Niger Delta
‘A’Ibom PDP Is Tired Of Elections’

PDP supporters celebrating re-election of Governor Seriake Dickson in Bayelsa State governorship election, at the gate of the Government House in Yenagoa on Sunday.
Governor Udom
Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday said Akwa Ibom Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is tired of conducting elections in the state.
Emmanuel was speaking during the programme for the Eket Senatorial District (ESD), Mega Rally in Eket Township Stadium.
He said that since he came on board, detractors had not allowed him to concentrate on developing the state to an enviable height.
Our correspondent reports that the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja had in December 2015 nullified the Akwa Ibom State governorship election of April 11.
At the election tribunal, Governor Emmanuel had secured partial victory with the election cancelled only in 18 out of the state’s 31 local government areas.
Meanwhile, the Appeal Court nullified the election and ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh election within 90 days.
The governor said: “since last year, we have not done anything, most of our people have not gone to farm, every year we are conducting elections.
“We are tired of elections, we want development, we don’t want elections, we can’t do elections for two years.’’
Emmanuel, however, expressed confidence that Supreme Court would upturn the Appeal Court judgment, which nullified his election.
“We are ready to defend this mandate, we have full confidence in the Supreme Court of Nigeria because Supreme Court is equal to justice, that is why we are not afraid,’’ he said.
Emmanuel said that the election that brought him as the governor of the state stood on equity, justice and unity of the state.
Also speaking, Chief Paul Ekpo, state Chairman of PDP, said that Eket Senatorial District would support democracy in the state.
Ekpo thanked the Eket Senatorial District for not disappointing the party in the last governorship election in the state.
He, however, expressed confidence that the Governor Emmanuel of PDP would perform than any other governorship candidates in the state.
“I am very happy the district gave us a credible candidate that the PDP took over and today things are getting better in Akwa Ibom.
“Today the uncommon development of Akwa Ibom is sustained; today we are proud of you as a party, we say congratulations,” he said.
In his remarks, Mr Nduesse Essien, the Chairman of the occasion, said that the rally was to give unflinching and unalloyed support to Governor Emmanuel that was elected as governor in the April 11, 2015 elections.
He reassured that the district would always stand by the governor before, during and after the election process.
Essien stated that the emergence of the governor was the mandate of people, adding that the crowd present at the event showed the level of support given to the governor.
“I want to assure you and to encourage you to remain steadfast and wait for whatever happens; we will be up to the task and we will succeed,’’ Essien said.
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.