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Tag: rescue mission

  • Rescue mission on for troubled PDP

    Rescue mission on for troubled PDP

    The search for peace in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday continued, with Bayelsa State Governor Henry Seriake-Dickson mediating between sacked National Chairman Modu Ali Sheriff and Caretaker Committee Chairman Ahmed Makarfi.

    The two factional leaders are now ready for peace, it was learnt yesterday.

    Dickson is said to have spoken separately with them.

    According to a source, who was privy to the mediation, the two factions were receptive to Dickson’s overtures.

    Some of the issues which may define the reconciliation talks are:

    • withdrawal of all cases in court by Sheriff and Makarfi and  any of their associates/ loyalists;
    • convening an enlarged meeting of the two factions, the PDP Governors Forum and the Board of Trustees;
    • harmonisation of offices of the Caretaker Committee and Sheriff’s sacked National Working Committee (NWC);
    • keeping to the three-month deadline to hold a national convention to elect party leaders; and
    • Sheriff’s demand to remain in charge of the party even if he has to step aside later

    The source said: “Dickson is making a steady progress. Besides opening talks with the two factions, the governor has met with the godfather of Sheriff and the backers of Makarfi.

    ”We have identified cases in court as the major impediments to any meaningful reconciliation. We want to put a stop to the increasing litigation. The first target of Dickson is to see how the groups can settle all matters out of court.

    “Once we put an end to cases in court, we would have solved PDP’s leadership problem by 80 per cent.

    “After overcoming legal hurdles, the next stage is how to share offices and bring all groups on board in the new executive committee of the party.”

    A source in Sheriff’s camp spoke of “a ray of hope in the latest initiative by Dickson, who is a gentleman respected by the two camps”.

    “Our group has faith in the peace process because he has been able to identify the causes of the crisis in the party, including the Southwest PDP dimension.

    “I think in the next few weeks, we will arrive at acceptable terms to all the groups. All I can tell you is that Sheriff has no personal grudges with Makarfi but the crisis is about vested interests in the party.”

    A member of the Makarfi group said: “Having been legally recognised by the court, we are unopposed peace in the party.

    “We are aware that Dickson has been involved in shuttles to restore peace to the party. Our mandate is to restore the past glory of PDP and we will do that without favour or ill-will.”

     

  • Ikpeazu: I ‘m on rescue mission in Abia

    Ikpeazu: I ‘m on rescue mission in Abia

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has a mission. On May 29, last year, he unfolded what he described as a transformation agenda. Eleven months after, has he fulfilled his promises to the people? EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the challenges of governing a “poor” state by a technocrat-turned politician.

    When Okezie Ikpeazu, former university don and Chairman of the Abia State waste Management Board, succeeded former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji last year, there were a lot of expectations. He inherited a lean purse. Besides, his victory was being disputed by Dr. Alex Otti, the former All progressives Grand Congress (APGA) governorship candidate. Despite the distraction, he managed to stay focused as he begun to implement his developmental programmes.

    According to critics, Dr. Ikpeazu put more efforts to develop Abia to curry the favour of the people during the court battle. The litigation was his baptism of fire. Reality dawned on that he did not get to power on a platter of gold.

    On his first day in office, he unfolded seven road projects in Aba, the commercial nerve centre that appeared to have been neglected by previous administration. The state generate enormous income from the two major markets in the state. For the first time in a decade, the traders started to have faith in governance.

    The governor’s vision, which is to create a private sector-driven economy, in the next 10 years, if also coming into fruition. This, he explained, should be characterised by the ease of doing business and the security of life and property. Ikpeazu said the vision would be achieved by direct invest flow, especially in the areas of agriculture, industrialisation, commerce, education, oil and gas.

    In Abia, infrastructure development, is a priority. The state has become a huge construction site. There is an emphasis on road projects across the state, thereby galvanising the state to becoming economically viable. Today, there are 47 roads projects, apart from the three roads that were commissioned during Ikpeazu’s first 100 days in office.

    The governor may have introduced a novelty in road construction through the use of cement technology, otherwise known as rigid pavement technology in road construction. The technology entails casting the road with concrete over a mass of iron before asphalting it. It is an innovative engineering technique aimed at extending the durability of the roads. Ikpeazu also said that the method is cost-effective.

    The state has completed the construction of a new bridge at Okonu Afia, Ohafia. It realigned the bridge at Umunneochie. The solar light is being erected on both sides of the bridges. Abia is also committed to the programme tagged ‘zero tolerance to potholes.’ Old roads are periodically asphalted and resurfaced in Umuahia, the state capital, and Aba. Some of the roads that have been completely resurfaced are St Micheals Road, Park Road, Kent, Ube and others in Aba.

    The state has also established trade centres for the revival of old professions. The supervisors Mexicans and Philipinos. The goal is to teach Abia children the rudiments of the old craft works, including carpentry, masonry, house wring and others so that the state can produce its household items, instead of the recourse to importation.

    Ikpeazu said: “To teach such handiwork as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tiling etc is to help the artisans add some professionalism and education to their trade and we expect that the trade centres will create jobs and empower people with skills.”

    During his 51st birthday, the governor launched a project, ‘Friends of Abia Schools Adoption Initiative (FASAI)’ The purpose is to mobilise funds from well-meaning Abians to renovate the worst primary schools in the 17 local government areas.

    Ikpeazu urged his friends to give a facelift to dilapidated primary schools to turn around their fortunes and give the pupils a conducive learning environment and a sense of belonging.

    Plans are also underway to launch the Abia Industrial Clusters project. The governor said Aba is the starting point. Efforts are being made to to procure the appropriate equipment that can match the standard of technological development needed for the clusters.

    The aim is to mechanise and automate the process of leather-making and other artisanship works since Abia is a leading state for technological innovation in Nigeria. The Aba Industrial Cluster would involve 40,000 shoemakers, who are capable of producing 1000 shoes daily.

    In the area of skill acquisition, government has resuscitated three moribund technical schools to run the skills acquisition programme. Already, construction work has started at the permanent site of the Abia Polytechnic, Osisioma. The government is revitalising 52 water schemes in the state . Ikpeazu also promised to instal streetlights along roads in Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia.

    It is good news that the Golden Guinea Breweries PLC is being revatalised. This is on keeping with the governor’s promise to make it an income-yielding venture, thereby boosting the internally generated revenue.

    Ikpeazu has given adequate support for the development of the Mational Directorate of Employment (NDE) ICT Skill Acquisition Centre, Osieke. The centre has commenced the training of youths. The governor has promised to pay N25,000 monthly stipends to the first 125 intakes.

    Under the Universal Basic Education (UBE)scheme, the Abia State Government has launched a pilot project to feed 30,000 primary school pupils three times a week in 10 local council areas. The pupils are to be fed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

    Taking a cue from the LASTMA initiative in Lagos, no fewer than 200 formerly unemployed youths are working with the Abia State Traffic Management Agency. There is also the Public Infrastructure Management Agency, which was set up is to make sure that those who abuse government infrastructure, remove solar lights, and steal the armoured cables are checkmated. This will also prevent the abandoned project syndrome.

    One of the major achievements of the governor is the restoration of security. Crime reduction is necessary for the safety of life and protection of investment. Ikpeazu said kidnapping has reduced in Abia State.

    Another success recorded was the performance statistics of candidates for the 2015 May/June West African School Certificate Examinations (WAEC). The Southeeast emerging top in the performance chart of candidates, who obtained credits in at least five subjects, including the English Language and Mathematics. Abia State topped the chart with 33,762 of its 52, 801 candidates getting five credits and above, thereby scoring 63.94 per cent.

     

  • Bagudu: I’m on rescue mission in Kebbi

    Bagudu: I’m on rescue mission in Kebbi

    Governor Atiku Bagudu is on a rescue mission in Kebbi State. Since his assumption of office, he has been fighting the infrastructure battle. But, the state is handicapped by the cash crunch. In a bid to cut down cost, he has attempted to block the loopholes. He is also whipping unscrupulous civil servants to line. The governor has a plan to boost in internally generated revenue. He has also promised to embarked on agricultural revolution. Correspondent KHADIJAT SAIDU examines the activities of the governor in the last three months and the challenges ahead. 

    On May 29, Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu inherited many challenges from his predecessor, Alhaji Usman Dakingari. The Northwest state has been hit by the cash crunch. Civil servants were not ready to accept any explanation for any slight delay in the payment of salaries. Stakeholders who endorded the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the last election were expecting a turn around across the sectors. Towns and villages renewed their agitations for social amenities.

    The governor was conscious of these challenges. During the campaigns, he had raised the people’s hope. On the podium, he said transformation of the state will be his priority. Thus, eyes were on him when he assumed the reinss

    In his first week in office, he embarked on the tour of the major towns in the four emirates. He visited major secondary schools for on the spot assessment.  He was enraged by the  decadence in these public schools. According to the previous administration, a huge amoung has been spent on the public school system. But, to Bagudu’s consternation, there is nothing to show for the investment.

    The schools were an eyesore. There were no chairs and tables in the classrooms.  The floors were ruptured. Students were compelled to sit on the floor. In the hostels, there were no beddings. Student spread their mats on the floor. Baguda was seized by grief. Lamenting the sordid situation, the governor said the future of youths was in jeopardy.

    To stem the rot, the governor swung into action. He awarded contracts for the renovation of schools and hostels, charging the contractors not to compromise standard. He said the provision of facilities will make the learning environment conducive for the children.

    Kebbi State has often suffered erratic electricity supply. It is ironical that despite the fact that regular electricity is enjoyed by the neighbouring Niger and Benin Republic,  the state has continued to suffer power outage. Yet, the power sector is critical to economic development.  Bagudu believes that regular power supply  will spur the growth of small, medium and large scale businesses. Thus, the governor visited the Niger Delta Power Holden (NDPH) Headquarters in Abuja and Lagos. Since then, power has become relatively stable in the state.

    Bagudu procurred two 11.7kva transformers and 50 units of 7.5kva sub-transformers that would transmit power from the 11.7kva to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. The governor has also assured the people of Argungu, Yauri and Zuru that, before the end of October, they will enjoy stable electricity.

    The governor was shocked by the lean purse of the state. The treasury was almost empty. Therefore, he set up a 25-man committee headed by his deputy, Sama’ila Dabai Yombe, to look into the finances of the state. Besides, he charged the committee to beam a searchlight on the  Ahmadu Bello International Airport. He said he suspected a foul play.   The report was shocking. According to the panel, the immediate past government left N100 million in the state’s coffer, contrary to the claim that N300 million was left in the account. Also, the airport project was shrouded in controversy. It was discovered that N 7.5 billion has been spent as against the N28.5, which the past government said was spent.

    Kebbi is a civil servant state. It lacks industry and foreign investment. But, within two in office, Bagudu unfolded an agenda for industrialisation. He hosted a five-man Iranian Team of Industrialists, which was in the state to explore investment opportunities in manufacturing, mining, installations and agriculture. The investment mission was trailed by the visit of a team of rice milling experts led by a Central Bank official to ascertain the level of rice production for the purpose of improving the crop for better yield.

    Also, the officials of the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc led by its Managing Director were in Kebbi to explore its agricultural potentials. The giant company came with the aim of establishing a subsidiary in the state because of the abundant rice cultivation and production in 17 of the 21 local government areas.

    The local government is not insulated from financial rot. However, Bagudu has assured that all forms of corruption should give way. Thus, he set up a committee and sub-committee to verify the finances of the local government. He also ordered a staff audit, which was meant to halt the menace of ghost workers.

    Before he got to office, there was public outcry against the level of filth in the state. Bagudu decried the indiscipline, saying that environmental sanitation should now be the watchword. He set up a committee to get rid of the mess. The governor also directed the appropriate agencies to clear the drainages and seaways to save the communities from erosion and flooding, which have been the bane of the metropolis. The recent flood, which submerge farm lands in Makera and Argungu, was devastating. Bagudu said to avoid future disaster, prevention is better than cure.

    The governor, who sympathised with the victims, saidthe communities will be rehabilitated to enable them continue with their normal activities. He promised to give incentives and improved seeds  to the affected farmers to enable them embark on massive dry season farming. Bagudu also assured that dry season rice and wheat farmers will benefit from high yielding seeds, fertilizers and linkages services.

    This year’s Hajj operations took a different dimension. The governor set up a committee headed by Deputy Governor  Yombe to review the operations and eliminate sharp practices by middle men, both at home and in the Saudi Arabia.The government was responsible for  feeding  pilgrims. He also directed that that on getting to Mecca,  male  pilgrims must be provided with free pears of harami cloths to perform theHajji. He also gave pocket money to  women pilgrims. The governor alsosaid that this month’s salary should be paid to workers on September 17 to enable them celebrate a hitch-free salah. He also directed that leave grants should be paid to workers.

    Besides, the governor gave sallah gifts to traditional rulers, ulamas, politicians, youths, women and the less privileged .

    In Kebbi State, the menace of cattle rustling is rampant.  The governor has been confronting the challenge. He solicited for the deployment of soldiers to the hot spot of rustlers in Bena  and Danko/Wassagu Local Government Area. Now, their activities have been curtailed.

    Baguda has also visited Benin Republic in his bid to halt the incessant boundary disputes and communal clashes between the citizens of Benin and Nigerians who live along boundary areas.

    He has also advocated for strong economic ties between Kebbi and Benin Republic. To facilitate cordial economic relations, the Bagudo/Cotonuo road project has been flagged off. Also, a dry port is to be established by his administration in Lolo Village, Bagudo Local Government, where agriculture produce and other consumable items can easily be transported freely between the two countries and other countries within the sub-region.

     

  • Buhari is on a rescue mission, says Peterside

    Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State Dr. Dakuku Peterside has described the APC’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, as a man of impeccable character on a mission to save Nigeria.

    Peterside spoke in Port Harcourt at a gathering of small business owners, under the aegis of Pillar Association. He noted that Buhari survived all calculated plots against him because he is a straightforward man who means well for Nigeria.

    “At 72, Buhari has achieved everything few persons can achieve in one life. He attended the best military schools in the world, excelled in prime military postings, and he is fondly remembered for using the forces under his command in 1983 to chase away invading Chadian forces.

    “He was also governor of the then North Eastern State; federal commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Head of State and later, chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund,” he said.

    Peterside, who described Buhari’s mission in politics as clearly altruistic and service-driven, warned that Nigerians must not be deceived by the cheap propaganda of a few who are defending their pockets and mouths.

    He said Nigerians, across tribe and religion, supports the general because they believe he is the only person at the moment who can rescue the country from those who want the rot to continue.

    Nigeria, he insisted, must be rid of corruption, ineptitude, clannish politics, lies and impunity. According to him, those castigating Buhari do not mean well for Nigeria; they want these vices and other deficits closely associated with this government to continue.

    Peterside identified corruption, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and mismanagement as the challenges confronting Nigeria. He enjoined Nigerians to join in the effort to rescue Nigeria by voting out PDP and its inept government.

    Also speaking  at a one-day interactive session with the state  Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt at the weekend, Peterside promised that his administration would defend the independence of the judiciary and provide effective administration of justice.

    The candidate assured the people that his government would put in place measures to ensure smooth and speedy dispensation of justice. He also promised to provide modern infrastructure and ensure that the courts are technology-compliant.

    “Justice administration is important because every other thing rests on the law’’

  • ‘Rescue Mission restoring hope, confidence of Imo people’

    ‘Rescue Mission restoring hope, confidence of Imo people’

    Imo State Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere has said the Rescue Mission is restoring hope and confidence of the indigenes.

    He said: “The story of what happened at the bank of Oramiriukwa is better experienced than imagined. It is a pathetic tale of one-time river of life that almost turned to river of death. River Oramiriukwa serves as the natural boundary between Ngor Okpala Local Government in Imo State and its sister councils of Owerri West and Owerri North. The river has been of great economic importance to the people of Owerri North and Ngor Okpala, particularly the people of Obibi-Ezena and Imeriegwe, but remotely with other states, such as Rivers and Abia.

    “It is a source of drinking water and other pecuniary purposes for the people. Farmers depend on the river for washing and processing of their farm produce, while the communities around the area also bank on the river for fishing.

    “Oramiriukwa River did not begin and end in Ngor Okpala and its neighbouring Owerri North, but links River State and other areas, thereby making its economic importance even more manifest. Oramiriukwa had a bridge across it, which was said to have been built in the colonial era. The bridge, which later collapsed, created an evergreen and robust socio-economic and political interaction among the communities in Imo State and its neighbouring states like Rivers and Abia states. This worthy relationship occasioned by socio- economic activities was bonded by the regional market called Orie Obibi at Obibi-Ezena.”

    The deputy governor at the weekend visited the area to ensure the rebuilding of the bridge began with the adjoining road network to re-link the neighbouring villages and towns

    The traditional ruler of Imerienwe autonomous community, Eze Andrew Njoku, hailed Governor Rochas Okorocha and his deputy, Prince Madumere, for their vision and determination to develop the state.

  • ‘Ngige is on rescue mission in Anambra’

    ‘Ngige is on rescue mission in Anambra’

    A leader of Igbo Community in Lagos, Nze Modestus Umenzekwe, spoke with ADEGUNLE OLUGBAMILA on the chance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Dr Chris Ngige, in the next week’s election.

    What is your perception of politics?

    My perception of politics is just a situation where things are working well for the generality of the people. I am talking of a situation where people can actually enjoy dividends of democracy and feel the impact of governance.

    Is that achievable under the crop of leadership currently at the helm of affairs?

    It is possible, provided people can ‘shine their eyes’ and vote for someone with experience and purpose to serve. I am from Anambra State. It is a very sensitive state in Nigeria and we need an experienced man to handle it, so that things don’t go wrong.

    In that light, would you appraise Governor Peter Obi’s performances in office?

    Don’t misquote me. All I’m saying is that, soon, Peter Obi will be no more there, and we need an experienced man as his successor.

    So, if you had your way, who would you recommend?

    For me, Dr Chris Ngige is the most qualified of all the contenders at present because he has been there all along. Unfortunately, he didn’t finish the good programme he started for our people. He did well within the short period he served. He rendered selfless service for the state, we need him back again.

    What were those impressions he left that you considered unforgettable?

    On his assumption into office, Ngige inherited a debt of N40 billion but left N12.8 billion in the Anambra State’s treasury. Within six months of his administration, Ngige cleared all the debts. He resuscitated schools and hospitals that were bedeviled with strikes.

    Civil servants and pensioners were not paid before Ngige assumed office. Today, move round our state and see all the roads he constructed when he was there and you will appreciate my view. He rehabilitated the erosion-submerged Nkwouchi market and reconstructed a long-abandoned road from Nkwouchi to Okigwe border town of Imo State. He left in 2006; and we are now in 2013, go and check all these roads to confirm all I am telling you. He only implemented 30 per cent of his developmental plans. We need him because we want the remaining 70 per cent.

    But, aren’t you bothered about the APC under which Ngige is contesting? The political party is allegedly seen by certain Igbo nationals as offspring of the rested Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)?

    When you come to Lagos State, you will appreciate the fact that Fashola merely continued Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s laudable agenda for the state. It is only in Lagos that you have an Igbo man as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning in the person of Pastor Ben Akabueze; it is only in Lagos that you have another Igbo man, Joe Igbokwe an engineer as the publicity secretary of APC. Go to business areas and discover that Igbos are allowed to establish businesses and build houses.

    If truly Ngige is not from your constituency, then, what is your interest?

    I am not talking of personal gain; I am simply talking out of sheer objectivity and unquantifiable love for my state and people.

    What is your advice for him?

    First of all, in whatever thing he intends doing; he should seek the face of God. Let him make sure that our roads are put in order, especially areas that were not covered by his first tenure. He should again and as a matter of priority centres on security. Healthcare is another important issue for him.

    But, Ngige achieved these feats as the PDP governor, and you are now canvassing against it. why this?

    When you talk of APC, you are talking of a political party peopled by the likes of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a veteran politician; a very simple political juggernaut; a man that says yes, and his yes remains yes; so also his no. A man with passion for his people; a man that dared all odds to make sure that political situation in the country is stabilised. Upon all he passed through, he managed to execute a good job as governor and left with a better successor.

    So, if such a man is leading a party, why can’t I support him; why can’t I support his candidate? It is not a question of party, what is in him is in him wherever he is, he will still perform. So, if he has the experience, the knowledge and injected them in APC manifesto, I think the, sky will be their limit.

    Barely one week into Anambra election, do you have any advice for the electorate?

    They should shun thuggery, violence, and avoid money-politics because that is another thing that brings problem to this country. They should ensure their votes count, no double voting. One man, one vote; they should vote Ngige.

    If for instance, Ngige wins the much-touted election, how do you advise him to replicate some industrial and social-economic policies ongoing in the south west especially, the APC-controlled states?

    My advice is for you to read his manifesto, those things are already there, it is not a question of reminding him, he already has his plans for the state printed out.

  • Activist to APC promoters: live up to your rescue mission

    Activist to APC promoters: live up to your rescue mission

    PROVIDE Nigerians with the needed leadership and change for development, promoters of the newly formed All Progressive Congress (APC) were told yesterday.

    President of the Civil Rights Congress (CRC) Mallam Shehu Sani who gave the charge, said the APC should avoid the pitfalls of similar efforts in the past and that its leaders must not allow their brainchild to suffer the same fate that befell others.

    The activist said in a statement issued in Kaduna that the decision of major opposition parties to form a strong party ahead of the 2015 general election was a commendable.

    According to him, the platform came at a time Nigerians were beginning to lose hope and confidence in the ability of the oppositions to change the current political order.

    He lamented that for a decade after the restoration of democracy, the nation has been in the grip of elite from one political party that has not done enough to rescue the country from the brink of irrelevance, poverty and disunity.

    The statement reads: “The decision by the major political parties in Nigeria to merge is commendable and it is a step in the right direction. It will give meaning, strength and teeth to the politics of opposition.

    “The merger is long overdue and a demonstration of principled commitment to democracy, national unity and the eventual establishment of a people’s government in Nigeria. The APC has come at the right time when Nigerians are yearning for potent leadership and change. The APC came at a time when Nigerians are losing hope and confidence in the ability and capacity of the opposition to confront and change the existing political order and status quo.

    “For more than a decade, since the restoration of democracy in 1999, our country has been in the grip of a rapacious, venomous, corrosive and annihilating class of political elite from the dominant ruling party.

    “As a nation and as a people, we have regressed and sunk into irrelevance, poverty and disunity. Nigerians have in the last thirteen years been subjected to hardship and arbitrariness under a succession of corrupt, manipulative, deceptive and suffocating governments.

    “The newly formed APC has a challenge; to seek for power and behave differently with power. The component part that forms the APC affirms its national and nationalistic outlook. It must build on its goodwill, promises and expectations to live up to its mission.

    “The APC must root itself in the hearts and mind of the people and lead the struggle for genuine change, genuine democracy and a new order for social justice, good governance and a corrupt free society.

    “The APC should be a marriage that must not fail. It should be a marriage that will galvanise the people, seize power and bring about the much needed change and development the nation so desired.

    “The APC must imbibe the culture of internal democracy and be a shade for all those who cherish a truly democratic, progressive, united and prosperous Nigeria.”

  • Mbata: Okorocha is on rescue mission

    Mbata: Okorocha is on rescue mission

    When Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha came to power two ago, he claimed he was on a rescue mission. Opinion is divided among stakeholders on whether he has performed as the chief executive. Many people have hailed his feats. Others have decried his activities.

    A social critic, Prince Alex Mbata, said the governor has justified the confidence reposed in him. He told reporters in Lagos that the governor was being distracted by his political foes. He urged the people of the state to assist the governor to consolidate on his achievements.

    Mbata said: ”Let me start by saying that I am not a politician. I have no political leaning, but as from Imo State. I am interested in what is happening in the state.I am a stakeholder and I want progress for my state.

    “The development going on in Imo State is worthy of pride. From Owerri through Orlu, to Okigwe, the story is the same. The state is fighting the infrastructure battle. Roads are being constructed, both in the rural and urban areas; bridges are being built, schools, hospitals are given a facelift. Students are enjoying free education from the primary to university level. Nothing could have been better. Imo has never had it so good,except in the days of the late Chief Sam Mbakwe”.

    The activist called for a solid maintenance culture, stressing that the projects would last for generations. He appealed to the governor to forge ahead in development.

    Mbata also urged the governor’s opponents to sheathe their swords in the interest of the state.

    He added: “I am making this appeal in the interest of the poor people of the state, who are the targets of the developmental projects. Imo people should be allowed to enjoy the dividends of democracy. There will be no progress, if politicians in the state keep fighting themselves.

    “If the governor is distracted, he will lose focus and Imo people will be the ones to suffer. Those that want to take over should wait till 2015, when Imo people will have another opportunity to make choices. Those in the opposition should concentrate on their blueprints, which can serve as the alternative route to progress. But they should allow the government to work”.

    Mbata, whose outfit, ABM Global Services, is investing in the state, called on well meaning captains of industry to invest in the state.

    He added: “The rate of unemployment in the state is high and this is why I have decided to invest in the state. We must all strive to make Imo a better place. My mission is to give Imo youths jobs, thereby complementing the efforts of the administration”.

  • FRSC man dies on rescue mission

    An Assistant Route Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the Ijebu-Ode Command, Mr. Olasoji Olaleye, died yesterday on duty.

    The late Olaleye and other security agents were trying to rescue some accident victims on the Ososa Bridge, near Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, when a luxury bus, marked XC 373 NEN, ran into him.

    The late Olaleye fell into the river and was brought out dead minutes later.

    Three commuters were injured.

    Ijebu-Ode FRSC Sector Commander Ayobami Omiyale said the driver of the bus, belonging to the Young Shall Grow Motors, was over speeding.

    The driver was apprehended and taken to a nearby police station.

    Omiyale described the late Olaleye, who hailed from Ifon in Ondo State, as “a committed officer”.

    He said: “Immediately we got information that there was an accident on the road, Olaleye and other officers left our office in Ijebu-Ode to the scene. When we saw the magnitude of the accident, we decided to divert traffic, which was as long as 500 meters, to enable us clear the road. “Moreso, there was a lot of fuel on the road, which could cause another accident. But the driver of the bus was over speeding. He did not obey the caution sign and hit Olaleye, who landed in the river. By the time he was brought out of the river, he was dead.”

    Zonal Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) Hamzat Tommy said the first accident involved a Mazda (FQ 658 EKY), two DAF trucks (XV 514 APP and XP 987 KSF) and a Mack petrol tanker (XA 769 KNM).

    Tommy said the accident occurred a few minutes to 7am.

    He urged motorists to obey traffic laws.