Niger Delta
Deputy Governor Appeals To IPOB, Others Over Sit-At-Home
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has called on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other separatist groups in the South-East to reconsider their stand in the interest of peace and economic wellbeing of the region.
He also urged the church, particularly clergymen to be more sincere and fervent in seeking the face of God concerning the security, economic and political woes currently bedeviling the country.
Ewhrudjakpo made the call while granting audience to a delegation from the Trinity Theological College (TTC), Umuahia, Abia State, in Government House, Yenagoa.
The Deputy Governor, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, pointed out that the sit-at-home order and other measures being employed by the various non-state actors had caused collosal damage to the South East economy and the country in general.
Expressing displeasure over the pains the situation is inflicting on ordinary citizens, especially in the South East, Senator Ewhrudjakpo appealed to all good spirited leaders across the country and beyond to come together and proffer solution to the crisis.
According to the Bayelsa Number two Man, God still answers prayers and uses people in addressing problems that ordinarily seem beyond human comprehension and solution.
He, therefore, stressed the need for the church to always stand in the gap in prayers for the world and its leaders, particularly in troubled regions where war, turmoil and terrorism are holding sway.
”We need to talk about our society, because in Nigeria people pretend and when you pretend over your problem, it becomes hydra-headed. If you don’t solve that problem, it becomes two and multiplies from there.
“Unfortunately what is happening in the South East, we think it is only affecting the people of that region. No, it is gradually affecting the whole country indirectly.
“When you shutdown three states economy every Monday consecutively, you are not helping the society. So, those behind it should reconsider their position. What do you actually gain by inflicting pains on your own people?
“So, we really want to task you because there is nothing that is impossible with God. Anything God cannot do is not on earth. That is why the things God has done in the past and things that He is yet to do, are very many.
“I really want us to pray because I believe that prayers have helped countries and if there are people ready to pray, there is a God who is always ready to answer. But we must pray fervently and sincerely”, he said.
While thanking the delegation, which mainly consisted of students of the College for the visit, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, enjoined them to take their training seriously, stressing that a lot of spiritual and intellectual discipline is always required for one to become a thorough-bred orthodox priest.
He reiterated his appeal to gospel preachers not to emphasize prosperity at the detriment of salvation of man in their messages, adding that the pulpit should be used to promote morality in the best interest of God and society.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, Rev. Chukwuka Ekejiuba, said the college was established in 1974 solely for the training of Anglican priests but it is now open to other denominations for learning purposes.
He expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor for his open door policy and kind disposition towards them, and equally solicited the state government’s support to enable the College rehabilitate its dilapidated infrastructure as well as equip the information technology unit.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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.
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