ELECTORAL REFORMS: Electoral bodies should be non-partisan - Don

Undue interference and imposition of candidates by those in authority during elections have been described as having negative impact on the electoral process and hindering the growth of democracy in the country.  

This was the position of the Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Technology (RIVCOHSTECH), Dr Nnanna Vincent Onyekwere, while speaking with newsmen shortly after elections were held into positions in the executive of the Students Union Government (SUG) of the institution in Port Harcourt.  

Dr Onyekwere decried the imposition of candidates by those in authority, saying such actions create unnecessary problems in the polity and urged election officials to be forthright and resist the temptation to favour one candidate above others.

Expressing optimism that elections can be free and fair where there is no interference by the electoral bodies, he noted that for elections to be conducted in an atmosphere of peace the umpires have to be non-partisan.

“The electorates are the most important people in an election…they should be carried along in the process,” the academic don stated and called on the management of tertiary institutions to “stand on the truth because that is what will take away all the tension”.

At the end of the elections, Godswell Binyen, a 200 level student of Environmental Health Technology emerged President polling 399 votes ahead of Goodnews Opurum, 200 level, Health Information Management, and Chukwundah Mac-Charlie, 200 level, Community Health, who polled 326 and 281 votes respectively in the voting process adjudged by many students as free, fair and transparent.

Also elected into the executive are Uwitetu Faith Ozuzu (Vice President), Kingsley Amadi (General Secretary), Chujor Juliet Owate (Assistant General Secretary), Akani Ikechukwu (Financial Secretary), Boma Strongface John (Treasurer), Richard Amadi (Director of Welfare), Minini Romeo (Public Relations Officer), Chivueze Echem (Director of Transport), Emughibula Bennett (Director of Sports), Owoh Dickson Owoh (Director of Socials) and Mbuchi Nwuche (Provost).   

NEPAD PLEDGES INCREASED FOOD PRODUCTIVITY IN RIVERS STATE

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) has expressed its commitment to increase food productivity by revitalizing the agricultural sector in Rivers State.

SA to the Governor and State Coordinator of NEPAD, Dr Tex Wariboko, who stated this in a chat with newsmen, said NEPAD is working on involving all sectors of society in farming with a view to implementing its agricultural action plan by engaging necessary skills and expertise in food production. 

Dr Wariboko explained that to bridge the unemployment gap youths would be encouraged to engage in agriculture and stressed the need to train a new generation of farmers by teaching young people new methods and ways of farming thus creating viable means of generating revenue.

The NEPAD Coordinator said the body is currently working on its action plans in Infrastructural Development, Capacity Building for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs), Agriculture, Education and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), and creating partnerships and synergies to involve all sectors of society in raising the living standards of the people.

He disclosed that NEPAD is also dealing with climate change and pollution as captured in its environmental action plan, stressing that the effects of climate change is impacting negatively on the agricultural sector.

Calling on the Federal Government to address the negative impact of oil exploration in the Niger Delta region, Dr Wariboko said “because we earn for the whole country and because we bear the brunt of the consequences of oil exploration, the Federal Government needs to pay special attention to the region,” and “provide incentives to discourage the ex-militants from returning to the creeks”. 

He revealed that NEPAD will establish integrated farms in the 3 senatorial districts of the State and engage about 15,000 youths in agriculture, adding that his agency is partnering with the State Social Rehabilitation Committee to reintegrate and rehabilitate the ex-militants. 

“NEPAD’s agenda,” he said “is the grassroots,” and disclosed that the body aims to avert political interference by involving all stakeholders in its programmes.

He enjoined the citizens to stand up for their rights and insist on the kind of leadership they desire by casting and ensuring their votes count in the 2011 elections, urging the Federal Government to urgently review the electoral laws to ensure credible elections in 2011.

FG SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR N’DELTA DEV - AZAIKI

The Federal Government has been urged to take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region by refunding funds spent on infrastructure in the area.

Former Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government and Coordinator of the National Think-Tank, Professor Steve Azaiki, stated this when he accompanied the Rivers State Deputy Governor on an inspection of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo Unity Road projects yesterday.

Expressing delight on the pace of work on the project, Prof. Azaiki, who is also a Visiting Fellow of the Institute of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, said “The Federal Government should take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region and refund the monies spent on road projects in the area.”

Commending the Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, for the development initiatives ongoing in the State, Prof. Azaiki, who is also the country President of the World Environmental Movement for Africa (WEMFA), Nigeria, urged the people of the State to support the present administration in its efforts at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people.

“I want to commend the Rivers State Governor and his deputy for the development initiatives they have embarked upon. Projects of this nature answer the question of the development of the Niger Delta region and what the governors in the region are doing with the allocation given to them” he said and urged the government to ensure development spreads to the rural areas.

 

Responding, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, reiterated the State Government’s determination deliver on its promises and uplift the living standards of the people by completing the project.

Impressed by the present state of the project in which the Ebukuma Bridge on the Andoni axis is almost completed while the Opobo axis is within the precincts of Kalaibiama community, the State Deputy Governor explained that despite challenges faced by the construction firm, Rivigo JV Nigeria Limited, the road will soon begin to serve the needs of the Andoni and Opobo communities.

Speaking, the site manager, Mr. Leyira Kamanu, assured on the quality of the project, saying “the job is being done according to specifications and the bridges are expected to have a life span of 100 years,” adding that the road spanning 37 kilometers and covering 17 communities is expected to be completed on or before 2011.  

BONNY TRAVELERS SOON TO GO BY AIRCONDITIONED BOATS, MONORAIL …as Tolofari lists achievements in Transport sector

Travelers to Bonny Island and other riverine communities in Rivers State would soon enjoy the luxury of traveling in state-of-the-art boats, fully air-conditioned or by monorail system, the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said.

The Governor, who said this at the 2^nd State Transport Summit in Port Harcourt, with the theme “Transport Sector Reform” organized by the State Ministry of Transport, said government is desirous of laying a proper foundation for an integrated transportation scheme in the state.

He stated that apart from improving land transportation with the introduction of monorail system, water transportation would equally be given a boost as new water taxi boats equipped with air conditioners have been acquired for the purpose.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, has said that the transport system in the State has seen a transformation due to the strident efforts of his ministry aimed at alleviating the suffering of the masses as a result of the ban on commercial motorcycles.

He disclosed that his ministry adopted the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model and entered into joint venture with Skye Bank Plc in the building of new and modern bus shelters with lay-byes.

Noting that 56 bus shelters with lay-byes have been completed, and over 106 buses are plying on Port Harcourt roads, the former member, representing Bonny Local Government Area in the State House of Assembly, added that the State Government and Skye Bank have also introduced 200 taxis into the sector to ease transportation in the city.

According to the Commissioner, the 2^nd Rivers State Transport Summit is aimed at creating a platform for the Ministry to evaluate the reform in the transport sector and chart the way forward.

In a paper delivered at the summit, titled “The Emerging Role of Women in Commercial Transportation Prospect and Challenges”, the wife of the State Governor, Dame Judith Amaechi, said the ESI lady cabbies scheme is aimed at creating participation of female taxi drivers and generating regular income for the women.

She said the initiative of the lady cabbies scheme by her NGO, has broken the barriers of male dominated profession of commercial transportation in the state.

Rivers son presents US Purple Heart award to Gov Amaechi

An illustrious son of Rivers State and United States Marine Sergeant (Dr) Ledum Dennis Ndaanee, today formally presented his Purple Heart award to the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, at Government House, Port Harcourt. 

The award was handed to him in November, 2007 by former United States President, George H.W. Bush.

Making the presentation, Marine Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who described the award as an honour to the people of Nigeria and Rivers State in particular, said he was overwhelmed representing the country in the US Marine Corps.

“I decided to come home and present this award to my State Governor. It’s really an honour serving in the US Marine Corps and I feel overwhelmed representing my country, Nigeria and the people of Rivers State in particular,” he declared.

Ndaanee, a machine gunner who survived an explosion during the Iraq encounter with the US, noted that Nigeria had brave and best brains in the United States, saying “I am proud of my country, especially Rivers State.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the Governor, his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, commended the recipient, Ledum Ndaanee for bridging honour to the people of Rivers State in particular and Nigeria in general.

“I congratulate you for making us proud in the United States where many think that we cannot excel in anything,” Ikuru said, adding, “that a son of Rivers State is a hero in the US is great”.

In an interview with newsmen shortly after the ceremony, Sgt. Ledum Ndaanee, who hails from Luekue Town in Khana Local Government of the State said he joined the US Marine Corps in September, 2004.

According to him, the award was presented to the dead and the wounded, pointing out that he was the only living and the first African to be so honoured by the US Government.

“I consider myself lucky and I thank God for being alive to receive the Purple Heart, the highest US military award to war heroes”.

He advised Nigerian youths to have faith in God as there are windows of opportunity awaiting them, saying “I never knew I would be where I am today”.

SEMINITARI, DAWARI GEORGE, 4 OTHERS SWORN IN AS RIVERS COMMISSIONERS

Mrs. Ibim Seminitari, award winning seasoned female journalist and communications expert, and Dr Dawari George, immediate past chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Rivers State, were among six new Commissioners sworn-in yesterday by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Governor of Rivers State at Government House, Port Harcourt.

Sworn in with Mrs. Ibim Seminetari, who until her new appointment was the Publisher of the weekly magazine, Business Eye, and Dr. Dawari George,  are four former Commissioners who were in the last dissolved cabinet, Felix Nweke, of Youth, Joseph Poroma, Social Welfare and Rehabiliattion, Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, Special Duties, and Marshal Uwom, Housing, respectively.

The Governor Amaechi charged them to render selfless services and be transparent in their dealings with the people.

“The only reason why you were appointed is for service, and it must not conflict with any other interest”, Governor Amaechi said, and explained that government office is not a place where people come to share money but to deliver services. Use public money for public purposes not for private use”, he declared.

According to him, “the state lacks basic infrastructure, therefore we all require concerted efforts to develop it. It is not time for funfair, but time to serve, and make the people of Rivers State happy”, the Governor said.

The State Chief Executive said the state has the potentials to be a model in the country and urged the new Commissioners to discharge their duties creditably.

He warned that he would not hesitate to remove any one found wanting in the discharge of his duties, emphasizing that they should not give him the opportunity to dissolve the cabinet another time.

Governor Amaechi cautioned the Commissioners to make open the processes of contract awards to the public, and maintain an open door policy to enable the people have access to their offices.

One of the Commissioners, Mrs Ibim Seminetari, who spoke with newsmen after the swearing-in, said her vision is in line with the commitment of the State Governor to ensure the development and progress of the state.

This brings the number of Commissioners in the state to 26.

MRS. AMAECHI CHARGES LGA CHAIRPERSONS ON RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Wife of Rivers State Governor Dame Judith Amaechi has charged wives of Chairmen of the twenty three local government areas to initiate sustainable programmes capable of eradicating poverty among the rural populace.

Dame Judith Amaechi stated this during a meeting with wives of Chairmen of the twenty three local government areas c of Rivers State at government house Port Harcourt.

According to a statement by Dike Bekwele, her media assistant, Mrs. Amaechi stated that the improvised situation among the rural populace is very worrisome adding that the government programmes would be a success if it impact positively on the lives of the people.

“The poverty situation within the rural community requires urgent and drastic action, we must tackle it on all fronts, and bring government to the door steps of the rural dwellers”.

The Rivers Governor’s wife who recently empowered women through public transportation challenged the chairpersons to initiate similar programmes that have capacity of sustaining rural economy of the people.

“Please it is on record that we have ladies driving cabs, while some have become entrepreneurs after our soap making training programmes. You can replicate this effort in your locality or initiate suitable programmes that can sustain the economy of the people”.

The governor’s wife said she wants the rural dwellers to benefit in the ESI Lady cabbies, because most female drivers today have become economically independent and can cater for their family.

“I have directed that some forms for the ESI lady cabbies be distributed at the rural areas to enable them benefit from it. Please it must not be politicized, let the qualified and capable hands benefit, while I charge you to initiate your ideas in this regard and complement your husbands effort”.

The governor’s wife warned that she will not support chairpersons who are insensitive to the plight of the rural populace.

TEARS, TRIBUTES AS BONNY MONARCH BURIES COUSIN

It was a gale of tears and tributes as the remains of Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple was laid to rest at Bonny Island in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State at the weekend.

Late Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple is cousin to the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom, HRM King Edward William Dappa-Pepple, who is also the immediate past Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

Commiserating with the Amanyanabo of Bonny, the immediate past Leader of the Bonny Youth Federatiion (BYF), Mr. Ibifubara Willie-Pepple, commended the sterling qualities of the late Princess, saying she was a woman of strong character while she was alive.

Mr. Willie-Pepple, who is also the Chairman of the Rivers State Movement for Good Governance, a civil society organization, said Princess Secondus Pepple epitomized the ideals of womanhood and described her as a woman who fought for what she believed in.

He prayed the Lord to give the King and the people of Bonny community the fortitude to bear the great loss and for the repose of the soul of the deceased.

On his part, the Chief and Head of Jumbo Major House of Bonny, Chief Horace Oko-Jumbo, said the Jumbo community deeply regrets the loss the Amanyanabo has suffered through the death of his cousin, Princess Kate Secondus Pepple, and prays that God would imbue him and the royal family with at this trying moment of grief.

Speaking, the Chairman, Bonny Council of Chiefs, Chief Reginald Abbey-Hart, prayed God to accept the soul of late Princess Catherine Secondus Pepple, saying she was a woman of truth who stood for the truth during her lifetime.

Chief Abbey-Hart, who is also the Chief and Head of Hart Major House of Bonny, described the late Princess as a good person, adding that she was full of knowledge of Bonny history, tradition and culture.

The funeral ceremony was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life including top government functionaries, captains of industry, the traditional institution and members of the royal family.

NULGE, HEALTH WORKERS CLASH OVER N4M

The stage seems set for a showdown between the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State and the State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) on the one hand and the State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria over the embezzlement of about N4 million belonging to health workers in Rivers State. 
Reports reaching enigmareports reveal that due to perceived marginalization and lack of adequate representation of their interests in NULGE, health workers in the country under the aegis of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) sought leave of the Nigeria Industrial Arbitration Court (NIC) to unionize health workers in the 774 local government councils in Nigeria and be independent of NULGE. 
The Industrial Court granted this leave through its verdict in the suit No. NIC/19/95. NULGE would have none of that and challenged the verdict but the court reaffirmed its stand on the issue in suit No. NIC/9/2001. The matter later went to the Supreme Court where the apex court upheld the decision of the industrial court and also ruled that community health practitioners under the aegis of the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria be part of the MHWUN in suit No. SC/210/2005.  
During this time the check-off dues deducted at source from the salaries of health workers by the local government councils and paid into the coffers of NULGE was ordered to be held in a suspense account pending the determination of the various litigations on the issue. 
On the strength of the Supreme Court verdict the Rivers State chapter of the Medical and Health Workers Union requested the retirement of the check-off dues including the arrears into the union’s accounts but was rebuffed. The arrears so far amount to N332,131,345.00 being check-off dues for the period between June 2001 and December 2008 for the 23 local government councils and N25,548,565.00 for the period between January and July 2009 bringing the total sum to N357,679,910.00. 
Consequent upon this the health workers sought the intervention of the State Government in the matter. 
A reliable source, who prefers anonymity, said the Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, through the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ken Chikere, upon the advice of the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ephraim Owoh-Etete, directed the council chairmen to abide by and implement the decision of the apex court and release the accrued check-off dues to the health workers union in their respective councils. 
Contrary to expectations that this directive would have been complied with and the issue long concluded, the health workers’ union was yet to see the check-off dues instantly raising questions as to why the said monies have allegedly not been released. 
In a reaction to this development, the Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Chief Ephraim Owoh-Etete, in a letter dated 8^th April, 2009 and signed on his behalf by one Barr. R.R. West, directed the council chairmen, through their heads of local government administration, to “implement the decision of the (Supreme) Court and (the) directive of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State,” warning that “you will be personally held responsible for failure to implement the directive of His Excellency.” 
Furthermore, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Magnus Abe, through a letter signed on his behalf by one Sir Joe Akpa and dated 17^th July, 2009, advised all parties in the issue to “please abide by the advice of the Hon. Attorney General in order to maintain and ensure peace and industrial harmony…across the State.” 
Worried by this recalcitrant attitude of the council chairmen and NULGE on the issue, some aggrieved health workers have threatened to drag the State branches of the Association of Chairmen of Local Governments in Nigeria (ALGON), and NULGE to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Code of Conduct Tribunal, saying “this is a case of barefaced fraud involving funds belonging to us.”

ACF TASKS POLITICIANS ON PEACE IN NIGER DELTA

Efforts by the President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua administration to foster peace in the Niger Delta region and thus bring about sustainable development in the area needs the support of politicians in the region, the Arewa Consultative Forum has said.

Coordinator of the forum in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Alhaji Musa Saidu, who stated this a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the federal government and the Rivers State Government to bring peace to the troubled region.

Decrying activities of unscrupulous politicians whom he accused of benefiting from the crisis in the region and thus worked surreptitiously and fervently to undermine the success of the amnesty programme, he expressed optimism that the issue of militancy will be resolved.

Alhaji Saidu debunked rumours about the insincerity of Governor Chibuike Amaechi regarding the amnesty programme, saying politicians who were not comfortable with the aftermath of the amnesty programme were behind such rumours.

“People are saying Ateke will not surrender his arms, and Governor Amaechi is not sincere, but I want to say that all that is false. All those accusing Amaechi and carrying such rumours are liars. They are politicians who are afraid that if Ateke exposes his sponsors they will be implicated,” he said adding “instead of providing jobs, they provided guns, now they are afraid”.

Calling on the government to “initiate policies that will alleviate the suffering of the masses,” the ACF chieftain said “the amnesty will work when there is sincerity and justice,” and commended the Governor Amaechi administration for its achievements in education and health and security.

“Amaechi is a Governor that has tried, God brought him to do good in Rivers State but he needs support. Amaechi has brought peace in Rivers State,” he stressed, urging politicians to allow the will of the people to prevail in the forthcoming 2011 election, saying “2011 will be a very tough year but only politicians who have performed will be re-elected”.

On the ASUU strike, Alhaji Saidu called on the federal government and striking lecturers to put the interest of the poor masses first and amicably resolve the issue.

“The interest of the poor masses should be considered. The children of the politicians are schooling abroad so it does not affect them. They should see to it that the issue is amicably resolved,” the ACF chieftain said.

OMEHIA'S MAN IN TROUBLE OVER N1.6BN SCAM

The coming of Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to power in Rivers State may have begun translating into an albatross for Sir Celestine Omehia's henchmen as many politicians loyal to the former Governor seem to be embroiled in unsavory probes accross the state.
The latest in list of casualties is the Dr. David Ogbonnaya former head of the now defunct Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) who may be appearing before the Rivers State House of Assembly soonest.
This indication is premised on the motion brought before the House on Monday, November 19, 2007, by Honourable Robinson Ewoh, representing Ahoada East Constituency 1 seeking the investigation of how N1.6Bn allocated to the state Independent Electoral Commission was disbursed.
According to our correspondent who was at the sitting of the Assembly, Honourable Ewoh prayed the House to order the appearance before the House of Dr. David Ogbonnaya and his commissioners to account for the sum of N1.6bn, which expenditure, according to the distinguished legislator, remains a matter of conjecture. The motion according to Honourable Ewoh is based on petitions he received which were signed by various staff of the state Independent Electoral Commission.
Responding to the petition, Honourable Chidi Lloyd, representing Emohua Constituency objected to the motion, praying his distinguuished colleagues to ignore the issues raised in the motion and consider the imperatives of conducting the forthcoming local government elections in the state.
Also responding to the motion, the Leader of the House, Honourable Golden Ngozi Chioma, informed the House that his committee inaugurated to look into the RSIEC funds was working hard to avail the honourable House the report of the issues surrounding the N1.6bn allocated to the Commission. The Leader of the House who is also the Committee Chairman also informed the House that the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. David Ogbonnaya has so far refused to appear before his committee.
The honourable Speaker of the House intervened in the matter by enlarging the Committee with the inclusion of Hon. Chidi Lloyd, Hon. Ibinabo Michael-West, and Hon. Dumnamene Deekor. From the foregoing, it does appear that it is not yet time for respite for Omehia's henchmen who served in various capacities in the previous administration.

SEA PIRACY: RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT INTERVENES IN BONNY COMMUNITY

There seems to be some respite coming for the inhabitants of Bonny Island in Rivers State who have had to live through the trauma of incessant attacks of sea pirates on the Bonny-Port Harcourt sea route. This was made clear to the people of Bonny local government area on Friday, December 7, 2007 by the executive Governor of the state, Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi when he met with stakeholders at the Ibanise Hall, Bonny.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Amaechi said he identified with the sufferings of the commmunity especially in the horrifying incidents of sea piracy being witnessed by travelers transiting the sea route between Bonny and Port Harcourt. According to the Governor, "sea piracy and other nefarious activities of criminal minded individuals constitute a threat to development and social harmony and needs to be checked." He therefore ordered the navy to increase the patrol of the sea route and deal decisively with any miscreants found terrorising travelers along the sea route.
The Governor who was on his first official visit to the Bonny community since assuming office as the Executive Governor of the Rivers State was accompanied by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Felix Ogbaudu, the Brigade Commander of the 2nd Amphibious Brigade, the Flag Officer Commanding NNS Okemini, the state Director of SSS and other government functionaries.
In attendance at the stakeholders' meeting was the Amanyanabo of Bonny, King Edward Asimini Willaim Dappa-Pepple, Perekule XI, JP and his Council of Chiefs. expressing his appreciation to the state Chief Executive for the visit, the Chairman of the Bonny Council of Chiefs, Chief Reginald Abbey-Hart, in his Vote of Thanks, said it "was a welcome development for the people of the community that the plight of the people was being considered a priority by the new administration in the state."
In a related development, the Leader of the Bonny Youth Federation, Mr. Ibifubara Willie-Pepple has stated that he was very pleased with the visit of the state Governor to the Bonny Community and the placing of the needs of youths in the state as priority issues of the government. Speaking to this reporter after the Stakeholders' Meeting, he explained that "the issue of unemployment was the main problem confronting the youths of the Niger Delta and it was a good thing that Governor Amaechi was making it priority at the onset of his administration," he said.

Prof. Nimi Briggs Kidnap: PDP Agents Fingered

Political pundits in rivers state have fingered some agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as being responsible for the kidnap of the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Professor Nimisere Dimkpa Briggs last week.
Some impeccable sources who spoke with the Verite on the phone alleged that some aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may not be very comfortable with the Amaechi-led government which intends to conduct a free and fair local government elections in the state come January 2008.
According to the Verite sources, the PDP wanted the Local Council Polls to be a purely PDP affair and not to give opportunities to other political parties such as the Action Congress (AC) to the detriment of other PDP interest groups.
Professor Nimi Briggs, who was kidnapped barely a day after meeting with all the political parties in the state towards the Local Government Elections, had promised a level playing ground for all the political parties.
It would be recalled that gunmen numbering about 20 had on the night of Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 8.00PM kidnapped Prof. Nimi Briggs at his residence at the Staff Quarters of the University of Port Harcourt, Choba. Prof. Nimi Briggs was the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.
Expressing shock at the unfortunate incident, Barr. (Mrs.) Florence Adokiye Amiesimaka, Secretary of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) wondered why anyone would want to kidnap a man like Prof. Nimi Briggs.
As at press time, the kidnappers were allegedly demanding the sum of N100Million as ransom to secure his release.

Tribunal Rejects Amaechi As Omehia’s Substitute

The rejection by the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal of Governor Omehia’s name to be substituted in place of the deposed Governor, Celestine Omehia, who withdraw from the tribunal recently in said to be paving the way for nullification of the April 14 polls.
The Verite reliably gathered that the Election Petition Tribunal last week struck out a motion by the Governorship Candidate of the African Political System (APS) in the state, Arthur Kalagbor, praying it to substitute Omehia’s name with that of Gov. Amaechi, as 1st respondent.
Earlier, when Omehia applied to the tribunal for his withdrawal as 1st respondent, Chief Awuse had argued that the Supreme Courts judgment against Omehia was a sufficient proof of his petition and therefore should serve as a basic for the nullification of the Guber polls in Rivers State, thereby fulfilling the requirements of section 147 (1) of the Electoral Act 2007.
Counsel to Chief Awuse averred that by virtue of section 145 (1) (a) of the Electoral Act 2006, the tribunal had jurisdiction to entertain grounds of a petition to the effect that a person whose election is questioned was at the time of the election not qualified to contest the election and that the jurisdiction of the High Court under common law does not curtail or limit the jurisdiction of the Election Tribunal.
The opposition still maintains that by section 178 of the Nigerian constitution, a person can only become the Governor of a state after an election in which he was duly elected and that Amaechi never contested the Guber polls on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to them, by the provisions of sections 177-179 of the constitution, it is a person referred to as a candidate and not a political party is no more than sponsor the candidate, as there is no room for independent candidates under the constitution.
Meanwhile, there are indications that some PDP stalwarts who have constituted themselves into a formidable opposition to oust Amaechi are allegedly rallying round the Labour Party Guber candidate in the state, Ashley Emenike against Awuse should there be a by election between the duo.
That based on their overwhelming evidences against the PDP, the (the opposition) believe that the Tribunal will nullify the elections and order for a fresh poll where they would stand by the Labour Party (LP).

Sylva, Ebebi Faces Panel Over N400m Teachers Pay

Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva and his deputy, Peremobowei Ebebi are expected to appear this week before an Administrative Panel of Inquiry investigating the alleged disappearance of N400 Million Teachers’ Salary in the state.
Confirming the invitation of the Panel to the state Governor and his Deputy to appear before it, the Chairman of the Panel, Chief Serena Dokubo-Spiff said the call on the governor and others became necessary to make the recommendations of the Panel broad and put a stop to the delay in the payment of Civil Servants and Teachers’ Salary in the state.
Also to testify on her role in the whole drama that led to the delay in the payment of Teachers’ Salary and the award of a N25 Million Verification of Civil Servants Contract in the state is the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Bolere Ketebu-Nwokeafor.
The state Commissioner of Finance and that of Local Government Affairs had earlier appeared before the Panel set up by Governor Sylva in the wake of the crisis surrounding the five months delay in the payment of salaries and the alleged missing funds.
Others whose testimonies were also received include the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the former Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr. Benson Agadaga.

Rivers AC Exchanges Blows In Govt House

In what appeared to be a free for all fight, some members of the Rivers State Chapter of the Action Congress (AC) exchanged blows while some were chased out of the Government House in their bid to have an audience with the State Governor, Chief Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi.
The Verite reliably gathered that the Forum of National Assembly Candidates 2007 Election, Rivers State under the platform of the AC had earlier in a meeting with the Gubernatorial Candidate of the party in the state, Prince Tonye Princewill, indicated their intention to meet with the state Governor, a desire that apparently did not go down well with those concerned.
In a letter to Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, signed by Mr. Donald Hart, Dr. Sonny Philips, Dr. M.D. Selema and Mr. Onwuli Amadi, on behalf of the Forum said “inspite of overt negative actions which characterized the arrangement, it was clear that the courtesy call was circumstantial.”
“To our chagrin, members of the party loyal to Prince Tonye Princewill embarked on scrutiny, harassment, blackmail and threat to lives of members of this Forum in attendance for the visit, on false accusations that we associated with the embattled Chairman of the party, Mr. Muue Kpagani, a move to mar the Forum.”
Meanwhile, the leader of AC in the state, Prince Tonye Princewill has admonished the party leadership and party faithful to continue to support the Governor Amaechi-led government particularly now that AC as a party is part and parcel of the administration.
Prince Tonye Princewill who gave the advice when the AC leadership and party faithful paid him a solidarity visit last weekend at the old Presidential Wing of the Government House, emphasized that the days of politicians compromising local politics for national are over.
Earlier the party leadership through Chief Williams Igweh, the Party’s Deputy Guber Candidate in the last election declared that AC in Rivers State is focused on the forthcoming LG Polls and thanked Princewill for his purposeful leadership of the party and pledged their unflinching loyalty to him.

Environmentalist tasks NAFCON, Hamilton, Titan

Companies operating in the Niger Delta have been warned of the dangers associated with damaging the region’s fragile ecosystem, as it was a sure way of invoking the anger of the communities affected. This warning was issued by an environmental stakeholder, Mr. Minainyo Dagogo Tamunotonye who claimed to be speaking on behalf of the riverine communities in Rivers State.
Speaking with the Verite correspondent in a telephone interview on Thursday, December 13, 2007, Mr. Minainyo stated that the advice was particularly directed at companies such as the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON), Onne; Titan Tubulars Nigeria Limited and Hamilton Technologies Limited whose business activities in the state have become a source of grave concern to watchers of the environment in the state.
He, therefore advised them and other corporate businesses in the state to conduct their businesses in an environment-friendly manner According to the environmental activist the “quickest way of resolving the conflicts in the region was for the multinational oil and gas companies to provide gainful employment for the youths of the communities in the Niger Delta whose skills and strengths were lying waste.”
Admonishing the youths of the Niger Delta, Minainyo stated that they were also warning the youths to desist from acts of violence and work with the government of Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi to move the state forward and create an enabling environment for the needed development to take place in the state.
While drawing the attention of the government to constantly regulate and monitor the activities of oil and gas companies in the state, Minainyo also appealed to the government to reform the youths in the state so that they would not be predisposed to violence both on the land and in the creeks.

INDECENCY IN DRESSING

The hype and hullabaloo has been long in the news. The noise has been huge and leaders of opinion have severally volunteered their perspectives on the issue of what decency or indecency connotes with regards to dressing. From a latent issue it has metamorphosed into a vibrant discourse. As it waltzed its way through the social spectrum it has succeeded in raking up enough controversy across ideological divides.
This controversy has been hinged on the confusion surrounding opinions on the issue. But what does dressing connote and at what point does the term indecency come into the picture? To answer this it is important I invite my readers through time back to the days of Eden. God himself is the first Designer and Clothe-Maker. It is understandable that some may wish to differ on this but that does not eliminate the fact of it. Dressing, fashion and all that they imply have their origins in an intelligent design that can only be explained as divine. From the original design of providing cover for the human anatomy, dre4ssing has e evolved down through history into a crazy fad and a universal issue. With the fragmentation of human habitation into continents and into subcontinents, countries, local communities, races, ethnic nationalities, cultures and subcultures, dressing has assumed diverse styles, patterns, formats, ETC.
Colour, designs, textures, etc have all served to create distinct cultural identities. Not only that, they have come in handy in the design of uniforms identifying professionals in diverse fields of endeavor and other ramifications of human existence. Beauty, harmony, interaction, and a host of other qualities that enhance humanity have been profoundly highlighted by dressing. The benefits clothing, nay dressing has afforded the human context are indeed overwhelming and unquantifiable. Clothing and dressing serves the purposes of covering the body, defining identities, accentuating beauty, promoting cultural dynamics and highlighting the diversity inherent in humanity. Obviously from the foregoing dressing brings a lot of good to the human context and the harm can be huge when it is perverted in indecency.
To hold that modernity has impacted much on dressing is to state the obvious. What today is referred to as indecency in dressing is the result of the interaction of so many different factors. One of them is the arrival of western culture at the doorstep of many different nations that were hitherto unaffected by the drift in morality. The past few centuries saw the spread of this imported culture in dressing which reflected many aspects of Western culture being brought to different parts of the world. As colonialism spread and was later succeeded by neocolonialism so did western fashion trends find their ways into different cultural settings across the world. Another one was that the developed world scouting for new markets across the developing world brought their wares into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean’s, etc. also the technological revolution which brought the television, computers, the internet, mobile phones, home videos, provided so much for people around the world to mimic as long as the fashion was concerned and the economic gains accrued. Beauty pageants, fashion shows, showbiz personalities, public figures, political icons, etc also brought so much influence to bear on dressing so much so that the dividing line between what was modest or immodest, decent or indecent became so blurred that contemporary youths now find it difficult charting moral coordinates in between.
Indecency, for all purposes, represents the opposite of decency. It implies indecency symbolizes what is not decent, proper, responsible and acceptable to the collective social sensitivity to morality- the collective conscience. When applied to the issue of dressing, it means that mode, form, style, pattern or way of dressing that is not decent, proper, responsible and acceptable. It defeats the very purpose of dressing. For the benefit of the layman, it means any type of dressing that does not properly cover the body(at least the sensitive parts of the body), or enhance the moral content of society and is suggestive. It matters not who is involved here.
Dressing such as displays sensitive aspects of the human body (stomach, navel, back, laps, cleavage, breasts, etc) are indecent. These include clothes like the spaghetti, mini-skirts, backless dresses, sleeveless shirts, transparent or perforated clothes, low-necks, etc. these types of clothing not only demeans the whole essence of dressing but also calls into question the morals rectitude of the wearer. It leaves a warped image of the wearer in the mind of the beholder.
The price of indecency is shared amongst all concerned – the wearer, the beholder, and the larger society. While the wearer bears the brunt of stigma associated with indecent dressing and struggles to mount a defense mechanism or coping approach, the beholders of such indecency suddenly find themselves in a situation where there moral sensitivity is insulted and that with impunity. They strive on a daily basis to avoid images they would rather be spared of. Also, they face the temptation of emulating what is morally debasing or accepting it as a norm.
The larger society suffers more in that with indecency in dressing paraded everywhere – at home and on the streets – comes the challenge of containing the fallouts of the former. Cases of rape, sex-related violence, pornography, loss of moral values, etc have been traced to indecency in dressing.
Whatever are the opinions of the perpetrators of indecency in dressing, the broader picture of the negative impact it would have on society needs to be considered. We all have choices and the more we make informed and responsible choices, especially with regards to decency in dressing the better our society will become.

Godswill Odeku
odekuga@yahoo.com +2348057879764

AIDS and Nigeria’s Rural Youth

AIDS and Nigeria’s Rural Youth
Godswill Odeku
08057879764 odekuga@yahoo.com www.enigmareports.blogspot.com/aids&nigeriasruralyouth

It is no longer news that Nigeria’s sero-prevalence rate stands at 5.8% and that it is growing. While new cases of infection are drastically reduced in urban and semi-urban localities due to increasing awareness, it is spreading like wildfire in the rural areas. More and more new cases of infection are popping up especially amongst the youth population.
Even these new cases are a trickle of available data given the fact that obtaining adequate and accurate information on the rate at which AIDS is spreading in Nigeria’s rural communities is such a difficult issue. This is because the rural areas are not only hard to reach but the terrain is tedious and even the local people are not willing to volunteer information relevant to the AIDS issue. This can be attributed to the lack of adequate grasp, on the part of the locals, of the issues surrounding the AIDS question.
Looking at the rural communities with special focus on the Niger Delta, one can appreciate why new cases of infection are happening all the time. Nigeria has a dual topography. One aspect of it is mainly dry land while the other is riverine riddled with creeks, rivers, rivulets, swamps, and mangrove forests. While the upland is a bit elaborate and easy to access and susceptible to development, the riverine areas are a difficult terrain, densely populated and steeped in demographic incongruities.
The focus of this article is the impact AIDS is having on the riverine communities spread across the southern fringes of Nigeria better known as the Niger Delta. There are approximately a 100 communities running from Ondo State in the South-West of the country to Akwa Ibom State in the South-South. These communities reflect different ethnic nationalities (Ijaw, Ilaje, Yoruba, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ikwerre, Etche, Ogoni, Andoni, Efik, Ibibio, etc), speak diverse languages and sublanguages and subscribe to varied social experiences.
For many of these communities their means of livelihood is derived from fishing, farming, trading, and art works. The terrain is laced with difficulties ranging from inadequate means of transportation, uncharted forests rife with wild animals, mosquitoes, and others. This is where about 70% of youths in the Niger Delta live. Without adequate education, without social amenities, plagued by ignorance and poverty, enmeshed in infection-predisposing factors, and exposed to obnoxious belief systems and practices, it is not a matter of conjecture why these constitute the majority of AIDS victims.
Beyond these overarching factors, there are other minor yet serious ones that facilitate the rise in the rate of HIV infection. One of these is sexual networking among adolescent boys and girls where a group of adolescents network to share or have sex with a particular individual of the opposite sex. A group of boys take turns to have intercourse with a particular girl or a group of girls take turns to have it with a particular boy. And this is done without recourse to the risks associated with such abnormality. Many times the girl involved becomes pregnant without knowing the actual boy who did it since everyone of them had her. On the other hand, some or all of the girls who engaged in that orgy of sex could become pregnant for the same boy and this obviously translates into major alterations in the lives of both the girls and the boy or boys in question.
Another factor is the proliferation of sexual partners by a particular individual. A girl goes on having several male friends with whom she has sex on a regular basis or even at random as the occasion demands, so to speak. Or it could be a young man who strings along with several girls, having sex with them whenever he deems necessary.
These are situations that precipitate infection with HIV and the rapid spread of the virus in the rural areas. And this goes on amongst the youth population. One basic fact about this is that each individual in such network suddenly becomes a lethal carrier unleashed on society, howbeit covertly.
With the prevailing socio-economic environment in the rural areas many youths are predisposed to fall for unwholesome indulgences. Many girls come from poor homes and sometimes are under intense pressure to accede to have sex with one or more men to make ends meet or have their needs met. Almost always, these amorous relationships do not accommodate safeguards against HIV infection. Partners hardly make informed decisions regarding prevention against infection and pregnancy. In some areas, not only are condoms not available, majority of the people are ignorant about its uses or advantages.
So girls just go on having sex with men either on the premarital or extramarital basis or even in cases of early or forced marriages. And given that positive masculinity is foreign to many communities in this country, the young girls have to bear the brunt of pain inflicted by their partners during intercourse, lacerations to the vaginal walls, infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, premature delivery, incontinences arising from compromise of the yet immature birth canal, stigma associated with one or more of the above. All these depict the trauma, dilemma and challenges the Nigerian youth in rural communities have to grapple with.
The process of redressing these unfortunate circumstances is no doubt Herculean. Yet a lot can still be done. First, there is need for information and behavioral change communication targeted at the youths in the rural areas. This can be done through awareness creation and sensitization in the hard to reach localities. This is to acquaint them with issues such as abstinence, positive sexuality, early sex debut, partner reduction, Bonne (good/real) fidelity, dangers of premarital/extramarital sex, correct and consistent condom use, routes of transmission, etc.
This information can be utilized to motivate change and build awareness on critical issues. This change is necessary with regards to beliefs, values and attitudes that predispose and facilitate infection among young people; attitudes towards the infected and affected by AIDS (de-stigmatization/stigma-reduction); negative to positive sexuality and openness to discussions about sexuality; and changes in values, beliefs, and attitudes towards women.
Motivation can also be effected in the aspect of inducing change from irresponsible to responsible or positive masculinity – making men understand and appreciate what it entails to be a man and a father.
Added to the aforementioned is the advocating of the rights of adolescents and children with special focus on that of young girls. Issues affecting women and children with regard to HIV/AIDS needs to be appreciated and given the necessary impetus. This is consequent upon available data suggesting that more women (especially the youths) are being infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.
Considering the difficult terrain, monetary cost involved and the logistics of it all, it would no doubt call for concerted efforts incorporating the government, corporate bodies, civil society organizations, private individuals, and other stakeholders to make the outreach to youths dwelling in the rural areas a dream come true.