by Amaechi himself as a hotbed of crises irrespective of the fact that Amaechi and his party were the instigators of the various crises that characterised what they condemned. Fortunately, every effort failed, including the plot to rig the elections in favour of the APC.

How can Rivers people forget in a hurry that the braggadocious Amaechi who flew into the State like an Emperor coming for a kill in the full glare of the media, had to escape the embarrassing defeat he suffered, in the dead of the night unannounced, dejected, rejected and humiliated? But the point to be made here is that as Minister, albeit, a 'super' Minister with the ears of the President, who rather than attract development to the State, champions the extermination of his own people, Amaechi was defeated and remains so, without any homebase support; and the remainder elections, infinitesimal as they are, won't change the fact of his defeat and rejection. He and his Party, the APC, would be defeated again.

Amaechi also needs to be reminded that the same will of Rivers people that rejected APC at a time when it had not sufficiently proved itself to be a national error as it currently is, has not abated any bit. It is the same will that will resist all efforts to undermine democracy in Rivers State regardless of whether the entire armed forces of the federation are deployed to the State. And the reasons are not far-fetched. No political party in the history of Nigeria's democracy has displayed a lack of tolerance for diversity as the APC does. No party has been motivated by the dire drag for fundamentalism as the APC does. No Party in Nigeria's history has established a government without an iota of the understanding of the workings of government as the APC is doing. And if the people of Edo, could find no basis to prevent a hijack of their will, the people of Rivers, time after each, have consistently showed no stomach for the maddening malfeasance.

Amaechi’s recent boast is not being treated with levity, he must be informed, as his aversion for political tolerance and democratic tenets are well established facts concomitant with the values of his Political Party, the APC. While the People of Rivers State who have consistently rejected him and his Party are unrattled by his open boast of the deployment of military might to undermine their will, they will stand ready in the full glare of the whole world to ensure that Amaechi and his sponsors in Abuja are guided to answer for charges on genocide and ethnic cleansing at the Hague. We are determined to put a stop to the political killings being sponsored by the APC in Rivers State with the cooperation of Federal institutions.

It is a matter of public knowledge that Rivers State is deliberately being prodded to be unsafe for anything worthwhile. While the Governor Wike-led administration has consistently made mileage in delivering the needed dividends of good governance to Rivers people irrespective of the distractions and the debilitating effects of the mismanagement of both the economy and governmental powers by the APC led Federal Government, it has not gone unnoticed that Amaechi has personally stood in the way of peace in Rivers State by constantly inciting tensions with his immature and unsalted political rhetoric, especially in the lead up to elections in the State. The same game is playing out again. But this time around, Amaechi would be helped to sort out his misery. Watch out.

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National Assembly officials seal off Hon Jibrin’s office

Officials of National Assembly on Thursday sealed off the office of Abdulmumin Jibrin, the former chairman of house committee on appropriation.


Jibrin was suspended on Wednesday for one year for making allegations that the 2016 budget as padded by Yakubu Dogara, the speaker, four other principal officers and other lawmakers.

He was also barred from positions of responsibility in the house until the end of the 8th assembly.


With his fate signed, sealed and delivered, officials of the legislative arm of government have now sealed his office, meaning he cannot legally enter the room again until his suspension is over.

As it were, the officials see his case as an open-and-shut affair.

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WE HAVE CREATED THE RIGHT PLATFORM FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, GOVERNOR WIKE TELLS UK MINISTER FOR AFRICA

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the state government has created the right platform for foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector.

The governor also stated that the State Government has started the preliminary process for the construction a Specialist Tertiary Hospital in the state.

He spoke at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday when he granted audience to the Minister for Africa, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Tobias Ellwood and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Paul Arkwright.

Governor Wike said that the development of basic infrastructure across the State is geared towards attracting foreign investors.

While pledging to always cooperate with the United Kingdom to enhance the development of Rivers State, the governor noted that his administration will grant access to land backed with certificate of occupancy for willing investors.

He said: "We are promoting partnership in the area of Agriculture because we believe that it will create employment opportunities for our youths.

"The current economic recession requires that we look inwards. We have improved the security architecture in the state and it is the best investment environment in the region and the country".

Earlier, the the Minister for Africa, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Mr Tobias Ellwood said that the United Kingdom will assist the Nigerian Government in its bid to diversify her economy.

He said that the visit was also aimed at improving the relationship between the United Kingdom government and the Rivers State Government.

Mr Ellwood assured the Rivers State Government of the support of the United Kingdom in her bid to empower Rivers people through project implementation.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
29th September, 2016.

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Breaking News - INEC Declares Godwin Obaseki Winner Of Edo Governorship Election

INEC, ObasekiINEC has declared APC candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as the winner of the Edo State governorship election which held on Wednesday, September 28.


After the collation of results from the 18 local government areas of Edo state in south-south Nigeria, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled a total of 319,483 votes while his closest from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Osagie Ize-Iyamu, polled 253,173 votes.

The APC won in Akoko-Edo LGA, Ikpoba-Okha, Etsako West, Etsako East, Etsako Cenral, Owan East LGA, Ovia North LGA, Oredo LGA, Uhunwomnde,  Igueben LGA, Egor LGA, Owan West LGA.

The PDP won in Esan North Central, Esan West LGA, Orhionmwon LGA, Esan South East LGA, Esan North East LGA.

Prior to the announcement of the results on September 29, security officials had to form a barricade outside the INEC office in Benin City.

This was in order to prevent a breakdown of law and order as some protesters alleged that there was a change of results by the electoral commission.

PDP Candidate Rejects Result

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu has rejected the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

This was before the announcement of the final result by the commission.

The PDP candidate alleged inducement of voters and collaboration of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the state government to doctor the results in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said they decided not to wait for the full result to be called because they had already been informed about what was playing out.

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Edo election results: Sheriff calls for restraint

The disputed National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, has said the national leadership of the party was concerned about issues arising from the election.


He called for restraint from PDP members and supporters.

Speaking on behalf of Sheriff, Deputy National Chairman of his faction of the party, Dr Cairo Ojougboh, said that the PDP “will await the final announcement of the result, consult widely before making our decision public”.

Earlier, the PDP in Edo, at a news conference in Benin, announced its rejection of the result of the governorship poll.



At the time of the news conference, collation of results of the election was ongoing at INEC secretariat in Benin.

Chairman of the party in the state, Chief Dan Orbih, who addressed the media, alleged that the outcome of the exercise had been predetermined by the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, had in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday warned that the party would reject the result of the government poll if the antics of APC continued.

He accused the Edo Government of sponsoring massive irregularities in the election.

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Jibrin hires Falana to sue House of Reps

The House of Representatives member and former chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, has taken to social media to dismiss his suspension on Wednesday as ridiculous, unfounded, ‘which cannot stand anywhere’.


The member representing Bebeji/Kiru Federal Constituency of Kano state, in series of tweets Wednesday night, the internet savvy Rep member said he would challenge the suspension in court.

Jibrin said he has already briefed Femi Falana, the popular human rights lawyer and senior advocate to file a case of contempt against the Yakubu Dogara led House.

The former ally of Dogara said he did not commit any offence when he blew the whistle over budget padding by the leaders of the House, adding that he owes no one any apology for his action.

“Let me state very clearly that I will never ever apologise to anybody in the House of Reps. There is no reason what so ever to apologise. I did not commit any offence. I did not abuse my office. For the five years I have served, I have never corruptedly enriched myself,” he wrote.

“In contrast, these are the allegations that I raised against Mr Speaker and others which they have not responded till date.

“The bad news for Speaker and his cabal is despite doing their worst and exhausted their bullets by “suspending” me, it has not in any way

“Despite the “suspension” the fact has not changed that the Speaker conspired with others to commit monumental budget fraud and corruption

“I stand by all the allegations I raised. I wish to state categorically that there is chronic individual&systemic corruption in the House

“It is on strength of such weak institution that the Speaker continues to flaunt a fake popularity in the House since many members are culprits.”

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Niger Delta militants blow up another NPDC oil facility in Delta

The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, NDJM, today, bombed another Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, delivery line in Delta State.

The group in a stament by self styled Gen Aldo Agbalaja, said: “As a mark of our commitment to a just course and to prove to the wicked and ungrateful multinational oil companies and their Nigerian military allies, who have been forcefully taking our natural endowment, without any visible returns, that we own our lands, the Opudo Strike Team of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, at about 01. 00 hour today , 29th Sept 2016, bombed the Unenurhie-Evwreni delivery line in ughelli south/north respectively operated by NPDC.”

“We want to assure the oil multinational companies that we are determined to end their operations in our lands and this we shall if they fail to show the will to change their relationship with our people and their operational attitude in our lands.

“For the avoidance of doubts, we want to say here, categorically, that no amount of military protection/presence can stop this whirlpool, no amount of shoddily arranged military operation can quell the will of our gallant army.” the group said.

It added: “The same way their Operation Crocodile Smile was sunken by our Operation Crocodile Tears is how all their schemes against our land and people will continue to be defeated.”

The group went onh “like we have said, this will only stop when you turn a new leaf, adopt a sincere attitude, give back to our people what naturally should be theirs, advise the government rightly, stop thinking there’s an army to protect you from justice, do these and all that you know are good. If you do these, be assured to have a good relationship with our people and real protection for your personnel and assets across our lands.”

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Iheanacho, Iwobi, Rashford, Alli Nominated For Golden Boy Award

Nigeria starlets Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal's Alex Iwobi, as well as Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford and Tottenham's Dele Alli have been included in the shortlist for the Golden Boy in Europe award for 2016.


Manchester City star Iheanacho was also nominated last year but he lost out to Manchester United's Anthony Martial.

The Golden Boy award is given to the best U-21 player in Europe in a calendar year.

The prize was established by Italian sports newspaper Tuttosport in 2003, with high-profile publications like Bild (Germany), A Bola (Portugal), l'Équipe (France), France Football (France), Marca (Spain), Mundo Deportivo (Spain) and The Times (United Kingdom) now participating in the voting.

The other nominees for the 2016 award include Borussia Monchengladbach'sAndreas Christensen, Leicester City's Demerai Gray, Marko Grujic of Liverpool, Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nathan and Manchester City's Leroy Sane.

Previous winners include Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Sergio Aguero, Paul Pogba and Mario Balotelli.

Full list of nominees:

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Bill on gender equality in marriage passes second reading in Nigerian Senate

A bill seeking gender equality has passed second reading at the senate.


Abiodun Olujimi, a senator from Ekiti south‎, reintroduced the bill after it was rejected in October 2015, when some members opposed it‎ on the grounds that it was in conflict with their religious and cultural beliefs.

Speaking on the bill on Thursday, Olujimi explained that the bill did not seek to undermine‎ the beliefs of the Nigerians but it was to create equal opportunities for women.

‎”It seeks to promote equality and development of all persons in Nigeria,” she said.

“To guarantee effectiveness, the bill adopts special measures on discrimination against persons. ‎It provides that all appropriate measures be taken to eliminate discrimination against women in private and public life.

‎”It also prohibits all forms of violence against women, whether political, domestic or cultural. It prohibits all forms of trafficking in women.”

Speaking on the bill, Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, said that some sections of the bill were already in the constitution.

And he suggested that those sections be‎ looked into at the committee stage.

However, Olusola Adeyeye, senate chief whip, disagreed with him, saying that affirmative laws were needed to address the problem of gender inequality.

Also speaking, Remi Tinubu, a senator from Lagos central,‎ urged her colleagues to support the bill.

“I rise to support this bill, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. We cannot undermine the role of women in society,” she said.

“Some think I don’t shake men here maybe because of religious or cultural reasons‎. But I don’t shake men because I feel intimidated.‎”

After a brief debate on the bill, Senate President Bukola Saraki called a voice vote‎, and the senate voted overwhelmingly for it to pass second reading.

Thereafter, Saraki referred the bill to the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters for more legislative treatment.

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Six People Die At 50-50 Hotel In Umuahia, Abia

Six people were reportedly found dead and two others unconscious earlier today at 50-50 Hotel, located around Uyo street in Umuahia, Abia State. According to Abia Facts Newspaper:

"The hotel is a brothel and the girls living there have had experience of mysterious slaps some weeks back that left one person unconscious. This incident of strange slaps made all the occupant of the brothel to leave, only for the owner to recruit news ladies from other cities. Unfortunately, 3 ladies and their customers are today not alive to tell the story of what happened or what befallen them over night that left them dead.
All the six dead bodies have been deposited at the morgue as at press time and the two unconscious body taken to the hospital. The Nigerian Police has cordoned off the hotel, as crowd builds up around the environment to catch a glimpse of what happened. We also received report of the Nigerian Police shooting canisters of teargas into a near by Hospital (Life Essential Hospital) in a bid to disperse the crowd"


(More Photo)

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Amaechi’s kinsmen worry over herdsmen’s destruction of farmlands

INDIGENES of Ubima community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State had expressed worry over the destruction of their farmlands by herdsmen and their cattle.

The current Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, hails from Ubima community.

The community also expressed gratitude to the State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in fighting cultism in the area.

Ubima Council of Owhor Holders, Oha Anthony Umezuruike, said in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that herdsmen operating in the community were making life difficult for the people in the area.

Umezuruike made this remark when he visited the immediate past chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area and the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike, even as he appealed to the state and local governments to come to the people’s aid.

“These Fulani herdsmen are destroying our farmlands. Our people can no longer enter their farms because of these people and their cows.

“We are appealing to the Rivers State Government and the local government to come to our aid to either send them away or show them where to graze,” he said.

On the restoration of peace in Ubima, he said, “We thank the current administration of Governor Nyesom Wike for ensuring that peace reigns in our community. We thank him for fighting cultism in Ubima.”

He, however, stated that the traditional rulers had resolved to support the PDP government in the state.

In his response, Nwanosike promised that the current administration in the state would continue to work towards the development of communities.

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Woman Dies After Snake Bites Her Vagina

A 44-year-old woman named Eyii and a resident of Kparekpare a suburb of Dambai, Krachi East constituency met her ultimate death after a snake bit her vagina.

According to the husband of the deceased, Aziagome Akuvi who’s a peasant farmer in the community, he and his wife were returning home from their farm when she asked him to wait as she attends to natures call in the bush.

He continued that while patiently waiting for his late wife who was squatting and easing herself, he heard her suddenly shouting for help only to rush to her aid to see her bitten by a snake at her vagina (c*litoris).

The troubled and confused husband sensing that the snake bit on his wife was a spiritual attack, in a bid to save the life of his dying wife, then put her on his bicycle and rushed her to a fetish priest for spiritual intervention and herbal treatment.

However she unfortunately didn’t survive the snake bite and later died at the fetish priest’s home.

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Lai Mohammed threatens to sue newspaper

Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and culture, has threatened to sue the Daily Independent newspaper over a publication on the “change begins with campaign” launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 8.

In its publication on September 15, the newspaper had claimed that the campaign “gulped N3.4 billion”.

But a letter dated September 19 and addressed to the editor of the newspaper by Femi Falana, the minister’s counsel, described the publication as libellous and a damage to his client’s image.

“Having damaged our client’s hard-earned reputation by your reckless action, we have his instruction to demand a retraction of your libellous publication within seven days of the receipt of this letter,” the letter read.

“Take notice that if you fail or refuse to accede to our client’s demands, we have his instruction to sue you with a view to restoring his reputation, which your reckless publication has damaged.”

Also, the minister threatened to sue Akin Fadeyi and Omo Bazuaye for allegedly claiming that he (Mohammed) stole the idea of the campaign from them.

Mohammed, through his counsel, also sought a retraction within seven days.

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Senate forgery: Police resume probe of Saraki, Ekweremadu

The Nigeria Police Force has reopened investigations into the alleged forgery of the Senate Standing Rules 2015 by writing to the Clerk of the National Assembly (CNA), Mr. Mohammed Sani Omolori for additional information to assist its investigation.

Senate President Bukola Saraki,  his deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the immediate past Clerk to the National Assembly(CNA), Salisu Maikasuwa, are  already standing trial and the hearing of the case will continue on Wednesday.

But Saraki and Ekweremadu’s camps have kicked against attempt by the police to reopen the probe after the police had declared the initial investigation conclusive.

The police renewal of the investigation of the forgery was contained in a letter of  25th of August, 2016, which was signed by the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel(SIP),  AIG Ali Amodu (Rtd).

There were indications that the reopening of the case by the police was at the prompting of the National Prosecution Coordination Committee(NPCC) in an August 19, 2016 letter to the Inspector-General, Mr. Idris Ibrahim.

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Bola Tinubu demands immediate resignation of APC Chairman, Oyegun

All Progressives Congress, APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demanded the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun who he claimed Sunday had derailed from the path of progressives.

In a stinking communiqué from his media office, Tinubu accused Oyegun of sabotaging the will of democracy in Ondo State by overriding the decision of the appeal panel that asked for a fresh governorship primary following investigations that showed that the delegates’ list used had been tampered with.

Tinubu in the communiqué further alleged that Oyegun’s action in allegedly subverting the will of the people was not of his doing, saying that for a man of the age of the national chairman to have done what he did that he must have been under the influence of a “powerful and sinister arm at work.”

Tinubu in the communiqué further alleged that Oyegun’s action in allegedly subverting the will of the people was not of his doing, saying that for a man of the age of the national chairman to have done what he did that he must have been under the influence of a “powerful and sinister arm at work.”

“The APC, a party born of the quest for democratic good governance, is under critical threat by those who managed to be in the party but never of it. From the party’s inception, the principles of democratic fairness and justice were to guide APC internal deliberations. Party founders realized that only by intramural fair dealing could the party remain faithful to the progressive ideals that we presented to the Nigerian electorate as our governing creed. If the party could not justly govern itself, it would find it difficult to establish and maintain just government throughout the nation.

“In essence, the party was the embodiment of a democratic promise made between its members as well as a democratic vow made to the public. Evidently, some errant members believe promises and vows are mere words to be easily spoken and more easily broken.  Chairman John Oyegun has breached these good pledges in a most overt and brazen display. In doing so, Oyegun has dealt a heavy blow to the very party he professes to lead. It is an awful parent who suffocates his own child for the sake of a few naira. The party was supposed to buttress APC members elected to government at all levels. Because of Oyegun’s conduct of our affairs, the party is rapidly becoming an albatross to those it was meant to help.

“Oyegun’s comportment regarding the Ondo State primary will become the textbook definition of political treachery and malfeasance of the basest order. In early September, the state primary was held. A purported winner was named. Having faith in the ways of the party, Tinubu publicly accepted what he assumed to be a verdict honestly derived.  As a democrat, one must face the possibility of defeat and accept such as outcome with as much grace as one would embrace victory. One of the few bright spots during the conduct of the primaries was Jigawa Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar. He chaired the primary convention with decorum and impartiality.  He was unaware that a tampered list had been slipped into the process.

“Indeed within hours of the announcement, news began to filter in that gravely disturbed me. Credible allegations of fraud troubled the waters. The delegate list had been materially altered by someone in a strategic position to so do. The names of over 150 valid delegates were excised to make room for an equal number of impostors. This was not a clerical error. The alteration was wilfully executed that the primary would be directed toward a chosen end that bore nothing in common with the will of most state party members. A cunning few had tried to deceive the many into believing they were outnumbered.

“A conspiracy to steal the Ondo primary had been uncovered. Fortunately, the grand deception afoot had been unable to cover its tracks fast enough. Truth began to cry for justice.

“Several candidates filed petitions contesting the result. The party established an investigative board to review the evidence. In a two to one decision, the panel found the delegate roster had suffered tampering. The panel recommended that a new primary should be held using the valid delegate list. This recommendation was tabled before the National Working Committee (NWC).

“After many hours of deliberations spanning several days, a final vote was held by the NWC. Before hand, NWC members agreed that the decision of the majority would become the stance of the party. Such is the way of democracy. The NWC voted six against five to cancel the fraudulent results and hold an honest primary. For a moment, it seemed the party would restore its integrity by giving democracy a chance. However, those who sought to scam an entire state would not let the vote of 11 people spoil their enterprise.

“After the NWC vote, a noticeably agitated Chairman Oyegun proposed the NWC engage in prayer before concluding the meeting. Adhering to this chairman’s request, NWC members began to pray.

Seeing that the others had taken his bait, Oyegun used the prayerful interlude to secretly excuse himself from the meeting. Contravening the NWC decision and in violation of all rules of fundamental decency, Oyegun decided to safeguard the fraud done in Ondo by perpetrating a greater fraud. Oyegun arrogated to himself the right to submit the name of Rotimi Akeredolu to INEC as the candidate of the party. “Truth has finally come to light.

There exists a regressive element in the party that cares nothing for the progressive ideas upon which this party was founded. They joined the APC because it was the best ride available at the time. Now they want to guide the party into the ditch. They want to turn the party into a soulless entity incapable of doing good, just like they are.  When such a person tastes power, they shed all good restraint. They come to abuse the trust given them as if they are the owners of that trust and not its mere custodians.

These people did little to build the party but now will do much to wreck it. “Our party was to stand for change. Oyegun and his fellows seem to be on a different wave length. They are the cohort of Unchange. The APC wants to guide Nigeria into a better tomorrow. Oyegun and the cohort of unchange want to pull Nigeria back into the past where rigging and vote stealing were the old and new testaments of politics. They want the people to think that there is no alternative to their reactionary system of skewed politics and imperious government.

Thus, they seek to turn the APC into a factory of the very political malpractices the people soundly rejected in the past election. To choke the APC in this manner is to kill the chance for progressive reform for the foreseeable future. Much more than the Ondo primary is at stake. Oyegun has revealed his team’s game plan: It is the destruction of progressive politics and governance on behalf of the people.

“As party chairman, Oyegun was supposed to protect our internal processes and be an impartial arbiter, a person in whom all had confidence. Instead, he donned the garment of a confident man, duping the NWC, the party, and INEC in one fell blow. He has robbed APC members in Ondo State of the chance to pick in a fair manner who they believe is the best candidate.

“As such, he has broken faith with the party and probably has broken a few laws. The consequences of what he has done are more expansive than a man of his scope can fathom,” Tinubu said as he said that Oyegun must have been under some major sinister influence as to allow what happened.

“With strong expectation, we await a response to Oyegun’s wrongdoing from those who clamored so long and loudly about Tinubu’s alleged role in the Ondo primary.

“Leading into the primary, a prominent lawyer from Ondo published lengthy missives alleging that Tinubu was a malicious hand intent on rigging the primary. His letters spoke of his great love for democracy and justice. Though Oyegun has assaulted democracy in a most public and vulgar way, this lawyer’s prolific pen will remain stilled. He dare not publish a word about this travesty. His silence will be sign for all who care to decipher its meaning.

“The plan was to point the accusing finger at Tinubu. With everyone focused on Tinubu, they would have distracted all attention from the heist they had set in motion. As fate would have it, the trickery they hoped to conduct in the shadows has come to light.

“Those who so actively attributed imaginary wrong to Tinubu now stand dumb and mute in the face of confirmed impropriety. They remain silent for reasons they cannot divulge. Oyegun and his ilk turn out to be gangsters adorned in the tunic of party authority.

“Oyegun has engaged in the strange math where five is greater than six. This smacks of how the PDP conducted its affairs and orchestrated its own downfall. Tinubu disparaged such malpractice when it was not in his party. Tinubu surely disowns it now that it has invaded the party he helped bring to fruition.

“Tinubu has consciously refused to hold any official position with the party to avoid the perception that he was trying to control all and sundry. Tinubu has even kept his peace for some time despite many things that happened within the party that were not quite right. He exercised this forbearance because the party is young.  A collective endeavor cannot avoid the mistakes and errors of organizational newness and evolution.

“Yet, the wrongs Oyegun committed had nothing to do with newness or the mistakes occasioned by the path of reform. His actions are in the nature of the old wrongs that have afflicted our national politics much too long. If Oyegun wants to walk backward into the past, he has every right to it. However, he has no right to drag the party or any of us with him. Against our choosing.

“The informal title of national leader of the party was given to Tinubu  at the onset which he accepted it as a sign from those who wished to recognize my contributions to the party’s formation. It is an honorific title which he has been proud to wear until today. I would rather not have any title yet reside in a party that honors democracy than hold a title in a party that says it honors me but that treats justice with indecency. I find greater honour and comfort where democracy and fairness are found and respected.

“Oyegun has done the irredeemable. His coup is an insult to party and to patriot, to reason and to the reform agenda of this government.  To remain silent would be to admit the defeat of the reform and progressive change many have labored to bring forth. While the forces resistant to change and reform are strong, Tinubu dare not submit to them.  Tinubu encourages all party members not to submit to them. If we acquiesce in this wrong, the one greater than this shall cascade upon us.

“Oyegun’s transgressions are a warning. He is but the mercenary of forces that seek to return the nation to the old ways. If they get away with this infraction, no telling what or whom they will undermine tomorrow. Much is at stake. On the chopping block, lies the future of the political party in which the majority of voters had placed their confidence. To rescue the party, Oyegun must go. He has shown that he and democratic fair play cannot exist in the same party at the same time. If Tinubu is to choose between John Oyegun and progress toward a better Nigeria, the choice has already been made. For those who care about the party, who care about Nigeria and its chance for a better tomorrow, now is the time to stand against this brewing evil before it grows to encompass all we have built and all we hold dear.”

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SIR SAM SONI EJEKWU BAGGED YET ANOTHER PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR MERITORIOUS/EXEMPLARY SERVICE.

SIR SAM SONI EJEKWU BAGGED YET ANOTHER PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FOR MERITORIOUS/EXEMPLARY SERVICE.

Performance is the only yardstick for which judgement is passed on public administrators. 

Having satisfied the requirements of an achieving and selfless administrator without losing focus on the cardinal points of public service irrespective of the deliberate attempts to topple his achievements and smear campaigns against his hard-earned reputable image,  Sir Soni Sam Ejekwu, the immediate past C.T.C Boss of Phalga alongside other distinguished individuals in an event held at the Hotel Presidential last night was honoured with an Award for Distinguished Administrative Service To Public Service by the INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS (District 404A2 Nigeria) PORT HARCOURT CRYSTAL LIONS CLUB.

This Award is in recognition and appreciation of his Outstanding,Untiring, Enduring and dedicated leadership qualities displayed during his interim as Phalga C.T.C. Boss and also for his passionate support to public service.

Other Awardees Are....

✔Chief Emeka Woke  (Chief Of Staff Rivers State Government House)

✔Chief Azuibuike Nmerukini Jp. ( Chairman Rivers State Local Government Service Commission)

✔Hon. Emma Okas Wike  ( Member Greater Port-Harcourt City Board)

✔Hon. Ipalibo Sogules  ( MD/CEO Rivers State Microfinance Agency)

Ichemati Ezebunwo Prince-Charles
SON OF REBISI KINGDOM.

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Causes of Mourinho’s Failure At Man United Revealed?

Popular Ghanaian Fetish Priest, Nana Kwaku Bonsam, has alleged that Chelsea’s former doctor, Eva Carneiro, is behind the troubles of the Manchester United Manager, Jose Mourinho.

At the start of the 2016 season Mourinho had a fight with Carneiro, which led to her sack from Chelsea. Mourinho himself was sacked after the worst season in his coaching career.

He was appointed by ManUtd this season and he is currently facing a melt down.

Bonsam said: “Mourinho has to apologize again to Eva and show remorse since he (Mourinho) didn’t show repentance in his earlier apologies to her.

Carneiro possesses a higher spirit which is causing the entire calamities in Jose’s career and has been a curse therefore, if he Mourniho doesn’t take a second look at this it may get to a time he will get fed up and end his career abruptly.”

He also advised gamblers to stop putting their money on Manchester United till 2018, because the club has just started loosing.

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Sweet 18! Happy Birthday Ruby Reason-Onya

Turning 18th means gaining responsibilities of adulthood.

Now is the time to start making plans for a successful future.

We have no doubt you will succeed in the real world.

May you blossom in all your endeavours.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

From
Newest Rivers Reporters

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Makarfi and Modu Sheriff settles their differences

Senators Ahmed Makarfi and Ali Modu Sheriff Tuesday resolved to settle their differences and work for a United Peoples Democratic Party in the interest of the country and Nigerians.

In a statement jointly signed by Sheriff an Makarfi the two leaders agreed to consult with other relevant organs of the party for a final resolution of the leadership crisis that has engulfed the party for a whole now. Addressing a joint press conference yesterday evening, the Deputy chairman of the Sheriff faction, Dr Cairo Ojuogboh and the secretary of the caretaker committee Senator Ben Obi said the resolution of the crisis followed a meeting between senators Sheriff and Makarfi Tuesday morning.

The statement titled “Rejuvenating the PDP”reads

“This is without prejudice to all outstanding matters in court. At a meeting held this morning between the two of us, a holistic review of the state of affairs of our great party, PDP, was deliberated upon.

“In reviewing the crisis that has engulfed our party since the loss of the 2015 general election after 15 years of uninterrupted leadership at the centre, it became obvious to both of us as principal actors that it is time to heal the wounds. And bring about a united, focused and constructive opposition party that can bring sanity to our democratic process. Bringing relief to the teeming supporters of our great party and to the benefit of our great country. 

“Based on the above, we have both agreed to: Consult widely with all relevant organs of the party; Set up a joint committee that will carry out a holistic reconciliation of all aggrieved segments of our party across the country and in Diaspora; Pursue the vision of the founding fathers of our great party. “Details of all the above will be made public soonest. “We therefore call on all party members to remain calm and refrain from any actions and utterances that could further bring about divisions or dispute the party”

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Congratulations to the Paramount Ruler of Rumuepirikom HRH, Eze Amehule Barry Opara-Owabie

The Management and Staff of Newest Rivers Reporters join the good people of Rivers State to congratulate the Paramount Ruler / Nyewe-Eli Rumuepirikom

HRH, Eze Amehule Barry Opara-Owabie on his recent recognition as a Second Class Paramount Ruler in Rivers State by the Rivers State Government.

We wish you wisdom to lead your people well and pray that your reign shall be long.

Congratulations Eze!

Signed:-
Newest Rivers Reporters

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EFCC has been ordered to defreeze Patience Jonathan's Account in two weeks.

Solicitor to former First Lady, Mrs. Patience Ibifaka Goodluck Jonathan, First Law Associates, has given the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, 14 days with effect from September 18 to defreeze her accounts and tender a public apology to her.

 Senior Partner, First Law Associates, Timipa Okponipere Esq. in an open letter to EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, urging the Commission to leave Mrs. Jonathan alone, warned that it refused to conform: “We shall file an action at the African Commission on Human Rights at the Gambia demanding N5 billion in exemplary and punitive damages.”

 The solicitor observed: “There is no established legal or political precedent for what the EFCC is currently doing to our client. How many former First Ladies in Nigeria have received the Patience Goodluck Jonathan Treatment (PGJT) to have warranted the EFCC to engage in the effrontery to freeze our client’s accounts and subject her to public opprobrium, ridicule and disgrace? This nonsense must stop forthwith.”

He said: “Our client is a respected senior citizen of international repute, a retired Permanent Secretary and the immediate past First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our Client is a law-abiding citizen who has never or at all been the subject of any criminal and/or financial investigation, whether at home or abroad. Accordingly, she has not been found guilty of any criminal conduct throughout a sparkling public service career spanning over 35 years.”

 “During the 5 years our client served as First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between May, 2010 and May, 2015; she was the Initiator/Founder of the A. ARUERA WOMEN FOUNDATION as well as the WOMEN FOR CHANGE INITIATIVE; both of which Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) substantially contributed to the 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the country.

Our Client is the recipient of numerous local and international awards in recognition of her untiring commitment towards uplifting the living standard of women, children and the aged in Nigeria.

“Sir, it is against this sterling and meritorious background of our client that we most respectfully, write to draw your attention to the numerous breaches of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004 committed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in cause of the Commission’s illegal and unlawful investigation of our client for alleged money laundering. These investigations have reportedly led to the freeze of our client’s accounts and led to untold consequences to our client’s health and wellbeing,” the solicitor asserted.

 He added: “The EFCC must realize that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004 is inferior in content and quality to both the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, 2004.”

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RIVERS STATE: NIGERIA'S EMERGING ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORY By Simeon Nwakaudu

It is no longer news  that  the Nigerian economy  has gone into recession.  All over the country, Nigerians are feeling the pangs of the  economic crisis. They are eager to exit this ugly phase of the nation's history.

Exiting this dark era which is impacting  negatively  on the livelihood  of the people requires a united front where all stakeholders  will pool their intellectual  and natural  resources  to ensure that the nation is restarted for positive  development to take place.

RIVERS STATE AS A PLATFORM

Despite  being in the  opposition  in the national political  space, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike  has been  a leading voice in the move to recreate the nation’s  economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.

As such, the governor  has built up the security  architecture  across Rivers State for the protection  of  critical  national  assets in the oil and gas sector.  This singular  effort of Governor Wike  has ensured that pipelines  are not violated in Rivers State, with the state being the only oil producing territory  in the Niger Delta  where oil and gas activities  are taking place without undue disruptions

Therefore, Rivers State  remains the cornerstone of the nation’s  economy  as it contributes to the national wealth, when others are battling with difficult  security challenges.  This fact is known to foreign investors, hence more of them prefer to make huge financial  commitments in the state.

Importantly, Governor Wike  has created the right platform for practical Foreign Direct Investments in Rivers State, which have helped to stabilise the National Economy.

DEVELOPING STRATEGIC INVESTMENTS

Today in Rivers State, there are strategic investments that are playing  leading roles in the economy  of Nigeria.  These investments despite the prevailing  economic  challenges,  are waxing  strong.

Indorama Fertiliser Plant and the Notore Fertiliser Plant. These two plants are the largest in this part of the world , playing critical roles in the revival of  the nation’s  agricultural  sector, which is the highest employer of labour in the country.

These two facilities  service about 40million farming households across  the  country.

They have continued  to  grow because  of  the  favourable  investment  climate provided by the Wike administration.  The governor  has personally  Interfaced with the managements of the two companies  strengthening  areas of partnerships and building  their operational security  through enhanced community  relations and participation.

The governor’s  regular  personal interventions  have ensured that all high profile  business  concerns in the state are shielded from host community  conflicts that disrupt  production. Whenever a situation  arises, he steps in personally  to resolve the areas of friction so that economic  activities  will continue to flourish. That is the selling point of Rivers State  under Governor Wike, which makes it easy  for investors  to  commit their resources  in the state.

THE  NEW MULTI-BILLION NAIRA INVESTMENT IN RIVERS STATE

The GreenGas LNG Facility being constructed by Grenville Oil and Gas Limited in Rumuji community of Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State is the new N140billion project  that will add value to the economy of the country.

These international investors  have followed the footsteps of Indorama Fertiliser Plant and Notore Fertiliser Plant to help in the process of rebuilding  the nation’s battered economy.

By December 2016, the first phase of the project  will be on stream, providing  about 3500 direct jobs. It will provide in the short-term over 40000 indirect jobs across the  country.

Chairman of Greenville Oil and Gas Limited , owners of GreenGas LNG Facility, Eddy Van Den Broeke said:"We are  in Rivers State to form a partnership  with the state government  for necessary  economic growth ".

He said the project covers 42 hectares  and the pipeline architecture will cover different  parts of the country, setting off a chain of investment  opportunities.  At present, hundreds of indigenes and other Nigerians  are working at the project site.

He said that on completion, 750 trucks will be loading from the  facility, while it will generate 150 megawatts  of electricity  to serve Rivers State and Nigeria.

The Chairman of Greenville Nigeria Limited added that the gas produced at the  facility  will help other parts of the country produce 600 megawatts of electricity.

GOVERNOR WIKE'S INSIGHTFUL TAKE ON THE PROJECT

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared that the state remains Nigeria's investment icon with the potential  of helping the country  exit her current economic recession.

He said  that the  State  is critical to any plan to revive the nation’s  economy.

He said: "Despite  the  negative  propaganda being sponsored  by opposition  politicians  in the state, investors have continued  to  troop to our State. This GreenGas LNG facility  which will serve different states in the south and North has attracted over N140billion worth of investment  to the country .

"I am happy  that our investments in the security  agencies  have continued  to  yield fruits with greater investor confidence. For us, we will continue  to provide the enabling  environment  for foreign  investors  to bring their funds to Rivers State ".

Governor Wike  said  the project has already started generating employment for the State, pointing  out  that  the  cumulative  effect when it is completed will further expand the economy  of Rivers State.

He urged the people of  Rumuji community  to cooperate  with  the  investors as they will always benefit  from  the  GreenGas LNG Facility.

"Rivers State is key to the development of this country.  Foreign investors know this fact. There is no reason why anyone who wants to develop  the  economy of this country will ignore this State.  Today, the $1.5billionUSD Indorama Fertiliser Plant is on stream and now we are in the process of having  the N140billion GreenGas LNG Facility ", Governor Wike said.

STRENGTHENING  RIVERS SECURITY ARCHITECTURE FOR MORE INVESTMENTS

Despite the successes recorded so far in terms of improved security  in parts of Rivers State, Governor  Wike  is not resting on his achievements.  He has acquired six additional Armoured Personnel Carriers for the  police while another 10 Grounded Armoured Personnel Carriers have been repaired for use by the security  agencies.

In addition  to  the  gunboats already acquired  by  the  Rivers State Government, Governor Wike  has commenced the process  of the acquisition of new 20 gunboats for the Nigerian Navy for the effective patrol of the state's waterways.

To enhance  peace across all  communities of Rivers State,  Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike inaugurated the State Amnesty Programme Committee.

The committee has as members,  representatives  of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Services.  This committee has the responsibility  of  consolidating the  peace building  programmes  of the state government  for greater investors  confidence.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Governor Wike has created a platform  for  foreign direct investment in the agricultural sector. At present, negotiation has been completed with an Israeli firm for a multi-billion agro-project in the state.

The governor has instituted a process where foreign investors have access to large parcels of land for commercial merchanised farming, with accompanying  factories for value added production. The ultimate  aim is to create employment  and further stimulate the economy.

THE POSITION OF RIVERS STATE AS NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY VEHICLE

The  economic  challenge facing the country requires the country to put its best  foot forward. Without  equivocation, Rivers State is the best destination for direct investment in the country today.

This is because  upon assumption  of office, Governor Wike  took out time to build  and update the state's critical  infrastructure  for the purpose of creating necessary environment for local and foreign investors to bring their funds to the state. The results have been  splendid  so far.

However, for the entire country to benefit, there is the need for the Federal Government  to key in. This entails relegating  political  considerations.

In Rivers State, investors  simply walk into an environment ripe for the  much sought after return on investment.  With two existing Sea Ports, relative security, international airport, functional  rail system, quality road network, available oil and gas facilities  and a ready market, no credible investor will shun Rivers State.

Those who always plot  to  de-market Rivers State for political expediency , must realise  that the  future  of Nigeria  rests on the prosperity of Rivers State.  There will never be an economic success story in Nigeria, without  the  involvement of the treasure base of the nation.

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Happy Birthday Miss Angel Reason Onya

Newest Rivers Reporters wish Miss Angel Reason Onya a wonderful Happy Birthday.

We wish that you dream big and may your dreams take you to the amazing place you always want to be.

Congratulations Angel!

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Grandfather dies 45 minutes after Manchester United players visit his house to grant his final wish

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Patrick Lawler got to meet his heroes in a dying wish that came true before passing away 45 minutes later.

A 73-year-old lifelong supporter of the Red Devils and a prostate cancer patient, Paddy Lawler, who had told his family he would love to meet with the United squad before his death, has passed away after his dying wish of meeting Manchester United players came true.

Despite the request seeming like a long shot, Lawler’s granddaughter, Kayleigh, posted an appeal on Facebook for anyone to help get in touch with the club in order for his wish to be granted.

The post was seen by the cousin on United’s player, Jesse Lingard. The winger, alongside Marcus Rashford, Ashley Young and Timothy Fosu-Mensah, visited Lawler three days later, and 45 minutes after the visit, he passed on.

Kayleigh’s original post had read, “Please, can everyone share? I’m trying to get a few of Manchester United players to come and visit my grand dad. We asked him the other day if he would like to do anything before his time comes and he said to meet the team. I’ve emailed the MUFC Foundation, but no reply yet!

“And not sure how long we have left with him, so I want to get this as a surprise. He’s a massive fan; even tried his hardest to keep his eyes open yesterday to watch the match, but, sadly, he missed it!

“I know he will be so gutted that he didn’t watch it. I’m sure he will be a very happy man if I can get his last wish

“Thank you to u all. Xxx”

Kayleigh, 27, later thanked the players on the same social media platform.

She described them as “incredibly selfless”. She wrote, “Top lads, all four of them. Thanks so much to everyone who helped. Sure my grand dad’s over the moon.”

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A NEW PARAMOUNT RULER FOR ELELENWO COMMUNITY, EZE SUNNY WELI CHUKWU JP HAS BEEN CORONATED

The coronation ceremony took place at Rumuodani ancestral ground, Elelenwo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on the 9th of September, 2016.

Elelenwo is made up of three communities; Rumuodani, Rumuodunwere and Rumueheleze.

The coronation ceremony of Eze Elelenwo-Eto, Eze Sunny Weli Chukwu JP, was performed by the Owhor Holders and Chiefs of Elelenwo following the successful one year mourning of their former ruler Late Eze Godwin Bekwele Wodi JP.

Speaking after the ceremony, the member representing, Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Kingsley Chinda who is a son of Elelenwo congratulated the new Eze and advised him to uphold the traditions of the land and serve the people with fear of god and milk of human kindness.

Mr. Chinda pledged support for the paramount ruler in ensuring peace and development in the community.

Others who spoke, described the coronation of the Eze as a new dawn that will bring harmonious relationship in the community.

The chairman of Rumuodani screening committee, Mr. Mike Ejims Enwukwe who explained the criteria adopted in choosing the Eze, maintained the need for a peaceful elelenwo community and prayed for divine wisdom on the new monarch.

In an interview, the new Paramount Ruler of Elelenwo Community, Eze Sunny Chukwu thanked the people for choosing him as their ruler and promised not to disappoint them.

Eze Chukwu who dissolved all committees and the council, constituted a three man committee to assist him in administering the community pending convocation of the new council.

High points of the event were presentation of staff of office to the new Eze and traditional dances.

The Elders and Owhor Holders led by Ojiowhor Okachukwu Lazarus Chinda: Ojiowhor George Wodi and Ojiowhor Godpower Akarakpo, advised the Eze to uphold the custom of the people and embrace peace for progress in the land.

Youths, women and others graced the occasion.

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