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Buhari’s Re-Election ’ll Spell Doom -Secondus …As PDP Urges President To Resign Over Insecurity, Corruption …APC Has Failed Nigerians -Melaye

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, says Nigeria will sink deeper into further crises if President Muhammadu Buhari is given another four-year term in 2019.
He said that all the promises made by Buhari that made Nigerians to vote him in 2015 had remained unfulfilled till today.
Apart from this, he said the President had divided the country along ethnic and religious lines with his alleged divisive style of governance since he assumed power in 205.
Secondus, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said majority of those who toiled day and night to get the President elected three years ago were regretting their action.
He said Buhari could have noticed the disaffection of Nigerians to the way he had been administering the country and that, this could be the reason he asked the governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress not to rush him into taking decision on whether he would run in 2019 or not.
Secondus said, “The President may have noticed that Nigerians are eager to end his misrule and that’s why he told the governors of the APC to give him some time before he would make up his mind on 2019.
“The fact, however, is that, allowing President Muhammadu Buhari to rule for another four years as from 2019 will be disastrous for the country and its citizens.
“Buhari promised to fight corruption, he promised to fight insurgency and also revive the economy. That’s good.
“But is the fight against corruption working? Is he not shielding alleged corrupt people in his kitchen cabinet? Are we making progress in the fight against insurgency? Nobody is even talking about the economy because if we have remained where we were in 2015 when he assumed office, it would have been better.
Meanwhile, the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Social Media Organisation has said Nigeria would be better off if the kindergarten President Muhammadu Buhari threw in the towel, having failed abysmally to uphold his Oath of Allegiance to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians as the chief security officer of the nation.
The statement is coming on the heels of an open acknowledgment by Buhari of the rising rate of insecurity in the land occasioned by rampant killings by armed Fulani herdsmen, endless bombings by Boko Haram and the spiralling web of public funds being “swallowed” by snakes, dragons and monkeys under the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government, which claims to be fighting corruption.
In a statement in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, the state Coordinator of the social media group, Comrade Abeki Kokobaiye, commended Buhari for “the open confession of his failure”, adding that he should complement his inability to discharge the sacrosanct responsibility by turning in his resignation letter.
Abeki, who regretted that the president had continued to misappropriate billions of naira from the commonwealth of the people, said the recent report by Transparency International, which indicated that corruption in Nigeria had deepened under the present administration, was an open indictment of “a government that prides itself as an agent of change.
In another development, the lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Dino Melaye has taken a swipe at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for failing to meet the expectations of Nigerians, many of whom he said, defied the odds to vote for Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President in the 2015 general elections.
Melaye who spoke after he was conferred with the Legislator of the Year 2017 at the Daily Asset Newspaper maiden annual awards and lecture in Abuja, also charged Nigerians to conquer fear by rising up to ask critical questions on governance and service delivery.
Prefacing his remarks with his usual coinage; “If you speak the truth, you die. If you lie, you die. I, Dino Melaye has decided to speak the truth and die,” the fiery Senator wooed the audience with his vitriolic against his own party, which he likened to the Public Complaint Commission, apparently due to its penchants for blaming past administrations for its inability to deliver on some of its electioneering campaign promises.
“The APC government has become Public Complaint Commission.
I say this without fear or favour. We have more complaints in the APC and even in the Presidency than service rendered. We cannot as a people continue like this. “The President said two days ago we should all embrace peace but I want to say without fear or favour that there can be no peace without justice.
There is hunger in the land, there is poverty in the land, and there is unemployment in the land. A lot of decision has not been taken; yet we say we want peace. The primary objective of government is the security and welfare of the people.
There is no security, there is no welfare,” he said. According to the federal lawmaker, “Nigeria is not only sick presently but equally suffers from regretful congenital abnormality. There is therefore a serious need for amelioration, palliation and correction.
The question is: are you going to be part of that correction? I want to say that in an unjust society, silence is a crime, and every one of us here today, is the reason why (sic) Nigeria is sick. “It is not about the leadership, it is the inability of the followership to check the leadership.
Today, Nigerians have become indolent, we are suffering and smiling. We are not reactionary. We are not asking questions and that is why we are where we are. “Democracy will continue to be government of the people by the people for the people but what we have today is greedocracy which is government of the greedy by the greedy and for the greedy, “he added..
Many of us are lackadaisical about the future. I delivered a lecture recently at the University of Lagos and some students from very wealthy homes, two of them said they didn’t care who the president of the country is and that it was none of their business because their parents were very successful.
I said to them that when the poor have nothing to eat, they will start eating the rich. “A time will come when it will be difficult to drive your expensive jeeps and cars on the streets.

A time will come when it would be difficult to switch on your generator because everywhere around you is dark. Will you be the only one having light? There was no kidnapping before, and kidnapping is seen as the redistribution of both ill-gotten and legitimate wealth.
People now take from the rich and they now appropriate to themselves,” he noted even as he urged the masses to be wary of the elites whom he accused of polarizing the rest of the populace.
“The elites have divided us using tribal sentiments. When you go to the hospital, there is a column for religion on your call card, a column for tribe and local government as if this will in any way facilitate your recovery. We have become too ethnic conscious.
I sponsored a bill that is about to go for a second reading. The bill is saying that we should abolish state of origin and in its place; we should have state of residence.
This is when we will have a true Nigeria when you will not need a Senator’s note to get job with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN or the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,” he added. APC incapable of good leadership-Makarfi On his part, former Kaduna State governor and Chairman of the defunct National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi who bagged the Man of the Year 2017 award said the APC cannot provide the expected good leadership because the party is made up of strange political bedfellows.
While dedicating the prize to the entire PDP family, Makarfi promised Nigerians that the party will restore their hope and deliver on quality governance if given the opportunity again.
In a private chat with Vanguard, an elated Makarfi said the award would spur him to do more for Nigeria and her people.
“The award will surely encourage me to do much more. As the chairman of the occasion, Babangida Aliyu mentioned, APC is conglomeration of incompatible political interest groups which Senator Melaye re-echoed.
Therefore, they cannot provide good leadership,” he said. APC, not a political party-Aliyu Co-chairman of the occasion and former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu also slammed the APC, saying it was never prepared for governance.
“Why is APC not doing very well? It is because it has not become a political party. It won election before becoming a political party. It is a combination of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and one-quarter of PDP,” said Aliyu who also lamented the lack of unity among leaders in the northern part of the country.
“Why is it that there is the problem of insecurity more in the North? Why is that we cannot speak with one voice?” he asked noting that while the government of President Buhari claimed to have defeated Boko Haram, herdsmen/farmers ‘clashes birthed leading to the death of many across the country.
Tambuwal, Ishaku, Abubakar, others honoured Also honoured at the event were the trio of Aminu Tambuwal, Darius Ishaku and Mohammed Abubakar, the governors of Sokoto, Taraba and Bauchi States respectively as Governor of the Year 2017. Other awardees included Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank PLC (Banker of the Year 2017); Luke Onofiok (Young Achiever of the Year 2017); Igho Charles Sanomi (Business Person of the Year 2017 and the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (University of the Year 2017).

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Rivers NIPR Gets New Executive

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The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, has inaugurated a new Executive Council to pilot the affairs of the institute for the next two years.

The new Executive Council was elected during the maiden edition of the Rivers Public Relations Week and Annual General meeting held last Friday, in Port Harcourt.

The re-election marked a historic moment as members of the chapter converged to chart a new course for professional excellence, ethical standards, and the advancement of public relations practice in the State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the institute, Ayodeji Emmanuel Afelumo, at the weekend.

The Registrar and Secretary to the NIPR Governing Council, Chief Uzoma Onyegbadue, who swore in the officers charged them to redouble their efforts in upholding professional integrity and excellence in public relations practices.

The officers re-elected for the second term include Rev. Francis Asuk as chairman, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson (Vice Chairman), Mr. Felix Tamuno (Secretary), Alhaja Ayo Odungweru (Treasurer), and Edna Alete as Financial Secretary.

Those with fresh tenure are Dr. Helen Chimezie who was elected as the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ayodeji Emmanuel Afelumo (Public Relations Officer), and Mrs. Ngowari Oba as Welfare Officer, following the tenure expiration of the former officers.

In his acceptance remarks, Rev. Asuk expressed gratitude to members for their confidence and pledged to uphold the ideals of the institute, promote professional development, and foster partnerships that would further enhance the visibility of public relations in Rivers State and beyond.

The Rivers Public Relations Week is the first of its kind organised by a State chapter of the institute and it provided a platform for practitioners, scholars, and stakeholders to engage in knowledge-sharing, networking, and discussions on the evolving role of public relations in governance, business, and society.

The statement added that the Rivers State Chapter of the NIPR looks forward to a new era of purposeful leadership, innovation, and impact under the stewardship of its newly inaugurated executive council.

 

 

 

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Falana Gives Ken Saro-Wiwa, Others Clean Bill Of Health …As Activist Decries Marginalisation Of Ogoni People  p6 lead

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana(SAN) has apparently exonerated the slain writer and environmental rights activist, Mr Ken Saro-Wiwa and his eight Ogoni kinsmen of  the murder charge which led to their execution by hanging by the Gen  Sani Abacha military junta on November 10, 1995.

This is even as a human rights activist, Evangelist Caroline Nagbo, has decried the spate of marginalisation against Ogoni people in Nigeria and Rivers State, saying, in spite of the struggles, sacrifices and contributions of the Ogoni people, they have continued to be marginalised, particularly in politics.

Falana, who bared his mind  in a keynote address   during the 30th Anniversary of the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Lecture at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt on Friday, said   the Ogoni nine never committed the crime for which they were hanged  by the Federal Government.

 

On her part, Nagbo noted in a goodwill message at the event that  despite the Ogoni people’s contributions, struggles and sacrifices, they continue to face exclusion and intimidation.

She decried a situation where people who hated Ken Saro-Wiwa during his lifetime, equally hate Ogoni people, because they consider them as very intelligent, stressing that instead of giving them political power, stooges are rather favoured.

According to her, Ogoni people must continue to speak out and agitate for their rights.

Nagbo further noted that the name of Ken Saro-Wiwa always evokes environment, minority and politics, emphasising that the legacies of the late environmental rights activist have continued to inspire and motivate the Ogoni people, and highlighted the significance of his birthday, which coincides with the Ogoni struggle for self-determination, environmental justice, and human rights.

She said the Federal Government’s treatment of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s memory and the Ogoni people is a reflection of the country’s flawed political system, and criticised politicians for their absence at events commemorating Ken Saro-Wiwa’s birthday and even illegal execution, attributing it to the marginalisation and intimidation faced by the Ogoni people.

“If you identify with Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni struggle, you are the enemy of the state, and that is marginalisation and intimidation,” she said.

Nagbo further lamented that despite the Ogoni people’s contributions to the country’s struggle for democracy, they are yet to be adequately rewarded.

“Politically, up till now, an Ogoni individual has never been a Governor, and they are not ready to give it to us, even in the next 30 years.The same thing they did to Ken Saro-Wiwa is the same thing they are doing to the Ogoni sons and daughters. They are manipulating it,” she said.

Nagbo praised the consistency of fiery human rights lawyer, Femi Falana(SAN), in championing the cause of the Ogoni people, saying, even Ken Saro-Wiwa was known for his consistency.

 

The keynote speaker, Mr Femi Falana actually chronicled the circumstances surrounding the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight of his kinsmen on November 10, 1995, saying, they never committed the offence for which they were executed, and,therefore, deserve not only the recent pardon granted to them by the Federal Government but also exoneration and apology from the government.

 

Falana accused the state and Shell of masterminding the murder of four Ogoni sons, with the intent of roping in Ken Saro-Wiwa and the other Ogoni activists, saying, the execution of the Ogoni activists was premeditated.

 

According to him, when it was clear that the then Abacha military junta had already made up its mind to kill Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, the legal team defending them had no option than to withdraw from the trial in order not to give it legitimacy.

 

The human rights lawyer said the Ogoni people must be united today more than ever before to fight for their rights, stressing that the move for resumption of oil production in Ogoniland can only be justified when the ongoing cleanup of Ogoniland has attained an appreciable level.

 

He also applauded the siting of the Federal University of Environment and Technology in Ogoniland, but insisted that the university must employ Ogoni people to justify its establishment.

 

Falana said the time has come for the people of the Niger Delta region to demand accountability from the political class at all levels of governance in the region, saying, they are constitutionally empowered to find out how the 13 percent derivation funds and other funds are utilised.

 

According to him, the three percent fund stipulated and specified in the Petroleum Industry Act(PIA)  is supposed to go directly to oil and gas bearing communities in the Niger Delta.

 

He also sympathised with Umuechem people for what befell them during the military regime, and decried a situation where oil companies failed in providing social amenities to the people, in spite of benefiting from the oil and gas deposits in their land.

He promised to set up a think tank of lawyers to advocate and ensure that oil and gas host communities in the country, particularly in the Niger Delta are provided social amenities.

 

Also, human rights and  environment campaigner and one of the organisers of the event, Mr Celestine Akpobari thanked Femi Falana, Dr Nimo Bassey and other dignitaries and participants for gracing the event, which he described as the celebration of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s legacies.

 

He said the rush for the resumption of oil exploration in Ogoniland does not make any economic sense, and likened it  to mopping the floor while the taps are open.

 

At the event, the panel of discussants consisted of Prof KialeeNyiayana of the University of Port Harcourt; Prof Lucky Akaruese of the University of Port Harcourt; Eze(Prof) Christian Akani of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education;  and Leader of Ogoni People’s Assembly, Rev Probel Williams, while the moderator was Dr EmemOkon.

The discussants gave a good account of themselves, as they did not only dissect the keynote address presented by Femi Falana, giving more insights into it, but also did justice to the questions posed to them by the moderator, bordering on Ken Saro-Wiwa and his legacies, among other issues.

 

By: Donatus

 

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Unveiling of $400million Otakaikpo crude oil Export Terminal; Monarch Hails Tinubu  …lists Economic Benefits Of The Project 

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The Okan Ama of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area HRM king Aaron Miller Ikuru has hailed President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the unveiling of the $400million crude oil terminal at the Otakaikpo oil field in Ikuru Town
King Ikuru who said this in his address during the unveiling ceremony also assured multinational corporations operating in the area of a conducive business environment.
He said the project will not only improve the economy of Ikuru Town but that of the entire Andoni and Rivers state.
The traditional ruler said the ceremony Marks a new chapter in Ikuru Town and Andoni in general as the area has become the proud host of a monumental national asset the $400million crude oil terminal
He also commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the feat, adding that “the project stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment to economic diversification, energy infrastructure development and local content advancement.
“Your Excellency Sir, this singular investment not only represents a milestone in Nigeria’s oil and gas production capacity but it also symbolizes hope for job opportunities, hope for improve livelihoods and hope for sustainable community development.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the vision policy direction and support that have made this project a reality ” King Aaron Ikuru said the community has utilized very judiciously the 3 percent opex for its development
“Currently there is an ongoing legacy water project for the provision of potable water and a one year skills acquisition programm for youths in the community”
The monarch however decried inconsistent payment of the statutory 3 percent opex by the JV and expressed the hope that priority will be placed on the payment of the outstanding 3 percent for 2024 to the community HCDT.
King Ikuru also urged the company to instruct the JV to provide electricity to the host community and stressed the need for Ikuru to be connected to the energy source as Otakaikpo marginal oil field.
Also speaking to journalists the chairman Community Development Committee( CDC) Ikuru Town, Ebenezer Bright, described the event as memorable one ,stressing that it would open up the area for development.
He said he was happy that the event  is happening at his own time and assured the company of a better relationship with the community.
Also an indigene of Ikuru Town, Professor Lysias Gilbert  said the economic effects of the terminal will be felt across the country as more barrels of oil will be exported from the terminal
He urged the community to unite and embrace the opportunity by remaining peaceful.
It would be recalled that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu last Wednesday commissioned the crude oil terminal at the Otakaikpo oil field. The president was represented by the Minister of state for Petroleum Senator Heineken Lokpobiri.
By: John Bibor
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