Niger Delta
‘Suspension Of APC National Officers, Null, Void’

The APC National Vice Chairman, South-South Zone, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, has described the purported suspension APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomle, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Philip Shuaibu, the State Secretary to the state government, Osarodion Ogie, the state party chairman, Anslem Ojezua, and a host of others as null and void.
Eta made the remark while briefing journalists on the issue in Calabar, saying that the leadership of the party in the zone would not accept the suspension.
Eta’s position contradicts the position of the APC National Secretary as announced by is National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who said the party has rectified the suspension, an indication that the leadership of the party was divided on the issue.
Eta, who barred his mind on the current crisis rocking the ruling party in the state, also said the alleged suspension of the National Chairman of the APC, and some members of his faction by a faction of the party in the state is also unlawful and illegal.
The APC Chair stated that actions of both factions violate the provisions of the constitution of the APC on the suspension or sanctioning of any member of the party.
Eta said, “South-south zone of the party will soon convene an emergency meeting to ensure that the crisis bedeviling the party in Edo State is resolved.
“I am quiet shy about commenting on the crisis in Edo state. I had wanted time to do what is needful in terms of reconciling the crisis in Edo state, address some gray areas in the crisis that has engulfed Edo state.
“You may want to know that apart from the National Executive Committee, it is the Zonal Executive Committee that sees to this kind of issue.
“We intend to convene an emergency Zonal Executive Committee meeting to look into the whole matter.
“Having said so, I am not in a position to take sides in the matter in Edo state. But let me say, I have read and seen in TV and newspapers, as well as in the social media the various sanctions and suspensions starting from the National Chairman, who was said to have been, suspended, to the Governor, his Deputy , the Secretary to government, the Chairman of the party, and even the state secretary of the party.
“My take on the issue is that none of those processes lived to the expectations of the Constitution of the party. So, as for me as an individual, they are all null and void.”
He further stated that there are constitutional provisions, and processes that must be followed for any member, let alone elected member of the party, to be suspended.
“The truth of the matter is that political parties are made up of human beings. There are constitutional processes, and step that you take before you can sanction people.
He said one of the greatest ingredients in the process is that every person accused must be given an opportunity to react, rather than going ahead to slam suspension order on the individual without listening to his side of the story.
Eta maintained that the whole process is undemocratic, dictatorial and tyrannical, hence the suspension is null and void.
He called on those behind the suspension order against the to have a glimpse at the constitution so as to know how to go about it.
By: Friday Nwagbara, Calabar
Niger Delta
RSNC Head Charges NAOMEW On Professionalism, Effective Service Delivery

The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages

The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.