The Nation Newspaper

Category: Niger Delta

  • Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    Accolades for Cross River elder statesman at book launch

    It was a torrent of accolades for Cross River State elder statesmanChief Linus Okom during the public presentation of his biography in Calabar.

    Okom, from Bekwarra Local Government Area, one of the founding fathers of the state, was described as a colossus whose legacies are too much to be compressed in one book by a legal luminary and one time member of the Caretaker Committee of Bekwara Local Government, Mr Sunny Odey.

    The book titled, ADA BEKWARA: Biography of Chief Linus Okom was written by his wife, Dr (Mrs) Monica Okom.

    According to Odey, Chief Okom, popularly known as Ada Bekwara, is incontestably one of the most outstanding politicians ever from the state.

    Odey said Chief Okom has bestridden the politics of the state for close to four decades working with the likes of Chief I. I. Murphy, Chief Michael Ogon, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Dr. Okoi Arikpo, Chief Eyo Uyo among others.

    Cross River State governor, Prof Ben Ayade, also described Okom as one of the foremost elder statesmen, whose wealth of experience is still needed to move the state forward.

    Ayade, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Godwin Ettah, expressed delight at the biography and enjoined everyone to read to understand the history of the state, which his life symbolizes.

    He congratulated the author, Dr. Monica Okom for her literary prowess and enjoined her to mentor other younger women.

    According to Dr Monica Okom, she was motivated to write the book because of the love showered on her by her husband.

    Dr. Okom narrated her journey of love in the arm of her loving husband, saying he encouraged her to further her education up to PhD level.

    The book, she said, tells a story of the impact of the Chief Linus Okom on the development of Cross River state especially in the creation of the state, as well as the leading role he played in the acceptance of Bekwara language as one of the languages translated in news in the state broadcast station, among other things.

    The celebrant, ADA BEKWARA, Chief Linus Okom who expressed gratitude to his wife for compiling his activities into a book said he derives a lot of fulfillment for being a part of those who fought and succeeded in the creation of Cross River state.

    In his contribution, the Chief Executive Officer of PROFILES AND BIOGRAPHIES, publishers of the book, Mr. Kammonke Abam emphasized the need for Cross Riverians who have played critical roles in the development of the state and the country to document their stories for the benefit of the society.

    The event was witnessed by dignitaries including the former Chairman of the Peo

  • Obaseki’s era

    Obaseki’s era

    In Edo, an era is ending. And a new one is beginning. For close to eight years, the man who has called the shots in this state with great history is Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. Sirens announce his arrival and departure from events. The state feeds him, clothes him, ensures his security and sees to it that he is in good health. He decides people’s fate. In short, he can be likened to the generalissimo.

    Like everything which has time, the Oshiomhole era is drawing to a close. It will in a matter of weeks become the Godwin Obaseki era. Edo has chosen a new generalissimo, with the help of Oshiomhole. He will be crowned in November.

    The comrade-governor can now take a deserved rest with his beautiful wife Iara. I recommend that His Excellency and Iara should go to the Caribbean and have a time of their life. The comrade governor should let his guards down and live as though he is in his late 30s.

    Before leaving for the Caribbean, ?he should hold a major thanksgiving service, aside the victory party where he danced like it was going out of fashion. He has had eight good years as governor. He has done so much good for his people and to crown it all, he is leaving the state in the hands of a trusted ally.

    With Obaseki, Oshiomhole has won a major battle. He can be rest assured that his back is covered. Not that they will not have disagreements but I doubt if they will have the type that will mean every day we will be served one real or created scandal or the other, as would have been the case if Osagie Ize-Iyamu had won.

    The campaigns were raw and rough. Though there were several candidates, it was clear to the discerning that the race is two-horse. And the duo wasted no time on other candidates. Obaseki abused only Ize-Iyamu, who also did not waste his time trading insults with any other person than the man credited with being the egg-head behind Oshiomhole’s economic team.

    In the fight for the Government House, history was thrown in the ring. We were reminded that Obaseki’s great grand-father betrayed the Oba of Benin— and by extension the Benin kingdom— when he accepted to be the sole administrator of the kingdom after the British invasion. So, Edo people were told that someone from such lineage should not be supported to rule Edo. At a point, a film by Lancelot Oduwa-Imasuen on the history of Benin kingdom was even circulated to show to the people that the so-called act of betrayal is not the figment of anyone’s imagination.

    The exciting Edo race saw Africa’s richest man Alhaji Aliko Dangote being punched. Those who did this believed he backed Obaseki. They asked him to leave Edo alone. They said they did not want a governor who would be hopping in and out of Dangote’s private jet.

    Ize-Iyamu told us Obaseki was a “typical green horn”, who should be rejected in the September 10 election because Oshiomhole could easily manipulate him. He described our dear Osho baba as a Pseudo Comrade, whose candidate should be rejected for subjecting the people to untold hardship in the past seven and a half years. He also described Obaseki as Oshiomhole’s puppet. He challenged the outgoing governor and Obaseki to explain how they allegedly depleted the state’s treasury.

    Edo Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman Chief Dan Orbih told us that the governor spent N11.6 million to “buy drinks” for President Muhammadu Buhari; he wondered how Buhari, a Muslim, could be bought alcohol.

    The insults were not one-sided. We were told Ize-Iyamu served in the administration of Chief Lucky Igbinedion and was part of the rot of that era. We were also told that Ize-Iyamu was a cultist in his days at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). His membership of the Pyrate Confraternity co-founded by the respected Prof Wole Soyinka, who by the way is a great friend of Oshiomhole, was interpreted to mean he was a member of a dreaded secret cult.

    His explanation that Pyrate or Seadogs was not (and is still not) a secret cult as it was well-known to the authorities of the universities where it operated did not stop his traducers from continuing to repeat the allegation. To buttress their point, they referred to the fact that he was expelled from UNIBEN at some point after an acid attack on a student. He gave his explanations, but still the allegation kept being thrown in the mix.

    Aside the cultism issue, we were also told that Ize-Iyamu had answers to give to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about some financial malfeasance.

    Ize-Iyamu sold himself as the experienced one. As a former chief of staff and secretary to the state government (SSG), he said he had all he needed to swing into action from day one.

    One fact that was shown clearly in this race is that for Ize-Iyamu and his party, the real enemy went beyond Obaseki. They saw Oshiomhole as the one that must be cut to size. The pastor-turned-politician told us what an ingrate he considered Oshiomhole. He told us how he made Oshiomhole governor— a claim the comrade gleefully denied. Both men used to be pals. There may be some exaggerations here and there but the fact that Ize-Iyamu played a key part in the emergence of the former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President as Edo State governor is not that hidden.

    Some may say the comrade governor should not rejoice yet, as Ize-Iyamu may spring a surprise by proving that the election was manipulated. To those who share such view, time will tell that they are wrong.

    Given the apex court’s position that one witness each should be called from each polling unit, I am afraid nobody can prove election fraud again. It is impossible for a petitioner to be able to achieve this. The lawyers on the defendants’ side always ensure there is no enough time to call them to the witness box.

    In the case of Rivers State, which for instance, has over 4,000 polling units, the petitioners had less than two weeks to call witnesses, who must also be cross-examined. The same rule applied in Akwa Ibom and others. This ensured no governor was removed on account of election petitions.

    The rule will not be changed in the case of Edo State. I sincerely believe calling such number of witnesses cannot be done within the available time. I am afraid proving electoral fraud using the Supreme Court’s model will be impossible.

    Now electoral bandits can even kill, maim, rape and raze and their opponents have all kinds of legal boundaries that time will not allow them cross successfully.

    If I have my way I will just tell Ize-Iyamu not to waste his money because with the Supreme Court obviously applying the more arcane technical legality in resolving governorship tussles, he will only succeed in swelling the pockets of lawyers.

    The Crown Prince of Benin has certainly put a closure on the election. It is won and lost and he is happy with the outcome, he told Oshiomhole, his wife Iara, Obaseki and leaders of the APC who visited him at his palace.

    The Oba-in-waiting said: “I thank God and our ancestors for hearing the fervent prayers we prayed before the election and for bringing out somebody that will uplift our people and respect the tradition. I will tell the governor elect, keep to your promises, keep your words, put food on the table of our people, respect the traditional institution and ensure you build on what Oshiomhole has done.

    “The passion and respect Oshiomhole has for our tradition is number one. Oshiomhole is today a Benin son of the palace. He is one governor who has catapulted the image of the Oba of Benin and our tradition to the highest level. Oshiomhole is a different type of governor and we urge Obaseki to emulate him.”

    Like an obedient servant, Obaseki assured the palace of his unalloyed loyalty. His hand was clasped in some form of submission while appealing to the Crown Prince to always guide him and give him the deserved advice to succeed as governor.

    “I will do my best and let me also appeal that you help me thank Comrade Oshiomhole because without his full support I would not have been governor elect today.”

    My final take: PDP says its lawyers are working to prove that Ize-Iyamu won and my response is: I dey laugh o. With the precedent set by the Supreme Court, it will end in nullity because the burden of proof is unattainable.  Or, does Ize-Iyamu have a special wand to turn back the hands of time?

  • Delta urges moral rebirth, as it celebrates international peace day

    The Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) ,Asaba branch has admonished all aggrieved groups in the country to sheathe their swords as the world celebrated the 2016 International Day of Peace.

    It canvassed the adoption of mediation and concilliation in the judicial process to foster peace and unity in the Nigerian State, adding that Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is flexible ,quick at dispensing social justice , less expensive ,less time wastage, friendly, and conducted in private and strictly confidential.

    The group in collaboration with Delta State Ministry of Justice penultimate week organised a one-day workshop to train legal officers in the Delta State Ministry of Justice on mediation and concilliation as the primary mechanism for resolving disputes.

    The workshop with theme, ‘The Sustainable Development Goals:Building Blocks for Peace’ calls attention to the United Nations three prong approach to ensuring world peace I.e ‘end to poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all’.

    The group said the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Mechanism can ‘greatly help in fostering peace and unity in the Nigerian State even before 2030 which is the target date for achievement of the 17 sustainable development goals by the United Nation (UN)’.

    The ICMC is the professional body of Nigerian practitioners that trains prospective candidates , and encourages organisations and institutions to adopt mediation and concilliation as the primary mechanisms for resolving disputes.

    Its President, Dr Louis Ogbeifun in an address at the occasion blamed ‘some stakeholders in the judicial process of hindering the anti-corruption fight of the present administration’, rand urged support for the anti-corruption crusade.

    He urged the federal government to take proactive measures to tackle the current recession,warning that the ‘sole catalyst for people’s revolt in almost all ages is poverty and hunger’.

    His words, ‘ Government can fight corruption with the teeth of the law.It can fight militancy ,insurgency and other wars with guns and bombs, but the war orchestrated by hunger if allowed to rear its ugly heads does not respond to any law ,arsenals and armament.’

    He said to prevent a masses revolt, government must provide necessary support to farmers, while encouraging citizens to cultivate small scale gardens and poultry farms.

    Ogbeifun said bailout funds should not be geared towards salaries but be channelled into employment generation ,reduction of poverty ,hunger and incentivising exportation to earn foreign exchange.

    On the successes  recorded by ICMC, Ogbeifun said, ‘So far, the ICMC is happy to have partnered with Delta ,Bayelsa, Ogun  and Edo States in setting up or in the process of setting up their multi Door Courthouses’.

    He harped on the imperatives of ADR in resolving disputes, adding that in ‘Delta State many lawyers have been trained to ensure effective administration of justice, and promotion of peace and harmonious coexistence among the various ethnic, religious and socio-political groups.’

    Delta Commissioner for Justice, and Attorney General  Mr Peter Mrakpor in his remarks said the fight against corruption should be attitudinal,adding that except Nigerians imbibe values and principles the war on corruption is doomed.

    His words: ‘It is an attitudinal change we need in Nigeria. Nigerians should understand  that what they need to live a qualitative life. Since we do not need a billion Naira to live a qualitative life, then someone should remind us that we do not need a billion to live a qualitative life.Food clothing and shelter are the basics in achieving this goal.We need to have a re orientation of values. You can take people to court, you can charge them or even send them to prison,despite these measures, society is still grappling with large scale larceny of our commonwealth.”

  • ‘How to end kidnapping in the Niger Delta’

    ‘How to end kidnapping in the Niger Delta’

    Sir Lucky Ugochuchwu Worluh is the Chairman of the Ikwerre Youth Movement (IYM), an umbrella youth body of Ikwerre Ethnic Nationality of Rivers State. In this interview with Precious Dikewoha, he appraises the security situation in Rivers State and Niger Delta.

    As youth leader, what do you think is the possible way out to end kidnapping in Niger Delta especially in Rivers State?

    It is to invest in human capital development. Over the years, governments both at the national and state levels have failed to invest in the development of their youths. There should be a special attention to the youths of this country. Youths should not be remembered when we want to contest election or when we want to assonate those we described as our political enemies.  For example in Rivers State, why is the Trans Amadi industrial layout that hosts many companies in Rivers State turned to a ghost town. It is because the government in the state are not thinking of how to attract investment and create enabling environment for those companies who have folded to go back to work.  Those who left Trans Amadi because of insecurity were contributing for Rivers State economy. They were paying taxes, employing our youths, renting our houses, sleeping in our hotels, marring our women etc today they left town due to insecurity.  Each time I see people talking about Nigeria recession I get angry because the possible way out of recession is to declare state of emergency on Security in Rivers, Niger Delta states and other part of Nigeria where insecurity has destroyed economic progress. In Niger Delta, insecurity in the region has deprived government from making profit.

    Here in Rivers and other Niger Delta states kidnapping has become a lucrative venture, do think any government can ever stop them?

    We live in a society that encourages criminality; let’s go back to memory lane and think of when this kidnapping started. It started with idle youths turning into agitators under the instruction of their masters who claimed to be fighting marginalization of the region. They were abducting white men; they thought it will end there. Later they started kidnapping our prominent people, today they are abducting everybody. And you cannot force people   to bring their investment to any place were security is not guaranteed. So, I ‘m of the opinion that the President should assist the region and Rivers State to declare an emergency on security; that is the only way to minimise crime in Rivers State. Don’t forget that no administration has addressed this Niger Delta issue, Obasanjo wanted to address it by making the Niger Delta man the vice President, by the Grace of God that Niger Delta man became the President.  He would have used that platform to address this issue the way President Muhammadu Buhari is addressing the Boko Haram issue in the North. But he did nothing to our plight instead he created more trouble to our people. The only way kidnapping can minimize in Rivers State is for the government to act as role model, how can a political party gives ticket to militants to run as  members of state house of assembly, appoint cult leaders as caretaker chairman that government lack the moral Fabre to fight kidnapping and other criminality.

    We have youths in the region who challenge the military; some are now expert in handling all kind of ammunition…

    They should be engaged into the military. There is an important department in the military, we have what we call marine Army.  The United State marine is one of the strongest military that the American has. If we create Nigerian marine it would engage thousands of youths. We need to employ thirty to forty thousand personnel, because it’s not only in the Niger Delta area we have criminals, we have criminal in the Lagos and they are defeating them.  We have to come out to build a strong force. And when you create this employment, all these youths carrying guns in the name of Avengers can be recruited. This would happen if these youths were confronted, rebrand for a better Nigeria to defend the integrity of Nigeria as a nation. I’ m not in support of negotiating with the Niger Delta youths in Abuja if they want to negotiate with them, then they should come to the region where the pressing issues are. This would also help other expert at the negotiation table who are not of the region to see things for themselves. And why we are talking of dialogue we must reposition NDDC and other establishment created for the development of the region.

    Many analysts several times have alleged that some persons are benefiting from the Niger Delta crisis?

    Of course, there are invisible hands on the crisis rocking the Niger Delta region but those invisible hands have started to be visible.  For example, when we had election last year in Rivers State, some prominent personality imported arms into the state and young men were hired to make use of those arms to subvert the will of the people at the Election Day.  Today, they have used these boys to win election and some of them were not settled. These youths who are now angry,  with the ammunition in their hands have become terrorists, avengers, kidnappers, arms robbers etc. So why the crisis in the region linger some people are benefiting. In fact, these beneficiaries of Niger Delta crisis are praying harder and making everything possible to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari’s dialogue offer to militant groups in the region. In our region today, these youths have destroyed their communities and the governors of Niger Delta states are suffering more than any state governors.  The 13 percent derivation they are supposed to be getting from Federal Government, they no longer get it, so, who is losing?

    The governor has offered amnesty to cultists and militants groups in the state can this offer minimise the insecurity in the state.

    For me as a Christian, if man gives Amnesty, that is not divine until that person gets amnesty from God. Almost all the people being offered amnesty in Rivers State are still criminals who have not repented. They need to have a change of mind, repent within them before you offer them amnesty. You don’t offer criminal who have not repented amnesty it’s a waste of time and resources. I am not against the amnesty being offered to cultists and militants group in the state but we must get it right if such suffer was targeted in reducing or minimizing crime in the state. If you go to Omoku and other part of the state the same boys they are offering amnesty are still there terrorizing the people.  The person accepting the amnesty must be willing to change just like Ateke Tom and Asari who were granted amnesty and sincerely changed and are now doing exploits and contributing for the peace of the region. I heard that the Present administration in the state said they are not offering money to militants in the name of amnesty but planning to empower them for life. If that will be possible I support the idea, I will like to suggest that the government should involve some professionals and the private sectors for a rehabilitation programme. You cannot give someone amnesty, and what you do is to give him money every month and is still in the creek smoking and involving in criminality. You have to give amnesty and send them for training to acquire skills that would change their mentality of things in life.

  • Dickson honours Okara, Alagoa

    Dickson honours Okara, Alagoa

    It was a memorable 20th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State to the families of a literary icon, Dr. Gabriel Okara and a renowned historian, Prof. Ebiegberi Alagoa. For making the state proud and climbing the pinnacle of their disciplines, Governor Seriake Dickson chose the occasion to recognise them.

    In fact, it was at a state banquet organised at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Hall, Government House, Yenagoa to mark the momentous day that Dickson singled out the nonagenarians for recognition.

    The were honoured in the presence of founding fathers of the state, leaders and elders from various communities, cabinet members of the governor, members of the state House of Assembly, religious leaders, security heads and traditional rulers.

    Some of the dignitaries who attended the event were the former Military Administrator of old Rivers State and Chairman of the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, King Alfred Diete Spiff; the Deputy Governor Gboribiogha John Jonah; Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly,  Konbowei Benson; former Governor of old Bendel State, General John Yeri (rtd); Chairman of Bayelsa Elders’ Forum; Chief Francis Doukpola; and Dr. Amba Ambaiowei.

    The governor conferred on them distinguished icon awards in recognition of their contributions to the development of the state and the entire country. Okara is a literary giant whose famous poetry are  Piano and Drums, The fisherman’s invocation, The call of River Nun, Metaphor of a War and One Night at Victoria Beach.

    Alagoa is a foremost historian and elder statesman, who spent his life researching on the Ijaw history and offering suggestions to the future. The governor said they were honoured as great academics, who made a mark in their chosen professions.

    The event also featured the presentation of five books on the speeches of the governor entitled, “The Return of the Great White Shark”; “The Art of Delivery”; “The Power of Delivery”; Unique Strides of Delivery and Restoration Unveiled; by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson.

    Dickson also directed the Chief Historian and Archivist, Dr. Stephen Olali, to liaise with the founding fathers of the state to document their specific contributions for posterity.

    He said his administration would continue to acknowledge and appreciate excellence and the contributions of the founding fathers of the state. Dickson appealed to the people to be more patriotic and support efforts of the government in transforming the state.

    According to him taking Bayelsa to the next level is a collective responsibility of everybody. He said his administration would continue to expand the frontiers of development, by investing in critical sectors of the economy, such security, education, health and agriculture to promote job and wealth creation.

    The governor dwelled on the importance of peace adding that without security the state would not attain required development. He, however, said despite the challenges in the Niger Delta region, Bayelsa remained the most peaceful.

    He said: “Bayelsa is more secured, more  stable even with all the recent challenges in our region. Bayelsa even in the present scheme of things is safer than other states in our region. This bit about security is important.

    “There is no form of meaningful development, individual or collective, that can take place without security.

    “But in Bayelsa because of the great work that our security officials are doing, because of the wonderful collaboration community leaders are provided and because of the support and clear-headed leadership that the government continues to provide we are on the right track.

    “My message on this auspicious day is that it is going to be security, development and prosperity. I call for greater collaboration so that we can continue to keep our communities stable, safe and attractive”.

    The governor added: “We don’t want any more kidnap cases. Fortunately, that is going down and with the hard work that our security team and our people are doing, even the young men are joining in the efforts at the community level.

    “They are keying in and they are understanding that unless we establish security, our dreams of a greater prosperous Bayelsa cannot be realized”.

    He appealed to the leaders to explain the present economic realities in the country to people in their various communities.

    He urged leaders to discourage the people within their domains to stop blowing up pipelines and other oil installations n matter their grievances.

    Dickson explained that any pipeline blown in the state would negatively affect the revenue accruing to Bayelsa from the 13 per cent derivation.

    “Our state is heavily affected, more affected than most other states because the indices used at the federal level for revenue sharing are all against us except derivation. Our only comfort comes from the 13 per cent derivation.

    “And so, continue to talk to people in your communities no matter their grievances who may want to disrupt operations of oil companies and their facilities.

    “This is why we have been doing a lot of work supporting the work of security agencies to ensure that our environment is not further degraded and our revenue is not totally terminated.

    “Because of our economic downturn, our wage bill is a challenge now. We need leaders of our state to show understanding and to also have interactions with the unions”, he said.

    Dickson said his administration would soon open the Bayelsa International Airport which he described as the largest airport in the South-South and South-East.

    The governor added: “The airport can take the largest cargo plane including the ones are now currently going to land in Lagos because they said Port-Harcourt is too small for them. Planes that are brining oil tools to service oil activities in our region can’t land in our region. But they will begin to land here in Yenagoa very soon.

    “We are doing so much to open up Bayelsa to the world because we set a clear target for bringing the world to Bayelsa and taking Bayelsa to the world.

    “Some of our projects are so big that most people mistake them for Federal projects. But the reason is that we came in not just prepared but we came in with a hunger and a thirst for development.

    “The reason this state was founded even with the less than 10 local government areas is because since 1957 our people told the colonial masters clearly that this area has special development challenges.

    “The cost of development anything here is 20 and 25 times cheaper elsewhere. bayelsa is the hearth of the Niger Delta with all its challenges, contradictions and potential.

    “Even with these challenges and with the dwindling revenues, we are pushing the frontiers of development in very critical areas. There is nothing federal in all the things we are doing. There is no kobo from the Federal Government”.

    In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff, described Dickson as a visionary leader, who is passionate about the speedy development of the state and the Ijaw nation. He called for support to enable the Dickson’s administration to succeed.

    In their separate remarks, the recipients, Alagoa and Okara expressed gratitude to the governor for the honour done them and prayed God to give Dickson and his team wisdom to pilot the affairs of the state.

    Iworiso-Markson described Dickson as an intellectual and strategist, with a sharp literary mind that qualifies him as an orator whenever he speaks.

  • Amaechi’s silenced critics

    Amaechi’s silenced critics

    A very good leader who wants to maintain a clean slate in governance would forbid corruption and crime.

    National developments can only be achieved only when leaders put hands on deck to fight crime and corruption to the later.

    When crime and corruption is rid off in a society righteousness will abound, peace and development will prevail.

    In Nigeria, the fight against corruption and crime by the Muhammadu Buhari government is yielding positive results.

    When President Muhammadu Buhari took over government May last year, it took him six months to announce his cabinet. Many Nigerians criticized him for the delay but the President had to take his time to shop for incorruptible and credible persons. One of such discoveries is Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi whom the President eventually appointed Transportation Minister.

    Although, Amaechi’s critics will stop at nothing to labeling him “corrupt”, Amaechi had on several occasions challenged them to show proof that he is corrupt but they have since that public challenge remained dumb since they have no fact to justify their frivolous claims. They have remained tranquil and have hidden their heads in shame.

    After making several unsuccessful attempt to crucify Amaechi for supporting Buhari at the last presidential election some under the aegies of Niger Delta Leaders now hover around the Villa looking for where to perch in other to fan ember of discord between President Buhari and his staunch man Rotimi Amaechi.

    They fed fat from ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, they denied him.Now they are tactically exploring means of gaining attention from the presidency for their selfish agradizement.

    For some, even when the opportunity to rule is right before them they could not proffer concrete solutions to the problems bedeviling their states as the rate of crime and criminality has adversely affected development in the areas.

    In a way to exonerate themselves from their abysmal performance they now use “recession” as a form of excuse to cajole the people and to gain public sympathy.

    At their comfort they propose heavy taxes and send to their Rubber-stamp lawmakers to give speedy approval and make it a state law thereby inflicting hardship on the people.

    Some of them who have discovered that governance is not as easy as they thought when Amaechi held sway as the state governor now run to one highly placed pastor to the other begging them to appeal to Amaechi for forgiveness on their behalf.

    Some who were entrusted to organize free and fair elections who by their positions were expected to play neutral but aided the PDP to victory having understood the seriousness attached on the fight against corruption by the present administration now sneak to high places at night possibly to beg for mercy.

    They have suddenly realized that the hand of God is upon Amaechi, they have suddenly also realized that Amaechi is destined for greatness and that who God has blessed no man can course.

    Since then, Amaechi too, had in humility walked with his shoulders high having silenced his enemies forever and in shame. Ameachi has since then consistently and courageously too, appearing in public places and functions receiving accolades and salutations for superintending over Rivers State for eight years with purity.

    For all I know and for those who care to know, Amaechi is incorruptible and would stop at nothing to maintain the confidence reposed on him by the President and his supporters.

    Amaechi is the face of the present change regime in the Niger Delta and South South in general. In some quarters Amaechi is known as the Commander of the change revolution in Nigeria.

    That is why even in far away England, Amaechi could boldly speak about corruption and crime and the way the present administration is tackling corruption and corrupt leaders.

    In a keynote address he delivered at the opening of the 34th Cambridge University Prestigious International Symposium on Economic Crime at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, Amaechi noted that economic crime can be better tackled if countries unite and share strategic information to stop the network of those who commit such crime.

    Amaechi spoke in an address he titled “Beyond Blame Game; The imperative of tackling Economic Crime Together”.

    Amaechi said economic crime is often committed in an organized manner involving several people, sometimes across borders through multiple jurisdictions.

    Although such crimes may originate from one country it often involves the participation of clandestine, criminal networks operating in different countries playing one role or the other and benefitting from such illicit proceeds.

    Amaechi said economic crime is a global virus and should be tackled through global collaboration  “For this to happen, the public and private sectors especially the banks must come into collaboration beyond high sounding rhetoric and public relations. Institutions from both developed and developing countries must learn to share information and act swiftly to erode the efficacy of these networks to successfully use any jurisdiction either as transit routes or safe havens for proceeds of economic crime. Strong, effective, regulatory and enforcement capabilities must be encouraged both domestically and internationally through technical cooperation. Partnerships must be encouraged to provide platforms to share best practices and intelligence and strengthen legislations between jurisdictions”.

    “As someone who has been in active politics for more than thirty years I have learnt that many well intended reforms are possible only if the leader can offer the requisite leadership and muster the right political will. In my country, since our President, Muhammadu Buhari was elected, he did not leave anyone in doubt that the fight against corruption will not only be taken seriously but will form a cardinal plank of his policy direction.”

    “ So far, he has made several pronouncements that set the tone of his commitment to strengthen anti-corruption agencies to go after anyone who has questions to answer. The President resolve was enough signal all of us, members of his cabinet and the citizenry that an end has come for the old ways of doing things. Currently, many people who have been indicted in one form of corrupt practice or another are being prosecuted in our courts. That, I believe is the way to show leadership and take responsibility”, he said.

    In conclusion, Amaechi said “As an interconnected and rapidly globalizing world, it’s vital we work together, in partnership, to collectively fight economic crime. This is a common enemy and a very smart one for that matter. It seeks to beat every barrier that we mount against it. It is my humble submission that we must hold hands together as never before to confront the spread of economic crimes squarely and successfully”, he said.

  • Farmers get N247m for commercial agriculture in Cross River

    Farmers get N247m for commercial agriculture in Cross River

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has approved the release of N247 million to 100 farmers trained under the World Bank supported Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

    The Project Coordinator, Mr. Ducham Amah,  made the disclosure in Calabar on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    “Each beneficiary gets between N2.4m and N2.5m and as I speak, all of them have received alert of this money as paid into their account.”

    Amah said that the money would be released to the farmers in tranches.

    The coordinator disclosed that the government had approved N85 million to train another set of 600 people in Songhai farm.

    “We forwarded the list of 600 to the World Bank and to His Excellency, and two months ago he approved that list.

    “He not only approved the list but also approved N85 million being the budget for the training of this 600 in Songhai farm. They are to commence their training this month.

    “Not only that, we have also sent a proposal to him for the empowerment of this 600 and he has approved the sum of N1.5 billion to be spent on their empowerment.”

    Amah said that the state would receive up to $26.34 million under the commercial agriculture programme.

    He dismissed reports in the social media that the state was unable to access the funds.

    “The state is not losing any money to World Bank because the total portfolio of the state is $26.34 million.

    “So we don’t have anything to worry about. The beneficiaries are happy and the state is happy.”

    Amah added that the state government was making efforts to pay its counterpart fund contribution to allow for engagement of more youths.

    “In addition, the governor is making arrangement to ensure the release of the state contribution which is the counterpart fund to the project so that we can take more youths.

    “The project was supposed to end in November 2016 but the World Bank had granted another extension so that we can train and empower this set of youths and women.

    “Commercial agriculture programme is implemented in five states of the federation, Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Lagos and states.

    “Cross River was selected because we have comparative advantage over other states in three value chain which is oil palm, cocoa and rice.

    “We started in 2009 and expected to end in November 2014. It was further extended to enable the state utilise all the funds that were meant for the programme.

    “Cross River state ranks very well among the five states in terms of performance,’’ Amah said.

  • Activist accuse Delta govt officials of involvement in alleged child trafficking

    Officials of the Delta State government have been accused of violating the state’s Child Right Law and involvement in alleged human trafficking.

    A child rights activist, Ighorhiohwumu Aghogho, who made the allegation at a news conference in Warri on Wednesday, also gave a 15-day ultimatum to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking-in-Persons (NAPTIP) to compel the Delta State Ministry of  Women Affairs, Community and Social Development to stop alleged trafficking of children.

    Aghogho, who is also the proprietor of the Explosive Academy, an independent school for children beyond parental control, based in Abraka, Ethiope East council area, alleged that the Ministry of Women Affairs had been engaged in unlawful admittance of children into orphanages failing to follow the due process.

    Aghogho alleged that about 27 orphanage homes are unlawfully operating in the state.

    He said: “We are giving the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking-in Persons (NAPTIP) Abuja, fifteen days ultimatum after which we will apply to court for an order of mandamus to compel NAPTIP to search for and produce the Adoption Children Register of Delta State and to stop the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Asaba, from further trafficking of Delta state children.”

    When contacted the Commissioner for Women of Women Affairs Community and Social Developlemnt, Mrs Omatsola Williams, said she was about boarding a flight, but advised our correspondent to reach out to the Commissioner for Information or the Public Relation Officer of her ministry.

    Commissioner for Information Patrick Ukah, who was contacted on his mobile phone, asked our correspondent after explaining the reason for the call, to put everything in a text message to enable him investigate and react.

    The Director of Child Development, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mr. Fred Ogheni, dismissed the allegation.

    The Zonal Commandant, NANTIP Benin City, Ifechukwude Odita, said his agency was playing its part towards investigating the allegation.

    “ We are doing our best. As I speak with you our report is ready for submission to my boss,” he said.

  • ‘Why Cross Riverians should buy into AyadeCare’

    ‘Why Cross Riverians should buy into AyadeCare’

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade recently signed the state health insurance bill into law. The law provides for a mandatory monthly fee of N1000 from every taxable adult and resident of the state. NICHOLAS KALU spoke with the Director General of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Betta Edu, who threw more light on what the health insurance scheme is all about.

    Can you tell us a bit about what these state health insurance scheme is about?

    One of the greatest achievements of the Senator Ben Ayade government is by ensuring that Cross River State can have and achieve universal health coverage and you know the world over we are going into a kind of economic downturn, and Nigeria as has been formally declared is going through a recession as we speak. People can no longer pay for their health bills. We have been people come down with all kinds of diseases and cannot afford to treat them. They cannot afford to buy drugs on a daily basis. We have the women that are pregnant and cannot go to assess quality health services because they cannot afford it. The governor sat back and thought how can we help our people. What is that policy we can put in place to help our people? What is the policy that we can put in place that will enable every Cross Riverian have assess to quality healthcare and that is how he came about the state health insurance scheme. The scheme is a smart and sustainable form of health financing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) had said in the United Nations World Congress that except nations and countries and governments move towards more sustainable forms of health financing there would have issues achieving universal health coverage for their people. Based on this, the government of Cross River State, taking the lead in Nigeria has proposed the bill, which has gone through the legislative arm and has been assented to by the governor of the state to become a law establishing the state health insurance scheme which of course is tagged AyadeCare. For me it is indeed proof that Ayade cares. It is a brother lending a hand to another brother. It is all of us standing for all of us. It is beyond the governor of Cross River State.

    How will the scheme be funded?

    It is a simple way of health insurance, where everyone, every adult above 18 years is supposed to put in N1000 into a central purse and then we can use that to provide healthcare for everyone. It would protect us against catastrophic health expenditures that would further impoverish our people. Health is priority. Even if a man does not have money, even if he has only N5000 left, and he is dying, that man would rather spend that money to stay alive than even to feed the children. And so we are saying, that rather than at the point where you are sick and you need this money and probably cannot afford it because the health bill at that point is very high, rather than giving up, we are saying put just a token of N1000 into a central purse every month, and at the point where you are ill, whether or not you have money, you can just walk into a health centre and assess quality health care.

    We started with sensitisation and we have been through the 196 wards in the state, sensitising our people on the need to buy into the scheme. They expressed fears they had with other insurance schemes in the past that took their premiums and at the end of the day, they do not keep their part of the bargain. We had to make everyone understand that first, at this point where we are as a state and nation, we are going through a recession, we need a sustainable form of health financing. Also this is everyone carrying the burden of everyone at the same time, such that it feels lighter. Beyond that the state is going to put in place modalities to ensure that no one naira is gone to waste or stolen. The governor has stated clearly, Cross River State government would not have assess to one naira from that account. The government is outside it. The running of the insurance would be done by Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), it would be done in collaboration with the World Bank, the United Nations and several other agencies that would help in control and checks. The government is bringing itself out of handling the funds so it can be as transparent as possible and everyone can be involved.

    This is a strong pro-poor bill. It is targeted at the poorest of the poor to ensure they can assess to quality health services. We know we have different cadres of persons. We have those in the formal sector, which it is easy to pull these contributions from them. And then we have those who are in the informal sector in the villages, communities that we would need to get this N1000 from every month from. There are many ways, which we intend to go about it. Some would be through the help of the HMOs. There would be designated places for them to go and register for this. Equally we would have people in groups, cooperatives where they can pay their monies. Communities can come together pay their monies, then remit same and they have their registrations all done at once. But one thing is sure, the governor has insisted that you do not stress the insurer to travel for miles to get insured. He should be insured in his community and receive services at his community. So basically we are working at ensuring that that direction from the governor is given very due priority.

    For this scheme let us get one important point. The monies coming in is not only from people. It is not just the N1000 which everybody is paying that would provide that level of healthcare we are thinking about. Government would equally be investing money into the insurance to make it work. Donor agencies would equally be expected to put in some financing to make it work. So, it is going to be a collaboration between a whole lot of key stakeholders and as such transparency remains the watchword. We are removing the money aspect from government so we don’t have unnecessary influence on it and our people can see it the way it is, know who they are giving their monies to and we can build that that trust. At every stage of the journey we want to keep it as open as possible.

    Are there exemptions of certain persons from paying this premium?

    The bill makes exemptions for certain persons. It is exempting pregnant women. It is exempting aged persons above 65. Also exempting mentally and physically challenged persons. We are taking into consideration they might not be able to work and generate income to pay for this insurance, so they are exempted from it. The governor in the kindness of his heart realizes there are some people in society that are very poor and may not even afford as small as a thousand naira. So he would make exemptions for these people also. We expect that when the scheme begins implementation fully in a few weeks from now,  that we would have a scenario where we can raise at least N1 billion every month. That amount of money put into healthcare is not by any means, small money. The first step for us going forward is to ensure we can revitalise all our health facilities across the state to be able to deliver that quality healthcare which we are looking for and our people are yearning for. The governor has promised to build world-class specialist centres in the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. This is to ensure that if you come to the primary healthcare centre and they cannot give you the level of service you require, you can be referred to the General Hospitals and from there to the Specialist centres if need be. But at every point, everyone who has paid the N1000 should be able to assess healthcare services. There would be measures to ensure people are not dodgy about it. You will not be able to pay today and get healthcare today. That would prevent people from paying only at the time they need the care. So you are supposed to supposed to subscribe, go through some verification and data capturing processes and then it prepares you to start benefiting from the scheme in two or three weeks.

     What makes this special from other such schemes?

    What makes this one special is that unlike some insurance schemes that is limited to just a few illnesses, this one covers everything, including surgeries. AyadeCare would capture basically everything. The surgeries, the drugs the consultation fees, hospital levies and all of that would be captured in this health insurance package and equally we hope to go beyond that. It would provide for community health outreaches, for doctors to go into communities and offer services. It would provide for ambulance services that can move people from one point to another when the need arises. It is an all encompassing healthcare insurance package, and so our people should buy into it and benefit maximally from it.

     Given our health system in the third world, do you think this is realisable?

    Our health systems in the third world countries are not working. You can go through the entire countries in the world all those that have excellent healthcare, all have health insurance. So, we think that the best direction for a country or state to work towards now is to be able to achieve universal health coverage and to be able to achieve the sustainable development goals is to head towards having the health insurance scheme, a functional one.

     

  • NIMASA to monitor jetties, river craft operators in Yenagoa

    The Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, said on Wednesday that the agency would apply enforcement and monitor the activities of jetties and river craft operators in Yenagoa.

    Peterside spoke during a facility tour of the Yenagoa office by the management of the agency.

    He commended the staff of Yenagoa for being efficient and articulate in spite of little operational tools available for them to carry out their duties.

    Peterside appreciated the staff for engaging in a lot of monitoring activities that were able to discover almost 28 jetties operating in the waters.

    “In the next few weeks, after meeting with other managements, we are going to come out with the guidelines for registration of small river craft.

    “We have observed that they used these small river craft for criminal activities.

    “Therefore, we want to register them in line with our mandate to monitor what they do and ensure we keep an eye on their activities.

    “All unregulated maritime activities in our various jetties are seriously affecting our environment.

    “The environment is exposed to serious pollution and environmental danger because of unregulated activities of some of the oil jetties, terminals and offshore operational areas, ‘’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Peterside as saying.

    He said both NIMASA and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) were collaborating to find solutions to the persistent water hyacinth on Yenagoa waters.

    The NIMASA boss said the agency was looking at the possibility of recruiting Search and Rescue merchants who would be placed at specific jetties.

    He said that the people would not only engage in Search and Rescue, they would monitor small river craft operators to ensure safety of passengers.

    Peterside said that an enlightenment programme would be a continuous thing to emphasise the importance of lifejackets during operation.

    He said that the management was aware of the state of the staff building in Yenagoa, adding that the management would meet in Lagos and make urgent decision for a better office.

    Peterside said the purpose of the management’s visit to Yenagoa was to examine the activities of the staff, shape their operations and devolve more powers.

    He said that the management had engaged in restructuring and repositioning of the agency in all Zonal areas to become the centre of operations of the agency.

    The Head of NIMASA operations in Yenagoa, Mr Denies Monye, said there was the need for the management to provide light patrol vessels for effective monitoring operations in the waters.

    Monye urged the management to assist the people of Yenagoa in clearing some areas where water hyacinth had taken over to create room for fish farming.

    He said the NIMASA office in Yenagoa was operating with 19 staff, adding that the staff worked very hard in assisting the agency to achieve its mandate.

    Monye requested for more working tools to enable the staff discharge their duties more effectively.