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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