The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bayelsa

  • IYC warns against subversion of democracy

    The Ijaw Youths Council ( IYC ) Worldwide has called for vigilance against anti-democratic forces in the country.

    The umbrella body of Ijaw youths in a statement in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Wednesday said it would mobilise youths from all the ethnic nationalities across the country to stop any attempt to subvert democratic governance.

    According to the statement, signed by its Secretary-General, Mr. Alfred Kemepado, political leaders and key players have been asked to mind their public conducts and utterances.

    Kemepado appealed to leaders to show their patriotism by giving required attention to the sustenance of democracy and avoiding acts that could truncate it in the country.

    He said the IYC believed that democracy under President Muhammdu Buhari ebbing and doubted the President’s commitment to the ideals of democratic principles.

    Kemepado said the siege on the Abuja homes of the leadership of the Senate further confirmed the fears that democracy was under threat.

    He said: “The exploitation of state security apparatus to harass and intimidate perceived political opponents is not a healthy development. It is a display of political desperation which should not have a place in our democracy.

    “The recent developments at the National Assembly and the harassment of perceived political opponents are without doubt threats to democratic governance in the country. The National Assembly is an autonomous organ and shouldn’t be subjected to such a degrading harassment.

    “The blockade of the convoy of the Senate President and the failed attempt to arrest him with a view to prevent the Senate from sitting is unhealthy”.

    He added that for democracy to thrive, the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the constitution must be respected.

    Kemepado insisted there must be strict adherence to democratic ethos and values by all political actors.

    He argued that the emerging political situation in the country was further justification of the growing call for the restructuring of the country.

    He lamented what he described as the brazen violation of court orders by the current administration saying such lingering issues would be effectively addressed in a restructured Nigeria.

    Kemepado said that it was important for politicians to play by the rule and place the interest of the country and its stability above their individual and selfish political interests.

    He urged the people to resist any attempt by any group of persons or political interest to endanger the ideals of democracy.

    He said the insecurity occasioned by the herders/farmers killings across the state’s was disturbing and called on political leadership and security agencies to stop the bloodshed.

  • Bayelsa airport advances to completion

    The International Cargo Airport project in Bayelsa State will soon be completed. In fact, barring any change in plans, President Muhammadu Buhari, will be on a state working visit in the state to inaugurate the only airport sited in the only homogeneous Ijaw state.

    The workaholic Commissioner for Works, Lawrence Ewruhjakpor, is working round the clock to deliver the project. In a recent tour of the project located at Amassoma, the community of late former Governor Diepreye Alamiyeiseigha, in Southern Ijaw, it was obvious that all the aspects of the project were nearing completion.

    The commissioner is working to ensure that the project is delivered in August ending following the directive of Governor Seriake Dickson. Ijaw youths, some political leaders and other stakeholders accompanied the works commissioner for the inspection of the project.

    The commissioner declared that the project was about 80 per cent complete. He said the terminal building was complete but that some corrections were being made by the contractors based on the suggestions of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) which visited the project site.

    The commissioner said the car park was 70 per cent complete adding that the fire trucks and other fire equipment were on their way. Ewruhjakpor said most of the fittings had been done and explained that the access road was also complete.

    Conducting the stakeholders round the project, he said: “On the August 10, we should be through with asphalt work on the binders and we’ll have another five days because of the markings on the runway to give guidance to the pilot and airport users.

    “The contractors that worked on the Abuja airport assured us that we can do that in one week. From what is on ground, the deadline of August ending which is the date the governor has given to us for the commissioning approved by Mr. President.

    “I think it’s quite visible because all we need to do is to up our visits in terms of rounding off on the project. Clearly, we are on target and we are working with the contractors. For every place we need to look at details.

    “We want to see if we can reduce the time. If we are able to work hard and we get 31st of July as our ending date for asphalt work,  we will be happy but if we cannot do that it’ll be because they’re a few issues that is out of our control like the weather.

    “Once it’s raining there’s an extent to which we can work and that is why work is slow. But we are looking at 30 days to do our asphalt laying. That is the major area we have issues but every other area is complete”.

    The commissioner further explained that the terminal building in the airport is of international standard and comparable to similar buildings in airports in Enugu, Owerri, Calabar and Akwa Ibom. “It is more magnificent, the only one that can actually give us a chase for our money is the one at Lagos and the one at Abuja”, he said.

    Ewruhjakpor dwelled on the passion of the governor for the development of the state. He said Dickson was prepared for governance. He said: “If you know why you’re coming into government, you’ll know what to do as a governor, so he is not a governor who came to learn on the job.

    He said the governor’s desire to develop Bayelsa compelled him and his ministry to always visit project sites. He said Dickson was always seeking information about all the projects in the state adding that failure to furnish him with details would mean incompetence.

    “He is a governor who has learnt how to become a governor before he came one. He sees underdevelopment of Bayelsa as the greatest injustice anybody can make to humanity, so he feels pained every day. Right now, the Nigerian nation has left us behind. Do we ourselves leave ourselves behind?

    “The answer is no. So what Dickson is trying to say is that since Nigerian nation has left us behind, we have the capacity to catch them up, so let’s catch them up and that is what we’re doing even if means going spiritual, physical or otherwise.

    “That is the driving force of Dickson. Every day, you meet the governor to say good morning, he’ll answer you but the answer will be what of this project? And that is why we are achieving the successes we are getting because if you have the boss is always around you, you have to be on your toes and some of us that are on our toes it’s because of what he is doing”.

    He added: “Definitely, he’ll ask you questions about the project and if you’re not able to explain to him clearly, you’re incompetent and you don’t want to become an incompetent person before your boss. So, his passion for the development of Bayelsa”.

    Apart from the airport, the governor was also working relentlessly on the Agge Deep Seaport. He said Dickson desired to see the commencement of the seaport and was working to see whether he could bring in some ships before the end of his administration.

    “If it were to be some governors who have one year and a half to go he should be slowing down but he is not prepared to slow down. What he told me in his closet is that we are going to work until the day we are going to hand over. So if there is a project that needs to be started on the February 13, 2020, start it, then we hand over that project to the next administration that is coming in”, he said.

    He said the completion of the airport would open the state to the world and the world to Bayelsa. He said it would prevent the risk of kidnapping faced by people traveling to board flights in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    “The airport will also increase tourism because the man who knows that he doesn’t need to drive two to three hours of risk before he gets to Yenagoa will prefer to come to Yenagoa. There is no traffic congestion. The air here is pure”, he said.

    Also speaking, the Chairman of IYC Central Zone, Tari Pori, said the project was evidence of Dickson’s visionary leadership. He said they had earlier taught that an airport project in the state was impossible but Dickson changed their perceptions,

    He said the magnificence of the project made people to claim falsely that it was a federal project. “I could recall when we were pushing for the 2015 election, many people were playing politics with this project, but today the governor has disappointed them”, he said.

    He described the airport as unique saying it surpassed similar projects in many states he had visited. He praised the governor for keeping faith with the project despite the economic downturn. He said persons outside the state claiming that nothing was happening in Bayelsa should try to visit the state.

    He said: “These are projects we felt before now that without federal government supporting, they were not possible. But the governor has realized it. The youths of Bayelsa are absolutely standing with him and we are happy that he is giving us legacy projects such as international airport.

    “Don’t also forget that this project will engage many young boys and many young ladies. We are also again saying thank you to the Governor because when you don’t come up with legacy projects such as this, it will be very difficult to engage the youths.

    “This project will create enabling environment for international communities to come to the Ijaw land. This is the first airport in Ijaw land and for us we are speaking on behalf of Ijaw people and what we are saying is that the youths are behind the governor”.

     

  • Bayelsa stakeholders accuse security firm of extra-judicial killings

    A group of stakeholders in Bayelsa State yesterday yesterday accused the Darlong Security Services (DSS) of masterminding extra-judicial killings in the state.

    The non-governmental organis-ation (NGO),  Kimisese Mass Movement for Good Governance (KMMGG), called for the suspension of all operations of the company in the state pending the conclusions of investigations into the alleged criminal activities against the firm.

    The group also appealed to the the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) to save the state from crisis and further bloodshed by withholding the pipeline surveillance contract it awarded to the firm.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, the Chairman, KMMGG, Mr. Charles Kuroteizi, showed that the security firm had issues and must submit itself for investigations.

    The security firm, owned by David Lyon, a loyalist of former Governor Timipre Sylva, is handling surveillance contract for NAOC in the state.

    Its activities came under scrutiny following a resolution of the state House of Assembly in a motion sponsored by a member representing Sagbama two, Bernard Kenebai accusing the firm of killings in the creeks.

    The plight of Darlong worsened on Wednesday when members of the House of Representatives unanimously sponsored a motion at the House seeking the suspension of all surveillance contracts in Bayelsa.

    Kuroteizi said from the findings of their organisation, many indigenes were killed in various communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

    He said: “We engage you (press) today due to somek critical security issues bedevelling the peace in SILGA and if not urgently handled could metamorphose into serious crisis.

    “As a responsible organisation, we cannot sit down in our comfort zone and watch insecurity deteriorate to the level where youths are allegedly murdered in cold blood on a daily basis by Dalong Security Service under the guise of protecting oil facilities in the communities.

    “From petitions at our disposal, one Erelayefa Ayawei, a native of Korokorosei was allegedly killed while Delight Olando and Justina Samuel sustained gunshot injuries.

    “In Ikeinghbiri community, Mr. Kosene Komoh0Nimitei was allegedly shot dead. At Ondewari community, four persons including Deintei Rufus, Kombowei Godknows, Showboy Imienye and Ebimobowei Alasuo were killed by the same security company while Akpokere Christopher lost his leg to amputation owing to bullet wounds.”

    He added that in Korokorosei community, 12 houses were allegedly burnt down and 25 persons in exile in neighbouring communities for fear of being attacked.

    Kuroteizi asked Governor Seriake Dickson to immediately set up a panel of inquiry and investigate the alleged killings and bring the perpetrators to book within three weeks.

    “But if nothing is done at the expiration of three weeks ultimatum, we will commence a legal action against the governor. Afterall, one of the responsibilities of government is to protect lives and property,” he said.

    In its reaction, the management of Darlong described the allegation as lies, unthinkable and unfortunate, saying it existed only in the imagination of the accusers.

    Its Public Relations Manager and Security Coordinator, Mr. Preye Oseke, said there was nothing illegal and criminal in the activities of the company.

    He described the allegations from the group as “ill-conceived, malicious, unfounded and politically motivated.”

    He said that Darlong as a responsible and law-abiding firm, operates within the limits of the law, adding that its operations created jobs for more than 4,000 youths hitherto engaged in oil theft and sundry crimes in the creeks of Bayelsa.

    Oseke said: “If we killed somebody, what is the name of the bereaved? Who killed him? When, where and how? I am the spokesman for the company and I am telling you that Darlong Security and Guards is never involved in criminalities.

    “If you say somebody is stockpiling arms, which employee of Darlong is stockpiling arm? At where? The state government should go to the place with security agents and get the arms that are being stockpiled.

    “If any government person has any criminal case against any employee of our company, they should write the Inspector General of Police, and other security agencies and let them get the person arrested and be prosecuted,” he said.

     

  • Bayelsa governor at OAU, backs calls for restructuring

    Gov. Seriake  Dickson of Bayelsa on Thursday backed calls for restructuring  in the country.

    He spoke at the Distinguished Guest Lecture of  the Faculty Arts, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, which had as  theme: “ Restructuring and the Search for a productive Nigeria.’’

    ” If we were to conduct a referendum, majority of Nigerians will vote for the unity of Nigeria  because the unity of Nigeria is desirable in the best interest of all,’’ he said.

    The Bayelsa governor, however,  admonished Nigerian  leaders to return to true federalism which was agreed on by the founding fathers of the country.

    “For this nation to be positively restructured, the issue of constitutional amendment should be addressed.

    ” Political leaders are more militant than the military and more intolerant of adverse opinions or criticisms.

    “ Nigeria’s unity cannot be sustained merely by constitutional provisions that we know are ineffective,’’ he said.

    Earlier, Dickson had  visited the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, where he lauded him for upholding the tradition and culture of  the Yoruba.

    In his remarks, Ogunwusi sued for  unity across the country, saying  he was optimistic of a   day party leaders would  shun politics of  bitterness.

    He also warned youths across the country against acts of violence. (NAN)

  • FG to take delivery of N10.7bn rice mill Dec 2019

    The Federal Government has said the N10.7 billion integrated rice milling machines procured by the Federal Government will be delivered in December, 2019.

    Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this Monday at the pact signing with MV Agro Engineers, suppliers of the farm equipment, in Abuja.

    Ogbeh explained that the benefiting states would indicate interest as off-takers, make 10 percent down payment and express technical capacity to own and operate a mill.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) in April approved N10.7bn for the establishment of 10 new rice mills in the six geopolitical zones.

    The 10 participating states include Kaduna, Anambra, Kogi, Benue, Bayelsa, Niger, and Bauchi. Others are Kebbi, Ogun, Zamfara while the mills are expected to produce 100 tons of rice per day.

    Read Also:Fed Govt to rice millers: we’ll reduce interest rates

    The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) is expected to take over the loan repayment in the next 10 years.

    “As these people arrive, they will install these mills and the BoA will take over the loans repayment over a period of 10 years,” Ogbeh said.

    Asked if the 18 months deadline could be reviewed upward, the minister noted that, “building machines is not cheap. It’s a scientific thing. These people say they may do it faster but we give them 18 months, so there won’t be issues for delays.”

    According to him, there are about 16 existing large rice mills from the already procured 100 mills.

    The minister added that 16 large machines would mill 100 tons of rice paddy daily while others could mill about 300 tons daily.

    “Dangote just brought in 10 milling machines which will produce 1 million tons of rice per annum but there are smaller ones we gave out, about 200 mills of 10 tons and 20 tons per annum operating in villages and small corners equipped with the stoners.

    “We are buying smaller mills and giving them out because the smaller mills produce more rice than the big mills added up but they are scattered all over the country. Virtually every state has small rice mills somewhere, Niger, Bayelsa, Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Ebonyi, Katsina and Jigawa,” he stated.

    He commended the contractors advising them to supply adequate quality spare parts.

    In his remarks, the Managing Director, Bank of Agriculture, Kabir Mohammed restated commitment to ensure the project is successful while meeting the delivery targets.

    He said the project financing would not be a challenge.

    The Managing Director, Jamu Babba Dan’agundi, leader of the delegation commended the federal government for the gesture.

    He promised to deliver the machines as scheduled.

  • We didn’t endorse Atiku, says Bayelsa Ohaneze

    The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndiigbo in Bayelsa State at the weekend said there was no time it endorsed the presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who was recently in the state to seek support.

    The socio-cultural group said it was against its objectives to delve into partisan politics and described the alleged endorsement as disgraceful and unfortunate.

    The Caretaker Chairman of the group in Bayelsa, Chief Nlem Mark, who spoke during a reconciliatory meeting with local chapters of Ohaneze in Ogbia Local Government Area, said those within their group who purportedly received Abubakar during his visit were impostors and political jobbers.

     He said they went to see Abubakar for money adding that the political outing was organised by suspended and discredited members led by Chief Chinedu Amaku.

    In a communiqué issued after the meeting signed by Mark and Chief Chinedu Arthur-Ugwa, Leader of Ohanaeze Youth Wing in Bayelsa, the group appealed to the Bayelsa Government to severe links with the impostors.

    The group said the suspended members were boasting that they were enjoying the protection of the Secretary to Bayelsa Government (SSG) and were working to sabotage the efforts of Ohanaeze national executive.

     The communique read in part:  “The claim that the secretary to Bayelsa Government was the force behind their actions is regrettable; if it is true, it leaves us to assume that they were behind the disunity which our elders are working to end.

    “The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Nnia Nwodo had urged the state government to work in harmony with the caretaker committee pending elections.

    “We therefore wonder why some appointees of the governor chose to align with suspended members to sabotage the Nwodo-led leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

     “We therefore urge the Bayelsa government to intervene by cautioning their appointees before their actions would lead to breach of the existing peace.”

     The group lamented that the lingering leadership crisis was retarding the progress of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Bayelsa and delaying the release of a bus donated to the group by the state government.

     It declared its support for the Bayelsa government in making the state a safer and better place to live. 

  • Oil spill destroys fishing settlements in Bayelsa community – NGO

    The Oil and Gas Producing Areas Enlightenment and Empowerment Initiative (OGPAEEI), an NGO in Bayelsa, says over 50 fishing settlements have been destroyed by the recent oil spill in Aghoro 1 and 2 communities.

    Aghoro is hosting an oilfield operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Aghoro 1 and 2 settlements were affected by a spillage from SPDC pipeline network in the area on May 17.

    Dr Anapunere Awoli, Spokesman of the NGO, told NAN in Yenagoa on Friday that about 10,000 fishing nets, sources of water and farmland with crops were also adversely impacted and damaged.

    Awoli, who spoke on behalf of the President of the group, Mr Jackson Igbabiri, said that the most affected communities were those in Aghoro 1, including Famous Ama, Garden of Eden, Aya Ama, Azatitor and Birigbene among others.

    “From the assessment we conducted on the incident, we found out that about 10,000 fishing nets, over 50 fishing settlements, farmlands including coconut farms, plantain and water yam farms were impacted by the spill.

    “Some of the fishing settlements in the area are Amasese, Idolo, Semetiegbe, Yoba, Agoloudu, Ama Iyorodtugbene, and Isun Adofeye camp, among others.

    “We are calling on SPDC to urgently provide alternative sources of water like borehole for the people; the people are also in dire need of medical aid and food items; the situation can lead to public health challenges if not taken care of.

    “Let me once again commend the state government officials for their visit to the affected communities; it is very encouraging that the state government is sensitive to the plight of the victims; the show of empathy is plausible,” the spokesman said.

    NAN recalls that the Bayelsa Government, led by the Deputy Governor, Gboribiogha Jonah, had visited the impacted sites and enjoined Shell to apply standard practice to avert a recurrence.

    In a separate interview, His Majesty, King Enimikem Famous, the traditional ruler of Famous Ama Community in Aghoro, described the incident as “unfortunate” and urged the Federal Government, Shell and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to their aid.

    Famous expressed dissatisfaction over the suffering of the his people due to oil spillages, adding that the adverse effects on human health were worrisome.

    “We have suffered too much of spills; our people have suffered from several illnesses such as cholera, severe cough and infertility caused by the type of water we consume,” he said.

    Reacting to the incident, Dr Alice Aje, Manager, Stakeholder Relations at SPDC, said the oil firm was responding to the spill incident and sought the understanding of the community.

    She described the spill as “regrettable and unfortunate”, adding that efforts were underway to convene a joint investigative visit with community representatives to probe the cause of the spill.

  • FRSC confirms death of two corps members in Bayelsa

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Tuesday confirmed the death of two Corps members in an auto crash in Bayelsa.

    Mr Ikechukwu Igwe, State Sector Commissioner told our reporter in Yenagoa that two other corps members were injured in the incident.

    “Yes, the incident occurred on Monday at Swali Bridge in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa; the Tricycle the Corps Members boarded was hit by a Tipper.

    “The two among them have died while the other injured two are receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Yenagoa.

    “Today, Tuesday, our personnel will be going to the hospital to check how they are responding to treatment,” Igwe said.

    Read Also: NYSC assures corps members of protection

    Reacting to the incident, Mrs Loto Bolade-Omolayo, State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) described the incident as “unfortunate.”

    “Two of the corps members died as a result of the injuries sustained during the accident, while the other two are being treated by a team of competent consultants at the FMC.

    “The NYSC family is saddened by this sudden lose. We commiserate with their families on this unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of the souls of the dead and quick recovery of the injured corps members,” she stated.

  • Blame June salary delay on FAAC, says Bayelsa

    The Bayelsa State Government yesterday told its workers that any delay in payment of their June salaries should be blamed on the the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).

    The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Maxwell Ebibai, said in a statement that the crucial monthly FAAC meeting could not hold following the inability of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to present accurate figures of revenue collected for the month to the committee .

    He said the meeting ended in deadlock because of the discrepancies in the figures presented by the NNPC to FAAC.

    Ebibai explained further that, this inability of the NNPC to present agreeable returns to FAAC was responsible for the lingering delay in holding the June FAAC meeting.

    He said that the Bayelsa State Government was obliged to alert the workers that the problem could result in a slight delay in the payment of salaries in the state.

    Ebibai, however, urged the citizens to show the usual understanding in the event of any delay in salary payment, adding that the government had always given priority to the prompt payment of salaries to its workers.

    He added that the administration of Governor Seriake Dickson holds workers in high esteem and always appreciates their efforts and contributions to the development of the state.

    According to him, efforts were being intensified to prevail on the NNPC to present acceptable figures to FAAC, in order to resolve the stalemate.

    He said: “As a responsible government, we have always demonstrated a deep consciousness of our responsibilities to our workers and other citizens of our great state. This, we have done over the years with prompt payment of salaries to our workers.

    “However, we feel obliged to inform our citizens that, the unfortunate delay in holding the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meeting for the month of June may result in a slight delay in the payment of salaries.

    “We wish to advise our workers not to panic as FAAC is making efforts to prevail on the NNPC to provide accurate figures of returns to resolve this stalemate. We seek the understanding of our dear citizens on this issue which we believed would be resolved soon.”

     

  • Crisis rocks IYC as chairman ‘escapes death’ in Bayelsa

    Crisis is rocking the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone, following alleged attempts on the lives of the zone’s Chairman, Tare Porri and some elders in Yenagoa, the state capital.

    Porri, yesterday, said he survived an attempt on his life by the Vice-Chairman of the council, Amiebi  Turner and some of his loyalists, who invaded the venue of a peace meeting convened by the elders in council.

    Briefing journalists at his office in Izon House yesterday, Porri said his deputy stormed the venue of the meeting with bus loads of hoodlums and held him and other elders at gunpoint.

    He said properties belonging to the Chairman of the Elders Advisory Council, Mike Wenibowei, who provided the venue for the meeting were destroyed while the entire area was raided raided with valuables carted away.

    Wenibowei,  former Chairman of the IYC, confirmed the incident and said he saw the thugs holding at least three guns adding that the invaders caused panic in the area through many gunshots they fired into the air.

    Wenibowei said it took the intervention of security forces to calm the situation.

    Turner and his loyalists were said to be angry  following an alleged plan  by Porri to handover to one of his supporters before leaving his chairmanship to contest the State House of Assembly seat for Ekeremor Constituency 1 in Bayelsa.

    It was gathered that the thugs attacked and beat up two policemen, including an inspector sent to serve an invitation from the Commissioner of Police in the state Don Awunah, to the suspects in Ogboloma.

    The policemen were reportedly hospitalized after the thugs descended and vented their anger on them.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Asinim Butswat, confirmed the attack on the security operatives, but said he needed a detailed briefing to get the facts of the matter.

    “I am aware, I just want to get detailed explanation before I talk to you”, he said.

    Porri said he was saved by the intervention of his security aide and the malfunctioning of the locally-made pistol when his deputy pulled the trigger.

    He said: “The Treasurer tried to hit me and when I dodged, I saw Amiebi trying to pull the trigger and the gun did not respond. Immediately I used my last strength to hit him and I don’t know how I got out. He still followed me and was aiming at me before my security detail faced him and that was how I escaped being assassinated.

    “ They raided the whole street with all their valuables. As I address you, even my phone is still with him and they have vowed to kill me , my wife and my children and they will burn down my house,”, he said.

    Porri called on the Inspector General of Police, the Commander, Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta, the police, Director of the Department of State Services in the state and other security agencies to come to his aid.

    “ My life and those of my lieutenants are in serious danger. These hoodlums have vowed to eliminate us. They feel the only way to take over leadership of the IYC is by killing all of us. I have reported to the security agencies”, he added.

    Porri named others who attacked him as Beledayon Barracks, Juliana Okpu and Daniel Perebi, who are also members of the executive committee of the IYC.

    But Turner denied all the allegations describing them as malicious and fallacious and asked the public to disregard the claims.

    He said: “The allegations  that I mobilise thugs to disrupt meeting, held a gun, and all that and fabricated. I wish the general public to disregard these allegations leveled against me because it was built and watered on falsehood.

    “I was not invited for the conflict resolution  meeting with the Chairman and other stakeholders of Council,but i got the information and went there to make my stand and raise critical issues that could lead to crisis in the zonal leadership.

    “We had series of argument which resulted in reactions by some followers of Porri and, which I find condemable in strong terms. I had to run for my life because  I was targeted. I never held a gun or involved in any uproar”.