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Niger Delta

N’Delta Newspaper Set To Launch Unity App, Annual Carnival

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A new newspaper outfit with focus on Niger Delta, ‘Niger Delta Reporter’, is set to launch an electronic App, the Niger Delta Unity App, and also unveil the Niger Delta Carnival.
The Niger Delta Unity App is a one-stop technological platform that presents the rich cultural and socio-economic potentials of the Niger Delta region comprising of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ondo, and Imo states.
A statement by the board and management of the newspaper said, the Unity App is beautifully designed and user-friendly with rich content that covers politics and governance, corporate organisations, development of Niger Delta region, governors of Niger Delta scorecards, NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme, issues in Nigerian Local Content in the oil and gas industry, other key activities in the region, particularly affecting the environment, industries, businesses, and the news events within the region, amongst others.
The statement also said that the Niger Delta Carnival is a socio-cultural tourism event designed to unify and showcase the beauty of the entire region, inspire a new generation of change agents, and entrench the culture of peaceful coexistence for the sustainable development of the region that is presently contributing the most to Nigeria’s economy.
Both the Unity App and the Carnival present a unique platform to unify the strength of the component states for the development of the people as well as draw active attention of the government to the region’s challenges which have gone beyond oil spillage and environmental pollution to the loss of jobs and livelihoods of the lovely people of the region.
According to the Board and Management of Niger Delta Reporter Newspaper, the launching and unveiling of the two programmes are expected to be in March, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking to journalists on the two programmes on behalf of the Board and Management, the Publisher/CEO of the Niger Delta Reporter Newspaper, Hon. Felix Idowu, described the mobile application as inspirational, creative and innovative concept, stating that the App was downloadable on the Google Play Store and IOS.
He said that it grants users access to socio-economic developments of the various nine states that make up the Niger Delta region.
Idowu said, “It’s our utmost belief that the Niger Delta Unity App and the Carnival will open another vista of economic activities for the region, as we will be networking with countries that have distinguished themselves in carnival affairs. This Carnival will open the Niger Delta region to the great continents of the world, as we will use it to let investors know that our region is now a safe haven for investors against the backdrops of negative local and International press portraying the region”.
He explained that the orgainisation was consulting with the nine states that constitute the region, namely; Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Ondo, and Imo states to be fully involved in the Carnival and our Niger Delta Unity App, saying, “We have secured strong synergy with NDDC, Presidential Amnesty Programme, to mention but a few agencies and other stakeholders in the region”.
Idowu added, “We are looking forward, in the near future to announcing the first Niger Delta state that will be hosting this momentous and historic event on behalf of the region, the Niger Delta Carnival 2022. The chosen state will serve as a host and hub of the entire Niger Delta region, including our foreign delegates, as we have an opening with over 20 countries that can explore the platform this Carnival is providing for stronger socio-economic linkages.
“We have no doubt in our minds that these two flagship programs: the Niger Delta Unity App and Niger Delta Carnival 2022 will put the region on a positive global map as the carnival will be held annually and rotated among the Niger Delta states, respectively. Surely, its value for the region will bring a quantum leap to the economy of the entertainment and hospitality industry and improve the tourism potentials within the region”.
He extended invitation to various state governments, MDAs, local and multinational oil and gas industries, entertainment industries, corporate organisations, friends, and well-wishers of the Niger Delta to key into these programmes as they have the potential to reorient and empower the youths, improve on the quality of education, facilitate skills development, and enhance the living condition of Niger Deltans.
“Consequently, the programmes provide the opportunity for fun, entertainment that makes the region an ideal holiday destination for local and international audiences whiles promoting peace, unity, and progress of the region.
“Niger Delta region has unique stories and potentials and the Niger Delta Unity App and the Carnival is the choice platform for telling these unique stories and showcasing of these potentials to the world”, he stated.

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Niger Delta

Court Declares DESTMA Activities Unconstitutional

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The Delta State High Court sitting in Warri has declared the power of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) to arrest traffic offenders and impose fines as illegal and unconstitutional.
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday in Suit No. W/348/2016: Chuks Christian Ofili v. Attorney-General of Delta State & Anor, Hon. Justice Ejiro Emudainowho struck down Section 18(1) of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority Law, 2013, holding that it conflicts with the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The court held that DESTMA and its officials lacked the legal authority to impose fines, penalties or sanctions, or to confiscate vehicle number plates without first charging and securing a conviction before a competent court.
Justice Emudainowho ruled that the seizure of the claimant’s number plate and the imposition of a N30,000 fine without trial amounted to a “flagrant violation” of the claimant’s right to fair hearing and freedom of movement under Sections 36(1) and 41(1) of the constitution.
Among other reliefs, the court set aside the “Notification of New Traffic Offences and Penalties” issued against the claimant, ordered the refund of N30,000 paid for the release of the number plate, awarded N500,000 as legal costs and N300,000 as damages, with 10 percent interest per annum.
Reacting to the judgment, the claimant’s counsel, Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, said the ruling affirms constitutional supremacy.
“The court was clear that only a competent court of law can impose penalties. Administrative agencies cannot assume judicial powers”, he said.
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Niger Delta

COAS Praises Bayelsa On Military Welfare … As Diri Hands Over Residential Quarters To Army Chief

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The Nigerian Army has commended the Bayelsa State Government for promoting the welfare of its officers and men as part of efforts to enhance peace and security in the state.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, gave the commendation on Thursday when he led other senior military officers on a courtesy/condolence visit to the State Governor, Douye Diri, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Gen. Shaibu praised the Bayelsa government for constructing and handing over residential accommodation to the Nigerian Army 16 Brigade at Elebele.
The army chief noted that the initiative would greatly ease the brigade’s accommodation challenges.
Shaibu, who explained that he was on a maiden operational visit to the state to assess the combat readiness of men and officers of the Command, also commiserated with the governor and the Ewhrudjakpo family on the passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
“My reason for coming here are two-fold. We are here for my maiden operational visit to the 6th Division area of  responsibility, which also covers Bayelsa State.
“I’m also here with a heart of gratitude and appreciation for what you have done for the 16 Brigade, which is the construction and completion of apartments  made up of nine units of three bedroom flats for non-commissioned officers and two blocks of nine units of two bedroom apartments for non-commissioned officers.
“This gesture will go a long way in mitigating the accommodation challenges that the Brigade is facing. It will be a great relief for the Nigerian Army”, he said.
Responding, Diri thanked Gen. Shaibu for acknowledging the modest contribution of the state government towards improving the safety of lives and property of the citizenry.
He lauded the various security agencies for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
 “I like to use this opportunity to commend the Nigerian Army and other armed forces for what you are doing to ensure that Nigeria is safe and secure. For us in government, we all appreciate and understand that you are making sacrifices for our public safety.
“I implore you to continue to do what you are doing very well at all times. We are always here to support you in whichever form that we can, so that you will also have a conducive environment to enable you discharge your duties creditably.
“l’m equally happy that we were able to start and complete those buildings. We know that, like you rightly said, it will ease the accommodation demands of the officers in the 16 Brigade”, he said.
By; Ariwera  Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

Eno Inaugurates Committees On TSA, International Airport Status 

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Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated two inter-ministerial committees to supervise the implementation of the International Airport Status for the Victor Attah International Airport, and for the Treasury Single Account for Internally Generated Revenues.
While inaugurating the committees at the Government House, Uyo, Eno expressed confidence in the competence of the members of the committee to achieve the mandate.
“The committees’ establishment marks another strategic step in the administration’s drive to strengthen governance systems.
“It will also ensure the fast-tracking and the completion of major development projects in the state”, the Governor said.
He further said the members of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on International Airport Status Implementation include Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, who would serve as the Chairman.
Others are the Commissioner for Finance/Special Duties, Mr. Emem Bob; the Managing Director, Ibom Air, Mr. George Uriesi; and Mr. Ephraim Udosen, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, among others.
“The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of TSA-IGR has Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, as Chairman.
“Others are the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, SAN; Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs,  Mr. Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Lands, Dr. Ubong Inyang, among others.”
The Governor noted that the members’ expertise would contribute significantly to the state’s infrastructural growth and financial stability.
He urged them to intensify efforts and ensure that all preparatory works remained on schedule.
“I charge the committee on the state’s airport with the responsibility of ensuring accelerated progress and meeting all required benchmarks ahead of the facility’s operational kick-off in April, 2026.
“I expect this committee to work tirelessly to ensure the realisation and commencement of full operations at the international airport by the first week of April 2026″, he said.
Eno emphasised the need for transparency, fiscal discipline and effective coordination across government agencies, saying that no agency of government was permitted to operate a single independent account.
He reaffirmed the termination of contracts for consultants on revenue generation, adding that all revenue must be generated and expended through a unified treasury account.
The Governor urged all MDAs to work with the Inter-Ministerial Committee, headed by the Commissioner for Finance to ensure that the expected results were achieved and on time.
He maintained that tenement rates would be paid into the treasury single account and urged full compliance from homeowners across the state.
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