News

Jonathan, 20 Other African Leaders Attend Zenawi’s Funeral

Published

13 years ago

September 3, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan was among 20 other African leaders
who attended the funeral service of Mr Meles Zenawi, the Prime Minister of
Ethiopia, who died on August 20.

The funeral, which took place at the popular Meskel Square
in Addis Ababa yesterday, was attended by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo
and Abdussalam Abubakar, Aliko Dangote and Foreign Minister, Amb. Olugbenga
Ashiru, among other members of the Nigerian delegation.

In his tribute, President Jonathan described Zenawi’s death
as a great loss not only to Ethiopia but to the entire African continent.

He urged the government of Ethiopia to honour Zenawi through
continued implementation of his programmes and follow the path of harmony and
sustainable development which he had established in that country.

Jonathan, who assured the people and the government of
Ethiopia of Nigeria’s readiness to continue to support its development agenda,
said the relationship between the two countries would continue to be
strengthened.

“Nigeria and Ethiopia will continue to strengthen the
existing relations through our Bi-Commission, and will also pursue Africa ’s
development agenda together.”

President Boni Yayi of Benin and the President of the AU,
said that Zenawi was a Pan-Africanist whose dedication and vision lifted the AU
to greater heights.

He said that “Zenawi supported peace and legality where they
were affected especially in the Horn of Africa. He assisted in the success of
various negotiations such as the African Climate Change negotiation where he
defended the interest of Africa.”

Yayi said as chairman of African Heads of State on NEPAD,
Zenawi contributed immensely in putting Africa in the right place and ensured
rapid economic development in Ethiopia .

President Yoweri Musaveni of Uganda said the problem of
Africa has not been the lack of resources, but the lack of visionary leaders
like Zenawi.

Musaveni said the power generation in Ethiopia when Zenawi
took over power 20 years ago was 300 megawatts “but he raised it to 2,100
megawatts.

“His vision was to generate 10,000 megawatts for Ethiopia by
2015 after the completion of the Renaissance Dam currently under construction.”

The ugandan leader said he believed that Zenawi’s death at
57 must have been as a result of too much stress from his very tight schedule.

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda said the late prime minister
had a life of imminence, courage and enterprise which he used to advance the
life of his fellow Ethiopians, Africans and beyond.

“He was a man of rear talent and selflessness that we all
feel the magnitude he has left behind. Zenawi was an unassuming, promising and
a formidable man who finds solutions to complex situations’’, Kagame said.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa said Zenawi’s success
could be defined by the sprawling city of Addis Ababa and Ethiopia ’s economic,
democratic and social transformations recorded within a short time.

“It was painful for the Ethiopians to lose such a young
leader who dedicated his life to the economic, democratic and social
development of his people, his country, his region and the entire continent of
Africa.”

In her condolence, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the
UN, Susan Rice described Zenawi as
“talented leader who had many things to offer.

“He was selfless, fearless and dedicated to his work and
family. He was a world class mind who taught himself and many others so much.
He was not only a good negotiator, but a wise leader who disagree based on the
vision for his people and his country.”

“Whenever we disagree with Zenawi on Economy, democracy,
human rights, regional security or any other issue, you will find that his
disagreement was not based on ideology, but for his vision for the country he
so much loved.’’

Rice said that Zenawi was ambitious, but not for himself, he
was a son of Ethiopia and a father of its re-birth who conquered poverty,
hunger and fought against tyranny.

“He transformed from gorilla to a statesman. His untimely
death will remain a big loss to Africa and the world.”

The Acting Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Mr Hailemariam
Desseleng said the country had witnessed massive transformation in all sectors
of development, including security, agriculture, health, economy, rural
development, education, transportation among others.

He said during Zenawi’s leadership, the country also
improved its diplomatic ties with many African and non-African countries,
regional and international organisations.

Desselegn said the country had contributed immensely in
finding lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa, and also in solving
many security problems between Sudan and South Sudan, in Liberia and in Uganda.

Our correspondent in Addis Ababa reports that other leaders
who paid tribute to Zenawi include presidents Omar Aashir of Sudan and Salva
Kirr of South Sudan, Mr Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, UN and
EU representatives.

Meanwhile, the remains of Zenawi were buried within the
compound of Trinity Church located behind the Grand Palace, Addis Ababa, after
a church service restricted only to the immediate family members led by his
wife, Azef Mesfin, his three children, and senior Ethiopian government and
church officials.

News

Be Patient With Us, Diri Tells Bayelsans … Inspects New 60mw IPP …Expresses Confidence In Technical Partners, BECL MD

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri has sued for patience on the ongoing installation of the state’s new independent power project.

The Tide gathered that the 60-megawatt gas turbine project, which installation commenced in October this year, was earlier scheduled to be completed by December but suffered logistics related delays.

The governor called on people of the state to have an open mind about the project, which he said now requires a new completion date due to unforeseen challenges.

?The Tide further reports that the State’s Chief Executive who undertook an on-the-spot-assessment of the project at Elebele in Ogbia Local Government Area on Wednesday, said like other citizens of the state, he was also disappointed that the December completion deadline could not be met.

However, he stated that his reaction to the delay had been that of understanding rather than being angry as had been noticed, particularly on the social media.

?”You can see I’ve gone round the whole facility. It was based on the working agreement and information available at my disposal that I gave the December date. But as it is with every human endeavor, we must all have an open mind, when it comes to issues, particularly technical matters like this.

?”I am as disappointed as any other Bayelsan because I believed that we were going to celebrate the 2025 Christmas with our own independent power, but it turned out not to be so.

?”I call on Bayelsans to have an open mind. These technical experts are working virtually 24 hours, but delays like this will certainly come”, he said.

He implored the people 9f the state to appreciate the work of the engineers, stressing that a minor mistake was capable of jeopardising the millions of dollars expended on the project.

?”For 29 years Bayelsa has been in darkness or has endured epileptic power supply. Now that we are getting close to the day of liberation, some people have become impatient.

“Let us not behave like the proverbial tortoise in the prison for years that asked to be released immediately as the place was smelling the moment he knew it would regain freedom the next day”, the governor added.

?The Bayelss Governor gave a thumps up to the technical partners, Jampur Group, and its team on ground as well as the Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, saying they were working round the clock to ensure the job was completed.

?”Those who have been following me on this inspection would know that work has not stopped even for one day since it started. I am sure the job is more than 90 per cent complete. So let us hold our fire.

“Engineer Olice, I am not putting you under any pressure. From the reports I have, Olice is one of the best electrical engineers in Nigeria”, governor Diri said.

The governor, however, hinted that the government was looking at inaugurating the project during its sixth anniversary in February.

The MD of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Kemenanabo, who also spoke, said the state was on the right track towards actualising the project and assured that the alignment of the entire system, including the gas generator and alternator were on course.

He also stated that the remaining two turbines would be delivered to the project site in a few days.

?Speaking on behalf of the Jampur Group, Mr. Sherrif Abu-Anif said the company was in good position to meet its own end of the bargain and appreciated the state government for playing its part very well.

By Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

News

Akpabio Withdraws All Defamation Suits After Priest’s Sermon

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.

Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.

He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.

“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”

In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.

In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.

Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.

Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.

The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.

With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.

News

‘Best Way To Show Gratitude Is To Deliver Tinubu in 2027’

Published

3 days ago

January 2, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.

Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.

He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.

“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”

Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.

He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.

“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.

Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.

In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.

She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.

Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.

“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.

In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.

He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.

The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.

Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.

Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.

Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.

By: Taneh Beemene