AKANIMO SAMPSON
SACK BAYELSA GOVERNOR, ACTIVISTS TELL JONATHAN, LEGISLATORS
* Its Childish, Says Timipre Sylva's Administration
CIVIL society and insurgent organisations operating in Bayelsa State, one of the rich oil and gas states of the Niger Delta, appear to have loss confidence in the Timipre Sylva administration to deliver tangible dividend of democracy to citizens in the state.
While the Niger Delta Patriotic Front (NDPF), a radical group, is calling for an imposition of a state of emergency, the state wing of Save Nigeria Group (SNG) is pressing the state House of Assembly to impeach the governor for alleged gross violation of public trust and corrupt practices.
Mr. Dan Anderson, spokesperson for the NDPF told AkanimoReports in a telephone interview on Monday that their call for emergency rule in the state, has the support of some frontline insurgent networks like the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).
Although he did not give much details, Anderson said, ''if President Goodluck Jonathan fails to impose emergency rule on his home state, he will wake up one day to discover that his state has become the centre of state-sponsored terrorism''.
Continuing, the NDPF spokesperson added, ''the next phase of violence conflict in Bayelsa state is likely to be worse than the uprising of militants before the inception of the amnesty''.
But, the authorities in Yenagoa, the state capital, are not shaken. Mr. Nathan Egba, spokesperson of the state government, told AkanimoReports in a text message that the clamour for emergency rule and the impeachment of Governor Sylva, was childish.
Mr. Doifie Ola, chief press secretary to Governor Sylva describes Mr. Egba as ''the overseer of the Bayelsa state Ministry of Information''.
According to Mr. Egba in his comment, ''one cannot be reacting to every childish statement reeking with ignorance that turns up''.
In the mean time, the SHG in an eight-point resolution signed by their Coordinator and Secretary, Messrs Tony Nathan and Tony Akenge respectively are condemning the alleged embezzlement of billions of naira belonging to Bayelsa citizens by the Sylva administration without any concrete projects in the state.
They are also claimig that the economic policies of the administration have impoverished the people and set the state many years backward.
Equally, one of the reasons they are pushing for the governor to be impeached is alleged fraudulent collection of a loan of N60 billion for the construction of three senatorial District Roads, electrification of some parts of the state and the reticulation of water scheme.
''Governor Sylva through a criminally crafted public Private Partnership (PPP) under took to complete an almost completed 500 bed hospital built by Governor DSP Alamieyeigha and Goodluck Jonathan administrations'', the SNG alleged, adding, ''we are very much alarmed by this massive looting of Bayelsa State funds’’ the body said , and vowed to embark on street protests within 14 days if the Governor was not impeached''.
Continuing, they said, ''this is the time for the Bayelsa state House of Assembly to rise to the occasion and Save Bayelsa state from this quagmire and its negative attendances''
According to them, ''where are the hundreds of millions stolen from the Bayelsa State treasury in the name of quick- win jobs that were neither awarded nor executed, where is the N3.4 billion of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha’s loot that was returned by EFCC to Bayelsa state Government’’ wondering why the money had not been applied yet to infrastructural development of the state, instead of a Transparency House the government is claiming to build?''
They are not yet done. ''In a state surrounded by water'', they went on, ''residents spend over N200 daily in buying jerry cans of water from mairua { Hausa water sellers }, which is now a lucrative business in Yenagoa city and its environs''.
SNG said at the expiration of their 14-day ultimatum for the state legislators to play ball, they will embark on a peaceful mass protest, saying it is a right for us to know how our state is being governed. That’s what we are doing.
The group counseled the governor to stop accusing President Jonathan for his current travails and should render account of his stewardship in a bid to clear his name and save the state the embarrassment and poverty his administration has caused the good and humble people of Bayelsa state.
ENDS
Monday, May 10, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
JONATHAN's VISIT: RIVERS WARNS TROUBLE MAKERS, BEEF UP SECURITY
THE authorities in Rivers State have raised a red flag to all groups planning to use President Goodluck Jonathan's visit on Thursday, to stage a public protest, warning that security operatives will deal appropriately with law breakers.
Already, there is a heightened security activities in Port Harcourt, the state capital. More operatives of the armed security forces, Federal Road Safety Commission and the secret police are all over the capital city.
Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Rivers state Command, said the security agencies are on top of the situation, and accordingly counseled trouble-makers against taking the law into their hands.
Some insurgent and civil society groups were planning to use the visit of Mr. Jonathan, to call attention to the alleged N50 billion contract scam at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency, and to press for tangible amnesty programme and development of the oil and gas region.
Jonathan is, however, visiting Rivers against the backdrop of claims that financial institutions in the country, are currently avoiding project contracts of the NDDC, as the rift among the top executives of the development commission worsens.
Concerned civil society organisation, South-South Elements Progressive Union (SSEPU), had on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, claimed that NDDC was down.
Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, chair of the group told AkanimoReports that all leading financial institutions in the country such as UBA, Union Bank, First Bank, Oceanic Bank, Skye Bank, and First Inland Bank which were previously funding NDDC contractors are no longer doing so.
According to Ambakederimo, ''banks have loss confidence in NDDC. As a demonstration of this, they are no lnger giving Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to contractors handling NDDC projects''.
This latest revelation is coming on the heels of on-going clamour for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the development commission for alleged incompetence and corruption.
Thse pushing for the sack of the NDDC board are claiming that close to N50 billion has gone the drains in the past nine months due to graft. There are also worrisome allegations of contract duplicatins, lop-sidedness in the award of contracts, and ineptitude on the part of state representatives in the commission.
The commission is equally being accused of not being able to key into the post amnesty programme of the Federal Government.
Ahead of President Jonathan's visit to Rivers State, the board of the commission was locked in a prolonged meeting last Wednesday in a seeming desperate bid to be on top of the agitation in the oil region for them to go.
The board meeting was originally scheduled for the previous Tuesday, but the absent of the managing direstor stalled it.
Media handlers of the commission say the allegations being raised by those against the board are of a political nature and as such, beyond their brief for comments.
As Jonathan arrives Port Harcourt for an official visit, there were strong indications some aggrieved youths would state public protest in a bid to draw the acting president's attention to the alleged decay in the NDDC.
A civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), has pointed out that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC. ''They are prepared to use any means necessary to press home their demand'', the group said.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President arrives Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Wednesday: ''We want the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added. ENDS
JONATHAN's VISIT: RIVERS WARNS TROUBLE MAKERS, BEEF UP SECURITY
THE authorities in Rivers State have raised a red flag to all groups planning to use President Goodluck Jonathan's visit on Thursday, to stage a public protest, warning that security operatives will deal appropriately with law breakers.
Already, there is a heightened security activities in Port Harcourt, the state capital. More operatives of the armed security forces, Federal Road Safety Commission and the secret police are all over the capital city.
Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Rivers state Command, said the security agencies are on top of the situation, and accordingly counseled trouble-makers against taking the law into their hands.
Some insurgent and civil society groups were planning to use the visit of Mr. Jonathan, to call attention to the alleged N50 billion contract scam at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency, and to press for tangible amnesty programme and development of the oil and gas region.
Jonathan is, however, visiting Rivers against the backdrop of claims that financial institutions in the country, are currently avoiding project contracts of the NDDC, as the rift among the top executives of the development commission worsens.
Concerned civil society organisation, South-South Elements Progressive Union (SSEPU), had on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, claimed that NDDC was down.
Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, chair of the group told AkanimoReports that all leading financial institutions in the country such as UBA, Union Bank, First Bank, Oceanic Bank, Skye Bank, and First Inland Bank which were previously funding NDDC contractors are no longer doing so.
According to Ambakederimo, ''banks have loss confidence in NDDC. As a demonstration of this, they are no lnger giving Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to contractors handling NDDC projects''.
This latest revelation is coming on the heels of on-going clamour for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the development commission for alleged incompetence and corruption.
Thse pushing for the sack of the NDDC board are claiming that close to N50 billion has gone the drains in the past nine months due to graft. There are also worrisome allegations of contract duplicatins, lop-sidedness in the award of contracts, and ineptitude on the part of state representatives in the commission.
The commission is equally being accused of not being able to key into the post amnesty programme of the Federal Government.
Ahead of President Jonathan's visit to Rivers State, the board of the commission was locked in a prolonged meeting last Wednesday in a seeming desperate bid to be on top of the agitation in the oil region for them to go.
The board meeting was originally scheduled for the previous Tuesday, but the absent of the managing direstor stalled it.
Media handlers of the commission say the allegations being raised by those against the board are of a political nature and as such, beyond their brief for comments.
As Jonathan arrives Port Harcourt for an official visit, there were strong indications some aggrieved youths would state public protest in a bid to draw the acting president's attention to the alleged decay in the NDDC.
A civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), has pointed out that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC. ''They are prepared to use any means necessary to press home their demand'', the group said.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President arrives Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Wednesday: ''We want the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added. ENDS
AKANIMO SAMPSON
JONATHAN STORMS RIVERS THURSDAY, FOCUSES ON POWER SUPPLY
THE three-day official working visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Rivers State, the oil and gas capital of Nigeria, which was postponed last Thursday following the demise of former President, Umaru Yar’Adua, has been rescheduled for this coming Thursday.
Mr.Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, chief of staff of Government House, Port Harcourt, who announced this in the state capital, said the new date is Thursday, May 13th – 15th, 2010.
Wike said on Monday that the postponement of the visit was an indication of the cordial relationship existing between the presidency and the state government, noting that the visit would be the first official working visit of the President to any state.
He noted that the programme for the visit remains as earlier announced except that the reception to be accorded the visiting President would now be more elaborate as against the initial plan.
Wike, however, noted that the visit would afford President Jonathan the opportunity to inspect state and federal government projects undertaken by the Rivers State Government and also commission some completed ones.
Some of the projects, he said, are the new 100 megawatts of power at the Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, the Groundbreaking ceremony for the Monorail project and inspection of the Owerri-Airport dualisation project.
He therefore called on the people of the state to come out in their numbers to accord the August visitor the deserved welcome.
It would be recalled that Dr Goodluck Jonathan was billed to visit Rivers State from May 6th – 8th, but was cancelled due to the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
AkanimoReports correspondent in Port Harcourt however, reports that the visit will provide Mr. Jonathan another opportunity to harp on his administration's plan for sustainable electricity supply in the country.
The President on the second day of his visit to the state, will be commissioning a new 100 Megawatts Gas Turbine Plants at Trans-Amadi, the industrial hup of Port Harcourt. He will also commission the reconstructed Eastern-bye-Pass/Amadi-Ama/Oginigba Road project.
A programme of activities for the 3-day visit which was made available to NEXT on Wednesday indicates that Jonathan will swing into action immediately he arrives the Port Harcourt International Airport on Thursday.
Wike, who released the programme, said on arrival at the airport, Omagwa, the Acting President would inspect the dualisation work on the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road project, the new Tam David West Road (Airport Road), the Rumuokwuta-Ozuoba-Choba Road and lay the foundation stone for the new 60,000 capacity Adokiye Amiesimeka Stadium and Games Village, at the Greater Port Harcourt.
The Chief of Staff said that also on day one, the president would commission the new Model Primary School at Airforce Base in Port Harcourt, the Rumuepirikon Health Centre, as well as the newly dualized Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Road, performs the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Port Harcourt Monorail project.
He claimed that Jonathan will be accorded a Civic Reception at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, in Port Harcourt, while a State Banquet would round-up the visit for day one.
After commissioning the power project on day two, he will also be commissioning the dualised Oginigba/Rumuobiakani Road, and the Rumuokrushe/Eleme Junction Flyover project, while the Acting President would inspect the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project under construction, and also visit the new Model Secondary School project at Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area, as well as the new Rainbow Town Housing Estate under construction in Port Harcourt.
On day three, the president would be expected to attend the 26th Convocation ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, before departing for Abuja.
Wike described the visit of the president as a home coming, which would afford him the opportunity to access the developments that have taken place in the state since Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi assumed the mantle of leadership, and particularly appreciate how he stabilized the security of the state.
He therefore called on the good people of Rivers State to turn out en masse to give their son and in-law, who is visiting the state for the first time since assuming office as Nigeria’s president, a thrilling welcome. ENDS
JONATHAN STORMS RIVERS THURSDAY, FOCUSES ON POWER SUPPLY
THE three-day official working visit of President Goodluck Jonathan to Rivers State, the oil and gas capital of Nigeria, which was postponed last Thursday following the demise of former President, Umaru Yar’Adua, has been rescheduled for this coming Thursday.
Mr.Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, chief of staff of Government House, Port Harcourt, who announced this in the state capital, said the new date is Thursday, May 13th – 15th, 2010.
Wike said on Monday that the postponement of the visit was an indication of the cordial relationship existing between the presidency and the state government, noting that the visit would be the first official working visit of the President to any state.
He noted that the programme for the visit remains as earlier announced except that the reception to be accorded the visiting President would now be more elaborate as against the initial plan.
Wike, however, noted that the visit would afford President Jonathan the opportunity to inspect state and federal government projects undertaken by the Rivers State Government and also commission some completed ones.
Some of the projects, he said, are the new 100 megawatts of power at the Trans Amadi Gas Turbine, the Groundbreaking ceremony for the Monorail project and inspection of the Owerri-Airport dualisation project.
He therefore called on the people of the state to come out in their numbers to accord the August visitor the deserved welcome.
It would be recalled that Dr Goodluck Jonathan was billed to visit Rivers State from May 6th – 8th, but was cancelled due to the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
AkanimoReports correspondent in Port Harcourt however, reports that the visit will provide Mr. Jonathan another opportunity to harp on his administration's plan for sustainable electricity supply in the country.
The President on the second day of his visit to the state, will be commissioning a new 100 Megawatts Gas Turbine Plants at Trans-Amadi, the industrial hup of Port Harcourt. He will also commission the reconstructed Eastern-bye-Pass/Amadi-Ama/Oginigba Road project.
A programme of activities for the 3-day visit which was made available to NEXT on Wednesday indicates that Jonathan will swing into action immediately he arrives the Port Harcourt International Airport on Thursday.
Wike, who released the programme, said on arrival at the airport, Omagwa, the Acting President would inspect the dualisation work on the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road project, the new Tam David West Road (Airport Road), the Rumuokwuta-Ozuoba-Choba Road and lay the foundation stone for the new 60,000 capacity Adokiye Amiesimeka Stadium and Games Village, at the Greater Port Harcourt.
The Chief of Staff said that also on day one, the president would commission the new Model Primary School at Airforce Base in Port Harcourt, the Rumuepirikon Health Centre, as well as the newly dualized Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Road, performs the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Port Harcourt Monorail project.
He claimed that Jonathan will be accorded a Civic Reception at the Sharks Football Club Stadium, in Port Harcourt, while a State Banquet would round-up the visit for day one.
After commissioning the power project on day two, he will also be commissioning the dualised Oginigba/Rumuobiakani Road, and the Rumuokrushe/Eleme Junction Flyover project, while the Acting President would inspect the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road project under construction, and also visit the new Model Secondary School project at Ebubu in Eleme Local Government Area, as well as the new Rainbow Town Housing Estate under construction in Port Harcourt.
On day three, the president would be expected to attend the 26th Convocation ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba, before departing for Abuja.
Wike described the visit of the president as a home coming, which would afford him the opportunity to access the developments that have taken place in the state since Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi assumed the mantle of leadership, and particularly appreciate how he stabilized the security of the state.
He therefore called on the good people of Rivers State to turn out en masse to give their son and in-law, who is visiting the state for the first time since assuming office as Nigeria’s president, a thrilling welcome. ENDS
Thursday, May 06, 2010
AMAECHI ON YAR'ADUA's DEATH
On behalf of the government and people of Rivers state, I commiserate with Mr President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the widow and family of our late resident, and all Nigerian people on the unfortunate demise of our much loved President, Umaru Musa Yar Adua, GCFR.
Late President Yar Adua was a friend of the Niger Delta and especially Rivers State. He made deliberate choices to change the situation in the region against all odds. His commitment to the amnesty programme and support for the return of peace and security in Rivers State, as well as his insistence on greater participation of oil bearing communities in the oil industry are historic and unforgettable. Nigerians and particularly those of us in Rivers State, remain indebted to him.
While we mourn this great loss, we totally submit to the sovereign will of the Almighty God and pray him to grant his widow, family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,
Governor, Rivers State
On behalf of the government and people of Rivers state, I commiserate with Mr President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the widow and family of our late resident, and all Nigerian people on the unfortunate demise of our much loved President, Umaru Musa Yar Adua, GCFR.
Late President Yar Adua was a friend of the Niger Delta and especially Rivers State. He made deliberate choices to change the situation in the region against all odds. His commitment to the amnesty programme and support for the return of peace and security in Rivers State, as well as his insistence on greater participation of oil bearing communities in the oil industry are historic and unforgettable. Nigerians and particularly those of us in Rivers State, remain indebted to him.
While we mourn this great loss, we totally submit to the sovereign will of the Almighty God and pray him to grant his widow, family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,
Governor, Rivers State
AKANIMO SAMPSON
YAR'ADUA's DEATH SHOCKS AMAECHI, MILITANTS RENEW DEMANDS
THE death of the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua on Wednesday night, came as a shock to Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, who had planned to receive the now President Goodluck Jonathan to the oil and gas rich state on a three-day official visit.
And for the insurgents of the Niger Delta, while commiserating with the Yar'Adua family over the incident, they claimed that divine providence has provided Mr. Jonathan with a golden opportunity to right the wrongs to the peoples of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Nengi James, co-ordinator of the Network of Freedom Fighters in the Niger Delta (NFF), an insurgent group, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Thursday that the peoples of the oil region are looking up to Jonathan to initiate moves for the abolition of all ''obnoxious laws'' that have denied the region their property rights.
James said they are expecting action on the Land Use Act, a raise in the derivation principle to at least, 50 per cent, and a working post-amnesty programme as well as a shake-up of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
On their part, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), another armed group, expressed what they described as ''our sincere condolence'' to the new President of the Nigerian State over the death of Yar'Adua.
Mr. Bakabio Walter, spokesperson for the group in an on-line statement to AkanimoReports on Thursday said, ''this puts to an end months of speculations of who is actually in charge of the Nigerian State''.
According to them, ''we call on Jonathan to muster the political courage of mind and character to convene a Sovereign National Conference of all the ethnic nationalities that presently find themselves under the neo-colonial authority of the Nigerian State. This is the only peaceful way to the resolution of the crises in Nigeria and that which is brewing as a result of the death of Yar'Adua''.
Continuing, they said, ''the suggestions of Muammar Al-Gathaffi on the peaceful breaking up of Nigeria has become more relevant. We can no longer continue to waste the blood of innocent people on the alter of the insatirable greed of a few disgruntled individuals''.
The JRC however, pointed out that ''Operation Boro'' shall continue in the coming days with the greatest vehemence until we are able to liberate our territory.
However, Governor Amaechi who was shocked by the tragic development, observed that the late Yar'Adua was a friend of Rivers state and the Niger Delta , noting that he was one of the moving spirits for the return of peace in the region.
''On behalf of the government and people of Rivers state, I commiserate with Mr President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the widow and family of our late resident, and all Nigerian people on the unfortunate demise of our much loved President, Umaru Musa Yar Adua, GCFR'', Amaechi said.
Continuing, he said, ''Yar Adua was a friend of the Niger Delta and especially Rivers State. He made deliberate choices to change the situation in the region against all odds''.
He recalled Yar'Adua's commitment on the amnesty programme and support for the return of peace and security in Rivers State, as well as his insistence on greater participation of oil bearing communities in the oil industry,noting that these roles were historic and unforgettable ''as Nigerians and particularly those of us in Rivers State, remain indebted to him''.
Adding, he said, ''while we mourn this great loss, we totally submit to the sovereign will of the Almighty God and pray him to grant his widow, family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.''
On their part, the Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy(GIPD), a civil society group, regretted the death of the president, saying, Yar' Adua died when Nigeria and her democracy needed him most.
Mr. Akinaka Richard, its executive director, said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, that the late president was a stabilizing factor in Nigeria since 2007, who strived to carry out reforms that were aimed at strenthening democratic institutions in the country.
''The Niger Delta will mourn him as he displayed uncommon courage and statemanship in declaring amnesty to the Niger Delta agitators and spiritedly moved to implement the amnesty protocol befor his health deteriorated'', Richard said.
Richard berated Mrs.Turai Yar'Adua, noting that she played ignoble role in her husband's health saga and unleased unnecessary controvery on the gentleman presient.
''Her children and other Nigerian women should learn a lesson from the sordi practice of power hungry woman who could not understand that power belongs to God'', he said.
Richard who expressed belief that Jonathan would implement the administration's Niger Delta plan, why condoling the bereaved family, called for immediate swearing in of acting president Jonathan.
A Port Harcourt lawyer and member of the Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA), Mr. Angus Chukwuka , in his tribute, described the death of the president as ''unfortunate and painful''.
Chukwuka said that the late Yar'Adua would be remembered most importantly for his promotion of the rule of law and the granting of amnesty to the Niger Delta Militants.
''He led a simple life as a president and is and example in this regard , may God receive his soul'', he said.
In the mean time, there were personalities and groups who believe that the official announcement of the demise of the president was a good omen to the polity as according to them , it has resolved a lingering political logjam that would have posed grave danger to political stability in the months ahead.
Some of these analysts belief that the visit of Good Luck Jonathan to Rivers would have given the acting president a new courage and resoluteness at the end . ''the announcement could therefore be a preemptive action to forestall the expected gain of the visit if it had taken place'', they argue.
Elsewhere , some peoples who have been discussing the announcement of the death in groups in public places such as vendor stands, beer parlors, and in the streets, express happiness that the presidency that some people were footdragging in allowing Jonathan to assume had been resolved by fate and nature.
Most of these people believe that the president had long been dead but that a cabal was hiding the fact away from everybody to practise their design.
Peoples Daily findings show that the hub of discussions accross the Niger Delta has shifted from concern and suspecion over Jonathan's leadership to relief, celebration , anxiety and what Jonathan will do with power. ENDS
YAR'ADUA's DEATH SHOCKS AMAECHI, MILITANTS RENEW DEMANDS
THE death of the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua on Wednesday night, came as a shock to Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, who had planned to receive the now President Goodluck Jonathan to the oil and gas rich state on a three-day official visit.
And for the insurgents of the Niger Delta, while commiserating with the Yar'Adua family over the incident, they claimed that divine providence has provided Mr. Jonathan with a golden opportunity to right the wrongs to the peoples of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Nengi James, co-ordinator of the Network of Freedom Fighters in the Niger Delta (NFF), an insurgent group, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Thursday that the peoples of the oil region are looking up to Jonathan to initiate moves for the abolition of all ''obnoxious laws'' that have denied the region their property rights.
James said they are expecting action on the Land Use Act, a raise in the derivation principle to at least, 50 per cent, and a working post-amnesty programme as well as a shake-up of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
On their part, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), another armed group, expressed what they described as ''our sincere condolence'' to the new President of the Nigerian State over the death of Yar'Adua.
Mr. Bakabio Walter, spokesperson for the group in an on-line statement to AkanimoReports on Thursday said, ''this puts to an end months of speculations of who is actually in charge of the Nigerian State''.
According to them, ''we call on Jonathan to muster the political courage of mind and character to convene a Sovereign National Conference of all the ethnic nationalities that presently find themselves under the neo-colonial authority of the Nigerian State. This is the only peaceful way to the resolution of the crises in Nigeria and that which is brewing as a result of the death of Yar'Adua''.
Continuing, they said, ''the suggestions of Muammar Al-Gathaffi on the peaceful breaking up of Nigeria has become more relevant. We can no longer continue to waste the blood of innocent people on the alter of the insatirable greed of a few disgruntled individuals''.
The JRC however, pointed out that ''Operation Boro'' shall continue in the coming days with the greatest vehemence until we are able to liberate our territory.
However, Governor Amaechi who was shocked by the tragic development, observed that the late Yar'Adua was a friend of Rivers state and the Niger Delta , noting that he was one of the moving spirits for the return of peace in the region.
''On behalf of the government and people of Rivers state, I commiserate with Mr President, His Excellency Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the widow and family of our late resident, and all Nigerian people on the unfortunate demise of our much loved President, Umaru Musa Yar Adua, GCFR'', Amaechi said.
Continuing, he said, ''Yar Adua was a friend of the Niger Delta and especially Rivers State. He made deliberate choices to change the situation in the region against all odds''.
He recalled Yar'Adua's commitment on the amnesty programme and support for the return of peace and security in Rivers State, as well as his insistence on greater participation of oil bearing communities in the oil industry,noting that these roles were historic and unforgettable ''as Nigerians and particularly those of us in Rivers State, remain indebted to him''.
Adding, he said, ''while we mourn this great loss, we totally submit to the sovereign will of the Almighty God and pray him to grant his widow, family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.''
On their part, the Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy(GIPD), a civil society group, regretted the death of the president, saying, Yar' Adua died when Nigeria and her democracy needed him most.
Mr. Akinaka Richard, its executive director, said in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, that the late president was a stabilizing factor in Nigeria since 2007, who strived to carry out reforms that were aimed at strenthening democratic institutions in the country.
''The Niger Delta will mourn him as he displayed uncommon courage and statemanship in declaring amnesty to the Niger Delta agitators and spiritedly moved to implement the amnesty protocol befor his health deteriorated'', Richard said.
Richard berated Mrs.Turai Yar'Adua, noting that she played ignoble role in her husband's health saga and unleased unnecessary controvery on the gentleman presient.
''Her children and other Nigerian women should learn a lesson from the sordi practice of power hungry woman who could not understand that power belongs to God'', he said.
Richard who expressed belief that Jonathan would implement the administration's Niger Delta plan, why condoling the bereaved family, called for immediate swearing in of acting president Jonathan.
A Port Harcourt lawyer and member of the Association of Nigerian Authors(ANA), Mr. Angus Chukwuka , in his tribute, described the death of the president as ''unfortunate and painful''.
Chukwuka said that the late Yar'Adua would be remembered most importantly for his promotion of the rule of law and the granting of amnesty to the Niger Delta Militants.
''He led a simple life as a president and is and example in this regard , may God receive his soul'', he said.
In the mean time, there were personalities and groups who believe that the official announcement of the demise of the president was a good omen to the polity as according to them , it has resolved a lingering political logjam that would have posed grave danger to political stability in the months ahead.
Some of these analysts belief that the visit of Good Luck Jonathan to Rivers would have given the acting president a new courage and resoluteness at the end . ''the announcement could therefore be a preemptive action to forestall the expected gain of the visit if it had taken place'', they argue.
Elsewhere , some peoples who have been discussing the announcement of the death in groups in public places such as vendor stands, beer parlors, and in the streets, express happiness that the presidency that some people were footdragging in allowing Jonathan to assume had been resolved by fate and nature.
Most of these people believe that the president had long been dead but that a cabal was hiding the fact away from everybody to practise their design.
Peoples Daily findings show that the hub of discussions accross the Niger Delta has shifted from concern and suspecion over Jonathan's leadership to relief, celebration , anxiety and what Jonathan will do with power. ENDS
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
AKANIMO SAMPSON
AMAECHI UNVEILS ICT CENTRE IN PORT HARCOURT
GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, one of the leading oil and gas states of Nigeria, has unveiled a new high-tech information and communication centre in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling ceremony, he said the establishment of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt will help to increase business activities in the state.
The centre was donated by Zenith Bank Plc to the state government. According to Amaechi, the idea behind the establishment of the centre was completely that of the former Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia.
The governor expressed the hope that ICT, beyond its negative uses in Nigeria where some persons used it to perpetrate fraud, was an avenue to interact globally, and could serve as a place for people to go and study computer or ICT in the state.
Amaechi who expressed confidence in the relationship between the state government and Zenith Bank, said the state government would discuss with the bank to see if they can partner in the management of the centre.
He noted that the people of Rivers state were grateful to the Bank for her contributions towards the growth of the economy of the state, adding that their friendship with the state government would continue.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who represented the Group Managing Director, Mr Jim Ovia, said the fully equipped Information Communications and Technology (ICT) centre was donated by the Bank to the Rivers State Government as part of its social responsibility programme, as well as its cardinal policy to show gratitude to the Rivers Community for providing an enabling environment for business to strive in the state.
Mr Emefiele said the establishment of the centre was anchored on Governor Amaechi’s vision for the development of the state based on active corporate involvement under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme.
He also said that the centre is aimed at enhancing government’s developmental aspirations since ICT is critical to such development, and assured the Governor of their commitment to continue the partnership with the Rivers State Government. ENDS
AMAECHI UNVEILS ICT CENTRE IN PORT HARCOURT
GOVERNOR Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, one of the leading oil and gas states of Nigeria, has unveiled a new high-tech information and communication centre in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Speaking on Wednesday at the unveiling ceremony, he said the establishment of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) centre in Port Harcourt will help to increase business activities in the state.
The centre was donated by Zenith Bank Plc to the state government. According to Amaechi, the idea behind the establishment of the centre was completely that of the former Managing Director of the Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia.
The governor expressed the hope that ICT, beyond its negative uses in Nigeria where some persons used it to perpetrate fraud, was an avenue to interact globally, and could serve as a place for people to go and study computer or ICT in the state.
Amaechi who expressed confidence in the relationship between the state government and Zenith Bank, said the state government would discuss with the bank to see if they can partner in the management of the centre.
He noted that the people of Rivers state were grateful to the Bank for her contributions towards the growth of the economy of the state, adding that their friendship with the state government would continue.
Earlier, the Deputy Managing Director, Zenith Bank Plc, Mr Godwin Emefiele, who represented the Group Managing Director, Mr Jim Ovia, said the fully equipped Information Communications and Technology (ICT) centre was donated by the Bank to the Rivers State Government as part of its social responsibility programme, as well as its cardinal policy to show gratitude to the Rivers Community for providing an enabling environment for business to strive in the state.
Mr Emefiele said the establishment of the centre was anchored on Governor Amaechi’s vision for the development of the state based on active corporate involvement under Public Private Partnership (PPP) Scheme.
He also said that the centre is aimed at enhancing government’s developmental aspirations since ICT is critical to such development, and assured the Governor of their commitment to continue the partnership with the Rivers State Government. ENDS
NDDC CRISIS DEEPENS AS BANKS SHUN CONTRACT FINANCING
THE interal top-level crisis rocking the official interventionist agency in Nigeria's main oil and gas region, appears to be taking a turn for the worse.
AkanimoReports gathered that financial institutions in the country, are currently avoiding project contracts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as the internal bleeding within the commission worsens.
A concerned civil society organisation, South-South Elements Progressive Union (SSEPU), on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, claimed that NDDC was down.
Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, chair of the group told AkanimoReports that all leading financial institutions in the country such as UBA, Union Bank, First Bank, Oceanic Bank, Skye Bank, and First Inland Bank which were previously funding NDDC contractors are no longer doing so.
According to Ambakederimo, ''banks have loss confidence in NDDC. As a demonstration of this, they are no lnger giving Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to contractors handling NDDC projects''.
This latest revelation is coming on the heels of on-going clamour for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the development commission for alleged incompetence and corruption.
Thse pushing for the sack of the NDDC board are claiming that close to N50 billion has gone the drains in the past nine months due to graft. There are also worrisome allegations of contract duplicatins, lop-sidedness in the award of contracts, and ineptitude on the part of state representatives in the commission.
The commission is equally being accused of not being able to key into the post amnesty programme of the Federal Government.
Ahead of Acting President Jonathan's visit to Rivers State, the board of the commission was locked in a prolonged meeting on Wednesday in a seeming desperate bid to be on top of the agitation in the oil region for them to go.
The board meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the absent of the managing direstor stalled it.
Media handlers of the commission say the allegations being raised by those against the board are of a political nature and as such, beyond their brief for comments.
As Jonathan arrives Port Harcourt for an official visit, there were strong indications some aggrieved youths would state public protest in a bid to draw the acting president's attention to the alleged decay in the NDDC.
Already, a civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), has pointed out that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC. ''They are prepared to use any means necessary to press home their demand'', the group said.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President arrives Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Wednesday: ''We want the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added.
In the mean time, there is a heightened security activities in Port Harcourt. More operatives of the armed security forces, Federal Road Safety Commission and the secret police are all over the capital city.
Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Rivers state Command, said the security agencies are on top of the situation, and accordingly counseled trouble-makers against taking the law into their hands. ENDS
THE interal top-level crisis rocking the official interventionist agency in Nigeria's main oil and gas region, appears to be taking a turn for the worse.
AkanimoReports gathered that financial institutions in the country, are currently avoiding project contracts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as the internal bleeding within the commission worsens.
A concerned civil society organisation, South-South Elements Progressive Union (SSEPU), on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, claimed that NDDC was down.
Mr. Joseph Ambakederimo, chair of the group told AkanimoReports that all leading financial institutions in the country such as UBA, Union Bank, First Bank, Oceanic Bank, Skye Bank, and First Inland Bank which were previously funding NDDC contractors are no longer doing so.
According to Ambakederimo, ''banks have loss confidence in NDDC. As a demonstration of this, they are no lnger giving Advance Payment Guarantees (APG) to contractors handling NDDC projects''.
This latest revelation is coming on the heels of on-going clamour for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the development commission for alleged incompetence and corruption.
Thse pushing for the sack of the NDDC board are claiming that close to N50 billion has gone the drains in the past nine months due to graft. There are also worrisome allegations of contract duplicatins, lop-sidedness in the award of contracts, and ineptitude on the part of state representatives in the commission.
The commission is equally being accused of not being able to key into the post amnesty programme of the Federal Government.
Ahead of Acting President Jonathan's visit to Rivers State, the board of the commission was locked in a prolonged meeting on Wednesday in a seeming desperate bid to be on top of the agitation in the oil region for them to go.
The board meeting was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but the absent of the managing direstor stalled it.
Media handlers of the commission say the allegations being raised by those against the board are of a political nature and as such, beyond their brief for comments.
As Jonathan arrives Port Harcourt for an official visit, there were strong indications some aggrieved youths would state public protest in a bid to draw the acting president's attention to the alleged decay in the NDDC.
Already, a civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), has pointed out that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC. ''They are prepared to use any means necessary to press home their demand'', the group said.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President arrives Port Harcourt.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Wednesday: ''We want the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added.
In the mean time, there is a heightened security activities in Port Harcourt. More operatives of the armed security forces, Federal Road Safety Commission and the secret police are all over the capital city.
Mrs. Rita Inoma-Abbey, a Superintendent of Police (SP) who is the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Rivers state Command, said the security agencies are on top of the situation, and accordingly counseled trouble-makers against taking the law into their hands. ENDS
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
MILITANTS TO JONATHAN: CHOOSE BETWEEN PEACE, NDDC
WITH the on-going angry agitation in the Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas region, for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network, has reminded the Nigerian leader that not all their members and affiliate groups, accepted the government’s amnesty.
While the Spokesperson of the group, Cynthia Whyte, insisted that this will be so until complete sincerity on the part of government is established, a civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), told AkanimoReports on Monday that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President is billed to visit Rivers State on Thursday.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Monday: ''We the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added.
Already, the insurgent network, JRC, has said that the NDDC matter presents a pretty tricky situation because ''we do not see this as a power tussle per se but a conflict of interest between two people who are clearly not very experienced in dealing with a government agency such as this''.
According to Cynthia Whyte, the JRC spokesperson, ''the politics and intrigues involved in an agency such as this demands politically and administratively suave persons''.
Adding, she said, ''we are listening to complaints from concerned persons and we are yet to come to a conclusion on what should be the best thing to do. The truth is, development in the Niger Delta is currently being stalled by the ego-battles between these two.
''First, we hear the Managing Director Chibuzor Ugwoha was said to have accused Architect Esoetuk Etteh (The Executive Director, Projects) of awarding 44 consultancy contracts without due process. Mr. Ugwoha and some of his loyalists were said to have commenced a string of calumnious campaigns against the person of the Architect Etteh.
''Architect Etteh, in return, accused Chibuzor Ugwoha of awarding more than 60 contracts for projects, 51 of which were located in Rivers State alone. These contracts awarded by Mr. Ugwoha were said to be worth N5 billion (five billion naira)''.
''There are those'', they went on, ''who complain that Mr Chibuzor Ugwoha, (whose appointment was recommended and endorsed by the Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi) is suddenly converting the Commission (NDDC) into an extension of the Rivers State Government rather than focusing on the region-wide mandate''.
The rest of the comments of the JRC went thus:
''They say this is the reason why 51 contracts out of 60 were approved for Rivers State alone.
''The series of accusations and counter-accusations has made it difficult for many to come to grips with the real and true issues on ground.
''We are however hopeful that the presence of Elder PZ Aginighan on the board of the commission will continue to help in calming down frayed nerves as he has been a long time top management member of the Commission’s board. He should bring his experience to bear in managing crisis such as this especially at this time when our communities are slowly beginning to lose confidence in the ability of the Commission’s to deliver, it is important that people like Elder Aginighan and more experienced staff of the Commission step up and close the ranks.
''The development of the Niger Delta cannot be cheaply compromised. Our people expect far more''.
AkanimoReports however, reports that in the days ahead, two key issues are likely to dominate the struggle of the peoples of the Niger Delta. These are the clamour for the sack of the board of the NDDC, and what becomes of the report of the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee that was presented to the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua some two years ago. ENDS
WITH the on-going angry agitation in the Niger Delta, Nigeria's main oil and gas region, for Acting President Goodluck Jonathan, to sack the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an interventionist agency, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC), an insurgent network, has reminded the Nigerian leader that not all their members and affiliate groups, accepted the government’s amnesty.
While the Spokesperson of the group, Cynthia Whyte, insisted that this will be so until complete sincerity on the part of government is established, a civil society group, Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Democracy (GIPD), told AkanimoReports on Monday that Niger Delta youths want government to sack the board of the NDDC.
To this end, a number of groups in the oil region, including the GIPD are mobilising for a mass protest as the Acting President is billed to visit Rivers State on Thursday.
Executive Director of the GIPD, Mr. Akinaka Richard, told AkanimoReports on telephone on Monday: ''We the board of NDDC dissolved because of the outright display of incompetency, gross financial mismanagement, fraudulent award of contracts against due process, and unwarranted internall rift''.
Continuing, the group claimed that the board of the development agency as presently constituted is incapable of freeing the oil region from acts of insurgency. ''To avert some unpleasant developments, we are strongly of the view that the best option for Jonathan is to sack the board as a bait to buy peace'', the group added.
Already, the insurgent network, JRC, has said that the NDDC matter presents a pretty tricky situation because ''we do not see this as a power tussle per se but a conflict of interest between two people who are clearly not very experienced in dealing with a government agency such as this''.
According to Cynthia Whyte, the JRC spokesperson, ''the politics and intrigues involved in an agency such as this demands politically and administratively suave persons''.
Adding, she said, ''we are listening to complaints from concerned persons and we are yet to come to a conclusion on what should be the best thing to do. The truth is, development in the Niger Delta is currently being stalled by the ego-battles between these two.
''First, we hear the Managing Director Chibuzor Ugwoha was said to have accused Architect Esoetuk Etteh (The Executive Director, Projects) of awarding 44 consultancy contracts without due process. Mr. Ugwoha and some of his loyalists were said to have commenced a string of calumnious campaigns against the person of the Architect Etteh.
''Architect Etteh, in return, accused Chibuzor Ugwoha of awarding more than 60 contracts for projects, 51 of which were located in Rivers State alone. These contracts awarded by Mr. Ugwoha were said to be worth N5 billion (five billion naira)''.
''There are those'', they went on, ''who complain that Mr Chibuzor Ugwoha, (whose appointment was recommended and endorsed by the Rivers State Governor Chibuike Amaechi) is suddenly converting the Commission (NDDC) into an extension of the Rivers State Government rather than focusing on the region-wide mandate''.
The rest of the comments of the JRC went thus:
''They say this is the reason why 51 contracts out of 60 were approved for Rivers State alone.
''The series of accusations and counter-accusations has made it difficult for many to come to grips with the real and true issues on ground.
''We are however hopeful that the presence of Elder PZ Aginighan on the board of the commission will continue to help in calming down frayed nerves as he has been a long time top management member of the Commission’s board. He should bring his experience to bear in managing crisis such as this especially at this time when our communities are slowly beginning to lose confidence in the ability of the Commission’s to deliver, it is important that people like Elder Aginighan and more experienced staff of the Commission step up and close the ranks.
''The development of the Niger Delta cannot be cheaply compromised. Our people expect far more''.
AkanimoReports however, reports that in the days ahead, two key issues are likely to dominate the struggle of the peoples of the Niger Delta. These are the clamour for the sack of the board of the NDDC, and what becomes of the report of the Ledum Mitee-led Niger Delta Technical Committee that was presented to the ailing President Umaru Yar'Adua some two years ago. ENDS
LOCAL CONTRACTORS JITTERY AS AMAECHI SPOILS FOR WAR
FOR local contractors in Rivers State who think that they can play games with government funds, it is no longer business as usual. It is either they deliver quality jobs or risk jail terms.
The State Government has started to assess their jobs. AkanimoReports says local contractors in Oyigbo Local Government Area who have been delivering poor quality jobs do not appear to be comfortable with the action of government.
Irked by the poor performance of indigenous contractors handling the Model Primary School projects in Andoni Local Government Area, the state Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi has summoned them for a meeting to determine the reason for the slow pace of work.
Governor Amaechi, who noted that similar projects awarded to indigenes of other local government areas have achieved appreciable impact, decried the delay in the execution of government projects in Andoni particularly the new primary schools.
The governor, who announced this Monday during a Town Hall Meeting at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, said the indigenous contractors are delaying the development of their people.
He cautioned the Commissioner for Education for failing to give marching orders to the contractors to complete the school projects and directed the contractor handling the Community Primary School Inyongorong, deroofed by rainstorm, to go back to site to complete it.
The governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to impress on their subjects handling projects meant for the betterment of their people to ensure completion as state government decision to award contracts to indigenes was for both empowerment and quick development of the communities.
Amaechi said Andoni people have been lucky to have many projects sited in their area, many of which are costing the state government billions of naira such as the Unity Road, Ikuru Town Atlantic Ocean Road and Shore Protection and land Reclamation of Egbormung-Oluk-Ama.
The governor assured that all ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration or inherited would be completed to enable the people have the benefit of such facilities, adding that the three remaining health centres for the area would be completed this year.
On request for more roads projects, he urged the people to appreciate that it is difficult to construct roads in the area and solicited for more time to allow contractors handling the Unity Road get to Ngo and Ikuru Town before other smaller link roads could be embarked on.
The governor, who restated his zero tolerance for crime, warned that anyone that harbours criminal elements would be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing that his reason for supporting the removal of the former Council Chairman was because he had criminals on his payroll who were not staff of the council.
He assured the people of Isiama Community that his government would ascertain the situation of the area with a view to sitting a new primary school project to prove that Chief Sampson Ngeregbara’s community was not left out in the distribution of projects.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Mr Tele Ikuru thanked the state governor for his love and care that has made the Andoni people benefit more during his tenure while assuring him of their continued support to the government.
Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon Emilia Nte said in the history of the council no governor of the state has visited Andoni and toured round its communities to find out the problems of the people and proffer solution, and thanked Governor Amaechi for the kind gesture.
She commended the governor for the numerous projects aimed at bringing development to the people of the area for which generations unborn would continue to remember him. ENDS
FOR local contractors in Rivers State who think that they can play games with government funds, it is no longer business as usual. It is either they deliver quality jobs or risk jail terms.
The State Government has started to assess their jobs. AkanimoReports says local contractors in Oyigbo Local Government Area who have been delivering poor quality jobs do not appear to be comfortable with the action of government.
Irked by the poor performance of indigenous contractors handling the Model Primary School projects in Andoni Local Government Area, the state Governor, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi has summoned them for a meeting to determine the reason for the slow pace of work.
Governor Amaechi, who noted that similar projects awarded to indigenes of other local government areas have achieved appreciable impact, decried the delay in the execution of government projects in Andoni particularly the new primary schools.
The governor, who announced this Monday during a Town Hall Meeting at Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, said the indigenous contractors are delaying the development of their people.
He cautioned the Commissioner for Education for failing to give marching orders to the contractors to complete the school projects and directed the contractor handling the Community Primary School Inyongorong, deroofed by rainstorm, to go back to site to complete it.
The governor also appealed to the traditional rulers to impress on their subjects handling projects meant for the betterment of their people to ensure completion as state government decision to award contracts to indigenes was for both empowerment and quick development of the communities.
Amaechi said Andoni people have been lucky to have many projects sited in their area, many of which are costing the state government billions of naira such as the Unity Road, Ikuru Town Atlantic Ocean Road and Shore Protection and land Reclamation of Egbormung-Oluk-Ama.
The governor assured that all ongoing projects embarked upon by his administration or inherited would be completed to enable the people have the benefit of such facilities, adding that the three remaining health centres for the area would be completed this year.
On request for more roads projects, he urged the people to appreciate that it is difficult to construct roads in the area and solicited for more time to allow contractors handling the Unity Road get to Ngo and Ikuru Town before other smaller link roads could be embarked on.
The governor, who restated his zero tolerance for crime, warned that anyone that harbours criminal elements would be arrested and prosecuted, emphasizing that his reason for supporting the removal of the former Council Chairman was because he had criminals on his payroll who were not staff of the council.
He assured the people of Isiama Community that his government would ascertain the situation of the area with a view to sitting a new primary school project to prove that Chief Sampson Ngeregbara’s community was not left out in the distribution of projects.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Mr Tele Ikuru thanked the state governor for his love and care that has made the Andoni people benefit more during his tenure while assuring him of their continued support to the government.
Earlier, the Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area, Hon Emilia Nte said in the history of the council no governor of the state has visited Andoni and toured round its communities to find out the problems of the people and proffer solution, and thanked Governor Amaechi for the kind gesture.
She commended the governor for the numerous projects aimed at bringing development to the people of the area for which generations unborn would continue to remember him. ENDS
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