NATIONAL VIBES

By Tony Okechukwu Workers’ unions in Kwara State Colleges of Education on Tuesday hailed Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his prompt resolution of the crisis that had dogged the schools for the last four years, describing him as “being alive to the yearnings of workers". “The entire members of staff of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin; College of Education, Oro; College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi; and Kwara State College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies (CAILS), Ilorin; under the auspices of Committee of Unions in Tertiary Institutions (CUTI), wish to express gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his quick intervention on the challenges facing the colleges", the Unions said in a statement by their Chairman, Imam Abdulkadir and Scribe, Muritala Sulauman. They said, “The Unions appreciate Governor Abdulrazaq’s prompt release of Accreditation Grants to College of Education (Technical), Lafiagi, and College of Arabic and Islamic Legal Studies as well as th...

By Tony Okechukwu Delta State Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa today swore in the Governing Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, (DESOPADEC), Chairman and Members of Delta State Local Government Service Commission, and the Auditor-General of the State. Those sworn in are: DESOPADEC: Hon. Michael Diden - Chairman Chief Askia Ogieh - Managing Director Mr. Lucky Shedrack Agediga - Executive Director Hon. (Chief) John Nani - Executive Director Hon. Daniel Mayuku - Executive Director Leonard Anoka Esq. - Executive Director Mr. Giftson Omatsuli - Member Dr. Paul Oweh  - Member Chief  Okakuro Kent Akigho Okiemute - Member Hon. Joyce Overah - Member Arch. Anslem Nwokenye - Member Mr. Paul Bebenimibo - Member Mr. Ikechukwu Christian Akozor - Member Chief Vincent O. Oyibode - Member Ossai Ochonogor Vincent - Member DELTA STATE LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE COMMISSION: Hon. Joseph Otirhue - Chairman Pastor Chukwuka John Greatman - Member ...

... State Collation Agent,  Emmanuel Enoidem, Esq. Tenders Unit Results By Tony Okechukwu At the Gubernatorial Election Tribunal in Uyo, Wednesday, July 31 the 1st Respondent, Mr Udom Emmanuel, Governor of Akwa Ibom state has opened his case in the Petition filed against him by Obong Nsima Ekere, the Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the March 9 Gubernatorial elections in Akwa Ibom State. The Petitioner had closed his case on Thursday, July 25, 2019 with the evidence of Obong Ekere where the petitioner, testifying for himself made a dramatic turn in his prayers, asking that the whole elections be cancelled and a re-run ordered against his initial prayer which was that the Tribunal should declare him the winner of the March 9 elections claiming that he won in 26 Local Government Areas. The 1st Respondent opened his case today. Mr Enoidem, who served as the state Collation agent for the People's Democratic Party was called as the first witness for the 1st Resp...

By Tony Okechukwu As part of his administration's commitment to  building young entrepreneurs and attracting massive investment into Ondo State, the State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has declared that the State is prepared to host the sixth edition of Africa's Young Entrepreneurs Empowerment Nigeria (AYEEN) 2019 Convention. The Africa's Young Entrepreneurs is a platform with a vision of successfully developing Africa’s budding entrepreneurs through mutual networking, and with established captains of industries. The A.Y.E brings learning, resources and business acumen, with the aim  of developing young entrepreneurs within the age of 18 - 45 with 12.6 million members in 20 African Countries. Receiving the delegation of the A. Y. E, led by the President, Summy  Francis, at the Governor's Office, Alagbaka, Akure, Governor Akeredolu said the State will cooperate and host the coming convention of the organisation, billed to hold on Saturday, D...

By Tony Okechukwu Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State has announced plans by the State Government to recruit 8,000 workers into the civil service. The Governor who made the disclosure on a media programme in Gusau on Wednesday, said that the government has saved money for the payment of the new workers. “Plans have been perfected by the State Government for the recruitment of 8,000 workers into the civil service". “On this issue too, I have made sure that the money that will be used in paying these additional workers have been secured for the next five months". “This class of workers do not, however, include the 1,400 youths employed but not being paid by the immediate past administration for over two years". “I have since directed for the screening of the 1,400 and immediately the screening is over, those who have not taken up other jobs or secured admissions to continue their education will be fully included in the State’s nominal role". The Gove...

By Tony Okechukwu Chairman of PDP Governors Forum, and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has congratulated his Taraba State counterpart, Arc. Darius Ishaku as he turns 65 years on Tuesday, July 30. Governor Dickson in a statement issued from the Abuja Secretariat of the forum on Tuesday, acknowledged Ishaku as a great leader as well as a peace-loving Governor whose devotion to the cause of Taraba State and the nation is legendary. “Taraba State is so blessed to have someone who is full of knowledge like you. You are a beacon and pillar of strength to all Tarabans especially the young men out there; and your life experience has positively aided in leading and directing your people. “You have been steadfast in defending the gains of a successful struggle to attain the best economy in Taraba State, thereby paving the way for the socio-economic and political development of the North East Region; even as...

By Tony Okechukwu Gov. Matawalle has declared that his State will adopt the Ruga policy to address the incessant farmers and herders clashes. Recall that the Federal Government had suspended the Ruga policy following stiff opposition from Southern and Middle Belt leaders. However, speaking to State House correspondents during the weekend, the Governor stated that it is a developmental plan for ranching which the State will soon adopt. He said, "In Zamfara, we will adopt Ruga in our strategy to address the herders-farmers crisis, it is a developmental project on ranching and we are ready for it". Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has said that northern Governors will soon convene a summit to address the widespread insecurity in the region. He spoke after the policy retreat with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He told State House correspondents that security and education will top the agenda of the summit. According to...

By Tony Okechukwu Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, on behalf of his colleague-members of the forum, has condoled with the Governor of Adamawa State, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, over the passing of his father, Alhaji Umaru Badami. A press statement from its Abuja Secretariat on Monday, stated that the Forum which is deeply saddened by the news, equally commiserates with the government and people of Adamawa State in general on the passage of the deceased which it described as “humble, hardworking, generous, disciplined,  and a  God-fearing statesman” who dedicated his life to the service of God, stability and growth of the nation and the good of humanity at large, aside being a strong voice for his community. The Forum prayed the Almighty God to accept the soul of the departed and comfort those left to mourn him. Badami, 82, died on Sunday after a protracted illness, Mr Solomon Kumangar, Director-General...

Calls On BYSIEC to Immediately Implement court order..... By Tony Okechukwu The Campaign for Democracy (CD)  has applauded the decision of a Bayelsa State High court sitting in Yenegoa, ordering the Bayelsa State Independent Electoral Commission, to immediately conduct the local government elections in the state. The CD said the courageous intervention of the judiciary has now cleared every obstacles, formerly impeding the conduct of the elections, as it urge the Bayelsa State government and every other stakeholders, to give the needed support to the state's Independent Electoral Commission, towards a successful conduct of the elections. Speaking through its Deputy President, Comrade Bayo Obatughase in a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, CD said the court decision is expected to enhance the process of taking the dividends of democracy closer to people at the grassroots in Bayelsa State, as the Local government, remains the closest level of government, to the Lagos ...

...URGES NIGERIANS TO IGNORE HIS CALUMNIOUS CAMPAIGN AGAINST GOV DICKSON By Tony Okechukwu A prominent Socio Cultural Organisation in Bayelsa State, the Ogbia Renaissance, has called on the State Government and the traditional institution to sanction a Second Class Chief, AJ Turner, for partisanship.  Chairman of the group, Mr Obhioru Mitanoni, said that Turner acted contrary to Section 6, Cap C4 òf the Bayelsa State Chieftaincy law when he accompanied a politician to pick a gubernatorial form at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja. Mitanoni said that Turner’s recent activities were unbecoming of the expected conduct of a traditional ruler and should be sanctioned by the state government and the relevant traditional institutions with supervisory responsibilities over the conduct and operations of traditional rulers in the state. The group expressed the alarm that Chief Turner a known ally of Governor Dickson who was made a Second Class tradition ruler by ...

By Tony Okechukwu The University of Port Harcourt  Alumni Association has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the nomination of 2 illustrious, people-focused and credible alumni of the unique University as members of the Federal Executive Council. In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, the Association noted with deep pleasure the opportunity of producing 2 ministers who graduated from the school adding that they are competent leaders in their own right.. The statement signed by the National President, High Chief Chris Adokeme described the choice of Chiefs Timipre Sylva and Rotimi Ameachi by President Buhari as a laudable move, and pledged to support their own throughout their tenure. While congratulating the ministers designate for their nominations, Adokeme, a lawyer, and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, added that he was convinced that both alumni would deliver on their mandate irrespective of their assigned potfolios. ...

- Tasks them on credible representation By Tony Okechukwu The immediate past Chief of Protocol of the Atiku-Obi Presidential Campaign and incumbent DG of the PDP Governors Forum has congratulated indigenes of Edo State who were Thursday successfully inaugurated into positions of Chairmen/Deputy Chairmen of the various House of Representatives Committees at the 9th National Assembly. In a statement issued by him on Friday in Abuja, Onaiwu specifically acknowledged Hon. Ihama Ogbeide (PDP) who emerged as the Chairman, Committee on Culture/Tourism; as well as Julius Ihovbere (APC) – (Chairman, Committee on Basic Education); Johnson Oghuma (APC) – (Chairman, Committee on Environment); Dennis Idahosa (APC) – (Chairman, Committee on Legislative Compliance) and Patrick Aisoweren (APC) – (Dep. Chairman, Committee on Populations. While tasking the newly-sworn in committee leaders to work assiduously in ensuring that democratic practice is deepened for the benefit of Nigerians, Onaiw...

By Tony Okechukwu A flour mill with a capacity to process 500 metric tons of wheat daily is set to commence test production in Mkpok-Okat, Akwa Ibom State. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner For Information, Mr Charles Udoh who disclosed this on Wednesday to newsmen in his office said that the company, Kings Flour Mill is one of the results of the public private partnership model adopted by Governor Udom Emmanuel to attract investors to the state. Udoh noted that the factory, which is one of the best of its kind in the country will create direct jobs for the teeming youthful population while also offering an expansive value chain for a lot more people. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel in May 2017 flagged-off the construction of a flour mill in Mkpok-Okat with the assurances that when the mill begins production, it will have the capacity to employ more than one thousand five hundred youths in the state. Speaking to newsmen after a tour of the factory complex, the Proj...

By Tony Okechukwu The Bayelsa State Governor, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson, has restated his earlier position that the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party has not endorsed any aspirant for the candidature of the party. A statement by the Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the Governor as having called on Bayelsans to discountenance aspirants  claiming to have his endorsement. The Governor said that he would commence intensified consultations with aspirants and critical stakeholders at the national and state levels of the PDP with the conclusion of the sale of the gubernatorial nomination form for the next election. Governor Dickson also promised to work closely with the party leadership to ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair primaries in Bayelsa. According to the Governor, "while the aspirants who have picked the party’s nomination have the right to pursue their ambition, the leadership of the party would watch and in...

                                                                                                               - Says we applaud your contributions to humanity By Tony Okechukwu The PDP Governors Forum has congratulated the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Dave Umahi, who clocks 56, today, Thursday, July 25, 2019.                                                                                                              In a pre...

...URGES BAYELSAN SENATORS NOT TO OPPOSE HIS CONFIRMATION By Tony Okechukwu The Governor òf Bayelsa State, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson, has directed Bayelsa Senators to support the confirmation of former Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva as a minister of the Federal republic. The Governor also congratulated Sylva, his major political opponent in Bayelsa in the past ten years on his selection as a ministerial nominee in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, on Wednesday, He said that he had to call on the senators to support Sylvia’s nomination as minister in the interest of Bayelsa as the Governor of all citizens of the state irrespective of political differences. The Governor recalled that he congratulated former Minister òf Agriculture, Mr. Heineken Lokpibiri, and canvassed similar support for him, when his name was forwarded to the senate in President Buhari’s first tenure. He said that by Sylvia’s nomination, President Buhari ...

By Tony Okechukwu Following the Bauchi High Court, Monday order restricting the National Assembly from interfering in the leadership crisis in the Bauchi State House of Assembly, the PDP Governors Forum has advised the hierarchy and the entire membership of the National Assembly to abide by the court order and stay away from interfering in the affairs of the House. . In a press statement from its Secretariat in Abuja, Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Seriake Dickson (Executive Governor of Bayelsa State) on behalf of his colleague-members called on NASS to comply with the court order: “We also call on the National Assembly to walk back the culture of impunity and lawlessness that is hardening its bite on the polity, and show more respect for the rights of the people.” “Acting otherwise or delaying in respecting the order would represent a direct and serious affront to the rule of law in a democratic government and a dangerous abuse of power; which Nigerians would see as “steadily ...

By Tony Okechukwu The Bayelsa State Government has formalized the employment of 904 casual staff in the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state. This was in addition to the 1,000 workers, first class graduates from various disciplines, PhD and Master's degrees holders from Ijaw speaking communities across the Country earlier injected into the State Civil Service and state-owned higher institutions of learning. Making this known during the ongoing screening exercise and placement of the new staff, the Chairman of the State Civil Service, Dr. Peter Singabele hinged the success on the ongoing Public Service reforms in the state.  He said the reforms successfully uncovered discrepancies like fake credentials, age falsification, fraud, grade level and step theft, among others, creating space for the employment of young and competent graduates into the civil service. The Chairman of the state’s Civil Service Commission said the ongoing employment is only a f...

... assures of support of the 7th Assembly By Tony Okechukwu The speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey has given his blessings to the much talked about 2 Kings 1 Kingdom Concert by highlife maestro and comedy icon, Sir Wilker & Sir James as they get set for the Abuja edition of the tour. The number three (3) citizen of the state endorsed the project when he received in his office the two (2) icons and the project manager, Nelson NseAbasi The event '2 Kings 1 Kingdom' features on stage Sir Wilker and Sir James in an exclusive concert - tour alongside top Akwa Ibom- Nigerian music and comedy stars. Having the theme, 'Akwa Ibom To The World' the event showcases everything Akwa Ibom to the world for subsequent patronage. The maiden and second editions were successfully held at Eket and Calabar respectively. Creating an atmosphere for fun and networking for and with Akwa Ibom people in the cities. Speaking, Nelson said ...

- "Don't touch drugs....he advises By Tony Okechukwu Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Monday, received Super Eagles Striker, Samuel Chukwueze, at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital. The Governor, flanked by some of the state government officials, including the member representing Umuahia East Constituency in the  Abia House of Assembly, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo, welcomed the Umuahia Ibeku-born footballer, who was on a courtesy visit upon return from 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Ikpeazu, while speaking during the visit, urged young people who were blessed with talents to remain humble and hardworking, opining that pride is the virus that destroys talents. He warned him to avoid being misled by a momentary feeling of triumph but focus on building a career that will last long and become successful. According to the Governor, “You are a young man with prodigious talent. But you must know that talent can showcase you but you need to...

... swears in pioneer exco By Tony Okechukwu The Coalition of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) has held its General Assembly for the month of July 2019. The meeting was held at the RootHub, Uyo over the weekend. Chaired by the Chancellor, Mr Ifreke Nseowo, the meeting had in attendance existing and intending members who witnessed the Swearing-In of the first executive council and management committee of the association, led by the Deputy Chancellor, Aniekan Ekah,  poised to chart a course for the association. Other issues deliberated upon on the floor of the house were Membership Registration and a New Media Symposium planned for September 2019. The house received in audience aspirants for different offices to the state exco of the NUJ in the August 2 election. Also present were veteran journalists and patrons, former Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Isreal Umoh and former Encomium Magazine (South South ...

 ...Condoles With NYSC Channels TV ...Blames Buhari, APC By Tony Okechukwu The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) laments the continuous killing of Nigerians in avoidable bloody clashes in various parts of the country, particularly the preventable skirmishes between the police and protesters in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Monday. In a press statement signed by Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, its National Publicity Secretary, the party said: "The PDP is heartbroken that the misrule of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has gradually turned various parts of our country, including the nation’s capital, into arenas of violence and bloodletting. "Our party is particularly saddened by the death of an innocent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, attached to the Channels TV, 23 years old Mr. Precious Owolabi, who was shot during the Monday bloody clash between the police and protesters in Abuja. "Indeed, our hearts reac...

By Tony Okechukwu The Bayelsa State Government has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to all gubernatorial aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, the All Progressives Congress and other political parties to comply with the rules and regulations guiding the erection of  campaign posters in the state. The Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ebipade Apaingolo, directed the relevant agencies to pull down all such campaign posters adorning the streets of Yenagoa without complying with the laws of the state within 48 hours in a statement on Monday night. He said that it was compulsory for all the aspirants aspiring to govern the state without any exception to show good example by obeying the laws of the state. He said that those who must erect campaign posters in conspicuous spots in the city and other parts of the state should approach the relevant agencies such as the Development Control to fulfill the requisite conditions prescribed by the existing laws. Apaingolo was reacting ...

By Tony Okechukwu The Bayelsa State Government has uncovered an evil plan by desperate politicians to plant arms and ammunition in the farms and compounds belonging to the State Governor, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Mr. Boma Spero-Jack said in a statement on Monday night that some politicians who are desperate to hijack political control of the state were behind the criminal plot. He said that any attempt to tarnish the good image of the Governor would fail as Bayelsans and indeed Nigerians are clearly aware of the brand of politics and reputation of the governor as a politician of conviction and not violence. He therefore advised all politicians in the state to focus on their political campaigns rather than engaging in underhand tactics which he said do not win elections. He advised all politicians to avoid such desperation and unfortunate tendency towards violence. He said that the security agencies should...

By Tony Okechukwu The Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Monday, flagged off the construction of five major roads to open up the township of the State capital. Works on the five roads, spanning over 10.2km, will cost the State Government about N5 billion. The projected amount is just about half of what the past Government of the State allegedly spent on “burying dead persons” in one month. Gov. Bala Mohammed, who vilified his predecessor for spending so much of the taxpayer’s money on such frivolous enterprise, said his administration would rather concentrate on projects that will make life meaningful to the people. At an elaborate occasion, Gov. Mohammed cut the tapes for the construction of the five roads which comprised two bye-passes that were conceptualised since the creation of the State. Gov. Bala Mohammed described the five road projects as a “historic development for the people of Bauchi". The new roads comprise Gombe-Maiduguri bye-pass; Laura – Jos ...

By Tony Okechukwu                                                             The PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF) has expressed its joy as the Supreme Court on Monday, rejected the application by the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking a review of the May 24  judgement of the court on the Zamfara Governorship Election. In a press statement issued from its Abuja Secretariat, the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Seriake Dickson (Executive Governor of Bayelsa), on behalf of his colleague-members threw its weight behind the five-man panel of justices, led by Justice Bode Rhodes-Viviur, that unanimously ruled that the application was incompetent and lacking in merit.                                                 ...

…Lagos Governor, Deputy Inspect Road Repair Exercise In Iju-Agege Areas By Tony Okechukwu There will soon be respite for motorists plying Agege-Pen Cinema axis in Lagos, as State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assures accelerated completion of the abandoned Pen-Cinema Bridge. The Governor spoke on Sunday while inspecting ongoing rehabilitation work on major roads in Iju area of the State by Lagos State Public Works Corporation. Sanwo-Olu, in company of his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the contractor handling the bridge construction was being prepared for re-mobilisation back on the site. Expressing concern over the pains residents go through due to regular gridlock on the alternative routes occasioned by abandoned project, Sanwo-Olu said his government would compensate for the discomfort by ensuring timely completion of the bridge. He said: “I can assure you that we are currently in talks with the contractors handling key road projects in Ikorodu, which are Igbogbo and...

By Tony Okechukwu Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has begun moves to revive farm settlements established when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the Premier of the old Western Region. The Governor said the nine farm settlements located across the State had ranches, pigsties, ponds, poultry pens apart from the large expanse of land to grow crops. Speaking to our correspondent in an interview through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Taiwo Adisa, Makinde said the farm settlements would be resuscitated to increase the food production capacity of the State and to boost its economy. The Governor said that the farm settlements didn’t belong to Oodua Investments like some people think, saying they were property of the State. He said, “Oodua Investments is not the owner of the ranches. Western Region owned the farm settlements. They are not ranches but they are farm settlements owned by the State where they are located". “We have nine of them in Oyo State and they are going to be ...