Niger Delta
Projects At Standstill in Bayelsa, Govt Disagrees
Global economic meltdown may be taking its toll on the activities of the Bayelsa State government as many projects inherited and started by the present administration are now in a state of abandonment.
The projects include the 47 internal roads, three senatorial model schools, the plastic factory, and the three senatorial roads.
However, the State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Frank Opigo said the projects are not abandoned are rather but suffering delay in execution and completion, assuring that contractors handling the various projects would soon mobilize to sites.
Briefing newsmen after an Independent tour of various sites of project by Journalists, Opigo, said it was wrong for individuals or group of individuals to think that the present administration has abandoned any of its projects.
On the 47 internal roads, Opigo said the project is still on course, blaming some residents and contractors for their lukewarm attitude, threatening that some of the contracts would be revoked.
“The present administration could no longer fold its arms and allow recalcitrant contractors to drag its ambition of turning around the state through the mud. Sylva’s administration has a good plan for the State, that is why, at its inception he decided to complete projects started by the previous administration”, the commissioner said.
Also, he blamed residence of the state over what he described as non adherence to the layed down Town planning law, alleging that some lawmakers in the state are encroaching on the land set aside for the 5-star hotel.
He said he has tabled the matter before the Governor, hoping that necessary steps would be taken to reverse the trend.
Commenting on the multi billion naira Ekoli Bridge being handled the Construction giant,Julius Berger, the Commissioner attributed the setback to the activities of the various militant groups prior to the acceptance of amnesty programme.
“Julius Berger left its various sites, not only in Bayelsa State, but the entire Niger Delta region due to the abduction of its expatriates staff in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, and since then we have been trying on how to bring them back”, he explained.
“ If they turn down the offer, going by the law of contract, the contract can then be revoked and given to another firm, while refund is expected to be made, depending on who is at fault”, he stated further.
Also, the Commissioner advised the Ministry of Niger Delta to consider how to link Bayelsa state capital in its proposed Coastal plan expected to run through some riverine areas in the state, stating that this would save the state from the billions of naira it would have invested on its three senatorial roads.
Commenting on the Tombia-Amassoma road, Opigo said it was wrong for the Shell Petroleum Development Company to misinform the public that it has paid its own counterpart fund of the project.
“When you look at the amount spent so far, you will discover that the State Government has committed more to the project than SPDC and we are hoping to pump in more funds in the next few weeks, he said,” he said.
Niger Delta
Make God Your Anchor To Fulfill Destiny, Cleric Charges Christians … As Jaja Marks 70th Birthday
The Lead Pastor at Jesus Appointed People’s Bible Church, Ozogbe, Ikwerrengwo-Etche, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Pastor Promise Nwaelele, has urged Christians to make God the anchor of their lives in whatever position they find themselves, in order to attain the destinies set for them by God.
Pastor Nwaelele, who gave the charge recently in a sermon he preached at the 70th birthday anniversary thanksgiving service of Sir Donald Michael Jaja, a veteran journalist in Rivers State, said this is because any genuine child of God is a permanent target for destabilization and destruction by the devil.
Taking his text from the Bible book of Mark 4:16-17, the preacher stated that fulfilment in life for a child of God required faith, obedience to God’s word, humility and grace to withstand trials and temptations.
According to him, temptations and afflictions are bound to happen in the lives of those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
“No wonder the Bible said that those that endure till the end shall be saved”, he said.
The Clergyman said God prospers believers who are humble, not proud and conceited, and leads them to destiny fulfilment.
“David said in Psalm 51:17, that the sacrifices acceptable to God are a broken spirit, not an impatient or proud spirit”, the preacher said.
He called on Christians not to allow persecutions and afflictions to sway them from the love and blessings of Jesus Christ.
On his part, Jaja, a seasoned Journalist who retired as an Acting Editor of the Rivers State Government-owned The Tide Newspaper, gave thanks to God for honouring him by giving him the grace of attaining 70 years.
“I cannot capture what the good Lord has done for me in my entire life in this fleeting moment of thanksgiving. But, I know that without Him, I wouldn’t have been who I am today, in all spheres. Therefore, my joy knows no bounds as I give thanks to my creator today, alongside my family. Praise be His holy name”, Jaja said.
