NATIONAL VIBES

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, has finally opened up on his health status, six days after testing positive for the coronavirus. In a statement signed by him, Kyari said he was feeling well but would transfer from Abuja to Lagos on Sunday for further tests and observations. Said he: “This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, I tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world. I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine. “I have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home. I hope to be back at my desk very soon”. There had been rumours all over the internet that he had been flown abroad in an emergency. But it was confirmed that he had been on self-isolation in Abuja and was not exhibiting any serious symptoms apart from occasional cough. Full statement Below: “I am writing to let you know that on...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) laments that President Muhammadu Buhari’s long awaited address on the COVID-19 pandemic came empty and failed to address the salient demands of the impact of the scourge on our nation. The party notes that outside the social distancing and isolation, which Nigerians had already imposed on themselves, Mr. President had no new solutions to offer our nation. The PDP regrets that the address did not touch on the real necessities of majority of Nigerians who reside in the states where President Buhari had ordered a lockdown. It is unfortunate that Mr. President failed to respond to demands on hope for medications, direct social palliatives, cut in taxes as well as reduction in the pump price of fuel even with the cut in the price of petroleum and crude oil in the international market. Our party notes as saddening that even in areas where Mr. President announced an ambitious intervention, such remained largely cosmetic as there are no clear pal...

...To Produce Face Mask, Distribute Free To Bayelsans By admin SureAid Development Initiative and Africa First Strategic Alliance Initiative have committed to supporting Bayelsa Enterprise Hubs Limited (Operators of Bayelsa Garment Factory) to make Face Masks as Corporate Social Responsibility and distribute free to Bayelsans. In a communication from Bayelsa Enterprise Hubs Management Limited, the Management and Board expressed gratitude to the organizations urging other spirited organizations/individuals to take advantage of the Factory as it has capacity to provide corporate Garment services for Uniforms, Industrial Cover-Alls, Lab Coats, Bed Sheets amongst others.  Mr. Ebiekure Jasper Eradiri representing the board expressed confidence in the Capacity of the factory as second largest in Nigeria to live up to expectations. He further thanked former Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon.Henry Seriake Dickson for conception of this laudable project an...

Obokhare Kingsley Imogbore .. Calls on well meaning Nigerians to be their Brother's keeper. By Admin As the dreaded COVID 19 pandemic rages through the globe, Nigeria,  home of the largest gathering of people in Africa, begins to   shut down due to the pandemic, Abuja's prominent Eatery, COCKEREL Fast Foods has joined the global call to help the needy. Taking a cue from Chinese muliti- billionaire, Jack Ma and Africa's richest man Aliko Dangotte, the company has decided to raise funds to provide over 10,000 plates of food for IDP'S and other less privileged Nigerians caught in the lockdown due to the pandemic. COVID-19 has so far claimed one life and infected 65 others in Nigeria. This has resulted in locking down of business activity in some states of the Federation. According to the Chief Operating Officer of COCKEREL, Mr Kingsley Obokhare, staff of the restaurant is expected to to produce food packs for the IDP'S stranded in the various camps due...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has tested negative for the Coronavirus, putting to rest the speculations and anxiety over his health status. The governor's acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said in a press release that the test result was obtained on Thursday from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)-accredited laboratory at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State. "The result showed that Governor Douye Diri had "no evidence of COVID-19 infection," he said. Officials of the epidemiology unit of the state Ministry of Health led by the State Epidemiologist, Ifiemi Iwuji, had on Wednesday conducted the test and the samples sent to the Irrua Specialist Hospital. Before the governor opted for the test, he had been inundated with phone calls and messages following speculations on the social media that he might have been infected. This was fuelled by his sitting next to a North East state governor, who later te...

United Nations Peace Ambassador, Arc. Miebi Bribena has lauded proactive measures being taking by the Bayelsa state government at preventing the spread of Coronavirus code named covid-19. Briefing newsmen as part of activities marking his birthday celebration on Wednesday in Yenagoa, Arc. Bribena said social distancing and restriction policy adopted by the government have assisted in curtailing the spread of the deadly virus. He disclosed that  the proactive measure taken by  the government has assisted in curtailing the spread of the virus which as at the last count  had claimed one casualty and infected the lives of 45 persons in the Country. The UN Peace Ambassador posited that the setting up of Isolation centres, provision of health care facility and restriction and social distancing policy have put the state in a good stead to curtail the spread of the virus. According to him, it is exciting to know that with the scarcity and pressure on hand sanitizers, ...

The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR and all the other PDP Governors, has congratulated the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus as he clocks 65 years of age. An unedited press statement titled: PDP Governors’ Forum Felicitates With Our Chairman @ 65 and signed on behalf of the by its Director-General, Hon. C.I.D. Maduabum reads: 1. The PDP Governors’ Forum under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR and all the other PDP Governors, congratulate our able Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus on his 65th birthday anniversary. 2. You have demonstrated capacity, sagacity and fairness as our National Chairman. 3. You have restored integrity, honour and impartiality to the office of Chairman of our great party, culminating in organizing the best and most transparent presidential primaries in Nigeria’s history in 2018. You have indeed managed the affairs of the Peoples Democratic ...

Govt Shuts Down Schools, Restricts Worship Centres, Night Clubs Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has assumed chairmanship of a special task force on COVID-19 to directly oversee its activities in the state. He has also mandated all local government chairmen to do same in their respective councils. Governor Diri equally announced the closure of all public and private schools with effect from Thursday, March 26 as part of measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. The governor, who stated this in a state-wide broadcast on Saturday, said all public gatherings above 50 persons will be prohibited in the state from Monday, March 23. His Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, quoted Senator Diri as saying the gatherings included religious worship centres and night clubs. He said the government had set up a multi-sectoral task force charged with the responsibility of coordinating and implementing the state’s response to the pandemic. Senator Di...

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed shock over the passing of Mrs. Evelyn Murray-Bruce, the wife of Senator Ben Murray-Bruce. Senator Murray-Bruce announced his wife's demise on Friday after a protracted battle with cancer. Governor Diri said in a condolence message by his acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, that her death was shocking and painful. He commiserated with the Bruce family and described the late Evelyn as an affable person that was easily loved by everyone around her. "I received with shock and sadness the painful passing of Evelyn, the wife of my brother, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, who lost the battle with cancer. "Losing a loved one is painful. So I can imagine what the Bruce family is going through at this time of grief. "Evelyn was an affable person who was easily loved by all those who came around her. "On behalf of the government and people of Bayelsa State, I express our deep sympathy and c...

In light of the emergence of the pandemic disease, Coronavirus (COVID-19). The RE Foundation has recognized the need to educate and sensitize communities with little or no access to information on the symptoms of the virus and ways to prevent the spread.  The Foundation has been providing support to the vulnerable especially, the disadvantaged and the Internally displaced persons. We have also made necessary provisions to continue to produce hand-made sanitizers with our partner Janisse cleans, a company which specializes in manufacturing quality cleaning agents and other local producers to solve the problem of stores with no stock on hand sanitizers due to the worldwide panic and to work with other local NGO’s rooted in several African Countries with cases of Coronavirus such as Nigeria, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Egypt, Morrocco, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Rwanda, Ethiopia amongst others.  With inadequate facilities and resources and a large population, we are con...

PDP Governors Forum Congratulates Gov. Ifeanyi  Ugwuanyi at 56 The PDP Governors' Forum has extended its warm felicitations to the Governor of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Uguanyi on his 56th Birthday A congratulatory message dated March 20, 2020 and  signed by Hon CID Maduabum, the Director General of  the Forum reads: 1. The PDP Governors' Forum under the leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, CFR, together with all your colleagues in the Forum, fecilitates with you on your birthday anniversary. 2. As you turn 56, we wish you continued good health, wisdom, strength and blessings from God. 3. Your giant strides in Enugu State is remarkable for the unprecedented level and pace of infrastructural development witnessed in the state since you mounted the saddle of leadership. You have excelled in various areas of human endeavour and in particular, road infrastructure, education, health care, empowerment, social and human capital developme...

The Northern Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria has threatened to dump the association if the appointment of Senator Elisha Abbo as the patron is withdrawn according to a report by DailyPost. There has been outrage from some actresses over the appointment of the Senator as a patron of the AGN and they called for his withdrawal due to his recent case of assault on a nursing mother at a sex toy shop in Abuja. However, the Chairman of the Adamawa state chapter, Jimi Lot, said Abbo was appointed because of his philanthropic nature in the North, adding that he is not guilty of assault until proven so by the court. He explained that the Senator has apologised for his actions and hence should not be held down and denied appointment from the AGN. According to him: “Even Jesus forgives so why wouldn’t Nigerians accept Senator Abbo’s apologies and forgive him over the assault. The guild is not going to withdraw the appointment. . We the northern actors will not agree on this and will no...

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has given reasons it appointed Senator Elisha Abbo who was spotted in a viral video, assaulting a nursing mother in a sex toy shop as patron of the association. The Adamawa lawmaker who was spotted in a viral video last year assaulting a nursing mother was appointed as the Patron of the Actors Guild of Nigeria on Monday. The lawmaker’s appointment stirred controversy on social media as female members of the association reacted bitterly. Popular actress, Kate Henshaw had on her Twitter page said the lawmaker was not worthy to be a patron of the AGN. She stated that there are women in the guild, and they don’t want to be slapped. But reacting, the AGN Adamawa State chapter Chairman, Jimmy Lot said the uproar was a campaign to smear Senator Ishaku Abbo. Speaking to DAILY POST, he said that the lawmaker was appointed because of his tremendous work and contribution to the creative sector in the North East. ”Senator Abbo was recommended based on hi...

Veteran Abuja based journalist Dr. Amina Yahaya has reacted to the comment made by Hilda Dokubo and her colleague Kate Henshaw both Vetran Nollywood actress. Defending the Adamawa lawmaker Dr. Amina on her Twitter page said Senator Elisha Abbo is worthy to be a Patron of the Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN. “See as if you did not see. Hear as if you did not hear. Not everything should have your attention. Be BLIND to Distraction. To succeed, know what to ignore.” She stated that Senator Elisha Abba has longed made peace with all parties involved on the viral video on Instagram of his misunderstanding with a young lady at the mall in Abuja. Why on earth will Hilda Dokubo and Kate Henshaw not allow the settled past be and face their individual family challenges or is she still bitter and depressed with her past divorce issue; http://crossriverwatch.com/2013/03/my-divorce-is-not-the-end-of-life-kate-henshaw/ than to start ranting on the conferment of distinguish Senator Elisha...

*Assures On Second Yenagoa Flyover Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Monday, paid unscheduled visits to some project sites in Yenagoa, the state capital, ahead of his 100 days in office. Governor Diri, who was accompanied by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and some top government functionaries, said his administration would include the Tombia-Etegwe flyover project in the 2020 budget as it is one of its key projects. He noted that the project was conceptualised by his predecessor but could not execute it due to the economic downturn in the country. The governor in a statement by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, said his administration was abreast of the developmental challenges of the state and would strive within available resources to tackle them. According to him, the project when completed would largely decongest the area and ease traffic in the city. He however said alternative routes would be created and the road expan...

The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, has declared that his government will not tolerate any attempt by anyone or group to disrupt the peace in the State. The Governor warned that his government will not allow anyone to take laws into their hands. Governor Diri made the declaration on Thursday when he paid an assessment visit to the scene of property destroyed after the Supreme Court judgment which brought him into office. The governor accused the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Chief Timipre Sylva, of sponsoring the violence which greeted the Supreme Court judgement. Scenes visited by the Governor and his team included the home of the immediate past Governor of the State, Seriake Dickson, Steve Azaiki public library, PDP Secretariat, Governor Diri’s private home, radio Bayelsa and others. He said: “Because of what the APC national chairman said in Abuja where he declared that the Suprem...

The Bayelsa State Government has said the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facility it is expecting will benefit only farmers in the State irrespective of political party affiliation.  Governor Douye Diri, who disclosed this when representatives of 24 political parties under the aegis of the State Chapter of the Inter-Party Council paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Yenagoa, stated that the facility would promote farming and other agricultural activities in the State. A press release by his Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, noted that Governor Diri vowed not to play politics with the loan, stressing that stringent measures would be put in place to ensure that only farmers are the beneficiaries. Advising the political class to steer clear of the CBN loan, he however explained that politicians that own farms were qualified to obtain it. He said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources would be saddled with the responsibility of going...

•As Makinde, Bode George, Olafeso, PDP leaders harp on unity Prince Oyinlola Former governor of Osun state, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola is set for a return to the party at a South West unification rally billed to hold on the 18th of March 2020. Oyo state governor, Mr Seyi Makinde disclosed this at a South-West stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP held at the Government House, Ibadan, on Thursday. According to Makinde, the return of Oyinlola, who is former National Secretary of the PDP and other former members of the party signalled the intention of the South-West chapter of the party to lead the charge for a united party. “I have the pleasure to also let you know that we are planning a unification rally on the 18th of March here in Ibadan and we would be using Mapo Hall. At that unification rally, the former governor of Osun State and former national secretary of our great party, Chief Olagunsoye Oyinlola, would be coming back formally into the party. “So, I am using this opp...

...URGES IJAW YOUTHS TO UNITE, SUPPORT NEW GOVT The immediate past Governor òf Bayelsa State, the Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson, has said that the state was in safe hand under the new leadership òf Governor Douye Diri. The former Governor who called for strengthened unity among Ijaw youths across the country urged them to give the expected support to Gov Diri to deliver on his mandate as governor òf the state and the Ijaw nation. A statement by His Media Advisor, Mr. FIdelis Soriwei, quoted him as having made the comment while receiving the Exemplary Leadership Award from the leadership òf the Central Zone òf the Ijaw Youth Council led by its Chairman, Comrade Kennedy Olorogun, in Abuja, on Friday. Hon Dickson explained that he took the deliberate decision to back Senator Diri for Governor because of his conviction that the Governor who was the Pioneer National Organizing Secretary òf the Ijaw National Congress has the critical understanding of the challenges of the Ijaw s...

In the aftermath of the success of the N-POD 2020 Summit, the African Business Forum, UK says it has resolved to support the efforts and resolutions of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led-federal government to actualize the contents of the Next Level Agenda. Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, the President of Africa Business Forum, UK; Mr. Frederick Osaro-Osaghae, said “The Buhari Administration is striving to prioritize and balance between the welfare of Nigerians and infrastructural needs of the country through a pragmatism that enables government to simultaneously concentrate on social investment and infrastructural provision. He stated that “It is evident that the government is interested in solutions that will help propel Nigeria to the next level it envisaged. Osaghae added that “We as Nigerians, the governed and especially those of in the Diaspora, should support such efforts by equally deliberating on these issues raised at the summit, and contribute by profferi...

I received today's judgement of the Federal High Court as yet another affirmation of the will of God. It is victory for the people of Bayelsa and indeed the Ijaw nation. So there is no victor nor vanquished. In the spirit of our unity and the love we share, I again extend the olive branch to all Bayelsans, including my dear brother, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, to join hands with me to develop and move our state forward. My resolve is that together with all Bayelsans of goodwill, we can make our state greater.

By Amin The Immediate past Governor of Bayelsa State, the Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged the leaders and teeming supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party to give their unflinching support to state Governor, Hon Douye Diri, to ensure the successful conduct of ward congresses in the State on Saturday. The former Governor who thanked party leaders and members for their enduring loyalty and support to the party urged them to conduct rancour free, credible and consultative all inclusive congresses in the state.  The ex-Governor said in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, on Thursday that the exercise led by the Governor was designed to strengthen internal cohesion within the party and not to weaken it. He said that the Governor has his support and indeed the leadership of the party in the exercise and should have the cooperation of all members and leaders. He commended members for the maturity and the consultative, all inclusive approach which t...

A coalition of youth groups in Ekeremor and Sagbama Local Government Areas have admonished former Governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson to contest the Bayelsa West Senatorial seat. In a rally held recently in Sagbama town, the youth leaders and the good people of West Senatorial district rose in one voice to call on Chief Seriake Dickson to contest for the seat made vacant by the elevation of Senator Lawrence Ewrudjakpo, now Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State. One of the ardent advocates of former Governor for Senate Campaign, Hon. Lucky Oyinkuro Asanakpo, a brilliant, ever proactive Chairman of Volunteers and former Special Adviser on Youth Matters, has lent his voice to the clarion call for Gov. Dickson to pick the ticket for the Senate Seat. Speaking on the sidelines of the Sagbama rally, the Chairman said, Seriake Dickson nicknamed the WHITE SHARK is the most qualified to occupy that seat for now given his past experiences as a former lawmaker and Governor of the State. He i...

Nigerians would never entrust power into the hands of the All Progressives Congress (APC) again after all they have suffered in recent years, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has said. He said from every indication, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), would continue to maintain its dominance in Bayelsa state, but would bounce back at the national level in 2023. Diri, who stated this at a PDP stakeholders meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already shaky, having disappointed the country. According to a statement by his spokesman, Daniel Alabrah, the governor maintained that Nigerians had seen the difference in performance between the two main parties and would not make another mistake of entrusting leadership of the country to the APC again. He restated his position that the supervision of electoral materials such as ballot papers as directed by the state elections tribunal clearly indicate that the PDP ...