Thursday 17 March 2016

BREAKING NEWS: A Major, 3 Other Soldiers Killed In Abonnema



A major of the Nigerian Army [name with-held] and other 3 soldiers have been reported killed in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru LGA this afternoon [Thursday] by unknown gunmen. The details of the killing remain sketchy at the time of reporting.

The Rivers State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, will make the details public as soon as they are available to the party.

Chris Finebone
State Publicity Secretary

Real Reasons Governor Wike's Two Work - Free Days Included The Banks



Credible information available to the Rivers State chapter of Progressives Congress, APC, has unveiled the real reasons why Gov. Nyesom emphasised that banks remain closed during the two work-free days he declared yesterday for Thursday and Friday. As part of his ploy to woo voters across Rivers State, Gov. Nyesom Wike had repeatedly announced that N2bn has been set aside for disbursement to beneficiaries of the State microfinance loans in support of PDP candidates in the re-run elections of March 19, 2016.
However, with no fund available for the purpose, the governor ordered the 23 LG Council Caretaker Chairmen to deposit N4.5m each to the Chairman of Rivers State Microfinance Agency last week. But considering the paltry nature of the total amount collected compared to what is required, the governor and his men instead decided to announce Thursday and Friday as work-free days going into Saturday rerun elections.
The idea is that prospective beneficiaries who already have been notified will be persuaded to still vote for PDP candidates believing that after the elections they will begin to collect their loans from Monday. However, the government of Gov. Nyesom Wike has other plans for them. There will be no loan to be disbursed to anyone as fresh stories will be advanced after Saturday’s election and that will be the end of the loan arrangement.
One vivid example that the loan is a hoax is how the disbursement was being speeded up before the Supreme Court judgment believing that there will be a governorship rerun election when it would have been used to get votes from beneficiaries for the governor. But as soon as the Supreme Court affirmed Wike’s election, all arrangements for disbursing the loan died only to be revived close to the legislative rerun elections.
Unable to disburse the money two days to the rerun elections compelled the governor to declare Thursday and Friday work-free non-banking days just to fool the intending beneficiaries in exchange for their votes.
The two work-free non-banking days will be advanced as the reason the loan disbursement has been shelved to Monday. But the APC can assure supposed prospective beneficiaries of the loan that with the election gone, the government will advance other reasons why the loan disbursement cannot happen. The question remains: why was the loan disbursement put off after the Supreme Court judgment only to be brought up close to the rerun elections?

The APC wishes to appeal to all those who have been promised will benefit from the microfinance loan to forget it and vote for candidates of the APC as the Governor of Rivers State and his henchmen do not intend to advance any loans to the people. It is a ruse only advanced to curry votes.

Saturday 5 March 2016

N15b Security Vote – Real Reason Wike killed And Maimed His Way To Power - APC



The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, said it has become clear to it and other Rivers people why Nyesom Wike killed and maimed his way to power as Rivers State Governor.

The APC noted that the revelation is coming to light as information now revealed that the Governor allocated a whopping N15 billion to himself as security vote in the 2016 state budget.

The curiosity of the APC according to a statement signed by its State Chairman, Chief  Davies Ibiamu Ikanya today was aroused when months after the budget was passed, it was tightly kept out of the reach or sight of Rivers people.

“The APC had to repeatedly make public its observation that Gov. Nyesom Wike deliberately concealed the details of the 2016 budget that was passed by the Rivers State House of Assembly [RSHA] for dubious reasons until a few days ago when a concerned former member of the RSHA leaked the budget details to the APC.

“Prior to now, we have repeatedly warned that all the showboating of hard work Gov. Nyesom Wike is selling to gullible Rivers people is mere dummy and facade to steal the people blind while pretending to be working for their interest. We would have been surprised if the situation was different given the known antecedents of Chief Nyesom Wike as Obio/Akpor Council Chairman, Chief of Staff to former Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and as Minister for Education.

“It is now obvious why Nyesom Wike defied every known principle and decency in his quest for power. He ignored his predecessor’s desire to rotate power to another Senatorial Zone; Wike clobbered, intimidated, beat and maimed his own PDP members to forcefully take the party’s governorship ticket for himself; he traded off good conscience and got the buy-in of criminals to kill and maim the people and in exchange gave them tickets to the RSHA all in his bid to become governor of Rivers State. Even when his sham election was annulled, Wike did every unthinkable and unmentionable thing under the sun to get victory at the Supreme Court.  

“It is pertinent to remind Rivers people that under Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State, the highest annual security vote was N3b spread through the year or N250m per month. Now, Gov. Wike has decided to award himself N15b annual or N1.25b monthly security vote. We believe that the difference is very obvious to the people at this point. In the months and years to come, Rivers people will realise that they have not only ended up in a ONE CHANCE BUS but are indeed in a ONE CHANCE BUS LADEN WITH IEDs and  heading for a crash.

“The APC will carefully and critically scrutinize the 2016 Rivers State Budget in great detail and make public areas of concern in the budget in the interest of Rivers people.”

‘James Ibori: Get Prepared To Complete Your 7Months Jail Term In Nigeria’-UK Government

L-R; Jeremy Wright, UK Minister of Justice and James Ibori
  • Buhari Signs Agreement with Britain’s Minister of Justice to Repatriate Nigerians Serving Jail Terms
  • British Government Pledges One Million Pounds (N280 million) for Nigeria’s Prisons’ Reformation
  • “The Two Countries Must Respect the Agreement on Prisoners’ Exchange”-Jeremy Wright, UK Minister of Justice
  • Plus Tough Times awaits Ibori, ex-Delta State Gov in Nigeria Prisons, being a Serial Thief
  • Why Nigerian Government Plans never to Release Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kano to complete his Trial in Britain as a Dual Nationality-Investigation


This may certainly be the greatest humiliation and political extinction of the former governor of Delta State and strongman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), James Onanefe Ibori, as the President Muhammadu Buhari administration have succeeded to have finally signed Mutual Agreement Treaty (MAT) on prisoners’ swap between United Kingdom (UK) Government and Nigeria.

According to the contents of MAT, all Nigerians in various prisons in Britain are to be returned to Nigeria to complete their various jail terms concurrently, while British prisoners in Nigerian prisons are to be relocated to UK to complete their on-going jail terms.

Buhari Signs Agreement with Britain’s Minister of Justice to Repatriate Nigerians Serving Jail Terms

Naija Standard gathered from a top security source in the Presidency (since he is not permitted to speak to the press) that Buhari, a no-nonsense anti-corruption fighter was livid recently when all the financial crimes of Ibori was again brought to his attention in the regular intelligence reports which showed various ways he looted the Delta State treasury as a two-time governor.

Even though Ibori has been serving his 13 year jail term in British prison, when it came to the knowledge of Buhari that the erstwhile PDP ‘untouchable’ is a serial thief, sentenced the third time for theft under questionable circumstance, stealing Delta State money through various fronts and was one of the major financial backbones to PDP in time past, Aso Rock had instructed the Attorney General of Nigeria/Minister of Justice with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate discussion with UK Ministry of Justice so that Ibori, alongside every other Nigerians serving jail terms in Britain would be returned to Nigeria to complete their jail terms. Remember, Ibori got a 13-year jail term sentence in UK for stealing a whooping sum of $250 million of public funds belonging to Delta State government meant to develop social amenities and give the people good health care system.

‘James IBORI: Get Prepared to Complete Your 7 Months Jail Term in Nigeria’-UK Government

Days after that, British Ministry of Justice reportedly told the press that MAT was undertaken by Britain and Nigeria for prisoners’ exchange and transfer. And to make the whole process looks credible, Jeremy Wright, UK Minister of Justice, announced a donation of one million pounds (about N280 million) to assist in the comprehensive reformation of Nigerian prisons.

In the words of Wright: “Nigerians serving jail terms in the United Kingdom will soon be transferred to Nigeria to complete their period, following an agreement signed yesterday between the Federal Government and the UK government. It is the importance of the two countries respecting the agreement, since there is need for the state of prisons in Nigeria to be improved. We have promised to give Nigeria one million pounds (about N280 million) to assist in the comprehensive reformation of Nigerian prisons to ease the stress of the inmates.’

But same security source in Nigeria’s presidency squealed that it it primarily because of high-profile Nigerian prisoners like Ibori that the One Million pounds (N280million) donation was announced, so that the delay tactics of Nigerian contractors, poor construction practices and bureaucratic bottlenecks would compel the Buhari administration to ensure Ibori is moved into the normal, insect-infesting, epidemic-endangering, diseases susceptible and dilapidated Nigerian prisons where the ‘once’ strongman would feel the pain, suffering of Nigerians who witness prisons’ experience as British prison is seeing to be full of luxury.

He said: “A lot of Nigerians don’t know what is happening. They don’t know what is going on in the minds of President Buhari. Quote me, the return of Ibori is his final end, politically. He will be demystified in the eyes of Nigerians as a thief. His name will finally be ruined. He will suffer the pain Nigerians in various prisons normally go through. So you think Ibori would be returned into a refurbished and modern prison inside Nigeria? Never! Buhari would ensure that the process of handling out the prisons’ reform projects would delay towards the twilight of his administration. Before that time, Ibori would have been brought back and put into Nigerian prison. Buhari is determined to cut him to size, so that after his jail term experience, everyone would avoid him like an outcast. Anyone who steals Nigerian money in public offices is Buhari’s enemy. Tough times await Ibori ahead. I can tell you that Ibori has no way of escape the anger of Buhari’s war on corruption. As at today, Buhari administration sees Ibori as serial thief.”

Why Nigerian Government Plans NEVER to Release Radio Biafra Director, Nnamdi Kano to complete his Trial in Britain as a Dual Nationality-Investigation

Investigation by our correspondents showed that the Buhari administration is fully in the know of various human rights violation presently done against Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as led by their leader, incarcerated Radio Biafra director, Nnamdi Kanu who is being charged for Treason crime by Nigerian government for trying to ‘overthrow the Federal Republic of Nigeria and planning cessation of Biafra out of Nigeria as an Independent Nation.’ Amnesty International, on the forefront exposed series of mass murder cases, killing, torture, arrests and dehumanization carried out by Nigeria’s security operatives; to which Buhari government kept silence.

Fear in Buhari’s administration is, going by our inside security source in Villa: “Buhari is aware Nnamdi Kanu possesses dual Nationality of Nigeria and Britain. He knows how a section of British parliament support Biafra’s demand. He could feel Biafra agitation across the world. The presidency knows if his government mistakenly release Kanu to continue his on-going trial in the open, the whole world would see how his fundamental human rights are violated or coerced to talk, which will eventually lead to further demonstration and breakdown of law and order by Biafra’s supporters. For this reason Aso Rock wants to do his trial in camera devoid of the press. Nigerian presidency is in panic that if Kanu is allowed to face trial in UK, definitely Britain would set him free and assist him in establishing Biafra’s independent nation being Nigeria’s former colonial master.”

[nigeriastandardnewspaper.com]

Atiku At Send Forth For Ex-MD Of Ecobank

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a handshake with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh while the former Managing Director of Ecobank, Mr Jibril Aku looks on during the send forth dinner for the former bank boss in Abuja 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a handshake with former Managing Director of Ecobank, Mr Jibril Aku at the send forth dinner for the former bank boss in Abuja

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a handshake with Senator Danjuma Goje after Jumat prayer in Abuja

Friday 4 March 2016

Atiku Condoles Gov. Ganduje Over Mother's Death



Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condoles Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State over the death of his mother, Hajia Fadimatu Umaru Ganduje on Friday.

In a statement issued by his media office in Abuja on Friday, 3 March, the former Vice President says Hajjia Fadimatu lived a fulfilled life.

According to Atiku, the deceased had lived long enough to see her children realize their dreams in their professional fields.

The Turaki Adamawa notes that a mother's love is the deepest for any family and therefore, says he knows the pains of Governor Ganduje.

The former Vice President says as character moulders, a mother is a great positive influence on her children, and their well being.

Recalling his own experience as a child, Atiku notes that "a mother is always ready to sacrifice her all to make her children happy, and it is on this note that I commiserate with the Ganduje family over the loss of its matriarch."

The former Vice President says the greatest tribute to a mother is to live by her virtues.
He prays to Allah to grant the deceased eternal rest in peace.

"Go And Patch Up The PDP Severely Torn Umbrella" Rivers State APC Tells Prince Secondus



The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC said it has come to its notice that the Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, who was just released from EFCC detention over 23 choice vehicles he received from dubious quarters, has blamed his incarceration on a Minister from his home state, Rivers State.  

In a release by the APC Spokeman, Senibo Chris Finebone said the only Minister from Prince Secondus’ home state is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, CON, Minister for Transportation and leader of the APC in Rivers State.

“If by any turbulence of the mind occasioned by physical and psychological pressure of detention Prince Secondus meant that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has a hand his travails, the APC would like the PDP Deputy National Chairman to provide explanation on his charge to Rivers people, nay Nigerians” the statement explained

The APC asked Prince Secondus a number of questions: “Is Prince Secondus the only Nigerian being questioned by the EFCC at the moment? Has Olisa Metuh, his compatriot and fellow traveller, Abba Moro and others blamed Ministers or politicians from their home states for their travails so far? Did the PDP buy the 23 cars from his friend Omokore? Did Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi ask him to collect the cars that he would pay but later reneged?  Is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi the EFCC boss? Where lies the connection?”

The statement further reads: “The APC finds it laughable that Prince Secondus could not remember to do what most criminals do when they are caught in the act – blame Satan for tempting them and owning up to their crimes. He had all the days in detention to rehearse what might sound like a credible story for us poor Nigerians rather than pointing at an innocent man working so hard every other day to deliver on the onerous tasks of the Nigerian transportation sector.

“The Rivers State APC wishes to tell Prince Secondus to go in search of his clothing where he had his bath and refrain forthwith from dragging the name of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi and the APC into the conundrum of corruption he created for himself. Prince Secondus should, for once, adorn the garb of courage and stew in his own juice without attempting to obfuscate Nigerians who already know better.

“We encourage Prince Uche Secondus to do all he can to extricate himself from the claws of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption moving train so that he can help to patch up the PDP severely torn umbrella – something that is getting bleaker and bleaker by the day.”

PASAN Did Not Seal Up Delta State House Of Assembly - Henry Ebireri




The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Henry Ebireri, on Friday urged journalists in the state to stop encouraging misinformation, rumors, lies and appealed to them to pay attention to facts and veracity.

“The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) did not seal up the Delta State House of Assembly. Members were never chased out by anybody. Nobody scuttled Tuesday’s sitting” he said.

Ebireri, who in a statement issued in Asaba, described the story as false, said, “Mister Speaker is a responsible leader.”

“If some journalists in Nigeria and abroad choose to go into the gutter, we will not do the same” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Tuesday criticized the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter for presenting incorrect information to the House.

He also advised members of PASAN to get their facts right on the special duty allowance.

“I got the information from the Clerk of the House that the workers are agitated over the removal of SDA. I called the Head of Service and commissioner of finance. They assured me that the Special Duty Allowance (SDA) has not been removed but just suspended for the purpose of verification exercise. They want to authenticate those that are entitled to it genuinely. SDA is backed by law and the only way it can be removed is when the law is amended” he said.

Speaking to workers of the assembly on Tuesday, Igbuya reminded the workers that there is only one head of service in the state.

“To say that Parliamentary workers are not under the head of service is not correct. There is only one head of service in the state. The law clearly states that the Clerk of the House is by appointment rated like the head of service. It does not remove her completely from the head of service. Secondly, you are responsible to the clerk of the house. The Clerk is the administrative head of the assembly. The clerk must be respected. I urge you to channel your grievances to the clerk. It does not make administrative sense to be side tracking the clerk and rushing to the office of the speaker at every given opportunity”.

Igbuya told the workers that he understood the sentiment driving the expression of protest.

 “It’s very important to strengthen conditions of service but we must have in mind the dwindling financial resources of the country, particularly Delta State.

The speaker noted that the state is experiencing financial difficulties.

Igbuya who took the opportunity to remind the workers of the fundamental purpose of the government, said it was incomprehensible that the workers could replace suspension with removal, asked for patience and understanding.

He also called on the workers to respect the clerk.

 On workers outfit, the speaker queried the separation of staff of the assembly and the commission, stressing that the unnecessary division was not caused by him.

He urged the House Committee on establishment to look into the agitations of the workers and make recommendations.

He equally advised PASAN to verify their facts before acting on them.

The workers commended the speaker for the audience given them and thanked him for their Christmas gift.

In another development, prominent Urhobo political leaders under the aegis of Delta Central Good Governance Forum (DCGGF) Friday described as laughable, the story that some Urhobo sons in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are interested in the governorship seat in 2019, saying the matter should not even be discussed as it shows how petty those behind the story have become.

Rising from an emergency meeting in Sapele, the leaders advised critics of the government and paid writers to contextualize their statements before rushing to the press.

“These writers and those behind them are either ignorant of the cordial relationship existing between the top PDP leaders or have chosen to play to the gallery for pecuniary gains” the leaders said.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of DCGGF, Chief Maxwell Agofure, the leaders said detractors were bent on creating crisis in the state.

“It is obvious that some individuals in the state intend to expose top government functionaries to ridicule, hatred and contempt” the leaders said.

The leaders praised the Delta State House of Assembly Speaker for using his knowledge acquired through experience and education for the advancement of the state.

They also applauded Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the rapid improvement in the state’s economic fortunes. .

''We will like to inform Deltans at home and abroad that contrary to what the spoilers are saying, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Chief Igbuya are working together to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Delta State."

Caring about the principles of fairness, justice and equity, the leaders vowed to rally round Governor Okowa and ensure his victory in 2019.

” Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is a born leader, a good listener, an achiever and a go-getter. We enjoin all the good people of Delta State to shun any act or ploy to deceive them”


"Given the present reality and projections from that reality, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa will be governor for eight years “the leaders added.

Thursday 3 March 2016

Alhaji Haruna Rasheed (Danamar Din Kano) And ABU Alumni On Courtesy Visit To Atiku


Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a handshake with, Alhaji Haruna Rasheed (Danamar Din Kano) when he led a delegation to ask for the hand of the daughter of one of  his senior aides, Alh Mahamud Abdullahi in marriage at his Asokoro residence in Abuja.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a handshake with former Minister of Labour, Dr Hassan Lawal when a delegation from Kano led by Danamar Din Alh Haruna Rasheed (Danamar Din Kano) to ask for the hand of the daughter of one of his senior aides, Alh Mahamud Abdullahi in marriage at his Asokoro residence, in Abuja

National President of ABU Alumni Association, Dr Ahmed Tijjani Mora presenting books to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar while a member of the delegation looks on during a courtesy visit by the executive of the ABU Alumni association at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar 6th (R) in a group photograph with members of ABU Alumni Association during a courtesy visit by the executive of the ABU Alumni association at his residence in Asokoro, Abuja

Princewill Bears His Mind On Rivers Re-Run, Says Wike, Amaechi War Is Almost Over



After the recent Supreme Court judgment, I spoke from my heart. Just like then, I feel compelled once more, to say a few words. Having observed the recent killings, the unrest and the state of insecurity in the state and with the forthcoming rerun elections in mind, I'd like to address both my supporters and the supporters of the candidates in other political parties, especially the youths.

Political parties come and political parties go, politicians who are on opposing sides in the morning, may end up exchanging words in the afternoon and enjoying laughter and drinks together at night. When the dust settles, we will still need you all, alive and well. My greatest joy from the last election was that none of my supporters lost their lives. Bad as e bad, there will always be a tomorrow. Therefore there will always be hope, as long as we are alive. This is not do or die. Nobody wants to associate with soul killers. Living by the sword only invites the sword into your life. Think deeply. Shun all forms of violence.  Even verbal, carry go will still return back to us. Power is transient and it rests with God, so please find peace. I needed to say this to you. And you need to listen.

I will not lie that the implication of the Supreme Court judgment on the card reader is a cause for concern. If PDP can disregard card readers in 2015, why will APC not attempt to do likewise in 2016? Free and fair elections were never a standard in these parts, but now, I fear the arrival of a new law. For those who will still participate in the exercise, I will not tell you how to vote, my preference has always been for the person, not the party. Just like I will not insist my doctor or my Pastor must be a Labour Party member. I'll vote for candidates based on their competence. Those who shun violence and have an agenda for their people will always get my attention. As I said in my last statement, any Labour party candidate who is serious and needs my support, they will certainly get it. I know a few, so I will support them. Life is not black and white. There are more than two parties.

Both Amaechi and Wike are my friends. I don't hate either of them. We had differences in political opinion and sometimes disagreed on method and approach, even when there was agreement on direction. On the subject of Jonathan, I agreed with Wike. On the subject of the 2015 election in Rivers state and its conduct, I agreed with Amaechi. Both issues are now in the past and so we have to move on. Wether you like it or not, Wike is the Governor of Rivers state and so his failures or successes belong to all of us. I will always continue to volunteer my support to either of them, in the event they seek it, providing I can do so from within my party and they are prepared to genuinely listen. I will not take sides with either PDP or APC. To me, they are both the same. Two sides of same coin.

Besides, this is not the time for division; it is the time to unite. Granted there is a rerun election on the way, but it will soon come and go. By His grace, we will still be here. Let us think beyond just elections. Now that I am back, I will seek to build consensus where we can agree, between parties and among the political class. Wike, Dakuku, myself. The challenging environment that we are faced with, impacts all of us. We need a multi party approach to our problems and all hands will need to be on deck to achieve solutions. Wike is Governor for all. Not just PDP. He needs to avoid responding to every APC comment, avoid the pettiness of politics and focus on governance. Yes the elections don't help, but fortunately they are around the corner. So let them come and go. We are falling behind. We have no time to quarrel and fight. People are leaving PH daily and so are the businesses. Insecurity is rife. Where will the jobs come from and how are we going to empower the youth? That alone should be the priority for all of us. So please do not die for APC or PDP. Live for Rivers state and let Rivers state live for you.

Let me close by saying that as much as I have focused these past few months on getting my businesses back on track and finishing projects like my movie 76, I have never taken my heart or my eyes away from Rivers state. I see the senseless killings and I condemn them in their entirety. I put a lot personally into moving this state forward. I wanted to make Rivers state a new "Dubai" as Governor, but God had a different plan for us. It must not be me leading, but this Rivers state must still move forward. That is non-negotiable. I felt the same way in 2007. I feel the same way today. I pray that we select our words, choose love over hate and forgive those who have trespassed against us. To all those I have offended, let me be the first to beg for your forgiveness. It is time to let bygones be bygones. We all make mistakes. That is why pencils have erasers. There is plenty of work that is needed to be done. Let us agree to begin to do it.

Ondo Governorship Poll: Party Exco Shuns Senator Alasoadura


Senator Tayo Alasoadura

The chances of a senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District of Ondo State, Senator Tayo Alasoadura of clinching the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the November 26 governorship election are now slim following the refusal of some party chieftains to attend a meeting convened by the senator.

Alasoadura was said to have convened a meeting with party executives in Akoko North East local government and likely delegates about his ambition but was shocked that only few of them attended the meeting.

Those who shunned the senator was said to be holding another political meeting at a the exact time the senator was expected to meet them.

Those in the meeting convened by the executives include 20 members of the local government executives, 13 ward chairmen and other party chieftains.

Speaking with us, the Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Ekunnusi Liadi said they decided to shun the meeting because of the anti-party tendencies of Alasoadura.

It will be recalled that Alasoadura was among the APC senators who went against the party’s directives and supported the ambition of Bukola Saraki of becoming the senate President.

Ekunnusi, who was furious while speaking tagged the senator as a betrayer and inconsistent man.
He lamented that he betrayed the party national leaders, particularly Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu and he could not be trusted with the party’s ticket.

According to him, “How then can he now come to us again to gain from the party which he intentionally laboured to destroy and put to disrepute?

“The last time he came here, he embarrassed us, telling us that the Akokos are not ripe to be governor now; and also canvassing for our support to fight Tinubu in the south west”.

The vice chairman vowed that the people of the local government will never be a party to anything associated with Senator Alasoadura because of his disloyalty to the party and insults to the Akoko people.

Also, a chairman of a political forum in party Unity forum, Sunday Orunko, flayed Alasoadura for his excesses.

He alleged that the senator had been boasting that Akure would soon continue to rule the state as Igalas are ruling in Kogi state.

Besides, he accused the Federal House of Representatives member representing Akoko North-West/North-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Stephen Olemija of abandoning aspirants from the northern senatorial district, especially the Akokos, to pledge his support for an aspirant from the central district.

“In Julius Ceasar, it is said that ‘what glory followed Ceasar to Rome?’ Today, what have we achieved from Olemija despite all our sweat and labour to send him to the National Assembly? Alasoadura confirmed that Tinubu gave him N5 million during his campaign, yet he betrayed him; can we follow such persons?”

Orunko stated that Alasoadura and Olemija were two political failures that cannot hold any positive sway in the party, affirming that the latter, who is their kinsman and enjoyed the goodwill of the people to the National Assembly, have lost all political relevance in his base because his constituents have passed a vote of no confidence on him.

The APC Youth Leader in the council, Hassan Fesojaiye asserted that the youths and the electorates in the area will never associate themselves with Olemija and Alasoadura, claiming that they both represent, in the contrary, what the party stands for as progressives in the country.

Fesojaiye decried the criticism against Tinubu by Alasoadura, whom he said told them at the last meeting that they should support him to fight the National Leader from the south west because he only considers people from Lagos and Ogun axis for political appointments.

“These are the reasons why we: the 20 exco members in the local government, the 13 ward chairmen, other party leaders, chieftains and the entire youths, have decided to let the whole world know that we shall never associate ourselves with betrayals and renegades like Alasoadura and Olemija,” he said.

All efforts to speak with Alasoadura during his meeting in Ikare-Akoko proved abortive as his security guards never allowed our correspondent have access to the Senator.

Rivers State APC Is A Family And A Water Tight Team – Dakuku Peterside



Swift Reporters recently came across a publication by an online portal; www.allxclusiveinfo.com saying that “Rivers APC Crisis: Dakuku and Semenitari in Fresh Showdown”.

In the publication, the author said that “Dakuku camp of the All Progressive Congress (Rivers State Chapter) has blasted the M.D of the NDDC Mrs. Ibim Semenitari for accompanying the Senate Committee to visit the state Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike”

In a Swift reaction to the publication, Dakuku Peterside responded by saying “this is a fabrication from the pit of hell concocted by PDP people who for the blood they have shed and lies that is their way of life is headed for hell. I thought this lie is too cheap to be taken seriously. You know the APC is a family and a water tight team & what they are imagining is not possible. Give it the treatment this piece of trash deserves.”

When Swift Reporters contacted the Senior Special Aide On Media And Public Affairs To The State Chairman Of APC, Rivers State Chapter, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said “I need not to get to anybody to clarify this as this is a poor hatchet job by Wike and PDP propaganda Team to cause disaffection among the Rivers APC Leadership but we are too big to be deceived by such a fallacious and wicked falsehood from the pit of hell. There is no atom of truth in the report as both Dakuku and Ibim and other APC leaders are united in the struggle to put things right in the politics of Rivers State.

He went further to state that “we should try to differentiate between Ibim Semenitari the MD of NDDC and Ibim Semenitari the APC Chieftain. As the MD of NDDC, she has a statutory role that covers the six states of South South that includes Rivers State plus the two States of Abia, Imo in South East and one other State in the South West. Today, the Senate is probing the Sixteen years of NDDC stewardship and if they are to visit the Rivers State Governor on the issues pertaining to NDDC, are we saying that Ibim should not accompany them because she is an APC Chieftain while most of the Senate Committee members are also APC members?”

“Ibim, the APC chieftain knows the challenges facing us as a party been one of the arrow heads of this struggle and one of the most persecuted among us. In case we have forgotten, she was the only fellow invited to appear before the then dreaded NSA to GEJ when the heat was on us at Rivers State. Apart from this, she was a target at the Okirika rally attack. Knowing how dreadful she (was) and is, her house in Port Harcourt was attacked immediately Wike took over as the Governor and her personal jeep towed by the Rivers State Government just to publicly disgrace her. So if anybody is trying to blackmail her from any reason such a fellow doesn't know how we operate in Rivers State APC.”

“Let me also state that in Rivers State APC, we have no Dakuku's faction or any faction pertaining to anybody but one united, virile and vibrant Rivers State APC under the leadership of Amaechi. We have not concluded the 2015 elections and people are already speculating about 2019 elections. Let me also state further that nobody takes any decision for the party until such a decision is sanctioned and approved by the stakeholders of the Chapter; talk less of people positioning themselves for the 2019 elections.” Chief Eze said.


Chief Eze went further to say “Finally, not minding d stand of anybody let me reiterate that both Dakuku and Ibim are united towards ensuring that Wike pays for all his sins against us and the Rivers State people so discard this trash by Emma Okah which you call a report”

Federal Government Reiterates Support For NESG To Grow Economy



Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma has reiterated Government’s desire to continue to work with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and the private sector to develop the country’s economy. 

Udoma made this known on Tuesday, in Abuja during the formal presentation of the final summary report of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) Session 21 which held in October last year.

Chairman of NESG, Bukar Abba Kyari, who led a delegation of the group on a courtesy visit presented the report (the Green Book) to the Minister.

Udoma who commended the Group for volunteering their time and effort and working at their own expense, said that they deserved every commendation because it was remarkable for them to have continued in organizing this annual summit every year for 21 years.

He also appreciated them for not giving up even when some of the Summit recommendations were not given expected attention, pointing out that the impact of the annual Summit on Government has been most impressive. 

According to him, some of the policy recommendations that were initially resisted, are now being given consideration by Government, noting in particular that one of the most important things taken from last year’s Summit is to diversification of the nation’s economy away from oil.

The minister also reminded that the country cannot grow its economy unless the private sector is stimulated, which is why some of their recommendations were already part of Government’s policies assuring that other recommendations would be looked into.  

Earlier, the Chairman of the board of Directors of NESG, Mr. Abba Kyari, while presenting the summary of the 21st summit, said that  the theme “Tough Choices: Achieving Competitiveness, Inclusive Growth and Sustainability” was consistent with the NESG’s commitment to continually focus on contemporary issues of public policy, which constrain improvement and the welfare and well-being of our people.

According to the Chairman, the main objective of NESG 21 was to examine and facilitate stakeholders’ consensus on the tough choices that needed to be made in order to address the economic situation that the country had found on the heels of commodity price shocks, chart a practical roadmap to achieving competitiveness and inclusive growth in a sustainable way, through measurable outcomes.

He went further to state that the Summit engaged in high-level and in-depth discussions and debate which included Current State Analysis of the Economy; Country Scenario Presentation; National Budget Framework to Aid Competitiveness, Inclusive Growth and Sustainability; Sustainable Solutions for Peace and Threats to Human Security among others.

On the recommendations from the Summit, Mr. Bukar listed Institutions, Infrastructure, Legislations, Tackling Corruption, Security, Energy, Education and Skills, Health, Job Creation and MSMEs as the key recommendations that hold the thrust for tough choices.

He however, concluded that if the Summit recommendations be taken into account and appropriately implemented, all growth poles in the Nigerian economy will unleash their potential for employment generation and economic productivity which are critical to Nigeria’s overall economic and human prosperity.

Bukola Saraki Replies Obasanjo, Promises To Cut Waste, Fight Corruption




President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has formally replied a letter ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo wrote to the National Assembly on January 13, accusing the country’s federal lawmakers of corruption, greed, lawlessness and impunity.

This came barely days after the Senate President took delivery of exotic cars for the Senate.

In his reply, dated January 29, Saraki responded to Obasanjo’s concern, saying the 8th National Assembly under his leadership was already taking deliberate steps to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure prudent management of resources.

“This is to ensure that we plug all leakages and minimize waste across our expenditure systems,” the Senate President said in the two-page letter.

“Likewise, the 8th National Assembly has made the issue of plugging leakages and cutting wastages in our public expenditure system a major priority that should not be toyed with. This may have happened in the past but it will not happen with us,” he said.

The former President had in his letter, addressed to Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, accused the lawmakers of fixing and earning salaries and allowances far above what the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission approved for them.

He also alleged that most of the 109 senators and 369 members of the House of Representatives were receiving constituency allowances without maintaining constituency offices as the laws required of them.

He faulted the plans by the lawmakers to acquire new exotic cars for themselves, saying “whatever name it is disguised as, it is unnecessary and insensitive.”

He advised that “a pool of a few cars for each chamber will suffice for any Committee Chairman or members for any specific duty.”

But in his response, Saraki told the former President that the lawmakers were fully aware of the challenges the nation was facing.

He said:  “As leaders with a duty, we will not disappoint Nigerians in their yearnings for a more transparent public expenditure system.”

On corruption, Saraki said the National Assembly was working with President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the menace in the country.

According to him, the legislature was already overhauling its oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in federal ministries, departments and agencies.

He said: “We are hand in glove with the President on this matter and this is why we are overhauling our oversight functions to make it more effective in exposing corruption in the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

“We recognize the hard work our anti-corruption agencies are putting into this fight.  The Senate is resolved to support them to perform their duty effectively by providing them with adequate funding where necessary, as their work in integral to our oversight responsibility.”

Rivers State Government And The PDP Are The Sponsors Of Cultism, Criminality And Terrorism In The State – APC Rivers State




FULL TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE RIVERS STATE CHAIRMAN OF APC, CHIEF [DR] DAVIES IBIAMU IKANYA, JP ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2016 AT THE APC STATE SECRETARIAT, 43 FORCES AVENUE, OLD GRA, ORT HARCOURT

Gentlemen of the Press,

Good morning and welcome once more to the Rivers State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress.

We wish to draw your attention and indeed the attention of all Nigerians and the entire world to the unfortunate but State sponsored increasing insecurity, impunity and arm twisting of the Judiciary in Rivers State.

GOVERNOR NYESOM WIKE, HIS ATTORNEY-GENERAL, E. C.  AGUMA (SAN) AND THE RIVERS STATE JUDICIARY

It is a great irony that Gov.Nyesom Wike who had boasted on several occasions that if an election was conducted 100 times in Rivers State, he would win it 100 times. In fact, in one such silly boast, he stated that even if the election were conducted by the UN, he would still win.

With the election only a few days away in which the wisdom and veracity of that silly boast shall be tested and instead of allowing the process to commence on an even keel with all the candidates, Nyesom Wike and his Attorney General have dragged the Rivers State Judiciary, now headed by the Hon. Justice Adama Iyayi-Lamikanra, Ag. Chief Judge, into it with a view to using the Judiciary to disqualify a good number of the APC candidates even before the poll is commenced.

Why desire to use the Judiciary to disqualify people you have bragged about several times you will win any day in any election even 100 times?

Our candidates for the House of Assembly elections, Hon.Chidi Lloyd of Emohua Constituency and Leo Anyanwu of Omuma Constituency, have been sued before the Port Harcourt High Court in which Chinwe Aguma and Co; the Law firm at Ogbunabali belonging to the Attorney-General which filed the action, claiming that these two APC candidates be disqualified from the election. Their ground is that the Primaries of the APC, held since December last year and on which they contested the April 11, 2015 election that was voided by the Court of Appeal, are suddenly, not a valid primary.

Curiously, this is the same point the PDP canvassed at the election petition tribunal and at the Court of Appeal which roundly rejected the argument and dismissed it.

The Supreme Court has also, in several Decisions, dismissed such arguments. But, because Nyesom Wike and his Attorney-General have never ever loved merit nor believed in fair play but rather, embrace underhand methods of competition, they have now approached the Rivers State Judiciary to sit on appeal against the decisions of the Court of Appeal which also ordered the reruns.

They have been putting pressures on Judges of the Rivers State Judiciary to truncate democracy and put the scheduled rerun elections in jeopardy by disqualifying our candidates before the rerun election.

We have it on good authority that following the rejection of the pressure by three Judges who refused to handle the matter and returned the case files, they have continued shopping with huge cash inducement for a ready and ethically-challenged Judge who will accept the brief and quickly disqualify Chidi Lloyd and Leo Anyanwu before the rerun election so as to pave way for a cheap PDP victory.

We have it also on good authority that other suits are on the way against other candidates of the APC for disqualification on the same dubious ground of not 21 days notice to the INEC before the APC primaries.

Already, several suits filed by Wike and his Attorney General have been assigned to Justice Omereji, the same Justice Omereji and some other Judges, to obtain a blanket injunction against the Police and all the security agencies restraining them from arresting any PDP member before and during and after the election. Clearly, the state judiciary has been enlisted against the election rerun.

We ask: what manner of Judge and justice is that, which, in such a blanket manner, prevents security agencies from doing their statutory work? So, if the PDP members are committing any crime especially in relation to the election rerun, they should not be arrested. The security agencies should not do their duty.

Surely, only a person who has pre-planned to commit crime goes to shop for such judicial cover before the act.

We remind all honest-hearted people of our not-too-palatable-past in which the judiciary was shut down for over a year. Sincere persons know that it was Wike’s untamed appetite for political power that led to the hostilities which eventuated to that shut down of the judiciary. The same Wike now would not give the judiciary and his politics a wide berth: He is actively enlisting the same judiciary to his politics with the aim of using court orders obtained from unscrupulous judges to cause another round of humiliation of and crises in the justice sector.

Why don’t you leave the judiciary alone and out of the election and allow anyone who wins to be challenged at the Election Tribunal set up for that purpose instead of seeking for a disqualification from ethically-challenged judicial persons when, clearly, such disqualification should have been sought before the main election of which the March 19 election is only a rerun?

Governor Wike’s merit-averse Government and his equally merit-averse Attorney General should be held responsible should another crisis befall the state judiciary or any Judge gets the Akanbi treatment.

As a responsible Political party, the APC hereby assures its teeming supporters that it shall not stand idly-by and watch a hapless and conscienceless Judge, no matter his or her connection in the NJC, allow him or herself to be a hand maiden to Wike’s style of politics of corruption and lack of merit. We shall resist that with every ounce of our strength.

INSECURITY AND CRIMINAL KILLING OF APC MEMBERS IN RIVERS STATE

You will recall that the All Progressives Congress has since last year been calling the attention of the whole world to the killing of its members by agents of the PDP in Rivers State. This criminal activity has continued and has reached an alarming proportion.

We hereby draw your attention to the killings in Ogba/Ebema/Ndoni, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Andoni, Khana and Ikwerre LGAs amongst others.
The recent incidence in Bori was planned and executed by the Governor of Rivers State in order to stop Senator Magnus Ngei Abe from winning the forth coming Rerun Elections seeing that the entire Ogoni people have accepted the candidature of the Distinguished Senator.

The same Governor Wike who approved the Military action against criminals in Yeghe particularly Solomon Ndegbara alias Osama Bin Laden who has killed many people including the ones Wike is showing on television, is the same person who leaked the information to Solomon. The same Governor Wike set the stage for the violence by calling on his PDP members in Ogoni to stop Magnus Abe by all means. The word “ALL MEANS” speaks of violence and the people responded by bombing the Senatorial Office Building belonging to Senator Magnus Abe.

Solomon and his cultists ambushed the soldiers and shot at them. Definitely Solomon must have been aware that the Military Operation will take place that day.

Information has it that the notorious criminal, Solomon Ndegbara, has been meeting with Governor Wike even in Government House Port Harcourt. Governor Wike visited Bori in company of Solomon Ndegbara who has been previously declared wanted by the Police many times. What will such a person be doing on the entourage of a Governor?

Apart from planning the ambush of the soldiers, Governor Wike has continuously carried out media war against the Nigerian Military.

The All Progressives Congress, Rivers State was shocked to see the quantity of arms recovered by the Military in Solomon Ndegbara’s residence in Yeghe alone and the number of criminals arrested. That quantity and quality of arms is enough to start a war.

Governor Nyesom Wike in his wicked outburst against the Military refused to mention it, just as his Government has refused to hand over Sobomabo Jackreece to the Police. The Police had raided Sobomabo’s house in Buguma and recovered arms and ammunition and hundreds of PVC. So far the Police and Military operations have revealed that there are so many illegally acquired arms in Rivers State and this is a security risk to the nation. Also Governor NyesomWike and his team have refused to hand over the notorious Charles Ejima Igwedibia alias Donwani who has killed over 100 persons in ONELGA.

Governor Nyesom Wike and his PDP have planned a Black Day Procession in Bori, What a Shame! A Government is sponsoring a procession against itself. By the planned procession, Governor Nyesom Wike has shown without any doubt that he, his State Government and the PDP are truly the sponsors of cultism, criminality and terrorism in Rivers State.

We commend the Police and the Military for the raids so far carried out on the criminals and urge them not to be deterred by the wicked and irresponsible outburst of Governor Wike which is only aimed at instituting criminality and causing terror in the State by hoisting cultists on the State. Governor Nyesom is turning Rivers State into another North East. Nigeria cannot fold its arms and allow that.

Governor Wike on many occasions threatened to kill Electoral Personnel who will conduct the Rerun Elections in Rivers State. The position of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State is that Governor Wike and the PDP be called to answer questions on that statement. They should be held responsible for any violence before, during and after the Rerun Elections in Rivers State.

Governor Nyesom Wike must stop abusing President Muhammadu Buhari. Governor Nyesom Wike must stop challenging the Federal Government of Nigeria. Governor Nyesom Wike cannot run a State Government as if the State is a Country within the Country.

We call on all Nigerians to rise in defence of Democracy in Rivers State. We call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to call Governor Nyesom Wike to order. We call on the Nigerian Police Force and the Military to continue to protect lives and property of people living in Rivers State and to bring criminal and terror activities in Rivers State to an end so that citizens will be free to exercise their rights and privileges as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

INSECURITY AND CRIMINAL KILLING OF APC MEMBERS IN RIVERS STATE

You will recall that the All Progressives Congress has since last year been calling the attention of the whole world to the killing of its members by agents of the PDP in Rivers State. This criminal activity has continued and has reached an alarming proportion.

We hereby draw your attention to the killings in Ogba/Ebema/Ndoni, Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Andoni, Khana and Ikwerre LGAs amongst others.

The recent incidence in Bori was planned and executed by the Governor of Rivers State in order to stop Senator Magnus Ngei Abbey from winning the forth coming Rerun Elections seeing that the entire Ogoni people have accepted the candidature of the Distinguished Senator.

The same Governor Wike who approved the Military action against criminals in Yeghe particularly Solomon Ndegbara alias Osama Bin Laden who has killed many people including the ones Wike is showing on Television, is the same person who leaked the information to Solomon. The same Governor Wike set the stage for the violence by calling on his PDP members in Ogoni to stop Magnus Abbey by all means. The word “ALL MEANS” speaks of violence and the people responded by bombing the Senatorial Office Building belonging to Senator Magnus Abbey.

Solomon and his cultists ambushed the soldiers and shot at them. Definitely Solomon must have been aware that the Military Operation will take place that day.

Information has it that the notorious criminal Solomon Ndegbara has been meeting with Governor Wike even in Government House Port Harcourt. Governor Wike visited Bori in company of Solomon Ndegbara who has been previously declared wanted by the Police many times. What will such a person be doing on the entourage of a Governor.

Apart from planning the ambush of the soldiers, Governor Wike has continuously carried out media war against the Nigerian Military.

The All Progressives Congress, Rivers State was shocked to see the quantity of arms recovered by the Military in Solomon Ndegbara’s residence in Yeghe alone and the number of criminals arrested. That quantity and quality of arms is enough to start a war.

Governor Nyesom Wike in his wicked outburst against the Military refused to mention it, just as his Government has refused to hand over Soboma Jackreece to the Police. The Police had raided Soboma’s house in Buguma and recovered arms and ammunition and hundreds of PVC. So far the Police and Military operations has revealed that there are so many illegally acquired arms in Rivers State and this is a security risk to the nation. Also Governor Nyesom Wike and his team have refused to hand over the notorious Charles Ejima Igwedibia alias Donwani who has killed over 100 persons in ONELGA.

Governor Nyesom Wike and his PDP have planned a Black Day Procession in Bori, What a Shame! A Government is sponsoring a procession against itself. By the planned procession, Governor Nyesom Wike has shown without any doubt that he, his State Government and the PDP are truly the sponsors of cultisim, criminality and terrorism in Rivers State.

We commend the Police and the Military for the raids so far carried out on the criminals and urge them not to be deterred by the wicked and irresponsible outburst of Governor Wike which is only aimed at instituting criminality and causing terror in the State by hoisting cultists on the State. Governor Nyesom is turning Rivers State into another North East. Nigeria cannot fold its arms and allow that.

Governor Wike on many occasions threatened to kill Electoral Personnel who will conduct the Rerun Elections in Rivers State. The position of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State is that Governor Wike and the PDP be called to answer questions on that statement. They should be held responsible for any violence before, during and after the Rerun Elections in Rivers State.

Governor Nyesom Wike must stop abusing President Muhammadu Buhari. Governor Nyesom Wike must stop challenging the Federal Government of Nigeria. Governor Nyesom Wike cannot run a State Government as if the State is a Country within the Country.

We call on all Nigerians to rise in defence of Democracy in Rivers State. We call on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to call Governor Nyesom Wike to order. We call on the Nigerian Police Force and the Military to continue to protect lives and property of people living in Rivers State and to bring criminal and terror activities in Rivers State to an end so that citizens will be free to exercise their rights and privileges as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


Thank you all.