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Anenih Loses N500m Libel Suit Against Oshiomhole’s Aide, TV Station

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An Edo State High Court
sitting in Benin City has dismissed a N500 million libel suit instituted by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih against the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor and the Edo State Broadcasting Service (EBS).
In a judgment delivered by Justice U.I Erameh in consolidated Suits Nos: B/285/2010 & B/366/2010 between Chief Tony Anenih (CFR) as Claimant and Mr Peter Okhiria (Chief Press Secretray to Edo State Governor), Edo Broadcasting Corporation and Bendel Newspaper Company Limited who are the Defendants, the court refused the prayers of Chief Anenih who claimed that a Press release issued on behalf of the State Government in 2010 was libelous and therefore refused the prayer for N500 million damages, among others.
Chief Anenih had sued the defendants, claiming that a Press release issued on behalf of the Government by the Chief Press Secretary libeled him and sought N500 million in damages.
Justice Erameh in her judgment held that the defence of privileged ocassion availed the first defendant (Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary) on the ground that he acted on the instruction of the Chief Security Officer of the State, (the Governor) to educate and inform the public on security happenings in the state and that such statement was made by the Chief Press Secretary in his official capacity as the spokesman of the government of Edo State and as such he could not be held liable for libel because statements made on privileged occasion are a defence to libel.
Defendant (Bendel Newspaper Company Limited). However, Bendel Newspaper Publishing Company had sought to defend the suit before the judgment by filing all the necessary court processes but his Lordship refused the application to defend the suit on merit on the ground that they failed to enter appearance timeously.
The State Solicitor-General, Wole Iyamu esq said Bendel Newspaper has already filed a notice of appeal and stay of execution against the said judgment as it concerns Bendel Newspaper Limited.
The Court awarded N50,000 cost against Chief Tony Anenih in favour of the Chief Press Secretary and Edo Broadcasting Service.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor was represented by Stanley Omeike Imhanruor Esq, of Femi Falana (SAN) Chambers while Edo Brodcasting Service was represented by O.A Otamere, Esq. Chief Tony Anenih was represented by Chief Alfred Eghobamien (SAN).

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Niger Delta

Navy Winning Oil Theft, Illegal Bunkering War – Commander

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Commodore Martins Fakrogha, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Shipyard (NNS), Jubilee in Akwa Ibom, says the navy is winning the fight against crude oil theft and illegal bunkering in the state.
Fakrogha made the expression at the opening of a free medical outreach programme yesterday in Ikot Abasi.
He said the Navy was using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in the campaign against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering.
The Commander said the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, had directed personnel to do everything possible to tackle oil theft, illegal bunkering and vandalism.
“We are doing everything possible to win the hearts of the civil populace. We need them to be in synergy with us. We can partner through intelligence sharing.
“It is our collective duty to tackle crime so that we can all have a safe and secure environment.
“This free medical outreach is our own way of building confidence and aligning with the community around us”, he said.
Fakrogha continued that the outreach was also part of the navy’s corporate social responsibility to residents of the area.
He said residents of the community would be tested for malaria, HIV, blood-sugar and vision.
“They will also enjoy free consultancy services. This is our second free medical outreach for the year”,  he said.
Also speaking, the Village Head, Ikot Essien, Ikpa Ibekwe Clan, Eteidung Ufot Nathaniel,  commended the Navy for its series of kind gestures to the community.
Nathaniel urged the navy to seek ways providing potable water for the community, saying, “we are in need of safe water”.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Unah Udoh thanked the navy for the outreach, describing it as well-intended.
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Niger Delta

A’Ibom To Establish 31 Healthcare Centers 

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The Akwa Ibom State Government says next year would establish one modern healthcare centre each across the 31 Local Government Areas of the State to tackle health issues of the people across the state.
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, stated this during the 58th annual general meeting and scientific conference in Uyo .
The Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenye, expressed the hope that the citizens would take advantage of the healthcare centres when faced with health challenges.
He urged the citizenry to understand that government will always take care of her citizens despite the economic challenges, and would not relent.
According to him, Government would do everything possible to provide necessary facilities, while also improving access to healthcare centres where pregnant women across the rural areas can access quality healthcare
The National President, Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, commended the government for the ideology to improve healthcare services in the state.
He said “the conference would provide great platforms and opportunities for members, partners, and other professional groups involved in women health to interact, share ideas, network and push the agenda to the highest level of healthcare for our women through their journey from childhood to reproductive years and beyond”.
He used the medium to inform members that SOGEN house has been upgraded with solar power installation that would provide 24hrs uninterrupted electricity supply.
This, he said , can enable them host workshops, training and other activities in SOGON house, “making us very much visible and better branded”.
The Chairman, local organizing committee, Prof. Emem Bassey, said they are thrilled to gather the best minds in obstetrics and gynecology to share knowledge, innovation and experience that would shape the future of women’s healthcare in Nigeria and beyond.
Christopher Tom, Uyo
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Niger Delta

Edo Miners Congratulate Okpebholo, Seek Support For Industry 

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The Edo State Chapter of Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has congratulated Mr. Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration as the Governor of the state following his victory in the last governorship election.
The miners said the victory was an indication of the confidence the people of Edo have in his capacity to  take the state to a greater height.
This is contained in a statement by Mr Mike Okhumode, Chairman and Mr Fatai Jimoh, Secretary of the association issued in Benin yesterday.
They appealed to the Governor to be magnanimous in victory by running an inclusive government for the purpose of developing the state.
While describing the Governor as a man of intellect and a performer judging from his previous records, the miners urged him to urgently consider the issue of double taxation and insecurity.
They said the double-edged sword was retrogressing businesses across Edo.
“We are fully aware of your antecedents in both public office and private capacities; we know that you will not fail to deliver on your campaign promises to the people of Edo state.
“Electioneering has come and gone, as you settle down to the business of developing the state, we urged you to be magnanimous in victory.
“This will be done by embracing all shades of opinions and suggestions aimed at developing our dear state”, they said.
The miners appealed to the people to support the new government to succeed in building a new Edo.
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