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Tag: Nigerian Newspapers

  • Governors, others see hope in Nigeria’s troubled nationhood

    Governors, clerics, union leaders and other eminent Nigerians have expressed the hope that the nation will soon overcome its challenges and become stronger.

    They spoke against the backdrop of tomorrow’s celebration of the nation’s 59th Independence anniversary.

    Nigeria is passing through many challenges, ranging from insecurity, economy, infrastructure, among others.

    The governors and other eminent Nigerians noted that though the night might have appeared long, the day will surely break soon.

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu gave the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) a pass mark, despite the challenges in the land.

    Akeredolu, who was represented yesterday by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi, at a church service on the 59th anniversary at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Oke-Ijebu, Akure, the state capital, said many countries have disintegrated with half of the challenges facing Nigeria.

    He said: “In spite of all the challenges we have faced as a people, it has pleased God to allow us to remain as one indivisible entity.

    “As we all know, some countries whose challenges were not as daunting as ours have disintegrated.”

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said his administration would focus on welfare for the residents to turn around the standard of living in the state.

    The governor spoke at a special church service to mark  the Independence anniversary at the St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, the state capital.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, assured that his administration emphasised the welfare of the people to create a good life for all.

    “Our focus has been on the welfare of the people so far and that is because we are determined to turn around the standard of living of our people. There are many more programmes in the plans for the people of Oyo State.

    “What we will ask of you is to keep on supporting and praying for the government.”

    Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade said Nigeria has made steady progress, despite some hitches.

    The governor addressed State House correspondents in Abuja after a closed-door meeting at the weekend with Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Abba Kyari.

    The governor stressed that there is room for improvement amidst the challenges.

    He said: “Nigeria has made progress. We must not only look at where we have failed as a nation, we have made progress at 59. America is over 250 years; Britain is over 250 years. We are just 59. At 59, we have the global system of mobile communications (GSM). At 59, we have better communication. At 59, we have medical services.

    “As a nation, we may not be where we want, but for life, for the unity, there is a reason for us to say let’s celebrate. It is not always right to look at the negative aspects alone. Yes, there is room for improvement; yes, we might not have done as well, but as the leader of black people, the whole world looks onto Nigeria. We must come together to make the progress we so desire.”

    Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha reassured the residents of his administration’s determination to overcome the daunting challenges confronting the state.

    At a church service on Sunday to mark the nation’s Independence anniversary at the Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, the state capital, the governor assured the people that his administration remained strengthened by the challenges and focussed on the task ahead.

    “…The demands are huge and we have the ability to overcome them. We need your prayers and advice. As humans, we do have our shortcomings,” he said.

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to join the rebuilding of the nation by emulating Prophet Nehemiah in the Bible.

    Okowa spoke on Sunday an inter-denominational thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter’s, Bishopscourt, Asaba, the state capital.

    “The country requires everybody to be committed to nation-building. We must pray and fast for the nation so that God will hear us.

    “The church must continue to pray for Nigeria as only prayers can deliver us as a nation. For those in authority, we need to render the best of services in the best way possible because being in position of authority means we must render services to the people and not be lords over them.

    “When we stand in realisation of the fact that leaders must render services, our nation will be better,” he said.

    The Chairman of Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), Chimaroke Nnamani, yesterday urged Nigerian leaders to tackle poverty, ignorance and disease impeding the nation’s development and lead the people to prosperity.

    In a statement in Abuja, the senator noted that almost six decades after Nigeria attained independence, the country was still faced with inequality, unemployment, ethnicity and illiteracy.

    In his goodwill message to Nigerians, the former Enugu State governor urged leaders at all levels to make policies and programmes that would engender development and rescue the people from economic and social malaise.

    Pastor Tunde Bakare of Latter Rain Assembly in Lagos prayed that God will frustrate every evil cabal suppressing the efforts of Nigerians.

    Bakare, who spoke on Sunday at a church service in Lagos, prayed that God would not allow anything bad to happen to the country.

    “Nigeria is our own and it must not crumble. If there is any cabal of evil anywhere doing anything to suppress the people of this nation, God will frustrate their efforts,” he said.

    The popular cleric urged Nigerians to give thanks, saying God has been merciful to Nigeria.

    “Let’s thank God that we are still a nation. Yes, this is not the best that is expected from the government, but they also have challenges and they are overwhelming,” he said.

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) attributed Nigeria’s underdevelopment, 59 years after independence from Britain, to “selfish leadership and people who cling to power for personal aggrandisement”.

    In a joint statement on Sunday in Abuja by its President Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the union raised concerns about the economy, constitution, electoral laws, minimum wage, corruption and the cost of governance as well as insecurity/agitations.

    It froened at the $9.6 billion judgment against Nigeria by a United Kingdom (UK) court.

    The TUC wondered why countries, like China, India and Indonesia, which Nigeria was at par with, suddenly left the country far behind in terms of development.

    “Truth be said, all the administrations we have so far had brought something remarkable to the table of national growth, including the present administration. However, what is important is that we must interrogate the reason(s) why countries we were at par with have left us far behind.”

    “China, India, Indonesia, among others, were our contemporaries, but they are now in the first league while we are dragging economic space with some countries in Africa,” it said.

    It noted that the focus on oil had made Nigeria a one-legged economy.

    The statement added: “Before independence, agriculture was the mainstay of the economy. When oil was later discovered in commercial quantity in Oloibiri in present day Bayelsa State, attention shifted from agriculture, instead of diversifying the economy.

    “Other sectors were left untapped. This has made Nigeria a one-legged economy. Although revenue from tax has improved significantly, but unfortunately, instead of widening the tax net, the impoverished public are over-taxed, leading to despondency and despair.

    “The TUC sees a very bright future, if we can convert the resources nature has bequeathed to us to wealth. Yes, we have a role to play. There is cause for worry but we can change the narrative if we have the will.”

  • Innoson: we enjoy huge patronage from Fed govt

    Innoson Group of Companies Nigeria Limited has said it enjoys huge patronage and support from the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    The group’s Chairman, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, stated this yesterday in Nnewi, Anambra State, when he addressed reporters.

    He also listed Enugu, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Anambra, Gombe, and Bauchi states as well as the Nigerian military among those patronising vehicles from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM).

    The company chief said Innoson could transform Nigeria into a vehicle manufacturing destination in Africa, if it gets more patronage.

    He assured the nation that his factory has the capacity to manufacture all brands of vehicle, adding that he hoped to expand soonest.

    Chukwuma said: “I can say that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing is doing well, especially with the level of patronage and support the company is enjoying under the present Federal Government.

    “I must equally say that some state governments, like Ekiti, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Kogi, Gombe, Anambra and Bauchi, are giving us a great boost.

    “As at today, Innoson vehicles are being used in some West African countries, like Mali, Sierra Leone and Ghana, and some Nigerians residing abroad return home to purchase our vehicles.”

    According to him, Innoson Group of Companies produces motorcycle tyres, plastic containers, ceramic and vehicles.

    Read Also: Court orders arrest of Innoson Motors chairman, others

    The frontline businessman said the company  has employed between 7,300 and 7,500 workers.

    “With more support and patronage from Nigeria, we hope to expand our vehicle manufacturing firm to help provide more employment to our youths,” he said.

    On the performance of youths from Niger Delta, who his company trained under the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Chukwuma said most of them had continued to bring their talents to bear towards the growth and development of the company.

    “Some of the youths in the Niger Delta, who we trained, are very talented. After their training, we retained some of them and they are part of the success story of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing today,” he said.

    On the recent report alleging that an Anambra State lawmakers rejected Toyota Prado Jeep and demanded for Innoson products, Chukwuma denied knowledge of the report.

    He said anybody, including the lawmakers, were free to buy any brand of vehicle of their choice.

    The company chief said he enjoyed warm relationship with Governor Willie Obiano and members of his administration.

    He expressed the willingness to leverage on the relationship to impact positively on the state.

    “As we speak, the Anambra State government has ordered for 40 vehicles which they fully paid for and we hope to deliver them to the state by next week,” Chukwuma said.

  • ‘It’s unfair to assess Makinde now’

    The immediate past governor of Oyo, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Sunday said that it is unfair and dangerous to assess incumbent Governor Seyi Makinde barely three months after he came into office.

    The former governor, who maintained that Makinde was elected for a period of four years, insisted that it would be too early for him to access his successor, who was sworn in on May 29 this year.

    Ajimobi, who represented Oyo South Senatorial District between 2003 and 2007, was the governor of the state between 2011 and 2019.

    He said that he had done his best for the state, stating that it’s now time for Makinde to prove his worth.

    Ajimobi, who addressed journalists shortly after he was honoured with a meritorious award by the Catholic Archdioceses of Ibadan as part of the 70th birthday celebrations of the Bishop of the archdioceses, Reverend Leke Gabriel Abegunrin, urged citizens and leaders to continue to sacrifice for the development of the country.

    Read Also: Makinde’ll surpass Ajimobi, others in achievements

    The event was held on Sunday at Mary’s Cathedral, Oke Padre, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Ninety-five eminent personalities received the award. Aside from Ajimobi, other recipients of the award include the Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Eddy Oyewole; Chief Akanni Aluko, Ayo Fasoro , Chief Aloy Obi, Prof. Mercy Veronica,  Brig Gen.& Mrs. Eze , Chief (Mrs.) Francisica Otunla, Mrs. Grace Oby, Mr. Stephen Olasupo , and  Justice O. Ige.

    In his remarks, former governor Ajimobi said that he would henceforth maintain silence on issues concerning the state and allow the incumbent governor to do his job.

    The former governor said: “I feel really elated, I feel happy, very honoured, especially when you are being honoured by the people that we serve and the people that serve God. When you are recognised by clerics, men of God, it is the best honour you can get.

    “Yes, I have done eight years of talking; now it is time for me to keep silent and allow the other man to do his job.”

    Ajimobi further said that the media makes news when prominent people speak and when they decide to be silent.

    He said, “This is the problem with you people. When I talk, you will say that I am talking, now that I am not talking, you will say I am not talking. You are complaining that I am not talking now. So, what do you want me to do?

    “It is too early for me; I have been there for eight years. It is too early to assess him. Give the man the chance to do his job. I know that he has at least four years. He has just spent three months. It is too early.

    “I think it is good for us to work for the development of this country. We must all sacrifice for us to move this country forward, to grow. It is easier for people to talk, sometimes I read in the news particularly, on the social media.

    “The problem of the social media today is that beer parlour talk is now being elevated in the media.”

  • N2b alleged pension fraud: Court to hear application on Maina’s ‘assets’

    A Federal High Court, Lagos, will on October 9 hear an application to compel the government to release information on assets it recovered from the former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force, Mr Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo fixed the date while delivering ruling in an ex parte application for an order of mandamus filed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Registered Trustees of the Centre for Law and Civil Culture.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says on its website that Maina is wanted for alleged complicity in the over N2 billion pensions biometric scam in the office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoSF).

    The suit has the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF), Mr. Abubakar Malami, and the EFCC as respondents.

    The NGO’s lawyers A. Imran and Gazah T. Olalekan told the judge that an order of mandamus would compel the respondents to accede to its Freedom of Information (FoI) request on the status of all the property recovered by and from Maina.

    Read Also: Pension reform: so far, so good

    They also sought to know, among others, “whether the declaration of Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reform in Nigeria, as a wanted person by your commission stands or same has been revoked”.

    Granting their application, Justice Oguntoyinbo held: “…It is hereby ordered that time is extended within which the applicant may file ex parte application seeking leave for an order of mandamus against the respondents.

    “That leave is granted to the applicant to file application for an order of mandamus against the respondents to compel the respondents to release information as to the status and position of the (a) landed properties, monies and other valuables recovered from Abdulrasheed Maina, the ex-chairman of the Pension Reform Task Force…

    “(b) 270 landed properties, monies, exotic cars and other valuables recovered by Abdulrasheed Maina from the pension looters, which property and valuables are kept in the custody of the respondents”.

  • Buhari, Akeredolu, Fasanmi greet Oyetola at 65

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday felicitated with Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

    Also, Ondo State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu and the Leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Fasanmi, have congratulated Oyetola on his birthday.

    President Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, joined the Oyetola family, friends and people of goodwill in wishing the governor good health, sound mind and more years of purposeful and visionary leadership for the good people of Osun State.

    He commended Governor Oyetola for his determination to improve infrastructure, social services, human and capital development in the state.

    The President also urged Governor Oyetola to execute all the programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and fulfill his campaign promises to the electorate.

    Read Also: Facts you should know about Gov Oyetola at 65

    President Buhari charged the governor to use the special occasion of his 65th anniversary as another privileged opportunity to rededicate himself to do more service to God and humanity.

    Governor Akeredolu on his part described the Osun governor as “humility personified” and “amazing neighbor.”

    The Ondo governor in a statement by the Commissioner for Informtaion and Orientation, Daniel ojogo, further described Oyetola as “a calm and unassuming personality whose selfless commitment to the good people of Osun State has markedly imbued and engendered confidence in governance in his state. To say the least, such selflessness and candour have been greatly deployed to the advantage of the good people of the Southwest.”

    According to the Akeredolu, the Osun governor is an enigma who represents an amazing friend, brother and neighbour with immeasurable qualities required for a fruitful relationship as exemplified in the cordiality between Ondo and Osun states.

    “It is no gainsaying, therefore, that as Governor Oyetola clocks 65, his wealth of knowledge and experience that have always been at the disposal of the good people of both states will continue to ignite stronger ties,” the statement added.

    Governor Akeredolu, on behalf of his wife, Betty, government and people of Ondo State, wished his Oyetola sound health and God’s continued favour, grace and wisdom, the statement further said.

    While also congratulating Oyetola, the National Leader of Afenifere, Pa Fasanmi, said that it was “boon and grace” to have him at the helm of affairs in the state “in a situation like this.”

    In a statement by Fasanmi’s Media Assistant, Mr. Temitope Adebayo, the Afenifere leader explained that the proficient way Oyetola had been managing the resources of the state showed that “he is a God-sent.”

    “Within just 365 days in office, Oyetola has proved himself as a dexterous, humble Chief servant of the state,” he said.

    Fasanmi urged the governor not to deviate from the progressive agenda that he had been following, praising him for the “wholesome, inclusive composition of your commissioner nominees.”

    He further urged the nominees to assist Oyetola to achieve his laudable vision for the people in the state of Osun.

    Pa Fasanmi also expressed his warm appreciation for the governor’s support during his own 94th birthday celebrations held recently and prayed that Governor Oyetola “will go on to celebrate 94 years on earth. The target is for him to become a centenarian.”

    Also, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Obokun State Constituency in the 2019 general elections, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, congratulated Oyetola on his 65th birthday anniversary.

    In his congratulatory message, Oyintiloye described the governor as a visionary and a respected leader, who is living a simple life and rendering service to people.

  • NHIS account ‘not compromised’

    The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has assured stakeholders that the scheme’s account remains secured, intact and beyond the possible reach of hackers and other nefarious entities.

    The scheme said it only operates the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA).

    Its Head of Media and Public Relations, Ayo Osinlu, stated this yesterday in a statement.

    He said: “The discovery of fraud in the operations of one of the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMO), Clearline International Limited, leading to the arrest of two persons, one of whom is a staff of the HMO concerned, has come to the attention of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

    Read Also: Reps to review NHIS

    “The seriousness of this crime, the huge sum of money involved, and the reference to NHIS’ account being hacked in the process have compelled the scheme to make the following clarifications.

    “That NHIS has no account anywhere else outside the Federal Government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “It is, therefore, not possible, or true, that the perpetrators of this heinous crime hacked into the account of NHIS in this act.

    “That in the spirit of the scheme’s ongoing rebranding reforms, of which transparency and accountability is a major factor, a Management Committee has been constituted the day after the ­­crime was reported, to ascertain the veracity of the allegations, the actual sum involved and the circumstances that facilitated the commission of the crime, among other terms of reference,” it added.

    The NHIS reassured its stakeholders and the general public that it will not tolerate any breach of trust or guidelines under its operations.

  • ‘Don’t turn disabled youths to beggars’

    Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni, has said parents who have children with certain disabilities should not turn them to an avenue for begging.

    She urged such parents to rather make use of government institutions where these special children would be made useful to themselves and society.

    Read Also: All I did as governor was in the interest of Oyo State – Ajimobi

    The State government recently declared that street begging and other form of abuse to the vulnerable such as rape of minors and human trafficking, would soon be history as perpetrators of such evil acts would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

    Saani made this declaration during a visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind, Ogbomoso, home for visually impaired at the weekend.

    The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Christiana Abioye, said disability should not be reasons for street begging, adding that rape cases of minors and human trafficking had been on the increase due to negligence by parents, guardians and caregivers.

  • Odu’a launches N4b luxury residential estate in Ibadan

    A new luxury residential estate valued at over N4billion has been launched in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital by Odu’a Investments Limited.

    The new estate, which consists of 104 mixed luxury residential buildings and 21 units of commercial outlets, is being delivered in partnership with an estate developing firm, Chapter 4 Nig. Ltd.

    The buildings will sit on 3.8 hectares of land bordering the sprawling production plant of the Nigerian Breweries PLC on the highbrow Ibadan-Ife Expressway.

    The land, according to the Chairman, Board of Directors of Odu’a, Mr. Olusola Akinwumi, was acquired from the Oyo State Government 40 years ago.

    Christened Westlink Iconic Villa, the estate will be delivered within 30 months.

    Read Also: How Ogun’ll remain top most investment destination, by Abiodun

    It offers eight five-bed fully detached duplexes, 10 five-bed semi-detached duplexes and six four-bed semi-detached duplexes. Others are 40 four-bed terraced duplexes, 60 three-bed apartments and 21 units of commercial outlets.

    There is also a multi-purpose community centre with indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium, a multi-purpose events hall, children playgrounds and sporting facilities, a creche and multi-faith prayer hall.

    It is provisioned with a utility centre that will offer centralised uninterrupted power and other utilities. The commercial centre will host a clinic, pharmacy, supermarket, bank, restaurant and beauty salon, among others.

    Welcoming guests and other stakeholders to the turning-of-sod ceremony at the weekend, Odu’a Group Managing Director, Mr. Adewale Raji, explained that the project was a continuation of the conglomerate’s re-entry into the real estate sub-sector of the economy with the goal of sustaining and expanding the heritage of Odu’a as bequeathed to the current generation.

    He said the company would continue to offer the brand that met customer demand of luxury residential buildings.

    “Today’s foundation-laying ceremony is a testimony to above vision, which has taken in a larger dimension to quicken the realisation of that noble objective of unlocking value from our inherited passive assets,” Raji said.

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chapter 4 Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Shams Ogunmuyiwa, commended the management of Odu’a for showing the will to execute the project.

    He promised the delivery of the project by March 2022 in line with top quality industry standard.

    Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, commended the two partners for choosing to site the estate in the state.

    He emphasized that the state was open to business, stressing that the goal of his administration was to move it from poverty to prosperity.

    He was represented by the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Urban Transport, Prof. Raphael Afonja.

  • How to recover N270b debt from DisCos, by TCN

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has written a letter to the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, on how to compel the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to pay the outstanding debt of N270 billion to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc.

    Speaking at TCN’s/donor/stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja yesterday, its Managing Director, Mr. Usman Gur Mohammed, noted that with the application of the market rule, the company had collected its 100 per cent revenue from the DisCos.

    But the managing director said the outstanding N270 billion debt was the revenue the DisCos failed to remit to the transmission company before he assumed office as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

    He said: “We have written to the Minister of Power. We also suggested to him that we can work with the NBET, if they will agree to work with us to force the DisCos to pay them their money. We are going to enforce it if they (ministers) agree. There is no reason we cannot enforce it.”

    With the enforcement of the market rule, the TCN chief said the company discovered among the DisCos, the weak, the strong, those that can survive and those that will collapse under real market conditions.

    He added that the enforcement had improved discipline and transparency in the electricity market.

    Mohammed hoped that enforcing the market rule would reduce Federal Government’s liabilities in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

    Read Also: TCN moves to recover N270b debt from DisCos

    The TCN, according to him, is working with governors to secure the right of way for the expansion of network (25 metres on both sides for 330Kv line and 15 metres on both sides for 132Kv.

    On the essence of the meeting, he explained that the TCN had received loans and grants totalling $1.6 billion from donor agencies.

    The TCN chief said the meeting was meant to give the donors an updated breakdown of the projects for them to guide the company on whatever ways they feel.

    Mohammed explained that aside from the Abuja Wheeling Scheme Project, none of the other projects had received funds.

    The CEO said the projects were at their procurement stages in sustainable manner.

    He added that the TCN management reintroduced the Pupillage Training Programme of engineers to be under senior engineers for one year to enable the trainees start work on their own.

    Mohammed said pupillage programme existed in the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) where young engineers were trained for two years.

  • Ijaw leaders to hold two million-man rally for Diri

    Ijaw leaders at the weekend promised to mobilise two million people in Bayelsa State for a march to support the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for the November 16 election, Senator Douye Diri.

    The leaders under the auspices of the Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum (ILCF) said they took a decision to support Diri to enable him consolidate on the achievements of Governor Seriake Dickson.

    ILCF, in a statement  by its Leader, Hendricks Opukeme, said the current challenges confronting the Ijaw nation could not be entrusted in the hands of a local community  contractor.

    Congratulating Diri for his emergence as the flag bearer, Opukeme said the candidate was versatile and prepared for governance in all ramifications.

    He said: “Most importantly the emergence of Douye Diri could not have come at a more appropriate time than now considering the fact that there was actually anxiety  and trepidation  from well- meaning Ijaw as to who succeeds Governor Dickson.

    Read Also: I won’t disappoint Bayelsa, says Lyon

    “We want a candidate that would not only consolidate on the achievements of the Restoration administration but understands the cause and salient issues confronting the Ijaw nation within the context of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We, therefore,  commend Governor Dickson for the clarity of purpose,direction and commitment  which characterised the political process that culminated in the emergence Senator Douye Diri.

    “The Ijaw Leaders Consultative  Forum commend PDP for the conduct of credible and transparent primaries and we urge all shades of opinion who participated in the primaries to close rank and vote massively  for Senator Douye Diri.

    “As part of our collective support, endorsement and solidarity, the Ijaw Leaders Consultative Forum  is billed to stage a two million man open air rally in Yenagoa in the next couple of weeks.

    “The rally would draw participants from the youths, women,organised kabout, civil society, ethnic nationality platforms, faith based organisations,  community based groups,student union governments,market associations, academia and professional associations’’.