Niger Delta
Bayelsa Polls: Civil Society Groups Back Dickson
Governor Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid received a boost recently as over 400 coalition of Non Governmental Organisations and civil society groups mobilized support for him at a mega rally tagged ‘Operation Reject Sylva and APC’ in Bayelsa.
The groups with over 5,000 membership from all the eight constitutionally recognised local government areas of the state converged on the popular Peace Park in Yenagoa, to demonstrate their support and readiness to ensure that the governor is re-elected for another 4-year term.
Commending the efforts of the Governor Dickson led administration, especially in the areas of peace and security, education, primary health care and job creation; the groups said these achievements necessitated their call for his re-election.
Speaking on behalf of the leaders of the various groups represented at the occasion, the former Speaker, old Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Kemeagbeye, said the groups would not rest on their oars until the set goal of returning Dickson is achieved.
Describing the developmental strides of the present administration as unprecedented, the former lawmaker said if Dickson could achieve so much in less than four years in office, then giving him another opportunity, Bayelsa would rank as one of the best among the comity of states.
According to him, “while other states are taking both local and foreign loans, Dickson is busy repaying debt owed by the immediate past administration. Also, it is on record, that Bayelsa remains one of the few states in the federation that is not owing its workforce.”
“I make bold to say that, Governor Dickson has been able to liberate Bayelsa state. Unlike in the past, people can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Also, some communities in the hinterland are now accessible by road.”
“People should ask APC and its flag bearer to show their achievements while in office as the third civilian governor of the state in spite of the huge allocation from the Federation account.”
“With these numerous achievements, we the members of the NGO and civil society groups have no option than to queue behind Governor Seriake Dickson on the 5th December, 2015.”
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), said the present administration in the last couple of years had made huge investment in security, which, he noted is a prerequisite for development.
According to him, government has created access to rural areas as evident in the construction of multi billion naira Ogbia- Nembe road, Sagbama-Ekeremor Agge road and Yenagoa-Oporoma- Ukubie road.
Also contributing, Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Konbowei Benson said that Governor Dickson deserved a second term given the impressive performance, noting that under the present leadership over 50 bills were passed into law as compared to the 15 bills passed under the former Governor, Timipre Sylva.
Speaking, a lawmaker representing Yenagoa, Kolokuma/ Opokuma Federal Constituency in the House of representatives, Hon. Douye Diri, urged the people to rally round Governor Dickson, submitting that he has demonstrated sufficient commitment to the overall wellbeing of the state and ljaw nation.
An elder statesman and former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said his decision to mobilise support for Dickson was hinged on his developmental strides.
He noted that a vote for the PDP would guarantee continuity of good governance, development and progress for the state.
Responding, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson expressed appreciation to the organisers of Save Bayelsa Movement rally, describing the event as heartwarming.
He said his administration owe posterity a legacy of sustainable development, secure future and human capacity development which have been the cardinal objectives of the Restoration government.
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.