Connect with us

News

‘Burning Records Won’t Save Obuah From Appeal Court Ruling’ …APC,Orashi People Condemn Blasts

Published

on

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Abraham Yiljap (left), with the General Manager, Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Mr Jonathan Ishaku, during the inspection of the media house and the State printing press in Jos, yesterday.

Plateau State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Pastor Abraham Yiljap (left), with the General Manager, Nigeria Standard Newspaper, Mr Jonathan Ishaku, during the inspection of the media house and the State printing press in Jos, yesterday.

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Rivers State led by Chief Godspower Umejuru Ake has said that the torching of court records at the State High Court at Okehi, Etche Local Government by suspected arsonists, will not hinder the expected ruling on January 15 by the Appeal Court in Abuja on the disputed leadership of the PDP in Rivers State.

The party asserted that except the arsonists would also burn the Appeal Court records, the fate of Messrs Felix Obuah and Ibibia Walter who parade themselves as Chairman and Secretary of PDP, respectively, in stolen mandate, would be decided.

In a statement yesterday, signed by the Rivers State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, George Ukwuoma-Nwogba, in Port Harcourt, the Ake-faction of the PDP described as unfortunate the resort to destruction of judicial evidence by those it said were jittery at the reality of the tide of proofs against their falsehood and forgery.

“Afraid justice would soon slap them in the face over their treacherous, deceitful and false claims to the offices of the Chairman and Secretary of the PDP in Rivers State, Obuah and his cohort, with age-long penchant to violence, lies and brigandage, resorted to their latest option just to hold on to power no matter how illegitimate. We would prefer they allowed the Appeal Court decide their fate rather than engage in self-help of this magnitude, obviously couched in shame and opprobrium,” the statement added.

The Ake faction, however, said its members were not surprised that Obuah and his followers would descend so low in their search to evade justice, questioning the basis for their fear when after all, they had claimed the party delegates had elected them into the respective offices they stole by deceiving an Abuja High Court. “We wonder at their fear when they had claimed in the High Court that they were duly elected Chairman and Secretary by party delegates to the State Congress held on March 17, 2013,” the PDP queried, adding that lies may endure for a day, but truth lives forever.

While urging the party faithful to continue in prayer for the total restoration of the mandate freely given to Chief Ake and Barr. Adokiye Oruwari as Rivers State PDP chairman and Secretary, respectively, by the party delegates on March 17, 2012, the statement further called for vigilance on their part “as enemies of democracy may not rest from their desperado mission.”

“We call on party faithful to remain vigilant and prayerful as enemies of democracy and Rivers State may not rest in their desperado mission. But we trust in the power of the living God to give us the victory,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the bombing of Ahoada and Okehi Hight Courts in Rivers State.

The party in a statement yesterday accused members of the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)in Rivers State for allegedly being responsible for the bombings, as they urged the police to carry out thorough investigations into the two bombings.

The statement signed by the Media Assistant to the state Chairman of the APC,Chief Chukwuemeka Eze said the extension of violence to the judiciary in Rivers State by the PDP and their agents began assuming a dangerous dimension after Justice Wali of the Ahoada High Court granted an injunction on December 16, restraining the member representing Ogu/Bolo in the Rivers State House of Assembly (RSHA), Hon. Evans Bipi from parading himself as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

“A few hours later, the court building was bombed by suspected PDP members/agents”,he said.

According to the statement,”On the night of Sunday, January 5, elements suspected to be members of the PDP bombed an Ahoada High Court building. Less than a week earlier, the PDP had widely circulated a press release signed by the PDP Chairman, Mr. Felix Obuah, claiming that the governor of Rivers State was trying to use the same Ahoada High Court to protect the Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Chidi Lloyd – a claim that is vexatious, malicious and patent falsehood”.

“As this press release by the PDP is being published, the Ahoada High Court complex is cordoned off by the police because of two objects confirmed by the police to be bombs planted in the premises.

The truth is that these bombs have been planted by the PDP, Evans Bipi and their agents to prevent the sitting of the Ahoada High Court for the hearing of arguments on interlocutory injunction barring Evans Bipi from perpetually parading himself as Speaker of the state Assembly.

The statement added that rather than file his papers and argue his position in court, Evans Bipi and his PDP cohorts resorted to intimidate and prevent the court from sitting through planting of bombs at the court premises.

Eze in the statement narrated that, few days ago, six individuals reportedly linked to two PDP chieftains were arrested on their way to Ogu/Bolo with seven AK-47 assault weapons by men of the JTF.

This he said, had confirmed the party’s worst fears that the PDP had resorted to the use of terrorism as official party policy.

“We have every reason to strongly believe that the arrested armed men are part of the ruthless snipers PDP is alleged to have trained for use against political opponents”, he noted

The party, however, expressed surprise that despite all these acts of violence against the judiciary by suspected members of the GDI and PDP, the Rivers State Police Command and other security agencies in the state were yet to make arrests.

The party appealed to the relevant authorities to intervene and compel responsible security agencies to undertake their constitutional responsibilities of securing lives and properties of citizens and residents of Rivers State by promptly arresting, investigating and prosecuting all those involved in the current spate of violence across Rivers State.

Similarly, the Council of Orashi Ethnic Nationality (COEN) has condemned in strong terms, yesterday’s orchestrated explosion in the Ahoada High Court, warning that it will resist any attempt by desperate politicians to make the area prone to violence.

The Council Director, Media and Publicity, Ndu Nwobosi who disclosed this while reacting to news of the explosion, also called for the sack of Media Adviser to Rivers State PDP  Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam,  over what he described as incompetency.

He noted that Needam had demonstrated inconceivable penchant for trivializing serious issues and playing on public sensitivity with a view to creating chaos in the name of politics.

“Jerry Needam does not have what it takes, to determine what constitutes credibility and integrity. He believes in distorting the truth; the earlier he leaves, the better the chances of PDP if at all the people will allow that”.

Nwobosi decried a situation where a once peaceful state and investors haven was now turning into a den of militancy because of the desires of Oga and Madam at the top.

“Must everybody run away or die because somebody is seeking re-election in 2015? If we are killed who will vote, maybe there are plans to rig; all we see today is arm twisting, explosion, intimidation and cheap blackmail instead of development” he declared.

While reiterating his support for fairness and justice in the determination of the legal tussle over the Speakership of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Nwobosi advised the people of Orashi not to submit to plans by fiendish politicians, who were out, to line their pockets at the expense of development.

He hailed the Ogoni people on the successful staging of the 21st Ogoni day celebration describing it as the best in recent time. “The large crowd at the event shows that the Ogonis are willing to speak with one voice on issues that concern them; this spirit must be encouraged by all Rivers people no matter the ethnic group or party affiliation”.

Continue Reading

News

Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama 

Published

on

The peaceful Town of Isiama in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was at the weekend agog with activities following the donation of over N13million to market women by Engr. Justus Ngerebara in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives, a non-governmental organization, as part of its first phase empowerment programme.
According to Justus Ngerebara, who is also the Executive Director of the organization, the women, numbering 108, will receive various sums based on their business proposal.
He stated that the organization will carry out an annual review of the performances of the beneficiaries, with a view to rewarding those who put the money into good use.
According to him, the initiative was a collaborative effort between himself and his wife, Dr. Unyime Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiative (FDI), an organization committed to youth capacity building and community development.
He said the family believe deeply in the transformative power of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural communities.
“As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a community. This truth resonate strongly with us, knowing that empowered women uplift households and inspire generational change”, he stated.
Ngerebara described the programme as the beginning of more things to come and urged the beneficiaries to view the gesture “as a reflection of our deep love for the community and our commitment to easing the burdens of economic hardship.
“We encourage you to invest wisely, channel these resources into your business not frivolities.
“We will continue to follow up with each participant to monitor progress and Offer guidance.
“It is our goal to see thriving business, creative solutions to households hunger and a ripple effect of prosperity through Isiama.
“We also call on the men to stand beside their spouses, offering support and encouragement to ensure these resources are maximized for growth”, he said.
In an interview, Ngerebara said the second phase of the empowerment programme will start very soon, stressing that since inception the organization has done so much for the community.
He listed some of the programmes carried out by the group in the community to include the installation of solar powered lights, and solar powered water.
While declaring the event open, a former coymmissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, described the event as the first of its kind in the community.
Engr. Ngerebara said the programme will go a long way to improve the conditions of not only the beneficiaries, but also the entire Isiama Community.
He also charged them against wasting the resources on frivolities, adding that their success will attract more of such empowerment programme to Isiama community
Giving a brief talk on women empowerment, a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, warned the beneficiaries to justify the effort of the donor by avoiding wastages.
Dr. MacLean also urged them to be consistent in their line of business as well as avoid unnecessary competition.
She also stressed the need for them to network among themselves, while working out ways of helping the community to develop.
Guest of Honour at the occasion, Professor Uriah Oboada Alafonye, said Engr Justus Ngerebara, the initiator of the programme, has set a standard for present and future generations of leaders both in the community and the rest of Andoni to follow.
Prof Alafonye who is of the department of Arts Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also appealed to the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the programme to reduce poverty in the community.
Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and an interior designer, said it was the first time she was receiving such gesture from any organization or government.
She thanked Engr Justus Ngerebara for remembering the women of Isiama and urged others to emulate him.
By: John Bibor
Continue Reading

News

Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants 

Published

on

The umbrella body of civil servants in Rivers State, the Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the lifting of emergency rule in the State and the return to office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, saying, the development portends good omen for workers, the people and the State.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the return of the Governor to office portends good omen and better days for civil servants in particular, stressing that the union heartily welcomes the Governor back to office, to resume his good works in the State, after six months of the emergency rule, as well as his deputy and members of the House of Assembly.
He noted that civil servants in the State are not only elated over the development but are also full of hope that the Governor would start from where he stopped in attending to their welfare needs.
He contended that the political crisis that recently engulfed the State and the six-month emergency rule had for over one year pulled the State backwards, but expressed delight that a permanent solution has been found to stem further political upheavals in the State, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor Fubara; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule; members of the House; and other stakeholders for agreeing to amicably resolve all contending issues.
The labour leader said this is the right time for all political gladiators in the State to bury the hatchet, work together and embrace peace and genuine reconciliation in the overall interest of the State.
He described as too hasty the resolution of the House, mandating the Governor to present a supplementary budget to it, and pleaded with members of the House to be calm, to tread with caution, and harmoniously work with the Governor.
He said the return of democratic governance in the State would fast-track progress and development in the State, and enjoined the people of the State, particularly civil servants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the Fubara administration.
Osumah expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would give prompt attention to challenges facing civil servants in the State, being a former civil servant himself, stressing that the workers truly have hope, now that the Governor has returned to office, and knowing the kind of Governor he is.
According to him, he is going to look into the controversial and contentious contributory pension scheme; rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex; recruitment into the state civil service; extension of service and retirement years for civil servants; provision of vehicles to industrial unions; as well as provision of befitting staff quarters for civil servants; among others.
Continue Reading

News

NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff

Published

on

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day sensitization program for its personnel on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches to promote workplace compliance on transparency and due process.
The workshop, themed “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace using ADR Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,” aimed to equip staff with the skills to resolve disputes effectively.
Declaring the event open on thursday in port Harcourt,The NDDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of using ADR mechanisms to resolve conflicts in the workplace.
Dr. Ogbuku  represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo,noted that ADR approaches can encourage a culture of honesty, fairness, transparency, trust, and reduce conflicts among staff, ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.
He averred that those disputes and quarrels if not proper resolved can derail the vision and objectives of the commission to the people, noting that the commission must as a team and unity as service provider in order to render a profitable service delivery to the people.
 “ADR approach will encourage culture of honesty,fairness, transparency ,trust  and reduce back bitting and the workforce, noting that such tendency would in turns promote efficiency and increase results in workplace.
 when integrity and honesty becomes the operandi of an organisation and employees begins to trust that their matters will be handled with fairness it will breed team work and increase in productivity.”he stated
He commended the department of DCR for organising the workshop and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and imbibe the culture of tolerance, integrity and teamwork in workplace.
Also speaking,the NDDC acting director of DCR ,Mr Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe noted that the theme of the captures the core of what the commission seeks to achieve a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfastness commitment to due process, where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured,principled processes , and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but every day practice.
In his  keynote presentation on the theme “workplace Ethics and alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation,
Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, delivered a keynote presentation on “Workplace Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation.” He stressed the importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace, noting that these values are essential for productivity and organizational goals.
The workshop aimed to promote a culture of accountability and integrity in the NDDC workplace. By equipping staff with ADR skills and promoting transparency and due process, the commission can build a more efficient and productive work environment.
By: Akujobi Amadi
Continue Reading

Trending