We’ll Deploy CNG To All NNPC Stations By December, Says Kyari

Retailing stations operated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would have the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by December, Group Managing Director (GMD) Malam Mele Kyari, said on Monday.

According to him, the deployment will be extended to independent retail stations as the NNPC plans to replicate the plants in about 200 to 300 non-NNPC owned petrol stations by the end of 2021.

Kyari, who spoke with reporters in Abuja after “The Value chain Third Annual Lecture & Awards, said: “We are deploying in all our stations. Like we said, by December we will deploy it in all NNPC stations. We would have deployed it to all our retail stations. We are expanding and by next year, we will see this deployed in 200 to 300 stations across the country, not only NNPC stations.”

The lecture has “The role of media in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry Reform & Investment” as its theme.

On the topic, Kyari said the new media defies what the corporation does. He decried the setback that adversarial journalism and fake news pose to national development and urged the conventional media to serve as a veritable validation source to the social media news.

The NNPC boss said: “There is a journalism now that has come. It is called new media or fake news. Today, journalism is on people’s telephone handset. You can have an individual not a corporate entity with a million audience. There is no control over what he does.

“So, companies should refocus on the new media as wrong information is planted on the minds of the people and you will never able to take it out.”

He sought a synergy between the corporation and the media in order to have an avid understanding for exactly what the corporation does.

Presenting his paper, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO) Secretary-General, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, noted that most of the journalists covering the oil and gas beats, lack insight of the industry and the issues involved.

He bemoaned the dearth of entering qualification and standard that permeates the Nigerian media industry.

Ibrahim urged the National Assembly to address the issues of Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) and that lawmakers should enact a law to be called Energy Journalists Fund.

According to him, petroleum is a critical sector, which its information deserves a special attention as such a fund in the rank of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) is desirable for the promotion of oil and gas journalism in Nigeria.

The Technical Adviser, Gas Business & Policy Implementation to the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Justice Derefaka, said the sector is so technical for the understanding of even engineers and to say the least, the journalists.

Data Protection: Nigeria’s Success Story

By Isiaku Ahmed

The good news, according to Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of NITDA, is that records show that so far in Africa, Nigeria is one of the most active countries in respect of data protection. The country is one of very the few in the world that has begun using data audit filing as a basis to measure compliance. He noted that a total of 635 audit reports were filed with NITDA. It is also important to point out that 36.3% of the filed reports is from the financial services industry.

With the intrusion of the COVID-19 pandemic into normal lives, there is now a swift recourse to more creative ways of living, working and learning. This has been rightly described as the “new normal” in different corners of the world. Abdullahi opined that this new normal being created will significantly be enabled by digital services, and data would be the primary driver of its sustainability. “Before the digital revolution, customer trust was primarily based on product quality. But with technology, as our lives have moved online—socially and financially, the trust has shifted to focusing on how customers’ data are protected,” the NITDA boss stated.

The banking sector is a primary target for data breach due to the superficial value of the underlying data. Therefore, the proactiveness of this sector in complying with the NDPR and Information Technology standards and regulations is a welcome development, which will in turn build trust in customer relationship. Although it is acknowledged that the financial industry is doing comparatively well, there is still room for improvement.

To a large extent NDPR has been a success story. Although the revolution of digital transformation has taken considerable effort since the issuance of the NDPR, Nigeria has turned the corner in her quest to be recognized as a digital country. Noted Abdullahi, “The level of compliance is growing at a fast rate, with the requirement to file a data audit report serving as the key compliance indicator. Article 4.1(5) of the Regulation requires the filing of an initial data audit report and a subsequent annual audit report by every data controller and processor. This process provides a regulatory overview of the state of data governance in the reporting entity. Likewise, it has helped us understand the necessary intervention points to improve data governance, cyber-security, and privacy protection.”

Before the introduction of the NDPR, no Nigerian entity could boast of compliance with data protection laws. Selected multinationals had some level of compliance imposed on them by their parent companies. But all of that changed within one year. The NITDA boss said from almost zero compliance, the country has recorded impressive growth in compliance with data protection. “Nigeria now has a verifiable database of statutory audit reports filed by various entities. This is however a significant leap considering the low level of awareness and various challenges faced by all stakeholders,” he stated.

"Initially”, Abdullahi recalled, “there were some resistance from various quarters regarding NITDA’s statutory powers and capacity to implement the NDPR. But the resistance helped to stimulate and focus the Agency on delivering valid results. Critical stakeholders represented by Data Protection Officers (DPO) have validated NITDA’s innovative approach to NDPR implementation. And the Agency’s role in pioneering data protection in Nigeria is also critical as the experiences garnered so far would be of immense benefit to the country."

In a survey NITDA conducted in July 2020, 74% of the respondents opined that the NDPR met the need of the Nigerian environment; 76% said the unique introduction of Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCO) helped in their compliance with the NDPR. 72% noted that NITDA has provided the necessary support for industry adoption of the NDPR. The respondents put the rate of public awareness at 54%, which is the lowest score. But, 85.3% of the respondents stated that the NDPR compliance enhances good perception about their businesses.

According to the NITDA boss, these responses have contributed in determining three actions to be taken, which are: increase in public awareness, upgrade of the NDPR to an Act of the National Assembly and enforcement of punitive sanctions. Raising awareness is particularly important as the people are strategic to the success of NDPR. Individuals have a duty to make reports about data breaches, but they have to know about NDPR before they can do this. There is a need to create awareness through the various media outlets so that people would understand what NITDA is doing with NDPR and the role they are expected to play.

However, it is necessary to highlight some of the achievements of Nigeria’s data protection journey over the past one year. The first point to make is that the African Union Working Group on Data Protection Harmonisation and Localisation (Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa- PRIDA) has appointed NITDA as Vice-Chair of the working group. Secondly, NITDA has licensed over 70 Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCO). Thirdly, the DPCO industry has created over 2,700 new jobs in the last one year. Fourthly, NITDA has inaugurated Data Breach Investigation Team in conjunction with the office of the Inspector General of Police, Fifthly, the data protection sector is now valued at N2,295,240,000 (using median value of audit implementation cost)

In addition to the above, NITDA also issued 230 compliance and enforcement notices within a year, initiated and deposited 8 data breaches with the police, resolved over 790 data breaches and investigated and fined Lagos Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) for breach. This case happens to be the first data breach case closed in Nigeria.  The Agency has also helped the Federal Government earned the sum of N12,650,000 and has issued a supplementary guidelines on Use of Personal Data by Public Institutions and is currently working on the NDPR Implementation Framework 2020 which will be published soon.

The important lessons here are that there is no doubt that government can stimulate economic activities through regulations. And there is a need to do more in that regard. Customers should be aware that covid-19 has accelerated digital adoption and increased privacy and cybersecurity risks. Last but not the least, there is a need for more awareness on data privacy issues and everyone has to be on board.

Kudos to the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM and Director General National Information Technology Development Agency

#TownHallMeeting Cum Citizens' Engagement By Gov. Fayemi In Preparation Of #EkitiBudget2021 Fiscal Documents

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has assured the Ekiti people of his administration’s commitment to all-round development of the state with particular focus on the health sector as it commenced activities marking its second anniversary on Monday. .

The Governor said the 2021 budget would focus more on health care delivery assuring that the government would establish at least one health facility in each of the 177 political wards of the state.

Dr Fayemi, who stated this on Monday during his town hall meetings with the citizens of the state in the three senatorial districts- North, South and Central, as part of preparation for the 2021 budget, recalled that the effort had become an annual ritual since his first term in office aimed at ensuring community participation in budget preparation.

The event, which coincided with the commencement of the second year anniversary of the governor had all the communities present their needs by their selected representatives according to their priorities at the meetings which held in Ikole, Ikere and Ado-Ekiti..

The Governor noted that his administration was irrevocably committed to participatory and all-inclusive government and budgeting adding that the purpose of the meeting was to interact with the representative of various towns and communities to articulate the needs of the communities for inclusion in the 2021 annual budget.

“This town hall meeting, which is in consonance with our agenda of good governance, is in fulfilment of the requirement of our government and requirement of our budget preparation. It also conforms to the objectives of open government partnership which I recently inaugurated in Ekiti state. It is heartwarming to note that Ekiti State is the first state in the southwest to subscribe to the open government partnership.

“The import is clearly to demonstrate that good governance cannot happen if we did not listen to the genuine yearnings of our grassroots and it is our duty to promote accountability and transparency in our dear state. It is common knowledge that we have limited resources at our disposal, however, inadequate resources should not hinder us from delivering on our electioneering promises to our people.

“This budget is going to be more health compliant than any other thing, you will witness in 2021, a comprehensive completion of rehabilitation of all our General Hospitals in the state. You will recall that I started the reconstruction and rehabilitation of General Hospitals, State Specialists Hospital during my first term in office, some of that work was not completed, unfortunately the government that took over left them at the point we got to and some of the works that we’ve done in those hospitals have even deteriorated. So we need to start from scratch in many cases and no local government would lose out in the process.” Dr Fayemi explained.

The governor also reviewed the performance of the 2020 budget and noted that the budget of N124, 724, 869,355.95 had to be slashed due to global outbreak of coronavirus pandemic lockdown to N91 Billion. He said this was done to meet the state’s economic reality which now accorded priority to critical sectors of the state, which included healthcare delivery, agricultural and rural development and infrastructure development in response to the pandemic and to reposition the economy of the state.

While promising the communities that their demands would be addressed and the basic one included into the budget, Dr Fayemi assured the people that water rehabilitation initiative which had so far covered Ero and Egbe Dams would be extended to Itapaji dam in 2021 to support the agriculture processing zone that cut across the three senatorial districts adding that the water from the dams would also serve the purpose of irrigation.

Dr Fayemi however promised to take the community rural project more serious while preparing the 2021 budget adding that government had expanded the scope of the community and rural development so as to increase government presence in all the communities.

He used the opportunity to remind the people that Health Insurance scheme had already kick start and the most vulnerable people must avail themselves of the opportunity by key in to it.

The governor further promised the people that his government would not only embark on aggressive personnel recruitment drive in all the health facilities but would also ensure that such facilities were well equipped for effective service delivery.

He stated further, “And as you may be aware, our health insurance scheme has started, I do not think all of our people are utilizing this effort yet, maybe on our part, we need to do more sensitization but on the part of the communities too, we need to alert our people that health insurance is now available at least for the most vulnerable segment of our population and this is our way of ensuring we continue with our free healthcare programme for those that are entitled to this in our state.

“We would put personnel there, we would ensure there is electricity there, we would ensure there is water there and ensure that there are drugs at any point in time that you visit that one primary health centre in our wards. We are also recruiting more health personnel at the primary healthcare level as well as well as the secondary healthcare level to attend to the yearnings of our people.

Earlier, the commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Femi Ajayi noted that the approach of community participation in budget preparation has stimulated confidence of the people on the government.

The commissioner noted that the meeting would afford the grassroots people opportunity to interact with the governor and present the needs of their community for consideration in the annual budget.

The representatives of the people comprising the traditional rulers used the opportunity to commend Dr Fayemi for his efforts aimed at repositioning the various sectors of the economy.

Highlights of the requests of the community include reinvigoration and strengthening of agricultural development projects; township and inter-community roads rehabilitation to ease transportation of farm produce to the markets, improved healthcare services; neighbourhood markets; provision of pipe borne water and electricity; and ecological problems among others.

Engineer Sule Wants Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman To Intervene In Lingering Crisis Between Tivs, Jukun

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has called on the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) of Northern Nigeria (which includes the 19 Northern States and Abuja), Reverend Yakubu Pam, to extend his peace initiative in Southern Kaduna, to reconcile the Tivs of Benue State, with Jukuns in Taraba State.

Engineer Sule made the call while hosting Rev. Pam, who doubles as the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), at the Government House, on Monday.

The Governor specifically called on the Northern Nigeria CAN chairman, to convene a peace summit either in Benue or Taraba State, with a view to reconciling the warring Tiv and Jukun communities.

Engineer Sule offered to actively participate in the process in order to bring lasting peace to the two neighbouring states, which will in turn translate to peace in Nasarawa State.

While identifying peace as being vital to every aspect of development, the Governor emphasized that Nigeria and Nasarawa State, cannot afford not to have peace.

He said that explained the decision of his administration to make concerted effort to ensure lasting peace within the state and between neighbouring states.

Engineer Sule used the opportunity of the visit to commend Rev Pam on his recent peace initiative in Southern Kaduna, which has continued to witness incidences of banditry and communal clashes, stressing that he is willing to hold similar summit in Nasarawa State after that of either Benue or Taraba State.  

The Governor however pleaded with the Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman, to seek to be part of those implementing the recommendations contained in the report from the peace summit in Southern Kaduna.

“Please Sir, it’s not just the report that you will hand over to Governor El-Rufai. Rather, the implementation of that report is more important than the report,” he stated. 

Engineer Sule thereby impressed on Rev Pam on the need for him to continue with the process, so he  can implement the recommendation, in order to bring enduring peace in Southern Kaduna.

On the CAN Chairman’s request for the government to sponsor more Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, the Governor said Nasarawa will not perform less than last year, which earned the state recognition.

He showed appreciation to his Deputy, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, for the wonderful job he did to sanitize the Christian pilgrimage, as well as ensure cordial relationship between the state chapter of CAN and the Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board. 

On the partnership for agricultural training for farmers in Israel, the Governor expressed readiness to partner with NCPC for some farmers from the state to be trained in Israel.

In his opening remarks, the Northern Nigeria CAN Chairman, commended the courage demonstrated by Engineer Sule when he chose to complete projects initiated by his predecessors, describing the feat as unusual. 

Rev. Pam equally commended the Governor who on his assumption into office, convened a stakeholders meeting, reached out to neighbouring states, with a view to enacting a roadmap for peace, knowing that peace is essential.

He said the purpose of the visit was to show appreciation to the Governor, for allocating the highest number of seats to Christian pilgrims last year. 

Rev. Pam however appealed to the Governor to further increase the number of seats for Christian pilgrims from the state, as according to him, the pilgrims are going to the holy land to pray for Nigeria and Nasarawa State to have peace.

The NCPC Executive Secretary was accompanied on the visit by top officials from the commission, the Nasarawa State CAN Chairman, Bishop Joseph Masin, Executive Secretary of the state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. David Ayewa, among others.

#NigeriaAt60: Zungeru The Cradle Of The Nation, Baro An Ancient Settlement For European Merchants & Baro Port The Then Link Between Rail & River Transport; How Far, So Far.

 

By Mary Noel-Berje

As Nigeria clocks 60, Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, dissects the significance of Niger State, in particular, Zungeru and Baro in the making of the Nigeria's socio-political and economic development.

At the midnight of 1st October, 1960, a young Nigerian Army Officer, named Lt Col David Ejoor, lower the British Flag, the Union Jack and hoisted the Nigerian Green White Green Flag, signaling the beginning of self-rule. By midnight of Wednesday, 1st October, 2020, Nigeria would have clocked 60 years of journey of nationhood.

In annals of the Nigerian history, one State that has remained indispensable is Niger State. To begin with, apart from serving as a hinge that connects the south and northern part of Nigeria, the history of the creation of Nigeria, is weaved around Zungeru and Baro towns of the State.

Also, Niger State, no doubt has contributed immensely to the leadership development and dynamics of Nigeria. Two illustrious sons of the State, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar both served as heads of state at strategic juncture of Nigeria's journey of nationhood. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's era marked a seismic shift in the leadership engagement and strategic planning, which culminated in a developed Abuja, today.

On the other hand, General Abdulsalami Abubakar has been severally described as the father of modern democracy in Nigeria because he midwife the Fourth Republic by refusing to be carried away by the allure of power.

As Nigeria clocks 60 years of Independence which signifies the commencement of freedom from the Colonial rule and the beginning of a sovereign nation, it is a landmark achievements that should not be overlooked.

However, the Nigerian story can not be succinctly told without the mention of Zungeru and Baro towns.

Zungeru an ancient town in Niger State, North Central Nigeria is known to be the former seat of the colonial government in Nigeria, where the proclamation of the amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates in 1914 was made by Sir Lord Fredrick Lugard.

The town is specifically located in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, Zungeru, the glorious past of Northern Nigeria and indeed the country, is surrounded by Tegina to the Northwest, Kagara to the North, Minna to the Northeast and Wushishi to the South. River Kaduna remains its faithful neighbour for years.

Zungeru played a prominent role in the political history of Nigeria as it functioned for 14 years as Northern Nigeria's capital city. It is also there that the name Nigeria was first proclaimed more than 100 years ago by Sir Lord Fredrick Lugard. Hence it is the birth place of the nation called Nigeria.

The name "Nigeria" was coined by the British Journalist who covered Anti-slavery in Brussels and wife of Lord Lugard, Flora Shaw in 1897 during the colonial period.

Aside from being the birth place of Nigeria, the town has the singular honour of hosting the birth of a former President of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the former Biafrian warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a literary icon, Professor Cyprian Ekwensi and many other notable Nigerians.

All these and many more made the town to be a flourishing town which served as a centre of unity beyond the amalgamation of Nigeria.

Although the town was without trappings of modernity, electricity, tarred roads portable water, concrete buildings roofed with corrugated iron sheets etc., before the colonial rule, all these amenities and many more came with the colonial government but were however limited to the British quarters.

This formed the platform and the beginning of rapid transformation to modernity in Zungeru town.

Having tasted modernity more than a centenary now, and coupled with the fact that it is the nation's cradle, the sleepy and serene linear settlement despite its past glory has been reduced to one of the many neglected villages in the country, lacking in basic social amenities.

Baro on the other hand, is also an ancient town in Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, located 650 Kilometres up the Niger River. The name Baro was coined from a Nupe word Gbaro means "standing".

The community is endowed with surface and underground water resources with lush vegetation that has remained a major attraction till date.

It is also one of the early settlements of the Colonial Masters especially European Merchants who chose the town as a link between rail and river transport. The Merchants beseiged the area to take advantage of the enormous trading opportunities on the river banks.

While the quiet community hosted Sir Lord Fredrick Lugard after leaving Lokoja, the ancient town also house the first high frequency radio in Nigeria built by the same Colonial Master, Sir Lord Fredrick Lugard at the 1500ft above sea level.

Other monuments of Lord Lugard situated in the ancient town are his residence, Guest house, West African Frontier Force Barracks and graves of missionaries among others.

The port however, was used to ship groundnuts and cotton to downstream to the Niger Delta ports of Burutu and Warri.

Most of the town's local trade is in Sorghum, Tubers of Yam, Rice, Millet, Fish, Palm Oil, Shea nuts, Groundnuts and cotton. Swamp Rice is also cultivated in commercial quantity both by farmers in the vicinity and at Government's Rice irrigation projects sites at Loguma 15 Kilometres Northwest and Badeggi 55 Kilometres Northwest also.

The ancient towns played significant roles in the political and socioeconomic history of the Nation. Aside the roles strategically played by the aforementioned towns, the State in particular is over 76, 000 square kilometre in size, which is the largest in the country. It also has the highest number of Federal roads that transverse the State.

All these are critical and sensitive areas worthy of commanding the attention of the relevant Federal Authorities towards facilitating rapid growth and development of the entire State. Alas, the State has not been receiving the motherhood treatment from the center of authority as expected.

It is worthy of note that successive Federal Governments had attempted to fast track development in these ancient towns and by extension, the State, the efforts which even saw the immediate past Administration at the centre embarked on ground breaking ceremony of 700 Magawatts Zungeru Hydro Electric Power Plant Project in addition to the three (3) existing ones situated in the State and the award of contract of the Baro inland port as well as the roads leading to the port.

The Zungeru hydro power plant is expected to create employment opportunities for an estimated 7,000 population after completion, the Baro Inland Port is also hoping to provide 2,000 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs to the people.

While the Zungeru power plant is expected to be completed in December, 2021, the first unit is expected to start power generation to the National grid in December, 2020

The completion of Baro Inland Port project on the other hand is yet to be sighted even as the Federal roads that lead to the Baro Port and also link the port with other parts of the country which should have served as catalysts to the operation of the port are in bad shapes.

The present administration of President Buhari, considering his deep personal attachment to the Baro Inland Port project as he assisted in the design of its complex during his time as chairman of the defunct Petroleum Special Task Force (PTF), believes that the port when completed would enhance intermodal transportation connectivity in Nigeria, reduce the pressure of heavy trucks on the country’s roads and also ensure huge economic opportunities for Nigerians as well as help in decongesting similar ports.

However, the facility is still lying dormant since its commissioning over one year ago.

With the situation getting bad, a book of remembrance was however opened for Zungeru town by the Governor Abubakar Sani Bello led administration who amidst tremendous challenges, demonstrated an uncommon leadership capacity by setting precedence of good governance according to people's needs.

Knowing the significant role Zungeru play in the political history of Nigeria, the present administration saw the need to initiate projects that could help in bringing back the lost glory of the famous town after been abandoned for several decades.

Among the projects carried out by Sani Bello's government in the ancient city is the recently completed 6.5km road project from Zungeru bypass to Zungeru main town.

The road project which was inspected and assessed by the State infrastructure, projects monitoring and implementation committee set up by the state government to monitor all ongoing infrastructural projects so as to ensure compliance with agreed terms between the government and contractors certified that the Zungeru road project meet the requirement of a standard road.

Another area of interest for the administration of Governor Sani Bello towards the residents of Zungeru is electricity.

While efforts are on to make the epileptic power supply in the town a thing of the past, the State Governor had appealed to the people to continue to be patient as government is resolute to once again develop the famous town.

Though with the efforts made by the present administration in Niger State, life would be said is about to return to the birth place of the nation, however, more needs to be done by government at all levels to bring back the lost glory of the two ancient towns in the State even as the relevant Federal government authorities have assured that concerted efforts are being made to ensure the completion of the roads leading to the port and for the take off of activities at the port.

Beyond the rehabilitation of roads and commencement of operation at the Baro Port, provision of electricity at the port is also crucial to accelerate economic activities which would bring about the desired development of the town, even as the nation celebrates it's 60th year of Independence.

And with the beautiful theme for this year's Independence celebration as unveiled recently by the Federal Government thus "togetherness" signifying that despite our religion, ethnic, social and political differences, we are still together. Government at the centre should therefore treat it's birth town and State with renewed and redefined concerns.HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NIGERIA.

LONG LIVE ZUNGERU!

LONG LIVE BARO!!

LONG LIVE NIGER STATE!!!

LONG LIVE NIGERIA!!!!

 

Mary Noel-Berje is the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger state.

Ondo Election: Gombe Governor Congratulates Akeredolu, APC.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state has congratulated his Ondo state counterpart, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN  on his victory in the October 10 governorship election in the state.

In a statement, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the landslide victory of Akeredolu and the governing All Progressives Congress, APC as a validation of people's trust and confidence in the party and the Governor's leadership.  

Governor Yahaya who is also a member of the APC Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, expressed confidence that Akeredolu will use the second mandate to consolidate on the laudable achievements he recorded in his first term.  

The Gombe Governor said, “It is with immense pleasure that I warmly congratulate my good brother and friend, His Excellency, Governor Oluwarotimi  Akeredolu, SAN on his re-election for a second term in office. “I have no doubt in my mind that this fresh mandate is another opportunity to build on the foundation of development and prosperity already laid by His Excellency in Ondo state. I pray Almighty God will continue to guide and enrich him with more wisdom to accomplish the good work he has started four years ago".

Northern Governors Celebrate Governor Inuwa Yahaya At 59

The Northern Governors Forum has sent warm felicitations to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on the occasion of his 59th birthday. 

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State Simon Bako Lalong described Governor Inuwa as a man of excellence and compassion who has brought his progressive ideals to governance of Gombe State. 

Lalong said Governor Inuwa is a man who has demonstrated great commitment to the plight of the poor and vulnerable by initiating programs and projects that continue to lift them out of poverty, illiteracy and health burdens. 

He said "we are proud of his achievements and acknowledge his wonderful contributions within the Northern Governors Forum as we work in synergy to harness the potentials of our region and make the lives of our people better. He is an embodiment of intellect, humility and honesty".

While wishing him many more years of peace and good health, Governor Lalong urged him to continue to deploy his energy and goodwill towards touching the lives of people in Gombe State, the Northern region and Nigeria as a whole. 

Pres Buhari Felicitates With Gombe Governor At 59

President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State on the occasion of his 59th birthday, October 9, 2020.

President Buhari rejoices with the founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), recognising the important roles he played in championing good governance and economic development in Gombe State, where he served as the Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development for seven years before being rightly elected the 4th Civilian Governor of the State on May 29, 2019.

As a leader who is passionate about the welfare and the common good of all, the President prays that the celebrant will live long in health and happiness to celebrate all that he is working so hard to achieve for the benefit of all Gombe people.

Gombe Governor Meets President Buhari

 

...makes case for speedy exploitation of oil and gas in north east

...seeks FG's support to tackle menace of gullies in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has met with President Muhammadu Buhari where he made a case for the federal  government to mount pressure on the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR to begin the exploitation of oil and gas in the State as well as the whole of Gongola Basin so as to create job opportunities and boost economic activities in the north east sub-region.

Biefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of his meeting with Buhari at the presidential Villa in Abuja, the Governor said since the discovery of oil and gas in Gombe and Bauchi States and by extension the entire Gongola Basin, the people of the area are looking forward with high hopes to the commencement of oil exploitation which he noted will provide job opportunities for the people, enhance economic activities and create a launching pad for Gombe to join the league of oil producing States in the country.

“With the discovery of oil and gas in Gombe and Bauchi states, and specifically, in the whole of Gongola Basin, we seek to get the support of the federal government, so the pressure will be mounted on the Nigerian National Petroleum corporation, NNPC and the DPR for them to see to the fact that the exploitation of oil and gas deposit that is available in Gombe and in fact the wider Gongola Basin is encouraged so that economic activities will be triggered, our people will have jobs and  Gombe will join the league of oil producing states.”

He also told said that the Dadin Kowa Hydropower has the potential of generating power to be used by the State and the soon to take off Gombe industrial park as well as for irrigation farming. He commended the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for recently awarding the contract through thr Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria,  TRIMMING irrigational facilities.

"Mr President is fully aware that Gombe State is putting up an industrial park which is likely going to take off by the end of the year and with this we hope to attract investors who will come and join us and put up agro allied industries so that the whole value Chain of Agriculture can be harnessed for the benefit of the people".

On his administration's flagship projects of network eleven hundred and Gombe Goes Green 3G, Governor Inuwa Yahaya said prior to his assumption into office as Governor of the State, he recognized that one of the fundamental challenges of the people was road inter connectivity to link communities and Local Government headquarters as well as the State capital.

He said it was for this reason that his administration initiated the 'network eleven hundred' to build at least one hundred kilometres of road in each Local Government Area of the State so as to Open up the state for the free movement of human, goods and services.

"You see eighty percent of our people are peasants farmers so if we are able to link them up with the 'network eleven hundred' which intends to put up one hundred kilometres of road in each Local Government Area of the State, we would  have succeeded in easing the stress of our people and so far I can say we are doing well because at the moment there are projects going on in all the Local Government areas of the State aiming at achieving the target".

Governor Inuwa Yahaya said the Gombe Goes Green 3G project was borne out of his administration's desire to regenerate the environment which is at the mercy of desertification and poor land utilisation.

He said a lot of the State forest reserves have been depleted due to poor agricultural practices which has become incumbent on his administration to provide vegetational cover through reforestation to protect the soil and provide shade for plants and animals.

"With the Gombe Goes Green  project, we aim to achieve two to three things that is by planting trees we have provided engagement to the youth who are already working in conjunction with YESSO and the economic trees also being planted side by side will be beneficial to the people in the long run".

The Governor said the State has been playing a comforting role housing those fleeing the boko Haram and other crisis within the North East sub-region, describing the development as putting a strain on the State educational, Social and environmental standards.

He said his administration has been in constant touch with the Federal Government on how best to manage issues relating to security in the State in view of the current status of the State which is now home to individuals whose identity and capacity to commit crime is not known.

“Those that have been displaced by insurgency have resettled amongst our people. As far as the issue of displaced persons are concerned, neigbhouring Borno and Yobe, we have an arrangement for them to settle with our people, so we don’t have IDPS camps per say. So, the people have acclimatized and have gotten used to living with our people and they are doing very well.”

On the recent flood disaster that ravaged most part of the country, Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the case of Gombe as unique in view of its geographical location which situates it in a valley, appealing to the Federal Government to come to the aid of Gombe State in tackling the menace of gullies threatening lives and means of livelihood. 

"The issue of recent flood that has been affecting the whole country. Much as we don’t have rivers around Gombe but the flood around the river banks of Gongola, which is covering two of the local government areas has  equally affected us and also resettlement of most of our people.

“But most importantly, because Gombe is situated between valley and because of poor practices and lack of proper environmental management, gullies have developed.

“You might have seen in the last few weeks, the effect of gully erosion in Gombe state. So, erosional upset has really devastated the lives of our people and has really become a problem and there is need for us to seek support from the federal government.

“As at the moment, there are 200 active gullies in Gombe which has affected the lives and livelihoods of a lot our people. So, we brought that to the notice to Mr. President for him to see how best he could attend and render some help especially from the ministry of environment, and more importantly, through the federal government's understanding with the World Bank via the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project which Gombe has keyed into.

“Once we are able to get that, we hope our problem of gully erosions will be solved partially if not fully. “

On the number of people displaced by flood, the governor remarked that over 3,200 families have been displaced, saying that government is trying to provide them with alternatives.

 

He explained: “Of recent, in two local governments we had about 3,200 families that have been dislocated. But we have been trying to provide alternatives.

“At the moment, we are designing layouts from which we will relocate all resettlements that are on flood plains and on gullies which are normally susceptible to floods.

The Gombe Governor said he used his visit to show solidarity to the President over the way he has handled the covid-19 pandemic as well as other state matters.

Engineer Sule Direct Officials To Map Out Template For Supporting Persons With Disabilities

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has directed top government officials supervising the state Rehabilitation Board, to come up with a template on how government will support persons with disabilities in the state.

Engineer Sule gave the directive while playing host to a delegation from the Nasarawa State Rehabilitation Board, at the Government House, on Thursday.

The Governor who asserted that Nasarawa State will continue to set the pace when it comes to care and concern for people with special needs, specifically directed the commissioners, Special Adviser and Senior Special Assistant supervising the board, to come up with a plan for supporting persons with disabilities in the state.

While commending the Executive Secretary of the board, Sarah Dogo and her management for the good job they continue to do, Engineer Sule said persons with special needs in the state have continued to do proud to former governor Senator Umaru Tanko Al-makura, who has been in the forefront in promoting their issues not only in Nasarawa but the country at large.

He promised that his administration will continue to support persons with special needs, for them to be independent and be in a position to cater for themselves and add value to the society.

“The various requests that you have made are very genuine and fair. 

“For those who have spent a lot of time trying to learn all these various skills, they definitely need all kinds of support, for them to be able to cater for themselves. And I promise you I will keep up with your request and I will do the best I can to ensure that,” the Governor said.

Engineer Sule further appreciated all those with special needs who have demonstrated that they can do better than some so-called abled persons.

The Governor promised to expedite action on the planned constitution and inauguration of the members of the state’s Disability Rights Commission earlier passed by the state House of assembly.

Earlier, in her introductory remarks, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Rehabilitation Board, Sarah J. Dogo, presented some persons with special needs who were sponsored by the state government and have obtained various qualifications ranging from HND, NCE, first degree and even masters, for employment.

Dogo said most of these graduates have proficiency in different skills areas and would require support in terms of grants so they can practice their skills in order to sustain themselves, contribute to the society and generate revenue to government.

She equally called for the constitution and take off of the Disability Rights Commission promulgated by former governor, Senator Tanko Al-makura.

During the visit, some persons with special needs presented the Governor with some of the products of their vocational skills.

Engineer Sule Canvases For Review Of Revenue Sharing Formula Between FG, States

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has called for a review of the revenue sharing formula between the Federal Governments and states, stressing that there is absolutely no way the FG alone, will be taking far more than all the states in the federation.  

Engineer Sule made the call while hosting a delegation from the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMFAC), at the Government House, on Thursday.

While describing the current sharing formula between the three tiers of government in the country as obsolete, the Governor pointed out that both the states and local governments are not getting appropriate share of the revenue mostly because the data used in allocating revenue are also obsolete.

Engineer Sule pointed out that no local government area in Nasarawa State can be able to pay salaries of workers without support from the state government mostly because the data used in allocating revenue to the councils are not correct.

Citing Karu Local Government Area as an example, the Governor said a transparent and fair exercise for data generation will most likely show that Karu LGA alone has one million people.

“We can’t plan properly without having proper data. And we believe that we should have proper data. 

“By the time you carry out this exercise and I mean it with all sincerity, you will discover that the population of Nasarawa State is almost twice what the records are showing today,” he stated. 

Engineer Sule thereby tasked members of the RMFAC team covering the North Central geopolitical zone, to go about the exercise with every sense of transparency, justice and fairness, as that is the only way that both state and local governments can arrive at a fair share of the revenue.

“We keep planning to build roads, water scheme, institutions of learning, medical facilities in Karu LGA alone, for instance, for the number of people that the data is showing us but in reality, each time they are overstretched. 

“And the only reason they will continue to be overstretched is because the data that we are given are purely false data, they are obsolete,” the Governor said.

Engineer Sule however said his administration is putting appropriate measures in place towards making Nasarawa State less dependent on federal allocation, adding that the data to be generated will also be utilized for the purpose of internal revenue generation. 

“Nasarawa State should be able to generate enough revenue on our own, to sustain herself and then what will come from the federal will be to supplement the effort of what the state is doing. 

“That is the direction we are going by the grace of God,” he said. 

Earlier, in his opening remarks, leader of the RMFAC delegation, Hon. Barrister Patrick Mgbebu, said the team were in the North Central to carry out advocacy and sensitization on data generation and management, for the review of the revenue allocation indices for states and local governments.

Mgbebu, who is the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State, said only a transparent exercise can ensure justice, equity and fairness to all parties.

He pointed out the last document was obtained in 2012 and have since outlived its five-year lifespan.   

Members of the RMFAC team include the Federal Commissioner representing Nasarawa State, Alhaji Ali Abdulkadir.

Celebrating Governor Inuwa At 59

By Ismaila Uba Misilli 

It was the Scottish writer, Thomas Carlyle, who famously stated that the history of the world is but the biography of great men, reflecting his belief that heroes shape history through both their personal attributes and divine inspiration. But Carlyle had only popularized ‘The great man theory’, an idea which explains history via the impact of great men or heroes on society.

For obvious reasons, the above represents a fitting narrative of the life of Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as he turns 59 today, 9th October.  

As we rejoice with him on this historic day even as we also pay attention to his enviable public service and altruism, we are confronted with the remarkable impact which an individual could make in regenerating society.

And expectedly, politics and governance have dominated his public persona in recent times as many know him mainly as a politician without acknowledging him as an astute technocrat who served for a considerable period in the old Bauchi State civil service rising to the position of Principal Accountant and later as a trailblazing Commissioner of Finance in the administration of then Governor Danjuma Goje. 

For me as a close observer of this ingenious man from Jekadafari ward, we cannot fully evaluate his current standing without recourse to his solid academic background as a brilliant accounting graduate from Ahmadu Bello University and vast experience in both private and public sectors, garnering in the process, a diversified knowledge base which have been most useful in leadership positions especially as Governor of Gombe State.   

Since he took over office in 2019, Governor Yahaya has matched effective leadership with a broad vision, imbued with hard work, sacrifice and innovative thinking and thus turning the tide even in a challenging political environment. Everything has, however, worked as planned. 

It is important to reckon with the tough realities he met on assumption of office, a situation which required some realistic stand on the urgent need for reforms, and a basic step that had since led to the expected renewal in the state. From cleaning the proverbial Augean stable by instituting a pragmatic ethical standard and integrity in the governing process, building requisite institutions, thereby overcoming the profligacy of the past to the spectacular civil service reform and policies and programmes, it was too clear to the governor the right route to foster efficiency and enhance qualitative and result-oriented services to the people of Gombe State. Of course, this became imperative for instilling probity, public accountability and transparency required in any modern administration if government were to be effective and efficient. This is also the basis for public trust in a democracy. 

Although he is still running the course of his first term in office, the record of achievements in relation to his campaign promises is giving hope to a greater future he has always said his administration embodies, particularly in the areas of education, health, infrastructure, security, agriculture, water provision, job creation and responding vigorously to the enviromental degradation and challenge of climate change in the state.

In achieving on these issues, one strategy he has employed aside some fundamental home-grown development initiatives has been exploring ways and means of creating and strengthening ties with development partners.

 Of course, partnership is a strategic step in contemporary development thinking, considering the fact that Gombe is not a rich state in relative terms coupled with the pressing economic and financial challenges even before the Covid-19 pandemic threw most local and international economies off balance with the attendant development constraints.

So far, Governor Yahaya, symbolically, seems in good stead with these partners cutting across multilateral organizations, government agencies, ministries and parastatals as well as renowned foundations and thereby making Gombe State a sort of preferred destination of development partners. 

It is noted here that government and governance generally can be enhanced by bringing it into partnership with other critical stakeholders and upholding some basic policies that can encourage public investments. In this regard, the core as the Gombe State experience has shown is that government’s involvement in partnerships is predicated on the benefits of strengthening social capital. Issuing from the foregoing are two premises of interest: that government has the potential to institutionalize sustainable development in ways that few other organizations can manage and that government also has the potential to do this on a large scale. However, there’s a caveat here: government must exhibit a sound organization and responsibility to attract partnerships.

This is the propelling force behind Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s almost restless engagement with such development partners as the UN, UNICEF, USAID, Bill and  Melinda Gates Foundation, Taj Bank, NDE, ECN, Ministries of Agriculture, Environment, Water Resources, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Communication. Among others are the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), SDGs and most recently the Nigerian Airforce.

A common thread binding all these partnerships is that they are crucial in the strategic interest and development concerns of Gombe State and in consonance with the government’s central vision of service delivery to the people.   

For example, from UNICEF and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a lot of help had come for the good health of Gombe children, where like in most parts of the country, a vast number are vulnerable but receiving some good attention. Similar collaboration is playing out in the Ministry of Agriculture where Gombe has keyed into all federal government’s agricultural programmes and projects for the benefit of farmers and the entire citizenry. Closely related here is the new partnership with the Taj Bank, a non-interest financial institution setting up a branch in Gombe which could boost financial inclusion and unlocking opportunities especially in agricultural development and small scale enterprises.

 Collaboration to strengthen social inclusion and protection programme at home, support to strengthen social safety net and poverty reduction had also led Governor Yahaya to the Humanitarian Affairs Minister, the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and Humanitarian Coordinator (HC), Mr. Edward Kallon and SDGs offices in Abuja respectively where very positive resolutions were made to support the cause of development in Gombe State. The governor was particularly delighted that the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has thrown its weight behind the state’s 10-year  (2020-2030) Development Plan and other initiatives aimed at improving human capital development in the state. 

  Water as a crucial issue in the state is also on the front burner of collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources, with specific support to the second Gombe regional water projects which will ensure effective work on the Balanga Dam, extend support to the Dadinkowa Hydropower project with concomitant effect on the Gombe Industrial Park, urban water supply and improve irrigation farming in the state. Although the ambitious Gombe Goes Green project, now in its second phase, is meant to address the challenge of desertification especially in the northern parts of the state, more efforts are needed like the collaboration with the Environment ministry to tackle the incessant menace of flooding in the state. 

While education as a priority has gotten much attention from the state government with strong collaboration from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)/Better Education Service Delivery (BESDA), Gombe State has also keyed into the Federal Government’s digital economy policy and strategy to deal with its socio-economic challenges as evident in the recent virtual commissioning of eleven projects executed by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in the state. 

And Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s relentless quest to build partnership has now assured the birth of the Forward Operation Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Airforce in Gombe. At a recent visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar at the headquarters of the Nigerian Airforce in Abuja, the air chief assured of the plan to set up school, medical facility and special unit in Gombe as part of the FOB package. An elated Yahaya equally assured the airforce high command of the state’s preparedness to receive its men and platforms, noting in particular the relevance of the airforce base in boosting security in the north east.  

Clearly Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s partnership drive is affirming a good purpose for   achieving the needed transformation in governance, social capital and sustainable development. His focused partnerships are addressing the existing gaps in integrating the various dimensions of development and ensuring full commitment from these partners. However, as hinted earlier, partnerships with such a sundry organizations and in particular those from the private sector can only work as we’ve seen in the Gombe example if there is firm commitment, sound leadership and organization and indeed the expected responsibility. From payment of counterpart funding in some cases to good policies to the critical accountability and transparency, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has demonstrated acute resourcefulness amidst leadership creativity.   

Of course, we have to reckon with government’s incentives for private sector to contribute to development priorities. It is recognized that the private sector has acted as a contributor to achieve development by mobilizing resources to support sustainable programmes, fostering inclusive economic growth, creating opportunities for employment and serving as a driver for technology and innovation like the Gombe partnership with NIGCOMSAT. Gleaning from the record of achievements in the various partnerships with Gombe State, it presupposes that this is a viable means through which the state could still make greater progress in the quest for rapid development and this is especially so in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged economies with strains on available resources for development purposes. It is hoped that the pivotal good governance structure which had attracted these partnerships will subsist as a paradigm shift of the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration in Gombe State.

Happy Birthday to a super prudent and uncommon achiever!

Misilli is the Senior Special Assistant to Gombe state Governor on Media and Publicity

Why It’s Difficult To Plan For Karu, Says Engineer Sule

Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has said that population explosion in Karu, headquarters of Karu Local Government Area, has made it impossible for the state government to plan for the city.

Engineer Sule made this known while playing host to a delegation from the UN-Habitat, at the Government House, on Wednesday.

According to the Governor, with the continuous influx of people into Karu, which is contiguous to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it’s out of place to put the population of the city at around two hundred and something thousand, as is presently the case. 

“That is why we can’t plan for Karu, because you plan for two hundred and something thousand people and then 500, 000 people are coming and going out, then you are not going to succeed.

“After the amount of efforts we put in there, we construct roads for two hundred and something thousand people, one million are plying that road, that road will be damaged. If we don’t have data, information, we won’t be able to do a good job,” he stated.

While emphasizing the significance of data in effective planning, Engineer Sule commended the UN-Habitat for selecting Karu Local Government Area in the country as sole beneficiary of its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy.

He described the intervention as timely, especially that Karu, Keffi and Lafia constitute over 80 percent of the total COVID-19 infections in the state.

The Governor specifically appreciated the UN agency for undertaking to update the Karu urban profile, to facilitate evidence-based development planning, as well as conduct training programme to enhance capacity of local and national authorities on COVID-19 response and evidence-based development planning.

He equally commended the Karu Local Government Chairman, Hon. Samuel Akala, for distinguishing himself in Marrakech, in Morocco, which led to UN-Habitat selecting Karu for its pilot project in the country.

The Governor used the opportunity of the meeting to thank the Gen. T. Y. Danjuma Foundation, for choosing to similarly intervene in three locations across the state.

Earlier, UN-Habitat Consultant, Paul Okunola, disclosed that the agency has selected Karu Local Government Area as sole beneficiary for its COVID-19 Response and Recovery Strategy, with $220, 000 earmarked to be utilized.

Okunola listed the projects to be undertaken as, installation and commissioning of six emergency water sources, hand washing stations and other health and hygiene interventions in Karu peri-urban settlement, production of updated Karu urban profile to facilitate evidence-based development planning, as well as conduct training programmes to enhance the capacity of officials on COVID-19 response and evidence-based development planning.

Rivers Politics: PDP About To Experience An Implosion - Eze

...Commends Nwuzi, Dike for spear leading 'Operation Recapture Brick House 2023"

...Charges faithful APC members to stick with the party as it rebirths

A palpable gloom of apprehension seem to have captured the entire circle of the People's Democratic Party in Rivers State, following the departure of two federal Lawmakers whose thoughtful exit has suddenly provoked a turbulent and blustery political atmosphere capable of shattering the oldfangled umbrella and grossly wilting its shielding strength in Rivers State. 

The Legislators' bug off from the grossly shattered, largely perforated and torrentially leaking umbrella and consequent accession into the progressives family has the potential of tweaking  the Rivers APC and injecting fresh blood into the system as part of rebuilding efforts for optimum performance. 

Former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People's Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress APC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze revealed this to media houses in a statement made available Thursday, in the South/South region. 

Chief Eze said, the impending perpetual implosion of the Rivers State Chapter of the PDP is not unconnected with the stone-blind  and anti-people style of governance adopted by the PDP/Wike led government into the scope of its steering mannerisms in the discharge of its owed obligation to the Rivers public. 

"Most of the groups that have expressed disenchantment with the non-existence of real governance in the state and willingness to pitch their tent in the All Progressives Congress blamed their grievance to the large scale corruption that has overwhelmed the system" Eze said.

Consequent upon the absence of a clear-cut framework with which government operates, the party chief averred that government officials and their cronies who crown themselves reformers even when they have only reformed their pockets at public expense. 

Chief Eze said with the perpetual denial of pensioners their due and continued refusal of the state government to implement the Salary increment to Civil Servants as approved by the Federal Government coupled with insensitivity to crucial issues facing the State, the implosion and collapse of the PDP in Rivers State is very imminent given the fact that people can no longer be led through their noses in the 21st century. 

Setting the stage for the actualisation of the immediate fractionalization of the PDP in Rivers State, some aggrieved disappointed PDP bigwigs have already gone to court to challenge the last Congress of the Party where a sizeable number of persons taking shield under the weak umbrella  were denied participation in the process. 

The party stalwart said, report already in the open reveals that Solomon Tamuno Solomon Esq.,  on behalf of the aggrieved members of the PDP has filed a law suit challenging the just concluded congresses in the State at the FHC Owerri, and have been granted leave to serve all the purported Executive Committee members of the party via substituted means. 

Highlight of the impenitent implosion of the PDP resulted in two federal PDP Lawmakers from Rivers State joining the APC with their crowd of supporters.

Recall that Rep. Ephraim Nwuzi of Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency and Rep. Chisom Dike of Eleme/Tai/Oyigbo Federal Constituency as well as a former Rivers Commissioner under the Wike Government, John Bahzia, recently resigned their memberships of the PDP  citing poor leadership and wanton corruption among officials of the state government which has crippled economic growth and bequeathed massive job losses and hunger on the people. 

Eze envisaged that before the end of 2020, great sons of Rivers State will follow suit and collectively, the state will be delivered from the shackles of a system where meritocracy is sacrificed in the alter of mediocrity and from further downside in all areas of governance and proudly, Rivers will assume its envious place in the comity of states in the country.   

Describing the trio of Nwuzi, Dike and Bahzia as brave, the party chief expressed confidence that their entrance into the APC will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing efforts at stabilizing the party adding that the current revolution in Rivers State is crucial to the economic development and general well-being of the state and her people. 

He commended leaders of the APC who on daily basis welcome key PDP members at the grassroots across the 23 local government areas into the APC, stressing that their action is a good proof to all that they mean well for the party. 

Similarly, Eze hailed other party stalwarts who recently embarked on visits to party faithful at the grassroots to ascertain how they do and strength their confidence in the APC and the Transportation Minister, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi. 

Given the current trend of mass movement of people into the APC, the party bigwig emphasized that Nigerians need not bore themselves with Gov. Wike/PDP media boisterousness, stressing that enslaved PDP members in their thousands are set to pitch their tent with the APC soonest. 

 Eze commended APC leadership in the State and tasked them to continue with the new strategic approach to membership recruitment into the party, stressing that the ultimate goal remains reclaiming the Brick House come 2023.