NATIONAL VIBES

By Tony Okechukwu There are reports that the missing ballot boxes and electoral materials that were snatched last night by hoodlums, have been discovered. The materials were found by locals last night close to the residence of one of the candidates in Patani in Delta State, hometown of one of the aspirants. The discovered materials which they initially suspected to be explosives, said it was later confirmed by security agents in Patani to be INC electoral materials. In a similar development, more electoral materials have also been discovered by the Bayelsa state security agents in the estate opposite the venue of the election in Yenagoa. Security reports also reveal that as a result of this convention, the state has witnessed an unpresidented influx of youths from other states, who are suspected to have participated in the disruption of the elections.

By Tony Okechukwu The Bayelsa State Government has condemned in strong terms the disruption of the National Convention òf the Ijaw National Congress by hoodlums in Yenagoa on Saturday night while counting of votes was going on. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said in a statement on Sunday the hoodlums struck with the devilish intent  to frustrate the inevitable victory of the candidates who were in clear lead during the election. He described as unfortunate the brazen acts of the hoodlums who stormed the Izon House Venue òf the election to disrupt the process. The hoodlums had attacked the generator house, cut power supply to the venue before going for the electoral materials to disrupt the process when the votes were being counted on after the election. The Government’s Spokesman  called on the police authorities and other security agencies to investigate the incident and arrest those behind the heinous act with a view to prose

By Tony Okechukwu The National Convention of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), scheduled for Saturday, June 29, 2019 in Yenagoa was disrupted by hoodlums.                     Although the convention was slated for the early hours of Saturday, the hoodlums who claimed they were excluded from the process of the convention stormed the venue to disrupt the process.                               The over 1000 youths who stormed the venue of the convention insisted that the list of delegates for the election contained under- aged delegates.                             With the rowdy situation at the election ground, security personnel on deployment to the Ijaw House venue of the election suggested that the election be shifted to the following day to avoid the elections extending to the night as it was already getting late.                       However, officials of the Electoral Committee òf the INC insisted on conducting the elections promising to conclude on time.          

-As Queen's School Enugu USA Alumni donates solar power supply system to Alma Mater - Gov. Ugwuanyi reiterates commitment to quality education By Tony Okechukwu Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards raising the standard of education in the state through recruitment of more qualified teachers, construction, renovation and equipping of schools. Gov. Ugwuanyi, who spoke during the inauguration of solar energy supply system sponsored by Dr. Theodora Kay-Njemanze in collaboration with Queen’s School Enugu Alumni, North East Chapter, United States of America (USA), added that his administration’s renewed commitment was demonstrated by the renovation and re-equipping of facilities in the school and over 500 schools in the state. The Governor commended the old girls of Queen’s School Enugu for contributing to the enhancement of quality and welfare of their alma mater, calling on other well meaning citizens to emul

By Tony Okechukwu In continuation of hearing in the case of forgery brought against Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, at Niger State Gubertnatorial Election Petition Tribunal, counsel to 1st respondent Abubakar Sani Bello, J.S. Kutepa, SAN said he has opened and closed his case without calling any witness. Recall that, J.S. Kutepa told the court, Thursday, that the 1st respondent, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello will be appearing today to defend the allegation of certificate forgery brought against him by 1st and 2nd petitioners, Umar Nasko and People’s Democratic Party.

By Tony Okechukwu Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State has directed the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to with immediate effect construct classrooms at a primary school in Nasarawa village in Alkaleri Local Government Area. The Governor gave the directive when he stopped his convoy at the school where he met about 300 pupils taking lessons in an open space. While some of the pupils were receiving lessons under the surrounding trees, others were taking their lessons in makeshift structures. The Governor expressed concern over the conditions of the public schools in the state. He said the directive became necessary in order to ensure provision of qualitative education to pupils. The Governor added that inadequate public schools and infrastructure across the state are part of the reasons the state is having  the highest number of out of school children in the country. He therefore appealed to development partners and donor agencies to support hi

By Amina Yahaya Governor Abdullahi Ganduje has appointed the immediate past Commissioner for Environment, Ali Haruna Abubakar Makoda, as his Chief of Staff. A statement by the governor's Chief Press Secretary, Abba Anwar said Makoda was appointed due to his commitment towards the feats achieved in Ganduje's first tenure. "Makoda is always an asset to our dear state, hence the need to carry him along in my second tenure in office", the statement quoted the governor as saying. The new Chief of Staff was urged to remain focused and committed to his assigned duty.

By Tony Okechukwu Bayelsa State Governor, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has assured that the Restoration Cup football tournament would be sustained beyond his tenure. He made the pledge on Thursday in Yenagoa during the formal draws ceremony of the Third Governor Henry Seriake Dickson Football Tournament and presentation of kits to representatives of the 160 participating teams. The Tournament Director, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who is also his Special Adviser  on Public Affairs, quoted the governor as calling on participating communities and organisations to exhibit sportsmanship during and after the competition. He also charged the youths and leaders of the various communities to be peaceful during the games, noting that no one is a loser as the idea of the tournament is to come together to foster unity, brotherly love and friendship. Governor Dickson, who described the Restoration Cup as a football talent development programme, commended the organisers, the Commission

By Tony Okechukwu The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of Uyi-Oduwa Malaka as Special Adviser, Strategic Planning and Programme Management Office. Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki in a statement through the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq, said the governor approved the appointment, which takes effect from January 3, 2019. Ogie noted, "I  write to inform you that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, has approved your appointment as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Strategic Planning and Programme  Management/ Chairman, Programme Management Office with effect from January 3, 2019. This supersedes our earlier Ref.No.SGA. 15/Vol.XII/273 of June 2017". Before her new appointment, Uyi Oduwa Malaka served as Senior Special Assistant to Governor Obaseki.

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has approved the constitution of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board as follows:. 1. Venerable Fyneface Akah (Chairman: Obio/Akpor LGA) 2.Mr Cyril Hart (Member: Bonny LGA) 3. Mr Precious Baridoo (Member: Khana LGA) 4. Chief Faith Amaso: Member: Ogu/Bolo  LGA). The reconstituted Board will be sworn in by the Rivers State Governor on Friday 28th June, 2019 by 2pm  at the Executive Council Chamber of Government House Port Harcourt. The members  of the board  are expected  to be seated  at the Executive Council Chamber  by 1.30pm.

By Tony Okechukwu The official draws ceremony for the third edition of the Governor Seriake Dickson Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Restoration Cup, will hold Thursday, June 27, 2019. The venue is the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa and the ceremony would commence from 8am. The Tournament Director, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who disclosed this in a statement, said the Special Guest of Honour, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, would personally grace the event. Other top government functionaries, political appointees, all local government chairmen, football and sports stakeholders in the state as well as one representative of the teams participating in the competition are expected at the ceremony. Highpoint of the event would be unveiling of the tournament trophies,  presentation of kits to the participating teams as well as the Restoration Starlets that emerged third at the Africa Youth Cup in Cape Verde. Alabrah said with 160 communities and teams r

By Tony Okechukwu The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the salient achievements his administration has recorded in promoting human rights in the state. The Commission also lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for being gender-sensitive through active involvement of women in the governance of the state, as well as implementation of programmes and policies that improve the living standard of the people, especially the children and vulnerable. Speaking when a delegation from the Commission in Enugu paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House, Enugu, on Tuesday, the state coordinator, Dr. Valentine Madubuko, added that the signing into law of the Child Rights Act and subsequent establishment of Family Courts by Gov. Ugwuanyi’s administration, as well as the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Enugu State, are eloquent testimonies to the governor’s laudable achievements in the state, especially in the sec

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the State Government will not permit the proliferation  of vigilante groups,  stating that youths interested in helping  to build the state's security architecture should join the State Neighbourhood Safety Corps Agency.  This is as traditional rulers of Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local  Government Areas submitted  arms retrieved from repentant  criminals  in the area,  after a local amnesty programme. Speaking  at a brief ceremony where he received the Ekpeye Traditional Rulers Council from Ahoada East and Ahoada West Local Government Areas at the Government House Port Harcourt on Tuesday,  Governor Wike said that this decision became necessary  after OSPAC from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area started over stepping  their boundaries. He said: "I am being very careful  about vigilante groups  in all the local government areas because  of what OSPAC is doing. They are now going beyon

By Tony Okechukwu Hours after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) set up a fact-finding committee on the role played by some of its members at the election of the presiding officers of the National Assembly two weeks back, the bubble seems to have finally burst as the names of certain hitherto political heavyweights in the party have been dropped as having been part and parcel of the grand betrayal. The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, disclosed that Sen. Adolphus Wabara, and Prof. Wale Oladipo, would serve as the Committee’s Chairman and Secretary respectively; with Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, Sen. Stella Omu, Mr Austin Opara, Sen. Abdul Ningi, and Mrs Margaret Icheen as members based on the terms of reference of finding out why some of the PDP lawmakers failed to abide by the decision of the party, and whether there was any involvement of the ruling party in the decision taken by the member

By Tony Okechukwu Ahead of the November governorship election, the All Progressives Congress, APC, State Executive Committee, says the state Governor, Yahaya Bello has not been endorsed for the a second term. APC Secretary in the state, Salam Tom Adejoh, explained that Bello’s poor performance should not be rewarded with a second term. Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Adejoh said the party’s executive committee members were not in any position to endorse any aspirant. According to Adejoh, the party’s governorship ticket was open to every qualified party member. He disclosed that during the state executive committee, the endorsement of Bello was not discussed. Adejoh said: “We did not endorse anyone and we are not planning to. The party’s ticket is open to everyone in the party. “Our discussion ended at the need for peace so that the party can move forward. He (governor) said he needed a sincere peace and we agreed on terms. There was nothing like endorsement

By Tony Okechukwu Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has made a U-turn, insisting that he never promised to solve the Apapa gridlock crisis in 60 days. The governor said this while fielding questions from State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday. Sanwo-Olu, who was still governor-elect on May 18, 2019 had during an interactive session with his classmates at the Executive Master of Business Administration class, University of Lagos, 1998/2000 set, said that he would end the protracted gridlock in Apapa area of the state within the first 60 days of his administration. He said not minding the politics involved, he would rid the area of all the trailers whose operations have been responsible for the intractable gridlock. Sanwo-Olu had said, “The Apapa trailer issue; it’s a campaign issue, it’s very serious. I’m going to take it very seriously. I believe that it is something that we are going to solve in the first 60 days of our government. Whatever is going to be r

By Tony Okechukwu The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu, has described science and technology as drivers for sustainable development which could only be achieved through practical strategies and proper  implementation.  Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu made this known at Elizade University, Ilara -Mokin during the first Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences Conference on Monday. The Ondo State First Lady who spoke  on the theme: “Quest For Sustainable National Development: Science and Technology as drivers”, said  that no nation could develop without consistent practicable policies on science and technology. Mrs. Akeredolu described  sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  She added that the aim of conserving resources for future generations was one of the major features that distinguished  sustainable development policy from traditional env

By Tony Okechukwu The Coalition against Financial Crimes and Injustice has threatened to sue the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the anti-graft commission for not investigating and prosecuting former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, over fraudulent acts and corrupt practices he allegedly committed while in office. Chairman of the group, Alhaji Dogo Bibi, who stated this yesterday in Bauchi while interacting with reporters, said, “We have filed several petitions to the commission against various alleged corrupt practices by the former governor. We have many copies of acknowledgement as evidence to show that the commission received our petitions but they have remained silent.” He said some of the petitions filed by the anti-graft group included the N4 billion, the governor allegedly took without the approval of the state lawmakers, alleged fraudulent act in fertiliser, hajj operations and award of contracts without followi

By Tony Okechukwu An NGO founded by Bauchi State's First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Muhammad, Al’Muhibbah Foundation has gone into a  collaboration with Fidelity Bank, Bauchi to provide a 2-day free medical outreach in Misau local government area of  the State. Declaring the program open at Misau LGA, the first lady said her NGO was initially founded to address the issue of dilapidated burial grounds, but later expanded to capture   humanitarian activities. ”Al’muhibbah Foundation is a non Governmental Organization that was known for humanitarian activities aimed at addressing issues that has to do with education, health and other challenges faced by many, the Foundation  will do everything possible to identify and initiate programmes towards addressing the challenges faced by women and children.” The First Lady, who earlier thanked the management of Fidelity Bank for the good initiative that will touch the lives of many, also appreciated the support and encouragement of her

By Tony Okechukwu The Peoples Democratic Party has asked Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to explain to Lagosians the reason for the delay in inaugurating his cabinet. The Lagos State chapter of the party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taofik Gani, said the governor was uncoordinated, “hence the apparent total stagnancy in the governance of the state coupled with strongly rumoured cases of funds embezzlement, mismanagement and misappropriation.” According to Gani, the “unwarranted delay” is confirmation of the party’s stance that Sanwo-Olu was ill-prepared and hurriedly brought on board as governor. He said, “Lagosians are suffering the uncoordinated governance as observed in increased traffic jams, increased insecurity, abandoned and decaying infrastructure. “Governance in the state has become guerrilla-styled and disillusioned. There is no excuse for this in a state as Lagos that is blessed with numerous credible intellectuals.” “We thus have a ve

 By Tony Okechukwu The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has alleged that his predecessor, Mohammed Abubakar, spent N2.3bn to buy materials for burial in the state. But Abubakar has dismissed the allegation, describing it as laughable. The governor, who spoke through his spokesperson, Dr Ladan Salihu, in an interview with journalists in Bauchi, said the funds were spent between January and May, 2019. He explained that over N900m was spent on the purchase of white cloth used for wrapping corpses while over N1.4bn was used to buy the wood for lacing the graves after burial. According to him, the government discovered issues of corruption, venality, daylight robbery of the commonwealth of the people of the state. Ladan alleged, “This money which ought to have been appropriated by the state House of Assembly before expenditure, all of a sudden emanated from our treasury books. How could you imagine that a state government, within five months, that is, between January and

By Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that his administration will continue to partner with the church for the development of the State. Speaking on Sunday during the Lord's Chosen Crusade with  the theme: "God has the power to do this or that" at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike attributed his political survival to the support and prayers of the Christian community. He the forces of darkness invaded the state and attempted to rob the mandate of the people, but God stood firm. "We saw forces, but the greater force, God Almighty came. With this crusade.  Rivers State will be abundantly  blessed. "I repeat once again without apologies,  Rivers State is a Christian State.  That is why nobody  can touch us. When it mattered most, the Christian community prayed and God heard your prayers. "I will continue to support the activities of all Churches. This Government will always partner with the

.. as literary icon laid to rest ...State Government donates N25M to Okara Foundation  By Tony Okechukwu Bayelsa State Governor the Honourable Seriake Dickson over the weekend flayed the political class for their  inability to identify with the people they seek to govern in times of need. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei quoted the   Governor as having made the remark at the commendation service and burial of literary icon and international Poet, Dr. Gabriel Imomotimi Okara in Yenagoa on Friday. The Governor expressed displeasure that such group of Bayelsans are only interested in imposing themselves on the people rather than identify with them particularly the passage of such a great literary icon who God used to bless the Ijaw nation.  Governor Dickson noted that honouring both the living and the dead has been an essential component of his restoration government since 2012, expressing regret that they have fa

By Tony Okechukwu The Governor òf Bayelsa State and Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party Governor’s Forum, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson has condemned the Police raid on the residence of the Governor òf Taraba State, Arh. Darius Dickson Ishaku on June 11, 2019 Police operatives led by a Deputy Superintendent òf Police who claimed to have been deployed with a warrant from the Presidency’s Special Investigation Panel had broken into the Governor’s Abuja residence to conduct a search on it. The Governor òf Bayelsa State  condemned the Police action in a statement by his Adviser, Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei on Thursday. Governor Dickson called on the Inspector General òf Police and other relevant bodies to investigate the illegal invasion of the governor’s residence with a view to identifying the culprits for necessary action. The Governor also urged the National security establishment to adopt appropriate measures to protect Governor Ishaku, members of his fami

Wife of Zamfara State governor, Hajiya A'sha Matawalle, has declared her resolve to tackle street begging, especially by women in the state. Mrs Matawalle made this known while briefing journalist in Gusau on her pet project focusing on the "Girl-child Education." I will ensure that my office as the first lady of the state works closely with that of my husband's, the executive governor so that we can find ways of empowering the women. This measure will surely bring to the barest minimum the number of female street beggars, and it will also boost school enrolment among young girls since parents will be supported, she said" A'sha said that she had a blueprint  under the girl-child project that would encourage the girls to go to school. Happily, my husband has already declared free education and health care services for women and children, and I believe this is the right step in the right direction in saving our womenfolk, especially rural dwellers,

…Says all issues now resolved …To commence comprehensive work on runway soon By Tony Okechukwu The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has expressed its “profound appreciation and gratitude” to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for fulfilling his promise to address  the identified challenges that hitherto posed a threat to the safety of air travelers at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Speaking during the inspection tour of the airport and its environs to ascertain the level of compliance by the Enugu State Government and other relevant institutions to the request made by FAAN, the Managing Director, Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu, told Gov. Ugwuanyi, who was present at the exercise, that they were satisfied with the interventions made so far by his administration, such as the relocation of the Orie Emene market, abattoir, and the dismantling of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Radio/TV Mast, which the Managing Director, Mr. Chukwuma Ogbonna

 By Tony Okechukwu The  chairman of the South East Governor's Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State Engr David Nweze Umahi has called on herdsmen operating in the zone to always respect the culture and traditions of their host communities to foster unity and understanding. He  made the call while declaring open South East Security summit held in Enugu. The summit which was organized by the South East Governor's Forum in collaboration with South East chamber of commerce, Industry,  mines and Agriculture is aimed at achieving effective policing of the South East zone for improved business environment. The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Kelechi Igwe said though insecurity has remained a national problem,  leaders at all  levels should evolve strategies that will improve security of lives and property across the country.  He said his administration has consistently interacted with the national body of the miyetti Allah to brainstorm on how to a.create

Tony Okechukwu Rivers State Governor,  Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared  that the State Government will support  the Train 7 project of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited  because of its potential to create about 15000 jobs and enhance  the economy of the state. Governor Wike said  that Rivers  people  are happy that the Train 7 of the NLNG will  soon come on stream,  because  it is key to the growth of the state. He spoke  at the Government House Port Harcourt on Wednesday during  a Courtesy Visit by the Management of the NLNG. He said: "The Train 7 is very key to the development of Rivers State.  We are glad that it will  soon take off. I am happy  with  the  quantum of jobs that the train 7 will create in the State. "However, these jobs  should not  be  cleaners and unskilled workers.  I want the NLNG  to ensure that qualified  Rivers people are employed  when the Train 7 comes on stream ". The Governor  stated that the Government and peopl

By Joshua Ebiegberi On February 14, 2020, the only Valentine's Day governor in Nigeria would bid farewell to the Creek Haven seat of power in Bayelsa State. That day, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson would have completed eight remarkable years as governor of the most riverine and deltaic state in Nigeria known as the Glory of All Lands. Without doubt, the towering figure commonly called the Countriman Governor would be leaving not only very big shoes for his successor but also an oversized bowler hat. Apart from his hugely successful and impactful developmental strides across the state, his oratorical prowess would also be difficult to match. The governor's zeal and passion to change the narrative about the state has stood him out. Today, Bayelsa's story is intertwined with that of a man who bestrode the state like a colossus; not only transforming it but equally changing the governance culture. In every facet of the state, the Dickson imprint is indelible