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Fish Out, Prosecute Boko Haram Sponsors – Ijaw Youth, Confab Delegates

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Fallen Fence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Guest House at Bayaran Area in Bauchi State, recently.

Fallen Fence of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Guest House at Bayaran Area in Bauchi State, recently.

The foremost Ijaw youth organisation, Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on the Federal Government to fish out sponsors of Boko Haram extremists.
The group spoke against the backdrop of incessant terror attack by the terrorist group.
IYC said that it is high time the Federal Government took drastic and far reaching steps against sponsors of terrorism in the country.
The group said that the bomb blast at Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja was an indication that Boko Haram has infiltrated the nation’s seat of power.
The group said that the recent attack has shown that Boko Haram has an agenda to extend its activities to other parts of the country once they succeeded to overrun the North East.
Joining league of people condemning the bomb blast which killed 72 people and injured 164 others, IYC said that it received with utmost disbelief the news of the terrorist attack.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Eric Omare, a lawyer, the group condemn the attack and commiserated with the families of the victims and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
While considering the deadly nature of attack and the implication on the nation’s security, the IYC called on the Federal Government to take drastic and far reaching steps against sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria.
The problem of terrorism cannot be resolved without tackling the source of their sponsorship, the group said.
The group added that the sponsors of Boko Haram should be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
It however said that the Federal Government cannot claim ignorance of the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria with all the security apparatus at its disposal.
The statement said; “Government must act decisively irrespective of whose ox is gored and protect the ordinary people of Nigeria”.
“The interest of the generality of Nigerians is over and above the interest of a few power-hungry people who are sponsoring terrorism”.
“The IYC wishes to reiterate its earlier position that the ultimate objective of the sponsors of Boko Haram and terrorism is to make the country ungovernable and forcefully take over the government of Nigeria”.
However, disturbed by the bomb explosion that occurred at the park of the popular ‘El-Rufai’ buses at Nyanyan in Abuja, delegates to the national conference have condemned the activities of the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.
The delegates at plenary on Monday, consequently called for the immediate implementation of the Gaji Galmatiri Committee report which recommended prosecution of some politicians found to be empowering Boko Haram.Modibbo Kawu and 19 other delegates had expressed displeasure over the early Monday bomb explosion and recent killings in other parts of the country.
The motion to condemn the blast did not however go unchallenged as Chief Sergeant Awuse, raised a point of order, arguing that the conference cannot entertain such motion because the delegates were not served with the motion paper ahead of time.
But Femi Falana, countered Awuse’s objection, citing Order 1 rule (2) which says no formalization is required on this issue because it is an issue of urgent National importance.
The conference also urged the Federal Government to immediately commence a process of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.
Modibo, who led a debate on the motion, lamented that despite the declaration of state of emergency in three North East states, the insecurity in those states continued to escalate.
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to halt the killing of innocent people by the dreaded Boko Haram, saying enough is enough!
Reacting to the Nyanya bomb explosion that claimed no fewer than 72 people on Monday and left over 164 injured, the TUC leadership was appalled at the recent incidents of massacre of many innocent souls by members of the faceless Boko Haram insurgent group.
The TUC President and Secretary, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Comrade Musa Lawal respectively, in a statement said, “It is unfortunate that this incident happened at all, worse still that it happened while the nation was still trying to come to terms with the reported killing of over 210 other people in Gwoza, Dikwa, Kala Balge, and Gambulga towns last Friday and Saturday, and another 60 in Kaigamari and Ngoshe villages, all in Borno State.
“Also grievous is the case of scores of students who were gruesomely killed by the insurgents as they travelled to Borno State to write their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“The congress wonders when this spate of wanton killings would end. When will the culprits be apprehended and made to dance to the music of the law?
How long shall it take for the armed forces, the police and other security agencies to checkmate the hoodlums and re-establish much-desired peace and security in all the trouble spots within the country?
“How many more lives shall be lost on the altar of religious extremism and political chauvinism before the inglorious marauders and their sponsors are brought to their knees? Sooner than later, we certainly do hope! Nigerians are peace-loving and deserve no less”.
The congress says going by media reports on the sophistication of weapons being carried by the insurgents, it is baffled that they are determined to “destroy this nation and its people politically, socially, economically and otherwise. By the grace of God, they must not and shall never succeed!”
It therefore “Implore the federal government and the security forces to buckle up and confront the security challenge head-on. To all intents and purposes the insurgents have declared war on the nation, and there is no reason why they should not be viewed and treated in that light.
“Enough of the political soft talk and double-speak. Enough of the indecisive actions and procrastinations. It is time for the Nigerian armed forces to uncompromisingly give fire for fire in fulfilment of their avowed duty to defend the nation, more so as the insurgents have demonstrated that they only understand the language of violence.
“The intelligence agencies must give the necessary backing with timely information about the insurgents and their operations. Our diplomatic corps should up their acts and enlist full support and co-operation of friendly nations and relevant international agencies.
“And the civil populace should speak out against the wicked affront on our national well-being and refuse to be cowed into deadly silence by it. All hands must be on deck to permanently end this menace called Boko Haram. The eagle that chooses to perch but will not let other eagles do likewise, let its wings break!”
The NLC President, Malam Abduwaheed Omar, said most of the people killed or injured were workers and petty traders.
“This is a very serious issue and we are wondering why the choice of this place. We are highly devastated and feel that government must try to overhaul the security system.
“Something is really wrong and it is high time we started to do things differently in terms of security.
“Nigeria cannot afford to continue to lose people, particularly its workforce, in such magnitude,’’ Omar said.
Meanwhile, police and hospital sources have confirmed yesterday that 72 persons died, while 164 were injured in the bomb blast.
Tambuwal, yesterday visited victims of the Monday bomb blast at the National Hospital, Abuja.
The speaker was conducted round the emergency ward to see the victims by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu.
Tambuwal, who condemned the attack, said that the issue was not about any political party, but an attack against the Nigerian people.
He called on leaders to stop playing politics with the issue of insecurity, saying they should collectively work together for the good of the country.
“As leaders in this country, we must all come together and support the government in addressing this challenge.
“We should stop playing politics with issue of insecurity. From what I have seen among the victims, I doubt if they are members of any political party.
“We should stop playing politics, we should address the issue and it is not about any religion.
“It is unfortunate. We must come together. We must rise to the challenge and address it .
“We must all work together as a nation to address the issue of security, we should stop playing politics with security,’’ he said.
Tambuwal, while on the visit, said that he had indicated interest to go to the National Blood Transfusion Centre to donate blood to the victims.
“I call on well-meaning Nigerians who have the capacity to donate blood to please come out and donate blood and whatever is required for the survival of the victims.’’
On what motivated him to donate blood to the victims, the speaker said that he was moved by “humanity in him and by what he saw’’.

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Group Doles out N13m To Market Women In Isiama 

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The peaceful Town of Isiama in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State was at the weekend agog with activities following the donation of over N13million to market women by Engr. Justus Ngerebara in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiatives, a non-governmental organization, as part of its first phase empowerment programme.
According to Justus Ngerebara, who is also the Executive Director of the organization, the women, numbering 108, will receive various sums based on their business proposal.
He stated that the organization will carry out an annual review of the performances of the beneficiaries, with a view to rewarding those who put the money into good use.
According to him, the initiative was a collaborative effort between himself and his wife, Dr. Unyime Ngerebara, in partnership with Fast Track Development Initiative (FDI), an organization committed to youth capacity building and community development.
He said the family believe deeply in the transformative power of women’s empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth, especially in rural communities.
“As the saying goes, when you empower a woman, you empower a community. This truth resonate strongly with us, knowing that empowered women uplift households and inspire generational change”, he stated.
Ngerebara described the programme as the beginning of more things to come and urged the beneficiaries to view the gesture “as a reflection of our deep love for the community and our commitment to easing the burdens of economic hardship.
“We encourage you to invest wisely, channel these resources into your business not frivolities.
“We will continue to follow up with each participant to monitor progress and Offer guidance.
“It is our goal to see thriving business, creative solutions to households hunger and a ripple effect of prosperity through Isiama.
“We also call on the men to stand beside their spouses, offering support and encouragement to ensure these resources are maximized for growth”, he said.
In an interview, Ngerebara said the second phase of the empowerment programme will start very soon, stressing that since inception the organization has done so much for the community.
He listed some of the programmes carried out by the group in the community to include the installation of solar powered lights, and solar powered water.
While declaring the event open, a former coymmissioner for Works in Rivers State, Engr. Sampson Ngerebara, described the event as the first of its kind in the community.
Engr. Ngerebara said the programme will go a long way to improve the conditions of not only the beneficiaries, but also the entire Isiama Community.
He also charged them against wasting the resources on frivolities, adding that their success will attract more of such empowerment programme to Isiama community
Giving a brief talk on women empowerment, a lecturer at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr. Awajimogobo Felix MacLean, warned the beneficiaries to justify the effort of the donor by avoiding wastages.
Dr. MacLean also urged them to be consistent in their line of business as well as avoid unnecessary competition.
She also stressed the need for them to network among themselves, while working out ways of helping the community to develop.
Guest of Honour at the occasion, Professor Uriah Oboada Alafonye, said Engr Justus Ngerebara, the initiator of the programme, has set a standard for present and future generations of leaders both in the community and the rest of Andoni to follow.
Prof Alafonye who is of the department of Arts Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, also appealed to the beneficiaries to seize the opportunity provided by the programme to reduce poverty in the community.
Speaking, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Hebron Mercy Fyneface, a crayfish seller and an interior designer, said it was the first time she was receiving such gesture from any organization or government.
She thanked Engr Justus Ngerebara for remembering the women of Isiama and urged others to emulate him.
By: John Bibor
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Fubara’s Return Excites NCSU … As Hope Rises For Civil Servants 

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The umbrella body of civil servants in Rivers State, the Nigeria Civil Service Union(NCSU) has expressed delight over the lifting of emergency rule in the State and the return to office of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu and members of the State House of Assembly, saying, the development portends good omen for workers, the people and the State.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, who gave the indication in an interview in Port Harcourt, said the return of the Governor to office portends good omen and better days for civil servants in particular, stressing that the union heartily welcomes the Governor back to office, to resume his good works in the State, after six months of the emergency rule, as well as his deputy and members of the House of Assembly.
He noted that civil servants in the State are not only elated over the development but are also full of hope that the Governor would start from where he stopped in attending to their welfare needs.
He contended that the political crisis that recently engulfed the State and the six-month emergency rule had for over one year pulled the State backwards, but expressed delight that a permanent solution has been found to stem further political upheavals in the State, and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this possible; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and leader of the State, Chief Nyesom Wike; Governor Fubara; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Martin Amaewhule; members of the House; and other stakeholders for agreeing to amicably resolve all contending issues.
The labour leader said this is the right time for all political gladiators in the State to bury the hatchet, work together and embrace peace and genuine reconciliation in the overall interest of the State.
He described as too hasty the resolution of the House, mandating the Governor to present a supplementary budget to it, and pleaded with members of the House to be calm, to tread with caution, and harmoniously work with the Governor.
He said the return of democratic governance in the State would fast-track progress and development in the State, and enjoined the people of the State, particularly civil servants to continue to give their support and cooperation to the Fubara administration.
Osumah expressed optimism that Governor Fubara would give prompt attention to challenges facing civil servants in the State, being a former civil servant himself, stressing that the workers truly have hope, now that the Governor has returned to office, and knowing the kind of Governor he is.
According to him, he is going to look into the controversial and contentious contributory pension scheme; rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex; recruitment into the state civil service; extension of service and retirement years for civil servants; provision of vehicles to industrial unions; as well as provision of befitting staff quarters for civil servants; among others.
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NDDC Organizes ADR Capacity Building for Staff

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The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has organized a one-day sensitization program for its personnel on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) approaches to promote workplace compliance on transparency and due process.
The workshop, themed “Promoting Transparency and Due Process in the Workplace using ADR Approaches in Building a Culture of Accountability and Integrity,” aimed to equip staff with the skills to resolve disputes effectively.
Declaring the event open on thursday in port Harcourt,The NDDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, emphasized the importance of using ADR mechanisms to resolve conflicts in the workplace.
Dr. Ogbuku  represented by his chief of staff,Rev Omeya Oworibo,noted that ADR approaches can encourage a culture of honesty, fairness, transparency, trust, and reduce conflicts among staff, ultimately promoting efficiency and productivity.
He averred that those disputes and quarrels if not proper resolved can derail the vision and objectives of the commission to the people, noting that the commission must as a team and unity as service provider in order to render a profitable service delivery to the people.
 “ADR approach will encourage culture of honesty,fairness, transparency ,trust  and reduce back bitting and the workforce, noting that such tendency would in turns promote efficiency and increase results in workplace.
 when integrity and honesty becomes the operandi of an organisation and employees begins to trust that their matters will be handled with fairness it will breed team work and increase in productivity.”he stated
He commended the department of DCR for organising the workshop and urged the participants to make good use of the opportunity and imbibe the culture of tolerance, integrity and teamwork in workplace.
Also speaking,the NDDC acting director of DCR ,Mr Godwin Ayewumi Ogedegbe noted that the theme of the captures the core of what the commission seeks to achieve a workplace where every action is expected to be guided by openness, fairness, and a steadfastness commitment to due process, where conflicts are not merely resolved, but prevented through structured,principled processes , and where accountability and integrity are not aspirational ideals but every day practice.
In his  keynote presentation on the theme “workplace Ethics and alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation,
Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, delivered a keynote presentation on “Workplace Ethics and Alternative Dispute Resolution Correlation.” He stressed the importance of due process, transparency, integrity, and accountability in the workplace, noting that these values are essential for productivity and organizational goals.
The workshop aimed to promote a culture of accountability and integrity in the NDDC workplace. By equipping staff with ADR skills and promoting transparency and due process, the commission can build a more efficient and productive work environment.
By: Akujobi Amadi
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