The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayelsa State

  • Bayelsa teachers meet, insist on strike

    Bayelsa teachers meet, insist on strike

    The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has called on all public primary and secondary school teachers in the state to continue observing the strike declared by the union.

    Teachers have been on strike since the resumption of the new academic session to protest unpaid arrears of salaries and other unfulfilled obligations of the government.

    It was gathered that the NUT had an emergency congress on Monday and resolved that the industrial action should continue.

    The body called on the teachers to disregard the directive given by the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) that the teachers should resume work.

    The state Chairman of the NUT, Mr. Kalama Tonpre, alleged that the ASUSS might have been compromised and called on the teachers to stay at home until the NUT would call off the strike.

    Kalama also called on members of the public to disregard the allegation by the state’s Commissioner for Information that the union had been politicised.

    He, however, said the commissioner’s position was his personal opinion which did not represent the standpoint of the state government.

    But the state government, yesterday, assured the teachers of prompt payment of their salaries and allowances and appealed to them to call off their strike.

    The Commissioner for Education, Mr. Markson Fefegha, gave the assurance during a one day workshop on the preparation of monthly payment vouchers and nominal rolls held at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall,Yenagoa.

    Fefegha said the preparation of vouchers in line with the present administration’s policy on transparency to stop the sharp practices perpetrated by some unscrupulous elements in the system.

    He said the seminar would assist in addressing the issue of voucher preparation to ease the payment process adding that the Governor Seriake Dickson-led government was passionate about the teaching profession.

    He said: “I am sure that most of you have received the two halves and we are working assiduously so that by next week you would receive your other month salary so that you would not only be at par but will be ahead of other civil servants in the state”.

    Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, appreciated the principals for their cooperation and urged them to prepare an all-inclusive payroll.

    He scored the government high in educational transformation and urged to safeguard the infrastructure built by the government.

  • NDDC working on Bayelsa roads, not state govt – Semenitari

    NDDC working on Bayelsa roads, not state govt – Semenitari

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Saturday, said it was shocked at the attempts by the Bayelsa State Government to take credit for roads the commission was undertaking in different parts of he state.

    The Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NDDC, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, said contrary to the claims of the state government, the commission commenced repairs and rehabilitation of 14 roads in the state including the capital, Yenagoa.

    Semenitari in a statement signed by her Special Adviser, Media and Communication, Bekee Anyalewechi, said she was reacting to claims by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite.

    Obuebite reportedly said on a live radio programme in Yenagoa that the ongoing emergency repairs on roads in the state were the handiwork of the state government.

    But Semenitari flayed the claims and explained that the projects, which covered NDDC’s nine mandate states, were initiated and being executed by the commission.

    She wondered why instead of commending the interventionist agency for its bold step to bring a huge relief to the suffering people of the state, the government resorted in turning the truth head-down.

    “Such deliberate falsehood erodes public trust in authorities”, the NDDC boss said adding that the emergency work was designed to relieve the government of some infrastructural burden.

    Semenitari said the commission had expected that the Government of Bayelsa State would, in best practice, emulate its Cross River and Akwa Ibom states counterparts in commending the NDDC.

    “Or, where it lacked the courage to attribute credit to NDDC, would keep quiet than spreading misinformation”, she said.

    She expressed disbelief that the government, though knew the truth, chose to hide it from the public noting “that such style of governance erodes confidence in government and ridicules the tenets of probity”.

    She said: “NDDC saw gaps in road infrastructure across its nine mandate states and the urgent need to intervene and after a management meeting, decided to act as to procure relief to motorists and other road users.

    “So the option of emergency road repairs came handy as it would afford immediate remedial solutions, relieve states of financial burden and enhance inter and intra-city communications.

    “Under this intervention, hitherto impassable roads have become usable routes thereby boosting economic activity and improving livelihood of the people.”

    The commission listed the 14 roads in which it was working on in the state as the Oporuma-Sabageria-Polaku road in Opokuma local government; Odi-Trofani road; Otiotio Road, Yenagoa; DooGood Street, Yenagoa; Goodnews Street, Azikoro, Yenagoa; Shepherd Vine Road, also in Yenagoa.

    Others in Yenagoa are Capt. Ayeni Street; Saptex Road, Yenizue-Epie; INEC Road, Kpansia; Jasmine Suite Road, Kpansia; Erepa Road ; and NIIT Road, Dimrose-Green; Villa-Custom Link Roads 1 & 2, Biogbolo; and Tolda Road, Ekeki.

    “While we are not engaging the Bayelsa State Government in any verbal war, it is necessary to leave the public with the correct information because it is critical for good governance and sustainable development.”

  • Ex-militant leader laments pirate attacks in Bayelsa communities

    A former militant leader, Mr. Reuben Wilson, Saturday, raised the alarm over incessant attacks on communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayels State, particularly Koluama, by suspected sea pirates.

    Wilson, popularly known as Pastor Reuben, said the communities had petitioned security agencies over the attacks to no avail.

    The former creek warlord, who is an indigene of the Koluama clan, said the activities of the marauders crippled fishing, which is the main occupation of the affected communities.

    He said transportation and other commercial activities along the waterways were grossly affected adding that for fear of assaults, community heads were no longer having their regular meetings.

    “The attacks have become unbearable and may result into bloody confrontations between angry youths of affected communities and the sea pirate gangs”, he said.

    Wilson in a statement in Yenagoa, decried the hardship and pains inflicted on the people who constantly come in contact with gun-wielding robbers.

    He said the Pirates most times storm the communities at the fringe of the sea, attacking and dispossessing them of their cash and other valuables.

    He said: “Five boat engines are stolen daily by these hoodlums and they have stopped fishermen from going expedition because of fear of being attacked and killed.

    “The traditional rulers have abandoned their traditional role of deliberating over the affairs of their people for fear of being robbed, kidnapped or killed along the waterways by the sea pirates.”

    He called on security agencies to wade into the matter in the spirits of their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.

  • Bayelsa teachers to Dickson: Pay us our salaries

    Bayelsa teachers to Dickson: Pay us our salaries

    Primary and secondary school teachers in Bayelsa State, Wednesday, deplored eight months of unpaid salaries and marginalisation in the state appealing to the state Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, to pay the arrears.

    Marking Teachers Day in low key at their secretariat in Yenagoa, the teachers, under the auspices of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) said Bayelsa’s educational sector was replete with crises.

    The state Chairman, NUT, Mr. Kalama John-Tonpre, reeled out the problems facing teachers in the state as non-payment of salaries for about eight months; non-implementation of teachers promotion over the years and non-payment of annual increments.

    Others, according to him, are abdication of primary schools’ responsibilities by the state government and illegal dismissal of teachers employed in 2008 and 2009.

    John-Tonpre among others, further decried shortage of teachers without recruitment in the school system and non-provision of instructional materials.

    He said: “Some protracted but unattended issues in the sector are over-populated classrooms, poor standard of education resulting from poor funding, inconsistency and non-implementation of education policies.

    “Also, there is frequent disruption of the school system, moral decadence of the youth and eventually the underdevelopment of the state.”

    The NUT boss, however, acknowledged some efforts of Governor Seriake Dickson in educational development such as the construction off senatorial model schools, establishment of Teachers Training Institute (TTI) and repositioning the Isaac Adaka Boro College of Education.

    He regretted that teachers were suffering from marginalisation in the state and the country.

    “The current problems of the society characterised by disease, poverty, unemployment,  kidnapping, militancy,  injustice, lawlessness, greed for political powers and lack of conscience for humanity are all traced to the agonies of teachers”, he said.

    John-Tonpre appealed to the state government to as a matter of urgency satisfy the genuine demands of the teachers in the interest of advancing education for the benefit of the underprivileged in the state.

    He said: “Currently, so many teachers have retired and about a good number of teachers were dismissed from the school system with no recruitment of new ones to replace them.

    “Consequently, some primary schools in Bayelsa State have no single teachers to teach the children – our future leaders.  The issue deserves urgent attention as it portends danger at the foundation level of the education system.”

    He urged the state government to reinstate the dismissed teachers and recruit more teachers to fill the vacancies created in various schools across the state.

    He said: “Currently, so many teachers had retired and about a good number of teachers were dismissed from the school system with no recruitment of new ones to replace them. Consequently some primary schools in Bayelsa State have n single teacher to teach the children, our future leaders.

    “The issue deserves urgent attention as it portends danger at the foundation level of the education system. The NUT, therefore, calls on the state government to urgently reinstate the dismissed teachers and recruit more teachers to fill the vacancies created”.

    John-Tonpre also appealed to Governor Seriake Dickson to take up the responsibility of paying primary school teachers’ salaries because the councils alone could no longer bear such responsibility.

    Speaking at the event, the National President, NUT, Mr. Michael Olukoya, in his address read by the state Secretary, NUT, Mr. Jonhson Hector, called on the Federal Government and the relevant authorities to consider raising retirement age of teachers from 60 to 65 years.

    Olukoya further appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that only professionally trained and qualified persons were engaged in the proposed recruitment of 500,000 teachers to promote professionalism and effective service delivery.

  • Dickson seeks elders’ help to end unrest, insecurity

    Dickson seeks elders’ help to end unrest, insecurity

    The Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, Saturday, appealed to elders and founding fathers of the state to help his government end political unrest.

    Speaking at a meeting with members of the Bayelsa Elders Forum (BEF), as part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of creation of the state, Dickson paid tributes to elders and founding fathers for persistently agitating for the creation of Bayelsa in 1996.

    He said they wrote their names in gold for securing a good place for Bayelsa and thanked them for the support they had so far given to his administration.

    But he insisted that elders should play active roles in stopping the state from toeing the path of political unrest.

    He said: “Politicians will come and go, but the state will remain. So even in the midst of arguments and disagreements, let violence not be brought to bare.

    “Although the state is not where it should be, but it is not where it used to be and that is something to be thankful for and we congratulate all Bayelsans for the 20th anniversary of the state”.

    Dickson further appealed to the elders to help in pacifying civil servants from their localities to accept the ongoing payment pattern as government could not pay full salaries at this time.

    ‎”Some of the major challenges this government is facing is the dwindling economy and security and we call for your collaboration to ensure law and order in all the local government areas”, he said.

    Dickson said he had made parcels of land available in the New Yenagoa City with favourable terms and conditions to bring them closer to his government.

    Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Francis Doukpola, went down memory lane to narrate the creation of the state, its challenges successes so far recorded in the state.

    He congratulated the governor on his legal victory at the tribunal and the Appeal Court.

    Dickson was accompanied to the meeting by his deputy, John Jonah, Speaker of the State Assembly, Friday Konbowei Benson, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mrs Ebizi Ndiomu-Brown, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite, amongst others.

  • Bayelsa: Gunmen kill policeman in politician’s house

    Bayelsa: Gunmen kill policeman in politician’s house

    A policeman serving as an aide-de-camp to a politician in Bayelsa State has been killed by gunmen.

    It was gathered that the policeman whose identity was kept under wraps was gunned down when the hoodlums attacked the house of the politician in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Though the politician’s identity could not be determined, he was said to be holding an appointment in the government.

    It was learnt that the incident happened along INEC Road, at Kpansia area of Yenagoa on Thursday morning.

    The Commissioner of Police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi was said to have confirmed the incident to members of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).

    Adeyemi, however, failed to disclose the circumstances surrounding the murder and the actors involved in the incident.

    CLO led by its state Chairman, Chief Nengi James and former Secretary, Alagoa Morris, visited Ogunjemilusi to formerly report alleged increasing cases of extra-judicial killings and harassment of innocent citizens in the state by the police.

    One of the members of the CLO, who spoke in confidence, quoted the police boss as saying that one of his men was killed by hoodlums.

    He said: “We were unaware of the incident until we got to the police command. The commissioner of police told us that he lost one of his men.

    “We immediately condemned the killing of the policeman and asked the police to thoroughly investigate the incident and unmask the identities of persons behind the murder.

    “The commissioner, however, did not tell us the circumstances surrounding the incident. We condemn the killing of policemen in this country not just in Bayelsa because all human beings are covered by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and our various constitutions”.

    Though the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Butswat Asinim, could not provide details of the incident, it was learnt that the gunmen stormed the house of the politician at about 3am on the fateful day.

    While their target escaped their bullets, the policeman was not so fortunate as he was hit and killed on the spot.

    A source who identified himself as Seiyabo lamented the killing of the policeman and identified the deceased as a perfect gentleman.

    He said: “He is a perfect gentleman, simple to a fault and down to earth. He is a very loving husband and a very friendly neighbour. I have not seen him smoke nor drink alcohol, he is a true Niger Delta son and a true example of how to be a policeman.

    “He has never intimidated nor harassed anybody within our neighbourhood. He celebrated with those that celebrated and grieved with those in pain.

    “His only crime was to serve his fatherland. He is a human and if he was killed unjustly, he deserves the sympathy of all and sundry. His wife is still crying bitterly and all his neighbours sobbing quietly”

  • Corps member slumps, dies in Bayelsa

    Corps member slumps, dies in Bayelsa

    A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) identified as Mr. Ogundare Lawrence Opeyemi, has slumped and died in Bayelsa State.

    Opeyemi, it was gathered, died in Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area, where he was posted for his primary assignment.

    It was learnt that the deceased corps member slumped a day after he had a party with his colleagues in the area.

    “A day after the party, he complained of a health-related issue and before we knew what was happening he slumped and died”, a source who spoke in confidence said.

    His death caused panic among corps members, who raised the alarm over incessant death of their colleagues in the state.

    His remains were later conveyed to and deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa.

    But on Friday, corps members cried uncontrollably when kinsmen of the deceased came to convey the remains to his home state, Ekiti for burial.

    Hundreds of corps members trooped to the mortuary section of the hospital in solidarity with their departed colleague.

    Officials of the NYSC in the state were led by the corps’ state Coordinator, Mr. Anthony Ekeocha.

    Ekeocha reportedly described the death as painful and decried incessant death of corps members in Bayelsa.

    He said: “We are here to carry out an assignment and it is a painful assignment. Not quite long we were here to carry out same assignment, too much death in NYSC.

    “We all pray that we should not die prematurely but at an old age. I put myself in the shoes of the parents after much investment but at the end this is what they got but we cannot question God”.

  • Bayelsa: Police arrest 106, arraign 58 for cultism

    Bayelsa: Police arrest 106, arraign 58 for cultism

    Some parents and guardians in Bayelsa State kicked, at the weekend, following the mass arrest of 106 youths including minors by the police for cultism.

    The police further caused controversy by their decision to arraign 58 of the suspects at the state High Court on two-count of conspiracy and membership of cult groups.

    The suspects including four minors were rounded up when a police squad raided some black spots in the capital city, Yenagoa.

    The court presided over by Justice Naiyi Aganaba, was however, said to have granted bails to the accused persons and asked them to show proofs of innocence and non-membership of the cults.

    As part of conditions for their bails, the court reportedly asked them to provide N100,000 each, sureties who must be senior civil servants from grade level seven and resident in Yenagoa.

    Justice Aganaba, adjourned the case to October, 20, 2016.

    But angry parents of the arraigned suspects protested outside the court premises, accusing the police of illegal arrest of innocent people.

    A parent, who identified himself as Kelvin, said his son was arrested few metres away from their home while on errand to buy a loaf of bread.

    “When I accosted the policemen after I heard my son scream for help, the police threatened to shoot me dead. They asked me what my son was doing outside after 8pm”, he said.

    Another woman, who claimed to be wife to one of the suspects, said his husband was arrested few minutes after their newborn’s dedication at home.

    He said: “He was accompanying a guest who attended the dedication event to the bus stop when he was arrested.

    “All pleas and explanations we made to the police fell on deaf ears. How do I bail him when we just spent money on hospital bill for the new baby’s delivery and dedication?”

    Also some members of the the Hausa community in Yenagoa, who joined the protest said over 32 Hausa persons were among the suspects arrested by the police.

    They said 12 of them including four minors were among the persons brought to the court.

    “Most of them were operators of commercial tricycles known as Keke Napep”, they said.

  • Snakes cause panic in Bayelsa

    Snakes cause panic in Bayelsa

    Sudden appearances of snakes especially Cobras on streets and homes in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital is creating panic among residents.

    Some persons attributed the development to consistent rainfalls and floods experienced in many parts of the capital city.

    Others, however, said the underdeveloped nature of Yenagoa which has bushes, unkempt canals and many undeveloped plots of land provide safe haven for snakes and reptiles.

    Residents of the Apex Academy road of Amarata community on Imgbi road at the weekend were said to have discovered a giant cobra in a vehicle and rallied round to kill it.

    One of the residents identified as Chidera, said the cobra was discovered in a vehicle owned by a trader.

    “At about 7am, the owner of the vehicle, Emmanuel, called an auto repairer to fix the vehicle but discovered a large snake hiding in the vehicle.

    “The man rushed to call some residents of the area to assist him. Some youths gathered and killed the snake”, he said.

    Another resident identified as Joshua‎, said there have been movements of snakes around the Amarata since the rainfall started.

    “Some weeks ago, I saw a huge snake at the back of my house in the morning. Attempts to kill the cobra failed as it was ready to strike”, he said.

    But a local snake expert, Festus Ogienwon, advised residents to be careful while walking at night.

    He further asked people to ensure their doors are tightly closed at all time to avoid snakes crawling into their apartments to hide.

  • Amosun, El- Rufai, urge Nigerians to see nation’s diversity as strength

    Amosun, El- Rufai, urge Nigerians to see nation’s diversity as strength

    Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El – Rufai, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Dickson Seriake, have urged Nigerians to see the nation’s diversity as a source of “strength” for its “greatness” and not for disunity.

    Amosun, El – Rufai and Seriake said the country’s diversity should be fully utilised by Nigerians in harmony “for the good and progress of Nigeria” and not otherwise.

    The trio made the appeal separately yesterday while delivering separate goodwill messages at the 2016 annual Ojude – Oba cultural carnival of the Ijebu nation in Ogun State, Nigeria which depicted an array of people suffused with glamour, excitements and splendour.

    An estimated 25,000 Ijebu sons, daughters friends and well – wishers participated at this year’s Ojude Oba in Ijebu – Ode, the royal home of Awujale and where over 35 age grades – Regberegbes, took turn to pay homage to him who is often referred to as the Orisa Ijebu(the god of the Ijebu people)

    Amosun who lauded Oba Adetona for his capacity to use “culture, tradition and religion” to weave a an enviable and enduring unity among his people, said the nation’s leaders should emulate leadership style and forge a greater unity among Nigerians out of the country’s multi –  diversities.

    The Governor also commended the Ijebu people for not only making Ogun State unique with the Ojude Oba festival but for also using same to continually launch the State into global consciouness.

    ” One sees the love, tenacity and determination of the Ijebu people to showcase their rich cultural heritage and tradition. In Ogun State, we create the template for others to follow.

    “In Nigeria, we should serve diligently. It is not where one comes from or religion should count but one’s diligent service. We should emulate Kabiyesi ability to forge unity among his people despite different religions.

    “We should live in togetherness, love and harmony not only in Ogun State but also in Nigeria,” Amosun said.

    For El – Rufai, he lauded Awujale for the courage and leadership competence in leading his people towards organising the annual Ojude Oba which he dedcribed as an “incredible event.”

    ” I came here not as Governor, not as guest of Governor Amosun or as a member of All Progressives Congress but I’m here because Awujale is my father, a man of great wisdom, unparralled courage and integrity.

    “Throughout my public service and exile, he was a true father to me. He adviced and even supported me financially. I know dream of  Ijebu State is close to your heart and one can pray for your long life to see Ijebu State come to pass,” El – Rufai said.

    Also, Governor Dickson Seriake who was the Special guest of honour, urged Nigeria to find a way to export Ojude Oba to the rest the world through cultural tourism.

    Seriake who is a descendant of Adebukunola Fidipote, a Princess from one the Ruling Houses of Awujale stool in Ijebu – Ode, said Nigeria should leverage on her rainbow of diversity to work towards greatness and not division.

    In his brief spech, Oba Adetona said the festival has continued to gain more local and global attention by the year and commended Govermor Amosun and corporate bodies for their continual support.

    Apart from the three governors, Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s Deputy – Governor, Princess Yetunde Onanuga, former military Governor Old Rivers State and traditional ruler, HRH, Afred Diette – Spiff, were among the digniatries who honoured the Awujale at this year Ojude Oba with their presence.

    Others are Omoba Olori Subomi Balogun, Speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, the Moyegoso of Itele – Ijebu, Oba Adesanya Kasali, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Ogun State, Chief Bimbo Ashiru, his Culture and Tourism counterpart, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu.