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Osibanjo endorses Gov. Wike as one of the best governors

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RIVERS-Acting Vice President ,Prof. Yemi Osibanjo commended Gov. Nyesom Wike’s commitment to the sustainable development of Rivers State, with the successes recorded in achieving his administration’s point agenda in the state.“He truly commended Gov. Wike as a true African leader and performer. His achievements cut across road infrastructure, security, and most profoundly, the economy. He has placed his state as a destination for investors to thrive, which has resulted to job creation, support for entrepreneurship and enterprise development.He made this statement while commissioning the largest fertiliser plant in Africa. According to him, today in Rivers State, there are strategic investments that are playing leading roles in the economy of Nigeria. These investments despite the prevailing economic challenges, are waxing strong.

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, with Gov. Wike

Indorama Fertiliser Plant is one investment that has been nurtured under the friendly business climate created by Governor Wike.This plant is one of the largest in this part of the world; playing critical roles in the revival of the nation’s agricultural sector, which is the highest employer of labour in the country.

Indorama is growing because of the favourable investment climate provided by the Wike administration. The governor has personally interfaced with the management of the company strengthening areas of partnerships and building their operational security through enhanced community relations and participation.

The governor’s regular personal interventions have ensured that all high profile business concerns in the state are shielded from host community conflicts that disrupt production. Whenever a situation arises, he steps in personally to resolve the areas of friction so that economic activities will continue to flourish. That is the selling point of Rivers State under Governor Wike, which makes it easy for investors to commit their resources in the state.

Indorama Petrochemicals has directly benefited from the governor’s social engineering skills to resolve conflicts between host communities and the company.When a crisis threatened to disrupt the operation of Indorama early July, Governor Wike held a meeting with the host communities, Elelenwo -Akpajo-Aleto-Njuru-Okerewa (ELANO) and Indorama Petrochemicals to resolve the conflict.

Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road and Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi inter-change

The commissioning of Indorama Petrochemicals was possible because Governor Wike calmed frayed nerves amongst the host communities.Speaking at the commissioning of the plant, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike explained that his driving force for improving the business climate in Rivers State is the need to create employment opportunities and construction of link roads Chokocho-Umuechem-Ozuzu Road AND Chokocho-Igbo-Etche-Rumuokurushi Inter-Change in Rivers.

These two roads span thirty kilometres. They constitute some of the major interventions of Governor Wike to resolve the deliberate neglect that the Etche Ethnic Nationality suffered under the Amaechi administration for eight years.Little wonder, Amaechi was so afraid to accompany the Acting President to Etche for the commissioning of the two projects. Governor Wike had earlier restored the link between Etche and Port Harcourt when he constructed the Igwuruta-Chokocho road and Ulakwo- II-Afara-Nihi road. He is also reconstructing General Hospitals at Okehi and Omuma Local Government Area.

When Acting President Yemi Osinbajo saw the importance of the road to the people of Etche Ethnic Nationality, he joined them to sing. He shared in their joy. He prayed that such opportunities should be replicated for them. In his happiness, he walked on the two roads, shaking hands with the people.It was a palpable celebration of performance. An endorsement of the judicious use of Rivers resources to improve the living condition of the people. A silent advice to other governors to borrow a leaf from Governor Wike.

Indeed, it was a statement that partisan politics has no place in projects delivery. For Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, a performer deserves encouragement, irrespective of his political affiliation.The words of the Acting President: “Today is a very happy day. And I pray that we always have happy days. I am very happy to be here to witness the commissioning of these roads in this local government.”The Federal Government wants to support every effort that makes the life of people easier and benefits the people. I want to say that this effort is one of those that makes life easier for people, especially the people of Etche.”We must always look for ways that we can advance the interest of this country..
I am very happy to see the sense of unity here in Rivers State. The governor is the one who initiated this project and has done it very well.”Here we have Senator Magnus Abe from another party. I want to say that sense of unity and collaboration is important. “I want to commend Governor Wike for the great work. This is great. I know that there are other great works he is doing. This is wonderful to see. I will look at it myself.I am very happy that the people of Etche are experiencing this great project. Let me enjoy this day with you, God bless you.”

Despite the inability of the Acting President to commission two other projects, the Rukpokwu-Aluu road and the Rumuokoro Market and Park, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Governor Wike went ahead to inaugurate the two projects.At the commissioning of the two projects, Governor Wike expressed his commitment to the sustained delivery of pro-people projects, despite the antics of enemies of the state.
Rivers State is marching forward under the direction of Governor Wike ,this is the new era in Rivers State. Even the leaders of the APC have acknowledged this fact. First it was Sokoto State Governor, Aninu Tambuwal, then Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari. The ultimate came from the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, who has endorsed Governor Wike twice.

By: Chief D.O.D Okirika

Publisher: Grassroots Monitor

Gov. Wike cannot stop working in Rivers State …As he Flags Off Reconstruction Of 175 Public Schools

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Gov. Wike is keeping to the promises he made during his campaign; that he will transform Rivers State to a God’s own state so that his people can reap the dividends of democracy. Ever since he assumed office on May 29, 2015, he has turned himself to a workaholic governor despite the economic challenge the country is currently facing.
Apart from the numerous bridges and roads projects he has executed in the state since he assumed office, he has yet again decided to extend this construction gesture to public schools in the state by flagging off the reconstruction and furnishing of 175 Basic Schools across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.

The 175 basic schools are in deplorable condition, making teaching and learning difficult.
Performing the flag off of the reconstruction of the schools on Thursday at the State School, Rebisi in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike said nobody would believe that the immediate past administration left schools to decay to this level.
He said that when his administration took over, the former administration did not access UBEC, pointing out that the State Government accessed the funds for the re-positioning of basic schools in the state.According to him, after paying the counterpart fund, the state now has N5.6billion to address the infrastructural challenges of selected basic schools.”The entire world should see that a school like this exists in Port Harcourt. Imagine the condition of schools in the rural areas. Just imagine that the past administration claimed that they revolutionised education. All they did was to construct a few schools by the roadside.”The funds for the reconstruction and furnishing of these schools have been set aside. Therefore, funding will not be an issue. I direct that payment should be done by milestone. The contractors should be paid based on the work they do. There should be nothing like variation”.The governor directed that the reconstruction should be holistic to improve teaching and learning in all the schools.The reconstructed basic schools will have the following facilities: new furniture, sports equipment/facilities, Information/communication equipment, standby generator, boreholes, toilets, head-teacher office and table-top fridges.

Governor Wike noted that his administration has awarded contracts for the equipping of laboratories of selected secondary schools and re-stocking of libraries.
He said: “While the immediate past administration used over N4billion to build one school, we are using slightly above N1billion to build one school. This is a prudent administration “.
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, said the reconstruction is being done via the Federal Government Universal Basic Education Commission/Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board 2014-2016 Intervention Projects for Rivers State.He said: “One great benefit the day’s event holds for education and indeed for all of us, is that it offers a time for common reflection on the very needful and yet neglected aspect of educational organisation which hitherto was a prime place.”We appeal to community and local government leadership in the state to realise that we now live in a time when all must respond to the invitation to stand with the state government to own and ensure security of school staff and facilities provided by government for use in our various communities”.

By: Maduike Ifeoma

Publisher: Guide Express Newspaper

Stop the Persecution of Journalists; NUJ Commands Kaduna Governor.

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14-07-2017
The government of Kaduna State in its further drive to cage the media and muffle freedom of expression, had this week arraigned a Kaduna based Journalist, Luka Binniyat before a Kaduna State High Court charged with injurious falsehood and incitement. He was earlier charged to a Magistrate Court for the same allegations, remanded in Prison custody before being granted bail. The High Court had equally remanded Luka Binniyat in Prison custody pending the hearing of his bail application next week.

It will be recalled that Kaduna State government had issued a stern warning to Journalists on the 28th of January this year, threatening of dire consequences if they file any story considered false by the State Governor. Recently some other journalists were taken to court by Governor Nasiru el Rufai, prominent of which included Midat Joseph of Leadership Newspapers who was detained and charged to court for alleged injurious falsehood, plan for mass demonstration that will shut down Kaduna and public incitement. Others being hounded are Dickson Onjekwu of New Nigerian Newspapers and Gabriel Idibia of Union Newspapers.

EL Rufai’s numerous actions are clearly aimed at his perceived political opponents which ridiculously include the media. As a result of his intolerance for criticisms and aversion for the media many Journalists in the State are now being persecuted by the Government. We are terrified by the remanding of Binniyat in prison custody because of his health challenges. He had an accident and came to court on clutches to answer the summons but instead of being in hospital, he is now behind bars. The NUJ will hold Governor Nasiru el Rufai fully responsible if anything mysterious happens to Binniyat in prison.

This development calls for concern, because the government of el Rufai rode to power on the formidable use of the media and therefore it cannot now turn round to want to instruct journalists on how to do their jobs. Certainly the Governor cannot make untoward rules for journalists outside their extant code of practice. Journalists should not be used as scapegoats to cover up for his numerous gaffes.

We advise the Governor to desist from having Journalists arrested, detained and taken to court for writing stories and reports on the crisis in Southern Kaduna which he feels do not reflect the thinking of the State Government.

The problems of Southern Kaduna can never be resolved through threats and intimidation by the Kaduna State Government on Journalists. Rather, we suggest that he should appeal to the media to help mobilise citizens to appreciate the benefits of peace and peaceful coexistence.

Shuaibu Usman Leman
Walin SHadalafiya
National Secretary
14-07-2017

Iheanacho completes Leicester switch

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It is also the second highest African transfer fee this season behind Mohammed Salah’s £34.3million move from Roma to Liverpool.The transfer, which has been in the offing for weeks, was held up by legal issues over his image rights with his former agents. But sources close to the player confirmed to KweséESPN that after passing his medical on Tuesday, the player signed a five-year contract with the Foxes.

However, an announcement is only expected within the next 24-48 hours as the club tidy up legal details in respect of his former representatives.Manchester City have inserted a buy-back option in the contract, which KweséESPN is told has been pegged at £50million for one of Europe’s brightest young footballers.It is unlikely, but Iheanacho could be announced in time to be involved in Friday’s friendly against Borussia Monchengladbach at the Kingpower Stadium.
Leicester’s capture of the 20-year-old, who scored 26 goals in his 71 appearances across all competitions and friendlies for Manchester City, brings to three the number of Nigerians at the KingPower after Ahmed Musa and Wilfred Ndidi.

Disaster : Floods take over Abuja-Lokoja highway

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Abuja- Lokoja highway

Major gridlock on Abuja- Lokoja highway today as travelers were stranded as the road was heavily flooded making it difficult for them to continue with their journeys.

The flooded area is the Nataco Junction at Seriki Numan Village about 1km to Lokoja. There was heavy rainfall that lasted for about three hours in Lokoja and its environs Thursday morning coupled with run-off from the mountains which led to the flooding.

The heavy rain added to the water level of River Niger that runs parallel with the road at that point.

The high ebb of the river spilled water over the banks that got overflown raising fears of the flood disaster that happened in 2012 which ravaged nine local government areas.

Travelers from Abuja, according to our findings are stranded around Okumi Village while those going towards the north stopped at the Nataco Junction.

Eye witness account said in few hours from now the water may recede paving way for the motorists to pass through but it was observed that some motorists are already navigating through the flooded area.

Nigeria Customs e-auction platform, a reality -Grassroots Publishers

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Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed chatting with CPRO, Mr Attah
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed handing over the car key to the first winner Mr, Agu Okechukwu
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed handing over the car key to the second winner, Mr Ayokusehin Dahunsi
Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed and his officers

When Nigerian Customs Service launched the e-Auction platform on July 3rd, 2017, many Nigerians doubted the authenticity and transparency of this platform where seized items would be sold through online bidding, but today it a reality and a dream come true for Nigerian as witnessed yesterday. This strategy was adopted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to beat fake agents to their game. The portal is networked to designated banks to ensure money accruing from the auction gets to the Central bank of Nigeria Treasury Single Account for transparency and accountability. e-Auction platform was designed in a way that only proper pictures of the goods as well as detailed information about each will be uploaded to avoid and misgiving.

The Controller, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Ikeja, Lagos, Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed explained to newsmen yesterday at FOU Zone ‘A’ warehouse before presenting the keys of the two vehicles to the winners, that about 19 commercial banks are now hooked to the platform and interested bidders now have the option of choosing banks nearest to them for ease of transactions. “Four weeks after the official launch of the NCS e-auction platform, https: app.trade.gov.ng/eauction by the Comptroller-General of Customs, retired Col. Hameed Ali, alot of winners have emerged across the country from various Customs Commands and Zones.

Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed confirmed that Nigeria Customs Service has already taken steps to deal with the challenges posed by fraudulent bidders who log in to frustrate other genuine bidders by placing bogus and unrealistic figures. “In some cases, they send SMS to supposed winners congratulating them. Apart from de-activating the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) of these elements, the option for second highest bidder to win when the highest winner fails to pay has been jettisoned. “In such situation, the item reverts to the system for fresh bidding. Winners are informed only through e-mails from the system not by SMS,” Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed said. According to him, the System is being re-programmed to automatically reject such criminal antics. Compt. Uba Garba Mohammed advised fraudulent bidders to keep off the platform and allow interested Nigerians to reap the benefits of the transparent system that presented equal opportunity to all. He said that NCS resolve to ensure the success of the e-auction, was motivated by the inherent benefits of the platform. Compt. Uba said that the platform was secured, provided opportunity to generate more revenue for government, and gave equal opportunities to all interested persons. He added that the platform was transparent, accountable and free from vices associated with manual process of the past, that is the change brought by the administration of Comptroller-General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd).

According the first the winners of this e-auction bid, Mr Agu Okechukwu, a business man from Enugu State commended the NCS for this giant stride. He said the bidding process was very free, fair and transparent. The e-auction platform is a commendable programme where you have the opportunity to bid for a car of your choice and if declared winner, you have the car. Sincerely, there is no favouritism in this process”.

Another winner from Ogun State, Mr Ayokusehin Dahunsi said that he was surprised when he received email from Nigeria Customs Service as of one of the winner of the e-auction bid , infact he concurred that a true change is taking place in Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria now and that the transparent system of this e-auction has presented equal opportunity to all Nigerians .

BY :GRASSROOTS PUBLISHERS

Security Agencies dares IPOB on Anambra election

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As the ongoing public crusade of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB against the conduct of the Anambra state gubernatorial election bid to hold on November this year gathers momentum, the security arms in the state has reacted by stating those calling cancellation of the election are jokers and wanted their names to be announced or noticed.

In a press statement issued on behalf of other service chiefs by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Baba Umar and made available to this Platform, they acknowledged that; “our attention has been drawn that some misguided elements have perfected plans to disrupt the relative peace through streets protests and to declare that the Anambra state governorship election scheduled for November, 2017 will not hold.
“This is to achieve their selfish political aggrandizement thereby threatening democratic processes causing serious security threats in Anambra State in particular, and the Country at large”, the security agencies stated.

Adding that the move to disrupt the proposed governorship election in the state by the freedom fighters remains unacceptable and would not be tolerated, the State Commissioner said in as much as the Command and her sister agencies respect the Right of individuals to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, they would however not fold their arms and watch the Indigenous People of Biafra and other pro-Biafra groups to truncate the peace in the State which the law enforcement agencies, according to Mr. Baba Umar are toiling day and night assiduously to maintain.
“It is to be noted the governorship election has been scheduled for November, 2017 by the body responsible for elections in Nigeria and that is the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); and is the only competent authority that can make any pronouncement regarding the conduct of elections”, the CP noted.

To this end, the security agencies wish to Assuring Ndi-Anambra that the election shall hold as scheduled peacefully and successfully, the first policeman in the state on behalf of all other service chiefs threatened that they will not hesitate to deal decisively with any individual or groups under any guise that will disrupt public peace.

Caping it all, they enjoyed the members of the public to disregard such pronouncement coming from the pro-Biafra groups, insisting that everybody should go about their lawful businesses even as the security agencies further assured Ndi Anambra and all other residents in the state of their readiness to protect lives and properties.

Evans pleads guilty to kidnap charges

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Evans and other Suspects

Suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, a.k.a Evans and five others were on Wednesday docked before an Ikeja High Court in Lagos.

Evans was arraigned alongside Uche Amadi, Ogechi Uchechukwu, Okwuchukwu Nwachukwy, Chilaka Ifeanyi and Victor Aduba on a two-count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.Evans, Amadi and Nwachukwu pleaded guilty to the charges while Uchechukwu, the only female defendant, Ifeanyi and Aduba pleaded innocence of the offences.

According to the prosecution led by Mr Adeniji Kazeem, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Evans and his accomplices committed the offence of conspiracy at 7.45 p.m. on Feb. 14 on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, Lagos.The prosecution said the defendants between Feb. 14 and April 12 on Obokun Street, Ilupeju, while armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, captured and detained Mr Duru Donatius.

According to Kazeem, the defendants collected a ransom of 223,000 euros for the release of Donatius.After the charges were read to them, Kazeem, requested for the remand of the defendants.“Following this arraignment, we will like to apply for the defendants to be remanded in custody and obtain trial dates for the ones that have pleaded not guilty.

“While for those that have pleaded guilty, we will like to lay out our statement of facts following which Your Lordship will adjourn for sentencing,” Kazeem said.Mr Olukoya Ogungbeje, counsel to Evans, Amadi, Uchechukwu, Ifeanyi and Aduba told the court that he and his team had not got the opportunity to “confer” with his clients.

“With respect to the application from the learned Attorney-General, we shall not be opposing same.“However, the defence team just had the opportunity of meeting our clients this morning in court for the first time, we were just served with documents in the open court this morning.

“All the defendants have since been in the custody of the Police and we have not had the opportunity of conferring with them regarding the offences which are capital in nature,” Ogungbeje said.The vacation judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi asked the Attorney-General for his choice of prison for the defendants to be remanded.“Maximum Kirikiri Prisons, My Lord,” Kazeem replied.

Nigeria has no alternative to Buhari now – NUPENG

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[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG,  said the jubilation that followed the arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari was an indication that the country had no alternative to him now.Tokunbo Korodo, the Chairman, South-West Chapter of the union told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that Nigerians were in happy mood with the arrival of their President. “We believe in our president and I can tell you, categorically, that there is no alternative to Buhari in moving the country forward,” he said.

President Buhari

According to the chairman, the people came out immensely to welcome him, because they believed in him to turn around the ailing economy.“It is with happiness that Nigerians came to welcome their president, after 104 days in United Kingdom’s hospital.

“The gesture showed by Nigerians is a sign that they believe in him and they have been praying for him to recover from the illness. “They have hope in him that he is back to turn the country’s ailing economy round.

“Everybody is happy to receive the president back in the country.”

Mr. Korodo urged Mr. Buhari to continue with his good work.“Our president should not relent in his effort in getting rid of corrupt Nigerians and also ensure that money recovered from treasury looters is pump into the economy.’’On August 19, many residents of Federal Capital Territory thronged the major roads from airport to catch a glimpse of the president who had spent 104 days outside Nigeria. He was on medical vacation in London.

Some were seen singing, dancing with banners of the president’s portraits in their hands while others jostled to take photographs of his convoy with their cell phones. The presidential aircraft that conveyed Mr. Buhari landed at the airport at about 4:35 p.m. to the excitement of all those present at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The aircraft then taxied to the tarmac amidst music played by the Guards Brigade along with a cultural troupe performing at the airport. The president later mounted a rostrum and saluted the guard of honour before getting into his official car and driven to the presidential villa.

LAGOS POLICE BOSS SETS UP PANEL ON POLICE CORRUPTION, BRIBERY, SEXUAL MOLESTATION

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Ag/CP Imohimi Edgal
Lagos State

The commissioner of police Lagos state police command Ag/CP Imohimi Edgal has instituted a panel to investigate the alleged report of police corruption, bribery and sexual molestation.

The members of the panel include, Commander RRS ACP Tunji Disu as the chairman, Emma Nnadozie as the vice chairman, CSP Adedeji kemi and other members who are Nwanguma okechukwu a member of NOPRIN, Solomon Ezike and Adeola samuel-ilori.

The panel which had a lengthened deliberation at the CP’S office with all the parties above present including the former O/C Anti-Kidnapping came to an agreement that the case of stealing involving the victim one Blessing Taiwo be returned back to ikoyi division to carry out a diligent investigation and ensure the suspects are prosecuted.

As regards the allegation of collection of bribe / sexual molestation, the case will also be thoroughly investigated and due findings is expected to be reported to the commissioner of police a week from today.

The command CP wishes to reassure members of the public that any officer indicted will face the full weight of the law.

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