BREAKING NEWS - RSG SETS UP TASK FORCE TO TACKLE BLACK SOOT

Rivers State Government has set up a Task Force to tackle   the black soot pollutting the atmosphere  of Port Harcourt and its environs.

The Task Force is mandated  to investigate and  resolve the environmental challenge.

This was part of the resolutions  of the State Executive Council meeting of Wednesday  at the Government House, Port Harcourt Executive Council Chambers chaired by Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike .

The Task Force to investigate  the Black Soot has the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline  Konya, Commissioner of Special Duties, Mr Emeka Onowu and the Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George as members.

The committee which will be backed by technical experts will liaise  with  major stakeholders  to resolve the environmental challenges  posed by the black soot.

Briefing  the media after the Executive Council meeting, Commissioner of Information, Dr Austin Tam-George  stated that the resolution  was reached after the Commissioner of Environment, Professor Roseline Konya on the preliminary results of its Ministerial Investigation.

Also on Wednesday, the Rivers State Executive Council approved the  purchase of hi-tech equipment  for  the  Braithwaite Memorial Hospital at the cost  of  $10.5million.

The Rivers State Executive Council  also resolved to ensure that  all the General Hospitals  being  rehabilitated  are duly equipped  to create access to quality  healthcare for the people.

Simeon Nwakaudu,
Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media.
8th February, 2017.

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2016 BATCH 'B' (STREAM II) ORIENTATION COURSE COMMENCES 24TH JANUARY 2017

The NYSC Management wishes to inform prospective Corps members and other stakeholders that the 2016 Batch 'B' (Stream II) Orientation course will commence on Tuesday, 24th January, 2017.

The lineup of activities for the course is shown below:

a. Tue 24th - Wed 25th, Jan 2017- Registration/verification exercise

b. Thursday, 26th January, 2017 - Swearing-in ceremony

c.  Monday, 13th February, 2017 - Closing ceremony

Prospective Corps members are advised to report to camp at the scheduled date as registration/verification will end at midnight of January 25, 2017.

All are also to note that original copies of academic credentials and other documents uploaded during the online registration MUST be presented on camp for physical verification.

In addition, all Prospective Corps members MUST present medical certificate from a government or military hospital showing their health status before they will be registered and admitted for the Orientation course.

Management wishes prospective Corps  members safe journey to their respective camps as well as a successful Orientation course.

PRINTING OF CALL-UP LETTERS BY THE 2016 BATCH ‘B’ (STREAM II) PCMs

Further to our earlier announcement, prospective Corps members of the 2016 Batch ‘B’ (Stream II) are hereby informed that the printing of Call-up Letters will commence on Saturday, 21st January, 2017.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Management

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Are You Doing MMM? Then You Should Read This!

According to Adesanya Sunday who posted this on facebook. He said it clear that MMM can't crash but we will be the ones to crash the system.

What is MMM? Just like we know the trending online scheme MMM where you invest your money by helping others who are in need of it too and after a month you get 30% return of your money. i.e if you invest 1million, after a month you get 1.3million.

Read what he wrote....

Let's talk about the true costs of things
MMM can not crash, but we'll be the one to crash the system
We are scammer of ourselves
Please read more on this below
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.
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Scam Alert!!!
This happened to my friend yesterday, she was matched with a guy who was supposed to pay her on mmm, on the day he is to pay, the guy called her to tell her that he was going to pay her that he is in the bank so few minuets later, she got a credit alert text. Then immediately the guy called her to ask her to please confirm his payment she agreed to do that. While she was trying to log in, she was missing her captcha so she decided to use another browser, while she was trying to load the browser a thought came to her to even check her account balance. She went to the text she got and found out that her total account balance is missing. She was confused coz its unlikely for Gtb to send u credit alert and not include ur balance. Then the guy called back. She told him she is trying to verify something that she will confirm when she is done, the guy tried persuading her to buy thank God she didn't. She went to the ATM that evening and Lo and behold the money wasn't in her account. The message she saw was a bulk SMS constructed like a bank alert that was why her account balance wasn't there. Imagine how many people this guy must have scamed and get away with it. If she had confirm him, there is nothing mmm could have done because the guy had been confirmed already. So please let's be smart. Make sure ur account balance reflect in ur credit alert before confirming. Thanks

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'US President-elect, Donald Trump to attend Sir Emeka Offor’s father burial in Anambra'

Anambra State born oil magnet oil magnate, Chief Emeka Offor on Sunday warned pickpockets to steer clear of the funeral of his father, Chief Bennett Offor that will hold this week at Oraifite, Anambra State.

He said security arrangements had been put in place to pick anybody who would misbehave on the occasion, warning that he will not spare anybody, including hoodlums who may like to embarrass his friend and well wishers that will attend the burial in any way.

Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhari and American President-elect, Mr. Donald Trump and many other African leaders are expected to attend the funeral.

This was disclosed by the Vice Chairman of the Pa Benneth Offor Burial Committee, Mr. Tony Obi, while unveiling the burial plans Pa Offor who died in Febuary this year, at Emeka Okafor Foundation Centre, Oraifite, Anambra State. According to Sir Offor, “my father served the Nigerian Police meritoriously and retired after 35 years of service, so nobody will be allowed to come here and mess up his funeral. Security arrangements have been put in place to deal with miscreants.”

“Pickpockets would often sew uniform and infiltrate the funerals of rich persons in the State and steal people’s valuables, including telephone and money, but we are waiting for them in Oraifite, that day may be their last that will land them in prison, to be fore warned is to be fore armed.”

 Chief Offor said members of the National Assembly would be led to the funeral ceremony by the former Presidents of the Senate, Chief Ken Nnamani and Senstor Anyim Pius Anyim, while many people from all walks of life will have promised to come. “My father was a very nice man, he gave me so much encouragement and everything you see me doing was initiated by him.

'He is a passionate philanthropist who would always like to see smiles on the faces of everyone that came in contact with him and I must tell you that most of the guys you see me hang out with were introduced to me by him.

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AMAECHI IN UBIMA TO DECEIVE THEM AGAIN BECAUSE OF ELECTION

The Minister of Transport Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who abandoned his people after the 2015 election and the re-run election respectively, arrived his hometown Ubima today with the intent to continue deceiving the good people of Ubima.

Aware that their option "A" which was the purported printing of fake election result sheets failed, he has embarked on the option" B" by enticing people with the usual empty and unrealistic job offer.

As at the time of writing this report, Newest Rivers Reporters gathered that Rotimi Amaechi is going about ordering and collecting CVs from the people of Ubima, promising them jobs as a way of buying them over before December 10th inconclusive elections.

Amaechi who ought to be a light to his people, eventually turns absolute darkness, instances abound.

Risonpalm that was there before the birth of so many and that ought to have provided job opportunities for the people of Ubima was sold by Amaechi when he was the governor of Rivers State.

Instead of him to build am empire, he destroyed and disposed the existing empire.

Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as a minister of Transport, proudly told an Isiokpo man (Name Withheld) who came to his office in Abuja few weeks ago to look for job that he "Amaechi " has seven (7) graduates without job eating his food at home, how can such a man now offer jobs to his people whereas he was a speaker for 8years, Governor for 8years and yet Ubima is like a home of nobody, nothing to show for in his own hometown.

Prior to the 2015 general elections, he made a journey to Ubima where he made a promise of giving 2000 jobs to his people which he never did and now he is at it again.

Amaechi who has totally forgotten his people since he became minister, has recommended some persons for appointments but has never seen an Ubima person as being qualified.

A situation that has made many to ask, if he is truly from Ubima.

We also gathered that, Amaechi this evening gave the people of Ubima Three Million (N3,000,000.00) Naira and told them that it has been long he did Christmas for them and promised them "that this festive period, they will smile ".

Believing he has heard of the empowerment of his people by the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Ikwerre LGA, which is his LGA, Mr. Samuel Nwanosike.

Ubima people wake-up, don't be deceived by Amaechi again and again. Especially in this all inclusive and proactive government of His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.

One question to Amaechi; Why do you only remember Ubima people only during elections and to forget them after the election?

Newest Rivers Reporters

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BREAKING NEW! RIVERS RERUN : POLICE BURST FAKE RESULT SHEETS PRINTING SYNDICATE FOR RIVERS SOUTH-EAST

Plot by the agents of the Rivers APC to rig the forthcoming Rivers South-East Senatorial District has been uncovered as the Police on Saturday bursted a fake result sheets printing syndicate in Port Harcourt .

The Printing Press, Help-Mate Consult located at 12 Isiokpo Street D-Line Port Harcourt was printing fake result sheets for seven local government areas of the Rivers South-East when the police stormed the facility upon a tip off by a concerned Nigerian.

Mr Magnus Abe is the Rivers South-East APC candidate for the rerun elections .

Director of Help-Mate Consult , Atonye Peters, a prominent member of the APC from Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area claimed that the printing contract was given to him by Mr Emma Chinda, an APC Leader and Former Commissioner for Agriculture under Rotimi Amaechi .

According to him , the printing press has already completed two sets for two local government areas before the police got win of the illegal act.

He was arrested alongside three of his staff, Richard Koko from Okrika, Nanee Godday from Khana and Tammy Garrick.

Items recovered by the police at the printing press include State-of-the-art Printing Machine and computers.

The police also recovered INEC Result Sheets Serial Number Booklets, which the printer used to authenticate the result sheets.

In an interview , Rivers State Chairman Inter-Party Advisory Council , IPAC, Bro Felix Obuah said the arrest of the fake printers of rerun elections result sheets has vindicated the body on the plan INEC and APC to rig the forthcoming rerun elections.

Rivers IPAC Secretary and Chairman Accord Party , Sir Precious Baridoo also condemned the plot to use fake result sheets to rig the rerun elections . He said that the APC and INEC woild be resisted.

Hon. Uchechukwu Ichenwo urged the Police to prosecute all INEC and Rivers APC officials
involved in the printing of the fake rerun elections result sheets.

Also speaking , Chairman of Social Democratic Party , Engr Worlu and Chairman of Nigeria Peoples Party, Deacon Princewill said that on no account should the matter be swept under the carpet by the Federal Authorities.

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African Development Bank AfDB approves $600m loan for Nigeria

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved $600 million loan as the first tranche of a one-billion-dollar budget support to help finance Nigeria’s economic governance, diversification and competitiveness programme.

Fatima Abubakar, the spokesperson for the bank in Nigeria, said the executive directors of the bank approved the facility on Wednesday.

“The last tranche of 400 million dollars will be approved in 2017,” Abubakar said.

The operation is part of a two-year (2016-2017) fiscal programme support to enable Nigeria implement reforms to achieve efficiency in government business, combat corruption and promote diversification.

It will help the government to create fiscal space to facilitate  smooth implementation of its budget, support fiscal and structural reforms and improve social sector spending to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population.

“The facility will also assist the country’s efforts to quickly build a buffer of foreign exchange reserves, which will  contribute to easing pressure on the foreign exchange market and stabilising the naira,” she said.

Nigeria’s success in efforts to achieve macroeconomic stability and economic recovery will signal the end of the current recession.

An elongation of the recession has potential to severely affect the economies of neighbouring countries in West and Central Africa.

Abubakar quoted Akinwunmi Adesina, AfDB president, as saying:   “We must think through innovative solutions to support our regional member countries in crisis situations like this.”

“We must also provide them with the knowledge products they require to get back on track.”

She said given Nigeria’s demonstrated commitment to significantly scale up infrastructure investments (30 per cent of the 2016 budget), the resources would contribute to creating the fiscal space for investments in power, housing and transport.

“These are key sectors for stimulating the strong economic growth required to exit the recession,” Abubakar said.

Nigeria’s economy has been hit by a sharp decline in oil prices. Oil provides the bulk of government revenues and exports although agriculture and services contribute most to GDP.

Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s exports and at least 70 per cent of government revenues come from the oil sector, which is projected to have shrunk by 1.6 per cent within the year.

The economy slipped into a recession in the second half of the year because of foreign currency shortages, sharp reduction in power generation, vandalism of oil installations, lower oil production and weak investor confidence.

At the end of  December 2015, AfDB’s portfolio comprised 46 operations estimated at $3.01 billion.

The portfolio consists of 22 public sector operations valued at 1.51 billion dollars or 31 per cent of the entire portfolio and 24 private sector projects, estimated at 2.21 billion dollars or 69 per cent.

At a recent meeting with President Munhammadu Buhari and economic stakeholders, Adesina pledged to provide Nigeria with one billion dollars loan to help it reinvigorate the economy.

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Erisco Foods relocates to China, thousands to lose jobs

The Chief Executive Officer, Erisco Foods, Chief Eric Umeofia, has decried the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policies, saying they were stifling local manufacturers’ operations and growth.

The company on October 5th gave the President Muhamamdu Buhari-led Federal Government 30 days to do the right thing by giving the requisite support to indigenous manufacturers or else it would relocate its production base to another country.

Umeofia told newsmen on Tuesday that the company has planned relocation to China.

He said the planned downsizing and plant relocation should be completed in six months to nine months.

Umeofia said that the relocation of production plant to China would increase unemployment, tomato waste and the food import bill of the country.

Erisco Foods is an indigenous tomato paste manufacturing company that employs thousands of Nigerians.

“It is saddening and painful that we have started the process of relocating our factory out of the country, thereby forcing us against our wish to create jobs in foreign lands due to the evil and wicked desires of unpatriotic Nigerians who frustrate every effort we have made to create jobs in the country and earn foreign exchange.”

It will be recall that the Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, in February this year inaugurated the company’s N4 billion tomato paste processing plant that can process 450,000 tonnes of tomatoes in Oregun, Lagos State. According to Umeofia, the idea of the new plant was borne out of the need to resolve the glut in the tomato products from farmers, particularly in the northern part of the country, who are losing about 75 per cent of their produce due to the absence of storage or processing facilities.

While disclosing that it will be taking the company about six months to complete move its factories out of Nigeria, Chief Umeofia said “CBN refused to give us approval till date to use our own deposit of USD460, 000.00 generated from our foreign operations, but the same CBN approves Nigeria’s scarce FOREX to other companies to continue to import sub standards products into the country.” He added “CBN refused to give us FOREX to import machineries, machine spare parts and raw materials to be used for processing of Nigeria fresh tomatoes into tomato paste in our Lagos factory.

In addition, CBN refused to give us enough intervention funds after several promises to import agricultural tractors, improved tomato seedlings, fertilizer, and chemicals for our Katsina Project.

Umeofia said it is regrettable that the same CBN approved intervention loan and FOREX to companies mostly owned by foreigners to import finished tomato paste at cheaper rate and other items like frozen fish and other items that can be produced in Nigeria.

“Recently, USD 15.1 million was allocated to an Indian company among others in one bidding at the exchange rate of N280.00 to a dollar and the CBN claimed it was for future contract, while, Erisco Foods is running its big company with FOREX sourced from parallel markets at the exchange rate of over N450.00 to a dollar.””

Chief Umeofia said they expected the government to place a ban on the importation of tomatoes paste into the country as they did in banning importation of cement and fruit juice, but regretted that that was not done. He added that the company with over 2, 000 workers has the capacity to meet all the tomato needs of Nigeria and even export if they produce at full capacity.

“But since inception, we have been producing fewer than 20% because of dumping of substandard products by Indians, Chinese and some unpatriotic Nigerians.”

The Erisco Foods’ boss noted that the tactical supports given by some government agencies to importers of sub-standards tomatoes paste into the country is forcing them to close their factories and join the importers to flood the market with finished goods as they have lost over N3.6 Billion due to dumping of finished products in the past.

“We have over N6billion of finished products not sold due to the activities of nefarious activities of importers and over N13 billion of raw materials in our warehouses. Also, our foreign supplier bills for collection line worth over US$20m were cancelled due to CBN frustration."

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BREAKING NEWS! Ken Saro-Wiwa’s son is dead

THERE are indications that Ken Saro-Wiwa  Jr, the son of late environmental rights activist, has died.

It was gathered that Saro-Wiwa Jr, who was based in Abuja, died on ‎Tuesday after a brief illness.

Born in 1968, ‎Saro-Wiwa Junior was an international journalist and an author and later served in former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

When contacted, former President of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, Mr. Ledum Mitee, said he was still shocked over the news of Saro-Wiwa Jr’s death.

“Somebody just called me to tell me that he is dead, but I am still in shock and have not been able to confirm it,” Mitee told our correspondent through the telephone.

Also, the Media Adviser to MOSOP, Mr. Bari-ara Kpalap, expressed shock over the news of Saro-Wiwa Jr’s death.

Kpalap also said though a source called to alert him of the development, he had yet to confirm it.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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National Power Grid Collapses, As 4 States Are Now In Total Darkness

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, PHED, has notified electricity consumers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States that the National Power Grid has collapsed.

The Head of Corporate Communications of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Jonah Iboma revealed that PHED is now receiving zero power from the national grid as a result of the collapse which occurred on Sunday, 19 June.

He said the implication of the collapse of the national grid is that most cities in the four states are now witnessing blackout.

Iboma added that PHED would source for power from other alternative sources to mitigate the impact of the collapse of the National Grid on electricity consumers in Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.

He also said PHED would distribute the little power it is able to generate from alternative sources within this period to only customers who are willing to pay.

PHED oversees electricity supply to the four States of Akwa-Ibom, Cross Rivers and Rivers, Bayelsa.

In Rivers State consumers have started experiencing insufficient power supply, especially in areas that power supply was adequate.

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Governor Obiano Swears In Mark Okoye As A Commissioner!

The Youngest Commissioner in Nigeria sworn in Anambra State

Mark Okoye II, flanked by his wife, was moments ago 20th June, 2016 sworn in as the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget Development at the Executive Council Chamber of Anambra State.

With this, Mark becomes the youngest commissioner in Nigeria presently.

Mark is one of the numerous youth who make up over 55% of the political appointments made by the Gov. Willie Obiano led Administration.

BRIEF PROFILE: Mark Okoye II holds a B.Sc. Finance from the prestigious George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA and is an alumnus of several executive education courses and programmes, including Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, Euromoney, Dubai, UAE.

The 30-year-old Mark Okoye possesses a unique combination of experience spanning governance, policy formulation, public sector financing, public budget analysis and corporate finance. Prior to his current role, he served in his current capacity for twenty (20) months during the last administration.

Mark also served as a senior member of the investment banking division at Afrinvest (West Africa) Limited where he was instrumental in executing numerous capital raising and financial advisory transactions.

Before becoming a Commissioner, he was appointed the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning and budget

Key transactions include the restructuring of UBA Plc in line with new Central Bank of Nigeria banking guidelines (2012), US $80mm debt and equity capital raising for Kano Shopping Mall (2012), the first and largest shelf registration in Nigeria, US$2.3bn Lagos State Government bond issuance program (2011).

Hon Mark is one of the numerous hardworking youths appointed by Africa’s Most Youth-friendly leader, Chief Willie Obiano who’s government comprises over 55% of Young People.

Mark is married to Phillipa Okoye.

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Enraged civil servants close down finance ministry over poor welfare

Civil servants at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday shut down the headquarters of the ministry in Abuja over what they described as poor welfare since the assumption of office of the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.


The workers in their hundreds expressed disappointment over the non payment of the entitlements due to them, adding that except their demands are met, they would not stop the protest.

They locked all the entrances to the ministry and prevented vehicles and other visitors from gaining access to the premises.

They alleged that unlike in the past where they were entitled to overtime allowances, training and other welfare packages, such were no longer forthcoming.

One of the protesting workers who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation said,”Things have not been going on well at the ministry, overtime had not been paid to us as well as other entitlements.

“A lot of people in this ministry are not happy because of poor staff welfare condition and that is the reason why we have all come out to protest for the world to know what has been going on in this ministry.”

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