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Tag: Bayelsa

  • We’re ready for Bayelsa, Kogi polls, says INEC

    We’re ready for Bayelsa, Kogi polls, says INEC

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed readiness for the Bayelsa and Kogi governorship elections.

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, speaking in Abuja at the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters and Political Affairs, said the people’s votes would count in the elections.

    Yakubu, assuring Nigerians on the readiness of the electoral body, said although a standard had been set by the ex-INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, more would be done under his leadership.

    He said: “INEC is ready for Bayelsa and Kogi polls. Whatever the people decide that is what we are committed to. We are committed to building on the success of the 2015 general election.”

    The INEC boss said additional 48,000 people had been registered, with their permanent voter cards (PVCs) ready and distributed.

  • Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    Siasia: Bayelsa has brighter future

    The Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, Moses Siasia, has called on the youths to join him in building a prosperous future for the state.

    Siasia was received in Yenagoa, the state capital, by thousands of youths as he unfolded his programes at the Samson Siasia Stadium, named after his elder brother and coach of the Under-23 Football Team, Samson Siasia.

    The 35-year old businessman said that, having achieved so much in business, where he has employed over 400 young professionals, he has what it takes to govern the state.

    He said: “My administration will diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and tourism to make Bayelsa an economic hub in the Southsouth geo-political zone. I will increase workers’ minimum wage from N18, 000 to N25, 000, while there would be prompt payment of gratuity to pensioners.”

    Siasia saiud he will focus on a two-point agenda of job creation and education.

    He sadded:“In achieving these two points agenda, we would also address the key strategic sectors like quality health delivery by ensuring the health sector earned the trust and respect of the people. We will partner with the Federal Government and other stakeholders in the improvement of electricity.

    “We would explore other sustainable sources of affordable energy. The rural areas will no longer be thrown into darkness. We would introduce electronic badge system for security.

    “The government will ease means of transportation by establishing a drive and own tucking system, build trailer parks, invest in water taxi system for the riverine communities among others”

    “We would boost agriculture and make it attractive and rewarding. We will tackle the security challenges in the state to ensure that Bayelsans can go to bed with both eyes closed and also earn the trust of investors. Bayelsa will become the hub of tourism and technology advancement”

    The said he will be the first governor to serve with a woman deputy governor in Bayelsa State, adding that women would occupy 40 per cent of government appointments.

    He urged Bayelsans, particularly youths, to avoid mortgaging their future with peanuts. He said they should vote according to their conscience during the election.

    His running mate, Mrs Irene Opuene, urged the people  to vote for Siasaia, stressing that the ticket is people-driven.

    She added: “It is our turn to participate in government.  Siasia is your son who has empowered other youths and women in our land. Remember, this movement is about that farmer in Nembe whose farm has been destroyed by oil spillage with no compensation.

    “It is about our young ladies that have been forced into prostitution by bad government. It is about the people in Yenegoa who have no portable water to drink.  The movement is not about Moses and Irene but it is your quest for purposeful leadership and transformation.

    “It is about the cry of our people against imposition and recycling of old hands. Moses Siloko Siasia is opportune to be at the forefront of the movement. We have no godfather but God and you, the good people of Bayelsa.”

  • Bayelsa polls: Civil society groups back Dickson

    With the massive support that has continued on upward swing for Governor Seriake Dickson’s re-election bid, what is of note, however, is the massive support that all segment of the state are reigning in for the ‘Countryman Governor’.

    As the build-up to the December 5 date draws near, over 400 coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society groups have continued to mobilise support for Governor Dickson.

    This is coming on the heels of same support from the state House of Assembly, organised labour and traditional leaders, as well as women and youth groups across the state.

    The groups with over 5,000 memberships from all the eight local government areas of the state had converged under the aegis of Save Bayelsa Movement (SBM) at the popular Peace Park in Yenagoa, penultimate week to demonstrate their support and readiness to ensure that, the governor is re-elected for another four-year term.

    They reasoned that their support for the Governor Dickson-led administration, are especially in the areas of peace and security, education, primary health care and job creation.

    Hon. Joseph Kemeagbeye former Speaker, old Rivers State House of Assembly fired the first salvo. He said the groups would remain steadfast until the set goal of returning Dickson to Bayelsa State Government House is achieved.

    While describing the developmental strides of the present administration as unprecedented, the former lawmaker hinted that “if Dickson could achieve so much in less than four years in office, then giving him another opportunity, Bayelsa would rank as one of the best among the comity of states.”

    He further stressed that while other states are taking both local and foreign loans, Dickson is busy repaying debt owed by the immediate past administration.

    His words: “It is on record that Bayelsa remains one of the few states in the federation that does not owe its workforce. I make bold to say that Governor Dickson has been able to liberate Bayelsa State as he continues to pursue the part of peace.

    “Contrary to what obtained in the past, people can now sleep with their two eyes closed. Also, some communities in the hinterland are now accessible by road.

    “With Dickson’s numerous achievements, we the members of the NGO and civil society groups have no option than to queue behind him on the 5th of December, 2015.”

    In his response, the State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson expressed appreciation to the organisers of Save Bayelsa Movement rally, describing the event as heartwarming.

    He said his administration owe posterity a legacy of sustainable development, a secure future and human capacity development, which have been the cardinal objectives of the Restoration Government.

    While thanking the people of the state for their support over the past three-and-half years, Governor Dickson said the coming election would be conducted on a one-man-one-vote basis. He stated that there will be no room for rigging.

    For the Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (rtd), the present administration, in the last couple of years, has made huge investments in security, which, he noted, is a prerequisite for development.

    Assessing Governor Dickson’s administration, Jonah said: “Government has created access to rural areas as evident in the construction of the multi-billion Naira Ogbia-Nembe Road, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road and the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Road. I can now drive to my community in Nembe without stress.”

  • Bayelsa to protect mother tongue from extinction

    Bayelsa State has attained a milestone in its efforts to rescue Ijaw language from going into extinction. The state recently mobilised teachers it trained in Ijaw language to various schools. The state Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, on assumption of office, vowed to restore the dying Jaw dialects.

    Dickson, through the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs headed by Dr. Felix Tuodolor, went through the process of developing curriculum for the teaching of Ijaw languages. He inaugurated experts to conduct research on the subject matter and develop books to aid learning. He went further to send teachers to the state-owned Niger Delta University (NDU) to be trained in the language and art of teaching it.

    Recently, in an event held at the Ijaw House, Tuodolor formally gave the teachers appointment letters to commence work in selected schools. To simplify their jobs, he also presented books, teaching and learning materials to the benefitting schools. The event was attended by representatives of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the state Ministry of Education.

    He said the Ministry of Culture and Ijaw National Affairs, SUBEB and the Ministry of Education are involved in the task of teaching the language. He also said the teachers were sent to three selected schools from each local government area.

    According to him, the state recently conducted interviews for different categories of teachers for employment. He said the language teachers were the first batch to be engaged, adding that other categories would be employed later.

    He said: “There are specific instructions that, before any other employment, we should start with the Izon language teachers; the Nembe, Epie and the Akassa. We were asked to start with these people and give them employment before any other. Today, their appointment letters are out.

    “These teachers will be posted to different schools in the state. In addition, all those schools that we are posting teachers to will receive many learning and teaching materials from our government.”

    In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, SUBEB, Mr. Walton Liverpool, said 36 letters of appointment were issued to successful language teachers. He recalled that Ijaw language was almost dead when the present government came on board. He said Pidgin English and the English language dealt a deadly blow on local dialects.

    He said the matter became worse in schools where persons who spoke Ijaw language were laughed at by their peers.

    He said: “When this government came on board, it was a fact that our different dialects in our communities had been given a big blow by Pidgin English. We also noticed that we preferred to speak English language even during our festivals and ceremonies to the detriment of our dialects. It became worse in schools where some students were laughed at and mocked because they could not speak correct English but they can speak their dialects.

    “There was that apathy. Meanwhile, if you go to other parts of the country, in lgbo land for instance, people take pride in speaking their language even in our market the lgbo man takes pride in speaking his language to you.”

    He said Governor Dickson made conscious efforts to arrest the development, insisting at many forums that language remains the most important identity of a people.

    “Language gives us voice. It sustains our culture and tradition,” he said.

    He added: “So, government today is doing all that is possible for people to acquire and speak our languages. We want to become fluent while speaking our languages and then work towards having one language for all Bayelsans; a common dialect.

    “We are doing this beginning with our different dialects because we don’t want any dialect to die and also we don’t want anyone to feel oppressed or marginalised. Everyone’s languages will be there but there will be a general language.

    “We are going to work on all the languages then have one general language. Parents are advised to always speak their languages to their children at home so that we will preserve our culture and tradition.

    “For each dialect, we have several books that cut across Mathematics, English language and other forms of reading and we have indigenous people who did great works on this. In all, we have 43 different translated books in our language here for distribution.”

  • Ijaw leaders to Tambuwal: you can’t deliver Bayelsa to APC

    Ijaw leaders yesterday dismissed the promise “to deliver Bayelsa to the All Progressives Congress (APC)”, made by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

    The governor made the promise at the inauguration of the APC campaign council in Abuja.

    The Ijaw Leaders Forum (ILF), a body of leaders of thought, said the statement suggested “a plot to rig the APC into power by hook or crook.”

    The group’s statement, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Prof. Friday Brisbie-Williams, said the APC standard-bearer, ex-Governor Timipre Sylva, is not a popular candidate, who can win in a free and fair election.

    The statement, which noted that only Tambuwal among the five members of the campaign council constituted by the APC national leadership attended the event, said plans by the opposition party to manipulate the poll would fail.

    It said the absence of  other members was an indication that Sylva had been deserted because he carried baggage that could dent their image and should be avoided.

    The ILF hailed Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole for turning down the offer to chair the campaign council and praised other absentee members for “their sense of decency.”

    The statement recalled the role Tambuwal reportedly played by working against ex-President Goodluck Jonathan as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, saying by such action, he is an enemy of the Ijaw nation.

    “We, the Ijaw, know who are our enemies and we will ensure that our people are mobilised to stop our enemies and their party from having a foothold in Bayelsa,” it added.

    Sylva’s credibility came under attack, as the leaders said they were convinced he lacked the moral basis to lead the state, considering his alleged corrupt past.

    They said: “It is indeed a shame that the APC is fielding a man like Sylva, who is on trial for alleged corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFFC). The EFCC has allegedly unearthed part of the stolen Bayelsa money by Sylva in over 47 seized buildings in the country. The cases of diversion of funds were also extended to projects, such as the second part of the Gateway Road project estimated at N18 billion, but was inflated to N28 billion and carted away through a company called FAK Engineering. The Managing Director of FAK Engineering, Fakuma Ilagha, is a cousin to the former governor.”

    The forum, however, hailed Ijaw leaders like Chief Alex Ekiotene, Senator John Braimbaifa and others for returning to the PDP.

    It praised the APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, “for being forthright by telling the world of his rejection of Sylva’, saying: “For fielding Sylva, APC will lose Bayelsa to PDP. That’s the fact on the ground in Bayelsa.”

     

  • We ‘ll deliver Bayelsa to APC, says Tambuwal

    We ‘ll deliver Bayelsa to APC, says Tambuwal

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said the events leading to the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State will not affect the party’s chances of winning the election.

    Addressing reporters at the APC secretariat, Tambuwal said the party was working to ensure that every member in Bayelsa State worked for its success at the polls.

    He said the National Campaign Council, set up by the party, would deliver the state to APC on December 5, adding that signals from the state indicated that the party was sure of victory in a free and fair election.

    Tambuwal said: “Our task is clear to us and the task has been defined and blessed by God Almighty. We shall do everything within the confines of the law to bring Timipre Sylva to the Government House after December 5.

    “I assure you, Mr. President and members of our party that by the grace of God, we shall not fail you in the execution of this assignment. Thank you for appointing us to serve and the service we are going to render.

    “The signals are clear from Bayelsa and by the grace of God, the state is ready for the change train. Bayelsa is set to join the ruling party. Sylva’s records are there to speak for him.

    “I have been to Bayelsa while he was the governor and after he left office. The records are clear. I believe the people have the advantage of comparing the two individuals we are talking about and I believe the APC candidate will be the one the people will vote for.

    “As a party, which has imbibed the culture of winning free and fair elections, you should know that we are ready to set out as a team to ensure that APC and its candidate win the Bayelsa election.

    “Members of the party in the state are working together. You can see that the chieftains were around for the inauguration of the campaign council and it is work in progress.

    “We shall ensure that we bring everybody on board to make sure that the party wins this election. We have taken the factors into consideration and the signs are clear. By the grace of God, APC will win this election.”

     

  • INEC to distribute PVCs in Kogi, Bayelsa from Friday

    INEC to distribute PVCs in Kogi, Bayelsa from Friday

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will begin the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters in Kogi and Bayelsa states, from Friday.

    INEC’s Deputy Director of Publicity  Mr. Nick Dazang, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja, said the exercise would begin in Kogi on Friday and end on November 11 and run from November 13 to 19 in Bayelsa.

    He said the distribution would take place at the ward level  from 8am to 4pm daily.

    Dazang said: “The distribution of PVCs is for voters, whose biometric was captured during the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) by INEC in the two states.

    “It is also open to those who registered before, but are yet to collect their PVCs.”

    He urged registered voters, who were yet to collect their PVCs, to do so before the election date, stressing that nobody would be allowed to vote without PVCs.

     

  • battle for kogi, bayelsa: Change must come to Bayelsa, says Oyegun

    battle for kogi, bayelsa: Change must come to Bayelsa, says Oyegun

    •Oshiomhole leads six APC governors to campaign for Sylva

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National  Chairman Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, yesterday urged Edo State Governor  Adams Oshiomhole and six APC governors to deliver Bayelsa State to the party on December 5.

    Oyegun, who inaugurated a 38-member Bayelsa Governorship Campaign Council at the party’s secretariat in Abuja, said APC wanted to prove a point in Bayelsa, adding: “Change must arrive in the state.”

    Other APC governors asked to deliver the state are Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

    Other members of the council include the Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni, National Secretary Mai Mala Buni, National Vice chairmen, Southwest, Southsouth, Southeast and Northwest, Chief Pius Oluwole Akinyelure, Prince Hilliard Etta, Emma Eneukwu and Inuwa Abdulkadir.

    Ex-Rivers, Lagos and Benue  Governors, Rotimi Amaechi, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa and Senator George Akume; National Organising Secretary Senator Osita Izunaso, National Youth Leader Ibrahim Dasuki Jallo, Mrs. Rachael Akpabio, Alhaji Nuhu Audu and Tunde Eseigbe are also members of the committee.

    The rest are Otunba Segun Runsewe, Alhaji Ubale Hashim, Matthew Omegara, Timi Frank, Preye Aganaba, Mrs. Sally William Chinedu, Prof. M.F.N. Abowri, Usani Uguru Usani, Olorogun Otega Emerhor, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Ibrahim, Chief Ayeri Emani, Jasper Azutalam and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, who will serve as the secretary.

    Oyegun said APC expected its 22 governors to be part of the campaign, adding: “What is important is that seven governors have volunteered to use their time and energy to serve as members of the campaign council. This has never happened before.

    “I think it underscores the importance the party attaches to the Bayelsa election. The time is short. This, we understand, but the circumstances and situation are upbeat and promising for eventual victory. Just as I was confident about  the general election, I’m confident of the Bayelsa poll because we have a good product.

    “Secondly, we have a non- performing governor in the state. Thirdly, the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has crumbled. Lastly, we have a crack campaign council team.”

    Responding on behalf of the committee members, Governor Tambuwal, the deputy chairman of the committee, assured the party that they would deliver Bayelsa State.

    He said: “Our task is clear to us. It has been defined and blessed by God Almighty. We shall do everything possible within the confines of the law to ensure victory for Timipreye Sylva on December 5.”

     

  • Youths undergo entrepreneurial training in Bayelsa

    Youths undergo entrepreneurial training in Bayelsa

    Youths in Bayelsa State are counting their blessings following the intervention of the Employment and Expenditure for Results (SEEFOR) Project to address joblessness and youth restiveness in the state.

    SEEFOR, an initiative of the World Bank, European Union (EU), Federal Government of Nigeria and the Bayelsa State Government, is designed among other things, to create employment by training youths on entrepreneurial skills.

    Recently, no fewer than 1,226 youths drawn from different parts of the state participated in a two-day entrepreneurship and money management training for public works beneficiaries organised by SEEFOR to round off the programme which lasted one year.

    Within the period, the beneficiaries were trained in other areas such as technical and vocational skills acquisition and community-driven development services in the last one year.

    They were paid a monthly allowance of N20, 000 each and N5, 000 as compulsory savings during the period. The programme was brought to an end recently at an elaborate ceremony which took place in Ijaw House, Yenagoa.

    Dignitaries, including political office holders, attended the ceremony.

    Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) noted that money management and acquisition of entrepreneurial skills were very important in life.

    “No matter the amount of money you have, without proper management, you cannot go anywhere,” he said.  Jonah described the SEEFOR Project as one of the priority projects of the state government for youth employment.

    He announced that 2,000 youths would be accommodated in the next phase of the training, stressing that the government places premium on youth development and empowerment.

    “We believe so much in the youth of Bayelsa State and their capacity to make money.

    “One of the agencies that we use to empower and develop youths is the Ministry of Youth Development. We are also interested in vocational skills and craftsmanship,” he said.

    He directed that the N60, 000 accumulated monthly savings from N5, 000 by each beneficiary for the one year be released to them as they had completed their training. He advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the training they had received to improve their socio-economic condition.

    Emphasising the importance of the theme of the two-day training, “Mentorship on Money Management”, the Deputy Governor said the capacity to manage money is an important element of any successful business.

    Addressing the beneficiaries, he said: “No matter the amount of money you have, if you can’t manage it you will lose it. And that is why the organisers thought it wise to actually put you through this process, so that you will be aware that there are established ways of managing money and if you accept one or two ways of managing money which they have taught you your goals of today and the future will be achieved.

    He said the Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has passion for youth development.

    “The Governor believes so much on the youth of Bayelsa State and he has been working assiduously for the development of the youth. The process is to develop the capacity of our youths to enable them to compete with their peers in other areas.

    “It also includes vocational skills, craftsmanship that is needed to drive the manpower of the state.  Now the whole process of development involves collaboration among various agencies, including the World Bank, the Federal Government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The state will take the lead and that is what has led us to this point. The state will continue to lead in this aspect, to engage more youths,” he said.

    He said the government was planning to increase the number of beneficiaries at the next batch of the training programme to 2,000, adding that the administration has a window to accommodate 6,000 people.

    He added: “The process to begin the programme for the next batch would start with immediate effect. Let me remind you that without security, there will be no development anywhere. Against all cost, we will secure the state. You should not do anything that will jeopardize the existing peace which will subsequently bring down the process of development.

    “We need to create an enabling environment as we develop our skills so that anytime we face tough time, you can also contribute your manpower to construction activities or technical work or agricultural workforce because together we shall contribute and build Bayelsa State of our dream.”

    The state co-ordinator of the SEEFOR Project, Ayens Adogu explained that the training aimed at creating employment opportunities for youths to provide socio-economic services. Adogu said the project was targeting 7,000 youths in the state for economic empowerment and development.

    He revealed that the beneficiaries had been involved in services such as road rehabilitation and refuse management and disposal since the project began two years ago.

    Adogu commended the beneficiaries for the seriousness they attached to the training and advised them to utilise the gains for the betterment of their lives.

    He said: “This is a wonderful programme because the Bayelsa State Government is interested in the youth to make sure that development is sustained and one of those developments hinges on human, capital and material resources.

    “The programme is basically owned by World Bank in collaboration with the state government. The objective of this programme is to empower the youth and make sure that youths engage themselves and make sure that roads have been rehabilitated.”

    In their various experiences, four of the beneficiaries, Ebikise Zikena, Rita Thursday, School Micah and Akene Oyinkikpaikene, thanked the government for empowering them through the SEEFOR Project. They also appealed to the government to sustain the programme as it would bring succour to many youths in the state.

    Thursday said: “I graduated with a degree in Public Administration since 2005 and since then I have not been able to secure a good job. But thank God for the SEEFOR programme. I don’t seek for help again from my relations since I started this programme.

    Also, in his testimony, Kenneth said: “I have not earned a salary before but SEEFOR made it possible that today I am a salary earner. Thanks to the state government for the absorption of the youth into employment. I pray that the government would continue with this programme.”

  • Benin call up Bayelsa duo for World Cup duty

    Benin call up Bayelsa duo for World Cup duty

    Benin have called up Bayelsa United skipper Junior Salomon and teammate Lazadi Fousseni for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso.

    However, Kano Pillars goalkeeper Emmanuel Fabiyi has been left out of a 25-man squad.

    England-based stars Stephane Sessegnon from West Brom as well as Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede have also been invited.

    Benin welcome Burkina Faso to Cotonou on November 12 with the return leg in Ouagadougou five days later.

    Coach Omar Tchomogo will be hoping for a change of fortune for his team after they have gone six straight games without a win.